25 Things You Didn't Know About Fight Club

by Gabriela San Felipe

So, I know this isn't entirely school-related, but I'm practicing my article writing skills. Here's an article I wrote, about an article, about a movie...

Original article:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/regajha/25-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-movie-fight-c

My review of the article relating to the book:

If you’ve ever read Chuck Palahniuk’s “Fight Club,” then you’ve already experienced the gut wrenching twists that this novel has in store. But what about the twists in the movie? In the 1999 film "Fight Club," the minds of Chuck Palahniuk and David Fincher come together to create something that is no less than a masterpiece. In Fight Club, the presence of consumerism, anarchy, and down right insanity are thrown in your face at alarming speeds. But this article proves that the quieter, less noticeable hints of corruption, the ones that creep into our subconscious and grab hold of our bones, are really what need to watch out for. This article helps us realize just how much of Palahniuk's message we have missed, and when we are able to take on a new perspective of the film, we can laugh at the irony that Fight Club had originally intended.

A Clean Sweep!

Yesterday during lunch time, Vanguard held a mock school ballot for this years Illinois Congress elections. There are 6 positions in Congress: United States Senator, Attorney General, Comptroller, Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Treasure. Each job has a specific duty responsible for helping make the laws for the United States. What students voted on Friday were who they thought was best suited to represent Illinois in Congress. Here are the final results of the official election, and the Vanguard School election.

Official Illinois Election:

United States Senator- Richard Durbin (53.1%)
Attorney General- Lisa Madigan (59.1%)
Comptroller- Judy Baar Topinka (49.9%)
Governor and Lieutenant Governor- Bruce Rauner (50.7%)
Secretary of State- Jesse White (65.4%)
Treasurer- Tom Cross (48.2%)

Vanguard Mock Election:

United States Senator- Richard Durbin (69.2%)
Attorney General- Lisa Madigan (64.3%)
Comptroller- Sheila Simon (73.3%)
Governor and Lieutenant Governor- Pat Quinn (76.9%) 
Secretary of State- Jesse White (73.3%)
Treasurer- Michael Frerichs (64.3%)

As you can see, while the official votes were split between Democrats and Republicans, Vanguard school proved to be overwhelmingly in favor of the Democratic party. I interviewed students and staff on their thoughts on why this is, and this is what they had to say:

"I think students here are passionate about issues that Democrats are typically fighting for." Says Dianna S. "Things like gay marriage and gun control are important to the students here at Vanguard School."

Frankie P. adds, "Usually you find more liberal people like Democrats in areas like large cities, whereas people in rural areas tend to be more conservative. Here in Chicago there are many different people with various backgrounds, ethnicities, religions etc. and I think that can definitely influence someones voting."

Mr. Koz also had an interesting perspective. "I'm curious to know whether it's just Vanguard School that's Democratic, or High Schools in general. The older you get, it seems the more conservative you become, probably because as you grow older you have more things to lose. Republicans focus on things such as businesses and profit, while Democrats focus on things like human rights. When you're 50 and trying to pay for your home, being on the Republican end of things doesn't seem like a bad idea."

Even though the voting turn out for Vanguard school was not as great as we had hoped for (ranging at about 15 total votes each person) we would like to thank those who did vote, and encourage those who didn't to get involved in voting as soon as possible, whether at school or in real life!

-Gabriella San Felipe

Dr. Koralik's Retirement.

