October 2018 Leaf

THE LEAF Sycamore High School News Magazine Volume 6 | Issue 2 | October 29, 2018

AND

FEARS PHOBIAS

CONTENTS

EDITOR IN CHIEF Allyson Bonhaus ART & PHOTO MANAGING EDITOR Sydney Weiss MANAGING EDITOR Kirsten Thomas WEB EDITORS Kirsten Thomas Sydney Weiss SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Jessica Lu ART & PHOTO EDITORS Linya Guo Harsitha Kalaiarasan Anisa Khatana Sara Margolis BUSINESS STAFF Lindsey Brinkman Hannah Lee Charlotte Weiss Jack Wolfe 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

ADVISER Alexandra Frost PHOTOGRAPHER McDaniel’s Photography 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

NEWS

FUN & GAMES

2 Midterm mania 3 Midterm mania 4 ad

18 Halloween Word Jumble

OPINION

ENTERTAINMENT

FEATURE

FOCUS

COVER

SPORTS

5 Staff editorial 19 Marching Band 6 Too old for Halloween 20 Podcasts 7 Social media detox 21 Fall Fashion 8 Monolingul America 9 Yoga 10 "Grease" 11 Teachers' Halloween 12 Sustainable fashion 13 Fear 14 Fear 15 Fear 16 Fear 17 Fear

THE LEAF

EDITORIAL POLICY Although students work under the Sycamore High School guidance of a professional faculty 7400 Cornell Road member, the content is ultimately determined by the student staff Cincinnati, OH 45242 and should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics Covers by Sydney Weiss 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.

22 Claire Bolyard

23 Cross Country 24 Water Polo 25 Girls Tennis

Read more with our website

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.

@SHSLEAF

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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS You’re back! Thank you for returning for another issue of The Leaf!

I hope over the past month you have settled into the changes thrown at you with every new school year and that you are, of course, ready to read.

Before jumping into the issue, we’d like to say thank you for your continued dedication to our program; by purchasing this news magazine you are directly funding the next publication.

We apologize in advance for those of you who do not like change but we are going to keep at it. Hopefully, you will find the change as refreshing as we do. Every month we are reaffirming our commitment to making the news magazine more reader-friendly.

So I am sure you are wondering- as every responsible consumer wonders- what your purchase includes? I am happy to answer.

This issue’s main story is fear and superstitions. We answer why we get scared (and how). A few courageous students told us about their own fears. If you wonder why we covered such a topic, take a peek (or a leisurely read) at our haunted Cincinnati page.

As we are in the spooky season, it became the perfect time to dive into fear and why we hold things like fears and superstitions.

Do not be remiss though, we still covered Halloween in the issue (can you guess the teachers on page 11?). We chose to cover fears and the like because who doesn’t like to get a little spooky?

Now, I shall be the first to say it, to break the breaking news, that the fun and games page has returned. If you puruse the following pages you will see several new addendums. With our new “Focus” page we will feature students doing cool things, similar to Spotlight last year but with a focus (haha) on photojournalism.

Is this not enough for your eager eyes? Don’t get discouraged, we have more! Our online platform shsleaf.org is continuously updated (every day, we promise) with new stories, quizzes (Buzzfeed who?), videos, and more.

One final message for ye faithful readers: thank you for returning and we will do our best to keep you enthralled, so please contact us at shsstudentvoice@gmail.com with concerns/story ideas/ compliments (and anything you want us to know).

“See” you next month. On your mark, get set, read!

MIDTERM MANIA Candidates, issues take root ALLISON MCELROY PR team

ALLYSON BONHAUS editor in chief

NOV. 6. It may seem like a normal day, but it is not. Nov. 6 is Election Day, and for some SHS students, the first election they can vote in.

It is important for students to be educated about candidates and issues so they can make decisions on candidates that they believe will benefit Ohio and our country.

Ohio is a swing state, potentially flipping red (Republican) or blue (Democratic) with every election. In the 2016 Presidential election, Ohio voted Donald Trump in with double digits.

Since the election, Ohio has faded to a negative net approval rating of the President, bringing the swing state to the nation’s eye as voters watch who will take Congress.

“It is important to pay attention to midterms even if you are unable to vote because staying up to date with politics can help keep you socially involved and the midterms can also help you form opinions on certain issues.” “[It also lets you] to compare your stances to others and see which political party you align with the most,” said Keegan Veraldo, 10.

Congressional Elections One major race is for Ohio Representative (Rep.) to Congress. Most of Sycamore falls into the U.S. First Congressional District.

The major candidates in District One are Democrat and current Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Aftab Pureval and incumbent Republican Rep. Steve Chabot.

ANISA KHATANA news chief

The race between Pureval and Chabot is receiving national attention because it has been deemed a “toss-up.” If Pureval were to become Ohio’s Representative in Congress, it could impact the current Republican majority in Congress.

Pureval supports issues such as instituting permanent tax relief for the middle class, protecting health care, funding public schools and providing post-secondary aid, funding the Environmental Protection Agency, and protecting LGBTQ and women’s rights.

Chabot’s focus is on reducing Congress’ spending, maintaining a strong national defense, creating jobs, protecting pro-life policies, exploring domestic energy sources, and replacing the Affordable Care Act. A small portion of Sycamore is in Ohio’s Second Congressional District. The candidates for U.S. Representative to Congress in this district are the incumbent, Republican Rep. Brad Wenstrup, and Democrat Jill Schiller.

Those who live in District Two can find more information about the candidates by going to wenstrup.house.gov and voteschiller.com.

Gubernatorial Elections Another significant race is for Ohio Governor.

The current Governor, Republican John Kasich, was elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014, so he is nearing the end of his second and final term.

The major candidates for Governor are Democrat Richard Cordray, running with Betty Sutton, and Republican Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, running with Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted.

This is not the first time the two men have faced each other; in 2010 DeWine defeated incumbent Cordray for attorney general.

Some of the major issues Cordray will focus on are increasing gun control, making community college free, strengthening Ohio’s clean energy production, ensuring access to affordable health care, and reducing the opioid crisis.

DeWine will focus on creating jobs, overcoming the drug problem, protecting health care coverage for Ohioans with pre-existing conditions, implementing less standardized testing in schools, making college more affordable, and ensuring mental health help in schools to reduce gun violence.

Senatorial Elections Two main candidates are running for Ohio’s U.S. Senator (Sen.) position: Republican Rep. Jim Renacci and the incumbent, Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown. This race is especially important as Renacci was endorsed by Trump earlier this year.

Renacci wants to maintain a strong military, reform health care, increase domestic energy production, improve education, promote

Blue wave? Red wave? No wave?

BLUE WAVE: Will Democrats flip Congress? Based largely on widespread liberal activism and bitterness over the past two years, the “Blue Wave” refers to the movement to vote enough Democrats into office to gain a majority in Congress. Midterm elections usually fall to the party opposite of the White House.

According to NBC News, in every election since 1946 where the president’s approval rating is less than 50 percent at the time of midterms, the party in the White House has lost, on average, 37 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. However, many major publications have recently been reporting skepticism over whether the Blue Wave will “make landfall.”

job creation, reduce excessive government spending, and more.

Brown’s focus includes protecting the civil and equal rights of all citizens, strengthening the middle class and creating jobs, ensuring access to affordable, high-quality education, creating energy independence, providing affordable health care, and protecting the environment.

Other candidates on the November ballot include those running for Ohio State Representative and for various judicial positions.

For a complete list of the candidates, a sample ballot can be found for any entered address by visiting the Hamilton County Board of Elections website and entering an address on the “Where do I Vote?” tab.

