Central Times - May 2009

Aurora Central Catholic High School Feedback So the year is coming to an end, as is my high school experience. I’ve had my ups, I’ve had my downs, but I can definitely say that I love this school and that it definitely won’t be far from my thoughts in the years to come. I’ve learned a lot in the classroom, but I think I’ve learned more outside of it, from my classmates and teachers both. I think the most important things I’ve done is get involved here in things that matter to me. I’d like to thank the people that made it all happen. Thank you to my classmates—you’ve made the memories I’ll never forget. Thanks to the teachers—I’ve learned a lot, and now I’m ready for the rest of my life. In particular, I’d like to thank the members of the newspaper staff and Ms. Goldie for all the work put into the survival of the paper. I appreciate all you’ve done, especially on top of your everyday schoolwork. Thank you. If there’s anything that high school should be, it’s a place to come home to but also a place where you can break out of your shell and stretch your wings. Take advantage of the opportunities given to you here, but definitely have fun with it! Good luck, Chargers, and God bless! —Kara McNamara, Content Editor It’s Always Worth the Memories www.auroracentral.net May, 2009 By Mark Brauweiler Sports Editor In my four years at Central, I’ve come to realize a few things about myself and what I like, dislike, believe in, and don’t believe in. Some are big things, others pretty petty. But still things I’ve learned these last four years. For starters, I don’t believe in moral victories whatsoever. In sports, a loss is a loss no matter how you spin it. In academics, an F is an F regardless of how hard you tried on the project. If you talk to any of the basketball players, you won’t hear any of us make an excuse for our game vs. Hyde Park this year— we lost. Period. There was no moral victory, and Coach Drye never pretended that it was alright; it was never alright to lose. And that was something I’ve learned, especially from Coach Drye and the teammates I had the pleasure of playing with my four years here. Even my freshman days in basketball with Brendan, Tom, Russ, Nick, Spencer, Jose, Seabass and all the other guys, it was never okay to lose; we always had fun—I can even recall Seabass throwing me through a table about an hour and a half before my best game of the year—but never did any of us ever accept losing. That was elevated to a whole new level the past two years in basketball. Coach Drye pushed the entire team beyond where anyone thought we could possibly go: back-to-back SCC Champs, back-to-back Sandwich Thanksgiving Tournament Champs, a Regional title, going 30-1 at home in two years and undefeated at home this year. My team’s will to win was something I’ve never seen; it’s unparalleled. We refused to lose. Anyone who attended our game at St. Ed’s this year remembers what a bad game that was for us. Nothing went in, we got two technicals, we made stupid mistakes … we even had to play man-to-man defense for the first time in two years. We were down the entire game, but we never flinched. When it came down to it, we clamped down and did what we had to do to win—we refused to accept the fact that it was ok to lose a game. We did have fun though—Piano Man and Jump Around probably aren’t your everyday warm up songs five minutes before you take the floor, but they were for us. And AK’s pregame speeches were surpassed in greatness only by Mike and Nick’s mimicking his every move right behind him. We had fun, but our preparation was unbelievable. I can remember preparing for Regionals junior year, and having to guard Mike in practice. If coach hadn’t been there, I’m pretty sure Mike would have beaten me to a pulp. That’s how hard we pushed each other—to the point of fighting our own teammates. And that was a daily occurrence, that type of intensity. It’s a lesson I’ve taken from my coach and my team that I try to apply to every other facet of my life— hard work, intensity, and attention to detail. Second, I really don’t like when people slack off. Something I learned in football from Coach Curry was that—just like it’s not ok to lose—it’s even worse to not put the effort in. My teammates thought highly enough of me to vote me team captain this year. That was a huge honor and thrill for me, but it came with a lot of responsibility. And though some of the guys think it’s funny to kid me for my “Come on! Let’s go!” speeches that I gave—in hindsight—maybe a little too much … I hope those four words symbolize what I tried to stand for: for effort and heart. continued on page 6... By Kara McNamara Staff Writer Our Staff Reflects on Their Time at ACC ing ties in the lunch line? All of the people I have worked with in administration have been good people and fun to be around. There are a lot of good people on the faculty and in the administration who I am honored to call friends. You often hear about teachers who have burned out and have given up. We have teachers who have been at it for a long, long time. They are not complacent. They never give up. They are relentless in their work. I admire and appreciate that in people. I enjoy the students. Whether back in the teaching and coaching days or more recently in the time in the office, I have always enjoyed our students. While teaching, I liked the way our students worked hard and behaved courteously. I don’t have quite as much contact with the students as I used to have, but the contact I do have is a pleasure. If all you did was watch the news on TV, though, you would be certain that our nation is going right down the drain because our young people just don’t have what it takes anymore. Just being around our school tells me that we are not going down the drain and that the indication at ACC is that our people are going to be just fine. I enjoy the smaller size of our school. After attending Maine West High School with 3600 students, I found that I couldn’t even recognize half the names of the students in my class and most of the teachers in the building. It is just the Check us out online! www.auroracentral.net Submit articles, Chat in the ACC Forums, and more! It’s a well-known fact that many of our teachers and staff have dedicated a number of years to Aurora Central. And so we asked some of them, “What makes you stay at Aurora Central?” We received several inspired responses, and thought we’d let the students know why the faculty puts up with us every day. Mr. Krebs writes [very enthusiastically]: “What makes me stay? The short answer is that I am enjoying myself. How do you not enjoy coaching football under Coach Curry? How can you not enjoy teaching math or AutoCAD? What is more fun than straighten- continued on page 3... In This Issue... Arts & Entertainment Grace Kirkpatrick gives her well-qualified opinion on Wolverine and Star Trek. Mark Brouch reveals Green Day’s latest. Editor Alyssa Shaff discusses tattoos. Editorials Ethan Romba envisions an Aurora Central on the moon! Paige Gruenke reminisces about her first two years of high school and Brendan Bond the whole trip. Sports Michael Adams is LeBron James. ..? The ACC boys’ tennis team likely to win state. ..? What a year it has been! Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 2 Central Times - Local and World News May, 2009 Local and World News Swine Flu: Potential Pandemic or Just a Load of Hogwash? By Brendan Bond Local and World News Editor Since it was first reported in the United States, there have been 2,254 confirmed cases located in 44 states resulting in a grand total of two deaths. This is the major outbreak that was feared, resulting pretty much in panic across the U.S? Of course, those 2254 confirmed cases are only a fraction of the suspected cases that occurred as the entire populace freaked out. For a two-week stretch there, it was pretty much the end of the world as we knew it. Then the CDC restored some calm. Turns out the swine flu is apparently no worse than regular influenza. In fact, it is highly probable that more people have died from influenza this past week than have died from the swine flu. Of course, I really shouldn’t be calling it swine flu, should I? Its real name is the H1N1 Influenza. Part of the problem was that the pigs were getting horrible PR from having the word “swine” associated with this disease. Hogs were being slaughtered en masse in Egypt. Pork products were way down in sales. People actually believed that they could get sick from eating pork. They were only following the lead of Paris Hilton. Hilton said,” I don’t have to worry about swine flu because I don’t eat meat.” Really, Paris? That’s very logical. It’s also absurd. The only way humans can contract H1N1 is from other humans. The only reason this disease carried the moniker of “swine flu” at all was due to the fact it is very similar to the strain of influenza that spreads amongst pigs. And then there’s the sage advice of our wise Vice-President, Joe Biden. Biden told America that we should avoid confined travel, like subways and aircraft. Joe should know about diseases. He seems to have a persistent case of foot-in-mouthitis. His idea was laughable, and New York mayor Michael Bloomberg proved that as he took a New York subway to work the next day. As far as I know, he still hasn’t come down with swine flu yet. In fact, the only negative stemming from that jaunt appears to be a stepped-on big toe. The biggest problem with the swine flu has been that it occurred during a dry spell for the news media. The Somali pirates are taking a much-needed vacation. The economy has remained stable for a while now. And apparently the media decided to cover something other than how President Obama successfully dressed himself this morning. Their infatuation with him is borderline sickening, but that’s another topic for another time. So the media had nothing else to cover. Then this strain of flu that’s a mosaic of pig, human, and wild-bird flu appeared in Mexico, killing a small number but infecting hundreds. Next thing we know, it’s the end of the world as we know it. It’s really funny actually. True, there is nothing about the swine flu that should be laughed at. It is a disease that has proven it can be deadly. But it’s nowhere near as bad as what they were predicting it could be. The funny part is how the CDC had to come out and correct themselves saying that it’s probably unnecessary to close the schools in the event of suspected or confirmed cases. Whoops! Their bad! And we can snort at those who went hogwild, butchering pigs for fear that they could get sick from them. All I have to say is that was a lot of good bacon killed because people panicked. They got frightened, squealed, and ran for cover. We’ve seen this scenario before—recently, even, with the SARS scare a few years ago. Let’s just hope next time people don’t run around like chickens with their heads cut off. Or in this case, maybe the appropriate simile is like pigs with their heads cut off. These swine-flu instigators are being held without bail in Mexico on charges of bioterrorism. We’ve made some great papers over the past two years... But with the graduation of the Class of 2009, we’re losing HALF of our staff and WE NEED YOUR HELP! What we need: • Writers Sports news, movie reviews, editorials ... If you wrote it, we want to see it! Do you have photos of Chargers in action? Give us your best shot! Interested in photo-editing, graphic design, or anything artsy-fartsy? If so, we need your help to make this paper look great for every issue! Ways YOU can get involved: • It only takes a minute to set up an account! • Submit articles online @ www.auroracentral.net • Talk to Mrs. Goldie (Room 126) about becoming an o cial sta member • We won’t even make you buy a t-shirt! • Photographers • Layout Designers • Sign up for Journalism next year • It’s a zero-hour class before school, which means you can get high school credit for your contributions! Central Times - School News May, 2009 3 School News from page 1 Our Staff Reflects on Their Time at ACC opposite at ACC. To me, that is a plus. Last, but not least, I enjoy the religious atmosphere of the school. There is something different about our school because we are a parochial school. We are Christians and because of that, we have a certain example to follow, as students or as faculty. We are blessed that in our school, we can honor God and prayer, as He deserves and we would like. Whenever we need to, such as the morning of September 11th, 2001; whenever we want to, such as starting each school day or at all-school Mass; whenever we feel like it, we can pray without fear of reprisal. We owe a lot to the men and women who have given their lives to see that we have that privilege in our country. If they could only see what goes on at our school, I believe that the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan right now would be proud and absolutely certain that their sacrifices have not been in vain. They would be glad to see what we have chosen to do at ACC with the freedom we have been granted as a result of their efforts and the ef- dents and its sense of