Blue & Gold, April 2014

blue&gold blueandgoldtoday.org

BIG PICTURE

FEATURE

page 6

Friday,April 25, 2014 Volume 91, Issue 7 1200 Broad Ave., Findlay, OH 45840

NEWS

In the swing of things

FFE

WEATHER

nationals

Spring sports’ seasons are underway for all teams. page 8

junior William Bivens and senior McKenna Fox

After placing first runner-up in Branson, Findlay First Edition will travel to Chicago to compete in the FAME Show Choir Nationals. page 4

TODAY Sunny High: 68 Low:50

TOMORROW Partly cloudy High: 61 Low: 37

SPORTS New softball stadium planned page 7

quick look

There will be no more 60 minute fifth period

Millstream leadershiip group SkillsUSA will send five members to nationals after their performance at the state level.

5a, 5b and 5c will be overlapping Lunch will be 30 minutes long The school day will end at 2:41

5

Thursday teacher collaborative time will remain

things that make you look smart today

day on Earth is increasing by 1.7 milliseconds every century.

3. We don’t know

when the modern fire hydrant was invented because the patent burned in a fire.

4. One in every four

Americans has appeared on televison.

5. Mosquitos have

killed more people than all of the wars in human history combined

sources: livin3.com, goweirdfacts.com, hffingtonpost.com, interestingfacts.net, weirdfacts.info, sciencechannel.com

AP sciences will recieve one and a half periods Photo by Tess Marshall

New schedule brings postitive changes n By Noah Keppers

For the third time in only three school years, a new schedule will be implemented at Findlay High School this fall.

Based on the current schedule, the new plan will shorten all periods to 47 minutes while retaining an eight-period day. Additionally, periods 5a, 5b and 5c will be overlapped, allowing for 30-minute lunch periods without affecting the length of fifth period classes.

All students will be required to attend school for all eight periods, with the school day ending at 2:41 p.m. As in the current schedule, school will end earlier on Thursdays for teacher collaborative time.

Many other aspects of the current schedule will also remain in place – including the use of a single period for CP and Honors science classes and one and a half periods for AP sciences.

Even though the current schedule enacted many positive changes (including longer, 50-minute class periods), its use of multiple dismissal times caused transportation and planning problems, warranting the creation of a new system.

“Last year when we developed the current flex schedule, we had a commitment that after we implemented it we would get feedback from parents, students, and teachers,” Principal Victoria Swartz said. “Starting and ending the day at a specific time was important for students and teachers.”

Many teachers and students also believe that the change is very necessary.

“Right now, we feel like we’re a divided school,” math teacher Carrie Soellner said. “The current schedule just isn’t great for students to learn. There’s no time for them to make things up with teachers.”

In order to remedy this problem, the scheduling committee that devised the current system was reconvened to propose a new timetable.

“The committee gathered together again and wrote out all the positives and negatives of the current schedule. Then we tried to make a new schedule that could fix as many of the problems as we could,” Soellner said. “It was very much a student-driven decision.”

Although the changes presented in the committee’s plan are not quite as drastic as those proposed in 2013, the new schedule will still affect students.

“I understand that scheduling is trial and error to find one that works, but I will have had four schedules in my four years at FHS, which is rather excessive,” junior Emily Stahl said.

Teachers, as well as students, will be forced to adapt to yet another new schedule.

“The fact that it will be the third schedule in three years, coupled with the two-hour delay schedule and the one-hour extension schedule, makes it very challenging – to students and teachers both,” English teacher Maribeth Geaman said.

One aspect of the schedule that may pose problems in particular is class registration. Students who signed up for

n By Jayden Egler

“Prom bubble” bursts After three years of a steady increase in Prom expenditures the bubble has finally burst. The average household will spend $978 on Prom 2014, a 14% decrease from last year.

Natalie Morales finishes Boston Marathon

blast from the past

First Guide Dog In 1928, a German Shepard became the first guide dog to a U.S. citizen. The man’s name was Morris Frank and the dog’s was Buddy.

a seven period day under the current schedule may need to request changes to their schedules to accommodate the new eighth period.

“I know that my sister and a few of my friends will need to pick up one more class so that they do not have too many study halls,” Stahl said. “Students may also now be able to schedule a study hall in if they signed up for seven classes and seven periods.”

Students wishing to make changes to the registration they completed in February should schedule an appointment with their counselors.

Nonetheless, despite the difficulty of adapting to another schedule, many believe the changes will be beneficial to teachers and students alike.

The reinstatement of a duty period for teachers and a single dismissal time for all students – both aspects of the old nine-period schedule – will simplify the planning of meetings between students and teachers.

Though adopting the new schedule will be no trivial task, its advantages may be well worth the inconvenience the switch will cause.

“I appreciate the fact that the administration was open to the idea of tweaking the schedule,” Geaman said. “Overall, I am optimistic about next year’s schedule. It will be an improvement for the average student and for most students.”

Student Council plans second relay

news around the country

At 2 p.m. ET on Monday Natalie Morales finished the Boston Marathon in a time of 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 45 seconds becoming the first winner since last year’s bombings.

Feature................5 Feature................6 Sports..................7 Big Picture..........8

There will be eight periods in the school day

SkillsUSA

2. The length of one

INDEX Editorial...............2 Entertainment....3 News/Feature.....4

All classes will be 47 minutes long

hats off

are stronger than concrete.

