Rod R. Blagojevich Arrested

Rod R. Blagojevich is the 40th governor of Illinois. He was elected in 2002 and was re-elected in 2006. On December 9, 2008 he was arrested for attempting to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat among other accusations.

This scandal has affected teachers and students at Vanguard School in many ways. Bobbie Felfe, school librarian, said, “When so many questions of character exist, you can't govern effectively, so anybody who’s a person of high character would step away from the job. You get stupid when you get greedy.”

Robert Struggles, a senior, said, “When people in power are corrupt, not only do we feel the effects of their individual acts, but they ruin something much more important. They destroy the fabric of society as they sew distrust into the lives of their people.”

Some of the students and teachers are upset with the fact that the man who is supposed to be helping our schools is stealing from them. Tedd Markos, a teacher, said, “Rod Blagojevich took money from Illinois education funds. He said that he planned to add more slot machines in Illinois casinos to compensate for the education fund that he took from. He’s a crook.”

To add on Liz Ojeda, a senior, said, “I can’t imagine why people would vote for a man that is clearly corrupt. He is a great example of someone who let’s power get to his head. It disgusts me that he has been stealing from our kid’s education funds. I hope they lock him up for a long time.”

Chicago is known for its corrupt politicians. Ardis Anzalone, Vanguard secretary, said it perfectly, “It’s a shame that Illinois can’t get out of the shadow of these corrupt politicians (like Rod’s the 1st?!) project to the rest of the country. Who can we trust at the state level? "

Story by Jaclyn Cimarusti
photo courtesy of photobucket

Twilight "A Blood Sucking Love Story"

Twilight is not only sweeping the nation but sweeping Vanguard School. Seventy-two students and several staff members endured two hours and one minute of the latest fad on opening day on Friday, November 21. Students earned their ticket to the show by each finishing a book and doing a book talk with a staff member.


The movie Twilight is the new teen craze this year. Based on the book Twilight written by Stephanie Meyer it is a modern day love story with a twist:

a young human girl risks everything to be with her vampire boyfriend Edward.

The series of four books has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. The movie generated an estimated 70.5 million dollars for its opening weekend, according to imdb.com.

With all this buzz about how extraordinary the movie is, some people think otherwise. Becky Leffelman, a Vanguard student, said, “The way the director portrayed the movie was nothing like the book and the acting was horrible!”

To add on Kelby Pruchnick, a fellow Vanguard student, said, “I read all four books. I think the movie was a real big disappointment.”

Ms. O'Neill, a teacher at Vanguard, read two of the books in the series and was also disappointed. "I thought it was real funny. Like really bad funny. Kinda like Leprechaun."

Many say the book is always better than the movie. Contrary to this belief, some people disagree. Chris Carter said, “I liked the movie so much better than the book.”

The majority of students that didn’t read the book really seemed to enjoy the movie. Sarah Jackson said, “The movie was “fabtabulous.”

To add on Thomas Vamvakos said, “ The character Alice is hot and it had a good storyline.”

Some students liked the movie so much they actually want to read the book. Izzy Pasillas said, “The movie was great, I can’t wait to read the book.”

I think that a lot of people that read the book (including myself) had too high of expectations. A wise person once told me that when you read a book and then go see the movie, you have to go in with an open mind. Go see Twilight in theaters now and see what you decide.

By: Jaclyn Cimarusti

Photo courtesy of Photobucket.com...we're thieves

Team Koz supports grad into the next chapter

Kristine Verdico came to Vanguard High School from Hersey High School on December 5, 2005. She describes herself a girl who desperately needed guidance in her past. Today, she is now a driven young woman striving for greatness.

Verdico is always up to a challenge such as camping and Upward Bound . There is always something new and exciting she wants to accomplish.

“In Kristine I see a sense of curiosity, a desire to learn. And I respect that. It will serve her well throughout her life,” said teacher Robert Koralik.