shared history. This is church and America at their best—E pluribus forts of the people who have gone before them.” unum—out of many, one—One body of Christ, Sr. Mary Catherine: “ACC has become like a sec- sent to witness Christ in this grand experiment, ond family to me. I can’t imagine working at any this ever-inclusive people called America.” other place or in any other job. I love teenagers.” Mr. Scarbeary: “The kindness and loving at- Mrs. Smith: “I have always felt like the ACC titude of the community. The students.” community is like a family. The people involved in this school in any way are truly the best. Mr. Stallons: “When I first arrived in 1982, I I love starting each day with Mass and prayer found it comfortable here. As we moved into (not many people can do that in their workthe 1990s, it was a real struggle for ACC to sur- place). I thoroughly enjoyed my high school vive, and I felt like I was part of that fight. When years at ACC. The friends I made during those we came to the new school, I wanted to be part four years are still my best and closest friends, of that. Now, I’ve been here so long, there is re- and I hope all students that pass through this ally nowhere else to go. (I do still like it here!)” school leave feeling that way. In addition, Father Etheredge is truly the best boss I have ever Ms. Zagorace: “It’s a small community— had. He never gets mad, and he is always saying each class is unique, and you grow to love ‘thank you’ and shows his appreciation for all each class and the individuals in it and watch we do. He always puts faith in action; he walks them progress through the years so much so, the walk, which isn’t easy. He is constantly livthat it is painful but extremely joyful to see ing the faith, and we can all learn from him.” them leave to start their lives—Hopefully, a little bit of “me” will be remembered fondly.” Mr. Curry: “I have been here at this school since the 1987 school year. I have been witness to many Ms. Banas: “I love to learn, and as a result, I changes and adjustments during that time. The one love to teach. What I especially love about constant is the ever-changing turnover of students teaching at ACC are its rich diversity of stu- coming to ACC. The students get to know you for four years and then they are gone and a new batch of students arrive. I have to say that I miss most of the kids when they leave this school. Some, I’m glad they are gone. One of the reasons that I continue to work here is that I thoroughly enjoy teaching the students that are in my classes, and I also enjoy my subject matter. ACC is a great school, despite what our critics say. I’m proud to work here and teach here, and I am proud that I sent my four kids to ACC. I truly enjoy coming to work every day. It is never boring for me. Believe me, if I did not like doing what I do, there is no way in the world that I’d do it. I want to change and help shape the attitudes around here. Sometimes people associated with ACC are the school’s worst critics; that includes students, parents, and former benefactors. This school is moving forward! It is not going to wait for the non-committed. I want to play a part in that process. That can’t happen standing around watching. One has to be a participant, an active motivating force in order to accomplish this goal.” By Bailey Shemenski Staff Writer Vonderhaar; and two sets in the class of 2012: Jeanette and Michael Gulczynski, and Danielle and Liz Fletcher, and seniors Kristen Brouch According to a 2006 study, about 32 twins and Michelle DeSimone have twin brothers at are born from every 1000 live births. The Marmion Academy. odds of having triplets are about 1 in 8100 live births. And the odds of Aurora Central January and April are the months with the most having 10 sets of twins—7 identical sets birthdays at ACC, both having 50, and December and 3 fraternal—in less than 500 students, has the least, with 31. The oldest student at are well, pretty odd. There are two sets Aurora Central is senior Jacob Niemiec, and the of twins in the class of 2009: Alexandra youngest is freshman Rachel Mytnick. There and Nicole Hupp, and Ethan and Tori are 65 sets of students who share the same exact Romba; four sets in the class of 2010: birthday and year, sort of like unrelated twins. Kendra and Samantha Bradley, Brian and In next year’s freshmen class, there will even Kevin Droeske, Marisela and Miriam be a set of triplets. Freshman Kennedy Bubolz’s Fonseca, and Andrew and Tyler Scott; family has 9 children, with 3 sets of twins. The two sets in the class of 2011: Joseph and odds of having three sets of twins, of any kind, Michael Reuland, and Joseph and Kelly is 1 in 500,000. Double Trouble at ACC ACC Welcomes New Classes for 2009-10 By Bailey Shemenski Staff Writer Next year, Aurora Central will offer a little wider variety of classes. The Newspaper staff will be interested in the new Journalism class, taught by Mrs. Goldie. The class will take place before school two days a week, on Wednesdays and Tuesdays, each class one hour. Students will learn not only how to write a good report for history class or an article for the Central Times, but also how to work and get facts like a real reporter would. They will learn how to interview and write smooth, catchy articles, all while earning a half credit per semester. And this extra elective doesn’t even count as one of student’s standard three elective picks, so it’s like getting an fourth class of his or her own choice. Plus, the students in this class all chose it and are willing to get up a little earlier, do a little more homework, and put that little bit of extra effort in, so they all can be depended on to work hard and cooperate. ACC will also have an extra block of Chemistry next year, because of all the students choosing to take it. Other classes might have an extra block, too, depending on the number of people choosing it, or because of all the new freshmen entering. By Grace Kirkpatrick Staff Writer A Few Words with Mr. Nohl HELP WANTED: his church band, Mr. Nohl found ACC while job hunting online. At first he thought it was only a chorus teaching position but later found the drama Mr. Nohl in one of the newest teachers to join position open as well. the ACC staff and already the impact of his work in both the drama club and the chorus Q: What is your biggest goal for yourself as a class is showing signs of his dedication and teacher? Your students? hard work. In an exclusive Central Times interview, Mr. Nohl reveals how he feels about “To become a better director” is Mr. Nohl’s main goal for