April 2014 Issue

The

Leaf

Sycamore High School Student News Magazine Volume 1 | Issue 9 | April Issue 2014

only Review of new movie Divergent p. 13 Baseball season’s successful start p. 15

matters

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contact Robin Schuster 513.470.2578

Follow us on Twitter: @SHSLeaf @AveSportsUpdate

THE LEAF One of the main changes this issue is our cover story format. We wanted to create multiple ways to enter the pages and use a new method that compiles various articles relating back to one central topic: music.

We would love feedback regarding whether you enjoy reading with this new format, or if you prefer the cover’s previous setup. Although we realize this adjustment is a risk, our staff is focused on trying new things as we close out this year and enter a new one.

Meanwhile, we are currently undergoing changes in leadership as underclassmen move into the positions of our graduating senior editors. It is an exciting time for those willing to go the extra mile, but also a nostalgic one. The seniors’ work, personalities, and presence will be greatly missed.

Another unique change is the recreation of our platform through redesign. The next time you see The Leaf, it will probably look a little different. We recommend that you look for enhancements on our website, www.shsleaf.com, as it takes on a greater role in our program next year, and we hope that you embrace these changes with us.

-Lauren Glynn, Lauren Saxon, Kathryn Tenbarge

Inside this issue: PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN GLYNN

Editors’ Note

Vol. I | Issue IX| 04.30.14

The Marching Band brass section plays after the Homecoming parade. SHS is full of musical opportunities- from organized groups like the band, choir, and orchestra, to clubs and extracurriculars like Pep Band. You can take classes in music, compete in competitions, or even enjoy original pieces created by students.

8 | Bus Drivers Long time drivers see changes in kids 9 | Music The thing that bonds SHS together

NEWS

2 | Blood Drive Students give blood and hope 3 | Senior Service Project Volunteering opportunities open up for seniors 4 | Waste Reciprocals The new trash sorting system

FEATURE

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

6 | AP Europe Trip The future classes’ destinations 7 | Tuskegee Airmen Pilots of WWII visit SHS 8 | Spring Fashion Staying cute and comfortable

The Leaf Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242

Executive Editor-in-Chief: Michael Saxon Print Editors-in-Chief: Ana Barros, Shea Lothrop, Sanika Vaidya Associate Editors: Alexis Corcoran, Taylor Evans, Ellen Martinson, Kathryn Tenbarge, Anna Zhou, Lila Englander Managing Editors: Krittika Chatterjee, Lauren Glynn, Brenda Shen Business Manager: Atiya Dosani Web Masters: Ruochen Tang, Eli Seidman- Deutsch Web Editors-in-Chief: Alexis Corcoran, Rachael Sun Broadcast Editors-in-Chief: Victoria Swart, Benjamin Young

Feature Joseph Ahn Caroline Gao Isaac Goldstein Sports Lauren Saxon A&E Krittika Chatterjee Ethan May Forum Alexis Corcoran Elizabeth Rickert Cartoonist Joseph Ahn

13 | Choir Trip Students journey to Nashville and visit a recording studio 13 | Divergent 14 | Michelle Swart, 10 A backup dancer for an American Idol contestant

Spotlight Camila Cardenas Brooke Landrum Kathryn Tenbarge Staff Writers Abbey Baker Jordan Baker Sarah Birckhead Anais Cabello Benjamin Cohen William Coleman Amy Deng Cameron Foy Hannah Frey

Max Fritzhand Zachary Fritzhand Jenny Ham Benjamin Hammer Sarah Horne Rujula Kapoor Lauren Kurtzer Beverly Liu Jack Loon Madeline Marsh Hannah May Joshua Patterson Benjamin Ruskin Orion Schlosser

SPORTS

15 | Baseball Varsity team makes a comeback 16 | Tennis Courts done, team progresses 16 | Marathon Running 17 | Track New program hurdles obstacles

OPINION

19 | Missing Malaysia Plane Steps to take if the plane isn’t found

SPOTLIGHT

21 | Student juggles talents Kevin Sheetz, 9

Zoe Schlosser Matthew Schneider Lauren Shassere Joseph Slovin Emily Tyler Jennifer Weber David Wertheim Alex Wittenbaum Jessica Wocks Eli Zawatsky

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

THE LEAF | TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

APRIL 30, 2014

News briefs

Student Council holds successful annual blood drive

MICHAEL SAXON STAFF WRITER ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCDANIEL'S PHOTOGRAPHY

Blood drive by the numbers

118

donors were registered at SHS

68 10

38 2

pints of double reds collected

JOSEPH AHN

pints of blood are needed each day

2 Every

seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

Flight 370 FEATURE CHIEF

41,000

percent of people can donate, but only

10

percent actually donate blood

pints of whole blood collected

At the top of the webpage for the University of Cincinnati's Hoxworth Blood Center is a question: “Who will you save?”

Students at SHS had the opportunity to answer this on April 15 as a part of Hoxworth’s annual blood drive, an event hosted by Student Council.

“SHS is one of the top donators during the year for Hoxworth,” said Paige Domhoff, senior Student Council member. “We actually donate more than the entire P&G company.”

Some students had a personal incentive to give blood.

“There is nothing better than doing something for another and expecting nothing in return; that is exactly what you’re doing when you donate blood,” said Mr. Randall Lothrop, math teacher, whose daughter required blood transfusions after she was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2008.

While most walked away feeling fine after donating, not all were that fortunate.

“Giving blood was tricky for me. Mentally, losing that much blood and dealing with needles is scary,” said Clara Chuey, 11. “Once the lightheadedness and nausea wore off, I felt great about helping others.”

1

donation can save up to

3 lives

Government officials, flight safety experts, and concerned citizens across the globe were left baffled when Flight 370 of the Malaysian Airlines went allegedly missing on Mar. 8, 2014.

The Boeing 777 disappeared an hour into a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Analysis of maintenance data transmissions indicates the plane crashed off the western coast of Australia with all 239 passengers and crew presumed killed.

After weeks of searching, numerous pieces of evidence, such as debris or oil slicks, were found in regards to where exactly the airplane struck the ocean.

Despite the growing body of evidence, however, Angus Houston, the head of a joint agency coordinating the search, insists that no crash site can be confirmed before wreckage has been positively identified.

SCAN HERE for the rest

of the article about Flight 370

LOCAL Strut down the red carpet at Moonlight Gardens on May 17 at Prom. Buy tickets for the Hollywood-themed dance on May 13, 14, 15, and 16. Tickets cost $30 per person. After the dance, after prom will be at the SHS from 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. The theme is "A Night on the Boardwalk". Ticket sales begin May 13 for $20 each.

The Teaching Professions Academy program is helping students at Operation Give Back by collecting books for them to take home over the summer.

The book drive will take place from April 28 to May 9. Donating students will have the chance to enter their name into a drawing for a Chipotle gift card.

Sophomores are getting fired up about the yearly sophomore debates. This year’s topic is: Sycamore Community School District should implement yearround schooling for all students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

In-class debates will begin the week of May 21 and the all-class debates will begin the week of May 26.

