Hannah Smith (Photo Courtesy Miss. America Competition)

Update (10:15pm): Smith’s last performance was the talent portion where she didn’t move on to the on-stage question round. Twitter and Facebook lit up and got #huntleypride trending on Twitter. She continues to hold the crown of Miss. Illinois until July. 

Huntley High School graduate and former Miss. Huntley, Hannah Smith will be competing for Miss America tonight on ABC at 8pm. Smith is currently Miss Illinois and has stood strong on her platform against distracted driving. She spoke at events and schools throughout the state since she was crowned in July.

Smith came to her former high school in October to speak to sophomore’s as they began learning how to drive.

“I always start by telling the students that I just graduated in 2009. I’m not that much older than them,” said Smith. “I know that sometimes students can feel, and as a student myself I know, that sometimes when adult figures come in, they may think ‘Oh, another teacher teaching us what to do, but I really want them to know that I’m not here as an authoritative figure.”

She told the students stories she had personally experienced and heard as Miss. Illinois at many events about distracted driving.

Smith, 19, will be competing in a nationally televised event at Hollywood Planet Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas that will be aired live on ABC (channel 7 in Chicago) at 8pm. She is competing against 52 other women for the spot.

“Ever since she won Miss Huntley she has been a role model to me,” said Marta Makowski, former Miss. Huntley. “Because she is so down to earth about distracted driving she is going to shine tonight.”

In December, Smith created a video about her interests on Youtube. Huntley residents came together to vote for her and the results will be announced this evening as well.

She currently is taking a hiatus from attending Northern Illinois University and is expected to return after her year of service as Miss. Illinois unless she wins this evening.

Miss. Illinois tweeted a photo of Smith in Las Vegas Friday night.

At Miss America! Hannah has done a tremendous job. We are so grateful for all she has done for the State of Illinois! twitter.com/MissIllinois/s…

— Miss Illinois(@MissIllinois) January 14, 2012

The winner of the Miss America contest will embark on a national speaking tour for a year. She will travel approximately 20,000 miles a month, according to the Miss America organization. 

The Red Raiders baseball team has prepared for the regionals game by strengthing their defense and hitting (M. Makowski).

This season, Huntley’s varsity baseball team floundered at times with key situational hitting.  If it can do so in its next game, the sky’s the limit.

The Raiders, who finished the regular season with a record of 20-14 (10-8 in conference), will be taking on the Jacobs Golden Eagles in their first regional game on Thursday at 4 p.m.  Huntley will need to tune up its hitting to advance in the playoffs since 11 of its 14 losses this season have been by two runs or fewer.

“We struggled in the middle part of the year with our offense, executing our bunts, hitting with man on third and less than two outs,” said Jakubowski.  “[But] we’re swinging the bat a lot better and we’re executing better.”

Among those hitters who have swung a hot bat recently are juniors Colin Lyman and Bryce only, as well as senior Jordan Chuipek.  But what Huntley will have to fall back on during the postseason will be what it has done well all season: pitching and defense.

Huntley has shown a solid defense this season with a fielding percentage of .953 as of last week, the highest the Raiders have ever had.  Along with its defense, Huntley has a core of pitchers who will prove valuable in the postseason.

“Our pitching staff has stepped up,” said Jakubowski.  “Our top five, [Dan] Lowry, [Bryan] Doherty, [Jake] Perkins, [Justin] Gundlach and [Craig] Klein, have done a real nice job.”

The Raiders have prepared for their next game by working on situational hitting and by solidifying their stalwart defense, but they also hope that some momentum will help carry them through regionals.

“We’re playing a lot better than we have since the early part of the season, so we’re pretty excited” said Jakubowski.

“Success isn’t justified in wins and losses, it depends how far you go in the playoffs,” he said.  “We set our goal to win at least three playoff games, if not more, and we have the ability to attain that if we go out and play hard each and every day.”

This will be Student Council's first drive-in movie.

On May 25 at 7:30 p.m., Student Council (STUCO) will host their first drive-in movie. The STUCO board decided on showing the classic 80’s film that casts a young Matthew Broderick playing hooky from school and singing Wayne Newton in the Von Steuben Day Parade.

Since the Spring Leadership Convention, STUCO had gathered ideas for their last big event of the school year and settled on a drive-in. There was a list of events to choose from and the drive-in movie idea caught senior Brandon Bencko’s attention.

“I thought it was a cool idea and I wanted to bring it to the high school,” said Bencko.

The movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” will be will be set up in the student lot on the East side of the school with the screen in the lacrosse fields. There will be an area in the grass for lawn seating, and the parking lot will be open for drive-in seating.

“It’s a pretty good sized lot and I would be impressed if we didn’t have enough space,” said Tom Kempf, STUCO advisor.

