September Issue 2010

the

GRINDING’S LAST DANCE

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2010 | VOLUME LVIII ISSUE 2 | 7400 CORNELL RD. CINCINNATI, OHIO 45242, 513.686.1770 EXT. 3089

smDIPALI

news chief

& emmaOH

fter weeks of rumors and misconceptions, the theory that “grinding” is now banned at all future dances is still swarmed with confusion.

The definition of grinding varies from person to person, thus making it difficult for the administration to clarify the rules within the policy.

Typically, grinding is a movement in which partners repeatedly rub up against each other. Those opposed to grinding believe it is inappropriate for school functions, arguing that it is sexually suggestive.

“After winter formal last year, I had parents and students come to me complaining about how some students were dancing,” said Mrs. Karen Bare, assistant principal.

Soon after, a group of parents approached the administration asking for a policy against grinding. Together, they did some research on the policies of other schools and decided it was time to speak out against the suggestive dance form.

“The adults that I’ve talked with are looking for no grinding,” said Mr. Chris Davis, principal.

And that is exactly what they thought was going to happen. However, it appears that, as of press time, the administration has not defined the exact terms of what the guidelines entail.

“We still have to calibrate ourselves in terms of an administrative standpoint. By that I mean that we still have to decide what we will accept and what we won’t,” said Davis.

On top of that, the confusion within the administrative team mirrors that of the student body.

Rumors have run rampant regarding the enforcement of the rule.

Concerns range from changes in the playlist to the level of grinding permitted.

Additionally, the opinions throughout the building are strong and varied.

While some are relieved to finally have a clean, comfortable dance,

others feel that their views were not considered.

Student Council, above all, believes that they were due some consultation in the matter.

Each year, Homecoming has been Student Council’s main source of revenue, which is used to finance other events, such as Battle of the Bands, Winter Formal, graduation and the Mr. Sycamore Pageant.

Among their many worries, their main cause for concern is that students will be discouraged from attending the dance due to the policy.

“Mr. Davis came to ask for Student Council’s advice and we gave our best input, but by that time the policy was already set,” said Charlotte Harris, Junior Class President.

In response to these complaints, Davis noted that although Homecoming is Student Council’s event, he was not looking for them to endorse it or support it.

“It’s not a student decision. It’s an adult and school expectation. We try to involve young adults as much as possible, but this was an adult decision,” said Davis.

The administration and other student groups want to stress that Homecoming has been one of SHS’s key traditions and that not attending the dance will only hurt the students more, as they will be stripped of further school functions.

“I venture to say that the majority of the student population will still attend the dance. Once we get beyond the initial emotional response I think that students will realize they can still go to the dance and have an exciting, great time,” said Davis.

As of press time, the rule stands to rid all future dances of “sexually explicit dancing.”

“We want the dance floor to be a comfortable atmosphere. Any dance move that resembles the simulation of a sex act will not be tolerated,” said Bare.

Excellence rating: rishiCHOUBEY

staff writer

Every year, the Ohio Department of Education gives a district report card to Sycamore Community Schools. For the past 11 years, Sycamore Schools has consistently been marked with the highest possible score.

On paper, the elementary schools, middle school, junior high, and high school have all far exceeded the state’s requirements on standardized statewide tests, rates of improvement on those tests, student attendance and graduation rates for a little over a decade.

However, taking into account the excellence award of Sycamore Community Schools, can the district’s annual

CALENDAR 2

NEWS 3-5

image by jimmy chau

A

business manager, feature chief

Ohio Department of Education honors SHS with distinction for second consecutive year

success merely be measured by statistics?

“There are a number of outside criteria that played a role in this achievement,” said Mrs. Christine Allen, an English teacher at SHS, “The strength of instruction from the teachers, the involvement of parents, the diversity of the student body, and the numerous leaders in the administration.”

Some of the credit should go toward parents, many of who are actively involved with the PTA in school functions daily.

“We sell supplies each day to help students. We also raise money for the senior class with t-shirts. I know in the elementary schools parents help with carnivals and reach out to families. At Maple Dale money is raised to

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FORUM 7-9

FEATURE 10-12

buy presents for kids in need,” said Mrs. Dana Yengo, a PTA volunteer.

There really is a diverse student population which encourages more perspective, open-mindedness, and tolerance.

“I came here from China when I was in the fourth grade,” said Yubo Sun, 11, “I think Sycamore has a place for everyone. Most people can find students just like them and feel accepted.”

It should be noted that while the community does perform well on tests and students attend school daily, there are outside factors that have also contributed to its excellence.

FUN & GAMES 13

A&E 14-16

SPORTS 17-19

SPOTLIGHT 20

Calendar

2 sunday kelcieGREGA

calendar chief

Friday, September 24, 2010

monday

tuesday

‘10

wednesday

thursday

October 3

Holiday: Oktoberfest ends SHS Event: National College Fair 1 p.m.

10

Weird Holiday: National Angel Food Cake Day

17

4

Girls Tennis Varsity Green vs.

Centerville B 4:00 p.m.

Freshman Boys Soccer vs. Fairfield 4:00 p.m.

11

Holiday: Columbus Day

18

5

Girls JV Tennis vs.

Wyoming 4:00 p.m.

SHS Event: New Family Informational Meeting 9 a.m.

Interim Reports Distributed

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24

2

Religious Holiday: Simchat Torah SHS Event: Homecoming Parade

SHS Event: Homecoming Dance 9 p.m.

9

Girls Tennis Varsity Green vs. ST Ursala B 4:00 p.m.

SHS Event: New Family Informational Meeting 1 p.m.

SHS Event: Parent-Teacher Conferences

Weird Holiday: World Egg Day SHS Event: PTO Meeting 9 a.m.

Weird Holiday: Leif Erikson Day SHS Event: SAT Test

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14

15

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Weird Holiday: Mad Hatter Day

Varsity Football vs. Hamilton 7:30 p.m.

Boys Varsity Gold Golf District Championships

Boys Soccer vs.

Withrow 5:00 p.m.

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1

8

Freshman Football vs. Colerain 5:00 p.m.

Early Release Day

25

saturday

7

6

Girls Soocer vs.

Fairfield 5:00 p.m.

Weird Holiday: Wear Something Gaudy Day

friday

27

Girls CrossCountry GMC Championships @ Voice of America Park

22

JV Boys Golf vs.

Middletown @ 5:00 p.m.

SHS Event: Orchestra Concert 7:30 p.m.

28

Boys CrossCountry GMC Championships @ Voice of America Park

23 JV Football vs.

Colerain 1:00 p.m.

SHS Event: ACT Test

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SHS Event: Football/Band Senior Night 7 p.m.

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Holiday: Halloween

31

news

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Ilmenau, welcome to Blue Ash Interested juniors, seniors invited to join sister city exchange program S friday, september 24, 2010

cadyAULICINO

staff writer

tudents at SHS have been rewarded the chance to open their eyes, and gain an enlightening cultural experience, that will never be forgotten.

Interested juniors and seniors are invited to travel to Blue Ash’s sister city, Ilmenau, Germany, to join the Sister City exchange program.

Participants will live with a host family, and return with life changing memories.

Past trips include visits to concentration camps, Wartburg Castle, where Martin Luther first translated the bible, and tours of local family owned businesses. They even went cross-country skiing and dog-sledding.

“Students that went on the trip ten years ago still come up to me saying that it was the best thing that they have ever done,” said Mr. Kevin Wittman, government teacher, who has chaperoned the German exchange trip three times.

Participants will also be shadowing their host at Lindenburg High School and Goetheschule High School in Ilmenau.

Going to live with a host family versus staying in a hotel allows travelers to live daily life as local.

Ms. Jenna Hovis, English teacher and chaperone, said “The German people are fantastic hosts, they are so welcoming, and are interested in learning more about Americans.”

Maggie Smith, 11, is hosting a student from Ecuador, and hopes to live with her exchange student this year. “I want to use the Spanish I know, and learn about how other people live,” said Smith.

The trip costs roughly $1,000; exact dates are not confirmed, but it will be in February, for seven to ten days. For more details on hosting a student from Ilmeanu, or about going on the exchange trip, see Wittman or Hovis.

all images by s.m. dipali

Top Scholars:

17 SHS seniors become semi-finalists emmaOH

business manager, feature chief

Both a wave of relief and a sense of pride were given to the 17 seniors named National Merit Semi-Finalists last Wednesday, Sept.

15. They are among 16,000 other semifinalists from across the nation and represent less than 1 percent of high school seniors.

A total of 1.5 million students entered the 2011 competition last year by taking the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as juniors.

Nine southwest Ohio high schools each had 10 or more semifinalists, with SHS and Walnut Hills topping the list.

Alex Berger, Bryan Bergman, Devin Choudhury, Gabriella Chronis, Lindsey Johnson, Aaron Kaufman, Emily Mills,

Corinne Peters, Caroline Pineo, Michael Proudfoot, Carolyn Raithel, Jason Robke, Ravi Sheth, Michael Shi, Steven Simpkins, Sandra Smith and Andrew Wick are the 17 seniors representing SHS. In order to become finalists, students must be recommended by their high school principal, earn high SAT scores and have an outstanding high school academic record. Additionally, they must submit a detailed application, essay and information about participation in both school and community activities.

Typically, about 90 percent of semifinalists go on to become finalists.

In addition, Nia Campinha-Bacote earned the National Achievement Scholar Award. The National Achievement Scholarship Program is an academic competition that provides recognition for outstanding Black American high school students. About 1,600 highscoring participants in each year’s National Achievement program are designated semifinalists.

Corporate, college and National Merit scholarships will be awarded to the finalists between April and July of 2011.

SHS HAD 17 National merit semi finalists this year. From top left: Andrew Wick, Michael Proudfoot, Alex Berger, Ravi Sheth, Devin Choudhury, Michael Shi, Caroline Pineo, Sandra Smith, Steven Simpkins, Jason Robke, Bryan Bergman, Corinne Peters, Caroline Raithel, Gabrielle Chronis, Lindsey Johnson, Aaron Kaufman, and Emily Mills recieved the award. Pictured to the left, Nia Campinha-Bacote.

news

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friday, september 24, 2010

Unmasking Senior Halloween rules

New emphasis Administration enforces new costume restrictions on notes mariaMARBALLI improves work ethic

A

editor-in-chief

fter the graduating class of ‘10 left the school in disarray one year ago on the much-anticipated Senior Halloween, new rules have been enacted for this year’s seniors.

Many remember the diverse costumes as underclassmen, passing gorillas with bananas, swine flu pigs, and the famous “party animals” while walking to and from class.

Due to the insanity of the holiday and the extra money that was needed to pay custodians for working overtime to clean up banana debris from the carpets, the administration has decided to crack down on what is and is not appopriate.

Rules

No masks. Students are outraged claiming that masks are a key feature to any costume.

“Aren’t masks kind of the point of Halloween?” said Kyle Hart, 12.

While it may seem petty to some, this rule has actually been in effect for years as masks prevent the administration from knowing who exactly is in the building, thus creating a safety issue.

Costumes must also follow the Student Code of Conduct, meaning: no see-through garments, exposed midriffs, strapless tops or clothing that exposes under garments.

Students with any of these will be

disqualified from the competition and will be sent home to change.

No more weapons. Sorry to those who were looking forward to imitating last year’s gladiators. No more swords, guns, or any other weapons that can be used as a part of a costume. Any of these items will be confiscated.

No more rollerblades, skates, skateboards, bicycles, shopping carts or any other wheeled modes of transportation.

No props. No one can bring props that are designed to throw away or distribute. No confetti, food items, stickers or aerosol cans. This is a result from the various “gifts” that were left last year, e.g. the swine flu stickers and continuous sprayings of Axe. This includes any form of latex, as items will be confiscated and students will be disqualified.

No drugs, alcohol or tobacco references including facsimiles of these items. This includes bottles, wine/drink glasses, and SOLO cups.

If anyone has questions regarding their costume, see Mrs. Karen Bare, assistant principal for approval.

mariaMARBALLI editor-in-chief

Schedule

Senior Halloween will be taking place on Friday, Oct. 22 and all participants will be dismissed for an assembly in the gym at 12:35 p.m. for judging. Students are expected to be in all classes until sixth bell. Students with seventh bell classes are to return to class at the close of the assembly.

images courtesy of mcdaniel’s photography

LEFT: LAST YEAR’S group of gorillas (along with other costumed students) ended up costing the school $500 and six hours of overtime from the custodians.

The gorillas used bananas as props, resulting in banana debris in the carpet crevices. Right: Senior of ‘10 models a mask, now a heavily enforced restriction.

By now, close to everyone has probably heard about the new emphasis on note-taking. Whether it is in the classroom or at home, teachers have been stressing the importance of taking organized notes.

