Blue & Gold Volume 88 issue 1 by Findlay High School

blue&gold blueandgoldtoday.org

THE BIG PICTURE

FEATURE

Friday, September 24, 2010 Volume 88, Issue 1 1200 Broad Ave., Findlay, Ohio, 45840

Senior pursues dream of dancing with Rockettes

NEWS

Meet the

Fans show Trojan spirit

royalty

Check out our photo essay of the Friday night experience. Read senior Austin Bright’s firsthand account of how students paint themselves and gear up for the game.

page 6

Read why each Homecoming candidate thinks they should be your king or queen and why they deserve your vote on Tuesday.

senior Lance Sims

d n fi

page 4

WEATHER TODAY

Isolated T-storms High: 87 Low: 54

SPORTS Volleyball aims for eighth title page 8

TOMORROW

SUNDAY

Sunny High: 70 Low: 48

Partly Cloudy High: 66 Low: 53

junior Brennan Bookmeyer

“I’ve heard of this happening and I would simply suggest the schools tighten their policy but also get students the help they need.” Dr. Deborah Moore

Athletes outsmart drug policy n

By John Sisser

Searching the car, the police find several things: old pop cans, some fast food bags and buried deep in the glove compartment, a tiny Ziplock bag filled with a green leafy substance. Busted. The consequences? Jail, fines, out of school suspension and sitting out of the sport that could be your ticket to college.

The loophole At least, that might have been the case. But student athletes are finding a loophole in the sports drug policy, and more and more are cheating the system each season. To avoid being ineligible to compete, many student athletes will join another team, sit out that season and be cleared in time for their sport of preference later on. Senior Emily (name changed to protect identity), who found this loophole and participated in another sport last year, doesn’t believe the athletes

BLAST

from the

are getting off scotch-free. “Everyone already knew why you were there (at practice) and it was really embarrassing,” she said. “It just sucked going to practice everyday; it was a punishment in itself.” After serving her ineligibility in a different sport, Emily was able to participate in her sport later on. Other student athletes, however, have not been quite as lucky.

Student response Senior Andrea (name changed to protect identity) was caught for alcohol abuse just before her sport started and had to sit out half of her season last year. Even so, she’s not convinced there is anything wrong with others finding a way around the system. “The only thing that was unfair is that I didn’t have that chance to do another sport before my sport started,” Andrea said. “It’s not fair to those that don’t have that opportunity.” Others don’t think the policy is fair. “It (the policy) doesn’t treat people fairly,” junior Brennan Bookmyer, a cross country runner, said. “When I’m in a sport, I enjoy the team effort and the work we put into it. When people disrespect the sport I love, it really bugs me.” Although some athletes find the loophole offensive and disrespectful to their particular sport,

PAST

Four years ago today, Pluto got demoted from its status as a planet because astronomers estimated that at least 70,000 other objects of the same size and composition exist in its region.

things that make you look smart today

Feature................5 Photo essay........6 Feature................7 Sports..................8

Report card shows lack of progress

“When I’m in a sport, I enjoy the team effort and the work we put into it. When people disrepect the sport I love, it bugs me.”

Anonymous source

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

sophomore Kayce Krucki

a g n i

“Everyone already knew why you were there (at practice) and it was really embarrassing. It just sucked going to practice every day, it was a punishment in itself.”

Students dodge team suspension after breaking rules

page 5

Emily disagrees. “It’s not affecting them (other athletes) in any way,” she said. “I don’t find it disrespectful because the sports that people go into aren’t team sports, they’re more individual sports.”

Administrative stance Dr. Deborah Moore, Associate Commissioner for Eligibility of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), has heard of students finding this loophole in the past, but believes her organization’s hands are tied. “Our focus is not to dictate these school policies,” Moore said. “We don’t have the authority to do that. “I’ve heard of this happening and I would simply suggest the schools tighten their policy but also get students the help they need, because that is really what it is all about. The focus should be on getting them treatment.” Athletic Director Nate Weihrauch is also aware of the problem. However, no specific changes to the drug policy are currently being considered to seal the loophole. “We will always continue to look at ways to update our policies to help prepare our students,” Weihrauch said. “We want to be there for our students and guide them in making positive decisions and hopefully our policies reflect that.”

By Michaela Marincic

Findlay City Schools received a bittersweet report card from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) as some schools showed improvement while others lagged behind. The high school went from the second highest rating “Excellent” in 2007-08 to “Continuous Improvement” the past two years, a drop ODE consultant Melissa Malloy Ramirez attributes to not meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). “If Findlay had met ONLINE AYP, it would probably be on the line between Effective and See our website for Excellent,” Ramirez a link to the high said. “But because it school’s report card for more was not met, it is now details on how the in building improvement year four (fourth building and district stacked up. year AYP is not met).” AYP is a set of blueandgoldtoday.org goals for improving reading and mathematics scores and graduation and attendance rates. When the goals are not reached, AYP is not met, and the high school cannot rank higher than Continuous Improvement until AYP is achieved. Due to these shortcomings, Ramirez is stepping in to help form a Building Leadership Team to review data such as Ohio Graduation Test results, Gallup poll responses and demographics to see where they can make changes to improve student performance. “We talked heavily about the fact that all teachers need to use data to drive instruction,” Principal Victoria Swartz said. “Any survey we give, we read and then we make changes and improvements based on the results.” While specific decisions are yet to be made, the team has three main goals: improve reading, increase math scores and better the learning environment. However, the team does not have a clear plan of action or timeline. “Some action steps we take will make an impact right away, while the broader steps will take time,” Ramirez said. “But every action step will be to improve student learning.” Leadership team member Susan Davidson is optimistic that the committee can achieve its goals for high school education. “We work together to develop strategies to help students learn,” Davidson said. “I left the meeting feeling positive that the team can make a change.”