himself. For his students, his only wish is being a part of the ACC family. to positively influence their lives—to watch them Q: How is ACC similar or different from grow into great young men and women. your high school? Q: Were you disappointed by becoming a high “You feel like a family because you know school teacher? everybody,” said Mr. Nohl. He commented on how much smaller ACC is compared to West “No, I am fulfilled by helping and teaching kids,” High but said that being a part of everyone’s Mr. Nohl admitted. He also expressed a desire to return to college to get his masters in both acting life was a great way to feel at home. and mathematics as well as a degree in teaching. Q: Plans for 2009-2010? Q: Do you like your job? Mr. Nohl stated that he would like to have a madrigal dinner as a school event and start Mr. Nohl made a point that he has a great love a before-school chorus class for those who for his job and his students, though he thinks that cannot get into the class. He mentioned that blocked scheduling is challenging for all the arts. when students come before school for a class, Mr. Nohl is sure to become one of the greats of you know they really want to be there. ACC history, as his passion for both his students Q: What influenced you to work at ACC? and teaching shows throughout his work. He has brought the ACC drama club to new heights with Looking for a new job after separating from great additions to both the props and teaching the Keyboard Player Email: bpatti@auroracentral.com Phone: 1-630-907-0095 By Kara McNamara Editorials Editor for the 2009-10 ACC Jazz Band Interested? Contact Mr. Patti... S.T.A.N.D.-ing Strong This enthusiastic and dedicated group performed a skit that presented common social issues, such as eating disorders, drug usage, self-injury, drunk driving, racism, teen pregnancy, verbal abuse, enabling, and STDs. The skit’s message was to be responsible with your words and actions to protect not only yourself, but others too. After the presentation, the audience was divided into small groups for discussion with two S.T.A.N.D. members. At this time, the students were reminded of the different places where they can find help for any of the issues presented, the importance of making positive decisions, and withstanding negative peer pressure. It was a gleaming beacon of success in the dark night sky of bigotry, negativity, and hatred. On Wednesday, April 22, Aurora Central’s S.T.A.N.D. organization visited two local grade schools, Archbishop Romero and Our Lady of Good Counsel, to promote good choices and healthy lifestyles. Led by Ms. Troutman and Mr. Nohl, the group is made up of: Ethan Romba, Kara McNamara, Tori Romba, Billy Costigan, Zane Kirkpatrick, Grace Kirkpatrick, Jamie Minott, Rachel Gonzalez, Erica Huggins, Autumn Gilligan, Ryan Werrline, Lorena Arriaga, and Silvia Azcona. actors how to use their talent to its full potential. Finding his love for drama as a junior in high school and getting a lead his senior year as Danny in Grease (despite the fear he had of speaking in front of people), Mr. Nohl has become a great example and a wonderful friend to many here at ACC. 4 Central Times - Arts & Entertainment May, 2009 Arts & Entertainment = Garbage = Pretty Bad = Decent = Pretty Good = Amazing By Alyssa Shaff Arts & Entertainment Editor Tattoos: Body Graffiti or Art? Out Boy, and various others. Rappers are ing to state. I’m sure there are countless also increasingly getting inked. Tattoos, other respectable people who have tatWhen you think of the word tattoo, do you then, are obviously a form of expression. toos. When I attended a leadership sumwrinkle your nose in disgust or simply mit at the University of Chicago, the approve with respect? It is amazing how Some people get tattooed strictly for beau- man in charge was covered in tattoos. tattoos mean so many things to so many ty purposes. Patients who lose their hair But as I paid closer attention, I saw that different people. I was flipping through from diseases such as cancer get their eye he had the “straight edge” tattoo (three an issue of Latina magazine when I came brows tattooed on. Many other people do Xs in a row), which signifies refraining across an article on Kat Von Drachenberg, things similar to that just to enhance their from alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. The the female star of the popular TLC reality beauty. Think of it as permanent makeup. man was also a second grade teacher. show, Miami Ink. Simply remembering the few episodes I watched last year made Many people seem to forget how long tat- There are so many different, matchless deme think of why people mark themselves toos have been around, however. In cer- signs of tattoos. There are colorful tattoos, permanently when some people look tain times and cultures, only priests and images that look exactly like a photograph, down on them because they are “dirty.” nobility were allowed to wear tattoos, and tattoos with intricate shading, and so many I recall a father getting a family of lions they showed your rank in society. Some other unique artistic styles. It takes skill tattooed on his arm to represent the wife cultures also used tattoos to ward off evil to wrap an image around a leg or adapt and children he tragically lost. There was spirits. Egyptians and Greeks used them it to the curves of a back. Some people a man getting a tattoo of his wife to show a long way back to communicate rank. seem to be under the allusion that tattoos her that his love would last forever. Many About 300 years ago, Japan was famous take away from women’s feminism. So men and women had various religious for its tattoos. Only nobles could wear many women get beautiful lettering, fairicons inked into their skin as a testimo- elaborately decorated clothing so the com- ies, butterflies, flowers, and pixies. I don’t ny to their faith. There were many cases, mon people resorted to body art to be con- see how it takes away from feminism. It too, in which individuals had symbolic sidered well-dressed. In Polynesia, China, doesn’t seem fair to regard a tattoo on a images tattooed onto them as reminders and India, tattoos are incredibly common woman as simply a “tramp stamp” when of achievements or self-image. Tattoos today. Indian women get tattooed all over it could mean so much more. Tattoos, I seem to be a very symbolic form of art. on the day of their wedding. In so many think, are a form of permanent, confident, cultures they are considered body art. perpetual art. It’s amazing that people I find it a bit distressing that a number