Verdico is appreciated and will be missed by her peers. “Kristine always tells you it straight up, she doesn’t hold things back. We have gone through a lot of issues that we have overcome. She has only been my friend for a short time but in that short time, she has had my back,” said Becky Leffelman.

With Verdico’s graduation day only a few short weeks away, she said, “I am going to miss everything. Vanguard has become my second home. Vanguard has taught me a lot about myself.”

Verdico hasn’t wasted anytime as for the future ahead of her, she said, “After I graduate, I’m starting second semester at Harper. Maybe after Community College I can go to a University to pursue a career in sign language.”

Before Verdico came to Vanguard she was a different person, she said. “I didn’t care about school but when I came to Vanguard that changed.”

Teachers make Vanguard what it is. Verdico said, “All the teachers have had a lot of influence on me in one way or another.”

She added on “Dr. Koralik has had life experiences and has so much insight. He has taught me so much.”

Class discussion is something Verdico will take with her in her life after high school. “Ms. DeMeo taught me to look at things from a different perspective.”

“My team leader “Koz” has always been very supportive of me.” At Vanguard a Team is like a family. Verdico said, “My team is Team Koz. Some of the students and teachers have said we are very close. I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful team. I am going to miss them all.” Kristine is described as the team mom by fellow team members.

On behalf of Team “Koz” whatever road Kristine decides to take we will support her.

We will miss you Kristine.

By Jaclyn Cimarusti

“Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life”.

Dr. David M. Burns

Cooking Club 101

Food, and eating, is very much only second nature to all people around the globe. 9 times out 10, opening the fridge and splurging is only a habit, not a privilege. Let's say that you like eating, and think that its necessary. Let's also say that you just happen to be bored on Tuesday, 2:00-3:30. You also think having points would be nice.

If you meet the criteria, you should definitely check out Cooking Club.

No one is better qualified with the honor of leading then food-obsessed Ms. McCann. With fond memories of learning to cook at home and school, she seems to be the silver lining that arrived just in time.
"Food has always been part of my life." It's hard to put into words that kind of fervor and passion she so proudly radiated."My sister and I would bicker about what food we would bring on family trips. OH! Miss Hazelbaker, the nicest teacher ever, played a big part in cooking," she explained.

"Cooking over eating? Cooking, defnitely," Lisa Loeffler said.

But what if you don't cook?

Josh Vazquez simply said, " I sometimes cook, but I'm mainly here for the food." Regardless of whether or not you cook, the fact is that EVERYONE eats.

Going to Cooking Club can beat up your senses. It's hard not to reel in horror/awe when you first enter. Being assaulted by the smell of vanilla, the taste of peanut butter cookies, watching people inhumanely sing and dance, listening to Van Halen's Panama, and just the overall sight of craziness is enough to drive anyone bonkers.

Be it points or a cheap thrill, the people that make cooking club what it is have their reasons for going. Think, though; you'd be a chump not to get points for eating.

Bahhh. :]


Bon Appetit!

By: Kevin Bazarek!

Pepon, Pompon, Pompeon, Pumpkin!

From the Greek Pepon, to the French Pompon, and the British Pompeon; What DO they all have in common? All of these are different terms for George Washington’s favorite fruit, the incredible edible…

Pumpkin!

Ranging anywhere from less than a pound to over 1,000 pounds, this piece of produce can be boiled, baked, steamed, roasted, and most importantly, carved. Also, Pumpkins have three different color stages; first it would be green, and then it’s yellow, and finally orange signals the opportune time to carve. Pumpkin carving took place on the 28th and 29th of October for those that signed up ahead of time, via sign up sheet or Ms. DeMeo.

“Kos was actually relating the pumpkin price rise to a way of exemplifying supply and demand,” said Ms. Meister started off with a visual running start; apparently she wanted to get the worst of the pumpkin news off her chest first. “It was quite expensive, ever since the price of pumpkins doubled virtually everywhere,” she stated.

