Learn more about clubs from RBs past inside
Free of Bull, Full of Bulldogs
Check out pictures of RB throughout the ages
Monday, February 9, 2009Volume 80, Issue 4
The Past, Present, and Future

Whats inside.

As 2009 begins, Clarion takes a look back in time to 1895 when RB only had nineteen students, to current times where RB is undergoing major improvements. The times have changed dramatically since RB students took their first steps in the building we currently reside in today. Clarion looks into how sports have evolved, how teachers have changed and how the building today is different now then it was back then! Take a look inside to see stories such as Moments in RBs Sports History (pg.8) or Fashion Through the Ages (pg.11)
Riverside Brookfield High School
160 Ridgewood Rd. Riverside, IL 60546

Building timeline

Feb. 9, 2008Issue 4
In 1919 RB had been open for two years and had an enrollment of 127, 14 classrooms, and a capacity of 350.
In 1929 RB added its first addition to the building. Included in the additions was the new auditorium, and the new cafeteria/ study hall.
In 1939 RB makes big gains in that they bought the land for the stadium. Since 1929 the industrial Arts wing has been built and ten new classrooms added.
In 1949 RB has finally completed the Shuey Stadium. New additions being done to the building at the time, the Main Gym, Little Theater, Alumni Lounge, pool, administrative offices, and 20 new classrooms.
In 1959 the graduation first the first time was held outside due to huge class size as enrollment has increase to 1,427.
By 1969 major improvements have been completed during the decade as well as planned improvement for the next three years. The math and science wing was added as well as the crescent room, teachers cafeteria was, the first foreign language lab, commons, and an indoor track was added. Renovations and additions to the building lasted for the next three years.
By 1989 enrollment had decreased to 922. In 1986 a major roof failure occurs, and is repaired by 1988. During this decade the AV center had been remodeled and computers were added to the business classrooms.
By 1979 a referendum for building repairs finally passed after several attempts, as well as an addition expanding the wood shop, and remodeling in the Industrial Arts Department.
In 2009 RB is under major renovation. The old pool is gone and the new pool is open. Many classrooms have been renovated, and the new front of the school is scheduled to be open next school year.
In 1999, RB prepares for the new millennium by upgrading its computer and adding computers. The IC 1 lab was build, and rooms 221 and 233 were combined to create the Student Publication Center.

--Compiled by Maslowski

Curriculum
Bradley Wilson Staff Reporter
How would todays students react in past situations?

Geeks:

Although it may be hard for some students to accept it, Internet and cell phones have not always been around. A text couldnt be sent instantly over the ever-expanding cell network we have today. Sophomore Gerda Tomasiunas commented on school without technology stating, I dont think I could imagine the school without technology. Everything would be so much harder and take so much more time. She also said that the current technology has made researching and communication much easier. Junior Olivia Toriumi concurred with Tomasiunas saying, Without modern technology I would be lost I use my cell phone and my ipod 24/7. Toriumi also stated, School would be really different without modern technology. I would always have to do projects and reports and without the computer and PowerPoint things would be really weird and much more difficult.

Jocks:

During the 1st twenty or so years RBHS did not offer competitive womens sports leagues. During times of financial crisis, sports were cut in order to lower the schools budget. Six different sports were cut one year due to finances. When asked about how she would react to the past situation of no womens competitive sports, senior Lindsay Hayes, a varsity tennis and softball player said, It would be such a loss, I love competitive sports! Hayes also added, It would be harder to make it through the year without sports because they provide a nice outlet to take your mind off studies and classes and focus on something you love.

Clubbies:

Since RBs creation in 1908, the world has changed and a ton has gone on. Two situations that didnt happen directly to RB, but impacted it were the two major world wars. Six students and the principal enlisted in World War One and over 100 students from RBHS served in the armed forces by the end of WWII, forty two of them not coming back. School during a major war would have been very different from normal life. When asked about what he thought life during a major war would be like sophomore Luke Soldano said, School would sure be different. The senior class size would be much smaller and prices on things such as cafeteria food would probably be more expensive. Soldano added, If our country needs you for something big like a World War, I can see joining being reasonable, about Seniors serving during the war.

