October 14 Leaf

The

Leaf

Sycamore High School Student News Magazine Volume 2 | Issue 3 | October 31, 2014

Terrifying fall festivities Students embrace Halloween spirit

Image by Elizabeth Rickert

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THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

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[ inside this issue ] Photo courtesy of Lila Englander

The Leaf

Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242 Adviser Cheralyn Jardine Photographer McDaniel’s Photography 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

Staff Writers Jordan Baker Jenna Bao Natalie Brinkman Caroline Bruns Ben BrynjulfsonReardon Emily Chien Adhiti Chundur Hannah Clark Taylor Close Benjamin Cohen William Coleman Meghan DiGiovanna Jake Englander Sydney Evans Max Fritzhand Zachary Fritzhand Meredith Gottliebson Charles Harte Sarah Horne Claire King Riley Kurtz Claire Lefton Beverly Liu Jack Loon Melinda Looney Harsimran Makkad Ellen Martinson Ethan May Zachary Milliken Joshua Patterson Esther Pittinger Anthony Popenoe Madeline Schramm Lauren Shassere Luke Tenbarge Max Torem Emily Tyler Kamaria Walton Leah Wallihan Neil Yejjey Nathan Zhang

[ a&e ]

[ news ] 2 | tension and conflict continue in Ukraine

6 | Taylor Evans, 12, pursues dream of publishing book

2 | preliminary phases of science fair begin

7 | alumni band takes Chicago

3 | Ebola stories set straight

8 | U2 album makes its way to thousands of devices

[ opinion ]

[ cover story ]

5 | common core proves to be ridiculous 5 | SHS once again filled with spirit

9-13 | an in-depth look at Halloween and its traditions from various aspects

[ feature ] 14-15 | facts, figures, and the thoughts behind tattoos

[ sports ] 19 | volleyball season wraps up 20 | athletes commit to college level teams

[ spotlight ] 21 | Dianne Stevens, 11, on Cosplay

The Leaf, the official print news-magazine of Sycamore High School, serves as an educational tool in the training of student journalists. We provide information and editorial leadership concerning school, national and world issues. We also 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. The viewpoints are purely of the staff of The Leaf and not the administration.

editors’ note

Print Editors-in-Chief Atiya Dosani Lauren Saxon Web Editor-in-Chief Kathryn Tenbarge Leaflet Editor-in-Chief Lauren Glynn ASSIGNMENT EDITORS Lila Englander Brenda Shen Associate Editors Joseph Ahn Madeline Marsh Anna Zhou Managing Editors Abbey Baker Isaac Goldstein Creative Projects Joseph Ahn Taylor Evans Hannah Frey Elizabeth Rickert Orion Schlosser Zoe Schlosser Business Manager Caroline Gao Web Master Eli Seidman-Deutsch Broadcast Editor-in-Chief Victoria Swart news Hannah May Sports Alex Wittenbaum Eli Zawatsky FEATURE Hannah Frey Lauren Kurtzer A&E Amy Deng Ben Ruskin Opinion David Wertheim Spotlight Brooke Landrum Fun & Games Rujula Kapoor

LILA

The end of first quarter comes as a relief to us here at The Leaf. After a difficult start with late-night deadlines and completing many in-class training packets, we are proud of the progress our

new and old staff members have made in the past few months.

In the October issue, you can find in-depth articles on anything from international current events to alumni bands to

the successes and struggles that fall athletes faced.

We are especially happy to announce the inclusion of articles from many new members of the Leaf in this issue.

-Atiya Dosani & Lauren Saxon

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Harsimran Makkad

A lethal divide:

Photo courtesy of MCT Photo

[ news ]

Science fair encourages creativity, new thinking

Ukrainian conflict causes catastrophe BEN BRYNJULFSON-REARDON staff writer

Ukraine has been seemingly split between its Eastern and Western side for months. Even before then, there was bad blood on ‘returning’ to Russia or remaining an independent country.

The western side wishes to be independent and democratic, while the Eastern wants to return to Russia and its customs.

Since the conflict began, no fewer than 3,600 people have been killed. This includes the 331 deaths recorded during the ‘ceasefire’ agreed to Sept. 5.

“My grandparents were on the way out of a store and saw a rocket fly far over their heads; they heard rifles and returning fire nearby while they hid,” freshman Serhiy Royter said about his grandparents that live near Ukraine.

There has been death and pain on both sides; it has left at least 25,000 people displaced, living in shelters not fit for the winter. The Ukrainian government reports that more than 4,500 buildings have been destroyed or damaged.

"It is absolutely unacceptable to have Russian boots on the Ukrainian ground in the 21st century, violating all international deals and treaties," President Barack Obama said to a BBC news reporter.

"We have been very firm in saying we will stand with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in ensuring that territorial integrity and sovereignty is maintained.”

“I haven’t seen any results from the support that President Obama claims to have supplied to western Ukraine,” Royter said, who lived in Ukraine for six years.

staff writer Science Fair kicks off as participants begin planning their experiments. There are a variety of topics that students are researching, from experimenting with bioluminescent plants to finding ways to reduce pollution.

“The hardest part is coming up with an idea. Once you start, it gets a lot easier. My project stemmed from one of my hobbies,” sophomore Athulya Murali said.

“I like making lots of origami designs, so my project was about how making a design from origami could make cleaning up oil spills easier.”

