Summer fashion features fun colors and no short-shorts
By Rosa S.

This summer is loaded with many fun and colorful styles. As most of you (women) know, the colors of the season are pretty pastels like pink and lavender or earthy colors. For men, well…you usually don't care what you wear anyway, so my only advice is: DON'T, under any circumstances, wear navy blue and black together. Capris (pedal pushers) are making a comeback this season, but I advise those of you larger-boned ladies to get darker colored Capris if you want them, because they are not flattering on many people.
Swimsuit-wise, a cute newcomer to the swimming scene is a 3/4 length bikini top. The must-have print on any type of clothes or accessory right now is the Hawaiian style. Bucket hats are great for keeping the sun out of your eyes and off your face, and they are available in almost any color and print. Spaghetti strap shirts can be really nice, but I suggest wearing a tank under them so your bra straps don't show and you don't look really tacky.
Extremely short shorts are a major no-no this summer (especially for guys) because a new fad including longer, surfer-style shorts has come, and the leave-nothing-to-the-imagination-look is no longer with us. Draw-string shorts/cargo shorts are also huge this season, completing a popular, laid-back comfortable look that can be found in many stores including Old Navy, American Eagle, and Gap.
For your locks, butterfly clippys and different styles of bobby pins (with designs on them) are all the rage right now. Sunglasses with different colored lenses and thick, black frames are all over. My last piece of advice for both men and women is pretty simple. Just stay away from spandex and the summer will be pretty much smooth sailing.

Email The Charger about this story.

Canada, a fun place to visit. Continued...
By Christa M.

Welcome back, readers! When last we met, a possessed dishwasher was terrorizing Stephen and Bluish. Stephen cautiously opened the dishwasher door, steaming hot water shot out and then out popped a three-legged goat! "Sorry about the mess, by the way my name is Zoat," said the goat. Stephen and Bluish just sat there looking dazed and confused, so Zoat brought them some chairs so they could sit down and Zoat proceeded to tell them his life story.
"The former owner of this fine residence was R.B. Hartman", said Zoat.
"What does the R.B. stand for?" interrupted Bluish.
Zoat scowled and replied, "Randolph Butch, anyway, before I was so rudely interrupted, Butch was an Eskimo as well as a Dracula and I'm going to tell you something you probably don't know about Draculas. They don't actually suck blood; they just have great political power."
So anyway, Butch was a rich Dracula who did not believe in dishwashers. He said there was no use for them. If you're wondering how he did the dishes, there was a dishwashing service that did the dishes for him. One day the dishwashing service owner's sister won the lottery and asked Bob, the owner, to come help her buy a beach house. Bob closed shop and went off to aid in his sister's quest, leaving Butch high and dry without someone to wash his dishes. As you can imagine dishwashing services are scarce in these parts so Butch was forced to buy a dishwasher.
On his eightieth birthday, Butch called Sears and ordered a super deluxe dishwasher that was scheduled to arrive in six to ten business days. Ten days later, Butch's dishwasher arrived.
Butch read the instruction booklet while eating lunch, then loaded the dishwasher, pressed the start button, and went for a walk. An hour later, Butch came back, unloaded the dishwasher, and began putting the dishes away. When Butch was almost done putting away the dishes, he noticed that he was missing a plate. He looked toward the back of the dishwasher and noticed a rather large hole. He poked his head into the hole and saw a sign that read WELCOME TO NARNIA. Butch told me he was going to take a look inside and I never saw him again. I, being his faithful companion, set out to look for him but there was a law about goats being strictly prohibited. I was on my way out when a gust of wind closed the dishwasher door and I was there ever since."
Ending his story, Zoat asked if it would be possible for him to stay there until he found a place of his own. Stephen, still somewhat in a state of shock replied, "Sure." Bluish then popped the question on everyone's mind, "Why do you only have three legs?"
"Boating accident," Zoat replied and they lived happily ever after.
Mwa-ha-ha-ha!!

Email The Charger about this story.

Summer
hot days, cold drinks
birds chirping, kids playing
Summer

Email The Charger about this story.

Eighth grade survey results
Compiled by Brad C.
with assistance from Tristan B.and Scott P.

Most Popular	Matt P.	Katie M.
	George Z.
Toughest	Brad C.	Tania B.
Best Personality	Mike M.	Kelly D.
	George Z.
Funniest	Joe K.	Hannah M.
Best Basketball Player	Matt P.	Felicia C.
Fastest Runner	Brad C.	Felicia C.
Best Eyes	Dan Z.	Debra S.
Best Dressed	Nick N.	Katie M.

