The Sycamore Leaf March Issue 2012

The

FOR THE CURE

ycamore

How local businesses and SHS fashion designers are joining forces for a good cause

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LIKE A BAAS Senior, Marquette commit shares her journey to success

9 16

Friday, March 16 , 2012 | Volume LIX Issue 8 | 7400 Cornell Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45242, 513.686.1770 ext. 3089 | www.GoAves.com

newsbriefs Cover the Night

On April 20, members of U4U will participate in the worldwide movement to stop Joseph Kony and the LRA. If you are interested in participating, please attend U4U’s next club meeting on Apr. 19 and join the event “Sycamore Cover the Night” on Facebook. Although the event is sponsored by the Invisible Children organization, U4U would like to acknowledge that they are a completely separate non-profit organization.

SAFE SPACES: Ellie Goldman business manager

A

Emma Rosen staff writer

&

safe space in every school.” This is what the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) wishes to accomplish.

A “safe space” is a name for classrooms or areas in schools where students can feel completely protected. Since this campaign was created

by GLSEN, the emphasis is on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students.

However, any SHS student who feels uncomfortable, in any way, at school can seek out a safe space. Students know a classroom is a safe space when the teacher puts a “safe space” sticker on or around their door.

The administration stresses that this is all about responsibility, and respect for all students. Safe spaces will continue on in years to come; it is not a temporary program.

GLSEN’s campaign has gained attention from

Early release day

Wed. March 21 is an early release day. Seniors with late arrival need to be at school for second bell by 7:55 a.m.

Fashion for the Cure

Fashion for the Cure will take place on Wednesday, March 21. The silent auction starts at 6:30 p.m. and the fashion show will begin at 7:30.

Ticket prices range from $10-$50.

Please reserve your seat by calling 513-226-4292.

“Into the Woods”

Acting ensemble will perform “Into the Woods” on April 13, 14, 20 and 21. Tickets cost $8-$10 in advance.

Visit www.goaves.org for show times.

OGTs

Today is the last day of OGT testing.

Make-up tests will be offered next week and on March 22 and 23. If you need to make up any sections of the OGT, please talk to your counselor.

Spring Break

Development All teachers were introduced to safe spaces at a faculty meeting

SAFE S PA C E

Respect commands consideration: National statistics show support for Safe Spaces

18

percent of LBGT students have been physically harassed due to their perceived gender identity or gender expression.

30

33

62

percent of students claimed that nothing happened after reporting LGBT-related bullying.

Spring break is the week of March 26-30. Be safe and remember to bring back plenty of pictures for The Log and The Leaf. Classes will resume on April 2.

NEWS 2-4

numerous sponsors and schools, including SHS. Mrs. Brenda Fisher, student assistance counselor, and Ms. Renee Hevia, assistant principal, initially brought the program to SHS. However other teachers, such as Mrs. Meredith Griga, have shown support for the program as well.

The idea of safe spaces came to Fisher from a parent e-mail. It then blossomed into something that many people were on board with, including Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) president, Drew Gelwicks, 12.

“I first heard about safe spaces through Shawn Jeffers, a representative of GLSEN. We were discussing SHS and what could be done to make the school a safer environment for everyone.

I realized its importance,” said Gelwicks.

Continued on page 2 >>

Mr. Sycamore

As of press time, Mr. Sycamore was scheduled to take place tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the little theater. Tickets cost $4 dollars pre-sale and $5 at the door. Proceeds from the event will benefit Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. For updates on scheduling changes, please visit www. goaves. org.

spots solve school security struggles

percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT) students have stayed home from school in fear of their own safety.

Source: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)

percent of all witnesses involved in LGBTrelated name-calling do not report the incident because of safety fears.

www.glsen.org

OPINION 5-8

FEATURE 9-13

A&E 14-15

SPORTS 16-19

Infographic by Moriah Krawec

Image by Jimmy Chau

SPOTLIGHT 20

2

>> Safe Space cont. from pg. 1 in late February. There, they were taught about GLSEN’s campaign and the safe space stickers.

“Stickers can be given to any teacher. 18 stickers have been given out so far,” said Fisher.

This means that there are 18 places in SHS where students can feel safe.

The actual reason behind bringing safe spaces to SHS came to Fisher and Hevia in the form of data presented at a training they attended in November.

“Data shows LGBT students are at risk. Educators are in a position to make an impact, and identify safe staff members to a student,” said Fisher.

What Fisher means by “at risk” is that LGBT students are vulnerable to verbal and physical harassment, lower attendance, and lower overall GPA.

Why SHS?

Though students can easily recall class meetings devoted to creating acceptance among their ranks, a missing link was the educators.

“We, as educators, are in the unique position to make an impact toward the mitigation of these issues,” said Fisher.

Some people ask, why is this needed in schools, why can this not be implemented at home?

Schools are a vital part of every young person’s life, even a young person who identifies as LGBT. “Schools play a crucial role in how adolescents view themselves,” said Fisher.

There will be a second training for teachers in April. The list was capped at 25 teachers, and there is a waiting list.

“We wanted to limit to 25 teachers to have more discussions and make it less formal. This is an opportunity to discuss and look at biases,” said Fisher.

SHS is one of the few schools who have undergone training with GLSEN so far.

“We are the exception more than the rule,” said Fisher.

Future goals

The goal of SHS, and especially GSA, is that these safe spaces will make it so that LGBT students at this school will not be a part of the thousands of LGBT students who have poor attendance, are verbally and physically harassed, and have a lower GPA than non-LGBT students.

“My goal, as is the goal of GSA, is that SHS does not need a Gay Straight Alliance. Sexual orientation shouldn’t have to be an issue. Students should be able to express themselves, and feel comfortable in their own skin, especially when it comes to sexuality,” said Gelwicks.

At this point in time, the April training will be the last training that SHS will see in the 2011-2012 school year. However, Fisher hopes to surface safe spaces again next year.

“I will raise the issue in the fall and see the level of interest from staff,” said Fisher.

The hope is that these safe spaces will decrease bullying and increase the number of students who feel comfortable at school.

“Things are going to evolve and change,” said Hevia.

3.16.2012

Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

EVERY YEAR, SHS STUDENTS donate to the Hoxworth Blood Drive. With each donation, three lives are saved, and with SHS’s 73 donations, up to 219 lives could be saved. Pictured above, Shea Lothrop, 10, and Carly Driskell, 11, donated blood on Mar. 5. This annual event is one of the many that display the potential impact each SHS student has to make a difference.

Stepping up to save lives

Hoxworth Blood Center calls for help; 100 students answer Jimmy Chau managing editor

Safety measures

pressure, temperature, and performed a small finger prick to check red blood cell level.

Subsequently, they received their donation bags and vials and waited to be seated for blood donation.

If at any point in the process they were denied, they would not be able to donate blood.

Of the 100 students who came to donate, 27 were denied.

Nick Schraffenberger, 12, was one of the people who signed up the week before and was denied during the process.

Due to a trip to Costa Rica last Spring Break, he was declared ineligible.

Although he spent 20 minutes trying to explain that he never visited the East coast, they told him it was too big of a risk, and he was unable to give blood.

“Although frustrated, I understand many precautions must be taken to ensure safety,” said Schraffenberger.

Similarly, Jordan Rothchild, 12, was declared ineligible due to a Winter Break trip to Honduras. He is a member of Student Council and wished to donate blood as well as help during the event.

“It was really disappointing not being able to donate after working there all day,” said Rothchild.

On donation day, students showed their teachers a red pass that they received at the time of their sign-up and reported to the Gregory Center, where they underwent a series of precautions to ensure safe donation.

First, they signed in with Student Council members and then with Hoxworth staff members, who gave them questionnaires regarding their medical histories and recent trips/activities.

Upon completion, students went to another Hoxworth member, who read the questionnaire and, following approval, took blood

The donation process takes about half an hour to complete, not excluding the safety procedure.

Students sat in reclining chairs and were asked to squeeze a ball or a cloth occasionally with their donor hand to keep the blood flowing.

The bag usually filled up in 10 minutes and the remaining 20 minutes were spent sitting to ensure any light-headedness or dizziness would subside.

Music played in the background from a

E

very donation saves up to three lives.

According to the tag line of the Hoxworth Blood Center, every person who volunteers 30 to 45 minutes of their time to donate blood can make an enormous impact on the lives of up to three people who need it.

In coordination with Student Council, the center’s mobile unit arrived at SHS on March 5, 2012, and 100 students answered the call, taking time out of their classes to give blood.

Although there are eight neighborhood donor centers, including one located in Blue Ash, the Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is the only blood center that serves the greater Cincinnati area.

According to their Web site, http://www. hoxworth.org, “Hoxworth needs to collect blood from 350 volunteer blood donors and 40 volunteer platelet donors each day to meet the needs of tri-state patients.”

Consequently, they run a High School Blood Program where they encourage students to “Walk the Walk” and “Save a Life” by helping them to meet their quota and spreading awareness about blood donation.

Donation

small radio on the floor and there was almost a party-like atmosphere. Donors talked to each other or sang along to the music and overall, the mood was jovial.

Following their donations, students were given stickers and were offered complementary juice and snacks.

Student Council was on hand to assist anyone who suffered from any side effects of the donation, with mats to lie on and cold towels for heads.

“Only one person passed out, luckily, and it was before he gave blood. It went really smoothly, and we never had any major issue,” said Ariana Speridakos, 12, Student Council member.

Donors also had the option of making an automated red cell donation. In essence, it is the equivalent of making two donations, except only red blood cells are taken from one arm and the remaining components and saline are returned to the donor.

James Perryman, 12, donated last year and was one of the 11 donors who volunteered for automated red cell donation.

“I have friends who have benefitted from blood transfusions, and I have never experienced any negative effects after donating,” said Perryman.

The mobile unit left SHS in the afternoon, after collecting several hundred pints of blood, which will go to the people who need it the most.

Student Council labeled the event a triumph, and thanks the student body for its participation.

“We had a very successful drive this year.

Our school is one of the biggest donators, and every year we are responsible for saving many lives. That is something that we should be very proud of,” said Ms. Linsey Farroh, advisor to the blood drive.

Hershey, Bao wow at science fair SM Dipali editor-in-chief

Erik Bao, 12, and Nick Hershey, 10, competed at this year’s Regional Science Fair, presenting their project on how environmental molds induce allergies.

During their 30 to 45 hour summer work weeks at Children’s Hospital, the pair researched how these molds cause inflammation in the lungs based on molecular pathways.

“Initially, we worked with a professor who does allergy research, and that’s really what got us started on this project,” said Bao. But the connection between the topic and the students grew more personal: Hershey suffers from asthma – a condition that is often inflamed by these molds.

“To bring the project closer to home, we researched molds that were endemic to the Ohio River Valley,” said Bao. The two spent hours conducting research and working to present their project. “Wet bench” was what they called lab work; while “dry bench” was work done at the computer. Bao and Hershey analyzed protein interaction through use of a computer program.

Last year, Bao advanced to U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge Nationals in Washington, D.C. Last year’s competition was host to several exemplary participants, including one who developed a cancer vaccine.

“I was amazed by the other participants at Nationals. People

around school always joke that I’m going to cure cancer one day, but this kid actually did,” said Bao. Nonetheless, Bao and Hershey hope to excel at the next level of competition. Their project has already received one accolade: it was one of the 300 winners of the Intel Science Talent Search Award.

As to why Bao enjoys participating in the Science Fair, his answer is simple: “In school, you’re confined to the textbook. The great thing about the Science Fair is that you get to see how to use known information to hypothesize and reach for new information.”

Image by Atiya Dosani

AT THE REGIONAL SCIENCE Fair, Bao and Hershey impressed judges.

Their extensive summer work led to a well-researched project. They hope to do well at the next level.

3

3.16.2012

‘I am proud that we have something to show for all of our work’

Mock trial makes history Nakul Narendran staff writer

F

Graduation date falls on Thursday

or the first time in SHS history, the Mock Trial team directed their way through Regionals to the State tournament. Led by criminal defense attorney Bernie Wong, the Green team was able to defeat Ursuline and Mason at the Regional Competition, earning them a spot in the State tournament.

The team was composed of Ryan Rasulis, 12, S.M. Dipali, 12, Stephanie Adamec, 11, Nicole Streicher, 11, Ana Barros, 10, Shyam Parikh, 10, Sarah Inskeep, 12, and Artur Meller, 12.

After having practiced twice a week since October, the Green team felt as though their hard work had truly paid off.

“I am proud that we have something to show for all of our work,” said Inskeep.