Issues There are a few issues students may vote on.

For those living in Symmes Township, there is a proposed tax levy to maintain the city. Another is the renewal of a tax levy which benefits the Great Oaks Career Campuses.

Additionally, there is a proposed tax levy which would provide support for children’s services in Hamilton County, which helps

children affected by the opioid crisis.

Students may also be eligible to vote on Issue One, which proposes a reduction of penalties for the crimes of obtaining, possessing, and using illegal drugs. It will decriminalize the possession of drugs by focusing on treating their addiction.

Students who choose to vote will be able to voice their opinions on the future leaders of our state and country. Voting now could also help students become used to the process, which will be important as they move into adulthood.

“If [students] don’t start voting at an early age and get used to that process…it usually is a habit that they forget all about and then... it takes them until their thirties before they ever pay attention to it again. “...I think it’s important to get it started right from the get-go and learn that [voting is] just a pattern of behavior that you’re [going to] do, and then it’s easy to follow through with,” said Mr. Kevin Wittman, government teacher.

Students can find their polling location by visiting the Hamilton County Board of Elections website. They can enter their address to find out where to vote on election day.

VOTER SUPPRESSION

All states purge electoral rolls (deleting people registered to vote), however civil rights groups argue that the process tends to go into voter suppression disfavoring poor and minority voters. This supposed voting suppression may remove eligible voters through requirements of ID, voting frequency, proof of residency, or other factors. Ohio’s process of purging voters is based on voting frequency and failure of the voter in question to respond to a return card mailed to their place of residence. Ohio went before the U.S. Supreme Court this June and the “use-it-or-lose-it” voting law was upheld.

“use-it-or-lose-it”

Women making HISTORY There are many more women to watch than those on this list; these are only a few of many female candidates poised to make history.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Defeating the 20 year incumbent in the Democratic primary for District 14 of New York, OcasioCortez is shaping a progressive movement in her district.

Stacey Abrams Aside from being a lawyer and novelist, Abrams may become the first African American governor in U.S. history as she runs in Georgia.

Kyrsten Sinema Sinema is attempting to change Arizona from red to blue. She is in position to become the first openly bisexual person elected to the upper chamber and Arizona’s first female Senator.

Deb Haaland Soon to be the first Native American woman to serve in Congress, Haaland is running for District One of New Mexico.

Christine Hallquist Running for governor in Vermont, Hallquist could become the country’s first openly transgender governor.

Rashida Tlaib Tlaib is running in Michigan’s 13th district, and may become the first Muslim woman elected to Congress.

RED WAVE: will the Republican reign persevere? President Donald Trump and the GOP have made declarations of an opposing “Red Wave.” Trump’s repeated claims that such a wave exists are rallying his supporters, and the President has often been one to surprise voters, analysts,candidates, and legislators alike.

Some say the controversial U.S. Supreme Court confirmation of now-Justice Brett Kavanaugh was a crucial boost to the morale of Republican voters, especially those offended by the tribulations Kavanaugh was forced to undergo. Conversely, Kavanaugh’s confirmation alienated many women voters and survivors of sexual assault.

NEWS

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October 29, 2018

LEAFING THROUGH THE MASSES:

“One year I was a spa girl and wore a green mask that I got all over my hands and my candy got all green,” said Lindsey Stevens, 11.

“When I was a kid, like any kid probably does, I dressed as a bumblebee.

It was one of my favorite costumes,” said Mrs. Caitlin Thomas, multisubject teacher.

Photo courtesy of Deeya Prakash

Ghost stories whispered around a fire. Trips to haunted houses with your friends. Watching horror movies. People love to be scared.

Now, that is not completely true. Some people love the thrill of a good scare when they know they are in a safe place, like at a haunted house. As SHS students who have taken psychology know, fear triggers the sympathetic nervous system signaling a fight-or-flight response.

Yet, there is something entertaining about watching a horror movie or even catching your friend by surprise when they did not see you coming. This October may be the time for you to branch out of your comfort zone and get a little spooky. A little fear can be fun (please be safe though okay?).

The excitement of the quickening in heartbeat and breathing all while in a safe space gives some a rush, though this differs among various personalities.

Fear is something that fascinates people, the reaction it stirs even in harmless situations, the heightening of tension and awareness, the breathlessness of the scare.

Whether we enjoy being scared or not, fear has a sort of romance to it. On Halloween, you ask for a trick or a treat and may dress in a scary costume or go to a haunted house. Fear can be real or imagined. Fear can give you a sense of bravery or courage, say when you navigate a haunted house without screaming too loudly.

Fear pervades the culture of superstitions as well. Superstitions help people make sense of the world. Would you take a hotel room on the 13th floor? Do you say knock on wood? How many times have you said bless you?

These little “precautions” give us a sense of being in charge of our luck or even when we die.

According to Neuroscience News, four out of five professional athletes say they engage in superstitious behavior before a performance. These little rituals can give a sense of peace, an assurance that may or may not have little to do with reality but are still somehow calming.

Superstitions have a practical side as they allow people a feeling of control in perhaps uncontrollable situations. Knocking on wood for a little peace of mind is not too crazy.

Fear may give your bones a rattle and it may be easy to shake your head at superstitions, but take an opportunity to be a little scared. It might be fun to step outside the usual and listen to a ghost story or scary movie.

Comfort zones only reach so far; it may be time to kick the sympathetic nervous system into gear.

“My favorite costume I had was when I wore all black and stuck a bunch of stamps all over myself. I was Blackmail,” said Edward Wade, 12.

Photo courtesy of Edward Wade

Staff Editorial

“My most memorable Halloween costume is when I dressed up as Alice in Wonderland,” said Sophie Campbell, 10.

Photo courtesy of Lindsey Stevens

HORROR? While beloved horror movies typically feature intensely grotesque, eerie, or disturbing images, common real-life horrors, like spiders, are similarly frightening to some. Still, finding a spider on one’s bathroom sink pales in comparison to the thrill of an unrealistic film. Image courtesy of Anisa Khatana.

Photo courtesy of Sophie Campbell

What is your most memorable Halloween costume?

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OPINION October 29, 2018

HALLOWEEN: WHEN ARE WE TOO OLD? Students question the limitations on trick-or-treating DEEYA PRAKASH staff writer

IT IS A warm, autumn night, and the leaves rustle in the spooky wind. Countless spiders, witches, pumpkins, lights, and other decorations festoon the houses, the Halloween spirit turned on high. I glance at my watch. They should be arriving any time now.

The doorbell chimes. “Yes! My first trick-or-treaters!” I think. In a matter of seconds, the bowl of Kit-Kats is in my hand and I open the door, ready to greet the small children in their goofy costumes.

My smile falters. Standing on my doorstep are three teenagers, their costumes consisting of black hoodies, black pants, and ripped Kroger bags on their heads.

Wow. Without hesitation, I close the door on their faces.

With Halloween just around the corner, the common and inevitable question is arousing yet again: when are we too old to trick-or-treat?

The answer is not quite black and white. There should not be an age or grade restriction on this wonderful Halloween tradition.

However, there should still be other limitations.

Teenagers should stop trick-ortreating as soon as they become disrespectful and uncourteous.

Imagine you are a parent handing out candy to children. A boy dressed as Captain America, a girl dressed as Wonder Woman.

And then, a teen in casual clothes, without a real costume in sight.

This is just slightly disrespectful. If all you are doing is parading around in your pajamas for the free candy, you should not be trick-or-treating, and do not deserve that candy.

