April 2017 Leaf

THE

LEAF

Sycamore High School News Magazine Volume 4 | Issue 9 | April 28, 2017

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IN THIS ISSUE TABLE OF CONTENTS

pg.2 NEWS

pg.8

pg.10

pg.14 FEATURE

pg.15

pg.18

pg.19 pg.20 FUN &GAMES

pg.21

2| Expression 3| Concert updates 4|Engineering club races to victory

8|Famous furry friends 9| Prom-ising magical night 10|International Education

OPINION

COVER

5|Staff Editorial 6| Planned Parenthood protects 7| Critics call to act against ACA

11-14| Immigration

18| Field events fire up 19| Baseball knocks it out of park 20| Lacrosse looks ahead to state

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SPOTLIGHT

15| Beauty and the Beast review 16|Sheeran shares stories

21| Grace Ingle battles thyroid cancer

17| Word search

SPORTS

Editorial Policy: Although students work under the guidance of a professional faculty member, the content is ultimately determined by the student staff and should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics on which there may be dissent and controversy. Students can not publish material that is obscene, libelous, or is likely 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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jenna Bao CREATIVE PROJECT DIRECTORS Jenna Bao Taylor Close BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TEAM Eshika Kohli PRINT EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Natalie Brinkman Adhiti Chundur Sydney Evans SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Sydney Weiss WEB EDITOR -IN-CHIEF Harsimran Makkad LEAFLET EDITOR-INCHIEF Taylor Close

Sydney Evans LEAFLET DESIGNERS/ WRITERS Eshika Kohli Sydney Weiss COPY EDITOR Anne Marsh NEWS Yasmine Guedira SPORTS Sydney Evans Abigail Lefton FEATURE Allyson Bonhaus ENTERTAINMENT Lindsey Brinkman OPINION Alexander Karev Hannah Lee FUN & GAMES Samuel Ruskin

STAFF WRITERS Elizabeth Arveladze Abigail Bastin Nathan Colliver Meghan DiGiovanna Lexi Fritzhand Jacqueline Grega Mark Huffer Abigail Lefton Jessica Lu Sara Margolis Lydia Masset Jason Merkel Yvanna Reyes Madalyn Saunders Jessica Schaad Madeline Shewbridge David Sung Kirsten Thomas Edward Wade Jacob Wittenbaum

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N

NEWS

Expression: Student artists showcase skills staff writer

183054@sycamoreschools.org

193105@sycamoreschools.org

Ryan Hertlein, 10

PICTURE

1.

CONCERT: WHEN: MAY 3, 7 P.M. WHERE: SHS MAIN THEATER

SET LIST:

-‘MT. EVEREST’ -‘ THE WITCH AND THE SAINT ’ -‘MAJESTIA’

“Jazz Band is definitely very different from Concert [Band]. The style is more contemporary, and you get a greater opportunity to express yourself than in Concert Band. The music is difficult at times, but it’s rewarding in the end. I would say the most difficult piece would be either ‘The Chicken’ or ‘Just in Time.’”

CONCERT: WHEN: MAY 1, 7 P.M. WHERE: SHS LITTLE THEATER

SET LIST:

-‘FEELING GOOD’ - ‘THE CHICKEN’ -‘JUST IN TIME’ -‘SPAIN’

Katherine Shi, 9 “Concert Band is a class where you are allowed to grow into a better musician and are given opportunities in the local region. It is a lot of fun to be able to be exposed to more extracurricular activities through Concert Band.”

2.

1, 3, 5: Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography 2, 4: Photo courtesy of Natalie Brinkman

3.

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4.

5.

CONCERT BAND

JESSICA LU

print editor-in-chief

JAZZ BAND

NATALIE BRINKMAN

NEWS

6.

7.

8.

Haley Schearing, 12 PICTURE

9.

INFORMATION: WHEN: MAY 11, 7 P.M. WHERE: SHS MAIN THEATER

SET LIST: - ‘NOW IS THE MONTH OF

ORCHESTRA

MAYING’ - ‘I ENJOY BEING A GIRL’

“For me, the Senior Art Show is really exciting! Being able to show off my work and go out with a bang really is the cherry on top of my AP art experience as a senior. Even though the weeks leading up to it can be really stressful, finishing our portfolios and what not, I think all the hard work really pays off in the end.”

7 P.M.

WHERE: SHS LOBBY WHAT: ART, PHOTO, FOOD, MUSIC *ART AND PHOTOS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

Kaitlynn Herzog, 11 “I love how the people in Bella [Voce] are like family to the other members. They are always there for one another and it makes me feel welcome in the choir program.”

10.

Sahchit Chundur, 9

11.

INFORMATION: WHEN: MAY 5, 5 P.M. TO

“My favorite piece is ‘Sinfonia’ by Mendelssohn. The program is a good change of pace from my other classes and provides new insight on the world of fine arts. I would say playing tests are the biggest challenge of the classes.”

CHOIR

SENIOR ART SHOW

6, 8, 10, 11: Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography 7: Photo courtesy of Natalie Brinkman 9: Photo courtesy of Jessica Lu

INFORMATION:

WHEN: MAY 17, 7 P.M. WHERE: SHS MAIN THEATER

SET LIST:

-‘THEME AND VARIATIONS’ -‘SYMPHONY NO.9 ’ -‘CARMEN SUITE NO. 1’ -‘VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 IN A MINOR’

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NEWS

Engineering Club races to victory YASMINE GUEDIRA news chief 185007@sycamoreschools.org

E

Affordable Care Acts

ngineering Club received the rare opportunity to apply a variety of math and science skills to an innovative design for a competition.

“Engineering Club is designed to give students hands on experience with engineering concepts and projects.

We are different from the engineering courses in that we give complete control of the projects to the students,” said Andrew Quantz, Engineering Club president, 12.

The SHS Racing Team, lead by Mr. Brad Williams, branched off from the Engineering Club after many students took interest in the car project instead of pure engineering.

Thanks to a grant from the engineering department, the team built an electric race car for GreenPower USA. Construction started after they received a kit from the corporation.

On Sat. April 29, they will compete at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway against 35 teams, with 4 international teams. On Fri. April 28, the team will

be meeting with Channel 5.

“We used custom components as well as prefabricated components and utilized technology from Sycamore Schools at every level,” Quantz said.

The team sponsor, Graham Rahal, became the youngest race winner in

IndyCar history in 2008 and remains the Youngest Sports Car Club of America champion in history. The club will Skype with Rahal for more information.

“I only had time towards the end of the year to come and help out but it was rewarding to see the car in each of its phases,” said Nitin Pauletti, 11.

