The Wooster Blade, Volume XVIII, Issue 12

THE WOOSTER BLADE

WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER • 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH • APRIL 13, 2018 • VOLUME XVIII, ISSUE 12

BEHIND THE SCENES:

a closer look at the people and clubs of the WCSD Index:

On Campus 2-4 Cover 5-7 Focus 8-9 A&E 10-11 Feature 12-13 Sports 14 Views 15-16

ON CAMPUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 13 , 2018 | PAGE 2

Front cover photo captions The photos on the front page showcase the different people and groups in WCSD that are featured in this behind the scenes issue of The Wooster Blade.

From Top to Bottom: - Tyson Taras (11) poses for a photo during boys’ lacrosse practice.

- Three of Wooster’s bus drivers take a photo in the WCSD bus garage parking lot.

- Two middle school students participate in rehearsal for their upcoming play.

- Student, Marcelo Mirassol (12), and teacher, Kristin Broda Dramatic - Christine Mascotti-Rasor Math Dept., teaches her AP Calculus AB class.

WHS Drama club’s production of Our Town.

- Transportation secretary, Roberta Burr, poses for a picture - Zach Dreher (12) works on a page in The Legacy production class.

PHOTOS BY HANNAH KNAPIC, MADDY MCCULLY, REECE MITCHELL, CHELSEA PATTERSON AND ALEESHA VAUGHN

Board of Education unanimously opposes state’s legislative proposal ALEXIS FLORENCE cover editor

“Now therefore be it, and it is hereby resolved that the Wooster City Schools Board of Education does express its opposition to this legislation, HB 512...”

As a result of a vote at WCSD Board of Education’s last meeting on March 20, the above proclamation was officially placed in a public letter, stating the board’s opposition to an Ohio house bill entitled “Restructure education agencies and their duties.”

House Bill 512 aims to consolidate Ohio’s various education agencies by creating

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a new cabinet-level Department of Learning and Achievement.

The new department would result in the elimination of the Department of Higher Education, the position of the Chancellor of Higher Education, and the Ohio Board of Regents, while also transferring, “with exceptions, the duties regarding the administration of primary and secondary education programs and all duties regarding the administration of higher education programs,” according to the language of the bill.

The bill’s primary sponsor, Representative Bill Reineke, of Ohio’s 88th house district,

said, “... this legislation aligns our education systems to better prepare our workforce for the needs of today and tomorrow,” according to a press-release created by Reineke’s team.

However, Wooster’s Board of Education stated in their aforementioned letter, that will be sent out to Ohio Representatives and Senators, “...this legislation creates an environment in which the unique needs of students, educators, parents and the school districts will be lost within an expanded bureaucracy.”

The vote to oppose House Bill 512 was affirmed by all five school board members.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | APRIL 13, 2018 | PAGE 3

NHS members paint teacher lounges for service project RACHEL SCHMIDT NHS is using funds saved from their yearly holiday poinsettia sale to redo two of the teacher lounges at WHS. NHS adviser and English Dept. member, Rebekah Bell, organized this project on the basis that it embodies all the pillars of NHS: character, service, scholarship and leadership.

NHS students voted to decide as to whether this project would be an appropriate use of the fund as, usually, the funds raised in the poinsettia sale are saved for students in the district in need of dental services, Bell said.

However, due to a lack of requests for dental services, the fund had excess money being

Nolan Wickard resigns after six years at WHS

saved, rather than being used to benefit the community.

“We want our fund to be actively supporting and serving the community,” Bell said.

According to NHS President, Corbin Lanker (12), over spring break, students painted two lounges, the one on the first floor by the main office and the lounge in the English hallway.

NHS member Marisa Zerrer (12) helped clean and throw away unneeded items over break.

“Most of the utensils and mugs were taken to Goodwill,” Zerrer said.

Bell said NHS is working with Urban Cottage to create comfortable lounges for the staff.

The goal is to have both lounges done by the second week of May, which is Teacher Appreciation Week.

DAVID CHENG The 2018-2019 school year will see some changes to the as associate principal Nolan Wickard recently resigned and as Sarah Crooks, who is the current principal at Parkview Elementary School, has been announced as his replacement.

After six years of being eighth grade principal, Wickard is resigning from his position as Wickard said his family is originally from northwest Ohio and his wife received an employment opportunity

HANNAH KNAPIC

at Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green.

