THE LEAF Sycamore High School News Magazine Volume 5 | Issue 7| February 28, 2018
THE “F” WORD
THE STUDENT VOICE Infographics
Interactive quizzes
Videos
Extended articles
Photo galleries
Fe“meme”ism ANNE MARSH
All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography
Leaflet
.org
Check out
Design by Natalie Brinkman who would win? an army of feminists
one small boi
creative projects director
when he’s a feminist
more people attended the women’s march than the president’s inauguration but that’s none of my business
being a meninist
respecting women
when you gotta bring snacks to the meninist rally
CONTENTS
news 2 3 4 opinion 5 6 7
Overture competition
School safety precautions
International Women’s Day
Staff editorial Fake news
Gun violence
feature 8 9 10 sports 18 19 20
Alternative education Women in government Fast track helps peers
a&e 15 16 17
Black Panther review Into the Woods
Meet the Feminists
THE LEAF ADVISER 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
Boys swimming
Sports snapshot Fencing finesse
cover 11-14 Intersectional feminism
spotlight 21
Gabriela Pereda
Front cover: photo courtesy Creative Commons Inside cover: photo courtesy Adhiti Chundur
Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jenna Bao ASSOCIATE EDITOR Adhiti Chundur CREATIVE PROJECT DIRECTORS Ally Bonhaus Sydney Weiss Anne Marsh PRINT EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Natalie Brinkman Adhiti Chundur SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Sydney Weiss EXECUTIVE WEB EDITOR -IN-CHIEF Harsimran Makkad
LEAFLET EDITORS-INCHIEF Taylor Close Sydney Evans NEWS SPORTS Sydney Evans Abigail Lefton FEATURE Allyson Bonhaus ENTERTAINMENT Lindsey Brinkman OPINION Hannah Lee VIDEO Emily Chien Yvanna Reyes SPOTLIGHT CHIEF Kirsten Thomas
A&E Columnist Sara Margolis OPINION Columnist Allyson Bonhaus STAFF WRITERS Morgan Brownell Maya Goldenberg Ben Green Harsitha Kalaiarasan Anisa Khatana Everett Kohinke Abigail Lefton Emme Loon Jessica Lu Lydia Masset Claire Myers Aidan Noble Madeleine Suh Jack Wolfe
Editorial Policy: Although students work under the guidance of a professional faculty member, the content is ultimately determined by the student staff and should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics on which there may be dissent and controversy. Students can not publish material that is obscene, libelous, or is likely to cause “a substantial disruption of the educational process.” Content that may stimulate heated debate or discussion is not included in this definition. The views represented in our publications do not represent the views of the Sycamore Community School District or the Sycamore High School administration. Our publications are public forums.
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NEWS
Artists excel at Overtures February 28, 2018
HARSITHA KALAIARASAN staff writer
ARTISTS IN ALL FIELDS event. Seniors Thea put their best pieces forward to participate in the Overture Awards, a competition hosted by the Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) that allows students to showcase their works and advance through various stages. Students in the Greater Cincinnati area in grades 9-12 may participate, with a $4000 prize awarded to the winner of a category and $1000 to all finalists. The Overture Awards encompass six disciplines: creative writing, dance, instrumental music, theatre, visual art, and vocal music. The regional stage of the competition took place in late January, and the semifinal stage on Feb. 2-3. Seven of SHS’ own placed as semifinalists in the prestigious
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Ferdinand, Adhiti Chundur, and Everett Kohinke were recognized in the visual arts category and senior Jiin Woo in instrumental music. Ferdinand entered for the first time this year, and reflects on how much she has learned from her experience. “In order to submit a portfolio I had to create a cohesive body of work that clearly explored a theme or idea. Thus, I feel like I have learned how to discover and investigate a singular idea and then allow that idea to connect and expand in unexpected ways,” Ferdinand said. Senior Julie Whapham and junior London Brinkman distinguished themselves in the theatre category. Whapham thoroughly enjoyed her experience and describes the distinct moments before her performance. “Semifinals were really interesting because I performed in a lit room where
you were level with the audience instead of on a stage. I grew by performing in a different space than I am used to and improved in the process it takes to work up a performance. “Putting on a show is always so rewarding, and it is something you can not describe fully. This experience took a lot of hard work, but I am glad I got to be part of it and grow,” Whapham said. Senior Jenna Bao was also a semifinalist in creative writing, and continued on in the competition after being recognized as one of the four finalists in her category. The finals will take place on March 3 at the Aronoff Center.
“WE DON’T TALK ANYMORE.” Ferdinand took inspiration from everyday life for her piece. Specifically, she focused on the nuances of human interaction. “It seems people are going great physical distances, but there remains a huge gap regarding true connection and conversation,” Ferdinand said. Photo courtesy of Thea Ferdinand.
“CLYDE AT QUARRY.” Senior Everett Kohinke entered a series of black and white photos. They were shot in various angles and with different associated visions. This piece was described as “clean cut boy, shot at angle, knowing exactly where he is.” Photo courtesy of Everett Kohinke.
February 28, 2018
School safety precautions rise forefront
NEWS SWEN
JENNA BAO
executive editor
Following the school shooting that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14, SHS and students across the nation are working to prevent these incidents in the future. The school has a number of security measures in place and continues to evolve in its precautions. “We have several things we’re utilizing right now. We have about 140 cameras we’ve installed in the building. They’re all web-based, so I can pull them up anywhere in the world and see what’s going on in here present and past. Any first responder will have that same ability,” said Principal Doug Mader. Additionally, administrators are receiving training on the software system ‘Navigate,’ which is an emergency broadcast system, and they
have walkie talkies set to communicate with the rest of the district. They are also installing panic buttons on certain computers throughout the building. “It is just a button that somebody pushes and the cavalry comes. Those will be placed in strategic positions in the building so that no matter where they are, somebody will have access to that button. It’s just on a regular computer, and it’s just down in the icon bar,” Mader said. Further, there will be more supervision of every door through which students may enter in the morning to ensure no one who is not supposed to get in can do so. There are also plans to attempt an unannounced lock down drill to better simulate what an actual situation may look like.