“The best advice I can give for college students is to go somewhere quiet after class, own your notes, and figure out what you do and do not understand,” said Mr. Jim Smanik, physics teacher.

It is becoming more and more obvious that the better the notes, the better the performance. Thus, every student has received a hand-out on the new Cornell note-taking system.

Many were required to organize their notes in the same format as a homework assignment. While some feel that they are already proficient in their own study style, others welcome a new study strategy with almost guaranteed positive results.

“I tried the Cornell notes style but wasn’t the biggest fan. It is too late for me to change the way I study,” said Ashley Locke, 12.

The difference between most students’ current methods and the methods of Cornell is that the new system emphasizes a column for key points or definitions, and a bottom row for a summary.

The center of the page is broken down into five categories: Record, Questions, Recite, Reflect, and Review.

“The one thing I like about this style is the idea of adding a summary to the end. I’m definitely going to start applying that,” said Brandon Buka, 12.

Teachers and administration are hoping that by supplying students with new strategies and cracking down on the importance of good, clean notes, class grades will rise and this generation’s adolescents will become better studiers. Each teacher has recieved a book entitled Classroom Instruction That Works, in order to bring new strategies to their classes.

Lesley Chapman, French teacher, on new year sarahMAY

forum chief

Where have you worked besides SHS? I spent nine years at Wyoming, and I was also adjunct assistant professor at UC for ten years.

Why did you decide to come to SHS? I was looking for a full time job while raising my children.

How old are your children?

Evan is six, and Paul is five. And Evan is a girl.

How long have you been speaking French?

I come from a French family, so I have been speaking French since I was a child.

Have you ever lived in France?

I lived there a few years as an undergraduate, to study abroad. I got my Master’s degree at the Sorbonne, in Paris, so I lived there for a few years. I have lots of family and friends in France. photo by sarah may

MRS. LESLEY CHAPMAN, French teacher, begins her first year at SHS teaching French levels II, III, IV and AP. She also is the advisor for the French Club. Chapman demonstrates experience, passion and cultural knowledge, coming from a French background.

Why did you decide to become a French teacher?

I really like the language, and I wanted to share that with students.

What is your teaching philosophy?

Anybody can learn a foreign language, and everyone deserves a chance to show their ability.

news

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friday, september 24, 2010

‘Mosque’ at ground zero?

Proposed Islamic community center sparks uproar smDIPALI & gabeENGLANDER news chief

associate editor

A

Funding Controversy

Another concern among critics is that Park51 is estimated to cost $100 million to build. In response to these concerns, Sen. Joseph Lieberman, IN-CT, and Congressmen Rick Lazio and Peter King, R-NY, called for an investigation into the funding for Park51.

But supporters of Park51, like NYC Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, argue that investigating the project’s funding would be a doublestandard, one which other religious organizations do not have to address.

Imam Rauf recently stated that he would, in fact, accept money from American Muslims and Arab nations.

Developer Sharif El-Gamal clarified this statement in telling CBS on August 27th that, “We will not take money from organizations that have un-American values,” namely Iran or Hamas.

Conflict’s History

The uproar began quickly after Imam Rauf introduced the project to the public this summer. And since

then, the debate over the tastefulness of such a community center has intensified with politicians, bloggers, and families of 9/11 victims weighing in on both sides of the debate.

Conservative bloggers and founders of the group “Stop the Islamization of America”, Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer, are credited with starting the public protests against Park51. In addition, Geller and Spencer arranged several protests in Brooklyn, N.Y. in Murfreesboro, Tenn., in Rutherford County, Tenn., and in Sheboygan County, Wis. Numerous politicians have spoken out against Park51, claiming that it is improper to place an Islamic place of worship in such close proximity to Ground Zero.

One such politician is Sarah Palin, who tweeted that, “Peaceful Muslims,” should (sic) ‘refudiate,’ Park51. Gingrich, posted on his website that, “There should be no mosque near Ground Zero in New York so long as there are no churches or synagogues in Saudi Arabia.”

Still, many politicians have spoken out in favor of Park51, including Mayor Bloomberg, who defends the project because religious freedom is guaranteed by the first amendment.

President Barack Obama has not endorsed the project thus far, but said in a press conference in August that he supports the group’s legal right to build Park51 in a place approved by the city.

But with November elections looming, it is unlikely this debate will diminish any time soon.

bennettKAPLAN

sports chief

Wa rre

ro ad wa y

Masjid Manhattan (Mosque)

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urc Ch

map by clayton hamre

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (New Location)

irfanAIJAZ

staff writer

Michael Bloomberg

St. Paul’s Chapel

yS t.

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“The folks who want to build this mosque…want to triumphantly prove that they can build a mosque right next to a place where 3,000 Americans were killed…” said Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the House of Representatives.

Gingrich is one of several politicians who oppose the proposed Islamic Community Center. He declares that Imam Feisal Rauf “[is] really a radical Islamist…”

He compared building a mosque next to Ground Zero to, “…Nazis… putt[ing] up a sign next to the Holocaust museum in Washington… the Japanese putting up a

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (destroyed)

ert

associate editor

Newt Gingrich

Proposed Islamic Center

Ground Zero

Lib

moriahKRAWEC

The would-be spiritual leader for Park51 has emerged as a controversial figure in the clash over building the community center. Ever since being asked to lead prayers at New York’s small Masjid al-Farah mosque in 1983, Rauf has served there as imam. According to Ron Scherer of The Christian Science Monitor, Rauf is “one of the most open and public American-Muslim religious leaders”.

Prior to the conception of Park51, Rauf was an established author, imam, and activist. Rauf wishes to cease tension with his activism, whether it is in the form of outreach organizations, or through more direct approaches, such as Park51.

hS t.

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Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf

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AN ARTIST’S RENDITION OF the 13 story proposed community center, to be located two blocks from Ground Zero.

Dubbed ‘Park51,’ because of its location on 51 Park Place, the center is not a mosque, but actually a kind of YMCA for Muslims. Besides the prayer space, it includes includes a September 11 memorial, a basketball court, a swimming pool, an auditorium, an art studio and a food court.

Central characters clashing in debate

Manhattan enlarged area

images by shivani parikh

s the November elections approach, the plan to build Park51 two blocks away from ground zero continues to draw intense controversy.

While it seems that most Americans are very opinionated on this volatile issue, a CNN poll showed 68% are opposed, few understand what Park51 is, who is behind it, and why it is being built.

A main cause for this confusion began when the media dubbed Park 51 the, “Ground Zero Mosque.”

However, the project is neither on Ground Zero nor a mosque.

Two blocks away from Ground Zero, Park51 will include a prayer space, a 500-seat auditorium, fitness center, swimming pool, basketball court, childcare area, bookstore, culinary school, art studio, food court, and September 11 memorial.

Leaders of the project compared Park51 to other community centers in Manhattan, like the YMCA or the Jewish Community Center. The 13 story building will be built on an abandoned Burlington Coat Factory, which was damaged on 9/11, and a building leased to Con Edison, a utility company.

The man behind the project is Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, a moderate Sufi Muslim. In Dec. 2009, Imam Rauf told the New York Times that the proximity to Ground Zero

was an attraction because it “sends the opposite statement to what happened on 9/11.”

Park51 was initially called Cordoba House, in reference to 8th-11th century Cordoba, Spain, where Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisted peacefully. The name was changed to Park51 after critics like Newt Gingrich claimed the name was an allusion to a Muslim victory over Cordoba.

Backers of the Park51 plan have found passionate support from New York mayor Michael Blooomberg. Since the start of the debate, Bloomberg was quick to take sides on the topic, delivering multiple speeches to defend the proposed community center.

On multiple occasions, Bloomberg has cited the Muslims constitutional right to building the center, and in a speech regarding the debate, he spoke to a group of Muslims at a Ramadan Iftar dinner. In the speech, Bloomberg called for religious tolerance, and many times referenced that fact that Al-Qaeda commited the 9/11 attacks, not the Islamic religion, so the Muslim people should not be blamed. He has said that “to implicate all of Islam for the actions of a few who twisted a great religion is unfair and un-American”. In his most recent speech on 9/11, he continued to stress that the Islamic people are not responsible for the atttacks.

Snapshots

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September 24, 2010

Tailgates, touchdowns, trombones, twirling

Student body drives game day

all photos courtesy of jeremy mcdaniel

Ave cave gets rowdy janeFINOCHARO

staff writer

ON FRIDAY, SEPT. 10, SHS’s varsity football team played Springfield in the first home game of the season. TOP LEFT: Juniors Amanda Pescovitz, Josh Lee, and Ana Smith perform in the halftime show with SHS’s marching band. ABOVE: Spectators in the student section cheer on the team. Students participated in a blackout to show their spirit, turning the student section into what has been deemed the ‘Ave Cave’. TOP RIGHT: Darius Hillary, 12, makes an impressive catch. BOTTOM LEFT: Ruthie Myers, 12, and Lily Henry, 11, and the rest of the cheerleading squad lead the student section in cheering on the team. BOTTOM RIGHT: Members of the football team watch their teammates from the sidelines.

Forum

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Friday, August 27, 2010

gabeENGLANDER

associate editor

Administration: Listen to students

staffeditorial

H

omecoming is a celebrated SHS tradition, a time of year where the student body, classes aside, unifies as one to support our home team and take part in festivities leading up to the big game, and of course, the dance.

Each year, Student Council puts extensive time and effort into planning the Homecoming dance.

Every detail must be accounted for: from theme and decorations, to the perfect playlist and DJ. Our class representatives are definitely to thank for the wonderful experiences we have each year.

So why is it that a recent crackdown on a certain vulgar type of dancing is turning students off of the idea of this long-celebrated tradition? Is it the fact that our generation is too embarrassed to actually attempt to dance, as opposed to mindlessly grinding up against one another? Has grinding really become so important that without it, students will no longer attend?

The truth of the matter is this: our freedom of expression, and freedom to dance any way that we so choose, is something that we as students have seriously taken advantage of in the past few years.

And in reality, the majority of students “dancing” with their dates at Homecoming look far less like they belong at a high school dance, and far more like they belong in an after-hours nightclub.

the Sycamore

And those students that still attend the dances despite their discomfort are quickly put to shame when the girl three feet away from them is positioned at a complete 90 degree angle on her date’s crotch.

There are many things that the currently outraged student body should be aware of. One is that this issue is not as black-andwhite as it may seem. Though it is easy to put the blame on either administration or our Student Council representatives, no one is actually at fault.

Grinding has become an issue of student, parent, and chaperone comfort, and frankly, administration should be applauded for their recent confrontation of the situation. No student should have to feel uneasy about the type of dancing that is going on around them at a school dance.

As for those students who disagree with the “no grinding” rule: you should not skip out on the dance all together. There are so many other ways to dance; being forbidden from just one should not keep any student from attending and enjoying the Homecoming experience.

Even if you personally are not made uncomfortable by grinding, it is undeniable that some students are. And above it all, what makes Homecoming so much fun is not the way that we dance, but the fact that students of all classes can comfortably come together for a night to remember.

leaf

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

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

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

Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242

leafing through the masses

Q:

Do you think the new grinding policy for dances will be effective?

It’s not fair that the administrators would restrict students from their tri-annual group work-out.

-Alex Hong, 12 This has been blown out of proportion. Those who actually choose to go to the dance will probably just rebel and do it more.

-Sarah Inskeep, 11 Maybe. I guess we’ll have to see how things play out.

-Shyam Parikh, 9 Editors-in-chief: Brandon Sosna, Maria Marballi Associate Editors: Kelsey Drapkin,

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

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

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

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

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

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

News S.M. Dipali Forum Shivani Parikh Feature Jimmy Chau Emma Oh Lina Cardenas A&E Emma Rosen Stuart Lindle Gina Romeo Sports Brandon Sosna

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

Last week, the administration once again made a major policy decision without prior student knowledge or input from the larger student body. In this instance, the administration decreed that grinding at future school dances was illegal, apparently finalized by a meeting of parents and Principal Chris Davis.

When school began this year, students were informed of several new policies that would significantly change student life. Among them were the cellphone policy allowing texting in halls and during lunch, new attendance policies limiting students to five tardies or absences per semester, and more restrictive senior Halloween rules.

I will not speculate what the administration’s possible motives could be for doing this, but I believe it is a mistake to deprive students of a venue to help shape the policies that impact them directly.

Besides this system being unfair to students, it also creates an environment where the administration and students are constantly in conflict, a cycle of new rules and negative student reactions.

But this is not the way it has to be. If administrators were to use a small portion of class meetings to address issues they were concerned with, students could discuss the problem and propose solutions.

This system would be both more popular and more successful in getting students to follow the rules. Students would no longer be surprised by new rules, they would now be included in the decision making process.

And if a student had a complaint with a rule or policy, he or she could now voice that complaint and work to change it, instead of feeling powerless and angry.