“The job opportunity, coupled with the opportunity to move back home closer to family, felt very comfortable, so we decided to move back home,” Wickard said.

Professionally, he said he is still deciding on what to do for the next year, but looks forward to being able to be home full time and be closer with his family.

After Wickard’s resignation was accepted at the board meeting March 20, WHS head principal Tyler Keener said Crooks was named as his replacement.

“The school is set up so that the eighth grade principal oversees

eighth and ninth grade, Bratcher oversees sophomore, and juniors, and I oversee seniors.

Nonetheless, in the entire building we are almost

interchangeable. It’s important that there is an understanding of that grade level,” Keener said. an eighth grade principal, according to Keener, is that because the eighth grade still has the teaming aspect, it allows for some familiarity between the transition from middle school to the high school, as well as to the teachers and principal.

EMMA LOGUIDICE

ON CAMPUS

forms to encourage positivity through theater CORINNE WILES Working to advocate for belonging through theater, the club iCare was created recently in WHS. iCare sprouted from sophomore Casey Malone’s idea which then became a club, said its adviser, Kristin Broda, Dramatic Arts Teacher at WHS. According to Broda, the club is working to use a creative solution to deal with the negative societal issues in recent events.

After a conversation in Broda’s Acting II class, the students decided to use theater for advocacy as a tool to work through the negativity among their peers.

Broda said the club serves a specific purpose.

“The purpose of the club iCare is to give students a chance to use theater to help bring about a sense of belonging,” Broda stated.

The members will work

together to use theatrical performances for understanding and unity in WHS among the students.

Malone describes the basis of the recent club’s meetings.

“A typical meeting recently has been working on our script for a future performance we are creating,” Malone said.

Members of iCare meet weekly on Mondays after school from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

MOLLY SCHNEIDER

THOMAS MATTHEW

Class

dodgeball tournament

The sophomore class at WHS will be hosting a schoolwide dodgeball tournament in order to raise funds for Prom in the coming year.

The deadline to sign up for the tournament is April 16. The brackets for the competition will be released by April 19. The teams will compete for awards, including an award for best dressed, and the tournament will include real dodgeballs.

Rebekah Barnet (10), a member of student government who is helping to run the tournament, hopes that many teams will compete in the tournament.

“I’m guessing there will be signing up; hopefully, they spread the word to their friends and family,” Barnett said.

Grace Buchholz (10), president of the sophomore class, said the tournament is a fundraiser for next year’s Prom.

“At the tournament we are so that will hopefully bring in some money for Prom,” Buchholz said.

Buchholz said the purpose of the dodgeball tournament is to have something in which everyone can participate and to include all that are able to do so, including teachers.

“We wanted to include everyone we could. We especially wanted

a way to get the teachers in on it,” Buchholz said .

Xavier Lubell (10), who is a team captain of one of the participating teams, said he enjoys the idea of a dodgeball tournament.

“I like the tournament, it gives teams a chance to team up with their friends and teammates from other sports,” Lubell said.

The turnout is unknown as of now, but Buchholz has high hopes.

“It is only the third day of sign ups and two teams already have (signed up). So I think it will be a good tournament with students The tournament will be held April 20 at 6 p.m. in the WHS main gym.

COVER

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | APRIL 13, 2018 | PAGE 5

Educators continue to use personal money for yearly school supplies GRIFFIN MURPHY

Teachers at WHS use both the school’s money and their own money to get supplies for students and their lessons throughout the school year.

Chad Bever, English Dept. member, purchases supplies that will assist his students with their reading assignments.

“The most important school supplies I get are probably the highlighters, so students can annotate...” Bever said.

Bever added that he also goes to Barnes & Noble and different thrift stores to find books for his classroom.

Science Dept. member Shelly Silvaggi, who usually purchases supplies for both herself and her students, stated, “For me, I get a new attendance binder and then for the kids, markers, crayons, new lab materials, pencils.”

Silvaggi said that when buying supplies, she either orders them through the school if it is during the school year or she pays for them out of pocket

during the summer.

Brian Ehrlinspiel, History Dept. member, states that most of what he buys for the next school year are basic supplies.

“Your normal classroom items, pencils, pens, folders, paper clips, tape, paper (construction), etc.,” Ehrlinspiel said.

Ehrlinspiel said he purchases these items often in the summer and does so mostly for his students, who may forget them, to be better prepared for what they are going to be doing in their classes.

The average teacher in the U.S. spends about

$600

of their own personal money every school year on basic supplies.

