2009-10 Issue 6

Spark Lakota East High School $3 Newsstand April 27, 2010

With the green movement in full bloom, it’s time to start

planting sustainability

CONTENTS news

This Issue: Going Green

8

hand dryers After many teacher complaints, quiter hand dryers are moved to the affected hallways.

feature

entertainment

54 29 Eco-Education

Christina Wilkerson delves into how elementary schools are adapting to the growing global environmental crisis.

switchfoot Spark interviews Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman about his musical career.

sports

30 Marketing green

Katie Szczur explains the role of the media in promoting environmentally-friendly practices from an early age.

25

MEET THEO Junior Theo Bloomquist shows what it takes to be a disk jockey.

27

mRS. WILKERSON East teacher Michelle Wilkerson displays as much care for her socks as her students.

34 Leading the pack

Sean Lewis explores the sustainability and practicality of going green from an economic standpoint.

37 Solar Solutions

Alexandra Wilson examines ways in which families are adapting their homes to the energy crisis through the use of energy-saving devices.

39 Trainsportation

Kyle Morrison analyzes the proposed 3-C passenger train system and its effect on commuters in Ohio.

63

NEW ELIGIBILITIES Coaches can now check student eligibilities online through Edline.

64

East girls’ track Underclassmen step up their game this track season in hopes of making it to state.

3 | Spark | April 27, 2010

opinion | letters

Forum Dear Spark, I recently was reading the Pulse Journal and in the insight section I was astonished to see names of teachers in local school districts with the salaries of those teachers. This floored me because I feel that this is private information that should not be shared with the general public.

The local school districts included: Butler Tech, Fairfield City Schools, Kings Local Schools, Lakota Local Schools, Little Miami Schools, Mason Schools, Warren County Career Center and Wayne Local Schools. From all of these school districts the newspaper only listed those who earned a salary above $65,000. And out of these school districts the one with the highest paid employees was Mason City Schools.

Having this private information out in the open makes me second guess becoming a teacher in one of these school districts. This information should remain confidential; information like a person’s salary should not be exposed especially published in a local newspaper. This is just wrong.

I cannot believe how privacy has vanished; I guess it is just a sign of the times. One should not be able to look in the local newspaper and see a list of names and teacher salaries. Whatever happened to confidentiality and privacy?

—Olivia Lepper, East sophomore Dear Spark, I am very impressed with your publication.

This is my first year as a Spark subscriber and I believe that each issue is better than the last.

This publication has proved that it can report on light topics, such as sleep and dieting, to very serious topics, such as school budgeting, drug use and even same-sex marriage, with a high level of maturity and sophistication.

With great informational graphics and photos to accompany these amazing stories, I am incredibly impressed with not only the publication but also with the hard work put in by

Maybe it does for an older group, but not for the main readers.

—Dustin Miller, East junior Dear Spark, The Spark needs to survey students about smoking weed again because I don’t think there are many people who do not smoke weed at our school.

Also the school should bring back the regular cola because ever since they replaced it with diet cola in the vending machine I haven’t been buying as many as I used to buy. Plus, they raised the price from $1 to $1.25, and I need to bring in an extra 25 cents to school for a pop, which is very inconvenient.

—Daniel Mansdorfer, East junior

these students every day. I cannot wait for more issues of this astounding publication.

—Ian Castro, East sophomore Dear Spark, I feel that Spark articles are interesting to an extent, but I would target the main articles more towards my age group, considering that this is a school magazine and the main readers are students.

For example, the Nerf wars issue last year was very interesting because we have seen it happen and frankly we would like to know a little more. We want to know about stuff like how many car accidents are Lakota East students involved in every year. It would show us if there needs to be more enforcement in teaching students how to drive.

There are only a few issues that are actually worth reading and spark my interest. You do a great job on your articles each issue, but I don’t feel that they spark interest in student minds.

Got Something To Say? The Spark, which provides an open forum for students, faculty, subscribers and community members, encourages letters to the editor. Letters can be sent to the publication at the address below or dropped off in the journalism classroom (room 118). Letters must be signed, and the staff reserves the right to edit letters for length, grammar, invasion of privacy, obscenity or potential libel. The Opinion Editors will contact letter writers for confirmation.

Spark c/o Lakota East High School 6840 Lakota Lane Room 118 attn: Opinion Editor Liberty Township, OH 45044 Phone: (513) 759-8615 ext 15118 Fax: (513) 759-8633 Email: lehs.spark.opinion@gmail.com

Spark Notes The first ever issue of Spark debuted on Dec. 18, 1992. It was the first medium in which Lakota High School students could express themselves.

Unlike today’s vibrant and illustrative Spark, the first issue was black and white and contained only one graphic and 20 pages.

The origin behind Spark’s title is explained in this issue. The idea was that its purpose was to

4 | Spark | April 27, 2010

spread a new idea like “wildfire” and that action is sparked through the power of the written word.

An important story in this issue was about the change in grading scale from a 10-point scale to a seven-point scale. The issue included an infographic about other school districts that had similar grading scales, including Indian Hill, Princeton and Mariemont.

Spark Kevin Li, Dana Sand Editor-in-Chief Sally Ryan Business Manager Radhika Madhavan Design Manager Caroline Tompkins Photo Manager Tyler Castner, Anna Hartman Managing Editor Amanda Kaine Copy Director Katrina Echternacht Layout Director Lauren Ellis, Dan Garrett, Victoria Liang Entertainment Editor Alyssa Davis, Kim Shearer Feature Editor Meredith Bleuer, Liv Devitt Lifestyle Editor Jill Bange, Ariadne Souroutzidis, Kavya Sreevalsan News Editor Ryan Fay, Lisa Liu, Nitya Sreevalsan Opinion Editor Justine Chu, Mason Hood, Lucy Stephenson Package Editor Sarah Fanning, Faiz Siddiqui, Sarah Wilkinson Sports Editor Abby Buns, Logan Schneider, Heidi Yang, Sarah Zins Art Section Editor Eric Muenchen, Dan Turner Photo Section Editor Sarah Craig Business Associate Allison Korson, Anjana Jagpal Public Relations Director Brittany Bennett Survey Coordinator Dean Hume Advisor Spark is a publication that is produced at Lakota East High School. The magazine is completely student-generated through the efforts of the Journalism I, Journalism II and Journalism III-Honors classes. The publication material may not always reflect the views of the Lakota Local School District.

Content is controlled and edited by the staff editors.

The staff will publish only legally protected speech adhering to the legal definitions of libel, obscenity and the invasions of privacy.

The publication is produced every five weeks.

Production costs are covered through advertising sales, subscription sales and fundraisers. Advertising information can be obtained by writing to the business manager at the address below or at sparkbusiness@ gmail.com.

The purpose of Spark is to inform the students, faculty, subscribers and community members of news, information and issues that may influence or affect them. Spark accepts news releases, guest columns and sports information releases.

Spark is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, the Ohio Scholastic Media Association, the Northeastern Ohio Scholastic Press Association, the Journalism Education Association, Quill and Scroll and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

Spark c/o Lakota East High School 6840 Lakota Lane Liberty Township, OH 45044 Phone: (513) 759-8615 ext 15118 Fax: (513) 759-8633 Email: lehs.spark@gmail.com

From The Editor “Sleep is nothing but practice for death—it’s for the weak.”

The words came out jokingly, but I realized how well the philosophy summarized my life. As a selfproclaimed workaholic, I hate taking unnecessary breaks. So when my dad forced me to go on a family vacation to the Smoky Mountains, I was furious. It was spring break—time to finish economics through correspondence, finalize the sixth issue of Spark and get started on studying for AP tests.

Once we got there, however, it was impossible to stay angry. We arrived around midnight and the first thing I noticed was the stars—the view from the top of the cabin was absolutely stunning. In that instant, I realized exactly how rarely I look up. From sunrise to sunset, I’m stuck indoors, and before this trip, I couldn’t tell you the last time I smelled the proverbial roses.

Being stuck on a mountain changed all of that.

For the first time in a long time, I was disconnected. There was time to take walks, time to play frisbee, time for solitude, for myself, and with all of that, there was time to really appreciate nature.

I’ve heard about the importance of water conservation, sustainable living and environmentally-friendly principles, but it never really impacted my actions. No matter how scary the statistic, it never seemed as important as the scholarship deadline that was approaching—it was impossible to see the bigger picture through the noise of life. As life became bogged down by mundane task after mundane task, my definition of beauty quickly devolved from that cloudless night to the new Five Guys that opened on Tylersville and the fifth Starbucks within a four-mile radius of my house.

Yet we can’t let our fast-paced lifestyles blind us—the stakes are too high.

As Environment Ohio’s Program Director Amy Gomberg wrote, “It’s not just about the polar bears and Arctic ice-caps anymore.” As one of the largest issues of the 21st century, it isn’t something that can be put off until later.

According to the United Nations (UN) Commission for Europe, the world is “on an unsustainable energy path.” On top of that, by 2050, the UN projects that the world population will grow to 9.2 trillion people. The UN Population Fund summarizes our current predicament best: “Climate change is about people. People cause climate change. People are affected by it. People need to adapt to it. And only people have the power to stop it.”

In the past, the earth has been able to adapt to mankind’s unsustainable path. Soon, that will no longer be the case, and the consequences of continuing down this path are dire.

Nonetheless, with barely enough time to take care of myself, I find it hard to give the environment the attention it needs. To some extent, I blame my workaholic lifestyle, but it’s also hard to quantify the consequences of inaction. The easiest way to realize what’s at stake, however, is simple—take a walk. The issues may seem far off, but what can disappear is not. A walk isn’t only a break from the day’s insanity, it’s the chance to enjoy nature and appreciate how much a little sunlight can brighten a day.

So leave the cell phones at home, enjoy the outdoors and realize how quickly everything can disappear. Taking a walk is, of course, only the first step, but it’s an important one—it puts a face on the problem and only collectively can we truly make a difference.

“The easiest way to realize what’s at stake, however, is simple—take a walk.”

*Spark is printed on recycled paper.

5 | Spark | April 27, 2010

news | world map

NEWSWIRE Moscow, Russia

Reykjavik, Iceland

[April 15] Russia stopped allowing American families to adopt Russian children. The suspension occurred when seven-yearold Artyem Saveliev’s American family sent him back to Russia on a transAtlantic flight alone last week.

[April 14] A volcano erupted near the Eyjafjallajokull glacier creating floods in the local area and spewing volcanic ash. The volcanic ash caused Eurocontrol­—the group that manages European air travel—to cancel about 3,000 flights.

Sullivan, Wisconsin

[April 14] A giant fireball was visible for close to 15 minutes beginning around 10 p.m.

Reportedly the fireball was seen across parts of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. No one is aware of what caused the fireball to appear.

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

[April 15] Former President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiev resigned. According to Kazakhstan Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev, an agreement was reached between the interim government and Bakiev to ensure safe passage out of the country.

Seoul, South Korea

[April 15] South Korea raised a naval ship from the bottom of the Yellow Sea. After the wreck, 45 sailors were missing and 25 bodies were found in the hull of the ship. The ship mysteriously sunk a month ago and officials hope that raising the ship will provide clues as to what caused it to sink.

infographic ariadne souroutzidis

information www.cnn.com

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FACE VALUE

►

4

number of overtimes the East hockey team went into before winning the state championship.

photos used with paid permission http://mct1.acquiremedia.com

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148 millions of orphans in the world.

news | world map

Switching Sports Science story nick tedesco Due to an Ohio mandate that requires sports science classes to be taught by a professional certified to teach health, East and Lakota West’s sports science will no longer be considered a science credit. Instead the class will now be called sports medicine and will be counted as a health elective beginning in the 2010-11 school year.

“For years, [Mike] Moore has taught this class and we were able to award science credit because he was certified in both health and science,” said East principal Keith Kline. “As we move into the future, it is going to be important that we award credit from the appropriate department. West has a need to make the change due to staffing concerns.”

This credit adjustment, however, is not a retrospective change.

“The students who took sports science through the year 2009-10 will retain their science credit. Anyone taking the course in 2010-11 or after will receive a health elective credit,” said East guidance counselor Lauri MacNeel.

Although sports medicine will now count as .5 credits of a health course, it does not fulfill the health graduation requirement in the Lakota Local School District. Students wishing to enroll in sports medicine will also have to register for personal health, human sexuality, disease prevention or mental health to meet the graduation requirement for health.

Even though it is not eligible as a graduation requirement, MacNeel still believes sports medicine will be a popular course among the student body even though it is purely an elective credit.

“The class is still very appealing to students who are interested in any athletic or health majors. Counselors and teachers are continuing to recommend it to those students, just as we have in the past,” said MacNeel.

However, East senior Lauren Duran disagrees with MacNeel. She is currently taking sports science and believes it should remain a science credit.

“I wouldn’t have taken sports science if it didn’t count as a science. If it counted as a health credit, I would have taken another science class,” said Duran.

Although the course will be changing departments, according to Assistant Superintendant Ron Spurlock the syllabus will not be altered.

“I do not believe there will be any changes to the curriculum. The title change was made because the state lists this course as sports medicine,” said Spurlock.

As stated in the Lakota 2008-09 program of study booklet, which provides the Lakota Local School District with course descriptions of all classes available to high school students, sports science is a diverse lecture and skill oriented course [that] deals with all aspects of an athlete’s health and safety.

“Sports Science is a lecture-lab based class,” said sports science teacher Mike Moore. “The main focal point of the class is to study the human body and those body regions that are most commonly injured in sports participation. Students learn basic functional and structural anatomy, mechanisms of injury [cause] as well as injury management and treatment skills. They also learn a variety of flexible casting techniques to support an injured body part.”

Due to the fact that more health teachers are certified to instruct the course, Kline believes that switching sports science to the health department is a positive change.

“Because Mr. Moore splits his teaching assignment with being athletic trainer, we have only been able to offer three sections of the course. As more students sign up, we should be able to meet the demand because there will be more teachers certified to teach the course,” said Kline. n

21

percent of East students who admitted to stealing from the school.

►

percent of soldiers in the military that believe there is nothing wrong with serving next to a homosexual person.

POINT BLANK

“I am helping out the administration in dealing with discipline issues in the building as Mrs. Wade transitions into her new job.”

—East history teacher Clint Adkins on his role as a teacher on special assignment. (page 10)

“[Eastside Angels] came about because we were experiencing so many kids who were struggling financially.”

—East teacher Michelle Wilkerson on the creation of Eastside Angels. (page 27)

“I would like to see more options at different levels [such as bigger wheels, fog lights and a sun roof].”

—East band teacher Robert Tanis on the negative aspects of the Toyota Prius. (page 36)

“Many of his fans and myself question why his return is so soon. I learned the hard way how important it is to make sure that a golfer has his or her life under control or even just pushed out of mind.”

—East junior Sarah Wilkinson on Tiger Woods’ quick return to golfing after the scandal in November. (page 69)

“Nowhere does the constitution state that Congress has the right to force a service upon others.”

—East junior Mason Hood on the unconstitutionality of the new health care reform legislation. (page 71)

►

80

percent of East students who have not heard of green dry-cleaning.

7 | Spark | April 27, 2010

news | east news

Extreme Xlerator The hand dryers purchased for the new wing of East worked three times as fast as the older dryers.

Because of their disruption to the surrounding classes, however, the dryers have been removed. story shivang patel | infographic tommy behan

H

earing a sound as loud as a lawn mower during class is not something the average student or teacher is used to.

Every time a person dried his or her hands in the bathrooms of the new building addition, classes were interrupted by the thundering 90 decibel Xlerator hand dryers.

At the beginning of the 2009-10 school year, the Lakota Local School District purchased eight $710 motion-activated hand dryers for East as a part of the budget for the addition of the wing.

These Xlerator hand dryers were put in the four rest rooms in both levels of the wing. The new dryers replaced the push-to-start Bobrick hand dryers, which had been in the school since 1997.

Both the Xlerator and Bobrick hand dryers use 115 volts of energy to function, but the Xlerator dryer removes all water from students’ hands in 10 seconds or less, while the Bobrick dryers takes about 35 seconds to dry hands.

While the Xlerator dryers saved time, the noise was distracting for students and teachers.

The Xlerator dryers were removed due to the numerous complaints about the noise. To avoid more disruption, the dryers were taken out on Feb. 9 and 10, which were snow days when class was not in session.

“Classrooms in the vicinity of the student rest rooms in the new wing were being

disturbed,” said East Head Custodian Wayne Fornash. “The teachers asked if there was anything that could be done [to reduce noise].”

One of these teachers was East science teacher Patti Powell. Powell, whose classroom is next to the bathrooms on the first floor of the wing, was often annoyed by the dryers.

“The obnoxious, loud and disruptive [dryers were] startling for her students and even for me,” said Powell.

Powell tried to remedy the situation by closing the door, but the sound could be heard even through a closed door.

East American Sign Language teacher Sharon Coltrane, who has a class in the same area, agreed with Powell’s statements and added that she could “hear [the dryers] down the hall.”

East senior Matt Brooks, one of Coltrane’s students, agreed with his teacher.

“Oh heck yes,” said Brooks. “[The Xlerator dryers] were super annoying.”

However, East junior Alex Roy did not believe that the hand dryers were causing disturbances during class.

“The dryers were obnoxious at first, but after a couple of days I stopped noticing them,” said Roy. “They just became part of the background noise at East.”

Roy, who plays alto saxophone for the East

Thunderhawk marching band, also used the new hand dryers after school hours.

“After a very heavy rain during a football game, other marching band members and I used the Xlerator dryers to dry our instruments and uniforms,” said Roy. Though some students valued the Xlerator dryers, they were creating a disturbance during class.

After receiving several complaints, East administrators along with Fornash decided to remove the Xlerator dryers. According to Fornash, the dryers were removed in order to provide teachers and students in the affected areas a quieter place to teach and learn.

The Xlerator dryers, however, did not go to waste. They were exchanged with the Bobrick dryers in physical education and athletic locker rooms, so their noise will not bother students and teachers.

Powell said that the area is “now peaceful,” and according to Brooks, there have been “no more pointless interruptions where Mrs. Coltrane has to close the door” since the change.

Roy, who liked the efficiency of the Xlerator dryers, was upset by the changed dryers.

“I would like to see the dryers come back and actually be able to dry my hands after washing them,” said Roy. n

East’s Xlerator Is Blowing Hot Air Electrical Inlet

Blower/Motor

Temperature Sensor

Heater

The motor gains velocity upwards of 14,000 linear feet per minute (LFM), equivalent to 20,000 RPM’s or eight horsepower, an engine to a small boat.

Modulator Fan Infared Sensor

Manual Switch Body Proximity Switch

The power source is protected by an automatic resetting thermostat which shuts off the dryer when it reaches beyond 135 degrees Farenheit or is on for 35 seconds.

The infared sensor detects when the hands are under the Xlerator. The system dries the hands in 15 seconds or less.

Hand Proximity Switch

8 | Spark | April 27, 2010

1 2 3 4

Electrical inlets produce a flow of electricity, which powers the motor.

14,000 LFM

16,000 LFM

Electrical Inlet

information–u.s. patent office

news | east news

Change for Cause Pennies for Patients, an annual fund raiser set up by National Honor Society, raised $2,877.25 this year for children in the local area fighting leukemia.

Around the School

story christain rheom

E

ast students are not accustomed to seeing money walking around while they eat in the cafeteria, but that is exactly what they saw several National Honor Society (NHS) members wore cardboard coin costumes hoping to encourage them to donate.

From Feb. 8 to March 12, East students generated $2,877.25 during the Pennies for Patients fund raising campaign, which raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

East NHS organized the event and each fifth period class was instructed to bring in money and place it in the Pennies for Patients box in its classroom. The money was then collected from each classroom and the cafeteria on a daily basis by NHS members.

“I counted [money] two hours every day for three weeks,” said East senior and NHS Treasurer Theresa Peterson.

Peterson assisted in the tedious job of counting more than $100 worth of pennies, as well as other coins and bills.

NHS members set a goal of raising $3,400, trying to surpass last year’s total of $3,378. Although East students fell short of the goal, members were satisfied with the amount of money raised.

“I think that with as rocky of a start as we had getting the ball rolling for Pennies for Patients with all the snow days in February, NHS members were pleased,” said Peterson. “Everyone should be proud of what was accomplished through their hard work and generosity.”

East principal Keith Kline was proud of the students’ fund raising effort.

“I am always impressed with East.

Regardless of what we do, the students always come through. Folks came through with flying colors; it was really impressive,” said Kline.

East teacher Jason Orlando’s fifth period class raised the most money, with a total of $219.54. Orlando said that because there was a pizza party awarded to the class with the most money, his students were encouraged to donate.

However, Orlando wanted his students to donate in order to save lives, not to win pizza.

“I reminded students why they were giving. I knew some students were quite motivated by the pizza party and I didn’t want them to feel like the money was a waste if they didn’t win,” said Orlando.

In addition to generating money, another goal for NHS this year was to raise awareness of leukemia and lymphoma by sharing stories of kids who have been affected by cancer.

“Anytime a cause has a face, you’re more motivated to donate,” said Peterson.

One survivor whose story touched East students was Heritage Elementary fifth grader Megan Brankamp. Brankamp was diagnosed with leukemia two days before her third birthday, and she has recently reached her five-year remission mark. She attended the East pep rally on Feb. 12 to talk about her battle with cancer and to encourage students to donate to the cause.

“Hearing [Megan’s] story made me want to donate more. It made me realize that high school students could make a difference and help other people like her,” said East junior McKenzie Collopy.

In addition, East junior Stephanie Gregory’s four-year old cousin Charlotte Pineault in Massachusetts, was diagnosed in January with acute myeloid leukemia.

Gregory was inspired by her cousin’s battle and wanted to help by teaming up with NHS. “I wanted to let her know I was supporting her, even though I’m all the way down in Ohio,” said Gregory.

Gregory helped NHS with the Pennies for Patients campaign by telling her cousin’s story to her peers, and selling orange bracelets with ‘Charlotte’s Cause’ written on them. The money from the bracelets went to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Gregory is also selling the bracelets at other schools to raise money for her cousin’s fund.

“I decided I could help the school raise money for Pennies for Patients and I could also support my cousin at the same time,” said Gregory.

Leukemia Society Southern Ohio School and Youth Campaign Manager Betsy Ruwe also felt it was important for students to hear testimonies from patients or survivors.

“When you see the impact patients has on a family and a person, it really hits home as to why they should donate,” said Ruwe. “That’s why [the Leukemia Society] has volunteers like Megan, who are willing to tell their story and let the students understand, ‘Hey, I’m a student too, and this could happen to anyone.’” n

East students wear purple on March 30 to mourn the loss of their classmate, East sophomore Sodany April Phann, while also celebrating the life she lived.

Students organized the event through Facebook, email and text messages. Phann was killed when hit by a school bus at 6:23 on the morning of March 29.

A public visitaion was held at East on Friday April 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. for students or community members who wished to pay their respects.

East Assisstant Principal Eric Bauman gives a heartfelt speech to the East students who wore purple in memory of their classmate, Sodany April Phann. Bauman was proud of the support East students showed for Phann’s death without any input from the East administrators.

9 | Spark | April 27, 2010

news | east news

Adjusting the Administration When the Lakota Local School District created the Director of Centralized Registration, East Assistant Principal Kim Wade was chosen for the position. Now, East’s administration is compensating for Mrs. Wade working two jobs. story jordan wheeler | photo emily morrell

I

n the 2010-11 school year East Assistant Principal Kim Wade will serve as the first Director of Centralized Registration for the Lakota Local School District.

The responsibilities of the Director of Centralized Registration include ensuring the registration process follows policy guidelines and keeping the process running smoothly.

“I saw that it was a great opportunity to start from the ground up,” said Wade, regarding her new position. “I like challenges.”

Wade was interviewed for the position in the 2008-09 school year along with two other candidates. After the Lakota Board of Education approved the position last year, Wade was offered the job.

The purpose of centralized registration at one location is to reduce spending by simplifying the process of registering students at each of the districts’s 22 schools. Parents with children new to the district will now be able to register their children at one location, rather than at each child’s respective school.

“Everyone will come to the same place no

matter what school their child is enrolled in,” said Lakota Treasurer Craig Jones.

According to Jones, portables behind Union Elementary will be used for the centralized registration location.

With centralized registration, administrators at each individual school will be able to better attend to the students and their education, as registration responsibilities will no longer be the duty of the school.

“This takes the paper work off our plate and lets us focus on the students,” said East Principal Dr. Keith Kline.

For the remainder of the 2009-10 school year, Wade will remain at East as assistant principal. Because she will be juggling two jobs next year, Wade will have four data specialists with her to help with the transition. The data specialists positions have not yet been filled.

East U.S. History teacher Clint Adkins is currently helping with Wade’s transition as he serves as a Teacher on Special Assignment, helping out with operations in Student Services office for students with last names H-O during

periods five through seven.

“In this case I am helping out the administration in dealing with discipline issues in the building as Wade transitions into her new job,” said Adkins.

The East U.S. History teacher Clint position Adkins will assist Kim Wade in was offered her job transition.

by Kline to teachers who want to be administrators down the road, such as Adkins, who is working on his Master’s degree in educational administration.

However, Adkins new position is temporary; he will go back to teaching full time next year.

“Mr. Adkins was the logical choice at this time,” said Kline. n

Registering Student Voters East’s Junior Statesmen of America (JSA) club registered East students who are over 18 years old to vote in the May primaries. story kavya sreevalsan

D

uring the week of March 22 to 26, East’s Junior Statesmen of America (JSA) sponsored a school-wide voter registration drive.

“Traditionally the social studies teachers have taken it upon themselves to encourage students to vote,” said JSA advisor and East math teacher Jeff Flory. “Last year Dr. Kline approached JSA and asked if we would [run] a more formal voter registration drive. Not all seniors have social

“

So many people around the world do not have that right, and so many African Americans, women and other minorities fought for that right.

10 | Spark | April 27, 2010

”

studies classes after all.”

On Monday, March 22, and Tuesday, March 23, a table was set up in the cafeteria where people at lunch could obtain the voter registration form. For the rest of the week, social studies teachers were given forms and encouraged students to register.

To fill out a form, one needs their name, address, birth date, Ohio’s driver’s license number or the last 4 digits of your social security number, and your signature.

“We tried to make it easy for [students].

[Students] give us the form and we will stamp it and send it. Then you’re registered,” said Flory.

After registering, students will receive a confirmation letter that will indicate the location of the precinct where they are to vote.

“The goal is to get people involved in their country; it’s important to have everyone vote,” said East senior Sam Earlywine, who handed out forms during lunch. “If people are voting, they’re usually informed on the issues. It makes them an overall better, [more] educated person.”

All together, JSA was able to register about

40 East students.

“If there was not a drive at school, I would not have registered to vote,” said East senior Christina Lin. During the drive, JSA was encouraged to find that many seniors had already registered to vote outside the school sponsored drive.

“I got a form from the guidance counselor and registered when I was 18 to get it over with,” said East senior Andrew Huster who is also a member of JSA. “I want to make important decisions and have my voice heard.”

Though the drive is now over, students can still register to vote. Forms can be obtained from social studies teachers, in room 127 from Flory or online. However, students will have to mail the form themselves. In order to vote in the May 4 primaries, one must be registered by April 5. “[Students should register] because it’s our right [to vote]. Because so many people around the world don’t have that right and so many African Americans, women and other minorities fought for that right. Because it’s our duty as Americans,” said Earlywine. n

Confronting Contract Compromises As the contract expiration date approaches, the Lakota Education Association and Lakota administrators are hoping to complete contract negotiations as soon as possible so teachers can focus on instruction time.

story kaity conner

W

ith the district levy vote coming up in May and teacher contracts running out on June 30, the Lakota Education Association (LEA) finds itself in the midst of contract negotiations once again.

“Negotiations are going on right now,” said Lakota Local Schools superintendant Mike Taylor. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed for us that it will go very positively. Both sides are committed to getting an agreement.”

The LEA and the Lakota administration are hoping to reach this agreement as quickly and effectively as possible.

“We certainly want to have that contract done before the current contract [expires],” said Taylor. “But our goal is really to have it done within the next couple weeks.”

East chemistry teacher and LEA Negotiations committee chairman John Severns hopes negotiations conclude swiftly.

“We’re professional teachers, not professional negotiators,” said Severns. “If we can wrap it up sooner, we think it’s in everybody’s best interest.”

Negotiations have also become a prominent financial issue as local families consider whether or not to vote for the upcoming levy.

“It’s interesting because the community, more so than ever before, is very aware that negotiations are occurring and are very vocal on how they feel negotiations should go,” Taylor said. “They’ve sent me a lot of e-mails and have called me because everybody has an opinion. I think people are watching the negotiations very carefully. I truly think it will impact the levy not just this time but also when we have to go for future levies as well.”

In order to provide information about the budget for the community, administrators and teachers canvassed the crowds at Lakotafest

wearing buttons bearing the message, “ASK ME ABOUT LAKOTA FINANCES.”In addition, brochures detailing the district’s future budget were made available to those in attendance at Lakotafest. Also, families looking for information about Lakota’s financial standing found a listing of teacher salaries in a March 19 edition of the Pulse Journal. But LEA president Judy Buschle feels that readers may have been confused by the numbers they saw. “[The published salaries] are not explained very well,” Buschle said. “There are teachers who [coach] every sport all year long and they do summer things. I don’t know that the Pulse Journal really explains that because sometimes the salaries look a lot higher than what they really are because it’s not the salary, it’s the salary plus all of the teachers’ supplementals.”

