THE LEAF Sycamore High School News Magazine Volume 5 | Issue 5| December 15, 2017
20 17
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LETTER EDITORS from the
Hello again SHS! This time of year is characterized by cheer, gift-giving, and time with family and friends, but right now for students, all that probably sounds more like tests, exams, and stress with a “Jingle Bell Rock” soundtrack. This does not create the best environment or time for deep contemplation, but we chose to make the December cover story “Year in Review” in the hopes of celebrating some great memories that took place in 2017. It is easy to look back and remember the negative. Of course drafting up some resolutions for improvement (as both a person and a society) should be a continual process, but we also encourage you to appreciate the moments that cheered you up, the inside jokes you developed, the new favorite movie you saw, and the “Leaf” articles you loved (wink). We are reflecting on events that happened around town and the school, like the HS Nation visit and the birth of Fiona (hippo extraordinaire), as well as sports/art achievements and the trends we followed. Yet as we all look back together, the rest of this issue is dedicated (as per usual) to looking forward. This includes coverage on Fashion for the Cure, local holiday festivities, winter track, diving, and much more. Unfortunately, given that the issue only has so much room, we cannot feature all the amazing things that are going on in this format. Fear not! Our website is updated daily with timely pieces, photos, videos, and even those interactive quizzes with which you young whippersnappers are always playing (I am not judging, just projecting).
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CONTENTS
news 2 3 4 opinion 5 6 7
Freshman family history
Voters compare allegations
Fashion for the Cure
Staff editorial Academic integrity Sexual harassment scandals
feature 8 9 10 sports 18 19 20
Generation Z redefines social norms What should your resolutions be? Cold weather, hot trends
a&e 15 16 17
Guess the holiday movies AP art students draw inspiration from Taft
Meet the Trailblazers
THE LEAF ADVISER Cheralyn Jardine
PHOTOGRAPHER McDaniel’s Photography
ABOUT US Professional memberships: • Columbia Scholastic Press Association • Journalism Education Association • National Scholastic High School Press Association • Ohio Scholastic Media Association • Ohio Professional Writers (National Federation of Women Writers) • Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honorary
Winter track
Freshman diving
cover 11-14 Year in Review
spotlight 21
Rachel Hlawn
Paige Weitz bowling
Sycamore High School Retraction: In the November Issue, page 2, in “He For She speaks,” was written incorrectly, it should read “Their topic will be the struggle for 7400 Cornell Road gender equality and the empowerment of women.” On page 14, Ms. Sandy Cincinnati, OH 45242 Combs was misidentified. We regret these errors.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Jenna Bao ASSOCIATE EDITOR Adhiti Chundur CREATIVE PROJECT DIRECTORS Taylor Close Yasmine Guedira Sydney Weiss Anne Marsh PRINT EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Natalie Brinkman Adhiti Chundur SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Sydney Weiss EXECUTIVE WEB EDITOR -IN-CHIEF Harsimran Makkad
LEAFLET EDITORS-INCHIEF Taylor Close Sydney Evans NEWS Yasmine Guedira SPORTS Sydney Evans Abigail Lefton FEATURE Allyson Bonhaus ENTERTAINMENT Lindsey Brinkman OPINION Hannah Lee VIDEO Emily Chien Yvanna Reyes
SPOTLIGHT CHIEF Kirsten Thomas A&E Columnist Sara Margolis OPINION Columnist Allyson Bonhaus STAFF WRITERS Morgan Brownell Maya Goldenberg Ben Green Harsitha Kalaiarasan Anisa Khatana Everett Kohinke Abigail Lefton Emme Loon Jessica Lu Lydia Masset Claire Myers Aidan Noble
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.
1
NEWS
December 15, 2017
Everything is relative Freshmen study family history
DISCOVER. Freshman Sara Bolger presents her poster honoring one of her relatives. Students in Accelerated World History presented their projects and food to family and friends. Each student was assigned to create a project tracing the history of one of their ancestors. “It took me a long time to do this project, but it is really cool to see how hard everyone worked to get to the final results,” said Pranathi Madala, 9. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.
Womens’ panel inspires students
ALLYSON BONHAUS feature chief
Women DISCUSSED WHAT prevents society from moving forward as one entity and how that can be changed. The panel, hosted by He For She, took place on Dec. 6 during lunch and Aviator bell, with around 150 students signed up to attend. The varied perspectives hit a wide range of issues women face today. Speakers included previous candidates for elected office, a professor with a focus on women in politics, a woman who helps those dealing with eating disorders, a woman in sports, and more. Panelists were Renee Hevia, Dr. Adrienne James, Katelyn Jarvis, Carmen Maxwell, Isabel Mendez, Megan Park, Dr. Christine Phillips, Dr. Monica Schneider, Ruth Seiple, Dr. Ashley Solomon, and Dr. Cindy Veraldo. “To have girls find their own voice, their own strength, their own 2 self worth enough to say I
deserve this...as much as men do. I want the guys to feel a sense of empathy and also to feel empowerment,” said Ms. Meredith Blackmore, sponsor of He For She. All these women had things in common--they wanted the dialogue to change. This desire hits on how women are treated in the workplace, after being assaulted, and the abilities of women in general. A main topic of the event was how women can break barriers in their careers. A barrier several of the panel members talked about was how they held themselves back with thoughts like, ‘A woman cannot do that’ or ‘what if because I am a woman…’ There was discussion of how women must be brave and pursue whatever they wish to without letting anything stop them. Inspired by the social dialogue on #MeToo and inappropriate comments, the women all seemed to have stories they wanted people to recognize as unfair, whether it was their own
experience or something in the news. The panelists pushed how these occurrences are not the woman’s fault; everyone (men and women) must think about how these comments make others feel and what they can do about them. Discussing things from the insulting nature of ‘boys will be boys’ to how approximately 80 percent of Congress is male (despite males making up about 50 percent of the population in the United States), the women spoke to how unfair things are across the board and how it is up to all of society to make a difference. Panelists encouraged students to get to voting polls. If someone says something that makes someone feel uncomfortable, tell them. Pursue what you want, was another message. The club, presided by juniors Madeleine Weiss and Kevin Landrum, will be held during both lunch periods around once a month, possibly with more speakers or traveling to other schools to talk about He For She.
