May 2015 Lefa

The

Leaf

Sycamore High School Student News Magazine Volume 2 | Issue 9 | May 20, 2015

Photo courtesy of Sophia Wiedman, McDaniel’s Photography, Taylor Evans, Jake Englander, Joe and Linda Stern, Charles Harte

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THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

1

[ inside this issue ] The Leaf

Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242 Adviser Cheralyn Jardine Photographer McDaniel’s Photography About us Professional memberships: • Columbia Scholastic Press Association • Journalism Education Association • National Scholastic High School Press Association • Ohio Scholastic Media Association • Ohio Professional Writers (National Federation of Women Writers) • Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honorary

Taylor Close Ben Ruskin Opinion Natalie Brinkman Nathan Zhang COLUMNIST Josh Patterson CARTOONIST Esther Pittinger Spotlight Lauren Shassere Staff Writers Jordan Baker Taylor Close William Coleman Meghan DiGiovanna Sydney Evans Meredith Gottliebson Charles Harte Emilie King Riley Kurtz Beverly Liu Jack Loon Melinda Looney Zachary Milliken Joshua Patterson Esther Pittinger Madeline Schramm Luke Tenbarge Max Torem Emily Tyler Leah Wallihan Neil Yejjey Ben Young

Photo Courtesy of Elijah Zawatsky

[ a&e ]

[ news ]

12 | Star Wars trilogy reawakens force

2 |News briefs

3 | Terror organizations unite

13 | Marvel comics make returns

4-5 | Testing gets lashback 6 | Baltimore riots trouble people

14 | ‘Yes Please’ humors readers

[ cover story ]

[ opinion ] 7 |Staff editorial 8| Nepalese earthquake affects SHS students

15-18 | SHS students reflect on what they will leave behind

[ feature ] 19 | Beauty holds new weight

9 | Baltimore riots cause fear

20-21 | Bohemian fashion frees spirit

10-11 |

22 | Hacking proves as powerful

editors’ note

Executive Editor-in-Chief Caroline Gao executive managing editor Anna Zhou Print Editors-in-Chief Brooke Landrum Elizabeth Rickert Elijah Zawatsky Web EditorS-in-Chief Caroline Bruns Harsimran Makkad Leaflet EditorS-in-Chief Orion Schlosser Zoe Schlosser BROADCAST EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sarah Horne Social Media Director Ben Ruskin Associate Editors Jenna Bao Lauren Kurtzer Managing Editor Sydney Evans Beats Editors Adhiti Chundur Kamaria Walton Galleries and Videos Ben Brynjulfson-Reardon Leaflet Designer/writer Emily Chien Infographics Max Fritzhand Rujula Kapoor news Jacob Englander Sports David Wertheim Hannah May COLUMNISTS David Wertheim Lauren Kurtzer FEATURE Amy Deng Maddie Marsh A&E Claire Lefton COLUMNIST

The people and environment we are surrounded by at SHS are very special to us all.

As the seniors take part in their last day as high schoolers and the

underclassmen approach their graduation dates, while many of us will feel sad, we should all look at the positive side of things and celebrate moving towards the

[ fun&games ] 23 | Riddle, wordle, spot the difference

[ sports ] 24 | Volleyball spikes through season 25 | Baseball swings into success 26 | Track sprints to the finish

[ spotlight ] 27 | Oksana Schornak,

future.

We hope to expose our readers to the positive light on leaving the memorable parts of SHS behind.

- Caroline Gao

[ news ] THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

New reading time takes hold of schedule What to know:

1. Lunch will be divided into two blocks of thirty minutes. It will not be during fifth bell.

2. Announcements will be during the ACE/ Reading period.

3. Reading of paper materials and books is required during this time.

4. Reading materials will be available from English teachers and the IMC staff.

5. Class bells will be 48 minutes each and passing time between bells will be four 1st Bell: 7:20-8:08 minutes.

2nd Bell: 8:12-9:00

Why reading?

Employee of the Month:

Our Employee of the Month for UC Launch was TJ Gerrety. TJ works at Good Samaritan Hospital performing environmental services and concierge work.

He also works at Center Court Dining as a dining room attendant. TJ demonstrates professionalism at work and is always eager to learn new tasks.

3rd Bell: 9:04-9:52 4th Bell: 9:56-10:44 5th Bell: 10:48-11:36 Lunch/ Reading Break/ ACE A: 11:36-12:02 B: 12:06-12:36 6th Bell: 12:40-1:28 7th Bell: 1:32-2:20

1. Enhances comprehension, particularly of complex material.

2. Heightens concentration.

3. Improves listening skills.

4. Enriches vocabulary.

5. Deepens empathy and provides pleasure.

Information courtesy of Sycamore Schools 6. Reduces stress.

Windows of Hope

Japanese Students

Designer: Elizabeth Rickert

Our art department adopted the Windows of Hope Service Learning Program.

The project spans the entire school year, and over 43 students have contributed to this project through various tasks.

Students have completed 25 windows depicting stories requested by residents of the Ronald McDonald House which is affiliated with the

At the annual interpretation for Sakura Matsuri dinner Japanese guests touring held by the Japan the “Masterpieces of America Society of Japanese Art” exhibit.

Greater Cincinnati, The event students juniors commemorated the Dahli Rapoport, beautiful gift of cherry Rosalyn Liou, blossom trees in Ault Tekeshi Sadachi, Park and celebrated Daisy Heppert, and their symbolic values of sophomore Peter great freindship.

McCutcheon provided

Children’s Hospital.

Students designed graphics and work each week painting scenes recounted by families at the house.

Other groups of students prepared old windows for the paintings and some typed out stories for display and organized volunteer sheets.

The end projects were a combined effort of all groups.

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

3

Devastating earthquake shakes Nepal Jenna Bao

associate editor

A

disaster in the small mountainous nation of Nepal left 7,276 dead, 14,021 injured and 130,000 homes destroyed on Apr. 25, 2015. The earthquake was Nepal’s worst natural disaster in 80 years with a 7.8 out of 10 magnitude on the Richter Scale.

The epicenter of the quake was 48 miles northwest of the largest city and capital of Nepal, Kathmandu.

Nepal is in a high risk area for earthquakes. The small country has faced a number of earthquakes, the largest one being the Great Nepal Bihar Earthquake in 1934. Since then, the question was not if there would be another large earthquake, but when.

Knowing this, the Nepali government has been attempting to improve infrastructure since the 1934 earthquake, but regulations have proved to be difficult to enforce. 80 percent of new buildings are built without engineering expertise.

Historic buildings were also damaged or destroyed, including the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural

Photo courtesy of MCT Photo Service

Organization) World Heritage site, Patan Durbar Square, which had many temples and the ancient royal palace, and the Dharahara Tower, built in 1832.

Thousands were trapped under fallen buildings and injured by falling bricks. Many have yet to receive aid, particularly those living in remote areas.

However, there have been miraculous cases like that of the 101-year-old man, Funchu Tamang, who was pulled out from the ruins of his house alive and

Earthquake Fast Facts 1. Alaska is the most earthquake prone state in the US.

4. There are four types of faults: normal, reverse, thrust, and strikeup.

2. Southern California on average has about 10,000 earthquakes a year.

5. American scientist Charles Richter invented the Richter scale in 1935.

3. A 2004 earthquake in the Indian Ocean near Indonesia triggered a series of tsunamis that killed 200,000 people in 14 countries.

6. The most powerful earthquake ever recorded on Earth was in Valdivia, Chile. It had a magnitude of 9.5 (out of 10).

Source: Random Facts

Designer: Rujula Kapoor

in stable condition a week after the earthquake, after the Nepali government had ruled out finding survivors in the ruins of the capital.

