The student news publication of Libertyville High School

Drops of Ink
The student news publication of Libertyville High School

Drops of Ink
The student news publication of Libertyville High School

Drops of Ink
Jack Birmingham

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor

Hi, my name is Jack and I’m a senior. This is my fourth year on staff and I am the Sports Editor. In school, I’m a varsity scholastic bowl member, a singer in Cleftomaniacs and member of film club. In my free time, I like movies, reading and writing, going on adventures with friends, playing the drums and meeting new people.

All content by Jack Birmingham
Facing pressure from Grant senior attackman Brayden Olson (5), Libertyville senior attackman Luke Kazian (5) takes the ball towards the Bulldogs’ goal to create more scoring opportunities for his team. Kazian had five goals over the course of the night.

Boys lacrosse wins first playoff game against Grant

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
May 21, 2024
Last one standing: Why Senior Assassin, like its winners, continues to survive

Last one standing: Why Senior Assassin, like its winners, continues to survive

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
May 17, 2024
Sophomore Logan Tayfel (2) takes the ball into Falcon territory, pursued by Wheaton North junior midfielder Sean DeValk (15). Logan Tayfel and his brother Jacob Tayfel each scored once in the game’s second quarter. Logan Tayfel called the game’s ending an “amazing finish to this game today.”

Boys lacrosse bests Wheaton North with 12-3 victory

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
April 26, 2024
Senior attackman Tommy Gonnella (15) makes his way down the field as his Lake Zurich opponent, sophomore Ryan Hasemeyer (17), closes in. Gonnella has been on the varsity team since his sophomore year.

Boys lacrosse takes down Lake Zurich in 9-4 home win

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
April 25, 2024
D128 implements new grading policies effective next year

D128 implements new grading policies effective next year

Aarna Mishra and Jack Birmingham
April 19, 2024
Big shoes to fill: Dr. K says goodbye to seven years at LHS

Big shoes to fill: Dr. K says goodbye to seven years at LHS

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
April 19, 2024
Junior Aaron Skarbek (6), guarded by Highland Park junior Brody Schultz (8), prepares to pass the ball to his teammates during a game against the Highland Park Giants. Skarbek is one of seven juniors on the team, several of whom played during the senior night game that saw a 13-6 Libertyville win.

Boys water polo seizes senior night success over Highland Park

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
April 9, 2024
Junior middle hitter Jordan Coughlin (40) springs into the air to crush the ball over the net into Carmel territory. Coughlin was one of multiple players who earned kills, or unreturnable attacks, over the course of the night.

Boys volleyball comes up just short against Carmel Corsairs

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
April 3, 2024
Senior attackman Tommy Gonnella (15) takes the ball along the outskirts of the field during the second quarter. Gonnella was one of three players with hat tricks against the visiting Corsairs, alongside sophomore Niko Messina (33) and senior Kyle Carollo (4).

Boys lacrosse shuts down Carmel to win second game of season

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
March 17, 2024
University of Iowa senior and LHS alum Patrick Graham (top right) poses with his teammates. Graham is now one of 19 men on Iowa’s gray squad and rotates trying to guard NCAA superstar Caitlin Clark (22). (Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Mr. Mike Graham)

Alum shares college experiences guarding Caitlin Clark

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
March 15, 2024
Would you rather?

Would you rather?

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
March 15, 2024
Junior Maryam Sellami believes superstitions can bring up "your morale if you really need it." Sellami, a JV tennis and varsity lacrosse player, uses a specific pair of socks for every game and she has been doing it since her freshman year.

Weird but true: athletes share their pregame superstitions and habits

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
March 15, 2024
Senior Kyle Carollo (4) carries the ball on the sidelines near Rolling Meadows’ goal, guarded by Mustang and junior Peyton Wiles (12). Carollo, a team captain, scored twice in the game’s second quarter. “We just knew we had to come in and focus on us and that’s what we did,” Carollo said. “Everyone was scoring, all parts were moving and we did our job.”

