December 2011 Issue The Sycamore Leaf by Sycamore High School

The

ycamore

eaf

MASTERPIECE

10/10

Celia Keim, 12, nominated for Overture Award after winning 2011 Scholastic Gold Key

SHS gymnastics receives boost as two new girls join team

Wednesday, December 14 , 2011 | Volume LIX Issue 5 | 7400 Cornell Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45242, 513.686.1770 ext. 3089 | www.GoAves.com

newsbriefs Troop Supply Drive

Re-laying down law

In Nov., members of Interact Club collected personal items and bagged candy to send to the platoon of Scott Ferris, ’08, which is based in Afghanistan. In addition to being an SHS graduate, Ferris is also the son of special education teacher Mrs. Sue Ferris. The drive was a large success; after only 11 days of collecting items, the club shipped 61 boxes to Ferris’ platoon.

R4L marches on despite team limit Jane Finocharo associate editor

tudents at SHS are known for their commitment to community service. They participate in Operation Give Back and Unified for UNIFAT, bring in cans for food drives, and hold events to raise money and awareness for countless causes. One of the SHS’s largest fund-raisers is Relay for Life. But this year, the Relay committee has announced that, for the first time, they will be limiting the number of students allowed to take part in the event.

PSAT Scores

Counselors will meet with sophomores and juniors on Dec. 14 to distribute and discuss PSAT scores. Students will receive both a report of their scores as well as their test booklet. Juniors who took high school level classes at SJHS also need to be aware that the deadline for removing this credit from transcripts is the end of first quarter.

Holiday Store

Operation Smile, a SHS organization, is working with Operation Give Back and Montgomery Community Church to provide assistance to families in need this holiday season. The organizations are running a free holiday ‘store,’ stocked with donations from the public. Of SHS, they are requesting toiletries and paper products, which can be dropped off at 10891 Millington Court between 10 am and 6 pm Mon. through Fri.

What is Relay?

Relay for Life is an event held at SHS each spring to raise money for the American Cancer Society. This is the 10th year that SHS will be part of Relay. Students from SHS, Moeller, Ursuline, and Mount Notre Dame participate. This is just one of the 5100 Relay events nationwide. SHS’s Relay is one of the most successful in the nation – in 2011, 1700 students participated, and $193,000 was raised. It is consistently

Semester Exams

2012 Midterm Exam Schedule

First semester exams will begin Fri. Jan 13 and conclude Thurs. Jan 19. All students must take first semester exams. For freshmen who have just come from SJHS, exams can be especially stressful. Students should get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast before each exam.

Jan. 12

7:20 - 9:10-1st Bell Exam 9:15 - 9:58-2nd Bell 10:03 - 10:41-3rd Bell 10:46 - 12:11-5th Bell Lunch A 10:46 - 11:11 Lunch B 11:11 - 11:41 Lunch C 11:41 - 12:11 12:16 - 12:54-4th Bell 12:59 - 1:40-6th Bell 1:45 - 2:20-7th Bell

NEWS 2

Jan. 17

FRI

TUES

2nd Bell Exam 7:20 - 9:10

3rd Bell Exam 9:15 - 11:05 Exam Makeup 12:30 - 2:00

OPINION 3-7

FEATURE 8-10

the largest and most profitable Relay in the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. These funds went to the American Cancer Society for cancer research and support for those battling the disease. “Our Relay is such an amazing event. It’s a great way for high school students to get involved in something that makes a huge difference,” said Emily Wick, 10, Relay for Life committee member. In fact, the impact of SHS’s Relay inspired Madeira High School, Mariemont High School, Indian Hill High School, and Cincinnati Country Day School to begin Relay for Life at their own schools. The Relay for Life committee hopes that this will make the SHS event slightly smaller. Students join Relay in teams of 10 or less. During the 18 hour event – from 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 11, to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 12 – each team is

Jan. 18 4th Bell Exam 7:20 - 9:10

WED

5th Bell Exam 9:15 - 11:05 Exam Makeup 12:30 - 2:00

A&E 11-14

asked to have at least one group member walking on the track at all times, in accordance with Relay’s motto: “Cancer never sleeps, so why should we?” Those who are not walking may choose to listen to live music, participate in events like pie-eating contests or water balloon tosses, or spend time with friends. Each team must have at least one adult chaperone present at all times. Each team must raise at least $1,000 by bank night on May 2. Most choose to ask for donations door to door, send emails to family and friends, or sell Luminaria bags to raise these funds. These candlelit bags – each of which bears the name of someone who has battled cancer - are lined up along the track during the Luminaria lap. From 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., participants walk in silence to honor those who have been affected by the disease. This hour stands in stark contrast to the energetic

Continued on page 2 >> Image by Jimmy Chau

Jan. 19 THU 6th Bell Exam 7:20 - 9:10

7th Bell Exam 9:15 - 11:05 Exam Makeup 12:30 - 2:00

SPORTS 15-18

Jan. 20

FRI

no school Teacher Records Day

ADVERTISEMENT 19

By Ana Barros

SPOTLIGHT 20

>> Relay cont. from pg. 1 mood of the rest of the night, but it serves as a sobering and meaningful reminder of the event’s ultimate goal: to find a cure for cancer. “Luminaria is special because it’s the one time during the event that we slow down to remember the people who have lost their lives because of cancer,” said Taylor Combs, 10, committee member.

Changes, limits

After the largest and most successful Relay for Life event in SHS history in 2011, the committee will place a cap on the number of students allowed to participate in the event this year. Though the 2011 Relay brought in a record-breaking amount of money, this event was far too crowded, with over 150 teams and a total of roughly 1900 people on the SHS track. There was not enough space for each team to pitch their own tent, and the overwhelming amount of people became a safety hazard. “While it was great for fundraising to have so many teams, it got chaotic. Organization was really difficult,” said Ellen Jordan, 12, committee member. Because of this, the committee has announced they will be placing a limit on the number of teams this year. Only 45 teams from SHS will be able to participate, with 150 teams from all four high schools combined. This new limit means that students who want to be part of Relay need to get their teams organized and sign up much earlier. Students interested in being a part of Relay for Life should attend the kickoff meeting today at 2:30 in room 233. This meeting will provide all of the information necessary for signing up for Relay. After the first 45 teams have signed up online, students will be placed on a waiting list. Because of this, the committee will be much stricter about kicking teams out of the event when they do not meet deadlines or raise enough funds. If a team does not raise enough money or turn forms in on time, a team from the waiting list will be allowed to take their place. “We’re going to be stricter about funds and deadlines this year so teams off the wait list have the opportunity to participate,” said Gabrielle Peck, 10, committee member. While some may be disheartened by the new restrictions this year, many see the fact that the committee has to limit the number of participants as an encouraging sign about the character of the students at SHS and the other participating schools. “The reason we have to put a cap on the number of teams this year is because of the overwhelming participation we had last year. This just shows how passionate our student body is. We hope to have the same amount of support and enthusiasm this year, without fear of overpopulation,” said Deborah Wu, 12, student chair of Relay for Life.

12.14.2011

Holiday Store provides necessities Students send smiles, supplies to stop struggles Ana Barros business manager

e are all so fortunate to be in a great school and have everything we need, that sometimes we forget that there are others who need help,” said Ms. Tamara Brewer, sponsor of the Operation Smile Club. And it is true. No matter how people may look or act in school, one never knows if their lab partner comes home to an empty pantry and bare bed every day. Though it may be hard to see peers as needing financial aid, it is a very common reality being addressed by several organizations around the district.

Assisting others

Established by Lee Langston and Wendetta Langston, Operation Give Back (OGB) is a non-profit organization committed to helping children in the Sycamore community who are economically disadvantaged. “These kids often need a place to go to after school, and OGB provides them with a safe haven for them to do their homework and be around other children,” said Mrs. Valerie Nimeskern, National Honor Society (NHS) Advisor. NHS and other students in SHS hold a tutoring program in which they help these children do their homework after school. The building is set up like the IMC in SHS, with some donated tables and comput-

ers where students can do their homework, play games, and receive the attention and caring they need. “OGB reaches out to the needy children throughout the community… and is the perfect place to support them, both academically and socially,” said Nimeskern. The most important aspect of OGB is the fact that it so willingly reaches out to the community and its needy families and gives all the help it can provide through fund raisers, after school sessions, and summer camps.

Reaching out

Similarly, SHS’s Operation Smile Club reaches out, not only to the community, but around the whole world. Each year, 1 in 700 children are born with cleft lip or palate, a facial deformity in which the child’s lip or palate is split. In some places, these children are cast off and shunned, and often their parents cannot afford to give them the surgeries they need to live a normal life. Since 1982, Operation Smile has provided free surgeries to children around the world with the help of medical volunteers. Present in over 50 countries, the organization is able to heal children’s smiles all over the world. SHS proudly hosts the Operation Smile Club, which does more than just community work. They are dedicated to reaching out to those in need and doing everything in their

power to improve the lives of others. Each year, the Operation Smile Club holds a series of events, such as ‘Adopt a Family’ and various food and clothes drives to help families around the district that have financial trouble. “We are focused on kids and giving them an opportunity to follow their dreams,” said Brewer.

Giving back

It should not come as a surprise that through the combined efforts of OGB and SHS’ s Operation Smile Club, an event as astronomical as the annual Holiday Store is put together. Through donations from various schools and churches, the two organizations set up a store with a myriad of items ranging from toiletries to canned goods to clothing. These items are then available for families to ‘shop’ for free, according to their need and size of family. Last year, the Store opened its doors to almost 300 families, and the entire stock of items was wiped out. “It’s a great feeling to know that we reached about 700 people in our community, and I hope that we can do even better this year,” said Brewer.

Help needed

To get the Store up and running, a lot of help is needed from the entire Sycamore district. This year, SHS will be collecting toiletries Operation Smile and Operation Give Back present (tooth brushes, tooth paste, soap, shampoo, mouth wash, etc.), paper products, and other pted s acce 5 n o gently used items, such as bed spreads, blani t a *Don ugh Dec. 1 kets, and clothing. e o r c h ffi t front o S Along with NHS, Operation Smile is also H S t a collecting canned food in a food drive. The second bell with the most canned goods colDec. lected will get a free breakfast. 1 The main focus is not getting a free 3-8 p 6th breakfast. The point of donating to the Dec. .m. Holiday Store is that, by doing so, you are 9 a.m 17th .-2 p directly helping people in need. 1089 .m. Rather than donating money to Pre-register to shop! an organization and assuming that Milli 1 ngt call 513- 489-0141 you have made a difference, the Cour on or go to ogiveback.com Holiday Store provides donors t Blue Ash with a chance to see the Sycamore 4524 , OH immediate effects of their I.D. Community 2 donations in their friends required & High Point Image by Ana Barros Day only! and classmates.

Community Holiday Store

donations needed!

- toiletries

- paper products - gently used items

Image by Ana Barros

Chicago-bound: Model UN anticipates first out-of-state conference SM Dipali editor-in-chief

After an exemplary performance by numerous SHS delegates at the University of Dayton’s Model United Nations conference, the club has registered fifteen students to attend the annual conference hosted by University of Chicago. “I was really impressed by the dedication of all of the students and I knew they had the ability to succeed at the University of Chicago,” said Mrs. Beth LeBlanc, SHS Model UN advisor. The conference at the University of Chicago will last four days and provide high school students from across the nation the opportunity to participate in educational simulations of United Nations and other international affairs-themed bodies. Students will be involved in parliamentary-style debate and diplomatic negotiations regarding a wide variety of international issues.

