February 2014 issue

The

Leaf

Sycamore High School Student News Magazine Volume 1 | Issue 7 | February Issue 2014

FFTC fundraises for cancer patients p. 3 Hockey team helps disabled children p. 14

Photo courtesy of Shea Lothrop

Animal rescue:

Students impact community through work in shelters

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We love special stories. That’s why we’re so excited to be supporting a cause that is so near to many hearts in the student body. Animal rescue has changed the lives of numerous students and faculty members, including some of The Leaf staff.

No matter if it’s a dog, cat, gerbil, or bird, we understand the impact they have on us. A relationship so different than any other because of the uplifting spirit it brings, no matter what the pets may have encountered in the past.

Rescue pets yearn for love and acceptance- two things commonly sought among teenagers.

We hope you leave this issue not only with an empathetic heart for animals, but for those around you looking for a friend.

Rescuing goes far beyond the tear-jerking Sarah McLaughlin commercials and is something everyone could use at times.

Whether it’s giving a stranger a compliment or saying good morning to someone in the hall, there is always a way to bring optimism to those around you.

We’d love to hear about a special story you have! Email us at shsstudentvoice@gmail.com

-Sanika Vaidya, Shea Lothrop, Ana Barros

Vol. I | Issue VII | 2.28.14

Inside this issue: PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN GLYNN

Editors’ Note

THE LEAF

This nameless cat has a temporary home at the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The SPCA allows caring individuals to adopt its pets, which often come from abusive backgrounds. Students can participate in the rescue process by volunteering, donating, educating, and more.

NEWS 3| Fashion for the Cure Students’ dresses fight for kids’ lives 3 | A-Rod

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 4 | Record Players Older machines regain popularity 5 | Oscars Anticipation builds for awards show

6 | Isaac Goldstein Junior studies in Chile 8 | Mr. Sycamore StuCo raises funds for Operation Give Back 8 | Bhangra Dance 9 | Rescue Pets Animals find loving homes

SPORTS

Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242

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

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

OPINION

14 | Hockey Seniors celebrate with victory 14| Sled Hockey

FEATURE

The Leaf

15 | Winter Track Team endures meet cancellations

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

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

18 | Communication Administration hopes to improve student-office connection 18 | Classic Novels 19 | Lila Englander Junior studies in Israel 20 | A-Rod What Rodriguez needs to do

SPOTLIGHT

21 | Water Polo Mark Hancher, 11

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

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

THE LEAF | TABLE OF CONTENTS

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News briefs

Kentucky’s Joe Kalil argues that schools cannot afford to put a police officer in each facility to protect against gun violence. The constable presented his plan to arm teachers to the public on Feb. 19.

Rosalyn Liou, 10, Gitanjalli Prasad Ajay, 10, and Anthony Popenoe, 11, have been selected as three of the 10 finalists for the Ohio Japanese Speech Contest. They will compete in the final round on March 1.

After weeks of protests, the president of Ukraine and leaders of his opposition signed a political accord on Feb. 21, aimed at ceasing violent protests regarding joining the European Union. The president agreed to early elections and a reduction in presidential powers, but Russia refuses to endorse the accord.

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NATIONAL Adelina Sotnikova, 17 years old, won the gold medal in the women’s figure skating at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, on Feb. 20. Gracie Gold of the U.S. team finished fourth.

IMAGES BY ALEXIS CORCORAN PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCT PHOTO

LOCAL

Science Fair moves to next round

it again, I would have gotten more precise measurements because some of our results were skewed,” said Naveen Viswanath, 11. ver the past five years, the number Like Viswanath, many students, parents, and of students involved in Science Fair teachers were involved with interesting ideas. has increased. This year, 65 students “I like seeing the kind of questions partook in the competition.

“We wanted to do an environmental science participants ask when they experiment.

Sometimes I get blown away by their lack of project and Mr. Ron Hochstrasser gave us limits. It changes my perspective because I some ideas. Then we did some research to can compare them to the people in my classes. come up with our project idea. The hardest They’re investigating with their own time part of doing our experiment was that our versus learning from the curriculum,” said Mr. hypothesis was refuted, so it was difficult to Mike Gutekunst, science teacher. figure out why,” said Hebeh Refaei, 11.

Many students advance to the University After coming up with a question to answer, of Cincinnati and State rounds following students research the topic, design and run their first presentation. This year, 23 SHS and an experiment, analyze the data, and craft a SJHS students moved on to the next round. conclusion.

A few students have even made it to the Once those tasks are completed, a written international level in previous years. report of the entire process must be made At the higher level rounds, many awards along with a poster and verbal presentation. and scholarships are available. The previous Participants faced a variety of difficulties year, seven students received 15,000 to 20,000 while developing the experiment. dollars for four years to various Ohio colleges.

“The hardest part of doing my experiment “SHS usually does very well at the regional was determining the alpha structure of and state levels. We are very proud,” said Mrs. particles. I did the whole project over Beth Quinones, science teacher. winter break, in two weeks. If I could do CAROLINE GAO

FEATURE CHIEF

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NEWS

fundraises for SARAH BIRCKHEAD

T

STAFF WRITER

The Dragonfly Foundation

he ninth annual Fashion for the Cure (FFTC) event will benefit the Dragonfly Foundation (TDF), a Cincinnati local non-profit.

The mission of the foundation is to, “act quickly to bring comfort and joy to children and young adults enduring cancer and bone marrow transplants,” according to the Dragonfly Foundation’s official website.

Specifically, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s Cancer & Blood Diseases Institute.

ALTERATIONS OF SPRINGDALE 11627 SPRINGFIELD PIKE

Rodriguez’s fate reaches final ruling ZACHARY FRITZHAND

STAFF WRITER

Alexander Rodriguez began his Major League Baseball (MLB) career as the 5 1 3 - 6 7 1 - 2 1 4 4 number one pick in the 1993 amateur draft.

Since then, he has accomplished more than 10756 MONTGOMERY ROAD some of the all-time greats.

CINCINNATI OHIO 45242 He hit a total of 654 home runs and was 5 1 3 - 4 2 9 - 5 6 1 2 the youngest player, at 32 years and 8 days old, to hit 500 home runs, as well as the youngest player, three years later, to hit 600 home runs. He has won three MVP awards and has eclipsed 1,900 RBIs. HOURS Rodriguez has signed the two highest MON. - FRI. valued contracts in MLB history. In 2001, 9:00AM - 6:00PM he signed a deal with the Texas Rangers for 10 years, $252 million and in 2007, he SAT. 10:00AM - 2:00PM signed a deal with the New York Yankees for 10 years, $275 million.

SUN. In Dec. 2007, Rodriguez was interviewed Closed

by Katie Couric on “60 Minutes” and claimed he had never used performanceenhancing drugs. “I’ve never felt overmatched on the baseball field” said Rodriguez to Couric.

In Feb. 2008, Rodriguez was questioned WWW.ALTERATIONSCINCINNATI.COM CINCINNATI OHIO 45246

Now, it is a huge success and is growing more every single day.

They provide the children with distractions, as well as comforting care packages for parents that have a newly diagnosed child.

“It helps them get through that first awful night in the hospital. A night I will never forget,” said Neitzke.