of are so into what they believe in that they people believe those who have been tat- So why do countless people in our culture want to mark their bodies with it forever. tooed are lost, unclean, misguided indi- have trouble seeing tattoos as anything othviduals. The majority of those who are er than weird and unnecessary body graf- If we all take the time to consider what an seen with inked images covering much fiti? Many respectable people have tattoos. image inked on to a body forever means, of their skin are young adults who are Personally I know a very good doctor who we could discover the true beauty and usually in to rock and punk. Most of the has a tattoo. I also am on great terms with symbolism. Whether it be a tribute to a lost popular rock and punk bands are tattooed: a respectable fireman who has been inked loved one, a sign to a loved one or to God, Green Day, Good Charlotte, Kiss, My permanently a few times. Coach Kerber or even a Chinese saying that means someChemical Romance, members from Fall has a couple tattoos to commemorate go- thing to its wearer, it can be a form of art. A Look Inside the World of Books By Grace Kirkpatrick Movie Critic This fabulous tale based on the best selling trilogy (Inkheart, Inkspell, and Inkdeath) by German author Cornelia Funke mixes the wonderful world of fiction with every day life. A startling story about a father, Mo, short for Mortimer Folchart (Brendan Fraser) and his daughter Meggie (Eliza Hope Bennett) who travel across the world buying and repairing books for a living. While stopped in a certain town, Mo is confronted by an interesting character that goes by the name of Dustfinger and also travels with a weasel with horns named Gwinn. Eventually, they are kidnapped by the villain known as Capricorn (Andy Serkis) and his henchman Resa (Sienna Guillory) who want to use Mo’s magical gift of reading things out of books, giving Mo the title of Silvertonge, to help their conquest of the world. Meggie and Mo are stuck with a castle full of evil henchmen coming to life from the books, and Meggie’s mother is taken into the book that started the whole fiasco, Inkheart. Joined by many different friends to guide them on their journey, this epic film is filled with adventure and imagination that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. This film is sure to be one for the home collection. Star Trek By Grace Kirkpatrick Movie Critic By Grace Kirkpatrick Movie Critic X-Men Origins: Wolverine By Mark Brouch Music Critic 21st Century Breakdown the world, including US Billboard 200. The first single off the album, “Know Your Enemy” has also lingered near the tops of many charts, including a peak position of number one on US Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks. The album certainly does not rely on its singles, however. The entire first act could be released as singles as far as I’m concerned - it’s that good. As of right now, the next single to be released will be “21 Guns” with talk of the title song “21st Century Breakdown” to follow. He is the best there is at what he does, but what he does is not very nice. X-Men Origins: Wolverine is the thrilling backstory to the ever-mysterious history of X-Men fans’ favorite, Wolverine. Starring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Live Schreibler as Victor Creed/Sabretooth, and Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/ Wade Wilson, these and many others came together to form the cast of this action-packed epic. Directed by Gavin Hood and written by both David Benioff and Skip Woods, this film blew away fans everywhere with a story that you could watch over and over. The film starts when James (Wolverine) is a child and shows the dramatic revelation of his new-found mutant abilities and the unification with his brother Victor. Together they make their living going from war to war—neither of them age, and their wounds heal almost instantly. After years of carnage, James wants out, but Victor seems to grow more bloodthirsty everyday. They part ways, and James settles down with a school teacher and takes a job as a logger. But when his life is turned upside down by the reappearance of some his old friends, he is drawn back in and finds himself in the midst of a scientific horror of experimentation on his kind. With an incredible story that keeps you guessing all the way to the end, this is definitely a movie to see. Green Day’s brand new album, 21st Century Breakdown, will not be disappointing any fans to say the least. It is evident that Green Day has perfected their sound and defined the punk scene. In addition to the rebellious riffs typical of Green Day’s previous albums, 21st Century Breakdown exhibits a range of anthemic masterpieces. Turn shuffle off- this is one album you will want to listen to in sequential order. Flow of the album is fantastic. Hard punk riffs cresendo to anthems and then crash away to a soothing calm in such mellow songs as “Last Night On Earth”, only to build back up and repeat. The nature of the songs on the album is not the only reason you will want to listen to it in order, however. 21st Century Breakdown is structured in three parts following the lives of a young couple named Christian and Gloria. The album is broken up into three acts entitled Act I: Heroes and Cons, Act II: Charlatans and Saints, and Act III: Horseshoes and Handgrenades. 21st Century Breakdown is already experiencing tremendous success, reaching the number one spot on charts throughout OK, I know when you saw the first preview and then the first poster and so on, you were all thinking the same thing: why kick a dead horse this series is so old my grandparents missed the first episode? None the less, the story line was not as horrible as one might think. For those of you who were dragged into Star Trek at the end of Deep Space Nine, this film went all the way back to the original, when the enterprise was new and Captain John Luke Picard was far into the future. The story is centered around the soon-to-be-captain, James Tiberius Kirk (Chris Pine), and his rise from a boy to a man and his journey to becoming a member of star fleet. Along this intrepid voyager’s journey, he meets up with some people that might seem familiar, Spock (Zachary Quinto), Dr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy (Karl Urban), and the wellknown to the world Scotty (Simon Pegg). To any who know the story of the original Star Trek crew, things seem to be slightly altered from what they were. Faced by the impending threat of a Romulan mining ship, captained by Nero (Eric Bana), and