The Times thanks our patrons: Gold
Saleh & Faten Awadallah Nancy Graves Dr. Wagner & Family
Silver
Claudia & Darryl Chajon Barbara Michel Suzanne Pollack Sherri McEntee & Don Richmond Jim Quigley & Mary Ryan Mark Schroeder Vicki & Dan Smigelski Kefah Suleiman
Bronze
Yakoob Badat Moira Dugan & Charlie Bango Barb Cromer Costo’s Juice Plus John L. Dowling Olivia Hiles Kiley Family Mary Beth Kohl Susan Love Brigid McNeely Walt & Sue Moran Keith Owen Wendy & Dave Robar Bill, Mary, & Ian Schulz Tracy Supinski John & Patti Witri Kari Zimmermann
Front cover by Tessa Newbacher
2
staff
The Lakewood Times
contents
Vol. 90 Issue 4 February 2011
21
Times staff 2010/2011 Co-Editors-in-Chief Deven Middleton Fiza Shah
Design & Sports Editor Lisa Kowalski News Editor Sam Cross Opinon Editor Alberto Rodriguez Lakewood Life Editor Julia Houska Copy Editors Melissa Gajewski Gwen Stephen Adviser Karen Ballash
23
Editorial Board Members Juan Amador Tori Chesmar Grace Coy Katy Eberl Grant Graves Matt Majewski Lindsey McEntee Haley McGinty Andrew O’Connor Lily Pollack Peter Quigley Meredith Richards Wilson Sackett Naseem Shean Paige Smigelski Sabrina Suleiman Toby Tobin
A Value World coat rack. Photo by Gwen Stephen.
Focus
4 Single to Committed 6 Text me! 7 Video love 8 Fourteen date ideas 10 Under age and engaged
News
11 Homeless for a night 13 Lakewood’s got talent
Opinion A grilled cheese from Cravings. Photo by Haley McGinty.
15 Block party! 16 Single vs. Relationship 17 Can I get a Moment of Silence? 18 We are the world
Lakewood Life
19 Goin’ back to Kenya 21 Vintage Virtuoso 22 The real LCA 23 Search for the best cup of joe 24 The tale of two Ritters 26 Goofy games 28 Latham gets artsy
Sports
29 Running bare 30 Winter sports review 31 Basketball midterm
Times Editorial Policy As preservers of democracy, our schools shall protect, encourage, and enhance free speech and the exchange of ideas as a means of protecting our American way of life. The Times and its staff are protected by, and bound to, the principles of the First Amendment and other protections and limitations afforded by the Constitution and the various court decisions implementing those principles. It is the mission of The Lakewood Times, the official newsmagazine of Lakewood High School, to serve as a public forum that promotes the gathering and exchange of ideas, and uphold high journalistic standards for the purpose of enriching the lives of our readers. The Times is established as an open forum for student expression and as a voice in the uninhibited, free and open discussion of issues. The Times will not be reviewed or restrained prior to publication. Content of the Times, therefore, reflections only the views of the student staff or individual students and not school officials. Students may use online media to educate, inform, and entertain their readers. Both the school and the cyber community are entitled to the same protections and subject to the same freedoms and responsibilities, as all other student media outlined in this policy. Online media are forums for self-expression and are similar to traditional media, in their freedoms, responsibilities, and professional obligations. As such they will not be subject to prior review or restraint. Student journalists may use online media to report news and information, to communicate with other students and individuals, to question and consult with experts, and to locate material, to meet their newsgathering and research needs. The Times, and staff, will strive to avoid publishing any material determined by student editors or the student editorial board to be unprotected, that is, material that is libelous, obscene, materially disruptive of the school process, an unwarranted invasion of privacy, a violation of copyright laws or electronic manipulations changing the essential truth of the photo or illustrations. Other obligations can be found in the handbook available to each student. The Times adviser will not act as a censor. If questions arise over specific copy as defined within this policy, student journalists will seek the advice of the communications attorney from the Student Press Law Center. The Times editorial board as a whole will be responsible for determining editorial opinions, which represent the opinions of a majority of the editorial board. No single member of the Times can be held responsible for editorial content decisions. The Times is a tool in the learning process of journalism and operates as a learning laboratory. Any student may be a member of the staff, with or without prior journalism experience or enrollment on the staff for credit. As a forum for student expression, the Times will publish all letters to the editor, provided they are 300 words or less and contain the author’s name, house, and address. On occasion, we will publish letters using the “name withheld” providing the Times editor, or a team editor, knows the author’s identity. We reserve the right to withhold a letter or column and return it for more information if we determine it contains items of unprotected speech as defined by this policy. Letters will be edited for spelling and grammar. Should a letter contain errors in fact, excessive grammatical errors or be too long, it will be returned to the author for re submission. Deadlines for letters and columns will be no later than ten days before the next publication date. The Times may choose to report student, staff, faculty, and alumnus deaths as he editorial board is made aware of them. We reserve the right to decide not to cover a death based on relevance, timeliness and circumstances. In cases where the editorial board decided not to cover death, letters to the editor in regard to that death could be printed.
February 2011
contents
3
Path to commitment: By Lily Pollack
1. Friday night is date night If a guy was lucky, he’d take the girl he was interested in to the movies, a soda shop or a dance hall. His first obstacle was having the guts to ask her. This was when a girl was aware that the guy was at least interested in her. It didn’t have to mean that he liked her.
Past 2. Arm around, holding hands This would either take place in a movie theater, or on an evening stroll through a neighborhood. It was a sign of affection, and a simple way for the guy to show that he has feelings for the girl.
3. Goodnight Kiss Generally happening on the second or third date, and would usually take place on the girl’s front porch after her date walked her to the front door. 5. The Breakup Break ups didn’t occur as often because usually when a couple was in a relationship, it was serious. There wouldn’t be a relationship if the two weren’t both willing to commit and be together for a while. A lot of the time, couples ended up getting married after high school, particularly in the 1950’s. If and when a couple broke up, it was usually done face to face.
4. The giving of the lettermen cardigan or class ring The exchange of these items usually meant that things were getting serious, seeing that dating before was more of something fun to do. At this point, a couple would be considered “going steady,” or officially “dating.” This would only happen if the previous steps have taken place.
Path art and quote box art by Tessa Newbacher.
What are we talking about? Dating terminology of this generation By Lindsey McEntee
Talking:
(A.k.a. “texting”) the social area above friends, but below boyfriend or girlfriend. These two people aren’t established as a couple, but have some sort of relationship. “I think it’s kind of a dumb saying, because sometimes someone will say, ‘oh I was talking to this boy’ and you have to clarify with the question talking or ‘talking?’” - Senior Michaela Costello
Friends with Two friends physically inbenefits: volved with one another, to any degree, with no emotional attachment or relationship. See “hooking up.” “I think that if two people really like each other then they should just date and not be ‘friends with benefits.’ But some people have reasons or excuses for why they won’t date, like they’re worried about what people will think, or they don’t want to ruin their friendship, or they don’t like being in relationships.” - Senior Ernest Stevens
Open relati
More than friends with benefit to be in some sort of relationship fact that it is okay for the opposite
“I think when two people a ship they’re comfortable with some ‘strings attached,’ but The concept of this type of re plicated, but can be fun…”
How the dating process has evolved over the years 1. Time to chat it up When someone takes an interest in another, they usually talk to them on Facebook or through texting. Facebook creeping is an essential, and an easy window into someone’s past and present.
Present 2. The hang out session Instead of asking someone on a date, two people “hang out,” or just simply talk in person to get to know each other. The whole process of dating is often skipped. It has to be established that two people like each other before anything can happen.
3. “I like you…” Not long after two people get to know each other, usually it is established whether or not they like each other. It must be determined if they share the same feelings before an actual relationship can be formed.
4. Time to make it official Up until this point, the status of the new couple has been kept private. Only when they make it “Facebook official” will everyone on their friend’s list know, allowing people to talk about it. Now it’s up to the couple how serious they consider their relationship.
ionship:
ts in that two people do want p together, but it is a known e person to see other people.
are in an open relationh one another, there are they’re not tied down. elationship can get com- Junior Hannah Piter
purposefully ambiguHook up:ous,Oftena word to describe any
sexual action with a person one is not in a relationship with, often used to minimize or exaggerate what really happened. “When I hear ‘hook up’ I think of a lot of terms- NOT ALWAYS SEXUAL. But in high school the term may mean it more in that way.” - Freshman Erin Hoffert
5. “In a relationship” to “single” Break ups occur at any point in a relationship, whether it was casual or serious, and can happen face to face, through text or a phone call and even on Facebook. With the ability to completely avoid confrontation, all of these contribute to the confusion and frustration that occurs post-break up.
Dating/going out/ in a relationship:
All are the high school equivalent of a monogamous relationship. “In a Relationship” is the Facebook indicator that you are in fact, off the market. “A boyfriend/girlfriend situation means a serious relationship, not something that lasts for a week or random hook ups. This can be a good or a bad thing depending on the people in the relationship and the way they show affection towards one another.” - Senior Karma Cornell
14 Date ideas for the 14th Cards and gifts have come a long way since the flirty, pink and red valentines you would receive from your “secret admirer” in elementary school. As we grow older, relationships become more and more serious. In high school, the “relationship status” isn’t based on just Facebook, or the label both participants agree on, but also about how the two “love birds” treat each other. This valentine’s day, why not surprise your girlfriend or boyfriend with a unique date opportunity?
A meal for two: Instead of an overpriced, fancy dinner which may burn a hole through your wallet, try cooking a meal for your sweetheart. Start off by asking them what their favorite home cooked meal is, and go from there. Add a delicious touch with a surprise desert like strawberry shortcake, or chocolate covered strawberries. Skip the surprise: make it a date in which both of you are in on. Cook for one another to make the date interesting, while spending more time with each other. It takes two to tango: At LHS, the only chance you have of dancing with your crush is Homecoming or Snowball. Although it’s an almost forgotten pastime couples used to partake in, dancing is both fun and easy. The only difficulties; finding someplace to boogie. So, whether it be in your own living room or at a smooth jazz club, use your imagination to help you two step closer to that person you admire. Get professional: Pretend to be “shadowing” a dance class at the Recreation center or Beck Center. Sit-in and participate in a real dance class for all the fun and laughs A romantic stroll: After a Valentine’s Day dinner, take your hubby/wifey downtown for a stroll around the city. Enjoy casual conversation as you admire the hanging lights on East 4th street. When needed, escape the cold weather by grabbing a cup of hot cocoa or a pastry at the Erie Island Coffee Co. for desert, located directly on East 4th street. This tasteful date is sure to bring the two of you closer.