“[An event like this] makes us reflect a lot. It makes us be more visible and makes every person think about what they’d do if anything happened. It makes us play scenarios in our head. “It reinforces with every adult in this building to be more visible and say something,” Mader said. While the school works to protect students with security measures, a number of students call for prevention through gun control. The survivors from Parkland are planning a march in Washington called the March for Our Lives on March 24. The Youth EMPOWER branch of the Women’s March, which focuses on youth-led advocacy, also calls for students and teachers across the nation to walk out for 17 minutes on March 14 to protest Congressional inaction in response to school shootings.
STAND UP. Students walk out of school to protest inaction in the face of mass shootings. There will be a national walkout for students on March 14. Many students here plan to participate. Photo courtesy of Tribune Services.
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NEWS
W
February 28, 2018
leb e ce
rate...
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2018 Theme:
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s achievements. It also seeks to act as a catalyst for change in regards to gender equality, calling for action around the world. The day itself is marked with talks, rallies, marches, and networking events.
#PressforProgress
#MeToo
est. 1913
Recent movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp have fueled a strong global momentum striving for gender parity.
The World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap Report found that it will take
100 years to close the global gender gap and 217 years to close the gender parity gap. Gender Parity Index (GPI) - a socioeconomic
index usually designed to measure the relative access to education of males and females, released by UNESCO
Ways to get involved in Cincinnati: Participate in the Gild Collective IWD Webinar on March 1
Mar ch
Spread the word #PressforProgress on social media Run an event celebrating women Sources: internationalwomensday.com, yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, marieclaire.com. au, thesun.co.uk, reports.weforum.org, United Nations Educational, Scientific, 4 and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Design by: Harsimran Makkad
Leafing through the masses: How would you define feminism?
BREAK OUT. Throughout history, various groups have slowly fought for greater equality in all realms. Today, feminism moves to become ever more inclusive. Intersectional feminism seeks to understand and combat everyone’s oppression. Image by Sydney Evans.
“[I would define it as] empowering women to be equal to men in all aspects of life,” said Shruti Mishra, 12.
Staff Editorial Merriam Webster’s 2017 Word of the Year. Not quite profanity, but sometimes it can feel just as contentious, shocking, and hard to interpret. Feminism. A 2016 poll from “The Washington Post” found that only six in ten American women and one in three men consider themselves feminists. Yet, the vast majority of Americans consistently state that they support equality. Today, the term seems to bring to mind marches and picketing in vagina hats, or radicals who “hate men.” Yet, feminism is defined as the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of equality of the sexes. It has taken on plethora different iterations and faces, but the concept of equality remains at its core. This concept of different faces leads us to the focus of this issue: intersectional feminism. We can guess what you might be thinking: more politically correct complication. Yet, this complexity is a crucial and inherent part of fighting for all members of our complexly diverse society. Intersectional feminism intends to fight for equality for women of all races, religions, orientations, and socioeconomic status. It is about recognizing the different struggles and experiences of others, and using that understanding to truly achieve feminism’s basic goals for all. Essentially, we encourage everyone to seek the education and empathy involved in working to make our society better for all women, and all men as a result. Additionally, feminism seems to become increasingly political, but we would like to remind that it starts closer to home, in our everyday interactions, conversations, and misconceptions. Whether or not you consider yourself a feminist--it really is not the word that counts.
“The empowerment of women. The fight for basic rights that theoretically exist but are not always practiced,” said Samruddhi Ubhe, 11. “[I define feminists as] people who think women are not being treated equally. I think all should be paid by how well you do your job, not by gender,” said Jordan Scott, 9. “[It is] the belief of equal opportunity and equal treatment for the female gender,” said Mrs. Ashley Gleim, history teacher. Photos courtesy of Hannah Lee
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February 28, 2018
Fake news plagues nation
Photo courtesy of Harsitha Kalaiarasan
OPINION
Harsitha Kalaiarasan
staff writer
FAKE NEWS. No two words have had more of an impact on mainstream media in the United States. It seems as if the aspect of “fake news” that is analyzed most is how it affects the people, which is sensible. The people make up a democratic government, and they need accurate information to make decisions for their country. It is true that news can be misleading, that sources not always credible, and that articles can be biased. However, a definitive line must be drawn between inaccurate reporting and claiming facts are incorrect because they do not align with the beliefs of the audience. In a recent poll done by the Knight Foundation, four in ten Republicans consider accurate news stories that portrays a politician or political group in a negative light to always be “fake news.” On the contrary, “The New York Times” reported that preceding the 2016 presidential election, only one and six percent of news consumed by Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump supporters respectively was found to be fake. There appears to be an immense disconnect between how much fake news people consume and how much citizens are led to believe is fake. Contributing to this, President Trump has tweeted the term at least 50 times since his inauguration, allowing his 47 million followers to follow his lead in speculating about news sources.