“Anyone should be allowed

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Photo courtesy of Deeya Prakash

to trick-or-treat until they are imposing on the experience of others,” said Julia Trenary, 9.

She, like many others, believe that trick-or-treating is mainly for younger children and teens should ensure that they have the best experience, though all ages can participate.

In addition, teens should be courteous while out on Halloween.

Though it may sound sappy, a “please” and “thank you” could be the difference between a door in your face or a bag of gummy bears. It could also be the difference between a king-sized candy bar and a Hershey’s kiss. You never know.

“I think Halloween should be about having fun, no matter how old you are. You should be able to trick-or-treat until it is not fun for you or others,” said Kasey Lowe, 9.

Nandita Malik, a parent of a high schooler and middle schooler, believes this as well.

“Though Halloween is mainly a festival for little kids, high schoolers may join in as long as they are being kind and allowing the children to still have a good time. I will pass out candy to anyone as long as they are polite,” Malik said.

So if these rules suddenly destroy your Halloween plans, do not despair. There are so many other ways to enjoy and partake in the Halloween spirit. Dress up. Pass out candy.

Have a party. Walk your younger sibling or your dressed up pet around the block.

So while you are out trick-or-treating, just remember that the ideal trick-ortreater should be respectful and courteous.

Keep this in mind as you grab a costume, a friend, and an empty pillowcase, as you set off on a night that will surely have your blood sugars soaring through the roof.

OPINION

October 29, 2018

column:

I did a social media detox...

CHLOE MENSCH copy editor

I DECIDED THAT

I would do a social media detox for several reasons, but mostly to self-observe my own experience with it and the effects it brought me.

The first day, I found myself getting agitated with my phone. Without social media, there was nothing left to do on it. I wasn’t being more productive- just upset with a rectangle of metal.

Slowly but surely, I started to set it down more regularly.

Photo courtesy of Chloe Mensch

and I didn’t die

DEEYA PRAKASH staff writer

Depression. Anxiety. Stress. These are just a few of the words that teens toss around in everyday conversation. Teens make jokes like “Oh, I am so depressed right now,” or “I have so much anxiety about this.”

We hear these words so much nowadays that we throw them over our shoulders and brush it off as a joke, unable to distinguish between old-fashioned complaining and Symptoms legitimate cries for help.

Mere minutes after I had deleted all social But it is time for us to change. media from my phone, I immediately noticed The harsh reality is that are people in this something different. My thumb kept returning world who have very real, clinical depression to the spots those apps used to be; I had formed or anxiety, involving much more than just a muscle memory to subconsciously open those sad feeling about a test grade. apps.

One in every five Americans is currently Even when I had deleted everything, I was suffering from mental health issues. These still thinking about what in my include deficiencies in emotion, thinking, daily life I could photograph to and self-esteem. Take a moment to let that post on social media. Later sink in as you look to your left and right. into the detox, I took pictures Chances are, you are sitting in a room with of what I thought I would post at least one person who is experiencing a when I presumably re-downloaded war inside their head, all while appearing those apps. calm and unperturbed. As they look up, they I did not feel like I was missing any may even throw you a manufactured smile, a important information, but I did feel mask used to hide behind. disconnected. As a result, I became Maybe I just described you. hour, according to the Huffington Post. frustrated that I did not know what people If I did, just understand it is nothing to be “I think I spend about an hour in total every around me were up to. ashamed of and can be treated. A mental day on my phone after school,” said Caroline health issue is similar to a bone disease or Results Skwara, 11. diabetes. The modern world has developed By using an app that tracks how much screen I, too, thought that I used my phone for about many treatments to help manage this time you get per day, I discovered that my one-two hours per day, and then I found out dilemma. average amount, without social media, was that we actually use our phones two-three times Just say something. Tell a friend, a parent, one hour and forty three minutes per day. more than we think; we tend to underestimate a teacher. I guarantee they will want to help Compared with the five hours per day that an our negative behaviors. you, however, they are powerless unless you average person spends on their phone, I was But how do we become so dependent on social voice your pain. pretty happy. media and our phones in general? It all comes For those of you fortunate folks, you In addition, I got better and longer sleep. I did down to our brain chemistry. should understand that depression, anxiety, not have the itch to reach over to my bedside “The dopamine reward pathway is involved and other serious mental health issues table to look at my phone like I normally did. in addiction and rewards. Behaviors that we like do not discriminate. It is not prone in any The most beneficial change that this detox to do and that make us feel good cause us to one race, weight, gender, origin, sexuality, brought was it became easier for me to focus on produce dopamine so we’re likely to do it again. personality, height, or age. It is an epidemic myself. I was not constantly comparing myself “So with our phones, it’s the same thing…. throughout the entire diverse population to others.

When we get likes and dings it produces of this world and could be plaguing its way “There’s more positive side effects than dopamine and it gives us more of a reason through anyone. negative. It allows [you] to focus on other things to keep using our phones and keep checking The kid who sits by himself in the like your school work or talking to people them,” Stewart said. cafeteria.

The girl on the bus who never or sleeping,” said Mrs. Tiffany Stewart, a Sometimes phone use is unavoidable- we speaks. The teacher who is always smiling. psychology teacher at SHS. all know this. But at the end of the day, knowing Your best friend, with her bright laugh and New research indicates that consumers spend how much time you have spent on your phone twinkling eyes. about five hours on mobile devices every day, can be valuable, and sometimes, shocking.

Be aware. Understand that mental health and they are being used about five times per is a real issue, affecting teens all across Sources: today.yougov.com, actfl.org, endangeredlanguages.com, stgeorges.www.babbel.com, washingtonpost. the nation. Your awareness could, just com, pewresearch.org maybe, save a life.

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OPINION

October 29, 2018

Breaking barriers, opening minds Monolingualism shapes American culture ANISA KHATANA news chief

THIS PLANET OF ours is chock full of humans. There are 7.5 billion of us, and the vast majority are either speaking or learning to speak.

We 7.5 billion speak in innumerable tongues, all of them rich and complex.

But in America, according to international research firm YouGov, English is the first and sole language of 75 percent of people.

Language-wise, the U.S. does not expect its residents to know anything else. Should it?

According to several sources, only around 20 percent of people worldwide speak English.

That means that monolingual English speakers are unable to truly connect and verbally communicate with 80 percent of the world.

“By learning another language, students can learn that there are so many different ways of seeing the world. So it’s not just the one way that they’ve grown up knowing,” said Ms. Meredith Blackmore, National Board Certified Spanish teacher.

The scientific benefits are undeniable: as reported by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, language

learning provides myriad cognitive benefits (including improved memory and problemsolving skills) and correlates with higher academic performance on standardized tests and in college.

On the most basic, human-to-human level, however, learning other languages defies what the plague of American monolingualism says about our attitudes towards foreigners and their cultures. By neglecting to learn other languages, we expect others to learn ours.

Nothing makes the English language so verifiably superior that those living in Africa or Asia or Europe should need to learn it in order to be considered competent members of a global society.

Competent global citizenship means living the culture of, knowing how to interact with members of, and speaking the language of countries and peoples worldwide.

To make matters worse, it seems this linguistic entitlement is singularly American.

Studying a second foreign language for at least one school year is mandated by law in more than 20 European countries, according to

the Pew Research Center.

No such laws exist in America.

“We act like it’s such a crazy hard thing, to learn a language, but it’s because we do it very slowly- we start too late…

“If we made… room for it and put the emphasis on being able to work with different people in the world, because now the world is so small with technology, we have to be able to [communicate with] other people,” Blackmore said.

