September Issue

the Sycamore

leaf

Still not ready for Homecoming? Turn to page 11 for a last minute, step by step guide to the tailgate, football game and dance.

FRIDAY September 25, 2009 Volume LVI Issue 2 | 7400 Cornell Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45242, 513.686.1770 ext. 3089 | www.goaves.com

Homecoming

Homecoming weekend is in full swing now. The Homecoming football game is tonight at 7:30 p.m. vs. Lakota West. The dance, “Aviator Island” is tomorrow night from 9 p.m. -12 a.m.

PLC Meetings

The second PLC meeting date is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7.

Freshmen and sophomores will be discussing bullying and student services and juniors will be receiving college information. For more information on PLC meetings turn to page 3.

National College Fair

Students interested in learning more about applying to college should attend the National College Fair on Sunday, Oct. 11. Representatives from across the country will be at the fair.

Early Release Day

Scheduled to coincide with parent teacher conferences, the second early release day of the year will be Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Senior Halloween

For information on the rules and regulations of Senior Halloween seniors can check out the “senior” button located on their Blackboard home pages. Senior Halloween will be on Thursday, Oct. 29 and the parade will take place during sixth bell at 12:30 p.m.

Teacher Record’s Day

There will be no school on Friday, Oct. 30 for Teacher Record’s Day.

Ohio repeals Jarod’s Law

Staff, students voice excitement over long awaited freedom

excited,” said Ms. Julie Haverkos, science department supervisor, about the repeal of the law. “This f permitted, feel free to bring snacks to science class was a law that just got way out of hand.” again.

The law, which was put into The legislation known effect after six-year-old Jarod as “Jarod’s Law,” which Bennet of Lebanon was killed by banned food in most science an unsecured collapsible table, classrooms, along with chemiwas seen by many teachers as cals thought to be dangerous too stringent—causing numerto students, has been repealed ous unreasonable hindrances to because of the costs associated the learning process. While some with inspection. legislators agree that the law was During the previous school unreasonable, others balked at year, science the thought of and art teachstudent safety ers struggled Oct. 16 is when being too with the law, expensive to Jarod’s Law expires since so many maintain. vital chemicals “The law were banned, had a good including those found in tea intent, but it just went way off and bananas. But as of Oct. 16, the deep end,” said Mrs. Kathy the relatively stringent meaFerguson, art teacher. “Many sures of Jarod’s Law will no legislators don’t spend a lot of longer be in effect. Schools will time in classrooms, so they don’t still be subject to inspections have knowledge of what they’re twice a year, and the binder of dealing with.” dangerous chemicals will be Ferguson, like other teachers, maintained by the custodial faced challenges with Jarod’s staff, as had been done prior Law. She was not allowed to use to the bill, according to the hairspray to limit dust from chalk Cincinnati Enquirer.

rashmiborah

I

editor-in-chief

“We were all really really

See Jarod’s Law, page 3 photo courtesy of jeremy mcdaniel

1) Sycamore: 25 4) Seven Hills: 17 2) St. Xavier: 22 5) Mason:14 3) Walnut Hills: 19

National Merit

Top 5

photo by jake newton

news bites 9.25-10.23

Mr. Michael Geyer, chemistry teacher, reconciles with his freedom to chow down in his own classroom. While eating delicious snacks during labs is still hazardous not only to students but also to their grades, it is now a legitimate action in science rooms again. Enjoy this privilege well.

‘GSA is here for you’

Gay-Straight Alliance aids LGBT students

spencerwurzelbacher staff writer

National Merit Semi-Finalists

THE 25 SENIORS NAMED National Merit Semi-Finalists were announced on Wednesday, Sept. 16. They are as follows (from left to right): Row One: Hannah Rashkin, Jing Xing, Kathryn Tolley, Noel Ripberger, and Melissa French. Row two: Josh Goldman, Joyce Zhang, Erin Kosel, and Sukhada Kulkarni. Row three: Andrew Jensen, Anu Kaushik, and Bryan Summerlin.

Row four: Chris King, Mark Rubeo, and Briana Conners. Row five: Joseph Lee, Dan Ashton, and Ashvin Srivatsa. Row six: Jordan Chen, David Jungerwirth, Sheena Patel. Row seven: Matt Korn, Ben Lee, Jordan Kolb, and Neil Krishnan.

I N S I D E CALENDAR 2

NEWS 3

Arguably one of the most controversial issues in our society today is the rift that has opened up between the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual (LGBT) community and the straight community. SHS is no exception to certain elements of this divide.

As the school strives for equal opportunity and excellence, SHS and its students are, once more, faced with a major social issue.

The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) consists of not only LGBT students, but straight students as well; this is an effort to bridge the gap between the two groups.

While not new to SHS, the group has not been officially active for some time. After the first meeting which was held Monday, Sept.

21, the group feels that there is the potential for much to be accomplished over course of the

2009-2010 school year.

“More understanding and acceptance,” said Ryan Church, 12, speaking on what he seeks to create as President of GSA. He and the other officers are planning several events, such as Ally Week (October 19-23), No Name Calling Week (January 25-29) and Day of Silence (April 16). Each event is meant to inform students of issues related to GSA and the student body, and then attempt to solve them.

While there was no official GSA during the 2008-2009 school year, many students participated in Day of Silence. Each student elected to be completely silent throughout the day, some going to the extent of pasting a piece of tape over their mouth with the word ‘Silence’ on it. Others carried around an informational card. The event is meant to bring

See GSA, page 3

FORUM 5-7 SPOTLIGHT 8 FEATURE 9-12 A&E 13-15 SPORTS 16-18 ADVERTISEMENT 19 SNAPSHOTS 20

Calendar

2

friday, september 25, 2009

elizabethhoopes

calendar chief

sunday

monday

tuesday

wednesday thursday

October 4

5

Famous Birthday: Eleanor Roosevelt (1884)

6

12

13

14

Event: National College Fair

7:00 p.m.

Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Fairfield (home)

18

19

20

History: Final battle of the Revolutionary War in1781

26

21

SHS Event: Early Release Day

27

28

2

3

SHS Event: Early Release Day

7:30 p.m.

Boys Varsity Football @ Hamilton

2:00 p.m.

Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Seton (home)

8

9

10

7:00 p.m.

Girls Varsity Soccer vs.Hamilton (home) 7:00 p.m.

Boys Varsity Soccer @Hamilton

7:30 p.m.

Boys Varsity Football vs. Colerain (at home)

15

16

SHS Event: Choral Concert 7:30 pm

7:30 p.m.

Boys Varsity Football vs. Fairfield (at home) Football and Band Senior Night

22

23

24

7:30 p.m.

Boys Varsity Football @ Lakota East

Weird Holiday: National Bologna Day

30

31

SHS Event: Orchestra Concert 7:30 pm

29

7:30 p.m.

Boys Varsity Football @ Mason Famous Birthday: Pablo Piccaso (1881)

History: Statue of Liberty dedicated in 1886

saturday

1

4:00 p.m.

Girls Tennis vs.

Ursuline (at home) 7:00 p.m.

Girls Varsity Volleyball vs.

McNicholas (home)

25

7

7:00 p.m.

Girls Varsity Volleyball vs.

Middletown (home)

History: Sputnik I, the first space vehicle, launched in 1957

11

2009

friday

SHS Event: Senior Halloween

No School: Teacher’s Records Day

17

Holiday: Halloween

news 3

friday, september 25, 2009

GSA cont’d attention to anti-LGBT name calling.

While it may not seem extreme to casually use words that relate to the LGBT community, there are several which are very offensive. During last year’s Diversity Day, Calvin Terrell, one of the speakers, explained the origin of one such word; “Faggot,” originally meant a bundle of burning sticks, but eventually, it came to be a term used to describe homosexuals when they were bound, naked, and burned, thus resembling a bundle of burning sticks.

“It’s hard for people to change their word usage since we grew and are continuing to grow up with these terms used as normal insults.

Nobody really takes the time to think about what they are saying, where the words originated from, or what they actually mean. And even if they do, derogatory words just demote our society when all we want is acceptance and peace,” said Katy “Kt” Napierski, 11.

“If you are a gay or lesbian student and you feel you are being harassed or bullied the GSA is here for you to come, be heard, and help you through your experience. Additionally, GSA is open to all students who are willing to gain a better understanding of Sycamore High School’s diverse student population,” said Ms. Renee Hevia, assistant principal and staff advisor for GSA.

Meaningful movement T

catherinefarist

staff writer

eachers have to answer four questions this year: What do we want students to learn?

How will we know they’ve learned it? What will do if they don’t learn it? What will we do if they already know it?

To address these issues, the SHS administration has decided to host Professional Learning Community, or PLC, meetings once a month for all students and teachers.

“Sycamore is already a great school, but we know we can make it better. These PLC meetings will really benefit the students and allow them to get a more individualized approach to their learning, even more so than they already are,” said Ms. Renee Hevia, assistant principal.

Originally, teachers would get together during their plan bells to collaborate and look at their work.

Then, they worked to find ways to be able to go over these concepts in a more understanding way. Previously meetings of these types between the teachers were held during their plan bells, which interrupted their work time.

As a result, a movement between the administration and the staff arose who wanted to get a hold of their professional development, which had evolved into the creation of these Professional Learning Community meetings once a month.

“It will be really good for the students because it will make their work more meaningful and students will [know] the why, what, and how.

It will allow students that are still struggling to get more personalized attention, with a more in-depth approach for the students’ ability to carry out the material,” said Hevia.

Students have various opinions on these insisted PLC meetings that are designed the tackle each grade levels’ pressing issues that will keep them on track throughout the year with such things as graduation, scheduling, and various resources available.

“I thought the PLC meetings were highly informative, however I’m hoping the other ones in the future will be a lot more lively and engaging,” said Alex DiMasso, 12.

Professional learning community meetings aim to improve learning environment

Oct 7:

Nov 11:

Jan 26:

Feb 10:

-Freshmen: resources at SHS -Sophomores: Career presentation -Juniors: Safety -Seniors: TBD

-Freshmen, sophomores: Bullying and student services -Juniors: College information -Freshman, sophomores, Juniors: Scheduling -Seniors: Graduation

March 3:

-All grades participate in a student councilorganized activity

April 28:

Freshmen, sophomores: Online career assessment Juniors, seniors: AP Registration

-Freshmen, sophomores: Careers Juniors: TBD Seniors: Campus

May 18:

Freshmen, sophomores, juniors: underclass awards Seniors: NONE

ing t e e M PLC dates

NHS: search for prospective members begins mariamarballi

associate editor

Mr. Charles Ogdan and Mrs. Valerie Nimeskern are on the lookout for prospective members for the National Honor Society.

A flyer was sent out to every student who had earned at least a 3.6 GPA informing them of the meeting.

This GPA is the lowest required GPA for a continued membership and each candidate for NHS must also be enrolled in at least one accelerated or honors class.

Every member must also have completed at least 30 service hours in their community. This service may consist of one or more projects, and this must be completed by Oct. 2.

Each junior at the meeting received a packet to have completed by this deadline.

“NHS does a number of philanthropic events for Sycamore and Cincinnati,” said Ogdan. “Students also engage in ongoing community service through Operation Give Back which is an organization that directly benefits Sycamore students and

families through tutoring services, mentoring services, and in certain cases food pantry storage for disadvantaged families.”

The final requirement is to have been involved in at least three school related activities since the beginning of freshman year. Being involved in an activity for three years will count as three activities, which is an important aspect for many applicants.

They must also have the signature of the sponsor or president of each activity.

