Blue and Gold March 5, 2010

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Movie fans pick Oscar winners

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Gliding Stars offers fun for those with disabilities

Behind the scenes

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blue & gold

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Braddock’s final season not what she expected

Volume 87, Issue 5 Friday, March 5, 2010 1200 Broad Ave., Findlay, Ohio, 45840

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crossing the line

PDA violates discipline code n By Emily Rivest

Walking through the halls to class, it is not uncommon to see couples up against lockers or on benches kissing and hugging.

Even though it is a common sight, these public displays of affection (PDA) are against school rules.

The student handbook states on page 20 that stuToo much? dents may do nothing more than hold hands “while on the In an online poll: school premises, or while in the custody of the school, or in the course of a school-related said that PDA in activity.” the halls goes way Some insist PDA has gotten too far. Students out of hand, yet others do not should keep their see a problem. hands and lips to “They (the students) don’t themselves. understand from a spectator’s 43 responses as of March 3 point of view that this (PDA) just isn’t right,” Spanish teacher Kathy Lyon said. “If all the teachers brought their spouses in and did that in the halls, students would be grossed out.”

Despite Lyon’s view, principal Victoria Swartz does not see PDA as a problem.

“I don’t see it a lot,” Swartz said. “I am in the hallways a lot and I probably only see it once a week.

A lot of times, it’s a girl hugging a girl, like as friends.

Today was actually the first time I saw a couple trying to kiss.”

Assistant principal Nate Sorg agrees that PDA is not a major issue.

“I really don’t get a lot of referrals on PDA,” he said. “Teachers are mostly handling it on their own.

We’ve been focusing more on other issues.

“There are so many other things to concentrate

70%

TOO FAR

on, but there is an appropriate time and place and it isn’t in the school halls.”

Lyon suggests principals aren’t seeing many referrals because some teachers are not comfortable confronting students on this issue.

For teachers and administrators dealing with PDA, there is no specific course of action outlined in the student handbook.

“I comment when I see them kissing,” science teacher Kevin Shoup said. “If I see them getting closer to each other, I make a weird noise and if they’re holding hands, I don’t say anything.

“I make fun of them and embarrass them. Usually, it’s effective and they giggle and turn red.”

Sorg has his own method of dealing with PDA. “Usually when I see it in the halls, I’ll address it with the students,” he said. “If I’ve had to tell the students over and over again (to stop) and they still don’t, I’ll say something to their principal.

“Normally, they stop, but in all honesty, they could just have just moved.”

Sophomore Rachel Burgess and her boyfriend have been told by teachers before to stop their PDA. However, she doesn’t think they go too far.

“It’s not really their business,” she said. “I see people making out in the hall but we don’t do that. I know how it is to want to be close but that’s too far.

“People make too big of a deal out of it (PDA). If they don’t want to see it, don’t look at it. I’m not saying it is a good thing, but it’s not a bad thing either.”

Junior Ethan Ball, is told almost every day that he needs to stop his PDA with his girlfriend.

“It just doesn’t seem like a big deal,” he said. “They (teachers) say we’re making out but really we just hug and sometimes kiss. I don’t see why it’s a big deal.

“It’s not like kids haven’t seen it before. You watch a movie and see more than that.”

Even though some think it’s acceptable, others still believe that PDA has no place in school hallways.

“Holding hands is fine but when I’m walking to class and see two people making out in the hallways, it’s nasty,” junior Lizzie Rogers said. “It’s kind of awkward for teachers (to confront students) but they should say something more.”

A couple shares a kiss before dashing to class. On any given day, students see a number of their classmates hugging, kissing and making out in the hallways, rarely being told to stop. The student handbook states that students may show no public displays of affection further than holding hands while on school property. photo by Katie Trinko

Cast, crew preparing for opening night n By Leah Cramer

LEAN ON ME

Ticket prices:

adults $10 students $6 reserved seats $16

Available at:

Lily Bay, Readmore Cards & Gifts, Main Street News, Stately Raven, Flag City Skate Shop or at the door.

Saturday

Senior Derek Schadel, sophomore Emily Mathern and juniors Brady Miller and Lucy Anders practice their dance number for the musical. The entire cast has been rehearsing for two months to prepare. photo by Katie Trinko

With two weeks until opening night, preparations for the musical, Kiss Me, Kate, have shifted into high gear.

After having separate chorus and principle rehearsals, the cast is putting it all together and running scenes with the orchestra.

The show follows the story of a theater group putting on a production of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, forming a musical within a musical.

Theater troupe members Fred (junior Brady Miller) and his ex-wife Lilli (junior Lucy Anders) portray Petruchio and the woman he intends to make his wife, Katherine, in their production of The Taming of the Shrew.

“There are so many different characters and storylines you get to see,” junior Sarah Black said. “It will keep the audience paying

attention as they follow it all.”

Both storylines are filled with conflicts of the heart that keep it interesting.

“What happens with relationships in Taming of the Shrew is kind of a metaphor for what’s going on in the actors’ relationships,” Anders said. “It’s like one big bowl of love being stirred around and they don’t know what to do with it.”

Alternating between the 1940’s in America and Shakespearean Italy provides an opportunity for a variety of scenery.

“It goes back and forth between a theater backstage that will have a two level area with stairs and a Shakespearean village with small buildings, like a streetscape,” set director Marvin Miller said.

The set isn’t the only diverse area of the show. The music also reflects the show’s

Figure skaters ready for 35th annual Ice Classics n By Emily Rivest

Silver Blades will hold its 35th annual Ice Classics March 19-21 at The Cube.

The show will feature four parts, each showing a different type of hero: everyday, sport, super and patriotic.

“The ‘Heroes’ theme was an idea of mine that I had been sitting on for many years,” co-director Kim Fancher said. “I wanted to do something fresh and original that had not been done in Ice Classics shows in the past.

“It will be recognizing the heroes who keep us safe and free, and can be true heroes to us all. All four of these sections show how heroes

Sunday

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can come from anywhere and inspire us all.”

This once-a-year event offers something different for the community.

“The show is really entertaining and appeals to all ages and different types of people,” senior Nicole Fisher said. “It is something different for students to do in Findlay.”

