Volume 84: Issue 1

WATERPOLO: HOW’S IT GOING FRESHMEN? An in-depth look An update on NV’s class of 2013 into the team, Features - 7 their seniors and season

Th e

Sports - 11

Sylvania Northview HS 5403 Silica Drive Sylvania, OH 43560

Sept ember 22, 2009

Student Prints Sylvania Northview

Volume 84

Issue 1

School security boosted NEW SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS: Is the extra security really necessary?

Editorials - 5

Halie Langhals WORKING AT THE NEW SECURITY OFFICE is Mrs. Catherine Bohland along with student assistant senior Cody Brant. “The system is excellent, but the major con is that faculty and students are disregarding the system by letting students enter the school through doors other than the front door,” said Attendance Secretary Mrs. Bonnie Kobee. from coming in,” said Mr. Jesse. they have the ability to go idle, or operate on While the administration and School low energy. When there is no movement deBy KATHERINE CHANG Board of Education think these new security tected for a certain period of time, the cameras additions are necessary, some students still go on “sleep mode” until movement is detectfeel the cameras are distracting and intrude on ed. Their ability to go idle saves electricity.

The installation of the new vestibule and Some students may see it as Big Brother their privacy.

“The cameras are creepy,” said senior Bri- cameras took three months, with work starting watching over them while others feel that their behavior is being monitored by the administra- anna Scharfenberg, “Everything we do can be in July by Habitec. Due to NV’s lack of drop ceilings, workers were forced to hard wire election. Despite popular belief, the new security recorded.”

The most noticeable addition to NV is the trical cords underneath the school in order for additions at Northview serve strictly to protect the safety of students, not to spy on them, ac- vestibule located in the front lobbey. These the cameras to operate. “I was impressed with double doors are electrically programmed to how little time it took to install those camercording to Principal Stewart Jesse.

NV is not the only school that underwent lock from 11pm - 6am and from 7:35am to as,” said Mr. Jesse, “the workers had to crawl security renovations this past summer. All 2:25pm. The outside doors at the front en- underneath the school and it was a lot of hard schools in the Sylvania District received a new trance remain unlocked from 6am - 11pm. In work.”

These new additions were definitely exset of security doors and security cameras, ac- order to prevent intruders from coming into cording to Mr. Jesse. The Lucas County Edu- the school during school hours, visitors must pensive to install and will be more expensive to cation Service Center applied for the COPS now enter the building through the attendance maintain, according to Mr. Jesse. The adminGrant, a federal grant given to school districts office. This door is also locked and can only be istration and school board believe strongly in to increase security, and received security mon- unlocked from someone inside., according to these new precautions in order to protect the safety of the students. On the other hand, some ey for all ten school districts in Lucas County, Mr. Jesse.

Also included in the security grant was students believe that the cameras are unnecesaccording to Communications Director Nancy Crandall. The grant allotted enough money to the installation of 19 security cameras at the sary and still violate their privacy rights.

“I know that I have basically no rights as a build security doors and four cameras in each entrances and exits at NV. “These cameras school. The Bond Issue, according to Mrs. operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and student, but I still feel like they are being viofootage is digitally recorded and saved for 30 lated,” said senior Connor McEwen. “The seCrandall, covered the rest of the cameras.

While these new additions appear to be days at a time,” said Mr. Jesse. Footage can be curity cameras aren’t there to protect us; cammonitoring student behavior, their primary accessed by NV’s resource officer Mr. Crowell eras can’t stop intruders. They are there only purpose is to uphold the security in the school. and the rest of the administration. to keep a tighter leash on students and conjure While the cameras are on all day and night, thoughts of Big Brother.”

“The cameras are here to prevent intruders

Feature s edit or

Open House welcomes parents

By SARAH SQUILLANTE

Co-edit or Northview parents got a small taste of what it is like to be a wildcat on September 16, when they flooded the building for the annual event known as Open House. After picking up a map and a schedule up at the front entrance, parents were invited to run through a mini-version of their son or daughter’s day, spending about six minutes in each classroom. The entire night lasted an hour and a half.

“Open House is a really important night for us,” said Mr. Jesse. “It was laid back, but it went very well.”

This evening gives teachers the opportunity to hand out contact information, go over syllabuses, and discuss their plans for the year ahead. The cafeteria was filled with cookies, punch and informational posters regarding a variety of NV clubs and organizations for parents to visit during lunch periods. During commons periods or study halls, parents were instructed to go to the Little Theater for an informational PowerPoint regarding the new PAM system.

“I noticed that there weren’t as many people as in past years, but it was still a very enjoyable evening,” said NHS advisor Fran Borchers.

“Hopefully next year, students will fill out their schedules to take home to parents to encourage participation.”

NHS volunteers were stationed at various

CONDUCTING TO A DIFFERENT BAND are Mr. Kroll and Mr. Bohland, who explained to a classroom full of parents what is expected of their children. “One of the things we shared with parents was the plans for the new music suite,” said Mr. Bohland. “They all seemed very excited.” locations around the school to help lost parents find their way and answer any questions.

“I received many compliments on the be-

havior of the NHS students,” said Mrs. Borchers.

Freshmen first day eases nerves of incoming students

By HARLEY ROHRBACHER

St aff writ er Shouts of, “Welcome Class of 2013!” were heard throughout the halls of Northview August 26, otherwise known as Freshmen Day. As new faces flooded the halls around 7 a.m., upperclassmen like Challenge Cats members, homeroom leaders, and National Honor Society members, were there to help guide and pump up the spirit.

To start off their day, the freshmen reported to the Little Theater, where teachers and other staff members were introduced to the group. The freshmen then watched a video to catch a glimpse of all the exciting activities NV has to offer and show NV’s Wildcat Pride.

Next, the freshmen either went to the gym for a Challenge Cats activity, or to their homerooms to meet their leaders, depending on the hallway location of their homeroom.

In the gym, the freshmen were separated into different groups and played “get-to-know-you games”, led by the Challenge Cats members.

Inside the homerooms, the new Wildcats met their homeroom leaders and their group’s teacher. They also learned about the various clubs and activities NV has to offer.

After receiving their schedule and talking a bit more about what to expect at NV, the freshmen were taken on a tour of NV to become better acquainted with their new school.

“I learned the hallways pretty well so I was prepared for the next day,” said freshman Julianne Aukerman.

The freshmen then went through their class schedule, having 10-minute classes to meet their teachers and learn about what their classes would be like in the coming year. “The worst part would have to be the mini-schedule because it was too much like regular school,” Aukerman said, ”but I do not think I would change anything because the day was pretty fun”.

For the first and last time only, the whole freshmen class ate lunch together and some of the students were able to participate in a Wacky Wildcat activity.

Afterwards, they headed to the gym for an assembly where the band played, the cheerleaders performed some fan-favorite cheers and another Wacky Wildcat Activity was done to increase freshmen participation and class of 2013 spirit.

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Sept ember 22, 2009

NEWS

Senior hall paintings updated

World Lang clubs kick off THROWING A HANDFUL OF TOMATOES is sophomore Ryan Keesaker. The Spanish Club honored a well know Spainsh festival on September 10 called “La Tomatina”.

This was the first year the Spanish Club did this event.

There were around 12-13 students who participated in the fight, according to senior Leah Smith.

The Spanish Club used 45 gallons of sliced up tomatoes for the fight. In order to be safe, the students who participated had to wear their science goggles and ponchos made of garbage bags.

By ELIZABETH MASSON

St aff writ er C-Hall received a fresh coat of paint over the summer thanks to the collaborative work of students and staff.

Work on the wall began shortly after school ended in mid-June and finished in August, according to art teacher Mrs. Terri Seal-Roth. Between 17 and 20 students worked on the wall for an average of two hours a day. Any student was welcome to help as long as they were a senior, according to Principal Mr.. Stewart Jesse.

The main themes for the wall this year were music and cartoons. Painting ideas had to be submitted to Mr. Jesse for approval

“I think this year’s class is very talented.”

- Mrs..... Seal-Rot h. and nothing controversial was allowed on the wall. Students had a large amount of freedom in deciding what to put on the wall, according to senior Shannon Parcell.

“I painted Nightmare Before Christmas because I am a huge Tim Burton fan,” said Parcell. “I had been hoping someone would do it for the past few years, but no one did.”

A meeting was held in June of last year for interested students to discuss ideas, as well as vote on which murals to paint over.

Generally, artwork painted by last year’s seniors is off limits, but if students don’t like something it can be taken down, according to Mr.. Jesse.

Other new paintings this year include Up by Molly Huttner and The Legend of Zelda by Athreya Rajan and Nick Piazza.

“I think this year’s class is very talented,” said Mrs.. Seal-Roth. “The new paintings exhibit their talent very well.”

Grading scale changes to fit eSIS program

By ALEX CARTER

St aff writ er New teachers, new bleachers and an altogether new school year aren’t the only new things at Northview. Now there’s also a brand new grading scale, one that may be confusing to some students.

The grading scale was actually adopted from the online grading system e-SIS, according to American Government teacher Mr...... Perry Lefevre. As many may remember, last year when the system was first introduced there were a lot of discrepancies with teachers concerning whether to call your “high B” an “A-” because of the new system.

Also, the lowest passing grade has dropped, so students who find themselves often on the borderline between passing and failing can take a deep breath. Social Studies teacher Mr...... Sam Melendez thinks the new passing grade is, “very fair and a really good idea.”

“I think it’ll help those students who are often in between letters,” said Mr......

Melendez. “I think that it’s also a much more exact method of giving students the grades they work for.”

Not everyone is as impressed with the grading scale. “I don’t really like it at all, none of my friends do either but it’s here and it’s going to stay, so why complain,” said junior Ken Bodie.

Another reason for the change is for college admissions officers. The concept of the “H” has, “made it difficult for high school transcripts to be converted over onto a college scale,” said biology teacher Mrs..... Paula Werner.

“Many colleges have been pushing for high schools like us to make the change since the early nineties,” said Mrs.....

Werner. “Now, it will be much easier for colleges to compare average GPA’s because there will be no inconceivable letter that half the country doesn’t use.”

“I think the new grading scale is a great idea and I can’t wait to see all of those high B’s turn into A-’s,” said German teacher Frau Christina Forster.

photo by Kelly Sandstrom

By HALEY HOFBAUER

News edit or The World Language Clubs have kicked the new school year off with a bang over the past couple of weeks.

At the first French Club meeting, which was held on September 3, students interested in joining French Club could come to the meeting and enjoy a common French treat, Cafe Liegois. The French Club also asked that all students who attended the event bring their $6 for dues.

“Given the line out the door we had a very successful membership drive,” said Ms.. Kimberly Gogel. “And everyone got to try our delicious French sundae’s.”

Unlike previous years the Spanish Club decided to do something different at their kickoff meeting. After a basic informational meeting, students who were interested participated in a tomato fight.

The idea of having a tomato fight originated from a festival celebrated in Spain called “La Tomatina”, according to Spanish Club Secretary senior Leah Smith.

“In Spain the people of Buñol participate in a tomato fight every year,” said Smith. “It looked like a lot of fun so we decided to try it

out.”

