The Sycamore Leaf
Wed., Aug. 31 , 2012|Volume LX Issue 1|7400 Cornell Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45242|513.686.1770 ext. 3089|goaves.com
News
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Central Office >> New staff introduced and curriculum altered
All images by Aditi Sharma
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Mr. Sycamore >> Requirements for the school mascot are revealed
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Garage Bands
World Choir Games >> SHS and SJHS win awards in World Choir Games Football >> SHS’s football team looks forward to reaching playoffs once again
cademic restructure: Administration changes grading policies Sarah May
editor-in-chief
>> Students at SHS share their stories
Sports
New Student Day: explained Sarah May
editor-in-chief
Events
A&E
THE GRADING SYSTEM AT SHS is in the process of being re-evaluated. Some changes, like the transition to semester grading, are already in effect. Others, like the alteration of the weighting scale, are still in the stages of discussion.
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Ellie Goldman
B
editor-in-chief
eginning this 20122013 school year, the grading system at SHS will change. Not only is the transition to semester grading already underway, but there is also a high probability that a year from now, the weighting system for accelerated and AP classes will also change.
Semester grading
When students received their report cards in June, they may have noticed a green sheet accompanying them. This informational release partially explained some of the changes that will be evident on transcripts beginning this semester. According to Mr. Vince Rahnfeld, head counselor, semester grading will be fully implemented by the 20142015 school year, but it will only be employed in the math department this year. “We are phasing it in,” said Rahnfeld. The changes will not apply to yearlong AP courses and are not retroactive. According to Rahnfeld, this development is the result of over seven years of discussion. The biggest motivation was that “yearlong grading is very confusing. It is possible for a
student to pass four out of six grading periods, but not pass the last two, and consequently fail the class,” he said. To pass a class, students must now pass two out of three grading periods per semester in any combination. This will, of course, require students to be more consistent across the entire school year. For example, formerly, if a student achieved an overall grade of an A for one semester and a B for another, all that would show up on report cards and transcripts would be the yearlong grade of an A. Now, the grades achieved for each semester will be equally displayed. Rahnfeld assures that semester grading will not affect the way courses are taught. “Even though the semesters will show up separately on report cards, the semesters are still going to be linked together, so it will still feel like a yearlong course,” he said.
Weighting system
For years, accelerated and AP courses have been weighted .5 points more than corresponding academic courses. School officials are now saying that, next year, this could change. The school is in the process of looking at changing weighted classes from .5 to 1.0 Pressure to conform to
regional trends is one factor motivating this change. Data shows that other highly-rated Ohio schools are moving away from .5 grading. 68 percent of schools included in the survey weigh AP and/or accelerated classes an extra full point. Schools like SHS that still use the .5 systems account for only seven percent. When SHS sends transcripts to college, an explanation of the weighting system accompanies it. For this reason, changing weighting scales will not affect a student’s chances of college acceptance or collegesponsored scholarships. However, a change could affect local or national scholarships unaffiliated with any school. If the change is enacted it would be retroactive, affecting all courses taken in the high school. Potential issues deal less with the change itself than with its implications. “The change itself would not be that complicated, it is looking at the things that it might impact,” said Rahnfeld. “Anything that uses GPA as a benchmark—Honor Roll and NHS, for example.” According to Rahnfeld, the proposal is “out there and being seriously considered, but is not yet decided.” Rahnfeld stressed the goal, regardless of the decision, is to represent SHS
Index NEWS 2-4 OPINION 6-9 FEATURE 11-15 A&E 16-18 SPORTS 19-23 SPOTLIGHT 24
On Wed., Aug. 22, while most students were enjoying their last day of summer, freshmen and new students already walked the halls of SHS, participating in the premiere of New Student Day. According to Principal Chris Davis, close to 300 new students transition to the high school each year, and the motivation for the extra day was to slow it down and give these new students time to become accustomed to the school. “They’d never admit it, but the first day of school is tough for new students,” he said. “The upperclassmen are excited to come back and see all their friends, but new students, and freshmen especially, are very nervous.” New students arrived at the commons between 7:00 and 7:45 a.m. to pick up their schedules and share doughnuts. After a short, administration-led welcome meeting that followed, students walked through an abbreviated version of their schedules, meeting teachers and learning about their courses. In the afternoon, students were divided into small groups each led by a teacher. Teachers led their groups on tours around the building and discussed the core values of SHS. “The idea was just to try to get them off to the right start. The small groups discussed respect, responsibility, and opportunity -- and really just what it means to be an aviator,” said Davis. Finally, 15 to 20 minutes were allotted simply for bus information and dismissal, in efforts to prevent the hectic frenzy that usually characterizes the first day dismissal. “The first few days of dismissal can be a mess. It can take 20 minutes just for a student to find his or her bus.” Overwhelmingly, new students seem to have appreciated the day. The administration claims the idea was nothing revolutionary. “Other schools have been doing things like this for a while. I would like to say we’re being cutting edge with this, but we’re really not,” said Davis.
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Students benefit from science fair Sanika Vaidya
associate editor
Cash prizes and scholarships: two things that SHS students are invariably interested in. While a considerable amount of effort is required, millions of dollars are offered each year, with $4.3 million awarded most recently. Each year, SHS holds a district fair, in which SJHS and SHS students can progress with their projects to the University of Cincinnati Science and Engineering Expo, and then the Ohio Academy of Science State Science Day, by achieving a Superior rating at each level. Though SHS’ district level itself does not offer any sponsored awards, it can be an invaluable experience, allowing scientific exploration beyond the limits of a classroom. “I like the science fair for letting students explore ideas and develop plans to test,” said Soham Agarwal, 12. Beyond scholarships and money, students earn other prizes. Last year Karin Oh, 11, got the opportunity to work at a lab over the summer. Oh received the Stone Laboratory Scholarship. She got the chance to attend a one week course at The Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory at Gibraltar Island over the summer, with room and board. “The Stone lab is outdoors, which was exciting because I’m used to working indoor. I worked with living organisms and earned two college credits,” said Oh. Some SHS teachers give extra credit or exam exemption to students who do well in the fair. Even if a student does not get far, they can gain a new, independent experience. “It was different how teachers had nothing to do with our projects,” said Asha Sethuraman, 9. Whether they are intellectual or monetary, the benefits of participating are numerous; countless students have reaped its rewards, and teachers hope that more will continue.
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>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com
news
Grief strikes across nation Two shootings within two weeks cause major tragedies around the country Alexis Corcoran
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opinion chief
Shea Lothrop
business manager
ew who own a television have escaped the coverage of the Aurora, Colorado theater shooting at a midnight premiere of The Dark Knight Rises. People woke up on the morning of July 20 to the aftermath of this tragedy. Local and national TV, radio, magazines, and newspapers were all filled with the story of the massacre. Gunman James Holmes instantly morphed from being a PhD student into a mass murderer. Ironically, Holmes was majoring in neuroscience, studying the reason why people do what they do. Holmes’ court hearings were packed with spectators, some of whom were even the men and women who had been injured in the shooting rampage. The bright-red-haired suspect, who dyed it to resemble the Joker, appeared groggy while at his hearings and spoke only once to set another trial date. Currently facing life in prison, the defense attorneys are looking into pleading for insanity, despite Holmes’ being a doctoral student in the University of Colorado’s prestigious neuroscience program. Immediately after the shooting, it was reported that Holmes was an average 24 year-old with no signs of mental illness. Holmes has since been convicted for the murder of 12 people, injuring 58, and attempted murder of over 100. Since his conviction, information has been released from Holmes’ former
Recent U.S. Shootings Apr. 16, 2007 Blacksburg, VA Seung-Hui Cho shot and killed people on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. 32 people were dead and 23 were wounded.
WITH THE RECENT SHOOTINGS in Colorado and Wisconsin, friends and family of the victims were faced with grief. They have been forced to say goodbye to loved ones. These terrible tragedies have caused people all over the country to be thankful for their lives and remember how precious life is.
university claiming that a high risk alert was made about him prior to the shooting. The university could face large liability issue if these claims are correct. The problem is that there are millions of threats per year and very few tragedies. It would appear this has caused schools such as Pennsylvania State, University of Colorado and certainly many others to handle these risk claims without the intensity they deserve. This massacre left the nation baffled in shock, only for another shooting to take place on Aug. 5. The more recent shooting in Wisconsin left seven people dead including the shooter and a police officer. This shooting happened only two weeks after the Aurora shooting, at a local Sikh Temple during a children’s birthday party. Nov. 5, 2009 Ft. Hood, TX Gunman Malik Nadal Hasan, a Major in the U.S. Army, killed 12 soldiers and one civilian, and wounded at least 30 on the base at Ft. Hood. Reports stated that Hassan was upset at being deployed to Iraq.
Feb. 14, 2008 DeKalb, IL On campus at Northern Illinois University, Steven Kazmierczak shot 26 people, killing five of them. After the shooting, Kazmierczak committed suicide.
The shooter, Wade Michael Page, was a U.S. Army veteran and a white supremacist who hoped that this attack would trigger a “race war” in America. This year has seen far more gun related terrorist attacks than previous years, which has brought up a number of political and social controversies. These include public safety changes, especially in schools. “These kinds of terrible and tragic events are happening with too much regularity for us not to examine additional ways that we can prevent [them],” President Barack Obama told CNN. It is quite possible that these shootings could trigger in education the equivalent to what Sept. 11 triggered in travel security. It is the job of the school - high school or college - to seriously investigate every risk alert made, and as a result, threats in schools will now be taken more seriously. July 20, 2012 Aurora, CO 12 people were killed and 58 others were injured when a gunman opened fire in a crowded movie theater during the midnight premier of The Dark Knight Rises. James Holmes, 24 year old male, was arrested and charged.
Jan. 8, 2011 Tucson, AZ Jared Lee Loughner attacked and shot people outside a supermarket with the intention of killing U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. He killed six and wounded 19. Giffords was badly injured but survived.
Aug. 5, 2012 Oak Creek, WI Wade Michael Page, U.S. Army veteran, shot and killed six people at a Sikh Temple. Page was shot by a police officer but died by a self-inflicted head wound.
andidates continue ampaigns for election
Shea Lothrop
business manager
Unlike the majority of SHS students who spent their summer pool side, Democratic incumbent Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romney spent their time on the campaign trail. With the presidential election coming up in November, neither candidate has a major lead in the polls. On Aug. 11, Romney announced his vice presidential bid to be U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan. This choice by Romney comes at high risk as Ryan has proposed radical and controversial changes for Medicare. The topic is risky as the nation is still adapting to Obama’s newly enacted health care law that was upheld by the Supreme Court on June 28.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act focuses primarily on lowering health care costs along with the number of uninsured Americans. Strong objections followed because of provisions within the bill, such as a fine if one does not obtain health insurance by 2014. Ryan mentioned nothing of health care in his debut speech. however, once announced, his and Romney’s plan will play a major factor in deciding who wins this election. While Obama and Romney have been on tour throughout August political ads have begun to air more frequently. The position of swing states made no drastic altering over the summer. Wisconsin and Colorado remain in favor of Obama and Virginia for Romney.
The margins between the Republican and Democratic parties in crucial swing states are nearly split even, with the democrats barely leading. Although few who attend SHS are able to participate in the election, it is very prominent, as the results will begin taking place as students first leave home as adults. The lasting effects of this upcoming election will shape the future of the country. It will be these final few months before the election that will ultimately be when many Americans decide who to vote for.
REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MITT Romney recently announced his running mate to be Paul Ryan. This decision has had mixed reception, but Romney seems to be confident that it was the right choice. As Election Day quickly approaches, Romney, as well as President Barack Obama, are racing to get in the lead with these last few months of campaigning. All images by Atiya Dosani
news
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District restructure: Central office fills positions, alters curriculum >>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com
Ellie Goldman
editor-in-chief
Sarah May
M
editor-in-chief
ary Claire Cron, 12, has been enrolled in the district for 13 years. As she progressed from simple math to complex calculus, from capitalization rules to thesis statements, she never once considered the people behind the curriculum she was learning. “I’ve actually never thought about who makes up the curriculum,” said Cron. When asked if she had ever heard of Mrs. Jennifer Manoukian, Cron quickly replied that no, she had not. Manoukian, who retired at the end of the 2012-13 school year, was the Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction for grades 6 through 12. Manoukian’s role included approving non-academic extracurricular activities, updating course requirements, and ensuring that individual courses were up to date with state standards. In addition to Manoukian’s retirement, former Assistant Superintendent Dr. Keith Kelly has accepted a superintendent position in Mayfield, a suburb of Cleveland. His previous responsibilities have been divided into a few different roles. Mrs. Karen Naber, former principal of SJHS for
8.31.2012
six years, has assumed the new title of Director of Academic Affairs for grades seven through 12, which encompasses Manoukian’s previous position as well as responsibilities left vacant due to the restructuring of Kelly’s former position. “I’ll be in charge of making sure seven to 12 curriculum is up to speed, but I have a lot of other things that will be on my plate as well,” said Naber. Her other responsibilities include district wide oversight of professional development, assessment, teacher recources, and training. Naber will also assist in redefining district curriculum based on Ohio’s new Common Core, which emphasizes ensuring students are globally competitive and prepared for life after high school. In the current world of mass media, students have incredible amounts of information available at their fingertips, meaning they are much less dependent on textbooks and teachers for that information. Consequentially, the teacher’s role in the classroom is changing. “The idea is that students become the owners of their learning,” Naber said. “They do the talking, they do the writing, they do the reading, and the teacher becomes more of the facilitator and coach, because we’re no longer the sole keepers of knowledge, it’s just so available.” Teachers spent a significant amount of time last year
“mapping” out new curriculum in response to the Common Core. This year, those maps will be used and changed as necessary. “You use a different book than you did the year before, you use a different clip than you did the year before, you use a different strategy because your kids change every single year and you have to change with the students that you’re serving,” said Naber. Naber’s overarching goal for her new role reflects her love and commitment to the students themselves. “It’s that age old adage that it’s hard to go from good to great but it’s even harder to go from great to really great,” Naber said. “That’s our hope, that’s what we yearn for.” Naber’s new position strikes a special chord with many of those who experienced her outstanding leadership and management at SJHS. Even with the many current changes to Central Office and curriculum, there seems to be no doubt that Naber will keep the district up to date in all areas of academic affairs. “Karen is a phenomenal instructional leader and has demonstrated her ability to be a change agent,” said Superintendent Dr. Adrienne James, in a press release. “She will be a great asset to the academic affairs team as they continue to oversee curriculum work and professional development in the district.”