Best Looking Alex M. Tania B.
Mike M. Katie M.
Smartest Jeff R. Rosa S.
Best Teacher Mr. P. Mrs. L.
Meanest Teacher Mr. M. Mrs. L.
Hardest Teacher Mr. T. Mrs. L.
Easiest Teacher Mr. M. Mrs. L.
Most Athletic Brad C. Felicia C.
Best Movie Actor/Actress Tom H. Uma T.
Best Shoes Dan S. Hannah M.
Best Hair Ron G. Rosa S.
Best Artist Mark H. Christina S.
Most Preppy Matt M. Michelle B.
Favorite Gym Teacher Mr. Anderson Mrs. Krisik
Mr. Mattis
Most Likely to Become Famous Tristan B. Rosa S.
Best Band Green Day Itasca Concert Band
Best Song All in the Family No Scrubs
Most Creative Mark H. Christina S.
Joe K.
Best Smile Mike M. Cathy C.
Most Organized Mike M. Leslie W.
Most Talkative Piotr S. Rosa S.
Best Actor/Actress Tristan B. Katie M.
Most Opinionated Matt M. Rosa S.
Best Singer Tristan B. Katie M.
Most Daring Brad C. Janelle B.
Most Dramatic Tristan B. Rosa S.
George Z.
Future President Jeff R. Rosa S.
Most Unpredictable Joe K. Hannah M.
Brad C.
Best Dancer Alex M. Stephanie S.
Tristan B.

Email The Charger about this story.

