Charity really does begin at home, p.4
Secrets the Colonel never told you, p.22
Bullying by the numbers, p.14
Vol. 91, No. 2 Nov/Dec 2011 • Lakewood High School • 14100 Franklin Blvd. • Lakewood, OH 44107 • www.lakewoodtimes.net
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This year’s class of Elves have raised $ 500 that the student council will match and donate to preschool kids in Lakewood .
Front Cover designed by Julia Houska Hometown heroes by Brett Brown Super Dogs by Alain Mika and Brett Brown
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contents
Vol. 91 Issue 2 Nov/Dec 2011
Times staff 2010/2011 Managing Editors Julia Houska Gwen Stephen Lily Pollack Victoria Chesmar Juan Amador
Sports Editors
Jon Cropper Sabrina Suleiman
Business
Sabrina Suleiman
Adviser
Karen Ballash
Cartoon by Julia Houska
Copy Editor
Bushra Harba
Staff Writers
Maddy Kane Brandy Davis Khalil Cormier Brandon Reid Dylan Dombroski Becca Houp
Illustrators Casey Miller Brett Brown Alan Mika
Read more about Occupy Wall Street’s 1% and te 99% on page 18.
Focus
4. Origins of H2O 6. It’s better to give 8. Going to the dogs 10. Zoo Crew
News
12.Cassidy’s Hope/ Akron U comes to town 13. Demolishing the Detroit 14. Bullying by the numbers
Opinion
17. Bullying solutions
18. Currently Occupied 20. On the Street 21. Get slammed
Lakewood Life 22. Secret ingredients 24. Winter wondeland of fashion 26. Cookie Monster alert
Sports 28. Living Lacrosse 30. The sisterhood 31. Wrestler Mania/Get in this swim
2004 H2O Celebration Camp staff
Times Editorial Policy
Photo by Celia Dorsch
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.
December 2011
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H2Origins By Lily Pollack
Dorsh rocks it out in Guitar Hero
The roots of volunteering run deep in the LHS community, thanks to the founder of “Help to Others,” Celia Dorsch. The club has been operating for almost 19 years now, and it’s made a big impact on the lives of teens and people in the community as a whole. Dorsch had been hired in 1989 by the city of Lakewood to coordinate youth activities, which centered on the goal of entertaining kids within the city. Dorsch and her boss had taken a trip down to Columbus for a convention, where they met a group of students leading a workshop based on volunteering. “They were so excited about volunteering and helping. My boss and I just looked at each other, and a light went off. We realized that teens needed a way to feel valued and to be a critical part of the community,” said Dorsch. The seed of H20 had been planted. A partnership had been formed between the city and the schools, and the program really started to emerge. It was finally kicked off in March of 1993 after quite a bit of planning and coordination. It seems as though the timing couldn’t be any more perfect. “There had been excitement around the city that three different types of diplomas would be offered for high school graduation. Community service had been a requi-
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site for an honors diploma, and a lot of kids needed and wanted to take part in community service.” said Dorsch. The program had started with a mere ten kids, excited for their first chance at getting involved. The collection of old phonebooks for recycling was their very first project, with over 3,000 collected in one day. “They were amazed at what they accomplished,” said Dorsch. “The next big project had been decorating graves for Memorial Day. Through word of mouth, more and more kids became interested.” There are currently over 500 kids collectively involved in the high school and middle school clubs, as well as the summer camp offered. Not only has it been a part of many student’s school careers, but the club and volunteering as a whole has played a huge part throughout Dorsch’s life. “My parents had inspired me to volunteer, and they were very good role models. I had played the harp as a little girl, and my parents took me to nursing homes and places where I could perform. I liked how it made me feel, and it was fun to share my time and talent with others,” said Dorsch. “One of my early inspirations was Bernie Walsh. She was the volunteer coordinator at the Salvation Army. She inspired me because she just worked with a tremendous volume of people. It was humbling. She worked with a tremendous amount of
All photos courtesy of Celia Dorsch
dignity, and treated everyone with a lot of respect. She was also a lot of fun.” Her inspiration is the basis for Dorsch’s views on teens getting involved today, and volunteering herself. “As a whole, our society is becoming more fragmented and isolated. Volunteering is a step in connecting to one another,” said Dorsch. “People tend to get their info about each other from the media. A vast majority of it is negative. When I see kids volunteering, it’s not the media image of youth- it’s the real image of youth.” Dorsch has been inspiring and helping teens find their talents ever since the group started, and through volunteering, these teens get the chance to share and give a hand to others. “It has the potential to open kids’ eyes to the world around them.” said Dorsch. “The kids are enthusiastic, and full of fresh ideas. As an adult, it keeps me thinking and feeling young. It gives me hope for the future.” said Dorsch. Not only does volunteering give a chance for kids to truly grow and move outside of themselves, but it sets them apart from the rest of the crowd in terms of college acceptance. “The world is becoming more and more competitive,” said Dorsch. “Colleges look to see that you have these [volunteering]
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opportunities.” With a chance to help so many, it’s no wonder coming across such interesting people isn’t uncommon. “I think it’s so cool. I’ve met the most amazing people, who give back to their community and others,” said Dorsch. “Any time you can have direct contact with the people you’re helping is very fun.”
Dorsch’s favorite place to take kids is the Cleveland Foodbank. “It’s a fun place to volunteer. You do crazy amounts of repacking, and prepare a lot of food. You leave feeling like you’ve helped hundreds of people.”
American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team Cleveland Food Bank 23 visits in 2010 (processed tons of food) LakewoodAlive Streetwalk Spooky Pooch Parade Light Up Lakewood Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corp Pumpkin Palooza Food Distribution in Nov/Dec Spring Cleaning Distribution
Lakewood Early Childhood Services Super Saturday Fair ShareFest Aging Leaf Raking and Yard Help Spring Fling Animal Shelter Cat Toys Pet Food Collection Youth Challenge Educational Sessions Volunteer Recruitment
H2O volunteer activities
Club members take a break from placing flags and pose with a veteran in 2003.
A 2004 H20 summer camp staff celebration.
A group of H20 club members helps sort out supplies for soldiers in Iraq at USO in 2004.
A book drive being held in 2007.
H20 club members help distribute teddy bears at the Ronald McDonald house in 2004.
Hutchinson preparing to take the lead By Allisa Taylor
For most people, helping others is something they do in their spare time. For Emma Hutchinson, it’s a profession. Although Hutchinson has only been working with H20 for a year, she made a huge impact
December 2011
on many people’s lives. H20 grew from the Divison of Youth 18 years ago by Celia Dorsch, who’s retiring this year. Hutchinson previously worked parttime in the children’s section of the library while looking for a full time job. Her daughter was really involved with H20 and that’s how Hutchinson came to be involved as well. “I’m just grateful for the op-
portunity to do this professionally.” said Hutchinson, who grew up with the ethic of doing things for other people. That’s one thing she wants her kids to learn, and so far, the two eldest are on that track. “Everybody has a huge responsibility as individuals. That’s how differences are really made,” said Hutchinson. “Even taking care of family is making a difference.” Hutchinson enjoys going to service sites and events, but what she likes best is being
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able to work with high school and middle school kids doing community service. A few plans for the future of H20 include doubling the capacity of the summer camp and how they find funding. She hopes to make the funding stronger. Hutchinson hopes she makes a difference for every cause she promotes. She plans to improve H20 to the best of her ability. Photo by Khalil Cormier
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Help is on the way
Hneen Khdour packs lunches at the Cleveland Foodbank. By Sabrina Suleiman
I’ve always thought helping others was just a duty everyone was given, but after my experiences with volunteering through Help To Others (H2O), I realized that people need to understand just how precious life is. Appreciating what you have is important, especially when you run into obstacles. People who do volunteer get to experience this firsthand. When you see that there are people suffering and begging for food, you feel ashamed because you’re this picky eater who throws half of your dinner away. After spending time at the Ronald McDonald Home with families and their children, I noticed that I honestly do get something out of helping out there. Not only did I learn plenty, but I was able to understand what those patients wanted the most. Let me say this, it wasn’t gifts, attention, or fame. Their only wish was to become normal, to
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heal and get the chance to go to school like normal kids. As I told the children at Ronald McDonald House my experiences through high school so far, I could see the desire and curiosity in their eyes. We each were partnered up and went on a scavenger hunt, searching with the kids for matching cards and tokens. I don’t think I’ve ever seen kids get that excited for a game, or to play foosball or to simply draw a painting. Watching from a distance, they didn’t look any different from me. They were with these outgoing families who were all trying to have a good time. But the one thing that stuck out the most to me was how close they all were. Some patients had been there for a few months, others for over a year or or more. I met this little seven year-old girl named
Photos by Sabrina Suleiman
Alex, and as we were sitting down sharing stories, she mentioned that she’s from Ireland. The simple fact that her family had to leave their home to come for the medical support was heart- breaking. I asked her if she missed her friends and family, and she responded by shaking her head. The next week, I visited the Cleveland Foodbank for the first time. Once we arrived, all of the workers smiled, except for two who looked at the group of kids I came with and just shook their heads. I wondered what that was all about and made a mental note to confront them later. The group’s job was to pack lunches for families that couldn’t afford food for themselves. While my friends were unloading boxes and separating the sandwich dressings, I was packing the beverages feeling this guilt rising from within my chest. Just
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the night before that, I had thrown away the leftovers of my dinner. I was now thinking to myself, why couldn’t I have saved them for the next day. Later on that day before I left, I went up to those workers and asked them why had they shook their heads at us. They looked at me and smiled sadly, one mumbled something that sounded like “no one takes things seriously anymore.” The fact that she could even say that about a group of kids coming in to volunteer their own time helping was puzzling. On the bus ride home, we all had to share something. Waiting for my turn, I learned that the workers who spend their time there at the factory, don’t even get paid. Just as we were taking off, we had found out that, with all of our packing we would have fed over 400 people. For me the experience was pure fun. I grew up doing things like this for people who need the help. Donating clothes, food, and money was the highlight of my year, especially around the holidays. It meant a lot to my parents that we could help the less fortunate. Now, it seems kids take everything for granted, wasting time, and sometimes letting their laziness get the best of them. At Lakewood High, H2O makes it easy to give a helping hand to people who don’t have anything. Sign up for one of their field trips and experience what I did. It will make you feel proud of trying to make a difference. Sabrina Suleiman and Hneen Khdour are preparing boxes to give to the needy. Hutcheson
Korgan Kenny unpacks goods that get prepared for families who can’t afford to eat.
