THE LEAF Sycamore High School News Magazine Volume 6 | Issue 1 | September 24, 2018
LETTER EDITORS from the
Hello SHS family! We are so excited to be writing away again in room 115. Despite the noise of frantic typing, we find the environment nourishing still. Many changes have come to The Leaf and our staff as we revise and rejuvenate our program. As you have noticed, you had to pay for this issue (we appreciate the business) as we strengthen our program. To help handle the costs of getting this (we dare say wonderful) issue into your lovely hands, we have decided to charge 50 cents to help minimize publishing costs. This decision was not made lightly, and we hope that you find the issue worth the hassle. Please know that with every Leaf you buy, you contribute to the longevity of a nationally award-winning news magazine program. We will continue to strive to be the student voice of SHS and provide informative and entertaining content. Every new school year marks a period of growth and change, and The Leaf is taking this opportunity as well to turn over a new leaf (hehe). Additionally, our style has gotten an update too. So, sit back and enjoy this colorful issue and year (the pun will become clear as you read).
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shsleaf.org If you would like to submit a story idea we are ready and willing to write it. Please send these ideas to shsstudentvoice@gmail. com. KIRSTEN THOMAS web editor ALLYSON BONHAUS editor in chief SYDNEY WEISS art & photo managing editor
CONTENTS
news 2 3 4 opinion 5 6 7 Start time
Free medical school Kavanaugh
Staff editorial Fake News
Computer cases
feature 8 9 10 11 cover 12-15
College applications Homecoming SHSDA
a&e 16 17 18
“Crazy Rich Asians” “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” Author shares insight
THE LEAF Alex Frost
Foster brothers Dani Dattilo
Ad
Outside cover: Sydney Weiss Inside cover: Harsitha Kalaiarasan
New Changes to SHS
Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242
EDITOR IN CHIEF Allyson Bonhaus ART & PHOTO MANAGING PHOTOGRAPHER EDITOR McDaniel’s Photography Sydney Weiss ABOUT US WEB EDITORS Professional memberships: Kirsten Thomas • Columbia Scholastic Sydney Weiss Press Association SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR • Journalism Education Jessica Lu Association ART & PHOTO EDITORS • National Scholastic High Linya Guo School Press Association Harsitha Kalaiarasan • Ohio Scholastic Media Anisa Khatana Association Sara Margolis • Ohio Professional Writers BUSINESS STAFF (National Federation of Lindsey Brinkman Women Writers) Hannah Lee • Quill & Scroll International Charlotte Weiss Journalism Honorary Jack Wolfe
ADVISER
Grant Bruner
sports 19 20 21
PR TEAM Gabby Khodadad Henry Loeb Allison McElroy Deeya Prakash Jack Wolfe NEWS Anisa Khatana SPORTS Madeleine Suh FEATURE Harsitha Kalaiarasan ENTERTAINMENT Lindsey Brinkman OPINION Abigail Lefton VIDEO Lydia Masset ASSOCIATE VIDEO EDITOR Alex Jowanovitz
COPY EDITORS Hannah Lee Bhaavya Jha Chloe Mensch Megan Soellner Grace Zhang SECRETARY Delaney Ciotola FACT CHECKER Josh Moore CARTOONIST Isabella Magato CREATIVE WRITING EDITOR Nehalem Chudnoff SLUG PATROL Alex Bullock STAFF WRITERS Ephraim Carlson Deeya Prakash
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 on which there may be dissent and controversy. Students can not publish material that is obscene, libelous, or is likely to cause “a substantial disruption of the educational process.” Content that may stimulate heated debate or discussion is not included in this definition. The views represented in our publications do not represent the views of the Sycamore Community School District or the Sycamore High School administration. Our publications are public forums.
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NEWS
September 24, 2018
Students push for later start time KIRSTEN THOMAS web editor
feels that it supports the need for a later WITH SCHOOL IN full swing, students school start time. can begin to grow tired. Sports, “The evidence is clear, compelling academics, extracurriculars- it all takes and consistent that early school start up time and energy of students. times negatively affect student physical SHS junior Brian Vogt is passionate about creating a later school start time— and mental health, safety, and academic achievement. he has started a student-led committee “This isn’t my to collaborate with the opinion; it’s the administration to come up WE NEED TO STOP conclusion of leading with a plan. Vogt originally created a FOCUSING ON WHY healthcare experts in this country, petition on change.org to get THIS CAN’T HAPPEN including the enough signatures to take to the board of education. AND START FIGURING American Academy of Pediatrics, the Vogt tried to hang posters OUT HOW IT CAN American Medical up around SHS to raise HAPPEN. Association, and awareness of the petition the Centers for but was asked by the BRIAN VOGT, 11 Disease Control and administration to take them Prevention. down, suggesting that a “Schools follow recommendations proposal may be more effective. According to the American Academy from these organizations regarding immunizations, school nutrition, even of Pediatrics, teenagers 13 to 18 years cell phone use. They can’t continue to old should sleep eight to ten hours per ignore the recommendations regarding night to promote optimal health, which school start times,” Vogt said. can be hard to accomplish with a busy Research backs later school start schedule. Vogt has done his own research and times, and even the things we learn in
REACH OUT
school complement the facts. “In all of our health classes over the years, we hear about what we need to do to stay healthy: eat right, be active, don’t drink, don’t use drugs, don’t smoke, etc. “It seems hypocritical that the school isn’t concerned about the detrimental effects of the early start time, which experts have identified as a major public health issue. So I think we need to stop focusing on why this can’t happen and start figuring out how it can happen,” Vogt said. Vogt understands that creating a new start time and plan is a heavily involved task, but he hopes to work with those in the community to make the change. “We want to talk to the administration, students, parents, and teachers, to get all perspectives on issues, challenges, and objections related to changing the start time. Then we’ll identify other similar districts and find out how they effectively addressed these issues, challenges, and objections,” Vogt said. To sign Vogt’s petition or support his cause use the information below.
SCAN BELOW!
For more information on To sign Vogt’s petition, the petition or committee, scan the QR code or contact Vogt at look up the Change.org 205003@sycamoreschools.org petition entitled “Later School Start Time for Sycamore High School.”
