Leaf 2016 November

THE

LEAF

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

We are

SYCAMORE

Better pizza outside Brooklyn?

FUH

GED

DA B

OUT

IT!

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

THE LEAF|November 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

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9797 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242

IN THIS ISSUE TABLE OF CONTENTS

pg.3 NEWS

pg.4

pg.6

pg.11 FEATURE

pg.12

pg.16

pg.17 pg.18 FUN &GAMES

pg.20

2| Ray Tensing trial(s) and tribulations 3| Devising devices 4| Football regional final

8| Conspiracies constructing reality 9| Opening our eyes to the future 10| Facing discrimination: teens receive criticism

17| Crazy jumble

OPINION

COVER

off run

5| Staff Editorial 6| Black lives still matter 7| Trump trumps election polls

11-14| We are Sycamore

19| Basketball dribbles up to season 20| Diving into new season

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS 18| Football makes history with record play-

SPOTLIGHT

15| Practice makes perfect 16| Evolution of artistry

21| Volunteering at Community Matters

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 Wertheim PRINT EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Natalie Brinkman Adhiti Chundur

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

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

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

THE LEAF|November 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG|1

N

NEWS

Football takes final flight CAROLINE VERALDO

JOSH PATTERSON

sports chief

opinion chief

173000@sycamoreschools.org

171042@sycamoreschools.org

I

n the beginning of the 2016 season, almost nobody in the state of Ohio would have projected SHS as regional runner-ups in the Division I state tournament play-off. Thirteen weeks later, they shocked the state by not only making the playoffs, but advancing to the regional final after not one but two major upsets against higher-ranked Lebanon and Mason high schools.

“A lot of people forget that we started 2-4 and were projected to lose the first and second round of the playoffs.

But throughout the season we did a great job of playing with energy, passion and grit and I really think that’s how we got to where we ended up.” said Khadim Fall, 12.

Although St. Xavier managed to pull out a 35-28 win in overtime, this season was one for the history books. Senior Ra’Von Bonner’s 99-yard touchdown run is the longest

run in school history, and put him 18th in state history in career rushing touchdowns.

Senior quarterback Jake Borman also set records in both career passing yards and passing touchdowns.

This year’s team also became the first in SHS history to advance this far in the state tournament.

“I love these guys so much.

They all are my family and this season is something I will never forget. The things we accomplished haven’t sunk in yet, but in time they will, and we’ll be able to look back at it and be so proud of how we came together.” said Brenden Archer, 12.

Toughness, fight and resilience. Those are the things to take away from the regional finals battle with the Bombers.

“Despite the outcome of the game there’s no other group of guys I’d rather take the field with. We had our ups and

1. downs throughout the season but my boys blocked out the noise and worked hard as ever to get to where we finished.

Throughout the season we did a great job of playing with energy, passion and grit and I really think that’s how we got to where we ended up.” said Fall.

Although the game was played at Virgil Schwarm Stadium in Hamilton, the game drew quite a supportive crowd of SHS students, parents and alumni.

“Despite the long drive, they still managed to make the trip to support us, and it means so much to us players

and shows how much the community backs us up.” said Jonathan Malek, 11.

As far as the future of SHS football is concerned, the team is very confident in their ability to motivate and encourage the next generation of players.

“This one hurts, but I know what we did this year will inspire future Aviators to go farther and continue to re-write the history books.

I love my team, this school, this community and most importantly I love the fact that no matter where I go I will forever be an Aviator.” said Archer.

1. High-fiving a fan as he walks onto the field is senior, Jake Borman.

Borman has been the starting quarterback since his sophomore year. He set the career passing yards and passing touchdowns school record.

2.

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

2. Senior, Ra’Von Bonner is breaking through the mass of players. In the regional final game, Bonner ran a 99-yard touchdown, making him the record holder for the longest run in school history. Bonner has signed to play with the University of Illinois next year.

Ray Tensing trial(s), tribulations

NEWS

JENNA BAO associate editor 181003@sycamoreschools.org

Photo courtesy of Yasmine Guedira

I

n recent years, few legal cases have been as high-profile as those involving police shootings.

On July 19, 2015, Sam DuBose, a black man, was pulled over by University of Cincinnati police officer Ray Tensing regarding a missing license plate. The encounter ultimately led to Tensing fatally shooting DuBose.

The traffic stop escalated, with Tensing attempting to open the car door, Dubose beginning to drive away, and Tensing firing his gun. DuBose was hit fatally in the head.

Tensing was fired and charged with murder and voluntary manslaughter in a trial that began on Nov. 1, setting the courthouse and its surroundings on edge.

Tensing plead not guilty, saying that he was being dragged by DuBose’s car and feared for his life. However, the prosecution argued that Tensing did not face a risk of great bodily harm, and therefore the deadly force was not justified.

The case was argued by the Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters and Tensing’s attorney, Stew Mathews.

The Black Lives Matter movement in Cincinnati have rallied and protested for conviction multiple times since the incident and continued to protest outside the courthouse throughout and after the trial.

The city of Cincinnati took many precautions involving the trial, including speaking with multiple religious and civil groups ahead of time and asking for ‘all hands on deck’ and ‘unprecedented’ security at the courthouse while the case is in session.

Part of the reasoning behind increased security was protecting the identities of the jurors, as some of them expressed concerns for their own safety.

Jury selection, which was expected to be a difficult process, was completed rather quickly by narrowing down a pool

The Hamilton County Courthouse located in downtown Cincinnati saw considerable tension during and after the Ray Tensing trial. The case involved a former UC officer who shot and killed a black man. There were protesters outside the courthouse throughout the case and protests following the announcement of a mistrial.

of 230 prospective jurors with a 25-page questionnaire discussing beliefs including political affiliation and racial sentiments.

The jury ultimately consisted of two black women, four white women, and six white men.

Presiding Judge Megan Shanahan promised their identities would be kept secret, but did agree to release the questionnaires without personal information to media outlets.

As far as evidence presented, jurors reviewed Tensing’s body camera footage and were taken to observe the sight of the shooting.

