Final

The

Leaf

Sycamore High School Student News Magazine Volume 1 | Issue 6 | January Issue 2014

Students remember Mr. Michael Romer p. 3 Netflix dominates students’ lives p. 6

No one saw it coming

Image by Lauren Glynn

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coupon to join yearbook!

Only for: FRESHMEN SOPHOMORES JUNIORS This coupon entitles you to join the 2014-2015 yearbook staff.

Please redeem this coupon with your guidance counselor in January and then sign up for the class.

For more information about our class, go to shsleaf.com under Lauren Glynn for an article regarding yearbook.

As we watch underclassmen begin scheduling next year’s classes, we start to wonder what the staff of The Leaf will look like after we, as seniors, leave.

Joining Convergence Journalism means meeting a group of students in all four grades with a diverse group of interests; it’s an opportunity to explore writing and design in the midst of this group.

It’s a unique way to learn how to be opportunistic, productive, and work well under pressure, and it’s a place for the shy to discover leadership skills.

With three separate platforms of print, web, and broadcast, there is something for everyone, and it doesn’t feel like a conventional English classroom.

We choose what we write about, and we design what appeals to us, so we’re never bored. We stay on top of current events. We are the voice of Sycamore.

We operate in a hierarchy which makes it possible for us to help each other improve. Climbing the editorial ladder is always beneficial, but one can always reap the benefits of Journalism without doing so.

Join The Leaf.

-Sanika Vaidya, Shea Lothrop, Ana Barros

Vol. I | Issue VI | 01.31.14

Inside this issue: PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHEL KLEIN

Editors’ Note

THE LEAF

Benjamin Wells, 12, lights the eighth candle of his menorah in honor of Ethan Kadish, a Loveland 13-year-old who was struck by lightning in June 2013. Kadish’s condition has since progressed to stable, but he has only been home from the hospital for ten days since the incident.

NEWS

9 | Team Ethan Community supports victim

3| Mr. Michael Romer Community remembers late teacher

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

4 | Overture Semifinalists discuss art

FEATURE

5 | Relationships Do we really know each other?

7 | Netflix Binging obsession takes over

The Leaf 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

19 | Millennials Today’s youth full of new SPORTS 14 | World Karate Championship goals and ideas Zach Hanus, 9, competes SPOTLIGHT 20 | Snow Days 15 | Sports Icy breaks exposed as setbacks Intramurals vs. Clubs 21 | Music Lover 16 | Super Bowl Stefanie Shindler, 10, seeks to Team captain overcomes stroke perform original works 17 | Battle of the Skies Age-old animosity continues

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

Zoe Schlosser Matthew Schneider Lauren Shassere Joseph Slovin Emily Tyler Jennifer Weber David Wertheim 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

1

JAN. 31, 2014

News briefs

LOCAL

China combats smog

All images by Rachael Sun

Fresh start

Aves Theatre presents “The Drowsy Chaperone” Jan. 30 through Feb. 2.

Noted for its whimsical and Broadway flavor, the production also features music played by a live pit orchestra.

“Pit orchestra music is definitely a lot more difficult than normal concert band music,” said Chun Wong, 12.

BRENDA SHEN

MANAGING EDITOR

T

2

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

Senior Nicolas Hershey received the WCPO Student of the Week award this month. Outside of serving as president of the Math and Biology Club, Hershey also dedicated his summer to creating a networking website for NHS service chapters across Cincinnati.

50

percentage of Americans who believe that a terrorist attack is at least “somewhat likely” during the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia

‘I BELIEVE THAT THE GAMES WILL BE SAFE’ - Mitt Romney during a TODAY Show interview

After facing snow and sub-zero temperatures, the district called a 90-minute delay on Jan. 21, which later became a snow day.

This marked the fifth calamity day for the 2013-2014 school year.

Should the district decide on any further snow days, it will exceed the state regulations for the number of calamity days allowed each year. However, previous data indicates that average snowfall increases from January to February.

7

number of school shootings within the month of January, compared to 28 shootings throughout the entire last year

NATIONAL

number of recognized National Merit Semifinalists who are eligible to become Finalists within the nationwide competition. Finalists will be announced in mid-February.

16,000

he New Year’s Resolutions for China includes hitting their 2014 environmental goals. Last year was a notorious year for China’s smog.

“When I was on vacation in China last summer, the effects of the smog were very evident. On days where I was outside all day, I would go to wash my arms I noticed the amount of dust and soot,” said Gabrielle Peck, 12.

Within the last year heavy clouds of smog choke the capital of China. According to Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Center, the air quality of Beijing hit dangerous levels.

The weather forecasting bureau had issued to a yellow alert, the third highest level on their scale of color-coded weather warning system.

Despite the conditions, China has set the greatest push for renewable energy to date.

This advance was most notable in the realm of wind power.

According to BBC, China’s has a current installed capacity of 75 gigawatts (GW) and the aim is to achieve 200 GW by 2020.

All the European Union countries only have 90 GW of installed wind capacity in contrast.

The more fundamental problem lies in China’s insatiable demand for power. Coal energy still remains an essential part of their energy source.

However, the combination of a decline in coal prices and favorable pro-environment policies have increased the likelihood of attaining their environmental goals.

NEWS

Michael Romer Remembered

11/2/1964 - 1/8/2014

“Mr. Romer was a great teacher who always helped every student and answered every question.”

Alexandra Abele, 10 “Mr. Romer wasn’t just an amazing teacher, but also an amazing friend. He helped me through his class along with many social things including getting asked to my sophomore Homecoming.”

Taylor Gardner, 11 “Mike Romer was the epitome of a great coach, not because he was an expert when it came to golf, but because he was a truly kind individual who cared about each and every one of his players.”

Mark Reinhart, 12 “I was honored to have Mike Romer in my life because he was such a kind, giving, and special person. I’m going to miss him a lot.”

Mrs. Mary Palmer, science teacher

All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

“Mr. Romer served the Sycamore community for over 14 years.

During this time he coached and mentored students in his science classes. His passion and genuine concern for our students will be greatly missed.”

Mr. Chris Davis, Principal

THE LEAF | NEWS

3

JAN. 31, 2014 PHOTO BY ALEXIS CORCORAN

Arts&Entertainment

4

TV shows to binge watch for

2014

BENJAMIN COHEN

STAFF WRITER

House of Cards: Available on Netflix.

This is easily one of the most addictive shows of 2013 . It follows a man as he becomes President of the U.S. The show sounds rather political and simplistic, but it contains so many back-stabbing, conniving, power hungry characters that you will think you are watching “Game of Thrones” with less dismemberment, of course. The second season of the show premieres on Feb. 14.

Artists overachieve at Overtures ALEXIS CORCORAN

T

WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

he Overture Awards, sponsored by the Cincinnati Arts Association, recognizes and rewards excellence in the arts among Cincinnati high school students. The students are judged on six categories: creative writing, dance, vocal music, instrumental music, theater, and visual art.