02 Source: aap.org
Designed by: Anisa Khatana
NEWS
September 24, 2018
MEDICAL SCHOOL: from $55,000 to $0 ‘Doctor drought’ expands opportunities for medical education DEEYA PRAKASH staff writer
THE WORD “COLLEGE” can conjure up countless worries in the mind of a high school student. “What if I do not fit in? What if I fail my classes? What if I cannot make friends? How will I repay my student loans?” Though they cannot control a student’s academic and social success, universities are trying hard to diffuse the stress of student loans, especially for students who are choosing to pursue a career in medicine. In fact, one particular college is eliminating that factor completely. Goodbye tuition, hello free medical school. On Aug. 16, 2018, New York University (NYU) announced that their medical program will now be offering full-tuition scholarships to all students, regardless of necessity or academic superiority. Basically, this scholarship is for anyone; no exceptions. If you want to be a doctor, you are eligible. No questions asked. But why? Why take the initiative to raise over $600 million to fund medical school for college students? Two words: drought and debt. According to the American Association of Medical School (AAMC), the U.S. could be experiencing a severe “drought” of doctors in the near future. The report states that there is an
estimated shortage of up to 121,300 doctors nationwide by 2030. This will occur because of one simple concept: supply and demand. By 2030, the number of people aged 60 or older is estimated to grow by 50 percent. To maintain stability, the supply and demand must grow together. If the number of patients increases, then so should the number of doctors. But judging by these estimations, the demand will surpass the supply quite soon. This is one reason NYU has created this policy. The other reason is financial debt. Every year, college students take out hefty loans to fund their education in the medical field. “This decision recognizes a moral imperative that must be addressed, as institutions place an increasing debt burden on young people who aspire to become physicians,” said Dr. Robert Grossman, a chief officer of NYU Langone Health, in an article released by the university. The AAMC also states that 75 percent of all doctors in the U.S. graduated with debt in 2017. Medical school is not cheap. In fact, it is far from it, and many students who are interested in pursuing a career in the field choose not to because of its unbelievably high cost. NYU is working to change this aspect of schooling. “We believe that with our tuitionfree initiative, we have taken a
Sources: aamc.org, nyulangone.org, nytimes.com
necessary, rational step that addresses a critical need to train the most talented physicians, unencumbered by crushing debt,” Grossman said in the aforementioned NYU article. Freshman Jemma Pooley wants to pursue medicine after graduation. “I think it’s really cool and has... encouraged me to go into medicine. I also like it because it’s sort of helping other people get into it too and it’s keeping more doctors in the field,” Pooley said. Agreeing with Pooley, freshman Anelise Kim also thinks about the debt factor of medical school and the attraction of people from different situations. “I’m thinking about pursuing medicine but I’m not entirely sure yet… NYU’s policy definitely encourages me to lean towards the medical field and hopefully… a lot of [colleges] will catch on. “I also like it because medical school causes a [ton] of student debt and this gives lots more people who maybe don’t have the funding a chance to pursue medicine... I definitely think that the number of doctors will go up,” Kim said. Hopefully, NYU’s vision of solving the medical debt epidemic as well as the foreseen doctor shortage will be accomplished, and students who automatically rule out medicine as a career path will re-open those doors. After all, it is a free medical school. Who would not take advantage of that?
Photo courtesy of Theodore Wang
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NEWS
September 24, 2018
Kavanaugh stirs up court CHLOE MENSCH copy editor
AS THE NOVEMBER election
season inches closer, Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Supreme Court is inching forward as well. Who is Kavanaugh, and what would his confirmation mean for the American people? A conservative judge currently serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit as appointed by former President George W. Bush in 2003, Kavanaugh is a graduate of Yale Law School. Kavanaugh is set to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, who was traditionally a swing vote. When
replacing a conservative judge with another conservative, there is not much dissent. However, replacing a swing vote with an extreme vote upsets the dynamic of the court. “Kavanaugh is a relatively conservative judge, so to replace a moderate voice on the court with a more extreme conservative voice, or the same with a liberal, which changes the voting blocks of the Supreme Court, that gets to be very controversial,” said Mr. Kevin Wittman, AP Government teacher. At only 53 years old, Judge Kavanaugh could potentially serve on the highest
court of the United States for decades. In comparison, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a current Supreme Court justice, is 85 years old. If Kavanaugh serves until he is as old as Ginsburg, he has the potential to rule on the country’s most critical topics for over 30 years. “I believe that any Republican within our Supreme Court has the potential to affect many things,” said Keegan Veraldo, 10. Ultimately, it will be up to the judiciary committee in the Senate to approve or deny President Donald Trump’s pick.
SECOND AMENDMENT
As a judge on the D.C. circuit, Kavanaugh voted to limit Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) involvement in high profile cases dealing with air pollution and climate change. He favors a pro-business and anti-regulation approach in terms of environment.
Kavanaugh is pro-second amendment.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
ENVIRONMENT
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“Handguns are constitutionally protected because they have not traditionally been banned and are in common use by law abiding citizens,” Kavanaugh wrote in 2011 to express his dissent for an upheld ban on semi-automatic rifles in the District of Columbia, according to CNN.
LITIGATION AGAINST THE PRESIDENT Legal action and investigations on a sitting president are time-consuming and distracting in the eyes of Kavanaugh. Democrats question this view since Kavanaugh was a key player in the impeachment of President Bill Clinton in 1998; his stance on litigation has since changed.
Sources: npr.org, cnn.com, washingtonpost.com, thecut.com
RELIGION IN GOVERNMENT According to The New York Times, Kavanaugh ruled in a 2015 case that insurers should be able to deny covering contraceptives on religious grounds. He also upheld the practice of saying “So help me God” in the presidential oath of office, saying it did not violate the First Amendment rule on establishment of religion, as reported by The New York Times. Designed by: Anisa Khatana
Leafing through the masses: What is your favorite change at SHS?
UNPLUG. While the new phone policy was intended to remove the distraction that cell phones pose, some students may find phone “withdrawals” to be a disturbance during class. Administrators and proponents of the policy have cited this apparent cell phone addiction as one reason for the policy change. Image courtesy of Anisa Khatana.
Staff Editorial
Welcome back to a new school year! Whether new to the school or a senior counting down the days until graduation (roughly 240 days counting days off), every new school year marks a chance to try something new or expand your horizons, pardon the cliche. Many changes have come to our school, both in policy and in the physical sense. Perhaps the hour count of absence from school is motivating you to leave your house a bit early, or maybe the phone policy gave you a push to turn off your phone once in a while. Changes at SHS do not just impact the students in the Synnovation Lab or those in the science wing either- the whole school is leaning forward, into modern technology and revolutionized classrooms. Students can lean in with them. From freshman to seniors, all the opportunities are still out there. Senior year is your last chance to get involved, after all, it is not just about what goes on the list of activities for colleges. For the rest of you: it is not too late to lean in. You can join an extracurricular you are interested in, create a good study schedule, or find that class you absolutely love. The school has the opportunity doors open, it is up to you to walk through them. Take this year as the chance to break your cell phone addiction or commit to a study routine. Form habits now that will serve you this school year. New Year’s resolutions can also apply to new school years, so resolve to make a positive impact on your high school career by creating some change this year. Taking advice from someone who has not even applied to college yet may seem like a leap of faith, and it is. Life is challenging and so is change, but sometimes it the change you did not expect that will improve your high school career. A wave of change is coming to SHS, why not follow the example and lean into creating better habits and lifestyle?