December 15, 2017
NEWS SWEN
Voters compare allegations, convictions ANISA KHATANA staff writer
Justice of the Alabama Supreme In today’s world, Court twice and was suspended the rift between America’s each time for refusing to follow two dominant political parties orders. continues to deepen with the However, in light of recent turmoil of the helter-skelter events, winning the race became a political climate. more difficult feat for Moore. Thus, any change in the On Nov. 9, “The Washington partialities of Congressional Post” reported accusations of four representatives can result in women whom Moore allegedly large legislative and authoritative pursued sexually or changes. THIS HAS romantically when On Tues. Dec. they were minors and 12, the state of NOTHING Moore was in his 30s. Alabama held a TO DO WITH Leigh Corfman, special election to fill Republican REPUBLICANS now 53, claims she was 14 years old when Attorney General OR DEMOCRATS a then 32-year-old Jeff Sessions’ BEVERLY YOUNG Moore pursued her, vacant U.S. Senate enticed her to enter seat. NELSON his home, gave her Sessions held a alcoholic drinks, and touched her seat in the Senate from 1997 to without her consent. earlier this year when, on Feb. 8, In the days that followed the the Senate confirmed him as the publication of that story, Beverly current administration’s attorney Young Nelson accused Moore of general. sexually assaulting her when she Republican candidate Roy was 16 years old. Moore faced Democratic Another four women accused him candidate Doug Jones for the of sexual misconduct or undesired Senate seat. advances in similar situations. Ordinarily, this race would be “These allegations are completely won easily by the Republican false and are a desperate political candidate, as Alabama is a attack by the National Democrat historically red state. Party and ‘The Washington Post’ “My position has always been on this campaign,” Moore, now 70, God first, family, then country. said in a written statement. I share the vision of President Moore’s team has cited suspicion Donald Trump to make America regarding the timing of these great again,” Moore said in allegations, for they coincide with announcing his plans to run. the approach of the election. Moore has served as Chief
Voters were faced with the decision to believe either in Moore’s denial or the women who have come forward. “My husband and I supported Donald Trump for president. This has nothing to do with Republicans or Democrats. It has everything to do with Mr. Moore’s sexual assault when I was a teenager,” Nelson said in her official statement. Trump has encouraged Alabamians to be mindful of Moore’s denial of the allegations and listen to the candidate’s responses, taking to Twitter to assail Moore’s opponent. Jones has stated that he believes the women and expects the same of Alabama. “I do have to say, 40 years [since the alleged occurrences of the assaults] is a long time. He’s run eight races, and this has never come up. So 40 years is a long time,” Trump told the press. Some Republicans in the Senate have called for Moore to drop out of the race should these accusations be true. “I believe the women,” said Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in a statement. Though Cincinnati is, obviously, not located in Alabama, this was an important election for the country. The results of this Senate race are indicative of Alabama’s (and, in turn, the South’s) feelings concerning the sexual harassment, assault, and misconduct allegations that have racked the country.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
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NEWS
December 15, 2017
‘Behind the seams:’
Fashion for the Cure prepares upcoming show YASMINE GUEDIRA news chief
Every year, a small committee of students spends the entire year planning for one of SHS’ biggest events. On Feb. 23, the main auditorium will be transformed into a runway for Fashion for the Cure (FFTC). The theme of the event will be “Under the Stars,” and general admission tickets can be purchased in January for $15. “I joined FFTC because my mom volunteered for the Dragonfly Foundation and sometimes took me with her, so I was able to witness the amazing work that the foundation does. I wanted to do even more to help and I loved going to the fashion shows so I decided to join the committee,” said Lilah Foley, 12. This year, the committee, led by seniors Emma Sulfsted and Lily Martinson, is hoping to reach their goal of raising $30,000. This money is generated throughout the entire year by monthly fundraisers at restaurants, as well as car washes and bake sales. In the main office, there will be a silent auction and basket raffle. The models were selected through an application process to judge their commitment to the cause and their dedication to the mission of providing care for those affected by cancer. An application was sent out to everyone in the school and 40 models were picked. For the first time, each of the models will be asked to raise $100 to get closer to the goal of raising $30,000, which has not been reached in previous years. The models will be wearing both casual and formal clothes from local businesses. “I told myself I was going to take as many opportunities as possible senior year, and a friend of mine who is on the committee told me to sign up,” said Nikhil Sekar, 12. 4 The event supports The
Dragonfly Foundation which is an organization founded by Ria Davidson and Christine Neitzke that supports young cancer patients and their families. The organization provides social events and community connection activities to enrich the lives of cancer patients. FFTC has a huge impact on The Dragonfly Foundation and the planning committee. By choosing a local organization, the students are able to see the benefits of their hard work first hand. “I absolutely love the Dragonfly Foundation and the comfort and joy they provide to cancer patients. The foundation has a very special place in my heart. Being able to work with them has been one of the best experiences of my high school career,” Foley said. One of the highlights of the show is when the dragonflies themselves get to walk on the runway. After the success of last year’s initiative, they will be
wearing clothes that they have designed themselves. Committee members have completed training at The Dragonfly Foundation and are interacting with the children more than ever before. Various clubs are also contributing to the show. The children in the show will be performing a dance with the Flyerettes and their portraits will be painted by members of Art Club. “FFTC means everything to me. I’ve been the head of design since my sophomore year, and I have learned so much through it. There is nothing like seeing the smiles on the kids' faces. “In my opinion, The Dragonfly Foundation does something much greater than look for a cure. Their amazing work truly brings strength right to the kids and their families so that they can not only survive, but still live,” Sulfsted said.
CREATE. Students find a new community after participating in Fashion for the Cure. Last year, the students revealed the clothes they designed for the dragonflies. “While waiting to go on stage, I was in a classroom with the dragonflies and their families. It was incredible because I could see their unbreakable sense of community,” said Maya Goldenberg, 10. Photos courtesy of Emma Sulfsted.
Leafing through the masses:
What was your favorite moment of 2017?