District earns federal grant n

By Lydia Bauler

Ohio was one of 12 states to win a portion of the $4.35 billion Race to the Top Grant. The grant will be used to make statewide improvements and reforms in education, including Findlay City Schools (FCS). “I hope we’ll be able to fund programs that will help students achieve academically,” Assistant Superintendent Craig Kupferberg said. Here are the main points you need to know about the grant: • FCS will receive approximately $500,000. • To get the grant money, Ohio passed education reforms. • Grant funds will be used to train teachers to meet these new state standards. • A new curriculum was developed to keep up with the state mandates. • Money will be available after Dec. 30, 2010 and spent over the next four years.

1. Seventy-nine percent of today’s college freshmen were accepted by their number one choice. 2. Ohio liquor sales increased $12.8 million from last year to a record high. 3. Today’s court hearing for Lindsay Lohan’s drug test failure will determine if she’ll be sent back to jail. 4. Ten thousand pounds of pumpkins decorate Cedar Point for their annual HalloWeekends celebration. 5. George Washington owes approximately $300,000 in library late fees.

Lohan

blue & gold

friday, september 24, 2010

EDITORIAL

THE GIST OF IT • Administrators shouldn’t allow athletes to regain eligibility by joining other sports. • School BMI screenings would cost money that could be put to better use. • Students should be allowed to wear appropriate tank tops in school on hot days.

OUR VIEW

Staff policy

Athletic policy needs revision

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

District administrators need to take a closer look at the school’s athletic drug policy to stop students from finding loopholes and cheating the system. If suspended for drug or alcohol abuse (which they sign a contract to not do), athletes can join other teams during their off-season to regain eligibility for their sport of preference. ININSHORT SHORT Not only is this unfair, it’s disrespectful to the sport and rule-following athletes. Allowing athletes Joining other teams to simply “do their to regain time” sends a strong message to those eligibility by participating that the “new athletes” aren’t joining another there to work hard or enjoy the sport. sport is both Instead, they are there for self-gain and unfair and basically saying they’re only participating disrespectful to so they can play their ”real sport”. those who follow Athletic Director Nate Weihrauch the rules. claims cheating the system only hurts athletes in the long run, but there are no consequences for those who do so. However, it is hard to blame students for taking advantage of a flawed system when nothing is done to change it. No athlete in their right mind is going to sit out their season, risking potential scholarship opportunities, when they can simply serve their ineligibility in a sport they don’t really care about. If the school board has the power to form the policy, they have the power to change it. A stricter Code of Conduct could eliminate this loophole and stop kids from cheating the system. All athletes sign a contract saying they will obey all the rules. There needs to be a harsher punishment for those who break this promise and don’t keep their end of the bargain. While the purpose of the policy is not to catch athletes but rather to get those on drugs or alcohol the help they need, there need to be consequences. The current policy doesn’t hold students accountable for their actions. Instead, it teaches them to cheat their way through the rules. Changing this policy will bring more integrity to high school sports and make more athletes think twice before using illegal drugs and alcohol.

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.

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

BMI screenings won’t solve childhood obesity problem n

By John Sisser

There is always one. The chubby kid who gets winded walking through the hallways and packs cookies and pie for lunch every day. Well, there used to be just one. Now, there’s two, three, four—too many to count. Obesity infects millions of Americans. Around 28.8 percent of Ohioans are obese and over 29 percent of Hancock County residents carry extra pounds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To put an end to this oversized problem, state legislators passed the “Healthy Choices for Healthy Children” Act this summer to encourage exercise and healthy eating. While all that’s fine and dandy, controversy is surrounding the law because of its mandate that school nurses complete Body Mass Index

(BMI) screenings of students. I commend the effort to tackle the obesity problem facing youth, but there are several problems with the new law: • Expecting districts to record BMIs without proper funding is an expensive way of finding data for a problem we know exists—children have a weight problem. • It comes at too high a cost, literally. A similar program in New Hampshire was expected to cost the state around $90,000 annually. • Passing the law in June didn’t give districts much time to form a policy on how the screenings would be carried out. This can’t be thrown together overnight—it takes planning. Most districts waived the requirement, meaning they won’t have to complete the screenings this year. Even so, schools will just

face this problem again next year. Rather than tracking BMIs, funds could be set aside to put healthier lunches in schools or support physical education classes that are being cut nationwide. A part of the law actually mandated that schools include 30 minutes of exercise daily, but the requirement was removed as districts complained it would cost too much. Why don’t we get to the root of the problem? The CDC declared obesity as the leading cause of preventable death in the nation. Schools spend time and money on drug and alcohol education, but teaching students the value of a healthy lifestyle is also a must. Many argue parents are at fault for their kids’ health problems. The fact is, too many moms and dads let

their children down and kids face diabetes, heart disease and premature death because of their parents’ irresponsibility. Something needs to be done. It’s great lawmakers acknowledge the problem, but tracking BMIs while programs like physical education continue to face cuts is not only a double standard but a waste of valuable time and money.