In countries like Spain, Blackmore (who spent two years living and teaching in Madrid) says that most students know at least three languages before they reach junior high school.

Yes, this seems intimidating, but fret not.

“If students want to learn another language but they’re afraid, that’s natural. It is scary because you’re being vulnerable. But there is some strength in [vulnerability]… it’s worth taking the time to do it and [facing] your fears,” Blackmore said.

So do it. Hazlo. Vas-y. Get more out of life than a tourist reading a pamphlet that has been translated into English.

GLOBAL CITIZENS. International Club members Devansh Saxena, Ariel Mitelpunkt, and Raneem Alshammari celebrate language and culture. Saxena, who is also the club’s President, and Mitelpunkt are posing with the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class’s linguistic and ethnic diversity walls. Alshammari is dressed to represent her Saudi Arabian heritage as she presents at the International Club meeting focused on Saudi Arabia.

All three are multilingual; between them, they are fluent in languages including Hebrew, Arabic, Hindi, and English. All photos courtesy of Anisa Khatana.

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Sources: yougov.com, actfl.org, endangeredlanguages.com, stgeorges.co.uk

FEATURE

October 29, 2018

Kossanyi finds peace through practice HARSITHA KALAIARASAN feature chief

THE INSTRUCTOR begins: downward dog, step your feet to the top of the mat, take a deep breath in and forward fold, circle the arms up, and hands to heart center.

The audible breaths during this flow are comforting, and serve to bring together a community of people creating space within their mind and body.

The aforementioned “flow” forms an essential part of yoga, a discipline that has found its own niche in our society today.

According to a study done by Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal, the number of Americans that practice yoga has grown by 50 percent from 2008 to 2016.

The growing popularity of yoga, especially among teenagers, is a nod to the innumerable benefits it offers for the mind and physique.

Junior Kelley Kossanyi fell in love with yoga while recovering from an injury she sustained as a competitive soccer player.

“As I began to recover, I attempted yoga again, and the more I practiced, the more my love grew for yoga.

“It became obvious that my body was extremely vulnerable to injury, so I had to give up soccer, which I had loved my whole life,” Kossanyi said.

Finding herself with a lot of free time, Kossanyi decided to further her passion for yoga, and help others heal in the same way.

“After seeing how greatly yoga had positively impacted me physically and mentally, I sought out to become a teacher to encourage others to incorporate it in to their lifestyle, especially students,” Kossanyi said.

Kossanyi went on to complete her training and become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).

Her certification allowed her to teach at most mainstream gyms or studios. However, Kelley wanted to take it one step farther.

“I went on to get become certified as a

Benefits of yoga

Registered Holy Yoga Teacher, which is Christ based yoga. It is moving with the intention of worshipping on the mat.

“After [certification], I started a company by the name of Surrendered Grace, and I now teach out of Sangha Yoga Studio in Loveland.

I teach class Monday nights from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.,” Kossanyi said.

By finding peace through her practice, Kossanyi is one of thousands of people who have experienced the spirituality and connectivity of yoga. She undertook the learning of this age-old craft in a manner that adapted to her beliefs.

New York Times bestselling author and renowned Indian yogi, Jaggi Vasudev, echoes a similar sentiment.

“Nowhere in the history of humanity has ...somebody put a sword to someone’s neck and said, ´You must do yoga.’ It has survived and lived on because it has worked as a process of well-being like nothing else,” Vasudev said.

Yoga poses strengthen muscles around the core of the body.

Core strength leads to better posture, and alleviates neck, back, and shoulder pain.

Meditation and deep breathing helps mind find calmness and clarity, leading to reduced stress.

Sources: Gaiam, American Osteopathic Association, Yoga Alliance

Lengthening of muscles results in greater flexibility and increased range of motion.

Designed by: Harsitha Kalaiarasan Photo courtesy of Kelley Kossanyi

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FEATURE

October 29, 2018

‘Grease is the word’ Jervis and co. shine on stage ALEX JOWANOVITZ associate video editor

WHENEVER AVES THEATRE puts on a production, it is typical to find seniors occupying the lead roles, whether it be a play or a musical.

For the upcoming performance of “Grease: The Musical” coming to SHS this month, this will not be the case.

Sophomore Jake Jervis, playing lead character Danny Zuko in the upcoming show, is one of the few underclassmen in Aves Theatre history to have the starring role in an SHS musical.

“I was surprised [by the outcome]. I think everyone could have been any of the parts, so while I’m glad about the outcome, I would have understood if it went any other way,” Jervis said.

Jervis is no stranger to the SHS stage, as he has already participated in a handful of past Aves Theatre productions, including “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” as a featured soloist, and “The Addams Family.”

Jervis was also an active participant in the choir and theatre programs at Sycamore Jr. High.

“My first show was in seventh grade, which was ‘School House Rock,’ although I’ve been singing... for as long as I can remember,” Jervis said.

For those not familiar with the film, “Grease” is a love story set in the 1950’s between Danny (whom Jervis plays), the leader of the Rydell High School greaser gang, and new girl Sandy Olssen, played in the upcoming production by junior Ally Linser.

The musical is filled to the brim with retro set pieces, a rock-and-roll inspired soundtrack, and lots of dance numbers.

This particular show is being put on by the sixth bell Acting Ensemble class here at SHS. All of the students in the show had to audition in order to take the course.

Everyone who auditioned for the class had to either perform two monologues or a monologue and a song from a musical.

“We’re all best friends. It’s a very fun environment, and it’s all positive energy,” Jervis said.

The show was revealed to be “Grease” in the middle of July, as opposed to the end of the school year. This was because the production company would not allow for the show to be announced until the rights were finalized.

Along with everyone else, Jervis did not

10

actually know what musical he was in when he found out he got in the class.

“We all thought it was going to be ‘Newsies’ for a while. All of us would have fit the roles for that really well. ‘Grease’ is set up the same way, where literally anyone can be any part,” Jervis said. “‘Grease’ is something that we haven’t done here during the school year, so it’s definitely something I think a wide audience enjoys,” said Mr. John Whapham, Aves Theatre director.

“I looked at the group of students that we have and I thought that they would be a great fit for the energy and the kind of comradery that’s needed for ‘Grease,’” Whapham said.

This seems to be the case, as Jervis was quick to point out that the show was truly an ensemble piece, rather than just being about his character.

“Everyone has their own song. Everyone has a bunch of lines. This show is very well structured for our cast,” Jervis said.

An appealing factor about “Grease” is that the cast is largely made up of sophomores and juniors, some who have only been in the Aves Theatre program since last school year.

Nevertheless, the cast of aspiring actors and actresses are striving to put on the best show they possibly can.

SUMMER LOVIN’. Danny (sophomore Jake Jervis), and Sandy (junior Ally Linser) sing about their summer fling during rehearsal for “Grease: The Musical.” The students have been practicing music, scenes, and choreography for the show since the beginning of the school year. “The choreography is… much, much, harder than anything I have ever done before. It’s crazy,” Jervis said. Photo courtesy of Alex Jowanovitz.

“The students seem to be picking up the music and choreography, and having a good time,” Whapham said.

Although his only theatre experience has been through Sycamore, Jervis is eager to branch out into other theatre companies around the area, particularly in the technical side of things.

“I’m really into lighting and stuff, so that’s outside of Sycamore. [Aves Theatre] is where I like to act though, because that’s where all my friends are,” Jervis said.

With “Grease” performances on the horizon, Jervis is getting prepared to participate in more Aves Theatre shows this season. These include the play “Radium Girls,” due in February, and “Fiddler on the Roof” this April.

