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The news site of Evanston Township High School's student newspaper

The Evanstonian

The news site of Evanston Township High School's student newspaper

The Evanstonian

The news site of Evanston Township High School's student newspaper

The Evanstonian

Sam Froum

Sam Froum, Print Executive Editor

Hi, I’m Sam Froum (he/him), and I'm an Executive Print Editor. This is my fourth year on staff. Previously I was a staff writer, assistant editor of A&E and section editor of A&E and Photo/Art. I write for the Evanstonian because it helps me become a better writer and provides opportunities for collaboration with other students. At ETHS, I also run cross country and track and participate in Wildkit Buddies. Outside of school, I like to draw, run and watch TV.

By Sam Froum

Editorial | 100

In 1924, the Church and Dodge campus of ETHS first opened its doors. 100 years later, students still walk into the same building every day, seeking the same thorough education that is promised to all Evanston...

Devin Lewis blow dries a pot during ceramics.

[Photo] Photos of the Fifth Week!

September 13, 2024

Devin Lewis blow dries a pot during ceramics.

Owners Jack DeMar, Kiki Eliopoulos and Eric Kogan opened Mensch’s Deli in early July.

Mensch’s Deli: a new Jewish delicatessen to savor this summer

Sam Froum, Executive Editor September 13, 2024

Finding classic Jewish deli food in Evanston was an impossible task before last summer. Evanstonians craving a pastrami reuben or matzo ball soup had limited options - either venture to Kaufman’s in...

Editorial | Embracing fall policy changes

Editorial | Embracing fall policy changes

Fall is always a time for change. There’s the usual factors—colder weather, orange-y trees, apple cider popping up more prominently in grocery stores—but also other changes, like the start of a school...

4: Nationally and locally, Evanston's reparations program spurs discussion, criticism

4: Nationally and locally, Evanston’s reparations program spurs discussion, criticism

Jilian Denlow, Sam Froum and Riley Romisher May 21, 2024

When Evanston announced passage of its historic reparations program in Mar. 2021, the national media was quick to latch on. “Evanston is the first U.S. city to issue slavery reparations. Experts say...

Retiring teachers reflect on time at ETHS: Joel Weiner

Retiring teachers reflect on time at ETHS: Joel Weiner

Sam Froum, A&E Editor May 8, 2024

It is the year 2000. A young-ish Joel Weiner with a full head of hair and 20/20 vision arrives at ETHS to teach chemistry.  Flash forward 24 years. It is the year 2024. An older, bald, bespectacled...

Journalism and jokes: a conversation with New York Times Comedy Critic Jason Zinoman

Journalism and jokes: a conversation with New York Times Comedy Critic Jason Zinoman

Sam Froum, A&E Editor May 6, 2024

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. There’s no doubt: comedy is bigger than ever. Access is at an all-time high, with hundreds of hours available on YouTube and most streaming services,...

In 20th year, ETHS jazz festival hits high notes

In 20th year, ETHS jazz festival hits high notes

Sam Froum, A&E Editor February 22, 2024

On Saturday, Feb. 10, there was music in the air at ETHS – jazz music. Students in 50 different student bands from 26 high schools and middle schools across Illinois spent the day performing, learning...

Comedy night at Tag’s provides a positive experience for comics and community members

Tag’s Cafe: serving up fresh…comedy?!

Sam Froum, A&E Editor January 26, 2024

That’s right. On Oct. 21, Tag’s Cafe, a locally-owned cafe on Central St. in northwest Evanston, held its first stand-up comedy show, featuring a lineup of five comics. The show completely sold out...

(Comp)eatin’ With Ethan Episode 1 – Milk Mile

Ethan Ravi, Sam Froum and Isaac Suarez Flint January 8, 2024

Make their pain worth it, watch the first episode of (Comp)eatin' with Ethan!

Long before she was cracking up crowds on improv’s premier stage at Second City, Claire McFadden spent her days in Evanston getting her first taste of improv and sketch comedy. (Photo courtesy of Claire McFadden)

Second City’s resident ‘wild card’ puts jokes first

Sam Froum, Arts & Entertainment Editor December 21, 2023

Claire McFadden can make you laugh.  As a professional comedian who performs at Second City, Chicago’s premier improv and sketch institution, it’s her job.  McFadden is a member of Second City’s...

Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan: the funniest night of my life

Sam Froum, A&E Editor November 14, 2023

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, JIM GAFFIGAN AND JERRY SEINFELD!” The crowd roars around me. Thousands of people screaming, clapping. I cheer, but keep my eyes glued to the stage. I don’t want to miss...

Sandwich restaurant Fat Shallot replaces Old Neighborhood Grill, aims to build family-friendly atmosphere.

Fat Shallot comes to Evanston

Sam Froum, A&E Editor October 20, 2023

On August 25, 2021, tragedy struck Evanston. The kitchen of beloved restaurant Old Neighborhood Grill went up in flames after an accidental fire got out of control. The Evanston Fire Department rushed...

Eatin' With Ethan Episode 2 - Tomate

Eatin’ With Ethan Episode 2 – Tomate

Ethan Ravi, Isaac Suarez Flint and Sam Froum September 22, 2023

Downtown Evanston is home to many popular restaurants, of a variety of different cuisines. But just a few blocks away from the city center is the 900 block of Noyes Street, home to Tomate Fresh Kitchen....