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

? MY VIEW

Leah Cramer Michaela Marincic News co-editors

what’s the problem

Sam Malloy Advertising editor Kieley Ray Emily Eckhardt Krystal Kornblatt Shelby Wilson Emily Wolfe Photographers

Enforcing dress code without warning is unfair to students n

MY VIEW

perrault’s point

By Lexi Perrault

I’m sitting in a sweltering classroom with the teacher lecturing about the significance of a famous psychologist. Even though I should be taking notes, I can’t focus. Temperatures are above 90 degrees, and all I can think

about is how warm and miserable I am in my t-shirt and shorts. I was tempted to come to school in a tank top, but I knew the administrators swarming the halls each morning would just send me home as soon as I walked in. But their fight against tank tops is unnecessary and foolish. With school beginning in August, in buildings without air conditioning and stuffed with thousands of sweaty bodies, how can minor

YOUR VIEW

dress code violations be the administration’s top priority? If administrators would just step back and look at the grand scheme of things, maybe they would realize that letting students be comfortable and cool is a bit more important than keeping them from time in class to get a new shirt. Administrators should rethink their enforcement of these dress code violations. These dress code rules have never been so strictly

enforced in previous years. Why do administrators feel the need to stand in the hallway handing out t-shirts to students who are only dressing for the hot weather? If the tank top does not have spaghetti straps and is not revealing, it is not offensive or distracting at all. We’d all agree that ensuring students can learn during warm days is way more important than making sure they follow an overly strict dress code.

Lydia Bauler Regan Campbell Erin Dougherty Reporters Autumn Simmermeyer Artist

Is it fair that athletes can regain eligibility by joining another sport? No, it’s not fair at all. If you don’t care about that sport, then it’s not even a punishment. They should have to sit out of the sport that they actually participate in. senior Abby Essinger

No. They got caught with drugs already so they shouldn’t get to play another sport. senior Holly Dreier

It’s not fair because if you get caught in one sport then you shouldn’t be able to play another. You never learned your lesson. senior Kendall Wells

No, because it is getting out of something you got in trouble for. They should have to sit out. It’s not fair to the team. junior Derek Williams

Yes. They are just trying to do anything they can to play their sport. freshman Marcus Winkeljohn

It’s fair because people make mistakes and they should be allowed to redeem themselves. senior Ross Emrick

Jim McGonnell Adviser

blue & gold

friday, september 24, 2010

ENTERTAINMENT

THE GIST OF IT • The Vampire Diaries season two is in full swing on The CW. • Waiting for “Superman”, a documentary, opens tonight. • Sara Bareilles’ latest album is sure to be a hit.

the

What’s buzz? 10 things YOU need to check out this week 5

Jason Derulo, with recognizable hits like In My Head and Whatcha Say, will perform in Detroit Oct. 5. Tickets are available now, but hurry— they won’t last long.

Derulo

Jason Derulo in concert

Hemingway’s Whiskey album by Kenny Chesney

Country singer Kenny Chesney releases his latest album Tuesday, Sept. 28. The first single off the CD, Boys of Fall, already cracked the top five on the Billboard country music chart and is playing on radio stations nationwide.

7 Vampire Diaries season 2 on The CW

What started as the network’s way of jumping on the blood-sucking bandwagon has turned into one of the hottest shows on television. Last season was nothing short of a hit, and the new one should keep audiences on edge. Catch The Vampire Diaries Thursdays at 8 p.m.

ABC’s hit comedies are back and better than ever. Last year’s favorites The Middle, Modern Family and Cougar Town return with the new series, Better With You. The laughs start Courteney Cox in every Wednesday at 8 p.m. Cougar Town

8 Tracebuzz app for iPad CSI premiere Speaking of Bieber fever, did you see the teen pop sensation’s cameo appearance on CSI’s premiere last night? Surprise! The kid can act, too!

ABC Comedy Wednesdays

This newly-released app allows users to pull information from tweets, forums and blogs to find out what people are saying about a certain name. Okay, so it’s a little creepy, but pretty cool. But best yet—it’s free.

10 Iron Man 2 on DVD

The action-packed sequel, starring Robert Downey Jr., kicked off the summer blockbuster season grossing over $300 million. Bring it home Sept. 28 when this movie hits stores.

You Again movie

Halo: Reach video game The latest installment to the Halo video game phenomenon is drawing fans worldwide. Even Justin Bieber got in on the action, playing the game at its premiere in Los Angeles.

Sigourney Weaver and Jamie Lee Curtis team up in this flick about old high school “frenemies” who cross paths. Throw in Betty White and you have one star-studded, hypedup comedy bombshell.

Second generation Apple TV

Curtis

Apple’s latest gadget, recently unveiled with the new iPods, allows you to rent television episodes, movies and access Netflix all in one console. The best part—it starts at just $99.

The Vampire Diaries photo: courtesy of studioveelenturf.nl (fair use), Halo: Reach photo: thetechherald.com (fair use), CSI premiere photo: daemonstv.com (fair use), Jamie Lee Curtis photo: cincinnati.metromix.com (fair use), Jason Derulo photo: thatgrapejuice.net (fair use), Hemingway’s whiskey album cover: ourcountryroad.com (fair use), Courteney Cox photo: open. salon.com (fair use), Tracebuzz app photo: appadvice.com (fair use), Apple TV photo: slipperybrick.com (fair use), Iron Man 2 photo: blog.servicemagic.com (fair use)

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

Easy A makes the grade n

By Shelby Wilson

Title: Easy A Starring: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley and Amanda Bynes Plot: Olive Penderghast (Stone) makes up an active sex life to become more popular. But her plan backfires and it is up to her to turn her tarnished reputation around. Why see it: This risqué, teen-based version of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter will have you laughing from start to finish. Stone completely absorbs her character and her performance will boost her to stardom. Grade: A