For the love of sports: Valentine’s Day isn’t just a day of romantic activities to impress the girlfriend. For the sports-loving couples, an idealistic date would be to attend the “Monsters vs. Texas Stars” hockey game at the Quicken Loans arena. Tickets can be found online, or at the box office for almost as low as ten dollars (depending on seat locations.) Make it more lovey-dovey by buying her the ticket and dinner before the game. Guys, take this opportunity to let your girlfriend know you love being with her while still doing the things you enjoy. Shoot for fun: This valentine’s day, take a hike through the Metro parks. While you are there, stop by the Cleveland Metro Parks Chalet and go tobogganing. This is a great idea for those thrill-seeking couples. Make it a double, or triple: Invite friends and other couples to join you. Whole-group participation makes even the most scared partner not want to miss out.
6
focus
7
More outdoor adventures: If you and your sweetheart like to tackle the snow, rather than run from it, this idea is perfect. Boston Mills and Brandywine will both be open until 9:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. Enjoy a lovely, snow-filled date on the slopes and head into the lodge for hot cocoa and a chat before hitting the road home. Laser hearts: It’s okay to still act like a kid, even with your date. Run around and h a v e fun at “Lazer Xtreme” in Middleburg Heights. Invite couples you know to make it a group date. You may even want to invite all of your friends, single or not. This idea creates fun for everyone, and is easy on your wallet. You can either call ahead to schedule an event, and split the cost with all the attendees, or you can each personally pay a separate admission fee.
The Lakewood Times
Party! Party! Party! The more the merrier, that should be the theme of this date. Grab a bunch of your friends and have a Valentine’s Day party at someone’s house. Everyone invited should bring a date and a snack. Play games, watch romantic movies and to end the night pass out silly worded conversation hearts and cards to everyone departing.
9
Love tunes: If the adventuring and romantic dinners for your night have already ended, go back home and make a C.D. This should be filled with songs you both enjoy and love. Some may be about relationships, but don’t limit it to just that: make a C.D. of songs you both will never get sick of and will think of each other every time you hear them.
Nifty-Thrifty: Take your special-someone to a thrift store and play the “dress-your-date” game. Separate from your significant other into the opposite sex’s clothing sections. Pick the craziest or tackiest shirt, dress, vest, etc. that you can find, and purchase it for your date. Show off your new garb while out to a fancy restaurant. Both of you must to wear what the other picked out, no matter what. This game helps you to be fun and personal with your date, while also causing a scene.
11
0
Off the map: Set up a scavenger hunt for your sweetheart around Lakewood. Start with a letter that your crush gets after school. The message should read a riddle or puzzle, something to direct them to one of their favorite spots. Have them running around town looking for their prize. By the end, have them standing in a memorable spot, and surprise them with flowers. You could also lead them to a one-on-one dinner spot. The possibilities are endless, and this scavenger hunt keeps things interesting. Your date will never know what’s coming next.
1 1
Rewind: If you have a vivid memory of where you first met or where your first date was try to reenact that time in your life. This sentimental idea may or may not take some time to plan, so make sure you have every detail down. Hint: the girlfriend is always more likely to remember fine tuned details.
1
A night in Roma: Take a drive to Little Italy in Cleveland Heights and spend the evening vitalizing all of your senses. See, smell and taste the aromas and scenery Little Italy presents. This is perfect for a romantic setting.
Can’t decide? If you can’t decide whether to surprise your date or plan something together, then take this into account; either way you are going to have fun. Ask a friend of your significant others’ and see what they say. Then throw all of these ideas into a hat, mix it up, and pick one or two. If you aren’t too crazy about your first choice, throw it back in the hat and pick again. Turn it around: If you still aren’t sure, have your crush pick from the hat.
February 2011
focus 7
Is texting the new love letter? By Katy Eberl It seems as though the love and romance we know from the novels is on its way to extinction. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching it has become quite clear that many have forgotten the value of putting their innermost feelings down in writing. Teenagers armed with their cell-phones 24/7 are making the ‘new’ rules-of-romance everyday. They are available for flirting and fighting at all times. However, does this kind of power and technology strengthen or weaken the modern day relationship? Senior Ryleigh Liber thinks it weakens them. “Since people rely so heavily on technology now-a-days, they will say things through texting that they wouldn’t in person.” Texting seems to replaced the once valued face-to-face communication with its silent form dialogue. It’s become quite clear that relationships built solely from these 160 or less character conversations are a problem. Teens become so comfortable with cyber chatting that once they are face-to-face with each other, it’s awkward. Some couples will even text each other while being in one another’s presence, because they are more comfortable and secure with texting than having an actual conversation. Verbal communication is a vague concept to many people in our society. It has been significantly
decreased over the years by the advancement in technology. It’s inevitable that cell phones (and consequently texting) have changed the world of dating. Brief texts, which are usually informal, and sometimes unclear, are leaving both parties more confused than they already might have been. “[Teenagers] also rely on people to have technology attached at their hip. If someone doesn’t answer, they’ll get so angry,” said Liber. “It’s very frustrating.” According to techcrunch. com “we [as a society] reached a breaking point in 2008 when text messaging topped mobile phone calling in usage. We’ve been living in a world dominated by text based communication ever since.” It seems not only that writing a letter has been almost extinguished, but looks like a simple phone call is heading towards that direction as well. But whatever happened to a hand-written letter? When people used to write letters in the “old days,” they did it the old fashioned way, not by e-mail. It put into affect the saying, “it’s the thought that counts.” At least in your head you know the person who wrote it thought of you longer than a couple of seconds. Most love letters are very personal and private. They are saved and cherished at least within the lifetime of one person.
DO’s and DON’Ts of relationship texting • •
• •
8
DO: send your thoughts of love, admiration, and appreciation. Use text messaging as a form to send your positive thoughts and feelings towards you partner. A little can go a long way. DON’T: try to resolve conflict over text messaging. If you and your partner have a history of unsuccessful text messaging during conflict, avoid using your cell phone and wait until you see each other face-toface. DO: remember that your partner may not be available all hours of the day. Remember that they may be in a place where they aren’t able to respond quickly. DON’T: do not, absolutely do not… break up with your partner through a text message! It shows you are insecure and a coward. It’s almost as bad as breaking up via- Facebook.
focus
? Photo illustration by Katy Eberl.
The person writing the letter took the time to sit down, thoughtfully write-out their innermost thoughts about you, get an envelope and stamp and then finally take it to the mailbox. Obviously, this person wanted to write to you, otherwise, why else would they go through all that trouble? A love letter is something permanent and committed. You can keep love letters throughout the years and look back at them; you can’t always keep your texts. Sometimes the most intimate things are hard to say or even hear. Yet when written down in your personal handwriting, they become alive with sincerity and meaning. Senior, Debbie DeWitt said, “I would appreciate [a love letter,] because it seems to take more thought and mean more.” There’s just something about love letters that seem so poetic when contrasted to the more modern love text of, “can’t w8 2 c u babe,” or the ever-most popular “I luv U.” As texting becomes more and more popular, teens are not just using it as a quick way to chat, they are using it to flirt, ask someone out -- even to break up. According to an AT&T survey, 68 percent of people who text
admitted to sending a love note over text, and 67 percent have used texting as a way to flirt. But the text is how we show our affection now. We giggle when we quickly flip open our phone and see the flirtatious text our new crush sent. But the trick is, instead of being poetic like love letters once were, now we have to be short and sweet, while still remaining clever. Today’s love, dating and text messaging have become interlinked. So, is a relationship based on texting-only acceptable and okay? Senior, Paige Morana thinks not. “No, because you can’t establish tones through texting. The way you text something can be mistaken very easily.” Whether you hardly ever see a text within a month or are suffering from one every minute, it is wise to be cautious when using this form of simple and convenient communication in teen romances. Maybe to seem more romantic, instead of sending a three-page long text to her inbox, write a thoughtful love letter and send it to her mailbox. “I’d love an old fashion, face to face relationship,” says Liber, “No wonder why those people are still together!”
The Lakewood Times
Streaming lovers
Face-time with your special someone keeps the love alive By Naseem Shean Relationships are hard enough to maintain in person, try doing them with thousands of miles in between you and your significant other. Generations of high school sweethearts have stayed together through college, but in the past the connection tended to unravel amid the challenges of being in a long distance relationship. Past long distance relation-
As for junior Heidi Vanek, Skyping with her boyfriend isn’t a frequent occurrence in their relationship . “It’s only been a few times, but he did get me a webcam for my birthday so we could Skype,” said Vandek. The aspects of no longer having your significant other at the same school is challenging for both Nader and Vanek. Nader girlfriend, Stevelak, feels that “Skype does help with the distance, “not being because even though it’s through a screen, able to see each other evbeing able to actually see his face is great.” ery day is by far the toughest part.” ships were kept heated by love the ability to talk to your signifiVanek feels that “not seeing letters and post cards frequently cant other, it also gives couples each other in the halls at school sent to one another, but when the opportunity for video chat- has been a little difficult and it’s that strategy of communication ting. There are no ifs, ands, or hard to make time for each other, seemed to fail, so did the rela- buts about it, modern love and and to talk a lot during the school tionship. week because of homework and technology go hand in hand. “I think any long distance reFor junior Nathan Nader, a extracurricular activities we are lationship is difficult regardless long distance relationship would both in,” said Vanek. of how old you are. However, it’s have been difficult without the As for Nader, it’s not the difthe willingness to make it work help of Skype. ference in schools that makes that can make it less difficult,” “The distance isn’t that bad. his relationship challenging, it’s said LHS alumni and OSU fresh- She is at Ohio State in Colum- the “lack of visitation and comman Kaitlyn Stevelak. bus and I’m here in the fine and munication” they have with one Thanks to today’s abildandy Lakewood, Ohio,” said another. ity to communicate “ I n a way Skype Nader. easily across miles, makes being relationships begun in high school and over summer vacations
[
are continuing through a program called Skype. “Skype does help with the distance, because even though it’s through a screen, being able to actually see his face is great,” said Stevelak. High school and college students that happen to be in long distance relationships have programs like Skype to their advantage. Not only does Skype give
-Kaitlyn Stevelak
Photo by Gwen Stephan. Illustration by Katy Eberl.
