Blue & Gold Issue 4

blue&gold Friday, January 28, 2011

SPORTS

VALENTINE’S Which cupid is right for you?

Shooting for the top

page 6

Undefeated boys basketball team hopes to win Greater Buckeye Conference championship.

MILITARY

Jake Hunt enlists in armed forces Volume 88, Issue 4 Findlay High School 1200 Broad Ave., Findlay, Ohio , 45840

WEATHER TODAY Snow showers High: 29 Low: 25

INDEX

175 District-wide enrollment drops 175 from last year

STUDENT POPULATION TAKES A DOWNSLIDE

Enrollment numbers decline throughout the school district n By Leah Cramer

“It begins to have a domino effect because if those kids leave, it creates a situation where you offer fewer opportunities, which then causes more kids to leave.”

Principal Victoria Swartz While there are students who live in other districts that open enroll to Findlay, 91 more students have left the city schools than entered it this year.

“As students consider open enrolling to other districts, they need to remember that there won’t be as many opportunities there,” Swartz said. “They may be able to get a class in their schedule that they couldn’t here, but they’re going to lose other things as well.”

When students leave the district, course options decrease even further because when

there are fewer people, it causes some classes to be offered only one period per day.

“As enrollment declines, it causes us to have more singular classes and the more singular classes you have, the more constricted students’ schedules get,” Swartz said. “As we develop the master schedule, we first put in the singular classes, classes that are only offered one period a day because there are only enough students for one class.”

When there are more singular classes, the chances that a student will want to take two singulars that are offered during the same period rise and they are forced to choose between them.

“As those singular classes conflict, student frustration increases, and so a student may feel that since they can’t take the classes they want, they may go somewhere else,” Swartz said.

As some choose to open enroll out of Findlay, the student population continues to decrease, while surrounding school districts, such as Liberty-Benton, maintain fairly constant enrollment numbers.

As district enrollment spirals into a downward trend, school administrators will carefully consider its effects.

“I don’t know of anything that would reverse the trend,” Kupferberg said. “It’s a challenge that needs to be addressed.

“We’re here to serve students and whenever you have a drastic change in any direction, you need to assess how and in what manner you’re serving students.”

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Lego photo: courtesy of hiddencreekdesigns.net(fair use)

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things to make you look smart

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page 4

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

Advertisement...5 Valentine’s...........6 Military................7 Sports..................8

senior Dylan Gray

Senior Kyle Boyd

Enrollment numbers are falling districtwide, leading to a shortage in funding and potential cuts to classes and programs.

In the past ten years, the high school population decreased by 136, with a loss of 66 students in the past year. District enrollment is down 592 students in the past decade, 175 of those since last year.

As enrollment numbers decline, funding goes down with them.

“We get a certain amount of money for every student we have in the district, so fewer students means less funding,” assistant superintendent Craig Kupferberg said.

“If you continue to lose students, you have to continue to take a look at the staff that you hire as well as the programs you offer.”

As the amount of students at the school decreases, it limits opportunities and could lead to greater drops in enrollment.

“As more kids leave, it causes constraints in the schedule even more, and eventually you have to cut things out of the schedule,” high school principal Victoria Swartz said.

“It begins to have a domino effect because if those kids leave, it creates a situation where you offer fewer opportunities, which then causes more kids to leave.”

The option of choosing to go to another school has increased in popularity.

The number of students who live in Findlay, but are enrolled in other school districts, has jumped from 54 during the 2000-2001 school year to a current 298.

SUNDAY Partly cloudy High: 25 Low: 15

TOMORROW Snow showers High: 31 Low: 14

Godspell cast begins rehearsals

page 6

The patent for Lego bricks, the iconic plastic building toys, was filed on January, 28, 1958, according to time.com.

senior Jake Hunt

NEWS

page 8

BLAST from the PAST

page 7

e

Denn

ior y, sen

n Barto Holly

1. Six advertisers pulled their sponsorships from MTV’s controversial show Skins.

2. The lucky buyer of Apple’s 10 billionth app received a $10,000 iTunes gift card from the company.

3. Each player on the Super Bowl-winning team earns $83,000, compared to the $317,631 each World Series winner received.

4. In a poll, 75 percent of college students preferred their textbooks in print rather than e-text.

5. The King’s Speech received the most Academy Award nominations (12) for 2011, followed by True Grit with 10. sources: cbsnews.com, apple.com, cnbc.com, bisg.org, oscars.org

Skins photo: courtesy of tv.com (fair use)

Past mistakes cause changes in scheduling n By Leah Cramer

Previous problems with scheduling have led to a change in procedure for the way students will register for classes next year.

Students will receive increased assistance in the scheduling process, which will begin Feb. 1 when they get paper forms to fill out and get initialed by teachers.

“Last year there were probably 250 schedules we had to fix because kids had gotten doubles of the same class,” principal Victoria Swartz said. “We’re going to do a different procedure in how we do scheduling because we’re going to help students make sure they’re signing up for the right classes.

“The closer we are to getting your schedule right the first time, the more likely you are to get what you want.”

In past years, students entered their schedules online, but now guidance counselors will do the final schedule submissions based on the paper forms that students turn in.

“With the webpage, students weren’t paying attention to what they were signing up for,” counselor Greg Distel said. “So everything is going to be in our (counselors’) hands.

“We’ll make sure that everything each student has requested is possible and that they have all the credits they need to graduate.”

Junior Kari Payne, who encountered difficulties with the online scheduling process last year, believes the new procedure will make things run more smoothly.

“It lessens the probability that problems will arise because it (scheduling) will be done by counselors who know what they’re doing, not students who aren’t as familiar with the process,” Payne said.

Mistakes in registering for classes not only affect individual students, but also impact how the master schedule is created and staffing decisions are made.