The 2014 Relay for Life event will take place on May 9 at SHS. Unlike in previous years, the event will not be overnight and instead be from 4 p.m. to midnight.

NEWS

Seniors initiate service project day

HYDE PARK

(513) 924-9900

best of

14

cincinnati

THANK YOU CINCINNATI FOR VOTING US THE BEST NAIL SPA IN 2014

Volunteer options:

W

hen students approached Mrs. Karen Bare earlier this year with a new idea, she probably did not expect that they would ask for another opportunity to give back to the community.

But even more unusual than requesting a school-sponsored community service day was the fact that the students who asked were seniors.

“This senior class has been giving throughout their years.

They still want to give back even though they don’t need it for National Honor Society, they don’t need it for college anymore, they don’t need the hours, but they still want to give back. It’s pretty amazing,” said Mrs. Sherri Weiss, a parent volunteer for the project.

On May 29, in between graduation rehearsal and lunch, students will choose to participate in one of four volunteering projects. The options include Matthew 25 Ministries, St. John’s Sandwich Project, Operation Give Back, and writing letters to people in the military.

“I think it’s important for students to learn early how important service is. Any way we can help is vital to the success of the community,” said Paige Domhoff, 12, Student Council member.

Student Council and parent volunteers will help with publicity and supervision of the event.

“I think the beauty of it is that all four of the projects you all have done at some point in time. The whole theme was that we would tie up 12 years that the kids were in Sycamore and give back a little to the community they grew up in,” said Mrs. Terry Peck, a parent volunteer for the project.

This event serves as a testament to the character of the class of 2014.

IMAGE BY LILA ENGLANDER

LILA ENGLANDER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Matthew 25 Ministries: Seniors will go to the physical site and participate in sorting supplies.

St. John’s Sandwich Project: Seniors will help to make over 250 sandwiches to be delivered to St. John’s downtown that day.

Operation Give Back: Seniors will help organize and lead a locker clean-up day.

Gently used or new school supplies will be collected to donate to the organization that has assisted so many SHS students over the years.

Writing letters to service men and women: Seniors will write letters as they did in Greene School and Junior High School. Students joining the military will soon receive similar letters.

HARPER’S POINT (513) 489-9500

ROOKWOOD

(513) 924-9090

Prom Special High School students get 10% off any full service Bring your mom and we’ll give her 10% off, too!

Expires 6/15/14 THE LEAF | NEWS

3

NEWS

Going green

Waste reduction program takes action

COMPOST

photo courtesy of jennifer weber

BY THE NUMBERS There were originally

20 Now there are only 12

cans in the commons

3 Of those 7 bags: 5 &2

days is how long it took for us to go from 24 bags of trash to just 7

KATHRYN TENBARGE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

LAUREN GLYNN

A

MANAGING EDITOR

long with the celebration of Earth Week came a huge expansion of waste reduction at SHS. We have entered a contract to compost all food waste and some paper products. All students are highly encouraged to use the new separation bins, but futher steps can be made.

The Compost Constables are the student volunteers in charge of sorting trash in the commons.

“The Environmental Club board and classes are where some of them [Compost Constables] come from, but anyone can volunteer,” said Ron Hochstrasser, head of the environmental committee. “We’re going to get t-shirts that say ‘Feed the worms’ on the back.”

The new cans separate trays and trash from recyclables, compost, and liquids.

“Students need to understand that

4

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

what we are doing is for their own good.

We might come off as strict or vigilant and I know right now it is confusing, but it’s going to impact your kids even more than you,” said James Dudley, building supervisor.

The contract specifies that there has to be as little cross-contamination between bins as possible, or prices will go up, so the volunteers have to be careful to sort correctly.

“The Environmental Club is working on creating a video showing students how to sort correctly,” said Laura Mendez, 12, one of the head student volunteers.

This specific program was not funded completely by the district. There was a grant written from Hamilton County to provide for some of the costs. However, there are big savings to be made in cutting down the number of plastic bags used.

It has been an ongoing process to incorporate an increasing amount of green products into SHS, and the steps taken have already made a difference.

By using this new system, we have

gone from 20 bags of trash to seven within three days.

There were five bags of just plastic and paper products, and two of styrofoam trays.

The number is projected to go down even more because the school is planning on getting hard, reusable trays in the future.

Within the district, the only other school that has had this system put into action is Symmes Elementary, who has consistently stuck with it.

Since we are the largest school in the entire district, and we have already made great progress, making these changes to the whole district should not be an issue.

“We definitely see kids that are being careful, but we also see those who just don’t care at all,” said Dudley.

Encouraging our fellow classmates to take the initiative to participate is the first step to going green.

It will affect the entire school, whether it takes place within the commons, classroom or if it is used in the cleaning supplies by the custodians.

have the styrofoam trays

have plastic and paper products

by participating we are saving a little over 30 cents per bag

all it takes is for

YOU

to take the initiative

IMAGE BY LAUREN GLYNN

8 5 1 6 2 9

4

9 6

3

7 4

Dining Room

1

Kitchen

7 9 2

Jemail Fotography

• S E N I O R P O R T R A I T S • www.jemailfotography.com ifotography@gmail.com 513•236•4074

Lounge

Conservatory

Wine Cellar

Clues:

1 4 1 7

Ballroom

8 9

3 5 1

Use the clues and map below to find out who was in what room:

4 3 5

Fun&Games

1. Kate and Jim were in the same room downstairs and everyone else was upstairs 2. Dave was in the room above Kate 3. Max was in the room east of Emma 4. Ally was in the room west of Zach 5. Zach was not in he room above the room Jim was in 6. Kate was not in the room under Max 7. There were two women in the dining room

Wordles: MEREPEAT

Fair S E O S H W R

W L

Town

A K

A4ID ON

Answers from left to right Repeat after me, Walk around town, Fair and square, Aid for foreign, Scattered showers, On the dot

9 6 8 2

APRIL 30, 2014

THE LEAF | FUN&GAMES

5

APRIL 30, 2014

Feature

AP Europe trip changes pilot BEVERLY LIU

STAFF WRITER

HANNAH MAY

STAFF WRITER

T

he AP Euro trip is a ten day trip offered to the students enrolled in the AP European History course. On this trip they have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the countries they are studying in the class.

“I think that it is a really great opportunity to learn because even though we study it in class there’s nothing like actually being in the countries themselves,” said Maya Sheth, 10.

The group travels to the cities of London, Paris, Florence, Assisi and Rome. While they are there, they visit tourist sites such as the Eiffel Tower, and they also get to explore the cities.

In the past Ms. Marilyn Ray, History teacher, has been in charge of organizing the trip. However, Ray plans to retire after this year,

leaving Mrs. Leah Chapman and World History to take home.

Mr. Andrew Ovington, current “I decided to take it over because it history teachers, to take over the task. is so much fun.... Not only seeing all Being the parent of two young the places, but also seeing the children, Chapman does not have the maturity and growth of the kids time to be in charge of the trip. throughout the program and the For a while, interest that they have,” “IT WAS SUCH AN Chapman and said Ovington.