Lakota families have also read about Lakota’s proposed “buyouts”—offering 430 teachers and support staff a severance package with an average of $45,000 per teacher and $15,000 per support staffer paid over the years. While this issue may not directly influence contract negotiations, it does have an effect on Lakota’s financial future.

“I don’t know if the severance package will affect negotiations as much as it might affect some of the reductions that we’re going through—some of the younger staff that might be losing their jobs,” said Taylor. “If some of the veteran staff decides to take the severance package, it might create some openings where we’ve had to reduce the number of younger teachers.”

Because the deadline for teachers to accept the severance package is April 23, at this time, it is unknown how many teachers plan on accepting the severance.

Superintendent Mike Taylor overlooks a board meeting.

Taylor is part of the committee that will decide the teacher contracts during negotiations.

“It’s really not a buyout,” said Buschle. “It is an incentive to go. There’s really a big difference in a buyout, although I would say the public sector calls them ‘buyouts.’ For every teacher that goes, there’s a savings to Lakota, just like at [large companies].”

According to Taylor, these savings will greatly impact Lakota and its ability to maintain programs and provide “a very quality education” in the future.

“The reduction package that we just went through is really our new reality and we have to do business differently,” said Taylor. “The current reduction package didn’t eliminate any programs. What I’m fearful of is if the levy goes down, what will begin to happen is that we will begin eliminating programs.”

Programs which are not deemed necessary by state standards will be the first considered for elimination. These programs include music, art, physical education, honors and advanced placement courses.

“Lakota takes those [elective] programs for granted,” Taylor said. “They impact students in a very positive way, so I would hate to see some of those programs go. Those class sizes generally are one teacher to 15 to 18 students. When your regular classes are having one teacher to 30 students, it’s hard to justify [elective] programs.

That becomes very tough in keeping those programs afloat.”

In order to keep those elective programs running, Buschle, Severns and the LEA hope to keep as many teachers in classrooms as possible.

“Our goal is to try to preserve as many teachers as we can because you have to have teachers to run programs,” said Buschle. “We don’t want to see programs cut; we don’t want to see teachers cut—they go hand in hand.” n

11 | Spark | April 27, 2010

news | prom update

At the Prom Summit hosted at Miami University’s Middletown campus, students from East and Lakota West learned about the hazards that accompany activities that occur after prom. A totaled car, provided by the Butler County Police Department, was stationed outside as a visual to demonstrate the ramifications of drunk driving. The Summit also discussed the growing popularity of drug use at prom, which provides even more dangerous possibilities.

Prom Summit’s Sober Message East students brainstormed ideas on how to make the annual prom a safer experience for all the students attending while . story and photos megan fogel

W

hen walking into the ballroom on the night of May 22, twinkling lights and colored streamers would indicate that the anxiously awaited event, prom, would be purely magical. But what one does not often get a glimpse of is the dangerous side of prom: crashed vehicles trapping terrified juniors by the side of the road or seniors passed out at 6 a.m.

Sunday morning.

East administrators hope that standards at prom change this year. Some East students are also taking actions to ensure that prom is safer for future and current attendees.

On March 4, student leaders from East attended a Prom Summit event at Miami University’s Middletown campus. The purpose of the summit was for 140 students from eight school districts to brainstorm ideas to make this year’s prom experience safer.

The summit attendees were broken up into small groups for discussion. During this time, 10 student leaders from East and Lakota West talked about methods to encourage a sober Prom night. In addition, the Butler County Police Department provided a totaled car for the summit meeting, which was positioned outside to show attendees the dangerous possibility on prom night.

“The goal of all of these ideas is to provide a way to have a fun night, but at the same time to discourage unsafe activity,” said East sophomore

12 | Spark | April 27, 2010

and peer counselor Mimi Dewberry.

As in previous years, East is planning a White-Out Day. The day before prom, East students who have been nominated by their teachers will be pulled from class by a grim reaper character, and their faces will be painted to symbolize the death of a victim of drunk driving. Prom T-shirts, which previously funded prom decorations, will also raise money for the new programs which work to keep irresponsible students off the roads.

This year, a new precaution is being introduced to ensure safety during prom.

Students must have arrived at prom by a the cutoff time of 9 p.m. or their parents will be called.

Administrators hope that this change will cause teens to refrain from the use of alcohol and drugs prior to prom, consequently making West Chester roads safer for everyone on prom night.

Another plan is for Lakota elementary school students to write letters to juniors and seniors planning to attend East’s prom.

“The letters would put peer pressure to use in a positive way. The elementary student would explain that he or she hopes the high school student has a safe prom,” according to Tom Kelechi, President of Butler Country Alcohol and Chemical Abuse Council, who partially facilitated the Summit.

“When a high school student reads that a number of kids are looking up to them, it will

have an impact on the decisions that they will make,” said East Principal Dr. Keith Kline.

According to a survey of 500 East students, 27 percent said they planned to consume alcohol before or after prom. To provide alternatives to drinking and driving, East’s Prom Committee is planning to give discounts at local businesses to students with good behavior at prom. These would include discounts at restaurants between 5 and 8 p.m. and in the early morning for breakfast, as well as raffle prizes available to students who arrive early on prom night.

During the week of OGT testing—March 15 to 19—juniors and seniors attended an assembly stressing the importance of following the laws regarding underage drinking. Andy Alanis of the Ohio Investigative Unit explained that drinking, buying, possessing, attempting to buy or contributing money to the purchase of alcohol can lead a student to be arrested.

According to Alanis, arrests for underage drinking are more common in an area like West Chester because alcohol is so readily available.

“Arrests are much more frequent on the night of prom in any community; authorities are paying much more attention that night,” said Alanis.

But if the tactics to reduce drinking as planned in the prom summit meeting are successful, these arrests of East students should be reduced. n

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news | budget

Neglecting Nurses Due to financial restraints, the Lakota Local School District is cutting back on the number of registered nurses in schools and replacing them with clinic aides.

PART FOUR in a four-part series

Each issue the Spark will cover a single budget aspect. This issue covers the Board’s plan to address Lakota finances.

story victoria reick-mitrisin | infographic rashma faroqui

W

hen students return to the Lakota Local School District for the 2010-11 school year, they will be greeted by a series of cuts in every aspect of school.

Along with cuts in extracurricular activities and busing, the Lakota Local School Board will replace five and a half school fulltime school nurses with clinic aides to provide students with the necessary in-school care while reducing costs.

The switch will save the district $188,000 per year, but the district’s employees will be less qualified. Aides must be certified as clinic aides, and it is recommended that clinic aides be Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certified.

In comparison, registered nurses must have a degree in education and be capable of handling emergencies without doctors at their disposal.

“I would be concerned that [clinic aides] do not have enough specific information on how to help her quickly and in the right way,” said Patty Grasty, East sophomore Erin Grasty’s mother.

Erin is faced with several different types of epileptic seizures and regularly visits the school nurse. Her seizures range from absence, where she stares off into space, to grand mals, where she has no control of her movement. These seizures can occur at any time and must be handled differently, depending on the particular type of seizure. Along with seizures, Erin has a severe allergy, which appeared in fourth grade, to an unknown substance that can stimulate an allergic reaction at any given moment.

Because the school nurse works closely with students on a daily basis, East Head Nurse Peggy Bourke feels that school nurses are far more involved in the awareness in the community than a nurse that works at a hospital.

“The goal [of a school nurse is] a little different,” said Bourke, who worked at Children’s hospital before working as a Lakota nurse for the past 24 years. “At a hospital, you know [the patients are] sick. In a school, kids have a variety of needs, you don’t know what to expect.”

Nurses must be ready to make difficult

“

I would be concerned that [clinic aides] do not have enough specific information on how to help her quickly and in the right way.

14 | Spark | April 27, 2010

”

decisions anytime during the day, particularly if medically fragile students attend the school.

“Especially with [my daughter], Erin, even in this day and age a lot of people don’t know how to help her if she has a seizure at school,” said Patty.

Patty is particularly East head nurse Peggy worried about her Boerke is concerned about the upcoming youngest son, Garrison, cuts in the nursing staff. who visits the nurse between once a month to twice a week. Each time that a clinic aide assists Garrison in the nurse’s office, Patty must speak with the aide about the specifics of his situation, sometimes spending up to 15 minutes that Garrison would normally spend in class. “[John] wastes a lot of instruction time sitting in the nurse’s office,” said Patty. “If there was an actual nurse in the building, he or she would know exactly what to do.”

Along with her children, one of Patty’s exchange students fainted while at East. Since there was no nurse on duty at the time, the student had to be rushed to the hospital without any prior assessment or care.

“There are 2,000 kids with 2,000 problems,” said Patty. “I would certainly feel better if there was a certified nurse at school [with them].”

According to the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), the nurse at the school should “take the lead” in determining how the school will properly attend to the students.

NASN also states that aides can be used if there are specific budget issues that are preventing the school from staffing nurses and can even enrich the nursing program. The NASN says that aides should only be used under the supervision of school nurses if possible. According to the most recent version of the NASN website, “Clerical aides who only provide clerical support to the health services program should not be expected to provide direct student health care to students.”

The incremental change from nurses to aides is not enough to convince Bourke that the aides will be a suitable replacement.

“We don’t know how any individual student will act in an emergency situation,” said Bourke.

“School nurses have been in those different

situations and understand how to react.”

Bourke has six years of nursing education experience. She worked at Cincinnati Children’s hospital and has been a nurse for Lakota Local School District for the past 24 years.

“I don’t see how someone can come in without the knowledge—without the education that a nurse has— and make these decisions that affect kids,” said Bourke.

In addition, Bourke believes that a good example of a medical professional will not be seen by students without school nurses. School nurses, however, are not directly state funded, something that Bourke feels should be addressed to provide proper health care for students.

According to Lakota Local School District Superintendent Mike Taylor, the district is already ahead of most schools when it comes to their nursing program.

“There’s no other school district in the state that has a [health care staff] model like Lakota,” said Taylor. “We just don’t have the money to sustain it.”

Lakota Local School Board Vice President Ben Dibble believes that nursing cuts will not affect students in any major way.

“It’s important to understand that we are not cutting out nurses [completely],” said Dibble.

“We are not leaving the students unsupported.”

Lakota Local School District Treasurer Craig Jones agrees with Dibble and Taylor, who feel that the safety of the students is not a factor that will be changed after the nursing program is restructured.

“We think the changes will be beneficial,” said Jones. “We won’t sacrifice the safety or the health of the students by making that change.” n

news | lakotafest

The Best of Lakotafest At Lakota West High School on Saturday, March 27, Lakotafest showcased Lakota Local School District’s various clubs and programs. story nathan dibble | photos claire feyche

L

akotafest, the fifth annual celebration of the Lakota Local School District and its students, was hosted at Lakota West High School on March 27. This year’s event was the largest Lakotafest ever as an estimated 12,000 people attended.

Lakotafest originally started as Yesfest which was a levy committee activity during the 2005 levy cycle. Yesfest allowed the community to see the high standards that the district had for the education of its students. The district liked the Yesfest idea and turned it into Lakotafest, an event where students and community members have the opportunity to visit booths featuring various Lakota programs. As the event grew, the focus shifted from passing a levy to celebrating the students.

To organize the event, a Lakotafest committee was formed to handle all of the planning. This year, Kathy Cook, a 12year resident of the Lakota Local School District and a Lakota parent, took over the leading role as committee chair.

“This year we made several changes,” said Cook, who has been on the Lakotafest committee since its beginning as Yesfest. “We changed the food vendors, had the inflatables donated, brought in 23 non-profit groups and had King’s Island sponsor a scavenger hunt around Lakotafest.”

The purpose of the scavenger hunt was to bring people to the places at Lakotafest that they might not have seen otherwise. In addition, those who completed the search were entered into a drawing for King’s Island tickets.

Additionally, Lakotafest raises money for the programs that it showcases.

Last year, a total of $5,000 was raised at Lakotafest for the elementary school art programs. This year, raffle basket proceeds benefited We Care Lakota, a Lakota Central Office organization that provides the neediest of Lakota’s students with clothes and supplies.

As the 2010 levy approaches, taxpayers might be critical of how the Lakota Local School District finds funds for such a large event without an admittance charge. The district, however, did not pay for Lakotafest. Instead, the Lakotafest committee partnered with local businesses to fund the event. A percentage of the money earned through food sales and business sponsorship paid for the event.

For the cost of $100, any business was

able to distribute a flyer in the community bags which were given out at the entrance at Lakotafest.

To lessen the cost of the event even more, volunteers ran Lakotafest. “[The Lakotafest Committee] gets more student helpers than adults, but everyone is just great,” said Jodi Krusling, who was in charge of organizing the 200 volunteers for the event. “We couldn’t do it all without them.”

East junior Caitlin Richman worked at Lakotafest to fulfill the community service requirement for her government class. Richman spent Thursday and Friday packing community bags and selling drinks during the event on Saturday.

“I didn’t know what I was really getting into, but volunteering was worth it,” said Richman. “I was so glad that people showed up, because I didn’t think anyone would go to Lakotafest. Everyone I saw was having fun, and it was a great opportunity for people to see what Lakota is all about.”

Lakotafest was also a way to bring awareness to Lakota students and schools.

Elementary and high school visual art displays lined Lakota West’s halls.

Kindergarten and elementary chorus groups sang in the cafeteria and high school vocal ensembles sang in the theater.

In the main hall, jazz bands from the junior highs and high schools performed for attendees, all of which represented Lakota music programs.

With possible cuts, the arts that were showcased during Lakotafest might face reductions in the years to come. Although it has a history of bringing awareness to the levy and the arts, Lakotafest did not focus specifically on the levy; instead the event focused on the students of Lakota.

“Lakotafest is an absolutely unique concept to celebrate Lakota and bring together its 18,000 students,” said Cook. “It’s not a time to give out levy propaganda.” Lakota Board of Education vice president Ben Dibble understands Lakotafest is a celebration of Lakota but emphasizes that the levy is critical to preventing future cuts.

“Making cuts is incredibly difficult for the board and the district, especially when we are cutting jobs and people,” said Dibble. “I think it’s great that Lakotafest shows everyone how great the district is and how much could change if more cuts were made.” n

Various activities and games were set up in the Lakota West gym for visitors at Lakotafest. Here, an elementary school student shoots free throws to show Lakota spirit.

The East men’s ensemble performs with piano accompaniment in the Lakota West auditorium. East choirs are directed by Rebecca Huddilston and Trudy Underwood.

Lakota students display their paintings, wire sculptures and pottery on tables around Lakota West during Lakotafest.

15 | Spark | April 27, 2010

news | school theft

THE

BEATING SYSTEM

From stealing in stores to pirating music, theft is a common problem in the United States. Spark goes in-depth about how it is affecting the students in our area. story alyssa davis, allison korson, anna hartman, ariadne souroutzidis photos dan turner

16 | Spark | April 27, 2010

East Uncovered

D

uring the 2007-08 school year, there were a few thefts from the East Spirit Shop. According to the proprietress, Janet Huening, students took candy from the desk when she turned around to take an item down from the wall.

At the time there was not enough shelving on the walls to put all the candy out of the reach of students.

Inadequate shelving and students’ lack of respect for others’ belongings not only caused a loss of money for Huening but also a loss of trust in the students.

There were only three students who repeatedly committed the crimes, and the losses were small. However, it bothered Huening, known affectionately as “Grandma” by students, that the students could not keep their hands off things that did not belong to them.

“The [students] who did steal from me in here were very brazen about it.

They didn’t care, and that surprised me,” said Huening.

East Assistant Principal Christopher Kloesz agrees with Huening that it is “sad” students would steal as the candy shop is in place for their benefit.

Despite this, Huening does not see theft as a big issue at East.

When 620 East students were surveyed, 21 percent admitted to stealing from the school. This includes doughnuts from the Athletic Department, sports equipment from the gym, cookies from bake sales and supplies from teachers. In addition, 19 percent of the surveyed students admitted to stealing from East’s cafeteria.

East Principal Keith Kline admits that the numbers are high and that the administration is often frustrated with the issues surrounding theft.

“There are going to be cases where we have things stolen,” said Kline. “[But] we don’t have computers walking out the door, which is amazing when you think about how many people come into this building every day.”

Whether theft is or is not a prevalent issue at East does not negate the fact that it occurs.

Although students have admitted to stealing doughnuts on block day, East Athletic Director Richard Bryant, who is in charge of the doughnut sales, does not feel that it is a huge issue.

“I have worked in four schools, including this building,” said Bryant. “I would say that [East] has the smallest [theft] issue between the four.”

Lakota substitute teacher Kathy Eves agrees that, comparatively, East does not have a problem. She worked as a teacher in the Middletown district for 13 years and said that the theft problem was much different there. When teachers were absent and substitutes had to fill in, teachers would give keys to the substitutes to prevent additional occurrences of theft. If teachers needed to use the restroom or go down the hall, they would lock their doors.

Students were not allowed in rooms without teachers.

The Facts On Thieves Female shoplifters outnumber male shoplifters 20 to one.

Nine out of 10 shoplifters are under age 30.

49% of shoplifters attend college. $

45% of all shoplifters are middle-income, 28% are highincome and 27% are low-income.

Types of Shoplifters: Professionals: Plan out a strategy, which makes them difficult to catch.

Amateurs: Make up a majority of shoplifters and are nervous and self-conscious.

Drug Users: Steal to fund their drug habits.

Kleptomaniacs: Not many people fall in this category, as it is a psychological disorder that causes people to want to steal.

Vagrants: Often steal to survive, taking food and clothing. information-www.safetycops.com

17 | Spark | April 27, 2010

infographic kim shearer

During an assembly at Garfield, an alternative school where Eves worked, a student left the assembly and stole Eves’ phone from her unlocked room.

The phone was priced at around $300. “[The student] actually got [the phone] out of my briefcase and stole it,” said Eves. “The administration did absolutely nothing to her. She never apologized, and nothing was taken from her.”

After such an experience, Eves does not see theft as a big issue at East; she realizes, however, that it occurs.

“As big as the school is, I don’t think that we have a tremendous problem with theft,” said Huening. “I think all in all the kids respect the belongings of [others].”

To Kline, the school is simply a reflection of society.

“I think that our school is really a microcosm of the community as a whole. Unfortunately, there are folks that steal,” said Kline.

For those who do steal, there are punishments in place.

“If we had [a first time offender, the punishment] would be repayment and some detention time,” said Kline. “I want to be able to trust our students, and I feel, for the most part, that we can.”

Huening said that her plan for punishment is initially “tongue lashing” and then sending the student to the assistant principal if they steal again.

According to the Lakota Student Code of Conduct, theft can be punished by any of the options listed under a second-level offense. Punishment for theft from other students or school staff can range from detention and inschool suspension to a report to Juvenile Court or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In extreme cases, theft can be considered a third-level offense.

“In addition to the disciplinary consequences that are listed in the Code of Conduct, criminal charges can also be filed,” said Kloesz. “Like all offenses, the penalty depends on the severity of the crime.”

Some students commit crimes that would be considered “small,” but they still must be punished.

East U.S. History and AP Economics teacher Amy Florence spends about $10 to $20 a year of her own money on supplies that are taken. This money comes from her own funds and not the money distributed to each teacher by the departments at the beginning of the year.

Though such instances do not occur with the same frequency at East, it is still an issue.

“It would be unfortunate and misguided for students to steal from the very people who are trying to help them improve their quality of life,” said Kline.

“I think our staff does a great job of security in their own classroom.”

While some students might steal from teachers without thinking, it is possible that some students steal school supplies due to financial situations.

“We have a lot of support systems in place if [there] is truly an issue of need,” said Kline. “I have gone out and bought notebook paper for kids before because I knew they didn’t have the money.”

East also offers reduced lunch or free lunch programs for those in need.

Even with these programs, however, students still steal from the cafeteria.

“I stole a cookie,” said East junior Jane Lee*. “I figured everyone else does it—it is not that big of a deal.”

According to a survey of East students, 67 percent of 620 surveyed students have seen students stealing from the cafeteria. Though the cafeteria is funded by Child Nutrition, not by Lakota Local Schools, it is treated like other thefts from the school.

According to the Director of Child Nutrition, Chris Burkhardt, though there is a problem in the cafeteria, it is not prevalent.

“On a high day, we can lose from $20-25 dollars,” said Burkhardt. “It is a problem, but I’m not sure I would classify it as significant.”

The most common thefts from the cafeteria occur within the food court, where students get the food. The food is eaten before the students are checked out, generally, these foods are french fries and sandwiches.

Cafeteria workers are expected to look for empty containers and report the students to the administration.

“My solution to [theft in the cafeteria] is a simple one: if I don’t trust you in the cafeteria lines, then you do not get to go through the lines,” said Kline. “I think that is a reasonable consequence for someone stealing out of the cafeteria.”­—Alyssa Davis *Name changed for privacy.

news | school theft

Looting Other Students

A

t the end of the day, a student opens up her locker expecting to take everything home and they are gone. Her valuable items are no longer in her locker—her cell phone and wallet along with cash and credit cards were stolen.

This happened to East senior Erin Pollock along with East graduates Aimee Peng and Marissa Woodrick near the end of the 2008-09 school year. All three of them believed that their lockers were secured. The administration said they would look through the videotapes to find a suspect, but their belongings were never returned to them.

Although it is not widely acknowledged, theft often occurs at East.

Similar items are frequently stolen throughout the school, and they are mainly taken from lockers which are not properly secured.

“Personal electronics, cell phones, iPods and calculators are stolen most often,” said East Assistant Principal Christopher Kloesz. “The ironic thing [is that] all the items that you’re not supposed to bring to school are the items that are stolen at school.”

According to East Resource Officer Doug Hale, thefts are reported a couple times a week and he believes they occur almost every day.

“You wouldn’t believe how many times we look at a [video]tape and we’ll see kids go right down the lockers to find out which ones are open,” said Hale. “They’ll take the backpack out, go to the restroom, get what they want and then put the backpack back. When you’re going home, you don’t think anything is wrong. But when you go to get your iPod or whatever you’ve got, it’s not there.”

The most common place for items to be stolen at school is in the gym and athletic locker rooms, according to Kloesz and Hale. Many students do not lock their lockers in these areas and cameras are not located there.

“Just two weeks ago there were three phones, a couple iPods, cash and a girl’s wallet that of course had her driver’s license and her debit card [in it],” said Hale.

Hale sees a trend that the number of items stolen increases at the beginning of each sport’s season.

“Once football conditioning started, for the first week or two I probably had two dozen calls from parents because their kid was in weightlifting and he had something stolen,” said Hale. “When basketball and wrestling started, the same thing happened. There’s a trend more at the beginning and then it dies down. There’s probably a couple hundred kids going to do weightlifting for football, but then you start weeding out the ones that don’t really want to do it and most of the time, those are your thieves.”

Kloesz reminded the students to keep their lockers securely closed at all times, especially when there is something valuable inside. “[Theft] is going to happen to you anywhere, not just at school. If you go to the mall, if you go up the street to get something to eat, if you leave your car unlocked, then someone is going to take your things.

Unfortunately, it’s the kind of world we live in,” said Kloesz. “And especially with such small electronic devices that are worth so much money, it is easy for someone to steal that and then make money off it.”

The school does as much as it can to prevent theft from occurring, but Kloesz and Hale agree that most of the responsibility lies with the students.

“There isn’t much more we can do. We have cameras installed and we have policies in place to try and prevent [theft],” said Kloesz, who saw similar problems at Sycamore High School, where he previously taught.

“Our maintenance around here is fantastic as far as making sure locker combinations work.”

Once a theft is reported, the administrators first look at the videotapes from the school cameras to see if they can catch the student who stole the item(s). Once the administrators have a suspect, they question and charge the student as needed.

“There is an actual protocol and policy in place that we can administer here depending on the dollar amount of the value of the item(s) stolen,” said Kloesz. “Often, there are criminal charges that accompany those school consequences. It is easy to press criminal charges if a small electronic device with a high dollar amount is stolen.”

According to Hale, any item stolen under $500 is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Anything stolen between $500 and $5,000 is a felony of the fifth degree, a more severe charge.

“If it’s one of their first times, they will probably get an in-school suspension but if it is the sixth or seventh time, they could be suspended,” said Hale. “In court it also depends how many times they’ve been there.

You can pay a fee, pay any reimbursement, perform community service or even be sent to jail.”

The students can be sent to a prison for juveniles like the Department of Youth Services in Columbus where they often have rehabilitation for drugs or alcohol.

“The first thing I try to do is get the item back if I can. Then I charge them, but I [usually] won’t arrest them,” said Hale. “[Although on occasion] I have taken them down to Butler County Juvenile Detention Center and they stay down there for the night until they have court the next day.”

As for those whose belongings get stolen during school, there usually is no course of action beyond waiting and hoping for the best.

“A few weeks ago my iPod and cell phone were stolen out of my locker,” said East junior Danielle Favors. “I reported it to Mr. Bauman and he was able to watch the videotapes, find someone suspicious and after a couple days get [my cell phone and iPod] back to me.”

Favors believes that she may have accidentally preset her locker that day. Unlike Favors, some students are not fortunate enough to get their belongings back.

“Recovery rate for a cell phone or iPod that’s been stolen is slim to none,” said Hale.

Many times, the students sell the item to make a profit right away. But, according to Hale, if the electronic device has a GPS-locator in it, it is possible to retrieve it.

“If students bring [valuables] to school, if they would just lock their lockers, don’t preset them, things wouldn’t be stolen,” said Hale. “They need to secure their items either in their car or in their lockers.” ­—Allison Korson

The Five-Finger Discount

F

or many people, childhood shopping trips are associated with memories of being carried out of Meijer after throwing a tantrum, getting lost from parents in the array of Walmart shopping aisles or stealing a chocolate bar from Target­—only to be discovered later by an angry mother and escorted back into the store to apologize and pay back the cost of the candy bar.

A similar experience is known to East senior Ashley Lee*.

“When I was a little kid, I stole candy while shopping at Kroger with my mom,” said Lee. “I had to give it back when she finally figured out why I had

If you go to the mall, if you go up the street to get something to eat, if you leave your car unlocked then someone is going to take your things.

18 | Spark | April 27, 2010

Five Finger Discount Thwarted

Razor Blades

While stores are hit up for ‘free’ merchandise, managers and staff have taken note of items most frequently stolen. Manufacturers take this bit of knowledge and fight it with Source Tagging, which is the placement of sensory tags onto the product. Below are the top eight ‘tagged’ items. While some of them seem obvious, others may surprise you.

Batteries

Make up

Computer Goods

Alcohol

DVDs/CDs information www.theftresearch.org

four suckers in my mouth.”

For Lee, a habit of shoplifting developed in addition to the recollections of typical childhood theft.

“It started with just little things—gum, candy, pens and pencils,” said Lee, who cites items taken from the Internet as the “most outrageous” things she has stolen.

A 13-year-old Lee was told by her friend about a credit card generator that tricks the company into believing the customer has paid in the absence of a legitimate payment.

“I didn’t take it too seriously, but I went to the site,” explained Lee. “It worked. I received two t-shirts, a pair of shoes, three DVDs and a few vinyl records in the mail a few days later. Then I spent the next six months freaking out and hiding all of the items in my room.”

According to Eric Dramis, manager of the Kroger Marketplace located across the street from East, theft of such minor items is common among teenagers.

“People in their teenage years generally steal items like cell phone accessories and cosmetics,” said Dramis. “ If I had to rank, it’d probably be cosmetics, alcohol and then cell phone accessories.”

East senior Bonnie Jacobson* can relate to theft of small items, as she shoplifts approximately a couple times a month.

“It’s always petty stuff—nothing over $10. It’s just because I don’t want to pay or don’t have money,” said Jacobson. “I don’t want to waste my money on things that are so stupid or minor, like makeup, toy things that are just cute, sunglasses or sometimes clothes. I steal and don’t feel bad most of the time because it’s small stuff like $8 for some eyeliner. No one wants to pay that.”

Thought processes like Jacobson’s are present in many teens, as a survey of 620 East students expresses that 27 percent have shoplifted.

Although Dramis is “scared to a degree” by the survey revealing 1015 percent more shoplifters than he would have guessed, he certainly acknowledges the presence of theft from high school students. “[It’s surprising] how much [theft] we actually have and how much of it is

from [East],” said Dramis. “At this store, a third of it is probably high school students, but half of that is our proximity to [East].”

Brian Brown, a police officer for the city of North College Hill who frequently investigates shoplifting, noted similar estimates, stating that “about 40 percent of [those convicted of shoplifting] are high school kids.”

A universal retail term known as “shrink” is determined by stores in attempts to approximate the amount of money lost due to shoplifting or other causes. The number is calculated by adding results from a store inventory of products with the sum of bills paid to the store. The amount sold is then subtracted to provide the store with the shrink figure.

While shrink does indicate the amount of shoplifted materials, it also includes other forms of losses, such as products damaged in delivery or when put on shelves by store associates, as well as any perishable items that have gone to waste.

