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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 Mollie Cramer

Letter from the Editors-in-Chief

Dear Readers, This year, we served as the Editors-in-Chief of the Oracle. This came with many accomplishments and challenges, including typical leadership bumps in the road as well as extra pressure,...

Spoon falls flat with new album

Nick Moran, co-editor-in-chief
April 21, 2017

Underwhelming (adjective): failing to make an impact or impress someone; can be synonymous with Spoon’s latest album, Hot Thoughts. Maybe it’s the fact that I was such a big fan of Spoon’s older...

Methods   in   Motion:   Helping his students with a lab, Science Teacher Robert Cowhey explains the flow of electrical charge through a circuit. This year, Cowhey has not assigned any homework to his students, and he is one of several other teachers who have introduced unconventional teaching methods in their classes.

[Photo] Teachers implement unconventional classroom methods

Grace Shin and Brigid Murphy
March 21, 2017

Methods in Motion: Helping his students with a lab, Science Teacher Robert Cowhey explains the flow of electrical charge through a circuit. This year, Cowhey has not assigned any homework to his...

Over the Garden Wall invokes youthful fear, adventure

Nick Moran, co-editor-in-chief
November 4, 2016

When you’re a teenager, you look back toward a childhood of awe and bliss, hoping to relive an era of imagination and firsts. Growing up, for some of us, we shift into a world of worries and personal...

Third party voting expands diversity

Nick Moran, co-editor-in-chief
November 4, 2016

During a class discussion, a former teacher made the point that if there was a candidate that you entirely agreed with, you would be running yourself. The way to support a candidate is choosing your values,...

GRINS AND GIFTS: Appreciating her new present, science teacher Linda Kocian poses with a quilt given to her by fellow colleague Suzanne Webb as a “get well” gift. Kocian received lots of support from South’s staff when she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Friedmann

South says ‘thanks’: Looking back on the life and memory of Linda Kocian

Anne Marie Yurik, Katie Cavender, and Nick Moran
September 30, 2016

It is rare for someone to willingly sacrifice a piece of his or her identity for their friend’s well-being. However, science teacher Linda Kocian, who passed away just over a month ago, was worth every...

Weezer’s self-titled album embodies love for West Coast, classic vibes

Weezer’s self-titled album embodies love for West Coast, classic vibes

Nick Moran, asst. a&e editor
April 22, 2016

I’ve been backstabbed before. Being a fan of the alternative artist Beck myself, as I looked through albums new and old, they would either treat me to perplexing, fresh songs I loved or, with the release...

Avoidance of Powerschool provides undiscovered benefits

Avoidance of Powerschool provides undiscovered benefits

Nick Moran, assistant a&e editor
April 22, 2016

“How did you do on the test?” The phrase creeps its way around the room once the grades are posted online. For those satisfied with their grades, it’s a proud moment—an opportunity to display...

Jamnesty promotes artistic expression, global change

Jamnesty promotes artistic expression, global change

Lauren Frias and Mollie Cramer
April 22, 2016

Gathered in the open cafeteria with lights dimmed, an anticipating crowd stands before the stage for the first act to come on. As the group assembles and begins to play, the audience dances along in concert-like...

Star Wars films inspire many, unite generations

Lauren Frias and Nick Moran
February 8, 2016

The room is dimly lit, and silence falls upon the audience in the theater. The quiet ambiance is quickly disrupted by a blaring trumpet fanfare, and an all too familiar yellow font fills the blank theater...

Directed by an ILMEA composer, South students and others from the district perform at the Illinois Music Education Association's (ILMEA) festival. According to Band Director Greg Wojcik, the festival features several types of music from jazz to classical choir.

Select South musicians chosen to perform in ILMEA festival

Nick Moran and Hwa Oh
December 7, 2015

Each year, South sends a group of musicians to represent the school in band, orchestra, choir and jazz in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) festival. Musicians gather in the thousands to...

South students strive for Internet stardom

Hwa Oh, asst. a&e editor
October 22, 2015

Passion with a camera can go a long way for some in the world-wide stage of YouTube. Evident through the success of YouTube-born celebrities such as pop singer Justin Bieber and makeup artist Michelle...

