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Fun run for a causeBy Joanna WudarczykBefore theThanksgivingdinner getsserved, consider participating in the12th AnnualEdison ParkTurkey Trotwhich will take place on Nov. 27 at9:30 a.m.“This is an Edison Park tradition on Thanksgiving morning torun or walk 5 kilometers,” saidCounselor Jennifer Farrell.The Edison Park Turkey Trot isa 5K (3.1 mile) fun run or walk forcharity. It is a time when the community comes together on a day togive thanks and to raise money fora good cause.Each year the Turkey Trot sponsors a different organization. Thisyear’s race proceeds will benefitMisericordia Heart of Mercy.Misericordia Heart of Mercy isan organization that is dedicated toenriching the lives of people withdisabilities. They offer a home, employment, programs for 560 people,and assistance so people maximizetheir level of independence andself-determination. Misericordiapromotes development of naturalfamily and community support,community awareness, education,and advocacy.*“We are looking for Taft students to come out in their sportswear,” said Farrell.The race will begin at the Edison Park Fieldhouse southeast toOketo Ave., where it will wind itsway north through the residentialstreets of Edison Park. The admission for adults is 20 if registeredbefore Nov. 23 and children underthe age of 12 are 10.Students can register onlineat active.com. However, onlineregistration will close on Nov. 23 at10 p.m. If students miss the chanceBy JoannaWudarczykto sign up online, they could stillregister on the day of the race butare not guaranteed a T-shirt and theregistration fee changes to 25.“I have done it every year, except last year. The years I have ranwere really fun,” said Farrell.Come out and help this greatcause. Show our school spirit! JustStudents count ’08 election ballotsStudies Teacher Alma Martinez.The students were excused fromTaft stutheir classes on Election Day todents particihelp those registered through thepated in 2008’s voting process. For their contribuelections bytion, they were paid 50 for theirworking ascompletion of the online trainingelection judg- and 120 for the day and receivedes. On Nov. 4, service learning hours.28 juniors and seniors contributedAssigned to the nearest polltheir Tuesday to the decision ofour next president.The opportunity originatedfrom the Mikva Challenge organization and was announcedthrough PA announcements,and social studies teachers. TheMikva Challenge is a nonprofitorganization that encouragescivic participation and awareness to Chicago’s high schoolstudents. Citywide, 2800 students participated as electionjudges compared to last year’s1800.“The students who liked itwould be more civically engaged in the future,” said SocialBy MichelleFranciscoNews 3‘Tis the seasoning place from their house, electionjudges were required to arrive at 5a.m., an hour before polls opened.As election judges, the studentshelped voters through various jobs.“Overall it wasn’t bad besidesthe fact that it was a long day. It’snot hard work but I had to pay attention to keep track of every voterand make sure everything was correct,” said Danylo Hirnyj, Div.910.At their assigned precinct,election judges set up and helpedvoters before they completedtheir ballots by verifying theirname and address, giving theapplication for ballot, and demonstrating how to correctly fillone out. By 7 p.m., the judges announced the polls closing, closedtheir polling place and countedthe ballots.“Being an election judgetaught me how much is involvedin the voting process. It wasa good experience but all thepeople I was working with wereThe holiday season isapproachingquickly andthe Taft MusicDepartment isgetting into thespirit. It willbe hosting theMusic of the Season concert thatwill run from Dec. 16 – 18.“This is something new, a winter and holiday concert combined.In previous years we just had aholiday concert,” said Music Department Teacher James Newman.Over 400 students from ConcertBand, Jazz Band, Chorus, Wind Ensemble, and Advanced Chorus willbe the stars of the show performingsongs of the season.“The new show choir startedthis year will also be performing,”said Music Department TeacherAnita Gabor.Each night’s concert will bedifferent. On Tues. Dec. 16 theperformers will include AdvanceChorus and the Symphonic Band,which has Jazz Band and ConcertBand joined together; then on Wed.Dec. 17 and Thurs. Dec.18 Choruswill present.“We will be performingnot so familiar songs likeCradle Hymn and foreignlanguage songs like KingGlockchen, a German wintertime song,” said Gabon.The program for theconcerts has a variety ofsongs that also includes morewell-known carols like SantaClaus Is Coming to Town andWhere Are You Christmas.