TELEVISION

MUSIC

Hellcats is predictable, cliché

Neon Trees debut a success

Title: Hellcats Starring: Aly Michalka, Ashley Tisdale and Robbie Jones Plot: Marti Perkins (Michalka) wants to leave Memphis and plans on using a degree as her ticket out. When her scholarship is pulled, she tries out for the cheerleading squad, Hellcats, to receive a full ride. Why skip it: Hellcats is so predictable you can anticipate the next scene right down to the lines. Full of clichés, the show is just like every other cheerleading story. Though lacking originality, viewers could get sucked into the plot just waiting for it to take an unexpected turn. Unfortunately, they may be looking for that big twist the whole season. Hellcats is on at 9 p.m. Wednesdays on The CW, channel 17. Grade: C-

Hawaii Five-O remake offers action, intensity

Stone

By John Sisser

Title: Waiting for “Superman” Plot: Director Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) follows the stories of parents across the country seeking a better education for their children. The documentary focuses on what is inhibiting students from reaching their full potential and why American schools are receiving a failing grade. Why see it: Waiting for “Superman” is both eye-opening and thought-provoking. Guggenheim successfully gets his point across by sharing emotional stories of inner-city and suburban students alike. Although the film sometimes neglects to tell both sides of the story regarding district administration and teachers unions, it also presents an interesting view on education reform and is certainly worth seeing. Waiting for “Superman” hits theaters tonight, Sept. 24. Grade: B

O’Loughlin

By Lydia Bauler

Title: Hawaii Five-O Starring: Alex O’Loughlin and Daniel Dae Kim Plot: In this remake of a 70s classic, Naval officer Steve McGarrett (O’Loughlin) returns to Hawaii after terrorists murder his father. The governor offers him a leading position on a new police force to clean up the island. Why see it: Packed with shootings, explosions and intensity, the show offers a new twist with focus on the personal battles of the characters. Hawaii Five-O airs at 10 p.m. Mondays on CBS, channel 11. Grade: B

By John Sisser

Album: Habits Artist: Neon Trees Sound: Alternative Rock Why buy it: The group’s debut album does a good job of consistently using their unique style without being repetitive. Songs have catchy beats, deep lyrics and the end result is a solid CD. Their single, Animal, is already moving up the charts, giving them a wide fan base. Download this: In the Next Room Grade: A

Bareilles’ risks pay off in the end n

Documentary reveals flaws in education n

By Lydia Bauler

By Emily Wolfe

Album: Kaleidoscope Heart Artist: Sara Bareilles Sound: Funk, soul Last release: Little Voice Why buy it: Like her first album, Kaleidoscope Heart has sweet tones and catchy beats. Bareilles takes risks with songs like Kaleidoscope Heart using a gospel sound that wouldn’t be heard on the radio, while Uncharted and Gonna Get Over You have the upbeat style everyone associates with Bareilles. Download this: Hold My Heart Grade: B

3 TOP

albums on the Billboard 200 chart

1. Kaleidoscope Heart Sara Bareilles

2. Recovery Eminem

3. Now 35 Various Artists

blue & gold

friday, september 24, 2010

THE GIST OF IT • Homecoming candidates share why they deserve your vote for king and queen. • National Honor Society members rally students to donate blood. • Volleyball players spread the news about early detecton of breast cancer.

NEWS/FEATURE

Court is in session

Heads Up

Homecoming finalists tell why they should be your choice “I’m really good at everything. I also have intensity and an ultimate personality.” Jerry Kindig

“I’m a nice, down-toearth person and I’m really tall.” Kyle Boyd

Council announces Spirit Week themes n

“I exemplify the maximum amount of school spirit and I’m all about team sports. I make up cheers and lead the student sections at games.”

“I’m a likeable guy and I have lots of friends all over the building. I can be very funny at times.” Andrew Varney

Levi Bruce

“I’m attractive and a pretty likeable fellow. I’m a lover, not a fighter.” Tyler Campbell

By Leah Cramer

Monday: Get groovy with a 70’s era get-up. Tuesday: Celebrate stoplight day by wearing green if you’re single, yellow if you’re interested in someone and red if you’re taken. Wednesday: Bust out your old middle school apparel and represent your junior high. Thursday: Show some love for your favorite sports team by wearing their jersey. Friday: Use face paint to create a blue and gold mask for masquerade day.

Coming Soon Band hosts festival

King candidates “I’m fun, outgoing and like talking to people. Also, I do a really good impersonation of a goat.”

“I can flare my nostrils and break dance. I’m unique and multi-talented.” Mackenzie Mellot

Paige Trafton

“I’m a people person and I get along well with everyone, so if people vote for me, I’ll be proud to represent them.”

“I have mad winking skills and I can teach you how to dougie.” Larissa Van Der Molen

Eliza Bauler

“I feed the hungry — I eat a poptart every day during third period.” Morgan Winans

By Leah Cramer

Band Festival returns for its 33rd year on Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. at Donnell Stadium. Sixteeen marching bands, an amount Director of Bands Tim Mattis refers to as “monstrous, but awesome”, will perform. Band Festival is an Ohio Music Education Association State Finals Qualifier. “There’s a lot of music and adrenaline,” sophomore Dani Armstrong said. “It’s a fun time to come and watch your school’s band and see how they do against other bands.” Admission for the event is $5 for students and $6 for adults.

Honor Society plans annual blood drive n

Queen candidates

Volleyball players raise breast cancer awareness

Cryer brings Broadway spark to almuni concert n

By Michaela Marincic

Broadway performer and 1954 Findlay alumnus David Cryer will sing at the alumni association concert Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. “I’m looking forward to having someone here from Broadway,” alumni association director Roger Powell said. “I get excited every year, but this one will be especially good.” Cryer will share the stage with Pantasia and Findlay First Edition (FFE). “In (FFE’s) opener we will dance an Argentine tango,” senior Christine Wagner said. “This first song has very fast-paced dancing.” Pantasia will cool it down with the laidback music of steel drums. “We (Pantasia) will play upbeat songs with a couple of slower island tunes,” senior Zach McCormick said. “The music is very Caribbean and lots of fun.” Tickets are $8 for students, $10 for adults and are available by calling the Alumni Office. Profits go to the Alumni Association.

