November Issue of The Sycamore Leaf by Sycamore High School

the Senior Halloween more treat than trick

page 8

page 4 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2010 | VOLUME LVIII ISSUE 4 | 7400 CORNELL RD. CINCINNATI, OHIO 45242, 513.686.1770 EXT. 3089

photo by mcdaniels photography

Varsity boys soccer team enjoys historic season brandonSOSNA

editor-in-chief, sports chief

he Regional Finals loss stung. They cried. They cried some more. Quietly, some even felt it was all for naught. In retrospect, the team never should have advanced so far. Their fifth place finish in the Greater Miami Conference (GMC) was the very definition of mediocrity. To many, their success came as more of a surprise than anything else. But the seed of greatness was planted long ago, well before the tournament even began. The foundation was laid not in what they achieved in one month, but years prior, on the path they travelled to reach the goal. The road was bumpy – littered with challenges and obstacles. In rallying themselves they rallied a community.

It was as miraculous as it was strenuous, as unbelievable as it was historic. It was a perfect storm.

Senior superlatives

One week before the Glen Este match, the team found themselves pondering what had gone wrong. As they waited out a rain delay at Fairfield, already trailing 1-0 just a few minutes in, they knew their season was slipping away. They had to make a change. “We realized we needed to come together and put everything we had into it, or we would not have a successful season,” said Max Riehemann, 12. The lesson learned did not benefit them on that day. Fairfield captured a GMC Championship after defeating SHS. The players watched as the Indians celebrated. They saw what could have been. “As we watched the student sec-

tions from Fairfield storm the field to celebrate, chanting “GMC,” it finally hit home for us. We knew from that point forward that it was going to be us celebrating, not the opponent,” said Robert Stein, 12. The squad went on to win the next six games. “The seniors created a team chemistry that was lacking earlier in the season. The team was no longer separate entities,” said Coach Scott Sievering. They tapped into a resource that had previously been untouched: the camaraderie the seniors had spent their whole lives forming. The core group had been playing together since they were eight. Riehemann and Stein, along with Jeff Wolkoff, 12, Michael Jervis, 12, Michael Tufts, 12, and Matt Hill, 12, began their careers together on the Sycamore Arsenal U8 squad. They were Arsenal club team members through

the U13 year, at which point some of them moved on to play for Cincinnati United Premier. Eventually they found themselves once again united, this time at the varsity level. It took some time, but finally it all came together. No one enjoyed the postseason achievements like the seniors. The meaning of it all was immeasurable and unquantifiable. “It was everything. I came into this year not wanting three silver medals, because I had two from the two previous years being District Runner Up, and I got that gold, and there was nothing more satisfying than putting it over top the two silver medals,” said Riehemann.

More like ‘Prime Time’

He plays soccer. He plays football. (He also writes clever headlines, including the one above.)

It took just one week for ‘Stein Time’ to engrave his name in the history of SHS athletics. One day after notching the winning assist on a Wolkoff goal to beat Springboro, Stein kicked a game winning 30-yard field goal to beat Mason in the Battle for the Skies. It was Senior Night and he sent everyone home happy. Days later, Stein struck again, as he scored another game winner, this time a goal to beat Moeller in the Regional Semi-Final. What have you done lately? Perhaps more remarkable than any in-game achievement is the fact that he played two fall sports at the same time, spending months shuttling back and forth between football and soccer practices. He was physically distressed. But he

>> See page 17 for a

look into the season

Concussions cause continuous concern

Students discuss effects of multiple concussions michaelSAXON

staff writer

& brandonSOSNA

editor-in-chief, sports chief

According to the Sports Science segment on ESPN, a helmet to helmet collision in football is equal to taking a sledgehammer to the head. Do not test that at home. As the awareness to concussions is growing, the extreme and sometimes fatal effects of the head trauma continue to plague the nation. The concern has skyrocketed recently in the National Football League, as a slew of vicious hits have resulted in many severe injuries. More and more, former and current

CALENDAR 2

players are expressing their anxiety over life after football. College and high school level athletes are experiencing much of the same apprehension, as two tragic incidents occurred during games. Rutgers defensive lineman Eric LeGrand now faces the stark truth that he may never walk again, as he embarks on a long rehabilitation process, hoping to defeat all odds. Nathan Stiles was not so lucky. A senior and Homecoming King at Spring Hill High School in Kansas, the soon-to-be 18-year old died after suffering a concussion during a football game. He collapsed on the sidelines and passed away shortly thereafter. Stiles had suffered a concussion just weeks earlier. The tragic death calls into question the true impact of the injury and the time needed for recovery. SHS is not immune to the harmful effects of concussions. Donald “DJ” Edgington, 9, was

NEWS 3

SNAPSHOTS 4

playing basketball for his Catholic team, Our Lady of Sacred Heart. During a game, he dove on the ground for a loose ball against another player. In the midst of the scuffle, Edgington’s head was slammed against the ground, leaving him unconscious for the next three minutes. As it turns out, this would be one of his four diagnosed concussions. When describing a concussion, Mr. Perry Denehy, Athletic Trainer at SHS, likes to use the term “a bruising to the brain”. The brain is surrounded by a liquid that separates it from the inside of the head. During an immediate blow or strike to the skull, the brain can move forward or backward through the liquid and hit the inside of the head, thus damaging the brain. As one might suspect, this can be very painful, especially on a hard, wooden basketball court. Edgington’s first concussion happened when he was only seven-yearsold playing football. He suffered from two when he was 11 years old, and

FORUM 5-9

FEATURE 10-12

one when he was 14 in a car accident. Although these were the only concussions he was diagnosed with, Edgington feels he has definitely had others. In his mind (no pun intended), the total number of concussions he has suffered from accumulates to an astonishing total of seven. Doctors placed many limitations on Edgington’s activities After the basketball concussion, Edgington was in the hospital for a month. Doctors asked him a series of questions and performed a few CT scans to determine if he had a concussion. He then went to rehab to retrieve his coordination. Edgington ended up missing most of his sixth grade year because it was too hard to pay attention in class. “I couldn’t focus on the schoolwork, but my teachers were cool enough to

>> See page 18 for Steve

Froh’s concussion stories FUN & GAMES 13

A&E 14-16

image by jimmy chau

A CONCUSSION IS CAUSED by the brain striking the inside of the skull. Recent studies have found that concussions are a lot worse than first thought.

SPORTS 17-19

SPOTLIGHT 20

Calendar

Friday,November 19, 2010

sunday

monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday

kelcieGREGA

calendar chief

Academic Quiz Team vs. Oak Hills 4 p.m.

Boys Bowling vs. Oak Hills @ Western Bowl 3:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball vs. Middletown 7:30 p.m. SHS Event: Battle of the Bands 7:30 p.m.

Girls and Boys Bowling Holiday Classics @ Western Bowl 10 a.m. Girls Basketball vs. Fairfeild 2 p.m. ACT Test

Holiday: Hanukkah begins

0 6

Famous Birthday: Walt Disney

SHS Event: 11-12 Parent Financial Aid Meeting, 7 p.m.

Boys Bowling vs. Goshen @ Eastgate 3:30 p.m.

Famous Birthday: Frank Sinatra

Boys Basketball vs. Aiken 7:30 p.m.

Chess Team vs. Lakota West 7:30 p.m. SHS Event: Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m. Interims Reports Distributed

SHS Event: Battle of the Bands 7 p.m.

GirlsBasketball vs. Mason 7:30 p.m.

GirlsBasketball vs. Oak Hills 7:30 p.m.

SAT Test

US Govt AP Exam Registration

Boys Bowling vs. Middletown 3:30 p.m.

Girls Basketball vs. Middletown 2 p.m.

US Govt AP Exam Registration

Holiday: Kwanza begins

Girls Basketball vs. Lakota East 2 p.m.

Girls Basketball vs. Fairfeild 7:30 p.m. US Govt AP Exam Registration

Boys Basketball vs. Fairfield 7:30 p.m.

Famous Birthday: Ozzy Osbourne Boys Basketball vs. Indian Hill 7:30 p.m. SHS Event: Variety Show 7:30 p.m.

saturday

Chess Team vs. Lakota East 7:30 p.m.

Holday: New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

Holday: Christmas Day

December

news

friday, november 19 , 2010

photo courtesy of manuel gutierrez

Senior, Manuel Gutierrez, honored by National Hispanic Recognition Program

image courtesy of altavista.com

A HAITIAN MALE looks over the rubble in a slum in a village. Following January’s catastraphic earthquake, Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, has continued to struggle even more than usual. This tense situation was recently compounded by Hurricane Tomas.

Haitians suffer from new devastations

Nation stuggles through second catastrophe sheaLOTHROP

staff writer

ohn Frey, owner of a Cincinnati- based electric company, has left his wife, Linda, and two kids, Ryan and Nikki, to visit Haiti six times. “The first time I went to Haiti was in 2000. It was the worst thing I had ever seen. There was open sewage everywhere. Kids were bathing and even brushing their teeth in the sewage water. It smelled like burning charcoal. I wasn’t allowed out of the compound I was working at unless we were being driven somewhere,” said Frey. We all remember the breaking news on Jan. 12, 2010 when Haiti was hit by an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0. This time around, Mother Nature threw a curveball. Haiti was hit by a hurricane, Hurricane Tomas.

natural disaster,” said Frey. The hurricane commenced mudslides and flooding that demolished nine hundred homes and damaged five thousand. To make matters worse, on Oct. 21, Haiti announced its first cholera outbreak in decades. According to the Latin American News Dispatch, the cholera outbreak has left 9,000 people hospitalized and has killed over 500. The flooding triggered by the hurricane is an alliance with the spread of cholera. “It doesn’t surprise me about the outbreak. The water there is so filthy. It won’t keep me from going again, I’m going in January. It’s a shame that there is an outbreak because the people in Haiti are extremely nice. They want to help you and do everything they can do to make you feel comfortable. They even try to learn English so that they can communicate with you,” said Frey.

Hurricane Tomas

Haiti was collided with a tropical depression, which later turned into a tropical hurricane. The nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince was the epicenter of the hurricane. Now, it is in shambles more than ever. Haiti was nowhere close to thoroughly recovering from the corruption done by the earthquake when Hurricane Tomas struck. “One of the times I went was in 2009. Compared to my first trip, it seemed as if the air was cleaner and the atmosphere was better. Then I went in March of 2010 and everything went backwards. Haiti was worse than it was in 2000,” said Frey. This was the first hurricane, or any natural disaster, to befall the country of Haiti since the devastating earthquake.

Cholera in wake of quake

Compared to the quake, Hurricane Tomas was barely a catastrophe. Nonetheless, there was still damage. According to AFP News, at least 20 people were killed. “It seems like year after year Haiti is hit with another

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It [the situation] must be devastating for the natives there.

Ade Oyenuga, 11 The Haitians need a lot of help from organizations like the Red Cross.

Anna Bailey, 10

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Do you want your advertisement in The Sycamore Leaf? Information available at (513) 686-1770 ext. 3089 or jardinec@sycamoreschools.org.

THE NATIONAL HISPANIC Recognition Program was established in 1983 to honor outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students. Manuel Gutierrez, 12, was selected for this program because of his exceptional SAT scores and high GPA. Gutierrez is the first SHS student to win this prestigious award.

Marching season ends on positive note

Members receive impressive scores at competitions emilyBEGLEY

staff writer

Following innumerable hours of dedicated practice executed by members both during and after school, the marching band season recently came to a close. Senior members of the band were recognized for their consistent hard work and commitment at their final football game on Oct. 29. Attention was directed to seniors at the beginning of half time, and their parents at the 50 yard line, as their name and position in the band were announced. Following the ceremony, the band performed their show, entitled ‘Who Are You?,’ for the final time in front of their student audience.

Colerain Midstates

The band participated in the first of two consecutive contests on Oct. 30 – the Midstates competition hosted by Colerain High School. The group was one of a total of 22 bands that took part in the event. SHS received awards for Best Guard and third place in their class. They were additionally one of the ten groups chosen to participate in the final round of the competition. Scores received in the preluding round were not necessarily permanent – each judge was assigned a different area to score. Members took home the award of fifth place overall. “Our finals performance at Colerain was one of the best shows we ever had. It’s too bad our score didn’t go up,” said McKenzie Morgan, 12.

