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
All content by Photo by Lucy Valeski
Senior Heidi Ward dances alongside junior Owen Espinosa in the Advanced Dance and York Dance Company Fine Arts Month concert. March 22, 2021.

[Photo] 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. Senior Ryan Demotte performed "Ring of Fire" under his stage name, Poncho the Kid. March 3, 2021.

During the first week of March, the York Live student musicians pre record their pieces. Sophomores Quinn Olson and Alyssa Poli performed their original song "Pennies in My Guitar" for the second consecutive year. March 3, 2021.

During the first week of March, the York Live student musicians pre record their pieces. Junior Nikita Sidoryk sang "Before Everything Made Sense" while accompanying herself on the guitar. "This year, I did much of the same kind of practice, but I was definitely in a different environment," sophomore Anna Ziebert said. "I would practice on my keyboard at home rather than last year when I used the York pianos. They have a lot of differences in tone and how hard you press, so it was very different when I was actually recording. I also don’t think I got to practice as much because at York, my after school activities would consistently be going to the practice rooms with friends. This year, it was less of a social experience and more emotional because I was alone and we were going through the process individually." March 3, 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.

[Photo] York Live recording showcased in Fine Arts Week outdoor concert

March 25, 2021
During the first week of March, the York Live student musicians pre record their pieces. Senior Kathryn King sang "Edge of Seventeen" while accompanying herself on the keyboard. Senior Henry Wegner played the elect

During the first week of March, the York Live student musicians pre record their pieces. Senior Lily Crow sang duet vocals on Stevie Nicks' "Edge of Seventeen." March 3, 2021.

During the first week of March, the York Live student musicians pre record their pieces. Senior Katie Reidinger sang vocals for "Somebody to Love" with a full student band. "We could make sure we really got our best take," Reidinger said. "Although we have lots of practice every year, and there’s something so special about a live performance, it’s always nice to know you’re putting your best foot forward." March 3, 2021.

During the first week of March, the York Live student musicians pre record their pieces. Senior Anthony Poli played drums for "Brandy", "Edge of Seventeen" and "Somebody to Love." March 3, 2021.

During the first week of March, the York Live student musicians pre record their pieces. Taylor Headley accompanied junior Grace Stewart's vocals on the harp. The duo performed Beyonce's "If I Was A Boy." "It was definitely different as opposed to a live show," senior Jared Ruszkowski. "A part of me wished that it was a live performance so I can get the proper experience, but that's alright." March 3, 2021.

During the first week of March, the York Live student musicians pre record their pieces. Senior Gavin Hughes performs his original song "Brandy" with senior Anthony Poli on the drums. March 3, 2021.

During the first week of March, the York Live student musicians pre record their pieces. Junior Elle Jacobsthal accompanied her vocals on the guitar with Billie Eilish's "Everything I Wanted." "Some benefits of pre recording York Live this year included being able to perform our songs multiple times to get the best take and avoiding the nerves of performing in front of an audience," Jacobsthal said. March 3, 2021.

During the first week of March, the York Live student musicians pre record their pieces. Seniors Ayden Visser and Lucas Freitag performed a sea shanty duet for York Live. "To anyone who likes playing music but really wants to test their performance/memorization skills, grab a friend and submit a demo for the next York Live," Visser said. "It's a great experience and learning opportunity." March 3, 2021.

The York Classic Cinemas movie theater sign appears dark after Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a stay-at-home order on March 20, 2020. March 20, 2020.

Elmhurst local business Brewpoint Coffee instates an outdoor pickup order window to maximize of their employees and customers during the stay-at-home order. March 21, 2020.

York Live

Freshman Dawson Dettman awaits direction in his scene as a news reporter who is covering the Laramie news regarding Matthew Shepard.

Prepping for the next set of scenes, student director and junior Owen Espinosa gets his equipment into place. “I’ve had a lot of fun being a part of the directing in The Laramie Project,” said Espinosa. “I’ve always had a fondness for direction in plays and film and so to be a part of both processes in my high school career is really informative in my development. Not only can I understand if I have a true interest in this art form but also I can gain groundwork for direction if it becomes something I would want to take part in as a career. Plus, I’m just having fun being on set everyday, so of course I am loving this opportunity!”

