February 2013 Issue of The Sycamore Leaf

The Sycamore Leaf

Thurs. Feb. 28, 2013|Volume LIX Issue 7|7400 Cornell Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45242|513.686.1770 ext. 3089|goaves.com

News

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Forum

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Same-sex marriage >> 7th and 8th states pass gay marriage legislation

Catfishing >> The new century’s explosion of online dating

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Mr. Sycamore >> “It’s an honor to be a part of such an elite group of men,” Kyria Graves, 9

A&E

14

Cabaret >> Choir fundraiser features SHS’ best voices

Image by Ana Barros

Feature

‘We are all Aviators’ Strive for unity leaves stands empty Hope Bundy

staff writer

Kathryn Tenbarge

T Sports

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Girls lacrosse >> Redemption and recovery this spring season

spotlight chief

hinking back to the fall pep rally for the football team, an SHS student may recall a quick but exuberant accumulation of spirit – one that did not involve class competitions or booing of any kind. “[The administration], after the fall pep rally, realized that a pep rally didn’t have to bring the freshman and sophomore class down. Rather, we could unite as Sycamore High School,” said Mr. Chris Davis, principal.

About a month before the winter pep rally, Davis and his team planned to make two distinct changes to the layout: no class competitions, and no class cheers.

“Those were the only changes. Students were allowed to sit wherever they wanted – rather than force them to sit apart, we just didn’t make them sit together in classes,” said Davis.

“When it comes to class colors, Mrs. [Deborah] Klempt and the Student Athletic Leadership Team (SALT) were in charge of those decisions. I believe that they wanted students to wear two colors instead of four because they thought it would improve class unity.”

Rumors spread prior to the pep rally

Index

that a freshman’s parent had called in to the school, asking for the changes in an effort to stop the supposed hazing of the freshman class.

“There was no freshman incident; no parents called in, nothing of that sort… We, the administration, just wanted to promote class unity and stop the booing,” said Ms. Renee Hevia, assistant principal.

And yet, the opinions of SHS students following the pep rally show that the majority of students were disappointed with the changes.

“Pep rallies used to be fun, but now with no competitions or class colors, it’s not fun anymore,” said Jimmy Jahn, 11.

Even freshmen, who were supposed to benefit from the rule changes, reacted negatively.

“I wasn’t offended by the booing at all.

Being a freshman is just a thing everyone goes through. Getting booed at a pep rally is not something people need to be worrying about at all,” said Sydney Hineline, 9.

Some seniors disparaged the lack of class competitions.

“It’s not fair for us that the school is changing the rules, because we’re finally seniors, and we don’t even get to win the class competitions that we’ve been waiting to win since freshman year,” said Eric Byers, 12.

Criticism generally involves students wishing they had more information prior to the decision-making itself.

“The students should have been a part of the decisions, because we’re the people who are actually participating in the pep rallies. If the students weren’t offended, then I don’t see the point in changing the layout,” said Austin Schafer, 10.

Davis admits that there was no student involvement in the changes, but also assures that next year he will involve the Principal’s Advisory Committee, and may even arrange a meeting before the end of this semester.

The administration has also attempted to smooth over negativity at basketball and football games, through letters sent out to parents regarding inappropriate cheers.

In the meantime, while students may have felt outraged at the pep rally changes, they do not necessarily want the assemblies to be canceled.

“The interesting part of our pep rallies was how they brought us together – from the super enthusiastic Aviators, to the people [with less] school spirit – into one room,” said Faith Kaufman, 11.

Despite the negative atmosphere present for the duration of the pep rally, students showed, through their unified displeasure, that school spirit is not dead, even if it is displayed by joining together in protest.

NEWS 2-3 EVENTS 4 FORUM 5-7 FUN & GAMES 8 FEATURE 9-12 A&E 13-15 SPORTS 16-19 SPOTLIGHT 20

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>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

2.28.2013

news

Fashion fights for children’s charity In ve n t Meant To

Sarah Birckhead staff writer

Casey Rayburn

T

staff writer

raditionally, the Wednesday before spring break is Fashion for the Cure (FFTC) at SHS. Benefitting different charities each year, FFTC is a student-run fashion show.

The event is one of the biggest fundraisers at SHS; last year, the event raised a total of $27,000 for the American Suicide Prevention Foundation and To Write Love on Her Arms. The amount of money raised grows every year, bringing awareness to the charities.

Proceeds for ProKids

Co-chairs Daniella Star, 12, and Caroline Seiler, 12, chose ProKids as this year’s charity. The organization helps foster kids get through the legal system by having a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) worker alongside of them. They picked this organization because they wanted to make a difference for kids in the area.

For 31 years, ProKids has advocated for foster children by providing them with a CASA volunteer. Each volunteer is assigned to a foster child, and he or she makes sure the child is safe, that the child’s needs are being met, and helps each child move into a safe, permanent, and nurturing home.

This year in Hamilton County, over 2,000 children will be abused and neglected, causing them be removed from their homes and placed in the foster care system.

Through the eyes of a foster child, the world is a frightening place. ProKids strives to create “a safe, permanent, and nurturing home for every child.”

Fashion festivities

For the show, 36 students were chosen to model.

Each model will wear a casual outfit from a boutique around the community, as well as a formal outfit later in the show. The girls will be wearing dresses from Bridal and Formal, a head sponsor of the event, and the men will be wearing tuxedos from Folchi’s Formal Wear.

Every year Lisa Star, Bridal and Formal owner, judges work of SHS fashion students to consider for the show. If a student’s outfit is chosen, they choose the model to walk to the runway. Prize money is awarded during the show for first, second, and third place designs.

The show is set to take place on Mar. 20 at 7:30 p.m. and doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are to be sold the days prior to the show during lunch for $10, or a shirt and ticket for $15.

However, the money is not solely raised the night of the show; starting in January, the committee members send letters out to friends and relatives that would be willing to donate to the event. Most of the money raised comes from prior donations.

The members also send out invitations to other family and friends to raise awareness for the event. In addition, they approach businesses around the community in order to get money and items for the raffle baskets.

Each committee member is in charge of a few raffle baskets for the night. Some themes of the baskets that will be raffled include ‘I love Cincinnati,’ Date Night, and Sycamore. There will also be major items being raffled off such as a mini iPad and a signed Bengals jersey.

Avra Joffe, ’08, started the even when her sister, Daniella Joffe, was diagnosed with leukemia. The entire concept of the initial event gained immense attention. The community gathered in support, and it was a huge success.

After 2007, the event became annual.

While committee members and sponsored causes change, the purpose and good will of the event remain the same.

Image by Sanika Vaidya

Runway, raffles, rare opportunity to support life-changing charity

SINCE 2007, FFTC HAS gained tremendous support.

The charity changes each year, but the money raised continues to grow.

Leaving a legacy

Over the past eight years, FFTC has evolved into a legacy at SHS.

Testing causes unexpected inconvenience

Misleading Assessment Plan Julia Mattis

staff writer

After two failed attempts, the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test have frustrated and confused students and teachers.

The technology department attributed the first computer crash to an overwhelmed system when 1,000 students simultaneously logged on.

To solve the problem, the technology department created 2,000 additional IP addresses.

As was discovered on Feb. 14, creating extra addresses was not a foolproof solution.

The second phase of the MAP testing was not administered and the testing will be unable to fulfill its purpose.

All of this came about when

Ohio mandated that schools find better ways to evaluate teachers and provide evidence of student growth.

MAP testing was proposed to address this demand. Starting in the fall of 2013, half of the teacher evaluation will be based off MAP test results.

After round one of testing, about 50 sophomores scored high enough to be exempt from future MAP tests.

“Teachers set a standard deviation. A student who scored above the standard deviation was eligible to test out,” said Ms. Renee Hevia, assistant principal.

As a result, SHS cannot meet state demands because the MAP tests do not evaluate progress of students who

scored exceptionally well.

Also, teachers were to use results from all three MAP tests to monitor progress. Now, SHS lacks over half the results from the second round, and there are no plans to make it up.

“I don’t think MAP tests are a good measure because it is one snapshot in time...but it is the best thing we have now,” said Mrs. Beth Quinones, teacher.

In addition, scheduling and rescheduling MAP tests takes up time. Thus, the debate over the value of MAP testing arises.

Another issue is that MAP test currently monitors reading and math, while disregarding science, history, and electives.

While upperclassmen took advantage of the free time, MAP testing caused troubles

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for others, including Nakul Narendran, 10, who was exempt from the MAP test.

Narendran awoke 45 minutes after planned, missed his ride to school, and realized that his parents were at work.

“I went into a panic; I needed to get to school because I had a test to take. After walking around my neighborhood, I found a ride from a neighbor I had never spoken to before,” said Narendran.

This was not the morning that Narendran expected, but he managed to make it to school in time for his test.

“I think that MAP has caused more issues than anyone ever expected,” said Evelyn Goodyear, 9.

Forward on climate Lila Englander

news chief

Being an environmentalist means recognizing colossal problems facing the earth and helping to solve them.

With such a daunting duty and so seemingly few likeminded people, it is easy for environmentalists to feel hopeless.

However, on Feb. 17, I found out that I was far from alone as I marched with nearly 50,000 people from the Washington Monument to the White House to call on President Barack Obama to follow through on climate change policy promises.

The ‘Forward on Climate Rally’ demanded that Obama block the Keystone XL pipeline, which would allow Canada tar sands crude to be transported through the U.S. to the Gulf of Mexico to ship overseas.

Additionally, it is more than likely that if the Keystone XL pipeline were to be built, it would leak.

But even if it somehow doesn’t, the oil taken from the tar sands is two or three times dirtier in terms of carbon pollution than normal oil.

As James Hansen, NASA scientist, wrote in The New York Times, Keystone XL would be ‘Game over for the planet.’

“This will define your legacy, Mr. President,” said Van Jones, Natural Resources Defense Council Trustee and President of Rebuild the Dream.

In both his inaugural speech and the State of the Union Address, Obama listed climate change action as a top priority.

Preventing the construction of Keystone XL could be the first of the President’s many environmental actions.

“For 25 years our government has basically ignored the climate crisis: now people in large numbers are finally demanding they get to work.

We shouldn’t have to be here; science should have decided our course long ago. But it takes a movement to stand up to all that money,” said Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org.

This may have been the biggest climate change rally in U.S. history, but if we have any realistic hope of saving this beautiful planet from humancaused catastrophe, we are going to need a lot more than 50,000 Americans on board.

This is only the beginning.

For comments on this column, please write to SHSstudentvoice@gmail.com.

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Legal equality:

States pass significant same-sex marriage laws

Isaac Harmon

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SINCE 1993, ISSUES WITH same-sex marriage have circulated U.S. courtrooms. Gayrights advocates have been working toward legalizing same-sex marriage.

Prospects for these supporters appear to be good due to the President’s recent statement of his support for gay marriage.

associate editor

efore 2004, matrimony was limited to the union of a man and a woman in the United States. But when the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that it was required under the state’s equal protection clause.

Prior to 2012, same-sex marriage was legalized in New York, Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington D.C. In May 2012, North Carolina voted for a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriages, partnerships, and civil unions. They became the 30th state in the country and the last in the South to include a prohibition on gay marriage in the state constitution.

Although previously stating he opposed gay marriage, on May 9, 2012 President Barack Obama became the first president to declare he supports same-sex marriage.

Polls show changing attitudes

Support for same-sex marriage among the public has been growing, but the country remains divided.

In August 2008, 39 percent of respondents said they favored allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally and 52 percent opposed.

But in an October 2012 Pew Poll, 49 percent favored and 40 percent were opposed.

In a Gallup Poll conducted in November 2012, 73 percent of people between 18 and 29 years old said they favored it, while only 39 percent of people older than 65 did.

Based on Pew data, majorities favor same-sex marriage in New England, in the mid-Atlantic states, and along the Pacific Coast. In the Midwest and South Atlantic

states, opinion is divided. In the South, a majority opposes same-sex marriage.

Flashpoint in American politics

For more than a decade, the issue has caused competing legislation, lawsuits and ballot initiatives to either legalize or ban the practice and causing religious rifts.

In the wake of the Massachusetts ruling, gay-rights organizers have placed samesex marriage at the center of their agenda, steering money and muscle into dozens of state capitals in an often uphill effort to persuade lawmakers.

At the same time, conservative groups pushed hard to forestall or reverse other courts through new laws.

Ongoing political, legal battles

The issue of same-sex marriage initially came to the fore after a Supreme Court of Hawaii ruling in 1993.

