September 2016 Leaf

THE

LEAF

Sycamore High School News Magazine Volume 4 | Issue 2 | September 30, 2016

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E-mail: Phone: BrookwoodAdmissions@hcmg.com 513-605-2000

THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

IN THIS ISSUE TABLE OF CONTENTS

pg.2 NEWS

pg.5

pg.7

pg.9 FEATURE

pg.13

pg.14

pg.16 pg.20 FUN &GAMES

pg.21

2| EpiPen prices on rise 3| Political views create social rifts 4| Strife in France

8| Reducing impact on environment 9| Homecoming 2016: Aves in space 10| Fear phenomenon

OPINION

COVER

5|Staff Editorial 6| Viral madness 7| Pokémon GOing downhill fast

11-15| Heroin epidemic

18| Girls soccer kicks off 19| Cheering under Friday night lights 20| Cross country team bonding

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SPOTLIGHT

16|Music makes change

21| Flying high overseas

17| Extreme tic tac toe

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 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 Wertheim 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 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 Yeyoung Lee 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 September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG |1

N

NEWS

EpiPen prices rising ESHIKA KOHLI

lifesaving medication is crucial in my brother’s life.

195054@sycamoreschools.org This year, a growing outcry has he day my brother was born, erupted from the public against the happiness flourished in the $608 EpiPen packages. For a package hospital until the doctor came in containing two EpiPens, the price has and took my brother to go get a blood risen from $100 in 2004, to over $600 test. in 2016.

Soon after, she announced to my “Until there’s a better alternative, family that he has severe allergies to anyone relegated to an EpiPen is going multiple foods, and he needs medication to be carrying it to the very distant to prevent possible allergy attacks. future,” said Dr. Beth Corn, associate Although my brother has outgrown professor of medicine at Mount Sinai some of his allergies, many still persist. School of Medicine.

The Epinephrine Auto Injector (EpiPen) After Mylan, a pharmaceutical in my family is a necessity in our daily company, purchased the EpiPen in lives. a 2007 transaction, the product has There is no way we can avoid become crucial to the business. purchasing the medication; the According to the company’s firstbusiness manager

T

quarter earnings statement, the increase in consumers of EpiPens helped augment a 17 percent increase in specialty segment revenues.

The prices have constantly risen since 2007, and the price increases are the most dramatic among top-selling brand drugs.

Mylan argues the problem with the prices is not Mylan nor the pharmaceutical industry.

Instead, the issue is with the healthcare system that requires consumers to pay insurance premiums.

Overall, the EpiPen is important in many ways to families affected by allergies, and the rising prices force families to make potentially dangerous choices.

Pharmacy benefit managers

+

Summit Park climbing to peak

$274 net price for EpiPen two-pack

Insurers

Wholesalers

$334 net price for EpiPen two-pack

Pharmacy Retailers

Patients

Design by: Eshika Kolhi

Mylan

The company that purchased the EpiPen in 2007, responsible for all costs related to distribution and sales.

= EpiPen two-pack

$608 net price for

Source: https://consumerist.com/

new restaurants.

When finished, the park will The Brown Dog Cafe and Nanny feature over four miles of multi191155@sycamoreschools.org Belle’s are two restaurants that are purpose trails, 12,000 square feet Summit Park is one of the currently open, while Senate and of covered event space, and several newest additions to the Blue Ash Tahona Kitchen + Bar are expected cafés organized along the axis of an community. The old airport site to open there this winter. expansive civic commons and 2.5 has been transformed into the The park has received excellent acre performance lawn and stage. new city park. Summit Park is an reviews and the playground Summit Park has taken over 130-acre park and a $73 million won Cincinnati’s Most Creative as host of large Blue Ash events project.

Children’s Playground award. including the Taste of Blue Ash So far, Summit Park has Currently, the park is under its and Red, White and Blue Ash completed two phases of third phase of construction.

Fireworks. Many smaller events construction including a “I went [to Summit Park] to take are held there as well, such as community building, playground, pictures of my dance friend. The the recent theater performance, grass area with bench swings, dog playground is really colorful and “Romeo and Juliet,” on Sun. Sept.

All photos courtesy pen area, walking trails and a few nice,” said Christine Zou, 10.

18. of staff HANNAH LEE staff writer

2|THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

NEWS

DIVIDED: EMILY CHIEN

YVANNA REYES

leaflet managing editor

staff writer

181097@sycamoreschools.org

187096@sycamoreschools.org

A

historically unique election approaches. The major presidential candidates run towards contrasting sides of the political spectrum, leaving the American populace to pick a side or remain

Political views create social rifts

unmoving in the eye of public chaos.

Coupled with upstanding conflicts, deafeningly easy access to current events, and unwavering allegiance to personal views, political tension remains at an all-time high.

SHS students’ political parties 2015-2016

“If I know a person’s political party, I sometimes label them in my head in that certain way. Knowing their stance, some people I used to interact with I now distance myself from,” said Keren Idelman, 11.

43.6%

“People get really hostile when they hear that I like something or do not like something,” said Jack Rose, 11.

Republican Democrat Other Party

P excited for SAT JENNA BAO associate editor 181003@sycamoreschools.org

As students in varying grade levels get ever-closer to college applications, they realize that standardized tests are somewhat unavoidable components of the high school experience.

While major tests like the SAT and ACT can be taken at multiple points throughout the year, sophomores and juniors across the country will take the PSAT on Oct. 19.

What is it?

The PSAT is the Preliminary SAT. As it is structured like the SAT with reading, writing, and math, it is an opportunity to practice in the real testing experience, rather than just

53.8%

More than ever, students are willing to delve into the political abyss, forming their own opinions and often associating them with their true political identities.

As a result, varied beliefs can create social rifts between classmates.

“When my friends or I have opposing views, I try not to let it affect our relationship, but when it comes up, it can definitely cause tension,” said Kevin Landrum, 10.

“Online fights are more common than in person arguments, unless it happens in friend groups. I have been a part of both, and they are not fun,” said Kiri Wang, 11.

Source: Kevin Wittman

How should I prepare?

“For sophomores it’s kind of a practice, practice. The way I suggest using prep books before taking the students go about it is-for tenth graders actual exam.

I don’t think you need to do a lot of test The PSAT is also referred to as the prep, if any. It’s really just gonna be National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test a practice to get a baseline for where (NMSQT). The top three percent of you’re at. For juniors, Khan Academy qualifying juniors who take the PSAT is a great resource online. They have will be recognized by the National Merit free test prep in collaboration with the Scholarship Program. The SHS class of College Board,” Sweeney said.

2017 has 11 semifinalists.