Students who transferred to SHS after the start of freshman year should include activities from their previous schools and include the name of the school.

Each student must choose a mentor who they will speak about at the ceremony on Nov. 18. They should be someone who has affected their life significantly who they wish to share this important experience with.

“I feel that we are an organization that promotes the betterment of local society which has a residual effect of a positive local community,” said Ogdan.

photo courtesy of jeremy mcdaniels

art in her classes because it contained chemicals deemed unsafe by the law.

“That was a little ridiculous, because many girls use hairspray every day,” said Ferguson.

She also noted that she did not always go out of her way to check for every possible offense in her classroom.

“I did let kids go outside to use hairspray sometimes,” said Ferguson.

Science classrooms also faced significant problems, since some of the chemicals they stored were banned, and many more stringent safety measures were put into effect.

At the same time, some chemicals such as sulfuric acid, which many would expect to be banned, were not even mentioned in the list of chemicals that were considered unsafe, while items like hand sanitizer were not allowed in classrooms.

Although there were only a handful of labs that could not be conducted, the added burden of more stringent categorization measures and other added safety concerns was not received positively by most in the department.

“This law just went out of control… in seventeen years I have never had anyone injured in lab,” said Mr. Chad Husting, chemistry teacher. “No one wants to be safer [in the lab] than I do. We don’t just give kids a bunch of chemicals and have them mess around with them.”

Given these complications, it can be expected that the repealing of Jarod’s Law is one of relief for many faculty members at SHS. In fact, the science department even joked about having a Chinese buffet in one of the chemistry classrooms in celebration of the repeal.

Still, teachers will do everything in their control to make sure that all students handling chemicals and other potentially dangerous items are safe and have proper instruction.

“It’s just the relief of having ‘Big Brother’ off my shoulder,” said Ferguson. “It’s nice to know that my experience [in the art department] is enough to keep students safe.”

image by rashmi borah

Jarod’s Law cont’d

COLLEEN BIRD, 12, SPEAKS ABOUT her mentor at last year’s National Honor Society induction. She and other members were selected on the basis of her academic and extracurricular achievements. Each year, over 100 high-achieving students are inducted into the group, and work together on various service projects throughout the year.

4 news

photos courtesy of carepages.com

friday, september 25, 2009

FROM TOP LEFT: STONEBERGER smiles as he coaches junior high cross-country; poses in his reggae wig; cheers on his son Ray at a wrestling match; supported by some of his biggest fans (SJH and SHS girls), and celebrates Christmas with his family. Helping youth to reach their full potential in both academics and athletics was one of his top priorities. As a Blue Ash Elementary gym teacher, cross-country and tennis coach, and as an active member of the local community, Stoneberger influenced the lives of thousands—both youth and adults alike.

‘Luckily, I also have an ally that is equally invisible but one hundred times as strong that never leaves my side.’

Stoneberger -Rob Stoneberger

chadchessin

gabeenglander staff writer & forum chief

R

ob Stoneberger, a Blue Ash Elementary teacher, cross country, and tennis coach, passed away on Aug. 29 after a marathon eightmonth battle with cancer.

Whether it was a friend, student, or total stranger, Stoneberger’s optimism motivated everyone around him. He was a loving husband and father, beloved teacher and coach, an avid runner and athlete, and a man with tremendous faith.

“He believed each day was a gift and he lived every day to its fullest,” said Reverend Tim Senff.

On Dec. 18, Stoneberger was diagnosed with Stage IV Esophageal cancer.

Immediately, Stoneberger’s family, friends, students, and athletes rallied behind him, organizing numerous events to benefit the Stoneberger family.

Most notably, hundreds of people participated in the “Kick it and go for Rob” run and walk to pay homage to a man who influenced their lives in many different ways.

(1966-2009)

Throughout his treatment, Stoneberger and his wife Elizabeth wrote daily on his Carepages site, “overwhelmed” with the support they were receiving.

In fact, over 1,400 people followed “Stoney News,” Stoneberger’s Carepages site, posting over 5,000 messages of support.

Role model, coach, friend

Why did thousands and thousands rally behind this man?

One reason was because Stoneberger was an inspiration; a man who helped so many to succeed.

“Junior year, I was burnt out a lot from tennis and he always had a way during change overs to convince me that the match I was playing was worth fighting for,” said Adam Samuels, ‘09.

We also loved him simply for the remarkable person he was.

“When I think of Rob Stoneberger I think of a man who was an amazing father and husband.

I think of a role model, coach, and friend who made a mark and touched thousands and thousands of kids,” said Reverend Tom Lipsey.

Certainly, we supported him because we knew that he would have done the same for

us.

When Stoneberger finally did succumb to cancer, thousands gathered at Montgomery Community Church for “A Celebration of Life.”

‘A Celebration of life’

We did not go to a funeral, but to a celebration: a celebration of a man, who inspired everyone around him even in his final lesson.

If there is any way to repay Stoneberger for what he did for this community, it is this: he will not just be mourned, he will be remembered.

He will be remembered by the fatigued runner, drawing deep into his energy reserves to go even faster, by the tennis player to never accept defeat, and by the wrestler to never give up even an inch.

And he will be remembered by everyone who knew him as an exceptionally genuine person—a man who preached perseverance to others and practiced it in his own life, a man who never gave up, even in the end.

“Love won and all of us are different because we knew Rob,” said Senff.

Forum

5

Awake:

friday, september 25, 2009

What most students at SHS would be if school started later elleanzhang

cartoon by lilly lefton

news chief

leafing through the masses

staffeditorial

T

he law created two years ago that restricted both students and teachers will soon be no more.

As of Oct. 16, Jarod’s Law will no longer be in effect.

For chemistry classes, this means the reopening of recently forbidden chemicals. For students, it means eating in science classrooms is now legal. And for teachers, it means they can teach without worrying which code of the complicated law they are violating.

Jarod’s Law was created in 2007 after six-year-old Jarod Bennett was killed when a lunch table collapsed and crushed him. What began as a horrific accident transformed into a much maligned, statewide safety law.

Due to insufficient funding for the inspectors and maintainers of Jarod’s Law, the state of Ohio repealed the legislation. Now, students and teachers have regained many classroom freedoms.

Some wonder why there is a price being placed on safety. Were chemicals, hairspray, and bananas to blame for Bennett’s untimely, unfortunate death? No. Because of this, the law soon became irrelevant and detested.

Somewhere along the way, a freak accident brainwashed legislators into hastily creating a law that had more flaws than advantages.

Questioning validity of the law aside, the outrageous costs associated with the nearly useless inspections adds another component of confusion associated with the law. This lack of funding is an integral reason for the revocation of the law.

One must wonder: how useful is a law that the state cannot seem to find room in the budget to enforce?

Another factor that must be considered is the lack of sincerity that characterized the attitude many had toward the law.

Focusing on many of the trivial aspects, the bill included a ban on liquids of any sort in science classrooms, even those without lab equipment, and put a ban on key chemicals for demonstrations and experiments, gaining the law a negative reputation, and giving it a less than fair shake.

When push comes to shove, safety in schools comes down to common sense. While inspections may help to establish habits that promote safety, Jarod’s Law can be boiled down to a simple overreaction.

So as Clorox wipes return to sanitize classroom keyboards, snacks become acceptable in all classrooms, and the chemistry teacher’s demonstrations return to their glory, know that we support this law being repealed, even though it may have been well-intentioned.

the Sycamore

leaf

Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242

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

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

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

“ “ “ “ Q:

What are your thoughts on Jarod’s Law being repealed?

Jarod’s Law had good intentions, so I kind of think it’s a shame that there was no money to enforce it.

-Jill Tochtermann, 9

I didn’t really understand Jarod’s Law in the first place so now that it’s gone, I don’t really have an opinion.

-Evan Cohen, 10

Jarod’s Law was so ridiculous! It should have been repealed a very long time ago.

-Liz Naugher, 11

I am extremely happy it is being repealed because now I get to eat in physics.

-Ian Wilson,12

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

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

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

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

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

Editors-in-chief: Rashmi Borah, Michela Tindera Associate Editors: Sohini Sameera, Maria Marballi News Ellean Zhang Forum Jamie Alemagno Kelsey Drapkin Gabe Englander Feature Emma Oh Jimmy Chau A&E S.M. Dipali Emma Rosen Sports Brandon Sosna Paul Pescovitz Calendar Jake Newton Elizabeth Hoopes Spotlight Shivani Parikh Gina Romeo Snapshots Rashmi Borah Webmasters Jacob Katz Mark Rubeo Cartoonist

Lilly Lefton Staff Writers Daniel Bayliss Denae Bellilti Alexander Berger Jay Burgin Lina Cardenas Chad Chessin Rishi Choubey Sam Cleary Emily Cohen Ben Dhiman Catherine Farist Jane Finocharo Drew Gelwicks Elise Gelwicks Ellie Goldman Hannah Goldman Kelcie Grega Samantha Hammer Clayton Hamre Elizabeth Hoopes Nanki Hura Aditi Jain Sarah Janning Kevin Jin

High school starts too early. Though school generally starts around 7:15 a.m. for most high schools, many students need to wake up as early as 5:00 a.m. for various reasons—getting ready, catching the school bus, showering, or studying.

For students who may not get to sleep until well past midnight, this does not leave much room for them to rejuvenate before a new day begins.

If the typical high school day lasted from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., most high school students would be more alert and ready to learn.

Though it may be true that students simply overexert themselves, there is also a biological reason for teens’ propensity for a late-to-bed late-to-rise sleep cycle.

“I have fallen asleep in my first couple of classes before, so I think I would learn to really enjoy having a later start to school, despite a later end,” said Jordan Kolb, 12.

In fact, Kolb’s feelings are scientifically supported by recent studies that have shed new light on adolescents’ circadian rhythm. Adolescents (age 11 to 22), were found to secrete the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin much later than both adults and children.

While adults and children are generally ready to go to bed by 10:00 p.m., that is precisely the time adolescents may feel the most awake. In adolescents, melatonin may not kick in until past midnight and cease activity until 8:00 a.m.

Junior high kids and college students who are adolescents usually do not start their first classes before 8:00 a.m. , but it seems that high school students have received the short straw of the bundle.

Furthermore, elementary school youngsters, who tend to go to bed early, are itching to start school at 7:00 a.m., by which time they are already all jacked up on Captain Crunch.

If elementary school kids switched school days with high schoolers, everyone might be a little happier. A mere hour, placed at either the beginning or the end of the school day, could make a disproportionately positive difference in the school system.

Though students may have to make some sacrifices, this change would be a smart choice for the school district for a number of reasons.

Parents would be able to send their younger children off to the bus, buses would have time to pick up elementary school students before picking up high school students.

Also, high school students would be biologically ready to study to become the nation’s hope, more awake while at the same time less dependant on caffeine and energy drinks.

The majority of high school students would probably learn to enjoy a later start to school.

For those who already rise early to study, like President Obama, or lose sleep for sports’ training, they can continue to do so.

Managing Editor: Jake Newton Business Managers: Emily Begley S. M. Dipali, Kelsey Drapkin Bennett Kaplan Ben Keefe Moriah Krawec Mihir Kulkarni Stuart Lindle Ali Lopez Rosetta Maley Sarah May Frank Pan Emily Peltz Orion Radtke Casey Rayburn Nikith Reddy Daniel Rickert Jason Robke Erika Rodriguez Annie Seiple Aditi Sharma Jeffrey Silverstein Matt Slovin Chase Spicer Daniella Star Garrett Steinbuch Alexander Weinhart Spencer Wurzelbacher

Photographer Jeremy McDaniel Adviser Cheralyn Jardine About us Professional memberships: • Columbia Scholastic Press Association • Great Lakes Interscholastic Press Association • Journalism Association of Ohio Schools • Journalism Education Association • National Scholastic High School Press Association • Ohio Professional Writers (National Federation of Women Writers) • Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honorary

6 forum

friday, september 25, 2009

?

