April 2012 Issue by Sycamore High School

The Sycamore Leaf

Friday, Apr. 27, 2012 | Volume LIX Issue 9 | 7400 Cornell Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 | 513.686.1770 ext. 3089| goaves.com

News

Retiring teachers >>The first of two installments profiling retiring educators

Opinion

Kony 2012 >> Students should pick up knowledge before a picket sign

Feature

SHS goes abroad >> Photos of the AP European History and French trips

Taking Aim Kelsey King

broadcast editor-in-chief

Shea Lothrop

Aditi Sharma

business manager

managing editor

ach year, Dartwars is the subject of seemingly endless controversy, and this year is no exception. Two students analyze the benefits and risks of participating in the tournament.

Pro

A&E

Into the Woods >> Acting Ensemble adds a little magic to spring musical

Sports

Thongs really are quite simple things, including in dart wars. Yes, the controversial game has returned this spring and brought about the interminable arguments with it. While many become engrossed with the few participants that get in trouble and the ensuing moral obligation to suppress the springtime ritual, they do not see the entire picture. SHS makes it conspicuous that Dart Wars is not a schoolbased activity. Therefore with no school affiliation, Dart Wars should remain as a student led activity with no rule changes imposed by the school.

The majority of students lead a life of activities carefully planned, structured and controlled by adults; whether academics, sports, or other extracurricular activities. This generation is criticized because of dependence upon parents and not being able to figure things out for ourselves. Dart Wars is rare opportunity for students to organize, lead and manage a large group of peers while having fun at the same time. With all games comes a set of rules. Dart Wars has several, and one of the emphasized points would be getting into trouble with the law will not be tolerated and that individuals who do will immediately be removed from the game. Spending time with friends outside of school and chasing classmates around with Nerf Guns to “kill” each other with darts may be incredibly pointless, however if this being proclaimed as one of the biggest problem faculty can think of, SHS should be rejoicing. It gives students something to do in their free time, something not harmful to themselves, or others. There is nothing wrong

with dart wars itself, just the decisions some have previously chosen to make. And they paid their consequences. Students created dart wars in 1995 as a simple way to have fun outside of school with fellow classmates. Just as clothing styles and music has changed with the years, so has the way in which participants play Dart Wars. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. If students want to flounce around in a thong carrying around a Nerf Gun- have at it. As long as the judgments made by the players are moral, dart wars is a positive activity that gathers joyful spirits and hysterical situations.

Con

Does the image of a high school student running around in a thong with a gun sound appealing? Those who answer no may not have a problem with the actual game of Dartwars but just with the rules. “I think the game would be a lot of fun if some of the rules were altered and the time frame of the game was shorter,” said Officer Paul Payne. This six week long competition involving nerf gun war has crashed into the lives...

>>Dart Wars Continued p.2

Varsity lacrosse >> The clock is ticking for the SHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse team to turn their season around

DARTWARS STRATEGIES, SUCH AS car blocking, provoke heavy criticism of the game. Opponents say this strategy is dangerous and inconvenient, while proponents argue that it is okay if used appropriately and moderately.

All images by Aditi Sharma.

Student scientists speed to state Joseph Ahn

feature chief

A volcano made of clay that spews vinegar and baking soda. Bright model rockets that can fly up to 50 feet. Various children’s movies and games have portrayed science fairs as such. Turns out, most SHS science projects deal with much more sophisticated topics. “People think that science fair is easy. It’s not. It took our team almost 40 hours to plan, research, and create our project. It’s harder than people think,” said Brennon Shanks, 9. Shanks, with Isaac Harmon, 9, and Daniel Henderson, 9, took the protein sequences of various primates and then compared them to a human sequence using computational biology. They were three of 17 students from SHS who received superior ratings and will proceed to districts at the University of Cincinnati. Projects were judged on the knowledge achieved, the use of scientific method, clarity of expression, originality, and teamwork. Another student proceeding to UC is Rajat Bagheria, 10, with his project: Nitrates and Phosphates. “I felt like I worked harder this year. I knew what to expect at UC. I’m really excited to go to State,” said Bagheria. To move to state, which is held at Ohio State University, students must receive a superior rating at UC. At OSU, projects are again rated and given the chance to win more awards. This year SHS received the prestigious Harold C. Shaw Memorial Award for the second year in a row. But there is a problem. Each year, the district science fair competition costs almost $50,000 to fund, and they can no longer run this event. “It’s really a shame. This is such a wonderful opportunity to work independently to get scholarships and recognition,” said Henderson. Also, UC needs funds to be able to send the projects to Pittsburgh, where four projects are sent straight from UC for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). “We need your support in order to get our students competing at the 2012 ISEF event!” said Tom Cruise, UC Director, in an ISEF announcement from UC.

Index NEWS 2-3 CALENDAR 4 OPINION 5-9 FUN 10 FEATURE 11-13 A&E 14-16 SPORTS 17-19 SPOTLIGHT 20

4.27.2012

Retiring teachers say goodbye News >>goaves.com >>the sycamore leaf

Advice to students: Advice to students:

“I would say that eﬀort makes a big diﬀerence.”

Mr. Donald

Testerman on teacher

“To succeed you must work hard and persevere.”

>>Dart Wars Continued p.1

What will you miss the most from SHS? “I will really miss the students and colleagues.”

Mrs. Ch

cati Physical Edu

ikako P ierson

31 years at SHS

Japanes

e tea

What will you miss the most from SHS? Interacting with students and staﬀ. What is your favorite memory from your years here? I have many good memories which would be hard to single out. I have enjoyed teaching the Outdoor Recreation classes very much. What part of retirement are you most excited for? Being able to do more camping, fishing, and golfing. Any parting words? I am very grateful for what Sycamore has done for me.

cher 21 years a t SHS

What part of retirement are you most excited for? Life at SHS has always been very busy. I will surely enjoy the ‘slow life.’ What is your favorite memory from your years The Japan Bowl competition teams in 2005 won both first and second places at all levels. As a result, all levels of the first place teams went to Washington D.C. representing Ohio and were able to meet other student champions from other states. The Japanese embassy held a reception for us at the embassy. It was a very great honor and wonderful experience.

Advice to students: Advice to students:

” Two things: be a bright light not a night light” and “There is one thing in your life no one can take from you: your education!”

Mr. Steve

Jostworth

Business te

acher

27 years at SH

What is your favorite memory from your years here? The friendships developed as well as the sense of accomplishment and knowledge gained by students that were in my classes. The creation and development of the Sports and Entertainment Management/Marketing course and the impact the course had on interested students. What part of retirement are you most excited for? Start on my bucket list. Being able to travel in the fall and go south in the winter months. No longer being regimented to a 7:00 – 3:00 workday each and every day. What will you miss the most from SHS? The daily interaction with the staﬀ, fellow business technology deptartment members, and most importantly the students. Teaching truly keeps you ‘young.’

Wasem y h t o r o her Mrs. D ion teac ducat Special E rs at SHS

“Never give up on your goals. Be determined to succeed and you will. If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you. Get involved in all aspects of your high school career.”

27 yea

What will you miss the most from SHS? The wonderful teaching staﬀ I was privileged to work with as well as the opportunity to work with a variety of students through the years. What is your favorite memory from your years here? There was one Senior prank that was pretty funny and well received from Mr. Tut Lambert, the Principal. They moved his entire oﬃce to the commons and had it set up in exactly the same way as it was upstairs. What part of retirement are you most excited for? Sleeping late in the morning. Seriously, I am looking forward to exploring some things that I haven’t had time to do while teaching. I am sure I will continue to do some things that involve students. That has been such a large part of my life for so long. Most importantly spending more time with my family , friends, and dog.

Sophomores debate internet piracy controversy Image by Ana Barros

Shea Lothrop

business manager

igh school is filled with avoidance. Of course, everyone practices it in different ways. Some use avoidance when they purposely glance away from teachers in hopes of not getting called on to answer the question at hand. Others when they decide it is best to try a different hallway route so they do not have to pass that one person. Because that awkward eye contact is best to avoid at all costs. Although many SHS students try their best to avoid engaging in any topic relating to politics, there is one event when that is impossible to avoid: sophomore debates.

Every sophomore- whether in academic, honors, or accelerated- is required to participate in the annual sophomore debates. On Apr. 13, each sophomore English class was presented with the resolution: a federal law should be passed banning the usage of file sharing websites in order to protect the rights of the owner. “Debate topics are always really unexpected, but I believe the topic this year will be good to debate because you can equally defend both sides,” said Gabe Schenker, 10. The debate process is the same as in years past, beginning with in-class debates. Each class will then select the five best debaters who will then advance to all-star debates in a tournament-style bracket.

“I think it will be interesting to see who wins because it involves the entire class. And of course I am very excited,” said Jackie Rudich, 10. In January a major bill, SOPA, was proposed by Congress and aimed at preventing internet users from using copyrighted products they did not pay for. This controversial bill was quickly protested by both Google and Wikipedia which can undoubtedly be used as a large portion of an argument. Some of the most frequently used websites would have been regulated by the federal government, to ensure no copyrighted material was stolen. Adam Smith would turn in his grave after hearing that one. Also explained at the brief debate meeting was how

each team is set up with two constructive speeches and two rebuttals. With the entire class watching and AP English students judging, only one debate team will win the competition, obtaining a prize of free parking passes for the next school year. “I’m really looking forward to debates, I’ve heard a lot of amazing things about them. I really hope this comes out as a positive experience,” said Jonathan Jih, 10. Though it may be tempting to quickly change the channel when republican debates appear, it may do some good to learn the tactics of real debaters in order to have success with the upcoming sophomore debates.

of some SHS students. With their eyes on the prize of the $1600, some will do anything to get it, including potentially putting themselves and the others around them in danger. But is it really worth it? In 2004, officers had to draw a gun on a student and threaten another with criminal charges, due to problems with the game. Police were worried that a scared homeowner may confuse a dartwars player with a real criminal. With the Trayvon Martin case still flashing on our screens, the dangers this game may ensue are ever more evident; imagine how the police and homeowners must feel now. A large part of this game takes place at night. Because toy guns look so much like real guns in the dark, people often mistaken and take action. “I do not think that students always think about the unintended consequences; a concern is that someone who does not know anything about this game may react in a negative or harmful manner,” said Superintendent Dr. Adrienne James. With questionable rules in play, many parents are unaware of the agreement they sign allowing their children to play. The thong rule states that a player cannot be shot while wearing only a thong. Questionable thongs must be deemed acceptable by the judges. In regard to this rule, a bus driver has already reported that her elementary students witnessed a male student running around in a thong. For boys, thongs cover all private parts, but girls’ upper halves are left for the world to see in an immodest light. All it takes is a picture to have a whole realm of legal issues to deal with, including sexting, which has been an issue at SHS in the past. Not only are the rules questionable, but teams have also been known in order to buy back into the game after clearly being eliminated. All in all, students will continue to play dart wars at SHS this year despite the arguements that surface every year. The game has the potential to appeal to more than just 200 students if some rules are altered so that it will appeal to a greater portion of the student body.

Notice: This issue of The Leaf is avaliable online in color. Scan the code or vist GoAves.com

news

>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

Ohio’s new report card School district grading system changing in August Atiya Dosani

news chief

s the next school year quickly approaches, Ohio districts could be receiving changes in their ratings. Schools will receive letter grades instead of the current labels, which vary from “Excellent with Distinction” to “Academic Emergency.” Ohio Governor John Kasich has been working to change the ratings in order to reflect higher standards, as well as to make annual reports easier to understand. “Our system is tougher [than before]. Our standards are higher, and we have new [state] tests on way,” said Stan Heffner, state schools superintendent, to The Cincinnati Enquirer. The new report card consists of four components, which will be calculated into an overall grade. The first of those is based on how well schools close the gap between their most disadvantaged students and the students without these disadvantages. The other three components are the percentage of state goals met, the overall performance based on test results, and the

“We are concerned that we are just amount of “value-added” growth that is learning about the new report card contributed to the students. system…all of our efforts this school year This stricter system of grading would and later this spring have been targeted cause all but 49 school districts in to the current system, which may no Cincinnati to go down in rank. In Ohio, longer be valid,” said Mary Ronan, 382 districts formerly received Cincinnati Public Schools’ Excellent; with the new superintendent, to The criteria, only 22 would Cincinnati Enquirer. have received an A. Other officials are Previously, 32 local worried that the districts were rated new report card as Excellent with will greatly harm Distinction, districts with high but only four with numbers of disadvantaged would have received students, such as Princeton this grade after system City Schools. changes. These “It seems to be another four districts are District Rating attempt to downgrade Sycamore, Indian the importance of Hill, Mason, and public education,” said Gary Ross. Pack, superintendent of Princeton, One goal of this system to The Cincinnati Enquirer. is to make it easier for the The real test will be in August community to understand when the revised system is enacted. reports. However, some school officials Whether or not it is effective will then be do not agree that it will create ease, and determined. think that it will only complicate things.