From left to right: Dr. Adrienne James; Mrs. Karen Naber; Dr. Keith Kelly. After losing Mrs. Jennifer Manoukian and Kelly, SJHS’s formal principal for 6 years, Naber has assumed the position of Director of Acedemic Affairs for grades 7 through 12. Her responsibilities includemanaging cirriculum, proffesional development, teacher resources, and training. While SJHS will miss Naber’s leadership, her work will continue to benefit the district.
Upperclassmen give advice for no stress year Deepak Indrakanti
staff writer
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors from SHS agree that freshman year is one of the most nerve-wracking and hectic years of their lives. “I remember when I was a freshman. I was definitely unprepared for the high school stage set ahead for me. It was very difficult compared to my middle school years. I didn’t know how to handle it at first,” said Brian Goodman, 12. However, there are ways to manage the constant strain of freshman year that hundreds of students like Goodman succumb to. “After a rough first and second quarter, I was able to get a hold of things. I think I was able to guage the work load more accurately and thus work more efficiently,” said Elliot Levy, 10. There are several ways that upperclassmen agree help manage stress as a freshman. Nimit Desai, 11, said he was able to manage his worries and still get good grades by being more organized. “I started using my planner regularly. I made sure I put myself in a position to know what I needed to do while not in school. After I started becoming more planned with my activities, I became more easygoing,” said Desai. Another way to keep the “freshman fever” to a minimum is keep athletic activity up. “I am a big believer in exercise. If I work out, I feel like I study and do school work more proficiently. I also think that exercise keeps the mind clear and even helps improve academic work,” said Paige Domhoff, 11. Though stress may seem overwhelming, there are various ways to manage it. Finding individual methods can be the difference between an enjoyable freshman year and a bad one.
Q&A with Mr. John Whapham, Dean of Student Life Lila Englander
news chief
Ana Barros
managing editor
Why did you accept this new role? I’ve always been interested in leadership. I love Sycamore. I want to help make it the best it can be. What responsibilities does your new job entail? Besides being principal of 9th grade, I am also in charge of discipline. My other responsibilities include open house, underclassmen awards, teams and clubs. The New Student Day is a brand new thing. That’s been one of my focuses. How has your background prepared you for your new position? From an education perspective it is interesting because my undergrad is in management and leadership. I love theater so I studied theater and music education as well, but my actual degree is in leadership management, and my Masters degree is in educational administration, so in terms of course work, this is definitely what I’ve been studying. Furthermore, I’ve been trying to be a resource person and a leader among the staff, trying to help them with various things. Certainly in the theater I have the opportunity to help folks with events that they might have in the facility and interact with the music department. Will you miss teaching classes? I certainly will. It’s going to be a big change for me not having classes and not interacting with students in that way. I’m really excited Ms. [Sarah] Garvey is going to be teaching theater classes; she’s worked with Aves Theatre for three years, so I have full confidence in her abilities. How will you balance your new position and direct theater productions? Ms. Garvey and I will be working corroboratively. We have been planning all of the productions since the season was announced in June, so we’re fired up about that. It will be nice that we’ll both be here full time. Anything else you would like to add? I want to be a resource for ninth graders and all students who need help.
news >>the sycamore leaf
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Ana Barros
managing editor
SHS is welcoming over a dozen new teachers this year in subjects ranging from global language to world history. For extended interviews with the new teaching staff, see GoAves.com. This page is the first installment in a two-part series introducing the new g teachers. eachin
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Energetic, inquisitive, student-directed, kinesthetic (hands-on), consistent
Rebecca Schreerer
Theater
Transitions coordinator
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SHS hits jackpot with new teachers
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>>goaves.com
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8.31.2012
Events >>goaves.com >>the sycamore leaf
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8.31.2012
rom Fireworks to Football resh fall brings fun events
Lauren Glynn
Zachary Fritzhand
calendar chief
calendar chief
Best Value Color Wheel in the Brain
Friday Night FootballHome Games
Where: Behringer-Crawford Museum Cost: Adults are $7 seniors are $6 and children are $4
Community
What: Varsity football games When: September 7th, 21st, and 28th Where: Sycamore Junior High Time: 7:30 p.m.
What: Celebrate life and work of Dr. Wolfgang Ritschel When: Semptember 1st and 2nd
Cincinnati Reds’ Game
Cincinnati Bell Fireworks
Where: Downtown Cincinnati When: September 3rd to the 5th Cost: $27-$240
What: Fireworks spoored by Cincinnati Bell When: September 2nd Time: TBA Where: Downtown Cincinnati at the beautiful Riverfront
SHS & District Open house
What: A time for parents to come to the school to become familiarized with their child’s everyday school life When: September 5th Time: 7 p.m. Image by Lauren Glynn
What: Labor Day When: September 5th
Early release
THE SHS VARSITY FOOTBALL team is looking to be a very dominant force in the GMC. After losing their quarterback to the University of Dayton, Greg Simpson takes over the starting quarterback job. With many new faces this season is off and running.
students get to leave school early When: September 19th Time: For the High School the day ends at 12:50
News in Brief calendar chief
Mr. Aviator: Every school year there are a few students chosen to be SHS’s mascot who has many appearances throughout the year. There are many requirements to be able to maintain this position. Getting involved can be very easy by just making a visit to Ms. Deborah Klemt who has the applications and is in charge of the club S.A.L.T. who is the committee to pick this year’s students to fill the mascot costume. “We will pick several people to have a final tryout during a quarter of a basketball game which will be announced soon,” said Klemt. To be the mascot the student must have the height requirement of 5’8”-6’3”. Also, they must be recommended by a teacher. These students needs volunteer hours, and have reasons why they should be chosen over other applicants. “We typically have more than one person because there are so many events to cover,” said Klemt. The applications are due back by Dec. 19. If you are interested in learning the necessary requirements for Mr. Aviator making the visit to Ms. Klemt’s room is definitely worth it.
Unified for Unifat benefit: Walker Bros. Ice Cream of downtown Montgomery is teaming up with Unified for UNIFAT to support education in Gulu, Uganda. Walker Bros. is a recently opened, walk up ice cream parlor located at 9425 Montgomery Road. On Fri., Sept. 7, 15% of all Walker Bros. sales will be donated to the U4U organization. U4U is a nonprofit, student run coalition that provides financial and emotional support to students at the UNIFAT school in Gulu.
Online classes: Students attending SHS did not do many school related things this past summer many undergraduates were a part of taking advantages of the online classes that SHS offers. “I had some extra time on my hands, so I decided to take my health credit over break. I did not have time to go to summer school because of volleyball, and I knew if I took it online I could just do it whenever I was able to,” said Joanna Brown, 10. To be able to take an online course talking to your counselor should be used as the very first step. “I just went to my guidance counselor wondering how I could do this and I was given
What: Three day event that features the work of up and coming artists Where: Downtown. Acts will be hosted on multiple stages within a walkable area When: September 27th to the 29th Tickets: www.mpmf.com
Benefits Unified for Unifat
What: 15% of all Walker Bros. ice cream sales for the day will be donated to U4u When: September 7th Where: Walker Bros. Ice Cream Time: Noon to 10 p.m.
Volley for the Cure
Lunch at the Square
5th Annual Panerathon
What: A concert in the middle of the day at the square When: September 6th Where: The Blue Ash square Time: Noon
What: The one day a month Sycamore
Mid Point Music Festival
Cincinnati Museum Center What: A Civil War exhibit When: September 1st through January 1st Where: Downtown Cincinnati
No School
Lauren Glynn
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What: Sycamore versus Mason to raise money for breast cancer When: September 11th Where: Sycamore High School Time: 5:00 p.m. Requirements: Wear pink What: A Panera sponsered 5K to fight hunger around the world When: September 23rd Where: Mason, Ohio Info: visit www.panerathon.com
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. a booklet and a website to go onto. I did not really know what I was in for, but I enjoyed taking this class,” said Brown. Choosing to take an online course is not a very easy decision. It may become time consuming very quickly. The day you sign up you have exactly one year to finish the course. “I liked being able to take health over the summer. It cost did money to take a class online and at first I wondered if this was that important to me. Now that I am finished I am so glad I made that decision, because I got the credit done with and I freed up some room in my schedule,” said Elli Gibson, 10. The program that sponsors these online courses is called BYU Independent Study. After finishing which ever course you choose to take the program sends your grades to your counselor that way you can schedule the exam for the course.
Driving classes: If learning to drive a car is a part of your plan for your future you should know it can be a little difficult without the help of a local driving school and many students of SHS have taken up on the chance to try to be a graduate of a driver’s education program. “I cannot get my driver’s license until December, but
with doing sports and having school it was so great to get some of the classes out of the way over the summer,” said Cara Norris, 10. In Ohio to obtain a driver’s license you must have the following: your permit for at least 6 months, 24 hours of classroom education, 8 hours of driving time with a certified instructor, 50 hours of general driving time with a licensed adult consisting of at least 10 hours of nighttime driving. “December seems far away but it really is not and getting all of that finished is going to be really time consuming, and choosing to do some classes over break is really ending up saving me some time,” said Norris. Driving school is something that every SHS student will need to go through if they would like to have their license. “I’ve had my temporary permit for a few months and I just have not had the time for driving school and so I will have to balance it with school at some point, said Delaney Morris, 10.
Respect, Responsibility, Oportunity:
This year, SHS has installed signs stating the district’s ‘core values’-respect, responsibility, and opportunity. The school has recently hung up the signs
in an effort to encourage these behaviors among the student body. These signs are used as little reminders to everyone that this is a respectful environment.
Reclaiming the Commons: Starting this year, students will not be allowed out of the Commons during lunch. “I was so used to eating up by my locker, said Alexis Davis, 10. This is partially due to the enormous amount of trash that was left behind last year during lunch bells. “One of our carpets was completely ruined because of leftover food that got stuck to the floor,” said Mrs. Karen Bare, Assistant Principal, during the junior class meeting. In an effort to keep students out of the hallways, teachers will be posted at the exits. If students need to go to class early, they must have a pass from their teacher. Otherwise, they must remain in the Commons. “It will be a big change but we hope that it will keep our school clean,” said Bare. Another problem that has come to the administration’s attention is that students that were in other parts of the building were roaming the halls instead of being in class.
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8.31.2012
Disasterous effects >> Environmental effects of the Keystone and Canada tar sands
7
Get involved Opinion 4 >> Find your niche by getting involved in extra-cirricular activities
8
Summer Enrichement Opinion 4 >> Students pursue interests at summer enrichment programs
Opinion 9
>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com
leaf
the Sycamore Sycamore High School
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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 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: Kelcie Grega Broadcast Editors: 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 Ashleigh Jones
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William Gawin
managing editor
Cartoon by Lilly Lefton
Staff Editorial Grading changes. These two simple words have caused quite a flutter among conversations to take place recently. A new grading system may appear at first to be buzz-worthy; however, when you meditate about its policies, this just instigates what students should already be doing: working hard. SHS students have been sitting in a very comfortable place, and it is no surprise that the administration has finally noticed. Our current grading system spoils us. Being able to get an equal number of A’s and B’s in a class and still getting an A for the year is pure generosity. Even with the knowledge that we can be exempt from exams in June,
many still opt out of that and get a B for a quarter… or even 2. Why? Because we know an A can still be reached. This is called minimal effort. We should be appreciative that the board decided to enact this only in our math class for the first year, ushering us into this new policy instead of throwing us into a whole new arena, which they easily could have done. Change may seem unnecessary, especially to the upperclassmen that have had success with the system that was in place. But, for the students who truly work hard each quarter to get an A, this new policy will make no difference. This is simply a way to gather academic motivation -- something that will be needed to achieve an A.
leafing through the masses What do you think of the new semester grading system? I am interested to see whether the change makes an effect on my final grade, whether the system actually causes a change. John Grossheim, 11
Our job is to prepare students for college, and in college much of the grade is exams. This new system’s grades will reflect what you know, not what your GPA. Ms. Renee Hevia, Vice Principal
I am disappointed to hear about the change. It will make it harder for grades to look good on college applications. Sarah Pulliam, 12
It seems like only yesterday the media was in an uproar over Joe Biden’s comment, “they are going to put y’all back in chains,” referring to Mitt Romney and his running mate, Paul Ryan. And as usual, in the wake of political controversy, all the talking heads took their places. The Republicans shouted from rooftops about how offended they were. And the Democrats did damage control claiming all is not as it seems. This is a process that repeats itself every few weeks in American politics. The parties may swap places and new actors may take the spotlight, but most of the time, the story stays the same. However, now and again a politician says something so offensive it turns the political world upside down. Let’s talk politics. When asked about abortion access for rape victims, Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO), claimed “that’s really rare. If its legitimate rape, the female body has ways to shut that whole thing down...I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be on the rapist and not attacking the child.” The comment was not only misogynistic, but absolutely false. The fact is, rape is a crime, rape has victims, and rape can lead to pregnancy. Todd Akin is done in politics. The news cycle has been filled with Democrats and Republicans dismissing and repudiating Akins’s comments. So, why is the media especially concerned with the end of Akin’s carrier? He’s the GOP’s Senate candidate trying to unseat Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO). McCaskill’s Missouri senate seat is a key part of the GOP’s path to taking control of the senate this year. Prior to his “legitimate rape” comment Akin was leading significantly in the polls. Now the race is a dead heat for the two candidates. This has led to many in the GOP to call for Akin to step down, including many in the Romney campaign. He has even been asked to not attend the 2012 GOP national convention. However, despite the internal, statewide, and national blowback from his comment, Akin has refused to give in and quite the race. What’s the saddest part of this debate? Rape is an issue in our country. For comments and suggestions on this column, please write to WriteToTheLeaf@gmail.com
opinion >>the sycamore leaf
>>goaves.com
8.31.2012
Bathing suit, sunblock...
textbook?