SPIKE

Senior Molly Price spikes the volleyball during last Tuesday’s Lima Senior game. The team hosts Volley for the Cure against Sandusky on Oct. 5. photo by Taylor McGonnell

Precision hair cutting From short to long Perms • hair coloring And everything in between

Volley for the Cure, volleyball games to spread breast cancer awareness and raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, will be Oct. 5 in the main and auxiliary gyms. Volleyball players will dress in pink (the color for breast cancer awareness) and use pink and white balls, which will be auctioned off after the games against Sandusky. “It’s a very fun, festive event that also drives home the point about breast cancer,” volleyball parent representative Julie Yingling said. “It’s using something the girls love for a good cause by taking a great athletic event and helping to put things in perspective by spreading the news about early detection (of breast cancer).” Gift basket and 50/50 raffle tickets, baked goods, bracelets and Volley for the Cure T-shirts will all be sold. T-shirts can also be purchased in advance from any volleyball team member for $5 and those who wear them to the event will be granted free admission. “People get to come support their school, while helping out with the cause,” senior Molly Price said. “Everyone is hyped up and more willing to cheer loudly and the games get pretty competitive because we don’t want to lose in front of everybody, but things still stay goodnatured and fun.” The freshmen will play in the auxiliary gym and junior varsity in the main gym at 5 p.m., followed by varsity. Admission is $4.

Looking Good Appointments or Walk-Ins Welcome

Carriage House Plaza • 1016 Tiffin • Findlay, OH • 419-424-1404

• INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES • HAND TOOLS • FASTENERS • POWER TOOLS

“Serving You Since 1974” 419-422-2907

300 East Crawford Street • Findlay, Ohio

What: The National Honor Society (NHS) Annual Fall Blood Drive When: Oct. 13 from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Who: Students ages 17 and up or 16 with written parental consent and faculty can donate. Where: Auxiliary gym Why: “The blood each individual donates could mean the difference between life and death to someone in need,” NHS president David Pfaltzgraf said. How: Recruiters will go around during 3A with a sign up sheet. Walk-ins are not welcome.

By Leah Cramer

The Tonsorium

Barber Styling Salon

By Lydia Bauler

Hats Off Blue & Gold receives seventh nomination n

By Leah Cramer

Blue & Gold is one of six finalists for the National Scholastic Press Association’s Pacemaker award in the eight or fewer pages newspaper category. This is the seventh time the student publication has been nominated for this award. “Getting a Pacemaker nomination is a huge honor,” editor-in-chief John Sisser said. “We work really hard to put out a good finished product, so to receive positive feedback like this means a lot.” Winners are announced at the Kansas City Fall National High School Journalism Convention, Nov. 13.

friday, september 24, 2010

blue & gold

FEATURE

THE GIST OF IT • Imagine yourself at each school before you make a college decision. • Discuss financial issues with family early on in your college search. • Take both the ACT and SAT so you get the best score possible.

ACT or SAT Which test is right for you? n By Kim Maples

Taking multiple-subject tests for hours on end is not something most students would voluntarily sign up for, much less pay around $50. But when those tests can get them into the college of their dreams, possibly with scholarships, testing spots fill up in a hurry. Choosing between the ACT and SAT, though, can be hard. “Do both,” guidance counselor Greg Distel said. “If you say you’re only going to do one, the first and most important thing is where do you plan to go to college?” Those who plan on attending a school in Ohio or the Midwest are better off taking the ACT, according to Distel, and those looking at East or West coast schools should take the SAT. But this is not an all-inclusive rule. “It doesn’t matter which one they take,” Michelle Doyle, admissions counselor at Bowling Green State University, said. “We have a scale that compares (ACT and SAT) scores.” If the colleges you apply to accept both, the decision may come down to the differences between the two tests. For example, the ACT gives no points for incorrect answers while the SAT subtracts a quarter point. “I like the ACT better, because on the SAT I freak out if I don’t know the answer,” senior Maggie Malaney said. “I don’t know whether I should omit or guess because I don’t want to have them take off points.” Once you weigh the pros and cons of each, take the test multiple times to get your best score. Higher scores can help you get admitted to a university, possibly with scholarships. “The higher your GPA is or the higher your test score is, the more scholarship money you’ll receive at the university,” Doyle said. However, admission to your ideal college is not hanging on the score of a test. “We focus a lot more on your cumulative GPA, as well as the type of classes students have taken,” Doyle said. “It’s just one time, one test, so we’ll look at the student’s success in the high school first.”

Take the

Making the final decision is up to you, not chance n By Kim Maples

There are 4,409 universities that award two and four-year degrees in the United States. By May 1, the national deadline for responding to colleges, seniors have to choose just one. For a decision that could be life-changing, there’s plenty of options to consider. “Everyone goes about it in their own way,” counselor Mary Burget said. “First they have to do research, go on college visits and do some legwork. You have to see different schools. “You don’t know what’s best for you until you look at colleges and imagine yourself in that setting.” When you ask yourself important questions, it helps you get priorities in order. “Students should start by asking themselves, ‘Why am I going to college?’” Marty O’Connell, executive director of Colleges That Change Lives, a nonprofit organization that helps students find the right college, said. “‘What kind of learner am I?’ and ‘What community would I like to interact with?’ “Starting with these questions helps form a good base for the search.” Answering these questions and knowing what you want will help narrow down the colleges. “I’m looking for a good pre-vet

ACT

if you’re...