As the school year comes to an end, it is hard not to think about the huge changes that Vanguard has endured in the last year. We lost our beloved social worker, Mrs. Medina Perez, to cancer, and welcomed new staff like Mr. Scholten, Mr. Wrobel, and Mrs. Negron with open arms. Students came and went, some for better, some for worse, and others are still here for awhile waiting to graduate. But the changes for Vanguard are not over yet. The well respected, loved, and inspiring Dr. Koralik will be leaving us this year. To quote him, he feels like it is "Just his time." He has personally told me that while he will of course miss working at Vanguard, it is time for him to enjoy other things in life, and explore everything there is to be explored. Being that he is a well loved teacher here at Vanguard, it is really hard not to be sad about him leaving. Many students, including myself, will miss his wisdom, his advice, and most of all his sense of humor and ease when it comes to living life on life's terms. But those of us who are still at Vanguard can take comfort in knowing one thing: Dr. Koralik will be happy. And when it comes to loving someone, while it might bring us pain to let them go, their happiness is all that really matters. So really, instead of this being a somber occasion, let us celebrate Dr. Koralik's years here at Vanguard, and all that he has done for us and the school! And, hey, he lives about a block away, so it's not like you won't ever see him again! Oh, yeah, and if you're thinking about a going away present (hint hint) anything turtle related will do nicely.

We love you, Dr. Koralik. Here is to a new beginning, and a new chapter in your life. We will miss you.
-Vanguard

Teacher Appreciation Week!

Hello, fellow students! Wondering why a bunch of kids and staff have been wearing crazy outfits recently? Because it's Teacher Appreciation Week, DUH! This week, May 5th-May 9th, students and staff are encouraged to dress up to show their appreciation for Vanguard teachers! Each day of the week is a new theme, and here is the schedule-

Monday- Fantasy
Tuesday- Dress Like A Teacher
Wednesday- ZOO!
Thursday- Fancy
Friday- Athletic

Even if you missed a day or two, it's never too late to show you care! So be sure to dress up to show that you love your Vanguard teachers, and other staff workers, too!

Hoops For Medina!

As all of you know by now, Vanguard School has recently lost a beloved social worker Dr. Medina-Perez to cancer. In honor of her, our school is having a fund raiser this year called "Hoops For Medina." By playing Basketball for ONE DAY, we can raise money that will go to Medina Perez's family to pay for her two sons, Aiden and Liam, to go to college. Here are what students are saying about it:

"I'm really not a huge fan of playing Basketball, but after hearing about what the cause was for, I knew I had to play," said Nicole Tolstead, Senior Viper. "I knew Dr. Medina-Perez for a long time. She was a great woman, and was always trying to help others. I'm glad the students at Vanguard have a chance to give the same love and kindness back to her family."

Another student, Kelsey Ramirez, recalls her memories with Medina, "She was a really awesome lady. She was so down to Earth, and would help you any time you needed it. I remember one time she even meditated with me. (laughs) I'm really going to miss her."

Generally, students are hoping to raise "as much money as possible" by playing Hoops For Medina, and hope that every one will participate to reach our goal of $1000.

 So far only one team, Turtles/Penguins have planned outfits to wear that day, which will be green/white/black tye dye shirts! How cool is that?! Plus, if you make some really cool outfits, you may even get art points from DeMeo! So, with all of this said, everyone get prepared to break a sweat on Friday, April 11th in honor of Mrs. Medina Perez!

For additional information, please click on this link:
http://www.d214.org/district_214_schools_honor_medina-perez_memory_with_fundraisers.aspx

District 214 Gets Social!

As many of you may have heard during "Big Team" on Monday, District 214 is having a Twitter contest! The goal is for each High School to "get social" by tweeting about classroom activities, upcoming school events, sports, and update everyone about other fun things going on in their High School! The contest will run from 12:01 a.m.today to 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 11. Points will be awarded for new followers, AND retweeted original content from each official school account. 

Being the awesome Vipers we are, we're going to win, aren't we?! Oh yeah, and the best part is, the contest winners will get FREE ICE CREAM for the whole school, donated by Capannari Ice Cream in Mount Prospect! So remember, when you are tweeting about how bad the kid smells that's sitting next to you, tweet #214GetSocial to support your school!

-Gabriella San Felipe

BREAKING NEWS!

Breaking news today at Vanguard:
A very kind student, who wishes to remain anonymous, has taken the liberty of paying off EVERY student's debt at the coffee cart! The student walked into the kitchen during today's lunch, looked at the list of the almost $25 dollar debt, and said, "Let me get that." This really really warms my heart. To know that there are still people who are willing to sacrifice something of theirs to help other people gives me the strength and hope for a brighter future.