Those who registered for the test Why take it? were given practice booklets. If one “[The PSAT] gives you some really is interested in classes, tutoring, or good experience, just being in that practice opportunities, the counseling testing setting where you are taking the office can point out some resources. timed tests. The format is pretty much However, since the test is designed the same thing as the SAT,” said Mr. to be a practice, the score is not Brian Sweeney, counselor. necessarily as important as those of The College Board also sends the SAT and ACT, and any preparation students SAT projections and AP course for either of those two admissions tests recommendations. would work for the PSAT. THE LEAF September 26, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG|3

NEWS

struggles to find place Strife in France: Burkini in French society SYDNEY EVANS

TAYLOR CLOSE

co print editor-in-chief

a&e chief

183020@sycamoreschools.org

173130@sycamoreschools.org

R

ecent legislation in France is affecting the personal liberties of thousands of Muslim women.

Throughout the country, a heated debate over whether or not to ban the burkini has taken root. The burkini is a full-body swimsuit designed for Muslim women that looks similar to the burka.

The burkini was originally designed by Aheda Zanetti, a Muslim woman who wished to create something that would allow all women to enjoy exercising while also maintaining a certain degree of modesty.

“I missed out on a lot of sporting activities during my years because I wasn't comfortable wearing the required team sport uniform or wearing a bikini of some kind.

“Not that I’m opposed to it-it's just not for me. It's not who I am. I just didn't feel comfortable,” Zanetti said in an interview with “NPR.” Despite a ruling from France's highest court, the Council of State, that stopped the ban on burkinis, towns throughout the country maintain their decisions to forbid burkinis on their beaches.

One of the main arguments made for the ban is the French idea of laïcité. This is defined in the French Constitution's first article, which states, “La France est une République indivisible, laïque, démocratique et sociale.” (France is an indivisible, secular, democratic, and social republic.)

Basically, France is set up as a secular state

by separating the church and the state.

This idea is enforced strictly in France, as it does not allow any religious symbol in public places, including parks, malls, or beaches.

However, the counterargument is that in the Koran it never states that women must cover themselves. The burka, and now the burkini, are more cultural items than religious items, and thus should not be banned due to laïcité.

Yet, burkini ban supporters continue to pop up throughout France, with over 30 towns that enforce the ban as of August 2016.

The decision for the ban was partly influenced by an attack which took place on July 14 and claimed 86 lives. The constant terrorist attacks in France are a reason why the burkini has become such a controversial topic.

It has led the native French people to begin distancing themselves from their Muslim counterparts, increasing the tension within the country.

This brings up another argument of whether or not French immigrants should assimilate to French culture, or if the French culture should expand its identity to accept a wider variety of people.

“La France est multiethnique mais pas multiculturelle,” said Laurent Jacobelli, General Secretary of the France Arise party. (France is multiethnic but not multicultural.)

Those who agree with Jacobelli often promote the idea that while France may be a country with multiple ethnicities, everyone should conform to the French culture.

However, in a constantly changing world which strives to unite all ethnicities, the French society may have to modify its national identity to continue to prosper as the multiethnic nation it is.

Since 1990 the Muslim population in Europe has grown at a steady rate of one percent per decade. According to Pew Research, this pattern is expected to reach 8 percentage points by 2030.

In 2014, 339.9 thousand people immigrated to France, which contributed to the growing Muslim population.

In 2014, 105.6 thousand people aquired French citizenship, a sharp increase from 2013 when 8,300 people became French citizens In 2015, 4.4 million nonnatives were living in France.

There are now 4.7 million Muslims living in France, making up 7.5 percent of the nation’s inhabitants.

Design by: Sydney Evans Sources: http://ec.europa.eu, http://www.pewresearch.org/

4|THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

Staff Editorial

Leafing through the masses: Why should you be aware of the heroin epidemic?

“

“Heroin is very dangerous and people need to be made aware of what it can do to you.”

Isabel Ingle, 10

In recent months a heroin epidemic has spread across Cincinnati, casting a shadow of death in the area. The area has been plagued by deaths of not only people of every background and race who overdosed but also other victims who have been affected by heroin users. Victims of accidents on l-71 and l-75 have been hurt by the epidemic, even though they are not directly involved in heroin usage. The disease has affect people so profoundly and spread to so many.

Ohio broke the record for the most deaths due to drug overdoses in 2015 with 3,050 people. One-third of those deaths were caused by fentanyl, an opiate that is often mixed with heroin. The heroin epidemic is painfully obvious and evident in our community.

That being said, we must consider how the problem can be combated rather than just the fact that the problem exists.

The debate has been waged between people who believe users should be punished and sentenced to prison and others who believe that rehabilitation centers are more effective solutions.

Heroin does not discriminate; victims of heroin usage come from all demographics and socioeconomic statuses. Do not ignore this issue and think that it could not happen to you or someone you love. Heroin does not care who you are, who your parents are, where you are going to college or what dreams you have for the future. It also does not care whether it is your sibling or friend that it takes grasp over.

Recovery also does not discriminate. Those who have fallen under the shadow of addiction have the ability to reclaim their lives.

Heroin users are defined by more than their addictions, and they should be treated as people rather than addicts.

They need hope; they need to believe that they have the strength and the opportunity to dig themselves out of their addictions. We cannot treat them as helpless cases. We must help.

By aiding these addicts we help heal the community that heroin has threatened to tear apart. Only then can we as a community begin our own rehabilitation from the threat that is heroin.

“I remember reading about the boy in the backseat of a car and the drivers were overdosed on heroin. Events like these are horrible and need to end.”

Lalitha Konda, 11 “A lot of kids born into bad neighborhoods will be exposed to heroin against their wills, and we should try to prevent that.”

Daniel Dong, 12

“

Image by Sydney Evans

“Awareness is important because people need to understand how serious it is and what the consequences of taking heroin are before they get themselves into that situation.”

Andrew Shehata, 9

THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG|5

O

OPINION

Viral madness: World goes bananas BENJAMIN RUSKIN

executive co-editor-in-chief 175057@sycamoreschools.org

A

lex from Target and “Damn Daniel” had their 15 minutes of fame, but for some odd reason, Harambe the gorilla is enjoying far more than that 15 minutes. Harambe has been in the spotlight for almost five months, and for what? Dying?

I will admit, it was amusing at first.

The Harambe memes were funny and some of the jokes were clever.

Although it was somewhat strange that the zoo I attended as a child was now being ridiculed for making a conscientious and safe decision, I still enjoyed the memes. Nevertheless, the joke has been dragged out. Harambe was killed. How much longer can this be continued?