Committee topics range from disarmament and international security in nuclear-armed countries to widespread starvation and food-related issues in subSaharan Africa. “I’ve been assigned to be the Minister of New and Renewable Energy in the Indian Cabinet and I was amazed at how in-depth our topics are,” said Natasha Warikoo, 12. Due to the challenging problems delegates will be facing at the conference, only top performers at the Dayton conference were invited to attend. “We decided that those who won awards and had a lot of experience with Model United Nations would be most comfortable with attending and participating in this conference,” said Ritvik Vasudevan, 12. The conference will take place Feb. 2-5 of 2012 and will be hosted at the Palmer House in Chicago, IL.

Image by SM Dipali

ALTHOUGH SHS’S MODEL UN has excelled in many conferences in the past (including a recent performance in Dayton), the club has never gone to an out-of-state conference. However, the team is encouraged by their strong performances within Ohio. The SHS Model UN Club will meet in Chicago over a span of four days in February.

the Sycamore

12.14.2011

leaf

Dipal-Oh-tics

Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road | Cincinnati, OH 45242 Mission Statement: The Leaf, the official newspaper of Sycamore High School, serves as an educational tool in the training of student journalists to provide information and editorial leadership concerning school, national, and world issues, to provide a public forum for the exchange of ideas and viewpoints, and to give coverage to newsworthy events directly related to the diverse school population. Editorial Policy: Although students work under the guidance of a professional faculty member, the content is ultimately determined by the student staff and should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics about which there may be dissent and controversy. Students cannot publish material that is obscene, libelous, or will cause “a substantial disruption of the educational process.” Content that may stimulate heated debate or discussion is not included in this definition. The Leaf operates as an open forum for the healthy, robust exchange of ideas. Opinions expressed in the editorials are those of The Leaf staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged. All letters must be signed. The letters, not to exceed 300 words, may be edited for clarity, spelling, and grammar. Letters may be placed in Mrs. Cheralyn Jardine’s mailbox, dropped off in room 115, or e-mailed to jardinec@sycamoreschools.org. The Leaf reserves the right to decide not to cover a death based on relevance, timeliness, and circumstances decided on by the editorial board. In cases that the editorial board decides not to cover a death, letters to the editor in regard to that death will be printed. The Leaf’s complete editorial policies can be found at www.goaves.com. For comments about columns, please write to writetotheleaf@gmail.com

Editors-in-chief: Emma Oh, SM Dipali Associate Editors: Jane Finocharo, Moriah Krawec, Kelcie Grega Managing Editors: Jimmy Chau, Aditi Sharma Business Managers: Ana Barros, Ellie Goldman 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. News Sarah May Opinion Kelcie Grega Rishi Choubey Feature Aditi Sharma Shea Lothrop A&E Michael DeMaio Shayna Siegel Sports Bennett Kaplan Danny Bayliss Michael Saxon Spotlight Aditi Sharma Cartoonist Lilly Lefton Web Masters Ruochen Tang Ross Johnstal Staff Writers Joseph Ahn Lauren Altemuele MacKenzie Boyd Kayla Cantwell Lina Cardenas John Carroll Krittika Chatterjee Alexis Corcoran Gariauna Daniels Atiya Dosani Lila Englander Taylor Evans Zachary Fritzhand

Jordan Gause William Gawin Hailey Gilman Lauren Glynn Jenny Ham Isaac Harmon Deepak Indrakanti Megan Jiang Ashleigh Jones Britton Kemp Kelsey King Ellen Martinson Julia Mattis Ethan May Nakul Narendran Allie Oh Casey Rayburn Alma Rechnitzer Carmel Rechnitzer Hebeh Refaei Liam Reis Cailin Rogers Emma Rosen Lauren Saxon Eli Seidman-Deutsch Brenda Shen Joseph Slovin Scott Stefani Rachel Sun Victoria Swart Kathryn Tenbarge Sanika Vaidya Zoe Vanjohnson Kristen Wessinger Ryan Wessinger Alex Wittenbaum

Photographer Jeremy McDaniel Adviser Cheralyn Jardine About us Professional memberships: • Columbia Scholastic Press Association • Journalism Education Association

• National Scholastic High School Press Association • Ohio Scholastic Media Association • Ohio Professional Writers (National Federation of Women Writers) • Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honorary

Cain suspends campaign SM Dipali editor-in-chief &

Cartoon by Ellen Wang

STAFF EDITORIAL Hordes of SHS students pile onto the track against a common enemy- not a rival sports team but a diagnosis. Hundreds have agreed to raise astounding amounts of money, to walk in circles for hours, and to chase down their windblown belongings on a soggy field if necessary. But they have also made a commitment to raise awareness for the trials of their loved ones, to walk with friends for hours, and to stick their faces into whipped cream pies if necessary. It is beautiful that our Relay for Life event is too popular. That the body of students dedicated to supporting the American Cancer Society (ACS) outweighs the plausible threshold of participants. Under these circumstances it is important to make the distinction between an imposed threshold of participants versus a threshold of support. The fact that we can have a

‘mere’ 450 Aviators walking around that track in May in no way limits the amount of energy and time our whole population should invest. Though the event capped its participants, it still hopes to grow: in funds raised, survivors honored, memories created. It is the duty of our school to support the legacy of this event and its effects on the cancer-fighting community. During the 18 hour event, around 132 people in Ohio will be informed they have cancer. And it is during these same moments that the ACS will answer 1,425 cancer-related questions by phone and spend an astonishing $36,750 on research in Ohio alone. A challenge to all SHS, Relay team members and others: help the 45 teams who will participate to reach their individual and collective goals. Because raising over $200,000 for cancer research and having a crazy good time is our honor and privilege.

leafing through the masses

Will restricting participation hurt Relay for Life? I think this is very stupid. The point of Relay for Life is to raise money and if we have less teams we raise less money. Sky Wong, 10

Emma Oh editor-in-chief

Former presidential candidate Herman Cain (R) recently gave up his White House bid after a string of women accused him engaging in sexual impropriety. Amid several allegations of sexual harassment against the GA businessman, an Atlanta-area woman recently claimed she and Cain engaged in a decade long extramarital affair. In the announcement, which came five days after the woman’s statement to the media, Cain said that he was suspending his bid for the Presidential nomination “to avoid news coverage that is hurtful to his family.”

D: Despite polling high in Iowa

and New Hampshire, it seemed that Cain’s suspension of his presidential campaign was inevitable. As woman after woman reported allegations of sexual harassment, I began to wonder how Cain ever believed he could keep these secrets quiet – did the blue dress teach him nothing? Hollywood blockbusters have been built on this stuff, and the scene is always the same: a seemingly stand-up politician is brought down by a sex scandal. But it’s far too commonplace to be called a “scandal” anymore. Vying for the bid of the Republican presidential nomination brings with it the spotlight, and while every politician politely asks the press for “privacy,” the public never really wants to give them that. The lesson is simple for Cain and other budding politicians: if you have skeletons in your closet, they are bound to come out. Cain’s suspension leaves the door wide open for Newt Gingrich (R), who recently won the support of the New Hampshire Union Leader. With Gingrich surging ahead of Mitt Romney (R) and Rick Perry (R) in the polls, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee seems to clear to me. Let’s hope the press doesn’t decided to delve too deeply into Gingrich’s marriage(s) – what’s he on now, his third? I guess the conservatives are just going to have to settle this time.

E: It shouldn’t matter how many teams there are as long as they demonstrate enthusiasm and seriousness for the event. Justas Jodele, 11

I think it is good to put a limit on the amount of teams for safety, but it is sad that not as many people can participate.

Herman Cain is definitely not the first politician that’s harbored secrets. Just this year alone, we’ve seen media frenzies over former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s love child, Anthony Weiner’s Twitter pictures, and Chris Lee’s Craigslist date searches. Personally, I think that if Cain really is guilty, the blame for his destruction falls on him - not the media. Additionally, I completely agree with Dipali in the fact that you shouldn’t run for office if you’re not okay with all your dirty laundry being aired out in front of the American public. As for whether or not Cain will try for the presidential nomination in the future, I think his reputation is way too damaged for that.

Amaji Finnel, 12 For more DipalOhtics columns, visit www.goaves.com

Holiday hassles: Growing commerciality of Christmas

to ignore the sparkly new Bratz doll or the glossy new Playstation. eneath the tinsel and crisp wrapping paper Commercials have even changed the typical Christmas of the winter season, there is a very clear morning to show children ripping open a plethora of message. It is the same message broadpresents, the wrapping paper scattered everywhere, the casted and shoved in our faces through pyramid of new toys climbing even higher. flashy, obnoxious holiday advertisements, and “People have become so over-involved with the presents it is not the message that giving is superior aspect. The actual meaning of it has been lost through to receiving. the greed of having to have stuff,” said Erica Zaretsky, It is a message of commercial11, “Some of my friends don’t even ism, emphasizing a false feeling go to church. They just do dinner of need and disrupting the People have become overand presents.” true meaning of Christmas. involved with the presents Forgetting meaning Gone are the days of a Where does the traditional story present or two under aspect. The actual meaning land in all of this? Remember? the tree and sevof it has been lost through The one with Mary and Joseph eral trinkets in a stocking. Now, five year olds the greed of having to have having a baby in a manger? This story seems almost forgotten as put cell phones and iPods at stuff. “Barbie: A Perfect Christmas” and the top of their Christmas “Elf ” permeate society. lists and parents hope Erica Zaretsky, 11 Katie Duff, 12, blames commerfor new cars, while cials. teenagers “They encourage people to go out ask for the shiniest, newest laptops. and buy their products in an over-zealous way,” said Duff. And what is worse is we are shocked, dismayed, and even And not only have we lost the Biblical meaning, but angered when we do not get what we asked for. as Duff points out, “It’s definitely ruined the Christmas Christmas has evolved into a month long episode of spirit of family.” wishlists, high hopes, and a compulsion to buy, Of course, carolers should not be too hasty to hang up buy, buy! “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” their scarves. Christmas can easily return to its humble beginnings with “Santa’s” help. and “A Christmas Carol” sit Parents should take caution not to overspend this holiuntouched in the DVD pile, day season, and trust the fact that children can be happy while children watch “A Christmas Story,” an adorable movie, but with the ever so slight hint of consumerism. without a flood of presents under the tree. Books can substitute for Kindles, coloring books can After all, is not a Red Rider Air Rifle simply the take the place of iPads, and cell phones can generally be iPad of yesteryear? saved for later in a child’s life. Over-spending With this economy, it should be easy to save, perhaps So who is responsible for this trading a fancy dinner out for a simplistic dinner in, and new Christmas, surspending time with family on Christmas day, rather than rounded by flashing neon lights? Frequently, it is the friends. advertisers. Perhaps, in time, Christmas will drop its price tag and Our culture is now incredibly televisionreturn to a meaningful, jolly state. centered: even though a child may read Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” it is still hard Hailey Gilman staff writer

Christmas Costs 79%

The percent of Americans that will spend less on charitable donations this holiday:

26%

of Americans agreed that they would rather have a charitable donation in their honor than a gift they would not use.

$700+ The amount that 31% of Americans will spend this holiday

of Americans agreed that they would rather have a charitable donation in their honor than a gift they would not use.

Shoppers should think twice before they embark on unlimited spending sprees, since even in this economy, Americans believe the holiday season is far too commercial.

More people will shop online on Christmas Day than will attend a church service.

The of t cen e p r ricans e Am hat t the e ieve bel ays ar id hol too c: listi eria t a m

74%

39% of those surveyed said they evaluate their spending only after the holidays .