CREATION. The Racing Team makes final touches on the car they built. The project began in Engineering Club where members took particular interest in a car project. They will compete at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway against teams around from the world, sponsored by Graham Rahal. Picture provided.

YASMINE GUEDIRA news chief 185007@sycamoreschools.org

For years one of the primary goals of the Democratic platform was to establish universal healthcare for all Americans.

Universal health care was created so that all people have access to health services regardless of financial circumstances.

The three main objectives of universal health care is to establish equality in health services, improve the quality of services, and protect people from financial harm.

This goal was officially achieved during President Barack Obama’s first term on March 23, 2010.

The act was officially signed into law as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, but it is commonly referred to as the

Affordable Care Act (ACA) or simply Obamacare.

Since its implementation, about 20 million Americans are insured under the act. The uninsured rate for individuals aged up to 65 dropped from 15.7 percent before the implementation to 8.6 percent in 2016.

The main goals of the ACA are to expand access to high quality health insurance, expand public programs such as Medicaid, and decrease costs of these services.

The ACA drew rampant criticism from members of the Republican party who promised to repeal and replace the act. They argued that the act increases costs for businesses and intruded into the affairs of individuals.

Throughout President Donald Trump's campaign he promised to

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repeal the law in favor of marketbased alternatives, however after taking office he encouraged keeping its strongest assets.

In the first attempt to overthrow the ACA, a bill drafted by House Republicans was pulled from the floor in March 2017 after it became clear that there would not be enough votes to pass it.

The proposed bill would have eliminated the individual mandate imposed by the ACA, significantly cutting federal funding to Medicaid programs.

After the defeat of the bill, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan declared that the Republican party would be moving on from the issue of health care to tax reform.

The United Nations warned that if the APA is repealed without a proper replacement, it could potentially violate international law.

Leafing through the masses: [How do you feel about the new immigration policies?]

“

“I think that it’s interesting because the cycle of restricting and revoking immigration has continued over American history; it’s a great example of why studying history will help you HISTORY. Immigration policy is both a key issue to the current predict the future,” said administration. However, immigration is about far more than Mr. Greg Cole, history legislation; its effects can be seen in every crevice of this country. teacher.

The stories of both the United States and SHS are rooted in “As a daughter of immigration. Photo Credit: Sydney Evans. immigrants, I don’t think that it’s fair at all because when people who are immigrants, As of the 2015-2016 school year, SHS was home to students from 52 different especially, come over countries. Both our community and our country are rooted in diversity, the here, they build a life quintessential melting pot, and this is largely attributed to immigration. and they work hard Some students may wonder why they ought to care about this issue. After for it,” said Michelle all, it is safe to assume that students and staff at SHS live in the US, at least at Siddiqui, 12. the moment. And yet, the fact that we live here is precisely part of the reason that this topic is critical for all of us.

“I think the new Immigration was, at some point and in some form, a part of all of our immigration policies origin stories. Immigration is a key character in the story of our country, our are a bit aggressive families, and for many of us, our own lives. for the problems we’re The United States has closed itself off from immigration many times in its facing today because history, and based upon the position of the current administration, it seems you can’t stereotype that we are heading down that path once again. an entire religion or But in today’s increasingly globalized world, we cannot help but feel that it ethnic group,” said is long past the time for any country to successfully shut itself off from the Noah Patterson, 10. infinite possibility that comes with new people and new perspectives.

Closing doors does not help us move forward. Building walls will not help us “I think we should not let understand one another. just anyone come into our Further, immigration is not about policy. borders. But not all It is about extending the opportunity to strive for a better life as well as the immigrants are doing bad opportunity to experience friendship with someone with a different language things; most of them are but the same sense of humor. contributing to the society It is about the progress achieved when a scholar gets paired with the and making a living,” said institutions to change the world and the progress achieved when an individual Melinda Looney Ho, 11. broadens his/her understanding of that world.

It is about people. Our hopes and dreams and stories and impact and the way each and every new immigrant makes a difference in this country and this community, and that is not something that should be stopped.

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Staff Editorial

“

O

OPINION PROTECT. Planned Parenthood supporters rally for the right to choice over their bodies. While the organization does provide abortions, the majority of their services are focused on disease prevention and screening.

Therefore, it can be valuable to the health of many. Photo courtesy of MCT.

Planned Parenthood protects KAMARIA WALTON

LINDSEY BRINKMAN

lead beats editor

a&e chief

171058@sycamoreschools.org

203021@sycamoreschools.org

I

n 1916, Margaret Sanger opened being what services are performed and the first birth control clinic which how much federal funding they receive. laid the path for what we now call It is often believed that the only Planned Parenthood. Back then, it service that Planned Parenthood was illegal to discuss birth control, so provides are abortions, but in reality, Sanger was jailed for 30 days. there are six main services that are In 1933, abortions were made legal completed daily. after the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court These services include STI/STD case. This allowed women to get an testing and treatment, pregnancy abortion with privacy and safety. contraceptives, cancer screening and Currently, President Donald Trump prevention, pregnancy tests, family does not support abortions but is not services, and abortions. completely against Planned Parenthood.

Even though abortions do occur, that According to CNN, “As far as is not the only service supplied. In 2014, Planned Parenthood is concerned, I’m it was recorded by Planned Parenthood pro-life. I’m totally against abortion, that out of 10,933,657 services having to do with Planned Parenthood. completed, only 327,166 of those were But millions and millions of womenabortions. This means that less than cervical cancer, breast cancer-are three percent were abortions. helped by Planned Parenthood,” Trump “I think Republicans have a lot said at a debate. to do with the ‘pro-life’ movement Trump’s comment shows that people and the misconceptions about the are working to “defund Planned apparent mass abortions that Planned Parenthood” even though it is not solely Parenthood have done. Especially abortion services. with Trump and so many Republicans “I wouldn’t fund it. I would defund it in office, they have a lot of power to because of the abortion factor, which over-regulate and put them down,” said they say is 3 percent,” Trump said.

Lindsay Tacy, 12.

In 2014, about 10,933,675 people were Another misconception is that helped by these centers, and currently Planned Parenthood has to do with there are more than 650 of these health federal funding. The way it actually centers throughout the United States. works is through reimbursements from There are many misconceptions Medicaid for preventative care. about what goes on behind the doors This means that when people of Planned Parenthood, the main two advocate to “defund Planned 6|THE LEAF|April 28, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG

Parenthood,” it is technically incorrect, because the group is not funded by the government.

The most performed service is STI/ STD testing and treatment, with 4,469,308 people being helped in a year. In contrast, there was only 327,166 abortions completed. Most people do not understand this, which is why they do not support Planned Parenthood.