February 2011
]
far away easier, because I actually get to see her,” said Nader. Any communication mechanism, be it letters or phone calls, comes with its difficulties. “I find Skype to be difficult, it’s easier to talk on the phone because sometimes the internet connection is slow and we spend more time talking about how to fix it which takes away from our actual talking time,” Vanek said. With all the heart aching pains that long distance couples go through, in the end they still have each other. Skype can play a minor or major role in long distance relationships, but in the end, “Skyping is a great way to stay close,” said Stevelak. For Vanek and her boyfriend Ian, “actual time together doesn’t compare to talking over a computer screen.” Not being able to see or touch the person you love is a challenge, and although Skype doesn’t give couples the ability to touch, seeing each other through a computer screen is just enough. “I don’t use Skype for anything but Kaitlyn,” said Nader. “I love my relationship and wouldn’t give it up for anything, no matter how far away I am. I love Nathan so much and with the distance, at times it is tough, but I think it makes us stronger and closer.”
focus 9
Under age and engaged
him speak to her asked for her hand in marriage. daughter. Even if “I said yes and he put the ring Beauchamp wasn’t on my finger,” she said. “I love interested, he just him with all my heart and I don’t wanted to hear want to wait a few years because her voice and get it’s a great thing.” to know a little bit Some of Beauchamp’s friends about her. Accord- aren’t supportive of her deciing to Beauchamp, sion. Although she lives with the her mom knew he complaints from her friends, she was a great guy and said “I keep my head held high eventually gave him because I am happy, and that is permission to speak all that matters.” to Beauchamp. Once married, they plan on When her mom ap- buying a house to make their proached her, Beau- home. Beauchamp plans on champ didn’t think taking online college courses to much of it. But once become a registered nurse. “We her mom started tell- want kids right away after we get ing her about him, “I married,” said Beauchamp. found him charming Beauchamp is taking senior Suleiman and Beauchamp get engaged Photo courtesy of Angelisha Beauchamp. but kept it to myself,” classes to graduate early besaid Beauchamp. cause she needs to plan her “I never thought I would get He wanted to come and see wedding. Beauchamp said, “We According to Author engaged in high school,” said ju- her, and Beauchamp finally haven’t picked a honeymoon nior Angelisha Beauchamp, 17. agreed to Jeanne Warren Beauchamp has been engaged a meetto Saed Suleiman, 20, since the Lindsay ing. end of her sophomore year. The “I basi More than 60% of teen- couple has known one another cally [had] for nine months. age marriages fail within thought Beauchamp attended an enfive years. a b o u t gagement party with her famhim and ily for Suleiman’s cousin. Beau A girl married at 17 is how great champ was unaware of his he was twice as likely to be existence. But when Suleiman for a few noticed how beautiful she was, divorced as a girl 18 or weeks,” he approached her mother say19. s a i d ing she is “a very pretty girl,” but Beau If a girl waits unher mother ignored him. Beauchamp. champ’s father has been a friend til she is 25, the S h e with Suleiman’s father for quite had never chances that her some time now and the families seen him marriage will last are started visiting frequently. Suleibefore four times better. man always talked about Beauand wonchamp when her parents came dered, over. “ W h a t Photo courtesy of Angelisha Beauchamp. “I am Muslim, and in our culDo you have any strong feelings can he really be like.” ture, when a man likes a girl, he about this issue? Drop your letThe following Friday, Suleiman destination yet, but we set the is to ask her parents for permisters to the editor off in the mailbox came over and when he walked date sometime in April 2012.” sion to talk to her,” said BeauUntil the wedding bells ring, in B207. Or take our poll at www. through the doorway, “I looked champ. lakewoodtimes.net into his eyes and it seemed as if Suleiman calls Beauchamp evHer mom was reluctant at first it were in love at first sight,” said eryday, whether it’s saying “good to allow him to see her because morning” to simply asking her Beauchamp. she was only 16 at the time. She already knew he was a how her day was. Suleiman was determined to “He is there to comfort me. He great guy from her mom and win her heart because he knew is the one who brightens my day. wanted to get to know him for she was the love of his life and He is the one who completes herself. “We talked all night and wanted to spend the rest of it had an incredible time,” said me. He is the one worth living with her. Beauchamp. After three days everyday for.” Suleiman was persistent askof getting to know each other, ing Beauchamp’s mother to let Suleiman got on his knees and
10 focus
The Lakewood Times
Braving the cold for a cause By Paige Smigelski
Ever wonder what it would be like to be homeless and have to sleep outside in below zero degree temperatures? Well, a few Lakewood High’s students, including myself, got the chance to experience firsthand what that is like. For the seventh year in a row, Lakewood Congregational Church (LCC) has held the Homeless Awareness SleepOut (HASO). I joined the 15 teens from LCC and another 15 teens from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church across the street, to sleep outside. Beginning at six p.m. on Saturday, January 22, we started our adventure. I bundled up in many layers of clothing including sweatshirts, leggings and more socks than one can imagine. My friends and I taped together our cardboard appliance boxes and that would be home for the night. We piled up the blankets and pillows and hoped it would be enough to keep warm. Grace Corrigan, junior at Magnificat High School, said that “if I was cold with the many layers and blankets I had, I can’t imagine how the people who don’t have those things stay warm.” The SleepOut is designed to raise not only money, but also awareness. The youth from these two churches slept outside in cardboard boxes and panhandled for people to recognize the problem of the homeless in our community. Before the event took place, a man named Don came to speak to us about his journey.
Don was homeless in 2005, and remembers hearing about the SleepOut while he was living in a shelter. He couldn’t believe that we were willing to “unconditionally” help people we didn’t know. Don told us that he wasn’t a very nice person while he was living on the streets. He was abusing drugs and alcohol. Don called us “heroes” and compared us to “Superman saving a train that was ready to crash, not caring whether the people on board were good or bad.” The 30 teens stood on the four corners of West Clifton and Detroit and asked strangers for money. People passing by threw coins and cash in our buckets. While some were very generous in their donations, others seemed annoyed that they were being bothered. Freshman David Kemp was one of the youth that participated in the SleepOut this year. He observed that “some people made donations and others used some kind of distraction, so as not to look at you.” This made us realize how the majority of homeless people are actually treated on the streets, if not worse. We frequently went inside to warm up. Junior Lauren Szabo said that “it’s cold, but for one night, if you’re helping people, it’s worth it.” This year LCC made $2,500 from this event. The money is being donated to Interact Cleveland for the Homeless Stand Down. The Stand Down is a three day event that provides clothing, medical screenings and other services to the homeless in Cleveland.
A star is born
Donations will also be made to the Interfaith Hospitality Network, which coordinates housing for homeless families, and also supports our youth group’s summer mission trip to Chicago. The SleepOut is a part of the churches outreach ministry and they believe it is their responsibility to do their part in serving others. Vicki Smigelski, youth advisor at LCC, does it because “it’s a chance for our kids to walk in the shoes of someone less fortunate. I hope it makes them understand what some people have to go through every day.” A sixth grader at Harding Middle School, Gunnar Stockman, believes that “we are all God’s children and we all need a home.” Kemp summarized the impact of the event by saying, “I feel that the Homeless Awareness SleepOut is a great event that teaches a lot and opens your eyes to the world of those less fortunate.”
Facts about the homeless 1. 57% of homeless kids spend at least 1 day every month without food 2. Every year more than 2 million kids in America will face a period of homelessness 3. Over 25% of former foster children become homeless within two to four years of leaving the system 4. Almost 40% of the homeless in the United States are under 18 years old Information from covenanthouse.org
Senior Charlie Kemp and freshman David Kemp help out during the sleep Out. Photo by Paige Smigelski.
February 2011
news 11
n r o b s i r a A st g n i d l i u b o t The steps w o h S t n e l a the LHS T
Junior Jack DeBaltzo sings “Somewhere only we know,” by Keane while accompanying himself on the piano. Photo by Deven Middleton.
By Deven Middleton
Once every year a time comes for Lakewood students to shine on stage in front of a packed auditorium. This exciting chance is the LHS talent show. There’s only one way to get on stage for the talent show, and that’s auditioning. The audition process is surprisingly loose, creating a relaxed atmosphere for all participants. This can be especially helpful to a nervous hopeful. “I was sick, which made me incredibly nervous,” said senior Kayla McDonald, who was preparing herself for her fourth talent show audition. “After I was done, I was
12 news
okay with my audition, which doesn’t happen often.” Of course, not everyone auditioning was nervous. Junior Abby Boland, who writes and performs original music, wasn’t sure what song she was going to audition with until she got to the piano. “I know my pieces by heart, so I just went with what felt right,” said Boland. Getting into the show is based on the scores of the emcees and 25 other AYF members who serve as judges. Those auditioning perform a short selection of their act, giving the judges a glimpse of their final product. With over 40 acts auditioning, creating a cohesive show can become challenging. “We’re selective, and we don’t want 25 acts of stu-
The Lakewood Times
Sophomore Frannie Grauel auditions with an acoustic version of “Drops of Jupiter,” originated by Train. Photo by Deven Middleton.
dents singing ballads,” said senior Luke Fesko, an emcee for this year’s show. “We like to see diversity in the performers. We want a diverse, well-flowing show.” Winning over the judges isn’t easy. While some, like Fesko, want to see “non-music talent, because the majority of our applicants are music-based,” others, like senior Maeve Diffenbacher, are looking for “someone who has confidence and are enjoying themselves while entertaining the audience.” “[I have] a lot of respect for people who have the guts to get up on stage and show what they’ve got,” said Diffenbacher. The talent show took a new direction when language teacher Matt Heslep began his role as the advisor of AYF.
Heslep took over the talent show four years ago, after three years of participation back stage. He instituted it as not only an outlet for student performance, but as an AYF-hosted event. “It now serves not only as a talent show, but a fundraiser,” said Heslep, who uses one hundred percent of the profits towards scholarships for students attending AYF’s Camp Miniwanka. Though Heslep serves as the advisor for the talent show, he considers his influence minimal and plays a small part in the decision making process. “Senior leaders have made almost all the decisions on how the show runs. I’ve had a very backseat role,” said Heslep. “I think the people who create it are really invested in it.” Emcees are seniors (and sometimes juniors) who have participated heavily in AYF functions and retreats. The emcees act as the show’s hosts, but their involvement goes beyond simply announcing the acts. “We have a huge responsibility as emcees,” said Fesko. “We’re creating all of the skits [in between acts,] judging what acts get in, and performing in the show.” The emceed portions of the show are per-
February 2011
Sophomore Will Crosby, clad with a mop, preforms “Mr. Cellophane,” from the musical “Chicago.” Photo by Deven Middleton.
formed with a cast of six to ten students working together to put on their performance. The emcees count is circumstantial, and has no fixed number, which wasn’t always the case. “Rewind to five or six years ago, there were four emcees that were voted on and it was a very emotional, intense process,” said Heslep. “The show’s purpose has always been about student involvement, having more voices adds creativity [to the show.]” With this idea in mind, Heslep decided the number of emcees would be decided by the club. This has led to a smoother process and an all around better show. “More voices lead to more creativity,” said Heslep. Senior Maeve Diffenbacher says she’s been working towards being an emcee since she was a freshman. “It’s a big deal in my mind for all of us to be emcees. We have the responsibility of putting together a show and entertaining the audience,” said Diffenbacher. “I feel I’ve earned it over the past few years of high school. I always try my best to contribute to the club in a positive way.” Every year the talent show is strung together by one common theme, which presents itself in the skits and videos created by the emcees.
