The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

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The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

All content by John Schurer
Foreign Faces: From left to right, senior Omar Haddad from Jordan, senior Anitta Reji from India and senior Odysseas Lazarou from Greece represent a small portion of South students from foreign countries. Not included in the above photo is junior Debbie Kim, originally from North Korea and attending her first year at South. These four students make up a small sampling of South’s international student population. Photo illustration by Yoon Kim

Foreign students adjust to South, American lifestyle

John Schurer and Augie Mikell
March 21, 2017

The uncertainty associated with the first day of school kindles delight for some. But for others, such as South’s many students from foreign countries, entering a new school environment sparks a source...

Illustration by Ala Jankowski

Text-A-Tip provides emotional support

John Schurer, co-news editor
March 21, 2017

District 225 has partnered with Linking Efforts Against Drugs (LEAD) to provide a 24/7 anonymous text hotline called Text-A-Tip for students at the Glenbrooks. According to Andy Duran, the executive...

Prevalence, availability of e-cigarettes presents security concern

Prevalence, availability of e-cigarettes presents security concern

John Schurer and Cassidy Foronda
February 10, 2017

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) at South has increased among the student population this school year, according to Dean Ronald Bean. The cause of the increase in e-cigarette use is currently...

AWARD WINNIN’ GRIN:   Holding her son, the late Paula Hess, former Titan Poms choreographer, sports her letterman jacket, decorated with patches from previous competitions she participated in. Photo courtesy of Julie Smith

IHSA names Hess Competitive Dance Official of the Year

John Schurer, co-news editor
February 10, 2017

On Jan. 12, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced the late Paula Hess as the 2016-2017 Competitive Dance Official of the Year for her work as the Titan Poms choreographer and other achievements. In...

South designates private bathroom facilities for student wellness

South designates private bathroom facilities for student wellness

John Schurer, news editor
September 30, 2016

In response to the petition organized by Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) in the spring, South has designated two gender-neutral restrooms this school year. Due to the recent nationwide discourse regarding...

HAPPY   HIPPIES: Decked out in costume attire, Paula Hess, Titan Poms coach, poses with her sons Otto (left) and Nelson (right) for a themed family reunion. She was beloved by both family and friends, having a positive impact on their lives. Photo courtesy of Julie Smith

South says ‘thanks’: Looking back on the life and memory of Paula Hess

John Schurer, co-news editor
September 30, 2016

In a sea of blue and gold, one confident dancer, Paula Hess, shone through the crowd. Her every movement was synchronized with the rest of her Poms team, but her genuine smile formed a spotlight on her....

South designates private bathroom facilities for student wellness

South designates private bathroom facilities for student wellness

John Schurer, co-news editor
September 30, 2016

In response to the petition organized by Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) in the spring, South has designated two gender-neutral restrooms this school year. Due to the recent nationwide discourse regarding...

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL: Being pushed by junior Sam Dale, junior Michael Heftman enjoys an attraction at the Richardson Corn Maze. This activity was an option available to students who attended this Students For Students event on Sept. 10.

[Photo] Students For Students revamps club philosophy

Mary Grace Reynolds, staff reporter
September 30, 2016

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL: Being pushed by junior Sam Dale, junior Michael Heftman enjoys an attraction at the Richardson Corn Maze. This activity was an option available to students who attended this Students...

PANDEMIC PATIENTS: Aiding a patient at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C., a nurse helps combat the influenza pandemic of 1918.  Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Old News: Influenza Pandemic

John Schurer, co-news editor
March 11, 2016

On the morning of March 11, 1918, soldiers at Fort Riley, Kansas, suffered from high fevers, muscle aches and sore throats. Within days, thousands of American soldiers reported similar symptoms. Dirty...

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.

[Photo] 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

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...

