THE
LEAF
Sycamore High School News Magazine Volume 4 | Issue 3 | October 27, 2016
OUR VOICE S ELECTION 2016 All photos by SHS Leaf staff
YOUR
20% off! https://www.facebook.com/menchiesfroyoathar Menchie's at Harper's Station 11397 montgomery rd., store c, cincinnati, oh cincinnati, ohio 45249
AD
COULD
GO
HERE! CONTACT:
menchies.com
jardinec@sycamoreschools.org for more information!
valid only on frozen yogurt purchase. cannot be combined with any other offer. valid thru 03/31/17. sycam hs
Silver Wok
Address: K & L Alterations of Blue Ash, 9500 Kenwood Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242 Phone: (513) 791-2855 Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday 12 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday Closed
THANK YOU
5200 Dixie Hwy. Fairfield. OH 45140
(513) 858-1111
www.cincygetcredit.com
THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
Friends of the Leaf
IN THIS ISSUE TABLE OF CONTENTS
pg.2 NEWS
pg.5
pg.7
2| Announcing National Merit Commended 3| Alumna sheds light on dog training 4| Veterans fight for new life
OPINION
pg.9 FEATURE
pg.10
pg.15
8| Fall fun at Irons Fruit Farm 9| Sonia Nazario instills a new perspective 10|Tower of terrors
COVER
5| Staff Editorial 6| Washroom additions wash worries away 7| ‘Locker room talk’: not just talk
11-14| Our voices, their visions
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 15|Senior strings shine 16|Vortex spins into action
pg.16
pg.19
pg.20
FUN &GAMES 17| Crazy jumble
SPORTS 18| Tennis serves it up at state 19| Water polo takes shots at state 20| Cross-country sprints into the off-season
SPOTLIGHT 21| Max Hill: Eagle Scout
Editorial Policy: Although students work under the guidance of a professional faculty member, the content is ultimately determined by the student staff and should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics on which there may be dissent and controversy. Students can not publish material that is obscene, libelous, or is likely to cause “a substantial disruption of the educational process.” Content that may stimulate heated debate or discussion is not included in this definition. The views represented in our publications do not represent the views of the Sycamore Community School District or the Sycamore High School administration. Our publications are public forums.
ADVISER
THE LEAF
Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242
Cheralyn Jardine
PHOTOGRAPHER McDaniel’s Photography
ABOUT US Professional memberships: • Columbia Scholastic Press Association • Journalism Education Association • National Scholastic High School Press Association • Ohio Scholastic Media Association • Ohio Professional Writers (National Federation of Women Writers) • Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honorary
EXECUTIVE CO-EDITORSIN-CHIEF Hannah May Benjamin Ruskin MANAGING EDITOR Amy Deng ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jenna Bao CREATIVE PROJECT DIRECTORS Jenna Bao Taylor Close Sarah Horne Lauren Kurtzer BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TEAM Eshika Kohli David Werthiem 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|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG|1
N
NEWS
SHS celebrates National Merit Commended Scholars KIRSTEN THOMAS staff writer 192110@sycamoreschools.org
A
two perfect scores
Two students,
round 34,000 high scorers out of 1.5 million test takers of the 2015 PSAT/NMSQT received letters of commendation. These letters recognize an individual’s outstanding academic promise. Commended students are named based on their test scores from the PSAT. Approximately the top 2.3 percent of scorers were recognized. The cut off Selection Index score varies from year to year, however the necessary score for Commended Scholars is lower than the score necessary to be named a Semifinalist. This score varies by state. Commended students do not continue on in the National Merit Scholarship competition. But, around
1,200 of these students become candidates for Special Scholarships which are sponsored by corporations and businesses. With all of the National Merit Semifinalist and Commended Scholar news coming in, along with other awards and accomplishments of students in different endeavors, #SYCAMORESTRONG is ringing true. First row (from bottom): Orchid Wang, Supriya Malla, Athulya Murali, Esther Pittinger Second row: Madeline Sykes, Nathan Estill, Emma Traylor Third row: Katherine Van Den Brink, Umang Joshi, Peter McCutcheon, Isabelle Augustin Fourth row: Laura Setser, Cora Bennett, Benjamin Charnay Fifth row: Clare Knife, Aaron Charnay Top row: Brett Mihlbachler, Kevin Lawson, Varun Nagendra
Going into the ACT, neither Supriya Malla, 12 nor Mitch Radakovich, 12 expected to earn a perfect score. “I felt comfortable during the test, and there wasn’t really a section that stuck out [to me],” Malla said. Radakovich felt personally driven to do well on the test because of his father’s performance on the standardized test. “My dad had gotten a 36 [on the ACT], so I wanted to live up to his legacy,” Radakovich said.
All photos by: McDaniel’s Photography
Both prepared for the ACT by studying and doing practice tests. “Practice tests are the best way to practice. There is no creativity [required]. The answer is [right there] on the page, you just have to look for it,” Malla said. That being said, according to the two, performing well on the test can not be completely attributed to good study habits. “I think part of it is just plain luck. Anyone who scores between a 34 and 36 could get a 36,” Radakovich said.
