Mustang News: Mustang News

Announcements

Mundelein High to graduate 470 students May 12
Mundelein High School will be one of the first in the area to hold graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2019. The MHS event, recognizing approximately 470 graduates, will take place Sunday, May 12, at 3 p.m. at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.

Superintendent Kevin Myers will open the ceremony with the presentation of the faculty and graduates who will enter to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by the MHS Combined Honors Band.
Principal Anthony Kroll will make the introductions of dignitaries on stage and then the Master Singers, Concert Choir and 2019 Choir graduates will perform The National Anthem. School-wide President Jake Garcia will do a welcome and re-introduce the choir to perform “I Carry You in My Heart.”

Three student speakers will each take the stage to offer their words about the high school experience and looking forward. Those speakers are Valedictorian Ryann Ray, Salutatorian Komol Patel and Senior Speaker Katelyn Ponce who was chosen after an audition process.

Diplomas will be distributed by members of the District 120 Board of Education followed by the closing and moving of the tassels as directed by Senior Class President Megan Rastrelli.
Junior Class honor students serve as guides for the ceremony and graduates’ names will be read by MHS staff members Jennifer Franco, Laura Garcia, Alexander Kapotas and Jonathan Meier.
Andy Sturgeon and Jerald Shelato direct the instrumental music program while Cory Thompson and Stevee Bellas direct the vocal program. Sarma Alle serves as accompanist.

2018-2019 Yearbook
Last chance to preserve this year’s memories: Click HERE to pre-order your 2018-19 yearbook before the year’s end. You can do so through Jostens.com.

Important dates to remember

Sunday, May 12: Graduation day. 3:00 pm Sears Centre, Hoffman Estates

Doors open for students and guest at 2:00 pm

Thursday, May 16: Late start day. Classes begin at 9:25 am
Monday, May 20: Early release. Student dismissal at 1:40 pm

Final Exams

Tuesday, May 21: Semester 2 final exams. Student dismissal at 1:00 pm
Wednesday, May 22: Semester 2 final exams. Student dismissal at 1:00 pm
Thursday, May 23: Semester 2 final exams. Student dismissal at 11:00 am\

Summer Break!

Graduation 2019 is quickly approaching.
Graduation is Sunday, May 12 at 3:00 pm at the Sears Centre Arena (5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates). Graduates need to report to the Sears Centre by 2:00 pm. Doors open at 2:00 pm. Due to enhanced security at the Sears Centre students will be required to pass through a metal detector and guests may encounter additional security screening. All unnecessary bags should be left at home.

Reference all information regarding graduation and end of the year tasks for Seniors by clicking HERE.

Golf Outing to support football program June 20; early sign-up discounts
Mundelein High School’s Red Zone Club is sponsoring the Second Annual Mustang Golf Scramble to take place at Steeple Chase Golf Club June 20. This is a fundraising event for the MHS football program and new varsity head coach, Vince DeFrancesco, will be on hand to meet the participants.
Individual Golfer/Early Bird cost is $125 which increases to $140 May 1. For foursomes the Early Bird cost is $450 which will increase to $500 on May 1. Non-golfers are welcome to attend the dinner and reception at a cost of $35.

The event will include a four-person scramble format, box lunch and on-course contests. Golf will be followed by the dinner and awards reception, raffle and a silent auction with many items available.
A number of sponsorships are available ranging from $250 to $3,500 which include various benefits. Among them are $1,000 for a Hole in One Contest with a 2019 Ford Mustang convertible as the prize and $750 for a Hole in One contest with two tickets to Super Bowl LIV in Florida.

For more information or to sign up as a golfer or sponsor visit the website at https://www.planmygolfevent.com/32588-2019Mustang_GolfScramble or contact MHS Red Zone Club President Michael Wing at (773) 294-5314.

Recognition

MHS newspaper staff earns 23 IJEA awards
Mundelein High School’s staff of the student-produced school newspaper, The Mustang, recently earned 23 awards in the 2018-2019 Illinois Journalism Education Association (IJEA) Newspaper and Digital Media contest.

“I think it just goes to show how diligently we worked as a staff this year and it is nice to be rewarded for all of it at the end of the year,” said Senior Tyler Yakimisky, who served as co-editor-in-chief this year along with Senior Madison Parola.

The staff took second place in the Best Hybrid Publication category and third place for Best Overall Publication. The staff also received third place for Best Overall Design for its August/September 2018 issue as well as third place for Best Website – mhsmustang.com.