If people were educated about the different services completed, they would want to support it. Who does not support the education of safe sex and prevention of the spread of STI/STDs? Both men and women benefit from Planned Parenthood; even though a majority of the services aid women, they also have services for men.

In conclusion, out of all the 650 Planned Parenthood locations, each and every one is important. Without it, many people would be in need of care but would not receive it due to not being able to afford it.

Even if you do not support abortions, that does not mean you cannot support sexual disease treatment and prevention, birth control, cancer screening and prevention, or pregnancy tests and services.

Therefore, it is important that Planned Parenthood keep their doors open and continue to provide the services they have been providing all along.

OPINION

Ally’s Alley: ALLYSON BONHAUS feature chief 193006@sycamoreschools.org

UNAMERICAN. Under the ACA, many Americans are forced to pay for elements they do not need. Critics also call it unconstitutional. However, a recent attempt to replace it failed to go through. Photo courtesy of MCT.

Critics call to act against ACA DAVID WERTHEIM business manager 175000@sycamoreschools.org

W

ith the exit of Democratic president Barack Obama and the subsequent entrance of Republican Donald Trump, there was bound to be significant change to the policies of the previous administration.

Of those policies, arguably none were more important than the creation of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) in 2010.

A common argument (and a valid one) against the ACA is the socialist aspects of the law. Why should a person be forced to get health insurance if they do not want it? Furthermore, why should -for example- a 35-year-old healthy male taxpayer pay for expanded Medicaid, Planned Parenthood, and hiked-up insurance rates when they he will not need any of those “benefits?”

A survey of New York businesses found an increase of 8.5 percent in health care costs, less than the prior year’s survey had expected. A 10 percent increase was expected for 2017.

Factors included increased premiums, higher drug costs, and aging workers.

Thus, businesses are losing money. And what happens when businesses lose money? They cut costs. And what is the most effective way to cut costs? Lay off workers.

Thus, the ACA is costing many a man his job, in addition to forcing him to buy

The recent controversy over one United flight has caught my attention.

I saw the video of a bloody man being dragged out of the seat he paid for, and I could not help but wonder if United really had the right to do this.

Regardless of who is in the right, based on how the circumstances escalated, United should have stopped when the situation got intense and realized it was not worth all the bad press in this global age. Now, news reporters and the public are all talking about how United used excessive force.

If I buy something, do I have the right to have it? Dismissing illegal objects, I think that an American citizen has that right. This man paid for his ticket, had obligations in the morning, and had to board this flight.

United handled this situation catastrophically. Most airlines will not remove customers, especially once they are in their seats, to place employees, or they will offer significant monetary compensation.

United overbooked and had to force their paying customers off to seat employees. This is definitely not right in my eyes; from a young age I was taught that the customer is always right, so how is this case any different?

Also, the customer was in his seat already. He was relaxing in his seat, that once again paid for, ready to get where he needed to go, but then he was told that because there was a mistake on a corporate level, he could not get where he needed to go.

Airlines, particularly major ones like United, should know better than to overbook and make such a debacle over their own mistake. Customers have the right to what they paid for and should be treated kindly as paying customers.

I am not sure what exactly was said on that flight, but I know that man paid for his seat and was hurt while denied the right to obtain what he purchased.

something he does not want or need.

Insurance companies are struggling because of this as well. In fact, the top five national insurers lost money due to ACA policies in 2016. UnitedHealth withdrew from Georgia and Arkansas.

Humana exited dozens of markets, staying in just 11 states.

According to the Washington Examiner, 664 counties in the United States will be left with just one ACA insurer in 2017.

In my opinion, Obamacare was and is and will always be anti-American. This law violates many founding American ideals. It violates the First Amendment in that religious freedom should mean that one is not required to support contraceptives.

The founding American virtues of laissez-faire and free enterprise imply that not only should Americans be given a choice to buy this nonsense, but insurance companies should be given a choice to provide these benefits.

In American society, we coddle our needy too much. Rather than providing people with unemployment benefits, set up more programs to get them a job.

Rather than forcing Americans to buy an overpriced and unnecessary insurance package, create one that will be better suited to the needs of all Americans.

I am not saying that a Trumpcare, if and when it passes, will be better. But it needs to at least be given a chance.

Because it will be very hard to do worse.

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|7

FE ATURE

172032@sycamoreschools.org

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nimals have often been hot sensations over the years. This popularity is due to heritage, extraordinary abilities, or because they are just plain adorable.

Sometimes, animal sensations can be in the spotlight for only a few weeks, so there were many to choose from; this article in no way encompasses all of the pet proteges, but it attempts to highlight some of the all-time most popular.

Punxsutawney Phil To start us off, we have an animal that just about everyone in the United States is well aware of, Punxsutawney Phil. Phil is our national groundhog and has been since 1887. There are many reasons why this groundhog is so famous--his weight and bucked teeth--but he is mostly remembered for his keen prediction skills.

If Phil sees his shadow, it means that we should prepare for another six weeks of winter. The opposite is true if there is no shadow.

Thanks to this groundhog, we receive spot on weather predictions and an observed holiday!

Ham the Chimp Ham the Astrochimp was born in July of 1957 in Cameroon and was destined for a life much different than that of other chimps.

When he was young, he was captured and sold to

the United States Air Force, then sent to Holloman Air Force base in New Mexico.

Ham became the first chimp to leave the atmosphere and enter space.

The primary reason he was sent into space was to test if genetically similar beings to humans would be able to withstand the difference in air pressure and if they are capable of performing motor tasks while in zero gravity.

No damage was done to Ham. His trip provided ample information and successful tests that assured human space exploration is possible.

Shamu the Killer Whale One of Seaworld San Diego’s most popular killer whales was Shamu. She was the second female of six killer whales to be held at Seaworld in 1965.

Featured in multiple newspaper articles, the child-like delight of her shows spread across the nation.

Sadly, in her later years she became aggressive and after six years in capacity passed away.

Today, all orca shows are still referred to as “Shamu shows,” proving her legacy.

“Recently, Shamu has been back in the media because of the documentary ‘Blackfish.’

It demonstrates the awful treatment of animals in Seaworld and how keeping orcas captive forces them to be more aggressive,” said

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Maxwell Hill, 12.

Dolly the Sheep Dolly the Sheep was named after country singer Dolly Parton and was the first animal to be created by the cloning an adult cell.

She was and still is a scientific breakthrough, being born from a surrogate in 1998. She lived a very normal life; she successfully reproduced and enjoyed the usual snack of hay.

Most cloned animals, however, have slightly shorter lifespans than those of naturally produced specimen.

Bo Obama Bo took the Internet by storm in former president Barack Obama’s first term.

He became the First Dog in 2008 and later gained a presidential sister, Sunny.

