May 2012

Kicking senior year to the curb

Ohio Department of Education proposes major overhaul

Is junior year the new senior year? p.4

Retirement class 2012 p.10

of

Boys

Rugby heads States p. 31

Vol. 91, No. 7 . May/June. 2012 • Lakewood High School • 14100 Franklin Blvd. • Lakewood, OH 44107 lakewoodtimes.net

to

Lakewood Times senior staff

Brandy Davis

Maddy Kane

Next year Brandy Davis will be attending Cleveland State University. She plans to major in journalism. Her future goals are to write books and have her own magazine. “I will miss all of my friends and our memories. I will also just miss high school in general,” Davis said.

Next year Maddy Kane will be attending Bowling Green State University. As of now she will be majoring in journalism. In the future she would like to work for a magazine. She also wants to see the world and have life-changing experiences. “I just moved here, but I will miss the friendliness and diversity of this school,” Kane said.

Jon Cropper

Next year Tori Chesmar will be attending Cleveland State University.

She plans on majoring in journalism or graphic design/advertising.

She wants to travel around the world and go back to Europe and have a successful career. “I’ll probably miss goofing off in class with my friends. I was never the student that did my work in class, I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten yelled at in class, especially in writing for college,” Chesmar said Next year Juan Amador will be attending Cleveland State University.

Juan Amador Tori Chesmar He will be majoring in Mathematics. He plans on becoming a math teacher, preferably at Lakewood. “[I’ll miss] my friends because I know nothing will ever be the same.” Amador said.

Next year Becca Houp will be attending the Regency Beauty school. She plans on majoring in cosmetology and eventually becoming a makeup artist for runway shows. “ [I’ll miss] the friends I made and playing for the Lakewood Girls Rugby team.” Houp said.

Gwen Stephen

Julia Houska

Next year Gwen Stephen will be attending Ohio University. She will be majoring in visual communications.

Her goals are to one day work in graphic design or advertising. “I will miss all the people I’ve met,” Stephen said.

Next year Julia Houska will be attending the Franciscan University of Steubenville. She will be majoring in psychology. She one day hopes to become a WWE referee, but realistically wants to use psychology to help whoever is in need. “ I will miss being a naive teenager. I will also miss all the people who have prepared me for what’s still to come.” Houska said.

Becca Houp

Next year Jon Cropper will be attending the University of Toledo. He plans on majoring in nursing in the Army ROTC program. In the future he hopes to be in the Army National Guard Reserves and have a job in a hospital. He also wants to one day become a high school hockey coach. “ [I’ll miss] seeing my friends and teachers everyday and all the fun, goofy times I had,” Cropper said.

Photos taken by Julia Houska and Juan Amador.

Cover by Gwen Stephen

Jon Cropper

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The Lakewood Times

contents

Vol. 91 Issue 7 May/June 2012

Times staff 2011/2012 Managing Editors

Focus

Julia Houska Gwen Stephen Lily Pollack Victoria Chesmar Juan Amador

4. Seniors extinct 6. Senior projects 7. What if?

8. Stressing out

News 9.Puppy pride 10. Goodtimes III

18. Letter to the Editor 19.Steps to the future

Lakewood Life 20. Tanning addiction/Dating game 21. Prom proposals 22. A night to remember 24.How to survive high school 25.Moore’s maing music 26. Only time will tell 28. Spring fashion

Sports 30. Injured athletes/New conference 31. Rugby goes to States

Sports Editors

Jon Cropper Sabrina Suleiman

Business

Illustrators

Adviser

Casey Miller Brett Brown Alan Mika

Karen Ballash Check out all the prom fun on page 22.

Staff Writers

Maddy Kane Brandy Davis Khalil Cormier Brandon Reid Dylan Dombroski Becca Houp

Sabrina Suleiman

Opinion

Copy Editor

Bushra Harba

Photo by Julia Houska

The Times thanks our Patrons: Bronze

Silver Grant & Annette Graber

Kefah Suleiman

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May/June 2012

8 8

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Overhau

g lin

senior year

By Lily Pollack

Senioritis, be gone. Senior year could potentially be overhauled, meaning that juniors are going to have to step it up a notch.

The Ohio Department of Education is seriously considering trashing senior year, but this idea isn’t exactly new. It was first suggested in 2001, and the issue seems to be resurfacing again. It’s been proposed that by taking out senior year, juniors will have a chance to decide what they would like to see done with their education. This means that the Ohio Department of Education would only fund school through 11th grade.

It’s been argued that the last half of senior year is a “joke,” as senioritis is at its peak. Most students have exceeded credit requirements to graduate from high school, and according to the WCPN radio broadcast show, “The Sound of Ideas,” seniors “cruise” through their school year.

One speaker on this program was Jim Petro, Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents. He believes that there are many budget issues, and by overhauling senior year, this would allow kids to take control, and pursue college credit. They could graduate from college with an associates degree in two years. “Time is of the essence,” as Petro says, and by giving kids a head start in the game, they will reap many more benefits.

It raises an important question: is high school designed properly? Most students obtain more than enough credits, and this period of “coasting” during senior year has been argued to actually set most stu-

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dents back, especially in terms of getting back into the swing of things when college actually begins.

It’s hard to say where the line should be drawn between ambitious kids, and those who aren’t college bound. This is where another option could help. A high school student might have the option to pursue their college education early, or they could stick out their senior year in high school. It would depend on the student. A high achieving student might already be taking AP classes where college credit is not guaranteed, but that’s still only 4% of the high school population.

“The level of work needs to be consistent with the ability of the student,” said Petro.

By allowing students to pursue a post-secondary education earlier on, they’ll be more ahead in the game.

“We need to do more to assess the direction that young people want to pursue,” said Petro. It’s been argued that it would actually cost less overall, once the student is actually in college. This is due to the theory that by preparing students earlier and helping them decide what direction they’d like to go, they won’t feel the need to

switch majors, allowing a degree to be obtained in a timelier manner.

By eradicating senior year, more money would be available to fund education, whether it is higher education or early childhood education, which is also being considered. This money could potentially go to pre-school, to ensure children are ready for school to begin with, leading to later success.

By collecting enough credits and passing the Ohio Graduation Tests, a student can theoretically prove themselves worthy of entering college.

However, many would argue that high school students lack critical thinking skills, and are deficient in certain areas. This could be resolved by packing senior year with courses that prepare students for college.

“If senior year is gone, then junior year will just be senior year. It’s illogical. The American education systems are already behind European and Asian countries…. I don’t like it. By doing this, they’ll water down the system even more,” said French teacher, Katie Braquet.

A junior might not be ready to take on the heat though. A year filled to the brim with a demanding academic schedule, extra-curricular activities and college testing could get even crazier with college applications and admissions on top of it. Most officials think students can handle it though. Stan Heffner, superintendent of the Ohio Department of Education claims that students are more mature today, and that they are ready

The Lakewood Times

or i n u j e? ld lik u o k w o o t l ha ar W ye

for the challenge.

“I think there’s a large difference in maturity from junior to senior year,” said sophomore, John Liber.

There would also be a need for high schools and colleges to collaborate more effectively by informing students more of admissions and requirements, altering academic content and raising the awareness level of student expectations.

“If they expect us to jump from sophomore to junior year, and then straight to college right away, where’s the planning time?” said junior Vincent Ludwig. “We need senior year to reel in and to focus for college.”

Utah was on the same track as the Ohio Department of Education’s proposal, but the bill fell through. It gained a lot of attention in the media, but nothing has been heard of it since. Ohio would be the first state to take this on.

College tests (such as the ACT and SAT) would have to be taken earlier OGTs might have to be taken earlier College applications would have to be filled out earlier Things would have to be wrapped up in music departments and sports by junior year All credit requirements would have to be fulfilled by junior year

Art by Brett Brown

May/June 2012

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5

students choose internships

By Gwen Stephen

rays at Brooksh ome ave es s gan Roberto. n. a tch ca o f M e y, at tesy r

The general format of senior year is relaxing to incoming 12th graders, and daunting to school and state education officials. Senior year is on the cusp of change.

One answer might be the option to work towards a senior project. This project would be out of school in the community where students are able to intern at local businesses of their choice, possibly experiencing what they would like to study after high school.

Rocky River High School (RRHS) has already started using this technique for further education.

According to the senior project handbook, a n g a R e obert M o’s “selected ho Pho rse s t u to , K co dents u

meeting prescribed project guidelines will spend the final three weeks of their senior year working in the areas of community service, career exploration or independent research.”

There are specific community sponsors that volunteer to help.

“I’m interning at Woodard Photographic,” said Rocky River and West Shore senior Nicole Matthews.

“I decided to do a senior project, so I could get more experience in the photography world and so I could see the business aspect of it all,” she said.

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ac h Be ws. n tth e o gt Ma it n cole un f Ni o

Matthews work Nicole sa dard Photographic photo o o W . Ph h oto shoo w it co t a ur t H te sy

Seniorprojects:

Students selected partake in a 75-hour study with special scheduling for AP test-takers, music rehearsals and athletes.

“I [report to Woodard] from 5 p.m to 9 p.m, Monday through Thursday,” Matthews said.

With this new project, senior year acts as a game-changer.

Prerequisites are established and strictly enforced, just as well, student responsibilities and requirements are to be met during the internship.

RRHS counselor and senior project coordinator Candace Hecker, has been involved in the project for many years.

“Senior project began eight years ago and participation has increased dramatically since then. This year, there are 59 participants out of the 228 member class. During our first year, we had five participants,” she said.

Rocky River isn’t the only school using this technique--other schools across Ohio, such as Fairview and Brush High School have made strides towards this new use of senior year.

Meagan Roberto, a student at Brush high school is interning at Brookshaven where she rides horses. Her senior project also takes place during the last three weeks of May. “I chose this because I have been riding since seventh grade. It is amazing,” she said. “[The] horses are wonderful animals to work with, but still very challenging. I hope to own horses and offer therapeutic riding,” said Roberto.