“It hasn’t really had any affect on my family [in Nepal] because we were prepared and even though the house was 70 years old, it is still standing…but I know some people who were affected and it is pretty bad. A lot of people were left homeless,” sophomore Umang Joshi said.

Matters were made worse when a second earthquake measuring a 7.3 magnitude hit on May 12, 2015.

So far, at least 76 people have died in Nepal and over 1, 986 have been injured.

“It has been devastating. Their tourism economy has obviously come to a halt…I do not know when it would be realistic for tourists to visit Nepal again,” Asia-Pacific economist Rajiv Biswas said.

Not only did the earthquake harm a devastating amount of people, it will also affect the small country’s economy, which relies heavily on the now-shattered tourism industry.

“The destruction will probably take years to repair. Right now they are mainly focused on getting things out of the way to start rebuilding,” Joshi said.

4

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

‘We’ve got to test, test, to test this out’

Ohio testing sparks controversy harsimran makkad

Web Editor-in-Chief

I

’m tired of all this testing.

There’s no point. I’d rather be in class learning something,” freshman Victor Lim said.

With the confusion overwhelming students as they take PARCC, AIR, and AP tests as well as end-of-the-year exams, one question remains clear. Is this going to continue?

Opting out

Throughout the United States, parents and students refuse to participate in the new tests that come with the federal government’s Common Core state standards.

New York has been the center of the opt-out movement. As found by The Washington Post, about 60,000 students in the state refused to take Common Corealigned tests last year.

“Chapters in 27 states have organized against testing, including holding rallies; petition

drives; showings of ‘Standardized,’ a documentary critical of testing; and sessions telling parents they have a right to keep their children from taking tests, as tens of thousands of parents around the country have done,” New York Times writer Secky Fascione said.

However, states have different policies on opting out of Common Core tests; some claim they are required while others give parents and students the right to refuse.

“There’s so much confusion going on. No one knows if we’re allowed to opt out. No one really knows anything about what’s going on,” teacher Mrs. Beth LeBlanc said.

Cutting backCuttCuttting kkasdncvafoweiajfoe

Cutting back

Parents and educators complain that the tests interrupt classroom instruction and are prone to problems because they are designed to be given online. What is being done to cut back on testing time?

Senator Jon Tester of Montana, a one-time elementary school music teacher, wants to take down the federal requirement that states should test every child every year in math and reading. He says that he will try to amend the bill that maintains this requirement.

“Students shouldn’t be spending most of their time in schools filling out bubbles. High-stakes testing is an expensive way to judge school districts and a bad way to prepare children for their future,” Tester said.

Tester’s bill would require states to test students three times in math and reading – once in elementary school, middle school, and high school.

Testing Fast facts In New York alone, nearly

60,000

$750

children opted out of PARCC testing.

Source: www.cincinnati.com

Designed by: Elijah Zawatsky

,000

,000

Of federal funding will be lost if Ohio bans the PARCC assessment.

Photo courtesy of MCT Photo Service

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG It would be up to the state or school district if they wanted to test more frequently.

Not only would this lower the amount of time spent testing, but it would also save money. In Ohio, educators spent $50 million this year to develop and administer PARCC tests statewide.

Outlook for change in Ohio

Because of the benefits of the proposed bill, Ohio’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Richard A. Ross, recently announced that 15 high-performing districts and schools were chosen by the state to participate in the Innovative Learning Pilot, a plan to change testing methods for the 2016-17 school year.

These schools will get to choose or create their own exams, but they will have to meet state standards

for rigor and will still be used for school and district report cards as well as teacher evaluations.

The pilot could impact testing policies for all Ohio schools in the future.

Locally, Finneytown Hughes STEM High School and Great Oaks Career Center are part of the pilot.

Finneytown plans to cut down the amount of PARCC testing it does since they already offer tests that measure the same skills.

School officials say that the pilot will save 117 hours of testing.

“That’s not any practice tests; that’s not any preparation; that’s

of superintendents, million spent to principals, and teachers disagree develop and administer that the time spent testing was PARCC tests in Ohio this year appropriate

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districts and schools chosen to hours participate in the Innovative Learning of testing time Pilot during the 2016-2017 school year saved on the pilot Information by Harsimaran Makkad Infogrpahic by Emily Chien

not unboxing the test itself – that’s strictly students sitting at the desk taking tests,” superintendent Tyrone Olverson said.

“For us, it’s a matter of having more time to do more teaching and learning for our students.

The teachers want more time to teach, not to test.

It’s definitely going to help with staff morale.”

“The teachers want more time to teach, not to test” Superintendent Tyrone Olverson

80%

$50

5

Repercussions

But what would it mean if Ohio backed out of PARCC? “That can be disruptive for teachers and students in that they are potentially looking at having three different assessments in three different years,” Director for Standards, Assessment, and Accountability Scott Norton said.

The state would have to find new tests to fit Ohio standards.

However, there are not many alternative assessments available.

Tests aligned with Common Core standards are supposed to measure complex thinking and problem-solving skills. Beyond filling in bubbles for multiple choice questions.

“All we [are] asking is, let us be innovative in what assessments we put forth. We don’t want any less accountability but our accountability should be the assessments that align to our curriculum,” “You’ve got 660 school systems in the state of Ohio; you can’t do a blanket [test] over all of them.”

Great Oaks superintendent Harry Snyder told Hilltop Press.

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Baltimore protests blow up

6

Max torem

ith turmoil from the shooting of Walter Scott in Charleston, SC and the ongoing Baltimore riots, people cannot help but wonder if law enforcers are enforcing racism instead of the law.

Scott, a 50 year old AfricanAmerican man, was a forklift operator in Charleston. He had served two years with the coast guard before being generally discharged in 1986 for drug related reasons. He was shot eight times in the back by Officer Michael Slager on Apr. 4, 2015.

Scott was pulled over by Slager because he had a broken taillight on the back of his car. When Scott exited his car, he attempted to run away from Slager after a brief talk.

Although Slager claimed that Scott had tried to take his taser away from him, footage from a witness showed that this did not occur.

“The cop is probably a lot faster than the guy running.

He could have tasered him and that would’ve been okay. Using lethal force was not necessary,” sophomore Alex Redwine said.

Officer Slager was charged with first degree murder and is being held in Charleston County Jail.

As for the rest of the police, 150 body cameras were ordered to be worn at all times when they are in uniform.

On Apr. 12, Freddie Gray, an African-American man who lived in Baltimore, MD was arrested for carrying a knife in his pocket.

Although Gray was in good health at the time of his arrest, Gray exited the police transport van with major injuries.

Shortly after getting out of the vehicle, Gray fell into a coma sustained from back and neck injuries during the ride. On Apr.

19, one week after his arrest, Gray died from the damages.

The death of Gray sparked the Baltimore riots. On Apr. 18 residents of the surrounding areas of where Gray lived gathered outside the Western district police station to protest.

In efforts to bring justice to the six police officers who were in the car with Gray and to ultimately end police brutality, thousands of people living in Baltimore have rioted against the police.

The city, however, is not the only thing that has been affected. The rioting got so intense that the MLB game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox was closed to the public.

The riots are spreading on a much larger scale than just sports.

These events have been addressed by President Barack Obama.

Chaos: 0

When asked for his thoughts on the situation during a White House press conference, Obama said “There’s no excuse for the kind of violence that we saw yesterday.

It is counterproductive. ... When individuals get crowbars and start prying open doors to loot, they’re not protesting. They’re not making a statement. They’re stealing. And they’re destroying and undermining businesses and opportunities in their own communities.”