After so many rapid viral trends, what about Harambe is so appealing?

I think that this entire Harambe craze is saying more about our generation than we realize. I previously thought that

viral trends were quick fads, finished within the blink of an eye.

But with Harambe, the game has completely changed. Harambe has been one of the most mentioned figures on Twitter, Facebook, Vine and Instagram during the past four months. This trend shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. If we, as a population, could bring so much attention

to such a small incident, imagine what we could do to make a meaningful difference.

I guess the last question is, when will it end? As I said, viral trends almost never last nearly as long as Harambe has. Will Harambe be an icon for the rest of time? Or will he fade into the darkness with the rest of the Internet “has-beens?” I hope that Harambe is not disrespected to the ‘point of no return,’ although it might be too late.

Harambe the gorilla was mentioned

1,417,931

6|THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

times on Twitter between June 13-August 1

OPINION

column: MAX TOREM news chief

Photo courtesy of MCT Photo

176003@sycamoreschools.org

Pokémon GOing downhill fast ALEX KAREV opinion chief

194160@sycamoreschools.org

I

t seems that every popular video game nowadays follows a similar cycle: it is hyped up, everyone plays it for about a week, and then it dies off.

Its life span is no more than the average school week.

The same phenomenon can be observed with the overly-hyped mobile app game, Pokémon Go. In fact, the amount of downloads for the game was up to six million on July 7. However, by July 20, a mere 13 days later, the amount of downloads was down to less than one million, according to BusinessOfApps.com.

“I had a lot of friends playing Pokémon Go once it came out, but when the hype was over, almost all of them didn’t play it anymore,” said Maximillion Bruggeman, 11.

Not only was the game incredibly hyped up, it was very dangerous as well.

One of the features in the game is called “PokeStops,” places where the majority of Pokémon spawn.

You may be asking yourself, “Why is that dangerous? I do not see anything wrong with this,” and that is exactly why these stops are risky.

There have been numerous cases

where unsuspecting people playing Pokémon Go have gone to a PokeStop to search for those little animated critters and ended up being robbed, beaten, or even killed.

“I have heard about those stories on the news and it truly terrifies me to know that such an innocent game could be so horribly manipulated,” said Bruggeman.

The reason why those unsuspecting citizens were so viciously attacked was because it was a predictable location for the bandits.

They knew that people would be gathering at that location, and usually the PokeStops are in isolated places, so it they are perfect for evil people to strike.

“I believe that all those reasons put together was why Pokémon Go lost so much interest for so many people,” said Kyra Fales, 10.

It is only a matter of time now for another game to replicate what Pokémon Go once was and what it is now-an unpopular, forgotten video game.

Earlier this month, Apple released two major products. They are the iPhone 7 and the Apple Watch Series 2. There is one key component that has sent Apple users, specifically iPhone users, and the Internet into a craze.

It was revealed at the keynote event, where Apple showed off its new toys, that the new iPhone will not have a headphone jack. Instead, it will have a stereo sound system and the phone will come with Lightning EarPods (that plug into the lightning port).

Frankly, I do not find this to be as much of a burden as people think it will be. The problem I have with the whole situation is the new Apple AirPods.

AirPods are the new wireless headphones that will be sold by Apple in mid-October. They supposedly have better sound quality, but that is truly the only major advantage. It just sparks the question of, are they really worth it?

After seeing the price I can assure you they are most certainly not worth it. The price tag is $159. There are plenty of wired and wireless headphones out on the market that are just as good, if not better than these headphones.

Did I forget to mention some of these will not empty your wallet?

The main concern, however, is losing the AirPod itself. Imagine the stress and embarrassment of having to walk into a store and ask for one AirPod. Will they even sell single AirPods? If they do how much will they cost?

Although I cannot force you, I can urge you not to purchase the product.

At the very least, do me a favor and weigh your other options before dropping more than just a pretty penny on something that you may not even use every day.

THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG |7

F

FE ATURE

Environment reducing stress in students KAMARIA WALTON lead beats editor 171058@sycamoreschools.org

S

HS is a very environmentally conscious school, evident in programs from having students recycle and compost in the lunchroom to Environmental Club, in which students collect the school’s recycling.

Obviously conserving the environment has universal benefits, but it can also benefit the individual by reducing stress.

“Nature is naturally beautiful, but if we litter or destroy it, the beauty is taken away and then the environment is no longer in a good condition,” said Christine Zou, 10.

One of the most important things that the environment does for us is reduce stress. This is something that almost every single student needs, especially for students who are currently starting the process of college applications.

The environment has great overall benefits for your health.

“Pollution equals not having fresh air to breathe, and breathing fresh air is an amazing stress reliever,” Zou said.

There are six main factors of the environment that can affect our health: outdoor air quality, surface and groundwater quality, toxic substances and hazardous wastes, homes and communities, infrastructure, and overall global environmental health.

Currently 25 percent of all deaths globally are due to environmental health.

Poor outside air quality can lead to or increase the risk of cancer, premature death and damage to one’s lungs and heart.

When it comes to surface and groundwater, this affects the water that we drink, and it is damaged by acid rain and other pollutants. Climate change overall is a major factor to human health as a whole.

“Our grandchildren and their children should be able to enjoy and live on

Photo by: Hannah May

this earth the way we have been able to. If we don’t start [caring for the environment], then this will never be a reality,” said Grace Creek, 10.

The last time the climate shifted severely, many species were wiped out.

Humans are not the type of species that are ready to adjust to such a drastic shift, especially when many do not see the fact that our climate is changing.

We need to protect our environment because it affects us all whether we see it or not. SHS has taken steps to improve but we could do better by requiring an environmental education class.

THANK YOU HIGHER SCORES MEAN MORE COLLEGE OPTIONS

ONE ON ONE INSTRUCTION! huntinghelps.com

CONTACT: 513-489--5777 ADDRESS: 11385 Montgomery Rd 8 |THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

Friends of the Leaf

FEATURE

HOMECOMING: Sending Aves into space CAROLINE VERALDO sports chief

173000@sycamoreschools.org

E

very fall, SHS students gather together for two exciting nights of school spirit. The 2016 homecoming weekend will feature a football game on Fri. Oct. 7 and a dance on Sat. Oct. 8.

All students are welcome to attend both events, as long as all of their student fees are paid.

SPIRIT WEEK

The week prior to homecoming will be spirit week with a different theme each day. Students who dress according to the daily themes will receive spirit points for their class.

Each day of homecoming week, there will be spirit competitions during lunch. Individuals will be chosen randomly to participate and the winners of the competitions will earn points. At the end of the week there will be a pep rally.