They also offer emotional health, awareness, and support programs. Neitzke and her partner, Ria Davidson, created a place called “the landing,” which is their flagship location.

This is a 6,000 square foot clubhouse they decorated to feel like a home. With a playroom, crafts room, and video game room, the kids are allowed to be kids for their time at the landing.

“Our non-profit is so unique. It is incredibly easy to donate. We don’t need huge money donations, just involvement and connecting with the other families is really impactful alone,” said Davidson.

“We researched many charities, but TDF stood out unlike any other. Not only is it local, but has stories behind it that the community, or anyone affected by cancer can relate to. The choice was easy,” said Mrs. Deborah Klemt, FFTC teacher adviser.

IMAGE BY BRENDA SHEN

Fashion

As well as providing for the patients, the foundation also focuses on the stress and trauma of siblings and parents. It aims to provide distractions from the emotional, physical, and financial toll of the cancer and bone marrow transplants.

“We work to establish connections at a time when patients, siblings, and caregivers feel the most alone and isolated,” as said on their website.

It was founded in 2010 after Christine Neitzke and her husband Jim Neitzke received the biggest shock of their lives, when their youngest son Matt Neitzke was diagnosed with Stage 3A Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a potentially fatal blood disease.

The Neitzke family’s life changed drastically throughout the six months of their son’s intensive treatments and chemotherapy. Fortunately, he went into remission after a long battle, almost losing his life twice.

Going through this journey inspired Neitzke to start a foundation that would improve the time the kids spent on the chemotherapy floor, enduring crippling treatments.

“They only had outdated VHS movies, old books, and stale Play-Doh,” said Neitzke, “We knew that even the smallest donations of new movies and games would make their time better.”

It started with small donations, and Neitzke, a Public Relations major, used her resources to spread the word.

about being in the Mitchell Report.

The Mitchell Report is the report to the Commissioner of Baseball, an independent investigation into the illegal use of steroids and other performance enhancing substances by players in MLB. In 2009, Sports Illustrated reported that Rodriguez tested positive for Primobolan (anabolic steroid) and synthetic testosterone in 2003, the year of MLB’s survey testing.

He then admitted to doping in an interview with Peter Gammons. “I did take a banned substance, and for that I’m very sorry and deeply regretful,” said Rodriguez.

Between the remainder of the 2009 season and the beginning of the 2013 season, Rodriguez clubbed his 500th and 600th career home runs. He also underwent two hip surgeries.

On Aug. 5, 2013, news broke that Rodriguez would be banned a record 211 games for violating Basic Agreement and baseball’s drug program, but he elected to appeal.

“There is nothing about this that has been

*

see pg. 20 for an opinion about Alexander Rodriguez

easy. All of it has been challenging. I’m sure there’s been mistakes along the way. We’re here now. I’m a human being. I am fighting for my life. I have to defend myself. If I don’t defend myself, no one else will,” said Rodriguez.

In his 2013 season debut, Yankee stadium was mixed with cheers and boos. He went 0-for-3 and had 3 strikeouts as the Yankees beat the Dodgers.

On Oct. 3, 2013, Rodriguez filed a lawsuit in New York state court against the MLB and Bud Selig, MLB Commissioner.

Rodriguez claimed the baseball official carried out a ‘witch hunt’ against him.

The following day, Rodriguez filed separate malpractice against Yankee team doctor Chris Ahmad and Columbian Presbyterian Hospital.

MLB announced the final ruling for Rodriguez, a 162-game ban plus the 2014 postseason, if the Yankees make it that far.

Rodriguez said in a statement that he will take the matter to federal court and fight the ruling.

THE LEAF | NEWS

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Arts&Entertainment

T D R F O

Check out more A&E at

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OF ECcandidate Surprising for R

image by krittika chatterjee

comeback of the century

ZOE SCHLOSSER

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STAFF WRITER

n a world dominated by technology, it is easy to forget the devices of the past that were such a significant part of many people’s lives.

With Apple products and Pandora, there has been a gradual decline in the need for previous technology like CD players, stereo systems and such.

However, in more recent years, an older device is making a major comeback. Not only was it one of the first methods of playing recorded music aloud, it changed the way people could interact with music forever.

THE BEATLES OASIS Anthology 1 Be Here Now

NIRVANA

QUEEN

MTV Unplugged

Made in Heaven

top selling

records source: RIAA

infographic by krittika chatterjee

Must rewatch childhood movies FINDING NEMO

mulan

cinderella

LAUREN SHASSERE

STAFF WRITER

Everyone loves a good throwback. For SHS students, that means the animated classics of the 90’s. Disney movies, classic PIXAR tales, and more make up the ranks of The Leaf ’s best childhood movies for rewatching.

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infographic by krittika chatterjee

#TBT

Yes, it seems highly unlikely that an ‘ancient’ tool like the record player could ever be making its way back into the daily lives of 21st century people.

But don’t underestimate the popularity of the turntable.

“Something about the antiquity and vintageness of a record player really appeals to me,” said Allyson Marth, 10.

According to the Recording Industry Assocation of America (RIAA), the recording industry organization that maintains record sales, shipments and purchases of vinyl records increased 36 percent - a total of $163 million - in 2012.

The vinyl that we know today and are learning to re-love came about in the late 1940s. It was by the 1960s and 1970s that the adoration of record players truly set sail.

While record sales have declined since they peaked in 1977, they have emerged once again in the past five years. The RIAA determined that in 2011, more than five million vinyl albums were shipped - the highest number since 1990.

“I have a record player and I listen to a lot of the Beatles’ and Oasis’ stuff, but I also have some more modern music like Death Cab for Cutie,” said Jacob Mather, 10.

There is no question as to why record players decreased in popularity as the 21st century came about. Considering the overwhelming advancements in technology they did not stand a chance. Nonetheless, their time has come yet again as teens and young adults of the present wish to relive the glories of technological past with the accompaniment of the record player.

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

Oscar worthy ?

Students debate outcome of star-studded award event BENJAMIN COHEN

STAFF WRITER

KATHRYN TENBARGE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

JENNIFER WEBER

W STAFF WRITER

atching award shows is an American pastime, and few amount to the publicity and buzz that surrounds the “Academy Awards,” known more popularly as The Oscars.

This year’s program will be aired on March 2 in the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

“I think ‘12 Years a Slave’ should win Best Picture because the graphics really made you believe in the excruciating level of pain the characters had to endure,” said Aliyah Motley, 10.

“12 Years a Slave” is the true winner no matter the outcome of the night. The film, graphically, went into territory that many Hollywood films tend to gloss over. The film has also been winning at other major award shows, including the “Golden Globes” and “Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards.”

There is definitely a lot of support for director Steve McQueen’s film, since the Academy has a history of favoring dramatical historical productions.

On the other hand, “American Hustle” has gotten a lot of support, as well as “Gravity.”

Celebrity buzz

Two other popular categories, Best Actor and Actress in a Leading Role, are full of possibilities.

Leonardo DiCaprio is just as deserving as any of the other nominees. Not only has

he been in the business for over two decades, but he has so effortlessly broken away from his ‘heartthrob’ image. His performance in “The Wolf of Wall Street” was raw and full of emotion, making it easily his best performance yet.