The officers who injured Gray in the van were charged with second degree murder.

“It’s just sad. I grew up in the 60’s so I remember some awful things like Kent State growing up. It’s just… you’d think we would have learned from our mistakes by now,” art teacher Ms. Kat Ferguson said.

Baltimore erupts after funeral of Freddie Gray, who died of mysterious spinal injuries in police custody

fans allowed in the April 29 Orioles - White Sox game

105

W

staff writer

minutes elapsed between the end of Freddie Gray’s funeral and the beginnings of the riot

159 1968

fires have been reported as a result of the riots

the last time members of the Maryland National Guard had to be deployed, as a result of riots after the death of Martin Luther King Jr.

Photo courtesy of MCT Photo Source: Bostonglobe.com

Designer: Elijah Zawatsky

[ opinion ] THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Staff Editorial Cartoon by Esther Pittinger

Leafing through the masses: What will you miss the most over the summer?

T

he concept of being driven apart from loved ones is enough to drive anyone to tears. Seeing a family member for the last time in a while, for example, can be painful for weeks to following.

Many seniors, in the midst of their excitement for college, are beginning to feel this pain as they realize they will never again see all

I am going to miss working with my colleagues to enhance student achievement and create lesson plans that are fun and exciting.

Mrs. Johanna Gordan English Teacher

of their high school friends on a regular basis.

This experience, difficult as it may be, can be put into a positive light. Instead of being viewed as the painful separation of close friends, it can be seen as one last chance to hang out with friends before going off for a new experience.

The pain does not hit seniors nearly as hard as it does the loved ones they leave behind. Friends and family alike feel the sorrow associated with sending their young adults off into the world.

Once again, the situation must be viewed in a positive light in order to ease the distress of the situation.

Even the most tearful mother knows that her baby boy or girl will be better off going wherever they may go, no matter how much she misses his or her presence.

In the coming months, as either you or your loved ones leave the safe haven of SHS, focus on the many positives. As hard as the change may be, it is undoubtedly for the better.

I have lots of school friends that I don’t see that much outside of school, and I’ll miss seeing them for sure.

Christina Caporale, 11

I’m definitely going to miss seeing my friends eight hours a day, five days a week.

Michael Choi, 12

There are a lot of cool people you don’t get to do stuff with over the summer. I’ll miss being forced into social situations.

Benjamin Charnay, 10

8

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Nepal earthquakes unleash devastation Earthquake Damage in Nepal

First Earthquake

China

1. April 25, 2015 2. 8,019 deaths 3. 17, 866 injured

Nepal

India

4. 7.8 magnitude 5. Epicenter 48 miles northwest of Kathmandu

Minor to Very Severe Damage

Bangladesh

Source: www.sos-childrensvillages.org/news/earthquake-strikes-nepal

Map by Melinda Looney Ho

6. Unleashed an avalanche on Mount Everest

Devastation reaches family across the globe

Second Earthquake

opinion chief

1. May 12, 2015

Nathan Zhang

Q&A with Atit Pathak, 9 Q: How many family members do you have in Nepal?

A: Currently, 17 close family members reside in Nepal. Out of those 17, 12 of them live in areas that have been affected by the earthquake.

Q: Were any of your family members or friends affected by the Nepal Earthquake?

A: Most of my family in Nepal live in the city of Kathmandu, which has suffered the effects of the earthquake. The earthquake has affected the city of Lamjung and the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, the most. A lot of destruction has occurred in these two areas which has affected the people living there, including my family.

Q: How were they affected?

A: Due to the widespread destruction, many essential supplies such as running water, electricity, and food sources have been cut off. As a result, all of my family members have been forced to use supplies provided by local and international aid groups.

Although the earthquake was unable to destroy any of their homes or damage their property, they are sleeping in tents outside due to the fear of the powerful aftershocks that continue to happen.

Q: What is your reaction to the earthquake and how do you feel about it?

A: My first reaction to the earthquake was not very emotional. I was not worried because I did not understand the severity of the disaster. But as more news about it arrived, I soon learned that it was a major disaster, and many people have been affected. Although I am grateful that my family is safe from the devastating effects of the earthquake, I feel lots of sorrow for the families that have suffered losses. I know multiple people whose family members were unable to survive the earthquake. Since the beginning, more than 8,000 people have passed away, and many more are still missing or have not been heard from. Although this number brings me lots of sadness, I am glad that victims are receiving international support, which tells us that we are being heard and are not alone. With the help of multiple foreign nations, we have saved countless lives, and we are thankful for this help.

2. 71 dead in Nepal 3. 17 dead in India 4. 1,986 injured 5. 7.3 magnitude, followed by 6 aftershocks over 5.0 6. Epicenter near Namche Banzaar, near Chinese border

Design by: Jenna Bao, Emily Chien, and Rujula Kapoor Source: http://www.bbc.com

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Fear ensues in Baltimore [ column ] Kamaria Walton

beat editor I am petrified. I am petrified because I am seeing my brothers and sisters being slaughtered before me on this dimly lit television screen. I am afraid that my friends and family might be killed just for the amount of pigmentation in their skin, that my little cousins may someday be helpless and dead due to force of the police.

I do not hate the police, nor do I welcome the riots that occurred in Baltimore recently. The frenzy, the antics of the young people, the hate brought about on the police; this will not bring about the social change that is sought.

Those who are uneducated may think that cruelty against black people has only been around for the past few decades. However, this is not the case. Violence

against young black people has occurred for as long as racism has been alive.

Now, we just have video cameras and social media to help spread awareness of this.

I am angry with the people of Baltimore who went out, committing arson and provoking a disturbance. I am angry with the police for using unnecessary force on black people.

It brings my heart joy to see the people of Baltimore who went out and cleaned up the mess. It makes my day better to see that not all police are brutal to black people; the majority of them are not.

Not all black people are ‘thugs’. Not all police officers are murderers. But I am still afraid, afraid that nothing will change, and I will see my family members die on that dimly lit television screen.

Baltimore Riots

The Baltimore Riots spring from the death of Freddie Gray, an African American man who was taken into police custody and died from a spinal injury during his time there. The reason for his death is still unknown, so a peaceful protest became violent on Monday April 27.

over

200 people have been arrested

15 police officers have been injured 6 officers seriously injured up to 5000 National Guard officers called 15 structure fires 144 vehicle fires

Design by Emily Chien

Source: Washington Post

9

Second take

Josh Patterson staff writer

Watching the coverage of the Baltimore riots have reminded me of the racist undertone that still remains in America. As a society we are more focused on the bad aspects of protesting and riots than the good. It is the difference between focusing on protest or focusing on the looting and burning.

I know looting and burning are happening, but at the same time we are not focusing on the point of the issue. Six police officers arrested Freddie Gray, threw him in the back of a van, and he ended up dead.

Our police force is supposed to be well trained and able to handle situations with the utmost thought and discipline. If you are being arrested you should be able to have a trial and not end up dead in the back of a police van.

How many news casters or analysts have called the rioters “thugs”? Since when is someone who protests angrily a “thug”? Does that make the people that riot after local sports teams lose “thugs”?

These are teenage kids that have seen increasing violence toward people similar to them, and they are frustrated that the justice system has not protected them like it protects others. They do not have another outlet and this is how they choose to make their opinion heard.

I am not trying to justify violent protest, but these people feel like there is no other option. There is not a Martin Luther King Jr. out there right now. Even though there is a lot of violence, there are still a lot of people that are peacefully protesting.

Unfortunately, this does not make the news. Violence makes the news, because it is more interesting to hear about people burning things and throwing stones than someone quietly marching respectfully.