Formation of lesson plans warrants effort CHRIS ROCHE

topics associated with the learning materials that could

When it comes time for teachers to craft a well rounded lesson plan for a class, there are many steps taken to do so.

According to the WHS teachers interviewed, when creating a

uncomfortable to anyone in the class and attempts to omit them from the lesson plan.

Social Studies Dept. member

taught from the state standards.

From there, teachers need to create lessons that engage their students as well as teach them.

Science Dept. member Matt

the state standards. She also consults with other teachers to craft fresh and engaging lesson plans that the students will enjoy.

English Dept. member Jill Coppola said when she teaches a new lesson, she attempts to provide students with a personal connection to the theme being taught, so students will have more of a personal investment with the lesson.

Creating a well rounded lesson plan that both engages students and teaches them is a key goal for which teachers strive.

creating a lesson plan, is to see what is necessary to be taught. topics that would be exciting or interesting for the students to learn.

Afterward, Knight said he considers possible safety issues associated with topic and the activities that could be involved. He also considers

she does when creating a lesson

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COVER

Bus drivers provide crucial services to WCSD MELINA MERA & ALEC PAULEY Before and after the school day, bus drivers play a vital role in the lives of students.

On the WHS website, it states if the buses are on schedule, they are capable of getting students to school around 7:50 a.m. and home soon after the buses leave the school at 3 p.m.

WCS bus driver Larry Marty says that he influences students he drives by, “trying to teach them right from wrong [and] also trying to teach them to be safe.”

His favorite part of his job is getting to meet a variety of different students. Marty said he enjoys the field trips and so do the kids.

“We provide safe transportation to and from the schools,” Marty added.

The job that the bus drivers provide is important to WHS

and its students, says Dax LeDoux (11), a student bus rider.

“The buses give students across Wooster an opportunity to be educated,” LeDoux said.

Adrianne Reamsnider (10), a student bus rider, also points out that those who might have a car themselves or can get a ride from a parent can save gas and keep the roads to school less cluttered by riding the bus instead.

Wooster City Schools Transportation Supervisor Vic Cole explained further reasons bus drivers for the district are important.

“We say good morning, talk with them [Students], try to put them in a good mood because we are the first part of the school they see in the morning, so we want them to walk into first period happy,” Cole said.

Cole’s position means that he is in charge of the bus drivers and bus safety for WCS. Cole said drivers are very

MADDY MCCULLY

important and appreciated because they go through the toughest training of any state to get their bus driving license.

Cole said they go through safety training, classes, in-services, etc. In order to do this job, you have got to, “have

a lot of nerve and heart for the students,” Cole said.

Bus drivers bring much to students across the district.

WCSD Transportation: By the numbers

Facts compiled by Alexis Florence from the WCSD 2018 District Profile.

A total of 2,071 miles travelled per day 2 special education vans

Drives 179 routes with buses 38 school buses in its fleet

1,978 school bus stops per day

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | APRIL 13, 2018 | PAGE 7

Secretaries play vital role in school district HENRY GAMBLE & SKYY KHOUNBORIN Although principals have a leading role in a school, secretaries also play a major role and, “they do work people don’t see,” according to Bradley Warner, principal at Edgewood Middle School.

Principal of Cornerstone Elementary, Eric Vizzo, says secretaries wear many hats and perform various tasks, including taking attendance, answering emails and phone calls. They play a crucial role and help everything run smoothly.

Without secretaries, many things would not get done, said Tyler Keener, principal at WHS. An example of this dedication is Mari-Ann Vazzo, who is retiring this year after 22 years of work as a secretary at Parkview Elementary.

Sara Crooks, principal of Parkview Elementary says, “I couldn’t do my job without Mrs. Vazzo,” as she handles different tasks ranging from communication with families to helping with attendance.

Even though secretaries perform many different jobs,

their responsibilities go beyond just small tasks.

Across the district, secretaries hold the important role of community and student relations. “[Jill Rubino] brings lots of care and compassion to her position and it has an impact on our students, families, and staff,” said Brandon Cobb, principal at Kean, about the school’s secretary.

One of the most important things secretaries at Edgewood Middle School do is to, “help build relationships with students,” according to Warner.

Another aspect of the public relations that secretaries deal with is greeting students.

“They are the first impression for our school with their greetings in person,” Vizzo said.