And while last year one group of students got 2 days of carving, this year it branched out to TWO groups of students getting two separate days. This means that student carvers have about 4 and a half hours of putting an image on the face of this pumpkin.

“Any image that won’t be deeper then 2 inches, anyways,” said self-proclaimed virtuoso Derek Hoying. When found, he was beating the squash like it owed him him money or something, and yet he was still able to explain his finesse with the small knives.

Jackie Cimarusti added, “It’s a great way to get stress out.”

While it may seem tiring, Ms. DeMeo explained that on the whole, it was a lot more time consuming then it actually was tiring. “I’ve only been going at this pumpkin for… 4 hours?” she told me.

Pumpkin carving IS an art, like it or not. If you’re a newbie learning the ropes or a veteran looking for another round, remember the three simple words Amber Wren used to talk about the pumpkins.

“Dirty, itchy, fun,” Wren said.

By: Kevin Bazarek

Students cast their ballots

Vanguard students cast their votes for political leaders today in homemade booths. An overwhelming victory for Obama shook the halls at school this afternoon. Amy O’Neill and Tom Heldmann, two staff members, put together this outlet so that the students voices could be heard. “It’s always fun to see what the kids think,” said Heldmann.

The War on Terror affects many. Students and staff alike took it into consideration as they cast their votes. “Our troops are dying. If Obama wins the election, he will bring an end to this war,” said Izzy Pasillas.
Kelsey Costello added that she voted for Obama because “Obama wants to end the war and McCain wants to keep it going.”
Some students have friends and family currently serving in the military. Sarah Jackson said "I miss my boyfriend and want him to come home safely.”
The economy plays a major part in voting. Some say that the economy has not been this bad since the Great Depression. Among some of those who have suffered financial loss are participants in the stock market, the housing market, and businesses that have gone bankrupt. Unemployment has risen and manufacturing is down, which has discouraged many.
“I come from a middle class family and I feel its time for the government to help the people who actually need help. I am a single mom and I want my son to grow up in a good economy,” said Liz Ojeda.

Dawn Garcia, a Vanguard teacher, said, “As far as the economy goes, I believe that I as well as my family and friends will fare better with Barack Obama in office."

Joe Impastato, instructional assistant, said, “I personally believe Obama is a better candidate. I believe if he wins, politics will be a better place when I have kids.”

Freedom of and from religion is important to so many people, and often in politics it influences leaders' decisions . “Religion has no place in government, I believe. Lately decisions have been made on the base of Christianity. I believe a woman has the right to choose. Obama is pro-choice so I support the lesser of two evils,” said a Vanguard teacher.
Many say that Barack Obama is young and inexperienced, but to so many he represents real change for our country. “I support Obama because he is a minority and so am I,” said Krystal Vargas. It is said Obama not only brings brilliance to the table but also his diversity. If he wins the election he will be the first black president in American History. The students of Vanguard have spoken and Barack Obama won the school election.

No matter the outcome of the real elections we hope for the best. As corny as it sounds, whether we like it or not, change is coming,” said Morgan Sedano.

Vanguard Election Results:

President: Barack Obama won with 80% of the vote.

State Senator: Susan Garrett won 100% of the vote.

U.S. Senator: Dick Durbin won with 50% of the vote.

State Representive: Elanie Kritz won with 60.8% of the vote.

Congress: Dan Seals won with 82% of the vote.

Photos: Pumpkins sculpted last week show the political spirit of Vipers.
Art Tarnowski and Brian Thompson cast their votes as election judges Sarah Jackson, Liz Ojeda and Scott Caruthers work to keep the election fair and secure.

Story By Jaclyn Cimarusti

Devil's Lake

On a cold stormy night three fine fellows played a round of cards. Keep in mind Egyptian War is most certainly not the game to play in hushed tones. Truth to tell the combination of crickets chirping, the rain drip dropping, and the constant fear of a raccoon break in is a hearty recipe for staying awake. And that’s not saying anything about the cold. You’re camping when you find your sleeping bag unable to zip and then simultaneously loose feeling in your fingers and toes.

