Volume 84: Issue 8

Th e

OLYMPIC & NV WINTER SPORTS WRAP-UP, WRAP-UP From Shaun White to NV’s Swim Team, there is a lot to remember.

Check out SPORTS pgs. 20-24

MARIJUANA: THE REAL DEAL, What are the real health effects and statistics behind pot usage?

See FEATURES pg. 15 for the full scoop

Sylvania Northview HS 5403 Silica Drive Sylvania, OH 43560

Marc h 9, 2010

Student Prints Sylvania Northview

Volume 84

Issue 8

Bye-bye, Burnham

Photo by Halie Langhals

2

NEWS

March 9, 2010

Wildcats NHS members induct nine seniors, learn to be volunteer as tour guides at open house healthier

By KRISTI KOPANIASZ

Bu s ine s s edit or

Northview took a walk on the healthy side last week during Healthy Wildcats Week. Along with Wacky Wildcat activities and free t-shirts, each day students dressed in a certain color to represent a healthy food to eat for that day, according to Ms. Jill Galdys.

The official name for the week was “Eat and Dress the Rainbow.”

Northview wanted to bring awareness to students about eating healthy because only one in every ten high school students eat the proper amount of fruits a day, according to Ms. Galdys.

During each lunch period, Student Government put on a Wacky Wildcat that corresponded with the color of the day.

On Monday the color of the day was red. Students bobbed for apples to try and win the Wacky Wildcat. The first student Mrs.Galdy’s saw dressed head to toe in the color of the day would receive a “I’m a healthy Wildcat” t-shirt.

Tuesday was orange day. The cafeteria was busy with activity as students did potato sack races for the Wacky Wildcat competition.

NV halls were filled with blue and purple on Wednesday and green on Thursday.

On Friday, students were encouraged to wear yellow. A Wacky Wildcat involving unpeeling bananas occurred during lunch periods.

The Wellness Committee, Paw Pride and Student Government started planning wellness week back in September, according to Mrs. Galdys.

SARAH SQUILLANTE RECEIVING HER CERTIFICATE OF INDUCTION and honor pin from senior secretary Elizabeth Schwartz is senior Elle Achil.

She was one of nine seniors who were inducted last Wednesday.

By ADAM JURSKI

Edit orial s edit or As Northview’s chapter of the National Honor Society continues their role as leaders in community service and school volunteering, seniors who recently met the GPA requirements were invited to join. Eligible seniors are now able to apply at the end of first semester and if accepted, must complete all of the duties of an NHS member.

“Having the induction for the seniors now instead of at the end of the year

will give the new members a chance to volunteer and help out the community,” said advisor Mrs. Fran Borchers.

The new policy was voted on by last year’s members so that the new members would still have to complete the required ten in-school and ten out-of-school volunteer hours, as well as peer tutor.

“It is great to be recognized,” said new inductee senior Taylor Heninger. “I am looking forward to all of the opportunities to volunteer at NV and throughout the community.”

On March 22, NHS helped give tours to the incoming freshmen and their

parents at the NV open house. The event was rescheduled due to the two snow days that hit the area.

“I thought the eighth grade open house was a great success,” said senior NHS member Alex Kruger. “It was great that they could get a good look at NV and NV could get a good look at them.”

In May, NHS is planning on working with Mrs. Christen Judge for the Relay for Life Fundraiser and Competition, which raises money for cancer research. NV has been apart of the event in the past in the memory of Jonathon Judge, a former NV student and NHS member.

NEWS

March 9, 2010

3

Levy construction begins at NV, junior highs Music dep’t

holds honors, jazz concerts

By HALEY NELSON

Co-edit or It began with a simple majority vote and now Northview High School and the Sylvania City School District are being transformed before the eyes of students and citizens alike, due to the passage and implementation of the 2008 construction bond levy.

Changes near NV have been highly apparent. The recent demolition of the Burnham Building has begun and all that currently remains of the old central office is a sizeable amount of rubble.

“The complete demolition of the building should be finished around the end of March,” said District Construction Liaison and Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Scott Nelson, who is in charge of facilitating levy and construction projects.

“With this complete, the Maplewood Elementary School project will be able to commence in early to mid April, and the new school and campus should be finished

by May or June of 2011.”

NV will not be without its own share of sizably noticeable renovations.

Construction at NV has begun. Students have been relocated to different areas of the NV parking lot, whereas the hill lot will remain an area for construction vehicles and equipment for NV and Maplewood.

The fences and lack of parking around the Fine Arts wing serve as a visual reminder that work on the new area has begun.

“The creation of new Choir, Orchestra and Band rooms is under way,” said Mr. Nelson. “To facilitate learning however, all students will be able to stay in place during this first phase of construction which should be complete around the late fall of next year.”

Over the spring and summer at NV, creation of two of the three new science rooms will begin. These two rooms will be placed almost directly across from Chemistry teacher Mr. Andy Roth’s current classroom at the end of D-Hall.

LAURA GUINNESS CONSTRUCTION HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN at NV, where a fence has been placed around the band and career tech portions of the building. Renovations are scheduled to be completed in August of this year.

These more modern and capable labs will expand into the parking lot behind the school, according to Mr. Nelson.

The levy designers and architects were not quick to overlook NV’s many restrooms, which currently exist in varying states of disrepair. Restroom renovation will begin this summer, with two different restrooms being specifically updated to accommodate special education students.

“The entire NV renovations are scheduled to be completed in August of 2011,” said Mr. Nelson. “With the current $7.5 million NV budget, our plans have been clearly scheduled, and almost all designs and interior choices have been finalized.”

Around the district, construction progress has been evident and expedient.

“This summer all buildings, except for Arbor Hills and Timberstone Junior High Schools whose work has already been completed, will be undergoing various levels of construction and renovation,” said Mr. Nelson. “Currently, we are finalizing the summer construction plans so contractors can get into all the buildings quickly while they are closed.”

Changes are surely evident around the Sylvania School District and especially on the NV campus.

“Overall, the process from creating concept designs to the building stage has gone really, really well,” said Mr. Nelson.

“It is actually very exciting to see ideas jump off the page and become reality in terms of what buildings will truly look like at NV and around the district.”

Winter may be coming to a close, but the Wildcat Music Department continues to showcase their numerous ensembles through a variety of concerts and competitions.

An Honors Concert was held February 21 at the Stranahan Theatre.

Students from NV’s band and orchestra programs were nominated by directors Gene Bohland and Pam Thiel to represent the school in the concert, alongside high school musicians from all over the district.

“I really enjoyed performing with the orchestra,” said senior CJ Wendt.

“The song selection was excellent and it was a great experience overall.”

In addition to acting as concert mistress in the Honor’s Orchestra, senior Haley Armstrong represented NV in All State Orchestra on January 15, an opportunity for musicians from all over Ohio to perform in a concert together.

“Being a part of All State was incredible,” said Armstrong. “It was amazing being able to play at a more professional level.”

NV hosted its annual “Jazz Fest” February 24. Jazz bands from Start, Bedford and Perrysburg gathered in the Little Theatre to showcase their ensembles. NV’s “Jazz Cats” rhythm section was awarded an honorable mention for their performance. The jazz ensemble from Ohio Northern University ended the night, featuring soloist and jazz legend, Gene Parker.

NV’s choirs are currently preparing to compete in District Contest at Archibold March 13. The ensembles will be given criticism by a panel of adjudicators and a rating based on their performance and ability to sight-read.

“I am so excited,” said director Dawn Gallehue. “These are the best sounding choirs I’ve had in my whole career.”

-Estar Cohen

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March 9, 2010

NEWS

Medtech competes in Columbus

Open house welcomes freshmen, parents with tours, posters, info

Medical Technology students will be going to Columbus to compete in the Health Occupational Students of America (HOSA), a statewide high school student competition March 25 and 26.

The competition has many different events ranging from Medical Photography to First Aid and CPR, which juniors Mark Grimes and Tylers Falor placed first in during the pre-eliminations, held last Thursday.

“It was a totally cool experience and I can’t wait to go to Columbus and test our skills against schools from all over the state, but it was boring waiting around for the judges to finish everything,” said Grimes.

All students in Medtech who placed first through third will be going to Columbus, if they choose to do so.

“I’m very proud of all of my students and watching them take this competition seriously was probably the best part,” said Medtech teacher Dawn Soldner.

-Alex Carter

News edit or

By HALEY HOFBAUR The halls of Northview were filled with future freshmen and their parents February 22. NV held their annual Eighth Grade Open House in order to show prospective students and their parents what high school is all about.

After a brief introduction made by Principle Stewart Jesse, members of the National Honor Society began giving tours around the school so the new families could become familiar with the building.

“Giving the tours was important so future students can see first hand what high school is all about,” said senior Leah Smith.

“The eighth graders were able to ask us questions without hesitation which also helps them learn about the school.”

In the Little Theatre, parents were able to hear from Mrs Julie Sanford about curriculum at NV. The heads of each department were also present and were able to give insight and information on all the different programs offered at NV. As soon as the families were done with their tours, they were given the opportunity to go to the cafeteria for refreshments and cookies.

Also, posted around the cafeteria were all the potential clubs and activities a future NV student could join.

“It was cool trying to recruit new members to the Speech and Debate team,”

ABBEY STRICK ABBEY STRICK LOOKING AT POSTERS of various NV clubs and organizations is an eighth grade student and her mother while Guidance counselor Ms. Jodi Hess offers information regarding freshmen scheduling.

Michelle Lorenz said sophomore Moe Dean. “It’s extremely exciting to see how many new members we could potentially have next year.”

There were a multitude of posters ranging from Band to Speech and Debate to Spanish Club. If a student was interested in participating in a club or activity they were able to put their name on a list saying that they are interested for

next year.

“We’ve been trying new things with open house each year,” said Mrs. Carolyn Rofkar, who was in charge of organizing the open house. “There is still a lot of room for improvement but so far, we like what we see.”

NEWS 5 Science Olympiad succeeds at Mentor March 9, 2010

Team looks to Regional meet, qualify for States

By NICOLE MANGAS

St aff writ er Goggles? Check. Mousetrap car? Check. Sweater vest? Check. With all these and more items in hand, the Northview Science Olympiad team traveled to Lima for Regionals on March 6. The top seven teams at the Regional meet qualified for the State meet.

The team practiced their different events after school to prepare for the two weeks leading up to Regionals.

Those that were on the Regional team were picked on February 21. The officers and coach Mr. Andy Roth were those who gathered to pick the Regional team.

Only 15 are allowed to be on a team and NV’s team has a little over 30 participants. It took a little over two hours to decide the final team of 15 and their events, according to senior Secretary Haley Armstrong.

After Regionals, the team will be assessed again to determine the 15 that will compete at States, according to Mr. Roth.

“Just because you are not on the Regional team, does not mean you will be on the team we take to States,” said senior President Connor McEwen.

Prior to picking the Regional team, the team traveled to Mentor, Ohio to compete in the Mentor Invitational.

The team was down a few members due to conflicts with NV’s Orchestra and Speech and Debate. Most of these members were veterans of the team and are crucial members of the team, according to Mr. Roth. Because of this setback, rookies had to step up and fill the veteran’s shoes.

The top eight in each event received a medal. The rankings were out of 45 teams, which included some of the best teams in the nation.

Seniors Levi Jasper and Athreya Rajan placed third in Elevated Bridge and in Astronomy.

“I was excited to place third in both of those events,” said senior Treasurer Levi Jasper. “I spent about 20 hours

NICOLE MANGAS TESTING DIFFERENT SUBSTANCES IN FORENSICS are juniors Kitty Liao and Tim SundNICOLE MANGAS berg. This was the pair’s first time doing Forensics and they placed 20th at the Mentor Invitational against some of the best teams in the nation. studying. I was glad that my hardwork really paid off.”

In addition, sophomores Lindsey Loss, Eric Hojnacki and Dominic Fabiilli placed seventh in Picture This.

Others that placed well at the tournament included Fabiilli, Loss and sophomore Chris Weaver in Mission Possible, seniors Melissa Rondinelli and Nicole Mangas in Forensics, junior Jackie Leizerman and Rondinelli in Technical Problem Solving, juniors Tim Sundberg and

Kitty Liao in Forensics, Hojnacki and Fabiilli in Elevated Bridge, junior Ken Bodie and Mangas in Trajectory, Sundberg and sophomore Adeel Tausif in Dynamic Planet, and Tausif and Weaver in Trajectory .

