Volume 83: Issue 1

The

STUDENT

Sylvania Northview Volume 83 Issue #1 September 16, 2008

Prints

>> page 4

PEEK INSIDE

Should the drinking age be lowered?

TOP NEWS STORIES

Lead roles cast for musical

eSis changes teacher’s grading & attendance >> page 2

Sierra Roby CHECKING THE CALL BOARD for the cast list are freshman Sarah Hilderbrant, senior Patrick Richardson, and freshman Zack Johnson.

Richardson will play Maurice and Johnson will play the Baker.

New teachers provide fresh & new ideas

>> page 5

Staff Writer Beauty and the Beast, Northview’s fall musical, brought dozens of students to school for auditions the week before school started.

The 65 students who auditioned for a part in the show were asked to prepare a one to two minute monologue and 16 to 32 bars of music to sing.

Junior high and elementary school auditions were held as well. These younger students were asked to sing a selection from the musical without performing a monologue.

Drama teacher Mr. Don Wachowiak, the show’s director, explained that when

auditioning a point system was used. Actors were rated from one to 10 on the grounds of vocal and acting ability, and overall presence. Out of 30 possible points, actors with 26 points were considered for leading roles, according to Mr. Wachowicak.

As the music director of the show, choir teacher Ms. Dawn Gallehue evaluated an actor’s showmanship, volume, tone, and ability to sing on pitch. “Depending on the show, everyone in the chorus has the potential to be a lead,” said Ms. Gallehue, “they’re that talented.”

Ms. Gallehue expects each actor to have a “passion that will come through,” and hopes that this musical will be one of the better high school musicals in her experience.

Mr. Wachowiak’s expectations are that Beauty and the Beast will be a spectacle within the community. “I want people to walk out of the theatre speechless,” said Mr. Wachowiak, “and if they can utter a word, I hope it’s wow.”

The show features junior Emilly Thomas as the role of Belle and junior Andrew Szczerba as the Beast. The roles of Cogsworth, Lumiere, and Mrs. Potts will be played by sophomore Yianni Papadimos, senior Adam Cesarz, and junior Hannah Dickerson, respectively.

NV’s production of Beauty and the Beast will open November 7 and run through November 9 at the Franciscan Center of Lourdes College. Tickets go on sale in October.

Sylvania receives ‘Excellent’ Boys and girls soccer off to a good start

>> pages 11 & 12

SECTIONS News >> 1 Opinions >> 4 Features >> 7 Sports >> 10 WEATHER Today high 71, low 49 Tomorrow high 72, low 53 Thursday high 73 low 52

Staff Writer On August 26, the Ohio Department of Education published a report rating all of the school districts in Ohio for the 2007-2008 school year. The Sylvania School District was given an “Excellent with Distinctions” rating or an “A+.” There were six levels of ratings: Excellent with Distinctions, Excellent, Effective, Continuous Improvement, Academic Watch, and Academic Emergency.

According to the Toledo Blade, for a school to receive an “Excellent with Distinctions” rating, the district had to have previously recieved an excellent rating and exceed expected growth over the past two years.

According to Superintendent of Sylvania Schools, Dr. Brad Rieger, the district accomplishment was a team effort. “We achieved the Excellent with Distinction” accolade because of the following factors: a rigorous academic program, talented students who are goal oriented and have a solid work ethic, passionate teachers, educators and support personnel that make

personal connections with the students, and the Sylvania community.”

The Ohio Department of Education Website showed that Sylvania met thirtyout- of-thirty state indicators, had a Performance Index Score of 102.5 out of 120, met the Adequate Yearly Progress, and had a positive Value-Added Measure.

State Indicators were four requirements the schools were supposed to meet. 75% of third through eighth graders and tenth graders had to score at least proficient on standardized testing. 85% of students had to pass the Ohio Graduation Test in each subject. School’s attendance rates must have been at least 93% and graduation rates had to be at least 90%. Sylvania fulfilled all requirements in standardized testing and the OGT’s. The attendance rate was 96% and the graduation rate was 93.2%.

The Performance Index Score was a weighted average of all tested subjects and grades on a scale between zero and 120.

Sylvania received a Performance Index Score of 102.5, which was a slight increase from the 2006-2007 score of 102.2.

The Adequate Yearly Progress was fulfilled by the school district for meeting

all minimum requirements of standardized testing, graduation rates, and attendance rates.

Value Added Measure charts the level of progress districts have made in Reading and Math between grades four through eight. Grades four and five were below expected growth in Reading, while sixth through eighth grade were above expected growth. Fourth through eighth grade surpassed their expected growth in Math.

Northview, as an individual school, received an excellent rating, fulfilled eight out of ten state indicators, was given a Performance Index Score of 103.6 out of 120, and met the Adequate Yearly Progress standards.

“Sylvania Schools and Northview have always prided themselves on the excellent education we have provided for the students,” stated Northview Principal, Mr. Stewart Jesse. “The Excellent with Distinctions rating is simply an indicator of just how wonderful of a job we are doing at Northview. The district, as well as Northview, is very happy to have received it and we will continue providing the same high quality education that earned us that distinction.”

to help families and children, she said. She will work with Mr. Rod Achter and school Resource Officer Kevin Crowell to keep the school safe and help students in any way possible, she said.

“I want students to know that we’re here to help, not just to get them in trouble,“ said Mrs. Ogren, “We’re very approachable people and we are not always mean.“ In addition to school discipline, Mrs. Ogren evaluates teachers and paraprofessionals, monitors the Academic Assistance Center as well as the cafeteria, coordinates the S.T.O.P. program and is the

editor of the student handbook. She is also on the High Schools That Work team, the Wildcat Welcome Day committee, and is the chair for the Code of Conduct Appeal committee, along with many other things, accoding to principal Mr. Stewart Jesse.

“We’re very happy she’s here with us now,“ said Mr. Jesse, “We look forward to her continuing the Northview tradition of developing well rounded students on the educational side as well as socially.“ Mrs. Ogren grew up in Toledo and attended Start High School then Ohio University and Bowling Green.

New Principal takes on discipline Staff Writer New to the Northview family this year is Assistant Principal Mrs. Amanda Ogren.

Mrs. Ogren came to NV after spending six years at the Penta Career Center as a special education teacher and a job placement coordinator.

“I’m very excited to be here,“ said Mrs. Ogren, “I am looking forward to this school year a lot.“ Mrs. Ogren became a teacher because she loves kids so much, and loves to be able

2

NEWS

September 16, 2008 world news

Anthony case remains cold Casey Anthony, mother of missing toddler Caylee Anthony, was bailed out of jail once again. Responses varied as protesters formed outside of Anthony’s home, threatening her with terms like, “baby killer!” Anthony was first put under suspicion when she did not report her daughter’s disappearance; her grandparents finally did on July 15, an entire month after Calylee went missing.

Hurricane season gets underway Hurricane Gustav swept through the Louisiana coast, followed by Alabama, Texas, and Mississippi. The hurricane caused the closings of schools, evacuation of family members, and an estimated 20 billion dollars in damages. As Hurricane Ike followed, most Texans were prepared this time, most having been evacuated before Ike swept through the state.

VP decisions stir mixed reactions The National Democratic Convention aired on television for Democratic candidate Barack Obama and his running mate, Senator Joe Biden. This was followed by the National Republican Convention, in which, Republican candidate John McCain’s pick for vicepresident was revealed to be Governor Sarah Palin. Less than a week later, it was announced that Palin’s unmarried teenage daughter is five months pregnant. A sea of mixed responses followed immediately; some have turned away, but others are still hopeful and if anything, say this situation “could help Palin.”

Father, son survive ocean An inspiring survival story by Walter Marino and his autistic 12-year-old son, Christopher, took place in the Atlantic Ocean. The Marinos were knocked into the ocean and separated after a rip current. Due to Christopher’s autism, he wasn’t “freaking out” and that’s what kept him going for hours, claims his father. Once nightfall made it harder for the father and son to see each other, they began to communicate using phrases from Disney movies. They were both rescued after about 12 hours struggling in the ocean.

Rockslide hits Egypt A rockslide hit the village of Manshiyet Nasr, just outside of Cairo in Egypt, killing at least 18, and trapping hundreds of others beneath the eight boulders that weighed up to 70 tons.

Residents sifted through the rubble in search of family members while the police did not come to rescue until six hours after the fall. Angry residents blaming the government for the tragedy, according to www.cnn.com.

Rockslide in China kills 128 A rockslide also hit northern China.

The death toll stands at 128, but authority warns that the victim rate may be much higher. Police are still uncovering bodies from the rubble, and say that there is almost “no chance they will find another survivor.” As U.S. may be choosing to withdraw the agreement of nuclear trade from Russia in order to punish them for their attack on the country of Georgia.

The decision could be made as early as next week, according to www.cnn.com.

~ Sarah Fatemi

eSIS brings change to NV Staff Writer New this year to Northview is a scheduling system that has many more features than the old one.

The new eSIS system makes taking attendance easier for substitute teachers as the seating chart now has pictures for them to see the student, according to Ms. Jodi Hess.

One of the biggest features of the system is the ability of grades to be accessed at home with a password and a student I. D. This feature will not be available until next year as the system continues to be mastered by the teachers.

According to Mrs. Julie Sanford, the teachers attended a three hour long class on August 25th, the first day back from summer break. This class showed them how eSIS worked and the different features it had. In the future, the teachers will have hour long sessions to refresh and continue to go over the system. The guidance counselors began using it last year to schedule student’s schedules.

The Ohio Department of Education enacted a new law on what scheduling system schools could use. Northview, along with other schools in the district, had the choice

MR. JAY ACKERMAN uses eSIS on his computer to take attendance for one of his classes. eSis will allow teachers to upload quarter grades right from the gradebook. between the eSIS or the Dazzle scheduling system. They chose eSIS due to its easy to use setup and features.

Overall, eSIS has been well received by

the teachers. “I’m surprised we haven’t used this system before, because a lot of schools in the district have it and this system is just awesome,” said Mr Dan Dubiel.

University heads want to lower drinking age to 18 Business Editor University and college presidents across the country are signing a petition to begin a debate reconsidering the legal drinking age.

The petition is part of a new group called the Amethyst Initiative, whose ultimate goal is to lower the drinking age because as their website, amethystinitiative.com, says, “21 is not working.”

