Leaf 2017 March

THE

LEAF

Sycamore High School News Magazine Volume 4 | Issue 8 | March 17, 2017

Photo courtesy of MCT Campus

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THE LEAF|March 17, 2017 |SHSLEAF.ORG

IN THIS ISSUE TABLE OF CONTENTS

pg.4 NEWS

pg.8

pg.10

pg.14 FEATURE

pg.16

pg.18

pg.19 pg.20 FUN &GAMES

2| Salty Skyline 3| Working wonders 4| Discussing Donald’s 56 days

8| Q & A 9| Students plan for summer 10| Education goes global

OPINION

COVER

5| Staff Editorial 6| Circus comes to town 7| Factors for greatness

11-14| Climate change

18| Winter sports come to an end 19| Ultimate frisbee 20| Indoor track and field

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SPOTLIGHT

15| Netflix clashes with cable 16|Oscars take on new look

21| Alp accepts American culture

pg.21

17| Crazy jumble

SPORTS

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.

ADVISER

THE LEAF

Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242

Cheralyn Jardine

PHOTOGRAPHER McDaniel’s Photography

ABOUT US Professional memberships: • Columbia Scholastic Press Association • Journalism Education Association • National Scholastic High School Press Association • Ohio Scholastic Media Association • Ohio Professional Writers (National Federation of Women Writers) • Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honorary

EXECUTIVE CO-EDITORSIN-CHIEF Hannah May Benjamin Ruskin MANAGING EDITOR Amy Deng ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jenna Bao CREATIVE PROJECT DIRECTORS Jenna Bao Taylor Close Sarah Horne Lauren Kurtzer BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TEAM Eshika Kohli David Wërthëim PRINT EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Natalie Brinkman Adhiti Chundur

Sydney Evans SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Sydney Weiss WEBMASTER Caroline Bruns WEB EDITOR -IN-CHIEF Harsimran Makkad LEAFLET EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Hannah Frey LEAFLET MANAGING EDITOR Emily Chien LEAFLET DESIGNERS/ WRITERS Eshika Kohli Sydney Weiss COPY EDITOR Anne Marsh NEWS Yasmine Guedira Max Torem

SPORTS William Coleman Caroline Veraldo FEATURE Allyson Bonhaus Hannah Lee ENTERTAINMENT Taylor Close OPINION Alexander Karev Joshua Patterson FUN & GAMES Samuel Ruskin STAFF WRITERS Elizabeth Arveladze Abigail Bastin Lindsey Brinkman Nathan Colliver Meghan DiGiovanna Lexi Fritzhand Jacqueline Grega

Mark Huffer Chelsea Kinney Abigail Lefton Hannah Loftspring Jessica Lu Sara Margolis Lydia Masset Jason Merkel Yvanna Reyes Madalyn Saunders Jessica Schaad Madeline Shewbridge Uttkantha Sindhwani David Sung Kirsten Thomas Edward Wade Kamaria Walton Jacob Wittenbaum

THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG|1

N

NEWS

Salty Skyline Classic cracker change creates controversy WILLIAM COLEMAN

DAVID WERTHEIM

co-sports chief

business manager 175000@sycamoreschools.org

171098@sycamoreschools.org

S

kyline has been a Cincinnati delicacy for 68 years. Founded in 1949

by Greek immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides, the chain - which originally started in Price Hill - has allowed Cincinnati to boast some of the most unique chili in the country.

A recent change in distributors has forced Skyline to change their traditional oyster crackers to a new form, which has caused major backlash from patrons in the Queen City.

“I went to Skyline the first week of the change and talked to my waiter. He said customers were displeased with the change.

Hopefully Skyline takes action,”

said Noah Stern, 12.

In recent weeks, Skyline has attempted to rectify the situation and roll out new batches of the appetizer with the goal of making them taste more like the original.

“I thought the fixed batch tasted good, and they say that customers who didn’t experience the second-newest type do not taste a difference,” said Andrew Greenberger, 10.

According to WCPO, Skyline’s corporate office took feedback from customers who said the new crackers were too salty and are now directing their new bakers to, “stay true to the oyster cracker attributes our customers know and love.”

In a separate poll, WCPO found that 63 percent of respondents felt that the

ORIGINAL CRACKER Birthday: Oct. 8, 1949 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Years Active: 67

A crater-laden, flaky treat, the original Skyline cracker was a staple of an excellent meal at Skyline.

With its airy pockets, hot sauce became a popular filling among customers.

Birthday: Feb. 10, 2017 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Years Active: <1

Public Reaction: A cornerstone of the original Skyline experience, this death is being mourned by loyal patrons citywide.

Photos by William Coleman

C H I

L I 1949

2|THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG

old Skyline crackers were significantly better than the new ones. 31 percent said the new crackers were an improvement, while seven percent felt there was no considerable difference.

“Personally, I thought the new batch was not that different than the original. I was surprised, considering so many people had negative things to say,” Stern said.

Skyline has made a significant effort to listen to public opinion about the new crackers and is, with every batch, attempting to make them more like the original. If you have a thought about the crackers, you can leave a comment on the Skyline corporate website. Here’s to the Skyline oyster crackers, a Cincinnati icon that is going through a mid-life crisis.

NEW CRACKER A “saltine-like,” buttery snack, it seems as though this cracker would be better suited for soup rather than Cincinnati chili.

Public Reaction: This unexpected change has led to an outcry among Cincinnatians.

Many are hoping Skyline will rectify the problem and go back to what worked in the past.

Address: 5005 Cornell Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242 Phone: (513) 489-8488 Hours: Monday-Friday10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

Saturday 11a.m.-8 p.m.

Sunday 11a.m.-9 p.m.

NEWS

Working wonders

How teen employment affects students ABIGAIL BASTIN staff writer 203120@sycamoreschools.org

J

obs. Yes, physical work to get paid hourly. High school students, ninth through twelfth grade kids who walk the halls, play on sports teams, and take pride in their school, can all earn money through jobs.

So, what do jobs and students have in common? Well, some students get their first job in high school. Though the amount of high school students with a job has decreased since the 1990s, more students are more likely to get a job later in life.