“The new science wing... helps a lot for learning. It just creates a much nicer environment to learn in,” said Charlie Hallock, 10.
“I think what [the new phone policy] helps us do is just all be more present in class,” said Mr. Kerry Crotty, English teacher.
“I like how all the grades have their own lunches together,” said Keira Millerchip, 9.
“Communication is a little harder to do... [but] I think [the new cell phone policy] is good,” said Mayu Fukuda, 11.
All photos courtesy of Anisa Khatana
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OPINION September 24, 2018
Trump dumps news media ALLYSON BONHAUS editor in chief
WHEN INSULTED OR critiqued in a way that a person views as unfair, people feel the need to strike back. President Donald Trump is an excellent example of this. To the tired Democrats, it seems whenever something unflattering comes out about the President, he counters with generating his own fake news about fake news. Take for instance how he states that there was no Russian collusion and that collusion is not a crime. (By the way, collusion is not a crime. It is multiple crimes.) Freedom of the press is one of the core tenets of the U.S. government, and yet the 45th president disparages it frequently. Media outlets serve as a guarantee to civil liberties and democracy, as they report and serve as a check to the whole government. “The government’s power to censor
the press was abolished so that the press would remain forever free to censure the government,” according to Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black’s opinion in New York Times Co. v. United States. While Trump may call journalists the enemy, they are the line of defense against the very thing he accuses them of: fake news. Media outlets have teams of investigators and researchers to ensure the facts printed are true and serve the public good. “The Woodward book is a scam… These quotes were made up. The author uses every trick in the book to demean and belittle,” according to Trump’s twitter. Recently, Trump has picked his chosen defamatory words for Bob Woodward’s new book “Fear” which questions Trump’s ability to serve. Attacking both Woodward, an American journalist who is known for
IT IS ALL FAKE. President Donald Trump has frequently called out the news as fake or biased. No media outlet seems completely immune. Yet, media is an integral part of American democracy. It is the consent of the people which allows the U.S. to function, and the media gives the people the knowledge they need to give that consent. “I think that news sources have the right to report the truth, so the president doesn’t have a right in contradicting them if they are solely reporting the incidents as they occur,” said Eshika Kohli, 12. Photo courtesy Matt A.J. (Creative Commons).
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his help in uncovering Watergate who Trump once praised, Trump guesses leaked to Woodward. So, if someone leaked information then the book is not lies. If it is all lies no one leaked. Is anyone following? It is the media’s duty to protect citizens by keeping an eye on the social, political, economic, etc. happenings so that citizens are informed about the world. Media outlets have a responsibility for the truth. Trump’s bashing of media outlets shows a lack of respect to citizens who rely on these news sources to get information about the world. This breeds fear and distrust about what outlets can be trusted. Journalists are servants of the people, not the government or political agendas.
September 24, 2018
Cases cause questions DEEYA PRAKASH
column: KIRSTEN THOMAS web editor
staff writer
IN ORDER TO begin the school year,
The One2One form details that any student who damages their Chromebook all students were required to sign a without the case on will be required form called the One2One Device Usage Agreement, which highlighted the usage to pay the repair fee. However, if it is damaged with the case on, it becomes of the new computer cases. “Students must keep the school issued the school’s problem. “..This is our way of taking a proactive protective case on the device at all step to ensure that no student has to be times,” the form said. without a device simply These new computer because they cannot cases are extremely pay for a replacement,” bulky, inconvenient, said Dr. Yejide Mack, boring, and unnecessary. assistant principal at SHS. High school students Most students believe have pounds of materials, that the risk is worth the leaving barely any DR. YEJIDE MACK reward. Students want the room for anything else. choice to have the cases Attempting to fit these on or not, to take the risk themselves. computer cases in addition to this load “... I’m sure [the technology is completely pointless. department] can reach a compromise… “I’m not a huge fan because I can’t there could be an opportunity for make it my own. It’s [kind of] hard to change. decorate,” said Aliza Newton, 9. “Judging by what I have seen so Newton has a point. A plain, far, I’m sure the amount of damaged solid black case gives us no way to Chromebooks will go down,” Mack said. personalize it. Sure, you can add a Hopefully, while we debate if these couple stickers on the front, but how computer cases are worth the warranty, long before they come off? the administration will change their However, there may be one good minds and meet us in the middle. reason that we should keep them on.
THIS IS OUR WAY OF TAKING A PROACTIVE STEP.
ADJUSTING. Freshman Grace Caldwell takes out her computer for English class. Caldwell has just moved from England, and is adjusting to being in a new school as well as a new country. “[The computer cases] are heavy and unnecessarily bulky,” Caldwell said. Photo courtesy of Deeya Prakash.
OPINION
If you know me, you know I am crazy about recycling. My family is constantly making jokes that I am trying to “save the world.” I do not consider recycling as an extreme act, but I do believe recycling is a simple thing that can make an extremely large impact. Single-use plastic is a major problem due to the fact that it is only a single use, but also the fact that many do not recycle the plastic after use. Plastic grocery bags, for example, seem to get tossed in the garbage and never used again. There are plenty of places that will take plastic bags and recycle them- so why throw them away when there is a simple, eco-friendly alternative? Better yet, consider purchasing reusable bags. Not only can the bags be used for groceries, they can also be used for carrying items around when a quick, in reach bag is needed. Although the social media frenzy is over, videos of sea turtles with plastic straws in their nostrils filled the internet for days, if not weeks. These videos were heartbreaking. Obviously, no one uses a straw with the intent of causing harm, but it was sad to see how animals are affected by the everyday actions of humans. Stainless steel straws are easy to clean and transport for everyday use. This way plastic straws can be avoided at home and on the go. It is understandable that some must use plastic straws due to medical circumstances, and that is totally understandable. Those individuals should not be denied straws that are beneficial for them. But, those who are able should switch to options that are better for the planet as a whole. Not only will making a small change like using reusable bags, a stainless steel straw, or recycling help the environment, but your selfless act 07 will make you feel good too.