Gun violence: the relationship between gun regulations and mental health care

Mollie Cramer, Co-A&E Editor
October 2, 2015

John Houser, the man who shot multiple people in Louisiana, was described by family as having a “volatile mental state” and was committed to a mental health treatment center in 2008, according to the...

Belmont expands fan base with Midwest Tour

Nick Moran, asst. a&e editor
October 2, 2015

Seven guys, one minivan and plenty of shows to rock the Midwest with their sound. Belmont, a band featuring South seniors Joey Legittino and Brian Lada, spent part of their summer touring states such as...

Illustration by Jini John

Streaming services blamed for decline in music industry’s profits

Hannah Rauh, co-a&e editor
October 2, 2015

In this technological-savvy era, there are many different ways of obtaining music, including streaming services like Spotify, media libraries like iTunes and buying physical copies like CDs and vinyls....

CineYouth Festival showcases students’ films, provides experience

CineYouth Festival showcases students’ films, provides experience

Hwa Oh, staff reporter
May 29, 2015

The Chicago International Film Festival sponsored the 11th annual CineYouth Festival featuring three GBS students’ films in Columbia College on May 7-9.  Selecting entries from around the globe,...

a&e opinion: Artistic temporality, illegality of graffiti stimulates thought

Mollie Cramer, asst. a&e editor
April 24, 2015

Would graffiti be considered art or vandalism? There’s no concrete definition of art; like beauty, art is in the eye of the beholder. To me, art is an aesthetically appealing manifestation of ideas....

Current Student Council Executive Board reflect on past year, newly elected look ahead

Current Student Council Executive Board reflect on past year, newly elected look ahead

Hannah Rauh, asst. features editor
April 24, 2015

As the 2014-15 school year comes to a close, the newly elected Executive Board look ahead to their next year at South, while the current senior Executive Board reflect on their time in Student Council. CLASS...

Art exhibit showcases students’ diverse, unique talents

Art exhibit showcases students’ diverse, unique talents

Mollie Cramer, asst. editor a&e
March 13, 2015

Bright paintings, glamorous jewelry, inspiring scratchboards, patterned bowls, molded sculptures and shaded pen drawings could all be found at the art exhibit that took place the week of Feb. 24 in the...

Chicago Symphony Orchestra spotlights Glenbrook’s musical talent

Hwa Oh, staff reporter
March 13, 2015

Under the serene silence and stillness in Orchestra Hall, the conductor gently lifts his baton, poised and ready to strike a beat to release the audience’s anticipation. His hand lowers and the baton’s...

Military Parents: South students share experiences with their parents who have served

Military Parents: South students share experiences with their parents who have served

Hannah Rauh, asst. features editor
March 13, 2015

Being a part of the military is something that runs deep in many American families. Generation after generation has been involved with the armed forces, and this has lead to the stereotype of “military...

News programs broadcast biased perspectives

News programs broadcast biased perspectives

Mollie Cramer, Asst. A&E editor
March 6, 2015

Information about our home, the U.S., and the world is fed to us by whatever news channel we flip on. We have an array of choices: CNN, MSNBC or Fox. But what if the channel we’re choosing is providing...

Belmont branches out of locality, strums to succeed

Belmont branches out of locality, strums to succeed

Nick Moran, staff reporter
February 6, 2015

Few bands with dreams of becoming famous are given the opportunity to grow to that point. Among those with that prospect is Belmont, a locally based garage band featuring members who, according to their...

Students transform hobbies into prospering businesses

Students transform hobbies into prospering businesses

HWA OH, Staff Reporter
February 6, 2015

From simple pieces of material to an intricately designed product, many GBS students transform arrays of supplies into masterpieces to sell and share with others. These students combine their talent and...

Art Club paints a fresh start

Art Club paints a fresh start

Hwa Oh, staff reporter
January 22, 2015

For many, art serves as an abstract mode of communication, touching base with one’s imagination and inner emotions. Art Club offers that opportunity of expression to find their creativity, according...