December 2011
Photo by Emmie
Elena Zollars and Musa Elkateeb make sandwhiches to pack.
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Making a dog’s life By Dylan Dombrowski
Any person who would say that they love their furry buddies is probably talking about man’s best friend: the dog. But one person goes above and beyond the call to make sure man’s best friend stays happy and healthy in a safe home. Her name is Melissa Limkemann, owner of the Lakewood-based volunteer organization, All Dogs Heaven. Her mission: to rescue, medically treat, provide housing and place dogs in loving, permanent homes. All Dogs Heaven was started in August of 2007 after Limkemann read online, on PetFinder.com, that when shelters and kennels run out of space or are overcrowded, that dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens are euthanized. She then realized that there was a need for a kind of shelter that would help dogs in need to find families. Her organization is dedicated to rescuing homeless, abandoned, neglected, abused and puppy mill dogs. Her family is very supportive of the foster dogs. Her husband helps her with the dogs by walking them, feeding them, giving them baths -- even though he is allergic. While talking about Lakewood banning pit ulls from the city Limkemann said, “It’s not a specific breed that’s dangerous, but how the owner trains and handles the dog.” She then talked about one pit bull, Gremlin, who was trained to fight other dogs, also known as a bait dog. A bait dog is how people train fighting dogs. They have them fight harmless, or other harmless animals. Gremlin is now a trained therapy dog to help the elderly and small children. She made the news when her owner was told that she could not stay in Parma because of the law that bans pit bulls. “Dogs are like people: they can be raised good or bad, depending on how they were trained.” Limkemann said. The Lakewood High School girls’ soccer coach, Vlad Godosev, adopted a dog from All Dogs Heaven. His name was Danny but Godosev changed his name to Bear because he would get into everything and playfully maul other people. He said that if Bear would want something or want to go outside, Bear would nip Godosev in the behind. Godosev chose All Dogs Heaven because when he met Limkemann and found out how much she cares for dogs, he knew he was in the right place. Godosev said he would be happy to extend his family by adopting a pure bred German shepherd or a pure bred husky. Godosev already has
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two dogs: Gus and Denali. Gus is a pug and Denali is a boxer. This December, Bear will be one year old. Bear is a German shepherd and Husky mix that was part of a litter that was found in Cleveland. The other three from the litter are Tank who was renamed Danny, Carlos who was renamed Murphy, and Kodah. Danny now lives in Berea, Murphy lives in New York, but unfortunately Kodah passed away last summer due to heart complications. Limkemann owns 3 dogs herself that used to be rescues and that had never left. Lucy is a black Labrador retriever, Snoopy is a beagle, and Hopper is a white boxer. Recently All Dogs H e a v e n found a beagle and her 7 puppies, 6 females and 1 male. Three puppies are now up for adoption. They are all female and their names are Lola, Peyton, and Pippin. Peyton has a marking on the top of her head that looks like a Browns helmet. Lola has a different colored face, one side white and the other brown. Lola looks for love Pippin is the largest of the litter of seven and she has brown speckles on her nose. Peyton and Lola are both beagle and boxer mixes, while Pippin is a beagle and springer spaniel mix. Limkemann has 22 foster dogs that are in 5 different homes. She still keeps the majority of the dogs that need special care and training. She said the more foster homes there are, the more dogs she can
rescue and find good homes for them. All Dogs Heaven accepts all donations -- from newspapers and paper towels to dog food and dog beds. All dogs get medical treatment so they can live a pain free life. Every dog gets special training, depending on what his or her situation was before All Dogs Heaven. Some dogs get special attention if they are afraid of other dogs or other people. “Community education is one of our key goals”, said Limkemann, “teaching the residents of (our community) the effects that come from “impulse buying” of dogs, or ignoring sterilization needs of family animals.” Limkemann said. They also advo-
cate for heartworm prevention for all family pets. All Dogs Heaven works with several rescues in various states, including New York and as far away as Florida. They also work with local shelters and rescues to help all pets to find a permanent home. “At the end of the day, it’s not what helps the person; it’s what helps the dog.” Limkemann said. The website for All Dogs Heaven is www.alldogsheaven.org
The Lakewood Times
A second chance for man’s best friend Barking up a storm
By Alyssa Wheeeler
Hamiliton just loving life , happy that he has been rescued.
Do you like animals? Want to help out the community? If you are 16 or older, you can. Since 1985, Lakewood’s own Animal Shelter has been in business: taking strays off the streets and putting them in good homes. Although small, the people there are friendly and do a ton for those animals. This year alone, around 335 cats have been taken to the shelter and found new homes or are eagerly awaiting their new owner. The number of animals brought in a week varies anywhere from zero to twenty animals. The Lakewood Animal Shelter doesn’t just take care of cats, it takes care of many other animals. In the past, ferrets, snakes, dogs, geese, parakeets, ducks have all been there. They do need some help however. Only three volunteers show up somewhat regularly. If you are over 16, you can apply at the Citizen Community for the Lakewood Animal Shelter or CCLAS for short. It can sometimes take three months for your application and background check to go through, but after that you are free to help the animals. Volunteers can play with the animals, clean the cages, try to get others to buy the animals, or take care of a bunch of cute kittens and their mother. However, there are things that the volunteers can’t do. Animal Control Officers are the ones who take the animals off the streets. The Animal Control Officers patrol the streets of Lakewood, looking for stray animals or dealing with complaints, such as a loud dog barking. They are the ones who help the animals get to some place they can be loved.
Lakewood Animal Shelter 1299 Metropark Drive Lakewood, Ohio 44107 (216) 529-5020
cclasweb@yahoo.com CCLAS, P.O. Box 771323, Lakewood, OH 44107 (216) 688-8794 [Voice mailbox is slower then e-mail]
Pippin tired from a long day of play
December 2011
All photos by Dylan Dombroski
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Kallie the new Elephant at the zoo
Zoo Crew offers a change of scenery
By Greg Watson
At the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, creators of Zoo Crew have found a way to make volunteers enjoy their time chipping in for the “greater good.” Created by Stephanie West, a former volunteer,the Zoo Crew program has been a great way for teens to get in their volunteer hours while wanting to stay and help even more. In Zoo Crew, volunteers are able to learn about the animals at the zoo in the summer and help others learn the better aspects of the animals. Coordinators for the program, like D’Edra Thompson, help teach teens involved why animal and human balance is important to our survival on this planet. Thompson says, “I love watching you guys take on projects and make them your
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own.” Thompson is also very fond of handling the Ball Python which she states is very relaxed and easy to hold. While teaching others about animals is a regular volunteer day in the summer, if teens sign up to learn animal handling in fall, winter, and spring, they have the opportunity to hold for public display such animals as Madagascar Cockroaches, African Hedgehogs, White’s Tree Frogs and many more exotic animals. In the summer, volunteers can expect to volunteer about once a week for six hours, but the Coordinators are very nice when it comes to summer vacations and make exceptions. Lakewood High student Amanda Hammad is a member of the zoo crew program during the summer, and loves
this volunteer program. Although Hammad is not able to do the year round program, she still has a great time in the summer. In the year round program, volunteers meet about once a month and if teens choose not to do animal handling, then they also get to participate in group discussions about world problems. To get involved, teens must start in the summer. Teens from the ages of 13 to 17 can find the sign up form at the Zoo Crew website http://www.clemetzoo.
com/education/vol/zoocrew.asp, but registration
Photos by Nancy Hlynosky
doesn’t start until January, 2012.
This Armadillo looks pretty comfy.
The Lakewood Times
A polar bear chills on the rocks.
These rhinoceroses size each other up. Photo by Karen Ballash
The new elephant crossing exibit at the zoo.