Critical to the prosecution’s case was that Tensing’s life was not in danger. The prosecution presented an eyewitness saying Tensing was not dragged and argued that the body camera did not show him being dragged.

They brought in experts witnesses including a video analyst, coroner, and a forensic specialist.

The prosecution also discussed the racial aspect of the case. It was revealed that Tensing had been wearing a Confederate flag shirt during the shooting, and had the highest proportion of traffic stops of black people out of the UC police force.

Both sides presented expert witnesses giving opposing opinions on whether the

use of force was justified in this case.

The defense also called several other officers and Tensing himself, who stood by his stance that he perceived that he was being dragged and that his life was in danger.

Jurors entered deliberation on Wed. 9, and 25 hours later were still unable to reach a unanimous decision, ending the case in a mistrial on Sat. Nov. 12. Eight jurors wanted to charge the defendant with manslaughter while four others wanted murder.

Now, the prosecutor had until Nov. 28 to decide how to proceed. The court could redo the trial with a new jury, alter the charges, reach a plea deal, or drop the case.

The courthouse, Black Lives Matter supporters, and much of the city as a whole are left in a state of tension, and will likely continue in this manner until a final verdict is determined.

THE LEAF|November 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

|3

SHS student speaks at TEDx HANNAH LEE

happened, and my main message, which was that making stuff like the LED 191155@sycamowwreschools.org board is actually not very hard to do. It’s cheap and accessible, and people should ave you ever listened to a TED learn more about electronics because talk before? Freshman Jacob it’s cool,” Smilg said.

Smilg gave one at the 2016 Smilg always had an interest in TEDxVienna main event OUTTHERE electronics and often builds projects at on Oct. 22. home.

Along with 23 other speakers, Smilg “I used a development board, shared his idea at the global technology called Arduino Uno, a programmable conference at the Volkstheater in computer, and an actual display from Vienna, Austria. a project from a while back which I “I was at a four-day camp in Indiana hooked up to the Arduino Uno,” said when my mom called and told me that Smilg. people from TEDx His father used wanted me to come to be a rocket speak,” Smilg said.

“I just thought it was scientist and Smilg’s speech, going to be something I started teaching “Open Window,” is made for my friend.”

Smilg with an about his invention, Arduino Uno kit a communication that he already device that displays had.

Smilg used this kit to make this yes or no on a LED board prompted by device. leaning left or right.

However, Smilg does not call what he Smilg’s inspiration to create an does inventing, but rather a hobby that invention that would open a window to formed from his love of electronics. communication was his friend who was This communication device started struck by lightning several years ago. as another one of Smilg’s little projects, “At TED, I talked about Ethan’s so all of the public attention was story, general back story to how that staff writer

H

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

surprising to Smilg.

“I didn’t expect it at all. I just thought it was going to be something I made for my friend, but it got picked up by the local news and it all [escalated] from there,” said Smilg.

Many people, including those at TEDxVienna, have heard his story and wanted to learn more. Smilg has been contacted by people all over the world who want a device for their loved ones as well.

The event OUTTHERE was sold out quickly and streamed on Satellite Events. A video of Smilg’s speech will be posted on YouTube soon.

“First, I wrote the basic outline, rehearsed a few times on my own with my parents, and also did a presentation at the staff meeting here after school,” said Smilg.

Talking at such a huge event required a lot of practice.

“There was also speaking lessons from a professional speaker at TED as well as a rehearsal the day before the event,” Smig said.

Smilg is already starting his next project. He bought an ancient Apple Mac 2 and wants to get it to start again.

Photo courtesy: MCT Photo

Devising devices

Photo courtesy of SHS

NEWS

Leafing through the masses: Why is diversity important?

“

“We need to learn from people who are not like us and to become a society accepting to all,” Jodie Lawson, 11

Image by Sydney Evans

“It cultivates an environment that is welcoming to all races and religions,” Luke Eckenrod, 10

In a country of numerous different cultures and ethnicities, SHS exemplifies the diversity which exists in America. Students bring a wide array of unique experiences with them everyday to school, which helps to shape the identity that SHS prides itself on. “The Leaf” has dedicated this issue to exploring these stories.

Staff Editorial

“Diversity is important because it shows you perspectives that you might not see otherwise,” Jonah Kim, 12

“I think it’s important because we are all people. It helps us learn how to get along with one another,” Mrs. Mary Palmer, science teacher

“

As we grow older, perspective is something that we all gain. Perspective is important to life. Once you have it, you become more aware of the people around you and what they think and believe. Your focus then shifts to become more encompassing of everyone’s beliefs, instead of just your own.

We have a unique opportunity at SHS to be exposed to many different cultures and types of people. We as a school represent over 50 countries with students speaking 30 languages, which is not something that is true across the country.

Diversity is important when talking about perspective. If we cannot have multiple types of people around us, then how can we find different ideas? Without diversity, we end up just reinforcing our own singular points of view.

That is why a mix of cultures is so important. It expands our views. It helps us learn about the world and how to communicate with different people about important issues and understand why and how they believe certain things.

Now more than ever, it is time to embrace our differences. As a society we are becoming more global when it comes not only to economics but also to sharing ideas.

As we evolve as a society, we are going to seek answers. Those answers are not always going to be found within our country or with people who are the same as ourselves.

Whether they are political, ethnic, or idealogical differences, it is important to embrace them. Whether or not you share the same beliefs, skin tone, or religion with another does not make you better or worse than them. It makes you different. That is something to be cherished, not condemned.

From student athletes to foreign exchange students, the SHS student community is comprised of people with individual backgrounds and unique lives.

Everyone has a story, and it is important that those stories be told. You cannot understand someone unless you hear their story. Who knows, maybe you will find more common ground than you previously thought.

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

O

OPINION FEAR. Protester looks on during a Black Lives Matter protest. These have been occurring since the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. It has since become a national movement. Photo courtesy of MCT Photo.

Black lives still matter KAMARIA WALTON lead beats editor 171058@sycamoreschools.org

Why don’t you think ‘All Lives Matter?’ People of all races get shot by the police.