“I’d say Leonardo DiCaprio should win for his work in Wolf of Wall Street. It was an extremely well done and well thought out portrayal of a complex character. In addition, his record in film proves he is a very talented actor,” said Bailey McCarthy, 11.

There is almost no way that Cate Blanchett will not win for her performance in “Blue Jasmine” without there being some kind of upset. She has won the title at all of the other award shows this season, and rightfully so. She somehow made a vain and mentally unstable character relatable.

Movie atmosphere

There are a plethora of similarities to the nominees for this year’s “Golden Globes,” and critics often take the winners of both that show and the “SAG Awards” into consideration when predicting the Oscars.

Lupita Nyong’o is a strong candidate for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, even against last year’s Best Actress in a Lead Role, Jennifer Lawrence.

This award season is sure to bring surprises to the screen.

Oscar nominees Best Picture

“American Hustle” “Caprian Phillips” “Dallas Buyers Club” “Gravity” “Her” “Nebraska” “Philomena” “12 Years a Slave” “The Wolf of Wall Street”

Best Actor

Christian Bale “American Hustle”

Bruce Dern “Nebraska”

Leonardo DiCaprio “The Wolf of Wall Street”

Chiwetel Ejiofor “12 Years a Slave”

Matthew McConaughey “Dallas Buyers Club”

Best Actress Amy Adams “American Hustle”

Cate Blanchett “Blue Jasmine”

Sandra Bullock “Gravity”

Judi Dench “Philomena”

Meryl Streep “August: Osage Country” THE LEAF | ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

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Feature

Gaining perspective Semester school develops leaders ISAAC GOLDSTEIN

FEATURE CHIEF

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here is a world of opportunity Taking advantage of the outside the four walls of a outdoors traditional high school, and we At Alzar School, the world is our don’t need to wait until after classroom. Now, I took the same classes as graduation to experience it fully. For me, I back at SHS, but in a completely different knew I wanted to do something different environment. I have had English class on with my high school experience. I wanted top of a 9,000 foot peak in the Trinity Alps, to expand my perspective on the world, and math class on the banks of the wild and take advantage of the opportunities that scenic Salmon River, and history class on exist. the beaches of Buchupureo.

This past fall I attended Alzar School, “It is a big surprise how much we do a semester program for sophomores with academics, but how much fun we have and juniors that fosters the growth of outdoors and how much time we spend teen leaders through unique outdoor outdoors,” said Benjamin experiences. Alzar School is THE ALZAR SCHOOL IS Barnes, 10 in Newton, based in Cascade, Idaho, and LIFE-CHANGING BECAUSE Massachusetts. from campus we embarked IT OPENS YOU UP TO NEW Leadership is the on expeditions in Idaho, foundation of Alzar Washington, and California. EXPERIENCES AND NEW School, and we not CHALLENGES THAT YOU only learn about what it In addition to daily classes, we trained in Swift MIGHT NOT OTHERWISE means to be an effective Water Rescue, Wilderness FACE. IT HELPS YOU leader or how specifically Advanced First Aid, and one can lead his or her GROW AS A PERSON a variety of outdoor skills.

Jessica Shotwell, peers, but we also take This all prepared us for charge and practice Junior in McCall, Idaho our leadership on our culminating five-week expedition and immersion expeditions. program in Chile.

Implementing knowledge “Alzar School takes you so many different internationally places and you see so many different While residing in Chile, we experienced parts of the world. It makes you want our major student leadership opportunity. to travel,” said Rutledge Riddle, 10 in Divided into groups of just four students Hendersonville, North Carolina.

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each, we were responsible for planning and executing a three-day weekend. The only parameter was to remain within a threehour radius of our Choshuenco campus.

The rest was entirely ours to plan, develop,

we were going to have was now in our own hands.

“Leading expeditions was challenging and made me push myself, but I felt accomplished after a long day. I never knew I was capable of that,” said Elena Press, 10 in Upper Dublin, Pennsylvania.

On the weekend I led, we traveled two hours north to the town of Pucón.

We whitewater kayaked the Río Tancura and Río Liucura, two beautiful rivers, flowing I kayak over the last drop of the Siete Tazas (Seven Teacups) in central Chile. with electric blue water. Volcan This 27-foot waterfall attracts many international kayakers in search of an Villarica loomed entry into running waterfalls. With a safe pool at the bottom and proper techniques, it is nothing but fun. above us, one of the many snowcapped volcanoes that exist throughout and lead an exceptional weekend, applying everything we had learned about leadership. Chile.

In the evening, we explored the town We had to create a vision, research, and figure how to make our plan happen. What itself, practicing our Spanish with locals and expanding our knowledge on the transportation were we going to use? How Chilean culture. It was a success, and I felt would we eat? Where would we stay? A empowered knowing that I possessed the budget was given to us, and the experience

FEATURE ability to create an expedition where I would lead my peers on a trip in a foreign country.

What I will take with me

From this experience, and all the others throughout the semester, I learned a tremendous amount about myself and those around me. Arriving at Alzar School, we were ten teenagers from around the US and Chile, each with different stories. But as we came together, we created a single community, in which we could rely on each other and work

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together to create the best possible time for ourselves and those around us.

“The Alzar school is life-changing because it opens you up to new experiences and new challenges that you might not otherwise face. It helps you grow as a person,” said Jessica Shotwell, 11 in McCall, Idaho.

“Get Out Cincinnati”

Now that I’ve returned to Cincinnati, I plan to share my love of the outdoors through a community event I’m developing called Get Out Cincinnati.

This event will introduce kayaking, mountain biking and nature hiking to area youths who may not otherwise experience nature. I am currently putting together my action team to lead this project. Visit the Facebook page at Get Out Cincinnati.

More information about Alzar School can be found at www.alzarschool.org and vimeo.com. For a further look into semester schools in general, visit www. semesterschools.net.

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Symbols of the logo

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10 Elements of Leadership

1. Character 2. Personal Leadership and Followthrough 3. Technical Proficiency 4. Resiliency and Resourcefulness 5. Communication Skills 6. Community Membership and Service 7. Accurate Awareness 8. 360° Thinking 9. Inspiring Vision 10. Continual Learning and Improvement

1) We scout the rapid Pescador on Rio Trancura in Chile, using the WORMS technique to decipher the safest path to kayak the rapid. 2) Hiking through the Idaho wilderness on the last expedition of the semester, we synthesize the various skills we’ve learned to survive the night out in the snow in belowfreezing temperatures. 3) I deliver a speech on campus by the beautiful Payette River during English class. We utilized our surrounding environment to demonstrate our observations and “sense of place.” 4) We stand at the bottom of Chile’s 120- foot waterfall, Salto de Huilo Huilo. The 10 Elements of Leadership are the foundation of each expedition we led. Throughout the semester, we mastered these elements, along with many other skills as we

1. Mountain - representing the outdoor activity 2. Delta - symbolizing change and the growing individual 3. Tip of a pencil - expressing academics and constant learning 4. Blue and Brown - the water and the earth (two means of exploration) 5. Top of a yurt - the structure in which students live while on campus 6. Diamond - representing a challenge (i.e. skiing a black diamond) 7. Triangle - representing strength to support the community

Semester schools by the numbers

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semester schools exist across the United States and other countries

the first semester school was created

1984

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the grade in school most semester schools require in order to attend THE LEAF | FEATURE

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FEATURE

Mr. Sycamore raises money for OGB Student Council (StuCo) has selected OGB as the 2014 recipient of the funds peration Give Back (OGB) is a raised from Mr. Sycamore, an annual charity that greatly impacts the SHS fundraising event. community. Students help OGB Mr. Sycamore is a charity pageant for through tutoring or mentoring, promoting male SHS students. This year the event is literacy, coordinating community events, on Feb. 28 at 7:30pm in the Little Theatre. assisting the elderly, and developing teen The contestants compete in various programs to discuss current issues they are events with the goal of winning either facing within the Sycamore community.

