Blue & Gold Issue 7 2010-2011

blue&gold Friday, May 20, 2011

SPORTS

FEATURE

Four editors say goodbye page 7

Volume 88, Issue 7 Findlay High School 1200 Broad Ave. Findlay, Ohio , 45840

HEALTH

Serving up victory

Students face life-threatening food allergies page 5

seniors Taylor McGonnell, John Sisser, Kim Maples and Katie Logsdon

WEATHER TODAY Partly cloudy High: 75 Low: 58

Two doubles teams and a singles player dominate the boys tennis sectional meet to qualify for the district tournament.

SUNDAY T-showers High: 79 Low: 65

TOMORROW Partly cloudy High: 77 Low: 62

INDEX

NEWS Drug testing policy makes progress page 4

page 8

page 6

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

Health..................5 College.................6 Feature.................7 Sports..................8

sophomore Will Jones

Building projects underway Groundbreaking marks new start

n By Michaela Marincic

S

tudents and community members are invited to the groundbreaking ceremony for the Millstream Career & Technology Center Monday, May 23 at 7 p.m. next to the high school.

The event will start off construction on the new school building as administrators move the first shovelfuls of dirt for the foundation.

“Groundbreakings are extremely important because they are the first opportunity for people to see that it’s time to celebrate the start of the most major building project since Wilson Vance, Bigelow Hill, Chamberlain Hill and Washington were built,” Superintendent Dean Wittwer said. “That’s a long time, so this is a big, big project.”

Wittwer will host the evening, which includes speeches from students, teachers and administrators and a performance by Pantasia.

It is also a chance to display the work done by Millstream students.

“We want to showcase Millstream students,” Public Relations Coordinator Barb Shick said. “We will have culinary arts students provide hors d’oeuvres and automotive students showcase their electric truck.

“The welding students will display the time capsule they made to put in the walls of the new schools during their dedications.”

C ompleted in time for the 2012-13 school year, the school will com-

bine all three current Millstream buildings, housing automotive, cosmetology, culinary arts and technology programs under one roof.

Since the Millstream and high school campuses will be 30 feet apart, administrators hope to connect them with a hallway or courtyard.

“The nice thing about it is that it will really make the campus at the high school look nice and be functional for high school students,” Wittwer said. “Students can go over and take a class at Millstream if they want, so there are a lot of positives.”

Millstream is part of a construction project that includes building two new middle schools. Their foundations are now underway after their groundbreaking ceremonies May 16.

“As it starts off, things will go slowly, and not much will happen above ground,” Project Manager Eric Kern said. “Then, after about a month and a half the masonry will start going up. That’s when the community will see a lot of change.”

The middle schools will feature up-to-date equipment in all areas

from computer and science labs to art and music rooms.

“They will have the latest technology, even right down to the art rooms,” Project Manager Cathy Zellner said. “They will have drying cabinets, two kilns and everything they ever wanted.

“There will be great acoustics in the music rooms, which have none now, and nice cabinets for musical equipment.”

Athletes can take advantage of more locker rooms, a weight room and a double gymnasium, while performers and speakers will have a stage in the “cafetorium” (cafeteria-auditorium).

“We’ve been planning, preparing and designing since 2009 for the groundbreaking,” Wittwer said. “We believe we got the best architectural team together, and the buildings are outstanding with the best furnishings and materials that you can buy now.”

TIME LINE From conception to completion, planning and building the three new schools will last more than four years.

Levy campaign chairs, school administrators, board members and a Central Middle School student kick off construction for the building project at Donnell Middle School. The next groundbreaking ceremony will be for the Millstream Career & Technolphoto by Taylor McGonnell ogy Center Monday, May 23 at 7 p.m.

DIG IT

Schools will feature eco-friendly technology n By Michaela Marincic

C

ontractors gained eco-friendly certification for the three new schools from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) by using green alternatives.

LEED uses rating systems to evaluate building projects based on criteria such as the installation of green technology and promotion of eco-friendly habits.

“We want to build the most efficient buildings we can,” Superintendent Dean Wittwer said. “Heating and cooling over the life of the buildings will be much more energy-efficient.”

August 2007

August 2009

Flood provides opportunity to build new middle schools.

First levy to build two middle schools and a Millstream campus is rejected.

November 2009 Same levy passes.

In addition to efficient heating and cooling, designs for the schools include multiple ecofriendly features: • Rainwater retention cistern Large reservoirs at Glenwood Middle School and Millstream will collect rainwater and filter it for use in restrooms.

• Energy-efficient lighting LED lights will use daylight harvesting and occupancy sensors to dim and brighten as sunlight increases and decreases and to turn themselves off when no one is in the room, reducing electricity usage.

May 2011 Groundbreaking ceremonies kick off construction.

July 2011

• Geothermal wells These pipes carry fluid underground where the earth’s heat warms it to around 58° F. Then the liquid is either heated or cooled before being pumped through the building.

This system will require less natural gas, cutting temperature control costs by 40-50 percent according to Wittwer.

• Chilled beam In this cooling system, which is more efficient than air conditioning, cold water runs through a pipe hanging from the ceiling to chill the air.

August 2012 Millstream opens its doors.

Current Donnell building gets demolished.

January 2013 Students and faculty transfer to the new middle schools.

Judges select speakers for graduation ceremony n By Leah Cramer

Senior Alecia Frankart practices her graduation

REHEARSE speech. The commencement ceremony is May 29.

photo by Katie Logsdon

BLAST from the PAST Singer Twista set a record by rapping 597 syllables in 55.12 seconds May 20, 1992 according to Jet magazine.

Twista

courtesy of classic.thumbplay.com (fair use)

5

Two seniors and a singing group were chosen to present along with the valedictorian and salutatorian at the commencement ceremony May 29 at the University of Findlay’s Koehler Center.

Speeches will relate to the senior class quote, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, dream for tomorrow,” attributed to scientist Albert Einstein.