“The concert will beunique. It’s Christmas songswith a twist,” said Jade Ivy,Div. 114.The performances willbegin at 7p.m. each night.Tickets will be 5 each andavailable at the door.“I can’t wait until the winterconcert. It is going to be a lot offun and I can’t wait to show peoplewhat I got,” said Jacob Ochwat,Div. 114.Don’t be a scrooge! Come outYou’re a good man Charlie Brown!By AngelinaWardenThis yearis the first yearsince 2004’s“Grease”where Taft isdirecting a musical. “You’rea good man,Charlie Brown!” will be directed byDrama Teacher William Skar.“You’re a good man, CharlieBrown!” is an original musicalabout a bunch of kids and their every day lives. There are a few comicbits but it’s also very heartwarming.“This is a great opportunity forstudents to participate in schoolfunctions and to get to know peopleto gain long lasting friendships,”said Mr. Skar.With other options like “Into thewoods” and “Hello Dolly”, CharlieBrown came out feeling like a goodstarting point since there hasn’tbeen a musical in a while.With a double cast and aboutcal will be in the auditorium at Taftsix main characters, Mrs. Gaboron March 5 through 7. Tickets areis choreographing a musical thatwill include 30 to 40 students. Next 4 for students and 5 for adults.year, they plan tohave a huge musicalwith around 60 to70 students participating.Auditions willbe held Dec. 11and 12 right afterschool in room 187.You should have 16measures of a song,or just half a song,ready to be sungand comfortableclothes to movearound in. If youneed help gettingprepared for theseauditions, attending“How to auditionworkshop” on Dec.5 in room 187 willhelp.The actual musiMr. Scar talking about the upcoming events.News 4

Students excel in essay competitionsBy KragoBarjaktarevicByJoannaA totalof 5 Taftstudentswon essaycompetitionshosted bytwo differentorganizations– Roosevelt University (RU) andCBS 2 Chicago – in relation toHispanic Heritage Month. Bothinstitutions worked in conjunctionwith Chicago Public Schools.Roosevelt University EssayCompetitionBoth Sarah Real (Div. 911) andJacqueline Ovalle (Div. 211) wonprizes for the essay hosted by RU.Sarah received the Grand Prize andwas awarded a Laptop computerand printer while Jacqueline Ovallewon 2nd place and was given a Digital Camera and printer.Taft was also acknowledged bya 5000 scholarship for being theschool of the Grand Prize winner.Furthermore, Taft Spanish TeacherDella Deme received a 100 giftcertificate for each of the awardedstudents.The essay topic was on howHispanics of the present or pastimpacted our society and personallife today. Sarah answered thisStudents plan for their futureDr.Travardian with Roosevelt Essay winners Jacqueline (left) and Sarah (right).prompt with how the military ismuch stronger due to the numberof Hispanics enrolled, especiallyfocusing on Angela Salinas, whowas a Brigadier General for the USarmy that went from humble beginnings to the strong title she currently displays.“She impacted my life by breaking out of the mold of her familystandards and the expectations ofher ethnicity,” said Sarah.The award banquet for thiscompetition was held at North-Rebecca Fernandez, Monserrate Herrera, Susana Ramirez and Mrs. Deme.News 5Grand High School on Nov. 6.CBS 2 Chicago EssayCompetitionWhile the essays for this competition were submitted last May,the awards were given in the beginning of this year. Rebecca Fernandez, (Graduated) Monserrat Herrera(Graduated) and Susana Ramirez(Div. 911) all won the prize for theirgrade section.Winning seniors received a 500 check and juniors a 300.The competition awarded 2 studentsfrom each grade, and the awardceremony was hosted at the PalmerHouse Hilton.“It just makes me feel verygood to see the students accomplishsomething that makes them feelproud,” said Deme.The essay challenged participating students to “Provide an Immigration Plan” for the U.S. Demeassigned the essay to her Spanishclasses, which contributed to the900 students that participated.“It gave me confidence in mywriting,” said Susana.very resourceful and helpful. It had many colleges tolook at and the ones I wasinterested in, which wasa plus. Also, the collegefair is a great opportunityif you are unsure where togo. I’d definitely recommend going to it,” saidWudarczykAlex DeFranco, Div. 042.Over 800 people tookStudents filled outadvantage of Taft’s College–cards with their mailingCareer Fair in the schooladdress to schools fromlunchroom on Oct. 30.which they wished toStudents along with theirreceive further informationparents attended the Thurson upcoming events. Theyday evening’s event to learnalso asked the representaabout college opportunities.tives questions about dealMore than 100 