Still, Dramis budgets for a two percent shrink per year at Kroger; however, the store’s overall budget could not be revealed.

“Keep in mind that two percent of our budget is a lot of money. We are a very big store, and we are very busy,” said Dramis, who has found two percent to be an average amount of loss amongst most stores.

However, Jeanette Smith*, manager of Maurices, a small corporate clothing store, states a smaller amount of shrink at 1.5 percent, which she attributes primarily to “a loyal customer base” and strict dressing room operations.

Likewise, Dramis strives to prohibit shoplifting through building relationships with his customers.

“If someone looks really fishy, I go up and talk to them. I make sure that they know I see them and know what they’re doing. I make good eye contact with them,” said Dramis. “If it is a legitimate person, we just took an interest in them. And if it’s not, they start thinking twice about taking what they have on them. [That’s when] we’ll find stuff that gets dumped. They’ll head off around the store somewhere where they think nobody can see them and they’ll dump the product.”

But when it comes to dumping products and proving the theft, Katie

19 | Spark | April 27, 2010

infographic emily merrick

Perfumes

Video Games

news | school theft Moss*, an assistant manager at a local shoe store, whose company name must remain anonymous according to the store’s policy, is frustrated with the store’s strict policy regarding theft, which states that she must witness a shoplifter enter the store, conceal the merchandise and exit without paying for the product.

“I’ll see people walk out and I know they have my shoes, but there’s nothing I can [legally] do about it,” said Moss.

However, Kroger Marketplace has other security standards in place to provide proof when an incident of theft is suspected.

“We’ve got human mechanisms, and we’ve got electronic mechanisms,” said Dramis.

Kroger Marketplace employs night security, advanced cameras and sensors called Electronic Article Surveillance which sound an alarm if an unpaid material is taken outside of the store.

“Our cameras have DVRs attached to them. They have the ability to basically turn back time and watch. You see a lot,” said Dramis, referencing a recent incident in which East students stole alcohol from Kroger on the evening of Feb. 19.

“Not too long ago, there were some kids stealing beer from Kroger. It was after a basketball game one night and [a Kroger employee] called me. So I went over there and looked at the videos [with East Assistant Principal Eric Bauman],” said East Resource Officer Doug Hale. “You wouldn’t believe how good their cameras are.”

However, not every East student is caught when shoplifting from a store. According to a survey of 620 students, of the 136 who admitted to shoplifting, 27 percent have been caught and convicted.

Dramis warns that upon being convicted, charges will be pressed.

“When we catch them, we prosecute them. The police get involved every time,” said Dramis.

According to Brown, the legal ramifications of theft vary depending on the item stolen.

“We’ve got two different ways [to deal with cases of shoplifting]. We can send them to an official juvenile court. Basically, they’ll have a charge hanging over their heads, but in lieu of going downtown, they can work some community service through the city. Or, they can be charged and transferred down to the jail,” explained Brown.

Jacobson was caught shoplifting at Macy’s department store, but was not convicted of petty theft. Regardless, she fears the consequences of being convicted of the crime.

“I know I will regret it if that one day comes when I do get caught, especially for the petty things I take. [I would hate to be charged] for something so insignificant [as a stuffed animal or pair of sunglasses],” said Jacobson.

Upon one shoplifting experience, Lee was also caught but not convicted.

While shopping at American Apparel, she took clothing, including a dress and a sweatshirt, into a fitting room with the intent of stealing it.

However, the store employee later questioned her about the location of the sweatshirt that was taken into the dressing room. Telling him

27%

of 620 East students have shoplifted

that she had put the item back, she tried to leave but was then asked into the back room where she was questioned in privacy about the location of the item.

“I told him the truth and I took it off,” said Lee. “He looked like I had cheated him or something. I felt really bad and couldn’t apologize enough, so I decided to buy the overpriced sweatshirt. It was incredibly awkward because I had ripped off the tags so he had to look it up in the system, which took about five minutes.”

Although charges were not pressed, Lee felt guilty about her theft.

“I didn’t go back into that American Apparel for at least a year. It also was the end of my chronic shoplifting,” said Lee. Although her shoplifting patterns have been reduced from monthly to biannual occurrences, she justifies the theft as a means of “balancing the system.”

“Sometimes I think that it’s just not that big of a deal. Walmart isn’t going to notice a pack of socks gone and Kohl’s isn’t going to notice a tank top, and I need this stuff. I guess I feel that big retailers are always slightly ripping me off, so stealing from them is my payback,” said Lee. However, Dramis explains that the budgeted two percent of shrink ultimately raises prices for every consumer.

“We have a certain amount of profit that we need to make in order to stay open. We are forced to price our products so that we can make that amount of money to pay our people, to pay for their health care and all of those expenses that are associated with having employees,” said Dramis.

“Budgeting about two percent of our sales to be stolen means we are forced to raise our prices to accommodate for an expense like shoplifting. So [shoplifters] are causing every other honest person to pay for their stuff.” ­— Anna Hartman

Pirating the Open Internet

W

hile sitting in a movie theater waiting for the feature presentation to begin, the audience is bombarded with trailers for upcoming movies. Between the trailers is an anti-piracy commercial comparing pirating to shoplifting or pickpocketing. Despite the commercial, according to a survey of 620 East students, 66 percent do not believe that pirating is a form of stealing.

“If it was stealing, you would be breaking into a website, but [the song is] just there where you can download it,” said East senior Justin Watt, who downloads music almost every other day from Limewire.

Other East students agree that because the files are easily accessible, downloading them is not stealing. “[People] already have it out there. If they didn’t want you to steal it, it wouldn’t be there,” said East sophomore Katie Sheldt, who says she has only pirated one song.

On the other hand, some East students who do believe it is illegal continue to pirate from the internet anyway.

“In a sense, yes [it is illegal], but people put it out there for other people to get for free. It’s not like you’re going into [a store] and illegally getting it,” said East sophomore Jordan Roth, who also uses Limewire.

In addition to songs, students pirate movies and expensive software, like

I don’t want to waste my money on things that are so stupid or minor, like makeup, toy things that are just cute, sunglasses or sometimes clothes. I steal and don’t feel bad most of the time because it’s small stuff like $8 for some eyeliner. No one wants to pay that.

20 | Spark | April 27, 2010

Shoplifters put items in their purses, cargo pants or baggy coats. Sometimes shoppers will go into a dressing room and layer the store’s items under the clothes that they wore into the store.

2

Strollers

People hide objects in their strollers. Sometimes if confronted about the items, parents will say their child put the items in the stroller, granted that their child is old enough to be capable of stealing it.

Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

“I download stuff every day from Limewire and uTorrent,” said East junior Tyler Scott. “I’ve been downloading music since the sixth grade and software for the past couple of years. Yeah, it’s stealing. But it’s easy and free.

Since Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are about $500 [each], I couldn’t really buy them.”

Of 620 East students surveyed, 72 percent have illegally downloaded music, movies or software. Additionally, 15 percent illegally download material from the internet on a daily basis, 19 percent on a weekly basis and 18 percent on a monthly basis. “[Pirating is] more or less shoplifting. People who make the music or movies aren’t getting royalties when you illegally download stuff,” said Geek Squad Supervisor at Best Buy Denise Puska. “They don’t buy CDs or movies that we sell in here, but [Geek Squad] gets more business because of [pirating] and removing Trojans and other viruses from computers.”

In addition to its illegality, pirating also poses a risk of downloading viruses from certain sites.

“You can download viruses which mess up your hard drive and corrupt

3

Palming

Shoppers simply conceal the item in the palm of their hand.

Later they hide the item or keep the object in their arm and “accidently” walk out without paying for it. If confronted, they claim to have forgotten it.

4

False Alarm

Shoplifters set off the alarms by putting an item in another shopper’s belongings. Then when the other person exits the store, the alarm is set off. While that person is searched, the shoplifter exits the store.

infographic ariadne souroutzidis

1

Bagging It

information www.safetycops.com

Common Methods of Shoplifting

the operating system, basically shutting your computer down,” said Puska. “[The risk] depends on the site. If it’s an authentic site, it’s not a big risk, but YouTube and Limewire, where users have access to the files, are risky because they can encode viruses in the files.”

Several East students have experienced the dangers of viruses firsthand.

Of 500 surveyed East students, 36 percent admitted to getting a virus from illegally downloading music or movies from the Internet.

For people who have difficulty with removing viruses from their computer, the Geek Squad is available at Best Buy to assist with the removal of viruses. “[If someone comes in with viruses from pirating], we suggest they take [the pirated files] off and stop [pirating], but the only thing we report to the local police is if they have pornography,” said Puska.

For people who are reported to the police for pirating, the laws against piracy are strict. A person charged with piracy can end up with up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines. Although these laws exist, most people continue to pirate because the size of the Internet makes it difficult to catch those who pirate.­— Ariadne Souroutzidis n

Catching and Curing a Computer Virus Symptoms:

Steps to Eliminate the Virus:

Unexpected images are displayed on the screen.

The CD drive opens and closes without user intent.

information–www.viruslist.com

VIRUSPRONE

infographic abby buns

Music spontaneously plays.

Programs start without being selected.

1Disconnect the computer from the internet. working through a local area network, 2 Ifdisconnect. starting up the computer, start in safe mode.

3 Ifthetheresystemis difficulty up any information on a 4 Back back-up harddrive.

5 Install antivirus software. a separate computer to download updates for the antivirus database.

6 Use 7 Perform a full scan.

21 | Spark | April 27, 2010

feature | community feature

Total Devotion story erika andler | photos caroline tompkins

“

Marks decision to continue on with the military.

“If I was ever injured and my injury would not get in the way or risk the other guy’s safety I would definitely continue with another job also,” says Sigala.

While supervising, Mark had to travel to other bases throughout the country and world. He was in Myrtle Beach, Florida from 1988 to 1992, Wright Pat in Dayton, Ohio from 1992 to 1995 and in Altus, Oklahoma from 1992 to 1998. He also made a few short trips to bases in England and Germany.

“While on State side it’s not entirely different than civilian life. You’ve got a house, you mow the lawn and, unfortunately, the usual Honey-do-list,” says Mark.

While balancing a full list of chores and supervising technicians, Mark learned lessons at these bases that he says have made him a better person.

“A leader’s job is not to make people happy.

It’s to lead the people in a course of action,” says

“

E

ast parent Mark Shafer can remember all his childhood friends wanting to be baseball players, firemen and policemen—all the typical future occupational choices of children.

But Mark wanted to do more.

He wanted to go beyond the typical­—he wanted to fly.

“I would read about Air Force pilots and know that’s what I wanted to do. [The stories] were my motivation for joining the Air Force,” says Mark.

To fulfill this childhood goal, Mark took the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) admissions test at the end of his high school career to qualify to become an officer in the Air Force.

While at the Air Force Academy, Mark learned many life principles that have played essential roles throughout his life.

“The Academy teaches attention to detail, priorities and basic leadership,” says Mark. “The Academy is a leadership laboratory. It’s all about what works, not for yourself but for the greater good. I kind of miss that,” says Mark.

A leader’s job is not to make people happy.

It’s to lead the people in a course of action.

Within each generation there are people who are drawn to flying for the military. East senior Kimball Sigala plans on joining the Air Force after graduation as well.

“My original plan was college,” says Sigala. “But I want to see the world and go exploring. There are also lots of benefits for joining like lowered health care costs and college aid. It’s also a family tradition.”

Sigala’s plans for the future match Mark’s accomplishments, like graduating from the Air Force Academy. Mark was planning for a 20-yearlong career flying airplanes, but a tragic accident shattered Mark’s hopes of becoming a pilot.

“I was injured in a car accident and was medically disqualified to become a pilot. It was hard, but I continued,” says Mark. “If a person is unconscious for more than one hour, the severity of the injury is deemed too severe to risk hundreds of thousands of dollars in training when the injury may prevent them from flying. I am not sure how long I was unconscious, but definitely over one hour. To this day I still don’t remember the accident.”

With his career as a pilot terminated, Mark decided to stay in the Air Force and continue his plans of service. He became an Aircraft Maintenance Officer, in that position he supervised up to 240 technicians working on aircrafts. The technicians he supervised worked on the A10 model known as “The War Hog” and C17 called “The Globe Master.”

Future Air Force Cadet Sigala agrees with

22 | Spark | April 27, 2010

Mark. “Some people are never happy, so you can’t please everyone. If you try [to please everyone,] then alienate those who are there to work, so you just have to take input; you don’t want to be a dictator.”

After developing this philosophy, Mark married Shela Shafer in 1990, and by 1998 he had a fouryear-old daughter and two-year-old son and had obtained the rank of Captain. He was offered an assignment that would have taken him away from his family for a year and he had to make a very difficult decision.

“I resigned. I didn’t want to make that sacrifice, so I chose my family over my career. I’ve got the utmost respect for the people of the armed forces who do stay. I really respect the sacrifice they are willing to make,” says Mark.

Shela supports her husband in his decision to resign from the military.

“It was his choice,” says Shela. “[The decision] was good, but I would have been OK with him going on a remote mission.”

Mark still uses the life lessons he learned from the military every day and says the he would be proud and supportive if his own children joined the military.

Sigala thinks there is nothing braver than serving in the military. He wants to follow in the footsteps of military personnel like Mark.

“I first and foremost thank them for their time, and sometimes their bodies and lives, and I tell them to just keep on trucking,” says Sigala. n

US

A

Each issue, the Feature section is running a story covering the life of one member of each of the five branches of the military.

After being declared unfit to serve in the United States Military, Mark Shafer was still devoted. Above: Mark with friends in the military.

feature | dart

meet theo Each issue the Spark staff picks a random East student and covers a unique aspect of his or her life.

24 | Spark | April 27, 2010

story jill bange | photo caroline tompkins

I

nside a dark room crowded with high school students, there are minimal light sources: glow sticks wave frantically through the air, black lights illuminate T-shirts and tennis shoes, and pool lights shine multi-colored laser beams across the walls. Electronic music blasts through the sound system with a pulsing beat that is matched by the moving crowd. Assuming that this rave took place at a club in Cincinnati would be a mistake. Instead, this rave took place at East junior Theo Blomquist’s house last year during President’s Day weekend. Not only did Theo play many techno favorites, but he also produced several of the songs for the rave himself.

Theo has always been passionate about music; he has played electric guitar, electric bass and piano since he was eight. Theo’s interest in creating his own music, however, sparked within the last two years, so he asked his parents for turntables Christmas in 2009.

“I’ve always liked electronic music, so I bugged my parents enough and they got me a really nice set of turntables. I’m still thanking them for it,” says Theo.

Before he had turntables, Theo used a program called “Fruity Loops Studio” to record his own songs by plugging his electric guitar into a computer and adding a drum beat. Theo also enjoys making songs with sounds provided by the computer program. He begins with a drum beat and then works to match computer sounds to songs he has listened to recently.

According to Theo, “Fruity Loops” was best for making his own songs, but the program “Serato Scratch” was better for taking existing songs and mixing them on his turntables.

“So if I had a favorite song, and Theo had a favorite song, he can layer them together,” says Theo’s mom, Betty Blomquist. “It took my younger son Ian a while to explain that one to me. You have to see the screen to pick out the layers; it’s hard to pick them out by ear.”

Theo spent a great deal of time researching turntables to find one that would work best with the music he likes to produce. He chose digital turntables, which can be plugged into a computer to mix MP3 files.

“A digital turntable made sense to me because I didn’t want to get records to scratch, which would be hard to find for the music that I enjoy,” says Theo.

“My second option was to put all of my music on CDs, which would take up a lot of space and would take a long time to make. With digital turntables, I can pull something up instantly and do whatever I want with it.”

One of Theo’s inspirations for his music comes from a two-member band called MSTRKRFT (pronounced “master craft”), a group that produces electronic music and theatrical light shows which accompany the songs. Theo admires MSTRKRFT and many other techno groups, and in college hopes to travel across the country to as many music festivals as he can. Theo enjoys listening live music because it is more inspirational to him than recorded music.

“A lot of times when you hear a song on your iPod, it’s been edited and tweaked so it sounds perfect. That’s a little discouraging sometimes when I’m playing because I think I’ll never be as good as that. Then, when I go out

and see a live performance, people make little mistakes, but they still sound good,” says Theo.

Even though Theo’s likes electronic music the most, Betty admires all aspects of his musical talent. Theo taught himself to play guitar and bass using tabs he found on the internet, and he enjoys playing his favorite songs on the piano by ear.

“What I really marvel about [Theo] is being able to sit down at the piano, with only a couple of years of experience from grade school, and pick out a song without having seen any sheet music,” says Betty. “I told him that when it comes to choosing a career, he should pick something where his greatest passion meets the greatest need. It’s his vocation.”

In addition to producing his own songs, Theo enjoys creating songs with his friends. Sometimes he plays in a band setting, and he once produced a song with three friends that lasted only 45 seconds. Rather than creating a story line or a logical plot, the friends used a rhyming dictionary to find all of the words that rhyme with “street,” and incorporated them into the lyrics.

“Theo played bass, Evan McDonnell and I played guitar, and Trey Schroeder didn’t really do anything,” said East junior Adam Fabry. “The song didn’t even make sense, but we created it anyway. I still laugh every time I hear it.”

Fabry believes that the music Theo creates is “different,” just like the music that Theo enjoys listening to. Theo’s other friends also recognize that his music is creative and unique.

“While Theo hasn’t made much of his own music, he’s good at mixing

“

I don’t want to brag; I’m not great or anything. Music is just something I love to do for fun.

”

old songs in a way that sounds good, which is exactly what a professional DJ does,” says East junior Trey Schroeder. “The weirdest thing he made was definitely [the song that had rhymes to ‘street.’] It started as an inside joke that he ended up recording.”

Although producing music is Theo’s favorite hobby, he also enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, rock climbing and repelling with his Eagle Scout troop or on his own. In the summer of 2009, Theo went to New Mexico to hike 90 miles in one week with his Eagle Scout troop. During the second week of the trip, the scouts built hiking trails for a service project.

Theo’s service does not end with the Eagle Scouts. As an active member of Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church, he enjoys taking mission trips with his youth group to help underprivileged families. In the summer of 2008, the youth group travelled to Beattyville, Kentucky to help install indoor plumbing to an elderly woman who had to walk to an outhouse far from her home.

“At the beginning, this woman had no plumbing, and the end result was a full bath and a washer and dryer,” says Betty. “She wrote a thank you note.

It was the first time that she could lay in a bath tub.”

Additionally, the youth group helped to repair a family’s trailer by replacing the trailor’s skirting and fixing its plumbing.

“A lot of times when you think about where poverty is, you imagine it to be in Mexico, Africa, Haiti or some other place far away,” says Theo. “But in reality, you can travel an hour and a half away and get to someone’s home that still has an outhouse.”

In addition to his extensive community service, Theo also enjoys playing recreational soccer and Ultimate Frisbee. But none of these activities amount to his true passion: music. Theo does not intend to pursue a career as a professional DJ because, as he puts it, “Everyone can’t be a rock star.”

Although he is uncertain of his future career, Theo plans to DJ at parties to make money in college.

Theo’s interest in music is certainly something he will carry with him for the rest of his life, whether it be playing an instrument or producing music.

“I don’t want to brag; I’m not great or anything. Music is just something I love to do for fun,” says Theo. “It’s always different; there’s always something new to discover and something new coming out. Anything that can make you move is enjoyable to me.” n

25 | Spark | April 27, 2010

feature | teacher feature

a genuine

dedication story ashley wolsefer | photos caroline tompkins

26 | Spark | April 27, 2010

S

he bounces around from one thing to the next, constantly keeping herself busy. While she has spent years refining her teaching techniques, she has also dedicated her time to collecting an array of socks. The sock collection, spanning all holidays and patterns, mirrors the diversity in her activities. She never tires of coaching her students, whether it be about English or about life.

Going above and beyond what is required of her, East Reading and Writing Seminar teacher Michelle Wilkerson makes nurturing students her top priority. As vibrant as her vast collection of socks, Wilkerson’s caring personality and enthusiasm extend beyond the curriculum.

“There are things that kids are struggling with that they bring into [the classroom] that sometimes are more important than whatever topic I am teaching that day,” says Wilkerson, who must drink a McDonald’s Diet Coke each morning. “It makes you realize that there is more to life than what happens in these four walls. You have to look at the total picture of the student and what they bring with them when they come to East.”

Wilkerson constantly tries to understand her students and form longlasting relationships with them, as she did with former student Rana Somarghandi. “[Wilkerson] is an essential part of my life,” says Somarghandi. “She actually cared about me when she didn’t have to, that makes me feel like, ‘Hey, you can do anything.’”

Wilkerson, known as “Wilks” by her students, is extreme in her dedication for her students. Former student Kelli Britton understands the effect of Wilkerson’s positivity.

“Wilks’ attitude is the best—a little tough, but loving with some spunk,” says Britton.

Wilkerson commits her all to the things she believes in and is also selfsacrificing. She never puts her own needs above those of others.

For the people who know her, like East Honors English 10 and Journalism I, II and III-Honors teacher and Spark advisor Dean Hume, this is an accurate description. “[Wilkerson] is the first one to start thinking about somebody else,” says Hume. “She’s so giving and caring, and that sounds cliché, but if you know Mrs. Wilkerson, it isn’t cliché.”

Her humble and giving attitude was tried when she covered for Hume in 1998 when he was absent for an extended period of time due to health issues.

Wilkerson was asked to step into the Spark newsmagazine program as a temporary advisor while still handling her own classes. Her enthusiasm not only kept Spark going that year, but the program even grew under her tutelage. But that is just the kind of person Wilkerson is, according to Hume.

“I think it’s because she has so much energy,” says Hume. “That little four-foot body has 9,000 volts per square inch.”

It is this energy and dedication that allow Wilkerson to do so much. In addition to being a mother and a teacher, Wilkerson leads a program called Eastside Angels, which helps students who struggle financially to meet their scholastic needs.

This includes purchasing things such as caps and gowns for the senior commencement

“

ceremony. “[Eastside Angels] came about because we were experiencing so many kids who were struggling financially. Giving back is an important part of life.

My dad was an elected official, so I was always involved [in outreach work],” says Wilkerson.

Through Eastside Angels, Wilkerson is able to be involved and help people. The program is currently working with Cinderella’s Closet, a nonprofit organization, to help provide dresses for East girls who otherwise would not be able to pay for a dress to wear to prom.

As senior class advisor, Wilkerson has seen her fair share of proms, and her involvement in this particular student activity has touched many lives.

During Britton’s prom, Wilkerson was able to comfort her student when she was left by her date.

“One of my favorite memories with [Wilkerson] was my senior prom.

At the time it was absolutely terrible; my date left me. When you’re 18, that’s about the worst thing that could ever happen to you. She was right there by my side and super supportive,” says Britton. “Even Rob, her husband, was willing to kick my date’s butt. That’s when you know you have a friend more than just a teacher—someone you can trust.”

Wilkerson strives to develop deeper relationships with her students than is required of her.

She spends time greeting them at the door when they come to class and has them write her notes on the back of their vocabulary tests to tell her about their week.

However, she has not always used this method to reach her students.

While instructing in summer school, Wilkerson developed a new approach to teaching after a student told her she was not an effective teacher.

“He cussed me out, so after the class I asked him what I could do better, and he told me some things I should try,” says Wilkerson.

These suggestions contributed to the development of a new approach to teaching: Wilkerson checks in with her students every day because she realizes that her students do not have perfect lives; she admits the same.

“You have to just kind of go with the flow,” says Wilkerson. “There are days I come in and I’ve got chocolate milk and Pop-tarts on my shirt, and you know what?

That’s life.”

Wilkerson tries to maintain her easygoing attitude throughout the school day.

Instead of merely hammering her students with curriculum, she incorporates life lessons as well.

“I learned a lot from Mrs. Wilks—more than just reading writing seminar and multicultural literature. More real life stuff, like how to talk to people on a real level and to treat everyone equally,” says Britton.

Wilkerson teaches these attitudes and actions to her students by example. Since she forms strong relationships with her students, she continues counseling them even after they leave her classroom.

Her love for her students is passionate.

“I tell them, ‘You aren’t just a student in my class for that period; you are my student always,’” says Wilkerson. n

It makes you realize that there is more to life than what happens in these four walls. You have to look at the total picture of the student and what they bring with them when they come to East.

”

27 | Spark | April 27, 2010

$

DOWNTO

EARTH The color green no longer stands only for a mixture of yellow and blue. In the 21st century, it has become the word that represents many aspects of our lives, from media to transportation. Spark follows the efforts of people on both the state and local level to reduce, reuse, recycle and more. Mother Earth, we’re home.

28 | Spark | April 27, 2010

A

Eco-Education

A typical soccer mom makes her way home in a SUV with her sixth-grade son, exhausted from his day at school. As he watches houses pass by at 25 miles per hour, he notices the absence of children outside. No one is playing kickball in the cul-de-sac; no one is playing tag in the neighbor’s backyard. The SUV pulls into the driveway, and the 11-year-old races inside to reunite with his Xbox after having been separated for 24 hours.

He forgets that he learned about how much electricity he wastes playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

The typical child spends about 17 hours of each day at home, sleeping, eating and using technology. The other seven hours are spent at school. Every year, there is an 11 percent decline in the number of young people who participate in outdoor activities. The 11-year-old Xbox fanatic is included in this statistic. The lack of outdoor participation seen in today’s youth is attempting to be addressed during the seven hours spent in a learning environment.

Because Ohio’s science curriculum is cumulative, the idea of being environmentallyfriendly is typically not introduced until the fifth grade. According to Lakota Local School District Elementary School Science Curriculum Specialist Faye Harp, each grade level builds students’ skills to think critically and to solve problems. These skills can be developed in various ways in young students with growing minds.

“There are different ways [to teach students to be aware of the environment]. Part of the challenge of a teacher is finding the way that’s going to engage their students,” says Harp. “[The lesson] has to have a personal connection [to the students].”

One way that Lakota elementary schools are educating their students about environmental awareness is through the use of outdoor labs. Teachers take their students outside to a designated part of the school property, such as the outdoor classroom in the woods behind the double-level playground at the former Union Elementary building.

With today’s world including many visual and hands-on learners, teachers are using their resources to connect to their students. Union Elementary School sixth grade science teacher William Vincent had his students use an interactive computer game in which they attended a town meeting and decided which alternative energy

would be best to use for their city. Following this “meeting,” the students created a poster on the energy that they believed was most effective.

According to Harp, realistic simulations such as these are what students need to be engaged in the topic about which they are learning, and hands-on activities are what connect students to the environment.

“Unless you are using [hands-on activities] in school, it’s impossible to put [the experience] in [the students’] hands,” says Vincent. “So, we role play. It’s the best we can do.”

Like Harp and Vincent, VanGorden Elementary School sixth grade science teacher Laura Kunkel believes in the importance of drawing connections between students’ lives and the environment in which they live.

“I always make whatever we study in science, or any other subject for that matter, personal and relevant for my students,” says Kunkel.

“Making connections to your experiences and life makes teaching and learning much easier for all students—adult or school-aged.”

According to these educators, hands-on learning in addition to making connections with the environment equals a top quality education— particularly in children.

“These connections are made in a variety of ways, including telling stories, [watching] news and video clips, talking about your learning and reading and discussing current events,” says Kunkel, who helped her students make connections to environmental issues with the Energy Hog Scavenger Hunt project.

The students took home a list of 12 different aspects of their home, including insulation, furnace filters, windows and electricity. With the help of their families, they filled out each section’s checklist to see how much energy was used. The less energy each section consumed, the more points the students received. According to the Energy Hog Scavenger Hunt, 45-60 points earned an “Awesome!!,” 31-44 points earned an “Almost!” and 20-31 points earned an “Oink! Oh Nooo!”

Both Vincent and Kunkel’s classes created lists of ways to be environmentally-friendly at home.

As Vincent’s students enter his classroom, they see his “question for the day,” asking them what they can do to be green. The students’ responses ranged from reusing grocery bags to turning off the lights when they are not in the room.

Kunkel’s students each created a list of the top 10 ways they believe they can be green at home.

Many of the same ideas came up: keep the lights off, take short showers and recycle.

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Going

GREEN Approximately 50 percent of the students in Kunkel’s class consider themselves to practice these green habits at home, while the other half do not.

“I don’t really consider myself to be green. I’m not doing many of the things [on my list],” says Rose Middleton, one of Kunkel’s students.

On the other hand, another student, DJ Benson, believes that he is green.

“I consider myself green because when I mess up on one side of a drawing, I flip the paper over and use the other side,” he says. “When I’m done, I recycle. And when my neighbors and I are going to the same place, we carpool.”

Another one of Kunkel’s students, Brandon

“

To help illustrate what happens when young children become disconnected from the world that they live in, Rhoads referred to Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods. This disconnection, otherwise known as “Nature Deficit Disorder,” has become an issue for children in America today, according to Rhoads.

President Obama has made developing connections and environmental literacy—being educated about environmental issues—a part of his education budget. The No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Coalition has worked to pass a bill to educate elementary, middle and high school students about the environment. The NCLI bill would require teachers to be trained to use local

whimsical shenanigans of Nickelodeon’s iCarly.

The celebrities are nothing short of princes and princesses to today’s children.

