The student news site of York Community High School

This Is York
The student news site of York Community High School

This Is York
The student news site of York Community High School

This Is York
Lucy Valeski

Lucy Valeski, Co Editor-In-Chief

Lucy Valeski is a senior, and this is her second year on staff for ThisIsYork. She is involved with the drama and dance programs at York. Lucy loves blasting Taylor Swift music, watching “Lady Bird,” drinking coffee at any time of day and petting her cat, Starla. She is so excited to be the editor-in-chief of ThisIsYork for the 2020-2021 school year.

All content by Lucy Valeski
On May 3, York seniors enjoy Duke Decision Day in the Joe Newton Fieldhouse to celebrate their post-high school plans.

Seniors celebrate Duke Decision Day

CeCe Lampa, Hannah Lonergan, and Lucy Valeski
May 4, 2021
Senior Heidi Ward dances alongside junior Owen Espinosa in the Advanced Dance and York Dance Company Fine Arts Month concert. March 22, 2021.

Advanced Dance, York Dance Company perform in-person concert for Fine Arts Month

Lucy Valeski, Editor-in-Chief
March 26, 2021
During the first week of March, the York Live student musicians pre record their pieces. Seniors Kathryn King and Lily Crow sung vocals in "Edge of Seventeen" with a full band. "Fine Arts Week is such an important and magical time of the school year for those involved in fine arts at York," senior Katie Reidinger. "It’s so much fun to be able to share something you work so hard on with those who may not get to see it on a regular basis." March 3, 2021.

York Live recording showcased in Fine Arts Week outdoor concert

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
March 25, 2021
Many of the 78th Golden Globes nominees debuted on streaming services due to COVID-19 limiting access to theaters.

Here’s to the ones who stream: Netflix, Amazon Prime predicted to win at the Golden Globes

Lucy Valeski, Kathryn King, and Olivia Rosenberg
February 26, 2021
Frances McDormand competes for another Academy Award for her stellar performance in "Nomadland." The film's director, Chloe Zhao, is also in line for a win.

ThisIsYork predicts the 78th Golden Globes film categories

Lucy Valeski and Olivia Rosenberg
February 26, 2021
Levinson disappoints in pandemic movie making with “Malcom & Marie” (review)

Levinson disappoints in pandemic movie making with “Malcom & Marie” (review)

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
February 16, 2021
Four stage to screen adaptations stood out during 2020: "The Boys in the Band (Netflix), "The Prom" (Netflix), Hamitlon (Disney +) and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Netflix).

Off the stage and onto the screen: theater adaptations thrive in a year where Broadway goes dark

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
February 1, 2021
Over the long Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, the York administration was notified of two nooses tied to the bleachers of the York Community High School Football Field.

York administration confronts nooses found on football field as a hate crime

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
January 25, 2021
Elmhurst residents held a peaceful protest for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in June. A protestor standing on the Faith Methodist Church corner holds up a homemade poster to passing cars. “All peaceful,” Twitter user Kelly Mord said in a tweet. “No riots. No violence. Shoutout to everyone in Elmhurst who went out and protested today.”

Do not blame the year

Lucy Valeski and CeCe Lampa
December 22, 2020
Juniors and seniors may invest in SAT and ACT practice books to improve test scores and consequently, their chances at admission and scholarships. This year, standardized test scores played a smaller role in the decision process as many schools went test optional.

Standardized testing takes a backseat in the class of 2021’s college application process

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
December 11, 2020
Mank (Gary Oldman) and Marion Davis (Amanda Seyfriend) trade banter on a Hollywood back lot. Davis provides inspiration for Kane's young second wife in Mank's screenplay of "Citizen Kane".

David Fincher’s “Mank” celebrates the magic of motion picture (review)

Lucy Valeski, Editor-in-Chief
December 8, 2020
“Happiest Season” debuted on Hulu last Wednesday as the first LGBTQ holiday romcom backed by a major studio. The Clea Duvall film wrapped up filming in February 2020, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Clea Duvall’s holiday feature “Happiest Season” provides a cheerful escape from 2020 (review)

Lucy Valeski, Editor-in-Chief
December 3, 2020
Because current seniors have more limited testing options, many colleges chose to temporarily switch to test optional admissions.

Test optional college applications survey

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
December 1, 2020
Elmhurst CUSD 205 updates the number of COVID-19 cases among students and staff every Monday.

Elmhurst CUSD 205 continues full remote learning through Thanksgiving

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
November 10, 2020
This Halloween, trick-or-treating is allowed in Elmhurst. However, the City of Elmhurst provided signs for community members to indicate whether or not they want trick-or-treaters this year.

Elmhurst residents encouraged to social distance this Halloween

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
October 31, 2020
In an anonymous survey of 15 out of 16 This Is York staff members, 13 voted for the publication to endorse Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The This Is York staff is made up of three sophomores, six juniors and eight seniors.

