February 2011 Issue of The Sycamore Leaf

page 9

the

What we learned from Tuscon

Worldclass musician in concert tonight

page 18 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2011 | VOLUME LVIII ISSUE 7 | 7400 CORNELL RD. CINCINNATI, OHIO 45242, 513.686.1770 EXT. 3089

Cairo, Egypt

30° 3’ 29” N, 31° 13’ 44” E

Cincinnati, OH 39° 9’ 43” N, 84° 27’ 25” W

53 degrees of separation Middle Eastern revolution hits close to home smDIPALI

& janeFINOCHARO & emmaOH business manager, feature chief snapshots editor

F

news chief

reddy Essam saw a man get beaten to death. Armed with only a knife, Essam was working one of his 17 hour shifts guarding his street when a group of men drove up in a stolen car. Essam, along with 30 other men, stopped and searched the car when they

discovered that their month long fear had finally materialized – the men were looters; violent protesters looking for more supplies.

Suddenly, one of the looters shot a man.

The situation became frantic. The men from the streets grabbed the looters’ weapons and started throwing punches. After the violent frenzy, one of the intruders lay on the floor, dead from the continuous beating he had received.*

>> See pages 2 and 3 for more coverage

on the situation in Middle East

*all information was gathered prior to february 18 image by jimmy chau

EGYPT 2-3 NEWS 4 CALENDAR 5 SNAPSHOTS 6 FORUM 7-10 FEATURE 11-16 FUN & GAMES 17 A&E 18-20 SPORTS 21-23 SPOTLIGHT 24

Egypt

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friday, february 25, 2011

>53 degrees, continued from pg 1

‘It’s hard to destroy morality when people are fighting for something they believe in’ “After the protests at the end of January, Cairo became a very dangerous, chaotic place. The situation that Freddy encountered may sound rare but it now happens all the time,” said Jackie Ibrahim, 11, Essam’s cousin.

On Jan. 25, 2011, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Cairo’s iconic Tahrir Sqaure demanding an end to Hosni Mubarak’s heavy-handed, 30 year presidency.

Chants of “down, down with Mubarak” filled the air as crowds of Egyptians were met with tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons from the police force.

In a few short days, Egypt changed significantly.

Prior to the protests, Essam was a normal high school student at the Egypt British International School in Cairo.

Now, he guards an apartment building 30 minutes from the Tahrir Square that houses Christians. Despite the nationwide cries for freedom and democracy, the family of the Ibrahims represents those who are unsure of an idealized positive outcome.

They fear that these protests will be destructive towards Egypt’s future, because, for them, a different Cairo now exists.

As Christians, the Ibrahims represent 10% of the Egyptian population – approximately 8 million people. With the Muslim Brotherhood, an outlawed Islamic political group, now being invited to talks with the Egyptian government, the fear of an Islamic takeover is growing among Coptic Egyptians.

It is for this reason that the Ibrahim family did not partic-

numbers

365

Number of people killed during the Cairo protests

5,550

Number of wounded treated in make-shift hospitals across Cairo

100s

Egyptians missing after protests

200,000

Largest number of protesters recorded in Tahrir Square

30

Years Mubarak was president

18 Days it took to end Mubarak’s presidency

6

Months until elections are held in Egypt

ipate in the protests. Instead, the Ibrahims as well as other Coptic Christians in the surrounding area have barricaded themselves from the dangers that lurk outside their walls.

Raised in Egypt, Joanna Ibrahim, 11, and Jackie speak Arabic as their first language. Their entire family lives in Cairo and for the past sixteen years the two have visited Egypt every summer. Egypt is their home. However, their plans to visit Cairo this summer have been postponed indefinitely.

“I don’t know if we will ever be able to go back,” Jackie admitted.

Other Egyptians embrace this change.

“When you walked the streets of Cairo, poverty was everywhere. There were tons of people that were unemployed and unable to support their families. Beggars would look through garbage trying to find some sort of sustenance.

It doesn’t surprise me that this happened” said Tarek Abdallah, 10, a student of Egyptian descent.

An estimated 23.4% of Egyptians live below the poverty line, according to the National NGO Commission for Population and Development. While the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of Egypt rose a considerable amount during Mubarak’s presidency, the poverty rate increased substantially.

“Mubarak made the rich richer and the poor poorer,” said Joanna.

Abdallah has family in Egypt that participated in the

demonstrations. Abdallah’s uncles joined the protests during the first week to call for democracy.

However, as the week progressed, the once peaceful demonstrations turned incredibly violent. Molotov cocktails, a gasoline bomb in which a burning rag is put inside a bottle of alcohol, were thrown. A group of men on horses and camels (rumored to be paid off by Mubarak’s government) charged into a crowd and trampled some to death.

“Once those cocktails started being thrown, my uncles knew that the situation was far too inflamed for their participation,” said Abdallah.

As the violence escalated in Cairo, Adballah’s uncles armed themselves.

“It’s pretty common for people to be armed nowadays in Egypt. The situation is far too risky to be caught off guard,” said Abdallah.

Despite the apparent danger of the situation on the streets of Cairo, the jubilant chants for democracy and freedom still ring clear.

“People want freedom; it’s as simple as that. Although my uncles aren’t protesting much anymore, they still know that these demonstrations will be good for Egypt,” said Abdallah.

As of press time, Mubarak has stepped down from office, leaving the military to control the country. Still, protesters that remain in Tahrir Square are demanding a democratic future for Egypt.

“It’s hard to destroy morality when people are fighting for something they believe in,” said Abdallah.

How Egypt affects America: As changes continue to occur in Egypt, many Americans are starting to wonder why their country is investing so much concern in a country nearly 8,000 miles away.

According to a recent poll by the Pew Research Center, 58 percent of Americans surveyed say the protest will not have much of an effect on the United States.

However, the United States relies on Egypt to cooperate on a huge range of issues, including: assisting with American military operations in the Middle East, counterterrorism, Arab-Israeli negotiations, and freedom of navigation and the seas. All of these interests of the United States could be directly affected by what comes next in Egypt.

Whatever happens, the process has just begun.

Foreign Policy: Egypt’s impact on American foreign policy depends largely on the decisions made over the next few months. While Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak kept a close relationship with the United States despite Egyptian popular sentiment, the new government could choose to adopt much more independent foreign policy. Most likely, the United States will have to deal with a shift in multiple aspects of its influence in the Middle East. These shifts could be positive or negative. For example, a democratic Egypt could aid United States efforts to minimize Iran’s influence in the region. However, a new political order in Egypt could also potentially contain elements of the Muslim Brotherhood, a banned political party that has recieved support from Iran and has multiple networks operating in different states throughout the region.

Economy: Egypt has already affected the United States economy, mainly because of what happens to oil prices when global tensions rise. The ongoing uncertainty has increased risk premiums on shipping insurance, driving up the price of imports like oil and gas. Unfortunately the turmoil is not just in Egypt -- it has erupted all throughout the Middle East, near some of the world’s most important oil and gas reserves.

Arab-Israeli Relations: Mubarak sided with the United States in a number of policies regarding the ArabIsraeli conflict, including support of the status quo in Gaza and the promotion of anti-Hamas policies. Although a democratic Egypt will support the Camp David Peace Accords, they may not agree with some of the other aspects of United States policies.

While this may complicate the situation in Israel, it could also potentially provide new opportunities to solve problems between Israel and the Palestinians.

30 years in a ‘state of emergency’

In 1981, Egyptian President Anwar el Sadat was assassinated. As a temporary measure, Hosni Mubarak took power under a state of emergency. This “state of emergency” did not end until Mubarak resigned on Feb. 11, 2011.

When Egypt was under a state of emergency, constitutional law was suspended, censorship was legalized, and the government imprisoned individuals indefinitely and without reason.

And while Mubarak claimed that state of emergency rule was still necessary due to the threat of terrorism from groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, he used this as an excuse to control the media, arrest activists without trial and hold them in undocumented prisons, ban opposing candidates, and win “elections” with a suspicious unanimous vote.

Thus began Egypt’s 30-year dictatorship.

The west loved Mubarak, who they saw as an integral player in peace negotiations with Israel. But Egyptian youth grew more and more disgruntled with their leader. They believed Mubarak was focusing too much on impressing western powers at the expense of his people.

“The long-term causes of the rebellion in Egypt are unhappiness with limited political freedom, the condition of the economy for the poor, and the difficulty of finding jobs, even for those who are educated,” said Mrs. Rosemary Ennis, History department.

Though these long-term frustrations brewed for years under Mubarak’s rule, they recently erupted into a series of events that sparked the idea of rebellion throughout the Middle East.

From revolution to reconstruction

images by emma oh

January 25

The unrest began Jan. 25, 2011 on “a day of revolt.” Tens of thousands of people flooded Tahrir Square and the streets of several Egyptian cities demanding an end to President Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule.

January 26

The Egyptian government attempts to crush new protests by banning public gatherings and sending police officers to disperse unlawful protesters. The Egyptian government also tries to shut down telecommunications.

January 28

Hundreds of thousands of protesters attend afternoon prayers before marching into battle with the Egyptian police. Later, Mubarak orders his government to resign, but does not step down himself.

January 29

President Barack Obama and his Administration search for a plan to curb some of the protesting. Obama decides against asking Mubarak to step down in an attempt to keep a power vacuum from forming within Egypt.

Egypt

friday, february 25, 2011 Tunisia

Morocco The main opposition group in Morocco warns of drastic governmental change unless the King implements economic reforms.

Iran

Syria

On Feb. 18, anti-government protesters filled the streets of Tehran.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s reactions to protests seem to reflect a bit of ambivalence. After applauding Egyptian people for their protests, he accused Iranian demonstrators of “[tarnishing] the Iranian nation’s brilliance.”

Despite promises from President Bashar al-Assad of political reforms, the country has remained under emergency law since 1963.

As of press time, Syria remains calm, but calls for a “day of rage” still remain.

On December 17, Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire when officials prevented him from selling vegetables without permission.

Immediately after, violent protests spread throughout Algeria which led to President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali’s decision to step down.

Protests in Tunisia served as a catalyst for the revolution in Egypt.

3

Jordan King Abdullah II dismissed the Jordanian government in the wake of street protests – including former Prime Minister Samir Rifai, who is blamed for deplorable economic conditions and slow political reform. A new cabinet was sworn in on Feb. 10.

Bahrain Protesters have been demanding a change in the constitutional monarchy, but were met with police brutality - leaving three dead and 303 injured.

Algeria Egypt

Sporadic protests have been continuing in Algeria due to severe economic conditions. Preisdent Bouteflika said he would lift the “state of emergency” that has been in place since 1992, but has yet to do so.

Protestors gathered in Tahrir Square calling for an end to Hosni Mubarak’s presidency. Ultimately, Mubarak stepped down. These protests triggered many other demonstrations throughout the Middle East.

Libya Although protests are banned in Libya, demonstrators heeded the internet call for “A Day of Protests” on Feb. 17. Demonstrators hope to put an end to President Muammar Gaddafi’s 42 year term.

Saudi Arabia

Sudan A youth-led protest was met with violence by the Sudanese government. Security forces responded to largely peaceful protests with tear gas and beatings with sticks, resulting in a student death.

image by jimmy chau

Having tapped into vast oil resources, Saudi Arabia is one of the wealthiest countries in the Arab world.

However, the people of Saudi Arabia are suppressed – King Abdullah Al-Saud banned all opposition groups in the country.

Yemen After days of protests, President Ali Abdullah Saleh announced that neither he nor his son would seek presidency again. Yemen still has the highest poverty rate in the Middle East, leaving half of the population to survive on less than $2 a day.

Egyptian dominoes:‘a spreading revolution’ The revolutions in the Middle East are drastically different from uprisings in the past because of the catalytic role of social media.

A Facebook group about Khaled Said, an Egyptian man who was beaten to death by Egyptian police, attracted 470,000 members. A graphic Youtube video about his murder went viral, sparking public outrage.

In Tunisia, Mohamed Bouazizi, a young, college-educated man, was forced to work as a fruit peddler because of the lack of economic opportunities. When his wares were confiscated, he was left with nothing and humiliated.

After government officials refused to help him, he lit himself aflame outside the governor’s office.

This incident ignited the fire of revolution across the Middle East. The Facebook page about Said and other similar groups have become a center for organization of ideas and events. Wael Ghonim, a young Google executive, became a major figure in the Egyptian revolution by creating the Facebook page “Revolution 2.0”, which launched initial protests.

Twitter has also served a unique role in the revolution. With Twitter, updates can be sent

February 1

The largest outpouring of anti-Mubarak protesters yet . Mubarak announces that he will not run for another term as President of Egypt.

Obama suggests that this is not enough, stating that “Orderly transition...must begin now.”

directly from eyewitnesses in Tahrir Square to the rest of the world in a matter of seconds, giving information to millions of people, not only in Egypt, but throughout the Middle East and across the world. Without this, the astonishing speed of the revolution would not have been possible.

On Jan. 27, just hours before a major protest was scheduled to take place, Egyptian citizens began experiencing outages in internet and SMS. Mubarak’s government had realized just how potent the threat of social media was.

Protesters feared that this would irrevocably damage the revolution.

However, the Egyptian people were not easy to suppress. The internet blockage did little to calm protests. Just a few days later, signs of life began to emerge from previously dead Egyptian networks. The discouraged government had plugged Egypt back in.

Social media has connected a vast network of protesters and ideas putting power in the hands of the people. This connection has allowed the people of Egypt and those in the Middle East to unite and develop goals on an international scale.

February 4

Egypt’s largest opposition force, the Muslim Brotherhood, issues a statement asking Mubarak to step aside and allow a transitional government to take over.