Schools may send up to 12 competitors. Of SHS’ 12 students, nine were semi-finalists: Caroline Gao, 10, for piano, Joseph Vaz, 11, for piano, Emma Burge, 10, for violin, Jacob Wang, 11, for violin, Jonathan Wang, 11, for violin, Hope Wang, 12, for visual art, Daria Beniash, 11, for creative writing, Isabella Gonzalez, 10 for theater, and Elizabeth Rosenberg, 12, for vocal music. Of all of the Overture submissions, only one fifth become semi-finalists.

As a visual arts competitor, Wang submitted a portfolio of eight pieces to a closed judging, where she was chosen for the next round of competition.

“A lot of the other semi-finalists’ portfolios were much more cohesive than mine, so I was not really surprised that I was not a finalist,” said Wang. “My pieces did not have a concentration like my AP portfolio will, but because they were all mine, I guess that was kind of the theme. Most of my work is autobiographical.”

All art students are eligible for Overtures, but only students who plan to pursue art are encouraged to apply, as there are monetary scholarship rewards. Each of the finalists are awarded $750 and winners of each category are awarded $3500.

Gao, Burge, Vaz, and Rosenberg all qualified for Overture 4

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

finals in their respective categories.

For instrumental music, the first round of auditions were on Jan. 11. Later that day, the 14 semi-finalists were posted online based on a point system.

“I have one performance piece that I play all year, but there is a five minute time limit, so I, like most people, have to cut their pieces down,” said Gao. “For the audition… I went into a room and played a short piece in front of five judges. It was a little bit nervewracking,” said Vaz. Rosenberg was a semifinalist last year, and re-entered the competition this year, knowing that she will attend the conservatory at Baldwin Wallace University next fall.

She started singing in eighth grade as a supplement to theater.

“Mr. Holdt recommended I see a voice teacher. I had been singing mostly jazz, but when I met Karl Resnik at the Musical Arts Center my sophomore year, he told me I had a good operatic tone,” said Rosenberg. For the past two years, Rosenberg has been working on and performing opera pieces and scenes at Young Artists Preparatory Performance.

“When I tell people that I am a classical vocalist they are like ‘okay, you sing,’ but when I tell them I sing opera, I definitely get weird looks,” she said.

“You’re always hopeful, but so many times you don’t make it. It is an amazing feeling,” said Rosenberg about being a finalist.

Finals for dance, vocal music, instrumental music, and theater and awards for each category will be held March 1 at the Aronoff Center. Performances are open for $15.

Hannibal: Available on NBC, NBC.com, and Hulu.

Prequels are overdone, but there is something about this TV adaptation of the infamous villain Hannibal Lecter that is delicious. It could be the stellar acting or beautiful cinematography or the fact that all of the food looks like it came off of a Food Network show, even if it is made of people.

The show is dark and violent, but it is all done in a very artistic manner. Definite recommendation for “Breaking Bad” fans. The second season of the show premieres on Feb. 28.

Bates Motel: Available on A&E and a&e.com.

I guess 2013 was the year of prequels, because much like “Hannibal,” Bates Motel is a backstory of an iconic villain, Norman Bates. Unlike “Hannibal,” this show has a lot of humor which occasionally makes you forget that the show is about a teenage boy who will end up murdering his mother and becoming a cross-dressing serial killer. I would say spoiler alert, but the movie has been out for over 50 years. The second season of the show premieres on March 3.

Orange is the New Black: Available on Netflix.

If you are not already watching this show you really need to be. This show takes place in an all-women’s prison, where a woman is sent after being named by her ex-girlfriend/drug lord as being an accomplice. It sounds like a daytime soap opera, but the show has all of the components to be the next big thing. The show is gut-bustingly funny, while tragic and also rather brutal. The second season premieres in 2014.

JAN. 31, 2014

There are tiny details in everyone

How well do SHS students and staff know each other?

SHEA LOTHROP

Feature

For extended Q&A’s, scan here!

PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

brother v. sister:

Samantha Weiss,12, and Max Weiss, 10

Sam on Max

What item does he lose the most?

Phone What’s his family nickname? Maxipad

bf v. gf:

Morgan Winnestaffer, 12, and Mitchell Hill, 12

Morgan on Mitch

Celebrity crush? Alex Morgan

Dream vacation? Seattle Language they would speak? Some weird one no one’s heard of before

Favorite school subject? Math Favorite food? Burgers What three things would he bring to a deserted island? Water, hover board, kitten

Mom’s maiden name? Allerheiligen What three things would he bring to a deserted island? PJ pants, chapstick, basketball

Correct Answer: Dog, genie, mattress

Correct Answer: Poptarts, “Wooden”, basketball

Max on Sam What item does she lose the most?

Keys What’s her family nickname? Tata Correct Answer: Sam

Favorite school subject? English Favorite food? Pasta Correct Answer: Fruit

Correct Answer: Tongue

Mitch on Morgan

Celebrity crush? Enrique Iglesias Correct Answer: Josh Duhamel

Dream vacation? Spain Language they would speak? French Correct Answer: Spanish

Mom’s maiden name? “Her name is Monique, so I’m going to guess Miller” Correct Answer: Skinner

What three things would she bring to a What three things would she bring deserted island? Gun, cell phone, Bryan to a deserted island? Running shoes, Waterhouse music, inspirational calendar Correct Answer: Pocket knife, hammock, sun screen

Sam wins!

Correct Answer: Chapstick, PJ pants, water

Morgan wins!

teacher v. teacher:

Mr. Gutekenst, science teacher and Mr. Pottebaum, math teacher

Gutekunst on Pottebaum What’s his guilty pleasure? Busken Bakery smiley face cookies Favorite sports team? Bengals Saying? “So Cartman would say...”

Correct Answer: Bazing-go

Favorite band? Journey Correct Answer: Billy Joel

Biggest fear? Being out of shape Correct Answer: Something bad happening to his kids

Pottebaum on Gutekunst What’s his guilty pleasure? “One Tree Hill” Correct Answer: “Sharktank”

Favorite sports team? Reds Saying? “He’s gonna hit the mic” Correct Answer: “Ok, so...”

Favorite band? Journey Correct Answer: U2

Biggest fear? Failure Correct Answer: Not seeing his kids grow up

Gutekunst wins!

Photos courtesy of Samantha Weiss, Shea Lothrop, and Lauren Saxon.

THE LEAF | FEATURE

5

FEATURE

Netflix is the new black ANA BARROS

PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MATTHEW SCHNEIDER

STAFF WRITER

SARAH BIRCKHEAD

STAFF WRITER

BEN YOUNG

BROADCAST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ELI SEIDMAN-DEUTSCH

M STAFF WRITER

illennials are known for corresponding in 140-character bursts. We consume news in vlog posts and infographics. We are, by all accounts, an increasingly distracted generation.

Therefore, it makes no sense that we are also a society that loves binge-watching T.V. But we do. For the love of Walter White, we do.

Verne Gay, “Newsweek” reporter, calls it “the perfect mousetrap.”