The class with the most spirit points during the week will be crowned winner of the pep rally.

GAME

PARADE

Prior to the game there will be a homecoming parade. Those who are in the parade will assemble on Shelly Lane in Montgomery around 5:30 p.m.

All fall athletes can participate in the parade, along with many Sycamore businesses and contributors. The parade will end at the Sycamore Junior High School.

TAILGATE

Also prior to the game will be a tailgate at the junior high from 5:30 until the start of the football game. The food selection for the tailgate includes catering from Buffalo Wild Wings, donated snacks, and baked goods.

There will be raffle baskets available for bidding and corn hole for entertainment.

Tickets for the tailgate are four dollars for pre-sale and five dollars at the door, and students of all ages can attend.

Q102, a popular Cincinnati radio station will be covering the tailgate live.

All students are encouraged to attend the football game, which will occur at 7:00 p.m. at Bud Acus field, located at the junior high. The Aviators will play the Lakota East Thunderhawks.

Tickets for the game are eight dollars and are available for early purchase during lunch or at the game.

The student section theme will be “Night-Night,” so the students will be encouraged to wear their pajamas to the game.

DANCE

The homecoming dance will occur the following night at the high school at 8:00 p.m. Even though you can take a date, you definitely do not have to.

Students who attend other schools can go to the dance as long as they fill out a visitor form and get the permission of parents and school administrators.

Homecoming week provides all students with opportunities to have fun. It is a great chance to show school spirit, even for those who do not enjoy dancing.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY Senior Junior Sophomore Freshman

22 Jersey Monday

Tiki Tuesday

America Wednesday

DANCE ATTIRE: TIPS AND TRICKS • Regular ties or bow ties • Girl traditionally provides boutonniere • Choose neutral suit colors: grey, black, or white • If you have a date, match your tie with date’s dress

Breast Cancer Awareness Thursday

Class Colors Friday

• Decide on right length • Boy traditionally provides corsage • Choose shoes that you can dance comfortably in • Finish off the look with accessories THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG |9

FEATURE

Fear phenomenon:

Common phobias

Psychology behind need for fright

dopamine, others only experience a slight release when afraid. The amount social media director 192046@sycamoreschools.org of dopamine released may impact how fear feels and therefore whether or not ear is defined as the emotional it is an enjoyed emotion. reaction to danger. While it may “I just think [fear] is fun and it keeps seem like human instinct to run you interested,” said Adam Pelberg, away from possible danger, humans often 10. enjoy the rush fear provides, especially People tend to enjoy the relief they around Halloween. Roller coasters, scary feel at the end of scary movies or movies, skydiving, and haunted houses haunted houses because they can all provide fear \’fir\ know it is over. accurate-yet safe sources of (noun) the emotional “I really like haunted houses, and I love the suspense that comes fear. response to danger with watching scary movies,” When afraid, Pelberg said. a rush of hormones and chemicals develops On the other hand, some people in the body. Thus, fear has unique side do not find comfort in this feeling effects unlike any other emotion. Sweating, and therefore do not enjoy putting a pounding heart, shortness of breath, and themselves in fearful situations. a dry throat are all possible side effects of “I don’t love scary movies. It’s not fear. the worst thing in the world but I just A dry throat occurs due to the fact that don’t find it that fun to be scared,” said other parts of the body require fluids Samantha Miller, 10. during this time. So, fluids are “borrowed” At the end of the day, a person’s from the throat. enjoyment of fear is like anything elseWhile some experience a huge rush of different for everybody.

SYDNEY WIESS

F

ALLYSON BONHAUS feature chief

Q&A with new teachers

193006@sycamoreschools.org

Seth Petry

David Moss

SHSolutions, SHSolutions Lab, and Head Boys Basketball Coach What is your impression of SHS?

In a survey of SHS students, the most common fears were natural disasters, snakes, spiders, heights, clowns, and public speaking.

Parts of brain that fear affects Sensory Cortex Thalamus

Hypothalamus Amygdala Hippocampus Source: Psychology Today

Jennifer Wiebe ESOL Teacher

What is your impression of SHS? Algebra II and Geometry Teacher As an alum, district employee for I love it. It is a great school.

What is your impression of SHS? eight years, coach and now teacher, Why did you chose to pursue The environment is top-notch so I’m I love the environment at Sycamore. education? very excited to be here at SHS and I know how fortunate I am to have Both my parents were teachers, the opportunity to be a part of this [for] all that it offers. and my sister is an [English] school district. teacher. I really enjoy teaching, Why did you chose to pursue Why did you choose to pursue and I also enjoy learning-I education? education? consider myself a lifelong I chose to pursue teaching for the My teachers made a huge impact learner. same reasons I love coaching: the on my life and influenced me so Anything else you would like opportunity to work, assist, learn much that I wanted to do the same. from, motivate and build relationships to include about yourself?

Anything else you would like to with students.

I play bassoon in the Anderson include about yourself?

Anything else you would like to Community Band. I started to I enjoy playing and watching sports, include about yourself? play instruments in elementary working out, and binge-watching school (the saxophone) and I have a 12 year old son, JD, and a Netflix despite how judgmental it then I switched to bassoon for nine year old daughter, Samantha gets all the time. symphonic band. who both attend Kings.

10|THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

C

COVER

THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG 11

COVER

All over heroin: Anonymous student narrative Student name withheld to protect identity

I

never thought it would happen to me. What did I do to deserve this? I cannot live without him.

If someone knew about it, would he still be here today?

This is not happening.

These are thoughts that still go through my head four years after his death. I never could have imagined life without him. He was my father, my role model, my protector. Now he is gone.

This is not happening. It can not be true. NO, this is a bad dream.

What did I do to deserve this?

It is part of the past, so I am here to tell you my story.

My dad was my everything. When he was not sleeping or out “working late,” we were your typical father-and-son duo.

I lived with him full-time for three years due to issues with my step dad. We got very, very close.

I did not know he was doing heroin until after his death. I thought everything was going great when he drove to Hilton Head Island and dropped me off at an overnight summer camp. I had the best time of my life at that camp. When it came to an end, I was heartbroken.

My mom came to pick me up because my dad was running late (at least, that is what he told us). My mom, my sister, and my brother decided to spend the

Q&A Matthew McMurry,

Assistant Professor of Psychology, Miami University

Q: What interested you in the topic of addiction in adolescence?

A: First, I got interested in addiction during my undergraduate coursework in psychology. We learned that addiction is the only entirely preventable psychiatric

weekend at my grandpa’s house in Batavia.

“I’m finally getting to spend time with my mom! This is awesome,” I thought to myself as we watched TV and then went out into the woods.