AMAZING EXPERIENCE Ovington thought that “It’s a great opportunity AND SOMETHING YOU a trip over the summer REALLY DON’T WANT for the kids,” he said. may be a better option TO MISS” The letter explains how than going over Spring the trip provides a great Raquel Levitt, 10 Break. They then learning experience for proceeded to create a students. survey that all the Accelerated World With it being his first year in History students took. charge of this trip, Ovington has “After the survey we found that decided that he will only take one most students would rather go over bus, this means there are only 42 Spring Break so I decided to take spots open to go on the trip. An over the trip so that we could go,” informational meeting was held on said Ovington.

Monday, April 21 at 7 p.m.

After looking at the results of the Though Ray will no longer be survey, Ovington decided to take teaching at SHS, her influence over organizing the trip. He sent on the community will always be a letter to students in Accelerated remembered.

1) The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France 2) From left to right: Caroline Gao, 10, Brianna Dooley, 10, Amara Clough, 10, Maya Sheth, 10, Maddie Driscoll, 10, in Assisi, Italy.

3) From left to right: Raquel Levitt, 10, Julia Diersing, 10, Zoe Schlosser, 10, Orion Schlosser, 10, Gao, Farrah Brown, 10, Nitya Sunil, 10, in front of Buckingham Palace.

6

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

3

All photos courtesy of Caroline Gao

Ray retires, Ovington takes charge of AP Euro trip

1 2

FEATURE

Leaving words of advice: Tuskegee triumvirate visits SHS ISAAC GOLDSTEIN

to the SHS audience that in 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen won the Gold Medal of Honor and A&E CHIEF President George W. Bush saluted them. ue to the prevalent racial tensions “The president returns all salutes, but he has during the time of World War II, never voluntarily saluted a group of people nearly 1,000 African American aviators before.” said Edwards. were trained in an isolated complex near As Edwards explained the significance of this Tuskegee, Alabama. The airmen men fought in event, Finley chimed in to explain the social the aerial war across the globe, contributing to struggles African Americans were facing during the ultimate victory of the Allies. the time of World War II. Racism These pilots became known as THEY FOUGHT was very prevalent, and they were the “Red Tailed Angels,” because of FOR A COUNTRY treated terribly. the iconic red paint on the tails of “They fought for a country that THAT DID NOT their airplanes. They are attributed didn’t want them because they had WANT THEM. with 112 air kills and 325 aircrafts dreams,” said Finley.

Samuel L Finley, destroyed on the ground.

The students learned a lot about In addition, they received 715 Air Retired Tech what life was like for these men.

Medals, 96 Distinguished Flying Seargent They became aware of the impact Crosses and on March 29, 2007, that the Tuskegee Airmen had the Congressional Gold Medal was and how they were unfortunately awarded to WWII Tuskegee Airmen. treated. With this newly acquired knowledge, On April 8, three members of the Tuskegee students wanted to know what they could do Airmen visited SHS. Retired Chief Master to help.

Sergeant James R. Shaw, retired Tech “You can share our story,” said Edwards. “Tell Sergeant Samuel L. Finley, and World War II others what we told you today, so they too can veteran Mr. Leslie Edwards arrived to share become aware of the past their unique stories.

As the stories and discussions came to a close, Although World War II ended 70 years ago, the three airmen left some words of advice for the organization still exists today to represent the students. Edwards explained how when a the struggles and achievements that African person is qualified, he or she is able to stand Americans in the United States have made. up for whatever is right. He summed up this “We enjoy each other because everyone has a message into two lasting words: story,” said Tuskegee Airman Sergeant Finley.

“Upgrade yourself.”

These three men shared what it meant to be a part of this group and the pride they have. Edwards explained FEATURE CHIEF

ETHAN MAY

IMAGE BY BRENDA SHEN

PHOTO COURESY OF VICTORIA SWART

D

3

1

2

1) World War II veteran Leslie Edwards adresses the SHS audience. Edwards was one of the original WWII Tuskegee Airmen hand-picked by Benjamin O. Davis Jr. to maintain planes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

2) Retired Tech Sergeant Samuel L. Finley currently positioned as the Vice President of the Greater Cinicinnati Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen. Finley served in the Ohio Air National Guard until 1984 when he began serving in the United States Airforce Reserve until his retirement in 1998.

3) Chief Master Seargent James R. Shaw is currently the President of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen. He enlisted in the Airforce in1955 and served

SCAN HERE for more information on the Greater Cincinnati Tuskegee Airmen THE LEAF | FEATURE

7

FEATURE

Bus drivers share memorable Spring fashion vs. student experiences cold school LILA ENGLANDER

memories for some students.

“I have a seventh grader who was calling an lice Welage Schmidt became a bus African American young man the n-word. So driver 26 years ago. With around six I had to counsel, talk to him, and try to move hours of driving per day, the job allowed him.

I have some who will hit. It’s becoming her to spend more time at home with her more and more common than it used to be,” children. said Scott.

Ginny Scott has been driving But relationships between bus All my kids eight hours a day for 25 years, drivers and riders can also yield ever since her sister convinced are special to positive results. her to take the job. Both “I really like my bus driver, me.

I’m their Schmidt and Scott start their Laura, and I’ve known her since day at 4 a.m. grandma.

I was in elementary school, but I Both also agree that students don’t think most people have as Ginny Scott have become less well behaved bus driver good of a relationship with their in recent years. Students often driver,” said Jory Gould, 10. stop taking the bus after Likewise, bus drivers feel connected to sophomore year, thus forgetting their driver and students and watch them grow up. the havoc they may have wreaked on the bus.

“The ones who give me the most problems, Bus drivers cannot forget quite as easily.

I think you become closer to them because “Kids I’ve had since kindergarten are getting you want to help them to have a good day, and ready to go to high school and some are because you don’t know what’s going on in their in high school. So I tell them, ‘I have your home life.

All my kids are special to me. I’m parents’ phone numbers and they would have their grandma,” said Scott. a fit if they saw what you’re doing on this Although Scott has dealt with plenty of bus.’ Children today really don’t have as much misconduct, she remains inspiring optimist. respect as they used to. They have an attitude of “We love our job, we love our kids,” said rebellion” said Scott.

Scott.

The bus can also conjure up unpleasant

A

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

LAUREN KURTZER

STAFF WRITER

After dealing with a polar vortex, it is inevitable that we are ready to pull out shorts and tank tops. Then we walk into SHS and it reminds us of the cold we just encountered for months. Slight modifications and tips and tricks in everyday outfits can keep students warm at school while dressed for the warmer weather outside.

Tops

Tank tops and short sleeves go great with jeans, jean shorts, or leggings. To keep warm without wearing a sweatshirt, a cardigan goes well. A neutral color like white, black, or gray will match with anything. My advice: keep one of your choice cardigans in your locker or backpack.

Bottoms

photo courtesy of lauren kurtzer

Jeans and leggings can be folded and cropped, and are sold in abundance.

Beware of selections that may be see-through.

Shoes

Sperry’s, Toms, Vans, tennis shoes, and Converse keep those toes warm as opposed to flip-flops and sandals photo courtesy of Kathryn tenbarge

Online shopping can be a great alternative to high-priced fashion at stores like Lu Lu Lemon and Victoria’s Secret. Follow the QR code to Wanelo for great deals.