February 11

President Mubarak leaves the Egyptian capital for his resort home in Sharm elSheik. The military armed forces appeared to assert their leadership.

photo courtesy of twitter

image by sm dipali

February 14

images by emma oh

The Egyptian military consolidates Egypt in a “democratic transition”, dissolving the Parliament, suspending the Constitution and calling for elections in September, answering the protesters demands.

news

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friday, february 25, 2011

‘I’m not doing this for publicity, I’m doing this for justice’

‘The one who sees the shadows of shadows,’ Cincinnati’s superhero fights crime, feeds homeless rishiCHOUBEY

I

staff writer

n recent months, the city’s mysterious super hero, along with his band of super-hero friends, have left the city in “harm’s way”. The masked crusader that famously made headlines across the nation has seemingly disappeared from the streets of Cincinnati.

For those that do not already know, Shadow Hare is the Queen City’s 22-year-old “crime-fighter” that dons a black leotard, a mask and cape. He “helps” patrol the street by fighting crime and feeding the homeless.

Even though he is not endorsed by the police department, he makes citizen arrests when necessary while carrying a taser, pepper spray and his own handcuffs.

His MySpace page reads with the words “It was the best of times and the worst of times. I’ve stopped many evil doers...such as drug dealers, muggers, rapists, and crazy hobos with pipes.”

“I started out patrolling in just a small village, to the big

city of Cincinnati, then as soon as you knew it I even went all the way out to California to do this. I’ve fed the homeless, and helped many others who were in need.”

Those that actually know who he is consider the man to be a joke or an attention seeker.

“I still think he’s cool, he’s kind of like that guy in that movie ‘Kick Ass’,” said Victor Hu, 11.

However, others may be interested to know that in a Channel 5 local news interview, he claimed to have been abused as a child in foster homes and that he wanted to dedicate his life helping others.

“I heard he got beat up and retired from crime-fighting.

No one really knows where he went,” said Hu. As long as he is gone, well, even when he was around, crime rates stayed relatively unchanged. Maybe he was just an attention-seeking guy that let his childhood fantasies get to his head.

In the Channel 5 interview he said, “I’m not doing this for publicity. I’m doing this for justice.”

CINCINNATI’S SUPERHERO, SHADOW Hare, has recently disappeared leaving the city in confusion. Hare is a 22-year-old male who fights crime downtown as well as feeds the homeless while trying to protect the photo courtesy of bite.ca innocent.

AP European students anticipate trip across globe kelcieGREGA

I

calendar chief

n just a few months, the A.P. European History students will be going on a once in a lifetime trip to Europe.

They will be leaving on this 10 day trip on March 24 and returning April 2.

The students going on the trip will be visiting London, Paris, Florence, and Rome. They will be seeing famous sites along with exciting trips such as discos and an evening trip to the Eiffel Tower.

“It is certainly going to be an enlightening endeavor but what will happen on the trip depends on fate,” said Vincent Chiang, 11.

There are a lot of things to be done before the students go on this excursion. Most students bring a long $400-500 for souvenirs, trinkets, tips and lunch. They will also have to convert some of their money to not only the euro, but also the British pound.

Travel to separate countries will be provided for, both domestic and international airlines arranged by Tours.

However, each student will be responsible for their own

It is certainly going to be an enlightening endeavor but what will happen on the trip depends on fate.

Vincent Chiang, 11

individual expenses.

“For all of those who are going on the trip all I have to say is have an amazing time. Those 10 days are going to fly by extremely fast. I know you are only allowed to bring one bag on the trip, but try to bring as many clothes as possible because the weather can change dramatically, especially in England,” said Kevin Sonnenberg, 12.

Even though this trip is extremely exciting for many students, school rules still apply just like in any other field trip.

“Always follow school rules on this trip and do not do anything illegal or anything you may regret,” said Sonnenberg.

The students going on the trip will remember this excursion for the rest of their lives; almost everyone who has been to the trip to Europe does not regret it, despite the $3000 expense.

“On the trip, you will without a doubt make a lot of new friends that will be your friends for a lifetime. I still talk to students that went to Europe with me. Europe was amazing and changed my life completely,” said Sonnenberg.

Friends of the Leaf Dipali family Spicer family Choubey family Vaidya family Sosna family Froh family

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE following National Merit Finalists: from top left: Michael Shi, Devin Choudhury, Andrew Wick, Michael Proudfoot, Alexander Berger, Jason Robke, Alexandria Smith, Emily Mills, Carolyn Raithel, Caroline Pineo, Corinne Peters, Bryan Bergman, Aaron Kaufman, and Ravi Sheth. Not Pictured: Gabriella Chronis, Lindsey Johnson, and photo courtesy of shira spiegel Steven Simpkins.

Suffield Orthodontics

Calendar

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Friday, February 25, 2010

sunday

monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday

kelcieGREGA

11 calendar chief

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SHS Event: Fine Arts Fair 10:00 a.m.

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Daylight Savings Time begins

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Religious Holiday: Bahá’í Begins

History: Ohio becomes 17th state 1803

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Early Release Day (SHS only)

History: Star-Spangled Banner becomes National Anthem 1931

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10

Famous Birthday Dr. Seuss’ Birthday

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SHS Event: Fine Arts Fair 8:00 a.m.

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SHS Event: Winter Sports Awards 7:30 p.m.

Religious Holiday: Ash Wednesday

SHS Event: Choir Concert 7:30 p.m.

SHS Event: PTO Meeting 9:00 a.m.

Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs.

Anderson scrimmage 1:00 p.m.

SHS Event: Odd Couples Ball 6:00 p.m.

SAT

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Holiday: Johnny Apple Seed Day

Famous Birthday: Albert Einstein

Holiday: St. Patrick’s Day

OGT

OGT

OGT

OGT

OGT

Religious Holiday: Purim

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SHS Event: Fashion for the Cure 6:00 p.m.

Early Release Day

First Day of Spring OGT

OGT

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3

Religious Holiday: Mardi Gras

Famous Birthday: David Gilmore

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1

saturday

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Famous Birthday: Elton John

OGT

31

End of Third Quarter

March OGT

Snapshots

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Winter formal Friday, February 25, 2011

janeFINOCHARO

snapshots editor

WINTER FORMAL TOOK place on Feb. 12. Right: Megan Friday, 12, asked Mike Knodle, 12, to Winter Formal. Friday warmed up with the cheerleaders and asked Knodle to the dance during basketball practice. Left: Juniors Olivia Smith and Brendan Corcoran dance at Winter Formal.

BELOW: The crowd dances at Winter Formal. Many students who attended the dance commented that the crowd seemed much smaller than usual.

This may have been because, for the first time, students were required to pay all student fees before purchasing dance tickets, or because of the more couple-oriented nature of Winter Formal as opposed to the Homecoming dance or Prom.

photo courtesy of jeremy mcdaniel

image by jane finocharo

photo courtesy of jeremy mcdaniel

SPECIAL OFFER for Sycamore High School

Huntington Learning Center is offering a practice ACT or SAT test for Sycamore High school students for only $30 (savings of $165) at Harper’s Point Location. 513-677-1400

The ACT & SAT practice tests will be held on: Monday, June 6th at 9am Tuesday, June 7th at 9am

Both tests will include a review session to go over the results with the parents and students.

Forum

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Friday, February 25, 2011

gabeENGLANDER

associate editor

staffeditorial

I

t seems that every generation has its defining moment: that instant in which something miraculous or shocking occurs. Leaving us in disbelief, the memory is permanently embedded in our minds.

This is something that is remembered for years, discussed at gatherings and explained to future children the way our parents remember the exact place they were when the Berlin Wall fell or when they heard of the untimely death of Princess Diana.

More pertinent to our generation is the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

We were young when that happened, but without a doubt, most of us remember that day.

We remember where we were and how we came to know of this tragedy—we may not have fully grasped the weight of the situation, but we knew it was significant.

While the recent situation in Egypt may not be as proximal to every American citizen as the 9/11 attack, it is globally relevant to history.

When our children attend school, the “Egypt thing” will have been interwoven into history, written into textbooks and spoken about the way the fall of the Soviet Union is regarded today.

Because Ohio’s educational guidelines require us to, we learn about important occurrences in history.

the Sycamore

Up until now, a “revolution” was merely a word in our textbooks, accompanied by brief paragraphs describing the struggles of various nations, with maybe a photograph to illustrate. Today, we are experiencing it.

Okay, so we are not actually experiencing it, but it is exciting to know that history is being made around us.

With the wonders of modern technology we can watch a live feed of protests from anywhere in the world . We could read about President Hosni Mubarak stepping down just moments after it happened.

This access to an almost overwhelming wealth of information puts us in the position to be as informed as we choose to be.

And, as a student-run newspaper dedicated to covering what is important, we could not pass up this opportunity to publish our take on this momentous event. Rarely is there pressing news that makes us feel like we are part of history.

The uprising in Egypt has set off a chain reaction of unrest in surrounding countries and no one can say what the situation will be in the next few days, let alone in months.

We are in the midst of tumult.

We do not expect everyone to be glued to their television sets and computer screens, keeping up with the situation in the Middle East, we do not even assume that everyone cares; however, there is no doubt that this is a time period we will all remember for years to come.

leaf

Mission Statement: The Leaf, the official newspaper of Sycamore High School, serves as an educational tool in the training of student journalists to provide information and editorial leadership concerning school, national, and world issues, to provide a public forum for the exchange of ideas and viewpoints, and to give coverage to newsworthy events directly related to the diverse school population.

Editorial Policy: Although students work under the guidance of a professional faculty member, the content is ultimately determined by the student staff and should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics about which there may be dissent and controversy.

Students cannot publish material that is obscene, libelous, or will cause “a substantial disruption of the educational process.” Content that may stimulate heated debate or discussion is not included in this definition.

Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242

leafing through the masses

Q:

What do you think is the most significant event of the 20th/21st century?

World War I, Poland came back into existence because of it.

-Artur Meller, 11 Computers, they helped establish America’s ‘love of ease’ behaviors.

- Saeed Piracha, 10 letter to the editor To the editor, I did the sound for Battle of the Sibs and I would like to clarify that the problems with sound during the Battle of the Sibs were with the quality of the videos, not with how I did my job. I did the best I could with what I was given. I just wanted to clarify.

AJ Bierschwal, 11

Editors-in-chief: Brandon Sosna, Maria Marballi Associate Editors: Kelsey Drapkin,

The Leaf operates as an open forum for the healthy, robust exchange of ideas. Opinions expressed in the editorials are those of The Leaf staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged.

All letters must be signed. The letters, not to exceed 300 words, may be edited for clarity, spelling, and grammar. Letters may be placed in Mrs. Cheralyn Jardine’s mailbox, dropped off in room 115, or e-mailed to jardinec@sycamoreschools.org.

The Leaf reserves the right to decide not to cover a death based on relevance, timeliness, and circumstances decided on by the editorial board. In cases that the editorial board decides not to cover a death, letters to the editor in regard to that death will be printed.

The Leaf’s complete editorial policies can be found at www.goaves.com.

For comments about columns, please write to writetotheleaf@gmail.com

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

News S.M. Dipali Forum Shivani Parikh Feature Jimmy Chau Emma Oh Lina Cardenas A&E Emma Oh Gina Romeo Sports Brandon Sosna Daniel Bayliss Bennett Kaplan

Calendar Kelcie Grega Spotlight Drew Gelwicks Snapshots Jane Finocharo Fun & Games Clayton Hamre Cartoonist Lilly Lefton Amaji Finnell Web Masters Jacob Deitloff Ross Johnstal

My review of Battle of the Siblings last month was my first article ever to receive complaints from numerous students and a teacher. I was quite surprised.

The article, which was intended to be constructive criticism, concluded that Battle “turned out as well it could have” and included a few suggestions for next year.

Pretty mild stuff, right?

In the days that followed, I realized that people were upset not because it was particularly critical, but because SHS students and teachers assume that The Leaf’s primary job is to be a cheerleader.

The Leaf deserves it. Too often articles reviewing an event or performance refuse to do an actual, honest review. That’s how we end up with articles that explain that improv as an entire genre can be funny, while not deciding where ‘Improv Aves’ falls.

Too often articles are needlessly optimistic, spinning a sports team and its players to look successful regardless of whether or not they actually are. This fear of criticizing is buried deep in the subconscious of The Leaf.

The cause for this fear comes from two sources.

First, the administration is legally allowed to censor The Leaf, which encourages The Leaf to make the administration happy at the expense of its journalistic integrity (see The Leaf’s September coverage of Homecoming).

And second, from SHS students and faculty who do not hesitate to complain when given critical coverage.

These two pressures have created a scared and harassed student newspaper and planted the idea among the SHS community that The Leaf can only applaud.

This is incorrect and is a fundamental misunderstanding of the purpose of a student newspaper, which is plainly to inform. If staffers are afraid to inform or give their honest opinion in the forum section, then there is a problem.

If every time an event is given a mildly critical review, those involved ask us to never cover them again, then SHS will deserve the neutered coverage it gets.

Because The Leaf is the only source of information at SHS that does not have to adhere to the administration’s official line, it has a sacred duty to honestly inform without fearing who it might offend.

Members of The Leaf should bear this in mind the next time they sit down to write, and students and teachers ought to consider it the next time they find themselves in the paper.

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

Gabe Englander, Moriah Krawec Managing Editor: Jimmy Chau, Ellie Goldman Business Managers: Emma Oh, Emma Rosen Staff Writers Dilnoza Abdusamatova Irfanuddin Aijaz Madison Ashley Ana Barros Emily Begley Denae Bellilti Alec Bochner John Carroll Krittika Chatterjee Rishi Choubey Brian Cleary Rohan Dalal Gariauna Daniels Michael DeMaio Mark Eilers Gabriela Godinez-Feregrino Devon Grubba Samantha Hammer Aaron Ishida Alexandria Lazar Shea Lothrop Sarah May Frank Pan Orion Radtke Casey Rayburn

Daniel Rickert Cailin Rogers Michael Saxon Aditi Sharma Shayna Siegel Chase Spicer Ilana Vinnik Sanika Vaidya

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

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Overlooked:

Local history deserves more recognition

claytonHAMRE

fun&games editor

A

n interesting fact that the IRS has announced this year is that the deadline for individual federal income tax returns, normally April 15, will be Monday, April 18 in 2011, due to Emancipation Day falling on the former date.