OMEA State Final

Following their performances at the Colerain Midstates event, the marching band travelled to the Welcome Center in Dayton, Ohio to take part in the OMEA State Final Marching Band Competition on Oct. 31. At this event, bands did not directly compete against each other–each group was given a rating to describe their performance. SHS made a strong impact on judges with their show– they were one of the few bands of the day to receive the highest possible score of one, indicating a ‘Superior’ performance. “I was so excited that we were the only band to win superior and that we got Best Guard. I think we did really well at both competitions,” said Bailey Dowlin, 12. After achieving impressive scores at their competitions, members are satisfied to see their hard work pay off. “I’m so excited for the end of the season, but sad at the same time,” said Kim Seymour, 12.

Snapshots

Friday, November 19, 2010

Scaring off senioritis

Senior Halloween

photo courtesy of jeremy mcdaniel photo courtesy of jeremy mcdaniel

janeFINOCHARO

staff writer

SENIOR HALLOWEEN, WHICH took place on Oct. 22, was a huge success compared to previous years. Though the administration had threatened to cancel Senior Halloween, they were very impressed by the behavior of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seniors. CLOCKWISE: Seniors Josh Toney, Martin Rixe, and Kyle Korn won a group award for their costume as Jacob, Bella, and Edward from the Twilight series. Corinne Hirotsu, 12, and Eliot Schwartz, 12, won an award for their Popsicle costume. The costume had velcro on the side so that they could detach, and they even had jokes written on the sides of their legs. Seniors Lindsey Johnson, Caroline Pineo, and Corinne Peters won cutest group for their costume as the soldiers from Toy Story. They posed in various places throughout the hallways during the day. Ravi Sheth, 12, won an award for his fire alarm costume, which actually made noise and had blinking lights.

image by jane finocharo

photo courtesy of jeremy mcdaniel

Forum

Friday, November 19, 2010

gabeENGLANDER

associate editor

Getting tough on snow days

staffeditorial

hey were Regional Semifinalists. They were District Champions. They advanced further than any other soccer team in SHS history. They were featured in The Cincinnati Enquirer. The accolades are infinite, but to the boy’s varsity players, chief among them: fan support. It could have been anything. For the seniors, it could have been going out on top. For others, it may have been playing a role in something truly special. No. It was something simple, something easy: fan support. And it means a lot more than one might think. “The feeling of walking into school every day and knowing everyone was on our side and supporting us during our run was a great feeling. Walking down the halls and everyone saying nice goal or good game – it just made us want to keep winning,” said Jeff Wolkoff, 12. There were no requirements of being a soccer fan or an avid sports enthusiast. All it took were some SHS students ready to be inspired, ready to support something great, and ready to follow wherever destiny drove the team. “It was unreal, especially for high school soccer, to have the kind of fan support we had. We had people come out to support us

the Sycamore

leaf

leafing through the masses

who had probably never seen a soccer game before,” said Robert Stein, 12. It is time for SHS to embrace all of its athletes. There exist sports beyond Bud Acus Alumni Field and the football team. The basketball programs, the lacrosse programs, the hockey programs, etc. are all quality products. Even the SHS Quiz Team and Chess Team, which are probably most influential in SHS’ high standing in the Greater Miami Conference (GMC) All-Sports Trophy rankings, need and deserve just as much support. When students show up to support one another, the meaning is immeasurable to the athletes. Everyone wants the audience and attention. “It was amazing. It just made it that much more special. The feeling of playing in a game, having all that support, because there is nothing better than that feeling at the end of the game and hugging everybody right at that front fence. And that’s one of the biggest things I am going to miss – never being able to play in front of my friends again like that,” said Max Riehemann, 12. They are proud of what they do. They work hard to perfect their craft. They, the athletes, have earned our respect. Our loyalty.

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.

Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242

What moment in boys’ soccer this year has been the most memorable to you?

Robert Stein’s, 12, first goal against Moeller, a header off a cross by John Beech, 11. - Ashley Locke, 12 When Sycamore scored a last-minute goal to beat Springboro and the whole team rushed the field.

- Anirudha Vaddadi, 11 When we played Moeller, the hype and energy...was incredible. We were fighting until the end and the boys played well.

- Stephanie Adamec, 10 Editors-in-chief: Brandon Sosna, Maria Marballi Associate Editors: Kelsey Drapkin,

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

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 S.M. Dipali Forum Shivani Parikh Feature Jimmy Chau Emma Oh Lina Cardenas A&E Emma Rosen Gina Romeo Sports Brandon Sosna Daniel Bayliss Bennett Kaplan

Calendar Kelcie Grega Spotlight Drew Gelwicks Snapshots Jane Finocharo Fun & Games Clayton Hamre Cartoonist Lilly Lefton Amaji Finnell Web Masters Jacob Deitloff Ross Johnstal

Cold weather means one thing: snow days. A day for sleep, relaxation, and play; hoping for snow days is the sustenance that keeps students (and faculty) going through the winter. In years past, SHS was allotted five calamity days to close the school when the weather made it unsafe to drive to school or otherwise prevented the school from opening, like when winds from Hurricane Ike two years ago knocked out SHS’s power for three days. This system worked well because these five days were usually enough to cover all calamities, and even when they were not, SHS made up those extra few days in the summer. But this winter will be different. As part of Governor Ted Strickland’s education plan to increase the number of school days by 20, SHS only has three calamity days in its schedule before days must be made up in the summer. Next year there will only be one calamity day, and the year after that, zero. I believe that we need more school days, both so that American students can be more competitive globally and because the current school calendar is based on an archaic farming schedule, but taking away calamity days is not the best way to do it. Simply put, eliminating calamity days is a safety issue. Most students would call SHS’s snow day policy of years past stingy, but with only three calamity days this year, how much stingier will it become? And what will be done in two years, when there are no given calamity days? How many new drivers will be forced to navigate icy roads? How many buses filled with school children will be at risk? How many preventable accidents could have been avoided? All it takes is one mistake to turn what could have been a day for sledding and hot chocolate into a tragedy. SHS has had too many tragedies—so this should be a nobrainer. When the roads are icy and/or snow is on the ground, students should not have to go to school. Getting to school should never be a life-threatening experience. No one wants to add days to the end of the school year, but doing so is the only way to ensure that students can stay safe in all dangerous weather situations. For comments on this column, please write to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com

Gabe Englander, Moriah Krawec Managing Editor: Jimmy Chau, Ellie Goldman Business Managers: Emma Oh, Emma Rosen Staff Writers Dilnoza Abdusamatova Irfanuddin Aijaz Madison Ashley Ana Barros Denae Bellilti Alec Bochner John Carroll Krittika Chatterjee Rishi Choubey Brian Cleary Mariah Conners Rohan Dalal Gariauna Daniels Mark Elfers Gabriela Godinez-Feregrino Devon Grubba Samantha Hammer Aaron Ishida Sarah Janning Alexandria Lazar Stuart Lindle Shea Lothrop Sarah May Frank Pan Orion Radtke Casey Rayburn

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forum

friday, november 19, 2010

Food: M.I.A

Third lunch students report shortage of food, choices aditiSHARMA

pictures by gabe englander

TOP TO BOTTOM: In first lunch, students help themselves to Montgomery Inn. But by third lunch, the lunchroom is all out of chips, making students express their disappointment to Donna Reese. “We do try really hard to give third lunch the same food options as the other lunches, but it is really just a guessing game,” said Rick Pursley, a cafeteria supervisor.

‘Shellacked’ smDIPALI

news chief

Washington D.C.: the land of grudges. Four years after the Democrats took control of the both the House and the Senate, the ascendant GOP has wrangled back at least one of them. It only took a whopping two hours for the major news corporations to announce that the Republican Party had, in fact, gained the majority in the House of Representatives. The deaf, dumb, and blind Democratic Party, who seemingly ran from every accomplishment it made, did not fight hard enough. Pansy Democrats lost in almost every single contested election. And, now, after a predictable defeat, Democrats, including President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), have told reporters that they will work toward bipartisanship and compromising with the Republicans. Because that worked so well these last two years, right? At every turn, the Republican Party systematically obstructed any legislature supported by the Democrats. Whether it was health care or environmental legislature, if the bill was in any way associated with the Democratic Party, the Republicans had one word- “no.” Consequently, they gained 65 seats in the House. It seems that doing nothing worked well for the GOP. So, why should they change? Led by future Speaker of the House, Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), the man with the everlasting tan, the GOP has collectively insisted that they will, under no circumstances, “compromise” with the Democrats or Obama. But besides road-blocking the liberals every chance they get, what do the conservatives plan on doing for the country?

Taxes

Contrary to what you might hear on Fox News, Obama has not raised taxes for the majority of Americans, just

staff writer

t feels like student complaints about the lack of food options for third lunch have always existed. Combined with cafeteria staff closing the cafeteria early after third lunch, this is a major inconvenience. “The fact that there usually isn’t enough food left for third lunch and the fact that the cafeteria closes so early every day makes it nearly impossible to get food,” said Nikita Tandon, 9. Students also agree that many food choices are not very appealing and must settle for undesired options. Often these selections are unhealthy, defeating the school’s attempt to provide the students with healthy choices. “Even when I try to get to the cafeteria early, a large majority of the enjoyable food is gone, if not all. And some days I have to accept a PB&J sandwich with milk because I find nothing appealing left,” said Vibhor Kumar, 11. Many students are beginning to lose faith, resulting in more packed lunches. This, in turn, could have a negative effect on the school’s budget. Another issue often overlooked is the lack of food choices for vegetarians. With increasing numbers of students becoming vegetarians, it is important for the school to keep those students in mind and provide food accordingly. “Yes, most of the time there isn’t enough food left, but what makes it worse is that there is such a small variety for the vegetarian students, which is cut down even more by third lunch,” said Kelsey Craig, 11. But the school is trying to do better. Along with preparing a sufficient quantity of food, the school makes an attempt to make sure that healthy choices are available for everyone’s likes and needs, but sometimes the supply runs short. For example, on the most recent Montgomery Inn Day, the cafeteria made sure to have an extra 100 to 120 portions of chips available. But despite the increase, there was still a shortage by third lunch. The cafeteria staff have heard these complaints, and try to make sure that there is enough food available for everyone. “We do try really hard to give third lunch the same food options as the other lunches, but it is really just a guessing game,” said Rick Pursley, a cafeteria supervisor. For the cafeteria staff, the buffet club slogan rings true: “If you serve it, they will come.”

Democrats lose big What it means for country

those whose annual income totals $250,000 or more. Republicans favor reinstituting Bush’s detrimental tax cuts for the rich. But this makes sense considering that the Republican Party caters to the needs of the few and the fortunate. This one act alone will raise the deficit by $1 trillion. Talk about “balancing the budget.”

Energy

Because the Republicans gained the majority in the House, they have power over certain energy committees. Enter Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX). If you remember, Barton was the guy who apologized to British Petroleum (BP) when they were directed to establish a $20 billion fund to provide relief to the victims of the oil disaster. Barton, now the ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, was formerly an executive for ARCO, an oil company now owned by BP. He is the single largest recipient of oil and gas money in the entire House of Representatives over the last 20 years. Additionally, it was through his efforts, as well as the efforts of Barton’s Republican colleagues, that BP turned a profit in 2010. In essence, Barton, the new leader in energy reform on the Hill, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the oil industry. And Barton is not alone among the new Republican majority. A party so contaminated by influence from fossil fuel companies will be unable to address America’s energy crisis and our worsening climate.

Smaller Government

Ah yes, the GOP’s fallback issue. While big government is a valid concern, Republicans don’t practice what they preach. In 2000 to 2006, the most recent years of Republican control of Congress and the Whitehouse, government and debt grew substantially. But Republicans say this time is different. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

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forum

friday, november 19, 2010

AAMNA DOSANI, 12 HAS been playing girls’ lacrosse since the days of junior high school. As a senior, she has experience with the importance given to the different lacross teams. “I don’t think it’s fair how girls’ sports are given less importantance than boys,’” said Dosani.

image by shivani parkih

image by gabe englander

KEVIN CARROLL, 12, HAS played lacrosse for SHS since his sophomore year, starting as a middie on the varsity team. “People are ignorant towards women’s sports, but I do think that coverage and attention towards women’s sports is progressing,” said Carroll.