The denial of marriage licenses to three homosexual couples amounted to unconstitutional discrimination on the basis of sex, not sexual orientation, unless the state could show a compelling reason for the denials.

The Hawaii Legislature passed a 1994 bill affirming marriage as intended for ‘manwoman units’ capable of procreation.

But in 1996, conservatives, fearful that the court case would lead to the sanctioning of marriages of homosexual couples in Hawaii by the end of 1997, campaigned across the nation to insure that the recognition of same-sex marriages would not spread to other states.

The legislative battle picked up momentum as more conservatives became convinced that a federal law was required.

In September 1996, Congress, approving what was called the Defense of Marriage Act, voted overwhelmingly to deny federal benefits to married people of the same sex and to permit states to ignore such marriages sanctioned in other states.

The court’s move comes against the backdrop of a rapid shift in public attitudes about same-sex marriage, with recent polls indicating that a majority of Americans support allowing such unions. After the November 2012 elections, the number of states authorizing same-sex marriage increased by half.

Presidential expectations for next four years Defense Spending

1. Cut spending and manpower substantially 2. Shift resources from ships and tanks to Special Operations forces, cyber war and defense, and unmanned vehicles.

3. Increase attention on China's military buildup.

Cutting deficit by four trillion dollars over ten years by: 1. Using half the savings from ending U.S. involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, to a portion of the deficit.

2. Raising taxes on Americans who make more than $200,000 dollars.

3. Decrease spending on Medicare and Medicade benefits.

Global Warming Obama says climate change is the direct tie to sever droughts and global warming.

Obama will avoid pushing legislation like the ‘cap and trade’ measure to control carbon emissions which died in congress.

Image by Kelcie Grega

u Brenda Shen

All images by Lila Englander

staff writer

Heavy clouds of smog choke the capital of China. According to Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Center, the air quality of Beijing has hit dangerous levels in the past months.

The weather forecasting bureau issued a yellow alert, the third highest level on their scale of color-

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coded weather warning system.

According to a report on ABC World News, the air quality index in Beijing has reached a height of 755. Higher numbers mean worse pollution, and anything over 300 is considered ‘an emergency.’

The ‘Beijing cough’ refers to the chronic respiratory problems foreigners faced after visiting Beijing in 1990s. The term became popular after air pollution began to continually cause health problems.

“When I go back to Shanghai, I notice that I can’t see a blue sky because of smog,” said Anan Lu, 11.

Beijing Municipal People’s Congress is discussing once again how to reduce air pollution that strikes its city. Measures to reduce auto emissions plan to be implemented to achieve environmental improvements.

“When I went back to visit Beijing in 2007, I felt like I was smothered. I think China should work on cleaning emissions from factories especially,” said Patrich Co, 10.

With toxic air pollution so high, the smog has begun to cross over to China’s neighboring countries.

Japan’s environmental ministry has been bombarded with concerned citizens hoping to get more information on the health risks of China’s smog.

The recent combination of cold weather and lack of wind has created the perfect environment for the Beijing smog. The smog has resulted in closed factories, canceled flights, and filled hospitals.

“My mom told me the smog has gotten so bad that people are selling fresh cans of air,” said Lu. As tensions between China and Japan continue to rise over the issue regarding Diaoyu/Senkaku islands, the panic among Japanese citizens does not alleviate the strains.

The western and southern parts of Japan continued to experience pollution for a few days.

Beyond environmental concerns, the smog causes political worries for China as well.

2.28.2013

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Carpe Diem Nation Isaac Harmon

associate editor

Europeans who settled America gave their lives a slingshot shape. They pulled back so they could shoot forward.

They volunteered to live in harsh conditions today so their descendants could live well for centuries.

This slingshot manner of life led to a true national cliché: America is the nation of futurity, and Americans organize their lives around romantic visions of what is to be.

In 1775, Samuel Adams confidently predicted that the scraggly little colonies would one day be the world’s most powerful nation.

This future-oriented mentality had practical effects.

For decades, our government invested in long-range projects like railroads and canals.

Today, Americans have inverted this way of thinking.

Instead of sacrificing the present for the sake of the future, Americans now sacrifice the future for the sake of the present.

Federal spending is the most obvious example. It squeezes government investment programs that boost future growth.

Second, the young will have to pay the money back.

To cover current obligations, according to the International Monetary Fund, young people will have to pay 35 percent more taxes and receive 35 percent fewer benefits.

But government is not the only place you can see signs of this present-ism. Business has slipped into this pattern, too.

C.E.O.’s serve short stints and their main incentive is to make quarterly numbers, not to build for the long term.

Banks can lend money in two ways. They can lend to fund investments or they can lend to fund real estate purchases and other consumption.

In 1982, banks were lending out 80 cents for investments for every $1 they were lending for consumption. By 2011, they lent only 30 cents.

Why have Americans lost their devotion to the future?

Part of the answer must be cultural. The Great Depression and World War II forced Americans to live with 16 straight years of scarcity.

In the years after the war, people decided they’d had enough. We’ve now had a few generations raised with this consumption mind-set. There’s less of a sense that life is a partnership among the dead, the living and the unborn, with obligations to those to come.

Americans are neglecting the future, but I bet they’re still in love with it.

For comments on this column, please write to SHSstudentvoice@gmail.com.

O 4

2.28.2013

dd couples to Orange Leaf GTs around the corner

SHS & District

Pancake Day

What: Eat great food while enjoying all bands and orchestras perform; benefits SBOB Date: Mar. 2 Location: Commons Time: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Fine Arts Fair

Lauren Glynn

events chief

Choir Concert

What: A chance for the choir classes to demonstrate what pieces they have been working on Date: Mar. 15 Location: Auditorium Time: 7 p.m.

3rd Quarter Ends Date: Mar. 22

Spring Break

Odd Couples Ball

What: Live team trivia with name-that-tune music rounds Date: Every Wednesday Location: Logo’s Sports Bar & Grill Time: 8:30 p.m.

OGT

What: Ohio Graduation Test that students are required to pass to graduate with a diploma: upperclassmen get late arrival Date: Mar. 11 - 15

Winter Sports Awards

What: Award ceremony celebrating the seasons of all winter sport athletes Date: Mar. 12 Time: 7 p.m.

What: A bash including egg hunts, visits with the Easter Bunny, and family fun Date: Mar. 30 Location: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Benefits Blood Drive

What: A display of student artists throughout the district Date: Mar. 2 - 3 Location: Gymnasium Time: All day What: Come dance and have fun with a parent as your date Date: Mar. 9 Location: Commons Time: 6:30 p.m.

Easter Celebration

Date: Mar. 25 - 29

Community

Team Trivia

Flight of the Butterflies

What: A film to describe the nature of millions of butterflies Date: Mar. 1 - 31 Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Omnimax Theater Cost: $8

Art After Dark

What: Displays artist’s work Date: Mar. 29 Location: Cincinnati Art Museum

What: A chance for students to give their time and blood to save a life Date: Mar. 4 Location: Little Theater Time: Throughout the school day *More information to the right

Orange Leaf

What: Have some fun and get amazing frozen yogurt when 25 percent of every purchase goes to the The Leaf Date: Mar. 6 Location: Orange Leaf Time: All day *Take inserted flier

Fashion for the Cure

What: A fashion show to raise money for Prokids Date: Mar. 20 Location: Commons Time: 6 p.m.

Cost: $10

Events >>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

News in Brief Odd Couples

Melissa Goodman staff writer

Dances are some of the most anticipated school events.

Students obsess over what to wear, dates, and how to get asked by that special someone.

But we cannot forget the Odd Couples Ball which falls on Mar. 9. Finding a great outfit can still be an issue, but finding that special someone is not too difficult.

Why is it called the “Odd Couples Ball,” one may ask? It is because the dates are truly ‘odd.’

Typically, girls go with their fathers and boys go with their mothers.

In order to attend the dance, students must fill out an order form and return it to the PTO at lunch today. Tickets are for sale at a rate of $50 per couple.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 11:00 p.m.

At the dance, there will be a sit down dinner and dancing to a band composed of several teachers and community members.

It is encouraged to organize a group of friends to attend with.

This way parents will have other parents to socialize with and students will have each

other. It will be an memorable night to remember.

So find a date, grab a dress, buy a suit, and have a great time.

Blood Drive

Lauren Glynn

events chief

“Who will you save?” is a slogan that Hoxworth Community Center strives to get out into the public.

On Mar. 4, SHS will be hosting a blood drive sponsored by Hoxworth.

The opportunity to give blood lasts all day which gives students an opportunity to donate blood during the school day. It is more convenient to donate blood this way than by going far away.

To be eligible to donate, students must be at least 16 years old and 110 pounds. If students are 16, they will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Donating blood should not make people feel weak. The process allows individuals time to rest and refresh the body before returning to their normal routines.

The donor must not have a fever, should generally feel healthy, and have not had surgery recently.

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2.28.2013

Forum >>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

Blog Entry: ‘Corcurrent Events’

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Scan here with a smartphone to view more of Alexis Corcoran’s blog.

The possibilities of our world are unimaginable if all of the women in the world had the opportunity to reach their potential. When societies value women’s education, they make money and this leads to decline in prostitution, domestic violence, and traditional acts such as cutting women.

- Alexis Corcoran, Opinion Chief

www.goaves.com/blog/corcurrent-events/

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

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Editors-in-chief: Ellie Goldman, Sarah May Associate Editors: Isaac Harmon, Rachael Sun, Sanika Vaidya Managing Editors: Ana Barros, Will Gawin, Adiiti Sharma Business Managers: Atiya Dosani, Lila Englander, Shea Lothrop Goaves.com Editor: Kelcie Grega Broadcast Editors: Kelsey King, Tori Swart News Atiya Dosani Lila Englander Forum Alexis Corcoran Isaac Harmon Feature Joseph Ahn Rachael Sun Sanika Vaidya A&E Krittika Chatterjee Sports Nakul Narendran Michael Saxon Spotlight Aditi Sharma Kathryn Tenbarge Fun and Games Taylor Evans Ellen Martinson Events Lauren Glynn Cartoonist Lilly Lefton Web Masters Eli Seidman-Deutsch Ruochen Tang Enterprise Editors Allie Oh Lauren Saxon Staff Writers Michelle Bartlett Romina Belez Sarah Birckhead Hope Bundy Emma Burge Astrid Cabello Andres Cardenes Camila Cardenes Gian Carlo Valli Michael DeMaio Max Fritzhand Zachary Fritzhand Caroline Gao Andrea Goldstein

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Letter to the Editor Dear Leaf Staff,

Staff Editorial

When an instrumental change affects the entire student body, it is important to ensure that this group of people at least considers accepting it.

Students were not informed when the administration decided to change the ways students participate in seasonal pep rallies.

In an attempt to unify the school and prevent supposed hazing, students were encouraged not to sit with their classes and there were no class competitions.

While the administration might view the changes as improving relationships among different grade levels, students should be given some say when they are on the receiving end of the decisions.

There was no student involvement regarding the refinements, made quite obvious by the student body’s reaction, which, for many, was simply not to attend.

Students regard seniority as a part

Cartoon by Lilly Lefton

of high school culture.

Students who attended Sycamore Junior High School were clearly taught that the eighth graders were the leaders of the school, and that the following year, they would be placed at the bottom rung of the ladder as freshmen.

Still, this freshman status should be a unifying factor, not a point of shame. In a school this large, it can be useful to have a smaller group of peers with which to unite. The administration attempted to unify the whole student body but only partially succeeded.

Students united, but against the changes, as the pep rally has now become a common topic of debate around the school and online.

The student body will eventually get over any pep rally disapointment.

The lasting request would be for better communication about changes, so students do not rely on the grapevine for their information.

leafing through the masses

What are your thoughts on the recent pep rally?

The pep rally was mostly boring because there were no class competitions.

Amanda Peck , 9

The Firecrackers were the best part, but other than that, it wasn’t very fun.

Katie Soellner, 10

I didn’t even go. The parts that make the pep rally enjoyable were stripped away, and I didn’t see the point in going.

Mark Reinhart, 11

If school spirit isn’t dead, then it is surely on life support as evidenced by last week’s “spirit week” culminating in the school’s sleep-walk through the quasi-pep assembly.

It wasn’t for a lack of trying. A heart-felt thank you needs to be expressed to Student Council, Mrs. Klempt, and many others for all their energy and planning in what coulda’, shoulda’ been a great week and assembly.