The theme “unifies the talent show, and makes it an actual show, as opposed to 25 acts standing up and performing,” said Heslep. “We decided the theme at one of our AYF meetings. We all knew we wanted something pretty broad that would give us a lot of room to do a variety of skits,” said Diffenbacher. This year’s theme, the “Lakewood Choice Awards,” will allow the emcees to “[dress] as different stars and [do] different things on the red carpet,” said Fesko. The video segments of the show will feature infomercials between the acts. “One of the first ideas about this year’s
theme was infomercials,” said senior Bob Zimmermann, who returns as an emcee for his second time. Zimmermann said there was debate over how versatile the infomercial theme was and if it could weave together the show successfully. In the end, “we decided it would be a lot funnier in video form,” said Zimmermann. “The creative process has been hilarious,” said Diffenbacher. “We have a lot of characters in the group of emcees who have some entertaining ideas.” “The skit writing has been even better than last year,” said senior Lisa Kowalski, also returning for a second year of emceeing. “We’re going to top last year by a long shot.” Now that the final list of acts has been posted and all involved are busy preparing for the duel performances, the impact of the show is bigger than just the talent. Boland, who was awarded a slot, is excited to perform in the talent show. “Maybe it’s the rush of adrenaline, but being on stage is always a crazy experience,” she said. “In the drama club a select number of students get to be the leads, and in choir a select number of students get solos,” said Heslep. “The talent show allows another venue for students to shine, which adds something of value to Lakewood High School.” Many students and staff will have expectations about the show, but some think there is always room for the unknown. “My favorite part about these shows is there is always that person who surprises you, whether it’s singing, dancing, comedy or even magic tricks,” said Diffenbacher. “It’s really cool to watch someone you’d never expect amaze you.”
news 13
It’s time for an override We all want to say ‘bye’ to Bess, so why is she getting bigger? By Melissa Gajewski
We live in a time in which the information we need is at our fingertips. You can access the Internet and all its illuminating power from basically any electronic device. There are sites that can give you data in seconds that would have taken days to discover only twenty years ago. It’s all-accessible, it’s all right there... Unless you go to Lakewood High School. In our district, it seems that administration likes to challenge us with whether or not we can make good use of 40 minutes of computer research while trying to finding a site not blocked. Everything you try to enter apparently has content we’re not privileged or mature enough to see. Our good friend Bess, the security system that’s been feeding off the district’s server for the past ten years, likes to keep her watchful eyes on every click we take and is quick to react if she doesn’t like where we’re heading. You’ve gotten the infuriating white-and-red page popping up on your screen before, I’m sure. Bess swoops in to defend us from ‘unverified web content’ or ‘neutral web reputation.’ Nothing is more agitating than trying to collect facts online for perfectly educational purposes and getting constantly denied for some technical reason that makes sense only to Bess. It may seem like good ole’ Bess has been a bit more testy as of late. More blocked sites, more calls to the tech department. She’s been keeping students off of legitimate sites like Schooltube, Newseum and Wikipedia. Now, I know Wikipedia is constantly bashed as unreliable, but it is an excellent source of basic information and most teachers have come to recognize that fact. All of those sites are perfectly appropriate for student use, both in and out of school. So why does Bess think she can block us from it? Why are we being kept away from harmless sites that will only improve our learning, not taint it? There’s only so much our over-protective
14 opinion
school district can do about it now, unfortunately. This year, Bess’s parent company, Secure Computing Corporation, was bought out by the software and computer security company, McAfee. When Bess was transferred under McAfee’s reign, it also was forced to face its new system of security. McAfee works by categorizing sites, and sadly one of its categories is not ‘educational.’ It does not recognize a site by how helpful it may be for your class project or research paper, rather it operates in computing terms few of us understand, such as the ‘neutral web reputation.’ The sites that are blocked from us are managed mainly by McAfee itself, not by our district’s tech department. If a site needs to be unblocked, our tech guys need to personally free it from Bess’s newly refined filter. As of now, what we have access to is not up to us, or even our administration, but McAfee. While this bump in the road we’re experiencing due to Bess’s new ownership is only somewhat temporary, the base problem is perpetual. Even if we get Wikipedia back, we’re still being kept from other helpful sites, like Cleveland.com, Answers.com and now even Bing. There comes a point when protecting us from what we shouldn’t see crosses over to keeping us from what we could learn. Isn’t that why we’re in school, for the learning? And is it not our school’s duty to provide for us the most fruitful and effective learning environment they possibly can? They are not offering us the best educational conditions. In this technological day and age we, as a school and as a nation, are fools if we continue on with this impetuous censorship. As high school students we should be able to access certain sites that will benefit our education. So what if there are some ‘personal pages’ on Cleveland.com? That is no reason to bar us from the entire site. What harm could come from reading other people’s comments on matters that pertain to us? It feels as if they don’t want
us to learn for ourselves and form our own opinions, rather they’d keep us constricted to their regulations and indoctrinate us with what is proper for students our age. If only granting us permanent access to these sites were as easy as a couple of clicks of the mouse, then they’d have no excuse. All the city’s computers run on the same server, and since Bess is a security program designed to protect computers server-wide, that means what the high school is protected from the elementary schools will be guarded from as well. As young adults, we can handle and make sense of information at which a first grader would blanch. There lies the problem though: we’re not first graders. As a senior I should not be held to the same standards as a recent kindergarten graduate. We can and should be exposed to the world on the Internet. Not unconditionally, of course, but how restricted we are now is a travesty. Why, when we have this wealth of knowledge at our fingertips, do we run from it? We need to embrace the fact that all information is now available, not try to hide it. A major issue here is that the administration is looking at the Internet like it’s a liability, not a tool. They’re thinking of all the trouble we could get in with one wrong click, but what about all the good that could come from the right ones? It is time for us to realize how much is being censored from us. You may not notice it, and I don’t blame you, because this overzealous protection has been around since we started searching the Internet at school. But it’s time to notice now. It’s time to demand a change in the way we do computer research here at the high school. It’s time for a permanent override.
The Lakewood Times
FACE OFF
Lets play a love game
By Tori Chesmar Some may say high school is the best four years of your life, especially those who’ve had a sweetheart or two. Friends will come and go, but what about your ‘special someones?’ Relationships are completely necessary in high school because they help you build character. If you’re planning on getting married or having kids in the future, now’s a good time to start learning the dating game. Now I am not suggesting you’ll find your future spouse in high school, but high school isn’t all about schoolwork. It consists of your social life too. So what is the problem with dating in high school? It should be a desirable journey. Most people experience their first love in high school, and that effects your own teen history. If you have a crush and you have a feeling that things will work out, go for it. You may regret it later if you don’t. I don’t suggest that you should become a player and date every student you’ve looked twice at in LHS, but if you find someone that’s great for you, date them. Don’t be afraid, come out and be open.
Love is a wonderful thing, and one day everyone will have his or her “fling.” I don’t see any problem with students dating. It’s normal. You can’t keep blocking yourself off from the universe of romance because one day it’s going to happen, to you no matter if it’s a guy asking you out on a date or a girl asking for your number. So what’s the big deal about having a relationship in high school? It’s not going to get serious unless you make it that way. Plus, it’s nice to have someone on your side. Someone you can always talk to, give hugs and kisses to, go on dates to the movies with and hold hands with down the hallway. Dating is one of the best life-lessons you’ll ever learn, and you can start your education now. In every girl or boys’ mind there are always sports, school and a crush. How can you go through high school without memories of you asking a girl out or kissing a boy at midnight on New Year’s Eve? What about the rumors too? Most rumors at LHS are about who hooked up with whom or who’s “talking.” I just can’t imagine being single or not having a crush for four years straight. Also, an open relationship is not a relationship. If you don’t know what an open relationship is, it’s when you’re with someone but it’s fully okay to see other people. A regular relationship is when you’re committed to one person. Not two or twelve. If you’re seeing two other people you may as well label your-
self a player. I couldn’t even call it dating, if he’s kissing someone else behind my back. If you are in a real relationship and you have the guts to cheat, then go ahead and break up with them. What I mean by a normal relationship, is someone you can see once or twice a week without any aggravation, someone that you can enjoy and isn’t so serious. Try asking out the girl or boy that you’ve always had a crush for. Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you asked that one person out? It may bother you inside, so why regret it and just go for it. There’s nothing wrong with trying. If you try then that’s only going to make your confidence stronger. Your high school years are supposed to be filled with glorious memories, so please do not dedicate your whole four years to just one person. Your friends will eventually get annoyed with you, and you’ll miss out on a lot of eventful memories of your youth. So don’t ever say, “I love you forever, and ever and ever and ever.” Forever and ever will never happen, because we’ll be dead by then. Also it probably won’t happen for you and your high school “boo”. Serious high school relationships are not even worth it. It’s high school. It’s still your time to act like an idiot. When it comes to high school relationships go for it. Live it up, it’s only four years.
Staying single and ready to mingle
By Matt Majewski High school is dramatic enough without adding the complex stupidity that is the teenage relationship. Guys, I know that your hormones are driving you crazy. Ladies, I know that Gossip Girl is telling you that you need a boyfriend to tell you that you are pretty and buy you Coach earrings. But I’m here to tell you that relationships in high school are, for the most part, bologna. I have been single since my 8th grade girlfriend and I split in 2007. Since then I’ve had my eye on you couples, and you aren’t as cute and as important as you think. You are actually terribly annoying. I don’t know what’s worse. Healthy relationships, or bad relationships? People in healthy relationships walk very slow as they cradle each other in the hallway before having to separate for forty whole minutes. The single people know what I’m talking about. And then there are the “couch couples” as
I call them. This is the boring couple at the party that sits on the couch, doesn’t leave, and talks quietly to each other on the couch so that no one else can hear them. Why are you even at the party? Get your own couch! And you can’t forget about the naïve couples that vowed to get married their junior year. I don’t want to burst any bubbles, but you probably won’t even talk to each other in a few short years, and you may even end up in one of the bad relationships I am going to describe. Teenagers in bad relationships seem to like being in bad relationships, because it gives them something to complain about. These people are the ones clogging your Facebook feed. The girl will usually post a status that says something lame like, “I love being hurt by boys that I love,” over and over again. Then the boy will change his relationship status to “It’s complicated” and that is when all hell breaks loose. Everyone starts talking about it, and they begin cyber-consoling the couple. The couple acts like they are upset that they are now the center of attention. When the gossip reaches its pinnacle, the
couple is seen canoodling in school the very next day. Must be exhausting. I’m sure there is at least one couple that will have the amazing “childhood sweetheart” story to tell their grandchildren, but those stories are few and far between. If you want to put your love to the test in college, then more power to you, love-birds. I would think long and hard about it though. I have no problem being single. I have the ability to not feel obligated to do anything I don’t want to do, unless instructed to by my mother. I don’t have to pay for anyone’s meals or buy people presents unless I truly want to. Most importantly, I don’t have to hang out with some girl’s friends in hopes of getting some make-out action. I don’t know for sure, but I think that’s what it mostly boils down to. Our animalistic impulse to make-out (among other things). Whatever happened to good ole “Seven minutes in heaven” to relieve all of our teenage sexual angst? I’m not saying to give the milk away for free, but you don’t have to sell the whole cow just yet.