EXCELLENT Distinction

Image by Atiya Dosani

SHS, UC announce groundbreaking program Lila Englander

news chief

“When I was a child and you saw somebody with a disability, people would stop and stare and point at them. People with disabilities were hidden away,” said Pam Saeks, mother of Karly Saeks, alumni of SHS special education program. Today, the Law of Inclusion requires public schools to provide appropriate education for students with disabilities. Unfortunately, when these students reach senior year, inclusion ends. Those without disabilities attend college, but students with intellectual disabilities cannot. To solve this problem, SHS

We make math make sense!

created Project Launch, which calling it the Transition and extends the SHS program to the Access Program (TAP). University of Cincinnati (UC). Starting in fall 2012, TAP However, the pariticipating will be a four-year program students for students were just with intellectual daily visitors. It opened their eyes and opened disabilities. They Pam, along their minds to the possibilities. will be official with the I really credit SHS at the end of UC students, Mayerson the day for making this possible. attending classes Foundation, Pam Saeks, and living in believed advocate for TAP dorms. these “We envision a students deserve a true college world where young adults with experience. intellectual disabilities have The faculty of SHS and UC the option of post-secondary agreed. UC decided to adapt education,” said Heidi a program from the College of Mendez, director of TAP, in a Charleston and become the first UC news release. public university in the country to have such a system,

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the top 10 highest paying college degrees all have one thing in common: MATH. Whether you need help catching up or are trying to boost your test scores, we can help!

513-984-1212

Located in The Crossings of Blue Ash 9525 Kenwood Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242 www.mathnasium.com

To help familiarize TAP students with class material, they will be given special pre and post class teaching sessions. “Karly is able to go to college, just like everyone else. I am so proud and grateful for the people at SHS and UC that believed in this vision,” said Pam. TAP will not only provide this landmark program for UC students, but serve as a model for other universities. Without SHS, UC may never have become the first university in the country with a program like TAP.

Aaron J. Fritzhand, D.P.M.

Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Surgery

(513)563-7755 (513)563-0768 Fax

222 Piedmont Ave. 2123 Auburn Ave. 10475 Reading Rd Suite 6300 Suite 722 Suite 304 Cincinnati, OH 45219 Cincinnati, OH 45241 Cincinnati, OH 45219

4.27.2012

Europe’s economic suicide Isaac Harmon

opinion chief

Last fall, Europe appeared to be on the verge of financial meltdown. But the European Central Bank came to its rescue. This action directly supported the banks and indirectly supported the governments, putting an end to the panic. Instead of rethinking its current standard used to ease crisis, Europe doubled down on failed policies. Spain is the center of crisis with the unemployment rate at 23.6 percent. Unlike other European stories, Spain wasn’t fiscally corrupt. It had low debt and a budget surplus. Unfortunately, it also had an enormous housing bubble, partly made possible by loans from Germany. When the bubble burst, the economy was left high and dry. Spain’s fiscal problems are a consequence of its depression, not its cause. Nonetheless, Germany’s prescription for Spain is more fiscal austerity. Europe has had years of experience with severity programs, which have resulted in worsening depressed economies. Abandoning the euro and restoring national currency may be disruptive economically and politically, but continuing on this course is inconceivable. For comments on this column, please write to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com

Mother’s Day is May 13th!

4.27.2012

From debates to dresses: Your top to-do this May Zachary Fritzhand calendar chief

Best value

Senior Art Show What: Seniors in AP Studio Art display their work in front of the entire community Where: Front lobby When: May 4 at 5 pm Why you should go: To support your fellow seniors as they excel in art Cost: Free

Landscapes of Reflection What: Monet’s works on display Where: The Cincinnati Art Musem When: Every day through May 13 Cost: Free

SHS & District

Jazz Band Concert Where: SHS auditorium When: May 7 at 7:30 pm Cost: Free

SHS Orchestra Concert What: SHS musicians perform under the direction of conductor David Smarelli Where: SHS auditorium When: May 9 at 7:30 pm Cost: Free

Around Springtime of last year Amanda Pescovitz, 12, and Ellen Wang, 12, united at the March Madness Poetry Contest. Pescovitz read her peom, “There Are No Ghosts,” aloud, as Wang sat in amazement with the rest of the audience. “I could picture these three little kids going through the haunted house,” said Wang. Wang knew from this very moment that she wanted to be a part of this amazing story. “I sought her out and asked if I could illustrate. By the time of this year’s Pancake Day I had put the illustrations with my art display. People were giving me a lot of positive feedback,

>>goaves.com >>the sycamore leaf

Lauren Glynn

calendar chief

Band Concert Where: SHS auditorium When: May 10 at 7:30 pm Cost: Free

Sophomore Debates What: Final sophomore debate tournament Where: SHS auditorium When: May 23

U4U Benefit Concert

What: All proceeds go to Unified for Unifat. Live bands and intermission acts, raffle, food. Where: Blue Ash Town Square When: May 4 from 7:00 to 11:00 pm Cost: Free

Zumbathon

What: Benefits upcoming Relay for Life; Sessions throughout the night; No dance skills necessary When: May 4 from 6:30 to 9 pm Where: Gregory Center Cost: $7 entrance donation

No School

What:No school due to Memorial Day When: May 28

Benefits

Lax 4 Lives

What: Sycamore Lady Aves lacrosse v. St. Ursula to raise awareness for panceratic cancer. Pack the stands with purple! Where: Sycamore Jr. High Stadium When: May 3 at 7:30 pm

Community Kings Island Opening Day What: Kings Island resumes regular daily schedule When: May 11 at 10 am Cost: Gold passes starting at $28.33

Kenzie’s CLOSET Dress Drive What: Dresses and other accessories accepted, available for students who would not otherwise have a prom dress. Where: Drop off in Room 256 When: Through May 4

News in Brief Students team up to publish book:

Events

and wanted to buy copies,” said Wang. A publisher gave feedback saying that she really liked the artwork. The two seniors met with the publisher and are now on their way to having their very own book published, called Createspace. It will also be put on Amazon after the final touches are completed.

Seniors not responsible for unexpected outage:

At 9:15 am on Apr. 9, SHS was forced to send students home. As students walked through the commons before the start of school, lights were flickering, and parts of the building received no light because of the power outage. “When I walked in the building

Reds vs. Cubs What: First home game of May for the Reds Where: Great American Ball Park When: May 1 at 7:10 pm Cost: Tickets starting at $5.00

Lauren Glynn

calendar chief

I saw lights flickering like strobe lights, and I thought that maybe someone played with the lights,” Alex Boone, 12. Many students have heard the rumor of the power outage being a prank. That statement is false, and there is no proof that is was a senior prank. “The reason for the power outage is that the old transformer stopped functioning properly, which is why only parts of the building had power,” said Officer Paul Payne. During first bell, the administration made an announcement that the older parts of the building were not receiving power and that throughout the day the situation would gradually get better. Within minutes the school lost most of its power. Duke was able to only temporarily fix the problem until

ADAM FINER, 10, A member of the ‘11 - ‘12 SHS Band. The upcoming concert will be the ensemble’s final performance of the year, a culmination of a year of work. Image by Lauren Glynn

Shea Lothrop

business manager

they are able to fix the transformer with the broken piece. Until then SHS is on watch for another power outage.

YMCA award leads to TV time for Constand: Sincere, ambitious, responsible, and authoritative are all

attributes of people who win the YMCA Character Values Award. It just so happens the first letter of each of those adjectives spells out Sara, as in Sara Constand, 10, who has won this prestigious honor. The intention of this award is to celebrate and honor those youth who are positive role models for others and exemplify the YMCA’s core values: caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty.

Britton Kemp

staff writer

Constand, along with 39 other outstanding teens from the Cincinnati region, was presented with this award. Though she found out she won the award a few months ago, Fox News recently did an interview with Constand on receiving the award. “It was an exciting experience to be on TV because it was something I had never done before,” said Constand. Through her leadership at Camp Ernest, Constand has set an example for fellow SHS students to strive for. To submit a story tip for this section, contact The Leaf at writetotheleaf@ gmail.com. Please include your name, grade, story tip, and any additional details or contact information that can be provided.

PERSONAL TRAINERS WORLD We Offer: High Qualified and Experienced Trainers. Trainers who are especially efficient and knowledgeable about working with and developing young people. Our instructors have all competed at the highest levels in their respective athletic fields.

**Newly added Youth Development Training League** We are a first class Basketball Training program in Northern Cincinnati

Opinion >>goaves.com >>the sycamore leaf

4.27.2012

Opinion We love Cincinnati 4

Kony 2012 Opinion

>> Cincinnatians leave Cincinnati in body, never in heart

leaf

Opinion 4 Break-the-fast

>> Students take action, without adequate background knowledge

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Editors-in-chief: Sarah May, Ellie Goldman Associate Editors: Sanika Vaidya, Rachael Sun, Isaac Harmon Managing Editors: Aditi Sharma, Ana Barros, Will Gawin Business Managers: Shea Lothrop, Atiya Dosani, Lila Englander Goaves.com Editor-in-chief: Kelcie Grega Broadcast Editors-in-chief: Tori Swart, Kelsey King News Atiya Dosani Lila Englander Opinion Alexis Corcoran Isaac Harmon Feature Rachael Sun Sanika Vaidya Joseph Ahn A&E Krittika Chatterjee Sports Michael Saxon Nakul Narendran Spotlight Aditi Sharma Kathryn Tenbarge Fun and Games Taylor Evans Ellen Martinson Cartoonist Lilly Lefton Web Masters Ruochen Tang Eli Seidman-Deutsch Enterprise Editors Allie Oh Lauren Saxon Staff Writers Lauren Altemuehle MacKenzie Boyd John Carroll Zachary Fritzhand Jordan Gause Lauren Glynn Jenny Ham Deepak Indrakanti Megan Jiang Ashleigh Jones

Britton Kemp Kelsey King Ellen Martinson Julia Mattis Ethan May Casey Rayburn Alma Rechnitzer Carmel Rechnitzer Liam Reis Cailin Rogers Brenda Shen Joseph Slovin Scott Stefani Zoe Vanjohnson Kristen Wessinger Ryan Wessinger Alex Wittenbaum Photographer Jeremy McDaniel 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

Dipal-Oh-tics

7400 Cornell Road | Cincinnati, OH 45242

Mission Statement: The Leaf, the official newspaper of Sycamore High School, serves as an educational tool in the training of student journalists to provide information and editorial leadership concerning school, national, and world issues, to provide a public forum for the exchange of ideas and viewpoints, and to give coverage to newsworthy events directly related to the diverse school population. Editorial Policy: Although students work under the guidance of a professional faculty member, the content is ultimately determined by the student staff and should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics about which there may be dissent and controversy. Students cannot publish material that is obscene, libelous, or will cause “a substantial disruption of the educational process.” Content that may stimulate heated debate or discussion is not included in this definition. The Leaf operates as an open forum for the healthy, robust exchange of ideas. Opinions expressed in the editorials are those of The Leaf staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged. All letters must be signed. The letters, not to exceed 300 words, may be edited for clarity, spelling, and grammar. Letters may be placed in Mrs. Cheralyn Jardine’s mailbox, dropped off in room 115, or e-mailed to jardinec@ sycamoreschools.org. The Leaf reserves the right to decide not to cover a death based on relevance, timeliness, and circumstances decided on by the editorial board. In cases that the editorial board decides not to cover a death, letters to the editor in regard to that death will be printed. The Leaf’s complete editorial policies can be found at www.goaves.com. For comments about columns, please write to writetotheleaf@gmail.com

>> Students skip the most important meal of the day

the Sycamore Sycamore High School

Final farewell SM Dipali

staff writer

Cartoon by Lilly Lefton

Staff Editorial Mention Dart Wars to various people living in the district and you are bound to receive a variety of answers. Some will react positively, testifying the impact this game had on their high school experience. Some will respond negatively, criticizing questionable rules and a legacy for corruption. Some will be unaware of the game entirely. Within SHS, however, the event is impossible to ignore. Tired-eyed upperclassmen seem to fill the hallways and commons, excitedly gossiping about controversy, kills, and strategy. The atmosphere of SHS changes when Dart Wars season begins, for good or for bad. This change in atmosphere is specific to SHS, as opposed to other schools who participate in similar

Nerf wars. With notorious rules and an all consuming nature, our school’s Dart Wars players seem to be willing to go further than any other’s. Such heavy demands on players mean that students should seriously consider before deciding to join a team. The rules are openly available for all to see, so parents and students can be fully informed when deciding whether or not to participate. And be informed they should. Many students have a tendency to take the game much too seriously, putting themselves and others at risk. Dangerous play takes the fun out of any game, and Dart Wars is no exception. As long as people remember to put safety and school first, Dart Wars can remain what it should be: an optional and rewarding competition that can significantly add to any student’s high school experience.

leafing through the masses What is your opinion on Dart Wars? I think that it looks like a fun competition, and I am looking forward to playing in future years.

