The official site of the Torch, the student-run newspaper at Glenbrook North High School.

Torch
The official site of the Torch, the student-run newspaper at Glenbrook North High School.

Torch
The official site of the Torch, the student-run newspaper at Glenbrook North High School.

Torch
News
During a Spartan Seminar activity, Amy Goldsmith, multi-tiered systems of supports coordinator (right), speaks with a student. The seminar curriculum was designed to advise on resources, topics and skills necessary to succeed.
Spartan Seminar supports freshmen
Mali Nangia and Maya Zhuk • October 4, 2025
Senior Annika Purohit packages an order for Depop. Basic principles of marketing like product, place, price and promotion apply when selling clothes on resale apps.
Resale apps turn closet cleanouts into cash
Vivien Brennan and Ellie Edsey • October 4, 2025
The One Book, One Northbrook program selected Brendan Slocumb's "Symphony of Secrets" for this year's events. Fifty copies of the book were donated by the Northbrook Public Library to GBN and were free for students while supplies lasted.
Library program cultivates community
Ashley Ahn and Elle Laughlin • October 4, 2025
OpEd
People pleasing can come from the fear of being disliked, which may lead students to shrink parts of themselves that could be deemed unlikeable. Instead of performing for others, students should take steps to be their authentic selves.
The courage to be disliked
Vivien Brennan, Opinions Editor • October 4, 2025
By reading books in English class, junior Elle Laughlin has opened herself up to new perspectives. Rather than reducing a book to a tedious assignment, students should consider its value.
Don’t overlook books
Elle Laughlin, Opinions Editor • October 4, 2025
Prioritizing our privacy
Prioritizing our privacy
Ashley Ahn, Editor-at-Large • October 4, 2025
In The Middle
Book Bans
Book Bans
October 4, 2025
Five challenged youth books
Erin Jeon and Lauren Yoon • October 4, 2025
Northbrook navigates censorship
Molly Nicoll, News Editor • October 4, 2025
Features
During a Ceramics 1 class, fine arts teacher Keiko Maas (right) helps sophomore Vivienne Gorelov with her coil pot. Maas plans to teach students wheel throwing, a pottery technique for shaping items such as bowls, mugs and vases on a spinning potter’s wheel.
Teacher transitions from circus to classroom
Lauren Miller • October 4, 2025
Senior Mike Eichstadt rehearses at Glenbrook School of Rock on Sept. 2. Eichstadt has been playing bass guitar for the school’s show team for four years and has performed at Summerfest three times.
Senior shreds Summerfest stage
Joyce Ng and Charlotte Cohen • October 4, 2025
Juniors Jana Ahn and Jaden Ahn (foreground) sit alongside other FCCLA members at the Spartan Pride Assembly on April 25 while being recognized for their success at the state competition. The siblings placed first in the entrepreneurship category, qualifying them for the national competition.
Siblings place first at FCCLA state
Mali Nangia, Features Editor • May 24, 2025
Lifestyle
A heavy backpack can negatively impact an individual’s posture. To reduce the risk of injuries, students could choose to use a locker or multiple bags to distribute the weight.
Unpacking the risks of backpacks
Jaiden Han and Lucas Zhang • October 4, 2025
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, block chemical messengers that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Revealing the effects of pain relievers
Linda Podbielski and Erin Polatsek • October 4, 2025
Senior Anna Bozarth frosts a customer’s 18th birthday cake. Bozarth bakes and decorates treats such as cakes and cupcakes for customers that order from her baking business.
Senior builds baking business
Jaiden Han and Lauren Miller • May 24, 2025
Sports
Girl's swimming relay
Girl’s swimming relay
Natalie Mahoney, Managing Editor • October 4, 2025
Sean Brandt, head coach of boys track and field, holds the IHSA Boys Track and Field State Championship trophy alongside a photo of the 4x200 relay team. The baton placed on top of the trophy is the same one the team used during the race on May 31.
Boys relay team secures state title
Anabel Cho and Maribelle Lee • October 4, 2025
Senior Sophie Wenk dribbles the ball in GBN's home game against Lake Forest on Aug. 26. The Spartans won 3-2.
Glenbrook teammates turned rivals
Lauren McClamroch and Erica Rader • October 4, 2025
Trending Stories
The hypocritical culture created between genders puts girls down no matter what their interests are. It is everyones responsability to end the constant scrutiny of the women around them. Let girls exist. Graphic by Baeyoung Yoo

The ridicule of the teenage girl

Rehearsing for Shrek, senior Kyle MacDonald (right) and Glenbrook South senior Alicia Penepacker practice blocking. The musical is scheduled to open April 28. Photo by Claire Satkiewicz.

Behind the scenes of ‘Shrek’

In an illustration of a scene from “Nomadland,” the main character, Fern, walks across a campground at sunset. The movie won two Golden Globes and was nominated for several Oscar categories. Graphic by Baeyoung Yoo

‘Nomadland’: a different American dream

When students are not allowed to use the bathroom during class, they may grow uncomfortable and be unable to concentrate on their work. Students should be allowed to use the restroom when they feel it is necessary. Graphic by Baeyoung Yoo

When I have to go, I really do have to go