November 2015 Leaf

THE

LEAF

Sycamore High School News Magazine Volume 3 | Issue 4 | Nov. 20, 2015

Giving thanks, Giving back

Image by Brooke Landrum

We Proudly Support the Teachers, Administrators and Students at Sycamore Schools We Proudly Support the Teachers, Administrators and Students at Sycamore Schools John Rickert Joe Gilligan Principal Managing Director www.svn-ricore.com

9708 KENWOOD RD. bLUE ASH, OH 45242

John Rickert Joe Gilligan Principal Managing Director www.svn-ricore.com

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Go Aves!!!

Larry May President Larry May www.gcpartnersltd.com President www.gcpartnersltd.com

Thank you to our supporters:

The Chundur Family

IN THIS ISSUE TABLE OF CONTENTS

pg.2

pg.3

pg.6

NEWS 2| Health takes backseat to fast food 3| ISIS spreads global terror

OPINION

pg.7

pg.8

pg.11

8-9| SHS sophomore performs in Nutcracker

FUN &GAMES

10| Where’s Anna, sudoku

4| Staff editorial 5| Gun laws trigger misunderstandings 6|SHS shows support for Sycamore trees

ENTERTAINMENT

7| Adele drops new single ‘Hello’

COVER

11-14| Students celebrate holiday, give back

FEATURE

pg.18

pg.19

pg.21

16| Fashion changes with seasons 17| Bionic lenses provide clear future

SPORTS

18| Cross country races through state 19| Chess team begins season strong 20| Snowboarder’s guide to success

SPOTLIGHT

21| Courtney Reardon, 12

15| Snapchat popularity surges

THE LEAF

Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242

Editorial Policy: Although students work under the guidance of a professional faculty member, the content is ultimately determined by the student staff and should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics about which there may be dissent and controversy. Students can not publish material that is obscene, libelous, or will cause “a substantial disruption of the educational process.” Content that may stimulate heated debate or discussion is not included in this definition. The views represented in our publications do not represent the views of the Sycamore Community School District or the Sycamore High School administration. Our publications are public forums.

ADVISER Cheralyn Jardine PHOTOGRAPHER McDaniel’s Photography ABOUT US Professional memberships: • Columbia Scholastic Press Association • Journalism Education Association • National Scholastic High School Press Association • Ohio Scholastic Media Association • Ohio Professional Writers (National Federation of Women Writers) • Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honorary

EXECUTIVE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Caroline Gao EXECUTIVE MANAGING EDITOR Anna Zhou PRINT EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Brooke Landrum Elizabeth Rickert Elijah Zawatsky WEB EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Caroline Bruns Harsimran Makkad LEAFLET EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Orion Schlosser Zoe Schlosser BROADCAST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sarah Horne BUSINESS MANAGER David Wertheim SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Ben Ruskin ASSOCIATE EDITORS Jenna Bao Lauren Kurtzer MANAGING EDITOR Sydney Evans BEATS EDITORS Adhiti Chundur Kamaria Walton LEAFLET DESIGNERS/WRITERS Emily Chien Hannah Frey INFOGRAPHICS Max Fritzhand Rujula Kapoor NEWS Jacob Englander SPORTS Hannah May

FEATURE Amy Deng Maddie Marsh ENTERTAINMENT Claire Lefton OPINION Natalie Brinkman Nathan Zhang SPOTLIGHT Lauren Shassere STAFF WRITERS Sarah Abraham Jordan Baker Alejandra Bello Allyson Bonhaus Taylor Close William Coleman Meghan DiGiovanna Lilah Foley

Yasmine Guedira Alexander Karev Stephanie Kidd Eshika Kohli Hannah Loftspring Christine Macke Anne Marsh Zachary Max Zachary Milliken Hajime Minoguchi Calliope Osborn Joshua Patterson Sam Ruskin Madeline Schramm Max Torem Caroline Veraldo Sydney Weiss Abhilash Yarlagadda

[ news ]

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Fr es before fi ness: Fast food proves prevalent SYDNEY WEISS staff writer

rushing from activity to activity, it is hard to get in a meal. With the or the past 94 years, fast food has convenience of fast food, the health been serving the nation and the factor seems to take a back seat rest of the world. sometimes.”

On Oct. 6, McDonald’s began serving Fast food is associated with having breakfast all day, a message that Egg more calories, fat, sugars, and salt than McMuffin fans have been waiting for the average person should consume at their entire lives. once.

What seems like the A study done by solution to a problem the Robert Wood for breakfast lovers is Johnson Foundation considered a disaster in 2013 said that for health nuts. Some the foundation customers look forward observed common to the lack of restrictions fast food chains on the menu while others and, “less than one disapprove of including percent of all kids’ more junk food on the meal combinations menu. met recommended In a survey conducted nutrition standards.” by the staff of The Leaf The catchy ads and fun toys make on students at SHS, 60 percent of kids’ desire to choose fast food over students said that they have a version healthy snacks unavoidable. of fast food at least once a week.

The Robert Wood Johnson Fast food includes McDonald’s, Foundation’s study also said, “On Starbucks, Chipotle, KFC, or any other average, U.S. preschoolers viewed 2.8 restaurants with speedy service and fast food ads on TV every day in 2012, low prices. children aged 6-11 years viewed 3.2 Freshman Shayna Kling said, “When ads per day, and teens viewed 4.8 ads

F

Fast (Food) Facts

“With the convenience of fast food the health factor seems to take a back seat sometimes.”