Hands of Peace: South students join with  middle eastern teenagers from  warring countries to foster peaceful coexistence.

Hands of Peace: South students join with middle eastern teenagers from warring countries to foster peaceful coexistence.

Hannah Rauh, asst. features editor
October 3, 2014

Many American teenagers may hear the news and statistics coming from the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and not think twice about it. Over the summer, however, multiple South students participated in the...

China proves to be an eye-opening experience to different cultures

Mollie Cramer, staff writer
May 27, 2014

The Great Wall was built for protection from those who were different; the Forbidden City walls were built for separation from the commoners. The walls we build in our heads can also be strong, made of...

IMEA Festival showcases South’s musically talented

IMEA Festival showcases South’s musically talented

Nick Moran, staff reporter
February 21, 2014

Every year, a select group of South students practice for a chance to take part in the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) Festival on Nov. 8 and 22. A handful of South’s musicians, all dedicated...

South students find unique ways to prepare for finals

Hannah Rauh, staff writer
February 11, 2014

It is 12:55 p.m on the last Sunday before finals week. Outside the Glenview Public Library, a huge group of teenagers stand in the frigid January weather, waiting for the library to open. The doors...

HORSIN' AROUND: Smiling big, junior Hannah Flanagan jokes around as she rides a horse at Equestrian Connection, a therapeutic horse stable in Lakeforest, Illinois. Equestrian Connection is one of the many events that Circle of Friends club has participated in this year.

Circle of Friends creates new friendships through engaging activities

Hannah Rauh, staff writer
February 7, 2014

From painting to pizza parties and bowling to barbecues, Circle of Friends is a club at South where students in the Special Education Department get to hang out with their peers and teachers outside of...

Ahn takes a bow, named ILMEA concertmaster

Ahn takes a bow, named ILMEA concertmaster

Mollie Cramer, staff writer
February 7, 2014

Students pass multiple football players, debaters and swimmers in the hallways of South. They have also passed at one time or another the newly-named two-time Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA)...

Glenbrook production of 'Phantom' gains Broadway recognition

Glenbrook production of ‘Phantom’ gains Broadway recognition

Mollie Cramer, staff writer
November 8, 2013

On the esteemed Broadway.com, right next to articles about Wicked and Newsies is an article highlighting the Glenbrook 2012 musical The Phantom of the Opera. Phantom recently received the “Wait, this...

Smelyansky incorporates music in every aspect of her life

Smelyansky incorporates music in every aspect of her life

Mollie Cramer, staff writer
October 4, 2013

Yo-Yo Ma, Judy Garland and junior Stephanie Smelyansky all have one thing in common: each have had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City. According to Smelyansky, music has always been...

Senior uses project to bring students together to help others

Mollie Cramer, staff writer
May 20, 2013

At Gabby Gottfried’s senior project event, Music for Murals, on May 23, students will be able to “make their mark” both physically and economically. Whether it’s outlining your hand on a student...

Media Collage class equips students with skills to master technology

Media Collage class equips students with skills to master technology

Mollie Cramer, staff writer
April 19, 2013

According to Scott Glass, teenagers understand how to operate social technology perfectly. In fact, according to Glass, they spend  so much of their time on social media that they don’t know much about...

Paradox show brings unconventional humor to South

Paradox show brings unconventional humor to South

Mollie Cramer, Staff Reporter
March 11, 2013

Webster Dictionary defines “paradox” as an opinion contrary to the commonly accepted opinion and, according to sponsor Erin Bosack, the sketch comedy club known as Paradox, which performs on March...

Mother and daughter bond over theatrical passion

Mollie Cramer, staff reporter
February 1, 2013

From shopping to going out to dinner, teenage girls acquire many memories with their moms throughout their childhood and adolescence, but according to junior Sophie Gomez, one of her fondest memories with...

Faculty members unite to perform in radio comedy

Mollie Cramer, staff reporter
December 21, 2012

  Some writers start with a rough draft, then another draft, then they tweak it a little more, and then write their final draft. According to parapro James Wood, he used sticky notes and little...

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