LHS’s own “zoo keeper” By Greg Watson
“When little kids get “ah-ha” moments, it’s then I know I’m making a difference,” said Lakewood High tenth grader Amanda Hammad talking about one of her favorite things about Zoo Crew. She believes Zoo Crew is a great experience for high school students, so they can get a feel for teaching and develop environmental awareness. “I’m in the education program,” said Hammad, “and I teach little kids about conservation and how they can help out in their own little ways.” Zoo Crew in the summer is a great way to find out if you want a career in conservation, animal studies, teaching or if you want to work with the public. Even if your motive is less serious, everyone has fun learning about the routines the zoo works through daily.
Once weekly in the summer, members meet for six hours. Volunteers are able to pick their work days and are able to miss two days total in the summer. Hammad said, “They’re very understanding.” Zoo Crew also creates new friendships within the zoo. Many are happy to go in weekly. “They’re like my second family,” Amanda said. When asked if she plans to return to Zoo Crew, Hammad stated proudly “Most definitely, for as long as I can.” This program not only allows for high school students to have fun and relax in the summer, but teaches them how to speak to the guests at the zoo and how to show off some pretty cool animals, especially if year round participation is an option.
Photo by Ohio school pictures.
December 2011
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Cassidy’s Foundation gives hope By Mackenzie Rivera
Cartoon by Casey Miller
Every single day, 1400 kids die of cancer. People start such foundations as The Cassidy’s Hope to make others more knowledgeable about what the families of so many sick children go through daily. Cassidy’s Hope Foundation was founded by Cassidy’s mother, Pam Czech. The death of her daughter Cassidy inspired the idea for this foundation. One horrific morning, the young girl told her mother about numbness in her shoulder. Very concerned with her daughter’s pain, Czech took Cassidy to the hospital where she soon learned the disappointing news that would change their family’s lives forever. At the age of ten, t h e doctors diagnosed her with a rare form of cancer that a ff e c t ed her spinal cord and her brain and ultimately took her life. Cassidy’s long, painful battle lasted two years. Childhood cancer took this young girl’s life
on April 29, 2006. Today, Cassidy would be a beautiful seventeen year old young lady, attending Buckeye High School. When Cassidy was still alive, she would talk about how she wanted to help out other families battling childhood cancer. As the doctor bills piled up, the cost of her treatments left a devastating financial burden on their home. Her mother Pam wanted to make this young, courageous girl’s wish possible. September, 2006 is when the Cassidy Hope Foundation was founded. The foundation has a committee of devoted, passionate members who help raise money for the sick and suffering families in need. Events such as rallies, poker runs, bowling, auctions, and also many other generous contributions have made this foundation possible. “We get people to come to the foundations by putting an ad in the newspaper or a social network,” says Scott Parker, head of the Love Cassidy program, which is another part of this foundation that seem to be growing from the heart of Cassidy’s story. People’s charity towards this foundation has surprised Cassidy’s family, because
there have been many strangers who give without knowing the Czech family at all. The community and other local businesses have shown up for fundraisers and to give any type of support. The money raised then goes to needy families, who have or had children fighting cancer. The committee will go back and forth to the hospital for visits and help to pay some of the families household bills. They also use the money to help buy the family groceries, pay for parking, gas, or for the other kids in the family the foundation helps any type of help that the family needs. It is with just these kinds of daily stresses that the foundation helps out. The ill child’s family is already in so much trauma that they need any help that they can get. Families all over Northern Ohio come together and make bags, scarfs, hats, ect. to help raise money for this growing foundation. Lakewood students who want to help could make items that these kids would enjoy, or even write a simple letters to these patients to let them know they have support from other kids like themselves. To get more information you could go to: http://www.cassidyshopefoundation.org/
Lakewood welcomes the University of Akron By: Becca Houp
Logo courtesy of the official Univeristy of Akron website
Last month, the historic Bailey Building opened its doors to embrace the new branch of the University of Akron. Lakewood has frequently been referred to as the “college town without a college,” by its citizens. This is no longer the case now that there’s a college campus right here in downtown Lakewood. First Director of the Lakewood branch, Suzanne Metelko claims, “It’s still a work in progress.” Metelko says the facilities are open to the community for multiple purposes. In the community room, one can conduct a meeting or presentation with some of the newest technologies. The room is equipped with Smart Boards, video conferencing and has many software
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programs available, such as PowerPoint. Metelko showed off three distancelearning classrooms. What that means is, students that attend different campuses can also go to this branch if it is more convenient. Not only can they attend a closer class, but they will interact with classmates and teachers from the other campuses, live. There is a small button in front of each seat, and if you push one of them, a camera that the professor views the students on will zoom in on your face. This encourages better individual learning from each student, even from a distance. There is also a large screen facing the professor that allows them to view the students that are present from other campuses, such as Medina. The conference room has live video chat available for communication to other schools or businesses. Right next to the conference room is the computer lab, where any instructor can come and teach a class. They have new updated programs such as Microsoft 10 and Quick Books.
Also available for high school students’ convenience, is the testing lab. One can come into the testing lab and take a placement test in a quiet, safe environment. Metelko thinks that this will be beneficial for students at Lakewood High because Ohio offers post-secondary options, and their location will make transitions easier. This means that high school students can take any college courses they like in the state of Ohio and they will be paid for. This is a great opportunity for many, but also can be a hassle when you take into account the amount of traveling one has to do. “It is very time consuming.” Metelko claims. “The amount of time one could save traveling to their classes in the same city (where they live), can make time available for other things, such as sports or clubs. It can give a student more opportunities.” The University of Akron will offer courses such as Intro to ethics, state and local government, history of psychology and many more. Classes will begin January 9th, and there will be three open houses in the month of December.
The Lakewood Times
By Khalil Cormier
There was a time when a trip to the theater was right down the street, cheap, accessible, and (usually) not overcrowded. The Detroit Theater was a humble and comfortable place for movies. For some it was like having a second home as a theater and now it’s in the hands of corporate giants, more specifically, McDonalds. Built in 1924, the theater has been through World War II making it a historical landmark. Owned by the Barr family since 1953, most recently, Norman Barr who bought the theater in 1973. In 1988 the theater went under a renovation that halved the theater, sliced the screen in two and created two smaller theaters. The theater had been struggling to stay economically sound since the film indus-
tries made increasing demands. Most profits came from sales on concessions. The theater had recently returned to running first-run films, its last film being “True Grit.” A McDonalds is replacing the Detroit Theater, but nothing noticeable has happened yet. The theater is still standing and there is no extra McDonalds to be seen. What’s going on? As of early November the property wasn’t even purchased. Permission to demolish was given on November 3rd, and demolition is imminent. But what do people really think about all of this? The only big problem with another McDonald’s would be the traffic. Lakewood locals know that Detroit is a busy street on its
“I think its terrible. The Detroit Theater is very historical to Lakewood and should be recognized as such. That building is so memorable to Lakewood and is very significant to many. Destroying the Detroit theater in order to build a McDonald’s seems rather ridiculous. Why build something that has an exact duplicate of the same building only a few blocks away? Is it worth destroying such an important historical building in Lakewood in order to put up another fast food restaurant? No one will be able to rebuild something like the Detroit theater, or the memories that have accumulated there over the years. Why ruin something everyone already loves just to replace it for something everyone will hate? -- Amber Ganoe, Junior
December 2011
Photo by Khalil Cormier
own -- and with a new fast food restaurant -- traffic could be seriously conjested from extra activity. The city put stipulations on this project however, when nearly one hundred residents complained about potential traffic. McDonald’s must follow through with a traffic study before the end of their first year. They must also install signs that prohibit right turns onto Woodard Avenue. The planning Commission met on October 17th. The design plans have been approved and demolition got the green light. All McDonalds has left to do is submit the building plans and construction will be under way.