“I was pleasantly surprised with how well I did at Mentor,” said senior Melissa Rondinelli. “I was hoping I would actually place in an event, but I will take what I can get.”

Four Speech and Debate students head to Nat’ls

By MOLLY PORTERFIELD

St aff writ er Four students from the Speech and Debate team qualified to Nationals the weekend of February 19, which took place at Princeton High School in Cincinnati.

Sophomore Moe Dean and senior John Holler proved themselves by qualifying for Nationals in Policy Debate, while seniors Connor McEwen and Elizabeth Schwartz also qualified in Public Forum Debate. The first alternates for Nationals are seniors

Alyse Rogerson and Jacob Justinger for Public Forum Debate and junior Kelvin Lui and sophomore Andrew Newmeyer for Policy. Nationals for Speech and Debate will take place during the summer in Kansas City, Missouri.

“I’m not sure how we will do at Nationals. We would like to continue the success we have been having throughout the season. It’s going to be insane with all the best teams from around the country,” said Dean.

A few other competitors from NV placed at the National Qualifying rounds

such as senior Haley Nelson who placed fifth in Original Oratory. Another senior, Courtney Tipton, also took fifth place in Dramatic Interpretation.

Another major event the Speech and Debate team has to look forward to is the State Competition in Cleveland during the first weekend of March. Dean and Holler will also be representing NV at States in Policy Debate. Lui and Newmeyer will compete in Policy debate along with freshman Will Hendricks and sophomore Luke Zona. In Public Forum seniors Haley Hofbaur and Elizabeth Schwartz, along with seniors

Jacob Justinger and Alyse Rogerson, will compete for NV. Impromptu speech will be presented by senior Sarah Fatemi, while Original Oratory will be represented by Nelson. Tipton will also compete at States in Dramatic Interpretation.

With the Speech and Debate season soon ending, many participants are proud of what they have accomplished this season.

“I believe we reached all of our aspirations this season. I’m exceedingly proud of the National Qualifiers. I feel all of our hard work has finally resulted in happiness and success,” said sophomore Jennifer Deng.

6 WORLD NEWS ATTACK AT SEA WORLD At Sea World in Orlando, Florida, a professional whale trainer was killed by the park’s largest killer whale during a performance at the popular tourist attraction. On February 24, a 12,000pound whale named Tillicum swam toward 40-year-old trainer, Dawn Brancheau, grabbed her by the hair and thrashed her around. According to witnesses, the whale seemed “agitated” in his previous show. This was not the first time Tillicum has been involved in a homicide before.

“I think this whale should be put back into the wild, since he’s killed people before,” said freshman Libby Headman. Brancheau was laid to rest on March 2.

EARTHQUAKE IN CHILE Less than two months after the tragedy in Haiti, another earthquake has struck. On February 27, the 8.8 magnitude earthquake ripped through cities such as Talcahuano, Arauco, Loca, Chiguyante, Canete and San Antonio. It started between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, which have been home to many previous earthquakes, including one of the strongest ones in 2007. Twenty minutes after the initial quake, an aftershock of a 6.2 magnitude was felt, including two more which were in the 4 and 5 magnitude range. The death toll is currently at 800, with many more missing. The quake issued about 53 other areas to be put under tsunami watch—including California and Hawaii.

LANDSLIDE IN UGANDA Eighty-six people in Uganda were killed after a landslide on March 1.

Villagers have been digging with their bare hands and simple tools in order to find survivors. The landslide took hold of a village on the eastern Bududa district just after a “seven-hour downpour” of rain, according to the Ugandan Media.

More than 400 people are missing and feared to be buried under the landslide.

Minister Tarsis Kabwegyere said that the landslides are expected to continue as the rains intensify in the region.

-Sarah Fatemi

BEYO n D v

March 9, 2010

Fight breaks out at Westfield Mall

By MARGOT JACOBS

St aff writ er One hundred juveniles began various brawls at the local Westfield Shopping Town February 13 at 7:30 p.m. There were several different fights that occurred in multiple areas, such as the food court, the movie theatre and in other wings of the mall, according to WTOL. The mall went into lockdown for a short period of time and some stores even closed early for the night because of the

fights, according to WTOL. The mall sees the safety of their shoppers as their number one priority and always hope to give their shoppers a positive experience, according to WTOL. “I don’t really think about it when I go to the mall. I don’t really feel unsafe,” said sophomore Makenzie Perry.

There were no reports of any serious injuries but at the end of the night 13 teenagers were arrested. They face charges ranging from obstructing official business to resisting arrest, assault, and disorderly conduct, according to WTOL.

“I think twice before I go to the mall now. It hasn’t stopped me from going, but it worries me,” said sophomore Cami Pavain.

Westfield has decided to increase the amount of uniformed security and may be implementing a curfew of 7 p.m. for juvenile patrons ages 13 to 17, according to WTOL. The mall and the Toledo Police Department are sending Westfield’s code of conduct to all the school districts and passing them out to mall patrons throughout the day to reinforce the rules, according to WTOL.

NW Ohioan makes it past Hollywood, qualifies for top 24 on American Idol

By HARLEY ROHRBACHER

St aff writ er American Idol’s top 24 has the people of Northwest Ohio buzzing, due to the fact that one of our own has made it past Hollywood week. Crystal Bowersox, 24 years of age, lives in Ottawa County in the small town of Elliston, Ohio near Oak Harbor, about 20 miles southeast of Toledo.

Growing up, Crystal had a tough life with her family. At Oak Harbor High School, she was on the swim team, but was made fun of because she did not fit in and wore a swimsuit from Goodwill, according to The Toledo Blade.

Bowersox was considering dropping out of high school, but instead transferred schools and ended up graduating from the Toledo School for the Arts.

Bowersox first started singing in first grade when she was Suzie Snowflake in a Christmas play and her professional gigs started when she was only 10, according to www.americanidol.com.

She auditioned in Chicago, Illinois, and received high praise from the judges for her unique vocal styling.

Her musical influences include Melissa Etheridge, Janis Joplin, Ray LaMontagne and Glen

Hansard. Last spring, Bowersox came back to Elliston after living in Chicago for several years and landed a Monday night gig at the Village Idiot in Maumee with one of her childhood friends, according to The Toledo Blade.

Six months ago, Bowersox won The Blade’s Battle of the Bands, and was about to start singing lead vocals for the local band Madison Avenue.

However, her family and friends convinced her to audition for American Idol, which is now in its ninth season on FOX. After making it through a tough Hollywood week, Bowersox was told she had made the top 24.

February 23 Crystal performed with the other 11 girl contestants singing, “Hand in My Pocket” by Alanis Morissette.

The judges praised her performance, with Randy Jackson saying, “You’re one of my favorites…I love your originality as an artist.”

After the show, the lines opened to begin voting to see who would be staying for the following week.

February 25 was the result show, on which it was announced that Bowersox was safe and would be continuing on to the next week.

March 2 Crystal was

PERFORMING ON AMERICAN IDOL is Crystal Bowersox. The Ohioan’s unique vocal stylings granted her success and carried her through to the top 24. scheduled to perform with the nine other female contestants, but instead the men ended up singing because Crystal was in the hospital. She most likely had complications from her diabetes either from stress or problems with her blood sugar, according to a FOX News report that aired after the show Tuesday.

March 3 Crystal was back on the show and performed first singing, “Long as I Can See the Light” by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Once again the judges loved her performance. Even Simon Cowell said, “For you to come

back from last week with that song, that performance, the vocal was incredible...I think we’ve got a really serious artist with you.”

March 4 was the result show where two more girls went home along with two more guys, but Crystal was not one of them.

“I’m really proud of Crystal for making it this far,” said senior Alyse Rogerson.

“She allows us to believe in ourselves as Toledoans, and shows us that we can make something of ourselves if we try.”

EDITORIALS

March 9, 2010

7

Burnham Building is a relic that will be missed Demolition to the Burnham building began February 20. It took only four days and a seven-man crew to tear it down. Four days and one of Sylvania’s most beautiful and historic pieces of architecture is gone.

It went down fighting.

Foreman Bob Klumm was quoted in the Toledo Blade, comparing the strong structure of the building to that of a “bomb shelter.”

But, it was not one. It was, however, a school from 1927 to 1960 and recently served as a facility for administrative offices and community groups. Now, staring out onto the Burnham ruins, I cannot help but think of the time and care placed into creating such a detailed building and of the lives that have been molded by the place it once was.

Through day care and field hockey games, we explored the vastness of a

mysterious building as young children.

Memories cannot be dismantled as walls can.

“The Burnham Building was a big part of my life as a kid,” said junior J a c k i e Leizerman, “ I remember my mom taking me to daycare and how excited I would be every morning to go.”

I shudder at the thought of another average building taking the place of a beautiful relic in our community. The Burnham building added character to

our town. Its sudden disappearance is comparable to saying goodbye to an old friend. “ There is a hole in the middle of Sylvania,” said senior H a l e y Armstrong.

“I grew up with that building. I don’t know how they can replace it.”

I understand that we cannot live in the past. But this does not mean we cannot live alongside it. Our grandparents reminisce and we listen. In fact, we have stories of our own to share. This history is a part of

“I grew up with the building. I don’t know how they can replace it,” -s enior Haley Armstrong

us and to see it being torn down feels like a piece of our childhood is being tampered with in some way.

The prevention of such destruction is possible. We must strive to take care of buildings like Burnham, making renovations as needed instead of allowing them to reach a point where we deem it necessary to call in the use of bulldozers.

With the Burnham building gone, I can only hope that it is somehow reincarnated in the school that is to take rise this coming year. Hopefully, the same amount of detail and craftsmanship will be put into creating not just another building, but something that is unique and can be cherished by the community.

As for you, dear Burnham, I can only say thank you for the memories. You shall be missed.

-Estar Cohen

Untimely clocks cause frustration, tardiness “What time do we get out?” is a question asked countless times each day by both students and teachers at Northview.

This is a question usually followed by one or more students turning around to look at the clock. In many classrooms, however, clocks are either set to the wrong time or have stopped completely. Thus, the answer to that question remains as elusive as ever.

The clocks at NV are interesting, to say the least, especially in the hallways.

What must have been intended as a helpful reminder of the time has now become something completely unreliable. One wall clock outside of the Guidance office is five minutes slow on one side and frozen just shy of 4 on the other. Another in E-Hall is both 20 minutes slow going in one direction and stopped at 6:45 going the other. The same clock in E-Hall proudly sports an “I‘ve been Krogering“ sticker.

There aren’t any clocks in G-Hall, outside the Gym the clock is an hour fast and it is always 5 in the Guidance office. Even the clock in Commons is stopped. The fact that so many crazy clocks exist in these halls begs the question of why we even have them in the first place. The only accurate hall clock that could be found in the entire school was in D-Hall. Lucky freshmen.

To be fair, the issue of incorrect clocks is a trivial one. It is by no means a serious issue and if this is the most I have to be annoyed by, then we must go to a pretty good school. All the clocks are correct in

the most important areas of the school as well, such as the Main Office, the Gym, the Cafeteria, and the Little Theatre. I take issue with it not because it is a big deal, but because of the dozens of times each day students do not know the time.

It seems like an easy problem to fix, and if visitors were to walk in and notice such a consistent problem, it may not reflect well on the school.

“They raised money to redo the theatre and everything but they can’t buy new clocks, which aren’t even that expensive,” said junior Kristina Reed.

Still, the issue of not knowing the time can often cause problems. The quick five minutes in-between classes often leaves students with little time to spare, and the clocks in the hallway would be helpful in discerning if someone is in danger of running late. However, as only one of them is accurate, students have no way of knowing for sure if they will be on time for class.

In addition, many students often need to leave early for dentist or doctor’s appointments. No accurate clock, however, means that one runs the risk of being late.

The problem is compounded by the fact that students are not allowed to check their cell phones during class, which would be an easy solution to the problem.