With 95 skaters ranging from preschool to high school, there will be a variety of skill levels present.

“It’s fun to watch the little kids because they’re all over the place,” junior Madison Williams said. “It’s also fun to watch the older kids because they can do jumps and spins.”

Besides the hero-themed acts, each senior will also get a chance to show off their skills.

“I’m excited for my senior salute because the song I picked, You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban, is one of my favorite songs,” Fisher said. “I picked it as a thank you to my family and friends for their support in all aspects of my life.”

The Friday and Saturday shows will be at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

General admission tickets may be purchased at the door.

More information about the club is available at www.findlaysilverblades.org.

things to make you look smart today 1. Around 30 million people are expected to participate in March Madness office pools.

2. The largest number of leaves found on a clover is 14.

3. An African safari is part of the Oscars gift bag.

High: 44 Low: 34 Mostly Cloudy

versatility, ranging from bouncy dance numbers to love ballads.

“The songs are pretty upbeat and jazzy,” co-director Craig VanRenterghem said. “It also has classical love ballads and comedy songs.”

As opposed to last year’s more serious production of Les Misérables, senior Derek Schadel predicts this musical will leave audiences laughing.

“What will really appeal to people is the comedy,” Schadel said. “There’s a lot of funny, awkward tension between the two main characters (Lilli and Fred).

“The gangsters also provide a lot of comic relief that will be enjoyable to watch.”

Kiss Me, Kate runs March 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and March 21 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for evening shows and $5 for the matinee.

High: 48 Low: 40 Cloudy

4. The earthquake in Chile changed the Earth’s axis by three inches.

5. A new app called Textecution uses GPS to disable texting when traveling over 10 mph. photo by Michael Robinson Chavez/Los Angeles Times/MCT

ICE

Senior Nicole Fisher practices her feature for Ice Classics. The show runs March 19-21.

photo by Katie Logsdon

Hats Off Counselor Greg Distel and his wife raised $230 for Financial Assistance for Cancer Treatment by participating in his second Polar Bear Plunge, jumping into nine feet of icy water. “It’s really not that bad,” Distel he said. “When you come out, because the water is so cold, the temperature outside is relatively warm.”

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“Uniforms would be OK if you could personalize them a little bit to show who you are.

Uniforms could bring us together.” senior Sherwin Quiambao

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opinion

percent of public schools nationwide have adopted a uniform policy

Friday, March 5, 2010

Staff policy

OUR VIEW

Blue & Gold is a monthly student publication for the students of Findlay High School. Blue & Gold is a public forum which is funded by advertising.

Student couples take PDA too far

Letters to the editor

Students are pushing the limit when it comes to public displays of affection (PDA) in the hallway and administrators need to put an end to it.

Current policy on PDA as written in the high school handbook states no student shall “commit an inappropriate display of affection and bodily contact beyond hand holding while on school premises.”

However, just walk through any hallway between classes, before or after school and it more on the becomes evident student couples are doing far more than just holding hands. blueandgoldtoday.org It’s time for administrators to draw the line Want your when it comes to PDA and start enforcing the voice heard? school’s policy before every bench and corner becomes a hot bed for make-out sessions.

Go online to It is understandable that students want to vote on our PDA show their affection for someone close to them. survey or leave That being said, school is not the place for comments on excessive kissing or groping between classes. the editorial.

Aside from the fact that it breaks school rules, it is disrespectful to others.

Seeing couples make out or touch inappropriately makes some students uncomfortable.

Worse yet is when couples block doorways and lockers to “share a moment”, making it impossible for students to get through.

Sure, it may not seem like a big deal to those involved in the PDA, but to students who are simply minding their own business, this is a rude inconvenience.

What’s puzzling is why administrators, usually sticklers when it comes to school policy, find it unnecessary to enforce the rules regarding PDA. Like bullying, tobacco use and profanity, PDA is discussed in the student discipline code. While it may not be as severe of a violation, if there are rules regarding PDA they need to be enforced.

But until administrators decide to confront the issue instead of walking by and ignoring it, couples should respect others, limit themselves to hand holding and save the make-out sessions for after school.

As an open forum for students, letters to the editor are welcomed by the staff, but we request that they be 300 words or less due to lack of space. All letters must be signed. Blue & Gold staff reserves the right to edit letters without changing the meaning.

Letters may be dropped off in room 286.

WEB

Staff editorials

All editorials without a byline reflect at least two-thirds opinion of the Blue & Gold staff but are not necessarily the opinion of the administration.

Contact us

Blue & Gold 1200 Broad Avenue Findlay, OH 45840 (419) 427-5474 About us

Blue & Gold is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, Quill & Scroll and the Ohio Scholastic Media Association.

Implementing uniforms could end dress code violations n By John Sisser

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what’s the problem

Walking down the hallway, seeing students in baggy pants or short shorts, one thing is clear—no one appears to follow the dress code, and worse yet, no one enforces it.

Though it seems harmless, dressing inappropriately for school shows a complete lack of respect for other students, faculty and the entire educa-

tional system.

To combat this, several area districts, including Fostoria and Lima City Schools, adopted a uniform policy.

For years, the word “uniform” has struck fear in the hearts of teenage fashionistas. But uniforms may have more benefits than students give them credit for.

According to www.greatschools.org, 25 percent of the nation’s public elementary schools have gone to uniforms, and more middle and high schools are joining the bandwagon.

The growing trend is returning some positive numbers. A study at Youngstown State University looked at 64 public Ohio high schools and found those with uniforms had

higher attendance and graduation rates and fewer suspensions.

Uniforms could also decrease discipline problems at school. The Long Beach Unified School District in California saw a 50 percent drop in school violence and theft within one year after implementing their uniform policy in 1994.

Closer to home, students in the Sandusky City School district saw a noticeable decrease in gang issues after adopting a uniform policy, Some parents argue that uniforms are too expensive and put a burden on poorer families who can’t afford them.

While the uniform clothes may be expensive to first purchase, some studies show

families end up saving money in the long run because they don’t wind up buying trendy designer clothing.