8

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

MUSIC

APRIL 30, 2014

Cover story

Teens find that music can change their mood and connect a group of people through both the beat and lyrics.

All images by Lauren Glynn

COVER STORY STUDYING:

POP VS CLASSICAL:

Studying is an extremely personalized experience. Some students need complete quiet, others need a bit of background noise. Music transcends the different types of learners, and is one of the most common tools students use to study.

However, not all music helps students focus. According to a University College London study, students performed significantly worse on reading comprehension tests while listening to pop music.

Calming music such as Wolfgang Mozart or alternative, has been proven to help students focus. According to one British study, listening to ten minutes of Mozart improved students’ IQ scores by roughly nine points.

Some students like listening only while working on certain subjects, like math and science. Others use music to stimulate creativity while writing papers. In the end, personal preference determines whether a student will benefit or not from playing music while studying.

Different musical styles have different histories, instruments, and success. Classical and pop music are two styles included in musical culture.

However, classical music appears to be struggling. Orchestras and operas have difficulty competing with stars such as Miley Cyrus and One Direction who sell out concerts in seconds.

The classical music era is associated with the past, while pop music is tied with popular music heard on the radio.

But classical music is everywhere. It is in movies, television commercials, and even on some radio stations.

Recently, parents have babies listen to classical music to calm them.

In contrast, pop music has a broader audience appeal. The songs are played more often and people are exposed to it more.

While they seem vastly different, a lot of pop music is inspired by classical music, considering it was one of the first genres of music. Despite this, pop music still rules the charts.

BY: CAROLINE GAO All images by ELizabeth Rickert

BY: ELI ZAWATSKY

SPORTS:

BY: LAUREN SAXON

Being in the best physical shape is undoubtedly important when it comes to participating in athletics. However, there are countless studies proving that the mental approach to a sports competition can be just as significant in achieving success.

“Music definitely drowns out all other distractions and keeps me focused on the tennis match ahead,” said Nakul Narendran, 11.

Each athlete utilizes their own style of music, and teams like Varsity Girls basketball have created their own method to get motivated for games.

“We would normally listen to Beyonce on the bus and in the locker room until we had to play,” said Hannah Melvin, 12, Varsity basketball captain. “Our warm up CD was very important to us all.”

The music may be paused at the start of the game, but athletes press the play button after competition as well.

Whether it is before the whistle blows or after, music has proven to play a large role in helping SHS athletes play to their full potential.

STRESS:

BY: KATHRYN TENBARGE

Stress and anxiety are two of the scariest foes high school students have to face. Solutions are hard to come by. But here is something novel: music as stress therapy.

“The Huffington Post” reports that listening to music casually can be just as effective as massage therapy in lowering anxiety, and it is much less costly.

No need to take time out of your day for music, either. Just listening to your iPod for a few minutes is effective. However, the type of music you listen to is important.

“To get the positive effects of music, you have to listen to music that you like,” said Marie Helsing, a thesis author from the University of Gothenburg.

There is a lot to love about your favorite songs. They can help get you pumped up for a game, pass the time, and even increase your health.

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SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

Q&A with Megan Sulfsted, 11 on her music career BY: LILA ENGLANDER When did you first begin playing music?

I started playing piano around age nine, and then taught myself guitar at 11 and I have played for about six years now.

When did you start volunteering at Bethesda?

I started volunteering at Bethesda North Hospital right before freshman year in the summer. I played in their cafeteria for staff and anyone else there.

Where else do you publicly play?

I played at Walker Bros this past summer and I will again this summer, which is all through tips.

What has music done for you?

I met most of my closest friends through music. It gives me something to do. It’s individual so I grow with it myself.

How do you feel about illegally downloaded music?

I don’t illegally download music. I understand why people do it though. If I had stuff for sale like that, it would really bother me if I couldn’t keep doing my own craft.

What does your future look like?

My interest has gone more toward the production of music rather than therapy.

Have you ever composed your own song?

I have started composing some of my own music because I’m interested in incorporating that into my set. But that’s only just starting.

What music classes have you taken?

I take choir, I’ve done all three choirs. It’s interesting, with choir you have to adapt your voice. I have my own individual style and then I have my choir voice and they are are totally different.

How does your family feel about your passion for music?

Music is my big thing. I don’t have sports or anything like that, so this where my parents can come and be really supportive. It’s like a sport for me.

Are there any musicians who inspire you?

I work at Buddy Rogers Music right now and so I meet musicians and work with them everyday. So that’s really interesting to see. I get a lot of advice from them.

Music therapy enhances happiness BY: WILLIAM COLEMAN

According to researchers at IUPUI, music therapy sessions have put a positive effect on cancer patients. More than 100 cancer patients participated in therapeutical music activities that resulted in patients being able to cope with their cancer.

However, music cannot be good for someone just because he or she has an issue that affects his or her life on a daily basis.

In another study conducted by four doctors, 272 premature infants attended three music therapy sessions over two weeks. Results showed that the heart rates of the infants decreased during the rhythm intervention and lullaby.

Listening to music can also improve peoples’ moods.

Depending on the type or genre of music an individual is listening to, his or her mood can be changed in several different ways.

Listening to upbeat music with positive and happy lyrics can produce serotonin, the happiness hormone, in his or her body.

Meanwhile a song that has intense music with lyrics that are personal to the artist can motivate people.

All images by ELizabeth Rickert

[

[

COVER STORY

Grammy Award Winner Song of the Year:

60s

1965- “Hello, Dolly!” by Louis Armstrong 1967- “Michelle” by The Beatles

70s

1972- “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor and Carole King 1979- “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel

80s

1984- “Every Breath You Take” by The Police 1989- “Don’t worry, Be happy” by Bobby McFerrin

90s

1994- “Whole New World” by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle 1999- “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion

2000s

2009- “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay 2010- “Single Ladies” by Beyonce

Are you a music master?

Find out how much you know about music a. Dog Find out if you are a music master. If you get nine or more right you are a music master. If you get five or more right you are close, but anything below that needs work. The answers are at the end.

1. None of the Beatles could do what? a. Read music b. Ride a bike c. Play the violin 2. Elvis Presley didn’t what? a. Play the drums b. Drive a car c. Write any of his own work 3. Journey, Steven Perry used to be called?

a. Golden Gate Rhythm Section b. Don’t Stop Believing c. Steve Perry and the Gang 4. Who holds the longest record for being on the top of the charts? a. Katy Perry b. Louis Armstrong c. The Beatles 5. Who did the first pop video? a. Heart b. Queen c. Journey 6. Bruno Mars real name is? a. Peter Gene Hernandez b. Jose Ramirez c. Miguel Ángel Lopez 7. What animal eats faster when metal music is playing?

a. 27 b. 15 b. Horses c. 5 c. Termites 12. Dr. Dre did what in high 8. The song “Happy Birthday to You” is owned by which company? school? a.Diver a. Disney b. Member of Student Council b. Warner Brothers c. Sony c. Ran track 9. Where is Mozart buried?

