The student news site of Downers Grove South High School

Blueprint
Breaking News
  • April 22Girls varsity lacrosse at Carl Sandburg High School
  • April 22Class of 2024 Prom on April 27
  • April 22CLEAR Workshop on April 26
  • April 22Jazz concert on April 24
  • April 22Cap and gown delivery on April 23
  • April 22Senior awards night on April 25
  • April 15Musical at DGS on April 18, 19, & 20th
  • April 15DGS Principal-Parent Partnership on April 17
  • April 15Culture Week Food Trucks on April 16
  • April 8Mustang Trot on April 14
The student news site of Downers Grove South High School

Blueprint
The student news site of Downers Grove South High School

Blueprint
Jacqueline Barba

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-in-Chief

Jackie Barba is a senior at DGS and is in her second year on staff as Editor-In-Chief for the Blueprint. Barba is also a state competitor for the DGS speech team, a member of the Read-Aloud club, a Mad Dash director and a Girl Scout since Kindergarten.

In her free time, Barba finds continued motivation in her love of travel. She is currently planning to visit London, Paris, Florence and Rome next summer. Additionally, Barba is fond of learning new languages, immersing herself in different cultures, wandering through bookstores and taking road trips.

The University of Missouri in Columbia or Northwestern University are potential colleges she would like to attend as a major in journalism or pre-law. Ideally, she wishes to incorporate her passion for travel by studying abroad.

All content by Jacqueline Barba
Thompson shares the books she’s loved, the books she’s hated and the books that she remembers from her childhood in a reflective Q and A centered around literature.

DGS English teacher Thompson reflects on the role books have played in her life

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
May 24, 2021
An unofficial review of some of the materials I read throughout my four years of English classes.

The top ten works I read in my English courses: an unofficial review

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
May 12, 2021
The cardboard cutout version of Alex Miranda bundled up in Blueprint advisor Mary Long’s winter jacket at her desk in A310.

[Photo] An ode to oxford commas: Thank you, Blueprint

Alex Miranda, Editor-In-Chief
May 12, 2021
DGS activities has released updates regarding prom ticket sales and event information.

Masquerade Prom 2021 ticket sale extension and update

Alex Miranda and Jacqueline Barba
April 30, 2021
DGS Activities releases email with new information and updates regarding the 2021 Prom.

DGS Activities details 2021 Prom modifications

Jacqueline Barba and Alex Miranda
April 19, 2021
Which Harry Potter book are you? Take this quiz to find out!

[Photo] Which Harry Potter book are you?

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
April 9, 2021
Tim Neumann earns a place in the record books with the fastest indoor 1600 meter in school history.

A mile months in the making: Junior Tim Neumann breaks DGS record for indoor 1600 meter

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
March 16, 2021
“For the past year, I’ve had to be very cautious about who I allow myself to see because a few months ago my Poppa was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. I go to his house multiple times a week to care for him and spend time with him, so I want to make sure I am as safe as possible. Having a small social bubble and taking necessary precautions are all worth it if it means keeping him safe,” junior Emily Poska said.

How has the last year changed you?

Ariel Oh, Mimi Akintunde-Nieves, Annie Le, Teagan Smith, Greyson Martinescu, Anika Brown, Lexie Lukacik, Alexis Pragides, Luc Alvarez, Gwendolynne Royle, Alex Miranda, Drey McGrew, Lauren Wilmore, Andrew Calek, Kassem Ossman, and Jacqueline Barba
March 12, 2021
The CDC advocates that screenings be voluntary. As a result (with the exception of behind-the-wheel instruction), saliva screenings will now be optional for in-person students, the email reads.

District 99 moves to optional saliva screening model for hybrid students

Alex Miranda and Jacqueline Barba
March 1, 2021

Peace Adzo Medie’s debut novel ‘His Only Wife’ mesmerizes

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
February 18, 2021
On March 13, 2021, it will officially be one year since DGS went into lockdown, making it our “quarantine-versary”.

Top 10 things that defined the ‘original’ quarantine

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
February 11, 2021
Lack of student engagement has caused teachers to feel they are teaching into the Zoom Void.