Also, this would help train students to be involved in their communities after they leave high school. Whether in postsecondary education or in a professional environment, the ability to advocate for yourself is one of the most important skills a person can have.

If administrators are surprised when students do not follow the new rules on grinding at homecoming, they will only have themselves to blame for not including the student body in the decision making process.

But if they give students a role in helping to shape new rules and policy, the student body will feel empowered and behave accordingly. That’s a policy we can all agree on.

Gabe Englander, Moriah Krawec Managing Editor: Jimmy Chau, Ellie Goldman Business Managers: Emma Oh, Emma Rosen Staff Writers Dilnoza Abdusamatova Irfanuddin Aijaz Madison Ashley Ana Barros Daniel Bayliss Denae Bellilti Alec Bochner John Carroll Krittika Chatterjee Rishi Choubey Brian Cleary Moriah Conners Rohan Dalal Gariauna Daniels Mark Elfers Jane Finocharo Steven Froh Drew Gelwicks Gabriela Godinez-Feregrino Ellie Goldman Devon Grubba Samantha Hammer Aaron Ishida Sarah Janning Bennett Kaplan Moriah Krawec

Alexandria Lazar Stuart Lindle Shea Lothrop Sarah May Frank Pan Shivani Parikh Orion Radtke Casey Rayburn Daniel Rickert Michael Saxon Aditi Sharma Sayna Siegel Chase Spicer Ilana Vinnik

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

forum

8

CON

PRO

friday, september 24, 2010

shivaniPARIKH

kelseyDRAPKIN

C

E

forum chief

ontrary to popular student belief, there are those who genuinely enjoy reading: putting on your favorite sweat pants, curling up on a couch, and cracking open a book can make for a relaxing afternoon, even for teenagers.

If you choose to take a harder class, it is a given that you will be faced with summer reading; in fact, it is expected.

The modified summer reading policy implemented this past summer led to new and varied assignments for the accelerated pathways while the others were left with none.

For those who do not choose to take a weighted English class, they are free from obligations. Those who pursue more rigorous classes should welcome the work to prepare them for the coming school year.

Despite the changes, all students are all still strongly encouraged to read every day. There is a good chance that many will not; however, that is an issue for the invidual student, not the curriculum.

The policy has proven effective.

With it, Advanced Placement English students had a luxury they had not known before: they got to choose one summer reading book from a provided list (along with reading one mandatory book).

Instead of being confined to a rigid assignment and churning out cookiecutter writing in response, they got to choose a book that intrigued them and discuss it with their peers prior to the school year.

While it may seem unfair to assign more work to those who already take more difficult courses, those who sign up for harder classes should expect and be prepared for that.

associate editor

To Kill a Mockingbird

Dr. Zhivago One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Lord of the Flies

Tale of Two Cities Slaughterhouse Five image by kelsey drapkin

very year, it is the same routine. School draws to a close, we all get excited at the prospect of summer, and then our teachers assign us our summer homework.

We can all relate to that feeling of a burden that comes with the homework we are assigned to do on our break.

But there is, and always has been, stratification in amounts. Students in accelerated and honors pathways get considerably more summer homework than those in academic or standards pathways.

In the past, this mindset was accepted due to the fact that those in accelerated tend to be more motivated. Therefore, it was assumed those students would want to read and would enjoy analyzing the books.

In the book ‘Bad Students: Not Bad Schools” by Robert Weissberg, he claims that motivation and intelligence is required for academic achievement. Presumably, those who are in the highest possible level of courses would be the motivated.

But this past summer, the homework stratification was greatly noticed as academic, standards, and honors students did not have any summer homework other than to “read for thirty minutes a day.”

Accelerated students were given the same amount as usual: read selected books, read some supplementary material, write some essays.

If the principle from Weissberg’s book is applied, would not the students in the accelerated track be the most motivated and would then be the ones to take to heart the “read for thirty minutes a day” guideline?

On top of that, in general, accelerated students are assigned more work throughout the year in regard to homework and projects. Why, then, are they the ones given the most, or now the only ones given homework, over the summer?

Additionally, many students who are typically in accelerated English made the choice last year to drop out of accelerated in order to not do any summer homework, taking advantage of and having their own private protest of the new policies.

Summer is a time for us to rest and relax. Scrap summer homework, tell everyone to read half an hour a day, and we will all be much happier students.

Want to voice your opinion and see it published?

The topic for next month’s pro-con page will be Senior Halloween and the more strictly enforced guidelines. Responses from both students and teachers will be accepted. Write to us with your opinion and you could be published. Just fill out the information sheet to the right and attach your response. Please keep the response under 300 words. Either email it to writetotheleaf@gmail. com or drop it off in room 115.

Name: ______________________________________ Grade: ________ Fifth bell teacher: ___________________________

Grind train: end of the line

stevenFROH

staff writer

& shivaniPARIKH

forum chief

chaseSPICER & staff writer America has acquired a new pastime: Just like we have baseball or apple pie, now we have grinding.

This sexually charged dance, promoted

by MTV and the hip-hop industry, has been practiced by the members of our generation since the tender age of twelve or thirteen.

“I remember going to bar and bat mitzvahs in junior high. Not going to lie, I was grinding on a lot of guys. It wasn’t a big deal back then, and it isn’t now either,” said Jen Merz, 12.

What students once thought to be a

common, harmless dance has suddenly been thrust into the forefront of high school politics. After years of undisturbed merriment, this manner of dancing is being threatened.

“Getting rid of grinding will decrease the amount of students that go to dances,” said Vladimir Jovic, 10.

No one can say that they want to see mimicry of fornication on the dance floor, but it is practiced. That being said, those who choose to dance that way are a small population. Everyone else, for the most part, keeps it rated PG. In reality, the administration presented a decision that had not been discussed with Student Council. They have stated that

they consulted students, citing meetings with the Principal’s Advisory Council as well as members of the Student Athletic Leadership Team.

Without establishing a clear definition of “grinding” or even determining exactly what warrants punishment, they have created an unnecessary frenzy. Instead of coming to a definite conclusion, the issue runs rampant as students spread a number of rumors, none of which have been verified.

We see that the administration is stuck between a rock and a hard place and is under the pressure to do something, but this chain of events has escalated to the point where it has been blown out of proportion.

If all forms of grinding are out of the ques-

tion, students will have to resort back to the days of junior high dances, where the choice of dance was either flapping your arms to the chicken dance a dozen times or electric sliding through the gym for 2.5 hours. This is something we cannot see for ourselves or our peers in the near future.

“Grinding is just a phase. Something will come up and be more popular soon enough,” said Mrs. Karen Bare, in a recent press conference with the journalism class. With this issue spreading like wildfire around school, it seems that if anything, this rule may increase the popularity of grinding.

Either way, following in the intricate steps of Kevin Bacon, we will “cut footloose.”

forum

9

friday, september 24, 2010

‘Can you hear me now?’

iPods can cause hearing loss

michaelSAXON

staff writer

W

aking up to go to school in the morning is not fun for students. To shake the cobwebs at 6 a.m., some students music from their iPods in order to wake up or block out the rest of the world.

“I use my iPod because I don’t like to hear anyone else talking, especially when I’m tired in the morning.

It helps me wake up,” says Katria Courtney, 9.

This may be helpful, but many teenagers aren’t even aware of the damage they could be doing their hearing.

According to the Dangerous Decibels Organization, of the 40 million Americans suffering from hearing loss, 10 million cases are caused by noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

Americans, especially teenagers, should be more careful when listening to their iPods.

“When a person is able to hear the music you’re listening to, it is too loud. The volume for an iPod is around 65 decibels. I believe a jet plane is 95 to 100 decibels. In some cases, there are controls that can

be put on music players to limit the volume of music,” says Ms. Ellen Owens, Hearing Impaired Intervention Specialist at SHS. Owens works with hearing impaired students at SHS and other schools in the district. She gives them the equipment and accommodations they need to succeed in school.

This support may help, but in a study conducted by Fred Bess, Ph.D., from the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, 37% of children with mild or worse hearing loss were re-

S

image by gabe englander

tudy on siblings concludes:

isters healthier for younger siblings

ellieGOLDMAN managing editor

all photos by staff

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Max,12, and Jack, 10, Riehemann, Stefanie, 11, and Matthew, 10, Zimmerman, and Allison,12, and Scott, 11 (St. X), Schloss make up some of SHS’s sets of siblings.

Despite the Brigham Young University study showing sisters to be healthier for younger siblings, SHS older brothers hold their own.

ported to repeat at least one grade.

Take it from a person who has experienced hearing loss. Over time, I have had countless ear infections and 6 different ear surgeries. It’s very painful to watch kids my age throw away their perfectly good hearing by blaring their music.

As you might suspect, students who enjoy blasting music will not lose their hearing immediately, but gradually over time. Sadly, once the hearing is gone, there is nothing that can be done to get it back.

“Inside the ear is a snail-shaped tube called the cochlea. Its job is to convert sound vibrations into nerve impulses. When loud noises go in and damage it, there is nothing that can be done to repair it,” said Dr. Sally Shott, Pediatric Otolaryngologist. Dr. Shott was also my surgeon for the many procedures I have had done on my ears.

Naturally, the volume of music that is played on your iPod is up to you, but before ‘rockin’ out’, ask yourself these questions: Is your loud music worth the risk of going deaf when you’re older? Is it worth hearing a ringing sound in your ear? Is it worth having to repeat a grade in school?

Many people will attest to the fact that an older sister often helps a younger sibling mature. But research done at Brigham Young University suggest that having an older sibling goes beyond help with a math problem or relationship worries- it might have health benefits.

It seems, according to them, that an affectionate sibling of any gender promotes kindness and generosity in their younger family members.

Exclusively girls, though, may stave off depression.

Could an older sister really be better for you than an older brother?

The researchers propose that older sisters may be better at talking about problems and could encourage this in their younger siblings.

Yet, shouldn’t brothers have health benefits, too? They must have some impact on their little siblings’ lives, so I set out to see what that might be.

The statements from the research imply that in general, an older sister should be quite approachable and compassionate, more so than brothers.

To test this, random SHS students of both genders were given the adjectives compassionate, protective, apathetic, approachable, and condescending.

These students were then asked to assign points to the words in relation to how well they related to their siblings’ relationship to them.

Overall, the adjective given the most association with an older sister was approachable.

This would seem to fit with what the study predicted. ‘Approachable’ was most frequently awarded the highest ranking, the most applicable.

In fact, 0% of subjects interviewed chose ‘approachable’ as the least-applicable term for their sister.

Interestingly enough, while ‘com-

passionate’ came in second for total points, the word that received the second-largest amount of ‘most applicable’ ratings was ‘condescending’.

It seems that older sisters are widely recognized at two extremes.

A sister is viewed either as an ever-available resource and friend or a force to be left alone, with a small presence in the gray area of this scale.

The older brothers category proved more indecisive. While the total point winner was ‘protective’, the ‘most-applicable’ rating was scattered nearly evenly across all five descriptors, a difference from the sisters where it appeared more localized.

The category with the greatest amount of most- and second-mostapplicable rankings was ‘compassionate’, potentially not what one would expect, based on the results of the original survey.

The fact that an overwhelming majority considered their brothers to be the least amount condescending is notable. In fact, students overall found brothers to be less condescending than sisters, though more apathetic.

Brothers range in a variety of roles, from the extremely close confidante to easily annoyed nemesis. Their relationships with younger siblings span many descriptions, some more positive than others.

So, what have we learned from this?

Older sisters, a lot of you can keep doing what you’re doing, being there for your little sibs, just make sure you don’t look down on them.

Brothers, your little sibs appreciate how protective you are--make sure that they know you are there to talk with them as well. All in all, one student sums it up pretty accurately.

“It ultimately depends on the personality of the sibling,” said Mackenzie Bower, 10.

“The existence of God, or non-existence, cannot be proven. So what is the point in discussing it? ”

-Richard Feynman

drewGELWICKS

spotlight editor

People are scared. Whether it is of death, an upcoming exam, getting a job, or thinking of a sick loved one, everyone is scared. What is their emotional outlet for their anguish? God. Nothing is wrong with wanting comfort and solace. It is needed to be able to survive in this world. But, at what point does it become too much?

The notion of a higher being is everywhere, weaved into every little aspect of society. Whether one is listening to a Sarah Palin speech, among many other politicians, or watching television, “He” is involved.

Have you ever seen God? Spoken with Him? Because I haven’t. I have never encountered God. It has never been proven that he exists at all. How can I believe in him? I may go as far as asking, why should I believe in Him? Religion has been around for thousands of years.

Through different holy scriptures, there has been a Moses, Abraham, Jesus Christ, Buddha, and hundreds more religious figures.

Why aren’t there any people claiming to have spoken to God today in the 21st century? Did God stop talking directly to us a few thousand years ago?