“So far [senior project] has been a lot of fun,” said Matthews of her experience at Woodard.

Students are held to high standards as

far as com- pleting the project. “We’ve never had an approved candidate fail,” Hecker said.

Schools that give seniors this opportunity have found that students readily adapt to the idea of the project.

“Participation in the senior project has become part of our culture at RRHS, so some students start talking about it when they are freshmen,” Hecker said.

Students start preparing for and planning their project at the end of junior year.

2012 Rocky River sponsors Amongst over 70 businesses that volunteered, the list includes Cleveland Clinic, The Plain Dealer, Rocky River Stables, Westlake Police Department, fashion design with Brittany Rucella, Gemini Video Productions, Rocky River schools, LaCentre, Renaissance Hotel, NASA, Wyse Advertising, American Red Cross, Animal Protective League, Habitat for Humanity, Hand-in-Glove Construction Company, Renay Flower Fashions, even Original Pancake House and much more.

The Lakewood Times

Sports: what ifs?

By Sabrina Suleiman

What would LHS sports look like with the proposed overhaul of 12th grade?

Football Coach Ron Lewis completely disagrees with the whole idea. “It couldn’t be worse. You rely on senior leadership. You build from freshman year to senior year. It’s what helps the team develop. They all mature together.”

There could be many ways it affects sports. Students would need to change routines and begin training at a younger age. It would even impact middle school sports.

Athletic director, Bob Thayer has a completely different theory. He believes that somewhere in the future, it could be beneficial, why not support, “Sports are secondary, so we have to follow what the district says to do.”

There is one question that lingers here, Is this proposal about financial problems or what’s best for students? Thayer said, it would force scholastic athletics to revamp

and train differently. “But if it’s proven to be good, then I’m all for it,” he said.

Credits would be counted different and school grades will be another thing. “Kids will be worried more about their grades and class work, rather than keeping their minds open to new ideas,” Thayer said.

The simple fact that juniors could possibly be the new “seniors” has caused many to wonder what’s behind this idea.

“We can not afford to lose the funds to the colleges,” said Thayer, questioning the role

money plays. “I would side with anything that keeps the dollar in public schools.”

For Baseball Coach Mike Ribar, it depends. “If the change is a national or state level change, then we would adapt. If this was a local school district change, it would hinder our opportunities to compete at the varsity level.” He says it could also eliminate the freshman program completely, due to the need of players on the JV and Varsity levels.

The change would probably affect middle school sports programs as well. Ribar also said that would mean be having sophomores and juniors playing Varsity sports a year ahead of time. “While some individuals can handle this, the majority can not, whether it be physically or mentally,” said Ribar.

Schools look at AP alternativves

By Lily Pollack

Another opportunity is becoming available to high school students in the local districts of Westlake, Avon Lake, Rocky River and Berea. This opportunity is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, which is offered to students aged 16-19.

Through this program, students can earn credit to gain acceptance into any international college. Any university in the world recognizes it. The typical baccalaureate student completes three core requirements and different assessments in different subject groups.

This is only possible due to the banding together of these local school districts, seeing that they’re all splitting the funds.

Westlake is the main force in this due to the coming of their newly designed high school, which is where students would come to take part in this program. It was estimated by the International Baccalaureate officials that in Westlake’s high school, 30-100 students would qualify for the pro-

May/June 2012

gram out of their 1,400 students. Spread across the four districts that would be taking part, about 500 students could qualify.

This program basically eradicates Advanced Placement classes in high school, seeing that the International Baccalaureate Program ensures college credit worldwide.

The program currently serves more than 750,00 students at 2,479 schools in 138 different countries throughout the world.

The ultimate goal of the program is to provide a very rigorous educational program, and to have a diploma from the program shows the highest degree of academic excellence.

The academic program is a combination of the best of the best from every country. It is known for its challenging curriculum and course content, and high standard of learning. Teachers are frequently trained, and the committee located in Geneva, Switzerland keeps a close watch on everything.

The IB believes that a student must first develop a good understanding of his or her

own nation’s cultural identity. All students in the program learn a second language, which they believe to be essential to living in the world today. They’re also firm believers in students maintaining a positive attitude about learning, and they strongly advocate community service, believing there is more to learning that just academic studies.

Is there a chance that this program could be brought to Lakewood? According to superintendent Jeff Patterson, it won’t be coming for soon at least.

“The advantage our district has is the number of Advanced Placement courses offered to our students compared to the schools [that were mentioned],” said Patterson. “Our district is better off at the present time with maintaining and strengthening our current program.”

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7

Too much for teenagers?

By Victoria Chesmar

When kids are in elementary school, they always dream big. A girl wants to become a princess and the boy wants to become an NFL football player. The majority of those dreams are not likely n to happen.

One of the biggest issues that teenagers face when they get older is what they want to do with their lives. According to psu.edu (Penn State University), over 50 percent of students change their major several times before graduation.

Another issue that worries students is the economy. For the past few years the economy has changed dramatically causing tons of Americans to lose their jobs.

According to USA Today, 7 in 10 students say that the struggling economy has affected where they applied to college. This year, 68% of students said their stress levels were high or very high. Also, 67% of students and 63% of parents said the economic collapse had influenced their decisions. Of those, 38% of students said economic concerns had caused them to change the types of colleges to which they applied.

High school and college students usually pull an all-nighter if they have an important project or paper that’s due the next morning. Students who pull all-nighters have lower GPA’s, according to foxnews.com.

The amount of sleep a person gets affects his or her physical health, emotional wellbeing, mental abilities, productivity and performance. Recent studies associate lack of sleep with serious health problems

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Art by Casey Miller

such as an increased risk of depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Are seniors ready to go? Would juniors be ready to start the college admisssion process?

Not every high school senior is ready to go to college, in fact the up to 80 percent of students entering college in the fall admit that they aren’t ready, according to psu.edu.

“I think we would have to back everything up a year. We would need to be focused among 10th graders. I think you’re just changing the stress to 10th grade and a 10th grader is developed mentally a year younger,” said Guidance Counselor Jeanne Hoopes. If senior year were to be cut, sophomores would be taking their PSAT and juniors would be taking their SAT’s and ACT’s while taking college classes. Another issue is what would happen to the Ohio Graduation Tests?

If a student over loads their schedule with advanced classes, their social life may not be healthy. Everyone needs a social life because it makes people human. If a junior is taking advanced classes, college classes, applying for college, and doing homework they may not have room to hang with their friends, play a sport or enjoy a hobby. Students need a break every once in a while, so their stress or anxiety levels aren’t too high.

But what about the student that juggles work, school and a

social life? Some students in high school need to work to support their family or to save money for college. Not all parents can help pay for their child’s college tuition.

Millions of teenagers work part time and attend school across America. Some teenagers can manage their grades while working, but other teenagers have a struggle to work part time and do their homework.

“I’ve worked part time since last year and it’s a struggle sometimes. I switched jobs in the beginning of this year, and yeah, it’s difficult on certain days when I have a ton of homework, but somehow I get through it. I can’t imagine how teenagers can work late hours and still can pass their classes,” said senior Faydra Drennan.

“I barely have money to spend for myself but when I do, I spend it quickly. Also, I don’t have a lot of time to work because of AYF, Lakewood Project, tutoring, and homework,” said senior Zach Prebel who takes 6 AP classes.

Cutting senior year may be a good idea to help the budgets of schools in Ohio, but it may not be a good idea for students. It could possibly increase their stress levels and anxiety.

“I don’t think they need to get rid of senior year. I think we need to look at the issues of senior year and fix them. We might need to change or do a better job helping them. I don’t think [senior year] should be thrown away,” said Hoopes.

The Lakewood Times

“Dog days” are just beginning

By Victoria Chesmar With help from Mariah Louden

Well those cute puppy eyes really do make a change for the good? LHS English teacher, Julie Konopinski has brought her therapeutic dog into school to help students.

A therapeutic dog helps people feel comforted and makes people feel better when they are having a bad day. Recent studies show that a therapeutic dog in a classroom increases reading scores.

Madison is Konopinski’s therapeutic dog, and she’s been here since the first week of April. Madison was named after the street Madison because that’s where Konopinski rescued her. In the winter time, a few years ago Konopinski saw a stray puppy that was around 8 months old. When she went across the street to go rescue the dog and Madison ran out to her and was hit by a car. Luckily she was okay. Madison is a 3 ½ year old boxer that loves to be around people.

Konopinski was introduced to therapeutic dogs by a trainer from the Cleveland City Kennel who was offering the classes at the center called Elite K911. They hosted the classes, but the Therapy Dog International (TDI) did the assessment, the actual test.

In order for Madison to “join” the LHS staff member, Konopinski had to provide information to Lakewood City School’s Superintendent, Jeff Patterson and Principal Bill Wagner. Also, Madison had to go through 6 weeks of training to be able to attend LHS. Even though puppies can be adorable, they can destroy everything in sight when they’re young. “She didn’t live in a house before, I don’t think. But she jumped into

everything, went to the bathroom wherever she went, and she destroyed everything. So, we went to a trainer first just to get her to become a better dog and then we realized how trainable she is,” said Konopinski.

In December, she had to take a TDI test. During the test Madison had to be calm during certain tasks. These tasks included children running around with toys, walkers, being groomed by a stranger, approach another stranger with a dog, sitting without a reaction, being separated from Konopinski for 3 minutes, and being able to sit by a bowl of food without eating it. When Madison passed her test and received Victor LaCourse treats an approval from Patterson, KonopinMadison at his desk. ski mailed home parent letters explaining Madison’s purpose and askShawn Edge sees Madison at least three ing if there were any allergies or phobias periods everyday during the school week. the students had.