Even though the group’s website displays a statement for lowering the drinking age, they claim that they are not calling for immediate action against the law, but just opening a debate to weigh out the pros and cons of keeping the law as is, according to the New York Times.

The college and university presidents

supporting the initiative, who number 123 according to an August issue of the New York Times, are joining in the initiative because they feel the underage drinking has gotten out of hand on college campuses. The group is using all the usual arguments such as 18 year olds can vote, sign contracts, serve on juries, and enlist in the military, in addition to evidence that suggests binge drinking on college campuses is at a dangerous level and that the usage of fake IDs erodes the respect for the authorities.

According to the New York Times website, “the centers for disease control and prevention reports that 90% of all alcohol consumed by people younger than 21 is in the form of binge drinking, drinking heavily and sporadically. The number of college students who were killed in alcohol-related accidents rose to more than 1,700 in 2001 from about 1,500 in 1998, and during the same time period, the number of students

who engaged in drinking and driving climbed from 500,000, to 2.8 million”.

The project is attracting many opposing groups as well, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and various highway safety officials and organizations, according to the New York Times.

The Amethyst Initiative may find it difficult to get anywhere with their plans because according to a 2007 Gallup Poll, 77% of Americans were opposed to lowering the drinking age. Here at Northview ,students are mixed, reflecting the national opinion freshman Moe Dean said, “I think the drinking age should stay the same because high school students are already irresponsible.” But senior Josh Brint thinks the drinking age should be lowered because “it might make people feel they don’t need to drink. Right now people drink before football games at their houses and I think a lower age would make it safer.”

Levy aims to improve NV and Sylvania elementaries Features Editor “Protect the Excellence” is the new theme the Sylvania School District is using to promote the upcoming Levy campaign.

The Levy proposes to completely rebuild Hillview Elementary and Central Elementary. Maplewood Elementary and the Burnham Building would be demolished, while Maplewood would take all the space it now shares with the Burnham Building, which would be relocated, according to Superintendent Dr. Bradley Reiger.

At Northview, science lab rooms will be completely redone if the levy passes, and more classrooms will be added. The school itself will be reconfigured and the Little Theatre, Band and Choir Rooms would be rebuilt and expanded.

All Sylvania Schools would gain improvements, mainly to expand their size and update old or unsafe school features, according to the Levy plan.

Lately, Sylvania Schools have formed committees to promote the Levy and maintain the state’s rating of Sylvania Schools being Excellent with Distinction.

“Because the learning environment is so crucial to a good education, if nothing is done to change the school buildings themselves, it will be difficult to keep this high state rating in the future,” said Arbor Hills Junior High School Principal Scott Nelson.

Speakers and Board Members like Dr. Reiger have been speaking to community groups, school parent organizations and at school staff meetings. Their goal is to give

Halie Langhals PLAYING IN THE OVERCROWDED band room is the Marching Band. There are 185 students of all ages that are shoved into the room in order to be able to practice together. the school Levy as much good press as possible so it will be passed by voters. Thus, all the Sylvania Schools will be vastly improved.

There have already been three meetings of the newly formed Levy Steering Committee. Mr. Dave DeManna and Mrs. Alix Greenblatt co-chair the committee whose main purpose is to provide coordination

and direction for the passage of the bond levy on November 5th.

The committee also wants all voters to know that for every $100,000 their house is worth, it would only cost them as tax payers $0.25 a day to fund the updating and rebuilding of the Sylvania School District.

The bond Levy will either be approved or rejected by voters on November 5.

NEWS Instruments missing from band room

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September 16, 2008

NV students help with Extreme Makeover house Two construction students spent a few hours with the builders of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Co-Editor in Chief Northview has recently become a victim of theft. Five instruments are missing from the NV band room and so far the administration doesn’t have any leads.

On September 8 a piccolo, flute, and clarinet were reported stolen. On September 9 a tenor saxophone and a baritone saxophone were reported stolen.

Principal Stewart Jesse has launched a criminal investigation to find the perpetrator.

Officer Kroll has been interviewing the owners of the stolen items to get a better description of the instruments.

Overall, the stolen instruments were worth around $10,000. The flute is owned by senior Lisle Zeiler and was estimated to be over $1,000.

“My flute has been in my family for over 40 years,” said Zeiler. “It has a lot of sentimental value and I really want it back.”

The other instruments were owned by senior Sam Gross (piccolo), sophomore Amber McKown (clarinet), and the school owned the two saxes.

“I just want my piccolo back,” said Gross.

Mr. Jesse, the band directors, and other administrators are doing their best to catch the perpetrator and prevent this crime from happening again.

Staff Writer On the morning of September 9 the Frisch family awoke to a life changing experience.

The ABC hit show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition chose the Frisch’s to be the recipient of a new home and a new life.

The family proudly took their offer for a new larger home with more living space for them and their 11 boys. Shortly after they received the exciting news the family packed their clothes and took off to Disneyworld.

The Buckeye Real Estate company chose 3,000 out of the 6,000 applicants to help build the house in 106 hours. Northview seniors Alex Ritzenthaler and Wyley Cowdrey, who are construction students at Southview, were chosen for the build.

“It was a great opportunity to learn new skills and be a part of a life changing experience. There were many volunteers all putting their efforts in to finish the project,” said Ritzenthaler.

Many skilled workers from throughout the area combined efforts to finish the build.

“The workers were highly skilled and made us look way out of place. We hammered in one nail in the time they did 20, it was truly incredible,” said Wyley.

The students were also excited about

Sam Weisman A VIEW FROM THE spectator location set up at the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition house located in West Toledo. The Frisch family spent the week in Disneyworld while the rest of Toledo spent a week watching their house. meeting the celebrities from the show. “The whole crew is full of amazing caring people.

Ty Pennington is an amazing loving guy who has many adoring fans and can stir up a crowd,” said Ritzenthaler.

The seniors were both happy to be a part of the experience and learn some new skills.

More importantly they are happy that they played a small role in changing the Frisch family’s lives.

The bus moved revealing the Frisch family’s new house and lifestyle this past Sunday. The show will be aired on ABC sometime in November.

Roth named Educator of the year Features & News Editors It is a common consensus at Northview, that Mr. Andy Roth is a very innovative and proficient teacher. Thus, it was no surprise that he was honored with the 2008 Educator of the Year award.

“It is very cool,” said Mr. Roth. “It was a very happy day when I was notified in mid to late August.”

The process of nomination starts with a student, colleague, or parent picking up a form in the office. They must then write an essay as to why the individual they are nominating is so influential in their lives and so deserving to be either the teacher or the educator of the year, according to Mr. Roth.

In Mr. Roth’s case, Michael Deng, a senior from last year, wrote on behalf of Mr. Roth.

The form is then submitted to the Board of Education who read all the nomination forms. Three teachers are selected to be finalists or “Teachers of the Year.”

Mr. Roth then had to fill out a form saying why he felt he was deserving of the “first place” award of Educator of the Year.

Information about his life, teaching style, and classroom techniques were also added in this form.

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Finally, Mr. Roth was chosen from the two other Teachers of the Year to be the Educator of the Year.

“I feel I relate to my students well,” said Mr. Roth. “I’ve been told I have a decent sense of humor and I’m good at boiling complex concepts down to the main parts so students can understand them better.”

Obviously, his students feel that he is quite proficient at making science fun, educational and never dull, according to Mr. Roth’s ninth period Chemisty class.

“He’s a very laid back teacher,” said junior Chemistry student Jennifer Grimmer.

“I am really glad he’s teaching my class this year.”

This year, Mr. Roth teaches all levels of Chemistry, from regular to Advanced Placement. He uses intriguing teaching methods to capture his students’ attention, like demonstrating exciting experiments or making students search for answers themselves, according to Mr. Roth.

Mr. Roth has been teaching since 1996, and he graduated from NV in 1991 and received his degree in teaching from Bowling Green State University. In high school, he was an involved Wildcat Marching Band member and a varsity golfer.

An awards banquet will be held to recognize and honor all the Sylvania City Schools Administrators and Teachers of the Year, and the Educator of the Year.

“It was an incredible feeling receiving the award in front of all my colleagues,” said Mr. Roth, regarding the Board Meeting in which his award was personally given to him by the Superintendent Dr. Brad Reiger.

“I was very proud.”

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Co-Editor in Chief Over the summer Northview senior, Grace Ramsdell, placed in the Ohio State Amateur Doubles and the Ohio State Doubles shuffleboard tournament. The points she gained at these tournaments are helping her to become a professional shuffleboard player.

“It’s not really a big deal or anything. It’s just fun to play for the day,” said Ramsdell.

Ramsdell began playing shuffleboard in 2002 at Lakeside, a summer resort that is nationally known for it’s shuffleboard. She took a lesson from the resort director and discovered that she was a natural.

“I only had one lesson just to learn how to play because I wanted to enter the tournament at Lakeside,” said Ramsdell.

Since 2002, Ramsdell has been competing in tournaments and was the National Junior Shuffleboard Champion from 2002-2005.

“It was really exciting but I didn’t enjoy walking on stage to receive the award,” said Ramsdell.

Ramsdell plans on continuing to compete in tournaments but unfortunately doesn’t have much time to practice.

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Sam Weisman SHOWING HER MANY SHUFFLE BOARD trophies is senior Shuffle Board player Grace Ramsdell. Ramsdell plays most of her shuffle board at Lakeside near Lake Erie.

4

OPINIONS

September 16, 2008

Should the drinking age be lowered to 18?

The consumption of alcohol by under aged adolescents has become a staple of American society. In recent years, the problem of under age drinking has increased rapidly. It is common these days to hear, see, and even participate in under age drinking.

Abusing alcohol has become a popular social event amongst high school students and some even consider this illegal act integral in American culture; those high school students that choose not to drink are among the minority.

This epidemic is already a large problem even with strict restrictions on the drinking age. Lowering the drinking age to eighteen would only encourage high school partying, drunk driving, and alcohol abuse. Ideas of lowering the drinking age to eighteen years would be unwise to public safety, student values, and individual health.

Many argue that changing the drinking age to eighteen may make the act of illegal drinking less rebellious, thereby making it less attractive. Supporters believe that actually legalizing the right to consume and purchase alcohol to younger individuals would alleviate the problem of under age drinking.