13. The first CD that was pressed a. In his hometown graveyard was? a. Funkytown by Lipps, Inc b. By the place he first peformed b. Born in the USA by Bruce c. No one knows Springsteen 10. The worlds best selling c. Refugee by Tom Petty and the instrument is the?

Heartbreakers a. Harmonica b. Guitar c. Piano 11. How many instruments did Prince play in his debut album?

Answers: 1. A, 2. C, 3. A, 4. B, 5. B,6. A,7. C, 8. B, 9. C, 10. A, 11. A,12. A, 13. B

BY: ELIZABETH RICKERT

THE LEAF | COVER STORY

11

COVER STORY

Scores of awards: The legacy of Andrew Llyod Webber C

a Webber production, is only second to Phantom with 7,485 shows.

“I have actually thought about what sets Phantom apart many times.

I think that the chracters are so well developed, but there are other parts that aren’t as well developed, which leaves things to the imagination. It’s just magical,” Lucken said.

In 1990, Webber decided to undertake a huge quest: writing a sequel to Phantom of the Opera.

Love Never Dies first premiered in 2010. Although people disagree whether the plot is good, the music has the same captivating quality.

Whether Webber is moving towards the end of his career or just getting started, his music will be remembered for a long time.

Aside from that, as long as Webber’s smashing Phantom of the Opera continues to please and mistify the audience, the chandeliere business will be in no trouble.

MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

MAY

Ellie Goulding Horseshoe Casino May 6 Lady Antebellum Riverbend Music Center, May 30 JUNE All images by ELizabeth Rickert

BY: EMILY TYLER omposers have the ability to make something coherent out of virtually endless combinations of notes. Composers of musicals have an especially difficult job; they make the combination of notes, then add lyrics, a plot, and dialogue.

He has composed musical after musical, and gained nomination after nomination, and award after award. This is Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Webber has composed twenty musicals, like Phantom of the Opera and Evita.

With the help of lyric writers like Tim Rice and Charles Hart, Webber has picked up more than 25 awards.

“The special thing about Webber is the music. You can listen to any artist and hear something, but his is special.

It’s addictive in a way,” said Alexandra Lucken, 10.

Webber’s musical Phantom of the Opera is the longest running show on Broadway, with more than 10,855 shows. Cats, also

FUTURE CONCERTS

Backstreet Boys Riverbend Music Center, June 15 Bruno Mars US Bank Arena June 27 Fifth Harmony PNC Pavilion at Riverbend, June 27 JULY

Keith Urban Riverbend Music Center, July 31 Bunburry July 11, 12, and 13 AUGUST

max demarks, 9

EMMA BURGE, 10

sam wyrick, 11

Jackie tso, 12

He has played guitar since he was in fourth grade. This was the start of a career in music. Demarks was first recorded by a professional company in seventh grade.

Now, he is in a band that plays metal music.

She is going to go to the Aves Acadmey next year to put more time into violin practice. She hopes to get a performance degree from Julliard that she join a traveling orchestra after she graduates.

He plays and writes his own acoustic music and plays in a rock band called A Shot in the Dark. He plays guitar, saxophone, piano and sings.

He likes to write his own music but he does covers of songs as well.

She travels once a month for musical engagements.

These include going to Chicago for practice. Also, Tso is the concertmaster of the the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra.

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SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

One Republic Riverbend Music Center, Aug 5 Panic! At the Disco PNC Pavilion at Riverbend, Aug 12

Anthology TV becomes rising trend

APRIL 30, 2014

Arts&Entertainment

BENJAMIN COHEN

Choir travels to “Music City” VICTORIA SWART

BROADCAST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

from students.

“It can be stressful, but as long as you plan exhaustively and execute those plans, more often than not, things go well,” said Holdt.

Highlights of the trip included a workshop at Vanderbilt University, as well as time to perform in a recording studio.

“The experiences we had in those places directly impact how we do what we do,” said Holdt.

Each year, the choir trip involves the attendance of a professional show. For the 2014 group, that production was “Wicked.”

The singers went to a Saturday afternoon production. The excitement expressed before the event seemed to carry through to their return.

IMAGE BY BRENDA SHEN

N

ashville is a place known as “Music City,” home to an assortment of recording studios, musical history, and the Grand Ole Opry. During the weekend of April 11-13, it became the destination of the annual SHS Choir Program Trip.

Students, along with chaperones, spent two days in Tennessee. Though no grades are associated with the visit- as with choir concerts- Mr. Kenneth Holdt, Choral Director, hoped students would consider the trip to be more than pure enjoyment.

“The purpose of the trip was to develop relationships for students within the choirs and foster a team mentality, as our craft is specifically an ensemble thing. These trips increase the breadth and depth of our choral learning,” said Holdt.

Planning for the trip began in the beginning of the year. Holdt worked with Mr. John Whapham, Dean of Students, to coordinate the trip with the Music Travel Consultants. He developed itineraries, assigned roommates, and handled payments

IMAGE BY BRENDA SHEN

In early 2012, horror series “American Horror Story” shocked audiences when it ended its season with the brutal murder of its main characters.

This, of course, was all a part of creator Ryan Murphy’s plan when he later announced that the show would be an anthology series.

An anthology series is a radio or television show that has a different story and characters every episode or season. In the case of “American Horror Story,” the show keeps the same set of actors, only to have them play completely different characters in completely different scenarios every season.

For instance, while season one was set in a haunted house, the following seasons have taken place in asylums and covens.

This has only helped the show’s success.

The most recent season was the most watched yet. And why is that? Well it is most likely due to convenience.

If you decide you want to catch up on a show like “True Blood” in time for its seventh season premier, you would have to binge watch 70 episodes. With a show like “American Horror Story” you wouldn’t need to binge watch anything. Each season is basically its own series, allowing you to catch up on previous seasons at your own leisure.

This trend is certainly catching on too. It had been announced that hit series “Once Upon a Time” would release a spinoff series telling different stories each season in the world of Wonderland. While “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” did end up premiering, due to low ratings it was canceled after its first season.

Anthology series also allow big movie stars to spend time on TV. Woody Harrelson and Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey recently stared in HBO’s new series “True Detective,” a show that will feature new detectives and mysteries every season.

Other upcoming anthologies include FX’s “Fargo” and a rebooted version of “The Twilight Zone,” one of the most popular anthology series around.

This trend, unlike anthology TV characters, will be sticking around for quite some time.

Divergent destiny disappoints

STAFF WRITER

SCAN HERE to

read more about SHS choir

JESSICA WOCKS

STAFF WRITER

In a new society, their world is divided into five factions, each with different traits: Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), Abnegation (the selfless), and the Erudite (the intelligent).

Once a year all the 16 year olds take a test to find out which faction they belong to.

The next day they choose the faction they’ll stay in for the rest of their lives.

Beatrice has never felt like she belonged in Abnegation, the day of the test she finds out she’s always been right. She’s a Divergent.

Being a Divergent means that she doesn’t fit into to any of the factions, therefore isn’t bound by any rules. They are “danger” to the city and are killed.

Beatrice then has to make many decisions that will impact the precarious balance of this post-apocalyptic society.