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Letter to the editor:

POST M

10

A RKE D 05-20

Photo courtesy of Anna Zhou

Yasmine Guedira freshman

Olivia Huculak freshman

lavanya konda freshman

It is frustrating using the school computers to take the PARCC test for many reasons. Typing the proof takes much longer than it would if we wrote it by hand. Some people can't even type fast which just slows them down even more.

When solving a proof with a video, the pause sign covers up the picture.

Because of this we have to play the picture over and over again to see what's given.

Half of time on the test is taken up by scrolling up to look at the given information or problem and then scrolling back down to solve it. This is even more frustrating on school computers because sometimes the mouse doesn't properly work.

The calculator blocks a majority of the screen and sometimes it goes up so you can't click the "x" button to get rid of it. Normally we would just move the calculator around but when this happens the calculator is frozen in place.

What happened to good old pencil and paper for doing math? There is a reason that most of us don't use computers for it. We are taught in class to mark our diagrams and redraw (WIDMAPOI) them when solving proofs. This however, can't

be done on the computer and even if we could it would be very time consuming. By making us take a test on the computer we are inhibited from using good problem solving and test taking strategies.

Inserting the symbols needed in proofs is time consuming and aggravating because you have to search for each one. The symbols may not even be in the category that you think it is in. When you type the symbol the format is unclear and the website marks the question wrong because it wasn't in the correct format. When a particalur student tried to check her answer with a radical sign, it marked it wrong because it wasn't in the

correct format. Unfortunately the symbol wouldn't let her type where she wanted too.

On the PARCC test, the graphing calculator was blurry. We couldn't see it very easily. The most frustrating part was that the calculator was set to radians not degrees. Not many of us have used a graphing calculator before, so we didn't now how to change it.

Because of it, most of us got a lot of problems involving trigonometric functions wrong, even though we knew how to solve the problem.

All of these frustrations make us upset and keep us from being productive and showing our knowledge on the test.

Te s t i n g G l o s s a r y PARCC- a test that causes great amounts of stress for students because of changed schedules.

Blocked Scheduling- an inconvenient schedule in which some classes are attended when others are not.

Computer- an instrument used to take tests, works about half of the time.

Done- what all students are with testing.

Design by Ben Ruskin

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

11

Is college worth it?

College tuition, adjusted for inflation

THE BIG PICTURE

THE PAYOFF

THE COST Four-year private

Median annual earnings of 25-34 year-old full-time workers

$25,000 $20,000

Bachelor’s degree

S. Korea

Two-year public

$40,000

200001

Norway

1980

most people can afford

1990

3%

don’t know

majority of people believe college was a good investment

6%

not good investment

86%

good investment

74% higher education doesn’t make work much more interesting

Source: http://pewsocialtrends.org

most college presidents don’t rate America’s education system as the best in the world

19%

55% not best in the world

best in the world

majority of people believe President Obama’s goal for the U.S. to have the world’s highest share of young adults with a college degree by 2020 is unlikely to happen

53%

51%

college high school degree diploma or less

64%

35%

not too or at all likely to happen

very or somewhat likely to happen

% of people who say each trait is important in helping a young person succeed in the world

90%

Graduate School

High School or Less

42%

% who say work is very interesting

% of people who are satisfied with their education

Some College

69%

percent of graduates who believe college provides them with intellectual growth

PUBLIC RESPONSE 72%

College Graduate

2010

percent of higher education graduates who believe college prepares them for a job

55%

Denmark Australia Belgium U.S.

2000

percent of graduates who believe college gives them maturity

75%

$20,000

High school diploma

201011

majority of people believe college has become too expensive 22%

most people can’t afford

Japan

$10,000 $5,000

199091

198081

58%

Canada

$15,000

Four-year public

Percent of 25-34 yearolds who have completed postsecondary education

41% 38% All images by Anna Zhou

61%

Good work ethic

57%

Get along with people Works skills on job

43%

College education

42% Some percentages may not add to 100 percent because not all response categories are shown

[ a&e ] THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Disney revives Star Wars

Abrams’ new trilogy reawakens force Quick Scan To learn more about the new series scan here

Photo courtesy of MCT Photos

realizing that ‘Star Wars’ is still popular, so the’re trying to cash in on that,” senior Brennon Shanks said.

Frank Oz (Yoda) will not be appearing in the new trilogy. The film begins in a village ransacked by Storm Troopers. The beginning of the movie was shot in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. CGI, or computer graphic interface, is used in most sci-fi films.

400 350 300

50 0

Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

100

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

150

Episode II: Attack of the Clones

200

Episode IV: A New Hope

250 Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

n December 21, 2012, Disney merged with George Lucas’ company, Lucasfilm.

Disney purchased the rights to the “Star Wars” franchise for around $4 billion. The seventh “Star Wars” film is scheduled for release on December 18, 2015.

“When I heard that Disney bought Lucasfilm, I was a little worried that they’d ruin my childhood by making a bad sequel.

But if it’s good, I’ll be happy,” freshman Maia Davidson said.

This new movie will start a new three-part saga. Titled “The Force Awakens”, it will be directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Disney.

Lucas is being employed as a consultant due to his expertise on the series.

“I saw ‘Super 8’ and that was by Abrams, so this will probably be good too.

I wonder if the old cast is in the new movies?” freshman Asa Hodrick said.

The main cast from previous movies will feature in some small roles, including Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Leia Skywalker, Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, and Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca.

New actors include Andy Serkis and others.

“The cinematography of ‘Star Wars’ is incredible.

The computer animation and varied locations are a big part of the ‘Star Wars’ experience,” freshman Jasmine Male said.

Filming was based in England. It began in May 2014 and lasted three months.

Like the “Star Wars” movies of old, John Williams is in charge of music again. Industrial Light and Magic will be in charge of special FX. Surprisingly, very little CGI is going to be used and instead the movies will rely on more traditional FX, according to Lucas.

The film’s release goes against the traditional May airdates. Another change is that “Episode VII” will be an IMAX film.

“I think Disney is just

Episode I: The Phantom Menace

O

staff writer

Total Box Office Gross (Million Dollars)

JACOB ENGLANDER

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

13

Beginners’ guide:

Marvel Cinematic Universe el fi lm s

staff writer

The Incredible Hulk: 2.3% Iron Man 2: 1.2%

arv

M

ite M

Thor: 3.5%

avo r

Captain America: The First Avenger: 14%

HS ’s f

The Avengers: 36%

re S

Iron Man 3: 2.3% Thor: The Dark World: 3.5%

at a

arvel Studio’s newest film The Avengers: Age of Ultron will be released May 1.

For anyone who is new to Marvel Comic movies and The Avengers, as well as those who want a pre-film refresher on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, here are the basics.

Iron Man: 10.5%

?

Claire Lefton

Wh

Captain America: The Winter Soldier: 17.4% Guardians of the Galaxy: 9.3%

Building a Universe

Marvel’s three-phase plan maps out films to be released through 2019 and develops the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Phase 1

Phase 2

• Iron Man (May 2, 2008) • The Incredible Hulk (Jun. 13, 2008) • Iron Man 2 (May 7, 2010) • Thor (May 6, 2011) • Captain America: The First Avenger (Jul. 22, 2011) • The Avengers (May 4, 2012)

• Iron Man 3 (May 3, 2013) • Thor: The Dark World (Nov. 8, 2013) • Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Apr. 4, 2014) • Guardians of the Galaxy (Aug. 1, 2014) • The Avengers: Age of Ultron (May 1, 2015) • Ant-Man (Jul. 17, 2015)

Phase 3 • • • • • • • • •

Captain America: Civil War (May 6, 2016) Doctor Strange (Nov. 4, 2016) Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (May 5, 2017) Thor: Ragnarok (Jul. 18, 2017) Black Panther (Nov. 3, 2017) The Avengers: Infinity War Part I (May 4, 2018) Captain Marvel (Jul. 6, 2018) Inhumans (Nov. 2, 2018) The Avengers: Infinity War Part II (May 3, 2019)

14

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.COM

‘Yes Please’ humors readers [ column ] HANNAH FREY

H

taylor close

staff writer

ilarious, heartfelt, and halting are all words that can be used to describe Amy Poehler’s new book “Yes Please”. This novel takes you on a tour of Poehler’s life while teaching you about your own life at the same time.