In reality, lowering the drinking age would only make the abuse of alcohol more common. Allowing more of the adolescent population to obtain alcohol would only increase this problem. Roughly half of high school students in their senior year would be able to purchase and consume alcohol.

The act of drinking may become slightly less rebellious to eighteen and nineteen year old adults, but to minors still in high school who are not yet allowed to consume alcohol, the act is equally as rebellious.

We must also remember that the law once allowed eighteen year olds to purchase and consume alcohol. This law was changed due to reckless drunk driving and abuse that led to endangerment of public safety and the safety of the individual. History is bound to repeat itself and lowering the drinking age would only revive old problems.

Allowing many high school students to consume and purchase alcohol also encourages high school partying.

According to the WSBT Local News Center, most middle school and high school students are sold tobacco products from eighteenyear-old high school students (whom the sale and consumption of tobacco is allowed).

If alcohol consumption and sale were legalized to eighteen year olds, the same problem would occur.

Accessibility of alcohol would become easier to those who are underage since their usual supplie r s would legally be able to purchase alcohol. More adolescents legally able to drink coupled with easier access to alcohol would increase alcohol abuse due to the irresponsibility that usually plagues the minds of teenagers.

The problem of under age drinking and the abuse of alcohol is still a nationwide epidemic today. We must work to relieve these problems, not worsen them. Lowering the drinking age to eighteen will result in more under-age drinking, more alcohol abuse, drunk driving, and recklessness.

It is not wise to public safety and health to legalize the sale of alcohol to an age group infamous for abusing this drug. All reverse psychological ideas about lowering the drinking age must be forgotten in order to work towards eliminating the problem of alcohol abuse. If not, the nation will be forced to face a new and even larger epidemic. ~ Katherine Chang

It seems as time progresses, those who choose an alcohol-free path in high school are becomi n g t h e m i n o rity.

Listen to just a few student conversations about last weekend’s festivities and one is sure to hear of several less than legal activities.

Underage drinking is not just a university problem- it has become a staple at high schools around the country.

The drinking-age debate has been cause for controversy since it was raised to 21, and with recent proposals of lowering it to 18, it has become a hot topic once again.

Changing the drinking age in an era where underage drinking is already an often occurrence may seem counterintuitive, but if a new law were to remove the for bidden quality of alcohol, nay-sayers might be surprised by the effects of this change.

As numerous psychological studies have shown, the surest way to persuade an adolescent to do something is to forbid them from doing it. By lowering the legal age to 18, law enforcement would be removing the taboo from drinking and thus lowering numbers of teenagers drinking for the sole purpose of disobedience or thrill-seeking.

Each student has their own motive for drinking, but it seems that a primary objective is rebellion. If the age is lowered and students know they are no longer disobeying the law or taking such a risk, we may see a significant drop in numbers.

Lowering the drinking age may even de-

ter high school underclassmen from drinking, as they would have to wait less time until they are legally able to drink. Why risk getting caught now when one must wait only a few more months until she is of legal age?

By supporting a lowering of the drinking age, I am by no means supporting alcohol consumption among high school students. I do not believe it is in a high school student’s best interest to drink, as it leads to drunk driving and other irresponsible decision-making.

I do strongly believe, however, that if 18 year olds are given the privilege to vote and live on their own, then they are mature enough to make smart decisions regarding alcohol.

High school seniors are afforded all the privileges of an adult when they blow out those 18 candles, except for the right to consume alcohol. How can a man or woman be capable of defending our country or serving on a jury when they cannot come home from these duties and enjoy an alcoholic beverage? If one is considered a responsible adult in these instances, he should be considered a responsible adult in all of them.

Some may claim that lowering the drinking age would cause an increase in drunk driving accidents around the country. If more people can drink, then statistically more will be drinking and driving. In neighboring and overseas countries, however, where there is a lower or absent drinking age, drunk driving accidents are much fewer than here in the United States.

Because strict regulations have not been put on adolescents regarding the consumption of alcohol, teenagers do not feel the need to rebel.

Drinking is seen less as a disobedient act than just as a fixed part of culture. Students are less likely to binge-drink if they have the opportunity to drink whenever they wish, and are therefore less likely to drink and drive because they do not have to be secretive in their drinking.

Others argue that lowering the drinking age to 18 may result in easier attainment of alcohol by younger high school students. One cannot argue with the validity of this point, however, it is very clear that students have had few problems obtaining alcohol even with a high drinking age. Teenagers are going to get their hands on alcohol one way or another. A 21-year old age of consent has done nothing to dissuade students from opening up a can or two. Perhaps using a little reverse psychology will lower the numbers. ~ Sarah Squillante

Strict internet censor prohibits access As I logged onto my computer on the first day of school, I attempted to access an Internet site to get information for homework. The seemingly harmless site was blocked by a program called Webwasher. I then decided to try some more websites to get my information, but site after site was blocked.

Webwasher blocks sites for many reasons, most being ridiculous. It blocks sites for things like Entertainment, Humor, and Streaming Media. Are students not allowed to view humorous things during school? The last time I checked, humor is not against the school rules. The administration is too worried about trying to prevent students from playing games and having fun online. If students would rather play games than listen in class or do their homework, than that is their own choice, and their grades will suffer.

«Trying to get by Webwasher is like trying to penetrate a fortress with a hundred archers stationed on top, pelting me with arrows, while minotaurs and ogres beat me savagely with their fists of injustice.» said Senior Tim Bodie. Blocking site after site for entertainment purposes is damaging to a student’s ability to access valuable sites.

Webwasher blocks a large variety of educational sites. I was in Mr. Barnes’ Popular Music class and he tried to show us websites that were good for learning about jazz music.

He tried four different sites and they were all blocked. This class is widely based on Internet activities and the solution for getting on the sites would be to go home and access the site on your home computer. Yet, not every student has Internet access or a computer at home. Students without computers cannot finish it in the Media Center because the sites

are blocked throughout the school. How are teachers supposed to use the internet as a tool when Webwasher blocks educational websites?

Even if a teacher absolutely needs a website for their class, they must go through a long process to do so. First, they must send a notification to Sheryl O’Shea, telling her which site they wish to unblock. After this, she will check the site to check if it is school appropriate or not. If the services finds that the site is alright, then they unblock the site for the teacher, which usually takes about half an hour. So if the teacher needs the website right away, they are pretty much out of luck. After a website is opened, it is open to everyone in the entire school. Youtube has been opened to the school and now students can view any innappropriate video they want. «Webwasher is a new program and it still needs to be set up, once it is in the system for a few years, it will be much better,» said O’Shea.

So students, remember, the Internet is not for fun. With Webwasher, you will not be able to laugh, smile, or be amused whatsoever by the Internet during school. Maybe if teachers were less worried about students visiting innappropriate websites, they would still be able to use the Internet as a tool. Webwasher has gone completely overboard in restricting websites. When the education of students becomes compromised, it is clear something needs to change. We need a filtering program that is more leniant and does not restrict teachers from accessing educational sites. A word of advice: next time you need information at school, dodge the computer and just head to the library. ~ Andrew Miller

NV pool changes diving boards, blocks

Sylvania Northview High School

Just when you thought that Northview could not get any better, the pool staff and school officials decided to make improvements in the natatorium.

The changes in the natatorium actually do not affect the swimmers’ and divers’ speed or accuracy, but they do alter the appearance. The beloved NV high-dive has been removed, and the low dives have been replaced. All the old diving boards were donated to the Jewish Community Center.

The removal of the high-dive was a good idea because not a lot of people used it. Although the NV high-dive was a lot of peoples’ first experience with one, it is very scarcely used. It took up a lot of space that could be used for more important things, and contributed to the shifting of the tiles.

“I don’t care that the high-dive was removed, because no one used it. Even the dive team rarely used it, and even then it wasn’t used in meets,” said sophomore Jackie Leizerman, a NV swimmer.

Another adjustment in the pool area is the addition of new starting blocks. Due to some issues with the movement of the diving blocks, new ones are being put in place at the deep end of the pool.

In December of last year, sophomore Victoria Pietrykowski was getting on the block to start her warm-up at a meet when suddenly the starting block shifted underneath her, and she fell off. She hit her head on the bottom of the pool, and had to be pulled back up by another swimmer. She suffered from a mild conclusion, and had a headache, but was able to swim again in the next meet. The placement of the new blocks should prevent this scary situation from ever happening again.

Lastly, the tile on the ground behind the diving boards was replaced. During the last swim season, there were problems with some of the individual tiles being out of place and sticking up. This caused some people to trip. The new, smooth tiles were well placed, so there should not be any more problems in the natatorium this year. ~Mary Grace Fitzgerald

5403 Silica Drive Sylvania, Ohio 43560 2008-2009

Co-Editors-In-Chief: Max Filby & Elizabeth Strick Advisor: Sarah Huey News Editor: Haley Hofbauer Photo Editor: Sam Weisman Features Editors: Haley Nelson & Yelena Zhernovskiy Sports Editors: Alexx Klein & Joe Mehling Opinions Editor: Sarah Squillante Business Editor: Jackie Walz Staff Writers: Katherine Chang, Taylor Dreps, Sarah Fatemi, Mary Grace Fitzgerald, Adam Jurski, Katie Koffman, Kristi Kopaniasz, Nicole Mangas, Kelsey McCoy, Andrew Miller, Yianni Papadimos, Abbey Strick, Jordan Tomase, Brian Wadsworth, Nick Wineland, Ally Yocom Photographer: Halie Langhals The Student Prints is the official student-produced newspaper of Sylvania Northview High School. It is distributed monthly at no charge to serve the purpose of informing students, faculty, staff, administration and the Sylvania community of current issues.

The main goal of The Prints is to present coverage of events in an unbiased and accurate manner. The paper also respects the opinions and ideas of the entire NV community. Signed letters to the editors are encouraged and should be no longer than 300 words. All letters can be turned into the publications room, E-6. The Prints reserves the right to edit letters that contain grammatical errors, accuracy and profane or libelous comments.

The newspaper staff is entirely responsible for the content of the paper and supports the First Amendment to the Constitution. Unsigned editorials published in The Prints are written by staff members, and agreed upon by a majority vote of the editorial board. The Prints is carefully examined by its staff and adviser prior to publication to prevent incorrect or libelous information.