Despite being very impressed by the book’s plot and depth of the characters, I ended up being heavily disappointed with the movie after staying up to see the midnight premiere.

It fit much more into the Twilight series than the Hunger Games with love scenes filling up most of the movie.

Personally, I thought the book was more geared to the theme of figuring out who you are and stepping out of your comfort zone, but the film was obviously geared for teenage girls with the intense romance.

I expected to see more of the rise of a girl who was growing as a person, and battling her own identity as a Divergent.

THE LEAF | ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

13

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

‘We became a family’

Swart backup dances for Eben Franckewitz VICTORIA SWART

BROADCAST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

T

he 2012 American Idol season featured a 15-year-old from Milford, Ohio, who became the youngest to ever make it into the top 24.

This performer, Eben Franckewitz, came home to begin singing locally, eventually settling with two backup dancers. If SHS students were to take a closer look at one of these dancers, they could find one of their own, Michelle Swart, 10.

Swart’s journey began not at an audition or interview, but a hiphop class taught

by Cameron Cumbee, Franckewitz’s choreographer.

“After I stopped doing the class, Cumbee found a video of me from when he taped me

doing a dance that my friend and I had made up. He asked me to dance for Franckewitz,” said Swart.

Thus Swart, only 14 at the time, entered into the world of backup dancing for, at the time, a stranger.

“I didn’t know Franckewitz very well the first time we performed together. We didn’t even speak at all during the first concert because I was hanging out with the other backup dancers,” said Swart.

Backup dancing in and of itself was a very different experience from “regular dance,” she says.

“When it comes to normal dancing, you are making yourself look good, so it involves a lot harder skills. With backup dancing, it’s all about making your performer look good, so it is generally easier,” said Swart.

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

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

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APRIL 30, 2014

ZACH FRITZHAND

STAFF WRITER

Quick Start

The team started the 2014 season undefeated for their first seven games. At one point, the team was even ranked first in the GMC. Some of Varsity’s GMC wins include Middletown,

team in hits and runs batted in (RBI’s). Each player has more than ten hits and more than eight RBIs. Mark Teneholtz, 12, and Darpel are both leading the team in innings pitched, with over 22 innings pitched combined.

The team has been playing smart baseball and it has shown on the field.

Season stats

The team has been hitting the ball extremely well, with dominant pitching performances from senior players such as Jason Darpel, and Jake Pope.

Sean Clayton, 12, and Sam Fredette, 11, are leading the

Player Profile

Josh Glynn Position: Catcher Grade: 9 Number: 11 PHOTO COURTESY OF MCDANIEL’S PHOTOGRAPHY

A

fter a dismal 5-18 record during the 2013 season, changes needed to be made by the boys baseball team. A seven and two start to this new season has players excited and ready to make noise in the GMC. “We are ready to get out of this age old slump, we want to finally win,” said Ethan Beck, 11.

Lakota East and Colerain.

The team also beat a very good Goshen team, winning the game eight runs to two.

Assistant head coach, Josh Mason, has emphasized building a community to help keep camaraderie in the locker room.

“Coach Mason has really taught us a good lesson. I love hearing what he has to say,” said Josh Glynn, 9.

“

“

Boys baseball:

Undefeated start gives Sports new hope to program I am prepared and excited to work throughout the remaining years of my high school career to get that GMC title.

Josh Glynn, 9, is the first freshman to play Varsity baseball at SHS in years. As the starting catcher, he contributes significantly to the team every game from behind the plate.

“Being on Varsity as a freshman has given me the opportunity to learn as I play with upperclassmen who have become my role models,” said Glynn.

Although his

situation is unique, Glynn’s teammates feel he is a very positive addition to the team.

“It’s been a very smooth transition, actually,” said Mark Tenenholtz, 12. As pitcher, Tenenholtz works very closely with Glynn on the field.

“We tend to have very similar thoughts about how we want to approach hitters during the game,” said Tenenholtz.

Stepping up to the plate, Ethan Beck, 11, swings at a pitch during a game this season. With one home run in the year, Beck is ranked 4th in the GMC for home runs. He has a batting average of .450 after 20 at bats this season, which is the second highest average on the team. The SHS baseball team will take on the Princeton Vikings at home on May 2.

IMAGE BY LAUREN SAXON

THE LEAF | SPORTS

15

SPORTS

Court construction complete JACK LOON

be held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, home of The Western & Southern Open. Team members had the opportunity to play on Center Court, which can seat thousands of spectators.

In mid April, Cincinnati finally felt the warmest temperatures it had felt in months. The court builders took advantage of the chance to finally finish the courts.

The teams have been using the MND courts for their home matches but are now back on their home turf at the SHS courts.

A

t the end of August, when fall sports teams prepared for their season, the brand new tennis courts began construction. The fences and nets were taken down on Aug. 19.

A few days later on Aug. 24, the courts were completely demolished, and the girls teams were hoping to be able to use the courts at the end of the season. However, the courts Strong start to season were not ready by that time. By Sept. 8, the water drains After a perfect start to the season over spring were installed for under the court to help break, the Varsity Gold team has a combined record with rain delays.

Boys tennis of ten and one. Wins over rivals, Mason and Upper The girls teams were not able to play overtook Mason Arlington, have propelled them to the number one on the courts, but the asphalt was finally in the city poll ranking in Cincinnati. installed on Oct. 12. The courts looked “We are really excited about our year so far, but like they would be completely ready to and is now since it is still early in the season, nothing matters be played on by the time the boys season ranked except for our next match,” said Ahmad. came around in March in 2014.

Each win came down to the wire, with the final Final court completion score in both being three-two. Against Upper Arlington, In November, news was released to the team captains Indrakanti fought off four match points at five-one down Mustafa Ahmad, 12, Nakul Narendran, 11, and Deepak in the third set to come back and win 7-6, which eventually Indrakanti, 11, that in order for the courts to be completed, clinched the match for SHS. the temperature outside had to be 50 degrees or higher for “My team really helped me get through that match. Even four consecutive days. though the opponent was playing well, I told myself to When tryouts started in March, there were no courts focus on playing my own game, and it eventually worked for the team to play on. Because of this, tryouts had to

#1

Mr. Gregory Pottebaum & Mr. Mike Gutekunst Full Marathon - Relay team Training

26 miles in a marathon

Run 5-7 times a week 1-2 speed workouts similar to the SHS track team Hill workouts and distance runs

FINISH

Why do you run?

“If I set a goal for myself then I have to go out and do it. With marathon running, I’ve set a goal for myself so now I have to go out and do it."

- Pottebaum “Running is an exhilarating experience that will hopefully help me stay healthy and live longer. It separates you from the rest of the world for a while."

- Gutekunst

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

Captain Nakul Narendran, 11, hits a serve as he plays second singles on Varsity A. The team has a ten and one `record and is currently ranked number one in the city poll. The team is competing in the Coaches Classic Tournament.* *at press time

out in the end,” said Indrakanti.

With those two wins, the team was propelled to the number one ranking in the city, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer Coaches Poll, overtaking Mason.