Today, if somebody claimed to have been spoken to by God, they would be sent straight to the mental institution.

I often contemplate why people partake in ‘rituals’ in an attempt to prevent something from happening. This could be a distinct motion or repeating a mantra over and over in one’s head.

In places of worship, prayers are constantly said. Whether it’s a rabbi, priest, or monk leading the prayers, all of them are so completely certain of a higher being, that they spend every day of their life praising it and teaching their higher being’s values.

I don’t think that the religious leaders of the world know no more than we do on whether there is or is not a God, though they are said to be “God’s agents.”

It seems to me they are all like the Wizard of Oz. Once one pulls back the curtain, it is revealed that they are just making noise. They aren’t as great as they claim to be, for they have no more knowledge than the general population on the ultimate truth of the existence of the presence of God. For people who do believe they have a connection with God, I think that is great. In honesty, I envy those people.

I wish I was able to feel that connection.

I also appreciate values from other religions: Christianity’s great deal of charity work, Hinduism’s peacefulness, Islam’s great history, Buddhism’s meditation, and many more.

My family is Jewish. I was consecrated when I was in preschool, Bar Mitzvahed in seventh grade, confirmed in tenth grade, and went to Israel this past summer. Though, through all of the Jewish education I have received throughout my life, I am still not convinced of “God.” Even though I am extremely skeptical of the notion of a higher being, I still consider myself a Jew. I believe in and respect the morals, values, and traditions of Judaism.

The reasons I celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are not because of the beliefs, but of the sense of community gained. I take great pride in my religion. I believe that religion is very important, in terms of bringing people together on a spiritual, more personal level.

If one goes beyond Feynman, recipient of the 1965 Nobel Prize for Physics, who is to say one religion is better than another? Someone practicing voodoo in Haiti is neither better nor worse than another believing in witchcraft at Hogwarts. They are all on the same level. They are all almost equally meaningless and invalid.

I, along with everyone else, am scared, and often feel the pull to believe in something. I would like to believe in a “God.” But I dare you, dear reader, to give me a logical reason to.

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

Feature

10

Friday, September 24, 2010

Benjamin Fryxell exudes excellence Whiz kid entrepreneur, cello player, AP student rolled into one samHAMMER

A

staff writer

s a sophomore in high school, it seems like there is nothing to worry about.

Of course, unless one happens to be the CEO, owner, and producer of a business that turned into an official advertising network.

Benjamin Fryxell, 10, created a Web site in May of 2007, where he blogged about random things he liked, mostly technology. In that year, he gained 1000 readers and the hits increased so much that now the site has 60-80 different sponsors.

“Our sites are all different but a lot of it is focused on technology,” said Fryxell, “We have a call in show with a panel of guests and people can call us and ask tech questions.”

Taking a look at his main network, http://macmaniapodcast.com, updates from his staff writers with additional advertisements on the right hand side can be found. On other tabs, blogs, subscription options, and even a live talk show are available.

With three Web sites and counting plus a podcast and an estimate of 20,000 subscribers per week some would wonder when this AP student finds time to do it all including school work.

“I do a lot more business when we’re on breaks from school. Even though this summer I was out of town, I have the weekends and I spend a maximum of one hour a

night during the school week towards the company. I am a man of little sleep.”

In addition, he is the first chair of Sycamore’s Orchestra where he plays the cello. He started playing when he was only ten years old because both of his parents were musicians and wanted him to be a part of that life style also.

“The cello is one of my big passions, it takes up a lot of time and even more dedication but I find it is always worth it.”

Fryxell took a trip to New York last December where a Music Festival was taking place. He worked with a teacher five hours a day practicing a lot of pieces for his audition for the Cincinnati Youth Orchestra, he is now first chair for both orchestras.

Along with the cello, Fryxell has always been passionate for technology; he taught himself everything he knows about it when he was six years old. And although he started his business only in the sixth grade, he believes he may pursue this company as a future career.

“The future all depends on a sustainable income but I do intend to go full time with this as the business grows about 10% in a typical month.”

If interested in being updated on the thriving business, check out more on his sites or his Facebook page. Be sure to wish Fryxell luck for a successful future when passing him in the hall with both his company and his musical talent.

photo by sam hammer

BENJAMIN FRYXELL, 10, WORKS on his Web site and business, http://macmaniapodcast.com, of which he is CEO, owner, and producer. When Fryxell is not working on his advertising network, he plays cello as first chair for the SHS orchestra.

Adjusting to recent changes New students voice opinions about SHS

image by amaji finnel

staff writer

Learn more about the various clubs SHS has to offer

Everyone remembers the first day of freshman year: total confusion. Now, imagine going through that day without seeing a familiar face, no friends to walk with through the hallway, or to sit next to during class.

In the 2010-2011 school year 80 new students were enrolled. That means 80 individuals who experience a day of unfamiliarity. Unfortunately, attending a new school is not always as simple and easy as “High School Musical” and “Twilight” portray it.

“It’s hard being a new student, especially during senior year,” said Dani Curtis, 12, a new student at SHS. Unlike the movies, new students may not be recognized or acknowl-

edged. In a school of over 2,000 students it is not always easy to pick out the new faces. Even when identified, they are not necessarily included by current students.

“People tend to look right through you,” said, Zach Kelly, 11, new student.

Current students can play an enormous role in helping new individuals become accustomed to the school. It can be as simple as inviting them to sit down to eat lunch, encouraging them to join a club, or asking them to hang out outside of school.

Solitude is not typically desired by young teenagers. A way to meet new people is to get involved.

Student Assistance Counselor, Brenda Fisher, stresses that the

best thing for new students to do is to participate in school activities.

If none of the clubs spark an interest, join the new student support group. They meet once a week to talk about their adjustment to the school and to get feedback from their peers.

New students: if there is still trouble adjusting to the school, do not be afraid to tell someone. The student assistance counselors are more than happy to listen.

“I encourage all students, new and current, if they‘re having challenges adjusting, to advocate for themselves.

Student assistance is always here to help,” said Fisher.

Other students should get involved and not be afraid to introduce themselves to a new face. Soon enough,

HIGHLIGHTS: How does Environmental Club save the world one box at a time? Read on

page 11 page 11

SHS

Who are your new mascots?

page 12

this month in feature

shaynaSIEGEL

feature

11

friday, september 24, 2010

SHS Mr. Aviator was there [at the Mr. Sycamore pagent], and it really helped to make the night better.

Xavier Jimenez, 10

THE AVIATOR MASCOT is often thought of as an embodiment of SHS’ school spirit. However, according to Chris Lerner, Class of 2010, many do not know what goes into playing the role. Additionally, the mascot actors must attend many different functions. image by moriah krawec

Aviator mascots ambitiously soar moriahKRAWEC

O

associate editor

ne Friday afternoon, the field outside of SJHS was bursting with liveliness. A crowd eats at the tailgate, while enthusiastic fans queue up to purchase tickets.

Meanwhile, beyond the ticket gate stands a green-and-gold pilot mascot, complete with brown goggles. This mascot, the Aviator, embodies SHS’s spirit. However, this personification of cheering on SHS goes largely unnoticed as it waves to fans.

Conception, production

Although fans clad in pilot gear have been spotted at SHS events as early as 1997, the character’s current incarnation is much more recent.

The full-body mascot suit made its debut in 2005, when Mrs. Karen Bare, then a history teacher, had an idea that she, and several other teachers, felt could increase school spirit.

“It came out of a group of teachers who believed we needed a unifying image of who or what an Aviator was,” said Bare, who is now an assistant principal of SHS. Later, Bare, along with four other teachers, researched companies that could design and produce the suit.

The group had came to a consensus that the Aviator should be portrayed as a pilot character, but the mascot suit still needed to be created.

Additionally, Bare notes that the process also involved students. Student Council made a donation to pay for the suit.

‘Show pride, cheer him’

Perhaps most importantly, students

are responsible for wearing the Aviator suit and playing the character.

One such actor was Chris Lerner, Class of ’10.

Although Lerner had some background in SHS’s theater programs, he claims that his zeal for portraying the Aviator came mainly from a job at Kings Island.

“I work at Kings Island and I walk around in mascot [suits] all day, like Hey Arnold, Dora, and Spongebob.

My work at Kings Island is what made me make Mr. Aviator come alive,” said Lerner, who was also the only wearer of the costume at his time.

However, Lerner makes it apparent that his role often went unappreciated by SHS students. During his time as the mascot, Lerner noticed that children were the largest group of his fans.

[Yes, I liked interacting with] most people and kids. The high school kids not so much,” said Lerner. “They don’t look up to the mascot like the old days!”

At some points, Lerner felt discouraged by his duty, as other students would not appreciate his work.

Lerner claimed that his classmates would “say you [I] did a bad job when I was dancing non-stop.”

Overall, Lerner enjoyed his tenure as the Aviator mascot, but has a message to the students.

“Students of Sycamore High School, it doesn’t matter who plays Mr. Aviator as long as they are putting the effort into it,” said Lerner. “Please show pride in him and cheer him on, not boo him; it takes a lot to do it and it’s nice if people cheer for you.”

Peek inside:

Quiz on mascot dos, don’ts One aspect of mascots that often goes unnoticed is the etiquette that comes with the job. This true-and-false quiz assesses one’s knowledge of mascot acting based off of Ms. Deb Klemt’s, SALT sponsor and keeper of the Aviator mascot, official rules:

1 2 3

Mascots should always be proactive; the player should hug fans and give them high-fives.

5

(answers at bottom)

5

The mascot player should speak while on the job.

While playing the Aviator, the actor should never consume any food or beverages barring water.

4

Results:

According to Klemt’s guide, the player should “wave like a member of British royalty” to fans.

After the event, the player should clean out their suit with a disinfectant wipe.

Being an Aviator mascot is not a simple task. If one gets all of these questions correct, there is a high chance that the reader would make a decent actor!

3-4

If a reader falls into this category, he or she may not have all of the know-how behind a being a mascot.

However, knowing some basic etiquette goes a long way.

0-2

Unfortunately, this category of readers does not know very much about being an Aviator.

Studying these results and a little bit of common sense could make a big difference, however.

Answers: 1:F 2:T 3:T 4:T 5:T

Not just football games Although the Aviator mascot is best known for its appearances at football games and other sporting events, the character can be spotted at a wide variety of SHS functions.

For example, the mascot has been seen everywhere from at the Mr. Sycamore pageant, to various events held for parents.

“Mr. Aviator was there [at the Mr. Sycamore pagent], and it really helped to make the night better,” said Xavier Jimenez, 10.

School mascots, such as the Aviator, typically appear at fundraisers such as Volley For the Cure in order to boost school spirit.

For similar reasons, the Aviator shows up at informational events for the community and parents. Also, having a mascot at such functions gives a face to the community to associate with the school.

“Any kind of mascot or symbol creates a culture where by people feel connected..., so they care,” said Ms.

Renee Hevia, assistant principal.

The Aviator must appear at a diverse set of locations, both at SHS and elsewhere. Because of this, the task of portraying the mascot is generally given to multiple people.

For example, the tentative mascot players for the 2010-11 school year are Mike Richter, 11, and seniors Rafi Goldfarb, Karin Goitman and Brielle Reiff. In the past, the job has been split between two to three different students.

“...In splitting the job of being Aviator with another person (sometimes two), we could continue being average students most of the time while occasionally getting the opportunity to goof off in the suit!,” said Bizzy Young, Class of ‘09.

Even with the gargantuan job of playing the mascot being a shared responsibility, many students still identify with the Aviator as the face of SHS’ spirit.

According to the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), the most common high school mascot name is the ‘Wildcat,’ which is used by 33 schools.

12

Environmental Club: I

feature friday, september 24, 2010

new installations aid school, planet

claytonHAMRE

Some of the more unusual objects found in recycling containers include baseballs, clipon earrings, Barbie dolls, and empty condom t was a typical Thursday afternoon, and wrappers.

Emma Burgin, 12, was collecting “We decided to make some changes,” said recyclables for Environmental Club. About to empty a box into her bag, she hesitated. Ben Keel, 11, Recycling Coordinator.

In the few weeks before and after the start Despite being clearly labeled “paper only,” of the school year, club members collected all someone had deposited a dirty tissue in it. boxes, removed the damaged ones, relabeled For members of Environmental Club, this is all of them, lined the boxes for bottles and cans not an unusual experience. Where one would with plastic, and redistributed them. expect to find homework and paper airplanes, “We actually had to order new boxes, because one might instead happen upon old chewing so many were badly damaged,” said Keel. “We gum, used tissues, and even clothing. won’t receive them for a while, so some class“It was disgusting. After a certain point last rooms will not have new boxes immediately.” year, we just couldn’t stand it anymore,” said Now, each box is clearly labeled and colorBurgin, Environmental Club Co-President with coded, and signs are posted above the boxes Jacob Deitloff, 12. to inform students what items may not be Classrooms have two recycling boxes – one for paper, one for plastic and glass. These boxes recycled.