The newspaper staff does not endorse advertisements published in The Prints. Advertising specifications may be obtained by calling (419) 824-8708.

The newspaper follows the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook guidelines for punctuation and grammar. The Prints is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll and the Great Lakes Interscholastic Press Association.

OPINIONS

5

September 16, 2008

In an overflowing class? Sizes vary greatly, adding stress on teachers At Northview this year, students and teachers are experiencing class sizes that are either very large or extremely small. For instance, one class could have eight people, while another class could have thirty-four students taking the course. Class sizes should be normal size in order for students, and teachers, to have a successful day at Northview.

Students and teachers are both affected by the improper number of students taking a particular class. For some students, it can impede them from learning properly and be a distraction. For teachers, on the other hand, the abnormal class sizes can really goof them up.

Miniscule classes can make some students who are more on the shy side to feel as though they are on the spot. There are fewer children in the class for the teacher to pick, so it is more likely that they will be called upon. This can cause students to feel nervous and is not a good environment for them to learn.

Teachers with a tiny amount of students may feel as though it is an unpopular class or that students may not like them. Some teachers are very well liked and all their students love their class, yet that teacher has about eight students taking the course.

Classes on the larger scale can be a fire hazard. Each course has a maximum capacity of students that can take it, but yet I have several classes that are over the limit of students supposedly allowed to take the class.

Some classes even have more students taking the class than actual desks for them to sit in. For example, in one class, the students had to walk down the hall to another room in order for them to have a desk to sit in during class.

Sam Weisman HANDING OUT PAPERS to an over-sized class is psychology teacher Ms. Sarah Petersen. Many classes at Northview this year are either extremely large or small, possibly affecting the teaching and learning that should be going on in class.

The large class size can also intimidate students. They may feel over-powered by all the students and this can cause them to not participate. Most likely, they would then be more inclined to slouch down in the back and wait for the bell to ring.

Teachers that deal with larger classes have a different task at hand. They have more papers to grade and more students to keep track of. In addition, big classes can create a challenge for teachers to get to know the students on a closer level.

This uneven amount of students in each class is uncalled for. Smaller classes should be filled with more students and large classes should be more evenly dispersed so these problems can be eliminated. ~Nicole Mangas

Rising gas prices put strain on students Over the past year, it is obvious that the gas prices are not going anywhere but up.

In the past month, gas prices have soared to $4.19 a gallon. Now with school back in session, the only question is how the price of gasoline is going to affect the teens that drive to school each day.

The high gas prices are, to some, just another burden to the life of being a teenager.

With most teens being more conscious about how they spend their money and cutting back on pointless rides around town with friends just to waste time, many are being forced to get part-time jobs after school to pay for the price of gasoline.

The high price of gas is puting a lot of pressure on teens, now that gas prices jump almost a dollar in one day. With the economy today, many parents are not willing to hand their kids $60 a week for gas. If that was the case, parents would be giving their teens almost $300 a month and $3000 each school year.

Teens in high school are forced to fend for themselves and with the higher gas prices and teens needing money to pay for gas, more and more hours are being worked and that is leaving less time for schoolwork.

Halie Langhals GAS PRICES HAVE BEEN affecting the area all summer. Students that pay for their own gas are starting to feel the pain at the pump because of the everlasting high prices.

These days teens have to wait longer to drive because they can not afford to pay for the insurance and high schools are no longer offering the driver education classes.

Teens are being forced to pay almost $400 for their drivers education classes, instead of recieving them in school for free. Teens with bigger cars, mean they have to pay more for gas. More teens are turning to

smaller, more gas efficent cars, even though they might cost more to buy, in the long run it is actually better.

No matter how high the gas prices get, teens are not going to give up their privilege of driving to school each day and ride the bus with under classmen. Even though it is a way to avoid the cost of gasoline and many demerits due to tardies, teens are not

going to turn to riding the bus when they have other, more favorable options.

But with gas prices soaring, parents and school administrators believe that there will be more kids walking, riding their bikes, and even taking the bus to school.

Some think that the rising gas prices could be beneficial to themselves and others, because it gives them the excuse to get in some exercise and also help protect the environment. Also, more and more teens are making carpooling a trend to deal with the fuel economy.

What is next? Are they going to start charging kids to ride the bus to school each day? Some kids do not have the choice and have to ride the bus to school, because either they do not drive or their parents can not take them.

In the end, no matter how high the gas prices get people are not going to change their routines, even if that means teens have to work to get money to fill their gas tank.

I think that if teens pay for their own gas, most will continue to do what they have always been doing. It is a way of life and teens will have to find ways to deal with it. ~Taylor Dreps

eSIS: a great addition for staff and students As students walk into class before the bell rings teachers start to put in attendance.

This year the system is little different. A new system called eSIS has attendance and grades all in one. eSIS is a positive change for Northview and The Sylvania Schools district, as it will unify each school with one system. “eSIS is more efficient and it condences all programs into one,” said Mr. Brian Blakeman. “It takes time for teachers to get used to but when they master the system it will be a lot faster.”

Teachers had a three hour training session on Monday August 25th, their first workday back from the summer.

There will also be extra help sessions for teachers throughout the next couple of months to help any teachers that still havents master the system yet..

Teachers can spend more time teaching

instead of trying to put in attendance. With a few quick clicks attendance can be entered in less than a minute.

Grades are also easier for the teachers to imput as all the students come up on one page instead of imputing s t u d e n t ’ s grades on each individual page.

The State Education Board is making every school in Ohio change to a new system so within the next year the whole state will be unified.

They have a choice between two similar programs, eSIS and Dazzle. Northview chose eSIS because of its user friendly features.

In the future parents will be able to access their child’s grade with a password and the new six-digit student identification number.

This will be beneficial to parents as it makes tracking their child’s grades much easier.

Parents can see the grades and get their child extra help from teachers before your quarter grades come out and it is too late. eSIS can help every student so they know what there grades are so there are no major surprises later. eSIS would be a great help for student athletes especially since fall sports are done

“It takes time for teachers to get used to but when they master the system it will be a lot faster.”

- Mr. Blakeman

before first quarter grades come out so they know if they are eligible to play.

Since sports are a big part of Northview and our student body, not being able to play because of your grades would be devistating to the indivual, the team, and the coaching staff.

There have been no major glitches so far in the system and the transition has gone smoothly.

As the staff at Northview gets used to eSIS, the negative comments should go away. Once the system is 100% perfected by teachers it will be a great change for Northview and other schools in the Sylvania Schools district .

Northview’s administration wouldn’t have changed if they didn’t think it was for the better. Just give eSIS sometime and before you know it everyone will have a positive opinion ~Kristi Kopaniasz

Yearbooks on sale in room E-6 $55 personalization available for an extra cost prices go up 2nd quarter

6

OPINIONS

September 16, 2008

Senior hall artwork rocks Double Standard at NV? The Northview High School administration is showing all of the students that they are very serious when it comes to rules this year. An example would be the dress code in effect from the moment a student walks into the door. Any girl would gladly tell you how she is seeing an unfair advantage given to the boys. It seems that already girls are getting yelled at right and left for their short shorts and low tops and the boys are sliding by with low jeans and half a butt hanging out. It can lead to quite a discussion, but if you ask any boy he will tell you a different story where the girls get off easy.

The issue of double standards has been around forever and is a conversation easily started. Men will say that they have it harder because they have to pay for dinner and things of that nature.

And women will reply with the obvious childbirth.

But at NV in regards to personal dress, it seems that the girls are treated more harshly for low tops with cleavage and short shorts, with a punishment that is most times worse than the outfit merits. Teachers freak out all the time over low shirts that show no cleavage at all. But the boys wear their pants low with their boxers hanging out and the administration never sees it. Occasionally there is a male student that displays his boxers and gets caught but it is not as frequent as the females. It is unfair that the girls are watched with hawk eyes while the boys are casually watched.

In regards to a more real argument, the senior girls get gypped out of Whispering Wildcat.

Many girls volunteer to buy gifts for a specific male athlete as a secret before games and events to boost moral. But there are just as many girl athletes who go unnoticed.

Why is it fair that great athletes like the soccer girls or softball girls who play just as hard as the boys get ignored? The school should attempt to set up a girl version of Whispering Wildcat for all the hard-working girl athletes.

For every excuse the girls make to example sexism, the boys seem to have one too. Even though there are purse restrictions the girls still get to carry one with all their junk but the boys aren’t allowed backpacks, even small ones. For example the draw string Adidas bags.

The reason is girls need to carry the necessities like lip gloss, hand lotion, and feminine products. Guys do not carry as much and can put what they do carry in their deep pockets.

The boys also grumble about how when there is serious trouble for a female they can cry and get out of it. Well it is true that tears can both be used as a weapon and increase sympathy for the crier. Teachers are wise to the technique and do not let it slide.

In reality either gender can claim that the other has it easier but it seems that the issues with each balance each other out.

This year there has been some controversy over the painting of the senior hallway.

Principal Stewart Jesse said every year during the summer the students walk around with him to decide which paintings stay and go. Overall there are a lot of new paintings.

Senior Faith Latorre said, “We couldn’t paint over the ceiling.”

“No, that’s not the case, it’s generally a

three-year cycle for each painting,” said Mr. Jesse.

The seniors also wanted to paint a McDonalds painting but the school doesn’t have sponsorship from them so they decided against it. Other paintings such as the Diet Coke painting had to go because this school year the school district is sponshored byPepsi.

Some paintings such as Yoda and Finding Nemo have been up since 2007.

New paintings include Beauty and the Beast, Jungle Book and a personal favorite, Mario Kart. The front lobby has been updated as well as the cafeteria. The senior hallway has looked great in the past and the new additions have made it look even better.

Mr. Jesse said, “It’s a process and an agreement between the administration and the students.” Mr. Jesse also mentioned that usually there is a theme to the hallway and this year’s theme is cartoons.

At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China many glorious events stand out in the minds of the world. World records were broken, Olympians to be forever idolized were made, and the world came together to celebrate expert athletics, world cooperation and overall unity.

However, despite all the shining moments and memories, some parts of the games left viewers with feelings less than comparable to happiness and love for the world.

One moment when this was apparent, regarded the United States’ battle against China for the Gold Medal in Team Finals for gymnastics.