O

f course all lives matter, especially when a life is taken away in an unjust manner, regardless of race. However, the Black Lives Matter movement is not saying that other lives do not. It started out as a saying to police officers who, since the founding of this country, have acted like and treated the black race as if our lives do not matter.

It is a statement meant only to address the treatment of AfricanAmericans by the police because it is an issue facing the black community at a disproportionate rate. Black men make up only six percent of the entire population, however they are being targeted and shot at a rate of 40 percent.

That is nearly half of the unarmed individuals that were shot by police in 2015. Does that not seem unfair?

Did you not see videos of those black mothers screaming, crying, breaking down, and shaking their heads in disbelief? The horror, the shock, the utter destruction of their worlds at the fact that their teenage sons were unjustly slaughtered?

Ranging from the young age of 12 to past the age of retirement, black men have to constantly be afraid for their lives. Black men are black for their entire lives.

It is unfair that those cops had their lives taken. I would never condone the killing of cops, or anybody on that note, and neither does the Black Lives Matter movement.

The Black Lives Matter movement is killing cops!

Did you not see the video of those moms crying?

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

However, if there is an issue specific to the black community, do not generalize it to the white population.

In a protest or a group of people, there is always a risk of lone wolves or bad apples rising up and committing terrible acts.

The killing of those cops was not in the spirit of Black Lives Matter, it was in the spirit of nobody’s lives matter.

We, in the movement, are not cop killers nor cop haters, we just want to fix the behavior or get rid of the few bad apples that are killing us.

It would be a tragedy if the behavior of a few ruined the reputation of many, would it not?

OPINION

column:

Trump trumps election polls opinion chief 171042@sycamoreschools.org

D

onald Trump is the presidentelect of the United States of America. A few short weeks ago, there was no way that I thought I would be writing that sentence.

We, as liberals, were wrong. Against both the odds and the general thought of people in the system, Trump pulled out an all-time upset.

I believe that this was a terrible choice. I remain convinced that Trump is a dangerous person, who is a menacing figure to global cooperation and stability.

And there is so much that I cannot wrap my head around.

It makes me question my belief in the system that could elect a man with as many clear warning signs as any candidate in history.

How can I make sense of the fact that we elected a man that is for a ban on people of a specific religion, a stance that goes against the fundamental ideas that this country was founded upon?

How can I make sense of the idea that we elected someone who called Mexicans rapists and said that John McCain was not a war hero because he was captured?

I am left to sit with the absurdity of the situation that we find ourselves in as a nation.

I respect the office of the presidency, but I do not respect the president-elect.

Respect is something earned, not given, and as of right now I cannot give it based on how he has behaved.

ELECTED. President-elect Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election with 290 electoral votes. He however lost the popular vote. This is only the fifth time in history that this has occurred.

I am hoping that he will earn this respect. We are all Americans. As much as I do not like him, it is in our best interest as a nation for him to succeed at his job. However, if he does what he says he will do, I truly am scared for the result.

When I think of the people that voted for him, or decided not to vote thereby easing his path, I cannot help but feel anger towards them.

However, I realize that this is what they wanted, and I must respect their opinion in the hope that they show the same courtesy to me. Instead of being angry towards people for their beliefs I wish to harness my feeling.

Harness my angry feeling by being more involved in the system. Without the unawareness and complacency that has manifested in many, Trump would not have been able to find his way to the presidency.

Instead of fighting the result, I will use the frustration and sadness that I feel to focus on making the country great again, for real. This does not mean that I do not view him as an abomination, but merely says I am interested in attempting to move forward as a country.

I will not follow him blindly. I could never follow someone who has behaved as such a sexist, misogynist, and racist.

Instead, I will challenge and watch him as closely as every American should. Power is meant to be contested and watched. And I, as well as every American, will and should be watching for the next four years.

Photo Courtesy of MCT Photo

JOSH PATTERSON

MAX TOREM news chief

176003@sycamoreschools.org

I am not a stoner. I do not smoke marijuana. I do not recommend getting high. I do, however, support the legalization of the drug.

Regardless of whether or not it is legal, marijuana is being used in all 50 states. After the commencement of the recent election, it has been legalized in some form in 28 states.

All I want is for people to realize that the drug itself really is quite harmless.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been a shocking number of deaths due to overdosing from the drug. That number is zero.

There has never been a recorded death due to an overdose on marijuana because it simply is not possible.

Obviously the drug impairs a person from being capable of executing daily functions like driving or running errands. But that is not the point.

Almost any drug will do this to people if they have enough of it in their system.

The point is that nobody is dying as a direct cause of the drug. This prompts me to ask the question of why? Why are we not allowing those in need of the drug access to it if there are no concerns with death?

Of the 28 states that allow marijuana usage, 21 of them allow it for medicinal purposes only. The other seven states allow both medicinal and recreational usage. They are one step ahead of where we need to be, which is a point where all 50 states have marijuana legalized for at least medicinal purposes.

As I said earlier, I do not smoke nor do I plan on it, but this is a problem that needs to be fixed. Recreational usage is a problem that we can worry about when the time comes. Until then, our main focus should be to have it legalized in all 50 states for medical purposes.

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

F

FE ATURE

Conspiracies constructing realities news chief 185007@sycamoreschools.org

C

onspiracy theories are all around us. From the claim that global warming is a hoax to the belief that the earth is hollow, theories of hidden motives and secrets have been in our society since the beginning of time.

Generally, conspiracy theories follow similar patterns. To many, belief in conspiracy theories represents an overarching cynical world view coupled with distrust in institution.

These theories are surprisingly common. In fact, 63 percent of American voters believe in at least one political conspiracy theory, according to a national survey conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University.

The argument against conspiracy theories cites the inherent shortcomings of the human mind.

One of the most prominent pieces of

evidence is that conspiracy theories are just reactions to powerlessness and uncertainty.

In attempts to understand the world, people aim to create stories that help frame and understand events.

Conspiracy theories can be perpetuated by apophenia. When enough items exist we are bound to see patterns even if they are just constructions of our mind. For example, some people see constellations in the sky or a bunny on the moon.

Additionally, we generally surround ourselves with people that think the same way we do, and this can lead to confirmation bias.