bent on the revenge of his people against a crime never committed, the crew of the Enterprise will face their first challenge as a crew and find out what they are really made of. This twisted tale of fate takes many turns across time and space that will keep you either on the edge of your seat or holding your sides with laughter. With the surprising comeback of Leonard Nimoy (also as Spock), this is one epic adventure that you will not want to miss. Directed by J.J. Abrams and written by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, this film was exceptionally well-casted and written to portray the original Star Trek crew while still giving it its own unique story and personality. Central Times - Editorials May, 2009 5 Editorials By Kara McNamara Editorials Editor Senior Survey: Where will ACC be in 2049? better place than it is now when I see my kids or grandkids graduate.” Garrett McCarthy: “I would hope to see ACC change its philosophy in regards to admission, placing more emphasis on middle school academics and promise. This would provide more stability to the student body and possible allow for better facilities later on.” Emily Kawa: “That the cross country, track, and dance teams continue doing well, and hopefully our other sports get better.” Jose Ocon: “My hope for the next forty years is that one of our sports teams will win a state title. By Mark Brauweiler Sports Editor The Best of the Best As seniors, we’re looking ahead to the future, but also remembering where we have come from. We’re going on to the next chapter of our lives, and Aurora Central is doing the same. In the glorious past forty years, we have been part of three different school communities, and we have called both sides of Aurora our home. So now, in the spirit of embracing what’s to come, we’ve turned to the seniors and asked them, “What are your hopes for ACC’s next forty years?” Kevin Webster: “My hopes for ACC are that the schools will continue to improve itself in regards to academics and athletics, and win a state championship or two.” With the year drawing to a close, the athletes who have done everything they can for the sake of their teams deserve recognition. In order to recognize those athletes, a poll of the Central Times editors and sports writers was taken to determine who was the Best of the Best of 2008-09. Here were the results: • Athlete of the Year: o • o o • o o Male – Michael Adams Female – Stephanie Pogwizd Male – Brian O’Donnell & Mark Brauweiler (boys’ basketball) Female – Michelle DeSimone (girls’ basketball) Male – Anthony Kelley (boys’ basketball) Female – Sonya Steder (girls’ basketball) Male Sports – Coach Nathan Drye Female Sports – Coach Mark Fitzgerald Male Sports – Senior night win vs. South Elgin (boys’ basketball) Female Sports – Somonauk Tournament (girls’ basketball) & 3-1 start to girls’ soccer Male Sports – Basketball Female Sports – Soccer Male – Steven Hollon (boys’ basketball) Female – Samantha Cowles (girls’ soccer) Male – Basketball Female – Track Most Underrated Athlete: “Most Fun to Watch” Athlete: o o • Best Coach: o o o Catherine Pauls: “My hope for ACC’s next forty years is to continue in the excellent education Shannon McDowell: “I hope for ACC it provides and focus more on it, and less to become a more nationally competitive on athletics.” school with more AP class offerings, more diversity, more choice electives, and more Ethan Romba: “A campus in space.” student acceptances at the most prestigious colleges in the country.” Wherever we are (whatever planet we may be on), our hope is that Central will continue Josue Morales: “That it expands and to share its message that no matter what faith becomes more known. And to own you are, where you’ve come from, where in sports.” you’re going, we are a community tied to one another. We have a connected past that Steven Kuk: “I hope that ACC continues will lead us into the future with this message to grow and improve in both sports and of love that burns brightly in the hearts of education, and that it becomes an even Chargers everywhere, for all time. • Favorite Moment of the Year: • Favorite Sports Team to Watch: o o o • Smartest Athlete in His/Her Sport: o • Best Team: o o Reflections By Brendan Bond Local and World News Editor So the other day in Deacon Puscas’s Theology IV class, I was talking with Spencer, Russ, and Seabass, and the four of us were reminiscing about freshman basketball. While we were talking about it, I found myself thinking: “It feels just like yesterday that all of these memories took place.” And then it hit me. They say high school goes by very quickly and I realized, it’s true. It seems just like yesterday that I was sitting there outside the school waiting for orientation to begin. As I replay that image in my head of our class that first day, I realize how far we’ve come and how much we’ve grown. Its been a difficult journey, some more so than others, but we’ve made it to the end. As our time at Central comes to a conclusion, just think of all of the memories we will have in our heads for as long as we live. I did, and the following is a brief list of those, many of which can also be claimed by others too: • • • • • • • • Freshman basketball Freshman baseball- especially singing “Afternoon Delight” Winning Regionals in basketball last year Bus rides- these can be said for everyone, no matter the sport CK 15- including the leader meltdown Mr. Scarbeary’s puns Mr. Krebs fixing ties Ms. Marino’s: “Bigger picture” • • • • • • • • • Dale and Hank’s full-body suits during the Marmion-ACC games US History AP with Coach Drye Dances Russell’s Mr. ACC speech Mr. Parker’s Funky Function Dance Coach Curry’s rants Fernando’s 10th grade student council speech Chris Alcock while we’re on the topic of former students The food fight sophomore year when Mr. Stallons remarked to my English class “Sound like a Revolution” as he closed the door Brian mooning Coach Cournaya during soccer practice Dhruv’s nipple getting owned by the track Spencer giving Coach Lindo the “churchbells” sophomore year My Sophomore Year In Review By Paige Gruenke Staff Writer Wow, time really has flown. It seems like only yesterday when I was taking my uniforms out of their spot in the back of my dresser, coming back to Central after summer vacation, and seeing many of my friends for the first time since the last day of freshmen year. I cannot even believe it. I remember going to homeroom, getting our schedules, locks, and new lockers. I talked to many people as we shared our great summer stories, wishing that it could still be summer, but the