Setting aside the celebrities’ careers as musical sensations and Hollywood sweethearts, Disney and Nickelodeon have taken on a prominently green tone in response to society’s current focus on environmental conservation. Through commercials and programs, the networks encourage children to choose a pledge in support of Disney Channel’s “Friends for Change: Project Green” or follow the “Five Themes” of Nickelodeon’s “Big Green Help.” The list of pledges includes buying 100 percent recycled notebooks, eating organic food, wrapping gifts with newspaper and reusing plastic bottles. As the importance of sustainability is expressed through TV programs, celebrities take on the role of childhood role models.

According to The Walt Disney Company’s corporate responsibility statement from May 2009, which marked the beginning of Friends for Change, the goal of the project is to promote simple green actions day after day to conserve climates, water and habitats and to reduce waste. Of 500 East students surveyed, 35 percent believe the environmental issue of waste is the most important to address.

Disney Channel’s education of green principles through network celebrities encourages global charitable programs through efforts to pledge. The program has received 1.5 million viewer pledges, with 36 percent of surveyed East students having pledged toward the program.

Efforts to protect endangered snow leopards and red pandas in China’s Meili Snow Mountain are a result of audience votes that determine the distribution of Disney funds for green projects.

Additionally, American citizens will be educated about watershed conservation and the Plastics are Forever recycling organization, a program of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation that protects ocean life and habitats against plastics in the North Pacific sub-tropical Gyre.

Union Elementary School fifth grader Dan Leonard believes that the use of Disney Channel celebrities to encourage audiences to save the environment is efficient and beneficial.

“If you really like the Jonas Brothers and watch their show, then you should go and ask your parents if you can do something good for the environment when a commercial comes on and they tell you to be green,” says 11-yearold Leonard. “Maybe other kids who like those celebrities will be inspired for many reasons, and then they can go out and do stuff to help the environment.”

The children of the Leonard family are drawn to the stars of the Disney channel. Four-year-old Bethany favors Hannah Montana and her stylish clothing, while eight-year-old Thomas enjoys the Jonas Brothers’ vocals. Of the same surveyed East students, 65 percent believe promoting green ideas through celebrities is effective.

Although she agrees that the relationship

This is the world we’re going to pass on to future generations.

Nguyen, believes that he is green as well.

“At my house, every light bulb is fluorescent.

And in the summer, I ride my bike instead of using cars,” he says.

These students display some understanding about what it means to be environmentallyfriendly, but the question remains of what more can be done. Of 500 surveyed East students, 75 percent believe elementary schools should ensure that their students know about the environment.

“People are becoming more aware that maybe we aren’t doing everything that we can [to protect the environment],” says Harp. “There are a lot of ways that we try to send [the idea of being green] home, but obviously there is still more we can do—a lot more.”

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland’s Regional Director of Southwest Ohio Brewster Rhoads answered the seemingly indeterminate question. The issue all ties back to Harp, Vincent and Kunkel’s views on making connections and experiences for kids.

“Not having connections to the natural world affects cognitive skills that young people need in order to think about how their choices affect their lives,” Rhoads says. “Academic educators need to put opportunities in their curriculum for kids to experience the natural world around them.”

Several programs exist to help people develop these connections. Rhoads is the cofounder of one of these programs, the Ohio River Way Paddlefest, which is the largest canoeing and kayaking event in the United States. It is his goal to connect people with nature, which he believes to be an important part of environmental education—especially for children.

“It’s one thing to read a book about how to test water for pollution. It’s another thing to go down to the Ohio River, get samples out of the river and test the river quality right there while you’re watching the river go by,” says Rhoads. “It just makes it real.”

30 | Spark | April 27, 2010

environments as extensions of the classroom and to ensure that students understand the environmental changes that will take place in the future.

According to NCLI Coalition Director Don Baugh, “[The bill] will not only better prepare students for the 21st century workforce, but also help [the students] by getting kids outside to learn about the natural world.”

With the future in the hands of a generation filled with an increasing amount of hands-on learners, as shown through the 89 percent of East students who say that they learn better through hands-on activities, it is clear that students need a personal connection to fully understand why their environment should matter to them.

“This is the world we’re going to pass on to future generations,” says Harp. “[The students] have to be cognizant of the fact that living here has a definite impact and that it will continue to have an impact.”

Kunkel’s students completed their lists of the top 10 ways to be green and student Ben Wegener topped his list off with an inevitable truth for kids just like the 11-year-old Xbox fanatic. Number one: “Turn off Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and go outside.” - Christina Wilkerson

Marketing Green Three. Two. One. As the studio lights switch off and the cameras roll, the television screen transitions from white noise to a technicolor picture. On one channel, Mickey Mouse ears inhabit the bottom left corner, and on another channel, green slime is the trademark. As the Jonas Brothers take the Disney Channel stage, cliques of teenage girls gravitate toward the TV. In another home, children giggle at the

between children and actors is an important one, Dan’s mother Jenny Leonard recognizes various aspects in celebrity behavior. A “mixed bag” of entertainment is created when the network stars establish morals through helping the earth while acting with “mean humor” on the sets of their shows, which makes Jenny question the stars’ dedication toward the green programs.

“I think it is good to have shows that have [actors] kind of the same age that children can relate to in a way,” says Jenny, “but then [the behavior of celebrities] sort of [degenerates] into screaming, yelling and name calling [on the sets of their shows]. On some of the shows—not Disney Channel in particular—the humor is mean humor, like calling each other ‘idiots.’ I don’t mind that they have these characters [promoting green], but it’s how they act on the sets [of their own shows].

It makes me doubt their sincerity a little bit.”

Jenny agrees with 78 percent of surveyed East students who are not convinced that the celebrities are truly concerned with the issues. Jenny’s belief in the actors’ false commitments results in parental discretion and a desire to present her children with only role model-worthy programs.

“How can I take [the green message] seriously?

It’s not that people can’t be silly, but it always [turns] into bad behavior,” says Jenny. “[The faces of the program] are not totally contradicting their message necessarily by the screaming and it doesn’t mean they are not supporting [that message], but the [mean behavior] makes me not want to watch [the actors’ promotion of going green. The behavior] makes me not want to let my kids watch [the stars’ own shows].”

Dan experiences a full-circle of green exposure as environmentally-friendly ideals are presented

out more than when I was a kid.”

According to University of Cincinnati Assistant Professor of Communications Nancy Jennings, who has researched the connection between modern media and its influences on childhood perceptions, a set of factors regarding the physical traits and virtues of fictitious characters leads to the development of celebrity role model status.

Jennings recognizes that boys tend to focus on male characters while females identify with male and female roles interchangeably.

While genders differ in character acceptance, Jennings emphasizes a need for the presence of both male and female figures on the TV screen to satisfy the various interests of the audience, especially those of teenage and adult generations.

“With teens and adults, personality matches matter, so it is very important to have male as well as female role models so they can incorporate and pay attention to both. If a character is romanticized or glorified, there is a tendency of a greater audience attraction toward that character,” says Jennings. “That is the beautiful thing about humans—that we are all unique. Different appeals will interest different people and impact what they will respond to.”

To turn green ideas found in pledges into action, Jennings believes that optimistic outlooks and accessible methods are the most effective ways for the faces of the TV programs to convey earth-friendly messages to younger audiences.

“Small steps along with positive reinforcement are the best [methods to spread ideas]. It is clear that we will not change our entire environment at once, but making small connections will magnify the larger picture [of recycling],” says Jennings.

“If you have a role model who is conveying a

in communities. The Green Energy Ohio (GEO) organization promotes alternative energy for residential and commercial buildings. Although he stresses the impact of local media, Rhoads recognizes that trusting celebrities is an alternative way to promote enviornmental awareness.

“Who do young kids look up to? I’m not sure I know these days, but obviously sports figures, actors and actresses and other people that young people aspire to be,” says Rhoads. “The problem is that you can’t have a bunch of old guys like me telling young people what to do. It has to be people they respect and connect with.”

According to Rumpke Corporate Communication Manager Amanda Pratt, both popular culture and green practices are a necessity for the modern green movement. “[When teaching recycling], it is extremely important to start with the younger generations.

They are more open to being green and considering the environment,” says Pratt. “Once you learn something as a child, it becomes part of your habit and part of your culture. Then you will carry that through adulthood. It is easier to change habits when you are younger than when you get to be older and are used to throwing out the garbage.”

Yet after viewing children’s programs, Pratt recognizes a flaw in the content of the shows.

Pratt finds that, while successful in spreading the overall culture and green message to commercial audiences, some of the network shows fail to convey accurate recycling possibilities.

“I have a 16-month-old who watches Nick Jr., which has a ‘sanitation bear’ that teaches about recycling. I think it is wonderful, but recycling programs vary from community to community depending on what machines they are using to process the materials,” says Pratt. “The sanitation bear talks about recycling yogurt containers and butter tubs. Maybe they can do that in California where the show is being produced, but here in Cincinnati those plastics are not and cannot be recycled.”

Regardless of unavaialable environmentally-conscious opportunities, the media has succeeded in sending an inspiring green message to Dan through the use of celebrity role models.

“You should stop wasting water and save resources. Go out and plant trees, make a garden or possibly walk or ride a bike somewhere instead of using a car,” says Dan. “If the stars do it, such as if the Jonas brothers or Miley Cyrus say, ‘I pledge to help my environment,’ then maybe it will inspire the other kids to do it as well.”- Katie Szczur

65% of 500 East students believe celebrities are effective in promoting the environment.

%

to him both at school and through TV. “It seems good to let you know that the stars are [being green] too, and the teachers at school are not just handing out flyers,” says Dan. “The stars inspire other kids to go green.”

In response to Disney Channel’s push for viewer pledges, Dan and Bethany planted a small backyard garden. After seeing her children take this initiative, Jenny acknowledges that in the end, the environmentally-conscious mindset her children have accepted as a result of the programs is one of the best effects.

“They did go in the back one day and plant flowers. I don’t think they were going to have a vegetable garden or anything like that, but they have gone out in the back to dig, plant flowers and stuff like that,” says Jenny. “I think they notice that they are sort of like the ‘garbage police’ when they see something lying around. They are more aware and probably pick things up and throw it

positive behavior, then the audience is more likely to do that as well.”

While national media utilizes a widespread approach through celebrities to encourage green actions, Rhoads believes the usage of local media is key to sparking a green movement, despite the state’s current tight budget.

“One learns things through what he or she sees or hears. The most powerful communication [is through] the media and when one person transitions information to someone else,” says Rhoads. “[Local encouragement] is more important than an ad promoting some national campaign. The media needs to be more local, more personal and more impactful.”

Rhoads acknowledges that a range of local programs that promote green principles are in Ohio. Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, a non-profit organization working with the Department of Transportation, brings volunteers to reduce litter

LEEDing the Way It is rated as the top kids’ attraction in Cincinnati, includes two Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified

31 | Spark | April 27, 2010

Going

GREEN buildings, is able to convert its inhabitants’ waste into power and is home to hundreds of different species.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is not only rated by the Zagat survey as one of the top zoos in the United States for kids, but is also the only zoo in the United States with multiple LEED projects. According to Cincinnati Zoo Education Program Manager Melinda Voss, all of the zoo’s future buildings will be LEED certified.

“Building LEED certified facilities not only helps the environment but preserves the wild life

before the construction of a zoo facility. In the Schott Center, many aspects were revamped for energy efficiency, including the strawboard walls; recycled carpet; paint color, which was selected on its ability to coincide with the natural lighting; fluorescent light bulbs; low-flush toilets and sensor lights. In spite of this, the Schott Center only won silver.

“Leading by example is not enough,” says Voss, who stresses that “going green” in the household is less difficult and is less expensive in the end.

For example, traditional toilets use an average

%

are shown directly. The green roof and green education centers provide tangible examples of how consumers can do their part at home. To connect with children, the zoo teaches that kids can help protect animals by recycling their milk cartons and soda cans.

“The wildlife shows the results of the kids making a difference at home,” says Voss, whose typical audience ranges from four to 14-year-olds in the zoo’s day camps.

Voss also noted that the zoo runs yearround education programs and that teaching conservation is the key.

Numerous environmental experts across Ohio concur with the zoo’s enlightening of the youth.

“It is absolutely essential to educate kids,” Green Energy Ohio (GEO) Southwest Ohio representative Jack Clock says. “[Kindergarten through sixth grade] is definitely where to start.”

To kick start this message, the zoo and GEO are making efforts to start green projects in local schools. The zoo has recycling bins near trash cans and hopes that schools will do the same.

Voss and Clock agree that a kid-friendly zone like the zoo will inspire the youth to enact green principles at home. They hope that eventually “going green” will become the norm rather than a chore. - Devin Casey

30% of 500 East students say water is the most pressing environmental issue.

as well,” Voss says.

Currently, however, the zoo has only two LEED certified buildings—the Schott Education Center and the Entrance Facility.

LEED is a third-party ratings system, aimed primarily toward a building’s materials and resources; energy and atmosphere; water efficiency; indoor environmental quality; design; and innovation and sustainable sights. Scored in six different categories with a possible total of 110 points, a facility can earn a platinum, gold, silver or certified rating. The Schott Center earned a silver award with 58 points, missing gold by two points. The Entrance Facility earned platinum, the highest LEED award possible for green buildings.

According to Voss, every detail is scrutinized

Allows the run off from the rain gutter to go directly into the barrel

Sealed Lid

information www.cincinnatizoo.org

Down Spout

Keeps mosquitoes, insects and debris out of salvaged water

Regulates the water flow for use

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Directs the water during use

32 | Spark | April 27, 2010

infographic hannah berling

Faucet

of 4.21 gallons of water per flush. With the lowflush toilets at the zoo, however, each flush uses an average 3.01 gallons of water, saving over $100 the first year with annual savings increasing exponentially.

According to United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Board Member and Green Cincinnati Education Advocacy Founder Chuck Lohre, Cincinnati has experienced lucrative energy-efficiency more so than most cities in the United States.

“There has been an explosion of green facilities in Cincinnati,” says Lohre. “[Cincinnati] is leading America in green buildings and is noticing that there is not really any cost to going green.”

Lohre and Voss both note that if businesses are willing to consider finances in the long-term, then they will not only see immediate environmental benefits, but also financial growth.

Taking notice of the economical benefits of “going green,” Voss says that the zoo, led by Senior Director of Facilities and Planning Mark Fisher, has started a few unique schemes.

The zoo’s newest project is to have their rain receptacles approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Currently, rain water drains directly into the sewage systems, but the zoo wants to utilize the precipitation to water plants. Development and usage of rain receptacles would boost Cincinnati into the modern era of environmental awareness.

“The zoo is trying to get off the combined sewer grid, something that is difficult to do in a city as old as Cincinnati,” says Lohre. “The zoo has done a wonderful job of promoting LEED certified buildings in Cincinnati.”

According to Lohre, approval from the EPA could allow other companies to solve the sewer problem in the same way that the zoo has, which is expected to become 25 percent more energy efficient than before getting off the sewer grid.

In addition to EPA and LEED approval, the Cincinnati Zoo also seeks to educate youth.

One issue, according to Voss, is that the green movement lacks a physical location where ideals

Scarlet and Green The street is lined with boxes of old clothing, appliances and furniture. As the truck slowly rolls down the street, men jump out and pick up the items, quickly loading them onto the truck. These items will not be heading to a dump. Students for Recycling (SFR) at The Ohio State University (OSU) will collect it all, store it and then hold a giant yard sale to recycle unwanted items from university students in the largest event they hold each year, Dump and Run. “[The Dump and Run] event is really important to me,” says SFR President Rachel Gapa. “In the spring, we place large bins in all of the residence halls asking students to give us anything that can be reused that they don’t want—clothing, books, office supplies, appliances, furniture, etc.

We take mostly everything with the exception of university-owned property.”

SFR stores everything it collects in a warehouse over the summer and then sells it during the first week of fall quarter in a giant indoor yard sale that is open to the public.

“These are things that would’ve otherwise been thrown away, and we’ve saved them from going into the waste stream,” says Gapa. “[Dump and Run] has been running for six years, and so far we’ve saved nearly 65 tons of recyclables from going to the landfill.”

The Dump and Run event is not simply an attempt to clear out dorm rooms of unwanted items; it has lasting environmental effects.

photo hannah berling

“Anyone who purchases an item from the sale is reducing the amount of items needing to be made,” says Gapa. “We do our best to let all of the customers know that they are helping out the environment by participating in our sale, and they can do this anytime just by going to thrift stores or secondhand shops.”

In addition to helping the environment, SFR benefits other student groups at OSU. In order to facilitate their Dump and Run program, they enlist the help of volunteers from other student organizations and pay the respective organizations by the hour. By organizing and implementing the event, SFR is spreading the idea of the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. They do not simply talk about recycling—they are present on campus putting it into practice.

SFR is partially funded by the university, but most of its funds are from the Dump and Run sales.

The proceeds are used to furnish future events and to benefit other campus organizations.

Although SFR is a comparatively new student group on campus, it has already made a substantial impact.

“The group was started in 2002 and has been going strong ever since,” says Gapa. “The main goals of SFR are to promote recycling on campus; educate the students, faculty and staff on the importance of recycling and the ways they can help; and make as many efforts as we can to make recycling more widespread.”

Just like SFR, another group on campus, Students for a Sustainable Campus (SSC), is making strides to bring increased awareness to the campus residents, according to SSC President Hudson McFann.

“Our efforts on campus are mostly focused on education and awareness, so we spend a lot of time putting together different programs to raise awareness among students about environmental issues that are of major importance locally,” says McFann. “We try to get students involved in addressing these issues.”

SSC runs a monthly program aimed at encouraging discussion among the student body about various environmental issues. The program, called Green Beans: Ecology & Coffee, was established in February 2008. Specialists from across central Ohio are invited to come and discuss various environmental issues.

The goal of the program is to engage students in dialogue on topics ranging from water quality, to the LEED rating system, to environmental economics. Professors, businessmen and other experts come to the monthly meetings and discuss a topic with group members.

Green Beans is an opportunity to spread the word and make a difference, just like the Dump and Run program. Today’s universities are becoming a breeding ground for increased environmental awareness and action. This type of action would have been unheard of 20 years ago.

“I do believe that there is increasing environmental awareness and concern,” says McFann. “Each year we have had more interest in participating in our group. Even this year we’ve seen far more underclassmen show up to

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33 | Spark | April 27, 2010

Going

GREEN our meetings at the beginning of the year and say, ‘Hey, I really want to be involved—these are issues that I am passionate about.’”

University students are not the only ones becoming more aware—so is the rest of the community. The website called greenreportcard. org grades colleges and universities from across the nation based on their sustainability. OSU received a B. To push forward in the quest for increased sustainability, many things can be done but Gapa thinks apathy and feelings of impotence are big obstacles to overcome.

“A lot of people seem to have the mentality of ‘Oh, but I can’t make a difference; I’m just one person.’ That couldn’t be farther from the truth,” says Gapa. “If half the population has that same view, then it’s not just one person anymore. Also, one person only using plastic bottles and plastic bags for their whole life adds up pretty quickly.”

Despite her concerns, Gapa still thinks that there is promise for the future. Just this year, new bins that clearly show which one is recycling and which is trash were placed in nearly every classroom. Gapa says that this was a great progressive step.

Another change on campus is the construction of a new Ohio Union. The Ohio Union is applying for LEED certification. In order to be certified, it has to optimize its environmental attributes by doing things such as recycling materials from the old Union and making the lighting, heating and cooling systems more energy efficient.

“Although we have seen a lot of positive change in this idea to go green, we do hope to see even more in the future,” explains Gapa.

With help from student groups like SFR and SSC, universities across the country are striving to make a difference in their environment. People like Hudson McFann and Rachel Gapa are on the front lines of this revolution, going the extra mile to change the world around them. - Nick Tedesco

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Amidst the barren desert that has become of Ohio’s fossil fuel-dependent industries lies an oasis of green hope. The Great Wolf Lodge, located adjacent to Kings Island in Mason, is a first-class, Northwoods-themed family resort and conference center that has captured a leading role in eco-friendly responsibility and conservation.

“Food, focus and fun” are not the only ideals the Lodge upholds—for now “sustainability” is a primary area of concentration.

According to a study conducted by the American Lung Association in 2009, Cincinnati is ranked eight on the top 10 list of the most polluted cities in the United States, based on yearround particle pollution.

“Every department looked at every single little bit that they could do, because this is like running a hotel, a water park, a retail store and a restaurant.

You think of all those businesses under one roof

BIO BREW

and there’s a lot here,” says Sales Coordinator of the Mason Great Wolf Lodge Cathy Moyer.

As a result of the resort’s committed effort in its green operations, Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. has been recognized as the first and only national hotel chain to achieve Silver Green Seal certification for all of its 10 U.S. establishments since April 2009.

Green Seal, a non-profit environmental certification organization, works with industries and government organizations to promote green responsibility in the manufacturing and distribution of products and services. Certification under the Green Seal standards helps manufacturers and clients make responsible choices that have a positive impact on business relations and affairs.

In a survey conducted by the Opinion Research Corporation and commissioned by Green Seal, 82 percent of consumers continue to buy environmentally-friendly products, in spite of the recent economic recession.

“This increased consumer demand sends a signal to manufacturers to produce products that are truly green,” says President and CEO of Green Seal Arthur Weismann.

The enthusiasm of people nowadays to turn to green consumerism, however, does present a significant hitch—according to the same study by Green Seal, about one in every 10 consumers will blindly trust a green claim on a product.

Regardless of the public’s interest in the environment, without knowledge in the green field, contributions most likely will be ineffective.

Organizations like Green Seal guarantee the

All Stores Recycle Plan For Recyclable Cups 77% of Coffee Is Responsibly Grown First Starbucks Farmer Support Center Opens Sell Fair Trade Certified Coffee Begins Work With Conservation International

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1999: Became partners with Conservative International

2001

2002

2002: Agreements made with fair trade companies to sell Fair Trade Certified coffee

34 | Spark | April 27, 2010

2003

2004

2004: Opened first Starbucks Farmer Support Center in Costa Rica

2005

2006

2008: Sold 77% of their coffee ethically traded and responsibly grown

information www.starbucks.com infographic rachel knock

2007

2008

2009: Opened another Farmer Support Center in Rwanda and became the world’s largest buyer of Fair Trade Certified coffee

2009

2010: All Starbucks stores will be certified green by the end of the year

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Goals for 2015: l Purchase 100% of coffee through ethical sourcing practices l Invest in a better future for farmers’ and their communities by almost doubling farmers loans from $12.5 to $20 million l Combat climate change by offering farmers incentives to prevent deforestation starting in Indonesia and Mexico

credibility of eco-friendly companies and products.

This often benefits businesses by granting them the authority to declare themselves green.

“I think the biggest challenge was when we introduced [Green Seal]. It just made it hard on everyone to be a team,” says Moyer. “We have 400-some employees and 401 guest room. Just having everyone get on board was hard.”

Few hotels are able to obtain the prestigious Green Seal certification due to the sweeping standards set in place. The Green Seal obligations for the lodging industry, known as GS-33, require resorts to continually uphold nearly 30 criteria components, such as environmentally—sensitive purchasing and energy conservation.

To expand their green horizons, the Mason

“

80 to 90 percent less water than traditional swimming pool filters, but also means that less chlorine is being used and also released into the environment. Other conservation efforts within the Lodge include strict waste minimization, recycling and maintaining energy efficiency through the use of a multitude of Energy Star appliances throughout the resort.

Due to the lodge’s leadership, National Geographic Kids sought out a partnership with the company in order to focus on educating the youth about environmental responsibility.

Activity areas scattered throughout the hotel and a specialized “Project Green Wolf ” channel provided by National Geographic Kids both provide interactive features for the children. The

The Savannah Center at Chappell Crossing is a privately-owned facility used for weddings, conferences, banquets and other miscellaneous meetings, including a prior East prom. Most intriguingly, the 40,000 square-foot banquet hall receives heating, air conditioning and refrigeration entirely from its five acre lake, essentially making the Savannah Center a geothermal facility. As a result of combined efforts, the entire building reduced its carbon footprint by 60 percent.

“We are recognized among the leaders in West Chester for our green technology and infrastructure,” says Carrie Lefker, client services manager of the Savannah Center. “These technologies allow us to become much more attractive to our customer base, as so many of our customers are looking for facilities that are more environmentally friendly and responsible.”

For the time being, green standards in business settings are not only tedious to enact but also extremely difficult to maintain.

The Great Wolf Lodge is merely one wolf in pack as its leading role demonstrates the difference the power one has in the green economy and more notably, the conservation of the planet.

- Sean Lewis

These technologies allow us to become much more attractive to our customer base.

Great Wolf Lodge intends for its next big green innovation to center on becoming more involved in the food composting industry. For this to occur, the company involved with the composting process would have to obtain a constant relationship with a large amount of food services in the area to make the process economical for themselves.

“We’re very serious about this. The [Green Seal] auditors can show up any time, any day, so we never know when they’re coming,” says Moyer. “We always have to keep [upholding our green practices].”

In addition to the Green Seal achievement, Great Wolf Lodge executives revealed the company’s own role in leading a strong green commitment in April 2009. The Lodge’s environmental program, dubbed Project Green Wolf, was created to focus on environmental conservation and green education, especially through improvement of water management.

In a survey of 500 East students, 30 percent believe that protecting water resources is the most important in the conservation of the environment, superseded only by waste management.

Mutually, the management of freshwater resources was a vital factor in initially reducing the “paw print” of the Great Wolf Lodge as a whole, thus recirculation proved to be essential to conserve water. Guest accommodations include low-flow shower heads, toilets, faucets and laundry facilities that recycle up to 70 percent of the water they use.

Millions of gallons of water are circulated throughout the water park of the Lodge every day.

State-of-the-art Neptune Benson Defender media filters are utilized in the indoor pools, while high rate sand filters composed of horizontal fiberglass also help recycle water in the outdoor pools. The use of this ultra-violet filtering not only requires

Lodge also independently hosts an educational tour of the Grand Lobby, in what is known as the “Daily Wolf Walks,” to acquaint young children with Northwoods animals.

“One of the [National Geographic Kids] clubs is called Tiny Timbers, where kids learn about trees and how to make paper,” Moyer says. “They even get a little, tiny seed, where they can grow their own tree. We really try to educate the kids.”

Not only does the Lodge promote environmentalism itself, but it also looks into business relations with other companies that utilize environmental standards as well. The Lodge’s spa, for example, is run by the Aveda Corporation, a manufacturer of environmentallyfriendly skin care, cosmetic and hair products.

The company concentrates on conservation of its resources and partners with its suppliers in thirdworld countries in order to lend green economical help to the area’s people.

The Lodge’s Starbucks shop also plays a superior role in green commitment through its own eco-friendly policy. A program, known as Starbucks Shared Planet, is the company’s plan to promote ethical sourcing, environmental stewardship and community involvement. As a company, Starbucks intends to obtain all of its coffee from environmentally-responsible suppliers and to use only fully-recyclable cups by 2015. In the meantime, some Starbucks locations have been employing alternative green incentives, such as the “Mug Pledge,” in which customers who bring in their own coffee container receive a $0.10 discount. Other locations may sell ceramic mugs, as opposed to the industry-standard postconsumer recycled fiber cups, which cannot be processed in most recycling systems.

A number of other local companies and conference halls have also innovated their businesses in order to introduce green standards.

Prius Power It looks like a scene straight from the beginning of an episode of CSI: Miami. Cruising along a palm tree-lined road, rocking out to the sweet sounds of the Foo Fighters in an environmentally friendly, tricked out Hummer H3. In this ideal world, the ozone is entirely intact, wind turbines gyrate vivaciously and flowers flourish out of green landfills. But after continuing down this road, the grungy, melodic sounds of Dave Grohl’s voice quickly fuse with the realization that this is only a mirage. Within seconds one goes from a highway in paradise to a “long road to ruin.” In a haze, there is a sudden snap back to reality, which is anything but a dreamland.

In recent years, the topic of going green has become more pertinent to everyday living.

Americans are not only becoming more aware of the environmental issues that have been arising in recent years, but they are also acting upon their awareness. One of the major ways that the reduction of “carbon footprints” has been stressed is through changes in transportation.

More often than in years prior, hybrid cars are seen cruising along the highway and streets of Liberty Township and West Chester. In fact, 56.9 percent more hybrid vehicles were sold in the Midwest during the first half of 2007 than the same period a year before. In a survey of 500 East students, 37 percent noticed an increase in the number of hybrids on the roads.

Of particular notice is the Toyota Prius, which possesses a positive reputation for not only being a fuel-efficient automobile, but also a great way to

35 | Spark | April 27, 2010

Going

GREEN save money. East band teacher Rob Tanis knows firsthand just how beneficial driving a Prius can be. What he loves the most about his new 2010 model is “the fact that [he does not] have to fill up on gas every week.” Tanis claims that since switching from his Buick Regal to his Prius last November, he has saved a substantial amount of money. Instead of paying $60 every week to fill his tank, he now only spends around $20 every six weeks.

But the financial rewards are not the only perks of the green car. Aside from getting 50 miles to the gallon, the Prius also has a 134 net system horsepower, is made from some recycled materials and is a zero emission vehicle, which means it keeps the air clean.