Facing off: sheaLOTHROP

staff writer

t is a no brainer that Cincinnati has a lot of sports teams to celebrate, especially with the Reds recent playoff run. These celebrations do not confuse me, but I do not understand why people prefer going to men’s sporting events rather than women’s. The National Basketball Association (NBA) gets more media coverage than Woman’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Major League Baseball, (MLB) gets more media coverage than Major League Softball (MLS). It is like this for almost every sport that is played by both genders. “It seems like there are more sports for men and they’re more popular,” said Anna Mondro, 9 Attendance for football, baseball, basketball, hockey, water polo, and

girls sports struggles to gain same attention as boys sports

so many sports games is higher when males are playing. “I like going to men’s sports more because they are more aggressive,” said Shaquille Simpson, 11. What makes men’s sports more exciting? “I prefer men’s sports because they’re more exciting, there is more contact,” said Andrew Size, 9. Women’s sports have contact as well. Maybe slightly less physical contact, but that is a hard thing to define. Sports excite me because of a combination of speed, agility, and aggression. But again, it depends on personal preference. Are female athletes going to have to start tackling each other during games to increase attendance? It seems that way. Three years ago a SHS girls basketball game was switched to a Friday

night, hoping to get better attendance. Nothing happened. In contrast, an SHS boys basketball game was moved to a Tuesday and attendance was still significantly larger than the girls Friday night game. “In sports such as basketball and lacrosse, the boys’ teams get more publicity and a larger fan base because their games are on Friday nights. This is unfair, considering that sometimes the girls’ teams are more successful. They are not always given the recognitiown they deserve, which can be very upsetting”, said Grace Hulett, 12. I do not have anything against men’s sporting events. In fact, I enjoy them. I enjoy women’s sporting events just as much as men’s. Yet, I am still perplexed as to why men’s sports gets so much more attention.

Sports by gender l33 Male l33 Female l6 Coed

Yielding our rights at the schoolhouse gate: gabeENGLANDER

associate editor

High school students do not have the same rights as adult American citizens, making it that much more important for SHS students to know their rights guaranteed by the Constitution and subsequent Supreme Court cases. For instance, while American citizens are guaranteed freedom of religion, speech, press, and the right to peacefully assemble under the First Amendment, high school students only have some of these rights. The first and only bright spot is in freedom of religion, which bans compulsory prayer in public schools but prevents discrimination against religious groups and students under the Equal Access Act of 1980. Freedom of speech only applies to students if such speech is not vulgar or obscene.

In dress, another form of speech, students are required to, “dress in conformity with the accepted standards of the community,” according to Harper v. Edgewood Board of Education. Freedom of the press is restricted by Hazelwood School District v. Kulhmeier, which states that students may not publish anything that is “inappropriate” or “harmful.” This gives administrators the right to censor student speech when it meets these vague guidelines. Finally, students have the right to assemble, but only if it does not disrupt the work and routine of the school. Another important constitutional right that protects American citizens is the fourteenth amendment, which guarantees the right to due process of law. This right does apply to high school students. It means that teachers and administrators must treat

students fairly. For example, a punishment must fit the original crime and searches can be done by administrators and/ or police only if they have reasonable suspicion. If you feel that you have been treated unfairly by a teacher or administrator, you are allowed to defend yourself in a court room with a lawyer. But again, the language used to describe how far administrators can go is vague and leaves much to the discretion of each individual administrator. I encourage each student make sure they understand their rights; read the Constitution, court cases relating to high school students, and visit the American Civil Liberties Union website, aclu.org. Only when we know our rights can we protect them.

image by gabe englander

We must know them to protect them

OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL, SHS students have the same rights as other American citizens. But inside school they are significantly restricted.

“Life is like an ever-shifting kaleidoscope – a slight change, and all patterns alter.” -Sharon Salzberg

drewGELWICKS

spotlight editor

Water and ice. So similar, yet completely different. What separates these two? A tiny number of degrees. There is such an extremely fine line between the two, that a matter of few degrees comes down to a delicate line between skiing across a lake, and drowning in it. A life can change in a matter of seconds, and we may have absolutely zero control over it. Is it fair? No. Is it reality? Yes-- dealing with these ‘shifts’ is a necessity to life. Without this ability, we will become bogged down in confusion. The lives of the parents of Jose Cerda, 12 were drastically changed in a matter of hours. Yes, this was not a ‘slight’ change, as Salzberg’s quote differs, but it shows how life is evershifting. Their tragic loss will stay with them for the rest of their lives. A slight reduction in the student body caused a dramatic pattern shift at SHS for many students. How are we expected to keep up with all of life’s changes? I find it incredibly frustrating and angering to face the reality of having our lives manipulated and contorted so easily. Should we try to fight back? In some cases, we are able to try to get our life back in order after something has happened. In the case of a kaleidoscope, we may like the way the pattern of colors look. And when it gets shaken, and all of the colors mix to a new position, we get a feeling of utter disappointment. With every change, there will be new colors to face and ultimately endure. There will be new shades of blacks and grays. And maybe even some splashes of yellows and greens. Are we expected to just go along with it? What are we supposed to do make sure we do not get swallowed up in these changes? Not every change will be bad, however. Coincidental encounters, for example, may lead to a career, new friendship, or relationship. So a slight shift can render great results. It seems that it all really comes down to luck. Sometimes, we will think we have terrible luck, while other times, it is the opposite. In Joseph Conrad’s book, “Heart of Darkness,” there is one little piece which is missing from a huge apparatus. That one piece made the machine dysfunctional. Just even the slightest thing can cause dramatic shifts. One of the most feared illness in the world: cancer. What keeps one person from a slippery slope to stage four cancer is one cell. That slight change of one single cell determines life or death. We walk a fine line in life, with these shifts and chagnes. We cannot always dodge them, but we can try. Yes, alot of it luck, but it is also about one’s inner will. How are we as humans supposed to deal with an ever-shifting kaleidoscope? For comments on this column, please write to WritetoTheLeaf@gmail.com

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friday, november 19, 2010

Adding salt to their wounds: Westboro Baptist ‘Church’ adds pain to families of fallen soldiers bennettKAPLAN

sports chief

hat happens when free speech turns into blatant racism and hate? You should ask the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC). The WBC is a hate group (as defined by the Southern Poverty Law Center) based out of Topeka, Kansas, most widely known for the shocking message they attempt to deliver. The church spreads messages of hate against groups such as Judaism, Islam, Catholicism, and most of all, homosexuality. The church frequently holds protests with members bearing unique signs reading messages such as “God hates f*gs,” “God hates Israel,” and others that are too vile to put on this page. Founded in 1955 by Pastor Fred Phelps in Topeka, Kansas, the Westboro Baptist church has under 150 members, mostly belonging to the Phelps family. They began to preach against homosexuality around 1991, and have since been imparting their “wisdom” upon thousands of people around the world. While considering themselves to be Baptist, the WBC is rejected by every mainstream Baptist organization. WBC bases itself on one simple principle, “Nothing happens in this earth except that it be done by God. So therefore, we thank him for everything,” said Shirley Phelps-Roper, spokesperson for the church and daughter of Pastor Phelps. This means that the church not only thanks God for the good, but they thank God for the bad as well.

Disgracing their honor

WBC garnered significant media attention several years ago when they began picketing the funerals of fallen soldiers. These protests are held because the WBC disagrees with soldiers fighting for a country that supports homosexuality. Church members show up to funerals of soldiers, and flash signs that read messages such as “Thank God for dead soldiers,” and “Thank God for 9/11.” The church uses religion and the First Amendment as justification to preach their interpretation of The Bible. The church has the constitutional right to conduct these protests, therefore, it is not legally at fault. Or so you would think.

son should have been burried with dignity, not with a bunch of clowns outside.” In the first round of legal preceedings in front of a federal jury, the Snyder family won, and was awarded $10.9 million. This however, was only to be overturned by a federal appeals court that determined that the pickets made by the church were protected speech that did not violate the First Amendment. In fact, the Snyder family was actually ordered to pay for the WBC’s court costs, totaling to more than $16,000. But it was not over. The Supreme Court granted an appeal, bringing the case to Washington. On Oct. 6, 2010, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments from both sides of the case, and the outcome of the case is pending, likely to be decided in early 2011.

Right to hate?

In this case, the extent of the First Amendment is being questioned. Does the church actually have the right to say such things as “God Hates America” and “Thank God for dead soldiers?” First Amendment scholar and Professor David Hudson has written multiple books regarding First Amendment rights, and teaches First Amendment classes at the University of Vanderbilt School of Law. “[What the WBC is doing is] morally wrong, but not legally wrong,” said Hudson. He also insisted that a protest only goes beyond what is protected by the First Amendment, “when the protest leads to violence or incitement to imminent lawless action.” The only way a protest can violate the First Amendment is if protesters use defamation directed towards individuals, and in this situation, the WBC is holding a peaceful protest, with no direct statements toward any specific person, and therefore, their actions are within the constraints of the First Amendment. In a country of 300 million, there will always be people with viewpoints that seem extreme and erratic. It is comforting to know that the WBC only has less than 150 members, and that they all mostly belong to the same family.

They turned this funeral into a media circus and they wanted to hurt my family. They wanted their message heard and they didn’t care who they stepped over.

Snyder Family

Albert Snyder is the father of fallen serviceman Matthew Snyder. After WBC protested his son’s funeral in 2006, he decided to take legal action against the church, insisting that it was legally at fault for intentionally inflicting emotional distress on him and his family. He testified that “they turned this funeral into a media circus and they wanted to hurt my family. They wanted their message heard and they didn’t care who they stepped over. My

all images by bennett kaplan

Albert Snyder

Shirley Phelps-Roper, spokesperson for WBCA What is the overall message that your church is trying to convey? God hates f*gs and f*g enablers. Doomed America has pushed her filthy manner of life beyond all bounds and her destruction is imminent. When you protest the funerals of our fallen soldiers, what is your purpose? Our purpose is to help you connect the dots from the rebellion you taught the child and caused him to err in, and the dead child. Why not chose a different venue to preach your message? Our job is to put the cup of God’s fury to your lips and make you drink it. That means we must be timely and topical. God is killing your children, we need to be where you are using the same venue to lie and say that God is blessing America to say no, it is not a blessing when your child comes home dead from the battle. When you preach messages such as “God Hates F*gs” and “Thank God for 9/11,” what is your purpose? Our purpose is to tell you plainly that God is in charge. Nothing happens in this earth except that it be done by God. So therefore, we thank him for everything Many Americans believe that your church is preaching hate, rather than The Bible. To them, what do you have to say? Sucks to be a nation of 310 million people and you don’t have the goods to even address if we are or are not telling the facts about what the Bible says. How awful is that? You fill the land with lying preachers that tell you exactly what you want to hear because you pay them to do that. Then, we come along and tell you what The Bible really says and you think it’s a strange thing. Shame on you all. It will redound to your everlasting shame and contempt. On the other hand, I say shut your mouth and read the words. It won’t matter what the words say, because you have no intention of obeying the commandments of God. You arrogant brutes think it is all about what you want and what you like. What I know is that when you read The Bible, you know that you cannot talk about God without including his perfect hatred.

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friday, november 19, 2010

‘It is never too early to get involved in your community‘

Apathy leads to lack of youth involvement kelseyDRAPKIN associate editor

olitics is a subject that many people have come to disregard. Young people in particular have grown apathetic in today’s political sphere. Coming out of the 2008 elections, these concepts may seem outdated due to the historically high voting rates of young people. Nearly half of the nation’s 44 million 18-29-year-olds cast their vote on Nov. 4, 2008. An even more surprising 62 percent of all eligible voters did, in fact, vote, the highest voter turnout in the past 40 years. Before this upswing in voter turnout, this country was seeing rates as low as 40.4 percent turnout of eligible voters in the 2006 midterm elections. Most recently, it is estimated a mere 41.5 percent of eligible voters cast their vote on Nov. 2, 2010. This low eligible voter turnout across the board makes it challenging to make a case advocating involvement in politics. When even those who can vote are not choosing to do so, how can a student who cannot vote be convinced to be involved in politics?

Why youth should be informed, active

Social Security, wars overseas, the environment: these issues, along with a plethora of others, are the types of matters voted on. When looking at the implications of each of these subjects, it has to be recognized who is affected most in the long-term by decisions made on these subjects: the youth. In ten, 15, even 50 years, the decisions and votes cast on these “current issues” will be affecting us and our generation. We cannot live solely in the here and now; we must examine how these issues will affect our futures and act accordingly. By being involved, teens have the opportunity to change their future. While the majority of students at SHS cannot cast their votes, they have the opportunity to support or reject the issues they feel strongly about in hopes of influencing the opinions of those who are able to walk into the polling stations. To be involved, you obviously have to be informed on the issues on the ballot, as well as have a general knowledge of what is going on in the world. Contrary to popular belief, all political knowledge does

not befall you on your eighteenth birthday. It is a process, learning how to find trustworthy news sources, deciding what your personal viewpoints are on issues, and deciding how you want to take action. The benefits of being informed and involved in politics are numerous. Not only will adults respect your superior intellect and ability to converse about mature topics, but also you will be well prepared to face the world as you leave high school and enter college or the workplace. As with any developmental process, you have to start young to be successful later in life. Informing yourself on issues cannot be postponed until the first election day after you turn 18. Practice makes perfect. If you practice informing yourself on issues and debating them with others, you will be well prepared to take on voting. But high schoolers have a unique opportunity. We have four solid years of a relatively safe environment in which we are respected as adults without having the responsibilities of the “real world.” If we take advantage of this safe house to practice our political verve, chances are high we will be successful, educated voters in the future. It doesn’t matter which side of the political spectrum you fall on. All I urge you to do is educate, decide for, and advocate for yourself.