“I feel like people didn’t go there that often and it seems like people only care now that it’s gone. I’ll admit, McDonald’s isn’t the classiest, but America is fat and they’ll eat that food eventually, even if they were genuinely sad about the demolition. I’d love to see the old theater turned into something beautiful that would make Lakewood proud but I think we’ll all just have to have a good ol’ cry and get over it”. --Ryanne Meng, Senior
“I think that people are complaining way too much. If the people who are incessantly whining now used that effort to try to save the Detroit theater BEFORE McDonald’s bought it, it probably could have been done. I think that shows how much people actually ‘care’ about it.” --Mackenzie Paul, Senior
news
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Can a diverse community like ours have By Victoria Chesmar
TV cartoons often display weak characters getting bullied by the older and stronger character. The bully would always take the kid’s lunch money, give them wedgies, or stuff them into a locker. The victim is never laughing. While we don’t usually see anything that extreme, does LHS have a bullying problem? Most people don’t believe
cially excluded by bullies, 305 students were cyber bullied, and 697 student were verbally bullied. Jason Saska, health teacher at LHS, has been teaching a unit on bullying for eleven years. Saska has taught how bullying affects the classroom climate, the hallways and the home. He hopes that his unit
Bullying- any intentional written, verbal, graphic, or physical act that a student or group of students exhibited toward another particular student more than once and the behavior both causes mental or physical harm to the other student; and is sufficiently servere, persistent ot pervasive that is creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment for the other student-- Ohio Revise Code it, but that’s only their perspec- prevents bullying through tive. No one can know for sure, learning about the issues. because they don’t do much To Saksa, bullying all deabout bullying is kept secret. pends on who the student is During 7th period, 1,629 out and where the line is crossed. 1,758 registered students at “When the bully is using their LHS responded to an anony- positional power, in any way, mous survey. It had 22 multiple to humiliate or knock down the choice and three open-ended victim-- I think that’s when the questions. Also, a definition of line is crossed -- anytime the bullying from the Ohio Revised bully is utilizing their physical Code was provided. It should strength, popularity or whatevalso be acknowledged that re- er their strength, to bully with,” sults could be impacted by the said Saska. students’ matuMore rerity and comfort cently his level with the teaching questions. unit has When asked if been exreported that they tended due they were ever bullied, 73% rehave been bullied to House sponded to this Bill 19. It requestion, 38% quires that reported that bullying be taught in the health they have been bullied. This curriculum in the state of Ohio. means that the number of stuSaska’s unit includes teen dents who said they have been violence and its emotional efbullied is 668, with a margin fects, depression, dating, rape, of error plus or minus 49 stu- sexual assault, internet predadents. tors, and cyber bullying. As for those students who rep On a scale from 1-10 (with orted being bullied, 263 stu- 10 being the worst) Saksa perdents said they were physically ceives LHS’s bullying probbullied, 470 students were so- lem as a 4. “I don’t think it’s a
38%
14 news
problem. I mean it’s a nationwide problem. Every school has it, but I don’t see it as a glaring issue. I think the kids here are very tolerant and mature for the most part.” But could Lakewood’s cultural diversity provide diverse opportunity for bullying? Many students may have joked about people being black, Arabic, white, or Asian. So students were asked to indicate the manner in which they have been bullied, marking all that applied. For whatever reason, less people responded to this question overall. A total of 265 marked race or ethnicity as the reason, but the overwhelming reason given for bullying was based on appearance, with 545 students marking that choice. Another 204 answered for academic performance, 139 for sexual orientation and 544 for other.
Art by Alain Mika
“I got called fat everyday for three years,” said one anonymous response. If the teachers don’t notice most of the bullying going on during school, where does it happen? You may think that bullying is most likely to occur in the gym, but of those responding, only 304 reported witnessing bullying in the East
A few times 9.8%
8.5%
Once
8.7%
Thought about it
Never considered it 72.9%
The Lakewood Times
e a bullying problem? You decide. Gym, while a combined total teachers. There are usually 3-4 of 1,386 witnessed bullying in mediators, depending on the East Cafeteria, L-room or West number students involved with Gym cafeteria . This does make conflict. sense though, because during The students each tell their lunch periods it is very loud own side of the conflict and and there are only a few staff express their feelings. First the members watching over the student tells the story to the students. mediators and then tells their As for the hallways, a total story again to the other stuof 518 chose the third floor, 454 dent. After both sides express said the second floor, and 528 their feelings on how it affected answered them, one of the first floor. mediators sug reported acts gests a solution. What The solution about the of harrassment and/or can vary from M O D S ? bullying per month agreeing to not Do bullies speak to one anget away other, to dropping with teasing and harassment the issue. Each mediation is there? A total of 619 report- completely confidential unless ed witnessing bullying in the it reveals something that is illeMODS, Another surprise was gal or threatens harm to others. only 250 reported observing inEach year, the peer mediacidents in the restrooms. tion group has a field trip to train Pop Culture and History new and old members. This teacher, Lauren Flynn is the year, the mediators watched a adviser of peer mediation as of documentary about a bullying last year. This is a process that victim, participated in various allows students in conflict to sit activities with partners or in a down and discuss problems in group, and practiced sample a peaceful way. mediations. The mediations take place Teachers and staff members during the students’ free peri- do not always have to recomods. Mediators are students at mend peer meditation for a stuLHS who have been chosen by dent. Students are more than
7.3
Would laugh
8.8% Stop the bullying
47.1%
20.6%
23.6%
December 2011
Tell a teacher
Watch and do nothing
An administrator or counselor
A friend 5.2%
33.3%
No one
A teacher
10.8%
20.3%
A parent
30.2%
welcome to set up mediation. victims admit that they have All they have to do is report to stayed home because the bulFlynn and fill out a form. lying during school was so trauFlynn is very excited that matizing that they couldn’t hanpeer mediation has grown and dle it anymore. It was curious to she hopes to see less bullying know how many LHS students in and outside of school. would admit this. A total of “Peer mediation is a healthy 9.8% of the students answered resolution and I think it helps a that they have stayed home a lot of students to think before few times. Another 8.5% said they do or say anything during they stayed home once, 8.7% a situation. Also, I think it helps thought about it, but didn’t and other people 72.9% nevto understand er considthat everyone ered staying say home. is different and unique within their problem wasn’t Of those their personality who reor appearance,” solved when they told port they’ve said Flynn. been bullied, someone Do the stu8.3% say dents at LHS they are bulknow what peer mediation is? lied several times a day, 5.6% A total of 57.2% of those who are bullied once a day, 9.7% responded say they do. But are bullied once a week, 7.8% only 40.8% say they would use are bullied once a month and it in a bullying situation, while 68.6% are hardly ever bullied. the other 59.2% don’t see it as Another 320 chose not to rea solution. spond. “I believe bullying would de“Near the beginning of this crease if there was some kind year, I was bullied almost every of assembly or program during day for 3 periods. I wasn’t good school,” said one anonymous enough to be there. It would get responder. so bad sometimes that I would In serious bullying problems want to just leave school. It throughout the nation, most eventually died down, but it still
37.8%
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goes on every couple of days,” according to one anonymous respondent. Any student who feels very uncomfortable at school is encouraged to call the 24-hour security hotline. The number is provided in each house office, on the school website, and on posters hanging around the school. If students are getting bullied constantly, what are teachers doing? “If a student reports it to a teacher it’s handled differently. Legally, teachers are required to report it,” said Flynn. Yet teachers do not fare well in this poll. Of those who responded, 685 students report witnessing bullying “in certain classes.” When asked what the teacher does about it, 31.9% perceive that the teacher ignores it. Only 10.8% of the self-reported victims claim they would tell a teacher. In another question, a total of 44.4% of the students report being “subjected to teasing or sarcasm” from a teacher and 30.1% perceived that teasing or sarcasm as inappropriate. Finally, of the bystanders who witnessed bullying, only 20.6% say they would tell a teacher. While teachers may, or may not see the bullying going on, there have definitely been some acts reported to the administration. During the 2010-2011 school year, there were an average of 7.3 acts per month, according to the statistics gathered and reported by administrators. This is a total 66 verified acts of harassment and/or bullying for the 2010-2011 school year. In the first two months of this school year, there are a total of 8 verified acts. The Times survey asked if you were bullied, whom did you tell? A total of 20.3% students said they would tell their parent or guardian, 33.3% would an administrator or counselor, only 5.2% would tell their friends, and 30.2% would tell no one. These results show students believe telling an administrator or a counselor is more useful than telling teacher or friend. But what about the 30.2% who kept it to themselves? And what about the bystanders? What do they do when they witness bullying going on in their class or in the halls? In history class you may have seen the TV show, ABC’s “What Would You Do?” Where actors dramatise a situation in public. One example was a teenage couple who were arguing on a bench in a park and the boyfriend began to verbally abuse her. The camera focused on the bystanders, capturing their reactions and sees what they would do. If that’s just a TV show, then what’s the LHS version? Do bystanders become upstanders? From those surveyed, 47.1% say they would try to stop the bullying. Another 23.6% admitted they would watch and do nothing, and 8.8% admitted they would laugh. Is even one bully, one too many? And are we as a community doing enough to stop it? Finally, The Times asked victims who told someone about being bullied whether their problem was solved. A total of 24.8% said yes, while 37.8% said no, with 37.4% responding that the question did not apply to them. In spite of its diversity, maybe the LHS community has more work to do on bullying than it thinks.