The Science Fair gives students a chance to be creative and have fun with their ideas.

Forms can be found in Rooms 134 and 135 and must be submitted to science teachers Mrs. Mary Palmer or Mrs. Beth Quinones by Nov. 7.

“The science fair is a chance to learn about something you want. It does not have to be something we are learning in class; it is unique to you,” Murali said.

Partaking in this activity requires a lot of work and revision. It is not only about the project but also the presentation.

“Science Fair has helped with my public speaking skills when talking to random people,” freshman Shruti Mishra said.

The SHS science fair is on Jan. 31. Students get rankings of good, excellent, or superior. Superior ratings advance to the University of Cincinnati Science and Engineering Expo.

If they receive a superior rating again, these participants are invited to attend the Ohio State University Science Day. “The science fair is a great way to learn while having fun,” Murali said.

Sam Leach won Employee of the Week for Oct. 6-10 for work ethic and dedication to his work at Springdale Cleaner’s where he works on the clothing line bagging and sorting clean clothes.

Ali Buzek won Employee of the Week for Oct. 13-17 for her outstanding work ethic at Midwest Sports assembling boxes and working on the retail floor. She also works at TJ Maxx and Kubicki Equestrian Center.

Photos by Esther Adams

Employees of the Week

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

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Deadly disease spreads panic ANTHONY POPENOE staff writer

KAMARIA WALTON

T

staff writer he Ebola virus disease (EVD) has killed thousands in West Africa this year. Now it threatens to spread further.

According to the World Health Organization, the current epidemic is the “largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976.”

“I remember reading The Hot Zone freshman year and thinking ‘Wow, that’s crazy, glad we don’t have that anymore,’” senior Bailey McCarthy said. “The fact that it’s made such a very quick and sudden outbreak shows that it’s not a thing of the past, but pretty prevalent.”

Originating in Guinea last March, the disease spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone where it has become the most widespread.

If conditions remain the same, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predict that EVD cases will double every 20 days.

On Sept. 30, the CDC confirmed that a man at a hospital in Dallas, Texas had been diagnosed with EVD. The man, Thomas E. Duncan, had carried the disease from Liberia without knowing he had it.

Then, on Oct. 12, a nurse who had been treating Duncan at the hospital was diagnosed with Ebola.

The CDC’s director attributed it to a “breach of protocol,” but a second nurse was diagnosed two days later.

"I think they should close schools because of Ebola," sophomore Anne Williams said.

As of Oct. 8, 416 healthcare workers had contracted EVD and over half have died.

The CDC and other organizations are working across the globe to set up emergency response, prevention, and containment plans.

Headache

The Ebola virus was discovered in

Fever

50-90%

Vomiting Sore throat

Destroyed functional cells of the liver

Muscle pain

Attached phagocytes blood cells that absorb foreign particles

Failure of kidney function

Intense weakness

Severe abdominal pain Initial symptoms Progressed symptoms

Diarrhea

Dallas schools are closing, airports are setting up screenings, and those who have been in contact with the infected are being quarantined.

So far, there are no licensed vaccines for EVD, but two vaccine candidates have begun trial testing.

Currently, blood transfusions are the main form of treatment.

Despite the damage it has caused, EVD is not the deadliest disease in sub-Saharan. Since March, EVD has caused 4,492 deaths, while HIV caused 620,000 in 2012.

Furthermore, EVD is also less contagious than other viruses, only infecting two people for every one infected person compared to measles’ 18 for every one.

Moreover, as of Oct. 17, Nigeria and Senegal, who had previously reported EVD cases, have been declared Ebola free, giving other nations hope that they will be able to stop the spread of the disease in their own countries.

Attacked endothelial cells (which form the linings of the blood vessels)

of victims

DIE within

10 days

1976 The mortality rate was

90%

The Ebola virus aggressively attacks the blood coagulation system and spreads quickly to all organs

Symptoms of Ebola include: -diarrhea -bleeding

-vomiting -high fever

Infographic by Atiya Dosani

[ opinion ] THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Staff Editorial

Cartoon by Esther Pittinger

Facing our real fears

Leafing through the masses: What is your best Halloween memory?

A

s SHS students, there are a vast number of common fears we cope with in our daily lives.

To name a few: college rejection, parental punishments, speeding

tickets, social rejection, and running out of money.

These stressors can weigh heavily on our experience of high school, and can make us lose sight of the broader journey.

Halloween allows us to approach our fears in a light-hearted and festive way. It reminds us of the larger, dramatic terrors.

It puts our suburban problems into perspective.

Holidays also remind us of the importance of finding escapes from the anxieties of high school life.

Admist the excitment of costumes and candy, take a moment to step back, appreciate the end of first quarter, and reflect on happy memories.

I always loved going trick or treating and then trading candy.

Sophia Wiedmann 11

My dad loved Halloween; he used to come down our driveway and scare all the neighbors.

Mr. Ed Clark, teacher

Watching the movie ‘Halloween’ with a bunch of my guy friends, which isn’t a scary movie, and one guy started crying.

Nakul Narendran, 12

i dressed up as Barbie in a giant cardboard box and on the way inside the house I got stuck in the bushes.

Jodie Lawson, 9

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

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Common Core not so common Nathan Zhang staff writer

W

hile Ohio Students take Common Core pre- and post-tests deemed mandatory by the state of Ohio, other states such as Indiana, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Florida, and Missouri await their governors’ approval to abolish Common Core. States, like Indiana (that had never adopted Common Core) have shown interest in a project-based learning system.