Finally, NV’s variety of unusual schedules makes knowing the time a necessity. Each Tuesday the school is on

MICHELLE LORENZ Sustained Silent Reading schedule. Every month we have a delayed start. Throw in occasional afternoon assemblies and it adds up to many days spent on an abnormal schedule, which throws both students and teachers for a loop. Knowing the time is essential to planning lessons and without it, it is difficult to gauge how much time is left in a class period.

“It’s very annoying, because if you just want to know when to leave or you have somewhere to go, you can’t,” said Reed.

“Or if you’re in the middle of an assignment and you think it might be time to go, you can’t tell.”

Although this is an extremely small problem in the great scheme of things, it is still a problem that impacts students on a daily basis and is one that most can probably relate to. In a day that revolves around an exact schedule, it is very helpful, not to mention simply satisfying, to know the time.

-Elizabeth Masson

8

March 9, 2010

EDITORIALS

Current graduation honor system should be changed to model colleges It’s likely that our graduating class won’t remember the valedictorian or salutatorian speeches given at the commencement ceremony. But what we probably will remember are the two people who gave those speeches - the two students earning the top GPAs in our class. The academic titles of valedictorian and salutatorian have become such an unwavering aspect of graduation, and rightly so; those who have achieved so much deserve much praise and recognition. But, sadly, for those students who fell just short of such prestigious distinctions are slighted. The differences between the GPAs of the top tenth percentile of a class are typically very small.

With such large numbers of students worthy of academic recognition, our honors distinctions during the graduation ceremony should go beyond the top two students. Introducing a summa cum laude system to Northview would generate more initiative in students and simultaneously reward those who have worked hard throughout their four years of high school.

The Sylvania School District is currently gathering input from parents and administrative members in regards to making changes to the valedictorian and salutatorian system. There have been proposals to implement a summa cum laude system, similar to that of colleges and universities which awards graduating seniors with a distinction of summa cum

laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude, which would be determined by grade point average.

Most colleges award these Latin honors to students earning a cumulative GPA of 3.9-4.0, 3.7-3.9, and 3.5-3.7, respectively. No decisions have been made and if the system is altered the first class to experience the changes would be the incoming freshmen class of 2014. Although the idea is still in its very early stages (and there is no possibility I will graduate this year with a Latin distinction), a change in the classification of honors seems to be a valuable idea.

“People should be awarded for their personal best, especially if it’s a GPA of 3.0 or above because that’s a big accomplishment,” said senior Katherine Pence.

With the inclusion of AP and honors courses, NV aims to emulate the difficulties of college academics, so why not create a system that is similar to that of most colleges and universities?

Opponents of a summa cum laude system argue that when you award everyone, you award no one. Although the system would greatly increase the amount of students being recognized for their achievements, most colleges have distinct (and exceptional) GPA or class percentile requirements that would likely eliminate the possibility of “awarding everyone” if similarly implemented by NV. Those involved in the National Honor

Society are given honor chords to wear at graduation and requirements exist to graduate with honors, but utilizing a three-tier system that would include more students would only motivate them to achieve a higher GPA or class rank, in hopes of earning a place in one of three honors.

Those who are at the top of their class (especially those ranked third or fourth) are given no more recognition than any other classmate graduating with honors.

Moreover, if a student knows they are no longer in the running for a first or second place spot, what further motivation do they have to do well?

“I’m not a huge fan of the valedictorian and salutatorian system, but I’m also not a fan of awarding everyone,” said Principal Mr. Stewart Jesse.

The valedictorian and salutatorian awards are two that have become synonymous with high school. Recognizing the highest achieving students in a graduating class has become a timeless tradition and taking away the system would understandably anger a few who have dreams of giving a commencement speech. In a perfect world, we would maintain our current ranking system and award the students earning the first and second highest GPA’s with valedictorian and salutatorian, while also including those who have qualified for a summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude distinction.

-Sarah Squillante

Mall fights don’t require drastic change Groups of people yelling and running should not be a common sight for the mall on a Saturday night. It is ridiculous that teenagers would fight in a public place such as the Westfield Mall. People should be able to go here to have a good time and enjoy shopping or socializing with friends without fear that a brawl might break out.

The mall is now implementing a curfew for all teenagers due to these fights. At 7 p.m. teenagers under 18 have to leave the mall unless accompanied by an adult.

This is unnecessary and going too far.

Problems like this happen everywhere, and Toledo is not the only place that has a problem with unruly teenagers on weekend nights. Punishing everyone else that goes to the mall for a dozen teenagers’ mistakes is not right.

Many teenagers, who are some stores’ main source of income, are not going to want to go to the mall now if a parent must accompany them. Putting more security and restrictions in place may stop fights from starting, but it will also decrease business.

“They [the mall] should figure out a way to keep it [violence] in control instead of affecting everyone else,” said junior Heather McPeek.

The sight of teenagers fighting at the mall was shocking, but rather than going overboard on regulations, the mall should treat it as an isolated incident.

-Aurora Milliron

School work should be personal best, not beating others As I experienced the chaos of scheduling classes this year, I noticed something a bit different in the air: the smell of competition.

Northview students hear counselors and teachers talking about the importance of class choices in the evercrucial college admissions process. We see our friends eyeing each other’s schedules apprehensively, feverishly making sure that the number of honors and AP classes match up.

Maybe it is because we have been raised in a society where it is imperative to succeed or because getting into the “right college” can secure a financially stable future in this unstable economy. Either way, there is no doubt that the level of competition has been raised.

Gone is the illusion of carefree teenagers and a happygo-lucky, lighthearted high school experience. In its place is a clamor to fill bursting schedules to the brim with AP classes and the urgent checking and rechecking of one’s grade point average and class rank.

What has occurred to force students to this point, where having over a 4.0 GPA is not enough and skipping a lunch period to take an extra honors class is perfectly acceptable, even expected? Although teens are pressured by their parents, teachers and peers to achieve lofty goals, the most prevalent form of pressure comes from the demands that we put on ourselves to succeed and stand out above all costs.

Granted, some students have understandable reasons for taking multitudes of AP and honors classes.

One reason that students take on the extra honors class or two is to get money for college, like sophomore Stephanie McCaskey. “I take so many AP and honors classes because I want to qualify for scholarships,” she said.

Another reason that students take these AP classes is because they want to save money.

“It makes sense to take AP classes now because they are free in high school, and I would have to pay to take the

same classes in college,” said sophomore Sami Bhatti.

Healthy competition is good, but as I have learned, obsessive competition can be detrimental, leading one to slowly self-destruct due to an overload of rigorous academics.

It has become apparent to me that it is much more important to do your personal best, rather than doing well just to be academically-superior to those around you.

I realize that this may seem like an over-used cliché, but like most clichés, it is glaringly true.

If you consider yourself to be one of these competitive souls, I challenge you to take a step back and decide whether or not competition is playing too big of a part in your life.

I am in no way implying that you should just drop all of your honors classes and cease to care about your academics, but rather, push yourself to meet your own goals instead of to surpass someone else’s.

-Kelsey Pomeroy

EDITORIALS

March 9, 2010

9

Olympics too dangerous? Stricter guidelines needed for minority scholarships that her ski broke in half, according to The Orange County Register. Vonn even compared the ski slopes in these Winter Games to “pure ice” in an interview on CNN. Officials seem to realize how dangerous these events can be, as the use of helmets is now required in 10 of the 15 events in the Winter Olympics, according to about.com.

But why do the Winter Olympics prove to yield more dangerous injuries than the Summer Olympics? It’s mostly due to the closeness of the competitors, the nature of winter events and the speeds athletes reach on the courses.

In short track speed skating, up to six skaters can skate around a small track at about 35 mph. This proved to be dangerous when Oliver Jean, one of Canada’s short track speed skaters, fell hard during his event in the 2006 Winter Olympics. This caused him to slice his leg open with the 18-inch long blade on his skate that tore a tendon and cost him most of a year of competitive skating, according to Olympics.thestar.com.

Although I find the Winter Olympics to be much more entertaining than their summer counterpart (due to the higher speeds that enable bigger and better stunts) the injuries that are possible in these games seem to keep viewers on edge, and take away from the enjoyment of watching the sport.

-Ally Yocom

Th e

Every two years, families gather around their TV to watch either the Winter or Summer Olympics, my family definitely being one of them. But what most people don’t think about is how dangerous and life-threatening the Olympic Games can be.

The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver are arguably the most dangerous Olympics ever.

The death of luger Nodar Kumaritashvili has caused discussion on how dangerous the trails and tracks are this year. The track in Whistler Sliding Center that Kumaritashvili reportedly flew off of has an average speed of 95 mph, which is 15 mph higher than at other Winter Olympic tracks. The course had lugers vertically drop 499 feet and navigate 16 curves that left their organs susceptible to 5 Gs of force. Also, the average vertical drop at Whistler is 28 meters greater that previous years.

Olympic skier, Lindsey Vonn, went into the Olympics with a bruised shin which threatened her performance in her events. Unlike some of her competitors, she managed to make it down the course unscathed. Six other women earned DNF’s, which stand for “Did Not Finish”, because of crashes they had on the slope.

One skier had to be airlifted to a hospital, and another went sliding down on her back and was launched about 10 feet in the air by a snowbluff that acted as a ramp. A third skier fell so hard during their performance

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.

One major goal for many college hopefuls is obtaining a scholarship.

Whether it is a scholarship based off merit, leadership or volunteerism, recipients of these scholarships are typically those with high achievements. These scholarships tend to be selective and only reward students who have made a difference or have achieved success.

But this quality does not apply to one type of scholarship in particular: minority scholarships. The purpose of a minority scholarship is to reward those who represent a diverse ethnic, religious or cultural background that will bring variety to college communities.

T h e s e scholarships are directed toward students who embrace their ancestral cultures and will bring this quality to the college campus.

Too often, h o w e v e r , this essential requirement for recipients of a minority scholarship gets ignored. Many students who receive thousands of dollars in scholarship money for being ethnically unique do not bring more to the table than simply a difference in skin color. While on paper many Americans are of Hispanic, African-American, Native American or Asian heritage, how many of these students actually embrace their ancestral traditions and cultures?

Unfortunately in this day and age, much of those cultural ties have been lost.

Even in the Toledo area, only a handful of naturally born Chinese Americans can speak Chinese. Being immersed in English and popular culture can be challenging when trying to maintain a strong background in another language or

culture. Many of those who are ethnically different have become homogenized and have very little interaction with their ancestral cultures. However, because these students are ethnically unique on school transcripts, they are rewarded for being culturally diverse. Those that can only prove a physical connection to their cultural and ethnic backgrounds do not necessarily bring diversity.

This unmerited recognition is unfair to those who have embraced their cultures.

These scholarships should go further than just acknowledging those who are ethnically different. Students should demonstrate enrichment and practice in their cultural traditions. Simply being AfricanAmerican or Asian should not be enough to qualify for these scholarships. If these students are only different in appearance, how are they to bring diversity to college campuses?

If a Hispanic American cannot speak Spanish and does not celebrate Hispanic traditions, how can they fulfill the duty of diversifying a university?

Like academic and or leadership scholarships, minority scholarships should be more selective in their recipients. If those who receive academic scholarships must achieve a high grade point average or an impressive board score, those qualifying for minority scholarships should be held to the same standard.

If minority scholarships exist to reward those who will bring cultural diversity to the college community, then their recipients should demonstrate this quality as well.

-Katherine Chang

those who are ethnically different have very little interaction with their ancestral cultures...because these students are ethically unique...they are rewarded for being culturally diverse.

Letters to the editors They can remain anonymous, can be dropped off in but must be signed in order to be printed in the newsparoom E-6 or Ms. Huey’s mailbox in per, just include your name but ask to remain anonymous. the main office.

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March 9, 2010

COMMENTARY

World Language Week: success or failure?

SUCCESS: This year World Language Week was different than in the past: students actually had to do out of school work to prepare for it. This extra work did not sit well with the students, especially those who had previously experienced WLW as the fun week of doing nothing.

The main goal of WLW is to allow students to become acclimated with other cultures. Instead of just learning frivolous information, such as songs and dancing, this year students were able to learn about influential people, important places, and interesting things. Each poster that students made featured an appealing subject that accurately represented one of the Spanish, German, or French cultures.