Katie Oh, 9 It is really funny to hear the stories that go around. I think Dart Wars is a good way for teens to have fun outside of school.

Riley Miller, 12 I like the competitive part of it, but I don’t like all the cheating and politics that go into it all. Gregory Ulland, Math teacher

It’s hard to believe that this is my last issue of the Leaf; that the past four years have culminated into this column. It feels inconsequential and incredibly nostalgic all at once. See, the first piece I ever wrote for the Leaf was an opinion article on the 2008 election (big surprise, right?). So writing this final political column brings me back to those days as a dewy-eyed freshman. I remember entering room 115 on the first day of freshman year, terrified and exhilarated, not knowing that the bonds I forged and the experiences I gained over the next four years would change my life forever. To all the underclassmen of the Leaf (because one Will and Testament will never be enough), I say this: appreciate everything room 115 has to offer because you will find no other place like it. The company I have shared over the last four years has been inspiring and, more than anything else, has helped shape who I am today. To our readers (all three of you): a heartfelt thanks for sticking with us each month, even when we didn’t know what our opinion was on issue. Dipal-Oh-Tics attempted to show both sides of the argument. By doing so, I hope we helped some of you formulate your own opinions. I know – politics isn’t always the favorite subject among high school students. It’s taboo and boring and often times we believe it doesn’t matter what we think. But if the past four years have taught me anything, it’s that our opinion really can change things. And above all else, to my coeditor, co-columnist, and best friend, Emma: your friendship has meant the world to me these past few years. Though very few people have ever been able to understand how we could work together on so many things, it always made perfect sense to me. Each one of our projects has included the same basic tenets: a whole lot of procrastination, too much caffeine, about an hour of the giggles, and an indescribable, last ditch effort to do the best we possibly can. Somehow, you made everything memorable. Although I know I will have a severe case of separation anxiety in just a few months, I also know that our friendship is one that will last a lifetime. While this might be our last column, I can assure you that I will still always answer to the name that I’m called in the hallways: Dipal-Oh-Tics.

opinion >>the sycamore leaf

4.27.2012

>>goaves.com image by Ana Barros

There is no place like home

‘I will forever remember the place I consider home: Cincinnati’

Kelsey King

broadcast editor-in-chief

eaving high school not only marks a new chapter in your life, but an essential step in moving forward. “I will forever remember the place I consider home: Cincinnati. I am extremely blessed to get to say I was raised here,” said Tom Treta, 12.

Off on the road

After enduring 12 years of school, we are more than ready to blast open the doors on our final day as a senior. Graduation marks a time for moving on, starting over, and beginning on your own. When we leave for college. we are ready to say good-bye to our innocent past that is no longer a part of our future. SHS students take advantage of the many blessings Cincinnati has provided us in our many years of considering this great city our home. “I am proud to be from Cincinnati because I have lived here my whole life and I could not have imagined growing up anywhere else. When most people think of Ohio they think of farmland, but Cincinnati is not like that at all, it has been an extremely fun place to grow up. Someday I hope I get the chance to raise my kids here,” said Emily Fry, 12.

Why to love Cincy

When asked whether or not they love Cincinnati, so many say no because they link Cincinnati as boring and tedious. Cincinnati has a huge array of things to do, but it involves getting up and going out to see them. This year Cincinnati was voted the third best place to visit, according to lonelyisland.com. “Cincinnati has quietly transformed itself in the last decade into a worthy weekend getaway,” said writer Robert Reid.

Historical architecture

The pretty city on the Ohio River is home to some of the most unique architecture. The twisting brick roads of the Mt. Adams district date back past the 19th-century. The once-dangerous, emerging Over-the-Rhine, just north of downtown, is home to the Findlay Market and a sprawling collection of historic Italianate architecture.

Fun and only

Kings Island, which opened in 1972, has become one of the most popular attractions of Cincinnati. The newer rides introduced recently to the park include Firehawk, 2007, Diamond Back, 2009, and Windseeker, 2011. These attractions, however, will never take away from the publicity of the world’s longest wooden rollercoaster, The Beast. From the unique food, like Skyline Chili, Graeter’s Ice Cream, and Montgomery Inn’s barbeque, our hometown is one of the most exciting food capitals in the states.

Proud of your homeland

President Abraham Lincoln once said, “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” As much as leaving home is a valuable lesson that we all must experience in our lives, our past is what we have to thank for our future. When you round that corner on I-71 North up from Kentucky, you will smile at the beautiful city from which you were raised. We should be grateful for what lies ahead, but never forget the place we call home: Cincinnati.

ILOVECINCINNATI

‘Bet you didn’t know’

1. Which of these famous celebrities was born in Cincinnati? a. Nick Lachey b. Sarah Jessica Parker c. George Clooney d. Steven Spielberg 2. Which of these stars was a former mayor of Cincinnati? a. Neil Armstrong b. Jerry Springer c. Ted Turner d. Andy Williams 3. The John A. Roebling Bridge was the prototype for: a. The Brooklyn Bridge b. The Manhattan Bridge c. The George Washington Bridge d. The Queensboro Bridge 4. There are more U.S. Presidents from Cincinnati than any other city: a. True b. False 5. The Little Miami River is one of the few rivers in the world that flows north: a. True b. False

AFTER GRADUATION, SENIORS ARE so eager to leave home and start life as a college student that they tend to try and forget the past and only look forward to the future. Cincinnati is a huge part of all SHS student’s lives and we all need to remember the place we call home. For some of us, we have lived here our entire lives. Like they say, “there is no place like home.”

image by Kelsey King

So much t

Image by Kelsey King

staff writer

scover! Di

ANSWERS: 1) D; 2) B; 3) A; 4) A; 5) B *It is the Licking River in Northeast Kentucky

Lauren Altemuehle

Welcome To

Image by Ana Barros

opinion >>the sycamore leaf

>>goaves.com

Summer school: is it worth it? Jenny Ham

staff writer

here is a very valid reason for summer vacation, the human brain needs rest.” This quote from the 1987 Paramount film, Summer School, can be related to by most SHS students. The majority of SHS students cannot wait until summer break; constantly counting down weeks or even days. Summer is when everyone can cut loose and relax. It is a time of infinite fun, or maybe not. SHS teachers dish out summer work, causing students to moan, groan and procrastinate. If getting sparse summer work is this bad, summer school is, in essence, horrid. In the exposition of Summer School, Mr. Shoop is forced to teach summer school and is as unenthusiastic as the 83 percent of SHS students who say summer school makes them cringe. However, taking these core classes over the summer will then allow these students

to have more time for desirable electives or challenging courses. “Summer school is a great program that allows students to take courses in the summer, opening up spots for other non-core classes in their schedules,” said Jonathan Jih, 10. In a study from the University of Missouri, researchers discovered that without summer school, students can lose up to two and half months of grade level equivalency in math. Additional examinations reveal that students score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer than they did taking it at the beginning. With these statistics, summer school seems almost mandatory in order to retain information, take a slew of electives, and to clarify certain subjects. “Summer school is definitely a good way to get ahead and earn credit for a class that you don’t want to actually take for a year or semester. Sure it takes a lot of time, but if you can persevere, the reward at the end is a good one,” said Sky Kim, 12.

• Students enrolling for original credit need to register by May 18

opinion chief

Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate. ALICE. It seems that students at SHS are not taking much from the assemblies and demonstrations these core values. The original reason for the new lock down procedure was the incident at Virginia Tech in 2007. A famous picture shows several students sitting in a classroom near the shooter, just sitting and waiting. We have learned in the past couple of months the most realistic means of escape. At the Columbine, Virginia Tech, and recent Chardon, Ohio shootings, students were photographed attempting to hide under tables. One student claims that he hid under a table before a classmate of his told him to stand up and run away. These are the lessons students at SHS should be drilled on. Needless to say, sitting around and waiting while a lethal person is in a building is the least effective way to escape the gunman.

“We teach the students to escape first and then do whatever it takes to survive,” said Officer Paul Payne, School Resource Officer.

Following ALICE

All evidence points to the fact that escape is the first rule of ALICE training. This is not however, the lesson that most students take away from ALICE training assemblies. During assemblies for ALICE training, students use foam objects and tennis balls to throw at Payne as a role playing exercise where Payne acts as the shooter. “These demonstrations foster a Warrior Mindset and provide strategies and skills that will allow the students to survive any kind of attack throughout their life,” said Payne. The exercises are excellent memory skills, but they might be too excellent. In the actual case that our school is threatened by a shooter, students would likely stay, be noble, and throw things at a shooter rather than escape. “Students definitely remember the throwing demonstrations from the ALICE assemblies, because they are hands on and get people excited,” said Hayley Huge, 10.

Towne Square Animal Clinic Zeke Zekoff, DVM

“We treat all pets as if they were our own!”

• Students enrolling for credit recovery must register by June 14 • Full one credit classes are $375.00 • Last academic classes end on July 29 • Registration and fee payment for Summer School can be done online through my.sycamoreschools.org/ parentportal

Faults

There is little written about ALICE because it is such a new program, but the original purpose was to prevent students from staying in classrooms. Few students even know that the E in ALICE stands for evacuate. Another fault in the program rests in the fact that students are put in so many hypothetical positions that the chances of one happening are extremely rare. We are taught what to do in so many “what ifs” that students lose sight of the original lessons. For example, there is the color coding system. Students do not know how the color coding for the school works, and so many would not know what to do even if they were told which zone they were in. Rather than talking about each specific situation that could happen to us, we should be focusing on one major plan of action. Teenagers have significantly short memory spans and the numerous situations will not stay in their minds. A new approach must be taken if students are to understand the importance of the demonstrations and assemblies.

S A L O N

Beauty Inside & Out

Camille Jones, Hair Designer Specializing in Natural Haircare & Weaving 10921 Reed Hartman Hwy, Suite 225 Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 Phone: (513) 631-1400 Email: millsberry02@yahoo.com

9401 Towne Square Ave. Blue Ash, Ohio 45242 (513) 793-1875

FAX (513) 793-6703

townesquarestaff@hotmail.com www.townesquareanimalclinic.com Also check out United Pet Fund to help out local Animal Care and Service Organizations! www.unitedpetfund.org

In ve n t Meant To

Cincinnati joins tomorrow’s economy Lila Englander

news chief

ALICE leaves students unchanged Alexis Corcoran

4.27.2012

Kitchen Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-11pm Sun: 11am-9pm

8322 East Kemper Road Cincinnati, OH 45249 Phone: (513)489-7044

Great atmosphere, open air dining, amazing service

In our parents’ generation, success meant working for a large company, slowly moving step by step up the career ladder. Since the development of the Internet, the definition of success has been reshaped by the reality of constant change. There are two ways to view the ultra competitiveness of our generation. Among the difficulties are the challenges of getting into college or finding a job. Life becomes a race to set oneself apart, and it can be extremely daunting. The upside is the many opportunities that go along with the push to be different. Creative thinking can jumpstart a custom made career path. Many organizations and corporations seek new solutions to old problems. Until recently, Cincinnati was viewed as conservative and corporate. In the past decade, efforts to encourage innovation have increased. Examples include Cincinnati Innovates, Technology Entertainment and Design (TED), Strive, and the restaurant incubator. To encourage and highlight local innovation, the organization Cincinnati Innovates holds an annual competition in which anyone can submit their ideas just by simply going to cincinnatiinnovates.com and win awards for their videos. An organization called TED chose the slogan “ideas worth spreading,” and has stuck to this motto through inspiring web videos and global conferences. TEDx, a small mock version of TED, held an event in Cincinnati on Apr. 7, and Cincinnatians spoke about their own innovations. Strive is an organization founded in Cincinnati, recognized nationally for its innovation. Strive creates partnerships within the community to make unique contributions. For instance, a Strive partnership allowed Cincinnati Bell to collaborate with Taft High School. For the past five years, Cincinnati Bell employees have offered tutoring to Taft students twice a week. A free cell phone and laptop were given to students who maintained a 3.3 grade point average. As expected, grades skyrocketed. In Over the Rhine, the restaurant incubator is an example of turning innovative ideas into an accessible reality. The incubator provides free rent to decrease start up costs, allowing people with smaller budgets to try out new ideas. These organizations represent a rapidly changing Cincinnati. Our generation is one of the first of SHS students who can take part in the innovation based economy of tomorrow while we are young. For comments on this column, please email to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com

opinion

4.27.2012

>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

Kony campaign leads to deceptive information Kelcie Grega

web editor-in-chief

ntil the beginning of March, the name Joseph Kony and his ‘Lord’s Resistance Army’(LRA) was but an obscurity in the large network of social media. However, in just a small amount of time, Kony has been the talk of all major websites such as Twitter and Facebook. A video launched by a non-profit charity known as the ‘Invisible Children’ has been the major cause of such publicity. The 30 minute segment paints a vivid picture of the torment of thousands of Ugandan victims who have suffered abuse from Kony and his army. The LRA is known for its violence against civilians, including murder, rape and child enslavement. It is estimated that the LRA, under the direction of Kony, has abducted more than 66,000 children and forced them to fight in their army. Kony himself was charged with numerous war crimes in 2005 but as of yet he has not been captured. The U.S. has, for the last seven years, been trying to determine his location. In fact, as recently as 2011, President Barack Obama sent 100 troops over to Africa to help find and arrest Kony. The Kony 2012 campaign has the sole purpose of making Kony famous, or rather infamous, in order to spread awareness as to why his capture is essential. Their goal is to encourage more military intervention by the U.S. in order to help aid in his capture. A sequel to the video entitled, ‘Kony 2012: Part II Beyond Famous’, aims to provide a more in-depth look at Kony’s LRA. Merchandise such as t-shirts, stickers, wristbands, posters, and other paraphernalia have been sold in attempt to raise awareness for the cause. Volunteers have even been instructed to plaster the posters they have purchased throughout communities for the sole purpose of this charity. This will certainly touch the pocketbooks of many Americans, but is it really a worthy cause?

