H-F FYI - 3.20.23
Week of March 20, 2023
Week of March 20, 2023
Top Story: H-F Debate to State!
A dozen more Vikings have headed off to an IHSA State competition to represent Homewood-Flossmoor this school year! Our H-F Debate students are competing today and Saturday at Illinois State U. in the IHSA State Debate Tournament. Good luck to:
PUBLIC FORUM
- Mickey McGrory & Everett Van Til
- Nehemiah Holmes & Natilee Benson
- Max Zeman & Undra Pillows
- Greg Mitchell & Aidan Klauk
LINCOLN DOUGLAS
- Kevin Gibek
- Peyton Jackson
- Diego Rosales
- Zavier Scott
The trip to State comes after a successful weekend at the Illinois Debate Coaches' Novice & JV State Tournament, where 11 Vikings competed in individual and paired events, arguing about the Supreme Court and the Artemis Space Accords. H-F had huge success here with three teams moving on to the elimination rounds. Quarterfinalists were Mickey McGrory, Everett Van Til, Diego Rosales, Max Zeman & Taren Heyward. In addition, two Vikings also earned individual speaker awards — Diego (7th Place JV Lincoln Douglas) and Max (8th Place Novice Public Forum) — and H-F Head Coach/English Teacher Mrs. Cole was voted by her peers as the 2023 Illinois Head Debate Coach of the Year! She was recognized for her work to make the debate community an inclusive, welcoming and safe place for everyone and for her own team. Congratulations, Mrs. Cole!
She is assisted by Elise Meintanis and fellow H-F teachers Ms. Carroll, Mr. Bush & Ms. Lenore. Go, Vikings!
Applications Open March 27 for Exclusive Scholarships for H-F Seniors
For several years, the H-F Foundation has been managing special scholarships exclusively open to H-F students. The Class of 2023 can apply for the scholarships listed below from March 27-April 16. All applications are hosted on an online program, Going Merry (click here).
- Brian Miller Memorial Scholarship
- Class of 1971 Scholarship
- David Boettcher Memorial Scholarship
- Dr. Bob Donaldson Memorial Scholarship
- Elyse Bell Memorial Scholarship
- Exelon Dresden Nuclear Station STEM Scholarship
- Flossmoor Service League Scholarship
- Friends of the Library Scholarship
- H-F Teacher Union Future Teacher Scholarship
- H-F Teacher Union Service Scholarship
- Homewood-Flossmoor Parent (HFPA) Scholarship
- Kevin Maher Memorial Scholarships
- Korean United Methodist Church Scholarship
- Kristina Knoll Martinez & Danny Martinez Family Scholarship
- Lighthouse LGBTQ Scholarship
- Lowry Family Scholarship
- National Council of Jewish Women South Cook Section Award
- Rotary Club of Homewood Scholarship
- Suzanne E. "Nebs" Nebendahl Memorial Golf Scholarship
- Class of 2001 Scholarship
- Nicole L. Nunn Memorial Scholarship
- Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Scholarship
In addition to the scholarships listed above, the scholarship page of the H-F website lists even more scholarship opportunities that are specific to the South Suburbs and the Chicagoland area. Check it out here...
Questions about scholarships? Contact our Post-Secondary Counselors: Mr. Coy (708-335-5614, kevin.coy@hf233.org) and Mr. Kain (708-335-5615, brad.kain@hf233.org).
Coming Soon: School Testing Days April 12 & 13
Following Spring Recess (April 3-10), this year's School Testing Days are set for April 12 & 13. Here are the details by grade level:
• GRADES 9 & 10* — Our underclassmen will take the PSAT on Thursday, April 13. This exam consists of tests in Reading, Math and Writing & Language. The Math test has two sections: one that permits a calculator and one that does not. Students must arrive by 8:30 a.m., and they will be dismissed at approximately 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, will be an asynchronous remote day for all of their classes.
• GRADE 11* — Wednesday, April 12, is a big day for our juniors. They will take the official SAT exam, the results of which are accepted by colleges and universities for admission and scholarship consideration. There is no cost for this exam on this day; you may select up to three schools for score submission and indicate them on the day of the exam. Students must arrive by 7:30 a.m., and they will be dismissed at approximately 1:20 p.m. Thursday, April 13, will be an asynchronous remote day for all of their classes.
• GRADE 12** — There is no scheduled test for our seniors, who have already taken the SAT**! On Wednesday, April 12, there are no classes for seniors. This day is a good opportunity for seniors to complete college or scholarship applications (see above), to tour campuses or prepare for post-secondary plans. Thursday, April 13, will be an asynchronous remote learning day for all of their classes.
Students who are testing: Be sure to get a good night's rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and bring a snack, pencils, calculator and your ID to test day. Juniors are encouraged to prepare by using the Assessment Department's Online Test Prep with Khan Academy resource.