Boys lacrosse bests Rolling Meadows in home opener

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
March 14, 2024
Senior Sam Rasin (5) springs into the air to shoot against Fremd goalie and senior Ansh Parikh (1). Rasin, also a varsity swimmer, successfully scored the goal, one of two he had during the second quarter.

Boys water polo snags first home win over Fremd

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
March 13, 2024
Senior Sam Rasin (5) takes the ball from the outskirts of the pool towards York’s goal. Rasin, who does swimming as well, is also one of four captains for the team, alongside fellow seniors Seif Kotb (7), Luke Kallieris (2) and Ali Tolba (3).

Boys water polo falls short in home opener against state-ranked York

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
March 6, 2024
The IHSA recently announced the addition of girls flag football as a statewide sport.

IHSA to hold inaugural girls flag football season in fall 2024

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
February 27, 2024
Senior Kate Rule (24) takes the ball down the court, trailed by Loyola senior Paige Engels (33) and sophomore Clare Weasler (10). Despite playing the final game of her high school career, Rule still hopes to see the team continue to display “great team spirit and energy. I think that’s something that’s so vital and so important to this program.”

Girls basketball season comes to a close following super-sectional loss to Loyola

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
February 27, 2024
On Jan. 19, 2024, the varsity boys basketball team huddles together during a tough game against the Warren Township Blue Devils. This close game, which the Blue Devils narrowly won 77-69, was a result of the hard work and communication between this team. Senior Henry Calsin said that “whether [we’re] up or down in the game, we've gotten a lot better at knowing how to [communicate] in a good and competitive manner.”

No ‘I’ in team: Programs foster community culture

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
February 16, 2024
Senior Henry Calsin, in his second year on varsity, oversees the boys basketball Instagram page, posting highlights and updates such as the 66-47 away win over the Carmel Corsairs on Nov. 30. Henry Calsin, who has been playing since the age of three, said, “just like being an athlete, you represent the program with whatever you do. And I think social media accounts are just an extension of that. So you want to make sure you represent your team and your teammates well.”

Almost gameday: Social media’s impact on high school sports

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
December 18, 2023
During the varsity football team’s season opener against Lemont, sophomore Jack Treutelaar (33), a long snapper and middle linebacker, sets up for a play wearing his blue and yellow cleats from the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a symbol of the fundraising he did for the organization.

[Photo] Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Playing for something bigger

November 17, 2023
Junior Stevan Gavric (11) clutches the ball tightly as he faces pressure from a Stevenson opponent. Gavric, a wide receiver, had two touchdowns for the Wildcats over the course of the night.

Football team fights against Stevenson in final game of season

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
October 23, 2023
Sophomore Jackson Kern (16), a winger for the team, prepares to send the ball inbounds towards his teammates. “I thought we did a really good job connecting through the middle and switching the field today,” Kern said.

Soccer team stands up to Stevenson in 3-2 loss

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
October 10, 2023
Senior Luka Nikolich (13) pushes himself past Mundelein senior Trey Thompson (14) as he makes a mad dash to the end zone. Nikolich and teammates sophomore Blaise LaVista (4) and junior Sam Seth (6) contributed to several successful runs during the game.

Football team shuts out Mundelein in spectacular homecoming game

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
October 8, 2023
A legend immortalized in books of Greek mythology, the character of Sisyphus, whose shortcutting and cheating earn him a special punishment in the underworld, has become an inspiration for real-life athletic performance at LHS.

PUSH THE ROCK: How LHS interprets a Greek legend

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
October 5, 2023
Junior Josh Holst (9) runs the ball down the field with Lake Forest juniors Jack Walsh (42) and Aedan Cassidy (46) hot on his heels. Holst, also a baseball player, had a phenomenal run for the Wildcats in the first quarter.