SUNDAY Sunny High: 63 Low: 30

BREAK DOWN

take a

1. Human thigh bones

Evolution of the Disney Princess

STAND UP Participsnts of the event gather to support cancer survivors and honor the lives of those who have fallen victim to the disease.

photos by Emily Wolfe

It is no secret that bad things happen to good people all the time.

Dealing with life’s twists and turns is not an easy task.

However, volunteering to help find a solution to a seemingly endless problem like cancer is an initiative that the students of Findlay High School have taken on, and will continue this year in Relay for Life, an event first held in 2013.

Student Council adviser Dianna Schweinfurth has helped organize Relay for Life both years.

“This is an event sponsored by The American Cancer Society. Teams raise money, usually a goal of $1000, and then walk all night to honor the struggle of cancer patients,” she said.

“We ask everyone to come out Friday night to have some fun and support the cure for cancer.”

Schweinfurth is optimistic towards the turnout, hoping to attract even more people than last year.

“We do have fewer teams but we also have some experience that will be invaluable,” she said. “Seniors Stephanie Koch and Javi Ramos volunteered to be co-chairmen for the event this year and they were such hard workers last year we knew it would be successful.

“Junior Alec Patterson has lined up a lot of fun activities including volleyball, corn hole, dress-up lap, and a “Miss Relay” contest.

“Everyone in Student Council and in other teams and service groups are pitching in.”

The hallways have been decorated with festive purple streamers and the

windows have been painted to spread the word for anyone interested in getting invloved.

Student Council member Kery Knox agrees that this year’s walk should be memorable.

“We’re much more prepared, using what we learned from last year to better this year’s event,” she said.

The teamwork and group effort coming together for this pressing cause represents the devotion shown to finding a cure.

No matter how people have been affected by cancer, it is an issue that changes lives all around the world, and students are striving to help.

“Cancer is a global problem that takes the lives of countless people every day,” Knox said.

The American Cancer Society has made it their goal to put an end to the tragic events of cancer.

With fundraisers like Relay for Life, raising awareness as well as money for research, individuals are brought together to rise against the disease.

The strength and kindness involved in arranging the relay represents the devotion felt by FHS towards finding a cure.

“The best way for the students and staff to help in the fight against cancer is to either start your own team, or join one, and start fundraising,” Allison Boesel, Relay for Life Specialist from the American Cancer Society, Inc., said.

“A lot of the money raised in Hancock County will stay in Hancock County to help with local American Cancer Society programs that help local cancer patients and survivors.”

blue & gold

friday, april 25, 2014

EDITORIAL

2

OUR VIEW

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.

Minor schedule changes help accomodate student needs

Letters to the editor 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 in room 286.

After almost three years of schedule switching, the administration has finally settled on a good plan.

Combining schedules from the past two years, this new option partners the best of the previous few.

With students exiting and entering at varying times, it is difficult for teachers to gain control of their classes when people are coming and going in the hallways.

Paired with that, extracurriculars have also been excessively difficult to organize this year because either those who end lessons seventh period have to wait around for close to an hour for activities or eighth period students get excluded.

Now that all students will leave at one time, it will be easier to coordinate sports, music and clubs because all students can make it there at the same time.

Students will also be able to start practices and things of the like earlier, meaning that they will also get home from all of their extracurriculars at an earlier hour.

This prevents the added stress of balancing homework with other involvements and responsibilities.

It also makes teachers more accessible for before and after school sessions as an extra help if a student is struggling in a class.

Along with this, the periods will be slightly shorter so teachers won’t be stretched for material to fill a long class period but will still be able to use this year’s lesson plans accordingly.

Plus, with an extra period added onto each day, students are able to more easily fulfill graduation requirements, or they can take an elective class, giving more notice to the great communications, music and art classes the school has to offer.

This also permits students to make use of the great resource of Millstream that many students have struggled to fit in their schedule.

It is very apparent that administrators took the input from parents, students and teachers to create a more fitting and functional schedule than those in the past.

While school may end later for some students, it will be the best option to accommodate every person’s needs.

It allows students to take all the classes they need to, and it ditches the extra stress of deciding which schedule you want as well as how to fit in other activities.

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, Ohio 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.

Television has key role in influencing young people n

The Thestaff staff

By Kaitlin Coward

As I sat staring at this year’s Academy Awards, I listened to many speeches from a wide variety of individuals, but some things Cate Blanchett said particularly stood out.

In paraphrase, she discussed how women in movies, especially in lead roles, are becoming less of a rarity and more of a commodity.

After hearing her support for girls interspersed into her acceptance speech, I reflected upon all the characters and women in power I remember seeing growing up, especially on television and in movies.

Looking back, I grew up with the Disney

princesses and things of the like.

As a child, I didn’t realize how much something as simple as a movie can affect the way you perceive yourself.

A lot of the early Disney movies focus on finding your one true love.

The fact that newer characters such as Merida from Brave and Anna and Elsa from Frozen in modern Disney movies are making a statement about things other than women finding the love of their life shows females the importance of other values.

Also, with the rise of popular dystopian

heroines like Katniss Everdeen and Tris Prior, girls are able to develop a stronger opinion of themselves and their abilities.

It allows young women to acknowledge the fact that females are equally as capable as men in many situations.