Regarding transportation on testing days:
- On April 12, buses will run during the E-Period/1st Period AM routes.
- On April 13, buses will run during the 2nd Period AM routes.
- Click here to view bus routes.
Please contact Ms. Hall at chall@hf233.org, 708-335-5520 with any questions regarding transportation.
*Please note: Students with accommodations may test on one or both test days. Additional information regarding specific accommodations will be sent out via email the week before spring recess.
**Seniors who still need to take the SAT to fulfill the graduation requirement will do so on April 12 with the juniors.
Questions? Please contact Celine Bucci at 708-335-5584, celine.bucci@hf233.org.
New! Student & Parent Online Support Available from the Guidance Department
H-F families have a new way to reach the school with questions and concerns. The Guidance Department is now available for drop-in hours via Google Meet from 7-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays! A school counselor will be available to connect with you to assist with general questions and to direct you to other resources for more specific needs. The Google Meet link will alway be available on the H-F Tutoring webpage throughout the school year (click here), as well as listed on the weekly H-F FYI Event Calendar (below).
March is Women's History Month
It's Women’s History Month, and the H-F Library has come through again with a rich collection of titles — both fiction and non-fiction — for reading, reflecting and exploring the achievements and history of women. Check out the Women’s History Month Book List and more resources & links on this webpage. Also, be sure to follow @HFHS59 on social media all month long as we present more of H-F's Own History Makers: Women's History Month edition!
5Essentials Survey Open Through March 31
This year's Music Department Honors Recital was held in the Mall Auditorium on Tuesday. Twenty-two Viking student-performers were invited to participate, based on audition. The event was live streamed via Facebook; ICYMI, check out the performances on the @HFHS59 Facebook page here!
Students had time to explore future career options at the H-F Career Fair, held on Monday in the Fieldhouse. Thank you to the many professionals — and many H-F alumni — who volunteered their time to share their career paths with our Vikings on this special day!
Special Guests This Week
On Career Fair day Monday, our Chemistry classes enjoyed a chilling cryogenics presentation by Jerry Zimmerman (aka Mr. Freeze) from FermiLab. Students got to see a variety of demonstrations with liquid nitrogen (-320F), including one experiment that shot a bottle filled with water and liquid nitrogen from a cannon!
On Tuesday morning, H-F Music students were visited by Julian Bliss, one of the world’s finest clarinetists who has been playing professionally since age 12. He explained the importance of practice and urge our students to never give up on music. His visit was hosted by Vandoren USA and Quinlan & Fabish Music Co. Learn more about Julian at this website...
H-F Special Olympics Basketball: Silver Medalists!
Congratulations to our Special Olympics Red & White Basketball team for finishing in 2nd Place at the IHSA State Tournament, held last weekend at Illinois Wesleyan U.! The team topped Lyons Township H.S. 33 to 28, but fell to the Galesburg Silver Streaks 60 to 42. It was a great season! Thank you to our coaches Ms. Rice, Mr. Garland, Mrs. Olumstad, Mrs. Nieckula, Mrs. Mucha & Mr. Raglione.
H-F Senior Earns Blackhawks Alumni Scholarship
Congratulations to H-F senior Makenzie Russell, who was one of three Illinois students presented with a Keith Magnuson Scholarship from the Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association (CBAA) this week at the United Center! (She is pictured above with Michelle Radzik Morgan, the first female recipient of the scholarship and current commissioner of the Atlantic Hockey Association & College Hockey America.) The CBAA distributes college scholarships annually to the most deserving Illinois high school hockey players. Awards are determined from a candidate’s level of community service, volunteerism, good citizenship, as well as hockey talent. While at H-F, Makenzie played on the Viking Ice Hockey team, then the Cobras, when the H-F Ice Arena had to close for renovations. She plans to use the scholarship — $7,500 per year for four years — as a Medallion Scholar at Western Michigan U. to study Aviation Flight Science. While her college does not have a women's hockey team, she still plans to be connected to hockey by coaching, referring and jumping on the ice when she can. To learn more about the scholarship program, please click here...
Winter Athletic Awards
Congratulations to our winter season student-athletes on a great season! Many were recognized at an awards ceremony on Wednesday night:
MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS
- Carson Brownfield — Boys' Basketball
- Attalia Castro-Watson — Girls' Wrestling (State Champion!)
- Christian Curtis — Boys' Swimming & Diving (3rd at State!)
- Jordan Flowers — Girls' Gymnastics
- Alyssa Latham — Girls' Basketball (Daily Southtown Player of the Year!)
- Nicole Peterson — Dance
- Vincent Robinson — Boys' Wrestling (3rd at State!)
- Myles Taylor — Cheerleading (8th in State!)