In most states, our students and teachers feel that common core is a waste of time.

“I think that [a project-based learning system] would get students more interested in working and learning and have more fun at school,” freshman Jodie Lawson said.

In a survey given to teachers in the U.S. from 2013 to 2014 by Education Next, the 12 percent that opposed common core more than tripled to an astonishing 40 percent.

So what is Ohio’s educational board doing about it?

While other states are repealing Common Core, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE)

has decided to add to the number of tests Ohio students are required to take.

This year, instead of five Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) exams, freshmen will have to pass seven OGT exams in order to graduate.

Eventually, ODE plans to increase this number to 10.

On top of that, each of the seven academic subjects are now required to take pre- and post-tests, nearly tripling the number of tests students must face.

ODE has also mandated new teacher evaluations, which result in more testing.

In addition to all these exams, a myriad of non-graduation tests

have been added on to the pile of evaluations.

If all this testing was added up over the course of the four years spent in high school, it seems like we spend at least one full academic year testing instead of learning.

Even Governor John Kasich is sympathetic towards the amount of tests students must take.

In an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Kasich said, “I’m absolutely convinced we need to lower [the number of tests]…and I’m going to work to lower it.”

With all these states repealing and replacing Common Core, maybe it is time for Ohio to make the change as well.

Cartoon by Joseph Ahn

New principal, new spirit Jack loon staff writer

Homecoming week, from 90s’ denim day to the dance, was the most spirited week at SHS in a long time.

Between ping pong matches on stage, the best pep rally, and the football game that had horrible weather, it was truly better than last year.

Students were able to play ping pong with University of Cincinnati President Santa Ono. Another positive aspect of the week was the pep rally.

The students, teachers, and administrators actually seemed excited about the event. The students were very loud and rowdy, unlike their behavior in recent years.

Head football coach Scott Dattilo even mentioned

in his speech, “I have not seen a pep rally like this in nine years.”

Finally, the most positive part of this week was Principal Doug Mader. Mader has truly brought the spirit back to SHS. He walks in the halls and greets people, goes to Aves games, home or away, rain or shine, and has his own Twitter account through which he can keep in touch with students. Mader is truly a great principal. Not many school leaders can say they have a Twitter, which is a unique and good part of his leadership.

He shows that he feels passionate about our school and athletics which encourages us to be more spirited.

I believe that over the years, he will bring many great things to SHS, and Homecoming week will be happier and better every year.

[ a&e ] THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Six year dream becomes reality ELLEN MARTINSON

Recently, Evans has been enlisting the help of her friends, family, and SHS. She set up a campaign to help enior Taylor Evans found her get the original publishing process up passion at an early age. At age and running.

12, she began writing a book Using extra money from her which will now be published. campaign, Evans used a website It all started in indoor recess one day where graphic designers compete and in sixth grade. Evans had just finished submit book cover designs. reading the “Twilight” Evans chose her favorite five, series, four popular “I’m so then she relied on her friends, novels that dominated family, and classmates to vote pre-teen reading. She fell excited to for their favorite. in love with the series, so see this Now, all Evans can do is she decided to write. wait and fine-tune the minute Five years later, Evans dream details. She will continue was completely finished become a to promote her book until with a manuscript. the manufacturing process The book, titled “The reality” begins and the books can be Unknown,” is a story distributed. about twin sisters who discover a “When you love and believe in prophecy about themselves in a something so much, you can never let fantasy world. It becomes a battle of it go,” said Evans. good versus evil, and one sister must kill the other in order to prevail.

After completely finishing writing the book, Evans edited vigorously before attempting to send her book to a publisher.

“As I’ve matured, my writing style has matured along with me, so the book is continuously evolving,” said Evans.

After finishing selfediting, it was Evans’ job to find someone who would publish her book. She emailed publishers, and after one publisher agreed, she felt like her dream was coming true.

“The publisher I’m working with has told me that my book could be out and for sale by ‘The Unknown’ by Taylor Evans is a young adult fiction novel the holiday season,” about twin sisters whose struggle for power may leave one dead. ‘The Unknown’ is out for sale this November. said Evans. associate editor

S

[ column ] Ben Ruskin a&e chief

I have dubbed these next few months the ‘TV Months’ because of the abundant amount of TV programs that start to begin all at once. Shows like ‘The Middle,’ ‘Modern Family,’ and ‘The Walking Dead,’ all have started and are going strong.

You can always count on ‘Modern Family,’ and ‘The Middle,’ to bring new and funny material to TV ‘Modern Family’ is one of the few shows featuring an openly gay couple.

Both sitcoms are about families, and even though they did not have very good endings last season, this year the shows are starting out with really strong, funny episodes.

One of the most exciting spinoffs of a major show will be beginning in February 2015. Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) fom ‘Breaking Bad,’ is getting his very own show, ‘Better Call Saul.’

The show revolves around the criminal lawyer Goodman, and it takes place years before he meets Walter White. According to CNBC, the final episode of ‘Breaking Bad’ had over ten million viewers. As one of the most beloved shows to ever air on television, ‘Better call Saul’ has some large shoes to fill.

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to some of our favorite TV shows.

‘Suburgatory,’ ‘Revolution,’ and ‘Crisis.’’ However, one show just continues to be renewed, despite nasty reviews: ‘Community.’