Reading image by jamie alemagno

online:

DURING ROSH HASHANA AND Yom Kippur, a significant portion of the SHS student and faculty body are absent at school to recognize important cultural events, including the celebration of their new year by eating apples dipped in honey. Josh Goldman, 12, shows Devin Arbenz, 9, proper technique in apple-and-honey-dipping. On these days, teachers purposefully keep the workload in their classes light so that students can celebrate without falling too behind at school.

Excused absences: What Jewish students, teachers do during holidays hannagoldman

T

staff writer

he fall season brings leaves and Halloween, but you may find yourself wondering why the entire Jewish student body leaves school for two days every year.

You may not know this, but the Jewish calendar is different than the one followed by most Americans.

In this calender, the year is 5769, and New Year’s Day is not in winter. In fact, it is the first day that the absences occur.

Rosh Hashana, which means “head of the year” in Hebrew, is the official start of the new year. Big family gatherings are common and apples are dipped in honey, symbolizing the sweetness of the year to come.

“The American New Year is more of a fun celebration, while Rosh Hashana is an important tradition. It’s a question of religion and patriotism,” said Zoe Bochner, 9.

Yom Kippur (Day of Repentance) is the end of the ten day period of repentance observed by many Jews, which began on Rosh Hashana.

But what about missing school? On these two days, members of the Jewish community go to services and spend the day with family.

It, along with Rosh Hashana, makes up the High Holy

Days. These are very important events in the Jewish calendar, hence the taking off school to observe them.

Usually teachers realize this and keep the workload lighter for these days. One staff member, Mrs. Marla Chernick, a Spanish teacher, will let the substitute teacher do the assigning, as she takes the day off, too.

The absences may bother some students, but to Bochner, it is not an issue.

“I don’t feel ‘unspecial’ when my Christian friends do Easter or Christmas, and I don’t feel weird about taking off for Jewish holidays. It’s what comes with the territory,” said Bochner.

Hopefully, her teachers feel the same way.

This year, Rosh Hashana fell on Friday, September 18th, so most Jewish students were probably in school, since all Jewish holidays start in the evening. Yom Kippur begins on Sept. 28, so Jewish students will be out for that Monday and maybe even on Tuesday.

And there are other important parts of Jewish culture and tradition.

“On holidays we observe their customs. Oh, and eat. A lot. Eating is really big in the Jewish community,” said Bochner.

Kills eyesight, more trees, time

rashmiborah

editor-in-chief

“Look on BlackBoard.”

How many times have we heard that in reference to a worksheet in a class, or the actual textbook? Probably a lot, especially recently. The emphasis on using more technology has finally creeped into the learning sphere and it is more likely that a teacher will tell you to “print it out” as opposed to hand it out.

Gone are the days of giant packets and highlighters, annotations and post-its. In an effort to save paper and energy, teachers are beginning to post textbook chapters, worksheets, and articles online for students to read.

Unfortunately, this has resulted in a move to days of Fitzgerald alongside Facebook, with the latter probably receiving the most attention.

One thing that students lose when reading text online is the ability to “actively read,” or take notes and highlight. Studies have shown that highlighting the text while reading and making notes on the margins helps students comprehend their reading more effectively.

How can students read text actively online? Only by printing it out, which defeats the purpose of trying to save paper. Or if printing something is not feasible, then the chance that students have really grasped what they learn will diminish significantly.

Plus, with new tabbed browsers, the chance for distraction increases, with access to Facebook and Twitter at our fingertips.

In addition to not really grasping any of the reading, having to focus on a computer screen for extended periods of time can easily distort eyesight.

The lens in the human eye are not designed to focus on a single spot for long periods of time, and while it is not conclusive yet, it is thought that the light emitted from computer screens might have a harmful effect on the eye, as well.

The argument has been made that posting online will save paper. But from another perspective, the trees have been cut down, and the paper has already been manufactured and purchased by the school. The paper might as well be used and recycled.

Trick-or-treating:

Are we too old for this? samhammer

staff writer

“Trick-or-treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat, if you don’t, I don’t care, I’ll pull down your underwear.”

Not only does this not make much sense at all, but it also sounds completely childish. Though I hope we are all mature enough to not run around screaming this on Halloween night, some of us will. Question is, are we too immature to be trick-ortreating on Halloween night?

“You’re never too old to get dressed up and get candy,” said Ashley Cooper, 10.

Cooper always has fun getting

ready with her friends and going around her neighborhood for a night filled with chocolate and loads of fun.

“As long as students enjoy trick-ortreating and have fun, they should be allowed, unless they are disrespecting other kids and parents. But it can still be fun for older kids just as it is for younger ones,” said Madeline Kroell, 11.

Mr. Paul Melnick, ceramics teacher, said that his neighbors from his culde-sac have a cook out and hand out candy to children.

“Plenty of teenagers come around, but we only give treats to the ones

that dress up,” said Melnick.

Though it seems that many underclassmen are pro trick-or-treating, others disagreed. Is it possible trickor-treating’s glow fades during these high school years?

“Honestly, I believe high school students are too old for trick-ortreating because it is meant for young children, not grown teenagers,” said Danielle Carlentine, 12.

There is a lot to do on your Halloween night, if trick-or-treating seems too childish for you. All that is really important is that you have fun, while still being safe, on your holiday.

forum 7

friday, september 25, 2009

‘If I’m having a bad day I can count on my sister...’

Sibling discusses family tree at SHS elliegoldman

W staff writer

hether a sibling is older, younger, or in the same grade, many students have some form of sibling at the high school.

Freshmen appreciate having an older brother or sister to show them the ropes as they transition to the high school, and any younger sibling is grateful for rides to and from school.

The attitude toward young siblings has many variations on a few common themes. An older brother or sister is an invaluable tool for the younger counterparts if they guide the freshmen during the first days.

Personally, I feel indebted to my older brother because I walked into school on the first day with the firm understanding that there are only two floors in the building, a useful bit of information that was not grasped by my entire class.

“If I’m having a bad day I can always count on my sister to be there for me,” says Hanna Peterson, 9.

While it is generally considered a positive thing to have an older member of the family in the high school with you, some find that it has detrimental points. A common concern is breaking out of a sibling’s shadow in the minds of teachers and coaches.

Depending on previous students, expectations can be set in the minds of teachers. Students voiced the concern of having trouble forming their own reputation besides “So-and-so’s younger brother”. Breaking through assumptions can be an added challenge for the younger member of a family.

On the flip side, what happens when the oldest of the group graduates? The overshadowing may dissipate, but so will the helpful fountain of information. It is different in each case, depending on how far apart the siblings are.

“I think it will definitely be a change, but I’ll be ready to be on my own,” said Peterson on her sibling graduating in a few years.

So upperclassmen, make sure you spend time with your siblings well, you will move up sooner than you think. And younger siblings, take care to value older siblings. Though you may not believe it, you will end up missing them. image by michela tindera

New student remembers first school days:

Not bad after all aditijain

photo by aditi jain

staff writer

A BREAKFAST FOR NEW students was held to help make these new faces feel more welcome to the SHS community. Other activities for new students will be held throughout the school year.

As I walked into school on Aug. 27 as a new student, I was both excited and apprehensive.

On one hand, I had butterflies in my stomach because I was so nervous I would not have anyone to talk to, but on the other hand, I was excited to be part of such a diverse, talented school district.

The first problem I encountered was finding my way through the building. Even though I was in the same boat as all the other freshmen, because the building was new to them too, it was still difficult.

Between the mobs of loud, gossiping students and Flight Crew members attempting to help the new freshmen get to their classes, it seemed nearly impossible to move through the crowd to my destination.

Once I got to my first bell class, I plopped down my book bag, only to see about twenty unfamiliar faces staring at me as I was the last one to reach the class. I felt so unsure of myself and out of place.

I had been so used to knowing everyone in my classes, but now I felt insecure in this brand new environment. No one knew me, and I did not know anyone. Having no friends was certainly not the best start of my high school career.

The only consolation I had was being part of the JV tennis team. Had I not tried out, I would have been completely alone, not knowing a single sole.

Luckily, some of the team members I had gotten to know through tryouts and practices before school started had my lunch, so I at least would have someone to sit with. One problem solved.

My biggest suggestion to all new students at SHS is to get involved. Do not expect people to approach you, because they will not.

They already have their own clique, so they are not looking for a new addition. It is up to you to get involved and make new friends.

The first week at school was not easy, not that I expected it to be; but it did get better. As soon as I opened up more in my classes, I found that I was making a new friend each day.

I started looking forward to school each morning. My classes were challenging, yet fun, and though they were not all thoroughly interesting, I found that I enjoyed them all in one way or another.

After being in school for nearly a month, I can say whole-heartedly that I am truly happy to be a part of this school. I look forward to the next few years I will be spending here.

Spotlight Conversing with: 8

friday, september 25, 2009

ginaromeo

spotlight editor &

shivaniparikh

QA

spotlight editor

Jamie Thoms, 12

with Jamie Thoms, 12

Q. What are three words you would use to describe Q. Who are your closest friends? yourself?

A. I’d say [seniors] Austin Baas, Kevin Doherty, Elliott A. Private, curious and dedicated.

Kindred, and Halie Schottelkotte, Ursuline.

Q. If you could have any superpower, what would Q. If you could change your name, what would you it be?

A. Probably to read people’s minds...let’s just go with that one.

Q. What are your hobbies?

A. I hang out with my girlfriend a lot. I work at Taste of Bel-

gium at Findlay Market. I try to keep up with my reading and hang out with friends.

Q. What school activities are you involved in?

A. Zero. Last year I was in Environmental Club, but I have yet to go to a meeting this year.

Q. Who is your favorite teacher and why?

A. Mr. Kloesz was my favorite. He moved, but I liked that

he was passionate about what he was teaching and involved with the students.

Q. What would be your idea of the perfect day?

A. I’d wake up early on a spring day and have nothing to do

change it to?

A. I wouldn’t, I like my name.

Q. What kind of qualities do you look for in a friend?

A. Humility, out-of-the-ordinary interests, and open mindedness.

Q. If you could have dinner with any person, dead or alive, who would it be?

A. Frank Zappa, because he is eccentric and interesting and I would not know what to expect.

Q. Where do you see yourself in ten years?

A. Med school, working towards a PhD, or something. I want to be a neurologist.

Q. Any last words?

A. ... (Can you guys just put an ellipsis at the end?)

but enjoy my hobbies or talk to people.

Q. What college would you like to attend?

A. I’d like to go to Oberlin, Ohio Wesleyan, Baldwin-Wallace, or Kenyon College.

image by shivani parikh

Favorites Color: Green Season: Spring Movie: “Pulp Fiction” TV show: I don’t watch too much TV, but if I had to choose I’d say “House MD.” Book: “Nine Stories” by JD Salinger

Food: Chiclets, and Blackened chicken with Fettucine alfredo.

Animal: Humans

photo courtesy of jamie thoms

Band: Animal Collective, Of Montreal, Frank Zappa, and The Smiths

THOMS AND GIRLFRIEND SCHOTTELKOTTE pose together for last year’s prom.

“We’ve been together for a year and a half,” said Thoms.

She attends Ursuline Academy, and the two spend a lot of time together.