Greg Perotti, played by student director and senior Charlie Kungl, interviews and listens intently to his scene partners. “It’s very interesting for me to play the person behind the camera,” Kungl said. “It gives you a new perspective to the performance because while you’re still acting and playing a character, what you do has no relevance to the story. You have to craft your character just right so they are complementary to the interviewee.”

Freshman Oliver Roy rehearses his first scene before the cameras start rolling.

Student director Jillian Caforio observes freshman Declan Fahey as he begins to shoot his first scene as a reporter. “Directing has been a lot of fun for The Laramie Project,” Caforio said. “Having the opportunity to work with a director in Los Angeles and produce a film is such an amazing experience, and we all have learned so much!”

Senior Kathryn King waits for the directors to call action as she portrays a news reporter in the scene, “Gem City of the Plains”.

Freshman Noley Hanna prepares for her first take as new reporter Tiffany Edwards in “The Laramie Project”. Students and directors recently began filming outdoors around Elmhurst. The film is set to premiere to the community in the upcoming months.

[Photo] York Drama begins shooting for their film, "The Laramie Project"

February 2, 2021
Playing a Mormon home teacher, senior Katie McCann gets into position to begin her scene work at Elmhurst University. “Acting on film is different from acting on stage, and it takes a minute to adjust,” McCann said. It’s been really cool to see how just a blink can change an entire scene and it’s such an amazing experience to have while still in high school.”

Romaine Patterson, played by freshman Delia Marianetti, reflects back on her friendship and experiences with Matthew Shepard.

Director and alumni Matt Bourke and Charlie Kungl follow a scene with their cameras to get the perfect shot. “The easy differences to spot are that instead of in an auditorium we are outside in Elmhurst filming”, junior and stage manager Kayla Willey said. “We need a lot more hands: a hand to work one camera, a hand to hold the other camera and a hand to show everything that is happening.”

Jedadiah Schultz, played by sophomore Ben Plaisted, explains his experience in Laramie at his local university.

Photo of the Week

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.

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

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
January 25, 2021
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.

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

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
December 11, 2020
Because current seniors have more limited testing options, many colleges chose to temporarily switch to test optional admissions.

[Photo] Test optional college applications survey

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
December 1, 2020
Parents and students from D205 gather in the district office parking lot to protest the full return to remote learning. Students stood on the side of York road with signs reading “Let us choose”. Passing drivers honked and shouted in support of the protesters; however, a few motorists expressed opposition to the protest. Oct. 27, 2020.

Parents and students from D205 gather in the district office parking lot to protest the full return to remote learning. A protester held a homemade sign featuring the phrase “our kids our choice.” Oct. 27, 2020.

Parents and students from D205 gather in the district office parking lot to protest the full return to remote learning. Attendees listened to a speech from York parent Scott Malaga. Oct. 27, 2020.

Parents and students from D205 gather in the district office parking lot to protest the full return to remote learning. York parent Scott Malaga spoke on “logic” and how it must be applied to school reopenings and student athletics. “Logic has to overcome fear,” Malaga said. “Fear of the pandemic. Fear of Governor Pritzker's guidelines and the IDPH’s guidelines. Fear of criticism. The logic needs to be used to support our kids. These kids are taking the brunt of everything that has happened. They are the most penalized age group, I feel, of any age group out there, and they are the least at risk.” Oct. 27, 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.

[Photo] Parents demand reopening of Elmhurst CUSD 205 in a peaceful protest

October 28, 2020
Parents and students from D205 gather in the district office parking lot to protest the full return to remote learning. One protester lifted a homemade sign in agreement with a speaker’s statement at the Tuesday protest. Oct. 27, 2020.

Parents and students from D205 gather in the district office parking lot to protest the full return to remote learning. Signs reading “Open D205” were distributed prior to the protest. Participants emphasized the importance of their kids’ education and wanted the protest to remain apolitical. “I am by no means a COVID expert,” parent Shirley Stilson said. “However, I am a physician and the mother of two District 205 students. As all of you here, I am deeply concerned with our kids' education and their academic growth (that they have a healthy learning environment), as well as their emotional and neurocognitive development. We are here to ask the board to reconsider the metrics being used to structure the school year. Let me also say: this is not a political event.” Oct. 27, 2020.