Sources: Image by Hailey Gilman www.thechristianinstitute.org, www.bannerspaces.com www.redcross.org, www.sodahead.com, www.couponcabin.com

Fruit and Vegetable Market 5035 Cooper Road Cincinnati Ohio, 45242 Phone: (513) 791-3175

12.14.2011

Orange coach caught red-handed Danny Bayliss sports chief

Inside the atrocity that is the Penn State scandal there is a very valuable teaching moment. A nation was taught to put athletic success aside when human lives are negatively affected. We were taught a legend was not bigger than principles. But the Jerry Sandusky case did more than that. It taught Bobby Davis to speak up, to right the wrong, and to free himself of his pent-up demons. Davis is now one of three men who has publicly accused former Syracuse University assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine of molesting him during various points of his childhood. At first there was sufficient evidence to suspect that Fine was innocent. That was the problem. That led to Jim Boeheim’s blunder. Boeheim vehemently stood up for Fine, but in the midst of his rants he accused Davis of trying to extort Fine. The Orange head coach stood firm to his remarks, toeing the line the entire time. But now we have audio tape of Fine’s wife, Laurie Fine, talking to Davis about the sexual abuse. Because of this rapid advancement, Bernie Fine was fired. Those extortion implications couldn’t seem any more incorrect. Boeheim, like Joe Paterno, is a legend at his respective university. I believe that Boeheim didn’t know of Fine’s acts of sexual abuse. I believe he was sincere in his defense of his colleague and friend. But I also believe that Boeheim jumped the gun - rather, the entire armory - when explaining the potential motive for the allegations. I don’t think he should be fired, but there is certainly enough there for Chancellor Nancy Cantor to do so if necessary. Now, before you at home accuse me of putting athletic success before morals, realize something: Boeheim isn’t Paterno. He says he didn’t know. Yes, he definitely went too far with his defense, but at the time it sounded plausible despite the riskiness of it all. Boeheim has sinced apologized a few times for his remarks. Whatever happens with Boeheim will be the right choice. From the self-imposed investigation to Fine’s firing, Syracuse has handled the entire case to the best of its ability so far. The advancements in the case of Bernie Fine now sway public opinion to believe there is no doubt that he is guilty. While allegations that the tape was tampered with came out right after the recording itself, it seems that Laurie Fine was well aware of Bernie’s problem. Davis also said he slept with Laurie Fine, which at this point is just another accusation. But that is all these cases have: accusations. The District Attorney, while noting that the sources in the case were credible, did say that charges will not be issued since the statute of limitations has passed. Penn State, once the focal point of the sector that combines the sports and legal worlds, now shares that spot with Syracuse. Yes, their alleged crimes are similar; the assistants are the culprits, and both head coaches are placed under a microscope. Joe Paterno and Jim Boeheim: two coaches who each found themselves in the middle of their assistant’s mistakes. We know how Paterno’s fate was sealed, but the jury is still out on Boeheim.

Additional articles on Penn State and Syracuse

http://www.goaves.com

12.14.2011

‘I usually eat in class because I’m hungry and it helps me stay awake’

Food for thought... or not? Custodial consideration

Rachael Sun staff writer

Outside of maintaining a productive atmosphere for n apple sits next to a friend’s desk, a bag of chips studying, teachers and students alike must be aware of the is being opened by a classmate, a half eaten effects foods bring to their physical working environment. Chewy bar lies abandoned in the trashcan. “From past experience, I’ve gathered that students who With a school day that begins at 7:20 a.m., eat in class are really messy. So I don’t let them do it. Also, SHS students are not able to eat lunch for four, someif they eat then a roach and rat problem tends to crop up times five hours. Plagued by teenage growth spurts and in a couple of rooms,” said Mr. Nicholas Hellwig, social unhealthy breakfast habits, studies teacher. students are starving by the end Based off of the interests of SHS of first bell. and its inhabitants, the issue is My policy is that as This in turn causes classes to mainly related to sanitation. In some long as students don’t include the occasional snacking cases, however, other conditions may student. take advantage of me, I apply. “I eat in class all the time. I In the global language classes, can be pretty flexible. mean, I’m always hungry and it’s chewing gum or eating a particularly a nuisance to wait until lunch,” large amount of food is deemed said Jacob Belcher, 10. Marla Chernick, detrimental to a student’s pronunciaAs opposed to the strictly Global Language Teacher tion. “orthodox” teachers of primary On a general basis, students are school, staff members at SHS are discouraged from occupying their much more open in their views mouths with anything other than about food. vocabulary words. “In certain circumstances, I think it’s definitely fine for For example, in Mrs. Ning Zhang’s Chinese classes, it students to bring a little snack to class, like if they missed is joked that students are obliged to share any snacks they their lunch or something. My policy is that as long as bring in with all of their peers, in order to dissuade them they don’t take advantage of this, I can be pretty flexible from eating in class. with them,” said Mrs. Marla Chernick, Spanish teacher.

“I think it’s pointless to try to restrict students from eating in class because everyone already does it anyway. I also think it’s pointless to formally ‘legalize’ it, because again, everyone already does it,” said Wendy Lu, 10. In the end, it is up to students to decide how they are going to manage this issue. “Practically speaking, not much will change until we take the responsibility to cooperate with teachers, so that a compromise is reached,” said Lu. This need for collaboration is also shared by teachers who see students snacking almost every day. “For the courses I teach, it’s really STUDENTS EAT DURING CLASS to stave off boredom, hunger, and, at times, drowsiness. Hailey what kind of class I Gilman, 12, often sneaks a mandarin orange or two. Smart snackers such as Gilman reap the many have that determines benefits that food has to offer.

A survey shows the number of teachers who really do allow eating classroom. SpeciSpecific c trends trends are found eatinginintheir their classroom. are found corresponding with the types of classes they teach.

corresponding with the types of classes they teach.

Social Social Studies Studies

Based onBased the opinions on the of five teachers per subject, per the apple to teachers subject, the left is divided on the apple to the left the first level into yes is divided on the and no, and then into howand many thethen yes’s no,ofand and came from intono’s how many of specific the yes’s subjects. and no’s

Math

subjects.

English English

Science

English

Source: SHS teacher opinion

Passed by the 128th General Assembly of Ohio, the bill... • IMPROVES nutritional standards for school districts • BANS school bake sales • PERMITS breakfast provided as part of a federal school program to be offered in classrooms • PROHIBITS the placement of vending machines in learning facilities • REGULATES caloric amounts in beverages sold by school cafeterias

It is important to snack regularly while studying. The right foods can maintain energy levels and reduce stress.

Global Global Languages Languages

Global Languages

New changes in food policies

Snack time Time This survey shows the number of teachers who allow

House Bill 210

The actual school day causes students to feel hunger pangs more frequently than usual. “Intellectual activities make people eat more than when just resting,” said a recent study carried out by Fox News. Students claim that having something to chew on during study sessions or tests occupies their stomach. Then, they can deal with other problems. “I usually eat in class because I’m hungry and it helps me stay awake,” said Jon Ota, 12. A part of SHS, however, finds the presence of food to have the opposite effect. “I don’t mind people eating in class; it only distracts me if they’re making noise with it. Like when a bag of chips crinkles. If it didn’t make noise or produce an odor, it wouldn’t bother me at all,” said Jennifer Khosla, 11. Unfortunately for students, any disputes they have over snack times will have to be resolved on their own. As more mature individuals, creating a constructive working environment falls increasingly on the students themselves.

All images by Rachael Sun

Strength in numbers

Creative juices

No 35%

my viewpoint. As long as the kids aren’t distracted, messy, or irresponsible, I typically am okay with what they want to eat,” said Mr. Gregory Pottebaum, math teacher. “Unfortunately, if one kid messes up, then his whole class loses as well,” said Pottebaum. The pressure is on. Or in the words of Spiderman, “with great power comes great responsibility.” So as classes across the building end, a quick glance around the room elicits relief. There are no stray wrappers, granola crumbs, or empty plastic bags. As growing and maturing high schoolers, students receive many new privileges, but it is a team effort to keep the rights for themselves.

Social Studies

Yes 65%

WATER: One of the most important necessities for the human body, staying hydrated improves concentration and alertness.

Healthy eating Rachael Sun

Source: http://housing.ucsc.edu/dining/pdf/exam-time.pd

YOGURT: Snack alternatives, such as low-fat yogurt, are healthier ways to curb a sweet tooth. FRUIT: The natural sugars in fruit help keep energy levels steady while studying.

12.14.2011

ostas’s interview raises more suspicions ountry’s opinion moves against Sandusky

Danny Bayliss sports chief

really hate jumping to conclusions, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects. It tends to get people in trouble. But Jerry Sandusky’s interview with Bob Costas leads me to draw three assumptions: First, Costas is the best at what he does. NBC is lucky to have him; he gains the respect that any collection of ESPN journalists yearns for. Costas conducted himself very respectfully, firmly asking questions that we viewers wanted answered. That interview will be a precedent for all aspiring broadcasters. While Costas fired away, the person joining him in the studio raised a few eyebrows. It was not Sandusky. His ‘lawyer’ Joe Amendola stood present to clarify any of Sandusky’s dubious responses, while simultaneously sacrificing his personal integrity and that of his practice. Who knows how much Sandusky paid him. What we heard from Joe was that he believed in Sandusky’s innocence and would even allow his children to be alone with his client.

What you did not hear until you checked Twitter after the interview was that Amendola has his own history of sexual interest in minors. Amendola impregnated a 16 year old girl at the, er, young age of 49. They then married, had another baby, and

Image by Shea Lothrop

finally separated. Just your classic difference of 33 years between lovers. When you think of a 49 year old man and 16 year old girl, you think of a parentchild relationship. No one would assume

they’re lovers, at least not consensual lovers. Sandusky’s choice of legal representation seems to be coming full circle. Either Amendola and Sandusky are North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA) members, or coincidence strikes again. Amendola’s representation of a former Penn State running back, who was acquitted of rape, possibly prompted the former defensive coordinator to contact Amendola. I dare assume that, given his own ventures, Amendola understands Sandusky’s turmoil. While that is not the matter, new information is being brought to the media’s attention at any alarming rate. This includes the case of the former Pennsylvania District Attorney, Sandusky’s arrest at his house, and posting his $250,000 bail. Sandusky’s six adopted children and residence near an elementary school makes me assume (there is that word again) that his sickness goes beyond the eight kids in the Grand Jury’s report. Indeed it does, as two more kids are now accusing Sandusky of molestation. Again, I would never say something like that about a man and his kids. But public opinion seems to have already

deemed Sandusky guilty, and rightfully so. The most obvious conclusion we formed from the ‘Rock Center’ interview was Sandusky was guilty the day he turned on that first locker room shower. He could barely bring himself to lie properly. When someone asks you if you’re sexually interested in young boys, rambling only seals your fate. That’s exactly what Sandusky did. He could have delivered an emphatic no, and shown his disgust at the question. But his tone during the interview was that of a guilty man, and that of a man who was lying through his teeth. These opinions were only strengthened when The New York Times had a similar interview with Sandusky. Sandusky did admit to horsing around with a boy in the shower, and explained the clapping noises heard by the notorious Mike McQueary as “snapping towels”. That is not horsing around. Horsing around is chucking up wild three-pointers or having a pillow fight, not touching young boys when they are wet and naked. This whole case is a big example of Too Much Information, but sadly, the information needs to be heard. Sandusky deserved his side of the story to be heard, yet all the interview did was put the nail in the coffin. Sandusky has been deemed guilty by the mass public opinion. This time, I do not feel sorry for jumping the gun.