“Students perform the speech they want to give at graduation in front of a group of teachers and administrators who rate them on things such as originality, adherence to the theme, variety, gestures and rate of speaking,”

things to make you look smart

communications teacher Debbie Benson said.

Senior Tim Sherman was chosen for his use of the theme by focusing on two main aspects of Einstein’s quote.

“I’m really going to emphasize seeing the world not as the cruel place that society makes it, but rather as the beautiful place we can make it into,” Sherman said. “I’m also going to encourage everyone to never stop dreaming because some people think that they have limits when there’s really nothing that they can’t do.”

Future career dreams involving public speaking were part of the inspiration for senior Alecia Frankart to audition.

1. Of seven statewide digital schools in Ohio, five have graduation rates below 55 percent according to a study by Innovation Ohio.

2. Cheese contains an enzyme that can result in a false positive on drug tests.

3. In a poll of over 1,200 teens between ages 13 and 17, twothirds had received a text from a parent during class.

4. Singers Weird Al Yankovic, Alicia Keys and model Cindy Crawford graduated as valedictorians of their classes.

5. Major League umpires are required to wear black underwear during games. sources: innovationohio.org, msnbc.msn.com, spiritmag.com, ehow.com, gossip.celebritycowboy.com, funfactz.com

Yankovic

“I wanted to be a graduation speaker because it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Frankart said. “I also hope to someday have some career where I’ll be a public speaker, so practice is always beneficial.”

Seniors Lauren Franks, Brady Miller and Abby Essinger will put a spin on the traditional speeches by performing the song I’m Not Gonna Cry by Corey Smith.

“The whole song talks about graduation and friends being there for each other,“ Franks said. “It represents the bittersweet feeling of graduation really well, with the sadness of everyone leaving, but also the happiness of having everyone there together.”

HATS

OFF

Seniors have received $4.2 million in merit-based scholarship money as of May 19. The record amount was approximately $5.2 million in 2007. courtesy of mycollegeaid.com

blue & gold

friday, may 20, 2011

2

EDITORIAL

THE GIST OF IT • Eco-friendly schools will save the district money in the long run.

• Green buildings are shown to improve test scores.

• Blue & Gold editor in chief John Sisser shares his newspaper experiences.

Thinking green OUR VIEW

Eco-friendly schools are an improvement

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.

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 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

Graduating editor reflects on journalistic career

MY

By John Sisser

Each year, there’s that one class.

The class preceded by its infamous reputation. The class you know you are going to be up late stressing about. The class you just figure is going to take your hard-earned GPA and tear it to shreds as you weep helplessly and lose all hope for your future.

Journalism was VIEW that class.

“Good luck,” everyone told me. “Hope you will be happy with a C.” the Once sixth period began, I immediately understood what people were talking about. Journalism

?

what’s problem

was no “typical” high school course. There was no textbook, we barely used the chalkboard and assignments weren’t just worksheets I could put off until study hall.

For the first three weeks, I pondered dropping Journalism I. With four honors and Advanced Placement courses, the last thing I needed was another class that would have me stressed to the max.

Instead, I stuck with it—and so began my journalistic life.

In retrospect, journalism was the most effective way to be introduced to the high school.

As a freshman, I scrambled throughout the building—getting interviews and writing stories. With each succeeding rewrite, my skills, and confidence, improved.

I survived the class (and no, I didn’t get a C) and began my sophomore year as the news editor of the Blue & Gold.

The first issue was tortuous. Much like the start of freshman year, I was swamped with assigning stories and designing pages. With a staff of inexperienced editors and a frazzled adviser, no one was particularly helpful, either.

YOUR VIEW

However, after weathering the storm and seeing our hard work come to life in a print edition, I knew I had to stay with the paper.

The next three years were a roller coaster ride of successes and learning experiences.

Upon taking on the editor in chief position my junior year, the workload expanded, but so did the pay-off. Working on a newspaper staff is an investment: you gain more than what you give (even if it feels like you are giving everything).

In just three years, I have watched our newspaper take first place twice in Best of Show contests at national conventions.

I have proudly hung a “Superior” medal around my neck for placing in the National Write-off Contest.

I have helped create and establish a fullyfunctioning news website. I even saw history being made at the inauguration of President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. Most importantly, I have made a difference.

I can say I have left a legacy and made an impact on my high school and community.

Yet, in education, journalism seems underappreciated as a course, facing censorship,

consolidation or cuts. It is difficult for me to watch as the program that gave so much to me becomes seen as an “unnecessary” or “irrelevant” class.

Through journalism, I gained leadership, communication and time management skills.

I learned how to work with a staff to create a professional finished product. I even made various connections at the local, state and national levels.

I entered the journalism program as a quiet freshman, consumed with homework, class ranks and final grades. I am leaving, four years later, as a well-rounded, hardworking and experienced adult.

Each year, there is a class.

The class you can look back on and realize you are a better and more knowledgeable student, worker and overall human being because of. The class that truly prepared you for more than just exams and research papers.

The class that challenged your intellect and gave you the skills to be successful in any career path or college major you choose.

Journalism was that class.

How will the eco-friendly schools be beneficial?

“With our new generation of eco-friendly values, the school system needs to modernize.

Especially with what they teach us in school about protecting the environment, the new buildings could really have a great impact.” junior Leah Olsen

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.

Letters to the editor

Administrators and planners are doing a favor to students, taxpayers and the environment by including eco-friendly and money-saving technologies in the new schools.

The new buildings will include rainwater collection basins to reduce water use and geothermal heating, to use the natural heat of the earth to warm and cool the schools.

To implement geothermal technology, contractors dig deep wells into the ground to utilize the natural heat. Not surprisingly, this adds to the total cost of the buildings, as green schools typically cost $3 more per square foot to construct.

However, this is a worthwhile investment as they save money in the long run. Aside from benefiting the environment by reducing energy use, the schools are expected to save 40-50 percent in heating costs.

Geothermal drilling isn’t the only eco-friendly technology in the new schools. The use of rainwater collection will also help cut energy and water costs in the buildings.