REWIND. As 2017 comes to an end, it is time to reflect on both good times and bad. Each year contains great changes for society and the world, but also myriad changes for each person, especially in adolescence. Then, more importantly, we can look ahead to what is next. Image courtesy of Sydney Evans.
Staff Editorial
Perspective is hard to grasp at any point in life, but it is particularly difficult as teenagers (or so we hear). After all, for some people here, these past twelve months made up approximately 1/14 of their lives, probably 1/10 of the lives they actually remember. For context, a large LaRosa’s pizza has 16 pieces. This is all to say, each passing year makes up a pretty hefty slice of our experiences thus far. The rapidly approaching end of first semester, and more importantly 2017, leads us to a natural point for reflection. Maybe this was the year you met an incredible friend, or maybe it was the year you lost one. Maybe you discovered a passion, and maybe another one got cut out. Maybe you took a class you loved, and maybe you got the hardest test you have ever taken, and most likely, there was something valuable to take out of every one of these things. We all ought to change over the course of a year; the only way one could avoid that is by hiding under a rock the entire time, and even that seems like it would be a pretty revolutionary experience. Not to mention, that seems to be the whole pitch of adolescence. Thus, we invite you to take a moment and think on all that has changed at SHS, in the world, and within yourself in 2017, and perhaps ask how you feel about it. We certainly hope you like the direction things are going in, but if not, then perhaps think about what you can do as we approach the blank slate of another revolution around the sun. Apologies in advance if we spur an existential crisis, but those can be important too, sometimes. Life is a funky, squirming little beast. (We suppose people who cannot even legally vote are not the most qualified to tell you what life is, but do bear with us). We do hope that your evaluation of these 365 unique experiences comes up with a net positive.
“My daughter’s volleyball team won the league championships while I was coaching,” said Mr. Stanley Kaniecki, math teacher. “Senior Halloween was pretty dope. We won an award [with our bagpipe costumes],” said John Spellman, 12.
“[My favorite moment was] probably when I qualified for state with my best friend,” said Helen Sotropa, 11.
“Over the summer I went to a fracking camp in North Dakota and met my girlfriend Karen,” said Deeptangshu Chatterjee, 10. Photos courtesy of Hannah Lee
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OPINION December 15, 2017
JENNA BAO
executive editor
“Were limits on the math test?” “Did you actually do the reading?” “What was the FRQ prompt?” I am willing to bet that there is not a day that goes by where questions like these are not posed in the halls of SHS. The statistics vary across a number of surveys, but anywhere from 60 to 86 percent of high school students admit to having cheated at some point. In November, over 80 OSU students were caught cheating in a business class. Worse, it has clearly gotten worse over the past few decades. Perhaps this is a result of increasingly competitive college admissions and the need for that “perfect GPA.” Yet, it more likely seems that this rise is at once reflective and a byproduct of a national change in academic culture. Simply put, students feel that academic dishonesty is justified. People brag about getting As without cracking open the textbook all chapter. Once, someone asked me to review the introduction they wrote for an in-class essay they got the prompt for. Some of the highest achieving people I know do it with varying frequency and varying degrees of severity. Recently, I sat in an AP 6 class and heard a classmate
state that our classes are designed to facilitate cheating anyway. First of all, just because someone leaves his gate open does not mean you get to rob his house. Second, what part of having different tests for different bells indicates a designation to share answers? Believe me, I do not think a Scantron Goliath is necessarily the best judge of learning either, but calling that an excuse is kind of ridiculous. If you have an issue with the system, try to address it and speak to your teachers, or, I guess, write an opinion piece about it. If you think a law is unjust, it makes more sense to fight for long term change than just go around breaking it with the assumption you will never get caught, shaking your fist at the sky all the while. If you do not want to speak up, or it does not work, which is valid, than no one is forcing you to be in the game. Have the integrity to either play by the rules, try to change them, or bow out. Sure, it often seems like not taking “x” number of AP/accelerated/honors courses is not an option, both for the sake of college and your pride. I happen to own a suite on that particular boat. If you ultimately choose to take
Photo courtesy of Jenna Bao
‘Is academic integrity on the exam?’
these courses, at least allow the learning opportunity that comes with being challenged. The hardest class I have taken here was one of the best experiences I have had because I learned about problem solving, methods of studying, and ultimately myself. Some people share questions/answers or let friends copy because they want to avoid confrontation. In my own experience, it works to offer to help people with things they do not understand, or give true yet generic statements like, “I personally thought the test was easy/fine/hard.” For anyone who is really struggling, ask a classmate, upperclassmen, your teacher, or even another person who teaches that subject to meet and work through either content/managing work. If things are really too much, there is a good chance you do not need to be in that class. I do not assume that this piece will really change someone who has been stealing notes off the Internet for two and a half years. To that person, I guess this may sound naive or preachy, but I at least insist that anyone who cheats own up to the fact that nothing your teachers or peers do justifies it. There are plenty of things society can work to destigmatize, and this should not be one of them.
December 15, 2017
OPINION
SEXUAL HARASSMENT Ally’s Alley: ‘SCANDAL’ NOT SO SCANDALOUS ALLYSON BONHAUS feature chief
EMILY CHIEN
media director
YOU HEAR THE NAMES. You
Photo courtesy of Emily Chien
33
million women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace
million women have been sexually abused in the workplace
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Source: Langer Research Associates
know the stories. It seems that more women come forward every day, accusing influential men of sexual harassment, assault, and even worse. Ingrained in America’s workforce, Hollywood, and even the very government meant to protect us, the sexual harassment problem is no scandal, but an ongoing cultural disease. In fact, over half of American women report experiencing unwanted sexual advances in the workplace, and eight in ten of those women report advances becoming full-on harassment. Totaled, 95 percent of women who have experienced harassment also say the perverts usually go unpunished. This is why in early October, actress Alyssa Milano asked victims to use the hashtag “#MeToo” to relay personal accounts of sexual harassment, assault, and rape on social media. Stories exploded all over social media, publicizing personal retellings of abuse and sexual misconduct. While uncovering these stories is emotional and exhausting, it is absolutely necessary. The ever-present “brush it off and smile” culture will only persist unless victims come forward. Indeed, it is up to victims to publicly shame harassers the way their harassers privately did them. However, it is also important to remember where the true responsibility lies--in the hands of sexual harassers. Victims must put on a face every day, believing their own experiences to be invalid. This trauma stays with them, but they so often do not get justice for fear of receiving humiliation and blame. No woman I know who has experienced sexual harassment has
ever been taken seriously. Quietly, girls must avoid certain establishments and take detours in the hallway, all to avoid unwanted attention. Meanwhile, the most disgusting of men patronize and pressure women, abusing their privilege as males. It is in their hands first to make sure there is not a problem, then to believe and stand up for victims. I do acknowledge, however, that the issue crosses gender boundaries. Both men and women find themselves victims of such atrocities, and each case is wrong just the same. Regardless of gender, it is both a human right to feel safe and a human duty to respect others. While women and other victims must share their stories, it is my hope that men especially take a stand against a culture of misconduct.
