Lake Zurich High School Student Media

Bear Facts
Lake Zurich High School Student Media

Bear Facts
Lake Zurich High School Student Media

Bear Facts
Max Feldman

Max Feldman, Magazine Editor-in-Chief

As a senior, this is Max’s third year on staff and first year as magazine editor in chief for the Bear Facts program. He aspires to study environmental science at the University of Michigan and become a stereotypical college kid. Max is involved with the NHS program and volunteers inside and outside of school. Along with being part of NHS, Max is also a FAME leader and participates in the school’s REACT club and tennis teams. He has also taken an interest in gardening as a former member of the Illinois Orchid Society (Max had to quit because his two cats destroyed his orchid garden).

All content by Max Feldman
As the COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up the past year, it has also created uncertainty about the futures of our seniors. Looking into the future, we must prepare for a new reality and make bold new strides.

We must look past the pandemic

Max Feldman, Magazine Editor-in-Chief
May 21, 2021
When students get a grade back, it has an impact on their motivation and confidence, according to Alexandra Shutkas, senior. While this usually only applies to students, Shutkas says there may be benefits to extending this kind of feedback to teachers, too.

Student voice

Max Feldman, Magazine Editor-in-Chief
May 19, 2021
Ryan Rubenstein, assistant principal, (right) points out the new construction updates that have been in progress beginning on March 1.

[Photo] Construction adds new innovative spaces

Jane Yu, Staff Writer
May 21, 2021
Katie and Madelyn Zolneirek, seniors, prepare for the next year apart. “When I was younger, part of me was like, shaping my personality off of being different from [Katie] so we could be different,” Madelyn said. “But now looking back, not seeing Katie everyday is going to be the hardest part about leaving.”

[Photo] A friend for life

Kyra Keena, Bear Facts Contributor
May 21, 2021
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[Photo] Dreams to decisions, art student’s path

Emma Harper, Bear Facts Contributor
May 21, 2021
Nikko Gajowniczek, junior, entertains himself by playing piano in his AP Chemistry class. However, Gajowniczek says this distraction pales in comparison to the distractions at home that in-person school has helped him get away from.

A new reality?

Max Feldman, Magazine Editor-in-Chief
April 19, 2021
Tiffany Pham, senior, says poses with friends in hybrid school. Pham says the year has been chaotic, but that hybrid learning has restored a semblance of normality.

Looking back at the year that changed it all

Max Feldman, Magazine Editor-in-Chief
March 12, 2021
Last year, part of the Scholastic Journalism Week celebration was raffling off baskets. The Bear Facts staff has decided to discontinue this tradition for safety reasons, but still plans to hold a fundraiser and create more social media content.

Altered events, steadfast values

Max Feldman, Magazine Editor-in-Chief
February 22, 2021
Bob and Kaye, who help raise the cattle, are part of the program as well. Addison's class made connections with both the cows and people on the cattle farm.

Social Studies teacher uses unherd of tactics to create connections

Max Feldman, Magazine Editor-in-Chief
January 18, 2021
REACT club members spread seeds for native grasses with the guidance of Ancient Oaks, a community environmental group. Spreading seeds was just one part of the project, however, as it also included cutting buckthorn and clearing other invasive species, Paige Orals, 2020 graduate, says.

Leaving a legacy

Max Feldman and Ruby Lueras
December 14, 2020
During a tumultuous summer, hundreds gathered at Breezewald Park to honor the memory of George Floyd and show support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Rallies like this one, honoring the movement and educating people on the importance of the movement, are only the first step towards greater equality.

We must strive to be anti-racist

Max Feldman, Magazine Editor-in-Chief
December 14, 2020
A manager offers hand sanitizer to his employee before work. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to plague the community and the nation, one way businesses are keeping employees safe by keeping sanitizer in stock at all times.

Sorting store sanitizers

Max Feldman, Magazine Editor-in-Chief
November 19, 2020
Students are preparing to vote both by mail and in person. As the election nears, some students say they plan to vote to represent their generation’s interests, while others are choosing to opt out.

Of votes and voices

Max Feldman, Magazine Editor-in-Chief
October 30, 2020
Napping can be an effective way to relax, improve wellness, and catch up on some sleep. There are two kinds of naps: the "accidental nap" (displayed here) and the "intentional nap", Elizabeth Garcia, health teacher says.