The switch to a 7th bell assembly was brilliant on paper – who wants to try to focus on academics in a 7th bell following a heartpounding pep assembly?

The only factor that could derail it would be a lack of student buy-in.

Seniors – where are you leading the rest of student body? You traded what was probably your last pep assembly at SHS for an extra 45 minutes of freedom leaving the assembly flat, without leadership.

I could almost hear the taunt cheer, “You can’t stop us” clap, clap, clapclap-clap. Yes, despite the twitter-driven hysteria over the administration taking attendance, or seating students alphabetically (seriously?) all but 50 of you literally said, “we are outta here” and left the planners and student body holding the bag.

But remember, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Without a shepherd, cheerleaders and SEE1 could not even muster the student body to stand for the fight song. Why should they?

We have perpetuated a culture where you get booed mercilessly if you try to show school spirit, and this attitude is actually being defended by students and staff as a rite of passage.

Can I just say that something is seriously wrong with this picture!

Ironically, we cheered the loudest for the Firecrackers.

Don’t get me wrong, they are sensational – but just not Aviator family.

How about you? Are you family? Juniors, your time has come, albeit a bit early, to fill the vacancy of student body leadership. What will be your legacy? Your leadership is sorely needed.

-Mr. Robert Seiple science teacher To send a letter to the editor, please write to SHSstudentvoice@gmail.com.

6

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2.28.2013

Hooked on internet dating Let’s Orion Schosser

W

staff writer

hen people hear the word catfishing, usually they do not think of relating it to an online scandal.

Lately in the news, everyone has been investigating and gossiping about the drama that has occurred with Manti Te’o, a former Notre Dame college football player, and his fake girlfriend.

Allegedly, Te’o met his girlfriend on Facebook, and began to fall in love with her.

Within only a few months of communicating with her, he receives the news that she has passed away.

Plot twist: his so-called girlfriend did not actually die.

In fact, she was not even real.

The person whom he had he believed to be the love of his life, whom he had actually never met in person, ended up being a different person entirely.

Though the term catfishing was born to the world in

2010, when the movie “Catfish” was released, the news of Te’o and his false girlfriend merely broadened the term to become a common household phrase.

A documentary film, “Catfish” is about a man who fell in love with a woman who he met on Facebook, only to find out that she was not actually who she said she was, similar to the recent girlfriend hoax involving Te’o.

The term catfishing refers to situations involving couples that have met online that end up having feelings for each other, but never actually meet in person.

The same man who created the movie, “Catfish,” also created a TV show called “Catfish” that premieres on MTV. The new MTV series brings together couples that have interacted solely through the Internet.

One man and his brother go around helping people meet their online significant other.

In some cases, similar to Te’o and his situation, the people are not what they had portrayed themselves as.

In one episode of Catfish, a man contacts Yaniv Schulman, the host of the show, asking

him to help him finally meet a woman that he had been talking to for years online and had fallen in love with.

When they finally come face to face, both Schulman and the man he is helping realize that his alleged ‘girlfriend’ actually turned out to be an African American man portraying himself as a young caucasian woman.

Obviously to their surprise, this man had been lying for years pretending that he was actually in love with the man who came to meet him in person.

This is an example of catfishing is only one of thousands of similar circumstances.

With an overwhelming amount of people on the Internet, it becomes not so surprising to think that this happens to many different people, all with different outcomes and stories.

It is ironic to think that, in a world revolving around technology, if social networking sites ceased to exist, this problem would not victimize so many different people, and catfishing would only be thought of as a pastime for fishermen.

Talk 19 Politics

Online dating by the numbers

Problems plague post office

317

William Gawin

managing editor

percent who married in the past three years met online

3 million

number of emails Match.com expects to be sent this week

25

percent of Match.com daters are younger than 30

Sources: Match. com, Washington Post

All images by Alexis Corcoran

Social media raises risk of dangerous online relationships

‘Teachers evaluate their students, but students are rarely allowed to submit feedback’

Future of teacher evaluation sitting in front row Lila Englander

news chief

Every successful company knows it must survey customers to ensure quality.

The United States spends enormous resources trying to ensure quality of public school teachers. They have been relying on tools like the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test, which cannot be very effective since it does not correspond with the material being taught.

In this case the students are the customers. Unfortunately, both policymakers and our school district ignore the customers’ direct experience to help assess and improve the quality of teaching.

Teachers at SHS are considered premier.

And yet outside of class, groups of SHS students often agree on the specific shortcomings of particular teachers.

“I think the biggest thing a good teacher

needs to have is enthusiasm. How are we supposed to enjoy your class if you don’t even seem to like it that much?” said Quincy Huchison, 11.

There are specific factors that separate the wonderful teachers from the less effective ones and steps can and should be taken to decrease that gap.

Teachers evaluate their students on a daily basis, but students are rarely allowed to submit feedback. It would be simple and virtually free to utilize SHS students’ observations.

Variety and flexibility are two attributes of admired teachers.

“Having the same routine everyday makes it hard to pay attention. I wish more teachers could teach the material in many ways to help more students understand,” said Mandy Chan, 9.

One of the most common critiques of our educational system is that students are not

being prepared for college. Students are willing to offer solutions to this problem as well.

“In accelerated classes there are typically two teachers for each subject and one is usually better than the other. We should have the better teacher lecture everyone and then the other teacher could work with smaller groups afterward to debrief,” said William Hobart, 10.

This article is not supposed to solve the problem of assessing teachers or preparing students for college, I do not have the space or the answers. Instead, it is a call for the currently overlooked insights of thousands of students to be genuinely considered.

Teachers and students are supposed to share a common goal: maximize the students’ education. If we work together toward this mutual goal in an honest and respectful way the outcome could be incredible.

Bartolo’s Cafe 10764 Montgomery Road Cincinnati Ohio 45242

513-407-5750 www.bartoloscafe.com Come enjoy Breakfast or Lunch with us!

forum

For the first time in its history, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is facing imminent collapse.

The agency’s carriers reach every community in the United States providing universal access to communication between everyone, for the cost of merely paper, pens, and postage.

The US has maintained a form of postal service since 1775 during the Second Continental Congress, when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first postmaster general.

It is one of the few government agencies explicitly authorized by the United States Constitution.

New technology, such as email, coupled with the recession has led to a drop in mail and postage revenue.

On top of these declining revenues, the Postal Service has large financial obligations that are imposed by Congress.

This combination has pushed USPS into a financial bind threatening a portion of the entire country’s economy. USPS is the third-largest civilian employer in the United States behind the federal government and Wal-Mart.

Its services also support nearly eight million private sector workers. This represents seven percent of our country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In February it was announced that the post office would be ending Saturday mail delivery in August. This was made without congressional authorization due to the near emergency financial situation of the agency, which is now losing around $25 million a day.

Current congressional law mandates six-day a week deliveries.

Congress needs to act to save USPS by allowing the agency to appropriately downsize for an environment with substantially reduced mail and increased package volume.

Not only is there an economic motive for doing so, but Article I, Section 8, Clause 7 of our constitution demands it.

That being said I believe there is a cultural motive for saving the post office. There is a unifying force in connecting everyone and everywhere in the country with those little white trucks.

Simply put: Is there another part of government romanticized like receiving a letter or a package?

For comments and suggestions on this column, please write to SHSstudentvoice@gmail.com.

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7

Worldwide web hits close to home

Teenagers face new generation of cyberbullying Krittika Chatterjee

S

a&e chief

ome teenagers hate going to school and eating dinner at the table with their parents.

Taylor Salvatore, only 15 years old, wishes she could.

Salvatore was diagnosed with misophonia three years ago. Her condition causes her to have extreme sensitivity to sound. Hearing her mother breathing or her dad’s sniffling sets off tantrums.

Music in, world out

Salvatore found herself with headphones in constantly, just to keep her emotions in check.

As her condition worsened, she found that the only music she could tolerate was British boy band “One Direction.”

“Sometimes it feels tacky.

Like, half the world loves them, and to say they saved my life sounds trite, but it’s so true.

I literally would have killed myself, there’s no question about it,” said Salvatore.

Salvatore, finding relief in “One Direction’s” music, sought out their fandom.

Creating a fan account on Twitter, she soon became an integral part of the online “One Direction” community, with over 4,000 followers.

That’s where I met her.

While Twitter began as a source of fun for me, it soon evolved into multiple valuable friendships and served as an outlet, even more valuable for Salvatore.

“It’s like Jekyll and Hyde. I never know when it’s going to happen, and when it does, I can’t control it,” said Salvatore.

She was first pulled out of school, and then found herself spending all her time in her room. She is forced to be alone there, and her father silently brings her meals to her room.

Salvatore found herself going insane. After bouts of cutting and anorexia, as well as multiple suicide attempts, Twitter kept her occupied.

“It didn’t fix everything.

I still struggled with the misophonia, and the depression that came with it. But on there, I got a chance to make friends, and anything helped,” said Salvatore.

Together, we talked through her struggles and shared her triumphs, and found beauty in the fact that we were able to share them with a broad community.

She and I had the chance to Skype and talk on the phone frequently, as well as tweeting

constantly. The reality of friendship became undeniable, as it has for me with several others.

One day, though, neither I nor anyone else could be there for her to the extent she needed.

Salvatore had been facing her struggles to their extremes.

After relapsing cutting, she finally made the decision that night would be her last, and she would succeed in her fourth suicide attempt.

Tipping point

On Nov. 26, 2012, she abruptly tweeted “I finally found a whole bottle full of pills im sorry.”

Followed by “I already took the pills and I have an empty stomach so it’s gonna kill me I’m almost positive so love you baylie charles kika all of you.”

A few of her Twitter friends, and me – in what might be her last tweet ever. The fandom immediately went into chaos.

Some of us called the police, but found our information was limited. We only knew her name was Taylor Salvatore, and her cell phone number, but her phone was off.

Her phone number was broadcasted across Twitter, so people could call 911 and offer it.

Salvatore gained 10,000 followers in three hours, while #prayfortaylor trended worldwide – a beautiful, unmatched display of support for one girl that none of us knew in real life.

Taylor Salvatores all over the country had police banging on their door; one was even pulled out of her college dorm.

But in Connecticut, they finally found her unconscious in her bedroom.

Salvatore woke in the emergency room with a stomach pumped with charcoal.

After turning on her iPhone, she was greeted with thousands of text messages, hundreds of phone calls, and a full voicemail box.

And after the flood of support, Salvatore lay in her hospital bed, scrolling through thousands of tweets accusing her of fabricating her suicide attempt.

Nothing makes me angry like this. Even the idea that her attempt was a cry for followers is ludicrous. She intended that tweet to be her last. She did not advertise her suicide attempt, she simply gave a last goodbye to her only true friends.

Salvatore was so pressured she felt compelled to tweet a picture of herself hooked up to an IV on her hospital bed.

Photo courtesy of Taylor Salvatore

TAYLOR SALVATORE NEVER KNOWS what going to set her off. Her misophonia is unpredictable, as she could negatively respond to anything - even talking on the phone is a risk. “Anytime I leave the house, it’s this constant question of whether I’m going to throw a tantrum or not, and I wouldn’t even be able to stop it,” said Salvatore.

People do not always understand. What seems like a need for attention, by putting her life out on the internet, was the only way this girl could keep herself happy and healthy.

It was her life, merely because she barely had one outside of it.

The internet did not kill her, but the words she received after very well could have.

Ignorant comments addressed her misophonia, calling her condition fake, sneeringly inquiring as to whether “the incessant tapping of her nails on her iPhone bothers her.”

Salvatore’s reactions were initially angry.

“When I woke up, my only thought was that I wished I hadn’t. It felt like waking up to everything that was wrong again, and along with that there were cruel people telling me my feelings weren’t real. It was like it all got worse,” said Salvatore.

Breaking silence

This is where internet is turning the tides for young girls like Taylor Salvatore. She found, in it, a place of comfort, where the real world was hell.

In an instant, everything changed. Here, I saw a problem. People tend to

What is misophonia?

“Misophonia can occur in people of all ages, and can have a sudden or gradual onset, but most often appears at a young age.

Reactions can include rage, sadness, panic attack, indecision, loss of cognition, physical itching or crawling

relegate cyberbullying to snarky teenage girls on Facebook.

