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The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

All content by Yoon Kim

Glenbrook musical facilitates lasting bonds

Yoon Kim, co-a&e editor
April 19, 2019

In collaboration between GBS and GBN, the Glenbrook Musical combines students and faculty from both schools to create a yearly production. According to director Mark Maranto, this year’s show, Mamma...

Students walk out in honor of Trayvon Martin

Students walk out in honor of Trayvon Martin

Eliza Schloss and Yoon Kim
March 15, 2019

The clock strikes and the moment of silence begins; it’s 10:17. Trayvon Martin was 17-years-old when he was shot and killed by George Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida. The clock strikes 10:24 and the moment...

South alum Sarah Kim creates  portraits during her classes at Parsons University, where she is currently a freshman majoring in Communication Design

South alums continue to pursue art, expand artistic horizons

Yoon Kim, co a&e editor
February 7, 2019

Whether it was during a play, musical, or Comedy Sportz show, South alum Jordan Zelvin could always be found under the spotlight on the auditorium stage at South. Two and a half years and 368 miles later,...

SIGNING   THROUGH   THE   SILENCE:   Bending their heads over their work (left), juniors Jordan Dahiya and Sarah Lothian attempt to convey some of the challenges of being deaf. Holding her hands in front of her (right), junior Kasia Dyrda explains her painting using sign language. The American Sign Language Art Gallery was held in the SAC on Thursday, Nov. 8.

ASL Art Gallery emphasizes kindness to all

Yoon Kim, co-a&e editor
December 14, 2018

In a room of astounding silence, junior Adair McMahon paints a blank canvas with strokes of both paint and empathy. Every mark she makes is a tribute to the Deaf community, as she attempts to convey the...

Stick-and-Poke tattoos symbolize identity

Stick-and-Poke tattoos symbolize identity

Yoon Kim, co-a&e editor
September 28, 2018

It is a Friday night, and junior Jordan Dahiya sits with a few close friends in her room, scrolling through Instagram. They come across a stick-and poke tattoo video, and before they know it, they are...

Fresh Faces: Presenting to her sophomore English class, new teacher Jen Jun teaches a lesson on fables. Glenbrook South hired 11 new staff members this school year.

[Photo] South welcomes new teachers with fresh perspectives

Esther Lim and Julia Mariott
September 28, 2018

Fresh Faces: Presenting to her sophomore English class, new teacher Jen Jun teaches a lesson on fables. Glenbrook South hired 11 new staff members this school year.

it   can   happen   anywhere: Forming a line outside the auditorium doors, students wait for their belongings to be checked by faculty and administrators before school on Monday. Sept. 24 while Superintendent Dr. Michael Riggle supervises. This security measure was implemented after a message reading “there will be a school shooting on September 25th 2018” was found in a South classroom and reported on Sept. 20. Photo by Yoon Kim

[Photo] Security procedures change, address local, national threats

it can happen anywhere: Forming a line outside the auditorium doors, students wait for their belongings to be checked by faculty and administrators before school on Monday. Sept. 24 while Superintendent...

"We Realize(d)" project exhibits unique aspects in South community

“We Realize(d)” project exhibits unique aspects in South community

Yoon Kim, co-a&e editor
May 25, 2018

Coated in layers of bronze, blue and black strokes, a 7 foot by 16 foot canvas that reads “We Realize(d)” hangs on the Old Pit wall. This, however, is only a fraction of the masterpiece: 140 foam boards...

illustration by Yoon Kim

Immigration impacts national identity, outlook

Yoon Kim, a&e editor
May 25, 2018

The first R-rated movie I ever watched was when I was 11-years-old. But, it wasn’t the kind of fun comedy or classic film you might imagine — it was a random Korean movie called War of the Arrows that,...

SIGNS THAT SHINE: Demonstrating a new sign, Rosemarie Carsello, American Sign Language teacher shows sophmore Kendall Grenolds a new phrase in sign language. The American Sign Language class participates in events like Silent Weekend in order to immerse students in Deaf culture.