12.14.2011

What does this green theme mean?

History of Christmas trees Nakul Narendran staff writer

Aditi Sharma managing editor

“Santa Claus had to build his house from trees so he put one in his house,” said Shay Wolfe, 9

“Santa is the tree,” said Alexis Davis, 9

“Santa was born in a box under a tree with candy in the year 68 C.E.,” said ear after year, millions of seventh century, a monk by the up “paradise Nolan Connolly, people around the world name of Boniface traveled to trees” in 10 spend hours decorating Germany to teach the Word of their homes to their Christmas trees. God. He met a family of pagans compensate for However, the majority of these who was worshiping an oak tree. the public celebration they could families have absolutely no idea In anger, Boniface cut down no longer enjoy. why they instinctively do so. the oak tree and to his surprise, a The earliest Christmas trees Some have their own theofir tree sprung up in its place. The (or evergreen branches) used ries that they consider to be the now Saint, Boniface took this as in homes were referred to as reason for this tradition, while a sign of Christianity and used “paradises.” They were often others never take the time to the triangle shape of the hung with round pastry wafers discover the truth. fir tree to describe symbolizing the Eucharist, “Santa The question is: do you know the Holy Trinity of which developed into the needs a why we use a Christmas tree? God, the Father, place to put pres- cookie ornaments decoratThere are many theories that Son, and Holy ents,” said Morgan ing German Christmas come into play when this quesSpirit. trees today. Grzegorzewski, 10 tion is asked. Some think Not until the The custom gained back to Northern Renaissance are popularity throughout “BeEuropeans who there clear records the 17th and 18th centuries, cause there simply decorated of trees being used as a against the protests of some the cut evergreen symbol of Christmas, beginning clergy. Lutheran minister Johann was a tree when trees in honor of in Latvia in 1510 and Strasbourg von Dannhauer, for instance, Jesus was born,” the emperor. in 1521. Legend credits the Prot- complained (like Tertullian) that said Gabby Ger“I think that estant reformer Martin Luther the symbol distracted people bus, 11 people in Europe with inventing the Christmas from the true evergreen tree, wanted to show some tree. Jesus Christ. But festivity, and because they lived The most likely theory is this did not stop “Trees in the woods, they got the trees that Christmas trees started many churches are bigger and decorated them to celebrate,” with medieval plays. from setting than bushes, said Michael Choi, 9. Dramas depicting biblical up Christmas and therefore we trees inside the By the Middle Ages, the legthemes began as part of end had grown to say that when the church’s worship, but sanctuary. use trees,” said Christ was born in the dead of by the late Middle Ages, Alongside the Annie Lu, 10 winter, every tree throughout the they had become rowdy, tree often stood world was said to miraculously imaginative perforwooden “pyramids”— shake off its ice and snow mances dominated stacks of shelves bearing candles, “We and produce new shoots of by laypeople and sometimes one for each famneed a place green. taking place in ily member. Eventually these to put the star On the other hand, the open air. pyramids of candles were placed and the Christmas tree is just the right Christian missionaries The plays on the tree, the ancestors of our place!” said Sneha believed that the Incarcelebrating the modern Christmas tree lights “We Rajagopal, 9 nation proclaimed Christ’s Nativity were and ornaments. have the “Jelordship over those natural linked to the story The majority of these legends Christmas tree sus was born symbols that had previously of creation, in part beare unknown to people today. because it smells like and we celebrate been used for the worship of cause Christmas Eve was also Many have their own theories of Christmas, which smells his life, so we celpagan gods. Not only individconsidered the feast day of Adam why millions around the world ebrate ours by hanging amazing,” said Loren ual human beings, but cultures, and Eve. Thus, as part of the play celebrate Christmas with everthings on a tree,” said Hamilton, 10 symbols, and traditions could be for that day, the Garden of Eden green trees. Lindsay Grzegorzewski, 10 converted. was symbolized by a “paradise “Christmas trees exist because Of course, this did not mean tree” hung with fruit. they make our houses look pretthat the worship of pagan gods These plays were banned in tier during these festive holithemselves was tolerated. Acmany places in the 16th century, days,” said Mrs. Emily Sweeney, cording to one legend in the and people perhaps began to set English teacher.

100

people interviewed

thought they knew the origin of the tradition

did not know the origin of the tradition

0 were correct

12.14.2011 Paper books vs. Ebooks: which one is right for you? - page 10

Growing strong: The seeds that started U4U - page 9

this

month in

feature

Service, studies, success:

Young Men’s Scholars carry torch, become leaders

Dallas Stokes, 10, is the captain of the JV basketball team. However, Donatell stresses that the young men very few weeks, a focused group of Africanshould aim for success in the classroom above anything American young men file into the conference else. room upstairs. The young men joke among “To be in this group, you have to be able to apply themselves, lightly teasing each other. However, yourself and work toward your goals. Eventually, we want beneath all the laughter, is a drive and determination to everybody here to be a leader,” said Donatell. succeed that few boys their age have. Donatell encourages the young men to be leaders at These young men are all part of the SHS Young Men’s school and serve as role models to inspire others to do the Scholars, a group dedicated to keeping bright, Africansame. This is especially true for the senior group members American men “on the right including Michael Gray, Jortrack.” dan Reed, Ryan Reid, and Nick “There are a million distractions Alston, as well as junior Joshua What we do outside out there. This is a group to help Hunter, who underclassmen often of the school is what these students focus,” said Dr. look up to. Eugene Donatell, group founder. In addition to meeting within separates us from other The group was created six years SHS, the group often goes outside groups at Sycamore. ago by Donatell and other parents the limits of school to work with in the community. And even now, others. the parents still play a significant “What we do outside of the role in the group. Joshua Hunter, 11 school is what separates us from “What makes our group special other groups at Sycamore,” said is our parents. We have some very Hunter. unique parents that support us,” Many group members tutor at said Donatell. Operation Give Back (OGB), a To be a member in the group, one must have a 3.0 GPA non-profit facility that helps “at-risk” children in grades or higher. The group is reserved for those who demonK-8 with their studies. The co-founder of OGB, Mr. Lee strated early academic success at the junior high level as Langston, also helped to create the Young Men’s Scholwell as the high school level, although one can join later ars. in their high school career. The SHS Young Men’s Scholars is more than an In past years, nearly all members have met the group’s ordinary club. It is an exceptional group of young men primary goal of attending college, a few have even restriving for excellence in everything they do, whether ceived scholarships for athletics and academics. it is athletics, community service, or most importantly, Another important goal of the Young Men’s Scholars academics. They are “carrying the torch” for high school is to develop the leadership qualities of the young men. students. According to Donatell, every member has the “ability to “We are really working to improve ourselves with this be a leader.” group. Everyone here is proud of being in this group, and Many members are already leaders when it comes to is proud of themselves,” said Donatell. their athletic ability. For example, Xavier Ferguson, 9, was the quarterback of the freshman football team and Michael Saxon staff writer

College majors adapt to rough economy

Unemplyoment prompts changes in education Shea Lothrop feature chief

College is the first time academic freedom is received. One can combine new interests with old passions throughout class selection. And while exploring the multitudes of options offered, one can easily forget the main reason students pursue another four years of education: to get a job. The economy is in turmoil- this is not new news. The possibility that America is facing the second worst crisis in history, following the Great Depression, is increasing daily. Recently the question has been posed whether college is worth the money. Historically, almost all college graduates secured a job. But, unfortunately, in today’s society only a handful of degrees will provide the means for a high-paying occupation. The unemployment rate is roughly 9 percent; parents and grandparents are bequeathing this generation a country in major trouble. And although it is incredibly difficult to find a job, having a degree boosts chances of employment. No one can predict where America will be in 20 years, just as 20 years ago no one predicted America’s current financial crisis. Issues such as the war in Iraq and major national debt will have to be solved by this next generation. This being said, the majors participated in will ultimately decide this country’s future. Majors lead to jobs which lead to the state of the economy. Majors such as communications, business, and education are the most common and the United States will always need workers in these areas. But popular majors

are not always equivalent to the most successful majors in the current economy. Most colleges have a myriad of majors to choose from. Naturally, some will spark students’ interest and others will be turn-offs. While deciding which major to select, do not feel overly stressed about the decision. At age 18, few people know what occupation best suits them. As time spent in college passes, most will switch majors. Taking a broad class range freshman year helps to eliminate multiple majors. Ensure that the major selected is in a growing sector of the economy. A few of these sectors include healthcare, computer science, and engineering. Overall, specializing in a certain major may dictate the job opportunities available. By combining both appealing interests and pro-economy sectors, this generation has a chance to shift America’s economy back to where it should be.

Top 5

Lowest paying college majors

5) Social work 4) Human services and community orgranizations 3) Theology and religious vocations 2) Early childhood education 1) Counseling and psychology Source: TIME Magazine

Photo courtesy of Michael Gray

TWO MEMBERS OF YOUNG Men’s Scholars program, Ryan Jones, 9, and Michael Gray, 12, help each other learn. In the Young Men’s Scholars program, the students often help each other. The upperclassmen help the underclassmen mostly, aiding them in homework and studying, The men of this program are all willing to help each other, and are considered a tight-knit community

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12.14.2011

‘It all started under a tree’

Digging up UNIFAT’s roots I Lina Cardenas feature chief

Kelcie Grega associate editor

n 1988, Abitimo Rebecca Odongkara began teaching children under a tree in Gulu, Uganda, to keep them from playing war games with each other. She had no money to fund the school, and used the soil as a chalkboard. Initially coming to the United States as a war refugee, Odongkara was bitter towards Idi Amin’s treatment of her people, making her want to purchase a gun and fight in the militia against his dictatorship. It was not until she read a text from the Bible, telling her that “God said vengeance is mine” (Hebrews 10:30), that she came to terms with her anger, leaving Amin’s fate to God. Following this revelation, it led her to question, “What is word from God?” Another Bible parable, this one pertaining to young seedlings, brought her the answer to this burning question. This particular reading depicted a farmer who tried to plant some seeds, but only the “right” kinds of seeds were the ones that flourished. She then realized that these “good seeds” were a metaphor for children. “All children are good,” said Odongkara in an interview. It was for this reason that she wanted to work with young people, to distance herself from the negative effects of the war and focus on building a brighter future in Uganda. She went back to school to earn her GED in order to teach, and soon after, she received the lucky break she needed to begin her school, which she named the Upper Nile Institute For Appropriate Technology (UNIFAT).

Cincinnati’s beginnings

In 2005, three students from Archbishop Moeller High School saw a film titled “Invisible Children: Rough Cut”. This short documentary depicted the horrors of the

war in Uganda, moving the students so profoundly as to create their own organization at Moeller to help the children. With the help of Ms. Connie Ring, a math teacher at Moeller, the three students, along with their classmates, created a club to help the children in Uganda living through a civil war. In the summer of 2007, Moeller’s alumni magazine published an article about this organization, attracting the attention of Michael Zimmer, a graduate from Moeller in 1967. Zimmer had been in contact with Odongkara for a few months prior to reading the article and immediately knew that the students at Moeller had to meet her. Odongkara’s cause was exactly what the students at Moeller were looking for. Right after their first meeting they began supporting Odongkara’s new school, fund raising and sending various supplies to Gulu whenever they could. Cincinnati’s first chapter of Unified for UNIFAT was born.