Even though it is easy to paint conspiracy theorists and believers as irrational, some theories are logical and even believable. There have been

countless times throughout history when theories have been proven true.

Project MKUltra was a mind control experiment conducted by the CIA that started in the 1950s. This project performed a large amount of illegal experiments including the administration of drugs such as LSD, and abusing test subjects.

Programs like these cause people to question the legitimacy of the government’s motives. Additionally, these theories are spread by societies that congregate together, collect evidence, and attempt to influence others.

Whether you choose to believe in them or not, conspiracy theories are all around us.

Scan to visit

The Flat Earth Society

Significant conspiracy theories

MOON LANDING

ALIENS

SEPTEMBER 11

Some cite a waving flag and strange lights as proof that the moon landing was faked by the government on a studio sound stage.

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People have wondered about aliens for years and these theories are fueled by the speculation around Area 51 and other mysterious events.

After the horrendous attacks some believed that the U.S. government orchestrated the attacks to provoke war.

7%

29%

11% 28% The speculation that an elite group of people is planning to rule the world was spread by the Masonic symbols in the Denver Airport.

NEW WORLD ORDER 8 |THE LEAF|November 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG

51% Despite the government’s claim that there was one killer many believe in a broader assassination plot including the CIA.

JFK ASSASSINATION

Source: Public Polling Policy

YASMINE GUEDIRA

FEATURE

Eyes opening to future LAUREN KURTZER

creative projects director 174029@sycamoreschools.org

I

t is your first day shadowing at one of the best ophthalmology offices in the world, and you are trying to navigate the huge three-story building and learn all the terms that are being said.

Then, you have to put on scrubs to go into the surgery center, and the first surgery you see is the only bloody eye surgery of plastics.

The nurses and staff tell you to sit down so you will not pass out, but the truth is you want to get as close to the action as you can.

Every year, the Cincinnati Eye Institute, CEI, invites only SHS juniors to the summer high school internship, and it most recently added a spring break slot.

“It was an amazing opportunity to further explore the medical field. It

reaffirmed my goal to become a doctor while exposing me to different fields that I will possibly pursue,” said Karina Rosa, 12.

The goal of the program for both CEI and SHS is to expose students who are interested in being doctors to the medical field. The doctors and staff welcome the future of medicine.

“The internship program through CEI provides our students with unique educational opportunities outside of the classroom. What a great example of a local company reaching out to offer Sycamore students a perspective into the medical field,” said Mr. Mark Millet, Student Assistance Counselor.

A spot for the internship is not a given, though. Everyone has to be vetted to be in the program, which has a limit of three spots. One is required to fill out an application describing his/her academic

and personal accomplishments and interview with two CEI employees.

“This will be our fourth year partnering together and [I] cannot say enough positives. We plan to get information out to our current juniors during December,” Millet said.

While at the institute, students have the opportunity to observe doctors meeting with patients for problems, and pre and post surgeries as well.

“I participated in the internship during the month of July and honestly, I loved it. It was the best experience I have ever had. The doctors were kind and answered all my questions. I think this internship made me want to become a doctor even more. My advice for the juniors who are interested is be yourself and be open to new experiences, ” said Kaitlyn Hayes, 12.

spotlight chief

The color of sunrises are determined by the wavelength of light. Shorter wave lengths, very common, make blue and violet colors. This is why the sky is blue.

The violet color is harder to see, but blue is visible from all directions on a clear day.

When the sun is low on the horizon, sunlight passes through more air. The increased amount of air means more air molecules, which scatters the blue and violet colors. You can still see the other colors that are not scattered, hence yellow, red and orange sunrises.

Photo by Martin Gonzalez

The sun seems to rise and set but it stays in the center of the solar system.

The earth rotates on its axis towards the east, creating an illusion of a sunrise every 24 hours.

Photo courtesy of Anita Pan

172032@sycamoreschools.org

Photo by Beverly Liu

HANNAH LOFTSPRING

Photo courtesy of Atena Baghbanian

Secrets behind sunrise

Sources: ScienceDaily and learner.org

THE LEAF|November 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG|9

FEATURE

Facing discrimination: Teens receive criticism SYDNEY WEISS social meidia director 192046@sycamoreschools.org

A

ge-ism generally means the tendency to deem the elderly incapable of certain tasks. But contrary to popular belief, age-ism affects younger audiences as well. Teens repeatedly receive prejudice.

In literature and on social media, teens are classified as lazy, dangerous, and disrespectful.

Like any generalization, classification of teens is a form of stereotyping.

“The thing about teens is that you only see on the news the teens who are getting into trouble.

The majority of teens aren’t creating problems, but of course you don’t hear about those kids,” said Madeleine Weiss, 10.

Whether regarding teens or the millennial generation, both groupings receive a bad rap, which leads to one key question: do teens deserve the reputation they receive?

“Teens don’t deserve to be generalized. The troublesome group of kids is the minority and should not be representative of all of us,” said Katie Good, 10.

One thing that is often forgotten is the fact that past generations of teens were regarded just as poorly as the current generation. The stereotyping is a cycle, but that does not mean it cannot be stopped.

“Sitcoms and TV probably have an impact on the way we think about teenagers,” Good said.

No matter where the stereotypes are coming from, they are not new. With that being said, it is never too late to change people’s minds.

Survey says...

“The Leaf” conducted a survey on SHS students regarding their beliefs on how teenagers are regarded. These are the results:

Question: On a scale of 1-10 (1 being most respectful and 10 being least respectful) how does each age group act?

“One time I was driving, [and] I made a bad left turn and a man flipped out and yelled at me. I don’t believe he would have acted that way if I were older,” said Shayna Kling, 10.

10

Rating from 1-10

9

Reasons teens suggest as to why they get a bad rap:

8 7

Social media Sitcoms News stories

6 5 4 3 2 1 0

3-5

6-12

Age

13-18

19-21

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100 percent of students surveyed say that teens’ reputations are not well deserved and that teens get a bad rap.