year kicked off with new classes, new teachers, and even meeting new friends. I had some great times with my friends at the Taste of ACC and other home football games, and I had a blast during Homecoming Week. I went to most of the home basketball games and enjoyed being part of the Blue Crew. Our student section is so much fun. Even though it is crowded, our school has great school spirit. I went to the musical where I watched my friends show their love for acting. I was in two band and chorus concerts. I was busy with many projects this year and homework from some very interesting classes. I had great times with my friends this year in class, at a home game, in clubs, and everywhere else. I joined a new club this year and found out that staring at a chessboard was something I enjoyed. I had a great time being on the chess team, especially when we beat Marmion twice this year. I had a winning record and a second place trophy in the open in conference. That was something I never expected, but I am so glad I joined the team. There is a good lesson that I learned this year, and I hope every junior, sophomore, and freshman tries to do it next year: Do not be afraid to try new things, because you will never know if it is something you might enjoy, especially if you were not in any extracurricular activities this year. Sophomore year is going to be a memorable one for me, and I hope this year was a great one for everyone, especially for the seniors. I am going to miss you all. Good luck in college. • • • The list could go on and on. And my list will only represent a fraction of the memories this class holds. I know football players will always remember two-a-days, and there are those that will always remember the musicals. There are always those classes and those teachers that you’ll remember forever. As we move on to the next step in our life’s journey, I ask my fellow seniors to hold on to those memories. I also would like to wish them all good luck on the rest of their lives. It may be cliched, but this really is the “Oh-So-Fine” Class of ‘09. Good luck, graduates, and God bless. Mrs. Goldie Mark Brouch Central Times Editors, et. al. Advisor Managing Editor & Layout Manager Content Editor Local and World News Editor School News Editor Arts & Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Sports Editor Web Master & Layout Editor Kara McNamara Brendan Bond Shannon McDowell Alyssa Shaff Mark Brauweiler Kristin Brouch Ethan Romba 6 Central Times - Charger Sports May, 2009 Charger Sports from page 1 I may not have been the best player, but I did what I could to help my team. That’s something I’ve learned from football, and from the entire coaching staff, and in particular Coach Curry. With Coach Curry—as anyone who’s ever taken his class can attest to—it’s never okay to be unprepared, to not do everything you can to do the best you can, to do something halfheartedly. With football and with Coach Curry, there was never a place for excuses—you were judged solely on effort and performance. That was the only cri- It’s Always Worth the Memories teria. That’s a concept that’s been instilled in me, and in every football player, for the past four years. That’s a lesson that I’m going to do everything I can to take with me. Third, I’m really not a big fan of clichés. “Time flies when you’re having fun” is a saying I’d rather not hear in a serious conversation. That being said, there is a cliché that—though kind of annoying—is entirely true. “The only place ‘success’ comes before ‘work’ is in the dictionary.” It’s been said probably thousands of times. Even still, it’s true. And another, slightly less annoying one is this: “Success cures all.” And in the past four years, I’ve found both to be pretty true. This year was really evident for basketball. We had a phenomenal season my junior year. All of a sudden, students take an interest, newspapers want to come to games, away games have more Central fans than home fans. I like to think that our success in basketball helped to unite the school—even if it’s just a little bit, and for just basketball season. Success helps everyone—more confidence, more unity, and more fun. But in order to get that success and all the benefits, you have to work hard. I’ve been a three-sport athlete my entire high school career—as have many of my friends and teammates. And that’s taught me that those two clichés I mentioned above are absolutely true—especially the one about hard work. I can remember the summer 7 AM lifting Monday through Thursday for football. Then coming back for two hours of absolute physical hell for basketball that night. Then 7-on-7 football competitions on Saturday mornings and all-weekend basketball tournaments. Sprinkle in some summer league baseball in there, and it’s a full demanding schedule. That being said, I wouldn’t trade a day of it for anything. I wouldn’t trade the Saturdays of triple-headers at Lisle High School in the summers for baseball for anything. I wouldn’t trade the feeling of being so sore on Sundays from the entire week for anything in the world. I wouldn’t trade the hot summer league games in North Central College’s upstairs gym for a single thing on the planet. All these things go hand-in-hand with sophomore year baseball coming back on St. Francis the last game of the season down 7 runs in the last inning to win. Those things go hand-in-hand with beating Marmion 27-21 at Marmion for Coach Curry’s 100th career win. They go hand-in-hand with a Regional crown and my little piece of net that I’ll have forever. Because the hard work I’ve put in, the long hours of practice, the downs of losing, the highs of winning, and everything in between means more to me than anything else. So to Coach Curry, Coach Casey, Coach Sellen, Coach Sheedy, Coach Fulara, my brother Coach Brauweiler, Coach Tom Curry, Coach Kramer, Coach Kennedy, Coach Tim Kramer, Coach Swann, Coach Goodson, Coach Hartman, Coach Armato, Coach Schuster, Coach Drye, Coach Dan Drye and Coach Bieritz … thank you. And to my teammates, my fellow Chargers … thank you for four of the best years of my life—athletically and otherwise. The past four years have truly gone by entirely too fast. I can still remember Joe Wollwert’s Heisman pose after he got his one pass of the year (in practice). I can still remember how much fun I had sophomore year in baseball. I remember the Regional run for basketball junior year. I remember quite clearly the words “Galena and back” coming out of Coach Casey’s mouth this summer. But I make no distinction between all of these memories—they are all as fresh to me