Expanding UNIFAT

Since 2007, students from schools all around Cincinnati became involved with Unified for UNIFAT. High schools like Mount Notre Dame, St. Ursula, Loveland, Madeira and SHS soon opened their own chapters, introducing their students to the troubles in Uganda and encouraging them to become a part of the solution. In 2006, Meghan Marth, ’10, opened a chapter, making U4U one of the most popular clubs at SHS. Marth, along with the respective heads of each high school’s chapter, planned various fund raising events ranging from concerts to walks for peace, hoping to raise money and awareness for the people in Uganda. Today, Sally Evans, 12, heads U4U at SHS. She, along with Katherine Brown, 12, and Stephanie Adamec, 11, traveled

to Africa to visit the UNIFAT school and had the fortune to witness the difference U4U is making in Gulu first hand. For Evans, Brown, and Adamec, the experience has been incomparable to anything else. “I wish you all could go. It makes it all more real. Seeing your hard work pay off is such a driving force. It really does pay off, you see the value of education,” said Adamec.

What can be done to help?

Students at UNIFAT need funding for schooling, clothes and meals. For many, the meal they eat at school is the one meal they will eat that day, and the uniform they receive is one of the sole articles of clothing they own. Funding is imperative for the school’s success, as UNIFAT can no longer cover for the multitude of students that now attend. Today, 1,400 students attend the institute, compared to the 60-100 that were enrolled when the school was first formed. The money raised through numerous fund raisers goes directly to the school, paying for either the tuition of the most deficient students ($300 for primary school students and $600 for secondary school students) or toward the benefit of the school. In the past, this money has been used for new furnishings, better installations, and equipment for adequate teaching. However, there is still much that is needed at UNIFAT. “We’re still raising funds for a generator, a library and a cafeteria,” said Odongkara. So how can one get involved? Aside from assisting the fundraisers each chapter hosts, students are encouraged to sponsor a child in Gulu. These sponsors develop a relationship with the child. They receive letters, progress reports, and pictures of their student as they send them money

Upcoming Events

UNIFAT today

It has now been five years since Unified for UNIFAT first touched the lives of the people in Cincinnati. Many students have now made the long, two-day voyage to visit Gulu themselves, each leaving with their own lasting memory. “Everything is a gift. They [the people in Gulu] don’t take anything for granted. It was a rude awakening to the way we live here,” said Evans. There is a fire that comes back even stronger with each student’s return from Africa. Their desire to help is not quenched, but rather, intensified after witnessing first hand the cause they are so passionately fighting for. “It was almost like a culture shock. I couldn’t believe how happy they were, but also how desolate their living conditions were. It was shocking. However, despite their poverty, they are happy,” said Adamec. When she visited Cincinnati this past summer, Odongkara was invited to a dinner at the Adamec household. After an afternoon of reminiscing about their time in Africa together, she turned to Brown and Adamec and asked, “Do you know the importance of what you are doing?” It is not what one sole person can do alone, but what they can do together that makes a difference. Image by Kelcie Grega

by the numbers

iDance

Jan. 7th Citywide fundraiser where contestants participate in dance competitions. At this event, tickets are drawn to decide how many members from each school’s chapter will travel to Uganda the following summer.

1,300 41 Number of students enrolled at UNIFAT.

Unified for UNIFAT’s Amazing Race

Mar. 17th An awareness fundraiser at which students participate in a city-wide scavenger hunt and learn about the daily lives of children at the UNIFAT schools along the way. All the proceeds from this event will be used to benefit the students in Gulu.

throughout the year to cover their expenses. Before their trip to Uganda each summer, the representatives of each U4U chapter will encourage their classmates to help them put together a care package to take along with them. These packages are filled with clothes, hygiene products, and many other gifts that the students wish to donate to their friends in Gulu. These items are then packed up in a suitcase and travel along with the representatives sent to Uganda that year.

$300

Number of grades.

Number of full time teachers employed.

Cost of tuition for a primary school student.

Image by Kelcie Grega Source: www.unifiedforunifat.com

STUDENTS AT UNIFAT SCHOOL in Gulu, Uganda participate in a discussion with a teacher. UNIFAT offers classes for students in all the core subjects. Each year, UNIFAT schools continues to place as one of the top schools in Uganda. Image by Lina Cardenas

Never judge books by their bindings 12.14.2011

Students see benefits and disadvangates of eBooks Hailey Gilman Sanika Vaidya staff writer & staff writer

lick. Click. A few seconds to type in a password. A short wait, under half a minute, to load. And then a full novel is in your hands, complete with automatic bookmarks and capabilities of changing font size and color. With whiteboards that erase at the push of a button, radios that change songs at a voiced request, and phones that unlock and start cars from miles away, it seems only natural that even literature would evolve. Though most did not expect books to be exempt from this electronic push, it is certainly surprising how quickly it occurred. Whether this transition is positive remains debatable, for the most pressing question is still unanswered: what do eReaders mean for the future, in the book industry and our lifestyles?

Reading revolution

For most, reading consisted of visiting a local library, bookstore, or occasionally an online retailer. But in 2007, Amazon launched the Kindle, revolutionizing the process of attaining and reading books. Literature went from starchy, white paper to a crisp, white screen, with the font size adjusted to suit the reader’s needs. Flipping a page became pushing a button, and highlighters, post-its, and pencils became useless for annotation. Browsing shelves and the Dewey Decimal System were replaced with keying in a book’s title and pressing ‘download.’ Though printed books and magazines have not experienced a significant decline in sales, the impact of eReaders was felt throughout the industry. Retailers struggled to gain access to and sell electronic books, some even producing their own brand of eReader,

such as the Nook, which Barnes and Noble released in 2009. Currently, Barnes and Noble cites a 27 percent share in the eBook market. “Between our stores and our online operations, Barnes and Noble sells approximately 300 million books per year,” reads the Barnes and Noble website. Unfortunately, some booksellers, namely Border’s, who declared bankruptcy in February 2011, could not keep up with the changing market coupled with the economic downturn. For other retailers, the future still looks bright. “E-readers have certainly changed the industry, but Half Price Books has continued to see growth. We’ve opened four new stores in 2011, bringing our total to 114 locations in 16 states, and we have plans for another new store in Naperville, Illinois in early 2012,” said Emily Bruce, Public Relations Manager of Half Price Books, in an email. “There are all types of printed books that are not found in digital form and Half Price Books is lucky in that the type of merchandise we carry includes thousands of titles like out-ofprint items, one-of-a-kinds, nostalgia – and tons of other items at incredible prices,” said Bruce.

eBooks at SHS

With different devices such as the Kindle, Nook, and several iPod Touch and iPhone apps, buying and reading a book is faster and easier than ever. Some worry that these will make the paperback and hardcover books obsolete. Others believe that this can never happen. “I don’t think eBooks are going to replace books in the future, and especially not here [at SHS], simply because it would be too much of an expenditure for us to go down that road. It would be very hard for us to give everyone a Kindle, and

then transact eBooks that way,” said Mr. Tom Villani, media specialist. At least for books provided by the school, it seems that the familiar novels are here to stay. However, some students already use eBooks for school assignments. “I think I can read better with the eBooks. Plus, I can mark a page more easily, which helps with taking notes for class,” said Madeline Smith, 10, who used an electronic version of the school- assigned book Animal Farm by George Orwell for reading and taking notes. Along with the ease of purchase and lack of risk of a bookmark falling out, the reduced weight of these devices is a definite advantage. While several books in a backpack can weigh several pounds and strain one’s back, eBook devices can be small enough to slip into a pocket. “Years ago, when we were adopting textbooks, I was a strong proponent for adopting textbooks where you could also get that information online. I certainly understand that textbook companies want to sell a book per student, okay, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be easier for those students if it’s also online. People forget textbooks and leave them behind,” said Mrs. Judy Klefas, former English teacher. eBooks make life for a student even easier than online textbooks, since rather than having to log on at a computer, they can simply pull out a smaller electronic device. “My sister has an eReader. She likes how it’s so portable. She carries it everywhere,” said Annie Blood, 12. Blood’s sister is one of many, enthralled by how compact, lightweight, and open to storage new eReaders are.

Prized pages prevail

However, for every fan of this new technology there are others, standing side by side with their love for printed novels. When asked for her opinion of schools switching to all electronic books, Erin Wahler, 12, said “If the school did that, it’d be difficult because the school would have to provide eReaders. I’d hate that, because you can’t physically flip the pages.” Bruce agreed, “I only read traditional paper books. Because I’m in front of a computer all day, I don’t want to look at another screen when I’m at home. Plus, I like knowing I don’t have to worry about a battery dying. I don’t have to turn it off when a plane is taking off or landing and I won’t be out hundreds of dollars if I drop my book.” At the same time, the idea of novels without books provides a problem for publishing companies, who will lose profits if people go completely electronic. “A lot of publishers are looking at eBooks, and trying to limit how many times an eBook can be checked out. There are those kinds of questions to be looked at, so I don’t think eBooks are going to replace paper books any time in the near future,” said Villani. It seems that, at least for now, paper book lovers can rest assured that the familiar feel of a book between their fingers will not disappear. However, while carrying several books around in one’s pockets is a relatively new idea, it is gaining popularity from people of all ages. Klefas said, “I think I’m going to embrace eBooks in the future. I’m not quite there yet, but one day I will be.”

All images by Sanika Vaidya and Hailey Gilman

Amazon Kindle

What will you use your eReader to do?

Just reading

Touch screen? no

Small More than reading

Screen size?

yes

Which eReader is for YOU? Medium

LCD

kindle

nook color

nook

2 5

9 7

E-ink

LCD screen or E-ink text?

Large

iPad

1. E-ink Screen: Black and white, reproduces look of book pages, good for reading in bright light, but pages load slower than LCD screens. 2. LCD Touch Screen: bright, colorful display, but can strain eyes and be hard to read in bright light. 3. Lightweight, though with slightly smaller screens than tablets. 4. Large screen, but slightly heavier than others. 5. Right and Left buttons on both sides of screen for easy page flipping. 6. QWERTY keyboard for easy naviagation 7. Simple display of books for easy access 8. Extra touch screen window for easy navigation 9. Full tablet capabilities, though 4-6 times more expensive 10. Single select button for otherwise touch screen device

Source: news.cnet.com

START

Barnes and Noble Nook Color

Apple iPad

12.14.2011 Cincinnati Holiday traditions page 12

Highest grossing movies of 2011 page 13

Suessical sparkles - page 14

this

month in

Celia creates: F

Senior artist discusses inspirations, preparations, goals for future

work displayed downtown,” said Keim. This year, she has been selected or some, art class is just by the Art Department to paranother credit to be comticipate in the Overture Awards pleted in order to graducompetition. ate SHS. For others, like “There are a lot of really Celia Keim, 12, it is much more. talented AP students this year. I She started taking classes at a was hoping to be chosen, but I young age, enabling her to create honestly had no idea I would be beautiful works of art. selected,” said Keim. Keim is taking AP Studio Art, Her portfolio will compete in a class which requires dedication a nationwide and pacompetition tience. A against other lot of time A lot of my work high school is spent started as scribbles or students for a working $2,500 scholaraccidents that gave on differship towards ent types me ideas. art. of assignAlong with Celia Keim, 12 ments. submitting her “We are portfolio to expected Overtures, Keim works every day to spend about six hours a week to perfect her portfolio for the on homework. Admittedly, some AP class she is taking. Like most of mine took thirty minutes and others took eight hours. I actually artists, she allows the abstract to inspire her. stopped competitive swimming “To me, inspiration always this year and now I have more comes from random mark maktime to focus on art,” said Keim. ing. A lot of my work started as The extra time has paid off. scribbles or accidents that gave Last year Keim entered her work me ideas,” said Keim. in to the Scholastic Art & WritKeim is not sure where her ing competition. She received a future will take her, but one thing Gold Key award for a self-poris for sure: art will always be a trait she made. part of her life. “It was really exciting to be recognized locally and have my

a&e

Shayna Siegel staff writer

All images by Celia Keim

ABOVE ARE PIECES OF art created by Celia Keim, 12. The top is done in colored pencil, the left in black and white charcoal, and the right in oil pastels.