institutionsing with college expenseswere invited to participateand finding the right colTaft students learning from a presenter in the College Fair.in Taft’s event. Over 80lege for their desired major.institutions—colleges, mili“Representatives saidtary, universities and tradeSince Americans are facingthat Taft students were wellschools—came and set up informa- great economic hardships, the Ilprepared with questions,” saidtion tables, where students werelinois Student Assistance Commis- Ehret.able to get brochures, flyers andsion (ISAC) and the Tax AssistanceThe college fair had positiveinformation cards.Program (TAP) informed studentsresults. It attracted many students,“The main goal of the collegeabout financial aid and ways toespecially that many teachers gavefair was to get students pumpedlighten their tuition for college.extra credit to students who atabout college, to get them startedTAP gave three half hour presentended it.looking at different colleges andtations to make sure that all, who“I thought it was excellent,”bring parents into the process,” said participated in the college fair, hadsaid Ehret.Counselor and College Fair Orgaan opportunity to get information.As students are getting ready tonizer Phyllis Ehret.“I myself found the college fair head out for college this followingSENIOR HALL OF FAME RESULTSCongratulations to the winnersand may they encourage the rest ofus to follow in their footsteps.“Dreams can be accomplishednot based on ethnicity but on courNews 6

FEATURESA DAY IN THE LIFE OF.A Security GuardBy Jessica Spurgeon“Take off thatsweater.” “Put onyour ID.” “Whereare you supposedto be?” Thoseare the everyday, recurringstatements Taft security has totell students.“I have to tell almost thesame kid to do the same thingover and over again,” said Security Guard Dale Morano.The job of a security guardat Taft is to protect the studentsand the staff. They have to makesure that everything going on inthe building is safe, that studentsare where they are supposed tobe, and that the students who arein the building are, who they saythey are.In order to become a securityguard, you must have some typeof security background for a fewyears and a high school diploma.You are required to go throughsome type of training and finger analysis, which checks yourcriminal background.“I have been doing securityon and off since the early 80’s,”said Security Guard Nancy Nelson.Both Morano and Nelson lovebeing security at Taft. Nelson said,“Students are great; we have a veryskilled staff that really cares aboutthe students.”One major responsibility of aTaft security guard is that everyoneis treated equally and with respect.“They’re supposed to be treatedequally, both students and staff,”said Nelson.We hear it everyday, “put yourID on,” “take off that green sweater,” but how many times is it reallysaid? “I wear this everyday,” Nelson says is a common saying fromstudents about their sweaters. “Why and sometimes four minutes, goingme? What about that person?” isto your locker and making it to youralso another common saying.class on time just isn’t enough.“We can’t be everywhere. We“I allow at least one minuteafter the bell rings for students tomake it to their class, but wandering the halls ten minutes passthe bell is unacceptable,” saidNelsonDuring the passing periodsbetween first and fifth periods,I took a tally on just how manytimes security has to repeat themselves, telling students to takeoff their out of uniform sweatersor put on their IDs, the numberswere ridiculous.Between the first and secondpassing period, Nelson had to tell97 students to put on their IDsand 17 students to get in dresscode. Remember, this is just ina four minute span. During thesecond and third passing period195 students were told to put ontheir IDs and 40 were told to getinto dress code. Both Nelson andAssistant Principle Susan Grosswere on the second floor takingsweaters and bringing them downto the main entrance to be pickedup at the end of the day.During fourth period lunch, Ican’t get every student and we’resat in on Morano and watched himnot trying to single you out,” saidat work, he walked around tellNelsoning 15 students to put on their IDsSpending a good fraction of the and 10 students were caught out ofschool day with two of Taft’s secu- dress code and told to do garbagerity guards really gave me a greatduty, a form of punishment for beview on just how tiring their jobing out of dress code in the lunchreally is. By the end of the day, Iroom. During the passing periodwas so exhausted and my feet were between fourth and fifth period, 30hurting because of all the walkstudents were told to once again puting and patrolling. Security had toon those IDs.repeat