Mitch Radakovich, 12
Supriya Malla, 12
Employees of the month From left to right: Connor Higgins, TIP employee of the month; Katy Sohlden, University of Cincinnati Launch employee of the moth; Vineet Naryan, 9-12 grade employee of the month. Information and photo courtesy of Esther Adams. 2|THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
NEWS
Alumna sheds light on dog training SYDNEY WEISS
‘TODAY’ show, and the rest is history!” Poff said. Now, Poff has found herself extremely BC’s news program, “TODAY” busy commuting into New York City features legends such as Matt and training Charlie, the “TODAY” Lauer and Al Roker and a dog. Charlie appears on the show daily, seemingly infinite list of famous guest whereas Poff does approximately one stars. The SHS family is proudly segment per week throughout the year. represented by alumna Olivia Poff’s It is difficult to ignore the magnitude appearances on the show. of Poff’s work. She appears live on Poff, a member of the class of 2007, national television weekly. works for America’s VetDogs (AVD) in “I try not to think about the Smithtown, New York. AVD provides magnitude of the gig or scale of veterans with guide dogs to ensure that the audience, because that can be veterans receive adequate support and intimidating.When I'm speaking on motivation to accept new challenges. TV, I focus on talking to the ‘TODAY’ “‘TODAY’ approached AVD about show hosts who are genuinely partnering with us for their second invested in Charlie and are very ‘puppy with a purpose.’ AVD asked if I supportive of the two of us.That would be interested in representing the makes it fairly easy! organization with the ‘TODAY’ show opportunity. When I agreed, I interviewed “The good news is that I love to talk about my passions, and I am with the executive director, segment producer, and partnership manager of the certainly passionate about my social media director
192046@sycamoreschools.org
N
Q&A
Ashwin Corattiyil, Dean of Students
UTTKANTHA SINDHWANI staff writer
Snow day procedure
177032@sycamoreschools.org
How does the district decide what makes or breaks a snow day? The night before, if it looks like the forecast is just very, very threatening, and it has already started snowing and there are already winter weather advisories, then that makes the decision. How does the district determine if it is safe to drive? Usually, what happens is that at around 3 a.m., there is a team, including the superintendent, who get up and drive the district. They will drive the easiest streets, they’ll drive the hardest streets. They drive all the places in neighborhoods where people would need to transport
themselves from, to see if the road conditions are bad. How does the school contact families? So, say they make the decision because the road conditions or the wind chill are bad. The next step would be to contact the news organizations to say to post on a little ticker that Sycamore is closed. They would send a message electronically and also [send] an automated phone message to families and staff. Where does the team drive? The specific route varies each time. They try to make a different route that is inclusive of all areas in the district so that the decision can be made keeping in mind the situation in all neighborhoods. What other factors affect the decision to call off school? Another thing that factors into the decision is the temperature. The
work,” Poff said. On the show, Poff has been able to meet with a myriad of guest stars including Patrick Dempsey and Dolly Parton. “I could not ask to be around a more positive crew and team both in front and behind the cameras. Honestly though, my favorite people to meet are on the plaza who come from all walks of life, all parts of the US, and even a few international attendees. “Charlie has received beautiful signs and messages and love,” Poff said. Photo courtesy of Nathan Congelton
district has to be mindful of what temperatures are too dangerous for students all across the district, including 6 year olds, to be standing in.
Snow Fall Facts 2015-16 Winter’s Total Snowfall: 16.3” Highest Annual Recorded Snowfall: 54.2” (1978) Average Snowfall: 11.2” Prediction (2016-2017): 14.2” Source: thewinterforcast.com
THE LEAF|October 27, 2015|SHSLEAF.ORG |3
NEWS
Veterans fight for new lives ESHIKA KOHLI
JESSICA LU
business manager
staff writer
W
193105@sycamoreschools.org
Department of Veterans Affairs hether they are a friend, family member, or high school (VA), do a variety of things for principal, most people know a the men and women who have served in combat. veteran. Yet, most people are unaware “The VA offers benefits that veterans make up approximately 11 percent of the adult homeless population depending on two things: the and have an unemployment rate of about amount of time a person serves in the military and the amount 4.3 percent in America. of service during wartime,” The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans cites the lingering effects from said Vidhata Malhotra, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anesthesiologist at the Cincinnati VA. substance abuse, and the difficult The VA operates over 1,400 transition from military to civilian life as sites of care including hospitals, the reasons behind this phenomenon. community clinics, community However, there may be more to the veteran situation than just that. Despite living centers, domiciliaries, readjustment counseling centers, the surprisingly high number of laws and various other facilities, that prohibit it, some employers may still discriminate against veterans in the including one here in Cincinnati. The VA offers benefits and workplace. services which provide financial Megan W., an Air Force veteran care and other forms of who posted on the “Veteran Mentor assistance to veterans and their Network” LinkedIn message board, dependents. Benefits include wrote about an interviewer who said to veterans’ compensation, veterans’ her, “We don’t hire your kind.” pension, survivors’ benefits, Further, a Vietnam veteran named rehabilitation, employment Larry Korb said that there is a stigma assistance, education assistance, of PTSD for combat veterans. Another group affected are reservists, home loan guaranties, and life insurance coverage. who belong in the Military Reserve When a military veteran files a force and work civilian jobs. They face claim for disability compensation the possibility of deployment without from the VA for an illness or knowing how long they will be gone for. disability from combat, “I know some reservists who felt like this connectivity their employers might be less likely to is called service hire or keep them on [the job] longer connection, which because of deployment,” said Mr. can provide extra Ashwin Corratiyil, Dean of Students benefits to those who and former Navy member. were affected by the Luckily, there are solutions for the disability or illness. veterans’ troubles. According to the “In addition, the VA Office of Federal Contract Compliance allows veterans to apply Programs (OFCCP), veterans who have towards an education faced discrimination can file complaints and training benefits via mail, online, or in person. after they have served As a result, veterans may receive the position they would have gotten without in the military. This program is through th discrimination. the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Other organizations, like the US | THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG 4
Photo courtesy of MCT Campus
195054@sycamoreschools.org
American heroes struggling
Veteran unemployment and homelessness is widespread in America. Veterans make up 11 percent of the homeless adults. However, the VA and other organizations are taking action to put an end to this dilemma. which helps financially towards the education,” Malhotra said. The GI Bill allows for up to 36 months of education, payable for 15 years following a person’s release from active duty. Veterans face many obstacles in their civilian lives. However, with the help of various organizations, veterans can find new hope. Design by: Eshika Kohli and Jessica Lu
Percentage of veteran unemployment
8.0 % or less 8.1 %-11%
11.1 %-15% 15 or more
Leafing through the masses: Why is it important to talk about politics?
In this election, there has been a large number of undecided voters. Throughout the campaigns of the two leading candidates, both candidates have had their pasts drudged up, and it has seriously skewed the polls. Their past mistakes, whether real or made-up, have some voters believing that neither of the leading candidates are fit to be president.
“It’s a civic duty that we all should be responsible with, and that means being informed,” Samuel Miles, 10
Staff Editorial
As this election cycle comes to a close, the historical ramifications cannot be understated. This is a political shift that is rarely seen in a democracy, much less one as vetted as ours. We have an election that is polarized between two extremes, and whichever choice we make will affect the following generations. There are very rarely two opponents that seem so different, and this election will determine the future path that America will take, much like the Brexit vote has changed Britain for decades to come. This is why the opportunity to vote and the opportunity to talk about the future of this country is more important than ever. Discussion is what shapes visions and change. Without discussion, we as a society are not able to move forward towards any kind of future. Instead, we would merely stay in the same place that we are currently in. Even though you may not be able to vote, you have the power to influence this election just as much as any voter-eligible citizen. That power comes from your voice. The voice is a vehicle to talk about change and to influence the people that lead all of us. The voice is what creates opinion and what shapes peoples’ visions for America. What we pride ourselves in as a country is the ability for everyone here to be able to speak their minds and voice their opinions, no matter what or who they are. So, use your voice. Talk about these issues and become informed. Even if you cannot vote now, at some point you will be eligible. Then, the future of the country will be in your hands, and you will have to make a choice.