Other opponents claim that uniforms do not allow enough creativity and suppress student expression.

I’m all for creativity, yet as it stands now, most students don’t use fashion to express themselves, but instead as a way to flaunt their economic status with expensive labels or gain attention with revealing clothing.

It’s time to dress for success—literally.

It may not be the most popular opinion, but I whole-heartedly believe that bringing uniforms to the building could improve the overall learning environment.

Holding hands and a quick kiss I can handle, but when it comes to pushing my way around Bill and Barb who are in the middle of a heated make out session, then it has gone too far.

Teachers should also speak up—which doesn’t mean punishing students. A simple reminder to be courteous to others would be greatly appreciated.

No one wants to see PDA, and frankly, I don’t understand why couples decide to be affectionate in the hallways—it’s not the most romantic of settings.

Isn’t there enough time outside of school to express your feelings privately? junior Chelsea Calloway

Enforce rules on hall behavior

Overall, PDA needs to be better controlled in the school. It is neither the time nor place for such a thing. freshman Allyson Sabo

letters

to the

editor

Make out sessions disgusting Dear editor, We all see it numerous times throughout the day; some of it is sweet, some of it is gross and some of it is downright shocking. It’s PDA—Public Display of Affection, but I’d like to say, Please Don’t be Affectionate.

Walking down the halls, all I see is hand holding, hip-hugging, and spit-swapping. Even though it is somewhat nice that two love birds are showing that they care, most of the time it just goes too far.

Where do we draw the line? It needs to be drawn somewhere, and quickly before my previous meal makes a second appearance.

YOUR VIEW

Dear editor, PDA has gotten out of hand. There are rules prohibiting it, yet nothing is done to prevent it.

Violation of any of the rules of conduct can result in a detention, Tuesday school, or other forms of discipline.

When walking through the hallways, you see a lot of PDA. There are even teachers around during this time who see it, but they do not do anything to prevent or punish it.

I personally have no issue with hand holding or even hugging, but anything past that makes me feel uncomfortable and disgusted.

Parking lot fees are outrageous Dear editor, It is upsetting students must to pay an expensive fee to park in the student lot.

Parking in that lot, as long as the student has the required minimum grade point average and is an upperclassman, is our right.

I understand if the school wants to know who is parking in the lot, but the passes can easily be given out without charging $30. junior Caitlyn Eckhardt

How much is too much when it comes to showing affection?

“PDA is no big deal because it’s nobody else’s business but their (the couple’s) own.” junior Tyler Maroney

“PDA in the hallway is nasty.

I don’t really care if couples do it anywhere else, but when I’m at school, I don’t want to see that." senior Megan Haley

“You’re only in school for seven hours a day. You have 17 hours in the rest of the day to fulfill all of your PDA desires. No one wants to see it in a learning environment.” junior Christine Wagner

“In moderation, PDA is OK, like a quick kiss between classes, but some couples just need to tone it down.” senior Zach Carnes

“There’s a line that needs to be drawn with PDA, especially when it comes to the hallways.” junior Jerry Kindig

“PDA can go a little too far. Holding hands is fine, but when some couples start making out in the hallway, it’s going overboard.

There are some things you just don’t do in public.” senior Selina Davis

The staff John Sisser Editor in chief Kim Maples Feature editor Emily Rivest News editor Lexi Perrault Sports editor Katie Trinko Taylor McGonnell Co-photo editors Sam Malloy Advertising editor Hannah Gray Katie Logsdon Morgan Grilliot Abby Kehres Kieley Ray Photographers Maggie Malaney Leah Cramer Michaela Marincic Reporters Emily Lentz Autumn Simmermeyer Artists Jim McGonnell Adviser

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entertainment Friday, March 5, 2010

career nominations and 26 wins for Walt Disney, the most in Oscar history

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And the Oscar goes to...

Movie fans share Academy Award picks, so do we n By John Sisser

Awards season comes to an end March 7, when actors, directors and producers will take home the most coveted prizes in the movie industry—the Oscars.

Leading the nominations are the all-time highest grossing film, Avatar, and the independent thriller The Hurt Locker with nine nominations each.

So who will win big March 7 when the Oscars air live at 8 p.m. on ABC? We asked movie buffs for their picks and put our own two cents in with our pick.

Best Picture • Avatar • The Blind Side • District 9 • An Education • The Hurt Locker • Inglourious Basterds • Precious • A Serious Man • Up The Hurt Locker • Up in the Air The Academy is recognizing 10 films as nominees for the coveted Best Picture award for the first time since 1943.

Their picks: “Best picture should be District 9,” senior Tim Welker, a Carmike Cinemas employee, said. “It had great visuals, and it was something I could get into it more than any of the other movies.”

Other experts have a different opinion.

“Best picture is going to be either The Hurt Locker or Avatar,” Kristyn Carmon, assistant manager at Family Video, said. “The Hurt Locker already won the Director’s Guild Award and the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG) Award, but Avatar took the Golden Globe, so it could go either way.”

Our pick: The Hurt Locker. Avatar dominated the box office, but the lesser-known The Hurt Locker has a similar effect when it comes to awards season. Gaining momentum and a handful of motion picture awards worldwide, The Hurt Locker should edge out Avatar for the top prize, but the race will be close.

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“Avatar should win Best Picture because it had the best graphics which made it more realistic and I felt like I was actually in the movie.” freshman Travis Ritter

Best Director • James Cameron (Avatar) • Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) • Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds) • Lee Daniels (Precious) • Jason Reitman (Up in the Air) When it comes to the pick for best director, things get personal.

Bigelow and Cameron, top contenders in the category, were once married. This makes the competition more interesting.

Their picks: “It will probably be Bigelow,” Carmon said. “She was the Director’s Bigelow Guild pick, and that is generally a good indication for the Oscars. However, it is possible that Cameron could upset her.”

Welker sees the award going to Cameron.

“James Cameron will win because all of his movies get really big, have huge opening weekends and stick around for a long time,” he said. “He has just built up a great reputation as a director.”

Our pick: Bigelow. A recent bit of bad publicity for Cameron could severely impact his shot at the Oscar. It looks like it’s Bigelow’s to lose.