Never heard of Emancipation Day? Many Americans probably have not.

One might think that such a holiday would mark the Emancipation Proclamation – but that was issued on January 1, and Emancipation Day is only official in Washington, D.C. What the day really honors is Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act, which abolished slavery in the District of Columbia. The holiday is not nationwide – but by falling on April 15 this year (April 16, the normal date, is a Saturday), it affects the whole nation.

There are a few major dates celebrated almost universally in the U.S. (Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas), as well as a number of other significant holidays that are usually observed.

But there are so many more local and minor commemorations, perhaps meaningful to a small segment of the population, that pass by without anyone giving a second thought.

For example, the City of Montgomery was founded in 1796 by settlers from Orange County, New York, but it is likely that many students from that area could not state that fact.

There are a number of figures in local history who do not have as much prominence as national figures, but who have had an impact on what kind of communities exist in the area today.

snapshots editor

Though former Governor Ted Strickland has left office, parts of his education reform plan may still be implemented, including his somewhat controversial idea to replace the Ohio Graduation Test with the ACT as a graduation requirement for Ohio high school students.

Due to rising concerns over the status of American education on a worldwide scale, several states are considering replacing their current graduation tests with the more difficult and prestigious ACT. The hope is that this will increase students’ seriousness about their education and push them toward college.

Ohio Superintendent John Foley stated that the intent is for a change

Dipal-Oh-tics news chief

& emmaOH business manager

GOP votes to repeal Strickland’s school plan Republicans in the Ohio House of Representatives voted to dismantle former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland’s educational reforms. The plan would include tuition-free-allday kindergarten, funds for textbook and instructional supplies, an established family and civic engagament teams, and the School Funding Advisory Council. The repeal has passed through the House and will go on to the Senate.

image by gabe englander

THE WILDER-SWAIM HOUSE is one piece of local history often overlooked. Built in 1815 by settlers from Rhode Island, it was sold to William Swaim in 1917. Swaim turn what was a farm into a golf course, building the foundation for what Swaim Park and Montgomery look like today.

An example of such a figure is Delbert Todd, who owned the Wilder-Swaim house, and gave the neighborhood its appearance by creating a golf course on the property, and eventually selling it for development.

Additionally, there exists plenty of history even before European settlement. The City of Montgomery itself was founded on the junction of two Indian trails.

So, just as the residents of Wash-

ington, D.C., will spend Emancipation Day recognizing their own history, Cincinnatians could devote some time to appreciating their own.

Even if no holiday is established, students could learn something about their own history by visiting a local monument, historical building, or cemetery – or even just finding out some information online.

It would probably not impact the whole nation, but it would be a worthwhile use of time.

in the test to lead in a change in coursework. Education officials hope that this will motivate students to take more advanced college preparatory classes.

The ACT would be more difficult to pass, and would require students to work longer and harder to graduate, all in the hope that Ohio students would advance.

However, students are already having difficulty passing the OGT. In 2009, the Ohio government reported that 11,577 seniors were taking the OGT for the third time. Of these 11,577 students, 77% failed at least one section again.

The purpose of replacing the OGT with the ACT is to urge more students to advance. Instead, this could lead to even more students failing. Educators

hope that raising the requirements and forcing students to take the ACT in order to graduate will encourage them to go to college. But this sinkor-swim ideology could bar many students from even attaining a high school diploma.

Changing the standards for graduation will not necessarily improve the quality of education or increase student motivation. Many schools do not have the resources to make sweeping educational reforms, and many students will not have the drive to work to their full potential no matter how much pressure they receive from graduation requirements.

Setting the ACT as the graduation standard should be the effect – not the cause – of improvements in education.

Dinner, Art & Wine for Canines Saturday, March 12, 2011, 6-10 pm -$45 per person includes buffet dinner & open beer and wine bar at Receptions Loveland 10681 Loveland - Madeira Road

Schedule of Events: 6-7:30 p.m.

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8 p.m.

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friday, february 25, 2011

smDIPALI

ACT possibly replaces graduation test janeFINOCHARO

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Wines of the World Wine Tasting & Art Exhibit (Meet the Artists) Dinner Raffle Prize & Silent Auction Tables Close Welcome by Marlys Staley, Executive Director Keynote Speaker Raffle Prizes, Door Prizes & Silent Auction Items Awarded

D: After a sobering international report that detailed America’s educational ranking in the world – 14th in English, 25th in mathematics, and 17th in science – Strickland sought to reform Ohio’s education system.

This evidence-based school funding plan would help Ohio’s children compete on the international level, yet Republicans in the House are voting to repeal these reforms, claiming that the plan is an “unfunded mandate” (the GOP cleverly ignores Strickland’s long term plan to provide funding for these educational reforms).

Fundamentally, the quality of education in impoverished areas is basely poor primarily due to the school funding system. The school funding system is completely inequitable because funding formulas are largely based on property taxes. So, wealthy school districts, like Indian Hill and Wyoming, have the funds to support the programs that Strickland proposed, while poorer schools, such as Cincinnati Public, do not.

To the Republicans, Strickland did the unthinkable: he tried to initiate a program that leveled the playing field for all children. He tried to ensure that no matter where a child goes to school in Ohio, he or she would be provided a good education and an equal opportunity for long term success.

By repealing this school plan, Republicans perpetuate the ills that are caused by a highly skewed and unfair system. They damn an entire generation of students to a below-average education; simply because their parents don’t live in McMansions. Inner-city children in Ohio won’t get the education necessary to rise out of their current circumstances.

Essentially, what the GOP is doing is consigning a whole class of underprivileged children to destitute status – firming their party manifesto of “if you have money, stick with us. If not, fend for yourself.”

At the very core, this is a cowardly move. They hide behind the ominous terms “unfunded mandate” and “cruel hoax” while remaining blind to a crucial vision – a vision that Strickland had: in order to regain our status internationally, America must invest in education. America must invest in the future.

E: If the recession has taught us anything, it’s that you can’t spend more money than you actually have. Even though there is merit in Strickland’s programs to improve education, Ohio school districts simply cannot afford to integrate them into their already tight budgets.

Strickland’s evidence-based school-funding plan required that school districts set aside certain amounts of money for textbooks and instructional supplies, establish family and civic service engagement teams and offer tuition free all day kindergarten classes without providing any money to pay for them.

All day kindergarten, the most expensive provision, would cost districts statewide an estimated $205 million per year – an amount that would potentially force local school leaders to cut staff and other school programs or ask voters to increase taxes.

Cutting programs may hurt other students within the district and would definitely spell trouble for districts like Lakota who are already struggling to make ends meet.

Despite Democratic amendments to extend the time required for initiating the programs within schools, the chances of success still look bleak.

With the cuts in state aid expected to help close an $8 billion deficit in the next two-year budget, the financial situation for schools may not look better any time soon.

“We all know schools will be getting less money. If we can’t help them on the revenue side, the least we can do is help them on the expenditure side,” said Rep. J Hottinger (R) in an interview with the Columbus Dispatch.

Strickland provided

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forum

F

9 rom normal youth to troubled gunman:

friday, february 25, 2011

& alecBOCHNER

staff writer

Growing up, Loughner was a normal, likeable kid, but during his senior year in 2006, he dropped out of high school due to extensive use of drugs and alcohol.

According to CNN, been using various hallucinogens along with heavy alcohol consumption.

After being rejected by the army due to drug use in 2006, he was later fired from Quiznos and an animal shelter. He was unable to follow directions due to his paranoia that the government was watching his every move.

He then began attending Pima Community College, where he was accused of several library and classroom disruptions.

On Sept. 29, 2010, college police discovered a Youtube video posted by Loughner, saying that the school was a “scam.”

Due to his noticeably poor mental health, the Community College’s administration and Loughner’s parents decided it was best if he withdraw from the institution.

Slippery slope

For years, Loughner displayed signs of mental illness, and for years he was rejected, fired from a number of jobs, and simply ignored.

Say something!

Understanding one disturbed mind

According to CNN, Loughner was critical of religion and the U.S. government. He especially disliked female politicians, including Giffords, the first Jewish, female democrat elected to the United States Congress.

The New York Times reported that according to a few of Loughner’s close friends, Loughner was critical of any woman considering an abortion. Giffords was known to be “pro-choice,” supporting that women deserve the right to decide what to do with their bodies.

It is still up for debate whether Loughner’s actions were due to extensive drug use, poor mental health, sexism, extreme political views, or a combination of these.

Not only is the reason for the shooting unknown, but many wonder whether or not the event was avoidable. Interestingly enough, the morning of the massacre, Loughner posted on MySpace, saying “Goodbye friends. Please don’t be mad at me.”

How many times has humanity seen warning signs of a tragedy and to failed to act upon it? How many times will obliviousness lead to the death of loved ones?

The troubled life of Loughner leading to the Tucson shooting is an American tragedy, but what truly tears the heart of Americans is that lives could have been saved, and we let another one go.

Where: Counseling Center

- personal counseling - psychological help

Mental Health Access Point (MHAP) Phone #: 558-8888

- mental health assessment - transitional and temporary case management - authorization and connection to appropriate services

“What is government if words have no meaning?” said Loughner, when he was unintentionally ignored by Giffords at a 2007 Constituents’ meeting.

While this may have been his main concern, we have a different concern right now: what is government if the people are not kept safe from madmen like Loughner? What is government if people like him are not helped and put into intensive care so as not to hurt anybody?

When someone who clearly has a serious problem, like the perpetrators in both Tucson and at Virginia Tech, they cannot be left to roam free and determine their own futures.

They must be guided and, in this case, aided and supervised to prevent future tragedies.

As we let another such person go, we bring this onto ourselves.

While we may not have known Loughner directly, there are people like him walking among us every day.

As a society, we should open our eyes and reach out to help men and women who are at war with the rest of the world and, perhaps more importantly, at war with themselves.

Ms. Laura Miniard, AP Psychology teacher, on workings of a mentally-ill mind

In SHS, we have the student assistance couselors, as well as their own teachers. It is also important to have a place where kids feel safe, and know that they can rely on their peers.

What can we do to prevent people like Loughner from slipping through the cracks?

Education and spreading awareness is the first step to keeping the mentally-ill from being brushed aside. It is also important to get to know one another and establish personal relations, with one looking out for the other.

What causes people to have suicidal/murderous thoughts?

It depends. We must first understand that not everyone who is mentally ill is dangerous to other people. The media has led us to believe that all people who are mentally ill will end up like Loughner. However, most of these cases are more dangerous to themselves than to others. Sadly, however, many have suicidal, even murderous, thoughts that come from personal experiences. It is a big combination of many factors that could apply to anyone else, even the mentally-sane.

1 2 3 4 5 Distorted thoughts, delusions or hallucinations

Abuse of drugs and/ or alcohol

Defying authority, stealing, or vandalizing

Frequent outbursts of anger

for more info, visit: http://www.webmd.com

Warning signs: Identifying early symptoms of mental illness Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety; paranoia

treasonous laws college is a scam The governmen is watching me.t..

The thoughts behind the plot

What could have been

It can be hard, but it is very important What precautions/resources are there at school for people like to let someone know if you think that Loughner? you or one of your friends is mentally ill It is important to have an environment where kids know that there are adults to talk to.

Student Assistance Counselors

the gove way of brainwashingrnment’s controlling our minds us and ...

image by ana barros

Wrong turns

Blaming his peculiar behavior on drug and alcohol abuse, his teachers, friends, and family shoved his problems aside and let him slip through the cracks of society.

Four years after being expelled from college, 31 of Loughner’s bullets managed to kill six bystanders and wound 14 others.

As the target, Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) collapsed. Chaos and shock spread throughout the local Safeway, and the following question was inevitable: how is it possible that an obviously mentally-deranged college student managed to fly so low under the radar, only to grab our attention when it was too late?

How is it possible that nearly four years after the mass murder at Virginia Tech University, where 33 died, we managed to ignore someone who is so blatantly disturbed?

Though the tragedy at Tucson brought widespread fear and grief, it also conveyed to the nation what happens when we fail to act upon obvious warning signs.

Even Loughner’s friends admit that he was an alcoholic and drug addict, and his behavior was starting to get increasingly insane towards the end of his senior year, when he decided that he was in a fierce battle with the government.

Loughner constantly struggled with the current government, convinced that they were constantly tracking him, and that he was a victim of government mind control.

John Wilkes Booth Target:

Abraham Lincoln Date of shooting: April 14, 1865

Location:

Ford’s Theatre, Washington, D.C.

Motives behind assassination:

Booth was a supporter of the Confederates. He opposed the abolition of slavery and Lincoln’s plan to grant voting rights to emancipated slaves.

Lee Harvey Oswald Target:

John F. Kennedy Date of shooting: Nov. 22, 1963

Location:

Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas

Motives behind assassination:

Oswald was committed to Marxism and Communism, and opposed democracy. He also did not understand the severity of his actions.

John Hickley, Jr. Target:

Ronald Reagan Date of shooting: Mar. 30, 1981

Location:

Hilton Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Motives behind assassination:

all photos by altavista

magine being a teacher of a student that will someday be infamous for killing six innocent civilians and injuring 14 in the process. For Benjamin McGahee, former math professor of Jared Lee Loughner, this is all too familiar.

It was obvious that Loughner was mentally unstable, as his fellow students at Pima Community College clearly recall him making offensive and nonsensical comments in class, and often laughing at himself.

