Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Stevenson Wakes Up Early To Celebrate Not 1…But 2 CHAMPIONS!!
Badminton And Girls Water Polo Honored For State Titles!

It was double the fun Tuesday morning as champions upon champions gathered for breakfast in the Patriot Wellness Center.

The Athletic Department honored two of the winningest programs on campus, the Badminton Team and the Girls Water Polo Team, both fresh off of IHSA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS!

Earlier this month, for the second year in a row, the Badminton Team rolled to the IHSA State Badminton Championship, securing the rare REPEAT at host DeKalb High School by edging second-place finishers Neuqua Valley and Fremd.

It was the fifth state title for the program since 1983.

Then last weekend, Stevenson got another state championship when the Girls Water Polo Team hoisted the first-place trophy in their own pool by taking down Mother McAuley with an 11-5 victory.

It was the fifth state title for the program, and all of them have been earned since 2015. 

“What these girls have accomplished with that target on their back,” girls water polo coach Jeff Wimer (pictured right) said of players from both teams, “I just say ‘bring it on,’’ because we are ready to accept all the challenges and we’re going to keep working hard at what we love doing.

“I’ve been doing this a heck of a long time…and I still have a ton of fun.”

The Girls Water Polo Team put the wraps on an amazing 35-1 campaign that included an undefeated run through the state of Illinois. This state championship for Stevenson comes after two runner-up finishes in 2021 and 2022.  Along with a couple of third-place finishes (2014 and 2016), Stevenson has placed third or better in the IHSA State Finals in each of the last nine years.

Over Wimer’s 16-year tenure, the Patriots have placed in the top three at state 11 times. 

Goalie Katie Delaney, voted first-team all-state and the Girls Water Polo Player Of The Year in the state of Illinois, pointed out that all seven starters on the team were named all-conference, which illustrates the incredible depth and talent level for the Patriots this year.

“We’ve been to state for the last three years and I thought this was really memorable because, first, it was at home, so it gave us a home field advantage,” Delaney said. “And we had a really good group of girls this year and the hype was there.”

In badminton, the Patriots previously won state championships in 2012, 2017, 2018 and 2022, along with state runner-up finishes in 2019 and 2021. 


“You don’t become a great program as an individual. It takes a great group of people,” badminton coach Grant Johnson (pictured left) said. “And it’s not easy when you’re good. When you’re good, it’s actually hard. People don’t give you less to do, they give you more to do. More expectations, more wanting of your time to maintain a level that you expect yourself to be at. That time, that dedication, I never had to ask twice for these kids to do anything.”

In addition to the team championship in badminton, teammates Anvi Harish and Katherine Li won the doubles state championship.

“I couldn’t be more proud to have these people as my teammates,” Li said, as she addressed the crowd and her teammates. “I made so many new memories with them.”

For a gallery of photos from the championship breakfast, please click here.

eSports Team Finishes Second In National Contest

For just the second time in team history, the Stevenson eSports Team made the field in the Generationesports National Tournament, and this time, placed second in the nation.

The CS:GO team, which includes Dalton Wren, Owen Potempa, Mile Klein, Nik Waz, Neil Rayu, and Ojas Bankhele, won the Midwest Competition and then finished as the national runner-up to the East Side Lions from Lancaster, California.

Dalton Wren is a four-year member of the team, as is Owen Potempa. 

Pictured above: Dalton Wren, Owen Potempa, Mile Klein, Nik Waz and Neil Rayu.

Boat Builders Engage In Boat Races!

Students from the AP Physics Classes spent time in the pool recently as part of an exercise in which they built their own “boats.”

The boats were made out of cardboard and duct tape and students raced the length of the pool against their classmates.

The cardboard was donated by Uline, courtesy of Elizabeth Tenner, the mother of Class of 2022 graduate Abbie Tenner.

Final Experience…STARTS TODAY FOR SENIORS!

SCHEDULE

SENIORS
Today

If you are submitting any more evidence for this semester’s Period 5, 1, 7 and 8 classes, you should go to the PWC Main Entrance today (see schedule above). Please speak with your teachers to see if you need to submit more evidence. Once all Final Experiences are completed, seniors will be released to go home. 
Thursday
Seniors who are submitting any more evidence for this semester’s Period 6, 2, 3 and 4 classes will be expected to report to their normal classrooms according to the Final Experience schedule on Thursday.

FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS
Thursday

Report to your Period 6, 2, 3 and 4 classrooms on Thursday.
Friday
Report to your Periods 5, 1, 7 and 8 classrooms on Friday.
COURSE MATERIAL RETURNAll course material (textbooks, art supplies, cameras, apple pencils, etc.) must be returned before you leave for the summer! You may have to pay a fee for any materials that are returned late, so don’t forget about this, Patriots! Students may drop off their materials in the Lower Sports Center Lobby during these dates/times:


TODAY
~ 7:30 am – 8:30 am
~ Periods 4 – 6
~ 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm

THURSDAY, FRIDAY
~ 7:30 am – 12:00 pm
CLEAN OUT PE LOCKERS BY TODAY

All Physical Welfare lockers must be cleaned out by the end of the last regular school day, TODAY.  Any items left in lockers will be donated to local charities.

For more information about Tutoring, Food Service, Open Gym and the PWC during the Final Experience, please click here.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Check In With Yourself
PWC Check-In Winner: Sudiksha Thirumalaivasa

Glennon Doyle, a “New York Times” best-selling author and an activist, has coined the mantra “We can do hard things.”

Doing “hard things” looks different for everyone. Depending on where we fall on the mental health spectrum, waking and showing up for school can be hard for some while being a seemingly easy, muscle-memory task for others.

The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a great opportunity for us to acknowledge and support those who are affected by mental health challenges.  Sometimes a break from structure and routine is good for our mental health and sometimes it is not. Here are a few reminders as we move into summer:

If summer break is hard for you, it’s ok to be sad about it.
If summer break is great for you, it’s ok to be happy about it.
Try not to compare your summer to others.
Put time into what you enjoy, not what you think you should enjoy.
Allow yourself a break.
Check in on others. 
Summer is a season, a moment in time.

As another reminder, please know that you can access 24/7 anonymous support for mental health concerns (for self or others) in the following ways:

Text SHS to 844.823.5323 
Call 988
Call 911

PWC CHECK-IN WINNER

Since the Patriot Wellness Center started tracking check-ins with 5 Star on Sept. 1, there have been nearly 51,000 total check-ins.

On May 16, Sudiksha Thirumalaivasa 
(pictured right) was the 50,000th check-in to come through the PWC.

Congratulations Sudiksha! Please stop by the Student Activities Office to see
Mr. Wellington and claim your prize!

Seniors: It’s On! Party And Graduation THIS WEEK!

THURSDAY ~ SENIOR PARTY 

GRADUATION DAY DETAILS
FRIDAY ~ MANDATORY REHEARSAL: Check-In begins at 7:30 a.m. in the Fieldhouse.
FRIDAY ~ COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY AT NOW ARENA, Hoffman Estates: Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Graduates report no later than 4 p.m. The Ceremony begins at 5 p.m. 
GRADUATION PHOTOS ~ Visit www.vipis.com
For more information about Graduation, please refer to the letter that was sent to all senior families on May 5 or check out the Senior Page on the Stevenson website.

Update On Upcoming PWC Hours

Please note the PWC Hours this week for current students, and PWC Summer Hours for returning students:


THURSDAY:
 Closed After School
FRIDAY: Closed After School
SATURDAY: CLOSED
SUNDAY: CLOSED
MONDAY, May 29: CLOSED
TUESDAY, May 30: OPEN!The Patriot Wellness Center Starts Summer Hours, which run through Aug. 12.

SUMMER HOURS (for returning students)
Monday Through Thursday: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday: Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED

World Travel With Stevenson: Focus On France And Italy

Don’t forget that the DEADLINE for the EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT for Stevenson’s International Travel Opportunities is JUNE 1.

Trips are planned in 2024 to the Dominican Republic, France/Italy, Iceland and Japan.

Here’s a closer look at France and Italy:

The AP European History and Latin teachers have teamed up to design an 11-day student travel experience to Paris, the south of France, Florence, and Rome.  The itinerary includes tours of essential historical sites of Ancient Rome and the Renaissance with immersion in the contemporary culture of Europe. 