Mr. Congeniality or Mr. Sycamore. The “What I think is special about OGB first is the participant who wins the most is that we are helping kids from our own money, the latter is chosen by the judges for school district. The kids we tutor come entertaining the crowd the best. from the Sycamore Junior High School, E. “I’m really excited about being a judge for H. Greene Intermediate School, and other Mr. Sycamore but even more excited about elementary schools. raising money for Operation Give Back,” “The woman who runs it does a fantastic said Ms. Marilyn Ray, history teacher. job preparing these children for not just At this fundraiser 10 male students school, but for the rest of life, and the participate in various activities to raise kids are very sweet and so appreciative money for a designated charity. The of everyone that comes in,” said Bryan participants come from all four grades; Waterhouse, 12. two from the freshman class, two from the ELIZABETH RICKERT

OPINION CHIEF

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ancing with his culture esai practices Bhangra

originates from the Indian region of Punjab, located in the northwest as well.

Most people have had some dance “With Fogana, it was easy to just put on a big experience in their past, whether it be from smile and go through the steps. It’s different line dancing in fourth grade music class or with Bhangra, because you have to learn to be going to Homecoming during high school. so intimate with the people you are dancing But Nimit Desai, 12, has been dancing with,” said Desai. cultural Indian dance for the past decade.

Moreover, the Bhangra style demands Recently, he won the title for being the best fast paced foot movement and an easy ear male Indian dancer in Cincinnati, from ages for timing. After dancing Fogana on such a 11 to 20 years old. competitive level, Desai struggled to pick up “I started dancing when I was five or six, the newer form. and it was at first just something that my “Of course it was so hard at first. It’s just a lot parents wanted me to do. But now, it’s a large of powerful movement. I see it now with the part of my life,” said Desai. newer team members, but it gets a lot better Desai began studying the Fogana style of after the first year,” said Desai. dance, which originates from the Indian state Desai currently dances with local team of Gujrat. Reaching national competition Gajdi Jawani, which he has been a part of with level within his first five years, he danced as seniors Nicolas Hershey and Shyam Parikh, part of the winning team in 2006. and sophomore Animesh Bapat since the Following the win, Desai began practicing beginning of his high school career a different type of dance - Bhangra. Bhangra RACHAEL SUN

WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

sophomore class, three from the junior class, and three from the senior class.

The show will start when the contestants walk down the Little Theater aisles to their chosen songs and dance. This is followed by a game called, “Guess the Lyrics.” This event requires the contestants to sing the next four lyrics to the song chosen by StuCo. “We’ve tried to make this year as fun as possible by adding the game ‘Guess the Lyrics’ and keeping things interesting.

Everyone should come, it’ll be great,” said Amy Bitzer, 10, co-chair of event.

This possibly atrocious singing will be followed by an eating contest. Each guy will receive a small, cheese pizza with the goal of devouring it as fast as possible.

While StuCo cleans up the mess, a speaker from OGB will explain to the audience their mission. This is followed by intermission, the last chance to donate.

Following the break is the dance. The boys

will strut out in their tuxedos and perform their dance to “Bye, Bye, Bye.” After the intense dance, the question and answer session will occur. This, like the rest of the evening, will be hosted by Emily Callaway, 12.

“It was hilarious last year. The question and answer session provided the boys, judges, and audience with a great laugh and a fun night,” said Leila Kazemi, 10.

The audience will watch thirty second videos the participants have created. The videos are meant to be hilarious. These will be shown on announcements the day of the event to promote Mr. Sycamore.

Finally, the winner will be announced.

The judges will have picked Mr. Sycamore and StuCo will have counted all of the money leading to the crowning of Mr. Congeniality.

FEB. 28, 2014

Cover story

Working hand in paw Animal rescue gives life to more than just pets

IMAGE BY LAUREN GLYNN

COVER STORY

Leaving the ‘ruff’ life behind KATHRYN TENBARGE

W

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

alking into an adoption fair is an experience in itself. With dogs, cats, chaos, sounds, and smells surrounding you, it is hard to know where to look first. For HART Animal Rescue, this is just another day of doing what they do best: finding homes for rescued animals.

“We pull them from shelters, especially kill shelters. We get most of our animals from northern Kentucky because a lot of those shelters kill, but so do some in Ohio. We also take calls for help from citizens,” said Kristi Davidson, a board member of HART also in charge of their cat program.

Davidson is everywhere on the day of the adoption fair- taking questions from passersby, solving conflicts between animals, and instructing volunteers.

“We can use students at adoption events, because students can be great handlers. If they are 18 they can help out at Bengals’ games when we do fund raisers. And then there are some jobs they can always help out with: donations, soliciting donations, and working at

adoption centers by cleaning cages and playing with the animals,” said Davidson.

Talk to anyone who has an emotional tie with a dog, cat, or other domestic creature, and it is easy to comprehend the love SHS students have for their animal companions, often rescue pets.

“My family found Lucky on a website and we all thought she was adorable. She only had three legs and we knew we wanted to help her.

When we first went to go and pick her up, I was chased around by a bunch of bees, but getting Lucky made up for the pain,” said Josh Rosen, 9, on his family’s dog.

Every animal has a story. Some are harder to hear than others.

“When we rescued Duster, his front paws were just nubs. Every vet we went to recommended euthanization. It’s easier for dogs to have no back paws rather than front paws. But we didn’t give up on him. He pushes a trolley around and eventually became our poster dog until his adoption,” said Davidson.

Phoebe, a two year old Havanese rescue at HART, was abused by her previous owner, a

breeder. Her paws are stained yellow from the urine she stood in while locked in a cage.

At the HART rescue fair, Phoebe stood out as a friendly, trusting dog with boundless energy. She came home with a Leaf staff writer.

It was an unexpected event, but it revealed the most important draw of animal rescue: one cannot help but join in.

While HART has no permanent location and relies mainly on foster families, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is only eight minutes away from SHS, and offers opportunities for interested students.

Why adopt over buying at a pet store?

On average, 20,000 animals are saved each year because caring people say no to buying puppies and kittens from pet stores and open their hearts and home to a remarkable shelter pet.

4-5 million animals are euthanized each year in the U.S. When buying a puppy or kitten from a pet store, individuals are unknowingly supporting puppy mills, which are often large-scale breeding operations that put profit ahead of animal welfare.

Female breeding dogs are forced to produce multiple litters until they can no longer breed.

Many puppy mill dogs have never been out of their cages, have never felt grass under their feet.

By adopting a rescue pet, you are saying no to animal cruelty.

