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
A display in the Math Resource Center features AI-generated cartoons of the math department staff. AI usage has been implemented in a variety of educational environments.
Teachers implement AI in classrooms
Erin Jeon and Carly Nicoll • November 1, 2025
The Northbrook Pumpkin Smash scheduled for Nov. 8 diverts pumpkins from reaching landfills. The average pumpkin is composed of 92 percent water.
Pumpkin Smash composts pumpkin trash
Rafaella Kolesnik and Jaiden Han • November 1, 2025
The first batch of one80 Soap’s new holiday bundle is made by seniors Lila Gallinson (left), Mimi Peifer (middle) and Lexi Nortman. The soap is scented using essential oils in collaboration with a Conant High School INCubator team.
INCubator team places sixth in the nation
Arpi Kirakosian and Lucy Orchard • November 1, 2025
OpEd
When making decisions about the future, students may feel compelled to go along with the expectations of others. Students should consider their own definitions of success in order to prioritize personal fulfillment.
Rethinking the recipe to success
Lauren Miller, Executive Opinions Editor • November 1, 2025
Students often feel pressure to focus on how they are perceived rather than their true feelings. When students mask their effort with nonchalance, they may prevent themselves from living authentically.
The nonsense of nonchalance
Vivien Brennan, Opinions Editor • November 1, 2025
Students and teachers tend to prioritize school work over celebration during the holiday season. Finding time for holiday activities can help recapture lost spirit.
Don’t let homework haunt you
November 1, 2025
In The Middle
Calculating the cost of Halloween
Ellie Edsey and Lucas Zhang • November 1, 2025
Frightening costs of Halloween
Elle Laughlin and Molly Nicoll • November 1, 2025
Spooky Scary Spending
Spooky Scary Spending
November 1, 2025
Features
During her lunch block, junior Carla Konrad (right) goes out to eat with Phoenix Clement on Oct. 9. Konrad has spent time trying new restaurants with her friends and participating in school activities like cross country and Lookbook.
From Germany to GBN
Ashley Ahn, Editor-at-Large • November 1, 2025
Behind the morning mic
Behind the morning mic
Anabel Cho and Erin Polatsek • November 1, 2025
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
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
Boo on a budget
Maribelle Lee and Joyce Ng • November 1, 2025
Continuous caffeine intake builds up tolerance, requiring individuals to consume larger amounts to feel the same effect. According to Dr. Shannon Kilgore, caffeine causes more mood and anxiety problems in teens compared to adults.
Learning to live without lattes
Vivien Brennan, Opinions Editor • November 1, 2025
Sports
Spooky Spotlight
Spooky Spotlight
Natalie Mahoney, Managing Editor • November 1, 2025
Fantasy football leagues create communities through competition and conversation. Sophomore Shaan Rana started a league with his physics class last year.
Fantasy football forms friendships
Lauren McClamroch, Executive Sports Editor • November 1, 2025
Head Varsity football coach Matt Purdy (left) and junior Jack Dickson review a practice script on Oct. 16. Dickson is working as a team manager for the first time this year.
Student managers strengthen sports teams
Erica Rader and Maya Zhuk • November 1, 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