FEATURE
September 24, 2018
Admissions process simplified Tips and tricks revealed for future graduates Important Upcoming Dates
ALLYSON BONHAUS editor in chief
WHETHER YOU ARE a freshman or a senior, college is on the mind. While seniors visit and apply for colleges, underclassmen are getting acquainted with the workings of the high school as these grades will now be looked at by colleges. For those who are not sure what colleges they favor, it is best to create a criteria list of aspects you want in a college. Research schools to limit the number of college applications you fill out. FAFSA The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) uses students families’ income and tax information to determine how much a student receives in their financial aid package. A package can only be given after a student fills out the form, which can be completed online. This is generally the first place to start for financial aid because it is free and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. States and colleges may also use this to give their own financial aid package. There are more options for financial aid including private scholarships that students can apply for extra assistance. Students may also receive financial aid in grants/scholarships (free money), work-study jobs on campus, and loans (which must be paid back). Resources Use them. SHS employs Overgrad, which students can access by logging on through their school Google account. On the website, students can research colleges and favorite them. It
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also offers a four-year course planner and a career interest survey. This is free for all students and helps students group colleges they are interested in attending. Additionally, do not forget that people are also resources. Students can ask teachers or even other students to look over their college essays. Extra eyes on papers are always important as they may catch things spell check does not. Recommendations Do not wait until senior year to get started on this. Most colleges want to see a letter from your counselor as well as your junior or senior year teachers. Give teachers time to write a letter that is not rushed. They still have classes of their own and many other students asking for letters as well. Asking a teacher that is affiliated with your major is optimal, so make sure you try to have a good relationship with that teacher. Students can also request a teacher recommendation through Overgrad. Remember to send thank you notes as a way of showing appreciation. The Application The two most used application sites colleges and universities use are the Common App and the Coalition App. The Common App covers 693 colleges and universities in the U.S. and overseas and is free to use. Meanwhile, the Coalition App started in 2016 and covers 120 schools. The main difference is that the Coalition App is only schools that provide substantial financial support.
Sources: veritasprep.com, studentaid.ed.gov, overgrad.com
Oct. 1 FAFSA Opens Oct. 28 ACT Nov. 1 Early decision deadline Nov. 4 SAT Dec. 2 SAT Jan. 1 Regular decision deadline May 1 National College Decision Day
June 30 FAFSA deadline
FEATURE
September 24, 2018
HOLLYWOOD HOCO A guide to homecoming
As homecoming approaches, each class will participate in several rounds of voting to determine the candidates for homecoming court. The winning couple for each grade will be revealed at halftime of the game.
Homecoming is a fun event for all four grade levels. Students can go to the dance with a date or with a group of friends. Standard attire is short dresses and suits. Couples will oftentimes match ties and dresses. Couples also typically buy corsages or boutonnières for their dates in matching colors.
October 12 After the homecoming parade, there will be a tailgate at the Jr. High (tickets are five dollars at the gate). To close the night, the Varsity Football team plays Hamilton. The theme of the game is hippie, so tie dye, fringe, and flower crowns are all encouraged.
Most groups and couples meet up before the dance to take pictures and eat dinner. Before arriving at the dance be sure you have your ticket and student ID.
October 13 Designed by: Lydia Masset
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FEATURE
September 24, 2018
Student takes initiative HARSITHA KALAIARASAN feature chief
SHS IS CHOCKFULL of students overflowing with passion and ambition. Such students will choose to carve their own space, often times through the means of a club. Sophomore Sia Sindhwani opted to do precisely that by creating the Sycamore High School Democrats of America (SHSDA). Sindhwani, along with the Vice President of the club, sophomore Keegan Veraldo, worked together to bring their idea to fruition. “We both believe very strongly that young people need to be more exposed to what is happening around us, and how they feel about these things,” Sindhwani said.
plans to have volunteer opportunities throughout the school year and during the summer months as well. Club activities will consist of volunteering for campaigns, perhaps a voter registration drive, and fundraisers to donate to local campaigns. Above all, the club was brought into existence in hopes that teenagers cultivate their voices and advocate for meaningful issues “High school students frequently agree with what they hear at home even if they do not necessarily believe the same things. “Our main goal is to expose people to what the Democratic Party stands for so they can decide for themselves what they believe in,” Sindhwani said.
SHSDA will be meeting monthly but
ADVOCATION. Sophomore Sia Sindhwani is pictured at the 2018 Women’s March. She enjoys being politically active. “This summer I spent a lot of time campaigning for local or statewide camptaigns, such as Senator Sherrod Brown, who is currently up for reelection, “ Sindhwani said. Photo courtesy of Sia Sindhwani.
PSYCHOLOGY OF PHONES Phone alerts give off dopamine and serotonin, common chemicals that are associated with making people feel happy, and which produces an addictive effect.
RELIANCE
65 Receiving texts or likes on Instagram trigger dopamine, which gives a burst of good feelings. These little “prizes” keep people returning and constantly checking if they are getting more.
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Business Insider stated that 86 percent of Americans are stressed out by the constant checking of social media accounts and email.
Sources: journals.uchicago.edu, psychologytoday.com, cbsnews.com
When people hear their phone ring but are not allowed to reach it, cortisol (the stress hormone) increases in the bloodstream. This near constant state of stress ultimately lowers cognitive performance. Putting the phone on silent and out of sight can help reduce stress.
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People interact with their phones roughly 80 times a day. Though 91 percent of people say they cannot leave home without their phone, the mere presence left fewer attentional resources available. Designed by: Allyson Bonhaus
FEATURE
September 24, 2018
Bruner wins national award MEGAN SOELLNER copy editor
RECENTLY A SHS student won a national award for his writing. Senior Grant Bruner won the Native American History Prize for his research paper titled “Protecting the Past: The Fight to Save America’s Archaeological Resources” at The National History Day Contest over summer break. “It was Mrs. [Valerie] Nimeskern, my AP United States History teacher, who suggested that I investigate how the United States government and citizens have reacted to and protected Native American archaeological material, which became the focus of my paper,” Bruner said. Each year around 3,000 students and their families travel to the University of Maryland for this week-long event. Every year there is a new theme, and last year’s was Conflict and Compromise.