Their anxiety skyrocketed as soon as they began to load up the cars to Columbus.

“I was really nervous about going to State.

The teams there are so incredibly prepared, but I knew that we still had a shot,” said Rasulis.

In order to advance to the second round of the State tournament, both the defense and prosecution had to win their trials.

The defense side went first, facing Portsmouth City Schools. After a trial that the judges described as “incredibly close,” Green grabbed a victory, along with a Best Witness award given to Meller.

Unfortunately, they were not able to pull off the win against a stateexperienced team from Sylvania Southview.

“Slyvania Southview has had a lot of experience with going to State. They were very well-versed in case law and they really knew their stuff. But I thought we definitely held our own against them,” said Adamec.

Despite losing four experienced seniors, the team looks forward to another successful year. New case materials will be released at the start of the next school year.

Emma Oh editor-in-chief

10 , 9 8, , OH h c s r Ma mbu lu Co

State 2012

Images by Ana Barros

RYAN RASULIS, 12, delivers his closing arguments to the court. Rasulis along with the defense team defeated Portsmouth in the first trial; however, the SHS prosecution later lost in their trial against Slyvania Southview.

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Anyone who has previously attended SHS Graduation knows that the ceremony always falls on the Sunday before Memorial Day. For most families, this works out perfectly. There are no work conflicts, relatives can come to town for the weekend, and siblings in the underclass can sleep in the next day without worrying about exams.

This year, however, will not be the same.

For the Class of 2012, Gaduation will fall on Thursday, May 31. This is due to the legal number of days that seniors are required to be in school with the underclassmen.

According to Ohio law, seniors cannot graduate more than 14 days earlier than the rest of the student body. Since the last day of school is June 5, all seniors must technically remain in class until May 18, barring any snow days.

Although the date of Graduation has only been pushed back a couple days, holding the ceremony on a Thursday poses issues for many families and students.

For example, due to the date change family members who live far away, like siblings who are in college, will not be able to attend Graduation.

“My older sister goes to OU [Ohio University] and she has afternoon classes on that Thursday, so she can’t come,” said Lyndsay Henry, 12.

The date change also causes conflict for any underclassmen that planned on attending the ceremony. Not only is the next day a school day, but it is also an exam day.

Although SHS students can opt not to go, underclassmen that are in the band or have a sibling who is graduating will be required to sacrifice their study time – something that could ultimately affect their final grades.

“I’m really upset about graduation being changed to Thursday. We have family coming into town to see my brother Colin Marth, 12, graduate and now I know I’ll have less time to spend with them because I’ll be studying for exams instead,” said Kara Marth, 10.

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3.16.2012

Minute of devastation, months of desperation Record-breaking tornadoes hit tri-state, residents slowly recover Ana Barros business manager

I

t can be agreed that the record-breaking tornadoes that hit southern Ohio, northern Kentucky, Indiana on March 2 came at the most inopportune and unexpected moment.

Not only is March still one month away from the ‘official’ start of the tornado season, but the warning sirens in the whole city were being replaced on that day.

The result? A history book-worthy storm of EF4 tornadoes that devastated cities in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

One minute is enough

To the unsuspecting citizens of Kenyon County, one minute was enough to reduce their lives to a pile of debris.

March 2 was an unusually warm day, considering that at this time last year the ground was still moderately covered in snow and JC Penney was still selling plush snow coats.

The combination of unusual humidity and unstable air streaming north from the Gulf of Mexico and an existing storm in the area created conditions that were perfect for tornadoes.

It reached EF4 level, making it the deadliest storm since 1950, and quite reminiscent of the 1999 tornado that hit the Blue Ash-Montgomery area and cut through SHS. These tornadoes – there were about 20 – however, remained on the ground for a full 60 erratic and terrifying seconds, compared to about ten, as is the norm.

The consequences were devastating. In Kenyon County alone, about 11 homes were completely destroyed, and numerous other establishments such as fire stations and schools suffered the same fate. In fact, the county is currently covered by a thick layer of dust and debris as relief efforts attempt to uncover bodies.

Although the death count is not final, it has been rising since last weekend, when it had reached more than 20 in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. So far, there have been seven dead in the tri-state area, and the numbers are climbing.

Back in ‘99

The storm that hit the tri-state on March 2 has been paralleled to a similar incident on Apr. 9, 1999.

That day, a lethal tornado ripped through the tri-state, leaving four people dead, dozens injured and hundreds of homes destroyed or severely damaged.

The tornado carried top winds of 260 mph and tore through Ripley County, IN, and the small western Hamilton County towns of Addyston and Hooven before touching down in the Blue Ash-Montgomery areas.

Ali Shehata, 12, though only five at the time, remembers the traumatic experience.

“We didn’t hear the sirens, so we didn’t think of going to the basement,” she said.

“The next thing I knew, we had been lifted out of our house and landed in the driveway.”

Shehata’s whole house was blown away in the storm, and only her bathtub remained intact.

The impact with the rest of the area was equally destructive, and even fatal: four people were killed and at least 47 people were treated at area hospitals.

About 200 homes were destroyed and another 400 had major damage in Hamilton County, according to Ohio emergency management officials.

However, the powerful storm triggered an equally powerful and passionate emergency response that restored electric power to darkened homes, fed and sheltered residents and offered hope that people would not have to rebuild their lives

and homes alone.

Sun rises after storm

As in 1999, the American Red Cross, Matthew: 25 Ministries, local firefighters, and other organizations immediately mobilized and put relief efforts into effect.

Local fire departments have been going making sure that all bodies are accounted for.

Additionally, the Red Cross has set up a shelter in a local high school and church in Kenyon County, as well as similar shelters throughout the tristate.

Organizations like Matthew: 25 Ministries are currently conducting drives for food, clothes, blankets, toys, etc.

Most of these salvage efforts are open for teenage volunteers, and it is a way to give back for all the help that the residents of Blue Ash-Montgomery received 13 years ago.

“When my home was hit by the tornado, it was receiving this kind of help that kept us hopeful,” said Shehata.

By donating resources, time, and support, citizens can help give tornado victims hope that recovery is imminent.

Through a combined effort, residents can begin to rebuild the community.

Image by Jimmy Chau

‘Nobody thought that it would be discontinued, and I didn’t know like everybody else’

Japanese program on chopping block Eli Seidman-Deutsch staff writer

&

Kelcie Grega associate editor

Over the past five years, enrollment in the Japanese program has declined, and and as a result the class will now be discontinued.

Phasing out the Japanese program has been a great and utter disappointment to both students and teachers.

“I was very shocked, very surprised. Nobody thought that [it would be discontinued], and I didn’t know like everybody else,” said Mrs. Chikako Pierson, Japanese teacher.

As of the 2012-13 school year, Japanese Novice 1 will no longer be offered, then, every year, the next level will not be offered, allowing the students who have already begun to take Japanese to finish through AP. “I do not think the Japanese program should be discontinued just because we have less people this year. I know many soon to be 7th graders will want to take this class but won’t be able to,” said Dasha Beniash, 9, a level two Japanese student.

The Japanese classroom not only teaches students the language, but also the cultural heritage of Japanese people.

Pierson, a native Japanese speaker, helps students learn about how Japanese people live, and their beliefs.

“Japanese is a popular class. We may not have the most members, but the class offers the most cultural experience.

Sensei actually shows you the culture of Japan. It has a real Japanese feel to it,” said Marie Fort, 9, a level three Japanese student.

In addition to the Japanese class, there is a Japanese Club that offers even more cultural experience. From Udon Day to Visual Arts Day, the club offers many activities for students who take or have taken Japanese.

Resurgence

Instead of complaining, however, Justas Jodele, 11, a

level three japanese student, is one of the many students who have actually taken initiative to bring back the program.

“We are going to try to set up a cultural festival to bring back interest into the program,” said Jodele.

The Japanese Cultural Festival (bunkasai) is an annual event held in most schools in Japan. If this event were to

occur, it would take up an entire school day and feature information and activities to help heighten the interest in the program.

“We may not be able to bring back Novice I next year but my hope is that if we attract enough interest, the phasing of the program will be abolished,” said Jodele.

Photo courtesy of Katrina Chiang

PRATIVA AMOM, 10, ELLEN Wang, 12, Jireh Kang, 12, Ming Lee, 12, and Mrs. Chikako Pierson, Japanese teacher, wear kimonos and participate in a Japanese Tea Ceremony. Japanese students are disappointed that the class will be discontinued, and will miss the interesting cultural exposure. Students are currently trying to set up a Japanese festival to revive student interest.

the Sycamore

5

3.16.2012

leaf

Dipal-Oh-tics Final farewell

Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road | Cincinnati, OH 45242 Mission Statement: The Leaf, the official newspaper of Sycamore High School, serves as an educational tool in the training of student journalists to provide information and editorial leadership concerning school, national, and world issues, to provide a public forum for the exchange of ideas and viewpoints, and to give coverage to newsworthy events directly related to the diverse school population.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editors-in-chief: Emma Oh, SM Dipali Associate Editors: Jane Finocharo, Moriah Krawec, Kelcie Grega Managing Editors: Jimmy Chau, Aditi Sharma Business Managers: Ana Barros, Ellie Goldman Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

News Sarah May Opinion Kelcie Grega Rishi Choubey Feature Aditi Sharma Shea Lothrop A&E Michael DeMaio Shayna Siegel Sports Bennett Kaplan Danny Bayliss Michael Saxon Spotlight Aditi Sharma Cartoonist Lilly Lefton Web Masters Ruochen Tang Ross Johnstal Staff Writers Joseph Ahn Lauren Altemuele MacKenzie Boyd Kayla Cantwell Lina Cardenas John Carroll Krittika Chatterjee Alexis Corcoran Gariauna Daniels Atiya Dosani Lila Englander Taylor Evans Zachary Fritzhand

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Photographer Jeremy McDaniel Adviser Cheralyn Jardine About us Professional memberships: • Columbia Scholastic Press Association • Journalism Education Association

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Emma Oh editor-in-chief

Cartoon by Lilly Lefton

STAFF EDITORIAL Everyone is different, and as long as no one is getting hurt, being different is more of an asset than a negative. But currently, all sorts of students could be in pain because of harassment over something they cannot control, so this is a change for the better.

SHS’ implementation of GLESN Safe Spaces gives all students a secure place to voice their concerns.

As recently as 20 years ago, some topics could not be approached as directly as possible today. For example, a group of concerned teachers could not meet within SHS in order to discuss teen bullying in regard to sexuality.

Instead, the instructors were told of a clandestine meeting at a park to formulate a plan to assist pupils.

Regardless of a teacher’s stance on homosexuality (or any other uniqueness), supporting students is

part of a teacher’s job. Perhaps the most noble group of teachers are the ones who disagree with their pupil’s lifestyle, but can go beyond their personal beliefs to direct their students towards sources that can help.

Safe Spaces are here to stay.

Over the years, the emphasis may shift from LGBT students to other groups. For example, it has been suggested that the Safe Space program highlight students from different cultures, or who are currently learning English.

Students are like cookies: although we may look different on the outside, we are the same inside.

We all come into, and out of, this world the same way, and we all can feel fear and pain, but also love and joy.

Safe Spaces should help students to feel welcomed and have their voiced be heard for years to come.

leafing through the masses

Do you think that Safe Spaces will be effective?

I can not imagine that teachers will always be watching, therefore people will not feel any safer, and bullies will not be any less aggressive.

Lauren Thompson, 10

I feel that this will be beneficial for students and a positive school enviroment.

Lesley Chapman, French Teacher

If everyone takes this seriously, it could have huge positive effects, but it is really reliant on whether or not people really get into the cause.

Brandon Ramos, 12

It’s hard to sit down and write a proper farewell knowing you only have room for so many words. I’ve spent the last week thinking about all the ‘thank-yous’ I owe from the past four years and all the space that I don’t have to write them.

I guess I’ll start by acknowledging the fact that high school goes by even faster than they tell you. I feel like it was only yesterday that I sauntered into 115 for the first time and wondered why everyone looked exhausted. Little did I know that I would soon become one of those dreary-eyed people and that they would be some of the best mentors and friends of my high school career.

I don’t really remember why I joined The Leaf, but I can tell you that I’ve never regretted it.

I’ve gained skills, formed friendships, and made memories that will remain invaluable, no matter where I go.

Although four years ago I never would have imagined writing a politics column, I have to admit that working on Dipal-Oh-Tics has been one of my favorite experiences during my tenure on staff.

