October 2015 Leaf

THE

LEAF

Sycamore High School News Magazine Volume 3 | Issue 3 | Oct. 23, 2015

ISSUE

3

We Proudly Support the Teachers, Administrators and Students at Sycamore Schools We Proudly Support the Teachers, Administrators and Students at Sycamore Schools

Thank you to our supporters:

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

Go Aves!!!

Go Aves!!!

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

The Rickert, Pearce, and Shatilova families

D. William Lange DMD, Inc D. William Lange, DMD, MSD David W. Lange, DDS, MS Practice Limited to Orthodontics

9157 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513) 791-0777 905 Main St. Milford, OH 45150 (513) 248-7100

IN THIS ISSUE TABLE OF CONTENTS

pg.2

pg.3

pg.8

NEWS 2| Congress passes Iran deal 3| Oregon shooting sparks gun control debates

OPINION

7| Staff editorial 8-9| SeaWorld creatures suffer in captivity 10| Teenagers abandon trick or treating

pg.10

pg.13

pg.24

ENTERTAINMENT 13| Artists create popular music 14-15| Companies advance virtual reality

COVER STORY

pg.31

pg.33

pg.35

28-29| Students await smoothie bar arrival

FUN & GAMES

31| Where’s Anna, Sudoku

SPORTS

FEATURE

33| Girls and Boys soccer season wrap up 34|Teams heading to state

24-25| Americans honor veterans 26-27| SHS celebrates diversity

35| Joshua Wessinger, 10

17-20| Ohioans debate legalization of marijuana

SPOTLIGHT

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, OCTOBER 23, 2015 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Congress defeats Iran Deal filibuster Tattered partisan relationships follow JORDAN BAKER staff writer JACOB ENGLANDER news chief

I

Steps toward a deal

ran, America, and other countries have been discussing possible solutions to Iran’s ever-growing nuclear program for years. America wants to rid Iran of the ability to produce nuclear weapons; Iran wants sanctions against them lifted.

Democrats in Congress mustered the one third vote necessary to pass the nuclear deal. However, many are unsatisfied in America and abroad.

The bill in question would limit the facilities and resources available to Iranians for nuclear weapons.

Restrictions are lighter when dealing with use for nuclear energy and research.

The CEO of the Jewish Federation, Shep Englander, issued a statement against the deal that said, “Today [9/11/2015] was a truly upsetting day.

This is because Jews in America were forced to choose between supporting what is best for Israel and what is seen as supporting America’s best interests.”

This is reflected in the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s multi-million dollar bid to defeat the deal and the resignation of leading members after it passed.

According to The New York Times, a former senior advisor to Barack Obama, Dennis Ross, said,“They will be able to regroup, but it is inescapable

2

Major nuclear facilities located in Iran. Seven of the facilities above have the capabilitiy to produce weapons-grade plutonium and enriched uranium. These sites are under strict regulation.

However, the possibility remains that Iran will continue to circumvent these regulations despite having agreed to them. Infographic by MCT Photo.

that there will be stocktaking.”

The deal was divisive for American lobbying groups. The passing of this bill has become a partisan issue. : four Democrats voted against the bill along with all of the Republicans.

According to The New York Times, Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina said, “I’ve never been more disappointed in the body.”

The Republican resolution was two votes shy from the needed 60 votes.

Lobbyists have compared this level of hostility between the two parties

2003

Iran is suspected of purchasing weapongrade uranium.

Quick Scan For background information about the Iran deal, scan this QR code.

2013

2006

Joint Plan of Action reached; Iran agrees to curb nuclear program in return for lessening of sanctions.

Sanctions are imposed on Iran after its refusal to halt its nuclear program.

Iran agrees to suspend uranium-enrichment activities.

1987

akin to the ObamaCare vote, another controversial bill enacted during Obama’s last term.

This hostility is personified in the negative personal relationship between Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

2005

EU3 -Iran negotiations break down.

2008

President George Bush sends an ambassador to Geneva to talk with representatives from Iran.

2015

Congress defeats filibuster to block Iran deal.

Firearms fired

THE LEAF|Oct. 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

KEVIN WITTMAN government teacher

S

ELIJAH ZAWATSKY co-editor-in-chief

NORTHEAST 27%

MIDWEST 35%

WEST 34%

SOUTH 38%

Percent of households with a gun in the home

Firearm caused deaths, 2007

5

10

15

20

State has at least one law in place designed to protect children against firearms

49

legally attained 12

not legally attained 1

unknown

N

guest column:

Legally attained?

How guns used in mass shootings are acquired

A study carried out

by MotherJones.com points out that of all mass shootings carried out between 1982 and 2012, 49 of the shooters acquired their gun(s) legally and 12 acquired them illegally. The data for one of the shootings was unable to be found.

Sources: MotherJones.com, WashingtonPost.com

o full disclosure, I have no idea what to do about gun violence in the United States.

I own guns and, like many people, have a cultural tie to them. I am not a member of the National Rifle Association. I do not actively carry any weapons, nor do I think of them with regards to providing me with extra safety. They are for recreation. Several of the guns I own have been in my family for several generations. Others have been purchased over my lifetime. Two were actually constructed by me and my son as a hobby.

I think the problem of gun violence is really several societal problems that revolve around firearms, but it is too complex an issue to simply say, take guns away. Just last week, three school shootings occurred, numerous people were victims of gun violence in the streets of Cincinnati, and countless accidental deaths occurred in homes due to firearms. Yes, we hurt each other and ourselves with these things, but the majority of guns are not used to harm anyone.

In order to get some type of solution, the United States has to be willing to allocate millions of dollars towards fixing its problems.

We will need to have the moral courage to act on the solution. Too often, politicians jump to conclusions about what needs to be done. Limit gun purchases, better background checks, more guns, teachers with guns, buy back all guns, it is mental illness, and the list goes on.

Here is what should shock people. In 1996, Congress cut the funding to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) because they were researching gun violence. Congressmen accused the CDC of being political. Federal agencies learned a very quick lesson: do not do research on gun violence. Solving gun violence will require a multiple faceted approach, because it is not one problem but many. I would be willing to wager that studies will show the action to stop school shooting will not be the same method needed to reduce gun violence in our streets.

It will be a costly fix. Many personal liberties are being lost right now due to inaction by the government. Why not start spending money on studying the problem and researching solutions?

Once we have a scientific approach on what to do, we will have to be willing to sacrifice more money and time to carry out these solutions.

Until our leaders are willing to stand up and admit this is a complicated problem and that it will take real time, real money, and real effort on everyone’s part to solve, we will be left with the status quo.

3

N THE LEAF|Oct. 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

Refugees look for welcoming countries to live in How countries are dealing with the asylum seekers

ALLYSON BONHAUS staff writer

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he United Nations warn Europe that the daily flow of around 8,000 refugees from Syria and Iraq will continue. Every day about 5,000 refugees arrive at Greece.

“The flow could continue during the winter if the weather remains good and the borders open,” said the International Organization for Migration to BBC. Johannes Hahn, the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy meet with Serbia’s Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic. They agreed to relocate 120,000 refugees that are originally from Syria, Iqra, and Eritrea across Europe from Greece and Italy, which are taking in refugees.

However their plan is under fire from Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Hungary is trying to block refugees from getting in, and seeks help to do so.

Hungary keeps refugees out with 3.5 meter high steel fence along its border

with Serbia, and is trying to build one by their border with Greece to keep out the migrants that keep flooding in.

The thousands of refugees arriving at the Croatian-Hungarian border are shipped to Austria. Saudi Arabia and UAE have not taken in any refugees.

“Gulf states are hesitant to welcome refugees because they are concerned about what it could mean for their nations’ security,” said Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, who was a UAE University professor until he retired.

Germany expects 800,000 refugees this year the largest response since World War ll. This country known for its proficiency can not keep up with refugees. They wait for their number to be called, and are distributed based on city’s needs.

Turkey has taken in 2 million refugees and Lebanon more than 1.1 million.

The US has only taken in about 1,500 Syrian refugees in the past four years.