[Photo] ASL course promotes inclusion

Esther Lim, staff reporter
May 25, 2018

SIGNS THAT SHINE: Demonstrating a new sign, Rosemarie Carsello, American Sign Language teacher shows sophmore Kendall Grenolds a new phrase in sign language. The American Sign Language class participates...

Films leave lasting impact, significance varies among individuals

Films leave lasting impact, significance varies among individuals

Yoon Kim, co-a&e editor
April 20, 2018

It was health week in PE, and junior Isabella Delatorre’s sixth grade class was watching the movie Super Size Me. Immediately, she was filled with disgust. After watching the film, not only did she and...

Students express personal style through thrift shopping

Yoon Kim, co-a&e editor
March 16, 2018

Junior Maddie Dunne-Murphy steps into school and walks amidst the sea of 3,000 other South students. However, one thing is different about her: her sunflower-painted pants. To Dunne-Murphy, her pants are...

SUPPORTIVE SNAPPING:  Listening to his peers’ poems, freshman Justin Manalang snaps, signifying agreement and relatability. Poets at South gather in preparation for Louder than a Bomb, a youth poetry festival, which takes place on March 18.

Louder than a Bomb showcases spoken word poetry, furthers communication

Yoon Kim, co-a&e editor
February 9, 2018

Senior Grace Rodriguez clears her throat. Then, she begins  to speak. Immediately, each word is followed by a ripple of snaps, following the ebb and flow of her spoken word poetry. For Rodriguez, co-captain...

SOULFUL CAESAR:  Playing his guitar, Canadian artist Daniel Caesar practices songs from his most recent album, Freudian, released August 2017, pictured above. His honest and personal music is influenced by throwback R&B and classic gospel.

Caesar displays emotion through soulful approach

Yoon Kim, co-a&e editor
November 10, 2017

Love, loss, longing and every shade in between. These themes, along with many others, are captured in the mellow, mid-tempo music of Daniel Caesar, an up-and-coming R&B artist. Originally born in...

CHIMING CHAMBERS: Singing intently, (from left to right) juniors Steph Ornduff and Becky Jacobson, along with seniors Erin Kirby and Rachel Shwartz, prepare for future shows they will perform in within their a capella group, Chambers. This ensemble is best known for their old fashioned clothing and seasonal songs.

Chambers establishes traditions, highlights classical music styles

Yoon Kim, co-a&e editor
October 6, 2017

For many South students, the holiday season consists of decorating the lawn with lights, cozying up by the fireplace, and, of course, listening to the voices of the Chambers members as they carol their...

SYMPHONIC SOLACE: Matching pitch, seniors Ashley Levenson (left) and Claire Valenziano (right) practice in their all girls a capella group, Solace. This group is directed by Robert Shellard, new co-choir director.

Solace takes on modern music, creates close knit relationships

Yoon Kim, co-a&e editor
October 6, 2017

From Colbie Caillat to Jessie J, Solace sings it all. Led by co-choir Director Robert Shellard, the group consists of 10 girls. Solace is one of South’s a cappella groups and is known for covering a...

SERENADING SCAT THAT: Reading their music intently, (from left to right) sophomore Jenna Kim, seniors Micheal McNeela and Yenny Ha and junior Ellie Eavenson sing in South’s only jazz group, Scat That. This group is directed by co-choir director Andrew Toniolo, pictured above.

[Photo] Scat That provides alternate jazz ensemble option for GBS singers

Karina Benson, asst. a&e editor
October 6, 2017

SERENADING SCAT THAT: Reading their music intently, (from left to right) sophomore Jenna Kim, seniors Micheal McNeela and Yenny Ha and junior Ellie Eavenson sing in South’s only jazz group, Scat That....

Students give time, compassion to animals in need

Yoon Kim, a&e editor
June 17, 2017

From dogs and cats to turtles and rabbits, GBS graduate Jessica Balinsky’s family has adopted almost every animal in the pet spectrum. According to Balinsky, growing up with a house full of pets has...

