The student news site of Glenbard South High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois

The Independent
Buhle’s submission to ArtConnectEd. (Source: Amelia Buhle)
South students prove brilliant even in darkness during ArtConnectEd Throwdown
Meet some cast and crew members of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”
Students express their appreciation for the Young Hearts for Life association after getting their hearts screened. (Source: YH4L)
Young Hearts for Life and the importance of heart screenings
South’s French department celebrates National French Week
The build and paint crew hard at work. Source: @gbstheater on Instagram
“Where the Wild Things Are,” a captivating Glenbard South Production
Consumerism takes over Christmas (Illustrated by Elise Fey)
Have holidays fallen to commercialism?
Glenbard South’s schedule for the 2024-2025 school year. (Source: Glenbard South Website)
How should teachers use their block days?
Do university rankings matter?
(Source: https://www.statepress.com/article/2021/02/spopinion-schools-need-to-drop-standardized-testing)
The reality of standardized testing
(Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pickleball_Players.jpg)
The rise of pickleball: America’s fastest growing sport
The voter turnout rates of 18-24 year olds compared to other voter groups from 1964 to 2020. (Note: the voter age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1971.) Source: U.S. Census Bureau
The influence of social media on young voters
This aerial photo taken on October 10, 2024 shows the neighborhood of Punta Gorda, Florida flooded. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Hurricane Milton: The impacts and the humanitarian efforts
Source: Unsplash
The history behind Halloween
Source: Elise Fey
Why we find comfort in true crime documentaries
Glenbard South football plays their 2024 homecoming game. Source: Keith Lavin
The history of homecoming
South's student-led production stirs up wild success
South’s student-led production stirs up wild success
Life beyond Glenbard South for security guard Joe Conforti
Life beyond Glenbard South for security guard Joe Conforti
Juggling careers and motherhood: A day in the life of an athletic trainer
Juggling careers and motherhood: A day in the life of an athletic trainer
Pak posing after her final performance of The Nutcracker as The Sugarplum Fairy in her last year at West Suburban Ballet. (Source: Evelyn Pak)
Evelyn Pak: On the Path From Prodigy to Prima
Beloved Social Studies Teacher Ms. Jeanette Purdy Retires
Artist: Elise Fey
Will Wood: the value of “weird” art
Mariah Carey is Defrosting as we speak, ready for the Christmas season to begin! Source: Mariah Carey Defrosting - Know Your Meme
Mariah Carey is defrosting
Source: AP News
Is shopping in person for Black Friday worth it?
The aftermath of Grammy nominations
The aftermath of Grammy nominations
The wicked craze for "Wicked"
The wicked craze for “Wicked”
Wintertime film favorites
Wintertime film favorites
Essay Season
Essay Season
A photo of the author.
July 8th
Strange Hatchling (Part Two)
Strange Hatchling (Part Two)
Strange Hatchling (Part One)
Strange Hatchling (Part One)
The student news site of Glenbard South High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois

The Independent
The student news site of Glenbard South High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois

The Independent
Emma Pekkarinen

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief

My name is Emma Pekkarinen and I am a senior and one of the Co-Editors in Chief this year. When I’m not writing articles for The Independent you can find me reading, baking, or enjoying a walk outside. At South I also am a member of Speech Team and Model United Nations. 

All content by Emma Pekkarinen

Beloved Social Studies Teacher Ms. Jeanette Purdy Retires

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
May 3, 2024
Source: Kathy Georgieva

Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter Laufey brought her Goddess tour to the Chicago Theater

Emma Pekkarinen and Kathy Georgieva
May 3, 2024
Voting is a privilege and our right as citizens, and if you are 18 by the next election you are able to vote. Source: Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

We want YOU to vote: The Importance of Voting and Being a First Time Voter

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
April 6, 2024
Haley Wong, Ella Pope, Annika Norquist, Michelle Marecki and Bella Ramirez were a few of the Glenbard South student journalists who attended the NISPA conference. Source: Emma Pekkarinen

Glenbard South Journalists Attend the Northern Illinois Press Association’s Annual Conference

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
April 6, 2024
Source: Goodreads.com

Two Memorable Memoirs: “I Was Their American Dream: A Graphic Memoir” and “It Won’t Always Be Like This: A Graphic Memoir” by Malaka Gharib

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
April 5, 2024
Source: Goodreads

The Most Underrated Contestant For Glenbard South’s March Book Madness: “Yellowface” by R. F. Kuang

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
April 5, 2024
Source: Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Glenbard South Seniors and Some Juniors are Eligible to Vote in the Primaries on March 19th! This is Your Guide To Voting.

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
March 18, 2024
Caption: Student Zaria Taylor painting her canvas. Source: Ms. Jamea Harper.