“Part of being a US citizen is to know what’s going on and sharing that with other citizens. Talking about things helps your thinking and expands your own ideas,” Mr. Kevin Wittman, social studies teacher
“It’s the future generations’ responsibility to figure out how to lead, and that means being informed on politics,” Caroline Keeton, 11
“
Image by Sydney Evans
“
“It’s important to be informed and know who you’re voting for. It’s also important to spread knowledge about these issues,” Esther Pittinger, 12
THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG|5
O
OPINION
column:
KAMARIA WALTON beats editor 176003@sycamoreschools.org
As a student, the tendency is to think that the administration does not listen to us or does not care about the small voices of its student body. However, this is not even close to the truth. The Superintendent Advisory Council was created for this very purpose. The council is composed of representatives from the student body with four students from every grade level. They meet once a month with Mr. Frank Forsthoefel, the superintendent, to discuss issues important to the students such as the One2One program. In our most recent meeting, we talked about feedback on the One2One program at the high school. It is very rare that a school administration would put together a group for the select purpose of representing the student body and its opinions. It is even more rare that they would actually listen to that group. The communication between the administration and students in any school is critical to that school’s growth. How can people effectively lead if they do not know the needs and wants of the people that they lead? As a student on the council I am excited to be able to raise issues with the administrative staff, have my questions answered, and get my feedback heard by a person in a higher position, rather than just complaining to my friends. This way my voice and opinions matter and I feel like they are being heard, instead of just making empty complaints.
Photo courtesy of Caroline Bruns
Washroom additions wash worries away ALLYSON BONHAUS
CAROLINE BRUNS
HANNAH LEE
feature chief
webmaster
staff writer
175060@sycamoreschools.org
191155@sycamoreschools.org
193006@sycamoreschools.org
SYDNEY WEISS social media director 192046@sycamoreschools.org
H
ave you enjoyed the upgrades to the bathrooms? New soap, towels, and toilet paper dispensers have been added, all to make your bathroom experience better. For years, no one wanted to go to a school bathroom, here or otherwise. The connotation of ‘school bathroom’ always seemed too frightening and sounds disgusting. That stereotype hung
6|THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
onto students’ minds even as they transitioned to the high school. Now, with new and improved bathrooms, students no longer need to fear the stereotypical school bathroom because SHS has put itself ahead. With these updates and the custodians’ constant care, the bathrooms will always be left sparkling. Soap and towel dispensers are automatic, providing a more sanitary option. Even new toilet paper dispensers have been installed. These dispensers have
flat surfaces for students to place their phones on top of without worrying about the germs on the floor, where phones might have had to go. Who does not bring their phone wherever they go? Now there is a safe, clean space for phones in restrooms. All of these changes are giving students cleaner options in the bathrooms. SHS has made a good impression by renovating the restrooms. Go to the restroom and try out these new improvements.
Photo courtesy of MCT Photo
OPINION
Following the Oct. 7 release of the “Trump tapes,” republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has lost a large number of elected Republican supporters. He has since defended his comments as “locker room talk”. Also as a result Billy Bush, another person on the tape, has been released by NBC.
‘Locker Room Talk:’ not just talk MEGHAN DIGIOVANNA staff writer 185032@sycamoreschools.org
D
onald Trump and Women: a controversy that has made gender a very important topic throughout this election. Out of the two major candidates, one is the first woman to lead a major party and the other is guilty of controversial, sexually explicit and misogynistic remarks. Slobs, fat pigs, dogs and disgusting animals are just a few of the names Trump has referred to women over the course of his campaign. He has also rated women on a scale of one to 10 and implied that success among women is often based off their sex appeal. The Republican candidate has proven willing to attack female rival Hillary Clinton, in ways that many women find sexist and out of bounds. Trump tweeted in April 2015, “If Hillary can’t satisfy her husband, what makes her think she can satisfy America?” Perhaps Trump’s most controversial remarks about women were made in an off camera recording of Access Hollywood back in 2005, in which he spoke about how his celebrity status gives him a free pass to grope women without consent. The video, since its release on Oct.7 2016 by The Washington Post has sparked outrage among female students in addition to voters nationwide. Junior Meredith Gottliebsen is a Clinton supporter and a feminist who has found it frustrating to hear Trump’s
offensive remarks. “When I see the comments Trump has made about women filling all my media outlets and people trying to make excuses for him it really shows the bigger picture of how women are treated in society,” Gottliebsen said. The issue was not easily put to rest during the most recent debate on Oct. 9. Moderator Anderson Cooper pressed Trump about the tape four times, questioning if Trump fully understood what impression his lewd acts had left on America. Despite Trump’s public apology over the video, students are left shocked after Trump repeatedly labeled his 2005 remarks about forcing himself on women as “locker room banter”. Junior Nicole McNamara Marsland is a member of the feminist inspired club He For She and was shaken by the words Trump had to say. “The way Trump referred to his remarks as ‘locker room banter’ is normalizing sexual assault. It feeds into the rape culture and how one in four women are sexually assaulted on college campuses,” McNamara Marsland. “He needs to address the video properly and give a real apology rather than just turn the situation around on the Clintons.” Women should be respected, not objectified. Condoning assault and throwing around vile degradations of women are not qualities students wish to see in their next president.
column: MAX TOREM news chief
176003@sycamoreschools.org
Surely by now you have heard about the clown craze in Cincinnati and in other surrounding areas. Surely by now you are thinking, “oh, that will never happen to me”. I am here to tell you that thinking you are somehow immune to an attack is simply false. It is the unfortunate and scary truth, but the clowns and the threats that they pose are very real. As you may or may not already know, there have been multiple murders and arrests due to the clowns. With Halloween just a few days away, I want to warn everyone to please stay safe this year. If you have kids, I recommend going with them when they go trick-or-treating. You never know if a clown is giving out candy or if the clown will abduct or possibly even kill trick-or-treaters. Please believe me when I say that I hate to even put that thought in your head, because I truly do. I also realize, however, that somebody has to make it clear that extra precautions must be taken this year more than any other. As far as tips to stay safe, I can give you two big ones. First, go out with a group. This is a good idea because the overall level of safety will increase. Also, wrap up your trickor-treating session once it begins to become dark outside. Clowns are more likely to attack at night when visibility is reduced. Should you see a clown at any point in the near future, be sure to report the incident once you are in a safe location. Tell authorities where and when the sighting was. Although you should try your best to describe the clown when reporting the sighting, ensuring your own personal safety is the number one priority.
THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
|7
F
FE ATURE
Fall fun at Irons Fruit Farm JENNA BAO
HANNAH FREY
associate editor
leaflet editor-in-chief
181003@sycamoreschools.org
173024@sycamoreschools.org
LINDSEY BRINKMAN
NATHAN COLLIVER
staff writer
staff writer
203021@sycamoreschools.org
196046@sycamoreschools.org
T
FIVE PLACES TO GO 1. Haunted houses in Cincinnati USS Nightmare
is so full of customers and random lines Halloween Haunt at Kings here is nothing quite like sitting that no one knows what they are waiting Island at a picnic table with a deep fried for. I suggest just locating what you want Dent Schoolhouse apple fritter and Styrofoam cup of black tea listening to a man in a cowboy and shuffling around from there. One giant line that is near impossible Land of Illusion hat singing about the country moon to to miss is the one for the free hay ride. make you feel like an American. The ride heads out the pumpkin patch 2. Go to the Ohio Renaissance That was not really the point of the and corn maze, and while bumpy, the trip and it probably is not an entirely Festival trip is stereotypical enough to be a relatable sentiment, but it was still one medieval games necessity. of the highlights of my visit to Irons The pumpkin pickings interesting performances Fruit Farm. seem fairly pitiful at first, Located in Lebanon, authentic food but venturing further Ohio, the farm becomes into the field uncovers a family hot spot in the buy artisanal products plenty of gorgeous gourds. fall. It has all the classic Pumpkins are paid for by 3. Visit Aroma’s Java and pickings: fresh apple the pound. cider, a 12-acre corn Gelato As for the corn maze, the maze, a pumpkin patch, average time to get out of They have many fun seasonal flavors a hayride, and plenty of Photo courtesy of Jenna Bao it is supposedly one hour, for fall such as: festive baked goods. but all you need is a high school junior, Carmel Apple What it also has, is a ton of is people, a PhD (mom), and incredible focus to particularly in October. (Parking is a Pumpkin pie make your way through in less than 30 bona fide disaster.) Nonetheless, the Candy Corn minutes. area is pretty obvious to maneuver and While this may seem obvious (I have user-friendly; a giant white barn house S’mores limited perspective regarding such is at the center of it all, surrounded by 4. Visit Shaw Farms for fall matters), my only prior corn maze picnic tables and various vendors. festivities experience was both embarrassing Cash is a must, as no one accepts and traumatic and this time felt like a credit cards and there are no ATMs in Pumpkin patches personal victory against all of nature. sight. Hay rides Overall, Irons Fruit Farm is an If you are as crazy about food as I am, Pedal kart races you have plenty of options, ranging from amazing and adorable place to go with family and friends. Bring a large group Corn maze hot dogs and soups to a bakery full of for the ultimate experience. apple and pumpkin-flavored goods. 5. Visit Cincinnati Nature If you do not want to go to this The cider dough-nuts are famous, so Center and take a fall hike exact location (because, no, this is not much so that they warrant a 15-minute sponsored), there are plenty of similar Things you can see on a hike: wait. Unfortunately, I was not able to festivals, farms, and apple orchards try them (next year!), but the apple Leaves changing colors fritters are in less demand and delicious within decent driving distance. I highly Birds before they migrate recommend you make an event out of it as well. south and have fun. If you want to bake at home, they Wildlife preparing for After all, this is a far more legitimate sell fresh apples of all sorts with nice hibernation celebration of fall than Starbucks’ descriptions of which fruit are best for Take photos Source: cincinnatiparent.com pumpkin spice latte. what purposes. The apple/bakery area Design by: Taylor Close 8 |THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
FEATURE
Sonia Nazario instills a new perspective ALEX KAREV
opinion co-chief 194160@sycamoreschools.org
W
ith the election a month away, students are hearing a hodgepodge of debate topics and issues on social media outlets and television. One of the more important problems this nation is facing is the issue of undocumented immigrants entering the United States. Although this problem has been regurgitated many times throughout the past decade by the media, people still do not really know the truth about this topic. However, in SHS, the reality was shown to students first-hand when Spanish teacher Meredith Blackmore had her Spanish IV, AP Spanish, and Contemporary Hispanic Studies (CHS) classes read Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Nazario. The book is about a young Honduran boy, Enrique, who is abandoned by his mother when she decides to go find
work in the United States so that she can provide him a better life. Enrique then decides to make the journey to the United States riding on the tops of trains while still being abused and harassed by bandits and corrupt police, all to see his mother. Blackmore then discovered a way to bring the author of the book, Nazario, to SHS to speak about the issue of these young immigrants venturing into the U.S. in search of their mothers. “In my class, my students read the book in Spanish, and I’ve heard Nazario speak prior, so bringing her in to speak made the book so much more real for the students, as well as myself,” said Blackmore. Nazario came to SHS on Thurs., Sep. 22 to speak on the issue of these migrants and the obstacles that they have to face in order to enter the United States. In order to fully understand what these migrants had to go through, Nazario took the exact trip that Enrique took, including riding on the
tops of trains, all in order to shed some important light on this topic. “What struck me the most when I heard Nazario speak here was when she talked about how disillusioned all the migrants are to what the U.S. is really like. They all think that life is perfect here when it really isn’t and it’s not as pretty as they think,” said Blackmore. Although life is incredibly difficult for an undocumented immigrant, you can help them out by volunteering at Su Casa, where you can help these people that have seen some of the worst that humanity has to offer. “We definitely need immigration reform in this country. What we have isn’t working, and deporting 11 million people isn’t going to work either. We’re going to need a president that knows what they are doing with this issue so these people can actually live a happy life,” said Blackmore. Immigration is an extremely heavy topic, but if people can be properly informed, then step-by-step we can help these people live a truly happy life here in the United States.
Nazario is posing on top of “La Bestia” or the beast, which is the name the migrants give the train. The name is from the extremely dangerous conditions that the cargo trains that goes through Mexico entails. She rode the train twice for her book and articles. Photos courtesy of Ms. Meredith Blackmore’s Twitter.
Sonia Nazario is talking to students at SHS. She is an American journalist known for her work at the Los Angeles Times and Pulitizer Prize winning book. She was also the youngest writer to be hired by the Wall Street Journal. Photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.
Standing 10% off for anyone showing Sycamore or staff ID 11142 Kenwood Rd Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-469-7151 THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
|9
FEATURE
Tower of terrors
Cincinnati’s skyscraper holds ghosts galore NATALIE BRINKMAN
LINDSEY BRINKMAN
print co-editor-in-chief
staff writer
183054@sycamoreschools.org
203021@sycamoreschools.org
B
uilt in 1930, the Carew Tower has its fair share of history. The building is the secondtallest downtown, and held the title of the city’s tallest until July 13, 2010, when the Great American Tower was completed. Before the high-rise was constructed, the land was owned by Joseph T. Carew and held the Mabley & Carew department store chain, paving way for the name. The original plan included a department store, a theater, an office department, and a hotel. It was also used as a model for the Empire State building, which was completed in 1930. Located inside of the building, there is supposedly a ghost of a woman, fondly named “the woman in green.” She is rumored to lurk the building in search of her husband, who was killed during the construction of the skyscraper. She is most often said to be seen roaming the Hilton Netherland Plaza Hotel located within the building, specifically she is spotted on the third and fourth floors.