Students may not have liked the fact that they had to put work into this WLW, but the activities revolved around utilizing and learning about the language, which is what the goal of this week is.

Another thing this WLW achieved that past WLW’s have not done is forcing students to use the language they are studying. One of the main reasons for the change this year was to make students use their language skills more. Each student had to explain their person, place, or thing in their target language. Not only is this great practice for the student, but it also gives the other students listening the opportunity to hear and try to understand other languages.

One of the best parts of this WLW was the food. Instead of the usual chaotic mess that food days usually are, this year the food went very smoothly. The idea of serving finger foods was ingenious. There was no need for forks or spoons, students could

THE PEA NUT GALLERY

simply take a napkin and enjoy different dishes. Students were able to listen to a presentation and be offered food at the same time. There was much less of a hassle this year than in the past and instead of only being able to get food once, students were able to grab little bites of dishes whenever.

In the past, students haven’t really been able t o take anything away way from WLW. They basically ally ate, danced, and sang. Yes, previous WLW’s have been fun, but not very educational.

This WLW forced students to actually work a little ttle harder and in the end nd taught them moree not only about their eir own target language age and culture, but about bout other cultures and languages as well. As soon as students have to do an ounce of work during a week that hat previously allowed wed them to show up and do nothing, they immediately hate whatever they are doing. If the people who were against this change to WLW actually opened their minds to the idea of learning about another culture and the different people, places and things that make those cultures what they are today, maybe they would learn to appreciate how beneficial this change actually is. -Haley Hofbauer

FAILURE: There’s a very special time every year in the World Language Department that every student looks forward to, but this year’s World Language Week was less than mediocre. Not even realizing that it was actually WLW, students were forced to stud create posters about crea chosen topics pertaining cho to their language. These posters were poorly explained and were not interesting for the students.

“The only classes that I switched with were also from Spanish, so I learned hardly anything,” said sophomore Maddie Klein.

Kl I would also venture to say that ve the teachers were not th entirely enthused to en ggrade them either.

Because of the scheduled day off to sc remember our past re presidents, it was cut short to only four days.

Also, WLW is usually a break from the work and stresses of a world language, and we focus on different, cultural foods and activities. This year, however, was more work than fun. Having to fill out booklets about other students’ posters and making the posters ourselves just took out the enjoyment that the week is meant to

bring.

With the primary focus on filling out the booklets, most students didn’t even pay attention to the other students’ work.

Besides the pictures of the good-looking soccer players from Spain, it’s likely that no one remembers anything that they wrote in their books.

So, through the whole week, I learned from my poster and how to say, “where are you located?” in Spanish.

In previous years’ WLW, students would take part in dances, eat traditional food and trade crafts with students that take other languages. This would introduce different cultures to students that typically would only learn about their specific language.

Another part of this years’ WLW that was inferior to prior years was the food. After spending hours in the kitchen making my delicious bread, I didn’t even get to eat it during my period of Spanish.

Also, the differences in quality of food for the same amount of points were questionable. Someone that brought in a bag of tortilla chips that they picked up at the store before school would get just as much credit as someone that spent four hours waiting on their dough to chill in the fridge to make their cookies.

The last day of WLW that used to be the day that everyone looked forward to brought some confusion as three classes all crammed into two classrooms. The speaker that we listened to was interesting, but had nothing to do with the languages that Northview offers. We couldn’t understand the Saudi Arabian man with his accent.

-Mary Grace Fitzgerald

what was your favorite part of the olympics?

“I watched the opening ceremony and it was interesting to see the different cultures presented. I heard about countries that I didn’t even know existed.”

-junior Laura Deny er “I really enjoyed watching hockey during the Olympics.

It’s really the only thing I watched.”

-fre s hman Jake Oberle

“Personally, I dislike the Olympics because people watch them to be socially accepted but they don’t actually care about the outcome.”

-s ophomore Brandon Vance

“The highlight for me was watching USA beat Canada in Men’s hockey the first time.”

-s enior Au st in McDonald

FEATURES

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March 9, 2010

WELCOM E TO T H E WORLD OF T H E

by Sara h Fatem i

PERF ORM I NG ARTS Part 1 Every year, seniors bring their high school careers to a close as they prepare for the next step of their lives...

Six students are preparing to enter the cutthroat world of the performing arts: Breanna Randolph, Emilly Thomas, Hannah Dickerson, Alex Gibson, Andrew Szczerba and Marisa Mercurio. Here’s a closer look at three of these students. Next issue, we’ll look at the other three.

These students have to worry about not only holding good grades to get into the school of their choice, but for many colleges, an audition process as well. For many students, auditions and interviews begin in January.

“It’s a time-consuming process,” said Szczerba. “My mom has been with me my past five auditions. We drive up to the city of the school that Friday night and wake up early Saturday morning to go to the school.”

The audition process normally consists of a regular routine: The students attend an informational meeting before heading to a dance warm-up. They learn a ballet and/ or jazz combination. After that, they must perform two contrasting singing samples as well as two contrasting monologues.

All this is done for a panel of three to five judges. There are normally no callbacks since sometimes up to 800 students audition for the programs in one year.

“Since I just started private dance lessons, that was the most challenging part of my audition,” said Thomas. “I was going up against people who have been taking dance for years.”

Since the world of performing arts is so competitive, cattiness can be expected.

Although cast members get along often, tension is inevitable, according to Szcerba.

“I have learned not to let other people’s cattiness bring me down,” said Randolph.

“Just focus on your craft and don’t let others’ competitive spirit get in the way.”

Brean na Randolph, T heatre and Film As a child, senior Breanna Randolph had always been the center of attention.

She began performing at the age of ten and is still on stage eight years later. Randolph has decided to pursue the performing arts as a career, hoping that it will hopefully lead her to work in film.

“I look up to Reese Witherspoon a lot,” she said. “She does a lot of different types of movies, which shows her versatility. Plus, she has won an academy award.”

Upon entering NV her freshman year, Randolph described auditioning for her first play, The Diviners, as “just something to do after school.” Yet, she scored the role of “Luella” and ever since, has been appearing in productions, including musicals, plays and the Winter One-Act Festivals.

“I would have to say that the role I cherish the most is that of ‘Anne Frank’ because the show was emotionally draining, but it helped me learn about who I am as a person,” she said.

She will also have a role in the AllOhio show Indian Blood at the Ohio State Thespian Conference in March. She claims to prefer straight plays to having a career as a musical theatre star.

“I admire the role of “Roxy Hart” in the musical Chicago, but I must admit that I do not enjoy singing in front of people,” said Randolph.

Randolph has applied to schools like Northwestern and Miami. Not every school requires an audition for a student to get into the theatre program, she said, but some require getting accepted first academically before having to audition.

However, Theatre is not the only type of education Randolph will be pursuing. She will be double-majoring in Drama and Education.

Em illy T homas, Musica l T heatre On the fields, senior Emilly Thomas was a soccer star. In the fall of her junior year, she discovered a new passion: Musical Theatre. Thomas auditioned for NV’s production of Beauty and the Beast and earned the lead role of “Belle.”

“The role was my favorite by far,” said Thomas. “I loved the songs and connected with the character. Plus, she’s my favorite Disney princess!”

Since Beauty and the Beast, Thomas has performed in one other play and musical, as well as musicals in the community. She decided that musical theatre was what she wanted to pursue as a career during Beauty and the Beast.

“Going to rehearsal was just so much fun,” said Thomas. “It didn’t seem like work.”

Thomas has applied to Bowling Green and Wright State. Courses she took during high school in order to help with this career choice include Drama 1, Spanish, private vocal lessons and private dance lessons. She also became a member of the A Capella Choir and Harmony Road Show.

She plans on receiving a minor in Education.

“Everyone says this [theatre] is one of the hardest things,” Thomas said, “but once the crowd cheers, you’re happy with your choice.”

Andrew Szczerba, Musica l T heatre Senior Andrew Szczerba was unaware of his triple-threat talent until the fifth grade, when his piano teacher encouraged him to audition for the University of Toledo’s Gypsy children’s chorus. He received the role of the “Newsboy” and “it sky-rocketed from there.” Szczerba has appeared in shows in the community and even a local television commercial. As expected, he got involved in theatre at NV right away, appearing in plays, musicals and One-Act festivals.

“The role I cherish most would be “Horton” in Suessical, because it was the musical I did my senior year and it was a blast,” he said.

According to Szczerba, his desire to pursue musical theatre as a professional career was sparked at a young age.

“I came home from Gypsy after rehearsal one day and I told my parents how much fun I had and how I wanted to do it for the rest of my life,” said Szczerba.

Szczerba has auditioned for schools including Carnegie Melon, University of Michigan, Baldwin-Wallace and Otterbein.

Courses he has taken in order to help him with his career plans include private voice lessons, ballet, tap, Drama 1 and Spanish.

He is also a member of Harmony Road Show and A Capella Choir and has studied at Interlochen Summer Arts Camp.

JAKE AMSTEL Will y ou go to Turnab out wit h me? - Sarah

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FEATURES

March 9, 2010

W

O

R

L

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Language Week Northview’s annual World Language Week (WLW) brought a simultaneous cultural and educational experience to classrooms February 16 to 19. Complete with handmade posters, guest speakers and best of all, delicious food, WLW kicked off a four-day fiesta packed with foreign fun.

WLW served a different purpose for students as compared to previous years.

“This year’s focus was to have students speak and understand the language being studied,” said Spanish teacher Mrs. Christine Monday. “Last year, students concentrated more on getting cultural samples of other languages.”

NV students learned to better speak and appreciate languages being studied through a poster project. Sophomore Andrea Binz, a Spanish II student, thought the culturally theme-based posters

incorporated into this year’s WLW was an “excellent idea.”

“The posters taught me a lot,” said Binz, “especially about the people and places of Spanish heritage that I did not know about before.”

Binz was not the only student to be pleased with WLW and the poster project.

Sophomore Jennifer Deng, a German II student, enjoyed the enlightening and foreign experience as well.

“WLW was a lot more educational this year,” said Deng. “It revolved more around making the poster projects in order to acquire communication skills.”

French Teacher Mrs. Mary Goodwin challenged her upper level students by centering their posters on Haiti.

“Instead of focusing on French themes, my upper classes based their projects on

E s sa y Winne r: Ka ther ine Cha ng Language is both a tool and an art. We use language for its practical application in simply communicating with others, doing business, and being able to read signs at an airport. Yet, we also forget that language is like music or a painting. Like the fine arts, it is used to express emotion and abstract meaning that goes beyond its surface uses.

Like the fine arts, we engross ourselves in a different culture in order to enrich our own lives.

Learning the French language is therefore important not only in our ability to simply communicate with the French-

speaking world, but also to develop a human connection with them. In regards to pragmatism, learning the French language is indispensable for international business, foreign diplomacy, and simply communicating with the 200 million people who speak the French language. By learning French, we broaden our ability to correspond with this portion of humanity and increase our advantage at business and peacekeeping with them.

On a more artistic note, it is important to learn the French language in order to enrich our lives culturally and to develop

Haitian artists and musicians,” said Mrs. Goodwin.

The posters were rendered a success on two levels, according to Goodwin.

“The students learned something new culturally,” she said. “The projects also allowed students to use research to communicate in their own language.”

Another main feature of WLW was the five culturally diverse guest speakers who talked to NV students about their native nations.

“I thought the speakers were one of the best parts of WLW,” said Mrs. Goodwin.

“The kids demonstrated their interest in the cultural comparisons between nations by asking good questions.”

Speakers included NV secretary, Xenyia French, as well as University of Toledo students, Pixin Sun of China,

Jorgelina Charest of Argentina, Saleh Ibrahim of Saudi Arabia and Johann Mendoza of Trinidad.

“Johann Mendoza taught us a lot about Trinidad’s culture and was the highlight of world language week for me,” said Binz.

What was the very best part of WLW you ask? The food was the greatest part, according to sophomore Sarah Hildebrandt, a French I student.

“I thought each country’s foods had very unique tastes,” said Hildebrandt.

Popular dishes included the Spanish sopapillas, French tarte flambée and German chocolate cake.