Black Excellence United Club Illustrates Black History Month With A Painting Party

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
March 4, 2024
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin

“Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin: A Story of Shame versus Self Acceptance

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
March 3, 2024
Various hairstyles of the Black community - Illustrator: Asma Irfanullah

The CROWN Act: Confronting Discrimination Based on Hair Style and Texture in Work and School

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
March 3, 2024
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

AP Literature: A Glimpse into Current Students’ Experiences

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
February 8, 2024
“My favorite pictures are the ones from our crazy bench! It really captures how much everyone supports each other whether it’s on or off the court.” Said Mizwicki. Source: Allie Mizwicki

The 7:00 Time Slot, A Historic First For The Glenbard South Girls Basketball Team

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
February 8, 2024
“None of This Is True” by Lisa Jewell: A Masterclass for the Perfect Thriller

“None of This Is True” by Lisa Jewell: A Masterclass for the Perfect Thriller

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor-in-Chief
February 8, 2024
“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” premiered at the McAninch Arts Center on November 16, closing on December 17. Illustrator: Amelia Buhle

“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley”- An Onstage Winter Wonderland

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
January 4, 2024
The preschool students pictured here on Halloween, the students visited classrooms around South trick or treating at each class.

Little Raider’s Preschool: Child Development at Glenbard South

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
November 27, 2023
Hocus Pocus is the perfect Halloween movie to watch if you don’t want to be too afraid of the dark after watching! Source: Emma Pekkarinen

Halloween Movie Recommendations For Those Easily Spooked!

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
October 25, 2023
Mrs. Peterson is an experienced educator with 11 years of prior teaching experience under her belt.

A Lifelong, Passionate Learner, Mrs. Peterson is a Wonderful New Addition to South’s Science Department

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
October 25, 2023
Taken at the Danada Starbucks location after I stopped in for my usual iced latte, the CoffeeCon Festival poster struck my eye as I passed by.

CoffeeCon 2023 and One Student’s Passion for Coffee

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
September 27, 2023
To Read or Not to Read: Students’ Opinions on Summer Reading

To Read or Not to Read: Students’ Opinions on Summer Reading

Emma Pekkarinen, Editor in Chief
September 27, 2023
Source: IMDB

Abbott Elementary: A Show Full of Heart

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
May 15, 2023
Caption: After 50 years Judy Blume’s world renowned novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is finally making its debut on the big screen. Source: https://www.itsmemargaret.movie/

Judy Blume’s revolutionary novel Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. now taking the silver screen!

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
May 15, 2023
Caption: Czerchlanski has had a remarkable first year filled with passion and dedication here at Glenbard South. Source: Mrs. Czerchlanski%C2%A0

Mrs. Czerchlanski Brings Heart to Glenbard South

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Writer
May 15, 2023

Titles ‘Gender Queer’ and ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’ to Stay in Circulation in Glenbard Libraries

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
May 15, 2023
Source: Penguin Random House

“Dear Martin”: A Necessary and Captivating Read

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
April 14, 2023
The album cover for "Good Riddance", Abram's first full length album. Source: Pitchfork

Fans Are Definitely Not Saying “Good Riddance” to Gracie Abrams

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
April 14, 2023
Source: Zaid Ibrahim

Glenbard South Scholastic Bowl: Regional Champions

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
April 12, 2023
Source: Dr. Linette Chaloka

Bestselling Author Nic Stone Visits Glenbard South

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
April 12, 2023

An Ad Hoc committee to recommend to Glenbard principals if Glenbard students will still have access to the most banned books in the nation

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
April 11, 2023

Black Authors to Add to Your Shelf

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
March 16, 2023
Black History Month Door Decorating Contest

Black History Month Door Decorating Contest

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
March 11, 2023
Source: Time magazine

Book Banning in Glenbard

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
February 7, 2023
Mr. Edwards is excited that he has joined the Glenbard South community! Source: Mr. Edwards

Mr. Travis Edwards Lends A Helping Hand To The Students of Glenbard South

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
December 12, 2022
GBS Model UN ready for a day of debate and resolution at Carl Sandburg Model UN, their first conference of the year! Photo credit: Mr. Ruben Rodriguez

Glenbard South Model UN

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
October 28, 2022
Caption: The Pumpkin Spice Latte I taste-tested before writing this article. Video/Photo Credit: Emma Pekkarinen and Wikimedia Commons

The Pumpkin Spice Latte: A Breakdown

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
September 27, 2022
BEU 2021-2022, the club celebrates and learns about African American culture. Photo Credit: Ms. Harper

Black Excellence United

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
September 26, 2022
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage month Latinos Unidos partnered with Student Equity Counsel to decorate the wall outside of the deans’ office. Photo Credit: Emma Pekkarinen

Latinos Unidos

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
September 26, 2022
Ms. Guana abroad during one of her many adventures. Source: Ms. Guana

Ms. Gauna Breathes New Life into Social Studies

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
September 9, 2022
Best Buddies posing for their annual Halloween event last year. Photo Credit: Felicity Abbott

Thank You For Being A Friend: Best Buddies at Glenbard South

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
September 9, 2022
Glenbard South to Remember 9/11

Glenbard South to Remember 9/11

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Editor
September 9, 2022
Earth Action Network Fundraiser

Earth Action Network Fundraiser

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Writer
May 2, 2022
Floral Symphony

Floral Symphony

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Writer
March 25, 2022
Black History Month Door Decorating Contest

Black History Month Door Decorating Contest

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Writer
March 3, 2022
Check-Mate!

Check-Mate!

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Writer
January 31, 2022

Much Ado About Nothing: The Student Side

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Writer
November 23, 2021

Orchestra Concert 

Emma Pekkarinen, School News Writer
October 18, 2021
Speech Team

Speech Team

Emma Pekkarinen, School News
September 15, 2021
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