Ways to get involved

The first step of getting involved is knowing what exactly it is you are getting involved with. Educate yourself. By all means, flip on the television, but do not rely on what the newscasters are preaching. Get online, find some primary sources (it will make Mrs. Rosemary Ennis proud), and put the puzzle together for yourself. Once you have a handle on the issues, you can become an activist. This may involve putting up a yard sign, going door-to-door to talk to prospective voters, attending town hall meetings, or writing to your Congressperson. The political door is wide open to you; just cross the threshold.

Kevin Wittman, AP Government teacher As a government teacher, do you promote involvement in politics to your students? I try to spark an interest in political activism by illustrating the many ways to participate in our system of government. You deal with seniors in class. Do you know how many of those who could vote on November 2 did? No, I wish I did. The 18-25 year old demographic has a very low participation rate, so I always get students registered to vote, but the rest is in their hands. I model informed decision making by presenting students with a sample ballot and show websites that provide balanced background info on the issues and candidates. You offer extra credit for students who participate in politically related events. What is your reasoning behind this? Most schools require students to participate in a political campaign or public service activity as part of their government class. SHS does not have this requirement, but I think it is very useful to illustrate some of the more abstract concepts of the government curriculum. We talk about idealogues in class. All one has to do is attend one political party meeting and they know right away what an idealogue is. Do you think teens should be involved in politics? Yes. If you think about it, they have the most at stake. Social Security, medicaid, medicare, the environment, these issues will impact teenagers more than my generation. Do you think they should be involved regardless of age (involved throughout high school rather than only when they turn 18)? It is never too early to get involved in your community to make it a better place to live. That is what political activism is, trying to make your community more livable. It does not have to be confined to the national level. Think and act locally. In fact, that is where your actions can have the most impact.

Major political parties: where conflicting ideals collide Economy

Consitutional Interpretation

Environmental Concerns

Health Care

Democratic Party

• Support government regulation of businesses • Favor progressive income tax • Advocate welfare spending to help the poor

• Broad interpretation • See Constitution as general principles to live by rather than strict guidelines

• Support hypothesis of global warming • Major supporter of “Go-Green” movements • Support government regulation of environment, such as a cap and trade bill

• Want affordable health insurance for all Americans • Main focus on affordability and availability of health care for all

Republican Party

• Favor laissez-faire economics • Promote personal responsibility over welfare programs • Advocate charity work in place of welfare programs

• Narrow interpretation • Interpret as closely to the original intent as possible

• Encourage marketbased solutions to environmental issues • Believe private property is key to environmental prosperity (those who own the land will also protect it)

• Believe in giving the people the tools to manage their own health needs • Support customization of insurance which would lower costs, allowing people to opt out of “benefits” they find unneccessary in their plan

* These are a few major differences, generalized for each party’s opinions. While there are certainly many other political parties alive and thriving in the United States, the two major political parties vying for your vote are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.

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Squeezed Friday, November 19, 2010

Stress sky-rockets among high school students markEILERS

staff writer

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gol

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ima

tress is something that people have to deal with everyday. From the seniors who have to finish college applications, to students trying to keep up their grades, controlled stress is an important tool that can help a person get their work done in a timely manner. But how can one know if they have their stress under control, and what are the warning signs that reveal a student’s stress levels are just too much to handle? High stress levels can have multiple effects leading to many kinds of symptoms. According to Mrs. Brenda Fisher, a guidance counselor, some of these symptoms can include; frequent headaches, unusual sleeping patterns, the feeling of nausea, and even hair loss. Most students who experience the affects of stress would like to do anything that they can to reduce their symptoms so they can live their life without the constant nagging feeling of the pressures of the world around them. However; when students realize that they have a problem, they do not realize the steps that they should take for a better future. But what are the necessary steps that should be taken? “First off, the student needs to be able to recognize when they have a problem with too much stress, and what some of their stress triggers are. After that they need tell someone as soon as possible whether it is from a parent, a trusted teacher, or a

guidance counselor,” said Fisher. “When I feel stressed out I tend to either fall asleep, or I work on my art work,” said Steven Doyle, 12. Students need to remember that stress is something that does not have to be handled alone and that it is okay to ask for help when it is needed. In most cases when the student tells a parent what they are dealing with, they can usually get the help needed to reduce their stress. “I always find that yoga takes the stress away; it is relaxing and fun, and a great way to spend time with friends. Also, my mom has always been there for me through thick and thin, and is just there whenever I need advice or just someone to talk to,” said Hayley Dean, 12. When the student lets others in on what they are feeling, they can then begin the process of recovery in which they can learn coping skills that best suits them. Some of these skills could include writing in a journal, or even exercising: it all depends in the person. “Whenever I feel stressed out I exercise, read a book, or fall asleep. Usually when I sleep, I calm down so that when I wake up whatever situation that was bothering me does not seem as bad,” said Michelle McDonald, 12. Stress can be a useful tool, when under control, that can help student complete deadlines, and can teach them lifelong stress managing skills. However, it is important that when a student realizes that their stress is out of control, that they seek immediate help so that way they can lead a life without the constant fear that stress can bring.

‘Talk of the Town’ benefits thrifty shoppers chaseSPICER

staff writer

A little store lies in a quiet area of Reading, crunched in between another neighboring store and a home decorated with a once healthy pumpkin for the season on their stoop. Upon arrival the outside bins and crates fill the sidewalks with shoes, buckets of color blended t-shirts and racks holding empty hangers that were picked over a few hours earlier by busy shoppers. The bells chime at the store’s entrance announcing that you are ready to be submerged into the treasures that lie all around in the wonderfully named store, “Talk of the Town.” The petite two story vintage clothing store houses much more than your favorite thrift store might. Including, t-shirts, 70’s pants, platform shoes and vintage sneakers that your parents may have even have had once in their younger days. The first floor carries your, “everyday,” clothing that may not be so, “everyday,” to some, while also holding jewelry, vintage classic rock and college t-shirts, leather for the ever approaching winter season and of course, dressing rooms to try on anything you may have dug up. As you make your way to the second floor you get a totally different aura from the masks and hundreds of diverse hats hanging high on the blandly painted wallpaper flowers. A Halloween lover’s wonderland was what it seemed to be. The racks filled with soldier jackets and fake guns. Tiger suits with a live looking headgear attachment and even a full armored suit that is at your disposal to rent or buy, however you may use it. The selection blows any other vintage clothing store or costume retailer completely out of the water.

Attention Seniors: 10 things to do before graduation staff writer

After seeing the acceptance letter, a typical high school senior takes a giant sigh, believing that their work for the year is done. But these soon-to-be-college freshmen do not realize that they won’t be living on their parents’ money for much longer. If a senior is fortunate enough to comprehend this situation, they would seize the opportunity and spend while the spending is good and easy. The next challenge is where to begin. Just like creating a bucket list, a high school senior should think of specific purchases, activities, and events that they would like to partake in before graduation. “I had no clue where to start. There was so much I could have done, but it was hard to narrow it down,” said Alec Baden, ‘00. The expression “so much to do, so little time” illustrates the feelings of a typical senior trying to construct their own bucket list as their childhood is ending fast and with it, the financial security they have grown accustomed to. Understood seniors do not need to worry about where to begin. Here are ten things (in no specific order) to do before high school graduation that are less accessible on a tight collegiate budget.

Remembering the life of a fallen student

1. Buy the newest gadgets and gizmos: From iPods to Laptops, modern technology is crucial for business and entertainment. This stuff is expensive; there is no way you can buy this for yourself once in college.

6. Fine Dining: “Get your parents to take you to Embers, The Melting Pot, and Eddie Merlot’s. And maybe go completely crazy and order a drink that doesn’t come out of the faucet,” said Rochelle Dubrowa, ‘88.

2. Go to a concert of your favorite artist: Great live music blaring, on-stage celebrities, and cell phones waving in the air… very memorable.

7. Spa Retreat: A vacation extravagance that you won’t come close to until you receive a few paychecks in a row.

3. Epic Road Trip: “Going on the road with your friends can’t be beat. You’ll never know what amazing things might happen,” said Liora Bachrach, 12.

8. Pimping your ride: “You want to show off and look good when you drive up to the campus,” said Nicholas Gonzalez, 12. You will be amazed at the lack of tolerance you have for scratches and scuffs when the repair is coming out of your own pocket.

4. Redo your bedroom: If the revamping goes well, your parents might be reluctant to change your room into storage closet upon your departure.

9. Spring Break on the beach: A lot of college students spend their break on the beach as well, but it is a lot nicer to stay at the Marriot than the Motel 6.

5. New Wardrobe: The days will soon be over when you can buy stylish clothes from the expensive retail stores in a mall. In college, the thrift store will be the place to shop.

10. Filling up your savings account: If all else fails, deposit as much money in your account so you can burn through it over the next four years.

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HIGHLIGHTS: Nora Z. takes the fashion world by storm

Curing cancer one outfit at a time

page 12

this month in feature

alecBOCHNER

feature

friday, november 19, 2010

Jose Cerda

all photos by sarah may

[

10/26/1992 - 10/26/2010

[

Remembered

Jose Cerda touched the lives of everybody he met; he was a student, athlete, son, brother, and friend. Jose was a passionate swimmer and water polo player who was always able to make people laugh. The Cerda family hopes that his passing will bring students together and that his memory will live on. It is truly incredible how deeply his death has impacted this community. The flood of support and acts of remembrance have touched those who knew him as well as those who did not.

linaCARDENAS & sarahMAY & danRICKERT feature chief

forum chief

staff writer

I can remember so many things Jose and I did together, including going to California for a week in August for water polo camp, or three seasons of water polo. Jose was an amazing person and will always be remembered. For those of you who knew him you are extremely lucky. To those who didn’t, you really missed out on knowing a really funny and amazing guy. - Drew Hugenberg, 11

One of the most memorable moments of Jose’s time with the Marlins was one practice last summer. He had forgotten that we had dryland after practice, so he came in some type of boating shoes (which were his dad’s), totally unprepared. When it came time to run, Jose just laughed, slipped on his shoes, and walked out. Unfortunately, our coach gave us one the most challenging workouts of the season, ending with a long run. By that time everyone was so tired that most were skipping the workout and In sixth grade, Jose and I were in the same class and just walking, but Jose was determined to run it all, everyday we would say “chicken butt.” It didn’t matno matter how slow he went. After almost everyone ter if it was in the middle of a test or class, he would had finished, Jose ran in, covered in sweat, barely always say it in the same silly voice. able to run in his dad’s shoes. Everyone stayed to -Marisa Merk, 12 cheer him on and laugh as he finished with a grin. Jose Cerda was a wonderful young man and a joy to Later, someone asked him why he didn’t just take the run easy, he answered, “I want to get better. That teach. The best part of my school day is my fifth period AP Latin class because we have worked together hurt so bad but it’s going to help at the end of the season. But now it’s time for a few Chipotle burritos.” now for five years and know each other very well. He was that kind of person who would always put a Jose cared very much for all of us and we are forever smile on your face, even after the hardest practice of grateful for his friendship throughout the years. At your life. And when he set a goal for himself, he was Jose’s visitation here at SHS I was warmly greeted by going to do everything in his power to achieve it. Jose’s aunt from Venezuela. She eagerly related how -Thomas Norris, 11 much Jose enjoyed his Latin classes here at SHS. To One practice I called him “Joseito,” a nickname a my surprise she told me that she was a retired Latin family and friends called him. After I called him that teacher! I never knew… he looked at me so surprised and said, “How do you -Mr. Mark Torlone, Latin Teacher know that?!” -Mr. Nick Hellwig, Water Polo coach At state Sarah May, 10, and I were the babies and Jose told us to come to his room to eat his We were all passing, doing this drill during water food and watch “Dodgeball.” It was a really good polo, and we were in a group with Jose and Thomas time and our team became a lot closer. During Norris. All of a sudden, Jose just turned around, and the summer he lifeguarded at MSTC and everyday told us, “Hey guys, it is like a one handed backhand.” I would try to speak Spanish with him and he The ironic part is that all backhands are one handed. would always roll his eyes and laugh at how bad We laughed about that for weeks. Jose was always I was. there for a good laugh. -Charlotte Harris, 11 -Charlie Fry, 10, and Stephen Ioas, 10