Monday thought this year’s WLW week was an overall success.

“There will always be points to improve on,” she said. “On the whole, however, it was a worthwhile week.”

-Estar Cohen

connections with a part of the world outside of our own. Culturally speaking, the French have an extensive history filled with struggle, instability, and victory. These characteristics make the French culture so interesting and remarkable. While the American culture is also entrenched with a history filled with adversity and triumph, it differs greatly from the French culture. Discovering these differences and in the process, discovering similarities between our cultures, will help us not only enhance our own lives, but develop a closer connection and understanding of the French-speaking world. Secondly, by studying the French language, we are able to connect with a larger part of

humanity. We are able to reach out beyond the comfortable confines of the English language and discover a whole other sector of the world to emotionally connect with.

The life lessons telling us to reach outside of our comfort zones and broadening our opportunities with versatility are also applicable to the study of the French language. We will learn to extend our knowledge outside of what is familiar and enrich our lives with their diverse culture. We will develop connections and strengthen our communication with the French. Like a tool, we can use it to build our interests and strengthen our foundations. We can use it to appreciate culture, diversity, and life.

FEATURES

“The building just had too much

March 9, 2010

13

Photos by Halie Langhals

historical value to tear it down.”

-senior Lindsey Gryca

Sylvania says goodbye to The Burnham Building

14

March 9, 2010

?

FEATURES

Who Has the Greatest

PANCAKE Mama’s Cooking Ain’t Got Nothing on This

Food No te s: M a ybe rry Din e r

It was a sunny morning at Mayberry Diner on Centennial Road. I walked in and noticed how bright and happy the mood in the diner was. The decor in Mayberry was clean, and modern. It had a very urban yet homey feel to it. The booths and tables were made of wood and the windows had the specials written on them. Also, vintage pictures of diner li fe were hung around the restaurant. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and it seemed to appeal to all age groups.

The service at Mayberry was quick and the wait staff and cashier were very poli te and friendly. I sat down and ordered my drink immediately. After my water was ordered and quickly deli vered our waitress took our food orders. I decided on one chocolate chip pancake and one original pancake. My food was ordered at 11:22 and was promptly deli vered to the table at 11:3 0.

Two plates of pancakes were set down in front of me and I was unable to decipher which one was the plain and which one was chocolate chip. Both dishes looked simple; two big pancakes with a sprinkle of powdered sugar over top of each. Needless to say, the appearance of the pancakes were lacking.

I took the first bite of the chocolate chip cake and was disappointed. I didn’t find any chocolate in the dish until I reached the center of the pancake. That was when I hit the jackpot.

Sadly, I did not want to have a goal to reach when I was eating. I wanted the entire meal to be considered a jack pot.

Next, I decided to test out the plain pancake.

The cake stuck to the inside of my mouth and I could still taste the batter. This is something that I personally enjoy but others may not care for.

The total for the two pancakes was very reasonable.

The chocolate chip cake costs $2.45 and the plain had my water within minutes. To truly test the Walking into the Classic Café, my senses pancake was $1.95. The breakfast abili ties this venue had to offer, I knew were intrigued immediately. whole meal with tax that I could not order something with “filler.”

The scent of home cooking engaged in a was only $4.70.

I had to get the basics. Only from them could I tango with my nostrils was a pleasing scent that

Food No te s: The Classic Ca fé

-Margot Jacobs

struck up the image of a grandmother’s home and was, needless to say, comforting. The aroma in general alerted me of one thing: this was a place to eat breakfast.

The first thing I saw was green and lots of it. From the walls to the booths to the falsified forest that was embodied in plastic plants, everything was green. Once seated at my green booth and holding my menu (which was given to me by a waiter clad in green), I noticed the nature motif continued with a fake bird housed in the center of a fake wreath. I laughed at this momentarily, however I understood the effort that the café was trying to put forth.

Also, whether I favored the bird or not, the true measure of the restaurant was the food and that is what I had every intention of getting.

I was greeted by a waiter fairly quickly and

determine the true quali ty that the Classic Café had to offer.

When the smili ng waiter asked me what it was I wanted to eat that morning, I told her two pancakes: one regular and one chocolate chip. They arrived less than ten minutes later and I must say that I was surprised with the results.

The chocolate chip flapjack was very well presented complete with a whipped cream smiley face. Yet, the qualifications that made it a pancake of the chocolate chip breed were barely met. It would appear that the cook had taken a regular pancake and thrown li terally dozens of chocolate chips on it. This gave me my chocolaty fix, but only to a degree. The griddlecake lacked the warm, melted, gooey sensation that the cakes with baked in chips guarantee. I was pleased, but again, not overly excited.

The regular hotcake, on the other hand, was divine. It was as if some entity of a heavenly design had mixed clouds and stardust in a pan and served them on a plate. The regular pancake had the perfect amount of both “fluff” and “c hew;” it was not too dry nor too battery.

The syrup served was not up to the par of the cake itself, but managed just fine to intensify my fried euphoria. Overall, this pancake was deli cious.

My bill totaled to $4.58 before taxes which is a decent price for such a small meal.

At the Classic Café, there were things that impressed me and things that lacked to do so.

All in all though, after my entire experience, I know that I can confidently say that the singular, regular pancake that I consumed that morning was one of the best plain pancakes I have ever had the pleasure of eating. If one wants good food and does not mind fake plants or a marginally elderly crowd, the Classic Café is an excellent morning pick.

-Yianni Papadimos

FEATURES Count Me In

The Student Prints will be continuing their Count Me In Series focusing on high school drug and alcohol use and relating stereotypes, in collaboration with the Sylvania Community Action Team. This series will focus on the individual in regards to stereotypes and substance usage; personal opinions and student ideas will be shared within Count Me In.

Marijua n a v There is a new pairing at Northview and it seems to be sticking. No matter what you call it, marijuana has an undeniably strong hold on student life at NV and marijuana usage plays a large

The Facts

Pot usage limits the

capacity to absorb and retain information.

Research has shown that marijuana's adverse impact on learning and memory can last for days or weeks after the effects of the drug wear off. As a result, someone who smokes weed every day may be functioning at a poorer intellectual level all of the time.

15 NV’s pot addiction: March 9, 2010

WHY

DO WILDCATS THINK IT’S OKAY TO SMOKE WEED? WHAT IS THE REAL STORY?

role in today’s media and culture.

This drug appears under a variety of names and in many forms: pot, weed, Mary Jane, duby, cannabis, bud, chronic, herb, ganja, and its users can range from the athlete, the school-conscious overachiever, to the ever popular class clown.

Pot is everywhere in the media as well. Television and music portray

The amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the level of carbon monoxide absorbed are three to five times greater than among tobacco smokers.

Marijuana smokers trying to quit report irritability, sleeplessness, anxiety and drug cravings.

Marijuana smokers show dysregulated growth of epithelial cells in their lung tissue, which could lead to cancer.

marijuana use as a regular part of life for teenagers, and this is only combined with similar glamorization of marijuana use.

The legalization of medical marijuana in 14 states has led to a misconception that use of the drug is not only benign, but healthy. Drug users often overlook the long-term effects of their habit, especially those that remain unseen, like brain and

Marijuana smoke contains

50 to 70 percent more

carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke.

Northview’s

“You always hear people say that marijuana doesn’t hurt or kill anyone. People always make jokes about ‘the herb’ and smoking. But, the “Marijuana affects life in a number of lives marijuana has hurt that may be negative way. It affects your overlooked can not be denied. Justify it however school work and who you hang you want, but pot is in no way fun, it is out with in terrible ways.” terrible and extremely dangerous to your -Freshman Meghan Keene health.”

-Anonymous senior

Helpful R

If you are suffering from ESOURCES an addiction to marijuana, have a friend or loved one in this situation, or need more information on this topic, there are many

resources available to you. NV counselors, teachers and teen pep members.

Getting help with your addiction is vitally important because marijuana can lead to the use of much more dangerous drugs, such as cocaine, LSD, Oxycontin, methamphetamine, heroin and ecstasy.

lung damage.

Thus, this only leads to the misconception that using marijuana is not physically or mentally harmful.

Pot can’t hurt you, can it? At least that’s what the popular stereotype lends teenagers to believe.

But is this really true? Let’s take a deeper look.

The first step is to simply talk to someone.

There’s no addiction that is hopeless.

Whatever you may call it, marijuana does not seem to stand up to the pleasant escape it’s made out to be. Like most drugs, the instant gratification can lead to permanent regret.

The negative health effects that marijuana use has on the body and on a teenager’s ability to function socially are staggering.

No matter what people say, pot cannot be considered a positive choice, and there is no way around this fact.

Count Me In

“Dope never helped anybody sing better or play music better or do anything better. All dope can do for you is kill you - and kill you the long, slow, hard way.”

-Billie Holiday

~ Haley Hofbauer and Haley Nelson Information courtesy of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, anonymous sources and the Office of National Drug Control Policy

16

March 9, 2010

FEATURES

Healthy Choices Fact .O...R.. Fictio n

By Katherine Chang

Take the Fact or Fiction quiz and check your answers at the bottom.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Multi-grain bread is much more nutritious than white bread. Fact/Fiction Drinking fruit juice 2-3 times a day is recommended as your daily intake of fruit. Fact/Fiction Meat from grass-fed animals is healthier than meat from grain-fed animals. Fact/Fiction Having just three meals a day is the healthiest approach to dieting. Fact/Fiction All salads are high in nutrients and a good vegetable dish. Fact/Fiction

1. Fiction Many people confuse the term multi-grain with whole grain, but the two terms are not interchangeable. Whole grain bread uses all parts of the grain: the germ, endosperm and bran. Using the whole entire grain means the product is rich in b vitamins, fatty acids and fiber, which are normally eliminated when the flour used to make white bread is refined. Multi-grain breads on the other hand contain a variety of grains. There are several different types of grains in the bread, most of which are refined. This means that the nutrition within a whole grain is eliminated and thus most multi-grain breads are just as nutritious as that white Wonderbread. So, don’t let the brown color and deceptive name fool you!

2. Fiction Drinking strictly fruit juice cannot replace the intake of whole fruits. In fact, drinking fruit juice increases the odds of type-2 diabetes by 18%. Fruits contain high amounts of natural sugars, giving them their sweet taste.

In juice form, these sugars are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and can disrupt insulin levels, the main cause of type-2 diabetes. When eating a whole fruit, the body breaks down the fruit’s sugars more slowly, slowing the absorption of sugars. Try to eat whole fruits more often and limit your intake of fruit juice. A better way to achieve the excellent availability of vitamins in fruit juice without the diabetic risks would be to drink juice alongside a meal to ensure slower absorption of fruit sugars.

3. Fact Unfortunately, most meat companies and corporate

Did you know?

farms today feed their livestock with grain due to its low the body and cost and convenience. Feeding livestock grain fattens the animals quickly at a lower cost, allowing the farmers to - The chances of getting sell more meat and make a greater profit. Animals with a type-2 diabetes increases by grain-only diet produce meats that are lower in nutritional 18% with each glass of fruit value, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These essential juice you drink a day. vitamins and proteins are abundant in grass-fed animal meat. Grass-fed meats also have one-third the fat and calories contained in grain-fed meats. So if you want - Cooked spinach has three to increase the nutritional value of your meat while times the amount of iron keeping the calorie intake at a minimum, try and as raw spinach. look for lean or free-range meats. metabolism is increased. Having only three meals a day helps maintain a - Livestock animals healthy weight and high absorption consume five times the of nutrients.

There is always controversy whether amount of grain conthree meals with small snacks in sumed by the American between is better than a strict three population. meal diet. When you frequently While the salad is a low-calorie dish and snack, your body stays in a is mainly composed of vegetables, certain constant “fed-state”. Food takes - Whole grains help salads actually contain very little nutritional about three hours to digest and maintain healthy bowel value. Some restaurants go the cheap route with frequent snacking, your movements and reduce and use iceberg lettuce as their main element, body is constantly in a state the risk of colon canwhich contains tons of water and very little of digesting food. When you cer. of anything else. Compared to spinach and eat just three meals a day, romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce contains more time is given to digest significantly lesser amounts of fiber, calcium, food and your body enters - Eating a heavier potassium and vitamin C and K. Next time you “post-absorptive” state, lunch and a lighter buy an already made package of salad or order one where nutrients have dinner helps maintain from a restaurant, make sure the main component is their highest efficiency a faster metabolism. spinach or romaine. of being absorbed into

4. Fact

Source: “So is Drinking Orange Juice Really Bad for You?” by Lisa Jewels. Independent. http://nutritiondiva.quickanddirtytips.com/eating-frequently.aspxwww.tincap.com

5. Fiction

Program of Northwestern Health Sciences

www.whfood.com/ genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=61

FEATURES

17

March 9, 2010

WHAT DOESto IT MEAN be a Wildcat?