It is important for the media, whether that is fictional television or news outlets, to accurately portray people, especially women.

When girls see models and actresses that are Photoshopped to be really skinny, it encourages negative body image issues.

Especially in today’s technology packed

time, we use media every day so even when you don’t think about it, you’re still subjected to what you view.

Now that girls are able to see such strong women in leading roles and important occupations around the country, they can have a strong female role model growing up.

Kaitlin Coward Editor-in-chief Adam Beaty Sports editor

MY VIEW

Tess Marshall Emily Schaefer Feature co-editors

kate’s

Catalina Petrescu Entertainment Editor

corner

Jayden Egler Logan Harris Tess Marshall Photographers Santo Rossilli TJ Stennett Business Editors

to the

LETTERS EDITOR

Lack of free time during day equals added stress Dear editor, Students at Findlay High deserve to have some free time during school.

The long school days have many students mentally exhausted by the time the day is over.

We are asked to go home and put in 100% effort into countless hours of homework.

This is next to impossible, especially for students who are involved in sports and extracurricular activities. The older schedule gave students some time to relax during lunch, and it let our minds take a break. Now, we hardly have time to scarf down our lunches.

Many students have a packed one through seven or one through eight schedule without any study halls or free time whatsoever.

It is outrageous to think that we can keep a high level of focus throughout the entire day .

Without a break, our classroom performance suffers. A simple break time during school, whether it is a longer lunch or a short free period, would work wonders for students.

We would actually be able to collaborate and share a couple laughs. All in all, a change would reduce stress and give students a much needed and also a much deserved break.

junior Grant Hinshaw

tioning throughout the entire school when the computer labs and library already do.

If a computer can overheat, so can 2,000 plus people in the school that are burning up in classrooms. How can we focus when we are trapped in a hot room learning difficult material?

I honestly think if we did have air conditioning, the test scores would be higher, and people would learn more and get more work done.

I don’t think it’s a lot to ask for something that will only benefit us.

junior Alec Ramsey

Adding air conditioning would benefit learning environment Teachers should teach useful Dear editor, things for standardized tests I think we need to invest in air conditioning for the whole school. When it is really hot outside, fans just don’t cut it.

I don’t get why we can’t have air condi-

Dear editor, On behalf of most of the students here at Findlay High School, I believe that there should

be some sort of reform in the classrooms.

Instead of teachers piling us with busy work, which isn’t very beneficial at all, why not teach us things that help us in our future?

For example, in our literature courses, all we do is read, which is understandable; however, we never go over any grammatical rules or vocabulary which may be detrimental to us considering most of the major tests, such as the ACT and SAT, are heavily dependent on them.

I realize that most of those things were taught in middle school, but I mean, it woudn’t hurt to brush up on some of those things in class.

After all, most of us don’t remember everything we learned last year, let alone three to five years ago.

I believe that going over some of those basic rules could help the students boost their scores resulting in successful, happy students.

junior Fernando Blank

What do you think of theLETTERS new schedule?

to the

YOUR VIEW

sophomore

“IAvrey am really Roberts happy about the switch.

I am glad that we will have eight periods because it means I will be able to take more electives next year.”

“It gets harder for students to schedule and participate in activities when the end time gets pushed back.”

“If they extend class time, they should the time between classes as well.”

“I’m fine with it. It means that we are able to take more classes, but we’ll also have less time in each class.”

senior Nathan Balko

senior Chloe Schumacher

“I like it because I like last year’s schedule better.

It will be a lot better than this year’s.” freshman Steven Wagner

EDITOR

sophomore Alexa Scoby

“I don’t mind the change. I would prefer to have larger lunches, but that probably isn’t an option.”

special education teacher Jennifer Snyder

sophomore William Milliron

Noah Keppers Online Editor Jordan Amann Meghan Betscher Jayden Egler Cheyenne Garnes Colton Hamilton Meghan Kirton Aaron Long Tim Pollele Santo Rossilli Reporters Madi Nuhfer Artist Andy Cantrell Adviser

blue & gold

friday, april 25, 2014

3

ENTERTAINMENT

The Hit List 4

5

1

X-Men: Days of Future Past The seventh film in the X-Men film series, X-Men Days of Future Past is sure to be a major upcoming blockbuster. In this film, the all-star X-Men cast fight for survival across two time periods as the characters from the original trilogy team up with their younger selves.

Neighbors

All is peaceful for Mac (Seth Rogen) and his family until frat boy Teddy (Zac Efron) and his friends move in next door. Watch as frat vs. father face off May 9.

Ghost Stories set for May 19

This rock duo from Akron, Ohio has been gaining notoriety in the music world ever since their 2002 album debut. Check out what all the talk is about when the The Black Keys release their highly anticipated album Turn Blue on May 13.

There is much hype surrounding the release of Coldplay’s sixth album. Two songs, Magic and Midnight have already been released and give hope that the album will sound just as great as the singles.

7 Sheezus

2

The Amazing Spider-Man In this sequel to The Amazing Spider-Man Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is still trying to manage normal teenage life with being a superhero. As time goes on Parker realizes that OzCorp seems to be the stem of all of his problems.

3 Godzilla

Humanity stands defenseless as Godzilla rises once again in this reboot of the 1954 classic.

This is the second Godzilla film done entirely by an American studio and the 32 in the series.