One day, Jose, Joe [Lazar], 12, and I were in the car. Jose was driving, and as a joke, we were playing music really loud with our windows down. At one point, we pulled up next to a cop at a stoplight. We started laughing really hard, and the cop ended up following us all the way to my house, where Jose was supposed to drop me off. Just in front of my house, the cop pulled us over, at which point Jose started freaking out. Luckily, it ended up just being a minor problem having to do with his registration, and he got it resolved without any problems. It’s just so funny looking back at that moment, with the three of us in Jose’s car panicking, convinced we were in trouble with the law. -Erik Gunnarson, 12 Jose Cerda was a man known by many, understood by few. His comedic acts in and out of the classroom and pool were those for the history books. He was a man that could brighten the mood of any room. His impressions were near perfect and his jokes were always fresh and made at the most opportune times. Unfortunately, that is the most people knew about Jose. Having spent a great deal of my life around Jose, I know for a fact that he was a man of loyalty and caring. He always made sure to end my days on a bright note. He was always there for me when I couldn’t turn to anyone else. The last time I saw Jose was Saturday Oct. 23. We had spent the whole day together and he dropped me off at my house after a Wild Nothing jam session on the ride home from seeing Jackass 3-D. We had talked about the upcoming year and all the great things that were ahead of us. It’s hard to think about doing all those things we had talked about that day without him physically by my side, but I know that his memory by my side will lead me to do many great things in his honor. -Daniel Brook, 12

feature

friday, november 19, 2010 ‘In the normal world, I am super tall, wear giant shoes, and have super long hair. At work I’m just another girl’

Nora Zaenglein, 12, acquires passion for fashion mariaMARBALLI editor-in-chief

ho knew that a freshman art-lover attending her first fashion club meeting would end up as a glamorous 6 foot professional model four years later? Nora Zaenglein, 12 was discovered in 2007 at her first fashion club meeting, where her measurements were taken and sent to her current modeling agency, New View Model Management. Since then, she has been attending photo shoots, walking down runways and competing for the title of Miss Ohio. Just like any professional model, Zaenglein works irregularly. Her appointments can last for a few minutes or several hours. “Sometimes I don’t get a job for three weeks and sometimes it is three days in a row that I work. So it’s pretty hectic sometimes. Depending on the job it can be very short (like a ‘go-see’ which lasts three minutes), to a shoot which may last for 12 hours. At a ‘go-see’ it’s basically going to meet a client on your own for a job you want to acquire, you usually have your portfolio or composite card in hand when you arrive. They might ask you to walk for them, they might take pictures of you, try on clothes, they might just ask you to leave, or any combination of those things,” said Zaenglein. In between the clusters of appointments, she is busy walking through the many open doors that modeling presents to her. While competing for the title of Miss Teen Ohio, Zaenglein ended up being Miss Teen Montgomery 2010 and making it to the top five contestants for Miss Teen Ohio. Zaenglein has also been on the news four times so far, modeling make up brands, as pictured above. While these are clear bonuses to her profession, she has gained a few “extras” along the way. “I now have a tougher skin to criticisms , I’ve gotten to meet a lot of eclectic fun people, I learned how to walk in heels and get my signature model walk which apparently makes me stick out like a sore thumb at SHS, and getting a nice college scholarship for making the top five for Miss Teen Ohio,” said Zaenglein. Speaking of sore thumbs, Nora has found herself stuck

between two very different settings. “It’s always strange going back to the real world after being at work because when I model, everybody is 5’8’’6’3’’, pretty and skinny so it seems normal. In the normal world, I am super tall, wear giant shoes, and have super long hair. At work I’m just another girl so I have to push myself to be different from the others,” said Zaenglein. Taking a look into what really goes on inside the studios, she explains that modeling is not always as glamorous as it appears. “A shoot is usually pretty strenuous because during my recent ones I’ve spend about four to six hours in hair and makeup which can be painful because of all the curling, teasing , extensions, and bobby pins . I’ve even had parts of my hair fried off before. You never know what they want so you have to experiment until you get into the groove of it,” said Zaenglein. Next stop: the runway. Most teenage girls dream of stepping foot into the spotlight in the newest trends and high end fashions. Zaenglein is living that dream. “Runway shows are awesome. You go to a fitting and then the next day or so you do the show. Runway is mayhem. You have about four to eight outfit changes depending on the show, one to two minutes to change a full outfit which includes anywhere from five to nine items with dressers who help you in dressing and undressing, and of course the runway where you have to strut even if its slippery, uneven or has steps or carpet,” said Zaenglein. “The shoes are usually about four to five inches of fierceness for runway and are not always in your size. When that happens, there is no complaining, no falling (I once had to walk in shoes about two sizes too small, quite a challenge). The clothes might not be your style but you have to rock it anyway. If it doesn’t fit, be ready to get pinned into it, and remember no complaining, even if they prick you with a pin.” As she continues to take her many advanced art-focused classes, she already has post-high school plans. She wants to travel to the heart of trendiness, New York City, in hopes of signing with a bigger agent. While she is also applying to several universities, she says that her heart will always lead to her pursue fashion. At the end of the day, Nora is “a woman of the world,” a teenage girl living a glamorous life of fame and beauty while strutting through the halls of high school.

photos courtesy of nora zaenglein

AFTER NORA ZAENGLEIN’S, 12, first Fashion Club meeting, her measurements were taken and sent to New View Model Management, who quickly signed her. She has done photo shoots and runway shows, all the while competing for the title of Miss Teen Ohio.

‘Fashion for the Cure’ to benefit Cancer Family Care moriahKRAWEC associate editor

The girl straightens out her pinned-down, glossy teal fabric. Even though the event that Mamoonah Khokhar, 11, is crafting the dress for will not be held until March 23, she knows that her early start is essential. “Last year, I was a really close cut to the deadline,” said Khokhar, as she stitches what will become a dress with her sewing machine. In addition to the perennial student contributions, the 2011 SHS Fashion for the Cure show will have a novel spin: it will assist a cause that has helped several community members through their battles with cancer. The show’s proceeds will be donated to Cancer Family

Care, an organization hand-picked my Ms. Deb Klemt, the organizer of the show.

First call

One of the members of the community whose family was helped by Cancer Family Care is Mrs. Brenda Fisher, SHS Student Assistance Counselor, along with the late Mr. Rob Stoneberger, Blue Ash Elementary physical education teacher. “When I was diagnosed in May 2008, one of my first calls was to Cancer Family Care in order to figure out how to tell my children about my illness. They gave us clear instructions,” said Fisher, whose children were eight and ten years old at the time. Fisher also points out that Cancer Family Care’s offered support services are essential, and she adds that the orga-

nization’s workers could even come to SHS if needed for counseling. When asked about the fashion show’s donation to Cancer Family Care in March, Fisher was clearly pleased about the future donation. “I think it is a fabulous organization that meets a very important community need. In my experience, families and individuals with cancer have unique needs, and as a community, we’re fortunate to have an organization to meet them,” said Fisher. Meanwhile, Khokhar, a seasoned fashion student, feels the importance of the event, even if only from the perspective of a designer. “It’s better to get a head start on what you’re making,” said Khokhar.

Fun&Games Friday, November 19, 2010

Wordles

ban ana

5 1234 6789

cover cover headcover cover

trail laitr rtlai atilr

faredce

youjustme

tune tune tune tune

it’s 9000 ALL

world

Answers: 1. Read between the lines 2. Banana split 3. High five 4. Head for cover 5. Trail mix 6. It’s over 9000 7. Red in the face 8. Debarred 9. It’s a small world after all 10. Just between you and me 11. Fortune

read

Caption contest CrosswordPuzzle To submit a caption for this picture, send your submission to WriteToTheLeaf@gmail.com. The winning captions will be displayed with the picture on goaves.com.

ACROSS 2. Name of failed colony established in Maine several years before Pilgrims’ arrival in New England. 6. Protestant denomination the Pilgrims were part of. 7. First name of King of England in 1620. 8. Leader of the tribe near the Pilgrims’ settlement.

image from altavista.com

DOWN 1. Last name of the Pilgrims’ leader. 2. Name of the Pilgrims’ settlement. 3. Mayflower’s would-be companion ship. 4. Tribe that the Pilgrims cooperated with. 5. Last name of the King of England in 1620.

Comics by Lilly Lefton

“Everest Stolen” by Scott Kim

Chapter 5: The Tetrahedral Palace claytonHAMRE

fun&games editor

he UNSS Starship and its crew barreled through half a dozen lightyears at a hundred times the speed of light, recklessly knocking a few hydrogen atoms out of their path. Harnessing the power of the Impossibility Drive, they arrived at Sirius with a few hours. The junior partner of the binary system, Sirius A, was a magnificent disc in the sky before them, causing the observers on the bridge to shield their eyes from its luminosity. The ancient Sirius B, already having passed through most of its life cycle, sulked several hundred million miles away, anticipating the day when it would finally be put out of its misery and become a dead, superdense chunk of iron. And, in lingering in the space between Sirius A and the starship, was a gaudy, rude, moon-sized blemish upon the fabric of spacetime. “What is that?” gasped Carlotta. “It’s shaped like a pyramid,” said Ralia. “It appears that someone put Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, and Dubai in a blender, then left the nauseating amalgamation out in space to die,” James said. “But it sure didn’t die,” Roger added. The Starships’ central computer alerted them to an incoming message. Roger pressed a button and it was played. “Welcome to the Sirius System, capital of the United Allied Earldoms and home to the Advanced Luxury Tetrahedron 2.0! An escort ships will arrive as soon as possible to direct you to an appropriate landing bay. Please enjoy your stay!” A tiny, buoy-like craft approached them, flashed a few lights, and began to slowly move back towards the monstrosity – the Tetrahedron. “I guess we should follow it,” said Roger. They did so, and were led into a huge space on one face of the structure. Instructions to disembark followed. The six officers, wearing gas masks to protect themselves from a possibly toxic atmosphere, stepped out into the landing bay. They were greeted by an alien, very humanoid, but with green skin, six arms, and several horns jutting out of its head at awkward angles. The being was covered in a garish patchwork of colorful robes, sashes, medals, vests, and jewelry. “Welcome!” he cried. “I assume you are the delegation from Earth, here to pay tribute?” “Yes,” Roger said, “although I admit we had no plans to pay tribute.” “Oh, never mind it! We shall come to an arrangement. Take off those gas masks; you will not need them. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Metaphrax IX Teslatron, 16th Earl of Tarn, and President of the UAE. Now, my assistants will take you on a tour of the Luxury Tetrahedron. The rest of your crew shall be directed to their apartments.” The floor beneath Roger and his officers began to levitate, and a one-horned alien stepped onto the floating vehicle to narrate their tour. “Oh my goodness,” Carlotta whispered to Roger after the tour was over, just out of earshot of the guide. “This place is insane! How could any person, or alien, or whatever, need this much stuff?” “And, more importantly,” Roger replied, “How will we find Mount Everest in the midst of all this?” “I don’t know. We’ll just have to look around, or maybe ask a guide if there are any attractions that feature mountains.” So, the next day, the six crew members began to explore the depths of the gargantuan pyramidal Babylon they were situated in. They looked at maps and asked visitors and locals and employees and sought the advice of a card-wielding psychic, but found nothing mountain-related until the end of the day, at the top of an observation tower jutting out from the main body of the Tetrahedron. “Look!” James pointed at one vertex of the megatructure. The others squinted and looked down (or up; there are no directions in space) at the target of James’ index finger. “Wow,” Ralia commented, “they put it in a pretty conspicuous location. But we never looked on the outside.” The famous summit was nestled between several lesser peaks – perhaps stolen from other homeworlds – and the artificial mountain range was lined with slices of exotic biomes, rainforest uncomfortably placed against desert. “And, also, do you see the signs around it?” James added. Carlotta and Luke walked over to some pairs of binoculars mounted on a pole, and looked through. “Yes,” Carlotta said. “They say, ‘Under construction: do not enter.’” “Well, maybe we can get the Earl to offer us a preview,” suggested Roger.