By AMANDA METCALF

Staff writer

The Maumee Panthers, purple and gold. The Southview Cougars, brown and orange. The St. Ursula Arrows, yellow and blue. From animals to symbols, schools around Toledo are proud of their personal mascots and colors that give meaning to their school’s banner. But what about the Northview Wildcats?

By observing our school’s spirit, it is evident that many students have pride in our mascot and its dominant gold and black colors. Why? What makes the Wildcat and our colors so easy to be proud of?

The Wildcat mascot and colors date back to Burnham High School, according to Communications Director Mrs. Nancy Crandall.

Burnham’s first basketball team was formed in 1927, according to local historian Gaye Gindy.

However, there is no record of Burnham’s basketball, football or baseball teams being known as the Wildcats until 1929, when Burnham’s football season began. The girl’s basketball team was also referred to as the Wildkittens instead of their nickname today: the Ladykats.

When Burnham evolved to Sylvania High School and finally Sylvania Northview High School, it kept its same mascot and colors, according to Mrs. Crandall.

Contrary to popular belief, the wildcat, or Felis silvestris, is actually more closely related to a domestic cat rather than a lion or tiger. This is actually ironic, because although we come off as fierce and extremely cunning, we are really quite a relaxed group of people.

Wildcats are also nocturnal animals, and it is easy to tell that NV students are not morning people. 7:35 in the morning simply does not look good on us.

Have you ever felt humiliated as a freshman Wildcat? If you answered yes, there’s no wonder why. Another word for a herd of young wildcats is an “embarrassment”, according to the websiteofeverything.com. Although some not-so-spirited students may perceive this as an appropriate metaphor for NV, please have some pride. At least we’re cute and cuddly.

When it comes to a wildcat’s habitat, they are quite adaptable. From savannas

to forests and steppes, wildcats are able to adjust to any environment. When it comes to NV sports, particularly in hockey and girl’s basketball, it is needless to say that we play well whether we’re at home or away.

Also, wildcats are primarily carnivores, eating specifically rodents and rabbits. So, although we enjoy picking on the little guy, we’re not afraid to take our stance and attack. Watch out.

“I like our mascot,” said senior Emilly Thomas. “I watch Discovery Channel. It’s better than a cougar.”

When it comes to our “cheer for the black and gold”, as stated in NV’s Alma Mater, there are explanations behind our bold colors.

Black is an authoritative and powerful color, according to squidoo. com. Black also evokes strong emotions, which obviously explains our fans’ overwhelming pride at sporting events.

Speaking of sporting events, there’s no wonder why students love to participate in Black Outs: black is a thinning color that makes one appear sophisticated. SV’s orange, on the other hand, is known to stimulate appetite, according to squidoo.com. Need I say more?

NV’s gold is another acceptable color to represent our school. Gold symbolizes optimism and success, according to crystal-cure.com. When noting Sylvania’s “Excellent with Distinction” award, this is no surprise.

Gold is also generally associated with good health, according to crystalcure.com. NV’s participation in Wellness Week is a great representation for this interpretation.

When it comes to the NV student section, Gold Rushes may prove to be an excitement booster. Wearing gold builds power, promotes courage and encourages confidence. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that our gutsy chants may be even more effective during Gold Rushes.

“I think black and gold are good school colors,” said sophomore Chris Harris. “They compliment each other well and are bright and noticeable.”

A school’s mascot and colors are important to them, especially when it comes to school spirit. NV’s Wildcat and black and gold colors are certainly appropriate symbols for NV and its students.

1941

1963

The Sampler

1963 1992

1995

1995

2009 2009

Wyandotte

A&E

March 24, 9, 2010 November 2009

BEST

Art s & Ent ert ainment

THE

18

BOOKS BECOME

MOVIES

By KELSEY POMEROY

St aff writ er Turning a bestselling novel into a motion picture can be a risky business.

There are really only two ways this process can occur: either the film becomes wildly successful and draws huge crowds of fans (Twilight much?) or the movie becomes a major flop and disappoints its viewers (such as what happened with Where the Wild Things Are last year).

It is undoubtedly difficult to bring the fantasy of a novel to the big screen and many have failed in an area where few have succeeded.

Several books have been made into movies, though in most cases the story was better off as a paperback. Here is a guide through the many book-to-movie transformations.

My Sister’s Keeper was a bestselling novel on the New York Times Best Seller’s List, written by Jodi Picoult.

It is mainly narrated by a teenage girl named Anna, but switches narrators during the novel. Different narrators include Kate, Anna’s older sister who has leukemia, Anna and Kate’s mother, Sara, and Anna’s attorney, Campbell Alexander.

As a perfect genetic match, Anna has spent all of her 13 years getting surgeries and shots in order to help her sister live, but she must sacrifice her own health as a result.

The heartfelt and inspiring story made its way to the big screen last summer and had great results for the most part, winning the “Choice Summer Movie Drama” at the Teen Choice Awards.

The acting was spectacular, with talented actresses such as Abigail Breslin, Sofia Vassilieva and Cameron Diaz playing the roles of Anna, Kate and their mother respectively.

Now, we won’t spoil the end of the movie for any of you who haven’t seen it, but it is quite different from the ending of the novel.

This surprising change angered and upset many fans, leading some to write and email the author as to why the change occurred.

Overall, the movie was captivating and well-made, but because of the alternate ending, we would recommend reading the book before seeing the movie.

Although it seems a tad redundant, we just have to mention the Harry Potter series in our book-to-movie list.

The internationally popular books about a boy wizard who develops into an unlikely hero became a big hit with

people of all ages, even before the first movie was filmed.

The films definitely had high expectations to live up to and they hit the mark in every way.

While the series deals with a fantastical castle, magical spells and settings that are difficult to translate to the real world, each and every movie captured the whimsical and extraordinary aspects of the novels that Harry Potter fans were hoping for.

The engaging characters were brought to life with the help of brilliant actors such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint (whose careers have thus been catapulted forward by the popularity of the films).

The movies also had absolutely amazing special effects and scenery, which helped contribute to the uncanny feeling of entering an alternate universe.

Every movie in this blockbuster series seems to greatly improve with each new installment.

Although most of the viewers of the Harry Potter movies were already diehard book fans, the films were spectacular in themselves and have become classics in their own right.

If you haven’t yet seen these magnificent films, pull your head out from under the rock you’ve been hiding under and put them on your must-see list ASAP.

NEXT 2 NATURE MOBILE SPRAY TANNING Inside Ocean Rays Tanning 8257 Mayberry Square Sylvania, OH 43560 Phone: 419-779-0413 Sign up for a spray tan at school or through Next 2 Nature Mobile Spray Tanning for the Turnabout dance for only $20. A portion of each spray tan will donated to the After Prom Committee.

Nest 2 Nature will be at Northview HS from 2:30-8:00, March 24-26. Don’t miss out! Sign up early for your time slot.

A&E

19

March 9, 2010

Art s & Ent ert ainment

MAMIE SILVER’S

Top Ten

Bombs always have very obvious display clocks that are facing upwards so that the hero can easily ly see eee how much time mee is left.

After all, ll,l, how h could sufficient ieen e suspense be built unless the timer gets to one second before being adequately deactivated by the hero?

Villains must always explain their plan to the hero, giving the hero ample time ape. e This T is to escape. lain n la just plain lack of eativity. y. Why creativity. n’tt don’t villains ever learn that this isn’t a good idea? Are they too busy tapping their fingers and cackling?

When someone says things can’t get any worse, the situation always does. Jane said it in ney eyy cclassic the Disney m Tarzan and many ies sinc inc have movies since i d on the carried tradition; is this Hollywood trying to tell audiences that life can always get worse? That doesn’t seem very uplifting.

The hero is invincible no matter what.

As displayed by the James mov Bond movies, atterr how h no matter maany times mes the many hero is shot, punched or stabbed, they manage to survive and even save innocent bystanders in the process.

é h c Cli Movie Scenes

Unfortunately, everyone has been forced to bear witness to one cliché movie scene after another. For all of you that laugh when people are killed because of their stupidity in horror movies or wonder why never going to the bathroom seems normal for characters, here is a list of the top ten movie clichés.

Everyone in horror movies are stupid. As in My Bloody Valentine, not once do the actors think to simply call the police. While mindlessly screaming, the characters in horror movies never fail to play right into the crazy axe-murderer’s hands.

Coughing can either be a sign of death or life. They have a terminal illness? They cough. They are waking up from a near death experience? They cough (hence, Twilight).

Apparently nobody coughs in everyday life.

There is always a fight in a bar. It doesn’t matter how calm the huge thugs in the bar were moments beforehand, within minutes of the hero entering the bar, a nasty fight breaks out and no one bothers to break it up.

People never die without saying very touching, articulated last words. No one ever stutters while making their last wish, since that would make things too normal. Instead, last words seem rehearsed.

Hmm, what a coincidence.

The girl always gets badly hurt.

How else would the extremely attractive male hero finally make the damsel in distress realize that they were meant to be together than by saving her life?

Cars are always unlocked and ready to go in order to make a speedy getaway (or there is a bike or skateboard that can be quickly stolen).

Then again, if a car was locked, it would make a strenuous scene into a comical one, ruining the entire movie.

T HE OSCA RS 2010

The Academy Awards are always a good time of year for movie lovers. It is when all the year’s best films are honored for their achievements, whether they are acting, directing or special effects. This year, the Oscars had some new innovations while still continuing trends from past years.

The biggest change to the award show this year was the switch from five Best Picture nominees to ten. This was done largely because last year, the popular The Dark Knight was excluded from the race in favor of the less well known The Reader.

This change might at first seem like a ploy to get more people to tune in and see more

commercially successful films, but the new system has benefits as well. Several genre films and smaller movies such as Up, District 9, An Education and A Serious Man also received nominations along with moneymakers like Avatar and The Blindside.

This opens the door for these films to be seen by more people who have never even heard of them.

The acting categories seem to be following the same molds as previous years. There is always an actor playing a famous real person: Meryl Streep in Julie and Julia, Sandra Bullock in The Blindside and a beloved star finally getting his due, Jeff Bridges in Crazy Heart. The supporting

actor categories usually go to relative newcomers or villainous turns. This year, both of the probable winners, Mo’Nique in Precious and Christoph Waltz in Inglourious Basterds, have never been nominated before and both play antagonists to the main characters.

The Academy usually has a few surprises among its nominees and my favorite was the inclusion of the British film In the Loop in the best original screenplay category. The film, a fictional account of how the war in Iraq started by a spiraling system of misunderstandings, is hilarious.

The movie is the funniest released all year and should be sought out by anyone who

can handle some strong language and is looking for a good laugh.

This year’s Best Picture race seemed to be between two opposite movies. There is Avatar, the megahit made with the best technology money can buy, and The Hurt Locker, a smaller but still masterfully crafted film. Some argue that the outcome will show which way the future of movies is heading, whether the Academy will go in favor of the big moneymaker or the smaller but arguably more well made film. In the end it doesn’t really matter who wins.

The real winners are moviegoers, who get to enjoy a variety of first-rate films every year.

-David Aldrich

20

March 9, 2010

SPORTS

Dance team Thank you Olympic Games committee places 2nd

By ALLY YOCOM

for getting rid of these ridiculous sports

St aff writ er

By BRIAN WADSWORTH

Closing the season with one final game performance and competition is the Northview Dance team.

Friday January 26 was the Dance Team’s last performance at the Boy’s Basketball home game against Rossford.

The girls presented their pom dance to a mix entitled ‘Shake That’ along with their new jazz dance to ‘Damaged’ by Danity Kane.