In 1992, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) evaluated that more than two-thirds of high school students were employed and 22.7 percent of those students worked 20 hours per week. 25 percent of these students were employed in a job that

had to do with food, 14.5 percent of the students worked as grocery clerks, and 11.8 percent of them worked in sales.

Minor laws

Currently, teens ages 14-15 are allowed to work in retail, food service, and life guarding. They can work for 3 hours or less on school days, and no longer than 18 hours per week when school is in session.

Students 16-17 years old are allowed to work unlimited hours as long as the job is not proclaimed dangerous by the Secretary of Labor. Once someone turns 18, they are allowed to work unlimited hours with no limits in regards to the danger of the job.

Education vs Work

Data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) shows that working over 20 hours a week causes a negative effect on students grades, while students who worked fewer than 20 hours per week showed the same grades as students who did not work.

HIGHER SCORES MEAN MORE COLLEGE OPTIONS

ONE ON ONE INSTRUCTION!

In the Wabash National Study of Liberal Arts Education, researchers found that working helped students with critical thinking, moral reasoning, as well as psychological well being.

Q&A with Ana Heckler, 11 Where do you work?

“I am a waitress at Firehouse Grill.”

How long are you allowed to work?

“Not past 11 p.m. on a school night.”

What are your hourly wages?

“I make $9.50 an hour.”

How does your job effect school?

“I have to finish my homework before I work, otherwise I won’t be able to finish all of it. But it is pretty easy to manage that.”

Looking for volunteer opportunities?

Want to donate your gently used sporting goods?

Interested in joining our teen board? ohioc4k@gmail.com

huntinghelps.com

CONTACT: 513-489--5777 ADDRESS: 11385 Montgomery Rd THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG|3

NEWS

Discussing Donald’s 56 days ELIZABETH AREVELADZE

staff writer 206183@sycamoreschools.org

D

onald Trump has been the President of the United States for 56 days. Throughout these days there have been many changes to the image and policies of America.

Week 1

On his first day in office, at least 17 different actions were made.

Ranging from negotiating trade

deals to suspending immigration from terror-prone regions, Trump made his presence felt.

Trump said he did not consider the inauguration day his first day, but he did implement a few policies. Among them were an executive order to advance the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, the declaration of Jan. 20, 2017 as “National Day of Patriotic Devotion,” and a waiver that allowed his nominee for defense secretary to serve.

In the days that followed, Trump released more directives outlining new approaches based on immigration.

At the end of week one, he signed an executive order to continue his big campaign promise of building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The order directs departments and agencies to, “deploy all lawful means” in order to secure the southern border and prevent further illegal immigration.

EXECUTIVE ORDER. Since being innaugurated on Jan. 20, Trump has signed 16 executive orders. His most recent one, signed on March 6, calls for a temporary travel ban. At this point during Barack Obama’s presidency, he had signed 18 such orders.

Photo: MCT Campus

5200 Dixie Hwy. Fairfield. OH 45140

Week 3

To start off the third week, the State Department revoked nearly 60,000 visas under Trump’s executive order.

Trump also signed an executive action that he said would establish new

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4|THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG

vetting measures to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the country.

“We don’t want them here. We want to make sure that we are not admitting into our country the very threats our soldiers are fighting overseas,” Trump said.

Trump also began to fulfill his promise and get rid of the Dodd-Frank Act, something Republicans have been trying to do for a long time.

“Today, we are signing core principles for regulating the United States financial system,” Trump said.

Week 5

Just past a month into his presidency, Trump is still continuing to lay down the foundation for everything he plans to do in the next four years.

During week five, he appointed a new national-security adviser. When Michael Flynn resigned, Trump decided to hire Herbert Raymond McMaster, a military strategist and a veteran of the Persian Gulf War and the second Iraq War. He also named Kevin Hassett chair of his Council of Economic Advisers.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions rejected former president Barack Obama’s guidance to reduce the use of private prisons.

The use of private prisons has started to thrive again.

Week 7

In this seventh week, Hawaii is now planning a challenge to Trump’s revised travel ban.

Arguing that the new travel ban violates the U.S. Constitution, the state asked a Hawaii federal court to grant a temporary restraining order that should apply nationally.

The White House has also considered cutting 17 percent out of the funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, one of the nations top climate science research programs.

Trump has also laid out his energy plan in its full form. He pledged to walk away from America’s commitment to the Paris climate deal.

Leafing through the masses: [How can you personally affect climate change?]

“ Moving into the modern era, climate change has become an even more pressing issue. Science’s evolution has allowed us to closely examine the effects of climate change on our world. This issue has even found a way into our politics, with environmental regulation becoming a key issue for many voters. Photo Credit: Sydney Evans.

Staff Editorial

“Be more cognizant of the things I do such as idling my car, waste disposal, and particular products that might affect the climate,” Mr. Jeremy Pletz, math teacher.

“I can do my best to help with cleaning up pollution,” Stacy Lawrence, 9.

It is important for each of us to look at our daily lives and think about what we can do to make our world a better place. This was once meant just in the emotional sense, but now we have to deal with the actual physical “I would say by educating world. those who don’t know much The scientists have weighed in, and the vast majority of scientists do support the theory of man’s effect on the global climate. The majority also about it and trying to take believe that we, as a society, have the power to fight this change through care of the environment as actions that each of us can take on a daily basis.

Climate change may be one of the defining issues of our generation. best as I can with simple What we do with the planet we have been given will shape the world, and things such as recycling therefore the people living on it, for a long time even after we are gone. and continuing to educate If we refuse to address this issue, we may as well be condemning future generations to deal with the consequences of our un-addressed actions. myself, anatomy teacher It is time we accept the facts as they have been laid out by experts in the Miss Danielle Scrase. field. This issue is real and it is not going away. Pretending that climate change is a small topic, or irrelevant, is a dangerous idea, not for the effect “I think recycling it has on us, but for the effect that it has on future members of society. and using a refillable From making small changes in your personal life, such as not using water bottle is a good straws at restaurants, to actively involving yourself in a large organization, start to help out,” there are ways for everyone to get involved. Depending on your personal Sarah Brownlee, 10. passion for the issue, you can choose to involve yourself in a way that matches your life.

We need to take action. Whether it is recycling or just general energy conservation, even the smallest change can make a difference. Then, together we can actually leave the world in a better place, both physically and emotionally.

THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG|5

“

O

OPINION

Circus comes to town Review of Trump’s first 56 days JOSH PATTERSON opinion chief 193056@sycamoreschools.org

W

hen I look back upon the 2016 election, the most prominent memory from that week was the day after the election. There was an air of dread and anxiety among those of us that followed the election, waiting to see what this new administration would do when given office.

People that supported the winner urged respect and an open mind.

There was more than one time that I was told, “We do not know how he will be,” and to “give him a chance,” and even urges that “he will not be as bad as everyone says he will” or “he will not do all the crazy things he promised to do.”

At that same time, I wrote a piece

hoping “he would earn the respect of the American people,” but also stating that “respect is something earned not given, and as of right now I cannot give it based on how he has behaved.” I hoped I was wrong for the sake of the country.

The last 60 days have felt like 60 years. Instead of focusing on running the country, the leader of this administration would rather take shots at everyone from the media to the former president. He has singlehandedly destroyed some of the respect I had for the office of President of the United States (and that is hard to do).

His antics, mixed with a continuing link to the Russian government that tampered in the election, are not only a bad sign, but go against the very idea of keeping an open mind. Those promises

that people liked to pretend were not real, like a Muslim ban, building the wall, or deregulating government, have already had fundamental steps passed.

This administration has lied blatantly and with a regularity that has yet to be seen in the modern era. It has quickly turned itself into the butt of a joke that is no longer funny.

In addition, Betsy DeVos might be the most under-qualified candidate to ever take a cabinet position. However, this has become the norm within this circus of an administration.

Every time there has been an opportunity to correct themselves and begin to moving towards a credible standing with the public, this administration has instead elected to shoot themselves in the foot.

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OPINION

Factors for greatness Remembering past leaders 193006@sycamoreschools.org

T

he United States is now on its 45th president. Some presidents are obviously memorable like George Washington, the founder of our nation. Abraham Lincoln comes fast to our minds for his “House Divided” speech and Emancipation Proclamation. Even the charisma and Camelot legacy of John F. Kennedy (JFK) keeps him in our minds.

So, what makes a president memorable? There are the good things, the bad, the current or recent, and the strange facts that keep these leaders in our minds.

“I think a president is memorable if they do something to help our country as a whole, not just a few privileged people and not focusing on what is best for themselves,” said Laura Mihlbachler, 10.

The Good

Many presidents have done great things for the U.S., but not every action is recorded in our minds.

One characteristic must be clarity.

Their actions and goals must be able to be understood without in-depth knowledge of the action.

There are memorable sayings like “tear down this wall” by Ronald Reagan, which can make a president’s legacy alone. That saying stays in our minds for many years afterward.

A concise saying or action makes us remember presidents generations later. Also, this is a example of when people really needed a strong leader

George Washington

news chief

With fourth quarter set to begin right after spring break, students will be looking forward to finishing their final exams and enjoying summer break. Although all students should feel the need to make one final push, some, specifically seniors, simply do not have that desire.

Commonly referred to as senioritis, this “disease” infects almost every senior each and every year. Symptoms of senioritis include lack of desire to do homework assignments or study for tests in The Bad advance and overall laziness when it Some presidents are remembered for their mistakes. Impeachments and affairs comes to schoolwork.

So, why do seniors lose motivation all comes to light as the president. There at the end of the year? Well to is little privacy so any misdoing is public answer that question we must ask news. ourselves another question. Why Both JFK and Bill Clinton are would they have any motivation left? remembered for affairs, and for the latter Most seniors will know what a memorable impeachment. After Clinton their plans are for after high school lied under oath about his relationship within the last few months of high with his young intern, he became a hot school.

Whether it be college, topic for the media and history. joining the armed forces, or even The Watergate Scandal is difficult taking a gap year, the fact that to forget. Journalists broke the major someone knows what their plan is political story of Richard Nixon breaking will certainly lower any motivation into the Democratic National Party at the Watergate office. It was the first and only they had.

Seniors often ask themselves, time a president resigned from office. “what is the point of finishing The Strange strong?” For some, finishing strong Finally, there are strange facts that is required by a college or their might be stuck in your head. Maybe the future plans. But for most, finishing fattest president? William Howard Taft strong is a mere suggestion, not a had a special bath tub to fit his weight. requirement.

Recent presidents tend to be Obviously that does not mean remembered as well. We will see if their seniors completely give up (because legacies will be for the history books. if they did they might not graduate high school), but they just give less effort overall.

You may be wondering, “how real Leading during the Civil War is senioritis?” Please believe me he was the 16th president. when I say this is a very real thing.

Known for his speeches and I think that I can speak for all of my Emancipation Act. fellow seniors here and confidently say, we are all ready to be done with Abraham Lincoln high school.

THE LEAF|March 17, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG |7 to take them through a difficult time, for example, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his fireside chats to the common person.

Confidence plays into emotional intelligence. A president must have the self-confidence to lead without fear, because it is probable that something will go wrong in four to eight years.

Therefore, if a president does not have the emotional intelligence to lead a nation, then negative effects can come out of that term.

Presidents sticking in your head The first president and the general that won independence for the newborn U.S.

MAX TOREM

176003@sycamoreschools.org

ALLYSON BONHAUS feature chief

column:

F

FE ATURE

Q&A Ashwin Chidambaram, 11

Honeywell Leadership Program

TAYLOR CLOSE creative projects director 182040@sycamoreschools.org

What was the application process like (applying and hearing you got accepted)?

The application was fairly simple, but not easy. It consisted of three essays, a resume, and some basic information. The essays were mostly focused on where we saw ourselves in 10 or 15 years.

How did the diversity aspect of the program impact you?

The diversity there was probably the coolest part of the camp. Overall, there were 160 people from 40 countries and 27 states so people were from all over the world. My room itself had guys from Madrid, Italy, Abu Dhabi, and Puerto Rico. I learned things from these people that I know I would have never learned in school. Diversity Week at Sycamore can only teach you so much; it’s important to get out and meet new people who may be totally different from you.

What were some of the activities you did?

We were split into teams of 15 people with whom we did many of the activities. We did many simulations to simulate the effects of various Gs [acceleration related to gravity] on your body, ranging from zero to four Gs. A lot of the camp was focused on leadership so we did activities such as disaster response and mock operations that required lots of communication and cooperation.