The hotel’s famous Hall of Mirrors, inspired by the Palace of Versailles, is located on the third floor and is a hotspot for paranormal activity. There, during the hotel’s renovations in 1961, a construction worker noticed a woman in green standing on the other side of the room. He called out to her, and she looked around nervously eventually leaving through a back doorway. “A couple of days later, men were working on the mezzanine level of the hotel when they saw a similar woman dressed in green appear and start watching them while they did their work. The group of them assumed that she worked with the hotel but thought that her green dress seemed outdated. She did not say anything as she stood there, and eventually she simply vanished,” according to “Haunted Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio.” The employees of the hotel will recite the story if prompted, including their own personal tales of the haunt and the history behind it, but the building’s dark past can also be told in haunted tours
which can be booked downtown. In the business side of the tower, the 15th floor is considered the most haunted. A ghost of a man indefinitely scares its residents as he claims the halls at night. In an online forum, a past security guard retold his story with the 15th floor, specifically when he noticed a window, to which only the building’s engineers hold the keys, was left wide open. “As soon as I turn that corner, that window was open. I stop in frozen cold sweats as I looked at it saying, I know I closed that thing tight. I take a closer look and I see a wet spot near the open window and I turn to just get a look behind me I see, about twenty feet away, a figure of a body and light image of what I can remember of an older man’s face,” said Nick B., former security guard at the Carew Tower. The building is rich in history, from its architecture to its foundation in the Cincinnati skyline; haunted or not, it is still an important piece to this city’s past and future.
Sinister sights Floor three of the Hilton Hotel, where the ghost is often spotted
The balcony above the Hall of Mirrors The Hall of Mirrors Design by: Natalie Brinkman
Hallway on floor four
10|THE LEAF|OCTOBER 27,2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
For more information on haunted tours, scan here
C
COVER
All photos courtesy of MCT Photo All photos edited by staff
THEIR VISIONS
Note from the editors: These cover pages are written to facilitate informed political decision-making among SHS students, teachers, and community members. We have made every effort to keep these pages impartial. This work does not represent our personal opinions, nor does it represent the views of the Sycamore Community School District or the Sycamore High School administration.
THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
11
COVER
illary
Sources: studentdebtrelief. us nationalreview.com hillaryclinton.com
Average Supporter 38.3% 61.7%
C
linton would place an emphasis on teachers by launching a national campaign to modernize the profession. This would include investing in preparing and paying teachers. She plans to give local governments the funds to rebuild schools with better labs, Internet connection, energy efficiency, and more. She has stated that every
ARTISTS
58% 34%
CAUCASIAN 30-49 YEARS OLD
student should be able to graduate from college debtfree. This includes making all community colleges free and providing free in-state public college for certain income levels. People currently in debt with student loans would be able to refinance them and Clinton plans to cut back interest rates and increase flexibility for future borrowers.
JENNA BAO
TAYLOR CLOSE
creative projects director
creative projects director
181003@sycamoreschools.org
182040@sycamoreschools.org
Immigration Clinton believes that people should have access to citizenship. She plans to make citizenship attainable and equal for all immigrants and implement these changes during her first 100 days in office. She also wants to improve immigrant treatment and fix the family visa backlog while
Economy/Minimum Wage Defense Clinton plans to prevent
In regards to the national economy and job creation, Clinton plans to increase taxes for wealthier Americans-those who make over $250,000 annually-and wants to decrease taxes for the poor and middle class. This rewriting of the tax code will reward businesses that encourage American jobs and create an exit tax for overseas companies. She would increase clean energy and establish America as
Sources: brandwatch.com people-press.org
Gender
Photo courtesy of MCT
Education
25%*
*of Clinton supporters
Clinton
a clean energy superpower. By the end of her first term she plans to have half a billion solar panels installed in order to power American homes. She would invest in research and technology jobs and a new trade policy in order to put American job creation first. Clinton also plans to increase the federal minimum wage to $12, and she would encourage a $15 minimum wage for specific industries.
12|THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, enforce a nuclear agreement with them, and confront them on their negative actions. She would set up netcentric warfare based on an information advantage in order to tackle modern threats. For families of veterans, Clinton proposes a plan to allow access to education, economic opportunity, and support to fight substance
still protecting borders and national security. Clinton hopes to improve how immigrant enforcement is handled. She plans to maintain a balance between deporting immigrants who pose violent threats to public safety and making America a place to ensure asylum for innocent fleeing refugees.
abuse, mental health disorders, and homelessness. Clinton would extend the background checks at gun sales. She feels arming more individuals is inappropriate and instead wants to increase protective precautions. Clinton aims to keep military weapons out of American streets and shut down loopholes that allow mentally ill individuals and anyone labeled as a violent criminal from buying guns.
COVER
Donald
Gender
EXECUTIVES
35% 87% 50-64
CAUCASIAN
YEARS OLD
SARAH HORNE
LAUREN KURTZER
creative projects director
creative projects director
174214@sycamoreschools.org
174029@sycamoreschools.org
Immigration mean harm.
Trump plans to start work on a physical wall on the US-Mexico border from day one. He hopes to have Mexico pay for the wall, despite denials from the Mexican government. Trump would emphasize an Americafirst immigration policy, protecting jobs and preventing entry of those who potentially
Defense Trump would expand all branches of the military. He would specifically invest in cyber warfare and a stronger missile defense program to counter the North Korean and Iranian threats. He plans to pay for this with an audit of the Pentagon, collection of unpaid taxes, and
He plans to more strictly enforce current immigration laws, triple the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, prevent employers from hiring illegal immigrants, and end catch-and-release, instead detaining caught illegal immigrants until deportation. He is also against accepting Syrian refugees. the elimination of unnecessary federal programs. Trump believes that law-abiding gun owners should be able to protect themselves, and therefore the Second Amendment must be protected. He is against gun and magazine bans and extending background checks and promotes a national right to carry.
nytimes.com donaldjtrump.com studentdebtrelief.us bostonglobe.com
58%
*of Trump supporters
42%
26%*
Sources: brandwatch.com people-press.org
Average Supporter
cbsnews.com publicintegrity.org
TRUMP
Photo courtesy of Flickr
Education
T
rump believes that education should be primarily governed at the state and local levels. Therefore, he has discussed getting rid of Common Core and significantly downsizing or eliminating the federal Department of Education. As a proponent of school choice, he would direct $20 billion to poor families to give disadvantaged students the choice of attending magnet, private, or charter schools and
give federal funds to states in block grants. These grants would be able to go towards charter or public schools rather than directly to public schools. Regarding student loans, Trump has reprimanded the current system for making a profit off of them and has said that he would restructure the loans. He claims that the job opportunities he will creates will ease the burden of debts.