South students show love for animals through service

Yoon Kim, co a&e editor
May 26, 2017

From dogs and cats to turtles and rabbits, GBS graduate Jessica Balinsky’s family has adopted almost every animal in the pet spectrum. According to Balinsky, growing up with a house full of pets has...

Crucial Construction:    Remodeling the main gym, construction workers begin redoing the floors, adding new bleachers and replacing the basketball hoops in the dome. These additions, along with bathrooms and a new concession stand in the John Davis stadium, were proposed by the Titan Booster Club and District 225, and will be completed before the start of the next school year.

[Photo] Stadium, main gym construction in progress

Corinne Shaw, staff reporter
May 26, 2017

Crucial Construction: Remodeling the main gym, construction workers begin redoing the floors, adding new bleachers and replacing the basketball hoops in the dome. These additions, along with bathrooms...

hannahku_web

[Photo] Artist Alert

Leah Dunne, co-editor-in-chief
May 26, 2017

Alumni Adventures:  Walking in Brussels, Dani Tuchman, 2016 South alumna, immerses herself in the European landscape after choosing an alternative start program to college rather than attending USC in the fall of 2016.

South alumni embrace independent life

Hannah Buchband and Yoon Kim
April 21, 2017

For two weeks, USC freshman and South alumni Dani Tuchman found herself alone in an eight-person hostel in Prague with seven native Spanish-speaking strangers. Although the experience was not what she...

Polo   passin':  Senior leader, Tucker Nienhaus, looks to fellow teamates for a pass during the Titans’ match against GBN on April 11. The Titans defeated the Spartans 19-10.

[Photo] Men’s water polo looks to qualify for State tournament

Emily Zimbler, staff reporter
April 21, 2017

Polo passin': Senior leader, Tucker Nienhaus, looks to fellow teamates for a pass during the Titans’ match against GBN on April 11. The Titans defeated the Spartans 19-10.

justinkalish

[Photo] Artist Alert

Aakash Bhojwani, asst. a&e editor
April 21, 2017

Photo illustration

[Photo] South freshmen adjust to high school workload

Zhaneta Petra, staff reporter
March 3, 2017

Photo illustration

While working in their biology class, Mike Hatfield and Abby Coleman perform a lab.  Along with others, these S.T.E.M. juniors students took part in the project Cancer for the Common Good which shed new light on how to cure different diseases with cancer cells.

[Photo] S.T.E.M. biology students reconsider stereotypes through Cancer for the Common Good

Amanda Tener, staff reporter
February 28, 2017

While working in their biology class, Mike Hatfield and Abby Coleman perform a lab. Along with others, these S.T.E.M. juniors students took part in the project Cancer for the Common Good which shed new...

A way with words: Junior Gina Kim edits her essay on "comfort women". This essay won Kim the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) award for the First Amendment Freedoms Art and Essay Contest.

[Photo] ADL recognizes Kim for social justice, heritage

Eliz Akgun, staff reporter
February 14, 2017

A way with words: Junior Gina Kim edits her essay on "comfort women". This essay won Kim the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) award for the First Amendment Freedoms Art and Essay Contest.

Powerful   Praise: With heads bowed in thoughtful prayer, members of the Cornerstone Christian Club, formerly known as H2O, sing and recite verses at their weekly meetings. Club president John Park believes that school-provided prayer rooms are an important part in ensuring all students feel comfortable practicing their faith at South.

South prayer room offers inclusivity, sparks discussion

Yoon Kim, asst. photos editor
February 10, 2017

Buzzing with the excitement and relief that comes with Friday afternoons, a herd of students rush to their long-awaited final block of the day. Meanwhile, senior Adna Mujović seeks out an empty classroom...

Counting Computers:  Inspecting a computer, Interact senior leader Justin Bifeld examines the donations for the Interact Computer Drive on Jan. 14. Interact leaders noted an increase in this yearís donations in comparison to previous years.