Before the Olympics, the U.S. Gymnastics team had extremely high hopes for winning the Gold Medal. With phenomenal stars like 16-year-old Shawn Johnson and the fearless 19-year-old Nastia Liukin, Gold Medal hopes for the U.S. were far more than realistic. The team had depth, experience and a will to win after their 2007 World Championship top-spot placing.

China proved to be hard competition.

But putting good competition aside, the ages of the Chinese gymnasts raised many questions.

“One of the girls has a missing tooth,” said former coach and gymnastics expert Béla Károlyi. The girl, Deng Linlin, is supposedly 16-years-old, but no one is sure if the tooth had not developed yet due to Linlin’s true age, or if she simply lost a tooth.

Gymnasts must turn 16 the year of the Olympics to compete in the games.

Competitors who are only 13 or 14 years

old would be able to flip and spin through the air much easier than taller and more developed 16 year olds.

It is extremely unfair that younger competitors may be ruining the competition for other gymnasts who have been training for years and have followed all the rules. The Olympics do only come every four years.

If online sports registration lists are correct, then half of the Chinese team, He Kexin, Yang Yilin, and Jiang Yuyuan, are underage. The International Gymnastics Federation said that these gymnasts are eligible and that their passports are in order, according to NBCOlympic.com.

Many of the Chinese, simply at first glance, look much younger than the required age and clearly much younger than their competition.

The U.S. team and the world began to wonder whether or not the Chinese were really as old as they claim to be.

“The Chinese looked way too young to be competing,” said junior Wendy Wisniewski.

“China had a bit of an advantage.”

There has been so much uproar that on August 23, the International Olympic Committee requested that the Federation Internationale de Gymastique would investigate into the age inconsistency of the Chinese gymnasts. As of August 31, the investigation is still in progress and no results have been reported, according to the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique website.

Whether or not the Chinese were too young to compete is almost beside the point. The fact that the age of competitors is

being seriously questioned shows flaws in the Olympic system.

Not only does this age questioning cast a shadow over Olympic rules and respectability, it also lessens the world’s respect for athletes, China (or any offending nation) and the possibility of world unity.

I know this event lowered the opinions of many of athletics and the Olympics.

Serious alterations need to be made.

First, the Olympic committee should make their background checks much more extensive. Interviews and internet checks should be authorized and officials should look into as many documents and records as possible.

There should be no objections to this practice because the committee is performing all these practices now, after the closing ceremony. Further background checks would also stop such scandals like this one involving gymnastics from ever occurring again.

Whether or not the Chinese were too young to compete, and whether or not the Olympic Gold was stripped unfairly from the US Gymnastics team, this event can serve as a great learning lesson from which the international community can benefit.

Serious tests and background checks to ensure fairness and safety, thus restoring respect to all athletes and to the principles in which the Olympics were founded are a necessity. And then, with all this accomplished, it will be finally time for a rematch. Bring it on.

~ Haley Nelson

Chinese gymnasts too young

Do you think the drinking Yes, because you’re considered an adult so why shouldn’t you be able to legally consume alcohol?

- Steve Camp, senior

Go to www.sylvania northview.org and click on The Student Prints, Northview’s student newspaper to find our webpage vote in the polls and see the results here in our next issue!

age should be lowered to 18?

No. It won’t decrease the amount of binge drinking on college campuses, nor will it change the pro-alcohol culture that we have in the U.S. - Mrs. Seal-Roth

FEATURES

Get to know the new NV staff Teacher: Katie Donofrio • • • • • • •

Attended St. Ursula Academy in Toledo and Ohio University Teaches Special Education at Northview Taught for one year in Chicago; second year as a teacher She became a teacher because her mom is a teacher, which helped her to become interested in teaching She loves sports (“Go Blue!), being outdoors, cooking, reading, and dogs.

Chicago is her favorite movie because she loves musicals She is not married, but has an older sister and two younger stepbrothers at Northview- AJ and Spencer Georgetti.

• • • •

• • • • • • •

She attended Grand Haven Senior High School in Grand Haven, Michigan, Central Michigan University (undergraduate) and Grand Valley University (Graduate) Teaching Spanish I and II Has previously taught Spanish and French for 4 1/2 years She has a passion for children, languages, and culture Her hobbies include traveling, camping, and water activities Her favorite movies include Miracle on 34th St., The Princess Bride, Fools Rush In, Chocolat, Amelie and Goonies She has a husband named Jay. They do not have children, but they have two dogs named Eli and Scruffy and a cat named O.J. She has two brothers, four nephews, and two nieces.

Teacher: Tracy Morris

She attended Resurrection Academy in Rye, New York, and Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio She is teaching Anatomy, Physiology, and Physical Science at Northview She has previously taught in Hudson, Ohio for 10 years, St. Cuthbert’s College in Auckland, New Zealand for 19 years, and Stamford, Connecticut for 4 years.

Her hobby is golf She is married to Bill and has two children: Hillary, 28, and Douglas, 25.

Teacher: Mary Goodwin

• • • •

• Attended Westerly High School in Westerly, Rhode Island, College of New Rochelle (New Rochelle, New York), Assumption College (Worcester, Massachusetts), and Universite li Lasal (Quebec, Canada) • She is teaching Honors French III, Honors French IV, and AP French V, Honors French Conversation • She had previously taught at Malden High School in Massachusetts, Northview, Southview, and is now back at Northview again.

She became a teacher to share the beauty and richness of the French language and culture Her hobbies include cooking, traveling, playing cards, tennis, and having fun with her grandchildren She doesn’t have a favorite movie but loves all James Bond and Sean Connery movies She has a husband named Wayne. Ryan is her son who is married to Meredith. They have three children Zach, Marley, and Elena. She also has a daughter Amy who is married to Jim. Her children are graduates from Southview and were inducted into the Sylvania School Hall of Fame for distinguished alumni.

Staff Writers

Teacher: Kara Wagoner

Teacher: Tracy Jacob

•

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September 16, 2008

• • • •

• She attended Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, University of Toledo (undergraduate) and Miami University (Master’s Degree) • She is teaching Early Childhood Education and is the Director of the Preschool • Has been a teacher for 27 years. Prior to Northview, she was a special education coordinator for Sylvania schools for seven years. Prior to Sylvania, she worked as an Early Childhood Services Coordinator for the Northwest Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center. She was also a consultant at the Ohio Department of Education Office of Early Childhood Education, and a preschool teacher for Toledo Public Schools She became a teacher to make a difference in the lives of children and to help them be life long learners Her hobbies include traveling, scrapbooking, exercising, and golf The Sound of Music is her favorite movie because of the memories she has of watching this movie with her family while growing up.

She has been married to John for 23 years. Had two daughters, Ashley (19, sophomore at University of Toledo and 2007 graduate of Northview) and Katlyn (13, 8th grader at Arbor Hills)

Teacher: Kathryn Nelson • • • • • • • •

Attended Southern California Christian High School in Anaheim, California and California State University, Fullerton, California Teaching Science 9 (Chemistry and Physics), and Science Lab She is beginning her second year of teaching, but it is her first year at Northview Her reason for becoming a teacher was because “I love helping people learn new things. It’s a privilege to assist younger people develop to their potential.”

Her hobbies are the arts and traveling Romeo and Juliet (with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes) is her favorite movie, “because it had a very cool twist on a timeless classic.”

She has two daughters Katie and Liz married to Jim. Her children are graduates from Southview and were inducted into the Sylvania School Hall of Fame for distinguished alumni.

New classes spice up schedules In order to expand student’s learning opportunities, new classes are available at Northview this year. They vary in different subjects such as math, science, language arts and choral courses.

One of the new courses is Chinese Language and Culture. Mrs. Wenli Zhang, a professor at the University of Toledo, teaches the new Chinese class. They have learned how to say things such as “Where are you from,” “I’m good,”and “Hi, what is your name”.

In addition, students learn how to write the Chinese characters, not the alphabet, because these language does not have an alphabet but instead each character represents a word. This course enables students to learn a culture quite different from what they are used to.

“I like this class because it is interesting to learn the Chinese language,” said sophomore Mackenzie Reeves.

Science research is a new science course available with Miss.

Michelle Bogue. The class teaches students about the scientific method in order for them to eventually do labs outside of school.

Also students will compile a lab report to enter into a symposium at UT. “Science Research is enjoyable because I like working independently. Miss Bogue is doing a good job of expanding this class at NV and letting us take our research project into any direction which is all really cool,” said senior Nick Ansara.

An all new math course is available for this year as well, Statistics, and is taught by Mrs. April McGough. It deals with more real-life applications of mathematics and its goal is to prepare you for a college level statistics class.

“I want to be a psychologist and it is cool this class is offered in order to help me in college.” said Senior Allison Judge.

Choir is a popular elective, so a new choir was created for the underclassmen. It is called the Symphonic Chamber Choir.

The choir has only 24 students in it and was created in order to control the over-populated Symphonic Choir. The students in the course get more one on one attention with Ms. Dawn Gallehue.

Also, only freshman and sophomores are allowed to be in this choir since there are plenty of other opportunities within the choir program for the upperclassmen.

The new choir is working on songs from a different variety of movies. Their musical selections include The Nightmare Before Christmas Medley, Only Hope from A Walk To Remember, and Somewhere Over The Rainbow, which they will be performing at their Fall Follies concert along with A Cappella Choir and Harmony Roadshow.

~ Nicole Mangas

WORKING WITH LEGOS during their Science Research class are seniors Amanda Collins and Julie Kujawa. The assignment was to create a Lego object then write a procedure paper on how to build it for another team to rebuild. The project helped students learn the scientific method. photo by Sam Weisman

8 FEATURES American Idol comes to NV September 16, 2008

Nathan Watt auditions for the popular show one of the show’s producers, Patrick Lynn, notified Watt that they would be letting their “special friends” (referring to Watt and the other handicapped) audition first. When questioned about the different treatment by Junior Nathan Watt made his debut Watt’s mother, Lynn replied that the producperformance at age 11 in his church with the ers “didn’t expect this many of you people song, “Shackled”. He decided to co-write to show up”, according to Watt. his first song, “Unstoppable” with his mothWatt and the other handicapped coner a year later, after meeting popular singer testants finally got their chance to audiGavin DeGraw. “It’s about being anything tion. Watt sang “Let It Be” by the Beetles for you want to be and not letting people’s low-key producers. He didn’t get a chance judgments bring you down,” said Watt. to sing for the judges that you see on TV, From that moment, his family began no one gets to see them until after a few working towards getting Watt the opportu- rounds. Watt did not make the cut; he noted nity to audition for American Idol, a popular that none of the other handicapped contesTV show where regular people audition for tants did either. a chance of receiving a singing contract.