Restrooms East gym
2nd floor
1st floor
Sexual Academics Race or Orientation ethnicity
3rd MODS Cafeterias floor
Other
Appearance
Curious to see all of the results? Check out our website, www.lakewoodtimes.net Physically
Cyber
Socially excluded
Verbally
Staff editorial
No free pass on bullying in halls of LHS Just because Lakewood is diverse, doesn’t mean we get a free pass on bullying. The Times survey makes it clear we’re all in denial. Bullying is going on in the cafeterias, classrooms and halls of Lakewood High. No matter where you live, or what school you attend, some bullying is inevitable. Maybe there is no way to totally wipe it out, but we need to find a way to make more of it disappear. Now, before anyone else gets hurt. Not many people seem to know LHS has a 24 hour hotline that you can call if you are bullied. Once informed, administrators have to take care of the problem. It’s the law. The school needs to introduce it to the student body and promote it more aggressively. Let’s start telling people now here’s the number, 216-2275311 Teachers need to step up their game. Telling a student to “cut it out” isn’t going to end anything. The problem isn’t solved. Whether the students drag the situation into the hallway or not, it’s still there. Teachers need situational training, not just another power point. A power point only tells them the facts, it doesn’t help them when the moment happens. They need to role play situations in which a student is getting bullied and they need to engage in practice sessions and real discussions with each other. Also, what about the cafeterias? The Times survey showed they’re a real source of the problem. To student observers, it seems as if those students who sit closer to the windows get away with more. Usually, staff members lean against the wall and observe the closest tables near them. The cafeterias are loud and are filled with lots of students. They need more staff members in each lunch period and they need to start watching more students. Teachers need to start walking around more and being more at-
December 2011
tuned to the bullying going on. Everyone need to be more aware of this situation and put more effort into decreasing the bullying levels. They need to look for signs of discomfort from students. If we want to spread the awareness of bullying, we believe that an assembly would help. The results of our survey show there’s a need for even more education. Perhaps some of the professional organizations that specialize in bullying prevention could be contacted to provide an interactive experience students could take back and discuss in their class rooms, sort of like the Beach Read. This way students would come to understand the bully, as well as the victim. It could also address the fears of the bystander and what watching bullying, yet doing nothing, does to them. Maybe we’d all be nicer or stand up more. If an assembly is held, all administrators and staff members should attend, along with Officer Aklin, and the security guards. And speaking of security, both teachers and security guards need to pay attention to what students are saying. Don’t just pay attention to “f-bombs” dropping everywhere, but listen for what other kinds of offensive words are being said. Besides focusing on hoodie and dress code violations, can we please pay more attention to how students treat each other? And what about the students? Our survey shows 47.6% of you say you’d stand up to bullies, so we know your heart is in the right place. Students are going to be the first one to see the bullying. We need to be the first line of defense and start helping out more. If you personally don’t want to get involved, report it to the school’s hotline, administrators, teachers, or security. The hotline will not reveal any source. Race and Diversity is about to launch an adopt a trouble spot program. They asked the Times to add the survey questions on location. We think this is a great idea and we look forward to helping with this solution from our own peers. Can you imagine at LHS where students are happier and more comfortable coming to school? Where no student even “thinks” about staying home in fear of being bullied. LHS needs to come together right now -- including you. The Times staff would like to thank Math Teacher Peter Petto, his AP Statistics students, and especially senior Jimmy Mathieson for critiquing our questions, and for helping us analyze, interpret and properly display the results. We would also like to thank Adviser Joe Lobozzo, Bilal Shah and RAD for their interest in our survey.
Art by Alain Mika
opinion
17
To occupy or not to occupy, By Julia Houska
Photos by Julia Houska
What is the question?
Two months ago, a revolution was creatThese protestors are fighting to regain ed on Wall Street. The name of this move- balance in our economy. Cleveland citizen ment is Occupy Wall Street. Facing tough Levi Oesterman said, “This is a first world challenges, the Occupy Wall Street move- country, but we’re experiencing third world ment has shown it is here to stay. political problems.” Protesters set up the first camp in New They are fighting against the rising gap beYork in hopes of a more equal distribution tween the rich and the poor. They are callof the world’s wealth. Over a short pe- ing out corporations on greed and corrupriod of time, camps began to appear in many other locations such as Seattle, Oakland, and Los Angeles. These camps are proof that this movement is quickly gaining support. These protesters believe that the rich 1% of the population is in control of the other 99%. I believe that people should band together in hopes of creating change in this world. This issue is important to Americans all over the U.S. because it affects each and every one of us. We need to support these protestors especially since they are facing some major challenges. Police have made over 180 arrests in Occupy Cleveland Headquarters. the last few weeks and even used pepper spray on an 84 year-old tion. Not only is it good to see people fight woman, thus making this issue all the more for what they believe in, it is also good to real. see that people care for quality. The OccuI support and respect all police enforce- py movement has allowed us to check the ment. I believe they are very brave impor- health of our democracy. We are starting to tant people. But seriously what was the see what’s below the power structures of 84 year-old woman going to do to them, America. What this movement and the retake out her false teeth and chase them? action from the government have shown is Was there really a point in spraying her? that there is a miscommunication between There are articles and pictures showing the government and the people they supthat pregnant women, priests, and Iraq posedly represent. The great thing about war veterans are amongst those pepper- this protest is that it’s universal. Wherever sprayed. you are, you can make a difference. Not too
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long ago, Cleveland citizens started an Occupy Cleveland campaign. The people involved in the Occupy Cleveland campaign set up headquarters at the public square. And this is just the beginning. More people need to get involved because we all need to act to regain control of our government. Americans no longer have control of a government that claims to represent us. So many people suffer everyday with no job, food, home, or health insurance. People have nothing to aspire to because our economy has hit what many consider rock bottom. Instead of things getting better, the gap between rich and poor only gets bigger. In a recent interview on WKYC, a Cleveland citizen, Beth Foster, explains that there is no central ground for the Occupy Cleveland campaign since most members are working with Occupy Chattanooga. “We may be doing the actual occupation with them, but we want people to know there is a presence in Cleveland,” Foster said. This protest is increasingly getting bigger and I have seen first hand the action people are taking. In one of my classes at Cleveland State, a man announced that he was dropping out for the time being and heading up to New York to Occupy Wall Street. It is amazing to see people fight for what they believe in. Citizens of Lakewood, you need to join those in Cleveland in the fight to restore our economy and government.
The Lakewood Times
During Mic check this flag was held up to remind Cleveland that we are the 99%.
One of the many signs placed by the occupiers around public square.
Mic check begins with this man’s guitar when the city shut off the occupiers electricity for this rally.
Occupy Cleveland has this tent stationed in Public Square as its hedquarters.
December 2011
Kids were invited to play the bongos while sitting in public square rallying for change in our government.
opinion
19
Dreams to be demolished By Khalil Cormier
The Detroit Theater is one past-time of Lakewood that seems to be past its time. However, to see it fall into the hands of large corporations was an expected tragedy. The theater was old and worn out. Not many people actually went, but something about the Theater really added to Lakewood. The theater was part of a family, the community of local shops and businesses. This community represents the soul of Lakewood fairly well. Places like the Root, the Beck Center, Players, every local restaurant or store has some sort of connection,
whether it’s just customers who go there, or the owners who are friends. Something will be missing with the Detroit Theater gone and not just the building, but that link between it and others. And our past. And what about the others? Could this be the beginnings of a corporate take over of Lakewood? With the downfall of one local business, could others fall into the grasp of other corporations to come? Whether people knew the Detroit Theater or not, they may notice a difference in the town, Instead of that old worn out building, seemingly full of vintage wonders, they will see a McDonald’s, creating
business and an overwhelming amount of traffic. The loss really shows Lakewood’s age which is 112 years old. The Detroit Theater has been around for more than two thirds of the Lakewood’s history. The least McDonald’s could do is find a way to leave the building intact. Then at least people would have something to see to remember the theater, and people just passing through could have a look at one of Lakewood’s former landmarks.
My Friends makes a few flubs Alyssa Wheeler My Friends was the latest stop on my train of life. This restaurant is a homey place, a great place to relax with family. However, if you like chic or modern, stop. Turn around. This restaurant has no place for you. While it is a great place for family or fancy dates, be expected to be transported back in time the minute you step in the door. I went with my family, including three younger siblings. One of the great things about My Friends is that they know how to deal with children. Within five minutes, they had gotten coloring sheets for them. Also, when we got our drinks, our waitress had brought an extra, smaller cup for my youngest sibling, so he wouldn’t spill as easily. In the bathrooms, they had extra paper towels for children, since the only other paper towels were easily four and a half feet off the ground, a daunting sight for any child. But despite how good they are with children, the rest of the time was a mess. Let’s start out with the service. Our waitress looked really bored, and she was sniffling and coughing the whole time she took our order. I would rather not have a sick waitress handling our drinks and food. And speaking of service, menus aren’t supposed to have words changed and crossed out, in pencil. It really looked like a child decided that they didn’t like that food anymore, so they crossed it out and wrote a different word sloppily. Also, Friday’s specials shouldn’t be on a sheet of crumpled
20 opinion
old paper that has also been written on. Another thing, you soda lovers, don’t come here. They only allow one refill. I usually wouldn’t mind that much, but our waitress decided to take my half-full cup of Sprite and refill it. When she took my cup, my sister’s needed refilling as well. Guess what, she forgot all about it, then acted annoyed when we politely asked her to get the refill. One good thing about My Friends however, is the food. I had the chance to taste my dad’s chicken, and I swear that was one
Photo by Michael Wheeler
of the best pieces of chicken I have ever tasted. My Friends even got me to enjoy hummus. However, freezer rolls, and really dry pancakes aren’t really that good for your reputation. All in all, My Friends got a solid 2.5 out of 5 from this reviewer.