Examine all available information

The Ugandan army, ironically, has an equally horrendous reputation when it comes to crimes against humanity. Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, leads a corrupt and almost authoritarian rule. Meanwhile, Kony, who has not been spotted in Uganda for the past five years, continues to hide elsewhere and is rumored to be dead. The LRA’s numbers have now diminished to approximately 250-300 soldiers at most. The U.S. military’s African command has also been sending out troops against Kony since 2008. This fact is not mentioned at all in the ‘Invisible Children’ video. ‘Invisible Children’ has also been condemned to certain corruption. Their financial statements, open to the public, state that the organization spent $8,676,614 last year. Only 32 percent of these funds went into direct services associated with their cause while the rest went toward staff salaries, travel, and film production. This fact is far from ideal: The Charity Navigator rates their accountability two out of four stars because they refused to have their finances audited. ‘Invisible Children’ is also in favor of direct military intervention. Money that is raised will support the Ugandan Army, which, as was said earlier, is not to be completely trusted.

Take time to become educated

Kony is no doubt a very evil individual and by all means should be captured. That being said, it is also important to research a cause before blindly giving them money or reposting a video on Facebook or Twitter. The time it takes to watch Kony2012 is the same amount of time it takes to investigate the facts, which are all open and available to the public. Though the Kony2012 campaign has been extremely effective in catching the attention of youth, a slick video and attractive poster may not be a step in the right direction. Be smart and learn to question any organization that asks for money. As said by Mark Twain, “A lie can flash across the world in the time the truth takes to put its boots on.”

Notice: The information in this article is correct as of press time, Apr. 20.

DIRECTED BY JASON RUSSELL, KONY 2012 (left) is now one of the most viewed videos on Youtube. This video is aimed at getting Joseph Kony arrested. It has been posted and reposted all over Twitter and Facebook to help get the word out. Another video, entitled KONY 2012: Part II - Beyond Famous was posted on Youtube on Apr. 5 as a follow up to KONY 2012. The sequel offers a closer look on the LRA and specifies a “comprehensive aproach” to stopping Kony. Posters, like the one shown above, have been purchased by supporters and have been posted all over their hometowns on Apr. 20 as part of the campaign.

Opinions of the Masses: It is important to make sure you research a charity before you blindly support them. Marie Locey,11

I think that it is a good and noble cause, although I don’t necessarily agree with everything that goes on in the organization. Andrew Callaway, 12

IRONICALLY, WHEN SHOWED THE KONY 2012 video, some Ugandans were offended and others were enraged by it. Rocks were thrown and the screening had to end because of the anger it caused. Some say wearing Kony’s face on t-shirts and merchandise is almost an insult to their suffering, and others say that the mention of him is long overdue, especially since most of his crimes took place six years ago.

Image by Kelcie Grega

opinion >>the sycamore leaf

>>goaves.com

4.27.12

Break-the-fast:

Students skip their most important meal Megan Jiang

staff writer

Brenda Shen

staff writer

ives’ tales like “chicken soup is good for the soul and a cold” and “knucklecracking causes arthritis” are popularly told but have no scientific evidence found to prove them true. The claim “breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” however, is backed by research done by multiple organizations such as British Dietetic Association (BDA) and the American Heart Association. According to the BDA, up to 34 percent of children and adolescents are estimated to skip breakfast on a regular basis, a number that increases with age. High school students are at the top of the range. Even though multiple studies have been conducted to support the importance of breakfast, students are still skipping their first meal of the day.

Effects

Some students think that they do not have the time to eat breakfast. What they probably are not aware of is that skipping breakfast can cause lack of energy, weight gain, and gallstones, according to Livestrong Association. As people sleep, their glucose levels drop. Since glucose is the fuel that cells needs to produce energy, refraining from eating causes energy levels to drop. This is one of the reasons why people recommend eating a good breakfast before tests. “Even if I do not have to time eat breakfast in the morning, I make sure to buy some food at school,” said Anan Lu, 10. A study presented by U.S. News and World Report links skipping the morning meal with an increased risk of being overweight. When a teen skips breakfast, he or she is more likely to reach for unhealthy snacks before lunch.

This leads to excess calories and fat which promote weight gain. It has also been proven that those who skip breakfast are less likely to be physically active, because they do not have the energy to move when they have not eaten since the night before. “I always eat breakfast, and I usually have more energy than some of my friends who do not eat in the morning,” said Nikhil Grandhi, 11. According to the Weight-Control Information Network, skipping breakfast can contribute to the development of gallstones in the gallbladder. The gallbladder produces bile, which is used in intestines to break down fat and cholesterol. Going too long without eating leads to decreased gallbladder contractions, which are necessary to empty the bile. However, if the bile does not empty frequently enough, gallstones can form. These gallstones can lead to abdominal pain and other complications and may need to be treated with surgery. Not only should all students make the effort to eat breakfast, they should also opt for the healthier choice since it is considered “the most important meal of the day.”

Reasons Why

With all the harmful effects on the human body, students still miss breakfast for plausible reasons. With school starting as early as 7:20 a.m. and students going to sleep as late as midnight, kids feel like they do not have the time to eat. Some students simply do not like eating in the morning, or it may make them feel unwell to eat so soon after waking up. “It’s not that I don’t want to eat in the morning, it’s just that I feel sick eating so early,” said Stephanie Fleites, 9. No matter how you justify not eating breakfast, skipping it is detrimental to your health. It truly is the most important meal of the day.

Breakfast by the numbers Percent of students who skip breakfast more than once a week

Men are 2 times more likely to skip breakfast than women

Times greater the risk of obesity if breakfast is not consumed regularly

4.5

Millions of Americans who do not eat breakfast on a regular basis

Quick Fix: Breakfast in minutes -Granola bar: an easy grab-and-go. -Dry cereal: put some dry cereal in a plastic baggie to eat on your way to school. -Whole grain bagel with peanut butter: takes only a minute to prepare, but is packed with the neccessary carbohydrates and protein. -Fruit salad: can be cut and prepared the night before so you have a refreshing fruit salad in the morning.

-Breakfast smoothie: 1 cup milk, 1 banana, 14 strawberries, 1 tsp sugar. Blend and enjoy. -Cereal: classic cereal with milk. -Toast: smear the toast with butter. If that’s not enough, you could add some jelly and make a sandwich. Freezer breakfast: pop some Eggos or Toaster Strudel into the toaster for a nice easy breakfast.

Ages when people are most likely to skip breakfast

18-34

-Eggs: hard-boiled, poached, or sunny side up, eggs are a nutritious part of a balance breakfast. -Pancakes: pancakes can be made quickly with boxed pancake mix. Serve with syrup and they taste just as good.

4.27.2012

Everything you did not know about

The Hunger Games

Fun & Games

Taylor Evans

fun & games chief

1. The Hunger Games Trilogy are the third most banned books on the American Library Association’s “most challenged library books” list. 2. While horsing around on set, Jennifer Lawrence accidentally kicked Josh Hutcherson in the head, knocking him out and giving him a concussion. 3. It took Jennifer Lawrence three days to accept her role as Katniss Everdeen. 4. The movie cost $90 million to make and has grossed more than $300 million. 5. Half-thawed blueberries were used for the Nightlock berries.

Ellen Martinson fun & games chief

>>goaves.com >>the sycamore leaf

Have a comic or game you want to appear in the next issue? Contact The Leaf at writetotheleaf@gmail.com

Mind game: Sudoku

Fill in numbers such that every row, column, square, and diagonal have exactly one of each number, one through nine.

6. Most of the movie was shot in the woods of North Carolina. 7. Designers made at least 1,800 costumes for the characters in the capitol. 8. Tickets were first released on Feb. 22, and the sales broke the one-day record previously held by “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”. 9. Josh Hutcherson read the entire series to prepare for his role as Peeta Mellark. 10. The four note tune that Katniss uses to signal Rue is re-fa-mi-do in solfege.

Image by Taylor Evans

Doodles & Dimples by Joseph Ahn

mmm...

Stop! Where is the stash! Who’s your dealer?

Sycamore...

One Stop

Entertainment Where

ys “Great Hair” DaBegin! Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 3319 Erie Avenue, Suite 2R Cincinnati, Ohio 45208 (513) 321-0588

$200 OFF Full Service Car Wash Complete Auto Detailing

12105 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45249 513-683-4228

FULL SERVICE CAR WASH Present coupon for discount. Not valid with other offers.

one moment one chance one stop

Anniversaries Bar & Bat Mitzvahs Corporate Parties School Events Weddings Phone: (513) 318- 4556 Email: DJTodd@CincyDJs.com

D. William Lange, DMD, Inc

D. William Lange, DMD, MSD David W. Lange, DDS, MS

Practice Limited to Orthodontics 9157 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513) 791-0777

905 Main St. Milford, OH 45150 (513) 248-7100

Fax: (513) 791-7817

4.27.2011

Feature >>goaves.com >>the sycamore leaf

Enjoying OpinionEurope

>> Students in both the French and AP European History classes had an opportunity to take a trip to Europe over spring break

UnPhysical Education

Online gym course causes confusion Rachael Sun

associate editor

aced with the oxymoronic idea of such a class, many SHS students are unsure of how to respond when told about the option of taking PE not in school but instead through a computer. As with certain other required courses at SHS, the physical education credit can be obtained outside of the school’s framework. Programs such as Aves Academy allow students to do this. However, after spending years in a physically monitored gymnasium, the shift to a selfmotivated curriculum outside of school grounds may perplex prospective students. After all, isn’t the whole point of physical education for it to be physical? “The overall gist of gym class is hands-on activity, so online

gym in essence is a ridiculous idea,” said Jacob Belcher, 10. Obviously, the manual nature of a physical education course still holds the most value for many students. After hours of static sitting at desks, the movement that gym classes provide serves as a refreshing break from classroom monotony. So why does “online physical education” exist? Some people may begin to criticize the implications of such a course. Looking past the idea of an American obesity epidemic, the course in reality does not provide an excuse for those slackers lacking the discipline to run and chuck inanimate objects at each other for a semester. Instead, the idea of taking an online gym class should be perceived as an opportunity for those short on time, especially in their class schedules. “I think online PE would be really beneficial to those

students who do other sports. After taking a semester of gym, I realized that often I’d be tired by the time I got to practices,” said Evelyn Garrett, 9. Garrett, who dances for more than 16 hours per week, voices the views of many student athletes. While they recognize the value in daily exercise, the need to prioritize their efforts may drive them to consider the online scheme. There are other benefits of taking the class: by completing their physical education credit online, students would take the course without a teacher constantly monitoring them. This experience could help develop time management skills and personal motivation. In addition, the intensive health portion of the curriculum can be tailored to needs of students taking the online course; students decide for themselves the amount of time needed per topic.

Boundaries and limits still need to be set, however, for students interested in taking the course. Cyber students should be already physically active in order to guarantee the physical portion of the class. Although initially baffling, the entire idea of an online physical education course does appeal to some students. Many busy schedules could benefit from the selection of such a course. “On second thought, I hate having to take gym while playing two sports. Maybe it is a pretty good idea after all,” said Belcher. SABRINA EDDINE, 10, POSITIONS herself before swinging her club during the golf unit in her lifetime sports class. She takes this class during the school day in order to fulfill physical education requirements. Though it is the less common alternative, gym classes are avaliable to be taken online. Image by Sanika Vaidya

Giving back: environmental awareness Sweating under summer suns Earth Day raises

tudents take camps, internships over break

Megan Jiang

Im ag

staff writer

Each year, Apr. 22 marks the international holiday of Earth Day. It is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and is celebrated annually by over 175 countries according to earthday.org.