-Gabby San Felipe

New Staff Interview With Mrs. Negron!

1. So, how do you like Vanguard so far?
I love it! It's very different from the home school I worked at, Rolling Meadows. It has a very warm touch to it.

2. Did you always want to be in the counseling field?
No, actually. In college I wanted to be an accountant, and then I started doing work for the community and I loved it! So I became a counselor.

3. What were you like in high school?
I was very outgoing, I would talk to anyone! I'm still that way today. I was also really sporty, and very involved in school activities. And I was working there to pay off the cost, since it was an all-girls private school. I had such a great time. You didn't have to worry about putting on make up or doing your hair, since there were no boys around! It was very relaxing.

 4. What things do you like to do for fun, outside of school?
Well, I have 2 girls, Sophia and Olivia, so I spend most of my time with them. I'm also still very involved with my college Sorority, so we meet up often and do things together.

5. What is the best piece of advice you've ever gotten?
That everything happens for a reason.

6. What is your favorite book?
"American Chica" by Marie Arana. It's great!

7. What is something that most people don't know about you?
I'm very involved with my culture. I was born in Peru, and still stick very close to my roots.

8. What would you say is your biggest personal accomplishment?
Probably paying my way through college. It felt good to know that I was self sufficient.

9. How would your friends and family describe you?
Caring, always willing to help, motherly, and I always put others first!

10. If you could live anywhere in the universe, where would it be?
Like I said I'm very family oriented, so I would love to live with my extended family down in Peru. I'm happy wherever they are!

11. A time when you were embarrassed?
Well, I can't say specific things, but let's just say Sorority initiation was pretty tough. It gave me a thick skin though, and now I'm able to laugh off those embarrassing things that would have humiliated me before!

12. What is a strange talent that you have?
I'm actually ambidextrous, which means I can write with both of my hands, which is pretty cool!

13. What is the most adventurous thing you've ever done?
Hmmm. I'm not a very adventurous person, but I would say going to Machu Picchu in Peru was really exciting! I got to learn a lot about old ruins and things like that.

14. If someone were to make a movie about your life, who would you hope would play you?
Oh! I already know this one! Jennifer Lopez! She's great.

15. What changes do you plan on making here at Vanguard?
I would like to teach kids to be more open minded with people, and learn how to accept others for how they are. We are all different, but that's what makes the world great.

saying goodbye to Dr. Medina-Perez

As I sit here soaked in my tears the only thing going through my head is "COME BACK, COME BACK!" As if she only left to another country. She is gone, I wont see her again and that is something that I cannot accept. I cant even begin to try and understand what her husband is going through. When I got home I was hoping no one would be there so I can just put down this act and just explode in tears and yell "come back" like if she wasn't far and can hear me.

This is a dream and this isn't real is what I keep telling myself. That she's going to show up at vanguard and tell us this was all just some kind of joke. I figured maybe if I trick myself into thinking this just wasn't reality then I would be alright. People keep asking if I'm okay, of course I say I am because that is what society expects us to say. I'm not going to say no I'm not okay. Someone that I just poured out my past, present and then future goals just passed away to fucking cancer. Someone that helped me make BIG decisions and taught me so much about life and myself that I didn't even know existed. Dr. Medina-Perez.

You knew so much about everything. But if you only knew where I was today and how I make beyond better decisions than the last time we talked, you would be proud of me. Remember when I would walk into your office and talk about these awesome books, philosophy, and just about anything you can think of we talked abut. And then we decided to trade books because you were interested in the book i was reading and vise vera. Well I still have the one you let borrow with that awesome book mark you gave me. I wrote on post-its so I wouldn't write in your book. Anyway, I wanted to say thank you. You and Koralik were the reason why I even got up in the morning to show up for school when I did. If i would have known this was going to happen i would have came every day. You did something I though was never going to be possible. Get me to go to school. You did so much to help me stay sane. If there was a different social worker at Vanguard when I got here, I probably wouldn't be alive. Little did you know you saved a life. You inspired me to do great things, and those great things I WILL do. I wish I could just see you one more time and tell you how you impacted my life massively.
I will NEVER forget you,Ill see you soon.
Rest In Peace.