How do you think the program will impact your future?

I think the program has showed me how many different perspectives there are from people around the world and has taught me how to best work with so many different people. It also taught me how to work well under pressure with a team of people.

CELEBRATION. Ashwin Chidambaram and his teammates enjoy a dinner on their last night together. “It was a bittersweet night because while it was a lot of fun, it was sad because we were all leaving,” Chidambaram said. There was an award ceremony during the dinner. Photo courtesy of Chidambaram.

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FEATURE

Summer plans start up SYDNEY WEISS

social media director

192046@sycamoreschools.org

S

ummer can be a time for relaxation. With that being said, students often feel obligated to make summer meet their definitions of “worthwhile.” Whether on vacation or completing an internship, students’ summers tend to look quite different.

“To me, having a successful summer means a mix between relaxation and keeping your mind sharp. For me personally, I get really stressed out during the school year so I need summer to refresh and take a break.

But I also try to keep my skills sharp by reading, speaking in Spanish, and doing a little bit of summer homework here and there,” said Amanda Jensen, 11.

Classes, workshops, or internships can be a way to continue using skills

throughout the summer. However, relaxation is crucial as well.

“Last summer I went to camp where we went into different campsites to learn about the basics of camping, making our own food, and building campfires. It was a very fun time and I got to bond with long time friends,” said Adam Pelberg, 10.

Pelberg chose to spend his summer traveling, camping, and learning new skills.

“Last summer I was a camp counselor from nine to four. From six to nine I participated in Aves Theatre’s production of Footloose. I also took summer health online,” said Katherine Stautberg, 11.

Stautberg chose a different approach.

She stayed in Cincinnati and jam-packed

her days.

“To me, having a successful summer means having a break and relaxing from the stressful school year. It is very important to de-stress,” Stautberg said.

Quiz: How should you spend your summer?

START What is one adjective that describes you?

Hardworking

How much money are you willing to spend?

Adventurous $$

Outdoorsy How much money are you willing to spend?

Work or play?

Play

$ Work

Hiking trip Camp counselor A hiking trip You will get to is the perfect be outdoors and opportunity to be make money. There outdoors. Check are camps at the out the Red YMCA, JCC, and River Gorge in Camp Wildbrook.

Kentucky.

$$$

Travel the world Take advantage of the summer as a time to check some vacations off your bucket list.

$$$

$

Take a class Summer job or Keep your mind internship occupied with a $$ Get a job or an class or workshop. internship to work University of during the day Cincinnati, Miami and have your University, and nights free. Work Xavier University at a local business Stay-cation all offer pre-college or venture programs.

Jam-pack your downtown for an summer with internship. activities in the area.

You can check out the zoo, Findlay Market, and Over the Rhine.

THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG|9

FEATURE

Education goes global ALEXANDER KAREV opinion chief 194160@sycamoreschools.org

V

Social media kills self esteem

acations. Stay-cations. School trips. Whatever it is you decide to do this spring break, you cannot go wrong. All of these options have their own forms of fun. However, school trips are something that not all schools have.

There are many classes at SHS that offer some type of school-related trip.

If you are in Spanish IV and above, you can go to Spain this spring break.

If you are in AP European History, you can go to Paris, Rome, Normandy, and Italy.

The French classes are also going on their annual trip to Europe, in which from year to year the cities slightly vary. These are just a few of the trips hosted by SHS. “I am very very excited to go on the AP Euro(pean History) trip because I have never been outside of the country and I am very interested and curious to see how Europe is compared to the U.S.,” said Daniel Polasky, 10.

UTTKANTHA SINDHWANI

School-sponsored spring break trips can The Spanish trip is done every be fun, as long as you are responsible and other year, with the previous trip mature. being in 2015.

In order to go on these trips, you must be above Spanish IV because you must be proficient in the language.

This year the Spanish trip will be traveling to the south of Spain, a bit different from the last time.

“In 2015, we went north in Spain to cities and places such as Toledo and Galicia. This year we will be going south-to a much warmer region-in Granada and Andalucia,” said Ms. Meredith Blackmore, Spanish teacher.

With these school trips, although students are in different countries FLYING FAR. Students from all levels in which rules, such as drinking age, headed off to Europe last spring break. may be different from the U.S., SHS’s These French and Latin students went rules still apply. to Brussels, Belgium; Paris, France; and “If you are caught drinking in Geneva, Switzerland. The French trip this year is returning to the last two cities as Europe, although the legal drinking well as Lyon and Chamonix in France. age is 16, you will be sent home This is an annual trip for French and immediately and once spring break Latin students. Photo courtesy of Lesley ends, receive a ten day suspension,” Chapman.

Blackmore said.

the number of people who watch your story.

177032@sycamoreschools.org In a society that insists on not With the ever-growing rise of defining a person’s worth by a social media, components of these number, we sure do contradict platforms gain ourselves a lot. a questionable “Personally, the importance in number of likes building the on my Instagram self esteems of pictures affects our young and my self esteem a impressionable lot,” said Lindsay populace.

Altemuehle, 12.

On Instagram, The expanse of it is how many BUZZ. Smart phones have become integral social media in our likes you get. It parts of our society. They are often used society has also social media, from Instagram to Twitter. is your “ratio,” for created a culture This constant access can lead to endless the number that, in popular comparison. Photo courtesy of MCT. of people you terms, has “no follow versus the number of people filter.” who follow you.

One has the opportunity to know an On Twitter, it is your number of absurd amount of information about likes and retweets. On Snapchat, it is a YouTube or Instagram star, only 10|THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG staff writer

giving more grounds for comparison.

And comparison kills.

“You look at all these people and you see them show you their perfect lives, and you’re going to compare yours with theirs. And there is no way you can avoid disappointment,” said Francine Levy, 12.

In a situation like this, it is important to remember that the people behind the screen choose what they show you. Behind the mask of makeup and an insanely attractive significant other are their struggles that they do not put out onto the internet.

“You just have to remember that you can’t compare apples to oranges, especially when you’re looking at your counterpart through a glass. It’s hard to break the habit of comparison, but it is extremely important,” said Allison Brown, 12.