“Madison is lovable, and peaceful to be Konopinski’s goals were to increase around. She makes people’s day a little her student’s reading, and teach her stu- better and helps everyone. She helps me dents companionship when a dog is part of focus in school,” said Edge. family. She has been very successful with Many students have peeped through KoMadison and it took a lot of work for her nopinski’s door window to see Madison, or to come to LHS, but she’s very happy that during a class change students come and Madison is here. Konopinski’s students say visit her. “There was a kid that was deathly that Madison has a big heart. “She does afraid of dogs and his friend convinced him things that she never learned in training. to pet her. Now he comes in at least twice a Like knowing when someone is upset and day to see her,” said Konopinski. coming to sit by them,” said Konopinski.

Madison is considered a working dog to Konopinski wished she could bring her Konopinski, when she puts on Madison’s other dog to LHS, too, but she’s part pit heart collar and her Therapeutic Dog Interbull. In the state of Ohio, pitbulls are no lon- national bandana, Madison knows she has ger considered vicious. Unfortunately, the to go to work. “It’s kind of funny, when I’m law is still in effect in Lakewood. “It’s about getting ready to go out, Madison will look at prejudice and it’s almost like discrimination me and know that I’m leaving somewhere. against dogs So she’ll look at me and be like, where are b e c a u s e we going?” said Konopinski. of the way School will be over eventually, but for they look,” Madison she will still be working this Konopinski summer. Therapy dogs can go to nursing said. homes and hospitals for summer work, One of too. Konopinski received a letter in the mail Konopinski’s for Madison to work at a nursing home in s t u d e n t s , Lakewood.

Madison is happy from a long day of playing.

May/June 2012

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9

Retiring teachers say

By Sam Baker

After her 29 years of teaching at Lakewood High, Jane Blackie will be saying farewell to both the school and studentbody she has enjoyed so much.

Getting a late start to teaching, Blackie aimed to improve society once on the Lakewood teaching staff. She did this one student at a time and by steering the English Department for many years as facilitator. She progressively became higher in rank in the LHS English Department.

“Teaching has changed very much in Lakewood, some good and some bad,” Blackie said. But she still likes the day-today challenges of teaching.

Teaching at Lakewood is a privilege for Blackie. “I feel like I learn something new everyday,” she says.

Blackie has had many great experiences with the students. She loves teaching A.P. English classes, as well as her 9th grade classes in past years. “I will miss the energy and stimulation that students give you,” Blackie said.

Through the years, Blackie has been an active and involved individual at Lakewood High. She’s been club advisor for National Honor Society, Ski Club, and Poetry Slam.

Of course, engaged English teachers are bound to have their own treasured pieces of literature. Some of Blackie’s favorites are Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, and Emily Dickinson’s classic poem, Hope is the Thing with Feathers.

Mrs. Blackie has “absolutely enjoyed” her time teaching at Lakewood High.

In regards to her plans for retirement, Blackie looks forward to taking trips, reading, cooking, and riding her bike.

Kathy Baylog

By Maggy Horn

Kathy Baylog has always enjoyed school, so she never stopped going. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York and then went on to get a job in Lakewood.

She felt that Lakewood was a lot like where she grew up and found herself at home here.

She started as a middle school teacher at Harding and Emerson and then came to LHS. Now after 20 years here, she is retiring.

Going to, and working at school has never been a chore for Baylog. “I have always loved going to school. It never felt like work to me, just school.

I would say that I couldn’t stay out late because it was a school night,” she says.

Baylog has helped many students as the

10 news

Jane Blackie

National Honor Society advisor, Advanced Placement Coordinator, and the Gifted Coordinator.

“I think we have a good principal. He has faith in his staff and trusts them to do their job,” Baylog said about her time at LHS. “LHS has always been good to me.”

But she knows that it is time to retire and her seven-year-old grandchild helped convince her. Baylog traveled out of state to attend her grandchild’s first communion.

However, she could not stay long because it was in the middle of AP test cycle. So her grandchild asked her, “What’s so important?” Baylog found herself wondering the same thing.

“I feel ambivalent about retiring,” Baylog says. “Its bitter-sweet.”

The Lakewood Times

their final goodbyes

Linda Salipante

By Regina Satayathum

Linda Salipante has been teaching for 30 years and loves every minute about it.

Well, except for having to go shopping for groceries. She says that she calculated and estimates buying 1,200 bags of groceries over the year. Salipante teaches a number of family consumer classes including living well, sports nutrition, gourmet foods, creative cooking, fast foods, and career connections. She teaches three to four classes a semester.

Salipante decided to go into teaching because she “likes sharing things with students. I like showing them how to do skills

Karen Ballash

By Julia Houska

After twenty total years of teaching, five at LHS, English teacher and Journalism guru Karen Ballash is putting down her pen. Before teaching, Ballash tried her hand, and succeeded, at many things. She owned her own quilt finishing business, started a quilt guild, is a self-taught perennial gardener, was a stay at home mom and PTA member, and was an advertising copywriter for five years. All these different experiences shaped the teacher that she is today.

“The interaction with kids. They crack me up sometimes,” is her favorite part of teaching. She teaches Advanced English 10 and journalism 1-4. She has been adviser to the Lakewood Times all five years.

Before teaching at LHS, she taught at Fairview and was adviser to the yearbook and newspaper. “Since I’m in the Times room so much, they know me better than some of the staff,” Ballash said.

May/June 2012

that they can put into real life. Also, watching them become aware of their diets and nutrition.”

Salipante will miss the diversity of the students and seeing all of the students come together and have a common goal as they work together. “ My favorite memory of teaching classes was going to a restaurant and seeing my students progress and succeed. Seeing the “ahh-ha” moments when the students accomplish something.”

Salipante plans to take a trip to Spain.

Also, she plans to spend time with her family, catch up on her hobbies and crafts, and grocery shop a whole lot less.

As adviser, Ballash has spent countless nights editing, proofing, and working with the students on the Times. Her favorite part of the Times is, “the pressure, fun, and craziness of press night.” She still keeps in touch with most of her former editors.

As for LHS, she will miss, “the fun of being spontaneous and creative with the kids in the Times and the classroom.”

After this year, Ballash plans on gardening, traveling and cooking. “I won’t know I’m retired until September when I’ll be on a beach, if a hurricane doesn’t get in my way,” Ballash said. She also is passionate about volunteering and wants to rock the babies at Providence House on the near Westside.

Even though she is retiring, this doesn’t necessarily mean the end. “If the right job comes along I may even go back to work.”

Ballash said.

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Liz Weinmann

By Hneen Khdour

“No one is as wild as a woman as I am.” LHS teacher Liz Weinmann said. Weinmann is not most people.

Thirty-one years of doing the same thing might overwhelm most people.

After teaching World History, this will be her last year in Mod 12. Many might know her as the “grandma of the school,” she said, which is not a surprise with her teaching for at least three decades.

“Growing up I always knew I would teach here,” Weinmann said. Although she teaches here, she never actually attended as a student. She went to Magnificat. Her line of family all grew up going to LHS, including her children.

“As I was walking down the hallway, I hear a ‘Liz’ and my youngest daughter approached me saying she has been calling me the entire time,” Weinmann said as she remembers a fun memory she has had.

With every happy memory there are always difficult ones as well. “It was always sad when I went to a former student of mine’s funeral or even their parents.”

When asked if Weinmann was personally ready to retire she said, “No! I’m not burned out yet. It wasn’t a high priority, but I knew what I had to do.” In order to give other social studies teachers the opportunity to continue teaching, Weinmann knew she needed to resign.

“I love the kids. I love the environment.

I love it here,” Weinmann said when she was asked what she will miss most of all.

“I want to come back and substitute.”

Adjusting to the new element will take some time for her, especially with her spending most of her life as a teacher. “I’m taking it step by step.” Weinmann says. She “wants to travel and spend more time with [her] grandchildren.”

By Allisa Taylor

About 25 years ago Pat Hunter made her decision. From wanting a helping and caring career path, nursing and teaching were her two big choices. Hunter decided to go with teaching. She tutored at St. Augustins and St. Eds. She was a junior high math teacher at St. Raphaels. She worked part time at LCC and one year at Harding in math. Finally in 1993, she came to Lakewood.

Hunter has been a family and consumer science teacher since she started here.

She taught cooking classes, Early Childhood, Career Connections, etc. Since 1997 she’s been spending half her days at Lakewood Hospital doing job training with High School students.

Hunter always loved hands on activities.

“I never have my students do anything that I haven’t done.” The reason why she chose family and consumer science classes was

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because it was mainly hands on.

Being a teacher has its ups and downs.

Grading papers happens to be a down for Hunter. That’s one thing she won’t miss. “I take a bag of papers everywhere I go. When I go on a plane, when I visit someone in the hospital, everywhere!” Some ups for being a teacher for Hunter are those “Ah-Ha” moment’s students get when they finally get something, when the light bulb clicks.

In August every teacher gets prepared going back to school, getting organized and situated, those first few weeks back at school, getting to meet their new students.

That’s one thing Hunter will miss. “It hasn’t hit me yet but in August I’m sure it will” Once Hunter is retired, she hopes to be able to sew and travel more. With her full time teaching job, sewing and traveling, haven’t been able to fit into her schedule.

She hopes to teach an Adult-Ed sewing class and/or tutoring kids in math.

Pat Hunter

The Lakewood Times

Jean Lane

Carol Snyder

May/June 2012

By Elvis Sako

Having worked at Lakewood high School for 26 years, Mrs. Jean Lane decides its time to retire. One can see the excitement on her face when the word “retire” came up, “18 days left but who is counting”, she says with a chuckle.

Lane plans to stay where she lives currently with her already retired husband. She is excited most about the fact that she can go to Chicago to see her grandchildren more frequently.

Lane will miss the current job she has in the bookroom. She will miss the kids that she enjoys. “There are lots of good parts to this job”, she states. Although she is most know for being in the bookroom, Lane had many other jobs before this in LHS. She started out in the Bio Lab then moved to being a study hall teacher. After that she moved to ISS, then landed a job in the bookroom, which she likes the best. Lane also had a job at the Board of Education for 5 years for Payroll Department.