These two became popular because of photos that were released. In them, the two can be seen strolling around the White House and enjoying the grounds, which increased their public approval rating.

“Bo is definitely in my top five of the Obama family. Bo is and forever will be the Top Dog,” said Halle Gordon, 11.

Overall, these popular animals are some that have made an impact on the public due to their personalities and charisma.

Certainly, there will be more famous animals in the future.

Source: Reader’s Digest

Shamu the Killer Whale

spotlight chief

175060@sycamoreschools.org

Ham the Chimp

HANNAH LOFTSPRING

webmaster

Dolly the Sheep

CAROLINE BRUNS

Punxsutawney Phil

Furry friends find fame

Bo Obama

F

Photos courtesy of MCT Campus and Flickr

JENNA BAO

associate editor

S

a very successful prom for everyone,” LeBlanc said.

Highlights for juniors and seniors to look forward to at the event include unlimited soda and access to Oasis’ chocolate fountain and chocoholics dessert bar.

After the actual prom the PTO offers After Prom from midnight to 4:30 a.m. to encourage students to continue the fun in a safe environment.

“In past years, SC and the PTO really didn’t talk at all, but they do so much for us, and so this year our class made it a goal to have communication with them.

I know I have been in contact...and even went to some of the meetings! In terms of the money though, they do their own things. We do brainstorm together,” Leblanc said.

It will take place at the school with a Harry Potter theme. Tickets are required, but upperclassmen do not have to go to prom to attend after prom (or vice versa). At After Prom there will be a casino setup, bouncy houses, and other games. There will also be a hypnotist, a crowd favorite. Each room will feature prizes, a Harry Potter theme, food, and more.

“We have worked really hard all year to make sure this prom is fun and affordable for everyone who goes!,” LeBlanc said.

1.

1. SWEET. Senior Maxwell Hill asked his girlfriend senior Caroline Bruns to prom with an Edible Arrangement. Guys often go all out for the perfect promposal. “I got an Edible Arrangement that said ‘Prom?’ because they are fun and delicious,” Hill said.

Photo courtesy of Sophie Galyon

tudent Council is preparing a prom to go down in history. This year’s prom will take place on May 13, 2017 from 8:30 to 11:30 pm, followed by After Prom put together by the PTO. The event will take place at Oasis Golf Club and Conference Center. The theme is Grecian Nights.

“We had all kinds of ideas in mind [for themes]. We eventually settled when we realized that last year’s colors were mostly warm colors, and we wanted to totally flip that! So we thought about what themes worked with blue and white, and after a while of brainstorming we came to the conclusion of Greece since those are the(ir) colors!” said Katelin LeBlanc, junior class president, 11.

Tickets are on sale April 27-28 for $30, May 1-5 for $35, and the last chance to buy tickets will be May 8-9 for $40. Forms, which can be found online or in the counseling office, must be turned in at purchase. “[If you are unsure], I would definitely go! Even if you don’t have a date or if [your] friends all have dates, you will find someone who is in the same situation and might even make a new friend. We have been working this whole year trying to raise money to get everything we need to make sure it’s

2.

2.CREATIVITY. Junior Matt Isakson asks Sophie Galyon in style. Isakson folded down the pages in a book to say prom. He also made up a story about their youth group that ended with asking her. “I was really excited!

It was really sweet and the flowers were gorgeous,” Galyon said.

Photo courtesy of Marta Santos

181003@sycamoreschools.org

Photo courtesy of Hannah Bruns

Prom-ising magical night

FEATURE

3.

3.PUNNY. Senior Andrew Quantz asks senior Marta Santos to prom. “I had a sign saying ‘will you PortuGO to prom with me’ because she is from Portugal...I showed up as she was in the shower so I had to hang out with her mom and sister,” Quantz said.

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FEATURE

International education:

Looking at three countries’ stances on learning SARA MARGOLIS

Q&A Kseniia Smirnova

KIRSTEN THOMAS

staff writer

staff writer

191030@sycamoreschools.org

Sophomore from Russia

192110@sycamoreschools.org

R

What is the biggest difference you noticed between your old school in Russia and SHS?

epresenting 54 different countries, SHS is one of the most diverse high schools in Ohio. Many students are unaware of all the multiple cultural, religious, ethnic and racial backgrounds making up the SHS community.

With this diversity, SHS welcomes students from all over the world who come from different walks of life. These students’ unique high school experiences make them the people they are today, experiencing vastly different educations.

The biggest difference are the rules at school. For example, teachers are stricter in Russia. You couldn’t eat in class or put your legs on the desk.

Do you notice a difference between the student body in Russia versus Sycamore?

A difference I have noticed is the dress code. I did not have to wear a uniform but I couldn’t wear some things I would wear in America.

Photo Courtesy of Ana Godinho.

Photo Courtesy of Kseniia Smirnova.

What is the hardest thing about the transition from your old school in Russia to Sycamore?

The hardest thing I think was the language and the society.

TRAVEL. Godinho (left) and Smirnova (right) pose in their home countries. They brought their experiences here to SHS. Living in foreign countries brings a unique perspective to their education.

Hours in class BRAZIL

RUSSIA

5

6

hours

Sources: Kseniia Smirnova, Ana Godinho

hours

SHS

7

hours

Design by Kirsten Thomas, Sara Margolis

C H I L I 1949

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Q&A Ana Godinho

Sophomore from Brazil

What is the biggest difference you have noticed between your old school in Brazil and SHS? I think one big difference is that here at Sycamore, you are able to choose your classes in a variety of options. In Brazil you can’t choose what classes you are going to take; it is the same schedule for everyone in your grade, and you stay in the same class the whole day. The teachers keep changing classes, not the students. We also do not have lunch at school.

Do you notice a difference between the student body in Brazil versus Sycamore?

I have noticed that here students are more engaged in school. Everyone cares a lot about having A’s on their report card. Students are more involved in after school activities. In Brazil, students aren’t really involved with the school and they always get B’s or C’s because in Brazil, you don’t need to have good grades to get accepted into college.

What is the hardest thing about the transition from your old school in Brazil to Sycamore?

The hardest thing was probably getting used to the daily schedule. Another thing that was hard is that students go to their teachers’ classes, instead of the teachers coming to you. I got lost in the building so many times, but now I am used to it.

Address: 5005 Cornell Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242 Phone: (513) 489-8488 Hours: Monday-Friday10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

Saturday 11a.m.-8 p.m.

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

C

COVER

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COVER

What is your story?

Q&A

JENNA BAO associate editor 181003@sycamoreschools.org

Almaz Ashirkulov, 12

What is your story with immigration?