Over the past few weeks, it seems like the number of sexual assault accusations has risen rapidly, as an environment of safety and courage drives women to speak out. This environment must continue to be fostered and protected, and these courageous men and women should be honored for the bravery it took to speak out. The reaction to sexual assault has not changed much over the years. Assaulted women and men are still viewed as ones that are at least partly to blame when they are the ones who said “no” or who did not want to go as far as they were pushed. Does anyone take a step back and realize how foolish it is to blame the victims for the crimes? Sometimes I even see or hear people talking about the alleged rapists as if they are victims. When does the victim blaming stop? I wish I knew. I wish I knew why so many people question the veracity of certain rape claims just because they are made before an election. Today, with the Women’s March, the outpouring of support for equality, and all the women speaking out about their stories, there is an atmosphere of empowerment. It is for the courts to judge whether someone is guilty; it is up to each individual to choose whether one will support a figure accused of sexual assault. It is up to the people to be educated and fair citizens when determining the verdict from a juror’s seat or at the ballot box. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), one in every six women is the victim of an attempted or completed rape. This does not even count men. These are the ones who are labeled as asking for it, who are pushed not to report it because of how they will be viewed by their peers. The stigma around rape victims must change. Treat survivors with respect and kindness; it is the only way to 7 get closer to gender equality.
hi! Few things: you forgot “said” na FEATUREin your quotes, photo credit, could the boxsocial around Baby Boom FEATURE Generationremove Z redefines norms Th ank you!!!! Millenials redefine social norms December 15, 2017
November 30, 2017
CLAIRE MYERS staff writer
can be with their friends online. This is turned off. I think it is damaging that impacting their social lives dramatically. they are accessible at all times,” said “In the next decade, we may see Mrs. Jody Googins, TPA teacher. staff ways.writer They allow users to keep in touch more adults who know just the right Researchers have discovered with family who live far away and to see emojisocial for a lives situation, but not the right thatteacher. a teen’s schoolwork, personal TPA their extremely. TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL what everyone is up to on a daily basis. facial expression,” relationships,have and moods “In the next decade, wesaid mayprofessor see more Researchers discovered that a media has always seemed to be a “I think it is useful but it can also be of psychology Jean M.the Twenge, all suffer when social media teen’s schoolwork, personal adults who know just right positive invention in today’s time. They distracting,” said Karisa Grandison, according NewsELA. becomes a priority in a all emoji for atosituation, but not the relationships and moods are great ways to keep in touch with 11. Doctors recommended teenager’s life. media er when social right facialhave expression,” Jean M. familyMany who adults live farare away and to see what suff concerned about limiting the use of social media They are more likely to be Twenge, NewsELA. becomes a priority in a everyone is up to on and a daily basis. how smartphones social media are and possibly even giving it up depressed or feel lonely when teenagers life. They are more Doctors have recommended “Iimpacting think it istoday’s useful teenagers. but I think it completely. This is easier said most of their time is spent limiting the use of social media to be depressed or feel can also be distracting,” Parents have noticedKarisa that it seems to likely than done,possibly but it cangiving help it in up the online. and even, lonely when most of their time Grandison, 11. be an important part of a teenager’s life long run with stress management Adults are also worried about completely. This is easier said spent online. Many adults are concerned about to post everything that they are doing is the and in person. lackare of social skills that the thaninteracting done, but can help in the Adults also worried about howonline. smartphones and social media are “I feel like young people are younger generation will have long run with stress management the lack of social skills that impacting today’s teenagers. “I think there is a constant sense addicted to their phones. It when they grow up. Most teens and being more interactive takes in the younger generation will Adults have noticed that their it seems of competing and living livestoin and young children are starting away their focus from important person. have when they grow up. Most be front an important part of a teenagers life of things, time,”people said are to learn to interact only “I defi nitely like feelfamily like young teens and how younger children are starting to post everything that they are doing everyone Stacie Banner, parent of a 17 year old. through a screen, not face-to-face. addicted to their phones. It takes away to learn only how to interact through a online. else. It Research suggests it might be time to Teenagers do not feel the need to get their focus from important things like screen and not face-to-face. “Inever think there is a constant sense of put down the phone and pay attention to cars or their driver’s licenses because Teenagers do not feel the need to get a family time.” Stacie Banner, parent of competing and living their life in front gets the things that really matter. they do not go out as often, since they a 17 year-old. car or their license because they do not of everyone else. It never gets turned It is time to set down the phone and go out as often since they can be with off. I think it is damaging that they are HOW TECHNOLOGY IMPACTED TEENS’ SOCIAL LIVES pay attention to what really matters. their friends online. This is impacting accessible at all times,” Jody Googins,
TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA have improved lives in many CLAIRE MYERS
Percentages of teenagers who went out on dates over time
HOW TECHNOLOGY HAS IMPACTED TEENS SOCIAL LIVES Baby
High school Boomers and seniors in Gen X-ers Percentage of teenagers who went2015 out on dates
High school seniors in 2015
85% Photo courtesy of Claire Myers
56%
From
2000 1+ teens lack a drivers 2015 4 license by to
the number ofgraduation teens who got together From regularly with their friends to dropped by
56%
2000 of teens lack a driver’s license by 2015 40% graduation
1 Baby Boomers and Gen Xers who 4 went on dates in high school 8
Design by: Claire Myers
85%
the number of teens who got together Sources: newsela.com, theatlantic.com regularly with their friends dropped by more than
December 15, 2017
FEATURE
Quiz: What should your New Year’s resolution be? START What do you think you are already doing well?