Secretaries perform various small tasks, but in the end, it is all of these small contributions that help dayto day operations occur smoothly, according to Kaylee Harrell, principal at Melrose.

MADDY MCCULLY

WCSD building secretaries: Cornerstone-

Thank you to Gionino’s for donating a work night meal for our April 9 work night.

-THE WOOSTER BLADE Staff

MelroseParkview-

KeanEdgewoodWHS-

FOCUS

Awareness Month garners attention April is Autism Awareness Month, and Autism associations such as ASPIES and the National Autism Association find ways to spread awareness.

The National Autism Association celebrates National Autism month as if it were another day in the office, by working hard to spread awareness, according to Wendy Fournier.

“We observe it by taking advantage of the opportunity for extra media attention to the topic and providing as much information to the public as we can. But it’s not much different than any other day or month of the year for us. We work hard every day to try to make the world a better place for people affected by autism,” Fournier said.

It is also important to celebrate National Autism Day on April 2 because it helps people to better understand how autism affects people, according to Fournier.

“It’s an opportunity for

people to gain some insight on autism and understand how it affects people with the diagnosis.

Hopefully, that leads to a more accepting society that embraces people with autism and sees that they are just like everyone else,” Fournier said.

For a more local organization, ASPIES is a nonprofit organization assisting those with autism in Akron.

According to Joy Spencer, founder and executive director of ASPIES, it is important to spread awareness about Autism Awareness Month. Spencer also said there is a theme this year for Autism Awareness Month.

“Every year the UN comes up with a theme. This year it’s on empowering women… which is kind of phenomenal because… there is one girl diagnosed on the spectrum for every five guys,” Spencer said.

According to Spencer, National Autism Month was created to bring attention to autism because the general population needs to be aware about autism.

Graphic by Matthew Lorentz

MOLLY SCHNEIDER

According to an April 20, 2015 article by Debra Muzikar entitled “The Autism Puzzle Piece: A Symbol That’s Going To Stay Or Go?” on the website The Art of Autism, the puzzle piece is the primary symbol for autism and dates back to 1963.

WHS teachers and staff provide support to autistic students JOHN GORMAN WHS has been serving students with all degrees of autism since the school’s inception, according to assistant principal Andrew Bratcher.

Bratcher explained it is difficult to pinpoint specific aspects of autism education in the school because of the variability student needs.

“Autism is such a broad spectrum... it can be like a nonverbal [disability], or it can be… there are some students that are identified as having autism and they’re in our honors courses,” Bratcher explains.

Holly Pope, intervention specialist at WHS, explains that with nonverbal students with autism, the education process differs from that used with

students in general education.

According to Pope, students with an identified disability follow individualized plans made by teachers, parents and administrators.

Robert Williams, WHS intervention specialist, explained the curriculum for students with autism is similar to that received by general education students, though it is not as detailed.

Furthermore,

he said special education students follow a organized schedule to ensure each day remains predictable. However, Williams noted bringing special education students together with general education students remains a priority.

“We try to get all our students out into an inclusion class of some type. Mrs. [Tricia] Taggart [Art Dept. member] has been very helpful in getting our kids

in. [Brooke] Coblentz [Family and Consumer Science Dept. member] had some of our students in, so we try to get them out included in that...

They’re down in lunch with all their other non-disabled peers,” Williams said.

Bratcher added that everyone working in the special education program always seek professional development to best serve their students.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | APRIL 13, 2018 | PAGE 9

C H E A T I N G investigating the prevalence of the practice at WHS 120 students grades 9-12 were polled...

Have evercheated cheated Have you you ever on work? on school schoolwork?

Eight teachers were polled...

DoDo youyou believe cheating is ever believe cheating justified?

59% No

33% No 67% Yes

How many times have How many times have you you cheated? cheated on school work?

41% Yes

How do you define cheating in your classroom? “...Presenting another person’s work as one’s own.”

“Copying answers on a test or quiz.”

“Using any work that is not your own, including technology.”

“Submitting work that is not authentic to you.”

“Someone else doing something you should be learning from.”

“Using another person’s intellectual property.”

cheated in your classroom?

28% 13+

4% 10-12 2% 7-9

13% 4-6

Graphics by Corinne Wiles and Matthew Lorentz Polls distributed by Anna Nacci, Ambrea Dellafave, and Molly Schneider during the week of March 26.

Yes

26% 0

27% 1-3

100%

How many times would you estimate you have caught students cheating throughout this school year?