[Photo] Computer drive donations reach all-time high

Corinne Shaw, staff reporter
February 10, 2017

Counting Computers: Inspecting a computer, Interact senior leader Justin Bifeld examines the donations for the Interact Computer Drive on Jan. 14. Interact leaders noted an increase in this yearís donations...

STARTING SHECHTMAN:  Preparing to take his mark, junior Nick Shechtman (foreground) listens for the offical to start the event at Titan Relays on Jan. 14. GBS came in first out of eight teams at Titan Relays, an invite South hosts every year where some non-traditional events, such as the 200 yard breaststroke relay, are included.

[Photo] Men’s swimming looks to succeed in post-season

Henry Schleizer, Staff Reporter
February 10, 2017

STARTING SHECHTMAN: Preparing to take his mark, junior Nick Shechtman (foreground) listens for the offical to start the event at Titan Relays on Jan. 14. GBS came in first out of eight teams at Titan...

Bending down to block out the shot, goalie Paul Zygmunt makes the save against a Loyola Gold offender. The Titans lost to the Ramblers by a score of 4-2.

[Photo] South Hockey loses to rival GBN in seasonal game

Sophie Vick, co-sports asst.
December 16, 2016

Bending down to block out the shot, goalie Paul Zygmunt makes the save against a Loyola Gold offender. The Titans lost to the Ramblers by a score of 4-2.

GIRL GENIUSES: Discussing and planning, sophomore Sophie Nathanson, senior Elizabeth Park and junior Katheryn Woo develop a prosthetic hand. The prosthetic hand that Society of Women Engineers designed and created was donated to e-NABLE, an organization that sends prosthetics to those in need.

[Photo] Society of Women Engineers 3D prints prosthetic hand, donates to assist e-NABLE

Amanda Tener, staff reporter
December 17, 2016

GIRL GENIUSES: Discussing and planning, sophomore Sophie Nathanson, senior Elizabeth Park and junior Katheryn Woo develop a prosthetic hand. The prosthetic hand that Society of Women Engineers designed...

Military time: Displaying his potrait as a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Brian Shaoul, Transitional Studies Instructor for Student Services, described that he never saw actual combat. His main role in service was maintaining aircrafts that would fly troops into loading zones.

[Photo] South staff members reveal stories about time in military service

Hannah Buchband, staff reporter
December 16, 2016

Military time: Displaying his potrait as a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Brian Shaoul, Transitional Studies Instructor for Student Services, described that he never saw actual combat. His main...

BINARY BROS:  Working with his fellow AP Computer Science classmates, junior Kevin Choi (right) smiles as he completes a line of code. The Computer Science curriculum revolves around providing students with a realistic and usable education in technology.

[Photo] Computer programming focuses on problem-solving, realistic issues

Sydney Scott, staff reporter
December 16, 2016

BINARY BROS: Working with his fellow AP Computer Science classmates, junior Kevin Choi (right) smiles as he completes a line of code. The Computer Science curriculum revolves around providing students...

Supervising Silca: Woodworking teacher Stephen Silca provides insight on senior Jeffrey Mitchell's woods project. Silca has been teaching woodworking at South for five years.

[Photo] Silca provides a role model for woodworking students

Ben Olson and Lorelei Streb
December 8, 2016

Supervising Silca: Woodworking teacher Stephen Silca provides insight on senior Jeffrey Mitchell's woods project. Silca has been teaching woodworking at South for five years.

Presenting to club members, Sophie Hensley and Chloe McKerr discuss upcoming yoga related events.  Club Younity strives to bring spiritual awareness to the South student body.

[Photo] Club Younity strives to bring awareness to spirituality among student body

Emily Zimbler and Isabella Albrecht, staff reporter
December 1, 2016

Presenting to club members, Sophie Hensley and Chloe McKerr discuss upcoming yoga related events. Club Younity strives to bring spiritual awareness to the South student body.

SISTER SUPPORT: Preparing for a game, the women's field hockey team draws on each other for support. Women's field hockey is just one sport that utilizes the big and little sister program at South.