by Kelsey Ramirez, editor-in-chief

Vanguard loses beloved social worker

Vanguard lost its beloved social worker, Dr. Marilyn Medina-Perez, yesterday to cancer. She  pushed us to graduate, made us laugh, loved us so much, and, in some cases, even saved our lives. Dr. Medina recently earned a doctorate, became a mom to two awesome babies, Liam and Aiden, and she filled our buckets every day. Everyone loves Dr. Medina like a mom.

We are working hard to collect memories, thoughts, and reflections about our beloved social worker, Dr. Marilyn Medina-Perez. Please submit anything you would like published to us! We included our email in this post. We will work hard to create a forum of love and support for all vipers--staff, alum, and current students!

">Thank you, Kelsey and Gabby, editors of the blog

kramirez3557@stu.d214.org
gsanfelipe4533@stu.d214.org


Here is the link to Dr. Medina's obituary and information about services:
http://www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2382725&fh_id=11599 

New Staff Interview With Mr. Wrobel!

1. So, how do you like Vanguard so far?
I love everything about it! The building, the students, the staff. And it's very homey, and small which I like.

2. Did you always want to be in the teaching field?
No, actually. When I was younger, and still living in Poland, my dream job was to be a garbage man! (laughs) I thought it would be so cool to ride on those huge trucks!

3. What were you like in High School?
Believe it or not, I was pretty weird! I had long hair, played guitar, and was into a lot of Black Metal type bands. I was a good student though, with hardworking parents who worked 2 plus jobs, so I think I can relate a lot to Vanguard students in the sense that my family had to work hard for everything we had.

 4. What things do you like to do for fun, outside of school?
Well, I have a son, Dominik, so I love just going outside and playing with him. He's the best. I'm also REALLY into Badminton, and I even coach at Buffalo Grove and Elk Grove High School! 

5. What is the best piece of advice you've ever gotten?
To work hard at anything you do, and give it your best. 

6. What is your favorite book?

Well, my son's favorite book is "Where Is Baby's Belly Button?" by Karen Katz, and it's sorta grown on me (laughs). But my other favorite book since High School has been Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

7. What is something that most people don't know about you?

I compete at a high level in Badminton, and I've traveled around the world to go to competitions. I've been to Canada, Boston, places like that. Also, I moved here from Poland when I was pretty young, because of a green card lottery! Basically, people across Poland applied to get themselves and their families a green card, and my family happened to win! We had 3 months to pack up all our things and move to America! So that was pretty crazy.

8. What would you say is your biggest personal accomplishment?

My biggest personal accomplishments were learning to speak English, and going back to school with minimal resources. I actually went to Harper for Massage Therapy, and then to North Eastern for my teaching degree.

9. How would your friends and family describe you?

They would say that I'm hard working, and have a great sense of humor.

10. If you could live anywhere in the universe, where would it be?

On an island with clear blue water! I'm happy anywhere I can swim.

11. A time when you were embarrassed?

Well, when I first came here and knew very little English, someone said to me "What's up?" And I actually looked up at the ceiling. The guy explained to me later that it was something common Americans said, and I busted out laughing.

12. What is a strange talent that you have?

Hmm. I can make owl sounds? I guess that's pretty cool.

13. What is the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

When I was 10 years old, I was a part of the boy scouts, and we went on a 3 week wilderness journey, basically living off our own resources. I had a blast! I even repelled off a 60 meter bridge, which scared me half to death, but I'm very glad I did it!

14. If someone were to make a movie about your life, who would you hope would

play you?

James Dean! We have the same birthday, and he's a total badass!

15. What changes do you plan on making here at Vanguard?

My goal is to get kids excited about being active and healthy. I also want them to find something active that they like to do, and continue it outside of High School. Even if it's just walking, it's still good excercise!