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BY THE NUMBERS
37 percent of Americans believe it is harder to be informed in recent times due to various sources of information
58 average score given by Americans on a media trust scale out of 100
66 percent of Americans believe most news media does not do a good job of separating fact from opinion
Sources: New York Times, Knight Foundation
Design by: Harsitha Kalaiarasan
But what about journalists? The popularization of the term “fake news” does not help ease the confusion that surrounds citizens, but it most definitely complicates the lives of those doing the reporting. The number of journalists jailed in 2017 was a record of 262. Further, 21 were jailed on accusations of “fake news,” Trump’s notoriously famous rhetoric. These numbers correlate with another story by “The Times,” which shows how the world’s dictatorial governments are following his iconic words. Referring to the ongoing genocide against the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, a security official of Myanmar told the reporter that there was no such thing as Rohingya and it was all “fake news.” Journalists are said to belong to a noble profession. A group of educated people who are willing to risk their safety and comfort to get the whole truth to the limelight. But in the case of Myanmar, where a literal humanitarian crisis is taking place, there can be no room for accusations. People’s lives depend on words reaching citizens’ ears. Mass distrust of the reporters who bring us a sense of knowing in a divided world is not okay either. Fake news makes up the minority of media, while trustworthy journalists form an overwhelming majority. The difference must be recognized.
School shooting spurs renewed movements
ADHITI CHUNDUR associate editor
Parkland, Florida has witnessed the deadliest high school shooting in United States history since Sandy Hook Elementary. To mourn the loss of life in a tragic mass shooting is a rational response. To make sure this never has to happen again would be an obvious next step. Politicians tweet their “thoughts and prayers.” Nothing changes. We repeat this cycle every year. I was reading an article commenting on the fact that if the deaths of 20 first graders at Sandy Hook does not spark change, what will? With that realization, my heart sank down in my chest. What frustrates me is that the lawmakers, the ones who truly have power to enact lasting change in our government, simply respond to a shooting with condolences, continue to accept thousands of dollars from the NRA every election cycle, and utterly fail to pass meaningful gun legislation. According to the Mass Shooting Tracker, as of Feb. 15, there have been a total of 82 killed and 143 injured in mass shootings this year alone. Yet basic, common sense gun control legislation continues to die on the floor of Congress. In the wake of a shooting incident, lawmakers typically respond with the phrase, “there a time and place for political debate,” calling on the country to unite instead of politicizing the gun issue. But, there comes a point where thoughts and prayers can only do so much. We need concrete, preventative steps to stop the growing number of gun violence casualties. Yes, mental health, psychology,
family history, and disorders are all valid concerns and are considered contributing factors, but ultimately, these shooters were actually able to acquire these AR- style rifles. The big issue lies in how easy it is to obtain these weapons. Specifically, in Florida, the AR-15 (the same weapon used by the Parkland shooter) can be bought by anyone over 18 with a clear record. An article in the “The New York Times” discussed a study that analyzed the U.S.’s rates of gun ownership and violence compared to other countries. Even after adjusting for other variables, including mental health, the only variable that explains the high rate of mass shootings in America is the astronomical number of guns. In fact, the U.S. has 270 million guns and had 90 mass shooters from 1960 to 2012. No other country comes close-not exceeding 46 million guns or 18 mass shooters in the same time span. The issue of gun control is a controversial topic, but there has to be a standard of safe living in this country. As a senior in journalism, I have been writing about this issue for the last four years, and every time we rehash the same statistics, the same solutions, and the same frustration. But, the reaction to Parkland has been different. The students are taking things into their own hands to bring awareness to gun violence. Now, the responsibility falls on us, the younger generation, to take on this issue. We need to use our voices and our votes to start the change we need to see in this country.
Photo courtesy of Tribune Services
February 28, 2018
OPINION
Ally’s Alley: ALLYSON BONHAUS feature chief
In the era of fake news and bashing the media, it is hard to remember why journalism matters. News corporations are the watchers of society, the government, and the world. Recently, the importance of journalism, especially investigative journalism, has been highlighted by the case involving Larry Nassar. “The Indianapolis Star” brought the abuse and sexual assault of hundreds of women and children to light. Despite accusations that new media only spreads fake news, there is a much higher goal to reporting. Journalists act as watchdogs, making sure that their audiences get the full truth (contrary to popular belief). Journalists are focused on reporting truthfully on organizations and even the government. They hold these powerhouses in check. Reporters are responsible for being the voice of the people, delivering the most accurate information. During the Vietnam War, the government was lying to the American people about their progress. It was newspapers like “The Washington Post” that exposed this, not knowing whether they would go to jail for it. The movie “The Post” goes into detail with this story and celebrates the power and need for journalists. Journalists expose hard truths and let the people decide if and how they can change things. Journalism is a necessary part of every person’s life, as the goal of journalism is to get the facts to the people and to keep them informed about current events that impact their life. Media provides the facts of events, giving people the necessary information to protest or support them. News sites are the voices millions of Americans do or need to listen to. “The freedom of the press, as one of the great bulwarks of liberty, shall be inviolable,” according to the case of New York Times Co. v. U.S.
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FEATURE February 28, 2018
Aves offer education alternative JENNA BAO
executive editor
THE TRADITIONAL HIGH school education does not work for everyone, and one alternative is Aves Academy. The program, using the online, selfpaced curriculum of Apex Learning, is an option for those who need a more flexible schedule or are not comfortable with the social/academic structure of the high school. “Aves is a good choice for a student if they’re not comfortable in their learning environment and want to give something new a try where it’s a little more small group and focused on them. “The social drama impacts a lot of kids differently, and they get distracted...Some kids haven’t had a good background in math or English, or they miss for extended period of time and fall behind. We try to give them the support and structure to rebuild some of these things,” said Mr. Mark Weigel, Aves Academy director. Students are required to attend in person three hours per day (in morning or afternoon sessions). There, teachers are available to assist while students generally work individually. “We try to provide the support we can, hold them to the rigor of Sycamore, allow them to accelerate at their pace, and give them some assignment
responsibilities,” Weigel said. The reasons a student might move to Aves are greatly varied. Junior Joy Duke’s older siblings enjoyed the program, so she decided to do it starting her junior year. Most students in the program are seniors as it was originally meant to be an alternate path to graduation. Some underclassmen spend part of the day in the SHS building even though they are in Aves. “I didn’t like the high school because I was less focused on my school work and was distracted by all of the high school drama about irrelevant people. “All of the teachers at Aves Academy and Mr. Weigel are extremely helpful... and the staff there is what I love about Aves,” Duke said. In her experience, the program has helped Duke better grasp the content of her education. “We can use all of our notes on our quizzes, tests, and exams. I feel like when I was at the high school I just remembered stuff long enough to take my tests, but I didn’t have an actual understanding of it. “At Aves, since you don’t have to worry about remembering everything, I get an actual understanding of the content, and by the time I get to my exam, I don’t even really need my notes,” Duke said.