Nerds:

The first honors level class was not introduced until the 1970s and AP classes were created after that. Classes may have been taught differently and the curriculum may have been quite different. When asked about school without APs, freshman Adiel Di Bartolomo stated, I think school would be worse without AP classes because AP classes give students a hint at what college classes are like, and provides students with a challenge that normal classes cant provide. Sophomore Elliot Louthen agreed with Di Bartolomo in that for the most part AP classes are good, however he also provided some insight into problems in the system, saying, For the most part, AP classes are a good thing and provide a challenge, however its not fair that they dont offer honors and regular courses for some subjects. Students can choose what activities they are in, and the same should apply to academics.

I was at RBHS in room 105 with a study hall class when my students and I heard the announcement over the loud speaker by John Bristol, Did you do anything special for the Super Bowl that Assistant Superintendent, year? stating that President Kennedy had been shot in Texas. The class and I were in total shock. I dont remember exactly where we went but I know I was with my friends and family. Everyone had their Did the assassination impact the school at all? Bears gear on. I think for that day and the days to follow, as a nation During the 1985 regular season the bears went 15-1. and as the students of RBHS, we will never forget John Running back Walter Payton won the NFC Offensive F. Kennedy. Player of the Year, and head coach Mike Ditka was named NFL Coach of the Year.

2003 - Iraq War

Who: Barbara Dunn, Spanish teacher How did the invasion interfere with your travel arrangements? We all knew it was just a matter of time before the war broke out. It was really just a matter of when. There was the question of whether we should go or not, and whether it was safe. The tour company gave us the option to reschedule but we decided against it. How was the attitude surrounding the war once in Spain? Spain is and has always been a very political country. There were a lot of protest, some of them were huge. We all stayed together the whole time, and the group understood the current situation and the importance of sticking together. A very impactful example of one of the demonstrations was in the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, there was a fountain dyed completely red in representation of the war.

2001 - 9/11 Attacks

Who: Wendy Cassens, English Teacher Do you remember where you were when you found out about the attacks? I was in room 211 teaching my second period AP class. Mr. Mokryzski ran into my room yelling, The Pentagons a blaze! Mrs. Grady soon followed and told us that there was an attack and that the school would soon make an announcement. We soon heard that the Sears Tower was being evacuated and two of my students parents worked there so emotions were running a little high. Another students father was a pilot and was working that day so I allowed her to e-mail her mom, and we found out he was fine. How did it affect the school as a whole? The pictures that were depicted were so haunting and overwhelming. I would say that the 9/11 attacks are kind of like my generations JFK assassination, in the sense that we all remember where we were and what we were doing --Interviews compiled by Krug when we found out.

TECHNOLOGY

Feb. 9, 2009Issue 4
hours of the day, an electronic bulletin board was shown on channel 16. The arrival of Gary Prokes in 1986 helped improve the station tremendously. His ideas and knowledge of technology were instrumental in improving RBTV. I believe I brought greater exposure to RBTV by increasing the broadcast schedule with taped programming to 24/7, said Prokes. Having a program displayed at every moment of the day was a huge upgrade after just the mere ten hours a week previously shown on RBTV. More viewers tuned in because there was always something on, and it was local material. Prokes also expanded the network so that it could be viewed in the twelve different towns that surround the school district. The students have been one of the main reasons why RBTV has been so strong. Students have had success at film festivals and award ceremonies throughout the state and the nation. Most recently in 2008, first place was awarded to students at RB at the National Association of
RBTV and the rise of Gary Prokes
Charlie Morrisey Staff-Reporter
ights Camera Action! With a state of the art studio and the newest equipment, RBTV is very technologically advanced. Sporting events, RB news, cooking shows, documentaries, and plenty more can be seen on channel 16, but it all started in a cramped black and white studio. RBTV started out as a small group in the mid-1970s. They were packed into a small studio, but it was better than nothing. There equipment was not plentiful, but they shared a few cameras amongst the group. It took until 1983 before the channel was broadcast on cable, but even then it was only available in Brookfield. RBTV was only on the air for two hours, from 4-6 PM, and nothing was broadcast on the weekend. All the other
An old-fashion camera stands in the newly remodled RBTV studio of 1981.
Television Arts and Sciences, Chicagoland Television Educators Council Video Festival, and the Hometown USA Video Festival for various programs produced. RBTV won their first medal at a film competition in 1997 at the Cammy Awards. The documentary Mancow and the talk show Inside Our Voice both took home first place medals in their respective categories. Several students have used their success at RBTV and took it to the big networks. Many students have studied TV in college and are now working in the industry. There are RB graduates working at WGN TV channel 9, ABC channel 7, NBC5 Chicago, WCIU channel 26, and CLTV news, Prokes said. After so much success through the years, what is next for RBTV? Currently the station is working towards becoming digital TV. Id like to take the station completely digital which would allow RBTV to schedule programming just like the networks, said Prokes.