The United States has donated the

most money, 31% of all donations, which is about $574 million. The UK and Kuwait are in second place for donations, and in third is UAE. “We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation,” said Pope Francis to the joint meeting of Congress.

US is planning on taking in 100,000 refugees a year up until 2017, instead of the maximum of 70,000. They plan to look for ways to offer asylum to more than 100,000 while doing background checks so no terrorists come.

President Barack Obama offered Russia and Iran to work on four-year Syrian civil war that has created this refugee crisis, which is the worst since World War ll.

“We still need to do more and we understand that,” said Secretary of State John Kerry.

Sweden 1.5%

Tiurkey 2%

Djibouti 2.5%

Chad 4%

Nauru 4%

Jordan 8.2%

Lebanon 19.6%

Countries Taking Majority of Refugees 4

Source: PEW Research Center

Staff Editorial

Leafing through the masses:

Will you vote yes or no on Issue 3? If you cannot vote yet, would you vote yes or no?

“

“Yes, I’m tired of people complaining about not being able to use it. It’s their decision; they’re only hurting themselves.”

Cassandra Cooper, 9 “Yes, it can save people’s lives, even though some people just use it for recreational purposes.”

Olivia Banzhaf, 10

“

“No, it creates a monopoly, and it is a harmful substance.”

Neil Yejjey, 11

“I oppose Issue 3 because of both the monopoly it grants and the problems it has caused Colorado high schools.”

Officer Paul Payne

M

onitoring the Future reports that as of DeC. 2013, 36 percent of high school seniors had tried marijuana within the past year. It also reports an increase in overall marijuana use and a decrease in the use of almost every other drug.

All signs point toward an increase in acceptance of the recreational use of marijuana amongst teens, namely amongst seniors, the voting-aged population of high schools.

While these trends indicate a high percentage of “yes” voters among seniors on Issue 3, the staff of ‘The Leaf ’ believes that the most beneficial path to legalization is to vote down this proposal.

Teens in favor of Issue 3 often support it based on the legalization aspect of the proposal. Many fail to consider the needs of those prescribed medicinal marijuana. The marijuana monopoly suggested in Issue 3 entails a price hike.

For the casual smoker, such an increase would be bothersome, but tolerable. For those purchasing the drug on a regular, medical basis, the hike would cost tens of thousands of extra dollars, a difficult burden for any to bear.

THC enthusiasts have to wait a bit longer to legalize their favorite substance; the needs of the few outweigh the wants of the many.

5

[ opinion ]

THE LEAF | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23| SHSLEAF.ORG

SeaWorld scam:

Aquatic creatures suffer in captivity EMILY CHIEN leaflet designer/writer MEGHAN DIGIOVANNA staff writer ANNE MARSH staff writer

S

eaWorld describes itself as having “...world-class standards of care, state-of-the-art animal habitats, and a commitment to animal welfare.”

In reality, the amusement park has proven to be a brutal and inhumane source of entertainment.

English teacher Mrs. Beth LeBlanc said, “I do not think I ever thought about the animal abuse or any of that being an issue at SeaWorld until maybe a couple of years ago.

“It had never occurred to me that anything they were doing was not beneficial to the animals. Now, I can tell that the creatures are obviously not happy or healthy.”

Whales at SeaWorld are forced to swim in small circles to amuse tourists, and they spend the majority of their lives virtually motionless in concrete tanks. These enclosures are the human equivalent of a bathtub.

Over time, living in such close quarters has detrimental effects on these whales, including weakened immune systems, drooping dorsal fins, aggression, and premature death.

Collapsed dorsal fins are the result of an unnatural diet of thawed dead fish, pig and cow bones, and confinement.

The condition is rare among wild orcas, but to its visitors, SeaWorld claims that this is common.

Not only that, but whales in SeaWorld die at an average age of 13-years-old, while the maximum life

6

13

100%

years average lifespan of orcas in Sea World

of orcas in captivity have a collapsed dorsal fin due to shallow pools; this occurs in less than

60

years lifespan of male orcas in the wild

1%

80

of wild orcas

years lifespan of female orcas in the wild expectancy of whales in the wild is 60 to 70 years for males and 80 to 100 years for females.

In the wild killer whales, despite their names, are very peaceful creatures. At SeaWorld, aggression toward trainers and other whales is very common. Over 100 incidents of violence have been reported, some of which even resulted in severe injuries or death.

This is evident in the story of a performing orca named Tilikum, who killed three people after a life of abuse in captivity. Like many creatures at SeaWorld, Tilikum was denied food as a training tactic.

Tilikum was also continually attacked by two other whales. These violent assaults were a result of the trainers denying the entire tank food if

Source: us.whales.org

SeaWorld made

$37.4

SeaWorld has made

$5.8

million in 2014 million in 2015 so far

$

$

Tilikum performed a trick incorrectly.

The whales’ tight living spaces and codependence for nourishment resulted in a great amount of anxiety and, consequently, aggression.

In addition, SeaWorld claims not to have captured a whale from the

O

THE LEAF|Oct. 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

wild in 35 years. In order to maintain this statement, they breed their own performing whales.

Sperm is collected from Tilikum, an extremely aggressive whale, and has been used to produce about 40 percent of the whales residing at SeaWorld.

Therefore, Tilikum’s pattern of aggression and poor health is inherited and is prevalent in Tilikum’s offspring, who are currently performing throughout the multiple SeaWorld parks.

Sophomore Anita Pan said, “SeaWorld’s shows are absolutely fake. Everything seemed so staged and the animals appeared tense, as did the trainers.

“The trainers were especially cautious whenever they came in contact with the whales, and they had to use buckets and buckets of fish to get the whales’ attention.”

only

8

whales ever taken into captivity have passed the age of

92%

30

of SeaWorld’s orcas do not survive past the age of 25

20/151

Although the performing aspect can result in mistreatment of the animals, SeaWorld also attempts to preserve aquatic wildlife.

Environmental teacher Mr. Ronald Hochstrasser said, “SeaWorld does a lot for animal rescue and spreading awareness about marine animals. SeaWorld, like any other zoo, game preserve, etc., does not do things perfectly, but there are reasons these things exist.”

Based on these facts, the public is left to draw their own conclusions about SeaWorld and whether institutions of this nature are beneficial or, in reality, detrimental to the well-being of fellow creatures.

orcas can swim

100

miles a day

instead, they must swim

1208 laps a day in their tanks to travel the same distance

orcas taken into captivity from the wild since 1961 alive today

83 lbs.

of gelatin fed to orcas a day in SeaWorld, which is an unnatural substance for them 7

O THE LEAF|Oct. 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

Concious costuming BROOKE LANDRUM co editor-in-chief

T

he overly sexualized children’s Halloween costumes available today are one of the most confusing and disturbing problems facing modern society.

I am a devout and avid feminist; I fully support women accepting their bodies and exploring their sexuality.

However, I think that age 10 is too early for children to be walking around as a ‘sexy nurse.’

Older women who dress ‘sexy’ are more aware of their own sexuality. They also have a more influential way of telling unwelcome individuals to leave them alone.

Pedophilia runs rampant around Halloween, and sexy costumes could be working to further the problem.

Until an individual can understand the concept of sexuality and what kind of statement they may or may not be making, they should have nonsexual options available to them.

If a child has to be worried about whether their mini skirt and crop top costume will make them too cold while trick or treating, they should be able to find a more conservative costume.

It has become increasingly difficult to find costumes that are not ‘sexy’ unless you search the maternity or infant section. The unavailability is one main part of the problem.

Many girls are uncomfortable showing as much skin as some costumes allow for. The inability to find comfortable costumes may cause them to not participate in the holiday at all.

This is not a critique of the girls who prefer sexy costumes or parents who buy these costumes for their daughters.

This is commentary on the industry that finds it necessary to sexualize children who barely know sex exists.

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H

allo-weenies abandon trick or treating onored tradition left for children

ALEX KAREV staff writer

W

e all remember the good old days of going out with friends and asking for treats door to door. Then, one day someone said to you that it is not ‘cool,’ and you stopped.