Best Actor • Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart) • George Clooney (Up in the Air) • Colin Firth (A Single Man) • Morgan Freeman (Invictus) • Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker) The nominees for Best Actor feature big names like Clooney, Freeman and relative unknowns like Renner. However, the favorite comes from a film that received little attention until awards season rolled around.

Bridges’ portrayal of a Bridges washed-up country singer in Crazy Heart already swept the acting categories at the Broadcast Film Critics, Golden Globes and SAG awards—an Oscar just seems like the next step.

Their picks: Carmon is nearly certain Bridges will add to his list of awards while Welker sees Freeman taking the Oscar.

“Everyone knows who he (Freeman) is and he always does a great job portraying whatever character he’s put into,”

Welker said.

Our pick: Bridges. If award history has any say, Bridges should have no problem bringing home an Oscar to keep his four other major acting awards company.

Best Actress • Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side) • Helen Mirren (The Last Station) • Carey Mulligan (An Education) • Gabourey Sidibe (Precious) • Meryl Streep (Julie & Julia) Along with the Best Actor category, the Best Actress nominees also feature two big names—and two big favorites.

Streep, no stranger to Academy Awards, adds to her collection of 15 career nominations with her portrayal of chef Julia Child.

Bullock grabs her first Oscar nomination for her role in the inspirational box office sensation, The Blind Side.

Their pick: “She (Bullock) did a great job in The Blind Side,” Carmon said. “She was made for that role; no one could have played it as well as she did.”

Welker agrees.

“Sandra Bullock will win be- Bullock cause she did an excellent job with the character,” he said. “She was able to get right into the character. She executed the role well and understood who her character should be.”

Our pick: Bullock. It may be a close race between Streep and Bullock, but after a SAG award and a Golden Globe, The Blind Side star has the momentum, and the popularity, to pull off her first win.

Best Supporting Roles Actors • Matt Damon (Invictus) • Woody Harrelson (The Messenger) • Christopher Plummer (The Last Station) • Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones) • Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds) Actresses • Penelope Cruz (Nine) • Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air) • Maggie Gyllenhaal (Crazy Heart) • Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air) • Mo’Nique (Precious)

Osca

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Where most of our categories have been tight races, these are much easier to call.

Waltz’s portrayal of Col. Hans Landa in Tarantino’s action-packed Inglourious Basterds has won him every major supporting actor prize to date, making him the favorite for supporting actor.

Their pick: “He (Waltz) has won almost every award this year,” Carmon said. “I heard he is absolutely phenomenal in it.”

Our pick: Waltz. We agree Waltz will continue his winning ways.

As for the actresses, Mo’Nique’s role in Precious makes her nearly a shoe in.

Usually found in lowbudget comedies like Soul Plane Waltz and Phat Girlz, comedian Mo’Nique changes her tune in the tragically serious Precious, the story of a poor, illiterate and pregnant teenage girl growing up in Harlem.

Their pick: “She (Mo’Nique) will probably get it just because of the storyline,” junior Tim Sherman, also a Carmike Cinemas employee, said. “It will touch more of the American people than any of the other movies in this category.”

Our pick: Mo’Nique.

Breaking away from her usual mold may earn her bonus Mo’Nique points. Based on the movie’s hype and the award history for her role, all indicators send the Oscar her way.

lf e s r you r o f e e S ? s r a at the Osc g i b n i w l l i w s e h movi

Up five nominations

Up in the Air six nominations

Inglourious Basterds Precious eight nominations six nominations

Scorsese’s Shutter Island offers thrilling twists, turns

Hits and

Misses

There are over 140 million videos estimated to be on YouTube.

Lucky for you, we’ve sorted through some to find which videos are worth a watch and which ones fail miserably. Read on:

Check it out

Title: T-SHIRT WAR!!! (stop-motion video) How was it: The cool t-shirt graphics create a neat visual experience. Aside from the effects created by the stopmotion, the guys in the video have entertaining reactions.

Could have been better Title: Copier Win How was it: In a classic example of humor at the expense of others, this clip of a man’s unfortunate incident with a copy machine is worth watching.

What a waste of time Title: No Cutting Around How was it: This boring music video actually turns into a clothing advertisement half way through.

Pathetically, the music part isn’t any more interesting than the ad.

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to check out this week

Avatar nine nominations

Need You Now sure to please n By Maggie Malaney

Album: Need You Now Artist: Lady Antebellum Sound: Country/pop Last release: Lady Antebellum (debut album) Why buy it: With a mix of acoustic and electric instruments, Need You Now is a great second album from the popular country group Lady Antebellum. Lead singers Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley harmonize well and don’t have the notorious twang in their voices that turn many people off to country music.

The trio uses a mix between country and pop for a unique sound that doesn’t get boring. Songs like Stars Tonight even incorporate a bit of rock-n-roll.

Download this: Perfect Day Grade: A

n By Maggie Malaney

Title: Shutter Island Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo Plot: U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) and partner (Ruffalo) are sent to a hospital for the criminally insane on a remote island off the coast of Massachusetts to investigate a missing person’s case.

With each turn in the investigation, Daniels realizes the island is all a big conspiracy to run cruel tests on mental patients and he must attempt to get home alive.

Why see it: Shutter Island’s ending twist makes it worth seeing. It’s not the suspenseful horror film commercials made it out to be, but the film is exciting as DiCaprio explores the island and realizes he is the only one not in on the conspiracy.

Grade: A

The Hurt Locker nine nominations

DiCaprio

Final Fantasy Alice in XIII: The 13th Wonderland: installment in Actor Johnny the Final Fantasy Depp and director video game series, Tim Burton to originally made produce a twisted for the Nintendo mix of Lewis Entertainment Carroll’s Alice System in 1987, in Wonderland hits tech stores and Through the March 9.

Looking Glass.

Want more reviews? more on the Be sure to check out our web site. blueandgoldtoday.org

WEB

senior Ashley Miller

My movie If my life were a movie...