In a world where Republicans and Democrats can hardly stand to be in the same room, I hope Dipali and I have shown you that politics really can be about advocating what you believe in, instead of what your party leaders believe in.

I’d like to thank all of our readers for allowing us to publish our thoughts and I hope each column helped you consider many facets of current issues in America in a stimulating and entertaining way.

And if you ever get the opportunity to write a politics column or article, I encourage you to seize it. Figuring out what you believe in is one of the best ways to learn who you really are.

At this point I’ve realized there’s no way I could fit all the people I should probably mention, or the inside jokes I should probably reference into this single column.

And while I’m very appreciative of all those who have helped me get to where I am today, I feel it is most important that I dedicate these next few lines to the other half of Dipal-Oh-Tics.

Dipali, What would high-school have been without you? Looking back on these four years, I’ve realized that we’ve always been the perfect pair. We have pushed each other to succeed, challenged each other to be better, and had a crazy amount of fun while doing it. If anything, writing this column together has been proof of that. I’m definitely going to miss you next year, but I know we’ll always be able to pick back up right where we left off: laughing until we can hardly breathe.

While our high school memories may fade along with the issues we debated in this very column, you can bet our friendship will last forever.

*Note: Dipali’s farewell column will be published in the April issue of The Leaf.

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3.16.2012

Standardized test hurts more than helps SM Dipali editor-in-chief

J

ust as in years passed, last week the commons and the classrooms were filled with drowsy-eyed underclassmen waiting to take the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) – a test that decides the fate of each sophomore who hopes to graduate.

The OGT scores from last year’s sophomores resulted in SHS ranking in the top 10% of schools across Ohio. However, despite SHS’s high performance on the OGT, several students still struggled to achieve the necessary scores to earn a high school diploma.

With calls for a replacement of the OGT becoming louder and louder, it is important to look at what Ohio’s educational goals need to become. A sobering international report was recently released regarding America’s educational ranking in the world: it listed the U.S. as 14th in English, 25th in mathematics, and 17th in science.

With countries like India and China leading the way in academics, American students are falling to the wayside. This mediocrity in the educational system can no longer be tolerated – it is simply not acceptable. To put it bluntly: the bar needs to be raised.

The OGT does not seem to be

an effective tool to push students to achieve academic success, with a large percentage of students still failing to meet the minimum standards. Former Governor Ted Strickland’s plan to replace the OGT with the ACT would be a step in preparing students in Ohio for college-readiness benchmarks.

The ACT, an exam that the majority of juniors and seniors take to get into college, would test students on post-secondary school preparedness – something that would undeniably help in increasing our national ranking in math and science.

While some argue that replacing the OGT with the ACT might discourage students who are already struggling to pass, the ACT will not necessarily make graduating harder – the minimum score to graduate will be comparable to the OGT’s current standards. Unlike the OGT, however, the ACT will be more adaptive to the skills necessary in the real world.

One thing is clear: testing for high school graduation needs to change. The skills taught in high school serve as the foundation for students to achieve great things. And while OGT week would be sorely missed by SHS juniors and seniors, the only way America can be successful in the future is if students are pushed harder from the start.

Percent of SHS students getting at or above proficient (2007-2011)

97% Social Studies- 95.4% Science- 92.8% Writing- 96.4% Math- 94% Reading-

Source:http://www.greatschools.org

Image by Kelcie Grega

Jay Wittenbaum, on the importance of veterans Alexander Wittenbaum staff writer

Photo courtesy of Jay Wittenbaum

WAR VETERAN, JAY WITTENBAUM, is one of the many veterans that should be respected every day of the year. Wittenbaum went through many life-changing events while he was in service that has shaped him today as a person.

Memorial day is on May 28 this year.

Where did you serve most of your time in the armed forces?

What was your duty/job?

I stayed at the officers club, for about two months, and then got called down to a meeting, where I was given a choice on what I wanted my job to be. I chose to be the club officer. I was now the assistant manager of a nice hotel that housed soldiers; I oversaw many of the operations, and tended to the soldier’s needs. It was an amazing job, and I met many people and saw many things that still interest me today.

Why do you think the number of veterans has been decreasing over the years?

The amount of soldiers that fought in each war is a lot less. There were fewer soldiers that fought in the Gulf War, than the Vietnamese War, or World War II.

Why did you decide to go into the armed forces and how old were you when you enlisted?

When I was eight or nine years old, my friend, who was a few years older than me went off to military school in the summers. He would come home with his uniform and military jargon. He also taught me how to march like a real soldier.

I expanded on all of this while listening to the news about wars around the world. I was very patriotic, and wanted to join the armed forces. I first enlisted in ROTC. I directed dances, the basketball team, and all entertainment opportunities for soldiers. I started being more active in the military service in college at the University of Cincinnati.

Why early decision is often wrong decision Jane Finocharo associate editor

A disturbing statement often heard from students applying to college is, “I want to apply early decision somewhere, but I’m not sure where yet.”

Early decision is a binding application agreement – if you are accepted, you MUST go to that school, and you have to immediately withdraw all of your other applications. This is different from early action, a non-binding application process that simply allows you to receive your acceptance letters much sooner (an option which I strongly encourage).

Early decision is designed for students who are 100 precent positive of their first choice college, regardless of how much financial aid they will receive. It’s for students who do not even want to know if they would have been accepted to other schools.

But instead, students have begun to see early decision as an admissions strategy. Early decision applicants are given a slight advantage in admissions, so students often apply to their reach school with early decision without actually stopping to think if this school is the right fit for them.

I fell in love with a small liberal arts college in the northeast. I chose to apply early decision – but for the wrong reasons. I wanted an advantage getting in, and I just wanted to get the college application process over with sooner. I liked the school, but deep down, I was not at all ready to rule out my other choices.

As soon as I clicked submit, I immediately began having second thoughts. I didn’t even know my other options. As the notification date crept closer and closer, I found myself hoping that I would not be accepted.

When I opened the envelope on Dec. 15 and saw the word “deferred”, a sense of relief rushed over me. I no longer felt trapped by a commitment I was not ready to make. As I receive acceptances from other colleges, I am thankful every day that I was not accepted to my “first choice” school.

Soon, I will find out whether I’ve been admitted to this school in their regular decision pool. But the school to which I was so ready to commit in November is no longer even my first choice. I have visited more schools and been just as excited about them, and I am thrilled that I will have several choices come April 1.

I urge students considering applying early decision to think very carefully about it first.

Discuss this option with your parents, your guidance counselor, your friends, your teachers, your dog, your mailman, anybody. Don’t apply early decision unless you are positive that there is no other school where you would be happier, and that financial aid offers will not be an issue for you and your family.

While early decision is the right choice for some, I firmly believe that the majority of high school seniors are not ready to commit to a school in November. The six months between the early decision application deadline and the May 1 date to choose a school are a critical period for self-evaluation, financial considerations, and exploration of other options. Applicants should consider the potential risks of early decision and be 100 precent positive of this choice before forfeiting this valuable time.

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7

3.16.2012

Green future for education SHS disputes steps toward electronic dependency Ellen Martinson staff writer

A

PRO

s technology swiftly improves, more and more schools are beginning to “go green”. “Going green” simply means to reduce the use of items that harm the environment, such as paper. Many schools are considering going paperless altogether.

Instead of relying on paper for assignments, tests, and notes, schools across the nation are utilizing technology that has become available.

“I think getting rid of paper is a good idea, but it will take a lot of work for it to actually happen,” said Alex Martinson, 11.

Along with many other schools, SHS is trying to limit its paper usage. This has been shown by purchasing laptops for students to use and reducing the amount of printers throughout the school.

If students were to look at all of the papers that they have collected throughout their school careers, most could rebuild a mini forest. There is no doubt that going paperless would help restore the environment that is slowly deteriorating before our eyes.

“All of the paper I have used is probably three times my size, and I’m six feet tall,” said Kristin Poore, 10.

Several local schools in the Cincinnati area, such as Seven Hills, are paving the way with their use of technology. In the 20122013 school year, all Seven Hills students in grades 6 through 12 will be given an iPad 2.

Taylor Evans staff writer

Tablet computers can enhance the learning experience and be useful educational tools, when used in the right way.

Also, being technologically educated could have benefits in the future. When technologically savvy, students will be more competative when looking for jobs.

Understanding programs and the modernization of the world will also be useful to students.

“Technology in schools has come so far. In the beginning it was paper, then desktop computers, interwrite boards, and now laptops. It has come so far, and it can still go farther,” said Jamie Rayn, 9.

Although one school’s steps towards a greener future make a small difference, it will take the nation to help change the world.

CON

Most students agree that if they compiled all the papers in their binders for classes, they could easily create a forest. However, many schools across the country, such as SHS, are trying to limit paper usage.

More online classes, more assignments on teachers’ blackboard pages, and essentially a lot less trees to cut down are all a part of this process.

Mr. Nicholas Hellwig, freshman history teacher, has online checks each week to ensure students are completing their weekly assignments. These checks include quizzes on key terms and other information from the unit to confirm that assigned reading has been completed.

“I think having mini quizzes as homework checks online is a good and efficient idea,” said Lucy Farr, 9.

This simple way of limiting paper usage is one step in the right direction

Going Paperless

to being green. But doing everything online and on the computer is not always a good solution.

“I had a friend who took an online class and said that although it was a ‘green’ class, it was really hard to follow and keep track of assignments,” said Farr.

Internet crashes, netbooks, and even our own cellphones often malfunction.

Technology can be absolutely wonderful or excruciatingly frustrating.

Imagine if SHS did go completely paperless. Laptops and computers in every room, and cellphones permitted to be out all the time to make for quicker research could only be the beginning.

It all seems great until assessing the problems that we as a school could face.

Depending on online textbooks, internet access, and homework assignments on blackboard correctly functioning can be risky.

“I think having all homework online would be chaotic,” said Shazia Malik, 9.

Losing textbooks would completely alter the way SHS operates and looks.

No more bookcases filled with classroom textbooks. In reality, not having a literal textbook can be a huge inconvenience.

Homework can also be a problem.

Rather than handing in assignments, one would have to email or send an electric copy to the teacher. With this again brings the issues of internet crashes and not being able to “turn in” the homework.

Although cutting down on paper is beneficial for the environment, eliminating the use of paper as a school has the potential to bring many downsides that should be seriously considered.

Image by Lila Englander

Money motivates student attendance Sanika Vaidya staff writer

Since the fun filled days of elementary school, most students have taken for granted that school is a necessary duty for completion, an unavoidable burden sprinkled with much anticipated vacations.

It is a task to complete which offers no monetary gain until after graduation. However, for some Cincinnati students, it is no longer so.

Dohn Community High School now offers $10 per week to under classmen, and $25 per week for seniors, simply for

on-time attendance and good behavior. In addition, $5 each week are placed in a savings account payable once the student has graduated.

“It’s kind of sad that they have to pay the students to go to school but if that’s what works [that is what they will do],” said Kennedy Abrams, 11.

Funds are provided by a federal agency as well as by private donors.

Critics of the program say that this is simply paying students for what they should already be doing. However, the fact is that something like this needed to be

put into place; last year, Dohn was declared an academic emergency by the Ohio Department of Education.

“We can’t teach them if they’re not here,” said Ken Furrier, Dohn’s Chief Administrative Officer, in an article.

Certainly Dohn’s 14% graduation rate alone is proof that something needed to be done, and a 2010 Harvard study shows that similar programs, some dating back to the 1990s, have been proven to increase reading achievement.

The study also showed that short term rewards such as the

weekly paydays are much more effective than long term rewards; students do not respond as well to monthly payments or awards for final exam scores.

Thus the Dohn administrative system has chosen paying students for attendance as their way of helping students reach graduation.

SHS is not in a position where a program like this would need to be put in place, though some students would definitely agree to it.

“It certainly would make me more interested in going to school,” said Evan Moeller, 10.

Dohn Community High School student weekly payment:

$10 for underclassmen $25 for seniors $5 put in savings account redeemable after graduation Image by Lila Englander

8

Spending spree:

3.16.2012

Celebrities lavished during Oscars Hailey Gilman staff writer

R

arely is a night so star-studded as the famed Academy Awards. Outside the glitzy Kodak Theater, celebrities and their guests gather on the red carpet, exhibiting their designer gowns and ligaments dripping in jewelry.

Naturally, this lavish and exquisitely engineered event draws much attention from the media and general public for its ornate manner that simply screams money, begging the question, why is so much money spent on a night that basically celebrates the expensive eccentricities of our favorite celebrities?