A&E

‘Funny happens’ Friday, November 19, 2010

Improv Aves practice exotic forms of acting

ginaROMEO a&e chief

hat do carbon monoxide and a guitar string have in common? The average person might not know, but a good improver would. Present those two variables to most any member of the Improv Team, and they could create an entirely original scene. The Improv Aves meet each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in the SHS Little Theatre (the site of the One Acts), where they develop their improv skills and prepare for the show in January. Improv, short for improvisation, is a form of acting where the actors are given a few variables and have to use their wits to create a scene. Improv can often be funny, even hilarious, as the actors grapple with challenging situations. But a key concept of improv, as well as its unofficial motto, is “funny happens.” “It means that you’re not trying too hard to be funny. You say what comes to your mind at that specific moment in time and you go with it,” said Brandon Ramos, 11. To further develop their skills, the improvers play a wide variety of games, each that refines a certain improv skill. One such game is “Live at Five,” in which there are two reporters, and as many as ten others in the background. The reporters have to go around and interview the participants. It requires the actors to make physical choices while the spotlight might not be on them, and it trains the reporters to take the actions of the others and make them into something that makes sense. “My favorite improv game would probably have to be “Live at Five,” because there are

so many physical actions that happen in that game, and only the anchormen can start the scene and bring the characters to the audience,” said Ramos. There are several basic rules one must learn before truly shining as an improver. The first rule is to not break. Breaking is when an actor somehow breaks character by laughing or smiling. It ruins the mood of the scene and rips the audience out of catharsis. Next is be a team player. Do your part for the betterment of the scene, but do not hog it to yourself or ruin it for others. An improver must be specific and avoid questions. Broadness is the downfall of many good scenes. Perhaps the most important rule is do not deny (do not say no). Denying catches your partner off guard and forces him/her to think of something different on the spot, which goes against rule number two also. An improver must listen to his partner(s). The more information one gathers from listening, the better one can speak and contribute to the scene. Stage fighting is not acceptable by any means. One slip of the hand could put one’s fellow scene mate in the hospital. Improvers must change constantly. A stagnant scene is boring to watch for most. “A stagnant scene is so boring and dull that you just kind of zone out during that scene. It’s like a time warp,” said Julian Braxton, 9. Finally, treat others with respect. For respect is the basis upon which all meaningful relationships are built, and upon which all organizations thrive.

RELEASED:

smDIPALI

news chief

Nowhere is safe. The slogan for the heavily awaited “Deathly Hallows” holds true for Harry Potter as well as the nation. “Harry Potter” frenzy is sweeping across America as diehards eagerly line the theaters for Part 1 of the epic series finale, which debuted today, Nov. 19, 2010, at 12 a.m. Voldemort is growing stronger. Harry, Ron, and Hermione begin their perilous search for Volde-

BRANDON BAUER, 10, participates in improv games. Here he is shown pulling away a heavy window in one of his scenes. Improv Aves will perform Jan. 14 and 15, 2011.

All Time Low

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows hits theaters Anxiously awaited movie finally delights fans

mort and the Horcruxes. Lost alone in the Dark Forests of the Wizarding World, they are left to destroy the Hocruxes, and therby Voldemort, without the guidance of elders. Meanwhile, in the Wizarding Community, the long feared war with the Voldemort and his Death Eaters has begun. Dark Forces seize control of the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts, terrorizing and arresting those who oppose them.

On Aug. 26, 2010, director David Yates, producers David Heyman and David Barron, along with several movie reviewers attended a test screening for Part 1 of Deathly Hallows in Chicago. The unfinished film recieved rave reviews from test screeners, who labelled it “amazing and dark” and “the most perfect Harry Potter film,” as it “faithfully adapted the novel.” Warner Bros. Pictures was

originally going to release Part 1 of Deathly Hallows in 2D and 3D formats. However it was later announced that plans for a 3D version of Part 1 had been abandoned. Part 2, however, will still be released in 2D, 3D and IMAX formats. The end is near, dear Harry Potter fanatics. Do not miss one of your final chances to watch Harry Potter and his wizarding friends battle Voldemort on the big screen. I sure won’t.

A self-proclaimed “alternative rock” band, ATL is the epitome of girly pop-rock embodied in the form of four boys with badly bleached highlights and extremely tight jeans. Though their lyrics are hardly ground-breaking, and the actual music is far from original, I cannot help but fall in love with the boys of All Time Low.

Katy Perry

Sure, there are probably a thousand some-odd people on this planet who consider the recently married Perry their “teenage dream.” And believe me, I love the girl to death. But it is not because of her ability to belt out songs like an alley cat begging for food, or because her hits about kissing girls are so deep and meaningful. No, despite the fact that every single one of her songs sounds exactly the same, it is hard to deny how much fun Ms. Perry is. Kudos Katy.

Young MC

Not into 90’s rap music? Me neither. But if you are looking to get into it, check out the tunes of Young MC. Some would consider his song “Bust A Move” a one-hitwonder, but how can you deny his flow in lines like “So on the beach you’re strollin’, real high rollin’/ Everything you have is yours and not stolen?” Impossible.

The Pretty Reckless

Check out this new literary project >page 15

HIGHLIGHTS: ‘What’s eating you’ premieres Learn more about this new expose on eating disorders >page 16

this month in a&e

staff writer

all images by sm dipali

johnCARROLL

Here it is my devoted readers, (or devoted haters for that matter): I admit that I am absolutely enamored with some of the most terrible music in the industry right now. Just like I tend to choose the campy horror films over the high-budget ones, or the 98 cent canned Chef Boyardee ravioli over the 13 dollar plate at Olive Garden, awesomely bad music is just another taste I have acquired. Overwhelmingly annoying pop artists, and “rock” bands that produce songs more likely to be on a Britney Spears album are just a small portion of the many, many, artists and bands represented in this genre. As much as I hype it, understand that I am not saying that this music is good in any way. In fact, I think it is really quite awful. But like trying raw fish at the new sushi place in the mall, learning to love bad music is simple once you get past your pre-judgments. Here are just a few of these artists:

We have all seen the live-action version of the movie “The Grinch,” right? Now imagine that little Cindy Lou Who is now 16 years old and has a passion for wearing raccoon-style eye makeup and skimpy lingerie on stage, while singing songs about dying with a band full of 40-year-old men, and you have got The Pretty Reckless. Hard to resist, right? In interviews, Taylor Momsen, little Cindy Lou, likes to claim that the band is “rock’n’roll, man,” as she chain-smokes and curses profusely. Sorry Taylor, but no one is taking you seriously. Sadly though, as much as I love to rag on this band, I love to love it even more.

a&e

SIX

friday, november 19, 2010

‘One life. Six words. What’s yours?’

WORD T MEMOIR

ginaROMEO a&e chief

Literary magazine sparks unique story-telling opportunity

Never really finished anything, except cake.

he story goes that classic writer, Ernest Hemingway, was once asked to write his life story in six words. This feat may have seemed impossible to most, but to Hemingway, father of modern literature, and award-winning author, it was all too simple. “For Sale: Baby shoes, never worn,” he wrote. From this occurrence came the idea of Smith Magazine’s “Six-Word Memoir,” a project spanning the lengths of such outlets as blogs, books, magazines and Honest Tea bottle caps. Since Nov. 2006, the project has risen to new heights, and Smithmag.net has since been challenging its readers to do just as Hemingway once did: tell their story in just six words. Interested in reading others’ or writing your own memoir? Check out any of the memoir books, including “I Can’t Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous and Obscure,” or go to http://www. smithmag.net.

Wasn’t noticed

so I painted trains. I look

Always

dogs.

else

living

life

I gave up through friends my tele for love.

vicariously

vision

the

anywhere

THESE ARE JUST a few of the many memoirs featured on Smith Magazine’s website. Along with the stories of thousands of average citizens, the site also showcases memoirs from noted cartoonists, authors, and artists like Shepard Fairey. Check out more of these featured memoirs on the site’s “Gallery of Sixes.”

PEOPLE.

Life has gone

wanted to be

photos courtesy of smithmag.net

Nothing profound, I just sat around.

I LIKE BOOKS BETTER THAN

for faces in cereal.

MY DREAM: TO WORK FOR ESPN

a&e

friday, november 19, 2010

‘What’s Eating You?’

New TV show exposes effects of eating disorders madiASHLEY

staff writer

new show that premiered on E! A couple of weeks ago labeled ‘What’s Eating You?’ is about the different kinds of eating disorders, how people can get help, and what it does to the victims’ everyday lives. In the first episode, a dancer named Adrienne had a customer complain to her manager about her weight. “Someone anorexic shouldn’t be on stage,” said the customer to her manager. They also told her manager that Adrienne should be fired, and that is exactly what her manager did. This shows that often, when someone has a disorder, their career, relationships, and life in general can be affected. Take Mark, age 22, from episode two. He has severe obsessive compulsive disorder which contributes to his anorexia and bulimia. He says that he has ‘restricted days’ where he cuts back on calories, sugars, carbs, and fats. He lives off of a diet of cottage cheese, and hot sauce. He explains to the cameras that his safe number is five. Everything he does has to be in increments of five. He then takes five scoops of cottage cheese and places them on a plate. He shakes the hot sauce five times and puts three squirts on each mound, then repeats the process with pepper. He says that he makes the food so spicy and unappealing because he feels that when he chooses to eat he does not deserve to eat something that tastes good. He believes he

is “failing” at his eating disorder. He made a commitment to himself that he will not eat in order to lose weight. When he eats he is truly disgusted with himself. This show takes an intimate look into how disorders like these effect humans and their average life. It is all too real and graphic. It does not sugar coat anything, and does not always end up with a happy ending. “I’ve seen the show about three times, and it really isn’t a ‘feel-good’ show, it takes a real look into how sad the lives of these people are,” said Leah Grinshpun, 9. The show is not intended to falsify anything that happens in real life. It is a raw look at the struggles people here at SHS and all around the world are dealing with.

Interested? Watch ‘What’s Eating You? True Stories of Food, Fear and Obsession’ on E! All new episodes each Wednesday at 10/9c.

image by emma oh

Battle of the Bands Students prepare for competition

Suspensful sequel exceeds expectations frankPAN

staff writer

sanikaVAIDYA

staff writer

Battle of the Bands 2010 will take place on Friday, Dec. 17. Four to five bands will be chosen from audition videotapes to participate in the competition. “It’s going to be a lot of fun and I’m really pumped for it,” said Brian Wise, 10, member of the band Chief Effect. Each band will have 15 to 20 minutes to play their best music and show it to the school. The exact timings will be given later when the number of bands playing is certain. Though the audition tapes could only include up to two cover songs and had to have at least one original song, the bands may play whichever songs they want for battle. All four grades are encouraged to audition and judging will be based on a variety of topics. After the show, each member of the audience can write the names of up to two bands on the back of their tickets. This will be voting for the best band. “The rule changes are awesome, and they should make batle even better,” said Wise. The bands will be battling for cash prizes: $500 for first place, $250 for second place and $100 for third place. “I’m really excited to see the different bands and styles of music! Rock on!” said Ashley Bonnoitt, 9.

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2

Come vote for your favorite band! When: Friday, Dec. 17 Where: Main theater Time: 7 p.m.

image by jimmy chau

Movie sequels usually are ‘boom’ or ‘bust’ in the world of entertainment. The Todd Williams directed “Paranormal Activity 2” prequel/sequel fits into the former category. The first movie, shot under a $15,000 budget, was hardly a dud for its production price. The digital home video camera effect along with frightening but uberrealistic scenes provided a true scare to those who watched. The most recent film, under a $3 million budget, takes place before the events of the first film, making it not a “true” sequel. However, as the film progresses, the timeline surpasses what takes place in the first movie and continues adding to a new plot. “Paranormal Activity 2” has plenty of scares to give you sleep induced terror the minute you leave theaters. There is plenty of suspense and the fear created by the random events will make your heart race. The fear factor between the first and second movies does not lead to any drop off. However, since the movie is not truly a “sequel” per se, the

beginning relates too much to the first movie. This actually makes the scenes less intimidating to those who saw the first as they were able to relate more to why such events happened. As the movie progressed though, and new scenes began, “Paranormal Activity 2” was just as, if not even more scary. “I saw Paranormal Activity 2 the night it came out and when I went home, I really could not sleep well,” said Rebecca Tregubov, 12. The majority of viewers shared Tregubov’s feelings after leaving the theater, however, a few replied that they were not scared. “I really did not think it was that horrifying…not enough blood and gore,” said Nimit Desai, 9. Overall, when most Hollywood Box Office successes return once again into the spotlight, they are not as good. “Paranormal Activity 2” does not follow the trend and if one is looking to be truly frightened, he or she should see this in theaters as soon as possible.