Catch this epic installment of the 60 year old franchise when it hits theaters May 16.

Tha Carter V Set to release in May, Lil Wayne’s last album to his Tha Carter series, Tha Carter V will be his last ever. Wayne is set to retire after this, so he plans to go big on this final LP.

May 5 brings the release of Lily Allen’s new album Sheezus. With Our Time pre-released, hopes are high for a vibrant and fresh album from the British vocalist.

9

The Black Keys’ Turn Blue

Michael Jackson’s Escape

The second posthumous album for Michael Jackson, Xscape will feature 8 new tracks recorded

by Jackson.

10

X by Chris Brown

Chris Brown hopes to share his story and prove that he still has what it takes with his new album, X, on May 5.

imdb.com, www.filmofilia.com, huffingtonpost.com, righteousfilm.com, www.filmequals.com, movieinsider.com, jaciburton.com, wunderground.com, musicboxtheatre.com, imjustsaying.info, comingsoon.net

From movies to music we tell you the good, the bad and the ugly MOVIES Marvel studios handle Captain America franchise with grace n By Jordan Amann

Title: Captain America: The Winter Soldier Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Sebastian Stan Plot: The sequel to Marvel’s Captain America: The First Avenger takes place in 21st century America. The film follows Captain America (Evans) and Black Widow (Johansson) as they try to take down an evil organization that has been hiding right under their noses.

Why see it: This action packed film takes audience members on a journey that is undeniably spectacular. From humor to grief, the diverse characters create an emotional rollercoaster. Evans and Johansson are phenomenal in developing the multiple layers of the characters, while still maintaining a simple façade in the action. To add to the film’s superiority, Marvel also managed to create a seamless plot between the movie and ABC’s hit T.V. show Marvel: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. With an exciting plot and superb acting, The Winter Soldier is a must-see continuation of the Marvel Universe.

Grade: A+

Oculus brings a new, unique face to gruesome horror n By Cheyenne Garnes

Title: Oculus Starring: Karen Gillan, Brenton Thwaites and Katee Sackhoff Plot: Tim Russell (Thwaites) is released from a mental ward eleven years after he kills his father, who he saw torture and murder his mother. Kaylie (Gillan), Tim’s sister, is left behind in foster homes after her family is torn apart by the gruesome murders. She blames the murder of her mother and father on a mirror that has been in the homes of several people, all of which died a horrible death.

Why see it: Oculus is more than the cliché modern horror film. The film brings a dark eeriness to life that not many horror flicks of today still have. There is an actual story line, and it is far freakier than just a few jump scares. The genre of horror has seemed to have such a horrible time with turning out really good movies. Oculus does not quite bring horror back to where it was 30 plus years ago, but it is better than most current “horror” films.

Grade: C+

Noah creators produce untraditional Biblical epic n By Tim Polelle

Title: Noah Cast: Russell Crowe, Emma Watson and Jennifer Connelly Plot: Based on the biblical tale of Noah’s ark, Hollywood takes significant liberties with the plot in order to push a largely political agenda.

Why see it: Essentially, the movie claims that mankind had to be drowned in order to spare the animals they were slaughtering needlessly for food, with claims about mankind’s state of wickedness taking a lower priority than in The Bible. Some religious moviegoers will be upset by this and other attacks on the traditional story; for example, the word “God” is never mentioned, only “Creator”. Even though the films creators have completely perverted the biblical story, this is a good thing. The “evil” descendents of Cain stimulate complex thought about morality because they stand for free will and independence from the wild mood swings of a “Creator,” not unlike the temperamental environment they inhabit, yet are supposedly evil.

It is almost as if the director truly sympathized with them, but he creates a simpler, more black-and-white morality tale. This is a film with a very well directed plot, good acting and visuals, and a controversial set of ideals; it is a must-see for you and your family.

Grade: A

MUSIC Neon Trees experiment with new sound on Pop Psychology n By Meghan Betscher

Album: Pop Psychology Artist: Neon Trees Last release: Picture Show Sound: Pop Rock, Alternative Why buy it: Pop Psychology is a more alternative album with less electronic and pop rock sounds. This album focuses more on the singers’ more natural talent and less on the beats. It is clear that this album is post break-up inspired with song titles like I Love You, But I Hate Your Friends and Text Me in the Morning.

This makes the lyrics more personal. Sleeping with a Friend has already hit the Top 40 charts as an essential track of the album. Neon Trees didn’t fail to make another catchy and quality album.

Download this: Teenager in Love Grade: B+

TV

Awkward.’s comedy stays true to previous three seasons n By Meghan Betscher

Title: Awkward.

Starring: Ashley Rickards and Beau Mirchoff Plot: Awkward is a drama and comedy about the life of Jenna Hamilton (Rickards), her friends and all her misfit high school years.

Why see it: Season four picks up on Jenna’s senior year. She tries to recreate herself and focus strictly on school, not boys. However, she can not seem to fight her attraction to Matty (Mirchoff), an exboyfriend who she still hopes to rekindle an old romance with. Predictably, Jenna and Matty share multiple little moments in the season premiere that lead the viewers to think they could possibly get back together. New characters are introduced this season and you can only infer new relationships will be forming. Awkward. always makes you laugh and always keeps you guessing.