This is the first time that a SHS student has won an award at this national contest. Bruner began this journey last school year in history class when Nimeskern assigned it. Every student enrolled in Advanced Placement U.S. History (APUSH) has to submit a research paper early on in the second semester for a grade. “As a freshman in college, you will be responsible to research and write at that level- so I want my students to understand the steps and rigor needed to get the job done,” Nimeskern said. The process of going to the National Contest begins with students submitting their projects to their teachers. The teachers can then make a final decision whether or not to send them to districts/regionals. “Writing a longer research paper was a wonderful journey, and her guidance and insight were invaluable while I was still building my paper. I would also like to thank her for introducing and selecting me as one of the students to participate in NHD. Without her, I would never have had this amazing experience,” Bruner said. Nimeskern sent ten students
to regionals, which is the maximum number of students you can send for the paper category. If the students advance, they have the opportunity to go to the state level. The top two entries in every category at the state level then move to the National Contest. Bruner also excels at many more things. At school, Bruner is involved in many activities. He is the President of the French Club, and also heavily involved in Latin Club. Bruner recently became a National Merit Semi-Finalist. He is one of the 19 SHS students that received this prestigious honor. He and the rest of the senior class took the PSAT last fall, but finalists were not aware of their eligibility until September of this year. In order to receive this, students need to reach a certain score on the PSAT. The cutoff score for the 2019 year in the state of Ohio is 219. Those who score in the top one percent achieve the distinction. This will be his fourth year on both the Foil Fencing A Team and also the Academic Quiz team. Outside of school, he is the president of the Ohio Junior Classical League, which is an organization of Greek and Latin students from all across Ohio. Reading about Roman history and culture is one of his passions. After graduating from SHS, he intends to major in Classical Archaeology, pursue a career as a professor of Classical Archaeology, and excavate late Roman sites around the Mediterranean.
GOT IT MADE. Senior Grant Bruner is the third SHS student to go to Nationals for his APUSH paper, though he is the first to receive an award. Students come from all over the world to compete, including Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico and international schools in China, Korea, and South Asia. Photo courtesy of Grant Bruner.
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COVER September 24, 2018
5x7
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SCIENCE WING SYNNOVATION LAB ATTTENDANCE POLICY
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PHONE POLICY
24 x 57
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COVER
September 24, 2018
Synnovation Lab spruces up learning HANNAH LEE copy editor
NEW LEARNING. Freshman Arianna Silver works on her her assignment online. Students in the Synnovation Lab are free to work anywhere in the room. There are also white boards for solving problems. All photos courtesy of Sydney Weiss.
WHILE SOME FRESHMEN may be asking “What was the Little Theatre?” many upperclassmen are asking, “What’s the new Synnovation Lab?” Big changes have arrived at SHS this school year. One of them is a new school system. The Little Theatre has been converted into a brand-new projectbased learning classroom. There are about 100 students (freshman and sophomores), and seven teachers. Students start each day at the Lab with their designated teacher and take attendance. For the rest of the day,
EXPERIMENT. Students have fun working together in a science assignment. Students learn content from multiple subjects in the Synnovation Lab, but can leave for classes such as Global Language.
they work in the Lab, leaving for classes such as global language or music. “We get to work on what we want to work on, when we want to work on it. When I come in [to the Lab], I can start working on science, [or] I can start working on math,” said Jordan Scott, 10. Scott claims the Synnovation Lab’s project-based learning is easier than regular classwork. Instead of daily homework, students find most of their long-term assignments on Blackboard. They are given a time span to do their projects, tests, and quizzes but otherwise the curriculum is mostly self-paced. A
student can get ahead but not behind on their projects. “I like the Synnovation Lab more because it gives me more freedom with time and there are no strict due dates. It’s more flexible, less homework and it just gives me the ability to work in different environments and work with different people,” said Emma Pletz, 10. Technology is used generously in the Synnovation Lab. Teachers notify students about announcements and assignments through the Remind texting system and Google Calendar, in which students can set up appointments
to meet with a teacher. Teachers in the Synnovation Lab are going through a large adjustment as well from teaching in a traditional classroom. Students can ask them questions about a variety of subjects. “Within a given hour, I could be answering questions about something to deal with human anatomy and then something else with astronomy, or the rights of the church versus scientific discovery and [so forth]. “So I think in here, I get challenged a lot to make sure that I’m on top of my game and on the content and being organized,” said Mr. Greg Cole, Synnovation Lab teacher. It is also easier for teachers to get to know the students’ passions and interests better with more one-on-one conversations. “I’ve had kids [talk to me] up to five or six times a day and because they have all day to do [what] they can deeply think about a problem and then come back in an hour with an even better question,” Cole said.
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COVER
September 24, 2018
Administration tackles long term renovations MADELEINE SUH sports chief
STUDENTS AT SHS cannot help but notice the new changes within the building. However, why are these advancements, such as the science wing, being made in the first place? As a matter of fact, this is just the beginning of a ten-year master facility plan. When initially assessing what changes needed to be made, there was a proposal to reconstruct the entire building instead of renovating. Using the estimated data, the administration concluded that renovations were not only cheaper but also showed greater benefits for students and staff overall. As a result, three phases were created: Districtwide Facilities Assessment, Community Engagement, and Educational Visioning.
Within the Master Facility Plan, it states, “The district hopes to have a number of Master Plan options by the end of Summer 2018 with a Concept Test in place by early Fall.” But what is the reason behind this major plan? There has been an increase in research lately providing new concepts and ideas that the environment in which we learn can directly correlate to our educational success. “Research increasingly shows that there is a clear link between environmental quality of schools and educational performance,” said Dr. Michael A. Berry, special advisor at the Cleaning Industry Research Institute Science Advisory Council, in a study performed by the Council. During the Fall of 2017, the Board
of Education “hired SHP Leading Design to assist Sycamore Schools in developing a conceptual master plan that is cost-effective and meets the longterm educational needs of the district,” according to the plan. Charlie Jahnigen, a 1995 Sycamore graduate, is leading the project for SHP Leading Design. After surveying over 347 students, parents, staff, community members and business partners, the district found that a large percentage had, in fact, noticed the conditions of their facilities. Edwin H. Greene Intermediate School and Sycamore Junior High School received feedback that 88 percent of respondents believe these buildings are slightly inadequate to inadequate.
