All The ‘Buzz:’ SAGA, Kupferberg Ready For Masquerade Ball
One day last Spring, their hair was long, running all the way down the middle of their back and below their waist, as it had since early childhood.
The next day, junior Alex Kupferberg had a buzzcut. Military style. With blue dye and cloud shapes.
“Go big or go home…or actually, go short or go home,” Kupferberg said with a laugh, acknowledging the dramatic change to their longtime hairstyle that occurred in a matter of minutes.
“It was a shock to a lot of people, including my parents, and maybe even to me a little, too,” Kupferberg said. “But then I was like, ‘No, it was time.’ So, that’s why I did it.”
Likewise, Kupferberg, who says that their hair now “is long,” compared to their “buzzcut days,” was ready for another big change, another deep dive, this year.
Just a year ago, they was immersed in their classes, no time for clubs or extracurriculars. In fact, they had never before been a part of a club at Stevenson.
But since the beginning of this year, they has been passionately involved in Stevenson’s Sexuality And Gender Alliance (SAGA) club, so much so that they are feverishly helping with the club’s big Masquerade Dance scheduled for TOMORROW NIGHT (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) in the Lower Glass Commons…and they is also in line to become president of the club next year.
“I do tend to jump into things,” Kupferberg said. “And when I jump in, I go all in. I remember hearing about SAGA for the first time and thinking, ‘Oh, that sounds like my place, something I would be interested in.’ This was my first club at Stevenson, and I went all in for the first thing.”
The process of “coming out” for Kupferberg was a little more deliberate, though. They was just a seventh grader, and started having questions. A lot of questions about themself, and about how they fit in, and about what they were and how they saw themself.
But after some careful thought and introspection, Kupferberg fully committed to their decision, told their family that they was gay (and in the last year, non-binary) and has never looked back.
“I am so lucky to have parents and family and siblings that accept me, Kupferberg said. “I’ve been out to them for a very long time now. I would tell other kids not to feel pressure to come out. It’s not your responsibility to explain yourself or who you are to anyone else. I just wanted to. I wanted to tell my family about it, and they’ve all been amazingly supportive about it. I love them all the more for it.”
Kupferberg knows that not every person their age who might be in a similar situation is quite so fortunate, which is why they feels so grateful that Stevenson has committed to fully supporting a club such as SAGA.
“The majority of the people in our club are not out,” Kupferberg said. “It’s a safe space that we provide for those who aren’t…and who are…out. I love that everyone is so inclusive and open and shows support for each other. No matter the situation, it’s unconditional. And it’s also cool to be part of something bigger than yourself that is allied around a cause of a safe space.”
The SAGA Club has regular meetings on campus, and usually 10 to 15 students attend.
“Sometimes our meetings are about planning big events, like our dance or a clothing drive or us being in a Pride Parade (pictured left),” Kupferberg said. “But sometimes, we just hang out. Maybe we talk about current events, laws that have been passed. We might share stories of our week and if there is a problem that arises, we help whoever that is. We embrace that, because a lot of kids aren’t out and they don’t feel safe and honestly, that’s a big reason this club exists…to provide support to kids who feel like they don’t have it.”
Lately, SAGA has been laser-focused on the planning of the Masquerade Ball. The club will be painting the windows of the Lower Glass Commons in Masquerade themes. And many of the members are excitedly curating their outfits and costumes.
“There will be a lot of kids in costumes or gowns or something fancy,” Kupferberger said. “I’m going to dress up in costume…probably a long skirt and loose blouse with a cape. I’m going to have a mask that will be gold and black to go with the theme colors of our dance. Feathers, too, of course.”
SAGA is expecting that more than 100 people will attend the Masquerade Ball, which is open to all Stevenson students.
“It’s going to be a lot more people than previous years because it’s not just for our members, it’s for allies, too, and I think a lot of people want to come,” Kupferberg said. “The dance is a really good gathering for all the people who are involved or who want to be involved. It’s a celebration and a way to show support.”
Winter Guard: First Place In First Show!
Stevenson’s Winter Guard Teams competed in their first event of the season recently and brought home first-place finishes in a field that included teams from across the Midwest.
Winter Guard performs at shows around the Midwest and goes to WGI World Championships.