“At the beginning of the year, the editors spent time studying a professional design book so they could modernize the newspaper’s look, particularly the front page,” said Michelle Didzbalis, advisor of The Mustang staff. “What they learned put them on the right track toward winning some awards for their design concepts.”

Additionally, the editors received honorable mention for Best Staff Editorial on an opinion piece titled, “The press trumps the president.”

Individual staff members placed for their work in the following categories:

Best News Story Honorable Mention: “Heart-to-heart: students embrace speaker’s message” by Madison Parola
Best In-Depth News Story Second Place: “What can the counselors do for you?,” by Madison Parola
Best In-Depth News Story Honorable Mention: “JB Pritzker vs. Bruce Rauner: The Battle for Governor,” by MacKenzie Stewart
Best Feature Story Honorable Mention: “Winter Play stages different kind of play than those before,” by Jaden Gil
Best Personality Profile Honorable Mention: “Garcia takes charge of student body,” by Sarah Parduhn
Best Sports News Story Honorable Mention: “Boys varsity cross country team ‘takes their mark’ in coveted California meet” by Tyler Yakimisky
Best Serious Commentary Third Place: “Partisan politics leads to unnecessary government shutdown,” by MacKenzie Stewart
Best Humorous Commentary Third Place: “How to survive Valentine’s Day if you’re single,” by Hannah Stanley
Best Review Second Place: “Movie keeps inspiring messages from novel ‘The Hate U Give’,” by Kylie Carrier
Best News or Feature Photo Honorable Mention: “Show Choir in the Spotlight: What this shining art is all about,” by Lindsay Nootbaar
Best Sports Photo First Place: “Boys basketball makes comeback – Game Planning”, by David Bernauer
Best Illustration Third Place: “Holiday Traditions,” by Hannah Stanley
Best Alternative Storytelling Third Place: “Boys basketball makes comeback,” by David Bernauer
Best Headline Third Place: “Slam team shakes things up with Shakespeare,” by Kylie Carrier
Best Advertisement First Place: “Pre-Order a Yearbook,” by Lindsay Nootbaar
Best Single-Page Story Package Third Place: “Boys basketball seniors reflect on last season,” by Madison Neuwald
Best Photo Story Honorable Mention: “Unique cultures were on display at MHS’s first ever Cultural Fair,” by Kylie Carrier
Best Front-Page Design Honorable Mention, by Tyler Yakimisky

Mundelein area organizations/businesses grant nearly $80K in scholarships to MHS seniors
During their Senior Honors Night at Mundelein High School on May 7, graduating seniors took in nearly $80K in scholarship money from local Mundelein area businesses and organizations. Overall, the senior class was offered close to $3 million in scholarships from colleges, universities and organizations.

The local, Mundelein area scholarships include:
MHS Foundation Scholarships, $12,100, Andrea Cordova, Sean Finerty, Jillian Hoffstadt, Komol Patel, Ryann Ray, Diego Cisneros, Stephanie Fernandez Cahue, Esther Marcos, Maria Perez Morales, Daniel Nieto Guzman, Molly Podraza, Martin McMurray, Rosibel Gomez Garcia, Skyler Lucich, Justin So, Benjamin Denson, Vu Bui, Jonathan Poggy, Nayeli Torrez Vazquez.
Brian D. Sherwood/Case Western Reserve University, $2,500 (for an MHS student only), Robert St. Claire; College of Lake County Lancer Scholarship, $2,500, Vu Bui; Jerri Craven Scholarship, $7,600, Katherine Hay, Esther Kim, Madison Parola, Megan Rastrelli; Dawn E. Miller Spirit of Education Scholarship, $1,500, Sarah Pechtl; Evan Kitzmiller Scholarship, $500, Luis Eugenio Cruz Mesta; John W. Lynn Performing Arts Scholarship, $1,000, Rachel Larson; Mac-Lean Fogg Scholarship, (two awards for $12,000 each), Benjamin Denson this year; Evan Miles Kraus Fun and Friendly Scholarship, $5,000, Jake Garcia; Mundelein After School Coalition Scholarship, $1,500, Diego Cisneros; Mundelein STAND-UP Task Force, $500, Margaret Lukas, Megan Rastrelli; Mundelein Automotive Scholarship for the Trades, $1,500, Christyan Angel Leon Ventura; Mundelein-Vernon Hills Rotary Club, $15,000 in scholarships specifically for MHS students, Diego Cisneros, Hana Pakhoury, Josephine Hutson, Nayeli Torrez Vasquez; Patrick Zepeda Athlete in Service Scholarship, $1,500, Dario Carrillo; MEA-Joseph Arrigo Teacher Education Scholarship, $2,000, Megan Rastrelli, Nayeli Torrez Vasquez; MHS Orchesis Scholarship, $300, Alexandra Kasamis.