But it’s clear that “going green” has far more benefits than just cost-cutting.

The new green technologies will provide an excellent opportunity for younger students to learn about protecting the environment and preserving natural resources.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, environmentally sound facilities are shown to improve test scores in math, science and language arts, as they improve productivity with better lighting and airflow.

Those in the school district aim to educate students and prepare them for the real world. What better way to do that than through hands-on education in an energy-efficient building?

Though some may argue that these eco-friendly alternatives are pricey and unnecessary, a little research shows when it comes to the new schools going green, the benefits far outweigh any cost.

For example, Fort Atkinson School District in Wisconsin was one of the first schools to implement geothermal technology and now saves approximately $80,000 annually.

Hats off to administrators for improving the education environment and saving taxpayers money by using green technology in the new schools.

n

Staff policy

“They’ll save tax money and the environment at the same time, and it could have a good influence on the community, too.” senior DJ Yockey

“Seeing the school building become eco-friendly may inspire some students to go green themselves.” freshman Ciara Ralston

“Being in an ecofriendly environment will help students feel connected to the world. Green schools are environmentally responsible and teach students to be responsible citizens.” freshman Sarah Barkey

“They will help the school save money to use for other, more important things as well as benefit the community and district.” sophomore Ciara Martin

“The benefits are that we will have healthier lives and preserve the Earth’s resources.” teacher Nancy Frankenfield

Kim Maples Feature editor Taylor McGonnell Katie Logsdon Photo co-editors Lexi Perrault Sports editor 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

blue & gold

friday, may 20, 2011

ENTERTAINMENT

THE GIST OF IT • Four hit television shows will air finales this week.

• NBC’s The Voice stands out from other singing competitions.

• Glee star Matthew Morrison’s debut album lacks originality.

3

the

What’s buzz?

10 things YOU need to check out this week

5

Zac Brown Band concert Those wanting to kick off the summer with a concert can see Grammy-winning country group Zac Brown Band perform at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

But get your tickets soon—the group, whose six number one country hits include Colder Weather and Highway 20 Ride, hits the stage Thursday, May 26.

Zac Brown

FINALES FOX’s American Idol

Dancing with the Stars

1

Fourth Pirates film in theaters

Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew are on an adventure seeking the Fountain of Youth in the fourth installment of the Pirates series. See Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz and Geoffrey Rush kick off the summer blockbuster season when Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides hits theaters tonight, May 20.

The 12th season of ABC’s hit Dancing with the Stars competition is coming to a close. See who takes home the Mirror Ball Trophy when the finale airs in two parts, Monday, May 23 at 8 p.m. and Tuesday, May 24 at 9 p.m.

FOX’s hit competition also wraps up a successful season in two parts. The final two American Idol contestants perform Wednesday, May 25 and the winner is announced Thursday, May 26. Both shows begin at 8 p.m.

Comedy Wednesdays

The Event on NBC

ABC’s comedy line-up, including The Middle and Modern Family, finish up their seasons with finale episodes at 8 p.m and 9 p.m. respectively on May 25.

NBC’s sci-fi action drama ends its premier season Monday, May 23. The Event, starring Jason Ritter and Sarah Roemer, airs at 9 p.m.

Ritter

10

Looking for a summer read?

Look no further. College and professional football superstar Tim Tebow will release his first novel, Through My Eyes. Grab a copy of the novel when it hits shelves Tuesday, May 24.

The Hangover Part II Everyone remembers the box office smash hit that took theaters by storm in 2009. Now, actors Bradley Cooper and Zack Galifianakis return to the big screen in part two of the raunchy comedy Thursday, May 26.

2

New Lady Gaga album After months of hype, preparation and controversy, pop megastar Lady Gaga’s third major album, Born This Way, hits stores Monday, May 23. Hailed as the most anticipated album of the year, the track list features popular dance beats like Born This Way and Judas, along with slower ballads like You and I.

Through My Eyes novel

I am Number Four DVD This film about a superpowered teen escaping his enemies stars Alex Pettyfer. The movie, which grossed nearly $23 million in its opening weekend, comes to DVD Tuesday, May 24.

On Stranger Tides photo: courtesy of ninjaromeo.co.tv (fair use), Born This Way photo: ladygaga.com (fair use), Hangover Part II photo: cinemawallpaper.com (fair use), I am Number Four DVD photo: tower.com (fair use), Zac Brown photo: broadway.tv (fair use), Dancing With the Stars photo: newtvepisodes.info (fair use), American Idol photo: thecultureofpop.com (fair use), Jason Ritter photo: poptower.com (fair use), Comedy Wednesdays photo: tvposter.net (fair use), Tim Tebow photo: wedding-resource.com (fair use)

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

TELEVISION

Fast Five is non-stop action n

Title: Fast Five Starring: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Paul Walker and Jordana Brewster Plot: After breaking Dominic Toretto (Diesel) out of police custody, Mia Toretto (Brewster) and Brian O’Conner (Walker) run away to Brazil and get a job stealing cars. Luke Hobbs’ (Johnson) has to catch these four fugitives.

Why see it: Fast Five keeps audience members on the edge of their seats. The film has drama and comedy, making it perfect for everyone in the family. The story is well-developed, but the plot leaves the audience hanging, making way for a sixth movie.

Grade: A

Diesel

Special effects help make up for Thor’s weak plot n

By Lydia Bauler

Title: Thor Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne Plot: Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is banished by his father to Earth in order to learn a lesson about arrogance. He lands in New Mexico, encountering a trio of scientists who befriend the heavenly outcast.

Why see it: Hemsworth makes the perfect Norse god with brawny strength and impressive delivery of the cocky hero.

His character offers valiance and comic relief with an outside view of earth.

The special effects and 3-D elements are well-executed and supplement the occasionally weak plot. While the film isn’t dull, those who have no interest in the more techie and super hero-infested genre may not find it enjoyable.