Electronic evolution

Brian Wilson Staff-Reporter
Technological growth and how it affects RB
Computers and the Internet open many new resources to students and help them find, use, and share information in many different formats. But it isnt just computers that make up the technology at RB. Its the small things that make a big difference, like the new lunch card system, where students swipe their student IDs to pay for their lunches. The RB web site is one of the most helpful high school web sites around, with the Student Services link that can help you find colleges or get in touch with your counselor, the Library & Instructional Technology link, and the Athletics link, which is full of information. The web site also has some great resources on it for students, like SWAN, Novel List, Word Book, and many search engines to help students find what theyre looking for with class projects or essays. The Naviance program is also on the web site. It is used in the CAP class, (ACT prep) but can be used by anyone. It helps find the right college for a student by asking them a series of questions first, and then narrowing down the results. The Smart Board or Mimio is something truly new to many schools across the country, as well as RB, where teachers can display information to the students on a screen, and interact with it in the process. Doreen Fritz, Library and Instructional Technology Department Chair, helps RB decide what the school needs as far as technology. RBTV uses a vast amount of technology that most schools dont have. In RBTV students use cameras, mini DVD camcorders, and more to take advantage of the technology offered at RB. In the RBTV studio, students use technologies as new as the Internet, and as old as VHS tapes. RBTV is also part of the schools web site, along with TV. Anyone can log on and stream RBTV, as well as watch it locally on channel 16,said RBTV supervisor Gary Prokes. Through the years, RB has grown in a number of different places, and technology doesnt fall short of the list.

Clarion Staff

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily Mussio CONTENT EDITOR Jordan Messner DESIGN EDITOR Sara Skiba WEB EDITOR Sara Willinger PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER Kate Abbatacola SPORTS MANAGER Kieran Brennan OPINION MANAGER Alexandria Krug MEDIA MANAGER David Maslowski NEWS MANAGER Ed Morrissey FEATURES MANAGER Jette Pleasant ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER Rigo Reyes STAFF REPORTERS Pete Jansen, Charlie Morrissey, Anthony Scianna, Bradley Wilson, Brian Wilson SPONSOR Daniel Mancoff Clarion publishes hard copy papers once a month and updates stories constantly online at www.rbclarion.org. The opinions expressed in editorials are those of the individual writers, and do not express those of the Clarion staff or District 208 Administration. Signed letters to the editor are encouraged, but the Clarion reserves the right to edit for content or length.
n the past 101 years, RB has accumulated intercoms, televisions, computers, and more as the school continues to grow. Even jobs like the bell that distinguishes the change of classes has been taken over by an electronic tone played over the intercom system. Technology at RB is still expanding. Just recently, new graphic arts tablets were bought for the computers. Last year RB spent approximately $52,900 on software, and $50,000 on computers in general. Technology Director Mike Connors said, Technology affects the school in every aspect, from grades, to computer labs, to attendance, everything, A new teaching method was just piloted at RB called Turning Point. It allows teachers to show data and questions on a screen. The students in the classroom can then press hand held buttons to answer the questions. This new technology to RB allows the students to be more interactive. Technology Assistant Deb Friedman said,
TeAchers Through the YEARS
With Social Studies teacher Jan Goldberg
Riverside Brookfield High School Feb. 9, 2008Issue 4

Q& A

What was going on when you started working at RB?
I started in 1976 and had one year at Morton West first. [That year the election was] Jimmy Carter vs. Jerry Ford for president, a very close call! The Presidential election was HUGE. Carter had a fresh and unknown candidacy. People liked that he was not in the Washington D.C. corruption culture. This fact led to his unpopularity as a president four years later.