2

Top restaurant chains enjoyed internationally 1. McDonald’s 2. KFC 3. Subway 4. Pizza Hut 5. Starbucks Infographic by Sydney Weiss Sources:www.forbes.com www.johnrlott.blogspot.com

per day.”

If ads keep popping up on the television screen, everyone starts craving the product. Fast food chains are well aware of this theory and use it to their advantage.

John Scardapane, founder and CEO of Philadelphia-based Saladworks said, “Speed of service [in fast food] is in direct correlation to overall retail sales.”

It is no surprise that immediate delivery of fast food is what attracts customers to it. Whether customers have a short lunch break, are on a road trip, or are just hungry, fast food is an accessible option.

The various pros and cons of fast food make it a controversial industry, but it has stayed relevant for 94 years and does not look like it is leaving anytime soon.

Percent of population eating fast food at least once a week:

41% China 37% India 35% USA 14% UK 3% Sweden

Astonishing Athletes:

THE LEAF|Nov. 20, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG N

Fall competitors receive recognition

Greater Miami Conference First Team Certificate FOOTBALL

All Ohio First Team GIRLS WATER POLO

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Ra’Von Bonner Jake Borman Clarence Dawson Ricky Nance Ben Schehr

Hannah Kast Hannah Schwegmann

Abbie Hughes

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Kyria Graves Kevin Lawson

BOYS GOLF Alex Jones BOYS SOCCER

Jake Melser Cameron Foy Woody Truncellito

GIRLS SOCCER

GIRLS GOLF

UCA All Americans CHEERLEADING

Lucy Wittenbaum Hannah Young Constance Kavensky

Farrah Brown Grace Louis

Orchid Wang Kellen Alsip

Thousands of migrants flee Syria and Afghanistan to Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea. Because Western European countries are only allowing a small number of migrants in, the burden is falling on Hungary. In September, Hungary put up a fence and passed several laws to keep refugees from illegally entering the country.

Russian jet

A Russian airliner carrying 224 passengers crashed on Oct. 31 in Sinai, Egypt. The cause of the crash is currently unknown, however ISIS has claimed responsibility.

Source: Infoplease, NY Times Infographic by Adhiti Chunder

ISIS

The Islamic State currently holds land in Syria and Iraq. Most recently, a suicide bomber killed four police officers in Egypt. ISIS has also taken responsibility for bringing down a Russian jet, but there is yet to be any evidence.

Russian airstrikes

Early in October, Russia launched air strikes in Syria. Russian foreign minister Sergey V. Lavrov told reporters that Russia was after ISIS and other terrorist groups.

ISIS spreads global terror

Migrant crisis

33

Staff Editorial

Leafing through the masses:

What are you the most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

“

“I’m thankful for the opportunities I’m offered,” Sabari Subramanian, 12

Source: Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) of Ohio

4

“I’m thankful for family, friends, music, art, literature, and philosophers,” Lindsay Tacy, 11

“I’m thankful for being privileged,” Van Tha Bor, 10

“

C

incinnati has recently been declared number two in the nation for child poverty. Per capita we have more children going without meals and without homes than any city other than Cleveland.

As Thanksgiving draws closer, most people look for ways that they can help others, especially in their own communities. This Thanksgiving we urge you to participate in the fight against child poverty.

There are many ways to get involved during the holiday season without losing your traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

The Freestore Food Bank puts together lunches and dinners for students living in poverty to take home over the holiday. For many students receiving these packages, the meals included will be the only ones they will have over the break.

This is also the 10th year for Fall Feast, an event held downtown that provides not only a meal to families in need, but a place to go for a daylong event. The goal is to give the families a day to remember, especially for the children.

Volunteers are always welcome to help by donating items or putting together the packages that gets delivered to the children before they leave school the day before break. Monetary donations are an easy way to do your part; however, donating your time and manual labor is often found to be more rewarding.

When you can look at the work you have done for others, seeing what you have accomplished, you develop a strong sense of pride. This feeling is worth more than anything else you could have done with that time.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, giving thanks and giving back.

Volunteering allows you to give back, grow in your appreciation for what you have and help other families have a good holiday.

Volunteering as a family is a great way to bond, especially if relatives are coming in from out of town. Working for others brings families closer and creates memories that they will cherish.

“I’m thankful for my health and my family,” Mr. Kevin Wittman, history teacher

[ opinion ]

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Menta Gun lm policies

i trigge streat

m dersta ent:

r misun

by the National Center for Health Statistics, fewer than five percent of the gun homicides in the US from 2001JENNA BAO 2010 involved one diagnosed with a associate editor mental illness. hese days, when people picture a Risk factors like history of violence, mass shooter, they often imagine a drug and alcohol use, and even the ‘crazy’ person, someone unhinged, male gender are greater predictors of a loner. That is hardly gun violence than surprising, considering mental illness. that every time a shooting In fact, as far as occurs, like the one at the most common Umpqua Community mental illnesses go, College in October, the such as depression, media and politicians leap anxiety, and at gun policy. attention deficit One side clamors for disorders, there is increased gun control while no correlation to the other insists that it is violence at all. As the mental health system, for more extreme not the weapons, that are mental illnesses the problem. And while like schizophrenia, there is certainly a problem people with with how mental illness is those illnesses are far more likely to treated in the United States, it is hardly be victimized than to commit crimes fair to say that it is the only issue in themselves. play.