3-4

Polls distributed by Holly Miller during the week of April 2.

38%

7 or more

62%

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Upcoming theater events in the Wooster community

Spaghetti and a Song fundraises for community theater programs EVAN DOAN According to a press release from Summer Stage Wooster, the organization will be holding a fundraising event titled Spaghetti and a Song the night of July 13 in the WHS PAC. The fundraiser will include a spaghetti dinner followed by performances in the PAC by WHS Drama Club alumni.

The weekend of the fundraiser will coincide with the WHS alumni weekend, according to Summer Stage Board Member Marlane Kennedy.

Todd Patterson, the director for Summer Stage, said the alumni will be able to perform a plethora of different things, including, “everything from solos to instrumentals to comedy.”

Patterson says the idea for Spaghetti and Song came about as something to fill the

gap between their bi-yearly musicals.

“If we do a show every summer, we’re going to burn everyone out, because everyone is a volunteer, but we still want to keep up public interest,” Patterson said.

Kennedy said Spaghetti and a Song will be a great way to raise funds for upcoming productions while also connecting with Drama Club and Summer Stage alumni.

“Summer of 2019 we will once again do a large scale musical and Spaghetti and a Song will help raise money to make sure we can go forth with another top notch professional quality production. We look forward to reuniting old friends and giving our community an opportunity to be entertained by the talented alumni that they have enjoyed in the past.” Kennedy said.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under.

ALEESHA VAUGHN

Edgewood Middle School drama club performs fairytale mash-up ANNA NACCI The Edgewood Middle School Drama Club will perform “The Princess Who Had No Name” the weekend of April 13 in the WHS Performing Arts Center.

“The Princess Who Had No Name” was written by Brian D. Taylor. In the play, “A girl wakes up in the middle of the forest with no memory of who she is, not even her own name.

With the help of a handful of fairy tale favorites, she begins to unravel the mystery of who she is and where she’s from,”

Jessica Snyder, director, said.

Anna Tefs (7) will play the princess, and Lincoln McMullen (7) will play Prince Reveille.

Giving middle school students the ability to participate in a theater production serves many purposes.

Hannah LoGiudice (7), who plays Rapunzel, says her favorite thing about the play is that it serves as, “A fun way to creatively tell a story. Also, I like that that I can hang out with my friends at rehearsal.”

Participation in theater also helps students with future careers, as it teaches

imagination, public speaking skills, self confidence and teamwork, Snyder said.

Drama Club also brings new friendships. “I really feel that our cast is one big family,” Tefs said.

Snyder has been involved in theater for 15 years, but this serves as her first year as director of an Edgewood Drama Club Production.

The play will be performed on April 13 and 14 at 7 p.m., and April 15 at 2 p.m. in the WHS PAC. Tickets cost $6 for adults, and $4 for students, and can be purchased at the door.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | APRIL 13, 2018 | PAGE 11

to

: students enjoy music trip MADDY NACCI feature editor

Undeterred by the frigid weather conditions, the WHS band and orchestra braved the elements en route to playing at Quincy Market and attending a master class with a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

From March 24 through March 28, 170 band and orchestra students and 20 adults traveled to Boston, Massachusetts.

The trip consisted of a myriad of activities, including: a Duck Boat Tour, a trip to the Prudential Center, a Freedom Trail Tour, a dinner cruise on the Boston Odyssey, a visit to the New England Aquarium, a walk around Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market Place and time in the JFK Library and Museum.

The students also went to the Boston Symphony Hall to watch a Boston Symphony Orchestra concert.

The orchestra members also got the opportunity to take a master class with Thomas Van Dyck, a bass player of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

“It was a unique experience…

He contextualized the eras of

the music we played and gave stylistic advice to improve our group performance of the music we prepared,” WHS orchestra member and violinist, Veronica Velasquez (12) said.

The band members played together in Quincy Market on March 26.

“It was really cool to play all together as a band for an audience of which the majority had never heard us play or seen us before,” saxophonist Lindsay Kastner (11) said.

WHS band and orchestra director Dan Adams said band and orchestra take a trip every two years.

Every four years they travel to Orlando, Fla., to play at Disney World, while the other trip is in a big city, like Boston or New York City.

Adams has been on three trips to Boston with students.

“What I enjoy most about any of these trips is being an observer of the students and watching them experience new places and interact with people they wouldn’t usually meet, whether it’s musically or just in the course of going through our days,” Adams said.