“One lady in the back of the classroom said she was scared for her life, literally,” said McGahee to CNN reporters.

Loughner’s abnormal behavior in class is just one of the many warning signs of the catastrophe he was to commit in Tuscon, Arizona on Jan. 8.

What is govern words have no mmeeant if ning? grammar is

pro-life

I

staff writer

Every assassin has a story: lives of political conspirators

anaBARROS

no rules will hold me back

ear shoots through American hearts

Hickley was obsessed with actress Jodie Foster and felt that killing a political figure would attract her attention. He was also legally insane.

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onstitutionality questioned: an SHS continue bake sales?

markEILERS

F

staff writer

our score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal,” said Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States of America, in the Gettysburg Address.

These everlasting words were spoken by Lincoln addressing the upcoming bloody war for the rights that all men are created equal. Even from the birth of this great nation, we believed, fought, and died for the rights of an American citizen to do whatever they pleased.

For centuries we feared complete government control, and as a result, we as a nation developed, and formed a document (the Constitution) to limit government control and ensue the rights of citizens.

“I think that banning items in the cafeteria and terminating bake sales is a bad idea because it goes against our rights as an American citizen. I feel that if a person wants to eat unhealthy foods, then that is their choice,” said David Eilers, 12.

However, is the Obama administration’s ban on foods and the termination of all bake sales an infringement of our rights, even though the issue of what we can and cannot eat is not directly stated in the Constitution?

After all, the United States has been faced with many court issues dealing with other rights not stated in the Constitution: for example, the right to marry anyone you choose, gender irrelevant. With these court cases, we have learned and grown as a nation.

However, this case is considered different. Eating unhealthy foods and maintaining a poor diet

can have detrimental effects on one’s health.

For example, if a person is overweight, they put themselves in danger of all sorts of diseases, such as diabetes, heart related illness, and even cancer.

Since school is a place that is supposed to provide a safe and healthy environment, is this a right that we must give up for the sake of a student’s well-being?

“I do not feel that it is right for the Obama administration to ban bake sales and certain foods in the cafeteria. However, I feel that schools need to find other ways to raise money other than by having a bake sale,” said Megan Gundler,11.

If a person chooses to eat unhealthy foods, they have that right as an American citizen to eat what they wish, with no government control, just as a person who wants to eat healthy foods has the right to eat what they want.

“I do not think that it is right for government to get involved in and control what people eat. It goes against what we stand for as a country: freedom,” said Eilers.

MANY STUDENTS AND teachers depend on bake sales to satisfy their sweet tooth. Dr. Eugene Donatell, SHS psychologist, supports various clubs that raise money by utilizing this opportunity. The cheaper prices make bake sales a smarter option than buying cookies or cake in the cafeteria.

friday, february 25, 2011

‘Just a day off of school’

Presidents’ Day falls by wayside sanikaVAIDYA

staff writer

In an ideal world, Presidents’ Day would be a day in which all those who are home from school and work could pause and think back to the historic figures that helped shape U.S. history. However, in reality, the third Monday in Feb. serves simply as a day to stay home and sleep in.

Presidents’ Day, besides being a day off, is a time in which Americans should be reflecting upon the leadership of past presidents. By doing so, they can think about the benefits of being American.

“We have had some amazing presidents over our history, and it is wonderful that we still place emphasis on celebrating these men,” said Mrs. Valerie Nimeskern, history teacher.

But most students do not think this way.

When asked what Presidents’ Day is, the majority of students respond immediately, “a day home from school,” and nothing more.

Most do not even know whether it is “Presidents Day,” “President’s Day,” or “Presidents’ Day.” “Presidents’ Day is George Washington’s birthday, but it doesn’t particularly mean a lot

to me. A birthday is just a birthday, and I think Independence Day is far more symbolic to our country,” said Julian Braxton, 9.

While it was originally celebrated on Washington’s birthday, Feb. 22, since 1971 it has been celebrated on the third Monday of Feb. to honor Abraham Lincoln as well.

However, no matter how many presidents the day celebrates, in students’ minds, the reason for the day off will remain unimportant.

“Presidents’ Day should be a day to remember all the important improvements in their lifetimes, but to most of us, it is just another day when the mail doesn’t run and we don’t go to school,” said Madeline Smith, 9.

“I don’t know much about it, but when I was younger it meant a lot. Now, it’s just a day off school,” said Alexis Wilsey, 10.

When students were younger, activities at school leading up to Presidents’ Day, such as coloring in pictures of the presidents, brought excitement. However, now most would not even know it was Presidents’ Day if not for the day off.

Sadly, the number of people aware of Presidents’ Day and value its meaning is continually decreasing.

Feature

11

Friday, February 25, 2011

‘It’s kind of like you’re coming to their rescue’

Jake ‘Plow-ell’ improves safety of Cincy roads managing editor, feature chief

W

hile some spend their snow days sledding or sleeping in, one student fires up his truck and prepares for a long day of moving snow.

“When we get called off of school, I’m the only one in my family that doesn’t sleep in. I bundle up and get ready to plow,” said Jake Howell, 11.

The origin of this snow day tradition comes from the fact that Howell lives on a private drive.

Consequently, snow days meant that he and his father would spend a fairly large amount of time shoveling the drive

by hand.

Whenever rumors of a winter storm or a snow day would come out of the woodwork, he would be one of the few students who hoped not to have one.

Eventually, the duo got fed up and his father started looking into purchasing a snow plow.

Their search led them to Smith and Trailers, located in Sharonville. Fortunately, Howell was already driving a Jeep Wrangler, and with its standard four-wheel drive, it was the perfect vehicle for the job.

“Next thing I knew, there was a giant plow on the front of

the Jeep,” said Howell.

With his snow-ready Wrangler, Howell tackles driveways and small parking lots. Most of the time, he does not receive any compensation, but he does not mind. Howell is not doing it for the money.

“The best part is the look you get from the car next to you at a red light.

When they realize it’s a teenager

driving a snow plow, their faces are priceless,” said Howell.

However, on the rare occasions that he does charge, it is usually 10 to 20 dollars for a small driveway and an hourly rate for large parking lots.

He drives around Blue Ash, Evendale, and Sharonville, and his services are available to

anyone who is willing to get his attention and ask.

When asked if he is a hero, his modesty obligates him to say no.

However, he also says, “you wouldn't believe the amount of people that wave you down when you drive by. It's kind of like you’re coming to their rescue,” said Howell.

WITH WORK GLOVES in hand, Jake Howell, 11, prepares his signature red jeep for a day of plowing snow. The plow is quite heavy which forces him to wake up earlier to attach it. When he does not prepare his truck the day prior to a storm, his mother, Suzie Howell, often wakes up to help him.

Operation Give Back: michaelSAXON

staff writer

Hope. It is a word that many do not understand the true meaning behind, but it is the word that Lee Langston selected when describing the place he cofounded and directs with his wife Wendetta Langston.

Not only does this small warehouse give underprivileged children a place to learn, but it is also a place where the children can receive hope and increase their self-confidence. This place is called Operation Give Back (OGB).

OGB began in the Langston’s basement in 2002. Their own children would bring other children home to work on homework together. When finished, the children would talk about social issues and often they would call down the Langstons to help answer some of their probing questions.

It was then that the Langstons realized there was a great need for someone or something to help the children in the community.

“Actually, Operation Give Back started before we realized what was going on. So, the organization actually created itself,” said Wendetta.

OGB is usually referred to as a ‘youth center’ where under privileged kids can learn the things they need to succeed in life. Their grades vary from 1st all the way up to 8th. Unfortunately, OGB has a small amount of tutors compared to the large amount of 47 students.

“We’re always in need of more tutors. With 47 students, our goal is to have one on one tutoring but currently I would say we only have three to one,” said Wendetta.

According to the Langstons, SHS students should help out at OGB because they might already know some of the

Liz Lothrop chats about her everyday experiences with leukemia

page 12

image by michael saxon

Underprivileged children benefit from local program

kids there. Tutoring also counts as community service hours which definitely look good when applying to colleges.

But, the value that tutors get out of OGB goes much deeper than finding something to put on a piece of paper.

“The tutors, when they come here, they think they’re coming just to help the kids. But they realize they are getting more help than they can ever imagine,” said Wendetta.

When describing the relationship formed between the students and the tutors, Langston stated that they “unconsciously become mentors.” This very unique relationship is priceless.

“The consistency of that tutor coming, the children start looking for that tutor to come, and so they really make a connection,” said Wendetta.

Other than tutoring, OGB also has a movie night, fun days at the park, and Sticking Together, which was previously called a “Lock In”. This is an event where OGB has the whole bottom floor of SHS in February. It’s a fun night and one that the children at OGB look forward to the most. This year it took place on Feb. 18.

OGB has made a huge influence on the community, but in order to keep going, they need tutors, resources, and funding. You can help by bringing in snacks for the children, becoming a tutor, or just donating outright.

Anything done can help OGB continue to spread “hope” to children in the community.

“I guess the key thing would be we don’t want it to be the best kept secret in Sycamore anymore. This Operation Give Back, this youth center, and the programs we do….

It’s not Lee and Wendy’s, it’s the community’s,” said Lee.

OBG

Operation Give Back

Youth Center 11335 Reed Hartman Hwy. Suite 112 Blue Ash, OH 45241 513-489-2023 513-469-1902 fax ogiveback@fuse.net Stop by or Call to give your donation!

HIGHLIGHTS: Fashion for the Cure page 13

Learn more about optical illusions

page 15

this month in feature

jimmyCHAU

12

Living with

Liz Lothrop chats about her everyday life experiences with Leukemia sheaLOTHROP

staff writer

L

eukemia is a lethal cancer that is estimated to change 46,367 lives in 2010 alone. This cancer of the bone marrow is typically found in adults, but in Liz Lothrop’s case, her cancerous cells were found at age 14.

“When I was diagnosed my first thought was how long did I have to live? I had seen the movie A Walk to Remember where the main character died from leukemia. I thought I would have one, two, three years to live, I didn’t know,” said Lothrop.

Types of Leukemia

There are four breeds of leukemia: Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). For each type of leukemia, there is a different survival rate.

“I was diagnosed with actue lymphoblastic leukemia on October 25th, 2008. I remember it was four in the morning,” said Lothrop.

Deadly Cell

A leukemic cell begins in the bone marrow. The cell rapidly divides and multiplies. Surviving better than normal blood cells, leukemic cells dominate over the normal cells. Leukemic cells make white blood cells abnormal.

After an adult or child is first diagnosed, they organize their life around a hospital.

“While I was living in the hospital I would wake up to a beeping noise and a nurse ready to take my vitals, then my weight. After that I would be stuck in my room.

“I watched televsion. I had the not-so-amazing choices of either Dora the Explorer or a mystery show. I would play cards too. I was confined to my room for most of the day.

Around midnight I would get up and walk around my hospital floor. I had to stay at Children’s Hospital downtown for a month right after my diagnosis. From then on, I would just have to visit back every other week,” said Lothrop.

Treatment

Treatment for Leukemia varies on the type. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants, and biological therapy.

“Steroids were terrible because they kept me up a lot at night. The nurses didn’t have much to do so they would talk to me, but the chemo made my body ache. Chemotherapy also comes with a lot of water weight,” said Lothrop.

As you can imagine, the remedies for leukmeia include needles.

“I have never been afraid of needles. They don’t bother me at all. My mom jokes around with me because my sister Cat is afraid of them. She tells me I was just meant to have cancer because I’m so good with needles,” said Lothrop.

Once Lothrop was allowed out of her hospital room she easily came up with a plethora of activities to keep her busy.

“While staying at the hospital I became close with quite a few other patients. There is a child life center that kept us occupied.

“Other times we would goof around. One day we took a bunch of rubber gloves and blew them up. We stuck them in the hospital elevator right before it would leave to pick somebody up. We would crack up thinking that somebody was going to get an elevator full of random rubber glove ballons. Another time we had wheel chair races. We had to race in wheel chairs while we had our IV poles, it was so funny,” said Lothrop.

Break down

Around 31 percent of cancer that children are diagnosed with is Leukemia.

“Being diagnosed has made me realize not to take things for granted. I used to complain about going to a sports practice, now I realize I’m truly lucky to be in sports at all again. Also, painting my nails became somewhat of a hassle. I had to leave one finger unpainted so the nurses could check my vitals,” said Lothrop.

Survival rates have significantly approved over the years. Once you hit the five year mark with having Leukemia it is almost certain you will survive.

Did you know?

259,889 people in the United States are living with, or are in remission from, Leukemia The most common cancer in children from one to seven years old, is acute lymphoblastic leukemia Leukemia is one of the top ten most frequently occurring cancers in all races or ethnicities Rates for all types of leukemia are more high among males than among females Leukemia represents 28 percent of all cancers occurring among children

feature

friday, february 25, 2011

LIZ LOTHROP AND Joel Brown, both sophomores at Mason High School, pose for a picture at Light the Night, a walk for cancer. Every year the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society hold a walk to support the survivors and to remember those who lost their life to the disease. photo courtesy of shea lothrop

The amount of support for leukemia that Sycamore has had is amazing. The basketball games, football games, and bake sales have all been outstanding. Thank you Sycamore for supporting me with my battle with leukemia.

Liz Lothrop, 10

Wiggin’ It Out

You may not think about how important your hair is to you until you lose all of it.

Aside from death, hair loss is one of the most worrysome side effects of cancer.

Men and woman who go through chemotherapy will almost certainly to lose their hair.

“After I started chemotherapy I knew I was going to lose my hair. It slowly started to fall out. It got to the point where I just shaved my head. I was tired of having to change my bed sheets every day because of all of the hair that fell out at night,” said Lothrop.

Chemotherapy drugs are sent into your body to attack rapidly growing cancer cells. The chemotherapy also attacks the rapily growing cells attacthed to hair roots.