This Is York endorses Joe Biden for the 2020 presidential election

CeCe Lampa and Lucy Valeski
October 30, 2020
Almost Maine Photo of the Week

York Drama held virtual premiere of fall show “Almost, Maine” this weekend

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
October 29, 2020
Parents and students from D205 gather in the district office parking lot to protest the full return to remote learning. Participants lifted their signs, cheered and clapped when a speaker said something that resonated with the crowd. “We have to institute effective and reasonable quarantines so we don’t make the students suffer more than they already have,” parent Shirley Stilson said. “For our children, we have to maintain every possible aspect of normalcy in these unprecedented times. We will see the repercussions of these decisions for decades to come. For the board, I implore you a few things. Number one: let’s get these kids back to at least hybrid learning.” Oct. 27, 2020.

Parents demand reopening of Elmhurst CUSD 205 in a peaceful protest

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
October 28, 2020
Reporters photograph “Yippies” Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen) and Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong) on their way into the first day of the trial. The two inflammatory protestors provide comic relief throughout “The Trial of the Chicago 7”.

Aaron Sorkin’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7” is as timely as it is entertaining

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
October 26, 2020
Elmhurst CUSD 205 plans on updating the COVID-19 dashboard next Monday. Oct. 23, 2020.

COVID-19 cases rise in DuPage County as students return to full remote learning

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
October 23, 2020
York staff check in students on a white schedule day. York began gradually transitioning to hybrid learning on Sept. 14; the district is temporarily transitioning back to remote learning on Oct. 22.

Elmhurst CUSD 205 announces return to full remote learning

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
October 18, 2020
Since Oct. 2, Elmhurst CUSD 205 releases the number of COVID-19 cases and quarantines in the district every Friday.

York administration believes no COVID-19 cases transmitted on campus

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
October 9, 2020
York sophomores join the freshmen for hybrid learning. York's Assistant Principal for Student Services Meredith Sheriff checked in students at the main academic entrance. Before entering the building, students are required to self certify their health and temperature. "One thing we have to keep reminding families is it is faster to get inside the building if you do your pre-certification at home," Sheriff said. "That has been the only hold-up that we have experienced this week. It has been really good to see life back in the building." Sept. 28, 2020.

Sophomores start their first day of hybrid learning during the unconventional 2020-21 school year

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
September 29, 2020
Mourners gather outside of the Supreme Court following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. They left flowers and signs in tribute to the American feminist icon. Ginsburg became the first woman and first Jewish person to lie in state at the United States Capitol.

What did Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg mean to York Community High School?

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
September 25, 2020
Bill Skarsgård, best known for his role as Pennywise in “It” (2017), portrays Willard Russell in Campos’ new Netflix feature, “The Devil All The Time”. His screen time was limited to the first third of the film, where he was a World War II vet suffering from PTSD and the father of young Arvin Russell (Michael Bands Repeta).

Netflix film “The Devil All The Time” explores the dangers of religious fanaticism (review)

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
September 18, 2020
Freshmen William Fischer and Logan McNichols and sophomore Laney Toffler show off York Drama's "Lift with love" cards they passed out around Wilder Park. "As a a community, it is necessary that together we provide a supportive environment for everyone, thus building a more successful and overall stronger community," senior and drama board Kylie Levine said on her card. "Next time before you respond to someone, take a second and remember the fact that everyone is going through something and mirror that idea in your response. Always choose kindness and go by that golden rule we learned in kindergarten, treat others how you want to be treated."  Sept. 10, 2020.

York drama launches their season by spreading love in the community

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
September 10, 2020
Upperclassmen prepare to greet freshmen on their first day. While the 2020-21 school year began remotely, the freshmen class arrived in person for their first day. Aug. 24, 2020.

Effectiveness of remote learning survey

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
September 4, 2020

York students lament the loss of human (and internet) connection during the first week of remote learning.

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
August 31, 2020

First week of remote learning provides challenges, benefits and bonding for York students

Lucy Valeski and CeCe Lampa
August 31, 2020
The Duke greets freshmen on their first day. Aug. 24, 2020.

First week of remote learning survey

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief TIY
August 27, 2020
The Tuesday protest united members of the Elmhurst community and remained peaceful as protestors and passing vehicles showed their solidarity for the black lives matter movement.

Elmhurst residents promote the Black Lives Matter movement during a peaceful protest

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief TIY
June 3, 2020
The protagonists of "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" cover their face from the wind on the beach. The 2019 film was praised for being told through the "female gaze": female director, female cinematographer, female screenwriter, mostly all female cast.

The film industry slowly becomes more diverse, but the Academy Awards are still behind

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
April 23, 2020
Senior Rachel Kayman supports her little while social distancing by leaving her a chalk message. Her message was posted on @ydbadminton2020. "I love seeing the energy and creativity of the girls as they post and comment each day on Instagram," coach Gena Fite said.

Off the court, but connected online: York Girls Badminton Team spends quarantine communicating through social media

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
April 9, 2020

Brewpoint safely serves coffee to the community during COVID-19 lockdown

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
March 28, 2020
On Friday, March 13, Elmhurst CUSD 205 announced the closure of all district schools until April 6.