The band and orchestra are planning to travel to Walt Disney World in Florida in 2020.

Graphic by David Cheng and photos courtesy of Dan Adams

FEATURE

THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 13, 2018 | PAGE 12

Behind the scenes: a look into the WSTR TV

HANNAH KNAPIC

Top: WSTR TV Adviser, Nathan Greene, overlooks production of a weekly broadcast. Bottom left: Peter Savage (12) and Ben Carmel (12) address the production crew. Bottom right: Natalie Gardner (12) and Jessica Baker (12) read announcements on the set of Our Town.

HANNAH KNAPIC

HANNAH KNAPIC

Natalie Gardner (12) prepares to read the April 6 announcements on the set of Our Town for a segment of WSTR TV.

sports editor WSTR TV, WHS’s TV production group, is currently in its 24 year of creating announcements for students at WHS, according to adviser and computer science teacher Nathan Greene.

Greene has led the TV production crew since 2010 and is the fourth teacher to take over the program. As the adviser, Greene delegates positions to students on crew each week.

Members of WSTR TV hold a different position weekly, according to Greene. The different positions available include: on desk talent, lights and camera, teleprompter, segments VTR, video switcher, audio and producer.

Each week, crew members take on different tasks in order to develop a well rounded sense of video production behind the scenes and on screen. The producer, who makes final edits and reviews material that will be included, is also rotated.

Crew members, in order to have segments included in the Friday announcements, must hit a deadline of Wednesday before the video is produced, according to Greene. TV production, as Greene says, is a, “...totally different, unique class…” because of the week in, week out timeline students must follow, as well as the amount of time spent in the field, recording, rather than in class.

Ben Carmel (12) has been on crew since the second

semester of his sophomore year. Although Carmel must act as each position on staff occasionally, his favorite is video switcher, which is the person who pans from wide angle to small angle views during the announcements.

Carmel’s decision to join WSTR TV stemmed from interest in videography and he hopes to continue production as a hobby in the future.

One of the youngest on staff, Kole Emplit (11), is in his second semester on the crew.

On desk talent, or the person who presents the news each week, is Emplit’s favorite position to hold because it is fun to get to talk to everyone.

Greene, Carmel and Emplit agree that the hardest part of video production is finding new, original ideas each week.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | APRIL 13, 2018 | PAGE 13

CHELSEA PATTERSON

From left to right: Editor-in-chief Michael Chapman (12) diligently works on a page for the upcoming yearbook. Chapman has participated in yearbook for three years. Junior Jessica Mai designs an academic spread. Autumn Billings (11), Audrey Carlton (10) and Legacy The Legacy yearbook is produced once a year. Students in grades 10-12 can join Yearbook Production after they have applied for the Legacy year marks Brett Hiner’s 20 year advising the yearbook The Legacy production takes place in Brett Hiner’s room, C216, and meets seventh period every school day.

The Legacy: WHS in print Students collaborate to capture moments in WHS yearbook ERIN O’DONNELL

cover editor Upon walking into English Dept. member Brett Hiner’s classroom seventh period, a few sounds stand out: “Let’s have a sports check on Friday!,” “Did you finish your layout?” and lots and lots of laughter.

The class is Yearbook Production the class period for the WHS yearbook, Legacy.

Students in the class say they

look forward to seventh period all day.

Addy Dossi (11) said, “[The class] is a really comfortable and welcoming atmosphere; it’s my favorite class.”

One word to describe the Legacy production period?

That depends on who you ask.

Adviser Brett Hiner said “chaos,” whereas Autumn Billings (11) said “family,” and students Audrey Carlton (10) and Lily Williams (11) agreed

with Billings.

Hiner said he relies on student leadership. He identified the leaders in the class to be editorin-chief Michael Chapman (12) and section editors Sid Chamberlin (12), Marisa Zerrer (12) and Lily Williams (11).

Chapman says his experience and work ethic got him his position at editor-in-chief: he has been on the staff for three years, spending two as head photographer.

Chapman said leading such a large and social group of people has its inherent challenges, such as staying on task. However, Chapman said he needs only remind the group of the common goal to get them back to work: that Legacy has the responsibility of putting out one single book of memories.

The concept of a yearbook has always appealed to Hiner, he said.

“Next to your diploma, your

yearbook is the one thing from high school you keep.

If, 40 years from now, you are interested in how your football team did, you are going to look to your yearbook for that. In my family, my kids are interested in how I looked.