“Even though we are first in the city, we still have to play each match like it is our first of the season. We cannot get over confident, or our play will drop,” said Alex Taylor, 10.

Allison Rogge, 11, & Emily Winchell, 12 Half Marathon Training

Runs outside 4-6 times a week at a 8 to 9 minute mile pace

Why do you run?

“When I ran the Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving I enjoyed the energy so much that I decided to start training for the half marathon."

- Rogge “I actually made running the half marathon my New Years resolution after being urged by my friend Allison [Rogge]. I thought it would be a good challenge and way to get in better shape."

- Winchell

4 321

ALEX WITTENBAUM

STAFF WRITER

IMAGE BY LAUREN SAXON

STAFF WRITER

16

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCDANIEL'S PHOTOGRAPHY

Aves tennis aces opponents

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCDANIEL'S PHOTOGRAPHY

SPORTS

Competing in a meet, Adam Ioas, 11, propels himself over the bar during a high jump event. The track program has undergone big changes in regards to their coaching staff, as well as athletes. Underclassmen will be able to contribute greatly on the varsity team this season.

New athletes, new coaches, new program Spring Track builds legacy with young runners VICTORIA SWART

BROADCAST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

T

he sun has gone down.

The air has turned cool.

Lights glare down onto the field surrounded by a black track. Not many people remain in the stands- just enough to prove a worthy audience.

The gun goes off, and eight lanes of sprinters explode into the vigorous pace of the 1600 meter relay, the last event in a track meet. Batons exchange hands until the final leg is in sight of the finish.

That is when the team emerges. After cheering on the other runners from various areas on the infield, a massive swarm of track athletes sprint toward the finish line, running alongside the competitor and urging him forward.

The final runner that night of April 17 at the Mount Healthy Invitational was a freshman, Brendan Archer.

Yet, with the encouragement of the rest of the team and coaches, the 1600 meter relay placed first in their heat.

“I love our team camaraderie. also give underclassmen We support each other in opportunities to contribute to every event. We’re a team. the varsity team- one of Ray’s That’s what I think is essential goals. important. It’s enjoyable to see “It’s humbling to be on us come together as a team varsity as a sophomore. We and grow,” said Mr. Hank Ray, have a lot of younger runners track and field head coach. that need experience, but they After the loss of more than are all very promising,” said 20 seniors John Hedrick, 10.

There’s nothing from the Among the better than 2013 season, changes in the team seeing us compete itself are changes in growth and with the top level staff. With the head relationshipbuilding have teams and giving girl’s coach, Mrs. proved essential them pressure, no Elizabeth Gonda, matter how we on the team stepping down for place. I just want health reasons, Ray that consists mainly of us to compete.” has hired three freshmen and Hank Ray, new coaches and new runners. coach moved two others in “With the specialized positions. lack of senior depth, most “I’ve always been involved of our kids have to grow up in all parts of track. Now I’m on their own. We have many stepping back and allowing juniors and sophomores being the other coaches to do mentors for the small things their thing. It’s a growing that coaches overlook. Our thing for all of us. It’s a little leaders are younger than past bit uncomfortable, but I’m teams,” said Ray. learning,” said Ray. Inexperience does bring The changes in staff have challenges, but the small brought more structure to numbers of upperclassmen practices. Two of the coaches-

pole vaulter Mackenzie Schimizze and long jumper David Gibson- are still competing.

“It’s been a great experience working with all the different coaches because each of them have different things to teach me about my specific events.

They are really fun people,” said Tori Bell, 9.

After competing in three meets (as of press time), Ray has molded and built on his goals for the team, both older and younger.

For more stories on SHS sports go to SHSLeaf.com/ category/sports

Column:

Hitting home: MLB rule change may impact quality of baseball DAVID WERTHEIM

STAFF WRITER

Yes, there is a new MLB season that just started and as always, it is marked by controversy. People have said that the MLB would be better off going to a seven inning game. They are wrong.

Shortening the game to seven innings would drastically affect the game of baseball. There would be no pitching strategy involved, as most pitchers pitch for seven innings, so there would be no need for a bullpen.

This leads to having no pinch-hitters, and it would be very rare for a team to blow out their opponents.

All of these factors would take excitement away from the game.

Shortening the MLB games to seven innings would be like changing high school games, which are currently at seven innings, to five innings.

Theoretically, middle school and junior high games, currently at six innings, would be ‘shortened’ to four. Can you imagine a four inning game?

Players would get to bat maybe twice in the game, and if you are a bench player, you probably would not see the field at all. I get that playing time is not guaranteed, but at that level, you would hope that everyone would get to play a little bit.

Although the new rule that shortening innings would only be applied to the MLB, and the situations I mentioned are purely theoretical, a decrease in playing time would still be a reality for the professional players.

If the MLB decides to shorten the game, all of the players would have to learn new strategies and rules, and there would be major problems and confusion for the first couple of seasons.

The MLB needs to realize that baseball is fine the way it is played. They have even instituted new things at our very own Great American Ball Park that help keep the fans engaged in the sport.

There is a reason that opening day in 2014 was a sellout. I do not want to see the game worsen, and I hope you do not either.

For comments on this column, please write to shsstudentvoice@gmail.com THE LEAF | SPORTS 17

APRIL 30, 2014

Opinion

Staff Editorial Escape we can support

“

Leafing through the masses: How has music changed your life?

18

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

There are more genres now than there have ever been before. Music is easily accessible at all times, through iPods, YouTube, and the radio.

As teens, it has come to our attention that mood plays a huge factor in what kind of music individuals enjoy. People who experience depression, anger, joy, and even stress can find refuge in songs.

Music in our time is used in ways it never has been before. Not only does it help us manage our emotions, it also keeps us occupied at all times.

Music binds us together. It unites groups and is used as an instrument of change. Music is the blood that pumps through our collective system. It is time to celebrate music for what it is: the sound of a generation.

MUSIC HAS CHANGED MY LIFE

BY BEING VERY INFLUENTIAL ON THE HUMAN BODY FOR ATHLETICS. PIP KREMCHEK, 9 PARTICIPATING IN DIFFERENT ORCHESTRAS AND GROUPS GIVES YOU A LOT MORE PERSPECTIVE AND APPRECIATION FOR PERFORMERS AND THE WORK THEY PUT IN. JESSICA WEI, 10

PHOTO COURTESY OF RILEY KURTZ

Music is powerful. It evokes feelings and gives individuals a way to express themselves and share ideas, whether through poetic lyrics or throbbing anthems.

No matter what, we all seem to relate to it and find ourselves easily getting tangled within the melodies that we listen to on repeat, whether it is when mom and dad are fighting or when we find ourselves madly “in love.”

We use it as an outlet to forget about the world.

Music has become a form of psychological medicine, and some even say they can’t “live” without it. We are a younger generation who just happened to live during a time when it dominated the world.