Grade: A

TURN falls short but has potential n By Colton Hamilton

Title: TURN Starring: Jamie Bell, Heather Lind, and Burn Gorman Plot: Based on Alexander Rose’s book Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring, TURN follows farmer Abe Woodhull (Bell) and friends as they form a spy ring, ultimately helping to turn the tide during the American Revolutionary War. Why see it: In recent years AMC has produced a surge of both critically acclaimed and immensely popular TV shows. Among this elite rank are Mad Men, The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad. Judging from its pilot episode, it is hard to tell whether TURN has what it takes to join AMC’s elite. The main fault with TURN is that its writers assume the general audience is already familiar with the allegiances and motives of some of the main characters, therefore resulting in confusion. Additionally, some may be put off by the seemingly slow and common format of the pilot episode. Nevertheless, it is hopeful that the slow pace of the premiere is only a temporary aspect of TURN used to set up the rest of the show.

Complaints aside, TURN truly impresses with its superb camera work, dynamic characters and confident acting. The show is also admirable in its attention to detail and close following of historical facts. Ultimately, TURN’s longevity depends on whether it can pick up the slow pace and truly embrace its potential as a Revolutionary War epic. New episodes of TURN can be viewed Sunday nights at 9.

Grade: B

dlo25, g &2014 eul friday, april

blue & gold

NEWS/FEATURE

4

COMING SOON

Music programs to perform at State n By Jordan Amann

Wind Ensemble, Freshman, Concert, and Symphonic Choirs will perform at the Ohio Music Education Association State Finals. The choirs will perform at Van Buren High School, while Wind Ensemble will perform at Findlay High School, on May 2-3.

All of these groups received a superior, the highest possible rating, at the district contest earlier this year, which allowed them to move forward to the state level.

Judging at the state level is significantly more difficult than that of the district level, so students will have to give a near perfect performance in order to receive a superior rating.

“District level adjudicators can have a tendency to be a bit forgiving for slight issues in performance,” band director Tim Mattis said.

“At the state level, however, the adjudicators expect a much higher level of expertise in their performance.”

The author SINGHelp OUT

Members of FFE perform “The Ed Sullivan Show.” FFE took first runner-up at FAME Branson, allowing the group to perform at the FAME Chicago Show Choir Finals. photo by Santo Rossilli

FFE to perform at FAME national finals n By Aaron Long

FAME’s 2014 National Show Choir Finals will be streamed live online at showchoirs.org. Tune in Saturday, April 26 at 6:00 p.m. EDT to watch FFE perform.

Following placement as first runner up at the FAME Show Choir National Championship in Branson, Findlay First Edition has qualified for FAME Chicago Show Choir National Finals, which will take place on April 25-26, 2014. Although the group is still working on it show, general feelings about the performance at Branson are good.

“At the time it was our best,” senior Joe Stockton said. “I don’t have any regrets.”

One of FFE’s greatest strengths this season has been its ability to act as a cohesive unit.

“The strength of this group has always been their ability to work together and take direction,” director Kevin Manley said. “You might call it coachability.”

Although FFE has had a successful year, the national competition in Chicago will pit them against a challenging group of adversaries including Hastings and Mt. Zion.

“When you go to a competition like this, placing in the tip five or six is something to be proud of,” Manley said. “Anytime we’re at the national championship of show choir it’s just

exciting to be there.

Just like at Branson, Hastings seems to be some of FFE’s most pressing competition.

“Hastings’ biggest strength is their vocals and clean choreography,” junior Tristen Spahr said. “We are both very vocally oriented groups so we’re matched pretty evenly.”

Despite the possible ferocity of the competition, FFE has what some are considering an edge. The group will be performing last out of all the competing show choirs.

“Performing last can be a great advantage,” senior Jordan Dean said. “Sometimes judges hold back points at the beginning to give themselves room to score. If you perform last there’s a good chance you’ll avoid that.”

Although the competition is steep, the group maintains a high level of energy and enthusiasm for their upcoming duel with show choirs across the nation.

“I am looking forward to performing in Chicago again,” junior Shauna Nickles said. “This group is all about performing and doing what you love to do.”

We The People will compete in D.C. n By Catalina Petrescu

Findlay High’s Advanced Placement Government class will be representing Ohio at the 27th Annual We the People: the Citizen and the Constitution National Finals in Washington, D.C. on April 25-28.

Mark Dickman, adviser of the group, has high hopes for placing well.

“This year’s group is balanced and strong so I believe with continued hard work we will be in the top 10. Once you are in the top 10 anything can happen,” Dickman said. “I hope the students realize what they are capable of.”

Students are excited not only for the trip to D.C. but also for the experience to compete be-

yond a state level and see how far their talents will earn them.

“There’s so much potential for success and I can’t wait to try to achieve it,” senior Lucy Wagner said. “It’s right there, so close, and we just need to do our best and hopefully everything else will fall into place.”

With answer statements nearly all memorized, the focus is on reciting their prepared responses with an air as unscripted and charming as possible.

“It’s not just the memorization that makes it a challenge but the proper presentation; making sure it seems like a conversation, using body language, while also maintaining composure and eloquence,” Wagner said.

The team competes on Saturday and Sunday and if they place in the top ten, the following Monday as well.

Not only do the students get to showcase their academic ability and knowledge about political affairs and government, they also get the opportunity to tour the White House and meet with Representative Robert Latta.