The tomato fight took place outside on the hill September 10. In order to participate in this event, students had to pay their $5 dues.

Students who did not wish to become covered in tomatoes could have observed the massive fight from the hill.

In order to be safe students had to wear goggles and ponchos to protect their clothes.

In total 45 gallons of tomatoes, or 15 threegallon buckets filled with the cut up tomatoes were used, according to Smith.

“The tomato fight was probably the the best Spanish Club event ever,” said sophomore Emily Halter. “I really hope they do it again next year.”

The next Spanish Club event will be held at El Camino on September 23 at 6 pm.

The first German Club meeting September 8 right after school. Frau Christina Forster talked to the interested students about the general ideas and activities the German Club participates in. Anyone interested in running for an officer position could have signed up.

On September 17 the German Club officers were voted on. Once the votes are counted there will be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Historian and Publicist, according to Forster.

“I’m really excited about this upcoming year,” said Forster. “We have a lot of new mem-

bers and we’re going to be doing a lot of fun activities.”

The Euro Cup will be the next big event for the World Language Clubs. The Euro Cup will be held early October at 3:30 pm on the Northview band practice field.

The main idea of the Euro Cup is to allow the World Language Clubs from both Northview and Southview to have a friendly competition and intermix the students from both schools, according to Gogel.

Unlike last year, there will be three games, one to represent each language, for the students from both NV and SV to participate in.

The World Language Clubs from both NV and SV will be able to play a French game called Pétanque, a Spanish game called Pelota, and a German chocolate eating game, Schokoladespiel.

Similar to last year, there will be an international dinner following the games. The dinner is going to start around 5:30 pm, according to Mrs.. Mary Goodwin.

In order for the dinner to be as successful as possible, the World Language Club advisors would like each club participating to bring at least two dishes to share with everyone else.

“The Euro Cup is a wonderful team building activity,” said Goodwin. “It’s also a great way to have our students experience cuisines from all over the world.”

Seussical begins rehearsals

By SARAH FATEMI

Edit orial s edit or While other students were relaxing, many students spent their summer preparing for the fall musical, Seussical the Musical.

August 23 and 24, 74 students auditioned for roles and 32 interviewed for technical positions, according to Director Mr. Don Wachowiack. With a memorized, one to two-minute monologue and 16-32 bars of a musical piece, the students auditioned in the choir room for a panel of judges including Mr. Wachowiack, Choir director Miss Dawn Gallahue, Costume Director Mrs. Courtney Altenburg, and dramaturg Ms. Dawn McClanahan.

Mr. Jason Rahe held the technical interviews in order to fill up the rest of the positions. The students also had to attend one of the two dance auditions run by NV new Dance Director, Mrs. Brandi Shephard, in the Little Theatre August 24. Mrs. Shephard also holds the position of Southview’s theatre director.

Based on dancing ability, the students chose to attend the beginning level or intermediate (advanced) dance level auditions.

There was also a private audition held for students who had special talents, including jugglers, rollerbladers and tumblers, according to

Mr. Wachowiack.

“In this show, everybody will get a chance to shine,” he said.

Mr. Wachowiack said the reason he chose Seussical was not only to accommodate the huge senior class size, but also to follow up to last year’s very successful musical, Beauty and the Beast. Seussical was also a production that Mr. Wachowiack was involved in with Orphan Productions in 2005, playing the Cat in the Hat. “As opposed to last year’s musical, which was a Disney story that everyone knows, Suessical has more of a political and social message,” said Mr. Wachowiack. “It shows how reading and education can make your life better.”

Instead of a posted public cast as in previous years, students found out their roles via private envelope August 28, notifying whether or not they made the show and which role they received including feedback on their auditions.

“It was very different,” said senior Hannah Dickerson, playing Gertrude McFuzz. “I liked it a lot because it gave you helpful advice on how you did on my audition so it can help you improve in the future.”

Senior Alex Gibson will play the Cat in the Hat; other key roles include freshman Jack Melick as Jojo, senior Andrew Szczerba as Horton the Elephant, senior Sia DuFour as Mayzie the

Bird, the Sour Kangaroo to be played by junior Brittany Von Stein and Mr. and Mrs. Mayor (who are also Jojo’s parents) to be played by junior Yianni Papadimos and senior Haley Nelson. The chorus members are separated into jungle characters and Whos. Many fourth through eighth-graders auditioned for the children’s chorus.

“I think it will definitely be a step up from past shows I've been in, especially being in a NV production. I am so excited to be a part of it,” said freshman Natalie Szczerba, who will be playing a Who. Certain members were also given leadership positions. Senior Emily Holshoe is the vocal captain. Seniors Melissa Rondinelli and Bethany Galati are the dance co-captains. Aside from 2008’s Beauty and the Beast, Suessical will have the biggest budget, about $30,000, according to Mr. Wachowiack.

The cast and chorus began rehearsing August 31 in the choir room and Little Theatre Monday through Thursday. The current plan is to load into the Franciscan Center November 1. Performances will be November 6, 7, and 8.

Mr. Wachowiack said his expectations for the show are to “blow last year’s musical out of the water” and make it “bigger and better than ever.”

BEYO n D v

3

Sept ember 22, 2009

NHS helps Bond levy improves all schools with Race Blueprints approved, implemented at NV For the Cure

By HALEY NELSON

Co-edit or After a summer of work and planning, the bond levy plans are ready to be implemented at Northview and around the Sylvania City Schools District. The $79 million district wide initiative will bring many structural and educational changes to NV and the City of Sylvania.

Central Office administrators and SSOE company architects have been holding design team meetings with Principal Mr. Stewart Jesse, NV science teachers, the Fine Arts Department, Cosmetology teacher Mrs. Chris Jude and parents over the spring and summer.

The construction team of architects, central office workers and construction experts put together a final plan for NV, after gaining the input of these individuals and reviewing preliminary blueprints.

“The NV concept or design was presented to the Board of Education on August 24,” said Sylvania Schools Superintendent Dr. Bradley Rieger. “They agreed and approved the plans.”

Thus, the details of the “new NV” are now decided and known to the public, and renovation work has begun.

The installation of new gym bleachers in accordance to ADA Guidelines were the first portion of the levy plans to be implemented at NV. “We plan on having all aspects of the NV plan finished by the fall of 2011,” said Assistant Superintendent Mr. Scott Nelson.

“The three new science rooms, the new Cosmetology area, the entire Fine Arts wing, and the reconfiguration of the NV parking lot will be the main focus of our renovations.”

Preparatory construction on the Fine Arts wing will begin in March, according to Mr. Nelson. This renovation is the largest part of the reconstruction plan for NV. “The targeted start of the renovations at NV will be in March or April of 2010,” said Dr. Rieger. “A lot of advance work will occur over the summer and students and staff will be informed of all of what will occur.”

There will be a new band room, complete with a mezzanine, a sort of balcony, and a large group practice area, making the NV band room one of the largest in the area, at about 4,000 square feet, according to Mr. Nelson.

The choir room will be expanded, a new filing system will be added and a more practical seating arrangement will be made part of the new room.

A complete orchestra room will be created, giving NV’s orchestra its own area to rehearse for the first time.

“I think one of the most practical features of the new Fine Arts wings will be the fact that the orchestra will have their own creative space,” said Dr. Rieger.

The group previously had to practice in the Little Theatre, but the new plan will give the group personal space to store supplies.

A performance classroom, or a “black box theatre,” will be created in this area, giving theatre and drama classes an innovative place to learn and perform.

Along with this addition for the drama department, the Little Theatre will be expanded and its existing features improved upon.

“The theatre’s lobby will be renovated into the front parking lot,” said Mr. Nelson. “The lobby will be more spacious and enhanced by full length windows.”

By NICOLE MANGAS

St aff writ er

Photos by Sarah Squillante INCLUDED IN THE BOND LEVY ARE PLANS to revamp the Fine Arts area, and cosmetology rooms as well as the restrooms, parking lot, and science labs, shown above. Northview will be undergoing $7.5 million in renovations, with all plans shown in the blueprint below.

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is fast approaching. The Race is September 27 and there is a competition this year between the high schools in all of Toledo to see which school will have the most participants from their school.

To sign up, go to Komennwohio.org and sign up under team Northview. The team with the most participants does not necessarily get a prize, but it shows immense school pride. Also, some other prizes may be given, according to National Honors Society secretary senior Elizabeth Schwartz.

NHS is selling t-shirts in the cafeteria during all lunch periods. The shirts are $8 and are black with hot pink writing that says “Race for the Cure” and has the breast cancer ribbon.

Most of the profits go to paying for the shirts however, some of the profits will go to Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The week leading up to the race is going to be a spirit week that is sponsored by NHS. Each day will be different including dress like a doctor, researcher, or scientist, crazy running outfit day, hat and slipper day, pink day, and race for the cure day.

World News

By MEAGAN MOYER

St aff writ er The theatre’s seating will be increased and an orchestra pit will be added to the space. To aid in set building, an entire area will be devoted to this activity where one will be able to pull up from the parking lot, load supplies through a large garage-like door, build set pieces and directly place them on stage, according to Mr. Nelson.

The proscenium, or curved extended portion of the stage will be increased from 13 feet to 16 feet and the width of the stage will grow from 35 feet to 42 feet. Also, updated dressing rooms are part of the wing’s new blueprint.

“The renovations to the theatre will create a better experience for both performers and the audience,” said Dr. Rieger. “It will give NV a nice look.”

There will be two science classrooms added at the end of C-hall near Mr. Andy Roth’s current room and the last room will take the place of NV’s unused green house. A nonprofit Toledo group will disassemble the greenhouse and continue to use the structure, according to Mr. Nelson.

The new cosmetology facilities will take the place of the current teacher’s lounge and the old teaching kitchen, the “Golden Chandelier”, located north of the cafeteria kitchens. The space will be larger and updated for current Cosmetology needs, according to Dr. Rieger.

“The classroom space will be bigger with

more room for more creative instruction,” said Dr. Rieger. “They won’t be jammed in and there will be better space for customer service.”

The new teacher workroom will take the space of the current Cosmetology classroom.

Finally, the parking spaces at NV will be reconfigured to maximize existing parking, according to Mr. Nelson.

“The parking situation is still an ongoing issue we are dealing with,” said Dr. Rieger.

“Some will be lost during the Little Theatre and Fine Arts expansion however, we will expand out towards the marquee on Silica.”

Overall, all the district renovations and new buildings should be complete by the fall of 2011.

All schools have updated security features like the security vestibule and surveillance cameras new to NV this year. The district has been making great progress regarding the levy project, with Arbor Hills Junior High School’s renovations already complete as of this summer.

NV will be undergoing one of the highest levels of renovation in the district, taking up about $7.5 million of the total levy budget, according to Dr. Rieger.

“There will be a better learning environment and educational experiences for students,” said Dr. Rieger. “The renovations can be enjoyed by students and families for generations.”

Wildfire in California The growing wildfire, burning near Los Angeles, injured three people and destroyed several homes.

The wildfire knocked out the power in neighborhoods in the canyons such as Altadena, Glendale, and Pasadena. Thousands of citizens were forced to leave their homes in many different cities, according to .