The second camping trip of this school year went underway as of Wednesday October 24, 2008. There is a tradition of making a cohesive group effort to make the most random unthinkable sentence possible. Like, “Devils ladies split personality disorder ruins picnics whenever I eat the kangaroo babies rotten corpses”. If you put some thought into the concept though it’s a great way to check attendance. Since each camper put in one word if someone is missing you know.

As painful as it sounds the trip going there was a good three hours worth of boredom, to put it nicely. With about two and a half feet of breathing space between you and the next smelly dude the lack of technology made it all bittersweet.

The Vanguard camping trip is not just your average field trip to the local zoo. The lack of bathing, the raccoon’s that seemed to stalk the tents, and the food shortages didn’t seem to bother anyone. It’s safe to say that even at the beginning everyone felt like they were apart of something bigger.

The sleeping experience was interesting (that’s if you even want to call it sleeping.) Freezing accompanied by your tent mates snoring can bring about the admiration of Eskimo’s. Staying up can help you realize how pure camping is but I think everyone yearned for some shut-eye.

"Rock climbing was a major part of the camping trip," said Patrick Kain. If you’re thinking about your average amusement park rock-climbing wall you’re sadly mistaken. It’s definitely a thrill that’s impossible to duplicate. These rocks are formations of stone that will always shape the flow of tourism at Devil’s Lake. Devils Lake is one of the most visited national landmarks in America. Now that’s deep.

Waking up early marked the end of something unforgettable and signaled the long ride home was here at last. “With the music blasting, cards sprawled all over the floor, and everyone passed out it was a great ending to the trip," said Jackie Cimarusti.

Story By: Kevin Bazarek
Picture's Courtesy of Vanguard School

The New Teacher On The Block

Megan McCann is 24 years old and looks no older than most of her high school students. Her laugh is infectious, her smile contagious, and her love of teaching is unfaltering. She is a breath of fresh air that has been long awaited.

Ms. Megan McCann was born on December 18, 1983 and raised in Indiana. Megan graduated from West Field High School and than went on to the University of Dayton. She received her bachelor’s degree in secondary education in both Math and English. Ms. McCann just recently joined the Vanguard staff. She currently resides in Arlington Heights with her boyfriend Tim and her dog Bella.

Ms. McCann enjoys kicking back while reading a good book. She knits blankets, she cooks, she eats like there’s no tomorrow, and “there’s nothing better than good wine, good food, and good people,” she said.

Her family is a major part of her life and she loves being around them as much as she can. One of the main reasons she chose Vanguard for employment was to be closer to her parents who live in Indiana. Another big part of her family is her dog. Her dog Bella has her own blog due to the fact that Ms. McCann has an "unhealthy obsession" with her.

The new teacher on the block is young but it hasn’t seemed to affect her teaching skills. Erik Hernandez said, “Ms. McCann is so awesome she helped me finish my math class. ”

Cassandra Kossick, a member of Team McCann, said, “She is my favorite teacher.” She is well liked and very much appreciated by many students.

Not just another pretty face, Ms. McCann is considering getting her master's degree soon. She admires Dr. Robert Koralik and says that he is a mentor to her. She’s excited for the upcoming election, but would not reveal which candidate she wants to cast her vote for, though she thinks Barack Obama will win the election. She said she gets upset with “Unmotivated, lazy, grumpy, students that think they can graduate high school when they do nothing to help themselves,” she said.

Ms. McCann is not just a teacher. Students say she is someone you can confide in, a friend, a shoulder to lean on, and a big kid at heart. She sings along to “Don’t stop Believing” by Journey, she rocks to Bon Jovi, she heckles to The Wedding Crashers, and she religiously watches The Office. For the short time she has been here so far, according to staff and student alike, she has made an impact.
"Megan has a better understanding of education than many teachers with many more years of experience. She is the best thing happened to Vanguard in along time and we have to do whatever it takes for her to stay here," said Dr. Koralik.