Everything was going great until my mom went outside to take a phone call.

I looked out the window and saw her sobbing. My sister and I ran out to her.

She told us the call was from our uncle. We became upset too and worried about him. I remember running outside and trying to calm down by lying down in the grass.

Then my world crashed.

“Hey guys, come out here,” I hear my mom say to my sister and me. We walk out to find my aunt, my grandpa, and my mom sitting there struggling to hold back tears.

My sister and I had no idea what was going on besides the accident involving my uncle who was not very close with any of us.

“What’s going on?” I asked with sweat dripping down my forehead.

“It’s about your dad; he was in a car accident, and he has brain damage. He’s not going to make it,” my aunt said as my mom sobbed.

I scream. All I remember is screaming. I start hitting the wall and screaming. illness. If you don’t ever use drugs, you can’t ever become an addict.

This naturally made me wonder why individuals choose to use drugs and what factors might predispose an individual to transition from casual drug use (recreational) to a full-blown dependence.

Q: What was the most surprising discovery or conclusion from your research?

A: One of the most surprising findings of my research is that alcohol abuse during adolescence actually changes

12|THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

“Why me? WHY ME?” as my sister quietly sobs next to me.

Fast forward a month and ...

As we are going through my dad’s personal belongings, we find his journal and read it. The first page is dated May 28, 2008, and he wrote, “I just started heroin. I need help. It’s taking over my life. I can’t tell my family because it’ll scare them. The only way out is death.”

He started off with pills. It seemed he was always at the hospital chasing a better high.

We looked closer into the accident report and found it was not an accident.

My dad had gotten married that night.

On his way home he was driving 90 miles an hour when his car went under the back of a semi-truck. With his newly wed in the front seat reclining back in her seat, she did not feel the force of the impact on her head the way my dad did. The top of his car scraped the underpinnings of the semi. He was ...

All because of a stupid drug.

People may repeatedly say that this is not going to happen to them. Maybe it will not happen to you, but you never know if it will happen to the person closest to you.

So please, if you suspect any use of drugs in your family, remember to talk to them. Even the least addicting drugs can become gateway drugs for a better high.

We need to take a stand against heroin. And now. the way your brain develops. It fundamentally changes who you are and what you choose to do, subtly predisposing you to make riskier decisions in other aspects of your life and perhaps leading you to continue to abuse drugs.

This vicious feedback cycle begins early in life with the choice to abuse the drug, but resonates throughout the rest of your life without your conscious knowledge. Beginning abuse in adulthood doesn't seem to have the same effects, possibly because your brain has finished developing.

COVER

Q&A Sydney Bahr,

W

11

SYDNEY EVANS

ABBY LEFTON

co print editor-in-chief

staff writer

183020@sycamoreschools.org

192011@sycamoreschools.org

hat do you think of the heroin epidemic and how bad it has gotten in the last couple of years?

It's definitely gotten a lot worse; there have been a lot more reports about it in the news. Actually, a few weeks ago someone took out the trash at my dad’s work to the dumpster right next to where he parks his car, and they found a dead body from a heroin overdose. So that was pretty freaky. It sucks because all these people are being affected by heroin. Not only are they overdosing on it, but the new laced heroin that everyone has found is killing a lot of people because it’s really not good and it’s stronger than it was before.

How has this affected you and your family?

A long-lost cousin of mine overdosed on heroin last week, and it was very sad. My uncle is very upset about it, he has 7 kids and they are upset they lost their brother to something that can be prevented.

What do you think is the most important step anyone can take to prevent all of these deaths?

Definitely if you are put into a situation where you are being pressured into doing heroin or any other drug, just

Q: What does an overdose do to the brain?

A: Neurobiologically, if drug doses are high enough, parts of your brain can actually reach toxic levels of drugs, and the cells in those regions can die, much like what occurs in a stroke or traumatic brain injury. While overdoses can have a strong impact on the brain, when individuals die from an overdose, this is typically due to cardiac side effects of the drug, not its neurobiological effects. All drugs travel through your circulatory

get out of it, walk away.

And as far as law enforcement officers go, just look out for people who are being strange and could be affected by drugs. Also, keep an eye out for them so if something happens, the emergency care can be administered as soon as possible because there's not much we can do to prevent it.

What progress have you seen the patients make from when they are in the bed versus when they are released?

I volunteer in a hospital at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

It’s the only Level One trauma center in the Cincinnati area, so from car wrecks to overdoses, we see everything, and it’s very upsetting because the good majority of my patients are overdoses, What do you think when most of them heroin.

It’s very scary because you think people say “it’s the heroin [an overdose] will kill you instantly user’s fault. Law enforcement but, with an overdose it does not. It’s should not try to save them a struggle for them and for the people when they overdose?” who takes care of them. Everyone wants the patient to live and it’s just very Addiction is a disease. It is also a choice. The very first time you do drugs, upsetting because...it’s not as quick and easy as everyone thinks it might be. you choose to do those drugs. People They come in barely hanging onto life, may be pressuring you but no one is forcing you to do these drugs. Drugs are and with the right amount of support and enough medical treatment they turn a very serious topic, especially heroin [in] the recent epidemic. All lives should out okay. If they have a will to live and be saved no matter if it’s an addict or a get out of the drugs, then they will get priest, or anybody. Everyone deserves a better. chance at life.

Waiting time for addiction treatement Drugs are mistakes and some drugs are so powerful that once you get into ranges from weeks to months [them], it’s hard to get out without having the right help. By the time you are pressured into doing the drug, the More heroin has been taken off the people you surround yourself with are the street in Hamilton County in the the ones who were into it in the first place. It’s hard to get the right kind of last years in than the past years support. But definitely everyone needs combined to help the addicts. Give them support.

2

2

system and thus reach all parts of your body. Therefore, every drug has "side" effects. These side effects can be deadly if enough drugs are taken, with heart attacks and respiratory suppression being the most common.

This is typically what happens in heroin overdoses.

Q: What the best treatment to addiction and can it ever be treated?

A: Addiction is a life-long disease.

There is no "cure." There is also no "best treatment." Instead, the best

5

7

course of therapy is catered to the individual patient, based on their needs and their resources.

Typically, treatment involves medications, group and individual therapy, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. Often, individuals will also start this treatment at a rehabilitation center after an especially bad bout of drug use. Regardless of any immediate success with these treatments, addicts will always be at risk of relapse, and many will seek treatment for the disease for the rest of their life.

THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG|13

COVER

ADHITI CHUNDUR

hotlines on its website. “[Heroin is] going to be a very 182114@sycamoreschools.org difficult thing to combat without the prevention aspect,” said Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi ne of the most important Sammarco. Learning about the ways to combat the heroin effects and damage of the heroin epidemic is prevention. epidemic and getting help for The Hamilton County Heroin Coalition (HCHC) has a compilation friends and families are important steps as well. of lists of resources and crisis print co-editor-in-chief

Prevention measures

O

Fighting heroin

Cincinnati combats heroin epidemic

Opioid origins According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, most of the heroin supply in the U.S. is coming from abroad.

The severity of the epidemic can be traced back to availability, cost, and potency. Drug cartels are responsible for making heroin accessible and easy to obtain.

“When we think of drug cartels we think of gangs

crisis hotline

and we think of murder and violence. However, some of these cartels have come up with a system of customer service that almost rivals Amazon.

“You can actually text somebody and have the heroin delivered to you, and if for some reason you don’t like what you got or think you were cheated, they’ll send you some more. It’s all about money.

They want to cause you

to become addicted,” said Tim Ingram, Health Commissioner of Hamilton County Public Health.

This industry is profit-motivated. Nonprescription drugs are much cheaper than prescriptions, and cartels are making millions, if not billions of dollars off of this market.

513-281-7422

Anatomy of addiction Addiction is a complicated issue.

Typically, an individual voluntarily starts their drug use, but when a person becomes addicted, the drugs they use change the structure of their brain and how it functions.

“I, and most of the physicians that handle medicine, see addiction as a disease, but we as a society don’t all see it the same way.

“It’s not the fault of the personit’s the fault of society on how we look at the problem and how we are prescribing pain medications,”

Hamilton County

Coalition

Biological basis:

Ingram said.

Addiction is a disease that affects both the brain and behavior of an individual. It is commonly characterized as a moral failure. However, understanding how drugs rewire the brain and stimulate chronic drug usage is the next step to combating the heroin epidemic.

“It is basically the opioids, which attach to certain receptors blocking the sense of pain, and that’s how you get pain relief,” Sammarco said.

14|THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

To combat this epidemic, the Hamilton County Heroin Coalition brings together leaders from different departments to address this issue.

“The genesis of this heroin coalition is to bring everybody who is touching this problem in government together.

“My staff and I coordinate the efforts of the coalition, and the county has agreed to commit over a million dollars to this effort.

So, we determine how it is spent and how the resources are placed,” said Dennis Deters, Vice President of the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners and Coalition Chair of HCHC. The coalition aims to increase access to treatment, improve prevention efforts, and reduce the severe consequences of heroin.

“I am certain [we can beat the epidemic].

The momentum we have locally with the heroin coalition is going to make it happen.

There is enough attention to this and enough leaders who believe that we can beat this thing, that it will happen,” Deters said.

To learn more about the epidemic or receive help, visit injecthope.com.

Opioid drugs control the limbic system (brain reward system) and rewire the brain to cause addiction despite any implications.

“Narcan basically competes for the same receptors and dislodges the opioid and prevents it from affecting the breathing so that people can breathe normally,” said Sammarco.

COVER

Heroin hurts: not just users The heroin epidemic has been a involved-when we see these secondary growing problem for years. With the infections start to arise,” said Ingram. recent spikes in fentanyl and carfentanil While most people born between use, overdose deaths have increased 1946 and 1964 typically make up most significantly. of the population with Hepatitis C “Last year we had 414 accidental (HCV), a 2015 study conducted by the overdose deaths. That is more than University Medical Center at Princeton twice the combination of motor vehicle found that “escalating injection drug deaths and homicides put together,” said and heroin use has been associated Sammarco. with increasing HCV infection among The ever- growing heroin epidemic young persons.” has created new complications including Now, people between 17-35 years secondary old are making up a infections. Due second wave of HCV “This disease of addiction to the unhygienic infections. due to opioid [use] knows no practice of sharing Likewise, HIV, political boundaries, knows or using discarded which is also needles, infections no gender, and knows no race- contracted through like HIV and the transmission everyone is vulnerable” Hepatitis C have of blood and bodily become another -Health Commissioner Tim Ingram fluids, has started epidemic. to rapidly spread in “It’s not heroin-prone areas. contagious from a person to person Last year, more than 140 people in standpoint-but this leads to secondary Scots County, Indiana were infected infections that can be transmitted from with HIV- the worst outbreak in person to person.

Indiana’s history.

“When they start utilizing heroin they The epidemic has taken a toll on are sharing needles. This is causing families in the community. them to share diseases like HIV “I’m an attorney in private practice, and Hepatitis C. That’s how we get so I have helped families who have

Heroin

Fentanyl

Heroin is an opioid depressant

Fentanyl is a synthetic prescription opiate that is commonly laced into heroin

Carfentanil Carfentanil is an elephant tranquilizer, but it has recently been linked to a spike in overdoses

Menacing measurements Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than straight heroin, and Carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl

1 10 250

Heroin deaths in Hamilton County (2015)

198

heroin involved deaths

238

fentanyl involved deaths

414 accidental overdose deaths Source: Hamilton County Coroner’s Office

been dealing with addiction in different ways. Sometimes they get in trouble with the law, sometimes there are other issues with treatment that I’ve helped them with.

“From an elected official standpoint, heroin has become a drain on resources. There are a number of local law enforcement people and emergency personnel that can tell you that they are spending as much time, if not more on the heroin epidemic with overdoses than on the regular emergency runs,” said Deters.

The heroin epidemic has spread to suburban areas as well as the city.

“I see the consequences of heroin. I see needles on the street discarded. I get calls from people who are seeking help for their child, brother, nephew, niece, trying to get into treatment.

“If they had asked me three years ago if I would have been working as the Public Health Commissioner for this issue, I would have said no because it has always been managed and handled by the Mental Health Department. But it has gotten so big and there has been so many secondary infections that they alone cannot deal with this problem.

“This disease of addiction due to opioid [use] knows no political boundaries, knows no gender, and knows no race- everyone is vulnerable,” said Ingram.

THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG|15

A

AR T S & ENTER TAINMENT

Music makes change: MADDI SAUNDERS staff writer

Singers spreading love in lyrics

204178@sycamoreschools.org

T

he remix of “Where’s the Love?” came out Aug. 31.

It was made by will.i.am to raise money for his non-profit i.am.angel Foundation, started in 2009 to change people’s lives through education, opportunity, and inspiration.

The Black Eyed Peas said, “And if you never speak the truth then you never know how love sounds.”

The foundation provides the i.am. scholarship and the i.am.college. track, which is a college preparation course.

The remix is based off of the song, “Where is the Love?” which the Black Eyed Peas wrote in 2003 after 9/11.