Source: http://www.animalleague.org

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SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

COVER STORY ALL IMAGES BY LAUREN GLYNN

Above are a few animals currently living at the SPCA in Sharonville. These furry friends are sitting around waiting for an individual to bring them home.

Volunteer process

One interested student was Christina Caporale, 10, who volunteers at the SPCA with her dad.

“I always enjoyed spending time with animals, so when I reached the minimum age [for volunteering], I took the training,” said Caporale.

The training she mentions is for students ages 15 to 16. Training takes three to four hours, and is available once a month. For volunteers under 18, hours have to be served with a parent, and there is a minimum requirement per month.

To bypass the training and necessity of a parent, anyone can volunteer for cleaningrelated activities.

“My favorite memory would be when one of the cats, Coco, finally got adopted. She had been abused, so my dad and I had been working with her over a period of about six months and it was great to see her progress and eventual adoption,” said Caporale.

The Sharonville SPCA location is separate from HART’s animal adoption fair. In Kelly

Burroughs’ office, where she works as the Development Coordinator, there is a cat on the table, a dog on the floor, and a rabbit lounging in the corner.

“Our motto is that we turn no animal away.

We’ve picked up alligators, and not too long ago, a handful of potbelly pigs. Then there was a rooster, some chinchillas, and a sugar glider,” said Burroughs, who also offered advice for students interested in helping the cause without getting their hands too dirty.

“Fundraising is huge. Students could help by collecting supplies and money- I’ve seen kids do charity birthday parties, especially when they’re young,” said Burroughs.

The end result of giving often makes the process worthwhile.

“My cat Sparkle was from the SPCA,” said Caporale.

“All we know is that she was brought in as a stray when she was four to six months old. She is very sweet... like she will curl up in your lap anywhere, but she is also quite clumsy. She runs into walls and furniture frequently.”

Gift of giving back

Watching animals overcome hardships and helping them along their journey makes the devotion truly rewarding.

“Our rescue cat, Widget, remained comatose and unsociable for quite some time before we put him in a cage with kittens,” said Davidson.

“Since then, he’s become sort of a big brother to them, and really come out of his shell. He’s a reminder to never give up on an animal, even when you think there’s no hope.”

Students have proven themselves to be eager volunteers and avid care givers. Putting the two together results in a better future for the dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and the rest of the rescue world.

Animal abuse may seem like an impossible problem, but taking little steps can save lives.

Whether it is collecting money during the holidays or adopting a furry friend (or a smooth, rough, or scaly one), rescue efforts can be successful, and every animal deserves a bright and loving future.

She only had three legs and we knew we wanted to help her.

-Josh Rosen, 9 THE LEAF | COVER STORY

11

Pets save lives too Estimated 4.3 million animals enter shelters each year

COVER STORY Dogs can learn and warn owners of oncoming seizures before they happen

On average, those who own a pet live two years longer than those who do not

Oxytocin is the bonding hormone that is released in humans and dogs during mutual interactions

15 to 30 minutes with a pet will make an individual feel less anxious and stressed

Oxytocin reduces blood pressure and anxiety, and increases pain tolerance

Owning a cat can dramatically reduce a person’s chance of dying from heart disease and stroke

Animals increase serotonin levels [the “feel-good” hormone]

NH2

HO

NH

67% Source: Carltonhobbs.com

12

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

of pet owners said their pets provide companionship and reduce loneliness

Therapists have prescribed a pet as a way of dealing with and recovering from depression

IMAGE BY LAUREN GLYNN

FEB. 28 2014 KATHRYN TENBARGE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Fun&Games

All of the answers to this crossword puzzle can be found in this issue.

ACROSS

1 The Bhangra dancer in Feature 3 The author of the Guest Column in Opinion 5 SHS’ electronic orchestra, seen in Arts & Entertainment 9 SHS’ annual competition, seen in Feature 10 An animal rescue organization, seen in the cover story

DOWN 2 3 4 6 7 8

Two articles in this issue are about this global opportunity A controversial baseball star seen in both News and Opinion A book by John Green, mentioned in Opinion A country where riots are taking place, seen in News Briefs An upcoming awards show, seen in Arts & Entertainment The foundation supported by Fashion for the Cure

8 6 1

9

3 8

4 5 3 6

8 3 2

KOTSOVOS PROM 9501 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 513.791.3877 | kotsovosprom.com

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1 3 5 3 6 7 2 4 7 9 5

7 2 4 THE LEAF | FUN&GAMES

13

FEB. 28, 2014

Sports

Seniors skate off ice

JOEY SLOVIN

STAFF WRITER

T

he six senior class members of the ice hockey team experienced the genuine bitter-sweetness of a Senior Night victory. On Jan. 31, the Varsity team hosted Southwest Ohio High School Hockey League (SWOHSHL) counterpart Elder High School for its final game of the season at the Sports Plus ice rink.

“My favorite part of Senior Night was having all of the students coming out to support us and get rowdy,” said Kal Heyn, 12, who plays forward and defenseman and has spent three years as a Varsity member.

Each senior’s banner, which shows his picture, name, number, and position, was hanging in the rink for the game. Pre-game festivities began with a speech from

head coach Rob Wocks, followed by the six seniors entering the ice individually to the song of their choice.

After pictures were taken with parents of players, the puck was dropped, and the action began.

The end of the first period showed a 0-1 score, favoring Elder. SHS came out fired up and ready for the second period and scored three goals while allowing just one more.

SHS held the lead going into the final period by a score of 3-2.

The third period was even more evenly matched than the first. With just a few minutes remaining in the game, Elder pulled its goalie in an effort to get some extra firepower on the ice. This strategy was successful enough to get one goal, but SHS pulled through, giving the team the victory in front of the largest home crowd of the season.

SHS goals were scored by Noah Loftspring and Zach

Sled Hock ey /sled /‘häkē/ - Hockey played on a sled using sticks to propel the player forward - Allows people with leg disabilities to participate in the sport 14

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

Samuelson, both seniors, and JB Henry, 11, who scored two of the team’s four goals.

Paying the Pr[ice] Skates - $200 Helmets - $250 Pads- $150 Gloves - $400 Sticks - $600 Skate Sharpening - $100 Pay-to-play - $1000 Tournament hotels - $1400

$

TOTAL: $4,100 *School team cost

Racing to congratulate his teammate, Zach Samuelson, 12, praises JB Henry, 11, for scoring a goal. Henry scored two goals on Senior Night, resulting in a win against Elder.

The ice hockey team members also participate in a volunteer program called Sled Hockey, which gives disabled kids a chance to experience and learn the sport.

JESSICA WOCKS

STAFF WRITER

Volunteering has been shown to improve a student’s overall perspective. The SHS hockey team is encouraged to help every Monday at Sports Plus for a volunteer program called Sled Hockey.

Sled Hockey is similar to hockey, except it is played on a sled and uses sticks to propel a person forward, allowing people with paralyzed legs to enjoy the sport.

“We’ve gone from five players in 2008 to almost 25 now,” said Beth Yantek, the founder of the program.

In addition to SHS volunteers, students from universities come down to help. Participants feel the positive energy felt after volunteering has benefits on their life.

“It strengthens the team,” said Rob Wocks, one of the main founders for the program.

The number of volunteers prior to the start of the hockey season is usually few.