Having worked alone in the bookroom

for two years now, Lane says she missed the times when she worked with Mrs. Dawn Wingler.

Lane really likes the new movement of the bookroom. “I wish they would have moved me last summer,” she jokes. She like how much bigger it is and the open space that comes from looking out of the window. She also likes that she can talk to more people than she could at the old place.

One of the funniest moments Lane remembers was when she was working in the Biology lab and they were dissecting live frogs. They came in a box and they had to put them in a fridge to slow down the frogs so they wouldn’t move around too much. One time Lane had gone to a box, which apparently wasn’t put in the fridge, and opened it. Frogs jumped out of the box and started hopping around like crazy.

They had a fun time trying to catch all of the frogs. It’s a memory that still makes her laugh today.

By Elvis Sako

Being the mom of the L-Room, or even the L-Room baby-sitter as some might say, might be one of the best jobs in this whole facility according to Carol Snyder.

Snyder has worked at Lakewood High School for about 23-years and believes that it is time to retire. She is ready to make a change in her life and wants to take a new direction. Snyder is a firm believer about when it is time to depart and let the younger generation take over.

Snyder is excited about retirement she will miss the students that she will leave behind. She’ll miss the friendly relationships she had created with each of them.

In fact, the students were the favorite part of her job.

She likes when she has a rocky start with a student, then treats them with nothing but kindness and respect throughout the

year. Eventually they end up friends. She likes the feeling that she has turned that student around.

Snyder first started her job as a security guard but lost her job when the board decided to go in a new direction. After that she applied to become a study hall monitor and got the job. Her final stop was when she became the L-Room monitor.

Snyder was full of funny stories and memories that had been accumulating throughout the years. Her favorite was during Christmas time when all the students dressed up as elves for Toys for Tots. Snyder also dressed up one of the years and sang Jingle Bell Rock with the kids.

She will always remember the fun times she’s had with the students and would be like to be remembered as the nice lady in the L-Room.

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By Maddy Kane

Lynn Eckert

“ I love teaching, and I love this age group.

I use the word love because I really do. I can’t go to any retirement banquets because I’ll cry, “ Lynn Eckert said as she let a few tears escape. “ I love this place, my mom went here. I’ve been here since I was 21 years old, it’s just a great place to be,” said Eckert.

Eckert began her career as a teacher through Ohio University and finished with a Masters degree in Administration and Organizational Leadership from Cleveland State University.

“I never was a traditional teacher. I liked science a lot and liked to do unusual and different things,” Eckert said. “ I love my subject so much that I think my enthusiasm and excitement for the subject goes into the students,” said Eckert, regarding her days of teaching science classes. Eckert

has taught Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science and general Science.

A long with interesting projects such as rockets and catapults, Eckert and others started the Boat Regatta, which students and teachers have grown to love.

“I think we are so lucky to have a community that cares about education.

That wants the best for their kids,” said Eckert. “We are so diverse, we accept everybody. And its fabulous to be in a school where there is 17 different languages spoken. You see all colors, all races all nationalities all religions. And for the most part everyone gets along. I think that’s amazing.”

Having been at Lakewood for 37 years, Eckert has built unfathomable relationships

By Jenna Daurelio

After her 15 years of teaching at Lakewood High School, it’s sad to say that Dr. Lisa Hanson is retiring. “Doc” has spent most of her life doing what she loves. In fact, she has been teaching for 35 years.

Dr. Hanson graduated her college as a member of the DMA Choral Conduction program. She got her Master’s Degree, Bachelors Degree, and her Doctorate Degree after she graduated.

Dr. Hanson, who attended the University of Cincinnati, College- Conservatory of Music, has done many great things musically for Lakewood High.

On top of teaching five daily classes, she also teaches AP Music Theory, Chamber Choir, and Vive L’Four. Just last month, Dr. Hanson took all of her advanced choirs to Williamsburg, Virginia, instead of States.

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They performed at Bruton Parish Church where they got a standing ovation. “This was the highlight of my career,” Hanson said.

She has enjoyed her many years here at Lakewood High School. She loves all of her students and their families, and is like a musical mother to all of her kids.

“I feel so lucky to do what I always dreamed of, it’s just sad to leave.” says Doc, as she and her choirs prepare for their last concert.

Saying farewell is always hard, but no one will ever forget the music Dr. Hanson has brought us over the years.

with students. “My oldest class, the kids are in there 50’s. I see them and I see their children, and I keep in touch with kids,” Eckert said. I’ve been to the baptisms of a ton of kids. I’ve been to weddings of a bunch of kid’s. I can’t tell you how many graduation parties I’ve been too,” Eckert said. “ I think I form a bond that is life long.”

“There are some kids here that have my greatest respect. Their lives are so hard.

They are just amazing. “ Eckert said. She went from a teacher to a House Principal in 2010.

As she talks and reminisces on her experience at Lakewood High, it is clear that it’s a struggle for her to leave “ I loved being here, I think I would work for free I like it so much,” Eckert said.

“This school is really a microcosm of the world,” Eckert said. “I think diversity is one of our strongest suites, a long with our phenomenal teachers.”

“I just think, I as a person, if I am better tomorrow than I was today, then I think I’ve done something good. I think I’ve got that from being here. I love it here, “ said Eckert.

As far as her future plans, “I hope to work as a principal in another district.”

Lisa Hanson

The Lakewood Times

By Adam Mitchell and Aziza Musleh

On a normal day in the mods of Lakewood High School, one will almost always hear the sounds reverberating from room M18. A powerful, yet friendly voice educates students on life lessons of the world, that of History Teacher Norm Murphey.

Murphey, who said “I loved being here,” has been teaching in Lakewood City Schools since 1974. Currently, he teacher sociology, and government and politics.

In the past though, Murphey has taaught Physical Education and numerous other Social Studies classes across the District.

Murphey’s past was filled with hard work and perseverance. Born in Richmond, Virginia, he moved to Altoona, Pennsylvania, and eventually to Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated from high school.

Murphey is known around the school for being an encouraging teacher, and that started in his own high school days, where he says that he was influenced to achieve his goals by his teachers and coaches.

He was also encouraged by such figures as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela.

Early on, Murphey aspired to be an architect, but after going to college, he decided he wanted to become a teacher,

Norm Murphey

because one of his professors had told him he’d be good at it.

He graduated from the University of Mount Union in 1973, the first in his family to graduate from college.

Murphey and his wife have raised three children together, whom he believes are a lot like him.

He is very proud of his kids, and he believes that his proudest achievement is that of “being a good father,” but also to his students.

Murphey stated “I think I’m a good teacher, and I stay true to myself with integrity and perseverance [in my teaching].”

Outside of M18, Mr. Murphey leads a very active lifestyle, which he wants

By Juan Amador

After twenty-eight years of teaching and twenty-three years at Lakewood High School, Cindy Karger says farewell to cherished memories she’ll never forget.

Karger has accomplished many great things within her life besides teaching. For seven years before she taught, she owned her own business called the Culinary Cupboard which was located in Parma Town Mall.

After leaving her business, Karger served as a senior merchandise manager at JCPenny. After leaving JCPenny, she was a graduate teacher at Polaris.

Karger has obtained two degrees and had been working on her PhD. She has recieved a Bachelors Degree from Ashland and a Masters Degree from Kent, where she had also been working on her PhD. “I did not have any idea why I wanted to be a teacher. All I know is when I was six years old, I grabbed the kids in the neigh-

May/June 2012

borhood, sat them down, and handed them pens and paper,” said Karger.

When Karger reminisced about her previous years at Lakewood she recalled a familiar occurrence that happened on a daily basis in the Mods before the new building had been constructed. “I remember having trouble with the technology, setting up the computer, because it was different in every room. It was a riot!” she said.

Karger has big plans after she retires. She plans to babysit her grandchildren, Abby and Evie, volunteer at Holy Family one day a week, volunteer at Lakewood High School when she’s needed, write grants, but most importantly she plans to open and start a pottery business.

As her final days are slowly winding to an end, she said, “The best memory I’ll have is watching my students mature, graduate and know they’ll move on to do great things with their life.”

to continue after leaving LHS. He enjoys snowboarding, softball, and biking. Murphey also volunteers to walk dogs at the Cleveland Animal Protective League.

Students often tell Murphey how much they enjoyed a class that he taught, and he feels that he made a positive impact on them, making his hard work worth it.

“One final piece of advice for students,” Murphey said, “is to enjoy your time [here]; get the most you can from high school.”

Retirement for Murphey means nothing more than opening his life to a new chapter. He has no intention of slowing down, and plans to stay active and sees himself working again in the future.

Cindy Karger

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16 lkwd life

The Lakewood Times

May/June 2012

lkwd life

17

David Borish

By Maddy Kane

“You can’t do this for 34 years and not love kids,” said the retiring Physical Education teacher, David Borish.

Borish has a BS in Education from Cleveland State University and an ME from Cleveland State University. He joined LHS in 1978 as a Physical Education teacher, and has stuck with Lakewood High School ever since. “ I knew I wanted to teach, and I was very interested in coaching,” Borish said.

His active life style and participation in high school and college sports lead him to his career in athletics. “ I knew whatever I would do with involve an activity of some kind.”

“I am a believer in exercise,” Borish said.

He has run many marathons and participated in the Boston Marathon eight times. “ I want kids to learn that you can make exercise enjoyable. That’s what I tried to get across in my classes.”

Regarding the difference between academic teaching and a gym teacher, Borish said, “ It’s a much more social atmosphere.

You can have a wide variety of conversation beyond the material being learned.”

As he reminisces briefly through his 34 years of teaching, he remembers a funny moment when the “ Olympics” almost came to LHS. “ One of my classes was high in Middle Eastern population, and we were in the soccer unit. The Middle Eastern kids wanted to play the U.S.,” Borish said laughing.