New year ushers in new phone policy SYDNEY WEISS
art & photo managing editor [What you are about to read is an opinion article that reflects the opinions of the writer and should not be taken as an unbiased summary.] I like my phone as much as the next member of Generation Z. I get it. I find comfort in the bright screen. I can spend hours scrolling through Instagram and watching YouTube videos. But honestly, I do not mind the phone policy. Here is why: the policy itself did not really change. It has always been the expectation that students bring their phones to school but do not have them out during class time. In fact, the bolded policy from the Student Handbook reads, “cell phones may not be heard or visible during instruction time- unless directed to do so by the classroom teacher or designee.” This is essentially the same policy that SHS has held for years. However, 14 this year, teachers are following the
policy in its strictest sense. I think this is a totally reasonable request. We can have phones in the halls and before class begins. We can have phones during lunch and (depending on the teacher) Aves bell. We just can not have phones out during times of instruction. This makes complete sense to me, so I was a little confused why my friends and peers were so frustrated to hear about the “new” phone policy. I think people are most upset because of the repercussions. If students have their phones out SCREEN LIFE. The only time that phones a couple of times, then they are on their way to an office referral. I can be out are during lunch and Aves Bell, must admit this does seem a little though this policy varies from teacher to teacher. This can make lunch a very screenextreme, but, like most policies, heavy time for some. Photo courtesy of it is made to encourage the right Harsitha Kalaiarasan. behavior. If students do not bring their phones out during teacher they can not quickly look up something. instruction, then they should not have Still, I find the new phone policy to any issues. be totally reasonable considering the I can see why my peers are mad that purpose of school is to learn.
COVER
September 24, 2018
TRUANCY REDEFINED
Updated attendance policy offers new approach to absenteeism HARSITHA KALAIARASAN feature chief
“HERE!” This familiar word, coupled with a raised hand, is a conventional response to the customary taking of attendance conducted by teachers. The near future holds no variation in the traditional role call mentioned above. However, recently passed legislation introduces a new attendance policy with several crucial modifications. The bill, titled House Bill 410, was intended to take effect in 2017, although this school year bears witness to its strict enforcement at SHS. Under this bill, absences will now be tracked by the number of hours rather than school days. A student is considered ‘habitually truant’ if they are absent 30 or more consecutive hours without an excuse, 42 or more hours in a school month without an excuse, or 72 hours or more in one school year. “Excessive absences,” on the other hand, are defined as missing 38 or more
hours in one school month, or 65 hours or more in one school year. It is important to note that both excused and unexcused absences count towards the truancy calculation. At SHS, absences will be considered excused with parent calls to the school, but once the equivalent of ten days is reached, a note from a physician is required to excuse any further time away from the classroom. The most noteworthy alteration to this policy decriminalizes truancy. In other words, students cannot be suspended or expelled for missing excessive amounts of school. Alternatively, the bill advocates the implementation of an intervention program. Student and parents are required by law to participate in a meeting to strategize efficient approaches in order to improve student presence in class. If positive results are not observed,
the student will face referral to the Hamilton County Juvenile court. Furthermore, the new guidelines do not allow for vacations or extended weekends. Although such absences can be marked excused, the missed time must be added to the hourly count of absences tracked for each student. “I think that the new attendance policy could be a little extreme when applying it to realistic situations. What if someone is going on a once in a lifetime vacation, is sick, or visiting an ill family member? “With that said, it seems to be a step forward by getting rid of suspension and expulsion as punishments for missing large amounts of school,” said Maya Goldenberg, 11. Ultimately, House Bill 410 aims to fix truancy rather than penalize in a bid to improve student performance and achievement.
HOW DOES HOUSE BILL 410 WORK? 65 or more hours in one school year
= EXCESSIVE ABSENCE = EXCESSIVE ABSENCE
38 consecutive hours without excuse
= HABITUALLY TRUANT
42 hours in a month without excuse
= HABITUALLY TRUANT
72 hours in one year
= HABITUALLY TRUANT
38 or more hours in one month
Designed by: Sydney Weiss
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ENTERTAINMENT September 24, 2018
Asians debate ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ JESSICA LU
LINYA GUO
ROMANTIC COMEDIES ARE prone to follow stereotypes, but it is how you tell the story that sets a movie apart. And director Jon M. Chu does a spectacular job at doing so. “Crazy Rich Asians” follows Asian American NYU economics professor Rachel (played by Constance Wu) as she goes with her boyfriend, Nick (Henry Golding), to attend his best friend’s wedding. The catch is that the wedding is in Singapore, where her boyfriend’s family lives. And it just so happens to be that his family is practically royalty level rich, with Nick heir to it all. The conflict in the movie is not only the rich versus the commoner, it is also a cultural clash of being Asian and being Asian American. The movie itself is funny, heartwarming, and wellpaced. Wu is a likable heroine, whose confidence is absolutely refreshing. And who could forget Awkwafina’s portrayal as the spunky best friend? Romantic comedies can easily become predictable, but this movie kept me on my toes and wondering what would happen next. Besides being a great movie, “Crazy Rich Asians” is paving a way for diversity in Hollywood. Having an Asian American cast whose talent is not cheapened by exaggerated stereotypes is groundbreaking. And kudos to Kevin Kwan, the book’s author, who vehemently refused when Hollywood came knocking at his door with full intent to whitewash Rachel’s role. While I do not like “Crazy Rich Asians” simply because I am Asian, I cannot help but relate to Rachel. As an Asian American, many of Rachel’s struggles particularly resonated with me, such as her heavilyaccented Chinese, or her feeling of being an outsider despite also being Chinese. But the beauty of diversity in Hollywood is not only to embrace different cultural backgrounds, it is also to dispel harmful misconceptions. Stereotypes perpetuate a type of thinking that a certain group is so wholly different from another. Asian or not, we can all relate to Rachel’s feelings on a certain level. Asian or not, we can all enjoy this cinematic masterpiece.
Topping over 26 million dollars in the first week, “Crazy Rich Asians” is a hit in the theaters, with a wide audience of Asians and nonAsians alike. This romantic comedy has garnered a lot of love and attention for its sweet plot and its all-Asian cast, an uncommon situation in Hollywood. I am extremely supportive of the diversity of the cast with the amazing, not-as-recognizable actors. I also loved the cinematic techniques and the visual quality of the movie. However, cast and film techniques aside, the plot and character development made this movie a film I would not watch again. First off, the plot is way too unevenly spaced. The beginning of the movie is very sweet- the chemistry between the two lead actors is amazing- but also very, very slow, to the point that I was paying more attention to the popcorn I was eating rather than the screen. Then suddenly, with only around 30 minutes left of the movie, a plot twist slams the audience in the face. In those last minutes, more emotions and pushing of events happened than the previous one hour and 31 minutes, leaving me a little overwhelmed. And I have to admit, the romance between Rachel Chu and Nick Young was very cute, but also very cliche. I know that there are die-hard fans of corny romance out there, but I personally am not a fan. And although “Crazy Rich Asians” did have some witty jokes that created a chuckle, most of the humor was based on exaggerated stereotypes of Asians. Of course, I understand that this movie is, as stated in the name, about Asians; however, it shows an unrealistic portrayal about how the main source of humor for Asians are stereotypes of themselves. Many non-Asian viewers are also not as comfortable laughing along with these stereotypical jokes. If incorporated more “genuine” humor that could be shared globally, “Crazy Rich Asians” would definitely be more enjoyable to me. So, if you are a fan of ill-paced, cliche, and stereotypical rom-coms, “Crazy Rich Asians” is definitely for you.
social media director
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art & photo editor
All photos courtesy of Sydney Weiss
ENTERTAINMENT
September 24, 2018
Love letters gone wrong entertainment editor
DELANEY CIOTOLA secretary
WHERE IS HANNAH?
