The Wooster Blade, Volume XVIII, Issue 12

THE WOOSTER BLADE

WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH APRIL 7, 2017 VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 12

Getting back to the roots: The Wooster Blade explores local and national environments

Photo courtesy of Julia Natt

Students should expand their horizons with classes RACHEL WOOD With the end of the school year approaching, WHS students have begun selecting their classes for next year.

Students must decide whether to take classes with which they are comfortable and familiar, or whether to expand their horizons and create a diverse schedule.

WHS Guidance Dept. member Tyler Egli observes that while WHS offers a wide range of elective classes, many students, instead of trying new subjects, choose to take the classes that their friends are taking. While wanting to take classes with peers is understandable, Egli advises students to explore unfamiliar subjects, a practice which offers many benefits.

“I strongly encourage students to partake in a diverse schedule while in high school. We know from research that students change their major in college at a high percentage rate, which only adds additional cost to the college process,” Egli said.

Chelsey Porter, WHS English Dept. member, adds, “I changed majors three times [in college] because I didn’t dabble in high school. This is the critical age when you [find] ...subjects you never realized you were good at.”

What’s 2 Inside?

What to look for inside the section:

In addition to saving time and money in college, taking a myriad of subjects also creates the well-rounded personality that college admission departments seek in students.

Tracy Karr, Associate Director of Admissions at the College of Wooster, believes a diverse schedule is a crucial preparatory step for admission and education at college.

“We like students to think out the box and be creative… [instead of] sticking to the core requirements…We want someone who can jump into writing-intensive classes, who can engage in class discussions…Having a diverse skill set…gives students the skills needed to do research later, whether that be a paper, a lab or a performance,” Karr said.

Finally, taking diverse classes allows students to discover passions and rule out other subjects for future study. Egli notes, “Students in high school should be exploring a wide range of classes in order to discover and gain knowledge on [many] subjects…Even if one discovers that they... [dislike a subject], that is still powerful knowledge to obtain.”

This powerful knowledge often exists in new and unfamiliar classes, just waiting for enterprising students to discover it.

TAKE AWAYS that teachers want students to remember

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STUDENT ATHLETES who have signed with schools

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ON CAMPUS ACT that the junior class will take

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ACCELERATED CLASSES taken by students

T A K E A W A Y F R O M H I G H S C H O O L:

ON CAMPUS WHS teachers explain what they would like students to take away from their classes, even if they choose not to pursue anything in that field of study.

“Cultural awareness, differences in other cultures, manners, being nice to one another, how to be respectful and how to handle being young adults.”

-Miriam Stokes, Foreign Language Dept.

“To be scientifically literate citizens that are able to understand current events, evaluate scientific studies and be able to communicate major findings. Also, for students to make informed decisions that are good for the environment, local and global ecosystems.” -MacKenzie Doup, Science Dept.

“I always want my students to feel as if they belong in this world. That they succeed no matter what they determine their goals may be. Be kind always be polite always and remember that everyone makes mistakes, but as long as you learn from these mistakes, you will succeed.” -Tricia Taggart, Art Dept.

“To develop an understanding of the different groups around them and not to judge a book by its cover- see how they wrote the novel.” -Misty Bisesi, Social Studies Dept.

“The ability to become critical thinkers and develop a love for reading.” -Diane Mealey, English Dept.

“Students don’t have to aspire to become famous actors to benefit from taking a theater class. Students who take theater classes gain confidence, empathy, and self-awareness. Theater students get to collaborate with peers and make new friends. They get to engage in experiential learning and become physically active. Theater classes help reluctant performers overcome stage fright and show grace under pressure. Everyone can benefit from taking a theater class.” -Kristin Broda, English Dept.

“I have no heart and hate kids.

Tanks rule.

IB hates you.

Put your goggles on, if you blind yourself I throw golf balls at you.

Your parents don’t love you. You are just a tax break.

Rule #188; Hot glass looks like cold glass.” -David Snider, Science Dept.

Quotes collected by Tatum McGrew and Kayla Cooper.

“To take risks. Even if you fail, you’ve learned something valuable. But, don’t stop there; try again.”