I’m from Kyrgyzstan, a small country in Central Asia neighboring China, Kazakhstan, [and] Uzbekistan. I was probably 10 years old when we started our immigration process. My mom and I tried to immigrate here twice but were rejected twice. That was a simple Visa application. But then my sister sent a request here for a Green Card.

The Green Card process is completely different, so you have more chances to immigrate here because there are some factors affecting it. If you want a tourist Visa with your kid, they probably won’t give it to you because you could have intention to stay here illegally.

But, the Green Card takes way longer.

Usually it takes like five years. I was lucky because it’s faster for kids under 18 years old, like one year or two years.

It was quite a bit of money. The embassy in our country, at that time

three years ago, was not allowed to give you Green Cards. So, I had to go to the neighboring country. It was about a four hour drive. It was fine, but each time was $100.

Then I came here for the first time in 2013. You have to come here to get a Green Card. I went back and one year later I came here for Sycamore High School as a sophomore.

Why did you come here?

I am from a pretty good family, financially. I know in my country there’s a big gap between high class and low class. If I had stayed there, right now I’d be completely fine. I actually didn’t really have intention to immigrate. Then, my parents wanted me to come here. I have my sister here, and I have my step-sister here, who graduated from Stanford and is now working in an investment bank in New York.

That’s why my parents wanted me to immigrate here and go to college here.

There are more opportunities.

Are you planning to stay here for college?

Yeah, that’s the plan ... I want to go to college and graduate and maybe get a job [in the US]. Maybe I will go to a different country; someday, I’d want to live in Japan and Dubai. I might go back to my country just to visit.

IMMIGRATE. Senior Almaz Ashirkulov immigrated to the US from Kyrgyzstan in 2013. He came to Cincinnati with his mom because his sister is here. He plans to stay in the U.S. for college. Photo Courtesy of Adhiti Chundur.

Kseniia Smironova, 10

Photo courtesy of Kseniia Smironova

When and from where did you emigrate?

I emigrated from Russia four years ago. I wasn’t born here.

Why did your family come?

We came because of my dad’s work.

At first we thought we would come for only a year, but then we realized that we would stay a little longer...I will probably go to college in America. I’m not sure yet, maybe I’ll go to Moscow and find a job there if I want...I go visit Russia pretty much every summer.

What was the hardest part of moving?

The hardest part was accent and adoption of the society. I could speak COMMUNITY. Sophomore Kseniia a little bit of English, but at the same Smironova develops a community time I had an accent and was really within ESOL courses. She initially shy. I didn’t want to speak to people at struggled with the language after all, and some people were laughing at moving from Russia. However, she me. I felt really pressured, but then I has gotten more confident. realized that my English is not bad, and 12|THE LEAF|April 28, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG

Q&A

[decided] to just go for it.

Do you have stories that stick out from immigrating?

When I was sitting in my math class in junior high, people behind me were talking about me.

I was hearing it, and I understood it. People thought that if I didn’t talk in English that means I don’t understand them. They just started talking about me, not really good stuff.

I was like, “excuse me,” and they realized that I understood them...They would smile at me in the hallways and then talk bad about me behind my back.

How has your ESOL experience been?

I like it. You can come [to ESL rooms] whenever you want and ask for help. At the same time, you feel kind of different sometimes.

For example, when we went somewhere like a pep rally back in junior high, we had to go with the ESL group. It made me feel like I’m not a part of the school, like I’m kind of different, and that’s annoying sometimes. I’m soon getting out of ESL, but I still really like it.

COVER

Cagla Akcadag, 12

What is the story of how your family came here?

I’ve been an immigrant my whole life.

My parents are Turkish, but I was born in Hungary (Budapest). From there, I moved to New Hampshire, then Brazil, then Canada, then Switzerland. [At the] beginning of my freshman year, I moved to Cincinnati.

It’s interesting because I don’t know what it’s like to be a “local” because I haven’t lived in any one place long enough to be identified as someone who’s “from” there. [We move around so much because] my dad works for P&G. On average [I stay in a place] for three years. I’ve also been on a Visa my whole life. I only have citizenship in Turkey, but I’ve never lived there.

How have your experiences attending schools in all these different countries been?

Considering that I don’t know what it’s like to not move constantly, I can’t really compare it to a “stable” living situation, but it has definitely made me a much more confident and social person. I’ve always attended international schools (with kids just

Photo courtesy of Cagla Ackadag

Q&A

like me) up until Sycamore, so I had a bit of culture shock, but being exposed to so many different people throughout my lifetime has broadened my views so much.

What are your plans for the future?

For college I plan to stay in the U.S., but once I get a job I’m sure that it will be one that requires me to be on the move. I can’t handle staying in one place for too long.

I hope whoever reads this piece realizes how close immigrants are to us. I feel that lately when discussing immigrants we’ve been talking about them as if they’re far away from us, as if they’re just “Mexicans trying to cross the border.”

I hope this piece makes people realize that immigrants are all around us. They’re our neighbors, our doctors, our favorite actors. We too are human and deserve to be treated with the same level of respect and care as any other person living here today.

Francisco Navarro, 12 Photo courtesy of Jenna Bao LANGUAGE. Senior Francisco Navarro improves at English at SHS after immigrating here as a sophomore. He became more engaged as he got more confident with the language. He is still considering whether he will remain in the U.S. after high school.

EXPLORE. Senior Cagla Akcadag enjoys a meal in Turkey, the country of her parents. She has never lived there but is a Turkish citizen. Akcadag has spent her life immigrating from country to country, living in Hungary, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States.

Where did you emigrate from?

I got here my sophomore year from Mexico. My dad worked for a private company so he got a job here, and we had to move. When I got here I didn’t speak any English, so I had to learn from zero. I went to ESOL 1 and all the way through ESOL 3.

What was the hardest part about coming here?

The hardest part was getting involved in school. I got here my sophomore year, and during my sophomore year I didn’t do anything within my high school career, like no sports, no clubs, because I didn’t speak any English, and I was afraid. I started getting better and better, and both junior year and this year I started

Q&A

doing more.

Do you have any thoughts on the current political situation in the U.S.?

It is going to affect a lot of people who are illegal immigrants. From my own perspective I don’t feel like it’s going to affect me a lot.

How has your experience overall been at Sycamore?

When I first came here I didn’t want to come here. We had our whole family in Mexico, my friends, my life in general. After I got involved [and] started to speak English, I got more friends, I got more involved in sports and clubs, [and] it’s been the best time of my life. Knowing people from every part of the world is pretty cool.

THE LEAF|April 28, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG|13

COVER

Sanctuary cities protect refugees SAMUEL RUSKIN fun and games chief 193157@sycamoreschools.org

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anctuary cities have been popping up around America increasingly since the election this year. Cities in all but a couple of states have offered their homes to refugees. In fact, California has recently passed a “sanctuary state” bill.