People often call the police to handle People have been studying whether situations regarding a loved one with the mentally ill are fit to have guns a disease like schizophrenia, and the since the 1960s. After the shootings at police who are untrained to handle Columbine in 1999 and Sandy Hook in such problems end up harming or even 2012, concerns erupted once again. killing the people they were intended Yet, science does not necessarily to help. confirm these speculations. For instance, On Sept. 30, 2015, Jason Harrison, a less than three to five percent of U.S. man with bipolar schizophrenia whose crimes involve people with mental mother called the police to help get illnesses, and according to a study done him to the hospital, was shot and killed

T

125 people with signs of mental illness were killed in encounters with the police in just the first six months of 2015

ndings

by the officers. This was not necessarily a fault of the officers; they did not have training to handle the situation to keep everyone involved safe.

According to a “Washington Post” investigation, 125 people with signs of mental illness were killed in encounters with the police in just the first six months of 2015.

That is just one of many problems with both our treatment and perception of the mentally ill. There cannot be change unless people discuss it.

Cases like Harrison’s are certainly not given the kind of coverage that the aforementioned gun control debates are.

There is already a stigma around mental illness, this inaccurate idea that anyone with one is a lunatic, a dangerous loner, or making it up (for some reason, as if the brain is not also an organ that can function abnormally).

This attitude is not only unfair and misguided, it is also dangerous, and could prevent people from getting the help they need.

Our society needs to become more understanding of mental illness, a task that is only hindered by the disproportionate depictions in the media. It is illogical to base assumptions about 18.2 percent of the U.S.’s adult population on a handful of terrible cases.

5

O THE LEAF|Nov. 20, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

Beleaf in rees:

Students rally support for fallen foliage

BROOKE LANDRUM co editor-in-chief

A

shes to ashes, dust to dust, if you cut down our trees, you must, you must: tell us before you do.

When Principal Doug Mader joined the Sycamore family, we heard promises of student involvement. He claimed he valued our opinions as a student body, encouraging us to voice our concerns.

If Mader had told the students what was going to happen to the trees before they were cut down, the backlash would not have been so great.

Our generation is a particularly green generation, we constantly hear about all the harm being done to the planet, for example deforestation in the rainforests.

Therefore, when some of the largest trees on campus were cut down, we panicked.

Taking down trees is like an indicator species being removed. If

self-sustaining programs are too much, then what would become of the peoplecentered green programs?

We have an outstanding environmental club and program at our school who have instituted critical and influential programs across the district.

Had they, or any of the student body, been warned or asked for suggestions, we would have felt more secure.

Unawareness coupled with surprise can be one of the scariest feelings, leaving one feeling out of control. At the moment, I believe the students are feeling blindsided and worried about the future of green spaces on campus.

While student reaction may not have been the most eloquent, especially on Twitter, I was impressed to see the student body come together as they did.

Many times Mader has promised that the school will replace the trees with something else, something that

will not damage the track or field. I do not doubt the legitimacy of this, there will most definitely be a replacement in store.

The concern mostly lies with the ‘experts’ they consult with to decide what the replacements will be. After seeing two rain gardens suffer and die after ‘experts’ recommended the wrong type of plants for our climate and soil, my faith is wavering.

Again, talk to students, allow field biology or regular biology classes to do research and develop proposals. The staff and student body we host is more than qualified to solve problems such as this, utilize them.

I urge the administration, while it may be too late for this issue, to get our student body involved and keep us informed. It is not hard to gauge our public opinion, then adapt or address our concerns.

Leafing through the masses: Were you upset by the removal of the trees in front of the track?

“ 6

“Yes, I was upset because those trees were there my freshman year, and I’m sad to see them go my senior year.

They were part of our community as sycamore trees,” Aravind Murali, 12 “I’m disappointed that they would do this because in a way [the trees] kind of represented our school,” Natalie DeMarks, 10

“No because they had no sentimental value to me,” Jessica Levitt, 9

“I am upset that it had to happen, but I understand it was necessary and that it had to have been a hard decision for them to make,” Mrs. Melissa WolfeIzworski, English teacher

“

[ entertainment ]

Image by Anna Zhou

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

‘Hello, can you hear me?’

Adele’s single reaches new heights

TAYLOR CLOSE columnist

A

fter being on hiatus since the release of her single “Skyfall” for the 2012 James Bond film, Adele has finally released a new single.

The song “Hello” was well worth the three-year wait.

Critics and fans alike have been raving about the single’s powerful, very Adele, sound. It marked the second number-one single Adele has had in the United Kingdom, the other being “Someone Like You” in 2011.

Adele went on hiatus because she wanted to “live a little.” She took two years in between her first and second album and said she wanted to do the

same with this one.

Since her 26th birthday in May 2014, Adele has been dropping hints of the new album on Twitter, saying, “Bye Bye 25… see you again later in the year,” leading fans to believe the new album would be called “25.”

The titles of her last two albums have also been ages, with the first being “19” and the second “21.” The second was named Billboard’s album of the year in both 2011 and 2012.

The singer apologized for the long wait but “life happened,” and many fans are ecstatic that the new album will be coming soon. On Oct. 22, Adele confirmed the album will be released on Nov. 20.

A music video for “Hello” was

released on the same day as the single and got over 27.7 million views in the first 24 hours of being on YouTube, breaking the record for most number of views in a day.

This surpassed the previous holder, Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood,” which held the record at 20.1 million views. On Oct. 28, BBC News reported that the video was being viewed an average of one million times per hour.