The Lakewood Times
Five reasons you should get slammed By Jimmy Mathieson
1 . Spoken word is a powerful experience. 2. Real poets to teach you. 4And: Inspiring Community Poetry is also difficult. Like any Performing poetry, especially poetry you expanding once again, poetry slam have put time into, takes an incredible amount of courage. It has all the pressure of public performance, compounded with the thoughts that these are your thoughts, your stories, in effect, which you are. The idea of putting yourself out there and risking rejection is frankly, terrifying to many people, me included. But, in return, the feeling you get from public performance is satisfying and gratifying to the extreme. All your energy, emotion, and passion is paid back in full by the applause of the people around you. Even, if you only have an inkling of interest in poetry, I believe that this is a feeling that everyone should feel. Which brings me to reason number 2:
Phoenix and Tara leading the slammers in warm-up activities.
December 2011
sport, music or talent, it takes lots of practice and coaching. Luckily, poetry slammers are fortunate enough to live close to the nexus of Ohio’s poet culture, Playhouse Square. At Poetry Slam, we are regularly visited by top notch poets and poetry slammers, such as Phoenix who are amazingly effective at working even the most rigid writing into a flowing poet. And these poets aren’t the only effective advisers:
isn’t merely about the instructors. Poetry Slam is also filled with a positive an inspiring community. While initially I’ll admit, I was intimidated or at least skeptical of some members, I can say that, at some point, every regular member has said or written something that has made me think. Poetry is a wonderfully open subject, everyone can have something to say and be valued.
3 : Teachers being their (very weird) 5: Positive Feedback. Lastly, poetry slammers wonderful selves. It’s difficult to fully elaboratethe energy and vision that poetry slam’s coordinators bring to the club. Mrs. Blackie and Mr. Overholt are without the champions of spoken word at Lakewood High. With their goofy poetry names of “Mama Slime” and “D-Nile” (because he flows like the river in Egypt) both teachers go out of their way to make the club as welcoming as possible. When Mr. Overholt melodramatically reads a tragic poem about the fate of his chalupa on a Saturday morning, it is truly impossible not to enjoy yourself.
Photos courtesy of Jane Blackie and Chris Overholt
are the world champions of positive feedback. When, and if you decide to write something, you will be rewarded with a group of people smilling and encouraging you to continue. At poetry slam, I have poems concerning themes from divorce to Pokemon, and every poem was received with smiles. So, if you have something to share, or you have a sense of who you are, then I challenge YOU to come to poetry slams after school on Mondays in mod 38. The reasons are clear, there are these six and many more. So please come to poetry, the literary world is waiting.
opinion
21
by Gwen Stephen
Lakewood’s own
Behind the BIG NAME companies, internationally known food items and logos, fast food restaurants have more under their hairnets than you may think. While trying to ‘keep it under the hat,’ fast food restaurants have secret menus--items that are not listed on the in-store menu, but are occasionally online. Different sandwiches, gut-bustFirst stop: Kentucky Fried Chicken -Poutine: A favorite in Canada, this item includes French fries, fried cheese curds, and gravy all layered together. Second stop: Taco Bell -Cheesy Gordita Crunch: Though advertised certain times a year, this favorite can be ordered anytime. -Green Sauce: The sauce is usually on hand in the South West, local restaurants may still carry it. -Chili Cheese Burrito: This burrito is filled with chili and cheese instead of the usual fillings. -Enchrito: This is an enchilada with beef, beans, cheese, red sauce, and onions. Third stop: McDonald’s Third stop: McDonald’s
ing burgers and even drinks can turn any normal visit into a quest to try them all. Cleveland’s W117th, has all the hotspots to fulfill your late-night munchies, and challenge you to attempt to demolish each one. -Pie McFlurry: If you purchase a pie just ask them to blend it into your McFlurry. -McGangBang: This is a double cheeseburger with chicken in between the two beef patties. -Land, Sea, and Air Burger: This is a beef patty, chicken patty, and fillet-o-fish patty all piled high onto a bun. Fourth stop: Arby’s -Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich: This sandwhich is a chicken breast with a piece of ham on top and melted Swiss cheese. -Wet Fries: Fries covered in cheese sauce. (This isn’t actually a secret, you can order the cheese sauce on the side anytime—they won’t look at you funny, promise.)
-Monster Mac: This enormous burger tops the charts as it is 8 meat patties piled together.
Fifth stop: Wendy’s -Grand Slam: This burger has a total of four meat patties.
-Biscuits and Gravy: This item is more common in the South. It is the combination of gravy smothered over hot biscuits.
-Big Bacon Classic: This is your classic burger with bacon.
-Grilled Cheese: Simple as that, melted American cheese in a bun.
-Jr. Cheeseburger Deluxe: This value sized burger includes lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and ketchup.
-Big Mac with Quarter Pounder Patties: This is the same as a Big Mac, just with less meat.
-Barnyard: A spicy chicken sandwich with ham, bacon and beef separated by cheese.
-Big McChicken: This is a sandwhich in which the buns are replaced with chicken patties.
Last stop: Starbucks
-Chicken and Waffles: This is a McGriddle sandwich with chicken in the middle.
-Zebra Mocha: Occasionally called the “Penguin Mocha,” this drink combines the white chocolate mocha with the regular mocha.
-Neopolitan Milk Shake: 1/3 vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice creams blended together into one shake.
- Chocolate Dalmation: A white Chocolate Mocha with java chips and chocolate ships sprinkled in.
-McLeprichon: This shake is only available in March with the Shammrock Shake, it is both this seasonal shake as well as a chocolate shake mixed.
- Captain Crunch: Frappuccino A combonation of hazelnut syrup in a strawberries and creme Frappuccino is adead ringer for the flavor of Captian Crunch.
22 lkwd life
The Lakewood Times
hunger games
Art by Brett Brown Map courtesy of Google Maps
December 2011
lkwd life
23
An alpine sweater and a fur jacket are great for this season.
Denim shirts are always a neccessity.
A matching hat and mitten set is a great accessory and a good gift!
A cute knit beanie will go great with a solid shirt.
Winter fashion comes By Emma Brady
As temperatures drop, trends start to change. Everyone’s favorite shirt turns into a sweater and shorts become long pants. As we enter another season, we add more key pieces to our wardrobes so we are well prepared for the weather ahead. Winter is the time of year where people have the illusion that the warmth may become more important than fashion itself, but, you won’t need to sacrifice fashion for warmth any longer. Stores everywhere have begun creating pieces that are both fashionable and amazingly warm. For instance, the trend you will run into everywhere is the basic sweater. Every fashion piece has its variation, and a sweater is just one example. The sweater has branched off into alpine, Cable knit, Blanket coats, Crew necks and even ugly sweaters. It is still possible to dress within fashion guidelines, while still feeling comfortable and warm.
24 lkwd life
Although fall and winter fashion share the same runway show, there are different styles that identify winters hottest trends. Unlike fall fashion, winter is more focused on thicker coats, longer sleeves and cuter hats. Scarves are becoming more popular as the season continues, and coats are becoming warmer with fur lining. However, the two seasons share some common pieces. Leather boots and faux fur are just two looks that are fashionable in both seasons. Jackets are extremely important, but keep an eye out for playful patterns and unique designs. Patterns are evolving in a tremendous mixture of styles. You will find patterns on anything from shoes to scarves in an assortment of colors. Popular patterns to look out for are plaid, polka dots, lace, tribal, stripes, animal print, feathers, and splashes of colors. Trends are easy to spot, but hard to keep
up with. The trends you may want to be aware of are skinny belts, circle scarves, mixing patterns, bulky sweaters, faux fur, hiking boots, warm headbands, and vintage jewelry. Along with new looks for the winter, there are retro styles coming back into the world of fashion. Stores like ModCloth, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropology all sell clothing with a certain retro flare. The time periods that are spotted the most are 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. These sorts of trends are becoming “must haves” in the fashion world. Lace up boots, vintage sweaters, denim and leather jackets, and oxfords are all recreated vintage pieces from different decades. Lakewood High School has its fashion forward population, but wouldn’t it be even better if more people took on the challenge?
The Lakewood Times
A nice cozy sweater with a fun print spices up any holiday gathering.
Tribal prints are HUGE this season!
Leg warmers return from 80’s!
in with a A TEEN’S GUIDE TO WINTER FASHION: TOPS:
Printed/Knitted Sweaters Crewnecks Oversized shirts Button Down/Patterned Blouses
Pair a plaid shirt with a plain V-neck.