The routine volunteers are the SHS students Donald Hosea and Brandon DeMaio, both juniors, and seniors Noah Loftspring and Jake Wocks.

“Once the season starts more of the players start to show up. Before the season there are usually only a few of us,” said Wocks.

What starts as the students feeling pressured into volunteering leads to something more. Friendships between the disabled kids and students are formed, and both sides step off the ice with more character than they had when they entered the link.

SPORTS

Track pushes through Sprinting uphill: Winter inexperience, weather VICTORIA SWART

BROADCAST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A

group of students walk down the hallway. They are here for a club, or to make-up an assignment from a teacher, or some other business; it does not matter, because now they only want to go home.

Suddenly, the group feels the floor rumble slightly beneath them. Someone shouts “Watch out!” and they step aside just in time as some 30 athletes sprint down the hall.

Of course, this team could be any off-season sport conditioning: baseball, lacrosse, or volleyball. But only one team considers the hallways as their “field house,” and that is the indoor track team.

The 2014 season for the athletes had a rocky start; in fact, there was not a start to the season for a long time.

Due to inclement weather

conditions, the first three On the day the team was meets were cancelled. going to embark, however, the “My goals for this winter Ohio High School Athletic season were to get our younger Association declared that runners some experience because indoor track was not a to propel them into the sanctioned sport, the trip had spring season, but with the to be cancelled. unfortunate winter weather, “We were wanting to show things have been kind of our appreciation to the kids sporadic and who have been erratic,” said Hank I have kept working so hard. the same Ray, head coach.

So when it fell expectations The third meet through, we were of myself, no of the season was bummed, but we’re matter the supposed to be not going to stop at the Armory pushing for these weather Field House in trips in the future,” New York City, Martin Gonzalez, 10 said Ray. NY - the furthest Despite the and biggest obstacles in the competition at which the team beginning of the season, the would ever have competed. team has been able to officially “During spring track, we are start its season with two meets forced to see the same people at Ohio State University and every meet, so I like taking our Cedarville University. indoor team to new and big “There’s no real good excuse venues. Then we can be well to lower your expectations prepared for any opponent,” of yourself just because of a said Ray. couple missed meets,” said

Boys Individuals: Mark Hancher, 11: seeded 4th in 100 butterfly, 8th in 100 freestyle Relays: 200 medley relay seeded 23rd (JiHo Choi, 9, Ben Hammer, 12, Hancher, Max Cappel, 12) 400 freestyle relay seeded 20th (Ben Thiss, 11, Isaac Goldstein, 11, Hancher, Max Cappel)

Girls Individuals: Cara Norris, 11: seeded 2nd in 100 butterfly, 5th in 200 freestyle Relays: 200 freestyle relay seeded 9th (Mary Fry, 10, Cara Norris, 11, Priscilla Wu, 10, Elizabeth Walden, 10) 400 freestyle relay seeded 16th (Annie Moreno, 10, Fry, Lily Retford, 10, Norris)

Photo courtesy of McDaniel's Photography

Swimming State Qualifiers

Martin Gonzalez, 10.

Cedarville was the first meet that the entire team was able to attend, though time restrained them to only competing in little more than half of the events.

Even so, the boys placed third overall, while the girls placed seventh out of 77 teams from all around the region.

“I believe that if we had run every event, we would have easily won both boys and girls overall. It just shows the talent level that we have, and I am ecstatic about that,” said Ray. Ray hopes that many of his athletes will qualify to compete in the Ohio Indoor State Meet which will be held March 8 at the University of Akron.

“In the big picture, I have to be patient and take things as they come. I know that we are moving in the right direction,” said Ray.

James Williams, 12, sprints the 100 meter dash for the Winter Track team. This short sprint requires a good start, and therefore, a correct starting position is crucial. He can be found training in the halls regardless of inclement weather.

Column:

Rick Pitino bans Twitter MICHAEL SAXON

EXECUTIVE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

During an appearance on ESPN Radio’s Mike and Mike in the morning, Rick Pitino, Louisville basketball coach, criticized his players’ use of social media.

He called it a “poison,” saying that it takes away from more “important things.” Pitino has even gone as far as to ban his players from tweeting.

I initially saw this as just another adult refusing to get with the times - kind of like my father. “In the old days, we would have to…”

Please, spare me, Dad. Yet, the more I reflected on athletes’ interactions on social media, the more I realized Pitino’s banning was probably a good idea.

Let’s face it: when was the last time you heard a professional athlete publicized for saying something good on Twitter? ESPN seems to only share athletes’ tweets for two reasons: 1 - It’s a public announcement (most likely an apology for some indiscretion).

2 - The athlete is attacking another person or athlete (see James Harrison's tweets).

It’s not that all professional athletes tweet bad things; rather, we enjoy the drama. We love any sort of conflict, and in our search for it, why would tweets be off-limit?

And, it’s not just professional athletes who need to be mindful of those 140 characters.

High school athletes should also learn to separate Twitter from sports.

I love logging on to Twitter and seeing a high school athlete’s tweets following a tough loss (I actually do like seeing them - as I said before, that sort of drama is entertaining). But, in reality, the athletes are just putting themselves in a bad light - after all, haven’t we learned from Richard Sherman that right after a game is not an ideal time to express one’s opinion? They come off as childish. The outcome of the game didn’t go your way so now you take to social media to whine about it?

So, I have to admire what Pitino has done here. While it is by no means a popular decision, it is definitely the right one. Perhaps, it is by getting rid of these off-the-court distractions that Pitino has been able to have so much success on the court.

THE LEAF | SPORTS

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FEB. 28, 2014

Opinion

Staff Editorial Compassion we can support

“

Leafing through the masses: How has your pet impacted your life?

because animals depend on us for more than food and beds. They need us for a loving environment and to protect them from harm’s way.

Simply going to a shelter for a couple hours to play with cats, buying toys for dogs, and even donating to shelters are seemingly small acts that make such a huge impact on so many innocent lives.

We are drawn to happy endings, and adoption organizations try to make as many of those endings as they can, and we can support them. Besides making an animal’s life better, selfless acts make us better people as well.

And in doing them, we may hope to form unbreakable relationships with other people and animals, and maybe even happen upon a new best friend in the process.

MY DOG, CLOROX, IS MY BEST FRIEND, GIVEN TO ME BY ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS, MRS. [CHRISTINE] ALLEN. Ms. Latoya Pitts, English teacher My dog had babies in my living room and my mom birthed it in a little birthing pool. it changed my perspective on animals Michael Edelheit, 10

IMAGE BY LAUREN GLYNN

Apache was one of the sweetest horses around until his fate took a turn for the worst. His owners beat and abused him, leaving him reclusive and aggressive.

Years after being rescued, his hesitation toward people remained, but after hours of spending time around him, he began to trust two girls. Soon the three became inseparable and Apache’s life changed forever.

This is only one of the countless stories people can tell of how just a little of kindness can go a long way.

Oftentimes we forget just how much a helping hand can do. We choose to look the other way, take the easy way out, and not get involved, but in reality, that goes against our human nature.

We have a tendency to help others and that should not be limited to people,

I have a cat and a dog. My dog is really fun to hang out with.

She brings me happiness and all my friends love her.