There is no doubt that fans are counting down the days until the album’s release, and can expect this album to be just as good, if not better, than the previous ones from how well the first single did.

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F THE LEAF|Nov. 20, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

Plie-ing into show time

SHS student stars as Clara in Nutcracker

ELIZABETH RICKERT co editor-in-chief MADDIE MARSH feature chief

W

hat chance does a high school girl have to be in a professional production of “The Nutcracker?”

This holiday season, sophomore Lily Freiberg is doing just that. She is performing at the Aronoff Center as Clara in the Cincinnati Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

Freiberg has been performing since the age of ten. This will be her sixth performance in “The Nutcracker,” but this is her biggest role in the ballet to date.

Freiberg said, “I have been cast as a ginger kid, a baby mouse, chick, party boy a Clara double, and now I am Clara.”

Being a ballerina seems to be every little girl’s dream, and Freiberg has pursued this passion for 11 years, going on 12.

Freiberg has always loved ballet, but she has also learned musical theater, jazz, and modern dance.

Freiberg said, “Every little girl should have the experience of being a ballerina.”

Freiberg practices on the weekends, but as the show date gets closer she will begin practicing two to three hours on weekdays while doing five hour days on weekends.

Freiberg is also outfitted with a wig, worked on by make up artists, goes through warm ups, and gets her hair done, all while getting coached on lines.

When Freiberg was younger, she told her mother she would be Clara one day.

Her mother replied, “No, you won’t be, you’re Chinese and Jewish.”

8

So when Freiberg got a call on Aug. 31 saying she got the role of Clara, “I called my mom right away. She cried when I told her,” said Freiberg.

Many people have been an inspiration to Freiberg throughout her time as a ballerina. Her mother signed her up and encouraged her. Of course, her ballet teachers inspired and helped Freiberg as well.

Freiberg’s dance teacher, Zack Grubbs, is playing the role of Uncle Drosselmeyer in the performance.

Ballerina Sarah Hairston is the principle ballerina in “The Nutcracker” and a role model for Freiberg.

Why ballet? “I like dancing because it expresses your feelings in a different way. When I have a bad day, I will dance in my room and right away I will feel better,” said Freiberg.

Freiberg balances ballet lessons, school, and practice for “The Nutcracker.” How? Freiberg said, “I’ll usually work ahead on free days. Since there are two casts [for the performance] I will watch

upstairs when the other cast is practicing and do homework then as well.”

As Clara, Freiberg is in practically every scene in “The Nutcracker.” When asked about the part, Freiberg said, “It’s more of an acting role than technical ballet.”

There are two separate casts for the performance, so Freiberg is performing the role of Clara for half of the shows.

Although Freiberg could be considered a young dancer, especially for having a lead role in a professional performance, she is not the youngest dancer there.

Freiberg said, “Most kids in the cast are younger than me. I look up to the professionals who act as role models for me, but I guess I am a role model for the younger dancers.”

The performance dates are Dec.13-27.

At press time Freiberg does not know which dates she will be performing.

“I like dancing because it expresses your feelings in a different way.”

THE LEAF|Nov. 20, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG E

Infographics by Elizabeth Rickert

The Nutcracker Ticket prices Start at $81, max at $211 per ticket

Where The Aronoff Center 650 Walnut St. Cincinnati, OH 45202

When Dec. 18-27 For various show times, go to centercincinnati. net.

All photos courtesy of Christine Zou

2

1

1. Zack Grubbs is one of Freiberg’s teachers. He is also performing in “The Nutcracker” as Uncle Drosselmeyer, Clara’s godfather. Freiberg is able to perform with many members of her company. 2. Sarah Hairston is one of the principle ballerinas in “The Nutcracker” and is one of Freiberg’s role models.

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[ fun&games ] THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

BROOKE LANDRUM co editor-in-chief

Where is Anna?

Tell us where in the building Anna is hiding, and the first three people from each lunch to do so will each receive an out-to-lunch pass. Stop by room 115 to give us the answer.

Sudoku 1 2 9 7 8 4 7 8 2 4

3

7 2

9 5 4 5 8 1 4 7 8 5 6 4 2 4 7 6 2 3 10

8 4 5 3 1 9 7 3 8 6 4

Riddle

A rich and handsome man named James Leonard was murdered on a Sunday afternoon. At the time of the murder there was: the maid, the cook, the butler, the gardener and the wife. They each gave the police officer their alibi.

Maid: I was fixing the table.

Cook: I was preparing breakfast.

Butler: I was polishing the silverware and the dishes.

Gardener: I was planting tomato seeds.

Wife: I was reading a book.

Who did it?

The cook could not have been making breakfast in the afternoon.

[ cover story ]

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Image by Anna Zhou

C THE LEAF|Nov. 20, 2015 |SHSLEAF.ORG ZOE SCHLOSSER leaflet editor-in-chief

THROUGH THE AGES

ORION SCHLOSSER leaflet editor-in-chief

O

n the fourth Thursday of every November, we are given the opportunity to stuff ourselves with delicious foods, drown in the laughter of family and friends, and radiate our thankfulness and appreciation for all that we are grateful for.

Thanksgiving has been around since the Pilgrims first settled America, where they celebrated the harmonious relationship they had created with the Native Americans.

However, Thanksgiving was not widely celebrated until Sarah Josepha Hale convinced Abraham Lincoln to make it a national holiday in 1863.

Ever since its origin in 1621,

Thanksgiving and its traditions have changed tremendously.