Turning off the lights

Max Feldman, Magazine Editor-in-Chief
October 7, 2020
As the covid-19 pandemic continues to ravage the country, many students say they still feel pressured to take standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. Even though colleges have gone test optional, testing companies continue to promote testing dates and put pressure onto students.

The crucial testing policy you are not appreciating enough

Max Feldman, Magazine Editor-in-Chief
September 8, 2020
Due to Covid-19, the class of 2020's graduation was not a traditional one. Nevertheless, graduates received their diploma on stage, along with applause and picture opportunities.

An unconventional end: class of ’20 graduates via drive-through

Caroline Sun and Max Feldman
July 24, 2020
As panic buying becomes an ongoing problem in Lake Zurich, empty shelves have become a common scene in grocery stores. Karlie Schwichtenberg, junior whose family has struggled getting items at stores, says this hoarding is ridiculous and dangerous.

Adjusting to new realities

Max Feldman, Business Manager & Spotlight Editor
April 21, 2020
Nowadays over 65.8 percent of teenagers feel they are overexposed to the news around them, according to a Bear Facts survey of 351 students. With all of the tabs open on their phones, teenagers are struggling to close all the tabs in their mind.

Inundated with information

Sreelikhi Vangavolu, Max Feldman, Kaitlin Geisler, and Hannah Etienne
March 13, 2020
Volunteers saw down buckthorn at the woodland restoration. According to Thode, this buckthorn is an invasive species which prevents native oaks from living up to their potential.

Saved by the axe

Max Feldman, Business Manager & Spotlight Editor
March 9, 2020
Seth Paine is not the only place that has been impacted by the rise of vandalism. Across the country, anti-Semitic vandalism has struck schools, businesses, and homes.

A dangerous trend

Max Feldman, Business Manager & Spotlight Editor
February 11, 2020
After retirement, Lori Bonefas, former MRC tutor, plans to travel more like she has in the past. According to Bonefas, some of the places she has visited include Portage Glacier, Alaska; Kenai Fjords, Alaska; Oklahoma.

A new phase: former MRC tutor discusses her plans after retirement

Max Feldman, Business Manager & Spotlight Editor
January 29, 2020
Varsity Freshmen: Winter 2019

Varsity Freshmen: Winter 2019

Max Feldman, Business Manager & Spotlight Editor
January 5, 2020
Tied up in caution tape: overprotective parenting causes students to feel restricted.

Bound by distrust

Sreelikhi Vangavolu, Max Feldman, Hannah Etienne, and Kaitlin Geisler
December 13, 2019
ACT to implement test-taking changes

ACT to implement test-taking changes

Max Feldman, Business Manager & Spotlight Editor
November 11, 2019
The Harlem wizards are dropping by LZ! This year, rather than the annual color run, District 95 decided to switch things up with a basketball game between the Wizards and the LZ staff.

Dribbling for the district

Max Feldman, Business Manager & Spotlight Editor
October 20, 2019
Laura Kustra, world history teacher is seen pointing at Europe. The curriculum was Eurocentric but the school is moving towards a more inclusive curriculum, according to Kustra.

Magnifying the west

Sreelikhi Vangavolu, Max Feldman, and Hannah Etienne
September 27, 2019
Caramel lattes at Pepper Park in Lake Barrington. These lattes were solid but lacked authenticity.

A coffee conundrum

Max Feldman, Business Manager & Spotlight Editor
September 23, 2019

New School Year, New Me

Max Feldman, Business Manager & Spotlight Editor
August 25, 2019
Yusra Zakria holds an old photo. Zakria says that reflecting on her negative experiences has helped her make decisions for the future.

[Photo] #WeWereLZ

Sreelikhi Vangavolu and Max Feldman, Staff Writers
May 24, 2019
For most students taking AP classes, studying takes up a lot of time during the day as the test approaches. However, all of this hard work may not lead to the best results when applying to colleges.

Not the end all be all

Max Feldman, Co-Business Manager
May 19, 2019
The superintendent speaks in front of a community audience. Osburn is always active in discussing district wide policies with parents and community members regularly.

Moving out

Max Feldman, Co-Business Manager
April 25, 2019
Andrew Koppel, transition student, posts a Stall Street Journal above the hand dryers. The students usually post the stall streets near the sinks as well as the stalls to promote good hygiene.

The story behind the stalls

Max Feldman, Co-Business Manager
April 3, 2019
Our community influences the way we make decisions from a young age yet the decision making process during teenage years is purely a neurological science.