Other things that Thoms spends his time on are reading, working atTaste of Belgium at Findlay Market, and hanging out with friends.

Feature

9

friday, september 25, 2009

9.11.09 SHS welcomes Declared Patriot’s Day

by President Obama emmaoh

feature chief

On Friday, Sept. 11, President Barack Obama marked the eighth anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks with a national call to public service and a moment of silence for the victims and heroes.

Obama asked Americans to summon their “ordinary goodness” to serve their communities and create a better world.

In commemoration of 9/11, Americans honored those involved in the tragedy by helping their communities as part of the first September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.

“Although I did not do any volunteer work Friday, I think it’s a great idea to honor the fallen of Sept. 11 by serving others,” said Serina Saleh, 10.

Some Americans are suspicious about the new commemoration and believe it could overshadow a day of solemn remembrance for the nearly 3,000 people killed in the incident.

“Yeah, at first it seems weird to make Sept. 11 a holiday, but I think it’s a genuine idea that will change a sad event into something positive,” said Carly Edelheit, 10.

Although the day has passed, the opportunity to volunteer is still available. Groups like interact club and fast track offer the prospect of giving back to the community while earning volunteer hours at the same time.

“I volunteered at Jewish Hospital over the summer once a week for three hours in the pharmacy department,” said Jeff Wolkoff, 11.

Aside from working at a hospital, soup kitchens and animal hospitals are other great places to help and give back to the community.

seven exchange students ecoming an exchange student is a very courageous thing to do. Traveling to a country knowing no one, where the official language is different from the one back home, staying with a family who, initially, are complete strangers are not things for the cowardly.

This year, seven students have come from across the world to spend ten to eleven months studying, hanging out, working, and living in this community. Comprised of both juniors and seniors these seven students come from places

like Germany, Chile, and Colombia.

To offer them a warm welcome, a picnic was held by the Global Language department for their host families, and any other students that wished to attend yesterday afternoon.

“We are very excited to have these students with us this year,” said Mrs. Jackie Wyatt, French teacher.

“They add so much to our classrooms, and they help us all to learn about the different languages, customs and cultural practices of so many different countries.”

Other events will be held throughout the year to make the students an even greater part of the SHS community.

Gonzalo Canovas, 12

Pimpisa Suriyamongkoi, 11

Juan Jaimes,11

Where are you from?

Chile What is a difference you have noticed between here and Chile?

It’s more relaxed here. It is so much better. I like it here a lot.

Where are you from?

Thailand What’s something different about the U.S. and Thailand?

In Thailand you have to book your seats for a movie, but here you can just walk into one.

Where are you from?

Colombia What is different in the United States?

I think the people in Colombia are friendlier. It is pretty much how I expected.

Sarah Jobmann, 11

Simon Vincze, 12

Alisa Bornemann, 12

Where are you from?

Germany Why did you decide to become an exchange student?

I wanted an adventure. Everything is new here. I learn something new everyday...Everyday a new word goes into my word box in my head.

Where are you from: Slovakia What is something that you dislike about the U.S.?

I don’t like peanut butter.

Are you participating in any activities in school?

Hockey.

Where are you from?

Near Hamburg which is in northern Germany.

How is this school different than yours in Germany?

It is much smaller and the teachers change classrooms, not the students, at my school [in Germany].

michelatindera

B

editor-in-chief

Merle Rotzoll, 12 Where are you from?

A small town in northern Germany near Hamburg.

What has been the biggest difference you have noticed between here and where you are from?

For school we don’t change classes and we don’t have a cafeteria. We go home for lunch.

School here is more fun than in Germany, it is much more serious there.

this month in

feature

Senior Halloween need ideas? page 10

Recognize this Assistant Principal?

Find out who| page 11 Need more coverage? Visit the feature section on goaves.org

all photos by michela tindera

Student battles long-term illness See what one SHS student has dealt with | page 12

10 feature

friday, september 25, 2009

Senior Halloween

HS prepares itself for linacardenas

W

all photos by jeremy mccdaniel and adam birkan

staff writer

SENIORS COME TO SCHOOL each Halloween dressed in clever costumes and strive to win various awards. A student could choose to win an individual award of collaborate with friends to win a group award. From left to right (‘09 gradu-

ates): Joe Lee earned the prize for best individual as the popular video game character, Master Chief, and Stephanie Biehle and Wes Denny won the best duo award dressing up as Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo.

Sophomores, register for...

Biotechnology 1 - This lab science class focuses on current and new technologies used in industry and research -Talk with your counselor today -Offered bells 3-4

ith Senior Halloween fast approaching, seniors are starting to realize the mayhem that comes with preparation for this special event. However, like many other rites of passage, being able to participate in Senior Halloween is a big privilege that finally comes after three years of high school.

“I can’t wait for Halloween. People always come up with the most diverse, hysterical costumes! It is finally our turn for the fun,” said Meghan Marth, 12.

Students of the past few years have come up with a myriad of costumes.

“Last year Molly Daniels’[’09] impersonation of Coach Ed Clark was pretty accurate. I wonder what he thought!” said Liz Keefe, 12.

Some seniors put a lot of thought into their seniors. It is safe to say, “most seniors have been planning what they’re doing since freshman year,” said Taylor Young, 12.

Rules about the dress code have been installed to ensure it will be a safe Halloween.

Creative ideas like the grape costumes created last year will not be allowed. The idea was green and purple balloons taped to their clothes, resembling grapes, but they were asked to pop the balloons because of the latex allergies some students in the school have.

Freshmen students are ready for their first Senior Halloween experience and to be blown away.

“I’m so excited for Senior Halloween! I’ve heard the seniors come up with the craziest costumes, I can’t wait to see what they do this year,” said Valeria Castillo, 9.

One of the biggest parts of Senior Halloween is arriving at school and seeing all the creative costumes seniors come up with. Some students are extremely secretive about what they are dressing up as, and slave away at their costumes hoping to win one of the many awards.

Best individual costume, funniest costume, best impersonation, and best group costume are among the many categories the seniors can win. The winning costumes are chosen by SHS staff during the parade in sixth bell.

Senior Halloween is undeniably one of the most exciting days in the school year, and there is no doubt the seniors are excited to show off all the crazy ideas they have been planning for a while.

Hidden in school walls Secret rooms, passages discovered kelciegrega

staff writer

SHS has been around for generations, and over the years the building has gone through many changes and alterations.

In fact, there have been so many changes that some rooms have been overlooked, resulting in ancient rumors waiting to be exposed.

One of these secrets is the bowling alley, located in room 102. At first glance, it may look like an ordinary classroom but if examined closely, a mysterious surprise can be found behind a storage closet door.

Behind the door is not a traditional bowling alley, but a 55 inch wide, endlessly long space.

“The bowling alley is just dead air space so you couldn’t hear the noises between the classroom and gym. It’s called a bowling alley because it is so long and narrow,” said Mrs. Judy Klefas, English teacher.

Currently, the space is used as a storage area for various things. Even though it is not as exciting as an actual bowling alley, it is still something that would not be seen in an average high school.

The next secret is the mysterious “room 99.”

There are many rumors about this room; some say it does not exist but that is not what the school map says.

Surprisingly, room 99 is actually in plain sight, located in the boiler room under the auditorium behind two double doors.

“Room 99 isn’t a room, it’s a dungeon!” said Mr. Christian Shrimpton, Social Studies teacher.

Room 99 does not look like a room at all, just another ordinary storage room.

“The previous theater teacher, Ms. Notts, used to have a classroom there for theater,” said Mrs. Karin Bare, Assistant Principal.

“While they say it doesn’t exist it was just always used for other things.”

Another mystery is the so-called “third floor.”

It is the floor where spiteful seniors tell naïve freshmen to go on the first day of school.

“That’s where the secrets happen!” said Shrimpton.

Unfortunately, like the bowling alley, the third floor really is not as exciting as it seems to be.

“Though the third floor is located set in the elevator it’s actually just the roof,” said Bear.

Those were only three secrets that were revealed the SHS may perhaps have many more secrets are yet to be discovered yet. It is a possibility that this generation will find them, if they look hard enough.

feature 11

friday, september 25, 2009

Tailgate party provokes pre-game fun

spencerwurzelbacher

omecoming tailgate is a tradition at SHS. Coming home on interstate 75, tailgating the compact in the fast lane at 90 mph, so it goes, right? No, not quite.

While the actual tailgate is indeed very exciting, it is not quite as dangerous as a high-speed traffic violation. However, there are several areas where caution is advised if you plan on attending the event.

Tailgate is going to take place at SJHS on September 25, and will begin at approximately 5:15 p.m. The evening is going to be hectic with the tailgate directly following the parade, which will make its way from SHS to SJHS at 4:15 p.m. and will precede the football game against Lakota West.

The tailgate will have several features including corn-hole, volleyball, food and Assistant Principal, Mr. Kevin Mays’ band “Tapped Out”.

Each year the band plays, they entertain the crowd with popular songs—both old and new.

“We’re very excited about it. It’ll be the fourth year in a row and fifth time total that we’ve played at tailgate. The band is fired up about being able to play again,” said Mays.

With food and fun comes trash, another issue encountered during past tailgates. Trash cans can be located throughout the tailgating area. It is asked that everyone keeps the lot clean in order to make a good impression on the parents and on the visiting team.

Parking has been an issue at each tailgate with no perfect solution in sight. During tailgate the areas where parking is acceptable will be clearly marked by cones, caution tape, or both. On top of those precautions, members of the Montgomery Police Department will also be directing pedestrians to the correct parking locations.

After the tailgate ends, the homecoming football game will start. This will include coronations for King and Queen. After the game, it is advised that everyone take their time as they exit SJHS.

photo courtesy of jeremy mcdaniels

H

staff writer

ASSISTANT PRINCPAL KEVIN MAYS “rocks out” at the 2008 homecoming tailgate event with his “a-Mays-ing” chords and vocals. While not tending to his administrative duties, Mays doubles as a rock star. He and his band called “Tapped Out” have played at the tailgate for the past three years, and they are pumped up for their fourth consecutive year at this event..

“Our committee has worked diligently to make this event a great success and a memorable experience for the entire community,” said Danielle Linz, 12, representative of the Senior Class.

The tailgate will have several entertaining activities, all of which should be enjoyed with both intelligence and caution, making sure to exercise the utmost discretion to stay safe.

Last minute tips for

Alumnus finds path to stardom

Homecoming

Chooses to settle down where it all began daniellastar

alilopez

Eddie Hedges graduated from SHS in 1976, and with his music career he has been around the world several times, but his favorite stop in the world is right here in the United States. His love for music started at SHS where he was a member of the Gold and Green Band and Orchestra.

“Going into 9th grade,” Hedges said, “I had to make a decision to play football or play in the marching band. I had not grown that much so I chose the band.”

His decision turned out to be the right one, as he became the leader of the drum corps and played throughout his high school career and enjoyed much success.

“We were like the Jackson 5 of our church; I played the drums and sang with my four brothers,” said Hedges.

After high school, Hedges went on touring as a drummer, with such bands as Bell, Biv, Devoe, Shelia E. and as the drummer for the Cincinnati based band, “Blessid Union of Souls.” It was Blessid Union that really skyrocketed Hedges’s career to the top of the pop world.

In the middle to late 1990’s Blessid Union had three top 20 hits including “I Believe,” ”Virginia,” and “Let Me Be The One.“ “At one point on the tour ,we played in London’s Hyde Park, there was about 125,000 people there and when the announcer said: ‘And now all the way from the United States Blessid Union of Souls.’ The crowd was so loud the band could not hear my drum stick count off to start the show!” said Hedges.