Economy/Minimum Wage Trump would create 25 million new jobs over the next decade. He plans to do so using a pro-growth tax plan with tax breaks for every income group and for businesses. Reducing taxes and over regulation for businesses would keep them, and their jobs, in the country. He plans to bring jobs back from countries like China and Mexico as well. He also plans to renegotiate trade deals and pull out of
the Trans-Pacific Partnership to place the United States in a more advantageous position. In particular, he would crack down on trade with the Chinese. Trump plans to scale back federal regulations like the Clean Power Plan and make the US a world leader in energy production while restoring steel and jobs. Trump has stated support for a $10 federal minimum wage. He would allow states to decide their own appropriate minimum wages.
THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
|13
COVER
Thinking on third parties
GARY JOHNSON
JILL STEIN
Libertarian Party 1971
PARTY
SUPPORT PARTY Green Party
Libertarian Party
MAIN IDEAS
-Cut over regulation and extensive taxes on small businesses -Opposes restriction of gun ownership (except regarding the mentally ill) -No government surveillance in private communication -Make it easier for immigrants to get work visas (after background checks)
6.5 percent
Sources: newrepublic.com johnsonweld.com
“I hope that people will see that we don't have to sit by the sidelines and watch as the two major parties limit their choices to slightly different flavors of the status quo.”
MAIN IDEAS
SUPPORT
2.5 percent
-A Green New Deal -Create millions of jobs by transitioning to 100 percent clean renewable energy by 2030 -Invest in public transit, sustainable agriculture, and conservation -Health care and free university for all, end poverty and unemployment, $15 federal minimum wage Source: jill2016.com/ “My Power to the People Plan creates deep system change, moving from the greed and exploitation of corporate capitalism to a human-centered economy that puts people, planet and peace over profit.”
POLITICAL DEMOGRAPHICS KEY Republican
TOTAL POPULATION
STATES
Democratic Other/ Undecided
MALE
FEMALE
All photos courtesy of MCT Campus
Sources: people-press.org presidentialgenderwatch.org realclearpolitics.com qu.edu/images/polling/us cbsnews.com 270towin.com
14|THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG Design by: Taylor Close
A
AR T S & ENTER TAINMENT
Senior strings shine associate editor 181003@sycamoreschools.org
S
enior year is one’s time to take center stage, and orchestra members took advantage of this at the Senior Spotlight Concert that took place on Oct. 13. Specifically, seniors Orchid Wang and Yuto Nakahata performed solos accompanied by their orchestral peers. They rehearsed with the group in the weeks leading up to the show. “I was very nervous about playing in front of the orchestra at the start, but then I started being not nervous as we got to the concert because I was more nervous about the concert [itself]. Staying with the orchestra was the hardest part,” Nakahata said. Wang performed “Meditation from Thais” by Jules Massenet on the violin and Nakahata played “Concerto in C Major for Cello and Orchestra” by Senior Orchid Wang leads the second violin section. Wang also performed “Meditation from Thais” as her senior solo. In her time with the group, she has led in Orchestra Council as well.
Franz Joseph Hayden. “I picked ‘Meditation’ because I thought it sounded really pretty, and I wanted to play a slow, emotional piece to put myself out of my comfort zone,” Wang said. Soloists spent months preparing their pieces, and for many it will be their only times getting the opportunity to perform with orchestral accompaniment. “I started preparing in the summer and practiced up until the performance. Surprisingly, I wasn’t super nervous; rehearsing with the orchestra helped a lot,” Wang said. Two other seniors, bassist Peter McCutcheon and violinist Natasha Wang, will solo at the spring concert. However, soloing is not the only way that seniors can be featured. Senior cellist Jun Nishikawa conducted “Allegro from Concerto in D Major” by
Sigr. Anderssen during the concert. The student conductor was voted on by orchestra members in class. “My main concern was to be as helpful to the orchestra as possible and guide the musical ideas in the piece. I’ve never had an opportunity to conduct before, so I thought it would be cool to try...I definitely have a newfound respect for conductors,” Nishikawa said. These opportunities are partially ways to reward seniors who stay with orchestra through all four years of high school, or ever since fifth grade, as many of them have. Therefore, only students who take orchestra all four years are eligible to solo. Looking ahead, the orchestra and band programs will perform at Disney World in November.
All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography
JENNA BAO
Right: Senior Yuto Nakahata solos on “Concerto in C Major for Cello and Orchestra” by Franz Joseph Hayden. He was accompanied by his orchestral peers. Nakahata has been with the orchestra program since fifth grade.
SUPPLY GROOMING WASH 1328 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249 (513) 469-7387 THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
|15
ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT
Vortex spins into action NATALIE BRINKMAN print co-editor-in-chief 183054@sycamoreschools.org
T
For the band’s schedule, scan here drill, music, and choreography. Eventually, the performance in its entirety will have three movements. The band members are working on getting all of that finished as the season concludes. Each of the three songs has a particular mood, which builds suspense, excites audiences, and creates a dynamic show from beginning to end.
The students are also using props that are similar to large lazy Susans, except they are not passing food around a dinner table, but instead spinning other marching band peers. The color guard uses the lazy Susans by manipulating them to create visual level changes and dynamic choreography enough to make someone dizzy. The point of this common 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 finishing up their show for this school year, but has competitions almost every weekend until mid-November, their goal: get the whole school whirling with anticipation for Vortex.
All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography
he marching band show this year is fast-paced, turbulent, and full of suspense, it is an adventure through space and its grand mysteries. Every year, the marching band creates a show based on a theme, that surrounds the show title, the props and flags used for the color guard, and the music that is played. The students are putting together a show called Vortex, which just as its namesake implies, is full of spinning and turning, just without the disappearing into a black abyss part. The band makes reference to this theme everywhere, from the show t-shirts to their mat on the football field, which looks like the stadium is being pulled into a giant purple and black vortex.
Fans of Space Mountain, from the Disney Parks, will be reminiscent of the space-adventure ride, as its soundtrack and visuals are very similar to the band’s show. The group has been working on Vortex since the beginning of the summer, with a two week band camp in which they learned
Students in the marching band perform at a home football game. Football games enable the students to showcase their hard work to fellow classmates and parents while providing spirit for the sports team. The group often performs their show Vortex at halftime, however they also provide tunes from the stands throughout the game.
C H I L I 1949
The members of the marching band practice their show at football games. By performing at these games, it permits the students to gauge the reaction to their show and practice their competition skills. Together, the multitudes of instruments used create a dynamic show in which they call Vortex.