C

COVER

Photo courtesy of MCT Campus THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG|11

COVER

Climate changes cause chaos SARAH HORNE creative projects director 174214@sycamoreschools.org

C

limate change is an issue that is increasingly being discussed.

Recently, reports of the dangers of climate change have consistently been a concern of environmental scientists.

However, due to political matters, climate change continues to be a debated issue.

“I don’t think a reasonable person can look at the data and the obvious signs of climate change and deny it is occurring.

Instead it comes down to making it a chief responsibility, looking at the economic cost, making an effort to try to reverse or slow down the negative impacts land looking at the consequences of not responding to climate change effects,” said Mr. Robert Seiple, AP

environmental impacts that devastate the environmental teacher. land, water and air on earth.

Making it a main responsibility in The importance of trying to reverse or all people’s even slow down eyes is not the process of something that “Climate change is a part of a suite global warming is can be changed of issues that are defining issues of demonstrated in overnight. It our time. These are things that will the consequences takes educating fundamentally change how we live from which the the public on world is already on this planet and perhaps even if the possible suffering. With we survive on this planet,” harmful effects ice caps melting, Mr. Ronald Hochstrasser and paying temperatures AP Envrionmental teacher attention to the drastically world. increasing, and Furthermore, people must weigh sea levels rising, actions need to be taken whether they would rather have shortsooner rather than later. term economic success or long-term “This issue is considered differently to health. each individual since it is based in our While producing energy through values-our attitudes, which have been nonrenewable resources might be more shaped by [the] people and experiences economically efficient, it has long-term in our lives,” Seiple said.

GREENHOUSE GAS EFFECT The main cause of climate change is the “greenhouse effect.” The process of the greenhouse effect occurs when sunlight passes through the atmosphere and hits Earth and heat that is radiated back toward space is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane.

The gases act as a “thermal blanket,” making the Earth much warmer than if the heat was lost to space.

H2O

CO2

The most abundant greenhouse gas, the amount of water vapor increases as the Earth’s temperature increases, which influences rates of evaporation and precipitation.

CH4

HUMAN ACTIVITIES

Carbon dioxide is the main contributor to the greenhouse gas effect. It is released through natural processes such as respiration and through human activity including deforestation and burning fossil fuels. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), humans have increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations by 40 percent since the Industrial Revolution.

Methane is a much more active greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, but is far less abundant.

It is released through natural processes and human activity including decomposition of wastes in landfills, agricultural activities, and fossil fuel extraction.

Burning fossil fuels such as coal or petroleum sends carbon dioxide, methane, and other “greenhouse gases” into the atmosphere, causing rising temperatures.

Sources: NASA, Environmental Protection Agency, National Geographic, Environmental Defense Fund

12|THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG

400 ppm (parts per million)

Trees absorb carbon dioxide.

Fewer trees means more gas hangs in the atmosphere, trapping more heat.

Designed by: Adhiti Chundur

COVER

Climate changes, global challenges HANNAH MAY

co executive editor-in-chief 173130@sycamoreschools.org

SEA LEVEL RISE

The sea level has risen approximately eight inches since 1901 due to climate change, posing a flooding threat to coastal cities and settlements. This will also affect ocean activities such as marine transportation of goods, offshore energy drilling, resource extraction, fish cultivation, recreation, and tourism.

BIODIVERSITY

Climate change affects the habitats of species, which must either adapt or migrate to more favorable habitats.

Ecosystems rely on interconnectedness, meaning that these changes can have a chain reaction, affecting all kinds of ecosystem functions.

WATER CYCLE

Warmer temperatures increase the rate of evaporation of water into the atmosphere. In turn, the atmosphereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to hold water increases. This can dry out some areas and cause an excess of water to fall in others.

AGRICULTURE

ENERGY

TRANSPORTATION

Climate change is likely to increase electricity demand for cooling in the summer and decrease electricity, natural gas, heating oil and wood demand for heating in the winter, requiring new infrastructure investments to keep up with the shifting demands. It could also affect the amount of water available to produce electricity or extract fuel. Sea level rise and more frequent intense storms could damage equipment, power plants and storage facilities.

Higher storm surges and flooding will affect the reliability, capacity and cost of transportation systems.

Coastal roads, railways, ports, tunnels and airports are vulnerable to sea level rise.

Severe warming of the climate can cause flooding and droughts, which may reduce crop yields. Heat stress can affect livestock, which may also be affected indirectly from the reduced quality of their food supply. The warming water temperatures make conditions more hospitable to invasive species which is harmful to fish and ocean species.

Sources: https://www.epa.gov/climate-impacts http://www.nova.org.au

THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG|13

COVER

Government controls climate, or not JENNA BAO

associate editor 181003@sycamoreschools.org

D

espite general global trends towards regulating carbon dioxide emissions and reducing climate change, the current Trump administration is preparing to roll back on environmental regulations.

This will include reducing federal regulations on vehicle pollution that drove up prices. Following, this may include breaking down previous president Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan, all for economical purposes.

While Trump has yet to discuss any kind of replacement, the 2007 Supreme Court ruling that the EPA must regulate carbon dioxide may require him to develop some kind of weaker version of the CPP. “I’ve seen the impacts of climate change on the tundra as the flora changes and I’ve seen the impact in the tropics as sea level rise increases

beach erosion and whole coastlines are shifting. The consequences are happening all around us while idiots continue to take in political positions rather than scientific ones,” said Mr. Ron Hochstrasser, AP Environmental teacher.

In recent years, the EPA has imposed regulations on the oil/natural gas industry and transportation, attempted to reduce America’s carbon footprint, and conducted research to better understand climate change.

However, changes are expected to arrive soon, as the new administrator of the EPA, Scott Pruitt, recently said that he is skeptical of the scientific community’s views on carbon dioxide and human activity’s role in global warming.

It has been suggested that the EPA’s $8.1 billion annual budget and workforce will be reduced. In fact, Trump has mentioned “abolishing” the EPA altogether.

Other federal agencies directly

involved with the environment, the Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior, also face significant budget cuts.

Meanwhile, many international organizations like the European Union and the United Nations have initiatives like the Paris Agreement (which the US is considering pulling out of) to prevent further global climate change.