A sanctuary city essentially refers to a city or county in which local law enforcement generally refuse collaboration with federal immigration officers in cases of low-level crimes.

A major goal of these policies is to promote a sense of trust and safety for all inhabitants.

President Donald Trump and his administration are opposed to the establishment of such cities.

Trump has issued an executive order that directed the government to prevent

sanctuary cities from receiving federal funding; nevertheless, many cities have chosen to defy his wishes by keeping an open mind about the immigration situation.

In fact, such threats have created more support for these policies across the country.

The city of San Francisco challenged the executive order in court, and on April 25, a federal judge blocked parts of it, ruling that it was overly vague and likely violated the Tenth and Fifth Amendments.

The phenomenon of sanctuary cities began in 1996 when the 104th U.S. Congress passed Pub. L. 104-208, also known as the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA).

The IIRIRA required local governments to cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement

(ICE) Agency. Despite the IIRIRA, hundreds of urban, suburban, and rural communities ignored the law and adopted so-called “sanctuary policies.”

So what is the deal with Cincinnati?

Mayor John Cranley has stated that Cincinnati has been and will continue to be a sanctuary city. An official declaration was made on Jan. 30, 2017.

Cranley has stated he does not believe the city will actually lose funding over this decision.

While local police enforcement will not interfere with federal immigration authorities, they will not check the immigration status of everyone they encounter even is asked.

While Cincinnati identifies as a sanctuary city, Trump has not placed it on the official list. It is a bit unclear exactly how the federal government defines a sanctuary city, as there is no clear legal definition.

Major sanctuary cities in U.S. Seattle

Detroit

Portland

Minneapolis Salt Lake City

San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles

Denver

Chicago

73 New York City

Dallas, Houston, Austin

BlankMap-USA.png English: United States blank political map Date 28 September 2008 Author Spitfire19

14|THE LEAF|April 28, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG

percent believe Congress should make a bill for comprehensive immigration reform

11.3 million

Phoenix

To view more sanctuary cities, visit here.

BY THE NUMBERS

estimated number of immigrants living in the U.S. in an unauthorized status.

Miami Design by: Adhiti Chundur Source: Center for Immigration Studies

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percent of the country is foreign-born (about 40 million)

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AR T S & ENTER TAINMENT

‘Beauty and the Beast’ TAYLOR CLOSE

creative projects director

New Disney film dazzles viewers

182040@sycamoreschools.org

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modern live action spin on the classic tale has caught the world of cinema by storm, with box office earnings of over $174.8 million in its opening weekend.

The film’s box office is over one billion dollars internationally, with $983 million coming from the U.S. This results from months of press buildup, with the first teaser trailer being viewed

over 92 million times in its first day story of how Belle’s mother dies is online. never explained in the original. But One reason that the film has done so in the latest film, through the Beast’s well is the fact that the story of “Beauty magical mirror, Belle is transferred back and the Beast” itself reaches out to to her first home, finding the truth her multiple different generations. father would never tell her.

From adults who remember when Another back-story that is added is the original movie came out in 1991 the reason for the Beast’s hostility. His to young adults who have grown up mother died when he was young, leaving watching it, to children who are now him to be raised by a father who was experiencing the story in a new cruel and unforgiving. As a perspective, there result, the Beast becomes is something for the same. everyone.

The enchantress who Another reason curses the Beast is never for its success seen but in the prologue of is the fact that the original film, but she is Disney brought in seen multiple times in the some big names Scan here to see beginning and end of the in acting such as the official trailer remake when she sets and Emma Watson, relieves the prince of the Dan Stevens, Josh Gad, curse. and Luke Evans to bring The most controversial change is the the remake to life. fact that LeFou, Gaston’s sidekick, is But like any remake, actually gay. It is a very subtle detail, there are some differences with the viewer having to really look between the original for those moments, but they are there movie and this rendition, nonetheless. while keeping the story Finally, this remake is not the first close to the 1740 fairy nor the last remake of a classic Disney tale told by Gabrielletale. The productions of live action Suzanne Barbot de “Little Mermaid” and “Lion King” are in Villeneuve. progress, and there are speculations of For example, the backseveral others to come.

REBOOT. The recent live action production of the 1991 classic film has waltzed its way into the hearts of many. According to the Buisness Insider ‘Beauty and the Beast’ had the seventh highest opening weekend ever. The film features well-known actors such as Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Josh Gad, and Luke Evans.

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, Melissa Hillier, https://www.flickr.com/ photos/77423179@N02/32164704480; Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) THE LEAF|April 28, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG|15

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

Sheeran shares stories ALLYSON BONHAUS feature chief 193006@sycamoreschools.org

4820 Cooper Road Blue Ash, OH 45242 9793 Montgomery Rd Montgomery, OH 45242 513-745-0222 M-F 9–8 | SAT 9–6 | SUN 10–5

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hat kind of music do you listen to? Singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran blends several different music genres into his songs. His new album, “Divide,” is a combination of folk and pop music. He often has a storytelling aspects to his songs.

“This album has a lot of different songs-not just like your regular pop songs but slow songs and songs which have an Irish folk music sound. These different sounds make the album more refreshing and new, at least to me,” said Anushri Menon, 10.

This is only Sheeran’s third studio album, the others being “+” and “x.”

He is keeping with his mathematical theme for “Divide.” This album was released by Asylum Atlantic Records on March 3, 2017 with a black division symbol on the cover. Two lead singles from the album were released earlier in January: “Castle on the Hill” and “Shape of You.” The former is Sheeran’s story of looking back at his younger self and his family. Sheeran performed “Shape of You” during the 2017 Grammy’s.

He has two Grammy’s, Song of the

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16|THE LEAF|April 28, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG

Year, and best pop solo performance both for “Thinking Out Loud.”

“Sheeran’s music is very good, but his lyrics are even better. I just love the way he writes his songs and tells a story, especially in ‘Nancy Mulligan,’ where he tells the story of how his grandparents met in Ireland and fell in love, despite their religious differences,” Menon said.

During the 2017 Grammy’s, he was nominated for Song of Year for “Love Yourself.” Already this young artist has picked up several awards and many nominations over the years. He sells out stadiums and garners millions of followers on his social media accounts.

Being featured in Taylor Swift’s “Red” album also helped him attract more eyes.

“I have always been into his music so I get excited every single time he releases an album. But this album is definitely my favorite, just because no one song is similar, and many times pop artists have some repetition on their albums. ‘Galway Girl’ is my absolute favorite! It’s been on repeat since I’ve heard it,” Menon said.