RECENTLY NETFLIX released a new Netflix movie titled “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” Based on Jenny Han’s book of the same title, the film was released on Fri., Aug. 17, and has gained tremendous attention due to the cute, healthy- and maybe even a little cheesy- relationship between the main characters. In the movie, Lara Jean, the protagonist, writes addressed letters to her crushes when she feels as if her feelings are too strong. The only way to overcome them is to express her sentiments on paper. She tucks the notes in a box, along with her feelings, hiding them away from others. Later in the story, the letters are sent, and she is faced with dealing with the reality of her thoughts and emotions being spread to the public. As humiliating as the exposure is, the horrible situation ends with her
having a boyfriend in her back pocket (reference and joke intended). “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” was a huge success, with many people watching it over and over again. “I have watched the film three times now,” said Clarice Newman, 9. One reason people are falling in love with the new Netflix creation is due to the charming personality of the male main character, Peter Kavinsky. Not only does this romantic comedy feature dashing protagonists, it also includes a strong Asian American female lead. As well as the female protagonist, it also includes other Asian American actresses in significant roles. Even though there are many reasons why some have been diehard fans since its release, there are also those who believe it was just like any other romantic comedy movie. “To me, it just felt like a lot of other movies I have seen,” said Caroline
Hannah is always disappearing. If you know where Hannah is hiding in this photo, stop by room 115 to tell us! The first five people to do so will receive an out-to-lunch pass.
Skwara, 11. However, other viewers still enjoyed the movie, even if they found the plot to be something they have already seen. “I found the movie to be super cliche, but yet I still wanted to finish it and see who Lara Jean ended up with,” said Lydia Cooke, 12. And, if the plot of the film was not loved, the chemistry found between the main characters could easily attract others. “‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ was very intriguing to me, and I felt like all of the hype it received was well deserved. I also really appreciated how well the actors worked together, it made the movie flow so nicely,” said Jaquelynn McGraw, 11. All in all, many people have mixed feelings about Netflix’s new film. Even though some have disliked it, there are many who have found the film to be loveable, fake boyfriends and all.
PRIZES FOR HOCO PROPOSALS Are you asking someone to Homecoming? Send us your creative Homecoming proposal through Instagram or Twitter @shsleaf. The student body will vote for the best one, and the winners will receive a pair of football tickets to the Homecoming game and to the dance. 17
All photos courtesy of staff
LINDSEY BRINKMAN
ENTERTAINMENT
September 24, 2018
Penning adolescence Young adult author shares insight NEHALEM CHUDNOFF creative writing editor
CAPTURING THE oftentimes tumultuous and emotional times of adolescence in the form of words can be a daunting and seemingly impossible task. However, the award-winning young adult author Nina LaCour
Q&A
makes it look easy. LaCour is the author of a number of acclaimed novels, including “Hold Still,” “The Disenchantments,” “Everything Leads to You,” and most recently, her 2018 Michael L. Printz Award winning novel, “We Are Okay,” all of which were
published by Penguin Random House. I reached out to LaCour in the wake of her recent award win and discussed a number of topics, such as her writing techniques, influences, and more. Here is what she had to say.
NINA LACOUR
young adult author
What advice do you have for an aspiring writer/novelist? I started with poems and short stories, and I recommend doing the same. Of course, poems and stories are ends to themselves and not just building blocks for writing novels! But whether you choose to write them forever or to write novels eventually, they both offer such lessons in precision and craft. If you have [only] fifteen or thirty pages to tell a story, every scene must matter. In fact, every sentence should. You learn all of the elements of fiction from short stories, and then you know what you’re doing a little better when you write your first novel. How do you develop an idea into a full story? The initial idea- at least for me- can be so tiny. A girl in a dorm room in the snow, for example. Sometimes the early ideas come in the form of an image or a single line of dialogue. After that it’s a matter of asking the right questions: Why is she there? What is she afraid of? What is she wishing for? Why is she so sad? If the questions are too simple to answer, I know I probably don’t have enough for a whole novel. But if once I start answering them they go on and on and I see a whole life taking shape, then I know that I can make a full book out of it. I just ask the questions and follow the answers until I have many scenes and pages. What life advice would you give your high-school self? I would tell her that it’s okay to be herself. That there is no “right” way to be, and that everyone is just figuring things out moment by moment even though it feels sometimes like there is a secret to life everybody knows but her.
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Where do you draw inspiration from? Everything! My own memories, strangers and friends, songs and art and the routines of daily life. . . If you start observing your world closely and are open to ideas, you’ll find that so much feels significant and full of promise. How long does it take you to write a novel? I tend to think about my novels and make notes on my ideas for a long time before actually diving into the writing. Once I do, I’d say they usually take around a year to write. That said, I’m still working on a novel that I started over a decade ago and I’ve also written one over a span of just a few months, so it really depends on the project. Photo courtesy of Nina LaCour’s Instagram
SPORTS
September 24, 2018
Siblings swim into new year GABBY KHODADAD PR team
NOT ONE BUT two future Olympians now walk the halls of SHS. Senior Jake Foster just transferred from St. Xavier High School to join his brother Carson Foster, who is a junior at SHS. Most recently the brothers traveled to Fiji at the end of the summer for the Jr. Pan Pacs (a swimming championship held in the Pacific region) to represent Team USA. Not only did they represent Team USA, but they also brought home some victories as well. The experience in Fiji was, “really eye-opening to see how much they rally around swimming... I thought that was really cool,” Carson said. After crushing a couple of records set in 2001 by star Olympian Michael Phelps in the 400 IM and Caeleb Dressel in the 200m Freestyle just last week in Fiji, Carson then went on to win gold in the men’s 200m IM. Carson also anchored in the 800 free relay and placed first in the finals.