Until the hair starts to grow back many people, with cancer choose to purchase a wig.

Foundations such as Locks of Love use donated hair and turn it into a wig.

This way the cancer patient can act as if the wig is their actual hair. They can be shampooed, conditioned, straightened, curled, etc.

“I have seven wigs. It’s fun to be able to get up and choose what hair I want.

Long, short, brown, blond, curly, straight.

I have both real hair wigs and fake hair wigs. I prefer the real hair ones because I can adjust how they look,” said Lothrop Hair usually begins to regrow between three to ten months after treatment.

New hair has a tendency to grow back darker and curlier than before.

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13

friday, february 25, 2011

Bridging gaps: linaCARDENAS

I

feature chief

nspired by a truly wonderful cause, Katherine Brown, 11, discovered an alternative to attending a university in the 2012-2013 school year.

For the past three years, Brown has been heavily involved in Unified for UNIFAT, moving quickly from member, to treasurer in training, to sponsorship treasurer.

In her time with U4U, Brown met various people who have inspired her to travel to Africa and also devote a year in the near future to Invisible Children, an organization that along with Unified for UNIFAT, cares for the children of Uganda.

“It’s hard to describe or put into words why I want to do this but it just feels right.

By being in U4U I think I have truly found my passion, and I want to pursue it. I’m fortunate enough to be able to go to Uganda this coming summer and I am so excited to meet Paklaki Bob, who I sponsor with Jessica Buchberger, 11, and Nicole Kissela, 11, and Lukwiya Emmanuel,” said Brown.

Brown first became acquainted with Emmanuel during the U4U overnight hosted at Moeller High School last spring. Attendees were educated on the importance of UNIFAT and its hundreds of children affected by the endless amount of money that are raised each year for their benefit.

Upon exchanging a few letters back and forth, Brown was inspired by Emmanuel’s cheerful charisma and hope, making him a driving force when deciding her future.

“I was blown away by his responses. He was so optimistic about his future; he wants to become a doctor and provide his family with a better life.”

But what truly inspired Brown was the humility with

Inspired by Invisible Children, Brown plans gap year for Unified for Unifat

which Emmanuel wrote, his words so positive and genuine.

“He said he hoped I was doing alright. That shocked me, what a caring and beautiful person. A majority of his life has been filled with devastation, and he hoped that I was doing okay. Wow. I live in the suburbs,” said Brown.

During her gap year, Brown plans to intern with Invisible Children, and is considering a position as a “roadie,” where she will have the opportunity to travel around the states to introduce people to their mission, much like how she was introduced to the organization.

“Besides being a roadie, I’m also interested in customer service, recruiting, shipping and fulfillment, human resources, and mission development,” said Brown When asked about her plans for college, she is quick to make it a point that she will not leave her education behind. Brown plans to enroll into The Ohio State University upon her completion of her internship.

“For as long as I can remember I have wanted to go to OSU. I honestly cannot picture myself going anywhere else. I love the atmosphere, city life, and the programs they offer.”

Brown’s plans at OSU include obtaining a major in psychology or sociology, and perhaps a minor in Spanish.

Although Brown proudly bleeds scarlet and grey, she strongly believes that this is the most opportune time to fulfill her passion.

“I want to go to Africa because there really is no better time than now. You have to take opportunities like this as they come or life will just pass you by. We’re so busy watching out for what’s ahead of us that we don’t take the time to enjoy where we are,” said Brown.

You have to take opportunities like this as they come or life will just pass you by.

Katherine Brown, 11

photos courtesy all images of katherine by lina cardenas brown

KATHERINE BROWN, 11, HAS decided to take a gap year after her senior year of high school. She plans on interning with Invisible Children working as a “roadie.”

Annual Fashion for the Cure remembers Rob Stoneberger sarahMAY

forum chief

Jenlain Coyle, 12, and Lily Schwartz, 12 on Fashion for the Cure What is Fashion for the Cure?

JC: It is a fashion show in which our students model clothing from various local boutiques. The event consists of performances, speakers, raffle baskets, and bid-and-buys.

What charity will the event benefit?

JC: It benefits Cancer Family Care, which helps individuals and families cope with cancer. We are putting the show on in memory of Mr. Rob Stoneberger, the Blue Ash Elementary teacher who passed away in 2009 from esophageal cancer.

LS: [This] is a way to honor Mr. Stoneberger and his amazing spirit, and to show our appreciation for the help [Cancer Family Care] has provided members of the Sycamore family.

How has Fashion changed over the years?

LS: Over the years, Fashion for the Cure has grown into a strong community event. It is so uplifting to witness how the community has rallied faced with an opportunity to make a difference.

We hope to continue gaining support.

What kind of work goes into making this event successful?

JC: It takes so much work. Schwartz and I began planning over the summer. Every little piece must be in order for the show to go on without a hitch. We couldn’t do it without all our committee heads, the Stars (owners of Bridal and Formal), Mrs. Valerie Schwartz, and Mrs. Jennifer Ulland.

Why should people attend this event?

JC: It’s for a wonderful cause and you get to watch your friends and teachers model. It’s really an amazing thing because it benefits a cause directly affecting our community. Everyone goes, so it’s another way to spend time with your friends on a school night.

LS: The event is filled with food, fashion, and fun. There will be raffles and bid and buys with tons of great prizes. Also, it is fun for students to see their friends on stage modeling great clothes from local boutiques. There will be catering from Passion Plate, which is free with admission. We will have very special speakers, including Ryan Stoneberger, and Brent Seelmeyer (Executive Director of Cancer Family Care). Overall, it is a wonderful opportunity to come out, enjoy oneself, and support a great cause.

photo courtesy of mcdaniel’s photography

LAST YEAR’S FASHION for the Cure benefitted pediatric brain cancer research. On the left, Amelia, 10 and Matt Russell, 10, model for Kotsovos and Folchi’s. On the right is Mrs. Jen Ulland, Dean of Student Life and Mr. Mike Gutekunst, physics teacher.

feature

14

Retiring: irfanuddinAIJAZ

friday, february 25, 2011

Science teachers reflect, share plans for life after SHS

staff writer

T

his year, the science department of SHS will lose three of its greatest aviators, with Mr. Thomas Adams, Mr. Gregory Presnall, and Mrs. Cynthia Parrott retiring by the end of the year.

After having taught more than 30 years, the time has come for each of them to move on. Although their teaching careers are ending, the marks they left on other students and staff will never be forgotten.

Students realize essential legacy

David Berenson, 11, knows these teachers pretty well. He had Adams for freshman biology, Presnall for his sophomore environmental science class, and Presnall again for chemistry.

“Presnall’s a pretty nice guy once you get to know him for that long,” said Berenson.

“I think that I will miss them,” said Dominic Troendle, 11. “Mr. Adams’ class on anatomy is the first class I am taking toward my future in medcine. I don’t think I’ll ever forget him for what he’s doing for me right now.”

Parrott has been teaching many classes for years at SHS; she has taught all of the science classes offered in the science wing. This year, she also is administrating Student Council. Student Council will end on exam day without Parrott or any students.

Years pass

Adams has taught in many places and for many years.

“I’m most proud of being able to teach in lots of different environments,” said Adams.

Through this experience, Adams has been able gain perspective and wisdom to correctly teach different students with their different personalities.

“I’ve seen the whole spectrum… started teaching in a rural school, then went inner city, and then SHS, which is upper middle class; it has been fun to teach all kinds of kids,” said Adams.

Presnall has also gained experience of teaching in differ-

ent locales.

“Taught for 34 years, nine years at sycamore,” said Presnall. The other 25 years were taught in N.C., S.C., and Princeton High School of Ohio.”

To Presnall, 34 years is about all he wants. “[It has] been 34 years, and I want opportunities to get out into the world… and I’ve got a grandchild on the way… I need [as a grandparent] to take care of her [or him],” said Presnall.

Rolling Stones

It is crucial for almost everyone to get a job, but few jobs are more interactive than a teaching career. Adams, Presnall, and Parrot have learned much from their years at work.

“I’m most proud of teaching students who have really taken advantage of opportunities and at risk kids… when they reach an honors [standard],” said Presnall.

All teachers gain wisdom from teaching, as they do come to realize. Adams originally became a teacher to coach, but learned that he enjoyed teaching very much.

“No other career would have suited me,” said Adams.

“This career has given me a chance to make a difference in kids’ lives, which makes my career a success.”

“People respect teachers so much in other countries,” said Adams, “but that’s not how it is here. We pay people to entertain us more than our teachers.”

Presnall and Parrott’s last day is the final day for exams, but Adam’s last day is Feb. 28, due to coaching football. Teachers who coach sports have a necessary time in which they do not teach before they start coaching. For football, Adams must retire in February. “[Last day is] probably going to be emotional. Although we all look forward to the last day, it can be a little scary.

This is what my whole life is devoted to, and all of a sudden it has to end.”

AN ANATOMY TEACHER for years at SHS, Mr. Thomas Adams has taught for 35 years. He is retiring in February., due to his coaching career. He coaches football.

Consider this: if a baseball player in the MLB is able to hit a ball on an average of 3/10 times his entire career, he’s got into the hall of fame. He’s a success. If I’m a teacher, and only 30% of my students pass, I’m a failure.

Mr. Thomas Adams, Anatomy and Physiology teacher AFTER MANY YEARS, Mrs. Cynthia Parrott retires. She teaches Astronomy and Geology, as well as Student Council. She will be missed by many.

all images by irfanuddin aijaz

SINCE 2002, Mr. Gregory Presnall has been a chemistry teacher at SHS. This year is his 34th year teaching. Presnall will retire at the end of the year.

Mrs. Cynthia Parrott, Astronomy Mr. Gregory Presnall, Chemisand Geology teacher, on retiring try teacher, on retiring How many years have you taught during your carrer?

16 years at SHS, 30 years total.

What are the classes you have taught in your career?

I’ve taught every science class there is; in SHS I’ve taught Physics, Chemistry, and this year Astronomy and Geology.

After you retire, what will you miss most from SHS? I will miss the fun students most.

Is there a teacher that will replace you?

They planned to replace 2/3 of the retiring science teachers, but it’s uncertain whether the other teacher will be replaced.

Do you have any big plans after you retire?

I want to work at a doggy daycare center.

How will you feel on the last day?

I don’t know how I will be on the last day… the students’ last day isn’t mine because my last day to move all my things out is June 30th.

How many years have you been teaching at SHS? Taught for 34 years, nine years at SHS. What are the classes you have taught in your career?

Taught chemistry, physics, environmental systems, all academic.

Who is the teacher that will replace you?

Not aware of it[who will replace me] yet.

After you retire, what will you miss most from SHS? I’ll miss my colleagues... there is an incredibly talented group of teachers here.

Do you have any big plans after you retire?

Well I hope to get my pilot’s license; as long as I meet the health requirements… I plan on flying to other countries and help people there. I’m going to talk with different pastors from the Gideons about increasing funds for putting more Bibles in hotels and motels all over the world.

Mr. Thomas Adams, Anatomy and Physiology teacher, on retiring What year was your first year teaching at SHS? My first year at SHS was 1998. I started teaching right after graduation, in the spring of 1976.

After you retire, what will you miss most from SHS? Well, the thing I’ll miss the most is the relationships… the relationships I made between colleagues and students, all the social interactions.

What are the classes you have taught in your career?

Through my career, I’ve taught Biology, Chemistry, Botany, General science, Phys. Ed, and Anatomy and Physiology.

What is the name of the teacher that will replace you?

Her name is Ms. Amanda Conrad.

Mrs. Parrot and Mr. Presnall are also retiring this year. Did all three of you plan to retire the same year?

No. Do you have any big plans after you retire?

Not really. I’m just gonna take it one day at a time, spend time with my kids and family, figure out what I’m gonna do next when I get there.

feature

15

friday, february 25, 2011

Deceiving human brain, eye:

ptical Illusi ns

aaronISHIDA

staff writer

kelcieGREGA

calendar chief

How to draw a Penrose Triangle

S

The Penrose Triangle, also known as the impossible triangle, was first created by Swedish artist, Oscar Reutersvärd and popularized in the 1950s. It is featured in the works of Escher that show impossible images such as his print, Relativity. The Penrose triangle can be drawn but is impossible to construct unless it is manipulated by shading.

ight, sound, touch, taste and smell. Human beings rely on these senses every day, but the sense we rely on the most is sight, which dominates over what the other senses experience.

The brain itself is a very powerful organ, and together, the eyes and the brain instantly process the information they receive to make sense of the world- but they are not always correct.

It is not the eye that is fooled, however; it is the brain that is deceived.

“Optical illusions do not affect the eye, they affect the brain because the brain is always trying to make sense of the things that trick us,” said Mrs. Laura Miniard, psychology teacher.

These visually perceived images differ from reality. Sometimes what one experiences with his senses is deceiving. How is this possible?

With everything a person does, vision always triumphs over hearing, touch, taste or smell. When it comes to the senses, vision tends to be the most dominant. This is called visual capture.

Certain illusions illustrate creative ways in which the brain tries interpreting the visual data. Perception differs from each biased individual.

“The things that we see are based on our experiences. Whatever it is contributes to what is called perceptual set,” said Miniard.

Perceptual set is a bias or keenness to distinguish certain characteristics of what is seen and ignores everything else.

The illusions that people see are based on the experiences they have had throughout their life. For example, a Western person living in the metropolis of New York City may see an illusion differently than from an African person living in a small village.

1. Draw an

equilateral triangle and extend the lines where they join.

2. Draw lines from

the extensions and continue beyond the corners of the triangle.

to these lines, these will be the ‘corners’.

History of Optical Illusions

As far back as the time of the Greek philosophers, illusions were studied and analyzed. Many of them wondered why our senses could not always be reliable, and the mechanics to how we can understand these optical illusions.