Arianna Miller, 11

MY DOG HAS BECOME A MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY AND HAS BROUGHT US MUCH CUTE JOY. WE LOVE HIM VERY MUCH. Gabriel Schenker, 12

THE LEAF | OPINION

17

C

OPINION

ommunication struggle:

hanges bring confusion, Davis looks to improve

LAUREN GLYNN

S

MANAGING EDITOR

chool each day is difficult enough without worrying about what the bell schedule is or if there is an ACE bell, but lately, those seem like the most important things.

After having a five-day week for the first time in nearly two months, we are starting to get back into the swing of things. But is it really the calamity days and holiday breaks that have triggered the lack of knowledge being relayed?

It is understandable that students are sick of the miscommunication with administration over the past few months.

“Do we have a schedule change?” “Wait, where am I supposed to be right now?” “What is ACE?” “Where am I supposed to be during MAP testing week?” These are just a few questions that I hear when I am walking down the hallway.

In no way should we blame the administration, because they are putting the information out, but maybe it is that the information is going to the wrong people.

“One of the things that has dawned on me this year is that a lot of the communication I send out goes to mom and dad’s emails when really the target audience I’m trying to get to is the students,” said Mr. Chris Davis, principal.

Davis has recently started looking into using an app called Remind 101, which would act as a texting method, so when something unordinary is going on he can shoot out a quick text to the student body.

Remind 101 is not something that Davis is trying use as a way to put out information constantly.

Instead, he will send just essential things to students that will affect them within the next few days.

Another point that Davis makes is that he is trying to collect a group of students to “bring back” the Principal’s Advisory Council. We have had these in the past but “there have been a couple individuals that have helped keep those going, that have graduated, and I need to get more [students] to help get that going and get involved,” said Davis.

Davis would invite 12 to 16 students to be in a focus group to discuss important topics. Usually there would be three to four kids from each grade level.

“I try to get people that would not normally have 18

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

a voice in the building involved, and really I need to get it up and running because the majority of those students would carry over to next year and it wouldn’t be in vain to just create it or dismantle it in May or in June,” said Davis.

With the use of the Principal’s Advisory Council, resolutions to problems such as the lack of communication could be resolved in a more effective and timely manner.

“When we announce things and you’re in the midst of a bell change, we are lucky if half of you hear it,” said Davis. “I have no doubt that if I texted you, I could probably time it where everybody’s picking up their phones and taking a look at it.

Those are three things that I think as a commitment I should make to the student body: get the Principal Advisory Council going and formalize it in a more official capacity, and start using Remind 101.”

Hopefully these changes work in a helpful way to bring SHS together and strengthen us as a whole.

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School literature outdated, in need of new book for analysis ELLEN MARTINSON

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

It is all too common for English teachers to hand students reading lists of classic novels at the beginning of the year. Such books include classics like “A Tale of Two Cities,” “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and “Fahrenheit 451,” to name a few.

After receiving the list, I usually hand it to my mom that night. Every single time she’s glanced at the list her response has been “I’ve read that!”

Teachers preach that the school system needs to stay up to date with advancing technology.

When will it finally be time to update our literature?

Every advanced English class from SJH on has solely analyzed classic novels. Sure, we have independent reading and we occasionally read modern short stories, but our in-depth analyses almost always come back to the classics.

English teachers encourage us to branch out and think for ourselves when analyzing a novel.

However, as many may agree, that can prove difficult when Sparknotes and nearly endless analytical essays are at our fingertips.

There’s nothing wrong with a timeless, classic novel. I do think that the lessons and values that can be taught from such novels are vital to learn. But I don’t think that reading the classics is the only way to learn such lessons.

Teachers need to branch out when choosing literature to study. I believe that contemporary works such as John Green’s “The Fault in Our Stars” can be just as effective in teaching lessons of love and loss as a classic.

There is no doubt that some classics are vital.

Reading works by Shakespeare, Dickens, and Twain have become almost a rite of passage.

In no way should teachers get rid of classics altogether.

Rather, teachers should integrate more modern works into the curriculum. This would allow students to experience multiple eras of writing, and allow teachers to get and hold the attention of student’s during the reading process.

Just like students, teachers need to think outside of the box. Instead of relying on the same novels year-after-year, students and teachers alike should discover and analyze new material together, and maybe learn something in the process.

OPINION

1

Overseas programs alter perspective LILA ENGLANDER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

T

his past month I transitioned back to SHS life after four months of living in Israel. The experience was so powerful that I want to recommend studying abroad to every student.

Educational factors

Studying abroad provided me with a dramatically different schedule than life at SHS. Although we rarely had more than three consecutive school days in a row, the 11-hour school day I navigated in Israel made SHS’ seven-hour school day feel much easier.

Constant exposure to another language also stimulated an area of the brain that I would otherwise only use an hour a day in a SHS foreign language class.

The program reduced any anxiety I had about college.

Living in a foreign country with sporadic communication with my friends and family, no control over with whom I roomed or studied or even how to spend time was more intense and challenging than college will likely be.

Having close friends who were joining the army and twenty three year old counselors who had not gone to college yet made me realize that going directly from high school to college does not need to be an automatic option.

Physical surroundings

2

On the most basic level, living in a desert required me to adjust to a whole new lifestyle. There are often beautiful sunsets in Cincinnati, but I rarely watch them. In Israel, I watched every night. It was often a highlight of my day.

Living in another country also forced me to adjust to a new set of cultural norms. The first week in the dining hall scarred many students in our group because it was our first confrontation with the Israeli boarding school students.

I soon learned to box out Israeli students with my elbows and tray to get to the front of the line, and more importantly, to avoid being viewed as a “fryer.” Yiddish for sucker, a fryer is someone who others take advantage of.

Avoiding fryer-ism is an obsession of Israeli society.

Living in a majority Jewish country was very powerful for me. On weekdays, Israeli life is frantic and stressful. But every Friday night for Shabbat, the country slows down.

3

My cousins returned home from the army, and public transportation shut down. The boarding school students on campus cleaned up, wore white, and were much friendlier.

Even tough Israeli boys kissed each other on the cheek.

Personal development

I returned home from my trip with a forever-altered relationship with my parents.

After allowing me to return to campus on a public bus at midnight in a country that is surrounded by enemies, it will be hard for them now to get mad if I come home at midnight from a friend’s house.

While I was fairly confident before my trip, the past four months taught me to love myself in a way I never would have if I stayed in Cincinnati. Thousands of miles away from anyone I knew, I had to rely on myself completely.

The only reason I stopped crying myself to sleep after a few nights is because I would tell myself over and over ‘you are not alone, you have you and you better utilize yourself because it’s the only friend you have right now.’

I realized I could be friendlier than I was normally comfortable with. I could decide, ‘I am going to say hi to everyone today.’ And I did.

At first it felt forced and my brain would say ‘that’s not you.’ But acting that way felt so good. I learned that I can decide how I want to define myself every day.

Group dynamics

With only 20 people living together, we were entirely dependent on each other to create our own social dynamic.

The first week, a few girls decided they hated almost everyone. As a result, everyone had a miserable first week.

At the time, it felt like a crisis.

There are no rules or outside society, there is just the group. It was up to us to create a supportive atmosphere.