“The best thing about the trip is you get to know a different side of the students than you see in the classroom. I’m sure this year’s class will create special memories that they won’t forget,” Dickman said.

“I know that I have memories of every group and things that happened in D.C. Some funny, some sad but always memorable.”

Get all your Spring needs only at Walmart

1161 Trenton Ave, Findlay Findlay, Ohio

junior Sarah Pulcheon

MR. CHAIRMAN Each We the People team is divided into six sections: 1. Philosophical foundations 2. Federalism and the Constitutional Convention 3. Civil War/ Amendments 4. Congress and governmental processes 5. Bill of Rights 6. Constitutional Democracy in the 21st century

Blue & Gold wins All Ohio OSMA award n By Santo Rossilli

Staff members of Blue & Gold won multiple awards at the Ohio Scholastic Media Association (OSMA) State Convention, including the top honor of All Ohio.

Seniors Adam Beaty, Kaitlin Coward, Catalina Petrescu, Emily Schaefer and junior Tess Marshall won a combined total of seven superiors, the top category.

“It is fantastic that everyone is winning these OSMA awards,” adviser Andy Cantrell said. “It is an honor that we are able to are to carry on this great tradition.”

Other staff members of the paper also won a range of awards.

“There were a wide variety of people who won in multiple awards and in multiple categories, and it shows the development and improvement of the less experienced staff,” Coward said.

HEADS UP

FFE will present annual Cabaret n By Colton Hutchison

Findlay First Edition’s Cabaret, the group’s final showcase of the year, features songs performed by students.

“Realizing that Cabaret will be the last time I get to do what I love has been hard,” senior Hannah Block said, “ No matter how much I’ve been preparing for the last song on the last show, it’s gong to be one of the hardest things I have ever done.”

Voices in Perfection will also perform its annual Spring Fling.

“All of us are very excited for Spring Fling.

This season we have improved a lot and it has been a great thing to be a part of,” freshman Emily Block said.

Cabaret is Friday May 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday May 17 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold the week leading up to opening night and at the door. Spring Fling is Friday May 9 at 7:30 p.m., and tickets will be sold at the door.

blue & gold

friday, april 25, 2014

FEATURE

5

Seniors graduating, leaving Ohio Alex Harada: University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business Major: Economics “It is one of the top business schools, and will bring opportunities after I graduate.”

Morgan Hinshaw:

Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, California Major: Film and TV production “Los Angeles is a great city and there are lot of great internship opportunities.”

Thomas Suh:

Geoff Hill:

Goucher College Baltimore, Maryland Major: International Studies “The college has a strong study abroad program and is an overall great school.”

New York University New York, New York Major: Biology “New York is a vibrant city and has a good dental school, which is the career I want to go into.”

Pictures from mappery.com

Harper shares retirement plans, memories 10 things to know about Mr. Harper

Jeff Harper, math teacher n By Colton Hamilton

How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching for almost 31 years.

What do you plan on doing when you retire?

I hope to get involved in service construction projects such as our church youth camp and Habitat for Humanity builds.

Hothead_highschool11_2013.pdf

TM

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What will you miss about being a teacher?

I will miss the intellectual stimulation from teaching students. I really enjoy that.

2:19 PM

What is your favorite memory from teaching?

My favorite memories are cream soda Fridays with this year’s Calculus HOTHEADBURRITOS.COM class and having my room completely covered in yellow post-it notes.

(Google “Findlay High School Senior Prank 2011”)

SM

1. Has had a second career as a construction contractor for over 20 years.

2. Recieved his pilot’s license when he was 16.

3. Was interviewed on television for his role in capturing an escaped felon.

4. Has flown on the Goodyear blimp.

5. Computer programs he’s created have been sold worldwide.

6. Won a trip to Greece and Switzerland where he met with the Heads of State.

7. Worked for one year as a full-time psychi atric therapist.

8. Earned an administrative certificate, but chose to continue teaching math.

9. Was photographed at the podium of the Pentagon briefing room, holding a can of A&W cream soda.

10. Has explored an unmapped cave system.

Photo by Jayden Egler

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friday, april 2014 dl25, og & eul friday, february 22, 2013

blue & gold

6

FEATURE FEATURE

The Evolution of the

Disney Princess

The Disney Princess has always been a role model for young girls around the world. From Snow White to Elsa and Anna in Frozen, the iconic characters have changed with the times, and developed more spunk and determination.

Aurora 1959

Cinderella 1950

Snow White 1937

While Sleeping Beauty featured Aurora as the main character, she rarely gives her opinion or shows any distinct character. In fact, Aurora is only in 18 minutes of the movie.

Cinderella featured a well behaved young woman who loved her enemies. Due to this, she was taken advantage of by her family.

The first ever full length animated film, Snow White was revolutionary. However, Snow White was portrayed as completely dependent on others.

Ariel 1989

Pocahontas 1995

Pocahontas decided to stay with her tribe rather than to be with John Smith back in England.

Jasmine 1992

In Aladdin, Jasmine was the first princess of a different ethnicity and looked past economic differences.

After a long break in the movies due to the death of Walt Disney, The Little Mermaid was the first Disney Princess movie in 30 years. Ariel shows more personality than previous princesses, but gives up her entire life for a guy she has only met once.

Belle 1991

The Beauty and the Beast was the first movie to depict an intellectual princess who was not afraid to speak her mind.