After being cancelled by NBC after six seasons, ‘Community’ was picked up by Yahoo! Screen.

Yahoo! Screen is basically a mix between YouTube and Netflix. It is kind of strange, and I prefer watching Community on a normal television station. Other fans will undoubtedly feel the same way.

Have fun watching.

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

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Alumni band, ‘Rumblefish,’ takes Chicago assignment editor

W

hen 2011 graduates Joe Lazar and Erik Gunnarsson became friends in Japanese class freshman year, they immediately bonded over music.

“They’re very different characters.

I wouldn’t have guessed they were friends outside of class, but both really good guys. Lazar had a creative impulse that didn’t have an outlet in school, real sardonic sense of humor,” English teacher, Mr. Tom Gaffigan said.

Gaffigan guessed right.

“We would’ve never become friends otherwise. A week after we first hung out we started making music and did it forever,” Lazar said.

But throughout high school, they rarely recorded or shared their music.

“For so long we were perfecting this illusion of the greatest album ever, but we never would show anyone anything. It never left our heads,” Lazar said.

Post-SHS journey

In 2012, Lazar left for Depaul and Gunnarsson went to Hartford.

“Basically neither of us made friends, so we reconvened in Chicago after failing to connect with anybody. We came back to each other,” Gunnarsson said.

They decided to start sharing their music with friends and figured out how to work better together.

Gunnarsson creates the instrumentation from bass to guitar

Soundcloud

SCAN HERE

Rumblefish’s favorites: “Basic Again” & “Jagged Lips”

to synthesizer to drums.

Joe Lazar (left) and Erik Gunnarsson (right) class of 2011 Then Lazar launch Chicago band, Rumblefish. comes up with the lyrics and a melody.

Because Gunnarsson plays all the instruments, their live performances have a different type of vibe. All the background you’re going to hear. You’re just instrumentals are prerecorded and missing out on the greatest music played from speakers while Lazar in a while if you don’t listen to it,” sings and Gunnarsson plays bass.

Lazar said.

All photos courtesy of Joe Lazar

LILA ENGLANDER

Rumblefish style

Their self-described style is ‘baller, confident, poppy, structurally direct.’ Originally called New Hype, the band tried to think of a new name after receiving feedback that it did not fit.

“We always thought [New Hype] sounded good, like some boy band you’d read about in US magazine, which I kind of liked,” Lazar said.

After failing to come up with an appealing two-word combination name, they suggested ‘Rumblefish,’ the title of an unpopular Francis Coppola film that Lazar enjoyed.

The name stuck.

Why listen to Rumblefish?

“This is honestly the best music

Wisdom for students

To high school students interested in a similar future, their advice may sound disheartening.

“If you’re not delusional about it, it’s not worth it. It’s a dumb goal, you have to get really dumb about it. Just be like ‘I’m so hot right now, how is this not working out?’ You have to put the work in, but you definitely have to be like ‘yeah I’m the shit, what’s up, let’s go,’” Gunnarsson said.

‘Delusion’ seems to be working for them.

“In all honesty we just think our music is really good and a lot better than people we hear. We’ve finished an album’s worth of material and that has landed us headlining gigs. So now it will pretty much be smooth sailing,” Lazar said.

“Or we could be in the same apartment when we’re 28,” Gunnarsson said.

This self-deprecating advice illustrates the immense amount of courage and ambition required to pursue a dream. Inspired? Visit Bands that inspire Rumblefish include The Smiths, New Order, Joy Division, Oasis, REM, and Phoenix. their soundcloud.

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THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

U2 got you, too Band airdrops album without permission

T

staff writer

he British band U2 recently came out with the album “Songs of Innocence.”

500 million iTunes users were surprised to see the album downloaded to their devices. Never before have so many people owned an album, let alone on release day.

Apple and U2 began working together 10 years ago. They have partnered on TV commercials and the first special edition iPod. “Songs of Innocence” was exclusive to iTunes users through Oct. 13.

Although the intention of U2 was to get more supporters, the plan backfired quite a bit. Countless numbers of iTunes users filed complaints requesting for the album to be removed.

“I listen to music on my iPhone for about 30 minutes each day and I never listen to the U2 album. Not only do I not like the music, I got really disappointed when I saw it was on there. Apple shouldn’t be able to download music onto your personal device without asking permission first,” sophomore David Greenberger said.

Apple had to resolve this problem and their solution was simple. They create software that could remove the album from the devices of its

owners quickly and easily.

To remove the album from your device, you can go to the Apple website and search “remove iTunes gift album.” The step-by-step tutorial provides easy solutions to the problem.

Despite the fact that millions of people are ripping on U2 and Apple for pulling this stunt, many users are pleased that it was downloaded.

“I love the new album being on my phone. The music has really good tempos and beats, and I also like the fact that it is free,” sophomore Jiho Choi said.

Photo courtesy of MCT Photo

Max Torem

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[ column ] Ben Cohen staff writer

How do you write a review of a movie when the movie itself is packed with so many twists and turns that in order to write the review it would have to be wrapped in one giant “spoiler alert?”

Well the answer to that question is, I guess we are about to find out.

“Gone Girl,” based on the book

by Gillian Flynn, tells the story of married couple Nick and Amy Dunne.

On the morning of their wedding anniversary, Amy goes missing and the search to find her begins.