The grey matter

Parul Pari, Max Feldman, and Sreelikhi Vangavolu
March 18, 2019
Dan Ellis, math teacher, mentors his multivariable calculus students. The dual credit class offers a different teaching approach, shifting from a lecture style class to one that is more collaborative.

Dual credit classes: a new opportunity

Max Feldman, Staff Writer
February 20, 2019
Students wait for their specialized coffee drinks in the morning. Many students say that these complex drink orders can hold up the line and cause irritation among Jazzman's customers.

Running for coffee

Max Feldman, Staff Writer
February 1, 2019
Student athletes are able to take pictures with their families as they commit to certain colleges. Students say they get a special feeling from these photos by showing their accomplishments.

Athletes on the red carpet

Max Feldman, Staff Writer
January 8, 2019
Students say that college cost is increasing more and more each year. This is causing increased stress on families and students, causing them to worry more and more about being able to pay for college, students say.

The wealth effect

Max Feldman, Staff Writer
December 14, 2018
McKenna Kalesz, sophomore, eats an egg salad sandwich from the school cafeteria. This is just one of the vegetarian options students can find for lunch at the school.

Eating meat free: students live vegetarian lifestyles for cultural and health related reasons

Max Feldman, Staff Writer
December 5, 2018
A student hands money to Jillian Baffa, senior (right), to donate to the Keep Swimming Foundation. The foundation is the chosen charity for Charity Bash this year, and clubs are already raising money in a variety of ways.

Keep Swimming: Charity Bash charity helps families stay afloat

Max Feldman and Sophia Babcock
November 27, 2018
One girl learns to use photoshop and other programs in a computer design course. Girls are showing more interest in STEM fields as a result of classes like the girl’s engineering day.

New opportunities: Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day helps to break boundaries

Max Feldman, Staff Writer
November 5, 2018
Students often see recycling bins at home and school, but this recycling may not be enough. Several students are pushing for composting programs that would decrease wastefulness in the cafeteria.

School takes shot at sustainability: clubs, administration think of environmental initiatives

Max Feldman, Staff Writer
October 23, 2018
Kim Ferraro, social studies teacher, asks for advice from Megan Bajor, English teacher. Younger teachers find that there is a welcoming environment in the school.

Experience vs inexperience

Max Feldman, Staff Writer
October 5, 2018
Students share who and what inspires them

Students share who and what inspires them

Max Feldman, Staff Writer
October 1, 2018
LZ students show their school spirit in the cafeteria. Booster clubs are trying to promote this kind of spirit by fundraising, pumping up student athletes, and handing out spirit wear.

Parents show support: how booster clubs help out the school

Max Feldman, Staff Writer
September 26, 2018
Bellalukes fries had the largest portion size. This was one of the reasons these fries came in second.

Don’t turn a blind fry to the best spots to get a snack

Max Feldman, Staff Writer
September 14, 2018
A student sits at their table completing summer work for an AP class. Even over the summer, some students stress about their upcoming high level classes.

Students struggle to find right class levels with limited options

Max Feldman, Staff Writer
August 23, 2018
A faculty member uses the new flooring to get to the field house. Many school attendees say they are excited about using these new floors.

New flooring installed in hallway outside field house

Max Feldman, Staff Writer
August 19, 2018
Blue Notes practices for their upcoming concert. As they practice, they become closer as a group and create a more positive atmosphere.

Show choir helps members express themselves with positive environment

Max Feldman, Bear Facts Contributor
May 31, 2018
Sanchez wears a shirt from her criminal justice class at College of Lake County. She takes this class to help prepare her for detective work, her dream job.

Petite 5′ 1 senior aims to become first in family to finish college, become detective

Max Feldman, Bear Facts Contributor
May 20, 2018
Coach Emily Chrisman gives advice and positive encouragement to her players. The positive coaching alliance has made an impact on how she interacts with her players.

School offers program that teaches positive reinforcement to coaches

Max Feldman, Bear Facts Contributor
April 27, 2018

Journalism, yearbook students attend JEA conference in San Francisco

Alex Ketcham and Max Feldman
April 18, 2018
The girls' track and field team participated in the Polar Plunge, among other teams, community groups, and families. The event raised money for families affected by cancer.

Locals plunge into Lake Zurich to raise money for families affected by cancer

Max Feldman, Bear Facts Contributor
March 13, 2018
Girls bowling team poses at regionals after qualifying for sectionals.

Boys’ and girls’ bowling teams achieve victories at regionals and sectionals

Max Feldman, Bear Facts Contributor
February 12, 2018
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