Mustang News: Mustang News

Recognition

MHS senior heading for the US Naval Academy
Mundelein High School senior, Eubin Kim, has been accepted into the US Naval Academy which provides for all his tuition and housing. It’s been something he has been looking forward to for a while.

“With the influence of my older brother who attends the US Air Force Academy, I was interested in the many great opportunities the academy provides whether in academics or in service,” Kim explained

Kim is planning to study on the pre-med track, majoring in either chemistry, computer science or engineering. Following four years of undergraduate school, he must commit to at least five year of service.

“Since I’m looking at going into medicine, I would like to eventually serve as a doctor which requires additional years of service after medical school,” he said.

During his years at MHS he was a member of the varsity swimming and water polo teams, a member of the Medical Club, Future Business Leaders of America [FBLA], National Honor Society [NHS] and the school band and marching band.

“MHS has well-prepared me for my future at the Naval Academy,” he said. MHS has challenged me to be at my best academically and has given me many great opportunities to be involved in all sorts of activities. I feel that I have been well prepared as a student and as a leader,” he concluded.

Illinois Principal Association recognizes 2 outstanding MHS students
On April 18, the Illinois Principal Association Lake Region held the annual Student Recognition Breakfast. Each Lake County school is invited to recommend two outstanding students. MHS Seniors Kayla Gonzalez and Evan Salazar were recognized for their academic and service accomplishments.

MHS sophomore named semi-finalist in White Sox Illinois Fatherhood Initiative
Mundelein High School sophomore Izak Sosa has been named a semi-finalist in the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative/Chicago White Sox Illinois Fatherhood Essay Contest. His essay was selected as one of the 156 semi-final essays from among 5,000 entries in the contest. His essay was one of 12 chosen in his grade level.

Sosa will be among the others who, along with their father, grandfather, or father-figure who will be guests at the May 19 Faces of Fatherhood Celebration where they will enjoy prime seating at the White Sox vs. the Texas Rangers game.

As one of the 156 semi-finalists, Sosa’s father is now eligible for consideration as a 2018 Finalist. Twelve men and families will be invited to and be recognized at the June 7 Fatherhood Dinner Celebration.

[My father told me that] “One day you’ll grow up to be someone who makes a difference in people’s lives with your spirit and intelligence. After many lectures I’ve had with him, I realized my father was an insightful person,” Sosa wrote.

He continued, “I’ve always wanted to be like my father, insightful about the world around him. The brilliance that he spoke with made me want to strive to be like my father, to one day better myself and the world around me just like he does,” he concluded.

Sosa is currently earning all A’s including in Honors Courses Chemistry and Algebra 2/Trigonometry. He is also a member of the soccer team.

MHS STEM students present at Baxter
Matt Allen, Anushka Desai, Jessica Nensel, and Ellie Maldonado represented MHS on April 26 presenting on a STEM project. Their project was a challenge posed by Baxter. Baxter employees mentored the students in their project to provide health service for people in India.

Wellness Week Summary
During the week of April 16-20, MHS focused on how to stay healthy and deal with stress with productive and successful strategies. Here are examples of what happened during the week.

The Drink Oasis made and sold fruit smoothies to staff and students. (Not sure why this picture is upside-down)!

NAMI representatives presented to students and parents about mental health awareness and supports.

Quest provided samples of new healthy foods throughout the week in the cafeteria.

Staff members visited classrooms to talk about ways they stay physically or emotionally healthy.

Activities

Students and Staff discuss addressing hurtful language thru constructive practices
On Tuesday, MHS students lead Lunch and Learn sessions during every lunch hour for students and staff. Student facilitators hosted students with a program which addressed the use of hurtful language and stereotypes. Each session allowed students to watch a common video, small group discussion questions, and large group sharing.

Khari and Dasha - Student facilitators

Later in the week, staff were invited to a Lunch and Learn to discuss how to constructively change the culture and address inappropriate language in the hallways and classroom.

Asian Culture Club
On Saturday, April 21st, Mundelein High School’s own Asian Culture Club took a trip to Chicago’s Chinatown for the second year in a row. Over 30 students went on a walking tour through new and old Chinatown, guided by a representative from the Chicago Chinese Culture Institute. A traditional lunch was served where students practiced using chopsticks, learned a bit of Chinese, and heard about their zodiac signs. The weather was beautiful and everyone had a great time!

Students prepare care packages for US troops
Members of the Helping Heroes of America Club spent part of April 19 preparing 34 care packages for US troops. More than 20 students worked to sort the materials, pack boxes and write letters to the troops.

“This event was made possible by generous donations from the Mundelein community, Mundelein businesses, MHS sophomore student leadership and MHS staff members,” said Nicole Malham, advisor to the group.

Helping Heroes of America was formed shortly after a Veterans Day celebration at MHS that included more than 75 local veterans. Sophomore Matt Pawlowski was so moved by the ceremony that he asked the school to support his interest in forming the club.

The care packages will be an ongoing project for the group and they have future plans to collect the memoirs of veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam to preserve the stories they have to share.

Mustang Olympics set for Sunday, April 29
An afternoon of fun and competition is guaranteed as Mundelein High School hosts its annual Mustang Olympics Sunday, April 29, beginning at noon. Events will take place in several locations on campus.

Teams of six to 10 players will compete in a number of different events including dodgeball, knockout, home run derby, obstacle course, tug of war and others. The event is being sponsored by the MHS Student Leadership organization.

Admission to view the events is free.