American Ninja & More-ier

American Ninja & More-ier

Sam Froum, Arts & Entertainment Editor September 22, 2023

Dr. Steven Bachta is not your typical ninja. He doesn’t wear black robes or sneak around in the shadows. Instead he tackles the world’s hardest obstacle courses on the popular NBC reality show, American...

ETHS theater department takes on Stratford

ETHS theater department takes on Stratford

Sam Froum, Arts & Entertainment Editor September 22, 2023

During the weekend of Aug. 31, the ETHS theater department took a trip to Stratford, in Ontario, Canada, where they enjoyed some of the best repertory theater the region has to offer. Repertory Theaters...

Eatin’ With Ethan Episode 1 – Habibi In

Come along with our resident food critic Ethan Ravi to Habibi In Mediterranean Grill!

fourth of july map

[Photo] A time to reflect, a time to celebrate

Izabella Paracuelles, Assistant Feature Editor August 15, 2023

Students often struggle to decide on a post-high school path.

[Photo] Beyond the bell

Milo Slevin, Feature Editor August 15, 2023

Students often struggle to decide on a post-high school path.

'Urine' luck: spring musical will be ex'stream'ly entertaining

‘Urine’ luck: spring musical will be ex’stream’ly entertaining

Sam Froum, Assistant A&E Editor April 20, 2023

Coming this April to the upstairs theater, it’s ETHS’s spring musical, Urinetown! With a talented and dedicated cast and crew of ETHS students and experienced direction from ETHS theater teacher Timothy...

Sam Froum | Banking on your parents

Sam Froum | Banking on your parents

Sam Froum, Assistant A&E Editor April 15, 2023
Assistant A&E Editor Sam Froum reflects on the creative bankruptcy of dad jokes.
I cocan't bear it: a review of 'Cocaine Bear'

I cocan’t bear it: a review of ‘Cocaine Bear’

Sam Froum, Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor March 15, 2023

For too long, bears and cocaine have been kept separate in cinema, but with the release of new R-rated, action/thriller Cocaine Bear, this barrier has finally been broken. The plot of Cocaine Bear is simple:...

Art by Peter Krzystofiak

Always craving more: Evans’ early life

Sam Froum, Ethan Ravi and Mack Jones February 27, 2023
As John Evans lay dying in his Denver home on July 3, 1897, around 173 miles from the site of the Sand Creek Massacre, his life flashed before his weary eyes. Evans, the territorial governor of Colorado at the time of the massacre, had stated in prior interviews he bore no regrets for the tragedy that had resulted from his blinding enterprise. Born in Waynesville, Ohio, Evans had come a long way from home.
Winner: Edzo's

Winner: Edzo’s

Sam Froum, Assistant A&E Editor January 27, 2023

You can’t talk about iconic Evanston restaurants without bringing up Edzo’s. Since 2009, Edzo’s has been serving up mouthwatering burgers, fries, shakes and more from its prime location in downtown...

Illustration by Meg Houseworth

The newest evolution of mass incarceration begins in the classroom

Sam Froum, Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor December 16, 2022

The United States has the largest prison population in the world, with nearly one out of every 100 people in America behind bars. This is primarily due to unfair laws and practices that were created to...

‘Bros’ fuses romance, comedy to offer needed LGBT+ representation

Sam Froum, Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor November 14, 2022

On Sept. 30, Bros made history for being the first studio-released romantic comedy starring two gay men. It is a major milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in the media and was received very positively...

Davis street metro station mural

A look into Evanston’s murals

Sam Froum, Jenet Luning, Kari Robinson and Beri Barton September 23, 2022

Evanston has always had very interesting and meaningful public art. From the many galleries to the impressive array of beautiful public murals that are painted by local artists and members of our community,...

At Charles Bird's house near the corner of Lincoln and Harrison.

Acclaimed restaurant dramedy ‘The Bear’ brings taste of Evanston to silver screen

Sam Froum, Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor September 23, 2022

If you were walking through Northwest Evanston on March 7, you might have noticed the blue flyers taped up throughout the neighborhood, the large white vans driving around the streets or the signs with...

Q&A on local filming of new show ‘The Bear’

Sam Froum, Staff Writer April 18, 2022

If you were walking through Northwest Evanston on March 7, you might have noticed the blue flyers taped up throughout the neighborhood, the large white vans driving around the streets or the signs with...

'Moon Knight' breaks Marvel mold

‘Moon Knight’ breaks Marvel mold

Sam Froum, Staff Writer April 18, 2022

Spoiler warning for Moon Knight  Ever since Iron Man premiered in 2008, Marvel Studios has been on a roll. Its movies and TV shows have been wildly successful at the box office and have united a massive...

Disney’s ‘Encanto’ provides representation, entertainment for all ages

Sam Froum and Lila Portis March 18, 2022

After its Nov. 2021 release, Encanto quickly became one of the most talked-about movies of 2021. The movie follows Mirabel, voiced by Stephanie Beatriz, the only non-magical member of a family full of...

Anticipated movies set to arrive in 2022

Sam Froum, Staff Writer February 28, 2022

People are finally starting to return to the theaters, and, with so many great movies coming up in 2022, audience members won’t be disappointed. Whether you like comedy, action, adventure or mystery,...

Memorable comedies of 2021

Sam Froum, Staff Writer December 23, 2021

Comedies are a great way to get away from the worries and stresses of life, even if it’s only for a couple of hours. During a year like 2021, this comic relief has been needed more than ever. Fortunately,...

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