NOW & THEN

George Miller

Jan Goldberg

What has changed in the school since you started working here?
A. The number of young teachers in their 20s. In the 70s the enrollment was dropping. If an older teacher retired, he was not replaced. Today we have almost 1500 students. We add teachers every year. B. Technology! We had ditto machines instead of Xerox. We had typewriters instead of computers. C. Special Ed- There were two or three in the 1970s. Today its the second largest department in the school. Its a federal mandate. D. Fine arts- we did have and choir, just not too much of it. Today we have five or six bands, five or six choirs, and two orchestras. E. Sports for females. Title IX was passed in 1972 mandating equal participation for girls. Sports for females have really multiplied! F. Administrative structure: We had one superintendent-principal in the 70s and 80s. In the 90s we had one of each. Today were back to one. G. Unionism- We are now closed shop- all teachers must join or pay dues. Weve had contact peace (no strike threats) for over a decade. Our salary used to be (in the 70s) in the lower half of Cook County High Schools. Today, were about average. H. School Report Cards- Today we must publish ACT scores and all juniors must take the test. In the 70s, neither was true.

Kevin Turk

Charles Egner
Any memorable RB moments?
A. Dancing in Orchesis (three year in a row) B. One horrible strike ( 2 weeks) C. Almost fainting in class while I was pregnant, but I was still talking D. Mentoring young teachers E. Arguing with work men
Have kids changed much since youve been here?
Teens usually share many desires no matter in what decade theyre living. Most teens want to be accepted by their peers. Most want relationships with the opposite sex. Most want good grades with not a great deal of effort. Most seniors want a decent shot at a good future be it the college of their dreams or a great job or military experience.

Teacher photo breakdown

Charles Egner (ESL Assistant) 1997, The
looks of an artistic, excited freshman who wants to make his impact on the school. He continues his shaggy hairstyle to this very day. The luscious locks that sprout from his head will never be forgotten as the student body will tell his story and pass it on to future generations. Hair is his legacy. He rocks the mustache better than anyone I have ever seen. He is the most interesting man in the world.

Kevin Turk (Government/Academic Support)
1992, The hot shot senior on campus who would become an Army Reserve. He is emblematic of honor and triumph in this portrait and continues that to this very day. His extension of himself to the student body makes him a fan favorite. The flame of youthfulness within him will never burn out.

--Brennan

What do you think will occur in the next hundred years of RB history?
The physical part will be nicer due to the construction project. The teenage population will stabilize. Technology will increase. More state and federal requirements will be enforced. --Interview by Messner
George Miller (English Department Chair)
1996, If he was not listed under the teacher section in the yearbook I would think he was a post-Revolutionary War politician in America.

History of Sports

Look at how RBs rivals have changed from 1922 to the present

Suburban League 1922

Riverside Brookfield, Evanston, La Grange, Morgan Park, Morton, New Trier, Oak Park, Proviso, Thornton, University High, Deerfield-Shields, Bloom, Waukegan, Blue Island, Kankakee
Sports Conferences Throughout the Years
West Suburban Conference 1930
Riverside Brookfield, West Chicago, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Glenbard, La Grange, West Aurora, York, Maine
Suburban Prairie Conference - 2000
East Division Riverside Brookfield, Fenton, Lemont, Westmont, Ridgewood, Elmwood Park North Division Batavia, Geneva, Glenbard South, Kaneland, Sycamore, Yorkville South Division Minooka, Morris, Oswego, Oswego East, Plainfield Central, Plainfield North, Plainfield South

--Compiled by Brennan

Des Plaines Valley League 1985
Riverside Brookfield, Morton East, Morton West, Hinsdale South, Willowbrook, Leyden, Downers Grove South, Addison Trail
Metro Suburban Conference Present
Riverside Brookfield, Fenton, Ridgewood, Elmwood Park