Now, Thanksgiving focuses more on cooking, watching football, viewing the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and spending time with loved ones.

In addition to these modern day traditions, travel has become a large part of Thanksgiving. People spend their holiday traveling all over to be with relatives and friends.

According to Nationwide, over 24 million people travel by plane during Thanksgiving break.

Without a doubt, there are many ways Thanksgiving is celebrated across America. This versatility, however, does not take away from the most important meaning of Thanksgiving: being grateful for what we are given and appreciating the ones we love.

THANKSGIVING

million people go shopping over Thanksgiving Break

50

million people watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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PUMPKIN PIE

45 percent

PECAN PIE

9 out of 10 people

14 percent APPLE PIE

41 percent

Tryptophan travel by

CAR

during Thanksgiving

Z

is widely believed to be the cause of the post-Thanksgiving meal coma. However, it is more likely the large intake of carbohydrates and subsequent release of melatonin that causes this drowsiness

Z

Z

Z

Source: www.chicagotribune.com

14 0

Favorite holiday pies:

Infographic by Zoe and Orion Schlosser

by the numbers

Give for Thanksg iving:

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THE LEAF|Nov. 20, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

Volunteering impacts members of community YASMINE GUEDIRA staff writer

W

arm food, friends and company normally come to mind when we think about Thanksgiving, but it is important to reflect on the deeper meaning of this holiday.

Through the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, we often tend to take for granted things that are so precious to others.

The United Nations has determined that 783 million people worldwide do not have access to clean water, yet we can fill up a cup without thinking twice.

It is important that we acknowledge the difficulties that some people still live with. There is no better way to show thanks than giving back to other people.

It is a misconception, however, that we have to cross oceans to make a difference. Impactful work can be done

Helen Sotropa, 9

My family runs a nonprofit organization called Eastern Lighthouse that helps orphans in Romania. We raise money to provide every child the chance to celebrate his or her birthday. The money we raise helps fund supplies like a cake and presents. It’s nice to know that you can make a kid feel special for one day and make a big difference in his or her life. During the holidays, we try to make things extra special.

With the extensive variety of non-profit organizations around Cincinnati, not only can you help others, but you can also find ways to advance your personal interests and talents.

Whether you are interested in animal care, education, medicine, or environmental conservation, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.

Sophomore Stephanie Hong said, “Last summer I volunteered at the library for over 40 hours. It was so awesome to see the kids get excited about books and the library, or just life in general.

“Volunteering allows me to broaden my view of our community and meet people from all over.

Making an impact on the lives of others is a great experience to have.”

Although we have a long way to go, sometimes all it takes to change the world is an idea, an action, and a dream of a better tomorrow.

[“]

I do a lot with my neighbors and tutor my neighbor’s kids because they just came to America. I help them with their English and random household chores; I have helped them grocery shop as well. For Thanksgiving, we all get together sometimes and celebrate with a big turkey.

[“] Adam Zhang, 11

Astrid Cabello, 12

Around the holiday time, Montgomery has an awesome event that I volunteer at with a lot of my friends. There are crafts, sleigh rides, and Santa photo ops, which are always very popular.

Giving back to the community during this time of year is one of my favorite ways to celebrate.

students share volunteering vignettes

[“]

right here in our community. In fact, one of every four people in Cincinnati live in poverty, putting the city poverty rate at almost twice the national average.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of time to make a huge impact in someone’s life.

DeAnne Gross, volunteer coordinator for the city of Montgomery, said, “Volunteering is a positive and rewarding experience. It offers the volunteers a chance to become involved in their community, make a difference, and meet new friends.”

Not only does volunteering help others, but giving back to the community also brings instant gratitude and helps us realize our great fortune.

Gross said, “Besides giving the volunteer service hours and leadership experience for job and college applications, volunteering is important because it allows the volunteers to take on leadership roles and have a sense of accomplishment.”

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THE LEAF|Nov. 20, 2015 |SHSLEAF.ORG

THANKSGIVING

CAROLINE GAO executive editor-in-chief

The first Thanksgiving was a 3-day harvest feast held by the founders of the

FAST FACTS

Americans eat an average of

13.3 POUNDS OF TURKEY PER YEAR

PLYMOUTH COLONY OF 1621

NEARLY 80 percent OF AMERICANS 53 COLONISTS AND 90 WAMPANOAG STUFFING eat turkey at Thanksgiving

It was attended by

THE FEAST:

THE FEAST: PUMPKIN (NOT PIE)

DUCK

PUMPKIN PIE POTATO

GOOSE

THEN

TURKEY

YAMS/ SWEET POTATO HAM

NOW

VENISON

ANNA ZHOU executive managing editor

Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

1 (15 ounce) can pureed pumpkin 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 2 large eggs, slightly whisked 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (rounded) ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon salt 1 (9 inch) pie crust

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Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425° F 2. In a small saucepan, heat pumpkin, spices and salt over low heat. Then pour into another bowl to cool to room temperature.

3. Whisk all ingredients except pie crust together in a medium bowl until combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg white, because those will show up in the final product.

4. Pour into crust and bake at 425° F for 15 minutes.

5. Reduce heat to 350° F and continue baking 35 to 40 minutes.

The pumpkin pie will set perfectly if allowed to cool completely prior to cutting.