Eighty-four years ago, the first Academy Awards were presented in front of a crowd of 270 attendees, who then attended the after-party, tickets costing only $5 per guest. Yet somehow, due in part to both passing time and the mentality of Hollywood to be bigger and better, the modern awards show has evolved to broadcast to 39.3 million home viewers, and Oscar tickets, though not technically allowed to be sold if unused, are scalped on average for $85,000.

Of course, the stars aren’t the only ones emptying their pockets for the affair. In order for a studio to win an Academy Award, they must first successfully woo the critics and the Academy members themselves.

“To that end, studios spend millions of dollars to make sure their projects take home those little gold men,” wrote Jo Piazza for CNN. It doesn’t seem to make sense. Why is all this money needed, what with the vast expanse of social networking and news mediums? With heavily followed celebrities and easy movie availability, this “publicity” should be practically free.

“But an intricate web of gypsy publicists, rogue party planners, and entire full-service consultancies to generate that all-important buzz that drives a campaign can run more than $2 million,” wrote Piazza.

Add this cost to the red carpet, which can run up a grand total of $30,000 alone just so our stars can have a traditional setting for photographs and to prevent their several thousand dollar heels from touching pavement.

However, the cost that really gets blood boiling is that of the gift bags. Filled with tickets for lavish vacations, jewelry, skincare, gym memberships, and various other

prizes, the cost of the Oscar gift bags, distributed to all nominees, totals $75,000. Just like birthday goodie bags, right?

This outrageous amount could make such a difference in so many lives, yet the Academy places it in the hands of the already-oh-so-fortunate, who truly don’t need another cent to feel fulfilled. This spending stands only to promote stars’ frivolous consumerism and to me, the whole practice seems absolutely disgraceful. SHS students are likewise surprised at the Academy’s financial choices, but several stand by and even defend their choice.

“They definitely spend too much money, but it’s like spending too much money on your sweet sixteen; it’s totally worth it,” said Gabriela Godinez, 10.

“They spend too much, but at the same time, I think it’s easy for all of us to say that, but if your parents gave you $300 for a dress, you would probably use it because you had it. It’s kind of the same concept,” said Emily Winchell, 10.

Though it is perfectly within the rights of the stars and those in the movie-making industry to spend what they choose, I only wish they would make the decision to give and the cash philanthropically. Perhaps the Academy, in lieu igher rise h ce film’s s e s of providing the stars with elephant safaris and chocon Expe r to produ mountr e high t night, su usands late jewelry, could allow each star to choose a charity to igges everal tho b s donate to, the money provided by the Oscar sponsors. s. ing to of dollar Or at the very least, they could donate a slice of the pie, Stars pay: which Meryl Streep appears to have done. d Gown/Stylist: an $4,000-$6,000 y “In the aftermath of her unexpected victory Sunm ay: Car/Driver: e d $1,000-$3,750 p day over Viola Davis, Ms. Streep donated $10,000 a Ac sors 00 Hair/Makeup/Tanning: 0 e , 2 to a Rhode Island school in financial trouble, Reuters $5,000-$11,000 Th pon : $4 0 s e Losing weight for ,00 reported. She made the donation, through her charity, gn 5 a 7 p $ $500-$5,000 the gown/tux: am Ch Silver Mountain Foundation for the Arts, to the Segue 00 s: Security Detail: 0,0 ag 3 b t $2,500-$3,000 0-$ Institute for Learning, a charter school in Central Falls, Gif Ticket: ,00 t: ch pe $25 $85,000 ea r a 0 Rhode Island, in Ms. Davis’s name,” wrote Melena Ryzik 0 dc $5 : Re e atu of the New York Times. r st sca O Studios However one views the Oscars, it seems the show always entertains and delights, accomplishing its true pay: purpose. Many people have their own favorite things ions: Film promot illion and up m 5 $1 about the Academy Awards. For Gil Kaplan, 10, it was “seeing celebrities get made fun of,” for Godinez it was “the beginning skit,” and for Emory Zimmer, 12, it was simply “J-Lo’s dress”.

Images by Hailey Gilman

ts

os C r a c Os

es al Tim e Fisc Gilman e: Th Sourc by Hailey e Imag

Super Tuesday results finalized Mitt Romney emerges as frontrunner, Santorum in second SM Dipali editor-in-chief

Virginia Winner: Romney

Arkansas

Idaho

Nevada

Oklahoma

Vermont

Winner: Romney

Winner: Romney

Winner: Santorum

Winner: Santorum

Winner: Romney

Massachusetts

Ohio

Tennessee

Wyoming

Winner: Romney

Winner: Romney

Winner: Santorum

Winner: Romney

Georgia Winner: Gingrich

Images by SM Dipali

9

3.16.2012 Fashion for the Cure preview - page 9

To Write Love On Her Arms organization - page 10

Endangered animals need our help - page 13

this

month in

Mr. Sycamore pageant - page 11

feature

Righteous runway returns to benefit new organizations

Cures more than fashion faux pas Lauren Glynn staff writer

O

nce every school the commons are converted into a runway for a show dedicated to raising money for charity.

“Fashion for the Cure has always been an event primarily benefitting cancer awareness and

research; hence the ‘for the cure,’” said Tricia McLaughlin, 12.

Fashion for the Cure 2012 will be on Wed., March 21 and will devote time and money to their chosen cause, suicide prevention.

Two organizations will be supported at this event.

To Write Love on Her Arms, TWLOHA, is an organization that does not make any profits and is dedicated to presenting faith and discovering relief for people struggling with addictions, depression, and any other suicidal act.

TWLOHA exists to inspire, inform, and to advance directly into treatment and recovery so teens can get back to their standard lives.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, AFSP, is the leading national non-profit organization entirely dedicated to understanding and preventing

suicide through research, education and encouragement, and to reach out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.

“The committee and I felt it was very important to break the silence and bring this very important issue to light,” said McLaughlin.

To perform in this event, a few students from each grade were chosen to be models. These students have been rehearsing for over a month in order to make the occasion perfect.

“We’re really trying to spice up our event this year with lots of changes. The Fashion for the Cure committee has come up with a lot of fresh ideas that we are really excited about. The event is gaining a lot of momentum and we really hope to continue.

More than in past years, we hope to not only raise money but really raise awareness. I think the audience will have a lot of fun at the event this year; it’s hard to discuss a topic as dark and serious as suicide, while keeping the fashion show light and fun,” said McLaughlin.

To attempt to top last year’s impressive $20,000 raised, the committee has decided this year the goal is to raise around $25,000 for TWLOHA and AFSP. “We [the committee] think

All images by Shea Lothrop

these two organizations are the best way to spread our message: suicide is not an option. We felt both organizations have something different to offer,” said McLaughlin.

The committee, which includes Carla Ibarra, 12, McLaughlin, 12, Haley Geren-Hindgardner, 12, Charlotte Harris, 12, Morgan Winnestaffer, 10, Caroline Seiler, 11, Elizabeth Swofford, 10, Daniella Star, 11 and Sarah Birkhead,10, and all of the models are so excited for this amazing event.

“Last year my brother was a part of fashion for the cure and I went and it was a blast. I know they raised a lot of money last year, and since they did change the cause from cancer to suicide prevention they sound pretty confident that changing things up will bring in more proceeds,” said Sara Sess, 10.

Looking at the past few years and the success their shows have had, it seems as if this year will not be any different. Fashion for the Cure 2012 should be a lot of fun and an amazing experience to help prevent suicide.

JAKE MICHALAK, ‘11, LEFT, and Shawn Krishnan, 12, right, from Fashion for the Cure 2011. Both were models picked by the FFTC committee. Models for this year’s show have started attending fittings and preparing for their upcoming walk on the runway. The event will take place on Mar. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the commons.

Some exams require you to bring additional materials that the proctors will not be able to provide you with. It is a good idea to organize everything you need or want to bring the night before, so that you do not forget it on test day.

No. 2 pencil, blue or black ink

Each exam costs $90 to take, so it is important to try your best. If that doesn’t sound like a lot of money to waste, here are some of the things you could have bought with that $90:

photo I.D. & Social Security number

9 movie tickets: 15 Big Mac meals:

watch

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ON

0 =

+ x

Up to 2 calculators

Ruler or straightedge

Approved materials:

Even though you must complete each section of the exam within a certain time frame, it is important that you do not rush through questions without fully understanding them.

Underline or circle important words and look for key phrases, such as: “Which of the following is NOT...”

When taking the multiple choice part of the exam, start with question 1. The questions get harder as the numbers get higher, so if you start from the back you might psych yourself out.

*Note: These materials are not approved for ALL A.P. exams. Check with your teacher for more information.

Prohibited materials: 30 tall Starbucks: Headphones

45 Speedway slushies:

Scrap paper or any other study materials

Electronics or watches that beep

Food and drink Mechanical or colored pencils

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ON 0 =

+ x

Certain types of calculators.

“Start reviewing a week or two in advance and go a little at a time. Use an AP study book. Figure out what test you need to study for most, and focus on that subject first,”

“Don’t waste your time or money.

Study, but also don’t freak out,”

Infographic by Emma Oh

10

3.20.2012

Cry for help heard

Image by Zoe Vanjohnson

To Write Love on Her Arms lifts hope of teens Zoe Vanjohnson staff writer

N

o, I’ve never heard of TWLOHA before,” said Evan Marsh, 11.

People always ask, “what does TWLOHA stand for.” It stands for a number of elements, but the main thing it stands for is To Write Love on Her Arms. Now the next question is, “What is that, a band?”

No. TWLOHA is a non-profit organization that tries to save lives. It started in the spring of 2006 as just a story of a few people helping a friend out. They sold t-shirts to get her treatment and created a myspace page to get the story out there.

To Write Love on Her Arms was the title of the story.

What they later realized was that there were many more people out there with the same, similar, or even completely different story but all resulting in the same thing, needing help to save a life.

“I’ve heard about it a few times and I think it is a great organization and the word should be spread about it,” said Joseph Vuotto, 11.

TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery. Over a four year span this turned into a world-wide movement; 150,000 messages sent in from people in 40 different countries.

Depression, suicide

They truly care and want to help prevent the loss of a life. TWLOHA is not a 24-hour help line, and they are not trained professionals. They are simply people getting the word out, creating awareness, and providing a bridge to help.

“I am fully aware of TWLOHA; I find it an inspiration to a group of people getting together for a good cause with no profit for themselves. So many lives are lost because they lose sight of their future. They are more

focused on the now as if it is permanent and never going to get better. The story of TWLOHA should be more known and talked about in the school during the suicidal prevention meetings,” said Sonia Lipp, SHS parent.

“We’ve learned that these are not American issues, not white issues or ‘emo’ issues. These are issues of humanity, problems of pain that affect millions of people around the world,” said TWLOHA staff.

Untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide.

Two out of three people who struggle with depression never seek help. The number of people taking antidepressants has gone up almost 400% in the last 23 years.

“Their shirts are in Hot Topic. When you buy one, on the tag or the inside backside of the shirt is a description of what they are all about. It shows you their purpose and it gives you a great feeling knowing ‘I made a contribution’,” said Zach Reynolds, 12.

signs of suicide: Fashion for the Cure benefits TWLOHA Warning • Death themes in art/written work Last year Fashion for the Cure raised over $20,000 for Cancer Family Care. This year the focus is on suicide prevention. The goal to raise this year is around $25,000.

Although the night touches on a sensitive topic, the models were told to keep a smile on their faces and to keep an up-

beat feel so the time spent is enjoyable.

Doors open March, 21 at 6:30 p.m and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Organizations benefiting from the show include To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) and The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

...

• Observable signs of serious depression • Expressions of hopelessness/helplessness • Dramatic drop in grades • Social withdrawal • Overwhelming sense of guilt or shame • Putting life in order • Quitting school activity • Saying good-byes • Sudden change in mood/behavior • Increased drug /alcohol use • Unable to sleep or sleeping all the time • Recent impulsiveness/taking unnecessary risks • Unexpected anger or rage • Giving away prized possessions “The first thing that comes to mind about Fashion for the Cure is a lot of hard work. Most people don’t see how much time and energy goes into the process of putting on a great show. It can get stressful at times, but at the end of the day I remind myself why I put in so much energy. It’s because the cause is so special to me and the most important thing is to raise awareness and support this amazing cause. Hard work really pays off!”