“Grease” runs Oct. 26 and 27, as well as Nov. 2 and 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the SHS main auditorium.

FEATURE

October 29, 2018

Teachers reminisce Halloween days SARA MARGOLIS art & photo editor

HALLOWEEN IS an exciting time for everyone, not just students.

SHS teachers took some time to reflect on some of their favorite childhood Halloween memories.

Looking at the photos and statements, see if you can figure out which SHS teachers are pictured.

“My favorite Halloween memory is that my grandma made most of my costumes over the years.”

“The point of Halloween is to eat candy until your stomach hurts.

What’s not to like.”

The teachers are (from left to right): Mr. Daniel Frank, Ms. Kristen Gilbert (top middle), Mr. Kerry Crotty (bottom middle), and Mrs. Leah Chapman (far right).

All photos courtesy of those listed.

”We used to trick or treat for as many rounds as possible. My friends and I would run home and dump our pillow cases out once full of candy, then refill them as many times possible daylight permitting. Then we would see how much of that candy collected we could eat on Halloween night.”

“My mom made me a Princess Leia costume out of white polyester with a silver tin foil belt when I was in kindergarten . I loved it...I even had the braided buns for my hair. Plus my first name is Leah, so I already thought I was super cool - the costume just confirmed that.”

Fall sweeps in fun DIY’s KIRSTEN THOMAS The following ingredients are needed: Oreos, candy corn, Whoppers, Reese miniature cups, sprinkles, orange, white and black icing.

First, put your icings in individual ziplock bags and cut a small corner off of the bag.

To make the turkey, take one Oreo and open it by separating the two cookies.

Place five candy corn pieces (corner side in, the wide side sticking out of the Oreo) in the icing and put the Oreo back together with the candy corn in between the cookies.

Put a blob of black icing on the plate, and put the Oreo with the candy corn in it standing up.

Then, put another Oreo laying down in the blob to draw feet on later.

Use one miniature Reese cup and put the black icing on the largest side, attaching it to the standing Oreo. The smaller side of the Reese cup should be facing outward.

Use your orange icing bag to draw feet on the top of Oreo laying down.

Take one Whopper, and using the orange icing bag draw a line for the nose. Use the white icing bag to draw two dots, representing the eyes.

Next, take two sprinkles and put one in each white dot to complete the eyes.

Finally, take black icing and put some on the back of the Whopper and put it on top of the miniature Reese cup and the front of the Oreo.

All photos courtesy of Kirsten Thomas

managing editor

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FEATURE

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

October 29, 2018

Sustainable style

Fast fashion approaches downfall GRACE ZHANG

copy editor OUT WITH THE NEW and in comes the old. As contradicting as that sounds, recently, there has been a steady increase in thrifting.

Better yet, it is finally trendy to do so too.

Think about it: with the rise of thrifting, shoppers can upgrade their closet with unique, quality pieces, all without breaking the bank.

Also, not only does thrifting allow for a fashion statement, it is environmentally friendly.

“I choose to thrift because I can find name brand clothing that will last long for an insignificant price. On the other hand, fast fashion has affordable prices but the quality is terrible and the styles are not unique at all.

“I also like the experience of thrifting, I go with my friends and like to sort through all the different clothing and get inspiration. After I

educated myself on the truth of fast fashion, I can never look at a clothing piece from stores considered ‘fast fashion’ the same,” said Catherine Hanisch, 11.

To backtrack a bit, when one generally thinks of the fashion industry, thoughts that come to mind are glamour, modern, trendy. Nonetheless, just as important is fashion’s darker side, one that is not as often talked about.

Currently, the clothing industry is ranked as “the second-largest polluter in the world, second only to the oil industry,” said Eileen Fisher, a high-end fashion retailer.

As shocking as that may sound, it is true.

Even worse, the dramatic increase of fast fashion has created the idea of “disposable clothing.”

Pets impress for Halloween

After all, does every piece of clothing from the racks get sold before new styles arise?

Think about it, there is no way anyone has ever seen an empty H&M or Forever 21. New styles come in at such fast paces, and it is tough to resist, let alone truly treasure pieces one might already have.

Luckily, as more light is shined on this world, change is finally beginning. In fact, even students at SHS are becoming more passionate for the cause.

“Fashion is a big part of my life and future. My goal in fashion is to expose the unknown of fast fashion from the lack of sustainability. Fashion has become less of how cool an outfit may look but the fact that the fashion industry needs change,” said Alyssa Jones, 12.

Source: ecowatch.com

CHARLOTTE WEISS

Photo courtesy of Kiri Basher

Photo courtesy of Catherine Ciotola Photo courtesy of Alejandra Sprowl

Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Scholles

business staff

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Van Den Brink

Photo courtesy of Samantha Miller

Photo courtesy of Catherine Cummins

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Van Den Brink

Photo courtesy of Sophia Neat

FURRY FRIENDS. Over the past years, many SHS students have dressed up their fluffy companions for Halloween. Some decide to make their pets’ costume a joke, such as a ruff-eree or wide retriever, while others dress them in a cute costume. While some students aim for a cuteness factor, other students choose a warm outfit or something their pet will be comfortable in. According to Pet Age, 18 percent of pet owners decided to dress up their fuzzy friend in 2018, which is up two percent from the 16 percent who dressed their pets in 2017. People have different ways of deciding how to dress up their pets. “They’re such cute dogs and it’s fun to see them in funny costumes. Sometimes I’ll see another animal in a costume and wonder what my dogs will look like in it,” said Kiri Basher, 11. Some pet owners wish they could dress up their friend, but they either do not have the budget or the time to pick a costume to show off their animal. But, the animals that do have an outfit are very cute and attract lots of attention. “I dress my dog up for Halloween because he is a part of our family and he looks so cute in costumes,” said Cady Cummins, 10. Source: petage.com

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COVER

October 29, 2018

ARE YOU AFRAID YET

COVER

October 29, 2018

OF

THE

PSYCHOLOGY

WHAT is fear?

HOW does it work?

Fear is a vital response to physical and emotional danger. If we did not feel it, we could not protect ourselves from legitimate threats.

There are distinct networks that run from the depths of the limbic system all the way to the prefrontal cortex and back. When these networks are electrically or chemically stimulated, they produce fear, even in the absence of a fearful stimulus.

Different Types of Fear Instinctive

An example would be pain that causes fear because of its implications for survival.

Learned

We learn to be afraid of certain people, places, or situations because of negative associations and past experiences.

Taught

Culture norms often indicate whether something should be feared.

Imagined

Sometimes fear arises in the absense of something scary as we fear things that are neither scary nor present.

is it inevitable?

Traumas or bad experiences can trigger a fear response within us that is hard to quell. Yet, exposing ourselves to our personal demons is the best way to move past them.

All photos provided by staff

Fears hidden among students:

Caroline Skwara, 11

“It started sometime before I moved to Ohio when I was gardening with a family friend and using one of those tiny hand shovels to dig and I saw a worm and I had no idea what it was.

Seven year old me just saw a squirmy, pink line and, naturally, started bawling and I’ve been terrified of 14 them ever since.”

Sources: psychologytoday.com, huffingtonpost.com, psychologistworld.com

Sam Barans, 11

FEAR

COVER

October 29, 2018

Different responses to fear: 1. FIGHT

Fight is deciding to deal with the threat directly.

2. Flight

In flight, people attempt to work around or flee from the problem.

3. Freeze

Freeze involves completely stopping the task at hand and focusing on the fearful stimulus before deciding what to do next.