The film goes back and forth between Nick’s current predicaments as he is harassed by the media and accused of his wife’s murder, and Amy’s journal entries which detail the couple’s marriage up until her disappearance.

The movie sounds like your basic cliché crime film, but is in fact much more intellectual. Unlike promoting the stereotype that the husband killed the wife, the movie satires that idea and how the media reacts to these situations.

Not only that, but the film also takes a look at one of the most terrifying things of all: marriage. As the film progresses, the viewer can see the darker, more psychological aspects of marriage and what it does to those involved, especially when someone marries a person whom they may not really know.

And once the big twist is revealed at the film’s halfway point, all hell breaks loose, revealing one of cinemas most twisted villains.

The film does a great job living up to the book as well. Everything from the atmosphere to the top notch acting is done in such a way that it complements the book, yet at the same time is its own beast entirely.

This is a film that will easily be remembered in years to come with a twisted narrative and an unforgettably bloody climax, a reference you will get once you see the film.

It is rare to view a film of this caliber these days and it is one you must see before it is… gone.

[ cover story ] THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Halloween happenings

Image by Elizabeth Rickert

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THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Making the monster

Lauren Shassere

C

staff writer

create the cuts out of clay.

After molding, they cover the original clay mold with a liquid one and then set it out to dry. The employees then crack it open and fill the insides with liquid latex and put it back together.

If the creations do not fit perfectly then they are disposed of. Precision and patience is a key factor in the process because in order to make a believable wound, the seams cannot show.

Among a group of talented monster makeup professionals and talented actors, Malof’s work for “The Dent” has been recognized with the Haunted House, an award for creating and styling the most intimidating actors in the nation.

“To be recognized and appreciated for all the hard work we do makes me feel like I’m on cloud nine, and that’s what keeps me going even when we have to stay and work until three in the morning,” said Malof.

incinnati is full of haunted houses at this time of year.

When going through one of these frightening spectacles you may be too overwhelmed by fear to even think of what goes on behind the scenes. Who are the actors?

And who makes them look so hideous and grim?

For senior Morgan Malof, this answer is just too easy. She is both a makeup artist and an actress for the Dent School house in Dent, Ohio and has devoted countless hours to giving Ohio the “screams.”

She says that hours of preparation take place months before opening night in addition to working nights. All the molds were made as far back as August; and they are reused every service day of “The Dent.”

“Making a mold is a pretty long and careful process, but if I were to compare it to something I would say it’s similar to paper machete,” said Malof.

To make that special layer of gruesome lacerations needed for the characters, skilled special effects makeup artists, such as Malof, must first Photo courtesy of Leah Malof

Two sentence horror stories Anna zhou associate editor

Which is better: chocolate or fruity candy?

83% C H O C O L A T E 17% F R U I T Y Favorite candy: Snickers

74%

of parents admitted to stealing from their kids’ candy

Candy Corn

LIKE IT

55%

HATE IT

45%

Image by Zoe Schlosser Source: Network magazine

The last thing I saw was my alarm clock flashing 12:07 before she pushed her long rotting nails through my chest, her other hand muffling my screams. I sat bolt upright, relieved it was only a dream, but as I saw my alarm clock read 12:06, I heard my closet door creak open.

Growing up with cats and dogs, I got used to the sounds of scratching at my door while I slept. Now that I live alone, it is much more unsettling.

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

11

Religious controversy

When is a costume Schools debate celebrating Halloween more than a costume?

Caroline Bruns

S

staff writer

chool districts have different views on how Halloween should be celebrated within the educational environment.

Many schools have banned the celebration of Halloween because of religious diversity. Some parents do not feel comfortable sending their children to school if they celebrate something they are against.

If parents send their children to school on the day of the Halloween celebration and they are not allowed to participate, they will feel excluded.

Pumpkin Design Options Fruit Fun Looking for something a little sweeter? Just peel a few citrus fruitsoranges, tangerines, clementines, or grapefruits- and add a celery stick to the stem. Suddenly you have a patch of mini pumpkins!

Even though there are many concerns about celebrating this controversial holiday in a learning environment, this day in schools leads to many fun memories.

“I loved Halloween in elementary school. I was a mermaid, then Minnie Mouse, and then a witch for two years,” Sophomore Sophia Kramer said.

The celebrations occurs in many different school districts.

Junior Sophia Weidmann moved to SHS three years ago.

“Halloween was my favorite day of the school year. I liked the parade and dressing up.

I also loved all the candy,” Weidmann said.

Overall, celebrating Halloween is a fun day for children of all ages. Sharing your costume with friends and surprising your teachers makes the day memorable.

Paint-Your-Own If carving is not your thing but art is, paint your design. Painted designs can be more intractive than carved but it can be difficult to paint a pumpkin.

I Image by Elizabeth Rickert

After working a hard day, I came home to see my girlfriend cradling our child. I didn’t know which was more frightening, seeing my dead girlfriend and stillborn child, or knowing that someone broke into my apartment to place them there.

halloween

claire lefton staff writer

You walk into a Halloween store ready to get a costume. You read the choices: prince of thieves, Jack Skellington, Native American, pirate... Wait? Native American?

Yes, at many costume stores an entire culture or race is yours to purchase amongst beloved fictional characters and disguises meant to scare. The issue is, these people are not an outfit or disguise.

They are real people with just as real culture.