There is a lot of preparation that has to be done in order to make this drive-in successful. Student Council has been working with the school administrators to get permission along with the village to see if they need permits. School resource officer Nora Kruis was asked to direct traffic and STUCO had to rent out supplies from Entertainment Concepts, the same company that they used for the Homecoming dance.

This company will provide the screen and transmitters that allow you to hear the movie through a car radio. All of the equipment and set-up will cost around $2,000.

“It’s a lot harder than just putting up a movie screen,” said Bencko.

The Athletics Boosters will be running the concession stand, which is planned to be in the concession stand by the football field.

There will be a $5 fee to see the movie to balance out the costs. Although there is a fee, this event is not a fundraiser. It is meant to be one last fun experience for the seniors.

“It’s kind of like a thank you and goodbye to the seniors,” said Kempf.

Although it is mainly for the seniors it is open to allHuntleyHigh Schoolstudents. Everyone is encouraged to come watch a classic movie and enjoy some popcorn.

Already more than 240 people have shown an interest on the Facebook event page. The drive-in movie has caused a curiosity in the school. Students have been coming up to Bencko asking him questions about it. Bencko expects 400 to 500 people to come. If enough people attend it may become annual event.

There are still details that need to be finalized. Student Council will have worked everything out by May 25 giving the seniors the opportunity to have one “last hoorah” before they graduate and other students the chance to have a good time before finals.

“I hope it turns into something like Mr. HHS that happens every year,” said Bencko. “[But] We just hope that everyone comes out and has a good time . . . and that it doesn’t rain.”

Hair donation through organizations like Locks of Love is one of many ways to serve your community (H. Baldacci).

Walking through the halls, I bet you’ve seen them. Even if you don’t know it, they’re probably there. Girls (and guys) who’ve changed their whole appearance in a matter of minutes. Maybe they’re reaching up to pin their hair into a ponytail, forgetting that it’s not there anymore because they’ve donated it to an organization like Locks of Love.

Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that makes wigs for children suffering from any kind of medical hair loss, requires ten inches of unbleached hair from donations in order to compile their wigs. Other organizations that are popular for hair donations are Pantene Beautiful Lengths, which requires only eight inches and is specifically for women with cancer, and Wigs for Kids, which helps the same demographic as Locks of Love, but requires a more substantial 12 inches.

While cutting your hair for organizations like Locks of Love definitely requires bravery (and lots of hair clips), it’s also a great alternative for students who are too busy to devote their time to community service.

“You need to be willing to spend a lot of time [serving],” said sophomore Sarah Palecki, who currently has about 200 service hours. “You have to put a real effort into it, but I love the feeling you get when you give back to the community.”

Some students don’t have time for hours away from sports, school, and homework, and should realize that there are other ways to help their community despite their busy schedule. Waiting a year or two for your hair to grow may sound time consuming, but does it take any time out of your day?

For people not willing to wait so long, there are other hair donation organizations that accept shorter lengths of hair and put it towards other purposes.

Junior Kaitlyn Lyngaas donated her hair through a program that used hair donations to soak up oil from the 2010 BP oil spill in the gulf.

“I was sad [to have my hair cut], but it felt good at the same time,” said Lyngaas.

Another alternative is donating blood, which many Huntley High School students, like junior Akshay Patil, have done at the student council’s blood drives.

“I just felt like I should,” said Patil. “If they use the blood I donated, I might have saved a life.”

Another benefit of donating is that if you donate four times or more, you receive a Red Cord (much like the Silver Cord service award) to wear on your cap at graduation.

“I would definitely recommend donating to other people,” said Patil.

Helping your community isn’t hard. You don’t need to devote hours of your time, although if you can, then that’s always a great option. You just need to be willing to put half an hour aside for a haircut or blood donation.

Sophomore students play Kan Jam during their gym hour (T. Helm).

Spring has begun and already the Physical Education kids are heading outside during gym hours to run on the track, play tennis, ultimate Frisbee, softball, and other activities.

But the spring has also brought its fair share of rainy weather, which can often sabotage many of the outdoor activities. The one solution is to put alternatives in to the curriculum.

That one alternative is a new game called “Kan Jam”.

Originating in the state of New York, it is a game that was invented by two physical education teachers. Over the past months and the arrival of spring the once small activity has expanded all along the east coast, and has made its way to the Midwest.

“It is definitely becoming more popular,” says physical education teacher Derrick Morehart. “It is gradually becoming a popular recreation activity in the area.”

The game is simple. One Frisbee and two cylinder cans with a mail slot holes cut near the top edges of the cans. The cans are 3 to 4 feet in height.

The objective of the game is simple, and the rules resemble the game of Baggo.