Staying stress free
How do you reduce stress?
Work ethic Maintaining fitness
Exercise Do you recycle?
How hard working are you? Not very
Always Very
STAY ON TOP OF WORK Consider ways to stay on top of school work and stop putting things off. If you do not already, maybe invest in a planner or use your phone calendar and reminders.
Other
RELAX You are already a hard worker, so a good goal is to relax. Try yoga, sleep in on the weekends, or watch a movie once in a while.
Rarely
EAT HEALTHIER
BE MORE ECOFRIENDLY It is always a good idea to be more eco-friendly. You could recycle, ride a bike, or use canvas bags at the grocery store.
EXERCISE
It is easy to stop A healthier diet exercising in the is a classic New winter due to the Year’s resolution. cold weather, but Eat more fruits try to find ways to and vegetables exercise inside. and less You could go to processed food. the gym, take a workout class, or even go ice skating.
Design by: Sydney Weiss
Make or break
New Year’s resolutions by the numbers SYDNEY WEISS
social media director
80% 2017
of New Year’s resolutions fail by February
In
The
2nd
8%
of people fully achieve their resolution.
, the top resolution was to get healthy
most common resolution was to get organized Source: businessinsider.com, forbes.com
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FEATURE
December 15, 2017
Cold weather brings hot trends LYDIA MASSET staff writer
As We Transition between seasons, the weather is not the only thing changing. Each year, winter weather brings new fashion trends and ushers old ones out. Right off the runways of fall fashion weeks and into the halls of SHS, here are the top winter fashion trends to experiment with in the coming months. COLOR. Following New York Fashion Week, the Pantone Color Institute selects various colors that demonstrate the shades favored by designers. Here are three colors from Pantone to use for the winter season.
Pantone® Ballet Slipper
Pantone® Marina
Winter makeup offers two extremes: simple earthy neutrals and bold metallic eyes. Depending on your preferences, you may choose to dress down the eyes with browns, nudes, or none at all, as shown. As for the bold look, bright colors can be used to highlight eye color or test out some eye art such as the metallic stars pictured.
Heavy parkas are not the only way to keep warm in the frigid air. Layering t-shirts, tank tops, and dresses over long sleeves is not only a great way to maintain body heat but also to make old clothes look new. Mixing and matching textures and sheer shirts can also be a unique way to highlight this trend.
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Everyone loves a throwback, right? Denim jackets and jeans worn together or long overalls are simple ways to pay homage to 90’s style icons.
Photos courtesy of Lydia Masset
Pantone® Shaded Spruce
Interesting hats such as berets and conductor hats keep you warm and can mix up an old look.
student news fash trends homecoming prom hurricanes women’s march national merit scholars blink high school nation choir pr inauguration changes to the school new staff members orchestra conrel for life makeup culture e cabaret color run fiona traveling school sports senior halloween COVER
December 15, 2017
Year in Review
Covers by: Adhiti Chundur
COVER
December 15, 2017
All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography or provided by Leaf staff
News impacts SHS
SYDNEY WEISS
ALLYSON BONHAUS YASMINE GUEDIRA news chief events listed in no apparent order
social media director feature chief 1. Fiona the hippo was born prematurely and continues to endear herself to the world; she even has her own holiday. 2. SHS viewed the total solar eclipse with protective eyewear provided in science classes. 3. High School Nation and Drake Bell came to SHS.
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4. Following a series of hurricanes, ASL Club and other volunteers came together to collect cents for socks from students and faculty. 5. BLINK, an event showcasing light and projection artwork, was hosted in downtown Cincinnati for the first time. 6. A panel was held for He for She where relevant topics such as the wage gap and #MeToo were discussed. 7. The inauguration and political climate caused students to hold political discussions and express their opinions.
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8. The heroin epidemic continued to spread through Cincinnati; SHS held an assembly to discuss the growing problem. 9. There was the Women’s March in January and the March for Science in April. The March for Science promoted scientific integrity and addressed fake news.
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Arts & Entertainment
December 15, 2017
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COVER
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1. Aves Theatre put on five performances and an improv show. Pictured is the spring musical “Big Fish.” 2. Mr. David Smarelli retired from his position as the orchestra director after 35 years of service. 3. The marching band won every award in the Open Class after competing in that class for the first time. In October, the community lost its previous district music supervisor Mr. Lonnie Stover. 4. AP art students were featured at the annual Pancake Day art show, along with other art students from the district. 5. On Aug. 8, SHS choral members performed with Foreigner at Riverbend in front of roughly 20,000 people.
Trends & Fashion 1
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1. The clothing business Above All Others (AAO) was founded by senior Grayson Thornberry, whose twin Alex Thornberry is pictured. 2. Eyebrows, lip kits, winged eyeliner, and Fenty Beauty products by Rihanna rose in popularity. Pictured is junior Aedan Williams. 3. 90’s fashion trends found their way back in the halls of SHS. Freshman Caroline Sack expresses herself through her relaxed look. 4. 90’s fashion included colorful stripes and denim layers. Sophomore Caitlin Schipper is pictured.
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COVER
December 15, 2017
School Events
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1. Fashion for the Cure partnered with The Dragonfly Foundation and continued to generate awareness for children with cancer and those in need. 2. Community members ran or walked a two mile course in the Color Run for the Cause on April 1. 3. Students supported cancer research with the American Cancer Society in Relay for Life by walking the track with their groups all night.