Being a comedian is an extremely helpful skill when writing a book.

Poehler utilizes this skill to near perfection in “Yes Please,” adding anecdotes to make reading about some of the heavier topics in this book enjoyable.

While talking about getting pranked by people on the “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) cast and other stories to lighten the mood, she ties these stories to important issues plaguing society such as selfesteem, being true to yourself, and taking risks.

In one of the first chapters, she points out that everyone has that voice in the back of their head telling them that they are not good enough, but the writing is done in such a humorous way that

you do not get bogged down with negativity.

Some aspects of the book felt as if they dragged on, but this was overcome by humor and the anticipation prevailed in the book.

Poehler shows us the inner workings of her friendships with fellow comedians: Seth Meyers, Tina Fey and Louis C.K. Meyers. Each guest wrote a chapter.

One extremely interesting aspect of “Yes Please” was how many times Poehler says how hard it is to write a book. When reading other memoirs, the author never discusses the process and the struggle of writing a book. Poehler’s honesty will draw you in.

While highlighting the progression of her career, Poehler also talks about growing up in a blue color family and the challenges that she had to overcome to get to where she is today.

“Yes Please” will captivate you and make you feel a deep connection with Poehler.

staff writer

‘Lane Boy’ more like lame, boy I am sure you have heard of the duo Twenty-One Pilots, whether it be from their upcoming Bunbury appearance or the recent release of singles from their new album such as ‘Fairly Local’ and ‘Tear in My Heart’.

So far the singles that have been released have each been better than the last; ‘Stressed Out’ is a stroke of pure genius. But one of the most recently released, ‘Lane Boy’, is different, even for them.

Overall, the background music is rather distracting, and it is hard to hear what lead singer Tyler Joseph is saying at some points.

Also, an instrumental break halfway through the song throws me off because of its placement.

Usually Twenty-One Pilots songs start with amazing hooks that get the listener engaged right away, but in this song I felt like it took a while to fully enjoy what the song was about.

Now, I will admit that it has been growing on me but at first, I was quite confused and disappointed in the fact that this new single did not outdo their other singles from the album so far.

On the other hand, ‘Stressed Out’ is the complete package. It has amazing vocals, catchy background music, and lyrics that will make you think and get stuck in your head during the physics test that you blame your below-average grade on.

In ‘Lane Boy’, some of the lyrics interrupt the flow of music. I think it is important to make the two run smoothly together and complement each other, but at points there is a fight for dominance.

I am still counting down the days until I can watch Joseph and drummer Josh Dun play their songs at Bunbury on June 7. And who knows, maybe by that time ‘Lane Boy’ will be my favorite.

[ cover story ] THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Out with the old

In with the new Image by Sydney Evans

16

THE LEAF |WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

We heart our seniors Nathahan Zhang

Charles harte

opinion chief

staff writer

very high school student is impacted by a senior. They help set examples and mentor their fellow high schoolers in life and other skills. I find that this is especially the case for all clubs and activities.

Being on the Varsity Gold tennis team, I have felt that my fellow senior teammates do not just make me feel like part of the team, but they also help me to improve my tennis game drastically.

“The seniors have been like older brothers to me over my three years on the team.

They've taught me so many things, and the most important of which was what it means to be an Aviator,” junior Alex Taylor said.

Although the four seniors on the tennis team (Deepak Indrakanti, Nakul Narendran, Alex Wittenbaum, and Aditya Venkitarama) will be departing June 6, they will continue to stay in touch with each other.

“Although we are leaving, we will continue to visit each other during the summer and over breaks.

The relationship bond that we have forged over the years is very strong,” Venkitarama said.

This year being their last year on the team, all four seniors hope to leave an everlasting mark that will allow them to be remembered for generations to come.

“The seniors set the tone for the level of work ethic, intensity and pride in the program. Strong seniors make for strong underclassmen. We are very fortunate to have outstanding seniors in the tennis program,” Varsity Gold coach Mike Teets said.

As a freshman, I still do not know much about high school. I do not know which classes to take, I do not know when it is ok to just have fun, I don’t even know when it is OK to go to the bathroom.

Luckily, there is always someone that does, and his name is Jonathan Rollins.

More commonly known as J-Rawls, I first met Jonathan during marching band where he was one of the drum majors. He led us (literally and figuratively) through the season, and he is a reason why I will do it again.

“He is a great guy and very dedicated to the Sycamore music program,” junior Max Rosenberg said. “He also has a sense of humor that is witty and pretty funny. Very cool dude, glad that I have gotten to know him the past three years.”

While he has not told me exactly what I should be doing in my life, he always leads by example. He is respectful when people talk, he is hilarious without being inappropriate, and he is an amazing trombone player.

“Jonathan is a great influence for the other low brass members,” sophomore Mitch Radakovich said. “He is always energetic, happy, and ready to perform.”

On May 7, the day of the final band concert, Jonathan won the John Phillip Sousa award, the highest band award that can be given to a graduating senior.

“Jonathan has been an awesome friend and an even better trombone player,” senior Natalie Miller said.

“He’s a stand-up guy, he’s hilarious, and he’s genuine. You gotta love J-Rawls.”

Ultimately, no one is more deserving of this award than Jonathan Rollins. I can say with complete sincerity that I am glad that he has been a part of the band program.

Thank you, Jonathan.

E

Photos Courtesy of McDaniel's Photography

THE LEAF |WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG What is your background relating to educational experience?

Derrick Richardson I have nine years of experience as Future vice-principal a classroom teacher, four years as an athletic director, four years as an assistant principal, and three years What are your goals for as an associate principal.

Sycamore High School?

Is there anything else you I am excited to join the would like to include?

Sycamore High School My wife's name is Tammy. We staff. Sycamore is an have two sons, Diarra (18) and awesome school with Taaj (15) who attend Mason extremely talented teachers High School. that produces highly sought after graduates. I am looking forward Q&A with to this new challenge. The most important goal for any administrator Phillip poggi transitioning into a new building is Future athletic director to study and learn the culture of that new building and begin to establish What are your goals for relationships with all stakeholders.

Sycamore?

What will you bring to SHS? My personal goals as the I will utilize the experiences and skills new Athletic Director that I have acquired as a classroom will be simple: listen, be teacher, athletic director and assistant present, be engaged. principal to help the high school In addition, we will be meet all of its goals and continue to integrating technology into our be rated excellent. programs including the launching of What brought you to SHS? a new athletic website and athletic Sycamore has a great reputation and Twitter account all coming this I was looking for a new challenge that summer! would further develop my skills as an instructional leader.

Q&A with

What will you bring to SHS? My vision for athletics will be "igniting passionate champions" more on this will come as we approach the 201516 school year as we will engage both student-athletes and coaches to expand on this mantra.

What brought you to SHS? Sycamore is one of the premiere academic districts in all of Ohio and one that can be described as a ‘destination district'. In addition, it boasts an amazing leadership team, dynamic student body, dedicated booster club and competes in one of the best athletic conferences in the state all of which will allow for a great professional growth opportunity.