6. Refrigerate in a sealed container or covered with foil.

Source: www.history.com

SHELLFISH

[ feature ]

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20| SHSLEAF.ORG

Sn pchat

surprises :

Social media taken by storm BENJAMIN RUSKIN social media manager WILLIAM COLEMAN staff writer

I

n a world where social media has taken over the human mind, one platform seems to stand out in particular: Snapchat.

A simple idea, send a picture and then it disappears, but it has become so much more than just a form of communication.

Everyday, Snapchat changes the entire social media realm with its innovative ideas and creative animations.

Today, you can utilize Snapchat to post ‘stories,’ send videos, and even share your location through colorful geofilters.

Junior Karina Rosa said,“Texting is fun, but Snapchat allows me to see their expressions and where they are. I enjoy that aspect of the app the most.”

How did Snapchat come to be? And what makes it one of the most desirable apps ever created? What started as a small college project at Stanford University has become more than Evan Spiegel and Reggie Brown could have ever expected.

Snapchat is different from your average social application: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Rather than publicizing your information, Snapchat is a platform that allows you to communicate with friends.

Social media websites tend to excessively advertise, but Snapchat is different. Snapchat allows users to

read the news and talk with friends, without constant advertisements.

Senior Samuel Myers said, “I like that you’re not just bombarded with information. It’s nice that your posts are just a temporary message.”

Others enjoy the extra features.

Snapchat has coined the popular term ‘Geo-Filter.’ These filters allow you to place your location on a picture you have taken in a colorful and creative way.

Junior Brenden Archer said, “The geofilters on Snapchat are pretty sweet. It’s cool that you can stamp your location onto pictures.”

Users are unaware that anybody with an email can create their own custom Geo-Filter for a specific location.

Snapchat utilizes five employees whose only duty is to assess the GeoFilters and decide which ones will be published.

Recently, a Geo-Filter has been added for Montgomery, Ohio, the home of several SHS students. The Leaf has made multiple Geo-Filters to submit, but none have been selected yet.

SCAN AND

LEARN HOW TO:

SUBMIT YOUR OWN GEO-FILTER

15

THE LEAF|Nov. 20, 2015 |SHSLEAF.ORG

Fashion fiesta: Fall brings new looks

F

16

CHRISTINE MACKE staff writer

A

s the seasons change from summer to fall, priorities in terms of fashion change. No longer are people looking for articles of clothing such as lightweight flowy dresses and denim shorts.

Instead, they are looking for pieces like leggings and scarves that can be warm, comfortable, and cute at the same time. For school, comfort is essential so people are not sitting for seven hours wearing skinny jeans they can hardly breathe in.

If people choose to wear jeans, they should make sure to find a pair that actually fits their body well.

They should also make sure they can bend and sit down without feeling like they cannot breathe.

If they are tired of wearing the same basic sweatpants but still want to be comfortable, try a pair of joggers. The variation on sweatpants look more stylish, because they are loose near the waist and become more fitted around the calf and the ankle.

The form-fitting silhouette gives more definition

to the legs and makes it look as if people tried to put together a stylish outfit in the morning, even if they rolled out of bed and grabbed the first thing they saw out of their closet.

As for tops, sweaters are a must for style and staying warm in the chilly weather, or the frigid halls of SHS. It is also a good idea to play around with different colors, patterns, and textures of sweaters so that it does not look like people are wearing the same thing every day.

For accessories, scarves and beanies are perfect finishes to any outfit for added warmth and another layer of depth to a basic ‘tee and jeans’ type of outfit. Add some combat boots or Uggs and you are good to go.

Fall fashion does not mean you have to sacrifice comfort and warmth for style, or vise versa. Be stylish for any occasion, whether it is a day at school or a trip to Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte.

THE LEAF|Nov. 20, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG F

20/20 VISION:

New bionic lenses provide clear future ALEXANDER KAREV staff writer SAMUEL RUSKIN staff writer ABHILASH YARLAGADDA staff writer

C

ontact lenses and glasses may soon be a thing of the past with the invention of the Ocumetic Bionic Lens.

This lens will allow the person wearing it to see better than 20/20. In fact, they would be able to see three times better than if they were wearing contacts or glasses.

After eight years and three million dollars spent on designing the lens, the Bionic Lens is pending clinical trials on the eyes of animals and blind humans. It will be available in Canada and elsewhere by 2017, depending on regulatory processes in various countries.

Dr. Garth Webb is the founder and CEO of the Ocumetics Technology Corp. The goal of the company is the total elimination of glasses and ordinary contact lenses.

“Perfect eyesight should be a human right,” said Webb.

Webb is also the designer of

these revolutionary lenses.

According to Webb, the procedure takes about eight minutes and is completely painless. The lens will replace the normal lens of the eye.

Ten seconds after implementation, the bionic lens will unfold and replace the natural lens.

Since the Bionic Lens will take over for the natural lens, eye troubles will be virtually nonexistent. Some problems such as cataracts, color blindness, and astigmatisms would all be removed with the use of these lenses.

Computer science teacher Melvin Hoffert said, “I think it is fantastic.

It is an example of the convergence of technology and medicine.”

The Bionic Lens uses a miniature optics system that works like a tiny digital camera powered by the body. It can shift focus from close range objects to objects farther away. It can do so even quicker than an untreated human eye.

Freshman Jennifer Goodman said, “I think it’s a great idea and will really change lives. Being able to see

three times as far will definitely benefit everyone.”

In addition to his main work on the bionic lenses, Webb created a charity called the Celebration of Sight. It is dedicated to helping organizations that provide eye surgery in struggling countries.