Teachers become close with the faculty they surround themselves with. Borish is no exception. One thing he will miss about LHS,” Definitely the people I work with, “ Borish said.

After retirement Borish plans on continuing his coaching career, along with traveling and keeping up with his grandchild who is due in August.

Peter Mayeux the youth. “ One thing I like about working with students, is that they come back and tell me that they are doing well. That is very rewarding,” Said Mayeux.

As he looked over to his electronic count down of the days left until school is over, Mayeux said,“ Fishing, fishing, and more fishing. Those are my retirement plans. “ Mayeux’s passion is clearly on the water.

“ I use to race sail boats for 8 years, I love Lake Erie.” He also plans on traveling, “Wherever the wind blows me.”

He also has intentions of visiting his siblings who are scattered across the United States.

After teaching here for 23 years, Mayeux seemingly, and rightfully, has been awarded the worst case of senioritis.

Julie Miller

By Dylan Dombroski

By Maddy Kane

“ I will miss the people I work with more so than anything else, “ said retiring technology teacher, Peter Mayeux.

Mayeux worked in industry for 22 years before starting the technology program at LHS in 1989. He has served in the Air Force, worked for machine and tool manufactures, along with other construction equipment companies.

“ I was an entrepreneur. Wherever I saw I could make money, legally, I would do it,” Mayeux said.

After the company he was working for shut down, he decided to go to school for education and share his knowledge with

Julie Miller really gets around.

For 36 years, Miller has been working as a special education teacher. She’s worked at LHS for five years and another 25 years between Grant, Hayes, Emerson and Garfield.

Miller earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Toledo, and her masters degree is in special education from Ohio State University.

Miller’s plans include enrolling her unruly Labrador Retriever in an obedience training classes. “We just adopted her and she needs to learn some manners,” Miller said.

She also plans to help with her son’s wedding and help her daughter through her senior year.

“I love Lakewood,” Miller said. “It’s a neat place and its very diverse.”

Track & Field triumphs

By Elvis Sako

It’s been a long and successful track season for the boys and girls team. The athletes celebrate a rewarding season as more members move on to Regionals. The girls finished 5-0, while the boys had a 3-2 ratio.

The coaches were happy with the district results, but are even more impressed with the athletes who made it to regionals. The season isn’t over yet for the top two in each race. If this happens, LHS athletes will go to Columbus to run with “the big dogs.”

All photos by Elvis Sako

Laurna Barimi succesfully jumps over a 5 foot 6 high length during pole-vault.

Jessica Harrison practices jumping over hudles before her 100 meter hurdles race.

John Vincent jumps a height of 6”3 to win him second place in high jump.

Good times await Retirement Class of 2012 Jane Blackie by Ian

Kathy Baylog by Alain Mika

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Jean Lane by Audrey Bates

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Good Time III by Brett Brown

Norm Murphey by Brett Brown

Pete Meyuex by Brett Brown

Letter to the editor Dear Editors, I’m writing this letter today to allow you to see the less idiotic side to your argument for the legalization of marijuana. I’d like to address your first argument and point out its flaws. “Smoking hookah is worse than smoking a cigarette or smoking marijuana and it’s legal.” The legalization of one harmful substance does not justify the legalization of another. Numerous studies have shown that marijuana smoke to contain carcinogens and to be an irritant to the lungs. In fact marijuana smoke contains 50-70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke.

I have reason to believe you didn’t do research prior to the writing of your article, as you argued that tobacco is worse to smoke than marijuana. This just isn’t even true. In this same government sponsored article, I found that “studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.” Mental disorders, schizophrenia in particular, are some of the most destructive diseases. These people are a danger to themselves and the people around them.

While I’m certainly not implying that it’s common for mental disorders to sprout out of marijuana use, I am arguing that there is a direct correlation between the two, while there is no correlation between the use of tobacco and these disorders. In addition to mental disorders correlated to marijuana use, it can cause many lung and heart diseases. “Numerous studies have shown marijuana smoke to contains carcinogens and to be an irritant to the lungs. In fact, marijuana smoke contains 50-70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke… A study of 450 individuals found that people who smoke marijuana frequently but do not smoke tobacco have more health problems and miss more days of work than nonsmokers…

Marijuana increases heart rate by 20-100 percent shortly after smoking; this effect can last up to 3 hours. In one study, it was estimated that marijuana users have a 4.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack in the first hour after smoking the drug.” In additions to the increased heart rate founds in this study, there is an increase in irregular heartbeats, palpitations, and arrhythmias.

You say there would be a decrease in crime in the United States if marijuana were legalized. I don’t believe this to be true. There would be a decrease in crime punishable by jail time. Drug dealers would still exist, as it’s cheaper to buy things without the cost of tax, shipping, and store markups. Marijuana would, of course,

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remain a controlled substance. The age requirement for purchase would be 21 years. IF you look at current statistics for the consumption of alcohol and relate them to the use of marijuana, it would be estimated that nearly 10.8 million people would use marijuana under the age of 21. This is an absurd amount of “crime” that goes on and would go on were marijuana legalized.

I’d like to start this paragraph by stating that we have a republican form of government in the United States, and laws are not created with a majority vote, they’re created within a congress of elected officials. If for some reason, the citizens of the United States were given the opportunity to hold a majority vote for the legalization of marijuana, the law would not pass. The majority of people in the United States don’t support its legalization, the majority of young liberal people do. Also, you stated that “the drug makes you feel good.” The isn’t the case with all people. There are a significant number of people that become anxious, violent, and dangerous to themselves and others after the consumption of marijuana. While marijuana does have a few medicinal uses, there is an abundance of other drugs that have the same medicinal qualities of marijuana.

“Imagine people being happy. Imagine people smoking marijuana because it’s their part of their culture, or just to chill out.” I find this statement to just be plain ignorant. I could come up with an array of other silly “imagine” statements to point out exactly why you lack intelligence for using these. I’ll provide one and leave it be: Imagine if anarchists were given free rein to destroy as the please because it’s their system of beliefs. I’d like to close this by encouraging you to revise your poorly written article and sending it back to me. I’m always open to see other people’s point of views.

I appreciate the entertainment you gave me with your series of grammatical and logical flaws.

Thanks… Best regards, Anthony Gilbert.

[1] http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana [2] http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/0806250013. aspx

The Lakewood Times

Don’t pass on PSEOP

By Julia Houska

High school for most students is four long and confusing years. “Senioritis” is appearing in students at a younger age each year.

There comes a point when a student finally splits ties with high school and is thrown into the circus that is college. Where is the transition?

Students who graduate from high school, generally, having an easier senior year. But is that a smart idea when a year later they’ll be calling their professors “merciless,” writing paper after paper, and studying like there’s no tomorrow. A transition period is needed.

Lakewood High school offers a Post Secondary Enrollment Option Program (PSEOP), where a student can take classes at LHS but also Tri-C, Case, LCCC, BW or Cleveland State. Tuition is paid for through government funding. This program gives students the opportunity to finish high school while also seeing what it’s like to be in college.

I currently am in the PSEOP program and admit that it is not easy. College, if you are not properly prepared, is very dif-

ficult. No more extra credit, not too much homework, all reading, writing, and test-taking. One failed test and you can potentially fail a class. There are also disadvantages at the high school end. I miss a lot of announcements and sometimes don’t qualify for things because of the light class load I have at LHS. Being in PSEOP, I have learned more about what college is. Students in this program have a leg up on their classmates because they have less of a chance to make freshman mistakes.

I have quickly figured out what I can get away with and what I can’t. It is absolutely impossible to really understand and get a high grade if you don’t do the class readings. The professors don’t check to make sure you read the book. They don’t remind you that you should be studying. Instead, they throw a test at you that will be full of

questions from the reading.

College is where you have to be independent and look after yourself. It’s a time where you truly get the chance to discover what you’re made of.. As cliché as that sounds, it’s true. PSEOP gives students the transition needed to prepare themselves for the future while getting credit for high school and college at the same time.

AP classes lead to apt learning experience

By Derek Dashiell

Look, I’m just going to say it: High school is what it is. It’s a group of no one knowing how to act, and trying everything until something sticks. It’s a four-year, pressure cooker peer-pressure trap. And we need it.

Post-Secondary (PSEOP) is great for the right people. It can give kids a practical head start and it can lead to jobs more directly. In many ways, it’s stable and just makes sense to do. If a kid knows what they’re getting into, they should go PSEOP, for sure.

The problem is, that doesn’t describe most of us. We don’t know what we want to do, we don’t know if we’re sure.

And that’s the strength of high

May/June 2012

school.

The varied things you learn in AP classes will give you more openness than PSEOP. As we figure out more what we want to do, we aren’t tied down to a path we decided as a junior.

For many, that’s too soon to begin down a path. Many people don’t declare a major until their freshman or sophomore year of college, but PSEOP is essentially asking them to pursue something as a junior. It’s great if you know, but teenagers are fickle. They change their minds.

AP certainly has its charms, if not straight up advantages.

It eases students into collegelevel curriculums without a sharp jump. This is not only an easier transition, but it also

has educational benefits. The relaxed high-school relationships, knowledge of teachers, overall less-collegiate nature of the class allows students to learn how to participate and get involved on a collegiate level, with teachers who really have time and focus for them.

And then, there’s the matter of escapism. I know the feeling of not really fitting in, of being done with a school and its population. And don’t get me wrong, I don’t begrudge anyone’s choice to get out of a toxic environment. But sometimes someone hasn’t really tried to make new friends. Not that they’re lazy. They were just never forced to, never shown how to have the courage.

This seems like a weird argument for AP classes, I’m sure.

But I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I had done PSEOP. And through all the ups and downs, I’m glad I stuck out my senior year the “typical” way.

It’s not for everyone, and in fact, it can be far better to take PSEOP. But I wouldn’t change a thing, if I’d known how I’d have turned out.

It’s an extremely personal question. But here’s the thing: if you can choose PSEOP for the right reason, you’ve learned your lessons from high school.