Caroline Seiler, 11

11

3.16.2012

Patients score with Mr. Sycamore Pageant to raise funds for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Allie Oh staff writer

T

Mr. Sycamore When: March 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Little Theater Cost: Pre-sale tickets $4 Door tickets $5

TICKET

TICKET

onight, 10 of SHS’s finest boys will compete in the annual Mr. Sycamore Pageant. Every year, two boys from the ninth and tenth grade and three boys from the eleventh and twelfth grade are chosen to compete in a pageant to help raise money for a selected charity.

In the past SHS has supported the Jose Cerda Scholarship Fund and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. This year’s chosen charity is the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

Judging the contest will be Mr. Greg Ulland, Ms. Marnie May, and Miss Latoya Pitts. The winner will be chosen based on how much money the competitors’ make, their sense of humor, and their likeability.

The winner will receive $100 and, of course, bragging rights, but Mr. Sycamore is not the only title the participants can achieve. A particular competitor with the overall best personality will take the title of Mr. Congeniality.

The students competing will be Matthew Severence, 9, Isaac Harmon, 9, Cayden Richter, 10, Jimmy Ponticos, 10, Cameron Harris, 11, Miles Johnson, 11, Colin

Knowles, 11, Ricky Miller, 12, Ryan Hall, 12, and James Perryman, 12.

“It’s a fun filled activity where I can give back to my community,” said Perryman.

Mr. Sycamore’s original date was scheduled to be on Mar. 6, but due to bad weather, students were asked to evacuate the school and Mr. Sycamore was left to be postponed to the date stated above.

Students are excited that the event has been rescheduled. “I’m so glad that Mr. Sycamore was rescheduled.

When I found out that the contest was cancelled I was really disappointed,” said Katie Oh, 9.

“I am really excited for the pageant. I heard that it is a lot of fun,” said Melissa Sodi, 9.

Since the contest was rescheduled, the event will be held in the little theater at 7:30 pm. Presale tickets be will sold at lunch for $4 and tickets at the door will cost $5 each.

This event is open for anyone so please come and support our boys and the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Make sure to bring extra money to donate!

Proceeds benefit Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

S

Image by Allie Oh

JEFF WOLKOFF, ‘11 SHOWS his school spirit during last year’s Mr. Sycamore pageant. Contestants are alsojudged on their sense of humor and overall likeablilty.

pring fling storms SHS

Image by Allie Oh

HS seniors travel to diverse destinations

Emma Rosen staff writer

From Mar. 24 to April 1 students and teachers will be enjoying time off of school for spring break. While it seems the majority of SHS will be staying in town, some lucky seniors will be relaxing someplace other than Cincinnati.

Seniors Caroline Bresnahan and Hailey Jardin will be traveling to Lake Tahoe in California.

“I’m seriously so excited! I’ve been saving up for the past couple months. We’re going to ride snow mobiles and stuff,” said Bresnahan.

Also going someplace interesting is Evan Cohen, 12.

“I’m going to see the final four in New Orleans,” said Cohen.

Other people do have tentative plans for the week off.

“I might be going to California. It’s not definite, but it’s likely,” said Artur Meller, 12.

While some people’s spring break might not be as exciting as Cohen’s, they plan to make the most of it and enjoy themselves here in Cincinnati.

“I’m probably not going anywhere, but I’ll enjoy the time off to be with friends,” said Taryn Heidel, 12.

Even if one is not going anywhere, they can follow Heidel’s lead and spend time with their friends. Graduation is coming up soon, which means high school is coming to a close. Seniors should keep their friends close, because soon they will be parting.

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COURTNEY ROBERTSON, 12, AND Dylan Sparks, 12 pose for a picture while on 2011 Spring Break in Florida. This year, Robertson looks forward to getting out of the United States and traveling to Jamaica.

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12

3.16.2012

Kony 2012: Video sparks international awareness Lina Cardenas feature chief

J

oseph Kony is not an average bad guy. He does not just steal and cheat people, nor does he only commit atrocious acts of violence.

No, Kony is more than that. For years, the people of Uganda have lived in fear of this guerilla group leader, afraid of being abducted and forced to join the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

This goes beyond a simple bogeyman story; his midnight raids are more than a divide and conquer mission. The LRA is notorious for breaking into houses and abducting children, raping them, mutilating them, and even forcing them to fight against their own friends and family.

The LRA has long disputed against the Ugandan government. However, after several acts of violence, the National Resistance Army (NRA) and the Uganda People’s Democratic Army saw the potential threat this guerilla posed, and retaliated by significantly weakening their power through political actions and a military campaign named Operation North.

Operation North significantly weakened the LRA, leaving their numbers low, forcing them to turn towards child abduction to maintain power.

As of today, over 30,000 children have been conscripted in the past 26 years. These children are given guns and instructions to become foot soldiers, while Kony and his army kill their family and neighbors, leaving them alone and vulnerable.

How are we involved?

In the spring of 2003, young filmmakers Jason Russell, Laren Poole, and Bobby Bailey traveled to Africa in search of a story.

What they were not expecting was to run head-on into Africa’s

longest running war, where children were both the weapons and the victims.

“Invisible Children: Rough Cut” was produced in 2005 as a way to reach out to the American people and inform them of the atrocities being committed across the globe. In 2006, Invisible Children, Inc. was born.

Since then, Invisible Children has ardently worked to stop Kony’s army, focusing on long term goals that will enable the children of Uganda and the rest of Africa to take charge of their own lives and the future of their country.

Their programs focus on quality education, mentorship, the redevelopment of schools, and financial stability. Although the LRA is still active in many parts of Africa, Invisible Children has seen great progress throughout the years.

Earlier this month, Russell produced a film explaining how U.S. advisers to Uganda could train government forces to use the technology needed to hunt down Kony in the jungle. Most importantly, however, Russell mentioned a way for everybody to get involved, and invited the viewers to join the movement.

Supporters were encouraged to spread the video to everyone they knew in hopes to raise awareness about the subject. Kony 2012 spread like wildfire, with multiple social media sites flooded with information about the campaign.

Overnight, Russell’s 30-minute video obtained over 10 million views, and “#stopkony” surpassed multiple trending topics on Twitter, from Peyton Manning’s release from the Indianapolis Colts to the iPad 3.

Kony 2012

Kony 2012 has a sole purpose: to make Joseph Kony famous.

They are not looking to idolize him, nor do they support his actions. Instead, they want to make his name known for the atrocities he has done in hopes to raise enough awareness for governmental action.

In October 2011, President Barack Obama agreed to send 100 troops to Africa to aid in the search for Kony. However, this is not enough. Kony, fully aware that he is a public target, has changed his traditional tactics, making him harder to locate.

That is where Kony 2012 comes in. By selling posters, bracelets, stickers and other paraphernalia, this campaign aims to attract the attention of pop culture icons, politicians, and other government officials who can hopefully help make a difference.

amount of support we have seen is unreal. It was so amazing to see what we have been inspired from and working for is finally noticed,” said Evans.

Evans was fortunate enough to travel to Uganda in the summer of 2010 and meet Jacob Acaye, the same boy featured in Russell’s film.

Acaye was the first child Bailey, Poole and Russell spoke to about the situation in Uganda, and the first of many children whom they promised to protect from the LRA. Acaye, along with many of the kids at the UNIFAT School in Gulu, Uganda, constantly live in fear of abduction.

SHS involvement

At SHS, Unified for UNIFAT has made great strides to aid Invisible Children with their project. The club’s president, Sally Evans, 12, already has something in the mix.

April 20 is the nationwide ‘Cover the Night’ event. This night consists of people all across America covering their cities with posters and other information about Kony. Unified for UNIFAT is looking to participate in this event along with the other Cincinnati chapters.

“We will have a meeting on April 19 to finalize last-minute details, but we are planning on meeting at the Blue Ash Amphitheater to pass out posters and divide into groups,” said Evans.

Although the movement is fairly new to many, for others, Kony 2012 hits home.

“For those of us who have been to Africa and seen the effects of Image courtesy of Isaac Harmon and Jimmy Chau the LRA first hand, the

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“We wanted to tie this in to what we do with Unified for UNIFAT because although we are separate organizations, we both are affected by the LRA. We’re making it about the students in UNIFAT” said Evans.

To get involved, students are encouraged to visit http://www.kony2012.com and order a Kony 2012 action kit.

Inside, they will find everything they need to take a part in the campaign, from an action guide with step-by-step instructions to stickers and buttons to pass out to friends. If all goes well, 2012 will mark the end of Kony’s reign, hopefully getting Africa one step closer to the end of this era of terror. Although some are cynical about the outcome, others are looking forward to a brighter future.

“This is it; the war’s going to end. I can feel it,” said Evans.

JOSEPH KONY, HEAD OF the LRA, has committed violent acts against the people of several countries. The LRA have garnered international attention following the release of a video highlighting abuses committed by the group.

13

Disappearing species 3.16.2012

Animals’ existence depends on the decisions of humans

Atiya Dosani & staff writer

A

Lila Englander staff writer

is for alligator. B is for bear. C is for caterpillar.

However, with human population and its thirst for expansion rising rapidly, children may one day discover red extinct stamps sprawled across the pages of their ABC books.

“Humans should realize that we are affecting the planet in a negative way, and should strive to preserve it. Not because other generations will have less zoo animals, but because we have a duty to preserve and improve the world,” said Shannon Thomas, 9.

The problem

The choices that the generation of current SHS students make in the future, such as their housing choices and the size of their carbon footprint, will impact the lives of hundreds of endangered species.

Humans long ago made the choice to build roads, cities, and technology, adding immense difficulties to the lives of animals.

Damaged landscapes and climate change pushed animals out of their homes. Poachers and fur

traders worsened the mess.

“All things in the ecosystem are connected and have a role. We never know what the impact of that loss will be until after it happens,” said Mr. Ron Hochstrasser, environmental teacher.

Today the problem has only intensified. In 2011, Nature’s Red List reported 43,000 species to be endangered. The animals featured below are part of a category called critically endangered; meaning over three generations, their population will decrease by 80%, and they are only a few of the many suffering species.

“We need to control the human population size and reduce overall resource consumption. We need to start living like we are a part of the planet rather than the owners of it,” said Hochstrasser.

Fighting back

On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated, and awareness of human impact on the environment and other species began increasing. Books and films, national parks, zoos, and other educational and activist groups are working hard to save animals.

THE INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classified the Amur leopard as Critically Endangered since 1996. In a 2007 census, there were reported to be only 14-20 adults, and 5-6 cubs.

From hunters and poachers to the destruction of forests, the leopard faces many threats. Due to the low numbers of this species, several organizations have been making efforts to prevent the leopard from becoming extinct. The Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance (ALTA) works to conserve the leopard. ALTA works in Northeast Asia and collaborates with the Phoenix Fund and the Wildlife Conservation Society to try to increase the population.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens encourages recycling a cell-phone to save a gorilla.

The gorilla population in Kahuzi Biega National Park has been cut from 258 to 130 largely because their habitat was flattened for mining.

Greenpeace is one organization that takes direct action to help wildlife. It contributed to the banning of whaling in 1986 and has accomplished many feats since then.

Visit http://www.greenpeace.org for more details on past and current projects.

Zoos work to build up populations of species who only exist in captiv% acres ity. One day they may of medi% of the of rain forest be reintroduced to the cines used world was covered absorb one wild. in the West ton of carbon by rain forests, now only 2% is.

However, it is imporcome from dioxide per year. tant to take action before rain forest resorting to reintroduction, plants. because there are often com% of flowering plants plications with this method. are in danger of extinction.

Until SHS students have the % of carbon in the air money to donate to organizacan be attributed to clearing tions, the main objective is to and burning of rain forests. raise awareness. Humans must work to replenish the populations of the damaged species.

37

2.4

25

The Critically Endangered bluefin tuna is commonly found in the oceans of the southern hemisphere. However, with the constantly increasing rate of fishing, this tuna may not be around for much longer.

Efforts such as limiting the amount of fish that can be caught are being made, but the rate of decline continues to rise.

14

73

70

of plants used to make cancertreating drugs are from rain forests.

%

Until 1997, the Forest Owlet was thought to have been extinct.

Although these owls have been rediscovered, they are listed as Critically Endangered by the Red List. Due to the shrinking forests of India, the population of the Forest Owlet is recorded as less than 250. Efforts to stop these numbers from decreasing include preventing illegal wood-cutting, and putting a stop to hunting within range of the owl.

Deep sea discoveries:

Melting habitat: Polar

Ocean creatures in decline

bears struggle for survival

Humans release an unnatural amount of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air. Because of this, 3% of Arctic sea ice, the polar bear’s home, melts each year. Many scientists estimate that in 100 years, the polar bear’s home will be completely gone.