Title: Miller Time Romantic Comedy/Tragedy Genre: Ashley Miller playing Cast: herself, Lil Wayne as her

boyfriend and David Beckham as her secret lover

heart is stolen when Plot: Ashley’s Lil Wayne pulls her on stage

82nd annual Academy Awards: Actors Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin host the Oscars March 7 when the golden statues are given to directors, actors and others in the film industry.

Remember Me: Abraham Robert Pattinson Lincoln: Vampire stars as Tyler, Hunter: Author a young man Seth Grahamefrom a troubled Smith portrays family who finds our Civil War escape through president as a Ally (Emilie de vampire slayer Ravin) as the two after a bloodfall in love in this sucking beast romantic film. killed his mother.

and sings/raps to her. She thinks he’s the one until she is drafted onto the U.S. World Cup Soccer Team and scores the game-winning goal. In all the celebration, her and Beckham’s eyes meet and they fall in love. Now she’ll make a huge decision. Who will she choose?

Rated:

PG-13

Not really coming to a theater near you

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“I have been in several car accidents because my friends were texting and driving and it made me angry.

Texting and driving should be illegal.” sophomore Taylor Gossard

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percent of teen drivers text while they drive, according to AAA

newsfeature

Friday, March 5, 2010

KEEPITBRIEF

REVERBERATION

Students organize Music Tech concert

JSA plans 3-on-3 tourney n By Emily Rivest

Junior Statesmen of America (JSA) will host a 3-on-3 basketball tournament March 13 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the main gym.

All proceeds from the event will go toward JSA’s African Orphanage Project.

“We’re working to raise money for an orphanage in Tanzania, Africa,” Vice President Maddy Herron said. “We’re continuing this project in Tanzania because we feel it would be more beneficial to help one area long-term rather than a bunch of little donations to a few areas.”

The cost is $5 per person. Registration is due today to teacher David Barkey.

Society hosts blood drive n By Michaela Marincic

National Honor Society (NHS) will hold a blood drive from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. March 24 in the main gym.

Students 17 and older can give blood to the local American Red Cross, which supplies hospitals with needed plasma.

“You don’t think about all the scheduled surgeries or certain diseases for which people need blood transfusions,” adviser Karen Ouwenga said. “We need to get involved and promote the blood collection.”

The process takes about an hour, during which cots and refreshments are provided.

To schedule an appointment, contact either Ouwenga, Vice President Jessica Braddock or sign up during lunch in the cafeteria March 15-19.

Website finalist for award n By John Sisser

REVERB

Senior Rachel Rustemeyer belts out a tune with family friend Kathy Reese of the band Township Road 2 at Reverb, a free music concert organized by the Music Tech class. Reverb consisted of a variety of acts, including performances by students and community members. “The best part of Reverb was all of the different musicians coming together,” Rustemeyer said. “I got the chance to work with musicians who helped broaden my horizons musically.” photo by Katie Trinko

Law could ban texting while driving n By Emily Rivest

After a new law banning texting while driving went into effect in Toledo, some believe a similar law could be effective in Findlay.

To ban texting, Findlay City Council would have to approve a similar ordinance.

“There probably should be (a law),” Councilman Robert Nichols said. “Safety should come first, sometimes, we have to pass laws to protect citizens. This would not only protect the drivers but other people in cars too.”

There is also a bill proposed in the Ohio House that would outlaw texting while driving statewide. City Councilman William Schedel wants the state legislature to pass a bill.

“Texting while driving is extremely dangerous,” he said. “There is always a possibility (of a law being passed). I don’t know if we as a city council would pass this. I would look to the state to pass something. I just feel it should come from that level.”

Schedel is right that texting while driving is risky. According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, drivers are 23 times more likely to have a crash if they are texting.

Despite these facts, some teenagers still insist their driving skills are not impaired by texting.

“I don’t really look (at my phone) while I text so it doesn’t affect my driving at all,” junior Kelsey Loss said. “If we do have a law for texting and driving, people won’t obey it anyway, so it will be useless.”

A majority of accidents in Findlay are due to “driver inattention,” according to Lt. Scott Lowry of the Findlay Police Department.

However, he believes a texting while driving law would not be effective in Findlay, just like in Toledo, where there was one citation in the first month.

“It would be extremely difficult to enforce and to tell whether or not someone was actually texting,” he said. “It’s not like running a red light which can been seen from a distance. We have a Constitutional obligation not to stop people just because they may be texting.

“We would be better off educating all drivers on the danger of driver inattention, which includes texting, talking on their phone or putting on makeup while driving.

Blue & Gold and 2aToday’s web site, www.blueandgoldtoday.org, is a finalist for the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s (CSPA) Crown awards.

Staff members will find out if they get a Gold or Silver Crown during the CSPA Convention in New York City, March 17-19.

“Being a finalist is a huge honor for our staff,” adviser Jim McGonnell said. “To be recognized by a national organization just weeks after launching is exciting.”

The web site is one of 27 finalists nationwide to receive a nomination for the Crown, one of the two top awards in the country for scholastic online media.

“The Internet was kind of a new frontier for us,” feature editor Kim Maples said. “So to receive recognition even when we aren’t as experienced as other web site staffs is a sign we are moving in the right direction.”

Three named Merit Scholars n By Michaela Marincic

TEXTING

Senior Alyssa Hilkert checks a text message on her cell phone while driving. The Ohio House of Representatives is reviewing a bill that would make it illegal to use a mobile communication device while driving.

photo by Katie Trinko

Three seniors qualified as National Merit Finalists based on standardized test scores and a student application.

Seniors Jessica Braddock, Cole Lautermilch and Emily Rivest achieved the highest honor given by the National Merit Scholar Corporation.

“It really opens up doors for me in terms of going to school,” Lautermilch said.

“Schools like to get National Merit students at their institutions.”

Find more info more on the about upcoming events online. blueandgoldtoday.org

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“I enjoy the fact that Gliding Stars gives the kids confidence and makes them happy. It really helps them believe in themselves.” sophomore Catherine Longo

46

feature

Friday, March 5, 2010

ON THE ICE

people with disabilities ice skate weekly with volunteers as part of the Gliding Stars program

5 page

Gliding Stars member Hannah Herold takes a break from ice skating with the help of freshman volunteer Kelly Rowe. This special needs program will sponsor an ice show March 14 at The Cube. photo by Morgan Grilliot

Rising stars

Ice skating program helps build self-esteem n By Leah Cramer

E

very day is filled with challenges for 18-year-old Taryn Bregel, who has delayed development, but when she steps on the ice to skate with Gliding Stars, anything seems possible.