Currently, this 26-year-old artist is touring Europe as part of his “Divide” tour. Sheeran will be touring in Columbus in October 2017. Watch out for this young artist taking the charts by storm.

RELEASE. Ed Sheeran has released his new album “Divide.”

It features a combination of folk and pop music, which represents how Sheeran’s music contains different genres. “Divide” was released March 3, but two of the singles were released earlier in January. Currently Sheeran is touring Europe with his new album but will be coming to Columbus in October.

Photo courtesy of MCT Campus.

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FUN & GAMES hint: spring

fun and games chief 193157@sycamoreschools.org

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

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Crazy Jumble

CONTEST: Students and staff are invited to submit two sentences (of any length) describing their 2016-2017 school year experiences.

Email them to SHSStudentVoice@gmail.com. We will publish our favorites in the May issue. There will be prizes!

April Showers Bring MAY Flowers

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Word List:

April Blossom Flowers June May March Grass Rain Puddle Umbrella Spring Garden

Where does Friday come before Thursday?

Answers: A Dictionary

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SAMUEL RUSKIN

THE LEAF|April 28,2017|SHSLEAF.ORG |17

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SPORTS

Field events fire up MEGGIE DIGIOVANNA

on deck:

MADDI SAUNDERS staff writer 204178@sycamoreschools.org

staff writer

placed ninth at Clash of the Titans and Polasky came in tenth. hether it be jumping, For the girls, junior Nicole throwing, or vaulting, track McNamara-Marsland and freshmen athletes dominate their field Emma Stemen and Willow Lang all events. Over the course of the season, placed within the top 15. these multi-talented runners have “The season has gone well for me so racked up numerous accolades. far, but I really want to improve even At the recent Clash of the Titans more to place higher,” McNamarameet, high jumper, senior Angela Marsland said.

Ruffin placed first among the women Another successful meet for with a height of five feet the team took place at Indian four inches, and senior Hill where Ruffin beat her Roosevelt “RJ” Barnes previous personal record with placed fourth among the a jump of five feet six inches, men with a height of five and freshman Sophia Neat feet eight inches. placed second after jumping a “My coaches have been personal best of five feet. super awesome. High jump “The whole team cheered is definitely my favorite Scan here to so loud when I cleared that event,” Ruffin said. learn more about height. It felt so good to finally In addition, junior future meets get over the bar,” Ruffin said.

Maximilian Bruggeman Women’s discus throwers, placed fourth in men’s long sophomore Rachel Izworski and senior jump with a length of 20 feet four Makayla Bath both placed fifth in their inches and senior Zachary Richardson flights. Izworski threw 60 ft and Bath earned second in men’s discus throw threw 76 ft. with 133 ft as well as fourth in shot put Constantly pushing the boundaries, with a throw of 47 ft three inches. field event athletes practice daily to beat Senior Adam Leyendecker and their personal records and improve. junior Joseph Polasky head up the men’s pole vault team. Leyendecker 185032@sycamoreschools.org

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LEAP. Freshman Sophia Neat clears a height of four feet 10 inches at a home meet. She almost beat her personal record. Neat also competes in the 4x100, 2x100, and 1x100.

Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

18|THE LEAF|April 28, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG

The baseball team’s coach, Peter Muehlenkamp, has reached his 300th win after coaching for 18 years. With his 300 wins, he only has 152 losses. Muehlenkamp has been the varsity head coach at two other high schools where he had a record of 291-145.

Before Muehlenkamp became a coach, he played on the SHS baseball team in 1987. That year, his team went to state. That was also the last time a SHS baseball team has been to state.

Muehlenkamp’s 300 wins are an accumulation of victories from all of the schools he coached at.

He was at Hughes for three years, and won the league title in his last year there. Muehlenkamp additionally coached at Reading for 14 years.

In those 14 years, he won the league title four times and won numerous sectional and district titles.

In 2009, he made it to the state final four.

Also, he has coached one or two students each year who went on to play college baseball. Muehlenkamp and his assistant coaches focus on teaching their players about life and baseball at the same time.

Muehlenkamp believes that it is a huge benefit that he had people like Steve Imhoff, Rob Buckman, Nick Lunsford, RJ Hayes, Gil Voight, Chris Kramerer, Kevin Ralston, and others as his assistants.

He and his assistant coaches know that baseball contains a lot of failures at times and that it is easy to give up.

However, they continue to promote the adversity and enjoy the challenge.

SPORTS

Baseball knocks it out of park DAVID WERTHEIM business manager 173130@sycamoreschools.org

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nder the direction of new head coach, Mr. Peter Muehlenkamp, the SHS Varsity baseball team has seen its record improve drastically from a year ago. Just about halfway into the season, the team has already doubled its entire win total from a year ago, from five to 10.

One of the team’s wins was a 5-2 victory over Hamilton in the Skyline Chili Showcase, a premier baseball event in which over 50 schools from the tri-state area participated. The games took place at both Great American Ball Park-the home of the Cincinnati Redsand Prasco Park, an extremely wellmaintained and beautiful two stadium campus located in Mason.

“It was my first time playing at Prasco, so I was not sure exactly what to expect, but I guess I’ll just say that Prasco exceeded all of my expectations.

It was incredible,” said Ryan Wick, Varsity outfielder, 12.

In the win at Prasco, senior pitcher Victor Garnica had a win over Hamilton on Friday, but the 1-0 complete game shutout over East is what got him nominated for the Enquirer’s Athlete of the Week. Similarly, sophomore left fielder Michael Wang had two hits and is en route to becoming the game’s MVP. “It was pretty cool to see [Michael] honored on the field like that. We all got to go on the field in the pre-game parade, so that was really exciting,” said James Fields, pitcher/first baseman, 12.

There have been some major achievements thus far for the team as well. Junior pitcher Jacob Kotzin threw a complete game against Colerain while hitting a grand slam in the same game.

Kotzin and Fields are tied for the GMC lead with two home runs each.

The team still has several games remaining, including two back-to-back contests against Mason. The first of those games will be senior night, on May 3. They will also participate in the postseason tournament, hoping to avoid

another first round exit like the one they suffered a year ago.

“We’ve done a lot better than last year already, which is good to see.

Hopefully we can finish strong and maybe make some noise in the post-season tournament,” Fields said.

CATCH. Junior Jacob Kotzin began

his baseball career as a freshman.

He recently pitched the entire game against Colerain, had a grand slam homerun, and went two for two.

The “Cincinnati Enquirer” selected him as the baseball all star of the week. Photo courtesy McDaniels Photography.

Aves volleyball sets season MARK HUFFER

JACQUELINE GREGA

staff writer

staff writer

195061@sycamoreschools.org

184001@sycamoreschools.org

Boy’s volleyball has begun, and it is time to bring the Ave Cave to them!