Football team gives it their all against Lake Forest Scouts

Jack Birmingham and Sophie Lee
September 17, 2023
In a second set against the Lake Forest Scouts, senior Stella Meyer (8) springs into the air to spike the ball back over the net. Meyer, alongside other players such as senior Hannah Fleming (17), contributed to a large number of kills for the home team.

Girls volleyball gets a home win over Lake Forest Scouts

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
September 14, 2023
Junior Stevan Gavric (11) scores Libertyville’s first touchdown of the game, much to the home crowd’s approval. Lemont threw everything they had at the Wildcats, scoring on the very first play, but Gavric’s rush to the end zone marked the turning point for the home team.

Football team takes down highly-ranked Lemont in fast-paced home opener

Jack Birmingham and Caroline Scott
August 27, 2023
Senior Mia Colton (10) springs into the air for another powerful serve against the Eagles. Serving was a key component of the Wildcat win against Lakes, with seniors Colton, Hannah Fleming (17) and Stella Meyer (8) contributing to a number of aces, or unreturned serves.

Girls volleyball takes down Lakes in home opener

Jack Birmingham and Sophie Lee
August 24, 2023

Navigating LHS AP courses: A guide to the most popular classes

Jana Badawi and Jack Birmingham
May 19, 2023
Hannah Fleming begins to “set” up a fresh start for 2024 for when her current senior teammates graduate. Among these seniors is Keira Kasten, a Division I commit at Elon University.

Passing the torch: juniors step up to carry on legacies

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
May 19, 2023
Senior and defender Megan Roberts (14) protects the ball from a Zion-Benton player. Key defense was necessary in order to achieve the team’s shut-out win against the Zee-Bees, with a final score of 8-0.

Girls soccer zips past Zion-Benton in second to last home game of the season

Ash Magalhaes and Jack Birmingham
May 8, 2023
Sophomore Jacob Tayfel (17) rushes down the field past two Patriots in a scramble for the ball. Both Jacob and his brother Logan (38), a freshman, are players for the varsity team.

Fight to the finish: Boys lacrosse gives it their all against Stevenson Patriots

Jack Birmingham and Nicholas Taub
May 4, 2023
While locked in a battle with Lake Zurich senior Sam Keating (18), Libertyville senior Mabelle Kosowski (16) intercepts the ball to secure possession for the home team. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Kevin Griffin)

Girls soccer closes out senior night with 1-1 draw against Lake Zurich Bears

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
April 28, 2023
Vinny Jiuditta, one of the presenters during Writers Expo, shares poetry and personal words from his own life during the fifth period portion of the expo on Thursday, March 23. “I love to share with the kids and try to give inspiration, and let you know that we’ve all been there, and just positive words of advice to try to move on and reflect by writing and how writing can help you,” said Jiuditta, a regular attendee of the school’s writing club as well as the assistant coach for varsity wrestling. “I think a lot of the kids gravitated towards that.”

LHS finishes road to spring break with the 2023 Writers Expo

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
April 13, 2023
Winter sports finish strong with astounding state performances

Winter sports finish strong with astounding state performances

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
April 6, 2023
Senior Finnley Olsen (2) pitches against the Grant Bulldogs during a home game on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Olsen’s pitching, a strong suit for the Wildcats, saw the Bulldogs go three of seven innings without scoring a run.

LHS softball bests Grant Bulldogs to secure first win of the season

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
March 24, 2023
Sophomore Cole Lockwood (1) readies himself for the next pitch from the Glenbrook South Titans during the bottom of the fifth inning in a game on Thursday, March 23, 2023. A strength for the team, Lockwood said, was his speed on the bases. “I would say that once I get on them, I can cause havoc on the field.”

Cats tie Glenbrook South Titans 3-3 in home overtime showdown

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
March 24, 2023
Deep in Elk Grove territory, senior Abby Maglio (10) handles the ball in preparation for a pass, facing pressure from a Grenadier. Maglio and others were instructed not to score to avoid running up the score and instead use the opportunity to work on ball movement and passing.