as if they happened just yesterday. The past four years, Central has truly been a home to me. And so to all of you reading this, I thank you, because you have been a huge part of my life. As my last article ever for the Central Times, I feel it necessary to leave you with something. So I leave you with a cheesy, cliché motto I try to live by: “Go big, or go home.” In this life—in sports, in academics, in anything— it’s all in or you get nothing. So if you take anything from me—even if the “Come on! Let’s go!” speeches, or the fact that I was the loudest one at every girls’ basketball game, or my stellar performance of “Who’s On First” with Brendan at Mr. ACC don’t stick with you—let that motto stick with you. Go allin all the time, in everything you do. In the end, it’s always at least worth the memories. By Andrew Scott Sports Writer Chargers + IHSA Loophole = State Champs cently added more accomplishments—this time with his doubles partner Andrew Scott at the Yorkville Varsity Shootout—to his endless wall of accomplishments. The partners abused the competition, walking away with the hardware to prove it: a fifth place medal out of the seventeen teams. As Guy Davis would say, “Ouch Town … population: Andrew and Pat’s opponents.” With a strong standing in Conference (0-2), there is definite hope to sweep up the Conference title. Realistically, the team aims to qualify for State—by default or some sort of IHSA loophole. Regardless, the Chargers have set a state record for fastest match, getting mercilessly abused by St. Francis in under fifty minutes. They instituted “Code Brown Pants” to ensure a quick match so Coach could get to the Chicago Blackhawks game in time. The team is proud to say that Coach didn’t miss a second of that game. The Chargers tennis team has gotten off to a strong start with a 4-4 record at mid-season. The team has been shaped by their ardent work ethic of blood, sweat, and tears. The program has gone through radical changes with the hiring of stellar tennis coach Brian Casey. He may not have ever played tennis before, but he has strived to grasp the art of the slam drill and the ever-elusive goal that is success. Coach will admit that he doesn’t necessarily know the finer points of the game and will probably always have to ask the other coaches how that stupid tiebreaker works, but he knows what it takes to be a champion and will push kids to their breaking point to help them realize their full potential. Since the onset of the season, it was clear it would be necessary to separate the men from the boys in order to create a successful Aurora Central Catholic tennis dynasty. It’s been a great season for the Chargers and they hope to continue their success. The backbone of the team is made up of Pat All the winnings and high hopes of the tenHastings, Rob Taptich, Mark Brouch, Brendan nis team can be summed up in one stateBond and Alex Karifiat. Hastings (7-1) has re- ment: “It feels good to be number one.” Athlete of the Month: Mike Adams Athletes of the Month By Mark Brauweiler Sports Editor Michael Adams is just like LeBron James Marmion when no one thought we could. CT: You can go back to one moment, and CentralTimes:Whatisyourfavoritesportandwhy? do it all over again. Which one and why? Central Times: What is your favorite sport, and why? Michael Adams: Football, because MA: I would like to back to it is exciting … and I like to be QB. March 6th to crush Oswego. Stephanie Pogwizd: Basketball—I just love everything about the game. I love playing. CT: The female winner CT: Who are two athletes— of Athlete of the Year was outside of yourself and CT: The male winner of Athlete of the Stephanie Pogwizd. What Stephanie Pogwizd—that Year was Michael Adams. What can you you enjoy watching play say about his athletic career at Central? can you say about her and who could have, in your athletic career at Central? eyes, won Athlete of the SP: Michael’s accomplished so much as Year if you two hadn’t won. an athlete for Central. He’s been such a MA: Without Steph out there, the basketball and volleyball teams huge and great part of all the teams he’s MA: Anthony Kelley been a part of, and no doubt he will always wouldn’t have been as good. and Kristin Brouch. be remembered and missed at Central. Steph is also a good motivator and got the players ready to play CT: Who is a professional CT: You can go back and relive one moment before every game and pushed athlete you would most from your entire athletic high school career. the girls in practice. Steph is compare your game to? What moment do you choose and why? just an overall great athlete. Mike Adams or LeBron James? MA: LeBron James. CT: You can go back and relive one moment Only their mothers can tell them apart. CT: What is the thing from your entire athletic high school career. What moment and why? you’ll miss most about high school and why? MA: Beating Marmion at Marmion in football junior year. We didn’t win many football games, so when we did we enjoyed every second of it and especially beating By Mark Brauweiler Sports Editor Stephanie Pogwizd is a big “Believer” If we played them at any point in the second half of our season, we could have definitely won and gotten another win for the year. CT: Who are two athletes—outside of yourself and Michael Adams—that you enjoy watching play and who could have, in your eyes, wonAthlete of the Year if you two hadn’t? SP: I’d say Tom Barkei and Kristin Brouch. CT: What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a coach in your four years at Central, and who was that coach? SP: To “Believe,” from Coach Fitz[gerald]. After going through season after season of losing records, it’s hard to keep everyone going, but Fitz’s saying “We Believe” really helped me to stay positive and always give my all. CT: What is the thing you’ll miss most about high school and why? SP: Definitely our basketball Senior Night. It was great to have the crowd we had, while being SP: My teammates in our class. We’ve gotten recognized, but also it was the best game our so close and learned how each other plays— team played together. It was so fun to be a part of. it’s going to be weird not having them on my team! I’ll miss playing volleyball as well. MA: The past two years of basketball. I have CT: You get one moment you can go back never had that much fun in a sport. The stands to, and do all over. Which one and why? CT: Give one word to describe were packed on our side every game … and we your four years here at Central. got treats after every win. SP: Our very first game of the season we lost. SP: Unforgettable.