Bregel was one of the first members of Findlay’s Gliding Stars, an adaptive ice skating program that serves people with disabilities.

In 2002, when she started skating with the program, she needed a walker and two volunteers to help hold her up on the ice, but can now skate independently.

“We’ve gone to countless therapy sessions, but Gliding Stars really had an impact on her (Taryn’s) motor and socialization skills because it not only benefits her, but is something she likes to do,” mother Cindy Bregel said.

“She definitely would not have made as much progress without Gliding Stars.”

Because of the effect the program has had on her daughter, it has become a big part of Cindy Bregel’s life too. She started out helping with fundraising, but is now a co-coordinator.

“It’s given our family something to spend time on that we’re passionate about,” Cindy Bregel said. “It (the program) has touched our family personally because we have a member with special needs.”

Another member, sixth grader Hannah Herold, who has a neurodevelopmental disorder called Rett syndrome, enjoys the camaraderie that Gliding Stars provides.

“I like it when everyone skates together because I get to be with my friends,” Herold said.

“It makes me feel good and happy.”

Gliding Stars also affects the volunteers, including 37 Findlay High School students, who assist each member. Junior Shelby Weems gets a lot more out of the experience than she expected to when she joined the program.

“I first started working with Gliding Stars in eighth grade because I needed volunteer hours for some club I was in,” Weems said.

“But I really liked it so I kept coming back.

“It’s really fulfilling and good to know that I can help other kids out.”

The program has several kinds of skating equipment that cater to the disabled, such as wider, flatter skates for those with Down syndrome and walkers that allow people in wheelchairs to join in on the fun.

“There is a need for recreation programs for the special needs part of our community,”

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Cindy Bregel said. “Gliding Stars helps the disabled to improve their motor skills, learn to follow directions and build self-esteem.”

Gliding Stars members will skate in their ninth annual show at 2:30 p.m. on March 14 at The Cube. Tickets are $5 at the door.

This year’s featured skater, 13-year-old Jarod Murphy, describes the show’s 70’s theme as a “blast from the past” and can’t wait to perform for the public.

“It’s great to have a crowd come watch us,” Murphy said. “I love the audience because they cheer loudly and it makes me feel great.”

Gliding Stars member Averie Panozzo

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“My favorite part of the musical is getting to hang out with everyone onstage and off. It’s fun to get to know new people.” senior Sara Hejab

133

bigpicture

students are participating in the school’s spring musical

Friday, March 5, 2010

Kiss me, Kate

WET PAINT

DRILL

Making sure everything is ready for the show, sophomore Irene Sanchez paints the background for the musical. Student crew members work on everything from set construction to lighting for the show. photo by Kieley Ray

Senior Drew Heilman and junior Zachary Cook build support beams for the set. Students in Millstream’s Construction Skills Technology class are working closely with tech crew members photo by Katie Trinko to create the musical set.

“The best part is the friends you make with people on the staff.

We aren’t just building a set, we are building memories.” tech staff member Savannah Ward

“In rehearsals we work on lines, blocking and songs. Sundays we do choreography and run it again during the week.” director Andy Cantrell

PAINTING

Senior Fhalyshia Orians paints the first coat of the background for the musical Kiss me, Kate. Musical cast members and art students work on the set after school and on weekends to prepare for the show. photo by Katie Logsdon

ACT ON IT

Juniors Lucy Anders and Brady Miller make notes in their script while rehearsing their scene as Katherine and Petruchio. Nine cast members, including the two juniors, have principle roles in the show. photo by Morgan Grillot

“My favorite part is when Lilli and Fred have a love affair. They were married and you can tell they are still in love.” cast member Sarah Black

“My favorite song is Too Darn Hot because there are a lot of different styles of music all in one song.” orchestra member Patrick McAdoo

ft

“All students should be subject to random drug testing because as teachers we want all of our students to be safe. Not all kids who need help are in extracurriculars or sports.”

English teacher Jimmy Orr

16.5

feature

Friday, March 5, 2010

percent of U.S. public school districts are estimated to have drug testing policies

7 page

Random drug testing policies could cover all extracurriculars n By Kim Maples

It’s happening in schools across Ohio, even as close as Perrysburg High School.

Administrators are introducing random drug testing policies for all extracurricular activities, which identify students who use substances such as alcohol, tobacco, heroin, cocaine and more.

Though drug testing at the high school has only been discussed for sports, the possibility of testing for all extracurriculars brings up multiple questions about the pros and cons.

“Some people think that drug testing is all about catching someone doing the wrong thing,” assistant principal Kelly Glick said.

“It’s more important that we look at it (doing drugs) as something someone is doing Third that can get them in a series hurt, and we need to intervene and get them some help.”

Currently, students caught using drugs or alcohol on the first offense cannot participate in extracurricular activities. But if they attend a drug education and awareness program, they may participate in half of the events.

On second and third offenses, students are banned from activities for various lengths of time, which hurts their groups.

“I’d like to think that nobody in my group is doing drugs,” Findlay First Edition director Kevin Manley said. “If there is somebody doing drugs and they get caught, it would have a major effect on our group, but it’d be worth it if we could get that person some help.”

But students who abuse substances may already be having a negative effect on groups.

“If you have kids coming to practice every day on drugs, it brings the band down,” band member junior Ali Rackley said. “If you want to do drugs, you can’t do extracurriculars.”

However, drug testing also brings up the question of privacy.

“A lot of people are really sensitive to what they consider to be their right for privacy,”

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If someone doing drugs gets caught

it would have a major effect

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Findlay First Edition director Kevin Manley

Glick said. “It often comes down to how drug testing happens as to whether it’s going to impede on the student or not.”