Story By: Jackie Cimarusti

Music Makes the People Come Together

You know life's a beautiful place when you can actually feel the music. The Music Club at our one and only Vanguard radiates an aura of peacefulness, despite the crushing sound of all combined instruments, not to mention the joking, the laughing, the food, the drinks, and the general craziness of it all.

Who's the man behind the scenes? Meet Joe Impastato, a man who is slowly but surely regaining his touch on the guitar. An avid fan of music, he would once practice whenever he had free time. When asked about Music Club this year, he simply responded, "It's the most enthusiastic anyone has ever been about music club during my career at Vanguard. If you are going to attend music club, bring earplugs."

"Numerous complaints about the noise factor have been issued. Pasta's so proud," said Elizabeth Meister.

"If there was no audience, there would be no band." These words uttered by Chris Carter, senior, hold much meaning for all the people that don't play instruments.

Robert Struggles, does fit the average teenage stereotype. Long hair, peace bracelet, and of course a music fan. As surprising as it is, he doesn't play any instruments. "Even though I don't play anything, I find it to be the perfect outlet for music creativity".

Music Club is held every Tuesday after school. Whether you sing, play instruments, or just enjoy being around music, come join the madness.


By: Kevin Bazarek

Rat Dissection Is A Skill

What's frozen, hairy, and reeks of embalming fluid? Rattus Norvegicus, the common Norwegian rat. They are currently being dissected by a team of professional nobodies, currently headed by the one and only Tom Heldmann.

Mr. Heldmann said "In a comparative sense, the anatomy of the rat and yourself are quite similar, considering that both of you are partially related, being mammals." What most people don't realize is that it was actually somewhat of a final."

Not in Biology? Some people have already stomached the rat dissections, but everyone should have their chance. Good or bad idea? You decide.

By: Kevin Bazarek

Camping is Intense

When we were young the world as we knew it was so simple. As years progressed and time went on we learned that situations weren’t always black and white. With so much on everyone’s mind camping was a home away from home that gave us all a little bit of clarity. Camping is not only about the crap hole they call a toilet, or the inconspicuous bugs that found there way into our tents its about letting your guard down.

We felt invincible together, if anyone needed help all of us were there. When things got tough we stuck it out no matter how upset we were. Whether it was our goofy nicknames, the water war in the canoes, or bringing back the nineties by the camp fire, the camping trip opened us up to a part of ourselves we thought was gone. The part of ourselves that lets us be who we are no judgment. Kelsey Costello said it best in the most simplest of terms "NO DRAMA".

Some of us found ourselves along the way while others rediscovered themselves. We want to run from reality but when we get back to civilization it’s there waiting for us, if anything this trip taught us to face problems head on, no matter how difficult they may seem. Branden Martinez said "Even though we don't have our cell phones, our video games, our comfort zone's, the one thing we do have is each others company".

We are stronger than we give ourselves credit for. We are the youth, the future, the beginning of a new chapter; sometimes we forget we are also kids who are still growing up.

By: Jaclyn Cimarusti

No chairs, no ketchup, bad service

You're hungry. Hot dog stands sound mighty delicious, eh? Delicate beef with all the wonderful condiments, including the sweet, succulent ketchup. Mmm. Oh, just thinking about it now, you'll really enjoy digesting this wondrous supplement.
Believe it or not, we live in a world where this is not always the case.
Welcome to Gene and Jude's Hot Dog Stand, where the assumed must certainly not be expected.
Located on River Road in River Grove, Gene and Jude's was opened in 1950 by Gene Mormino and his partner.
Today, many students attended the joint for a quick bite to eat as a part of Integrated Studies Class.
From a quick glance, it'll most definitely look like a regular hot dog stand. Go inside, however, you might think that it's only a bad joke.
"They had no chairs," said Pattie Sanchez, a senior, who informed me briefly of the ups, downs, dos and don'ts. "The closest thing they had to eat on was a few misplaced counters, which you'd stand next to to munch upon the goodness."
And that isn't the half of it;
No ketchup?
"Not even, man," said Bryan Thompson. "The smart thing to do, what I do is bring a few packets with you; if you ask for ketchup, they'll declare you 'you gone.'"
Thompson's smuggled ketchup earned him an extra point for the day. "He's pretty resourceful and I was so grateful for the ketchup," said Ms. O'Neill.
Gone is "No shoes, no shirts, no service." Here is "no chairs, no ketchup, BAD service."
Do I recommend it? I hear it has good food, yet terrible service. I don't suggest Gene and Jude's but it wouldn't be too bad to go.
A review by Kevin Bazarek