“My heroes were cowboys, and cowboys just did not wear glasses,” said Webb.

These lenses have even been referred to as superhuman. Michael Gutekunst, physics teacher, said the lens are not inherently good or bad.

Gutekunst said, “Ethically, I don’t have a problem with it. If these people have a higher quality of life because of it, so be it.”

Gutekunst compares the lens to a prosthetic limb. He noted that the replacement lens was really no different from a bone or hip replacement.

Gutekunst sums it up: “There is always that debate of when do you stop? Where do you draw the line on that? This is a very gray area.

What is human?”

“My heroes were cowboys, and cowboys just did not wear glasses.”

17

Running through states like a pro

Place at state Cross Tennis Country

1

first time SHS boys went to cross country state

14th place at state

18

2nd

in OHSAA State Team Championships

Sophomore Helen Sotropa said, “We had an amazing season and what made it great was that we were really close as a team”.

Golf

1 first place individual winner, senior Kellen Alsip

8th

place as a team

it has created memories for me that I will never forget.

I like to run cross country because all of my friends run cross country”.

Notably, other members of the state cross country team are seniors Martin Gonzalez and Mitchell Singstock, juniors Miles Menyhert, Andrew Schrantz and Kevin Lawson along with sophomore Matthew Isakson.

Graves will run track in the spring with the goal of winning the Greater Miami Conference trophy, however he does not plan on continuing his running career into the collegiate level.

Water polo

2nd

girls final at state

12th boys final

Images by McDaniel’s photography

S

enior Kyria Graves has been running since he was 11-yearsold and for the high school since his freshman year.

Along with his teammates, Graves will ascend into school history as a part of the first boys cross country team to ever make it to the state meet.

Graves said, “Cross country has enabled me to leave a mark on Sycamore High School, since the team made history going to state.”

While cross country is a team sport, it is based upon individual performance, something that Graves feels

satisfied with this season.

Graves said, “I am very happy with how I did this season, being able to maintain the number one runner on the team and being a sub 16 minute for the 5 kilometer race.”

At districts, Graves put down a 15 minute and 58 second time for the 5 kilometer race. This was not a best time for the racer, however, he still placed second overall.

Despite his indisputable success, Graves appreciates the sport for a less tangible reason: the bond he has formed with his teammates.

Graves said, “The sport has greatly affected my high school experience, because

at state

Senior Jory Gould said, “Our season was a success; I love my team”.

Infographic by Hannah May

HANNAH MAY sports chief

[ sports ]

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 20| SHSLEAF.ORG

Graves runs the five kilometer race at a cross country meet. The uniforms the team wore at state this year were the same ones that the last SHS team that qualified for state wore in 1981. Photo courtesy of Leslie Singstock.

hess h s out column:

THE LEAF|Nov. 20, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

ELIJAH ZAWATSKY editor in chief

A

s of press time, the SHS chess team is 4-0 for the season, winning their first matches against Princeton, Colerain, Mason, and Hamilton. Senior Josh Pelberg is confident in the team’s abilities and prospects for the upcoming season.

Pelberg said, “Our biggest competition and rival is Mason, and we are definitely the two best teams.

We have come in second place to them in the GMCs every year that I have played on the team. This year I think we have a really strong team. Beating Mason put us in a great position.”

During the summer, longtime chess coach and mathematics teacher Dr. Keith Brackenridge took a teaching position at Miami University.

Pelberg said, “Our coach, Dr. Brackenridge, left Sycamore and that was a big setback for the team. He was an amazing coach and a big part of our program. We have a new coach, Mrs. Beth Quinones, and she has done a great job so far. We are all looking

forward to the season and hope for the best.”

A chess match consists of seven boards, ordered by skill. The best player on each team plays on board one, and so on. Winning more boards than the opposing team secures a match.

While chess is a no-cut team, a threeday-tryout system is used to determine order of players. Initial rankings are determined by United States Chess Federation (USCF) rankings. In order to move up a board, players must beat the board in front of them (if they are white) or tie the board in front of them (if they are black).

Even after defeating Mason on Nov. 10, significant challenges remain in the schedule. Fairfield and Oak Hills, second and third in GMC standings, respectively, still remain on the schedule.

Senior Divyesh Balamurali said, “The win against Mason definitely gives us a huge burst of confidence. We’re definitely prepared for the challenges of the season ahead.”

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248

Throwing rocks

Junior bowler Grace Mather said, “It’s a very sociable sport so we’re all looking forward to meeting new friends and hanging out.”

Infographic by: Elijah Zawatsky

S

DAVID WERTHEIM business manager

An era of journalism has died.

Grantland.com, a popular site funded

by ESPN, was canceled on Oct. 29, leaving many fans, athletes, and sports analysts puzzled.

ESPN, known recently for its poor articles and stories and lackluster coverage, has been under siege since the move, with many people even calling for a boycott of the popular network.

I, for one, find it despicable that ESPN shut down Grantland. It is a tragedy and an outrage that a popular site like this is canceled before anything else goes. There are worse things that you cover, ESPN, than Grantland.

It is an atrocity that ESPN spent $6.5 MILLION to keep Jon Gruden as their Monday Night Football color commentator. It is a joke that they keep Gruden, and cut Grantland editor Bill Simmons and popular television/radio analysts Colin Cowherd and Keith Olbermann.

After launching their new network, FOXSports1, the network hired two very good Canadian anchors, Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole, to do their highlight program. They took Cowherd after ESPN did not bring him back.