Science Bowl Finishes Strong At Illinois Regional Tournament
At the Illinois Regional Tournament recently, Stevenson’s Science Bowl team was among 15 teams from six school that spent the day battling in a fast-paced trivia-style game that covered topics in biology, chemistry, physics, math, energy, and earth and space science.
Two Stevenson teams advanced to the double elimination bracket in the afternoon. After hours of fierce competition, both teams finished strong.
The freshmen team of Andrea Gualdron, Anusha Saraf, Janardhan Vasireddy, Nisha Salian and Richard Xu climbed to a fourth-place finish. In a double match finale, the veteran team of Andrey Vlasov, Austin Golinkin, Deepak Salian, Karthik Ramanathan and Krish Chatterjee finished in second place overall.
Science Bowl is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. For more information, please contact psuntharanund@d125.org.
Stevenson’s Music Program Well-Represented At ILMEA All-State Festival
A total of 32 students from Stevenson’s Music Program (Band, Choir, Orchestra and Composition) were selected to participate in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Festival last month.
The event took place over four days (Jan. 25 to Jan. 28) and students participated in rehearsals and seminars throughout the weekend with concerts as culminating events.
Students were selected based on their auditions and by participating in their district festivals in November.
Annual Thespian Cabaret Performance Set For TONIGHT!
The cream of the crop Thespians at Stevenson who have been inducted into the Thespian National Honor Society will be performing in and producing the student-led “Annual Thespian Cabaret.”
The show, slated for a 7 p.m. start TONIGHT in the West Auditorium, will include acting, singing, dancing, musical instruments and improv!
Even the lighting design, sound and stage-managing are completely student-led.
The performance is free, with a suggested donation of $5, which will be collected for Special Gifts Theatre.
“Community College Week” Continues TODAY!
A total of six community colleges are visiting Stevenson this week during “Community College Week!”
These college visits are similar to the college rep visits that took place during the fall. Interested Juniors and Seniors should register within Naviance and seek teacher permission two school days in advance to attend the scheduled visit.
All visits will take place in the College And Career Center.
TODAY, Fourth, Fifth or Sixth Periods ~ College Of Lake County (in-district community college with guaranteed admission with dozens of four-year colleges). Seniors who are interested in taking part in the upcoming CLC application workshops and/or placement testing should fill out this survey prior to the events.
TOMORROW, Sixth Period ~ Harper College (students can receive in-district tuition rates by working within campus boundaries)
| It’s Coming…D125 Asian Night Market Is SATURDAY! Want to immerse yourself in Asian culture and cuisine? Check out D125 Asian Night Market on SATURDAY. Hosted by the Asian American Student Association, Asian Night Market will feature food booths (4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) in the Glass Commons and performances (6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.) in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets for food will be on sale for $1 (cash only) each, but performances are free. |
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Delicious Dish: Food Activity Is TODAY’S Black History Month Event
Want a yummy snack after school?
The Black Student Union (BSU) has planned fun and engaging weekly activities throughout Black History Month, which is themed this year: “Celebrating Our Strengths and Overcoming Adversity as a Black Community.”
For this week’s activity, learn how to cook a delicious dish from the Black community TODAY after school from 3:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Room 1406.
Run…Walk…And Fundraise, For A Good Cause!
There is still time to sign up and fundraise for a great event next month hosted by the National Honor Society: Kilometers For Kenya.
It is a team walking/running competition on MARCH 11 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Fieldhouse, and each lap completed will be a donation towards the Angaza Center. The Angaza Center is a nonprofit organization that empowers students in rural African schools with information technology literacy that is critical for attaining economic and social prosperity.
The last day to register a team is MARCH 4, and Team Captains can register here.
To start your team fundraising, share this link with family and friends, and have them put your name in the comment section so the donation will count towards your team totals.
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The Reminders For Students section tightens our Student Announcements section by including information about events/action items that have already been fully promoted in the Digest, but that have yet to happen or are still open-ended with deadlines (submissions/applications/permission slips). These reminders, which will run every day, will include direct links to applicable websites or documents, and/or to previous editions of the “Digest” that feature the full listing about the event. Please check here regularly!