MOST IMPROVED PLAYERS
- J'zyia Akins — Girls' Wrestling
- Nichelle Alexander — Dance
- Morgan Henderson — Girls' Gymnastics
- Deion Johnson — Boys' Wrestling (2nd at State!)
- Jaeda Murphy — Girls' Basketball
- Charles Niemiec — Boys' Swimming & Diving
- Brea Turner — Cheerleading (8th in State!)
- Jayden Tyler — Boys' Basketball
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
- Jahlil Birchette — Boys' Basketball
- Jermaine Butler — Boys' Wrestling
- Taylor Henderson — Dance
- Kameara Kurns — Cheerleading (8th in State!)
- Elo Nwoye — Boys' Swimming & Diving
- Ini Odumosu — Girls' Wrestling (State Champion!)
- Lola Pohrte — Girls' Gymnastics
- Kendall Wilson — Girls' Basketball
H-F Cheer Coach Inducted in Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Zenia Boyd, H-F instructional assistant and head Cheerleading coach, on being selected to the Illinois High School Cheerleading Coaching Organization Hall of Fame Class of 2023! This honor represents the many roles she has held as a Cheerleading coach, as a leader and as a role model for young athletes, and recognizes that she is someone who has created a lasting legacy in the sport of Cheerleading across Illinois. She will be officially inducted at a luncheon on May 13 at Maggiano's in Skokie. Mrs. Boyd has coached our Vikings at IHSA State competitions eight times; this year they finished in 8th Place. Congratulations!
H-F English Teacher Receives Fellowship
Congratulations to Sahar Mustafah, H-F English teacher, who has received a 2023 Jack Hazard Fellowship from the New Literary Project! She is a member of the Year Two Class of Jack Hazard Fellows, one of 14 selected from an impressive pool of very distinguished candidates from across the country. She will receive a cash award to support her summer dedicated to her own creative writing, along with a variety of promotional and pedagogical opportunities. Fellows in this program are full-time high school teachers and writers of fiction, creative non-fiction or memoirs. Ms. Mustafah's award-winning, first novel, The Beauty of Your Face, was published in 2020.
Vikings Experience Opera
On Wednesday, Tri-M Music Honor Society students took a field trip with Mr. Sifner, H-F Fine Arts teacher and choir director, to Chicago's Lyric Opera to see a production of Carmen. For many students, this was their first opera experience! This production featured a world-class cast of soloists including Grammy-award winner J’Nai Bridges, Charles Castronovo, Andrei Kymach and Golda Schultz in leading roles.
Five Vikings Earn MOS Certification
Congratulations to Mrs. Alexander's Advance Computer Applications students for passing the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam for Word 2019. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification is the premier credential chosen by individuals seeking to validate their skills and advance their careers. The MOS Certification shows that the students have the skills to tap the full features and functionality of Microsoft Office, specifically Microsoft Word. Certification requires individuals to demonstrate their ability to create and format documents, text and produce business documents. Congratulations to: Matthew Mayton, Cameron Moore, Emmanuel Okafor, Jamir Ratliff & Jovohn Ratliff.
In the Culinary Classroom
This week our Culinary 1 students made a popular carryout recipe that you could make at home with regular pantry ingredients and chicken. Recipe is below for you to try it at home:
Orange Chicken
Rice
- Bring 2 cups water to boil In medium saucepan.
- Add 2 cups instant rice. Stir, then remove from heat.
- Cover and set time for 8 min.
Chicken
- In large bowl, whisk 1 egg together with pinch of salt & pepper.
- In separate shallow bowl/pie plate, combine 1/4 cup flour with 1/4 cup cornstarch.
- Coat cubes of 1-lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast with egg wash, then dip in flour mixture.
- Heat deep-frying oil in skillet, about 1/2-in. deep. Gently drop battered chicken cubes in one at a time, making sure to spread out in pan to prevent sticking and overcrowding.
- Deep fry until golden brown and cooked to 165F.
- Use slotted spoon to remove & drain on paper towels.
Sauce
- In medium bowl, whisk together 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, 2 Tbsp. soy sauce, 2 Tbsp. water, 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup white vinegar.
- In separate skillet, heat sauce with 2 Tbsp. cooking oil.
- Pan fry 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger until fragrant.
- Add in 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes and 1 chopped green onion, then 1 Tbsp. rice wine.
- Heat until sauce thickens; reduce heat.
- Stir in 1/2 tsp. sesame oil and zest from 1 orange, right before serving.
To serve, toss fried chicken cubes with sauce, serve over white rice. Top with optional chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Please note: Only home athletic games & playoff games are shown below. For complete athletic schedules, please click here...