As the world’s largest land carnivores, polar bears have an enor mous diet. Life is spent seeking out food for survival, and with their hunting grounds shrinking, finding food is becoming increasingly more difficult.

Polar bear hunting in the U.S. has been illegal since 1972.

However, it remains legal in Canada and Greenland.

Polluted oceans and oil spills are also killing off polar bears. However, numbers show global polar bear population has remained fairly constant.

Although polar bear population may currently be stable, if nothing is done about the receding sea ice, this will not be the case for long.

Humans must act quickly to protect this threatened species and other animals living in the Arctic. Although polar bears number in the thousands, climate change poses a deadly threat.

Out on a limb

90% of the

75% of the

world’s oxygen is produced by ocean algae.

world is covered by oceans.

27 million

60% of the

world’s coral reefs are endangered.

10% of the

world’s coral reefs are already dead.

tons of sea creatures are killed by trawlers each year.

500,000

marine species live in coral reefs.

16

% of the world’s protein needs come from fish and shellfish.

All images by Atiya Dosani and Lila Englander

14

3.16.2012

Pancake Day and Fine Arts Festival - page 15

SHS excels at statewide photo competitions page 15

Mike’s Music

Mike discusses new spring tunespage 15

this

month in

a&e

Thinking globally: MENU

World Choir Games to attract international crowd Zachary Fritzhand staff writer

A

s the calendar marches toward July 4, many students are practicing for this special day. For the first time, the World Choir Games will be taking place in the U.S.A. From July 4-14 choirs from all over the world will gather at the 7th World Choir Games in Cincinnati.

The World Choir Games occurs every two years, and it is the largest international chorale competition in the world.

"I am very surprised yet excited for the city of Cincinnati, I am just so happy that the city finally gets a chance to prove something," said Spencer Mandell, 9.

"I am very pleased with the pick of Cincinnati due to the past culture of music in this city," said Jake Pope, 10.

Participating in the games will inspire and encourage international interaction that can create lifelong friendships and cultural understanding of all of the nations.

There are 376 choirs from 48 countries that will be performing in the games.

Tickets range from $25 to $150 for the opening ceremony on July 4th. Tickets for the closing ceremony on July 14th range from $20 to $50.

"I am not originally from Cincinnati, but it’s great to see this from an awesome city," said Ryan Jones, 9.

These games take place every two years on an international basis. The first ever game was played in Linz, Austria in 2000, Busan, S. Korea in 2002, Bremen, Germany in 2004, Xiamen, China in 2006, Graz, Austria in 2008, Shaoxing, China in 2010, and this year Cincinnati, Ohio in 2012.

JESSICA RASULIS, 11, AND Camellia Sengupta,10, plan to participate in the World Choir Games for SHS. The World Choir Games will showcase choirs from 48 different countries. The event is set to be held from July 4-14 at locations across the tri-state area.

Image by Krittika Chatterjee

Sycamore students shine at Overtures Rachael Sun staff writer

&

Lauren Saxon staff writer

SHS juniors Hannalee Goldman, Emily Kissela, and Tracy Wong stood out to audiences in the final round of the Overture Awards. Being selected for the final round is an achievement in itself, however both Goldman and Wong earned first in their respective divisions as well.

The Overture Awards is an annual competition sponsored by the Cincinnati Arts Association. According to their website: “The mission of the Overture Awards is to encourage training in, and appreciation of, the arts, and to recognize and reward excellence in artistic achievement.”

SHS was represented in the final round for

the disciplines of Creative Writing, Theatre, and Instrumental Music. Each finalist received a $500 scholarship, while the winners of each division received $2500.

In such a prestigious competition, SHS has performed outstandingly well. Sending not only three students to the finals, but with two receiving the top prize and another as runner up, this year’s competition truly allowed SHS to shine.

“Submitting poetry to contests was a new experience for me this year, but it's wonderful to have my work validated by other people,” said Goldman.

An especially commendable aspect of the competition was the camaraderie between contestants. Throughout the entire selection process and up to the final day of performance, they treated each other not as competitors, but as friends and fellow artists.

“It was reassuring that there were other Sycamore competitors there, but I was also happily surprised by the

friends that I ended up making! Especially among the other creative writers, we're a pretty cool bunch, if I say so myself,” said Goldman.

Kissela, who placed in the finals for theater singing and acting, performed a monologue from William Shakespeare, ‘Jailer’s Daughter from Two Noble Kinsmen’, and sang ‘Meadowlark’ by Stephen Schwartz. Together with the other local performers, Kissela gave Overture audiences a real “run for their money”.

“Overture Awards was such an amazing experience! It brought together so many talented high schoolers who shared the same passion for creativity and performance. I love how it's a competition but feels more like an appreciation of the arts,” said Wong.

Students are already preparing for next year’s competition. Hoping to represent SHS as strongly as they did this year, performers and artists look forward to displaying their talents in a splendid collaboration of art.

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3.16.2012

F

ood, fun, fine arts

Mike’s Music

iftieth annual Pancake Day celebrates artistic diversity

Lauren Saxon staff writer

M

usic was in the air, along with the smell of delicious pancakes and sausages. On March 3 to 4, the commons were buzzing as SHS students, parents, and alumni chatted. They enjoyed breakfast while students from the district’s band and orchestra performed.

Food and Fun

The main gym was also transformed into a vibrant place full of paintings, sculptures, models, and even fashion designs made by students from the SHS district.

“The art show was really nice. It was cool seeing all of the senior art portfolios because I knew a lot of the artists,” said Lauren DeMarks, 9.

Students from all grades have their artwork chosen by their teachers, and having your artwork displayed in the show is considered to be a big honor.

50th Annual Pancake Day

Part of the Fine Arts Festival is Pancake Day, which has been one of the biggest fundraisers for the SHS Band and Orchestra Boosters for 50 years.

“Pancake Day usually nets SBOB (Sycamore Band and Orchestra Boosters) around $14,000.00,” said Mr. Jeffrey Bieler, SJHS and SHS band director.

The money made from this event supports all bands and orchestras in grades five through 12 which have over 850 students in total.

From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. thirteen different bands, orchestras, and symphonies from grades 5 through 12 took turns performing pieces they had been practicing for months.

Not only was there art and music at the festival but food too. For only $6, almost everyone who attended the festival enjoyed a pancake meal, which included sausage, juice and milk, or coffee and tea.

“The food served was great, as always. It

was hard waking up early on a Saturday morning, but the promise of pancakes made it a little bit easier,” said Peter Tosh, 9, band member.

Volunteers are also an important part in making sure that the event runs smoothly.

Each volunteer job is 2.5 hours and is broken down to specific jobs, like cooking and serving the food and drinks.

Additionally, volunteers manage a raffle of approximately 25 baskets of prizes with values up to $250.00.

“We use around 150 volunteers during the day. No volunteers, no Pancake Day,” said Bieler.

The Fine Arts Festival was a big success this year. Money was made for SBOB, art students got the chance to show off their hard work, and everybody had a great time chowing down on pancakes.

Next year is expected to be just as successful and many are looking forward to another weekend of fine arts.

MENU

Mike DeMaio a&e chief

Photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

TOP RIGHT NICK LO, 12 STRIKED away on the xylophone during Pancake Day. Not only was did this event provide an endless amount of food, but students and family listened to the bands and orchestras play as they saw artwork displayed. The 50th Annual Pancake Day was considered to be a big success.

As spring is fast approaching, the musical leaning of most listeners are going to be changing drastically; whether you are looking to kick start summer early, or just get a good beginning for spring, you surely cannot go wrong with any of these artists.

Thavius Beck and his socially conscious electronic music inspired rap will please your ears greatly, whether you are looking for enlightenment or simply accompaniment on your drive to school.

Taylor McFerrin, the son of Reggae legend Bobby McFerrin, has just recently put out an EP of his own on Flying Lotus’s Brainfeeder label and will surely bring on the sunlight, and melt away your worries.

Ras G’s newest album out of LA, entitled “The Afrikan Space Program,” will put a bounce in your step and bring a smile to your face as warm weather and free time are fast approaching.

MF Doom’s collaboration with Madlib, entitled Madvillian, is perfect for parties, personal listening, or a long car or plane trip to a spring break destination.

So wherever you are going, or whatever you are doing, make sure to check out some of these great artists, because they will certainly bring a new level of enjoyment to whatever you are doing.

SHS partcipates in Youth Art Exhibition Shayna Siegel staff writer

Every year SHS photography students are given the opportunity to participate in the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition. This is a contest dedicated to the educational and artistic advancement of talented youth in the state of Ohio.

Four SHS senior girls had their

work selected on the regional level: Emily Peltz, 12, Kendra Grubba, 12, Ellen Jordan, 12, and Christine Touvelle, 12.

The program’s purpose is to provide young artists with opportunities to advance their talent. It gives them a chance to compete for scholarships and also to simply experience the process of entering their work into a competition.

Its goal is to encourage an appreciation for art throughout the state of Ohio and to reflect the state’s high quality art instruction and talent among those in school.

The exhibition is open to all of Ohio’s 1,112 high schools, including both public and private.

Work for this exhibition is selected through a lengthy process.

It starts off at a regional level; the state is divided into 15 regional locations where high school students in that region are invited to enter their work for judging.

By the end of regional selections there will be approximately 12,000 choices from the 15 regions and around 2,500 of them will be entered into state judging.

State jurors then select 300 for the actual exhibition. 25 of the 300 chosen will then receive the Governor’s Award of Excellence.

Scholarships are offered to the chosen seniors by over 30 universities and colleges of art.

The girls will each have a chance to move on to state and hopefully become part of the chosen 300 for the exhibit.

From Jordan: “This is the first time I have entered Governor’s. Governor’s is a state-wide exhibition art contest, with Regionals, state, and final round judging.

My photo, ‘Floating,’ has advanced to the state round. This image is a part of my concentration; the idea behind which is that each images makes you take a second look, question, ‘why?’ I want to capture a quirk in my images, something that defies common logic. In ‘Floating,’ it appears the girl is doing just that- and it makes you do a double-take, and rethink what you are seeing.”

Photo courtesy of Ellen Jordan

Four seniors head to regionals among Ohio’s 1,112 high schools

From Peltz: “‘Wounded’ symbolizes my internal struggle. The image is a double exposure (where one image is layered with another) of a selfportrait and crumbled leaves. I have a bandage covering my eyes which exemplifies my fear of losing something very dear to me: my eyesight. (I have an eye condition that might cause complete loss of sight by age 30).

The pile of crumbling leaves in the photo represents my own insecurities.

Since teenagers constantly struggle with insecurities, I think many can relate to this image and what it signifies.

Photo courtesy of Emily Peltz

16

3.16.2012 this

month in

sports SHS swimmers get chance to compete against best in nation - page 17

Girls’ basketball’s rival ends historic postseason run - page 18

Moss optimistic about next year’s basketball team - page 19

‘I...cannot imagine my life without it’

Show ‘em who’s Baas Danny Bayliss sports chief

T

o some, sports are an outlet from other facets of life. Others just enjoy the action and competition. Then, there are those who live for sports. They have that burning passion to play a sport and better themselves.

Hayley Baas, 12, is one of those people.

“I have always been involved in sports and that has really helped mold me as an individual. Sports have taught me to always work hard and not be afraid to overcome difficult obstacles. Really, sports have made me a better person and have definitely played a positive role in my life,” said Baas.

Baas takes crack at lax

Baas leaves her Marq

It was then that she realized that maybe, just maybe, her lacrosse career would continue past high school. “[I knew I could play lacrosse in college] probably in my sophomore year of high school. It was only my second year playing but I ended up starting… as a defender. That year I really fell in love with lacrosse and knew I would do whatever it would take to play in college,” said Baas.

Baas’ s new goal of playing collegiate lacrosse was a daunting task, but nevertheless she had prepared herself well enough to overcome any obstacles.

As a junior, Baas started receiving offers. They ranged from D-II and D-III schools to D-I schools like Winthrop University and American University. Then came another D-I offer, from

Family matters

Baas’ lacrosse career has been an impressive one. In fact, her entire athletic longevity is one that few other athletes can brag about. Baas has also been blessed with a family that supports her athletics and aids in her improvement.

“My family has always supported me in every aspect of my athletic career. When I decided to quit all my other sports and focus solely on lacrosse, they respected my decision. My dad really helped improve me as a player.