Trick or treating is meant for younger kids who enjoy the adventure of trying to collect the most candy, but some older kids have found fun on this spooky holiday.

In place of trick or treating, older kids will go to costume parties with friends or watch scary movies. Some will still trick or treat with the younger kids.

This is not for the competition of gathering the most candy or having the scariest costume on the block, but to relive the greatest moments made on Halloween nights long ago.

When asked whether or not she still trick or treats, freshman Jessica Levitt said, “If I am not invited to a Halloween party, then I am probably going to go out and trick or treat, so I do not think we are too old to still trick or treat.”

At Halloween parties, people dress up in costumes, play Halloween-themed games, tell scary stories, and watch scary movies. It is not about the frights and the guises, but about being with your friends.

Sophomore Rishav Dasgupta said, “Usually, Halloween parties are just like any other party: a bunch of friends get together on Halloween evening to have a good time, except at this party they dress up in whatever way they choose.

This just adds to the fun and is a good source of talking points and anecdotes for the party.”

Some kids will choose to hand out candy to the younger trick or treaters.

From the ghosts and ghouls to the clowns and superheroes, the various costumes that younger kids wear can be quite comical and interesting.

Freshman Michael Wang said, “Even though I don’t go out and trick or treat anymore, I enjoy handing out the candy to the kids. They are really funny when they come up to the door, and their costumes are the best part.”

From the classic trick or treating to just hanging out with friends, there is no wrong way to celebrate Halloween.

THE LEAF|Oct. 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

Running down the clock BEN RUSKIN social media manager Many influential people have reached out to the teen offering to host him at their companies and shwing their support for his innovation.

Although in the end, Mohamed was not charged with any crimes, he was still most definitely scarred with the experience of being arrested in the middle of the school day. The terror and confusion can be seen in his face.

I sincerely hope that situations like these will be prevented in the future.

When kids like Ahmed are discouraged by the government, it effects everyone in some type of way.

In late september, Mohamed’s family announced that he will be tranferring schools due to the clock incident.

Mohamed now has a strong foundation of people that support him and his future endeavors.

Since the incident his family has decided that it would be best for all of them if they moved to Qatar. This move will be taking place soon as Mohamed has recieved a scholarship from Qatar Foundation’s Young Innovators Program.

Leafing through the masses: Do you stand with Ahmed?

“

“Yes, because a lot of what happened isnt what you would do if there was actually a bomb. It was really cool what he did. ” Jason Merkle, 9 “I stand with him because I believe if he was a different race it would not have been a problem.”

Jaslyn DavisJohnson, 10

“I stand with Ahmed because all he did was build a clock. people tned to just look at color and thats wrong.

Nidhi Kanchan , 12 “I do stand with him.

I think there was some overreaction involved. The situation was unfortunate but the kid has made the most of it.”

“

I

magine being a freshman, starting your first year of high school, and being cruelly dragged out of class to be arrested by a police officer in the middle of the day. For Ahmed Mohamed, in September 2015 this awful situation became a reality.

Mohamed created a clock at his house, a completely innocent science project to show his teachers and peers.

After showing it to several teachers, Ahmed was arrested during the school day for possessing a ‘hoax bomb.’

Honestly, this entire situation is just gross. Mohamed was suspended from school for three days, for trying to pursue an academic project outside of school, how could this be logical?

Why would the school system punish him for expanding his knowledge and creating something completely innocent, like a clock?

Since Mohamed was arrested, debates about racial profiling have begun, as Mohamed was Muslim.

Even President Barack Obama particpated in the talk by tweeting “Cool clock, Ahmed. Want to bring it to the White House? We should inspire more kids like you to like science. It’s what makes America great.”

O

Tom Gaffigan, English teacher

Photo courtsey of MCT

Loving an unusual story of love and redemption Lila:

THE LEAF|October 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

is expecting his child. The reverend speaks in theological terms, and Lila MADDIE MARSH speaks in the terms of an uneducated feature chief women. They both have very different he Great Depression was a hard backgrounds, yet learn much from time for all classes in 1930s each other. Lila offers new insight to America. However, the lowerReverend Ames. educated working class certainly took “She never expected to find so many the brunt of the hardship. Lila Dahl is things she already knew about written one such girl, born into a rough home down in a book.” Lila reads the book and taken away by an uneducated of Ezekiel and finds the description of working woman apparently running desolation and abandonment, not as a from the law, whom Lila knows simply metaphor as Reverend Ames does, but as “Doll.” as feelings and experiences that she has Lila grows up on the run with Doll known all her life written down in a and a tough group of migrants looking book. for work. After the death of Doll and Marilynne Robinson writes working as a prostitute in Pittsburgh, beautifully in a voice both her own Lila is migratory again, this time in and a peculiar blend of Lila’s. Shifting Gilead, Iowa. Entering a church to rest between the present and Lila’s past and get out of the elements, Lila meets experiences, the reader gets a unique Reverend Ames and her life changes. view of Lila, Reverend Ames and the Marsh characters in the of Maddie Now, Lila is the respected wife Photo courtesy unusual assorted of the elderly Reverend Ames and narrative.

T

E

It is especially interesting to learn the thoughts of an uneducated women struggling to understand and voice her ideas of why things happen, what our lives mean, and the story of redemption running throughout the “old book” the reverend is always talking about and her own life story.

While Robinson writes on philosophy and theology, as Ron Charles eloquently writes in The Washington Post, “her books demand no orthodoxy but the willingness to think deeply about the inscrutable problem of being.”

Lila said, “I can’t love you as much as I love you. I can’t feel as happy as I am.”

Robinson’s way with words and abstract thoughts, while unusual, hits an eternal truth. Such is a novel of heaven and hell, poor and comfortable, damned and saved. Such are the paradoxes of life, and they are dealt with head on in this unique novel.

I see, you see, we all see sushi

For sushi Fridays which rolls are the healthiest and which rolls should you not eat on a regular basis?

Ranks in order from most to least calories

8)Vegetable Roll

7)Caterpillar Roll

Cucumber, fish cake/ imitation crab, avocado outside

373.5 Calories in a average roll

Cucumber, fresh carrot, scallion, 9)Surf and Turf Roll avocado, asparagus, cream Cucumber, fish cake/ imitation cheese

358 Calories in a average roll crab, beef, carrot, tuna, salmon, avocado

293.3 Calories in a average

6)Spider Roll

Deep fried soft-shelled crab, avocdo, cucumber, radish sprout, masago roe, pickled carrot

376.6 Calories in a average roll

1)Dragon Roll

Cucumber, avocado, eel, eel sauce

454.6 Calories in a average roll

5)Philly Roll

Cream cheese, avocado, salmon, sesame seeds

388.8 Calories in a average roll

4)California Roll

2)Rainbow Roll

Fish cake/ imitation crab, avocado, cucumber

Fish cake/ imitation crab, avocado, cucumber, tuna, salmon, shrimp, yellow tail

394.6 Calories in a average roll

3) Shrimp Tempura Roll

10

424 Calories in a average roll

Shrimp tempura, avocado, tempura flakes, eel sauce source: thrillist.com

417.6 Calories in a average roll

Designer: Taylor Close

E THE LEAF|Oct. 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

‘You are the music in me’ Artists create popular music sell out tours

T

he 24-year-old English singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran recently made a stop in Cincinnati while embarking on The X World Tour. The tour will make various stops across Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Australia until December 2015.

Sheeran’s world tour promotes his album “X,” pronounced ‘multiply,’ which has become an international success.

Sheeran’s popularity has skyrocketed in the United States since 2012 when he made a guest appearance on Taylor Swift’s fourth studio album “Red.” The following year he toured with Swift as an opening act.

Another artist who made a recent stop in Cincinnati was musical duo Twenty One Pilots, consisting of Josh Dun and Tyler Joseph. The band has released two full length studio albums, “Vessel” and most recently, “Blurryface.”