Hedges left Blessid Union in 2002 and moved to L.A, where he started his solo career as a Spiritual Singer

Wake up, glance at the clock, stretch and enjoy the wellrested feeling; it is the morning of Homecoming night.

Next comes that jolt of excitement and immediately the mind goes through to all the things that need to be done.

staff writer photo used with permission from Eddie Hedges

staff writer

and also doing music for television and movies.

“There is something magical about performing my spiritual and gospel songs in front of a small church group or an outreach program and when one of my songs changes somebody’s life; it inspires me,” said Hedges.

Hedges is married to his second wife and has two kids. He lives in Cincinnati with his daughter and spends time with his four yearold son and wife in L.A. His son is already musical and is playing the drums at a young age.

“I want him to be guided by people like, Mr. Metzger, who was like a mentor to me in Sycamore High School. Because of all the experience and choices Sycamore Schools offered, I would love to have my son grow up in a school system like Sycamore.”

Check out Hedges with Blessid Union of Souls on YouTube or his new Gospel and Spiritual Albums on his web site www.eddiehedges.com/ music.html.

just dance

1

Lookin’ good

At the dance, we all want to look our very best.

Girls: Most will make an appointment to get

their hair and nails done. Getting ready with friends is a popular way to polish outfits and increase self-confidence.

Guys: As a given, guys usually do not even take

2 dance...

half as long as girls do to get ready. Simply make sure you shower, shave, and put on deodorant.

Then, of course, wear the tux.

Smooth night

It is a good idea to pre-arrange rides from pictures to dinner and then the dance. Do not forget to grab the dance tickets and money for dinner before leaving home.

3 Fun night

With everybody lookin’ good and ready for the night to run smoothly, the fun begins.

Pictures: Parents take pictures as friends get together for group pictures.

Dinner: Hopefully, previous reservations have been made to a restaurant. Lucky for girls, guys usually take the check.

Dance: Entering the doors, it is hard to rec-

ognize the high school, with the outstanding decorations arranged by student council and with everyone looking his or her best. Now, hand in your ticket and head to the commons where the party is at!

dance.

12 feature

friday, september 25, 2009

Heroic opportunity Pet shelters great for adopting new pets, saving lives sarahjanning

W

hat is one way to improve health, control blood pressure, promote exercise, receive unconditional love, and reduce stress? It is as simple as getting a dog.

But if there are multiple benefits of having a dog as a pet, why are there still so many in shelters?

With the economy down in the U.S., the current number of dog adoption rates has decreased. Some people are forced to give up their beloved pets because they can no longer afford to take care of them.

As the need for necessities increases, people are looking less at finding a furry friend and more at taking care of their family.

Dogs are being given up, and countless shelters are so filled to capacity that they are forced to turn away other dogs that are sent there.

“If you rescue an animal, it sometimes costs less money,” said Katie Jump, 11, who adopted her greyhound from the Greyhound Rescue.

“And even if it is the same in price, the money goes to the organization and will help them save more animals.”

Many people feel that they can trust

pet stores. But documentaries have been filmed showing puppy mills where breeders keep dogs in tiny cages and force them to reproduce.

Helpless female dogs die in these cages every day, and many of the young pups will have medical problems.

“There are thousands of homeless dogs that end up being put to sleep in animal shelters every year,” said Ms. Meredith Blackmore, Spanish teacher. “Instead of spending money to buy a dog that is bred for a pet store (in puppy mills), why not save your money and save a dogs life?”

It has been found that breeders sell these pure bred puppies to pet stores.

So while there is still an increase in the number of puppies being born, there is a decrease of dog adoptions in shelters.

“At pet stores they are not kept in the best conditions,” said Blackmore.

“I choose not to buy dogs from pet stores mainly because there are so many other dogs that will be put to sleep if they are not rescued.”

Throughout Cincinnati lies dozens of animal shelters with volunteers urging people to adopt. Hopefully the adoption of more rescue dogs will decrease the number of puppy mills.

photo by sarah janning

staff writer

KATIE JUMP, 11, GOT HER greyhound from Greyhound Rescue, one of many pet shelters in the area. With the recession, many individuals have had to sell their beloved pets or drop them off at shelters. Pet seekers have been turning to shelters now, hoping to save a life in the process of buying a pet.

‘I didn’t realize how serious it was’

Michael Jervis, 11, struggles with long-term illness mariamarballi

associate editor

It’s

Skyline Time

Contact Us: (513)-489-8488 5005 Cornell Rd. Blue Ash, OH 45242 10:30-9 Mon-Fri | 11-9 Sat | 11-7 Sun

Most would say that being diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis is demoralizing, tragic, and a great way to ruin someone’s summer. But for Michael Jervis, 11, this was not the case.

Despite the health issues Jervis has been going through, he has found hope in a bright future. But for now, he continues to battle out the symptoms as they come.

“The steroids put him out of shape and he has worked extremely hard to get back to varsity playing condition,” said Max Riehemann, 11.

He began feeling ill in May when he started feeling weak and having signs of fatigue. “I didn’t realize how serious it was. I thought I was just sore from soccer but my mom kept saying that the symptoms weren’t normal.

I just said not to worry about me,” said Jervis.

As the symptoms got worse, he and his family decided that it was time to see a doctor.

They had gone to their pediatrician four times, an Orthopedic Doctor, the x-ray department, had an abdominal ultrasound, and went to the “blood taking” people five times.

Each time they went, it was required of Jervis to be sent in for more specific tests. Eventually, this led him to taking a liver biopsy test resulting in a condition called Autoimmune Hepatitis, a condition where the body attacks the liver.

His early symptoms included fatigue, all over body pain, joint pain, fever, sore throat and weakness.

“He couldn’t pour a gallon of milk and had a hard time getting a lid off of a new Gatorade bottle,” said Mrs. Patti Jervis, Mother.

In addition, his feet had hurt so badly that he sometimes had difficulty walking.

Although the biopsy did not give an explanation as to what caused this is diagnosis, Jervis was proscribed with Prednisone, a powerful steroid.

After Jervis was feeling better, the family had permission from their doctor to take their family vacation to California.

“Each day on the Prednisone had Michael feeling a bit better and stronger. A lot of his pains went way, his

fever was gone after the first dose, and he got stronger and stronger as his tiredness went away,” said Mrs. Jervis.

The vacation went well, but this came to a halt the day after the family arrived back home.

“The whole trip was fine until we got back,” said Mrs.Jervis.

The side effects of Prednisone were higher than ever. It worsened his acne, caused severe hunger, a puffy face, extreme mood swings, and trouble sleeping.

Currently, he is feeling better and is only mainly bothered by the extreme acne.

As well as the Prednisone, Jervis will also be on a long term autoimmune drug for the next three years.

“As for ‘curing it,’ it may not ever be cured and he may have to stay on the auto-immune drug forever,” said Mrs. Jervis. “All in all, it has been a crazy five months! Hopefully we will be able to put this all behind us soon and he will just go back to being a normal kid.”

Jervis has grown tremendously through this experience and has learned a lot about life and his priorities. He also has the unconditional love and support from friends and family.

“Michael has been through a lot this summer and I’m really proud of him.

He hasn’t let his illness get the better of him and he always keeps his head held high,” said Andrew Katz, 11.

A&E

m Season Preview

ichela’s musings

friday, september 25, 2009

Upcoming television shows sure to entertain emmarosen

a&e chief

How I Met Your Mother

Nominated for an Emmy, this dynamic group of five is back for yet another season and it is bound to be comedic gold. So, after all this wait, will this be the season that finally reveals the “mother?” Tune in to find out.

9/21

Glee

House

Who does not love high school drama?

Throw in some singing and dancing, and it is “High School Musical” all over again. However, “Glee” manages to put a fresh spin on the cliqued high school status quo.

9/21

9/14

Gossip Girl

You know you love it, XOXO. The show’s season premiere aired on the CW on Sept. 14.

If you missed it, you can always catch up on the episodes on cwtv.com. With many of the main characters college-bound, this season is going to be interesting.

America’s Next Top Model

Tyra Banks’ hit show is now reaching out to a new variety of models; the short girls. To even get a shot at entering, you must be 5’7 and under. The word on the street is that Banks is trying to revolutionize the modeling industry. It looks as though, in cycle 13, short is the new tall.

this month in

a&e Behind the scenes of Aves Theatre fall production| page 14

Colorguard:

Pushes past unexpected loss of members| page 14

“9” Movie review | page 15 Need more coverage? Visit the a&e page at www.goaves.com

One would think that after so many episodes, ‘House’ would start to bore TV viewers. But that is definitely not the case. ‘House’ is back, with more medical mysteries than ever before. And of course, the ever charming Dr. House will be back with more of his cheery disposition.

all pictures courtesy of altavista.com

9/9

9/21

Fall fashion: Styles from past enter latest trends denaebelillti

staff writer

As a new school year arrives, so does a new stream of styles. The fall season is the “kickoff” of fashion trends for the year.

In areas all over the world, fashion week is taking place, displaying the high fashion predictions for this year.

“The recent trends are displaying multiple decades at the same time, especially the 1980’s high waist,” said Mrs. Debbie Klemt, fashion designs teacher.

Models strutting down the runways are wearing the newest colors, shapes, cuts, and styles that will be incorporated into everyday fashion.

This season, designers are taking the high fashion colors and making new everyday styles that are school appropriate.

“Neon is going to be big, along with pink, yellow and gold, dark grays, and definitely black,”

said Klemt.

Simple things are becoming even more fashionable, such as the ‘high waist’ jeans and skirts.

By combining the high waist and new colors, an everyday, school appropriate outfit is easily achievable.

The over the shoulder look has become one of the most popular styles this season. BCBG specifically has contributed to the ‘look’ by providing versatility.

Since this fall’s fashion is not inspired by a specific decade, thinking outside the box is encouraged.

Clothing has become very simple, leaving plenty of room to accessorize and be creative. Long necklaces and big rings compliment the simplicity.

Fall fashion can be summed up by solid, simple articles of clothing, in bold colors, accessorized with large, dangling jewelry. This season allows for creativity.

13

LONG NECKLACES AND BOLD colors like what Eryn Kipner, 11, is wearing are two of the many items that are in style this fall. Other items include highwaisted skirts and neon colors.

After ten years planning, waiting Nordstrom’s opens today michelatindera

editor-in-chief

Unfortunately as you are reading this in your second bell class today I am also, regrettably, sitting in my second bell classroom.

While having to attend school on Fridays altogether can seem somewhat ridiculous at times (which would be a whole other topic for a completely different column) today seems more ridiculous than most that I must endure six bells of learning.

Today is a special day. A day unlike any other that has ever occurred in Cincinnati before.

Nordstrom’s is opening at the Kenwood Towne Centre today at 10 a.m.

(However there is actually a pre-opening Beauty Bash that is taking place as you read this from 8-10 a.m. that I am painfully wishing I was attending at this exact moment.)

The day that I saw Nordstrom’s was opening while on my way to Abercrombie was the best day of my life.

The Seattle-based department store has been working on plans to bring a store to the Cincinnati-area for ten years and I for one, am glad to see that it has finally arrived.

The plans for this store have been in the works for over a decade and other potential locations included Deerfield Township and downtown however the final location was selected for the Kenwood Towne Centre because of the all the additions that have been made to the Kenwood area in recent years.

For those who do not know all the merits that a Nordstrom’s has to offer; let me fill you in.

From shoes to clothes to cosmetics Nordstrom’s has a collection that easily outstrips Macy’s and Dillards.