Other students choose Aves for more time to pursue other aspirations like the arts, athletics, or work. “I decided to enroll in Apex last summer since I wanted more time and energy to focus on my music career. I would be traveling a lot as well, so this program helped make it easier to manage assignments, since you can work at your own pace,” said Lindsey Wong, 11. Wong plans to pursue the flute professionally. “I go to the high school for band in the morning. Then from there, I go directly to the Blue Ash center for Aves for three hours, which is the last thing I do before I go back to practicing or lessons...I usually try to practice for at least four hours a day. “At first it was a little difficult to get used to, being separated from my friends every day and not having my typical school life was an uncomfortable change. But, I ended up being a lot less stressed in terms of getting school work completed in a short amount of time while practicing,” Wong said. Aves is just one of many alternative education choices available to SHS, including the Great Oaks, College Credit Plus, Credit Flex, and more. Talk to your counselors to learn more about these possibilities.
INDEPENDENCE. Students take learning into their own hands at Aves Academy. The group uses an online based program to maintain their curriculum. Teachers can advise students while they are in class. Photo courtesy of Lindsey Wong.
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February 28, 2018
City Council embraces female leaders
FEATURE
MAYA GOLDENBERG staff writer
2018 IS BEING called the year of women. It is a time when women are beginning to feel more comfortable speaking out about sexual assault. Women are marching and protesting by the millions. In fact, it is a time when women are even more politically active, with record breaking numbers of them running for office. What about Cincinnati? Two of the nine members of Cincinnati’s City Council are female: Tamaya Dennard and Amy Murray. Dennard had a career in political strategy before running for public office,and was inspired by Shirley Chisholm, America’s first black congresswoman. She is currently serving her first term in city council as President Pro Tempore. Murray was motivated to run for city council because of her drive for
equality and the idea that government should be for the people. “I wanted to run for office because I think government should reflect the people it serves, [given] that women are 50 percent of the population, but only account for about 19-23 percent of elected officials. “Another reason why I decided to run for office is because ... people are trying to fix things for people, rather than fix things with people,” Dennard said. In 2011, Murray first served on city council standing in for Chris Monzel. She is now beginning her first elected term. Murray did not plan on working in politics--rather, she had a successful career as a businesswoman, working for Procter and Gamble. “I always thought I would be a businesswoman. Every day I would see
in the paper the budget deficits in the city of Cincinnati, all of the issues going on. “I looked at council and saw that most of the people were mostly lawyers. I felt compelled to run to bring fiscal sense to the city,” Murray said. Both council members find that it is important to have women and minorities participate in local (and federal) government. “Everyone has a different perspective, based on where they are brought up, how they are brought up, [and] their gender,” Murray said. With women increasingly taking greater roles in politics of all levels, Dennard’s words are especially poignant. “These decisions affect our wages, [and] they affect our bodies, so why shouldn’t we have a say?” Dennard said.
Chinese program celebrates culture HANNAH LEE opinion chief
HAPPY NEW YEAR. In celebration of Chinese New Year, which took place Feb. 16, students in Chinese III through AP and Chinese Club members gathered in the Hub. Taking donations, they ate traditional Chinese food such as noodles, dumplings, and rice cakes catered by Johnny Chan 2. Students participated in the dragon dance and performed songs, dances, instruments ,and tongue twisters. They also received hongbao (red envelopes that usually contain money, but in this case had a chocolate gold coin). 2018 is the year of the dog, according to the Chinese zodiac. “Xin nian kuai le!” (Happy New Year!) Photos courtesy of Hannah Lee.
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FEATURE
February 28, 2018
Fast Track fosters mentorship MADELEINE SUH staff writer
OF ALL THE WAYS teens can help their community and peers, Fast Track is one of the closest to home. Everyone can use their talents to assist someone else who could use additional guidance. Outside of school, students volunteer for organizations to support people around the world as well. “Helping others is important because it helps you gain perspective. You realize that there are so many different people from different backgrounds, and you come to appreciate what you have,” said Nathan Zhang, 12. During one bell each school day, Fast Track mentors work one-on-one
with their assigned mentee. Zhang is a mentor in the program. They help discover their students’ interests and encourage them to get involved. Mentors not only help academically but socially, guiding students through life as a student. “The world would be a better place if people would constantly look for ways that they can use their talents to help others. Helping others is also healthy for the ‘helper,’” said Mrs. Beth LeBlanc, English teacher. LeBlanc is one of the Fast Track instructors. She is only one of many teachers that help run this program. In addition, mentors enrolled in Fast Track may record the class for volunteer
hours, which are needed for various awards and scholarships. “Many success stories have come out of the Fast Track program. For example, many of our mentors found that Fast Track augmented their college applications. “They believe that explaining the type of work they did as well as the goals they accomplished helped them get into their dream schools,” LeBlanc said. Students are given the opportunity to take Fast Track as a semester-long elective course. This class encourages students who may be struggling with organization and/or certain classes to seek help from their peers.