I will bring passion, energy, enthusiasm, spirit and an overall excitement to Sycamore High School by building relationships with students, coaches, parents, teachers and administrators.

Is there anything else you would like to include?

I attended Maple Dale Elementary School until 3rd Grade and wore the "green and gold" as a member of a traveling baseball team through my 8th grade year! GO AVES!!!

Photos courtesy of Derrick Richardson and Phillip Poggi

Sending off siblings:

Older siblings leave for college Esther pittinger

staff writer

The vast majority of sibling relationships consist of actual affection hidden beyond a façade of arguing and disagreement, yet a sibling leaving for college often brings the aspect of friendship to the forefront (to some extent).

For some young siblings, this means becoming a kind of only child for the first time in their lifes.

For all with leaving siblings, it means the loss of a family member and quite possibly a friend.

There will always be a positive side- a new room, newly found

bathroom time, a lack of stolen food and possessions, and many will no doubt be glad to not see their sibling every day.

Yet for many who see siblings as friends as well as family, the loss of a constantly close companion may be hard to comprehend. It means no more spontaneous activities and adventures begun by walking down the hall.

The fact is, one day brothers and sisters will be a bit farther away than a walk down the hall.

So perhaps it could be worth taking advantage of that luxury of proximity while still possible.

17

Photo Courtesy of Esther Pittinger

18

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Saying goodbye Harsimran Makkad

web editor-in-chief

After 26 years at the high school, Mr. Vincent Rahnfeld announced his retirement at the start

of this year.

He first came to SHS as a music teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree from the College Conservatory of Music (CCM) and a Master’s degree in Education from Xavier.

“I had an interest in counseling from some personal experiences,” Rahnfeld said.

He enjoys the relationships and interactions he has with students and other staff members.

Throughout the years, Rahnfeld witnessed the progression of the school into what it is today.

“When I first came to Sycamore, I thought of it as an outlying country school. It sounds bad, but that’s how it was,” Rahnfeld said.

“I can still remember how one of the assistant principals was obsessed with getting the athletes leather jackets. Not many people knew much about the high school.

Now everyone knows Sycamore for its excellence in the state.”

Rahnfeld feels that the school, along with its students and teachers, is remarkable but always has the potential to be better. He will be working at Madeira next school year.

“I am excited about this opportunity. I would consider myself a life-long learner and working at a different place allows me to receive exposure to new schools and how they do things,” Rahnfeld said.

“But it’s also bittersweet. I’ve made so many friends here and have many connections with my students.”

Elizabeth Rickert

editor-in-chief

A

fter 30 years of teaching, Vice-Principal, Miss Renee Hevia, is retiring this year, bestowing some wisdom upon SHS. “I believe that school and high school has three main purposes.

One is to prepare young people for their role as being a global citizen.

Second is to help our future young adults be compassionate and have empathy. Third is to help students with their studies and apply their creativity."

“I think it’s important for kids to live out their imagination, not their history. What I mean by that is that if there has been a failure or issue somewhere to not let it define them,” Hevia said.

One new Vice Principal has been announced: Mr. Derek Richardson

BROOKE LANDRUM

A

editor-in-chief

fter three years of teaching history at SHS, Miss Jennifer Hester is leaving our staff.

Hester will be moving to Colorado in the pursuit of a new adventure in the form of marrying her fiancé.

Hester is sad to be leaving but plans to move back East in the future.

Although Hester has only been with Sycamore schools for a short time, she holds many fond memories of her time as a teacher and a coach of Soccer and Lacrosse.

“Hosting three veterans and members of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen was a memorable experience because

from Middletown High School. The other has yet to be decided.

“If I could tell the next principal one thing, it would be that we have a wonderfully fantastically diverse student body that is the heart and soul of this place along with the staff. So as long as they have their heart in the right place and are open to creating new experiences for everyone, I think Sycamore High School will be even better than it is,” Hevia said.

“I loved going to the play 'Aida.'

That play was absolutely fabulous.

Our theatre program is fantastic.

That was a memorable show for me.

I have fond memories of coaching the JV softball team,” Hevia said.

All of SHS will miss Renee Hevia.

She has worked hard and has served our community well.

“Miss Hevia has been so great to our class. It’s weird to think that we’ll be graduating without her.

I know that I and the rest of the junior class will greatly miss her and the other retiring faculty,” junior Mackenzie McMullen said. the students could interact directly with American History. One guest speaker truly connected with our students through his storytelling,” said Hester.

Hester is leaving behind a tradition, the communist game, played by academic American history students while learning about the Cold War and has become an instant favorite.

Hester won the Blue AshMontgomery Rotary Club Educator of the Year Award, nominated by Robert Stevens, President of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the Freedoms Foundation. " In the nomination letter, Mr. Stevens also elaborated on my passion for American History and my tendency to dress up in costume representing the eras we study," said Hester.

[ feature ]

B

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

eauty holds new weight ody size holds different meaning around world

Melinda Looney Ho

T

staff writer

he Kuna Indians in Panama consider women with short hair and a wide golden ring around their nose to be beautiful. The rings symbolize that a girl is ready to marry and that she has wealth.

“I know that in America a tall, slim, blonde woman is considered the ideal beauty standard,” freshman Lalitha Konda said.

Tall, slim, blonde women might be the standard of beauty in the US, yet Colombians prefer voluptuous, curvy and tanned females.

In Korea, Japan, China, and other Asian countries, women desire a pale-colored face.

In more recent years, western beauty beliefs are also influencing Asia’s concept of beauty. Many

Asians now desire a double eyelid and a nose bridge versus their traditional mono-lids and rounder noses.

People are willing to spend thousands of dollars every year on products and procedures such as plastic surgery to be seen as more beautiful.

Being skinny is popular and encouraged by industries such as Korea’s pop music industry. Some Korean female idols are required by their agency to eat only one meal a day consisting of a couple pieces of tofu to stay slim.

Just like in Korea, plastic surgery is becoming main stream in Latin America. Latin American women find the nicest figure to be a curvy one. Many get butt and breast implants aiming for the hourglass

Summer snacks

“They believe the chubbier a woman is the wealthier her family is”

Noodles and Co.

Chipotle Chipotle has made a commitment to use organic, hormone and antibiotic-free meat, and produce from local suppliers. There is the option to get a burrito bowl and skip the extra calories and carbs.

McDonalds

An average meal from McDonald’s can have over 1,500 calories and over 70 grams of fat. This may seem bad, but not all fast food is this unhealthy.

figure. In some places in Africa they find fat women the prettiest.

“Mauritian women are lauded for gaining weight to the point that young girls have been sent by their parents to camps where they forced them to eat 15,000 calories a day,” online writer Natasha Burton said.

They believe the chubbier a woman is, the wealthier her family is.

Also, surprisingly in Africa they think lighter-skinned people are ideal, yet light skinned individuals make up less than 9% of the African population.

“Looks provide more than just attractiveness. They often symbolize societal statuses, such as wealth, age, sexual maturity and the readiness for marriage,” journalism major Janey Dike said.

Although beauty standards vary, everyone has their own unique features and beauty. It is up to each individual to decide how they want to see beauty.

Panera

Noodles and Company has their calories listed on their menu and many of their pastas are healthier than a burger joint and have more nutrients.

Many of their sandwiches are less than 500 calories and there are half-sandwiches offered for a lighter choice. Panera also offers salads and soups that have fewer calories and great taste.

The danger zone at Panera is the pastry counter.