The last appearance for the girls was a competition at Findlay High School January 27. The team had to meet at NV at 5:30 AM and did not get home until around 6:00 PM. The competition consisted of dance companies and other high schools, although their rival Southview did not compete.

The girls performed their kick dance, pom dance and both of their hip-hop dances. The team placed second overall in hip hop and third overall in pom.

St aff writ er The Olympic season sparks new interests in sports that usually go unviewed.

But for about three weeks in the winter and summer, these sports can have their fame and millions of people all over the world come together to watch the games.

Many sports, such as swimming and skiing, would never be viewed if they were on television at any other time. But when is it too much?

Although the Olympic Games are a great stepping stone for many of these sports, who regulates whether the sport is actually worthy of Olympic status?

Some of the most ridiculous sports ever thought of were apart of the Olympics at one point. I am going to take you back over some of the most ridiculous and outrageous excuses for sports to ever take place in the Olympic games.

The first one more than likely you could have guessed. But yes, tug-of-war at

one point was an Olympic event. Athletes from every country competed to prove brute force supremacy as the first team to tug their side of the rope more than eight feet to win. In the end, there is no way anyone should have won a gold medal in tug-of-war.

The next Olympic event worthy enough to mention is underwater swimming.

Swimmers were awarded points for how far they went underwater without taking a breath. Oh the days spent in the pool as a kid, only you never won an Olympic gold medal for it back then.

Although underwater swimming was almost as exciting as tug-of-war, the list must go on. The next sport to make the cut is live pigeon shooting. This is exactly how it sounds and yes, PETA had a fit when they found out about this.

The live pigeons were released and shooters were given a certain amount of time to kill as many as possible. Long live the pigeons.

“I would watch that for sure,” said senior Mychal Monteith.

The fourth sport to make this list of the most ridiculous Olympic sports is club swinging. A brief description: this event is similar to rhythmic gymnastics.

The difference is that these competitors are swinging clubs around their bodies as opposed to ribbons. This could be particularly funny if a competitor loses control and gets a club to the groin.

Classic.

The fifth and final sport to make this list is plain high diving. Any average human being would be able to compete in this event, as you only have to be able to fall off a diving board.

This was one of the five diving events in the 1924 Summer Olympics and hasn’t appeared since. They must have realized that plain diving wasn’t exactly putting people in the stands.

The Olympic games are admired all over the world but these sports were not part of the glory days for the games. As long as we can keep the swimming obstacle course out of the 2012 games then I think we will be all right.

GymKats finish 4th in NLL, freshman places rd 3 in Districts, advances to State meet

By ADDISON HIRSCHFELD

St aff writ er The Northview Gymnastics team ended their season on an extremely strong note, placing fourth at the NLL Championships February 20. An improved group of GymKats scored 125.7 points at NLLs to clinch the spot. This score is a 25-point improvement from last year.

“This fantastic score happened because of the determination of the girls to do their best possible,” said coach Heather Tussing.

Hard work rewarded the team and specific individuals by seasons end. Freshman Megan Matrisciano and sophomore Kati O’Keefe received first team NLL honors. These two helped lead the girls to their fourth place finish with outstanding individual efforts during the championship meet.

Matrisciano placed second in the vault and beam competitions and received second place all-around. O’Keefe followed her teammate placing third all-around.

The third place finish was due to her great performance on the floor and the beam in which she placed third and fourth respectively.

“To be on the first team NLL is a huge accomplishment for these two girls,” said Tussing, “I am so proud of them and they deserve it for all the hard work and dedication that they have given to gymnastics this season.”

After the NLL championships, the GymKats competed in the District Championships March 27.

The girls finished with a final score of 124.150, which placed them in ninth place in the district.

This score was just .625 points away from eighth place and was a huge improvement from last year, where the team barely scored 100 points.

O’Keefe and Matrisciano individually

led the team through competition, but the whole success of the GymKats came due to a full team effort.

“The entire season was a complete team effort,” said Tussing.

This teamwork and unity paid off as NV won the District Team Sportsmanship Award.

“Not only do they support each other, but they gladly support other teams,” said Tussing, “I am so proud.”

Voted one of the most improved on the team, O’Keefe represented the GymKats well at Districts.

“Kati had a great meet,” said Tussing, “She hit every routine and I expect big things from her in seasons to come.”

With her strong performance at Districts, Matrisciano literally vaulted her way into the state competition. Only the top five girls in each event make it to States, and Matrisciano advanced with a third place finish on the vault by scoring an 8.975. She also finished in eighth place

on the floor routine, and was eighth allaround as well.

The state competition was held March 5 and 6 in Columbus at Hilliard Bradley High School.

“It’s very exciting to be going to States,” said Matrisciano, “I am a little nervous, but I have been practicing hard all year so I know I will do well.”

Being a freshman, Matrisciano has high expectations for the remainder of her career.

“My main goal is to eventually win States on the vault,” said Matrisciano.

The NV Gymnastics team improved immensely this year through teamwork and dedication. This hard work showed through great team finishes at NLL’s and District’s, as well as multiple individual successes. The youthful talent on the team promises even more success in years to come.

“I am lucky to be the coach of a group of such hard-working girls,” said Tussing.

SPORTS 21 A Curler Among Us: Senior Harley Rohrbacher March 9, 2010

By Nicole Mangas

With the 2010 Winter Olympics in full swing in Vancouver, many Northview students have had the opportunity to watch sports that they may have never heard of.

One sport that the Winter Games features is an event called curling. NV senior Harley Rohrbacher knows all about the sport. Rohrbacher is on a curling team in Bowling Green, Ohio and has aspirations of making the Olympic team in the future.

Curling is a team sport that is compared to a mixture of shuffleboard and bowling that takes place on ice. The fundamentals, on the other hand, are more like chess and dealing with strategy, according to Rohrbacher. Stones are slid across a sheet of carefully prepared ice toward a target area. Brooms are used to sweep ice to heat it and make the rock slide farther, as well

as to make the rock go straighter and not curl as much.

The team who has the most rocks closest to the center target wins, according to Rohrbacher. There are four people on a team and each team throws 8 stones down the ice.

“I have been interested in curling since I was in eighth grade,” said Rohrbacher.

“When the Summer Olympics came around in 2008, I was reminded of my aspirations and decided I wanted to really try it.”

Last year, Rohrbacher looked for the closest curling club. BG was the closest so she traveled south to learn.

The junior league that Rohrbacher is a part of is an eight-week league.

There are two weeks of practice, five weeks of tournaments, and one week of

championship games. The opponents are others that are in the club at BG as well, according to Rohrbacher.

In addition, she drives to BG to practice once a week. Those nights are considered open curling nights where she practices for two hours.

In her second year of curling, Rohrbacher has already had much success.

Rohrbacher won her first match she ever played with experienced curlers.

The coach, Gary Saddler, said she should continue curling and be an official member of the junior league. Saddler was right because Rohrbacher continued to be undefeated in her first year of competing.

This season her team is tied for first and plays for the trophy on March 7.

She plays the position called vice-skip

Curling 101

The Hog Line-

If a rock does not pass this or stops on it, its not in play.

From the positions to the parts of the Curling sheet

1. Lead

Goes first in the throwing order, then sweeps all of the other team members’ shots

2. Second

Throws second and sweeps all other team members’ shots

The Tee lineTo determine the center of the house.

or third. This position is responsible for the delivery of the fifth and sixth stones down the ice, according to Rohrbacher.

For more information on the logistics of curling, see below.

“I was surprised with how natural curling was for me,” said Rohrbacher.

Next year, she plans on attending Bowling Green State University and on joining the curling club there and devoting her free time to practice.

In her junior year of college, Rohrbacher has goals of trying out for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

“I would be so honored to be on the Olympic team,” said Rohrbacher. “I realize how hard it will be to make the team, but that just drives me to work even harder on my sport.”

The Button-

The TargetIf a stone is on the target at all, it is

considered a point.

The goal is to get closest to this point.

3.Vice-Skip Throws third, holds brush for the Skip, sweeps only Lead’s and Second’s shots.

4. Skip Throws last, holds brush for all other players, tells other players when to sweep, watches the “curl” of the stone, the team captain.

The House-

If a stone is inside these boundaries, then it is in play and is used to score points if it is bumped onto the Target. You only score a point if it in inside the Target.

Batcats stuff their mits for upcoming season

By SKYLAR ROSE

St aff writ er “Play ball!” The sound of spring has arrived. Just like the first school bell rings in the fall, you know spring has arrived when you hear “play ball.”

The Northview Varsity baseball team, coached by Mr. Kevin Danzeisen, has been conditioning since the beginning of the school year, according to junior Nick Dorner. The Wildcats finished with a 1415 record last season.

“We are looking to start off this season strong. We have a lot of young talent this year,” said Dorner.

Junior John Joseph agrees with Dorner on having young talent.

“We have talent coming from the freshman and sophomore class. Every time they step on the field they give 100%,” said Joseph.

This season there will only be one senior, Michael Dorsey. This will be Dorsey’s second year on varsity as a catcher.

According to Dorsey, the Varsity and JV team will travel this year to South Carolina

for spring break. They will be training for spring ball, which includes playing games against other high school teams.

“It should be very fun this year for spring break. Considering all of us get along, I think everything will go well down there,” said Dorsey.

Junior Zach Ryder, a third year varsity player looks to make it to the district finals this season.

“Last year we had players that had talent but didn’t want to work hard. This year we have talent and hard workers,” said Ryder. “This season is going to surprise

everybody with how we do. I’m very excited about it.”

According to Ryder, the Cats take on St. Johns for the season opener at St. Johns.

“Its going to be a battle with them,” said Ryder.

Sophomore pitcher Brandyn Hall has high expectations for this season as well.

“I hope to win the league. It’s going to take good pitching and defense,” said Hall.

The Cats tryouts started March 8 at 2:45 in the gymnasium.

22

SPORTS

March 9, 2010

Wrestling Swim team races through Districts, Sectionals th finishes 10 Senior Laura Guinness qualifies to States in 100 backstroke at Sectionals By YIANNI PAPADIMOS

By AURORA MILLIRON

St aff writ er Finishing up their season, the Northview Boy’s Wrestling Team finished last in the league, but junior Shane Modryznski finished second in his weight class of 152 lbs at NLLs. “This year was a good learning experience for our new wrestlers,” said junior Tanner Newland.

While at Sectionals, the boys finished tenth out of 11 teams.

Even though they finished second to last, five wrestlers moved on to Districts: sophomores Jacob Harder, Todd Enis, juniors Billy Sargent, Modryznski and Newland.

“Hopefully we can come back stronger and more experienced next year,” said senior Adam Box. Sectionals was last Saturday.

Even though five wrestlers made it to Sectionals, no one qualified for States.

“Our team finished strong with such a young and inexperienced group of guys,” said Newland.

Feature s edit or The Wildcat Swim teams went into their seasons eager to learn and finished with a strong stroke into the wall. February 13, both the girl’s and boy’s swim teams competed at the sectional competition.

After an early morning breakfast at Star Diner, the Aqua Cats headed to the St. Francis de Sales Natatorium. Only the top 32 swimmers in the district would be invited to compete at the district competition.

District qualifiers included freshmen Molly Wheeler (50 and 100 yard freestyle) and Kaeli Peer (500 yard freestyle) and sophomores Kelly O’Connell (100 and 200 yard freestyle) and Melissa Hrovat (500 yard freestyle and 200 yard individual medley).

Also, sophomore divers Katie Musteric and Jacob Mikolajczyk qualified. Junior swimmers Victoria Peitrykowski (100 yard breaststroke and 200 yard individual medley), Lydia Grum (100 yard breaststroke), Ben McClurg (100 and 200 yard freestyle), Britain Fretz (100 yard backstroke), and Trent Victor

(100 yard breaststroke and 200 yard freestyle) along with junior divers Sam Federman, Klaudia Konik, and Emily Due were among those to qualify.

“I loved the atmosphere of fast swimming at districts. It was cool to know that everyone around you had achieved something great,” said Victor.