“Once you get further along in the year, it is too late to start moving things around a lot,” Swartz said. “Hopefully we’ll be able to hire staff based on accurate numbers because they will be more correct this year.

“It’s so important that students’ schedules get entered correctly the first time around so that we can make other decisions based on correct information.”

Honor societies collect donations n By Leah Cramer

Students can donate school supplies and personal hygiene items for children in Haiti and the Dominican Republic in homerooms starting Monday, Jan. 31.

Spanish and French Honor Society members will collect donations during 3a next week. Additional donations can be brought to room 281 from Feb. 7-18.

“Every little bit, even just a pack of pencils or a tube of toothpaste, adds up to make a difference in the lives of these children,” French Honor Society adviser Susan Davidson said.

“It also makes you feel good when you give to others who don’t have the things that you take for granted, like school supplies.”

Last year French Honor Society members started working with Mission Possible, a Christian organization with six schools in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, and now the Spanish Honor Society has joined the cause.

“We feel a connection to these countries because we study their languages,” French Honor Society president Eliza Bauler said.

“They are also in a very poor area that has suffered a lot of hardships lately, such as the earthquake in Haiti last year.”

For a full list of the needed items, visit blueandgoldtoday.org.

HATS

OFF

A student band, We are Chimera, performed at the Cleveland House of Blues last Sunday.

“It was cool to get a taste of what professional musicians do,” junior Greg Ornella said.

Ornella

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EDITORIAL

THE GIST OF IT • Cutting classes, like electives, will speed the trend of declining enrollment.

• Citizens are jumping to conclusions thinking the exchange program would be cut.

• Freshman Mentorship program only gives students a negative attitude.

downwa d trend

OUR VIEW

Class cuts could hurt school enrollment As more students in the district open enroll to neighboring school systems, administrators should use caution in making class cuts to stop the “domino effect” of declining enrollment.

Essentially, this is a numbers game. School systems receive state funding based on enrollment, or student population.

When students who live in the city school system choose to attend districts like Liberty-Benton or Van Buren, they take their state funding with them.

Unfortunately, an increasing number of students are opting to open enroll.

A decade ago, only 54 students open enrolled out of the school system. This year, nearly 300 students district-wide are choosing to receive their education elsewhere.

This means programs and classes will face cuts. However, as Principal Victoria Swartz said (see related story, page one), this can lead to a “domino effect” where cutting classes will feed the downward trend in enrollment.

One of the high school’s draws is the variety of programs that give students more opportunities. If more programs are cut due to a decline in enrollment or speculation of what state budget cuts will be, there are fewer reasons for students to stay.

District officials must find the root of this problem in order to not only keep, but attract students here.

Some of the decrease in enrollment can be attributed to a slight dip in the city’s population. That being said, the loss of student population may also be fed by misconceptions about the school district.

Some are under the impression that smaller surrounding county schools are safer and can provide a better education.

It is hard to believe such a small district like Liberty-Benton can provide all the opportunities a large high school can offer.

These programs, like electives (some of which may be on the chopping block), are major advantages of attending a large high school. If they face cuts due to less enrollment, students won’t see the benefits of coming here.

It’s time to stop the downward trend of declining enrollment before the district’s quality and variety of education slips.

By John Sisser

It’s funny how quickly rumors can spread.

One person mentions something to another and, before you know it, there are misconceptions and upset letters to The Courier.

That is exactly how word circulated about the school district administrators supposedly “cutting” the foreign exchange program.

The exchange policy is under review now that schools may charge tuition to foreign students coming to the United States.

Many for-profit exchange programs charge families upwards of $10,000 to send their child to the United States for a year.

At this point, none of that profit goes to the school district. Since each student costs the high school money, it is only fair to charge tuition to cover the year’s expenses.

Charging tuition is a perfeclty legitimate argument. Unfortunately, though no changes

YOUR VIEW

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.

Contact us Contact Blue us & 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.

The staff John Sisser Editor-in-chief Kim Maples Feature editor Taylor McGonnell Katie Logsdon Photo co-editors Lexi Perrault Sports editor

LETTERS EDITOR Mentorship is waste of time

from learning about new ways of life while sharing their own culture.

However, it is unreasonable for certain programs to make pure profit while the district foots the bill for these students, sometimes as high as $10,091 (the avMY erage cost per student district-wide last year).

It’s time to set the record straight. There are no cuts to the exchange program, and angry citizens need to get their facts straight before criticizing the school system.

to the

?

VIEW

what’s the problem

Dear editor, For the past two years, freshmen have had closed lunch. They receive 20 minutes to eat and the rest is spent in Freshman Mentorship.

When I go to my student council homerooms asking for comments or concerns, I’m bombarded with complaints of the program.

Freshmen think it is a waste of time and teaches them nothing. It produces unhappy freshmen with a negative attitude.

Freshmen should have open lunch. Some think this will lead to more fights. If so, the trouble makers will face consequences.

Mentorship takes away from the high school experience. It only creates a negative atmosphere and further separates freshmen from the rest of the school. The program should be put to an end. junior Paige Lazar

Why are more students open enrolling to other districts?

senior Justin Harbison

Letters to the editor

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.

have been made, many misconstrued this to mean the district is making cuts to, or even eliminating, the exchange program.

Several recent letters to the editor in The Courier have asked the school board not to cut the program, while another went even further, chastising the district administration for “eliminating” a worthwhile program.

Though perhaps well intentioned, these people may have jumped to conclusions.

The fact is, administrators are only reviewing the policy. If fewer exchange students walk the halls in the future, it’s due more to an unwillingness of private companies to reduce their profit than any “cuts” by the school.

The new tuition policy would be excluded for students attending the high school through non-profit programs, like Rotary International.

There’s no doubt exchange programs add to the high school experience. Teens can benefit

“People go to county schools because the quality of education is much better. They’re clean, look nicer and are far more up-to-date with new technology.”

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.

