The student news site of Downers Grove South High School

Blueprint
  • December 15Sunday matinee performance of "Elf" Dec. 15
  • December 12DGS Drama hosts "Elf" Musical Dec. 12-14 at 7 p.m.
  • December 9DGS opens winter art show on Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • December 9Learning commons serves hot cocoa on Dec. 13 at 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
  • November 25First boys basketball game Nov. 25 vs. Geneva
  • November 25Grove Express Nov. 28
  • November 25Thanksgiving break starts Nov. 27
  • November 18Saturday night performance of "Elf" Dec. 14
  • November 18Friday night performance of "Elf" Dec. 13
  • November 18Thursday night performance of "Elf" Dec. 12
The student news site of Downers Grove South High School

Blueprint
The student news site of Downers Grove South High School

Blueprint
Luc Alvarez

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief

Senior Luc Alvarez is an Editor-in-Chief in his second year on the Blueprint staff. At DGS Alvarez runs varsity on the cross country and track teams where he has received All-Conference honors and been selected as Team Captain. In addition to running, he is an honor roll student, a math and English tutor and a member of ACE, NHS and SNHS.

Outside of school, Alvarez is a director and performer for the Trinity Irish Dance Ensemble — a world-renowned Irish Dance performance group. Alvarez, a two-time world medalist, has performed in a variety of venues, from the floor of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks games to onstage at the House of Blues in Chicago. During the past few summers, Alvarez has traveled to Italy, Portugal and Spain to perform with his group.

In his free time, Alvarez enjoys traveling around the world, listening to music and hanging out with friends. Additionally, Alvarez is a sports enthusiast and cheers for the Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls religiously while holding his countless fantasy football championships as some of his proudest accomplishments.

All content by Luc Alvarez
Over the course of writing a half-dozen or so editorials, I've learned some lessons worth sharing.

A crash course in writing editorials to make the district better

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
May 14, 2021
Zachary Kuhn sits at his desk, longing for the hair of Brad Pitt.

Hair: A discussion with Zachary Kuhn

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 2021
Now that science has done its part in creating multiple effective vaccines, the main thing standing in COVID-19's way are people's choices of whether or not to get vaccinated.

Top 10 reasons people have for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine (and why they’re dumb)

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
April 28, 2021
Let this quiz decide where you should go to school in the fall.

Where should you go to college?

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
April 2, 2021
While students may be present at board meetings and heard in surveys, they aren't being listened to by District 99 administration.

Seen but not heard: School board needs students to be voting members

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
March 26, 2021
Starting on April 6 students will be following an early dismissal schedule.

[Photo] District 99 returning to in-person learning April 6

Lauren Wilmore and Mimi Akintunde-Nieves
March 17, 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 task force consists of students, staff, parents and teachers.

[Photo] District 99 creates task force for full in-person learning

Lauren Wilmore, News Editor
March 12, 2021
Out of 1246 samples including 47% of in-person students, only one sample had significant findings, potentially due to a false positive.

District 99 had a positivity rate of 0.08%, why hasn’t anybody heard?

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
March 3, 2021
By failing to listen to students, District 99 makes a well-intentioned, obvious misstep with purchase of Paper.

Waste of Paper: District makes avoidable mistake with purchase of new tutoring service

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2021

Redditors’ takedown of Wall Street wasn’t just right, it was American

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
February 5, 2021
GameStop investors collectively drove up the value of GameStop in order to put hedge funds at a financial deficit.

Dueling opinions: Was r/WallStreetBets’ takedown of hedge funds right?

Luc Alvarez and Annie Le
February 5, 2021
Among my favorites parts about remote learning is the familiar connecting screen that a quiet time to reflect and get excited for class.

Top 10 best parts about the 2021 school year

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
February 4, 2021
Another winter activity made possible for Downers Grove residents by the snowstorm is building snowmen. This one made by a DGS senior stands at nearly seven feet tall.

Snowstorm buries Downers Grove under over a foot of snow

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
February 1, 2021
Let your horoscope decide what kind of week you're going to have and what your lucky animal is.

Horoscopes: Your lucky animals

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
January 28, 2021
As people of color navigate through different spaces, many say they feel the need to switch between different ways of talking in order to be perceived in a positive light.

Acceptance over authenticity: Students and staff of color share their experiences with code-switching

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
January 22, 2021
At Jan. 16’s special board meeting, board members will vote on whether to raise the positivity rate metric for opening school from 9% to 10% -- something Thiele said he felt would risk the health of students just days ago.

Gambling with students’ lives: Board would set dangerous precedent by raising positivity rate metric

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
January 16, 2021
The week of Jan. 5 marks the first week students have been in the building since Oct. 30.