Every day after practice freshman year, my dad would throw with me in my backyard, and no matter how many times I threw the ball over his head, or hit him, he would always be back the next day. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without my parents, they have always pushed me to be the best person and athlete I can be and I am so grateful for that,” said Baas.

Despite crediting her family for the immense about of support they gave her, they were only one-half of the team that helped push Baas to peak. “[Coach] Clark is a very

dedicated coach, and he always goes the extra mile for his players. He has always pushed me to be a better player and without him I definitely would not be where I am today,” said Baas.

Friendly faces

When Baas is being coached, Clark is always the first one to give her the necessary advice. But he cannot always be there, especially when they are in the midst of a game.

Those are the times when Baas relies on her teammates, including one in particular.

“Really the person who has pushed me the most is Hailey Jardin, another senior. We are always partners and play the same position. Whether we are going against each other in a drill or doing sprints, we are always pushing the other one to do better. This has helped make both of us better lacrosse players,” said Baas.

Jardin and Baas are two of Coach Clark’s five captains.

Fellow seniors Lina Cardenas, Amanda Frey, and Katie MacLachlan join them as team leaders. Five captains on a team allow leadership to be well distributed.

“We are a very close knit team and really almost every player has some kind of leadership role,” said Baas.

Girls gel for L4L

Baas and her team takes their sisterhood very seriously. They even have their own label, one that stands for all their aspirations.

“The lacrosse girls have a saying, ‘L4L’, aka Lax for Life. It sounds kind of dramatic when you put it like that but for most of us, that’s what lacrosse is. Since the second week of school we have been lifting, throwing, and running almost every day of the week.

It might seem a little crazy to people outside of the team but to win state championships, that’s what it takes... total dedication, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We all might complain about the long practices, how sore our legs are, or even our coach, but in the end we all love lacrosse. I at least, cannot imagine my life without it,” said Baas.

As previously mentioned, SHS girls’ lacrosse is used to producing top tier talent and results. Coach Clark expects nothing but the best from his team, and Baas is determined to lead them as far as

Image by Michael Saxon

Excelling in sports such as soccer and basketball, Baas entered high school as a rising athlete. Despite her arsenal of talents, she had never played lacrosse, one of the more heralded sports in terms of history at SHS. That all changed once she met Mr. Eddie Clark, Varsity girls’ lacrosse coach.

“In my freshman year of high school, Coach Clark convinced me to try out for the lacrosse team -just for two weeks -- and if I didn’t like it than I could quit. I had never seen a lacrosse game before, didn’t know any of the rules, and didn’t pick up a stick until the first day of tryouts. But I ended up falling in love with the sport and haven’t stopped loving it since,” said Baas.

As her affection for lacrosse increased, so did her skill level.

Baas spent many hours working her way up through the SHS lacrosse ranks, and joined the Varsity team as a sophomore.

Marquette University.

Next year will be the first year that Marquette has girls’ lacrosse as a D-I sport, and Baas jumped on the offer. This was one of many reasons why Baas committed to be a Golden Eagle.

“What really made me choose Marquette was the head coach, Meredith Black. She really understands the game of lacrosse and her type of demeanor made me want to play for her. I think Marquette, being a new program, will help my chances of getting a lot of playing time early. But at the same time we will be a very young team, and being in the Big East we will have some tough competition,” said Baas.

In addition to the attention that Marquette will now devote to girls’ lacrosse, Baas was very impressed with the location of the Marquette campus.

Also, she seems to have found a good fit when it comes to the educational plans the school has to offer.

“I really just loved the atmosphere of Marquette. I wanted to go to a college in the city and Marquette is right in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The school really seems to be supporting the lacrosse teams and that definitely was a turn on when I was trying to decide which college to go to…

I plan on majoring in biology and eventually getting a degree in zoology. Kind of nerdy, but I want to work with animals when I get older,” said Baas.

CRADLING A BALL IN her stick, Hayley Baas, 12, runs through one of her team’s drills. Baas often leads the drills with her fellow captains.

Said Baas about captain Hailey Jardin, 12, “...we are always pushing the other one to do better.”

possible.

“We have the same goal every year to win a state championship.

And that is really what I am striving for this year. But we are a young team, so I am also looking to improve my teammates and make them better lacrosse players.

Another goal of mine is to win our season opener against the returning two- time state champ, Medina,” said Baas.

Clearly, this upcoming season will not be a walk in the park for SHS. Baas will be leaned on heavily to help SHS put together multiple wins.

If there is one person that can handle all the pressure and the expectations, it is Baas. And she will act as if it is nothing.

Just another day in the life of a Baas.

Danny Bayliss sports chief

Hey, hey...bye, bye, bye

It’s hard to imagine – at least it is for me – that this is the final column I’ll do for a regular issue of The Leaf.

I’ve spent so many hours after school in room 115 that I seriously should have considered starting my own Occupy movement there. Either that, or help pay the mortgage.

Four years. Thirty-eight papers.

Where did the time go?

There will be no more Cloud Nine. Barring a barrage of calls from the underclassmen begging for advice, there will be no more witty, alliterative headlines. Yes, no more “Perseverance personifies Pavlech’s path to prosperity” plus Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers (take a breather).

I’m taking my talents to work on the Senior Issue, but that’s not important right now. The only thing that matters is my ability to get through writing this without becoming all cheesy and nostalgic.

That’s not really who I am.

But my experience as a part of The Leaf staff might just change that. It’s hard not to get connected to the people you’re with and the work that it takes to be a journalism student.

Being a four-year student of Mrs. Jardine has taught me more than how many words should be in each paragraph or how to fill white space on a page.

As a freshman I didn’t really take this class as seriously as I should have. The correct mentors and role models were in place, but I suppose I had bigger fish to fry.

Now, I can’t do a single article without feeling that it was my best effort. I love to help out my fellow journalists. You know, whatever it takes to make every issue of The Leaf awesome.

That’s the Jardine Effect. I would not be attending Syracuse next year without it.

In addition to the elite education, the memories I’ve made in room 115 could fill up a copy of The Leaf.

They are bonds that kept tension low during stressful deadline weeks.

I don’t know what my journalistic future has in store for me, but I know that the privilege of working on The Leaf staff will bode well for my upcoming endeavors. My name won’t be hung from the rafters, and I won’t have my number retired.

But I have example after example of what I am capable of, and the legacy I led here at SHS. In the famous words of poet John Gay, “We only part to meet again.”

When I’m famous, and we do meet again, remind me of this column and what I named it. I plan to be floating on Cloud Nine.

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

17

3.16.2012 BK

sports KAPITOL I hope I haven’t bored you

Image by Lauren Saxon

COMING UP FOR A breath, Thomas Norris, 12, was one of the three SHS swimmers to compete in the Grand Prix series. He competed against some of the most talented athletes in the nation. Norris was excited about taking part in this huge opportunity, and plans on swimming at the collegiate level.

“It was a huge opportunity”

Superb SHS swimmers compete with nations best Lina Cardenas feature chief

O

n March 9–11, three of SHS’s outstanding swimmers had the opportunity to compete against the most talented athletes in the nation. Thomas Norris, 12, Sarah May, 11, and Cara Norris, 9, traveled to The Ohio State University to compete in one of the six Grand Prix Series meets sponsored by USA Swimming.

These meets, designed so athletes past college maintain competition level, are open to high school and collegiate swimmers on an invite-only basis.

Athletes with times fast enough qualify, and for the first time, enough members of the Marlins club swimming team survived these rigorous cuts to compete as a team.

“The past few years only two or three swimmers qualified to go, this year we have around twelve or thirteen that will be partici-

pating, so we all went together,” “For the post-collegiate athsaid Thomas. letes, this meet is more relaxed, At this event, post-collegiate they usually are already ranked athletes, among these being highly in the standings. For us, gold medalist Michael Phelps, however, it’s a great opportunity received the highest ranks, folto swim against the best compelowed by the top high school tition there is,” said Thomas. and current college swimmers.

The Marlins’ main motivation In turn, for to travel a student to Cocompeting, a lumbus “...For us, however, it’s 50th rank is was the a great opportunity to considered opporhighly suctunity to swim against the best cessful. take their competition there is.”

Throughtalents out the to higher competition, Thomas Norris levels scholar athface 12 and letes raced competito obtain tion they the top 24 would slots overall. The top qualifiers not usually see in their regular will then be invited to compete season. for the first eight ranks and an “We benefited from the fact opportunity to share a spot on that the meet was long course, so the podium among famous post- we had more of an opportunity collegiate swimmers. to obtain faster times. We were

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also very rested, so that helped us as well,” said Thomas.

Thomas originally qualified to compete in the 200 fly and the mile, and after state he made the cut for the 200 free and 400 free.

However, by the time his state times had qualified, it was too late for him to compete in those particular events.

May qualified to compete in the 100 fly and 200 fly, and Cara competed in the 200 free, 100 fly, 50 free, and 100 free.

After sweeping State, placing sixth in the 500 fly and 100 fly as well as third in the 200 free respectively, the Norris duo was eager to jump in the pool with the Olympians.

“I was not exactly nervous, more like excited. It was a huge opportunity,” said Thomas.

After an outstanding senior season, Thomas plans to follow in his sister’s path and swim at the collegiate level, either at MIT or Princeton University.

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It is really hard to believe that this is the last time I will be writing the ‘Sports Kapitol’. The past four years have been the quickest of my life, and the best hours of those years were spent right here in room 115 working on the newspaper.

When I came into this room as a freshman, I had no idea the kind of work and dedication it takes to run a newspaper. Over these four years, I have gained more from the journalism program here at SHS than I did in any other class.

Coming into high school, I really did not have much of a niche. Even after one full year in the journalism program, I still did not know that journalism was my calling. I can recall a time during my freshman year where I had no idea whatsoever how to write an article or put together a page, but I sit here today a part of the staff that is running one of the most acclaimed high school newspapers in the state of Ohio. That is unreal.

For me, it has been an unbelievable experience to be able to work and become friends with every single person on this staff, while discovering my passion along the way.

Next year I will be attending the University of Missouri to pursue a career in journalism. I do not think this would have been possible without the support of Mrs. Cheralyn Jardine. Mrs. Jardine is the reason that I, along with all my co-editors, have been able to live up to the standard of success that The Leaf is known for.

Since the day I walked into this room, she has preached the same messages over and over again, and through that repetition, has ingrained the basic principles of journalism into my head. Passion radiates, and it is clear that Mrs. Jardine is more passionate about the newspaper and yearbook than anyone else in this building.

She comes into the building at 5:00 am and does not leave until every detail of an article or page is absolutely perfect.

Mrs. Jardine works harder in one day, than many of you have worked in your entire lives, and that is why I, as well as my fellow staff members, have the passion for journalism that we do. I will certaintly miss writing for The Leaf, but I will never forget it, as it has provided me with the skills and opportunities to pursue a passion, not a career.

Jared Kamrass, followed by Paul Pescovitz and Brandon Sosna, preceded me and Danny Bayliss as editors of the sports section.

I owe these guys just as much a thanks as anyone, and am excited to pass down the title of ‘Sports Chief ’ to a deserving Michael Saxon, who will do an excellent job running the sports section next year.

And if I take one thing away from my experience here, it is that you NEVER mess up somebody’s name as I did during my sophomore year.

It’s Cory Chisholm, 12.

Ralph Waldo Emmerson once said “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

It is the enthusiasm in room 115 that has inspired me, and motivated me, and instilled a passion that will pay divedends for me for the rest of my life.

18

3.16.2012

Hayden coaches best team since ‘92

Team chemistry helps push SHS to district championship Bennett Kaplan sports chief

Danny Bayliss sports chief

nized. We all respect her as a person and as a coach and are thrilled to be a part of ven before SHS took on Mason at such a memorable year for her and us,” said Wright State University Mar. 7, it Hancher. had already been the most successTeam chemistry has been a huge factor in ful SHS women’s basketball team the girls’ success this season. From watching under the reign of head coach Paula Hayden. them off and on the court, an observer would Chloe Pavlech, 12, had already become a agree that the team keeps close relationships 1000 point scorer, and win or loss, it was a wherever they go, which has proven to be a season to remember. successful formula for the team.

For SHS ceramics and pottery teacher Paul “You can see on the court how close we are Melnick, the game provided an interesting and why we were able to achieve what we story-line. Melnick is an assistant coach for achieved,” said Alexis Newbolt, 12.