4. Fright

When fear overwhelms a person, they do not do anything at all.

FEAR VS. ANXIETY FEAR

Fear is a reaction to something that immediately threatens one’s security or safety. It is felt as a sense of dread. It alerts someone to the possibility of harm, motivating them to protect themself.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a general long-lasting state of distress. It usually is not triggered by something specific. Someone with anxiety may be very much on alert but not necessarily avoid the situation.

“When I was a little kid, I had this constant fear of either starting to shrink or growing really big really quickly, because I was scared that if I would shrink, nobody would be able to find me or it would be embarassing if I was, like, half the size of normal people and people would look at me and be like, ‘he’s half the size of normal people; that’s weird.’ But I was afraid that if I got too big, the governent would shoot me down or something... If I looked in the mirror and felt like I was taller or shorter, I was like, ‘oh, no, it’s happening!’”

Eva Armbruster, 11

“My fear is getting some sort of memory loss issue with my brain like Alzheimer’s or Dementia or something like that, because I don’t want to lose my memory! I got a concussion in eighth grade and it made me lose 24 hours of my memory and ever since then, I’ve been afraid to lose any more than that.”

Designed by: Sydney Weiss, Lindsey Brinkman, and Madeleine Suh

COVER

October 29, 2018

HAUNTED sites scare Cincinnatians Mt. Notre Dame High School

MOUNT NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

Location: 17 minutes from SHS Address: 711 East Columbia Avenue in Reading, Ohio Fear Factor: In 1940 it is said that a young girl committed suicide on the third floor where she now haunts. At night on only the third floor she opens all the lockers and turns the lights on and off.

20th Century Theater NOW PRESENTING:

20th CENTURY THEATER

Location: 23 minutes from SHS Address: 3021 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209 Fear Factor: After missing a reel change, patrons found the projectionist dead, having died from a heart attack in the projection booth. People hear footsteps when no one is around, smell strange things in the booth, and feel people touch them when no one’s there. The VIP room is said to be haunted, claiming that figures walk to the room where projection equipment was once held and that locked doors would open themselves. Reportedly, a man brought his dogs once in the building and they barked, jumped, and fled the building.

Loveland Castle Location: 14 minutes from SHS Address: 12025 Shore Rd, Loveland, OH 45140 Origin: This castle was built by Harry Andrews over 50 years ago. He formed a type of boy scout troop based on the Ten Commandments and principles of knighthood called the Knights of the Golden Trail. He claimed to have made the castle mostly himself, working on it into his old age.

Fear Factor: In a fire at the castle he was injured and hospitalized and later died there. It's said that Harry and other Knights from dark ages haunt the castle. Women in white are said to haunt the garden.

SATAN’S HOLLOW

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Designed by: Sydney Weiss Information by: Allyson Bonhaus

LOVELAND CASTLE

Satan’s Hollow Location: In woods of Blue Ash Origin: Satanists made the portal.

Fear Factor: It is protected by summoned demon that supposedly held masses there and hold sacrifices. It looks like drainage pipe with graffiti with sign of the devil, dark and damp, with warnings of the portal.

People say they have seen floating faces and heard screams coming from the protal.

Sources: creepycincinnati.com, ohioexploration.com, worldwar1.com

October 29, 2018

Superstitions take world by storm

“I was born on the 13th. I turned 13 on Friday the 13th.

My first album went gold in 13 weeks. My first No. 1 song had a 13-second intro,” said Taylor Swift.

16 percent of people won’t open umbrellas indoors

10 percent of people avoid black cats

Serena Williams is known to bounce the ball five times on her first serve and only twice on her second.

One of Rafael Nadal’s rituals includes the precise placement of his two water bottles to the left of his chair with the labels facing in the same direction

13 percent of people carry a good luck charm

13 percent of people indicated that staying on the 13th floor of a hotel would bother them

COVER

NASCAR holds many supersitions including such things as peanut shells on the racing track and racing a green car. These supersitions were linked to causing accidents on the racetrack

Sources: cbsnews.com, medicalxpress.com, usopen.org, elle.com, businessinsider.com

Designed by: Lydia Masset and Chloe Mensch

17

FUN & GAMES October 29, 2018

Halloween Word Jumble scpuooHcsu hactcWtrif nasvtGroee ntmPaho nraaJtnlceok

Sudoku Difficulty Level: Medium

9 3 5 2 6 18

3 1

6

8 9

8 7 6

For answers please go to shsleaf.org

7 1 9

1

5 7 2

6

3 8 5 1

5 8

9

Grab a friend and play Dots and Boxes.

Draw lines connecting the dots vertically or horizonatally, taking turns with your partner. The person that draws the last line, creating a box gets to put an “X� in that box and take another turn.

Whoever has the most boxes wins.

3 Page by: Allyson Bonhaus, Bhaavya Jha, Hannah Lee, Charlotte Weiss

ENTERTAINMENT October 29, 2018 Marching band dazzles audience with roaring show LINDSEY BRINKMAN entertainment chief

THE MARCHING BAND

show this year is fast-paced, thrilling, and full of suspense, it is an adventure back in time and its grand mysteries.

Every year, the marching band creates a new show based on a theme, which surrounds the show title, the props, flags for the color guard, and the music that is played.

The students are putting together a show titled Prehistoric, which just as its namesake implies, is full of dinosaurs and bones, just without the life-threatening part.

The band makes references to this show everywhere, from the show t-shirts to the props on the football field, which makes it look like the stadium has been taken over by giant dinosaurs.

Fans of “The Land Before Time” will be reminiscent of the movie, as its soundtrack is sprinkled throughout the band’s show.

The group has been working on Prehistoric since the beginning of the summer, with a twoweek band camp in which they learned the drill, music, and choreography.

The performance in its entirety has four movements, and the band members are working on completely finalizing the show as the season concludes.

Each of the four songs has a particular mood, which builds suspense, excites audiences, and creates a dynamic show from beginning to end.

“I like how there are so many unique people amongst the group. It really is amazing how despite our differences we can come together and create something so amazing and captivating,” said Olivia Jobe, 11.

This year, right in the front of the field, is a giant egg, which features a truly jaw-dropping beginning and grabs the attention right from the start.

YAY BAND! As the marching band season slowly comes to an end, the students work hard to give their all this season. Their last competition will be the MSBA Championships, held on Sat., Nov. 3. “My favorite thing about marching band is the team spirit and all of the inside jokes. I also love how amazing it is to watch all of your hard work culminate,” said Patrick Ma, 10.

All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

“Marching band has become something that I love, not just because of the activity itself, but from the connections I have gained over the years.

“You spend so much time together that it allows you to make so many new friends, in and out of your grade,” said Nathan Ritchie, 12.

The point of this unifying theme is to draw the audience in, keep them guessing, and keep them paying attention, and by bringing all these distinct pieces together it completes its purpose.

The band is still finalizing their show for this school year, but they still have a lot to look forward to, including the biennial Disney trip with the SHS orchestra.

They still work hard every practice and always are working on getting the whole school roaring with anticipation for Prehistoric.

19

ENTERTAINMENT

October 29, 2018

TUNING IN: Podcasts entertain all SYDNEY WEISS art and photo managing editor AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY, Apple App

educational ones,” said Theodore Weng, 12.