“It’s probably the cleanest rating the government can give and also the biggest asset of the car,” says Field Technical Specialist for Toyota Dave Grasty, of the zero emission rating.

Toyota also has issued a recovery charge, meaning that in an attempt to reduce the number of poorly disposed of high voltage batteries, Toyota will offer money to consumers who choose to recycle them.

In addition, the Prius is equipped with features such as the lane keep assist, which allows the car to correct itself when out on the road. The park assist feature additionally gives the car the ability to parallel-park itself. With these features, however, come a few flaws. According to Tanis, the thing that bothers him about his car is not necessarily the car itself, but the overall selection.

“I would like to see more options at different levels,” says Tanis, who would like to have bigger wheels, fog lights and a sun roof, which were not offered with his particular model.

While increasing the availability of certain features with each model is a concern, safety remains the top priority for Toyota as they attempt to fix a break software flaw recently discovered in over 400,000 Priuses globally.

“Safety is bar none our biggest concern,” says Grasty.

While Toyota continues to improve safety through market research, it still manages to receive the title of Most Environmentally-Friendly Vehicle from Consumer Reports magazine. It is also able to stay above its competition, including the “Smart ForTwo” smart car. Although Smart

ForTwo “protects the environment, reduces energy consumption and innovatively preserves our natural resources,” according to SmartCenter Cincinnati, the 1,700-lb. vehicle stands no chance in a collision with a two-ton SUV. The Smart ForTwo received a three out of five rollover resistance rating, while the Prius received four out of five, according to Motor Trend magazine. For most people, like East sophomore Alex Miller, safety trumps the size of their carbon footprints hands down.

“I believe, as there is a tree-hugger in me, that using a hybrid vehicle is more helpful and beneficial to the environment.” says Miller. “Most hybrids are very small and lacking in safety. So in the sense of self-preservation, I would rather waste money on gas [in an SUV] than be on somebody’s grill.”

With the growing number of purchases of fuel-efficient cars, one may wonder what impact this has on the economy. Chances are people, such as Tanis, who plans on keeping his car “until it dies,” will not be buying new cars and filling up their tanks as often. The rebound effect of these potential occurrences is that the automobile

Charged

The Prius has a zero emission vehicle rating along with the title Most Environmentally Friendly Vehicle from Consumer Reports magazine.

Up

The power inverter, or power control unit, boosts the hybrid battery’s voltage to power the electric motor when needed.

The battery pack is located behind the back seat.

The four-cylinder gasoline engine serves as the main power source for the Prius.

The electric motor and generator start the vehicle and charge the hybrid battery by generating electricity.

The power split device coordinates the power from the gasoline engine and functions as the vehicle’s transmission.

The battery pack consists of 168 nickel-metal hydride cells, producing a voltage of 201.6 volts of electricity.

The hybrid battery uses a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack that supplies power to the electric motor through the inverter.

AMPED UP

Stopped: When the Prius is idling, the gasoline engine does not run, saving fuel and reducing emissions. infographic joey armentrout, devon lakes

36 | Spark | April 27, 2010

Start-Up and Light Acceleration: The electric motor is the primary power source.

The gasoline engine is off.

Normal Driving: The gasoline engine provides additional power for both the electric motor and the drive wheels.

Heavy Acceleration: Both the gasoline engine and electric motors run. Extra energy may be drawn from the hybrid battery.

Coasting and Braking: The electric motor and generator charge the hybrid battery with no power going to the tires. information http://www.myprius.com

Solar Solutions From the floor to the ceiling, the Nutter home is a little bit different. Floor-length windows shine light upon the unfinished cement flooring.

The high open ceilings are exposed; beams and pipes are proudly displayed. The entire first floor is divided into sections, and rooms are open to allow for versatility. When approaching the Nutter house, however, the most noticeable feature is the $41,000 investment sitting on top of its roof.

“We wanted to be different,” say Krista and Kenny Nutter.

Different is what the Nutters have now.

In 2004, Krista, a Xavier University professor

“

photo claire feyche

industry and fuel companies could take a hit from a decrease in purchases. These factors could potentially offset the positive effects of the increased efficiency. Grasty does not view these possible incidents to be a problem, however, due to what he calls “the cycle of car purchases.”

While there have been attempts at such things as hybrid Hummers, which according to creator Raser Technologies, get 100 miles to the gallon, the efforts are still far from complete. Not every home’s energy consumption relies on wind power, the ozone is still depleting and landfills still serve as a major environmental concern. But there is one thing to be sure of—going green is the new black. With further advancements from car and fuel companies, as well as the financial gains one can receive from going green, America in time will see a whole new country—red, white and green. - Sami Knauft

The Nutters reduce their carbon footprints by using solar panels on their home, as well as by using a variety of energy-saving appliances.

Excellence in Design Award runner-up.

“Flexibility and multi-purpose items are the keys to easy green living,” says Krista.

The list of items with these criteria in mind in the Nutter home includes a rain water catchment system, which they use for all of their home water except from which they drink and bathe; spray foam insulation, which is a more effective than fiberglass insulation; and the use of passive solar, which cuts down on artificial heating/cooling.

Passive solar is a way of heating and cooling a home without using air conditioning or heaters.

The Nutters have south-facing windows the length of the first floor of their home that take in sunlight, while a concrete floor keeps in the heat captured. On a typical winter day, this system can warm the house to 68 degrees Fahrenheit without the use of heaters. Cross-ventilation resulting from the building design cools the home in the

[Installing solar energy] is almost a spiritual thing.

of design, was looking for examples of green buildings for her students. When she realized none of the buildings were sufficiently green, she decided to put the family’s “money where its mouths is” and build a sustainable home powered by solar energy.

Krista spent four years researching ways to build a versatile, effective and environmentallyfriendly house in Milford, Ohio. After 15 months of construction, the family was able to move into its green home. The Nutters have won multiple awards, including the top energy star rating for energy efficiency and the Cincinnati Sustainability Award, an honor shared with the Harold C. Schott Education Center at the Cincinnati Zoo. They have been featured in multiple magazines including Cincinnati Magazine, Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky Home Improvement Magazine, Data Cost Design and Environmental Design and Construction Magazine as the 2008

summer. According to Krista, they only needed air-conditioning five times last year.

The Nutters have a solar electric system, also known as a Photovoltaic (PV) system, and a separate solar hot water heater system installed in their home. Together, this cost the family about $41,000. According to licensed PV and solar hot water installer Carl Adams from Sunrock Solar, PV systems for homes typically cost in the neighborhood of $25,000-$35,000. A typical solar hot water system, a similar system to PV that converts sunlight into heat instead of electricity, costs about $8,500. Both systems make homeowners eligible for state grants, federal tax reductions and income from solar renewable energy credit (SREC) income, resulting in a possible price reduction of about 60 percent initially. The start-up price is high. In the long run, however, many families end up making money off the system because of SREC.

When a family or business produces excess energy through its solar panels, the energy travels into a meter which spins forward and backward to show excess and deficiency. Most families, like the Nutters, remain connected to the energy grid and can sell their excess energy through SRECs to a company such as SolSystems. The company combines energy made by businesses and homes alike, sells them in bulk to energy companies and compensates families and business up to 30 cents per kilowatt hour of energy.

If a family is not generating enough solar energy, especially in the winter, the system can still use energy it has stored up in its meter. If enough energy is not generated, the house can still be powered like any regular home because it remains connected to the electrical grid.

While solar energy is not yet commonplace in Ohio, many other countries have embraced it as a main source of energy. After visiting her husband’s family four years ago in Germany, the leading country in PV, East teacher Bonnie Kindler began researching the solar option.

The Kindlers decided to make the switch after finding a Clermont County Icon Solar Systems, whose nearby location and affordability finally allowed the Kindlers to make the switch to solar. “[As a country] we are pretty wasteful,” says Kindler.

The Kindlers also use geothermal heating, drive an efficient car to combat wasteful tendencies and own a rain barrel, which collects rainwater for reuse.

The Easons, residents of West Chester, have a similar story. Their reasoning, however, is slightly different. They installed a PV system last July after reading about solar energy and seeing an ad for Sunrock Solar. Michael and Marcia cite their Christian faith and subsequent connection to the world as their reasons for switching to solar power. “[Installing solar energy] is almost a spiritual thing. It is stewardship,” say the Easons. “We are the keepers of the garden.”

The Easons are not only able to take care of the environment with their use of solar energy,

37 | Spark | April 27, 2010

The Green House information kenny snd krista nutter

With environmental friendliness becoming more and more feasible due to lower operating costs, some families are taking the initiative to become more environmentally-friendly. Solar houses are just one way Americans are attempting to reduce their carbon footprints.

THE PANELS

The solar panels absorb sun light, which is converted into electrical energy to provide heating, cooling and lighting for the house.

THE BATHROOM The sink is a low flow sink. The water is not highly pressurized so that extra water is not wasted. The toilet is a “dual flush” toilet; it has two buttons so that the flush can use more water or less depending on how much is needed.

THE WINDOWS Large windows let in maximum heat to allow for passive heating and are insulated with “spray foam” to maintain the proper temperature within the house.

THE POWER STRIP

THE INVERTER BOX

The “smart strip” is a power strip connected to many appliances. When the main appliance is turned off, the smart strip also powers down the other appliances to preserve electricity.

The inverter box converts the energy taken in by the solar panels into electrical energy for the house.

THE STOVE

A propane stove is more electrically efficient than a traditional stove.

ON OFF

THE WATER TANK

A “rain water catching system” collects rain water so that it may be used for the toilet and the sink and to clean and cook. The house’s water is heated usually by solar electricity and occasionally with city electricity.

38 | Spark | April 27, 2010

THE FLOOR The floor is made of cement that captures the heat from the sunlight that comes through the windows and radiates the heat throughout the day for more efficient passive heating.

BACK UP ELECTRICITY Back-up electricity is rarely used but is kept around for days that are too cloudy for the solar panels. infographic saara khalid

Going

GREEN but they also are planning for the future financially.

The 4,836-watt PV system cost them $39,202 originally. After a state grant and 2009 federal tax credit, the price was lowered to $17,373. As calculated by Adams, they will earn approximately $1,163 after the initial SREC income of $5,816 after five years and $3,125 after 10.

“People assume you’re doing it just to help the environment but you’re losing financially,” says Marcia. “Really, it is just the opposite.”

The Nutters wanted to use their home as more of an educational resource, and they have done just that. Krista says they have had more than 1,000 people visit their house over the years.

One of their home showings was a workshop for about 85 first graders which they named “Go Green Day.” They also have been involved with the Ohio Solar Energy tour for three years. This annual event on Oct. 1 gives environmentalists, experts and interested families a chance to visit other solar homes to informally learn from one another. The Easons also were a part of the most recent tour.

“You feel a little less crazy [about your switch to solar],” laughs Marcia about the positives of getting involved in the solar tour.

According to both families, the bottom line is taking responsibility for the planet in the best way

Many more are waiting with tickets in hand to embark on a journey that is hundreds of miles long. But there are no rumbles of jet turbines heard and no runways in sight. This is no airport—it is a train station.

This vision, known as the “3-C Quick Start Passenger Rail,” is the brainchild of Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland. The environmentally-friendly train would be an alternative to driving or flying to major metropolitan areas in Ohio, such as Columbus and Cleveland. Similar passenger rails exist in other areas, namely East Coast cities, such as Philadelphia and Washington D.C., and Midwest cities, such as Chicago. According to a study by Amtrak in December of 2009, the corridor that stretches from Cincinnati to Cleveland is the largest in the nation without a regular passenger rail. If Strickland’s plan is implemented, this will no longer be the case.

While the convenience of the passenger rail system is appealing, another major feature of the train is its environmental friendliness. According to the Amtrak study, the 3-C train will remove 320,000 vehicle miles traveled in its first service year, which would—in theory—reduce harmful on-road emissions by 60,000 kg of hydrocarbons, by 66,000 kg of nitrogen oxide and by 1.8 million kg of carbon dioxide, providing a green substitute

of 500 East students %24% support the 3-C train plan. possible and educating others.

“Every kid should take a field trip to a landfill,” says Kenny. “If you saw a pile of a million yogurt cups that would be there forever, it would make you sick.”

Solar energy is simply one cost effective and easy way for families to help take responsibility for their environmental output. According to Adams, every day the sun produces 10,000 times more energy than we need. Harnessing that energy helps conserve the ever-depleting fossil fuels and avoid pollution. The Easons and Nutters both fight their own environmental output on a daily basis, trying to lessen it any way they can.

“We’re not saints by any means in doing this,” says Michael. “I know I’m leaving a carbon footprint. I am just hoping I can make the footprint a little less deep in the sand.” - Alexandra Wilson

Trainsportation The scene is chaotic—parents guiding their children through the crowded terminal, businessmen chatting away on their Blackberries and families being reunited after months apart.

for driving.

Additionally, the train emissions would be 95 percent lower than that of an average car. The Amtrak study projects that the train would save 10,000-15,000 gallons of fuel per day. Strickland’s plan is one that environmentalists have dreamed of for years.

But for some, such as state Rep. Jay Hottinger, Strickland’s dream is more of a nightmare—a $400 million investment, which many doubt will have the overwhelming number of riders that the state envisions. Many are unconvinced that the train’s environmental benefits will outweigh the economic cost.

“Right now, I’m skeptical,” says Hottinger (R-Newark), a member of the State Controlling Board, which will vote to approve the use of funding for the 3-C rail and needs a 5/7 supermajority to clear the funds.

Hottinger is wary of the annual $17 million subsidy, which the state will be responsible for if the train is built—a figure that he thinks is grossly underestimated.

“I think it’s very possible that they have overestimated the ridership and underestimated the cost,” says Hottinger. “My biggest concern is what our [financial] exposure is going to be in both the long term and the short term.”

Hottinger’s concerns are based on the Amtrak study, which projects roughly 585,000 passengers per year by 2014, yielding $14 million in annual revenue if no improvements are made to the system.

The state’s plan, however, is to upgrade the track and build at least two more stations, which Amtrak projects will increase the ridership to 715,000 a year and will bring in a total of roughly $19 million in yearly revenue, covering the annual subsidy. Until then, the trains will run on Ohio’s existing freight railway system.

Hottinger thinks these figures are inflated and is unconvinced about the current plan, but he is open to an amended version of the project. “[Strickland is] pretty wed right now to the idea of the 3-C [train]. I frankly do not think that’s the best high-speed rail plan or passenger rail plan that we can do in the state of Ohio,” says Hottinger. “Quite candidly, I just don’t think there are many people who need to take that route.”

Another issue that Hottinger has with the train is its speed: the 3-C train will have an average speed of 39 miles per hour (mph), a figure that has come under heavy criticism. With the proposed operating times and average speed, it will be impossible to make a round trip from Cincinnati to Cleveland in one day, as a one-way trip would take approximately six and a half hours.

Proponents of the 3-C rail are quick to point out that the passengers will be able to use traveling time productively on a train in ways that are not possible while driving a car, such as using the internet and having meetings.

Also, with bathrooms on board and a bistro car for food, there will be no need to make stops that impede the progress of road trips.

“Simply put, there are things you can do on a train that cannot be done, at least not safely, while driving a car, [such as] working on a laptop, using a cell phone, texting or just carrying on a conversation with a traveling companion,” says Public Information Officer for the Ohio Rail Development Commission Stuart Nicholson.

“On a train, you can walk to the bistro car to grab coffee, a snack or a sandwich.”

Advocates of the train also support the slow initial speed, citing that no nation or state has successfully started a high speed passenger rail at 110 mph, the speed that opponents say they would rather have. The 39 mph average and 79 mph top speeds are merely starting points, and within a few years, the train could be upgraded to reach the 110 mph top speed. Ohio hopes to follow states such as North Carolina, Illinois, Wisconsin and Maine, all of which started out with limited speed trains and eventually upgraded tracks and crossings to achieve a speed increase.

“We still have a second round of environmental impact assessments and negotiations with the freight railroads, both of which will have an impact on the improvements to the rail corridor, the schedule and thus the speeds,” explains

39 | Spark | April 27, 2010

Tracking the Train

infographic ian castro, erin grasty, kevin li, radhika madhavan

The 3-C program is not the nation’s only plan for a passenger rail. President Obama’s administration plans on providing a nationwide rail service focus primarily on an organization of eight states (shown in blue) which have entered into the Midwest Regional Rail Agreement.

Other states outside of the agreement such as Texas and California currently have passenger rails that will eventually connect with those of all other states to complete the nationwide passenger rail.

Time on Track Mar. 13, 2009 Ohio officially begins support for a passenger train service

Apr. 17, 2009 Ted Strickland applauds plan for national highspeed rail service

July 27, 2009 Ohio’s 3-C program joins the Midwest Regional Agreement

Sept. 8, 2009 Ohio finalizes federal use for 3-C train funding by Amtrak

heavily supported by the Strickland administration will provide economic improvement, higher employment and

environmentally-friendly travel l construction will put hundreds of people to work and provide lasting jobs l will reduce hydrocarbons by 95 percent l has the potential to add more than $1.2 billion into the economy

Oct. 1, 2009 Ohio Department of Transportation and ORDC submit 3-C application

Jan. 28, 2010 Strickland reserves $400 million from recovery act for 3-C rail

l l

40 | Spark | April 27, 2010

To Ride or

With gasoline becoming scarcer around the world, people are seeking more environmentally-friendly mediums of transportation. The 3-C train is a commuter rail which will run through the main population centers in Ohio—Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus and Cleveland.

Union Terminal

River Site 2

Pros: developed station; close to Interstate 75 Cons: rails controlled by freight company; long wait between train arrivals and departures; sharing rails with freight trains

Pros: further away from traffic Cons: requires agreement of owner; undeveloped

River Site 1

Lunken Park Drive Site

Pros: city-owned; in good proximity to major roads and highways Cons: between tennis courts and parking facility

Pros: lies on a railroad right-of-way Cons: very close to airports; site only five miles away from major traffic arteries

information brewster rhoads, allaboardohio.org, dot.state.oh.us, amtrak.com, gov. ted strickland, state senator bill harris

64

%

of 500 East students have never heard of the 3-C train plan

Not to Ride

62

%

of 500 East students would not ride the 3-C train if it was built

will only move at an average speed of 79 mph (about the average highway speed of a car) for first years l costs approximately $17 million just to maintain l increased rail traffic l

41 | Spark | April 27, 2010

Nicholson. “Where the critics stumble in their claim of ‘I can drive that distance faster’ is that average highway speeds are affected by a number of factors, including some [such as weather] that rarely affect a train.”

While Strickland and others support the 3-C plan, State Senate President Bill Harris does not.

“Based on what I have learned thus far, I am not convinced that the proposed 3-C Rail project

“

“What I would prefer is a passenger rail system that would connect people to those three cities, but would also have service to the outskirts and suburbs,” says Hottinger. “You could take a train from Hamilton or West Chester into downtown Cincinnati. Big cities always have a need for people to get into them from the outskirts, so I think a passenger rail that catered to that would be much more effective.”

Park, Dudley Woods, Ft. Liberty Playland, Liberty Park, Maud Hughes Incline, Mill Creek Preserve, Wetlands Park and Wilhelmina.

The trustees are not the only ones aiming to preserve current parks and to ensure the availability of park space in the future. Volunteers have held numerous events to draw attention to these parks. One of these was the School of Fish organized by the Liberty Parks Volunteers, a group of township residents who volunteer time to maintain and promote local parks. They managed to organize a trip for 150 kids from the community to visit a park and to learn about local wildlife.

“Did we change the world?

No, but it’s a good first step,” park volunteer Bob Bollenbacher remarks.

The township’s 11 parks improve the quality of the area as well as provide a social outlet for the community. Liberty Township resident Carol Bland, who regularly visits Voice of America Park and Liberty Park, sees the parks as a way for families to bond.

“It’s one of the few places [my husband and I] can go and enjoy the outdoors with our family,” Bland says.

Liberty Township trustee Christine Matacic agrees with Bland.

“Those [moments] are the little gems that these parks bring out,” Matacic says. “It bridges the generation gap.”

Another change Holliday wants is for people to enjoy the parks more. He hopes that through his walks he can “get people out and get them aware of what’s in the park.” Doing so will educate the public on the importance of conservation.

“I wish more people would be out on his walks,” expresses Matacic as she reflects on the hands-on knowledge that his hikes provide.

For those that do participate on the trails, they may have new parks to explore if the township’s plan for more green space works out. The trustees have recently gained 50 more acres of land where a new park is to be built, rather than apartment buildings like the original intention for the area.

Holliday, the parks volunteers and Matacic anticipate an increased acquisition of park land.

But what is in store for Liberty Township depends heavily on the decisions of today’s generations.

Holliday’s nature walks are a prevailing attempt to show the public the beauty of conservation.

“That’s my hope,” Holliday says as he looks out at the forest. “I hope [the trees] are here for my [grandkids to enjoy]. We don’t do as much for ourselves [as for future generations]. The trees we plant now will be my grandson’s.”

But what is in store for Liberty Township depends heavily on the decisions of today’s generations. Holliday’s nature walks are a prevailing attempt to show the public the beauty of conservation.

As Matacic puts it, “Each time he touches someone’s life, that gives them the opportunity to share [that knowledge] with others.” - Lauren Barker n

The trees we plant now will be my grandson’s.

put forth by [the Strickland] administration is the best use of our tax dollars,” writes Harris in a letter to Strickland. This seven-page letter contains alternative proposals to fund the project, as well as concerns about the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Amtrak survey.

Harris also has issues with the precision of the $400 million cost estimate. Last March, the cost projection from the state was $250 million, and it has fluctuated since then, reaching $564 million at one point. Harris, along with other members of the Republican Caucus, are worried about the lack of consistency in the estimates and are fearful that the project cost may exceed the $400 million federal grant.

One of the biggest disparities in the current plan is the proposed location of the Cincinnati station. Currently, the proposed location is just north of Lunken Airport, rather than Union Terminal, due in part to the complexity in placing a working passenger rail system in downtown Cincinnati. “[Choosing a terminal is] complicated. The bottom line is that we’ll at least get to Sharonville,” says Rhoads, who is a supporter of the rail and believes that the plan has a few wrinkles to iron out. “You could physically get the train down to the terminal, but you could be stuck a quarter of a mile away from the station for two hours while you wait for the freight trains to unload.”

To predict and potentially counteract these issues, a Rail Traffic Control (RTC) model would be needed. RTC models are the railroad equivalent of air traffic control towers at airports and are used to regulate railroad traffic, reduce delays and prevent crashes. Both Norfolk Southern and CSX, companies that own the rails that the 3-C train would run on, have voiced concerns about the lack of an RTC model in certain areas, specifically the Mill Creek and Queensgate rail yards. Woodside Consulting, one of the most prestigious RTC firms in the area, was hired to make an RTC model for the Queensgate yard but concluded that it was “too complicated” for an accurate model to be determined.

Hottinger is favorable toward one particular type of model.

42 | Spark | April 27, 2010

While controversy surrounding the $400 million plan is not lacking, public knowledge is.

Out of 500 surveyed East students, 64 percent have never even heard of the 3-C plan. To combat the general public’s lack of knowledge about the rail plan, Ken Prendergast started All-Aboard Ohio, an independent organization dedicated to increasing public knowledge of the proposed train system.

With opposite parties mired so deeply in a passionate battle, providing the public with accurate details is key, and only time will tell if this train can get enough votes aboard in the House, or if it will simply be derailed by the State Controlling Board. - Kyle Morrison

Park Preservation On a 34 degree February morning, he leads a brave group of eight through the snow covered woods. Along the way, he shares his knowledge on native plant and bird species. He answers questions with patience and genuine interest. This routine is more than community service for him; it is a hobby, a way to achieve inner peace.

Chuck Holliday, a volunteer at parks throughout Liberty Township, has been organizing and leading nature walks for nearly 10 years. It all began when he first discovered Wetlands Park off of I-75.

“I saw the park and I thought, ‘Man this is really neat!’” Holliday reminisces.

This discovery inspired Holliday to begin leading a bird walk where people can observe a variety of bird species. Ever since, he has made it his personal mission to raise environmental awareness across the township.

“Most people don’t realize [the parks are] here,” he adds as cars slowly roll into Dudley Memorial Woods. In the past decade, however, Liberty Township trustees have been working to increase public interest in parks. The township has acquired 11 parks in that time, totaling 300 acres of park land. A combination of land donations and purchases has helped Liberty Township acquire Allen Park, Cherokee Park, Dudley Memorial

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lifestyle | recipe

pimp your asparagus As asparagus season approaches, this nutritious vegetable is found fresh and inexpensively in markets and stores throughout the community.

Pasta with asparagus and lemon

Moosewood Restaurant New Classics Cookbook

1 ½ lbs asparagus 1 lb penne or casarecce pasta ¼ cup lemon juice ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil Salt and pepper to taste ¼ cup grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.

Rinse the asparagus, snap off the tough lower stems and discard them. Cut off 1 ½ inches of the asparagus tips and reserve. Chop the rest of the stems. Cook the asparagus tips in boiling water and cover for three or four minutes until tender.

Drain into a colander and set aside. In the same pot, blanch the chopped asparagus stems for six or seven minutes until tender. Drain, rinse in cold water and reserve separately.

Cook the pasta in the boiling water until al dente.

While the pasta cooks, puree the asparagus stems, lemon juice and olive oil in a blender or food processor until smooth.

If necessary, add a little of the hot pasta water (which contains starch and so mizture will not get too watery). Add salt and pepper to taste.

Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl. Stir in the asparagus puree, the asparagus tips and the grated cheese.

If the pasta has cooled, stir it in a pot on high heat for one or two minutes until hot. Serve immediately.

story sandhya warrier photos caroline tompkins

C

arrots help improve eyesight and beetroot is good for the blood. But what about asparagus? This tall, green veggie does not get much attention, but it is just as healthy as the rest.

According to the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board, asparagus is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables in existence. Asparagus contains high levels of vitamin A, B and C as well as the minerals thiamin and folate, all of which are necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Vitamins A and C, which are responsible for maintaining healthy hair and healing wounds quickly, “are the two nutrients most Americans do not get enough of,” says Outpatient Clinical Dietician Liz Weinandy.

Other health benefits from eating asparagus include detoxification, alleviation of cramps and aches, and improved fertility and fetal development.

“Asparagus is a very healthy vegetable that is high in fiber and folate,” says Weinandy. “Folate is especially important for pregnant women to include in their diets because it can help prevent neural tube defects.”

Asparagus also contains no fat or cholesterol, making it a perfect addition to a health-conscious diet, especially as a cup of cooked asparagus has three grams of fiber and only 35 calories.

Other healthy aspects of asparagus include potassium, dietary fiber and protein. The nutritious green is also recommended for heart health and for healthy kidney function. “[Asparagus] is good for your kidneys, because it cleans them out; it acts like a tonic” says Jim Brausch, owner of Brausch Asparagus Farm, which includes two acres of land and about 15,000 spears of growing asparagus.

As a member of the lily family, which also includes onions and garlic, asparagus grows from a crown under the soil and takes about three years to fully grow once they are planted.

Certain nutrients are necessary for asparagus to grow.

“Asparagus doesn’t need a lot of nitrogen to grow, but it does need phosphorus and a lot of nutrients in the soil,” says Brausch.

Spears of asparagus are usually harvested in the spring months of April or May. There are different varieties of asparagus, but according to the George Mateljan Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to educate people about healthy diet options, only about 20 of the 300 types are edible.

Asparagus can be prepared in different ways. Fresh asparagus can be boiled or steamed with other vegetables or can be stirfried with herbs and spices. “[Asparagus] is available year round and easy to cook—steam or grill each side for a few minutes and serve with a little squirt of fresh lemon juice, olive oil and perhaps a sprinkling of salt,” says Weinandy.

Both fresh and canned asparagus can be found in most grocery stores, and local farmer’s markets also sell fresh asparagus. Even though asparagus is not the most popular vegetable, it can be prepared in many ways and paired with a variety of dishes. The healthy veggie is not only easily accessible, but also a healthy choice. n

45 | Spark | April 27, 2010

lifestyle | green living

Green Cleaning Dry cleaning may seem like a harmless act of properly cleaning expensive clothing, but the chemicals often used in the process are not only detrimental to one’s health but also do not degrade safely or completely in the environment.

A

story reb vachon l infographic caroline tompkins

scientist sat in his lab one Super Bowl Sunday 10 years ago, playing with a beaker of liquid silicone. After dipping his finger in the solution, he noticed that his finger was not only clean, but also incredibly soft. Thus, the GreenEarth dry cleaning method was born.

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, GreenEarth is a different kind of dry cleaner. Most dry cleaners use perchloroethylene (perc) or hydrocarbons, which are dangerous chemicals that can cause heath issues when used improperly. GreenEarth, however, uses liquid silicone, a more environmentally-friendly solvent.

“The truth of dry cleaning is a little bit funny because dry cleaning is not actually dry. It’s still wet; it just doesn’t actually use water,” explains GreenEarth Cleaning Director of Marketing Stacy Sopoich. “The solution that most dry cleaners use is either perc, or another product that is called hydrocarbon. Both are petroleum-based and have different sets of environmental issues.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which puts out information about the effects of chemicals, perc can lead to a variety of health problems ranging from dizziness to unconsciousness. Repeated exposure to perc can lead to kidney and liver cancer as well as memory loss.