“Climate change in particular will reshape nearly every country in the world geographically, economically and socially...In the US, ironically, many of the people who will suffer consequences most are the people who buy into climate lies.

“I no longer consider many of those individuals who question climate change to be ‘climate deniers’ but rather I think they are in fact ‘climate liars.’ Most of the politicians who fall into the “denial” camp, know full well that the evidence suggests otherwise, but they choose to lie about the issue for political and economic gain,” Hochstrasser said.

Climate change: what can you do?

Mr. Ron Hochstrasser’s advice to students Reduce the use of fossil fuels by changing habits Support the use of companies that promote climate change Reduce the consumption of meat, particularly red meat Support efforts to protect wetlands, forests and coastal areas Help protect old growth and large growth trees (as much as 80 percent of carbon sequestration above ground happens in the top 20 percent of the largest trees) Reduce mowing and artificial fertilizers (both harm tree growth) Support efforts to preserve bees (pollination needed for more plant growth) Support the growth of industrial hemp (its growth rate allows for higher absorption of carbon and it can be used for a number of different purposes, including paper, which would preserve larger trees) 14|THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG

HONOR. AP Environmental teacher, Mr. Ron Hochstrasser accepts an award at the White house for his dedication to environmental education. The White House Council on Environmental Quality sponsored this award. Hochstrasser also teaches field biology. Photo courtesy of staff.

Design by Hannah May

A

AR T S & ENTER TAINMENT

Netflix clashes with cable Future of streaming television, movies BENJAMIN RUSKIN

SAMUEL RUSKIN

executive co-editor-in-chief

fun and games chief

175057@sycamoreschools.org

193157@sycamoreschools.org

W

hen was the last time you watched TV on an actual television console where shows would be released weekly rather than all at once. The rise in online streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Instant Video has pushed traditional television watching in to a corner. Now, cable companies are struggling to compensate for the lost views.

Online streaming surprisingly dates back to the 1990’s. On Aug. 29, 1997, Netflix was conceived in Scotts Valley, CA. The new website offered an unseen opportunity that would eventually revolutionize the entertainment industry. Fast forward to 2007, Netflix had grown to become one of the largest competitors to DVD rental stores.

“Since sixth grade my family has had a subscription to Netflix. I sometimes feel that I watch

too much TV, but then I think about it, and it’s fine. Netflix original shows are just too good,” said James Garrett, 12.

Recently, companies such as Comcast, AT&T and Spectrum are looking toward paying $1,000,000,000 in the upcoming year to make up for the 800,000 lost subscribers, and why? Because the average “cord-cutter” is saving over $100 a month just by opting for subscription services. Television is unable to match the efficiency and the cost of companies like Netflix, and people are starting to catch on.

“It’s crazy how people would rather watch whatever the networks choose for $90 extra rather than use

MOST POPULAR

NETFLIX ORIGINALS

Netflix and watch so many movies wherever and whenever they want,” said Abhilash Yarlagadda, 10.

But what can we get from cable TV that we cannot get from Netflix? With cable, you receive a wide variety of unique programs and channels, depending on the packages you buy.

Cable watchers also gain access to sports and news programs, the sole reason some people choose to stick with their cable providers.

Netflix may have thousands of hours of play time, but when it comes to live television, cable has the clear advantage.

For some, cost is the final factor when deciding how to watch.

If you were to give up cable, purchase Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, and HBO (just to assure you would be able to view as many shows as possible) you could shave over 50 percent off of your usual entertainment bill. A staggering bonus for a pretty small loss.

FULLER HOUSE

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK

MARVEL’S DAREDEVIL

STRANGER THINGS

HOUSE OF CARDS

8.7

7.7

4.0

3.9

2.5

million viewers

Source: businessinsider.com

million viewers

million viewers

million viewers

million viewers

Design by: Ben Ruskin

THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG|15

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

Oscars take on new look: Diversity in Hollywood

MEGHAN DIGIOVANNA staff writer 185032@sycamoreschools.org

M

uch has changed for the Oscars since 2016 when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that the top four categories were dominated by white actors and actresses.

Last year’s lack of diversity sparked national outrage causing some celebrities such as Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, and Spike Lee to boycott the award show in protest of the Academy not recognizing a more diverse population of workers in the film industry.

Back in 2016 Smith told CNN, “This is so deeply not about me.

This is about children that are gonna sit down, and they're gonna watch this show, and they're not going to see themselves represented."

Since the debacle, the Academy has added hundreds of women and 9793 Montgomery Rd people of color to their voting ranks.

Montgomery, OH 45242 In addition, after many years of little representation in film, this 513-745-0222 year has seen more than one film M-F 9–8 | SAT 9–6 | SUN 10–5 featuring people of color such supercuts.com as “Fences,” “ Hidden Figures,” “Moana,” “The 13th,” and “Moonlight,” which won best film.

Actress Viola Davis set a new record for the number of nominations for a black female actor this year and Denzel Washington broke his own record for most Oscar nominations for a black male actor.

According to Variety, “All of the actors of color I know don’t place Coupon valid only at 9793 Montgomery Rd location.

Not valid with any other offer. No cash value. One any limitations on themselves coupon valid per customer. Please present coupon either, so regardless what is going prior to payment of service. Printed in the USA © on with the Academy, what is going 2016 Supercuts Inc. Expires: 01/31/17 LF2 on with Hollywood, they will find a way to be excellent. We always have and we always will,” Davis said.

16|THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG

4820 Cooper Road Blue Ash, OH 45242

This was the first year a single acting category, Best Supporting Actress, featured three black nominees. Also, the first black woman, Joi McMillon, was nominated for editing.

For the first time ever, three nonwhite writers, Barry Jenkins, Tarell Alvin McCraney, and August Wilson, were nominated for best screenplay.

Despite improvements, lack of diversity still continues to linger.

Only one Asian American actor was nominated, Dev Patel for “Lion,” while other nationalities were still missing.

According to Variety, “That’s why art’s important to put out into the world.

That’s why films like yours, ‘Hidden Figures,’ and ‘Lion,’ are really important because they’re anthems of diversity, they’re anthems of love, and they’re anthems of perseverance,” Patel said.

The goal of the Academy should not be to nominate an exact ratio of nationalities but rather represent the diversity in our nation and give everyone opportunities to share their talent and be recognized.