Summer provides opportunity for more learning
news chief
College is a concept that has haunted and mocked me for the past two years as a symbol of my vulnerability, immaturity, and utter ignorance. Being the first in my family to ever have the opportunity of going to college in the U.S., the idea of attending a university possibly hundreds of miles away from home has daunted both me and my parents for years. However, one thing in the application process has become clear to me: I need to make my resume stand out. But how do I do that? Then, at the end of the last school year, I understood: summer programs.
What are summer programs?
Hosted by universities, summer programs offer a wide array of specialized courses taught by professors and often world renowned scholars that allow curious high schoolers to pursue their interests. Some, like Columbia University’s “Summer Program for High School Students” offers courses like “Trial Advocacy” and “Advanced Topics in Philosophy”. Others, like Brown University’s “Summer@Brown” has a course on screenwriting and anthropology. What I realized is that no matter what your passion is – even if it is slam poetry – there is a summer program out there for you. This July, I attended a program at Yale University called Ivy Scholars on American Political Philosophy, Law, and Economics (APPLE). With up to four lectures a day on topics such as constitutional dilemmas, free trade, legal theory, and Lincoln’s rhetoric, my
classes were hardly what one could call “summer-worthy” (again, ideas of lazy afternoons come to mind). Additionally, we chose from 55 seminars exploring subjects ranging from Woodrow Wilson’s “Fourteen Points” to women’s struggles in politics to the Social Contract theory. Who would have thought that Locke and Rousseau would be so interesting? I certainly did not. But they were. Extremely. We were pushed outside our comfort zones (way outside) and forced to open our minds to conflicting political ideals as well as ideals of ethics and morals. Not only did we have to debate each other, but also the professors and even ourselves. It was not a test of how far we could go,
Image by Rachael Sun
but of how far we could be pushed. The results were sometimes astonishing; who would have guessed that a small, shy girl would end up winning Most Valuable Delegate in the Constitutional Convention? Through lectures, discussions, and often fiery debates with our professors, our classes taught us to take risks, explore new topics, and expand our points of view. By the end of my two weeks at Yale, I developed a passion for political philosophy and international relations, wrote amendments to the Constitution, fell in love with Yale’s campus, argued with a world-renowned author, and won a few awards along the way. And the fact that this program enhances my resume? Merely a bonus.
‘What I look forward to when school starts again is a fresh start’
Students prepared to tackle school associate editor
Two weeks ago, I was stretched out in the sun at the Montgomery pool. Sipping an iced coffee and thinking about not very much at all. Two weeks ago, I hadn’t even begun thinking about the first week of school, much less the copious amounts of homework and stress it would bring. These are two common complaints students present at the dreaded return of the school year. As a three year veteran of summer homework, I personally can vouch that last minute cramming is definitely not high my list of favorite activities. “I’m excited to start high school; the only part I’m worried about is the summer homework we were assigned,” said Ethan Gabbour, 9. Although the prospect of grades and assignment may be intimidating to some,
My fling with downtown Cincinnati Lila Englander
managing editor
Rachael Sun
In ve n t Meant To
Ana Barros
My summer
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especially after the nonchalance of summer vacation, there are indeed reasons to get worked up over coming back to school.
Investing in school
Not two days before school started, my mom dragged me out of the house. We spent a total of five hours stopping in and out of Kohl’s, Target, Staples, TJ Maxx, Wal-Mart, Office Depot, Macy’s…the list goes on. Many, unlike me, eagerly anticipate their annual preschool shopping ritual. With a new year ushering in different styles and the opportunity to see them in public, students definitely need to take advantage of this demand to make a break for the plazas and department stores. “One of the things I like about coming back to school is seeing friends that you’ve missed… and their ridiculous clothing articles,” said Christine Lu, 12. And for those of you who are
not as interested in the latest trend in fashion, for me at least there is a certain amount of satisfaction in laying one’s hands on fresh new pen and paper.
Bright eyed
you healthy and happy and fosters personality growth as you age.” I, as well as many others, can attest to this being true. “What I look forward to when school starts again is a fresh start: new classes, new people, new teachers,” said Elina Panteleyeva , 11.
Another factor that makes the beginning of the year more manageable for me is the idea of having a fresh start to look Bushy tailed forward to. Most students find So before you begin to failure within themselves at one complain about the homework, time or another; the important the grades, the teacher who part of that is to look to the doesn’t be quiet when you are future and trying to text how you your friend, try Partially, I look forward to can learn and focus on the from the brighter aspects starting new and interesting experience. of returning to classes, although the interest school. The wears off after a week or so. August “I look months forward to provide Gabe Schenker, 11 football and exactly soccer season,” that. According to C. Robert said Gabe Schenker, 11. Clonniger, renowned Perhaps novelty does wear psychiatrist, “Novelty-seeking off after a while, but keep in is one of the traits that keeps mind that when you may be
Nine months ago I read an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer that would dramatically alter the course of my summer. It was a story of a young Cincinnati couple that left good jobs to pursue a dream. Their dream was to implement design expertise in poverty-stricken areas across India. They created a nonprofit, called Design Impact (DI), in 2009 with two projects, and have gradually increased. In 2012, DI sent six fellows to partner with local Indian nonprofits to find sustainable solutions to various problems using design. DI accomplishments range from smokeless charcoal briquettes, to a food supplement snack for malnourished children. Shortly after reading the article I decided to contact Kate Hanisian and Ramsey Ford, the cofounders of DI, to interview them for The Leaf. Our correspondence led to multiple articles and a Public Service Announcement for English class, but even more importantly, it led to my summer internship at DI. If you are financially fortunate enough to be able to choose a volunteer internship over flipping burgers, your options are far more diverse and intellectually challenging. What many don’t realize is that the most important asset is self-advocacy. If you want to work at an inspiring organization, and you have a skill to offer, in most cases, organizations would be thrilled to have you. In my case, I got the job because I could write and use the Adobe programs. It may sound trite, but the most important success factor is attitude—everything else is about being willing to step out of your comfort zone to learn something new. The only part of my experience that was particularly unusual was my relationship with Kate and Ramsey. Not many people sit five feet from their boss, and not many people have bosses who are as inspiring and sincerely warm, fun people as mine were. Internships can also expose you to what is going on in our city. For example, I sat in Fountain Square before work and watched Cincinnati wake up. After watching choirs from all over the world walk down Vine Street, or the anticipated completion of Washington Park, or the gentrification of Over the Rhine, I believe that our city is truly waking up. I encourage SHS students to see the change for themselves, and I challenge SHS students to be a part of it. For comments on this column, please write to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com
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>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com
8.31.2012
Finding your niche
opinion
clubs offer opportunity to make connections Julia Mattis
T
staff writer
here are 43 clubs and 72 sports at SHS. But the challenge really is how to find that one activity that you enjoy most. Speaking from personal experience, getting involved made my freshman year of high school. Through sports and extracurricular clubs a freshman can meet upperclassman. Walking the halls of SHS for the first time, the ones that will be walked hundreds more times, I recognized my friends from cross country, who were upperclassmen. Teammates are a piece of a whole, so no matter what grade teammates always have something in common. Beside finding new friends, extracurricular clubs keep students busy afterschool. Most sports practice every day after school and even continue through the weekend. Through sports, students will never be alone. “Cross country really helps you get to know people and have a more diverse group of friends. We practice together every day in the summer, have pasta parties every Friday, and go on trips. Last year we went to Disney World, which was really fun for the whole team,” said Sarah Frey, 11.
All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography
Mindset matters
Do not be timid or passive about joining a club or sport, because there are only four short years at SHS and everyone counts. “I am happy that I started Flyerettes freshmen year because
SHS IS BRIMMING WITH many great activities. Intramural basketball, chess team, seasonal musicals, and bowling teams are among the many offered. Students are encouraged to find the one that interests them the most or spread themselves out and adopt several. Either way, you will find yourself building sappy long-lasting friendships, and having lots of fun.
High school zen: Isaac Harmon
opinion chief
The balance between grades, school, and a social life is a hard one to find. The majority of us have sacrificed the latter in order to maintain grades, but how much is that helping us in the long run? It is the connections we make and the relationships we maintain in and out of school that help us succeed in the future. It is also the thing that keeps us from wanting to burn our class notes, textbooks, or the library itself for the real dramatic types out there. The major issue is how we maintain the balance. The common saying is “sleep, social, or school- choose two!” Most every incoming freshman thinks they can only successfully choose two. You can choose to get plenty of sleep. You can dedicate your time to fine grades, or you can choose to participate in a wild and aweinspiring social life. All three are necessary components of the high school experience and one way or another, the student will
realize the importance of time management. Some catch on easier than others, it may only take a month of sleep deprivation and failing grades to get their priorities straight. Too much of a good thing is an accurate expression, and after months of sleeping in and passing up opportunities to strengthen themselves many realize they have too much potential and are tired of watching their peers pass them by in life. Getting plenty of sleep is a necessity of life. Waking up refreshed with a clear mind and full of energy is a wonderful start to a productive day. However, as freshmen quickly learn, time spent awake is often a balancing act in regards to energy and productivity. Sleep is the first of the three responsibilities to go, before grades or social life. So get used to setting that alarm an hour or so early, and begin to hate the snooze button as much as the rest of the world. Biologically, without sleep the brain cannot function. It is obviously very important to keep a healthy sleep schedule, which is easier said than done. Next is the students’
I will be on the team for four years,” said Katie Pruitt, 11. If you really like Spanish, then join Spanish Club; joining is easy, and they only meet once a month. Some clubs do not require much commitment so you could be a member of a variety of clubs. “Art Club normally meets once a week on Wednesdays. Sometimes we meet more often depending on the project,” said Mr. Peter Griga, Art Club moderator. Obviously, colleges look for participation in clubs and sports on resumés, but do not join a club just so it will look good for colleges. Do what you like, and like what you do. It is certain that at SHS one will find an activity which they enjoy. Most likely, what you like to do will please college recruiters. “Colleges are now looking for an ‘all around student.’ Not only are they looking for a student who can maintain good grades but students who also get involved with leadership activities, sports and any other organizations,” said Charlotte Harris, ’12. “Colleges are looking for personable students who can contribute to a University or college’s community, not just someone who will only study,” she said. Do not get me wrong though, colleges do look for students who participate, so make the most of your four years at SHS and finch your niche, get involved and do something you love.
the ying and yang of high school
requirement to make good grades and keep a solid academic standing. Known on the streets as an “all-nighter” or “cramming,” intense periods of studying before the test are not the best of decisions. When you need to study for a test, staying up all night to study is certainly a common choice. The only problem is that the knowledge gained in the short period of studying is stored in the short term memory, making cumulative exams a challenge. Cramming also is a way to fall behind in class participation because the student will expect to simply learn everything the night or even morning before. Researchers have found that a good sleep before an important test is necessary for your brain to process, absorb, and store the newly learned information. Students will also find that staying out into the early morning and then expecting themselves to be awake with only three or four hours of sleep to start the day is very difficult. Dreading waking up for an improperly prepared test is an easy way to be absent or perform poorly. The one responsibility that parents believe is the easiest
to control is the aspect of the students social life. Parents, though not as naive as many think, realize that going to a party is often less beneficial than doing homework. This is the age old battle and you have probably been dealing with the conflict of school versus fun since you were in grade school. Back then, the argument was over time spent playing Mario Kart or having to learn your spelling words. As social creatures, we crave having fun and socializing with our friends. However, this can easily overflow and outweigh the other “less fun” but more necessary areas of our life. Also, when alcohol or drama is added to the social life, as it often is, studying or sleeping can be difficult to do. Sleep can be challenging if you are constantly thinking about the argument last night between two friends or if you are on the phone talking to the girl you met earlier at the party. Social life weighs heavily on the high school student because they think they are expected to have fun. Another negative consequence is that all good social events happen at night. I will exclude that awesome laser
tag party you went to a decade ago when the pizza and the party was finished by dinner. The running dilemma of these three ‘S’ options: sleep, school, or social, is that only two can be done successfully. This is simply not true and as new students learn the importance of managing their time and how to balance his priorities, the student will find that it is completely possible and ultimately necessary to find an adequate balance if they want to enjoy their high school experience. It is possible to even combine these essentials or variations of them. For example, try finding a study group that you enjoy spending time with. This will help with school and socializing. Try and do your homework right after class so that the material will be fresh in your mind and you will have that much more free time to socialize or sleep. Do not procrastinate, that way you do not have to worry about the latest assignment or test. Then again, ignore all this and learn for yourself. After a few weeks of two hours of sleep and sloppy test results, human nature will forge you into a cliche high school student.
e opinion >>the sycamore leaf
>>goaves.com
8.31.2012
Distorted debate risks ecological disaster Lila Englander
T
news chief
he controversial issue of Keystone and the Canada tar sands is complex, involves untold environmental risks, and has been largely distorted by the media. Keystone is a system of pipelines that move crude oil from Canada tar sands to refineries in the United States. It is a planned extension from Keystone that would move the oil through the Midwest and down to the Gulf of Mexico to be refined and then exported to Europe, Asia, and Latin America. After national criticism and protests, President Obama delayed the decision on the construction of Keystone XL until 2013. The extraction of tar sands oil is more dangerous than the conventional process of drilling for oil. The pipeline would cross over drinking water for two million people, as well as water being used for agricultural purposes in the Midwest. A leak in the pipeline would mean environmental and economic disaster. “If the pipeline is so risky, why would the U.S. consider it at all?” said Joe Moreno, 10.
Economic factors
One myth is that Keystone XL would lower gas prices. However, the refining capacity in the U.S. for domestic oil would decrease to make way for Canadian oil, raising gas prices for Americans. Originally, the pipeline was proposed by Canadians to increase U.S. gas prices,
thus increasing Canadian revenue. Big oil companies do not care where the oil comes from. A rise in American gas prices would actually benefit them. Many also are unaware that the oil would never reach American gas tanks, but instead be exported to Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Another support for the pipeline is potential jobs, but the U.S. State Department only estimates a maximum of 6,500 short-term construction jobs.
Environmental Factors
While job claims are exaggerated, environmental damage is understated. The amount of carbon dioxide released if tar sands in Canada were developed would equal the carbon dioxide emissions of all oil projects in the history of the world. The carbon emissions of this oil are highest for several reasons. First, it requires the most carbon intensive extraction and refining methods. It will require destruction of the critical carbon-fighting Boreal Forests. Finally, it will displace clean energy alternatives. “If irreparable environmental and economic costs do not sway the opinion of the American people, I do not know what will,” said Aaron Pang, 11. Carbon dioxide emissions are the primary cause of global warming. The global warming caused by Canada tar sands carbon emission is predicted to trigger environmental catastrophes including mass floods, inability to irrigate California’s Central Valley, increased dustbowl in the Midwest, and exploding food prices.
In the long term, sea levels and global temperatures would become unbearable, and up to 50 percent of species would become extinct.
Political Factors
Keystone XL does not benefit the U.S. The oil does not come from the U.S. and it does not end up in the U.S. The only U.S. role is refining the oil. President Obama can prevent Canada from exploiting the tar sands oil by refusing to refine that oil. He can also support economic incentives to leave dirty oil in the ground and start to make the necessary transition to clean energy. Issues like Keystone are the result of America’s failure to agree on a longterm national energy policy. A national energy policy would set goals and lay the framework for the balance of environmental and economic factors. It is easy for big oil corporations to manipulate these issues when they are presented in isolation instead of within the context of a long-term cohesive plan. Until the U.S. guarantees a market for clean energy, it will be impossible to make the transition. “It takes more than a half hour to gain a basic understanding of the risks of Keystone XL while the other side can yell simple slogans like ‘drill baby drill,’” said Sneha Rajagopal, 10. The role of an SHS student is to make sure President Obama knows how the American people feel about Keystone XL when he makes his decision. Visit http://www.stoptar.org/ to take action.
Texting while driving takes toll on young drivers Nakul Narendran sports chief
Mobile devices have become more popular as new technologies are released. Unfortunately, the rising popularity has been leading to rising deaths and accidents. Mobile communications are linked to distracted driving which has been leading to growing numbers of injuries and loss of life. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2008, 16% of all fatal automobile crashes were because of distracted driving. That is over 5,000 people killed in the United States alone. According to the American Automobile Association, half of all American teens admit to texting while driving. SHS has over 500 filled parking spots every year, and that doesn’t even include all the students who drive but do not have a parking spot. It is scary to think about how many teens die each year, and the reasons behind it. It can be as simple as a teen receiving a text,
looking down to read it, and the ending of his or her life. Already, laws are being passed to help reduce the growing problem. Currently, there is no statewide law in Ohio that prevents texting while driving. However, Gov. John R. Kasich has recently signed a bill that will prevent this in Ohio. This law will become effective Aug. 1. Ohio will become the 39th state to ban texting and driving statewide. As of now, certain cities in Ohio have banned texting and driving including Cleveland, Toledo, and Columbus.
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Rte 42
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Sheila Vail, director sheilavail@aol.com
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Thankfully, soon this will change to the entire state of Ohio. Still, there are many things that parents and teens can do to reduce the problem. If you are a teen, the first thing you can do is remove the temptation by turning off your cell phone as soon as you sit in the car. If an emergency text or call is needed, pull off the road and safely stop before using your phone. The best thing a teen can do is take control of his or her phone. Make sure not to let it control you. You need to be in charge of when and where you use it. As a parent, never call or text your child if you think there is a chance that they are driving. Review your teen’s cell phone bill and figure out if they are texting at times when they are likely to be driving. The most important thing a parent can do is set a good example and never text or call while driving themselves. Using these tactics, and following the laws that are soon to be established will reduce the amount of fatalities that occur. Texting and driving will not only reduce the chance of you getting into an accident, but it will also reduce the chance that other drivers on the road will have a serious accident.
The Soul of the Olympics Isaac Harmon
opinion chief
It is easy to be cynical about the Olympics: about the runaway commercialism; about the jingoism that so many countries bring to the games; about NBC. Definitely about NBC. Its breathless degree of fake suspense during prime time broadcasts. But you know what? It’s just as easy to be sappy about the Olympics. Because for all their flaws and frustrations, they’ve been a phenomenal spectacle. More than that, they’ve been a phenomenal inspiration, in precisely the ways that they were supposed to be, during a season when we needed the uplift. Amid bullets in Colorado and Wisconsin, vitriol on the campaign trail, ominously scorching heat and serious questions about whether we can and will rise to the challenges before us, the Olympics have affirmed that human potential is just about infinite. They’ve presented two solid weeks of parables, most of which underscored the great rewards possible when great risk is taken and the prospect of glory on the far side of sacrifice. Gabby Douglas gave us a lesson in all of that. I can’t quite let go of her smile or her story. The Olympics have reminded us that any grand achievement begins with a leap of faith and draws lavishly from a wellspring of pure confidence. And that what has been accomplished to date has no bearing on what can be accomplished in time. The Dutch gymnast Epke Zonderland took to the air to prove as much, soaring above and swooping below the high bar during his gold-medal showstopper, while Michael Phelps took to the water. Before Phelps no man had won the same Olympic swimming event three times in a row. In London he did that. Before Phelps no man or woman had ever collected more than 18 Olympic medals. In London he did that, too. Then he collected a 20th, a 21st, a 22nd. All but four are gold. By multiple measures and by far, he is the most decorated Olympian ever. Mosts. Firsts. They charted the march of social progress, marked the toppling of boundaries. For the first time, the American Olympic team had more women than men. For the first time, every national team included at least one woman, including three Muslim countries that had never before done so. One of those countries was Saudi Arabia, and one of its two female competitors was Sarah Attar, who ran the 800 meters with her For comments on this column, please write to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com
5.25.2012
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Where in the school is this? The first person to submit the answer to write totheleaf@gmail.com will win an out to lunch pass.
Have a comic or game you want to appear in the next issue? Contact The Leaf at writetotheleaf@gmail.com
Taylor Evans
fun & games chief
Ellen Martinson fun & games chief
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‘The Dark Knight Rises’
1. Five actors have portrayed Batman in previous box-office flicks. The current actor is Christian Bale. 2. Although Catwoman is a popular character in several Batman comics, this is the first major motion picture she has appeared in. 3. Wayne Manor is located in two different places: Osterly Park House and Wollaton Hall, both located in England.
Fun & Games
B Z E N S N B L R B L
Belle Aladdin Ariel Bambi Tarzan Mulan Simba Pocahontas Micky Minnie Cinderalla Rapunzel Jasmine
Riddles 1. What gets wetter the more it dries? 2. What goes up but never goes down?
4. “The Dark Knight Rises” raised over $160 million dollars on opening weekend, as opposed to “Batman Begins’’ , which grossed $48 million and “The Dark Knight” , which grossed
3. What goes around the world but stays in a corner?
5. Bale was a child actor before becoming an adult star, starring in his first film, “Empire of the Sun,” at age 13.
4. What can you catch but not throw?
6. Despite calling “The Dark Knight Rises” the finale, an untitled Batman reboot has been announced and is expected to premiere in 2015. 7. To prepare for his role as Bane, Tom Hardy gained 30 pounds and studied a number of fighting styles to use in the movie.
5. What has a mouth, but never eats, has a bank but no money, and runs but never walks?
1. A towel 2. Your age 3. A stamp 4. A Cold 5. A river
Answers: 8/21
8/22
8/22
8/23
Comic by Joseph Ahn.
8.24.2012
Feature >>goaves.com >>the sycamore leaf
Back to school style >> Check out trending fashions for the start of school, studying, and beyond
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Behind the scenes >> Meet the people behind The Leaf, from editors-in-chief to business managers to section chiefs
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Getting involved >> Take a look at the wide variety of extracurricular clubs and sports at SHS
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‘It was definitely five of the best weeks of my life’
Kennedy Harris, 12, explores film at Northwestern
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Sanika Vaidya
associate editor
rom internships to jobs to overseas trips, the range of summer opportunities for SHS students can seem endless. For Kennedy Harris, 12, this summer was an opportunity to further her interest in film. “It was definitely five of the best weeks of my life,” said Harris. Harris had the opportunity to spend five weeks at the National High School Institute (NHSI) of Northwestern University. NHSI, also known as Cherubs, is a program which had been running since the 1930s and consists of theater, film, and debate divisions. Harris applied and was accepted into the film division, as one of the 47 high schoolers who attended NHSI, among a faculty of film professors at universities across the country. With five themed weeks filled with
production, directing, screenwriting, animation, and theory classes, Harris was able to work with fellow students to make an experimental film, a documentary, and finally, a five minute long final project. Each of these projects lent a chance to further learning in a restricted environment. Students faced time constraints, as well as other real world problems for filming their pieces. “Only having eight hours to film and 45 minutes of footage to use was not enough [for the final project]. Yet, in the end I think my film turned out pretty well,” said Harris. “I had a slight problem with my location, which put us an hour behind so in actuality I had seven hours to shoot.” Still, despite the problems they faced, the group was able to piece together a five minute long project titled “Provocations.” Even though it was extremely intense my love for film has not diminished, but has grown even stronger,” said Harris.
Image by Sanika Vaidya
A SET OF ASPIRING actors at Northwestern University’s National High School Institute depict a scene in “Provocations,” a film project directed by Kennedy Harris, 12. Harris was accepted into the NHSI, or Cherubs, summer program along with 46 others, and participated in the film division. The five week long program afforded an opportunity to produce an experimental film, a documentary, and finally, this five minute long dark comedy.
Guys
Ask your date in a creative way, makes for better stories later. Be courteous and match your date, it may not seem important to you, but it is.
Easy Easy tips tips for for aa rockin’ rockin’
Yes, you pay for both the tickets -$5 for singles, $25 for couples- and dinner
Homecoming HOMECOMING Girls
Pick out your dress early, no one wants to face the “who wore it better.” Form a group for pictures and make dinner reservations ahead of time. You pay for pictures once at the dancelocated in the main gym.
Saturday, October 13th 9:00 pm- 12:00 am SHS commons
See Seeyou you there! there! Image by Shea Lothrop
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Stench warfare: Joseph Ahn
Y
>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com
8.31.2012
feature chief
&
Antiperspirant deodorant and its battle against your armpits
Jimmy Chau
staff writer
ou are at a family reunion. You stride into the room, cool and confident, eager to show off your recently acquired hugging skills. But alas! Much to your bewilderment, everyone is clutching their nose, running away, and proceeding to vomit into the nearest garbage can. Your day is ruined. You have disgraced your family. To prevent this predicament, you need but take one simple step: wear deodorant. “Deodorant tells you how much a person really cares about their friends enough to keep them,” said Samantha Ciricillo, 10. Summer weather is still here, and with the summer heat comes sweat. A study by Mayo Clinic shows that deodorant/antiperspirants reduce underarm sweating by 20 percent in most people. So whether you are playing basketball, swimming in the sun, or playing chess, you should always have a stick of deodorant close by. “I love my deodorant and without it all the ladies of the cosmos would have a terrible day. If someone smelly tried to hug me I would offer them a stick of Old Spice, so that he too could smell like a man,” said James Perryman, ‘12.
Smelly history
feature
Bad body odor dates back to 2.9 million years ago, when Neanderthals roamed the globe. According to anthropologist Louis Leakey, the humans’ repugnant stench was actually what kept predators from attacking and killing them off. The first form of deodorant was given to us by the same people who invented indoor plumbing: the Egyptians. To prevent unsavory odors, Egyptians would apply cinnamon and other spices that wouldn’t turn rancid in the heat to their armpits. Some archeologists believe that King Tut’s servants actually beat the king to death out of self-defense because his highness’s armpits reeked so strongly of onions. As time went on, however, Egypt’s methods were forgotten, and deodorant sank into the shadows of history. There it sat, patiently for the day of its reemergence. The first modern brand of deodorant, called EverDry, hit the drugstores in 1903. This new product made it possible for users to “forget about the time when they always had ugly sweat stains on their clothes,” as went the slogan. However, consumers were lucky even to have clothes left intact after using EverDry, for the original formula for the deodorant was so acidic that it regularly ate through the fabric. But over the past nine years, deodorant has progressed to the miraculous wonder that that we know today.
How it works
Sweat, also called perspiration, is a clear fluid that is produced by tiny sudoriferous glands in the deeper layers of the skin. The fluid contains about 98 percent water and two percent chemicals. Perspiration itself is practically undetectable to the human nose. It is the bacteria that come with it that produces the smell. There are three different tactics that deodorants used to combat these odors: by killing the bacteria, by preventing the excretion of perspiration, or by masking the odor with a pleasant one. A new age is coming. And all noses, young and old, will be able to live without suffering. Marvelous aromas will drift through the air. Come. Be a part of our family. Wear deodorant.
Deodorant by the numbers Percentage of women in America who are turned off by dirty fingernails.
5
3
Percentage of women in America who are turned off by overweight men.
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Swagger
Percentage of women in America who are turned off by bad teeth.
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Percentage of women in America who are turned off by bad breath.
Percentage of women in America who are turned off by bad body odor.
BODY SPRAY
65
Study done by TNS Global
SMELL LIKE A MAN, man. Although true swagger comes from more than just smelling good, wearing deodorant is a good place to start. It increases self confidence, allowing you to believe in your smellf. Some suspect that Ninjas of feudal Japan used to wear deodorant into battle, creating an aura of pure energy that made them immune to enemy arrows. *Some facts are slightly fabricated.
NET WT. 4.0 OZ (113 g) Image by Joseph Ahn
Top Old Spice scents Q&A with Omar Khan, 11 Does deodorant make you happy? When it gets me the girls, yes.
What type of deodorant do you use and why?
Old Spice. Buying their products improves the economy. It’s also a lot better than Axe.
How often do you put on deodorant?
After every time I take a shower. So... once a year. Just kidding.
Who is the best smelling person you know?
Billy Mays. We drink coffee together. His scent invokes thoughts of cascading waterfalls and mermaids.
If you started a deodorant company, what you name it? What scents would you have?
The company would be called Lilcurry. My flavors would be called curry, naan, and mango lassi.
Image by Jimmy Chau
feature
>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com
8.31.2012
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‘Eye of the Tiger’
Freshmen begin journey in wild jungle Shea Lothrop
business manager
Aditi Sharma
L
managing editor
ow men on the totem pole, rookies on the team, innocent grazing gazelles: freshmen have broken through the withholding barriers of SJHS and are, tentatively, soaring their way into SHS. What is first for you baby cubs in this jungle? Believe it or not, each one of the upperclassmen you pass throughout the halls has been in the same situation. And, luckily, have had enough embarrassing moments while attending SHS to fill an encyclopedia. And as upperclassmen, it is our duty to pass this encyclopedia on to you. While many juniors and seniors would be happy to help with your first day of school, when seeking directions, probe someone whom you trust and remember: there is no third floor.
As the years go by, many upperclassmen confess to not having taken many opportunities that they wish they had. Four years will go by in the blink of an eye, and it is your duty to make the most of them. This year will be infused with new experiences that differentiate high school from junior high. The first of which will be homecoming. The tales of homecoming make this event highly anticipated, no matter what the theme. Gentlemen are encouraged to ask their dates in a wellthought out, creative manner. Another major factor of high school is joining clubs and building up your extracurricular activities. Colleges like commitment throughout all four years, so it is a smart idea to join multiple clubs to see which ones you like and which ones you would like to continue for the rest of your high school career.
Next, make sure you have a balance with classes. Spending your entire life outside of school doing homework is not the correct way to go through high school. It is smart to take
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Sycamore Special:
25% off
ANY salon service 9136 Kenwood Road Blue Ash, Ohio 45242 (513) 985-0379 Present coupon for discount. Cannot be combined with other offers.
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>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com
8.31.2012
feature
Associate Editors Broadcast Editors
Alexis Corcoran & Isaac Harmon
Sports Chiefs
Kelsey King & Victoria Swart
A&E Chief Joseph Ahn & Rachael Sun & Sanika Vaidya*
Aditi Sharma & Kathryn Tenbarge
*not pictured
Joseph Ahn & Lilly Lefton*
Web Masters
Krittika Chatterjee
Cartoonists
Spotlight Chiefs
Feature Chiefs
Atiya Dosani & Lila Englander
Rachael Sun & Sanika Vaidya & Isaac Harmon
Fun&Games Chiefs
Managing Editors GoAves.com Editor
Kelcie Grega
Opinion Chiefs
Editors-in-Chief
Shea Lothrop & Atiya Dosani & Lila Englander
News Chiefs
Ellie Goldman & Sarah May
Will Gawin & Aditi Sharma & Ana Barros
Business Managers
Turning over new leaf New year, new positions on ‘The Leaf’
Ellen Martinson & Taylor Evans
Nakul Narendran & Michael Saxon
Eli Seidman-Deutsch & Ruochen Tang All images by The Leaf staff.
feature
>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com
8.31.2012
After school at SHS: Clubs provide gateway to fun side of education William Gawin
managing editor
SHS offers a variety of extracurricular educational opportunities for students. Nearly every day you will find dozens of students in the building utnil late into the afternoon. SHS has one of the state’s largest and most successful athletic programs. However, SHS is also privileged to have over 20 clubs and after school student organizations. Clubs and other student organizations offer students an educational opportunity tied with fun.
Participating in a club also demonstrates involvement and leadership on a college or job resume. Clubs also provide an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends that have similar interests. These programs offer students clubs about interests ranging from aviation to computers. Many are advocacy and service organizations such as Unified for UNIFAT and Operation Smile. SHS even offers recreational sports under the club banner including basketball and ultimate frisbee. This article highlights a few vibrant clubs at SHS.
Model UN
• Model UN is an academic organization where students participate in mock United Nations conferences. • Members gain a greater perspective on global politics and win awards. • Students represent a given country in the conference and have to argue that country’s viewpoints in front of an audience. • SHS’ Model UN participated in conferences held at Miami University, the University of Dayton, and the University of Chicago.
Learn more about SHS clubs and after school groups online at GoAves.com http://www.goaves.com/group-listing/
Making the most of your high school experience
Froyo fancies: Yagoot vs. Orange Leaf Shea Lothrop
business manager
Ana Barros
managing editor
Shea: What on earth could be better than
getting frozen yogurt? Having someone else get it for you, of course. Yagoot entered into our hearts and minds well before Orange Leaf nudged its way into the picture. And while Orange Leaf does offer more flavor varities, Yagoot focuses on making more quality frozen yogurt. And as grandma always said: Quality, not quantity. This may come as a shock, but frozen yogurt, or “froyo,” became a craze around the country as a healthy alternative for ice cream. But what people don’t realize is that when they self serve froyo and fill their rather large cups to the top, they can possiblrack in more calories than ice cream. We are all guilty of being so tantalized by the flavors that we ignore portion control and go at it, filling our bowls all the way to the top with as many flavors as we can possibly fit. However since Yagoot serves us, we don’t have to worry about self control, they do it for us. Although it may not be the most important factor to us now, Yagoot ensures the yogurt they serve is nutritional. So there you have it, good for you and good tasting. This qualifies as a win-win situation. I highly recommend going out for a tasty sweet treat of froyo, especially before the warm weather comes to a draw. Scoot your boot to Yagoot!
Join a club
Dress for spirit week
Attend a school event
Get rowdy
Beat Mason
Ana: As the thermometer shows no signs Image by Ana Barros
• The Environmental Club is a student group focused on spreading the concept of environmental preservation among the SHS student body. • Club members have actively raised money for environmental issues. • The club is also responsible for handeling the school’s weekly recycling program.
• The Chinese Club is open to all Chinese language students and native speakers. • The club meets twice per month. • Members participate in cultural and Chinese language learning activities. • Chinese Club is one of the newest clubs at SHS.
Chinese Club
CHINESE CLUB MEMBERS ARE seen here cooking during one of the club’s twice monthly meetings. Photo courtesy of Kelcie Grega
Before you leave
Environmental Club
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL club bring out SHS’s recyled products to the school’s dumptsers. Photo courtesy of Liam Reis
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of dropping below 80 degrees anytime soon, frozen yogurt is still in season. But then again, when isn’t froyo in season? And what better place to enjoy a cup of delicious frozen dessert than at the selfserve, 70-flavor, froyo heaven: Orange Leaf? Orange Leaf has taken hold in the local dessert culture. Although the idea of 70 flavors and 36 toppings may not seem friendly to the average health-conscious consumer, the frozen desserts contain 45 calories or less per ounce, lower than traditional frozen yogurt and ice cream. Additionally, the variety allows for portion control: for the health conscious, small bowls, sugar-free flavors, and fresh fruit toppings provide a satisfactory low-fat option. And for those brave souls who are willing to fill their large bowls with the richest of flavors and pack on the toppings – ensuring a food coma in the hours to come – this option is readily available as well. Other frozen yogurt providers such as Yagoot, with a mere total of 12 flavors, attempt to play the “quality, not quantity” card. However, Orange Leaf is ranked significantly higher than Yagoot by Urbanspoon.com and other public forums. Whether it is because of its low price, high variety, healthiness, friendly environment, or the fact that it tastes like ice cream, Orange Leaf consistently rises above other frozen yogurts and more locations will soon be available around Cincinnati. Orange you glad? For comments and suggestions on this column, please write to WriteToTheLeaf@gmail.com
8.31.2012
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Summer cinema >> Hottest movies of the summer in final rankings
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Answer the call Opinion 4 >> New edition of cult-classic game aims to impress
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Marilyn Monroe Opinion 4 >> 47th anniversary of the death of American Icon
A&E 18
>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com
International acts descend upon Cincinnati
SHS synthesizes school talent Rachael Sun
T
associate editor
he United Singers of the Aves held their own against over 400 choirs from other nations at the 2012 World Choir Games. After a shaky rehearsal on the morning of competition, the team pulled through to finish 11th in their division, against choirs from nearly 50 nations around the globe. The Games chose Cincinnati as the first American city to host the biennial event. Taking advantage of the opportunity, choir director Mr. Kenneth Holdt gathered a group of students to participate in the open competition. “Of the 100 or so students
that competed, about 30 percent were in choir, 30 percent in band or orchestra, and the remaining 40 percent were from the general SHS population who just have music in them,” said Holdt. As a result, the Games pulled together a group of students that had rarely worked with each other in the past. With only ten rehearsals to master four songs, each in a different language, SHS faced an uphill climb to competition. After two weeks of intense practicing, the United Singers of the Aves hustled to synthesize everything for an esteemed panel of judges. “I guess we all learned to work together, both with other nations and ourselves,” said Alex Masset, 11, singer. “We’re
spreading the music, you know. It’s good.” SHS opened the program in their set as the first team to compete and quickly grabbed the audience’s attention with their powerful harmonies and cadences. The choir members were then met by family and friends after coming off stage. “I have a lot of friends in the World Choir Games, so I just came out and decided to support them today,” said Madelyn Dukart, 11, on her choice to attend although she was not a participant. In the awards ceremony, the United Singers of the Aves received a Silver Diploma. First place was awarded to the School for Creative and Performing Arts, some of SHS’ local peers.
“I couldn’t be more pleased,” said Holdt. “For the first time out on an international stage, I’m so pleased for the students that got to participate, Sycamore as a greater community and the contributions they have made.” Students still believed in remaining room for improvement, however. For example, the Sounds of Sycamore choir from the Junior High received a higher score than SHS in the same category. “All in all it was good, but could have been better,” said Bradley D’Souza, 12. “So 2014, here we go. We’ll try again!” The next World Choir Games will be held in Latvia. Until then, SHS remains optimistic about future international competitions.
Image by Aditi Sharma
Garage bands go local to vocal Krittika Chatterjee a&e chief
Cincinnati is often considered a haven for the grassroots music scene, spawning artists such as recently acclaimed Walk the Moon. The city is overrun with musical venues open to local bands as well as national acts. For an environment that fosters musical success, a myriad of garage bands is to be expected, and Cincinnati has seen every stage (no pun intended). Take SHS’ own Bright Eyed Youth. After premiering their undeniable talent with their only song “Better” at their eighth grade variety show, they have gone from playing at school events to being routinely asked to perform at the Underground, a popular concert venue in Cincinnati Mills. The members agree that their largest gig has been opening for Queen City natives, Twenty One Pilots, who were recently signed to Fall Out Boy’s former label Fueled by Ramen. In aspirations of their own
success, they have released a seven-track EP that was recorded in-studio. Other than that, their path is unknown. The group competes in Battle of the Bands often in hopes of advancing, most not too successful (yet). “We’ll continue writing good material and start reaching out to labels and find new way sto distribute our music to more people,” said Justin VanWagenen, 11, drummer in Bright Eyed Youth. Success will surely come for them soon enough, but there will have to be something that makes the difference for them. The question is what exactly this x factor is. High school band Public, hailing from Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, recently signed to a local record label after releasing their EP “Red.” The irony is that Public often plays the same shows as Bright Eyed Youth, including multiple Battle of the Bands and the very same Twenty One Pilots show. The difference is that Crown went on to open for Twenty One Pilots on a massive stage, the LC Pavillion.
Image by Alexis Corcoran
Local band, Public, plays at the Underground. Since this show, the trio has opened for Civil Twilight at 20th Century Theatre and played Fountain Square. Their new album, “Red,” is available for purchase on publiccrown. com.
Even further down the line of fame, Walk the Moon also hailed one of its members from Cincinnati Hills, lead singer Nicholas Petricca. Walk the Moon, after selfproducing their first album at Kenyon College, went on to play at colossal music festivals Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, all in their first and second year of existence. Since then it has been a whirlwind. Immediately after, the band was signed and their
debut album cracked the Top Ten on iTunes, blowing past Justin Bieber’s newest release. When that big break will come for Bright Eyed Youth is the mystery, but they are in it for the long run and do not know when their time will come. “It’ll be a throughout-high school process, but within the year would be glorious,” said VanWagenen. “Otherwise, we’re kind of just playing it by ear.”
Michael DeMaio
staff writer
This summer has been a relaxing time for students taking a break from their studies, but it has also been an exciting time for music, with many different trends emerging and the whole scene moving in some very interesting directions. There has been a huge resurgence of interest in progressive R&B acts, as well as sample based music and modern hip-hop. Frank Ocean’s “Channel Orange” was one of the most notable new releases of the summer; he artfully combined aspects of R&B with modern production techniques and has really been one of the key players in bringing back that style of music. Along side Frank is Petit Noire, a South African act who blends Indy Rock style instrumentals with subjects that run deeper than the average indie rock or R&B track This artist that can be appreciated on many different levels and, is sure to be a mainstay in the world of independent music for years to come. Kwes, an English singer and producer, is really pushing the genres of experimental pop and R&B to the next level. He is releasing his music on Warp Record label and is sure to be pushing the boundaries of pop music until there isn’t anything left to push. Outside of R&B, modern rap has gained a lot of popularity with the coming about and popularization of Kendrick Lamar, why, Death Grips, Jeremiah Jae, Danny Brown, everyone in the Odd Future crew, etc. With the advent of this new breed of artists and the growing popularity of genuine hip hop, we may once again be on the brink of a hip hop renaissance akin to that of the 90’s. Once again legitimizing the hip-hop genre as music with something real to say. In addition to everything previously mentioned, this summer has also given birth to some ingenious electronic and sample based music with notable releases from XXYYXX, The XX, Flying Lotus, Purity Ring, and many others. It’s an exciting time in music and I can’t wait to see what the future holds! For comments on this column, please email to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com
a&e >>the sycamore leaf
BLOCKBUSTED: >>goaves.com
8.31.2012
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A look at summer’s most popular movies Scott Stefani
staff writer
TICKET
Snow White and the Huntsman Came out: Jun. 1
Big names: Charlize Theron Kristen Stewart Chris Hemsworth Director: Rupert Sanders Genre: Adventure & drama
TICKET
Madea’s Witness Protection Came out: Jun. 29
Big names: Tyler Perry Eugene Levy Romeo Miller Director: Tyler Perry Genre: Comedy
TICKET
The Dark Knight Rises
Came out: July 20 Big names: Christian Bale Anne Hathaway Joseph GordonLevitt Director: Christopher Nolan Genre: Adventure
When the Huntsman is ordered to lure Snow White into the woods and kill her, he becomes her protector and they set out to defeat the Evil Queen in this twist to the classic fairy tale.
A Wall Street investor and his family are relocated to Aunt Madea’s home as they are placed in the Witness Protection Program while they face legal problems.
The Dark Knight once again returns when Bane, a terrorist leader, threatens the safety of Gotham.
“‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ was really dramatic and adventurous.” Ilana Frankel, 10
“I love all of the ‘Madea’ movies so I was so excited for this one to come out.” Brooke Justice, 12
“The ‘Batman’ series is one of my favorites. I’m really happy they made another one.” Ryan Jones, 10
Big names: Martin Sheen Emma Stone Sally Field Director: Marc Webb Genre: Action & Drama & Adventure Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. Placing on the path to becoming Spiderman.
“I loved the new ‘Spiderman’ movie, I have seen all of them.” Katie Oh, 10
Finding Nemo in 3D
Coming out: Sept. 14 Big names: Ellen DeGeneres Director: Andrew Stanton Genre: Comedy, Family, Adventure, Kids, Animation 3D In this heartwarming Disney Pixar classic, Marlin and his new friend, Dory, sets out on a quest to rescue his son when he is taken by divers.
“‘Finding Nemo’ is my favorite movie, and the 3D version is going to make it awesome.” Nikita Tandon, 11
TICKET
TICKET
Came out: July 3
TICKET
The Amazing Spiderman
TICKET
TICKET
TICKET
Top theaters Kenwood Theatre Rave Motion Pictures Milford Rave Motion Pictures West Chester Milford Cinema Regal Cinemas
TICKET
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>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com
8.31.2012
Remembering Marilyn W Kathryn Tenbarge
spotlight chief
Image by Kelsey King
hat does one think of when picturing Marilyn
Monroe? Maybe they see the famous skirt blowing picture. Perhaps they remember one of her movies, or notable quotes. Monroe is one of America’s treasured figures, someone who remains fresh in our memories long after her death, fifty years ago. It is hard to believe that someone who left behind such a glamorous legacy had such a rough upbringing. Monroe, born as Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, never really knew who her father was. She was raised by a single, abusive mother until it became clear that Monroe could not live with her any longer. She was put in foster care, but generally lived with relatives and friends.
Virtual reality:
Gamers rejoice over game sequel Ethan May
staff writer
Treyarch recently announced that Call of Duty Black Ops 2, the sequel to hit Call of Duty Black Ops, will be made. It is planned to be released on Nov. 13, 2012. The new game will take place in a fictional second Cold War. It will feature protagonist David Mason, who is the son of protagonist Alex Mason in the first Black Ops. “It is really cool that the previous game’s son will be in the next game,” said Aditya Venkitarama, 10. The campaign mode is based on a Cold War in 2025 between China and the U.S. It will be fought in a futuristic manner with cyber warfare, robotics, unmanned vehicles and other ultramodern technology. For the first time in Call of Duty history, the player will be able to affect the outcome of the game; there will be choices for the player to make that could change the entire ending to the game. “This is really exciting that you can change the outcome of the whole game. This is a huge change in the game,” said Rick Niu, 10. After the campaign is completed, players will see how the choices they made affected the outcome of the game and what would have happened had those choices had not been made. Treyarch has also confirmed that the game mode “Zombies” will once more be available in the new game. “Zombies was my favorite game mode in the other Black Ops, I am happy to see it will make another appearance,” said Mitchell Camfield, 12. It was promised that Black Ops 2 would be a whole new generation of Call of Duty games and from the looks of it, it seems that will be true.
Being found
When Monroe turned sixteen in 1942, she married her boyfriend, Jimmy Dougherty. Dougherty, a merchant marine, served time in the South Pacific while Monroe worked at an ammunitions factory. She was spotted by a photographer who came to take pictures of working women, and began a career in modeling. By the time Dougherty returned in 1946, Monroe was reasonably successful. But still she wanted more of the spotlight. She signed her first movie contract that year, and the couple divorced around the same time. In preparation for new roles, Monroe changed her name from Norma Mortenson to Marilyn Monroe, and also dyed her hair blonde. She gained popularity with her role in 1950’s “The Asphalt Jungle,” and 1953’s “Niagra.”
American image
America loved her, but Monroe’s directors did not. They blamed her of showing up to work late with a bad attitudeMonroe suffered from severe pre-performance anxiety. She was even dropped from several contracts. In an effort to play more substantial roles, Monroe attended the Actors Studio’ in New York City.
M
A dramatic role in 1956’s “Bus Stop,” earned her high praise, and 1959’s “Some Like it Hot,” won her a Golden Globe for “Best Actress in a Comedy.”
Final good-bye
It was around this time that Monroe reached the high point of her career. By 1961, her last two movies had been box office flops. She had remarried twice since her first husband- one to Joe DiMaggio, a baseball great, and the other to playwright Arthur Miller. Her last great performance was in 1962, singing “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy. Later that year, at 36, Monroe was found dead. Speculators suspect a homicide case, but the official ruling was a drug overdose.
Following footsteps
In her lifetime, Monroe’s movies grossed over $200 million. However, she owned a reasonably sized house with only a few possessions. Monroe has been imitated by various modern celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Madonna. She was portrayed by actress Michelle Williams in 2011’s “My Week with Marilyn,” which offered a glimpse into Monroe’s life. Fifty years after her death we continue to celebrate her legacy; she had her ups and downs, but her stunning performances make her a lasting American figure.
asking our minds
edia’s violence having negative affect on teenage minds
Joseph Ahn
feature chief
Just turn on the TV, surf the internet, listen to the radio, play some COD. All of these are sources of today’s media. How convenient it is to simply press a button and be exposed to millions of megapixels of miscellany. “I can definitely see how over time, you could get desensitized to the things that we see on the screen,” said Stephen Mills, 10, hardcore gamer. After watching the Dark Knight, you get pumped up. You want to go out and beat the snot out of some bad guys. When you see an animal cruelty infomercial, you want to cry and hug your dog. Media can influence you to do different things. You can’t listen to a Wiz Khalifa song without learning something new. The media controls you, and some people are more susceptible to it than others. But is all that violence you see and swearing you hear actually rooting itself in your mind? Are all the tragic, unexplainable events in the front cover of the newspaper ultimately a result of the media around us? The Colorado shooting in July was one such tragedy. James Holmes, 24-year-old graduate student walked into the midnight screening of Dark Knight Rises with an assault rifle, killing many and wounding more. Although we have no concrete proof that this shooting and others of its kind are prompted by the media, many studies have been done that strongly imply just that. In 2010, Stanford University gathered data from two middle schools and high schools in San Jose, California. Researchers first carefully measured a baseline level of aggressive behavior in over 500 students.
They then introduced a program which made the students cut back on video games and watch less TV. They were monitored by slips signed by parents. After 20 weeks, the researchers found a 40 percent decrease in physical aggression, and a 50 percent reduction in the level of verbal aggression. The children who were the most aggressive at the outset of the study had the most to gain, and they showed the greatest benefit. “Violent programs on television can actually make the parts of your brain that suppress aggressive behaviors become less active,” said Janice Ahn, medical student. At the front of our brains is what is called the frontal lobes. This area dictates a lot of our personality as well as our ability to reason and problem solve. It is in control of our insight, awareness, and judgement. But most importantly, it helps us plan and execute: stop doing things, start doing things, and manage that shift from one thing to another. For example, if we are watching television, then it is our frontal lobe that makes us stop watching and go do other things we have to do. The interesting thing is, however, that this part of your brain is not fully developed until the age of 21, and is therefore susceptible to change. Therefore, we, as teenagers, have to be careful of what we expose ourselves to, because those ideas will always be in our heads.
a&e
Krittika Chatterjee a&e chief
Summer held a slew of brand new music festivals for the city of Cincinnati, bringing in events like Madlove Music Festival fand the wildly successful first annual Bunbury Music Festival. Bunbury brought in some of the world’s most popular alternative and indie bands, including Death Cab for Cutie and Weezer, who sell out international shows regularly. Although the tradition of summer music wraps with the end of August, Cincinnati is fortunate enough to have the longstanding and highly renowned Midpoint Music Festival in the beginning of fall. Marking its eleventh year, Midpoint is pulling in some of the largest acts of the indie scene to headline Sept. 27-29, all of dramatically different styles. Sleigh Bells headlines the first day of the festival. The duo first had their break when their song “Kids” was used in the trailer for the US version of popular TV show “Skins.” Clearly, the band lasted longer. Since performing at MTV’s college music awards, album sales have shot up for Sleigh Bells and their sophomore release, “Reign of Terror,” dropped this past February. Sleigh Bells is a noise pop group, a style that caters almost entirely to sound and less so to lyrics. The duo is famous for creating cacophony through relentless electric riffs and drum banging that somehow is on the whole entrancing. Andrew Bird is a seasoned performer and a Northwestern University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in violin performance. In 2003 he began to shape himself as a solo artist, utilizing his violin prowess and soulful voice, creating a style all his own with a profoundly folk influence. Bird has run the gamut of potential performance venues, playing shows like Bonnaroo and Coachella. This is his first year performing at Midpoint, following his 9th studio album “Break it Yourself.” The final headliner, Grizzly Bear, exploded onto the scene with their third album “Veckatimest,” largely theorized and recorded over three weeks spent in a house in Glen Tonche, New York. Their style is comparable to French band Phoenix, with experimental guitar work and delicate melodies. Not long after, Grizzly Bear was overrun with collaborations including Radiohead and Feist, and a co-headlining show with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. These acts of international acclaim descend on Cincinnati for three days, joining popular local acts like the Bad Veins and Belle Histoire, creating one of the most musically rich atmospheres Cincinnati sees every year. Tickets can be purchased on the Midpoint Music Festival website at mpmf.com. For comments and suggestions on this column, please write to WriteToTheLeaf@gmail.com
>>goaves.com >>the sycamore leaf
Upcoming SHS Sporting Events Sep. 4 Girls volleyball @ MND 6:30 p.m. Sep. 4 Girls tennis @ Lakota West 4 p.m.
Sep. 6 Boys soccer @ Fairfield 7 p.m.
Sep. 8 Cross country @ Mason 9 / 10:30 a.m.
Sep. 10 Boys golf vs. LaSalle Clovernook C.C. - 4 p.m.
Sep. 11 Boys soccer vs. Mason 7 p.m.
Sep. 11 Girls volleyball vs. Mason 7 p.m.
Sep. 15 Girls soccer @ Loveland 5 p.m.
Football Preview: Varsity sqaud looks to overcome doubts The Varsity team is returning approximately six starters from calendar chief offense and six starters from Michael Saxon defense. sports chief Dattilo expects seniors Cole Tameris, Josh Hunter, Mason Morgan, Markus James, and team that just Chandler Zulia to provide came away with a leadership for this season. successful season by Each year Dattilo and the reaching the playoffs coaching staff expect to make last year has high hopes of a splash in the GMC. This year acheiving another one. will be no exception. Last season, the Varisty “I believe this year we will football team was led by be in the hunt for the playoffs multiple seniors, including once again,” said Dattilo. quarterback Kyle Sess who If the team is currently is to acheive playing I believe this year we will this, they will at Dayton need to do it University. A be in the hunt for the with a new major question playoffs once again quarterback. for the team in Greg the off-season Scott Dattilo, head coach Simpson, was how to 11, was replace the seniors that played a major role named the starter over the summer. last year. Despite these conditions, “Like every year we lost some other players remain very talented players, but we optimistic. also returned several as well. “I expect us to be a very We have had a great off-season good football team, hopefully and summer so I expect that taking our talent to the we will replace last year’s seniors just fine,” said Mr. Scott playoffs again,” said Daniel Apke, 12. Dattilo, head coach.
Sep. 18 Water polo vs. Princeton 6 / 7:15 p.m. Events according to GMC Sports site or respective online schedules
Michael Saxon
Zachary Fritzhand
sports chief
Athletes’ will to win may be sports’ ruin
A
East Central Aug. 31
TIGHT END MASON MORGAN, 12, elevates for a catch in a game last year. Coach Dattilo said of Morgan, “Mason is a big tall tight end with great hands. We hope to be able to get him the ball more this year than last.”