Times Staff Editorial:
When is it right to remember?
After the Arizona tragedy that wounded House of Representative member Gabrielle Giffords and killed numerous others, President Barack Obama asked the nation to observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. EST in memorial of those lost and to think about or pray for her.
This moment went unobserved at LHS. This could have been for numerous reasons. Eleven a.m. falls in between a class change and lunch periods, and it would be impossible to conduct one right at that time. That doesn’t mean we couldn’t have had one
some time during the day. We’re sure that LHS was not the only school in the United States that didn’t observe it. Dr. Wagner was unaware of the president’s request. Usually moments of silence and directives to lower the flag come from Central Office and also from the state and federal directives. In this case, no directives were sent. The moment passed, and it’s not worth debating the “why.” What is worth debating, however, is whether or not our school should have taken the time to observe the moment of silence that our President asked for. A moment of silence and reflection for those who died or were wounded isn’t any sort of offense or waste of time. It’s an act of uniting our nation through a short moment of quiet in which we search ourselves for feelings about what is going on in our world. The Congresswoman Giffords, above, was severely wounded in a shooting spree that injured time LHS students would
have spent in silence, thinking, is no major interference in class time. At some point during the school day, we could have observed a short moment of silence in their honor. We’re not asking for five, three, or even two minutes. One minute is all it takes. In many classrooms, it takes much more time than that for a class to get started. If President Obama asks the citizens of the United States to come together in a moment of grief again, we hope that Lakewood High listens. It’s important that when our President asks the nation to observe a tragedy, we take notice. There might be students within LHS that didn’t even know what happened in Arizona. It’s our responsibility as students of the United States to pay attention to national and world events, and to take as little as one minute in quiet to think about them. A classroom is as good a place as any.
seven others and took the lives of six. Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Giffords’ website.
Moments of silence: quieting the myths These moments are permitted in schools, contrary to popular belief. These times of silence for prayer and other thoughts are mentioned in the Ohio Revised Code.
Ohio’s law: “The board of education of each school district may provide for a moment of silence each school day for prayer, reflection, or meditation upon a moral, philosophical, or patriotic theme. No board of education, school, or employee of the school district shall require a pupil to participate in a moment of silence provided for pursuant to this section. No board of education shall prohibit a classroom teacher from providing in the teacher’s classroom reasonable periods of time for activities of a moral, philosophical, or patriotic theme. No pupil shall be required to participate in such activities if they are contrary to the religious convictions of the pupil or the pupil’s parents or guardians. No board of education of a school district shall adopt any policy or rule respecting or promoting an establishment of religion or prohibiting any pupil from the free, individual, and voluntary exercise or expression of the pupil’s religious beliefs in any primary or secondary school. The board of education may limit the exercise or expression of the pupil’s religious beliefs as described in this section to lunch periods or other noninstructional time periods when pupils are free to associate.”
- 3313.601, Ohio Revised Code
16 opinion
The Lakewood Times
We are the world:
Change brought by LHS students By Julia Houska
Originally recorded by the supergroup USA for Africa in 1985, “We Are the World” was re-recorded in 2010 to help Haiti during their time of need. The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and co-produced by Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian. On January 12, 2010 Haiti was hit by an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0, this was the biggest earthquake to hit Haiti in over 200 years. In hopes of raising money, 81 musicians came together to re-record “We Are the World.” “We are the world, we are the children. We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving.” These are the lyrics that celebrities had us singing for a long time after the song was recorded February 1st, 2010. But what does this mean to an everyday LHS student? “We are what this world has made us, through our past generations, and we are what it becomes according to what we decide to do with the hand we’ve been dealt,” said junior Sarah Ghose. Even though problems arise everyday in everybody’s lives, we as a world can come together and help each other. No matter how big or small the problem, the will-power is there. We as a community help make up the
whole world and we can change it. Seemingly little things can still help in the long run. Just like Jackson and Richie said, “We can’t go on, pretending day by day, that someone somehow will soon make a change.” It seems that so many people now-a-days go through life expecting others to pick up
part of “the world” is through volunteering. Volunteering is a huge part of LHS. We have many clubs that advocate volunteering including Action Team, Key Club, H2O and AYF. Senior Jesse Weidlich said, “Volunteering makes me feel like I’ve done something to make a better day for someone less fortunate.” The feeling that comes along with volunteering is similar to that which you get while listening to this song. To see so many people get together and create this wonderful work of art is just inspirational. Millions of people everyday are in need of something, whether it is food, shelter, heat or medical aid. Weidlich said, “Everyone needs to work together in order for our planet to work the way it should. [It’s] beneficial to everyone.” Even though it has been a year, Haiti is still in need of service, as are many others. Start small in the community, and branch out to the whole world. The world truly is on our shoulders. “We are the world, we are the children. We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving.”
“Everyone needs to work together in order for our planet to work the way it should.” - Jesse Weidlich
February 2011
the slack and change the world for the better. While walking in between classes across campus you look down and see trash on the sidewalk. Do you pick it up or leave it? “I will do what I can to make a difference while I am on this earth, to be better than the generations before me,” said Ghose. If everyone relies on everyone else, who is there to get the work done? We need to come together and make sure this world is a safe place for our progeny to live. This song, with such meaningful lyrics, calls us (even as students) to help those in need. Nothing is too big or too small. Everything makes a difference. A good way to be
opinion 17
Goodbye, America jambo Kenya By Lisa Kowalski Photos courtesy of Nick Stadler
“What can I do to make a difference in the world?” Many people do not ask this question until adulthood. But for a small number of people, this opportunity presents itself early in life. Junior Nick Stadler is one of these lucky few. From a young age, Stadler learned about his grandparents’ missions in Kenya, where they own two orphanages. “It became a goal of mine to go to Kenya when I was older, and when the opportunity presented itself in December, I took it without question,” said Stadler.
18 lkwd life
Stadler saw this trip as a chance to do some good for the children of the orphanages. “In American Youth Foundation it was the junior’s job to come up with some sort of drive. I knew the kids I would be around played soccer like there was no tomorrow, but they lacked the basics such as shoes, soccer balls, and even socks,” said Stadler.He then started a drive for new and gently used soccer gear called ‘Kicks for Kenya.’ One hundred pounds of gear was col-
Stadler and a group of Kenyans pile into their van.
lected and distributed between the two orphanages, which is about eighty kids. “I made sure that every kid got at least one item, whether it was a pair of cleats or just socks. They were excited just to get new stuff, whatever it was,” said Stadler. Stadler’s journey started on December 11th, when he and his grandparents flew to Istanbul, Turkey and then to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. After spending three days “living like kings” on a safari, the trio drove five hours to a town called Oyugis,
Stadler gathers with a group on Kenyan children.
The Lakewood Times
Three Kenyan orphans after lunch.
where the first orphanage is located. After spending a week there, they drove three hours to the second “nicer” orphanage, in Kakamega, Kenya, and spent two weeks there. Stadler did not know what to expect when he arrived. “I knew Kenya was a third world country before going there, but my idea of what it would be like was entirely different,” said Stadler. “I associated all my thoughts of Kenya with The Lion King,” but he soon found that it was no Pride Rock. He said one of the hardest things was “adapting to the new environment. Everywhere you go, you see piles of burning garbage that little kids are picking through, hoping to get
February 2011
A group of orphans engage in a friendly volleyball game.
lucky with some food. There was a constant smell of the burning garbage whenever you stepped outside, reminding you of the troubles these people have to live with everyday. Accepting these things into my life was difficult, and the thought that this is what these people have to live everyday is really sad, but it helped me along the way. If they can do it for a lifetime, I can do it for 30 days,” said Stadler. The grim state of the streets did not stop Stadler from having a lot of fun with the kids. “Ever since I found out I would be going to Kenya, I looked forward to just interacting with these kids. I had a goal to run with them, and it’s something I did everyday,” said Stadler. “Running the streets of Kenya
really gave me a perspective of what Africa is really like outside of just the tourist safaris and resorts. It gave me a chance to meet people with very interesting backgrounds, interact with the coolest kids ever, and to see the most beautiful landscape in the world.” Although the children in the orphanages have had rough lives, “they are truly the happiest kids you will ever meet. It is lifechanging to see how happy and joyful these kids are when they don’t even have running water, or a pair of shoes to put on. It was nothing but constant smiles with them, and all of that joy was extremely contagious,” said Stadler. Embarking on this journey has shown Stadler how much he took for granted at home. “I really didn’t think much of simple things such as T V,
Stadler and his grandparents, Everett and Carolee Jones, in front of their van.
paved roads, and even running water before the trip. You won’t find any of those basic parts of life over in Kenya. It gives you mixed emotions, and dealing with them was really hard. I never realized how lucky we are to be living in the U.S. T o have things such as a school building or a backyard, or even silverware. I appreciate the things I have so much more than I did, and I hope I can spread that same feeling to others,” said Stadler. As for a second trip, Stadler hopes that he will be able to return to Kenya in December, 2011. “It is a huge goal of mine to go back, but hopefully it won’t be just my grandparents and I. [They] encouraged me to recruit my friends for the next trip, and I think it is very important that people experience life that way at least once.”
lkwd life 19
Vintage virtuoso Teens explore the world of fashion
By Gwen Stephen
As teenagers, we seem to abide by the same cookie-cutter fashion trends as the rest of our generation. Whether it’s skinny jeans, Northface jackets, cardigans, t-shirts, Uggs or any other ‘boots with the fur,’ Lakewood High School students have filled their closets with average, mainstream threads. While most enjoy sporting popular items on a daily basis, many Lakewood teens resort to thrift stores, consignment and vintage shops to explore the world of fashion, taking one step at a time into the past. Located on 10694 Lorain Rd., in Cleveland, Value World has quickly become a popular place to shop among teens. By simply holding true to its name, the store is filled with fun finds from decades before any of us were born as well as brand name, newer items discounted to please our wallets. With as many countless flannels as Value World has, it is sure to keep all the “indie kids” and “hipsters” clothed for life. Obnoxious colored track jackets also seem to tickle the fancy of many as well as sweaters flaunting everything from dogs to Christmas trees. T-shirts are also a popular find. Advertising everything from Parma High School’s varsity basketball team to The Beatles, Value World seems to carry them all. There are so many options and endless possibilities for someone with a little fashion spirit. *Like this? Try these: Goodwill, Salvation Army. With promotions such as ‘Sale Day Mondays’ and ‘Early Bird Thursdays,’ Unique Thrift Store, located on 3333 Lorain Ave. in Cleveland, is thought to be one of the least expensive thrift stores with exceptional items. The store sells patterned scarves for 99 cents, lightly worn Keds for $4, and vintage sunglasses for next to nothing. The low prices don’t dissipate the quality of the items or the one-of-a-kind treasures you will find. This place is really ‘the cats pajamas’ when it comes to thrift stores, and I don’t doubt that, if you look hard enough, you’ll find a pair of those too. *Like this? Try these: Apple Core, Thrifty Peddler. Who knew one little window display could be so inviting? Coowned by LHS Interactive Media teacher, Anne McQuay, and neighboring Big Fun on 1508 Clifton Blvd. in Cleveland, Flower Child buys and sells everything from fashion to furnishings. Sizes of items vary from sofas to knick-knacks. It is a vintage wonderland stocked with original items from the 1930s through the 1970s. From floor to ceiling you can find jewelry, antiques, furniture, collectables, kitchenware, books, fashion accessories, clothing of every kind and old toys and games. It’s easy to lose track of time when every room you wander into seems to have a little more character than the last. *Like this? Try these: Déjà Vu, Eclectic Mixx.