20

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Bohemian fashion frees spirits emily tyler staff writer

Summer marks the start of new trends in fashion, and the revival of bohemian style is being featured at music festivals and summer lines in both affordable and designer stores. Here are suggestions for what for buy and where to buy it to live a simple and chic lifestyle.

Is it bohemian?

-Breathable fabric -Bright colors -Big, chunky jewelry --Sandals -Rococo prints and trims -Loose clothing

Places to buy bohemian clothin g:

Vintage or bohemian clothes can be expensive, but here are physical and onli ne stores that will not break the bank.

-Gypsy Outfitters (gypsyoutfitters.com) -Forever 21 (forever21.com) -ModCloth (modcloth.com/shop/boho-style) -Francesca’s (francescas.com) -Threadsence (threadsence.com)

D I Y: F l o w e r C r o w n Supplies:

-silk flowers -wire cutters -thick brown floral wire -thin green floral wire -floral tape or ribbon (optional)

Process: 1. Take the brown floral wire and cut it into a circle that fits a little loose

on your head. This will be your base.

2. Plan the arrangement of the flowers before attaching them. Once

you are happy with the arrangement, wrap green floral wire around the base of the flowers, then wrap the green wire around the base of the crown. For larger flowers, you can wrap the wire around the green base under the flower.

3. Continue to arrange flowers to your bohemian soul’s content. You can go all the way around the crown, just around the front, or around 3/4 of the base.

4. If you wish, you can wrap ribbon or floral tape around the part of the

base that is still exposed.

5. Put on a bohemian style dress and run barefoot through a field of wildflowers to maximize bohemian spirit.

Source: kellimurray.com

Designed by Emily Tyler

21

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Bohemian look book: Wh ohwa tt ot owwe ae ra ri ta n d +

Flowery or lacy romper

+

Lace-up sandals

+ Loose tank top with simple design

+ Crochet Shorts

+ Printed maxi dress

Understated hat

Statement Necklace

+ Ballet shoes

Knuckle ring

Designed by Emily Tyler

22

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Power of Hacking Cyber-crime more sophisticated, dangerous, than ever

ben young

x

F

Staff Writer

or good or for bad, the internet has let us do incredible things.

In the decades since its birth, it has transformed from a complex invention of the technological elite into a tool as everyday and ubiquitous as radio or the television.

With all the ways that the internet and computers have changed the way the world operates, the question is raised of how the internet has kept up with one of its biggest threats: cyber crime.

In short: it has not. When one looks with a critical eye, it becomes clear that, even when we use every safeguard possible, we are still vulnerable to the most malicious, and hard to trace, crimes of recent memory.

Like it or not, there are many ways one could be vulnerable to malicious attacks of the cyber kind, both in the near future or the present day.

WHAT CAN HACKERS DO TO YOU? Glossary •

•

Want to keep safe from hackers?

1. Use Passphrases: Unlike passwords, passphrases contain full sentences and phrases instead of simply words, making them harder to guess by a hacker.

QR CODE HERE

Want to know more?

Scan here

x

DDos Attack: An attack to make a internet service unavailable to its users, usually by overloading it with traffic.

Malware: Software that disrupts the regualr function of a computer

Ransom: Data Held Hostage • In some cases, a hacker can capture one’s own data, and hold it hostage from its owner.

• A recently resurgent variety of malware (Malicious Software) Ransomware, does just that.

• Entering the computer through infected software, it restricts access to functions of

Raided: Your Life Rendered • Across all devices, from PCs to smartphones, cameras are now a widespread inclusion.

• As a result, malicious software has been developed to spy on unprotected cameras, one of these being ‘PlaceRaider’.

• With the potential to be installed in camera based apps, the malware can discreetly

x

take pictures with the users camera while in normal use. From them, it constructs a detailed threedimensional render of your house or any place where it activates. It also deactivates the speaker so as not to play the camera noise.

Denial: The DDoS Attack • Distributed Denial of Service Attack.

• These attacks, in essence, aim to render a computer or sever inoperable by sending so much fake traffic and information that the system is crippled from overwork for the attacks’ duration.

• What’s so scary?: A DDoS Attack is one of the most basic attacks a hacking party can perform. “It’s about as easy to execute as it is to buy a T-Shirt from Walmart.

x

the computer, such as seeing certain documents or even turning on the computer, until a ransom is paid to the creator of the software.

• Safegaurds: In the end, it is important to always keep backups of your work on multiple devices.

x

It’s almost funny how cheaply and efficiently you can completely cripple a site. But the software to stop it will cost several hundreds of dollars, and it might not even work.” said junior, Christian Turner • SOURCE: OVH

[ fun&games ]

BROOKE LANDRUM Editor in Chief

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20| SHSLEAF.ORG

Riddles

DDDD Days DDDD Nights LATE 2 LATE

Bla fill nk

Forty days and nights, Too little too late, Fill in the blank

Wordle

1. What occurs once in a minute, twice in a moment and never in one thousand years?

2. You walk into a room with a match, a kerosene lamp, a candle, and a fireplace. Which do you light first?

3. If I have it, I do not share it. If I share it, I do not have it. What is it?

1. The letter ‘M,’ 2. The match, 3. A secret

Spot the Difference Find the five differences between the pictures.

1: Border on right poster is missing 2: Poster in trophy case has disappeared 3: Cup behind poster was removed 4: Peace signs are missing 5: The black box no longer has a note on top

24

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Volleyball spikes through season [ column ] Hannah may

W sports chief

hen one thinks of sports at SHS, men’s volleyball tends to be overlooked.

However, varsity coach Brady Schuler has high hopes for the upcoming championship season.

“I want to go to the state regional semi-finals so we can take on a Catholic school. Catholic schools [in Cincinnati] are notoriously known for having really strong volleyball and I would love to take one of those teams down,” coach Schuler said.

Schuler coached JV for three years and is currently in his third year of coaching the Varsity team. He played volleyball at the Ohio State University and was a professional sand volleyball player.

The team will compete in the GMC tournament as well as the state tournament.

“[The team] has done pretty well.

Against the top teams in our league we played really strong. Against some of the weaker teams, I don’t know if we took a break that day, but it seems like we didn’t play to our full potential,” Schuler said.

Cincinnati Enquirer All Stars

“I really underestimated how much I would enjoy it [coaching]” - Schuler

Sophomore Kevin Berghoff readies himself to hit the ball. Berghoff is on the varsity team. Photo by McDaniel’s photography.

The winter athletes who earned “The Cincinnati Enquirer All Star” status are as follows: Wrestling: • Junior Gary Traub was 47-2 and finished fourth in the state Swimming: • Senior Mark Hancher finished third in the state in the 100 fly with a time of 49.64 seconds Hockey: • Junior Jason Beaudry had 20 goals and 16 assists • Sophomore Richard Nardi had 20 goals and 16 assists • Senior Reese Allison team captain; 5 goals 10 assists • Senior Donald Hosea was a defenseman and played in 33 games with 1 goal and 4 assists Designed by Hannah May Information by Staff

Boxing out batterer

lauren kurtzer

associate editor

The so-called fight of the century between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, was a major disappointment. The large buildup from both sides made the actual fight worse. It exploited both boxers’ lives outside the ring making it hard to watch.

Mayweather, the undefeated champion, was a popular prefight pick. As a person, I did not want him to win.

He has a history of domestic violence with seven incidents involving five women and they all led to a citation or an arrest.

Some of these women are the mothers of his kids.

For him to be the face of boxing and have this as part of his life is not a good image for the sport, especially since they do not have a union.

If he is going to be a star of boxing, then he should have a cleaner image that the world will see and want to root for.