Staff editorials

Rumors regarding exchange program are false n

Staff policy

“A lot of people believe the smaller class sizes mean more face time with teachers.” junior Grant Schrum

“Students leave for county schools because they have an easier curriculum and some are intimidated by our school’s size.” junior Eleana Pavlidis

“People open enroll to county schools so they can excel in sports, which is harder to do in a big school like ours.” sophomore Stephen Hoban

“Some students prefer county schools because there are smaller classes and there is less diversity.” sophomore Orlando Bell

“Some people think the high school is so big that moving their kids to smaller districts is a way of sheltering their children.” senior Suresh Sandhu

Leah Cramer Michaela Marincic News co-editors Sam Malloy Advertising editor Kieley Ray Stacy Graham Emily Eckhardt Krystal Kornblatt Shelby Wilson Emily Wolfe Photographers Lydia Bauler Erin Dougherty Reporters Autumn Simmermeyer Artist Jim McGonnell Adviser

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friday, january 28, 2011

ENTERTAINMENT

THE GIST OF IT • Glee returns from a two-month hiatus after the Super Bowl.

• James Cameron’s Sanctum hits theaters Friday, Feb. 4.

• Diddy Dirty Money’s Last Train to Paris is unoriginal.

3

the

What’s buzz?

10 things YOU need to check out this week

5

ABC’s Off the Map After the network’s new series, The Whole Truth, flopped, ABC announced Off the Map, a medical drama hailed as the combination of Grey’s Anatomy and Lost. Off the Map, starring Martin Henderson and Caroline Dhavernas, airs every Wednesday at 10 p.m.

Dhavernas

Ray J’s Raydiation 2

Tick Tock by James Patterson

After a break from the music business, R&B singer Ray J is back with his latest album, Raydiation 2. The CD includes singles like Last Wish and Celebration. Raydiation 2 hits stores Monday, Jan. 31.

The fourth installment in author James Patterson’s popular Michael Bennet detective series centers around a bomb found in Times Square. Be sure to grab this exciting novel, in stores now.

1

Black Eyed Peas Super Bowl XLV halftime show

Idol begins 11th season After six years of washed-up halftime entertainment, like Paul McCartney or The Who, Super Bowl producer Ricky Kirshner is changing things up with a performance by the pop group Black Eyed Peas. Artists like will.i.am and Fergie will hit the stage when Super Bowl XLV airs Sunday, Feb. 6 on FOX.

With judges Simon Cowell and Kara DioGuardi gone, American Idol didn’t seem to have much going for it. But with the addition of rocker Steven Tyler and pop star Jennifer Lopez, Idol may be able to pull off another successful season. Jump in to season 11 Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. on FOX.

Miranda Cosgrove in Detroit

Lopez

The Roommate

2

Glee returns to television FOX’s musical comedy Glee will return after a month and a half break with the most expensive show in the series’ history . Expect to hear songs by Lady Antebellum, Michael Jackson and a guest appearance by broadcast journalist Katie Couric Sunday, Feb. 6 after the Super Bowl.

This flick stars Gossip Girl’s Leighton Meester and Friday Night Lights’ Minka Kelly in an eerie plot about a college student haunted by her strange roommate. Get ready for some thrills and chills when The Roommate hits theaters Friday, Feb. 4.

The Tillman Story on DVD The story of Pat Tillman’s death captured the nation in 2004. The prize-winning documentary is available Tuesday, Feb. 1.

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Cosgrove, the Nickelodeon star from hit series like Drake & Josh and iCarly, is on tour, performing her hit single, Kissing You and more. The star makes her way to Detroit, Mich. Tuesday, Feb. 1 at The Fillmore.

James Cameron produces Sanctum

Put those 3-D glasses on and get ready for an adventure. This James Cameron-produced film follows a team of divers exploring an underwater cave. Be sure to catch this action-packed flick when it hits theaters Friday, Feb 4.

Black Eyed Peas photo: courtesy of onlinenewswebsite.com (fair use), Glee photo: soundonsight.org (fair use), The Roommate photo: hollywoodgo.com (fair use), The Tillman Story photo: flixray.com (fair use), Dhavernas photo: radioparadise.com (fair use), Tick Tock book photo: hbg-international.com (fair use), Raydiation 2 photo: metrolyrics.com (fair use), Cosgrove photo: posh24.com (fair use), Lopez photo: zimbio.com (fair use),Sanctum photo: marketsaw.com (fair use)

HITor MISS From movies to shows to CDs, we’ve got you covered MOVIES

The Dilemma delivers laughs, fun n

Portman, Kutcher shine in No Strings Attached n

Off the Map is medical adventure n

By Lexi Perrault

Title: The Dilemma Starring: Vince Vaughn, Kevin James Plot: Ronny Valentine (Vaughn) and his best friend Nick Brannen (James) are business partners working to design an energy efficient car for Chrysler. But when Ronny catches Nick’s wife (Winona Ryder) with another man, he is faced with a dilemma. Should he tell his best friend at the risk of ruining his business deal, or stay quiet? This leads Ronny on a wild chase to get proof of the affair.

Why see it: The Dilemma is exciting and funny while still maintaining an interesting plot. Though the main characters, Vaughn and James, have exceptional on-screen chemistry, it is Ryder’s boyfriend Zip (Channing Tatum) who steals the spotlight with his quick lines and weird personality.

Although the movie isn’t anything spectacular, it is an enjoyable comedy sure to bring plenty of laughs.

Grade: B

By Emily Wolfe

Title: No Strings Attached Starring: Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman Plot: After meeting at summer camp, Adam (Kutcher) and Emma (Portman) start seeing each other over a course of 15 years. After one encounter, Emma comes up with a “friends with benefits” idea.

Throughout the movie, the two maintain a strictly physical relationship to try to prove they have no true feelings for each other, even though they undoubtedly do.