Julia Mattis

ae ch

un lS

Organic origins

Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin senator, founded the holiday in 1970. It was originally focused in the United States but later spread to other countries. In 2009, the United Nations designated Apr. 22 International Mother Earth Day. Nelson, an environmental activist, modeled the first Earth Day as an environmental teach-in following the horrific oil spill of 1969. Over 20 million people participated in the first celebration, and today there are over 500 million people all over the world that take part in the activities. “I think that Earth Day is a really good idea. People need to be more careful about how they treat the environment or else we may end up destroying our own planet,” said Lucy Farr, 9.

Helping hands

There are multiple ways to help the environment. To conserve energy, turn off lights when a room is empty. To

getting

conserve water, turn off the tap when it is not in use and take quick showers. To keep the earth clean, properly dispose of trash and do not litter. Buy a recycling bin and recycle plastic, aluminum, and paper. There are many volunteer opportunities available. These organizations help to make the community a cleaner and better place to live. Even children and businesses are helping to make the earth a cleaner place. Many businesses have started stocking products made from recycled materials. They encourage shoppers to bring reusable cloth bags to carry their purchases instead of

multiple plastic bags each time. “SHS has a good recycling program. Most of my teachers have boxes in their rooms where we can recycle papers and bottles,” said Nick Frankowski, 9. SHS is also home to the Environmental Club, which plants trees and flowers around the city of Blue Ash. Younger students are also recycling at school. Every school in the district has a recycling program, which teaches students at a young age to be conscious of the environment. Earth Day is a valuable holiday that encourages people everywhere to help make the earth a cleaner place.

Summer break provides students with their longest vacation of the year. In three hot months students can enjoy time off by diving into a swimming pool, traveling the world, or soaking up the sun. For certain SHS students, summer break is more than just enjoyable time off from school; many students, including Ilana Frankel, 9, get involved in summer camps, internships,

and workshops. These programs can really benefit teens; at camp people make strong lifelong friendships with kids from schools across the country. Internships provide great ‘real-life situations,’ invaluable experience, and look good on college resumes. As spring turns to summer some SHS students will be taking part in once-in-a lifetime adventures and while learning valuable lessons over their break.

Q&A with Ilana Frankel, 9 Which camp are you involved in? I go to Camp Livingston. This will be my fifth summer attending. My friend went to camp and really enjoyed her time there. She suggested that I would love it and encouraged me to go the next summer. That was in 2008 and I have gone back every year since.

What will you do? This is the first year in which camp will be different for me, I am doing a program called Adventures Unlimited (AU). As opposed to regular camp, where we stayed on the grounds the whole time, we will be going on trips to different sites. On the trips we will hike, swim, rock climb, zip line, and go white water rafting.

Where will you go? We will go on three different trips. We travel to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, ACE Adventure Resort in West Virginia, and places in Missouri. The plan is to leave camp on Sunday then return Thursday, and be at camp for the weekend before heading out again.

What are you looking forward to? I cannot wait to be with all my friends; most of us go to different schools or live in different cities or states so we do not get to see each other often. I am also really looking forward to all the activities and adventures.

feature

4.27.2011

Borbley Maoodle] [P

Yog

[La

>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

Bam

[Gr e

yho

Photo courtesy of Alora Reiff

Photo courtesy of Samantha Siler

Students adopt stray animals, become local heroes managing editor

Jordan Gause

staff writer

laire was 70 lbs. underweight and 75 percent blind. She was losing blood uncontrollably and near death when she was rescued. She is currently four years old, and one of the seven million animals entered in animal shelters worldwide. Now a healthy Great Dane, Claire will forever be haunted by the threat that is animal cruelty. Luckily for her, she was rescued and put under intensive care for the wounds she received while being owned by the Backyard Breeders, a group in Smithville, NJ, that breeds dogs and abuses them. For this dog, the Bastrop County Shelter Animal Control was her hero, slowly nursing her back to life. Similarly, students at SHS have become heroes to local animals after they adopted them from the streets or from the pound.

Students become local heroes

Alora Reiff, 10, has grown up around stray animals her whole life; since the age of three, her family has adopted a total of five dogs, three cats, and one guinea pig. “We saw no point in paying an excessive amount of money for a pet store dog when

there were so many that were currently being neglected in the homes they were in,” said Reiff. One of her dogs – a miniature Pinscher affectionately named Rebel – had been thrown out a truck window in a cage at a stop sign. When the Reiff family found out about him through their neighbors, they immediately decided to adopt him. Another one of her dogs – a miniature poodle named Bob Marley – had lived fifteen years in a cage and was both blind and deaf. After years of chewing on cage bars, all of his teeth had fallen out. The stories of her other pets are no less dramatic or painful, but the Reiff family welcomes each of them with open arms. “Adopting animals has changed my life by providing me with a sense of responsibility and friendship,” said Reiff. “It’s a fantastic feeling when I see my three current dogs with tails wagging ecstatically and smiling [when I get home].” Another local hero is Samantha Siler, 11, who has two stray cats and one stray dog. The reason for this, she says, is that the alternative would be for the animals to be sent to a shelter, where they are in danger of being killed due to overpopulation. “Even if a shelter is no-kill, they sometimes send their animals to kill shelters when they’re low on space,” said Siler. “And I don’t agree with the idea of killing animals.”

already here, don’t encourage the production of more, of too many, from cruel breeders.”

Animal cruelty reaches surface

There are an estimated 70 million stray cats in the United States, and only between three and four million of these are entered into animal shelters, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Many of these are simply lost pets with no proper identification. However, a majority are abused animals that were bred by groups like the Backyard Breeders who, as previously mentioned, leave the litters they breed out to die. Both Reiff’s and Siler’s pets were adopted from shelters housing animals in similar situations, but, unfortunately, this is not as common as it should be. There are many ways that one can help prevent animal cruelty, but the most important way is to be educated on the dangers it poses. “If you are thinking of adopting an animal, make sure you will be able to provide for it, love it, and take care of it and if you can you’ll get a great friend out of adopting an animal,” said Ryan Stoneberger, 10, another SHS student who adopts. Another important thing to remember is to avoid puppy mills. “Getting pets from mills encourages the problem; they breed dogs as much as physically possible under horrible conditions,” said Siler. “Adopt the dogs that are

Changing lives of pets, owners

“Adopting my pets has really opened my eyes,” said Siler. This statement has been consistent with both Reiff and Stoneberger, who also emphasized the fact that the experience of adopting stray animals was the best decision of their lives. To them, the thought of having helped save a life is what makes the adoption of their pets so special. It also helps them appreciate their pets so much more because they were able to play such an important part in their lives. “I realize now that strays make the most devoted, loving pets because they appreciate the love they’ve never experienced before,” said Siler. Similarly, these students have had an equal – if not greater – impact on their pets’ lives. Not only because they nurtured them back to life, but also because of the love and care that they gave, which these animals had never received before. “It’s hard to imagine how much difference one person can make in an animal’s life,” said Reiff. “But to them, we’re the light at the end of a very long tunnel.” Extended Q&A with Reiff, Siler, and Stoneberger www.goaves.com/staff/ana-barros/beats

Local heroes: Students adopt stray animals

It’s a fantastic feeling when I see my three current dogs with tails wagging ecstatically and smiling [when I get home]

Adopted: 1 dog, 2 cats

“

Adopted: 3 dogs

Strays make the most devoted, loving pets because they appreciate the love they’ve never experienced before

“

FACT or MYTH? Only pitbulls are used in dog-fighting rings

MYTH

Although pitbulls are commonly used in dogfighting rings, and have the reputation for being the dog of choice, other breeds are also fought. Akitas, Mastiffs and some terriers are also known to be used in fighting rings. At least one-third of cats are acquired as strays

FACT

Of the 86.4 million cats owned in the U.S., about one-third of them were strays. And of the 78.2 million dogs, 20-30 percent of them were adopted from shelter or rescues. Animal cruelty is committed only against cats and dogs

MYTH

Unfortunately, every species of animal on the planet is a potential target for abuse and cruelty. In the U.S., 25 percent of all animal cruelty cases are directed towards horses and livestock. It is possible to pass animalfriendly legislation in one’s state

FACT

“

Adopted: 5 dogs, 3 cats, 1 guinea pig

“

Ryan Stoneberger,

Samantha Siler, 11

Alora Reiff, 10

]

Photo courtesy of Alora Reiff

‘Who let the dogs in?’ Ana Barros

und

[My pets] give me a great friend that’s loyal and is always excited to see me, loves me, and makes me smile

”

By joining the ASPCA’s Advocacy Brigade, you can help support the passing of various bills in your state that will benefit stray and abused animals nationwide.

“

feature >>the sycamore leaf

European reunion: Students from French, AP Euro meet halfway around world Sarah May

editor-in-chief

>>goaves.com

Kristen Wessinger

staff writer

4.27.2011

Ryan Wessinger

staff writer

ABOVE, STUDENTS FROM THE French trip pose in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. From left to right: Victor Curz, 10, Alexis Wilsey, 11, Michael DeMaio, 11, Sandhya Krishna,11, Alexandra Logsdon, 10, Megan McCann, 11, and Mrs. Lesley Chapman, french teacher. BOTTOM, STUDENTS FROM AP EURO stop for a quick picture. From left to right: Shyam Parikh, 10, Rupali Jain, 10, Helen Burger, 10, Brian Waterhouse, 10, Leah Grinshpun, 10, and Jonathon Jih, 10.

TOP LEFT, ANDRIANNA DIMASSO, 10, does a handstand next to a structure in Europe. “It took me four tries to finally get a good picture,” said DiMasso. “The Euro trip was amazing and I had a great time being in Europe with all of my friends. It really was a once in a lifetime experience.” TOP RIGHT, THE PICTURE SHOWS students who visited the Hall of Mirrors on their exciting trip. The Hall of Mirrors was perhaps the most remarkable piece of King Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles. Since 2004, the Hall of mirrors has been transformed into a public museum. BOTTOM LEFT SHOWS THE statue of the famous “Thinker” in France. The thinker is located in the Rodin Museum. Rodin is the famous French artist who sculpted the statue. Posing next to the picture is Victor Kurz, 10. BOTTOM RIGHT, NICK HERSHEY, 10, stands with AP European History teacher ‘Miz’ Marilyn Ray. Hershey participated in Ray’s annual trip this year, visiting historic cities such as Paris, London, and Rome.

All images by Sarah May.

4.27.2012

Into the Woods >> Behind-thescenes: see revolving stage, orchestra, and more

After-prom >> Celebration of school spirit >> Aves continue dance after dark

Keenan West >>Anti-bullying message reaches students of SJHS and beyond

A&E 16

>>goaves.com >>the sycamore leaf

Choir seeks singers for 2013 tour Mike’s Sycamore Community Summer Singers to visit Italy, Croatia, Slovenia Ellie Goldman

and Croatia. The trips are a whirlwind schedule of European exploration, peppered with stops for formal performances and ever-important

roommates in hotel tubs, past participants cite the friendships they forge. “SCSS is different,” said Pauline Cappel, 12, two-time trip taker. “When you go to a

has taken a group to Italy before, but added new locales ost students to spice it up for “returners” have read about who attended the summer 2011 the glory of trip and will come back for historic St. Paul’s more. Cathedral in history class. Not 2013 marks the sixth and to one-up anyone, but the final high school international members of SCSS have sung choir trip that Gartner hosts. in it, releasing their notes up Coordinating the choirs fulfills to the tip of the iconic dome a long-held wish of hers. and hearing them reverberate “My personal touring and down a stunning seven singing experiences in Europe seconds later. during my senior year of The Sycamore Community college were unforgettable, and Summer Singers (SCSS) I want to continue to provide hardly have time to look back this experience for others,” said on their wealth of once-inGartner. a-lifetime memories from Choir members will attend last year as preparations are two rehearsals per month for being made for its Aug. 25 most of the 2012-2013 school auditions. year with nearly daily rehearsal SCSS is a group of high commitments becoming school vocalists who prepare mandatory in the two weeks to sing internationally. before take-off. Photo courtesy of Linda Gartner Students from any area Those interested in this high school are welcome THE SYCAMORE COMMUNITY SUMMER Singers perform in St. Paul’s Cathedral. adventure should attend to audition for the group of Although many of the program’s singers are not involved curricularly in choir, the an hour-long informational roughly 45-55 singers. summer program provided an opportunity for students to branch out. Additionally, meeting on June 7 at 7:30 p.m. SCSS has travelled every the choir accepted students from other schools. at SJHS or email Gartner78@ other summer since 2003 to whole different country with opportunities to purchase gmail.com if unable to attend. both experience and sing in people you don’t know, you famed European chocolate. Though the teenage future other countries. The choir for begin to learn so much about After months of rehearsing, members of the group may be summer 2013 will visit the them.” It would be cliché if it plenty of hours together on unsure about where they are Italian cities of Milan, Venice, wasn’t so candid. planes and then cobblestones, going with their high school Verona and Trieste, as well as Director Mrs. Linda Gartner and doing laundry with lives, one thing is for sure: various locations in Slovenia Croatia 2013, here they come! editor-in-chief

SHS musicians prepare perfect pitches Ellen Martinson fun & games chief

Music will fill the air at the upcoming band concert in May. For the seniors of 2012, it will be the last show that they will ever perform as an SHS band member. The concert will be held on May 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. It will feature both The Winds and The Winds Symphony. The Winds Symphony, directed by Mr. Danny Frank, will play about four or five songs. Mr. Luke Brinkman, a student teacher, will also help conduct the band. They will play first, and the performance will last around 45 minutes. “One of our pieces for this concert is ‘Lord of the Rings’ and everyone is really excited about playing it. It’s probably the piece we’re most looking forward to. It was chosen by Mr.