themselves over a thousandIf we all just followed thetimes to students about their IDs,school policies, security wouldn’tabout the dress code or getting tohave to repeat themselves everyday.class on time.It’s not part of their job descriptionSecurity understands that there and as students let’s not make itare a lot of students in the building their job.Feature 7What are you watching?By Gadeer IhmudSo you’rebored and don’tknow what to do.As the TV seasonkicks into highgear, lets recap ourfavorite TV shows:Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, Desperate Housewives, and much more.America voted West BeverleyHill’s “90210” its #1 TV showseries of 2008. The award for bestcomedy went to “Two and a HalfMen”, best drama went to “House”,the best new TV show award wentto “Pushing Daisies”, while theworst new TV show award went to“Caveman”, and finally best DisneyChannel TV show award went to“Hannah Montana.”We wanted to check and seewhat Taft students considered theirfavorite TV shows to be.“My favorite TV show definitely has to be Gossip Girl. There is somuch drama in it and not to mention all the cute guys,” said BarbaraPolan, Div. 147.“I’d choose One Tree Hill. I really like how this show talks abouteveryday lives that we could relateto,” said Maggie Glodek, Div. 147.Of course with all the diversestudents at Taft, some prefer towatch something in their own homelanguage.“Well I watch a Turkish TVshow that’s translated in Arabic.It’s called ‘No Place No Country’.It’s about a family that abandonstheir daughter after she has broughtshame on them by becoming pregnant before marriage,” said AsraHassan, Div. 964.And who said that by going tohigh school we become too old forNickelodeon and Disney Channel?“I’m a senior but I’m not em-barrassed to admit that I still watchSpongebob Squarepants with mylittle brothers. He is so funny andhe always makes my day. My favorite episode has to be when he losthis identity,” said Bayan Abad, Div.947.But what makes children andteens start watching whatever TVshow it is they watch? Is it the persuasive commercials, friends andfamily, or newspapers and magazines?TV show series Desperate Housewives spent a total of 400,000 for a 30 second commercial, while Grey’s Anatomy spent 434,792 for a 30 second commercial. So with all that money that’sused on these commercials, it reallyattracts theviewers toa particularshow.“I wasflippingthroughthe TV andthe commercial forOne TreeHill reallycaught myattention. Itlooks likeplenty effortwas putinto it andthe showlooked entertaining,”said ManalKharwish,Div. 147.“Ididn’t findout aboutGossipGirl through the commercials butthrough my friend Maddy,” saidPolan.TV shows can also show different emotions for its viewers. Comedies such as Two and A Half Men,The Simpsons, and Family Guy canalways make the audience laugh.Other shows can make theviewers cry or become sad. It alldepends on what you watch.“Family Guy always makes melaugh so hard. I love that show,”said Zied Hassan, Div. 242.Next time you feel like smilingjust grab the remote and see what’son!STAFF BOXNews EditorKrago BarjaktarevicAdvisorPatrick T. Levins.Feature EditorAngelika WardachEditorial Editor Entertainment EditorJustyna BlandoSylwia DakowiczFeature 8Sports EditorAnna SoltysiakGraphic EditorGrace Pisula

How’s my driving?What are you listening to?By Gadeer IhmudBy Jennifer KurotobiAccording to a Div. 134recent poll taken at“I chose the fill in and putTaft High School, “Heartless” by Kanye West insteadon hot new music, because it’s one of Kanye’s newT.I.’s song “What- hits and he introduces hip-hop toever You Like” is new types of lyrics and beats.”the most popularBruno Paixao, Div.043new hit. Twentystudents fromeach year andTop Hitstwenty teachersotherwere given vari19%ous new songsfrom different"So What" Pink11%genres. Accord"Rock 'n' Roll Train"ing to the dataAc/Dc7%hip-hop seemsto be the mostpopular type ofsLove Story" Taylor Swiftmusic Taft stu"Whatever You Like" T.I.2%40%dents listen to.“Pink knowswhat’s up, shealways comesup with creativesong that can relate to her fans.”Mary Linnane,Div. 011"Decode" Paramore3%“‘Whatever you like’ is a goodtune to jam to.” Nina DeFransisco,What areyou thankfulfor?By Gadeer Ihmud and Jessica Spurgeon“I thank God for everythinggood and bad. I also thank God forhappiness. Everything is a trial sowe need to learn from everythinggood and bad that happens to us.”Theresa Wong“I’m grateful my children aredoing well and I still enjoy teaching.” Christie Crosh“I’m thankful for my dog andmy new job at Taft.” ChristineEischen"Whatever You Like" byT.I."Viva La Vida" byColdplay"Disturbia" by Rhianna"Crush" by DavidArchiletta"Decode" by Paramore“Mychoiceof song[‘WhateverYou Like’]is