Store, or Google Play Music, podcasts are Podcasts are different from other forms extremely accessible sources of information, of media in that they can be about very relaxation, and entertainment. particular or bizarre topics, and people will According to Forbes, in the future, still listen. In fact, sometimes the more podcasts are expected to only grow in specific and unique the topic, the more popularity due to the customizable nature, following the podcast has. rapid increase in ad revenue, and constant “I just remember one about college food increase in quality content. With thousands and how if a college has of podcasts in nearly all facilities and a better imaginable genres, it is no I LIKE HAVING VERY better cafeteria that means they wonder that SHS students give less financial aid. That UNIMPORTANT have joined in on the very interesting,” Weng craze.

TOPICS DISCUSSED was said.

“I like having podcasts Podcasts are also as background noise when AT LENGTH. I DON’T incredibly mobile: listeners I’m doing homework KNOW WHY. I JUST can tune in on their phones, or alone. I like having computers, or tablets. They very unimportant topics FIND THAT VERY can listen from virtually discussed at length. I don’t INTERESTING anywhere. know why. I just find that “I listen when I’m doing very interesting,” said ANDRE HARTE, 11 dishes, homework, crying, Andre Harte, 11. all of it,” Miller said.

The wide variety of Some students listen to podcasts while topics and genres ensures students will be multitasking, but others prefer to dedicate able to find a podcast that interests them.

“I like podcasts about conspiracy theories, their listening time to the podcast and only the podcast. learning about serial killers, talking about “I like podcasts but I can’t have them self help. One of my favorite podcasts is on in the background because I’ll be too ‘The Last Podcast on the Left.’ They have a distracted,” said Adam Levine, 12. bunch of series on their channels and they If the mobility and variety of topics does are fire,” said Rhett Channing Miller, 12. not intrigue students, then the fact that the The most popular genres include majority of podcasts are available for free investigative journalism, storytelling, might. interviews, and solo commentary.

“I use the Apple podcast app or go to Oftentimes, YouTubers or people who Soundcloud or YouTube,” Miller said. produce other forms of media also have Other forms of media come and go, but podcasts. These public figures tend to do podcasts are here to stay. personal commentary or interview guests.

“I listen to political [podcasts] and

R

20

ENTERTAINMENT

October 29, 2018

Fashion falls into season HENRY LOEB PR team

1

Look 1 : Wear this jean skirt to go anywhere,

dressed up or dressed down, it is always right for the occasion. Paired with a sweater and jacket it makes a nice look for a day out with friends. Add a pair of brown heels to complete the outfit.

Consists of: Jacket - Madewell - $150 Sweater - Madewell - $88 Jean Skirt - Madewell- $79.50

Look 2 : Casual but classy, this jacket

defines autumn. The medium brown leather is rustic but contemporary. Layered with a burgundy t-shirt, fitted dark wash jeans and white sneakers, this outfit is the epitome of fall.

Consists of: Jacket - Express - $248 Shirt - Express - $44.90 Jeans - Express - $98

2 Look 3 : A teal oversized sweater

paired with plaid leggings and black heeled ankle boots for a cute and easy fall look. Great for a day when you want to roll out of bed and still look put together.

4

Consists of:

Sweater - Express - $49.90 Leggings - Express - $49.90 Ankle Boots - Express - $59.90

Look 4 : This edgy fall look from

Nordstrom came together with a black leather jacket, plaid pants, and a striped shirt that sure to keep you warm on a cool fall night.

Consists of:

3 Designed by: Lindsey Brinkman All photos courtesy of Henry Loeb

Leather Jacket - Nordstrom - $220 Shirt - Nordstrom - $35 Pants - Nordstrom - $70 Shoes - Champs - $130

Models: Ally Zimmerman, Cameron Kennedy

21

FOCUS October 29, 2018 Senior Claire Bolyard has played hockey since she was six years old. She first got involved with hockey through her dad who played it in college. Bolyard plays for the K-Stars, which is based in Kalkaska, MI. “I want to pursue hockey in the future I would love to play it in college at Miami University on the Women’s club hockey team,” Bolyard said.

Want to be our next Focus? Email shsstudentvoice@gmail. com with your talent.

Page by Allyson Bonhaus

Photo courtesy of Kim Visser

SPORTS

October 29, 2018

Cross Country races to finish line MADELEINE SUH sports chief

team came to their final stretch, training and competing harder than they ever have.

The boys overall won one first place title and two second placements, Varsity and Junior Varsity combined.

To prepare for their season they began conditioning and strengthening in mid-summer to build endurance. On Aug. 1, official practices started and the team gradually increased the difficulty of their workouts.

The athletes competed at about six meets in the span of the fall season, usually taking place on Saturday mornings. The teammates bonded quickly, practicing every day after school.

“Monday’s are long runs that span eight to ten miles while the rest [of the week consists of] workouts that usually involve speed. [To prepare for each meet] we’ll usually see if the course has hills and if so train for them.

“Usually for regular meets well do repeats and segments. For out of practice we’ll make sure to drink about three liters of water a day,” said Sekani Cole, 10.

This year many team members are graduating but the team talks about how they

have been influenced by their leadership and sportsmanship.

The seniors encourage and support their teammates, not just on the course but in life and school as well; so even after the season is over, the Aviator athletes remain one team and hold many friendships.

“My season has been difficult because I have been having off and on injuries but my team really helps with that. At practice and at meets we are always laughing together and making memes of each other. It is honestly the best group of girls ever.

“The seniors are the best role models ever and they are truly some of my best friends. I am really going to miss them.

“We always go to the football games together after the pasta parties and we have fun and sing really loud in the car. I love my team and our seniors,” said Marissa Thorp, 10.

Both the boys and girls dealt with some challenging weather and muddy races. Many cross country courses include creeks and various terrains such as grass, mulch, and dirt.

Two meets that especially stood out this season were the Bellbrook and Mason races.

“Bellbrook is a course where almost all of the 5k is in the woods and there are [about] five creeks you run through which is super fun and the whole team loves running straight through.

“A few brave souls even attempt to jump over,” said Jonah Mayhall, 11.

“I’d say the most interesting course we have ran was [at] Mason where we had to run through a creek that went all the way to my hips… it was a mud-fest from there on out,” said Gabriela Pereda, 10.

Although this was Pereda’s first time competing as a cross country runner, she and many other new athletes learned that the sport is very self-driven.

The athletes worked throughout the season to improve upon their own targets and personal times.

“It’s my first time doing this sport, so I am just focusing on improving everyday,” Pereda said.

The coaches are all very proud of their hard-working athletes and the goals they accomplished this season.

Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

THIS MONTH, the SHS Cross Country

CHESS MAKES ITS MOVE Chess season preparations began Oct. 10 with the season beginning in late October.

With not only three returning seniors that are ranked on the U.S. Chess Federation but a strong varsity team, SHS is hoping to take the GMC title.

Chess can be practiced anywhere- players use apps to hone their skills as well as open plays against anyone. Challenges against other team members determine the board number of the players, which take place on several outlined days.

“While chess may not take the athletic conditioning required for some sports, it is designated as GMC varsity sport and does contribute to the schools GMC standings. Our players have been learning and honing their skills for many years.”

Ms. Beth Quinones, Chess Coach Designed by: Allyson Bonhaus

SPORTS

October 29, 2018

Water polo takes a shot for state column: ABIGAIL LEFTON opinion chief

A SPORT DESCRIBED to many as a mix of soccer, basketball, handball, and swimming; waterpolo is a unique sport that Sycamore provides.

The women’s water polo team works almost daily to ensure they maintain their impressive record of placing top four in the state for several years in a row.

Their training schedule is persistent and mindfully created to strengthen the specific skills and muscles needed to play the game of waterpolo.