[Photo] Women’s sports teams develop support system with big and little sister programs

Lizzie Garvey and Taylor Everson
November 19, 2016

SISTER SUPPORT: Preparing for a game, the women's field hockey team draws on each other for support. Women's field hockey is just one sport that utilizes the big and little sister program at South.

BAND BONDING: Directing a late night marching band practice, Greg Wojcik, directer of South's Band, and son Aaron Wojcik, assistant band director give instructions to students. This will be Greg's 38th and final year at South as band director.

[Photo] Wojcik follows in father’s footsteps, assists in directing GBS Band

Molly Stryker & Eleanor Walsh, staff reporters
November 22, 2016

BAND BONDING: Directing a late night marching band practice, Greg Wojcik, directer of South's Band, and son Aaron Wojcik, assistant band director give instructions to students. This will be Greg's 38th...

Passionate Protester: Yelling to show support, a young woman takes part in a protest against hateful rhetoric and ideals in Indianapolis, Indiana. The demonstration, held on Nov. 12, started at the Statehouse before protesters began to march downtown.

[Photo] Trump resistance rally garners further Republican respect

Anne Marie Yurik & Alexandra Sharp, co-editor in chief, co-features editor
November 13, 2016

Passionate Protester: Yelling to show support, a young woman takes part in a protest against hateful rhetoric and ideals in Indianapolis, Indiana. The demonstration, held on Nov. 12, started at the Statehouse...

Student, teacher viewpoints differ on use of online literary resources

Student, teacher viewpoints differ on use of online literary resources

Yoon Kim and Augie Mikell
November 4, 2016

With 15 minutes before the start of class, a student scrambles to open his Chromebook and immediately jumps onto his Sparknotes bookmark. As the clock continues to tick, his eyes skim faster and faster...

Lunging to avoid a defender, freshman midfielder MJ McNary, dribbles the ball down field during a game against F.W. Parker on Oct. 20.

[Photo] Field hockey ends year with 12-7 record

Sophie Hensley, co-sports editor
November 4, 2016

Lunging to avoid a defender, freshman midfielder MJ McNary, dribbles the ball down field during a game against F.W. Parker on Oct. 20.

EVERYDAY IS ‘MUN’DAY: Discussing their meeting agenda, seniors Yoana Sidzhimova and Lori Steffel, GBS Model United Nations (MUN) president and vice president, lead their fellow board members. Sidzhimova and Steffel collaborated on an article about MUN that was published in the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth’s magazine Imagine.

[Photo] MUN Leaders Publish Article in Imagine

Grace Shin, Co-News Editor
November 4, 2016

EVERYDAY IS ‘MUN’DAY: Discussing their meeting agenda, seniors Yoana Sidzhimova and Lori Steffel, GBS Model United Nations (MUN) president and vice president, lead their fellow board members. Sidzhimova...

Erin in Action:  Playing a solo on her clarinet, junior Erin Kirby performs at Band-o-rama. At this event, the marching band played in front of parents and honored seniors with awards and speeches.

[Photo] Marching band season ends with a first place win

Cassidy Jackson, co-a&e editor
November 4, 2016

Erin in Action: Playing a solo on her clarinet, junior Erin Kirby performs at Band-o-rama. At this event, the marching band played in front of parents and honored seniors with awards and speeches.

SERVICE OVER SELF: Working with a student from Passages Charter School in Chicago, senior Maude Tarbox engages in one of Key Clubís Eat ‘N’ Read events on Sept. 23. The club promotes various service opportunities within local and global communities.

[Photo] Key Club expands, reforms Eat ‘N’ Read events

Corrine Shaw, Staff Reporter
November 4, 2016

SERVICE OVER SELF: Working with a student from Passages Charter School in Chicago, senior Maude Tarbox engages in one of Key Clubís Eat ‘N’ Read events on Sept. 23. The club promotes various service...

Zealous for Zeitgeist:  Acting out a scene in Zeitgeist, sophomores Sammi Boas and Sarah McNeela laugh as Gabriella Bellows photographs sophomore Annabelle Fogel. The theme of the play, growing up, was chosen by the cast of freshman and sophomore students. In addition, the actors wrote the entire script of the play.