Sports

Rewriting history Friday, November 19, 2010

>> continued from page 1 brandonSOSNA editor-in-chief, sports chief

never caved. “Robert Stein has the organization, work ethic, and desire of no player I have ever experienced. To have three to five hours of practice each night and still maintain the extremely high GPA he possesses is unprecedented,” said Sievering. “My typical day consisted of going to soccer practice after school for usually about two hours. Then right after, I would go to my car, take a 10-minute breather, and then grab by football gear to finish out the rest of football practice,” said Stein. So what is better, kicking a game winning field goal on Senior Night or scoring a game winning goal in the District Semifinal? “Honestly, I cannot choose between the two. I’m just glad I could help the seniors make this a season they will never forget,” said Stein. “My game winning goal against Moeller was surreal. In the future, when I look back on my high school memories, this will definitely be at the peak of my soccer accomplishments.” It will be just one of many.

Overcoming adversity

For months, Jervis woke up and went to bed with the same thought in his head: am I dying? It was the end of his sophomore year, club team soccer tryouts were coming up, and his family was preparing for a vacation in California. He could not get out of bed. He could barely walk. All he could do was sleep. His feet, wrists, and throat bothered him. He suffered from high fevers, exhaustion, and rapid weight loss. He had no appetite. One day he had to ask for help in removing the lid off a bottle of Gatorade. He broke down. Even worse, the doctors had no idea why. He made daily trips to his pediatrician for blood tests, which only revealed that his liver enzymes were dangerously high, but no cause. His friends were hepatologists, rheumatologists, gastroenterologists, and ultrasound technicians. Finally, a liver biopsy revealed Jervis was suffering from Auto-immune Hepatitis. He was days, possibly hours away from being placed on a liver transplant waiting list. The drug treatments helped him, but hurt him just the same. The drugs ravaged his body. His face swelled up and his body was covered in a horrifying case of steroid induced acne. He woke up each morning, his sheets covered in his own blood, wishing he did not have to go to school, wishing he did not have to endure the strange looks he received in the hallways. Over a year later, he has recovered to the point where only his back, shoulders, and chest remain scarred. He still takes monthly trips to the doctor, daily medications, and has a surgical procedure scheduled for the end of his senior year. But mentally he will never be the same.

“When I was diagnosed, my life changed completely and it’s hard to cope with that every day. I feel like what I have gone through has helped me mature and look at life in an entirely new way,” said Jervis. Through it all, Jervis continued to play soccer. It was a battle, but he fought on. “Through all of this he never complained and never missed training, even as he was forced to continually battle the side of effects of different medications. He will surely never allow anyone to feel sorry for him,” said Sievering. Jervis was not alone in fighting a physical illness. Daniel Moler, 11, has overcome not only diabetes, but also setbacks in his personal life. “The hardest part is having to do something that most people do not have to do. I play despite it, because you cannot let obstacles stop you from doing what you want to do. That is life,” said Moler. “There are many times I just want to give up. There is no worse feeling than thinking this is never going to go away. I just have to try and stay positive and know that one day, there will be a cure.” “Daniel has battled diabetes, the disappointment of not making varsity as a sophomore, and the loss of his grandmother. Through all of this, he has emerged as a leader and starting defender,” said Sievering. “Many players would have given up, but instead, Daniel has stepped up.” That statement could easily be the motto of the entire team. They never quit. They never gave up. And they never lost hope, even in the worst of times.

image by jimmy chau

BEFORE EACH MATCH the players joined in a prayer. The obstacles and challenges overcome, as well as the unforgettable relationships and memories established, slapped an exclamation point on what was an already remarkable postseason run. Despite the loss to Centerville in the Regional Finals, the SHS boys soccer team remains champions

Sophomore surge

The entire community was stunned and devastated by the passing of SHS student Jose Cerda. Cerda, a swimmer and water polo player, made a lasting impact on all those who knew him. Just two days after his sudden departure, the soccer team was playing for a District Championship. They took the field that night with heavy hearts, sporting accessories inscribed with the initials “JC.” “We talked a lot about Jose. We wanted to give the school, the community, and Jose’s family something positive to rally around and help the healing process. Jose’s life is far more important than a soccer game, but we wanted everyone to know that the soccer team was playing for all those who were blessed enough to have been impacted by such a special young man,” said Sievering. The pressure was on. “We all did feel a great amount of pressure to win. We knew the game was greater than just winning a District Championship,” said Stein. “The great thing about sports is it can ease the burdens of life and we did just that.” And they did win, and they did it for Jose. “To score that game winning goal to win – it was definitely for Jose. We wanted to do well for the school and for his family,” said Wolkoff.

Arguably the most astonishing aspect of the tournament run was that the varsity team won so many games with a sophomore goal keeper. Jake Ciricillo, 10, knew he had to be great. He had to. For the seniors. “The fact that every game could have been the seniors last made me want to excel even more in the postseason. I did it for them, because I love every single one of them,” said Ciricillo. As a freshman he earned the trust of his teammates and coach, with his quiet confidence and unselfish attitude. “Jake is a sophomore in terms of age only. He handles the pressure in goal as well as any goalkeeper of any age. To be honest, Jake has yet to even ‘scratch the surface’ of how truly good he can and will be. He is an AllState goalkeeper waiting to happen,” said Sievering. Captain Riehemann echoed his coach’s sentiments. “He can be really great. He is going to have to embrace the team and become the leader, because he now has just as much experience as anybody else. It’s basically his team now for the next two years,” said Riehemann. Circillo has a way of tempering all the talk. He is focused and handles his business in a professional manner. “It is all mental. You have to be focused at all times,” said Ciricillo. “It can be hard to live up to the expectations. People’s perceptions are

EARNING RESPECT: JAKE Ciricillo, 10, has emerged as the future leader of SHS soccer. Above, Max Riehemann, 12, ties his goalkeepers cleats. Ciricillo has “All-State” potential.

ROBERT STEIN, 12, CELEBRATES with the students after scoring the game winning goal against Moeller, just one week after kicking a game winning field goal against Mason.

Jose, Jose, Jose, Jose!

That was how Riehemann described his relationship with Sievering. They all feel that way. “Sievering is a phenomenal coach. The program would not be anywhere near where it is today without him. He is great to us,” said Ciricillo. “I love how he individually gets to know every single one of his players. I speak for all of us when I say I never want him to leave.” The feelings are mutual. “It has been a pleasure to grow with this group of seniors over the past

four years and I will miss the daily interaction. These boys have really exemplified what it means to do things the right way,” said Sievering. Sievering is the glue that held it all together, even when times were tough. He pushed them, but never too far. He rode them, but never too hard. And in the end, he brought them all together for an indescribable run. “I get the chills thinking about where this season has led. However, in the search for words, the best I can come up with is that I love the SHS Soccer Program.” It was a lengthy, uncomfortable bus ride home from Fairfield. A 3-1 loss to the eventual GMC Champions had the SHS boys varsity soccer team feeling utterly frustrated. They were mostly ignored. They were a disappointment. They had a season that would probably conclude the following week in the first round of the postseason. Weeks later, there were once again long faces, blank stares, and even tears. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but this was worth just one: devastation. Regional Finals Runner-up is not as sexy. They wanted more. They wanted State. But it was neither the beginning nor the end that defines them; rather, it is the journey that took them on a magical, unforgettable, and historic ride. They will remember not the agony of defeat, but instead the thrill of victory: the thrill of standing for something more than just a team.

PLAYERS THROW THEIR hands toward the sky after winning the District Championship. For the seniors, it was the perfect ending to a special season.

COACH SCOTT SIEVERING motions to the crowd to make noise late in the District Finals match. Sievering led the varsity soccer program to its best postseason finish in history.

my reality. Sometimes it feels like the world is on your shoulders as a keeper.” Ciricillo made several tremendous saves during the playoffs, but most notably a full-extension diving save to preserve a win. He called it “routine.” “I have to make that save. A keeper has to make one or two big saves a game and that ultimately can affect the outcome,” said Ciricillo. It was almost an annoyance for him to have to talk about himself. He was irked by the all the comments about “how sick that save was.” He would rather deflect the credit to his teammates. “It feels special to know I can contribute to the number one team in the city as a sophomore, but I have lots of help. I know the team has my back and that makes me more comfortable back there, and they know I have their back, too,” said Circillo. And for the next two years, he will be the backbone of SHS soccer.

‘Like a second father’

photos courtesy of patti jervis

TWO DAYS AFTER Jose Cerda’s death SHS students wore red to school. Michael Tufts, 12, continued to honor Cerda by wearing a red jersey. He shows it off after the District Finals win.

Cross Country: rising above, becoming champions

Runners ready to take next step in 2011 rohanDALAL

staff writer

s cross country season concludes, Coach Mike Gutekunst looks to next season and is confident that it will be a successful one. Our upperclass runners will have been racing together for at least four years and they will definitely look to use their experience to take the next step and go to the State Meet as a team. The upperclassmen will include, Tallin Forshey, 10 Paul Salach, 10, Ryan Hall, 11, Cory Chisholm, 11. “I think we will for sure take the next step next year. I have been running with these kids since my junior high days and we know each other and get along very well. This will give us an advantage next season going into the playoffs, when it matters the most. Our team chemistry will help us pull each other through each race,” said Chisholm.

Gutekunst also expressed his opinion. “I could not agree more with Cory. It’s always great to see these guys together and hanging out. Whenever this happens I always think about how it will help us during the season,” said Gutekunst. Another issue that proves that SHS cross country is ready to take the next step is what all of these endurance runners have done since the start of their careers to drop time. Chisholm entered his freshmen year running in the “20s” and ended his junior season running a 16:40. Salach entered his freshmen year with a career best time of 17:37 and ended his sophomore season with a 17:17. Ryan Hall started his career in the 18s and ended his junior season in the 17s. SHS will look to use its team chemistry and knack for improvement to fight for a spot in the state cross country meet in 2011; a rare feat for SHS cross country.

brandonsosna

editor-in-chief/sports chief

image by michael saxon

KUBILAY INANLI, 12, speeds up as he approaches the two mile mark. Each race is 3.1 miles long. The third mile is the toughest and requires the most guts.

Squad anticipates breezy regular season, troublesome post season associate editor

Though it is one of SHS’ perennially well-performing sports, Academic Quiz Team faces issues in the postseason that the team’s outstanding regular performance would never indicate. Since 2008, Quiz Team has played a single undefeated season and two seasons marred by a single loss against either Lakota West or Mason, SHS’ chief Greater Miami Conference (GMC) rivals. Coach Ken Clark clearly knows of his students’ aptitude within the GMC. In fact, he claims that six of the nine other teams in the conference yield easy victories. “We are always confident that we will do well within the conference. The real test comes when we play the schools that are more balanced,” said Clark. Clark is referring to the Quiz Team’s overall high performance levels in three related question categories in the matches: Math, Life Science, and Physical Science. However, SHS lags in several of the other seven categories. “We’re always strong in math and science, but we’re always nervous about the fine arts,” said Clark, who mentions that the varsity team typi-

Concussions cause continuous concern >> continued from page 1

let me pass so it all worked out,” said Edgington. Edgington also played computer games to recover his memory. “I lost a little bit of memory, but it was only long term. I don’t remember much before sixth grade.” In fact, it was hard for Edgington to remember what a concussion felt like. Concussions are a major issue in high school sports. According to The Concussion Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio, of the 7.5 million student athletes that participated in high school sports during the 2008-2009 school year, an estimated 400,000 concussions have been suffered by those athletes. A concussion is not something to ignore. It can affect your life forever, just as it has impacted Edgington’s.

cally guesses ‘Brown’ when confronted with an American Literature or English Literature-related question. In terms of Quiz Team veterans, Clark expects the more seasoned players to excel at first, but does not count out the weaker members in the least. “It’ll give the juniors more seat time; we seated many of the seniors last year. This will give the others the chance to shine,” said Clark. ‘It’s like being a freshman’ Additionally, Quiz Team will undergo some additional changes. Mr. Mel Hoffert will not be returning to oversee the teams. When asked about the circumstances of his departure, Hoffert remains honest. “I just had too many things on my plate,” said Hoffert, in reference to several other school and personal commitments. Instead, Coach Rosemary Ennis will serve alongside Clark. Ennis, though still learning the specifics, feels an emotion that is quite typical for anyone trying a new activity. “I’m feeling excited and nervous because I’m new– it’s like being a freshman,” said Ennis. Regardless, Clark remains generally optimistic. “We expect to have a strong team with quite a few returning seniors,” said Clark.

friday, november 19, 2010

Athletes are people, too

Quiz Team experiences uncertainty moriahKRAWEC

sports

Soham Agarwal, 10, on buzzing in When did you first join Quiz Team? Were you recommended for the team, or did you simply attend the informational meeting? It was a mix; I first contacted Mr. Hoffet with questions, and then joined the team through his information. Out of the three Quiz Team rounds (Category, Alphabet, and Lightning), which is your favorite, and why? I prefer the lightning round, because it not only tests knowledge, but reflexes. Plus, it’s fun to hit something once in a while. Out of the three Quiz Team rounds, which is do you feel to have the best performance when playing, and why? I probably had the best performance on the category round, because there are a few questions on just about every major subject, so there is bound to be something I can answer. Mr. Hoffert will no longer be coaching Quiz Team for this year. What is your reaction? Mr. Hoffert will be missed by the whole team, but especially by returning players.