Why see it: This romantic-comedy is great for men and women because its charming yet hilarious. The way Portman’s character is portrayed creates an untypical love story that will make you second guess the traditional relationship. The light-hearted storyline will leave you wanting more from this couple.

Grade: A

MUSIC

TELEVISION

Henderson

n

Title: Off The Map Starring: Caroline Dhavernas, Zach Gilford and Martin Henderson Plot: A trio of young doctors escape to La Clinica del Sur in South America with the hopes of overcoming personal demons.

Why see it: Off The Map is a drama that joins the tragedy of Grey’s Anatomy and Lost’s adventure. The actors’ performances are raw with emotion, so much so that it is almost cheesy. The edgy plotline counteracts the slightly overly emotional characters and gives the program substance.

Grade: A

Parks and Recreation remains hilarious in newest season n

Last Train to Paris falls short

By Lydia Bauler

Album: Last Train to Paris Artist: Diddy Dirty Money Sound: R&B, Rap Why skip it: Diddy Dirty Money uses an interesting mix of soulful vocals and R&B beats in the group’s debut album. Unfortunately, where songs like their hit single Coming Home are powerful and catchy, most of the tracks are boring and repetitive. Of the 18 songs on the album, one or two are likeable. The rest fall short.

Download this: Yeah Yeah You Would Grade: C

The Script produces solid second album n

By Erin Dougherty

Album: Science & Faith Artist: The Script Sound: Alternative Rock Last Release: The Script Why buy it: The Script’s latest release keeps the same alternative rock sound from their previous album. Songs like Long Gone and Moved On are a little slower while tracks like Nothing are faster and have the style that the band is known for.

Download this: This = Love Grade: A-

By John Sisser

Title: Parks and Recreation Starring: Amy Poehler and Rob Lowe Plot: After the Pawnee Parks and Recreation Department was shut down, the group returns, ready to make strides. Unfortunately, severe budget cuts by the overly-positive state auditor (Lowe) are raining on the eager department’s parade.

Why see it: Parks and Recreation is better than ever. Poehler is ambitious (and hilarious) as the department’s leader while the supporting cast, with the addition of Lowe, has great on-screen chemistry. The show’s jokes and characters are original and fun to watch.

Parks and Recreation airs Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. on NBC. Grade: A-

Diddy

By John Sisser

3 TOP

Lowe

albums on the Billboard 200 chart

1. Showroom of Compassion Cake

2. Thank You Happy Birthday Cage the Elephant

3. Speak Now Taylor Swift

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THE GIST OF IT • Godspell’s 64-member cast lets loose in rehearsal.

• Show choirs from Ohio and Indiana will compete at Findlay Fest.

• Join JSA for a karaoke fundraiser to buy desks for a school in Africa.

NEWS/FEATURE

ECO-FRIENDLY

COMING SOON

Millstream students convert truck to use green energy

FFE hosts show choir competition tomorrow n

By Leah Cramer

Findlay First Edition will host Findlay Fest Jan. 29 from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. in the auditorium.

Fourteen choirs from across Ohio and Indiana will compete, with the top six performing in the finals at 7 p.m.

“It’s interesting to get to see what groups from other schools are doing since there are no rules in show choir; you can sing whatever you want,” director Kevin Manley said. “This year should be really competitive.”

As the host choir, FFE will not compete, but will perform at 10:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for students, $8 for adults and can be purchased at the door.

HEADS UP Orchestra presents concert Thursday n

TUNE UP

Junior Justin Bennett works under the hood of a truck donated by Prism Propane, which Automotive Technology and Welding classes equipped with an electric battery and solar panels. Millstream students will use the vehicle to educate community members about green energy sources. “Things like solar power and electric vehicles are becoming more and more efficient and less expensive,” Automotive Technology Instructor Paul Waldman said. “Advanced energy is becoming more attractive and this project can give people a working model of the feasibility of it.” photo by Katie Logsdon

Cast prepares for free-spirited 70s musical n

By Leah Cramer

Cast members of Godspell, the spring musical, are memorizing songs and learning dance choreography.

The cast will get groovy as they portray the life of Jesus based on the gospel of Matthew, but set in the 1970s.

“It’s going to be hard for some people to just put all the self-consciousness behind them and act silly like you have to do because it’s a really fun-loving, 70s musical,” senior Sophie Miller (disciple Joanne) said.

Part of the sense of free expression will come from the community of Jesus’ followers, which will remain onstage for the entire show.

“It will just really create the whole sense of there being a large group of followers and not just the eight disciples that we’re going to have,” director Debbie Benson said. “It’s going to be the hardest show I’ve done because I’ve never had the chorus onstage for the whole show before.

“You have to find things for the chorus members to be doing the entire time and

make sure they know what their role is so that they’re engaged and really add to the show.”

One of the concerns for the cast is leaving the audience with the right kind of impression from the show.

“The challenge will be making sure that the audience knows we are coming from a theater perspective, not a religious one,” senior Tim Sherman (John the Baptist) said. “This show is not about making religious statements; it’s purely about entertainment, while still being respectful, and we want to communicate that.”

CAST LIST Jesus Senior Isaac Steinhour John the Baptist Senior Timothy Sherman Judas Senior Brady Miller 64 chorus members

By Michaela Marincic

Student musicians from grades 4-12 will perform in the All-City Orchestra Concert Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the main gym.

Audiences can see the orchestra program as a whole and how students advance throughout the grade levels.

“It showcases our entire orchestra program,” orchestra director Ken Pressel said.

“It gives parents an overview of the program and highlights each group. Each level gets a little better and more sophisticated as the groups progress.”

JSA holds karaoke night to fund Tanzania school n

By Leah Cramer

Junior Statesmen of America (JSA) members will host an evening of karaoke Feb. 5 from 6-9 p.m. in the high school library.