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SHS Sports: state qualifiers 1
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1. Junior Helen Sotropa and sophomore Harsitha Kalaiarasan ranked in the top 16 at state. Sotropa is pictured. 2. Girls lacrosse made it to state quarter finals. 3. Swimming qualified for state competition on Feb. 24-25 through relays and individual swims. 4. The boys tennis team ranked third in state; pictured is senior Nathan Zhang. 5. The 4x200 of boys track won state; the 4x400 and 4x800 of boys track all made it to state as well. Former senior Angela Ruffin ranked seventh for the high jump. 6. Girls water polo took fourth overall in the state; boys placed ninth overall at state.
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A&E
December 15, 2017
Festivities light up
Bright ways to celebrate holiday season AIDAN NOBLE staff writer
THIS YEAR’S FESTIVE season features the 35th annual PNC Festival of Lights show. Starting Nov. 20 and going all the way until New Year’s Day, this event features three million LED Lights, among other attractions. The festival stays bright until 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The PNC Festival of Lights began 35 years ago as a way to increase publicity for the zoo during the winter months. “The first displays included luminaries around Swan Lake and some seasonal lighting. Each year, the zoo comes up with new and more amazing ways to attract visitors,” according to The Cincinnati Zoo.
An alternative to the PNC Festival of Lights is the Christmas Nights Of Lights show at Coney Island, in which you can sit in your car and watch the amazing light show. “Visitors with be astonished by larger than life trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes and fantastic tunnels of lights,” according to Coney Island. This year, an extra half mile has been added for a total of two and a half miles of over a million lights. Also, there will be two new animated trees, another light tunnel, music, new toy soldiers, and a candy cane entrance. Admission tickets will be sold for $6 at Coney Island.
Guess the holiday movie:
Design by: Taylor Close
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Answers: The Grinch, A Christmas Story, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Elf, Home Alone, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
ENTERTAINMENT
December 15, 2017
column: SARA MARGOLIS
a&e columnist
AP students draw inspiration from Taft ADHITI CHUNDUR associate editor
ART STUDENTS IN AP Studio and AP 3D are participating in the Taft Artists Reaching Classrooms (ARC) Program. Through this program, students are able to interact and discuss with professional artists, visit their studios, and explore the Taft Museum. Artists such as Judith Sterling Sturn, Saad Ghosn, and AJ Yorio have come to room 145 to talk about their work and how they develop their ideas, concepts, and businesses. “Marlene [Steele] seemed like she knew who she was and what she wanted. I thought her studio was the coolest thing ever, I have never been to the art studio, and it was exactly how I would have pictured it. I loved the natural lighting and the big windows, and the plants sprawling everywhere made me feel at home,” said Sophia Galyon, 12. In October, art students each wrote a creative paper on one of the pieces exhibiting at the Taft Museum, taking any approach and extending their creative muscles. Some students wrote their piece from the point of view of the artist or from the perspective of one of the characters in a painting. After writing the papers, the art students took another field trip to the Taft Museum and read their papers aloud to their group in front of the piece they wrote about. “I loved going to the Taft Museum because I have never been there before. It looks like a grandma’s house, which was comforting. My favorite pieces were John Singer Sargent’s 16
‘Woman Seated before Piano’ and Frank Duveneck’s ‘Cobbler’s Apprentice.’ “The piece I wrote about was called the ‘Daoist God of War.’ I wrote about a guy who got in a fight with a robber, and pulled out a chunk of the robber’s hair and used it on his piece, because the piece, which is a little statue of the god of war, has real strands of hair on his mustache,” Galyon said. On Dec. 14, Kevin Muente visited the AP studio classes and discussed writing effective artist statements. “Students will compete in April by picking something that inspired them from this whole program, and make a work of art based on their choice. “There are seven slots available for the art to be chosen to go to the library for the show. “There is an award for both the artist statement and the pieces itself. [The judges] will pick one work from each school participating that will be displayed over the summer at the Taft Museum,” said Mrs. Kat-Rakel Ferguson, art teacher. CREATE. Marlene Steele’s studio, which AP studio and AP 3D students visited, is a glimpse into the process of how real-life artists create their work. Steele had various sketches of still lifes and figure drawings laid out, which, as she said in her discussion with students, are essential parts of an artist’s skill set. Additionally, students viewed her current body of work, which were on-the-spot paintings of construction at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. Photo courtesy of Adhiti Chundur.
One of the biggest battles, or more appropriately, choices, one has to make when deciding on a streaming service is Netflix or Hulu. Up until the middle of August I had only ever used Netflix as a streaming service, but the kids I babysit have a Hulu account so we have browsed a few times deciding on what movie to watch. I have come to a shocking revelation. Hulu has, by far, many more options that appeal to me than Netflix does. So, my brother and I convinced our parents to let us participate in a month long free trial of Hulu, and I am loving every minute of it. The variety is amazing. Tons of reality TV, sitcoms, and cooking shows are calling my name. One of my ultimate favorite shows, “Friends” is not on Hulu, which lowers my rating of it, but not by much. I am still a fan. Navigation is a bit of a different story: when you go to Netflix’s home page, the icons of movies and shows to watch are giant. It is so much easier to find a new show to binge-watch than on Hulu. The only asset to Hulu’s poor navigation system is the setup of their networks, which is provided in a list form. Hulu comes with a few cons, such as that you cannot download videos, which is one of the reasons I would choose Netflix over Hulu. Also, leading into the price factor, another con with Hulu is that it is more expensive based on the package you chose. That being said, one Hulu package comes with Showtime and HBO Go. One of the major differences is the advertisement factor. With a free trial I did not have to experience the pain of them, but I have had to before, and trust me when I say, it is not fun. I feel like the rivalry between Hulu and Netflix is taking over the world, and while I am a huge fan of Hulu, there are definitely things I would change about it, leading my final decision: Netflix is better than Hulu.
MEET THE... December 15, 2017
“For Sycamore, which hasn’t had an indoor drumline in years, this is a perfect opportunity to put our stamp elsewhere. All marching band season, we earned countless ‘best percussion’ awards; our percussion ensemble can and will really show what we are made of, and that Sycamore isn’t just some no-name, but a force to be reckoned with,” said Adrian Oliver, 12.
“I am touched to have received this award, but I believe the award is for the entire Sycamore district...I am spoiled because I have rarely been told no to something I really wanted to do. I have had to tweak or modify my ideas but usually they come to life in some way and only gets better year after year, like my end of the year field day,” said Mrs. Paula Anstaett, Adaptive PE teacher, recipient of the Ohio Adapted Physical Educator of the Year.