RBHS Sports Timeline

Founding-1925: Boys Track/Boys

FOOTBALL SEMI-FINALS (1993)
The Bulldogs advanced to the semi-finals of the state playoffs. They were up against Marian Catholic High School. The Bulldogs put a great fight but ended up losing 34-14. This was and still is the farthest the bulldogs have ever advanced in the football playoffs.
WRESTLING 3rd IN STATE (1981)
Among the team was state champion Dave Vohaska (167 pounds). Vohaska won another state title in 1983 at 167 pounds. He also was named all-state in football in 1982.
GIRLS V-BALL 35-4 RECORD (1988)
Going into the playoffs RB was ranked number one in the state. RB advanced to the quarter finals of the state playoffs and played Downers Grove North. The girls came up short and lost 15-7, 15-3.
PRESS WINS STATE TITLE DISTANCE RUNNING (1966)
Press finished the 1.9-mile course at the Urbana Country Club with the time of 9 minutes, 45.4 seconds.
RB Clubs through the years

Aeronautical Club: The

purpose was to promote the interest and extend the knowledge of the members in aviation.
Rifle Club: It was started to promote
good form and marksmanship. It was an extremely popular club.

Bridle and Saddle Club:

The club emphasized correct riding form and posture. It was created to further the enjoyment and knowledge in the art of horsemanship.
Sabrina: The club consisted of
synchronized swimmers who made up their own musical swim routines and spent time learning and perfecting techniques.
Photo Club: The club attempted
to obtain its own darkroom. The members searched for ways to improve their photographic techniques.
Lighting Crew: The members
--Compiled by Jansen and Skiba
worked the lights for all kinds of special activities, and in all areas of the school. The club was closely associated with theater.

growing in tradition

RB plans for the future: enrollment predicted to increase

Anthony Scianna

Staff Reporter
Average enrollment through the decades
District 94 (North Riverside and Broadview), District 95 (Brookfield), and District 96 (Riverside). District 94 gives the lowest percentage of students to RB, and District 96 gives the biggest percentage. Since 20022003 the students at District 94, 95, and 96 have increased tremendously, which results in more students going to RB. In 2002 and 2003 there was a total of 2,487 students in the three school districts, 1,169 coming from District 96, or Hollywood, Ames, Blythe, and Central Elementary School, along with Hauser Jr. High. This year there are 2,883 students in the three school districts including 1,432 coming from District 96. Because of the increase in those districts, RB has seen an increase in their enrollment. Since they have no control over the increase in enrollment, they are starting to plan ahead, starting with some clear cut numbers on how many students will be in the school in 2013 and 2014. RB might be hiring a professional demographer to project enrollments for up to fifteen years in the future, so they

uring the next two years, RB is expected to maintain enrollment of approximately 1,480, but the school expects enrollment to jump up tremendously for the following two years. According to information RB business manager Christopher Whelton recently gathered, the number of students at RB will rise a little less than 100 students each year from 2012-2014. Currently there are 1,481 students at RB. In 2010 it is expected to increase to 1,499 students. Enrollment will decrease to 1,438 in 2011 before jumping up to 1,554 in 2012. From there the enrollment is expected to rise to 1,620 before most likely peaking at 1,683 students. But why is this happening now and whats causing this? Most signs point towards elementary and middle schools and the increase in students coming to RB from these schools. There are three districts that flow into RB from Kindergarten thru 8th grade:
1910-1920: 130 students 1930-1940: 906 students
1920-1930: 442 students 1940-1950: 908 students
1950-1960: 1200 students 1970-1980: 1678 students 1990-2000: 898 students
1960-1970: 1890 students 1980-1990: 1322 students 2000-2010: 1334 students