Jake came in second place in the men’s 400 IM and also placed sixth in the 200 IM and fifth in the 200 Breast during prelims. “I think my biggest accomplishment up to this point in my career is setting three 15-16 National age group records,” Carson said. Last spring, both siblings verbally committed to the University of Texas to further their academic and swimming career. Currently, they share the first place title within the state of Ohio. Jake is also ranked number two for the recruiting class for 2019. “Goals for the rest of the year is to just have fun since it is my senior year and swim well for the Manta Rays (club team),” Jake said. On the other hand, Carson is ranked second in the recruiting class for 2020. Both brothers strive to improve and compete more in the years to come.
VICTORY. Brothers Jake (left) and Carson (right) Foster are pictured repping USA gear at their recent visit to Fiji. The brothers return to Cincy finishing first and second place in the 200 IM. “I hope to [swim] in more international meets with Carson,” Jake said. Photo courtesy of SHS.
New coaches look to future JOSH MOORE fact checker
The Varsity Boys Lacrosse team has recently enlisted a new coach by the name of Jeff Wolkoff for this upcoming season. Wolkoff has previously coached the Sycamore Junior High lacrosse team for two seasons and was a varsity coach at Springboro High School. He himself played at SHS as a goalie. He has much pride for this high school and intends to improve the mentality of all the boys’ lacrosse players. He already has the team running drills and hitting the gym on a daily basis in preparation for this season and encourages kids to go above and beyond.
“I think there’s a lot of things they did well last year but I think we can improve the overall playing as one. Different expectations are going to be put into place and I’m excited to see us match those expectations,” Wolkoff said. Wolkoff looks for effort and grit in a player. He admires commitment and repetition in games and at home. He employs these important ideals into his new slogan for the team: climb the mountain. When it comes to goals for the year, he hopes for the team to win a title at the Great Miami Conference for boys lacrosse. “I think that by working on our conditioning we’re going to be able to run a lot faster and longer than last
year. I think that’s something coach Wolkoff is really focusing on,” said Nathan Kissela, 10, team member. With the training he has put the boy’s through and with what has been accomplished so far, high hopes have been established by Wolkoff. “I think that he’s establishing a certain culture for the program and I like that we’re just bonding more as a team. “We’re having more guys come to weight lifting than ever, we’re really connecting our seniors and our freshman, we’ve established more of a team atmosphere, and everything is really firing on all cylinders,” said Brendan Pelten, 12, senior player. 19
SPORTS
September 24, 2018
SHS scores big with freshman column:
LINDSEY BRINKMAN
GABBY KHODADAD
entertainment editor
PR team
FAST AND FURIOUS, freshman Dani Dattilo made varsity as a starting midfielder. Not only is Dattilo new to the high school, but she is also new to the district straight out of Fairfield. Dani was shocked to make varsity, let alone start. “Going into this season, I wasn’t expecting to make varsity. Knowing this I’ve been really thankful I’ve been able to play the amount I do on varsity,” Dattilo said. Since the age of four, her strong work ethic, vigorous workouts, and passion for the game have led to Dattilo’s success on the field. “It’s nice being able to meet a different range of ages and forming friendships with [the upperclassmen]. It feels like they are all my big sisters, which is a really cool relationship I have with all my teammates,” Dattilo said. Dattilo’s season is off to a fantastic
start. In her first home opener against Kings, she scored one out of the three goals to take home the win and scored another goal against Walnut Hills. “Her intensity, the fact that she can compete with players that are typically bigger than her and that she doesn’t back down and she also has a high level of technical ability,” said Mr. Brian Fallon, coach and history teacher. The talent on this team is looking stronger than ever with two verbal commits to division one schools and seven out of nine seniors starting. “Our team has a lot of talent and some pretty unique players. I think the Lady Aves might just take home the conference title, and hopefully advance even further,” said Hannah Bruns, 11, teammate. Currently, the team is 5-1-1. They are playing Hamilton on Sept. 25, who is one of the best in the league.
LINING UP. The Lady Aves hold hands while the national anthem is played. They went on to face Walnut Hills and came out victorious with a score of 5-0. It will be hard to say goodbye to such a talented and hard-working group of girls.
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PRESSURE. Freshman Dani Dattilo is pictured defending Walnut Hills. She helped the Lady Aves to secure their victory that night. “My goals this year is to become a better player whether that’s on the field or a better teammate. My seniors inspire [me] to work hard, and I hope to always have that mindset going forward,” Dattilo said. All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.
When the topic of sports comes to mind what is the first thing you think of? Most will imagine football, soccer, baseball or other similar sports, but a new technological craze is on the rise. To some, it may seem like a wannabe dream to classify Esports as a real sport, but when looking at it in depth, this idea becomes a reality. Unlike the other typical sport, Esports does not technically require intense physical activity. However, this does not stop it from incorporating other aspects. Like football or baseball, team members for Esports still have to practice rigorously, and if they desire to be considered good that may mean more than two hours a day. Other than the obvious, Esports is unique to the other SHS teams as they were the only team to win Nationals. Over the summer while most students were relaxing or going on vacation the team from the 2017-2018 school year were competing, earning them the best in the country as well as $10,000. Uniquely, each member practices at their own home due to the limited amount of gaming technology that is available at SHS. This may seem like an obstacle but through calling services, such as Discord, the members are able to stay connected despite not being together physically. Also, this whole idea of not being together physcially is another reason why Esports is special. Because it allows members to compete from anywhere with WiFi access, it is truly paving a new path for sports and is opening new opportunities for people to connect. All in all, even though Esports has many aspects that make it stand out, it should still be something you keep on your radar. Hopefully, SHS’ team will be just as successful as last year (or better). For more information on Esports, please visit shsleaf.org.
All photos courtesy of staff
“Art can portray a message about society, emotions, or simply perspectives on a topic with just pictures, you don’t need words,” said Miriam Chowdhury, 12. “...You never know how impactful a friendly message can be. Go out and spread some kindness. Don’t be afraid to make someone’s day a little better,” said Andre Harte, 11.
“I like Nepal’s flag because it’s the only country’s flag that’s not a rectangle. It’s similar to Ohio’s flag, a swallowtail flag,” said Takezo Kelly, 12.
Want more content? Go to www.shsleaf.org
“I crochet as a hobby because you can make stuff with it. I’m really bad at it, so I can only crochet in a straight line,” said Emma Brown, 11.