The band’s popularity has exploded in recent years, possibly due to their unique style of music. Their songs bring a mix of different instruments, including the piano or electronic keyboard, synthesizer, drums or occasionally electronic drums, and ukulele.

All of the group’s songs are written by Dun and Joseph and are poetry-based.

When the poetry is too lengthy, Joseph states that he starts rapping so that all of the lyrics can be fit into a song. Some of the duo’s most recently released singles include “Fairly Local,” “Tear in My Heart,” and “Stressed Out.” Although not currently on tour,

alternative band Panic! At the Disco recently released their new single “Victorious,” in celebration of the ten year anniversary of their first album “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” in 2005.

The group is led by lead singer Brendon Urie, the only remaining original member of the band. Along with the audio of the song that was uploaded to Youtube, Urie posted a short letter explaining the inspiration behind the piece.

He said, “I was never really great at sports. Never picked first for the team.

Never had any game saving plays or tricks I could use to my advantage to then be hoisted upon my team mates' shoulders in praise of my winning awesomeness.

“But what I missed in that regard, I made up for with passion and intensity. That's truly victorious. Giving it your all when it's all you have. Giving 'em hell to get a taste of heaven.

Tonight, we are victorious.”

Panic! At the Disco’s fifth studio album has reportedly been completed, but the group has yet to release the name and projected release date for it. Until then, fans can continue to listen to the band’s other recent singles “Hallelujah” and “Death of a Bachelor.”

“That’s truly victorious.

Giving it your all when it’s all you have.”

11

All Time Low Bank Of Kentucky Center Highland Heights, KY Sat. 11/14/15 7:00 PM

upcoming concerts:

CHRISTINE MACKE staff writer

Panic! At The Disco, Grizfolk, Hippo Campus LC Pavilion Columbus, OH Wed. 12/02/15 6:00 PM Zac Brown Band KFC Yum! Center Louisville, KY Thurs. 12/10/15 7:00 PM Mackelore & Ryan Lewis Palace Theater Lousville, KY Sun. 1/31/16 8:00 PM

Photo courtesy of MCT Photo

[ entertainment ] THE LEAF | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 | SHSLEAF.ORG

New frontier: Virtual reality makes leap in technology NATHAN ZHANG opinion chief CAROLINE BRUNS web-editor in chief

I

n the past few years, virtual reality has been on the verge of popularity.

Virtual reality, an illusion of an environment, has been developed by countless companies in the past years.

Some specific companies, including Sony, Samsung, and Oculus have lead the way in the virtual reality race.

Although VR headsets have previously only been compatible with PCs, innovators look to expand compatibility to other devices as well.

Along with the new Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung is working together with

Oculus and has recently released the Samsung Gear VR. Sony will be releasing the Sony Playstation VR in 2016 for gamers using the Playstation 4.

Recently purchased by Facebook for $2 billion in 2014, Oculus will be releasing a new Oculus Rift compatible with Xbox One, also in 2016.

Although its initial use was for hard-core gaming, creators of virtual reality are looking to start a new wave of technology In an interview with CNBC, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerburg said, “Imagine enjoying a court-side seat at a game, studying in a classroom of students and teachers all over the

world or consulting with a doctor faceto-face—just by putting on goggles in your home.”

Numerous NFL and college football teams have begun using virtual reality for practice, including NFL teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, and Minnesota Vikings; college teams Universities of Stanford and the University of Michigan.

In an interview with “CNN,” Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer said, "I put [VR goggles] on, and it took me literally two plays and I was like, 'This is so cool.'"

Headsets: The newest developments

Samsung Gear VR

Release Date

2015

2016

2016

Compatibility

Samsung Note 4 Samsung Galaxy S6 Samsung S6 Edge

Playstation 4

Xbox One PC

Price

$199.99

TBA

12

Sony Playstation VR

Oculus Rift

$350.00

THE LEAF|Oct. 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG E Virtual reality is utilized by numerous NFL and college football teams. Simulations are available for quarterbacks, coaches, defenses, offenses, and special teams (kicker, punter).

Military

Education Students can experience virtual field trips, immersive digital learning games and simulations, and therapeutic experiences all just by putting on a headset.

Soldiers are able to learn to react to combat and other dangerous situations using virtual reality.

Three services are correctly employing this tool; the army, navy, and air force.

Virtual reality is also utilized to help veterans diagnosed with PTSD.

Uses of virtual reality

Sports

OLD AND NEW

Games

The gamer can now experience a threedimensional environment and interact with said environment during game play.

OCULUS JOURNEY

Source: http://www.vrs.org.uk/ Design by: Caroline Bruns

1961: Philco Corp. develops Project Headsight, a helmet incorporating a video screen with a head tracking system. This technology has been used in military training operations.

1957: Morton Heilig invents the sensorama-- a simulator with 3D images along with smells, wind, and sound to create the illusion of reality.

Source: tomshardware.com Design by: Caroline Bruns

2012: Oculus turns to fundraising platform Kickstarter to finance the Oculus developer kit, which was meant to get the Oculus Rift to developers who could then integrate the VR device into their games.

1997: Georgia Tech researchers use VR to create war zone scenarios for PTSD therapy.

March 2014: Sony introduces the Project Morpheus VR headset for Playstation.

April 2014: The FTC approves Facebook’s purchase of Oculus for $2 million.

April 2014: Virtuix announces they have raised $3 million in funding to develop a VR treadmill that will allow gamers to use their own body movements to move characters through a game.

13

THE LEAF|October 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

Holdt-ing on to the dream:

E

Aves choir teacher aims for excellence CALLIOPE OSBORN staff writer

I

n a recent interview with the choral director, Kenneth Holdt explains the benefits and goals of the choral program, and the opportunities available for students.

Holdt describes choir as a family, and said, “some students have identified that a benefit for joining choir is developing a close knit peer group.

Holdt said, “You’re friends with a similar peer group for four years as you move through choir together, it’s really like a family and creates a sense of community.”

Music is known to have a therapeutic effect on people, as it can calm people down and take their mind off stressful situations.

Holdt said, “Some students are really into their AP classes, so by having an outlet for music, it’s like they can relax a little bit.”

Throughout the year, the choir sings in five main performances: the halftime show at homecoming, the variety show, the winter concert, the fine arts concert, and the spring concert. Students can also participate in Cabaret, and those in Select and Madrigal perform at various places around town.

The Variety Show is the biggest Vocal Booster’s fundraiser of the year to support the choral program. It is not meant for singing only, unique talents like juggling and cultural dancing is highly encouraged.

Holdt said, “If you have a really unique act with a lot of people in it, and it’s high quality, you’re in the Variety Show.”

Holdt hopes that when the time comes for a student to graduate from the choral program, they are an independent musician.

He said, “[I hope they] become a lifelong musician and are stronger from their experiences and the student leadership they had an opportunity to do through choir.”

Holdt teaches all choir classes as well as music theory. He welcomes all new voices.

Choral teacher Ken Holdt directs the choir concerts and the Variety Show. There are five concerts and the Variety Show. He also hosts the auditions for the Variety Show.

14

Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

[ cover story ]

THE LEAF | FRIDDAY, OCTOBER 23 | SHSLEAF.ORG

OHIGHO...?

C THE LEAF|Oct. 23, 2015 |SHSLEAF.ORG Columbia have already legalized the recreational use of marijuana and 19 other states have legalized cannabis in some form. n Nov. 3, 2015, voters will The main force behind the issue be confronted with one is a group, ResponsibleOhio, that of the most controversial gathered signatures to get the issues of our times. That issue is issue on the ballot and is currently the legalization of marijuana for bankrolling the campaign. both medical and recreational The group has made purposes, taking the form of Issue advertisements and has sent a 3 in Ohio.

‘Yes on Marijuana’ bus to college Issue 3, if passed, would allow campuses across the state, including Ohioans over the age of 21 to the University of Cincinnati, with use marijuana for recreational a marijuana bud superhero named and medical purposes. So far, Buddy.