Megan Foster (100 and 200 yard freestyle), Laura Guinness (200 yard freestyle and 100 yard backstroke), Taylor Heninger (100 yard butterfly) and Daniel Rhollans (100 yard breaststroke and 200 yard individual medley) were the senior swimmers to qualify in individual events.

“After having an injury during the season, I was not expecting to make the district team,” said Heninger. “I was really glad to make it as a senior.”

Both the girl’s and boy’s team relays (200 and 400 yard freestyle and 200 yard medley relay) successfully moved forward to the district level.

The district competition was held at the Bowling Green State University Natatorium on February 20. The only swimmer to qualify to the state level was

HALIE LANGHALS SWIMMING THE STROKE THAT TOOK HER TO STATES is senior Laura Guinness who finished in 18th place at the state meet.

Guinness, placing second in the 200 yard freestyle and first in the 100 yard backstroke.

States were February 27 in Canton, Ohio. Guinness was one of 24 swimmers to qualify for the state competition. She placed 18th in the backstroke with a time of 59.86 seconds.

“Although I just missed making the top 16 who qualify

for finals on Saturday, I was really happy with 18th. This is the highest I’ve placed in the last four years so it was a nice ending to my four year high school swimming career,” said Guinness.

The Wildcats finished their seasons strong and, though losing their head coach next year, are prepared to have a powerful start off the block in the year to come.

Olympic fever dying, World Cup hype heats up

By BRIAN WADSWORTH

St aff writ er With the Olympic fever still in the air, it might be time to start thinking about the next big ticket in sports: the 2010 World Cup. Anxious soccer fans all over the world have been anticipating the event since the marvelous performance standard set in 2006.

You may not be a big soccer fan, and that is probably the case, but this will be the most watched event this year. Although the United States may not pride themselves on being a great

soccer team, Europeans go crazy and, even a little over the top, for their country’s teams. Here is a little preview for those who don’t get to watch too many games but are looking forward to the games in June.

They may not be the favorite anymore, but the Italian national team will be looking to defend their title from four years ago.

Italy was able to beat France in the championship game that year 5-3 in a penalty shoot out after the game had ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation.

Many teams will be looking to triumph in South Africa in June.

One of the favorites, as always,

will be the Brazilian team. As the world leader in the World Cup championships with five (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) wins, they will be looking to regain their dominance over the soccer world.

With players like Ronaldinho and Kaká, the Brazilians are a heavy favorite in June.

The most interesting team in the World Cup this year though may be the Argentineans. The team has enough talent to win the tournament, but in order to do so, they will have to overcome one major pitfall. With the best player in the world in Lionel Messi and other stars such as Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero,

the only downside comes with their coach, Diego Maradona.

They always seem to be a favorite going into pool-play.

The host team from 2006, Germany, will be looking to make a mark of their own as they did four years ago. The Germans always play solid but for some reason fall short to high-powered teams such as France and England.

Michael Ballack leads a team full of promise that will be a force in the 2010 games.

There are so many teams in the World Cup this year that are loaded with talent that it is hard to find a real favorite. In the end you have to go with who played

the best in qualification rounds.

England has to be that team to beat in June. Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, and the rest of the Three Lions team will be looking to redeem themselves from what turned out to be a disappointing 2006 World Cup. There is so much talent, so much hype and so much promise for every team in the tournament. Not every team can have their way this coming June so disappointment will be inevitable. There will only be one team that will come away with the coveted title, but it shall be an exciting finish to see who will come out on top.

SPORTS

March 9, 2010

23

NV weight room needs update Girls, Boys b-ball Grimy, smelly and dingy are all words that describe a public restroom. But in this case, unfortunately, I’m talking about the Northview weight room.

Hundreds of students use this facility for gym class each day as well as for sports after school.

The tiny room is used so often that it has become run-down and infested with germs.

One of the most unattractive features of the weight room is the odor. As soon as the door opens, a hot and sticky stench overwhelms you. I understand that it smells because of perspiration from athletes, but the room permanently stinks. There is also another scent in the air, one of rusting metal from the dumbbells.

This is irritating because when you use the dumbbells, your hands then reek of metal for two days no matter how many times you wash them with vanilla bean hand soap.

Also, I’m not sure how hygienic the equipment is despite the fact that Clorox sanitary wipes are provided to wipe down a machine when you’re done using it.

“I don’t think the room is very clean, but it gets the job done,” said junior Josh Kleinert, who uses the weight room five days a week.

I would hope that everyone would use them, but there have been times when I’ve wiped

wrap up seasons

ABBEY STRICK

By MARY GRACE FITZGERALD

St aff writ er

AVAILABLE FOR USE IN NV’S WEIGHT ROOM are rusty, outdated dumbbells. down a dumbbell or piece of equipment and the wipe turns brown. This leads me to believe that the wipes are not as widely used as they are supposed to be. When equipment isn’t disinfected after a person uses it, there is a risk for MethicillinResistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) commonly known as staph infection, athletes’ foot and ringworm, according to omafra.gov. These diseases are uncomfortable and prevent you from participating in your sport, so next time, please use the wipes.

They are there for a reason.

Besides the stench, the small size of the weight room creates an obstacle for anyone trying to get a good work out in. I have personally experienced this when the soccer team has tried to do P90X in the weight room (since

we have nowhere else to practice) and we’re pressed for space with just 15 girls. We are forced to do our core exercises on the floor, which is by no means sanitary.

Football seems to have the same kind of problem when trying to fit everyone in the room.

“It’s hard to fit 50 guys in the weight room,” said Coach George France.

Maybe if NV had an updated weight room with more space to pump some iron, our athletic teams could train more often in appropriate facilities that would help them become more successful.

“It’d be nice to have a bigger room, but if you use the weight room efficiently, you can still get things done,” said Coach France.

“It’s just how you use the space that’s given.”

-Alexa Kalanquin

Rounding out their season, the LadyKat Girl’s Basketball team had their final win against Springfield, winning the Northern Lakes League title outright.

This 57-29 victory brought the girls’ record to a convincing 18-2 overall and a 13-1 for the NLL. This record surpassed Southview’s 12-2 record, putting the LadyKats in first.

The LadyKats traveled back to the NV gym after winning the title at Springfield. Here, the champions cut the net down for the first time. This tradition was very exciting for all of the players as well as the coaches, according to junior Katelynn McCoy. “Good job, it was your hard work in practice that earned this,” said Coach Jerry Sigler to the players while they participated in the tradition.

After the celebration, NV got right back to business. With 11 days until the next game, the LadyKats had a lot of work to do to prepare for the tournament.

When the bus pulled up to Central Catholic for NV’s first tournament game, the LadyKats were ready. They stepped onto the court against the Bowsher Rebels, keeping the last time they met in mind. December 7, the LadyKats took on the Rebels and won 7035, and they were determined to have the same outcome again.

The LadyKats did, in fact, have the same outcome. At the final buzzer, the scoreboard read 63-35 in favor of NV. “The win against Bowsher was a relief. The next step was to start preparing for Waite and hope for a victory,” said McCoy. With this victory, the LadyKats moved into the District Semifinals.

They faced the number one team in the City League: Waite.

“We’ll change up our defenses

and we must be physical and box out,” said senior captain Olivia Fouty. “Handling the ball will be a big factor in the game.”

The LadyKats put in a valiant effort and stuck with the second best player in the nation until there were four minutes left in the game, with strong play from Fouty and senior Hannah Small.

Junior Val Sohasky also had a stand-out game, but got into early foul trouble.

The final score of the game was 46-58 in favor of the Indians.

“We have a following. Our basketball program is up here,” said Coach Sigler with his had in the air, “because of this team.”

The final record for the NV Girl’s Basketball 2009-’10 program was 19-3 overall.

The NV Boy’s Basketball team has also been rallying to pull off some wins for the season.

After a tough 71-43 loss to the Bowling Green Bobcats, the Wildcats got right back to work for their next game against the Maumee Panthers.

The Cats beat the Panthers last time they faced each other with a score of 50-48, but this time the Cats let the clock slip by in overtime. The final score of the game was 52-56 in favor of the Panthers.

Next, the Cats played against the Clay Eagles. Coming out strong, and not letting up until the final buzzer, NV pulled out a 64-40 win over the City League team.

NV hosted Rossford February 26. They fought the whole way through, but couldn’t pull out a win. The Bulldogs’ shooters were too much for the Cats’ defense.

The final score was 56-62.

After the loss to the Bulldogs, the Wildcats faced Waite in their first tournament game.

The Wildcats’ season ended at Central Catholic against Waite with a final score of 43-77. NV was outworked on the glass and couldn’t keep up with the athletic ability of the Indians.

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SPORTSVIEW

March 9, 2010

I Picked My Number Because...

A Look Into Why Athletes Choose the Numbers They Sport

By ALEXX KLEIN, ADDISON HIRSCHFELD and ALEXA KALANQUIN

Hannah Small

Josh Watkins

Ryan Kremchek

St aff writ ers Ever wonder the reasoning behind why athletes pick their numbers? Most great athletes have even greater stories behind their selections.

Their explanations reveal where they came from and even who they aspire to be. Michael Jordan, for example, chose his famous 23 because it was half of his brother’s number of 45. He believed he had “half the talent” of his brother.

Whether it’s a family tie or a strange obsession, athletes are dedicated to the numbers laid across their chests or backs during competition. We talked to six Northview athletes and found out why they selected the numbers you see on their jerseys.

“2+2=4, and that is Zack Leahy’s number.”

“15 was my dad’s number when he played hockey for NV and it has always been my number.”

“After workouts sophomore year, Coach Schaetzke, my quarterback coach, bellowed beneath his mustache, ‘you will be the next 10.’ Coach was 10 when he played and I reminded him of himself.”

Jacob Sturt

Jordan Jones “5 is really my favorite number, but I couldn’t have it freshman year because Brent Bain already had it.”

Natalie DiCola “It’s the biggest number they had.

Baggy clothes make me feel cool on the basketball court.”

“Growing up I was the biggest Indians fan and my favorite player is centerfielder, Grady Sizemore. Since I play centerfield and he is the best centerfielder ever, I naturally decided to pick his number.”

Hockey team skates to District Finals

By ALEXX KLEIN

Sport s edit or The Northview Hockey team concluded their regular season play with a convincing win over rival St. Johns Jesuit February 13.

Sophomore Dalton Carter opened the scoring for the Cats with a goal in the first period. However, the Titans tied the score at one with a power play goal. Junior Tyler Harding and sophomore Zach Felser scored the only two goals of the middle frame, respectively, putting NV up 3-1.

On a power play early in the third period, junior Nolan Culver improved the

score to 4-1 for the Cats. SJJ would go on to score the last goal of the game, but NV came out victorious, 4-2.

“We wanted to finish the season with a win to keep us in second place and to keep momentum,” said junior Ryan LaPlante.

The win was the sixth in a row for a NV team looking to make a run in the State Tournament. The team finished with an overall record of 16-8-3 and an 8-2 finish in the league.

The Cats claimed second place in the Northern Hockey Conference red division, which marks a run of six years that the team has either finished in first or second place.

In the first round of the state playoffs

February 20, the Wildcats cruised to an easy 10-0 win against Start. Seniors Matt Snyder (2), Josh Krispin (1), juniors LaPlante (2), Aaron Booth (1), Nolan Culver (1), sophomores Dalton Carter (1) and Jon Mancy (1) all recorded goals in the game.

NV squared off against Bowling Green in the District Quarterfinals February 24 with hopes of advancing to the District Semi-Final game.

At the end of the first period, the Cats were up 2-1 with goals from senior Mark Hall and Booth. NV did not look back as Culver scored in the final minutes of the game, sealing the 5-2 win.

“We were confident and knew we

could beat them if we played well,” said Harding.

The team faced St. Johns once again February 27 at Tamo. Sophomore Austin Gryca made 23 saves, continuing his strong presence in the net. Midway through the opening period, LaPlante scored off a rebound from Carter’s shot to give the Cats a 1-0 advantage. Felser added onto the lead, but SJJ scored making it 2-1.

Heading into the first intermission, NV was up 3-2 in a high scoring game thus far. Hall netted a goal 51 seconds into the last period and the team did not look back, winning the game 4-3 and earned themselves a berth into the District Finals to face Findlay March 6.