Disney through time n By Tess Marshall

Mulan 1998

Mulan was the strongest of all of the princesses, sacrificing her safety for her father and going to war.

Rapunzel 2010

In “Tangled”, Rapunzel is fearless and courageous, and does not immediately fall in love with the male protagonist.

Elsa and Anna 2013

Between the two female leads, “Frozen” starred quirky and lovable characters and the stong bond between sisters. Elsa even ended up without a romantic interest, showing that life isn’t always about finding a guy.

Tiana 2009

In “The Princess and the Frog”, Tiana was the first African-American princess.

From the beginning, Disney has held true to its dedication to providing entertainment for children and a lesson to the audience.

However, the characters, particularly the Disney princesses, have become more relatable and independent.

“In Snow White, when she meets her prince, the two immediately decide to get married, without even having a real conversation,” junior Mary Yates said.

The early Disney princesses represent what society was like when the movies premiered. Women were not seen as being as capable as men, and were not involved in the working world.

“The women progressively became more heroic and brave,” Psychology teacher Gene Damon said. “With time the characters have become more central to the story, and less about archaic gender roles.”

As the culture of our country has changed, so have the princesses.

Along with race and gender equality, the princesses have also developed more personality and quirk.

“I think Belle was the first really unique princess,” Yates said. “She loved to read and didn’t care what other people thought of her.”

The box office hit Frozen treads unknown territory by letting the focus of the movie fall on the female character’s development rather than their romance with the male lead.

“In Frozen, one character even acknowledges that getting married to someone you have just met is ridiculous,” Yates said. “Anna was very independent, and even went on the journey to find her sister on her own.”

The appeal of the Disney princess has always drawn a vast audience, and will always be watched, no matter how society changes.

“The movies are great, and people will always watch them,” Yates said.

“They provide an escape from real life into a fantastic and magical world.”

Pictures from Disney.com

Leading ladies in media

Women in the workplace

n By Cheyenne Garnes

n By Aaron Long

There is something that stories like The Hunger Games, Fargo, Kill Bill and Divergent all have in common; a strong female lead.

Significant female characters in media are often times overlooked in a male dominated industry.

However some of the most unique and strong characters have been female leads.

“Our society has always appreciated a strong female lead even though we may not realize it.

Take Dorothy from the Wizard from Oz for example,” Sociology teacher Ben Kirian said.

“She was a character in the 1930’s that was uprooted from the life she knew, and led a group of weak characters in the overthrow of a tyrant. Even when scared she persevered when male figures struggled. You can find this scenario time and time again.”

The strongest female leads are just that because they are largely focused around an independent nature, and fighting for something deeper, proving that female characters can be just as strong as males.

Characters like Carrie White, Katniss Everdeen, Ellen Ripley and Hermione Granger have always been there to prove that there are independent women who can hold their own. Depictions of such characters in literature and film have captivated audience members, but dominant and feminine leads go back farther than modern pop-culture.

“These women are important for helping the young women in our country and around the world develop a mindset and image of themselves that will allow them to be happy and successful as adults.” Kirian said.

“Many of the women our youth consider role models in the media may be perceived as strong, but they have taken things that have been perceived as a weakness in women in the past and made it their strength. The problem with this is that many of these topics are not meant for the age group of women who model after them and has led to many unhealthy behaviors that can have long-term impacts into adulthood.”

Deeper than characters in books and movies, there are real women in media who have created a strong image for women.

“I really respect women such as Barbara Walters, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Degeneres, and Rachel Maddow, who have made such an impact on broadcasting, talk shows, and other media.” English teacher Maribeth Geaman said.

Overall our society and media changes to meet needs when it comes to having a strong feminist movement exhibited in mainstream pop-culture.

“Feminism is important in mainstream media because media is everywhere.” Junior Hannah Keeton said.

“People, especially young girls are subjected to pop-culture everyday. Having these strong female icons is important. It allows the media to provide strong female role models for the youth of today.”

For the American woman, times have changed and are continuing to change. It was only very recently that women were given the opportunity to occupy any roles outside of being housekeeper or mother.

Even when they finally broke into the workforce women still found their lives governed by archaic gender stereotyping that affected the careers they were allowed to pursue and the respect they received from their male peers.

In modern times, women have found greater equality in the workplace and entered new fields previously inaccessible to them.

“In recent times it’s now considered more acceptable for women to have a career,” freshman principal Janice Panuto said. “Women are increasingly willing and able to work outside the home.”

As evidenced by Panuto’s own position, women have not only begun to embark on fulfilling careers but increasingly taken leadership roles in our country.

“Education has evolved to where many more women are in administrative jobs such as principal and superintendents,” Panuto said.

Although feminist movements have achieved a great deal in forging equality for women in the workforce, there is still plenty of room for further progress.

“More opportunities have opened but there’s still a ways to go,” senior Sarah Barkey said. “Women have more opportunities to do the same jobs as men, but they do not receive the same pay for the same job.”

Inequality in income also stems from the types of jobs women currently hold in our country.

Although there is far less opposition to women taking traditionally “masculine” jobs, the trends of old still exist in some form.

“The STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math) offer a lot of job opportunities, and it is important to encourage women to pursue STEM field jobs,” Panuto said. “STEM field jobs offer higher salaries and narrow the gender wage gap. Research shows that women often earn less than men for the same amount of work.