ACADEMICS
TODAY ~ CLC Visit…And Workshops: The College And Career Center is hosting a series of College Of Lake County workshops throughout the Second Semester, starting with a visit TODAY from CLC during all lunch periods in the CCC. (Seniors ~ and juniors ~ are welcome to join a session.) This is the first of SIX total events in this CLC workshop series. The second date in the series is an application workshop on THURSDAY, Feb. 23. Full “Daily Digest” listing, including more information and all dates.
THROUGH TOMORROW ~ Certificate Pick-Up: Stevenson students who are Illinois State Scholars should pick up their certificates, which were first made available in mid-December, THIS WEEK in the College Career Center by showing their ID.
TUESDAY, Feb. 14: Summer Job Fair ~ Representatives from more than 40 local businesses (camps, food, retail) will be sharing part-time work opportunities available to students this summer at the upcoming Summer Job Fair. Stevenson is hosting the event next TUESDAY (Feb. 14) during the fourth-, fifth- and sixth-period lunches in Rooms 5120, 5124 and 5128 of the Patriot Wellness Center, and students may visit any time. To see which businesses and organizations will be attending, please be sure to check out the 2023 Summer Job Fair Information Map!
FRIDAY, Feb. 17 ~ Registration Deadline For Biliteracy Exam: The February 2023 Biliteracy Exam is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25. The exam is available only to Juniors and Seniors, and seating is limited. The registration deadline for the exam is Friday, Feb. 17, at 12 noon. Visit Stevenson’s Biliteracy page and Biliteracy Exam FAQ for languages offered, registration, and payment information.
MARCH 1-APRIL 1 ~ Scholarships, Scholarships, Scholarships: Apply for these post-secondary scholarships, with deadlines ranging from March 1 to April 1.
MARCH 8 ~ Deadline To Register For Second-Semester AP Tests: Students taking Second Semester (Only) Advanced Placement classes can now register for their AP Tests that will take place in May. Registration must be completed and a full payment must be made by March 8. Please refer to the AP page on the Stevenson website for more information.
MARCH 23 ~ Deadline To Register For Summer School: Online registration for Summer School courses is open until March 23. To get started, please go to Infinite Campus. Click here for instruction on how to register. Summer School is open to current Stevenson students, as well as current eighth graders who will be registered as incoming freshmen in the Class of 2027. *NOTE: Summer School registration is different from the academic school year registration/fees payment process that will begin in mid-May. Contact the summer school office at 847-415-4520 or summerschoolreg@d125.org with questions. Full “Daily Digest” listing.
CLUBS
EVENTS
FRIDAY, Feb. 24: Early-Bird Ticket Deadline For Winterfest 2023: Arcade! Get your tickets for the upcoming Winterfest Dance, which will be held on SATURDAY, Feb. 25 (7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the West Commons and Sportscenter). The price is$25 through Feb. 24. Tickets will be available at the door for $40.NOTE: If you would like to bring a guest (a student from another school) to the Dance, you must fill out a guest form. Guest forms may be submitted NOW through Feb. 17.
UNTIL MARCH 31: Senior Party Cruise Tix ~ Seniors can now buy tickets for “The Senior Class Party,” an amazing two-hour boat cruise on Lake Michigan May 25, aboard the “Spirit Of Chicago!” Seniors will enjoy amazing skyline views and DJ entertainment during the cruise. There will also be a lunch buffet on the boat that will include delicious desserts and unlimited soft drinks. The early-bird price for tickets ($40 apiece) is good until MARCH 31, and after that tickets will increase to $45 apiece. To complete the transaction, put your Student ID in the Promo Code. Buses will board at Stevenson at 12 noon on May 25 and then head to Navy Pier to board the boat. The cruise will run from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Buses will bring everyone back to Stevenson by around 6 p.m.
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TOMORROW Is the Deadline For Winter Sports Awards Nominations!
The Winter Sports Awards Night is coming up next month and part of the event includes the announcement of the annual Exceptional Stevenson Patriot Pride Awards.
Students, parents, faculty and staff are encouraged to vote for Winter athletes and teams in the following categories: Team Community Service, Comeback Award, Breakthrough Under-Level Athlete, Breakthrough Varsity Athlete, Best Under-Level Game Performance, Best Varsity Game Performance, Superfans, Best Manager and Best Moment in Winter Sports.
Nominate a WINTER athlete for an Exceptional Stevenson Patriot Pride Awards (ESPPA) by TOMORROW.