Grade: C

LOVE? puts Lopez back on top

NBC finds success with The Voice n

By Krystal Kornblatt

MUSIC

n

By Keiley Ray

Title: The Voice Starring: Carson Daily, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton Plot: After blind auditions, the coaches (judges) choose two of their teammates to go against each other and sing the same song in a battle round. Only the strongest members continue to the live stage shows. At the end of the season, the winner receives a recording contract and $100,000.

Why see it: The Voice is unique from any other singing competition because the first audition is based only on talent, not appearance. The coaches add an upbeat feeling to the show and encourage their teammates to show off their talent, making viewers want to call and vote for their favorite.

The Voice airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on NBC. Grade: B+

Album: LOVE? Artist: Jennifer Lopez Sound: Pop Last Release: Brave Why buy it: While LOVE? doesn’t have much variety, the songs included are fast-paced and keep fans listening. Tracks like Good Hit are catchy and have a good dance beat. Whether you’re a die-hard Lopez fan or looking for some creative dance beats, LOVE? won’t disappoint.

Download this: Papi Grade: A-

Lopez

Morrison’s debut full of cheesy, cliché songs n

In Plain Sight shines in fourth season n

By Lydia Bauler

Title: In Plain Sight Starring: Frederick Weller and Mary McCormack Plot: Marshal Mary Shannon (McCormack), an employee of the Federal Witness Protection Program, is struggling to have faith in second chances as her little sister is unsteadily turning her life around. Why see it: In Plain Sight offers action, romance and comedy in its new season. The older cast allows for maturity and depth in the personalities and plot. The unbalanced heroine is raw, bitter and played brilliantly by McCormack. The series not only offers well-developed characters, but also side-splitting dry, acidic humor.

In Plain Sight airs on the USA network Sundays at 10 p.m.

McCormack Grade: A

By Erin Dougherty

By Emily Eckhardt

Album: Matthew Morrison Artist: Matthew Morrison Sound: Pop, Adult Contemporary Why skip it: Any fan of the hit show Glee knows Morrison can sing his heart out. Songwriting, though, is not his strong suit. The songs are cheesy, have cliché rhymes and seem to go on forever.

The two remakes, including Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters/Rocket Man by Elton John, are the only pleasant songs on the album.

Download this: Somewhere Over the Rainbow Grade: C-

3 TOP

albums on the Billboard 200 chart

1. 21 Adele

2. Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2 Beastie Boys

3. Now 38 Various artists

blue & gold

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friday, may 20, 2011

THE GIST OF IT • A drug policy is working its way through the process for approval.

• Yearbook and Blue & Gold announce next year’s editors.

• Graduation requirements change for the class of 2015.

NEWS/FEATURE

NAILING IT

COMING SOON

Students apply science to Rube Goldberg project PHYSICS FUN

n

HEADS UP

Paper editors chosen n

photo by Taylor McGonnell

Credit requirements change for class of 2015

By Michaela Marincic

Emerging Technologies will replace Communications I as a graduation requirement beginning with the class of 2015.

Administrators hope this class will prepare students for the growing reliance on technology in many careers.

“This is a direct response to changes in work across the U.S. so that our young people can be competitive out in the world,” Director of Secondary Instruction Nancy Allison said.

“Most jobs have a technology base to them.”

All students will still be required to take

Communications II their junior or senior year.

“Personally, having had two kids go through Communications II, it is valuable for them to do the interview,” Barb Lockard, vice president of the Findlay City Schools Board of Education, said. “But now they will get the opportunity to explore other technologies while still getting communications.”

The Emerging Technologies requirement can be fulfilled during any year of high school with classes that teach computer and technology skills. Eligible courses have yet to be determined.

“We can’t state all of the classes yet; that’s why it’s emerging,” Allison said. “This will help maintain the cutting edge for what technology will be required for the future.”

However, there will be a pilot class specifically for Emerging Technologies during the upcoming session of summer school.

“We decided to do a blend of Communications I with technology components,” communications teacher Andy Cantrell said. “The point of the class will be using different forms of technology in communicating, not only writing but video, website and blog.”

COURSE INFO

n

Board member Barbara Dysinger questions details of the chemical health policy.

An open community forum on drug testing was held May 9.

photo by Taylor McGonnell

By Leah Cramer

A draft of the chemical health (drug testing) policy was submitted on April 25 to the Findlay City Schools Board Policy Committee, a group that consults with lawyers about policies and then either makes recommendations for changes or sends them on to the board of education for approval.

The Drug Testing Committee has recommended that 20 percent of all eligible students be tested each season.

The estimated cost of this is $10,608 per year. Tentative support has been offered by one of the booster organizations, which, along with a raise in the parking permit fee from $30 to $35, will pay all but about $2000, which will be covered with grant money.

The fine for parking without a permit will also be raised from $20 to $35.

“Any student who holds a parking permit is eligible for testing, so they will help pay for it,” principal Victoria Swartz said. “If a student doesn’t want to participate in drug testing,

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By Leah Cramer

Sophomore Lydia Bauler will take over as next year’s Blue & Gold editor in chief.

“I’m really excited,” Bauler said. “It’ll be fun to get more involved with the paper and see what kind of new things we can try with stories and design.”

Also taking charge in leadership positions are juniors Franki Abraham (Feature), Autumn Simmermeyer (Art), Zac Brown (Advertising); sophomores Patrick Hall (Sports), Emily Wolfe (Photo), Krystal Kornblatt (Photo); freshmen Caitlin Coward (News) and Adam Twining (2aToday).

Emerging Technologies will teach students how to use the following software:

Yearbook experiences changes in leadership

• Bridgeit

Junior Abby Arnet will lead next year’s yearbook staff as editor in chief of The Trojan.

“It’s going to be a big time commitment and a lot of work, but I’m excited to hear the new staff members’ ideas and help them with their pages,” Arnet said.

Other editors include juniors Kristin Schmidt (Art/Cover), Ella McClain (Senior Portraits), McKenzie Curlis (Senior Section), Taylor Polder (Student Life), Emily Marshall (Events) and Lainy Foltz (Varsity Sports).