Address: 5005 Cornell Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242 Phone: (513) 489-8488 Hours: Monday-Friday10:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturday 11a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday 11a.m.-9 p.m.
16|THE LEAF|OCTOBER 27,2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
F
FUN & GAMES
inCha
SAM RUSKIN
Answers: China, England, Argentina, Canada, Russia
fun and games chief
Hint: names of countries
193157@sycamoreschools.org
Welcome to this months issue of “The Leaf.” This section will feature a new game each issue. This month’s game will be...
lEdgnna iegantnrA
Crazy Jumble
anCdaa suiaRs
1 7 8 2 3
3 9
1
6 8 6
3 5
3
4 7
6
9
2
9
2 8 1
9 4 3
RM
iddle of the onth
1 6
6 5
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: Instruments
Game Credits: Abhilash Yarlagadda
C O B
H N E L
R A T C T
P I C R
U G i
Ocean Keys Rock
...
...
You will always find me in the past. I can be created in the present. The future can never taint me. What am I?
Answers: History
2 4
The Honeycomb
Answers: Conch, Harp, Piano, Oboe, Electric Guitar
*Solution verified by hand and by computer
Sudoku Difficulty: EASY
THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
17 | |17
S
SPORTS
Tennis serves it up at state JACOB WITTENBAUM staff writer
Helen Sotropa, 10, Kaitlyn Jiang, 11, Beverly Liu, 12, and Sydney Miller, espite their loss to Mason during 12, all placed second. the 2016 team state tournament, “It was a high pressure situation the SHS ladies tennis teams still because you know you are up against managed to earn a silver medal. the best, but I felt privileged to play for “I felt that finishing second in GMC my school,” Kalaiarasan said. was both good and bad. On the positive The ladies have worked very hard to side, we finished ahead of some really reach their goals as a team and now nice teams. The girls competed hard their next goal is to make it to state as and beat some good competitors. On an individual. the negative side, we didn’t win the As of now the only players still league but we will do everything we competing at the state level as can to win next season” said Michael individuals are Liu and Kalaiarsan. Teets, head coach. The duo will compete at the state Although many of the players will tournament for individuals on Oct. 21 not be advancing, every player scored and 22. either second or third place at the “I am really excited to play in the tournament. Sarah Wittenbaum, 10 state tournament. I have tried really and Harsitha Kalaiarasan, 9, both hard to make it and I hope I can do placed third while Amanda Wilson, 10, well” Liu said. 192081@sycamoreschools.org
Volleyball spikes through season
CAROLINE VERALDO sports chief 173000@sycamoreschools.org
Although the team’s first official game occurred in August, the season really began for the team in June with conditioning. Their turnout for conditioning is one of the highest of all of the fall sports. During summer conditioning the team is able to get to know the coaches, get into shape, and get ready for tryouts. Once the regular season has begun, the team has three practices and two games each week, a very demanding schedule. Team captains Cora Bennett, 12, Alexis Grannen, 11, and Megan Hart, 12, have lead the team through a tough schedule. One of the team’s strongest players, Fanta Kouyate, 12, is looking to be recruited from many teams across the nation to
play at the collegiate level. “Some of the schools I have been talking to include Akron, Mercyhurst and Western Nebraska. I am really excited about playing in college and it is awesome that my team has helped me get this far,” Kouyate said. That being said, the team has many strong juniors who are looking to step up and lead the team next season after the seniors graduate. Maddy Bauder, 11 Makayla Stover, 11, and Grannen, are looking forward to making the 2017 season a great one. “I’m definitely looking forward to next season. There’s a lot of improvements that can be made and we have a lot of talent from JV coming up, so with hard work and focus I think we can do well next year. It’s really exciting to have so much potential and see what our we can do with it,” Grannen said.
18|THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
All Photos courtesy of: McDaniel’s Photography
D
Kaitlyn Jiang, 11, hits a strong serve during her district match. Jiang placed second. She narrowly missed qualifying for state but plans to qualify next year.
The team huddles together after a close game on senior night. Senior night was one of the last games for the team. The team will lose eight seniors.
SPORTS
Water polo takes shot at state Girls
Boys JASON MERKEL
HANNAH MAY
staff writer
173130@sycamoreschools.org
I
n 2015, the boys water polo team faced a tough 12-25 season and placed 12th at the state tournament. This year, however, with nine returning seniors, the team is set to have a strong 2016 season. Last year’s team faced many injuries, but with most of the injured players healed for the new season, the team is looking to move up into higher levels of play. So far this year, the team has reflected this determination. “There is a lot going on to make our team better, and I’m extremely excited about our possibilities at [the] state competition this year,” said captain Kevin Berghoff, 12. State championships will be on Oct. 28 and 29. With a few weeks left, the men are working in full capacity to play better than the other teams for when the time comes. “I think we are a lot better this year than last year. We lost a few fantastic players, but our seniors have been working hard to be better than ever,” said captain Matthew Schuetz, 12. With all the hard work and effort going into the team, there is nobody that the Aviators cannot beat.
All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography
“We have a strong, solid team with lots of experience, and with the many new players, we will continue to get better,” said Brycen Gwyn, 10.