Instead, a male college student told her that “should’ve tried harder, if she was going to go through all that trouble.” An adult female YouTube celebrity made a video addressing the situation under the title “ATTENTION WHORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“That was the worst part, especially the girl from YouTube. I used to watch her videos, you know? I looked up to her and I didn’t even know her. I guess for some reason she felt that it was okay to look down on me when she didn’t even know me,” said Salvatore.

Adults. Role models. The ones preaching against this epidemic of cyberbullying. These were the ones pulling it right into her own homes , yet it was the teenage girls of America that saved Taylor Salvatore.

This is not to say that internet relationships are always healthy. Of course the same dangers exist.

The problem is the overkill on bullying that has entirely placed the stigma on immature teenage girls of the internet, while ignoring the true problem: a cruelty that can only

sensations, urge to flee, or fight.

Most often cited objectionable sounds include lip smacking, chewing, swallowing, breathing, teeth or silverware clinking, plate scraping, paper tearing, fingernail biting, computer mouse clicking, or low pitched hums of

be credited to intolerance.

Think of the irony. These speakers that tell us to be nice to others at our age could be the same ones condemning people that use the internet as their outlet. If Salvatore had truly been allowed to do that, it might have saved her life.

“It didn’t stop for days.

People wouldn’t forget – men and women who had nothing to do with the One Direction fandom were railing at me for what I did. I never meant it to be that way. I did it for myself, to be done with my life, and I just wanted to tell my friends goodbye,” said Salvatore.

Taylor deactivated her Twitter and Facebook, as well as changed her cell phone number.

If we are being honest, I barely speak to her now.

We lost contact, because the internet is fragile. What brought us together tore us apart once she left.

I will never know, truthfully, how she feels or if she as even alive anymore, and that scares me.

Only when victims like Salvatore feel that they can be accepted in the real world will the internet become a truly safe place for any of us.

Source: www.misophonia.info

electrical circuits or machines.

Most often the person’s hearing is excellent and it is very difficult to find knowledgeable medical providers.”

- Dr. Marsha Johnson, audiologist

8

2.28.2013 Astrid Cabello

Riddle of the Month

Ellen Martinson

What is so fragile that when you say its name you break it?

staff writer

fun & games chief

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

Answer: Silence

Mind Game: Sudoku

9

95 7 2 38 4

2 6 4

7 36 4 2

Mind Game: Wordles 1.

PAT

Isaac Harmon

associate editor

Cry Cry

Head Heels

ncle Sam 6.

5.

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

Shoulder

4.

3.

5 6 59

Submit a completed sudoku to room 115 to be entered to win an out-to-lunch pass.

2.

EHT

FIB

15

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Moving

Moving

Moving

Answers; 1. Pat on the back 2. Shoulder to cry on 3. Head over heels in love 4. Uncle Sam needs you 5. Little white lie 6. Moving in circles

51

6 8 7 2 9 4

Where in the school is this?

Fun & Games

9

2.28.2013

Feature >>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

Cursive’s current use4 Winter Formal Opinion Opinion 4 >>Teaching cursive >> Sadie Hawkins no longer required in dance surprises most states administrators with lack of attendance

11

10

AP European trip 4 >> Students have the opportunity to travel overseas in the tour of a lifetime

EF

12

‘Different is very much okay’

Madelyn Dukart, 11, Loren Hamilton, 11, share sibling stories Rachael Sun

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associate editor

dy

i Va a

After SHS

Project Launch is a collaboration between the University of Cincinnati and SHS that Rachel will start next

staff writer

akes wishes come true

Each year Student Council puts on Mr. Sycamore to raise money for a charity. This year they chose the Make-a-Wish foundation to benefit from the event.

Ten boys will participate in this pageant on Mar. 1 starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Little Theatre.

“Mr. Sycamore is a beauty pageant for guys who represent SHS to raise money for charity.

“The contestants will compete for the title of Mr. Congeniality and Mr. Sycamore by entertaining a crowd with hilarious dances, speeches, contests, games, and more,” said Nick Johnson, 10, head of the event.

Caroline Berghoff, 12, will be the hostess as the show starts with the contestants walking on stage to their songs of choice and self-choreographed dances.

A group dance follows.

Of course, the guys will get a little hungry, so a messy eating contest will take place. Buffalo Wild Wings is donating six medium wings for each of the boys. This is a timed contest, and whoever finishes eating

M

r. Sycamore

25

percentage of Decembers in Cincinnati which have no snow

ka

2839

tons of salt spread this year in Cincinnati

ni

10

percentage of winter days in Cincinnati on which there is at least one inch of snow on the ground

Sa

inches of snow Cincinnati gets on average per year

table anymore,” said Mrs. Tamara Brewer, Club Advisor.

“Our main goal is to extend those friendships and relationships to before school, or to places like the lunch room.

I want to see our students with disabilities interacting with the entire population,” she added.

For this to happen, understanding needs to come from both sides.

“If there is one thing I want people to know about Ross, and all individuals with special needs and disabilities, it’s that they are not monsters. If I was given the chance to change the way Ross is, I would never do it,” said Loren.

Elizabeth Rickert

By the numbers

21

by

Snow facts

e

“[He] has the same kinds of feelings and emotions that we do, he just has a different way of expressing them,”said Loren Hamilton, 11, about her brother Ross Hamilton, 11.

Ross is also a student at SHS and has moderate Autism and Pervasive Developmental

SHS has groups that allow students like Rachel and Ross to meet other peers and form new relationships.

“With Stepping Out Club, our main goal is to develop friendships. A lot of times, however, those are isolated to Stepping Out partners. I don’t want to see our students sitting only by themselves at the lunch

ag

Life at home

Students with disabilities

RACHEL DUKART, 12 AND Ross Hamilton, 11 enjoy their lives just as much as any other teenager. However, they live much differently from their peers; Rachel was diagnosed with Down syndrome early on in life and Ross was diagnosed with moderate Autism as well as Pervasive Developmental Delay.

Im

achel Dukart, 12, is like other high school seniors in more ways than one. She loves sports, laughs beautifully, and has plans for college already set in motion.

However, Rachel was diagnosed with Down syndrome as a child. Her sister Madelyn, 11, shares what taking part in Rachel’s life is like.

“I’ve known about it really my whole life, since she’s older than me, but I guess I wasn’t aware that she was ‘different’ until I was about three or four,” said Madelyn.

“Even when I was young, there were times when I would be the only one who could understand what [Rachel] was trying to say; occasionally, not even my parents could figure it out.

“When she sees me at school, she gets all excited and exclaims to whatever teacher she’s with: ‘That’s my sister, Madelyn!’ with the most proud expression on her face,” she added.

Delay. But more than being just a student, Ross is a “significant part of [her] life.”

“My absolute favorite thing about Ross would have to be how unpredictable and silly he is. I never know when he is going to surprise me with something new, whether it’s saying something super funny or some crazy dance moves or a funny face,” said Loren.

Knowing from a young age that Ross was different from other children, Loren grew up helping her brother through things like brushing his teeth and dressing him for school. At times, he needs instruction and reminders to stay on task.

“When Ross is frustrated or angry, his immediate reaction is to take it out on me if I am around and this usually comes in a physical aspect. Ross knows it is bad to hurt me, but he doesn’t know his own strength so sometimes it can get out of hand,” said Loren.

Image by Lauren Glynn Source: currentresults.com

year after graduation. The program extends the current curriculum that students with disabilities receive at SHS further on into a college level setting.

“This program is geared toward helping highfunctioning young adults with disabilities to become as independent as possible. Our hopes for her are to do just that,” said Madelyn.

Project Launch itself is multifaceted; there are separate pathways that students may choose to take. Rachel’s selected course specifically caters to those students with disabilities who are especially highfunctioning.

Long term effects

“I thank God for every day that I spend with Ross because it has made me a stronger first wins.

During intermission, a speaker from the Make-a-Wish Foundation will give a speech explaining how the money raised during this event will help the charity. Intermission is the last chance for money to be donated to the cause.

The Make-a-Wish Foundation raises money for terminally ill children and grants them one wish, no matter how big it is.

The boys will return after the speech in tuxedos. The audience might be lucky enough to see some live “Toddlers and Tiaras” poses.

The contestants must change quickly for the next event, Sycamore wear. They will present their most creative green and gold attire. This is the last event of the night.

“It’s an honor to be a part of such an elite group of men with so much talent,” said Kyria Graves, 9, participant in the event.

Mr. Sycamore is decided by four judges. One of the judges will be the Make-aWish Foundation speaker. The rest of the panel is made up of Sycamore’s own: Mr. Greg

person, but more importantly, an understanding person,” said Loren.

When interviewed, the junior went on to quote Sarah Palin in saying: “Sometimes, even the greatest joys bring challenge, and children with special needs inspire a very, very special love.”

The joys and pains of living with any family member perhaps catalyze the most growth people experience throughout their lives. Ross and Rachel are just another loving influence on those lives they touch.

“There’s always the connotation that having a disability makes some ‘worse,’ but I’ve just learned to see it as different, and different is very much okay,” said Madelyn.

Cole, history teacher, Mr. Michael Vega, Spanish teacher, and Mrs. Fanta Davis, math teacher.

The Tuesday before the pageant, a picture of each of the boys’ eyes will be on display. On Wednesday, each boy’s smile will be in the front of the commons on Thursday then biceps. Finally on Friday a full body poster will be out front.

To decide which boy has the best of each, students place money in the milk jugs in front of the pictures.

In addition to the pictures, the guys will be walking around with milk jugs trying to raise money for the cause.

The contestant who raises the most money is named Mr. Congeniality.

“I think it’s a fun event and it’s a great fundraiser.

I know in the past many of the competitions have been fun to watch, and I hope it stays that way,” said Morgan Grzegorzewski, 11.

Tickets have been on sale for $4 and will be on sale for $5 at the door of the event.

C

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>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

ountry phases out script GONE

ursive going going

Anna Zhou

T

feature

staff writer

disappearing, there are cases in which the ability to write in cursive is needed.

“On the PSAT, at the beginning, they make you write a pledge statement in cursive,” said Lydia Fang, 11.

There are also several benefits of cursive writing. The swirly script develops fluent movements and enhances spelling abilities because the hand movements create muscle memory that helps students retain spelling patterns.

Contrary to common belief, cursive is easier to learn than regular print because it only requires three movements, the overcurve, the undercurve, and up and down. Meanwhile, the perfect lines and circles that print requires can often be confusing for young children.

Also, with cursive practice, the neuron connections in the brain that organize information

and skills are strengthened.

The continuous letters of cursive allow words to flow easily from pen to paper. This is beneficial for students later on in their academic careers.

The ability to effectively write in cursive enables students to brainstorm quickly and craft well written papers.

As technology develops, the mandate for learning how to write in cursive continues to decrease. However, it is an art form with a long history that has many advantages.

“I believe that learning to do both has value. While I do understand that the world we are living in is changing, knowing how to read and write cursive is still necessary,” said Mrs. Mary Frey, 4th grade language arts teacher at Montgomery Elementary.

History of handwriting 3000 B.C.

Sumerians create tablet houses, the first schools to teach handwriting. Students use a stylus to copy Sumerian Cuneiform on to clay tablets.

2400 B.C.

Egyptians start using papyrus and reed brushes, allowing scribes to write more quickly and make symbols less angular.

1500 B.C.

Phoenician alphabet, containing 22 symbols, is developed. It spreads to Egypt, Persia, and India.

100s B.C.

Romans develop an alphabet containing 23 letters.

700s

Charlemagne appoints an English monk to oversee the practice of standardized lettering.

THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS (CCS) were developed to create a common curriculum for everyone, regardless of where he or she lives. However, cursive education is no longer mandatory and is being phased out of many schools. So far, 45 out of the 50 states have adopted the CCS.

All images by Anna Zhou

he loops and curves of cursive writing that have been swirled on thousands of letters, cards, and diaries are disappearing from classrooms across the country.

In an effort to create one common curriculum for the entire nation, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers have developed the Common Core Standards (CCS), a benchmark to prepare all students for college.

However, the requirement of learning cursive has been left out of these standards. The time formerly spent learning

cursive is now devoted to developing keyboard skills. 45 of the 50 states have already adopted the CCS. “It is a shame that cursive will no longer be taught. I am afraid that if cursive is no longer taught, it will be forgotten and never used,” said Taylor Overholt, 10.

Whether or not schools should teach cursive is an issue that is constantly being debated in school districts throughout the country. In a technological age of tablets and mobile devices, the art of cursive writing is becoming more and more obsolete.

