What’s recently happened?
As the first full week of April begins, the John Adams High School Eagles are relaxing on a cool and breezy spring break. When returning April 10, students will continue to finish off quarter four as the 2022-2023 school year comes to a close.
On Tuesday March 28, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Art students put on their annual art exhibit, showing all the art pieces they have worked on throughout the year. For many seniors, this was their second exhibit exemplifying their art skills and looking back at all they have improved on. The pieces, ranging from ceramics to paintings, all had their specific themes and issues portrayed.
Senior Maddie Garber commented on her experience as a second year student. She discussed how, last year, they were each given specific topics to work with to experiment with different media and works of art. This year, however, the students were able to choose their own topics and use what they have learned previously to create and portray their own themes and artwork.
“I started out my exhibit talking about body image and how other people influence how we feel about ourselves, and this was mainly because I think as young people, no matter what gender, we have insecurities caused by a lot of social media and ‘norms,’” Garber said.
Her goal was to show others that they are not alone in their insecurities while also portraying the importance of not letting insecurities lead one’s life. A few of Garber’s other exhibits represented the judgment others bring towards people.
“I created a few pieces to show the feeling of watching others as well as the feeling of having others watch you, which makes the viewers feel uncomfortable when looking at my art,” Garber said.
What’s coming up?
On April 14, the Spanish Club and Spanish Honor Society will be hosting the annual Sabor Latino. This year's theme is Music: the Universal Language, or “Ritmo Universal.” Tickets are on sale during all lunch periods starting April 10 and can be purchased at the doors during the event.
To the eagerness of students, the annual Prom dance will be held May 12 at the Century Center. The Senior Class Student Government is yet to announce this year's theme, but many students have already begun their searches for dresses and tuxedos.
Staff spotlight:
Former 2014 John Adams alumnus Jacob Timmons has dedicated numerous hours towards the John Adams students and community. Attending Lewis College, a small college in the Chicago suburbs, Timmons' eye was always on being a teacher after his amazing experience with his fourth grade teacher, Mr. Hensler.
“Seeing him interact with and take pride in his students' learning and their accomplishments was a real ‘wow’ moment for me. Ever since I had him as a teacher all those years ago, I was sold on the profession - the big thing was figuring out what I wanted to teach!” Timmons said.
At John Adams, Timmons teaches four different biology courses – Biology I, Biology Honors, IB Biology SL and IB Biology HL (first year) – and also helps coach both the cross country and track and field teams. His favorite moment as a teacher has been when his students are really able to understand the material and everything clicks for them. He loves seeing their waves of enthusiasm and excitement being able to fully comprehend.
Timmons also noted his two favorite parts about teaching at John Adams specifically have been working with teachers and staff that allow him to grow and flourish as a student during his time there as well as creating relationships and bonds not only with the students he coaches but with the ones he teaches as well. Through teaching, Timmons hopes his students will carry on a passion for learning and exploring the world.
“It is a vast and expansive world we live in; you should be curious about it,” Timmons said.
Student spotlight:
The aspiring full IB student Guinevere “Gwen” Clark is a touching writer and an amiable contribution to the John Adams community. Partaking in a full schedule of IB classes, Clark noted the struggles with taking such rigorous classes: Theory of Knowledge, IB Biology HL, IB History HL, Yearbook/Newspaper, IB Spanish SL, IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches SL and IB English HL.
“It was not the smartest decision on my part,” Clark said.
Along with her tough classes, Clark also partakes in many clubs and after school activities. With clubs such as Eagles Going Green (EGG), John Adams Volunteer Association (JAVA), Student Advocates for IB Diversity, Spanish Club, and National Honor Society (NHS). Clark’s main goal was to give back to the community. As such, EGG has had a deep impact on Clark.
“I decided to join EGG because our generation is the future, I care deeply for the environment, and I am very upset by the steps being taken by the government, such as the Willow Project and the complete disregard for the Earth. While I know that joining EGG will not solve all of the problems, it is a step in the right direction,” Clark said.
In addition to her many school clubs, Clark has also been involved in competitive gymnastics for nine years now. Though she has to dedicate 16 hours a week over four days, the long and treacherous nights are filled with coaches and teammates that support her in it all.
“Sports are made up of people who have shown me what it is like to be a part of a team; it’s one of the best support systems I could ever ask for,” Clark said.
As a writer and reporter for the John Adams Tower newspaper, Clark noted her intentions were simply to express herself through writing. News articles, her favorite to cover, have given her joy throughout researching and further immersing herself into the topic.
“I feel more cultured when I stay up to date about what is happening in the world,” Clark said.
Clark noted her slight interest in writing from watching Rory Gilmore write for the Yale paper in “Gilmore Girls.” As she enjoys her time writing now, it is something she sees carrying on down the road. Due to her interest in political science or science research, Clark envisions a background in editorial writing that will help her out later in life.
“I think joining a newspaper in college would be really cool and open the door to more opportunities,” Clark said.