Good at science

A good reader

Bad at guessing

The ACT has a science portion, but the SAT does not. Time per question is shorter on the ACT, so you need to be able to read and understand a question the first time. The ACT does not penalize for wrong answers, so it’s better to guess on all the ones you don’t know.

Take the A B

SAT

What

you college

if you’re...

Good at English

are looking for in colleges reps are looking for in you

The test is comprised of only Reading, English and math sections.

A slower reader

More time is allotted per question.

Good at guessing The SAT deducts a quarter point for incorrect answers, so if you can’t narrow it down to two answers, it’s better to leave it blank.

FINDLAY / FOSTORIA

CRUISIN’ 2 DRIVING SCHOOL

Findlay/Fostoria Location Dates: October 11 5-9:10 pm November 8 5-9:10 pm December 6 5-9:10 pm January 10 5-9:10 pm

program, and the size (of the college) doesn’t matter too much,” senior Morgan Corey said. “I want it not too far from home, probably in-state, with lots of majors and activities to choose from.” Having a variety of majors, or at least an option to start out as undecided, is only one of the considerations to keep in mind, according to Melanie Hayden, associate director for multicultural recruitment at Ohio University. “It’s important that there’s a good fit overall,” Hayden said. “Are there academic support services available? Tutoring? Mentoring? First year experience programs? “Also, for consideration, is price, or the cost of education. That’s something that students should work on with parents or guardians to determine if it’s a good investment.” This conversation should be started at the beginning of the search. “Cost should be a family discussion which takes place early in the process so that everyone is on the same page about what the family can afford to pay for college,” O’Connell said. “If a student is not eligible for scholarships because of average grades, or if a college does not offer scholarships and only offers needbased financial aid, this must be discussed.” In her college search, senior Kelsey Loss is considering both cost and the quality of the programs important to her. “I want to be a dentist, so I’m finding the best dentistry schools,” Loss said. “I’m paying my own way through college, so I want to be in-state because of (lower) tuition.” But if multiple schools fit your standards, it could be tough to make that final decision. Ultimately, it should be whatever works best for you, according to O’Connell. “Talking to currently enrolled students while visiting and spending a solid hour on each college website will yield great information to make the choice,” O’Connell said. “For some students it (the final choice) is all about feeling, and for others, it is more about a combination of feel and more concrete issues.”

Classes Include: • 24 hours of classroom discussion • Eight hours of driving • One-on-One in car instruction

“Having the majors that I want and good programs for them,” senior Patrick McAdoo said.

• Students who have challenged themselves academically

“Lots of free money (scholarships) and good food,” senior Michael Blaser said.

• Rigor of course work: are students taking challenging courses? Do they have a full course load?

“A good community: everyone gets together and helps out and makes you feel welcomed,” senior Lindsey Greer said.

• Test scores: though not as important, college admissions representatives look at ACT and SAT scores to compare to the averages

• Well-rounded students in extra-curriculars

Findlay Pediatric Dentists Dr. Jackson E. Winters For appointment information, Call 419-422-2051 Or visit us at 200 Lima Avenue

Proudly serving Findlay High School athletes

Cruisin’ 2 Offers: • Home pick-up for driving • Flexible class schedules • Fully certified instructors

Wouldn’t you like to be cruisin’ too? For more information visit 1649 Tiffin Avenue in Findlay Or call us at 419-422-3852

Cruisin’ 2 is fully licensed, bonded, insured and is inspected bianually by the State Highway Patrol.

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Curbside recycling and trash pick-up Residential and commercial A locally owned and operated family business www.aecurbside.com

BIG PICTURE

friday, september 24, 2010 blue & gold

THE GIST OF IT

• Senior Austin Bright gives his Friday night experience as a guest writer. • Fans wear sports bras, as administration doesn’t allow them to go shirtless. • Students prepare for the game by painting their bodies.

Touchdown

Seniors Austin Bright, Jarrad Balko and Kollin Haynes celebrate one of the eight touchdowns the football team scored against Greenville. The Trojans got their first win of the season, dominating the Green Wave, 62-8. photo illustration by Taylor McGonnell

Band

Sophomore percussionist Ryan Wilhelm exits the field after playing the Star Spangled Banner. The band performs its fair show, including the song, The Devil Goes Down to Georgia, during halftime. photo by Taylor McGonnell

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Seniors Kelley Worstell and Liza Schumacher follow along with the cheerleaders at the football home opener. Students fill their section at Friday night games to support the Trojans.

photo by Katie Logsdon

blue & gold

FEATURE

friday, september 24, 2010

THE GIST OF IT • When students are involved in extra-curriculars, it improves school spirit. • Club participation looks good on college applications. • Senior Lauren Heintschel’s dream is to become a member of The Rockettes.

we want

YOU

Junior Statesmen of America

Blue & Gold, 2aToday and blueandgoldtoday.org You should join if: “You are someone who likes to see rewards for your hard work and you want to be part of a successful group,” editor in chief John Sisser said. Regular activities: Working on eight newspaper editions every year, including photography, reporting, designing, advertising and updating the paper’s website. For broadcast, producing episodes of 2aToday and The Vid, as well as helping with the website. Both organizations compete in national and state competitions.

to join our club

School groups seek members for new year

To join: See adviser Jim McGonnell in room 285 and 286.

Books n’ Brownies You should join if: “You like to read, talk about books, and eat brownies,” librarian Debbie Reynolds said. Regular activities: Read a book together each month and discuss it.

n By Kim Maples

thletes fill the gym, the dance team is blasting music from the cafeteria and victorious cries of “check mate” float from the Chess club room. The school is host to dozens of extra-curricular activities, with everything from book clubs to archaeology, and they all contribute to school spirit, according to assistant principal Kelly Glick. “Joining extra-curriculars improves school spirit, unity and builds a family atmosphere,” she said. “It allows students to grow as people and explore their interests. “The other side is that they should put these involvement activities on college applications, because colleges are very competitive, and they all look for well-rounded students.” Give yourself an edge on your college application and get involved in one of these clubs that are still recruiting members.