What will you do when you grow up?
By Christine H. and Christina S., Copy Editor

Ricky A. finished Middle and immediately went to Culinary Art school in Chicago. He opened his own chain of Italian restaurants and has won several awards for his creative cuisine presentations.
Tania B. dropped out of high school in her second year of studying cosmetology and traveled to Colorado to become a world-renowned hair stylist. During a routine hair coloring, she stumbled upon "Lert," the ultimate hair color for people that have black hair. In five minutes someone can go from black to blond.
Miguel B., drawing on his funny, kind and quiet personality, became a Mickey Mouse character in Disney World. Every time he pulls on that suit, he gets a smile on his face that will last a lifetime because of his love for children. The children feel the same way.
Janelle B. successfully finished high school, college and got her MBA from the Kellogg business school at Northwestern University. At a recent Peacock reunion, she remembered one of the greatest experiences of our Middle careers, our Washington, D.C. trip in seventh grade with Mr. Martin. She then purchased the Educational Tours (E.T.) company. She is now one of the wealthiest bus tour operators around.
Pravin B. invented a new type of bubble gum that doesn't stick in your hair or to your face. He sold his idea to Trident and is now part owner of that company.
Michael B. accidentally melted the bottom of his shoe during a fun game of basketball. He then had the idea of a non-melting sole for shoes that would last forever. He went to his high school chemistry teacher and asked if he could test out some materials. Amazingly, he found a solution that worked. He sold the formula to Adidas and K Swiss and made millions.
Michelle B. went to live her dream, and with degrees from Harvard and the Sorbonne, became a famous teen psychologist. She has traveled around the world to different schools seeing what problems teens face, in school and at home. She then wrote a book about her research and returned to Cambridge, Massachusetts to teach and continue her ground-breaking research.
Tristan B. finished high school and went to Hollywood seeking fame and fortune. By a strange chance, he started dating the director of the most popular musical of that time. He sang for her and she immediately feel in love and had to have him in her show. Two years later, they got married. Tristan's career has flourished and he and the director are a popular Hollywood couple.
After all those childhood years of watching television and the corny commercials in between shows, Eryk B. become a professional commercial designer. He now does ads for Pepsi, Adidas and Sony. He even produces most of the commercials that appear during the Superbowl.
Through years of caring for those who are not as fortunate as you and I, Margarita C. founded a charity for children who were abandoned by their parents at a young age. This non-profit organization has raised millions for children in need.
Louis C. flew to Russia at seventeen to escape the pressure of high school. He soon became a Russian citizen and worked against the Americans as a Russian spy. His code name is Dilbert.
Felicia C. knew what she wanted to do the second she started talking to former NBA star Michael Jordan. She worked hard to become the first woman in the NBA and soon enough, her dream came true in 2007 when she joined the Indiana Pacers.
Mike C. finished high school, yet he had no desire to pursue further education. He needed a job to support his love for collecting antique model cars, so his good friend Ricky A. hired him as a bus boy for his restaurant. He now owns one of the most unique collections in the state.
Brian C. loves sports, so, he went to school and became a sportswriter. His knowledge of sports was so great and gained so much fame that the University of Chicago hired him as the Mike Ditka professor of sports history.
As we all know, Cathy C., loves dogs. She decided at an early age that she wanted to be a dog breeder and trainer. She went to classes, and before she knew it, she owned 27 boxers, and taught 173. Her life saying is, "I'm unmarried, but in my heart, I know that I have more than 200 kids."
It was noticeable from an early age that Brad C. was a very bright and strong child. Not surprisingly, he grew up and became a Navy Seal. He quickly moved up through the ranks and is now the commanding officer. When there's a tough job in a rough place, the Joint Chiefs call on Brad and the Seals.
Julie D. went to college and majored in Zoology. She then became the elephant keeper at the San Diego Zoo. She now owns over 300 statues of elephants. She is also a regular photographer for Elephant Magazine.
Tina D.'s perfect driving record got her a perfect job as a bus driver/tour guide for Janelle's E.T. bus company. She tours throughout the United States and is a particular favorite with tour groups from around the world.
Jenna D. used her undeniable cheerleading skills to become the head of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. She had begun her career in high school as a Pom-Pom girl for Lake Park. She then went to Harper College, and was a cheerleader there for two years. A scout for the Cowboys discovered her perky yet down to earth personality, and asked her to join their team.
Jayson D., AKA the Deer, became a professional gamehunter. He hunts deer, pheasants, moose, elk, and ducks. He is ranked number two in the country and appears frequently on ESPN2.
Efrain D. has loved rap since his teen years. After college, he opened his own recording studio, and now signs many hot new groups in New York, LA and Chicago.
Maria D. went to college and minored in history. After her first year, she switched her major and became a sixth grade Social Studies teacher. She now works in Virginia and leads tours on weekends through the historic Virginia countryside.
We all know that at heart, Kelly D. is still a little kid. She noticed this too. She went to child care school, and opened her own daycare center. She cares for every child in a special way. She treats them like her own children.
Ryan D. became a very successful businessman. He travels the world, and is in a different country each week. He donates his frequent flier miles to charity.
Katie D. also travels the world, as a senior flight attendant for American Airlines. She meets new people every day and certainly makes their trips more enjoyable.
Mike E., as we all know, is very athletic. He succeeded Mike Krzyzewski as the Duke University basketball coach. His teams frequently go to the national championship, and he has numerous former players in the NBA.