Intermission Acts

Featuring: Bright Eyed Youth Cluster of Noise Unicorn Slayers Rocket Boys

Shaina Bahler, 12 Kika Chatterjee, 10 Samantha Furtwengler, 11 Ricky Miller, 12, and Benji Katz, 12 Emily Gilgoff, 12, Caroline Bresnahan, 12, and Danielle Bresnahan, eigth grader Christina Shehata, 10, and Ali Shehata, 12

Dec. 17, 2011 Kevin Drake

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“Art & Sun” Call us at 513-489-EYES (3937) or visit our office at 11304 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati, OH 45249

st e t n o c t r a 2D/3D

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Rayban Sunglasses. *Pieces relating to the theme of eyewear and vision may be submitted. Acceptable forms of art include 2D images in any medium and sculpture. Deadline for submissions is 1/15/12.

12.14.2011

Cincinnati holidays

Queen City’s most enduring annual holiday traditions William Gawin staff writer

down the side of the Macy’s tower to kick off he holiday season is one to enjoy a spectacular holiday fireworks display. whether you observe Christmas, Visitors can also enjoy free horse-drawn Hanukkah, or none of the carriage rides through the heart of the city, above. During the next month, courtesy of Macy’s. Cincinnati’s Downtown will be host Other Attractions to some unique and fun “Downtown is one of Duke Energy and activities. the Museum Center

Fountain Square

the best parts of the holidays here in Cincinnati.”

have consolidated their seasonal train displays Fountain Square is into Union Terminal. the location of many The building’s Omimax of these activities and theater is showing a train events. Abby Clark, 11 themed feature film to The square has a tie into the combined Christmas tree set up Holiday Junction exhibit. through the holidays The Cincinnati Zoo in Avondale is and an ice skating rink set up through continuing its annual Festival of Lights, February. Music and a video monitor add to where the zoo is decorated by thousands of the excitement. lights in the evenings this holiday season. On Saturdays until Christmas, visitors to Fountain Square can watch Santa rappel

VISITORS TO CINCINNATI’S UNION terminal enjoy sitting in the building’s art deco rotunda. The building is decorated for the season. This includes the organization’s Christmas tree.

THE US BANK ICE rink is one of Cincinnati’s favorite winter traditions. The rink is open to the public through Feb. 19. Hours of operation can be found on Fountain Square’s website. It only costs $3 per person to skate and $3 for a skate rental.

UNION TERMINAL THIS YEAR is hosting Duke Energy’s holiday trains as a part of its Holiday Junction exhibit. Free shuttle buses are provided from Fountain Square to the attraction. Free tickets have been provided to Duke Energy customers.

Event prices US Bank ice skating

Free shuttle from Fountain Square

Located near Fountain Square

Macy’s fireworks display

Free

Macy’s carriage rides

Free

Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights

$14

Museum Center Holiday Junction

$12.50

All Images By William Gawin

FOUNTAIN SQUARE IS DECKED-OUT in lights for the holiday season. The massive Macy’s-sponsored Christmas tree takes up the southwest corner of the square and stands tall adjacent to the ice skating rink. The tree is lit up at night and is one of the many must see attraction’s downtown this holiday season.

Scan with a smartphone to view more photos online at GoAves.com

12.14.2011

Drive for top 5: Ellen Martinson staff writer

Allie Oh staff writer

hese five 2011 blockbusters grossed more money than any other films this year. As of Dec. 5, these five films have made over four trillion dollars. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” hit the top at number one and “Cars 2” landed at the number five spot. “Transformers: Dark of the Moon,” “Breaking Dawn: Part I” and “The Hangover Part II”, are the second, third, and fourth highest grossing movies. All of these movies are sequels, exemplifying the influence that their predecessors have created.These are our personal ratings of these top money-making films.

Rating:

1 2 3 4

System The Leaf uses this rating system 1- Don’t Waste Your Money 4 - Watch the movie A.S.A.P.

Movies sweep box office with peak performances

1. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”

Harry, Ron, and Hermione have their final adventure trying to destroy Voldemort. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is the seventh and final movie in the Harry Potter series, based on the books by J.K. Rowling. This action-packed movie will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a definite must- see. Grossing: $1.32 billion

2. “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”

“Breaking Dawn: Part I”

“Transformers Dark of the Moon” is the most recent “Transformers” movie. In this movie, the Autobots are back in action, taking on the evil Decepticons, who are determined to avenge their defeat. This thrilling movie will not dissapoint you with its mind-blowing twist and turns. Grossing: $1.12 billion

The new-found married bliss of Bella Swan and vampire Edward Cullen is cut short as a series of betrayals and misfortunes threatens to destroy their world. “Breaking Dawn: Part I” is the second to last movie in the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. “Breaking Dawn: Part II” will keep you guessing as Bella chooses between her life and her baby. Grossing: $592 million

5. “Cars 2”

“The Hangover Part II” The Wolfpack is back and crazy, hilarious mishaps are a constant. Phil, Stu, Alan, and Doug jet to Thailand for Stu’s wedding, but their plans go awry. This movie is the sequel to the smash hit movie “The Hangover”, however lacked the excitement and comedy that made the first movie great.

“Cars 2” is the sequel to the Pixar film “Cars”. Mater and Lightning McQueen travel to Japan in hopes of Lightning becoming the fastest car in the world. However, Mater gets sidetracked and is assigned to a top secret spy mission that takes them on travels around the world. Although Pixar has a stellar reputation, they failed to deliver with this sequel.

Grossing: $254 million

Grossing: $191 million

What movie genre are you? 1. Which one of these blockbusters is your favorite? a. “Insidious” b. “X-Men: First Class” c. “Bridesmaids” 2. Which TV show are you most likely to watch? a. “CSI” b. “I Shouldn’t Be Alive” c. “Modern Family” 3. What is your favorite type of character? a. A sole survivor b. A fearless character c. The troublemaker 4. How do you want a movie to make you feel? a. scared b. eager c. amused

If you chose... Mostly A’s then the genre for you is:

HORROR

Mostly B’s

then the genre for you is:

ACTION

Mostly C’s then the genre for you is:

COMEDY

All images by Allie Oh and Ellen Martinson

Relive Seuss, no excuse 12.14.2011

Alma Rechnitzer staff writer

rom set construction to choreography, the cast and crew of “Seussical the Musical” came a long way during the five weeks they had to put the show together. When the show was abruptly changed to “Seussical” from “Peter Pan” due to insurance issues, Aves Theatre came together for a remarkable effort to present a show in half the time that they had originally expected. “[When] everyone is working towards one common goal, You must be able to work with all different types of people to get the job done,” said Hayley Huge, 10. Tearing down the original set pieces and constructing new constumes, the entire show was recast in order to make for the best performance possible.

“Sometimes you don’t always have the biggest part, but you still have importance,” said William Hobart, 9. The show was a great learning experience for everyone involved. “[Participating in theater teaches] public speaking and dealing with people whom you may not always agree,” said Bradley Kirkendall, 11. The cast and crew of “Seussical” will take memories, friendships, and support from countless hours of rehearsals and their final climactic shows.

JAY BURGIN, 11, AND eighth grader Max Poff open the show. The Cat in the Hat popped on stage through a trap door. “My favorite scene in Seussical was the opening number because it’s the first thing the audience sees and set a great tone for the whole show,” said Megan Sulfsted, 9.

All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

JOHN CARROLL, 10, EIGHTH grader Max Poff, and Tess Plona, 12 represent the Whos. The Whos live on a dust speck that floats through space. With the help of Horton, they find a secure clover for the speck to rest on.

ELLIOT HANDKINS, 11, PLAYED protagonist Horton the Elephant. He saves the dust speck that houses the Whos, and is the object of Gertrude McFuzz’s affections.

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TWO BIRD GIRLS, DEVIN Arbenz, 11, and Grace Keeton,11, sing “Biggest Plain Fool.” Appearing throughout the show with the feisty Wickersham monkeys, the Bird Girls were notorious for their mischief against Horton. The other four Bird Girls were Emily Gilgoff, 12, Rachel Handkins, 11, Caroline Bresnahan, 12, and Tamara Goldner, 12.

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12.14.2011

Chess team gears up for another run at GMC title - page 16

Varsity basketball rallies against Milford for first victory - page 17

Small squad alters scheme this month in for girls freshman basketball - page 18

Bar none

sports

‘People just got out there, did what they could do, and had fun’

Danny Bayliss sports chief

Victoria Swart staff writer

one-man wrecking crew; the term is often thrown around in sports when an athlete puts the team on their back and takes over. For SHS gymnast Sara Wesselkamper, 12, that term could not have been more literal. “I was the only one on the [gymnastics] team last year,” said Wesselkamper. Yes, as outlandish as it sounds, Wesselkamper is not lying. The situation definitely provided its fair share of negativity. “It was a little lonely, and it was hard to get really excited for meets without a team,” said Wesselkamper. Not every school funds a gymnastics team, which is why it should come as no surprise that a few other high schools in Cincinnati share SHS’ circumstances. “There were a couple other one girl teams last year, like Loveland and Kings. I don’t think it was too weird for big teams to see us. But they made it a point to be friendly since I had no teammates,” said Wesselkamper. Some of the teams she went up against even had some familiar faces. “I have a lot of friends that I used to do club gymnastics with that are on teams like Mason and the Lakotas, so meets are a fun time for us to hang out,” said Wesselkamper. While Wesselkamper’s 20102011 campaign was rather unorthodox, this season of gymnastics will be more suitable for her - and her teammates.

Three’s company

“We actually have two other girls on the team this year, Lisa Kohmescher, 12, and Molly Gearin, 9, so we have much more of a team vibe this year,” said Wesselkamper. Obviously the addition of two more girls now makes SHS’ squad an actual team, and Wesselkamper is elated at that. “I love having an actual team because last year I was the only one…We'll be able to cheer each other on which makes us less nervous to compete,” said Wesselkamper. All three of the gymnasts were originally club gymnasts at Queen City Gymnastics in Kids First Sports Center. Like the other two, Kohmescher came into high school gymnastics, only to find a very different program, yet still enjoyable. “I went to Queen City for 12

years, and it was really intense and we had practice almost every day for four hours. Now it’s really relaxed and not as competitive,” said Kohmescher. Last year, Kohmescher was out most of the season with an ankle injury. “I’ve have many injuries but the ankle injury keeps coming back if I land wrong on something. So it’s kind of a nagging pain, but I only have one more year, so I feel like I can just push through it,” said Kohmescher.