On top of their daily 4:45 to 7:00 p.m. practices, the team also utilizes the Gregory center for weight training on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as morning practice at 6:00 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.

With only ten teams in the state of Ohio, the Lady Aves often travel hours to play in games and tournaments hosted by competitors in Northern Ohio.

All the scores from these games go into the calculation determining the team’s rank in the state.

The team competed at the state championship competition after a long season of hard work and determination.

“I learned to adapt in different situations to the best of my ability with new teammates, coaches and season,” said Isabel Ingle, 12.

On Oct. 19, the Aviators finished their season as number four in the state after beating Worthington Kilbourne.

CONCENTRATION: Isabel Ingle, Water polo

SCORE. Senior Isabel Ingle plays center on the girl’s water polo team. Ingle has more opportunities than others to score because she plays center. “Playing center is hard because sometimes I have two or three people on me at a time,” Ingle said.

Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

24

Vollleying to end Cancer GABBY KHODADAD PR team

October is famously known for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer in women.

In 2018 alone there has been 2,088,849 Breast Cancer diagnosis. It also makes up 12.3 percent of all cancers in women.

Breast Cancer is also the third deadliest cancer in the United States with a five-year survival rate of 90 percent.

With that said, the women’s volleyball team makes a strong effort to try and stop this deadly disease, with a special evening called Volley for the Cure.

“Volley for the Cure is an [annual] event we put on during our game against Mason and we do fundraising for the Susan G. Komen foundation,” said Elle Hausfeld, 11.

The team also raffles out special baskets donated by local businesses, bid and buys, split the pot, bake sale, and t-shirts, all of which goes straight to the foundation.

The volleyball team ended up raising $3,500 which went straight to the Susan G. Komen Brest Cancer Foundation.

“The purpose of this event is to raise awareness about Breast Cancer as well as raising awareness for Breast Cancer research.

“This event is so special because two rivals come together and play for one cause. Each player plays in honor of someone important in their life who has been impacted by Breast Cancer.

“Volley for the Cure shows the heart of our community trying to help out others,” Hausfeld said.

With one in every eight people being diagnosed with breast cancer, it is a tragic event that has affected many families lives.

“Volley for the Cure means a lot to me, because lots of people in my family have had cancer,” said Emma Stemen, 11.

“The ability to raise money towards a good cause while playing volleyball is so amazing to me. The fact that we can take a sport purely for entertainment and give it a purpose [is breathtaking],” Stemen said.

The Lady Aves finished their season 6-16.

Source: www.breastcancer.org

SPORTS

October 29, 2018

Girls tennis competes in tournaments LINYA GUO

art & photo editor TO MOST PEOPLE, October means the

while the Varsity Green team came in fifth.

On Sept. 27 and 29, the Varsity Gold team competed in the 2018 GMCs, which was held in Mason.

“The GMC is an extremely strong league. It is a challenge for each player to live up to his/ her potential at each position, but the Aviators are always ready to compete,” said Mr. Michael Teets, Varsity A boys and girls coach.

The regular season matches and tournament matches are each worth half the overall points in regard to final league standings.

In the tournament, all players compete against other players of the same position (first singles, second singles, etc), and win points based on their performance.

At the same time, the SHS Varsity Green team competed in the Sycamore Cup on Sept.

29. Sycamore Cup is an annual all-doubles tournament held in Sycamore, with two flights of A and B. The Varsity Green team competed in both flights, and came in second place overall.

Seniors Helen Sotropa, Sarah Wittenbaum, Amanda Wilson, and sophomore Sara Bolger competed at Districts, with Sotropa and Wittenbaum advancing to the semifinals.

“Playing at the ATP was such a cool experience. [We] got to play on center court where many pros play,” Bolger said. All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

beginning of fall; however, to athletes, October means the end of fall sports season.

The SHS Girls Varsity tennis competed in various tournaments to wrap up the 2018 season.

Both teams participated in the Coaches Classic tournament, while the Varsity Gold tennis team separately participated in the Greater Miami Conference (GMC) and Varsity Green in Sycamore Cup. Coaches Classic kicked off on Thurs., Sept.

20, and continued to Sat., Sept. 22.

Coaches Classic has six flights, ranging from A to F. The Varsity Gold team played in Flight A, while the SHS Varsity Green team played in Flight C. The entire Flight A was held at Mason, and the Flight C singles were held at SHS while the doubles were held at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy.

Tanya Holland, the coach of the Varsity Green team, drove back and forth from CHCA to SHS to coach both the doubles and singles.

“Coaches Classic is a fun tournament. It allows teams to play different schools and it is very competitive. As a coach, it is very fast paced with matches going on at all times,” Holland said.

The Varsity Gold team came in eighth place,

Fighting for Friday night lights EPHRAIM CARLSON

MADELEINE SUH

staff writer sports chief THE SYCAMORE AVIATORS were off to previously ranked as one of the best teams in an incredible start. After their first three games the SHS football team remained undefeated 3-0, sitting atop everyone.

The Ave Cave grew with each Friday night, supporting their school and team. Everyone had high hopes for the rest of the season.

The season started off as a promising one with the Aviators proving too much for the Loveland Tigers on toga night shooting off an undefeated record.

They followed this up by defeating Mt. Healthy handley and narrowly escaping Lakota West by one point in a low scoring duel.

Unfortunately, the following week, the season began to derail. Sycamore’s undefeated record was lost to bitter arch rivals Mason.

The Aves continued to fight hard but were given no mercy as the following week they got outplayed by the undefeated Colerain Cardinals,

the state of Ohio.

This now put Sycamore near the middle of a tough division, with a steep climb ahead if they wanted a shot at the playoffs. As the season progressed, they scored a major win against Middletown keeping the hope alive.

From this, Sycamore went into a must win scenario against Fairfield and unfortunately for them, they came up short.

All of Aviator Football knew that after this hard loss, they were losing sight of their overall goal of the playoffs. The final score, 40-7, would show that the game was not extremely close, leaving our Aviators devastated by the Indians.

Going into their final two games, the Aviators remained in sixth place in the Greater Miami Conference (GMC) out of eight teams.

This will be the first time Sycamore has missed out on the playoffs since 2015 and the

coaches can only look for ways to improve for the future.

Long time fan and Sycamore graduate Eddie Rinaldi still keeps up with the team and progression of their season.

“They would definitely beat the team we had when I was still in high school,” Rinaldi said.

Head coach Scott Dattilo believes that the keys to improvement are practice and repetition.

The Aves did celebrate a recent win kicking off Homecoming weekend. Their triumph over Hamilton highlighted the athletes’ perseverance and athleticism despite harsh weather conditions.

Although Sycamore’s 2018 campaign did not go as well as wanted, that does not mean that the season was a failure. Not every year can be a great one, the team needs to have a low in order to have a high. The Aviators moment of glory will come soon.

25

WHERE IS HANNAH?

Photo courtesy of Jessica Lu

Hannah is always disappearing. If you know where in the school Hannah is hiding in this photo, email shsstudentvoice@ gmail.com! Three people who guess correctly will be randomly selected.

Submissions end midnight Oct. 30.

(Each assigned a number and pulled out of a box.) Winners will be emailed and receive an out-to-lunch pass.

Photo courtesy of Alex Jowanovitz

Tweet a photo of you in your best “Grease” themed outfit, featuring as many props/on-theme outfits as possible. The Leaf staff will vote on the best photo for its proximity to the theme and originality. The winner will receive two tickets to the Nov. 2 or 3 showing of the SHS production “Grease.”

Submissions end midnight Oct. 30.

FIND YOUR 50s GROOVE