Girls water polo secures success over Elk Grove with a 13-0 win

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
March 10, 2023
Facing pressure from Highland Park opponents, senior Chhaya Doshi (17) sets up in anticipation of passing to her teammates. Doshi, who has been playing for four years, three of them on varsity, successfully completed the pass to teammate sophomore Payton Howard (8). Doshi said that the win “felt good, just because it’s the start of the season and you need that success.”

Girls water polo powers through home opener with a 10-1 win over Highland Park

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
March 9, 2023

Student Non-Profits

Jack Birmingham and Grace Huber
March 3, 2023
Despite its close proximity to the aforementioned Cuba Road, White Cemetery has done just fine making a name for itself as a historic site and a haunted place frequented by local youths.

Historic or haunted? The hidden sites of Illinois

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
March 3, 2023
Social studies teacher Sarah Greenswag gives an impassioned speech on behalf of the D128 union during the board of education meeting on Feb. 27, 2023. Her speech outlined four issues including the lack of timely communication from administrators and low morale among teachers and staff.

D128 Union voices concerns at school board meeting

Alex Clark and Jack Birmingham
February 27, 2023
The team celebrates their hard-earned success with a group photo, holding the banner that signifies their conference title. For the first time in over 30 years, Libertyville claimed sole victory as conference champions.

Valentine’s Day Victory: Libertyville boys basketball beats Waukegan to be conference champions

Jack Birmingham and Jeffrey McLaren
February 16, 2023
Junior Maddy Kopala (42) readies herself at the three-point line, seizing the opportunity to make a shot for her team. Kopala, who had nine points from three-pointers during the game, pulled through and made the basket.

Wildcats best Bears: girls basketball team secures victory over Lake Zurich

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
February 1, 2023
Guarded by a Lake Forest player, senior Jack Huber (22) clutches the ball tightly, formulating a play to take it to the basket, while seniors Kaj Sorensen (3) and Aidyn Boone (40) move into position in the background. Huber, a strong shot with a penchant for three-pointers, played an outstanding game for the Cats.

Road to redemption: boys basketball avenges a year-old defeat against Lake Forest

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
January 26, 2023
Freshman Blaise Lavista successfully catches a pass to get a 1st down in the varsity game against Stevenson. Photo Courtesy of Coach Mike Jones.

Top of their class: Freshman playing varsity sports

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
January 13, 2023
Am I in the wrong? Why our treatment of minimum wage workers is important

Am I in the wrong? Why our treatment of minimum wage workers is important

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
January 13, 2023
Senior Trenton VanBoening tenses from head to toe in a three-point stance anticipating the next snap. VanBoening is committed to Eastern Michigan University’s football program as an offensive lineman.

Collegiate commitments: Current seniors to play college sports

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
December 2, 2022
Football Season Recap

Football Season Recap

Jack Birmingham and Jeffrey McLaren
November 29, 2022
As shown above, the numerous tropes of horror movies vary greatly, creating a uniquely diverse group of characters, which begs to answer the question of which horror movie would be complete without them.

Horror Movie Starter Pack

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
October 17, 2022
Players on both sides prepare for the next snap, during a heated showdown between the Lake Zurich Bears and the Libertyville Wildcats.

Touchdowns and Turnarounds: Wildcats Lose Homecoming Game to Bears 21-8

Jack Birmingham, Jeffrey McLaren, and Rishi Tipparti
October 2, 2022
Sloche’s Instagram page shows many different coverages and links alongside a numerical representation of his large following.

Sloche: Illinois High Schools’ Very Own ESPN

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
September 23, 2022
The stands are packed with loyal Libertyville fans, all in their best USA gear for the Friday night football game. For the second straight home game, the student section has been packed to capacity, and the trend shows no signs of letting up.

Libertyville vs. Warren: a Tough Loss Eased By a Stellar Student Section

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
September 11, 2022
Senior Keira Kasten sets up for a powerful serve during the game against New Trier.