2 OFF

$

HAIRCUT

WINNING. “Moonlight” actor Mahershala Ali won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Ali became the first Muslim to win an Oscar for acting. The film also won Best Picture, and Best Writing Adapted Screenplay. Photo courtesy of MCT.

F

FUN & GAMES Hint: movies

ooylwoHdl

SAM RUSKIN

Answers: Hollywood, Movies, Butter, Star, Cinema

fun and games chief 193157@sycamoreschools.org

Welcome to the March Issue! This section will feature a game each issue. This month’s game will be...

iMsoev uettrB

Crazy Jumble

atrS meiaCn

Lights, Camera, Action

8 5 1

3 4

3 6 9 8 1

8 7 9 4 1 9 6 5 8 2 7

9 5 6 9 1 8 2

RM

1 4 8

iddle of the onth

2 5 4 9

W ha t’s your Lep re c haun name Create your Leprechaun name by....

Using the 1st letter in your name A- Clover B- Boisterous C- Spontaneous D- Evergreen E- Witty F- Sneaky G- Pot O’ Gold H- Crackerjack I- Iffy

J- Clumsy K- Astute L- Quizical M- Valiant N- Lucky O- Stuffy P- Puffy Q- Zealous R- Rolly-polly

S- Rogue T- Talented U- Sarcastic W- Naive X- Wonderdog Y- Bubbles Z- Extra

Then add the month you were born in Jan-Jiggler Feb-Newt Mar-Muffin Apr-Dame

May-Lioness June-Candy Corn July-Quack Aug-Cheddar

Sept-Kitty Oct-Fool Nov-Gladys Dec-Penguin

What can you catch, but never throw?

Answers: Cold

*Solution verified by hand and by computer

Sudoku Difficulty: easy

THE LEAF|March 17,2017|SHSLEAF.ORG |17

S

SPORTS

Winter sports come to close JASON MERKEL staff writer 192016@sycamoreschools.org

T

his winter, SHS had one team place first in the GMC and two place second, as well as several individual GMC champions. Early in February, the Academic Quiz Team defeated Mason to take the conference title and finish the regular season 17-1. They will also be participating in a regional tournament in May. The chess team and the boys swimming and diving teams placed second, and the chess team finished with a 14-2 record.

Individually, SHS had five GMC champions. Jimmy Traub, placed first at the GMC wrestling meet for the 160-pound weight class. Elizabeth Van Den Brink, finished first in the 100 breaststroke, Elliott Carl, won the 500 freestyle, Jiho Choi, finished first in the 100 backstroke, and Luke Tenbarge, won in both the 200 Individual Medley and the 100 breaststroke at the GMC swimming championships.

The boys swimming and diving team had 11 members qualify for districts.

Samuel Risma, qualified individually for state in the 50 and 100 freestyle, and placed 23rd and 19th, in those respectively.

“I was really relieved to know that all my hard work paid off. Being a part of the state team meant so much to me because

we bonded as a group, and it felt great to represent SHS,” Risma said.

All three of the boys’ relays qualified, and the 200 and 400 freestyle relays made it to finals to finish 12th, and the 200 medley relay placed 18th.

The girls swimming and diving team had ten swimmers qualify for the district meet.

The 200 and 400 free relays qualified for the state meet, where both placed 17th.Two swimmers, Hannah May, 12, and Isabelle Jimenez, 12, qualified individually in the 100 freestyle, where they placed 20th and 22nd, respectively.

The bowling team also featured a successful athlete this winter. Paige Weitz, 10, was named GMC Player of the Year in bowling and was the first girl in GMC history to bowl a perfect game of 300.

The bowling program competed at sectionals where the boys finished fourth and the girls finished ninth, advancing both squads to districts.

The boys basketball team lost to Fairfield in the first round of the postseason, ending its season with a 7-16 record.

The girls basketball team won their first round against Northwest, but lost to McAuley in the second round to end its season with a 10-14 record.

The wrestling team had five athletes qualify for districts, and Traub placed fifth at the district meet, qualifying him as an alternate for the state meet.

PIN. Senior Jimmy Traub places fifth at the district meet. He will be an alternate for the state meet. He has had an excellent season that ended with 33 wins and just five losses.

Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

18|THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG

column:

JOSHUA PATTERSON

opinion chief

As the seasons change, sports fans around the country rejoice.

The first round of the annual NCAA tournament, or an exercise in losing money for the majority of Americans, has finally arrived.

Typically, the opening round does not go well and most brackets are busted by the end of the first weekend. However, there is a way to recoup your lost capital in entering round-by-round tournament picks.

In order to regain your capital, you have to be smarter with your second and third round picks. These tips will help you in your quest to not go broke.

Forget the first round: just because a team staged a huge upset in the first round does not necessarily mean they will win in a later round.

Examples include 15 seed Norfolk State beating second seed Missouri and then losing in the next round by 34 points.

Value depth: as the tournament goes on, teams naturally get better.

The more quality players a team can field, the better they can adapt to foul trouble and potential match up problems.

Do not over-think matchups: With all the metrics and tools now available to make picks, many people will end up talking themselves into upsets based on a chosen set of statistics. Make sure to take into account the full picture.

If you follow these rules, you will most likely make up the money you have blown in various pools.

Either that or these rules are just as consistent as the actual seeding.

column: LAUREN KURTZER creative projects director 174029@sycamoreschools.org

Arguably the most historically loved and famous National Basketball Association (NBA) team received a much needed face-lift.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson, one of the greatest players of all time with a stellar entrepreneurial post-career, is taking over as President of Basketball Operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. While dramatic, this was a genius move.

The late former owner of the Lakers, Jerry Buss, left the organization to his six kids, equally.

He left his daughter, Jeanie Buss, to be the president of the organization and the representative in league meetings. She recently boldly fired her brother Jim Buss.

I have a lot of respect for what she did in removing her older, male sibling from the position. She showed me that anyone can be a part of the sports world, no matter their gender.

Reports say that Jeanie had a greater interest and invested more of her time in the well-being of the team. Although Jim’s position was of greater importance, Jeanie was put in a non-sports role.

He was responsible for creating a winning team in order to keep ticket sales up, and he did not take it seriously.