Parents and students from D205 gather in the district office parking lot to protest the full return to remote learning. Parent Shirley Stilson spoke to the crowd about their belief in a lack of on campus transmission across school districts in the nation. “Teachers with risk factors should be able to stay at home, and by the same token, parents who choose to keep their kids in remote learning should have that option as well,” Stilson said. Oct. 27, 2020.

Parents and students from D205 gather in the district office parking lot to protest the full return to remote learning. Speakers at the event spoke on the lower level of education students may be receiving with remote learning, a sentiment reflected in a protester’s sign reading “Screens are not school.” Oct. 27, 2020.

Almost Maine Photo of the Week

[Photo] York Drama held virtual premiere of fall show "Almost, Maine" this weekend

October 29, 2020
Almost Maine Photo of the Week

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

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
October 29, 2020
They Fell 2

They Fell

[Photo] "Almost, Maine" brings an "almost" sense of normality to York Drama

October 20, 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.

[Photo] Elmhurst CUSD 205 announces return to full remote learning

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
October 18, 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.

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

September 29, 2020
York sophomores join the freshmen for hybrid learning. The hallways remained uncrowded before fourth period as students found their classrooms. Sept. 28, 2020.

York sophomores join the freshmen for hybrid learning. Hand sanitizer bottles were located throughout York hallways. Sept. 28, 2020.

York sophomores join the freshmen for hybrid learning. In the the World Language hallway, students waited to enter their classrooms before school began. Sept. 28, 2020.

[Photo] Take this survey about hybrid learning attendance

February 1, 2021
York sophomores join the freshmen for hybrid learning. On the third floor, students talked outside their classrooms prior to the first bell. All students were required to wear masks throughout the school day. Sept. 28, 2020.

[Photo] Students share lessons learned throughout pandemic year

March 12, 2021
York sophomores join the freshmen for hybrid learning. In the English hallway, students headed to their first period class. "It is kind of nice to start and get a normal routine back," Assistant Principal for Athletics Rob Wagner said. "We are seeing kids coming in and going through a schedule, going to sports after their schedule and seeing faces everyday." Sept. 28, 2020.

[Photo] Take this hybrid-learning survey

October 13, 2020
York sophomores join the freshmen for hybrid learning. York sophomores and freshmen waited outside their classrooms. "I do feel safe returning to school with the current guidelines the district has laid out," sophomore Molly Heiss said. "With only half the student being there [the school building] there will be less people. I also heard the hallways are one way, so there is a consistent flow of students." Sept. 28, 2020.

York sophomores join the freshmen for hybrid learning. Students waited for class to begin in a Family Consumer Science classroom. Sept. 28, 2020.

York sophomores join the freshmen for hybrid learning. Dance teacher Michelle Jensen talked to her students at home on the computer. Students were not allowed to change for dance or gym classes. Sept. 28, 2020.

York sophomores join the freshmen for hybrid learning. During their lunch period, students worked independently at tables in the Joe Newton Field House. Sept. 28, 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.

[Photo] York drama launches their season by spreading love in the community

Lucy Valeski, Editor-In-Chief
September 10, 2020
Elmhurst protestors line up on York Road across from Hamburger Heaven. York was blocked off to all traffic east of the protest as many businesses closed and boarded up storefronts to avoid destruction or looting.

In the 90 degree heat, peaceful protestors in Elmhurst hold up signs and chant “Black Lives Matter”. Other chants included the names of the recent victims of police brutality, “no justice, no peace, no racist police” and “this is a peaceful protest, this is not a riot”.

During the second hour of the protest, people occupied all four street corners of the North and York intersection. “The police told everyone they were with us 100% and to let them know if we need anything or had any questions,” Olson said. “No one there had any intention of making it any more than a conversation and a statement.”

The Elmhurst community bands together and supports one another during the protest. “It was so hot outside; we were all sweating and our throats hurt from yelling, but everyone was in high spirits,” Rogers said. “We all checked in on each other and made sure we were hydrating.”