Psychologist Johannes Mueller took the works of the Greek philosophers and wrote two books about optical illusions in 1826. Very few people actually understood his books because he was the first person to call distortions visual illusions.

These illusions were very new to people back then just as iPads and other new technology are to us now.

These new items become popular due to their novelty.

However, just like all things, optical illusions began to lose their luster and were soon forgotten.

“I really like optical illusions because it is a cool way to bring something 2-D into life or 3-D,” said Mr. Damien Payne, art teacher.

HOW MANY FACES are shown? There are a total of three faces in the picture. There is a young woman, an old woman, and a man’s face in the picture.

Optical Illusions in Art

Optical art, also known as op-art, is a style of art in which illusions are seen. This method of WHICH WAY IS Bridgette Riley’s, Wheel of art concerns the interaction of the image and Acceleration, pointing, inward or outward? understanding and seeing.

The jagged line postions give the effect of This style uses abstract methods to give depth within the picture. the viewer the illusion of movement, hidden images, vibration, or swelling and warping.

Maurits Cornelis Escher, also known as M.C. Escher, was famous for his still life pieces and self-portraits. He is also famous for his lithograph piece, Relativity, which depicts a world in which laws of gravity do not apply.

“Optical illusions include a sense of repetition and confusion of elements within the design,” said Payne.

What most people think of when optical illusions come to mind are black and white geometric figures, some of the most famous by opt artist, Bridgette Riley.

Riley’s work presents a variety of linear forms that produce a sensation of movement or color. Her works were sometimes said to induce sensations such as dizziness, more commonly associated with seasickness and skydiving.

IS THE HEIGHT of the arch, bigger than the “When people feel the sensation of moving while looking at width of base? In fact, both are the same an illusion they sometimes may feel sick or dizzy even though they distance. The St. Louis Arch in MO is one of are not really moving,” said Miniard.

Op-art is based on the tricks of visual perception. They manipulate rules the largest manmade optical illusions. of awareness to make the image come alive.

With optical art, the rules that the viewer’s eye use to try to make sense of a visual image are tricked into looking beyond reality.

4. Draw in the final lines and connect the corners.

all photos courtesy of altavista.

3. Draw extensions

Don’t get fooled again: Tricks of optical illusions

feature

16

friday, february 25, 2011

All images by dilia abdusamatova

ESL travels back in history, forward in cultural awareness diliaABDUSAMATOVA

IN FRONT OF the capitol building in Washington D.C, Rukhshona Tulabaeva, 11, Kana Apsalbekova, 9, Dilia Abdusamatova, 11, pause to reflect on their trip and the history of the area. This was the day that students were enjoying seeing the capital of the United States, taking in the memorials and writing their own history.

cal monuments like the Lincoln and WWII Memorials,” said Bek Abdusamatov, 10.

If the students wanted to buy additional souvenirs, then they had to pay for their personal items.

“It was really fun spending time with friends. We got to know our classmates better on the bus ride to Washington and on our tours,” said Kana Apsalbekova, 9.

The students left SHS at 5 a.m. and arrived in Washington D.C. at around 3 p.m. The bus made food and rest stops along the way. Luckily, they had the comforts of a commercial bus to enjoy. Some students slept on the bus, others sang and played games to pass the time.

It was time for the weary travelers to enjoy Washington D.C. First they saw Arlington National Cemetery, including the grave of John F. Kennedy and the house of Robert E. Lee. Then they toured all of the famous memorials, including those in honor of World War II, the Vietnam War, Lincoln, Jefferson, the Korean War, and Iwo Jima.

Part of the tour of the monuments was at night when the students walked from the bus to the Lincoln memorial.

Even though the students were bundled up, it was really cold. The monument lit up the sky.

Some students did not know anything about the history of Arlington National Cemetery nor the Kennedy family gravesite with an eternal flame.

“It was really interesting,” said Apsalbekova.

VENKAT NARESH, 10 Muhammed Erden, 10 and Bek Abdusamatov,10 view a display on the cold morning when students went to George Washington’s house. They are looking at the small house of George Washington. At this moment, they were in line to watch a documentary about George Washington’s life.

The second day was spent exploring the White House, Capitol, Smithsonian complex, and National Archives where students viewed original copies of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

The last day was spent at Mt.Vernon, the home of George Washington, which was a favorite stop for many.

Some of the students in Hovis’s American history class saw their curriculum brought to life. They now have a better grasp on the culture, society, and knowledge of the history of the United States.

“I learned new things about history because we went inside of George Washington’s house at Mt. Vernon and saw how people used to live. It was also the first time I saw America’s capital city,” said Muhammed Erden, 10.

Students liked Mt. Vernon because it was so well preserved and appeared as though George Washington was still living there. The table was set for dinner with artificial food. Also, five workers were painting the outside walls to make the house look more original.

“Spending time with my classmates while we went to monuments and famous places made our Washington trip memorable. I hope I can go back soon.” said Eunsol Kim, 10.

Cold and tired travelers arrived at SHS at 12:15 a.m. excited to see their families and to share their stories knowing this was a trip they might never take again.

They also knew that they were expected to be at school that morning on time for their first bell class.

numbers

U

staff writer

ndergraduate students who are not native English speakers attend English as a second language class, or ESL. 20 ESL scholars took a major trip to Washington D.C. on Dec. 12th-14th. The tour included 20 students and six adults who served as their chaperones. Sycamore staff chaperones included Mr. Nicholas Hellwig, Mrs. Cheri Petticrew and Ms. Jenna Hovis.

Because the trip required at least 15 students, the class decided to invite former ESL students and foreign exchange students. Most of the students were really excited about going on the trip with their class; they had a meeting after school to discuss fundraising that they would like to do to help cut the cost of the trip.

“I finished ESL class 2 years ago but I decided to go with them and learn about America’s capital,” said Rukhshona Tulabaeva, 11.

Undergraduates were consumed in a tough process of making fundraising plans. Eventually, they decided to sell pancakes and waffles in the morning in the SHS commons.

If students committed to do additional fundraising, they had to sell candies by walking up to classes and study halls. The cost for one student to attend was $445 which included hotels, breakfasts, and a few dinners.

“It was the best trip I’ve taken in the U.S. so far. I had a great time with my friends, and we visited a lot of histori-

20

6

students that were present on the trip adult chaperones that traveled with the students

11

historical sites visited by the group

3 522

days that the participating students stayed in Washington, D.C. for. distance, in miles, from Cincinnati to Washington, D.C.

Fun & Games

Crossword Puzzle

17

Friday, February 25, 2011

Chapter 8: Exile on Diand claytonHAMRE

fun&games editor

R

oger took a walk. It was his third that day – none of them were very long, just down the hall, out the door, and into the garden, looking at the weirdly-shaped alien flora (or were they fauna?). He was still recovering.

It had been a week since he woke up on the planet of Diand, after a series of catastrophes, resulting from he and his fellow officers’ attempt to retrieve Mount Everest, and resulting in their deaths.

Luckily, the vacuum of space is fairly free from any factors promoting the decomposition of dead bodies, and the Diandians had very advanced medical technology.

“Where’s Carlotta? Where’s Luke, James, Ralia?” he asked the very human-looking alien next to him, as soon as he had gained the strength to speak.

The alien placed a translating device in Roger’s ear with a sixfingered hand, and said, “They’ve been revived, too, and recovering well. As soon as you’re able to walk, you can go visit them.”

Roger had initially been worried about the motives of the Diandians, which was reasonable, considering the humans’ previous encounter with aliens. But it turned out that Diand’s humanoid inhabitants sympathized with the officers of the UNSS Starship, as they had been put in an unfortunate position by the United Allied Earldoms, too.

Almost two hundred years ago, Roger learned in an informational video, the 11th Earl of Tarn had gone on a search for the lucratively rare mineral unobtainium, in order to begin construction on the Advanced Luxury Tetrahedron 1.0. He found it on Riolo, a planet in the next solar system over from Diand. In fact, it turned out that 99% of Riolo was made of unobtainium, once you went below the planetary crust.

So, the mineral was promptly renamed obtainium, and the UAE invaded Riolo, basically destroying the planet by mining it out of existence. The Diandians, soon realizing that their planet, too, was largely composed of obtainium, constructed a cloud of nanobots to surround the planet and protect it, as well as making it effectively invisible. This solution worked well, and the UAE expeditionary forces passed by Diand, soon forgetting it had ever existed.

“So have you been living on this one planet for the past 200 years?” Roger had asked.

“Yes,” responded the alien, whose name was Seti, “and plotting.” The Diandians wanted to help the humans get their mountain back.

“And get revenge on the UAE, of course,” added Seti, after Roger wondered out loud about the above fact. “Our weapon is almost complete.”

So, things were looking a bit better for the crew of the UNSS Starship.

ACROSS 3. Name of square in Cairo where protests against Egyptian government held 7. Capital of Tunisia, focus of 2010-2011 uprising 8. Previous President of Egypt, assassinated in 1981 by radical Islamists for signing peace treaty with Israel 14. Longtime president of Tunisia forced to step down and flee the country on January 14 15. President of Yemen, promised not to run for reelection after targeted by protests 16. Man whose self-immolation sparked the 2010-2011 Tunisian revolution 17. Name given to a series of protests in Iran in 2009 demanding that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad be removed from office

SYMMES TWP.

18. King of Egypt overthrown in 1952, briefly replaced by son 20. Shah of Iran overthrown by the 1979 revolution 21. Prime Minister of Egypt 22. Red sea resort town believed to be current location of former Egyptian president DOWN 1. Current Acting President of Tunisia 2. Last name of de facto ruler of Egypt as head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces 4. King of Jordan, took steps for government reform to avoid unrest 5. Highest official of religious law in a Sunni Muslim country such as Egypt 6. Vice president of Egypt 9. Queen of Jordan, criticized by tribal leaders in 2011 for supposed political interference 10. Iranian religious leader and politician who led 1979 revolution 11. President of Egypt since 1981, stepped down after 2011 protests 12. First president of Egypt after Revolution of 1952, reputation damaged after defeat in Six-Day War 19. Country Tunisia gained independence from in 1956

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“What exactly is this weapon you’ve mentioned?” Ralia asked her medical attendant.

“It’s called the Gigantic Destructive Protractor – the GDP,” said the attendant, named Ilia.

“What does it do?” Ralia responded.

“It devalues money by causing everyone in the affected area to come to the conclusion – correct or not – that they’re actually trading objects for electrons,” Ilia said, pointing to a credit-cardlike object in her hand. “Or paper, if you live in more primitive areas of the galaxy.”

“Aren’t you worried it would destroy your economy if it accidentally went off while you were building it?”

“Of course not. This value card is just a model – we operate on a communalistic, currency-free economy.”

“I see,” said Ralia, curious as to how the Diandians had managed that. “Wait – why’s it called a ‘protractor?’”

“I don’t know. Someone just told us the last word had to start with a P.” Several million miles away, the lower-ranking crew members of the UNSS Starship were stranded on the Luxury Tetrahedron – not the best situation to be in, they first thought.

However, John Gompers, agricultural manager on the Starship, began to strongly suspect that there had been some very fortunate biological misunderstanding after the security officers began force-feeding him increasingly large and varied quantities of sugar.

“Speak!” the multi-horned alien growled, brandishing a chocolate bar at him. “Tell me where your commanding officers fled to, or you’ll get more!”

John laughed. Honestly, he didn’t know where Roger and the others had escaped to, but he thought he and the other remaining crew members could withstand this “torture” for quite a while.

“I don’t understand,” the security officer grumbled into a communication device. “I’ve been trying all types of the compound on him, but he still isn’t showing any signs of physical pain, and he hasn’t given any info, either!”

ComicsbyLillyLefton

A&E

18

images by ana barros

Friday, February 25, 2011

SEE1 WILL PERFORM its annual concert tonight in the main auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

World class jazz violinist, Christian Howes will be featured in the performance. Tickets are $8 and the forms are at the main office.

SEE1 to rock tonight’s concert aaronISHIDA

T

staff writer

he Sycamore Electric Ensemble, (SEE1), will be performing its annual concert on Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m in the auditorium. The tickets are $8, and the forms are in the main office.

This concert will include many songs, ranging from power ballads to rock pieces.

“Everyone should go to the concert, because we put a lot of hard work into it, the concert will offer a lot for the audience, it’s very affordable, and it’s going to be really just mind-blowing this year,” said Konnor Montchai, 10.

There are nine members of SEE1 and they include Daniel Seibert, 10, drummer, Jack Henning, 11, bassist, Mahima Devarajan, 10, keyboardist, Yuma Yamada,

12, guitarist, and violinists, Montchai, Michael Choi, 8, Dominique Bookwalter, 9, Natasha Warikoo, 11, Angela Lee, 10, and Deborah Wu, 11.

“My favorite part about SEE1 is probably all the solos and improvising, and the overall jamming with the other members. I dislike the classical aspect to it, in the way that we practice, and I also hate tearing down after concerts,” said Montchai.

The actual song selection is a supposed surprise for the audience, and overall the sound of SEE1 will be very different from last year. Also different from last year, new stage setup and arrangements, more distortion, a new light technician, and more of a rock appeal.

“This year was very different because of the departures of the seniors in the group. It is hard to fill the shoes of my

big brother, Nick Triantos, but we have some fabulous new members,” said Seibert.

Also this year, the world class jazz violinist, Christian Howes, will be performing at the concert. SEE1 will also be performing some original compositions by Howes as well.

“Attendees should expect all of the spectacle and theatrics of last year with a funkier approach. Imagine TransSiberian Orchestra meets Sly and the Family Stone,” said Seibert.

SEE1 also hopes in the future to play at more venues, such as this year’s Relay for Life or anywhere else they can get booked. The electric ensemble is very unique to SHS, not many other schools in Cincinnati actually have electric orchestras or ensembles.