Sprin g bre ak t rip t ips
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Travel off the beaten path and visit some of the lesser known sites
Find lodging with complimentary breakfast and grab something quick in the morning
10 Compare multiple airline prices to get 10 1010 10 the best deals Convert currency ahead 10 10 If lodging has a fridge and 10 of time microwave, you can find a grocery store close by to stock Take in the culture of the up instead of constantly eating area you are visiting out 10
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Source: Huffington Post
Design by: Taylor Close
COVER
February 28, 2018
exploring
feminism
Covers by: Adhiti Chundur
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COVER
February 28, 2018
Society discusses ‘F’ word ALLYSON BONHAUS ANNE MARSH feature editor
SYDNEY WEISS
creative projects director social media director
INTERSECTIONAL FEMINISM CALLS for understanding of the other factors that affect oppression and discrimination as people advocate for women’s rights and the end of sexism. Intersectional feminism realizes that all oppression has common roots and oppression has different intensities and ways of impacting people. Different discrimination can come from women’s level of education, sexuality, ability, age, ethnicity, culture, class, and race. Though separate issues, an individual is not separately affected by the different forms of oppression. The term was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, though she was not the first to use its meaning as it has been around since the 19th century. Also, the theory of intersectionality is not applied only to feminism but to describe how a person’s identity overlaps with more than one group. Intersectional feminism advocates
for the rights and empowerment of all women. Race, economic status, sexuality, etc. are affected by forms of oppression if in a minority position. Discrimination is not categorized, but interconnected and influences one’s life as a woman. For example, it recognizes that it is not just college campuses that need reform in violence against women, but high schools too. It is not just the group of college women that are vulnerable to this; other groups and societies are vulnerable too. Some groups of women face more discrimination from different angles than other women. Intersectionality is a way to try to work towards the equality of rights for all women, not just a select few. All of these forms of oppression intersect in a woman’s life and make their experiences different. There is still a gap between feminism
the term
intersectional feminism was penned by Kimberlé Crenshaw in her 1989 essay “Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color”
Misogyny= hatred of women
Misandry= hatred of men
The women’s rights movement was born in 1848 when a convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York. 12
Design by: Sydney Weiss
and intersectional feminism, but it is becoming more mainstream. The long-term presence of “white women feminism” must also be overcome by the movement. The women’s rights movements are spoken about in terms of waves, and today sees the fourth wave. While this wave is still forming, the topics of intersectionality and white privilege are being discussed. This younger generation is highlighting the differences between women, and how they impact one’s experience. Today’s issues call for education and change in sexual assault and how society treats it, the end to shaming women’s bodies that is enforced by magazines, and more. Some of the issues are new; some are being fought for all over again. This wave has opened up the conversation to include more issues that women face.
intersectionality identifies that all oppression is connected
intersectional feminism the study of women’s overlapping identities
Feminism embraces difference ALLYSON BONHAUS feature editor
FEMINISM IS CHANGING. Passing by are the days that white women decide what rights are important for a whole movement. The rights of African Americans, the working class, and transgender people were sidelined, but the mainstream movement is trying to change now. From its creation in 1848, the women’s rights movement primarily focused on issues as they pertain to white women. Feminism traditionally aligned itself with a patriarchal view as it advocated for women’s rights, and it fought only for rights that benefited the middle to upper class, heterosexual women. Issues were framed by racism and classism, such as when educated women wanted to work outside the home but the only jobs available were unskilled and low paying. The feminist movement fought for higher skilled jobs, ignoring the bad work conditions and low pay the other classes received. In contrast, African American women, many of whom had to work from the home, were blamed for social ills that supposedly grew when women were not there to be the moral base of the household. Ignoring other forms of oppressions women face created a polarizing movement that did not advocate for the equality of all. This white women feminism has been controlling what gets done. Even renowned feminist Betty Friedan presented anti-gay themes through one of her books and in her leadership of the feminist movement in the 1970s. During that time, there were women of color who were critical of the movement’s ignorance/ unwillingness to fight for all women. The Combahee River Collective comprised of veteran Black Panther
(and other anti-racism organizations) members lead the growth of intersectional feminism. They stated that no one form of oppression is more important or difficult than another. Meanwhile, white privilege is something more and more feminists are trying to reflect on. Instead of saying “I am not racist,” women are thinking about what privileges they receive due to their background. This is identifying nurtured racism, which society enforces in people. White women cannot speak for women of color’s struggles but can stand together in solidarity, as intersectional feminism teaches today. However, the movement for gender equality is publicly growing to include the struggles of other oppressed groups. The Women’s March is lead by women of color. Signs for the Women’s March protest the ways in which this presidential administration deals with immigration. Overall, the issues feminists are concerned about are opening to realize the different ways in which women are oppressed, and how they all combine to produce injustice. SPEAK UP. Freshmen Kendall Mather and Sia Sindhwani both participated in the 2018 Women’s March. Three out of the four women that are leading this movement are women of color. Posters advocated for new immigration policies and DACA support. Photo courtesy of Allyson Bonhaus.
February 28, 2018
COVER
Feminist timeline of 2017 January 21 Women’s marches were held across the country February 26 Viola Davis became the first black actress to win the Triple Crown of Acting at the Golden Globes. April “Intersectionality” was added to MerriamWebster Dictionary. June 2 “Wonder Woman” became the highest grossing superhero origin film October 14 Harvey Weinstein was removed from the Motion Picture Academy, symbolizing the rise of the #MeToo movement November 7 Women ran for office in record numbers December 6 “TIME” named the ‘Silence Breakers’ the Person of the Year Design by: Sydney Weiss
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COVER
February 28, 2018
Feminism for all: gender spectrum Cisgender: gender identity matches birth assignment
Genderfluid: unfixed gender identity
Transgender: gender does not match assigned gender
Genderqueer: neither, both, or combination of genders
Gender identity, expression, and biological sex all fall on a spectrum. Individuals who fall on various places of the spectrum may face oppression as a result of their identification. Intersectional feminism recognizes equality for everyone, no matter where they fall on the spectrum.