Aves volleyball has been putting in work and effort ever since the winter of 2016 and has had a total of five games so far, starting on April 5 against Milford.

“We love support from fellow Aviators and would love to see fans in the stands during our upcoming games,” said Jason Logan, 12.

Junior Israel Lorenzana, who is on the Varsity team, has been playing SHS volleyball for three years, and he actually played in Puerto Rico for four years.

“It’s kind of like a family sport. My mom and dad played,” Lorenzana said.

Before stepping out onto the court, he tries to focus on what he does and tries to do the best he can.

Their current record is 1-4 with their only win being against Hamilton where they left the team scoreless on our home court.

“I think we were just feeling it that game, and that is something we need to keep up in future games,” said Jacob Marischen, 12.

The team’s next two games are on April 27 at Oak Hills and April 29 at Loveland. They are looking to further their wins and catapult their record up to a 3-4.

“A lot of my friends were playing, and I needed to make the most out of my senior year,” said Zachary Hanus, right hitter and left back, 12.

SHS has given their all so far this season and will continue to do so during their upcoming games.

“Our season has been team building, and I think if we keep putting forth effort, we will find our stride,” said Adam Marischen, 10.

ACE. Senior Alex Jones looks to spike the ball against competitor, La Salle High School. The team lost this game 0-3. This contributed to one of their four losses this season. Photo courtesy McDaniels Photography.

THE LEAF|April 28, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG |19

SPORTS

Girls lacrosse looks to state CAROLINE VERALDO sports chief 173000@sycamoreschools.org

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fter facing defeat in the quarter final of the state tournament in 2016, the ladies’ lacrosse team enters 2017 with unprecedented motivation.

The team, led by five seniors, Renee Foster, Kaitlyn Hayes, Allison Kossen, Emily Wise, and Jessica Wocks, is looking strong with their minds focused and ready to compete.

“We have a goal this year and that is to win state. Nothing less,” Foster said.

In order to reach this goal, the team practices on a very strict schedule.

Their practices occur every day from five to seven with games or scrimmages about twice a week.

“Playing lacrosse is a huge time commitment, but I love the sport, and I love the team, so it is definitely worth it. I also know that the more we practice the better we will be, so that helps to motivate me,” said Meegan Gould, 11.

This intense practice has definitely paid off, as the team has an undefeated record of 9-0-0 so far this season.

As SHS has one of the best teams in the Cincinnati area, most of their competition comes from Columbus high school teams Upper Arlington and Jackson Massillon.

The team is coached by Eddie Clark, a well-known coach across the country with a winning percentage over 80 percent.

The SHS girls’ lacrosse team has won state three times in the past ten years and hopes to make their fourth this year.

In addition to the glory of the state champion title, many of the players want success this season in order to stand out for college recruitment.

So far, Hayes is looking to possibly play at the University of Cincinnati and junior Lluna Katz has verbally committed to Columbia University.

“I have high hopes for this season.

We have a strong bunch of girls who are talented and motivated,” Gould said.

SPRINT. Junior Lluna Katz breaks down the field during a home game.

Katz has already verbally committed to play lacrosse at Columbia University in the fall of 2018. Katz has helped lead the team to an overall record of 9-0-0 so far. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

Boys lacrosse ‘sticks’ with positivity JASON MERKEL

the matchup against Lakota East, they stayed within one point until the very 192016@sycamoreschools.org last quarter of the game.

This season has seen a bumpy start When playing Loveland, they were up for the boys lacrosse program. Their at halftime, and again stayed ahead of first four games ended in losses, but the opponent until the last part of the that may be mostly from the excellence game. of the programs they played, rather “Yes, we have come up just short so than possible shortcomings in SHS’ far this season, but we can definitely program. be winning these matches,” said Adam The team has played against some top Mather, 10. ranked opponents, and despite large With more than half of their season point margins, they still managed to ahead of them, supporters can play hard. still expect to see some excellent GOAL. Junior Kevin Russell and In their match against Springboro, the performances. A difficult beginning sophomore Adam Mather have been score of the second half would have only does not always mean that a bad season in the program for years. Last season, been three to two. The ability to play is coming.

Mather set the freshmen records in within a point of one of the top teams The football team did not start with season assists and points, and he in the area shows great promise for the a perfect record, but they were able to tied the previous record for goals in rest of the season. bring the team together and make it a season. Mather also made the US Their excellent ability to keep games Box Lacrosse U18 National team, and to the regional final. It has been done close was shown again in matches hopes to do so again next year. Photo before, and the SHS lacrosse team can courtesy of Adam Mather. against Loveland and Lakota East. In certainly do it again. | 20 THE LEAF|April 28, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG staff writer

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SPOTLIGHT

‘Kicking bad cells out’ Grace Ingle battles thyroid cancer KIRSTEN THOMAS staff writer 192110@sycamoreschools.org

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ou can find sophomore Grace Ingle around school dancing, singing, and having a good time with her friends. Outside of school, you can find her playing basketball with her brothers and going to church.

Ingle remains happy and energetic despite her recent ongoing battle with thyroid cancer.

She is keeping up the fight and is focused on “kick[ing] the bad cells out!”

In Ingle’s honor, her siblings made a shirt with Grace’s saying on the back.

The shirts can be purchased directly from the Ingle family.

Ingle knows she has bad cells and is fighting to get them out of her body. But, while focused on her battle, she is still able to have a good time.

“To stay happy, I like to eat brownies and be with my friends, like Lydia Taylor,” Ingle said.

With everyone rooting for her, Ingle knows she can overcome the obstacle she is facing.

The family has received support throughout the community. The church Ingle attends, Montgomery Community Church (MCC), prayed for her before a Sunday service in the student center.

Ingle attends MCC regularly, which is another source of happiness for her.

“I go to church on Sunday and Wednesday,” Ingle said.

When asking Ingle if she could say one thing to the entire student body, her answer was clear and powerful.

“I’m going to do it, and I’m going to get through,” Ingle said.

Standing 10% off for anyone showing Sycamore or staff ID 11142 Kenwood Rd Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-469-7151

SNUGGLE. Sophomore Grace Ingle snuggles with a furry friend on the couch.

Ingle is wearing the shirt her siblings made for her, blue with white text.

Students who purchased the shirt wore them as a group on a Monday in April.

SUPPORT. Ingle poses with senior Mason Taylor, star in SHS’ production of “Big Fish.” Lydia Taylor, mentioned in the article, is Mason’s younger sister. Ingle continues her fight with the community’s support. All Photos Courtesy of Heather Ingle.

THE LEAF|April 28, 2017|SHSLEAF.ORG | 21

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