Netflix

Without viewers having to lift a finger, Netflix allows users to watch episode after episode, causing what has perhaps been appropriately deemed a “bingeing epidemic.”

According to a study by Harris Interactive, 61 percent of people binge-watch TV regularly, meaning that they watch at least two to three episodes of a single show in one sitting.

Meanwhile, MarketCast, a market research firm, calls it a “millennial phenomenon.”

Given the amount of times we find ourselves caught in those 12 decisive seconds between the end of an episode and the beginning of a new one, it comes as no surprise that bingeing is the new black when it comes to consuming TV. But in a society that is gripped by a

Founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph

1997

6

Subscription service launched

857,000 members

1999

2002

Netflix: an episodic history SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

debilitatingly small attention span, it is remarkable that more and more people are seeking longer form, more complex storytelling.

Mrs. Brenda Fischer, student assistance counselor, attributes it to the desire for instant gratification.

“It’s literally on demand,” she said. “It’s TV whenever you want it. If you think back to my generation, you had to plan your life around television if you wanted to see something.”

Madelyn Dukart, 12, a self-proclaimed “Doctor Who” binge-watcher, agrees.

“You’re sitting there dying to know what happens next, and it’s so easy to just wait until the clock runs out and the next episode starts,” said Dukart. “It’s not so much that TV shows have changed per se, but they leave it up to us and our willpower to decide how many episodes we watch at once.”

The result? A nationwide epidemic whose symptoms are clear, and whose side effects are plentiful.

One fine later

The idea started when Netflix founder and CEO Reed Hastings was billed $40 late fee for an “Apollo 13” rental at Blockbuster.

At first, his concept was based off of mail rental, with an online pay-per-rent model.

Eventually, a subscription-based service was launched which offered unlimited rentals for a monthly fee.

From the early to mid-2000s, Netflix has consistently increased its subscriber number by over 60 percent each year.

In 2007, it delivered its one billionth DVD and launched its instant streaming service, revolutionizing the film-rental industry.

FEATURE 7

1

Arrested Development

Breaking Bad 54 episodes*

68 episodes*

6

Pretty Little Liars

Top 7 most watched shows on Netflix

71 episodes*

activity that eliminates the need for By 2010, Netflix’s streaming business had critical analysis; too much television grown so quickly that within months the Family Guy viewing can reduce higher brain company had shifted from the fastest-growing 210 episodes* activity and produce shortened 2 customer of the United States Postal Service’s attention spans. Excessive mail service to the biggest source 3 They leave it television viewing of Internet traffic in North The Walking How I Met correlates with poor health, up to us and our Dead Your Mother America.

35 episodes* 184 episodes* weight gain, and low energy willpower to The company’s success has 5 inspired other streaming services, decide how many levels. *number of such as Hulu Plus and Amazon episodes we watch Furthermore, binge-watching Supernatural episodes available on Netflix on 172 episodes* has veritable effects on academics. instant streaming Prime. The former jumped from at once 4 just over one million subscribers Madelyn Dukart, 12 “There are students that I’ve talked to that have specifically at the start of 2012 to over five named Netflix as a specific distraction for million at the tail end of 2013. Amazon Prime them,” said Fischer. “I guess I see it as, ‘add it has experienced similar growth in the same The average Netflix to the very long list of something students can subscriber time frame. accounts for 61 % be doing instead of school.’ Is that concept of streams Side effects 61% of all 87 minutes distraction new? Absolutely not. Is it enticing?

Netflix and other instant streaming services digital movie watching of Netflix Most definitely.” have provided the means for people’s minds in the United States per day While it is, by no means, the only source to constantly be diverted, distracted, and of distraction for teenagers and adults alike, consumed by the stories on their screen.

80% of people in their twenties consider it is a major contributor to the mentality of Through a simple download, payment, and themselves to be binge-watchers procrastination that plagues students today. making an account, it is easy to see how they Regardless of its negative effects, it is can be so addictive; they provide the perfect In October 2013, undeniable that Netflix has revolutionized the escape from the real world.

Netflix reached However, this so-called addiction has tangible way we watch TV. Bingeing, as it was traditionally done, was an effects in the real world. embarrassment, “an action realized only after its According to recent research published in the (In 2000, Netflix completion when staring at an empty Doritos million Journal of the American Heart Association, offered Blockbuster bag,” according to Kevin Fallon, in an article in $50 million for the watching television for lengthened periods is subscribers “The Daily Beast.” company. They associated with increased risk of cardiovascular turned it down.)

But now it’s something we plan for, worldwide disease mortality. something we look forward to.

The study also noted that prolonged television Netflix is responsible for 1/3 of In a world moving faster than ever and our North American internet traffic watching typically involves long periods focus more divided than ever, no one would Netflix BitTorrent Hulu HTTP YouTube of motionless sitting, which could cause a 29.7% 10.4% 1% 18.3% 11% have thought that it would be the medium of disruption to viewers’ metabolism. television, once called “a vast wasteland,” that Sources: Netflix, Comcast, NPD Group, and Hollywood reporter Additionally, watching television is a passive would finally slow us down.

[Netflix by the numbers

[

Netflix is now worth $20 billion

Instant streaming introduced

2007

Netflix becomes available on the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Nintendo Wii, and other devices

2010

February: Netflix launches its own original series, “House of Cards”

40

September: “House of Cards” wins 3 Primetime Emmy Awards

THE BINGEWATCHING EPIDEMIC

hits shs Nothing in my life even comes close to the four hours I spend Netflixing each day. Sure, I live with my birth parent in a house but Netflix is where I actually feel at home.

Jack Kays, 9 I watched two whole seasons of “Sherlock” in two days.

Robert Werden, 10 My nights during break involve Netflix, Netflix, and Netflix.

Sabari Subramanian, 10 Netflix is probably the most time-consuming thing in my life, passed by school by only a slim margin.

Enrique Rosen, 11 I used to watch Netflix, but I stopped for a few days... You could say I’m a recovering addict.

John Grossheim, 12 October: Netflix reaches over 40 million members globally

2013

20:14 ALL IMAGES BY ANA BARROS

THE LEAF | FEATURE

7

FEATURE

Play for Jose dives to help JCAF

Jose Cerda Aquatic Foundation strives to improve water polo and swimmers ELIZABETH RICKERT

OPINION CHIEF

A

new event has been created in memory of Jose Cerda, ‘11 this year. It is called Play for Jose and will be held on March 14. The event will raise money for the Jose Cerda Aquatic Foundation ( JCAF).

“The Jose Cerda Foundation encourages kids with athletic and academic talents like Jose Cerda (’11) and aids them to a future in both areas,” said Max Weiss, 10, co-chair of the event.

Cerda was an SHS student and athlete who touched many people’s lives before passing away three years ago during his senior year in high school. Cerda was swimming when he passed suddenly from arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heart.

Since then, his family has been working to help other students who, like Cerda, have a

passion for athletics.

“We are honored to be hosting an event for such a worthy local cause and we are really excited to be part of what the Jose Cerda Foundation represents,” said Clara Chuey, 11, co-chair of the event.