Proceeds will help buy desks for the school sponsored by JSA in Tanzania, Africa.

“We want to really stick with this project so that we can make a bigger impact on the (Tanzanian) kids’ lives,” JSA president Maddy Herron said. “Karaoke is a fun way for kids to support the cause while seeing their teachers embarrass themselves.”

Tickets are $5 and will be sold in the cafeteria during lunch and at the door.

Dine-in or Take-out Hours of Operation: Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Phone: 419-425-8866 Fax: 419-425-8899

1132 Tiffin Avenue Findlay, OH 45840 WWW.CEDARVALLEYCAFE.COM

• February 14 • March 14 • April 14 • May 9 All times are 5-9:10 p.m.

www.millstreamCTC.org

Future Home of Millstream 2012-2013 Millstream CTC Programs

Why Attend Millstream CTC?

Automotive Maintenance– Multi-point Vehicle Inspections,

Earn College Credits and/or Industry Recognized Certification

Automotive Detailing, Basic Automotive Repair

Automotive Technology- Ignition/Electrical Service, Troubleshooting/ Diagnostics, Fabrication, Alternative Fuel Research

Possible Early Placement–Career Experience with High School Credit Real World Hands-on Learning

Construction Skills Technology– Site Preparation, Demolition/Renovation, Framing, Masonry, Electrical, Pluming, Green Technology

Experience Tech Prep–College without Remediation

Cosmetology- Hair Styling, Coloring, Spa Techniques: Nails, Massage, Skin Care

Earn Scholarships Unique to Millstream

Culinary Arts- Food Safety/Sanitation, Nutritional Analysis,

Develop a Career Focus-Saving Time and Money

“

Cooking Techniques, Facility Management

Continue Participation in Home School Activities while Gaining Marketable Skills

Early Childhood Education & Care– Child Development, Instructional Activities, Learning Center Design, Supervision

Participate in Student Youth Organizations and Develop Leadership Skills

Pneumatics, Electronic Troubleshooting, Robotic Assembly, Industrial Plastics Molding

“

Engineering & CAD Technology– 3-D Design, Hydraulics,

Develop a Career Passport-Documenting Your Skills

Hospitality & Restaurant Services– Food Preparation/

Service, Facility Maintenance, Linen Services, Housekeeping

Information Systems Support- Computer Troubleshooting, Software Technical Assistance, Information Systems Management

“Hands-on experience is crucial for a beginning engineer, and the Millstream Engineering Program provides an excellent starting point for any college bound student interested in engineering.”

Interactive Multimedia Technology- Audio/Video Production, Broadcasting Techniques, Photography, Cinematography, Journalism

Computer Networking Technology - IT Engineering,

Logan Van Der Molen, FHS 2009 OSU Engineering Student

Network Design, Installation, Maintenance, Security

Marketing - Product Research, Promotion, Distribution,

“Thank you for the opportunity to get first-hand experience on such an exciting career. With the prior knowledge I have acquired along with my work experience, I have been able to be very successful thus far in culinary school. Taking Culinary Arts at Millstream has benefited me in many ways.”

E-Commerce, Cooperative Work Experience

Medical Technology - Nurse Aide Training, Medical Terminology, Patient Care, Anatomy/Physiology Office Services – Office Assisting, Clerical Services,

Graphic Design

Programming Software Development Technology - Web Page Production, Program Development, Acquisition of Computer Language, Program Simulation

Cody Harden, FHS 2010 Columbus Culinary Institute

How Do I Sign Up? • Get an application from your counselor • Schedule a visit to the programs you have interest in • Contact Millstream at 419-425-8277 • Check us out on the web: millstreamCTC.org

The Millstream Career and Technology Center hereby gives notice that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, disability/handicap, citizenship status, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, employment policies, or admission policies and practices, as required by law. Findlay City Schools has a Section 504 and Title VI Officer, and a Title IX Coordinator.

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THE GIST OF IT • Cupid is the Roman god of love and the son of Venus, the goddess of love.

• His name comes from “cupido,” which means “desire” in Latin.

• Choose which version of cupid fits you the most.

VALENTINE’S

Choose your cupid n By Kim Maples

Spending Valentine’s Day alone with TV reruns and a bag of stale candy hearts is not exactly what most people have in mind. But hey, it’s hard to find that perfect date to spend your day with. Well, the God of Love has you covered, no matter what type you’re into. Pick your own perfect cupid.

Drama Cupid

Bad Boy Cupid

Will woo you with:

Will woo you with: His stand-offish good looks and dangerously cute smile.

A choreographed love song, Glee style.

Can be found:

Can be found:

On the auditorium stage performing her rendition of Wicked.

Nowhere, actually. No one seems to know who he hangs out with or where he lives.

Typical date:

Typical date:

A ride on his motorcycle, hanging out in dark alleys and staying out way past curfew.

Going to see a performance at the local playhouse, which she’s starring in, and attending the cast party afterward.

Downfall:

Downfall:

She will pretend not to know you after she scores a lead role on Broadway.

Once he gets arrested and his life story airs on the evening news, he suddenly loses his mysterious appeal.

Pick up line:

Pick up line:

No line needed. He just glances at you from across the room and you’re instantly hooked.

“I’m the star of this show, but you could be my leading man.”

Favorites:

Favorites:

Glitter, the spotlight and Les Misérables.

Leather jackets, dark sunglasses and shadowy corners.

senior Lucy Anders

senior Dylan Gray

Can be found:

Tech Nerd Cupid

Jock Cupid

Will woo you with:

Will woo you with:

His impressive binary coding skills.

A flex of his massive biceps.

In the gym, complaining that all the bench press weights are too small.

Can be found: Camping in a tent outside Best Buy, waiting to buy the newest Apple device.

Two of them.

Can be found: In the gym, complaining that all the bench press weights are too small.