Season’s greetings

With such a small team, the program has paired up with Cincinnati Country Day School. “I love these girls. It’s nice to have more people to practice with because we have such a small team. So it’s more a team for us. They’re so nice and welcoming to us, letting us use their gym,” said Wesselkamper. The girls’ head coach is Steve Conner, who is also affiliated with Cincinnati Country Day. “Conner is awesome. I love him. He knows when to push me and when to back off. He’s a really nice person and he’s a great coach,” said Wesselkamper. The team is eager to begin the season’s string of competitions, although they will need to start out in catch-up mode. Even with such a small group, the girls performed well. On vault, Gearin placed fourth, Kohmescher placed second, and Wesselkamper placed first. Wesselkamper went on to place second in bars, beam, and floor, and then won in the all-around. Normally, the best score, or the start value, of a routine is a 10.0, and then mistakes are deducted from there. However, in high school gymnastics, everyone has a different start value, depending on their skill level. “So getting a 7.5 on beam from one person is the same as getting an 8.0 for another,” said Gearin. Despite the successes, the athletes did have some disadvantages in the meet. SHS could not compete for the team award because Gearin and Kohmescher were unable to compete on all four events. “Our first meet of the season was this Tuesday [Dec. 6 against Anderson and Cincinnati Country Day]. I can honestly say the team isn't quite ready because we've only been practicing for less than a month. But it was just the first meet. It was kind of like a practice one just to test out our skills and see what we need to improve. We should be ready by

the next meet though. We just need a little more practice time,” said Wesselkamper. “People just got out there, did what they could do, and had fun. Everyone from all the teams were like friends; they were really nice to each other,” said Gearin. While performing solo last year, Wesselkamper had a good bit of success. She won the City tournament and earned third place overall at the District level. This was good enough to earn her a trip to the State tournament. The road to State is daunting; not just in gymnastics but in any sport. Still, a year of experience under Wesselkamper’s belt should prove to be a big advantage. “I'm not sure if I can top that this year. I'm hoping I can do well enough this year to make it to State again. Hopefully my teammates can join me there too,” said Wesselkamper.

IN SHS’ OPENING MEET, Sara Wesselkamper, 12, placed second for her routine on the bars, the beam, and the floor. She also won first place for the vault. She went on to place first all-around in the meet.

Coach C knows best

The girls clearly have high expectation for the team. Conner shares those hopes that all three will make it to the State tournament. “Sara, last year, made it to state, but only in three events. I hope she goes with all four, and then place higher than last year. Lisa was a little disappointed that she missed state a couple years ago, when she was a sophomore, and then she was injured last year. She’s got the talent to make it and the skills to make it. Molly is new. This is her first year in high school gymnastics. She has the skill and the talent; it’s just a matter of the routines and getting used to scoring and judging differences between high school and club,” said Conner. Besides the glory of winning that every athlete yearns for, Wesselkamper has found joy in the little things, like her floor music. She hopes her teammates do the same. “My floor music is kind of like a salsa, latin, flamenco mix. I love the music and it fits my dance style so it makes for a good

routine,” said Wesselkamper. Raised spirits are assured this year for SHS gymnastics, and not just because of motivational music. There is finally a sense of camaraderie and unity on the team, which is something that should help make headlines throughout the year. “Hopefully the team gets a little more recognition this year, maybe get some students to come to the meets,” said Wesselkamper. More gymnasts, more fans, and according Wesselkamper, “the more the merrier.”

Mr. Meyer: man, myth, Urban legend Danny Bayliss sports chief

For all you fans who loathe The Ohio State University, the school’s 6-6 regular season finish provided you with plenty of comic material. Their loss to arch rival Michigan must have been icing on the cake. Well, I hope all you Brutus haters enjoyed Ohio State’s short hiatus from national prominence. You can thank Urban Meyer for their return. If there was one coach that could immediately bring Ohio State back to the forefront of college football, it’s Meyer. He’s a good ole’ Ohio boy, born and raised in Ashtabula, OH. His coaching days started at St. Xavier, and eventually went through Ohio State where he was a graduate assistant. When the Buckeyes usher in the 2012 season, they’ll be starting a whole new era of Ohio State football. Gone are the tendencies of Tresselball and “three yards and a cloud of dust”. Meyer’s spread offense has had success wherever he’s coached. He changed the course of a struggling Bowling Green program and brought an undefeated season to Utah. This is the guy who established both Florida and Tim Tebow as BCS dominators. On the field Meyer is an X and O mastermind, but on the recruiting trail he is the perfect salesman. Already Meyer has numerous top prospects interested in Ohio State. Before his hiring, some of these recruits would never have even considered the Buckeyes. Who can blame them? Any coach with Meyer’s track record for success, offensive or defensive scheme, and sending players to the NFL is sure to reel in the big fish. Now this complete transformation is definitely not an overnight wonder. Ohio State has holes to fill at linebacker and on the offensive line. A transition to a spread offense will not be immediate success. But in a conference where the top tier under-performed, the Buckeyes will be in the B1G Ten race despite any growing pains. Many analysts are even saying that the Buckeyes will be back in the national discussion within a few years. Can one man really do so much? If history repeats itself (and by that I mean if Meyer repeats himself), then yes. From the Gator Bowl to hopefully the BCS title game, this is all the plan of Meyer: The Man, The Myth, the Urban Legend. For comments on this column, please write to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com

12.14.2011 BK

Chess off to another successful start sports Brackenridge leads yet another successful team

KAPITOL

Bennett Kaplan sports chief

fter starting their season 6-3 (as of press time) the chess team is once again cementing itself as one of the most successful athletic teams at SHS. After going undefeated from 2009-2011, the team is currently 6-1 and tied for second place in the GMC. The term “loss” is not in the vocabulary of many members of the chess team, as the varsity team has only lost two matches total in the past four years. But though the team recently faced one loss, they are still optimistic, especially head coach Dr. Keith Brackenridge. “We lost three key seniors to graduation, but we’re still fairly strong,” said Brackenridge. What makes the team so good is not surprising. The adage goes, “Practice makes perfect.” Many players on the team participate in tournaments sanctioned by the U.S. Chess Federation and practice on their own time. “I’ve been fortunate for a number of years to simply have talented players who spend time studying and practicing on their own,” said Brackenridge. After the loss of the three seniors, Victor Hu, 12, and Mitch Mazzei, 10, have taken reign of the team at boards one and two, which are reserved for top players. Chess is a game that has been around for thousands of years, so there is no strategy that has not been

used. Brackenridge stresses using a specific strategy and attempting to figure out what the opponent is trying to do. “Chess has been around so long that unpredictable strategies have been shown not to work,” said Brackenridge. “It’s the predictable strategies that one opponent sees that the other does not which lead to a win. Those are pins, forks, and discovered attacks. I always remind my players to be aware of time, material, and position during the game.” Brackenridge seems to have a knack for coaching, as he recently led the SHS girls’ golf team to a GMC championship and a 5th place state finish. “Both are individual sports, so a lot of what we do is the same- working individually or in pairs,” said Brackenridge. It is the individual aspect of these sports that Brackenridge attributes to his success. Although it is clear that his guidance has helped lead many talented golf and chess teams, Brackenridge is always the last person to take credit for the success of his teams. “Any coach looks as good as his players make him look. My talent- and hard work- is in finding players and maturing them to work on their own.” While many may not consider chess to be a sport, as far as the GMC is concerned, it is. It has been more successful over the past five years than both the basketball and football teams, and is on pace in 2011 to solidify another GMC championship under the guidance of Brackenridge.

If you see something, say something Bennett Kaplan sports chief

All images by Bennett Kaplan

Victor Hu, 12, HAS FILLED A key role for the SHS chess team this season. After losing three key seniors to graduation, Hu, along with Mitch Mazzei, 10, have had to step into roles of leadership, following an undefeated 2010 season. Coach Dr. Keith Brackenridge (bottom left) led the team to an undefeated season last year, and is on track to win the GMC once again.

For more SHS sports coverage visit:

http://www.goaves.com/

Aquatic foundation created to honor Navarro into an amazing experience in Jose’s memory,” said Mr. Nicholas Hellwig, water polo Following the tragic death of SHS student coach. and swimmer Jose Cerda, a foundation was In August, the Jose Cerda Aquatic Founstarted in his honor. Formally known as the dation sponsored an Ohio water polo camp Jose Cerda Aquatic Founopen to all levels of players. dation, the organization Coaches were brought in supports and assists water from colleges such as Brown polo and swim teams. University. In July of 2011, the “The foundation has truly foundation helped sponhelped players develop in wasor a water polo tournater polo and swimming,” said Image courtesy of joseito.webs.com ment that involved teams Hellwig. He is one of many from numerous states. The scoreboard that who has been affected by their work. was used during the tournament was paid for On Nov. 13 of this year, the Simon’s Fund by the foundation. organization from Pennsylvania sponsored Although the organization was founded al- 100 free heart screenings at the Cincinnati most a year ago, it has continued to constant- Children’s Hospital. As a group that began ly contribute to the Sycamore community. by a death through heart malfunction, Jose’s “It’s been amazing to see how much the story motivated them to bring their service to foundation has turned such a tragic event Cincinnati.

“I think it’s really important for athletes to be aware of their physical condition at all times,” said Chris Bell, 10. On Nov. 25, the SHS water polo team held its annual alumni game. This year, the game was renamed in honor of Cerda as the “Jose Cerda Sycamore Alumni Game.” From its founding up to the present day, the foundation’s mission has always been to “foster competitiveness of athletes and unity between teams,” said Mrs. Luisa Navarro Cerda, Cerda’s mother. Regardless of surrounding circumstances, she hopes to continue supporting athletes through their high school careers. “Hopefully people will pick it up, and realize that by taking part in things such as Jose’s organization, they are really making an investment back into a lifelong foundation,” said Mrs. Cerda.

Miller signs with Baldwin-Wallace

Intramural basketball league begins

Winter track takes practice indoors

On Nov. 29, Ricky Miller, 12, announced via Twitter that he had committed to play baseball at Baldwin-Wallace College. He signed on Dec. 9 Miller becomes the second player from the 2012 class to commit to play baseball, after Jason DeFevers, 12, committed to play at Wright State University. Miller chose Baldwin-Wallace out of a selection of schools including Tiffin University, Bellarmine University, and Ashland University.

After a long fall, intramural basketball has begun at SHS. Taking place in the main gym every Monday, intramural basketball gives students an opportunity to participate in both competitive and noncompetitive games. Teams play between 3 and 5 games per night, all monitored by Mr. Kevin Wittman, and Mr. Breen Reardon. After each game is played, scores are reported to either Wittman and Reardon, and rankings are kept for a playoff at the end of the season.

Four days a week, students who are either preparing for the spring track season or simply getting in shape run around the school, outdoors and indoors, lifting weights. Led by head Coach Hank Ray, practices range from one to two and a half hours a day. In order to improve, Ray feels as though it is important to begin the season early, making athletes as prepared as possible for a long season.