Mason, however he has coached in the SHS As well as taking home the district chamsystem in the past, which provided a conflict pionship with their victory against Fairborn, of interest for the playoff game that pitted Pavlech broke the 1000 point club, making the two rival schools against each other. her the only player from “First, I am so proud this team to attain that of both teams getting honor. Pavlech averaged They have worked extremely to this game. We 13.2 points per game, hard to achieve their goals. were 2 of 16 teams solidifying her fourth and [They] put the time in the left in the state,” said final year on the SHS gym and of course are Melnick. varsity squad.

Melnick, havblessed with athleticism.

“I am excited for ing coached at SHS Chloe. She is very unselfbefore and being from Paula Hayden ish, so this feat is extra the district, is familiar special. She looks first with the program and Coach at her assists then at her the players taking the points,” said Hayden. court for SHS. Win or loss, this has “I have seen many of the Sycamore players been an exceptionally special season. Winsince they have been playing in the 4th grade. ning a district championship is not an easy I am so fortunate to know such great student feat, and it says a lot about the drive and athletes at both schools,” said Melnick determination of the girls in the locker room He is however, a coach, and had a job to as to how far they have come. do, and insisted that the matchup was just “It is awesome to make it this far! We are another game. making history with a very special team.

“When that ball gets tossed up for the tip What makes this team so special is our team off it will be my job to figure out a way to chemistry. We can all look at each other and beat [them], said Melnick. know we are in this together,” said Elizabeth Players who are familiar with Melnick knew Bitzer, 12. that the game was in fact was just a game, but Comets collide in Dayton were determined on taking home the victory.

Their run to the State title, however, was cut “He is a good sport about it so it’s not too short.

Despite beating Mason 49-25 in the bad, but it always feels good to beat Mason, regular season, SHS could not sweep their and I will probably rub it in a little if I see GMC rival.

Mason defeated SHS 47-32 in him,” said Lauren Hancher, 12. a game where the Comet defense harassed Even the GMC had something to say Pavlech and Co. about the matchup, stating on gmcsports.

Leading the scoring for SHS were Hanchcom, “Unfortunately Mason and Sycamore er, despite missing a portion of the game due have to play each other eliminating one to injury, and Pavlech, who had 10 points GMC school after Thursday night’s game.” each.

Mason junior Kayla McDowell led “Over the years we have had many great all scorers with 19 points and iced the game games against each other. I have nothing but down the stretch by hitting all nine of her respect for their program. When all is said free throws. and done we are friends,” said Hayden.

SHS made just 11 of their 51 shots and Hayden adds to her history two of the 14 three-pointers they attempted.

Coach Hayden has accomplished quite a In the second and fourth quarters combined lot in her almost 20 years as an SHS coach, SHS scored a total of nine points. Hayden’s but for the first time since she became a team fell behind early and trailed at halftime, coach, she will be taking home a district 20-16. championship. Hayden lead the team to a They would close the gap to one multiple first place finish in the GMC with a 23-1 re- times in the second half, but they never cord, losing early in the season to Princeton, regained the lead. which was eventually avenged with a late Jan. For more win over the Vikings. coverage of SHS “She deserves it. She has worked so hard sports, visit: to create a great a great basketball program at Sycamore and finally she is getting recoghttp://www.goaves.com/

E

&

Photo courtesy of McDaniels Photography

AFTER SCORING HER 1,000th career point in the district championship game against Fairborn, Pavlech (above) would be the first person to take away the attention from herself, and put it back on her teammates. She has been described by her teammates and coaches as “unselfish”, while leading her team to their first district championship since Coach Hayden became head coach in 1993.

Quick Hits: Mather goes to state

After posting a regular season 38-5 record, SHS wrestler Ben Mather, 12, advanced to the state competition in Columbus.

Mather was the only wrestler to represent SHS at the state competition, and after his breakout senior season, Mather is considering the possibility of wrestling in college.

Boys tennis tryouts begin

After several weeks of intense indoor conditioning, the boys tennis team’s tryouts are finally underway. The tryouts, started on Mar. 5, are run by head coach Mike Teets.

“We are all about out-working every team in the state. We want to have fun but within the limits that are set,” said Teets.

Wesselkamper places at state

SHS gymnast Sara Wesselkamper, 12, place ninth overall at the state gymnastics meet, as well as placing third on bars.

This marks the last time an SHS senior will compete for the high school in a gymnastics meet.

“I am so happy I had the chance to compete for Sycamore,” said Lisa Komescher, 12.

Imani Outlaw, 11, on the run to State What is it like to have made it this far? What makes this team so special?

It’s really exciting. The whole school is supporting us and it is an honor to play for SHS. Our team chemistry is what makes us so special. Since we are all good friends it is easy to play with them and we have a feel for where everyone is on the court.

What does it mean to you to give Coach Hayden her best season ever as a coach?

It means a lot to me. She does so much for us, and when I get on the court I want to win for her.

Win or loss, is this the best team you have ever played for?

Yes! This team is really special, and I’m really proud to be a part of it.

Flyerettes finish season strong The last Flyerettes performance of the season took place at the Flyerette Senior Night.

“I will miss entertaining an audience with my dancing, but I plan to continue dance in college,” said Stephanie Kessel, 12.

Winter track has indoor meet

Winter track went to their last meet in Geneva, Ohio on Feb. 24.

They left around 9:00 am to travel four hours to the meet at SPIRE Scholastic indoor track facility. Not everyone went to this meet; the coach picked 26 individual people to go.

Bianca Rhodenbaugh, 11, Allison Klonne, 11, Samantha Siler, 11, Rose Menyhert, 9, and Angela Harris, 11, all placed second or better in their events.

19

3.16.2012

Future of SHS basketball remains unwritten After ‘building season,’ Moss looks ahead Michael Saxon staff writer

W

ith only seconds remaining in a game against Colerain High School, SHS was tied against its GMC opponent at 48. Colerain had just scored, but left SHS a chance at victory with time left on the clock.

With two seconds left in the game, AJ Williams, 12, finds himself with the ball under the basket after a missed shot.

Williams maneuvers his way to the block at the bottom of the paint, and puts up a shot, hanging in the air. For those witnessing the game, they mentioned everything appeared to be in slow motion.

Time froze as the ball teetered in limbo between miss and make, or more importantly, win and loss. While the shot decided the outcome of one basketball game during the 2011-2012 season, it may also be used to represent the future of SHS basketball.

Uncertain.

For the past six years, SHS basketball has not had a winning season. For the past six years, SHS has only had two playoff wins.

For the past six years, (with the exception of one season) SHS has not won more than four GMC games.

To be short and sweet, SHS has not been successful in the past.

However, after three years with the program, David Moss, head coach, foresees a better future for SHS basketball, predicting his squad will be a “perennial top five GMC team.”

As with most sports, basketball is unpredictable. Moss’s team’s success will depend on unknowns such as their schedule and the “ups and downs of the game.” But ultimately it is up to the players. The program will only be as good as they make it. The main question will be how hard they want to work.

internally first before they can hope to compete externally.

In addition to the cutting of teams, Moss believes the off season will be key for his program.

In the summer months, Moss has set events such as camps and workouts for his players with the belief that each “upcoming summer has been more important than the last”.

Moss hopes that this will make players more commited to the program rather than just “November to March.”

A final step taken by Moss is the “building-up” of the entire basketball program.

Moss is a part of the SAC committee, is in constant contact with the junior high teams, and has even created a small basketball program for first graders in the Sycamore district entitled “Mighty Aves.”

“We are pretty involved as an overall program….It’s that kind of stuff that goes toward the program building which helps people want to be a part of it,” said Moss.

below the freshmen level, the future of SHS basketball can be seen at the junior high level.

The 8th grade gold team advanced to the championship round of the GMC tournament and battled a Hamilton team that had not lost in two years.

“There’s talent in that eighth grade group….There’s two factors there: how hard do they want to work and how hard do the guys ahead of them want to work,” said Moss.

What is next?

Showing signs of success

This basketball season was a big year for SHS, with the team winning its first playoff game in five years.

SHS beat Northwest High School by four points and advanced to the next round, only to lose to a very good Princeton squad.

Moss takes steps However, SHS should take hope Moss plans to do more than just sit back in the playoff victory. This might and wait in order to reach his goal of consisbe the start of a turn around for tent top five finishes. the team.

According to Moss, the elimination of two While the players should be teams within the basketball program was a proud of their win, they should be major step toward this goal. even hungrier for more next year and the Before the 2010-2011 season, the program got rid of one of the two freshmen basketball year after.

The team should have the talent and teams. And before the 2011-2012 season, the experience to get even more wins next year, sophomore team was also cut. with multiple underclassmen with significant “We have to have guys that are committed Varsity contributions to the team. to our program….We’re hoping by decreasFuture juniors Mitch Hill and Zach ing spots and encouraging guys to work on Farquhar will look to combine their efforts their game out of season that this is going to help us become a little more competitive,” said with three key seniors: Isaiah Brown, Mason Morgan, and Joey Gruden.

Moss.

Also, when looking at the younger age This harks to a recurring topic preached by Moss last season. The program must compete groups of Sycamore basketball, even further

These past three years, Moss has built a good foundation for SHS basketball to build upon.

But now it is time for the players to take control of their own destiny.

While the stats (see below) have not been impressive, the team showed obvious signs of success this season with a huge playoff win.

The players should use this win to motivate them even more.

Meanwhile, with years and years of difficulty in the program’s rearview mirror, the future of SHS basketball remains unwritten.

HEAD COACH DAVID MOSS looks on during a game. His passion for the game of basketball is unmistakable. During an interview with him, Moss said he expects his squad to be a “perennial top five GMC team.”

Images by Michael Saxon

Q & A with David Moss, head coach What are your goals for the program?

Our goal has been to be a perennial top five GMC team....We are trying to be a nightly competitive unit that if we feel like we go out and we compete, we’re going to be in a game. If we compete well, we’re going to have an opportunity to win the game.

Could this season be classified as a “building” year?

Yeah, I think so....we were young and inexperienced. When we went into the season we had one guy with any significant experience.

And that’s hard in any league but especially this one.

What do you see happening for Sycamore basketball next year and in the future?

I see us being a very competitive unit. It’s hard to predict wins. We just want to be in a situtation where the level of success in our program can be meausured when we can go night in and night out and do the things we are capable of doing, and if we do these things, we’re going to be in a basketball game.

Is there any pressure for SHS to switch out of the GMC? That’s more of an administrative question. I’m not really sure....but wouldn’t you rather play the best?

Beating Fairfield, in my opinion, is going to feel much better than beating Loveland.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

It’s a challenge and we feel good about the definite strides we’ve made already.

by the numbers

Taking a look at the past of SHS basketball Number of tournament wins in the past 6 years. This year’s playoff victory was the first one since 2007.

8

Average number of games won by the Varsity team in the past ten years

58.78

Average number of points allowed in the past five seasons

198

2

Percent of games won in the past ten years

39

Total wins since the 19891990 season.

20

3.16.2012

Revealing Zack Groneman’s personality ‘I want people to perceive me as friendly, intelligent, true to myself, and generally just a fun person’ Aditi Sharma managing editor

&

Kathryn Tenbarge staff writer

Q. What do you look forward to studying in college?

A. I'm a computer nerd at heart. I'm looking at studying computer science or something similar in college. It's something I'm fascinated by, and I'd love to do it every day for a living.

Q. What do you like to do in your free time?

A. I love knitting and crocheting.

I taught myself from books in second grade, and ever since then I've really had a lot of fun with it.

I enjoy making scarves, hats, and things like that but eventually I really want to make something bigger, like a sweater.

Q. What are people most surprised to find out about you?

A.I have a strange fondness for black clothes, piercings, and hair dye. Some people think I'm violent or depressed or something. One of my teachers (who shall remain nameless) spent the first week of the school year convinced I was a druggie or something. In reality I'm just a pretty friendly guy who just likes weird clothes.

Q. What do most people not know about you?

A. I like to cook, especially desserts. I have a personal tradition of making my own birthday cake every year.

It's a white chocolate cake with milk chocolate ganache and dark chocolate shavings on top. For a while I wanted to go to culinary school and be a chef, but then I got a job at a catering company, and realized that as much as I love it, there's no way I could survive doing it for a living. For now it's just going to be a fun hobby.

Q. Why did you go to a different school for freshman year?

A. I decided to go to Cincinnati Hills freshman year. I liked the Christian education aspects of it, but I found the student body to be not nearly diverse enough for my tastes. At SHS, we have black people, white

people, brown people, and people of just about every color of the rainbow. We have people who dress totally different ways, have totally different interests, and believe entirely different things. In short, we have a little bit of everything.

All images by Aditi Sharma and Kathryn Tenbarge.

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