All photos provided by staff
TRAILBLAZERS “Mark Decile, Ben Swart, and myself started the [eSports] club around the end of December. I have always been interested in professional video games. When I go to college, I want to play League Of Legends for their team. For my teammates and I, [High School eSports League in Dallas] is the first time we have gone halfway across the country to play video games. We are all going into Dallas with the expectation we are going to win,” said Kyle Ballman, 12.
“In my opinion, Flight Night will change Sycamore basketball as a whole and will bring more attention to our basketball program. DECA partnered with pro camps to promote basketball. We came up with the vendors [for Flight Night] who went there, we sold the shirts, and organized the music. Basically, we spit the ideas to pro camps, and they made them come to life,” said Alexander Burton, 12.
“I decided to start Homeless Care Club because of the passion I have always had for philanthropy and helping others. After finding out about how globally significant the lack of feminine hygiene products is, I knew that Sycamore could work to combat the issue,” said Caroline Skwara, 10.
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SPORTS
December 15, 2017
Runners race back to work ANISA KHATANA staff writer
FIGHT ON. Senior Jodie Lawson races at the 2017 spring track GMCs. Not all of the track team qualifies to compete at GMCs, so this is an honor Lawson hopes to earn again. Lawson runs cross country during the fall season, so she stays in shape all year. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.
A NEW SEASON blasted off Dec. 4. Winter track is, in essence, a predominantly indoor version of spring track. Though some spring events are left out, it includes classic events from the 4x800 meter relay to high jump. Competing indoors can be an adjustment for runners transitioning from Cincinnati sidewalks to airconditioned, walled-in tracks. “The most difficult part of winter track is the meets. Indoor tracks are shorter, and the stuffy air can make it hard to breathe,” said Jodie Lawson, 12, distance runner. Those who run cross country must season to get stronger and get closer as learn to adapt to winter track training. a team. Running in really cold weather “The transition from cross country to has always been a bonding experience,” winter is difficult due to the change in the team dynamics and just getting back Lawson said. Both Lawson and Chidambaram have into running after time off,” Lawson made perennial friendships through the said. program. Lawson, who plans to compete in the “Through running, I 1600 and 3200 meter have made some of my races this season, has Running in really closest friends and met run cross country, cold weather has many new people. winter track, and always been a “The main goal of spring track at SHS. winter track is to train For avid runners bonding experience and get conditioned for like Lawson and Jodie Lawson, 12 the spring season, but senior Ashwin because of the smaller Chidambaram, numbers, it feels more like a tight group winter track is a way to practice their of friends. sport through the cold months after the “This year, there are more people end of the cross country season. signed up to run winter track than ever “I’ve been running winter and spring before,” Chidambaram said. track all four years of high school. As returning team members, both Deciding to run was one of the best Lawson and Chidambaram are taking decisions that I made in high school. time to meditate on the season ahead. It’s an excellent sport that trains you “My hopes for this season are to focus physically and mentally,” Chidambaram on strengthening and base miles, along said. with getting a faster mile time,” Lawson In addition to the fierce training of said. being a member of the track program, Ultimately, being part of the track running for SHS exposes athletes to the program means being a supportive family-oriented mentality of the team. and respectful teammate, as well as an “Winter track has been a
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athlete who cares for and pushes his/herself. “Even though the team is quite young this year, many of us upperclassmen have been running together for years, so the expectations remain high. I’m excited for this season to see what we can do,” Chidambaram said.
Q&A
Debasmita Kanungo, 10
Why have you chosen to participate in winter track this year? I chose to participate in winter track this year mostly because it’s so much fun! I get to run with my girls and be part of a team. Coach [Richard] Shomo being the coach this year just made it even better. He’s the best! What are your expectations and hopes for the season? I hope that, firstly, I don’t get injured and that I manage to stay healthy throughout the season and into spring track. I hope to [make a personal record] with my mile race and my 800 [meter race], which are my main races.
Freshmen learn new moves
December 15, 2017
SPORTS
MADELEINE SUH staff writer
AFTER TRYOUTS ENDED in the beginning of November, the Lady Aves Diving Team took off with their season. They began daily practices shortly after forming the team, spending their evenings repeatedly going through the motions. “A typical practice is just going through almost all of my dives 3 times, or if I need to work on a specific dive, then I will practice that one [more]. “Coach will make me do dives that are similar to the new dive I am [learning]. Then, if I am ready, I will just spin/twist the dive a little faster, and then I have a new dive,” said Isabel Kinsinger, 9. During their first meet on Dec. 2, both freshmen, Paige Ellingson
and Kinsinger placed in the top 15. Ellingson landed in ninth. “I like the challenge and the feeling when you do a new dive for the first time. It’s really satisfying when I hit the water smoothly after completing the new dive. It is incredibly exciting. “I also really love the variety of different dives that you can do, because if you’re having a bad day [on a certain dive], then you can move on and be successful in another category,” Ellingson said. In addition, the upperclassmen made sure to welcome and show friendliness to this year’s freshman athletes. “Taylor Miller, [a junior diver], has made us understand diving meets and more and how they work during the high school season,” Kinsinger said.
Diving Definitions • Groups: (how they leave the board): front, back, inward, and reverse • Diving positions: straight, pike, tuck, and free (twisting) • Number of flips: ½=dive, 1=flip, 1 ½=1 flip and a dive, 2=double flip, 2 ½= 2 flips and a dive, etc.
BY THE NUMBERS JUMP. Miller prepares for an upcoming dive after practice for the competition. Divers often train out of season to improve their skills . “Over the summer I went to Eastern Michigan University for a week. Then I was gone in July because I was in San Antonio and Georgia diving for a month,” Kinsinger said. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.