Play for Jose will have representatives from many SHS clubs competing in an eliminationstyle event. The games consist of relay races, eating contests, and strategic games.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will go to JCAF. The foundation has three main goals: support and assist water polo and swim teams, foster unity among water polo and swim teams, and improve competitiveness of water polo and swim teams in the state of Ohio. All of this is done in memory of Jose.

These goals are accomplished by the water polo camps and swim clinics JCAF organizes.

The Jose Cerda Swim Clinic is open to all high school and elite junior high school

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SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

swimmers. These swimmers are coached by renowned instructors from local universities and schools. Parents also receive information to help them assist their swimmers regarding nutrition, mental and social issues, and the college recruiting process.

“At the time of Jose’s death, Jose was training to make cuts in the State swimming competition showing his commitment to his goals and fellow teammates. He was .01 seconds away from the time needed to make State meet.

Therefore, the annual Swim Clinic has been named ‘Point Zero One’ to help swimmers shave that 100th of a second.” said Mrs. Louisa Cerda, founder of the JCAF and Jose’s mom.

The JCAF has already helped over 550 student athletes, Play for Jose hopes to enable JCAF to help even more.

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JAN. 31, 2014

His story

changes everything

PHOTO Image BY

by LAUREN Lauren GLYNN GlynnAND KRITTIKA CHATTERJEE

Cover story

COVER STORY

Dangers of lightning start to surface ‘It hit so close to home’

LAUREN GLYNN

SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR

C

hildren are taught to believe that accidents can be prevented, and in some cases that is true. But as much as humans want to control every detail of their lives, it is not possible. No matter what, there will always be events that seem unpredictable.

According to NationalGeographic.com, lightning is one of the leading weatherrelated causes of death and injury in the U.S. Many people do not realize that they can be struck by lightning even when the center of a thunderstorm is 10 miles away and there are blue skies overhead.

“I never realized how serious lightning could be until my house was struck by lightning a few years ago,” said Joshua Glynn, 9.

“It completely shorted out my entire house.

The garages were not working and an outlet in my parents’ room literally popped off the wall.

We thought that the house was on fire because we smelled smoke. Not to mention, all this was happening in the middle of the night while the alarm system was going off,” said Glynn.

Of course, the odds of becoming a lightning victim in the U.S. in one year is 1 in 700,000.

No matter what the odds are, when it does happen, it can bring a community together.

Ethan Kadish Image by Lauren Glynn

10

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

It was June 29, less than a year ago, when tragedy hit Goldman Union Camp Institute, a Jewish sleep-away camp in Zionsville, IN. On a

situation like this is until it hits close to home. warm, clear, summer day, Ethan Kadish, nearly Kadish lives locally, in Loveland. Not only have 13 years old, was teaching two other campers people in Cincinnati made a huge effort to help how to play Ultimate Frisbee when a lightning him, but so has the Jewish community, and bolt struck the ground only a few feet away. people all across the world.

Campers were playing on the sports field Learning what to do when Michael Levy, ‘12, heard a huge crash Lightning strikes the ground approximately and knew something was wrong.

25 million times each year in the U.S. “I heard over the walkie that there were According to the National Weather Service, the three unresponsive campers so I ran down chance of an individual in the U.S. being killed to the sports field to help. I administered the or injured by lightning during a given year is 1 Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to in 240,000. the nine year old, Lily Hoberman, while others Assuming an average life-span of 80 years, a performed CPR on her and used the AED and person’s odds over their lifetime becomes one performed CPR on Ethan,” said Levy. in 3,000.

Assuming the average person has 10 Hoberman and the other camper were family members and others with whom he or hospitalized briefly and released without being she is close, then the chances severely harmed. However, are one in 300 that a lightning Kadish suffered cardiac It was the scariest strike will closely affect a arrest from the lightning person’s life. thing to ever happen strike due to having no Levy has knowingly seen oxygen to the brain. While to me, and hopefully Kadish three times in his life. rescuers were working to the scariest thing Once on the sports field while resuscitate him, he suffered that ever will.

Kadish was being revived, a severe brain injury.

Michael Levy, ‘12 another time a few days later in Since the accident, he has the hospital, and then again in progressed from a critical the hospital to visit. condition to a stable one, “A month or so after, I saw him when he was but has only spent 10 days at home in the last awake, responded slightly to stimulus, and could six and a half months. make noises to show his discomforts. While it “To this day it still affects me. But I am so was very tough for other people I was with to happy that Lily has made a full recovery and see him like that for the first time, it was very that Ethan is alive. It was the scariest thing to encouraging for me because of how much he ever happen to me, and hopefully the scariest had improved up to that point, said Levy. thing that ever will,” said Levy.

Levy had gone through special training to be The fact is that no one knows how scary a

COVER STORY Team Ethan

In light of this tragedy, the Jewish community has come together immensely.

There are events occuring all the time to help raise money for Kadish. Team Ethan is in charge of making sure these events happen and he gets the support that he needs.

There will be an event the weekend of Apr. 12 to 13, hosted by the Jewish fraternity at University of Cincinnati to raise money for him as well.

“If anyone would like to donate money, please keep in mind that it is tax deductible,” said Levy.

The Jewish community has assisted the Kadish family indescribably, but now it is our turn to help him, and to always be ready for unpredictable situations.

First aid for lightning victims

ALL ImageS by Lauren Glynn

able to handle the unexpected at any moment.

Specifically for lightning victims, there are a few main procedures.

First, call for medical help immediately.

When calling 911, make sure the responder is aware of how serious the situation is and how many victims there are. Next, assessing the situation is imperative. Make sure it is safe to help the victims. Even though it is impossible to get electrified by a victim, it is important to keep an eye out for more lightning.

Then, check for a heartbeat and start to perform CPR. Also, check for other injuries besides cardiac and respiratory arrest.

Other lightning-caused injuries are burns, shock, brain injury, muscular and skeletal damage, and sometimes blunt trauma including broken bones and ruptured organs.

1. Go or call for medical help immediately.

Call 911 to inform them where you are and state the number of strike victims and their conditions.

2. Assess the situation

Was only one person struck? Is the storm still raging? Are you safe to administer first aid? It’s important not to create more casualities.

3. Check for breathing and heartbeat

SUPPORT ETHAN

HELP HOPE LIVE To make a donation to Ethan, visit HelpHopeLive.org, the organization that controls the donations for his family.

HelpHopeLive is a non-profit organization that helps raise money for people who have been in catastrophic accidents and need help paying for medical expenses.

Stay up-to-date with Ethan and his family through the Facebook Page “Join Team Ethan” and follow them on Twitter at “JoinTeamEthan”

The best places to check for a pulse are at the carotid artery in the neck and the femoral artery behind the knee. Lightning often causes cardiac arrest.

4. Administer CPR

If victims are not breathing and do not have heartbeats, immediately begin providing CPR, following the current Red Cross rescue breaths followed by 30 fast chest compressions in 30 seconds. Continue CPR until rescue arrives.