Dan Patrick, another former ESPN star, is another mainstay on their radio lineup.

With all of the good networks rising out there, from FoxSports to MLB Network, do not stick with ESPN. There are wonderful alternatives.

NFL Network has a great program with all the NFL highlights that is hosted by Chris Rose. There is an app called “The Score” that is better than the dumpy app ESPN offers. O’Toole and Onrait on FS1 are magnificent every single morning. These networks eliminate the fiddle-farting that ESPN continually pulls out.

Grantland was just the last straw of many. The ESPN sideline reporters are jokes, the programming is terrible, and the app is really just a representation of the entire ESPN platform: crashing, and crashing fast.

19

column: Boardin’ through town S THE LEAF|Nov. 20 2015 |SHSLEAF.ORG

Snowboarders’ guide to success TAYLOR CLOSE

columnist

Pull-ups

Pushups

Helps: prepare for falls Toes on floor and arms shoulderwidth apart. Lower body to floor, then straighten again. Repeat three sets of 10.*if too hard, start on knees*

Oblique twist with medicine ball

Helps: stability, support, balance Grab pull-up bar with overhand grip, hands shoulder-width apart. Lift body as high as possible and come back down.

Repeat three sets of 10.

Helps: improve turning skills Sit on floor with medicine ball in hands, arms slightly bent. Lean back so legs are off of the floor and rotate from side to side. Repeat three sets of 10.

Jump squats

Helps: clear big Calf raises jumps Helps: stability Start in deep Stand on one foot with squat with arms at 20 lbs. dumbbell. Raise side. Explosively up one foot and then jump as high back down. Repeat 20as possible 30 times. and reach for ceiling.

Repeat three sets **As the exercises start of 10. to get easier, change three sets of 10 to five sets of 10

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9157 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513) 791-0777

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Fax: (513) 791-7817

905 Main St. Milford, OH 45150 (513) 248-7100

LAUREN KURTZER associate editor

T

he National Football League(NFL) should start standing for Never Fear the Law with the fact that Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy is still on an NFL team.

Hardy was arrested in May 2014 for domestic violence in Charlotte, North Carolina for brutally beating his exgirlfriend Nicole Holder. The police report is disgusting. While I read it, my stomach dropped.

He was found guilty and appealed, then Holder did not show up to testify and, the case was dropped. The icing on the cake for this tragedy is that on Monday Nov. 9, his record was expunged.

You have to be kidding me.

But beyond the sickness of the North Carolina courts, this women abuser, who has shown no remorse, is on an NFL roster. Hardy is even on the Dallas Cowboys which is supposed to be America’s team.

With Cowboys owner Jerry Jones signing him, it sends a message to the world that America approves of woman abusers, and we can forgive him and the irreparable damage he caused to an innocent woman is acceptable, which is far from it.

This tells women who have been assaulted and women as a whole that you do not matter, men will always rule you, and that they will never have to pay for their actions. They are untouchable.

News flash Jerry, this is not ancient times. He hurt this woman so stop denying it. Cut this terrible man. He far from deserves this job.

Yes, he was suspended and did not play last season but, if a professional such as a teacher here at SHS had that police report or photos show up, that teacher would never teach again, so why is Hardy still receiving millions.

It is absolutely maddening that the sport I love to watch every Thursday, Sunday and Monday would let this mentally ill of a man represent a multi billion dollar organization.

[ spotlight ]

Around the world in seventeen years THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20| SHSLEAF.ORG

LAUREN SHASSERE spotlight chief

P

eople are usually shocked when senior Courtney Reardon reveals to them her extensive travel experience. To think a 17-year-old girl has visited 32 states and 25 countries makes other kids her age think, “Wow, how is that even possible?”

To her family members, traveling is something they could not live without.

Reardon has lived in two countries: the United States and Switzerland.

Reardon said, “It all started when I lived in Geneva. Being in the middle of Europe, there were so many opportunities to travel, and my family took advantage of them.

“Now, it's something my family and I love to do and always try to make time for.”

Spending large amounts of time

traveling with her family, Reardon revels in her sense of family unity.

Reflecting on her trips, she thinks not only of the breathtaking sights and amazing adventures but the funny moments her family shared.

Reardon said, “ When we went to Morocco, there were snake charmers everywhere. I was the only one in my family willing to hold a snake, so the snake charmer handed me a huge one that was much larger than little eightyear-old me. It was probably one of the coolest experiences I've ever had, but also one of the sketchiest.”

To anyone who ever questions whether to travel or not, this 17-yearold world traveler always encourages it.

Reardon said,“Do it, traveling outside the country is amazing, and everyone should experience it. You’ll learn so

much about different people and cultures and see sights more beautiful then you could ever imagine.”

Through these many adventures, this senior has learned to be very familiar with and open to other cultures.

From a young age, Reardon has appreciated diversity and opened herself up to the different activities of other cultures. It has allowed her to not only expand her horizons to different ways of life, but to realize how blessed she is.

Reardon said, “Seeing the world is a beautiful gift few people experience, and now that I've started, I'm addicted.

I want to travel to every continent and visit at least 100 countries with different cultures and activities when I grow up.”

Reardon’s travels include:

Canada Costa Rica Bahamas Turkey Morocco Switzerland Germany Spain Portugal Sweden Italy France Great Britain Scotland Ireland Netherlands Denmark Austria Belgium Czech Republic Hungary Luxembourg Monaco Vatican City

Image by Caroline Gao

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