Today: 1481 students

know exactly what theyre up against. Some of their plans are obvious. RB is currently in the middle of a big addition to the school that will open up space for more students and make learning easier. Also, more students means either more people in one class, which could result in less effective learning because it wouldnt be as personal to the students, or have more classes and therefore hire more teachers. It seems that either way they look at it, they will have to hire more teachers in order to keep up with the increase in enrollment. With all that information, at least RB is planning for the future, so they wont be hit out of nowhere with this crazy increase in enrollment at RB.
Keeping the tradition alive
The tradition of school dances has been around since around 1925, one of the earlier years of the schools history. Many traditions and school activities have changed over the years, but students still have school social gatherings where they get dressed up and have a good time. Homecoming is one dance and weekend for that matter, which has been a part of RBs history for a long time. In the 1949 Rouser, homecoming was described as a huge event which included a bonfire, pep talks, music, and a snake dance. On Saturday morning, a parade took place through nearby turns where floats from the different clubs and organizations were driven around. In the afternoon the football game took place. The Homecoming Queen was announced that night at the dance, which was sponsored by the student council. There was no mention of a King. Homecoming in the 1981 year book is similarly described. The dance had an oriental theme which inspired many of the decorations in the gym. Homecoming weekend included a Friday night pep rally and a parade the next morning. Again, students from different clubs and organizations road floats down a street through a nearby town. Saturday night the dance took place, which was organized by student association. The queen was announced but again without any King. Student Council in 1949 also hosted a Fall Dance, Winter Party and a Spring Stag Party. Student Council or Student Association is an organization that has been around for a long time, helping plan school functions. Today RB still has Homecoming even though our pep rally is 20 minutes after school and the parade is once around the track. RB also has a vote for Homecoming queen and a Homecoming king. There arent as many dances today as RB in 1949 but RB does have Turnabout, and Prom for the upperclassmen. Many traditions at RB have changed but some have stayed the same. RB will probably always have school dances because its a time where all the students can get dressed up and socialize. -- Abbatacola

Homecoming 1949

Nominees for Homecoming Queen 1949 line up for a photo at the dance. This was before there was any such thing as a Homecoming King.

Homecoming 1980

Students ride on a float in the 1980 Homecoming Parade. Oriental themed floats traveled all over the neighboring communities.

Homecoming 2008

This past year, Corie Suzuki and Matt Waas were crowned Homecoming Queen and King respectively at the pep rally held right after classes.

Fashion through the ages

Costume jewelry Finger waved hair Bias cut dresses Nylon stockings Platforms
Short hair Shapeless dresses Cloche hat Dressy leather oxford pumps Flapper
Cat-eyed glasses Hawaiian shirts Pony tails Poodle Skirts Saddle shoes Sandles Ballet slippers
Alligator skin Hats Zoot Suits Shoulder Pads Cork or wood soled wedgies
Mini skirts Pillboxhats Hot pants Go go boots in every height
Feathered long hair Short shorts Afro Loud clashing colors Ugly Plaids Jean flares Platforms Stacked heels
Leg warmers Acid washed jeans Hair mousse and gel Parachute pants Flats
Tattoos and piercings Ripped jeans Plaid/ Flannel shirts Sketchers Nikes Birkenstocks Flats
Loose, long sweaters Empire-waisted tops Uggs Clogs Ballet Flats
--Compiled by Abbatacola and Willinger
Clarion Through the Years
the Clarion could be distributed to the student body, it had to be linotyped at the Riverside Art Press. It was here that the operator of a linotype machine would punch in the letters contained within the newspaper, line by line, word by word, letter by tedious letter. After this process was completed, the finished product would then be reproduced by the RB printing classes. Due to the small size of the printing press, the paper itself was reduced to three nine inch long columns,a far cry away from the 12 page issues that are currently generated. While it may be difficult for those of us who have grown accustomed to the perks of modern technology to imagine, once upon a time, all of the stories contained within the Clarion were written to the rhythmic clicks and clangs of typewriters. The authors of these stories did not have access to information with which the Internet supplies modern writers, nor did they receive the hands-on experience of compiling individual stories to actually create a paper (without the aid of a linotype). Despite the long list of setbacks and inconveniences, editors sought to use the materials that were available to them to provide the students and teachers of RB with significant and up-to-date news concerning the school. The papers former slogan We record school life as we see it, bears testament to this ambition. Today, the Clarion still seeks to record school life through the eyes of its students, but more than this it strives to report on the condition of the world we live in and how that condition affects us as a community and a school, and while the motto may have been adapted, the central aspiration which the members of the Clarion staff wished to achieve has remained unchanged through the years.

Headlines represent a long tradition
Jette Pleasant Features Manager
rom the early days of Riverside Brookfield High School, the Clarion has been a fundamental part of school life. With the passage of time, the methods through which the paper itself is produced and the ways in which the members of the Clarion staff work have altered dramatically. In its early years, before
During its existence, Clarion has certainly covered the major stories of the day - Presidential elections, national disasters, sports triumphs and collapses, but Clarion has also served to document the daily life of Riverside Brookfield High School. The above headlines, taken from over fifty years of Clarion newspapers, serve as a reminder of that fact. Clarion is, and always will remain, the independent voice of the students.