The now Internet famous “We’re a Culture, Not a Costume” campaign was started by Ohio University (OU) student organization “Students Teaching Against Racism in Society” (STARS) in 2011 to confront offensive costumes at a college notorious for its Halloween parties.

“The campaign was an educational effort to encourage students to think about how the Halloween costumes they choose might impact members of our community who identify with various cultures and demographics,” OU vice president of student affairs Ryan Lombardi said.

The thing is, most wearers of these costumes were not intending to offend anyone. Wearers are not the issue; a society that can take an entire race of people, make them into a costume, and say that there is nothing wrong with it is the problem.

If those dressing up this Halloween could take the time to think through their costume choice, this problem could slowly be resolved.

I let my little girl sleep with me at night. I still like to snuggle with her despite the increasingly pungent smell of her rotting flesh.

I burned the dolls even though my children cried.

They did not understand my fear because they assumed I was who had moved the dolls into their beds each night.

Source: www.sunnyskyz.com

pumpkin recipes largest pumpkin ever

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

1,502 lbs

20 lbs

pumpkin pie

1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY’S® 100% Pure Pumpkin 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie shell 1 can (12 fl. oz.) Evaporated Milk 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs MIX sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.

POUR into pie shell.

BAKE in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes.

Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.

Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

pie popularity

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25 20 15 10 5 0

15

4

13

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apple cherry Pumpkin Blueberry

types of pies

1 large egg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened 1 cup LIBBY’S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease baking sheets.

COMBINE flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended. Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.

BAKE for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Pumpkin Cookies FAVORITE PUMPKIN

recipes

1 pumpkin pie 2 Pumpkin cookies 3 Pumpkin ice cream 4 Pumpkin seeds 5 Pumpkin cheesecake Image by Orion Schlosser

Senior Halloween THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Lauren glynn

leaflet editor-in-chief

Senior Halloween is a day that students wait to participate in for four years. Costumes range from Disney characters to blood-thirsty zombies and everything in between. This year’s celebration was one to remember as the seniors remained in control and respectful all day. A panel of teachers judged the students on several categories including: Most Creative, Most Hilarious, Scariest, and Best Individuals and Groups.

All pictures provided by staff.

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[ feature ] THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Why do people get tattoos?

Hannah frey feature chief

W

hy would people permanently mark their bodies? There are a variety of answers to this question.

Honoring loved ones

When someone dies their loved ones sometimes look for ways to honor them. The answer to this problem for some people is to get a tattoo.

A tattoo is a permanent reminder of a lost loved one. Some people get a quote; others, a picture of the person or the person’s signature.

Although the specific tatoos vary, all of them serve a common purpose; honoring a lved one.

“My mom, grandma and I are all

Pain Index: Least Painful

Most Painful

going to get a tattoo for my grandma’s 90th birthday,” sophomore Lily Retford said.

Art and style

To some people, tatoos are a fashion statement. It could be very trendy or look like a piece of artwork. A lot of times these tattoos might also be an expression of their identity.

Having a tattoo that is interesting but also shows something about a person can be very important to them.

Reminders

A tattoo can also be a way for people to stay focused on what they believe is really important in life. Some people get tattoos because they are a reminder of what they need to do, a reason to stay focused, a goal, or an aspiration.

If a person had addictions or hurt

themselves, sometimes they might get a tattoo that will remind them that they can make it through life without those hurtful habits.

“I want an infinity sign tattoo because it is a reminder to me to love myself. When I was overcoming depression I really latched onto the infinity sign as a symbol of hope,” senior Taylor Gardner said.

Religion

Tattoos can be a way to feel more in touch with a religious belief. A lot of people get religious symbols tattooed onto their body, such as crosses.

Just getting a tattoo for some people helps them to honor their beliefs and stay true to themselves, even in times of temptation.

15

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

SHS students with tattoos: Photo by Jermon Cobbs

Photo by Sydney Love

“I got my tattoo on my 16th birthday. It was my mom’s idea. We got matching ones to symbolize our infinite bond,” junior Nikita Green said.

“My tattoo says ‘loyalty.’

What it means to me is that I am a loyal person. I need loyal people around me at all times, not fake people,” senior Jermon Cobbs said.

Photo by Kaitlynn McCoy

“When people ask me the meaning of my tattoo, I do not feel like I should have to tell them because if you know me then you know the meaning of my tattoo,” junior Kaitlynn McCoy said.

Tattoo Safety: Ask the artist about the training they have done and ask to see their certification.

1st

Ask to have the new sterile needle taken out of its package in front of you.

Ointment, ink, water, and other items should not be put back into a container.

Sample tattoo

Ask to see a sample of the artist’s finished work before choosing a design .

Make sure that a professional destroys or breaks the needles after they are used.

Celebrities with tattoos: All photos courtesy of MCT Photo

Singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran is known for his tattoo sleeve. One of the first tattoos he got was of maple leaves. They remind him of his first trip to Canada.

Actress Angelina Jolie has avariety of tattoos. On her left shoulder blade she has the Japanese symbol for death. It reminds her to live life to the fullest.

Former soccer player David Beckham has a number of tattoos, one being his son’s name on his lower back.

[ fun&games ]

RUJULA KAPOOR fun & games chief

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Wordles

YETI

SKY

Find 129 words only using these letters

A S

I

C

T

Find as many boys’ names as you can

R E E F I A C D R R

E C

D

N

N

Sudoku

K

Connect all the boxes. Each box must have the given number of lines connecting it to the other boxes.