Judges score divers on a scale from 0-10: (average of 3 judges) 10: Excellent 8.5-9.5: Very Good 7.0-8.0: Good 5.0-6.5: Satisfactory 2.5-4.5: Deficient 0.5-2.0: Unsatisfactory 0: Failed Dive 19
SPORTS
December 15, 2017
Weitz here to rock n’bowl MAYA GOLDENBERG staff writer
Q&A Paige Weitz, 11 Why did you join bowling? I joined bowling because when I was in eighth grade the head coach [for the high school team] recruited me and told me all of the benefits of bowling. In college, for girls, you can get full ride scholarships. How was your first match of the season? It went well. There were only three people on the girls team. I rolled a 438, which is a 219 average. What about your very first match for SHS? My very first game was awful. It was so bad! I remember being so nervous. Why should people do bowling? I was shaky, and I over thought People should bowl because you everything I did. find new people to connect with. You meet so many new people, so many What is a challenge you face in lifetime friends. Also, you learn a new bowling? sport; it’s something else you can do In the high school season, I do not with your life. have a very big team compared to some of those in Ohio. Also, there is Do you find it nerve-wracking to go immense competition in Ohio as well. up there during a match? Not usually, because there is not a What do you think of bowling? ton of pressure on the me. The most To me, it is a gateway because it has nerve-racking point was my 300 last opened so many possibilities for me. year. Financially, it has helped me a lot for college. What have you learned from So, I won’t have to depend on my bowling? parents to help me pay for it, or I’ve learned that with extreme hard student loans, which is something I do work and dedication you can do not want to get into. anything. As a sport, it could be for anyone--it is a life time sport. You can stick with it Is it time consuming? for the rest of your life. Yes. Oh my gosh yes. I’ve had to quit You can go into a bowling alley and jobs because of bowling, limit my time see someone who is 80 years old, of school which sometimes affects my rolling 200’s. I hope that will be me. grades, but I still try to keep up with it.
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STRIKING THE COMPETITION. Junior Paige Weitz competes in a bowling match. She is very serious about the sport, bowling for SHS and outside of it as well. “Bowling has become 70 percent of my life,” Weitz said. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.
Bowling has become 70 percent of my life. Outside of school [bowling], you can do leagues. I do a lot of tournaments which are on weekends, and they are usually all day. Practice itself ranges from 2-3 hours per day. It is worth it because it is a gateway and allows me to have a future. If you think you are going to suck at something, then you will stay bad at that. If you put effort towards something you can be good and prosper. Compare how you are now to how you were when you started bowling. When I first started bowling, I had no confidence in my skills whatsoever. I did not think anything I did was relatively okay. Now, looking at myself, there is so much I know I can do. It allows me to be happier with the confidence that I now have and be more humble with my skills.
SPOTLIGHT December 15, 2017
Hlawn overcomes international troubles KIRSTEN THOMAS spotlight chief
experience occurred traveling by boat. [What you are about to read contains “The boat was a medium-size boat information about imprisonment and with at least 20 people on it, and they confinement due to crossing borders of covered us all up so we wouldn’t get different countries] caught. MANY SHS STUDENTS have “At one point our boat got flooded, the opportunity to travel, whether it and the older guys had to use be school-related IT WAS ONE BIG buckets to get the water out,” or otherwise, but, Hlawn said. sophomore Rachel OPEN SPACE, This was only the beginning Hlawn has traveled AND EVERYONE of the struggle Hlawn and her and lived many places throughout WAS JUST THERE. family would face. “Traveling by boat with her life. WE ALL HAD lots of other people was such Living in three a hectic time because that TO SHARE A different countries, made us get caught by the Hlawn has had the BATHROOM, AND military people that were opportunity to learn WE RARELY GOT guarding the border, and we about different were in prison for one year,” countries and their ANY FOOD Hlawn said. cultures. RACHEL HLAWN, 10 Hlawn’s brother was with “The best part another individual who was of living in so caught by a guard, and her mother did many different places is that I get to experience their cultures and learn new not want to leave her son behind. Hlawn and her mother stuck with her brother. languages,” Hlawn said. Sadly, all of them were locked up. Hlawn lived where she was born, Although she was young at the time, Thantlang, Burma, for two years. At Hlawn still remembers the conditions that point, Hlawn and her family moved and experiences that took place over to Malaysia for three years and then to that year in prison. America where she has lived since. “I was only three and a half…From Although traveling can be fun, Hlawn what I can went through difficult times when remember traveling from Burma to Malaysia. This HERE TODAY. Hlawn’s past is a part of her story, and in a way it has shaped who she is today by gaining life lessons. Her youth was characterized by global experiences. Hlawn has attended Sycamore Schools for nearly a decade now. All photos courtesy of Rachel Hlawn.
there were so many people there; we didn’t know any of them, and some of them were very rude. “It was one big open space and everyone was just there. We all had to share a bathroom, and we rarely got any food,” Hlawn said. Hlawn and her family members were eventually released because her grandparents sent money to bail them all out. At the end of the day, Hlawn still loves traveling despite these experiences. Having lived in so many unique and diverse countries, it can be difficult to pick a favorite place. “I really do not have [a favorite place I have lived] because in the two other countries I have lived, I loved them even though I was young,” Hlawn said. What Hlawn takes away from these experiences are key. “I’ve learned to accept others who are different than me and their cultures, too. Also, it taught me to be grateful and thankful for everything. “All the rough times my family and I went through taught me that sometimes in life there will be times when it’s hard but in the end you get something out of it,” Hlawn said.
MEMORIES. Hlawn and her mother are photographed in Malaysia in 2006. All of Hlawn’s baby photos are back in Burma with other family members. Hlawn does still have some pictures from Malaysia of her and her family.
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Meme memories Journey through 2017 via Internet sensations ANNE MARSH
creative projects director cafeteria pizza
me
JESSICA LU
mr. mader: fight the team across the field show them we’re not afear! set the halls reverberating with a mighty cheer me: SHS! me: i have such a busy week teacher:
staff writer michelle obama
me: imma take ap bio! it won’t be that hard mr. smanik: cells
mr. pletz: you’ll need to memorize the quadratic formula me: yOu’LL nEeD tO mEmOriZe tHe qUadRaTiC
mrs. nimeskern: pop quiz! me: cash me ousside howbowdah
quiz test
me:
homework
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essay
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