Alaska, Oregon, Washington, While the amendment would Colorado, and the District of allow adults over the age of 21

JENNA BAO associate editor

ISSUE 3:

O

YES [WE]ED [CAN]NABIS: pros of Issue 3

According to ResponsibleOhio, Ohio currently spends $120 million per year enforcing marijuana prohibition. Decriminalizing marijuana would also give the police more time and money to spend on catching violent criminals or people who use hardcore narcotics like heroin or meth.

Similarly, legalizing marijuana would free up prisons and the judicial system, saving the nation’s taxpayers an estimate of $8.7 billion a year, according to the Cato Institute.

Other economic benefits include the large amount of tax revenue made off of the drug. In Colorado’s first year of legalization, tax revenue from retail marijuana was over $40.9 million. Legalization would also increase employment, with each MGCE facility planning to hire at least 300 workers.

Finally, access to medical marijuana could help treat many. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cannabinoids (chemicals found in marijuana) can be used to decrease pain and inflammation and control epileptic seizures and potentially mental illnesses.

Recent research on animals has shown certain cannabinoids to kill cancer cells as well.

16

to grow limited amounts of the drug themselves with a license, there will only be ten farms, or Marijuana Growth, Cultivation, and Extraction (MGCE) facilities allowed to commercially grow and sell marijuana.

If the issue passes, a group called the Ohio Marijuana Control Commission would regulate the growth and distribution of the drug.

There are many restrictions such as: a maximum of 1,159 marijuana retail stores and marijuana stores would not be allowed within 1,000 feet of places of worship, public libraries, or elementary schools.

NO [WE]ED [CANT]ABIS: cons of Issue 3

There is also strong opposition to Issue 3. The complaints, however, are mainly targeted at how the marijuana would be sold rather than the right or wrong of the drug itself.

The 10 plots were already claimed before the issue went public, and if the bill passes it will just make a handful of investors very wealthy. People insist that those currently growing it in Ohio will not just stop.

State lawmakers have, therefore, put Issue 2 on the 2015 ballot, an anti-monopoly amendment that would invalidate Issue 3 if passed.

There is also an organization of those against the issue called No on 3. Opponents include the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association, which is concerned that marijuanainfused candy and snacks will be mistaken by children for treats, and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation which states that “Marijuana is an illegal drug despite the current Washington administration’s decision to not enforce federal law.”

There are also concerns about allowing marijuana in general, with studies showing that the drug may be connected to mental illnesses like depression and schizophrenia.

Finally, addiction treatment specialists believe marijuana is a gateway drug to more serious substances like cocaine, heroin, or prescription drugs.

A

s November elections come closer, the hot button topic of the month has shifted to marijuana, also known as weed, OG Kush, happy grass, Chronic, Mary Jane, or the stuff that made Snoop Dogg.

The issue on the ballot entails the legalization of the limited sale and use of marijuana and create 10 facilities with exclusive commercial rights to grow the drug.

This issue is a continuation of the petition that was brought to attention last year.

There has recently been a push for the new Issue 3, which would limit the number of producers in the state and would prohibit anyone else from applying for land to grow the product The idea that 10 people should specifically control the business of selling marijuana is pretty ludicrous.

First, it monopolizes the sale of weed, letting 10 corporations control the price of the product. This will probably drive the price up, making people less likely to spend money on legal weed when they could buy the illegal cheaper product.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERIJUANA?

opinion columnist: JOSH PATTERSON staff writer

C

THE LEAF|Oct. 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

According to suretybonds.com, the price of legal weed per gram in Colorado is between $14-30, while the illegal price is between $2.50-10.

Second, it will limit the tax revenue that the state can bring in due to the fact that the issue cuts out the smaller businesses for the product, meaning the government can only tax a handful of people.

Washington legalized the use of recreational marijuana and let anyone grow it, which generated $1.9 billion in tax revenue.

Colorado also legalized the use of recreational marijuana, and it raised $70 million dollars, nearly double the alcohol taxes raised in the same fiscal year.

Third, it will also limit the growth of jobs depending on how many people these select corporations want to hire. If everybody could sell, the market would grow and more jobs would be opened by smaller corporations.

In Colorado, 10,000 jobs were created just on recreational use, while an additional 2,000 people joined the green collar workforce.

This idea to monopolize weed would substantially limit the economic opportunities that the legalization of weed would provide.

HIGH ON HISTORY Pure Food and Drug Federal mandatory Act is passed, requiring minimum sentences for all products with marijuana possession cannabis in them to be and use are established labeled.

1930

1890s 1906 After the Civil War, marijuana is sold as a medicinal product.

1970s 1950s

Federal Bureau of Narcotics is established, and the federal criminalization of marijuana begins

Colorado and Washington approve recreational use.

California voters approve a medicinal marijuana initiative.

2008 2012

1996 Mandatory minumum sentences for marijuana are repealed, marijuana is differentiated from other drugs

2013

14 states approve medicinal marijuana.

U.S. will not interfere with state laws.

17

source: http://thchealth.com/cannabis-history

Areas of the brain affected by

C THE LEAF|Oct. 23, 2015 |SHSLEAF.ORG ELIZABETH RICKERT co editor-in-chief

Cannabinoids

Alcohol vs.

Marijuana

Cerebral Cortex

Basal Ganglia

How many Americans?

Alcohol

Marijuana

Hypothalamus

52%

of Americans have had 12 + drinks in the past year

5.9%

of Americans reported as ‘currently using’ marijuana

Change in use, share of U.S. population 51%

52%

26%

2013

2002

30%

Alcohol

6%

Tobacco

8%

Recreational Marijuana

Amygdala

Cerebellum

Hippocampus

Brain Stem

Price per ounce in Denver $400 /oz

$200 /oz

$156 /oz

Legal Retailer

Medicinal Dispensary

Black Market

Puff puff pass:

Marijuana legalization takes nation

High school seniors 37.4 % 21.2% Seniors who have tried alcohol

Seniors who have tried marijuana

Sources: Times News, drugabuse.gov, EJFox.com, Drug Policy Alliance, braintrainingfrq.com, suretybonds.com

18

Fully Legal Medical

Legalized

Decriminalized

Medical and Decriminalized

pAIR WITH GRAPHIC tIE YOUR FLANNEL AROUND T-SHIRT OR A DRESS THAT YOUR WAIST AND MATCH CAN BE WORN WITH TIGHTS IT WITH A SWEATER AND A OR LEGGINGS PAIR OF JEANS

THE LEAF|October 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG F

FLANNELS match with a thick sweater, blouse, or a button up flannel

scarves what kind of scarves?

Autumn fashion

infinity rectangle square oblong

riding boots: wear with skinny jeans and a nice shirt

boots combat boots: wear with leggings and a comfy top

SWEATERS what kind of sweaters?

OVERSIZED CROPPED BUTTON UP TURTLENECK

19

E THE LEAF|October 23,, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

r e b

em

o t s

m e R

t h

l u tf

gh

i r F

Lauren Shassere spotlight chief

T

is’ the season for getting into the spirit of fall and Halloween. Not only because it enables people to crack out their good ole jeans and boots that have been hibernating in their closets picking up dust for a year, but giving people some good quality scares.

Regardless of fear perhaps being a more negative emotion, knowing that it is fake and sharing it with others makes it fun.

Teens and adults alike have been known to travel hours away in search of getting the best scare. Luckily for SHS students, they don’t have to go far to find a worthy haunted attraction in Cincinnati.

In fact,Cincinnati is teeming with

20

g i N

hot spots for spook seekers; these include, and are not limited to ,the Dent Schoolhouse, USS Nightmare, Kings Island Halloween Haunt and Land of Illusion.

Senior Nicole Gangl said,“I love how it raises your pulse and heightens your senses. There’s nothing better than being scared with your friends.”

In fact,Psychology Today suggests that being scared with someone can actually make the two of you grow closer. This phenomenon includes getting scared with friends, but is more attributed to couples.

The scenario is two people go on a movie date where they watch a horror film, during the film the two both share similar experiences such as sweaty palms and racing hearts thus leading them to grow in attraction or attachment for one another.