GSTA fast facts
Presidents: Reed Aleson, 11 Allison Landrum, 11 Abigail Lefton, 11 Meets: Every Thursday 2:20-3:00 Sponsor: Ms. Meredith Blackmore Mission: to end transphobia and homophobia within Sycamore
Q&A
Allison Landrum, 11 Reed Aleson, 11
How are feminism and the LGBT community related? L: Women and gays are two overlapping groups who have been simultaneously oppressed through history, so they’ve really struggled and survived together. Not to mention, men in the LGBT community are typically more respectful toward women than straight men. As a bisexual feminist woman, I feel that feminism and the LBGT community are equally important pieces of my life. A: As a guy who believes everyone should have equal rights, feminism is no exception. It’s not saying that women should have more rights or that men should have less, it’s that both men and women should be treated equal.
Childhood gender roles From a young age, children are often told to fit into one of two strict gender stereotypes Male stereotypes Toy trucks and blocks Complimented on their strength Encouraged to be like superheroes Pirate parties
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Source: cnn.com
Female stereotypes Toy kitchens and dolls Complimented on their beauty Supposed to be like damsels in distress Princess parties
Design by: Sydney Weiss
A&E
February 28, 2018
‘Black Panther’ sets new heights for African American community SYDNEY EVANS
leaflet editor-in-chief
Over the course of its opening weekend, “Black Panther” set new records as the biggest February opening weekend (topping the previous record holder “Deadpool” by 52 percent). It was also the biggest non-sequel opening weekend (topping “The Hunger Games” which grossed $152 millions), biggest-grossing movie in North America directed by a black filmmaker (making at least $235 million in four days), and second-biggest comic book superhero opening weekend (only falling short of “The Avengers”). “It was incredibly refreshing to see a movie with a predominantly black cast, especially, having these black actors and actresses holding such powerful roles,” said Noa Atkins, 12. Such a big splash did not stop at just monetary records, but it has also resulted in a national movement geared toward helping children see the film. “I think it is important for African Americans, especially youth, to see this film to further encourage excellence and power despite being a minority,” Atkins said. The campaign started by marketing consultant and activist Frederick Joseph, called “Help Children See ‘Black Panther’” began on a GoFundMe and has, as of Feb. 21, raised $51,012 of
SET RECORDS. “Black Panther” came out on Feb. 16, and immediately began setting records for box office numbers. T’Challa (Black Panther), portrayed by Chadwick Boseman, is the first African American superhero. Social media has been buzzing about the movie. Photo courtesy of Tribune Services.
its $100,000 goal. “It is more important than ever in my opinion, for us to have stories and content that’s combatting the rhetoric and racism of the Trump administration. “[‘Black Panther’] is something that is not only wrapped in blackness but is also layered and nuanced. It has aspects of feminism, of black nontoxic masculinity, of loss, of pain, of various black existence, and that is very important for our kids to see,” Joseph said. Members of the Young Scholars community went to see the movie as a group on Fri. Feb. 16. “Going to see ‘Black Panther’ with the juniors and seniors of Young Scholars was an amazing experience. One of my firm beliefs is that you can’t control your environment, but you can control how you handle circumstance you’re exposed to. “The film has so many things to
take away and I think as a group- each individual gained from seeing the film,” said Jaslyn Davis-Johnson, 12, President of Young Scholars. Juniors and seniors of the club were offered the opportunity to see the film by the club’s sponsor Assistant Principal Dr. Yejide Mack. They jumped at the chance to see the movie, and so the field trip to Envision Cinemas Bar & Grille was quickly arranged. “For me personally, it feels like a privilege to live during a time where I can go and watch movie centered around my people with a positive message. We need that. I’m so glad that my younger siblings have a film that can have such an impact on them as they grow up. “I smiled through a whole scene because it’s such a confidence booster. I’m proud to be black. I’m happy in my skin,” Davis-Johnson said.
Sycamore Band & Orchestra Boosters 56th Annual Pancake Day Sat. March 3 Serving time: 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Entertainment by grades 5-12 bands and orchestras Art show presenting work from grades 5-12 Cost for Pancakes: $6
Design by: Lindsey Brinkman
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ENTERTAINMENT
February 28, 2018
Aves theatre transitions ‘Into the Woods’ SYDNEY WEISS
social media director
WITH THE CONCLUSION of
Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Emily “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Blunt, and Anna Kendrick. Dreamcoat,” Aves Theatre is moving The Aves Theatre season this year on to its fourth and final main-stage was different than in previous years, production of this school year, “Into the having two musicals instead of the Woods.” standard one large spring musical. The show will be performed April 13, As a result, the cast of “Into the 14, 20, and 21. Woods” is smaller than spring musicals “[‘Into the Woods’] is going to be tend to be. It has 21 cast members. a lot of fun. I’m very excited to be “I play Cinderella, and I’m excited in the show where people are fairly because this is one of the most serious, and it is going to be a different challenging shows I will have done in experience. The end product is going my high school career and probably ever to be something we are all really proud will do. of,” said Sarah Guedira, 11. “I’m also excited to be in a show with “Into the Woods” is a musical a lot of people I have been in shows with music and lyrics by Stephen with in the past. It’s just a great way Sondheim. It is a combination of a few experience to have my senior year,” said famous Brothers Grimm and Charles Kate McNamara-Marsland, 12. Perrault fairy tales: “Cinderella,” A smaller cast size does bring some “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and benefits. There is an opportunity for the the Beanstalk,” and “Rapunzel” are all cast to become closer as a group. featured. “Into the Woods” is categorized as an Aves Theatre has performed this ensemble show, which means that there show before, the last time being in are a decent number of roles of equal 2012. size as opposed to a small number of The show is known for having featured roles with a large chorus. tricky music. There are many lengthy “I’m excited because there is a really pieces of music with timing that takes small cast, so I am excited to create immense practice to hone. a family with everyone,” said Adam Since the last Aves Theatre Levine, 11. performance of “Into the Woods,” the When available, tickets for “Into show had a film adaptation in 2014, the Woods” may be purchased on featuring stars such as James Corden, avestheatre.org. PRACTICE. After finishing the production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” theatre is beginning to prepare “Into the Woods.” This show will feature a smaller cast but nonetheless will broadcast all of the hard work from the students. “Into the Woods” will be preformed on April 12,14, 20 and 21. Photo courtesy of Sydney Weiss.