C

COVER

We are

UNIQUE

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COVER

Student spotlighting:

Discovering diversity

NATALIE BRINKMAN print co-editor-in-chief 183054@sycamoreschools.org

S

color guard. These groups have never been super close, but having both band and guard members can bring them together with time,” You said.

She understands the importance of teamwork, respect, and communication, all crucial life skills that running, playing an instrument, and doing marching band have taught her.

“Running track, of course, has made me healthier and happier. But it teaches me the importance of never giving up and teamwork.

“Everyone counts on you to do great things, so in return, we have to push ourselves.

It also lets me make friends with people I never would have if it hadn’t been for track,” You said.

Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

enior Julia You is a heavily involved student; taking part in a diverse range of extracurriculars.

As she walks the halls, her face is bound to be recognizable- she joins the ranks of the band, color guard, and track team.

Not only does she play the oboe in band, she is also one of the co-captains of the color guard, proving that her musical skills extend to dancing and choreography.

“Playing in both band and color guard allows me to see both perspectives of the marching band. I can understand the musical techniques to things and understand what goes into visual performance.

“It also allows me to build a bridge between band and

Political science pursuit, planning for future CAROLINE VERALDO sports chief 173000@sycamoreschools.org

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

Photo courtesy of Jacob Spiegel

Over the summer, senior Jacob Spiegel had a fellowship with the Ohio Together campaign, which was the coordinated campaign to elect Hillary Clinton for president and other Democrats down the ballot.

He spent time calling people and asking them to volunteer, registering people to vote, and attending political events.

He also went to areas with high foot traffic like downtown or parks to help register people to vote. Spiegel is considering majoring in political science, so this fellowship with Ohio Together was the perfect opportunity for him.

“Working for Clinton’s campaign was an awesome experience,” Spiegel said.

COVER

“Balancing all these sports is really challenging and it takes a lot of work.

174029@sycamoreschools.org I wouldn’t be able to compete in all of articipating in one sport, school these sports without the support of the community, coaches and parents,” Young work, and other activities can said. be hard enough-try balancing She hopes to dance at the University of four sports in three seasons like senior Cincinnati, where she has already been Hannah Young has done during her accepted to for early childhood education. four years at SHS. “Football cheer, basketball cheer, dance She is a part of football cheer in the team, and softball all overlap each other fall, dance and basketball cheer in the at some point so it takes hard work from winter, and softball in the spring. Young myself, my parents, coaches, and the AD received a Varsity letter all four years [Athletic Director] to help work with my for dance and softball and two letters in schedule to balance all of them,” Young both seasons of cheer. said.

LAUREN KURTZER

creative projects director

JENNA BAO associate editor 181003@sycamoreschools.org

Junior Alp Basaran arrived in Cincinnati from Istanbul, Turkey this August to spend a year as an exchange student at SHS. He is currently staying with the McGowan family.

“I heard about the [exchange] program and I just applied. I didn’t think I would actually pass the tests but a couple of months later they were like, ‘you’re going to America,’” Basaran said.

So far, he finds that the biggest difference between SHS and his school in Turkey is lunch.

“Lunch here is really short. There, we had an hour for lunch. You paid for everything at the beginning of the year and then you could eat as much as you want. Like a lunch plan,” Basaran said.

Photo courtesy of Jenna Bao

Tales from Turkey: Meeting Alp

P

All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

Four sports, three seasons, no problem

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

COVER

Dancing Queen: SHS student takes the stage Photo courtesy of Francine Levy

UTTKANTHA SINDHWANI staff writer 177032@sycamoreschools.org

E

ver since she was two, senior Francine Levy has been dancing and has not stopped. Dance has taught her to be efficient with time management and to be comfortable with herself and presenting herself with confidence.

She gets to perform with her studio, The Studio for Dance with the Cincinnati Pops, which she enjoys greatly.

“That [Cincinnati Pops] is my favorite thing, because afterwards, we get to go outside the theatre and talk to all the little kids, and they look at you like they admire competitions, along with a big recital at really surface level in my opinion, but at the end of the year. the Pops I feel like I’m actually making a you, and it’s adorable,” said Levy.

“They talk to you, and that’s just the difference,” Levy said.

Levy performs about once a month at best thing because competitions are

Koala Kid climbs through life

Lending a hand CAROLINE BRUNS

HANNAH LOFTSPRING

webmaster

spotlight chief

172032@sycamoreschools.org

172032@sycamoreschools.org

Photo courtesy of Alex Hull

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

Photo courtesy of Allison Kossen

Located near SHS is the Johnson Nature Preserve. As a tradition, the seniors of the girls cross country team visit a specific tree in the nature preserve at the end of the season. Then, runners carve their names and the year into the tree.

“Last year when we went to watch the seniors carve their names, I was so excited to climb up there and write mine when the time came. Some of the cross country boys have their names up there, too,” said Allison Kossen, 12.

This is often an emotional event for all members of the team, as the seniors are enjoying a longawaited right of passage, and the underclassmen will be missing their teammates. When Kossen is not climbing trees, she is cutting wood with chainsaws, making fires, and spending her time outdoors.

“I almost always prefer to be outside instead of inside. There’s just so much more to do and you can always either find adventure or tranquility,” Kossen said.

Senior Alex Hull is an avid volunteer in the community and has taken this passion worldwide. This previous summer, he visited Guatemala with the Epic community. Joining him were over 60 other high school students who also are apart of the Epic Youth group.

While on the trip, Alex and his group tended underprivileged people. They built houses and brought freshwater to people.

Not only is he working to improve global lives, he is also hoping to improve those around himself. As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, Alex works to create a better, more accepting community in the district.

“I’m proud of what I present, and I hope I can help other people feel confident about who they are and what they believe. We need to cherish each other for our differences and the diversity that each one of us holds, especially in such a diverse community like Sycamore,” said Hull.

A

AR T S & ENTER TAINMENT

Practice makes perfect

Marching band, color guard conclude season

Marching band NATALIE BRINKMAN print co-editor-in-chief 183054@sycamoreschools.org

T

he students in marching band are resilient.

They are proud, but not arrogant; they are hard workers, but know reward; they are individuals, but strengthened as one.