Aside from attending Haunted Houses and horror movies, among the most popular ways people spend their time searching for frightening adventures is through exploring urban legends. Now, not many people actually expect Bloody Mary to show up in their mirror after performing the given steps but the idea that anything is possible kicks in, and suddenly against

their reason the action creates fear.

Halloween is senior Brooklyn Morris’s favorite holiday. Claiming to live in a haunted house, she finds it fairly easy to get into the spirit of it.

Morris said, “I really enjoy watching scary movies and testing spooky legends. For example, the other week me and my best friends went to some railroad tracks up by Spooky Hollow.”

The legend at these railroad tracks is that a school bus full of kids got stuck on the tracks and got hit by a train. Now it is said if you stop on the railroad tracks, the spirits of the little kids will try to push your car out of the way of the train.

Mossis said, “If you put baby powder or anything like that on the back of your car you can actually see the handprints of the little kids. It's a great and scary way to really get into the Halloween spirit.”

Here is a shape that resembles that of a small hand print found on the back of Morris’s car. This discovery both frightened and pleased the friends. Photo Courtesy of Brooklyn Morris.

Shared Stories:

THE LEAF|April 24, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG E

Students reveal memorable moments from previous Halloween Haunts “Last time I was in a haunted house was when I was 8 with my family. I cried the whole time so my dad had to carry me through and I haven’t been since.”

-Senior, Andru Waters “A haunted house I went to was the one at Kings Island called “Club Blood” where they were banging on the glass and stuff, I’ll never forget it, it was really scary because I was 11 or 12.”

-Junior, Richard Nardi

1

2

“I went to Fear Fest with my cousin and we went into a haunted house that had strobe lights in it. I grabbed my cousin’s back during a really strobey part to scare her and she freaked out and started crying.”

- Sophomore, Kiley Hawkins

3

4

IEST haunted R att CA ra eS

is...

SHS say st

h

1) Friends/Students crouch below a monster displayed near the exit of the Dent School House.

From left to right these students are : (top row) Atena Baghbanian, 11, Nicole Gangl, 12, Savanna Asbrock,12, Lauren Shassere,12 (bottom row) Oksana Schornak,12, Brooklyn Morris, 12 and Hannah Zeidenstein. 2) The mold made lesions for the Dent characters to wear are displayed.

Photo Courtesy of Morgan Malof. 3) Zeidenstein imitates the facial expression of one of the characters while waiting in line. 4) Schornak, Asbrock, Zeidenstein, Morris and Shane Brians, 12 , stand in front of School Bus outside of the Dent.

ion ct

“One year on Halloween night we where trickertrearing and we went to our neighbors house and they made their own haunted house. I have always been scared of haunted houses but this year I decided to go in. I walked in and there was strobe lights and I could not see, my heart was pounding and I turned the corner and a man popped out at me and so I grabbed my sister so hard she got marks on her wrist because I was so scared and I ran out, I still don’t go into scary houses.”

- Freshman, Abby Lefton

The Dent Schoolhouse USS Nightmare Land of Illusion KI Fear Fest St. Rita’s

“ I went to a haunted house with my family, and the actors made me go in by myself. I almost peed my pants and punched one of them in the face on accident.”

- Senior, Paige Parr

21

[ feature ] THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Veterans Day: honoring our heroes HANNAH FREY leaflet designer

6 people: five of the people were

Arlington Cemetery:

Marines and one was a U.S. Navy hospital corpsman.

U.S. Marine Corps Memorial:

Depiction of the raising of the U.S. flag; after 36 days of fighting, the U.S. secured the island of Iwo Jima.

4 million people visit per year 400,000 people have been buried at Arlington cemetery since the 1860s. It is the second largest national cemetery.

lost their lives in Vietnam are on the wall. The names are listed chronologically by date of death.

$9 million was raised from private contributions

to fund the wall. No federal funds were used to build the wall.

Source: Washington DC Monuments and Memorial

Vietnam Veterans Memorial:

58,282 names of the American servicemen who

22

Uniform evolution:

WWI

4,734,991: Total number U.S. troops served

WWII

16,112,566: Total number U.S. troops served

Vietnam War

8,744,000 : Total number U.S. troops served

Korean War

8,744,000 : Total number U.S. troops served

Iraq and Afghanistan War More than 1.6 million U.S. troops served

23

F

THE LEAF|Oct. 23, 2015 |SHSLEAF.ORG

Modern-day melting po t YASMINE GUEDIRA staff writer

S

HS holds its title as the most diverse high school in Ohio with pride and honor. In a school with students from 54 different countries speaking 30 different languages, diversity is bound to be celebrated and shared.

Senior Sarah Wright said, “At SHS you get a little taste of everything. It's such a unique and amazing thing to have in school, because unfortunately it's not that common.”

Thankfully, diversity is becoming more common in American high schools. In 2014, minority groups overtook the white population and this number is projected to increase throughout the years.

Breeding a culture of acceptance and compassion can be one of the most powerful assets to a community of growing learners. A variety of perspectives and values help students see the world more fully.

Senior Rosalyn Liou said, “Different perspectives and opinions enrich our

educations and allow us to appreciate a variety of things. Having only one kind of thing would get boring.”

Many studies conducted by Scientific American have backed up the theory that diversity is necessary for success.

In situations where decision making groups had to share information in order to succeed, multicultural groups significantly outperformed the groups with no diversity.

Katherine Phillips for Scientific American said, “Being with similar others leads us to think we all hold the same information and share the same perspective. This perspective is what hinders creativity and innovation.”

Not only are more diverse students prone to have high communication and reasoning skills, but they are generally surrounded by a more secure learning environment that is formed where students are supported though the difficulties of teenage life.

Junior Uttkanta Sindhwahi said, “When I moved here last year I was worried that it would be difficult to fit in, but there is so much diversity that

Junior Pernille Boger (left) and Lakota West junior Emma Ekebreg (right) meet at a cross country meet. They are both foreign exchange students from Norway living in Cincinnati for a year. They only live four hours away from each other in Norway, and they plan to get together after the exchange year ends.

I didn’t feel like I was different. That made the transition so much easier.”

Thanks to the appreciation and mutual respect we have for each other, we can experience a myriad cultures, opinions and perspectives right in our own school.

3. ITALY

4. JAPAN 2. FRANCE

5. BRAZIL 24

Photos Courtesy of MCT Photo and Nathan Zhang Source: CSIET Design by: Yasmine Guedira

Most popular destinations for U.S. high school exchange students

1. GERMANY

THE LEAF|October 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG F

Q & A with SHS’s Foreign Exchange Students and your family back in Norway different?

Name: Pernille Boger I am very close to my family in Norway so Grade: 11th it was hard to leave them behind. Luckily Duration: 1 year though I have the best host family ever that has Country: Norway welcomed me into their house and lives.

Q: How are your host family

I’m happy this is only the beginning because there is so much more for me to do, see and experience here in the US. I joined the cross country team when I arrived, it is fun to see what real school spirit is.

Q: How has your experience been so far?

Name: Maria Gabriela Jensen Grade: 11th Duration: 1 year Country: Denmark Q: How is the school system in Denmark different from America?

I just graduated from a 10 year school and now I'm taking a gap year as an exchange student in America.

Sycamore HS has endless options to choose from and I’m happy that I ended up here.

Q: How has your experience been so far?

I do not regret crossing the ocean and leaving my family and friends at home. I have already experienced so much! All people I have met have been so friendly and kind.

Q: How is everyday life different?

A big difference from Europe is that we get our license at age 18, but we have a lot of public transportation available and I think it make us more "free" and independent.

Q: How is your school in Italy different from Sycamore?

The schools are small, mine for example has about 700 students, and we use less Name: Stefania Salis technology and more books. The activities are not all around school, you have to find Grade: 11th Duration: 1 year another place to do them.

Country: Italy Q: How is everyday life different in Italy then America?