A teammate can assist the thrower by hitting the Frisbee into the can for three points, or can just hit it for a single point. If the thrower manages to hit the can unassisted, he or she may earn the team two points for an impact hit. If the thrower lands the Frisbee in the can he can earn the team four points. Finally, if the thrower slides the Frisbee through the mail slot in the can, he can earn his team an instant win.

“It is a different game to play instead of the normal sports like baseball,” said Frederick.

Many students and even Morehart like to have a newer game in the curriculum.

“It is a wonderful skill-building activity that is great for non-competitive as well as competitive play,” said Morehart. “ It can now serve as a Friday activity and a reward for good fitness days.”

With the sport being very enjoyable by the sophomore class, Kan Jam will no doubt be in the curriculum for a long time at HHS.

“It is a simple and fun game that is new and everybody seems to enjoy,” said Costantino.

For more information on Kan Jam, go to kanjam.com today. Also $35 Kan Jam sets will be sold at HHS.

Click to download Senior Survey (.pdf)

Sophomore Taylor Schau (second from left) competes against opposing team members in the McHenry County Meet (photo courtesy to Sara Scarbro).

As girls track plunges into the heart of their competition season, the meets become bigger both in intensity and difficulty. The McHenry County Meet, which is one of the biggest competitions of the year, took place on Thursday and Friday, April 19-20. 32 different schools from all over McHenry County attended, and both girls and boys track participated.

Overall, Huntley High School placed third behind only Cary Grove and Crystal Lake Central. They were expecting to place much higher, however bias and external problems led the team to lose a few extra points.

First, the 4 by 800-meter-relay team was disqualified because a runner was accused of stepping on the grass, costing the team an average of 8 points. Next, a malfunction with the timer during the hurdles race lead the panel of coaches to decide not to have the Huntley girls run the race again, costing Huntley more points.

“It was just disappointing,” said Tina Driscoll, a sophomore on varsity. “We really did not get the amount of points we should have.”

The rain and cold temperatures played a large part in the dynamic of the meet as well, and sometimes this weather causes girls’ nerves to kick in. A lot of time girls do not run as well in the cold, but most of the team was able to persevere and perform well, even in the harsh elements.

“My job is to go out there and get my athletes ready to do what they need to do,” said Sarah Kutcha, Assistant Varsity Coach. “If they need to get excited, I will help pump them up, and if they need to just be calmed down, I can do that too, but the main goal is to keep them warm and ready to go.”

The McHenry County Meet is not like an ordinary meet. It is very big, and very competitive. The girls Huntley track team is still extremely young, and has a lack of experience. However, this leaves them with room for improvement and goals to set.

“Our overall goal is to beat Cary Grove at some point,” said Driscoll. “And that will be possible soon, because most of their best runners will be graduating this year, while our team still has years ahead of us to grow.”

The team responds very well to the competition aspect. On top of the skill that they have, many of the runners are able to channel whatever their emotions are, whether it is excitement or anger, into their performance.

“We told the girls all week that this was going to be a very big meet,” said Kuchta. “There are teams out there that are even jealous of our second and third places. No matter where you go, there will always be competition, but we have a very deep team with a ton of potential to do well”

John Hart speaks to the Board of Education

Bruce Blumer, Athletic Director presented the lead candidate to the Board of Education Thursday night. A coach for 27 years, John Hart was approved by the board unanimously to join Huntley High School as the Head Football Coach and as a teacher. Hart announced that he was leaving Warren Central High School in Indianapolis last week.

“At 3 pm today I will be telling my players that next week I plan on accepting a teaching/coaching position at another school,” said Hart in an email to his co-workers at Warren Central High School. “I’m not sure my heart has ever felt heavier. I feel like I’m disappointing the kids of WC and that hurts beyond belief.”

Hart said in the email that he was leaving due to a “fractured relationship between our principal and me. It has gotten severe enough that I no longer trust or believe in him as a man who would do what is in the best interest of Warren Central HS.”

He comes to Huntley High School with  238 career wins and 70 losses, seven undefeated seasons, two state championships and 11 coach of the year designations.

Hart said he is excited to come to Huntley because he has seen a huge commitment to win.

“I feel like this program is fresh and can be molded into something special,” said Hart.

The Rachel's Challenge presentation was held in Huntley High School and moved a few students to tears when hearing Rachel Scott's saddening story (M. Krebs).

The first victim, Rachel Joy Scott, became famous for her daily acts of kindness. Inspired by her memory, her family started “Rachel’s Challenge,” a program dedicated to spreading kindness and eliminating the effects of bullying.

Click here to view the Rachel’s Challenge photo gallery

Last year, members of Psychology Club went to Marlowe Middle School to see a “Rachel’s Challenge” presentation. After the presentation, they decided it was something they wanted to see come to the high school.