LAUREN KURTZER creative projects director 174029@sycamoreschools.org
Sports are not just for athletes. Politics are not just for politicians. They are for the people. Athletes have become major figures in America and across the world; their names and faces are everywhere. People like LeBron James and Aaron Rodgers are known globally. They have the abilities to impact the nation and world in a positive way. With all of their fame and power, they cannot sit idly by and watch their neighbors suffer, for injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Every athlete has the chance to “It was a really gratifying experience make a difference in this unjust world, to win the tournament overall. It was the work ethic of our team and the and they should take it. potential we have,” said Jessen Link, They are in a position of power head coach. with their large media and social media stage and the millions of It goes without saying that the 2016 dollars they make to say how they girls water polo team had big shoes to feel and implement change. They can fill after graduating nine seniors, five of donate part of their salaries or create which were starting varsity players. foundations, as many of them do. “We want to be successful every Basketball player Dwayne Wade season. I haven’t felt pressured [by last chose to play in his hometown of season’s success] because I measure Chicago because of the extreme gun our success by the growth our players violence in the city, especially in have, with winning games being a black-dominant neighborhoods. He byproduct of that growth” said Jessen became especially motivated by the Link, coach. murder of his innocent cousin. This season has been nothing He and several other NBA stars short of success. The team is ranked opened the ESPY’s (Excellence in sixth going into state and has proved Sports Performance Awards) with itself by winning the annual home a call to action to end the violence. tournament, the David McLennan Wade blended the worlds of sports invitational, for the second year in a and politics by using the stage of an row. awards show to impact millions. The state tournament is the final Sports cannot just be sports opportunity for teams to demonstrate because athletes are not just their abilities and fight for the biggest athletes anymore. They are figures acclaim in Ohio high school water polo: in our society that truly can make a the state championship title. difference. Luckily, many athletes are “We are really starting to inhabit our taking advantage. goals for the season: control the game Athletes are important parts of our and see the entire pool. I am incredibly society and culture, and they should confident in our ability to succeed,” be taken seriously. Link said. Now it is up to the public to listen and take action. |19 THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG executive editor in chief
192016@sycamoreschools.org
column:
SPORTS Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography
column:
JOSHUA PATTERSON
opinion chief
171042@sycamoreschools.org
This election is coming to an abrupt close, which resembles a car crash. However, Donald Trump’s campaign Kevin Lawson, 12, turns is less of a car and more of the a corner in a recent cross shape of the Access Hollywood bus country meet. Within the crashing into a wall, and no attempted past month Lawson officially explaining of ‘locker room talk’ will committed to Univeristy of save him. Dayton. The locker room is a place for camaraderie and team bonding. Men do not use it as a place to vett their personal sexual misconduct. The fact that a presidential CAROLINE VERALDO candidate would make those 12, ran an impressive 16:02 and secured a sports chief comments about women, commenting 173000@sycamoreschools.org likely spot to run at the state championship on how he potentially sexually lthough they only had six meets meet. assaulted women, is indefensible in the regular season, the SHS Lawson’s skills have been recognized and disgusting. The additional fact men’s cross country team at the collegiate level, and he has verbally accelerated quickly toward the district committed to run at Dayton University next that he then attempted to explain these comments away calling them, and state championships. fall. “Locker room talk”, is even more As the team was the Greater Miami “I’m excited to run at Dayton, mainly Conference runner-up in the 2015 because it’ll be a challenge. There are some incomprehensible. Yes, men do talk about women in season, it was looking to that success really fast guys there. I also like the fact the locker room. However, they do this year. The runners came very close, that there are other runners majoring in not talk about sexual assault and then placing third overall under Mason and engineering, and that’ll be nice to have a forcing themselves onto these women. Lakota East. sort of pre-made study group,” Lawson said. Also, the reason men categorize “It is really hard to win GMCs because SHS’s other top finishers included talking about women as “locker room Mason and Lakota have so much depth seniors Kisselle, Andrew Schrantz, talk” is because they do not act like in their lineup, but I am really proud of Miles Menyhert, Maxwell Hill and junior that everywhere that they go. If you how we did,” said Nathan Kisselle, 12. Matthew Isakson. All are ranked among talk like that everywhere you go, After conference championships, the the top 30 in the GMC. because the Access Hollywood bus top runners advance to districts and “I hope we can run as well in the postis not a locker room, it ceases to be state. At the GMC meet Kevin Lawson, season as we did at GMCs” said Isakson. “locker room talk” and just becomes Photo courtesy of MCT Campus WILL COLEMAN how you speak to people. sports chief The fact is that Trump believes 171098@sycamoreschools.org talking about sexually assaulting The SHS boys golf team women with his male friends, much had a successful season, less a random reporter, is okay. I do finishing third in the GMC not believe that anyone with any kind Tournament, just two points of moral sense or direction would in front of their closest support that claim. competitor, Oak Hills. Trump has shown a clear pattern Victor Lim, 11, and Alex of demeaning and degrading women, Jones, 12, finished within the top ten golfers in the and simply explaining this away with GMC, and Marshall Hall, “locker room talk”, is insulting to 12, within the top 15 with respective scores of 154, 156, and 158. anyone who is a part of a locker room.
Sprinting through season:
Cross country gears up for state
Boys golfing to GMC’s
A
20 THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
S
SPOTLIGHT
Eagle Scout flying high HANNAH LOFTSPRING spotlight editor 172032@sycamoreschools.org
M
axwell Hill, 12, has achieved the Eagle Scout ranking, the highest rank possible in the Boy Scouting Program of the Boy Scouts of America. Hill has been working towards this achievement since the third grade, when he first became involved in the program as a Cub Scout. In order to move up in the program, the scouts have to complete specific challenges. As the ranks get higher, the requirements become less skill-based and more merit based. “The first couple [of] ranks
are more skill-based: learning to tie knots, first aid, camping. As you get into higher ranks it’s more merit-based, such as Citizenship. The biggest task given to us to achieve the Eagle Scout ranking was to complete an Eagle Scout project. You have to do something that positively impacts the community,” Hill said. The program has taught Hill many life skills like leadership. “I’ve learned how to become a leader through helping to direct the younger scouts and teaching them what to do. The biggest thing, though, is learning to be able to plan something and execute it,” Hill said.
FAST FACTS Hill spends two hours a week with the Boy Scouts Hill started Cub Scouts when he was in the third Grade Hill is a member of Troop 674 Official scout slogan: “Do a good turn daily”
Q&A WITH MAX HILL Q: Are you planing to stay involved after high school?
“You can’t really continue scouting in college because you have to be under 18, but I still plan on embracing the outdoors and using the skills I have learned.”
Q: What is your favorite tradition that your troop shares?
“Summer Camp is a really cool experience because we go all over the U.S. to really cool places, and they have neat opportunities. We’ve done things such as white water rafting and fly fishing.”
Eagle Scout symbol
Maxwell Hill works on constructing an amphitheater. “For my Eagle Scout project I built an outdoor amphitheater and brick walkway at Symmes Elementary. I built it with my family and any volunteers that I could find,” said Hill. Photo courtesy of Maxwell Hill THE LEAF|October 27, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG
| 21
Brookwood Retirement Community Brookwood Retirement Community, located in Blue Ash, offers a full continuum of care under one roof, including physical therapy rehabilitation, nursing care, long term care and senior living. Our community is spacious, joyful and buzzing with life. We believe positivity makes for the most healthful environment. Address: 12100 Reed Hartman Highway Cincinnati, OH 45241
E-mail: Phone: BrookwoodAdmissions@hcmg.com 513-605-2000
Creating Beautiful Smiles Every Day Orthodontics for adults & children • Board certified orthodontists • State of the art digital x-rays and diagnostic software • Flexible payment plans • Invisalign certified Specialists in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Diplomates American Board of Orthodontics
West Chester Location 7242 Tylers Corner Dr West Chester, OH 45069 513-777-7060
• Offering traditional, ceramic and WildSmiles brackets
Cincinnati Location 9505 Montgomery Rd Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-821-1625
Visit westchesterorthodontics.com for more information. West Chester Orthodontics
HIGHER SCORES MEAN MORE COLLEGE OPTIONS
ONE ON ONE INSTRUCTION! huntinghelps.com
CONTACT: 513-489--5777 ADDRESS: 11385 Montgomery Rd