Prompted to prove to himself that he This past was good summer, on enough and July 19, Watt that he wantand his famed a second ily traveled chance to to Louisville, audition, Kentucky to he posted junior nathan watt register for a thread on auditioning. the AmeriTwo days later, waking up at about three or can Idol message boards and it quickly befour in the morning, they went to Freedom came the number-one viewed thread on the Hall: it was the day of the audition. Since boards. Channel 11 and Fox 36 even ran stoWatt usually moves around by wheelchair ries on Watt and his struggle with the “total due to his chronic condition of Spinobiffita, discrimination” at the auditions. he was told by officials that they didn’t want When Watt and his family arrived for to “make the handicapped wait”, so he was registration at a second American Idol audito enter the stadium first. tion on August 17 at the Izod Center in RuFor hours Watt, his family, and other therford, New Jersey, he was recognized by handicapped contestants sat in silence in Lynn. This time around, Watt was permitted the freezing stadium as they heard the other to stand in line with the other contestants. contestants outside laughing and “having a “I brought my guitar and played along great time”, according to Watt. with some of the people,” said Watt. “There As more contestants entered the arena, was just so much energy, which made it a

Staff Writer

“There was so much energy, which made it a lot of fun,” -

Photo Courtesy of Nathan Watt PRACTICING HIS GUITAR and rehearsing his vocal skills is junior Nathan Watt. Watt loves to play guitar and the piano and thoroughly enjoyed his chance to try out for Idol. lot of fun.”

For his audition, Watt sang, “Ain’t No Sunshine”, by Bill Withers. Though he did not make it through to the next round, Watt felt his experience at the American Idol auditions was worthwhile.

“I did the best I could,” said Watt. “I was able to change something. I changed the way handicapped people auditioned for American Idol.”

Back at home, Watt continues to create his own music. He works on it every day posting his covers and music on Youtube and his music myspace.

His goal is to become like his inspirations, including Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Billy Joel, and especially Gavin DeGraw.

He also made clear that he wanted to have “all real vocals”. He has already won the International Award of Defeating Stigma in Health in 2006.

Want to rock out?

From Limewire to iTunes - there are tons of ways to listen and download your music

Staff Writer All people like to rock out on a daily basis. Whether it be at the gym, in the car or even in classes, let’s face it, music is a part of our everyday lives. Go anywhere and you are likely to find someone with the symbolic white ear-buds of Apple’s iPod. New technology has allowed students across the nation to access music anywhere and any time. This music is listened to on a variety of media players that have been developed by a variety of companies.

Yet, where do students get the music for these audio players?

Students have two options when it comes to music, they can either pay for their music or choose to download freely.

Much controversy surrounds the music business in regards to free downloading.

Limewire and other sites that allow free downloads are popular alternatives to sites like iTunes or Rhapsody, where music is legally downloaded for a price.

Junior Lindsey Yost uses Limewire over any site that requires a payment. “I use Limewire because it’s really easy to download music and it’s free,” said Yost.

“The only problem is that it slows down my computer.”

In a survey of Northview students, 66% were f o u n d to use Limewire and other sites that

allow free downloading as their main source of music. Though this number may seem alarming, it’s not that hard to believe. It’s already known that people love to listen to music, and if you love something, wouldn’t you want it for free? As an example, many people love chocolate (unless you’re lactoseintolerant or “candy challenged”). And if you love chocolate and saw it being given out for free, would you not indulge?

However, free chocolate has its downside. The quality of the chocolate could easily be worse or tainted. The same goes for music. When songs are downloaded from a free music site or program, such as Limewire, they can often have a terrible sound quality. Also, when downloading songs from these sources, viruses can be downloaded with the music onto one’s computer. So yes, music can be free, but only at a price.

Sophomore Jackie Leizerman also used Limewire for only one reason: “It’s free.”

This same survey revealed that the iTunes Music Store and other sites and programs that require one to purchase music, are not as popular as previously assumed. Only 7% of students used these sources to get the majority of their music.

Apple’s iTunes Music Store, which was launched in 2003, allows users to spend 99¢ on each song they purchase, or about $9.99 for a digital-download of a CD. Downloading from iTunes, though it forces

It’s already known that people love to listen to music, and if you love something, wouldn’t you want it for free?

photo courtesy of Apple.com

What music source do you use most? iTunes Other

Napster CDs

Limewire one to pay the grueling fees, is actually advantageous.

The sound quality on the songs and videos downloaded is impeccable. Also, through this form of downloading, one can obtain the legal rights to the music, because we all feel so guilty when we don’t have them.

Several of the songs are exclusively

39 students polled released for iTunes alone, and many donate profits to different organizations such as cancer research.

“I like iTunes, because its fast and legal,” said freshman John Beckham.

Music, no matter where it may come from, is still downloaded and still listened to. Is Limewire the wrong way?

Is iTunes the right? The discretion is yours, but anyway it is spun, the music is theirs.

FEATURES

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September 16, 2008

Behind the scenes: NV school buses Engines are thrusting and the smell of gasoline is noticeable in the cold morning air as Mr. Eugene Hermes checks over bus number seven at the Sylvania Schools bus garage. Mr. Hermes’s day begins every morning at 6 am when he arrives at the bus garage to make sure his bus is ready to transport Sylvania Schools’ 7,603 students to and from school.

After spending an entire day with Mr. Hermes, transporting Sylvania’s students on a bus is definitely more complicated than just getting them from point A to point B. “Getting the kids safely from home to school is what I think about most every day,” said Mr. Hermes, “I avoid construction and high traffic streets.” Living in the area a driver transports students in is extremely helpful for finding bus stops, according to Mr. Hermes.

Mr. Hermes was formerly a postal carrier for 20 years before retiring and becoming a bus driver in Sylvania for the past 11 years.

“A friend of mine became a bus driver at Washington Local after he retired,” said Hermes, “so I decided to look into driving buses in Sylvania.”

To become a bus driver, a person must first obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL), and then he will be subjected to an FBI background check, according to Mr. Hermes.

“You have to take a class and pass four tests in order to get your CDL,” said cafeteria worker and bus driver Ms. Sue Spychalski. Ms. Spychalski is one of several bus drivers who also work in the cafeteria when she is not transporting students.

Cafeteria workers pulling this double duty go directly from working in the cafeteria to bussing students home after school every day. “I look forward to seeing the kids every day and hearing what is going on in school,” said Ms. Spychalski.

The friendships that bus drivers have with the students often results in few referrals. (Basically a demerit given on a bus) “I try to avoid giving out demerits,” said Mr. Hermes, “I usually only give out about one per year.”

Students tend to complain if their bus is late, including days when Mother Nature seems to have a vendetta against the Sylvania area, according to Ms. Spychalski.

Both Ms. Spychalski and Mr. Hermes love their jobs as a driver and students obviously love them as well. When junior high

Co-Editor in Chief

Mr. Eugene Hermes:

Sylvania Schools Bus Driver Driving for: 11 years Previous Job: Postal worker Favorite school to take home: McCord Junior High Music preference while driving: Anything but rap Favorite food: Pizza Favorite author: W.E.B. Griffin Max Filby SITTING IN HIS captain’s chair is bus driver Mr. Eugene Hermes. Photographing a bus’s mirror is Filby. Boarding Mr. Hermes’s bus after school are Higland Elementary students. school kids board bus number seven, they all say hello and either high-five or bump fists with Mr. Hermes. While students in the Northview cafeteria start up conversations with Ms. Spychalski.

Bus drivers have become friends with

the students that ride their bus rather than authoritative figures like an assistant principal.

Who would think that the friendly person who drives students to school every morning, might lead another interesting

Favorite movie: Oklahoma double life, or even live nearby, something I discovered after meeting Mr. Hermes.

Next time you board a school bus, get to know the bus driver and realize that there is more to their life than just the yellow cheese wagon.

Want to get involved?

Here’s a guide into some of NV’s top clubs SPANISH CLUB

UB GERMANoneCLinte rested in German cul-

For any . Mrs. Christure, this is the right place for you gs and also tina Forrester holds monthly meetin has a full agenda. design The club just finished a t-shirt ies planned contest and has many fun activit this year. man So if you like cookies, fasching ( Ger this , ties par version of Mardi Gras), and techno is the club for you.

Spanish club, one of the most pop ular clubs at NV, has an exciting year planne d.

This month alone they are having a dinner at El Camino Real, a local Spanish res taurant, on the 18 at 6:30. The club also has a mo nthly video club where they watch a popular mo vie in Spanish with subtitles. Spanish teachers offer extra credit for attending the movie days.

Dues are only $7, well worth the money for all the exciting activities.

Students can look forward to ma king sugar skulls, monthly fiestas, and flam enco dancing.

There is also a community servic e projects in the works, but details have yet to be decided.

DR AMA

CHALLENGE CATS Thi

s group focuses on creating inner class unity. Any junior or senior can join and help run the Welcome Day for freshm en or Connections Days for Freshman that allo w them to feel more connected at Northview.

“We definitely spread school spi rit,” said junior Lacey Rogers. “It gets und erclassmen involved and it’s really fun.”

Mrs. April McGough and Mrs. Kim Gogel advise this great club that really hel ps bring all grades at NV and the Sylvania com munity together.

With dues of only $2, anyone can afford to be involved with such a spirited club that allows NV to come together as a fam ily.

students Advised by Mr. Don Wachowiak, with the latest get travel to the theatre, keep up s, and simply acting information and technique have fun acting in Drama Club.