In Italy I used to go out every day, and we use to meet each other in a bar to have a coffee together while here people meet in someone's home or in some after school activities.

Q: How is your host family different from your family back home?

Now I have two families it's just a beautiful thing because even if I miss my family at home, here I have another family which is different from mine but very nice, and I feel home also here.

Q: How has the exchange program impacted your life?

It will help me learn English, but most importantly I'll find a new way of living and it will help me become more mature and open minded. There's nothing better than knowing and living the American culture, it's something I've always dreamed to do.

25

THE LEAF|Oct. 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG F

Savory smoothies Rujula Kapoor infographic chief

Fast food smoothie prices per ounce

Q&A

When will the smoothie bar be opening?

We are currently waiting on receiving our certificate from the health department, but we expect it will open mid-November.

$.30

What sizes of smoothies will be offered and in what flavors?

There will be one size offered and four flavors that are yet to be decided.

$.15 $.08

How much will each smoothie cost?

The smoothies will cost, on average, between $2.50 - $3.00.

$.00 Starbucks Panera McDonald’s Smoothie King Burger King Dairy Queen

What will the hours of open operation be?

The smoothie bar will be open from 6:30 a.m 8:30 a.m, 11:30 a.m-12:30 p.m, and 2:30 p.m3:30p.m. The hours may be adjusted based on business.

3 Ingredient Smoothies

Price Per Ounce

$.23

26

Mr. Doug Mader, Sycamore High School Principal

Source: Pinterest

Banana

Chia Seeds

Mango

Watermelon

Almond Butter Almond Milk

Mango

Greek Yogurt

Blueberries

Coconut Milk

Basil Coconut Milk

Pineapple

Strawberries

Cherries

Pineapple

Kale

Coconut

Kale

Cranberry

Yogurt

Yogurt

Coconut Water

Spinach

F

Smoothie Layering

THE LEAF|Oct.23, 2015 |SHSLEAF.ORG

2+ fruits

Greens Sweetener

Base

Ranking of Fast Food Smoothies Smoothie King

Panera

Dairy Queen

Burger King

McDonald’s Source fastfoodprice

Starbuck’s 27

F THE LEAF|October 23, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG

Salinas children undergo metamorphosis Gender changes during puberty mystify researchers

ZACHARY MILLIKEN staff writer

G

uevedoces machihembras: “balls at twelve;” whatever you choose to call them, this one percent of children in the Dominican village of Salinas are born as females, yet once puberty strikes, they grow a penis and their testicles descend.

This mystifying phenomenon is not completely isolated in Salinas, as some cases have been observed in Turkey and New Guinea as well.

BBC presenter Dr. Michael Mosely documented the story of one Salinas Guevedoce, who is referred to as Johnny.

Johnny, once known as Felicita, said to Mosely, “I did not feel good, I no longer liked to wear a skirt, and I was no longer drawn to play with girls. All I wanted to do was play with toy guns and boys.”

Johnny is now 20 years old and hopes to lead a normal life. Johnny said, “I’d like to get married and have children, a partner who will stand by me through good and bad.”

In regard to the life of a Guevedoce, sophomore Maia Davidson said, “You would be forced to deal with all those female problems, and then suddenly when you get used to them, you would have to try to understand a whole new set of problems that you had never encountered before. I don’t think I’d like that.”

The toll this unique situation could take on a family is potentially tremoundous. As a parent, sibling, grandparent, or even a friend, having prepared a child for a life of being female, and then witnessing them undergo a shocking transformation during puberty would be an understandably troubling circumstance to handle.

Davidson continued, “I know girls complain about things we have to deal with, but [it] seems way worse to try and assimilate this whole new set of issues...It’d be hard to help your 28 kid through that.”

Dominican Republic

Salinas Only 1% of the females born in Salinas sprout a penis and testes at puberty, earning the “Guevedoce” title.

Supposedly, everything functions properly and most Guevedoces live their lives as normal men with “wispy beards and small prostates,” according to Mosely.

Dr. Julianne Imperato, an endocrinologist from Cornell University, went on a research expedition to the Dominican Republic in the 1970s to discover that the cause of this disorder is a deficiency of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.

The lack of this enzyme creates an incapability of being male until a surge of testosterone comes at puberty, enabling the male genitalia to appear on the body.

Imperato’s research was used by the American pharmaceutical company

Photo courtesy of MCT Photography

Merck in order to create a drug called finasteride, which counteracts the effects of 5-alpha-reductase.

Fortunately, finasteride is now widely used to treat benign enlargement of the prostate, as well as male pattern baldness.

Junior Alexander Hull said, “I suppose if there was any good coming out of this, that drug is it.

The life of a Guevedoce is not the life for me.”

A cloud of uncertainty still hangs over what could possibly cause the enzyme deficiencies that these children are experiencing. Researchers may also be ignorant of other occurences of this condition outside of Salinas.

An intirguing phenomenon, the tale of the “Guevedoces” in Salinas (and elsewhere) is all but told.

28

[ fun&games ]

BROOKE LANDRUM co editor-in-chief

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Where is Anna?

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

Col

Sudoku

!

me r o

By Kevin Kohmesher

6 2 5

5

7 7 1 3

6 8 7

7

4 2 1 3

9 8 7 6

2

4

5

4 29

S THE LEAF|Oct. 23 2015 |SHSLEAF.ORG

Halloween football game draws fans despite holiday; devising theme not to be missed

Freaky Football

CAROLINE VERALDO staff writer

R

emember last year’s Halloween football game against Mason?

The tweets, the costumes, and the fantastic 36-0 win? On October 30th, the football team hopes to have a repeat preformance.

The only difference is that it will be at Mason. It does not matter if it is home or away, the SHS varsity football team still wants the support of a rowdy “Ave Cave” at all of their games.

Junior Grant Young said, “It is our biggest game, and the game when we have the most pressure on us. Having our friends and family there to support us makes it ten times better.”

One of the reasons for last year’s victory was the huge amount of support from the student section. Even though the game is away this year, the players are still hoping for a big turnout from SHS fans.

This game is not just any normal game; it is special because it is a crosstown rivalry. This rivalry, commonly called the “Battle of the Skies” is arguably the most important game of the year.

30

Junior Jacob Locke said, “It’s always a huge game for us since they’re our biggest rival. We took them out of the playoffs last year, which was great. Now we hope to win for the fourth year in a row!”

This game has additional importance other than just the rivalry.

Junior Joshua Feld said, “It will most likely decide if we get into the playoffs or not, so it will be bigger than any previous years. We have held the battle of the skies trophy for a few years and we don’t plan on giving it up anytime soon.”

One of the most famous aspects of last year’s game were the tweets “roasting” Mason. Some of the most noteworthy tweets included “Mason double dips” and “Mason doesn’t have fight song fridays.”

In addition to the ‘Ave Cave’ sign that decorates the student secion, there was also a poster of a Mason student crying at a football game and a large cut out of principal Doug Mader’s face.

Many students plan on continuing the Twitter legacy and repeating it

again this year, as well as the Halloween attire.

Even the cheerleaders try to support the theme as best they can. Donning headgear or gloves for the occasion.

On October 30th, make sure to come to the game wearing your best school appropriate Halloween costume and cheer loudly for your SHS varsity football squad.

Photos by McDaniel’s photography

[ sports ]

column:

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23| SHSLEAF.ORG

Kickin’ it for the win ELIZABETH RICKERT co editor-in-chief

Girls Soccer

T

he Lady Aves Soccer team, led by seniors Grace Louis and Farrah Brown, has been working diligently since June to make this one of their best seasons yet.

Senior Leila Kazemi said, “We have another new coaching staff this year. I think it’s helping the program move in the right direction. I believe that Coach Brian Fallon will help lead the girls to a GMC victory in the next couple of years.”

The girls’ team has won six of their games as of press time. One of these wins was the first game of the season, unique in that it was the first Friday soccer game the girls team has ever had.

Kazemi said, “Our first game kicked off a great start to the season.