The gap needs to be closed between men and women as far as wages earned.”

Although there is still plenty of work to be done, the societal oppression that women face now is far less than what it was. If the past century is any indicator, perseverance is the key to success.

Women can continue to combat the stereotypes entrenched in our culture by pursuing jobs usually monopolized by men and defying the restrictions placed on them in past generations.

It won’t be long before the pay gap is closed, women are proportionally represented in all fields and true equality is won.

Picture from thehungergames.com

friday, april 25, 2014

blue & gold

SPORTS

7

Trojans aim for successful season n By Santo Rossilli

PIN DOWN

SINGLE

Senior Clay Rice races to first base to get a single for the team. The Trojans next face Dayton Dunbar at Flag City Field this Saturday.

photo by Cheyenne Garnes

As spring begins, so does America’s favorite pastime, including high school baseball.

This season, varsity is looking to continue a good run after making it to districts last year.

“We want to make it back to districts like we did last year,” senior Ryan Golden said. “We also are going for a Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) championship this season.”

The team’s goal is to continue to grow after starting their season in early March.

“To make it that far we have to remain focused on our goals and work harder to get better day by day,” Golden said. “We just need to take it one game at a time.”

Teamwork is the key component for the group’s success.

“Our team dynamic is very good. All of us get along very well,” sophomore Chandler Stillings said. “We are getting progressively better and we will be a solid team when we reach full potential.

To help, the team will also need solid guidance from their coaches.

“The coaches put us in a good position to win the ball games,” Stillings said.

One of the main competitors this season is Bowling Green.

“They are a good rival to play every year,” junior Connor Curlis said. “We always have had close games with them until this year.

“We just couldn’t get things going at all. Our defense did not play the best and we did not hit the ball either.”

After a tough loss a team’s goal is to always bounce back quickly.

“We just need to forget about it and move on,” Curlis said. “There are plenty more games in the season so we shouldn’t keep our heads stuck on one bad game.

“We just need to start hitting the ball more and playing better defense. It will all come together at some point in the season.”

Though the season is just starting the team has already started showing great effort in their playing abilities.

New softball field hopes to improve playing conditions n By Adam Beaty

Over the past few years, the high school has acquired new facilities including a new track, the Millstream building and now a softball field.

This year, Findlay High School will be obtaining a new softball field along with an identical one near the current one.

“We are constantly looking at ways to improve all our facilities and programs,” athletic director Nate Weihrauch said. “We have looked at redoing the infield to assist with drainage and simply the wear and tear over the last few years. This is another example of Findlay having the best facilities throughout the state.”

The current softball area has been around for over 20 years.

“The fence needed to be redone because it was over 20 years old,” Jim Welch, Findlay Girls Fastpitch Softball Club (FGFSC) president, said. “The need to uniform the area back there was important to FHS since the completion of the Varsity field and the new track.

“This way over the next few years the remaining fence areas can be redone and the facilities should be set for the next 20 years.”

The fence will be worked on after the initial project is finished.

“The construction is currently taking place as we anticipate the project to be completed within the next month,” Weihrauch said.

FGFSC, Weihrauch, facilities director Dennis

McPheron and maintenance worker Greg Drake are directly working on the project.

“The FGFSC along with its sponsors are the ones paying for the project,” Welch said. “Funds are being raised through good faith donations from National Lime & Stone, Advanced Drainage Systems and FGFSC. “Volunteer hours will be put in by the FGFSC Board of Directors to help finish off the project.”

The design for the field will provide the chance for ad revenue.

“The outfield fence will now be 10’ tall for an 80’ section in both right and left field and this will give us the opportunity to install 32 ad signs for local business to show their support of the softball program and the summer programs,” Welch said.

“The ad money collected every two years for these spaces will be used to continue to maintain the beauty of these two fields.”

The new field will have a positive impact upon the team.

“The continued support of FHS Athletic department and the summer softball program will continue to show the level of involvement both are willing to make,” Welch said. “The teams who will play back there have to know that once again they have the best fields around and that is their home field. A solid foundation is necessary for any team to excel.

“Support is very important for that to happen.

It has to start with the facilities.”

HARD WORK

Workers begin digging holes for the new fence that will surround the new softball field. The current fence is over 20 years old. photo by Santo Rossili

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Graduate Ellie McKee

BIG PICTURE

friday, april 2014 dl25, og & eulb

In the swing .f things LEAP

Sophomore Brandon Gerrardi leaps in the long distance event during a meet. photo by Tess Marshall

HUSTLE

Sophomore Brooke Brigadoi sucessfully slides into home plate during a softball match. Brigadoi scored a run for the Lady Trojans. photo by Tess Marshall

8

blue & gold

PITCH

ACE

Senior captain Max MacDonald prepares to serve against Lima Senior. The Trojanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next match is Saturday against Lexington and Lakewood. photo by Jayden Eglaer

ONE LAP TO GO

Sophomore Jackie Fontana takes the lead in a 100 meter race against McComb. Their next meet is against Eastwood High School today. photo by Tess Marshall

SPRINT

Freshman Macy Bowling winds up for a pitch against a Marion Harding batter. photo by Tess Marshall

A Trojan batter rushes from home plate to first base in an attempt to gain a single. photo by Tess Marshall