Brinkman,” said Abby Miller, 9. The Winds, also known as Top Band, will play next, directed by Mr. David Swift. They will play a variety of pieces. The bands have been preparing vigorously for the concert since Jan., putting in months of hard work to entertain both adults and students alike. After the concert, the hard work is still not over. Students audition at the end of the year for placement in either Bottom or Top Band. Members of both bands must also begin to prepare the music selections for the upcoming marching band season, which are chosen near the end of the year. “Band is a continuous cycle, but I like it,” said Lucy Farr, 9. For both performers and attendees, the event hopes to be an enjoyable evening with wellplayed music and a strong final performance.

Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

SHS BAND PERFORMS AT the winter concert. At this concert, they were accompanied for one piece by Mr. Kenneth Holdt. Although Holdt is a choir director, he frequently assists with his band due to his trumpet experience at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

Q&A with Abby Miller, 9 What piece are you most looking forward to playing?

I really like Lord of the Rings. Most everyone is familiar with the movie and music, making it an enjoyable piece to play. I also really like Mambo Furioso. It provides a challenge for all of the instruments.

What have you done to prepare for the concert?

We have had sectionals and rehearsals every day. Sectionals are where the band breaks into instrument groups to practice with the similar instruments. Then we have rehearsals with the whole band that help blend the sound of the instruments.

How do you think this concert will be compared to your previous performances? This concert should end the year with a bang. Everyone wants to have a really good show because it will be the last show that the seniors will perform in. I am excited!

MR. DANNY FRANK, SHS band director, conducts the winter concert. Frank also conducts the orchestral pits for Aves Theatre productions. Currently, he is working with the pit for Into the Woods.

*For more on band, visit GoAves.com

Music MENU

Michael DeMaio

staff writer

Spring is the gateway to summer, and is therefore an extremely popular time of year for music releases. This spring has been no exception. The Alabama Shakes have recently come out with their debut release in the public eye, with huge success. The band formed in high school, and in Athens, AL. Their musical success is truly remarkable in a day and age that is obsessed with the façade of popular music and generic creations. In this superficial market they have miraculously garnered attention from the world of popular music by bringing back old school rhythm and blues with a touch of soul. Even greater, it has been brought to an audience that before now was caught up in the world of creations tailored by business men to fit the wants of the public. Lockett Pundt, the guitarist from Deerhunter, has just released a new album from his solo project, Lotus Plaza, entitled spooky action at a distance. The album layers reverberating vocals over dreamy guitar, synthesizers, and soft rhythms to create a very soft soulful feeling in the music, reminiscent of Deerhunter itself without the little bit of attitude that the Bradford Cox brings to any project. Floating Point’s Shadows EP, was released in December, though it is still very relevant. The smooth dance feel of the EP as a whole, will ease the transition from spring to summer, and still be listenable when the weather turns warm, St. Vincent has also released a new album in the last six months entitled Strange Mercy. It is filled with light airy vocals, baroque style strings, synths, and very intelligent guitar playing. It is a must listen for any fan of independent music, or even pop, because Vincent utilizes pop sensibilities while employing independent creativity . Dr. Dog’s newest album Be the Void, more specifically the track, “That Old Black Hole”, is also a must listen for any fan of indie rock. With school almost out and great music on its way, what more could we ask for? For comments on this column, please write to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com

>>thesycamore sycamoreleaf leaf a&e a&e>>the

>>goaves.com >>goaves.com

4.27.2012 4.27.2012

15 15

Image by Tori Swart

THE ACTING ENSEMBLE PERFOMS the musical “Into the Woods” on Apr. 13-14 and Apr. 20-21. On Apr. 14 the cast presented a children’s version of the show, only performing a modified version of Act 1. The play had many highlights, including the dynamic characters and the dark, twisting plots as the stories of Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Jack and the Beanstalk collided. Photos courtesy of: McDaniel’s Photograhy

‘Maybe they’re magic’: Victoria Swart Staff Writer

role. We were acting proper and we were cocky. It was very hen most hear funny,” said Severence. the words Some dark roles balance out “fairy tale” their the musical, including the role reaction is to of the wolf, played by Elliot think of the classic, inpriring Handkins, 11. stories of Walt Disney. The fairy “My favorite part about the tales in the Acting Ensemble musical show, “Into is the the Woods”, characters I ‘Into the Woods’ is were a little get to play. different. one of my favorite The wolf is The play so different consisted shows. I am really from me of a medley pleased with the final and so of tales creepy ranging from product. that it’s Cinderella, Mr. John Whapham, disgusting. Jack and the But if I Aves Theatre Director Beanstalk, get the Rapunzel, the princes of both characterization right, the effect Rapunzel and Cinderella, and is great,” said Handkins. Little Red Riding Hood. The technical side of the Though these stories may performance also had its high seem innocent, the musical points. puts an interesting twist on “The main highlights of the them. show were the audio effects “The fairy tales were not with the giant- who was as much Disney fairy tales. never actually seen on stageThey were more like Brothers the witch’s powers, and her Grimm fairy tales,” said Caroline Dewey, 12, who plays transformation from being hideously ugly to beautiful on one of the ugly step-sisters of stage,” said Jennifer Rissover, Cinderella. 12. Highlights The returning spotlight of this Humor dotted most scenes show was the rotating stage- a in the show, with many massive contraption that rotates hilarious characters including part of the stage floor as the the princes of Cinderella students are acting. and Rapunzel, performed by “The revolving stage was Ben Mather, 12, and Mikey used in a previous show, before Severence, 12, respectively. any of the students who are “It was a very goofy kind of currently enrolled here got

here. We rebuilt it for ‘Into the Woods’,” said Rissover.

‘Behind the Scenes’

Rissover was the stage manager for the performance, a job that entails a lot of time, effort, and determination. “Being the stage manager involves going to every single acting rehearsal, every single tech day and knowing everyone’s schedule for them because they will forget. The stage manager brings all the pieces together,” said Rissover. This was the first time the Acting Ensemble performed a musical as their annual mainstage performance. That being said, the music in this show was some of the

Acting Ensemble shines in ‘Into the Woods’

most difficult and demanding that the actors and technical students had ever heard. “This was probably the most difficult show I’ve done. I had to follow along and bring the microphones up and take them off at the right time. It was really challenging,” said Alexandra Bierschwal, 12, sound manager.

Afterward

Though most of the cast had performed before, some got butterflies in their stomach right before opening night. “I was overwhelmed. This was the most nervous and excited I’ve been in a while. I was ready to put on a great show and just have fun,” said Samantha Misali, 12, actor.

The children’s version of the musical was a rare and enjoyable experience for the cast and audience. “Saturday night had more energy thanks to the children in the audience. Seeing their smiles put more smiles on our faces,” said Brandon Ramos, 12. As the number of performances began to wind down, the cast and crew realized that this show would be the last with their seniors. Many hugs and tears were exchanged. “I am going to miss the seniors so much. I have known many of them since junior high. I have developed a friendship and trust with some of them that is hard to match,” said Handkins.

Q & A with Brandon Ramos, 12, actor Will you be going to college for acting? I will be going to Wright State University and will be a part of their acting program for a Bachelors of Fine Arts.

What were some of your favorite moments from the show? Well, the night of our last rehearsal during the song “No One is Alone,” I think all of the seniors were crying, even the princes. It finally hit us that it was our last dress rehearsal before our last show opened in high school. We have gone through so much together through the years, so it was very emotional and hard to look at each other without smiling. There was a lot of hugging and happy tears falling to the floor.

What are you going to miss about SHS’s theater program? Everything. The people, the stage, the audience. It gave a base for my future career and I will never forget it.

How does this show compare to other shows you have done? Well, each show has its own thing that makes it what it is for the cast. “The Outsiders” was a mainly male cast and it was very gritty, and so going from that to a fairy tale story with some not-so-fairytale-like adventures is much different. This show has taken some of us out of our comfort zones, which in turn makes us better as performers.

>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

4.27.2012

a&e

musical ch a t t e r Krittika Chatterjee a&e chief

‘I’ll be with you all the way’

Campaign against bullying reaches SJHS Alma Rechnitzer

staff writer

eenan West is a local hip pop artist on a mission: make it big as a singer, and make a difference along the way. His name has been buzzing through the hallways lately due to his newest music video, Never Ever. The video was released on iTunes and YouTube in early March as part of an anti-bullying campaign. It shows scenes of bullying and celebrates those who stand up to the bullies. The most exciting part however, is that it was filmed at SJHS and starred students from the drama department. Dawn Bierschwal, the director of the music video, chose SJHS because of its strong and talented drama department. Furthermore, the makers of the music video were impressed with their

established anti-bullying program. The cast of the music video, which was also the cast of SJHS’s spring musical 13: The Musical was very involved in the making of the video. They came up with ideas for certain scenes, recorded the song at a studio with West, and dedicated hours of their time to blocking and filming the video. More than anything, the students loved spending time with both West and Bierschwal. Both have a great relationship with the kids and were thrilled to watch the students put on their musical. With over 20,000 YouTube views, the Never Ever video is influencing not just Sycamore students, but teens nationwide. 50 cents from every digital purchase of the song or music video go to PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Centers. PACER’s main goal is to provide help to those who have been bullied and give everyone resources to conquer and

prevent bullying. Furthermore, “Never Ever” is now paired up with the movie Bully. The song is one of the official #BullyList’s top 20 empowering songs. Anyone can support the cause with just a few simple steps. It is as easy as enjoying good music on iTunes, signing PACER’s digital petition, or purchasing “Never Ever” merchandise on West’s website.

All photos courtesy of Doug Baker

EIGHTH GRADER ALEX MONTCHAI starred as “Brad,” a bullied student. By the end of the video, “Brad“ recieved the support he needed. “I hope other kids just really accept the meaning of the video,” said Montchai.

Q&A with Keenan West

Where are you from originally?

I am from Cincinnati, OH. I grew up in the Colerain Township area. I went to Pleasant Run Elementary, Pleasant Run Jr. High and Northwest High School.

Is it hard to have a music career in Cincinnati? I would say it is what you make it. A lot of people say you should get up and get out of Cincinnati. Although there are other opportunities and other places, there are still a lot of opportunities in Cincinnati to go after your dreams, record music, and use your music to encourage other people. I mean, I stay pretty busy in Cincinnati.

How do you decide which charities to support? It just kind of depends on what I’m thinking about charity-wise at the time. For instance, in my church we have a program called Game-Change, so then it just hit me one day: ‘Why don’t we let some of the proceeds from my music go to the Game-Change initiative?’ And then with the song “Never Ever”, we decided to kind of redo it this way.

Is there one cause that you feel a closer connection with?

THE CAST OF “NEVER EVER” showed support for one another both on and off the set. During their long day of filming, the kids bonded by playing acting games. Keenan West joined in on the fun and played with them.

I am really passionate about my city- I really love Cincinnati. And though there may be a time when I have to move away, I am passionate about where I grew up. So anything that has to do with school, kids, or poverty [catches my attention].