* * * flurry * *
HATS/SCARVES/MITTENS Knit Headbands Beanie Hats Berets Circle/ knitted Scarves Colorful Mittens Leg Warmer
JACKETS: SHOES:
Moccasin boots/flats Laceless Sneakers UGGS Pixie /Combat Boots
Capes/Ponchos Peacoats: Plaid/Plain Faux Fur
PANTS:
Various colors of Skinny jeans Corduroys Photos taken by Grace Lazos
December 2011
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By Juan Amador
The Spirit
With t h e hustle and bustle of the holidays, it seems one of the most awaited treats of the season is nothing but a Christmas cookie. Christmas cookies bring warmth and joy to us during the holiday season. But these cookies are for more than just eating and can be just as fulfilling as Christmas Day itself. Christmas cookies are what bring family and friends close together during the cold winter season. Sugar cookies are the simplest cookie When being made, there is always something someto make and easier to decorate. A few one can do to help. Whether it is cracking an egg, mixing simple sprinkles can take a cookie a the batter, spooning the dough or making sure they don’t long way. burn in the oven, there is no part too small for making cookies. Throughout the month of December, we hear of all the things family and friends do with their cookies. They have cookie exchanges where people trade the cookies they made with cookies other people have made to get a little taste of everyone’s holiday sweet tooth. The most traditional ritual is a Christmas cookie bake and swap night. Families and friends gather together one night and each bring their own recipe. During the midst of measuring, mixing, baking, and dropping the dough on the baking sheet, families and friends cherish the time they have with one another and engage in conversation. The more recipes brought and the more people who attend means more cookies on the plate you are going to take home. Quick Response Codes, also But, have we ever stopped to wonder, “How did Christmas cookies come about?” known as QR Codes, link web The roots of Christmas cookies, as we know today, can be traced to Medieval Europages through a matrix barpean recipes. Such biscuits, or cookies, all contained modern ingredients. These code. The QR Codes placed ingredients included ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, dried fruit and almonds. next to each picture are direct We can thank the Dutch and German settlers who provided the simplicity of cookie links to the cookie’s recipe. To cutters, and molds, and brought holiday decorations to America in the 17th Century. scan these codes, an app from During 1871 and 1906, there was a change with importation laws which made it your smart phone market must cheaper to import goods. At this time, a wide range of cookie cutters were imported from Gerbe downloaded. many and were made available to the American market. The cookie cutters were made so that the cookie could be hung from one’s Christmas tree. Though the evolution of Christmas cookies has come a long way, we still find no trouble having as many as we please during the season.
QR Codes
Art by Brett Brown
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The Lakewood Times
of cookies Thumbprint cookies are delicous. They’re easy to make and fun too. You can fill the hole with just about anything you want from jam to chocolate.
Kolaczkis are more like a pastry than a cookie. You can fill it with just about anything. Any jam or nut paste that gets your interest.
These snowballs are far from cold. These cookies are light and fluffy. They’re rolled in powdered sugar for tthat extra kick of sugar.
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a must have during the holiday season. It incorporates two things that go hand in hand, peanut butter and chocolate. These tastey little cookies will have your taste buds dancing.
Did You Know?
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During the Great Depression, Christmas Cookies became popular among the children. Children began to leave the cookies out for Santa because it kept their hope and spirits up in such a hard financial time.
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Elliot Smith lives for lax By Bilal Shah
Whether he is riding, clearing, or shooting Elliot Smith just can’t seem to get enough of Lacrosse. Over the past five years, Elliot has been honing his skills in the ancient Indian sport, and it shows. What started as a simple hobby has now turned into an obsession, and he radiates this passion everywhere he goes. Lacrosse is no push-over sport. Elliot describes it as “football with big sticks” and “the fastest sport on two feet, nonstop action, constantly on the move.” To many,
this may seem like a daunting feat but Elliot embraces the challenge and faces it head on. This attitude has brought him great success on the field. Elliot recalls a game against Geauga as being his best. The final score was 8-7 and Elliot had scored 8 goals that game. However, his favorite game was against St Ed’s. It was the first game of the season and Elliot made his way around the defense, scoring 5 out of the 6 goals for his team. He chose this game because they
A Lax Bro’s Dictionary
beat St. Ed’s 6-4 and it was the first win that Avon Lake had in their franchise’s history. Elliot did not start off scoring upwards of eight goals a game, but rather had much more humble beginnings. It was when his brother began playing for St. Edward’s Lacrosse team as a freshman that Elliot was introduced to the sport. At that time he was going into 6th grade, and since then he has been on a handful of teams including Westlake, Avon Lake, and Burning River Lacrosse. All of these are club teams, which Elliot explained means that they are “much more open and can pull players from any other school.” Elliot considered going to St. Ed’s to pursue a Lacrosse career but decided that Lakewood High was a better fit. “I have no regrets, I got to play freshman baseball, and we beat St. Ed’s in that as well. Plus, I can still play Lacrosse, too.” It was with Burning River Lacrosse that Elliot had the most fun. He has travelled all around the country from Maryland to Florida competing with other lax bros. Burning River is run by Coach Calleri who pulls players from all over Northeast Ohio, and even some players from as far away as Toledo. The cost to join isn’t that high but the money from the gear, travel costs, and hotel rooms really adds up, but Elliot says, “It’s definitely worth the cost.” Elliot has a leg up on the rest of the players considering that Calleri happens to be Elliot’s next door neighbor. “Elliot is an incredibly hard worker, we refer to him as a grinder on the team because he doesn’t like to do fancy stuff, he just gets in there and gets the job done. Other players on the team respect him for that. I’ve known him since he was five and he’s always been a great kid. I mean he babysits my kids, and I wouldn’t trust my kids with just anyone,” says Coach Calleri.
Nipping Cheddar: refers to scoring a goal near the top of the cage, close to the goalies face. Also called The Top Shelf.
Attacker: Offensive player
Crosse: Lax Stick
BTB: “Behind the back” passing or shooting
FOGO: Faceoff player. Stands for Riding: Playing defense while on the of“Face off, get off” fensive side to stop the other team from clearing. Long Pole: A defensemen
Clearing: Getting the ball from defensive side to offensive Crease: Circle around the goal that offensive players can’t enter
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LSM: Long Stick Middle
Rip, Snipe, Laser, Crank: a hard shot
Middie: Midfielder
X: Spot right before the goal. A great place to start plays.
The Lakewood Times
All of the hard work paid off because Elliot was the top scorer in all of Ohio. Along with this great honor he was named MVP for Burning River Lacrosse. Coach Calleri says “Because of all of his effort on the field, Elliot should look forward to being Captain this year or the next.” Not only did he score 66 goals last season but also met fellow athletes with whom he still remains in contact. “The friends you make playing Lacrosse have your back on, and off, the field,” says Elliot, “When you hang out with them outside of Lacrosse you build a stronger bond that helps you function better as a team on the field.” One especially memorable game was from 8th grade when Elliot was competing at a Maryland tournament with the Burning River Lacrosse team. Elliot describes how the Maryland and Virginia teams were stuck up and incessantly teased the Ohio kids for being from the mid west. By the end of the competition two teams from Ohio had beaten all of the Maryland and Virginia teams and made it to the finals. It was Dublin, Ohio versus Burning River Lacrosse. Elliot said, “It was like a pyrrhic victory. Even though we lost to Dublin it still felt good knowing that two Ohio teams made it to the top.” However, it’s not all fun and games. Elliot describes a normal practice as a mix of play drills, shooting and passing, running, wheel barrow drills, and other physically demanding workouts on the field. “It takes a lot of physical endurance to do well in Lacrosse. The average Middie will run like three miles in a single game.” Along with being an exceptional Lacrosse player Elliot also manages to keep his grades up. He says you have to, “Do your homework right when you get home, go to practice, and then come back and finish.” According to Elliot, “disciplining your life” is the best way to be successful in Lacrosse and school. Elliot is also very involved in volunteer work. He splits his free time between friends and helping others. He, most often, volunteers at the Barton Center because of the “gratification you get from the people you are helping.” His favorite activity is serving food and talking to the seniors during the pancake breakfasts. Ever since his freshman year he has been giving back to the community. Lacrosse has become more than a sport for Elliot Smith. It has taught him a lot about life and discipline, and it is these lessons that he will carry with him. Lacrosse has taught him that “You can’t win a game by yourself. Trust me I’ve tried.” Everyday Elliot is working with others to become a better athlete, student, team-mate and person, and no matter what happens, his love for Lacrosse will never falter.
December 2011
Elliot sporting his Lacrosse gear.
Elliot swerves around the defense, setting up for the shot.
Elliot passing to a fellow teamate during a game for Avon Lake.