Typical date:

Typical date:

A 10-mile jog at the reservoir, followed by a round of protein shakes.

Teaming up on Halo while his mom microwaves you both some Hot Pockets.

Downfall:

Downfall:

He submits an audition tape for you to The Biggest Loser because he finds anything over a 6 percent body fat offensive.

Typical date:

If you break up, he’ll hack into your computer and post all of your embarrassing pictures and videos to Facebook, Twitter, Photobucket and Youtube.

Pick up line: “My love for you is like a session that will never time out.”

Favorites:

Pick up

A 10-mile jog at the reservoir, followed by a round of line: protein shakes.

“Did you hear the latest health report? It said you’re supposed to increase your intake of vitamin ME.”

Favorites: Sweat, Gatorade and Eye of the Tiger

by Survivor.

Flash drives, Xbox 360 and the Internet.

senior Alex Henry

junior Tylor Lilley

CCGs, RPGs, minis, games and more 441 E. Sandusky St. 419-424-1112

friday, january 28, 2011

blue & gold

MILITARY

7

THE GIST OF IT • Senior Jake Hunt will deploy to Afghanistan in July for nine months.

• Students are joining the military to help cover tuition costs.

• The Post-9/11 Montgomery GI Bill pays for 36 academic months of college.

Senior graduates early to begin Army training n By Kim Maples

This is a big year for senior Jake Hunt.

It’s the year he graduates high school, turns 18 and begins his duty in the military. It’s also the year he is deployed to Afghanistan for nine months.

“It (joining the military) is something I’ve always wanted to do, (especially) after my brother joined and I heard about everything going on overseas,” Hunt said. “I’m kind of nervous, but not really scared because I’m going to be surrounded by some of the most highly trained soldiers in the world.”

Hunt graduated after the first semester and leaves for infantry training in February, where he will learn to clear buildings, use weapons and perform other military tasks.

But it’s using weapons after deploying in July that Hunt is most worried about.

“I’m scared that if I come around a corner and I see a kid holding a gun, what am I gonna do?” he said. “Everything inside me tells me to stop and don’t shoot, but I have the life of the squad behind me (to think about).

“We have to shoot. If you find yourself in that kind of situation and don’t do it, it’s disobeying orders.”

Hunt has received training since he first joined the military last summer. One weekend each month he attends sessions where he takes physical fitness tests and is taught how to use weapons.

His mother, Christy Fry, also has apprehensions about sending her son off to war.

“Being his mother, you kind of get mixed emotions,” she said. “You have the pride of course, and then you have the part where your child is going to serve his country and the fear is there for his safe return.

“My biggest worry is that in the event they were to go into full-fledged war again, he may not come back the same, or at all.”

Fry has had time to deal with her son’s decision. Hunt’s been planning to join the military for about two years after attending a couple of training sessions with his older brother, who’s also in the military.

But though Hunt will be defending his country in combat in less than six months, he’s still a 17-year-old who just wants to enjoy what was supposed to be the end of his senior year.

“I am missing out on a lot,” Hunt said. “The second half of my senior year is supposed to be the fun part, remembering the good times.”

Instead, the realization that Hunt has to leave is starting to dawn on his mother.

“I wanted him to enjoy his childhood for the rest of his senior year in high school,” Fry said. “In just over four weeks he’ll leave for basic training, so it will definitely be a change.”

The only comfort for Fry is that the two brothers will be serving in the same unit.

“At least they will have each other, if nothing else,” she said. “It is definitely scary having both of your children going, but that’s something they both are very interested in, serving our country, and protecting all of us here at home.”

senior Jake Hunt

Military offers options to students after high school graduation n By Kim Maples

Senior Matt McDaniel comes from a family of servicemen. His father and uncle were in the Air Force, his grandfather a veteran of Vietnam and his cousin is a Marine.

So it’s no surprise that in August, McDaniel will attend basic training in San Antonio, Texas as a member of the Air Force.

“I’m excited to travel the world and experience new cultures, and I love flying,” he said.

“One of the reasons I love this (the Air Force) the most is because I want a college degree.

“They pay for almost all of your college and you can earn most of your degree while in the Air Force. Each base has at least three or four universities where you can attend college.”

Joining the military is one of the many options for high school students after graduation, and is especially appealing to those who can’t afford college.

Everyone in the military is entitled to the

Post-9/11 Montgomery GI Bill, which pays for 36 academic months of college and includes grants for tutoring, books, fees and housing.

“People who don’t know how to pay for college or don’t know what they want to do are the greatest for the Army,” recruiter Sgt. Don Yeager said. “There are many different jobs and you don’t have to stay with that one job.”

Career stabilization is an appealing aspect, especially in tough economic times, according to Yeager.

“The economy’s hurting right now and the Army’s probably the best way to go for a lot of people,” Yeager said. “It’s a great place to constantly get paid and you don’t have to worry about getting laid off.”

Of course, with this security, there’s always the possibility of being deployed into a war zone overseas.

“I’ve been deployed three times,” Yeager said. “I always tell people ‘Yeah, you’re prob-

ably going to go,’ because I’m not going to lie to them.

“But we’re pulling out of Iraq, and there’s still a fight in Afghanistan but we’re talking about slowing down (the war) in the next couple of years. The odds of you deploying now are much more slim than they were back when I first joined.”

Though going to war may seem like a major drawback, senior Abby Loch, who joined the Army last February and leaves for basic training next month, thinks the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

“You get to experience a lot of different places, travel, help out the country and be a part of something,” she said. “I’ve always kind of wanted to do it because it’s different and it’s not something a lot of people do, so that interested me.

“The biggest downside is probably being away from family and friends. I’m just worried

about keeping contact with friends and people I’ve always known.”

Loch signed up on active duty for five years to be a military policewoman. In addition, she will serve three years in the Army Reserves.