John Carroll takes on After Prom John Carroll

staff writer

If anything is certain in this world, it is the fact that high school students love to dance for numerous consecutive hours, immersing themselves in the throb of the bass, their own heartbeats kicking in time with the pulse of the great music monster. But one can only remain in the throes of fiery passion for so long. When the fierce race of music-fueled adrenaline ceases to roar through the bloodstream and can no longer sustain the kind of dancing that qualifies as ‘party-tastic’, a dilemma arises. The dilemma is as follows: the partying student in question no longer has the energy to dance energetically, but still has

the desire to party hard. What is one to do? Go home? Watch “Lost” reruns late into the night and sob violently? Of course not! This is SHS, and the Aviators go hard. Realizing the severity of this dilemma ages ago, the Aviators quickly set their elephantine brains to the task of devising a way to continue Prom as late into the night as possible, taking into consideration that dancing for eight hours was not a reasonable option. The following formula for an epic Prom violently leaped into being as a result of this great meeting of minds. The actual dancing of Prom would only last for roughly three hours, during which time the members of the Prom court would be crowned.

But following the dancing portion of the celebration, After Prom would begin, and continue many more hours into the night. The students would openly mock the dark fingers of sleep while participating in various themed activities other than dancing. As previously mentioned, the décor and activities of each year’s After Prom adhere to a specific theme, and this year, the theme is After Dark. It is safe to say that the student body waits with baited breath for this year’s After Prom, and for the surprises that lie in store.

The movie soundtrack is an enterprise in its own right. An art form that began as a selection of music to be featured in the film, the soundtrack has transformed into tasteful compilations that merely compliment movies. Is this a business ploy? Debatable. Really, if all the music were included in the film, then for most there would be no point in buying the soundtrack. These movie b-sides are almost mystical. Some movies, like Diablo Cody classic Juno, has an entire essence in its music. Regardless, Paramount released a b-side soundtrack. To me, these separate soundtracks are just an opportunity to seek out a tracklist that compliments the film, rather than playing the same part as a score. That said, a failed selection can kill my love for a movie. P.S. I Love You was fabulous (obviously), but putting James Blunt and The Academy is lovely individually, but the combination is borderline sickening. Once in a while, you’ll chance upon the meat and potatoes of musical compilations. That is the kind of album that my favorite soundtrack songs come from. “Roslyn” by Bon Iver and St. Vincent, from The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Sometimes, a song is so good it brings tears to my eyes. A perfect instrumental blend with a solemn croon is truly touching. It does not always have to be a forlorn piano or an acoustic guitar. Both Bon Iver and St. Vincent create masterpieces that incorporate electronic effects, a popular new medium. There are purists that demand authentic sound effects, but this song makes it clear that production can be beautiful. “All I Want is You” by Barry Louis Polisar. You know this one - it plays in the opening credits of Juno. Originally a children’s song, the lyrics are just simple enough to be cute. This is definitely my dad’s and my song, except for maybe my next favorite. “Such Great Heights” by Iron & Wine. I am a Postal Service fanatic, and covers of theirs do not often interest me. The Shins tried “We Will Become Silhouettes” on The Art of Getting By, but Ben Gibbard’s voice was never meant to be rock. Off of the Garden State soundtrack, Iron & Wine is silky and folksy, and does more than justice. Soundtracks are meant to capture the essence of a film, and it takes a master to compile them. A whole new experience aside from movie viewing, I do not expect the art of soundtracks to die soon. For comments on this column, please write to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com

Sports >>goaves.com >>the sycamore leaf

Upcoming SHS Sporting Events Apr. 30 Boys Vball @ Holy Cross 7 p.m. May 2 Softball @ Lakota East 5 p.m.

May 3 Baseball vs. W. Brown 5 p.m. May 3 Girls Lacrosse vs. St. Ursula *Lax 4 Lives* 7:30 p.m. - SJHS Stadium May 3/May 5 GMC Tennis Tournament Mason

May 4 Baseball @ Lakota East 5 p.m.

‘I don’t think it’s over yet’ Varsity lacrosse team optimistic despite rough start

staff writer

Hall, 12. Mr. Greg Cole, head coach, also shared his optimistic beliefs. “Our success for the rest of the season all depends on if we continue to do the little things. If we do these and keep making progress, we’ll put ourselves in a much better position to win,” said Cole.

FORWARD JAMES KEEFE, 10, LEANS in on the attack. The team started the season off slow, losing six out of their first seven games. However, the boys are slowly improving in hopes of making a post-season run.

ha n

Events according to GMC Sports site or respective online schedules

May 10 Girls Lacrosse vs. Seton 7:30 p.m. - SJHS Stadium

*Scores final as of press time

Reality Check

Debate: What do you think of the NBA playoff set-up? Alexander Wittenbaum

Michael Saxon

staff writer

The playoffs are the best part of the NBA because they are more competitive, however, they are poorly organized. Is it really necessary to include 16 teams? That means over 50 percent of all teams make the playoffs. Really? If the number of spots were decreased, the regular season would be a bit more interesting as teams are forced to raise their level of play to make the post season. Then, maybe the NBA won’t be such a joke.

Nakul Narendran bysports nakul narendran chief

May 10 Boys Lacrosse @ Mason 8 p.m.

May 9/May 11 GMC Track Meet Mason High School

emerged victorious in two very close losses against Indian Hill and Turpin, their record would be 3-4, only one fter a promising 2011 game below .500. season, nobody ex“At the beginpected the 2012 SHS ning of the Varsity boys lacrosse season, we team to lose six out of their first weren’t coming seven games, including their out strong in first five. the second To say the least, it has been a half, but struggle for the team that was since once at the top of Ohio, having then won the 2004 state title. we’ve After losing their fifth conimsecutive game against Indian proved Hill on Apr. 11, SHS finally and are took home a victory, beating doing Lakota West 9-5. a lot With nine games remaining, better,” there is time to turn the season said around, but the clock is ticking. James If there is any hope for SHS to Keefe, 10. salvage the season, these next With more few weeks are key. than half the “We are extremely talented season to play, it on an individual basis. We have is hard to detera lot of successful returning mine the fate of players, all of whom are very the team. However, talented. based Once we are on the able to bring Once we are able to bring start all of our tal- all of our talent together, of the ent together, season, then we will then we will be successful. it will be an be successful. uphill climb for I do not think Jack Busch, 12 SHS. it’s over yet,” “We do have said Jack Busch, 12. a lot of talent, we just need to Although the team’s record play more as a team. I think of 1-6 is not desirable, it could once we do that we will start easily be better. If the team had winning games,” said Ryan Bennett Kaplan

sports chief

May 8 Girls Lacrosse @ Anderson 8 p.m.

May 5 Girls Lacrosse vs. U. Arlington 12 p.m. - SJHS Stadium

Tennis Opinion >> Varsity gold team powers through for great start

May 5 Softball @ Indian Hill 2 p.m.

Boys volleyball Opinion 4 >> After months of preparation, season finally arrives

May 4 Boys Lacrosse vs. H. Darby 8:30 p.m. - SJHS Stadium

Track Opinion 4 >> Team outraces opponents in first meet >>Pole vaulters break record

4.27.2012

sports chief

Sure, 16 out of 30 teams seem like too many to be in the playoffs. However, the next option would be only eight teams in the playoffs. And every year, I feel that more teams should get a shot at winning the championship; even if they struggle in the regular season. 16 is too large, and eight is too small. But I would prefer having more than less. So currently, I’m happy with how the playoffs work.

The format for the NBA playoffs is perfect, every aspect of it. There are 16 teams that qualify, and those are the good teams in the NBA. Some people say that there are too many teams, but if there were too many teams, then the playoffs would be over in a week, and fans throughout the world would be upset that they are not getting enough basketball. People love their NBA basketball, and the playoff system is great the way it is. Joey Slovin staff writer

16 teams in the playoffs? Are you kidding me? If I was the commissioner, I would place 10, 12 teams maximum, to duke it out in the post season. That is why the NBA is inferior. I would much rather be watching the REAL basketball posts eason when it should be. In March, with college players. Student-athletes in college play for glory and school spirit. Once they go pro, all that charisma turns into greed for money. DOWN WITH THE NBA!

For suggestions on what should be debated in the next Reality Check, please email to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com.

Michael Saxon

sports chief

Spring sting: final sports season of year forgotten How many times have you asked your friend, “Hey, do you want to hit up that boys volleyball game tonight?” Almost never, right? No disrespect to boys volleyball. The team has finished in the top three in the GMC for five out of the last seven years. It’s just that they belong to a certain category of teams that tend to be forgotten: spring sports. Among the three sports seasons at SHS, spring is usually the least supported. Why is it that there is no spring sports program booklet featuring the spring teams, when fall and winter teams both have that privilege? Spring teams are just as successful, if not more successful, than other sports at SHS. Track has consistently placed runners at or near the top in almost all events, including two record setting pole vaulters Tori Swart, 9, and Lisa Kohmescher, 12. The boys tennis team has finished first in the GMC four out of the past six years. Both lacrosse teams believe this is their year to win state, and rightfully so with squads led by talented seniors. The list goes on. To put it simply, there is a lot to be excited about this spring season. The question is why most SHS students are not. Some spring sports teams’ seasons extend past the end of the school year, and others have events hours away from SHS. However, those are weak excuses. There is a hidden issue lurking beneath the surface. Let’s face it. Sometimes the only reason SHS students go to football games is to socialize with their friends in the Ave Cave. And students are not alone. Boosters, alumni, and even parents flood Bud Acus Stadium for this reason as well. Furthermore, even though the boys basketball team has had minimal success the past few years, one will still find the student section packed with fans who could care less about the game at hand. The main reason spring sports are overshadowed by others such as those listed above is because they don’t have the same level of social attraction. And that’s a shame, because we have topnotch athletes and coaches who deserve some credit for what they have and will continue to accomplish. So, props to those participating in spring sports. Remember, it’s all about you this season. For comments on this column, please email to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com

sports >>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

4.27.2012

Spring in their step: SHS Spring Track team’s hard work pays off Victoria Swart

athletes. This group is the Spring Track team, and the gathering of so many athletes signals not only the start of spring, but the start of training, meets, and lots of running. “It’s time to stop playing around and get serious for the spring season,” said Noelle Plageman, 12. The freshmen coming into the SHS program have discovered just how serious track is. With five days a week of sprinting, weight lifting, plyometrics, long runs, and calisthenics, the newcomers have discovered the difference between the high school and junior high athletics. “In high school track, the workouts are harder and there’s more variety in what we do in practice. It’s better than junior high track because there’s a chance of making Varsity. I love it!” said Molly Gearin, 9.

First Meet

While other students were enjoying the beautiful weather on Apr. 2 and Apr. 4, the varsity Spring Track team traveled up to Ross High School, where they competed in the Coaches Classic qualifying competition, their first meet. Ross High School was one of four high schools of a total of 64 teams that competed in the Coaches Classic. Only the top 16 in each event moved on to the Finals competition, which occurred on Apr. 4 at

Finals

Two days after the meet at Ross High School, the qualifiers journeyed to Winton Woods High School, where they competed against the top athletes in the city in the Finals competition. Both teams finished with huge success, with the boys team finishing in the top ten out of the 30 teams present, and the girls team finishing as runner-up. Top athletes for the boys include Nick Alston, 12, in the 100 and 200 meter dash, Kedarrius Bell, 10, in the 200 meter dash, John Voutto, 10, in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles. Other top athletes include Artur Meller, 12, in the 800 meter run, and the boys 400 meter relay team. Top performers for the girls include Angela Harris, 11, in the long jump, Bianca Rhodenbaugh, 11, in the 300 meter dash, Samantha Siler, 11, in the 1600 and 3200 meter run, and Rose Menyhart, 9, in the 3200 meter run.

Other top performers include Deja Jackson, 10, in the 100 meter dash, Anna Bailes, 11, in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles, Lindsey Neville, 11, in the discus, Lisa Kohmescher, 12, and Tori Swart, 9, in the pole vault, and the girls 400 meter relay. “I think the meet went as well as I had expected, knowing that we had just been off for spring break. I know how strong we were before we left. We looked solid and we showed well,” said Mr. Hank Ray, head coach. With such a successful first meet, hopes and expectations have been set high for this group of athletes. “This meet says that we’re going to be strong. I feel like we’re going to be comfortable going into the season with our training. I think we’re going to be well prepared for the rest of the season,” said Ray.