Chivalry isn't dead

Paul A. Valipour came back to visit staff and students today. He is an impressive 2003 graduate of Vanguard School. The year following his graduation he entered the Marine Corps. “If my country needs me I will fight to defend it.” Paul spoke these words very passionately.

Throughout his four years in the Marine Corps Valipour was shuffled around quite frequently, being sent to Japan for three years and deployed to Korea, Indonesia, The Philippines and Iraq along with various other countries. Paul said, “The war would not be necessary, if everyone just got along.” His words are very similar to those of another great American, President John F. Kennedy, “It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war.”

During Paul’s tours of service he said he did not take another life. The first time he witnessed a fatal injury he was in disbelief, he said. The man was on the edge of death, bleeding profusely due to the loss of both of his legs. “You see it at the movies and you know when it happens it will be horrible. It doesn’t hit you at first, but when reality sets in it’s like, whoa.”

Paul was honorably discharged this year and is starting a new career as a Substance Abuse Technician at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights next week. Through serving his country he protected all mankind and similarly continues in his new career path of helping those in need.
“The most notable thing about Paul was he wasn’t sure what direction to take so he joined the marines. Most people don’t find themselves, he did,” said Paul’s team leader Robert Koralik.

Whether you are for the war or against it, the men and women who fight for our country are true heroes. It takes an immense amount of strength to go out and fight for what you believe. All this being said, we are sincerely thankful for Paul’s depth of character, courage and safe return home. Natalie DeMeo, Paul’s former teacher and mentor said perfectly in the simplest terms, “Paul is a hero.”

Story by Jaclyn Cimarusti
Photos courtesy of Paul Valipour's myspace page


“Be glad today. Tomorrow may bring tears. Be brave today. The darkest night will pass. And golden rays will usher in the dawn.”-Sarah Knowles Bolton

Vanguard Celebrates International Pirate Day

Barbaric, unsanitary, selfish, always pushing beyond the liits is a sum up of the life of piracy. Pirates emerged in literature, children’s songs, and in the movies, but beyond the border of the surface, there is so much more history behind the men who walked the plank.

Pirates were indeed scoundrels and thieves but in their own surroundings had a code of conduct. It might sound strange but pirates had morals. They chose their own captain, distributed the loot equally between each other, and even had severe punishment if one crewmember stole from another.

Contradictory to some people’s beliefs pirates hardly buried their treasure, most of the time they spent it leaving no trace of evidence. A pirate’s life was far from glamorous. Conditions of the ship were unclean, diseases and sickness plagued the crew, the sleeping quarters were rat and bug infested, and food and water were scarce.

There are many famous male pirates but there were also female pirates. A woman as a pirate was a rare occurrence and very few existed. Despite the number of them they made an impact. Women were considered an inconvenience on a pirate ship. They were looked at in a sexual manner so many of them posed as men to seek their fortune without any hassle. Two famous female pirates were Mary Read and Anne Bonne. Working their way to the top they are truly legendary. Both avoided execution by claiming pregnancy, while all the men on the ship were executed (go figure.)

The life of piracy is not for the weak hearted because the strength it takes to overcome the obstacles is astronomical.

Jaclyn Cimarusti