Millstream Business teacher Ruth Rinker will also take over as the new adviser.

• Publisher • Moodle • InDesign

Drug policy submitted for review

QUESTION

By Leah Cramer

Jazz band members from the high school and Donnell Middle School will host their annual spring concert May 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the courtyard.

Song styles will vary from swing, rock, pop and Latin to ballad.

“Some songs have a more smooth, bluesband feel to them, while others have a faster tempo,” sophomore Shannon Logsdon said.

“It’ll also be nice for people to be able to listen to the music outside where it’s open and airy.”

Admission is free.

Senior Claire Elchert (left) and her physics group attempt to drive a nail one centimeter into a board by using a chain reaction lasting at least a minute. “It was stressful, but also really fun to come up with all the random, weird ways to make it happen,” Elchert said. “We used a Lego cannon, marbles and a Lego car that eventually hit a pair of scissors that cut a piece of string, releasing a sixinch two-by-four onto the nail and pushing it into the board.”

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Jazz band members host annual concert

they can give up the privilege of parking here.”

According to Swartz, many students will be included because they have parking permits.

“There’s no way to put a picture up showing what a kid who uses drugs looks like,” Swartz said. “Anyone can make a mistake and we want to help as many kids as we can.”

Another way for students to be included is that parents would be able to opt in for their child by paying $17.

“Our goal is to help as many students as possible and the opt-in program provides us with an opportunity to help students who may not be in the testing pool,” athletic director Nate Weihrauch said.

In accordance with the law, students in marching band (choir, etc.) cannot legally be tested because they are part of a graded class.

“Although we can’t test students for being in band, 75 percent of upperclassmen band members will be tested anyway because they are involved in another extracurricular, play a sport or hold a parking permit,” Swartz said.

n

By Leah Cramer

Sisser named runner-up for Journalist of the Year n

By Leah Cramer

Blue & Gold editor in chief John Sisser won runner-up for Journalist of the Year at the national Journalism Education Association/ National Scholastic Press Association convention in Anaheim, Calif., after being named Ohio Journalist of the Year.

The application process, consisting of a 40page portfolio and letters of recommendation, is described by Sisser as grueling and intense, but well worth the recognition.

“I’ve worked really hard for the paper for the past three years, so to be noticed at the national level is an incredible way to end my high school journalism career,” Sisser said. “It’s also great to be recognized for something I’m passionate about.”

friday, may 20, 2010

éé & gold blue

HEALTH

THE GIST OF IT • Food allergies can cause life-threatening reactions.

• Some allergies, like egg or milk, likely disappear as you grow.

• There isn’t a cure for food allergies unless you outgrow them.

5

Foods that fight back Common allergies According to the Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network of America, 90 percent of all food allergies are caused by these seven foods:

Dairy

Around 2.5 percent of children under three are allergic to milk.

Peanuts Up to 20 percent of children outgrow allergies to peanuts.

Seafood

Nearly seven million people in the U.S. are allergic to seafood.

photo illustration by Taylor McGonnell

Students face life-threatening effects of allergies n By Kim Maples

“Every time I have a reaction, I have less time until I could possibly die.”

Sophomore Lydia Bauler says it so matterof-factly, as if it no longer fazes her. She keeps her bare hands in her lap to avoid accidentally brushing the couch. She hardly touches anything without gloves anymore.

Coming in contact with any of the foods, or even just oils, on her growing list of allergies— nuts, seafood, shellfish, bananas, mangos and legumes—can set off a deadly chain reaction.

First, the hives start appearing, but other people usually notice them before she does.

Then comes the pain in her stomach.

“The blood is rushing to all my vital organs,” she said. “It’s almost like a burning feeling because it’s so hot with all the blood.

Then my limbs get really purple.”

Her reactions occur every few months, and they are increasingly painful.

“It seems like it’s getting worse,” Bauler said. “That’s why we take a lot of preventative measures. Eventually I’ll just go into complete shock and shut down and begin to die, instead of a longer, gradual shut down.”

Food allergies are considered more severe

than inhalant allergies, like trees and grasses, because the reactions change each time.

“Food allergies are life-threatening,” Tricia Crane, medical assistant at Dr. Safadi’s Findlay Allergy branch, said. “The first reaction might not be as bad as the second reaction, and the reactions get worse as they go.”

Bauler developed allergies in seventh grade, after years of eating foods she’s now allergic to. She used to eat peanut butter sandwichs every day, and now she can’t touch one.

“There’s a chance I can develop more (allergies),” Bauler said. “They think I might be idiopathic, which means that I can react without any rhyme or reason.

“Someday I could randomly react to something I’ve never reacted to before, or I could touch something and not react as much.”

With the possibility of a reaction happening any time, Bauler’s mother, Katie, has reason to fear for her.

“It’s a lot to worry about,” Katie Bauler said. “I don’t think we understood the severity when they first told us. After she had a couple other episodes, we realized with every episode it was going to get more severe.”

While Lydia Bauler has been battling se-

vere reactions for the past three years, sophomore Amanda Reynolds has been dealing with her food allergies her whole life.

At six months old, Reynolds’ parents took her to the doctor because she was spitting up blood, caused by an ulcer in her esophagus.

Reynolds reacts strongly to dairy products, breaking out in hives and swelling just by touching them, and is also allergic to peanuts, eggs, cranberries and mushrooms.

“Essentially, my body thinks that the food is a disease or a foreign object and it wants to fight it off like an infection,” she said. “It reacts by trying to take care of itself.”

There was a chance, however, that the allergies Reynolds was diagnosed with could disappear as she grew.

“In some cases when babies are diagnosed with an egg or milk allergy, those will go away at an 80 percent chance,” Crane said. “But if they were diagnosed with a peanut allergy, chances are they will never go away.”

Though the allergies were worse when she was younger, Reynolds still has reactions. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for these, according to Crane; the only way to prevent reactions is to avoid the food you’re allergic to.