The public wants a good guy to watch. Peyton Manning, Mike Trout, and Stephen Curry, are the stars of their respective leagues. These men post on social media posing with fans, their family and they have foundations supporting charities and organizations.

Those are the people you want to root for; I want them on my team.

As a sports fan, I am of course interested in the players’ stats and on-field production. However, who they are as a person and feeling connected to the people that we watch for hours is an important aspect of sports to me.

With Mayweather, I find it hard to root for a man convicted of domestic violence despite his undefeated record.

25

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Baseball swings through 2015 Freshman Baseball

HANNAH MAY sports chief

david wertheim sports chief

• Post season results: Loss in first round to Fairfield 19-2 • Record: 7-13 (including postseason) • Head Coach: Scott Fritz

The freshman baseball team consisted of 15 players. They started off the season winning two straight games. However they then went on to lose seven out of eight games before winning their next three games.

“We battled all year, and it was fun, I think things turned out pretty well for us,” freshman Alex Thornberry said.

Varsity Baseball • • • • • • • • •

ERA leader: Senior Casey Elsbrock (1.00) Wins leader: Freshman Jacob Kotzin (3 wins) Strikeout leader: Kotzin (20 strikeouts) BA leader: Senior Sam Fredette (.345) RBI leader: Fredette (19) At Bat leader: Sophomore Jake Borman (62 at bats) Post season results: Lost in 1st round to Anderson 4-2 Record: 6-19 (including postseason) Head coach: Chris Shrimpton Glossary ERA: Earned run average, BA: Batting average, RBI: Runs batted in

• Post season result: Loss in 1st round to Lakota West 12-0 • Record: 5-17 (including postseason) • Head coach: Rob Friedhoff • Assistant coach: Tom Cassidy Sophomore Nick Wade, the starting catcher for the JV team was pulled up to Varsity and batted .250. There were five freshmen who played at the JV level this season: William LaRoche, Zach Milikien, Mitchell Louis, Kyle Fehr and Jonny Bothen.

“We have a really solid group of freshmen, so I expect things to just get better moving forward,” Louis said.

All Photos by McDaniel’s Photography

Junior Varsity Baseball

26

THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Sprinting towards the finish: Track season ends on a high note Meredith Gottliebson staff writer

Meghan DiGiovanna staff writer

Imagine sprinting ahead, your On the distance side, there is a lungs exhausted and your entire body sizable and very talented JV bench, aching to stop, but seeing the finish with a sub-five minute mile club of line just ahead and knowing that this 11 non-varsity athletes. is your last shot to give it all you have Although not all team members got. are able to compete in GMC’s or This is exactly how many members state, the team is supportive of one of the track team will feel as they another and have created lasting face their last shot at proving their friendships that will make saying worth as a team in the upcoming goodbye and leaving seniors a championship meets. tough endeavor.

“The track team so far has “[Everyone] on our team is so performed very well with various nice and it’s so fun. I’d say track [personal records] and school is an individual sport but I like records, I have had a lot of fun,” when everyone just cheers on freshman Noa Atkins said. another person running or you set As the regular season comes a [personal record] in your event,” to a close the team has begun to Sophomore Hikari Hatase said. prepare for the upcoming JV and Varsity Greater Miami Conference Championships and is hopeful to have multiple Varsity team members qualify for state.

Some of the team’s brightest hopes for state placers include: senior Rose Menyhart in the 3,200 meter run, senior Victoria Swart and junior Benjamin Pendergast in pole vault, and the 4x800 as well as the 4x100 relay teams.

“Now we are just counting down the days for GMCs where our talents will reach new heights,” Atkins said.

In preparation for the upcoming GMC championships the top three JV and top two Varsity runners in each event, as well as relays, have been practicing handoffs, training hard, and perfecting their strides.

All events this season have their stars and each has been bringing in the points to help win meets for both Sophomore Julia You takes the curve the boys and girls teams throughout in a stride as she races towards the the season. finish. The compression socks she is “[The high jump team is] wearing are often used by runners developing consistency and to help alleviate shin pain. The team significantly contributing to team is all working to keep their bodies scores and mostly they are having healthy. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s fun,” jump coach Janet Boyle said. Photography.

[ column ]

DAVID WERTHEIM

sports chief

A letter to...

Dear Patriots, You deserve this. Everything that is happening, you brought unto yourself. After Bill Belichick spied on the New York Jets, you have been billed as a cheater. And for the longest time, I supported you.

Unfortunately for you, you aren’t dealing with me; you are dealing with the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell.

You knew this was going to happen. Remember, everyone ALWAYS gets caught. People think they can get away with it, like Richie Incognito and Adrian Peterson but no, they always get caught in the end. Your pretty-boy star quarterback got caught too, and you paid the price for it big time.

I know that a million dollars is like a slap on the wrist for you, but the loss of a 1st round pick in 2016 and a 4th in 2017, not to mention Mr. Brady’s four game suspension to start the season should be enough for you to not do this again.

If you have to cheat to win, are you really a winner at heart? Even though there is no proof as to whether or not deflated balls are easier to throw, just the fact that you stepped all over the integrity of the game is unforgiveable.

Your fans may have handcuffed themselves together in the lobby of the NFL offices and they may have started a “No Brady no Banner” campaign but I hope it does not work. I hope you learn your lesson and stop cheating once and for all.

Maybe, you could even speak out against cheating! What a novel idea!

So suck it up. Fix this. Make it right.

Sincerely, NFL Fans

[ spotlight ] THE LEAF | WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Plans too big for land

Junior eager for summer adventure and chasing passion

Lauren shassere

W

spotlight chief

hat are your plans for summer? To this question many would respond with explanations of either their plans to travel and vacation with their friends or family or things they will be doing around Cincinnati like working or going to the pool.

However some like junior, Oksana Schornak, plan on spending their summer looking to their futures, whether through college visits, internships, or camps that highlight their dream occupations.

This summer Schornak will attend a research and study program in Belize for eight days.

There she will learn all about what it means to work with aquatic animals. Aspiring to become a veterinarian when she grows up,

Scientifically named Delphinapterus leucas, the buluga whale is currenly an endangered species and placed on the IUCN redlist. Beluga lovers like Schornak hope to see the belugas make a comeback and build back there once strong numbers, “It’s sad that such a beautiful creature is in a situation like that but when I was at the aquarium where I met a real life beluga, there are teams trying to save them. Not only are the belugas there in the aquarium for show, they are there to help breed and keep the population from decreasing,”Schorak said. Here a beluga whale shows in return his love for her, giving her a cheek kiss.

Photo courtesy of Oksana Schornak

Schornak hopes to gain insight into whether or not her focus would be on aquatic animals.

“My favorite animal is a beluga whale and I was lucky enough to have an encounter with one last summer. It was truly a breath taking experience. I’ve always had such a love for animals and will never forget the connection I felt being face to face with this endangered species,” Schornak said.

Alongside her ability to connect with animals on such a personal level, this ambitious junior spends her free time working on another passion, her art. Winning a gold and silver key for her pieces submitted to the Scholastic Art Awards, her talent truly speaks for itself.

“I have spent countless hours

after school working on my art in the past, whether it’s actually at school or painting at home. Art really helps me express who I am and what is important to me, even better than words can at times,” Schornak said.

Schornak has worked on a variety of different art forms such as photography as well as painting in her independent art. Next year she plans on focussing even more on her photographic skills in AP photo.

Often honing in on her passions through artwork, Schornak creates work with themes such as 70’s style and animal life. One of her favorite pieces was a watercolor painting of a beluga whale. Connecting her dream and her passion the painting stands as a symbol of her future and her potential to do great things, not only with aquatic animals but with any creature who is in need.

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