5. Other lightning injuries

Besides cardiac and respiratory arrest, lightning can causeu burns, shock, brain injury, muscular and skeletal damage, and sometimes blunt trauma including broken bones and ruptured organs. Some victims also experience nervous system disruption with loss of consciousness and amnesia. Treat all these injuries with basic first aid until additional help arrives.

To find out how to get certified for first aid training, scan here!

http://www.redcross.org/lp/cpr-aed-fi source: About.com

THE LEAF | COVER STORY

11

COVER STORY

STRIKING BACK AGAINST

LIGHTNING

Each year the U.S. experiences 25 million flashes of lightning Lightning travels at 90,000 miles/second A single strike of lightning can pick up to 1 billion volts of electricity Lightning strikes cost $1 billion in insured losses in 2012 Lightning causes an average of 55 to 60 fatalities each year

Thunderstorms are less common in the winter but lightning can occur within snow storms; this is called thundersnow.

During a storm, avoid: being serviced by gas lines conducting electricity being connected to a plumbing system Myth: If

FACT: The human

you touch a lightning victim, you will be electrocuted.

body does not store electricity. It is safe to touch a lightning victim.

Myth:

FACT: Lightning often

Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

strikes the same place repeatedly, especially tall buildings.

Source: nssl.noaa.gov, Statefarm.com Image by Lauren Glynn

12

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

Riddle of the month:

JAN. 31, 2014

What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries?

Fun&Games

a towel

Winter word unscramble

8 2 3 7

1

7 5 3 9 1

2

1. ezefer 2. cei 3. etajkc 4. rfstoy 5. otobs 6. iks 7. arsfc

9

3 5 2

5 4 9 4 8 6 1 6 5 6

8. kstangi 9. dolc 10. lfrurise

3 1 2

9 4

4 8 7 9

Answers: 1. freeze, 2. ice, 3. jacket, 4. frosty, 5. boots, 6. ski, 7. scarf, 8. skating, 9. cold, 10. flurries

THE LEAF | FUN&GAMES

13

JAN. 31, 2014

Sports

‘I get to beat people up for fun, it couldn’t get much better’

LILA ENGLANDER

S

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

even years ago, Zachary Hanus, 9, went to a life-changing birthday party. Hanus enjoyed the karate-themed event so much that he decided to sign up for karate classes.

“I was that really weird kid that wasn’t really good at it, but I just worked really hard. It’s not like I was amazing at the start. It just took a lot of practice and time to catch up to the better people,” said Hanus.

His practice has paid off. Over the summer his success in a tournament led to his acceptance onto the U.S. national karate team.

Along with 35 other 14 to 17 year old teammates, Hanus competed in the World Karate Championship (WKC) in Munich, Germany from Jan. 24-26.

“If I don’t win this year, I just want to come back with a lot of experience and understanding of these people so I can beat them next time,” said Hanus, prior to the competition.

His strategy for sparring may be surprising to those unfamiliar with martial arts.

“What you really don’t want to do while you’re fighting is think, ‘you gotta win.’ You need to think ‘you gotta get the point.’ By training you learn to look for points and

openings to hit, block, and get out of there,” said Hanus.

But karate’s influence on Hanus’s life extends far beyond the competition.

“Karate has really disciplined me. If I didn’t have karate I bet I would be some really creepy, weird kid,” said Hanus.

“I still act immature, but I can’t even imagine how I would be without karate. When I am with teachers who need respect it really helps me.”

Karate has also helped him understand the nature of his fear.

“My greatest fear is of my own head. If I didn’t have that voice in my head saying stuff like, ‘oh my god I’m going to lose to that guy,’ I probably wouldn’t be afraid of many things,” said Hanus.

As with any serious athlete, family members are also impacted by his commitment.

“A lot of my classes are far away, it puts some stress on my mom,” said Hanus.

In the end, his passion for karate outweighs these costs.

“I really don’t think of the time I spend on karate as a sacrifice, I think of it more as a great opportunity. I get to beat people up for fun. It couldn’t get much better,” said Hanus.

“If I stopped doing karate I would feel empty.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACHARY HANUS

Freshman competes in World Karate Championship

Delivering a kick to the head, Zachary Hanus, 9, competed in the 2013 National Karate Championship; Hanus medaled in five out of eight competitions. He recently competed in the World Karate Championship (WKC) in Munich, Germany on Jan. 24 26.

14

INFOGRAPHIC BY LAUREN SAXON

Sports Updates

Southwest Ohio High School Swimming and Diving Classic Results Mark Hancher, 11: 3rd in the 100 butterfly, 16th in the 100 backstroke Cara Norris, 11: 5th in the 200 freestyle, 3rd in the 100 fly, 2nd in the 200 fly Boys 200 medley relay: JiHo Choi, 9, Rick Niu, 11, Mark Hancher, 11, and Max Cappel, 12, placed 11th.

Jacob Barnhorst, 12 United States Air Force Academy

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

Girls 400 freestyle relay: Cara Norris, 11, Priscilla Wu, 10, Mary Fry, 10, and Hannnah May, 9, placed 9th.

Maxwell Engelhart ,12 Dayton University

SPORTS

Intramural vs. club: ELI ZAWATSKY

D

STAFF WRITER

uring the stressful years of high school a physical release is of the utmost importance for a student to remain healthy.

When choosing to play organized sports, students are faced with a decision: what level of competition is the right choice for them?

Unless the students are playing on a school-sponsored team, they must choose between an intramural team and a club team.

It is important for students to consider the characteristics of each. Club sports are much more competitive, and involve some form of tryout to make the team.

Students usually play club sports during the off-seasons of their Varsity or JV teams at SHS.

Students explore alternative options

“The main reason I play on the Cincinnati United Premier (CUP) soccer team is to train for the upcoming school soccer season. It works out well since the CUP season is during the winter and into spring and the school season is in the fall,” said Charlie Supp, 10.

Intramural sports, on the other hand, are a more relaxed form of sports. Usually the team members are playing for fun more than training for the school season.

“I used to play competitive soccer, but I recently joined a recreational team, and it’s been really fun so far,” said Max Weiss, 10.

Regardless of the level of competition that students are looking for, both club and intramural teams provide students with a release from the stress of school.

Chikah Washington, 10, plays on one of SHS' dodgeball teams, one of many intramural sports offered by SHS.

Leaf

we extend our thanks to these

Friends of The Leaf The Schneider family The Zhou family

For information on supporting the mission of this newspaper by becoming a Friend of The Leaf, see Mrs. Cheralyn Jardine in room 115, call (513) 686-1770 ext. 3089, or email jardinec@ sycamoreschools.org.

Q&A with Joseph Mattis, 10, JV basketball player ALEX WITTENBAUM

STAFF WRITER

Q: How did you and your teammates prepare for the upcoming season?

A: Three times a week during the off-season, we lifted and conditioned together as a team in the Gregory Center. Personally, I worked with a trainer two times a week, and worked out on my own over the weekends.