Elmhurst CUSD 205 cancels school, plans to move to e-learning

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
March 15, 2020
The ensemble of "Jesus Christ Superstar" begs Jesus to save them in "The Temple". "Choreo was absolutely amazing because we got to see a lot of the show come together," sophomore Annelise Belzile said. "It is exciting to see moments that you never knew existed. You see them for the first time, and it just touches you in the most unexpected ways."

York drama leaps into dance rehearsals for “Jesus Christ Superstar”

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
March 8, 2020
Gavin Hughes sings his original song "Over NYC" during York Live C while students wave their phone lights.

Fine Arts Week shines a light over York during the final day of performances

Laurel Baumann, Lucy Valeski, and Bruce Peters
March 6, 2020
Senior Ben La Monica performs an original song with his band 'Failure to Communicate' during York Live B. Thursday, March 5, 2020.

Fine Arts Week rocks into the fourth day with York Live and a guitar ensemble

Lucy Valeski, Laurel Baumann, and Bruce Peters
March 5, 2020
Junior Olivia Rosenberg performs "September" with the Urban Dance class. "“I love Fine Arts Week because it gives us students an opportunity to showcase our talents in a way we don't get to do academically," Rosenberg said.

Fine Arts Week gets groovier on Wednesday with jazz and dance concerts

Laurel Baumann, Lucy Valeski, and Bruce Peters
March 4, 2020
Poet, actor and author J. Ivy speaks during sixth and seventh period about his life and how it inspired his poetry.

Guest performer J. Ivy “spreads his wings” on the second day of Fine Arts Week

Laurel Baumann, Lucy Valeski, Sam Grabau, and Bruce Peters
March 3, 2020
Sophomore Owen Espinosa performs his original comedy during first period. "I like writing my own pieces," Espinosa said. "I like writing, and it is good practice for skills I will utilize later in life."

York’s annual Fine Arts Week in full swing on day one

Laurel Baumann and Lucy Valeski
March 2, 2020
Aster shows Yelena his illustrations of the decaying environment through a magnifying glass. "All I do is come in and tweak it a little bit and it grows into something more," director John Forsythe said. "Then the collaborative quality of theater really came to life."

York Drama presents a story of “love and longing” during their winter festival

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
February 12, 2020
Junior Zoe Daniel checks for grade revisions on Powerschool. Instead of appearing as an A, B, C, D or F, students see the numbers one through four representing their grades.

In its first year, the standards based grading roll-out has presented some challenges at York

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
February 7, 2020
The Oscar statuettes are awarded to high-achieving members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) every year.

The Academy Awards 2020: Who will win Best Picture? Best Actor? Best Adapted Screenplay? #8 | Wise Duke Podcast II

Graham Reid and Lucy Valeski
February 6, 2020
George Mackay in Best Picture predicted winner, "1917".

“1917” expected to sweep, others predicted to take home big wins at the Oscars

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
February 4, 2020
The colorful poster for "Knives Out", Rian Johnson's newest whodunnit film.

“Knives Out” is a sharp addition to the whodunnit genre

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
December 23, 2019
A poster for the film highlights the complexity addressed in "JoJo Rabbit".

“JoJo Rabbit” is a timely “anti-hate” satire

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
December 3, 2019
The finalists for varsity Dramatic Duet Acting wait for their results. Senior Emily Walker and Junior Olivia Rosenburg took third for their piece "The Children's Hour".

York speech hosts first tournament

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
November 7, 2019
Director Rebecca Mariannetti wanted to focus on the theme of empathy in "Twelfth Night". The universal fear of vulnerability is portrayed in "Is This Not Love". “You never really know what it feels like to be somebody else,” co-director Rebecca Mariannetti said. “We’re in a high school situation where people are carrying around a lot of baggage and a lot of issues and it’s easy to think ‘oh this person has it all together’ or ‘this kid is this way or that way’; almost 100% of the time we're wrong about that.”

Shakespeare reimagined in York Drama’s production of Twelfth Night

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
October 31, 2019

Newly-founded Quantum Club magnifies the topic of quantum

Bruce Peters and Lucy Valeski
October 18, 2019
York history teacher Patty Iverson emphasizes the urgency of making fast changes in policies regarding climate using alarming statistics.

Environment becomes a priority for staff, school and community

Paige Szipszky, CeCe Lampa, and Lucy Valeski
October 9, 2019
The Concert orchestra violin section performs American Reel directed by student teacher Christopher Monzel.

Collage Concert unites the York Performing Arts in a night of music

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
September 27, 2019
Speakers (from left to right) Rebecca Ratliff, Patty Iverson, Clare Cockman, Frankie Pedersen, Aditya Prathap, Dan Hebreard and Liz Chaplin.

Elmhurst hosts climate strike as a part of a national movement

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
September 25, 2019

York students to hold global climate strike

Lucy Valeski, A&E Editor
September 19, 2019
During a break between songs, junior Anjaly Kappen drinks out of one of the reusable water bottles provided for the entire marching band.

York students combat climate change

CeCe Lampa and Lucy Valeski
September 18, 2019
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