The crowd was awesome, they were decked out in the theme, and the crowds response to the bad reffing was awesome. We started out really great, but since then we’ve had some ups and downs. I’m hoping we improve for our final tournament.”

The final tournament will decide the team’s prospects for state and GMC titles.

CAROLINE VERALDO staff writer

Boys Soccer

A

fter a rough start and a tough out of conference schedule, the SHS boys varsity soccer team transformed into an impressive bunch, turning around and finishing second in the Greater Miami Conference to undefeated Mason.

Senior Charles Supp said, “Losing our first five games was really rough but after that, we really came together and picked ourselves back up.”

The team hopes to be very competitive in the upcoming tournament, in which they are seeded 11th place. Under captains William Truncellito, Supp, and Cameron Foy, the boys finished out the regular season with a GMC record of (7-1-1).

Junior Justin Banke said, “It has been amazing to see the team grow this year and it will be exciting to see what they do in the future as well.”

The victory that the boys are most proud of is their 3-2 victory against Lakota East. This game helped them clinch the second place title in the GMC. Junior Maxwell Hill said, “We have tons of momentum heading into next year.. We are shooting for first place in the GMC.”

A letter to…

Bengals fans DAVID WERTHEIM business manager

Well guys, this is it. This is really the year we have been waiting for. I know it has been said in years past, but this time it is really legitimate: the Cincinnati Bengals are Super Bowl contenders.

They may not have the Hall of Fame quarterback or the Legion of Boom, but this Bengals team is different from the ones that have made the playoffs for the last four years.

Andy Dalton is finally playing like a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback. Geno Atkins has returned to his 2013 form.

Adam Jones is quietly having one of the best seasons of any cornerback in the National Football League.

Owner Mike Brown has received a lot of discontent from Bengal fans over the years, but he was able to make a roster that has 73 of 85 players who began their career in Cincinnati. That is the most in the NFL, and it has really been a big boost to this team.

Denver quarterback Peyton Manning is not what he once was, and even though the Broncos have a good record, people are wondering just how long they will be able to keep up. Other than the New England Patriots, there is no team in the AFC that is able to keep up with the Bengals.

I am not saying that the Bengals are going to win the Super Bowl. I think they will win a playoff game. I think they have a shot at winning the AFC and making it to the Super Bowl. The question remains, how will this team hold up in the playoffs?

Either way, enjoy this season. This is the best Bengals team we have seen in our lifetimes. So enjoy it. Try and go to Paul Brown Stadium for a game or two.

At least watch them on TV. I promise, for the first time in my life, I can say that you will not be disappointed with the quality of football being played on Sundays in Cincinnati.

31

Fall sports swing into states HANNAH MAY sports chief

Girls tennis:

Girls and boys water polo

Michael Teets (Varsity Gold) Tanya Holland (Varsity Green) Lisa Farroh (Junior Varsity)

Nicholas Hellwig (head) Jessen Link (girls assistant) Jacob Westerkamp (boys assistant)

Individual state qualifiers:

Senior Alexandra Abele (singles) Senior Magaret Skwara (doubles) Freshman Helen Sotropa (doubles)

State team qualifiers:

Senior Caroline Gao Senior Rachel Levitt Senior Amanda Peck Senior Brianna Dooley Sophomore Kaitlyn Jiang Freshman Sarah Wittenbaum Current state rank: 1

Girls team record: 29 wins, 6 losses

Boys team record: 9 wins, 16 losses

Girls current state ranking: 2 Boys current state ranking: 8 Girls location: Ohio Wesylan University

Boys location: Princeton high

school Senior Paige Parr said “We’ve all been working so hard, I hope it pays off “.

Boys golf

Girls Golf

Coaches:

Coaches:

Paul Phillips

Sectional medalists: Junior Alex Jones (first place medal)

District individual qualifiers: Jones Junior Stephen Coleman Jones said “We had a pretty young team this year, but next year we should be a pretty well rounded team”.

20

Andrew Ovington

State team qualifiers:

Senior Maya Outlaw Senior Kellen Alsip Junior Sophie Kramer Senior Hannah Zeidenstein Junior Orchid Wang

Place at Districts: 3 Alsip said “I did not play my best at districts but I am really excited to be going back to state with the team”.

Baseball takes a turn in Oct. LAUREN KURTZER associate editor

All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

Coaches:

Coaches:

column:

image by Hannah May

S THE LEAF|Oct. 23 2015 |SHSLEAF.ORG

“Legends are made in October.”

“Heros are forgotten but legends never die.” “It is kind of a funny month, October.” Welcome to postseason baseball.

October is the time when the colors of the leaves change and the air gets cooler. It’s also when the best of the best play to be crowned world champions of baseball. The greats will show just how clutch they are.

The bright lights never seem to affect the greats, from ‘Mr. October’ Reggie Jackson to Kirk Gibson to Madison Bumgarner.

Some of the best stories have come from the funny month; most notably from Boston, MA. The Red Sox were down in the American League Championship Series(ALCS) 0-3 games. THey came all the way back and went on to beat their rivals, the New York Yankees, in the Wrold Series.

Nine years later, the city of Boston rallied again. On Apr. 15, 2013 during the famous Boston Marathon, two men bombed the finish line, killing three and injuring over 200 people.

The Red Sox used the tragedy as motivation, with David Ortiz claiming “This is our city and no one can take it away.” They won the World Series once again, their third in nine years (2004, 2007, and 2013).

The San Francisco Giants dynasty manifested in the month of Oct.; they’ve won the World Series every even year since 2010.

This year, the Toronto Blue Jays finally made the playoffs after 21 years and the Kansas City Royals have come alive after 29 long years.

So enjoy this crazy month we call October; you never know what can happen.

[ spotlight ]

A(maze)ing experience THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 | SHSLEAF.ORG

LAUREN SHASSERE spotlight chief

C

hildren living in The Winds neighborhood are subject to a special treat on Halloween night. One house in the neighborhood puts on a special show for its neighbors, creating a haunted house in the front yard.

Those who grow bored of trick or treating before the night is over find great joy in the alternate activity. The house attracts hoards of children in search of a good scare. There is no disappointment once inside the maze/haunted house.

Upon entering the maze, the trick or treaters are instantly surrounded on both sides by black sheets forming a tunnel through the yard. These sheets are supported by various poles spaced out on each side. Then, as the tunnel progresses, out of nowhere people dressed in black morph suits jump out.

Hoping for this experience, sophomore Joshua Wessinger works towards creating a Halloween attraction for trick or treaters in his neighborhood. With help from senior Sarah Wessinger, the two will work to make this dream a reality.

They have already begun gathering black sheets and making detailed plans for the execution of their maze.

J.Wessinger said, “Halloween is definitely my favorite holiday; I love the feeling of getting scared and the feeling you get when you scare other people. Plus, all the free candy helps.”

The siblings will have help from neighbors and friends on the night of the maze opening, doing jump scares and passing out goodies at the exit.

J.Wessinger said,“I’m super excited, I just hope it all plays out like I see it in my head; a dark maze with black sheets and people jumping out and scaring you wearing black morph suits and creepy costumes.”

Although the goal is to give people a good scare on Halloween, they also want it available to even the youngest of neighborhood kids who may find it too frightening at night. Therefore, it is anticipated their homemade attraction will be accessible during the day.

S. Wessinger said, “We have always wanted to go full out on Halloween but have never really had the resources, but we do this year, so we are going to give it a go. We have a little sister who is nine, so we know all the kids in the neighborhood through her.

‘So we thought ‘let’s do this, let’s let these kids have a blast on Halloween.’

A nice cliché of a bunch kids going to a spooky house to get candy.”

The siblings, adding onto previous plans, have recently aquired a smoke machine to use in the maze in addition to black sheets and actors.

Passionate about the Halloween spirit, Joshua Wessinger, with help from his older sister, Sarah Wessinger, wishes to create a trick or treating experience that nobody in his neighborhood will forget. They are considering leading the maze through their garage from a back door leading back to the driveway. Photos courtesy of Lauren Shassere.

Mei

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