The group decided to write “#WHERESTHELOVE” after the shootings in Paris, Belgium, and Orlando to campaign against violence.

“I think that people today are afraid to speak real truths. I believe that truth, real truth, is a place that comes from love. Good truth should help improve, not make worse,” said Mrs. Emily Sweeney, English teacher. “#WHEREISTHELOVE” is a song about the hard times in our country.

The Black Eyed Peas sing about how much racism and terrorism there is in the U.S. The video attempts to address these issues and promote peace.

“I think that the song is questioning people today who don’t feel love. They’re asking a valid question about where the love has gone. It’s sad that aggression is the first emotion people seem to feel [rather than] positivity,” said Holly

Mourners hold a vigil for victims of the shooting at the Pulse club in Orlando. The shooting took place on June 12, 2016. 49 were killed and 53 were injured. The Black Eyed Peas’ new song was inspired by the tragedies at Orlando, Paris, and Belgium.

Photo courtesy: MCT Photo.

Other artists creating social commentary Baker, 11.

In the video, will.i.am had other celebrities, victims of shootings, and a children’s choir contribute. Even though the band broke up, the members reunited to create this song.

Some celebrities who helped create “#WHEREISTHELOVE” are Justin Timberlake, Usher, Snoop Dogg, and Vanessa Hudgens.

A couple of the victims featured in the video are Sandra Sterling and Valerie Castile. Sterling’s nephew, Alton Sterling, and Castile’s son Philando Castile were both gunned down. “[‘#WHERESTHELOVE’] is powerful and it’s talking about hard stuff, calling people to action, speaking to the hard times that we’re in,” Sweeney said.

The remix addresses that right now, racism should not exist. Because of all of the violence and malevolent actions, children, teenagers, and adults are dying.

“A solution to violence against each other is remembering love for each other,” said Mrs. Bonnie Stephenson, counselor.

16|THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

Same LoveMacklemore & Ryan Lewis

ImagineJohn Lennon All You Need Is LoveThe Beatles FreedomBeyonce Ft. Kendrick Lamar Source: https://www.lyricinterpretations.com

F

FUN & GAMES

SAM RUSKIN fun and games chief 193157@sycamoreschools.org

Welcome to a new year of “The Leaf.” This section will feature a new game each issue. This month’s game will be...

Extreme

Tic Tac Toe! Sudoku Difficulty: Hard *Solution verified by hand and by computer

3 5 6 8

Game Credits: Abhilash Yarlagadda

1

4 2

7 1 9 8 3

1

3 4 5 4

7

RM

iddle of the onth

9

C T

7 3

9 3

U

3

S P O I

H E

A R G

E O R E

N I H

Ink

6

Polly Horned

Answers: Octopus, Sheep, Parrot, Tiger, Rhino

5

The Honeycomb

Start at the colored hexagon. Spell solutions to the hints below by winding your way through the shapes. You can backtrack and use letters more than one time. Each new word starts with the last letter of the previous word. Start with the black hexagon. The theme is: Animals

I am tall when I am young, I am short when I am old. What am I? THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG| |17

S

SPORTS

Girls soccer kicks off HANNAH MAY

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

O

ne game at a time; this is the mantra behind the girls varsity soccer team. After coming off of a winning season with a record of eight wins, six losses and five ties, the team is not focused on the past nor the future, but rather the immediate task at hand: winning each game they are playing.

“We are focused on taking our games one at a time. We look to focus on the end when it gets here. However, our ultimate goal is to get the GMC [Greater Miami Conference] title,” said Renee Foster, 12.

The team is coached by history teacher Mr. Brian Fallon and former SHS player Annie Demuth.

Demuth was on the All-Conference second team in 2008. Foster

and juniors Kelsey Kandil and MacKenzie Kandil are the player captains.

Kandil is currently ranked second among offensive players in the GMC with five goals and three assists.

Presently, the team holds a record of two wins, four losses and four ties while being ranked sixth in the GMC. “The season has had some ups and downs but we have played some of our toughest opponents. For the most part, we’ve done really well.

At this point, it is hard to predict anything because there is still so much we have to do,” Foster said.

Looking forward, the team will compete for the GMC title and then move on to the state tournament.

Sophomore Madeline Thiss prepares to move down the field into an offensive position. Thiss is currently ranked fourth as an offensive player in the GMC. The SHS team is ranked sixth in the GMC. Photo courtesy: McDaniel’s Photography WILLIAM COLEMAN co-sports chief

Photo courtesy: McDaniel’s Photography

Boys soccer heads to GMC

171098@sycamoreschools.org

After a 9-8-2 record, or nine wins, eight losses, and two ties in 2015, this new SHS boys varsity soccer team will continue to improve from last year.

With seven departing players from the class of 2016, including starting goalie Charlie Supp, the team also welcomes in eight first-year varsity players, consisting of juniors, sophomores, and freshmen.

There are also seven seniors this year representing the class of 2017 on the varsity squad, but three of those seven seniors are non-goalies that went all of last season without a goal or an assist to their name.

“It’s been really fun to be on the team,” said Bradley Bolotin, 12.

“I feel like I’ve progressed as a

18|THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

player because playing at the varsity level challenges me every day.”

The team got off to a rough start this year, losing three games on the road to top-notch Ohio teams.

However, after their 1-3 start, the team has battled back to a record 4-4-1, including a tie with archrival Mason.

With Mason being their toughest in-conference opponents, a tie against the Comets means the Aves could be a team to beat in the GMC. CHECK OUT THE AVES ATHLETICS WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

SPORTS

column:

JOSHUA PATTERSON

opinion chief

Photo courtesy: McDaniel’s Photography

171042@sycamoreschools.org

Cheering under Friday night lights LAUREN KURTZER creative projects director 174029@sycamoreschools.org

T

he bright Friday night lights turn on.

The Ave Cave, parents, and fans file in to cheer on the beloved varsity football team for a long-lasting tradition in America.

The 16 girls leading the pack to keep up the energy throughout the whole game are the cheerleaders.

“It’s really fun to get to cheer on the boys every Friday and be a part of the game. We have become so close, and I am so excited to see where the rest of the season takes us,” said Hannah Young, 12.

In preparation for game day, the girls have practice twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m.

The squads have been preparing for football games and other events since July.

They learn and review dances, cheers, and chants for games during those practices.

All three squads in August hosted a Universal Cheerleading Association(UCA) instructor at Montgomery Elementary to teach them new cheers, dance routines and chants for the upcoming season.

“The season is going great so far. We were a little disappointed that we weren't able to finish our first big game at Nippert Stadium,” said Hannah Levy, 12.