Q: This is your first year on the JV basketball team. What are you looking forward to the most?

A: I am really excited to win. We have the talent and work ethic this year to help us do big things. New jerseys and warm-up suits will also be cool.

Q: What is your favorite part about playing for SHS?

A: We are a family. All three teams are bonded together as a unit. I love how we all push each other to grow and improve.

Photo courtesy of McDaniel's Photography

The

Image by Eli Zawatsky

Column:

Why Richard Sherman is my hero MICHAEL SAXON

EXECUTIVE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I stared at the screen in disbelief. I’m guessing millions of other viewers and I shared the same thought after the NFC championship game: Did Richard Sherman really just say that?

After causing the game-ending interception, Sherman exuberated confidence, and claimed he’s the “best corner in the game.” He continued on, dreadlocks bouncing, calling Michael Crabtree “mediocre.” It was everything you wouldn’t expect in a post-game interview.

I loved every second of it.

I loved Sherman’s cockiness. I loved the look on Erin Andrew’s face. I loved the way he stared down the camera.

Most athletes would have given the classic post game speech, sticking to safe, humble answers: “Well, we got it done today and are looking forward to next…” Stop. No one cares. No one really wants to hear that. What we want to hear is what you’re truly feeling.

You just made the play to send your team to the Super Bowl. You’re excited. You have every right to let that show, and I’m glad Sherman did.

What’s disappointing, however, is how he was categorized after the game. “Thug” was the word of the night (and it wasn’t the worst thing said).

Sherman graduated near the top of his high school class. He consistently gives back to his community through his charity, Blanket Coverage.

In the past couple years, he has raised thousands of dollars for inner city youth and children in foster care. His goal: to “level the playing field” for children with strong desire to make the most of their education.

The following morning, he wrote an article explaining his actions after the game. His communications degree from Stanford University (yes, Stanford) must have come in handy, because it was written well enough to give Mr. Reardon a run for his money.

I’ll leave it to a line from his article to close: “…don’t judge a person’s character by what they do between the lines. Judge a man by what he does off the field, what he does for his community, what he does for his family.”

Scan here to read Sherman's full response THE LEAF | SPORTS

15

SPORTS

1

3

4

22.

Super weekend, super money New Super Bowl location brings revenue, controversy WILLIAM COLEMAN

STAFF WRITER

DAVID WERTHEIM

STAFF WRITER

LAUREN KURTZER

T STAFF WRITER

he Super Bowl tests how two teams, one from each conference, play under the most extreme pressure. This year, Mother Nature will test the toughness of the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos, as well as their players, coaches, and fans in the location of New York/New Jersey and MetLife Stadium.

New location

SUPER PREDITIONS:

The past 47 Super Bowls were played in warm weathered cities like Miami or Dallas. If the Super Bowl has been in a cold city, it was in domed arenas like Indianapolis, Detroit, or Minnesota.

This year those rules do not apply. MetLife Stadium does not have a dome and it is in cold East Rutherford, NJ. New York City will host a 10 block stretch of seven story tobogganing, athlete signings, and concerts. It has the nightlife, parties, media, big

16

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

I think the Broncos will win because the Seahawks cannot play on the road.

Evan Weisser, 9

businesses, and restaurants. New Jersey does have cheaper hotels on its side.

Both areas will get millions of dollars for the biggest TV event of the year.

Advertising

The Super Bowl would not be as big as it is today without the help of big name advertisers. Ads alone bring in almost $1 billion, with the cost of a 30 second commercial being close to $4 million.

“The well-done ads and crazy halftime performances make the Super Bowl more appealing to everyone of all types and preferences,” said Emily Spry, 11.

Companies like M&M, Pepsi, GoDaddy, Jaguar, Subway, and Budweiser are regulars. Ads are almost as hyped up as the game itself since the companies are known before the opponents. Usually, the ads tend to have a comedy appeal. Most people remember the Doritos kid saying, “Stay away from my mama! And stay away from my Doritos!”

Also, the traditional Budweiser Clydesdale horses are very common, and nobody could forget last year’s GoDaddy ad, which featured Bar Rafaeli, an Israeli model, intensely kissing a nerdy man who was somehow able to romance a model.

Even though ads have been a huge part of the Super Bowl over the years, this year the ads

I think the Broncos will win because Denver’s defense has been playing better.

Mr. Gregory Pottebaum, math teacher

I think the Broncos will win because Manning is a strong leader a player for young team.

Carly Lefton,12

may be bigger and better than ever before.

Weather

Farmer’s Almanac predicts that the Super Bowl weekend will have a severe winter storm. It made this prediction in August and has an 85 percent accuracy rate.

Ticket buyers may be hesitant to sit for hours in the cold with strong wind chill and snow. Flights will have delays and cancellations if ice is present.

Partying outside in NYC before the game may also be a struggle.

Since the announcement of MetLife Stadium being the host of Super Bowl XLVIII, there has been a lot of controversy over the cold location.

“I love old school football and weather having an impact, but the best team does not always win in those situations,” said Mr. James Smanik, biology teacher.

The decision for the game to be played in the cold was a fiscal decision due to New York and New Jersey having great monetary benefits for everyone.

If The Farmer’s Almanac is correct, players, coaches, and fans will have to tough it out.

It is in the most extreme conditions in which a true champion of the National Football League will be determined.

I think the Seahawks will win because they have a better running game.

Bradley Bolotin, 9

The Seattle secondary has shut down its opponents all year and will do the same to the Broncos.

Calista Robbins,10

I have always admired Peyton but I do not think any team’s defense can contain Marshawn Lynch.

Mark Hancher, 11

1. The Budweiser Clydesdale horses make their way to the stadium. These horses are always shown in commericals, especially during Super Bowl weekend.

2. This is a tomato wrapped in bacon. Food becomes a huge part of Super Bowl Sunday. Family and friends gather to eat popular tailgate food as they watch the big game. Meaty items like wings and burgers are often served.

3. Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco poses for a picture with Mickey Mouse. Every NFL player knows that after a Super Bowl win, it’s off to Disney Land. 4. The New England Patriots hoist the Lombardi Trophy after they beat the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.

All photos courtesy of MCT photo

SPORTS

Rivalry redefined: How ‘Battle of the Skies’ took flight JOEY SLOVIN STAFF WRITER

T

he Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees quarrel for the most well known matchup in professional baseball.

Hockey fans nationwide turn their attention to the historic clashes between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Redwings. The highly-anticipated annual football game between the Ohio State University and the University of Michigan has become known simply as“The Game,” debatably the single greatest contest in the sports world.

Comparable to these rivalries is one that features two schools in a high school athletic conference located in southwestern Ohio, the Greater Miami Conference (GMC).

Any intense rivalry, regardless of the sport involved, must be bound by one unifying characteristic.

That characteristic is a deep history that causes the hostility between the two athletic programs. However, history is the last thing that comes to mind when describing the rivalry of Sycamore and Mason High Schools.