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“Once you get used to it, you know what you can have and can’t have,” Reynolds said.

“I pack my lunch almost every day for school, and never buy in the cafeteria.”

When reactions do occur, both Lydia Bauler and Reynolds use what’s known as an EpiPen, a medical device that injects epinephrine, which stops the reaction.

Both students carry one with them.

“Once I use the EpiPens, I only have 20 minutes,” Lydia Bauler said. “Once they wear off, they’re kind of useless.”

Other allergy medicines, like Benedryll, can be administered, but Lydia Bauler must go to the hospital every time she has a reaction.

“Surprisingly I don’t really panic,” she said.

“Last time was a lot more painful, though, so that kind of freaked me out. That was probably the first time I’ve ever been a little panicky.”

Reynolds is also frightened sometimes, but she’s learned from experience to stay calm because she has her EpiPen. “There’s a momentary panic when you’re not sure what will happen,” Reynolds said, “but it usually ends up working itself out in the end. You’re not scared once you realize you have what you need to take care of yourself.”

Wheat Wheat allergies are usually outgrown by adulthood.

Tree nuts Tree nut allergies affect an estimated 1.8 million Americans.

Soy Soybeans are one of the most common food allergies.

Eggs Approximately 1.5 percent of children are allergic to eggs.

friday, may 20, 2011

COLLEGE

blue & gold

THE GIST OF IT

• Make sure to buy extra-long sheets for your dorm room bed.

• Don’t expect your roommate to be your best friend in college.

• Getting involved in campus activities wil help you adjust to university life.

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the University of Cincinnati (UC), had a bad impression of her first roommate.

“My first impression was that she was a rich, stuck up girl,” Lammers said. “She moved out the middle of winter quarter.

“I have a new roommate now that I love; we have become so close.”

The key to getting along is to come in without any expectations, according to Cohen.

“Don’t force or expect your roommate to be your best friend,” Cohen said. “When you want your roommate to like you so much, you don’t talk about uncomfortable issues, and then they become huge problems.”

Some examples Cohen’s book cites are roommates who are extremely messy or steal your stuff. Bottling up your aggravation can just result in a massive fight later on.

To avoid this, Cohen suggests setting up rules when you first arrive.

“You’re forced (at UC) to set up a contract with your roommate, an agreement on things like keeping your side clean,” Lammers said.

“With my first roommate, we didn’t take it seriously. That was a huge mistake.

“When my second roommate moved in, I made sure to talk about different rules.”

Once you lay out the details, the important thing to remember is to be courteous.

“Start with ‘Hello’ and go from there,” Cohen said. “Treat them the way you want to be treated: kind, honest and courteous. If you do that, you’ll make a great first impression.”

First impressions critical when meeting roommate

n By Kim Maples

When 2010 graduate Nicole Fisher showed up for her first day of college at Miami University, she had only talked with her roommate through Facebook.

Fisher was then faced with an entire year of sharing a room with someone she hardly knew.

“When we met in person, we happened to be moving in at the same time so we introduced ourselves,” Fisher said. “She was really shy at first, but, as I got to know her more, she definitely became a lot more talkative.

“Once we became comfortable with each other, I was surprised by how fast my dorm room felt like home.”

Making a first impression, whether it’s with your roommate or in a new class, can be critical in the first few weeks of college.

But like Fisher, many people are meeting their roommates through the Internet, making impressions before they come face-to-face.

“Over the summer, don’t become best friends,” Harlan Cohen, author of The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College, said in a phone interview.

“There’s plenty of time to do that.

“By the time school starts, your friendship will be over. You won’t have much to talk about. Be friendly with them over the summer, get to know them when you’re living together.”

However, things can quickly sour if you get off to a bad start. From the beginning, 2010 graduate Carrie Lammers, who attends

selor Ray Elbin.

“Students will be going to school with people outside of Hancock County and they will find that we are fairly sheltered here,” Elbin said. “Their more traditional values and philosophy will be challenged by people from other places and other countries with different ways of looking at things.”

Braddock agrees that students need to be more accepting in college.

“Findlay students need to be more open to diversity by coming into college with an open mind and disregarding some of the ‘stereotypes’ that have been planted in their head as a product of Findlay,” she said.

But with a new social atmosphere comes new distractions.

“The social aspect is going to be challenging,” Elbin said. “Freshmen are possibly going to be exposed to drugs and alcohol, and successful students are able to keep to their values and ideals that have made them successful up to that point.”

Getting involved and branching out helped Braddock adjust to life away from home.

“The best way to make the most out of your college experience is to get involved in something you are passionate about, like student organizations or a job,” Braddock said. “While classes can be interesting, it is these opportunities that will help you realize you love where you are going to school.”

New students adjust to college life

n By John Sisser

By now, seniors are wrapping up their classes, looking forward to graduation and counting down the days until they pack their bags and leave for college.

But making the jump from high school to college can be a difficult transition.

Deborah Miller, Director of Admissions at Ohio Northern University, believes the college workload is the most difficult adjustment.

“One of the biggest shocks for incoming freshmen is the amount of work covered in a short amount of time,” Miller said. “Most visiting high school seniors would say that they did not have to study much in high school. There are very few students at the college level who could get away with that and be successful.”

2010 Findlay High School graduate Jess Braddock, now a freshman at The Ohio State University, believes that the academic changes were the most difficult to adjust to.

“There is more weight on your exams. In one of my classes, our whole grade was based on two midterms and a final,” Braddock said.

“Professors aren’t constantly checking up on if you understand the material, so it is your responsibility to be reviewing your notes and staying up on what is going on in that class.”

However, academic challenges won’t be the only changes eager freshmen face. College life will also expose students to different cultures and walks of life, according to guidance coun-

friday, may 20, 2011

blue & gold

FEATURE

7

THE GIST OF IT • Four editors are graduating this year after three years on the paper.

• “The Fab 4” have won a combined 149 individual awards in their journalism careers.