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column: SARA MARGOLIS
a&e columnist Four months later and “Wonder” is still changing lives. Based on the novel, the movie “Wonder” stars Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay. Trembaly is a an 11 year old boy who handled a very difficult subject, helping others see that difference is not bad, it is good. While “Wonder” was originally written as a book by RJ Palacio, there have been many play-offs of the story so people of all ages can hear the inspiring story. August Pullman is a typical fifth grader: he likes “Star Wars” and wants to be an astronaut. The only thing different about him is the fact that he has a facial disformity. In the movie, August starts middle school and has a rough time adjusting because of the other kids and their reactions to his face. (No worries, there is a happy ending.) August embraces his difference and that makes him strong. “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind” is the main takeaway from the book and movie. This quote was the one line that stood out to me the most. It helps us see that kindness can change the world. You never know how much a smile could shape someone’s day. “Wonder” makes us realize that the outside does not matter, what is on the inside is what counts. Being nice to someone is more important than who you sit with at the lunch table. As teenagers are standing up and speaking out for what they believe in, particularly in Florida, they are choosing kindness and friendship to make bold and brave statements. They are truly being wonders. With everything happening today I think we could all use a little advice from ten year old Auggie Pullman.
February 28, 2018
FEMINISTS
Photo courtesy of Lydia Masset
“I’m a feminist because I’ve seen discrimination against women happen, and I know that it exists. Women deserve equality, and if you believe in equality, you should identify as a feminist too.”
Photo courtesy of Yvanna Reyes
Kevin Landrum, 11
Ms. Meredith Blackmore, Spanish teacher
“I’m a feminist because I believe in equal rights for everybody. A woman can go to school and work as hard as any man, master more skills, even earn more degrees, yet still get paid less in the workforce. That is not equality. Girls
and women are also frequently exploited sexually in society. We are told and taught to tolerate these aggressions at the hands of men because ‘that’s just how men and boys behave.’ Men and boys can and need to
learn to behave better. And that’s also why we march; we need to protect our rights and show how each and every one of us, as humans, deserves respect and is equal to one another.”
Nova Dugan-Mezensky, 10
Photo courtesy of Maya Goldenberg
MEET THE...
“Well, it’s simple; I’m a feminist because promoting feminism helps to promote equality, and we should all be treated equally and with respect. Currently, we
are in a very important social awakening, and the importance of stepping up and being able to support feminism and casting away the bad reputation it has had in the
past. March 8 is International Women’s Day! Come to He for She Club on the seventh to prepare for the celebrations on the eighth.”
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SPORTS
February 28, 2018
‘Lit tle fish, big pond’ Carson Foster sets high bar for swimming
As he walks into the building in the early morning, sophomore Carson Foster looks like any other student. With his profound modesty and humility, one might not even know that he is anything more than a regular high school kid who just
happened to transfer from St. Xavier High School. But, as a swimmer who attends high profile competitions, breaks records, and has competed against Olympians, Foster is certainly not your average high schooler.
For the rest of the article, scan the code or go to shsleaf.org. Photo courtesy of Sarah Abraham.
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February 28, 2018
SPORTS
Sports snapshot ABIGAIL LEFTON
sports chief
All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography
DUNK. Varsity Girls Basketball is going strong with a 13 win, 9 loss season. Taking a loss against Fairfield, the team bounced back with a three game winning pattern against Indian Hill, Hamilton, and Middletown.
BOWL. “We have at least two practices a week, and my team is composed of 13 people. There are ten boys and three girls on the team. The season is close to the end,” said Devansh Saxena, 10.
WRESTLE. With one second place, one thrid place, and two fourth place athlete in their respective weight brackets, wrestling is looking strong with help from top athletes, junior Ryan Draughn and senior John Folz dominating in their brackets.
FOCUS. Juniors Mohit Dighamber and Sarah Brownlee participate in an alphabet round. Academic Quiz Team (AQT) finished the season tied for second in the GMC with a record of 135. They lost in the finals to Lakota West.
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SPORTS
February 28, 2018
Fencing finesse
Fencers compete, improve their skills LINDSEY BRINKMAN entertainment chief
NOW THAT FENCING teams are well into their seasons, they have all learned the basics and are working on growing and boosting individual skills. The four teams each compete almost every Friday at Salle Du Lion located in West Chester. “This is my first year fencing, so it has been really nice to learn this new sport and have the chance to become better at it. “I really enjoy the challenge of fencing [since you] don’t know how the opponent is going to react; it definitely keeps you on your toes,” said Anupama Narayana, 10. In the beginning of the season, the group worked on learning the fundamentals, but now they work on more personal goals such as getting quicker or improving particular
elements of the sport. The four teams practice every Wednesday until 4:00 p.m. and compete on Fridays, with starting times ranging from 4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. On Wednesday the four teams practice together, which allows everyone to receive help, either from a student or Mr. Ron Hochstrasser, the fencing coach. On days they compete, the group is split up into four smaller teams, first divided by weapon and then by skill. The next competition for fencing will be held on Fri. March 2. FENCE. The four fencing teams work to become better and faster. They practice once a week and compete every Friday. Currently, the teams have had a total of six competitions, yet they still have about three more weeks until the season is officially over. Photo courtesy of Lindsey Brinkman.