Marisa “I really like theatre,” said junior Mercurio. “This is a great club.” to get The goal of Drama Club is simply st inlea at or students involved in NV Theatre watch great terested in theatre itself. Members learn theatre films, attend themed parties and terminology. y of evThis club meets the first Wednesda is open to ery month in the Little Theatre and $6 dues. students of all ages who pay their

D DEBATE SPEECH AN baters are known for their

Speech and De e to argue great speaking abilities and aptitud ts can join den or captivate an audience. All stu and reason to this club and learn how to speak Drouillard the best of their abilities. Mr. Joseph contact him advises this club and students can in room F-4 if they want to join. to argue, Anyone who has an opinion, likes make a great loves speaking or acting, would e team. addition to the Speech and Debat

FRENCH CLUB

Starting off the year in full effe ct is French Club. With a new adviso r, Madame Mary Goodwin helping Madam e Kim Gogel, the French club also has a ful l schedule.

Scheduled is a movie day, French week, and even a Mardi Gras celebratio n. An international dinner and soccer tou rnament is planned with all the language clubs from NV and SV. They are also bringing in desser t for a teacher appreciation day and pla nning another ice-cream social.

10

SPORTS

September 16, 2008

Wildcat football begins NLL season Staff Writer Northview kicked off the 2008 Football season with a win over Waite and losses to Rogers and Clay.

NV’s season opened up against the City League with the Clay Eagles. Clay’s offense came out strong, scoring on each of it’s first two drives. NV’s defense stepped up after these first two scores, shutting the Eagle’s offense out until late in the second half.

Sophomore linebacker Ken Bodie lead the defense with several tackles and a fumble recovery. Clay’s offense, lead by running back Mike Toth, ended up putting up 21 points of its own, along with another defensive touchdown scored later in the game, for a total of 28 points.

NV’s offense struggled in the first half, unable to score any points and had minimal first downs. The tide turned in the second half when junior quarterback Ryan Kremchek drove the Cats down the field and threw a touchdown to senior Ryan Yockey.

“Catching my first touchdown pass felt great, I was excited to help my team put points on the board,” said Yockey. These would be the only points NV would put on the board against the Eagles, losing the game 28-7.

The following week, NV took on the Waite Indians at Wildcat Stadium. The beginning of the game was a battle for field position, both defenses making stops left and right. NV scored in the last minute in the first half on a Kremchek pass to Yockey to put them up 7-0.

NV scored early and often in the second half and put 20 points on the scoreboard.

Key players involved in NV’s offense include senior Mike Epstein with a long touchdown catch and Kremchek with over 170 passing yards. Senior De’jon Faulkner also returned a punt downfield inside the five yard line, setting up a NV score.

Key players for the Wildcat defense include senior Stephen Vizina with two sacks, senior Dylan Hawkins with two sacks, and junior Scott Goellnitz with an interception, forced fumble, and 13 tackles.

“The defense played very well against Waite, I’m glad I could contribute with some sacks,” said Hawkins.

The following week, the Cats took on the Rogers Rams. NV started the game on defense and forced Rogers to punt on a three and out. After that, Roger’s offense took over, scoring 42 points by the end of

Halie Laghals SENIOR WIDE RECEIVER Shane Connolly runs the ball down the field against a Clay ______. NV lost the game 28-7 with their offense struggling in the first half. Their record for the 2008 season is 1-2 with their next opponent being Springfield. the half. NV’s defense crumbled to Rogers in the first half, but came out stronger in the second half, allowing only 20 points compared to the 42 in the first half.

The Cats had their best offensive so far this season, scoring 24 points. Kremchek lead the way with 367 passing yards and

three touchdowns. However, the Wildcats lost fumbles twice on drives that were inside the 10 yard line.

“The offense was great this week, but the two unforced turnovers really hurt our chances of winning the game,” said Kremchek.

Junior Tyler James had nine catches for 144 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Epstein also was a key to offense, with nine catches for 124 yards and a touchdown.

Junior Levi Jasper tacked on three points with a field goal. Despite the offense, NV fell to Rogers 62-24.

Boys golf swings into good season Sports Editor With five players back from last year’s varsity team, the Northview Boy’s Golf team was confident in a successful season.

“We have a lot of good players returning so hopefully we can make a run at the District final,” said junior Cody Brant.

Seniors Bob Napierala, William Maxwell, David Navarre and Joe Mehling lead the Wildcats into the 2008 season. Also returning to the team this year is Brant. New Varsity members include junior Ryan Taber and sophomore Josh Cole.

The Wildcats opened the Northern Lakes League season against cross-town rival Southview.

Despite a couple of low rounds by the Cougars, the team pulled out a nail biter thanks to a round of 44 by Navarre to win in a playoff. Leading the Cats with the low round of 40 was Maxwell.

Next up on the schedule was the Anthony Wayne Generals. The Wildcats played poorly and paid the price losing the match 164-181. Napierala led the team with a round of 42.

“Anthony Wayne is a good team but we will beat them at NLL’s,” said Navarre.

The Wildcats then returned home to face a struggling Springfield squad. The team played better and easily defeated the Blue Devils, 163-171. Brant and Napierala both shot a low round of 40.

A tough test awaited the Cats in the defending NLL champion Bowling Green Bobcats.

The Wildcats played well but could not make up enough ground to beat the Bobcats.

Napierala again played well and had the low round for the Wildcats with a score of 40.

T h e W i l d c a t s then went to head with the Perrysburg Yellow Jackets.

With Napierala shooting yet another 40, the team prevailed past the Yellow Jackets 164-168.

“This was a good win for us, it just gave us more confidence “said Maxwell.

The team then traveled to Rossford to face the Bulldogs. The Cats played well enough to defeat a struggling Rossford team 167-188.

The Wildcats continued their roadtrip with a match against the Maumee Panthers.

The Cats outlasted the Panthers 163-167.

With a record of 5-2 in the NLL, the team went into the championship tournament yesterday needing a victory to win the league title. The wildcats begin the state tournament on October 3.

“We have a lot of good players returning so hopefully we can make a run at the District final.”

- junior Cody Brant

Sam Weisman PUNCHING OUT OF A SAND TRAP is junior Ryan Taber at a match against the Maumee Panthers. Taber is new to the varsity team this season and is looking to help out in the state playoffs.

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Sports

September 16, 2008

11

Girls soccer dominates Southview Staff Writer The Northview Ladykat Soccer Team went into the first part of their season with high expectations and many goals, according to senior co-captain Libby Kalanquin.

With nine returning seniors, four juniors, two sophomores and three freshmen, the varsity team set forth on their journey to dominate in Northwest Ohio as well as in surrounding areas.

The Ladykats started off their season by traveling across town to play the Notre Dame Eagles. The game started off in favor of the Kats when senior co-captain Stephanie Rentschler scored only 21 seconds into the game.

The next goal was scored ten minutes later by freshman Brooke Snead on a cross from freshman Courtney Hendrix.

Rentschler soon scored again to give NV a three-goal lead going into halftime.

The only goal in the second half came from Rentschler, giving her a hat trick for the game. The game finished with a score of 4-0, a fairly easy win for the Kats.

Three days later NV traveled to Massillon, Ohio to take on the Massillon Jackson Polar Bears. The Bears struck first in this match, scoring two quick goals against the Kats. NV fought back however, to make the score 2-1 going into the final ten minutes of the game. Jackson scored another goal to have a two-goal lead. The Kats scored a second goal within the last few minutes of the game though, keeping it close until the very end.

“We played really well and never gave up,” said junior Kate Schmidt, “We just couldn’t pull off any more goals before the final buzzer.”

The Ladykats’ next opponent was the Maumee Panthers who were looking for revenge after a close 2-1 game last season. NV came out strong and Hendrix easily scored two goals on the Panthers. Maumee then scored due to a communication error by NV, making the score two to one at halftime.

Maumee continued to give up possession in the second half as they got frustrated, according to Kalanquin, allowing three more goals to be scored. Hendrix put in another goal in the second half for a hat trick, along with Rentschler and senior Paige Maroney, making the final score 5-1, the second NV victory.

For the fourth away game of the season, the Kats traveled to Columbus to play the Columbus DeSales Stallions.

Adjusting to the turf was tough for NV and they allowed the Stallions to score two quick goals. As NV got more comfortable however, they picked up their play to keep up with the game of DeSales. The Kats allowed one more goal to be scored on them in the second half, but couldn’t pull off any goals of their own, making the final score 0-3.

The first home game of the season for the Kats was on September 3 against the Springfield Blue Devils.

NV dominated the entire game, according to junior Bri Scharfenberg, and scored four goals in the first half, but the Devils got one goal on a penalty kick for a 4-1 lead at half time. The Kats continued to possess the ball during the second half, scoring four more goals for a final score of 8-1.

Scoring for the Wildcats were Rentschler and Hendrix with two goals each, along with Maroney, seniors Chelsea Ulmer and Taylor Delaney and sophomore Chelsea Nye, each with one goal.

The Ladykats were also home for their sixth game of the season, against the Thomas Worthington Cardinals on September 10. The Kats went into the game pumped

Halie Langhals Freshman Courtney Hendrix blows by a Cougar defender. Hendrix has totaled eight goals for the season so far, the second most for the team. Senior Stephanie Rentschler is the leading scorer with eleven goals. and ready to play, according to sophomore Tori Busby.

Scharfenberg put in the first of seven NV goals just minutes after the start of the game. Also scoring for the Kats was Ulmer with two goals along with Hendrix, Snead, junior Emilly Thomas, and senior co-captain Noel Luther each with one goal.

“We really changed our style of play,” said Rentschler, “We came together and played more as a team instead of eleven individuals on the field.”

NV played the Findlay Trojans for their third home game in a row on September 8. The Kats knew they had to come out and play hard even though the game was not a league match, according to senior goalkeeper Kelsey McCoy. The beginning of the first half was somewhat slow going, but NV managed to put one behind Findlay keeper Shannon Mills for a 1-0 lead at halftime.

After talking about mistakes and discussing problems at halftime, the Kats came out much stronger and ready to

dominate the second half. NV put in six more goals in the second half for a final score of 6-0. Scoring for the Ladykats was Hendrix with another hat trick, Rentschler with two goals, and Maroney with the sixth goal.

Two days later NV met cross-town rival, the Southview Cougars, for their third league match of the season. The girls went into the huge rivalry game extremely fired up and ready to overpower the Cougars, according to Maroney. 15 minutes into the game, Rentschler put the ball behind Southview goalkeeper to give the Kats a 1-0 lead.