“Although they’re plastic, milk bottles can’t be are collected by Environmental Club members recycled,” said Burgin. “The leftover milk starts every Thursday for disposal. When to go bad after a few days of sitting in the box.” non-recyclable items are found in the boxes, All the members of Environmental Club are they must be sorted out. looking forward to a better year of recycling.

“We have to collect these things. If people “While it’s important to recycle, people also don’t empty their bottles before putting them need to reduce and reuse beforehand,” said in the container, they’ll drip on us,” said Ted Simon, 11, Environmental Club Secretary. “Or Mr. Ron Hochstrasser, Environmental Club Advisor. we’ll have to pick out their old chip bags.” staff writer

photo courtesy of clayton hamre

CARRYING BAGS OF bottles and cans and pushing a cart full of recyclable paper are Nikita Thoms, 10, Scott Kim, 11, Samuel Casuto, 11, Edrienne Co, 10, Victor Hu, 11, and Nayan Mandan, 10. Environmental Club’s first meeting of the year took place on Thursday, September 9.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: Presidents: Seniors Emma Burgin, Jacob Deitloff Meeting Day: Thursday Faculty Advisor: Mr. Ron Hochstrasser

‘Any student of SHS may join’

Foodies from SHS swarm to Buffet Club. This group is unique in that they do not have meetings in a classroom, but meet at different buffet restaurants, and eat as much as possible.

“When I first heard about Buffet Club, I wasn’t sure what to think. I went to the first ‘meeting’ with some friends, and it was such a great time. I’ve never done anything like it before,” said Noah Yasgur, 11.

The students go to a wide variety of restaurants, including Golden Coral, China City Buffet, CiCi’s Pizza, and more. It is a great way to meet new friends from all grades, and have a good time while eating.

Shakespeare Club

photo courtesy of shira speigel

President: Michael Streicher, 12, AJ Goldhoff, 12 Faculty Advisor: Mr. Kevin Wittman Meetings as Announced

Have a passion for the Bard? And reading, discussing, and acting out plays, or watching movies? If so, head over Room 102 and check out Shakespeare Club.

“We meet every week to experience a play by Shakespeare, whether that be through acting it out, chalking scenes up on the blackboard, or watching a movie of a Shakespearean play,” said Claire DeLong, 12, club President.

Characters are distributed before or during readings, and the plays are chosen by the members. The group is dedicated to checking out these works of literature while having a good time with friends.

"We're a group who has a lot of fun, so you definitely want to come!” said DeLong.

President:Claire DeLong, 12 Meeting Day: Monday Faculty Advisor: Mrs. Judy Kelfas

drewGELWICKS & jimmyCHAU spotlight editor

managing editor, feature chief

Mrs. Christine Minano, English teacher, on Creative Writing Club What is Creative Writing Club about?

Creative Writing Club is about celebrating and encouraging young writers to work hard at their craft and to create works for which they can feel proud.

Why should students join?

We provide an outlet for students to stretch their creative muscles and grow as poets and young authors. Our environment is very welcoming, and he reading portion of our meetings, when students are invited to share their works, is always very entertaining and inspiring too.

What is one thing that is unique to Creative Writing Club?

One thing that is unique to Creative Writing Club is that we create the literary magazine, Leaves of Thought, every year.

This year we are planning vast improvements to the style of the magazine, and I’m excited to see the finished product!

How does a new student join? Is there a fee?

There is a not a fee to join Creative Writing Club. To join, simply attend. Incidentally, we meet every Monday in Room 113 from 2:30-3:30.

What happens in Creative Writing Club?

During Creative Writing Club meetings, the president welcomes everyone and presents a suggested prompt that students may write to if they aren’t already working on any longer pieces or they are drawing a blank. ...Students are invited to share their original pieces out loud. This is the best part of club! I absolutely love it.

President: Carl Lund,12 Meeting Day: Monday

Interact Club

Most people know this as ‘Key Club;’ the group where many volunteer opportunities are available, and students are able to get volunteer hours. This club helps get students involved in the community and at SHS. “Interact Club has been really rewarding for me. Besides the fact that it helps me get volunteer hours, I really like that I am interacting in the community, and helping people out,” said Karen Goldstein, 11.

By the end of fourth quarter, each student must have completed 15 hours of service hours. This is the only way to receive credit from the club. On Blackboard, there is an Interact Club page, which is constantly updated, giving ideas for various volunteer opportunities.

President: Annie Blood,11 First Meeting Day: Sept. 22 Faculty Advisor: Mrs. Kate Korchok

Mock Trial

photo courtesy of drew gelwicks

Buffet Club

photo courtesy of michael streicher

Clubs connect students to passions

What teenager would not want to stand up in a court room and say, “Objection!”? Mock Trial is the only club at SHS where this is allowed and actually encouraged.

Taking place during the winter, the state of Ohio releases the case for the year, which is completely fictional. Each school’s team must figure out ways to learn all of the case material, and make sure they can win in the trials towards the end of the season.

Professional lawyers come in and act as the lawyer advisors for the students. They offer advice, and teach the high schoolers the rules of the law.

This club provides for a great, unique experience.

Participants get better skills in researching, public speaking, thinking on their feet, and understanding the court system.

Faculty Advisor: To be determined Meeting Day: Friday President: TBD

Fun&Games Friday, September 24, 2010

Wordles

13

Chapter 3: An Innovation claytonHAMRE

stand

TIMETIMETIMETIME

dukedu

u k e d u k e d u k e du duke

1111111 3:24 a.m.

ked

community

ke

black black black black black black

inter

nowouthere

d h e t a Answers: 1. Understand 2. Roundabout 3. Timeline 4. Throughout 5. Intersection 6. Community center 7. Blacklisted 8. Archduke 9. Death Valley 10. Once upon a time 11. Out in the middle of nowhere

out

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

Comics by Lilly Lefton

Sudoku

fun&games editor “Okay, we can just turn around and go home now. My life is pretty much complete,” said Carlotta, looking exasperated. “I mean, I travel four trillion miles to solve the mystery of a mountain’s theft by aliens, and when we make contact, they send us – of all things – earmuffs.”

“Calm down, Carlotta. Let’s just take them to the sterilization chamber,” said Roger.

“I’m sure there’s got to be more to them than just…the ability to warm ears,” Ralia reassured her.

Carlotta picked up the box and led the rest to the Starship’s sterilization chamber, where the container was sprayed with a biocidal chemical and wiped down with microfiber fabrics.

“Well,” began Ralia, picking up a pair of earmuffs with a rubber glove on. “Let’s see what these things can do.”

“How about we put one under an X-ray and see if there’s any electronics inside?” suggested Roger.

“That sounds like a good idea,” agreed Carlotta. Ralia took the earmuffs and walked down to the ships’ laboratory, the others following, and sent them through the X-ray machine.

“Let me go get my memory card so I can save some of the results on it; I left it in the bridge,” said Roger, leaving the room.

Back on the bridge, a technician was attempting to fix a monitor’s display. He was wearing earmuffs.

“Um – why are you wearing those?” asked Roger when he saw the technician.

“They were laying around in a box someone left on a table, and I decided I liked them.”

“Great reason,” said Roger, “but did you happen to know that those were alien earmuffs? That came from outer space, and are very important, which you shouldn’t be wearing?”

The man stared at him.

“Well…we are in a spaceship, so that does make sense…” he said, reaching to take them off.

Just as his hands touched to his ears, a computer terminal alerted Roger to an incoming signal. He walked over to check it.

“I think it’s meant to be read as an audio file.” He ran the data through some programs, and the message began to play.

Naturally, Roger couldn’t understand a word of the alien language it was in.

“It’s in English,” the technician said. Roger looked at him quizzically.

“What are you talking about? Unless those earmuffs –” “They’re translators. Definitely.”

Roger ran back to the lab and told the others.

“Agh! Of course!” Caroltta cried, striking her forehead. “Why on Earth didn’t we invent a universal translator?!”

“Well, it’s usually the aliens who give them to humans in stories,” Ralia pointed out. “What I want to know is why they’re earmuffs. Fuzzy ones.”

“Well, what else are they going to be? Nose warmers?” Carlotta replied.

“I’m sure there are plenty of more convenient designs. Say, a hearing aid, or, um… a fish.”

“Maybe we should go listen to the message now,” suggested Luke.

They did.

It wasn’t really anything you couldn’t have already guessed – it was just the typical “we look forward to cooperating with your species” and “we‘d like to arrange a face-to-face meeting” typical of any first contact.

“Do you really think they’re the ones who stole Mount Everest?”

James wondered a few minutes later in the main meeting room.

“It’s likely,” said Ralia. “I’m actually rather curious as to why they stole it. It’s not like it stays the highest mountain in the world once it’s been removed from the world on which it was measured….”

“C’mon, get ready for the meeting! We’re sending out a pod with ten people to their closest space station!” Roger shouted from the corridor.

“Roger, do we even know what they look like yet?” asked James.

“No,” Roger admitted, “But judging by the fact that they use earmuffs as automatic translators is a pretty good sign that they’re at least a little bit similar to us.”

“They’re blue,” Roger whispered to Carlotta an hour later, sitting at a table on the aliens’ station.

“I’m not blind!” Carlotta hissed back, gawking at the squat, neon blue humanoids before them.

“This is about the mountain, right?” the one sitting closest to them said.

A number should appear only once on each row, column and 3×3 region.

Medium difficulty puzzle at left, high difficuty puzzle at right. For puzzle solutions, go to goaves.com. Puzzles from Sudoku Collection (www.sudokucollection.com).

A&E

14

Friday, September 24, 2010

Artist Spotlight: John Kazior, 12 ginaROMEO a&e chief

W

hat kinds of art do you do?

I actually do a lot.

I paint, draw, do photography, graphic design; I try to do as many different kinds of art as I can.

Power ballads sing true in our hearts ginaROMEO a&e chief

What types of media do you use in your artwork?

What is your favorite kind?

I mostly do acrylics, but I also use watercolor, pastels, charcoal, ink, pencil, and oil. My favorite is probably just working with acrylic paints or ink, photo by john kazior or sometimes a combination.

How would you describe your artistic style?

Well, I like surrealism a lot, so I guess you could say that a lot of it is surreal. I try to experiment with a bunch of different styles. I’m still trying to figure out what works best for me.

Re-released: aaronISHIDA

staff writer

Put on those 3D glasses again, because last winter’s blockbuster hit, “Avatar,” is back again on the big screen. The acclaimed $2.7 billion box office hit directed

by James Cameron has been released for a second time into theaters on Aug. 27 in IMAX 3D. The re-release is an extended version of the original movie and has eight more minutes of never before scenes. Even though there was over thirty minutes of film to

Suzanna Collins’ ‘Mockingjay’ delights readers

choose from, Cameron picked the best eight minutes, since IMAX films can only play up to 180 minute films.

“I think it’s a bit odd that they want to gather more money from the people that haven’t seen it, but it makes sense,” Alex Boone, 11.

Also, for those who enjoy the awesome visual effects of the movie, or those who just enjoyed the action in the movie, it is a good chance to see it again

|page 15

‘Avatar’ hits theaters again on the big screen. It is not very common a movie goes back into theaters for a second time, so see it while it is possible to do so.

There are those who think that it is a waste of time to see the movie again, or to even re-release it with only eight additional minutes added.

The movie made enough money as it is, for its initial release, probably enough to fund a good portion of the upcoming Avatar 2.

“I’ve never seen it. It looks like

One Act festival on Oct. 8 |pg. 16

image courtesy of altavista.com

How did you first get into art? What sparked your interest?

For as long as I can remember, I have always kind of liked it. I really just loved looking at art. But it wasn’t until high school that I really got into it, because that was when I realized that I’m better at doing that than I am at doing anything else. And my mom paints, so I guess you could say she inspired me too.

Any last words?

Well, I guess I’d have to say that art has enabled me to show an expression that I have never really been able to show any other way. I’m the quietest person in the world, and I never really outwardly show much emotion at all, but in art I’m able to transmit a lot.

a really good movie but I think once is good enough,” Andi DiMasso, 9.

Whether you’ve seen it ten times, or you have not seen it at all, check out Avatar at least one more time before it goes back to DVD.

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

HIGHLIGHTS:

Marching Band meets success

|pg. 16

this month in a&e

Who are some of your favorite artists?

I really like Salvador Dali, Jackson Pollock, and Willem De Kooning.

Do you have a favorite subject matter for your artwork?

I prefer painting figures and people rather than landscapes.

Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world. She took a midnight train going anywhere. Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit, he took a midnight train going anywhere.