Rachel Sun staff writer

Quick Hits:

By now, I’m sure you are all familiar with the Penn State and Syracuse incidents. In the case that you are not, look it up. I’m not here to talk to you about those issues, but I am here to talk to you about your very own SHS. After an interview with the school principal and an observation of reactions to this topic, it seems as though there is a general consensus among people on this issue. It is unacceptable. From the research I have done and the people I have talked to, one theme has risen. “If you see something, say something.” I think in any walk of life it is difficult to speak up, or even do the right thing in many situations. But sometimes it is about more than how something will look on you, or how it will impact you. Here at the high school, it is common practice for teachers to alert administrators if crimes or wrongdoings are witnessed in the school. People in the position to bring a stop to something do just that, and when the system works perfectly, it works out better for everyone. In the case of these two schools, but more importantly in the Penn State situation, people tried to avoid something that caused pain to many and took the route of a coward rather than the route of moral obligation. Then again, it is easy to sit there and say “If I saw something, I would say something.” It is easy to say that. It’s easy to think that when you’re presented with an opportunity to do the right thing, that you would do it. Until you are presented with the situation, you never know what your reaction will be. You never know if you would say something. If in fact you are in a position to put a stop to something, whether it be bullying, harassment, or abuse, don’t think about how it affects you but how it affects the victim. Put yourself in somebody else’s shoes. Sounds like first grade, doesn’t it? Whether you are a captain of a sports team, class president, or a straight-A student, you are not exempt from your responsibility as a student and as a person. You, if anything, are in more of a position to do the right thing. This is not about sports, and never will be. This is only running in the sports section because of the unfortunate setting with which these events took place. Wouldn’t you want somebody to speak up for you? Wouldn’t you want somebody to help you if you weren’t in a position to help yourself? Don’t be the person that doesn’t put a stop to something. Don’t be the person that lets something unjust happen when you were in the position to stop it. Do the right thing, even if it isn’t the easiest. If you see something, say something.

12.14.2011

Sophomore surge: Young team looks to overcome past struggles Michael Saxon staff writer

n the GMC, there are the usual basketball powerhouses. Lakota East, Middletown, and Princeton have all established themselves as “basketball” schools. SHS is rarely mentioned among these marquee teams. In fact, the SHS basketball team has only one tournament win in the past six years. But Mr. David Moss, Varsity head coach, is trying to change this lack of success. After a season that was described by Moss as “a step in the right direction”, SHS will look to improve even more this year. One of the many obstacles that SHS will have to overcome is their lack of experience. The team lost seven seniors from last year and will rely on the new players’ strength, speed, and athleticism to take them further. “It’s always difficult to lose that many seniors, especially when you only have nine players on your team. But, their leadership and unity were good models for this year’s team,” said Moss. However, SHS does have one bright spot from last year. Moss expects the 6’ 6”, 275-pound A.J. Williams, 12, to play a key role as part of the team. “I have high expectations for A.J., in both a leadership role and in his on-the-court production. I would like to see him become the dominant inside force I believe he is capable of becoming,” said Moss.

Sophomore support

The team is expecting to get lots of help from the sophomore class. Two sophomores, Mitch Hill and Zach Farquhar, were placed on the Varsity roster after tryouts. Farquhar, a sharp-shooter, played Varsity as a freshman. There are also a few sophomores who may “swing” between the JV and Varsity level. These select players hope to

contribute to the team as well. “There are several players from the sophomore class that are in consideration for Varsity minutes. The sophomores have done a great job in the off season…they have pride and a competitive spirit that we hope will permeate the rest of the season,” said Moss. Despite the success the sophomores have shown, the actual sophomore team was cut this year. The cut was not because of lack of funds, but rather a decision made by Moss and the athletic department. “The GMC is no longer playing the sophomore teams as part of the triple headers. It will be a freshman, junior varsity, and Varsity lineup for all GMC schools and we thought this was a perfect time for us to make the change,” said Moss. This caused more competition among the sophomore class, because if they did not make the JV or Varsity squad, they were cut. However, the belief is that this will make the JV team better because of a stronger sophomore class.

Squad splits first matchups

SHS opened their season at Indian Hill High School on Dec. 2. Indian Hill opened the game with near perfect shooting, and jumped out to an early lead. And due to SHS’ inability to score consistently, Indian Hill maintained this lead for the rest of the game. The final score was 55-39. “We just didn’t follow the game plan we had set out before going into the game,” said Isaiah Brown, 11. Four days later, SHS got a chance to redeem themselves. The team played Milford High School in their home opener. After starting off slow, the team was able to squeeze out a win with a final score of 46-44 in a comeback win. Williams was SHS’ leading scorer with 14 points. Farquhar went 3 of 9 on three pointers and chipped in with 13 points. SHS’ next game is on Dec. 16 at Lakota West High School.

Photo courtesy of McDaniels Photography

DESPITE STARTING ON THE bench against Milford, Zach Farquhar, 10, ended up being the second-leading scorer for SHS (13 points). Farquhar’s trio of three-pointers also allowed him to take advantage of Milford’s aggressive defense and penetrate for a few key layups, including a halftime buzzer-beater.

Ryan Hall, 12, on the performance of SHS Varsity hockey How do you think you’ve performed as a team so far this season? I believe that we have performed very well as a team this year. Our team chemistry is great and with less individual talent than in previous years, working together as a team has become our advantage over other teams. Michael Bond, 12, and Corey Kandil, 11, are your leading scorers, what can you say about their talent? Both Michael and Corey bring a lot to the ice other than just goals. They both are very capable leaders on and off the ice, they know how to fire the team up when we need it but also keep things fun.

Photo courtesy of McDaniels Photography

AS OF PRESS TIME the SHS Varsity hockey team was 2-4-1 (1-1-1 in league play). The team has adjusted the lineup during the season, which includes a change of goalie. “Jake Wocks, 10, is our full time goalie. I think this is best for the team; Jake is a strong goaltender and having him in net gives the team a lot of confidence,” said Ryan Hall, 12.

What are some goals for you guys this season? With the strength of the team we have this year we would like to win the league championship and advance to the Elite Eight in the State tournament. Also Michael Bond has made a point of changing the program with additions such as running outside of scheduled practices and studying game film.

S A L O N

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12.14.2011

Freshman girls basketball restricted by size Small team changes perception of Class of 2015 Lauren Saxon staff writer

ith the first few scrimmages and games under their belt, the girls’ basketball season has officially begun. The freshman team started out the season slow, losing their first two games to rivals Ursuline and Mason. However, the girls are focused on competing in every game and improving as the season progresses.

Team size hinders season

Compared to many other girls’ high school basketball teams, the freshman team is relatively small. After just two games, the eight-man squad has already dropped to seven. This may be good for the players in terms of playing time and getting in shape, but it can also pose problems when it comes to games. “The good thing is that everyone gets to play,” said Derek Christerson, freshmen basketball coach. A team of seven results in having only two substitutes. If a few players were unable to attend, got in foul trouble, or got injured, this would have a tremendous impact on the game. “As a coaching staff we would rather have about ten girls so we could press more and have more depth to give players a rest,” said Christerson. Having a small amount of subs puts a big strain on the players who are in the game and is not ideal for the fastpaced game of basketball. “A lot of our players usually have to play the whole game and it gets tiring. We have to be in really good shape,” said Erin Kroell, 9. Over the years there seems to have always been a lack of interest regarding girls basketball for the Class of 2015. When this class was in seventh and eighth grade, they struggled reaching the minimum amount of players needed for the two teams. Some of the girls who played last year quit for various reasons involving grades or other commitments. “I didn’t play basketball this year because I really wanted

to focus on my grades and lacrosse,” said Brittany Murphy, 9.

Expectations, predictions

Even with such small numbers, Coach Christerson still expects a lot from his players. “We have a very small team and all players contribute to the team in their own way. Lauren Saxon and Erin Kroell are our leaders on the floor and we depend on them to carry most of the load for our team,” said Christerson. Although the team has started off slowly, improvement can be made by working hard at practice. Practicing with

Image by Michael Saxon

DURING THE FRESHMAN GIRLS ‘ basketball team picture, the team was so small the photographers only had them form one line. Because of the team’s size, many players are forced to play the entire game without any rest. As of Dec. 9, the girls has not won a game yet, but they continue to improve everyday.

‘Mighty Aves’:

Boys basketball teams teach first graders fundamentals of game

against Indian Hill the previous night. At first, the boys did not enjoy the program. Of course, Every Saturday at 8 a.m., SHS basketball players roll it did not help that it was 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning. out of bed and meet in the However, once they started Gregory Center. Once there, interacting with the kids, they proceed to prepare the everyone seemed to have a The kids that we teach gym by setting up hoops and good time. pumping up basketballs. really love learning about “The kids are great and However, the players are it’s a lot of fun teaching basketball, and it’s great not setting up for practice or someone younger than me that the kids look up to a game; they are getting ready about basketball,” said Ben to teach first graders about the Jervis, 10. you. Hopefully some can game they play every day. Not only were the first follow in our footsteps one This year, a program called graders learning, but the ‘Mighty Aves’ is being coorday. SHS players were as well. dinated by Mr. David Moss, They figured out what strathead Varsity coach. Players Zach Farquhar, egies are successful when who are a part of the SHS basworking with younger kids, 10 ketball program will work with and what it is like to be a first graders (both boys and role model. girls) throughout the district “The kids that we teach really love learning about basand essentially become their “coaches.” ketball and it’s great that the kids look up to you. HopeThe first ‘Mighty Aves’ was held on Dec. 3. The players fully some can follow in our footsteps one day,” said Zach arrived at the Gregory Center exhausted from their game Farquhar, 10. Michael Saxon staff writer

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and against JV daily is an excellent opportunity and will certainly make the freshman team better. “I think we are getting better, but we still have a long way to go to get where we need to be. If we continue to improve, I think we can win some games and change the perception of this class,” said Christerson when asked about predictions on the season. The basketball season is a long one, and with lots of home games left there are plenty of opportunities to come support the team. More information about schedules and stats can be found on the GMC website, http:// www.gmcsports.com.

Aside from just having a good time, there is some science behind this as well. Studies show that kids who play sports at the earliest age possible have a better chance of liking the sport more and being better at it when they get older. “‘Mighty Aves’ teaches basketball fundamentals at a young age, which will hopefully develop their basketball careers,” said Junn Cabrera, 9. To one player, ‘Mighty Aves’ is more than just a program about the future of SHS basketball. “I like being able to help the next generation of the Sycamore High School basketball program, but it’s really about letting these kids have fun while teaching them to have sportsmanship and be good people,” said Dan Ginsburg, 10. Not many students would be willing to give up their Saturdays. And even fewer students would give up their Saturdays to work with first graders. However, despite the mixed feelings at first, eventually both the kids and the players enjoyed themselves at ‘Mighty Aves’. “I thought it was fun and a great experience to get to know the kids and coach them. I’m really looking forward to this Saturday!” said J.P. Faust, 12.

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12.14.2011

Joking with Emma Oh editor-in-chief

What else do you like to do in your free time? Aside from tennis, I enjoy playing the violin and, of course, spending time with friends.

Aditi Sharma managing editor

How long have you been playing tennis? I have been playing tennis competitively for about seven or eight years now. I love playing not only for Sycamore, but just for fun with my friends, too. How did you get interested in tennis? I got interested in tennis because my whole family plays it. My sister was also on the Sycamore tennis team, so that got me motivated to join and play competitively. What does it take to become a good player? To become a good tennis player, or a good athlete in any sport, I believe it takes time, practice and dedication. Yeah, I know that is what everyone says, and I have heard it a million times, but it is very true.

,10

What is something people don’t know about you? That I fluently speak Chinese. What got you interested in violin? I got interested in violin when I was in fourth grade. Like many things, including tennis, my sister helped me choose a musical instrument. I heard that the orchestra program at our school was great, so I decided to join. People in orchestra, at school and otherwise, are great and fun to be with. What word would you use to describe yourself? Happy. I am pretty sure many other people would describe me with this word too, because I am always smiling. It was one of the words I used for the first project in Mrs. Allen’s class.

“I’ve never seen a more positive person in my entire life. He’s always smiling.” -Shawn Krishnan, 12

IT IS EASY TO see why Jonathan Jih, 10, describes himself as happy. From hanging out with friends to studying with Mrs. Judy Klefas, Jih is always smiling and ready to make someone laugh.

All images by Emma Oh

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