The brief history

BY THE NUMBERS

The GMC currently features 10 Cincinnati area high schools in 24 different Division I sports. Since its inaugural year, time has shown a steady growth in the conference that originally had six schools and eight sports.

As the 1989-1990 season welcomed Sycamore (formerly in the Queen City Conference) to the GMC, Mason would wait nearly another two decades before the conference extended its invitation. In 20072008, previous SHS arch rival Milford seceded from the GMC, thus ending the 28-year contest. The Mason Comets, haling from the Fort Ancient Valley Conference, settled into its current home in the GMC, and thus, a rivalry was born (and killed).

Battle of the Skies

The first inter-conference football game between Sycamore and Mason took place on Friday, Oct. 26th on Mason’s home turf.

Quarterback Casey MacClean, ‘09, threw for a trio of touchdowns, while completing 13 of his 20 passes in a 21-7 victory for the Aviators.

Sycamore left Dwire Field that night with a brand new trophy, designated to the winner of the annual game, and a symbol of the newfound rivalry. Prior to the game, captains from both squads congregated, deciding to establish the game as the “Battle of the Skies,” to be played on the last week of all future seasons.

“It was an interesting experience, how the captains of both teams came together to name the rivalry and make the trophy,” said former team captain Brent Rothchild, ‘08, a member of the offensive line. In 2010, Sycamore regained the trophy in an exciting triple-overtime victory, as Robert Stein, ‘11, sunk the game winning field goal from 30 yards out.

Two years later, the Comets traveled to Bud Acus Alumni Field to face off against the Aviators, who were well on their way to a second consecutive playoff berth.

SHS outscored their crosstown opponent by a score of 42-23.

Sycamore’s run game featured touchdowns from Markus James, ‘13, along with Greg Simpson, and Alex Tillman, both 12.

The 2013 “Battle of the Skies”

19

Number of individual state champions from Sycamore, compared to Mason’s 14.

IMAGE CREDIT: MCDANIEL’S PHOTOGRAPHY

The latest Sycamore-Mason clash resulted in a 10 point margin of victory for the SHS Varsity boys basketball team. Zach Farquhar, 12, shot 4-4 from behind the 3-point line, while Kenneth Wead, 10, led the team in scoring with 24 points.

game capped off this year’s roller coaster season.

Sycamore entered Mason territory attempting to positively wrap up a season that included three devastating losses by a margin of seven points or less.

For the second time in the short history of the “Battle of the Skies,” four quarters proved incapable of deciding a victor between the two teams. And for the second time, overtime saw the green and gold triumph over the green and white.

770

Students in current senior class at Mason High School.

High school sports hotbed

When it comes to high school athletics, Ohio trumps most other states.

While Ohio is known for the bright lights that shine on high school stadiums on autumn Friday nights, this rivalry has spanned more than just one sport. A recent meeting between the Aviators and Comets resulted in a 67-57 victory, as SHS conquered on the basketball court on Friday, Jan. 10th.

When Mason joined the GMC in 2007, it opened the floodgates to future years of multisport competition.

Whether it is on a basketball court, in a pool, or across a chess table, there is not a high school sports fan that lives between the I-75 and I-71 highways that does not appreciate the up-andcoming rivalry of these two high schools.

17-16 Number of 2014 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, advantage Sycamore.

THE LEAF | SPORTS

17

JAN 31, 2014

Opinion

Staff Editorial Teamwork we can support

“

Leafing through the masses: How do you deal with unexpected events?

18

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

tale. We could all do with a reminder to expect the unexpected, but the heart of the story goes beyond the lightning itself.

After the initial medical care, there was more to be done to save Ethan.

His care continues to this day, and his recovery has been slow and arduous.

However, thanks to his community, not only in our area but across the country, Ethan’s situation remains optimistic.

This is a story we can support as a staff, and as a school.

Team Ethan is a story about compassion, and rallying together behind a cause. It’s a surprising story, but it’s heartwarming, something we can take on together as a team. That’s the kind of news we want on the front page.

I usually talk about it, then laugh a little, unless it’s serious. well, even then i might laugh a little bit.

Sarah Adler, 9

Photo courtesy of Alexia Kadish

The best news often comprises of tales of the unexpected. Shocking cover stories grace all manners of publications, from cheap entertainment magazines to “The Washington Post.”

The Leaf doesn’t usually try to cover these kinds of stories. We run monthly, not daily, so we try and save fleeting news stories for our web platform.

The story surrounding Team Ethan was different. It all started with a lightning strike, an accident far from commonplace. Something that blew over quickly in the national media. But for Ethan Kadish and his community, it didn’t end when the attention subsided. It’s a story that continues to be told.

The thing that is special about Team Ethan is that it’s not just a cautionary

Ethan Kadish’s aunt, uncle, and cousins run a fundraiser for him in their hometown outside Seattle. The event took place at a local frozen yogurt store. Other families have supported Kadish in various ways.

i talk about it with my friends, and think about the problem. then, i usually take the advice of people i trust.

Elizabeth Clark, 11 I just remember that i have so many good things in life. it’s not what i want, it’s what i need. the bad things don’t take away from the good.

Ray Berling, 10

i just have to work through it, for example, when someone dies or when there’s a family problem, you just have to push your way through.

Solomon McMullen, 12

OPINION

‘They truly want to change the world’ Millennial future appears bright despite criticism

1929-1945 Silent Generation 1930

1936

1942

How millennial are you?

millennials

by the numbers*

1 in 4

1946-1964 Baby Boomers 1948

1954

1960

Having a religious lifestyle is ______ to me. a. Not very important b. Somewhat important c. Extremely important

2

I receive ____ text messages each day. a. Over 50 b. Less than 50 c. 0 or close to 0

3

I think it is __ to be successful in a high-paying career. a. Very important b. Somewhat important c. Not very important

4

I am a part of ____ social media network(s). a. 2 or more b. 1 c. 0

5

I would describe my political views as ______. a. Liberal b. Moderate c. Conservative

are unaffiliated with any religion

25% 90% have a piercing somewhere other than their ear

More info: Scan here to see read the full “Time” magazine article on the millennial generation.

1

use the Internet

1 in 5

have posted a video of themselves online

75% have a profile on at least

3 points for each A 1 point for each B 0 points for each C

one social networking site

12-15 points: You are very millennial 5-11 points: You are somewhat millennial 0-4 points: You are not very millennial

ALL IMAGES BY ATIYA DOSANI

1965-1982 Generation X 1966

1972

SOURCE: PEW RESEARCH CENTER

A

ccording to our elders, we are a generation with unrealistic expectations, overconfidence in our abilities, and delusion about our individuality. We are told that the millennial generation is a bunch of teenagers and 20-somethings who are self-absorbed and lethargic.

In 2013, “Time” magazine accused the millennial generation of being “lazy, entitled, selfish and shallow.”

However, it does not come as much of a surprise that millennials are under attack as they are making their way into the real world.

As generations pass, it is common for the elder group to share their load of heavy doubts and concerns about their descendants. It is a never-ending generational cycle.