If you’re too scared to abandon everything you know for PSEOP, you still have some things to find out about yourself. Like how strong you’ll be.

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Tanning: fact or fiction

By Becca Houp

When someone thinks of tanning, the first things that come to mind are skin cancer, orange skin, fake baking and superficial people. People hear about, and see, people that over-tan and look ridiculous, which creates a misconception of the hobby as a whole.

There is a large misconception in today’s society surrounding tanning. People think indoor tanning puts one at a greater risk for skin cancer, which is false. According to tanningtruth.com and the FDA’s website, indoor tanning creates no greater risk for your skin than natural tanning.

Dr. Brooke Hahn (physician), believes it is healthier to pre-tan your skin indoors before going on vacation or before long periods of time in the sun because it prevents your skin from burning and freckling quickly.

Although it is easy and convenient, there is no doubt that tanning has it’s risks. Whether you choose to tan indoors or outdoors, you are putting your skin at risk for skin cancer. Melanoma is the worst and most severe form of skin cancer, and you put yourself at risk for this when you expose your skin to such rays.

But are there any benefits to tanning indoors? According to tanningtruth.com and fabutan.com, there is. Vitamin D is

known as the “sunshine vitamin”, and is produced when your body has been exposed to UV rays. It is vital for good health and helps promote stronger, healthier bones and teeth. According to fabutan. com, Dr. Michael Holick of Boston University was able to show that radiation from a tanning bed can produce longer lasting and more consistent levels of Vitamin D. (Compared to taking supplements.)

Local dermatologist Kathleen Mulligan disagrees. She thinks that indoor tanning is “unregulated and the dosage (of light) is unclear.” She believes that tanning indoors is a much greater risk than tanning outdoors. But she also says that both are undesirable in the long run for your skin. She feels that, “normal exposure to the sun, (not tanning) is all Vitamin D your body needs.

According to skincancer.org, almost 30 million people tan indoors everyday, and 2.3 million of them are teens. The website also claimed that between 1971 and 2001, the melanoma diagnosis rate for people under the age of 20 rose 2.9%. It was also reported that 90% of pediatric cases of melanoma occurred in girls aged 10-19.

Before society was as educated as they are now about skin cancer, women would lather themselves in baby oil, and tanning oil and lay in the sun for hours. Most people

that have obtained the deadly cancer got it from outdoor tanning for long periods of time. Summer jobs like life guarding can come back to haunt one in the long run, putting one at much greater risk for skin cancer.

The daughter of former salon owner Nicolina Ciresi, has been in the tanning business for 10 years. The current Max Tan employee claims that she personally believes, “indoor tanning in moderation is more controlled and safe than outdoor tanning.” She believes that it is safer to tan indoors because the tanning equipment it more “controlled and regulated.”

The damage begins to occur when you do not cater to your skin type. If you have sensitive skin that burns and/or freckles easily, it is not wise to lay outdoors for hours on end trying to reach a desirable tan.

Tanning beds have certain settings to accommodate different skin types so you can achieve a tan without as much damage from the one-size-fits-all outdoor rays. “Tanning lotion helps keep your skin moisturized during the tanning process. I always recommend sunscreen when tanning outdoors,” Ciresi said.

It is important to keep your skin safe, so it vital that one wears sunscreen when tanning outdoors.

Ebner’s prom hook-ups

By Becca Houp

Every year when prom begins to creep around the corner, seniors become frantic with the stress of trying to find a prom date. But one teacher has made it his duty to keep track of who is going to prom with who, and trying to fix up seniors who don’t have a date. Mr. Dennis Ebner has became well known for his infamous “prom date” bulletin in his classroom.

Ebner doesn’t recall exactly when the board started, but he does recall that it all started with a blackboard. Mr. Stupianski and Mrs. Schafer were the first ones to help Mr. Ebner start listing names of students that didn’t have a date to the prom. The three teachers started with a list of names, and cinema students introduced the idea of bringing pictures to the board. The list of names slowly transformed into pictures that got tacked to a bulletin. And so, the prom-asking process in Ebner’s room began.

The bulletin usually goes up around the

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end of March, or whenever the cinema staff is done with the yearbook. “Contrary to popular belief, I don’t maintain the board.

The cinema kids keep track and update it, it just happens in my room. It’s entertaining,” Ebner commented. “Other teachers even come in to check things out with the board and see what’s going on.”

Ebner claims no one has to be on the board. If they ask for their picture to be taken down, it is removed without conflict, but he says there aren’t usually complaints from students.

Ebner believes that it is important to go to prom because, “it’s a great high school memory that everyone should have.”

Ebner is no stranger to prom himself.

When Ebner went to school, they had a junior-senior prom. He attended not only his junior and senior year, but also his sophomore year, and his freshmen year in college.

The Lakewood Times

P pping the ‘question’

By Juan Amador

Sarkis(left) and Rable(right) pose for a pre-prom picture. Photo taken by Juan Amador.

How others were asked:

Ryan Sarkis, senior, asked his girlfriend, sophomore, Kyla Rable, to prom during half time at a Ranger’s basketball game.

Sarkis worked with Rable’s friends who were also on the cheer leading team to help him pull it off. “It was very nerve wrecking.

I didn’t know how she would react and she could have denied me in front of everyone at the game,” he said.

To watch how he asked her, scan the QR code with your smart phone.

Not knowing how to ask his girlfriend, Madeline O’Donnell, senior Alex Carr sought help from a friend. Carr took her to Menchies even though she was hesitant to go.

Before picking up O’Donnell, “I went to Menchies and told the worker at the counter that I was going to write ‘Prom?’ in the bottom of the cup,” said Carr. The worker was glad to help.

Once they arrived the worker behind the counter gave O’Donnel the cup. “I was very surprised and excited and a little confused all at the same time. It was the perfect way to end my night,” said O’Donnell.

• Senior Adam Morris asked his girlfriend, Danille Burton, through a fortune cookie.

• Senior Jay Andreani asked Hannah Piter with a homemade beaded bracelet that spelled out ‘Prom’.

Class couple take pictures at Lakewood Park before prom.

For senior Jordan Kornfeld, it was different. It was implied he was taking his girlfriend, Amber Rush-Jones, to prom but he decided to wait last minute. “I had it planned for a while but never got around to doing it,” he said. The night before, Kornfeld gathered his left over cardboard from the Boat Regatta to form the word ‘Prom?’. He bordered it with Christmas lights, and invited her over that night.

Rush-Jones said, “It was one of the nicest things a guy has ever done for me.”

Rush-Jones stands in awe in front of her prom proposal.

Photo courtesy of Amber Rush Jones

A neighborhood shop....

Art by Casey Miller

full of world treasures!

15106 Detroit Avenue Lakewood,OH

May/June 2012

Stock up on summer clothing!

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A night to remember

By Julia Houska

For teenagers everywhere Prom is a right of passage. Students work hard for four years studying their brains out, and at the end of the high school road is that coveted night.

1. Prom 2012 was held at the Science Center where students could “play” with different scientific activities. 2. Students could make long lasting shadows in the shadow wall. 3. Senior Dan Morris and junior Kaitlin Verhun posed for a picture with the lake in full view on the Science Centers balcony.

4. Students danced the night away, as seen here doing the “stanky leg.” 5. Students gathered at Lakewood Park for a photo-op before Prom. 6. The “Rangers of the Caribbean” sign hung outside of LHS guiding students to the after-prom voyage ahead. 7. Senior Diana Hanson and freshman Devin Chodzin play Just Dance outside of the game truck. 8. Students raced through the blowup obstacle course and ended with a rug-burned winner. 9. As well

as the obstacle course and slide, students also got to play in a bouncy house, showing that you are never to old to have fun.

10. In lines lasting all night students after student received an air brushed tattoo. 11.

If students weren’t in the bouncy house or getting a tattoo they were most likely hanging out in the game truck playing some of the most popular video games with their friend cheering them on.

All photos taken by Julia Houska

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A wordgraduates fromadvice the wise to the underclassman “ Don’t wait until last minute to apply to colleges and send transcripts because you will regret it.” – Ryan Jones

“Don’t try to be cool, just be yourself.” Ursula McVey “ Take care of your grades.” Sie Doe (Junior) “Don’t be afraid of being yourself and always take every opportunity you get.” Nora Cromer “Don’t judge anyone, and don’t let anyone judge you. Be your own person, and try not to care what people think of you.

Don’t stress out about the little things, it’s just high school.

Everything with exception of your grades won’t matter in 10 years. “ Maddy Kane “ It doesn’t matter what you actually learn, as long as you get good grades.” Matt Dineen “Grades don’t matter as much as heart does. Put your heart into everything you do, you’ll never go wrong.” Karen Ballash, Teacher “ Make every day count, have fun, and don’t take everything quite so seriously.” Cindy Karger, Teacher “ Leave school every chance you get, just don’t get caught.”

Sarah Beurmann

irast c o r n ’ t P Brow n o “ D Odell e.” nat

“ Never look back, always look foreword, you can’t change the past, but you have control of today and the future by what you do today. Always use all of the resources that are available to you. Do your best and stay focused. “ Carol Snyder, Mom of the L-Room

“ Make sure you get involved in any sort of club or activity.” Ryanne Meng “ Don’t miss the incredible opportunities at Lakewood High School; in the classroom and outside the classroom.” Jane Blackie, Teacher “ Show up everyday on time. Be prepared, have your writing utensils, paper, texts books. Pay attention to your teachers. Do your homework, and from then on you can get through high school. Go to college, get a career, and make lots of money.” Peter Mayeux , Teacher “ Don’t underestimate college because it’s actually a lot more serious then you think it is.” Matt Gibson “ When you get to high school it seems like fun and games, and then you get to your senior year and you can’t get into the college you wanted too. Do your work before you have fun.” Mandisa Miles

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The Lakewood Times

Robem Deep Sea Chillin’ Debuts

By Khalil Cormier

Technology is reaching new limits, with laptops decreasing in size and increasing in power it’s become easier to run large programs, more specifically music programs and a new lakewood electronic musician Rob Moore has taken the opportunity.