‘Teaching into the Zoom Void’: Teachers struggle with students’ lack of engagement

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
January 28, 2021
A photo from the moments before my first surgery, where a team of surgeons removed my thyroid.

Healthcare for the few: Do I deserve to die because I can’t afford my medication?

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
January 19, 2021
The 2020-2021 school year brought unique challenges for DGS social workers and psychologists.

A year like no other: DGS social workers and school psychologists adapt to remote learning

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
November 23, 2020
Mizener will be remembered fondly by the many generations of students he impacted.

Jim Mizener, beloved DGS sports announcer and teacher, passes away

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
November 18, 2020
Zoe Boyd poses for a picture before her first board meeting as a student representative.

New year, new representation: Zoe Boyd takes on the role of student representative to the board

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
November 17, 2020
Such a Fun Age had potential to be a revelation, but instead fell flat.

Kiley Reid’s debut novel ‘Such a Fun Age’ buries it’s racial insights in a subpar plot

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
November 11, 2020
Fifth grade teacher Lorie Barber has been teaching remotely the entire year. In order to accommodate this new reality, she built a classroom in her home. Inclusivity and creating a sense of normalcy are two key aspects that she kept in mind when organizing her set-up.

Snapshots from home: Where are students learning from?

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
November 5, 2020
Take this quiz to determine the Halloween film you should add to your watchlist this October.

What Disney Halloween movie are you?

Alex Miranda, Mimi Akintunde-Nieves, Willow Patton, and Jacqueline Barba
October 28, 2020

The ugly side of (his)tory

Jacqueline Barba and Annie Le
October 6, 2020
A letter to my fellow Americans written in the aftermath of the presidential debate held on Sept. 30th.

[Photo] Dear America, the presidential debate was a wreck we should’ve seen coming

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
September 30, 2020
New CDC and IDPH guidelines will shape new hybrid learning plans.

District 99 Board of Education shares new guidelines that will shape future hybrid learning plans

Kassem Ossman and Jacqueline Barba
September 16, 2020
Red, White and Royal Blue is the perfect read for politics junkies with a love for well-written romance novels.

Casey McQuiston’s ‘Red, White and Royal Blue’ is the romance read you’ve been searching for

Jacqueline Barba, Editor-In-Chief
September 16, 2020
Instances of activism captured at the Black Lives Matter protest in Chicago on May 30.

Black voices for Black Lives Matter: DGS students speak out on racial inequality

Jacqueline Barba and Alex Miranda
June 4, 2020
DGS Research Club offers students the opportunity to conduct their own long-term research projects.

Under the microscope: An inside look at DGS’s Research Club

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
May 14, 2020
Tara Westovers memoir Educated offers a new perspective on what it truly means to be educated.

Tara Westover’s ‘Educated’ redefines what an education is

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
April 27, 2020
The meal pick-up initiative, face shield production and master facility plan construction are three of the most prominent projects occurring within the DGS building.

DGS building repurposed to help community during COVID-19; MFP work continues while students are away

Jacqueline Barba, Alex Miranda, and Luc Alvarez
April 23, 2020
District 99 and District 58 are sharing information that we have had a confirmed case of COVID-19 in our school community, the email reads.

District 99 confirms first COVID-19 case within school community

Alex Miranda and Jacqueline Barba
March 24, 2020
In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, standardized and AP testing are faced with changes.

SAT and ACT cancelled; AP Exams online amid COVID-19 outbreak

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
March 23, 2020
Students are utilizing their school-administered chromebooks to work from home, primarily through the Google Classroom app, until further notice.

Focused on the future: DGS students respond to COVID-19 complications

Jacqueline Barba and Alex Miranda
March 18, 2020
Rabig and Mosebach lived next door to each other for eight years.

Friendship Friday: Katie Rabig and Megan Mosebach

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
March 13, 2020
While American Dirt is not poorly written, its content ultimately lacks depth and therefore I would give it a three out of five stars.

‘American Dirt’ book whitewashes experience of Mexican immigrants

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
March 13, 2020
The DGS speech team celebrates their third victory in four years.