Over 300 hours have been spent perfecting the show entitled Vortex. Over 300 hours in difficult weather conditions and varying temperatures. Over 300 hours of passion and dedication.

Marching band is an activity that is beyond an individual; it is about putting in the time for the group and for the legacy and future of the program.

It asks students to put in extreme effort and in return, it reaps honor and recognition.

“At the beginning of the season I found it kind of difficult to get used to all the new people joining the marching band and getting to know them. But through friends and section dinners and games, it was a lot easier getting to know everyone

1.

a lot better,” said Sarah Pattison, 10.

A frequent saying indoctrinated into the very core of the group is, “Band makes you a better person.” It shapes character, it cultivates empathy and compassion, it nurtures the idea of being part of a team, and it develops sportsmanship: win or lose.

“Overall, this whole experience has been amazing.

It is by far the hardest thing I have ever been asked to do, but the things it has done to make me a better person are completely irreversible,” said Grace Jobe, 12.

Vortex has proven to be very rewarding, with the group receiving high accolades at a multitude of competitions.

The group was also invited to perform at Disney World, where they played the fight song, “Salute to Old Glory,” and “Thriller” at Epcot.

Still, it is not the titles and trophies that set the marching band apart, it is its members’ enormous pride and intense respect for what they do.

Color guard LINDSEY BRINKMAN staff writer 203021@sycamoreschools.org

The marching band season is spiraling to an end. Vortex has taught the girls in color guard many lessons, and not all of them are about spinning flags, rifles, or props.

“Color guard is a sport that pushes you to your limits, reduces you down to tears, and teaches so much about persistence, resilience, hard work, and team work,” said Natasha Wang, 12.

The show’s theme was Vortex, which explains the multitude of space-themed items. Both the flags and props had spiral patterns on them.

Their last competition, championships, was held at William Mason High School. At the conclusion of the show, they placed second in their class of 13 bands with a score of 88.1, which is determined by point value in a variety of

1. The marching band students perform at Epcot. Epcot is one of the Disney parks located in Florida.

They played several songs in a parade that included a stand-still of movement one.

2. The group stayed at the parks for a total of three days and did the parade on the third day. The color guard spun with the green movement three flags. Some of the front ensemble members held the band’s banner during the parade.

All photos courtesy of Terry Ekstedt

categories including General Effect.

Also, the ensemble as a whole received a total of 25 awards over the course of the season.

“This season was great. I loved the show’s music and visuals. The guard has come a long way from what we were four years ago,” said Julia You, 12.

To wrap up the season the marching band traveled to Disney World along with the orchestra to perform in front of hundreds of people.

The band had the chance to parade through Epcot and perform SHS spirit-themed music, and the color guard spun along with them.

Specifically, the guard spun the green flags from song three. They met before the trip in order to rehearse the parade performance.

“It is a sport that teaches little things matter, and character and people matter,” Wang said.

2.

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

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

STRINGING. Jack Kays, 12, practices one of his original tunes. Kays has released five tracks on date of print and is currently in the process of producing a music album. “I write my songs about things that I care deeply about.

My mom. I write songs about my mom,” said Kays.

Photo courtesy of Uttkantha Sindhwani.

Evolution of artistry

Kays displays passion for music ELIZABETH ARVELADZE staff writer 206183@sycamoreschools.org

TAYLOR CLOSE

UTTKANTHA SINDHWANI

CAROLINE VERALDO

creative projects director

staff writer

co-sports chief

182040@sycamoreschools.org

177032@sycamoreschools.org

173000@sycamoreschools.org

Jack Kays, 12, looks like an average High School student on the outside - but he has a talent that few do. Jack is musically talented and puts out original music.

Q&A with Jack Kays What genre would you place yourself in?

Indie rock, no, I don’t know. I want to say rap but it’s really more soft. It’s not like a lot of the rap that you are used to hearing today. A lot of the rap music you hear today is trap music; it’s not about real stuff that’s going on.

Listen to Kays’ music here:

Do you plan on pursuing music in the future?

Yes, music is all I want to do. I want to produce and perform for myself because I like every aspect of music. I like everything about it, so I hope that it will take me somewhere and that I won’t be living in a ditch.

How did you get started in music and how far Do you perform?

Yes, I perform with my dad’s band at local bars. I have you come since?

I’ve been playing drums since I was three years old, and I’ve loved music ever since. I’ve been playing instruments my entire life. I used to sit by the stereo and listen to old CDs and make drum solos on paint cans. So, I guess I’ve come a long way since then.

perform every time I get the opportunity. I perform for my classmates, I’ve played the senior art show and the Variety Show since I was a freshman, and I play at resturants like Buck’s Tavern and deSha’s as well.

Describe your creative process.

How does your music affect your life?

Well, the first instrument I learned to play was [the] drums, so when I start writing a beat, I’ll start with drums. Then I’ll usually expand with the piano part and then the bass line. The lyrics are usually the last thing that come in the process; just because that’s the longest part, that’s the hardest part.

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

Making something and putting it online, it is a really big confidence boost. There have been instances since I put my first track online. Like one time I was sitting at lunch and I heard someone listening to my music behind me, so I mean, that feels really good to get recognition for making something.

F

FUN & GAMES Hint: brands

isdAda

SAM RUSKIN

Answers: Adidas, Lays, Netflix, Snickers, Android

fun and games chief 193157@sycamoreschools.org

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

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Crazy Jumble

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The Sequel

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*Solution verified by hand and by computer

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What has four eyes, but cannot see?

Answers: Mississippi

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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 pink hexagon. The theme is: Travel

Game Credits: Abhilash Yarlagadda

17 THE LEAF|November 30, 2016|SHSLEAF.ORG | |17

SPORTS HIKE. The Aviators come flying onto Bud Acus Alumni Field in a home game earlier this year. SHS ended the season on a four-game winning streak to push themselves into the playoffs. Now, the team is in the regional finals and will play St. Xavier High School.