The massive fire had spread all the way to the San Gabriel Mountains, and endangered over 2,000 homes. Burning over 31 square miles of forest, this is one of the largest and most dangerous fires ever to burn in the southern and central California.

“California is burning into pieces and the wildlife is suffering. I feel really bad for all the people who lost their homes,” freshman Jack Melick said.

A state of emergency was declared by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

Militant Killed in Iraq

Substitute teacher caught lying

In Northern Iraq, U.S. and Iraqi forces killed one fighter, captured one, and seized a truck loaded with weapons.

A U.S. helicopter backed the U.S. and Iraqi forces and attempted to stop a suspicious truck not far from Tal Abta. The helicopter responded with rocket and small arms fire, which disabled a truck and killed an insurgent.

There is much violence in al-Qaida, and U.S. and Iraqi forces try to root out Sunni fighters by carrying out operations in Mosul.

By HALEY HOFBAUER

9 Children Injured in German school attack

McCord science teacher found to have forged license News edit or Ben Haynam, the son of a Sylvania city council member and a member of the Sylvania School Board Pam Haynam, is facing criminal charges for forging a teaching license and lying about his credentials.

Haynam, who substitute taught seventh grade science at McCord Junior High School all of the 2008 school year, alledgedly doctored his resume and was not eligible to teach, according to the Toledo Blade.

A secretary in charge of hiring full-time teachers noticed this spring that Haynam had never turned in his credentials and teaching license.

After this realization, Haynam turned in a fake license, which the Ohio Board of Education confirmed was not a real license, according to the Toledo Blade.

It was discovered that Haynam did not receive a diploma but only “walked” with his graduating class at Kent State University. He did not receive his diploma because he lacked credit hours, according to 13abclocal.com.

Superintendant Dr. Brad Rieger sent out a letter to all the parents of students who were in the seventh grade class at McCord Haynam had subbed in, informing them of the situation.

The letter also stated that the school board felt that the material that should have been taught was covered and that the students would be ready for the eighth grade.

Dr. Rieger said that the primary reason that this incident happened was because there was a break in the usual protocol for hiring new teachers.

“The secretary asked for his license and the credentials and he said he would bring that in the next day. However, he did not bring it. Obviously, we shouldn’t have allowed that to happen and that was a breakdown in our protocol,” said Dr.Rieger, according to 13abc. com Haynam was arraigned on three counts of forgery and tampering with records on August 4.

He was released on his own recognizance and is expected back in court this month, according to 13abc.com.

Before being arrested, a teenage student had injured nine students at his school. The attacker, and two other students, were seriously injured. Seven others were slightly hurt.

When the police arrived at the school, the first thing they smelled was smoke.

The attacker had been shot many times by the police because they had been threatened by him. The attacker had many life threatening wounds, and was treated in a hospital. Because the school had evacuated, the children were moved to an employment center in Ansbach.

Yearbooks on sale

$55 in room E-6 prices go up in November

4

EDITORIALS School Will PAM prove a good idea supply prices are or trouble for teachers, kids? out of control

$549. That’s what the National Retail Foundation states the typical American family will spend on school shopping this year. And for a family on low income, a number like that can seem devastating.

As a country, are we naturally excluding those with low income from a good education?

“My view of Sylvania is that students and parents value education, so they will purchase the supplies,” said English teacher Mrs. Frances Borchers.

But what about the families that just do not have enough money to purchase all the, sometimes unnecessary, school supplies? Teachers oftentimes ask for a one-subject notebook or oneinch binder specifically for that class, instead of allowing a larger binder or five-subject notebook to be shared between multiple classes.

“Teachers should be aware that this is costly and make sure that whatever they have students purchase, they use,” Borchers said.

But the problem is deeper than that. Sylvania is not Candyland and there are people that are truly poor. There are some inhabitants of Sylvania that have such little income that they do not even have all the essentials. Teachers should keep in mind that 2.6 million people lost their jobs in 2008, according to CNNMoney.com.

The obvious answer is the volunteer programs that are already in place; people donate their extra school supplies to churches and schools to distribute to those in need.

“A way we could help is to have a yearly program in which we could donate school supplies to kids that really need it,” said senior Baily Managhan.

That would be great for those students that take advantage of it, but there are many people, even in Sylvania, that do not have any way to get to the church or school funded programs. Not everyone can drive down to their local church, but almost every student, if presented with the opportunity, would take advantage of government issued supplies.

In a capitalist country that prides itself in freedom and equal opportunity for everyone, should we perhaps take a more just view on this issue?

“The problem could be solved by having the government pay for school supplies for those families whose income is too low to afford them,” said junior Shelby Shtilman.

If school supplies were provided for families on government assistance, not having the right supplies would no longer hinder a student’s ability to learn.

Yes, this would be money that the government does not have, but in all honesty, this is an inexpensive program.

A small “store” at the school, run by parent volunteers, could be opened for the first days of each school-year. The school supplies sold in the store would be funded by the Department of Education and students who qualify could purchase an allotted amount of school supplies for the year.

This would be funded by replacing government spending (such as Maine’s Senators spending $200,000 on an “Internet Lobster Cam” or the $192 million tax rebate for the rum industry, according to epicbull.com) that isn’t needed.

Education is important and if there is a way for the government to help those unable to provide themselves with adequate supplies, it should be utilized. Every person needs an equal opportunity to learn; knowledge should never be a privilege of the wealthy. ~Mamie Silver

Sept ember 22, 2009

Until now the new grading and attendance system eSIS has only affected teachers. Starting September 14 a new feature, the Parent Assistant Module (PAM), will extend eSIS’s influence to parents and students. eSIS has been used since last year by teachers to record grades and attendance. This year PAM will allow parents to view their child’s grades and attendance online whenever they want, according to the Sylvania Schools website. Teachers will post all graded assignments on the system by 4pm Mondays. The new system could have both positive and negative results.

On one hand, PAM will be good for parents who want to keep track of their child’s grades. They will now be able to look at grades easily online without waiting for grade cards or contacting a teacher.

The new system could save time for parents, who no longer have to wait for or track down grades, and teachers, who no longer have to deal with parents asking for grades. PAM will also allow parents to make sure their child is doing their homework and easily see if they are struggling in a class and need extra help.

This new program could also have its problems. Parents may become too involved in checking a student’s grades. Sometimes a

LOGGING INTO eSIS is new Spanish teacher Mr. Holloway. With the new PAM system in place teachers will be able to receive messages from parents on eSIS. student may forget or do poorly The parents may overreact and cause quickly and not grade them to the best of their ability. on one assignment. If the student unneeded conflict.

This new feature could be a Parents may also bother teachers then does well on the rest of their useful tool as well as cause some assignments their grades may not be about posting grades quicker. Some problems.

Either way it will probably affected by the one bad assignment. may check on a daily basis assuming take some getting used to for both Now a parent could look online updates will happen more often than teachers and parents. and see the bad grade that would teachers have time for.Teachers may ~David Aldrich normally not be brought up at home. feel they need to post grades too

High events ticket prices go towards sporting necessities Until talking to athletic director, Mr. Chris Irwin, I thought that the ticket prices for our school sporting events were ridiculous. What student can afford to pay $5 for each game? Many students feel that it is worth more to invest in a $5 pizza than to attend our high school football game. That is not what I call spirit.

I’m sure that the student body and I all agree that ticket prices are too high. Just recently, these ticket prices went up. In May of 2008, the prices changed from $4 for students and seniors to $5 each. The adult price of $6 has remained the same throughout the years.

Although $5 is a lot to ask from a student, Mr. Irwin was almost forced to raise the price. The income from these tickets budget for many more things than one would assume.

Factors such as umpires, officials, gate workers, equipment, security,

nets, our tickets pay for all trophies and awards. The ticket profits all go to updating aging equipment and replacement of various things, according to Irwin.

As Mr. Irwin said, “Everything just gets more expensive. Officials continuously go up.”

As much as I hate these high-ticket prices, everyone in the Northern Lake League pays the same $5 per game.

In this case your safest bet for being cost effective is getting a sports pass.

These passes cost $75 dollars. If you go to 15 home games or more this is the way to go.

However, charging all of us for these tickets is necessary and justified. It may be irritating, but it goes to a greater cause.

So, really, in the end, what is $1 dollar more to support your school? ~Margot Jacbos

Grading scale benefits students Along with the “welcome back to school” greetings and parentstudent contract forms distributed in each class on the first day of school, the phrase “our new grading scale…” was included.

It is without a doubt that the new grade point average system will affect our own GPAs and the teachers’ severity of grading. The new grading system guidelines claims to “reward achievement in a fair and consistent manner” and was meant to deflate our current GPA system. Yet, will it honestly do what it has promised?

The new grading system means well and in some aspects does “reward achievement in a fair and consistent manner.” For starters, our district has finally adopted a system that differentiates between percentages within the same range, meaning that we now credit one student more for achieving a 91% in a regular class than one who earned an 84% (on the old grading scale both were worth a 3.0). In this case, the new grading scale does offer more fair point allotment since point values earned are dependent on more exclusive and specific percentages.

There is indisputably a difference in the amount of effort that goes into earning a 91% than in earning an 84% in the same class and GPA points should be allotted accordingly.

Students who work harder for that B+ should be rewarded with more points than those that earn a B or B-.

On another positive note, the grading system encourages academic achievement. On the old scale, earning a more impressive 91% was given the same 3.0 GPA value as a less impressive 84%. Keeping this in mind, why would students feel motivated to work harder for a 91%

when they could just settle for an consistency, amendments should be 84%? If both grades are worth the made to the A portion of our grading same GPA, there is very little reason scale. why a student would put forth the In respect to the deflation of extra effort in order to earn an GPAs that the new scale alleges it almost A to settling for just a low B. will do, the system contradicts itself.

With our new grading scale, One of the main problems with our academic achievement is promoted old honors grading system was its 5.0 since now there is a difference point value that was too easily earned. between earning a 91% and an 84%. Some even argue if the 5.0 should In our new grading system, the 84% even exist. In this new grading scale, is worth a 3.0 while the 91% is worth a 3.7.

Grade % Range Reg Honors There is a recognizable difference in point values A+ 98-100 4.0 4.5 and a student is more likely to be motivated A 93-97 4.0 4.5 to achieve that A- rather than settle for just a B. Since higher grades are A90-92 3.7 4.2 now more recognized in our new grading B+ 87-89 3.3 3.8 system, academic accomplishment is B 83-86 3.0 3.5 encouraged.

While for the most B80-82 2.7 3.2 part, the new grading system is consistent C+ 77-79 2.3 2.8 with its plus and minus system, it does run into C 73-76 2.0 2.5 some discrepancy when it comes to the point C70-72 1.7 2.2 values of an A+ and just an A. In the regular, D+ 67-69 1.3 1.3 honors and advanced placement scale, there D 60-66 1.0 1.0 is no differentiation between a nearly perfect F 59 & lower 0 0 A+ and an impressive, but not quite nearly perfect A. The new plus and minus system is meant to more earning a higher GPA is made much accurately depict a well-earned GPA easier. For one instance, earning a 5.0 and does so for those who earn Bs, in an AP course is made easier since Cs and Ds, but neglects to do the the required percentage has dropped same for an A+ and an A. If the new from a 94% to a 93%. grading system really wants true Using common sense, if the

main objective was to deflate grades (make it harder to achieve a 5.0 or 4.0), then logically, the percentages needed to earn these high GPAs should be increased. On the contrary, in an AP course, one can earn as low as an 83% to achieve a 4.0. GPAs are inflated immensely for those taking both AP and honors courses since achieving a higher GPA requires a smaller percentage in those courses.