Return to hybrid learning draws mixed reviews

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
January 8, 2021
Even after students return to the classroom, COVID-19's impact will still be felt by future classes.

COVID-(20)19 and beyond: COVID-19’s impact on the education of today and tomorrow

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
November 18, 2020
Most caffeinated drinks from coffee shops have more than the recommended amount of caffeine for teenagers.

[Photo] Caffeine addicts: Teens tripling recommended intake to get through day

Teagan Smith, Features Editor
November 16, 2020
The senior lot sits at max capacity during in-person learning.

[Photo] Traffic jam at DGS: Parking lot getting a little too hectic with new hybrid schedule

Mimi Akintunde-Nieves, Social Media Director
November 4, 2020
All eligible voters should vote on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Top 10 reasons people have for not voting (and why they’re dumb)

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
November 3, 2020
Let this quiz decide what you should be for Halloween this year.

What Halloween costume should you wear this year?

Luc Alvarez, Greyson Martinescu, and Alexis Pragides
October 30, 2020
When students enter the building, they give this self certification slip to a security guard verifying they don't have COVID-19 symptoms.

[Photo] First look at hybrid learning

Teagan Smith and Lauren Wilmore
November 2, 2020
In addition to the triage area, DGS has many other safety protocols as shown on the sign above.

DGS sets up triage area to aid in COVID-19 response

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
October 27, 2020
While Black Lives Matter is a national organization, many of the ideas the organization was based on remain applicable to the DGS community.

[Photo] Defund the police: Meaning and implications

Enzo Rovito, Graphic Designer
October 23, 2020
The Black Lives Matter organization centers its mission around the eradication of white supremacy and violence committed against the Black community by the state and vigilantes.

[Photo] Understanding the movement: What is Black Lives Matter?

Kassem Ossman, Entertainment Editor
October 23, 2020
Screenshot 2020-10-23 at 10.52.02 AM

[Photo] A comprehensive guide to Black Lives Matter

Teagan Smith, Features Editor
October 23, 2020
With learning split between in-person and hybrid groups, many students and teachers feel as if their classes are more disjointed than ever.

Better on paper than in practice: Modified hybrid plan falls short

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
October 23, 2020
Superindent Dr. Hank Thiele explains the district's new hybrid schedule to board member Nancy Kupka.

District 99 adopting modified hybrid schedule effective Oct. 19

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
September 22, 2020
Teachers attempt to effectively teach via Zoom despite the constant distractions and internet disruptions that often make this impossible.

District 99 spent months planning remote learning; is this really the best we can do?

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
September 14, 2020
In an email to the District 99 community, Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele announces the new plans for the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.

District 99 starting 2020-2021 school year fully remote

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
August 14, 2020
Letter to the editor infographic

[Photo] Letter to the editor: Introduction from former DGS students

Emma Ansah, Sarah Ansah, and Emmanuelle Copeland
October 26, 2020
Following revisions over the past few weeks, Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele presents the hybrid plan to the District 99 Board of Education.

District 99 Board approves hybrid learning plan for 2020-2021 school year

Luc Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief
August 4, 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic ensues and Illinois's death toll continues to rise, health care workers fight against the virus on the front lines. Outside Good Samaritan Hospital a sign stands in their support saying "Hero[e]s work here."

One month later: How Downers Grove has adapted to living under social distancing guidelines

Luc Alvarez, Copy Editor
April 24, 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
Per new District 99 guidelines, teachers now post all of their assignments to Google Classroom.

Remote learning reviewed

Luc Alvarez, Copy Editor
April 22, 2020
"After Hours" combines a variety of styles to create a unique sound while staying true to The Weeknd's brooding, melodramatic R&B roots.

The Weeknd’s ‘After Hours’ proves artist is not the ‘Hardest To Love’

Luc Alvarez, Copy Editor
March 25, 2020
Some schools in the DuPage County have closed due to coronavirus.

Editorial: Washings hands first sign of defense; school sinks inadequate against Coronavirus

Kate Riley and Luc Alvarez
March 12, 2020
The DGS speech team celebrates their third victory in four years.

Speech team wins IHSA state title by one-point margin

Luc Alvarez, Copy Editor
February 26, 2020
The DGS website is one of many things that have changed over the course of the past decade.

Decade recap: How DGS has changed throughout the 2010’s

Luc Alvarez, Copy Editor
February 18, 2020
Performers Aamari Taylor and Kayla Reed perform a poem about mental health in the black community.

Umoja’s ‘For the Culture’ Creative Show gives voice to black students

Luc Alvarez, Copy Editor
February 18, 2020
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