Those in the Reserves are able to attend college and go about their lives normally, spending one weekend a month working for the military. They’re also entitled to some tuition assistance and loans.

“If you have the plan and don’t have the money, you could go to the Reserves,” Yeager said. “But you don’t do it (the job) full time so you don’t get that experience like you would in active duty.

“It’s something where you’ll need a job to pay for living. You’re going to have to balance college and a job, but a lot of people are doing that anyway.”

For more information about the military, log onto blueandgoldtoday.org.

LEARN MORE Basic requirements to join the military: • High school diploma • No drug charges • Felonies will make it difficult to join, especially if it’s a sexual felony • Good medical status (no asthma, ADHD, etc.)

• If you’ve seen a psychiatrist or psychologist, you must wait six weeks and be mentally evaluated

What’s in Your Future: Why not schedule these single-period electives next year?

Principles of Business Business Economics Prerequisite: Principles of Business Business concepts and economics foundations

Principles of Marketing Prerequisite: Principles of Business and Business Economics. Acquire an understanding of each of the marketing functions

Leadership Leadership and teamwork skills Community service-learning project

Accounting I & II Accounting terminology, concepts, principles, and practices. Analyze, journalize, and post transactions to ledgers, and prepare financial statements

Personal Finance Financial planning process Services that will help students plan, manage, and save money Computer Keyboarding Learn proper technique; emphasize basic word processing and document formatting skills Web Page Production Knowledge and skills in web page production; maintain Findlay City Schools’websites Desktop Publishing Basic design principles and how to make good graphic choices Encounters w/Technology I & II Proper technique Word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation

Multimedia Applications Utilize computer systems and peripherals to design, create, and produce both print and digital media Principles of Finance Prerequisite: Principles of Business and Business Economics. Understanding financial statements, and make business decisions based on those financial statements Introduction to Programming Concepts I & II Various program and internet languages. Proper techniques of planning, developing, and managing the development of a program Business & Management Career Exploration Introduction to business and marketing

Family and Consumer Sciences

Life Planning Buy a car! Make a budget!

Rent an apartment! Learn to live on your own.

Skills for Life Foods, money, relationships, dating, child care, your first apartment, and clothing are the key points in this course.

Nutrition and Foods Want to learn to cook? Easy, fancy and foreign foods made in this class.

Healthy Foods Learn how food directly affects your body and performance. Make nutritious snacks to look good and feel great.

Teacher Mentorship I & II Considering a career in the field of Education? Try out this class. Spend Child Psych. time in four different elementary classes Learn what makes children and give teaching a try. interesting and even run your own Nursery School.

Fashion Design and Construction No experience necessary!

Make your own fashions and original designs.

Blueprint Reading 296 Introduce yourself to an International Language! Learn the art of blueprint reading.

Fashion Design and Construction II Increase your fashion skills and even design a wedding.

Engineering and Industrial Technology

Have Fun! Real World Hands-On Learning

Engineering Drafting & Design 292 Design your Technical Future become an Engineer. Learn 3D CAD modeling and design.

Architecture Drafting & Design 392 Are you creative and artistic and like to create? Then welcome Architecture!

Learn what it takes to be an architect while using 3D modeling ArchiCAD 13 software.

Industrial Arts 213 Learn a skill! Use the Tools! Make a project that you can be proud to show!

Industrial Technology 395 Learn about the four areas of Technology: Communications-Manufacturing-Transportation-Construction. Make some fun projects!

Technology & Career Exploration Learn how business and industries work and how products come to the market. Explore opportunities in the future job market.

Intro to CAD 297 Start your career out right. Learn the basics of Engineering/Architectural drafting and design.

Paid advertisement by Millstream Career & Technology Center

On the web

Boys swimming takes third at GBC meet

Online

ONLINE OPINION

More sports updates on blueandgoldtoday.org

Who will win Super Bowl XLV? Pittsburgh Steelers Green Bay Packers Don’t care

Gymnastics

Hockey

Undefeated girls prep for success at Sweeny Invitational in Columbus Feb. 4

Team faces long time rival, Bowling Green, at home tomorrow

Vote at blueandgoldtoday.org

freshman Jeremy Wilson

senior Dylan Gray

senior Alexis Moloney

blue & goldsports Friday, January 28, 2011

Chasing his dream Senior hopes to play college hockey n By Lexi Perrault

senior Layne Martin

photo illustration by Katie Logsdon

Since the age of three, senior Layne Martin has been playing hockey with only one goal in mind: to play on a Division I college hockey team.

“To achieve this, I will have to have dedication on and off the ice all the time,” Martin said.

“I will have to make every tryout I can and take every opportunity.”

After three years of playing high school hockey, Martin decided to skip his senior year on the team and get a head start on his goal by making the Tier II Junior A Toledo Cherokee.

“This team is composed of players under 21 and I’m the second youngest on the team,” Martin said. “It has helped me tremendously to play with players who are better than me because I learn more in every aspect of the game. I have to give my all every second.”

After playing on the Cherokee for most of the season, Martin decided to only practice with them and instead play for the Team Toledo U18AA team.

“I want to finish out my year with my U18AA team at nationals,” he said. “It’s not every year that players get an opportunity to go to nationals, and I didn’t want to pass up that chance.”

After gaining experience with the Chero-

kee and Team Toledo, Martin plans on making a Tier I National American Hockey League (NAHL) team in Michigan.

“Next year I am not going to college, I will be taking a year off to focus on hockey,” Martin said. “I hope to make an NAHL team because college scouts often attend these games.

“If a scout recruits me, I can still receive college athletic scholarships even after taking a year off.”

Martin decided to play for the Junior A Toledo Cherokee and U18 Team Toledo because it increases the chances of achieving his goal, compared to playing for his high school team.

“Playing for these teams rather than high school increases your chances of playing for a Division I college team,” he said. “Hardly anyone who only plays high school makes a Division I college hockey team.