[Photo] Speech team wins IHSA state title by one-point margin

Luc Alvarez, Copy Editor
February 26, 2020
The benefits of getting me contacts far outweigh the cost.

[Photo] Mom, dad — I ‘seriously’ need contacts

Sally Lichner, Freelance Writer
February 18, 2020
The highly anticipated sequel is guaranteed to disappoint those who loved its predecessor.

‘To All the Boys P.S. I Still Love You’ does not meet standard set by first film

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
February 14, 2020
J.Lo and Shakiras Super Bowl Halftime Show was one of the best weve seen in years.

Super Bowl Halftime Show receives unwarranted, sexist controversy

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
February 5, 2020
Lauren Gee glides across the ice during her skating practice.

Gee dazzles with synchronized figure skating team

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
January 24, 2020
Why were the rules made for Christian holidays in the first place?

[Photo] Why schools should be more conscious of Non-Christian holidays

Clarissa Sigale, Freelance Writer
January 23, 2020
The Nickel Boys reveals the skeletons in the dirt of Americas torrid history.

Colson Whitehead’s ‘The Nickel Boys’ unearths the bones in America’s racist past

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
January 22, 2020
Peterson sits with her students at the beginning of class.

Fascinating facts about Stephanie ‘Millie’ Peterson

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
January 7, 2020
Former One Direction member Harry Styles releases psychedelic pop album entitled Fine Line.

Harry Styles walks the ‘Fine Line’ between finding his sound and evolving as a singer

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
December 16, 2019
Let your horoscope guide you to what iconic Thanksgiving dish you are!

Discover what Thanksgiving dish you are

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
November 6, 2019

‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ thrills audiences Nov. 1 – 2

Alex Miranda, Jacqueline Barba, and Ariel Oh
November 5, 2019
Drawing III and Studio Art students create varying works of art related to social and emotional learning.

Art students paint a picture of what SEL means to them

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
October 24, 2019
Drawing III and Studio Art students create varying works of art related to social and emotional learning.

[Photo]

Drawing III and Studio Art students create varying works of art related to social and emotional learning.

[Photo]

Drawing III and Studio Art students create varying works of art related to social and emotional learning.

[Photo]

Drawing III and Studio Art students create varying works of art related to social and emotional learning.

[Photo]

Drawing III and Studio Art students create varying works of art related to social and emotional learning.

[Photo]

Drawing III and Studio Art students create varying works of art related to social and emotional learning.

[Photo]

Drawing III and Studio Art students create varying works of art related to social and emotional learning.

[Photo]

Art students create portfolios of art related to social and emotional learning themes.

[Photo]

Drawing III and Studio Art students create varying works of art related to social and emotional learning.

[Photo]

Village of Woodridge board members respond to publics concern over cannabis sales.

Village of Woodridge addresses cannabis sale questions

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
October 18, 2019
Find out what classic Halloween film you most identify with.

Find out what Halloween film you are based on your horoscope

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
October 16, 2019
Junior Chris Sapinski works through one of his Calculus homework problems.

Junior Chris Sapinski puzzled by challenge of finding harder classes to take

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
October 16, 2019
A post-it note activity where participants reflected on the DGS community.

Workshop helps students become ‘changemakers’

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
October 9, 2019
New teacher and color guard coach Stephanie Peterson rehearsing at color guard practice.

Stephanie Peterson says bonjour to DGS

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
October 4, 2019
Journalism students are hard at work writing, editing and publishing articles.

[Photo]

Netflix romance films continue to disappoint time and time again.

Why Netflix romance movies are their own genre of bad

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
September 18, 2019
Time to saddle up, super Mustangs! Heres all the details about Homecoming Week.

Weekly Preview: Sept. 16– Sept. 20

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
September 16, 2019
Netflixs latest attempt at a romance movie falls flat on its face.

Why you won’t be loving ‘Falling Inn Love’ anytime soon

Jacqueline Barba, Managing Editor
September 11, 2019
Kari Alore is the adviser for newspaper club. Meetings are Wednesday mornings.

Want to join newspaper club?

Alex Miranda and Jacqueline Barba
September 10, 2019
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