If you are not familiar with these lines, it is quite possible that you were either: a) Literally born yesterday, or b) Have been living in a sound-proof dirt hole your entire life.

Journey’s classic 80’s hit “Don’t Stop Believin’” is arguably the singlemost popular tune in the history of inspirational, pump-up songs.

Play it at any high school dance, sports arena, or karaoke bar, and you are likely to be met with a group of people screaming lyrics at the top of their lungs and jumping up and down excitedly.

But this is just one of the many, many hits that deserve to be acknowledged in my very own “Cheesy Power Ballad Hall of Fame.”

“Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler This song gets a ten out of ten on the cheesy-ness scale. I mean, have you seen the music video? If not, I will sum it up for you: lots of doves, candles, wind, and Bonnie Tyler in a flowing white dress.

But all of that aside, Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” is and always will be one of my favorite songs.

“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston It is impossible to deny Whitney Houston’s ever-so-powerful, angelic vocals, especially in this over-dramatic love song.

Originally a Dolly Parton song, Houston completely takes credit for making this song the cream of the crop of the typical corny love ballad.

And much to my dismay, when this song is played, it is nearly impossible to keep people from singing their hearts out as if they were on stage right next to Houston themselves.

“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi Undeniably catchy. Incredibly inspirational. Though I am not a huge fan of Bon Jovi, he definitely hit it out of the park with this 1986 anthem.

Just like every other person on planet Earth, as soon as I hear the first few notes of this song, I instantly scream “This is my jam!” But I am more justified in saying so; they do use my name in the song, afterall.

a&e

15

friday, september 24, 2010

‘All of us in the cast get along so well; the chemistry is really good’

Fall play cast begins rehearsal process drewGELWICKS

T

spotlight editor

he adaption from Robert Fulghum’s novel, “All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten” will be the SHS fall play.

Throughout this clever production, monologues dialogues, and voice overs are implemented, leading to a variety of entertainment.

“As we were reading through the script, I couldn’t stop laughing. It’s such a funny show! I can’t wait,” said Tess Plona, 11 .

There are a wide array of stories, ranging from a little boy who insists on playing the “pig” in his school production of ‘Cinderella’ to a modern-day Greek philosopher who finds the meaning of life in a piece of broken mirror from World War II. Though not a “musical,” there are several songs that are incorporated. The songs are optional, but will be used in the SHS production, and featuring certain cast members.

The cast will consist of 27 students, even though the

original script was written for five people. Auditions for the show took place during the first week of school.

“The entire show is a bunch of skits. They are all really clever, fun, and I think people will really enjoy them,” said Samantha Misali, 11.

Directed by Mr. John Whapham, theatre director, the show will be performed in late November.

Work for the show has already begun. Whapham and the cast have been determining who will play what roles in the recent weeks.

Instead of having the entire cast at every rehearsal, it will be directed scene by scene. Only the few people that are in the particular skit will have to come.

The cast is excited and ready to work.

“Even though it’s a lot of work and really time consuming, it’s so much fun! All of us in the cast get along so well; the chemistry is really good,” said Emily Gilgoff, 11.

Righteous musical combat looms on horizon

Girl on fire:

‘Mockingjay’ delights readers anaBARROS

staff writer

She no longer has a home and Peeta is being held hostage, and possibly tortured, in the Capitol. Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived all the Capitol’s plans to bring her and the rebellion to a halt.

With the help of Gale and other rebels, she is safely underground in District 13 where plans are constantly being made to bring down the Capitol, and Katniss is forced to take the role of the mockingjay and lead the revolt.

Haymitch, Prim, her mother and many other refugees from various districts are safe – but not for long.

As the District 13 rebels make plans to infiltrate the Capitol, the latter is doing their best to find Katniss’ weak spot and use it against the rebellion.

Some parts were very violent, SHS students gear up for epic battle as yearly concert approaches but it fits perfectly with what’s going on. johnCARROLL staff writer

We all know what a Battle of the Bands means. A chance for rising musical stars to test their skills in a legendary contest, of which there can only be one ultimate winner.

A chance to set the masses aflame with passion! A chance to perform the one task that has always needed to be done: entertain the human race.

Come Dec. 10, 2010, SHS students will get a chance to experience this right in their very own school. In the majestic auditorium to be precise.

Organized by Mrs. Cynthia Parrott, Mrs. Holly Hodel, and the Student Council, Battle of the Bands is a yearly event that gives student bands a chance to go head to head and to compare their vast musical knowledge and prowess.

The winner is decided by the audience, and in the past, a cool $500 has gone to the top rockers.

The students of SHS are fired up, and there is a detectable current of excitement running through the student body, a current perhaps best put in to words by Kai Smith, 9 “I’m really excited,” said Smith.

Madelyn Dukart, 9 is also stoked for this event.

“I think that the Battle of the Bands is a great opportunity for students of all ages to show off their musical talents,” said Dukart.

Many are coming back for more after such a dazzling performance last year.

“I will probably attend battle. Battle was really cool last

year. They threw beach balls at everyone at the end and the bands were really cool,” said Griffin Levy, 10 The bands who are trying out are equally jazzed, and many are already preparing for auditions.

“We practice every Sunday in Justin’s basement,” said Ben Hammer, 9.

Hammer is in the freshman band the Emblem (whose name is currently a subject of debate). It includes keyboardist Hammer, guitarist Alex Masset, 9, bassist Gil Kaplan, 9, singer/guitarist Jackson Hughes, 9, and drummer Justin Van Wagenen, 9.

Fueled by nachos and Mountain Dew, The Emblem trains in the basement, honing their skills in anticipation of the Battle. This is the case with many of the other bands auditioning, ranging from freshmen to seniors. It is never too early to practice.

Kaplan is enthusiastic about their chances.

“I think we are going to win because we’re awesome and we rock!” said Kaplan.

Rest assured this will be a spectacular event, forever etched into the annals of SHS. Some men only dream of such an opportunity. But for SHS students, this dream is about to become a reality.

I think that the Battle of the Bands is a great opportunity for students of all ages to show off their musical talents.

Madelyn Dukart, 9

Elizabeth Reece, 9 While trying as hard as she can to juggle bombings, deaths and emotional obstacles, Katniss must also muster all the strength and courage she has to not only be dressed as the mockingjay, but to become it and lead her people to freedom.

Full of tension, excitement and emotion, Mockingjay,

by Suzanne Collins, is the perfect finale for the Hunger Games trilogy. It is the culmination of all the passion, hatred and courage present in the first two books.

Though the book witnesses a number of violent deaths and betrayals, it is not these details that characterize the saga.

“Some parts were very violent, but it fits perfectly with what’s going on,” said Elizabeth Reece, 9 Throughout the story, Katniss learns to follow her heart and to forgive. Though she will never be the same person that she was before she was thrown into the brutal arena, love will always dominate her life.

Though SHS students may have varying opinions, as a passionate Hunger Games fan myself, I thought that the book was a perfect ending to the nerve-wracking series.

Sometimes I wish I could go back and save some of the people that met unfortunate deaths, but I think that those deaths are what made the story real.

“It was heart-breaking, but very true,” said Judy Klefas, English teacher.

For all those people out there who have not read the series, do not hesitate to run into Barnes & Noble, buy the books, curl up in a comfy chair and read until your eyes hurt – it is worth it!

a&e

16

image courtesy of jeremy mcdaniel

friday, september 24, 2010

Marching band meets success Impresses judges with ‘Who Are You?’ emilyBEGLEY

A

than 90 routes overall.

Each pair was matched with one of the many parent volunteer drivers who dedicated their time to assisting the groups in their efforts.

“It was lots of fun and worth it to earn money for the band,” said Lauren Barrett, 12.

Throughout the course of the day, members exceeded their goal of $26,000 – students were able to collect a total of $27,000 excluding online donations, which are still accumulating.

Tag Day

Kings Competition

staff writer

fter many dedicated hours of practice put in by the marching band throughout the season, members were given an opportunity to show off the results of their efforts at the group’s first competition on Saturday, Sept. 11.

The contest followed an extensive day of collecting funds to be put toward the music program and perfecting important aspects of their show.

Members of both the band and orchestra in grades 7-12 started off the day by participating in the 52nd annual Tag Day, a fundraiser that benefits Sycamore Band and Orchestra Boosters.

Those able to attend were partnered up and assigned a specific route consisting of several neighborhoods to visit, where they traveled door-to-door in an attempt to receive as many donations as possible. Students covered more

Subsequent to three additional hours of practice and dinner at the school, the marching band boarded their buses and headed to their first contest of the season – the Midstates competition hosted by Kings High School.

Members were given the opportunity to impress judges with their show entitled “Who Are You.” Selections performed included “Who Are You” by The Who and “All By Myself” by Eric Carmen.

A total of 19 bands from across the state attended the event. The band directly competed with Mason and Centerville as part of the Open Class - SHS received 3rd, with Centerville achieving 1st and Mason receiving 2nd.

With the passing of their first competition, the marching band is looking forward to making an impact at their approaching contests and entertaining students at upcoming football games.

For more information, go to www.sbob.org

One Acts: SHS, Anderson ellieGOLDMAN managing editor

Students should not be alarmed, only warned that at 7:00 p.m. on Oct. 8 a devastating tornado, a fury of inappropriate situations, a futuristic piece of mechanics and countless other forces will descend upon the school.

Of course, they will all appear in the comforting capacity of the stage.

SHS, along with students from Anderson High School, will be presenting an evening of one-act shows.

SHS has partaken in many a oneact showcase in the past, but this is the first time Anderson students will share the performance. Students are generally enthused about the merger.

Each school will perform two separate pieces intermittently, to be reviewed and critiqued by persons knowledgeable in the field.

“I think it will be cool for the audience to see that our actors can be very diverse and portray many different characters and emotions,” said Taylor Bowling, 10, acting ensemble member.

The reasoning for her statement is evident in the contrasting shows being performed.

One of the pieces SHS will be performing, “At the Bottom of Lake Mis-

soula” by Ed Monk, will be executed solely by the curricular group Acting Ensemble B. Every student in this class will be seen onstage, and it is the first large project of the group.

The show itself is a dark drama depicting the journey of grief and guilt

Acting ensemble B is doing a quite serious show which completely contrasts with the other show, which is very cheesy and ridiculous and just plain funny.

Taylor Bowling, 10 of one character after she suffers the loss of her family. It explores her road to healing once she thrusts herself into a completely new environment.

The other selection SHS will be performing is entitled “The Least Offensive Play in the Whole Darn

World,” written by Jonathan Rand.

This will be produced as an extracurricular play, and all students were invited to audition in August.

This brief comedic piece deals with how to perform shows deemed inappropriate for the high school stage by altering them to fit suitable parameters.

Snippets from shows such as “Romeo and Juliet” and “RENT” are presented purged of violence and any inappropriateness in this farce.

“I’m really excited to see how the shows are going to turn out,” said Bowling. “Acting ensemble B is doing a quite serious show which completely contrasts with the other show, which is very cheesy and ridiculous and just plain funny.”

Students from Anderson High School will produce and present two additional pieces to be reviewed. The only way to hear about these selections is to attend the performances.

A night of abundant acting will ensue as these two schools come together to present and get feedback on their craft. Tickets for the performances will be available for $5 at the door.

image courtesy ofemma rosen

team up to take stage

SOPHOMORES DEVIN ARBENZ, Hannahlee Goldman, Grace Keeton, Taylor Bowling, and Emily Kissela rehearse their one act during fifth bell Acting Ensemble B class. The five along with the rest of their class have been working hard to perfect their scenes. To see the finished work, come to the One Act Play Festival on Oct. 8 at 7:00 p.m. at SHS.

Sports

17

Friday, September 24, 2010

Official scorer: E-MLB Part two brandonsosna

editor-in-chief/sports chief

image by brandon sosna

THE SHS VARSITY football team matched their best start since the 2008 season after beating Princeton 31-28 on Thursday, September 16. Led by high profile star Darius Hillary, 12, the squad has exceeded the expectations of many. The thrilling last second victory over the Vikings was as memorable a football game as any on the new turf at Bud Acus Alumni Field at Sycamore Stadium. It was televised on FOX19’s alternate channel.

‘All in’ brandonSOSNA

editor-in-chief, sports chief

&

orionRADTKE

O

staff writer

ne year ago, the SHS varsity football team was mired in a season that would finish with two wins, both out of conference, and an embarrassing 0-7 Greater Miami Conference (GMC) record.

Now look at them.

After their thrilling victory at home on local television against the Princeton Vikings, the team has surpassed both their total and conference win marks from last season. Former Cincinnati Bearcat and Bengal Artrell Hawkins was on the call, along with Brian Giesenschlag.

As Coach Scott Dattilo alluded to in the locker room following the game, it was the first SHS GMC win since October 24, 2008.