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The sisterhood of the traveling hoopsters: By: Hneen Khdour
Dribbling downcourt fast. Looking to pass. No one in sight. Stuck in a predicament. Most people are terrified to have all that weight on them, but not sophomore Megan Barrett. Ten years ago, little Megan was the manager on her brother Pat’s team. She looked on as the team played, wanted to run into the game and snatch the ball from them. Barrett, “ fell in love with the sport” from that moment on. Basketball has been part of Megan’s life since she can remember. Every time Barrett is on the court she gives it her all. To her, basketball comes naturally, “it’s more of an instinct.” When Barrett is on the court making plays she says, “It’s weird to say, but I’m not thinking too much.” Barrett focuses on making plays and doesn’t care too much on what is going on in stands. Growing up, Megan was playing her favorite sport with her best friends. Megan’s best moment was when she and her seventh grade buddies came out victorious winning, a city championships. Alongside
of her were Allison Mazzeo, Maggie Rowell, and Christiana Sharkin. All three continue to play ball together at Lakewood High School. Placed on varsity, as a shooter, Megan averaged 4 to 5 points a game last year. Being a competitive player is an advantage to her and her team as well. Focused in on shooting the ball Barrett shoots the first shot to give herself a boost of confidence for the rest of the game. “I feel much better about myself knowing I scored. I know I can score more points.” Even if Barrett isn’t on the court owning her opponents, she’s on the sideline encouraging her teammates to “stay positive” throughout the game. “If I’m not winning, I’m always trying to cheer on myself and my teammates to keep their heads up.” Reassuring her teammates, Megan shows amazing sportsmanship to all. Allison Mazzeo, a teammate that continues to play basketball with Barrett, says, “When Megan gives us advice we try to use it because she knows what she’s talk-
ing about and is well experienced.” Although basketball season ends come spring for the high school, it doesn’t for Megan Barrett. She travels on an elite team called Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), which includes The National Basketball Academy (TNBA). Two girls from other schools, Magnificent and Avon Lake make up the team. Megan has been playing on an AAU team since 3rd grade. She hopes to continue playing basketball throughout her high school and college career. “I’ve already received letters from small division 2 and division 3 schools.” With all Megan’s knowledge of basketball, she hopes to give the same experience to youth teams as well. “I really want to coach when I’m older, I really enjoy little kids.” Barrett is usually found playing basketball at school or with some friends.
Meet Megan Barrett and Mikayla Harper By: Simone Brown
Next to diamonds, shoes are a girl’s best friend. But when you wear the same pair of shoes 24/7, a special bond and unique relationship is built. Freshman Mikayla Harper takes pride in strapping up in her black and white Derrick Rose Adidas – with a purple and gold jersey to top it off. “I am my own worst critic,” Harper whispers to herself as she eagerly dribbles the ball down the floor reading the defense. She loves the competitiveness and thrill she gets when she plays. With her boundless love of basketball and “outstanding skills,” according to Coach Mike Gallagher, Harper earned her way to a spot on varsity. Shifting from middle school basketball, where her team was crowned conference champs, she is thrilled but a little nervous to be playing with the big dogs. “I was excited but I knew I was going to have to work hard. My first practice was fun and everyone accepted me.” Recently experiencing her first varsity game against St. Joe’s, Harper had a taste of the upcoming season. “I think we showed Joe’s we could play with them and we are really improving as a team. My favorite part of the game
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was when I passed the ball to Maggie and she banked a three. I was satisfied with the game overall – except the final shot I took,” said Harper remembering the devastating play. Joe’s was up by three points and there were only a few seconds left. Harper passionately sprinted down half court with the ball in her hand and landed at the three point line, approaching the defense. The shot went up as the suspenseful crowd rose from their seats. An arm flew up in front of her face, tipping the ball. “I felt so angry, as if I let the team down,” said Harper. She wasn’t surprised the foul wasn’t called. “The refs won’t be fair on a lot of calls, so you just have to live with it. We are getting better as a team, but there is always room for improvement.” Harper is a legacy from many generations of basketball players. Her father, who was also her coach, played in high school. Her mother holds the record at Lutheran West, and her grandmother played. Even her grandfather participated in the game. When her fellow players are turning in their basketball jerseys for track or softball, she continues to dedicate her time playing with her AAU team, Team Argento. Books come first for Harper. She thinks it’s a possibility that she will play in college.
Her dream is running up and down the court with “UConn” boldly printed in blue on the front of her jersey. Harper looks up to her father, Michael Harper, and Boston Celtics’ point guard, Rajon Rondo. She wakes up thinking of basketball and goes to sleep dreaming of it. For Harper, the game isn’t just a sport. Basketball is life.
The Lakewood Times
Feckley wrestles with future possibilities By Regina Satayathum
The sound of the crowd cheering and the yelling from the coaches gives wrestler Adam Feckley his own kind of adrenaline rush when he walks through the doors for a wrestling tournament. Adam Feckley has been wrestling since he was in 8th grade. In his senior year, he plans to make it to States, the biggest wrestling tournament he can make it to. But it takes hard work and dedication to win one’s way to the top. ������������������������������������������� “I like the feeling of winning.” says Feckley. “ In wrestling you can only blame yourself and no one else for your mistakes or for losing.” Feckley said. “I will never forget when I won sectionals last year, Sectionals are two tournaments away from States.” ���������������������������������������� Feckley has to face many challenges during wrestling season like cutting weight, not being able to eat his favorite foods, and not being able to hang out with his friends because he has to put all his focus on wrestling. In the humid, stuffed up gym at Franklin Elementary, there are purple mats covering the gym floor. Wrestlers waiting to start practice are dressed in layers of shirts, long sleeve shirts, and sweatshirts to try and sweat off the weight that they need to lose. “Practice is challenging. We have to run, condition, drill, live wrestle each other, and then run some more.” Six days a week, 3:30 to 7, Feckley sets his mind on winning. “ Once you see your-
self improve it keeps making you better and better. Theirs is a feeling that nobody knows. In football, it’s the whole team. When you wrestle, win, and get your hand raised, it’s the greatest feeling.” There are many things to remember when wrestling. All the moves are different and if you mess up one little thing it can cause you to lose. “ Adam is a hard worker when he decides to bring it to practice.” says coach Vinnie Curiale. “ I think he has a good chance making it to states this year.” Feckley is passionate about wrestling and you can tell by the look on his face when you mention wrestling. He wants to go 159-0 in his college career, like his favorite wrestler, Cael Sanderson, who went 159-0 in wrestling his whole college career. Adam could get a scholarship for wrestling, by being noticed or making an athlete profile, and he does plan on wrestling Adam listens intently to direction from his coach through college. But he does not want to make wrestling a life-long career. In the meantime, though, Adam says he plans “on practicing every moment I can, and focusing on what I need to do. It’s hard work but with the advice I get from my coaches, I have a great chance on making it to States.” says Feckley.
Photos by Regina Satayathum
How to get in the swim of things By Christina Nelson
Sure swimming might take a backseat to the main winter sport of basketball, but there’s a lot more to swimming than people think. Swimmers learn a variety of techniques such as breast stroke, freestyle, and butterfly. Strokes aren’t the only thing that determines a good swimmer. They also need to be a decent diver in order to enter the race with a good start. While most students are sleeping in, swimmers wake up three times a week at 6 a.m. and are ready to swim. They swim nonstop until 7:30 doing laps, laps, and more laps. The hard work doesn’t end there. After school every day they have to push through another practice. Practices always start off with on land workouts, such as pushups, sit ups, and working with medicine balls. So swimmers can gain the strength needed to be faster. The schedule may sound intense but there’s a lot of fun that takes place too. With such a large group of athletes all reaching for a common goal, long-term friendships are made in the process. Everyone is there to swim and looking to have fun at the same time.
December 2011
Hannah Tyburski, a new swimmer at LHS, says, “Swimming can be really hard at times but overall it’s really fun and now I actually look forward to practicing.” Also sometimes at the end of practice the team gets to play games, like “shark and minnows,” to reward them for their hard work. Gradually performing front flips, back flips, and twists, divers make it look easy. But their grace comes from plenty of practice. After school they practice on perfecting their form while springing up from the diving board. It’s a swim team tradition that after every home meet they have a party at someone’s house. Whether their celebrating a win or a loss they all gather around to eat and have fun with their fellow athletes. Students with no prior experience should still try out. There is a large amount of newcomers looking forward to learning all they can from coach Jim Stacy. Basically if a student knows how to swim and is determined to improve, Stacy will do all he can to help.
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Final Word By Lily Pollack
It’s no wonder we’re about ready to burst out of the school -- a much needed winter break is right around the corner. We’re all pretty wrapped up in our own little worlds at this point, concerned with everything the holiday season has to bring us. But sometimes it’s good to step outside of ourselves, and take a real good look at the trouble some people are going through, especially with the current state of the economy. People, now more than ever, need help in every aspect. Gift giving and receiving is a given of course, but sometimes the best gifts are the ones that aren’t even tangible. A helping hand here and there during the season is one of the best ways to spread some cheer, and ensures a warm fuzzy feeling that can’t really be felt by doing anything else. This issue was created with a goal- to raise awareness about some of the charitable activities our school and city have to offer, to recognize the people who go above and beyond to help others, and to inspire YOU. You may only be one person, but through a service project you can be part of something bigger. The power is insurmountable- when people come together to help other people, the things that can be
achieved are great. We all know the spiel -- volunteering looks good on college applications. And it totally does. But it’s about so much more than that…the feeling felt when volunteering is grounding. It makes you realize you should be truly grateful for all you’ve got. It opens your eyes to the real world, and brings you out of the fog within your own world. It allows you to discover talents you might not have known you have. So not only does volunteering benefit the handful of people you’re helping, but it also benefits you. Although it may not be evident right away, the more you do it, the more benefits you reap from it. Lakewood is brimming with every volunteering opportunity possible. Take this issue, look at it, and do something. Go to a community meal, sign up for an event with H20, or even start saving your money to make a donation to one of your favorite charities. There’s never a better time to start volunteering than now, during the holiday season, when it truly is the best gift you could give.
Art by Casey Miller
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The Lakewood Times