Rob Moore is a junior at Lakewood, and can be referred to by is stage name “Robem”. He has released two albums, “Graphing the Universe” which can be found on bandcamp.com and more recently his mix tape “Deep Sea Chillin’”.

Starting at the beginning of the school year, Moore, has been experimenting on a program called Ableton Live, working with a technique called sampling. Sampling is exactly what it sounds like, taking sounds from various things such as a movie or a song and chopping them up and/or effecting them to create a new sound. Examples of this can be found in various artists such as Gold Panda, Flying Lotus, or Pogo, each of which make a heavy influence on Moore.

Moore also takes a lot of influence from his fellow peers, creating music on a laptop isn’t as new as it sounds since other students have been using the similar programs to create their own music. Bram Myers (Senior), Kevin Mcntee(senior), and Andrew Trnkus (Senior) for example are all very close friends to Robem. They all have their own personal style but their influences are all very similar.

May/June 2012

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Only

TimeWill

TELL

By Dylan Dombroski

Many bands come and go when people are in high school. Some try to start, but end up quitting before they get anywhere.

Others become a band, but have a fruitless argument about a minor thing and breakup. Few write a couple songs, and don’t become popular or not as popular as they should be.

But Lakewood has a band that can transcend different levels of genre and can change how people listen to music. This band is called Only Time Will Tell.

Only Time Will Tell started in 2009.They are a progressive metal band. The members of Only Time Will Tell are Harley Bishop on drums, Jordan Hricko is the lead singer, Shawn Elkins on guitar, Joel Sedlak on keys, sampling and synthesizer, and AJ Dudley on bass.

It might be strange for a keyboard to be in a metal band, but Only Time Will Tell isn’t a metal band.

“North American metal bands don’t use keyboards, we wanted to branch out and be a little more progressive and a little more melodic. But also to have a little more brutal, darker sound as well.” Bishop said, “We enjoy

the samplings and put them together and make a beautiful story that’s gets you excited.”

“Having six different members of the band, you get different tastes of music, that’s why we have such a different sound.

With the synthesizer, we just wanted to sound like there is an orchestra behind us when we play.”

They don’t consider themselves a metal band, even though they do play a lot of metal. Playing heavy metal music is only a crowd pleaser, just one part of their music.

Bishop gets bored with this kind of music, but, Shawn and Jordan love it. “It’s not his band and it’s not their band, it’s our band.

We play some of their songs, and they play some of ours. It’s kind of like a democracy.”

Photo courtesy of Only time will tell.

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But according to Bishop, with a laugh, it’s more like a “dictatorship and Communism, but that’s the way I like to live.”

According to Bishop, their audience gets really crazy when they play. Their first show as a band was the Cleveland Music Festival on December 10th last year. “There were stage dives and giant circle pits and 9 people jumped off the stage.” Bishop said.

A gig they played in the Bella Duby Coffee Shop, which is the size of a small attic, inspired one song, “Circle Pit in a Coffee Shop”. It was described as over seventy people standing in a small coffee shop and they were moshing in a small circle that crowded the entire place. All of Only Time Will Tell’s songs came from different memories the band has had.

The reason for the name Only Time Will Tell came from different band names. “We thought of different band names throughout the months and thought ‘This is the best name ever, we love it, and this is great!’ and then we’re like ‘This is stupid, we hate it, and we are going to look like a bunch of pansies and not the flowers but actual pansies.

But one day, we looked at each other and said we have been saying our band names for months and haven’t realized it.”

Bishop said.

“Only Time Will Tell is basically our mantra: Will we get famous, will we figure

The Lakewood Times

out a band name? At first, I didn’t like the name. It made us sound like a pop punk band. We checked Google, MySpace, and Facebook to check if the name had been taken yet. But on MySpace, a band in Norway was already using the name. We then got the name trademarked so that they wouldn’t sue us. But now, I love the name.

It’s like the perfect name for us. It goes to every aspect of our lives. Will I still be living in a one-room apartment and staring at the walls all day? Only time will tell.”

Bishop has been playing drums for 10 years, but he has been playing seriously for the last 2 years. The bands that inspired him to play were August Burn Red and Protest The Hero.

“I started playing drums when I was 8 years old after I moved to Ohio from Rhode Island. My stepfather gave me a Beatleslooking drum set and I beat that thing down. I played it all the time and I thought I was the dopiest kid alive. I played it until I got my first amateur drum set. I first loved it for a long time. I wish I had gotten more serious earlier. I taught myself to play the drums.”

Bishop then said, “ I then realized that I got better at the drums and bought my first professional set. They are my baby and I have been playing them ever since.”

Shawn Elkins has been playing guitar since the fifth grade. He got his lessons from the Paul Green School of Rock, a place where you can learn how to play any rock instrument and be amazingly talented at it. The rule is: “If you write it, you play it.”

Elkins has been in Only Time Will Tell for 8 months. Elkins was the one that wrote “Circle Pit in a Coffee Shop” originally as a joke.

Jordan Hricko didn’t start out as a singer.

He first was the drum technician and the guitar technician. He helped tune guitars and set up the drums. He also helped Bishop with making drum beats for different songs. At his first practice, after firing their first lead singer, Hricko wrote on of their most popular songs that they play “King’s Grave” he finished it in a day. “Hricko progressed fast, he has a lot of lyrics to write for our future songs.” Said Elkins.

AJ Dudley has been playing bass for at least 6 years. “At first he wasn’t alright at playing, but he has learned a lot ever since he joined our band.” Said Bishop.

Joe Sedlak has been playing keyboards for twelve-thirteen years, and he has the most experience musically out of the entire band.

Over the course of Only Time Will Tell’s existence, they have a gathered a follow-

May/June 2012

ing of fans. The reason behind this is not only because of their music, but the business aspect of the music. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, there’s more to music than just playing it.

“If you break it down, a band is like a business. How is the band getting to each gig?

Where is the money coming from? How are they marketing their band? It’s not a hobby; it’s actually a bunch of dudes making a little money doing what they love to get to the next venue. Until you get big and then you start making more money.” Bishop said.

The most surprising thing about the band’s fans is they really want t-shirts.

“That’s how the bands starts making money.” Elkins said. Fortunately, he said that tshirts would be out soon.

Only Time Will Tell has became very popular since they first started. “ Random people in Guitar Center come up to me and ask if I’m in Only Time Will Tell and I say yes and they say that they saw me in concert and say that we are really good” Bishop said.

Junior Dan Treichel is also part of the band as a kind of promoter of the band.

He takes pictures and videos of the shows and promotes the band on Facebook. “I also answer a lot of questions on Facebook because these guys are busy,” he said, “Working with OTWT is nice because they are cool but it’s a drawn out process to make videos. I probably spent 5 hours to make the videos to look professional.”

Since there aren’t any roadies or enough people helping out with the equipment, dedicated fans would help out.

“Only Time Will Tell isn’t just metal,” Treichel said, “they are a combination of genres like progressive, post-hard core,

Photo courtesy of Dylan Dombroski

metal hardcore, rock, and pop punk. It’s pretty much a bit of everything.”

“At concerts, people always assume that they will be bad because they are a bunch of high schoolers. But then after the show, people say we should be the ones headlining this show.” Said Tricheal.

Only Time Will Tell’s demo is already out and it is 3 dollars per copy. The songs on the demo are “Realize” and “King’s Grave”.

The EP will be out by the end of this year or sooner. OTWT has a Facebook page that you can like to receive information about upcoming shows, news on the EP, and videos.

“I think people should listen to us is that we are one of the best local bands within the Lakewood/Cleveland area and we have the possibility of going big.” Elkins said, “There are masters in this band and we have been playing our instruments for more than half a decade each. We spend hours and hours on songs. “King’s Grave” took us 3 years to master because we weren’t satisfied with the sound. “ Bishop said, “The only advice I can give to people is to never give up. There are a lot of people who want to be famous and make a band, and then a month later the band breaks up. Like I said, just never give up.”

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Girly

Girly style is the perfect blend of sweet and sophisticated. Your goal is to look pretty without looking perfect. Girly style is all about playing with soft patterns, ruffles, cute silhouettes and lace. A trick to looking girly is to never look too put together, so always mix in vintage finds and pops of color.

Betsey Johnson is the ultimate girly designer. She mixes sequins, bright colors, crazy patterns and over the top ideas into her designs. According to an interview with Nyas lon Magazine, Betsey Johnson explained, p Ca “I have taken the American girl from bat la e b mitzvah to prom to being a bridesmaid. I Ar definitely dress the American girl when it comes to a special occasion…. It’s more the girl who wants something that’s going to get her attention or make her feel good”.

Aside from Betsey Johnson, other stores a typical girly girl would shop are Lulu’s, Nordstrom, Express, Forever 21, Delia’s and Victoria’s Secret Pink. Some essential key pieces you may need to look for are ballet flats, a floral dress, a ruffled top, boot cut jeans, cropped cardigans, an A-line skirt, layered necklaces, peep toe heels, and pops of color.

fashions

for every

passion

Boho

By Emma Brady

People express themselves through clothes and it gives them a sense of freedom. There are a variety of ways people dress themselves ranging from a soft flowing dress to an edgy leather jacket.

Depending on the person, they might express themselves through a certain fashion viewpoint consistently, or they may decide to sporadically choose different styles. Once everyone determines their own personal style, it makes the world of fashion exhilarating.

Channeling your style can be a difficult journey, but once you find it, it helps define yourself as an individual. There are several different viewpoints of fashion that almost every girl encounters. You can be girly, edgy, bohemian, preppy, or indie. Or, you can branch out and add your own personal twist and combinations. It all depends on how you view fashion and what suits your personality.