20 lkwd life
All pictures taken by Gwen Stephen.
The Lakewood Times
Students and teachers help separate
Fact
By Bree Ortiz and Christy Fribourg
Why do people judge a book by its cover? In this case it’s not a book, but a school. A school for kids who need extra help, and who are judged just by the place they go to get their education. That place is Lakewood City Academy (LCA.) Ms Terrilynn Bornino-Elwell is the principal of LCA. Six years ago Elwell received a grant from the city of Lakewood to open up a school for students that needed more help with their work. ”Lakewood City Academy is a community school for Lakewood students. Contrary to what others may say, LCA is not the bad student school,” said Elwell. The students that attend LCA go for many reasons, and these reasons may not be what many think. Approximately 183 students attend LCA. Those who transfer to LCA do so because LCA has smaller class sizes and they get more individualized attention from their teachers. Some Students who attend LCA say that if they had the chance to come back to LHS, they wouldn’t. Elwell is not surprised by the things she had heard about her students. Random LHS students in the cafeteria said they thought LCA students were “bad kids,” “drug users,” and “stupid.” Elwell explained that this commonly held belief is not the truth. “They are actually really smart kids who just need some extra help,” said Elwell. She mentioned that the kids at LCA are needy at times, but they are “overwhelmed and scared,” just like some of Lakewood High students. It’s just part of growing up in high school. Elwell believes LCA is stereotyped because some of the kids were troubled at LHS, but that doesn’t mean they are troubled now. She explained that the students at her school are “intelligent, hard working, creative and sweet kids.” Elwell said, “There are hardly any problems here.” She smiled and added “but kids are kids.” The students of LCA say that they don’t let the stereotypes bother them. Tessa, a senior, who transferred from LHS and whose last name has been kept out on purpose, said, “kids at Lakewood High change the story of
February 2011
FROM AT
every conflict and make it worse than what it really is.” While at LCA, students said that conflicts do not get out of hand because it is such a small setting. However, just like any school full of teenage boys and girls, issues do arise. “It’s a small hallway and with all these kids, something is bound to happen.” LCA junior, Rebecca said (Rebecca’s last name has also been purposely removed.) LCA students believe that rumors and drama is less likely to get started, because everyone knows the “situation” and the teachers settle the problem before it gets out of hand. LCA senior Lauren Wilson said, “People at Lakewood don’t know what it’s like here and they judge [us] by what they hear.” LHS and LCA are not that different when it comes to academics, rules and policies. The only differences are the grading scale when it comes to honors courses. LCA also has a “no homework” policy. The students at LCA are given an hour for class work during their block schedule. “Homework seems to be an issue for some students.” Elwell said. “So the homework is just simply class work. The course material for LCA students is exactly the same as Lakewood High School. They share the same curriculum. “I don’t understand why they call us stupid, because we do the same stuff as them,” said Tessa. LCA receives their OGT scores just like LHS, and Elwell was comfortable sharing the results. According to the Ohio Department of Education website, LHS took a significant lead in social studies by a 5% and a 6% lead
Fiction
in science. However, LCA had 5% better score in writing and beat-out LHS by 7% in math. The rest of the percentages were very close in range with each other. LCA is an academically oriented high school, just as LHS is. “Recruiters do come to do visit LCA. Both of our guidance counselors work with students to set up college visits and tours,” said Elwell. Some LCA students even got the opportunity to go to the college fair. The entire LCA staff is “very good about working with students” when it comes to assisting with career and college research. Now what about graduation? LCA students have two separate graduations. One in January or February and one in June. The reason for two graduations is because LCA allows credit recovery. This bumps the students’ through the grade levels at a faster rate, allowing them to move through the curriculum at a quicker pace. Some students will move from being a junior in the fall to a senior by winter and graduate in January. However, LCA students still receive a Lakewood High School diploma. The major differences are class size, individual attention and the way learning is structured. So, LCA students are not much different from LHS students when it comes to ability, curriculum and goals. And as for the rumors, they are just simply that.
OGT Scores LCA LHS
Writing Reading Math Social Studies Science
90% 87% 92% 80% 70%
Information from Ohio Department of Education.
85% 86% 85% 85% 76%
lkwd life 21
cup
two coffee lovers take on local java
f
By Haley McGinty
Coffee not only helps me wake up or brighten my mood, but gives me that extra boost I need to accelerate through my day. Although, this is not entirely the main reason I drink it. I mostly enjoy the taste. I find myself ordering mochas and lighter coffees more than the dark, caffeine packed specialty coffees. In this experiment, I decided to expand my horizons and order specialty coffees with names and ingredients I cannot pronounce.
Beck Café
This time around, I decided to order a coffee I could not pronounce. The Beck Café’s menu was just like any mom and pop coffee shop. Nothing too crazy or expensive. I pointed to the menu and told the cashier, “I’ll take this one, please.” He asked back, “the café au lait?” In an attempt to pronounce the name, I stuttered back something along the lines of “café OLAY!” Once I took a sip of this coffee, I realized it was not a dark coffee. It was a delicious split between coffee and warmed milk. The Beck Café really made an impression with its’ down-to-earth, artistic look. Beside the water fall flowing from ceiling to floor, the slight uphill walkway to the cashier’s counter is a clear glass floor, with a pound of real Koi fish living beneath. My sister, Molly, who had tagged along with us this time, was especially astounded by this coffee shops’ addition. With that being said, I believe this café to be a great place for people of all ages. They also offered an assortment of smoothies and flavored teas, perfect for those not-so-coffee inclined.
The Root Café
Cravings
This menu was the same as every other coffee shop I have ever visited. They had the usuals: lattes, espressos and mochas. Their specialty menu, however, was a decent size. All of their specialty coffees had creative and yummy names, making the decision harder. I settled with the decaf hazelnut coffee. It was delicious, although I found myself adding creamer later, in order to settle the strong taste. I also ordered a peach muffin for this morning treat. It had that fresh baked taste, and completely satisfied my taste buds. Besides the scary silent atmosphere, I give their coffee a definite A or A-. Cravings lacked a comfortable atmosphere felt at the other coffee shops, though. There was no comfortable seating provided, and it was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. If you were looking for a peaceful place to study or read, this would be a definite destination.
Photos by Meredith Richards and Haley McGinty.
22 lkwd life
Living close to the Root, I find myself there often. This time around, I decided to stray far from my usual, “Café Mocha,” and try the “Dread Eye.” This drink was particularly strong, and I would never order it, unless I planned to pull an all-nighter. Afterwards, I found myself jittery and awake, but I could not bring myself to finish the whole cup. The Root itself, however, was a more pleasant experience. The calm and relaxed atmosphere created the perfect welcoming for all types of coffee shop devotees. The low music and bustling sound of dishes and chatter set the perfect mood to meet with a friend, or do your homework. The calm setting is topped off with the local art hanging all about the walls.
The Lakewood Times
j e review By Meredith Richards
As a coffee lover, I am always searching for the coffee of Gods. Lavish ingredients, gross amounts of sugar, and piled high whipped cream just don’t interest me. I am an old school coffee drinker and black is my preferred style. Though, I entered the world of specialty drinks, and I liked what I found. Not every specialty drink is compiled with syrups galore and surprisingly, some sweeter drinks are delicious without being overbearing. Through my coffee shop hopping, I learned to accept the sugary drink as a friend and incorporate it into my java-tasting palate.
Beck Café
I’m glad that I did not have high expectations for the Beck Café or I would have been deeply disappointed. The Beck was dirty and looked like the floor hadn’t been cleaned in quite some time. The coffee selection was minimal, and I ended up ordering a white hot chocolate that was not very good. The lemon square that Haley and I split did not astound me. The only reason I would go to the Beck Café is to do homework because it didn’t have anyone in it. Besides a few aesthetic touches that I enjoyed such as the fish tank in the floor and the wall waterfall, I was generally unimpressed by the Beck Café.
Locations The Root Cafe, 15118 Detroit Rd. The Beck Cafe, 17823 Detroit Rd. Cravings Cafe, 19701 Lake Rd.
The Root Cafe
This Lakewood original coffee shop has always been one of the more popular sites for my friends, and I, to get a good cup of Joe. This being my first stop, I was nervous to try a new drink, expecting to be turned off immediately by the sugary choices. I tried the Black and Tan, and it was extraordinary. It was a good medium between a regular cup of coffee and a sugary coffee. I also tried the Carrot Pecan muffin, and it was deliciously moist and supplemented my drink perfectly. I really did not enjoy how crowded the Root was. It is ideal for a get together with friends but I would advise against it for homework. The décor is unique and interesting, but there were no comfy chairs to sit in. All in all, the Root was clean, friendly, and had a very good specialty coffee selection to suite anyone’s tastes.
Cravings
I had never been to Cravings Café in Rocky River before, and I was pleasantly surprised. The café’s menu was extensive and had a lot of food choices that you wouldn’t normally see at a coffee house. Baklava, chicken sandwich, and soup are just a few of the many options. In a moment of weakness I ordered a plain cup of their Rainforest Caramel Crunch roast and it was delicious. It was not bitter like some black coffee can tend to be. Also, I ordered a toasted cheese sandwich. The sandwich came with a pickle and it was delightful. Cravings was very quiet and I highly recommend it for homework. The art was interesting but incomparable to the Root. Cravings has a drive thru window that is very convenient for coffee on the go. Though, there was no comfortable seating in the café and it lacked warmth that should come with a coffee house.