SHS artists receive prestigious recognition

Seven photo portfolios were chosen for the exhibit. Two of them are from SHS: Devin Choudhury Hailey Hess all images by ana barros

Gold Awards Rachel Hayden - Drawing & Painting Allie Bertke - Architecture Celia Keim - Drawing Claire Pustinger - Photography Silver Awards Sarah Janning - Photography Sarah Birckhead - Fashion Virginia Elliott - Photography Brett Rankey - Architecture Allison Schloss - Drawing

Kanye’s powerful new album emphasizes his talent

Which ‘Skins’ character are you most like?

page 19

Of the hundreds of portfolios submitted, only 27 of them were chosen for the show, and one of them is from SHS’ own Rachel Hayden - Art Honorable Mention Ruochen Tang - Drawing Josh Toney - Photography Megan Wells - Photography Emily Proudfoot - Architecture Allison Schloss - Drawing Greg Austrow - Painting Danielle Hensley - Drawing Sarah Janning - Photography

HIGHLIGHTS: page 20

‘True Grit’ remake proves to be worth the rent

page 20

this month in a&e

The annual Scholastic Art Awards competition has announced its regional winners. Of the 100 schools that participated and 4,000 works of art that were submitted, only a few hundred were selected - with Sycamore artists among the top prize winners!

a&e

19

friday, february 25, 2011

images by gina romeo

SEX, SCANDAL,

Controversial British series makes MTV debut ginaROMEO

I

a&e chief

n the past, MTV has been known to push the limits when it comes to controversial television. Parents argued that “16 and Pregnant” glamorized teenage pregnancy, while Italian-Americans were disgraced by the portrayal of their culture on “Jersey Shore.”

But the most recent addition to MTV’s Monday night line-up has been by far one of the most talked about series to date. “Skins” follows the lives of seven teenagers, leading “normal” teenage lives. Sounds innocent enough, right?

Wrong. While the show has proven popular enough with teenage audiences, it has caused an uproar of angry parents, journalists, and talk show hosts. In the first episode alone, characters were shown engaging in casual sex, taking illegal drugs, and using profanity like it was no big deal.

Due to the fact that the underage cast is depicted engaging in sexual acts, “Skins” has been called “child pornography.” Various advertisers, including Taco Bell, have pulled their commercials from the show’s ten o’clock slot.

Parents have banded together to protest the show, hoping to discourage producers from keeping it on the air.

In an attempt to get rid of “Skins” though, these angry adults have only made the show more cutting-edge, more provocative and entertaining for the teenage masses, who find the program far more true to real life than most of what is on television today.

“They’ve got the characters pretty much down pact.

I know kids just like the ones on the show,” said Ryan Kholsa, 9.

The show’s promiscuity is not the only reason “Skins” has become such a hot topic in today’s media. Much like “The Office,” “Skins” was originally a hit series in the UK, and is currently still on the air in its fifth season.

While the US version of the show censors the nudity and

Which ‘Skins’ character are you most like?

You would classify yourself as...

a leader

a follower

Your top priorities are... excelling in just about everything you do

You tend to view the glass as...

having a good time, and looking fly while you’re doing it

half full

half empty Schoolwork is...

My classmates think of me as...

self-centered

important

the class clown

a waste of time

You’re most like You’re most like You’re most like You’re most like You’re most like You’re most like

Cassie/Cadie

Michelle

Jal/Daisy

Chris

Tony

Sid/Stanley

profanity to some degree, the UK version is much rawer.

In essence, the MTV adaptation is an almost shot-forshot replica of the original, only with different actors.

Needless to say, the new “Skins” has not been well-received by fans of the original.

“I’ve been watching ‘Skins’ UK since the 8th grade, and I knew the US would put out a version with poorly acted characters that would not have the same natural, believable chemistry that those of the UK series have. It’s quite the disappointment,” said Allison Schloss, 12.

Despite all of the ruckus surrounding the show, it is safe to say that “Skins” will be sticking around for a while. Its popularity among young audiences is proof enough of just how successful this show has been since its January debut.

“It’s entertaining to see how MTV attempts to recreate teenage lives. I think it’s a really good show though, to say the least. I’ve definitely grown into it,” said Andrew Kozlove, 12.

Zack Semones, 11, ‘Skins’ enthusiast When did you start watching ‘Skins’?

I’ve been watching since the first season of the UK version.

How would you rate the US ‘Skins’ on a scale from 1-10?

Six. It’s better than everything else on MTV, but that doesn’t necessarily make it good.

How do you feel about the US compared to the UK version?

I feel like the US ‘Skins’ is really watered down compared to the UK one. It’s just not as exciting or risque. And I definitely prefer the actors in the UK version, the US characters don’t even live up to the UK ones.

Who would you say is your favorite ‘Skins’ character?

Cassie, from “Skins” UK. She’s insane, which makes her a really complex character, and she’s good looking, too.

How do you feel about the controversy surrounding the recent debut of ‘Skins’ US? I think it shows how conservative America is, and how people here want to live in a false reality about what their kids are really doing.

So you think ‘Skins’ is an accurate depiction of teenagers?

I mean it’s dramatized for tv, but it’s more realistic than shows like “Degrassi” are.

20

M

y Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’

ulti-faceted album contains powerful tracks

shivaniPARIKH forum chief

W

&

chaseSPICER

staff writer

idely regarded as rude, egotistic (as an understatement) and outspoken, Kanye West is not exactly favored by the general public. Despite his image, his innovative music is what redeems him in the eyes of his fans. After delivering hits throughout his career like “Jesus Walks”, “Stronger”, and “Heartless” and producing hit albums, the musical expectation was high for West’s latest album, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”.

Soulful and creative, the album includes a vast range of songs with an unexpected degree of variety. A musical culmination of West’s past four albums, it effortlessly blends the distinct sounds featured on each, making this album multi-faceted.

The calm, reflective and even sad feelings evoked by “Blame Game,” “Gorgeous” and “Devil in a New Dress” and the more powerful beats of many of the other songs both contribute to the album’s well-rounded quality.

It seems that every song is significant, without any songs that seem to be there just to take up space.

Among the track list, there are some songs that stand out as the best. “Power” is the most compelling song of the album, with a catchy beat and bold lyrics that smack you in the face. Contrasting with the beat of that song is the mellow rhythm of “Runaway,” a song that seems to lend some insight into West’s image of himself as well as some explanation for his often selfish actions.

In addition to being a master of insightful lyrics, West shows his mastery of collaboration on this album. “So Appalled” features not only West, but Jay-Z, Pusha T, Prynce Cy Hi, Swizz Beatz & The RZA, and “Monster” shines with eerie vocals by indie artist Bon Iver and verses

by Rick Ross, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj. While an album with such an influx of featured artists could easily become overwhelming and ultimately retract from the effect, instead, they only add. The spotlight, still, does not waver from West.

Many songs feature another artist, and some feature

KANYE WEST’S RECENTLY released album entitled ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’ contains a wide variety of compelling songs. The implementation of powerful lyrics and additional artists create a successful album that emphasizes West’s talent. His newest album has proved to be his best image by emily begley one to date. many: most notable is “All of the Lights”. With a powerful instrumental beat, it also includes fourteen additional artists: Rihanna, Kid Cudi, Tony Williams, The Dream, Charlie Wilson, John Legend, Elly Jackson (La Roux), Alicia Keys, Elton John, Fergie, Ryan Leslie, Drake, Alvin Fields, and Ken Lewis. Instead of feeling too overcrowded and confusing, it is an easy blend of each artist’s talent into one comprehensive, uplifting song.

As a whole, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” is more than a sum of its parts (although the parts themselves easily stand alone). It is somber and energetic, dark and optimistic, introspective and future-minded. The sheer thoroughness of this album and multiple hit songs make this one of the best albums in recent years—certainly West’s best one to date. It forces listeners to disregard qualms about his obnoxious personality and appreciate his talent at his craft: in a way, it redeems him.

a&e

friday, february 25, 2011

‘True Grit’ lassos in entertainment Remake proves to be worth the rent johnCARROLL

staff writer

On Dec. 22, 2010, the Coen Brothers remake of the 1969 Henry Hathaway film “True Grit” rode into theaters on the glorious black stallion of gunpowder and blood.

Although at first I did not enjoy this film, due to its multiple pseudo-climaxes and disjointed plot, I came to realize that there were other things that made this movie great.

I realized that this movie was made great thanks to the protruding belly and drunken rants of Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) and the almost comically heartless fourteen-year-old protagonist Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld).

Or the epic scene where Cogburn and Laboeuf (Matt Damon) shoot cornbread out of the sky, or where Cogburn screams at Ross from his latrine, or where Laboeuf snipes Lucky Ned Pepper (Barry Pepper) from several hundred yards despite his problems with long distance marksmanship.

The script was entertaining also, with several surly monologues from Cogburn, and a running exchange of verbal blows between Cogburn and Laboeuf due to their opposing views on the merits of a true U.S. marshall.

This film kept special effects to a minimum, as the setting does not really call for them, which made watching “True Grit” a refreshing experience. The bulk of the special effects were reserved for making the human gunshot wounds as realistic as possible.

Perhaps the funniest (and the most grotesque) scene is the one where Cogburn attempts to pull a bloody stump of a tongue out of Laboeuf’s mouth after being dragged facedown by a horse across the dusty desert ground while Laboeuf whimpers.

In all, “True Grit” was not a fantastic movie, and I don’t really think that it deserved everything that it was nominated for, but it has very high entertainment value thanks mostly to its ridiculous nature, and it is definitely worth renting on a rainy day.

Sports

21

Friday, February 25, 2011

SHS takes aim at Redskins

Senior-laden squad hopes for postseason run brianCLEARY

T

staff writer

image by bennett kaplan

WITH THEIR LOSS to Mason on senior night, the SHS men’s basketball team assured that they would finish the season with a sub .500 record.

However, the team will face Anderson tonight in the first round of the playoffs. If SHS can beat Anderson, they will have another chance to play Mason in the second round.

he 2010-2011 varsity season was looked at as a new start. Coach David Moss hoped to turn the program around in his second season as head coach. One of Moss’ goals for the squad was to end the regular season with at least a .500 record.

The regular season reflects a constant struggle of achieving this goal. The highlights that the fans will always remember include the squad’s upset against Aiken, who is one of the few teams to receive a bye in the tournament, and their buzzer beater win against Colerain.

The squad was bound to succeed this year, with so many seniors, including Darius Hillary, 12, Joe Cleary, 12, Danny Berghoff, 12, Kevin Clark, 12, Wes Yengo, 12, Mike Knodle, 12 and Jason Robke, 12.

The team’s .500 goal was stomped out by the foot of the Mason Comets on senior night, one of the biggest nights of the year for the program.

They had played the Comets once before, losing to them by 26 points.

The home team led the game at the end of the first half with a score of 28-21. Happy to see their rivals losing, the student section was as loud as ever. After the third quarter ended with the score tied at 40, the squad fell behind in the fourth quarter.

They were out-hustled, out-scored, and out-rebounded, and eventually

Chess team goes undefeated

For eighth straight season, squad wins GMC title brandonSOSNA

lost, 67-48.

“They lost, but it was still pretty awesome how they played. I didn’t think they could stick with Mason that long,” said Griffin Brown, 9.

Although their goal was not achieved, the team still is optimistic when looking toward the tournament.

They will face Anderson in the first round of the tournament tonight, who hold a record of 10-7 this season. If they beat the Redskins, they will then be blessed to face their rival Comets one more time this year.

Anderson, a member of the Fort Ancient Valley Conference, score 53 points per game and allow an average of 51.

The two teams share three common opponents. Both SHS and Anderson have faced Indian Hill, Milford, and Loveland. They are also equal in their performances against the opposition.

Both defeated Indian Hill and Loveland and lost to Milford. However, Anderson has lost twice to Milford, a conference rival.

The Redskins are led by two senior forwards Patrick McCallum and Kevin Kollmeier. McCallum averages 13.9 points per game and Kollmeier 13.3. They account for nearly half of the team’s offensive production.

Anderson only averages about four three point field goal attempts per game, which creates an interesting matchup against SHS’ staunch zone defense.

SHS stars secure scholarships, sign letters of intent

bennettKAPLAN

sports chief

editor-in-chief, sports chief

Fueled by an impressive group of seniors, the SHS chess team captured their seventh straight conference championship and clinched their third straight undefeated season.

Their unprecedented 51-game winning streak has evolved from the contributions of all team members. SHS won their first Greater Miami Conference (GMC) Championship in the 1991-92 season. They went on to rattle off eight straight championships.

They only won one in the first five years of the new millennium, but have since tallied eighth a row, starting in the winter of 2004-2005.

Dr. Keith Brackenridge, on chess team

How has the chess team sustained so much success over the last two decades, winning GMC Championships in 16 of the last 20 years?

I’ve been blessed with having great players. Many more of my players participate in chess tournaments outside of school than do players at our rival schools. The United States Chess Federation (USCF) sponsors tournaments and maintains player ratings in addition to selling equipment, instructional books, and offering online play. I have more players who participate in these kinds of tournaments than I have starting spots in the lineup for.

How unprecedented is it for one program to have won seven straight GMC Championships twice?

It’s highly unusual. You do see programs like that in other sports, though. I’m thinking of Colerain at football and St. Xavier in swimming just to name a couple nearby programs. Success often leads to more success, but your players have to be willing to work for it along the way.

For more with Coach Brackenridge, visit www.goaves.com

images by bennett kaplan

SHS HELD ITS signings for senior soccer and football players.