That is 692 days, or one year, 10 months, and 23 days. For many players, it was the first GMC win they ever experienced from the sideline.

The drought culminated in electrifying fashion, as Princeton snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, fumbling the football away inside the SHS five yard line. Cody Sadler, 12, recovered

Varsity football team fights to finish, steals victory en route to 3-1 start; first GMC win in 692 days

the muffed snap, sealing the win.

It was not the soundest of victories for SHS, as they were gashed for 448 yards of offense by the Vikings, 368 of which were on the ground.

“It doesn’t feel like we really won the game,” said Dattilo, in the postgame interview with Fox19-WXIX. He was not the only one.

“I have never felt so defeated after a win,” said Danny Berghoff, 12, who has been a ball-hawking safety in the early goings, intercepting three balls in four games. That has him tied for first in the GMC. All was not lost for the squad, however, as they easily put on their best offensive performance thus far. Quarterback Kyle Sess, 11, and budding star Markus James, 10, each rushed for over 100 yards.

They dominated in special teams, too, as highly rated division one prospect Darius Hillary, 12, added 44 yards rushing and a 61 yard kickoff return.

Hillary crossed the goal line three times in the contest, placing him among the best touchdown scorers in the conference with six.

Robert Stein, 12, booted a crucial 59 yard punt late in the action, forcing Princeton to have to start their potential winning

drive from their own 15 yard line.

The Vikings ship sank on the goalline and SHS stole the win, 31-28. Pandemonium ensued as several members of the student section, dubbed the “Ave Cave” stormed the field in celebration.

And with that, the party on Cooper Road was underway.

The 3-1 start by SHS is their best since 2008, when they went on to finish 8-2 overall, just missing out on postseason play.

SHS jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter behind two Hillary touchdowns and a safety.

Princeton jet-swept their way back into the game, but SHS never once relinquished the lead.

There were three ties (14, 21, 28) but Stein gave SHS the lead for good in the fourth quarter, drilling a 30-yard field goal. He improved to a perfect 3/3 on field goal tries.

For Sess, it was the first time in his career as a starter that he did not complete a pass, as he went 0/2. He did not need to, however, as he led the dynamic SHS running attack to victory.

With several threatening opponents looming ahead in GMC play, the squad will take the extra day off to prepare for the duration.

The road to the playoffs continues tonight against Oak Hills.

Conference clash: Oak Hills High School Oak Hills Highlanders Coach: Kurry Commins

Record: 2-1 (0-0)*

Remaining season

schedule

7:30 p.m.

Previous meeting (2008):

Sycamore W 35-7 v. 10/1

@ 10/8

Sycamore Aviators Coach: Scott Dattilo Record: 3-1 (1-0) v. 10/15

Over the summer, while most students were sitting by the pool, the football team was practicing Monday through Friday.

The JV team never had official practices and instead acted as a scout team for the varsity squad.

The first game of the season was dominated by SHS. The JV offense was nearly unstoppable and the defense contained the Tigers, with the game ending 42-12 SHS. In game two against Springboro, the defense was able to hold the opposition down, but could not put the ball in the endzone.

However Alex Davis, 11, made the play of the season when he caught an underthrown ball and pinned it against the back of the opposing cornerback. He held onto the ball through the process scoring an unbelievable touchdown.

The game was tied and SHS was just a few yards away from scoring the winning touchdown when SHS fumbled the ball and it was returned for a touchdown ending the game with a final score of 2114 Springboro.

There was no Springfield game because Springfield does not have a JV team.

The 1-1 JV squad hopes for a victory agianst Oak Hills on Setember 25.

Editor predictions

VS. @

JV update

helmets by ohiohelmetproject.com

@ 10/22

v. 10/29

Sosna: Oak Hills quarterback Justin Hildreth threw five interceptions in the Highlanders’ first three games.

The Oak Hills running game will gain a lot of yardage, but ballhawking defensive backs Darius Hillary and Danny Berghoff will force all the important turnovers. Sycamore 20-14.

Bayliss: Another titanic struggle looms, but quarterback Kyle Sess and SHS’ stable of running backs will be the difference. Sycamore 23-17.

Kaplan: SHS will carry its momentum from last week’s exhilarating victory in the final seconds and dominate Oak Hills. Sycamore 24-3.

My beloved Cincinnati Reds are going to the playoffs. And still, I am all riled up about the game of baseball. To put it bluntly: there is no consistency.

The National League has 16 teams while the American League has 14.

And the AL has the designated hitter, which certainly ranks on my top five dumbest things list in professional sports. That is one less for AL teams to compete against for the last playoff spot and one more real hitter they can insert into the lineup each night. In the NL Central, there are six teams. One winner. In the AL west, there are four teams. One winner.

Fair? No. You see it on a much smaller scale, too. Take last month’s brawl between the Reds and Cardinals.

No, I’m not going to just let this go.

I’ll beat the dead horse as much as I have to in order to make this point.

Johnny Cueto was suspended seven games for violently kicking players around him in a poor act of self-defense. Did he deserve a suspension? Yes. But for MLB to call him the major culprit is a joke. Nothing would have happened if Yadier Molina did not instigate Brandon Phillips, after Phillips carried out the same routine before stepping into the batters box as he has his entire life.

Furthermore, the brawl never would have become anything more than the typical mosh pit of testosterone, until Chris Carpenter opened his mouth and shouted at manager Dusty Baker.

Carpenter then sobbed to the media about how difficult it was to explain why Scott Rolen attacked daddy.

Um, Chris, did you ever bother explaining to your son what you said to get Rolen, a guy who is widely respected in baseball and looked upon as the perfect example of how to carry oneself as a professional, to want to tear you to shreds? When did it become acceptable for players to yell expletives at an opposing team’s manager?

Only Baker and Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa were ejected and each suspended for two games. Several fines were given out to the main characters, but only Cueto received a suspension among players.

Several games later, Reds first baseman Joey Votto was ejected from a game during the bottom of the first inning after mildly arguing a strike call. Votto never showed up umpire D.J. Reyburn.

During his protest, he never once looked at Reyburn. Yet he was ejected. Two teams can clear the dugouts, punches can be thrown, kicks can be unleashed, expletive bombs can drop all over the yard, but no player ejections. And when a player argues one measly strike call, he is given the hook. Fair? No. Outside the Lines recently released a report stating that MLB umpires miss 20% of close calls. MLB, however, refuses to expand instant replay beyond determining whether home runs are fair or foul or if a fan interferes with the ball. Most arguments cite that it would delay an already long, slow affair.

However, if we mandated a clock between pitches and that batters had to stay in the box, games would be shorter. MLB could also shorten the time between half innings by putting a cap on how many warm up pitches the pitcher is permitted.

Then again, MLB has never been a fan of capping anything.

Check out Official scorer: E-MLB part three in the October issue of The Leaf.

sports

18

Kicking it into high gear

friday, september 24, 2010

Cloud Nine

Boys’ soccer squads show early strength business manager, feature chief

&

brianCLEARY

I

staff writer

t is no stretch to say that the boys’ varsity soccer team has started off their season with success.

Senior captains Matt Hill, Max Riehemann, Robert Stein and Michael Jervis have stepped up to guide their team to a promising start.

Riehemann currently leads the team scoring with seven goals and Hill is second on the team with five.

Stein currently leads the team in assists and Jervis is not far behind.

As far as other statistics go, Stein leads the team with four assists. Riehemann and Hill are tied for second with three each.

The goalies on the team, Jake Ciricillo, 10 and Michael Tufts, 12 have also posted great efforts this season, which clearly shows up via their statistics.

Ciricillo has started six of the teams seven games, and he and Tufts have posted one shutout each. Ciricillo has made 16 saves compared to Tufts’ four.

Defensively, the team is young. The starting defensive lineup switches between players Jerrick Valentine, 10, Michael Bemmes, 11, Brad Sweeney, 11, Jacob Sorger, 11, Ryan Reid, 11, and Daniel Moler, 11.

As of press time, varsity’s record stands at 4-1-2, with their only loss being to the Mason Comets, the sixthranked team in the state.

“We’re disappointed about losing to Mason, but we look forward to finishing the season out strong,” said T.J. Biegger, 11.

While their record is impressive, the team continues to work on improving their game.

“It appears we’ve played well on the outside, but on the inside we all know we can achieve more,” said Bemmes.

Junior Varsity A

The junior varsity A and B soccer teams have a lot to live up to with the varsity team starting their season as the best team in the city.

Captains Brendan Corcoran, 11, Nick Aube, 11, and Luke Bobst, 10, have helped the team live up to their hype in their games so far, with a current 5-0-1 record.

The team started out with a close win against Elder at home. Sam Dhiman, 10, scored the only goal of the game in the first half. SHS kept the shut-out throughout the second half with defensive leadership from Wes McKie, 10.

The second game of the season took place at Huber Heights Wayne against Wayne. The first half was rough for the team, ending with a 1-0 deficit.

After a bit of yelling and encouragement from coach Ben Williams, the team started off the first ten minutes of the second half with three goals scored by Eric Byers, 10, Dhiman,

and Brad Kohel, 10.

The defense held Wayne scoreless in the second half and went home with a 3-1 victory.

SHS then moved on to face LaSalle in an away game. The first half ended with a score of 2-2. Goals were scored

by Cameron Bryce, 9, and Tyler Gwyn, 10.

The second half was full of intense defense, led by Mitch Hill, 9, while the offense continued to push the ball up field.

Persistency paid off when Corcoran finally managed to find the back of the net with five minutes to spare, and went home with another victory.

Undefeated SHS then visited Kings and went on to win 7-0. Goals were scored by Byers, Ali Fotouhi, 11, Kohel, Edward Riven, 9, and one other teammate.

Their next game was home against Walnut Hills. Due to lightning, they could only play part of the second half, but still managed to beat the Walnut Hills 5-0. Goals were scored by Bobst, Byers, Gwyn, and Kohel.

Next on the schedule, the Loveland Tigers held SHS goalless in the first half, yet could not score themselves.

Within the first minute of the second half, Loveland charging down the field, and scored the first goal of the game. Soon after, Dhiman finished a well-executed cross from Corcoran with a header, and tied the game.

The ball was on Loveland’s half of the field for the majority of the second half, but they failed to produce a goal. The game ended 1-1.

The team then moved on to face rival Mason, on September 14 at SJHS. They got off to a great start when Byers scored a goal, about fifteen minutes into the first half.

Mason soon followed with a goal of their own, but then Fotouhi scored for SHS’ second goal. The team did not let up in the second half, and held on for a 2-1 victory.

As of press time the team’s next game is Tuesday, September 21.

They will play at Princeton at 5 pm, with varsity playing at 7 pm.

We’re disappointed about losing to Mason, but we look forward to finishing the season out strong.

Junior Varsity B

The junior varsity B team started off with a tough loss against Elder. They struggled defensively and let Elder walk away from 5-4 win.

Things looked positive for the team when they went to LaSalle an won 3-1.

The B team then played at Mason.

Although the defense held Mason to two goals, the offense was only able to find the back of the net once, as they lost their first away game, 2-1.

The team then put it all together at Fairfield High School, winning 3-0.

For more scores, schedule information, and statistics, go to www. sycamoresoccer.com.

T.J. Biegger, 11

dannyBAYLISS

ALI FOTOUHI, 11, dribbles down field in a game. Fotohui has been a key to junior varsity A’s success. He was one of five teammates to score in their 7-0 win over Kings. The win over Kings should help build momentum for the rest of the season, as the team looks to not lose a single game on the schedule.

image courtesy of gabe englander

emmaOH

College football surprising, surpassing expectations so far

Mitch, 9 & Matt Hill, 12, on How would you expect JVA to do this season?

Mitch-I expect us to go undefeated this season, and our team is shaping up to be really good.

What are some good and bad things do you see about the team?

Mitch-I like the way we are always trying to push the ball up the field, but we need to work on possessing it a bit more. If we possess the ball, the goals will come, followed by the wins.

From what you have seen in our games, would you recommend that people come to our games?

Matt- would recommend that people come to the games because we are a fun team to watch. There isn’t another team in the city that will attack the goal and excite the crowd like we do.

Ben Williams, JVA coach What are your realistic hopes for our team this year and how do you think you will end up record wise?

I hope that the players train hard in practice. I want them to get better and better each time we train. I hope they push their teammates to be the best soccer players possible. Record wise... one game at a time.

What do you think we can improve on when it comes to games this year?

We can always improve our technical abilities with the ball. This aspect really ties in with our speed of play. Those two areas are imperative to a successful season.

Division I Cincinnati Boys’ Soccer Standings* 1. Lakota East 2. Mason 3. Sycamore 4. Loveland 5. Moeller

6. St. Xavier 7. Milford 8. Fairfield 9. Lakota West 10. Colerain

*as of press time, courtesy of Cincinnati Enquirer

sports chief To sports fans worldwide, ESPN is like a religion.