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.”

[Photo] Do not blame the year

December 22, 2020
Protestors show off their homemade signs at the Tuesday event. Sign messages varied from a simple “Black lives matter” to “I am not black but I stand with you” to “Defund the cops” and “Say their names”.

On the Northeast corner of North and York, protestors stand together in solidarity and chant “black lives matter”. “Most people had signs, and everyone joined in on chants that people would start, most prominently a girl in a flannel and Matt Shiley, who organized it,” Olson said.

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.

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

June 3, 2020
Passing motorists often showed their support for the Black Lives Matter movement by honking, yelling and even holding up their own signs. “Once we got to the corners, we started receiving a lot of positive honks from people passing in cars,” graduate Emma Rogers said. “There were several cars cussing us out and attempting to tell us we were wrong, but no one paid any attention to them.”

Senior Sebastian Rohn portrayed the titular character in "Uncle Vanya" this winter in most recent performance on the York stage.

[Photo] Performing arts students experience abrupt end

Sam Grabau, Reporter
May 15, 2020
Junior Anthony Poli performing during York Live, Friday, March 6, 2020, 2 weeks before people began to quarantine. "It's pretty cool to have an outlet like music and so much stuff that's undiscovered. There is always something new to learn," Poli said.

[Photo] Creators under quarantine: Students keep their passions alive during the pandemic

April 15, 2020
After the statewide stay at home order, Brewpoint Coffee introduced a walk-up window to their Founder’s Location in order to keep customers and employees safe. “My biggest internal conflict has been finding the balance of prioritizing the health of our team/community versus the financial well-being of our team/community,” Brewpoint owner Melissa Villanueva said. “I finally feel like we have struck the perfect balance of having only our Founders walk up window open and our online store open only.”

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

March 28, 2020
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Freshmen Alyssa Poli and Quinn Olson take the stage to perform their original song "Shattered" during the final period of Fine Arts Week. "Performing original music is a lot more personal and speical because you are putting a piece of yourself out there, which is a really nice opportunity." Poli said.

'Poncho the Kid' alias of junior Ryan Demotte raps his original song 'Pasta Marinara' in York Live C.

During York Live C, junior Jocelyn Hodge performs her original song "Glass Emotions."

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York students had the opportunity to paint pictures that will be included in mural clubs latest mural, during the art fair on Friday.

Senior and AP art student Gabrielle Brower paints a piano in the commons during the period 5 art fair.

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Junior Zoe Daniel performs a cello duet of 'Thunderstruck' by AC/DC. "It (the song) holds a really special place in our hearts because we played it in our 8th grade orchestra concert," Daniel said. "We've both improved so much so it's really cool to come back to it and preform it for our peers."

Junior Gavin Hughes performs his original song "Over NYC"

Katie Reidinger sings back up vocals for 'Pasta Marinara' by 'Poncho The Kid' during York Live C. Friday, March 6, 2020.

Junior Kathryn King performs 'From Eden' by Hozier during as part of York Live C. "When I pick a song for fine arts week I pick a song kids will know" King Says, "It was a really fun song to learn, it was sort of challenging for me to learn, but I also got to play a song that I love."

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Junior Juliana Suarez performs her original song "Happy" during York Live. “For me personally, because the song is very personal, I was a little hesitant [to perform]," Suarez said. "there are a lot of people who know the story behind the song, but ultimately I knew that I was proud of what I created and wanted to share it regardless of what others might think of it."

Nick Zehner performs an original with his band "Failure to Communicate."

Vocalist and guitarist for the band 'Failure to Communicate', Nick Zehner perform in York Live B during 4th and 5th period.

Senior William Baumgartner's alias "Willy B of Wisdom" gives MC Charlie Kungl advice on how to overcome stage fright.

Senior Sydney Wood sings "Blessed" while playing the piano during the fourth period York Live.

Senior Maggie Wisniewski sings the jazzy "Flesh and Bone" by Sammy Rae.

Senior Rose Klinger accompanies herself on the guitar while singing her origianl song "Wait For Me." "There is a larger sense of community," Klinger said. "you have people behind you, and we are all performing for the same reason, so it’s really special."

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