February 2011
lkwd life 23
A tale of Ritter as a child in character of the set set of “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge.” Photo courtesy of Kevin Ritter. By Sam Cross
A
cting, creating, performing or imagining, senior Kevin Ritter has no problem expressing himself. Writing and theater are two of his true passions. Every year, the Cleveland Foundation holds an American literary competition known as the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards. “The Anisfield-Wolf Book Award is awarded to pieces of literature that deal with cultural and racial prejudice,” said Ritter. Annually, a work of writing from a talented young artist is selected to open the ceremony. “I was lucky enough to be selected for the occasion,” said Ritter. President Obama’s inaugural poet, Elizabeth Alexander and television host, Oprah Winfrey were among this year’s winners for the awards. Although Winfrey appeared via satellite, Ritter was thrilled to meet Alexander and former poet Laureate, Rita
24 lkwd life
Dove. “Rita Dove was really nice and encouraging [and] said really nice things about my poem. She’s a brilliant poet, so it was really exciting just to speak with her,” said Ritter. “The same goes for everyone there!” The poem Ritter opened the ceremony with that day is just one small reminder of how much he enjoys his passion. “I got [the awardees and the jurors] to sign the sheet I used to read the poem. It’s now framed and hanging on my wall,” said Ritter. “I see it every morning and it makes me happy.” Not only has Ritter been able to perform his poetry, but publish it as well. Later on this year, some of Ritter’s work will appear in literary journals and magazines such as ‘Battered Suitcase,’ ‘Tellus Magazine’ and ‘The Camroc Press Review.’ “I’m super duper excited,” said Ritter. “I think it’s great to have people other than my friends and family read my poems.”
Ritter’s poem, ‘What to do with my love letters,’ appeared in the ‘Thunderclap Press’ last December for the journal’s love-themed issue. “I’m really interested in seeing what other people think of my work,” said Ritter. “And it’s fun to see what other writings are in the publication.” As another accomplishment, Tellus Magazine, based out of the Classics Department at the University of Cambridge in England, has selected poetry of Ritters’ before. His poem “Orpheus,” was selected as the winner for Tellus’s ‘Under 18 Contest.’ “The task was to write a poem based off of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice,” said Ritter. Ritter transfers a scene from his imagination, to paper while putting some of his personality in his writing, just like the rest of his work. “In the myth, Orpheus’ wife, Eurydice passes away, and he is so sad that he goes into the Underworld to retrieve her. He plays the saddest song in the world
and the lord of the underworld agrees to let Eurydice return to life, if and only if, Orpheus does not look back as she follows him out. Of course, Orpheus is super nervous and turns around and she is lost forever, ” explains Ritter. “In my poem, I compare losing someone to a marching band falling off of a cliff,” said Ritter, “It’s a crashing sensation.” Even though writing has been a passion of Ritter’s since childhood, he has found an even greater liking to it over the past two years. “I love all my poems, but I tend to like the ones that are incredibly personal but abstracted just enough to make them kind of universal,” said Ritter. “Every poem is a little bit about me, and a little bit about something else entirely.” Unsure of his college plans, yet hoping to double major in English and Theater, Ritter still aspires to be a playwright. “It’s the combination of two things I really love,” said Ritter, “writing and theater.”
The Lakewood Times
two Ritters
A class act since childhood.
What is a Poet Laureate? A poet recognized by a government as the official poet of a country, state or city as charged to promote poetry.
F
or Ritter, writing and performing go together hand in hand, remaining what he has loved to do for nearly his
entire life. “He has been taking acting classes for as long as I can remember,” said younger sister, Rachel, “and his writing just kind of came into place during elementary and middle school.” It was easy for Ritter to get started, with a family who has always been there for him. “My family has been immensely supportive. They always have my back and encourage me,” said Ritter. “It’s such a blessing to have a family like mine.” Near the age of seven, Ritter’s mother enrolled him into classes at the Beck Center for the Arts, influenced by neighbor and theater teacher, Rachel Spence. “I took a class with Ms. Spence and absolutely loved it. I’ve been involved in the theater ever since,” said Ritter. Within the two years following Spence’sclass, Ritter was part of
February 2011
a professional show, “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge,” at the Cleveland Playhouse Theater. “I’m not sure if this was an inspirational experience or just a super formative experience,” said Ritter, “[but] I really credit that for making me love theater...I was surrounded by people who loved theater, and I couldn’t help but grow to love it as well.” Whether he’s working his box office job at the Beck Center, catching a play in the area, or simply walking about the city, Ritter still recognizes many of his influences from those at the Cleveland Playhouse. “I’ve come to realize that [those] people kind of have acted as mentors to me,” said Ritter. The upcoming winter drama, “Class Action,” will be Ritter’s sixth play at LHS. However, this particular play stands out from the rest. Because drama teacher, Dave Gannon believed the play’s plot (centering around the various aspects of high school life) inadequately addressed certain issues, he suggested new scenes be written. Ritter was one out of three to accept the proposal. “When we were little, [Kevin] would always write us little plays to perform for our family…he can make a stage from anything,” said Rachel. “When we were looking at houses years ago, we looked at one with a balcony off a bedroom and Kevin insisted we perform the balcony scene from
Ritter prepares to go on stage at the winter drama, ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’ last year. Photo by Deven Middleton.
Romeo and Juliet during the house showing,” adds Rachel. After writing two new scenes for ‘Class Action,’ Ritter admits “Mr. Gannon was a big help in the whole process and made some important edits.” Along with his participation in Lakewood plays, Ritter takes part in numerous activities pertaining to the performing arts. Such activities include the Poetry Slam, Barnstormers Drama club, in which Ritter is a corresponding secretary, and the Lakewood High School Pretentious Club, where Ritter is a co-founder.
“Pretentious Club is basically a really long piece of performance art that aims to be both a parody of the art world and an inclusive group devoted to having fun,” said Ritter. The group meets with anywhere from five to twenty people, usually once a month. “Making the arts accessible to all students is incredibly important,” said Ritter. Ritter has also been involved in many musicals. Some of his favorites include ‘Honk!’ at Beck Center for the Arts, ‘The Secret Garden’ at St. Joseph Academy and ‘HMS Pinafore’ at Lakewood High School. “When I see him on stage, it’s interesting to see where the lines that he has been going over for months fit into place with a set, other characters and costumes,” said Rachel. “It’s neat
to see him having fun and putting on a good show…I try to go to every one at least once.” Aside from LHS, Ritter has been involved in over twenty plays. “I like interesting roles. I don’t really care so much about how many lines I have. What I like is to be able to create a character with quirks,” said Ritter. “I love when the playwright lets me get inside the character’s head.” From his sister’s point of view, Ritter has more to him than just being an older brother. “I hear about his outrageous comedies and dramatic plays but hardly about his poems, so reading them give me a view on him I’m not used to seeing,” said Rachel. “I like being able to see myself in what I write,” said Ritter, “but I also want other people to see themselves.”
Ritter sits anxiously awaiting for the winter drama, ‘Class Acttion,’ to begin.Top left and bottom right photos by Sam Cross.
lkwd life 25
GOOFY Taking a stand
By Matt Majewski
Does it ever feel like you aren’t as creative as when you were younger? You can’t easily walk in your backyard and make believe you’re on the deck of a pirate ship journeying to your next adventure, or creeping through a spooky swamp with monsters lurking around. Not anymore. You’ve grown up. Teenagers today would rather meet up with their girlfriend at Chipotle than save her from a fire-breathing werewolf. But there are a select few who refuse to give up their youth without a fight. They still find joy from hide and go seek in the dark, and they continue to create their own games today.
Seniors Danny Mazzeo and David Reulbach prepare for a round of Doorball. Photo by Haley McGinty.
DOORBALL: Physics teacher David Hille created Doorball back in the glory days of the ‘Old Building.’ “One day we were just bouncing around a tennis ball, and Doorball was born,” says Hille. It appeared that Doorball was lost forever when the new building was built and Hille had to leave his old classroom, but after two years, Doorball is back and better than ever. The game is simple. The player stands outside the door, in the hallway and open the classroom door fully so that the door is touching the wall. Then the player will stand about three feet away from the door and try to bounce a rubber ball up into the small space between the door and the wall. There is an ongoing Doorball competition with Hille and the students in his physics classes between double periods. Whoever wins the tournament receives a trophy and a lifetime of bragging rights.
26 lkwd life
The Lakewood Times
Games against boredom REAL-LIFE MARIO KART: If you have ever played Mario Kart Double Dash for Gamecube, then you should have no trouble grasping the concept of the game brought to life. Creator Bob Zimmerman likes to stay true to the original game as much as possible, but of course, there are some things in the virtual world that cannot be replicated in real life. There can be up to eight teams in the race with two to a team. One racer must be on a bike chain-linked to a vehicle of their choice (usually a wagon, skateboard, etc.), which holds the other racer on the team. The race starts with the traditional tossing of the cucumber, and if one of the racers is exceptionally over-weight that team gets a five second head start. Throughout the track (parking lot) there is a series of traditional Mario-Kart items that racers can use to slow down an opponent. There are green shells (green soccer balls), red shells (kick balls), banana peels (actual banana peels), and oil spots (cocacola). If a team is hit with an item, or runs one over, they must stop for five seconds. Win or lose, everyone is sure to have a good time. And yes, dressing up like your favorite character is encouraged.
CROQUET BASEBALL: This game is a little twist to America’s favorite pastime, croquet. The game has most of the same rules as baseball, but it uses a croquet ball and all of the players are given mallets in place of mitts and bats. Game creator Luke Fesko, says, “It can be a very expensive game, because we usually end up breaking two or three mallets a game.” All handling of the ball must be done with mallets, including the pitch. There are only three innings, and it’s TWO-strikes-you’re-out in this ballgame. In order to get a runner out you must be handling the ball and touching the base as the runner comes around, or the more painful approach is to hit the runner with the ball. Sorry ladies, no girls allowed.
Luke Fesko prepares for a round of Croquet Baseball. Photo by Matt Majewski.
February 2011
lkwd life 27
Blueprint of an artist By Grace Coy It takes more than skill to be a great artist. Senior, Maggie Latham shows that it takes a lot of hard work and passion to be successful. Latham has kept an art journal since she was very young. “My art journal was just like a school notebook. I drew a bunch of funny looking animals and wrote about them,” she explains. As she got older her interest in art became more than a hobby. “I’ve always been sort of in my own world doing crafts or projects,” said Latham. She became seriously interested in architecture and interior design after visiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. “Falling Water inspired me because of its genius in that its architectural plan fused modernity with nature,” she said. Latham believes that Wright opened up a whole new perspective of architecture. She said, “Wright took notice of function and modern technology in the design.” Latham’s passion for environmentalism is the force that drives her to design. “I’m really into Japanese minimalism and biomorphic design,” said Latham. Her goal is a way to incorporate nature with modern design. Latham recently attended a two-week interior design precollege program at the Cleveland Institute of Art. “I created a huge ten-or-so foot poster, which was a sustainable garden and educational center,”Latham said. She found
28 lkwd life
Maggie Latham meticulously paints her detailed self portrait. Photo by Grace Coy.
the program both insightful and was able to take a good look at what studying art in college entails. “I enjoy drawing interior design plans the best because they are the ideas I feel really passionate about,” said Latham. Latham plans to get a degree in interior architecture/design and pursue a career in that field. “It would be great to do more than just design though, and I will probably take classes in other fields if possible,” she said. In the meantime, Latham takes Art 4, ceramics and photography at LHS. She has been working on pottery, watercolor and acrylic
painting, drawing, and collage. “I love working in as many areas of art as I can,”she said. Latham tries to sketch every single day to keep her inspiration always flowing. Her school projects take more focus and time that her personal sketches that are less structured. She said she doesn’t get a chance to sketch very much at home but every weekend Latham sets aside at least two hours to draw. People and animals are a few of her favorite things to draw. She said, “I love making realistic illustration-like drawings, but also sketchy, abstract forms.” Latham’s drawings of people
have personality and movement in them. They come to life right off the page. Latham’s collage and digital art bloom and have a life of their own. It’s as if her brain and her hand are perfectly in tune with each other. Latham has immersed herself in art in every way she can. Her passion and ambition makes her stand out from the crowd. Latham finds every possible wasy to use her skills and explores many mediums of art at one time. Latham expresses, “Most of all, art is weird and beautiful. I think that’s what I’m drawn to most.”