Not only that, but this store also has a restaurant, Café Bistro, that is open whenever the store is serving up anything from wood-fired pizzas to iced lattes so you can refuel from scouring the store’s impressive 138,000 square feet surface.

Nordstrom’s is known for the special attention that it gives to each customer and paying special attention to the tiniest of details.

A Nordstrom Rack will also be opening in December in the Rookwood Commons area. This store is an outlet version of the regular Nordstrom’s store.

While I was quite upset that my mom would not let me skip school for such a monumental day in history, you can guarantee that you will find me come Saturday morning perusing the shoe-shelves.

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

14 a&e

friday, september 25, 2009

ginaromeo

photos by drew gelwicks

spotlight editor

REBECCA POLLACK, 11 AND BRANDON Valasquez, 10, are just two of the many faces behind the production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” this year’s fall musical. Pollack was taking attendance, while Valasquez, a cast member, helps out crew members.

Behind scenes unseen efforts in fall musical

drewgelwicks staff writer

O

nly three days into the school year, the fall musical, “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat,” had already begun. Though the actors were just beginning to prepare, the technical aspect of the musical had already been underway.

The only people the audience sees are the actors and actresses performing onstage. They do not see the students behind the curtains who are moving the sets, working the lights, and pulling the curtains up and down.

“After being in the spring show last year, I really got to see how vital the crew really is to every production,” said Cady Aulicino, 10.

Even the most miniscule details must be considered by the crew. The props, which to the audience are insignificant, are provided by the person who has to go out of their own time and find everything from a typewriter to a dentist’s chair.

Mr. John Whapham, director, oversees the entire operation of the show.

He deals with the actors, actresses,

crew, singers, choreographers, and more.

“I look through the script and highlight all of the props that are mentioned. Then, I meet with Whapham to confirm the list. I go to various flea markets and secondhand stores to find them. If I can’t find it, I will make it myself,” said Erinn Sontag, 12.

Helping him are Mr. Kenneth Holdt, musical director, Mrs. Allison Morton, choreographer, and also Mrs. Martha Carrol, choeographer.

Each of these people spearheads a different aspect, while Mr. Whapham oversees and helps.

With them is Ms. Sarah Garvey, a new student teacher for Mr. Whapham, who is learning and teaching as well. She will be the producer for this production.

Each and every one of these jobs is essential to the outcome of the musical. Without one of them, the overall performance would suffer.

They cannot be seen center stage, but their hard work can be seen in the background.

The costumer, light technicians, prop master, stage master, and many more are all exential aspectes to the theatre program.

QA

with Mr. John Whapham, director

Q. When did you specifically begin preparations for the musical?

A.

In August I began meeting with the production team: Holdt, music director, Morton, choreographer, Carroll, choreographer, Garvey, producer, and James Lee, technical consultant, Mrs. Pat Zurlinden, costumer. This is a really big show and I was able to recruit a big production team to help this show, which is exciting!

Q. How are casting decisions made?

A. The production team members attend the elements of

auditions that pertain most to them(i.e. dance call backs for choreographers, singing audition for music director). During these auditions the production team members give input, but final casting decisions are made by the director.

Q. Are you the sole determiner on every decision

concerning the show? (Ex: casting, choice of show, prop details, set design, etc.)

A.

The director has overarching authority on all creative aspects of the show. As a director, however, I rely heavily on the expertise of the production team. I am a big believer in collaboration.

‘The loss of three seniors definetly shook us up’ Colorguard bounces back after loss of key members elizabethhoopes

calendar chief

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Just before school started, the SHS color guard was hit with a challenge when three senior members left the team.

The guard members were sorrowful after the loss of the three members, but were determined to fill in the holes and finish as much of the show as possible before performances began.

They filled the holes by learning new drills for parts of the songs.

Along with the band, they got the first three movements of the show on the field, just in time for their first competition.

"It was very hard and frustrating to learn new drills but in the end it paid off," said Lauren Barrett, 11.

The competition took place on Sept. 12, at Kings High School. The marching band performed in the Open Class, which is the class for the biggest bands, against Centerville High School.

Having just learned some of their work in the past week, the guard was nervous about how the show would turn out, but with few mistakes, the show was one of their best so far.

"Guard this year has been very interesting. The loss of three seniors definitely shook us up. But all in all we pulled through for an electric performance," said Maddie Pope, 10.

Although the marching band did not win any caption or overall awards, they heard praises from spectators, and are ready to finish the last song and prepare for future competitions.

The show, which follows a journey through the Amazon, features world drums, tribal dance, and new drill movements.

"I loved how different [the show] was compared to others. My favorite part was when the guard broke down in tribal dance," said Patrice Fahlbusch, 12.

Like most students, music plays a big role in my schoolwork. I listen to it while doing homework, studying, taking tests, and so much more. We are told the classical music stimulates the brain, but Mozart and Bach are just…boring.

So it is no surprise that I have developed a playlist of songs that I use frequently to pump me up and get cracking on my homework. A wide variety of genres and styles, my playlist is not only an inventory of great music, but it is also evocative.

Song number one on my playlist: Kesha’s “Tik Tok”. A fun, upbeat, pop song that I cannot help but dance to; it is no wonder it is number one on my list.

With fun lyrics like, “Now the dudes are lining up cause they hear we got swagger, but we kick ‘em to the curb unless they look like Mick Jagger,” this song can get just about anyone on their feet.

The second song on my list is from the opposite end of the musical spectrum. Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” is a classic, originally debuting in 1964 in the aftermath of the assassination of JFK. This acoustic piece is mesmerizing and soothing, a great choice as background music for doing work.

I first heard of singer Joshua Radin during an episode of the hit television series, “Scrubs.” One of the saddest scenes in the show’s history (when JD and Dr. Cox go to Cox’s brother-in-law’s funeral), features the song “Winter.” It is now set to the third song on my playlist.

Shortly after watching that episode, I fell in love with Radin and his music, especially “Winter.” This song holds a certain fascination because of its beautiful lyrics and its folk-pop, gentle sound. It never gets old.

Next, you have probably heard Devendra Banhart’s song “Lover” in the movie “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.” With Banhart’s unique vocals and a groovy bass line, this song is so much fun. It is just one of those foot-tapping, funky fresh jams that you find stuck in your head constantly.

Next up is another slower and more peaceful song. Owl City is a band known for their unique synthpop sound, a quality that instantly perked my interest. The band’s song “Fuzzy Blue Lights” is a perfect example of their electronical-infused sound and great song-writing skills. For more good Owl City music, check out the song “Fireflies.”

Finally, we all have our guilty pleasures. Taylor Swift’s “You Belong with Me” is mine. Let me say that I am not particularly proud of my hidden love for the overplayed, country/pop song, but I just cannot help it. While doing my math homework the other day, I found myself putting the song on replay. It was unbelievable.

Though I often find myself mocking Swift’s lack of musical talent, I cannot deny the fact that this song is really catchy. I sing it loud and obnoxiously whenever I can.

So next time you sit down at the dining room table to study for that history test, plug in your headphones and listen to these songs.I know you will be singing along.

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

a&e 15

friday, september 25, 2009

CINEMA

THIS FALL IN

W staff writer

ith the fall months quickly closing in, it is safe to say that Hollywood studios are cracking down and starting to get serious. One might be right to say that the worst of 2009 is behind us. With the summer blockbusters nothing but a softly settling layer of dust on the cinematic forum, big names and hot directors are ready to rise from their annual warm-weathered hibernation to greet autumn head-on with barrage of stylish, new, and entertaining films.

In the sure-to-be classic, hard-to-replicate spirit of Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange,” Nicholas Winding Refn portrays the lively, terrifying caricature of Charles Bronson, a sadistic, twisted, yet intelligent man who chooses to reach the heights of fame by becoming Britain’s most notorious maximum-security prisoner.

In all its charm and hype, this biopic will satiate the callings of any Quentin Tarantino lover. “Bronson” is a full, supple, impressive film of blood, gore, quickhit cinematography, and foul-mouthed anecdotes, but in the end, those who have seen works like “Clockwork” or Japanese classics like “Ichi the Killer” will not be readily impressed.

‘9’

In his feature film debut, animation director Tim Burton and protégé Shane Ecker bring a story of post-

‘9’ Rating: 4 out of 5

System: The Leaf uses this rating system 1- Don’t Waste Your Money 5- Pre-Order Your Tickets A.S.A.P.

‘The Informant!’

From his debut in 1988 to his current status as a passionate, believable Hollywood powerhouse, Matt Damon’s performances have gotten progressively stronger, and in his latest flick, he solidifies his reputation as a well-rounded actor, tackling both humor and satire with acuteness and believability in ‘The Informant!’.

The film follows the true story of an unstable, unprofessional businessman who assists the FBI in the takedown of agricultural and industrial powerhouse ADM. Stephen Soderbergh’s (“Che”) directing, this comically bland, bad-mouthed, and hilariously awkward picture, satisfies the cinematic connoisseur and sets Damon ahead of the game in the contention for an Oscar.

‘A Serious Man’

Joel and Ethan Cohen, brothers and masterminds behind award-winning works such as “O Brother Where Art Thou” and “Fargo,” will unleash their latest brainchild this October. Featuring unlikely stars Michael Stuhlberg and Adam Arkin, this is a black comedy.

“Bronson,” an upcoming film about an infamous prisoner, releases on Oct. 9. It is sure to attract viewers with its original play on a classic movie.

Taking on Hollywood all photos courtesy of altavista.com

‘Bronson’

apocalyptic planet Earth to the big screen. Through the voice of Elijah Wood, the film follows the epic tale of a man-made organism fighting to save an already lost civilization, and ultimately start anew. “9” brings everything to the table that you never thought animation could.

Grit, style, depth, suspense, and even an insightful message will ride this pic to the very end. If you think you are too cool, think again. The dialogue is wellwritten, the characters well-voiced, and the film will make even the most avid action addict cringe and think, what if?

photo courtesy of altavista.com

samuelcleary

s.m. dipali

a&e chief

“The Nightmare Before Christmas.” “The Corpse Bride.” Such are the titles of famous Tim Burton movies.

Both peculiar in Burton’s original style of film making.

I have never been a huge fan of Tim Burton’s movies (frankly, “The Corpse Bride” scared me) so I was a bit skeptical about seeing “9,” Burton’s new imaginative genius.

All my worries were put to rest when the first scene appeared on the big screen. Strangely enough, the plot line was both engaging and captivating.

A scientist created machines that took over and destroyed the world, in the cliché way they always do.

Understanding the gravity of his mistake, he created a new race of burlap sack dolls to remedy the situation, each named by only a number, and each a representation of his inner soul. #9, the recently awakened protagonist, has a brave new attitude on destroying the last machine. Unlike his fellow dolls, he is courageous enough to stand up to the machine, even in the face of death.

The animation was spectacular and made specifically for teens. Long gone is the idea that animation is just for kids.

Perhaps it says something about the fatalistic perspective of modern society, but the post-apocalyptic story is becoming a popular genre. However, “9” did not try to imitate its predecessors, such as “Terminator” or “Wall-E,” because its intentions were different.

“9” took on a dull, unoriginal theme and transformed it into a masterpiece. The great works of science fiction often are cautionary tales that contain social criticism about our world, but most, rarely achieve their goal. “9,” on the other hand, gave me something to ponder. In my opinion, that is the mark of a good movie.

emma rosen

a&e chief

Caution: the movie “9” may actually cause you to think about serious topics.

Unlike most of the mindless movies out in theaters right now, “9” is a movie with a message. It tackles the hot-button topic of the end of the world.