Bridges

8 2 6 9 9 4 6 7 5 8 3 6 7 2 2 4 8 5 9 9 3 1 2 7 4 9 8 9 4 2 3 4 3 2 5

Blood Water

2

3

3

3

4

3

2

4

2

[ sports ] Season ends, Brotherhood lasts THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Eli zawatsky

XC comes to a close

sports chief

A

fter a long, arduous season, the Boys Cross Country team headed into the post season with fire in their

bellies.

“We have been talking about going to state ever since our freshman year. Every practice and every race has been about getting better so that we can advance to the next round. It has been 30 years since we have even sent a team to state and we are itching to break that streak,” junior Kyria Graves said.

Graves, along with sophomores Kevin Lawson and Miles Menyhert, fellow juniors Mitch Singstock, Martin Gonzalez, and Ray Berling, and senior Will Schrantz, ran the Oct. 18 district meet and qualified for

the regional meet, finishing second overall.

“We’ve had a great season so far, and showed that at districts by placing 2nd and qualifying for regionals. Our whole team is very excited for what’s to come and hope to keep this season lasting as long as possible ,” Gonzalez said.

The regional meet was held on Oct. 25 in Troy, Ohio. The team had a lot of pressure to perform, since the last time the team qualified for the state meet was in 1981. The team wore throw back jerseys for the race.

“We pulled out the retro jerseys toward the end of the season to remind is that the last time these jerseys were worn the cross country team went to state. We wore them to show our self-confidence, our belief that we will go to state,” Graves said.

Unofrtunately, their season

ended at Regionals. However, through it all, the team formed an unbreakable bond and the Cross Country Brotherhood will not end simply because the season did.

On Oct. 18, senior Rose Menyhert finished her season at the District cross country meet at the Voice of America park. Menyhert ran a steady race, maintaining a lead in first, second, or third place througout the entire race and finished third overall, thus ending her race with great success.

18

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

3 steps to being an athlete:

[ column ]

Sarah HorNe

feature chief

Tips for how to prepare before the big day

Step 1: Fueling up

staff writer

The top eight foods that athletes should eat when getting ready for a big competition: • • • •

Berries Salmon Beans Pasta

• • • •

Nuts Bananas Vegetables Chocolate milk

Step 2: Mental Toughness Prepping for the game mentally is as important as being physically prepared.

Visualize the wanted outcome and set a plan and a clear goal for how to get there. Also use meditation to stay relaxed in preparation for a stressful competition.

Then reduce the negative internal talk that says the goal is impossible and train the mind to focus on the positive. When it is time for the main event, stay focused on only the competition and try to be as calm and confident as possible.

Step 3: Hydrate A few hours before the competition, athletes should make sure they drink 15-20 ounces of water. Then, right before the competition, athletes should have another eight to ten ounces.

When actively working out, they should drink another eight ounces every 15 minutes. Without proper hydration, an athlete’s performance ability decreases by 25%. Sources: Huffington Post, OutsideOnline, WebMD

LAUREN KURTZER

Keeping Up with Kurtzer University of Georgia suspended running back Todd Gurley, and the investigation of reigning National champion and Heisman trophy winner, Jameis Winston, brings up the question once again: should NCAA athletes be paid.

My answer is to not pay them like professional athletes but to give them money for everyday life.

Being a student-athlete in college is a balancing act, just as it is in high school; without a job, it reduces the amount of money athletes can have.

Colleges should give cards holding a certain amount of money to each athlete that would only allow them to buy food, travel to visit family, and pay for rent, utilities, clothes, and other necessities.

The amount would be determined by an outside inspector who would find the cost of living in an area.

I don’t need any excuses from universities saying they don’t have money when the top revenue school, The University of Texas, made $165.69 million in 2013, according to USA Today.

These schools have the capability to support people who are generating a large sum of money.

Previously I have stood for athletes not being paid, but after seeing how schools use these players for money, the limited time for a job and the need to bring money home changed my mind.

However, Winston and Gurley should still be punished because it is a NCAA rule and they broke it.

Also, with both players being predicted 2015 first-round draft picks, it will set an example to other players that there is no tolerance policy for rule violations.

Athletics and their athletes are a big part of colleges; for the players not to be paid is a policy that should be changed and on the top of the NCAA’s list of priorities.

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

19

Work hard, play hard TAYLOR EVANS

associate editor

A

fter 22 games in the regular season, it is easy to understand why a team would be tired going into post-season. But the Varsity volleyball team did not let that deter them from playing to their highest potential.

The girls played Oak Hills on Oct. 14.

This match meant a lot, because they lost to Oak Hills in a regular season match only a few weeks prior.

“We came into the game wanting revenge because we felt we didn’t play as well as we know we could have the first time,” senior Elizabeth Gibson said.

In accordance to pregame tradition, the girls went around and talked about what they wanted to work on,

and said what they believed would get the team ready and focused.

They started the match strong and won the first game, but lost the second game by 16 points.

“Even though we had a mental slip in the second game, we overcame it by playing as a team,” Gibson said.

The team accomplished what it set out to do and beat Oak Hills. This game was only the first step on the team’s road to State.

The next game was against Ross, which was easily won.

The third round was a rematch against Ursuline Academy (UA). UA beat them last year in the third round of the State tournament.