“Typing is more important as we are entering a predominantly technological world and typing is being used more than cursive,” said Sage Wayne-Nagel, 9.

Although cursive is slowly

Not yet adopted new standards Already adopted new standards

1495

Aldus Manutius develops cursive writing.

1700s

Special schools are established to teach handwriting techniques.

1888

Charles Zaner establishes the Zanerian College of Penmanship.

1904

Zaner and Elmer Bloser publish Zaner Method of Arm Movement for elementary children.

1978

Donald Neal Thurber develops the D’Nealian style of writing. It uses slanted letters to teach print, allowing easier transition into cursive.

What does your handwriting say about you?

Source: vletter.com

Write: This is my handwriting (in print)

SLANT:

SIZE:

To the left: ready to try new things, very ambitious To the right: open to the world, very outgoing No slant: hard worker, very diligent with everything you do

Large print: spontaneous, a natural leader, very outgoing Average print: open minded, ready to try new things Small print: people pleaser, seeks compromise

DOTTING YOUR I’s:

CROSSING YOUR T’s:

Directly over: very organized, great attention to detail To the left: creative, very talkative To the right: very patient, tend to be a perfectionist

Up-slant: very giving, creative Straight: balances social life, school, and family Down-slant: spontaneous, friendly, and good spirited

SPACING:

L o o s e : big personality, very courageous Average: great at adjusting and adapting to different situations Tight: diligent and meticulous

SHAPE OF LETTERS:

Rounded letters: creative, has artistic abilities Pointed letters: intense, intelligent, curious Connected letters: logical, systematic, careful decision maker Source: realsimple.com

feature

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2.28.2013

Lights, camera, no action Couples rock Winter Formal, low turnout disappoints

1 2 3

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Andrea Goldstein staff writer

Rachael Sun

A

associate editor

s many students know, Winter Formal is a little different from other SHS dances. Aside from the usual difference of the girls having to ask the guys, there was another thing that stood out against other dances this year: the low turn out.

“I didn’t go to winter last year and I didn’t plan to go this year; it’s really only for couples and people who are in some type of a relationship,” said Katherine Oh, 10.

Of the people who did attend this year, many girls enjoyed theopportunity they get to ask the guys for a change.

Michael Goldenberg and Kathryn Diaz, both 11, dance together after Diaz asked the question with roses and chocolate.

1. MADELINE CONRAD, 12, DANCES with a group of seniors early on in the night. 2. As opposed to the usual 500 or more people at Homecoming, Winter Formal had less than 200 attendees, leaving much space open in the commons. 3. Zachary Farquhar, 11, was asked by girlfriend Madeline Locke, 10, with a balloon attached to Locke’s dog reading “Winter?”

Image by Joseph Ahn All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

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12 2.28.2013

>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

feature

‘The world is at your fingertips’

AP students prepare for European travel Image by Tori Swart

Victoria Swart

S

broadcast editor-in-chief

visit five cities during that time: London, Paris, Florence, Rome, and Assisi.

“The cities we visited were just so rich in history and culture. I have visited my

pring brings flowers, rain, Prom, and thoughts of summer.

Classes start to wind down and students begin to I want to help them to see a bigger dream about their world than they had before, to plans for spring pry open their minds with new break.

The AP European thoughts and ideas, and to see History class, though the people of the world as our they do have an AP exam to prepare for, brothers. also have a unique Ms. Marilyn Ray, opportunity for AP European History Teacher spring break. Some members of the class are going share of places, but Europe is to Europe. incredibly different. I was so Students who take the class lucky to have an opportunity have the opportunity to travel like this,” said Nikita Tandon, to England, France, and Italy 11. over a period of 10 days from Students in the class have Mar. 22 to Mar. 31. They will experienced long hours of

note taking, essay writing, and studying. The schedule for the tour is as rigorous as the course itself, with only a couple of days to explore each famous city.

Yet, the groups have found a positive balance in previous trips.

“I really liked how we had some free time each day to enjoy the cities. It was cool to be able to walk around and go off the beaten trail to see some of the less popular areas,” said Margaret Thompson, 11.

The trip is arranged by Mrs. Leah Chapman and Ms. Marilyn Ray. Ray has directed the entire ordeal for a combined total of 14 years.

“I conduct the trips because I love it. I have been able to take scores of students and teachers, all of whom have brought these experiences into their classes

Worth the work?

Veteran travelers share trip impact I definitely want to go back to Europe as soon as possible. The trip really opened my eyes to a lot of new cultures and societies.

I would really like to travel abroad when I am in college and maybe even live in Europe for a while when I am older.

Margaret Thompson, 11

The trip overall was completely worth every penny I paid and was very eye-opening.

It was so cool to see in real life some of the places that we had discussed, taken notes on, and been tested on throughout the class. It definitely inspired me to want to know more about European history.

Jay Burgin, 12

at SHS. This will be my legacy when I am gone,” said Ray. The group of 2013 students range from veteran to novice travelers.

“I have never been outside the country before. I am looking forward to seeing a completely new culture,” said Bailey McCarthy, 10.

One of the favorite topics of imagination among the sophomores is the food. Each of the three countries they will be visiting have famous dishes many hope to try.

“I would love to have fish and chips from London because that dish is so popular in England,” said Rachel Kleindorfer, 10.

No matter how experienced the traveler, the upcoming trip holds promises of new cultures, new friends, new sights, and new experiences.

Highlights Destination: Europe L ondon Day 1-3 F lorence Day 7 -Piazza della Signoria -Trafalgar Square -Gates of Paradise -Covent Garden -Big Ben and Houses of Parliament -Duomo -Piccadilly Circus ssisi Day 8 -Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace -Basilica of St. Francis

P aris Day 4-6 ]

-Champs-Élysées -Arc de Triomphe -Louvre -Eiffel Tower -Versailles -Latin Quarter -Overnight train to Florence

I don’t knowImages if thisbyisAna what you wanted Hey Tori, I don’t know if this is whatHey youTori, wanted Barros but I worked a little more on the passport.

Let me but I worked a little more on the passport. Let me know -ifAna you :)need me to change anything. - Ana :) know if you need me to change anything.

AP European Trip

By the Numbers

500

Estimated total number of students who have gone on the trip to date

14 Total number of trips taken

1665

Number of steps in the Eiffel Tower

Total HELLO number of Tour Guide tour guides since 1998 my name is

15

BUS

2

Number of buses to be used for 2013 travel

A R ome Day 9-10 40 -Trevi Fountain -Pantheon -Vatican City -Sistine Chapel -St. Peter’s Basilica -Roman Forum -Colosseum

Total number of staff, chaperones, and teachers that have participated in the trip

56

Number of students going on the 2013 trip

EF

Name that picture:

How well do you know your European landmarks?

3

Answers below

3

2

4

Number of students who have thrown up on the bus

3

5

U. K.

France

Italy

Number of countries the group will visit while on tour

All photos courtesy of Nikita Tandon

1. Arc de Triumph; 2. Buckingham Palace; 3. Notre Dame; 4. Colosseum; 5. Versailles

1

BUS

1

Life-changing experience Images by Tori Swart

2.28.2013

A&E >>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

Blog: Sycamore Style Guide

F

staff writer

or most SHS students, life is fairly busy balancing school, extracurriculars, sleep, and social lives. Adding even a couple more factors to this equation can be unthinkable for the involved student.

But for Jacqueline Tso, 11, life is a little different. As a talented violinist, she has had to sacrifice many things to do what she loves. She spends about five to six hours on music every day, in addition to keeping up with schoolwork.

Tso commutes back and forth between Cincinnati and Chicago for her lessons and to attend the Chicago Institute of Music. Involved in many solo competitions, she also travels frequently to different parts of the country, and sometimes even other countries.

Many normal things, such as watching TV or hanging out with friends on weekends, are not common for Tso. All of her time and energy is spent on music.

She comes to school for second and fourth bell, using third bell for practice. After lunch, Tso attends Aves Academy, a branch of SHS that allows students to study independently.

“I would say that I’ve sacrificed being a so-called ‘normal’ kid and having a normal life. I have made many

Scan here with a smartphone to view more of Megan Shindler’s blog.

“I’ve always had straight hair, and as the saying goes ‘you always want what you can’t have.’ Curls are just so endlessly romantic and feminine. I have always used my straightener to curl my hair. It is easy as 1-2-3, and requires a minimum amount of heat.”

Megan Shindler, 12

Tao of Tso: Emma Burge

13

adjustments to my life to get where I am today. But at the end, the sacrifices don’t seem significant because the return is so much greater,” said Tso. All the hard work has paid off. Tso made her first solo debut at the age of eight with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. She has also soloed with several different orchestras in the country and was recently featured on NPR’s “From the Top.” Competitions she has won include the CSYO Concerto

Junior violin prodigy takes world by storm

Competition, the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition, the Overture Awards Scholarship Competition, and she received the second place in the Great Wall International Music Academy concerto competition.

Tso also was selected to be a part of the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition, hosted in Beijing.

“I only see her half the time because she is often away in some other state doing

TSO BEGAN PLAYING WHEN she was two years old. She plays at least four hours every day. During performance times, it can be up to eight hours.

what she’s amazing at. Her dedication and involvement with violin is something I’ve always been at awe with and inspired by since I’ve known her.

“Most of all, though, Jackie is a very down to earth, sweet friend despite how incredibly talented she is. Knowing someone with such gifts without an arrogant attitude can be rare,” said Hope Wang, 11.

More than winning competitions and performance opportunities, Tso plays violin for her own enjoyment.

“When I hear music, I get the feeling that no matter how hard the day’s been, how rough my life is currently, or how everything seems to be going wrong, everything will be okay.

“It brings me a peace and joy that nothing else does. I want to share this feeling with many people, and that’s why I want to use my music to show others the love, care, and happiness that it has showed me,” said Tso. Tso’s passion is visible in her playing as well as when she talks about music.

“The most important thing to realize is that without hard work, no dream or goal can be fulfilled; it all depends

on how much you are willing to put in to achieve.

Always know that at the end of the day, music is a beautiful thing.

Don’t ever let anyone or anything destroy your appreciation for what you love,” said Tso.

this book? This inability for teens to find things to relate to in classics is just another “turn off” for them towards these timeless tales.

It is interesting that we cannot understand the writings of Ernest Hemingway or Edgar Allan Poe, and yet we can easily translate our seemingly nonsensical ‘texting language.’

This lack of understanding formal writing and more challenging vocabulary has implications beyond high school. For instance, due to the deteriorating English language, the reading level of presidential speeches over the last three years has declined from a tenth grade level to an eighth grade level.

Students say that teachers have them analyze everything they can, making it extremely frustrating and causing them to consequently overanalyze text that may not be relevant.

True, it is hard to read and enjoy a book when you must stop every few paragraphs to take note of symbolism and other literary devices.

But some students protest even further, saying they do not enjoy reading classics because they are just plain boring.

This of course is understandable, since F. Scott Fitzgerald’s books find it hard to compete with the vampire and werewolf novels that dominate our teen culture today.

But why do we find these books so dull? Why do we hate real literature? Is it because it was written before we were born, or because the language used is too ‘flowery,’ or because the complexity is too great.

Whatever, the reason, we must accept that classics will never go away, as much as many of us would love to have happen. After all, they are called classics for a reason.

Why kids hate the classics Taylor Evans

fun & games chief

There are many ways to ignite a conversation among teens. For example, mention One Direction or bring up a huge story on the news, or perhaps talk about the newest blockbusters.

It is incredible to think of the number of things that can spark a lengthy conversation, when it only takes one word to arouse grumbling and complaining: classics.

Say the word to any teen and immediately there is a sour look on his or her face.

Teenagers hate the word, and the only thing they hate more than the mention of classics, is reading them.

‘Spark Notes: my best friend’ Who wants to read a book that was written decades ago? Who would want to try to understand the vernacular speech of the twentieth century? Why would anyone waste time doing this when search engines such as Spark

notes and Google are literally at our finger tips?

We are so accustomed to getting information within seconds that it drives us crazy when we have to read a book that is not easily comprehensible and takes away from our precious social media time.

Generation seeks instant gratification But should we be proud of this? We live in the ‘now’ generation, and it affects students and schools nationwide.

Students complain that they do not like reading classics, because they take too long to read. We get frustrated when we read passages containing deep symbolism and cannot understand

them right away.

We are not used to reading deeper into books and really examining and analyzing text, and it is all a result of the instant gratification culture are growing up in.

However, taking time to read classics is not the only issue.