Saturday, March 18
8:30 a.m. — Badminton (F) Invitational @ Fieldhouse
10 a.m. — Home Opener! Boys' Lacrosse (V) vs. Lemont @ North Field
10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Tutoring @ H-F Library (Enter Door 12)
10:30 a.m. — Softball (F, JV & V) Red vs. White Games @ Varsity Field
11 a.m. — Baseball (V) vs. Loyola Academy @ Varsity Field
Sunday, March 19
7-9 p.m.
- New! Online Student & Parent Support @ Google Meet
- Online Science Tutoring @ Google Classroom
- Online Math Tutoring @ Google Meet
Monday, March 20 — Periods 1-7 — H-F Dad Squad Day!
7:30-8:15 a.m. — Tutoring @ South G18 (Math), South B23 (Science) & H-F Library (Writing)
3:15-4 p.m. — Tutoring @ H-F Library (Math, Physics & Writing)
4:30 p.m. — Baseball (V) vs. Lincoln Park @ Varsity Field
5 p.m. — Home Opener! Softball (V) vs. Mother McAuley @ Varsity Field
7-9 p.m.
- New! Online Student & Parent Support @ Google Meet
- Online Science Tutoring @ Google Classroom
- Online Math Tutoring @ Google Meet
Tuesday, March 21 — Block 1 Day (Periods 1, 2, 3, 5 & 4)
7:30-8:15 a.m. — Tutoring @ South G18 (Math), South B23 (Science) & H-F Library (Writing)
11:09-11:45 a.m. — Viking Compass Olympics Minute-to-Win-It @ Fieldhouse
3:15-4 p.m. — Tutoring @ H-F Library (Math, Physics & Writing), @ North 223 (Spanish) & North 205 (Chinese)
4:30 p.m. — Badminton (JV) Quad @ Fieldhouse
5 p.m.
- Girls' Water Polo (V & JV) vs. Andrew @ Natatorium
- Baseball (V) vs. Oswego East @ Varsity Field
7-9 p.m.
- New! Online Student & Parent Support @ Google Meet
- Online Science Tutoring @ Google Classroom
- Online Math Tutoring @ Google Meet
7:30 p.m. — D233 Board of Education Meeting @ H-F Library
Wednesday, March 22 — Late-Start / Block 2 Day (Periods 7, 6, 5 & 4)
3:15-4 p.m. — Tutoring @ H-F Library (English, Math, Biology & Writing) & North 226 (French)
4:30 p.m. — Home Opener! Boys' Volleyball vs. Oak Lawn (F, JV & V) @ North & South Gyms
7-9 p.m.
- New! Online Student & Parent Support @ Google Meet
- Online Science Tutoring @ Google Classroom
- Online Math Tutoring @ Google Meet
Thursday, March 23 — Block 3 Day (Periods 1, 2, 3, 6 & 7)
7:30-8:15 a.m. — Tutoring @ South G18 (Math), South B23 (Science) & H-F Library (Writing)
11:09-11:45 a.m. — Viking Compass Olympics Minute-to-Win-It @ Fieldhouse
3:15-4 p.m. — Tutoring @ H-F Library (Math, Chemistry & Writing)
4:30 p.m.
- Badminton (F) vs. Bradley-Bourbonnais @ Fieldhouse
- Baseball (V) vs. L-W Central @ Varsity Field
5 p.m. — Boys' Water Polo (V & JV) vs. Bradley-Bourbonnais @ Natatorium
5 p.m. — Boys' Water Polo (V & JV) vs. Sandburg @ Natatorium
7-9 p.m.
- New! Online Student & Parent Support @ Google Meet
- Online Science Tutoring @ Google Classroom
- Online Math Tutoring @ Google Meet
Friday, March 24 — Periods 1-7
Spirit Day: Sunday Best
7:30-8:15 a.m. — Tutoring @ South G18 (Math), South B23 (Science) & H-F Library (Writing)
3:15-4 p.m.
- Tutoring @ H-F Library (Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Writing)
- After-School Book Share @ H-F Library
5 p.m. — Boys' Volleyball (V) Invitational @ Fieldhouse
COVID Reporting Form
Please remember to stay at home if you are not feeling well, especially if you are having COVID-19 symptoms or suspect you have COVID-19. Only if your student is COVID-19 positive, parents/guardians, please complete the District 233 COVID-19 Reporting Form (click here) for the Nurse's Office.
Educators, choirs unite to raise $200K to send kids to college at UNCF gala – Chicago Tribune
SWC, MVC, SCC each place one girl on AP All-State
Introducing the 2022-23 Daily Southtown Girls Basketball All-Area Team – Chicago Tribune
Broadview MBC to host Pastor’s Installation Week March 12-19 (alumnus)
H-F teachers make District 233 candidate endorsements - HF Chronicle
H-F Scholastic Bowl team wins in recent competitions - HF Chronicle