The Winter Sports Awards Night is at 7 p.m. on TUESDAY, March 7 in the Sportscenter.
Sports Events Ahead
TOMORROW/SATURDAY: Girls Wrestling Sectional ~ Junior Sajra Sulejmani and senior Sammi Goldstein from Stevenson will be attempting to qualify for the IHSA Girls State Wrestling Finals for the second straight year by competing this weekend in the IHSA Sectional hosted at Evanston Township High School. The sectional at Evanston will run TOMORROW and SATURDAY in Beardsley Gym. Doors do not open to spectators until 4:45 p.m. on Friday. Spectators may enter through the rear of the school at Entrance 3 or through Door 51 off of Dodge Avenue. Tickets are $7 per day and must be purchased via GoFan.
Sports Reminders
Similar to the new Reminders For Students section, Sports Reminders is a daily sports section that includes sports items that have already been fully promoted in the “Digest,” but that have yet to happen or are still open-ended with deadlines. Please check here regularly!
ONGOING ~ Spring Sports Registration: Please note that Spring Sports are right around the corner and registration is open NOW. Register for Spring Sports HERE. All Spring Sports Information can be found in this document or on the Stevenson Athletics website. Full “Daily Digest” listing.
| MONDAY, Feb. 13: Recruiting 101 ~ Are you interested in the college recruiting process? Do you want to know more about how to get started? Then please attend the Recruiting Informational Meeting on MONDAY, Feb. 13 in Room 5132 with Athletic Coordinator Kyle Washburn during the Activity Period (from 10:06 a.m. to 10:49 a.m.). Be sure to RSVP using the QR Code. THURSDAY, Feb. 16: Mandatory Meeting ~ For those who have not attended the mandatory student-athlete meeting, the next opportunity to attend one of the mandatory meetings is next THURSDAY, Feb. 16. from 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. in the West Auditorium. Please be on time as the presentation will start right on time. FRIDAY, Feb. 24: Boys Lacrosse Meeting ~ There will be an Informational Meeting for Boys Lacrosse on FRIDAY, Feb. 24 in Room 1204 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY, March 15: Hall Of Fame Nominations ~ Nominations for the Stevenson Athletics Hall of Fame are now being accepted. Nominate an athlete, coach, staff member or supporter who through their commitment, sacrifice, and dedication to the Stevenson Athletic Program has brought pride and distinction to our school community. Deadline to submit is March 15. |
Sports Results
Girls Gymnastics:Ashley Schabes, Emma Fang and Clara Calavanti all competed in the IHSA Sectional hosted by Stevenson and performed with an amazing group of gymnasts. Schabes (pictured above left) and Fang (pictured above right) qualified for state in the vault (9.45) and uneven bars (9.40) respectively. They will compete at the IHSA State Finals on Feb. 17 (4:30 p.m.) and Feb. 18 (10 a.m.) at Palatine High School.
Girls Basketball: The Patriots (20-10, 10-4) finished up North Suburban Conference play with a 59-21 win over Zion-Benton. Emory Klatt served up a team-high 19 points. Kendell Williams (pictured right) and Sydney Rosland both contributed 10 points apiece, while Nisha Musunuri added 6 points and Kate Arne had 5 points. Stevenson will be back in action at the Sportscenter at 7 p.m. tomorrow against Nazareth for its last regular season game.
Boys Hockey: The Patriots started the playoffs last night, losing the first of three games to Loyola, 5-0. Game two is at 6:10 p.m. on Saturday at American Heartland Ice Arena ~ Main Rink.
Mark your calendars for these events and see the Stevenson Calendar for details on these and future programs.
Feb. 9-28:Black History Month
Feb. 9-10:CCC Presents ~ College Week
Feb. 9:CCC Presents ~ CLC Informational Meeting
Feb. 9:Black History Month at SHS: Cooking in the Food Lab
Feb. 9:Thespian Cabaret
Feb. 10:SAGA Masquerade Ball
Feb. 11:D125 Asian Night Market
Feb. 13:Activity Period
Feb. 13:Chamber Orchestra Concert
Feb. 13:District 125 Board Of Education Meeting
Feb. 14:Summer Job Fair
Feb. 14:CCC Presents: CLC Application Workshop
Feb. 16: Late Arrival
Stevenson Daily Digest 