New Year, New Laws

John Schurer, co-news editor
February 5, 2016

As 2016 begins, here are three of the 237 new Illinois state laws everyone should be aware of. PET PROTECTION PROGRAM The state’s Humane Care for Animals Act was recently amended to provide that “no...

South pilots student growth component of teacher evaluation

South pilots student growth component of teacher evaluation

John Schurer and Grace Shin
February 5, 2016

After the Illinois State Board of Education formally mandated the Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) in February 2014, public schools began preparations for a “student growth component” as part...

Illustration by Grace OMalley

Explicit material distorts reality, influences minors

John Schurer and Anne Marie Yurik
December 18, 2015

Eyes fixed on the glowing LEDs of a computer screen, pictures, posts and comments blur away as the mouse scrolls farther into updated statuses. Just as one’s eyes glaze over from the familiarity of it...

CONTEMPLATING THE CONFLICT: Despite living miles away from the heart of the Syrian conflict, GBS custodians Sahar Barkho and her husband Stewart Adam are affected just the same by the issue through familial connection in the country. The Assyrian population (symbol below) represents the minority of Christians in northern Syria, Iraq, Turkey and western Iran.

Syria faces uncertain future: GBS Assyrians contemplate ongoing conflict in region, urge renewed outlook on controversy

John Schurer and Alex Sharp
November 6, 2015

Refugee camps, forced migrations and displaced persons have transformed the international conversation, creating a heated discussion on the next step towards ending the Syrian refugee crisis. According...

Cure Club hosts Quiz for Cure fundraiser

Cure Club hosts Quiz for Cure fundraiser

John Schurer, asst. news editor
April 24, 2015

The first annual Quiz For A Cure (Q4C), hosted by Cure Club, occurred on March 20 in the East Cafeteria to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, according to Benya Chongolnee, Cure Club leader. “Q4C...

Illinois law aims to reduce student cyberbullying

Illinois law aims to reduce student cyberbullying

John Schurer, asst. news editor
March 13, 2015

A new Illinois legislation, House Bill 4207, allows school administrators to access the social media accounts of their students, in the hopes of preventing cyber-bullying. If there is a reason to believe...

Glenbrook United celebrates success

Glenbrook United celebrates success

John Schurer, asst. news editor
December 19, 2014

A sporadic thumping reverberates between the solid gymnasium walls before exiting out the main entrance. The sound of students squealing with delight converges with sneakers squeaking against the sheen...

Onward House remembers 40 years of service

Onward House remembers 40 years of service

John Schurer, asst. news editor
November 7, 2014

After a 40-year partnership with the Onward House tutoring program, sponsors and members reflect on the importance of the club and their experiences. The Onward House is a non-for-profit organization...

Donation garden continues contributions to food pantry in Yordys wake

Donation garden continues contributions to food pantry in Yordy’s wake

John Schurer, asst. news editor
October 3, 2014

South’s Donation Garden is ready for harvesting after a summer of planning and organization. Jeff Yordy, long-time Horticulture teacher who passed away last spring, began the Donation Garden to help...

Cure Club plans ‘Hope Week’ to increase Relay participation

Cure Club plans ‘Hope Week’ to increase Relay participation

John Schurer, staff writer
May 23, 2014

Cure Club is preparing to host the annual Relay for Life event to support the American Cancer Society June 6. Prior to the event, Cure Club is organizing a ‘Hope Week.’ Ellie Britton, Cure Club...

APRIL ANNIVERSARY: Speaking to the Jamnesty crowd, Matt Whipple, Stand for Peace co-sponsor, explains the historical significance of April 2014 in regards to the twentieth anniversaries of the Rwandan genocide and fee elections in South Africa. Whipple emphasized the importance of education and taking small steps to help others.

‘Power of One’ award recognizes Whipple’s passion for peace

John Schurer, staff writer
April 22, 2014

The Power of One Award will be presented to Matthew Whipple, social studies teacher, by the Illinois Holocaust Museum on April 24. This award is given to one person every year, and this custom began...

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