They go to my yearbook and say, ‘Wow, daddy had hair! And a better metabolism!’” Hiner said.

This year is Hiner’s 20 year advising the WHS yearbook.

SPORTS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 13, 2018 | PAGE 14

Wooster High School spring sports take over:

1.

Despite cold weather conditions, spring athletes compete in new season 2.

3.

4.

5.

7.

6.

8.

10.

9.

11.

12.

1. Angelina Fox (10) gets in position to catch the ball during a varsity softball game.

2. Evan McGhee (10) cradles the ball while at practice.

3. Softball varsity member, Macee Harpster (11), throws the ball at full speed during a game.

4. Ivan Glassgow (11) plays defense as he runs

PHOTOS BY HANNAH KNAPIC, MADDY MCCULLY, REECE MITCHELL AND MOLLY SCHNEIDER

5. Andrew Symonds (12) swings his racket toward the ball back to his partner.

6. John Gorman (11) raises his racket to serve the ball to his teammate.

7. Sarah Weeks (12) practices clearing high jump.

8. Trevar Meese (11) practices his swings on the tee.

9. Adam Frank (11) and Luke Frantz (11) practice throwing and catching with partners.

10. Juli Pycraft (10) making a save as the ball comes towards her.

11. Eli Bachman (11) maintains his form as he runs towards a hurdle at full speed.

12. Isabelle Pisani (12) raises her lacrosse stick, preparing to catch a ball.

VIEWS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 13, 2018 | PAGE 15

DAVID CHENG

JACOB GOOCH

GINA VAN LIEU

Sinclair Broadcast Group is abusing the trust between local news stations as the largest owner of local TV stations. This past week, anchors working for Sinclair were required to recite a script, according to The Washington Post, attacking the media and insinuating that CNN and other networks are, “a danger to our democracy.” This led Donald Trump to tweet on April 2 that, “Sinclair is far superior to CNN,” despite the fact that their tactics are the same ones used in Russian state media.

Protest is a hallmark of democracy and stu-

There needs to be consistency in punishments for athletes, regardless of athletic ability.

In sports, when players do not show up on time or do something that could get them into a lot of trouble, the coach punishes them, but sometimes they do not consistently punish them like the other players because of the skill level of the athletes.

Allowing players to not get punished like the rest of the team hurts the morale, and the other players resentment will grow.

invested in the ideals and goals of democracy.

We see student movements causing real change in all areas of our society. Whether you agree with the aims of the movements or not, see the impact students have had and embrace the change that can and has been brought by these young people.

Change in a democracy can be brought by anyone of any age.

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Writers address issues that impact contemporary society

HANNAH KNAPIC

CLARA LEE

Republican members of Ohio’s House introduced House Bill 565, a bill banning abortions even in cases of incest, rape or danger to the life of the woman, according to NPR reporter Gabe Rosenberg.

Anti-abortions laws are nothing new, but the proposition of this bill is outrageous. An outright abortion ban impedes upon women’s rights and will only increase the number of unsafe abortions in Ohio.

It is important to be mindful on social media.

In such a technologically advanced society, information can be accessed and spread rapidly, which can result in hurt and harm.

Social media should not be used for spreading gossip or running malicious accounts.

Remember to always be kind the next time you are thinking of remarking something mindless on Twitter.

Who do you think you are, Donald Trump?

KYLE WARD Over the last one to two years, the growth and consumption of streaming media has most commonly Twitch.tv owned by Amazon, have received enormous support/ growth. Others large corporations have began to launch rival platforms to get a piece of the streaming revenue. Over this past six months, Microsoft launched Mixer, and Facebook just launched Facebook Live.