Privacy has not been an issue at Bucyrus High School (BHS), where the board of education adopted a policy and pays for drug testing 20 percent of students who have a parking pass and/or participate in extracurriculars.

“Overall, it’s working well,” BHS athletic director Tom Jeffrey said. “We haven’t had issues with anyone complaining about privacy.”

So far, the school is averaging slightly over a 1 percent positive test result rate, whereas the national average is 2.3 percent.

“I’m sure there’s people who disagree with it,” Jeffrey said, “but after having it (the policy) for five years, I’ve seen less and less people against it.”

Some, though, see it as a violation of trust.

“While some people might think it’s a good idea, it’s a short-term solution to a long-term problem,” director of bands Tim Mattis said.

“Nailing somebody to the wall and stripping them of opportunities will do nothing to prevent a person from making a bad choice or help a person who is making bad choices.

“The bigger effect would be, ‘we’re not trusted.’ That can be more damaging.”

Some teachers, however, remain advocates for a drug testing policy.

“Our responsibility is to help kids,” media adviser Jim McGonnell said. “If we don’t support random drug testing, then we’re turning our heads and our backs on students.”

Opposition to drug testing could cause a decline in extracurricular participation.

“There’s already concern over why more kids aren’t participating in extracurriculars,” Mattis said. “I don’t see that being an enticing factor at all if we’re not going to trust our kids.”

McGonnell believes students could give up substance abuse if they are dedicated enough.

“Maybe they would seek help for any addiction they have so they could be part of a program,” McGonnell said. “There’s a good chance that if they follow the counseling, then they can still participate.”

Participation hasn’t decreased at BHS. “Obviously, some sports throughout years go up and down,” Jeffrey said. “but the total number participating in extracurriculars here has not gone down. Actually, this year, it’s up.”

An athletic committee is already looking into a random drug testing policy.

“We’re looking at how school districts do drug testing, what companies they use, and how they pay for it,” Principal Victoria Swartz said. “The first thing you have to do is get is a consensus that we believe there is a problem and we have to do something.”

Starting early makes hunting for college scholarships easier n By Michaela Marincic

scholarships from The Community Foundation available only to Findlay students

”

could get that person some help.

PSAT test-takers dream of receiving fullride tuition, but since less than 1 percent of the high school population will achieve this, finding scholarships is one more item on the college preparation checklist.

To avoid stressing over scholarships senior year, start early. Scholarships aren’t just for juniors or seniors; some are available as soon as freshman year.

“I probably started November senior year, but I wish I had started sooner,” senior Chelsea Smith said. “I would have had a better chance of getting some if I had, and now I almost feel like it’s too late.”

Begin the search at the public library or The Community Foundation, which gathers scholarship information available on their website or in the SAC office.

“The Community Foundation website, community-foundation.com, offers nearly 100 scholarships for students in Hancock County,” Marie Swaisgood, Donor Services Officer for The Community Foundation, said. “Your guidance counselors are also great resources as they receive information about local and national scholarships available at your school.”

Websites such as Cappex.com or Fastweb. com also match scholarships to students based on a survey of high school achievements and

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college interests.

“My guidance counselor told me to go to websites from my college,” Smith said. “It (Internet) makes it a lot easier because you can find scholarships faster. I found more on the Internet than I did elsewhere.”

Counselor Mary Burget advises students to beware of scholarships that can’t be trusted or anyone who offers advice at a charge.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Burget said. “Always check that it is from a valid source and they are really able to give the money they are promising.”

Before applying, narrow down the search based on major, financial needs or grades.

Also, consider the range of the scholarship.

“For those that are nationwide, the pool of applicants is much larger than for local scholarships,” Burget said. “Local scholarships tend to be just students in this community or region, so the competition is not as tough.”

The final step: apply for scholarships. Avoid missing deadlines or haphazardly throwing a portfolio together at the last second.

“Overall advice for applying for scholarships is that you need to pay close attention to deadlines and instructions,” Swaisgood said. “Create a calendar if you need to in order to keep track of deadlines, as your senior year is a busy time anyway.”

bg sports

Hockey upsets St. Francis to take district title

&

??

Did you know...

?

Vancouver is the largest metropolitan area to ever host a Winter Olympic Games.

Snowboarder Shaun White created the Double McTwist 1260, a move that helped him win the gold at Vancouver.

For more sports coverage, visit www.blueandgoldtoday.org

Volume 87, Issue 5 Friday, March 5, 2010

The opening ceremonies for the Vancouver Olympics were the first held indoors.

Braddock’s conditions

Braddock falls short at districts Senior Jessica Braddock

Sickness plagues senior swimmer n By Lexi Perrault

With one year left of high school swimming, three-time state qualifier senior Jessica Braddock hoped for a successful season.

But things didn’t exactly turn out how Braddock planned.

Her relay team just missed qualifying for state, and she was diagnosed with three serious diseases.

“Last spring I started to get a great deal of stomach pain and diarrhea and I went to see a gastroenterologist who diagnosed me with Irritable Bowel Syndrome,” she said. “In August I had a colonoscopy and they found I had

Ulcerative Colitis.”

Unfortunately, things got so bad that Braddock was forced to stop swimming.

“In December, my symptoms started to get out of control,” she said. “I began to feel more tired and it seemed my life was being taken over by my symptoms, even though I was being treated with several medications.

“I continued to remain involved as a manager watching from the pool deck.”

Although she had hoped time off would make her feel better, her symptoms got worse.

“Finally, I went back to the Cleveland Clinic in January and they performed another colonoscopy and endoscopy,” Braddock said.

“The biopsies showed I had Celiac Disease.”

To deal with this latest diagnosis, the senior had to make changes in her daily diet.

Her mother, Carolyn, makes sure she has food

Alexander, Gladstone return to Columbus n By Lexi Perrault

A state title.

That’s everything seniors Michael Alexander (39-3) and Max Gladstone (43-3) have worked toward during their high school wrestling careers, and their final chance at this goal started last night in Columbus.

“I’ve been to state three years,” Gladstone said. “It feels like I need to prove something because the last two years I haven’t placed.

“It’s time to show everyone what I can do.”