Unfortunately, three tough games later, the team lost to UA. “Every team except for one has to end their season on a loss,” coach Brittney Starkey said.

After the match, even though the seniors were sad that the game marked their last season as part of the Varsity volleyball team, they were grateful for having spent the last four years with each other.

“We’re not sad that it’s over, we’re happy that it happened,” senior Courtney Cron said.

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THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Next level:

Athletes commit, sign to play at collegiate level

Eli zawatsky

sports chief

[ column ] DAVID WERTHEIM

opinion chief

Alex Wittenbaum

Sport: Tennis University: Marian University Status: Signed Division: I

Deepak Indrakanti

Sport: Tennis University: Williams College Status: Verbally Committed Division: III

Tommy Barnhorst

Sport: Lacrosse University: Jacksonville University Status: Verbally Committed Division: I

Nakul Narendran

Sport: Tennis University: Johns Hopkins Status: Verbally Committed Division: III

Seventh Inning Stretch Normally, this column is used for complaints about negative topics that have recently occurred in professional sports. This month, I have decided to change it up, and switch over to a positive topic for once.

As I am sure you have seen throughout the sports world over the last several months, former Yankees shortstop and captain Derek Jeter (also known as Mr. November or Captain Clutch) has retired from the game of baseball.

This is a man who has over 3,500 hits, a .310 career batting average, and most notably, five world championships. He spent his entire 20-year career with the Yankees, and was nicknamed ‘Mr. November’ for his heroics during the playoffs.

I have grown up watching Jeter play. I started t-ball at the age of three. I have worn number two, just like the captain, every chance I have had. For a long time, from t-ball through now, I have played shortstop, just like Mr. November.

He is the reason that the Yankees are my favorite American League team.

A toast: To “The Flip”, against the Athletics back in 2001, to the infamous Jeffery Maier home run in the ’96 ALCS, to his crash into the seats after the long running catch, and finally, to his iconic jump throw, I salute Jeter and hope everyone will join me in celebrating one of the greatest careers in all of the MLB. As I wrap up this column, I reminisce… I personally have never met Derek Jeter, nor do I think I ever will. I had the opportunity to visit Yankee Stadium with my grandfather, and it was the best experience of my life. Hearing the recorded voice of Bob Sheppard introducing Jeter made chills go down my spine.

Let us hope that within our generation, there is someone who can impact the game like Mr. October.

[ spotlight ] THE LEAF | FRIDAY, OCT. 31 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Artist by another name BROOKE LANDRUM

C

spotlight chief

osplay means creating an intricate and detailed portrayal of a character from a comic book, movie or television show. These costumes are adorned by the dedicated fans who create them and are typically worn at conventions.

For junior Dianne Stevens, cosplay means countless hours, effort, and money put into artistic representation of her favorite characters.

“Making a cosplay can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple months. The one I’m working on now is taking around three months. It has to do with the detail that goes into it,” said Stevens.

Stevens has been cosplaying for four years and travels to conventions to showcase her costumes. Her favorites are Ohio-con and Matsuri-con. At these conventions, she dresses up and meets other cosplayers who are interested in the same shows as she is.

“You’re supposed to act like the character you’re being. Like if someone comes up to you and asks for a picture and you’re a villain, it’s up to you whether or not you want to be in character and say no or be nice and say yes,” said Stevens.

For Stevens, the people she meets are some of the best parts of cosplaying. She has a group of friends she met at conventions that she takes with her specifically when she goes cosplaying.

“Most of the friends I met at a convention live in Columbus since that’s where the conventions are, but we still all meet up and go together,” said Stevens.

While Stevens is not the only SHS student that cosplays, she says that she does not often see many other SHS students at

conventions. This may be due to extensive costuming.

By another name

Beginning in 2011, Stevens began using ‘Kyle’ as an alternate name for herself. She found herself to be more gender fluid, meaning that she did not identify with one gender more than another “Online people saw me as more of a masculine figure instead of a female one, and I was really more gender fluid so I started using that.”

Over the next few years, she began to prefer to be referred to as Kyle; in 2012, Stevens even changed her Facebook name from Dianne to Kyle.

Art

Before she discovered cosplay, Stevens had been sketching and drawing.

She believes that art is one of the best ways people represent themselves. She likes the way that art can help people mentally and emotionally.

“I started off just drawing dragons, because you know, dragons are pretty awesome,” said Stevens.

In the past, she has sold her artwork but found it too demanding. Now she only draws for enjoyment.

“It was hard to keep up with making things for other people, so I decided to just make stuff for my own enjoyment,” said Stevens.

In the future, Stevens intends to begin selling her artwork again and try to make a living doing so.

3

1

2 Image courtesy of Dianne Stevens

1) Clear is one of Dianne’s cosplay inspirations from the anime show Dramatical Murder.

2) Izaya Orihara is one of the characters that Dianne has cosplayed as in the past.

3) Dianne created this piece using only cardboard, a knife, and a few fake flowers.

Images by Brooke Landrum

the

THE LEAFLET volume 2 issue 3 oct. 10, 2014

What phrases did Shakespeare What are the faults of...

What are the most

popular books P. 17

?

Spongebob Squarepants P. 14

?

what do our mean?

dreams

what attracts us to other people?

P. 18

create

?

P. 20

P. 6

infographic by lauren glynn