The Lakewood Times Three different unique pieces by Maggie Latham. Photos by Grace Coy.
How simple is the key to injury-free running?
By Wilson Sackett Photo illustration by Lisa Kowalski.
What does it mean to run injury free? Is it possible? Are these increasingly expensive running shoes really helping us? Or are we fixing something that was never broken in the first place? Barefoot running is attempting to do the impossible, and has the scientific facts to back it. Recently taking the running world by storm, scientific studies have shown that not only is barefoot running the most natural way for your body to run, but it is the easiest way to prevent injuries and improve as a runner. “I support barefoot running,” said LHS Cross Country and Track coach Scott Troyan. “I suggest it when our guys are running on the turf. A lot of the guys like it because it’s so much less stress on your shins and knees.” To the majority of runners, switching from the more comfortable, padded, modern day running shoe to the barefoot alternative seems like a NASCAR driver switching from a souped-up speed demon to a horse and buggie. Although, the less assistance given by new inventions, the better we run. When a runner is prone to injury, the appropriate decision for today is to add more padding. It seems to make sense, that the more padding and cushion added, the less likely you are to receive an injury. Yet with the invention of newer, flashier running shoes, not only was the barefoot alternative lost and the cushion multiplied, but a new running style was adopted to fit the shoes, creating the heel strike. With so much padding added to the heel, the runner can afford to land on the heel first, followed by the rest of the foot. The heel is
February 2011
elevated above the rest of the foot, applying all the force of your body on your heels. The natural running strike for humans is the mid-foot strike, in which the mid foot lands first and the naturally cushioned heel lands last. When running barefoot, the midfoot strike is immediately set in stride. Thus, distributing the continual stress of running throughout the foot and legs more evenly. According to Science Daily, studies show that by landing on the middle or front of the foot, barefoot runners have almost no impact collision, much less than most runners generate when they heel strike. Although the new generation of running shoes do have a great amount of unneeded heel cushion, the heel strike running stride still puts a huge amount of stress on your shins, knees and lower back. Living in Cleveland, our community isn’t blessed with the best weather conditions for comfortable barefoot running. In order to be able to bear the elements and also run barefoot, the Vibram Five Fingers were introduced to the running community. Clay Verga, senior and user of Vibram Five Fingers, said, “they help me with my balance and stride. My stride in running shoes has my feet pointed outwards, but with the Vibrams I can keep my feet straight and get a better step.” With models for men and women, the Vibrams resemble a mitten for the foot with individual toe slots. Also, without the added cushion or support, the foot can resume its natural mid-foot strike. It is the closest alternative to being barefoot, while not suffering
from frostbite or a nasty splinter. Virbams are available at Geiger’s in Lakewood and also by online purchases, ranging in prices from $70 to $100. So what does this all mean? Should we throw out modern running shoes permanently, and take the barefoot-road less traveled? Whether the barefoot running alternative takes hold in the running community or runners stick with shoes, we still continue to ignore and try to perfect what our body was designed to do. Though modern day inventions have changed the way running was once perceived, the activity itself has remained exactly the same. Running traces all the way back to the earliest existence of human beings. To catch prey for instance, the pursuer must always run faster than the prey in order to eat. Human beings throughout evolution have been perfectly adapted to fit this survival-of-thefittest lifestyle. In his 2009 book Born to Run, by Christopher McDougal said, “through existence, the human body has become more upright, and our lungs have evolved to breathe more air.” In short, running was not developed as a hobby, but a way of survival. Because of evolution, our bodies have been sculpted to run longer distances, for longer periods of time. Whether you wear shoes or not, there can be no denying that not only can we run incredibly well, but we were made for it.
sports 29
Winter sports special report By Andrew O’Connor Photos by Jeff Martin
Gymnastics
Sophomore Christine Sun performs a floor routine.
Byron Scott doesn’t want to call the Cavalier’s year a rebuilding season. It doesn’t fit the Gymnastics team either. “This is only the second season with our new coach”, said sophomore Sheila McMahon. “This season we all have just tried to gain more experience. We all have individual goals that we set at the beginning of the year and at practice we try to improve.” Gymnastic meets usually have a number of teams that place in a certain order, similar to a track meet. “So far this season we have finished towards the bottom of the meets,” said sophomore Christine Sun. “That doesn’t mean we aren’t going out and trying hard, because we try to get out and get better. The focus is clear from this team and that focus is to continue to improve. The young team only has two seniors so the majority of the team may return next year to compete for the NOC title.
Boys Basketball
Attempting to come back from a 0-20 regular season is no easy task, but the boys’ basketball team is out to prove something. “We are 3-8” said senior Mike Gonzalez. “That’s improvement but we think we can do better.” Midway through the year the Rangers see where things need to be changed. “We need to get more focused before games. What’s good though is we have great team chemistry. We are all friends and if there are any fights we are immediately friends again in two minutes,” said Gonzalez. With 10 games left in the campaign the bar has been set. “We know our record shows improvement but we want to be better,” said Gonzalez. We want to win a couple of playoff games. We may not be the tallest or strongest team, but we hustle and we want to show what Lakewood basketball is all about.”
Senior Danny Mazzeo keeps the ball away from a Strongsville player.
Girls Basketball
Junior Jessca Garcia dribbles down the court.
30 sports
After a winning 12-10 record last season, the Lady Rangers return with a young squad. “The starting line-up usually consists of 2 freshman, 1 sophomore, 1 junior and 1 senior,” said head coach Nicole Anderson. “It is a talented group but many are playing at the varsity level for the first time, so inexperience is a factor, but will only pay off for the next few years.” A current record of 4-9 is nothing to look down upon for this team. “They continue to progress each game and get better and better both individually and as a team. Their work ethic is very good. They play hard all 4 quarters, continue to get better every game,” said Anderson. A bright spot for this team was earlier in the season when junior Jessica Garcia took the Plain Dealer Player of the week honor with 35 points and 12 rebounds against West Geauga.
The Lakewood Times
Sophomore Peter Nelson dribbles down the court during a game against Strongsville. Photo by Jeff Martin.
Despite their record, team has hope A Sports Opinion, By Toby Tobin
Early season upset bids and inconsistent plays highlight the first half of Lakewood’s boys varsity basketball season. After last year’s winless season that left many hopeless, the varsity basketball team is giving fans a reason to believe. Despite a difficult schedule, this Lakewood team has already achieved beyond what many thought they would. A decisive win over Parma high school in the season opener got the season off on the right foot. Installing confidence was key early in the season as six of the first seven games were played at home. Despite the improved play, the Rangers then fell to 1-5 with losses to Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, Rocky River, Elyria and Brunswick. Next came a home game against North Olmsted on January 11. With most people not expecting a close contest with the Eagles of North Olmsted. Lakewood was able to pull off an upset that would build even more confidence in their team. The Rangers would
February 2011
win 80-59 behind a ridiculous first quarter, in which Lakewood out scored North Olmsted 31-11, with a balanced scoring attack. After falling in their next two games to Strongsville and Twinsburg, the Rangers returned home to battle NOC power house Medina. Lakewood was again a massive underdog, but fought Medina to the very end, eventually falling 53-48. Though this exciting upset bid didn’t result in a win, this was as close to a moral victory as a team can get. After the game, with spirits high for the team, sophomore guard Pete Nelson quietly exclaimed, “Lakewood basketball is back.” That game may prove to be a turning point in the season, as Lakewood travelled to Valley Forge on January 25 looking to build on the strong performance. Behind career high 24-point performance by sophomore Pete Nelson, Lakewood was victorious 78-73. In the first half of the season, junior guard Jesse Littleton saw growth, but said, “There are still a lot of things to improve on.” Senior forward/center Chris Bielopetrovich
agrees, saying this year’s team is “a lot better than last year.” This team has made significant strides since last year, but there are still many things to work on. Excessive turnovers have plagued the team in most of their losses. There have also been both offensive and defensive inconsistencies that have disallowed success for the Rangers. Despite all this, there are bright spots in this season. Nelson is Lakewood’s leading scorer with an average of 12 per game. The sharp shooting of senior guard Dan Mazzeo, as well as the key bench scoring of junior Conor Mabry, have been luxuries this year for the team. After a first half that was both disappointing and promising, the Rangers are looking forward to the second half of the season, where there will be more opportunities for victory.
sports 31
Final Word High school relationships aren’t always cliché By Meredith Richards
Relationships are the pieces that make our lives whole. There are many types of relationships. Whether this relationship is with your parents, your best friend, or your soul mate, you’re never too young to develop distinct bonds with those around you. Some may argue that teen relationships are meaningless and about physicality. In some cases, this may be true. Though, if it weren’t for what some call ‘‘juvenile flings,’’ we, as young people, would miss out on learning valuable lessons. Being in a relationship as a high school student is not necessarily a waste of time. As we learn to become adults, we must decipher between relationships that benefit us and those that are destructive. Having a boyfriend or girlfriend as a teen can help us recognize these differences later on in life. A healthy relationship in high school can mean many things depending on who the two people are. A relationship that helps the other individual become a better person is the best kind. I firmly believe that those you surround yourself with are the biggest factors in how you feel about yourself and how you learn about yourself as well as others. The person you choose to be your boyfriend or girlfriend are the people that provide this experience. Those that look upon having a significant other in high school as a ridiculous concept do not get the benefit of this pre-adult experience.
If you ask most teenagers about their current romantic involvement, they do not see a wedding in the near future. They don’t expect to spend the rest of their lives with their first loves and ‘till death do us part’ isn’t attached to their Facebook relationship status. You are not obligated to be with this person forever. I don’t advocate going to look for the love of your life in your 8th period gym class or asking your Homecoming date to marry you. I do however advocate letting yourself create a natural bond with someone when you’re young, so that you can experience things that will help you as an adult. Most of all, as a teen you are learning and changing, and it’s wonderful to have someone to do this with. This person can influence your life, negatively or positively, but they will indeed have an influence. To deny yourself this influence only hurts you. High school ends eventually and you move on. In ten years you’ll probably forget the names of most of your classmates. Though, when you are older you’ll always treasure the moments you had with your high school love. If you don’t take a chance at this relationship in high school, you’ll never know who and what you missed.
Art by Aly Hawk.