Photo courtesy of JD Locke

S

Football makes history with record play-off run JOSH PATTERSON

WILLIAM COLEMAN

CAROLINE VERALDO

opinion editor

co-sports chief

171042@sycamoreschools.org

171098@sycamoreschools.org

co-sports chief

H

173000@sycamoreschools.org

istory. Any good sports program Overall, SHS out-gained Mason 224 to will acknowledge its history and 90 in total yards and only allowed five attempt to learn from it. The first downs the entire game. They also 2016 Varsity football team has been held the ball for 38 minutes, compared to doing exactly that.

Mason’s 16 minutes.

Their second playoff win over Mason, “After our first six games, Coach Scott a 20-7 victory in the regional semifinal, Dattilo brought the defense in for a team secured the program its first win ever meeting and he showed us defensive in that round, becoming the first SHS stats from all of his years coaching at football team to make the regional Sycamore. The way we were playing in final. There, they will face St. Xavier our first six games had us on track to be after an upset win over Colerain. one of the worst defenses he has ever Running back senior Ra’Von coached,” said Brenden Archer, 12.

Bonner carried the ball 38 times for That is when the team took its turn for 174 yards and two touchdowns. In the better. total, he accounted for 41 touches, “It made us mad that we were not doing including a 61-yard kickoff return for a well, but it motivated us to get serious touchdown. about what we were doing. We went from Senior Elijah Hollis also sealed allowing 31 points per game to around 13 the deal with a time-expiring fumble per game. Our defense has really stepped recovery for a touchdown. up, which has taken so much pressure off The SHS defense also stepped up, our amazing offense, which has allowed us only giving up 90 yards total and to keep winning,” Archer said. holding Mason to negative one yards With week 12 in the books, St. Xavier rushing. This was after allowing 227 and SHS played for the first time since yards in the season finale against the the 2002 cross-town showdown, when Comets.

SHS fell to the Bombers 7-10.

“The offense really stepped up. None The game took place at Hamilton High of this would have happened if they School’s Virgil M. Schwarm Stadium at had not given me the opportunity.

7:30 p.m.

They had the passion and the will to Entering St. X week, the team was on make history, and that is exactly what a six-game winning streak with Bonner we did,” Bonner said.

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

averaging 190 total yards per game and quarterback senior Jake Borman securing his spot as the school’s alltime leader in passing yards.

Although the team had a very strong offense, its defense also contributed to its domination as a team.

Defensive leaders juniors Christian Kelly and Khalis Hicks have combined for six interceptions this year and defensive linemen senior Grant Young and junior Benjamin (Tate) Goodyear have combined for 11.5 quarterback sacks this year.

Although SHS has had a strong couple of weeks, St. Xavier brought a strong and threatening line-up.

St. X’s senior quarterback, Sean Clifford, is committed to play football at Penn State University and their best defensive player, Bobby Jefferson II, has three and a half sacks and two forced fumbles this year, an impressive array of statistics.

SHS had their hands full on offense and defense, but they continued to play like they did in their prime, and the game was definitely a tight one.

“Our improvement has come from simply executing more consistently, I am really proud of where we have come,” Dattilo said.

SPORTS

Basketball dribbles up to season MARK HUFFER staff writer 195061@sycamoreschools.org

T

he 2016-17 SHS basketball season started in late October with tryouts for the girls team on Fri. Oct. 28 and the boys team tryouts on Fri. Nov. 11.

Before the tryout, both the women’s and the men’s teams had pre-season conditioning and lifting. The men’s team plays in the Gregory Center before school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and lifts after school during the week as well.

Girl’s basketball plays and lifts on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school.

The goal of this conditioning is to get a headstart on the season training.

“I think that the conditioning and lifting will build team chemistry and

SHOOT. In the 2016 season, Christian Kelly, 11, sprints toward the hoop. After losing lots of seniors, Kelly will be one of the team’s most prominent leaders. The men’s first game will take place on Dec. 6. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

result in better playing this season,” said Jeremy Wittenbaum, 10.

Once the season begins, the teams will usually have two games per week with the rest of the days as practice.

In addition to the regular season games throughout the season, the teams will also participate in senior night. The senior night for both teams will be the last home game of the season, for the girls on Feb. 4 and for the boys on Feb. 17. The purpose of these nights is to celebrate the seniors and their last games at SHS. Things like senior night are some of the biggest events that contribute to a strong team chemistry, and a good team chemistry brings a season of success.

“I think that if our players work well together and communicate, we will have a good season,” said Youngbin Lee, 10.

column:

LAUREN KURTZER creative projects director 174029@sycamoreschools.org

I hate the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Big Ten and the Midwest are where my allegiances lie. I am a born and bred girl from the Midwest, where you work hard for what you get.

Recently, Louisiana State University (LSU) made me hate the SEC, the most arrogant conference in the NCAA, even more.

Hurricane Matthew wreaked havoc throughout the East coast, causing college football games to be canceled.

LSU was scheduled to play at Florida on Sat. Oct. 8. The SEC and both schools decided to move the game to Nov. 19, but not without an immature fight.

The game will now be played in Baton Rouge and not in Gainesville.

Really, are you kidding me? You can not revert back to the original plan?

LSU athletic director Joe Alleva would not give up a home game against South Alabama and replace it with a good enough SEC team.

Instead, he wanted to keep a game that is practically a cake-walk for his team.

The teams should want to play where they agreed to play; now, the AD hurt the 2017-18 teams. Teams that have potential, unlike the current team. Fans and teams plan for each game and the location of the said game, and now Alleva has thrown that off.

To top it all off, the LSU athletic director called the situation a “joke.”

No, you are the joke, you made it one, and you publicized it. Have you heard complaints publicly from Florida? No, because they dealt with it in-house.

Shame on him, for being a pain in the butt and not being willing to accommodate in an extreme situation.

HOOPS. During the 2016 season, Victoria He does not have the athletic program Bell, 12, gears up to shoot. In the 2017 season, the SHS ladies will have eleven to back his ridiculous behavior. home games. The first one will take place on This situation could have easily Tues. Nov. 29. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s been solved. Yet, the most arrogant Photography. conference continues to tick me off.