While geared towards AP European History and Latin students, this travel experience is open to any enrolled Stevenson student with interest in these locations! Enrollment is now open! If you missed the Travel Night Zoom Call and want to know more, click here. For general questions about Stevenson Travel (travel partners, dates, payments, insurance, etc.), contact Mandy Johnson at ajohnson@d125.org.

ACADEMICS
THROUGH TODAY ~ Student ID Photos For 2023-24
MAKE-UP DATES (as long as there is no conflict with your classes)
Sportscenter and Fieldhouse

TODAY: All Day, Including Early Bird PE ~ 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

NOW ~ Sign Up For ACT/SAT Bootcamps: Do you want to sharpen your skills for the upcoming ACT and/or SAT exams? You’re in luck. Spaces are still available for this summer’s “ACT Testing Bootcamp” and the “SAT Testing Bootcamp” that are taught by our own Stevenson faculty and staff.
** ACT Bootcamp: June 12 through June 16; 7:45 to 12:50 p.m., daily
** SAT Bootcamp: July 5 through July 14; 7:45 a.m. to 12:50 p.m., daily.

This summer experience includes a focus on: test-taking strategies, pacing guidelines, reinforcement of subject matter skills, testing on a digital platform and a simulation practice test on the last day of class where you will receive your immediate score report and feedback. 

NOW THROUGH JUNE 30: Apply for these post-secondary scholarships with deadlines ranging from now through June 30.

ONGOING ~ Juniors To-Do’s: Counselors recently sent Juniors an e-mail that includes a checklist of things to do starting now and through the summer as the idea of college and applications becomes more of a reality. Also, there’s a great scholarship opportunity for juniors that includes four years of tuition and expenses to the University of North Carolina.

CLUBS
THIS WEEK ~ Donate Your Stevenson iPad: SENIORS…If you do not plan to use your iPad after graduation, please consider donating it to the Angaza Center in Kenya. The National Honor Society has organized collection boxes at all entrances THIS WEEK and there will also be a box at graduation practice on FRIDAY. Please attach the charger to the device. Have other old devices at home that are not in use? Please bring them to donate! Any devices (laptops, phones, iPads) in working condition and preferably with the charger are acceptable. 

NOW THROUGH FRIDAY ~ Shoe Donations: The Green Team and SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County) have partnered to keep unwanted footwear out of landfills. The Green Team will take shoes in ANY condition, whether they are for athletics, formalwear, etc. A donation box is at the Point.

OPPORTUNITIES

JUNE 1 ~ Deadline For Early Bird Rate To Travel The World With Stevenson: Don’t forget that the DEADLINE for the EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT for Stevenson’s International Travel Opportunities is JUNE 1. Don’t miss out on the amazing 2024 tours (Dominican Republic, France/Italy, Iceland, Japan) that are planned. If you missed the Travel Night Zoom Call and want to know more, click here. For general questions about Stevenson Travel (travel partners, dates, payments, insurance, etc.), contact Mandy Johnson at ajohnson@d125.org. 

ONGOING ~ Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: Stevenson has a vast array of job postings that is continuously updated with new listings. Check out the Student Career Connection page on the Stevenson website to learn more.

Boys Tennis And Boys Track And Field:
Vying For State Titles This Weekend

Stevenson is looking to add to its state championship hardware with appearances at both the Boys Tennis and Boys Track And Field state championships this weekend.

At the IHSA Boys Tennis State Finals, hosted by Palatine High School and surrounding area courts, the Patriots are looking to add to its strong history by bringing in sectional champions in both the singles field and the doubles field.

Ashvath Madhushanker won the singles championship in the Stevenson Sectional last week while the team of Ervin Perkowski and Gautham Kappaganthula won the doubles title. Madhushanker will start his state championship march with a match at Prospect High School while Perkowski and Kappaganthula begin their run at Schaumburg High School.

Stevenson, looking for its first state title, has placed seven times in the IHSA Boys Tennis State Finals, with its most recent trophy coming in 2021 with a third-place finish.

At the IHSA Boys Track And Field State Finals, hosted by Eastern Illinois University, Stevenson brings a healthy contingent of contenders after placing fifth at the Grayslake North Sectional last week behind champion Warren and Grayslake Central, Zion-Benton and Grayslake North.