Ron G. went immediately from high school to the WWF. He wrestled in high school, and was discovered at a state meet. He now owns his own company, which sells WWF gear.
Elsie G. capitalized on her early love of fortunes by touring the country as a Gypsie fortune teller. She is now famous in LA, where she tells the stars what's in store for them.
After participating in Earth Club at Peacock, Ericka H. followed Ms. Kartunnen's footsteps, and became a Middle Earth Club advisor. She also works in Montana trying to preserve our country's majestic and endangered forests.
Mark H. has always had artistic ability. He decided to try his hand at designing buildings. As an architect, he opened up his own firm, and is now designing schools, houses and anything that you can imagine.
Christine H. will always live with the nickname Hamburger. Even though she won't touch the stuff, she has always loved to cook. One day, while cooking for her roommates in her dorm, she added a few spices, and a little of this, and a little of that. Her roommates thought that her hamburgers were so great, that Christi opened up her own hamburger restaurant. With the profits from her first restaurant, she was able to open another and start a successful chain, the well-known Crusty Burger.
Dear, sweet, quiet Sara H. has always liked to make things pretty. She always accented rooms with bouquets of flowers. Many of her friends asked her to make arrangements for special occasions. When she was 31, she opened her own flower shop. She decorates for any occasion, weddings, funerals, birthdays, church, and parties of all kinds. She is booked-up months in advance.
At the eighth grade awards ceremony, Amanda H. was presented with a music award. She thought about what Mr. Travis had taught her. She then took many music classes in high school, and majored in teaching music in college. She now teaches music at the University of Illinois and sings in local theatre productions.
Janice H. has loved fragrances for as long as we can remember. She went to college and got her degree in chemistry. Then she went to Paris to study the art of perfume making and created a new scent particularly appealing to teens. You can now find it at all fine department stores.
In home economics, Dana H. went far beyond the usual requirements. She not only made her skirt, she also made a matching shirt. From then on, she knew that she wanted to sew. She got an apprenticeship with a tailor, and she now sews for some of the most famous designers in New York, Milan and Paris.
Philip J. owns a radio station in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He features many local sports heroes and bands. His station also sponsors a great and famous block party every July.
Marleen J. used her natural artistic ability to become a very successful cartoonist. She has published many children's books and occasionally draws for newspapers with national readerships.
Austin J. has always loved hockey. He's also a great announcer. He put his passion and talent together to fulfill his childhood dreams. He is the play-by-play man for his favorite hockey team.
Kione K. has very good people skills and he can sell anything. He proved this to us by selling Michael B.'s shoes with the un-meltable rubber soles. He and Mike are famous, thanks to Kione's people skills.
If you asked any of the teachers, Joe K. had a million and one voices. He became a voice-over man for Walt Disney and Paramount Pictures. Practically a new Mel Blanc, Joe is now considering starting his own production company.
Dan K. started boxing for fun in a few matches with friends. It got more competitive every time. He now is a world renowned boxer with a successful gym in downtown Chicago.
Stephanie K. always had style, especially when it came to hair. She got a summer job as a shampoo girl at a salon, and every summer, learned more and more. When she was 21, she went to cosmetology school, and got her beauty license. She now works in Chicago, in a famous salon.
Clint K. loves seeing the sights wherever he can, so he began walking to see the country. He started walking across the state, and soon the country. He has become a celebrity for walking across all fifty states, and raises money for charity through pledges for the miles he walks. He also enjoys meeting many interesting people along the way.
In seeing her style in Middle and high school, I think that we all knew what Julia K. would do. She started working at Contempo Casual, and is now part owner of the company.
Lindsay L. has been in the spotlight for quite a while. She majored in meteorology and became a weather person for the Channel 7 news. She is featured on the evening and 10:00 P.M. newscasts.
Katie M. has always been stuck in the time. Actually, she got stuck in the nineties, and hasn't come out. She is now considered a "hippy" of our time. The kids today think she's very "cool."
Ryan M. went to medical school and graduated in the top five of his class. He's a doctor at Loyola University Medical Center. He sees thousands of patients every year and has saved many lives.
The unique Hannah M. followed her artistic talents and individuality, and became a professional tattoo artist and body piercer. She gets creative with her work and has fun with her job. Her clients love her, and always seem to come back for more artwork.
Brittney Spears's greatest fan, Pat M., got the break of a lifetime when he was asked to photograph her in concert. Brittney's manager loved Pat's work and asked him to become Brittney's full-time photographer.
Jake M. ran in numerous races, eventually going to the Olympics, where he placed fourth for his sprints. He also received a very profitable sneaker contract.
Soccer Pro Mike M. is a very encouraging person. Because of his ability to encourage and inspire his teammates, his team went to the World Cup and won! How exciting! Mike went from playing on a little Park District team in eighth grade to a career in the pros in only nine years.
Mike M., private eye, is very sly and good at his job. He can get any information you need, from phone numbers and addresses of the stars, to information on foreign governments.
Alex M. became a minister known for his piety and kindness. His congregation is large and features an excellent choir.
From Guys and Dolls to Jesus Christ Superstar, Mike M. has played every role you can imagine. He's played the good guy, the bad guy, the lover, and the hater. He can do it all, and he is a mainstay of the Broadway stage.
Matt M. has always had style. He always knew what the latest fashions were, and how to wear them. He went to an agency seeking a modeling career. To his surprise, they gave him a portfolio the day he was interviewed. He now models for Abercrombie and Fitch.