On the last day, our teacher said he was happy we were all sobbing, because earlier in the session he worried we would not be sad at the end. He was glad we had created an environment we were miserable to leave.

Other than being the happiest four months of my life, the past semester enabled me to shift my lens from the day-to-day high school grind to my life as a whole, my values, and the impact I want to make on the world.

Interactive learning Resources for students

Alexander Muss High School in Israel makes learning come alive. 1: As we learned about Hellenistic influences on Jews thousands of years ago, we dressed up in togas and reenacted ancient pastimes. 2: To learn about European Jewry and the Holocaust we travelled to Poland for a week. 3: While studying modern Israel, we participated in a week of Israeli army basic training.

1. www.studyabroad.com - search trips by country or special program under the high school programs tab.

2. www.aifsabroad.com - a leading provider of study abroad programs, includes 50 semester and year long programs.

3. www.studiesabroad.com/hs/ - offers a variety primarily immersion summer programs all over the world including volunteer programs and college credit.

4. www.ciee.org - non profit organization enables students to take classes with local peers and live with host families..

THE LEAF | opinion

19

OPINION

GUEST COLUMN ADITYA ROY-CHAUDHURY

GUEST COLUMNIST

Coming to terms with A-ROD’S FALL FROM GRACE Alex Rodriguez, Yankees third baseman, accused of using PEDs

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O

STAFF WRITER

n Jan. 11, 2014, New York Yankees third baseman Alexander “A-Rod” Rodriguez was suspended for 162 games (one full major league season).

Although this was an improvement for Rodriguez over his original 211 game suspension, he still felt the need to complain.

Rodriguez is one of those who throw a fit when they do not get their way. He sued his teammates and peers in the MLB Players Association, citing unfair treatment as a pretense for an appeal to reduce his suspension.

However, he decided that his attempt to sue was futile, and he dropped the suit on Friday, Feb. 7. While this is a step in the right direction for him, it is not even close to what he needs to do.

Rodriguez needs to come clean and apologize, not only to his fellow players, but also to his teammates, coaches, and especially fans.

I started watching baseball when I was five years old, the year before Rodriguez went to the Yankees.

I was one of many young players who adored Yankees such as Derek Jeter, Jason Giambi, Roger Clemens, and Rodriguez.

Rodriguez’ popularity and image is draining by the second. Everywhere around the world, people are losing respect for a former hero and Rodriguez has to be bothered by that. If he wants to do anything in the field of baseball after this suspension, whether it be playing again, broadcasting, coaching, or having a front office job, then he needs to come clean and apologize.

We have all seen what happens to MLB stars that lie.

Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants was placed under house arrest and six months’ probation for perjury and obstruction of justice. There was also Pete Rose, who received a lifetime ban from MLB for betting on baseball. Rodriguez can choose whether he wants to go down that path or not.

He needs to do what Mark McGwire, former St. Louis Cardinal, did. McGwire admitted to using steroids. While it did not make me forget what he had done, he earned a little bit of my respect. Instead of doing what Jose Canseco did by turning in his peers for the crime that he committed (also PED’s), McGwire owned up to his mistake.

Rodriguez must do the same thing in order to get back on his pedestal.

As a country that prides itself on advancements in technology, medicine, and industry, how can we keep being portrayed around the world as one that accepts gun violence and does nothing at all? When compared to other affluent nations, the US ranks the highest for most gun deaths per capita. But it seems we have yet to do anything about it.

The United States has more guns total and per capita than any other country in the world. Each year about 4.5 million guns are sold. More than 30,000 people are killed each year by gun violence. Half of them are between 18 and 35. 30 people are shot and killed a day. Let those statistics sink in. Now lets say this was a disease that killed more than 30,000 people a year.

Don’t you think that there would be some type of funding to find a way to prevent it?

In 2013, a background check bill was introduced to Congress. It originally had a ban on assault rifles, but that was quickly taken out. This was a bill that 80 to 90 percent of Americans wanted.

Long story short, the National Rifle Association lobbyists made sure it would not pass.

But the main question people both nationally and internationally are starting to ask is simply, ‘why?’ Why does a family have the need to own a military grade assault rifle? Why would someone need to have armor piercing rounds? Why does anyone need more than a simple pistol for protection?

And to those who say they need these weapons for hunting, a traditional American sport: Isn’t using an assault rifle cheating? And lastly, if you think you need to arm up to fight the government, for whatever crazy reason you think you would need to, you are going to lose. $680 billion versus your gun collection isn’t much of a fight.

I’ll leave you with this. We can’t wait for the next mass shooting to bring this debate back. We have to start now for our sake, and the sake of the generations to come.

Focus, family, friends, fly

FEB. 28, 2014

Spotlight

Hancher finds a way to be it all BROOKE LANDRUM

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SPOTLIGHT CHIEF

irst hitting the water at the age of four, Mark Hancher, 11, almost instantly knew he loved the way being in the water made him feel. That same year he joined the Blue Ash YMCA swim team and that day, a legend was born.

Keeping the necessary focus Balancing school and multiple sports along with friends can be a tough mission, especially with accelerated and A.P. classes.

Hancher found a way to balance the things he loves with very little difficulty and only minor sacrifices.

“I’ve definitely had to teach myself not to stress too much over doing everything on a

busy day; I just take things one at a time,” said Hancher.

Major award winner

Preceded by Charlie Fry, ‘13, last year, Hancher has been named Swimmer of the Year by the GMC conference.

This means that Hancher has gone above and beyond in terms of speed and progress made during the season.

Given that this award is bestowed to one girl and one boy each season, Hancher was honored and surprised to have won this title.

“I was very surprised to say the least. At the GMC meet I placed first in only one individual swim, and there were several other talented guys who claimed more first place swims than I did,” said Hancher Hancher considers himself

very lucky to have put down the times he did and considers it a small yet satisfying victory.

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Finding inspiraton every day

As far as inspiration goes, most people find it hard to name a single person that inspires him or her. Hancher is among this group, but only because he sees so much that inspires him.

“I get the opportunity daily to see a huge range of kids dedicating themselves to all the different things they love.

“When I see other people who are truly passionate about what they do, it really motivates me to perform the best I can in the things I do,” said Hancher.

We Proudly Support the Teachers, Administrators and Students at Sycamore Schools

“It’s that support from others that delivers that sense of it being necessary that I demonstrate my dedication; and I try to do that by working hard to improve so we can reach our greatest potential as a team.”

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John Rickert Joe Gilligan Principal Managing Director www.svn-ricore.com

Go Aves!!!

Larry May President www.gcpartnersltd.com

1. Hancher looks for a teammate to pass to during a water polo game against St. Xavier. Hancher is number 13 on the Boys Varsity Water Polo team.

2. Hancher poses with SHS graduate Samantha Wolkoff during a meet for BASH, their club team.

Hancher and Wolkoff both swim the 100 fly as a primary event.

3. Preparing for a race, Hancher stands behind the blocks trying to get into a correct mindset.

Despite being fierce while racing, he habitally congradulates his competitors after the race.

4. Hancher leads the team in the ‘Sycamore, Yes’ cheer at the GMC meet. Hancher is a leader on the team and often the cheer initiator as well.

THE LEAF | SPOTLIGHT

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