Marcus Caselberry won sectional titles in both the 110 meter and the 300 meter hurdles, setting personal records along the way. Ethan Aghakhan won the shot put with a personal record and also qualified in the discus. Meanwhile, Randy Clay qualified in the high jump.

The Patriots are looking for their first team trophy at the Boys Track And Field State Finals.

Sports Notes

Badminton Championship Gear On Sale NOW!

Show your pride in the STATE CHAMPION badminton team and get your championship apparel online HERE! 

The deadline to order is FRIDAY!

Upcoming Sports Events

TODAY ~ Girls Lacrosse Sectional: Stevenson will be playing in the Sectional Semifinal against Warren at Lake Forest High School’s West Campus (300 S. Waukegan Rd.) at 7:00 p.m. TODAY.

TODAY ~ Softball Regional: The Patriots will be in action at 4:45 p.m. TODAY taking on Glenbrook South in the Glenbrook South Regional Semifinal. Tickets can be purchased on GoFan.

THURSDAY ~ Boys Volleyball Regional: The Patriots will be vying for a regional championship against host Grayslake Central at 6 p.m. THURSDAY. 

THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY ~ Boys Tennis State Finals: Stevenson won a sectional championship over the weekend to qualify for the IHSA State Finals, which begins THURSDAY at Palatine High School.

THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY ~ Boys Track And Field State Finals: Members of the Stevenson Boys Track And Field team will be competing in the IHSA State Finals, which begins THURSDAY at Eastern Illinois University.

Sports Results


Boys Volleyball:
 Stevenson (27-9, 7-0) traveled to Grayslake Central to take on Waukegan in the IHSA Regional Semifinals and won convincingly, 25-11, 25-12. Sam Nuudel led the way in kills for the Patriots with 5 and added 1 ace, 1 block assist and 8 digs. Tony Hwang and Ramsey Engel added 4 kills apiece and combined for 1 solo block, 2 block assists, and 5 digs. Setters David Wang and Logan Kim combined for 34 attempts, 19 assists and 3 digs. Jason DeZutter contributed 3 kills and 1 block assist, followed by Vince Concialdi with 2 kills and 2 block assists. Onon Bayasakh added 1 ace and 9 digs. Next up is the IHSA Regional Final against host Grayslake Central at 6 p.m. on Thursday. 

Girls Soccer: Stevenson’s (14-6-1, 5-1-1) season came to a close with a 2-1 loss to Fremd in the IHSA Sectional Semifinal. The Patriots’ goal came in the second half by Ellie Egeland, assisted by Madison Olsen.

Sports Reminders

NOW ~ RETURN OF ATHLETIC UNIFORMS/GEAR: If you were provided a uniform or equipment through Stevenson Athletics for your Spring Sport, this gear MUST be returned to the Equipment Room (Room 1000), from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. the day following the conclusion of your season. Failure to do so will result in a fine and a hold on your registration for the following school year or your ability to receive your diploma.

TODAY ~ PE LOCKERS: All Physical Welfare lockers must be cleaned out by the end of the last regular school day, TODAY.  Any items left in lockers will be donated to local charities.

ONGOING ~ Register For Summer Sports Camp: For freshmen through seniors. Summer Sports Camp brochure, which is also located on the athletics webpage. Register here for Summer Sports Camp. Register early to make sure you are cleared to participate on the first day of camp.

ONGOING ~ Register For Girls Flag Football: Stevenson will be offering Girls Flag Football in the Fall of 2023. This is a COMPETITIVE program! Practices will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays. Games will take place on Saturdays. To register for Flag Football, please click here. Tryouts will take place in August. Stay tuned for more updates!

JULY 17 ~ Baseball Golf Outing: The Stevenson Baseball Team is hosting a Golf Outing on Monday, July 17 at the Buffalo Grove Golf Course, starting at 9 a.m. Tickets can be purchased HERE to play in a foursome or to sponsor a hole. All proceeds will go to the Stevenson Baseball Program.

Mark your calendars for these events and see the Stevenson Calendar for details on these and future programs.

May 24-26: Final Experience
May 25-27: Boys Tennis State Finals
May 25-27: Boys Track State Finals
May 26: Graduation
June 6: Start Of Summer School, Session I


 

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