[Photo] Zeitgeist captures childhood experiences

Gaby Zabat, staff reporter
November 4, 2016

Zealous for Zeitgeist: Acting out a scene in Zeitgeist, sophomores Sammi Boas and Sarah McNeela laugh as Gabriella Bellows photographs sophomore Annabelle Fogel. The theme of the play, growing up, was...

THE TITAN IN ALL OF US:  GBS alumnus Jake Schmidt interacts with former WBBM weatherman Steve Baskerville (left) and Dr. Jim Shellard (right) while dressed up as Tommy the Titan during the 2011 South Telethon. Schmidt, an active member of Student Council, was a part of South’s Special Education Department.

South Special Education prepares for future

Yoon Kim, asst. photos editor
September 30, 2016

Known for its programs, staff and resources, Glenbrook 225’s Special Education Department plays a major role in preparing their 250 students for their futures after high school, whether it be attending...

Mirroring Maranto:  Leading members in the Freshman and Sophomore Play rehearsal, Mark Maranto, Fine Arts instructional supervisor, provides his insight for the direction of the opening scene. One of Maranto’s goals in this new position is to integrate the added classes with existing traditions.

[Photo] Fine Arts Department welcomes Maranto

Emma Morris, staff reporter
September 30, 2016

Mirroring Maranto: Leading members in the Freshman and Sophomore Play rehearsal, Mark Maranto, Fine Arts instructional supervisor, provides his insight for the direction of the opening scene. One of Maranto’s...

RETIREMENT READY: Joining together to reminisce about their careers, South retiring faculty prepares to end the school year for one last time. These staff members have devoted countless years to helping students learn and grow. Featured from left to right: (top) Jerry Zabin, John Lewis, Todd Hansen, Peter Masciopinto, Terry Jozwik, Marty Sirvatka, (bottom) Janice Osowski, Ellen Eichler, Mary Vicars, Kay Sopocy, Dawn Fendt. Not featured: Fred Kocian, Carol May.

Retirement is now in session: South faculty say goodbye to GBS with lasting memories, relationships, legacies

Alexandra Sharp, Eliza Schloss, Brigid Murphy, Hannah Buchband, Anne Marie Yurik, Yoon Kim, Youjin Shon, Savera Zulfiqar, Kathy Yoo, Abby Grant, Aakash Bhojwani & John Park, and Kyle O'Shaughnessy & Maggie Eschenbach
May 24, 2016

Table of Contents: Terry Jozwik Todd Hansen Mary Vicars Fred Kocian Jerry Zabin Dawn Fendt Ellen Eichler John Lewis Pete Masciopinto Janice Osowski Marty Sirvatka Kay...

FANCY FAMILY: Striking a pose, Alex Ladan (left) hugs her niece, Corrine Shaw (right), for a family portrait. Currently a sophomore, Ladan greatly enjoys being Shaw's aunt and confusing others with their complex family tree.

South students face responsibilities, rewards as aunts, uncles

Yoon Kim, staff reporter
May 19, 2016

Looking at the skyline as they walked along the lakefront at Maggie Daley park, junior Cameron Daly recalls taking his two nephews and one niece downtown on a summer day and bonding with them. Daly is...

DECORATING DUO: Attaching a yellow streamer to support posts, juniors Danielle Callas and Bailey Burke lay the finishing touches on a pyramid for GBSís Turnabout dance, ìNight on the Nileî, on March 5. Callas and Burke participate in Girls Letter Club, a club for varsity female athletes, which is one of the many extracurricular activities offered at GBS.

GBS named number one: Niche placed South as top school in nation for extracurricular activities

Karina Benson, Yoon Kim, and Chaerim Park
March 11, 2016

Niche, an organization that reviews K-12 public schools, recently ranked GBS number one of all public high schools in the nation when it comes to extracurricular activities, which includes clubs, organizations...

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