just whatI listen andactuallydance to.” Henry Palomo, Div. 143"Viva La Vida" Coldplay9%Rebecca Dietrich of Div. 010chose Pink’s song ‘So What’ because “This is my jam to drive to!”"So What" by PinkSamantha Burkeof Div. 160filled in herown song‘Ambitionsof a Hustla’by YoungJeezybecause“the othersongs aregarbage.”"Love Story" by TaylorSwift"Rock 'n' Roll Train" byAc/Dcother"Crush" David Archiletta4%"Disturbia" Rhianna5%“Crush” because it is so touching.”Justine Velada, Div. 226Brittany Pegues of Div. 911says she chose the song “So What”because she thinks “The beat isawesome!”Jessica Hernandez of Div. 131says “All the other songs are lame,except ‘Whatever You Like,’ andthough this song is a little old it’sstill the best.”“‘Whatever you like’ may bethe most overplayed song in thewhole world, but its still amazing.”Lauren Fohlmeister Div. 134“I like David Archuleta’s song“I’m thankful for a new president.” Todd Finkel“That I have a job I enjoy andit pays the bills. My health and theimproving camaraderie in the Taftscience department.” Peet Singh“I’m thankful for my friends,my family, and my Palestinianbackground.” Wejdan AwadallahDiv. 236“I’m thankful for being independent.” Fotiny Diamantis Div.937Feature 9Terry Bercovitz, science teacher, listens to 2 Live crew “DaisyDukes” and states “I like my oldschool hip-hop. Booyah!”“I chose Pink’s song ‘So what’because I am a Rock star!” MichaelBakula, science teacher.Christie Ware of Div. 011chose “Crush” by David Archuletabecause “He’s a new singer andalready has a great song!”“I’m thankful for being independent.” Fotiny Diamantis Div.937“I am thankful for my wonderful counseling department and howthey make me look good everyday.”Phyliss Ehret“For living in Chicago becauseI wouldn’t be able to enjoy the stuffin Chicago.” Blake, Div. 236“I’m thankful for what I haveright now and for the support frommy family.” Tuyen Tran, Div. 236I’m sure wehave all seen thosebumper stickersthat say “How’sMy Driving?” Baddriving habits havebecome a majorissue in America.On average, 10 teens die everyday in vehicles driven by themselves or other teens. Fatal accidents for 16- and 17-year-old drivers jumped 20% in July and August,making them the deadliest monthsfor teen drivers because school isout and summer vacation starts. It’snot the same routine of just drivingfrom school to home to work. Thereare road trips, parties, and moresocial activities.The National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimatesthe cost of car accidentsinvolving 15-20 year olddrivers is over 40 billionper year.A recent survey thatwas taken by the AmericanAutomobile Association(AAA) in March of 2008showed that 61% of teens admittedto risky driving habits, nearly 50%said they text message while driving, 51% talk on cellphones, 58%say they drive with their friends inthe car even though having otherteens in a car can dramaticallyincrease the chance of an accident,40% say they speed, 20% say theydon’t wear their seat belts, and 11%say they drink or use drugs beforedriving.Students at Taft should be asking themselves these very importantquestions every time they get in thecar. How is my driving? Am I beingcareful and following all the rules?“I think I’m a safe driver. I gotmy license in January of 2008 andsince then I’ve been taking it withme every time I get in the car. I always wear my seat belt and followall the signs on the road because Iknow what will happen to me oranyone else if I don’t,” said TamamDeeb, Div. 960.Texting and talking on cellphones are one of the main causesof car accidents. Some driverssteer with their pinkies while theirthumbs do the typing. Others usetheir knees to guide them on theroad, freeing their hands to tap outa quick e-mail. Though we know itswrong we still do it.“I know it’s wrong to text whiledriving but I still do it anyway. Irealized that it’s dangerous and I’mstarting to stop. But sometimes youfeel like you have to send an important message even though nothingshould be more important than yourown life,” said Bayan Abad, Div.947.Driving with friends in the caris another leading cause of seriouscar accidents. Teen drivers becomedistracted when their friends arewith them by talking, laughing, orfixing their make-up. They forgetthat they’re on the road and forgetthe danger at hand.“I always go out in the carwith my friends t

TAFT TODAY 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS News 1 Volume 19 No. 2 TAC ranks top ten in Illinois By Michelle Francisco The Chicago Sun-Times ranked Taft's Aca-demic Center (TAC) as one of the top ten middle schools in Illinois. To no astonish-ment, the Academic Center has ranked accordingly for the past five or six years. "It's not a surprise Also we