Orchesis Clinic and Recital set for Sunday, May 6
The Mundelein High School Orchesis Club will hold an Orchesis Kids Clinic Sunday, May 6 from 1 to 2:30 pm at the high school. The Clinic is open to all pre-school through eighth grade boys and girls interested in dance. The students will join the high school dancers immediately afterwards in the Orchesis Recital on that SAME DAY. That performance will begin at 4 pm in the MHS auditorium. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. The performance will include solos, duets and group dances choreographed by the MHS Orchesis members and MHS alumni. The MHS Dance physical education class will also perform.

Nancy Toland is the advisor for the Orchesis Club.

College & Career Center

May 1st Decision Day for Seniors
Our team of College Ambassadors will be hosting a celebration for all seniors to celebrate their post-high school plans and college decision on Tuesday, May 1st from 7:00am-7:45am in the North Gym. Free breakfast and coffee will be provided. Congratulations Class of 2018 and we look forward to celebrating all seniors on May 1st!

Athletics

Wrestling
Congratulations to Dane Durlacher who will be continuing his athletic and academic career at the University of Illinois this fall.

Boys Gymnastics
Back to back Conference Champions!
By John Bumbales
Daily Herald Correspondent
There were definitely a few miscues, but overall the Mundelein boys gymnastics team looked strong Wednesday night at the Independent Conference meet. The Mustangs wound up winning back-to-back conference championships with 155.2 points as they held off runner-up Libertyville (season-high 149.1 points) in the meet hosted by Glenbard South. The battle for the all-around crown was a fairly close one. Mundelein senior Tyler Collins took home first place with 53.3 points (8.88 average) as he edged out senior teammate Kurt Lawrence (52.7 points). Mundelein coach Jesse Piland wasn't totally satisfied with his squad's performance. But he is still very optimistic as his team prepares to host the first of five state-qualifying sectional meets next Tuesday. "Tyler Collins and Carson Bernett have been rocks all year long, and today he (Bernett) counted on a couple of events when we needed him," said Piland, whose program hopes to qualify for its 22nd state meet in school history next week. "With a meet where we had with two gymnasts not having their best meet, it shows us that if everyone hits we're in the conversation (for top-three at state)." Mundelein junior Will Ferro (49.0) placed fifth overall, followed by Libertyville freshman Robert Cartwright (48.1) in sixth place.

MHS Varsity Conference Champs

MHS Junior Varsity Conference Champs

Softball
Brenna Adams belted a grand slam, singled and knocked in 5 runs, as Mundelein's softball team defeated Zion-Benton 12-10 in North Suburban Conference action Tuesday.The Mustangs also got 2 hits apiece from Danielle Lambert, Elise Bernett (double), Molly Podraza (4 runs) and Kira Buckner (RBI). Kaitlyn Griffin had a double and 4 RBI, and Cheyenne Pelletiere also had a double.

Girls Soccer
Mundelein 6, Waukegan 0: Gigi Sahagun had a hat trick for the Mustangs in their North Suburban Conference win.Kate Hay added a pair of goals, and Megan Griparis scored as well.

Baseball
Pitching is Steven Sanchez's thing. It's why he's a big recruit for the University of Arkansas. And why professional scouts have him on their radar. The 6-foot-7 lefty can do big things on the mound. But Sanchez went into his senior season at Mundelein this spring wanting to make an impact everywhere on the field. Not just the mound. So he worked more on his hitting. And it was his hitting that made the difference on Tuesday at Warren. Sanchez, who was on the mound on Monday in a loss to Warren, made amends by rolling up 3 hits and 3 RBI in a 10-1 Mundelein win over the host Blue Devils in the second game of the 3-game North Suburban Conference series, which resumes today back in Mundelein. The victory moves Mundelein to 13-4 overall and 9-2 in the North Suburban Conference. "That was a good way for me to respond from yesterday," Sanchez said. "I pitched yesterday and it didn't go the way I wanted it to, but today I had a way to bounce back and that's what I was thinking about last night. "I knew I wouldn't be on the mound so today I knew I had to be a leader and step up (in other ways). I've always loved hitting but I haven't worked on it as much as pitching in the past. But I've been trying to do more (hitting work) and make an impact there, too." It was a tight game through four innings, with the game tied at 1-1. Both teams scored in the second inning. But the Mustangs put a big run together in the fifth inning, scoring 4 runs and getting through six batters before Warren tagged them with their first out. Sanchez drove in a run with a big single. Mundelein got 5 hits in the inning. "Steve has a great personality and he's been a great leader," Mundelein coach Randy Lerner said. "Guys look to him to perform and to lead and we're just constantly on him to make sure that his energy is always there because as he goes, we go. If his energy is there, a lot of other guys bring their energy as well. "The biggest difference (between Tuesday's win over Warren and Monday's loss) was our team energy. We didn't have the same energy yesterday that we did today." In addition to Sanchez, Jeff Morton, Drew Breitenreiter and Austin Greco all had multiple hits for Mundelein as well.

Girls Water Polo
MGWP beats Niles West 15-2. Girls played at a great level and as a team. Game Stats:Goals: Lukas 7/Krauss 4/Bradshaw,Garcia,Kasemets, Westgate 1 Assists: Krauss 4/Lukas,Kasemets,Stanley & Westgate2 Parker,Garcia,Grey,Parker 1 Steals:Garcia,Parker, Westgate 4/Lukas 3/Krauss,Kasemets 2/Bradshaw,Grey 1