Nick N. also pursued a modeling career, only, his was for Structure clothing for men. He works the runway during every show.
Jonelle N. became a photography teacher for Middle students. She went to school and realized her love for children and photography. She put two and two together, and started teaching. She is also a well-known freelance photographer.
Margaret O. became a star center for the Houston Comets in the WNBA. There is now doubt that her number will be retired and she will be inducted into the basketball hall of fame.
Alex P. started his lighting career in Middle during the Peacock production of Guys and Dolls. After that, he went on to high school and college, handling the lighting for plays of all types. He is now a highly paid lighting designer for Broadway shows.
Bobby P. became a Braille teacher for blind children in Chicago. He has taught over 12,000 blind children how to read.
Alan P. became a translator for high school children who speak only Spanish when they start school. He is liked and respected by both his students and colleagues.
Donna P.'s love for the L.A. Lakers took her to the top. Soon after high school, she went to L.A. and joined the Lakers' cheerleaders. Donna now works with Kobe Bryant and choreographs MTV videos on the side.
Matt P. has always been a great basketball player. He chose to use his skills to help others. After receiving his teaching degree, he became a high school basketball coach. His teams frequently go to the state championships.
Jackie P. has been an excellent figure skater since she was a child. She's always been way ahead of her time in her routines. She won a bronze medal in the Olympics and now trains future Olympians.
Scott P. took his business and artistic skills to the studio to design his favorite dog shirts for the popular "Big Dogs" brand. His friends say that he still writes letters to the editors of his local papers.
Ballet and Krissy R. have always mixed well. She's been a ballerina since she was a little tike. She is now on the Chicago Ballet Team, and competes all over the country. Swan Lake is her specialty.
Going into Lake Park as the number one student, everyone expected Jeff R. to do well, and he certainly lived up to their expectations. With a PhD from MIT, he became one of the world's most famous mathematicians. Jeff is particularly known for coming up with many new formulas to make students of all ages more comfortable with their math homework.
Our very own Kim R. won the lottery on her 20th birthday. She won 53 million dollars. She now sponsers many sports teams and two major charities.
"Jorge" Armando R. was the star point guard at De Paul University. He left school in his second year and was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bulls, who are still re-building. Experts agree that Jorge may be just the player to bring the Bulls back.
Pat R., our very own comedian, left Illinois for Las Vegas. A successful stand-up comedian, his shows sell out every night. He has countless HBO and Comedy Channel specials to his credit.
Arlene S., with her spelling talents, decided to become an English teacher. Her students participate in annual spelling bees, and win state every time.
Rosa S. worked her catwalk. She went out to California and became a model for Gucci. She's made millions for her designers (and herself) with her walk and attitude on and off the runway.
Piotr S.started as a hotel bellboy and eventually became a successful hotel owner. His chain of hotels is popular across the midwest. He specializes in providing a touch of European elegance.
Debra S. kept her skills to herself. She became a homemaker and raised her lovely daughters. Always a clean and happy house. She is always there to talk and be your friend, especially in times of need.
Following in his father's footsteps, Roy Scheck became a doctor. He now has his own practice with three associates, and a Wednesday afternoon tee time.
In Mr. Martin's words, "The World's Tallest Gymnast," Nicole Schmidt, went all out. She competed well into her twenties, and won many awards, including a silver medal in the Olympics.
John S. used his artistic talent to become an architect. He designed Christi H.'s hamburger restaurants, and Matt M.'s runways. George Lucas has even signed him up for set design for the tenth Star Wars movie.
Navjeet S. fulfilled her childhood dream and became a scientist. She's involved in several ground-breaking areas of research. On the side, she helps develop science curriculums for high schools around the country.
From the looks of Dan S.'s clothes, he's always loved fashion. He is now a designer and has his own brand. Similar to FuBu, he designs sporty yet casual wear for men and women.
Stephanie S. became a make-up artist. She even has her own line of cosmetics. Her cosmetics are found all over the world, and everyone knows her name.
Steve S. is a drummer for the famous heavy metal band, the Nailheads. He tours all over the country, and has been an opener for many of the most popular heavy metal bands of our time.
Kristin S.'s love for N'Sync took her to the top, as their travel agent. She plans their tours, always making sure that they stop in Chicago.
Christina S. takes her art work to the maximum. She has paintings and drawings of all kinds in many museums, and is always thinking of something new to draw. At twenty-one, she disappeared, and no one ever saw her again. But there are rumors that she set up a secret studio in Australia!
Ed T. never forgot his Industrial Technologies teacher, Mr. Cousineau. He went to drafting school, and later became a Middle technology teacher. His students have built some amazing gadgets.
Leslie W. always loved children. She became a kindergarten teacher, and her students think she's wonderful. She still plays a mean flute.
Katy W.'s love for animals has made her the perfect veterinarian. She's been a vet for two years, and owns her own practice. Animals actually enjoy a visit to her office!
We have yet another inventor in our midst. Emily Z. invented a new kind of artificial cheese for those frozen pizzas that are in vending machines. And even middle school kids think it's delicious.
George Z. became a famous lawyer and is a regular on Court TV. A Supreme Court justice described George as one of the most convincing and long-winded advocates she had ever heard.
Dan Z's. awesome receiving skills eventually landed him a job as a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears. He holds the record for the most receptions in one game.

Email The Charger about this story.