When they meet: Check the FHS schedule online or listen to announcements to find meeting times for your grade.

Chess Club You should join if: “You like chess, politics, history, or you just need something to fill in a couple minutes after school,” junior Max Brickner said. “You learn quite a bit about things other than chess.” Regular activities: Play and be instructed in chess. Lessons are also available for those who want to learn. When they meet: Wednesdays at 2:45 p.m. in room 265

Culture, Appreciation, Respect, Education (CARE) Club You should join if: ““You want to help people and you care about others,” junior Dallas Stanfield said. Regular activities: Plan fundraisers, including cookie sales in homeroom, raise money for organizations.

junior Abby Reed

When they meet: Wednesdays at 2:45 p.m. in room 203

You should join if: “You are interested or follow politics, or want to help with our humanitarian project in Tanzania, Africa,” president Maddy Herron said. Regular activities: Discussing and debating issues, hosting fundraisers for their project and attending Fall and Spring conferences. When they meet: Mondays after school in room 275

Key Club You should join if: “You enjoy doing service projects or helping others,” junior Abby Reed said. Regular activities: Plan and host service projects, talk about volunteer activities, sell cookies during homeroom and raise money to donate to organizations. When they meet: Wednesdays at 2:45 p.m. in room 201

Not For Sale You should join if: “You are passionate about helping to fight for a cause,” senior Shelby Weems said. Regular activities: Plan and host fundraisers to stop human trafficking and spread the word, including a dodgeball tournament, music and art show and collecting change. When they meet: Thursdays at 2:45 p.m. in room 168.

Preservation, Archaeology, and Serving Together (PAST) You should join if: “You like archaeology and having a good time,” senior Ed Rodriguez said. Regular activities: Go to Hiedleberg College to reassemble artifacts and Johnson’s Island in Lake Erie to work on preservation. When they meet: Wednesdays at 2:45 p.m. in room 262

Quiz Bowl You should join if: “You like testing your knowledge against the knowledge of your peers,” senior Chris Essinger said. Regular activities: Practice trivia, compete every Tuesday afternoon in regional competitions and participate in the Whiz Quiz tournament that airs on Channel 14 for Time Warner Cable customers. When they meet: Tuesdays at 6:45 a.m. and Wednesdays at 2:45 p.m. in room 141

Heintschel auditions for famous Rockette dance group n By Michaela Marincic

It’s a classic tale: small town girl goes to the big city with even bigger dreams. With high hopes senior Lauren Heintschel traveled to New York City September 10 to audition for The Rockettes dance company. “They had a line all along the side of Radio City (Music Hall),” Heintschel said. “About 200 tried out, so the audition was intense. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. “All of the girls in my group were welltrained, and five were returning Rockettes.” Of the 200 girls auditioning, Heintchel was the youngest; her birthday was one day before the cut-off date. While waiting in line, she befriended two women near her, both in their 20s looking for a break into show business. “All of the other girls had their slicked-

back hair, were skinny and in their mid-20s,” Heintchel said. “I was the high school student who was barely 18. It was nerve-racking.” After two and a half nervous hours of waiting in line, she stepped onto the hardwood floor of the Radio City dance studio. Full-length mirrors reflected the other 100 she would compete with for 15 spots. “They taught us a dance combination and went through it four times,” Heintschel said. “Then we were split into groups of three, and when your group was called, you ran because if you weren’t in your spot when the music started, oh well. “You did the combination and they said, ‘Thanks, you’re done.’ Just that one chance.” After performing, Heintschel did not move on in the competition, but her first profession-

al audition familiarized her with the process. “It was a great experience to help her prepare for what she wants to do (be a Rockette),” her mother, Kathy Heintschel, said. “It gave her a glimpse of the competition.” Helping prepare the senior for a career in dance is her ballet teacher Judy Reading with 20 years of professional dance experience. “The most difficult part (of being a professional dancer) is getting a job,” Reading said. “It’s hard, but I’m not saying she won’t get it. The last couple of years she has become more focused, hard-working and dedicated.” The senior has not given up hope and plans to audition again in the spring. “It is my dream to be a part of The Rockettes,” Lauren Heintschel said. “I center what I do and my dancing around it.”

MOVE

Senior Lauren Heintschel takes the spotlight as she performs her audition dance. Earlier this month, Heintschel traveled to New York City to try out for The Rockettes. photo illustration by Katie Logsdon and Kim Maples

Save big on all costumes and fall decorations this holiday season

Sophomores Courtney Stanton and Julia Filkins

1161 Trenton Avenue Findlay, Ohio

Dgrounds ueling

CCGs, RPGs, mini’s, games, and more

441 E. Sandusky St. 419-424-1112

We honor the FHS Academic Card 510 South Blanchard Street in Findlay 419 • 422 • 3863

Use your student ID and receive 10% off all your non-tournament purchases Find us on Facebook

On the web

Online

ONLINE OPINION

Football fights for playoff spot

More sports updates on blueandgoldtoday.org

After an 0-2 start to the season, should the Cleveland Browns management fire head coach Eric Mangini? Yes, he’s awful Maybe, it’s too early to tell No, he’s doing a good job