Aside from being dangerous to humans, perc also harms the environment bycontributing to smog and ozone depletion.

Liquid silicone is better for the environment than traditional solvents because it simply returns to its natural form when the cleaning process is finished.

“Liquid silicone degrades in the environment. It returns to the three ingredients it was made from—sand, trace amounts of water and carbon

46 | Spark | April 27, 2010

dioxide. So it’s very benign for the environment,” explains Sopoich.

Not only is liquid silicone better for the earth, but it is also safer for people who work with it. “[Liquid silicone is] so safe that you could literally rub it on your skin, which you would never ever do with perc for fear of all the terrible things it would do to you,” says Sopoich. “In fact, the silicone that we use in our process is the leading ingredient in a large number of personal care products—the exact same ingredient in shampoos and deodorants. They have different chemical names but they are the same thing.”

The cemical make up of the silicone is what makes the personal care products and the dry cleaning solvents so effective. Liquid silicone is chemically inert--it does not interact with the clothing fibers, so it does not fade the colors or wear out the fibers. According to Sopoich, many customers feel like their clothes have been softened in a mineral bath to soften them after they have been washed and do not have the typical petroleum odor left on most dry cleaned clothes.

Although Sopoich prefers the new “green” cleaners, the old fashioned perc cleaning method is still more popular.

Tom Paolucci, who works at Widmers Dry Cleaners based in Cincinnati, thinks that the benefits of using perc outweigh the dangers.

“The main thing is that [perc is] a much better cleaner,” he explains.

“It’s more aggressive on grease than GreenEarth and silicone-based cleaners. Even though our petroleum machines might not be safe for the environment, they clean very well.”

Although Widmers has taken some steps to become greener, such as replacing traditional chemicals with more environmentally-friendly

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Detergent used on Shirt 1- 2x ultra all; Shirt 2- Kirkland Sig Environmentally Friendly Laundry Detergent ; Shirt 3- Green Works Natural Laundry Detergent

chemicals and specialized cleaning with water, they are firm in their decision to continue using perc.

Although Widmers continues to use perc, they do so responsibly. Widmers takes steps to ensure that the perc it uses is handled and disposed of properly.

“After every batch of clothes, [the chemicals] are distilled. At high temperatures, the perc is evaporated and the dirt, debris and body oils are left,” says Paloucci.

After the dirt, debris and body oils are removed, the leftover chemicals are placed into barrels that are picked up by a separate company for proper disposal of every two weeks.

Widmers has the choice to stay with perc, but Californian dry cleaners done have that choice because California recently passed legislation phasing out the use of perc by 2023.

Sopoich supports such legislation but recognizes the difficulties of implementing it. “[The California ban is] like many regulations in that it will be very difficult [to carry out]. I think it will be very difficult for [owners to] quickly respond because people who are operating with perc would then have to buy a completely different system [that does not use perc], which can be very expensive,” she says. “That’s why [the legislators] gave the ban such a long time.”

Sopoich also explains that while dry cleaners are currently still allowed to use perc, the purchase of a perc machine is illegal in California, and eventually the use of perc itself will also be illegal. “[The steps in the ban are over] a period of time where the life of the machines would [naturally] be over and they would need to replace them anyway,” she explains.

The cost of implementing a new system is also what is keeping ecofriendly dry cleaning from becoming commonplace.

“The carbon dioxide and the wet-cleaning are not as commonly available because [the fact that] the equipment is really expensive, as it is with carbon dioxide or the process, is not business-owner-friendly,” says Sopoich.

GreenEarth patented their liquid silicone process, so other companies cannot use it.

Some companies, however, have partnered with GreenEarth to be able to use the liquid silicone process. Tide has started a small chain of dry cleaners in the Kansas City area that use the GreenEarth process.

“GreenEarth has the patent on this process, so [Tide Dry Cleaners] wanted to partner with us because they understand that being environmentally-friendly is very effective dry cleaning,” says Sopoich.

Tide Dry Cleaners is also considering expanding past Kansas City and is looking for franchises in several major cities, including Cincinnati.

East senior Gunnar Gidner says that he would use an environmentallyfriendly dry cleaner if one came to the area.

“I have to dry clean my clothes anyway,” says Gidner, “so I’d rather go to [an environmentally-friendly dry cleaner].”

Gidner is not the only East student who would be interested in a new eco-friendly dry cleaner in the area. East sophomore Kaitlyn Strunk would also like to have her clothes cleaned at a dry cleaner that is less harmful to the environment. “[Going to an environmentally-friendly dry cleaner would be helpful], especially if they can clean your clothes without all the chemicals that make you sick,” says Strunk.

It is customers like Gidner and Strunk that Tide Dry Cleaners and GreenEarth are hoping to attract by bringing their business to the Cincinnati area. “[We] are trying to change the whole model of the dry cleaning industry,” says Sopoich. n

80% of 500 East students have not heard of “green” dry cleaning.

47 | Spark | April 27, 2010

lifestyle | fashion

save it for

a rainy day photos caroline tompkins outfits chosen by meredith bleuer and liv devitt

A chilly breeze may be the weather in the morning, but once the afternoon peaks and rain begins to fall, a wet warmness fills the air. Dressing for this typical occurance can be simply achieved. The combination of edgy cardigans, thick leggings and rain resistant materials solves the problem of creating a wardrobe on a rainy day.

48 | Spark | April 27, 2010

Brandon From Urban Outfitters: Charles and ½ Solid Cardigan - $34.00 Feathers Oxford Shirt - $29.00

Liv From Target: Merona Zanna Plaid Rain Boots-Multicolor - $24.99 Merona Women’s Long Trench Coat Bonjour Brown Khaki - $39.99 Totes Blue Stick Umbrella - $12.99 From Urban Outfitters: Kimchi Blue Zip Pleat Ruffle Dress - $58.00

Max- Appendix Quarter Horse From Dover Saddlery Rambo Original 100 Gram Blanket wtih Leg Arches $94.90 Jessica From Urban Outfitters: Silence & Noise Vintage Terry Moto Jacket - $58.00 BDG Brushed Elastic Waist Skirt - $9.99 CO-OP Cute Tennis Tunic - $28.00

Emily From Target:

Women’s Merona® Zaney Polka Dot Rain Pink Boots - $24.99

Sonoma White Tank Top - $9.95 Merona Pink Rain Coat - $19.99

Xhilaration Jean Leggings - $19.99 Totes Bubble Umbrella - $16.99

49 | Spark | April 27, 2010

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entertainment | playlist

Spark Playlist: Victoria Liang Every issue, a member of the Spark staff is chosen to create a playlist that showcases a selection of the music that he or she has been enjoying as of late.

“Women’s Realm” Belle & Sebastien Delightfully whimsical melodies and earnestly sung lyrics combine to form a beautiful little gem that is as sunny and cheerful as a summer afternoon.

“Giving Up the Gun” Vampire Weekend Crystal-clear vocals and a slew of unusual percussion instruments make Vampire Weekend sound like a more eclectic, intelligent version of Hellogoodbye, and this track is especially enjoyable.

“A Change is Gonna Come” Ben Sollee This cover of Sam Cooke’s civil rights ballad receives a modern twist with a quicker beat, a soulful saxophone solo and new verses that shift the message on peace.

“I Got Rhythm” Gene Kelly This is the best recording of George Gershwin’s jazz standard. Kelly channels his old Hollywood charm and crooning voice in this fun and classic piece about finding joy in the small things.

“January Wedding” The Avett Brothers Guitar, banjo, and solo voice mingle perfectly to make a genuinely sweet love song that can make even the grumpiest of listeners smile.

“Dead Sound” The Ravonettes Meshing together heavily distorted guitars, a driving beat and airy vocals, The Ravonettes create an original indie song that is perfect for city nights.

“Snow is Gone” Josh Ritter “I’m not sure if I’m singing for the love of it or for the love of you,” proclaims Ritter in this sweet, quotable song about moving into springtime with hope and love.

“Fitz & Dizzyspells” Andrew Bird This light and breezy piece floats through headphones with bursts of whistling, strains of violin and lyrics that are ambiguous yet enjoyable to sing along to.

“Mario Kart Love Song” Sam Hart Hart creates a surprisingly well-written love ballad that can appeal to any lovestruck nerd with his sweet voice crooning “when we slide together, we generate sparks in our wheels and our hearts.”

“White Winter Hymnal” Fleet Foxes Swirling harmonies and pulsing instrumentals create a beautiful, hazy atmosphere that evokes images of falling snow perfectly, even while listening to it in the spring.

“The New Love Song” Joshua James “Well another little love song could make me sick/About a stupid emo rocker and his messed up chick,” sings James in his Jason Mraz-style voice as he urges musicians to sing about more important issues.

“In My Time of Need” Ryan Adams A 26-year-old Adams sings with the maturity and weariness of a weathered old man in a country ballad that puts slick Nashville tracks to shame with its raw beauty and emotion.

“Magpie to the Morning” Neko Case Case’s full yet mellow voice make the intro of this little acoustic piece as refreshing as a light rain on a summer morning and the rest as powerful as the midafternoon sun.

51 | Spark | April 27, 2010

entertainment | reviews

The Music My World 2.0

by Justin Bieber Island

Broken Bells

by Broken Bells Sony

Battle of the Sexes

by Ludacris DTP Recordings

The Monitor

by Titus Adronicus XL Recording

Plastic Beach

by Gorillaz Virgin Records

my world 2.0 – justin bieber Fresh-faced Justin Bieber took the music world by storm last year with his hard-hitting My World. And just four short months later, he released a followup cleverly called My World 2.0. Although these two albums have similar names, they are completely different worlds. This time, Bieber greets listeners with an edgy black and white album cover, attempting a defiant James Dean pout so everyone can see that he, like Dean, is a ladykiller with street cred. In a very short period of time, he’s attained that goal.

With guest appearances from Ludacris and Sean Kingston and songs written by Usher and Justin Timberlake, Bieber is singing with the big boys now and has a whole slew of female groupies. What girl in her right mind wouldn’t drop her panties for Bieber soulfully belting out “Like, baby, baby, baby nooo / Like baby, baby, baby ohhh” on his

first single eloquently titled “Baby?”

Remember that he shares a fan base with the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus and Ashley Tisdale and a market base with Limited Too, Twilight and Toys R Us. This level of exquisite musicality and profound lyricism is expected. He has truly mastered the pop genre by combining innovative sounds with an unrivaled vocal dexterity. At times, the unrestrained passion in Bieber’s baritone surpasses that of fellow teenage heartthrob Nick Jonas.

Call him a castrato or a little girl all you want. He will still keep producing mid-tempo pop and R&B tracks with dance beats and love themes that the are so scarce and needed in the music world these days. And despite what the critics may say, Bieber fever will become an epidemic that sweeps the nation. The only cure? A good taste in music.

– Victoria Liang «««««

broken bells – broken bells Expect finger-snapping and toe-tapping while listening to Broken Bells’ self-titled debut album. The duo, which features James Mercer from The Shins and Brian Burton from Danger Mouse, succeed in putting a semi-interesting spin on the popular indie genre using a touch of electronica mixed with occasional organ music. The album is catchy, but like its band name, Broken Bells falls just short of being trite. Luckily, listeners will be too mesmerized by Mercer’s powerful voice and Burton’s synthesized beats to notice.

Broken Bells features a variety of musical sounds, from the bashing of piano chords to the plucking of an acoustic guitar to the throbbing of a drum machine. The amount of mixing done to the isntruments is equal to the amount of alterations done to Mercer’s voice in each track. In “Vaporize,” the vocals are clear and smooth, then become

52 | Spark | April 27, 2010

psychedelically distorted in “Your Head is on Fire.” Broken Bell’s better-known single “The High Road” has a great introduction, but it goes downhill from there. Mercer’s voice sounds generic and dry for the next three minutes.

Overall, the sound evokes memories of sweet grass, soft wind, and sticky days. The album is reminiscent of summer, causing warm feelings to bubble up to one’s heart. This is exemplified with Mercer’s surprisingly good falsetto in “The Ghost Inside,” which practically makes the listener smell sweet grass and feel soft August wind.

Broken Bells is a fun and quirky album, but it doesn’t particularly stand out from other indie albums. Most of the tracks are jammable, but a few are downright boring. Broken Bells will reach a large audience.

It’s accessible enough to appeal to mainstream music fans but perhaps a little too popular for hipsters.

– Lisa Cai «««««

battle of the sexes – ludacris Ludacris’ seventh studio album, Battle of the Sexes, is based on the different perspectives of men and women, which is a difficult concept for an album. So as probably should have been expected, Ludacris failed to demonstrate any deep or sensitive understanding of the masculine and feminine psyches. “Hey Ho,” however, addresses the issue of societal views of promiscuity for males and females: “If men sleep around, we some players/ But for women, they be saying, ‘Hey ho.’” Overall, this album is basically about sex, rather than the sexes.

Though not doing much to dispel rap’s sexualized image, Battle of the Sexes is in Ludacris’ signature style and therefore has mad flow and is insanely catchy. Singles “How Low” and “My Chick Bad” are not anything amazing, but they both worm their way into the head and stay there. Even with the obnoxious chipmunk voice in the chorus, “How Low” is still destined to be one of the most popular current singles.

In addition to Ludacris’ talent to turn any song to gold, this album

also includes a veritable pantheon of female artists. Battle of the Sexes features Lil’ Kim, Nicki Minaj, Monica, Ciara, Eve and Trina. These ladies lend gorgeous vocals to the tracks, most notably in “Can’t Live With You.” It is rather thoughtful, at least in comparison to some cruder songs, such as “Everybody Drunk.” “Everybody Drunk,” originally released as a single in 2009, is drearily repetitive and just plain stupid.

Luda also recruited Flo Rida, Ne-Yo, Gucci Mane and Trey Songz for the album, to great effect. “Sex Room” could have been a complete disaster if it had been done by anyone other than Ludacris and Trey Songz. Similarly, “Tell Me a Secret,” featuring Ne-Yo, is a gorgeous slow song, which is rather unexpected for a hard-hitting rapper like Ludacris.

Although Battle of the Sexes does not do much more than make some infectious songs about sex and relationships with some female vocals added in, this album is generally fun and has the usual rapping Luda is known for, so call this one a success.

– Amanda Kaine«««««

the monitor – titus andronicus “Tramps like us, baby we were born to die!”

With that mutinous yell, singer Patrick Stickles leads a balls-out Titus Andronicus through a riotous journey down E Street, sounding like a pissed off Arcade Fire doing its best Bruce Springsteen impression. The Monitor is what Born to Run would have sounded like if it hadn’t taken its Ritalin. As a concept album, The Monitor touches on everything from the Civil War to the excesses of college partying.

Taking its name from the Shakespeare play of the same name, Titus Andronicus is an intelligent band writing intelligent songs, even referencing the works of Cormac McCarthy and Walt Whitman at points. While the title of the album comes from the name of a Civil War era warship, the Civil is not Titus Andronicus’ primary concern.

The band uses it as a platform from which they can explore modern themes, delving into an introspective reflection that merely focusing on a single historical event would not allow.

The tracks themselves are well put together, making The Monitor act as one continuous piece of music. Songs flow seamlessly into each

plastic beach – gorillaz

The Plastic Beach is where all the garbage in the sea congregates, an enormous artificial island in the middle of the ocean. It’s also the conceptual centerpiece of the Gorillaz’ Plastic Beach, their first album since Demon Days. You may remember them as “that cartoon band.”

The album’s lyrics mostly concern themselves with matters of environmentalism and the artificial superseding the natural. In Plastic Beach, nature survives on a plastic beach that may eventually become a plastic planet As interesting as the idea is, the Gorillaz chose to focus more on the music rather than the message, allowing the album to be more than a political statement.

Plastic Beach’s music is typical of the Gorillaz in that it brings together disparate genres of music to create a rainbow of aural diversity that duct tapes every popular genre of the past 20 years together and pulls it off wonderfully. Every song feels complete and despite the eclectic mix, is tied together with Damon Albarn’s melancholy vocals and a consistently electronic sound. This both provides a musical constant throughout the album and keeps what may have been a jumbled mess of styles focused. Albarn’s vocal style is

other, glued together by spoken word interludes, noise collages, and instrumental breaks.

In each song, Titus Andronicus builds a huge wall of sound that begins with the vocals. Lead singer Stickles doesn’t seem to really care about singing. He yells the lyrics, screaming them with a streak of defiance that is both angry and piercing. The New Jersey native sounds like a brash Springsteen, providing an emotional core from which the rest of the band draws.

The noisy guitars are rough around the edges, like static being forced to produce something that is close to a melody. Snare fills at times sound like a drummer boy beckoning an army, which adds to the record’s historical motif. The honky tonk piano and New Orleans trumpet solos on “...And Ever” continue the motif without sounding out of place at all, and neither do the guitars lines that could have been taken right out of “Yankee Doodle.”

The Monitor is a phenomenal record. It’s loud and boisterous, intricate and wild, clever and quirky. It is an eloquent statement about the legacy of an American tragedy.

– Tyler Kieslich «««««

the only thing from their previous albums that has been retained. The standard rock instrumentation is stripped away for a more synthesized sound dominated by drum machines and samplers. Even Albarn’s vocals occasionally retreat from the front stage to make way for rapping, spoken word, and a few lovely duets with Swedish band Little Dragon Collaborations are nothing new to the band, having involved at least six separate artists on Demon Days, and Plastic Beach is overflowing with collaborators, from Snoop Dogg and Mos Def to the previously mentioned Little Dragon.

The downside of the overwhelming number of collaborators, heavily experimental sound and increased amount of rap is that some accessiblity is sacrificed—even those who enjoyed the group’s previous works should be cautious.

Overall, Plastic Beach does not live up to the extremely high standard set by Demon Days. But if an album that boldly creates a rickety boat of musical styles, duct tapes it together with electronic sounds and sets it wading onto a big pink garbage beach sounds interesting, then Plastic Beach is a lovely destination.

– Zach Armstrong«««««

53 | Spark | April 27, 2010

switchfoot

They dared us to move and longed for something more. They greeted storms with their latest album, Hello Hurricane, which hit #13 on the billboard. This issue, Spark sits with Jon Foreman, Switchfoot front man, while he discusses his music and feelings—in prose. interview kyle morrison photo used with permission from the underground

54 | Spark | April 27, 2010

How did you get your start in music and what inspired you to go into this field?

There wasn’t ever a time for me when I wasn’t writing. I was always writing songs even when I was a little kid. There would always be guitars around my house so that was always the constant advantage.

For me, the goal was to graduate college and, you know, make something out of my life. But when I dropped out of college, we could actually support ourselves by making music.

Was there any specific moment where you thought you could pursue music for a living?

Yeah, I think there were a few along the way, like the moment I first got paid. We got a playing gig in junior high for my brother’s junior high school dance. I think they paid us like $500 and I remember thinking, “Dude, this is incredible! I got paid money to play music.”

Your most recent album Hello Hurricane has a much different sound from your previous albums. Was there any reason to this?

You know, everyone changes. I’ve heard that every two years, we have an entirely different sound, and then we move on. And you need to do that, otherwise you’re just a corpse, you know? So for us, there’s always more music that’s on the shelf, and I think that with this record in particular, we recorded the stuff off the shelf that we thought was the most eccentric, maybe a little bit more daring than anything we’ve ever done.

You’ve said before that Hello Hurricane represents the turmoil we face in our lives. Were there any particularly stormy elements of life that inspired you during the recording of the album?

Yeah, I think that the record itself came on the heels of the darkest years of my life, and we certainly endured a lot of storms as a band up to that point, and so we thought things through [We would say,] “this is a great time to record a record. We just got through the worst of the storm. Let’s take all of these songs,” and we thought it would be fairly easy, you know? And we tracked like 80 songs and so the record itself became a stormy process, and at some point, you have to choose 12 tracks to put on the record, and that became the challenge.

Which of the songs are most like each other? What defines a record?

What are the 12 songs that best represent who you are? For us, the moment of truth was when we came to the conclusion that the songs that we wanted to die singing were the songs we wanted to put on the record, you know, the ones that really moved us emotionally. I think it’s Dolly Parton who asked, “if you ain’t tryin’ why you singin’ it?” and that particular phrase, the idea that if it doesn’t tug at your heart, then it’s just time to move on to the next one, that kind of epitomizes this record for me, and it’s almost like singing into the storm. We can’t choose when the storms of life come or what they’re gonna tear down, but you can choose the way you approach the storm, and that’s really what this record is for me.

That’s a really cool way to look at things. Some people describe your music as being “Christian rock.” Would you agree? If not, how would you describe it?

Well we’ve always just said that we make music for thinking people but you know like there’s a thing that most journalists, and most people in general, do where we want to just put things in boxes because things are much easier in boxes; people are easier in boxes. So we do that all the time, with race, with sex, with financial stability, and we say, “oh, he’s a this, she’s a that,” but for me, music is much larger than that, and in many ways represents the things that pull us together. I’ve been very outspoken about my beliefs, and I’m always honored to be affiliated

“the moral of the story is: if you’re getting up on stage, check your fly.”

with Christ, but when it comes to a commercial genre that shares more affiliation with the way things are marketed and the financial distribution of a product, then I have a little bit of a hard time attaching Christ to something that bought our souls with a barcode, you know? I feel like, for me, Christianity is a faith, not a genre, but if people want to put us in that box, I’m fine with it. I feel like it’s a much larger conversation, though.

What was the inspiration behind your Seasons solo releases?

After we would play a show as a band we’d go down the street to a coffee shop, or a bar, or a parked car, or something and play some covers and mellower songs, and they didn’t fit in the Switchfoot set, but they felt like they needed to be sung. So the EPs came out of that, and I was just trying to put them in a context. And the seasonal context was something that just encompassed the songs really well.

You could just file them away as a “fall” or a “spring,” and it just made more sense than putting 26 songs out at one time. And personally I love the EP form, just 6 songs or 4 songs. That’s a great way to listen to music. When it’s 12 songs it just takes a lot larger attention span.

Now you and your band do a lot of charity work, such as the Switchfoot Bro-Am surf contest. What got you interested in starting a charity surf event?

It’s a dream, man. The Bro-Am represents everything that I love: you’ve got music, you’ve got surfing, you’ve got my hometown, you’ve got these incredible kids that happened to be put in these really difficult situations, where their parents haven’t really given them the love and the honor that they deserve really, and alternately these kids are on the streets at a myriad of ages. And so for me, the kids are the true heroes and to see the community coming together to recognize these kids on an incredible day at the beach and these big companies coming and donating shoes and backpacks. Tony Hawk donated a bunch of stuff. It really is the best part of San Diego when we get together and help the people that really need it, and I can’t think of better heroes to support than these kids, so that’s who we support. But yeah, it’s a dream, man, it’s my favorite day of the year. I love it.

You guys have obviously played thousands of shows, so you must have at least one funny story. What is your most embarrassing moment on stage?

You want me to share a little dirt? Is that what you’d like? Alright, probably one of my favorite stories would be when we were playing a festival in the Northeast. I think it was outside of Boston somewhere, or maybe in New Jersey. I’m walking around [on stage] and there’s this huge jumbo-tron and everything, and I look down at this sign that this girl’s holding up in the front row, and I read it and it says “Jon, your fly is down.” And it certainly was, so I just zipped it up and moved on, but you know, I think there’s a transition period that you have to go through the buttoned fly and the zipped fly, and that can be a very dangerous time for an individual, so now I make sure I remember that step. So I guess the moral of the story is: if you’re getting up on stage, check your fly. That is an important part of the process.

What exactly is your creative process when you’re making new songs? Do you write the music or the lyrics first?

My favorite songs are the ones that are married from the start, where the lyrics and the melody are expressed in the same energy, the same feeling. But a lot of times, that can only happen when you write them together. Sometimes, the music can kind of come out after the fact, but the beautiful thing about songwriting is that really anything can be a song. For me, it’s almost like a diary in which there will be certain months when I try to write one song per day and just push myself in different areas. But I never want it to feel like I just covered something that wasn’t mine, where it feels like there’s something that’s transcendent or beyond myself and I just don’t see my own fingerprints in there, and it just feels like we’ve stumbled across something that somebody else wrote. n

55 | Spark | April 27, 2010

entertainment |reviews

The Motio Green Zone, the most recent action-packed movie starring Matt Damon, is not only a poor man’s Jason Bourne but also a political film, depicting the War in Iraq as a major conspiracy. Matt Damon portrays Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller, an over-curious soldier in the war who questions orders and pushes the limits of human badassness.

Defining a true soldier, Miller leads his United States team of Army inspectors on several authorized missions to secure and locate supposed sites of weapons of mass destruction. After several failed assignments in Baghdad, Miller begins to question his commands and intelligence.

Miller’s willingness to risk his life for truth is odd because his incentive is never explained. In his probing, his path intersects with opposing operatives within the U.S. government. The resulting mess leaves three opposing forces in the movie: the Iraqis, the “good” Americans (Miller-led team) and the “bad” Americans. The resulting conflicts leave

the audience unsure of who to support during the fire-fights.

By and large, Green Zone is a movie with a political statement clearly blaming the Bush administration for an unjust war in Iraq and leaving the viewers thinking “why do we fight?” Even though the movie is often disconcerting, director Paul Greengass’ cinematography is on par with, if not surpassing, that of all other recent action movies. Some of the intense battle scenes were shocking because of their special effects and realism, making the audience feel as if they were on the battlefield.

Nevertheless, Green Zone is a movie that leaves the Green Zone spectators disappointed because the political attacks on the U.S. government are emphasized more than rated – R the plot itself. The movie’s hype raised the audience’s length – 115 min expectations, but left the audience feeling as thwarted IMDb ratings – 7.2 and frustrated as the U.S. troops.

Rottentomatoes rating – 54% – Tommy Behan Spark rating – «««««

An old adage states that it is wrong to judge a book by its cover. Yet this is exactly what people did upon seeing the previews for Hot Tub Time Machine, a movie that actually overcomes first impressions to become the most original comedy of recent times.

While the plot is about exactly what the title indicated—a magical Jacuzzi that transports its users back in time—the plot is expertly written and the dialogue is brilliant. The movie begins with a group of friends who travel to the ski resort where Adam (John Cusack), Nick (Craig Robinson), and Lou (Rob Corrdry) had one of the best weekends of their lives back in 1986, and they bring Adam’s 20 year-old nephew Jacob (Clark Duke) along for the ride.

After arriving, the group is shocked to see that the formerly thriving city experienced a rougher 20 years than they had, becoming run-down and barren. But when Lou unknowingly spills one of his energy drinks on to a hot tub’s

controls, the time machine in disguise takes them back 24 years to the greatest weekend of their lives. Now, they must choose between reenacting their actions to preserve the future or enjoying themselves with different choices.

While Cusack and Robinson were both fantastic, Corddry stole the show with antics reminiscent of Alan from The Hangover. Even the minor characters were hilarious and added to a deep, character-driven plot in which each character discovers things about life that they had been missing.

The movie is full of profanity, drugs and sex, but it refrains from most of the clichéd toilet humor Hot Tub other comedies are reliant upon. Even the nudity is Time Machine not as captivating as the original humor and legitimate rated – R character development. This is the most original and length – 100 min enjoyable comedy in a while, easily topping The Hangover IMDb ratings – 7.1 and Superbad.

Rottentomatoes rating – 64% – Kyle Morrison Spark rating – «««««

56 | Spark | April 27, 2010

n Pictures Seeing Robert Pattinson in a movie preview would make most people assume that another unoriginal chick flick was being advertised. Though Remember Me may seem like an ironic title for an easily forgotten movie, those who actually watch the movie will remember it forever.

Pattinson sheds his fangs for some angst while portraying Tyler, an angry, troubled young man struggling with his seemingly heartless father and the suicide of his older brother. When Tyler meets Ally (Emilie de Ravin,) a college classmate who has also experienced family issues, romance sparks. After being talked into asking Remember Me Ally out on a date by his roommate, Tyler is thrown into a conflict when their family matters cause tension rated – PG-13 in the relationship. Regardless, the two young actors length – 113 min portray a love for each other that seems real—not IMDb ratings – 6.1 Rottentomatoes rating – 27% sugar-coated, like in most romance movies—which is a definite plus.

Spark rating – «««««

Remember Me comes with the complete package of romance and drama with a hint of comedy. The script is well-written and the entire cast does it justice. Despite the long length of the film the audience stays captivated,both

by Pattinson’s bittersweet charm and the heart-wrenching, intertwining stories about human relationships.

Although the film has its weak points, it captures the theme from Ghandi’s quote featured in its preview: “Whatever you do in life will be insignificant. But it’s very important that you do it.” This is reflected through Tyler’s ignorance of his importance to the people around him and the people’s eventual realization of his self-worth after a thought-provoking surprise ending.

Remember Me did not have nearly as much hype as New Moon, but it deserved more. The film will not disappoint those who are looking for a quality romance.

– Christina Wilkerson

Children’s animated movies are generally very predictable; there is the lovable misfit protagonist and the blatantly obvious good vs. evil conflict that drives the whole plot. However, How to Train Your Dragon 3D is not what one would typically expect from a PG movie.

Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) lives in the Viking town of Berk, where life revolves around killing dragons, but Hiccup decides to make a pet out of a dragon named Toothless.

Throughout the movie, several fight scenes take place in more detail than typical children’s movies. The twisting and turning of Toothless’ flight through the sky will How to Train exhilarate viewers. The animation is incredibly clear, to Your Dragon the point where viewers can see every strand of hair rated – PG in a beard. Like Avatar, this movie will have viewers length – 98 min on the edge of their seat as they watch Hiccup soar IMDb ratings – 8.1 Rottentomatoes rating – 97% on Toothless’ back or see the epic battles between Vikings and dragons.

Spark rating –«««««

Despite what the advertisements imply, the 3D effects were mostly unnecessary. Still, the “be yourself ” message to young children evident throughout this movie and the lovability of Hiccup make up for it.

How to Train Your Dragon is not as romantic and cute as Up, but there is a fling between Hiccup and the tom-boyish, Astrid (America Ferrera). Similarly to Up, Hiccup realizes that the goal he has been working towards his whole life is not what he actually wants. He has to decide between not killing dragons and standing up to everyone else in the village, or going with the flow and killing dragons even when he believes it is morally wrong. This provides yet another message to young viewers about doing what is right.

No matter what the viewers’ age, How to Train Your Dragon is a fun movie to go watch. Going to see How to Train Your Dragon is well worth the money, just maybe not in 3D. – Ariadne Souroutzidis

57 | Spark | April 27, 2010

entertainment |reviews

The Literature

M

ost people have probably heard of Albert Einstein at least once. After all, he was a brilliant physicist and arguably one of the most influential in regards to the modern view the physical world.

But what on earth did Einstein actually do? One could say that he made that one E=mc2 equation—energy equals mass multiplied by the speed of light squared—and that he more or less defined special and general relativity. That’s a pretty good start. It’s about as much as anyone who is not a personal physics scholar knows about any famous physicist.

For those who are not seasoned physics buffs, many of the great minds that have formulated the theories and physical laws that all humans follow seem to be in some sort of mysterious, academic mist. Quantum Leaps is a book from behind the battle lines that sheds light on the people whose lives have changed physics in the past century.

People do not necessarily imagine that the lives of physicists would be terribly interesting, but Jeremy Bernstein manages to work in many clever anecdotes that give names some personality.

One such anecdote that exemplifies this is about Neils Bohr, one of the several characters that Bernstein really characterizes well. He was a Danish physicist whose work explains many of the intricacies of quantum theory, but according to Bernstein he was not very good at explaining his ideas to other people. Bohr would hire graduate physics students to help him put his theories into words that other scientists and students could understand.

He was notoriously bad at giving lectures; he would mumble to the crowd for starters, then when he said something that didn’t make sense in his head, he would stop talking and work it out in his head without explaining any of his thoughts to listeners before continuing on as if nothing had happened. Reading Quantum Leaps gives lots of insight to the reader about such little idiosyncrasies that many influential academics throughout the 20th century had.

Do not worry about needing a prior understanding of quantum theory or classic Newtonian physics. Although the book does refer back to the theories themselves, the focus is on the people. An actual understanding of the nature of quarks is unnecessary because the book’s purpose is to expound on scientists’ quirky natures. Bernstein gives enough background so that the reader can get the gist of what is going on in the physics world without having to be personally familiar with the formulas.

That being said, Quantum Leaps does not stick only to the lives of physics professors and researchers. The second chapter “Quantum Buddhists” talks about the current Dalai Lama and his interest in physics.

Bernstein describes the trip of the Dalai Lama and a group of Tibetan monks to the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which is a large particle physics research center near Geneva.

The book proceeds to discuss poets and novelists who have used physics theories as material for poems and fictional works. At first glance, one may think that must be exceedingly dull, but Bernstein shows that many literary works, such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, use scientific ideas like the curving of the spacetime continuum for entertainment and commercial value. There is an amazing amount of authors who use modern physics as key factors in their writing. Read the book to find out who they are.

Quantum Leaps opens a world that most people probably do not realize even exists, or if they do know it exists, they do not know much about it.

That world is the world of academic scholars and philosophers whose work is often taken for granted. It is not an action or a romance book by any means, but it is good to take a step back and appreciate the lives of brilliant men and women who dedicated their existence to furthering modern knowledge.

–Dan Garrett

58 | Spark | April 27, 2010

quantum leaps Jeremy Bernstein “The missed opportunity? I did not realize that [Marcel] Duchamp had read both Einstein and Henri Poincaré on relativity. How much this influenced a painting like Nude Descending a Staircase is much discussed. I could have asked him.” (177)

A kitchen confidential Anthony Bourdain “What’s been lost in all this foodcrazy, chef–and restaurant– obsessed nonsense is that cooking is hard—that the daily demands of turning out the same plates the same way over and over and over again require skills other than, and less telegenic than, spouting catch phrases and schmoozing.” (xv)

t a restaurant, a group of individuals sits down and orders their food. The group eventually receives their orders, eats them, and then leaves. Those people may notice the hostess or the waiter or the bartender, but the chef ? Probably not a single thought was given to the person in charge of the creation of their meal.

If someone is asked what comes to mind given the word “chef,” typical answers are Chef Boyardee, Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse. But these examples are not an adequate sample of real line cooks and chefs.

As former executive chef of New York restaurant Les Halles Anthony Bourdain writes, “[We chefs are] used to doing what we do in private, behind closed doors. We’re used to using language that many would find… well…offensive, to say the least. We probably got in the business in the first place because interacting with normal people in a normal workspace was impossible or unattractive to us. Many of us don’t know how to behave in public—and don’t care to find out.”

To sum it up, chefs are “wacked-out moral degenerates, dope fiends, refugees—a thuggish assortment of drunks, sneak thieves, sluts and psychopaths.” Bourdain, who left Vassar College to attend the Culinary Institute of America and worked in restaurants for more than 20 years, is no exception. Kitchen Confidential is a memoir of his life as a cook and chef, detailing the unknown world of those who work in restaurants.

Contrary to popular belief, restaurant kitchens are filled with an entire team of men and women who each have a specific duty. The members of the kitchen have to work together quickly and under pressure in a hot, cramped space. The creation of a meal in such conditions is much like choreographing and performing an intricate ballet dance around many sharp objects and hot surfaces.

And, perhaps surprisingly, the best chefs aren’t always fancy culinary school graduates who learned their craft in France. They’re immigrants from Latin American countries who started off as dishwashers and moved up through the ranks. They also are gruff, foul-mouthed and often involved in drugs. Bourdain is both frank and self-deprecating as he details his drugaddled rise and fall through his culinary career, thankfully with no attempt to pretend he’s perfect.

Even with such personal flaws, it remains quite clear that these people are hardworking, loyal, persistent, dependable and dedicated. Bourdain points out, “If I need a favor at four o’clock in the morning, whether it’s a quick loan, a shoulder to cry on, a sleeping pill, bail money or just someone to pick me up in a car in a bad neighborhood in the driving rain…I’m calling my sous-chef, or a former sous-chef, or my saucier, someone I work with or have worked with over the last twenty-plus years.”

Although Bourdain has a few sidetracks about restaurant trade secrets, how to cook like a chef and advice to chef-hopefuls, Kitchen Confidential is primarily a heartfelt memoir of a man who loves the life in the culinary trade. A sawdust-dry nonfiction account of the restaurant business would certainly be informative and full of facts, but understanding a subject—a life—is easier and more enjoyable through one person’s story.

Perhaps from his time at private school and then at Vassar, Bourdain has beautiful writing style and real voice; reading Kitchen Confidential feels like talking to a real person face-to-face, not slogging through a jargonheavy textbook. Bourdain is funny and shows his life through stories and descriptions of the people he’s worked with.

The most insightful and beautiful portions of the book are the chapters about a day in his life and about his hands. The immense difficulty of being in charge of a restaurant is clear without Bourdain whining or even pointing out how hard his job is. Kitchen Confidential demonstrates how much it takes to be a cook or chef and how tough and crazy a person has to be to pick such a life.

–Amanda Kaine

59 | Spark | April 27, 2010

Check out our Lakota East models and pick your favorite style for PROM!

Bring in your LEHS school id and receive

15% off any upstyle or men’s haircut!

Sophomore Connor Fraley prepares to hit a forehand in the first scrimmage of the year on March 26.

sports l inside east sports

Defending Champs Return The East Boys’ Tennis Team is returning strong with high hopes following an undefeated regular season and Greater Miami Conference (GMC) Title last year. story sarah fanning photo weston neal infographic anj jagpal

T

he East Boys’ Tennis Team is returning this season set on repeating as Greater Miami Conference (GMC) champions with hopes of making another run at the state tournament.

Last year, the Thunderhawks went undefeated in the regular season, to secure the GMC conference title. They also won the GMC Tournament, beating rival Lakota West by two points. Although they managed to advanc to the district finals, they eventually fell to four-time defending state champion St. Xavier High School (St. X.).

The team returns this year with all of last years starters, including sophomore first singles player Zach Mueck, whose only loss on the season came to state runner-up Wyatt Leppert, a 2009 West graduate.

“This is the most talented group top-tobottom that East has ever had. All of the boys worked very hard in the off-season, and we have the physical ability to compete with any team in the state,” said Coach Greg Mahlerwein, who was named GMC Coach of the Year in 2009.

Last year, juniors Freddy Abunku and Akash Umakantha were named to the All-GMC first team for second and third singles respectively.

Mueck and seniors Matt Witzman and Prince Abunku were named to the second team AllGMC second team for first singles and first doubles respectively. All of them return to the team this year.

According to sophomore Mitch Noufer, although the team does not work together as a whole in the offseason, all of the returning players on the team played at area tennis clubs, and many of them play in the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Junior Tournaments throughout the year. Many players also participated in USTA doubles tournaments.

Because of the work put in during the off season and success of last year, sophomore Conner Fraley believes the team does not have one area of weakness that needs to be improved on.

This hard work is continuing through the season, with practices lead by Witzman. He opens each practice by leading the team in conditioning drills and gives input to the team on what needs to be worked on in each practice.

“Matt always knows how to get us ready and pumped for the upcoming matches and

organizes well,” Fraley says.

The team hopes that its hard work in practices will pay off in the pivotal matches against rivals Lakota West and St. X. “Our match against West [will be challenging] because of the rivalry, but we will be sure to win again,” Fraley says.

“Our match against St. X is the most critical and most difficult in our bid for state.”

Mueck agrees that those will be critical matches for the team and hopes that his own individual run at the state title will improve from last year.

“The main goal of the team is to get to the final four at state this year and individually I also want to make a run at state,” says Mueck.

Mahlerwein feels that the competition in the GMC is a motivator for the boys to seek out wins in both those matches and ones with teams outside of the GMC. In addition, the stiff competetition within the league serves as an incentive for the boys to improve their games both on and off the court so they can advance to

the State tournament.

“The GMC is the toughest tennis league in the state, so every league match is important.

We are also hoping to get a rematch with 4-time defending state champion St. Xavier,” says Mahlerwein. “Every day I ask, ‘Did you get better today?’ We have to keep our mental focus and the desire to improve. With all of our starters returning from last season, it’s too easy to relax and think that we are automatically going to be as good as last year. Our season success will be determined by working on making every detail of each game better.” n

Scoring in Tennis 30 15

Love six games to win a set when both players tie at 40 points the game goes into deuce. a player must win two more points four points to in a row to win. win a game pro set consists of eight games

40

00 GAMe

SeT

Game two sets to win at match in the even of a 6-6 set score, a tiebreaker is played a tiebreaker is the first to seven points and you must win by two points

61 | Spark | April 27, 2010

sports | eight things

story erin pollock east softball player (as told to jordan drake) photo eric muenchen

Have Strong Legs

“The majority of your power comes from leg strength. When you push off the mound, the more power you use, the more speed there will be on the ball.”

Need a Long, Fast arm

“The arm needs to be stretched out as long as possible. Make it very fast to get good accuracy.”

Pay Attention to Detail

“Even the smallest difference such as not landing with your foot at the correct angle, can mean the difference between the pitch being a ball or a strike.

Have a Good Memory

“Memorize all the signs for pitches, and remember what the batter has done against you previously.”

Have Complete Focus

“You can’t let people get in your head.

Stay focused on the job you have to do.”

Trust Your Defense

“You don’t have to always get strike outs to be successful. It’s a team sport, so trusting your team is important.”

Have Confidence

“You have to look confident and believe you’re the best; otherwise, they will smack the ball.”

Stay Dedicated

“I have pitching lessons once a week for an hour year round. I also practice on my own a lot. Without practice, you won’t be successful.”

62 | Spark | April 27, 2010

8

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT Softball Pitching

sports l news

An Eligible Solution Eligibility forms at East will soon transition to an online format, and students will no longer have the opportunity to view or access them. story faiz siddiqui

I

administrators, including Athletic Director Richard Bryant, met on Mar. 26 to discuss the timetable of the switch, agreeing to phase it in for the current academic year.

“Hopefully we’ll take a [trial] run during fourth quarter to see how it works,” said Bryant.

East Principal Dr. Keith Kline hopes to center the system around the web program the school’s staff uses to relay academic information to students and parents: Edline. Teachers will play a minimalistic role in actually handling eligibility forms. “[Teachers]will not have to manually check the forms [anymore],” said Kline. “[The system] will be [organized] like online registration.”

Kline believes that the new system will benefit the students academically. He sees it as a way to motivate students to keep their grades up because if students do not adhere to the academic standards that their athletics require, they have no way of beating the system and determining their own eligibility.

“This way, students will get the job done in the classroom before they get onto the field,” he said.

Even though Kline believes that the new system will help avoid disciplinary issues with eligibility forms, some Lakota West teachers do not believe that the new system is as accurate as the old one.

Lakota WEEKLY ELIGIBILITY “I miss the old system,” says This form must be turned into your coach by (day and date) April 14 Lakota West Geometry teacher Eligibility is for the week of (date range) April 12-16 Chuck Merk. “I do not think Information must be completed for every class period the grades are checked nearly as Name _______________ Grade Sport much on Edline like they should be and I don’t think teachers Teacher’s Subject Letter Grade Comment Initial are uploading grades as much as they should be to make sure students are eligible.”

Currently at Lakota West, teachers periodically update their grades onto the Teacher Access Center, Lakota’s gradebook system. The Lakota Central Office has set up a system by which grades are automatically taken from the Teacher Access Center and posted onto Edline every Thursday. Lakota West Assistant Athletic Director Tiffany Sawyer then checks athletes’ Edline pages in order to determine eligibility. East plans to adopt a similar system. *Kara Robertson is a fictional East student. These grades and signatures are fictitious.

With the new system, t’s 2:24. East junior Jen Brown* prepares to weave through the students exiting their seventh period classes. She has six minutes to complete her task, which consists of walking to seven separate destinations. First, she reaches into the tray outside the school mailroom to pick up the necessary form. Next, she stumbles upon her economics teacher, who shrugs before signing. She then sprints upstairs to her biology teacher who signs as well. Brown repeats this process for three of her other classes before finding her Spanish classroom locked with no teacher in sight. It is Wednesday; the form must be turned in to the athletic office by 2:30.

Without valid signatures from all of her teachers, Brown will be deemed athletically ineligible.

Reminiscing over a week of hard practice on the varsity golf team, Brown decides to take matters into her own hands by forging her Spanish teacher’s signature.

In an effort to combat issues with the current eligibility system, such as forgery, East will make the switch over to an online system—one that Lakota West has been using for the entirety of the school year—during the fourth academic quarter of the current school year. Several East

Old Athletic Eligibilities

students will not be able to tamper with the eligibility forms, something that teachers viewed as an issue. Even though Brown once had to forge a signature to maintain eligibility, she welcomes a revamping to a “broken” system.

“It will be easier because I will not forget eligibility forms in teachers’ classes and be screwed for the rest of the day,” she said. “Some teachers only take eligibility forms on certain days, so I will be able to avoid that situation.”

Because of the circumstances at the time she forged the signature, Brown does not believe that she committed any wrongdoing. Had her Spanish teacher been available to sign Brown’s eligibility form, Brown would have been eligible with an 89 percent in the class.

“I knew I would be eligible,” she said. “Not having it done would not be fair because I knew I needed to be able to play that week. I simply forgot to get the signature.”

But according to Lakota West Track and Field Coach Craig Myers, who also teaches Anatomy and Sports Science, Brown’s story is not an isolated case. With the old system, forged signatures was a concern of his, and his fears were not unwarranted. A few years ago, he had to discipline a student who maintained eligibility by forging his signature. These past experiences cause him to favor the new system.

“The computer seems like the best way,” he says. “I like the new system because I can police [the athletes] better.”

Like Merk, Myers’ only issue with the new system is its lack of accuracy. He believes that the new system will require teachers to update grades more often than before. His chief concern is that an ineligible athlete whose teacher has not updated his or her grades on the Teachers Access Center will be considered eligible by the athletic office.

“The new system will only work if teachers input their grades every Thursday,” he says.

“Putting grades into the gradebook should be standard practice.”

Because students and teachers will have little to do with the eligibility process, the new system will save effort and time. Teachers will no longer be required to retrieve students’ grades during class, thereby allowing for added time to be allotted to teaching.

Brown feels as if a tremendous weight has been lifted off of her own shoulders as a result of the change in the system.

“For senior year, I want to focus on golf,” Brown says. “I’m glad that an [eligibility] does not have to be another element that I have to add to my stress. Lots of students feel the same way.” n

63 | Spark | April 27, 2010

Mens’

photo eric muenchen

Volleyball

Junior Anthony Lorenzo and seniors Michael Hoekstra and Hunter Klein practice in the East gym. photo eric muenchen

Track and Field

Junior Maria Brafford practices the 3200m run. photo alex monson

Girls’ Lacrosse

Freshman Amber Jagpal and sophomore Erin McNally run down the field in a scrimmage against McAuley.

At the start of the East’s Boys’ Volleyball Season the team finished 5th in the tournament held at Carnival Classic. The Thunderhawks were the highest finishing public school.

“Those three games we played made a statement that East has a squad this year,” says East Junior Varsity volleyball player Wes Meyer.

East Varsity Volleyball Coach Faber Fields says practices have changed in intensity.

“We have a lot of kids that are straight athletic,” Fields says. “Knowing the potential these kids have, I came in this year so that practices have a quicker-tempo.”

East junior Wes Meyer agrees with Fields and believes the team will succeed if it practices with more intensity.

“This year we’re serious,” Meyer says. “Our coach has really got us together and he’s getting serious. East senior four year volleyball player Michael Hoekstra believes the team can reach the Greater Miami Conference due to the amount of experienced players on the team this year.

“We have a ton of people with a lot of experience who play club all year round,” Hoekstra says. “We’re able to think past the basics and come up with more plays.”

The team will rely on the experience it gaines during the offseason.

“It’s exciting to see [the team] come back after a long summer and fall and see how they’ve grown and gotten better,” Fields says. ­­—Rashma Faroqui

As the weather starts to get warmer and winter sports draw to a close, East athletes begin to head out to the track to commence their 2010 season.

Last year the girls’ and boys’ track teams finished 10th and 7th in the Greater Miami Conference (GMC), respectively.

While both teams have similar goals, their methods to winning are different.

“Our girls’ team is going to be very strong in field events this year, especially in shot put and discus,” says Head Coach John Lindeman.

Only four seniors are on the girls’ team this year, which calls for a larger role of the underclassmen. Sophomores Lauren Buck and Tiffany Herzog and freshman Kirsten McKinney will look to fill this position.

“Even though I am an underclassman, I am probably the biggest leader of the throwers,” says Buck. “I think Lindeman has high expectations for me and my performance.”

Last year, Buck showed a great deal of potential with an eighth place finish in the GMC for shotput and a second place finish in discus.

Herzog had a successful season as well, finishing 17th in the GMC for shotput.

The girls also have a tough sprinting core this season. Junior Maria Brafford, who came in 7th in the GMC in 2009, will look to provide good results and strong leadership for the young team.

For the men’s program, all eyes are turned to

the sprinters. Junior Stephen Sensel holds East records for both the 200 meter dash and long jump. He finished 11th in the GMC for the 200 and fourth in the long jump last year.

“Our boys’ team will be centered around the sprinters,” says Lindeman. “We have a group of very talented runners.”

Seven East seniors will also look to provide skill and leadership to the boys’ team.

“We have a lot of potential with incoming freshman,” says East senior JD Haake. “It’s nice being a role model for the underclassmen and being someone to look up to.”

East’s relay teams have a lot to live up to. The teams finished third in the 400 meter, fourth in the 800 and first in the 1600 last season.

Living up to this legacy will take a lot of work. In preparation for their season, the Hawks head out to the track every day after school for specialized technique and weight training.

“Practice is always fun, but if you don’t take it seriously the coach will get mad. Practice is important because track is all about technique,” says Brafford.

Brafford explains that she not only wants to improve her own results, but also to inspire improvement from the rest of the team.

“I’m expected to be a leader and help any way I can. My main goal this year is to make our good track team a great track team,” she says.

—Drew Souders

With a positive start to the new season, East Girls’ lacrosse was well prepared for its first game on March 30 against Centerville High School. Junior Varsity finished with a winning score of 5-4.

“Junior Varsity is looking really good,” said senior and first-year lacrosse player Kelly Metz.

The varsity team is off to a rocky start, losing 16-5, but it is ready to learn from its loss.

“I think we’ll use this game as a learning experience,” said Metz. “We played well.”

Varisty led but lost momentum during the last portion. Three goals were scored by Junior Jenni Martin.

This is the second year East has had its own girls’ lacrosse team and the sport is gaining popularity. East has several new players this year,

including seniors Haley Braun and Metz.

“I feel like we have a lot of potential to do well in the coming season,” said East junior and two-year lacrosse player Kimber Riggs.

Riggs believes that the team brings overall strength that is crucial in winning future games.

“Our offense brings a lot of speed to the game,” said Riggs. “And defense has our back.”

The first team dinner was on March 29, but the players have already gotten close through team bonding sessions and practices.

Two-year East lacrosse player and senior Lindsey Sheroan continues to maintain a positive outlook on the coming season.

“I see a lot of potential,” said Sheroan. “I hope we do well this year.”

—Victoria Reick-Mitrisin

TICKER: GIRLS’ SOFTBALL — Tied for 2nd in GMC

n

BOYS’ TENNIS— First in GMC

Climbing to the Top

HAWKS’ ALUMNI

story eric muenchen

story anjana jagpal

On Thursday March 25, 10 of the most influential former coaches and athletes in Lakota history were inducted into Lakota Athletic Hall of Fame (HOF).

The 2010 inductees included Parissa Eyrokon, class of ’04 soccer; Casey Fischer, class of ’00 soccer; Tony Johnson, class of ’04 football and wrestling; Matt Lawless, class of ‘99 football; Jason Lindsey, more than 30 years coaching track and cross country; Keir McEachern, class of ’04 softball; Mike McQuinley, class of ’68 football, basketball, baseball and golf; Kevin Noschang, class of ’04 soccer; Scott Stratton, class of ’91 football; and Laura Tyburski, class of ’03 volleyball, basketball and track.

Lakota District Athletic Director Stu Eversole is the main component in selecting the district HOF inductees. He decides which potential candidates completely fulfill the standards and qualifications for the HOF. “We receive applications years in advance, and the around 12 members of the committee—made up of former Lakota coaches and athletes—meet in February to review the candidates,” said Eversole. “Somewhere close to 20 to 30 former athletes and coaches

Emily Lafferty, previously a catcher for East’s Varsity Softball Team, is currently a member of the softball team at George Mason University, a Division-I team in Fairfax County, Virginia.

As a senior, Lafferty was one of the key players for the Hawks and was number one in the GMC (Greater Miami Conference) with six home runs.

Emily Lafferty plays softball for She was also George Mason fourth with University. runs batted in.

As a catcher at East, Lafferty called every pitch during her senior year.

She batted a .435 and fielded at a .992 clip. Lafferty’s tremendous skill enabled her to receive the GMC Player of the Year Award at the end of her senior year.

Lafferty is now making a name for herself at George Mason University. At a recent game against James Madison, she scored a home run in the fifth inning. With three quarters of the season left, Lafferty has time to show George Mason what she has to offer. n

career, claiming three Greater Miami Conference Heavyweight division titles. Johnson’s final wrestling meet in an uniform as a senior earned him the pinnacle award of a high school wrestler—a national title. Johnson—now a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter—recently won the King of the Cage title, a highly prestigious MMA based event.

Another prominent candidate in the HOF class of 2010 is former track and cross country coach, Jason Lindsey, who worked in the district over 30 years.

“I am very grateful to have ended up at Lakota. Anywhere else I don’t believe I would have been associated with so many kind people,” said Lindsey—also a member of the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Hall of Fame—in his acceptance speech.

Lindsey is the only Lakota coach to have two State championships victories.

Many of the newly inducted athletes, including Matt Lawlas, approve of the direction that the Lakota Athletics is moving toward.

“We were losing by 40 or 50 points when the schools first split; now it’s nice to see them returning to power.” n

photo used with permission of paula hale

sports l hawk culture

Hall of Fame inductee Tony Johnson after one of his final wrestling matches at East.

apply each year. This year we reviewed up to 125 candidates.”

The board goes through a lengthy process to select the inductees from the candidates.

“We review all nominees, discuss the accomplishments of notable candidates, construct a reduced list and then vote for the inductees,” said Eversole.

HOF inductee and former wrestling and football standout Tony Johnson is one of the most decorated athletes in East history.

Johnson found success in all four years of his high school wrestling

HAWK CULTURE

A look into the lives of East athletes infographic anjana jagpal

Jackson Craig VARSITY BASEBALL

Megan Connett VARSITY GIRLS’ TRACK

Mitch Noufer VARSITY BOYS’ TENNIS

Erin Pollock VARSITY SOFTBALL

Zach Johnston VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

For or Against Current Health Care Plan?

AGAINST

AGAINST

AGAINST

UNDECIDED

AGAINST

DANCING WITH THE STARS

AMERICAN IDOL

DANCING WITH THE STARS

AMERICAN IDOL

AMERICAN IDOL

Nerf Wars Team?

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

Favorite MLB Team?

CUBS

REDS

REDS

YANKEES

NONE

NCAA Championship Prediction?

KENTUCKY

KENTUCKY

SYRACUSE

DON’T CARE

KENTUCKY

American Idol or Dancing with the Stars?

n

BOYS’ BASKETBALL— First in GMC for rebounds

n

INSIDE THE NEST American Idol is currently in its tenth season. It is the #1 show according to the Neilsen ratings.

American Idol is one of the three shows that has been number one for the past five seasons along with All in the Family and The Cosby Show.

Kelly Clarkson is currently the top selling American Idol alumni with 12 billboard music awards and two Grammy’s. n

BOYS’ BOWLING— Mitch Geers 2nd team all GMC

East senior Ryan Matthews skates toward the net.

Hitting a

East senior Ryan Matthews scores during the victory over Walnut Hills.

High Point The East Ice Hockey Team won an invitation to the National Championship after winning the Buckeye Cup and State Title.

story mason hood | photos weston neal | infographic logan schneider Complete and utter silence fills the locker room. Every whisper can be heard from the opposite corner while players lace their skates and concentrate on the upcoming faceoff. No one even speaks, as players slowly tape their sticks, put on their shoulder pads and don their helmets.

This is the locker room of East’s club hockey team during the moments before it skates onto the rink in the 2010 Buckeye Cup State Championship.

Contrary to the team’s prior lighthearted, fun-loving attitude during the regular season, the players realized when it was time to get serious.

“If you’d been with us through the season, you would have felt there was something different about this team at the end,” head coach Gordon Scheitlin says. “During the season the team was boisterous in the locker room—having fun, joking around, that kind of stuff. During the state games, they were much more focused—arriving early and getting ready.

Prior to the state championship game, the locker room was a soundless, intimidating place as players mentally prepared.”

This willpower, according to Scheitlin, was essential to the team’s success in winning the state tournament against the Athens Bobcats 3-2.

East senior defenseman Ryan Matthews agrees that the team’s increased focus led to its unprecedented success.

“We were very focused for every game [in the tournament] because we knew none of the games would be blow-outs,” Matthews says. “We had to play hard every game.”

In the regular season, the Thunderhawks slaughtered teams such as LaSalle and Elder, 17-0 and 20-0 respectively. In the state tournament, however, three of their five games were settled by a three goals or less.

The championship game itself required four five-minute overtime periods. The contest was eventually decided by a game-winning goal by East senior center Mickey Luft.

“I was so exhausted from being one of the skaters that played the majority of overtime,” Luft says. “I really didn’t feel much at first because I

66 | Spark | April 27, 2010

got tackled and laid there trying to catch my breath. Now it feels amazing.

[Scoring the winning goal was] one of the most special moments I have had in my hockey career.”

Luft adds, however, that it was not solely his game-winning goal that contributed to the Thunderhawks’ success—it was the effort everyone.

“We brought a powerful offense, strong net-minding and a defense led

by Ryan Matthews that had the same offensive potential as our offense,” Luft explains. “We had a bend-but-don’t-break policy on defense where we knew we would have our weaker moments, but if we didn’t break up and give up a huge deficit, we would be successful.”