THE

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Editors-in-Chief Estelle Shaya, Amber Swigart Webmaster Jacob Gooch Graphics Manager Matthew Lorentz Business Managers Matthew Lorentz, Jacob Gooch On Campus Editor Spencer Dilyard Focus Editor Chris Roche Sports Editor Hannah Knapic A & E Editors Nick Cosmo, Evan Doan Trends Editor Chelsea Patterson Cover Editors Alexis Florence, Erin O’Donnell Views Editor John Gorman Feature Editors Holly Miller, Maddy Nacci Staff Writers David Cheng, Ambrea Dellafave, Henry Gamble, Emily Jewell, Skyy Khounborin, Clara Lee, Emma LoGiudice, Thomas Matthew, Maddy McCully, Melina Mera, Alexa Mitchell, Pauley, Avery Ross, Rachael Schmidt, Molly Schneider, Catherine Strong, Gina Van Lieu, Aleesha Vaughn, Rheanna Velasquez, Devika Walia, Kyle Ward, Corinne Wiles Head Photographer Hannah Knapic Photographers Ambrea Dellafave, Spencer Dilyard, Jacob Gooch, Emma LoGuidice, Maddy McCully, Reece Mitchell, Chelsea Patterson, Molly Schneider, Aleesha Vaughn Artist Catherine Strong Adviser Kristi Hiner The Wooster Blade is a biweekly student publication printed every other Friday by the Newspaper Production classes at Wooster High School. The paper is designated as an open forum and follows publishing guidelines as established in a district-wide publications policy protecting students’ freedom of expression. All copy, art and photography are property of The Wooster Blade and cannot be reproduced without permission. Letters to the editor are limited to 300 words, and The Wooster Blade reserves the right to print and edit as per length and content. The Wooster Blade is a member of Quill and Scroll, National Scholastic Press Association and Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The Wooster Blade is printed in cooperation with Wooster’s The Daily Record.

Letters and inquiries should be addressed to The Wooster Blade, 515 Oldman Road Wooster, Ohio 44691. The Wooster Blade can be contacted at 330-345-4000 ext. 3210.

The newspaper can also be found at thewoosterblade.com

THE VOICE OF WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | APRIL 13, 2018 | PAGE 16

OUR VIEW

Proposed measures at varying levels of government threaten education Many high school students participate in politics, gain political awareness and form political beliefs for the first time in their adolescence.

However, with a myriad of proposals characterizing politics, it can be difficult to discern what issues are the most pertinent.

As the student voice of WHS, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes in the importance of a good education in the formation of a productive citizen, and holds a responsibility to make sure to advocate for policies that best serve public education as a result.

The landscape of governmental education policy remains everchanging, and the structure of public education has an immense effect on the success of our teachers, students and communities.

Statewide Legislation Would Change the Educational Landscape Ohio House Bill 512, introduced

by Republican Representative Bill Reineke of Ohio’s 88th house district, could fundamentally change our educational system.

According to the legislation’s text, this structural change would be accomplished through a complete abolishment of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the position of the Chancellor of Higher Education and the Ohio Board of Regents. In addition, creation of an Ohio Department of Learning and Achievement to replace the aforementioned agencies and positions is mandated.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board views this consolidation as a threat to efficient and adaptable government as it rids the system of specialists who perform fewer tasks, but fulfills their duties more efficiently.

Additionally, this legislation is contrary to the democratic ideals of this nation as it removes a great deal of power from the State Board of Education, further consolidating governmental power. According to a March 14 article published by Cleveland.com entitled, “State school board opposes bill that would slash its power,” this legislation would, “wipe out 80 percent of its [state school board] power.”

Local Board of Education Responds to Changes After examining the Wooster City Schools Board of Education’s letter in opposition to Ohio House Bill 512, concerning the restructuring of Ohio’s education agencies, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board applauds the action of the WCS BOE for taking a definitive stance against this legislation that would harm students, parents and educators.

The WCS BOE sent out a letter condemning the legislation for taking away the public’s input in education.

The move serves as a reminder of the Wooster BOE’s diligent work in protecting the interests of the WCSD at the state level.

Federal Proposed Changes threaten Dept. of Education At the federal level, House Resolution 899 threatens to take away the Department of Education.

The full text of H.R. 899, introduced by Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie, is as follows: “The Department of Education shall terminate on December 31, 2018.”

Representative Massie proposed this bill in an attempt to move control of education to state and

local lawmakers, rather than the federal government, according to The Hill reporter Cristina Marcos’ article “GOP Lawmaker Proposes Abolishing Department of Education.”

The mere fact that this proposal is a possibility, and not even front page news, is representative of a monumental problem in the United States: education is not the national priority it should be.

As students, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board finds it reprehensible that Congress could consider any bill that decreases the reputability and threatens to destroy an already stretched system.

TRANSFERRING POWER TO INDIVIDUAL LEGISLATORS AND STATES WOULD HARM AMERICAN EDUCATION FURTHER, INCREASING GAPS IN CURRICULUM, DEPENDING ON STATE OR LOCAL OPINIONS. Education should not be a partisan issue that can change state by state: the Department of Education is key for national standards that prevent educational divides across the country.