Many more scholarships were awarded to the Class of 2019 from outside of the Mundelein area and were previously announced.

MHS alum earns $150K scholarship to University of Chicago Law Scholars Program

Stephen Ferro

Stephen Ferro, a 2015 graduate of Mundelein High School has been awarded a $150,000 scholarship to the University of Chicago Law Scholars Program. He is currently an Economics major at the university and will graduate in June. He will begin law school in the fall.

During his college years Ferro has been active in the Neighborhood Schools Program as a tutor, has worked in the offices of Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and State Representative Carol Sente. He also worked at the Northeast Illinois Council Day Camp.

At MHS Ferro was team captain for the Mock Trial Team and continues to serve that group in an advisory capacity. He was also involved in MHS and was an Eagle Scout.

Activities

Mundelein launches alcohol prevention campaign
On May 1, 2019, the Mundelein STAND-UP Task Force, Mundelein After School Coalition, and the Mundelein Police Department launched the annual “Parents Who Host Lose the Most” Campaign to prevent underage drinking during prom and graduation season. Volunteers visited local businesses and schools in Mundelein and asked owners/representatives to display materials such as yard signs, posters, banners, coasters and bottle neck brochures from the campaign. The message reminds parents and other adults that it is illegal to provide alcohol or other drugs to minors, per Mundelein Social Host Ordinance 9.80 and the Illinois Social Host Law.

Prom and graduation are full of celebrations. During this time, some families may allow teens to drink alcohol. The Parents Who Host Lose the Most campaign reminds parents and other adults that underage drinking is dangerous and illegal. According to the 2018 Illinois Youth Survey, 41% of seniors who reported drinking alcohol during the past year said they drank it with their parents’ permission. Students also reported they obtained alcohol most often from “friend”, “party”, and “parents without their permission”. Other sources of alcohol were “an adult, other than parent, with permission” and “older sibling”.

Steve Balogh, School Resource Officer at Mundelein High School and Mundelein STAND-UP Task Force Chairperson, was very pleased with the success of the campaign launch this year and said that, “every year the event gets better. We are grateful that the Mundelein community takes this issue seriously and supports the health and safety of our youth. It is up to us as parents and adults to protect our kids and help them make the best choices for their future. We can do that by not allowing underage drinking.” Balogh thanked businesses that displayed campaign materials on their property and said that he is happy to see such a diverse representation of businesses and other organizations that support this campaign.

Mundelein Police Chief Eric Guenther had a message for parents, “the number one way to keep teens safe from the negative consequences of alcohol and other drug use is to provide drug-free places for teens to hang out after prom, during graduation parties, and over the summer. If teens don’t have access to alcohol and other drugs or a place to use these substances because parents and other adults monitor the space closely, they are less likely to engage in the behavior. As parents, we need to keep a close eye on what happens in our home and check in with other parents if teens plan on hanging out there.”

Over 100 locations participated this year. One business in particular was recognized for getting a jump start on the campaign by displaying a sign with STAND-UP message and logo in front of their property a couple weeks ahead of the campaign launch. STAND-UP Coordinator, Kim Radoy, sends a special thank you to owner of Flowerama, Elaine Hanusa, who worked alongside STAND-UP volunteer, Chris Woodard of the Mundelein LGBT Alliance, to create the large board to display on their high traffic spot in time for prom.

Students said they loved participating in the event and would do it again next year because they feel they are doing their part to spread the drug-free message and keep their peers safe. Mundelein High School students Megan Rastrelli, Aileen Cirilo, Stephanie Gutierrez and Courtney Brunkow partnered with police officers and STAND-UP volunteers to distribute campaign materials to local businesses, with the help of students from Carl Sandburg Middle School.

Stephanie Gutierrez, Aileen Cirilo, Megan Rastrelli, and Courtney Brunkow

In honor of the community-wide effort, Pastor Thomas McArthur of local church, The Chapel in Mundelein, invited volunteers to a celebration barbeque at the police department, courtesy of his church. Pastor Thomas said, “It is my pleasure to cook for volunteers who work so hard to prevent underage drinking. A job well done to the Mundelein Police Department and STAND-UP volunteers for taking an active role in this event.”