Gladstone placed third at the district tournament after a 1-0 loss in the quarterfinal round against predicted state champ Wadsworth’s Ben Buzzelli (41-4).

Coach Ben Kirian knows his 285-pounder Gladstone is capable of beating Buzzelli if he faces him again at state.

“We just need to make little changes,” Kirian said. “He knew what he was supposed to do to beat him but he fell apart.

“Max is capable of beating everyone else in his state bracket, so if he does beat Buzzelli he’ll win state.”

Gladstone isn’t the only one disappointed with his district finish.

Alexander lost 6-4 to Copley’s Sam Wheeler (50-0) in the district championship match to take second.

“I didn’t wrestle as well as I could have,” he said. “I made mistakes but hopefully I’ll get another chance at him at state.

“I’ll be working on my stance, dictating the pace of the match and being more aggressive.”

The senior finished sixth at state last season and is prepared to face difficult competition when he returns.

“It’s really exciting to be returning but it’s going to be challenging,” he said. “It’s what I’ve been working toward all season.

“I’m nervous. Everything I’ve worked for all season comes down to one weekend.”

readily available for her daughter.

“Jessica is currently on a diet that is glutenfree, lactose-free and has a minimal amount of fresh fruits and vegetables,” she said. “This means she can’t eat things like regular pizza, bread, cookies, pasta, salads and milk.”

Even with a new diet and frustrating symptoms, the senior finished her last season with a second place in the 200 free relay, just 1.1 seconds short of qualifying for state.

“We moved up two places in our 200 relay,” Braddock said. “Our relay swam well so there are no regrets even though we didn’t qualify for state. It was great to be able to swim and be a part of a successful season.”

Whether supporting her team from the sideline or contributing in the water, Braddock spent the season helping her teammates.

“What Jess lost this season in the water she

made up for in leadership,” coach Jeff Wobser said. “Jess, no matter what her situation, continued to lead her team to higher levels of performance. She was an integral part of our program even given her limitations.

“No one works harder than Jess.”

Support from family and friends was crucial in getting through the season.

“This experience has taught me that life certainly isn’t fair, in fact, it’s not even remotely close,” Braddock said. “Sure, maybe I wasn’t dealt the best hand of cards this year.

But I was probably given the best people (my teammates, coaches, parents, and friends) to help me get through that rough hand.

“To me, the swim team isn’t just a bunch of athletes going out and racing for themselves.

It’s a family that is there for you no matter what and that’s something special.”

Irritable Bowel Syndrome A disorder that causes the nerves and muscles of the large intestine to be oversensitive, causing cramping, bloating and diarrhea.

Ulcerative Colitis A chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine and rectum characterized by fever, abdoninal pain, chills and profuse diarrhea.

Celiac Disease A disorder that causes damage to intestines when gluten is eaten.

Gluten is present in many grains.

MAXED OUT Senior Max Gladstone won his second Greater Buckeye Conference title after pinning sophomore Mike Brown from Sandusky.

Gladstone and senior Michael Alexander qualified for the state tournament which began last night. photo by Taylor McGonnell

Alexander

Settlemire qualifies for state

Shaffer, relay earn All-Ohio honors

n By Leah Cramer

n By Michaela Marincic

Despite a knee injury she’s still recovering from, freshman Alexa Settlemire qualified for the state gymnastics competition tomorrow.

She is the only team member to make it to state and is competing on the balance beam.

“Since she’s coming off of an injury from early January, it’s pretty impressive for her to make it to state as an individual and as a freshman,” co-coach Traci Dunn said.

Settlemire has been doing slight conditioning and strengthening exercises in order to prepare for state.

“It’ll be hard, but I’ll try my best and be happy with whatever I end up with,” Settlemire said. “I’ll be trying to make my routine as hard as I can without hurting my leg anymore.”

After placing fifth, the final qualifying spot at districts, Settlemire will be facing a whole new level of competition at state.

“The biggest challenge for her will be the atmosphere because the caliber of the gymnasts at state will be a change,” Dunn said.

“However, she’s not intimidated by anyone and doesn’t like to lose.”

Senior Jonathan Shaffer earned All-Ohio honors when he placed ninth in the 100-meter breaststroke at the state swim championships last weekend in Canton.

After faltering in the preliminaries with a time of 59.87, Shaffer pulled off a 58.81 in the finals.

“I was very happy,” Shaffer said. “I had struggled through preliminaries, so to place in finals was a big accomplishment. It is also close to my lifetime best, just a few hundredths of a second off.”

Shaffer earned his second All-Ohio title of the weekend with sophomore Nick Topel, freshmen Dietrich Hinesman and Kyle Hopkins as they took 15th in the 200-meter medley relay.

“We improved drastically from last year,” Shaffer said. “It is an awesome accomplishment to make finals and become All-Ohioans.”

Out of about 250 swimmers at state, 14 were freshmen boys, including Hinesman and Hopkins. For Hinesman, who swam his personal best time, making finals was an achievement.

“Kyle and I were the only freshmen (from Findlay) to go to state, so this was a great accomplishment,” Hinesman said. “I’ve been looking forward to it, and I did the best I could.”

These four boys continue a legacy of All-Ohio swimmers, marking the seventh year of Trojan state finalists.

“I’m very happy with the state results,” coach Jeff Wobser said.

“These young men performed well…first qualifying for state then making it to finals, which is the best of the best.”

5

ALL-OHIO

Senior Jonathan Shaffer prepares for the state championships. Shaffer placed ninth in the 100 breaststroke and 15th in the 200 medley relay.

memorable moments of the Vancouver Olympics

Ohno

1.

2.

Shaun White won the men’s halfpipe gold medal.

3.

American Evan Lysacek upset Russian Evgeni Plushenko to win the men’s figure skating gold medal.

4.

5.

Apolo Ohno became the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time.

photo by Katie Trinko

MARCesHs madn

Who will be the Final Four in the men’s NCAA basketball tournament? in a random survey of 100 students

28%

31% Kentucky

Kansas

American alpine skiier Lindsey Vonn won gold and bronze.

Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili died in practice just hours before the opening ceremonies.

20% Duke

21%

Syracuse