Johnson won championships with the Lakers and has shown his affection for the team which proves to me that he will put in the effort and use his resources to put this organization where it was.

What Jeanie must do is stay out of the headlines so that this situation with her brother dies out; if Jim wants to create problems let him bring himself down.

I am excited to see where a great female role model in sports in Jeanie, new General Manager Rob Pelinka, and Johnson take this team, which is no doubt on the rise.

SPORTS

Ultimate frisbee: Athletes strive for ultimate season CAROLINE VERALDO sports chief 173000@sycamoreschools.org

L

ed by senior captain Kevin Sheetz, the SHS ultimate frisbee team practices Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6 pm on the softball fields. Frisbee is a club sport at SHS, so players do not have a set league that they compete in.

They do, however, participate in matches against other local high schools on the weekends. Almost every Sunday in spring, the team travels to either Moeller High School or Lebanon High School to participate in tournament play.

Because frisbee is a club sport and not a GMC sport, it is run in a very casual way. The practices are optional and all communication about practices times and game schedules are communicated via Facebook.

Students who want to be a member of the team do not need to compete if they do not wish to do so, members can just come to practice.

For Sheetz, the decision to play

ultimate was not one originally driven by competition, but the opportunity to compete comes in addition to his real purpose for joining frisbee: fun.

“I play ultimate because it is a great low-stress way to get exercise and have fun with my friends,” Sheetz said.

Ultimate Frisbee is also a great way for fall and winter athletes to stay in shape in the spring season. Sophomore Ania Campbell is a water polo player and a swimmer in the fall and the winter.

“I do ultimate because it keeps me busy in the spring when swimming and water polo are in the off-season. It is a fresh alternative to my aquatic sports,” Campbell said.

The team has three coaches: Terence Southard, a graduate from SHS is the team’s primary coach, who is assisted in coaching by Dave Richmond and Scott Levinson. Initially, the coaches provide instruction on how to play the game. As the season progresses, they help the players with technique and skill.

LET IT FLY. A mix of current players and former players participate in a team huddle after a match in the 2016 season. There is no league, but the team competes against other local schools. Their season is about 10 weeks long. Photo courtesy of Sycamore Ultimate.

THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG |19

SPORTS

Indoor track and field: Runners make podium, break records WILLIAM COLEMAN sports chief 171098@sycamoreschools.org

A

t this year’s state meet, SHS boasted a handful of seniors that placed within the top eight of their respective categories: two relays, a sprinter, and a high jumper.

In the 4x800, Sycamore’s relay finished sixth in Ohio with a time of 7:57. The members of this relay, seniors Maxwell Hill, Nathan Kisselle, Kevin Lawson, and Miles Menyhert, now hold the school’s indoor record for the event The 4x200, ran by seniors Brenden

Archer, Barry Daniels, and Joshua Glauser, and junior Jonathan Malek placed sixth in state with their season-best time.

Archer also finished fourth in state for the 200-meter sprint.

As for the high jump, senior Angela Ruffin, jumped her way to seventh in the state. This was a program first, as no SHS indoor track and field members has ever placed at the state level in the high jump.

Now, the program shifts to the outdoor season with a chip on their shoulders.

“We’re looking really strong this year in both sprinting and distance. I’m looking forward to continuing with our momentum into the spring,” Kisselle said.

2.

1.

1. LEAP. Posing on the podium after her last high jump of the indoor track season is senior Angela Ruffin. Ruffin placed seventh. This is the first time a SHS student placed on the podium for high jump. All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

2. RELAY. Seniors Miles Menyhert, Maxwell Hill, Nathan Kisselle, and Kevin Lawson (left to right) make up the boys 4x800 relay. This quartet placed sixth at the indoor track state tournament. The relay also broke the SHS record set earlier in the year.

20|THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG

S

SPOTLIGHT

Alp accepts American culture HANNAH LOFTSPRING spotlight chief 172032@sycamoreschools.org

S

HS is composed of students from over 54 birth countries.

Rarely, though, does SHS get to gain a student through an exchange program.

Junior Alp Bora Basaran joined the Sycamore community in the fall and will be returning to Turkey along with other members of AFS when school ends for the year.

AFS (American Field Service) is an inter-cultural program that allows students to study abroad. Alp applied for the program with no intention of coming to America.

“I applied as a joke. I passed all the tests, submitted paperwork, [and] then they sent me a letter saying I was coming here,” Basaran said.

While he is in America, he is staying with the McGowan family. “[My family and I] talk every

Sunday. We Facetime. It’s against rules to come back and visit,” Basaran said.

When Basaran started school at SHS, it was not his first trip to America. He had previously been to Indiana to support his sister at a piano competition, and piano playing runs in the Basaran family.

“I play the piano, but I can’t really play it here because the McGowan’s don’t have one. I take guitar at school.

“I played water polo in Turkey and here. I used to play soccer in Turkey but I couldn't do it here because of water polo,” Basaran said.

If Basaran were to be living in Istanbul this year instead of Ohio, he would be studying for the YGS, the American version of the ACT. When school is over, Alp will return to Istanbul. He hopes to return to school after the summer as a senior.

“Since the curriculum is so different here, they couldn’t tell if I was gonna be able to come back as a senior. They said we can look at the classes I took and what

I did to find out,” said Basaran.

Alp hopes to study abroad for college, but he is not sure what he would study or where, as long as he gets to go to college in a different country.

1.

Q&A Q: Which country do you like more?

A: “I came here without my family so when I’m comparing them my family is always on the Turkey side. I would pick Turkey but mainly because my family and most of my friends are there. I’m biased when I say Turkey.”

Q: How many languages do you speak?

A: “3 on paper, 2 fluently: Turkish, Spanish, English. English started 3rd grade and was a mandatory class to take until you graduate.”

2.

1. FRIENDSHIP. Alp and Bahar have been friends for over 5 years. Bahar’s name translates to “spring” in Turkish.

They text, FaceTime, and Snapchat everyday.

2. TRAVEL BUDDIES. All of the AFS participants in Basaran’s group are from Turkey. One is studying in Belgium, two in Italy, and the rest are in the U.S. Their ages are from 10th grade to 12th grade. Photos courtesy of Alp Basaran.

THE LEAF|March 17, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG | 21

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