“9” takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where the land is barren and the only creatures left are nine living burlap sack dolls and a vicious robot.

The first burlap sack doll introduced is #9, the newest addition to the odd tribe made up of the other living dolls. After kindly old #2 is kidnapped by the red-eyed robot, #9 wishes to take action and go find #2.

However, #1, the obstinate self-proclaimed leader, does not wish to put the others in harm’s way. He blatantly ignores #9’s pleas and forbids him to rescue #2.

With the help of #5, #9 defies #1’s wishes and goes off on a quest to save #2.

From here, the movie took me on a journey of my own. I found myself rooting on #9, the protagonist, and mourning #2. The twists and turns excited me to no end and had my brain wheels whirring at 100 miles per hour.

The depth of “9” drew me in, making me ponder like never before. “9” is truly a gem in a sea of generic romantic comedies and senseless blood-gushing thrillers.

I especially loved the way this movie had unexpected moments. I would expect one thing to happen and see before my eyes the exact opposite occur. At several points I actually thought the movie was over, when in fact, a whole new situation unfolded straight afterwards.

So, instead of going out to see “All About Steve” or “Jennifer’s Body,” try something new. Go see a movie that gets you thinking about issues that matter, not about how short Megan Fox’s skirt was.

Sports

16

friday, september 25, 2009

Getting offensive

High powered offense, stalwart goaltending lead boys soccer squad bendhiman

minimag editor

S

photo by jeremy mcdaniel

ix games into the season, the boy’s varsity soccer team has out scored their opponents 27 to 6. The team’s lethal and flashy offensive unit has dominated opponents, while the experienced defensive core has proved that the team is a serious contender for both the Greater Miami Conference (GMC) title and state championship.

“We can score goals and we can shut down a team’s offense. We have big time potential this season,” said captain Will Sloss, 12.

Three months of grueling workouts this summer have paid off as the team is physically in better shape than the rest of the city and has bonded together after hours of demanding physical tests.

This combination of fitness, chemistry, and determination has made the team a stunner in the eyes of the skeptics who doubted the Aves, especially after losing such a talented senior class last year.

“Losing Matt [Moler], Ryan [Lavigne] , and Garret [Listo] last year made us underrated this year, but we’ve done a good job of winning games and putting ourselves in a high ranking,” said midfielder Matt Hill, 11.

Although the team carries a light 16-man roster, its substitutes have been able to maintain intensity and continue the success of the team.

With such a vibrant attack and stern

MAX RIEHEMANN, 11, JOCKEYS FOR position with an opposing defender.

Fighting through the loss of two all state players to graduation, SHS has been electric on offense to this point in the season, scoring 29 goals as of press time. The team is currently near the top of the conference standings.

defense, the team has only struggled with controlling swagger and the arrogance associated with the attention and reputation.

This attitude got them into trouble as they fell to a motivated Mason squad, but the team responded by beating their Loveland rivals.

The possibility of a repeat GMC Championship hangs on the results of crucial games against Lakota West and Fairfield. These, among the rest of league match-ups, are must-wins.

“Yeah buddy. If we go out there and play our game, I have no doubt we will win,” said Daniel Castillo, 12.

The players and coach are eyeing both a GMC Championship and State Title; their dedication to accomplishing such daunting tasks has pushed them to greatness. The team hopes to rise to the challenge and avidly pursue a legendary mark in SHS soccer history.

GMC Standings* 1 Mason 2 Lakota East 3 Fairfield 4 Sycamore 5 Lakota West 6 Princeton *as of 9/17

‘What I do on Fridays can definitely affect my performance’ mattslovin

sports chief

Tennis star Rafael Nadal insists that his bottles of water are lined up perfectly facing the same way. Former major league outfielder Moises Alou urinates on his hands before games (he claims it prevents blisters).

Even Michael Jordan, the greatest of all-time, meticulously ensured that he wore his UNC shorts under his Bulls jersey.

However, it is not necessary to look far from the halls of SHS to find gameday traditions and activities that athletes claim boost their performance.

Jordan Kolb, 12, defensive end and cocaptain of the football team, takes numerous precautions to ensure that his Friday is a success, from the time he rolls out of bed, until the final whistle.

“What I do on Fridays can definitely affect my performance,” said Kolb.

One of his most crucial rituals is staying hydrated with high-quality H2O. During the duration of the school day, Kolb can be sighted with a water bottle in hand.

For lunch, Kolb will eat only the healthiest

of foods, containing plenty of carbohydrates to give him the necessary energy. He is sure to maintain focus all day long.

After the final bell of a long week, Kolb, who manages to maintain above a 4.0 GPA while also leading the football team, heads over to friend, fellow senior and teammate Daniel McCarthy’s house for a marathon game of “Halo” on Xbox 360.

“Relaxing before games is definitely helpful in calming nerves,” said McCarthy.

For a pre-game meal, Kolb typically chooses Quizno’s Baja Chicken Sub. Upon arriving at Bud Acus Alumni Field at Sycamore Stadium, Kolb blasts his pump-up songs which include tunes by AC/DC and Lil’ Wayne, among others.

“Hells Bells (sic) definitely gets the blood pumping before the game,” said Kolb.

After another SHS victory, Kolb can be spotted at the Skyline Chili on Montgomery Road, celebrating with teammates and friends after a hard night’s work.

Kolb will lead his group out on the field tonight in their Homecoming game matchup with Lakota West.

image by brandon sosna

Friday in life of Jordan Kolb, 12, football

KOLB WALKS TOWARD THE huddle during Varsity’s game against Springboro. Following a strict game day schedule, Kolb is successful on the field as both a captain and defensive lineman.

Hawaii Bowl:

Editor predictions

Homecoming game

Bud Acus Alumni Field

at Sycamore Stadium

7:30 p.m.

Lakota West Firebirds

Record: 2-1* Coach: Larry Cox

Remaining football

schedule

vs.

Previous meeting (2007):

Sycamore W 23-7 *Records as of press time 9/17

Sycamore Aviators Record: 2-1* Coach: Scott Dattilo

Sosna: Sycamore 13-10; On an emotional Homecoming night, the SHS defense shuts down the Lakota offense.

Pescovitz: Sycamore 17-10; Highly rated West linebacking core strong, but SHS rides emotion, upstart running game to close win.

Slovin: Sycamore 24 - 21; SHS tiptoes past Firebirds in final seconds behind fired - up home crowd. helmets by ohiohelmetproject.com

9/25 vs

10/2 @

10/9 vs

10/16 vs

10/23 vs

10/30 @

brandonsosna

sports chief

Sept. 3, 2009: the highly anticipated beginning of the college football season. But no one could anticipate the chaos that would ensue following Boise State’s upset win of Oregon.

Nor can anyone justify it.

Highly touted senior running back LeGarrette Blount was on his way toward consideration as a first round draft pick in next year’s NFL draft.

The potential was undeniable.

The raw physical skills were all there. But when he lost his cool after the 19-8 loss, his future dissipated with it.

He’ll never play another down in an Oregon Ducks uniform.

After Boise State defensive end Byron Hout appeared to say something to the fuming running back, Blount connected on a right hook to Hout’s jaw. He pushed away teammates attempting to restrain him. And only a group of police officers could keep him from going after heckling fans.

Just like that, it was over. His career. His first day draft slot.

And potentially, his life.

“It was just something that I shouldn’t have done. I lost my head,” said Blount, in an article on ESPN.com. He leaves coach Chip Kelly without a choice but to suspend him for the season and the single thought: what were you thinking?

In the immediate, the punch became a youtube sensation and the nation’s top sports story.

But in the long run, it represents something much bigger than football.

On an evening sportsmanship was to celebrated, as for the first time the two opponents exchanged pregame handshakes – this happens. A slap in the face to college football.

Hardly anyone knew Blount before his post game tirade. But he remarkably has more fans than before. Look him up on facebook. “LeGarrette Blount for Heisman,” “LeGarrette Blount is my hero,” “LeGarrette Blount is awesome,” and “LeGarrette Blount is a bad***” are just some of the groups created to honor his infamous punch.

Any kid who watched Sportscenter in the morning before school saw it. The suspension becomes irrelevant.

What message is sent when Oregon merely suspends him for the season?

He is allowed to practice. He remains on scholarship. He reaps the same benefits as every other collegiate athlete who never punched anyone.

The kid does everything short of play.

Blount will always hold the legacy as the guy who punched an opponent after losing a football game.

A football game.

Blount, who carried the ball eight times for negative five yards, ends his career three yards shy of 1,000.

How is that for karma?

Grab your boots, Blount, and go take a hike.

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

sports 17

friday, september 25, 2009 ‘Our chances at district are pretty good, but some of the best teams in the state are here in our region, so it makes things a little bit more of a challenge. I think, this year, we are definitely up to that challenge’

Girls golf hopeful for state

Band Wagon

Jumpers paulpescovitz

sports chief

s.m.dipali

A

business manager

s October fast approaches, and the weather is starting to cool down.

The varsity girls golf team, however, is doing exactly the opposite.

The girl golfers started off the season with a bang, placing in the top four to six teams or higher in tournaments at Fairfield South Trace, Weatherwax, and Yankee Trace.

At the Middletown Invitational, held at Weatherwax Golf Course, the team was victorious against Ursuline, beating them by six strokes and placing fourth overall.

“We had a really great preseason this year. It was incredibly rewarding to beat Ursuline, one of the top teams in the city,” said Molly Fitch, 12.

The team’s success was largely due to the addition of freshman golfer, Marybeth Reinhold. The only freshman to qualify for varsity, Reinhold consistently brought in scores that counted towards the teams’ total. She now holds the second lowest average on the team with a 41.1.

“At first being the only freshman on the varsity team was intimidating, but now I’m glad to be part of such a nice, welcoming team. We always have a great time,” said Reinhold.

photo by jeremy mcdaniel

Team bonding

MOLLY FITCH, 12, CONCENTRATES AS she follows through on a shot from the rough. Fitch and fellow seniors Adrienne Wessinger and Katie Bitzer along with sensational freshman Marybeth Reinhold look to contend for state this year under Coach Keith Brackenridge.

staff writer

JV football

Ambitions for state

Brackenridge noted that though the girls have already accomplished a lot, there is more ahead. On Oct. 5 and 6 the girls will go to sectionals, and from there they hope to advance to the district meet.

At the meet, the team’s goal is to place in the top four teams and qualify for state championships held at the Ohio State Buckeye Course on Oct. 23 and 24.

“In my four years of high school varsity golf, this is one of the very first good opportunities we’ve had to go to state. It’s really exciting to know that it may happen this year,” said Adrienne Wessinger, 12.

The team’s ambitions are high, but so are their skills.

“One of our good days at the district meet will be enough to get us to state,” said Brackenridge.

The girls varsity golfers hope to live up to their coach’s expectations and reach this milestone.

“Our chances at district are pretty good, but some of the best teams in the state are here in our region, so it makes things a little bit more of a challenge. I think, this year, we are definitely up to that challenge,” said Brackenridge.

Upcoming Match Schedule: 9/28 Mason/St. Ursula (California Golf Course) 9/30 Senior Night-McAuley (Glenview Golf Course) 10/8 Kings (The Grizzly) 10/12 Ursuline/Mason/Centreville (O’Bannon Country Club)

Point After

&

paulpescovitz

sports chief

After intense off-season workouts and much preparation, the junior varsity team is off to a quick start. As of press time, the team boasted a 2-1 record, with wins over Glen Este and Roger Bacon.

Starting the season impressively, SHS completed the football program’s sweep of Glen Este with an opening week victory over the Trojans.