• Youth group members will travel to Benque Veijo, Belize in June.

4 fab

the

Editors celebrate last year n By Kim Maples and John Sisser

With two first place trophies and a sea of individual awards, this year has been one of the best the Blue & Gold has seen.

Success has been the defining factor for four graduating editors, who’ve spent three winning years on the paper.

Here’s the final bow for “The Fab Four” seniors who will head to opposite parts of the country in the fall, but will always remember their years as news junkies.

The Editor in Chief

The Feature Editor

When he was a freshman, editor in chief John Sisser almost dropped journalism.

Three years later, Sisser is the highestawarded staffer in Blue & Gold history, with a runner-up for National Journalist of the Year, two Superiors in National Write-off Contests, 12 Gold Circles and a heap of other awards to his name.

“The paper is a lot of work,” he said. “It definitely isn’t a class you can just blow off and scrape by.

“It can be incredibly time-consuming, but I don’t believe there is another program that could have prepared me better for the real world.”

Sisser’s job picks up all the odds and ends of the paper. Not only is he in charge of the editorial and entertainment pages, but he also puts together the sports program, helps run blueandgoldtoday.org and heads the senior magazine.

“He’s obviously very dedicated and really cares about the paper and website,” adviser Jim McGonnell said. “He’s kind of like a silent leader; he puts in a lot of time and truly leads by example.”

Feature editor Kim Maples’ journalism career has been a roller coaster ride of worry, anger and success.

“It’s incredibly stressful,” Maples said.

“There’s never a time to sit and relax; as soon as one issue is at the printer, we immediately move to the next.”

But the workload hasn’t gone without reward. Maples received two Superiors in the National Write-off contests, eight Gold Circle awards, an Honorable Mention for Ohio Journalist of the Year and other state and national awards.

“Kim is an extremely dedicated and hard-working individual,” adviser Jim McGonnell said. “Her drive and determination to succeed have greatly contributed to the quality of the paper.”

Although her time on staff has been bittersweet, Maples will look back fondly on Blue & Gold.

“Being on the paper has been one of the most aggravating and best experiences of my life,” she said. “As excited as I am to leave the impending deadlines behind me, a part of me will always miss being in the news loop.”

The Photo Designer Journalism runs in co-photo editor Taylor McGonnell’s blood.

Not only is McGonnell’s father the adviser of the paper, but her sister was also once an editor in chief.

“I wanted to take journalism because I enjoyed the papers my dad brought home when I was younger and I’ve always enjoyed photography,” McGonnell said. “So I wanted to be a photo editor someday.

“The thing I will miss the most is taking pictures for the paper and The Vid. I have captured a lot of fond memories and events.”

Some of her favorite memories are going to conventions and winning awards. McGonnell won two Excellents in National Write-off contests, a Gold Key from Quill & Scroll, three Gold Circle awards and other national and state awards.

“Taylor is a great photo editor,” editor in chief John Sisser said. “She is a hard-worker, responsible and always has the paper’s best interest at heart. She never backs down from a project and has a great eye for design.”

The Photo Assigner

McGonnell Logsdon

Maples

Sisser

Co-photo editor Katie Logsdon was the last to begin her journalism career, enrolling in Journalism I while taking pictures for the paper full-time her sophomore year.

But though she was the last of “The Fab 4” to join, she’s the only senior planning to continue her journalism education.

“Blue & Gold has taught me many lessons and has made me into the person I am today,” Logsdon said. “It has inspired me to continue my journalism career and someday teach young journalists like myself.”

As a photographer, Logsdon received two Excellents in National Write-off Contests and many state awards. In addition to taking pictures, she’s also in charge of the other photographers on staff.

“Katie keeps track of the rest of the staff photographers and makes sure everything gets done by deadline,” editor in chief John Sisser said. “She’s always ready to roll with the punches, even if we throw a last-minute assignment at her.”

St. Michael’s youth group will teach vacation Bible school in Belize n By Michaela Marincic

As the children leave the schoolroom into the stifling Belizean sun, one boy hangs back.

His face is dirty and sweaty from the heat, but junior Abbi Reed only sees his giant smile.

He scurries excitedly over to Reed and, beaming, holds out a small, shiny treasure: a button reading “I ♥ lungs.”

“This little kid didn’t have anything except this button, and he was so excited to give it to me,” Reed said. “They (people in Belize) don’t have as many material things, but they are more spiritual and can teach you so much.”

This June, Reed will go on her third mission trip to Benque Veijo, Belize, where Findlay’s St. Michael the Archangel church has a sister parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Eight other members of her youth group will join her in Central America, along with her Youth Minister and a mission worker.

“All of the youth and I are looking forward to this,” Youth Minister Sean Tehoke said. “This is my first out-of-country mission trip and the experience in a different country doing service action will be really rewarding.”

Seven of the youth will experience a

foreign mission trip for the first time in Belize, including junior John Runion.

“I hope I learn a great deal about their culture and way of life,” Runion said. “I’ve heard stories, but it’s always different when you actually get there and experience it for yourself.”

The volunteers will run a five-day vacation Bible school, teaching Catholicism to children.

However, due to the poor conditions, the members will have to bring all of their own materials for the sparse schoolroom.

But despite their lack of material comforts and unorganized lifestyle, the citizens of

Benque Veijo lead a contented life that holds a certain appeal for junior Kristen Schmidt.

“They don’t have set schedules, they just live,” Schmidt said. “Down there, it is much less stressful; that’s why they’re so happy.”

Reed learned from their compassionate lifestyle during her mission trips.

“They’re so welcoming; it’s a life-changing experience,” Reed said. “I just appreciate people and don’t judge; I’m more compassionate and understanding.

“I went there to teach Sunday School, but they taught me.”