Students find that there is little for them to relate to when it comes to the relevance of the novels.

Students ask themselves all the time, why are we reading this? What am I getting out of

All images by Krittika Chatterjee

Too much analysis causes paralysis

However, our technology dominated world is not the only thing to blame for kids’ distaste towards classics.

O

14 2.28.2013

>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

blivious

Choir Boosters host annual Cabaret Madeline Marsh

scars fail to change downfall in system

W

staff writer

e all have our favorite movies. Our tastes span many genres, from action, to comedy, to romance, to romantic action comedies.

While most people cannot agree on what the best of the best is, the Oscars are supposed to at least give us an idea.

Since the first event back in the Roaring ‘20s, the Oscars have voted on the best of cinema, year by year. However, the Oscars are by no means the perfect show, and many aspects about them may seem unfair.

Filmgoers in these modern times wonder why it is that they almost never have heard of the majority of films nominated for “Best Picture” before Oscar season starts. However, there is a relatively simple explanation as to why this happens.

As some may know, movies are traditionally released in seasons.

Hollywood realized in the 1970s that teens are more likely to see a movie in the summer season, as they will have more available time and money. Therefore, producers began tweaking the release dates of many films to capitalize on this.

This is when we see the birth of what we call ‘blockbusters.’ Movies aimed at these audiences are traditionally released during the summer, which yields big profits to studios in Hollywood.

We began to see a rise of movie seasons, which basically means certain movies catering to certain audiences are released the same time every year.

Summer is the family and action movie season, while the winter usually becomes thoughtful drama, and for lack of a better phrase, ‘old people season.’

staff writer

IN 1953, THE FIRST televised Oscar ceremony enabled millions throughout the United States and Canada to watch.

Broadcasting in color began in 1966, affording home viewers a chance to fully experience the event. Since 1969, the Oscar show has been broadcast internationally, now reaching movie fans in over 200 countries.

Image by Brenda Shen

Ben Young

This definitely has an effect on the Oscars, as movies that are usually nominated for Oscars tend to release around winter, instead of being spread throughout the year.

Most movies that are nominees pile up together in the limited space of the winter season.

Thus, fewer people have the chance to see these films before they are nominated, widening the gap between the tastes of voters, and those of the public.

This is especially true due to the fact that the general public does not even have to see the movie that is nominated.

The only criteria a movie has to meet to be nominated for an Oscar is that it plays for one week, in one theater, in Los Angeles, sometime before midnight on Dec. 31 of that year.

On paper, this would be a good thing, as it gives smaller, more independent movies that can not afford to play in more than one location for a week the same shot at an Oscar as a bigger budget film released worldwide.

But, there are already some people in Hollywood who have this rule figured out. Oscar collectors in Hollywood often try to make use of the “late release, early nomination profit” game, which disguises big studio movies as independent films with limited release schedules.

This results in certain times of year being a virtual quarantine of a type of movie.

It is clear that, if audiences want a more varied movie experience throughout the year, something about this system needs to change.

a&e

Picture a candlelit room. There are coffee and mini desserts being served. The SHS Choir Boosters hosted Cabaret on Feb. 9, featuring our school’s most promising singers and musicians.

A cabaret, by definition, is “a restaurant providing food, drink, music, a dance floor, and often a floor show.”

“I was unsure at first about auditioning, but it seemed like a great opportunity,” said Emma Steward, 9. “Plus, I’d been working on some songs that I wanted to try out in public.”

Steward sang “God Help the Outcasts” from the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

The Cabaret features songs that are out of the ordinary. It is set up as an intimate restaurant scene with entertainment from choral performers.

“Students have the opportunity to showcase their talents and enjoy the spotlight in a more personal fashion than a typical choir concert provides,” said Mr. Kenneth Holdt, choir director.

There was not only singing, but also accompanists who played piano, guitar, and even some hand clapping beats involved.

Many of the students participating had been preparing since winter break.

“We practiced every weekend. The auditioning process was easy, though because we played for Mr. Holdt,” said Jonathan Grossheim, 11.

When asked what advice he would give to students, Grossheim said, “Don’t be afraid to get on stage, and don’t forget to thank the musicians.”

Grossheim played the guitar with James Reece, 12. Grossheim said he not only plays the guitar, but he also plays nine other instruments.

As Cabaret is an annual event, SHS Vocal Boosters encourge even those not musically inclined to come.

25th

United Singers of the Aves #SHSCP

a&e >>the sycamore leaf

>>goaves.com

Cosplay fosters national community

2.28.2013

15

Costumers, anime fanatics find home at conventions Ellie Goldman

editor-in-chief

M

elissa Mendelson, 12, is used to strangers begging to have a picture with her. That is a typical response when other people catch sight of her wearing the giant red bird costume she worked on for four months.

The bird is a ‘Loftwing,’ and Mendelson dons this or other handmade costumes for anime conventions, gatherings of thousands of people who all subscribe to the ‘fandoms’ of particular anime novels or other comics or video games.

The conventions, called Cons, feature discussion panels about anime, areas featuring both licensed and fan-created merchandise, and the opportunity to interact with others from one’s fandom.

“The main thing I’m there for is ‘cosplay,’ which is short for ‘costume play,’” said Mendelson. Though not required, it is very popular for convention attendees to craft intricate outfits portraying their favorite characters, such as Mendelson’s bird.

“Costume making has been a newfound love for me,” she said. “It’s really fun for me to be in specifically my Loftwing because it’s from the series that I love the most, and I’m super proud of it.”

SHS students have created everything from larger-than-life wolves to elves, and incorporate props and wigs into their ensembles. Joelle Davidson, 12, points out the time commitment involved in properly researching and creating a costume. “[A]ctually knowing the piece, making props and costumes, and getting the right wig… It can be time consuming and a little expensive,” she said, “but it’s rewarding.’”

SHS at large had the opportunity to see some of the work done for conventions when Mendelson and some friends wore their “Legend of Zelda Four Swords” costumes for Senior Halloween. Of course, though, “we couldn’t bring our swords.”

But cosplaying goes beyond just appearances.

Players embody their characters, role playing them for the weekend.

“If your character doesn’t smile, you don’t smile,” said Katrina Hilvers, 12, “you don’t laugh.” This character acting is a big draw for participants, who range from children to retirees.

“Because everybody dresses up, you know for a fact that you have at least one thing in common with any given person in the building,” said Monica Werden, 11. “There’s a sort of camaraderie at conventions.”

SHS Con-goers speak very highly of the atmosphere and fellow participants.

“They may seem weird, but they are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” said Davidson. Their kindness stands out to her.

“If you were to lose your wallet at school, it would be gone for good. If you drop a wallet at a convention, it will get returned to you,” she said.

It is also common to form meaningful friendships with other teenagers from different parts of the country.

“Conventions are another outlet to find friends and people who like the same things you do,” she said. “It’s the one time that I can cosplay, which I revel in; I think it’s so much fun that you can dress up and people recognize you and tell you they like your cosplay.”

For students interested in possibly attending a convention for the first time, seasoned cosplayers offer their advice.

“Go, and go with friends,” said Madison Herrmann, 12, “because you’re not going to know anybody there at first.” Those interested in dressing up for the first time are cautioned to take it slow.

Davidson recommends Anime & Gaming Ohio Con as a good “starter Con” because it is local and relatively small. Registration is now open for this April 5-7 event.

This hobby seems to be one that sticks

Michael DeMaio

staff writer

Image by Sanika Vaidya

AFTER FOUR MONTHS OF work, Melissa Mendelson, 12, proudly shows off the costume she created by hand for anime conventions.

She predominately used felt, Model Magic, papier-mâché, and synthetic fur to construct the bird, which has a hinge in the jaw. She also created a wolf costume in similar fashion, as well as other smallerscale projects. After going to around five conventions, she intends to continue the hobby. “I don’t really see myself doing it as a living,” she said, but “for fun, sure, I’ll keep doing it.”

around, as each person interviewed for this article intends to continue with it. For extended interviews and color photos of students’ costumes, visit GoAves.com.

Poetry finally finds home in SHS Astrid Cabello

staff writer

THE FIRST SHS STUDENT to ever be chosen to compete in the national Poetry Out Loud (POL) recitation contest, Kathryn Tenbarge, 10, performs her audition for a panel of judges.

Tenbarge will perform three poems, selected from the provided POL anthology, for state judges on Mar. 16.

Before this year the poetry scene at SHS was barely apparent, but after the hard work done by many passionate students, a lot of things have changed.

In years past, one of the activities relating to poetry was the March Madness Poetry Contest, which will be available again this year. However, this contest is only open to students in certain English classes, and teachers.

“The concept of the March Madness Poetry Contest is a good one, but in practice it probably will not meet its high expectations because students won’t take the time to write something meaningful,” said Madeline Smith, 11.

On Feb. 5, Krittika Chatterjee, 11, held the first meeting of SHS Slam, a group to promote slam poetry. The students attending the meeting were able to grasp the concept of slam poetry and share poems they had written themselves.

After students read their pieces, they were then able to share about themselves and open their eyes to what other students had to say.

That is not the only new poetry group this year, though. Feb. 8. marked the inagural meeting of Poetry Out Loud,

a national competition brought to SHS through the efforts of Ryan Dunn, 12, and Ms. Melissa Wolfe-Izworski, an English teacher.

“It is a national poetry recitation contest.

Each participant picks a poem from a list of 650 poems to memorize and performs for an audience and a panel of judges.

The goal of each participant is to connect with the poem that he or she is performing on a deeper level and go beyond mere recitation,” said Dunn.

The winner of SHS’s Poetry Out Loud auditions, Kathryn Tenbarge, 10, will advance to the state level of the competition. If for some reason Tenbarge is unable to go to attend, then Dunn, the runner up, will take her spot.

“I would just like to say that I really encourage more people to try out next year.

We had a small crowd this year, but the program has room for a lot of growth. Even if you don’t make it through as a winner, the experience is worth it,” said Tenbarge.

Students are also invited to submit poetry, as well as visual art, to Aves Ink’s literary magazine at AvesInk@gmail.com.

The publication will be sold later this year.

Depending on next year’s students’ passion to keep the new poetry scene alive, this year’s activities could mark the beginning of a thriving community at SHS where one was lacking before.

The time to crack open those journals has arrived.

Spring is almost here and with the rainy season coming, you are going to need some music to match the mood, luckily there have been a lot of good releases this past month that you will really enjoy.

James Blake has just released a new single entitled “Retrograde” after a very long hiatus. The music is a bit more pop oriented than some of his earlier work, but this is only because of the type of percussion he utilizes on the track.

Blake’s vocals are breathtaking akin to “D’Angelo” as well as the Motown greats of Detroit.

His synth work is also very impressive and especially directly before the chorus when he places a synth line in that seems to move in from behind the listeners head as he exclaims “Suddenly I’m Hit.” “How to Dress Well’s” newest album entitled “Total Loss,” while not all that new, is amazing and a great pick for spring and early summer. His music is the combination of Michael Jackson and a broken tape recorder and the outcome is fantastic.

The Brooklyn based band “Suchaporn” has released their debut EP entitled “Wildfire.”

Their sound is a brilliantly modern adaptation of psych rock with a slightly harder twist.

The EP can be found on Bandcamp only and I would highly suggest it.

The progressive trap mainstay “The Hudson Mohawke” has just released a wonderful remix of the established UK duo Disclosure’s track “White Noise” featuring “Aluna George,” and I could not recommend it more as well as the rest of Hud Mo and Disclosure’s Discography.

In addition to all of these fitting suggestions, if you have an afinity for lo-fi rock music that makes stylistic references to a diverse range of sources, I would highly suggest “Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s” new album “II.” With the winter coming to a close and the spring almost here these tracks are sure to help bridge the gap.

For more of Michael’s work, visit

www.goaves.com/staff/ michael-demaio/beats/ For comments and suggestions on this column, please write to SHSstudentvoice@gmail.com.

16

2.28.2013

Girls basketball 4 >> Season concludes with disappointing finish

18 18

Bowling 4 >> Team advances to Districts for first time in SHS history

19

Wrestling Opinion

4

>> Team improves, ends season on high note

19

Michael Saxon

sports chief

My last few columns, it seems, have all criticized a certain group in sports, whether it be athletes, fans, or entire schools.

But I’m going to switch things up a bit this time.

On Feb. 18, longtime Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss died of cancer at the age of 80. Buss left this world a winner, claiming 10 NBA titles with the Lakers.