“Parents and grandparents seem to forget that they survived alleged attacks on their morals by different media when they were children.

Each generation’s adults either lose faith in the ability of their young people to do the same or they become convinced that the dangers facing the new generation are much more substantial than the ones they faced,” said Margaret Blanchard, journalism professor, in a 1992 article.

The older generations are far past the point in their lives when they have the will to try new things. This window of experimentation closes at a certain age, and millennials are currently in that stage of life.

Things that are new and out of the ordinary appear exciting and innovative to those in the millennial generation.

But to someone who is not interested in changing his or her known way of life, they appear unnatural, unnecessary, and useless.

The strengths of the millennial generation are often overlooked or sometimes looked at the wrong way.

Millennials are criticized for being narcissistic. While this characteristic may be true among the generation, it is closely tied with their self-confidence.

This confidence gives them the power to believe that they can achieve anything, and motivates them to one day achieve it.

A large portion of what distinguishes the millennial generation from those before is their utilization of technology.

Young people in today’s society are constantly on their phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices, giving them a more natural and extensive knowledge of technology.

“Millennials work more closely together, ask the right questions, learn faster and take risks previous generations resisted. They truly want to change the world and will use technology to do so,” said Mike Marasco, leader of an innovation program at Northwestern University, to “The New York Times.”

*UNITED STATES STATISTICS

ATIYA DOSANI

BUSINESS MANAGER

1978

1983-2001 Millennial 1984

1990

1996

THE LEAF | opinion

19

OPINION

Snow day limitations...

JACK LOON STAFF WRITER

O

hio schools only have five calamity days per school year, and if more than that many occur, students will have to attend extra days of school at the end of the year. SHS has already used five* of those days, due to snow, dangerous ice conditions, and extremely cold temperatures.

Personally, I think that there should be unlimited calamity days, and that we should not have to make snow days up at the end of the year. Students should not be held back because of unpredictable weather when school should already be over.

There are lots of different opinions on the amount of calamity days schools should get, or if schools should have them at all.

Some say that there should be unlimited snow days, and that it is unfair that students have to attend extra school days at the end of the year, even though it was because of the environment and the weather.

At the end of the year, people are eagerly waiting to get out of school, especially seniors, who are looking forward to finishing school.

While their friends at other schools with fewer snow days are graduating, they have to 20

SHSLEAF.COM | THE LEAF

do the extra days to get their diplomas (if there are more than five snow days).

Completing extra days at the end of the year puts the upperclassmen at a disadvantage in finding summer jobs. While upperclassmen’s peers at other schools are graduating and finding jobs, the people that have to make up days at the end of the year are not able to search for and begin their jobs.

Many people see this as unfair to seniors who have been waiting several years to graduate.

Other people say that schools should not have any calamity days, and that students should have to make up each snow day at the end of the year. They think that it is very important that class needs to be in session for all of the of the days of the school year, and that weather should not affect it in any way.

Another group of people think that it is fine the way it is currently. They think that five calamity days is enough, and that if we have more snow days than the limit, we should have to make up days, and that it is completely fair.

But the fairest situation for the seniors would be to have unlimited calamity days. *as of press time

Image by Kathryn Tenbarge

Put seniors at disadvantage

Why are we closed?

Cincinnati is the coldest it has been since the beginning of the 21st century. News outlets like to blame the temperatures on the “polar vortex,” which in reality is a semi-permanent layer of the atmosphere. It is a whirling pressure mass that has extended further south this year than it has in the past, due to the migration of the Greenland block (a low pressure center).

Source: Weather.com

Create homework blues LAUREN SAXON

SPORTS CHIEF

I

t was around 11:00 p.m. nearing the end of my long, lazy, but perfect snow day when I found myself on the SHS blackboard site.

Much to my dismay, the first thing I saw after clicking the login button was not one, but two missed alerts from my accelerated physics class titled “Assignment for Snow Day.” Waking up to the news of a snow day can be one the greatest feelings for students; it’s almost like a gift from the administrators. However, the thought of being held responsible for work on days off was unbearable.

“I don’t like how some of my teachers assign homework on blackboard. I feel like having work to do defeats the purpose of having a snow day,” said Evelyn Goodyear, 10.

Assigning work online for students to do during snow days can be problematic. For example, there are still some students who don’t have easy access to the internet to see any assignments posted.

After accepting the fact that I was assigned a 30 minute online classroom lecture and homework on my snow day, I began to consider the reasoning behind it.

Although my initial reaction to seeing the online homework was ‘I didn’t sign up for this,’ I realized I actually did. The

class for which the work was assigned was accelerated and designed to move at a fast pace.

“I understand that the work we miss because of snow days needs to be made up,” said Samantha Ciricillo, 11. “But on the other hand, I don’t think students should teach themselves new material or do any more homework on snow days than on a normal school night.”

Recently I’ve come to observe that many of the accelerated, honors, and even some academic courses move at a fast learning pace.

“If the class is getting father and farther behind and there won’t be enough time to accomplish everything in class, then it is perfectly fine for a teacher to assign work on a Snow Day,” said Saidjon Khusenov, 11.

In the classes that didn’t assign homework on the snow days, many students found themselves struggling to complete more work in a shorter amount of time as a result of the snow day.

To my surprise, when my teacher asked my class who had completed the homework over the snow day, all but three students raised their hands.

At SHS, high level classes come with high expectations.

And although I certainly don’t like the idea of working on our days off, it helps our school stay ahead of the game.

JAN. 31, 2014

S

eeking future stardom

Spotlight

hindler sings, performs, pursues career

BROOKE LANDRUM

SPOTLIGHT CHIEF

I

started with theatre at the age of six in Fort Lauderdale, started writing music at seven, got my first guitar at ten, and taught myself to play guitar and piano.”

It was this fateful string of events that led Stefanie Shindler, 10, to develop her personal passion for writing and performing her original music.

“For me, music is a good way to get away from real life, and I’ve always kind

of known that’s what I wanted to do,” said Shindler.

She started out as the youngest at the Fort Lauderdale’s Children’s Theater camp, where she learned and worked on her singing, songwriting, and performing skills. Being one of the youngest campers, she had many older campers to look up to.

One of the most famous campers was Ariana Grande.

While Shindler never knew her well because of the age difference, after she became famous, Grande came back

to see FLCT’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.”

“I was opening the show and I saw her sitting in the front row with two huge bodyguards on either side of her and I froze up. Then I remembered that she was a performer just like I was, and there was nothing to be worried about.”

Since then Shindler has been looking for places to perform her original works.

She has performed in Florida and received cards from various people interested in helping her get her start.

Shindler describes her music

as coffee house and indie. She also covers pop songs by other artists.

Despite her passion for music and performing, Shindler has different plans for her future.

“Of course it would be my first choice as a career but practically, it is such a risk, both financially and emotionally, and I wouldn’t want to take on that much baggage. I have always wanted to be an oncologist, so with music as a side, that could be a really good life for me.”

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