They kept that lead until five minutes into the second half, when Delaney scored NV’s second goal. The Kats received two more goals, also from Delaney and Rentschler, while refusing to let the Cougars put one in on them. NV walked away with a 4-0 win.

“It felt so great to beat the Cougars my senior year,” said Delaney, “Especially with a shutout, and getting them as fustrated as they were. I absolutely loved the feeling.”

Vball starts strong with new coach Staff Writers

Kelsey Rentner The Junior Varsity LadyKats come together to celebrate after winning a point during their match against Anothony Wayne. The girls remain undefeated in their season so far.

This school year has just begun and already the volleyball team is well into their season. This victory started their season off just right. Of course, this wasn’t the first time the Ladykats had hit the court. Many girls went to summer conditioning and open gyms to prepare for tryouts. The team even attended an out-of-town tournament and scrimmaged many other schools, including Start and Whitmer. All of this pre-season playing time allowed the girls to learn how to work together and become a close team before the season officially started.

“We all get along, and work really well together not only on the court, but off as well. We’re all really close friends” said freshman Madison Decator.

So far, the freshman team is 4-3, the Junior Varsity team is 7-0, and the Varsity team is 5-2. Every match Varsity fights hard showing their strength and stamina on the court by staying strong and consistent even into the fourth and fifth game of a match if necessary. The Junior Varsity team is known

for their enthusiasm on the court. Their positive attitude has helped them remain undefeated this season.

Many wondered how this season would turn out, especially because of the young Varsity team, but the players are confident.

“We have a young team, but we’re improving with time” said senior Abby Frame.

There are three sophomores, five juniors, and four seniors on the team.

This year, volleyball also received a new coaching staff. Varsity is led by Head Coach Tony Gear, and Assistant Coach Eric Fallis.

Coach Stephanie Sorter leads JV and Coach Rick Gerken leads the freshman team.

With the help of the new coaches and this year’s seniors; Olivia McIntee, Abby Frame, Katelyn Lewandowski, and Katie KernBlystone, the team has shown that they are definitely a major contender in the league this year. When asked about his thoughts on the rest of the season, Coach Eric Fallis said, “We should be strong. We need to work on more team leadership and team building, but the most important thing is that we look at it one game at a time.”

The Ladykat’s are in action every Tuesday and Thursday night starting with freshman playing at 5 pm, JV at 6 pm, and Varsity at 7 pm.

12

September 16, 2008

SPORTS

sidelines

Boys soccer starts season 6-0 CC teams stride into year Sports Editor The Northview LadyKat Cross Country team went into the 2008 season with very high expectations, according to junior Morgan Hojnacki.

“The girls have been working really hard and our ultimate goal is to win the NLL meet and qualify for the state meet,” said Coach Jon Monheim. “These goals will only be achieved with a great effort by all and we have to make everyday count.”

Training started during the summer and the team is now up to 260 to 300 minutes per week. Depending on the group, the team runs between 25 to 40 miles per week.

This season the LadyKats have quadcaptains, senior Mariah Vallejo and juniors Hojnacki, Meredith Wagner and Nicole Mangas.

“We are deeper than we have been in the previous years and there are a lot of girls fighting for the last varsity spots,” said Hojnacki.

The Chet Sullwold Invitational was the first meet of a two-month season for the Kats. This took place at Ottawa Park on August 30 with nine teams competing.

The team placed fourth overall on the hot, humid day. Many girls were affected by the heat and had to be taken to the hospital for dehydration, including Mangas and sophomore Mackenzie Reeves.

“In an endurance sport such as cross country, hydration is critical. We really have to pay attention to how much water we drink,” said Wagner.

On September 6, the team traveled to Tiffin, Ohio for the second largest race in the nation. There were over 7,000 runners at the meet and in the Division I Varsity race the girls took 11 place.

“I was very pleased with the total team effort, both the Varsity and JV teams finished high in their respective races,” said Monheim. There were three girls under 20 minutes and eight under 22.

“To run a meet as competitive as Tiffin and finish where we did is very encouraging,” said Monheim.

In their first Tuesday meet, the LadyKats faced the Springfield Bluedevils on September 9. NV almost swept the Devils, scoring 18 (a perfect score is 15).

Due to lack of competition, the girls ran a workout of fast pace and slower paced periods.

“I think that doing a workout during a race makes the time go by faster,” said Reeves.

Wagner placed first with a time of 20:37 and Mangas was close behind in second with 20:42. NV also had runners from fourth through tenth place.

The next race for the team is against Perrysburg on the 15 of September.

The NV Boys Cross Country team is vying to win their seventh straight NLL title, according to Coach Ross Deye.

“Our goal is to advance to states and finish higher than any NV boys cross country team ever,” said Deye.

The farthest a boys team has gotten was in 1998 where the team finished ninth.

Captains are seniors Chris Ludwig and Kyle Babcock for Varsity and seniors Mike Becker and Joe Corey for JV. The Varsity team has been averaging 500 minutes a week for the past month, which is about 65 miles per week. The JV runs about 300 minutes and about 40 miles.

The boys will continue to train at this level until the post-season meets (leagues and beyond), then taper some, according to Deye.

The first meet of the season for the guys was the Tiffin Carnival. For the majority of the other teams it was their second or third meet.

“The spread between our first and fifth man was only 54 seconds, which is very good,” added Deye.

The boys would have come in eighth, but due to a technical error with a chip, they finished 11.

Against Springfield, the guys also did a workout and beat the Bluedevils. Junior Neal Cousino took second and NV had boys in third and fifth through eighth.

For their next meet, both boys and girls travel to Perrysburg on September 16.

Halie Langhals SENIOR RIGHT MIDFIELDER Wes Ferguson steals the ball from a Southview player. Ferguson is in his fourth season as a Wildcat soccer player. NV beat SV 4-0 to make their record 6-0 this season. and pounded the Panthers 5-0 in 90 minutes of play. Goals came from Scharfenberg, Schoettley, senior Jordan Keefe (2) and junior Corey Howe.

After a convincing win over the Panthers, the Wildcats traveled eastward to challenge the Central Catholic Irish. By the end of the first 40 minute half, NV had successfully placed two goals past the Central keeper.

Scoring was produced by Howe and senior Nick Pietrykowski, giving the black and gold a 2-0 lead at halftime.

In the second half of play, the Irish managed to put away one cutting the lead down to one. However, in spite of the Irish’s lone goal for the game, Cooperider and junior Josh Watkins stepped up to give the Cats two more goals carrying the team 4-1 over Central and boosting NV to its third

during the game, inlcuding one for the Cats’ Scharfenberg.

With about 12 minutes left in the first half, an illegal tackle by Findlay gave NV a Staff Writer free kick within the middle third of the field.

With the memory of an unforgettable Taken by senior Ben Meyers, the kick was run in the State Tournament last season still served to a box jam-packed with players in fresh on their minds, the Northview Wildcat both uniforms. Scharfenberg redirected the Varsity Soccer Team is back in action and ball from Meyers with a header that passed ready to have another successful year. a surprised Trojan keeper.

The Cats are equipped with 12 players After a well deserved chant from the returning from the previous season’s final crowded NV student section, the Cats went four appearance. Not only are there such into halftime leading 1-0. Within the final a large number of returnees but the roster 12 minutes of the game, Findlay had a few also includes 12 seniors to lead the Cats, chances toward Northview’s goal including inlcuding Chris Garone and Steven Camp a couple corner kicks. who decided this year to return to the game However, the defense and goaltending of soccer. “There is a sense of urgency this backed by Watkins, seniors Wes Ferguson, year for the seniors. This is our last run Marquardt, Brandon Jacoby and Schoettley to get things done and get back to proved to be too strong for the Trojan States,” comments Senior Goalkeeper offense. The Wildcats improved to a Dylan Schoettley. With similar feelings record of 5-0 as they defeated Findlay fellow senior Justin “JJ” Marquardt 1-0. says “That with so many players After a well fought win against the returning, we are looking to go further Findlay Trojans, the Wilcats took a trip than we did last year. I really believe across town to Southview for the annual that our team has the talent to get to rivarly game. With the away side stands States again.” full of gold and black to support the To kick off the season, the Wildcats state ranked Cats, Cooperider opened ventured across town to take on the up scoring with a goal from outside the St. Francis Knights. Once in play, NV 18 yard box lifting the Cats 1-0 over the -Senior DYLan Schoettley Cougars. took a 1-0 lead with approximately 17 minutes remaining before halftime Minutes later a cross from Ferguson with a goal from senior captain Dan straight win. helped Keefe put one past Southview’s goal Cooperider.

The following game found the boys keeper. With the near completion of the Despite the goal from Cooperider, the driving southbound down McCord Road second half, Jacoby scored yet another NV Knights snuck one past Schoettley about 17 to the home of the Springfield Devils. The goal with 55 seconds remaing. The fourth minutes into the second half tying the match battle against the Devils was only the boy’s state ranked Wildcats improved to a record 1-1. second game in route of an NLL title. of 6-0. “It is always nice to beat our rivals,” However with 10 minutes remaining For the first time this season, the Cats fell says Watkins. “It is even better when we in play, senior captain Kyle Scharfenberg behind 1-0 in the first minutes of the match. play so well and beat them by not one or rallied to put a ball behind the Knight’s goal After a well fought first half, NV pulled out two goals but four!” keeper, lifting the Cats to a 2-1 victory. in front 3-1. By the end of the second half “It is going to be a great game, but Next the boy’s soccer team took on the final score read 6-3 in favor of the Cats. the more support we get, the more intense the Maumee Panthers, who are one of Goals came from Cooperider, Keefe, Garone the game will become,” says Garone as he the seven Northern Lakes League foes to and Scharfenberg scored three goals to give comments on the upcoming NLL battle face this season. With the student body him a hat trick. against Anthony Wayne. present at Timberstone to support the Cats, Four days later, the Cats found With six games completed out of a 16 Northview’s defense and goaltending themselves 53 miles south of home at Findlay regular season game schedule, the boys managed to shutout the Panthers.

High School. The Trojans put up a physical continued to play Saturday at Dublin With the defensive end taken care of, battle against the Wildcats, so much that Jerome and will return home to play Tuesday the Cat’s midfield and forwards stepped up both teams’ player received yellow cards against Anthony Wayne.

“There is a sense of urgency this year for the seniors. This is our last run to get things done and get back to States.”