Wildcats Topple Trevians In First Girls Volleyball Game of the Season

Jack Birmingham and Jeffrey McLaren
September 8, 2022
As spectators look on, the team huddles together in celebration following a point scored against the Carmel Corsairs.

The Battle of Route 176: Wildcats Emerge Victorious In Carmel Game

Jack Birmingham, Sports Editor
August 31, 2022
On the mound, Joey Frega, senior, practices his pitching in preparation for the next inning in the game against Highland Park on Friday, May 20, 2022.

Cats Go Down Swinging During Heated Highland Park Match-Up

Jack Birmingham, Staff Member
May 23, 2022
The lunchroom is currently undergoing various pronounced changes, making it the first time in almost fifty years that the kitchen and structure have been altered. The new attributions will feature a coffee bar, different quality food and new wallpaper.

Inside Information about LHS Cafeteria Renovations

Jack Birmingham and Marisa Tarica
May 20, 2022
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Taylor Hawkins, drummer for the Foo Fighters, rocks out on the drum set during a performance.

Tribute to Taylor Hawkins: On the Life of One of Rock’s Greatest Drummers

Jack Birmingham, Staff Member
April 27, 2022
About 19 percent of adults living in the United States develop an anxiety disorder due to excessive intake. Caffeine can be an effective short-term solution for fatigue, however, over-consumption can leave long-term health problems and dependency, as well as anxiety.

Crazy for Caffeine: The effects of energy drinks on youths

Jack Birmingham, Staff Member
April 7, 2022
Greenfields: A Sustainable City

Greenfields: A Sustainable City

Jack Birmingham, Staff Member
March 3, 2022
Justin St Louis, a named plaintiff on the lawsuit, gave his view regarding the mask mandate. St Louis walked in without a face covering but was told to wear one by the BOE.

D128 Board of Education Community Meeting Focuses on Mask Mandate

Alex Clark, Jack Birmingham, and Ellie George
February 15, 2022
Checking Off the Bucket List

Checking Off the Bucket List

Lauren Kern and Jack Birmingham
January 13, 2022
Learning a Language: Sooner Rather Than Later

Learning a Language: Sooner Rather Than Later

Jack Birmingham, Staff Member
December 3, 2021
Every candy has its signature touch, whether that be sour, crunchy or sweet. The ranks provide clarity and reasoning for the official 2021 top Halloween favorites.

Halloween: Clash of the Candies

Jack Birmingham, Staff Member
November 5, 2021
The Uprising show, located at the Hometown Square stage, takes place every night during Fright Fest at 5:45.

[Video] Ranking the Six Flags Fright Fest Haunted Houses

Alex Clark and Jack Birmingham
October 31, 2021
The Dairy Dream store, located just down the street from Libertyville High School, has earned a special place in the hearts of residents.

Dairy Dream: Sixty Years of Soft Serve

Jack Birmingham, Staff Member
October 15, 2021
The Raging Bull dominates Southwest Territory as a fan favorite. This coaster makes up for its lack of loops with high, steep drops and plenty of thrills throughout.

[Photo] Ranking the Six Flags Great America Roller Coaster Collection

October 14, 2021
Turmoil In Afghanistan: Causes, Effects, and the Future

Turmoil In Afghanistan: Causes, Effects, and the Future

Jack Birmingham and Mia Khan
September 30, 2021
A vial containing a harmless dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Vaccine Resistance Remains a Problem

Jack Birmingham, Staff Member
June 2, 2021
Popularity of Piracy

[Photo] Piracy: Friend to the entertainment industry (At least it should be)

Johnny Thames, Staff member
May 18, 2021
Libertyville High School has several solar panels installed on the northeast corner of the building, which were put in place seven years ago. These current panels do not generate a significant amount of electricity for the school.

Green Energy Continues to Expand Around the World

Jack Birmingham, Staff Member
April 27, 2021
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The student news publication of Libertyville High School
Jack Birmingham