“It was exciting to get off to a winning start,” said sophomore offensive lineman Jordan Reed.

Although the team came up short in a defensive battle against Springboro, dropping the decision 9-6, the squad proved resilient, and emerged victorious 15-8 over the Roger Bacon Spartans the next week.

“We just found what worked and stuck with it,” said Reed.

Next, the team shifts focus toward Greater Miami Conference

battles with traditional powers Lakota West, Hamilton, and Colerain. Play in the GMC is always tough, but the team has certainly been prepared by a strong nonleague schedule.

Freshman football

After having a sub-par season in 2008, the SHS freshman football team is hoping to regain success. Coach Tom Nugent is in his seventh year as a football coach, and hopes to make it one of his most successful.

Through the first 4 games, the team has played well. SHS has posted a 2-2 record as of press time, most recently losing to Middletown on September 17. With hard work and dedication, the freshman football team can still have a winning 2009 campaign.

“I think were talented at the right spots. We need to improve consistence as a whole to improve,” said Nugent.

photo by jeremy mcdaniel

bennettkaplan

As the season kicked off, the girls resolved that team bonding was a necessary attribute to be incorporated into the varsity schedule.

“Golf is such an individual sport and team bonding helped make this season a team experience,” said Maggie Smith, 10.

Her teammates’ feelings mirror her own. The girls have hosted many dinners and outings to help increase team spirit.

Currently, the teams’ record is 7-1, their loss only to Lakota West at home course, Glenview. “I feel like this season has gone really well for our team. We have all done our best and I hope it shows at future tournaments,” said Jackie Weber, 11.

Coach Keith Brackenridge, head of the varsity girls golf team, is pleased with the results so far. “The girls broke the school record of 154 strokes with an awesome total of 151 this year. We’re finally playing the way I knew we always had the potential to do,” said Brackenridge.

WITH BOTH THE JUNIOR varsity and freshman football teams off to adequate starts, SHS football is content with results to this point. The program was able to complete sweeps over both Glen Este and Roger Bacon. Both squads will look to make a strong impression in conference play.

When I accepted the challenge of writing this column and convincing readers to support or avoid trends, teams, players, or anything in sports, I never dreamed a topic this simple would fall into my lap. In most cases, controversial subjects in the realm of athletics are convoluted at best, with effective points to be made for each side of the debate. When it comes to the Cincinnati Bengals, this is not so.

Disregard over a decade of losing (aside from one oasis of an 11-5 season), countless wasted draft selections, holdouts, blowouts, and sellouts only with the aid of a typicallystingy owner, if what unfolded in the final 38 seconds of the team’s home opener against Denver on September 13 does not force you to reconsider your allegiance, you are a better fan than I. As Brandon Stokley hauled in a deflected “pass” from a quarterback whose career ironically embodies the very mediocrity the Bengals are infamous for and trotted 87 yards for the winning score, what was there to do but chuckle?

As the energy was forcibly sucked from more than 60,000 spectators at Paul Brown Stadium and Gus Johnson shouted his electric analysis live on CBS, sure there were a few milliseconds of shock, but after that, who was actually surprised?

Same old Bengals. Or as Johnson’s broadcasting counterpart Dan Fouts prefers, “Bungles.”

With one miraculous, Maddenesque play, every morsel of positive publicity and heightened fan anticipation the organization had built this off-season with the successful run on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” vanished.

What may be the last sell out crowd (except when Steelers or Browns fans fill half the stadium) of the season went from celebrating in the aisles to sulking toward the exits in disbelief The Denver loss may very well be the last time I, or anyone, actually marvel at how they have done it again. From here on out, expect the unexpected in Cincinnati losing.

Staring down the barrel of yet another slow start and basement finish now would be the time for the team to “Fight Back,” as Coach Marvin Lewis preached they would all preseason. It is time for the club to put their money where their mouth is, and actually display improvements on the field.

I am certainly not getting my hopes up. While the defense is young and gaining an aggressive, hard hitting identity, key components like the offensive line lack cohesion and are not particularly strong in pass blocking, which spells disaster in a division featuring innovative blitzing defenses in Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

I cannot stress this enough: get off the bandwagon, now. There are plenty of productive things one can do with three or four hours on Sundays, and for now, it does not appear as if Bengals football is among them.

For those too invested to quit on their team, that is to be respected, but it seems clear to this columnist that something other than poor management and player development is working against the franchise, something out of anyone’s control.

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

18 sports

friday, september 25, 2009

SHS student scores gold at WCSA Championships Experienced archer adds to successes

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photo courtesy of brent hankins

chadchessin

SENIOR BRENT HANKINS PREPARES to fire his crossbow at the target. His accuracy earned him a gold medal for the mens’ division at the World Crossbow Shooting Association World Championships. He shot from as far away as 65 meters, and still proceeded to hit the mark. Hankins plans to continue with his archery and crossbow career, and see where it takes him.

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editor-in-chief

s most students were settling back into their daily school routines, Brent Hankins, 12, was heading off to Entroncamento, Portugal to compete in the WCSA (World Crossbow Shooting Association) World Championships.

“I missed the second week of school [Aug. 31-Sept. 4] for the competition,” said Hankins.

But not only did Hankins compete in the crossbow world championships, he also won the gold medal for the men’s division.

“After I won the last world championships [held in Bloomfield, NJ] in the junior division, I thought I might be able to attain a medal in the men’s division, but I was surprised to win the gold,” said Hankins.

Hankins has been shooting archery for five years and only began shooting crossbow three years ago.

However because crossbow is a

relatively small sport, about 50-60 shooters competed; and there were no formal qualifications in existence for competing in the World Championships.

Each competition requires the shooter to shoot from 45, 55, and 65 meters from the target—a bit farther of a distance compared to Lifetime Sports classes at school—onto a 60 cm face.

After winning this gold Hankins plans to continue to shoot archery in college and to go to the next World Championships in New Zealand.

He has already competed in two other world tournaments, and three or four national tournaments.

“I’ve been in too many tournaments to count,” said Hankins. “When you add together all the local, state, regional, national, and world tournaments through the years it adds up.”

Hankins encourages anyone interested in this growing sport to get involved. For more information contact the CJO (Cincinnati Junior Olympians) at cincyjuniorolympians@aol.com or HANKINS EYES THE TARGET with a steady hand. Precision Hankins. and accuracy are key tools in the arsenal of an archer. Without As the winter season is starting up, them, it is hard to place in a tournament, let alone win gold. new members are welcome.

photo courtesy of brent hankins

michelatindera

Girls cross-country sprints to success Freshman class plays instrumental role emilycohen

photo courtesy of jeremy mcdaniel

staff writer

Pipkin’s

The girls cross country team has a whole new look for 2009. With one of the biggest freshmen classes in recent years, the youngsters are making significant contributions early on.

Samantha Silere, 9, holds the fastest time in the GMC, running an incredible 18:55, while Bianca Rhodenbaugh, 9, is fourth in the GMC with a time of 19:51. These two upcoming stars have already made their mark on the team.

“The freshmen class has been a positive and strong force for us,” said Charlotte Harris, 10.

The team is full of youth, but still has key returning runners. Melissa French, 12, and Taylor Young, 12, both made first team all GMC last year and look to continue their success.

The team placed third in the state last year, so expectations are high.

“I think we have the potential to go to state,” said Dallas Burris, 12.

Members have been practicing since the middle of summer, so it has been

a major commitment for many of the athletes.

They have worked hard to get stronger and faster and the results are showing.

“I am really happy with the progress of our team. I am really excited about the rest of the season,” said Laura Gonzalez, 9.

The team prepares for meets by doing different routines each day.

Some days focus just on long distance, while others are more speed based.

With different drills each day, the runners are more enthusiastic and are motivated to do the drills.

The team runs against Harrison on September 26, which is one of the last meets before the GMC meet and districts.

Thus has been the season so far, with individuals looking to improve their times and boost their confidence, so they can run their best in these big upcoming meets.

Each runner, regardless of age, has brought something to the team thus far, and will have to continue to do so if the team hopes to maintain their current success.

staff writer In this edition of “Dead On,” I want to pay tribute to a man who most of us have never heard of. His name was Keith Howard, and he was a man who everyone in the sports world should model themselves after.

Head football coach at Lincoln High School, located in a small town in Alabama, Howard’s name was cemented in the legacy of the town. You could not go to Talladega County in Lincoln without hearing mention of Keith Howard.

“He was probably the most powerful man in the county. He was a legend and not just in the sports sense. Black or white, rich or poor, he treated you like a brother,” said Chad Martin, defensive coordinator of the team and close friend of Howard’s, in an interview with Fanhouse.com A homegrown boy from the town of about 5,500 people, Howard’s passion for the game and helping studentathletes reach their fullest potential on and off the field earned people’s respect and attention.

“High school kids don’t do what you tell them. They do what you live and do,” he would say.

And there was no better man to follow than Howard. He emphasized that his door would always be open to anybody if they had an issue, whether it be petty or serious.

When interviewed for the defensive coordinator job, Martin was not asked how well he knew the playbook or if he could run a 4-3 defense. Howard had one simple question for new coaches.

“He wanted to know if you were a family man and if you loved kids,” said Martin.

What? High school sports are not simply about winning? It is important to remind ourselves here at SHS and around the nation that student comes before athlete for a reason, and sports are for enrichment of the players, not for the thrashing of your hated rival.

But we cannot forget the football aspect. Howard was an expert coach with much success at the school. Last year, he led his Golden Bears to an 11-2 record.

The story turns a little grimmer though when Lincoln High School traveled to Attalla, Alabama to take on the Etowah Blue Devils. At halftime, Howard reported to Martin that he did not feel well.

Usually, Howard would tell Martin “take ‘em in and talk to them” at halftime, but this time he said “take ‘em in. They’re yours.” He added the words “I love you” to which Martin responded “I love you too, coach.”

During the second half, the 48year-old was pronounced dead after a severe heart attack. In honor of his passion for the game, love of children, and above all, kindness, the stadium he had worked so hard to erect was named Keith Howard Field, in an emotional ceremony.

The Golden Bears finished that game and won 26-7, in his memory.

There is a message in this saga.

Sure, sports are important. They affect us all in some manner. But it is important that we learn from Howard’s example and see that high schools sports are simply a catalyst for the success of the students.

If we can live by this at SHS, then not only we will have a successful sports program, but we will have a great community like Keith Howard’s down in Talladega County in Lincoln, Alabama.

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

Advertisement friday, september 25, 2009

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Snapshots friday, september 25, 2009

LATIN CLUB HELD ITS first meeting Wednesday, Sept. 16 in Swaim Park.

Latin students from both the junior high and high school were invited to attend. (Above) Club members chow down on hamburgers and hotdogs.

(Below) Lainey Paul, 11, laughs with friends at the meeting. (Right) Max Swartz, 12, helps to grill for the dozens of students that attended this annual picnic.

New beginnings September brings fun, food for first month of school year

all photos by michela tindera

ABOVE: BUFFET CLUB HELD its first meeting at Cici’s Pizza. The goal is to “eat out” every buffet the club goes to. Below: Courtney Bernard, 12, passes a tiki torch to Mr. Ken Richter, school board president.

MANY LOOK FORWARD TO the senior breakfast held on the first day of school. Joyce Zhang grabs a handful of grapes which was just one of the many breakfast foods that were provided by senior parents.

SENIOR STUDENT COUNCIL MEMBERS, Josie McKinnon, Spencer Wurzelbacher, and Bernard discuss their presentation of the Homecoming theme to the school board.