More importantly, however, Buss died a good man, with his reputation still firmly intact.

To be honest, this is really one of the first times I’ve heard of Jerry Buss, much to my dismay. After reading of Buss’ attitude, persistence, and drive, I wish I had been familiar with him earlier.

The guy liked to win, no one can argue that. But the way he went about it was unique. Usually, you find a sports figure so obsessed with winning that they lose themselves. This was not the case with Buss.

Kobe Bryant was quoted saying of his Lakers owner “It’s very rare to find that kind of owner who seemingly doesn’t make any mistakes.”

When you have a figure as cold-hearted as Kobe complimenting you, you’re doing something right. But don’t just take Kobe’s word for it. Buss not only had a business acumen, but a good heart as well.

Buss hired Walt Hazzard as a consultant for The Lakers in 1994. In 1996, Hazzard suffered a debilitating stroke, and struggled with his health for years. Despite his inability to work, Buss kept adding onto Hazzard’s contract. He even added three years to his contract a day before Hazzard was to have life-threatening surgery.

He was just a straight-up good guy.

Being that we are in a sports time clouded with drugs, scandals, and lies, we are all in need of something, or someone, to restore our faith – to remind us that there really are still benevolent people in sports, people that can continue to serve as inspirations.

Hopefully, Buss’ legacy will live on incessantly, but for now it brings one thing to the world of sports: hope.

For comments on this column, please email SHSstudentvoice@gmail.com.

Girls lacrosse bounces back Atiya Dosani

O

KATHLEEN GASSET, 12, SHIELDS the ball from her opponent.

Gasset feels that the team’s chemistry will play a big role this upcoming season. “We are returning almost our whole line up so that will definitely help us a lot,” said Gasset.

Mar. 1 HS Basketball - Sectionals University of Cincinnati 8:30 ­p.m.

Mar. 1 Miami (OH) Hockey Goggin Ice Center 7:35 p.m.

news chief

n paper, girls lacrosse is classified as a spring sport. In reality, girls lacrosse is more than just a seasonal commitment. It is a way of life.

The Varsity lacrosse team views the sport as more than just a game to fill up the empty days on their calendars.

Lacrosse is a defining element of each girl on the team.

“It is easy to be passionate about lacrosee when everyone around you is motivated and striving for the same thing,” said Sara Constand, 11.

After a tough 8-10 loss to Medina in the state tournament semifinals last June, the team wasted almost no time.

Throughout June, July, and August, many of the girls attended lacrosse camps and workshops to fortify their skills.

“We have struggled the last few years versus Medina and Upper Arlington, so we need to get by them this season,” said Mr. Ed Clark, Varsity lacrosse head coach.

Almost immediately after school started back up, the team began conditioning twice a week. Since November, they have added weekly open gyms to their training.

“We’ve been lifting year round, running, and working on our stick skills. This year we have a tough schedule but we think we’re going to do extremely well,” said Sara Evans, 12.

Official tryouts were held during the end of February, and the season kicks off on Mar. 9 with a scrimmage against longtime rival Upper Arlington.

Although key players such as Hayley Baas, Lina Cardenas, Amanda Frey, Hailey Jardin, and Katie MacLachlan graduated in 2012, this year’s team does not lack chemistry.

Nine of the girls on the team this season are returning Varsity players, giving them

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Upcoming Local Sporting Events

‘We all take pride in making it to the semifinals last year, but we aren’t satisfied. Our goal is to win.

Our goal is to finish’

Rare ray of sunshine for sports found in Jerry Buss

Sports

Mar. 2 Miami (OH) Basketball Millett Hall 3:00 p.m.

Mar. 2 UC Basketball Fifth Third Bank Arena 2:00 p.m.

Mar. 2 XU Basketball Cintas Center 2:00 p.m.

Images by Michael Saxon

JUNIOR MIDFIELDER KARA MARTH sprints down the field during a game against Mason. The Varsity team has worked hard over the preseason to prepare for a tougher regular season schedule. “[We are] traveling to play some of the top teams in the Midwest, not just in Ohio,” said Marth.

the important advantage of a strong team dynamic.

“We are returning almost our whole line up so that will definitely help us a lot,” said Kathleen Gasset, 12.

The success of every team member is vital to the collective success of the entire lacrosse program. Through years of extensive practice, the girls have developed their basic knowledge of the sport and advanced to the level of endlessly maximizing their skills.

“Kathleen Gasset is a powerhouse and basically makes every shot she takes, so that’s a huge strength,” said Kara Marth, 11.

However, this season is not expected to be easy. A tough schedule and even tougher competition ensures a

strenuous journey to the state tournament.

“Our schedule is harder this season than it has been in a few years. [We are] traveling to play some of the top teams in the Midwest, not just in Ohio,” said Marth.

The girls are hopeful that facing challenging teams throughout the season will substantially prepare them for the state tournament.

Because they were so close to victory in 2012, the players have great expectations to travel even further this year.

“We have a really strong group of players led by Kathleen Gasset and Carrie Berghoff, our two senior captains,” said Clark.

The girls lacrosse team has not been State Champions since 2009, but each member of this team, as well as SHS lacrosse alumni, is more than confident in their ability to excel throughout this season.

“We had a really good year last year [and] I have really high hopes for the team this year. I know they’ve been working hard and are very dedicated,” said Baas.

As a result of their year-long preparation, the team is ready to face any challenge that approaches them.

“We all take pride in making it to the semifinals last year, but we aren’t satisfied. Our goal is to win. Our goal is to finish,” said Brittany Murphy, 10.

Mar. 6 Cincinnati Cyclones U.S. Bank Arena 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 6 XU Basketball Cintas Center 9:00 p.m.

Mar. 9 Cincinnati Cyclones U.S. Bank Arena 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 9 OSU Lacrosse Jesse Owens Stadium 1:00 p.m.

Mar. 9 UC Basketball Fifth Third Bank Arena 7:00 p.m.

Mar. 9 HS Basketball - Districts University of Dayton *Times vary Mar. 10 OSU Basketball Schottenstein Center *Time TBD Events according to GMC Sports site or respective online schedules

B

sports >>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

reaking trends:

2.28.2013 17

oys basketball wins GMC for first time in 16 years East. The fact that Coach Vickers was my former high school coach made it a little sweeter to me personally, but I was more excited for our guys.

They played well and together and deserved to win.”

In his last game at home against Oak Hills, Mason Morgan, 12, recorded a doubledouble, scoring 13 points, and grabbing 10 rebounds to lead the team in stats.

Also playing in his final game in front of home fans, Joseph Gruden, 12, tallied eight points, nine assists, and five rebounds to help secure a 56-51 victory.

“It really made me happy to see that the seniors could get a solid win in their last home game,” said Matthew Schneider, 11.

For Moss, winning the GMC means more than just a trophy.

“As a Sycamore alum who was here when we first entered the GMC and struggled, it’s a very satisfying feeling,” said

Alexander Wittenbaum

W

staff writer

ith one game remaining in the season, the Varsity basketball team held a slim lead for first place at the top of the Greater Miami Conference (GMC) standings. Lakota East, Lakota West, Fairfield, and Middletown all sat in a tie for second.

The team lost its final regular season game to Princeton, earning only a share of the GMC title instead of winning it outright. Still, this was no small feat, as the last time SHS won the GMC was 16 years ago.

During the regular season, SHS won nine times against GMC opponents, including one personal win for David Moss, head coach, over Lakota East.

“That win was great,” said Moss. “It’s been awhile since we’ve been able to beat Lakota

Pistorious leaves fans stunned Nakul Narendran sports chief

Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

Moss. “I’m proud of the way our guys fought and showed the younger players that we can win here at Sycamore.”

For more information on SHS boys basketball, scan here or visit

www.goaves.com/multimedia

SENIOR POINT GUARD JOEY Gruden drives to the basket in a game against Middletown.

Gruden’s ability to blow past defenders made him an invaluable asset during the regular season.

Gruden averaged 12.3 points per game in addition to four assists per game.

Hockey skates through obstacles family atmosphere the focus of the game changes to what really matters. Building friendships that will last a lifetime and helping create a place that young athletes can come and feel welcome.

The hockey team at SHS is definitely one of those rare places in which the family is more important than outcome of the season. Everyone who is willing

Michael DeMaio

staff writer

Hard work and dedication usually pay off in victories, but sometimes they pay off in other ways.

Winning may seem like the point of sports. However, from time to time, with the right group of athletes, the perfect coaches, great parents, and a

513.754.2240 www.leapprogram.com info@leapprogram.com

to work hard and be personable is welcome and treated like everyone else.

This year the Aves were very short benched. They did not have many players, and their record was not the best.

But, that was never a problem.

Throughout the season, the team built strong friendships between one another and became closer as the time passed on. They even

Reality Check

Michael Jordan took Kobe over LeBron. Take your pick.

Michael Saxon

sports chief

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began every game by cheering “family” in the pregame huddle, as opposed to the traditional “Aves” or “Win.” So, in short, if students are looking for a new sport, or even if they already play and did not know that SHS has a hockey team, do not hesitate to join. The team will welcome you with open arms.

I will admit it - I’ve been impressed

by LeBron these past few weeks. He’s put up some insane numbers. But until he wins more championships, I’m going to have to stick with Kobe. What has LeBron proved to us these past few years?

That he has to move to another team in order to get the ring he was waiting for? And even then, it took him two tries to get it. Maybe in the future, Lebron will get more rings than Kobe; but, as of now, MJ is right. It’s about how many championships you’ve won.

Nakul Narendran sports chief

When considering this question, it’s important to consider the age of both players. Kobe has more rings, and he is better at hitting jump shots. But if I had to pick one of the two to play on my team today, I’d take LeBron over Kobe. While Kobe is having one of his best seasons ever, he isn’t going to be able to maintain the pace much longer. LeBron is better in the paint, and still has years left to perform at his peak. Players are getting bigger and stronger, and right now, LeBron has it all going for him.

Ana Barros

managing editor

Number of rings is irrelevant in this situation; Kobe may have won more championships, but LeBron is a better team player. Many look to his move to the Heat as a sign of weakness, and that he needs to change teams in order to be good.

But his move to the Heat not only made him a better player, but united the team and led them to victory. His ability to bring the team together is above Kobe’s ability to make jump shots. Move over, Black Mamba; LeBron is here to take your title.

Isaac Harmon

associate editor

The average ignorant fan would point to the ring count and be too blinded by the real facts. LeBron is a better player than Kobe . Kobe won his rings playing second fiddle to Shaq. James’ powerful yet finessed game is nothing short of legendary. He is hands-down the most outstanding player in the league, bar none. Like it or not, he is still just getting started. He does things on the basketball court that Kobe can not do, and when it is all said and done, he will be the new barometer that the media compares all the new superstars to.

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

Why is it that so many of our inspirational figures always manage to screw up, and completely shatter everything we ever looked up to them for?

First Lance. Now Oscar.

Within one year, we have seen two unparalleled athletes fall to their knees in front of the law.

I remember watching him run the 400 meter sprint as a double amputee, beating completely healthy runners from around the world. I remember thinking, “Man, that guy has a real heart.”

And now? He’s been charged with murder, accused of killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

I don’t even know what to think. It seems that these people just get so caught up in their fame and glory that they just become rash, and do things without thinking.

However, a close friend of Oscar told of how the athlete called him at 3:55 a.m., moments after Steenkamp had been shot. Oscar told him, “I shot Reeva.”

While this may not be evidence enough, it seems to me that Oscar was at the hands of the nine mm pistol when the bullets entered Steenkamp’s body. Whether it was an accident or not, there was no reason that he should have been pointing a gun at someone in the middle of the night.

Everyone thought Lance was a hero. I mean, he won the Tour de France seven times in a row. That didn’t even seem human at the time. Well in fact, it wasn’t human, as we recently heard him confess to taking performance-enhancing drugs.

The thing is, fans start to lose hope in society and athletes.

They wonder why can’t every inspirational figure be like Michael Jordan, undoubtedly in my opinion, the most talented, courageous basketball player to ever step foot on the court.

Behind Michael Phelps, Oscar was one of the biggest stories that occurred at the 2012 Olympic Games.

And we all remember what happened with Phelps. Oh hey, there’s another inspirational figure that screwed up and tarnished his reputation.

Now Oscar has been a major story twice. Once for inspiring the entire world, and now for murdering his girlfriend.

Not to be cliché, but what has this world come to?