On top from left, soccer players Matt Hill, 12, Michael Jervis 12, and Max Riehemann, 12, signed with Xavier University, Denison University, and Davidson College respectively. On bottom from left, football players Justin Murray, 12, Darius Hillary, 12, and Ben Rader, 12, signed with the University of Cincinnati, University of Wisconsin, and Wofford College respectively.

page 22

Sara Wessellkamper, 11, discusses gymnastics

page 22

Freshman basketball team keeps spirits high

page 23

this month in sports

HIGHLIGHTS:

Diving team swims into unfamiliar waters

No such lock-out brandonsosna

editor-in-chief/sports chief

“But this is a business.”

It’s the phrase attached to every quote by anyone involved in professional sports.

It’s “yes, they love the game, but –“ Or it’s, “we want to play, but –“ Or my personal favorite, “I really wanted to return, but –“ But this is a business.

Most major sports networks and fans are collectively panicking at the thought that our Sundays in October will be more about church and family than football.

It would be back to real religion.

And the bible read won’t be a playbook.

I usually avoid the drama. When they say there will be a lockout for sure, I say not. When they say Pujols won’t return to the Cardinals, I say not.

There’s no need to panic. These things work themselves out.

Honestly, I don’t really have a side to take in this debate. To me it seems like a big-to-do over who gets 51% versus who gets 49% which in reality is an argument over a couple billion bucks.

Some say the owners would benefit from a lock out.

But they will have no such luck. Ultimately, there is too much at risk for both sides and too strong of a desire to have football this coming fall.

No one wants a lock out. Well, except for the UFL, who will play their games on Sundays this season hoping to capitalize on the potential lockout.

Sadly, the fans have no say in the matter.

It’s interesting too because if it were not for the fans there would be no such things as revenue sharing and collective bargaining agreements and such.

Fans make sports go ‘round. But that doesn’t matter.

This is a business.

And in case of a lockout, I have Gene Hackman on speed dial to coach my replacement team. The playbook will consist of the lyrics to “I will survive” and step-by-step directions on how to perfect the electric slide.

Football is like a drug for many.

It makes us do things we otherwise would not do.

Consider Harvey Almorn Updyke, a crazed Alabama fan who poisoned, yes poisoned, a historic tree on the Auburn campus.

Updyke, a 62-year old from Dadeville, Ala., faces up to ten years in prison.

And the rumor that he has children named Bear and Crimson: 100 percent true.

Sure, there will be college football next year. But the collegiate games are like taking the drug, then trying to go without it for a week.

It won’t be pretty.

So for the next several months, while owners and players refuse to negotiate, our twitter timelines and sportscenter headlines will be all about the potential lockout.

Schefter and Mortensen will be busy.

All the while football fans will be sweating it out.

And that’s before the withdrawal.

For more Take a Hike columns, visit www.goaves.com

sports

22

friday, february 25, 2010

Sara Wesselkamper, 11, on gymnastics

kelseyDRAPKIN associate editor

What is your specialty?

The floor is kind of my thing. The mix of tumbling and dancing makes it a lot more upbeat than the other events so I don’t get as nervous for it as the other events.

How many years have you been competing in gymnastics?

Well, I did club gymnastics ever since I was little. I started competing at Queen City when I was eight and quit as a level 9 freshman year after I had a bad knee injury. I had to get surgury. I took a year off, then decided to try high school gymnastics this year.

Buckeyes bounce back from loss, ‘Spitgate’ dannyBAYLISS

sports chief

What competitions have you been in recently and how did they go?

We’ve been having meets since December, and they’ve been going pretty well. I had a rough start but after a few meets I got some old skills back and I have been winning floor and usually placing for vault, bars and beam. I have cities, districts, and hopefully state coming up soon so hopefully I can keep improving my scores there.

Uncharted Waters: Diving team deals with little experience sarahMAY

forum chief

image by mcdaniels photography

This year’s dive team was a bit smaller than coach Jack Phipps had expected.

With four divers who quit the team at the end of last season, competition was left in the hands of newcomers, Adrianna DiMasso, 9, Megan Vorpe, 9, Logan Mather, 9, and Ben Mather, 11.

With no experienced leadership, the team found their first experiences on the high school team to be difficult and even a little awkward.

“None of us really knew each other that well,” said DiMasso.

“Now were kind of like a family, we say hi to each other in the halls and its really great how we’ve bonded.”

“I was the only one with as much diving experience. Megan dove in Junior High. Logan and Ben were pretty new to the sport,” said DiMasso.

She says the best part was seeing her teamates improve and progress throughout the season.

The season ended successfully, with DiMasso placed third at GMCs, Vorpe 16th, and Mather sixth.

VAULTING OVER THE pummelhorse is one of many gymnastic competitions that Sara Wesselkamper, 11 competes in. Gymnastics have been a part of Wesselkamper’s life for a long time, and will continue to be up until she graduates high school.

Said Wesselkamper, “I’ll most likely do it for the high school again next year, but after that I’m done... I never really wanted to do it in college anyways.”

HAIRCUT

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Bias aside, the Ohio State Buckeyes have proven that they’re the number one team in the nation.

Sure they lost against the Wisconsin Badgers, aka the new true rival to Ohio State. If there was ever such a thing as a glorified loss, this would fit the mold.

Coach Bo Ryan and his Badgers just do not lose at the Kohl Center. Prior to the game, his record at home was 14911. I do not care if you have a starting five that are all darting to the NBA next season.

You just do not go in there and win.

At one point the Buckeyes held a 15-point lead, but they ran into a buzzsaw.

Guard Jordan Taylor finished the game with 27 points, and hit multiple threes during the Badgers’ run to take the lead. Then ginger sensation Mike Breusewitz hit a late three which proved to be the dagger.

Oy vey.

To make matters worse, the Buckeyes’ freshman phenom Jared Sullinger claimed he was spit on numerous times.

Guard John Diebler was the victim of sophomoric, vulgar chants as he shot free throws.

C’mon Badgers, act like you’ve been there.

Despite the fallout, the Buckeyes proved their resilience.

They handled a rowdy Michigan State Spartan effort, proving that it will take more than a few “loogies” to truly dethrone them as the best team in the nation.

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sports

23

Freshmen basketball: far from over friday, february 25, 2011

michaelSAXON

game all season in football, it felt good to know t the beginning of the freshmen basketball that won’t be the case for season, Mr. Steve Przywara, coach, said that basketball,” said Ben he hoped his team competes. Well, the team Gunn, 9. competed, but certainly does not have the W’s Because of Bigliano’s to show for it. big shot, and a lot of good High school sports are not just for fun; they can be used basketball from the rest as a guide when facing similar instances later in life. This of the team, the boys season was a test for the team. The team rose to the chalwere able to get their first lenge, never giving up, and showing what it truly means to win. But, a few games persevere. later, Bigliano would The team lost many talented players to the sophomore strike again. and JV level. While these players deserved to move up, it In the fourth quarter of a put the rest of the freshmen at a disadvantage. game against Middletown, Also, four regular season GMC games were cancelled due the team was down by 7. to weather. This made it hard for the team to build chemis- Thanks to some outstanding try as the season went on. play by Gunn, SHS was able to “It seems like every time we get close to having a game, get back to within one with less the snow comes and ruins it,” said Eric Pruitt, 9, after one than 15 seconds left in the game. of the many cancellations.

Pruitt drove to the hoop, but It would be an understatement to say that the team was forced to give the ball up. He started off slow. The boys lost their first nine games of the passed to a wide open Bigliano at season. the top of the key.

“It really lowered our spirits after such a promising preBigliano let the three pointer fly off season,” said Jake Biegger, team captain. his fingers, and straight into the basEveryone was disappointed: the players, the fans, and ket. SHS had won their third game of the the coach. Some players were angry about the losses. Some season, two of which were because of Bigliano’s were sad. Others joked about it because if they showed how clutch shots. they truly felt, they might be perceived as a hothead or a Coming together sissy.

Sometimes, when facing adversity, teams tend to get torn Little did the boys know, sunshine was just around the apart. Players start to fight more, ignore the coach, and corner. even quit the team. Fortunately, this did not happen with Bigliano hits big shots the freshmen basketball team. In fact, just the opposite There are some players who play, and there are some who happened. It is as if all those horrible losses connected make plays. Michael Bigliano, 9, made a play that gave the boys in a way no one thought was possible. Gunn even the freshmen basketball team their very first win. made nicknames for his fellow teammates.

Bigliano received the ball on a pass from Biegger. Without “Yeah, I started the nickname thing! It wasn’t so hard to hesitation, Bigliano went up over a Mason player and laid do. Since Luke Conlon is so skinny, I call him ‘Slim Jim’,” the ball in the hoop as time expired. Even if it was not the said Gunn, a.k.a. ‘Baby Chocolate Milk’.

Staples Center in Los Angeles, the entire gym went crazy.

Also, the boys bonded in different ways before away “It felt awesome to make that shot but I have to give credit games. On the bus Nathan Byrd, 9, stole the show with to Jake. He made a great pass,” said a humble Bigliano. his amusing stories.

After a nearly two-month quest for their first win, the In the locker room, Gunn usually blared his music to get boys beat a Mason team that had only lost once in the the team ‘pumped up’ before a game. He played songs such GMC. This did not come as a surprise to Przywara. as 6 foot 7 foot’ by Lil’ Wayne and ‘John Wall’ by Troop 41.

“I think we can compete with any other team in the ‘It’s not about W’s’ league. We’ve proven that because there’s really not been, As the team reflects on their first SHS basketball season, with one exception, a game where we haven’t been in the they can do so with a sense of accomplishment. game. I think that we’re right on the same level as other Sometimes, it is not about the W’s, it is about the chalteams in the league,” said Przywara. lenges that helped them grow as basketball players, and as It was a moment to remember, and one that players will people. never forget. For some football players on the team, it was For more information on freshman basketball, visit their first win in their high school athletic career. http://www.aveshoops.com or http://www.goaves.com.

“That win really meant a lot to me. After not winning a

A

staff writer

n

xo

number points scored by Eric Pruitt

l sa

6

number of games lost by 10 points or less by the freshmen basketball team

135

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Number of points scored by freshmen team during the regular season.

ich

559

ym

47

Greatest amount of points scored by the freshmen basketball team in one game

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Michael Bigliano #15

Ben Gunn #13

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Eric Pruitt #3

Jake Biegger #20

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DJ Edgington #14

KeDarrius Bell #5

THE FRESHMEN BASKETBALL team had a mediocre season at best.

Pictured here, Michael Bigliano, 9, drives to the basket. Bigliano made two game winning shots, one against Mason, and one against Middletown. Despite only winning three games all year, the team improved as players and as young men.

Michael Saxon #22

Dan Ginsburg #21

Luke Conlon #33

Ben Jervis #31

Connor Pruitt #45

Nathan Byrd #41

Mr. Steve Przywara, coach, on freshmen basketball

What are you most proud of this season?

Because we’ve had a lot of close losses, I’m proud of the way we’ve handled ourselves. A lot of teams, when you lose close games, will hang their heads and let it affect their play, but we didn’t.

What do you think was the biggest obstacle the team had to overcome?

Being able to handle adversity because we experienced alot of close losses.

How did you keep the team focused when they weren’t winning?

I tried to emphasize the positives that we were doing. We were making noticeable progress, even though we lacked the results. We weren’t winning, but we were clearly getting better.

How does this team compare to your own varsity team in 2004?

It’s a good comparison because during the regular season we could have had a very good record but there were a handful of games that we lost at the buzzer or in overtime. Those could have caused us to not have a very good season, but we were able to stick together, stay positive, and make our run in the tournament.

What did you enjoy most about coaching this year?

I’ve enjoyed practices the most. Everybody plays hard, it’s a really fun group to be around, we’ve had no problems with attitude or things like that. It’s been really fun, even when things haven’t been going too well.

Spotlight

24

Friday, February 25, 2011

s t c u r

“I would like to be known as the maker of the world’s best amusement park ride”

Cade const Cade Kerry, 10

ellieGOLDMAN managing editor

Do you enjoy family time?

I don’t really like camping, but it’s something that my family likes to do because What is your dream job? we have a camper. We’ve been all over. I’m not My dream job is an Imagineer for Disney, because it would be great to design really an outdoors-y person, but the family time all the rides and do the research about them. I’m a creative person, so I’d be is nice. able to use my math skills and be creative at the same time.

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What are you doing outside of school?

I’m part of a ministry called Mispachah Incorporated. We are a travelling ministry that spreads the word of God and tries to get teenagers not to do bad stuff. We’re a drama group, so we put on a play about life. It deals with almost any issue that teenagers may be dealing with.

CO A

Could you survive for a week on your own cooking?

I could, I cook a lot of the meals around the house actually, I really do. My sister and I take turns cooking, and I have to help her. But I’m good at it, so I could definitely survive.

If you could make one contribution to the world, what would it be?

I would really like to be known as the maker of the world’s best amusement park ride or rollercoaster. Most people don’t know who built a rollercoaster, but I’d really like people to know that I built it, and that it was just so fantastic everybody had to go on it. That’d be great.

How do you feel about your job?

At McDonalds when my managers get stressed, the only thing I think to myself is, ‘how stressed can you be about bad food?’ They get so stressed over a hamburger. There’s nothing too important they can’t wait a few more seconds for.

Do you and your sister hang out?

We spend a lot of time together- we’ll watch movies together. Our VCR player broke and we were really disappointed because we have this huge collection of old Disney movies on VCR and we’ll sit and watch those.

RS

E

Why does Disney appeal to you?

They make me and everybody else happy, so I feel like if I had that job I’d definitely be making a bunch of little kids happy, without having to interact with them. I don’t really like little kids too much.

images by ellie goldman

What adivce would you give to someone?

Love life, chill and look at everybody the same. Lay back and relax every once and awhile.

Things Cade would

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dull colors

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his job and availability of jobs Cincinnati drivers

people’s perspective on change photos courtesy of cade kerry

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