“Junior hockey is much more fast-paced than high school—you always have to take each opportunity to shoot the puck. There is also a lot more contact.”

Although the senior is no longer playing for the Cherokee, this will not hurt his chances of making a Division I college team.

“I will be playing more time in each game on this U18 team and there will be scouts at all games recruiting for higher level junior teams,” Martin said. “It’s a great opportunity because we are currently ranked first in the nation, so scouts will want to see us play.”

Martin’s motivation comes from his family and close friends believing that he is capable of making a Division I college team.

One of those people is his brother, sopho-

more Andy Martin.

“He works hard every time he steps on the ice,” Andy Martin said. “He can continue to improve enough in order to make a team.

“Also, he stays out of the trouble (drugs, alcohol) that could stop him from going. He knows that if he wants to make it, he can’t waste his time doing those things that will get him into trouble.”

Martin’s parents have been extremely supportive throughout his hockey career.

“My parents have always traveled to watch him play and taken him to all the tryouts he wanted to go to,” Andy Martin said. “They also pay the expensive bills for him to play because they know he loves it, even if that means picking up a second or third job.”

His family supports his decision to take a year off after graduation.

“It was ultimately Layne’s choice to take a year off and focus on hockey,” mother Tiffani Martin said. “I only said one thing to him about his decision. I said that if he went to college and never tried, he would always wonder if he could.

“College will always be there, but getting an opportunity to play college hockey won’t be. If he doesn’t end up making it, at least he tried. I don’t want him to have regrets.”

Love for the game will continue to inspire the senior to achieve his goal.

“The adrenaline rush is my favorite part of the game,” he said. “I would give up everything to play hockey. Being on the ice with 20 of your closest friends while doing something you love is the greatest.”

Lima Senior main obstacle in boys GBC league race

Girls hope to win conference title

n By Lexi Perrault

Hard work. Determination. And also, a winning record.

The Lady Trojans have everything they need for success.

Now all they have to do is achieve the goals they set for themselves.

“We want to win the Greater Buckeye Conference (GBC) and make it to the state championship,” senior Holly Barton said. “We are definitely capable of getting there. It will take a lot of sweat and hard work in practice.”

Coach Connie Lyon believes the team is capable of achieving these goals, but acknowledges that they have a tough road ahead.

“Every coach asks for a team that has confidence and trust in each other and that is what we have,” Lyon said. “We have some very tough teams in our sectional such as Perrysburg, Anthony Wayne and Lima Senior, so we need to be able to defeat them.

“We have a lot of strengths as a team and are very deep, but in order to be successful we need to continue to work on our rebounding.”

The team is currently 5-1 in GBC play and lost only to Napoleon (54-52), who they faced for a second time last night. Their next GBC match is against Fremont Ross on Feb. 3.

“We always have a very competitive schedule, so every team we play is difficult,” senior Danielle Sallisbury said. “Fremont is always a scrappy and physical team. Last time we played them, we won 82-51.”

At 11-1 and with a 5-0 start in league play, the boys basketball team is confident it can claim the Greater Buckeye Conference (GBC) title and much more.

Junior C.J. Gettys knows winning the title will be tough, but believes the team can defeat Marion Harding tonight for the second time.

“Marion Harding has nothing to lose this year and they are the type of team that is going to come out and get after us,” Gettys said.

“They don’t have a good league record (0-4), so they are going to try their hardest to come out and upset a team like us.

“But if we execute and play strong defense, we can beat anyone.”

Coach Jim Rucki agrees his team is capable of beating Marion.

“The first time we played them this year, we won 73-33,” Rucki said. “We should defeat them again, but every team is tough to play a second time because if you have already beaten them once, they are more likely to make adjustments before the rematch.”

But the Presidents won’t be the toughest challenge for the team, according to senior Brock Ammons.

Instead, he believes it will be Lima Senior, who they face on Feb. 25.

“Last time we beat them 55-45, but they have a lot of athletic players who play hard,”

Ammons said. “We also play at their court, which is tough because their crowd is always very vocal.

“Their players feed off of the crowd’s energy, which makes it a challenge. We will have to use our size down low, rebound and make our shots.”

The team hopes to stay unbeaten in league play, but has another goal in mind as well.

“Our goals are to win the GBC outright and make a long run in the tournament, hopefully to the state championship,” senior Grant Birchmeier said. “It would be great to be able to make it to state, but it will take hard work and determination to get there.”

Ammons agrees the road to state will not be easy, but knows they can get there.

“Bowling Green will be a difficult challenge for us come tournament time,” he said. “We lost to them (58-65) earlier this year, and they have some talented playmakers.

“To beat them, we will have to play good team defense and rebound.”

The team has things to improve on before tournaments begin, according to Birchmeier.

“We have a good and solid defense along with an unselfish offense,” he said. “We like to share the ball and get everyone involved.

“However, we need to improve on our offensive and defensive rebounding before we can compete to our best ability.”

For the record (as of Jan. 26) Junior varsity

Freshmen

Girls Basketball 11-3

Girls Basketball 13-2

Boys Basketball 12-0

Boys Basketball 8-4

Hockey

7-7-1

Wrestling

3-3

n By Lexi Perrault

Senior Grant Birchmeier looks to pass out of a defensive trap set by two Napoleon players. The Trojans beat the Wildcats, 65-56. photo by Taylor McGonnell

TRAPPED

5

most hated athletes of 2010 in a random survey of 100 students

1. NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger 2. NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens 3. NASCAR driver Danica Patrick 4. MLB third baseman Alex Rodriguez 5. NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco

sophomore Paul Cosiano

Roethlisberger

Varsity records (as of Jan. 26) Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Hockey Gymnastics Boys Swimming Girls Swimming Wrestling

11-1 9-5 10-11-1 4-0 8-4 9-3 5-17

senior Ross Emrick