“It fits perfectly in with the Raider Way,” said senior Alex Doran, a member of Psychology Club.

On April 17, 2012, Rachel’s Challenge came to Huntley High School and gave two powerful presentations. The presentations were divided by upper classmen and lower classmen. Many were moved to tears by Rachel’s inspiring and relatable story.

Almost every student was able to find something in the presentation that stuck with them or that they could relate to.

For many, including freshman Jeremy Piske, Rachel’s premonition that she would die at a young age was especially impacting and chilling.

Sophomore Alexis Adams’ brother has been bullied before due to his ADHD.

“That was a big thing in our household, so I was really inspired by the presentation today,” said Adams.

Shannon Romanski-Phillips, teacher and Psychology Club sponsor, was affected by Rachel’s baby pictures.

“As a new mom and seeing Rachel’s baby pictures, it really hit home and made me think about my own son,” said Romanski-Phillips. “I want this to be a great, safe place when he gets here.”

Others found it powerful because Rachel was just another high school girl until she was killed. It made students realize that this could just as easily happen to them as it did to Rachel and her classmates.

After the freshman/sophomore presentation, both grades reported back to their first hour. Juniors and seniors reported back to their second hour after their presentation.

Students were then asked to answer post-presentation questions, which they discussed with their teachers and fellow classmates. Students were also able to volunteer to attend a training session for a new club called Friends of Rachel (FOR).

The training session started at 12:45 and lasted the remainder of the school day.

A banner reading “I Accept Rachel’s Challenge” was also given to the school. Any student who accepted Rachel’s challenge of spreading kindness and love could sign it.

The purpose of FOR is to continue to spread Rachel’s message of kindness through various projects and assignments. Over 300 students volunteered to go to the training session, but only 100 were allowed to attend.

“I kind of prepared myself for not as many kids to be interested,” said Romanski-Phillips. “I was so proud of them when I saw how many people were so enthusiastic for this.”

The club, despite having a limited amount of spots for the training session, is open to anyone who wants to attend and help make the school a better place.

“It just takes one person to make a difference,” said senior Kayla Linthicum.

FOR’s first meeting is Wednesday, April 18 from 2:45-3:45 pm. Anyone interested can attend.

Click here to see a video about Rachel’s Challenge.

The Boneless Chicken Breast with Natural Pan Jus will be served as the dinner entre during Prom (O.Tseumah).

The Prom Committee put the finishing touches of what this year’s Prom, on May 5,  will offer students.

This year an approximate 715 students have tickets to Prom, which leads to 715 individuals needing to be supplied a dinner.

Click here to view more photos of the official Prom dinner course

The committee and members met with Karyn Midona, the navigator and correspondent for the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, for a final run through of the venue and a food tasting.

The Prom Committee viewed a conference room holding a singular dined table in the middle. A full table setting was present, from the signature punch to the three different forks for each dish.

“The tuxedo napkins are usually a hit amongst proms,” said Midona as she watched Prom committee members Katy Siegfort and Ify Anikamadu gushing over the different type of napkin constructions.

The “Raiderade” drink is a carbonated refreshing raspberry flavored pop, which was nicknamed specifically for Huntley High School prom goers.

“It tasted like a red fruit roll up,” said junior and Prom Committee member Katy Siegfort.

The "Raideraide", a raspberry flavored coke nicknamed specifically for Huntley High School's prom attendees, will be the main drink served at Prom (O.Tseumah).

The first course being decided upon was an appetizer, the decision was between a traditional Caesar salad or a mixed green salad. The mixed green salad had a very earthy taste, while the Caesar salad tasted more crisp and light.

“We actually have never served a Caesar salad at Prom before,” said Prom Committee advisor Cindy Fuhrer.

The idea that the mixed green salad would not be favorable amongst the majority of students prompted the choice of the traditional Caesar salad to be the appetizer.

With the appetizer done, the main course followed. The option was between either a boneless chicken breast with natural pan jus, or a herb grilled chicken breast with Boursin cream.

The boneless chicken breast was ultimately chosen over the grilled due to the garlic mash potatoes with gravy and seasonal vegetables that accompanied it.

The Prom Committee later decided on a single desert out of the three that were options, ultimately the final choice of the Chocolate cheesecake was chosen.

“Most kids will like the chocolate,” said junior and Prom Committee member Alekya Prathivadi

The cheesecake was a very light and creamy, it almost tasted like a thick mousse.

“I like how it was prepared, I think the majority of people will enjoy it,” said Siegfort.

The final menu for Prom will consist of, a Caesar salad for an appetizer, boneless chicken breast with natural pan jus for the entre, and Chocolate cheesecake for desert.

*Recent editorial changes made due to grammatical errors.