Steven Froh, 12, lacrosse defensive middie How many concussions have you been diagnosed with? Four. For the medical diagnosed concussions I went to a doctor, then I saw Perry Denehy and then Dan Devine who gives the go ahead to play. What is medically done for a concussion? A baseline test of letters and shapes, RED the word is written in the color green. All of these tests are computer generated and timed. What symptoms were associated with your concussion? My experiences have been with the moving /streaming colors, headaches, zoning out, seeing big squares in my head without my brain focusing on anything. While I was never nauseated, there were points in my head that hurt constantly.

Will you ever play lacrosse again? What precautions will be taken? I will play lacrosse again. I have a CPX Pro 7 helmet. It is special. It is not styrofoam. It has coils that compress within it. The specially ordered $300 helmet was purchased through the lacrosse funds. I did wear it when playing Mason. Denehy joked, “You can not say that a helmet is concussion proof. But this is as concussion proof as you can get.” Why are you still playing? I feel passionately about it. I think it is some part of being young and invincible. I think I am too stubborn to listen. I am aware of the risk and I am taking the risk.

As youthful fans, we face them with tremendous apprehension. As adults, we want nothing else but to talk their ears off. We buy their jerseys. We wear their name on our backs. We dedicate hours of media coverage to dissecting their everyday behaviors. We bow down to them. We celebrate them. We talk about them like they’re Godly individuals. But, folks, athletes are people, too. Playing sports is what they do, it is not their life. We care more about their success than they do. We invest far more in their performance in any given game. They’re allowed to make mistakes. Athletes are people, too. There is a fine line that seems to have been washed away over the years between a hero and role model. We lump athletes into both categories, in doing so, we hoist them up onto pedestals so that they’re eye to eye with the Sears Tower. The most remarkable thing about sports is that, somehow, it has unquantifiable stimulating powers. Sports cause people to forget, to move on, to rally, and to overcome. Nothing defeats adversity like coming together in support of one team. And nothing lifts a spirit like it, either. Athletes can be heroes. They can use their forced place in society to change lives. They do it all the time. In fact, they deserve more credit than they get. We hear far more about the latest arrest in sports than we do about the athlete who impacted the life of a terminally ill teenager. The work sportsmen do with their community funds, resources, and time speaks for itself. Most athletes recognize how blessed they are and choose to help the masses who are far less fortunate. But make no mistake, athletes, on the whole, are not role models. We should not look to athletes to determine how to behave. We should not model after them. Their grace on the field is usually not matched by their actions off of it. Often times, athletes are found beating their wives, drinking and driving, murdering and stealing, or any of many other felonious crimes. Perhaps not to the extent of Terrelle Pryor’s thinking (“I mean everyone kills people, murders people, steals from you, steals from me, whatever.”) But in any event, how many kids looked up to Brett Favre? Then he was caught sexting a female reporter. What about Ben Roethlisberger? He was accused of raping a female. Or Donte Stallworth who killed an innocent civilian in a tragic drinking and driving accident? Whether they were indicted or not for their mishaps is not the matter in question. Although, how Stallworth is back on a football field just two years later is anyone’s guess. The question is whether or not we should emulate them. Some athletes have established themselves as outstanding human beings. But overall, the answer is an emphatic no. Pryor was right about one thing, when he said that not everyone was perfect and everyone deserves a second chance. This may be true. But before we forget, athletes are people, too. They can make mistakes. We just need to be sure not to do the same.

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

sports wimming Straight

friday, november 19, 2010

eniors leave leadership role up for grabs

sarahMAY

forum chief

he varsity girls swim team graduated five seniors, ending a season of fast swimming, silly drama, and of course, fun memories. This year, Sara Hammer, 12, and Catherine Tate, 12, will take over as leaders of the team. “We are definitely planning on going the extra mile with only two seniors. We want to help bond the team with pasta parties and sleep overs and create a more positive environment,” said Hammer. Throughout the season, the teammates will spend countless hours together, with long bus rides, travel meets, and early morning practices. For this reason, many are hoping that new leadership will create a more unified team atmosphere than was present last year. “I think the girls are going to be nicer to each other… last year there was a lot of drama. And I know our seniors are also planning some team activities to help us all bond,” said Charlotte Harris, 11. The influx of new members to the team supplements the loss of last year’s

seniors. Freshmen Dominique BookdannyBAYLISS walter, Jordan Elder, and Alonna sports chief Motley, are swimming for the team Section 103B, 2, Seat 1; inside 11375 Montgomery Rd.Row • Cincinnati, OH this year. of the Pauley Pavilion. Along with the usual addition This is not just any seat. It will of freshmen, the girls varsity never be just any seat, but more like Monday thru Friday 9am-9pm team is receiving many a focal point•for what 11am-4pm was. When the Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday upper classmen, namely UCLA Bruins tipped off their season Caroline Berghoff, 10, Adult - $12 • Kids- $10 at home last Friday, this seat stood Kathrine Caldwell, 3145-1 out. 10, Pauline Cappel, Meet Under Meet Under Since his retirement in 1975,thethe New New 11, Mary Lynch, 11, the New New Management! late John Wooden spent much Staff!of Management! Staff! Ali Schramm, 11, his time watching the team he once and Grace Van coached into a dynasty. Ten champiAmerongen, 12. onships in twelve Rd. years. • Cincinnati, OH “I decided to join 11375 Montgomery Rd. • Cincinnati, OH 11375 Montgomery From the bench to the bleachers, varsity so I can bethe “Wizard of Westwood” remained come a better swima backbone of Bruin culture. Fans Monday thru Friday 9am-9pm mer and improve Monday thru Friday 9am-9pm flocked to extend a humble hello Saturday 9am-6pm • Sunday 11am-4pm my times. It should Saturday 9am-6pm • Sunday 11am-4pm whenever Wooden surfaced in public. be a fun season,” Adult - $12 • Kids- $10 Adult - $12 • Kids- $10 Wooden supported their wishes for said Berghoff, who, 3145-1 a winning program, and in return 3145-1 along with Caldwell Meet Under their support strengthened him as the and Schramm, previthe New New years flew by, and calmed him on his Management! Staff! ously swam on the JV death bed. team. So how does a team, a university, Lynch and a nation honor a man who recame to 11375 Montgomery Rd. • Cincinnati, OH defined the word legend? Every four SHS this years, February 29 becomes John year, after atWooden Day. tending Ursuline Monday thru Friday 9am-9pm Truly special, yet one-upped. In an Academy her Saturday 9am-6pm • Sunday 11am-4pm arena where thousands of basketball freshman and Adult - $12 • Kids- $10 buffs focus on the game, one special sophomore years. 3145-1 pair of bifocals from above is looking Although she had over them all. Wooden watched his knee surgery Oct. CHARLOTTE HARRIS, 11 COMPETES loved ones, his mentees, and his fol28, there is no doubt in a meet last year. Harris is one of a few lowers honor his legacy. Lynch will be an asset returning members who will be counted His family. to the team. upon to serve in leadership roles. There will In spirit, Wooden is in the hearts of “I am really excited because Mary is be plenty of opportunities to step up and thousands. In reality, Wooden was awesome, and she is really fast. I am take charge, as the team had five seniors still there. sure she will provide good leadership to graduate last year. Same row, same section, same seat. the team,” said Hammer.

Harpers Station

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Harpers Station

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We are definitely planning on going the extra mile with only two seniors. We want to help bond... and create a more positive environment.

image by danny bayliss

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Sara Hammer, 12

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Spotlight

Making magic with Friday, November 19, 2010

drewGELWICKS

spotlight editor

Megan Shindler, 10, on theatre, poetry writing How is sophomore year so far? Incredible. It’s been much more difficult than I had anticipated, but the challenge is nice! I’m learning a lot in my classes and I have some really great teachers. Hey, at least I don’t have to be a freshman anymore! Just kidding. Do you miss freshman year? Why? Well honestly, I like actually knowing my way around the building but, I miss my old teachers all the time. I constantly find myself reminiscing about Mrs. Judy Klefas’ class. Who are you closest with? I have tons of extremely supportive friends who have been awesome from the start. Without them I don’t know who I’d be. Plus, I don’t know any other people who can actually put up with me. What extra-curriculars are you involved in? I am involved in theater. I am currently in “The Phantom of the Opera” as a ballerina. I just recently performed in “The Least Offensive Play in the Whole Darn World” and “At the Bottom of Lake Missoula” as a part of the one- act festival with Anderson High School. I participate in Select Ensemble and Touring Company, and I look forward to participating in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” If you’re not cool in real life you are so cool in theatre, and admittedly that’s totally me. Do you have a favorite? I particularly enjoyed the one- acts and the rehearsal process. The whole show was really well performed and we worked so hard. My experience in “Least Offensive” will definitely be something I will carry with me throughout my high school years, right along with the millions of inside jokes I have from rehearsal. We really formed a giant second family, and that is one of the beautiful things about putting on a show. Any hobbies? Writing poetry and composing music are two of my favorite things to do. I spend almost all my free time with a paper and pen (yes, I have friends). I also find yoga really relaxing. I’m not really sure if this counts… but eating should be somewhere on this list! Oh yeah, it’s a hobby…

How often do you write? I try to write every day. Sometimes I’ll find myself writing in the middle of class (usually not good). I time and date all my work so that I can look back and know exactly when I wrote a certain piece. Are you private with them or do you like showing them to friends? Sharing with my friends helps me to express my feelings to them. They’ve been really good about giving me constructive criticism and helping me make my work even better. After all they are the ones who inspire me to write in the first place…

n a g e M

Do you think this could become a career? Full time, baby. I plan on making this my career when I am older. I have been anticipating the start of my career as a writer for almost four years now, and I’m just itching to get a taste of the real world of literature. If not poetry, what could you see yourself doing career-wise? If not writing, I would be interested in working in the fashion industry. I love clothing and think trends and styles are really enthralling in modern day America. Reporting for a fashion magazine seems like it would be an amazing job… although, knowing me, I wouldn’t mind being behind the camera either… Where could you see yourself living in the future? New York City. “Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today, I want to be a part of it New York, New York.” I am packing my bags for the city the first moment I can. I love the atmosphere in Manhattan and I would be close to a large part of my family (and all the hot dog vendors… duh). Any last words? Love the life you live and live the life you love. Life isn’t always the party we had hoped for, but since we’re here we might as well dance.

So you like poetry. When did you start writing? I started writing in the sixth grade and I started composing in the eighth grade. I never really found myself truly dedicated to it until I moved from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Cincinnati the summer of seventh grade.

image by jane finocharo

Adolescence Written by Megan Shindler Years of adolescence, so quickly come and go Many times unappreciated, as many of us may know Numerous unique challenges, we blindly come to face All in the often failed endeavor to keep up with the pace The unruly pace of the world, in which we spend our days Making the choices and decisions, which will identify the ways The ways we live our lives, and interact with all the rest Like the answers to the questions, determining the outcome of the test With everything inside us, we try to find who we are Sometimes reaching extreme measures, sometimes going too far We attempt to be individual, always searching for something new Yearning to stand one of the many, and ending up one of a few So many foreign voices, persuading us each day Solitary in between, unknowing of what they should say Only few strong willed will prosper, in this game that we’ve named life Using perseverance and self discipline, to filter through the strife

SOCIABLE AND BUSY, Shindler manages to make time to hang out with friends. Between school, and writing many poems, she manages her grades and friends. This sophomore is ready to take on anything that comes her way.

all images by drew gelwicks