To increase the hype and energy for game day, the girls use the theme for each game and incorporate it into their uniforms. They have put flowers in their hair for Hawaiian night and wore white bows for white out.

“The Ave Cave loves seeing that,” Levy said about the uniforms. “We also have decided to bring certain things like mini footballs that say ‘Aves’ on them to throw out into the crowd.”

This year they have worked on and improved ways keep the whole crowd going for four quarters. It has been a product of them working together to make game day a great experience for everyone.

“My squad is so close, and we all love each other so much. We've created a really great bond and we love supporting our Aviators every Friday night! We are excited for all the future games and especially homecoming and the pep rally,” said Constance Kavensky, 12.

This year’s start to the NFL season has been like no other.

The sports world is divided on the protest of Colin Kaepernick, the backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.

Now, an African American athlete who was largely supported by a white audience is being demonized because he believes that he should “stand with the people that are being oppressed.”

The United States is a country founded on the idea of freedom, something we love to talk about.

We cannot say that it is a good thing to be free to express opinions and feelings, but criticise those that do just that.

I struggle to understand how people do not want Kaepernick to use his freedom.

Kaepernick has started a national conversation that seems to die off after each tragic police shooting.

Kaepernick’s critics chastise him for being unpatriotic and disrespectful, however, our nation is only as strong as our citizens, and our opportunity to change is only as strong as the will of those citizens.

The flag is not the end all be all. The flag is a powerful symbol, yes. But it is what the flag represents that really sets America apart from other countries.

Instead of complaining about when Kaepernick protests, maybe we as a society should spend more time focusing on the words behind the protest.

THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG |19

SPORTS

Ladies cross country: Bonding their way to success CAROLINE BRUNS

column:

LAUREN KURTZER creative projects director 174029@sycamoreschools.org

The New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady is suspended from four games for very Friday morning, the girls cross before each race and are times for the team supposedly deflating footballs country team has 5:30 a.m. practice to fuel up for the big day it is going to have. in a blowout game. The New and runs for two miles. This practice The girls cross country team has many York Giants kicker Josh Brown allows the girls to have the Friday afternoon traditions at these pasta parties. They have is suspended one game for free and also allows an easy run before a dessert called “mud” which is a chocolate beating his ex-wife 20 times. The weekend meets. pudding dish with Oreo crumbles and Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back “I love morning practice, even though I’m gummy worms on the top every week as Le’Veon Bell is suspended three not excited about it when I wake up. It is a well as meatballs and bow tie pasta. games for missing a drug test. great way to connect with the team,” said The traditions continue as time ticks away The league, in reality just the Jessica Wocks, 12. and the race gets closer. Many of the girls commissioner of the National Post-workout, the girls get ready for the draw on each other before a race, creating Football League Roger Goodell, day as a team. Many times, they have a temporary tattoos to keep themselves views the integrity of the Friday outfit theme to show school spirit motivated and sport their love for running. league over the integrity of the and excitement for their races the next day.

The two most popular tattoo artists are employees in it. It is an absolute Once ready, the girls are treated to bagels senior Allison Kossen and sophomore disgrace that Goodell puts from Panera as well as any other snacks Olivia Anaple. They have a lot of rulings down based on his own they decide to bring. experience doing this and can create works opinions instead of following a “I love bagels because they bring me of art on bumpy bus rides. consistent code. I navigated the happiness and joy and help me get through All of these traditions are well received NFL’s website to see if they the day on Friday,” said Stacy Lawrence, and well loved by the team and coaches. have released their guidelines for 9.

The day before a race can be quite suspension. I found nothing.

Early morning practice is surprisingly well stressful, and these events allow nerves to All that the rules talked about liked throughout the team because there is be calmed. Overall, these traditions bring were fines for players for when an abundance of free time after school and a bonding and enjoyment to the cross country “their actions do not live up to pasta party to come. Pasta parties are held teams. league expectations” and that fines are not to “take out fun of the game and raise money for the league.”

Goodell should be less concerned with players twerking as a touchdown celebration but more concerned with players that are putting women and children in harm’s way.

Any player that has an extremely dangerous hit on another player should be suspended one game.

Performance enhancing drug use and substance abuse are not the same and do not deserve the same punishment.

Goodell has no method to his madness, confusing fans and Olivia Anaple, 10 races to the finish during an away meet. Anaple is one of the top players alike, leaving all of us runners from SHS and in the GMC. The SHS team is currently ranked sixth in the wondering: why are some players GMC. Photo courtesy: Grace Anaple. getting exceptions? webmaster

175060@sycamoreschools.org

E

20 THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

S

SPOTLIGHT

Flying high overseas HANNAH LOFTSPRING spotlight chief 172032@sycamoreschools.org

Photo courtesy: Brooke Baker

M

embers of Unified for Uganda may be familiar with senior Brooke Baker as their president, but she provides more than just a face for the club.

Over the summer, Baker was given the opportunity to travel to Uganda.

“To say ‘Uganda was life changing’ is a cliche, and I know it, but it’s true,” Baker said.

While in Uganda, she met mentors associated with Unified for Uganda, the children and their families that the club sponsors, and non-profit organization members.

“The open culture and ... people welcomed me with open arms and open hearts; never before had I felt such a strong sense of community and belonging,” Baker said.

She laughed with children and their families during house visits and instantly fell in love.

Amazed by what all her efforts in America had been going towards, she realized that providing an education for one child has an effect on the entire village.

“While I was in Uganda, an incredible woman named Abitimo died. She was the head of Unifat, a school in Uganda where Unified for Uganda originally sponsored all of their children.

“She touched millions of lives through the way she loved her community and dedicated every day to ensuring that children received an education,” Baker said.

When Baker is not planning the next Unified for Uganda event, she can be found in the art room or outside running. For two years Baker has been on the cross country team while also juggling art classes.

“I hope to return once again to

the beautiful faces that taught me unconditional love and gave it to me every single moment,” Baker said.

Before her second year of cross country began, Baker trained for a marathon. She was able to run her first full marathon in April.

Returning to school after her successful marathon, she earned the position of Student Athletic Leadership Team representative for

the cross country team.

It comes as no surprise that to manage all of this there must be some secret as to how she gets through it all.

“I just try to focus on the things I am passionate about. Don’t ever commit yourself to things that don’t bring you happiness,” Baker said.

THE LEAF|September 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG | 21

H UDINI’S

ROOM ESCAPE

WWW.HOUDINISROOMESCAPE.COM JOHN T. KENNEDY PRESIDENT 9309 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-549-5419 john@houdinisroomescape.com