The Mundelein STAND-UP Task Force started in 2007 to prevent and reduce underage drinking and drug use among youth in Mundelein. The group is comprised of community leaders, organizations, schools, police, churches, youth, parents, and neighbors who are concerned about the health, safety and well-being of Mundelein youth. The Task Force usually meets the second Thursday of every month at the Mundelein Police Department from 8:30 am – 10:00 am, but check with Task Force Chairperson Steven Balogh at sbalogh@d120.org to confirm meeting details. Meetings are free and open to the public. Visit www.mundeleinstandup.org for more information.

College & Career Center

Decision Day Celebration Was a Success!
Thank you to our 2019 College Ambassadors for organizing a wonderful Decision Day Celebration last week! Seniors, thank you for all that you have contributed to our MHS community. We are excited for your next steps and will be cheering you on at graduation!

Exciting Opportunities Approaching!

MHS College Planning Guide
The MHS College Planning Guide is a comprehensive guide through the college planning process. It covers where to get started, financial aid options, scholarships, timelines, college athletics, summer opportunities, the College Planning Workbook, and more! Check it out at: http://www.livebinders.com/b/2151227#

Connect with us!
Website: https://www.d120.org/resources/student-success-resources/ccrc/
Instagram: mhsccrc
Twitter: @mundycollege

Athletics

Boys Gymnastics
Congratulations and good luck to Will Ferro who will be competing at the IHSA State meet this weekend in 3 events (High Bar, Vault and Pommel Horse.)

Will Ferro

Boys Track & Field
Mustangs participated in the Lake County Invite, taking 8th out of 21 teams. Here are the highlights-
We had one Lake County Champion on the team, as Mikey Parduhn led from wire to wire in the 800m, winning in a time of 1:56.20, 2.5 seconds ahead of 2nd.
Also achieving All-County status were-
Aidan Afonso, 5th in the 1600 4:30.07.
Dillon Blake (9:26.17) and Dario Carrillo (9:45.16), who took 3rd and 7th in the 3200.
Coday Gehrett, who took 6th in the 110HH in 16.18.
Mateusz Brak, who took 4th in the High Jump (5'9").
And last but not least, Mat Empalmado and Syam Atade, who took 4th (19'5") and 6th (18'11.75").
Congrats to all our Mustangs, who gave it their all on a cold, wet, blustery night.

Senior night where the seniors do events they haven't done all year.

Senior night where seniors compete in events they never have during the season

Senior Night

Girls Track & Field
Conference meet highlights
4x800 – Leslye Rodriguez, Jocelyn Gomez, Jeanelle Jimenez, Jordyn Miller
4x100 – Dee Sanders, Damia Ali, Ryann Ray, Khari Thompkins
4x400 – Leslye Rodriguez, Jocelyn Gomez, Damia Ali, Jordyn Miller
800 – Jordyn Miller (1st) Leslye Rodriguez (6th)
1600 – Jordyn Miller 3rd
400 – Khari Thompkins 2nd
100 – Khari Thompkins 6th
Triple Jump – Grace Heintz 6th
High Jump – Ryann Ray 2nd
Pole Vault – Anna Ambrose tied for 4th

Sportmanship winner Dasha Stepaniouk

Boys Volleyball
Boys Varsity Volleyball went 3-0 last week with Thursday Nights match vs Grayslake Central being Senior Night. We won the first set 25-18 and were down 17-25 in the second and came back to win 28-26. It will be a night the Seniors remember for a long time. This week we only played one match vs Lake Zurich and lost 13-25, 20-25. The team played tough but, came up a little short. Next week we play our last regular season match at home vs Warren. It will be Staff Appreciation Night. We will Honor 17 staff members after the JV match that night.

The Boys Volleyball Program would like to congratulate all the Seniors graduating this Sunday!

Volleyball Senior Night Celebration

Baseball celebrating senior day

Girls Soccer celebrating senior day

Girls soccer celebrates their seniors

Freshman took first place in the Zion Tournament! They played three really tough matches. So proud!

Katie Miller made the cheer squad at Dayton, D1 school.

3 Thank you @WarrenGirls_LAX ladies for showering our senior girls with roses on YOUR senior night!! This is what sportsmanship is all about. Goodluck to the rest of your season

Photos of the Week

Images from the Evening of Jazz (from Senior Lindsay Nootbaar.

Thank you to the following seniors who have submitted photos to the principal's blog throughout this year. The photographs have always presented an insight to the life at MHS. Certainly, everyone has enjoyed each submission. The following students have been instrumental in this segment of the weekly blog: