November 2013 by Sycamore High School

The

Leaf

MASKED IDENTITIES: stereotypes hide unique personalities

Sycamore High School Student News Magazine Volume 1 | Issue 4 | November Issue 2013

Senior Night outfits labeled as hazing p. 3 Hannah Melvin rebounds from stroke p. 14

asian blonde

PHOTO BY LAUREN GLYNN AND KRITTIKA CHATTERJEE

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THE LEAF The Leaf Staff is a stereotype. We are the ones who run around taking pictures no matter how terrible your hair looks, and we demand quotes from you no matter how annoyed you are. We’re irreversibly proud of our ink-and-paper products, and we won’t stand for anyone insulting them. But we are, in fact, more than just an army behind keyboards and computer screens. We boast a cheerleader and a Flyerette, both of whom we consider invaluable to our deadline process. We’ve got actors and swimmers, basketball players and artists, and the only thing we have in common is that we have a respect for the written word, especially when it’s complemented by aesthetically pleasing design. The bottom line is that no one trait, no one aspect of a person’s life, can really define who he or she is. Stereotypes limit our ability to appreciate each other, and while here at school they’re usually jokes or meaningless offhand comments, they can hurt the people they inevitably label.

-Sanika Vaidya, Shea Lothrop, Ana Barros

Inside this issue: PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN GLYNN

Editors’ Note

Vol. I | Issue IV | 11.22.13

8 | Teen Vogue Krittika Chatterjee, 12, attends Fashion University 9 | Stereotypes Students feel bound by labels

NEWS 3| Malala Yousafazai Teenage girl fights for equality in home country 3 | Senior Hazing

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 4 | Shakespeare Student actors enjoy challenge

FEATURE

6 | Secrets Students share inner thoughts

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

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

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

SPORTS

OPINION

18 | Black Friday Are the huge crowds and long lines worth it?

SPOTLIGHT

14 | Hannah Melvin, 12 Team captain overcomes stroke 15 | Upperclassmen Athletes Stand outs spotlighted 16 | Boys Water Polo Technicality costs team win

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

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

20 | Early Risers Lack of sleep inhibits student productivity 20 | (No) School Spirit 21 | ‘Rap is a message’ Anthony Cloward, 12

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

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

THE LEAF | TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUPER TYPHOON HAIYAN

NOV. 22, 2013

News briefs

Battle of the Bands will be held on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. In the past, bands auditioned, but this year, they submitted audition tapes. The video submissions for both bands and intermission acts were due on Nov. 13.

Starting in the 2017 season, the Atlanta Braves baseball team will no longer be playing at Turner Field in downtown Atlanta. The Braves will be playing in a new stadium in Cobb County. The new stadium will be easier to access at the intersection of I-75 and I-285. Walmart’s Thanksgiving holiday hours start at 6 p.m., which is two hours earlier than last year’s Black Friday opening. The store promises to stock 65 percent more TVs and double the number of tablets compared to last year, according to Walmart’s chief merchandising officer.

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

659,268 displaced in the aftermath of the typhoon

million dollars in aid given to victims from the U.S.

The Science Fair will take place on Jan. 25. Registration is due on Dec. 13. Contact Mrs. Beth Quinones for information regarding participation in room 135. Students are graded on a scale, and those who attain a certain score qualify for the next level, held at UC.

Solid Concepts, a Texan licensed firearm manufacturing company, has printed the first operational metal gun using a 3D printer. They have fired more than 50 rounds from the model M1911 pistol designed by John Browning.

Victoria Swart, 11, won third place in the Ohio School Board Association “Public Schools Make A Difference” student video contest. She attended an awards ceremony on Nov. 12 in the Columbus Convention Center. Her video is on the beneficial impact of SHS.

During the Nov. 13 ACE bell, StuCo polled the student body on whether or not they were going to attend Winter Formal. The dance is set to take place on Jan. 25 next year. StuCo is investigating the expense of holding three formal dances based on student preference.

275 NATIONAL olice

lin

ot cr e do n

oss

Three teenage boys were wounded when a 16-yearold allegedly opened fire. The three were shot outside Brashear High School as they walked to a vehicle they had all taken to school earlier in the day. The injuries were not lifethreatening.

kilometers per hour was the fastest recorded wind speed

9.8

million people affected

10,000+

thought dead Sources: CNN.com, OCHA All statistics as of press time

ALL IMAGES BY BRENDA SHEN AND KATHRYN TENBARGE

LOCAL

by the numbers

NEWS

Traditions go too far SARAH BIRCKHEAD

STAFF WRITER

LAUREN GLYNN

MALALA yousafazai:

IMAGE BY SARAH BIRCKHEAD

MANAGING EDITOR

FIGHTING for more than heR LIFE KATHRYN TENBARGE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BROOKE LANDRUM

STAFF WRITER

n the fall of 2012, the Taliban, the most powerful terrorist group in Pakistan, set out to kill a 14 year old girl. Their reasoning was that her efforts to spread the cause of women’s education countered their regime. Her name was Malala Yousafazai, and she is now considered by many to be the most powerful voice of her generation. The Taliban succeeded in shooting Yousafazai when they stopped her school bus and demanded that she reveal herself. The masked gunman allegedly shouted, “Which one of you is Malala? Speak up, or I will shoot you all.” Yousafazai stood, and she and two other girls were struck by bullets. She survived with injuries in

her head, neck, and shoulder, and was transported to the U.K. for further medical care. It was there that her message started to gain international attention.

Humble Beginnings

Swat, a small city in Pakistan, was taken under the control of the Taliban. The tragedy and restrictions being enforced were the circumstances that gave birth to Yousafzai’s story. When her school was shut down in 2009, she refused to let the Taliban win, and she took matters into her own hands. Yousafzai wrote a diary depicting the strife and turmoil in her home city. It was published later that year by the British Broadcasting Company (BBC). The diary was considered to be an act of treason and she became a target of the Taliban. Everything changed when she sustained her life-

threatening injuries.

Media Frenzy

The day after the shooting, protests were held in several Pakistani cities. Two million people signed the Right to Education campaign’s petition, which led to the first Right to Education Bill in Pakistan. Pakistani officials offered a reward equal to $105,000 for information on the attackers. American actress Angelina Jolie wrote an article explaining the attack to her children, and donated $200,000 to The Malala Fund, which was started in 2012, before the attack. Former First Lady Laura Bush wrote an editorial for “The Washington Post” comparing Yousafazai to Anne Frank. Yousafazai did not stay silent. On Oct. 8, she published a memoir, entitled “I Am Malala,” with an initial print

run of 125,000 copies. “Let us pick up our books and our pens, they are the most powerful weapons,” says Yousefazai in her memoir. The book talks about the Taliban’s occupation of Swat from Yousefazai’s point of view. She also shares her personal message of peaceful opposition to prejudice and hate crime. She has stated that she would like to take on a political role in Pakistan’s future, serving as a doctor for her country. Regardless of her future impact, Yousafazai has already gifted the world with a positive message that continues to influence everyone who experiences it. Scan here for more information on Malala.

The tradition of dressing up the underclassmen athletes the day of Senior Night has been around for generations. It has often gone unnoticed, but senior athletes’ recent actions have resulted in a stricter policy. Although humorous to some, the dressing up of the athletes is interpreted as hazing. The concern grew for Jim Stoll, athletic director, when he realized that seniors felt entitled to make the underclassmen dress this way. “Coaches, as many of you are aware; some teams (seniors) have been asking underclassman to dress up for their Senior Nights. It is demeaning to the underclassman and a disruption to the team and school,” said Stoll in an email that was sent to all athletic coaches. Stoll feels that addressing the issue immediately was necessary to ensure that history does not repeat itself. The district and the athletic department have a strict policy against hazing, which can be found in the student handbook on pages 12 and 13: “No club, team, or organization shall permit hazing. All incidences of hazing must be reported immediately to the advisor/coach and administration. Students promoting hazing activities shall be denied the privilege of participation in the activity for ten calendar days.” After talking with several of the athletes, he came to realize that some students felt pressured into dressing up. “No one can make another person do something that they may not be comfortable with,” said Stoll. Along with the challenged handbook policies, the tradition, “is counterproductive to the values and goals that our coaching staff teaches their teams and players,” said Stoll. Even if underclassmen consent to dressing up, consequence can still occur. Page 13 states, “Permission, consent or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing does not lessen the prohibition contained in this policy.” The administration’s main point is, “to see it end, and if it does not end then we will take action to make sure that it does, because all their hard work could be thrown away in one day because of a silly prank,” said Stoll. For more on Senior Night hazing check out p. 16 THE LEAF | NEWS

NOV. 22, 2013

Arts&Entertainment Head leaned slightly to side Mouth curved in slight smirk Shoulders slouched

Arms crossed defensively

Hip popped out

Emily Callaway acts as a contemporary teenager.

Feet crossed, showing hesitation

ALL IMAGES BY TORI SWART 4 SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

‘ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE’: VICTORIA SWART

Acting classes discover difficulty of performing Shakespeare

BROADCAST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

audience of SHS to Shakespeare.” onsider the phrase, “to be or not to Not only are the words different- the actions be.” Now, ponder the exclamation, also require specific attention as well. When “Romeo, Romeo- wherefore art thou, blocking- or choreographing- the play’s scenes, Romeo?” the task was especially difficult. What do these well-known phrases have in “Because the wording is so difficult, the lack common? They both take their origin from the of understanding from the audience means that imagination of William Shakespeare. the way we have to act is almost the same as if The words of the famous playwright carry we were acting without any words at all,” said their own distinctive sound, not just with the Benjamin Wells, 12. “Old English” characteristic, but a different This can also be a large obstacle for the style all his own. The participants audience, who, for many, will be coming SHAKESPEARE IS SO in the fall play, Shakespeare’s to the play without any prior knowledge FAMOUS BECAUSE Twelfth Night, find this to be of Shakespeare’s style. HIS WORKS especially true. “If you do not act to the lowest “Preparing for Shakespeare is a TRANSCEND TIME understanding in the audience, then you ARE WRITTEN SO lot more difficult than a regular are leaving people out, and not everyone play. There is a lot more research ELOQUENTLY. BUT in the audience can appreciate the HIS LINES ARE ALSO involved. We need to make sure show,” said Wells. A LOT HARDER TO we know what certain words Not everyone sees the almostMEMORIZE AND TO and phrases mean,” said Emily pantomiming movement to be a PULL OFF WELL. Callaway, 12. hindrance. It may, in fact, be yet Emily Winchell, 12 another feature that catches the To Ms. Sarah Garvey, Aves Theatre co-director, that diction audience’s attention and labels a piece as is precisely why his pieces have become her “Shakespearean.” favorite in regards to theater styles. “When listening to Shakespeare dialogue, it’s “I think that Shakespeare tells a story in a hard to really laugh at the situations because it way that is rarely experienced. Understanding is so confusing. This is why our physical comedy Shakespeare helps us understand all kinds of was so good, because it made the play so much theater and different areas of English as well,” funnier,” said Emma Steward, 10. said Garvey. Nevertheless, there can be no doubt that there “I think it is a really valuable adventure for is a reason the 400-year-old lines continue to be us as actors, and I really want to expose the performed today.

From paper to stage: How to prepare a Shakespeare piece with Loren Hamilton, 12

1. Online Work:

Look up any unfamiliar words and phrases.

2. Scansion:

Analyze the iambic pentameter. -Iambic pentameter: five rhythmic “feet” in a line. A “foot” is made up of a stressed and unstressed syllable. -Mark a curved line over an stressed syllable. -Mark a dashed line over an unstressed syllable.

‘Get thee to a nunnery’:

The nice, naughty of Shakespeare phrases

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

Best insults

Famous phrases

1. “You should be women

1. “It’s Greek to me”: Julius Caesar

and yet your beards forbid me to interpret that you are so”: Macbeth

2. “I think thou wast created

for men to breathe themselves upon you”: All’s Well that Ends Well

3. “I’ll beat thee, but I should

infect my hands”: Timon of Athens

4. “Thou cream-faced loon”:

Macbeth

5. “Thou art a boil, a plague sore,

an embossed carbuncle in my corrupted blood”: King Lear

6. “Peace, ye fat guts”: King

Henry IV, Part One

7. “I do desire we may be better

2. “Fair play”: The Tempest 3. “All that glitters isn’t gold”:

Merchant of Venice

4. “Wear one’s heart on one’s

sleeve”: Othello

Head held high

Mouth in serious line Shoulders back

Back straight

5. “Break the ice”: The Taming of

the Shrew

6. “Clothes make the man”:

Hamlet

7. “A laughing stock”: The Merry

Hands clasped thoughtfully

Wives of Windsor

strangers”: As You Like It

8. “You fustilarian. I’ll tickle your 8. “Too much of a good thing”:

catastrophe”: King Henry IV, Part Two

As You Like It

9. “You, minion, are two saucy”:

9. “In a pickle”: The Tempest

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

3. Speaking:

SOURCE: GRAMMAR.YOUDICTIONARY.COM, BUZZFEED.COM, HUFFINGTONPOST.COM

5. Blocking:

Read the lines out loud, making sure the rhythm is understood.

4. Memorization:

Write down the cue line of the previous speaker. Then write down the line.

Consider the motivation of the character. Develop the movement of the character on stage, using that motivation, placement of other characters, and emphasized words.

Callaway changes her stance to match that of her character, Viola, in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

Feet placed one in front of the other, providing empashis THE LEAF | ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

NOV. 22, 2013

Feature

I once went three days living only on gummy bears and water.

I believe in love.

I secretly don’t want my childhood to end. I want my life to go slower and to be a kid forever.

‘The impact from such a short little message is truly stunning,’ Anonymous confessions give students outlet MADELINE MARSH

STAFF WRITER

I have a mor nin g ritu a l o f l is te nin g to Mi le y C yr us’ “Party in th e U.SA .” o n re p e at seve n tim e s .

Every guy I’ve had a crush on gets a girlfriend or goes on a date with someone. I hate my birthday because I don’t like getting older.

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

I want to be a successful actress someday.

I a c t li k e I’m fe a r le s s a ro u n d e ve ryo n e , b u t I a m re a lly s c a re d o f he ig h ts. I j u s t m a s k i t e x tre m e ly w e ll.

ELIZABETH RICKERT

OPINION CHIEF

know that I’m not straight, but I haven’t told anyone because I don’t want to be labeled as gay, lesbian, or bi.” This secret came from one of the students at this high school. We did an experiment at SHS where students submitted secrets and confessions anonymously. We decided to do this because for people, like the student who submitted their confession above, it was an outlet. This was done by filling out a slip that included a

description of the project and room to write anything they wanted to say. Students were asked to drop this paper in a box outside of room 115 to keep their anonymity. The secrets ranged from practical jokes to serious admissions. Teachers and students alike seemed interested and willing to participate in our experiment. Some people did not mind telling us their secret, but others were adamant about keeping their identity unkown. This project went on for several weeks. We slowly

I really want more guy friends but I’m so awkward when I first meet people.

accumulated more revelations allowing us to get to know the SHS population on a deeper level. We had many goals during this project: help students express themselves, help people not feel ashamed of their own secret, and help SHS get to know each other better. “Secrets are something you tell to only someone you trust,” said Kelly White, 9. We were lucky enough to find out these secrets even if they were anonymous.

Our inspiration

PostSecret inspired us to do this project. It is a website where people can anonymously

I still sleep with stuffed animals.

share their secrets. These are recieved by mail in the form of a decorated postcard. This project was started by Frank Warren as a community art project in Nov. 2004. His goal was to give people a place where they could relate to others. “I think the idea of PostSecret is so interesting and has been executed so well. The impact from such a short little message is truly stunning,” said Astrid Cabello, 10. It all began as an experiment on Blogspot, but it has strived to develop into postsecret.com. To start, Warren passed 3,000 postcards out to strangers in

I think my friends hate me and I don’t know why.

FEATURE

I like a girl who my friend is dating and I want them to break up, but then I also don’t want them to because that would be bad for my friend. Washington D.C. and asked them to write their secrets and mail them back to him. He received many more postcards than he had originally handed out. Soon, the project evolved into an international phenomenon. Warren receives about 1,000 postcards a week and has posted selected ones every Sunday for the past eight years. Currently, PostSecret has recieved more than six million hits. Warren tries to put similar secrets together. This allows people to realize that they are not alone in the world, even if they are anonymous. Other times, he pairs peoples’ admissions with complete opposites. This shows the wide variety of people showcased on the site. This helps people who feel ashamed of their secrets to move on.

Suicide Prevention

I am afrai d o f jellyfish...more li k e t errified. I can’t e ven go t o t he aquari um.

After getting many secrets relating to suicide, Warren teamed up with International Suicide Prevention (ISP). There is a link to ISP every 20 secrets. In addition, he has contributed over $1 million dollars to the organization. ISP hosts classes, lectures, and workshops to help people with what they are struggling to overcome. If it is inconventient for them to travel to these classes, they are also available online. “We all carry a secret that would break your heart if you just knew what it was. And if we could remember that, there might be more understanding and peace in the world,” said Warren in an interview with “The Huffington Post.”

New Projects

Warren has also written five books, the last of which reached number one on the “New York Times” Best Sellers list, “A Lifetime of

I was secretly bullied before.

I didn’t have any friends for about two years.

Secrets.” These books hold secrets that have never been seen on the website and the revelations are categorized in each book depending on what they talk about. Due to Warren’s need to update every weekend, he is often asked how truthful he believes the secrets are. “I think of each postcard as a work of art, and as selfrevelatory art. Secrets can have different layers of truth. Some can be both true and false; others can become true over time depending on our choices,” said Warren in the same interview with “The Huffington Post.” Warren’s next project is a play based on these secrets. The working title is “PostSecret: Unheard Voices.” Over the years, the website has been awarded six Weblog awards. Warren has also appeared on numerous talk

In preschool, I made girls have to hug or kiss me on the cheek in order to ride my tricycle.

shows. Additionally, there is a traveling PostSecret museum hosting 400 postcards.

Confessions

Admissions vary from silly confessions to life-changing events. Warren has seen them all. Of all of the secrets he has received, the most common happens to be, “I peed in the shower.” This slightly humorous, yet popular, admission proves that you are not the only one who has done something embarassing. When asked if he is continuing PostSecret, Warren replied that it has almost gotten bigger than him and that it will continue. If you would like to send a postcard to PostSecret send it to 13345 Cooper Ridge Road Germantown, MD 20874. It should be decorated based on your secret.

I’m fighting for the highest position in my organization and it’s probably the most stressful thing ever.

I do not wear socks.

My friend cuts, and I don’t know who I should tell and how I can help them. I ha te poo p ing in the s c hoo l ba th roo m s.

I really care if I leave this school.

I don’t like America. All Images by Elizabeth Rickert THE LEAF | FEATURE

FEATURE

Big start in The Big Apple at Teen Vogue Fashion University SHEA LOTHROP

Hotel. She also redesigned Bergdorf-Goodman. “The next session I had was with the designer Thakoon. He t was browsing through donated magazines after a surgery was the first designer I latched onto back when I was 13 when I when Krittika Chatterjee, 12, first heard of Teen Vogue decided fashion magazines were what I wanted to work in. I got Fashion University. a chance to tell him he was the first designer I studied and he This is a prestigious, annual program offered by Teen Vogue to thought it was really cool,” said Chatterjee. those from the age of 16-24. “It was great to be able to meet and talk with people I’ve been “I applied for fun in the hospital because I had a lot studying for years.” of time on my hands and honestly forgot about it. In Gloria Baume, Alexa Chung and Coco Rocha were also September I found out I was admitted and had to register among elite fashion workers Chatterjee met. However, right away. Even though I signed up six hours the interesting people were not limited to those after acceptances were sent out a lot of the hosting, but also working within the program. classes offered were already filled,” said “In between sessions I got my hair done Chatterjee. by a woman from Pantene and during Though some were already full, the casual chat she said the most famous Chatterjee’s class schedule was person she had ever worked on was packed with seminars run by top Kelly Osborne. Then I learned she editors, designers, models, and media originally came to New York because personalities. she was Jordin Sparks’ stylist. It was She arrived in the city on Oct. 18 crazy. Everything provided by Teen and immediately went to a blocked Vogue was first class,” said Chatterjee. off Fashion U. Kick-Off party at Chatterjee left the seminar with one Express. This venue included a red carpet Krittika Chatterjee, left, piece of advice that soared above all others, entrance with photographers and reporters and Jason Wagonheim, a “You have to be able to talk to everybody publisher of “Teen Vogue.” from establishments such as “The New York whether that’s an editor-in-chief- or an intern. Times”, “Teen Vogue”, and “Vogue”. Everyone has wisdom to give you and you can’t be Within the party there was a DJ, woman doing afraid to just walk up, talk to somebody and introduce fashion illustrations, braid bar, photo booth, and appetizers for yourself.” mingling. Her fashion career will be put on hold for college, but it will The following Saturday classes began. hopefully one day resume. “I got to Hudson Theater at around 8:00 a.m. and registered “I don’t want to major in it or go to a fashion institute but I and signed in. The first seminar was an editorial meeting with definitely am interested in working in the magazine industry. I’d the entire board of Teen Vogue such as Amy Astley, the editorlike to major in English or a creative field first,” said Chatterjee. in-chief,” said Chatterjee. Though her future occupation is uncertain, the Teen Vogue Her second class was with Kelly Wearstler, an interior Fashion University will inevitably help Chatterjee in her bright designer who chatted about her work history. She has designed future to come. the houses of celebrities such as Cameron Diaz and the Avalon PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTO COURTESY OF KRITTIKA CHATTERJEE

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

Fashion U. BY THE NUMBERS

years program has been put on

celebrity seminars

6000

applied to program

500

accepted to program

For more information or to apply for 2014 Fashion U. scan here!

AUG. 30, 2013

Cover story

“

They give you a preconceived notion of who people are that isn’t true

Stereotyped: but

PHOTO BY LAUREN GLYNN AND KRITTIKA CHATTERJEE

much

COVER STORY SANIKA VAIDYA

PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

oAnn Su, 11, loves reading books. Dinners at her house typically include some form of rice or noodles, and she’s made almost 900 International Peace cranes out of origami. Even though Su is Taiwanese, and origami is traditionally Japanese, together with her high GPA, much of her life indicates to many that she is a stereotypical Asian girl.

But Su’s favorite thing to do isn’t getting good grades; it’s drawing and journaling and shopping, and her favorite foods are grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. Meanwhile, Adelaide Michaels, 9, has blonde hair and green eyes. She loves Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks Coffee and has played soccer since she was five years old. But Michaels loves math and science, and her favorite food is Win Wok’s Orange Chicken. In a high school whose students represent nearly 50 different countries of origin, each person has a unique appearance. However, with these distinct characteristics come the unavoidable, yet often incomplete, assumptions that individuals are prone to making about others.

“The problem with stereotypes is that they don’t give you the whole picture. They give you a preconceived notion of who people are that isn’t true, and you try to make them fit that idea,” said William Hobart, 11. The quiet Asian girl is often labeled an SATobsessed ‘nerd’ with no semblance of a social life, the young black male must wear low-hanging pants and only listen to rap music punctuated with swear words. “Stereotypes hinder you from getting to know someone as well as you could, because you have a prejudice that blocks you from wanting to know them,” said Su.

Miss America unmasks ignorance

Still, the practice of assuming that individuals must have certain characteristics depending on

image by krittika chatterjee

This infographic breaks down the demographics represented at Sycamore High School. White students represent the majority of ethnic representation. “Other” refers to multiracial students or those who do not identify with a particular ethnicity. At the time of data collection, there were no students that identified with the Hawaiian or Pacific Islander classification.

white

75%

asian

10%

black

other

hispanic

source: national center for education statistics. 2010-2011 SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

COVER STORY the group they are ‘assigned’ continues, and this is evident in more than just SHS. Recently, the Miss America pageant competition announced its first winner of Indian-American origin, Nina Davaluri. While this decision was met with much support, she was immediately assaulted by a torrent of racist comments on twitter calling her “Miss Terrorist,” and “Miss Muslim,” and claiming that she was not American. Completely disregarding the fact that she has “always viewed [herself ] as first and foremost American,” according to an article on TheGuardian.com, these individuals took in her appearance and decided that she was a terrorist. They took it upon themselves to cast hatred on her for her success in spite of her

background. While Davaluri may have been able to ignore this attack in light of all the positive feedback she received, serious crimes often result from ignorance when it comes to other races. According to the FBI’s hate crime statistics, in 2011 alone, 3,465 single-bias hate crime offenses were racially motivated, and 1,318 offenses were religiously motivated; this includes everything from intimidation and simple assault to aggravated assault, murder, and rape. “It’s ridiculous. Any crime motivated by race or religion is an atrocity to human existence. No one deserves to be ostracized based on their religious allegiances or ethnic backgrounds,” said Isaac Harmon, 11.

The world from a stereotypical view MOO CRO SE SSIN G

MOO CRO SE SSIN G

Stereotypes at school

Stereotyping at SHS, meanwhile, often manifests itself in other ways. “Stereotypes at Sycamore are meant as jokes between friends. There’s a line that needs to be drawn between what is hurtful and what is funny,” said Claire Koellhoffer, 12. The problem lies with those who cross the thin line between humorous and harmful. Even humorous portrayals of stereotypes can lead to emotional and physical harm. To combat stereotypes, the world must accept diversity, and education must lead to a more positive worldview. Above all, it takes a conscious effort and a realization that labeling individuals based on things they cannot change is a regression in our evolving society.

Asia

Europe

North America

新年

年新 South America

While there are many stereotypes that label individuals, some can be conceived as a bit extreme. This displays an example of the ultimate classification that each Continent is seen as.

a li a

Africa

r Aust Antarctica

image by lauren glynn THE LEAF | COVER STORY

COVER STORY and “American Horror Story: Asylum’s” Lana “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” starring Ellen Winters have shown that lesbians can be DeGeneres debuted an episode in which its portrayed as strong women, capable of doing main character came out as being a lesbian. more than obsess over other women. This was huge for television and paved paths “Orange is the New Black” also has an array for other hit TV shows that centered around of lesbian characters as well as a transgender gays, like “Will and Grace.” It was a show that woman, Sophia, who ends up being one of the had characters including the rare “manly” gay, show’s most sympathetic characters. who isn’t defined by his sexuality, and the now Asexuals are rarely, if ever, portrayed in the typical effeminate gay who only cares about mainstream media. being “fabulous.” The way TV views LGBT characters The latter characterization is beginning to change for the better. has become the new way of Sure, there will always be the defining gay men. occasional effeminate gay, but that Characters like should not matter if the other Cameron and KATHRYN TENBARGE gay characters have different ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mitchell, from personalities. on “Modern Family,” BEN COHEN STAFF WRITER A good TV show will allow Stewart fit into this category, you to see that beneath the of “The but the writers have sexuality lies a real person, not a Daily Show” is known for found ways to work stereotype. conveying political truths through satire. So around the stereotype when he referred to the initialism “LGBT” as - the human and make them feel Sycamore 360 “lesbian, gay, bacon, and tomato,” he was not rights campaign like real (if exaggerated) Gabriela Godinez, 12, is one of the being insensitive so much as proving a point. people. student spokespeople for LGBT rights. It is a common misconception that sexuality “Glee,” known for its inclusion of She earned this title by being the president of falls into two categories: gay, and straight. But many gay characters, is guilty of perpetuating Sycamore 360, which was previously the Gayin reality, sexuality is fluid and undefined. That these stereotypes as well. Straight Alliance. means a label can only convey so much. The character of Kurt started out on the The club encompasses more than just gay The full initialism for the queer community is show as being one of the most obnoxiously rights. LGBTQA. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gay characters on TV, but halfway through “Our mission is to make the school feel safe questioning, and asexual. the first season began to find his footing. That for every student, and to allow students to open Skipping past what is common knowledge, was until the writers felt the need to give him their hearts and minds to all kinds of different bisexual is defined as being attracted to both a love interest, bringing us all the way back to people,” said Ms. Meredith Blackmore, teacher genders, regardless of your own. obnoxious Kurt who just needs a man. advisor for the club. Transgender refers to one’s gender identity The show’s main lesbian character, But dealing with LGBT issues is a huge part being different from their assigned sex. For Santana, is not treated much better, and of their goals. example, a boy may feel like a girl trapped in a instead characterizes lesbians as angry and “Every so often we’ll dedicate a week to man’s body. He may consider himself oversexualized. The transgender character, LGBT and have special projects that revolve a transgender woman. Unique, is shown to just be loud and sassy around moving forward,” said Godinez. Questioning simply means and not much else. There is no question Our mission someone unsure of their The portrayal of bisexuals on TV that LGBT students is to make the sexuality. Asexual is the is not any better. Shows like “True struggle with their school feel lack of sexual attraction. Blood” and “Gossip Girl,” among identities. The Unfortunately, many others, portray bisexuals as first step to safe for every Read, see, and hear more understanding sexuality people who use their double edged overcoming student about stereotyping at is a modern concept, and sexuality to get what they want by these Ms. Meredith Blackmore, SHSLeaf.com stereotypes perpetuate manipulating both genders. hurdles is Sycamore 360 advisor society’s grasp of the LGBT Still, some of TV’s greatest characters education, system. have been gay. so that Max from the recently canceled, “Happy over time, Sexuality on TV Endings” is a perfect example of a gay man who harmful The way to study stereotypes is to track the is not characterized just as being gay. stereotypes way the LGBT community is portrayed in the He is a slob with horrible fashion sense who will reshape common culture. They have been featured on ends up the least flamboyant of all the male themselves television for years, and as time has passed, the characters on the show. and hopefully way they are viewed has changed. As far as lesbians go, “Supernatural’s” Charlie disappear. Almost 10 years ago, the hit TV show

360°

the other side to the LGBT story

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

82% OF LGBT TEENS FEEL UNSAFE AT SCHOOL.

Riddle of the month:

What single line can you add to [5+5+5 = 550] to make it true?

Add a diagonal line to the first ‘+’ to make it a ‘4’, so that [545+5 = 550]

Where in the school is this?

The first person to submit the right answer to SHSstudentvoice@gmail.com will receive an out-to-lunch pass.

The average American gains seven pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Swanson started creating T.V. dinners in 1953 because it needed to find something to do with the massive amount of leftover frozen Thanksgiving turkeys.

Winter Word Scramble

1.nfosklwae 4.msawnno 2.vgleso 5.hto lchteaoco 3.dles 6.drineere

NOV. 22, 2013 Rujula Kapoor

STAFF WRITER

Sudoku

Fun&Games

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You&I Page 36 Answers from left to right: roll with the punches, that’s the big if, deep in thought, play for keeps, grading on a curve, we’re on the same page, I’m over-worked and under-paid THE LEAF | FUN&GAMES

NOV. 22, 2013

‘I’m just excited to be able to play sports my senior year”

Sports Melvin overcomes stroke, continues athletic career LAUREN SAXON

SPORTS CHIEF

onfusion. Severe headaches. Loss of coordination. Fatigue. Inability to move one side of the body. These conditions are all symptoms of a stroke, a dangerous medical emergency experienced by multi-sport athlete Hannah Melvin,12, when she was just 16 years old.

The occurrence

“I was at my cousins’ on Christmas Day and suddenly got an awful headache. I started to hear this weird noise in my head that got louder until it took over the room. I told my brother I thought something was wrong with me and my mom started asking all these questions. It took me a while to stand from the couch and I walked unbalanced to the car that took me to the hospital. I slept most of the day and when I woke up the doctors told me I had suffered a stroke,” said Melvin. In the midst of the 2012-2013 basketball season, Melvin’s stroke came as a complete surprise to her family and teammates. “I was shocked when I heard the news because I didn’t think strokes could happen to people at such a young age,” said teammate Erin Kroell, 11.

The effects were staggering, and the stroke put her athletic career at a standstill. Melvin’s return to sports was questionable, but just one year since the stroke occurrence, she has stepped right back onto the basketball court ready to compete.

Road to recovery

Once Melvin was admitted into the hospital, doctors began testing her for anything that might have caused the stroke. “I stayed at the hospital for six days undergoing various tests and blood work,” said Melvin. “By the end of my time spent at the hospital I had done three MRI’s, two CAT scans, and an endoscopy.” After all of the tests, doctors told Melvin and her family that it was possible for her to continue participating in sports, but it would require at least a year to regain all of the strength lost from the stroke as well as extensive physical therapy at Children’s Hospital. For three months, Melvin partook in strenuous exercises to help strengthen her core as well as the left side of her body, where most of her strength was lost as a result of the stroke. Upon completion of this therapy, doctors allowed Melvin to fully participate in sports again. “It felt so good to be cleared,” said Melvin. “I’m just excited to be able to play sports by senior year.”

Permissive precautions

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCDANIEL’S PHOTOGRAPHY

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

Although she passed all the tests, Melvin and her family were still hesitant about her return to full contact sports. “I was very nervous at first and worried that I wouldn’t be able to overcome the fatigue I was feeling during exercise,” said Melvin. Several precautions were made to ensure it was safe for Melvin to return to play, and she was issued a heart monitor to use throughout physical activity. “Right now I have a heart monitor sewn into my muscle somewhere above my heart used to detect if I have atrial fibrillation. I use a device that I hold over the monitor that sends my data (heart rhythms) to my nurse. If something is off or irregular then they call me and alert me about the problem,” said Melvin.

Along with this advanced technology, Melvin is required to wear a piece of equipment called an evoshield when competing to protect the area above her heart, as well as her back and ribs.

Moving forward

Encouraged by her recovery and positive heart monitor results, Melvin’s teammates and coaches have very high expectations for her this season. “Ever since Hannah was medically cleared by doctors, I’ve kept my expectations for her the same as they would be before the stroke. There are going to be some obstacles, but I hope to instill confidence and her and continue to push her as a player,” said Mr. Derek Christerson, girls Varsity basketball head coach. Melvin was recently voted team captain by her teammates, and also plans to play softball this spring. “Hannah’s taken a leadership role in practice since being elected captain. I think the other kids look up to her because of what she went through and how she worked her way back into being a Varsity basketball player,” said Christerson. Melvin’s challenging journey back to athletics is a display of her unwavering dedication to sports. One could say she gives a whole new meaning to the saying “playing with heart.”

Bringing the ball upcourt, Hannah Melvin, 12, triggers the half-court offense. Pictured right is her evoshield, a piece of equipment she wears during practice and games to protect her chest and rib areas. As team captain, Melvin has taken on a leadership role and has high expectations for the upcoming season.

IMAGE BY LAUREN SAXON

SPORTS

Flashback Friday: ATIYA DOSANI

Previous athletic standouts continue to excel

BUSINESS MANAGER

Lee began playing golf when she was 9 years old. When she moved to SHS in 2011, she immediately became the top female golfer in the GMC. This year, Lee strongly finished off her senior year by placing fourth at State.

Flashback:

Scan here to see what these athletes were doing in 2011.

-2013 Water Polo Men’s All Ohio First Team -2013 Water Polo Men’s All Regional Tournament Team -Qualified for State on the swimming relay team during his sophomore year

-#1 runner on team -Fourth at GMCs; placed on All GMC First Team -Placed ninth at Districts, advancing to Regionals -Ran a PR of 18:56 at Districts

Mark Hancher, 11

Rose Menyhert, 11

-Started on Varsity soccer in 2011 and 2012 -Currently plays for Cincinnati United Premier Crew Juniors -On CSN Soccer Class of 2015 Top 170 List

-Ranked #1 on the team -Scoring average of 36.73 -Placed in the top four in all of her matches -Scored 2 points under par at Districts -Finished fourth at State

Charlie Byers, 11

Hanna Lee, 12

ALL IMAGES BY ATIYA DOSANI

hen juniors Charlie Byers, Mark Hancher, and Rose Menyhert, and senior Hanna Lee arrived at SHS, they immediately thrived in their respective sports. As upperclassmen, these athletes have progressed even more. Over the past few years, they have led their teams as well as improved their own skills. Ever since Hancher made the Varsity water polo team his freshman year, he has been a prominent part of the team. During his sophomore year, he received an honorable mention for All Ohio First Team. This year, he made the All Ohio First Team. In addition, Hancher has had tremendous success on the swim team. As a freshman, Hancher qualified for the All American First Team for the 400 meter freestyle relay at State. The next year, he placed 14th at State in the 100 meter fly. Throughout this season, Menyhert won the Kings Invitational, made it to Regionals, and broke her personal record (PR). “It was great to break 19 minutes because it meant I finally broke my freshman year PR of 19:02. I was just so excited that I could run that fast,” said Menyhert. Despite being a starter for the boys soccer team during his first two years at SHS, Byers did not play for SHS this year. “I’m playing with the Columbus Crew Academy which is essentially the youth team of the professional side,” said Byers. “Basically the club is investing money in me with the hope of developing me to play on the pro team one day.”

THE LEAF | SPORTS

SPORTS

Controversial call causes disappointing defeat Water polo misses state tournament on technicality Unfortunately, the clock was not started by the table and the goal was he boys water polo season came to not counted. The play would be redone an end at the regional tournament. from the spot of play. The team had a While the season finished on a second chance with 13 seconds, but disappointing note, players were still they were not able to score. content with their season. “We felt like we were really cheated The team did outstanding in the regular that game, we should have had the shot season and finished the year with an at overtime. Had we won that game we overall record of 20-9-1. However, team would have gone to State,” said Maxim members feel their record did not reflect Cappel, 12. their season, considering they had one of The next morning it was discovered the best records in the state. that the rules state that We felt like we “Unfortunately when the the goal from the game were really going got tough our team should have counted. cheated that game, was just not able to pull After 20 minutes of we should have through with the wins we discussion it was decided had the shot at needed,” said Adam Ioas, that SHS did not protest overtime. Had we 11. in time and therefore won that game we Coming into Regionals as would not get a second would have gone the first seed put a target on chance against St. Xavier to state. the team’s back as they were in overtime. Maxim Cappel, 12 “the team to beat.” Their Due to the loss, the first game in regionals was boys needed to win two against St. Xavier. more games to make it to State. They In the last minutes of the fourth defeated Milford easily but then had to quarter the boys needed a goal to tie the go up against much more of a threat: game. With only 13 seconds left, the Mason. team had possession. The boys lost to Mason in a close The team decided on a play that they battle by just two goals. Unfortunately, believed gave them the best chance of the boys fell short of their goal to make scoring. It worked, and the boys were it to State, but the team still believes able to score and tie the game up. they had a satisfying year. ETHAN MAY

A&E CHIEF

3 1. Goalie, Jonathan Quantz, 12, (TOP) throws the ball after making a save. 2. Adam Ioas, 11, lunges after the ball. 3. Maxim Cappel, 12, gets up to block an opponent’s pass.

[MAN ON THE STREET] Skiing vs. Snowboarding ABBEY BAKER

STAFF WRITER

all images by alexis corcoran

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

JORDAN BAKER

STAFF WRITER

Winter break means families hit the slopes all over the country for skiing and snowboarding. Locations range from Heavenly Ski Resort in California to Gore Mountain in New York and everywhere in between. There are tons of activities to take part in, even if you aren’t a snow lover. You can go ice skating, tubing, eat at top restaurants, and walk around the villages. The real question is, skiing or snowboarding: which one is better?

“My dad introduced me to skiing when I was 8 years old and ever since then, we always go out west to ski,” Alejandra Garcia, 10 “I snowboard because it gives me a sense of freedom. None of the problems of life follow you when you go to the slopes,” Mrs. Kimberly Cooper, Chemistry Teacher “Skiing is a really unique sport and you have more control, snowboarding has never been a passion because I find it difficult to stay on top of the board,” Nakul Narendran, 11

Column:

Consistently inconsistent MICHAEL SAXON

EXECUTIVE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Last year, I arrived at school one day in a heartcovered pair of black leggings, which were somehow a tight fit, even for my skinny frame. The top half of my body drew even more attention, as I wore a pink-trimmed girls basketball jersey that read “Lady Volunteers” across the chest. Those who saw me in the hallway undoubtedly knew the boys soccer team was celebrating its Senior Night. Once I got used to the sideway glances and double-takes however, I was able to think about the significance of my outfit. Wearing it not only represented my membership on the soccer team, but also an allegiance to my seniors. These were teammates who I spent years conditioning with in the blazing heat, teammates who helped develop me as a player and as a person, teammates who I still have the utmost respect for. Based on this, I’m sure you can understand my disappointment in the administration’s choice to cut our senior tradition short this year, as my junior counterparts were forced to change out of their Senior Night outfits. I was unable to experience, from the senior perspective, the sense of camaraderie I felt a year ago. The administration failed to comprehend what we as athletes see as an integral part of our success: team unity. Instead, it was labeled as “hazing,” a Category III offense in the student handbook. Can we blame them for this? I guess they were doing their jobs, enforcing one of the many rules that help govern our school. It’s hard to overlook, however, that this longstanding tradition has never been challenged (to this extent) before. It’s hard to overlook that juniors on the girls volleyball team were “dressed up as guys” on the same day, but were not forced to change. It’s hard to overlook how other SHS events (such as U4U’s competition featuring male teachers clothed in ladies’ dresses) have never been called into question. I’m disappointed the administration doesn’t see the benefits of this Senior Night ritual, as many other athletes and I do. It really is a shame, but there’s nothing we can do. According to Mr. Jim Stoll, athletic director, if the ritual “does not end on its own, then [he] will take some action to make sure that it does…” I’m not usually one to accept defeat; however, this battle clearly is already lost. But what I can ask for, and what all members of the SHS community deserve from our administration in the future, is consistency. The “hazing rule” should apply to all teams (not just a select few) and all functions at SHS. In my experiences, the successful teams are the ones with the most consistent players. Why should we settle for anything less from our own team of administrators?

RD AUTISTIC A THE NE IS N

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NOV. 22, 2013

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Opinion

IR P IM GEEK L G Y CA FA THO OT HD T S LIC EPR CARR GAY ESSE ED SC D PANS FL A ARE E X U D D A TC I LU P N HE ST U R C E STE O S O O D M O RMO L RD LY G NP U IED IN REP RR AN PY D A C R T U I H N O T A I E TE AS HER L K IRT Y C H A T D LUT QUESTIONIN BL A Y G SH O R T T O AR W B N M K WARD T O E TS ER Y DI F F EFIANT AFRAI D M NT D A N E G E R IC P LIM AD U B O PTED N TR AN SG

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Do you think our school has defined stereotypes?

GAY

“

Leafing through the masses:

intentionally singled out. We help each other overcome the obstacles and celebrate our triumphs. We come together, whether it is studying in the IMC, coping with a tragedy, or winning a football game. It’s not like this everywhere. Unfortunately stereotypes will always be present, but we atempt to let people show us who they are before we categorize them. Even though we strive to create a safe environment where people have the freedom to express themselves, we realize that it is a constant process that will never come full circle. Working together to create clubs and groups to help support those who are labeled will

R DE EN

Stereotypes and high school go hand in hand. We’ve all seen those movies that portray high school as a place where students are placed into categories according to race, academic ability, religion, sexuality or athleticism. At our school, we do not have typical stereotypes that are in Hollywood movies. Here, a math genius can talk to a cheerleader without being bullied, football players are not unintelligent jocks who think they are at the top of the school, and people of different religions can sit at the same lunch table. Take pride in the fact that you are a part of a community where no one is

A IC X

Staff Editorial Stereotypes we can’t support

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only help us grow. Be thankful that we are not all defined by the color of our skin, the way we think, the gods we do or do not believe in, or the athletic ability we were born with. We are defined by our effort, our kindness, our resolve, and our relationships.

I know in the ninth grade there definitely are, but i see [STEREOTYPING] less in other grades. Roosevelt Barnes, 9 yes i think they’re there and people acknowledge that, but i don’t think they have a big negative effect. Alexis Rile, 10

i definitely think there are social categories that people are grouped into based on the activities they do, but it’s not always bad. Samuel Wyrick, 11

TRADITION

ON ONE HAND I THINK THERE ARE GROUPS BECAUSE WE LIKE TO BE AROUND PEOPLE WHO ARE SIMILAR TO US. ON THE OTHER HAND, SHS HAS SUCH GREAT DIVERSITY, ALLOWING STUDENTS TO MIX. Mrs. Tiffany Stewart, Psychology Teacher THE LEAF | OPINION

OPINION

B L A C K F R I D A Y Is it worth it?

HANNAH FREY

STAFF WRITER

t is the start of the winter holiday shopping season, and for most shoppers it is the biggest shopping day of the year. In 2011, shoppers spent $52.4 billion, a recordbreaking amount. Black Friday continues to become more and more important to people. But is it really worth it? Do people really save that much by shopping on Black Friday?

Top 10

things to buy on Black Friday 18

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

Studies show you might need to think twice before going shopping in those early morning hours. People shop on Black Friday because they want to save money, but they might be spending more money than originally intended. They see the sales advertised and buy items that they would not have bought before. In addition to advertised sales, stores also change their layouts. They tend to put the things that are more expensive

1.Televisions

in the front so consumers see it first and buy it. Shoppers must go to the back of the store to get better deals. “It is easier to find sales but I feel like they mark prices up and then put them on sale, so they are making more money in the long run,” said Madeline Baker,12. When people see an item is on sale, they do not consider its quality. They might buy something that will break soon, and then they will have

2.Toys T O

Y S

to replace it. This will make them spend more money in the long run. Black Friday also takes up people’s Thanksgivings. Some people get so caught up in Black Friday that forget why they do not have to work in the first place. Instead of being thankful for what they already have, they rush out to buy more. “Everything is really crowded but we basically get a day off school for shopping,” said Lena Harper, 9.

3.Phones

Workers lose their Thanksgiving. Some retailers such as Target, Best Buy, and Macy’s, open at midnight, while Walmart lets shoppers come in at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Workers, because of the shopping hours, do not get to enjoy their Thanksgiving with their family. Black Friday can get you really good deals on some items, but sometimes it is just not worth it.

4.Video Games

5.Tablets

Tandons’ Black Friday schedule:

OPINION

O N: I T A R E OP B LA C K F RI D AY

Nikita Tandon, 12, spends every Black Friday the same way. She starts her shopping at 11:00 p.m. with her sister, Neha Tandon, ‘10. First, she waits in line at Target to get footie pajamas. She has four pairs and she buys new ones every year. Tandon tries to spend only $25 at Target, mostly on movies, and, of course, footie pajamas. Then she goes to Kenwood mall; she always has Starbucks and orders a double chocolate chip frappuccino to stay awake. Everyone has his of her own traditions for Black Friday, but to Tandon, hers is truly special.

“

The number one item bought on Cyber Monday are shoes and other clothes.

my sister and i love shopping so much and we love to take advantage of discounts. but even if there weren’t any good sales, we still love spending time together.

Nikita Tandon, 12

People shop on Cyber Monday and not Black Friday because it is more convenient.

Q&A Mrs. Laura Miniard, psychology teacher

68 percent of Americans use their smart phones to shop.

Cyber Monday is starting to overtake Black Friday. Cyber Monday is also a chance for people to get great deals, but in their own homes. Consumers can still be with their families and do the shopping that they think is important.

7.Kitchen

Gear

Wait in line at Target (spend maximum of $25) Buy footie pajamas Go to Kenwood mall Enjoy Starbucks

Photo by Nikita Tandon

Cyber Monday: fast facts

iPods

Late dinner Start shopping at 11:00 p.m.

Why do people get up in the morning to go shopping? It’s all about motivation; different people are motivated by different things. Some people are motivated by saving money. For others it’s the hunt for the best deal, and for some people it’s just making the memories.

Why would people give up a holiday to go shopping? Most people are done with Thanksgiving by the time stores open for shopping. Another reason is, for some families, it’s a tradition for everyone to go shopping together.

Why do people feel like they need to get these deals? It all comes back to supply and demand. When stores say they only have 100 of an item, people feel like they need to go and get that item before they run out.

Why do people feel like they have to buy the hot items? People feel like if they do not get these hot items they will be sold out and it will be too late. This happens a lot with the toys of the year.

8.Cameras

9.Global

Positioning Systems, (GPS)

10.Instruments

THE LEAF | opinion

OPINION Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

leep deprived tudents suffer from exhaustion

CAROLINE GAO

FEATURE CHIEF

Spirit spirals downward TAYLOR EVANS

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

IMAGE BY TAYLOR EVANS

hile the school year progresses, the inability to focus due to fatigue only grows. Some education advocates and child development experts say school start time is too early. In fact, a movement is growing to push back the time when school begins. “The day definitely begins too early. High school students need the most amount of sleep but because we have so much homework, we never get enough. I always hear people complain about how tired they are,” said Emma Burge, 10. Changing adolescent sleep patterns can result in profound effects on education. During their first hours of school, students’ brains and bodies are still in biological sleep mode. The constant loss of adequate sleep each night results in “sleep debt” for most teens. Teens who lack sleep or who are in sleep debt are more likely to experience depression, difficulty with peers, and alcohol or other drugs. “I feel that school does start too early. I think students would perform better if school started even just a little bit later,” said Katherine Dunn, 10. A brain chemical, melatonin, which is responsible for sleepiness, is secreted from

around 11:00 p.m. until around 8:00 a.m. This means teens are not able to fall asleep much before 11:00 p.m. and their brains will remain in sleep mode until 8:00 a.m., regardless of what time they go to bed. Asking a high school student to wake up for school at 7:00 a.m. is like asking adults to start work every morning at 3:00 a.m. Would any adult agree to that? “So many of my friends are exhausted throughout the day, and some of them even have to get up extra early for sports conditioning. The early start time only makes everything worse for students,” said Elina Panteleyeva, 12. A later start to the day could help teens get the most out of their time spent in class. Previous research also tends to find that students in early-starting schools are more likely to be tardy and even absent to school. Instead of attempting to have bleary-eyed students adjust to early-bird schedules, maybe the schedules should be adjusted to the students. “I don’t think a lot of people realize how difficult it is for teenagers to wake up so early for school. Even just one hour later could make a huge difference to us,” said Sneha Rajagopal, 11.

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

Normally you wouldn’t describe a pep rally as awkward or boring. The very reason for having one is to get the student body pumped up to support a sporting event later that day. However, as many of us have noticed, our pep rallies have become the very definition of uncomfortable. We can all agree that our school spirit desperately needs resuscitation. While the modified rules concerning rallies have their good intentions, the effects have left us with a less-thanrowdy senior section, due to the fact that the “skits” are not nearly as entertaining. Pep rallies have become a joke because the seniors have been restricted so much that it’s no longer enjoyable. I’m not calling for the harassment of underclassmen to increase school morale, but I do feel something needs to be done about our school’s spirit. The seniors are the leaders of our school, so when they are visibly not enjoying themselves, how can the rest of the school? Of course, this is not simply solved, but I do think we need to find a way to rediscover this lost spirit.

The seniors have been so suffocated with rules and restrictions that they find it difficult to celebrate their final year of high school. Of course, everyone knows about the debilitating condition that strikes hard every year, senioritis, but what we didn’t know is that it is being induced by limiting the seniors’ “rowdiness.” SHS’ administration should treat its student body leaders as the subsequent leaders of school spirit. If our leaders don’t even feel the need to rally behind a cause, how can the rest of us. Obviously, hazing, bullying, or whatever the politically correct term for making fun of underclassmen is, should not be acceptable. That being said, it’s hard to be excited and lead the Ave Cave when your very own spirit has been squashed by the many rules imposed. I don’t know how support for our school can be fixed or mended, but when I go to other games and see an entire stand full of fans dressed in hula skirts and leis, jumping around and screaming their heads off for their team, I know something needs to be done.

BROOKE LANDRUM

SPOTLIGHT CHIEF

For many, the mention of rap brings forth ideas of sex, violence, and drugs. It is these ideas that so often throw the genre of music into a negative light. Anthony Cloward, 12, believes that rap is so much more than that. “Rap is about a message and I definitely feel like I have a message inside of me. It feels like something I am meant to do,” said Cloward. Cloward first experienced rap in the seventh grade. Before thenm, he had shared

the common view of rap. He then discovered the early raps of Eminem. It was Eminem’s original style and message that stuck with Cloward. Cloward took his newfound passion and began to rap for himself. He writes his own lyrics and believes that he has a message to share with the world. “I want to create a style that is all my own. I want to go in my own direction and make it something that the world has never heard before,” said Cloward. Rap is often criticized and

Spotlight IMAGE BY BROOKE LANDRUM

‘Rap was a way for me to get back into music’ Beats become passion for student

NOV. 22, 2013

it is said to be an invalid form of music, because it is not associated with singing and is considered too different. Cloward, like many others, is opposed to this accusation. “I think that the beauty of rap is that it’s not just talking fast, you have to be able to change your voice and your inflections into an instrument in and of itself,” said Cloward. Cloward believes that one day rap will be his career. Right now he is focusing on working and producing as much as he can before attempting to gain fame.

-Patio with TVs and warmers -Party Room with TV -Full Bar -Happy Hour 4-7 M-F -Dine-In, Carryout, Delivery -Catering Scan here for a virtual tour of Mio’s

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Halloween 2014: Seniors rise to occasion JOEY SLOVIN

STAFF WRITER

2 1. Nimit Desai portrays a screaming amusement park visitor. The award for Best Large Group went to the six students that came together to form a roller coaster. 2. Michael Goldenberg dresses as an emperor in the letica. A letica is a portable Roman litter that slaves carry around on their shoulders. 3. Nikita Tandon along with fellow group members won the Cutest Large Group award for recreating the full cast of the popular movie “The Great Gatsby.” 4. Emily Hayes’ costume, a thorough impersonation of SHS teacher Michael Narad, won Best Impersonation.

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PHOTOS BY MCDANIEL’S PHOTOGRAPHY AND ALEXIS CORCORAN

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12/31/13

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