Springfield Sept. 7
Reality Check
What type of year do you think our football team will have this season? Michael Saxon
Obviously, we lost some key players last year. Kyle Sess will be very hard to replace, but from what Coach Dattilo told me there seems to be a lot of talented rising players that will have no problem filling in. However, there is no substitute for experience, which is what the team is lacking. I predict that the team will make the playoffs, but like last year, it will be an early exit. While there are a fair amount of seniors, we’ll need even more experience if a long playoff run will be made.
Nakul Narendran nakul narendran
Sep. 17 Boys golf vs. Oak Hills Weatherwax G.C. - 4 p.m.
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sports chief
Sep. 12 Girls golf vs. Middletown Weatherwax G.C. - 3:30 p.m.
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>> New season, new coach, new goals
on
Sep. 8 Girls soccer vs. Walnut Hills 2 p.m.
>> After months of preparation, season finally arrives
water polo 4 Girls Opinion
Image by Michael Sax
Sep. 6 Girls golf vs. Princeton Glenview G.C. - 3:10 p.m.
soccer Opinion 4 Boys
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Upcoming Games
Sports
Cross country Opinion >> Allison Klonne shares her schedule as a runner
8.31.2012
sports chief sports chief
Unlike my Co-Chief here, I am going to be a true Aviator fan, and say that they are going to have a very successful season. Yeah, we lost Kyle Sess, and other stars from last year, but we still have one thing very important: belief. Aviator pride fuels our players, and I just know that we will make the playoffs this year, and hopefully advance. Aviator football is going to be just as good as last year with our new talent, if not better.
For Apke’s full prediction for the 2012-2013 school editor-in-chief year, visit goaves.com. I asked my cousin Daniel Apke, 12, four year member of the Varsity football team, about his expectations for the team this season, and he told me, “I expect the team to win the GMC and the seniors to be an important part of our championship season.” I agree with Apke, not only because I respect his opinion, especially in matters of football, but also because, as an athlete myself, I know that teams can pull together to achieve a goal even when it seems the odds are against them. Sarah May
Joey Slovin
staff writer
When it comes to this football season, the outcome is as unpredictable as the coin toss-up before the game itself. With the team starting anew this fall, it will be interesting to see how quickly they can develop the leaders on the field that will step up and fill in for last year’s graduating class. My opinion is as good as any, however I will tell you this. We have a footballsmart and veteran head coach leading our squad, so absorb these four words: In Dattilo We Trust.
For suggestions on what should be debated in the next Reality Check, please email to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com.
I never thought I’d say this, but there is something wrong with sports. When Dwight Howard teamed up with Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, I saw the true Achilles heel of today’s athletes. It is not that they’re all about the money (although that’s a close second) but rather that they want to win, at all costs. Now, you may wonder how I can possibly criticize the competitive spirit that top athletes possess. After all, isn’t wanting to win a good thing? Well, there’s a difference between athletes that are competitive and athletes that just take the easy way out - Exhibit A: Dwight Howard. I tried to give Howard the benefit of the doubt with the van Gundy fiasco, but forcing the Magic to trade him by throwing a fit like a 12-year-old girl exposed his true colors. Did Howard put his game on the line for the Magic this past season? Did he always display a level of true competitiveness? No, not at all. Instead he jumped ship and landed in L.A., where they eat, sleep, and breathe championships. And of course, it’s not like other senior players are setting a better example – Exhibit B: Ray Allen. If there’s anyone who exemplifies the motto “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,” it’s Allen. Having been knocked out of the playoffs by LeBron and Co. the past two seasons, Allen joined the championship Miami Heat deal worth about $3 million each season, turning down a deal from the Celtics worth $6 million each season. Allen put winning before money, something extremely rare in today’s world, but it’s nothing I’m applauding him for. And finally, my favorite – Exhibit C: Badminton. The fact that this sport is even part of the conversation is testimony to how badly athletes want to win. During the Olympic games, eight female badminton players were sent home for deliberately throwing matches in hopes of securing higher seeds in the medal rounds. It’s ironic, really. The players wanted to win so badly that they purposely lost. Ladies and gentlemen, these examples are proof that the sports world is heading in the wrong direction. The competition that attracts us fans to sports also pushes players to taking the easy way out. The thing that we love most about sports may ultimately be its downfall.
For comments on this column, please email to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com
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>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com sports
8.31.2012
Pay-to-play harms districts nationwide High cost hinders schools’ athletic programs
Atiya Dosani
A
news chief
thletics play an active role in the lives of high school students all over the country. But as schools tighten their budgets, drastic changes are being made for sports teams as they add fees to participate. According to Scott Smith, physical education professor at Central Michigan University, from 1990 to 2000, 20 percent of Ohio school districts charged athletic fees. However, this number has increased and about half of Ohio districts now have payto-pay fees. “There’s a rise in the number of districts that are looking at this and implementing fees. I would say it’s a meteoric rise,” said
Smith to the Pittsburgh PostGazette. Athletic and school board members are not eager to add these fees, but most are being forced to implement them all over the country. They feel it is one of their best options in order to cut budgets. “When you have to cut $928 thousand from the budget, everything is up for grabs including payto-play…these are difficult decisions and we are trying to make the best of it,” said Vicki Flotta, Bethel Park spokeswoman, to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Fortunately, the pay-to-play fee at SHS is relatively low, at $75 per sport. Some schools have not been as lucky. A prime example is the Lakota School District, which has the highest pay-to-play fees in the country. Last year, Lakota fees climbed all the way to $550 per sport at the high school and $350 per sport for the middle school. The high fees were put in place to help deal with the $12 million budget deficit due to a repeatedly failed school levy. This has resulted in many student athletes unable to continue playing sports because of the high costs. The decreasing amount of participating athletes in Lakota has caused their athletics program to lose talent and success. “Lakota has always been a tough competitor, but I don’t know if they still will be since a lot of people aren’t playing anymore because of the fees,” said Jessica Hobart, 10. Because of these laws, Lakota parents, educators, and others who support the school athletics have formed a group: Yes to Lakota Kids, No Lakota. This group provides information to the community about school funding from budget reports to help them decide whether or not to support the levy. No Lakota has also stepped in to help Lakota students pay the athletic fees. It has committed ten thousand dollars, helping some students cut their fees by 50 percent. The Community Foundation of West Chester (WCL) is another local group who has plans to help athletes participate by paying their fees. Students can apply to earn these scholarships, which are funded by private donations. With high athletic fees, students are often unable to participate in sports.
On track to success:
These students make the sacrifice by not playing at the freshman and JV levels, but joining back in the program at the Varsity level. This is a large factor when determining how the future success of Lakota athletics will be. However, with the community forming groups to help pay athletic fees, many students will be able to continue to play sports. If the community groups are successful, the downfall of Lakota athletics could be prevented. SHS athletics remain strong for now, and mostly unaffected from the pay-to-pay fees. Parents, coaches, and athletes are hoping to stay fortunate with low fees in order to keep the athletic programs afloat.
OFFSEASON TRAINING IS A huge part of an athlete’s success. To the left, Nathan Byrd, 11, is preparing for his third straight year playing basketball for SHS. To the right, Laura Cole, 11, a Varsity volleyball player for SHS earned her spot with the help of her summer training.
All images by Nakul Narendran and Aditi Sharma
Spring Track competes at State meet Victoria Swart
staff writer
As the year winds down, most students spend their time preparing for summer and studying for final exams. The spring track team, however, had another event on their plate: the State meet. In track, one can get to compete in the state meet only if they place in the top four in both the District and Regional competitions. The SHS team had done just that, with eight qualifying. “I’ve never had so many qualify to the state meet in the time I’ve been coaching. I’m so proud of my team, and I can’t wait to see what they do at the state meet,” said Mr. Hank Ray, head coach.
These qualifiers include Deja Jackson, 11, Jasmine Mcdonald, 12, Halley Bell, 12, and Angela Harris, 12, in the 100 meter relay, Nick Alston, ‘12, in the 200 meter dash, and Samantha Siler, 12, in the 3200 meter run. Other qualifiers include Rose Menyhert, 10, in the 3200 meter run, Harris in the long jump, and Bianca Rhodenbaugh, 12, in the 400 meter dash. “This team had so many great people on it that I can just go on and on about. They work so hard, and they all deserved to go to the state meet,” said Mrs. Elizabeth Gonda, girl’s head coach. The qualifying round took place on Fri., June 1, while the finals occurred on Sat., June 2. Alston placed 15th in the
DRIVING TO THE FINISH, Nick Alston, ‘12, sprints in the boys 400 meter relay. Alston was one of the eight qualifiers to the State meet. He finished his high school career with in 15th place in the preliminary competitions, respectively. Photo courtesy of: McDaniel’s Photography
preliminary competitions. In the finals competitions, the girls 400 meter relay placed fourth, Rhodenbaugh received ninth in the girls 400 meter dash, Harris placed 13th in long jump, and Siler and Menyhert placed seventh and ninth in the
girls 3200 meter run. “It felt so great to compete with the state’s best track athletes. I’m so proud of my teammates, and I hope that we will be here again next year,” said Menyhert.
Bengals on road to successful season Nakul Narendran sports chief
It’s that time of year again. The Cincinnati Bengals had a successful season last year making the playoffs, and they started this year off with a successful 2012 Draft. I am anticipating a winning season with a possible AFC Championship appearance. Cincinnati backed up their already strong defense by drafting cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick from the defending NCAA BCS national champions, The University of Alabama. Their drafting has seemed to have worked, as the Bengals rolled through their first two preseason games. The excitement ran through my veins as I watched Cedric Peerman score two touchdowns for my team in the first game. The Bengals took out a strong New York Jets team full of talented young stars including Tim Tebow, famous for his playoff run last year with the Broncos. The Bengals then were able to follow up that win with another at Atlanta. Cincinnati defeated the Falcons 24-19 with the help of my favorite duo. It was just another day in the office for wide receiver A.J. Green and quarterback Andy Dalton, as they connected for a 50-yard touchdown strike. With so much success in their first two preseason games – something rare to Bengals football – I am highly anticipating a successful season. The third and fourth preseason games for the Bengals are crucial. They will host an experienced football team on Aug. 23 when the Green Bay Packers come to town. I am hoping with all my heart that Dalton and the team play their hearts out to a victory. Beating the Packers or the Colts in the second half of preseason would be fantastic. Not only would the team gain confidence, but the fans would as well. And confident fans mean the Bengals will be playing in a packed house, game after game. The Bengals have a schedule that may be considered easy, when compared to some of the other teams in the NFL. I want this to be a breakout year for the Bengals, similar to the historic 2009 season for the New Orleans Saints. And I fully believe that the Bengals will take full advantage of their schedule and almost, if not sweep their division. Of course, I say this every year. But this year I just know that the Bengals are going to win, and keep winning. They have too much young talent on their team to not do so. For comments on this column, please write to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com
sports >>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com
8.31.2012
21
Back to baseball Joey Slovin staff writer
G
irls soccer program looks ahead
enerates more spots with three teams
Lauren Saxon
W
staff writer
ith several scrimmages, games, and weeks of training under their belt, the girls soccer season has officially kicked off. In an effort to be more successful than last year, big changes have been made in the program. The first of these changes was two new additions to the coaching staff. Coach Jen Hester and Coach Mel McLaughlin will be assisting on the varsity team. “I am very excited about our coaching staff this year. Jen Hester brings a high level of intensity and passion for the game. As a Sycamore Alum and Xavier student athlete, Mel McLaughlin brings school pride and a vast knowledge of the game. They have already made an impact on this program,” said Kendra Hornschmier, Varsity head coach. The most significant change
Image by Aditi Sharma.
from last year is in regards to the number of girls on each team and the setup of team rosters. In the past, the girls soccer program has always had enough for three teams: JVB, JV, and Varsity. However, this year, the number of girls interested in playing the sport was substantially low, with a total of 43 girls attending tryouts. Because of these low numbers, coaches debated how many teams should be made. The decision to have three teams was made on the last day of tryouts, surprising many players. 43 girls is barely enough players to have three separate teams. In order to make it work, several players would have to play, or swing, on more than one team. Varsity players may play in JV games, and JV players may play in JVB games. This arrangement, which causes team rosters to vary every game, has its pros and cons. One effect from having three
teams with swinging players is a potential decrease in team chemistry. There are some players practicing with the Varsity squad and playing in JV games. This may make it difficult for players get accustomed to playing with one another. Another challenge that comes with this arrangement is confusion in relation to rosters and schedules. Because of the numbers, the JV and JVB teams will practice together. Depending on how well the players perform at practice during the week, coaches will decide what level each player will play at, JV or JVB. This can cause confusion among players as well as their parents when it comes to managing their weekly game schedule. A benefit to having three teams is that all girls involved in the program will be getting a sufficient amount of playing time. The opportunity of playing for more than one team almost guarantees time on the field in games.
One of the biggest advantages of the new arrangement was that no cuts were made in the process of making teams. “The main motive in making three teams was to have as many girls as possible play high school soccer,” said Hornschmier. Keeping all players allows for the coaches to develop younger players who will continue to play for the school in the future. “Playing for your school is a great experience and one that you will remember forever. The coaching staff wants to make this opportunity available to as many girls as we can, and we also want to continue to build the program,” said Hornchmier. Regardless of how many teams there are, each one is focused on preparation, improvement, and success. With more coaches, teams, games to be played, the girls soccer program has positive outlook on this season, and seasons yet to come.
Life of XC runners:
Allison Klonne, 12, shares her schedule leading up to meets Monday “Mondays are usually the hardest workouts. Afterwards I will drink a large glass of chocolate milk to recover the carbs and protein.”
Tuesday “Tuesdays we do distance days, (typically seven to eight miles), ab workouts, and weight lifting.”
Friday A.M.
Friday P.M.
“I wake up around 5:30 a.m. to go to morning practice. I run three miles, and then have a bagel breakfast in the commons before school.”
“We have team pasta dinners to get carbs; the dinners are nice place to relax and get my mind off the next morning’s race.”
Wednesday “Wednesdays are the second hardest. We will do a speed workout that is faster than race pace, at shorter distances.”
Saturday “Pre-race, I eat a small breakfast. On the ride to the course, I have a playlist that gets me in a zone and go through my race mentally.”
Thursday “Thursdays are just running as well. My dad will make me pasta so that I can get a carbo load 48 hours in advanced of the meet.”
Sunday “I will usually use Sundays to catchup on sleep, then go for a very slow run to shake my legs out from the day before.” Infographic by Alexis Corcoran
Welcome back to school Aviators! It’s late August, and baseball fans know how important this time of the year can be for their favorite ball club. The allstar break has concluded, and the second half of the season has begun. League leading teams attempt to cling to their spot at the top, while the rest of the teams in their division desperately attempt to claw their way to the pennant. Speaking of league leaders, how ‘bout them Reds? 19 - 7 through the month of July, as well as a streak of winning twenty of twentytwo games at one point this summer. The only (major) setback they have suffered this summer is the injury of superstar Joey Votto, who has been out of the lineup since July 16th. Votto was originally supposed to be back in the line-up about a month after his injury; however, his return was delayed an extra 10 days to ensure his knee a full recovery. Rookie Todd Frazier has offset this tough loss to the Reds organization and has found his way into the hearts of many Reds fans as he continues to raise eyebrows with a large quantity of extra base hits. Frazier’s up-beat and loud personality in the dugout has given him the appropriate nickname “The Todd-Father”which was dubbed onto him by his teammates. Frazier is an east coast guy, and enjoys the musical talents of Mr. Frank Sinatra, as told by his walk-up song. At the top of the National League Central Division, the Cincinnati Reds are playing well and have this entire city feeling good. The problem? If you ask me, and many other Cincinnatians, our answer would be the… The Skipper - Reds manager Dusty Baker. If you ask me, here’s the scenario. If the Reds make it to the World Series, Baker keeps his job as the Reds manager. If we don’t, he’ll be fired faster than you can say In Dusty We Trusty. Because honestly, In Dusty I Don’t Trusty. Thank you, have a great school year, and go Reds! For comments on this column, please write to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com
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>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com sports
8.31.2012
‘I want to make sure we all enjoy being around each other’
Youthful boys soccer team learns from past mistakes Varsity team is equipped with six juniors and four sophomores. A big question mark for the team this year is the “E” word - experience. With only eight players with any ast year, on a cold October significant Varsity exposure, even Scott Sievering, night, SHS soccer fans head coach, predicts some “growing pains” as the watched in dismay as the season progresses. boys Varsity team was “I’d say it is definitely a good experience to play as a eliminated from the playoffs by younger member of the team because I believe that the Walnut Hills. experience we will gain will make us a stronger team The game itself was a fiasco, in years to come,” said Brennon Shanks, 10. “I think filled with yellow cards, it is important for us to build the chemistry early for a scuffles successful season this year and in later years.” among Despite this lack of experience, the team possesses an players, and immense amount of technical skill. Unlike last year’s even conflicts in more athletic team which focused on speed, the team’s the stands. However, at the end strength this year will come from the boys’ skill with of it all, 12 seniors were forced the soccer ball. to say goodbye to their green In addition to inexperience, another major question and gold jerseys, ending their mark for the team is the ability to score goals. The Sycamore soccer careers. team lacks a proficient goal-scorer who has proven he Playing in that Walnut Hills is capable of consistently scoring goals at the Varsity game last year were nine SHS level. players “If we find a way to score who are goals and get through our currently growing pains, we’ll be a on the good team. Our issues are that Varsity we’re inexperienced and have team yet to find a goal-scorer,” said now. Sievering. After After months of offseason such training, weight lifting and an ugly Scott Sievering, head coach conditioning, the boys soccer game, season has finally arrived, and one the team is surrounded by questions. thing was clear: there was a Can they be better than last year? Do they have lack of chemistry between the enough chemistry? Will the inexperience come back to boys on the team. bite them? Who will step up and be that goal-scorer? This is something that the All of these questions will be answered by the boys returning players, especially the in a matter of weeks. The real question is how they seniors, are striving to plan on answering. change this season. “What I learned from the playoffs last year was that the seniors and underclassmen weren’t on the same page and weren’t playing for each other,” Scan here with a said Jake Ciricillo, 12. “So this year I want to make sure we all enjoy being around smartphone for each other, have good chemistry, and most more information importantly play for each other as we try to win a state title.” about men’s soccer In addition to seven seniors, the Michael Saxon
sports chief
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If we find a way to score goals and get through our growing pains, we’ll be a good team.
GoAves teaser:
SENIOR DEFENDER WESLEY MCKIE strikes a ball. Mckie and six other seniors are striving to make this a memorable season by learning from last year’s mistakes. Jake Ciricillo, team captain, wants the team to have good chemistry and to “enjoy being around each other,” something lacking from last year’s squad. Images by Sarah May
Offseason training: Athletes train through summer months Victoria Swart
defense,” said Mr. Gregory Ulland, head volleyball coach. Another change for the JV and varsity Summer to most means sunshine, relaxwere the two-a-days. Instead of having ation, and sleep. For the girls’ volleyball two practices a day, the coaches decided team, however, it means hard work and to hold one three-hour practice. This was early morning practices. supposed to prevent the many injuries that Three days a week during the months keep players out during the season. of June and July, the athletes got up to go Excitement is building among the to practices at 7:00 a.m. These practices coaches as a successful eighth grade team involved countless hours of drills, condiis moving up to the high school program. tioning, and skill work. “I know that both of the eighth grade “It’s a little frustrating, waking up that early, but it’s convenient to have the whole teams had tremendous success last year. I am thrilled for this class to back up this day to do whatever you want. I think it’s year’s freshmen class, who also did very beneficial,” said Kara Marth, 11. well,” said Ulland. With the retirement of Mrs. Sheri RobTryouts were in the beginning of August, ertson, freshman coach, the volleyball giving all three teams a month to learn program brought in Mr. Chuck Schlie, how to work together before the season volleyball parent, to help out with the starts. The athletes and coaches hope that workouts. all of their hard work will pay off in the “We brought in Schlie to improve our strength, speed, and conditioning program. season. “We have such an athletic group this I know that it made a big difference within year that I’m not sure which girls will be our program. “Along with that, we continued to work our starters. I think we’ll be able to do a lot more this year because we have so many on our fundamentals during the summer so that we can run a nice offense and more returning,” said Ulland. staff writer
No pain, no game
Average summer of an SHS soccer player Multiple lifting sessions, including those during the school year
Playing in 90 degree weather 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10
Early morning conditioning at SHS track, including “The 2-Mile”
To see the team’s schedule for this season, visit sycamoresoccer.com Infographic by Michael Saxon
sports >>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com
23
Bonaventure bound 8.31.2012
Outlaw outshines opponents for A10 opportunity Lauren Saxon
staff writer
N
ot many high school basketball players get the opportunity to play college basketball. It requires more than just skill; it also needs a tremendous amount of dedication to play at such a competitive level. Senior guard Imani Outlaw took advantage of this opportunity, verbally committing to the school St. Bonaventure on May 22 ,2012. Outlaw, ranked the 6th best overall player in her 2013 class, played a big part on last year’s Varsity team who finished the season winning the district title.
successful in the past,” said Outlaw. St. Bonaventure is good for not only athletics but academics as well. It is best known for its programs in business, journalism, and education. “The quality of education is another reason I chose St. Bonaventure. It is a great school academically and I plan on studying business or sports marketing there,” said Outlaw.
Nashville, Washington DC, and Chicago and more. Her team would play in front of college coaches
and scouts. Outlaw has a remarkable amount of skill, but she could not have accomplished this alone, receiving help from her parents, coaches and teammates. “My parents take me to
Journey to college basketball
Playing basketball at the college level is quite an accomplishment. Countless hours of hard work and practice must be put in in order for the player to reach their goal of being a college basketball player Why Bonaventure? “I had to work really really St. Bonaventure has been a hard to be able to have an very prosperous basketball opportunity to play college team in the past, where basketball. I’ve been playing winning is a tradition. AAU or club basketball since This past year St. Bonaventure fourth grade,” said Outlaw. made it all the way to the To play in NCAA college most sweet “I had to work really really players have sixteen. hard to be able to have an to compete on The team is teams outside opportunity to play college a part of the of school basketball.” Atlantic 10 basketball. conference, Imani Outlaw, 12 The Amateur one of the Athletic most competitive conferences Union (AAU) is a league in college women’s basketball. for that players usually “Some reasons I decided compete in during the on St. Bonaventure were spring season. because of the coaching staff. Outlaw’s AAU team I immediately clicked with all traveled across the of them and I have a strong country competing relationship with each coach. in tournaments The women’s basketball in Las Vegas, program has also been very
workouts and training sessions to get better. My coaches and teammates have pushed me to become better too,” said Outlaw. As a senior, Outlaw is expected to be a big part of the SHS girls’ team this year and committing to such an exceptional basketball and academic school during her junior year is no small feat.
IMANI OUTLAW, 12, IS now a senior gaurd on the SHS girls team. SHe verbally committed to play basketball at the school St. Bonaventure. Outlaw is ranked the number six gaurd in the state in her 2013 class.
Outlaw Season 2011-2012 The average number of points scored every game
35
total number of assists completed
Average number of rebounds per game
166
All Iimages by McDaniel’s Photography
8.3 3.4
Total number of points scored Info courtesy of gmcsports.com
Q&A with Gary Tameris, new girls water polo coach Sarah May
editor-in-chief
Q: Why did you accept this new role? A: I just retired from teaching and coaching at Milford High School. I was going to go to the officiating side of this sport, but Coach Hellwig found out the head girls coach was not going to return for this season so he approached me about taking over the program. After discussing everything over with my wife we thought this would be a great opportunity to continue coaching. Q: How has your background helped prepare you to coach the girls water polo team here at SHS? A: I've been involved in coaching of Water Polo for the past 25 years. I have put a lot of time and energy into this sport. I've climbed the ladder of success and have knowledge of what it takes to develop a program to be able to compete.
Q: What goals do you have for the team this season? A: Improve as individuals, be competitive, win the South Regional Championship & play in the State Championship game. Q: What goals do you have for the team several years from now? A: These goals will not change. If the girls believe in my program and put the work in to becoming a better individual then the program will benefit in the long run and continue to be a success. Q: How will you accomplish these goals? A: These goals don't start over night. I've got to convince these girls to keep working on improving their skills through practices, camps, club Water Polo and swimming year round. Q: When did you become involved in the sport of water polo? A: I played some in high
school and also in college. I first started coaching Water Polo at Sycamore High School when I moved up here in 1987. I was the coach at Sycamore when they won their first Girls Water Polo State Championship. Q: How has the sport changed and grown through the years? A: Water Polo is a tremendous sport for swimmers. It allows them to get away from the grueling practices of looking at a black line and allows them the opportunity to play a team sport and still train hard. More then anything it builds stamina and speed and is a team sport. Some of the best swimming programs in the state of Ohio are heavily involved in Water Polo and use it as cross training for their athletes. I've had numerous individuals go on and continue the sport at colleges across the United States. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography
08.31.2012
Spotlight
24
Dondolo la via italiana
>>goaves.com >>the sycamore leaf
‘Rocking her Italian way’
Kathryn Tenbarge
spotlight chief
Eli Seidman-Deutsch web master
Q: What makes you proudest about your heritage?
Q: Describe what it was like to mov e to the US without kn owing a wo rd of English.
A: Moving to the US the first year was the scariest experience of my life. I was in 6th grade, I didn’t know anyone, and I couldn’t speak the language. so I felt isolated. Kids would tease me and make fun of me. I was different and at that age it was a good excuse to pick on me. My teachers tried to help me, but in the end there was nothing they could do. I’m proud to say that I could speak English after two months. I picked up the language really fast and by 8th grade I was out of the ESL program. In the end, I’m glad I got the opportunity to learn English because I know that in Italy I would have never been able to.
A: I am so proud of my heritage, and I cannot stress this enough. My parents are from completely different places. My dad is from northern Italy and my mom is from southern Italy. They met in Rome, where I grew up, so I was exposed to three different cultures at the same time and got to experience almost everything Italy has to offer. I’m an artist and a singer, and growing up in Italy is what gave me the passion for all of those things.
Q: You describe yourself as someone who avoids conflict, but you’re also in competitive skiing. How do you find balance between the two?
Giulia Mezzabotta, 11, loves traveling, especially in warm climates. This picture of a temple was taken in one of her favorite locations, Mexico. “I guess I like warm weather because that’s where I grew up and that’s what I’m attracted to.”
A: I’m a competitive person, but up to a certain point. I like to challenge myself and compare what I do to what other people do, but in the end if I’m not as good as that person I will not be upset about it. It will actually encourage me to work harder. Skiing is something that I’ve been doing forever, and I love every minute of it. Winning or losing doesn’t matter to me, just the thrill of it makes it all worth it.
All images by Eli Seidman-Deutsch
11023 Montgomery Road
Cincinnati, OH
45249
(513) 530-5501
Welcome Aves! Most Likely Size Of Adback, Space Enjoy a complimentary chocolate fondue with the purchase of a combination According to Jardine dinner for two!
Restrictions apply. Valid at the Cincinnati location only. Not valid with any other special offers or on certain holidays. Offer is subject to vary or change. Must present this offer to your server. Offer good until October 31, 2012.