The new grading system is most AP certainly not perfect.

On one hand, it does 5.0 not deflate GPAs like it claims and 5.0 is not completely consistent, since 4.7 the plus and minus system does not apply to the A 4.3 portion of the scale.

Yet, the new system 4.0 does offer more fairness by rewarding 3.7 higher achievement and encouraging 3.3 a c a d e m i c accomplishment 3.0 with the plus and minus system.

2.7 The new grading scale should make 1.3 amendments to the A portion of the scale 1.0 by differentiating between an A+, A 0 and A- and work to deflate the scale when it comes to honors or AP courses. With these fixes, the new GPA scale will both accomplish the task of deflating GPAs and awarding achievement fairly. ~Kat herine Chang

EDITORIALS

School improvements are they necessary for NV? The shining colors of black and gold flooded into Northview’s gym this summer by way of major improvements. All summer long I watched the gym makeover take place and every step made it look even better than before. The dingy yellow bleachers turned into bold, black, revamped versions of the old. New scoreboards were erected with bright NV logos, and a fresh coat of paint was added to the walls and railings to make it a much more Wildcat friendly place. Every year, students complain about NV’s lack of school spirit and I think that the new improvements are a sure fire way to get students excited about NV. Now, our gym is something to be proud of. n students from other schools com me to When come nt. That NV, they are usually here for a sporting even event. at their impression of NV is pro obably means that probably formed byy our gym’s appearance because itt is one of the only parts of our school that they will actually see. After the improveny judgment made by visitors ments, any should be a great one. As an athlete, I’m used to going oing into other schools’ gyms and wishing ng that our gym could live up to some me of it’s competitors’ facilities. However, for probably many years to ports teams come, sports oming into will be coming our gym wishing that theirr gym ce as was as nice ours.

The gym ments improvements were not the only changes that ochis summer. curred this tball stadium The football was also enhanced with orthview” and new “Northview” ew” graphics “Southview” ack of the stands on the back and it wass painted a much ng white instead more fitting of blue. The new decon the stands ration on een from the can be seen d makes Sylstreet and tadium look vania’s stadium classier. Alright, so we ightly lacking may be slightly in the list of league titles underr our name d to SV, compared ’s countbut who’s ur side ing? (Our ler withlooks cooler out all of those uttering words cluttering yways). it up anyways).

Plus, at least we have our um. own stadium.

A l l imin all, the that provements ade to were made N V a n d over the summer were much needed ly what their name implies; improved the did exactly school’s appearance and class. Now we have a gym and stadium we can be proud of. ~Abbey Strick

Clocks that do not work, ancient lab equipment and bathroom stall doors that do not close. Those are just three of the problems at Northview that have yet to be fixed.

Security cameras, a second set of front doors and new bleachers in the gym. Those are just three of the unnecessary additions to NV this year.

Now, it might just be me, but I feel that there is no need for more security at NV. All of the doors at NV except for the first set of front doors a re locked until 2:25, so why do we now have security cameras when no one can enter the school

unauthorized, anyway?

Th The cameras are a waste of money and just prov provide us with the poi pointless capability to see tthat no one will come thr through already lo locked The new set of door doors in holds just as as the cam cameras. people that of peopl the front doors either are transfer of wh which go aand when

them

the doors. second the front lobby much importance The majority come in through during the day visitors or students, both know where to had to check in they enter the building anyways.

Doors that make go where they were already headed just seem unnecessary and a waste of money.

Sure, there is always that slight chance that an enraged parent or will come in, as there the chance of that not seem very high. year at NV and I have (although there might and that was a friend students sneaking in with band and hanging out in That person clearly was anybody and just breaking are not severe, should before improvements that

intruder is in any school. B But happening at NV does I’m going on my third heard of one int intruder have been more more), of some of the the marching the cafeteria. not trying to harm the rules rules. But inci incidents like these, which not cause these se security additions to come can help the studen students’ education.

As for the new bleachers in the gym, what was wrong with the old ones? I was in the gym my fair share of times last year and I had no complaints. They were not falling apart and an they were not unsafe, so I see no reason for to be required by the American D Disability Act that we get new ones. The money we received from the levy shou should have first been spent on things to improve the students’ education during ttheir four years at NV. This is a classic example of why America is falling behind oth other countries. School is about education, not sports and trying to be high-tech. Money M that is given to the school should be used on things such as new science equipment or computers that actually work, or new resources for the library. If people’s priorities were straight then the school district would be a lot better off. ~Ally Yocum

PETHE ANUT GALLERY “I like it better than the old because it seems easier to calculate your grade,”

5

Sept ember 22, 2009

Sports should count for gym credits Wouldn't it be great if the over 509 hours I have spent playing school sports counted for gym credits?

Everyone who attends NV knows how crowded students’ schedules get, or how frustrating it is to add gym class to the picture while playing a school sport. Students finally get to the point where summer gym seems absolutely necessary. Personally, participating in summer gym was difficult, especially when I had three hours of soccer practice right after.

“Students are already worn out enough with the sports they play, gym class just makes it harder,” sophomore Natalie Roemer said.

My freshman year, I was involved with the soccer and swim teams. I have learned more about sportsmanship and health in two seasons of soccer and swimming than I would ever learn with two semesters of gym class. I am not implying that gym class is completely pointless; it can be beneficial for those who do not play sports, considering the importance of exercise. Students that play school sports will agree with the arguments that sports are much more rigorous than gym class. With all the time and effort put into school sports, students become very physically fit and mentally tough. Thus gym class is unnecessary for NV athletes.

“Students that play sports are twice as active as students that don’t, yet they receive the same credits,” says sophomore Brittney White.

With sports becoming more and more serious and competitive, it is only fair that athletes receive some school credits for playing a school sport.

Have you ever thought about what other classes you could be involved in if you did not have to take gym? There are so many different classes at NV that could expose students to new ideas and people. Drama, world languages, and drafting are a few areas to consider. A whole class period is wasted for athletes, considering they would have physically demanding practice right after school anyway.

Many schools in the Sylvania area, such as Notre Dame, allow students to earn gym credits if they participate in a school sport for a certain amount of time. If sports were to count as a grade for gym, the coach could approve and “grade” the athlete for being on time and not missing practices.

Just think, as students we have already participated in at least eight years of gym through elementary and junior high school.

Why should athletes have to add two more semesters of this class if we already have enough physical education through sports?

To me it only makes sense to give athletes the credit they deserve by counting sports as school credits.

~Molly Port erfield

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE NEW GRADING SCALE? “I like it because it’s easier to get an ‘A’ in a class,” -Fre s hman Connor Simon

-Sophomore Cas s ie St ansley

“I love it,” -Senior Cole Kramer

“It doesn’t really affect me,” -Junior Joe Hu s s

6 a Pers epct ive from the Out s ide Every issue TSP will have a guest columnist comment on what’s happening around NV

The ultimate in school security needed: a moat As a precursor to this essay I would like to tell you a bit about myself. I wasn’t born a writer nor do I posit any claim to be one.

Eloquence is not my trade. Palatable is all I hope for this to be. But writing at two in the morning does not leave one much time to edit.

This thought is my own and I would hope none of you could imagine the school attempting to inject their own thought into something as unbiased as a newspaper. With this said I suggest my most humble recommendation.

Amongst my fellow Northview students, teachers, administrators, pencils, papers, stairs and tennis courts it seems that unrest has arisen from the new security system. Fear is a terrible state of mind to be educated in.

Of course, the new cameras and invisible walls do much to curb this fear, allowing us to be continually watched for our own safety. But, are these efforts enough to stop potential criminals from infiltrating our school?

Locked doors will only go so far as the strength of the lock and seeing an intruder on camera might be too late. We simply must stop the problem before it can reach us inside the school.

It is by this logic that I humbly recommend the following addition to our security system: an architectural and functional display of Northview’s commitment to the safety of its students, teachers, administrators, pencils, papers, stairs and tennis courts.

I’m sure by now you’ve guessed it. Yes, that’s right. I propose to you the building of a moat with depth no less than nine feet and

Sept ember 22, 2009

COMMENTARY

Summer homework leads to unnecessary stress School is out for summer. No homework, no tests, no worries, right?

Think again. Many classes at Northview require “summer work” such as papers, projects and even online quizzes.

If I remember correctly, summer used to be about getting mosquito bites, chasing the ice cream man, riding your bike, swimming, and getting sun burns. Now summer has become a time to do numerous projects, learn material on your own, and take quizzes.

Summer work is an oxymoron. Summer is supposed to be about relaxing the mind and taking a break but how can one truly relax when there is work to be done. Summer work overburdens students and sends many back to school already burnt out and sick of learning.

“Being in school is so stressful. I look forward to summer as a necessary time to not have many worries. When I have work to do in the summer, I worry about when all this work I have is going to get done!” said junior Mel Worley.

Ever since the summer going into my sophomore year, I have had summer work. I have had to take online quizzes, write papers, read numerous books, teach myself new material, and do so many practice problems I thought my head would explode.

Teachers argue they give us this summer work to help us remember the skills we learned the previous year. Although this is understandable, the stress that the work causes may just outweigh any benefit the work may have had.

A stressor is anything that causes someone stress and to many high school students homework is a stressor. According to kidshealth.org, constant stress can wear out the body’s reserves, leaving a person feeling depleted or overwhelmed, weaken the body’s immune system, and cause other problems.

If students do not get the needed break from schoolwork, stress will leave students feeling overwhelmed when they are supposed to be on break. According to stophomework.com, a break from work is a necessary antidote for stress.

Summer homework really stresses me out when I am supposed to be relaxing. One thinks: “Oh I have all this time to do it” so you wait

until the last minute. The night before school starts you are up late rushing to finish the assignment. Then, you go back to school the first day exhausted and stressed because what might happen if you have a quiz and how you might do on that said quiz.

To me, summer has always been a time to unwind but the past couple summers have not lived up to my expectations. The amount of work that is given is completely unnecessary.

Overloading students with homework is not associated with higher grades, according to Dr. Harris Cooper of Duke University. In other words, all the summer homework students are given may not (and most likely will not) give them higher grades.

My question then to teachers is: what’s the point? If summer work is stressing students out, making students already sick of learning, and burning them out all before school begins then why should summer work be assigned?

- Nicole Manag s

NEW “SECURITY” MEASURES by Daniel Rhollans

width between six and 12 feet. To further deter any would be perpetrators, the moat shall be stocked with alligators, crocodiles, and/or piranhas.

Logically of course crocodiles would be the best choice as they have a much higher affinity for the cold temperature.

Of course the advantages of a moat are both obvious and copious. Because of the former I will resign myself to only list out a handful.