BELIZE FACTS

43

percent live in poverty

49.6

percent are Roman Catholic

68.23

years expected lifespan at birth

Source: CIA

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On the web

Boys capture first league title

Online

ONLINE OPINION

More sports updates on blueandgoldtoday.org

Who will win hockey’s Stanley Cup? Boston Bruins San Jose Sharks Tampa Bay Lightning

Softball

Baseball

Team falls, 6-2, to Anthony Wayne in sectional game

Team fighting for second place in league

Vancouver Canucks Vote at blueandgoldtoday.org

junior Nick Kovaleski

junior Austin Hook

junior Chelsie Risser

blue & goldsports Friday, May 20, 2011

Findlay joins new league n By Lexi Perrault

SPRINT

Freshman Shadd Risser looks to pass a Whitmer opponent during the district cross country race last fall. Whitmer is one of the 10 teams that formed the new Three Rivers Athletic Conference with Findlay.

photo by Taylor McGonnell

courtesy of tracsports.org (fair use)

These teams will compete in the Three Rivers Athletic Conference (left to right): Toledo Central Catholic Fighting Irish, Clay Eagles, Findlay Trojans, Fremont Ross Little Giants, Lima Senior Spartans, Notre Dame Academy Eagles, St. Francis deSales Knights, St. John’s Jesuit TItans, St. Ursula Academy Arrows and Whitmer Panthers.

Districtbound

Tennis sends five to district

Singles

n By Lexi Perrault

Sophomore Lucas Schiable

Doubles

Senior Connor Hoban and junior Chikara Oshima

Senior Hayden Gephart and sophomore Will Jones

And then there were two.

Of the five players who qualified for districts, doubles team senior Connor Hoban and junior Chikara Oshima is headed to the finals on Saturday, May 21 in Bowling Green.

“Getting five guys to qualify for districts in itself is a great accomplishment,” Oshima said.

“I would really love to get to state, but I know it’s not going to happen if we play like we did on Wednesday.

“I’m hoping we can have a good couple practices and be ready to step up to the occasion on Saturday.”

Oshima and Hoban will face Lexington, a familiar opponent, in the semifinal match.

“We have played Lexington, Perrysburg and (Toledo) St. John’s earlier this season and lost,” Oshima said. “These teams have so much talent.

“Perrysburg and Lexington paired up a couple of their best players for districts, similar to what we’re doing. St. Johns has a solid doubles team that played together throughout the regular season so they will be tough also.”

Greater Buckeye Conference Findlay regains lead in all-sports race With two sports left in GBC play, Findlay has edged ahead of Napoleon. Here are the current scores:

Findlay Napoleon Fremont Sandusky Marion Harding Lima Senior

80.0 78.5 67.0 49.0 33.5 27.0

Though the road may be difficult, coach Ray Elbin believes his players can get to state.

“We are hoping that Chikara (Oshima) and Connor (Hoban) can get to state,” Elbin said.

“Basically, the competition is so balanced that whoever is having the best day is the team that will get to state.”

Although sophomore Lucas Schiable did not make the district semifinal, he is still content with how his season ended.

“Overall, my season was a great success,” he said. “I just fell short in the end.

“I have learned a lot and really have improved my game.”

Before tournaments, the team clinched their 12th consecutive league title.

“It was an amazing feeling to win the conference this year because we have never lost a title in the eight years the league has existed,” Schiable said. “It was cool to leave the conference on such a high note.

“It will be much harder to win next year because the new league has much harder competition, but with hard work our team will have a good chance of winning.”

Senior Connor Hoban returns the ball during practice. Hoban, his partner junior Chikara Oshima and three other teammates qualified for districts in Bowling Green, which began May 18. photo by Katie Logsdon

Who will be the 2011 NBA champion? in a random survey of 100 students

Miami Heat

38%

Chicago Bulls senior Hayden Gephart

SWING

Dominating the Greater Buckeye Conference (GBC) in many sports is over for Findlay.

With the disbandment of the GBC, Findlay will be competing in a 10-team conference called TRAC (Three Rivers Athletic Conference) beginning in the fall of 2011.

“Findlay had basically two options as we attempted to join several different leagues and were denied,” athletic director Nate Weihrauch said. “The two options were becoming an independent or forming a league with other districts.”

During the time that Findlay was looking to join a new league, six public Toledo schools cut funding for athletics. Other area schools that weren’t affected by those budget cuts were forced to create a new league to provide competition for their athletes.

“TRAC was formed as a result of massive budget cuts, but fortunately it will be a very competitive and challenging conference,” Weihrauch said. “Many teams that Findlay will face each week have had successful tournament runs in each of their programs.”

Volleyball players are preparing to face tougher competition.

“We will be in a league with the defending state champion (St. Ursula) and other top teams, so every match will be a battle,” junior Lainy Foltz said. “After going undefeated in the GBC, it will be difficult for us to do the same in TRAC. “However, winning the league is possible. Playing against these teams in conference matches will prepare us for tournaments.”

Though the competition may be stronger, Weihrauch acknowledges other positives in joining the new league.

“There are many benefits to this league that people may not realize,” he said. “We have a firm schedule, stability, unity, rivalries, easy traveling distances and many other positives.

“If we went independent, we would not have these benefits.”

Though many athletes seem to be excited about joining a more competitive league, swimmer Nick Topel isn’t so sure.

“It will be harder to earn league honors like first team all-TRAC with new powerhouses in our conference such as St. Francis,” the junior said.

“Having these teams in our league won’t affect our preparation for state because our elite athletes already push it to the limit with training.

“I don’t know if this new league is a good thing or a bad thing. With TRAC, we have both ends of the competitive spectrum, while I believe the GBC had more balanced competition in swimming.”

Softball coach Jake Trevino believes the league will benefit every sport in the long run.

“This new league will be a big challenge for every sport,” Trevino said. “But playing a tougher schedule will only make you better.

“Though winning a league title will be more difficult for many sports, I know that in the long run, this conference will make Findlay more competitive.”

36%

Oklahoma City Thunder

15%

Varsity records (as of May 19) Baseball Boys Tennis Softball

17-7 13-6 3-15

Dallas Mavericks

11% Dwayne Wade

senior Holly Barton