Pistorious, Armstrong, Phelps, and other such athletes need to understand that they are always on center stage. They are constantly being watched, admired, and followed.

Thinking about the bigger picture. That’s what they just can’t seem to do.

For comments on this column, please write to SHSstudentvoice@gmail.com

18 2.28.2013

>>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com sports

Prepared: Eli Zawatsky

T

staff writer

he boys tennis season is right around the corner, with tryouts starting Mar. 11. Michael Teets, head coach, will take a lot into consideration while scoping out his future team.

“During tryouts, the most important thing is how players do against each other in the challenge matches, both in singles and doubles. We will also pay close attention to what players do in the offseason, what potential for improvement we see in the players, and their ability to listen and to be coached,” said Teets.

During the school year, Teets has already been weeding out the slackers from the determined. He has held morning conditioning sessions from 6:00 to 6:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and has run the Gold Club, a program designed to keep track

Tennis team holds final conditioning sessions as tryouts quickly approach

of how much tennis boys play outside of school.

“When we have players who are very close in their on-court results, we look at Gold Club and morning conditioning. If we are considering keeping extra players beyond the starting seven on JV or on Varsity B, we give major consideration to those who have participated in Gold Club and morning conditioning.

“We want players who are hard workers with good attitudes and who want to improve and compete at the highest level,” said Teets.

While Teets takes morning conditioning and Gold Club into account, the largest factor for whether or not someone makes the team is performance on the court during tryouts.

Therefore, these athletes have to make sure to improve their game during the offseason.

“Tennis players need to

attend clinics, play in tournaments or practice matches, and go to morning conditionings in order to prepare for the season,” said Dylan Stern, 12.

The team has to follow up on a great season.

Last year’s team finished a near perfect 8-1 in the GMC, with their only loss coming from an undefeated Mason squad.

They also placed second in the GMC tournament.

“We have a strong senior class, and as a result I think success will trickle down to all three teams,” said Brian Goodman, 12.

The team is well prepared to make their way confidently through the season.

Thrilling finish to college basketball season ahead Joey Slovin

staff writer

YURI KAREV, 12, HITS an approach shot in a match last year. For the past few months, the players have been preparing for the upcoming season with conditioning sessions. After placing second in the GMC tournament and finishing with a near perfect record last year, the team has high expectations for the upcoming season.

Image by Taylor Evans

‘Once a Lady Ave, always a Lady Ave’

End of girls basketball season comes too soon Lauren Saxon

staff writer

After three long months, the girls basketball season has finally ended.

The season was not an easy one, and the Varsity team was constantly challenged by something other than just the opponents on the court.

Walking wounded

Throughout the course of the season, the Varsity team was plagued by injuries, suffering a combination of dislocations, fractures, and ankle sprains.

With eight out of 15 players injured at some point during the year, the team was certainly walking wounded.

“Our team made a lot of adjustments with the injuries this season. Players stepped up to fill positions that they weren’t used to playing,” said Erin Kroell, 10.

Starters Imani Outlaw, 12, (ankle) and Hannah Locke, 12, (shoulder) were two of the team’s impact players who suffered injuries and were forced to sit out games.

Despite struggling at many points during the year, the Varsity team was successful overall, finishing fourth in the GMC with a record of 8-6.

Season highlight

SHS was down by one point with only seconds left in their final home game of the season.

It was Senior Night, and the gym was filled to capacity.

Head coach Paula Hayden was barely audible as she drew up the final play for the game.

With only 20 seconds left, Kelly McDonald, 12, drained a baseline jumpshot, giving the team the 39-38 victory over Oak Hills.

“They really couldn’t have scripted a better ending. I know it’s a night Kelly will always remember,” said Hannah Melvin, 11.

For the team’s seven seniors and two coaches, the Oak Hills game was their last time playing on the SHS home court.

The emotional night brought tears of sorrow and tears of joy, and its fairytale ending made it impossible to forget.

thoughts were shared in the locker room as the players and coaches recapped the season.

“We’ve battled through a lot of adversity throughout the season with injury after injury.

Most teams would’ve quit, but we continued to grow as a team and grow as individuals,” said Dave Honhart, Varsity assistant coach.

The McAuly game marked the end of Hayden’s 31 year coaching career at SHS. Coach

Honhart will also be leaving the coaching staff after five years of assisting Hayden.

“This was the best season I’ve been a part of. We weren’t just a team we were a family. Once a Lady Ave always a Lady Ave,” Adrian Burns, 12.

The next season will come with many changes, but Victor Harris, Varsity assistant coach, said it best: “Every ending is a new beginning.”

New beginnings

Tears were shed and heads dropped as the final game buzzer sounded, concluding the team’s 2012-2013 season.

After suffering a 52-42 loss to the McAuly Mohawks, the girls were knocked out at the end of the season tournament.

Despite the unexpected and heart- breaking loss, positive

KELLY MCDONALD, 12, CATCHES a ball in the Oak Hills game. McDonald lead the GMC with assists for most of the season averaging 3.2 per game.

After signing to play at Thomas Moore, McDonald plans to make the most of her new beginning next season.

Photo courtesy of McDaniels Photography

Think back to the start of college basketball season in November. What team did you think would be currently at the top of the Associated Press polls?

Kentucky? Kansas? Ohio State?

The answer may surprise you.

As it turns out, no dominant team in college basketball has been declared. And considering how quickly the NCAA tournament approaches, I doubt that there will be a college ball king before March rolls around.

This can only mean one thing: an exciting NCAA tournament field. With so many teams that have been at the top spot this year (five switches in the span of five weeks) there are bound to be exciting, close-scoring games.

And unlike last year, many upsets and buzzer beaters are almost guaranteed. Be prepared for your bracket to get busted by a few ‘Cinderella’ teams that could meander their way into the final few rounds.

We are lucky enough to have a strong representaion of local teams that will be in the Big Dance.

Cincinnati Bearcats - Despite the major lack of offense playing in the tough conference of the Big East, head coach Mick Cronin has the squad on par to make the NCAA tournament for the third consecutive year.

Indiana Hoosiers - Okay, this one was a little obvious. Anyone who calls himself or herself a college basketball fan could have predicted that this team would be dancing deep into March. Its fate rides on whether or not the team can stay healthy.

Ohio State Buckeyes - As a Michigan fan, it disgusts me to include this team in my column.

But as a sports fan, I fear for any team that faces off against the explosive offense when March Madness rolls around.

Ohio Bobcats - This team shocked the world when they managed to pull an upset over number four seeded Michigan last year. All of Ohio’s starters are back. Do not be surprised when the Bobcats are the only team left dancing from the great state of Ohio.

Oh yeah, and one more thing.

Don’t forget to fill out your brackets.

For comments and suggestions on this column, please write to SHSstudentvoice@gmail.com.

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2.28.2013 19

sports >>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

Wrestlers wrap up winning season Team improves in every category, sets stage for bright future Michael Saxon

W

sports chief

hen watching a wrestling meet, one may only see a competition between individuals. However, like most other sports, there is ultimately a team concept behind it all. The players that were a part of the SHS wrestling team improved, met their goals, and set a foundation for next year.

According to Mr. Jeremy Pletz, head coach, this season was “very successful.”

“We have improved upon last year in every category statistically: more team wins, more individual wins, higher GMC finish, higher Sectional finish, and more District Qualifiers,” said Pletz.

The team was composed of a variety of wrestlers from the 106 lbs. Aaron Frankel, 12, to the 285 lbs.

Ryan Gamber, 12.

“My challenge was to make sure everyone was getting the appropriate level of competition so they can develop and mature,” said Pletz.

To do so, Pletz also relied on his captains, Bradley Huber, 12, Tinashe Bere, 11, and Frankel.

“I expected them to be the staples of our line up,” said Pletz. “Together these three have amassed over 100 wins this season. That leads to a lot of team points, and therefore, team success.”

In addition to this, Bere won the GMC in his weight class for the second time in a row, something that has not been done since 2005.

“My strength and my speed separate me from most wrestlers,” said Bere. “But, I’m not very experienced. The only guys who have beaten me have all been wrestling longer than I have.”

Pletz has also seen Bere grow since the beginning of the season.

“Tinashe has learned a lot this season.

He has improved his wrestling technique to match his physical advantages over his opponents,” said Pletz. “He is well respected by the team, very humble, and is a true competitor.”

Bere will play an even larger role on the team next year as a senior. After bounds of improvement this season, the team will look to get even better next year with talented underclassmen.

“The team next year is going to be great.

We have some exceptional freshmen and first year wrestlers, as well as some guys on JV who I think will really break out soon,” said Frankel.

TINASHE BERE, 11, WRESTLES in the 195 lbs. weight class. This year he won his second straight GMC title. “My strength and my speed separate me from most wrestlers,” said Bere.

All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s photography

Boys bowling team advances to Districts

Q&A with Scott McLaughlin, 12

What was the team’s regular season record?

Not sure of our record. We had a slow start, but really picked it up with a five game winning streak.

During the season, what were the team’s strengths and weaknesses?

We were quick to improve amongst our newer bowlers, but we needed more positive team spirit to get us more ready to bowl right from the beginning.

How did this slow start impact your mentality during the season?

We knew we had a pretty new team, so we weren’t too let down by the slow start. We kept working on our performance and were really motivated to be successful by the end.

How did it feel making it to Districts?

I was definitely proud to be a part of Sycamore’s first Districts run. It was pretty crazy, considering everyone doubted us at the beginning of the season, but we definitely turned it up when it came down to Sectionals.

How did you accomplish this with such a poor regular season record?

We used the regular season as a way to gain experience and improve, especially being a team of relatively new bowlers.

We had fun at practice but still worked at our game and were really excited when it came down to our success at Sectionals.

P

20 2.28.2013

ortrayed as prodigy assionate individual lies behind

Jacqueline Lazar staff writer

Kathryn Tenbarge

spotlight chief

J

onathan Weng, 10, is known as a superstar with a calculator because of his amazing ability to comprehend math and achieve success. He has also been in love with playing the violin since he was six years old.

“Originally, my parents were considering piano, but I had a friend who played violin, and I loved watching him play,” said Weng.

Weng is extremely busy, competing in numerous math competitions and participating in several after-school clubs, including Math Club, Ski Club, Debate Team, Interact Club, and Academic Quiz Team.

“My favorite subject is math. I’ve loved math for as long as I can remember, and it’s definitely one of my strongest subjects,” said Weng.

Weng is now the secretary of the Orchestra Council, after being elected by the orchestra at the end of the last school year.

Though Weng loves his trusty violin, he does not plan on continuing his musical career when he graduates high school.

“If I play violin after high school, it’s only going to be as a hobby – nothing serious,” said Weng.

Weng also takes enjoyment in running cross country.

“I’m not a very athletic person in general, so being able to participate in a sport nonetheless is enjoyable. In addition, running is a useful form of exercise – it doesn’t require much, whether equipment or location, to do,” said Weng.

has had a passion for school all of his life, and reflected back on his favorite childhood memories, which started at the beginning of his school career.

“My most memorable childhood moment is when I began reading in kindergarten at school. I loved making the connection between the words on the pages and their corresponding sounds,” said Weng.

When asked the question of which superpower he would want,Weng had an extremely interesting reply.

“Boundless knowledge. Not only would it be spectacular to simply know everything, infinite knowledge would provide the human race with an unparalleled source of answers to our countless problems,” said Weng.

Though as of right now Weng does not know where he sees himself in his future career, other than possibly going into premedicine, he knows where he will be in 20 years.

“I see myself raising and supporting a wonderful family,” said Weng.

Spotlight >>the sycamore leaf >>goaves.com

Photos courtesy of Jonathan Weng

TOP RIGHT: WENG PERFORMS violin with the SHS orchestra. Top left: Weng sprints to the finish with the cross country team. Left: Shoyo Hakozaki, 10 (not pictured) and Weng present their photosynthesis project, which earned a superior award, and is advancing to the University of Cincinnati’s Science and Engineering Expo.

Looking forward, thinking back

Beside Weng’s academic, athletic, and artistic achievements, he, just like anybody else, is a normal student with his own thoughts and beliefs.

“I’m a proud Christian, and I help out in my church’s youth group. My goal is to honor the living Christian God with my life in an effort to spread His Word and grow closer to Him,” said Weng.

You could say that Weng’s other religion is school because of his clear devotion to working hard to get good grades.Weng Image by Jacqueline Lazar and Kathryn Tenbarge

3/31/13 6/31/12 Not valid with any other offers.

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