IT IS A WAY TO EXPRESS YOURSELF AND IT IS ALSO A JOURNEY. I AM TEACHING MYSELF HOW TO PLAY DIFFERNT INSTRUMENTS. BRENNON SHANKS, 11

THE SHARED INTEREST AND LOVE OF MUSIC HELPED ME MEET MY HUSBAND IN HIGH SCHOOL. ALSO, SOME OF MY BEST FRENDSHIPS AND EXPERIENCES HAVE BEEN THROUGH MUSIC. MRS. SOFIA FIEST, ENGLISH TEACHER

OPINION

Plans for planes: what missing

Column:

The End of an Era

Malaysia flight has taught us TAYLOR EVANS

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

W

MICHAEL SAXON

EXECUTIVE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ELLEN MARTINSON

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

It is astounding the plane has not been located considering the number of countries involved in search efforts. The United States government should stop funding the search for the plane.

At some point the public needs to realize that the plane crashed, unfortunately leaving all passengers dead. A further continuation of the investigation would only result in more money put toward an outcome that we already know.

In light of this awful event, airlines and governments have the opportunity to improve the way they monitor planes and their whereabouts. Additionally, this reaffirms the need for modern GPS systems, rather than antiquated radar tracking technology, developed in the 1950s.

In this day and age, with our extensive modern technology, no one imagined the tragedy that would ensue on such a routine part of people’s lives.

Even though Earhart’s plane was never found, it made aviation reevaluate the means in which air travel exists.

Hopefully, we can learn valuable lessons from Flight 370 and improve our safety when flying.

IMAGE BY CAROLINE GAO

e all know the story of Amelia Earhart and her mysterious disappearance while flying over the Atlantic Ocean. Once again, the world has been shocked by another sudden aviation disaster.

No one expected this strange mishap to occur; similarly, no one has expected it to take as long as it has to find the whereabouts of Flight 370.

While it is important for the families and the general population of the world to find closure, there comes a point at which the search needs to be picked up by an independent search party. Nations around the world have poured countless tax payer dollars into the investigation to find the “ghost plane.”

A timeline needs to be set for the remainder of the search.

Otherwise it will be nearly impossible to accept the fact that the various nations involved were not successful in their efforts.

Weeks have passed since Flight 370 disappeared, and few days remain for searchers to recover the Black Boxes which consist of vital information, directly from the plane’s internal system.

The Malaysian flight crisis has brought both tragedy and new information the public. “There seems to be a lot of uncertainty concerning the disappearance of the plane. I hope the search parties can get some definite answers soon, especially for the friends and families of the passengers,” said Sabrina Kaul, 10.

On May 24, I will no longer be considered a student of SHS. Instead, I will be an alum – a person of the past.

However, after almost four years at this school, it’s tough to act like I won’t care about it’s future. I do, and perhaps always will.

When Mr. Chris Davis resigned on March 18, I immediately saw it as an opportunity: an opportunity for Sycamore to improve and to grow.

After discussing certain aspects of the next principal’s tenure (both informally with my peers and in a focus group conducted by assistant superintendent Frank Forsthoefel), I’ve arrived at three major conclusions: 1: He or she should be visible, and work to build relationships with staff and students alike. When discussing this with other students, University of Cincinnati’s President Santa Ono was frequently cited as an example of someone who does a good job of interacting with the people at his school, whether it’s through spirited tweets or appearing at a fundraiser at a basketball game.

While I’m not suggesting that the new principal must have a strong social media presence, perhaps a little visibility outside of the office would be the first step in building meaningful relationships with people around the school. And, it may just improve school spirit, which seems to have disappeared recently.

2: Not only should the next principal be an effective communicator, he or she should take steps to improve the methods of communication here at SHS. For example, there has to be a better way to get information across to students than the morning announcements, where gym classes can’t hear them and other classes simply choose not to.

Furthermore, there are times when students, all 1,789 of us, seem to be out of the loop. Can the new principal devise a way to inform students quickly when something important happens, instead of us relying on emails sent to our parents? We deserve to know what’s happening just as much as they do.

3: The next person in line must recognize the diversity we have at this school, and I don’t just mean ethnically. While we have approximately 50 nations represented at Sycamore, we are also a frontrunner when it comes to the variety of courses offered, and especially when it comes to various clubs and activities available to students. The new principal should learn to appreciate all of them, not just the prominent ones. Perhaps by meeting with a group of students from all walks of Sycamore once a month, he or she can keep a finger on the pulse of the school.

THE LEAF | OPINION

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SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

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heetz showcases original talents tudent juggles unique skills

BROOKE LANDRUM

SPOTLIGHT CHIEF

K

evin Sheetz, 9 is proof that the Internet can be used for more than just wasting countless hours online.

Through sites like YouTube, Sheetz developed a set of talents of which most people only dream.

Sheetz has entered the world of juggling, yo-yoing, and advanced Rubik’s cubing.

While these may not have much in common, Sheetz has a system that relates all three.

“Most of them have an algorithm or some sort of science that goes along with them and can be used to work out the tricks, especially with the Meffler’s [Rubik’s Cube] challenges,” said Sheetz.

Sheetz got into juggling by looking for something to pick up, which led him to YouTube and instructional books and videos. Since working out basic tricks, Sheetz has taken his talent to the next level.

“I attended the International Juggling Association Convention (IJAC) this past summer. It was so amazing because there were people of all experience levels there,

anywhere from five year olds there were yo-yo-ists in one who ‘know how to juggle’ to corner and diablos in another. the best in the world,” said It was just a bunch of really Sheetz. cool talents everywhere,” said As of now, Sheetz has a Sheetz. few goals for himself for his This also allowed Sheetz juggling career. Mainly, he to learn more about another aims to learn new patterns hobby of his, yo-yos. Again to use in his technique, like using YouTube to teach chops. himself the basics and then Sheetz is a part of the SHS more advanced tricks, Sheetz juggling club was drawn to an “And it is and uses it as account called Expert an opportunity Village. awesome. to further his The account I mean skills and teach breaks down tricks it, it is others as well. step by step with the really Every Monday intent of teaching awesome” after school he others how the tricks Kevin Sheetz, 9 work. The best trick collaborates and battles with Sheetz considers people like Max Poff, 10, Joe himself able to do is named Fisher, 10, and Jonathan “McBride roller-coaster.”

Rollins, 11.

The last special talent that The yo-yo world champion Sheetz has is solving Rubik’s was also at the IJAC. puzzles. He believes that According to Sheetz, there Rubik’s Cubes and especially were a fair amount of people his Meffert’s Challenge cube who had other talents can be solved using basic than just juggling at this algorithms that can be easily convention. figured out if paid attention to.

“There is somewhat a “I just kinda like to keep my community of people who hands busy, so I started doing have these kinds of quirky stuff like this,” said Sheetz. talents. So at the convention there were mostly jugglers but

APRIL 30, 2014

Spotlight

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1) Since the convention, Kevin Sheetz has moved into juggling four or more balls. He can also juggle rings and clubs.

2) The International Juggling Association Convention took place in Bowling Green last year. While Sheetz was there, he began four-ball juggling.

3) This is a yo-yo similar to ones used by Sheetz. He began on a traditional fixed axle yo-yo and moved up to higher quality ones from there.

4) Sheetz claims that the Meffert’s Challenge cube is somewhat easier than a regular Rubik’s cube.

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4 THE LEAF | SPOTLIGHT

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