Wrestlerettes settle score KIRSTEN THOMAS spotlight chief
The wrestlerettes play a key role in the success of the wrestling team. No matter when or where the matches are held, the wrestlerettes are there keeping score. They use iPads and markdown scores as the matches go on. They keep scores only for SHS wrestlers, not those of the other teams. The technology make it much easier for them to keep score. “Last year, we used books to keep score, and that was harder than using the iPads this year,” said Lindsey Stevens, 10. The wrestlerettes keeping score provides the coaches with a break, so they do not have to worry about keeping score during matches.
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This allows the coaches to give wrestlers their undivided attention. Additionally, wrestlerettes can earn volunteer hours for their efforts. Through the season, the girls involved have grown closer to one another. “Everyone is always looking out for each other,” said Emma Pletz, 9. Another fun part of being a wrestlerette is getting to experience the matches closer than regular audience members. “It is really fun and you get to watch the sport up close,” Pletz said. The wrestlerettes are Pletz, Stevens, and freshmen Zenny Layne, Kira STAY ALERT. Lindsey Stevens keeps score at a Washington, and Aubrey Killeen. home match. Wrestlerettes are not responsible The wrestling season ends during the for keeping the other team’s score. The use of second week of March. The coaches are iPads makes keeping score much easier than writing the scores out by hand. Photo courtesy Mr. Jeremy Pletz and Mr. Timothy Arnold. McDaniel’s Photography.
Photo courtesy Griffin Miller
SPOTLIGHT February 28, 2018
Pereda strives for success
KIRSTEN THOMAS spotlight chief
With endless academic options, numerous sports, and other extracurriculars, there seems to be a niche for everyone here. Freshman Gabriela Pereda has had no problem finding her place in the crowd. Pereda has challenged herself with multiple academics and extracurriculars. Her courses include Accelerated English 9, Accelerated Geometry, Accelerated Biology, Accelerated World History, French III, Marketing, Law Studies, and AP Computer Science Principles. Pereda has a hard time picking a favorite. “I actually have a pretty hard [time] choosing which class I like the most. “History has never really been one of my favorite classes, but this year I got lucky and got Mr. Andrew Ovington, who is one of my favorite teachers ever and he makes history fun and enjoyable. “I also really, really enjoy studying the aspects of biology, law, and marketing. Lastly, I love speaking different languages so French is also one of my favorite classes,” Pereda said. Speaking a different language follows her home, as she and her entire family fluently speak Spanish. The bell ringing at 2:20 p.m. signals a continuance of activities for Pereda.
Her extracurriculars include indoor and outdoor track, the volleyball team, DECA, international club, and Unified for Uganda. Involving sports, one teacher has been a huge encouragement for Pereda. “One of the coaches who has had the biggest impact on my involvement [with] the Sycamore track team is Coach Richard Shomo. “Anyone who has him knows how great a coach he is and knows that the relationship you create with him is like father and daughter,” Pereda said. Even her weekends are filled with multiple activities. “Outside of school I love to spend time with my family and friends, run, work out, sing, and volunteer helping little kids,” Pereda said. One of her favorite things to do on the weekends is work with kids at the downtown YMCA. To keep up with all these involvements, Pereda seeks inspiration
from her family. Without their support, she would not be who she is today. “I think the main people who have inspired my heavy involvement in school and sports [have] to be my parents because they have both given me everything in order for me to succeed in life. “Therefore, I want to thank them for everything they have given me by taking every opportunity I can and succeeding,” Pereda said. Another activity the Pereda family enjoys is traveling. This summer her family plans on traveling to Thailand. They all love learning about different places and cultures. Pereda has been to places such as Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Prague, and the Czech Republic. Pereda leads a busy life, but the important thing is that she fills it with the things she loves most.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Gabriela Pereda snaps a photo with Mr. Richard Shomo. This photo was taken last year after a track team victory. The girls track team won GMC’s for the first time in 17 years. Photo courtesy of Gabriela Pereda.
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FUN & GAMES GUESS February 28, 2018
WHO?
1.
SARA MARGOLIS a&e columnist
(Teacher edition) 2.
3.
Can you figure out which teacher matches with each clue? *last names only*
8. 4. 5. 9.
7. 6.
10. 11.
Sudoku Difficulty: medium *Solution verified by hand and by computer
9 5 4 8
3 1 5 7
3
8 4 6 8
5 9 1 7 3 6 1 22
2 4 3
ACROSS 8. This English teacher went to Moeller High School 9. This social studies teacher has a motorcycle license 10. This art teacher was the mascot in high school 11. This math teacher who never lived anywhere for more than three years growing up DOWN 1. This English teacher wet his pants during a spelling test in first grade 2. This global language teacher can wiggle her ears 3. This global language teacher is an Irish citizen 4. This English teacher is a “Gilmore Girls” expert 5. This marketing teacher played a pick up basketball game with Shaq 6. This math teacher changed his major from Musical Theater to Math in college 7. This science teacher raises chickens
The word ‘Aves’ is spelled out with letters from around the school. Can you locate each one?
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3 4 7
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8 Find the answers on shsleaf.org