First and foremost, the mere appearance of a moat inspires such a sense of security that it would have any middle-aged suburbanite shaking in their boots. With hoards of upper-middle class baby boomers lining the streets, we need to make it known that they cannot break into our school to do whatever despicable acts that they fill their day plotting.

Additionally, even if semblance alone does not keep those frightening people away, the physical aspect prevents them from entering. As I said before, a lock is only as safe as its strength. A battering ram of moderate size could easily lay waste to our doors. But, with a moat, we avoid this possible entrance technique.

And finally, when the moat freezes over for the winter, it will make a lovely ice skating rink (though the crocodiles will have to be removed).

Criticized as this piece will be, I beseech you to think of it in its entirety. What makes you upset? What properties of a moat seem ridiculous? Is it any different than a giant glass wall or cameras watching lunchrooms rather than entrances?

Of course if you’re reading this there must be some thread of humanity left in the wretched building. And so I plead to you, reject what you and I both know to be an infringement on our privacy.

How you go about this is not the subject of this essay, and so I will leave this task up to you. As Oscar Wilde put it, “Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation.”

And so I leave you with this request.

Find your discontentment. ~John Holler

Th e

“Locked doors will only go so far...seeing an intruder on camera might be too late.”

Student Prints Sylvania Northview High School 5403 Silica Drive Sylvania, Ohio 43560 2009-2010

Co-Editors-In-Chief: Haley Nelson & Sarah Squillante Advisor: Sarah Huey News Editor: Haley Hofbauer Photo Editor: Abbey Strick Features Editors: Katherine Chang & Yianni Papadimos Sports Editor: Alexx Klein Opinions Editors: Sarah Fatemi & Adam Jurski Business Editor: Kristi Kopaniasz Staff Writers: David Aldrich, Alex Carter, Estar Cohen, Mary Grace Fitzgerald, Addison Hirschfeld, Margot Jacobs, Alexa Kalanquin, Nicole Mangas, Elizabeth Masson, Amanda Metcalf, Aurora Milliron, Megan Moyer, Kelsey Pomeroy, Molly Porterfield, Harley Rohrbacher, Skylar Rose, Mami Silver, Bridget Thomas, Brian Wadsworth, Ally Yocom 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, and Quill and Scroll.

FEATURES

7

Sept ember 22, 2009

FRESHMAN? How’s it Going,

By YIANNI PAPADIMOS

Feature s edit or

“It was big.

Too big.”

This is what freshman Jenine Irsheid had to say about her first impression o f Northview Fuad Extra H i g h curri Al-Ab cula e d r s Futu Soccer : School. Her re E xtrac u Typi Tennis T rriculars: classmates cal W eam eeke n Vide seemed to o ga d mes Han g agree. Many Bein ing with frien g ou d tside s members of the class of 2013

id

he Jenine rsIr: s

ula Extracurric urrently None c : curriculars a tr x E re k Futu cs & Trac Gymnasti eekend Typical W ith friends Hanging w ies or ov Going to m pping o games, sh

decided that the first thing they noticed about NV was its notable, gargantuan size. To many, it seemed more like a labyrinthine prison than it did a school. However, these thoughts are expected whenever such a reality change occurs.

Along with the school’ssize,freshmenalso agreed that the amount of people within the building was overwhelming.

“The people didn’t scare me,” said freshman Peter Cook,“But I was a little intimidated.

You just don’t know how they’re [the upperclassmen] going to treat you.”

Yet, after this initial shock at the number of people, many freshmen found themselves warming up to the company of older

Perriculars:

Melick was recently cast as one of the leads in NV’s fall production of Seussical the Musical, having never participated in theatre before.

The freshman will portray JoJo the Who, a big dreamer.

“I was very excited and flattered that they thought I would do well as JoJo,” said Melick. “I hope the show goes well and we are all able to blow last year’s Beauty and the Beast away.”

Meredith Wagner, SR. > CROSS COUNTRY Wagner placed second at the largest Cross Country meet in the nation, the Tiffin Carnival, on September 12. Her time of 17:59 beat her previous school record of 18:15.

“It’s easier to do well when there is tougher competition,” said Wagner. “It was really cool.”

The team’s next large meet is Culver, Indiana on September 26.

surprised at how easy it was.

“The honors classes are actually easier than I expected. Not easy, just easier,” said Al-Abed.

Countless incoming students thought that starting school at NV would be hard.

However, some choose to do well and enjoy their new school in a stress-free way:

Student s in all grade level s acros s NV are const antly accompli s hing great feat s and gaining not able accolade s.

It i s t ime t hey got s ome recognit ion...

Connor Richardson, SR. > EAGLE SCOUT Richardson recently earned the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program, receiving the Eagle Scout rank in January of 2009.

“I’m glad to have earned the rank of eagle scout because it will help me in the military,” Richardson said.

The senior had to complete all levels of Boy Scout training while earning merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit, service and leadership.

Chad Singer, FR. > ORCHESTRA Singer will be serving as NV Concert Orchestra’s Concertmaster.

“I was really excited when I found out,” said Singer. “I will have to lead the group musically.”

As a freshman, Singer will have to take on a large leadership role as the first chair violinist. He has been playing the violin since sixth grade and takes private lessons.

“Orchestra has been fun so far,” said Singer.

tra ches r O ll & acu s: Extr Footba rricular tre ea acu Extr ing & Th e r Futu Wrestl nd es eke l We ing gam iends a c i fr Typ Watch with g n i g Han h rc Chu

students in their classes.

“It’s a lot easier when you play a sport,” said freshman Fuad AlAbed of the Boys Junior Varsity Soccer team. “I knew a lot more people from soccer than I would have had I not played.”

“The homework’s harder than junior high,” said Irsheid, “but it just takes some getting used to.”

Though many freshmen feared the workload, some were

Cats in the Crowd Jack Melick, FR. > THEATRE

k

oo C r te

Connor McEwen and Nate Miklovic, SRS. > PSAT After taking the PSAT in the spring of their junior year, McEwen and Miklovic were recently notified that they had been selected to be National Merit Semifinalists.

The seniors are two of roughly 16,000 students chosen nationwide.

“I’m very happy to have done so well,” said McEwen. “Hopefully, I will become a finalist.”

The two will find out in February if they have qualified to be finalists once their applications are reviewed. ~ Sarah Squillante & Haley Nelson

8

FEATURES

Sept ember 22, 2009

Volunteering NHS The National spotlight: Honors Society

By HALEY NELSON

Co-edit or

This is the first in a series of TSP articles chronicling the volunteer efforts of NV students and groups . . .

Volunteerism is a way for Northview students to personally affect and improve their community. Many individuals and groups at NV work to positively change the lives of those around them and these volunteers should be recognized for the work they have done for the community and d school. n focusing on volunteer service The National Honors Society is one of these NV groups that has been projects at school and around Sylvania. One of the four pillars that guide the he NV NHS is “volunteerism”, thus providing the group with a reason and desire to increase their own altruistic ltruistic efforts. Here is an inhe NV NHS: depth look at the many different activities and volunteers that make up the

ACTIVITIES: The NHS has become involved in many volunteer traditions and new opportunities already this year.

“We just try to be of service for our school and community,” said advisor Mrs. Francis Borchers. “The NHS tries to keep a spirit of volunteering alive.”

Many members of the group worked over the summer placing welcome signs in the yards of incoming freshmen in August. The group helped to implement this idea that would make freshman feel more comfortable at NV once the first day of school arrived.

Later, the group played a large role in volunteering at the Wildcat Welcome Days in late August. As compared to years past, there was a much greater student presence at the Welcome Days, thanks in part to the over 35 NHS volunteers that lent their time to the orientation.

“The Welcome Days went so smooth this year,” said principal Mr. Stewart Jesse. “This was one of the best ones we’ve had in four years and I can directly attribute this to the students who volunteered.”

Members volunteered by passing out class schedules and student ID cards, while others showed students to their lockers, guided individuals through the photo station, or answered general questions. Over the two days, some members volunteered over seven hours at NV. During the freshmen’s first day of school, the society worked behind the scenes reporting to various classrooms to volunteer.

“I helped Ms. Huey assemble her bulletin boards and clean her entire room,” said senior member Megan Foster. “It was nice coming in a day early and seeing all the teachers. I enjoyed helping.”

The NHS also assisted at the NV Open House on September 16, giving students and their parents’ tours of the school and directing parents to classrooms.

“We’ve been in the cafeteria helping parents and we are stationed at the end of hallways and entrances telling everyone where to go,” said Mrs. Borchers. “We also help in the office with schedules.”

Over the year, many members of the society have been volunteering for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

The foundation’s mission is to eradicate breast cancer permanently in America and this year they have organized a High School Team Challenge to encourage high school’s to come together and run the Race for the Cure on September 27.

Challenge leaders, seniors Vice President Haley Nelson and Secretary Elizabeth Schwartz, have helped organize NV NHS students to volunteer for the foundation. Many students have spent their lunch periods p pe riods selling Komen t-shirts and passing out race information. Also,, other NHS volunteers have

decorated the school to o encourage race participation and to spread the word about out breast cancer while planning an upcoming school-wide de spirit week.

“I really enjoy being ng able to volunteer for NHS S for an organization that at reaches out to the commmunity and beyond,” said Schwartz. “Bein “Being ng able to volunteer at school ool and for the comm mmunity at the same time me has been reallyy rewarding.”

The NHS will carry ry on their annuall tradition of running a school chool blood drive, e, with a goal of donating ng more than lastt year’s 147 productive blood units coln Red Cross. The lected for the American o peer tutor in all group also continues to ol periods and afsubjects during all school ance office and in ter school in the guidance various study halls. erywhere, for the “We volunteer everywhere, ndation, with OGT T Susan G. Komen Foundation, k, and for students prep, at the food bank, at other schools,” said Mrs. Borchers. “We help with any issues that at come up.”

Volunteerism is encouraged ncouraged in this group by having a set of volunteering requirements that each member must follow.

“Every member must volunteer ten hours at school and in the community,” said onally believe that we Mrs. Borchers. “I personally work to set an example of the importance of volunteering.”

FUTURE: URE:

The NHS plans on n continuing their volunteering efforts into the future. After the completion of the blood d drive, members plan to continue their work k for private volunteer organizations both on their own time and as a group. The group volu volunteers unteers for teachers teacchers who need assistance at any time t and are con constantly nstantly looking for new opportunities ties to help NV V and the Sylvania community. muni mu n ty.

“The NHS is just a group of students willing gro to step-up and help everyone else through volunon teering,” said President te senior Courtney Tipton. se According to members b e and their advisor, the ggroup r plans on continuiing n this tradition of voluntteering e into the future.

“Since we have started the school year, there has h a been no school event that did not involve NHS tha th said Mr. Jesse. sstudents,” st u ““Their volunteering has “T certainly been helpful.” ce

PLACING A WELCOME SIGN in front of a freshman’s yard is senior Elizabeth Gildea. Nineteen NHS members over the summer paired up in teams to place signs and welcome the incoming freshmen class.

HANGING UP A POSTER in Madame Goodwin’s classroom is senior Brianna Scharfenberg. NHS members were required to come in at 8am on teacher work day to help clean and organize classrooms for the first day of school. Brianna helped Madame by hanging up posters and being the “interior decorator” of her classroom. “I’m looking forward to all the volunteering opportunities we are going to have with NHS this year,” she said.