After the team lost last year’s seniors Aiden Javed, Josh Horn and captain Alan Price, Scheitlin attributes the majority of East’s success to this year’s senior leadership on the team, particularly how Matthews, Luft and goaltender Kelly Metz have stepped up.

“These [players] led the team throughout the tournament. They picked things up when the tide seemed to shift against us,” Scheitlin says. “They helped the team get past mistakes and letdowns that allowed the opposing team to score by focusing on the positive aspects and contributions of each player.”

Scheitlin further adds that senior leadership is not the only reason for the success of the team; many of the underclassmen have also stepped up.

You can’t have a season as great as this one without contributions from every player,” Scheitlin says. “Whether it’s [junior] backup goalie Haley Bowra or sophomore Aaron Todahl putting everything they have into supporting the team or junior Ron Price making the assist on the game-winning goal, everyone came together to help the team achieve this amazing success.”

One aspect that makes the East ice hockey team unique within the Cincinnati Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) High School League is the fact that both boys and girls play. Only Fairfield, Badin, Centerville and

Bellbrook also have co-ed teams. Matthews believes that this fact does not have much of an impact on their performance.

“We treat [Metz] like she’s one of the guys, other than [the fact] that she gets her own locker room,” Matthews says. “We’re all really close-knit.”

Luft agrees with Matthews on this point, and believes Metz has a large impact on the team’s performance and attitude, saying she has improved the team’s goaltending tremendously.

Metz’s ability has been acclaimed by her coaches as well.

“I cannot say enough about the great performance of our goaltender Kelly Metz,” Scheitlin elaborates.

During the state finals, Metz faced 28 shots in regulation, making 26 saves plus an additional 10 saves during the four overtime periods.

With the highest ranked save percentage in the CAHA High School League among goalies facing more than 100 shots, her fellow players’ and coach’s praise is not unwarranted.

While this is due in part to her five-foot frame, her small size has both inhibited and enhanced her goaltending. “[Being small] has its perks, but it doesn’t have its perks,” Metz says.

“You give up a lot more net. But by being smaller, I’ve also been able to be a lot faster than most of the big goalies. It’s always a plus.”

Whether or not her height affected the team’s performance at the state championship, Metz, like her teammates, will continue to relish the feeling winning state gave her. She says she will never forget the experience for the remainder of her life. Her confidence level going into the game, however, was not where it had been in her past experiences.

“To be honest, I didn’t think we were going to win. After we played Hillard and they pretty much dominated us, I didn’t think we were going

to manage to beat them [in the tournament],” Metz says. “We just kept pushing and finally got the puck in the net.”

Although Metz has proved herself in the net before, she occasionally questions the extent of her goaltending abilities.

“In my team, I have a lot [of confidence]. In myself, it’s always something I have struggled with, being so small. The top shelf goals always get me,” she says. “The team has actually helped out a lot with my confidence, just by saying ‘Nice Save!’ or [by giving me] high-fives.”

Without confidence in herself, however, Metz and the rest of the Thunderhawks would never have been able to come back to East as the state ice hockey champions.

As a result of winning the tournament, the Thunderhawks were invited to the first U.S.A. Hockey national high school tournament in Chicago between April 14 and 18.

The tournament will feature a round-robin style bracket for the first three games, with four teams per pool. Two points are given for a win, one for a tie and zero for a loss. The top two in each pool will advance to the semifinals.

As winning state and attending a national tournament is something new to the team, the players are not sure how they will perform.

“Honestly I don’t know what to expect at nationals,” Matthews says.

“I’m sure all the teams will be really good and my goal is to represent East as best as I can. We’re excited and we’re anxious.”

Metz’s goal is also to enjoy nationals, regardless of how the team places.

“I think we’ll do alright,” Metz says. “We’re just hoping to win a couple of games. One game would be nice.”

Scheitlin too is satisfied with the team’s success.

“This is the first year an Ohio-based team will be playing in that tournament,” Scheitlin says. “I am proud that the Lakota East ice hockey team will be representing both its school and state at these games.” n

“WE TREAT [METZ] LIKE SHE’S ONE OF THE GUYS, OTHER THAN [THE FACT] THAT SHE GETS HER OWN LOCKER ROOM.”

Behind the Mask of Kelly Metz Goalie helmet and throat protector $200 The first modern mask was engineered by Montreal Canadians goaltender Jacques Plante in 1959.

Chest and arm protector $230 This is used to protect the chest, shoulders, arms and collarbone from the puck.

Glove/ trapper $175

Similar to the pants that offensive and defensive players wear, goalie pants are heavily padded and have a talibone protector.

This is used to deflect the shot to a desired location by angling the blocker.

Leg pads $300 Kelly’s leg pads are 28’’ tall. The maximum height allowed is 38”.

Goal Height 4 feet

Goalie Pants $150

Blocker $150

Kelly Metz 5 feet

This is similar to a baseball glove but more protective with a deeper pocket.

Goalie stick $55 A widened shaft provides greater blocking surface.

Goalie skates $175 A longer, wider and flatter blade gives more stablility.

Total $1,435 67 | Spark | April 27, 2010

sports l news

East Girls’ Soccer Coach Resigns

different learning styles. “Everybody responds to personal relationships in different ways. Her coaching style may not have been conducive to the learning environment for some of the players, and I feel like any time that somebody gets attitude, there is going to be a little bit of tension,” Buns says.

Even with the resignation, the Thunderhawks are looking forward to the future.

Following her 12th year as head coach at East, Tara-Riffle Murray has “The resignation allows us to make a new bond with a new coach and start over,” junior resigned, leaving the Lady Hawks in search of a new head coach. defender Nicki Klass says.

With Riffle-Murray gone, senior forward story brandon kors Katie Buczek believes the team may miss the infographic jeff cargill professional experience at the coaching level.

After 12 years as the head coach of the with a record of 8-7-3. They finished in “I like the fact that Coach Murray is East girls’ soccer team, Tara Riffle-Murray has fourth place in the Greater Miami Conference straightforward and she was a good teacher of resigned. Over the past five years, Riffle-Murray (GMC) with a 71.4% winning percentage in the the game. The fact that she was a national team amassed a total of 51 wins, 36 losses and 17 GMC and with a GMC record of 5-2-3. The player and a collegiate athlete herself made her ties. She will leave the Hawks remembering a Thunderhawks’ season came to an end after a good coach,” Buczek says, who with seniors cherished moment when her team beat Lakota a 2-0 loss to Turpin in the Katrina Echternacht and Abbie West in the playoffs to reach the state semi-finals. second round of the state Schauble had 15 goals and 13 assists on “My favorite memory was beating Lakota playoffs. the season.

West in the tournament in a year with very young “I think we worked Riffle -Murray has previous talent and very low expectations by everyone but hard but it didn’t come coaching experience with the Ohio myself and the team.,” says Riffle-Murray. “[The together. At least [we] tried Elite Soccer Academy, Club Cincinnati team] pulled together and went further than any our hardest every time and and as an assistant coach at The team in history, eventually losing to Beavercreek we always wanted to win,” University of Cincinnati (UC). She in the state semi-finals.” junior defender Alex Ancona additionally had several years of playing Lakota West Girls’ Soccer Coach Tara says. “We had the skill and experience including the United States Schafer-Kalkhoff says she always enjoyed the everything, [but] we did not U-19 and U-16 teams, the UC collegiate Tara Riffle-Murray intensity of the East-West rivalry. use it to the best of our team, the United States Women’s “You could always count on our two teams ability.”

National Team and the Cincinnati having a great, close and hard fought game,” However, Ancona believes that RiffleLeopards semi-pro team.

Schafer-Kalkhoff says.

Murray’s resignation will be a challenge for the “I think it is too bad that Coach RiffleRiffle-Murray and assistant coach Ashley players who have been coached by her.

Murray resigned. She stayed out of the politics Thomas denied comment at this time on the “I think [getting a new coach] is better for and just coached,” Buczek says. “Every year she details of their resignation. the team; she was a good coach but she didn’t took players of different skill levels and styles Junior defender Casey Gibson says the really know how to work with us.” Ancona says. and blended us to play together as a team.” team was also unaware of the details of Riffle“But it is bad because now we have to adapt to a Buczek also believes that Riffle-Murray was Murray’s resignation. new coach.” tough to play for, but was just as quick to reward “The team was told by Mr. Bryant, so we Molly Buns, two-year captain of the team in them with praise. were not given a reason why,” Gibson says.

2004-2005 and former player at the University “I felt she rewarded hard work and skill. She The Thunderhawks finished this season of Tennessee believes that everyone has treated us with respect and dignity and expected the best out of us,” Buczek says.

Buns, who traveled with Tara Riffle-Murray’s Record Riffle-Murray to the Holland Cup, = Non-GMC Win also shows support for Buns.

“Tara wanted the girls to have fun, I think too often in organized sports today you see = GMC Win the intensity reach a level where people cease to have fun in their game. Tara always remembered that we played soccer because we enjoyed it and she liked to make those practices enjoyable,” I think that was her strength, she made high school soccer fun,” Buns says.

The selection process for the new coaches is yet to be determined.

East Athletic Director Richard Bryant says that no additional 2007 2004 2005 2006 2008 2003 2002 2009 information will be available until 6-8-4 14-4-2 14-3-2 7-8-3 8-7-3 13-4-1 15-3-1 8-4-3 5-2-1 4-3-2 4-3-2 7-2 4-3-2 6-2-1 7-1-1 5-2-2 after spring break. n

68 | Spark | April 27, 2010

sports I opinions

IN THE STANDS

sports opinion sarah wilkinson

Tiger Woods will soon learn that a strong mental game is essential to success in golf.

“One

I would have rather been at school than on the golf course.

While the rest of the team was excited about this trip to sectionals, I was consumed with stress and sadness. I had just returned home from Buffalo after an unexpected weekend trip to attend a funeral for my great grandmother.

I struggled through the first six holes, barely pulling out bogeys. Walking up the seventh hole, my mind was in shambles. I was frustrated at myself and my clubs for not cooperating.

My goal was to channel all my stress into a perfect tee shot. Luckily, my first and second shot clicked and I was in the ideal position.

Approaching my third shot, I knew it would make or break the hole.

Just my luck. After I made contact with the ball the wind decided to manipulate the ball 15 yards to the left of the green. I only needed a tight chip and a short putt to finish this hole.

The very second my club was about to make contact with the ball, one of my playing partners dropped the flag, causing the ball to move a foot is really competing against oneself, not away. This was the other golfers.” the breaking point. I knew I couldn’t go on any longer. My mental game was completely shot.

The mental aspect of the game of golf is the biggest factor that can affect one’s playing performance. In November, Tiger Woods, the world’s greatest golfer, was rocked by scandal. The scrutiny caused him to remove himself from the public spotlight to reassess his life; after

five months off the tour, he has decided to play for the remainder of the season. I learned the hard way how important it is to make sure that a golfer has his or her life under control.

Golf is a game that requires a set mental state. The player’s level of golf should not matter—mentally they should all be at the same level. The Tiger Woods fiasco opened up a new reason to reassess why it is important for golfers to leave their personal lives off the course.

According to Dr. Alan Shapiro, author of Golf ’s Mental Hazards, anxiety can wreak havoc on a golf game—mental preparation can make or break a golfer. Dr. Tom Dorsal, author of Golf the Mental Game, says that one tip for controlling emotions is shifting one’s attention to thinking about the next shot. Tiger will be unable to move his focus because no matter what he tries to shift away from, what he did will be in his mind. If he tries to focus, his emotions will get the best of him.

Over my past three seasons, the way I mentally prepare has changed significantly. Mental preparedness is important because during the course of a round, one is really competing against oneself, not the other golfers.

Each individual golfer puts the ball in motion, not teammates or fellow competitors. If players ignore the mental aspect completely, they are costing themselves strokes on the course. Tiger Woods and I both went through events in our lives that put us in mentally unstable positions to play golf. After four days, I was in no position to compete in that environment. After five months in a more sensitive situation, Tiger Woods is not in any position to make his comeback. n contact sarah at ohiochick06@gmail.com

IN THE STADIUM

sports opinion shawn baxter

March Madness fans can be too wrapped up in the fate of their brackets to enjoy the tournament.

“A little March madness may complement and contribute to sanity and help keep society on an even keel,” Henry V. Porter said in 1939 about the Illinois state basketball tournament. Then in 1982, CBS reporter Brent Musburger, used the term during a telecast—and it has been used since.

As the tournament approaches, vacation requests pile up as fans gather to watch the games and fill out their brackets.

In 2007, American businesses lost an estimated $1.2 billion in worker productivity during the NCAA tournament. From the average Joe to President Barack Obama, people throughout the nation take time to fill out a bracket. Only 65 teams are invited to the “Big Dance” annually. This elite group is composed of 31 teams that automatically qualify from winning their conference and 34 teams that are invited based on Rankings Point Index, national rankings, conference record and quality wins.

This year, “From the average Joe to President the fans’ Barack Obama, people throughout the madness has into nation take their time to fill out a bracket.” transpired frustration, exhilaration and—at times—confusion. After the first two rounds, no perfect brackets remained. Although the odds of picking a perfect bracket are nine quintillion to one, nobody expected this many upsets.

Some of these bracket busters included 14th-seeded Ohio over third-

seeded Georgetown and ninth-seeded Northern Iowa over the overall number-one seeded Kansas in the second round. According to ESPN. com, 39.96 percent of brackets filled out online favored Kansas to win the tournament, 22.5 percent picked Kentucky and 11 percent chose Syracuse. Nearly three quarters of the nation put their paychecks on teams that failed to advance past the elite eight.

Often times, lower-seeded teams are not given the credit they deserve. Disgruntled fans label teams from non-power conferences as “mid majors” and underestimate their talent. The reality is that teams had to have had good seasons in order to make the tournament. In the last eight years, 12th-seeded teams have won 13 of 32 matchups against five-seeds. Additionally, these 12-seeds that advance to the second round have won 16 of 31 games. This year, the Cornell Big Red triumphed as a 12-seed in the first round over fifth-seeded Temple and in the second round against fourth-seeded Wisconsin, shocking the entire nation. If spectators knew that Cornell narrowly lost to Kansas 66-71 and Syracuse 73-88 in the regular season, they may have made changes to their bracket.

After this year, no one can deny the fact that the level of competition in college basketball is on the rise. While Cinderella’s glass slipper only fits a few teams a year, so-called “upsets” cause a pandemic that spreads throughout the nation. So instead of tearing up their brackets in anger, fans should take time to enjoy the tournament, ignoring the subjective seeding and bias of the NCAA selection. n contact shawn at shawnb2@fuse.net

69 | Spark | April 27, 2010

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Watch for updates in the T-Hawk News Sponsored by Lakota East PTSO

opinion | commentary

MASONHOOD

hellth care A few years ago when my family had just switched our TV service to Dish Network, my father and I were channel surfing.

I wanted to make sure I would get the Game Show Network to satisfy my addiction; my dad craved Versus to quench his hockey obsession. We eventually came to a channel that made us snicker.

“C-SPAN?” my dad asked. “Who actually watches C-SPAN?” This was the conversation I recalled the moment I walked in the door at 10:15 on a Sunday night and found my dad watching C-SPAN. Instead of reading “The American Dream: Pursuit of a Promise” for Honors English, I sat with my father and watched the House of Representatives vote to pass health care reform.

As the results came in, a trend developed as all Republicans— along with 34 Democrats—rejected the bill. Yet it still passed 219-212 and was signed into law by President Barack Obama.

Those who opposed the bill recognized the overwhelming negative public opinion regarding this bill. In a poll conducted

by CNN on March 21, 59 percent of voters opposed passing the

the right to force a service upon others.

This health care reform further harms the private insurance companies, pushing America towards socialized health care.

Starting in 2011, insurance companies will be forced to pay $2 billion annually to help fund the bill, gradually increasing to $10 billion in 2017. This will further weaken these businesses, costing Americans higher premiums and thousands of jobs.

The hard work of some should not be taken away to pay for the health care of other able-minded adults. After 1996, when Congress passed and Democratic President Bill Clinton signed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act requiring able-bodied welfare recipients to find jobs within two years of losing them, Americans’ poverty situation improved. Those living below the poverty line dropped from 13.8 percent in 1995 to 11.8 percent in 1999. While there are many Americans who are in bad situations through no fault of their own, there are also people who voluntarily live on handouts from the government to survive.

One such handout this law boosts “The government has repeatedly proven that its large is Medicaid, which will expand to cover entitlement programs have huge unsustainable costs.” those with incomes below 133 percent of the poverty line—$29,327 for a family of legislation, while only 39 percent favored it. four—covering 16 million citizens.

Because Democrats understood the public’s opposition to the The problem is that Medicaid is nearing bankruptcy and will legislation, voting yes to the bill would have made their reelection cost the states more than they can afford. This has led 13 state difficult. Thus Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) let attorneys general to sue the United States on the grounds that some Democratic representatives “off the hook” on voting yes the law forces states to carry out unfunded mandates. According for health care. Because these representatives’ districts would to Florida Attorney General Greg Abbott, the bill will add look at a positive vote in a negative light, Pelosi allowed certain 1.3 million people to the state’s Medicaid roster, costing an Democrats to vote “no” to help their chances of reelection. additional $1 billion a year by 2019.

The fundamental purpose of a representative, however, As Pelosi said to her fellow representatives, “We will be is not to be reelected—it is to represent the voters. Many joining those who established Social Security, Medicare and of those who voted “yea” for the bill did not follow this now, tonight, health care for all Americans.” Funding for Social fundamental purpose. Democracy’s purpose is to give the Security, however, is expected to run out by 2037; Medicare is people the power to choose who represents them in Congress. even worse off. The government has repeatedly proven that its In turn, the representatives should vote according to their large entitlement programs have unsustainable costs, and Pelosi constituents’ views. Pelosi and the Democrats are more believes Congress is now establishing a similar program. concerned with pushing their political ideology than voting Furthermore, Pelosi and Obama misled the American with their constituents. Unfortunately, this lust for power in people, claiming that this reform will reduce the federal budget Congress has been more prevalent recently among both parties. by $138 billion by spending $940 billion. This is only feasible Representatives and senators need to realize that Americans because the bill’s funding is being gathered now, while many want leaders to make decisions based on the public’s policy of its expenditures do not start until 2014. As time passes, the desires—not based on a political agenda. legislation becomes more expensive, affecting future taxpayers.

Many times these political agendas have infringed on the Health care reform is needed, but must be done in a fiscally basic rights of Americans. The Democrats’ ideology is hidden responsible and democratic way. While there are positive throughout the new legislation, requiring the American people aspects to the bill, such as not allowing people with pre-existing to purchase health insurance from the private sector. In 2014, conditions to be rejected by insurance companies, the majority this legislation will require all Americans that are obligated to of the law disregards financial sense and the will of the people. file income taxes—an annual income of $9,350 for individuals The night I sat down with my dad to watch C-SPAN, I saw and $18,700 for couples—to purchase some form of health how certain aspects of democracy had become corrupted by insurance. This measure is unconstitutional. While Congress politics. Politicians need to stop lying to Americans and truly has the power to regulate interstate trade, it does not have represent their constituents—vote how the majority of the the right to mandate citizens purchase a service. The 10th people would vote, instead of just themselves.

Amendment to the Constitution states that any rights not I ended up not reading “The American Dream: Pursuit explicitly given to the national government are reserved for the of a Promise” that night. Instead, I watched another piece of states. Nowhere does the Constitution state that Congress has America’s democracy fall away. n contact

Mason at masonhood@roadrunner.com

71 | Spark | April 27, 2010

opinion | head to head

HEAD T In the war in Afghanistan, the United States has lost 1,007 military servicemen and women. In Iraq, the United States has lost 4,381. Because of the current policy of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the United States has discharged 13,389 military personnel.

“Don’t ask, don’t tell” is the name of the federal directive that prohibits openly homosexual people from serving in the armed forces. This directive was passed in 1993 as a compromise between allowing and forbidding gay individuals to serve. This policy, although once popular, limits the abilities of the U.S. military and is a detriment to national security.

“Don’t ask, don’t tell” is a flawed policy—a soldier’s sexuality is unrelated to his or her ability. Barry Goldwater, a WWII veteran and 1964 Republican presidential candidate known as “Mr. Conservative,” once stated “everyone knows that gays have served honorably in the military since at least the time of Julius Caesar.” He also said “you don’t have to be straight to serve in the military; you just have to be able to shoot straight.” His beliefs show a devotion to the American security. “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” however, is a homophobic ideology that has harmed American foreign policy efforts by removing qualified soldiers.

Since 1994, 59 Arabic translators and nine Farsi translators have been discharged for expressing their sexuality. This illustrates the irrationality of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” The military currently has a shortage of Arabic and Farsi translators, yet America is currently at war in Iraq— which has a mainly Arabic-speaking population—and Afghanistan—which has a mainly Farsi-speaking population. The lack of Americans who can speak these languages bolsters the already difficult communication barriers, which endangers civilians and soldiers and is not conducive to American victory.

Supporters of “don’t ask, don’t tell” claim that, despite the problems with discharging openly gay soldiers, letting them serve lowers morale. However, many who work with the military disagree. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen denounced the law, as did former Chairman General John Shalikashvili. Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently introduced limits impeding discharge under the policy. Critics also include former Chairman and Secretary of State Colin Powell, former Defense Secretary William Cohen and former Defense Secretary and Vice President Dick Cheney. This policy is not just opposed by the military elite. A 2006 Zogby International poll showed that 64 percent of soldiers think serving alongside a homosexual person had either no impact or a positive impact on morale. According to the same poll, 73 percent of servicemen and women are comfortable serving with an openly gay person.

The scientific community supports this. In 1993, Dr. Gregory Herek testified for the American Psychological Association (APA) in the House of Representatives. Dr. Herek said “the research data shows that there is nothing about lesbians and gay men that makes them inherently unfit for military service, and there is nothing about heterosexuals that makes them inherently unable to work and live with gay people.” Other APA studies show foreign militaries and domestic police departments have successfully integrated homosexuals, and no disruption occurred when, in special cases, openly gay Americans were allowed to serve.

Many of America’s allies, including most members of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, let openly gay people serve. Some of these nations are working with the U.S., and American troops fight effectively beside homosexuals. Serving alongside gay soldiers costs America nothing.

“Don’t ask, don’t tell,” however, is very expensive.

According to a 2006 study conducted by faculty at the Defense Department and West Point, this policy has cost $363 million, mainly to fund the replacement of gay soldiers. This money was spent on a law with no tangible benefits that gets rid of American soldiers. It is a waste.

Americans see this wasteful policy for what it is, and in recent polls have supported its repeal. In a February Quinnipiac University poll, 57 percent of voters supported gays serving openly, while only 36 percent opposed it. 55 percent of 500 surveyed East students agree with this majority. Also, 66 percent of Americans call the policy discriminatory, and such overwhelming opposition to this law is a clear sign that change is necessary.

When the necessity of a competent military is as apparent as it is now, America cannot let prejudice obstruct victory. Soldiers, scientists and the public all oppose this law. “Don’t ask, don’t tell” hinders America’s armed forces, and to defend liberty, it must be repealed. 

don’t don’t

luke hall

“‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ is a homophobic ideology that has harmed American foreign policy.”

luke.s.hall@gmail.com 72 | Spark | April 27, 2010

O

HEAD Discrimination is defined as treating or making a distinction against a person based on the group or class to which that person belongs rather than on individual merit. Although the United States has made giant leaps of progress since its birth, discrimination has constantly plagued American society. The new millennium has proven to be no different as homosexuals continually serve as the victims to an extremely judgmental society. Gay and lesbian individuals receive abuse and struggle while attending college, while at the office, while getting married and, based on those opposed to the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ (DADT) policy, while serving in the military.

Unfortunately for those against DADT, this policy has nothing to do with discrimination against homosexuals. In fact, it is quite the opposite: this policy was implemented in an effort to protect homosexuals from discrimation.

In 1993, then-President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, and others advocated for DADT, citing the brutal murder of gay U.S. Navy Petty Officer Allen R. Schindler, Jr. Taking away all the bias reveals DADT as a safeguard for homosexual individuals.

At this year’s State of the Union address, President Barack Obama promised to repeal DADT. As expected, the Democrats cheered and the Republicans sneered, but when looking carefully, a spectator would have noticed that not one military official clapped. Arms crossed and solemn-faced, they sat in their chairs with disgust.

They know the truth.

Sure, we would all like to live in a perfect world—a world where everyone was treated equally no matter how they chose to express themselves.

Reality check: if ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ was revoked, those who would be openly homosexual in the military would face discrimination, face abuse and, very possibly for some, face the same fate as Schindler.

In a 2006 poll taken by Zogby International, 73 percent of those in the United States military stated that they would feel comfortable serving with an openly gay individual. That’s all well and good, but don’t forget about those 27 percent who are not comfortable with it.

Of those 27 percent will stem abuse and torment for homosexuals.

This alone stands as enough evidence to keep the policy, but those in opposition of DADT argue other reasons as well.

Many claim that DADT takes away from homosexual individual’s rights as human beings to openly express themselves. Those who argue this point are obviously uneducated in the way the military runs. When people decide to join the military and swear in that oath to protect their country from enemies, foreign and domestic, they lose many of their individual rights. They are not allowed to speak up or say whatever they want, do whatever they want, and most importantly to express their sexuality, regardless of what military branch they join.

While a heterosexual male is in the army, he is not allowed to express his sexuality toward a female in any way. Knowing this, why should homosexuals be allowed to openly express their sexuality? They should not.

I’ve heard many people say, “Well, it’s not like homosexual men and women join the military to hit on other people.” If this is the case, what does it matter if individuals come out and say if they are homosexual or not?

It does not matter. Don’t make it so homosexuals can be open about their sexuality if it will cause many of them to receive torment and abuse, when expressing one’s sexuality is not even a right given to any individuals in the military in the first place.

Clinton, who is strongly opposed to discrimination and an advocate for homosexual rights, imposed this policy for a reason. He realized that discrimination against homosexuals was rampant throughout the United States military and therefore created a policy that would help protect homosexual individuals. While the military is making progress 17 years later, there are still many in the military that would have a problem serving next to a homosexual and furthermore would take action against that individual. Under no circumstance should Congress take away a policy that would result in potentially putting an individual at risk by the same soldiers fighting by their side. Until studies and polls can prove that discrimination against homosexuals in the military is virtually gone, the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy should not be repealed. 

ask tell

matt fleming

“If ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ was revoked, those who would be openly homosexual in the military would face discrimination.”

matthew.fleming@fuse.net 73 | Spark | April 27, 2010

opinion | finishing touch

DANASAND

a media revolution

Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie. One may recognize these names as the members of the Simpson family, a family that has become well-known and loved by Americans. As the longest-running TV comedy, The Simpsons’ status in popular culture was emphasized by a 2006 McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum survey finding that one in five Americans could name all five of these characters, while only one in 1,000 could name all five freedoms of the First Amendment.

While Americans are not constantly reminded of the freedoms in the Bill of Rights like they are of pop culture references, it is imperative that all comprehend the value of their rights and the responsibility that comes with them. Maintenance of the democracy created by the founding fathers over 200 years ago depends on public knowledge and practice of those rights. This point hit home in March, when I attended the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Scholarship and Journalism Conference Program in Washington, D.C. I met 50 other passionate high school journalists who interviewed media figures, like the President of the Freedom Forum and Newseum Ken Paulson.

Paulson made an interesting point: in the media world, partisanship sells; if you are actually walking down the middle, people on the left and right are throwing things at you. According to a January Public Policy Polling nationwide survey that stated that 74 percent of Republicans trust Fox, while only 30 percent of Democrats do, Paulson is right. People pay attention to what reinforces their beliefs, and they often avoid exposure to the other side. Fox and MSNBC—among other networks—have long been politically slanted, possibly because they know it is effective in attracting viewers and readership.

This practice, however, is the fast track to a broken democracy.

America needs a media revolution. Journalism is meant to be a service to the public, but major networks have strayed from this underlying purpose. News networks have not only encouraged Americans to be narrow-minded, but have also caused distrust. A September 2009 Pew Research Center study found that only 26 percent of Americans think news organizations carefully report without political bias and only 29 percent think news organizations are generally accurate.

But the media is not solely at fault. While they should not resort to partisanship to attract readers, news organizations are pressured to survive somehow. The public shares some of the responsibility for not caring enough to be informed, and apathy is increasing. A March 2009 Pew Research study found that 27 percent of those born in 1977 or later read a newspaper the previous day, while 55 percent of those born before 1946 had. Furthermore, only 23 percent of those under 40 said they would be impacted if their local paper shut down.

With improving technology, online subscriptions pose an option for networks, but a January Harris poll revealed that 77 percent of adults would not pay to access a newspaper online, and of those willing, only five percent would pay over $10 per month. Journalists must make a living from their work, but the public is not willing to support them.

TV still ranks as the top source of news for the public, but a moderate network is needed to clarify the slanted reporting of biased networks.

The relationship between the media and the public is like any other relationship—a two-way street. The public needs the media to be informed and the media needs the public to stay afloat, so both sides need to put in the necessary effort to preserve the integrity of free press and public knowledge. n

74 | Spark | April 27, 2010

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