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To look bohemian, you need to look effortless. The boho girl is a free spirit and looks carefree. You need to have an earthy feel for fashion and play with soft patterns. This style is all about soft floral, fringe, flowing silhouettes, soft knits, beads, and earthy colors. Your goal is to look soft, pretty and playful while still looking fashionable. Finding floral dresses from thrift stores and other key pieces always add to unique looks. You need to be creative and embrace nature. A style icon is Vanessa Hudgens, according to Seventeen Magazine she says, “I’m so into the hippie bohemian thing. I love long flowy skirts. I love tousled hair. I love earth tones”. Bohemian styles can be found at Pacsun, Hollister, Roxy, Lucky Brand, Anthropologie, Free People, and Lion and Blue. Key pieces to add to your wardrobe are a free-floating dress, flowing top, messenger bag, military jacket, destroyed denim, gladiator sandals, maxi dresses and skirts, moccasin flats, fringe, and beaded jewelry.

Photos taken by Emma Brady

The Lakewood Times

Preppy Pa tr

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For a more classic look, you may want to lean more towards a preppy style. It’s more of a look of crisp and clean taste.

While still adding a fashionable flair, classic girls stick to simple silhouettes and playful elements. It’s a look that never goes out of style. A look back in time, during the 1950’s, girls dressed in clean cut shapes. Classic-girls wore structured sweaters and pleated or flouncy skirts. An inspiration would be a school girl, plaid skirts, knee highs and all. Your goal is to look simple and polished, while still incorporating exciting pieces into your look.

Stores you may think to look are American Eagle Outfitters, Bass, Rugby Ralph Lauren, Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, Levi’s and Target. Essential items to look for are a collared button down, riding boots, striped blazer, that little black dress, boot cut jeans, an A-line skirt, quilted purse, boat shoes, oxfords, and plaid!

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fashion blog for more!

Hipster

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An edgy girl rocks toughness with a feminine flair. Edgy style is all about finding your inner rock star. Your goal is to look edgy, but add feminine touches to still maintain beauty. Edgy style consist of ripped jeans, old-school T-shirts, roughed up boots, leather jackets, crazy patterns, and dark colors. It’s all about adding life to your clothing and turning up the volume. You can’t be afraid to try new looks and go a little crazy. Stores you may need to shop at are Topshop, Dr. Martens, H+M, Diesel, Hot Topic and alloy.com. Essential key pieces to look for are destroyed skinny jeans, tunic tops, leather bomber jacket, vintage band t-shirts, black mini skirt, denim cutoffs and combat or motorcycle boots.

Intensify your style and incorporate loud prints, metallic colors and studs into every look.

Check out Emma’s

na zz

Pi o

Hipster fashion isn’t about embracing trends, but starting your own. They take inspiration from all the previous decades to create one crazy fashionable decade today. To achieve this look, take crazy risks and keep people guessing.

Shop at stores like etsy.com, Modcloth, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, and thrift stores. While shopping, add pieces like high-waisted jeans, oxford shoes, shorts, crewnecks, long cardigans, plaid shirt, retro dress, pixie boots, and any interesting thrift store finds. Hipster’s wardrobes varies, but incorporate your fashion finds and wear things you would want to wear without caring what others may think.

Joy Herzberger

May/June 2012

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When passion is pain Brandy Davis

Injuries are a part of every sport. Having an injury and not being able to play for majority or even the rest of the season. Is it worth it?

“I tore my ACL during a rugby tournament called the Turkey Bowl. It was during a second game, but it was my official first game because the first game, I was a substitute,” junior Nicolina Thompson said.

“It was the end of the first half and I was running and going for a tri. I juked around one girl, and then juked around another and one of the girls caught up to me and tackled me really hard, I felt my knee pop out of place in the back.”

“At that point, I couldn’t get up, so I had to do the worm off of the field. I couldn’t move my knee at all. When I went to see the trainers, they didn’t know what was wrong. My teammates said they saw my kneecap move.”

Thompson’s leg went sideways and it wasn’t suppose to. A few minutes later, she tried to walk, but couldn’t.

“My mom said she thought I tore my ACL because she did the same thing. We ended up going to the doctor and he did an MRI and a few weeks later, we got the results back that I did tear my ACL.”

Senior wrestler, Matthew Dineen has The doctor told Thompson the earliest she can recover is in six months. “I can’t also experienced sports injuries. “I got my wear tight pants. I just wear shorts and neck rolled in wrestling and I couldn’t move sweats so that there is no pressure on my my back for one week. Then, in a tournament, I threw out my back because I tried knee.”

“At first, I couldn’t walk and I had to to lift a heavy kid and I couldn’t walk. I felt walk with crutches, especially in school. really bad after I got my injuries.” Dineen Currently I am not fully recovered.” Thomp- said.

Track has it’s share of injuries too,“I son said.

For senior Chris Kerney the injury pulled my hamstring on April 7th and again on may 4th, wasn’t worth 2012, running in it. “When I the 100 meter played freshdash. I finished man football I running, but broke my colthen I grabbed lar bone in the my leg, looked last minute of at my coach and the last game. began crying It wasn’t worth because I knew it. When I went my season was to the trainer over. I didn’t rein Elyria, they gret running that told me that race; it’s my best it actually Seniors Chris Kerney and Matt Dineen one. I’m not sure wasn’t browhy I pulled my ken, so I didn’t go to the hospital. I enjoyed everything up hamstring, but I wish I didn’t. I felt angry, until my injury. It was a great experience.” hurt. Basically any negative emotion.” senior Kyra Nall said.

Kerney said.

New beginning for sports

By Brandon Reid

Lakewood sports are having a big change this 2012-2013 year. All sports teams are leaving the NOC conference to join the new West Shore conference.

The West Shore conference is b e lieved to be an easier conference, compared to the NOC greats like Solon, Strongsville, Mentor and Hudson.

The new West Shore consists of a total of seven teams. Lakewood, Bay Village, Rocky River and Avon are some of the notable teams in the conference.

For the 2012-13 year Vermillion

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will be leaving the West Shore Conference for Lakewood to come in. There are also a lot of changes being

its creation in 2008, with the Pioneer and Western Reserve conferences joining together, along with Garfield Heights and Lakewood joining from the Lake Erie league. Athletic director Bob Thayer said “Lakewood is going to do well this year in the new conference with the improvement of our football team year after year”.

The new conference is going to consist of teams from division 1 and 2.

made to the NOC, such as Nordonia leaving to join the Suburban league and Shaker Heights joining the new NOC. Lakewood has been in the NOC since

The Lakewood Times

Boys rugby goes to States

By Jonathan Cropper Photos by Jonathan Cropper

States. Yes, you did read that right. For the first time in school history the boy’s rugby team has qualified for the Ohio Rugby state tournament. They will be entering the division 2 state tournament as the #3 seed after finishing the regular season 4-2-1. There are over 100 teams in the state of Ohio.

Leading the way for the ruggers is none other than senior captain and scum-half StevenFoster with over 10 tries this seasons. Seniors Adam Feckley and William Abdelsalem are at the top of the stats with the most tackles on the team.

The other captains are senior Jacob Mobley and junior John Kilbane.

The Rangers are guaranteed 2 games at states. They start off playing #6 seeded Midpark in the first round. If they lose their first two games, they will be automatically eliminated.

“You can’t take anyone lightly, but we can definitely place in the top 3, maybe even a chance to win it all.” Foster said when asked about his thoughts on the tournament. “We will probably see undefeated Avon in the finals.”

The new coach Matt Nusbuam (LHS alum) has the boys practicing 3 days a week for 2 hours as they prepare for states. “The

more you sweat in practice, the less you bleed on the field.” Foster said.

Also, defense has become a staple for winning for the boys. Especially after a poor showing last season losing over half of their games. The defense has helped to earn their status as the second ranked defense in their division according to Rugby Ohio.

Players huddle up after the referee makes a call

Sophomore Jesse Williams kicks after a try

Above Tony Goddard and Steven Foster argue a call

May/June 2012

The boys in a scrum

Above Adam Feckley

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Final Word

By Julia Houska

As this year’s final Times issue I think, kicking senior year to the curb, is a good focus. As everything starts winding down and students are preparing for summer the senior class is preparing to enter a new world. They have spent the past four years preparing for the day that they enter the adult world and become independent.

But what if after only three years you are entering that world? Is that last year really important?

In this issue the staff tried to gain a deeper understanding of how the world would work without a senior year. What would happen to sports? Prom? Westshore?

Being a senior myself, I experience first hand how important senior year is. Senior year is a rite of passage in our culture.

When I was a freshman I dreamed of the day I could call myself a senior. This is the year where we begin to find ourselves but

still don’t have all the pressures of the adult world. Without senior year, we will practically be pushed into college. As it is, high school doesn’t fully prepare us for college, so with only three years under our belt we have a greater chance of sinking.

At the same time, senior year also has down sides. Many students maneuver through the year with a light schedule and can potentially do little or nothing for a year.

Many students don’t realize that college is not as easy and friendly as high school. A lot of times, there isn’t extra credit, and if you don’t study you will struggle.

Senioritis came to me at an early age. By sophomore year I was absolutely done with high school. I hated everything about it, and the thought of having to wake up and go to school sickened me. Bad combinations of stress, exhaustion, and homework made high school unbearable.

In my junior year I decided to take the post secondary option. Being in college classes, I was able to see just how easy I had it sophomore and junior year. In my mind those two years were pure hell. But when I started class at Cleveland State I learned that those two years were really a piece of cake in some ways.

Life is different when you don’t have a teacher babying you and making sure you do your work. In college they let you fall to the ground. Pretty early on in your college career you will decide if you are cut out for what you plan.

Senior year is absolutely necessary. It’s the stop at the top of the Ferris wheel where you take a breath before the rest of the ride. Without a solid grounding senior year, things can spiral quickly out of control.

Photo from www.michelle-huxtable.com

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The Lakewood Times