Photos taken by Megan Foster

Q&A with President Courtney Tipton Why do you think volunteering is so important?

“The fact that you’re helping others makes volunteering extremely important. Also, the concept of putting others before yourself I think makes volunteering such a great activity to participate in.”

What NHS volunteer activity have you enjoyed most?

“I really enjoyed volunteering at the Wildcat Welcome Days because everyone worked really well together. It went so smoothly and it was really wonderful.”

Personally, why do you like to volunteer?

“I like to help others and make a difference and NHS is a great group to do this through. Volunteerism is a part of our four pillars and we plan on volunteering even more in the future.”

A&E

9

Sept ember 22, 2009

Art s & Ent ert ainment

T he Black Swa mp Festiva l h Celebrati ng the a rts i n Bowl i ng Green h fun.

By ESTAR COHEN

St aff writ er Three days and I have been changed. A wonderful feeling, to stroll carefree along a street solely dedicated to the arts and the virtue of togetherness. I walked on and as I looked around at the smiling and friendly faces of people I had yet to meet, it became clear that this was the place to be.

The Black Swamp Arts Festival took place September 11 to 13 in Bowling Green. This free, three day annual event has existed for 17 years and is as an outlet for both local and out of area artists to showcase their work for the community. The idea for the festival grew from local businessmen trying to conjure up ways to excite the community about downtown BG and has grown every year since it first started, according to Northview Social Studies teacher Sam Melendez, who has volunteered at the festival since its first year.

From pottery to electronic music, there was a wide variety of activities to partake in for all ages while at the festival. There were kid stations set up along Main Street encouraging children to be creative with painting areas and booths where they created their own instruments. For the older crowd, there were countless booths full of photography, glass blowing and all different kinds of art for sale.

Lastly, wherever you ventured, there was music and food for all. Many NV students attended to join in on the

“From the Happy Badger performances to the funnel cakes, my first year at the Black Swamp Festival was unforgettable,” said junior Ilyse Golding.

While some students had taken the trip to BG in hopes of having an interesting day out with friends, other students were more directly involved. Seniors Corey Howe and Ben Miller played in their seperate bands at The Happy Badger, one of the businesses who hosted live music during the festival in BG. “I really enjoyed being able to participate in the festival this past weekend,” said Miller, “I got to bring some of my favorite songs to a public audience and share great music.”

Melendez acted as Performing Arts Hospitality Chair this year for the Black Swamp. He was in charge of making the bands comfortable, providing transportation, hotels, local food and fulfilling their “riders,” which is a list of requests from the musicians. There were four music stages at the festival including the Main Stage, where both national and local acts of all different genres played, the Electronic Stage, for those who were interested in hearing a more experimental sound, the Family Entertainment stage, for all ages, and the Acoustic Stage, which featured solely acoustic acts.

Around 50, 000 people attend the Black Swamp Festival each year, according to Melendez. Most people come in from Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, but some come from much further to enjoy the fes-

Estar Cohen MULTIPLE PARENTS AND CHILDREN GATHER around the “Face Painting” tent at the Black Swamp Arts Festival. This was one of the many activites families could take part in. tivities.

“We once had a guy who traveled all the way from Germany,” said Melendez. “We are the only festival like this in the state and there are very few in the country. By doing a good job, we leave a good impression of the town and of the state to all kinds of people visiting BG.” It is not difficult to become in-

volved with the Black Swamp Arts Festival, according to Melendez.

The committee welcomes those who wish to help over the course of the weekend. Generally, 800 volunteers are used during the festival doing everything from picking up trash to running the children’s booths. Those who wish to become involved for

next year’s festival should visit the “volunteers” page at http://www. blackswamparts.org.

Overall, the Black Swamp Festival was an enlightening experience.

The air was friendly and diverse throughout Main Street, providing for a safe and enjoyable weekend for all ages.

A Su m m e r Abr oa d: Wildcats cross the state line and the globe

By NICOLE MANGAS and BRIDGET THOMAS

St aff writ ers “What did you do this summer?” is a common back-to-school question. This past summer, numerous Northview students went on unique trips. From Africa to New Orleans to Traverse City, the Wildcats were all over.

NV senior Haley Armstrong stood out from the crowd as she spent part of her summer in Africa with the Toledo International Youth Orchestra.

The orchestra’s trip took place June 29 through July 10. While there, TIYO members visited three different cities in Tanzania, including Arusha, Tanga, and Dar es Salaam.

Although Armstrong was the only NV student to go on the trip, 14 other students from the TIYO and 40 others went along, including a medical team, chaperones, and parents.

While in Africa, the TIYO musicians performed at three different concerts, expressing their diverse cultures of music playing pieces from Japan, China, and Europe. Bringing some American customs with them, the TIYO played traditional songs, such as “Amazing Grace.”

“The best part of the entire trip was getting to meet new people,” said Armstrong.

NV seniors CJ Wendt and Rebecca Turley and junior Ross Roberson also took an adventurous summer vacation to Honduras.

The mission trip was for ten days at the end of June. The students left only two days before the military take over. “We were very lucky to be able to go and serve and then leave before it was unsafe,” said Turley.

While in Honduras, the students split up into different groups. Each group visited about five schools a day.

At the schools, they would perform skits in Spanish and would do ice-breaker activities

The camp’s purpose, according to Wagner, was to learn about singing in a Barber Shop quartet. Barber Shop is a style of singing in which four vocalists sing different parts.

For instance, the lead sings melody, the tenor harmonizes above the melody, the bass sings the lowest harmonizing notes, and the baritone completes the chord.

“Even non-singers should consider The Singing Buckeyes Harmony Camp as a future summer activity,” said Wagner.

Many NV students went on the annual Young Life summer camp this past June. This year, the NV students went to camp in Rockbridge, Virginia.

At Rockbridge, there were water slides, a big blob, a zip-line, mountain biking, frisbee golf, four square, a high ropes course and much more. Just with the amenities that the camp offered, one could not go bored. There were plenty of events planned each day. The activities were always a surprise to campers because the leaders never told them what was going on, according to sophomore Cami Pavain.

“YL camp was the highlight of my summer,” said Pavain. “It seriously was so much fun. I will never forget it.”

Also included in the summer fun were five students from NV who went on a church mission trip to New Orleans. They included seniors Michelle Vince and Nicole Mangas, juniors Tori Busby and Sarah Hanline, and sophomore Matt Disher. They went as part of their church youth group for a huge youth gathering. There were 38,000 Lutheran

p m a C e f i L g n u o Y

w i t h the students. For each school visited, The Book of Hope was passed out to students and teachers.

“The Book of Hope is basically an easy to read new testament for kids,” said Turley.

In the evening, students on the trip attended church services. “The services were a lot different than anything I have ever seen in the United States,” said Turley.

Another vacation taken by several NV students took place at The Singing Buckeyes Harmony Camp August 12 to 15 in Columbus, Ohio where the singers stayed in The Ohio State University dorm rooms.

Twelve students from NV attended the camp, including sophomore Taelynn Wagner.

“My favorite part of harmony camp was warming up with Mr. Gary Lewis,” said Wagner. “He was the former choir director of NV.”

teenagers from all over the nation met in New Orleans to help clean up the city and grow as a community of Christians. The youth group from Olivet Lutheran church helped clean up a city park. They painted benches and a gazebo. The rest of the trip consisted of the group experiencing the culture of New Orleans. They walked around the French Quarter, saw Bourbon Street, and went to the restaurant Emeril’s.

“The trip really inspired me to challenge myself to serve more,” said Disher. “It was cool to see 38,000 other teenagers who share the same beliefs as me.”

Boys and Girls Cross Country teams joined the summer excursions as they went on their annual Traverse City trip. Athletes who were consistent in their training throughout the summer and showed varsity potential were invited on the trip. Girls who were invited on the trip included seniors Meredith Wagner and Nicole

son Work and Maureen Dean, and freshmen Abby Masters and Janelle Noe. The boys that were invited on the trip included seniors Jacob Barnes, Nick Homan, Sean O’Connell, Harry Zeitler, Derek Puhlman and Eric Koch and juniors Mike Wallace and Kevin Mckown. The team goes up to Traverse City to run more challenging trails and bond as a team, according to Girls Head Coach Jon Monheim. The teams camped in tents at the Sleeping Bear Campgrounds during the four day trip. One of the days, the team ran up a bluff, which is a high, steep hill, to an outlook over Lake Michigan. Another run included many rigorous hills that cannot be found in Northwest Ohio, according to Monheim.

The teams partook in many traditions, such as a going to the dunes, playing water ultimate frisbee, a Euchre tournament and going for a mile swim in Lake Michigan. At the end of the four days, the teams ran in the Traverse City Cherry Festival of Races. The girls team ran the 5k and the boys team ran the 15k.

The first to come in for the girls was Wagner, followed by Mangas, Dean, and Reeves. The first to come in for the boys was Barnes by placing fourth overall in the 15k.

“I have never ran so many hills in my life,” said Masters.

“It was a great trip because I got to know the girls on the team a lot better and it made me feel like part of the team.”

New Orleans ‘09 Mangas, juniors Mel Worley and Mackenzie Reeves, sophomores Ali-

10 Girls, boys cross country stride strong

By ALEXX KLEIN

Sport s edit or Coming off of a strong season, the Northview Girls Cross Country team opened up with high expectations, according to head coach Jon Monheim. The LadyKats won the Northern Lakes League title, District title, Regional runner-up title and finished tenth in the state.

During the summer, the team took their annual trip to Traverse City. Runners who were invited had to be a consistent member of Summer Striders, a running program, and have varsity potential.

Monheim and assistant coach, Sue Dirr elected the seniors, along with junior Mackenzie Reeves as captains. The senior captains are Meredith Wagner, Nicole Mangas, Morgan Hojnacki, Alexx Klein and Olivia Stockard.

“The girls elected have been with the team for three or four seasons and are all strong leaders,” said Monheim.

This season, the LadyKats wanted to focus on doing “the little things right,” according to Hojnacki. Eating right after practice was a main focus for the team and they also brought in an Emotional Freedom Technique specialist.

“Learning EFT was different than any technique I have learned, but overall I think it will help with my race anxiety,” said Reeves.

September 5, the LadyKats traveled to Ottawa Park for the Chet Sullwood Invitational. NV placed second overall, losing only to Ann Arbor Pioneer, out of seven teams and had three runners in the top 10.

“Although we finished in second place, it was disappointing to lose by only a few points,” said Hojnacki. “It made us work even harder when preparing for Tiffin.”

Wagner continued her dominance from last season at the race, taking first place.

Freshman Abby Masters and sophomore Moe Dean finished third and ninth, respectively, in the meet.

The NV Boys Cross Country team opened their season with the Tiffin Carnival on September 12.

The TC is one of the largest meets in the nation and the biggest east of the Mississippi, with 21 different junior high and high school races. In the previous season, the boys also had success with winning NLL’s and Districts and coming in fifth at Regionals.

“We are all excited for our first race and to see how the team performs,” said senior Harry Zeitler.