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

SPORTS

Diving into new season

Men’s swimming strives for back-to-back GMC trophy JASON MERKEL staff writer 192016@sycamoreschools.org

T

AQT buzzing to success

he men’s swim team brought home a Greater Miami Conference championship trophy after beating Mason in a close, eight-point victory in 2016. Even after graduating three senior boys, they are set for success.

“We only lost a few seniors, and while they were great swimmers, we have an even greater returning team,” said Stephen Fang, 11.

The team held tryouts on Monday, Nov. 7 and Tuesday, Nov. 8.

“It was great to see so many swimmers return, as well as [seeing] how many new swimmers are coming up to train with us.

It really shows how dedicated we are for the season,” said Jiho Choi, 12.

The team’s first meet is not until December, giving them plenty of time to train and prepare.

“I want to spend the first week getting everybody back into shape. Then we will immediately push into hard training for most of the rest of the season,” said

coach Daniel Carl.

After tryouts, the three seniors who graduated the previous year were replaced by three swimmers, new to the varsity program: sophomore José Ramirez, junior Alp Basaran, and senior Nicholas Klein. The strong return of experienced swimmers will truly help to set the stage for another trophy.

column:

JOSHUA PATTERSON

opinion chief

171042@sycamoreschools.org

In turbulent times, sports bring people together. We can all get behind sports. Whether they are local, high school, or national teams, sports give us the ability to escape things that we would rather not talk about.

When it comes to this last month, many in America found themselves looking for escape and withdrawal from what was going on in this country. And in sports, we found it.

Instead of falling into crisis regarding the politics, we were able to enjoy watching crazy football weekends, with close National Football League (NFL) games and three of the top four college teams being upset.

SPRINT. Senior Jannan Sivaruban swims the 200 For a brief period of time, we freestyle at a home swim meet. In the 2016 season, the SHS swimmers will have six home meets. The first were able to just revel in the joy one will take place on Thurs. Dec. 22. Photo courtesy of a great sports weekend. For a of McDaniel’s Photography. minute we could come together as sports fans, whether it was on Dec. 7 against Lakota West High School, CAROLINE VERALDO Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. arguably SHS’s closest rival. sports chief That weekend, for some “I think our team could be really successful 173000@sycamoreschools.org time, nothing other than the this season. We have all of the bases of After placing third in the Greater academia covered, and have good teamwork color of the jersey and who was Miami Conference in 2016, the winning mattered. Whether you developed,” Radakovich said.

SHS Academic Quiz Team hopes to supported Donald Trump or match or top that success in its 2017 Hillary Clinton, we were able season. to forget that and only care This goal, however, may be about what happened on the difficult to achieve after graduating field. members of the class of 2016.

That is the beauty of sports.

Despite these losses, the team still It is the medium that so many of has many skilled returning players us use to find common ground. including senior Mitch Radakovich, We use it as a way to connect who made second team all GMC in with people, no matter how 2016. different or similar.

The AQT captains, Radakovich Sports are universal. They and senior Kevin Sheetz, lead the transcend culture, race and QUIZ. Members of the 2016 AQT team participate varsity team during their practices in a team round during their senior night against socioeconomic background, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays after Colerain. The 2017 senior night will take place provide a common platform for on Jan. 23 against Fairfield. The team has six school. people to express themselves.

The team’s first match will be on seniors this year. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

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

S

SPOTLIGHT

Helping people in Community actually Matters: Volunteering at Community Matters CAROLINE BRUNS

HANNAH LOFTSPRING

webmaster

spotlight chief

175060@sycamoreschools.org

172032@sycamoreschools.org

W

Getting involved in organizations that help others who are less fortunate can help students gain a new perspective on the world, as well as brighten the day of someone around them. Volunteering is worth the time and effort that you put into it if you are interested in making a difference.

“The volunteer work I’ve done with Community Matters has really influenced my goals in life. This organization has made me want to fight to end stereotypes and misunderstandings. I would love to do something in politics or even law to alter unjust laws or even defend prejudged people in court,” Tufts said.

By working with this group, Tufts has been able to create healthy and lasting relationships with people whom we usually turn a blind eye towards.

“I’m so glad I got involved in this organization, as it definitely shaped my character and ambitions,” Tufts said.

2

All photos courtesy of Ryan Tufts

e are only high school students; what can we really do to make a difference?

This question is asked by young students all over the globe. Although the world is too vast to make a difference everywhere, it is not hard for students to make a difference in the world around themselves.

Junior Ryan Tufts has found his service calling at an organization in Lower Price Hill called Community Matters. As stated on their website, “[Community Matters’] driving goal is to remove barriers to opportunity. Our programs are designed to empower people to create opportunities, engage the community in the development process, create ways to serve together, and re-build the local economy through social entrepreneurship.”

“I’ve done a lot of volunteering in the past, and my favorite organization is Community Matters. It provides those in poverty with so many necessities like affordable clothing, grocery store-esque food, toiletries, and even schooling,” Tufts said.

Tufts began working with the organization the summer before his sophomore year. He found out about this opportunity to make a difference in his community while doing a service learning program.

“I love this organization not only because of the ultimately important necessities it provides, but also because I can converse with such amazing people. The homeless community gets such a bad reputation, like they are ‘lazy,’ ‘drunkards,’ or ‘dangerous’ etc., but talking with people experiencing homelessness really enlightens you,” Tufts said.

1

“[I started Service Learning Club because ]doing the Mayerson 1: Tufts is taking photos for the Day

By Day project.

The photos are going to be put into a calendar which distributers will sell a supplemental income. “[I Service Learning project really helped meforsee how important and started Service Learning Club because] doing the Mayerson Service Learning valuable service learning is, and I and my partners really wanted to project really helped me see how important and valuable service learning is. I and bring it back to Sycamore. my partners really wanted to bring it back to Sycamore,” Tufts said.

2: Tufts is sorting through clothes for the group Community Matters. They have a laundromat, an education system and a food pantry. “The major thing about service learning is that you form really strong relationships with the people that you do it with. I did Mayerson with a couple of seniors and a couple of juniors who I now still have contact with even if they’ve gone to college. One of my friends Adhiti, I got to know much better from the program,” Tufts said.

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

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