Boys’ volleyball season takes flight

Image by Nakul Narendran

ump, set, spike begins again

Taylor Evans

fun & games chief

Break is over, which marks the start of spring sports. The girls volleyball season ended back in October, so now it is the boys’ turn. The teams were chosen in the early days of March, and they have been practicing ever since. Now, after weeks of hard work and preparation, the boys can finally start their season. During spring break, while many of us were soaking up the sun on the beach or just relaxing, the boys volleyball team was running drills in the gym. Also over break, on Mar. 29, the boys took on Holy Cross and beat them in a three game match, 25-11, 25-18, and 25-22. “It was a good match. Especially the last game which was really close,” said Nick Frankowski, 9. In addition to that match, the team played on Apr. 3 against Fairfield. However, the team had to accept defeat after losing in three games. For those who do not know, a volleyball match consists of at least three games. These are not timed matches like football

or soccer. Whichever team gets to 25 points first wins that game. In other words, sometimes a volleyball match could last for hours. “People think that you don’t get tired in volleyball because you’re not tackling someone or running up and down a field. It’s mostly the adrenaline that will get to you, as well as all the hitting and jumping,” said Elli Gibson, 9. However, exhaustion from playing was not the reason for the loss on Apr. 5. “Lakota West is a really good team. The Varsity team knew that going into those matches,” said Frankowski. An undefeated Lakota West was definitely a tough opponent. Seeing as they have won all seven of their games would make any team

20% Student discount with coupon and valid ID.

more than nervous to take them on. “Our strength is definitely hitting and our weakness is passing, but once we get that down it will be hard to stop us,” said Mike Richter, 12.

D LO C

s the school bell rings and the school empties, one might look and find the outdoor track filling up with a massive group of

Winton Woods High School. Two whole buses were loaded with the top athletes of the team. Among them were many freshmen getting their first taste of high school track competition. “It was intimidating to be a freshman running on varsity, but the meet went very well. My teammates were very encouraging and we had a great cheering section, which I think helped a lot,” said Allison Rogge, 9. The meet had a rough start, with a couple of athletes losing their footing in their races. As the meet progressed, however, the team began to show their true potential.

staff writer

DE A

Pay for pain: NFL team caught giving bounties to players Nakul Narendran sports chief

It seems as if some coaches really will do anything to win. And many times, what they do can end very badly. The New Orleans Saints went way over the limit. Players of the Saints were receiving extra money, or bounties, for deliberately injuring players on the opposing team. Why? Because the coach wanted to uphold his reputation, and most importantly, win. Personally, I almost feel bad for the players who were bribed into doing this. When offered large sums of money to play a little harder and a little meaner, most players would gladly do so. Especially if no one was going to know, or so they thought. The NFL has dramatically changed since the first game in 1920. New rules are announced almost every year. One thing that has changed radically over the years are the players’ mindsets. Players are hitting harder, running faster, and throwing farther. If hit in the wrong place, players can be easily injured. And because of this, rules are getting stricter. Many players who have been playing for over a decade have seen rules being added, and a lot of them don’t like the new restrictions. They still want to be able to hit a player in his head, but without the penalty. And that’s just another reason that they will gladly take the money. Coach Sean Payton began to offer more than 20 defensive players large sums of money for good performances on the field. Imagine being the quarterback knowing there were 11 players facing you, ready to slam you, injure you, just so they could receive bonuses. I’d be scared if I had a squad of men over 200 pounds ready to hit me as hard as they could. Wouldn’t you? Many fans think the penalties that have been decided so far are going way over the top and are not just. Payton, was suspended for the entire 2012 season. I think this is an appropriate punishment for someone who was paying his players to hurt other players. Payton is an uncaring, ungrateful coach who took determination over the line. I believe the players who participated in this program should be given fines and suspensions. They don’t deserve full year suspensons, but they still should be charged. I really hope that other teams around the league see this example and make sure nothing like this happens on their field. For comments on this column, please write to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com

sports >>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

Gold tennis starts strong Deepak Indrakanti

staff writer

Nakul Narendran sports chief

he SHS Varsity Gold tennis team has a reputation for being a GMC title contending squad year after year, and judging by their start this spring, the team seems to have similar sights in mind. The team wants to continue their successful season and keep winning matches. “The season has started very well and we are excited to keep it going and improve as we keep playing. Although we have suffered two tough losses against Springboro and Mason, we still believe we can get better,” said Josh Goodman, 12. Apr. 20 marked an important date on the team calendar, as the varsity squad went racket to racket with tennis powerhouse St. Xavier High School, which will count for the state team tournament. The team has already won their first state match against Colerain High School, sweeping the Cardinals on their own courts. “We expect great things for the state tournament. We need to make sure we can get past St. Xavier to continue on our way for a rematch against Mason. I believe that we can win the state tournament this year,” said Brian Goodman, 11. The team also plays a possible state contender when they face Upper Arlington High School on Apr. 28. The team has three very strong singles players that will provide competitive matches for the three singles players from SHS. “The Upper Arlington match is one of the biggest challenges for us. We hope our hard work will pay off so we can pull out a win,” said Josh. SHS Graduation took several talented players away from head coach Michael Teets last year, including class of 2011

alums Frank Pan, Jeffrey Kaplan, and Adam Reinhart. Reinhart is playing tennis this year at DePaul University. The team also picked up two new freshmen in Deepak Indrakanti and Nakul Narendran. Goodman and Goodman (mentioned earlier) have been extremely successful together at second doubles. They have helped the Varsity Gold team win a lot of challenging matches. “This year’s Gold team has been successful even with the new players who joined the team. This is great because as they get older, they will only get better, and will keep SHS tennis strong for the next few years,” said Nikith Reddy, 11. This Varsity Gold tennis team has many challenges ahead of them, but the whole team looks to overcome adversity and accomplish their goals.

staff writer

Oh my, Opening Day

PLAYING THIRD SINGLES FOR the Gold Varsity tennis team is Yuri Karev, 11. Karev has won eight of his nine matches so far. His hardwork during the off season has paid off on the court, and he excels at every aspect of the game.

Ryan Wessinger

The team has 19 players, 17 sophomores, and two juniors. The Aves beat the Middies in On Mar. 26 the SHS Junior their first game, 14-6. The Aves Varsity baseball team played went on to win their second their first game at Middletown High School. After coaching the game against Middletown. “It was a good first win, and we are freshman team last year, head coach Mike Rosa will be coach- off to a good start,” said Andrew Hanus, 10. ing the group again. On Apr. 2, the Aves went bat to “Coach Rosa was with us last bat with the Hamilton Big Blue year and he moved up with us. baseball team. The team lost the He knows our strengths and first game by 10 runs; they were weaknesses, and will be able to run ruled after 5 innings. help us out even more so than The second game was also last year,” said Andrew Size, 10. unsuccesful, however the team With the “Spring Break rule” managed to give Hamilton a run in play, the baseball program did for their money, losing by a mere not have many missing players two runs in extra innings. due to the break. The Spring “Last year Hamilton killed us, Break rule states that for every but we held our own, we are game a JV or Varsity player missimproving,” said Zachary Swades due to an unexcused absence, ner, 10. they sit another game. staff writer

ALEX MARTINSON, 11 STARTING PITCHER for the Junior Varsity SHS baseball team, delivers a pitch to a Mason High School batter. SHS suffered a hard fought loss to a strong Mason team, 10-0.

‘Current record doesn’t reflect how good we actually are’

VENETIAN

A Lifestyle Nail Salon & Skin Care Center Hours: Mon-Sat 10a-9p Sun Noon-6p

Deerfield Towne Center 770-0799 5875 Deerfield Blvd Mason www.venetiannailsalon.

We Have Expanded To Serve You Better Now Booking Group Parties For Any Occasions!

Re-Grand Opening Specials Signature Pedicure/ Manicure

$40.00

- Reg. $46 ~

One coupon per customer. Not valid with any other offer. Cannot be used to purchase gift cards. Valid through May 31, 2012.

Acrylic Full Set

$24.00 - Reg. $30 ~

One coupon per customer. Not valid with any other offer. Cannot be used to purchase gift cards. Valid through May 31, 2012.

Varsity softball looks past few flaws flaws The team also lost to Mason. Along with Lakota West and Lakota East, Mason is currently ranked in the top three in the After starting the season off GMC. with a 3-5 record, the Varsity “I think our current record softball team is looking to redoesn’t reflect how good we acbound and produce a winning tually are. We have just played season. The team has not had a some of the hardest teams winning season since 2006. early,” said Kathryn Eberhart, The season looked bright 10. after the team went 5-0 in their It is no help that the GMC scrimmages. However, Lakota is a highly competitive softball West, ranked first in the GMC, conference. A different team beat SHS during the first official wins the league almost every game. The team fought back the year, showing just how fierce next game the competiwith an tion is. 11-0 run Also, the Even though we’re a young rule over team is very Princeton. team, I think we’re ready to young. It “I think consists of face some older teams. the Princonly two eton game seniors really got Jordan Schneider, 12 and three us going,” juniors, said Kennedy Abrams, 11. making the majority of the SHS lost key games to Colerteam sophomores. They lack ain and Middletown, losing by the experience that some of the only two runs to Colerain and very good teams have. one run to Middletown. How“Even though we’re a young ever, they proved they could team, I think we’re ready to face play ball and be competitive some older teams, ” said Jordan against good teams. Schneider, 10. Offensively, the team left too The team has potential to many runners on base. In adbe successful, but they need dition, simple, minor fielding to continue to provide strong errors led to several runs being defense and offense. There is scored. In both games, the team no room for small errors in the led early on, but defensive ertough GMC. rors allowed the opposing team to score the winning runs. fun & games chief

Joey Slovin

Swinging Away: JV team aims for fences

Ellen Martinson

4.27.2012

The city of Cincinnati is certainly a baseball town. Every year on Opening Day, parents pull their sons and daughters out of school and drive downtown to see the first Reds game of the year. Unlike other teams, the Reds rich history in the sport of baseball has allowed them the opportunity to open at home, every year, so fans can head down to Great American Ball Park on a mild weathered, breezy spring day to watch America’s pastime. The Cincinnati Reds (previously known as the Redlegs and Red Stockings) were the first official baseball team in Major League Baseball. Although the MLB wasn’t established until 1890, the Reds had a club team starting eight years before. In 1869, the Red Stockings posted the first undefeated season in basebal,which is why Cincinnati’s victorious baseball past gives them the ever so epic title of a ‘baseball city’. What? You’d rather bundle up in a freezing cold stadium in the middle of winter supporting a losing football team? I love our Bengals, but given the option, I’d take sitting down at GABP and watching Joey Votto and his new 12-year contract anyday over watching the “Cardiac Cats” in Paul Brown Stadium. You see, on Opening Day, Cincinnati celebrates like it’s a city wide holiday, and boy, what a holiday it is. Some of you may have arrived at school that day with a big grin on your face, possibly a “doctor’s appointment” note in hand? Suspiciously written for you to leave school around the same time that most fans would be on their way to the game? If you were lucky enough to snag a ticket from the sell-out crowd, good for you, I was right there as well. You see, you and me were part of a record-breaking sellout crowd that day, with Reds fans numbering almost 43,000. Reds ace pitcher Johnny Cueto started the season with a bang by delivering seven shutout innings and allowing only three hits. Oh, and did I mention slugger Jay Bruce smashed three home runs in the first three games of the season? With the thrill of watching the 2012 Reds take the field for the first time comes all the new and improved features within the ballpark. My favorites are the triple-flames that shoot out of the smokestacks in center field, occuring when any Reds pitcher strikes out an opposing batter. Also, at the end of the game, radio and television listeners were treated to a rousing rendition of Marty Brennamen’s, “This one belongs to the Reds,” as they came out victorious in the season opener, and shut out the Miami Marlins, 4-0. For comments on this column, please write to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com

4.27.2012

Dancing through life Spotlight Stephanie Kessel, 12, on Flyerettes

>>goaves.com >>the sycamore leaf

Kathryn Tenbarge

spotlight chief

Q: What has your Flyerette experience been like? A: My favorite memory from Flyerettes was at the end of eighth grade when I recieved my letter that I made the team. There is definitely something special about being on Flyerettes all four years. I got to meet and spend time with a great group of girls. When you are senior you get to be a leader and have more time in the spotlight. Q: How prominent has dance been in your life? A: Dance has always been my biggest passion in life and I knew I wanted to continue with it through high school. I started dancing when I was three at Dance Concepts Studio. I have taken a variety of classes including ballet, tap, lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, clogging, and pointe. Through the years I have grown to love jazz and lyrical for the energy, style, and emoQ: What are your dancing plans for the future? A: The thing I will miss the most about Flyerettes is performing. I already miss dancing in that gym, whether that be at practice or a game. I plan to take dance classes in college and may even try out for a noncompetitive dance team. I want dance to remain a part of my life, but I don’t want it to be my whole life.

Did you know? Kessel’s favorite Flyerettes dance this year was Glam, sung by Christina Aguilera. Kessel loves to paint. Her favorite class this year was painting with Mrs. Margaret Copfer. Kessel is the only Flyerette senior that has been on the team for all four years. If Kessel couldn’t be on the Flyerettes, she would participate in theater. All images by Kathryn Tenbarge

Save $10 Save $5 Save $5 on

makeup

5/31/12 Not valid with any other offers. Limit one coupon per customer. Only at harpers station .

Check in online or on your iPhone

Near BW3’s and Subway at Harper’s Station