The girls and boys departed from NV at 12:45 and arrived back around 8 pm.

Both teams finished fifth overall and NV was the only program with a girls and boys team in the top five.

Wagner placed second in the varsity race with a 17:59. She set a new school record, breaking her own previous one, and her time was the fastest ever run by a Northwest Ohio female.

Coming in fifth out of 57 Division I varsity teams was the highest finish by a NV girl’s team. Masters took 35 and Dean 46 to give the team three girls under 20 minutes.

Senior Jacob Barnes led the way for the boy’s team with a 34 place finish. He was followed closely by junior Kevin McKown in 38, junior Mike Wallace in 51, and seniors Sean O’Connell and Nick Homan in 59 and 62 respectively.

Both teams showed depth with the boys junior varsity team placing fifth out of 42 teams and the girls JV was eight out of 33.

For the girls, junior Erin Koffman, freshman Esther Haviland, senior Morgan Hojnacki, and sophomores Cami Pavain and McKinzie Elchert all placed within the top 100.

The boys had senior Derek Pohlman win the race and seniors Neal Cousino and Joe Nisch in the top 30. Sophomore Chris Weaver and junior Matt Disher finished in the top 50.

September 15, the teams had their first home meet at Secor Metropark against Springfield.

NV cruised to two easy victories over the Bluedevils. The girls and boys were close to sweeping the first five spots in their respective races, with only one opponent racing in.

The boys ran in the Alliance Midwest Invitational this past Saturday. The next race for both teams is today at Bowling Green.

Sept ember 22, 2009

SPORTS

Girls tennis prepares for NLL’s

By ADAM JURSKI

Edit orial s edit or Losing five of the original eight varsity players from last year, the Northview LadyKats Tennis team is looking to rebuild with many new players.

Senior captain Jessie Coyle leads the Kats at first singles this year with the only other returning varsity player, junior Jackie Leizerman, at second singles. New players this year include seniors Sarah Mathiot and Gabrielle Romberger, sophomores Morgan Hawly and Natalie Forrester and freshmen Maddie Mills and Jessica Rentner.

“We have a young and inexperienced team this year. They are quickly learning strategies of the game,” said Head Coach Susie Miller.

“Confidence is quickly building on the team as they are applying what they have learned.”

The girls started their season against Central Catholic August 17 at home, but it began to rain just before they took the court, canceling the match. They then played Notre Dame at the Laurel Hill Tennis Club where they were defeated 0-5.

Maumee Valley was the next opponent for NV and the LadyKats easily took care of business against them, winning 5-0.

“Sweeping Maumee Valley was a nice confidence booster for us,” said Forrester.

“We played well and it showed in our results that day.”

St. Ursula came to the NV courts next and defeated the Wildats1-4 with the lone win coming from Coyle.

On September 1, the LadyKats started league play against Springfield where NV lost a close match at 2-3.

Halie Langhals SMASHING A SERVE in her match against Springfield is senior Jessie Coyle. The Blue Devils defeated NV 2-3 in a hard fought battle.

“Our team came real close to winning the match, but unfortunately we came just short of winning,” said Rentner.

Two days later, the team traveled to Anthony Wayne where they came up short again losing 1-4.

Beginning a stretch of three straight games on September 8, NV played Rossford at home and came out victorious winning 4-1.

“I played really well today,” said Leizerman.

“My opponent was pretty good and pulling off the win made it that much better.”

The next day, NV traveled to Ottawa Hills to play the Green Bears where they lost 0-5 to the potential states qualifying team.

“Ottawa Hills is a very good team,” said Coyle. “I was ecstatic with how I played and how many games I won.”

Whitmer was played on Friday at home where the LadyKats were able to pull off a convincing win against the Panthers 5-0.

The next match will be today at Southview against the Cougars. The Northern Lakes League Championships are scheduled for 29.

Upperclassmen try new sports

By AURORA MILLIRON

St aff writ er Sports are a big part of the high school experience. When students first enter high school, they choose a sport that they want to play for the next four years of their high school careers.

It is surprising when upperclassmen decide to start joining sports right before they graduate. A couple of juniors have decided to take on a new sport. The Girls Golf team gained junior Amy Wolf while junior Trent Victor joined the Water Polo team.

During the first two years of Wolf’s high school sports career, she ran cross-country.

This year she decided to quit cross-country and join the golf team. According to Wolf, she felt she wanted to try something new. She also said that she has a lot of friends on the team already that wanted her to join and play with them.

Wolf said that the girl’s golf team is small, but that makes them very close. She said that she

enjoys golf more than cross-country and is glad that she joined the team this year.

“There are fewer on the team, so the team is closer and everyone gets along,” said Wolf.

“Making new friends with people on the team is the best part of golf,” said Wolf. Her biggest weakness is getting distance while her strength is more in her short game. She said, the hardest part of golf is not getting angry with yourself when you do not do your best.

“Since I just started playing in June, I am still learning,” said Wolf. “But I recommend that upperclassmen try a new sport because it gives them a chance to find what they are really good at and it can help them make new friends.”

Water Polo also gained a new goalie this season when junior Trent Victor joined the boy’s team. When being placed on the team, Victor earned the position of goalie. The former goalie, Southview’s Andy Striph, graduated leaving an opening and Victor took over the spot. “I do enjoy playing goalie though. I got a lot better during our last tournament,”

said Victor.

One of the worst things about water polo is swimming during practice. In the beginning the team has to lap swim and its very boring since everyone wants to just play polo, according to Victor.

“Water polo is very confusing to learn at first, but once someone explains it to you, it gets easy,” said Victor. The hardest part for Victor to learn was how the game is run, since it is really different from most sports. There are many things you can do and get fouls for, said Victor. The swimming back and forth is probably the hardest part of water polo. You need a lot of endurance and good swimming skills.

Like the golf team, the water polo team is also very close.

“My favorite part about water polo is the team, we all have a blast,” said Victor. Victor feels that other upperclassmen should try out new sports while they can so they can make new friends and find what they are good at.

“Even if you are not the best, it can still be really fun,” said Victor.

NV gets new sports equipment

By MARY GRACE FITZGERALD

St aff writ er As everyone walked into school on Thursday, we all noticed the new things in the gym, on the field and outside the stadium. We noticed the new gym appearance, but what some people may not know is that there are new aspects all around Northview’s sports teams’ practice and game areas.

As for the school itself, the gym has been repainted and the floor resurfaced. The bleachers were replaced and the stadium repainted.

Previously stated in Are the school improvements necessary for NV?, the opinion was that the school’s money should be going toward new

school supplies instead of new bleachers, when in fact the bleachers were out of code with the American Disabilities Act. The gym bleachers were not wheelchair accessible, and there were no rails on the stairs. This could be dangerous for everyone, as well as the disabled, according to Athletic Director, Chris Irwin.

The new scoreboards will allow the fans as well as players to see who is in the game, who has scored, how many points they have scored along with the typical information on a scoreboard, such as time, total score and half. “The new scoreboard will let me know how many fouls I have when I’m on the court so I can play smart and know how many I can give,” says senior varsity player, Olivia Fouty.

Timberstone, where the girls and boys soccer teams practice and play, will be receiving

new signs below the scoreboard in the near future, according to Mr. Irwin. These signs will replace the old sign that is currently falling apart. Along with the new signs under scoreboard, there will be signs by the press box that will state the NLL wins for the girls and boys soccer as well as girls and boys track and field.

The girls softball team plays at Memorial field, where the Northview Boosters have replaced the girls’ dugouts. Junior softball player, Hannah Spangler, says “the new dugouts look really nice and give us more pride in our team.”

All together, the new improvements in the athletic equipment have been beneficial to the student athletes. Northview looks forward to seeing how the improvements hold up in the coming sports seasons.

SPORTS

11

Sept ember 22, 2009

Sylvania Water Polo A Closer Look at NV’s Senior Players

By KATHERINE CHANG

SYL Water Polo Upcoming Dates

Feature s edit or The Sylvania Water Polo team is working hard to keep a successful track record with heavy senior leadership in this upcoming season. Water polo has grown increasingly popular amongst swimmers in the Sylvania area due to the dedication and hard work of its returning seniors. The team is largely comprised by some of our fellow peers at Northview.

Laura Guinness

Senior co-captain Laura Guinness is a key aspect of the team’s offense as one of their key shooters. In her fourth year as a Sylvania Water Polo player, Guinness has led the relatively inexperienced and young team.

Positions: Sprinter, Driver, Hole Center Defense

Q: What made you want to play water polo?

A: I did it for the ladies, I also wanted to try something new.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of the game?

A: Crashing hole. I love sprinting in as someone sets the ball into the hole center just in time to put the hammer down onto the offense.

Q: What was your proudest moment in your years of experience?

A: Our away game against Napoleon last Tuesday. It was probably the closest game I’ve played in and we won it in the fourth quarter. That was pretty cool.

September 29 Boys & Girls vs Napoleon (Home) October 6 Boys vs St. Francis (Home) October 9-10 Girls Sylvania Tournament (Home) Boys St. Francis JV Tournament (Away) October 2-3 Boys & Girls Milford Tournament (Away) October 16-17 Boys & Girls Regionals (Away) Q: What made you decide to join the Sylvania Water Polo team?

A: I love the swimming atmosphere, but I wanted the experience of being on a team where performance relies on everyone in the group, rather than just individuals.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of the game?

A: I love man-up. It’s when the other team gets a penalty and we have one more man in field than the other team. When we set it up perfectly, we usually make a goal.

Q: What was your proudest moment in your years of experience?

A: When we beat Kilbourne at Regionals last year, advancing us to the state qualifying game. We came together as a team and had the best chemistry of the season.

Katherine Chang

Senior Katherine Chang is in her second year on the Sylvania Water Polo team. She plays as both a strong defender and passer for the team.

Positions: Point, Right Wing, Right Wing Defense

Daniel Rhollans

Megan Foster

In his third year as a member of the Boys Water Polo Team is senior varsity co-captain Daniel Rhollans. Being one of the few returning members from last year’s varsity team, Rhollans plays a vital role in organizing plays.

Positions: Hole Center, Hole Defense

Senior co-captain Megan Foster is also in her fourth year running as the number one scorer for the team. Foster plays an important role in the team’s offense with her speed and high-impact shots.

Positions: Hole Center, point defense

Q: What made you want to play water polo?

A: It was easier and more fun than swimming!

Q: What is your favorite aspect of the game?

A: I love five-meter shots. It’s basically getting a free throw in basketball except there’s still a goalie.

Q: What was your proudest moment in your years of experience?

A: My freshmen year our varsity team made it to states. It wasn’t personally my doing that got us there, but it still felt good to be a part of it.

Q: What made you want to play water polo?

A: My friends who swam all played water polo on their off season and convinced me to try it out. I went to the clinic and liked the team aspect of the game.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of the game?

A: I love sluffing. It’s when players on defense double or triple team the hole center to try to steal the ball. It’s best when you trick the offense into passing it to the hole, but then steal the ball for a turnover.

Q: What was your proudest moment in your years of experience?

A: My most memorable experience was when we played against Upper Arlington at the Napoleon Tournament this year. They’re regarded as one of the best teams in the state and we only lost by three goals.