Watching it on television is your service.

Reading it online or in a magazine is your holy text, and going to events can be compared to acts of faith.

You eat, sleep, and breathe the sports scripture. And due to the time of year, one of the major chapters is college football.

College football gives us teens something to look forward to discussing Monday morning, despite the fact that we woke up six hours too early.

Like any other sport, college football provides your typical twists and turns, along with your stars, surprises, and standards.

This year definitely earns a passing grade for all of the above thus far, and the fact that we are only approaching the third week of action (as of press time) has me more ecstatic than when you all heard our new cell phone policy.

But in case there are any fans under the Rip Van Winkle spell, allow me to catch you up to speed on this college football season thus far.

Stars Has anyone been more impressive so far than Denard Robinson, the sophomore starting quarterback for Michigan. Forget Usain Bolt, Robinson is challenging the speed of light’s world record.

While this is hard for me to muster up, considering my heart bleeds Scarlet and Gray, I must give credit where credit is due.

Robinson broke, and then re-broke the school’s record of all-purpose yards in one game. He drove the length of the field against a hostile and desperate Notre Dame crowd to crush any BCS dreams Brian Kelly (cue the jeers) had.

Robinson’s early resumé makes him an early favorite for the Heisman trophy. As long as ‘The School Up North’ keeps winning, that means Robinson is doing his part to bail out their woeful defense and take one step closer to hoisting the famous trophy.

Food for thought: Just imagine how good he would be if he tied his shoelaces.

Surprises They may be undefeated so far, but the Florida Gators seem to have wilted since Touchdown Tim went pro.

When you are out-gained and out-played by the Miami Redhawks for more than a half, sound the alarms.

Their play so far has nearly provoked coach Urban Meyer to checkback into a hospital.

Lee Corso is most assuringly leaving them on upset alert until they prove otherwise.

And of course I did not forget about the Virginia Tech Hokies, going from a titanic struggle against Boise State to a shocker against James Madison.

In that game it was the Dukes who played like champions, not the Hokies. They played more like the deceased politician their opposition was named after.

Here is a strong suggestion: If “Beamer Ball” is not work, maybe try getting back to playing football.

It’s seemed to work in the past.

Standards As much as I want to gloat about my Buckeyes, Alabama’s consensus number one ranking earns them Leaf publicity.

A 24-3 win over Joe(Grand)Pa’s Nittany Lions without star running back Mark Ingram and mammoth lineman Marcel Dareus speaks volumes of their depth and talent.

Coach Nick Saban seems to be channeling his inner Paul “Bear” Bryant. The man has been garnering more respect than Taylor Swift for not upstaging Kanye West during his infamous VMA toast.

Yeah, that much.

Now to my Buckeyes. They certainly have been silencing doubters as well. They dominated the Miami Hurricanes, save the spotty special teams play.

Terrelle Pryor is doing his best Vince Young imitation. If he ever wins the Heisman trophy it will be for the both of them, placed right on the window shelf for Reggie Bush to stare at.

It takes many words, phrases, descriptions, practices, events; days, nights, months, even years to detail college football’s glories, myths, stories, and battles.

Sounds an awful lot like religion, doesn’t it?

sports

19

Federal Judge delivers verdict:

image by s.m. dipali

friday, september 24, 2010

Cheerleading does not qualify as sport

Thomas Norris:

caseyRAYBURN

staff writer

Sport. The dictionary defines this word as an athletic activity requiring of a Meet Under skill or physical prowess and often the New competitive New nature.

Management!

Staff!

Over this past summer, U.S. District Judge Stefan Underhill ruled that Quinnipiac University violated the law when it stopped funding the women’s volleyball team 11375 Montgomery • Cincinnati, OH to support the schools competitiveRd. cheer squad, because under Title IX, a U.S. law, cheerleading is not a sport.

This case went to court because the volleyball team deMonday thru Friday 9am-9pm cided to sue the school because they had violated Title IX. AP Computer Science, French IV, and Title IX mandates that I can accomplish a lot during the that9am-6pm men and • women’s proSaturday Sunday athletic 11am-4pm Accelerated American Literature. school season,” said Norris. grams receives equalAdult amounts of funding.

- $12 • Kids- $10 He wants to be an engineer, and he And, indeed, Norris has many goals The schools thought that since competitive cheer was 3145-1 plans to major in Physics Engineering in a sport, the Under for the upcoming season. He hopes to cheerleaders could count as women athletes.

Meet Under the is New New college.

His college goals also tie in with theMeet be top eight in the state, win the GMC, The judge’s thoughts on this were that cheerleading to0 New New Management!

Staff! his athletic ambitions: his dream is to and place top three in relay. Although Management! “underdeveloped and unorganized.”

Staff! play water polo at MIT or Stanford. these are ambitious goals, they all The activity is too underdeveloped When asked about his goals for the seem to be in arm’s reach for Norris. upcoming school year, Norris casually In addition to being a competitive 11375 Montgomery • Cincinnati, OH and disorganized to be Rd. treated as 11375 Montgomery Rd. • Cincinnati, OH remarked, “I don’t know, I guess just swimmer, Norris is also an active offering genuine varsity athletic to get straight A’s and get some fives member of the varsity water polo opportunities.

Monday thru Friday 9am-9pm [on AP exams].” team. Norris was named captiain of Monday thru Friday 9am-9pm the team, a position that is normally Needless to say, with his number Saturday 9am-6pm • Sunday 11am-4pm • Sunday 11am-4pm given to seniors. Despite his extraortwoSaturday ranking9am-6pm in the junior class and Adult - $12 • Kids- $10 Adultability, - $12 •Norris Kids-has $10 dinary talents in swimming, Norris superb athletic 3145-1 actually finds water polo a more enjoy- 3145-1 gained the respect of student athletes "Competitive cheer may, sometime in the future qualify Meet Under able sport. and his peer at SHS. as the Newa sport under Title IX; today, however the activity is too New Management!

Staff!

“In swimming you train really “He is a model student. He’s what underdeveloped and disorganized to be treated as offering hard and most of the time it’s really every student athlete should aspire to genuine varsity athletic opportunities for students," said boring. It’s such an individual sport. be,” said Charlie Fry, 10.

Underhill as reported by Yahoo! News.

With water polo, you are playing with11375 Norris admits that his social life is do not consider cheerleading a sport unless you’re in Montgomery Rd. • Cincinnati,“IOH other people and it is less pressure. often neglected. But, when one spends competitive cheer like Midwest Cheer Elite, and not the The team dynamic is definitely more three to three and a half hours in the SHS cheerleaders,” said Austin Post, 10. fun for me,” said Norris. pool daily, does homework for two As a result to this case the judge had given the UniverMonday thru Friday 9am-9pm Well, that, and the fact that, unlike hours, and then insists on going to bed sity 60 days to come up with a plan that supports the Saturday 9am-6pm • Sunday 11am-4pm swimming, he does not have to shave at 9 p.m., it is kind of understandable. women’s volleyball team.

Adult - $12 • Kids- $10 his entire body for water polo.

However, despite his claims of his “I am in-between, I can think of cheerleading a sport Nonetheless, his devotion to swim- 3145-1 inability to have a romantic relationbecause you can get a scholarship, but most to all sports ming and water polo does not keep ship, he just recently asked junior include either skill or physical ability or both, but cheerhim from excelling in school as well.

Taryn Heidel to homecoming. leading does not seem like it requires either,” said MiHe convinced his counselor to allow And not in a cliché way either. No, chelle Bartlett, 10 him to skip accelerated physics and he asked her in the very emotional, Quinnipiac and seven other schools decided to form a govgo straight to AP as a junior. He is original method of body paint. erning body, the National Competitive Stunts and Tumbling also enrolled in AP Chemistry, AP Proving that although he may be a Association to help cheerleading become a collegiate sport, American History, AP BC Calculus, ginger, he still has a soul. but until then, cheerleading is legally not a sport.

Harpers Station

smDIPALI

news chief

T

513-489-4448

Stellar swimmer, better student

& janeFINOCHARO

staff writer

homas Norris, 11, is just one of those kids. Perfect GPA. Ranked in the top 20 in the GMC for boy’s swimming.

Captain of the varsity water polo team. And it all comes naturally.

Animated, to say the very least, Norris walks the halls of SHS like a champ, even though he describes himself as “just a little white boy.”

Norris started swimming at the age of six, and, admittedly, he was not all that incredible.

“The only reason I decided to swim was because I was really uncoordinated and swimming was the only thing I could do,” said Norris.

Well, swimming certainly seems to have turned out well for him. Norris competes in the 200 yard freestyle, 200 yard I.M., 50 yard freestyle, 100 yard butterfly, 100 yard freestyle, and the 500 yard freestyle. He consistently ranked top 20 in each of these events as a sophomore. Additionally, he was ranked second in the entire GMC in the 500 yard freestyle.

Along with swimming for the SHS boy’s team, Norris trains and competes with the Cincinnati Marlins during the offseason.

“Training with the Marlins helps me keep in shape for the season so

Harpers Station

Harpers Station

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513-489-4448 Judge Stefan Underhull

Harpers Station

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Spotlight

20

Friday, September 24, 2010

Caitlin Creates all photos courtesy of caitlin carey

CAITLIN CAREY, 11 KEEPS a sketchbook to work in freely. She works alot with watercolors, especially black, throughout the pages. Creative, intense, soulful pictures are seen throughout her book. Through the years, Carey has accumulated many pieces , such as the ones to the right, from her classes, as well as on her own time. She hopes to continue art in years ahead.

drewGELWICKS

spotlight editor

Caitlin Carey, 11, on artistic style, future, passion How has the start of your junior year been?

So far I’ve had a great junior year. I’m loving my classes!

Plus, it’s major to be able to drive to school. Seriously!

What’s your favorite class?

Well, my schedule is pretty loaded up on art this year, so I’m really enjoying them all. But my favorite class that’s not an artsy fartsy class is probably American literature.

It’s actually really interesting! I like it a lot.

Which SHS teacher has had the biggest impact on you?

Mrs. Margaret Copfer, art teacher, has had the greatest impact on my life by far! She is an incredible teacher and has been there for me on a countless number of times.

I couldn’t thank her enough! I’m so lucky to have been able to get to know her.

Favorite hobbies?

I pretty much love all things art, music, and otherwise. I also love to be outdoors and play with my doggie, Calla Lily (Calli for short). Also, gardening is like my life. My mom and I are always getting our hands dirty. We grow everything. And I have a new found hobby: Flyerettes, who knew?

When did you first get interested in art?

I always knew I was interested in art but I think it really started in second or third grade when I had Mrs. Sour and I made this awesome face jug out of clay. I was hooked on all things art!

Do you have a favorite media?

When it comes down to it, I’ll use anything to create, but there is nothing like stretching your own canvas and

painting with oils. It’s amazing, like painting with melted ice cream! I really like to work out issues for myself so I’m always making mistakes but most of them are happy mistakes.

Do you like to share your work with friends and family?

I love to share my work with my family and friends. My mom has a crazy collection of my works from like birth to this very moment; she has a hard time getting rid of things. My friends really like to see my works also, but some things I prefer to keep private.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I can seem to pull inspiration from anything, like if I have a bad day I’ll come home and get right to work on something new. Sometimes I’ll never finish a piece only because you never have that feeling at that moment ever again but other things just stick with you.

What makes you different from everybody else? Why? I think a lot of things make me different from everybody else. I’m extremely open-minded, yet very strongly opinionated. But I would never push my values on others. I’m really easy going and I totally love to have a good laugh. I enjoy awkward situations and comfortable silences. Most might say I’m a little weird. No idea where they would get that?

What is one word that best describes you?

Distinctive Who are you closest to?

I have a great group of friends, but I’m super close with my

mom. It’s just her and me with the animals at home. She’s hysterical and I can tell her everything, ask any of my friends.

Do you try to fit in or stand out? Why? I just try to be myself and if that means being weird and standing out, I’m down. I’ve been brought up to never let anyone or anything make me. I make myself.

What would you like to do in college?

I would so love to get my MofFA which is a Masters of Fine Arts; my ultimate goal is to become an art professor.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always had aspirations to be an artist as I grew up, but last year as I got to know Copfer, I knew I had to be an art professor.

What do you hope to do for a living?

I hope to become an art professor and travel around the world, but I’d love to end up in Portland, Oregon. It’s my favorite place on earth!

Who do you look up to as a role model? Why? A huge role model for me is Samuel Beam of ‘Iron & Wine,’ partly because he has the same degree I’m looking into getting which is my MofFA, but mostly because he’s done it all- professed, created works and is musically talented and makes the most relaxing songs.

Any last words?

Just be who you are.