Tennis

Boys soccer

Strong singles key to success

Napoleon toughest opponent in GBC

Share your view online sophomore Jim Orwick

senior Kelly Worstell

junior Seth Phillips

blue & goldsports Friday, September 24, 2010

G N I T A G L I A T

It’s football season Pregame celebrations pump up fans n By Lexi Perrault

BONDING

Junior Matt Walton, senior Dylan Gray, sophomore Patrick Hall and junior Sid Hoover tailgate before the varsity girls soccer game against Anthony Wayne. Tailgaters do a variety of activities and bond to get excited for the game. photo by Katie Logsdon

things you need to know about new volleyball coach Bob Moran n By Lydia Bauler

1. Believes practice makes perfect “We do a lot of serving. For warm up, the girls serve five balls in every zone (six zones) and they have to serve five balls that are aces,” coach Bob Moran said. 2. Started out by chance “My wife was the junior high coach at St. Wendelin,” Moran said. “Then she got out after two years and then they asked me to take over the junior high program.” 3. Appreciates Findlay ‘s knowledge on the court “The best part of coaching this team is their knowledge,” he said. “They play club volleyball so that’s where they’re getting the knowledge of the game.” 4. Biggest pet peeves “When the girls talk when I am talking and when they ask what we are going to do at practice,” he said. 5. Has experience on court “I played men’s and co-ed leagues,” he said. “The Findlay men’s team (that I was on) won and placed second in the league and still got to play for the University of Findlay’s state championship. We placed second in that.”

Perfection. At 75-0 and counting, the girls volleyball team is five wins away from its eighth consecutive league crown. The team hopes to win those last five games and end the final year of the Greater Buckeye Conference (GBC) with a flawless record of 80-0 and an eight year domination. “We want to win the GBC so badly,” sophomore Alison Twining said. “It is our last year in the conference and we have won all seven years (that the league has existed). “We are capable of winning because we have defeated every team in the GBC already this year.” However, the fight for the title won’t be easy according to junior Caitlin Streacker. “Lima Senior will be a challenge for us in the GBC,” she said. “They want revenge for their loss to us in the district finals last year.” However, winning the league isn’t the team’s only goal. They also want to make it to the state tournament. “We are playing some of the best teams in the area such as Toledo St. Ursula, Huron and others in order to prepare for a chance to go to the state tournament,” Streacker said. Improving weaknesses has also been a crucial part in the team’s preparation for the tournament run. “We have been working on playing better defense by both passing the ball and blocking and reducing errors,” Streacker said. “Defense has become less of a problem because we have worked on improving it a lot.” Coach Bob Moran is confident in the girl’s ability to make it to state. “This team is definitely capable of getting to state if they keep their mistakes to a minimum,” Moran said. “I don’t Moran want to put a lot of pressure on them, so we just take it one day at a time and work hard at practice.”

Football

2-2

Volleyball

8-1

“

Boys Soccer B 4-3-1 6-4

Volleyball

9-0

FOCUSED

Cornhole Have a competition with friends. You’ll be adddicted in no time. Amazon.com $139.95 set

Spirit wear No fan is prepared for the game without their blue and gold apparel. Centennial Screen Printing $7 each

Food Bring some good snacks and don’t forget the grill. Gordon’s Food Service

Bruce believes tailgating is good thing for athletics at the high school. “Honestly, tailgating is a great thing to do where you can hang out with kids that you wouldn’t necessarily ever hang out with, as well as cheering on our teams,” Bruce said.

Roche

Varsity scores (as of Sept 22)

Boys CC Girls CC Football Boys Golf Girls Golf Boys Soccer Girls Soccer Girls Tennis Volleyball

I would have to be

MICHAEL JORDAN

because he was my role model growing up. He was always fun to watch. He was the kind of guy that let his performance do the talking, unlike many athletes today. junior Jimmy Roche

sophomore Paige Sensel

Chairs are a must at any outdoor party. lawnchairs-beststore.co.cc $30.59 each

Sophomore Emily Lauth sets the ball to her middle hitter during the Lima Senior game. The Trojans swept the Spartans in three matches and are 6-0 in the GBC. photo by Taylor McGonnell

If I could be any athlete...

Freshmen

Girls Soccer

Lawnchairs

n By Lexi Perrault

Junior varsity Boys Soccer A 6-2

The essentials

Volleyball wants perfect GBC record

For the record (as of Sept 22) 3-0

Senior Levi Bruce couldn’t be more content than he is before a sporting event. He’s laughing with friends, playing cornhole and grilling dogs at a tailgating party. For Bruce, there’s no place else he would rather be. “I start tailgating because it is a great way to gather people for the soccer games and get them all riled up,” Bruce said. “I am all about team sports, specifically soccer, and tailgating is a fun way to get people out for the games.” He typically sends out Facebook or text invitations for tailgating a few days in advance. But Bruce isn’t the only one organizing these events for students. Athletic director Nate Weihrauch, with help from various organizations, plans tailgating before home football games. “Tailgating before football games is run through organizations such as the Trojan Club, Music Boosters and sponsorships such as WKXA/WFIN and The Courier with assistance from our department,” Weihrauch said. “We want to provide our student-athletes with a supportive fan base.” Tailgating for high school sports usually consists of hanging out with other students and getting pumped for the game. “We cook all kinds of food from eggs and bacon to burgers and hot dogs,” junior Mark Roepke said. “We bring footballs, soccer balls, Frisbees and we have cornhole tournaments, which get pretty competitive.” Tailgating is not only a fun thing for students; athletes appreciate it as well. “Tailgating affects my game in a positive way,” junior Alyssa Allsop said. “If I see students out showing school spirit for our team at games, it makes me want to go out and play hard for them.”

”

Jordan

58-11 39-22 1-3 141-125 156-52 8-1-1 5-5 7-5 8-0 senior Alex Fenimore