Matt Cechner

Senior co-captain Matt Cechner leads the team as the number one scorer. Matt has been playing on the Sylvania Boys Water Polo team for four years and also acts as a key aspect of the team’s defense.

Positions: Hole Center, Hole Center Defense

Q: What made you want to play water polo?

A: My sister played all four years and it just always looked like a fun game. It was also a nice break from competitive swimming.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of the game?

A: I love shooting because it’s the most exciting to score on the other team. I also like passing in a regular set up because when a play goes well, we usually score.

Q: What was your proudest moment in your years of experience?

A: So far the most memorable moment was when we beat Kilbourne at Regionals my junior year to advance to the state qualifying game against Napoleon. I had a couple of nice backhand shots and you could hear all of our fans chanting from the bleachers.

Vick returns to NFL after prison release

By BRIAN WADSWORTH

St aff writ er Michael Vick was released from prison after serving 23 months for his dog fighting conviction this past spring.

The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback was found guilty of holding dogfights and inhumanely killing dogs by electrocution and beatings on his property in Surry County, Virginia.

National Football League Commissioner Rodger Goodell suspended the highlight reel star but recently let him back into the NFL. Vick has signed with the Philadelphia Ea-

gles and will back up Donovan McNabb this upcoming season.

Vick coming back to the NFL is not the real story though. The real story is that the once loved quarterback is coming back from a prison sentence. There is no doubt that Vick will never be looked at the same way again and will probably never hold any kind of respect in the league or in society. I know he will not find any here.

I will admit that he, above any other NFL player, may deserve a second chance because he actually feels remorse for what happened.

But that is because he, above any other player,

committed the worst crime in quite some time for the NFL. Dog fighting might not be high on the pole in terms of the law because it is not another human being. But in society, it could be one of the worst things Vick could have spent his time doing.

Steroids are even forgivable if one tells the truth and admits wrongdoing. Vick told the truth, so I do give him credit for manning up to his situation but there is no way I’m letting him off the hook. He admitted to what he did, he paid his debt to society, and he apologized in his 60 Minutes interview. But something about

the whole situation will not let me forgive him after watching every bit of the case unravel.

Vick’s case has gotten the most publicity compared to other players, although Plaxico Burress is giving him a run for his money. Vick was clearly made an example by the league with their new “no tolerance” policy and deservedly so.

This whole situation has been the talk of the NFL. Maybe the fact that Vick won’t be playing very much is a good thing so he can stay out of the news for a while. I’m sure his story will eventually become less newsworthy, but I would advise Vick to stay under the radar.

12

SPORTSVIEW Football off to a slow Girls, start, fall to Clay, Rogers boys soccer start strong Sept ember 22, 2009

By ADDISON HIRSCHFIELD

St aff writ er

The Northview Wildcats opened their season at home August 28 against the Clay Eagles. The Cats thrived off of the home crowd’s energy in the first half and went into the locker room at halftime with a 3-0 lead thanks to senior Levi Jasper’s 27-yard field goal.

The lead however, dwindled quickly as Clay scored on the opening play of the second half. The Eagles’ constant attack on NV’s senior quarterback Ryan Kremchek gave the Cats’ offense a rough night. NV would lose the opener 3-16. “It was a tough loss, but we will bounce back,” Kremchek said.

On September 4, the Cats traveled to the eastside to face the Waite Indians. NV came strong out of the gates with a solid running attack and tough defensive play. Leading the Cats on the ground was senior running back Torrence Garland who had 202 total rushing yards against the Indians. “The offensive line did a great job of opening up holes for me. The whole offensive unit worked really well,” said Garland. NV was in control most of the game, though Waite made things interesting late. NV held on to get their first victory of the year, winning 27-21.

The Wildcats hosted the Rogers Rams September 11. The Cats fought to keep it close for a half, but the Rams pulled away in the third quarter. Rams’ senior quarterback E.J. Tucker scored five touchdowns in the game to keep the Rams unbeaten. NV would lose the game 57-22.

The Cats traveled to Maumee to face the undefeated Panthers September 18.

Senior Ryan Coutts, 6, shows a valiant effort by reaching for the ball.

Senior Torrence Garland cut tackles an Eagle reciever. “It was a very hard-hitting game,” said Garland. “Now its time for league play and I believe we are ready.”

By ALEXA KALANQUIN Photos by: Halie Langhals

St aff writ er

Senior Scott Goellnitz, 59, along with juniors Josh Kleinert, 53, and Jacob Sturt, 40, line up and prepare for the next play. Senior Matt Meehan, 55, dives after Clay player along with Besly, 79, and Garland, 42. Despite their efforts, the cats lost to Rogers 57-22 on September 11.

Q & A: Girls and Boys Golf coaches

By SKYLAR ROSE

St aff writ er Mr. Czerniakowski

Northview golf coaches are known for having had success with their golf programs. Coach Andy Roth, the Girls Varsity Coach, has two Northern Lakes League championships under his belt and hopes to continue his current success. Coach Mike Czerniakowski is hoping young talent can spark a new winning mentality for the boys.

The Student Prints took a closer look at the new squads this upcoming season.

How many years have you been coaching?

This is my sixth year coaching the boys and two years with girls before that.

Jeff ?

I have loved seeing him have personal improvement with golf for the last two months since he stopped playing baseball. It’s hard to focus on him like a parent though with the team.

How many returning players do you have?

Cody Brant, senior, is the only returning player on the team. He is an excellent asset to the team. We have six returning players who were on JV last year and one freshman.

Who are your top players? (sr) Cody Brant, (sr) Shane Hennessy, (jr)Alec Elrod, and (fr) Jeff Czerniakowski are the top players as of now.

How is this year’s team compared to last years?

I must admit, it’s hard to say because we are so young and inexperienced. My boys do work very hard though, and I appreciate it. There is nothing better than coaching a bunch of hard working athletes.

How do you fire your players up before a match?

There is actually no firing up before a game.

It’s not like basketball or football where your coach gives you a motivational speech. I want my players to be focused, and the best way to do that is to have them calm down. I let the situation itself fire them up.

What is your record this season so far?

We are 4-2 in the league

Who do you think will be the strongest How many more years do you think you will team to continue coaching? beat in the I honestly can’t see myself NLL? “I honestly can’t see ever stopping. You never Anthony myself ever stopping. know what life brings you.

Wayne is [coaching] You never definitely the strongest know what life brings Mr. Roth team in you.”

How many years have you the NLL been coaching? because they -Coach Mike Czerniakowski This is my sixth season won NLL’s coaching girl’s golf. last year and only lost one of their six top players.

What are the team goals for this season?

Our number one goal is to go into the NLL tournament with a chance to win.

How does it feel to coach your son,

How many returning players do you have?

We have eight returning players.

How does this year’s team compare to last years?

Our team is better than last year because all of the seniors played in tournaments this summer

and that really helped them improve. They were all more prepared this year.

Who do you think will be the most difficult team to beat in the NLL? Perrysburg is definitely a tough team in the NLL. We beat them 178-182. I’m very proud of the team for getting a victory out of the challenge.

What are the team goals for this season?

Our main goal this season is to three peat NLL titles. We are working hard to earn the number one spot out of four spots at sectionals.

Who are your top players?

Brooke Darah, Mamie Silver, Jessica DeBelly, Lauren O’Hare, and Julia Debelly are the top players.

What is your record so far this season?

We are 6-0 in the NLL and 30-5 overall this season.

How do you fire your players up before a match?

I let the girls get calm before the games because what you need the most in golf is concentration. Firing up too much can make you loose concentration.

What role do the senior girls play on the team?

The seniors take a great amount of leadership. They are always trying to get the younger girls involved in events and are a great voice to have on the team. Jessica DeBelly is the captain and does a great job at it. She is very positive and communicates well with everyone.

The Ladykat Soccer team is on pace to achieve their goal of winning the 11th straight Northern Lakes League Title, according to senior captain Kate Schmidt. The first game of the season was against Notre Dame August 27, Northview won with a score of 4-0 with two goals by Schmidt, one from junior Tori Busby, and one from sophomore Stephanie Jenkins.

“It was great to start off the season with such a dominating win,” said Schmidt.

The first league game they played was against Maumee on September 2. The Ladykats won 1-0 with a goal by sophomore Brooke Snead late in the second half.

“We didn’t play our best [against Maumee], but even on our worst day we have to beat other teams if we want to be successful,” said Snead.

Although the team is fairly young compared to last year’s team, which had nine seniors, this year, Schmidt believes the team has great potential.

“Our team has a lot of underclassmen, but they’re strong competitive players. We have good chemistry and play off of each other well,” said Schmidt. Despite the team’s 4-1 loss to Columbus Desales on September 6, the LadyKats are optimistic and see the loss as motivation for the rest of the season, according to senior Bri Scharfenberg.

Next, the LadyKats beat Springfield 4-1 on September 9. Junior Haley Gasser led the team to victory with a hat trick and junior Victoria Northrup also had a goal.

“It felt really good to beat Springfield because it was an NLL game and we needed a win to boost our confidence,” said Gasser.

Next the LadyKats played at Magnificat and tied 1-1. Northrup had a goal in the first half, but Magnificat rallied back in the last four minutes to tie the game. Another close game was Findlay September 14. NV tied 0-0 but dominated play for almost the entire game, according to Scharfenberg.

The LadyKats took on rival Southview last Wednesday and won 6-0. Schmidt had four goals, freshman Laura Connor had one, and junior Alexis Shadler had one.

“It felt the best this year [to beat SV] because I love my team,” said Schmidt. The team’s next game is against Anthony Wayne September 23.

The boys Soccer team has also had a strong start to their season and three freshmen made varsity: Sam Miller, Ben Reuben, and Cameron Kupetz. ”Our team is really young compared to last year. Even though some players aren’t as experienced as others, they still perform well and are good additions to the team,“ said junior Nate Watkins.

The Wildcats defeated St. Francis 2-0 September 1. Senior Corey Howe and sophomore Denzel Wheaton each had a goal.

September 3, the team had a dominating win of 4-0 over Central. Junior AJ Klever scored three goals and Howe had one to finish the game.

On September 8, NV destroyed Springfield 7-1. Nate Watkins, sophomore Michael McPeek, and Klever each had two goals and sophomore Allen Scharfenberg had one. The team next took on St. Johns September 10. Although the team performed well, the Wildcats lost 4-2. Sophomore Ross Wagner had a goal and SJJ had an own goal.

The Wildcats played rival Southview last Tuesday. McPeek had a goal early in the second half, but it was equalized with a penalty kick from SV. Then, SV scored again to take the lead 2-1. With 42 seconds left in the game, Klever scored off a free kick to end the game with a tie.

“I was nervous before I took the kick but I knew I had to do something for the team,” said Klever.

In regards to the last two games, senior captain Josh Watkins said, “We came out flat against both SJJ and SV and it proved fatal both times. We were lucky to get the tie against SV. I hope we see them in the tournament and I guarantee the same thing won’t happen again.”

On September 17, the wildcats beat Findlay 2-0 with both goals from McPeek.

The team’s next league game is agaimst Anthony Wayne on September 22.