-Katherine Putka, Art Dept.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 3

Seniors Christopher Cannon, Jeromy Green MAUREEN MCKEOWN AND MADDY NACCI views editor and sports editor Seniors Christopher Cannon, Jordan Green and Jeromy Green have all signed their names on the dotted lines to participate in cross country and track in college and are ready to start the next chapters in their lives.

Cannon will be attending, and running for, the United States Naval Academy in Maryland.

“I chose the Naval Academy, as they are one of the most prestigious and respected institutions of higher learning in the world. Graduating from a military academy will provide many opportunities for me later in my life. Also, I was recruited

GRANT PEABODY

Christopher Cannon, Jeromy Green and Jordan Green sign to commit to their selected colleges to run cross country and track. The signing took place within the WHS library. to run cross country and track and the thought of me

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running at a D1 level was very intriguing to me,” Cannon said.

The application for the U.S. Naval Academy took around five months altogether for Cannon to take the various tests and gain the appropriate nominations, which included one from a member of Congress.

Cannon is going into school as undecided in regard to his major, but is leaning toward engineering. For his job in the military after college, he is considering becoming a fighter jet pilot or a commander on a submarine.

Jordan Green will be continuing his academic and athletic career at Ohio Northern University.

“My running career at Wooster has helped me become more determined and dedicated to running. It has gifted me with great teammates and has increased my love for the sport,” Jordan said.

Jeromy will be attending Salisbury University next fall to be a student athlete.

He says he chose this school because of the location, people at the school and the amount of opportunities for him.

Green says that running at WHS taught him to be determined to succeed in both athletics and academics, while being disciplined. He is also very excited to meet new people and live in a new environment and will most likely be studying Health Sciences.

Doug Bennett has been all three boys coach for four years in both cross country and track at WHS. “[They are] hard working kids and have a good focus on where they want to be in the next five years. They have taken the right steps towards being collegiate athletes,” said Bennett.

Christopher Cannon, Jordan Green and Jeromy Green have been leaders on the track and cross country teams and will be missed next fall.

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THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 4

State implements mandatory free state testing for juniors ALEXANDER THOMPSON webmaster

This year, Ohio students will be able to choose from three paths to graduation: end of course exams, technical certification and a passing score on either the ACT or SAT. To enable the college placement exam option, the Ohio Department of Education is also mandating that all school districts administer one of the two tests to all of their students for free, excepting those with disabilities and those who have already taken it.

“This spring, approximately 117,000 Ohio juniors will take the ACT test and approximately 14,000 students will take the SAT at an approximate cost of $5.25 million. Approximately

95 percent of Ohio districts and schools will administer the ACT test and approximately 5 percent of districts and schools will administer the SAT test,” Brittany Halpin, the Associate Director of Media Relations at the ODE, said.

The Wooster City School District has opted for the ACT, which will be administered on 19 April, said high school guidance counselor Cheryl Goff.

An article in the Winter edition of the District Newsletter clarifies that students who have already taken either of the exams and received a remediation free score will be compelled to pay for the administration.

The ODE defines remediationfree as a score of 18, 22, and 22 or higher on the English,

reading and science subsections of the ACT. Respectively; on the SAT the requisite scores are 430, 450 and 520 on the Writing, Reading, and Mathematics subsections respectively.

“The Wooster City School District has opted for the ACT, which will be administered on 19 April,” Goff said The state is not requiring school districts to administer the writing portion of the SAT, and thus WSCD will not be offering that section on the

April 19 testing date, according to Goff.

Joshua Hyman, a professor in the Department of Public Policy at the University of Connecticut, has studied the introduction of mandatory and free college entrance exam policies in other states; he has found they have a small, positive effect on college enrollment and graduation rates among low-income students.

“Low income students often work on weekends, maybe can’t afford $50, and it might be hard for them to travel to another school. Also, because their parents and older siblings may not have gone to college, these students may not realize they should take these tests,” Hyman wrote in an email.

Halpin said that eliminating

these burdens was the primary goal in the implementation of the free and mandatory testing program.

Halpin states the goal is to encourage the enrollment of low income students in college.

Catherine Gewertz, writing in Education Week on Jan. 4, 2016, reported that these policies are a growing trend among states, and are not ones free of criticism.

Gewertz reports FairTest, a national nonprofit group that opposes standardized testing, chided the policies because they do not reflect a student’s academic performance.

In addition, to the SAT and ACT’s narrow scopes, they may not align with broader state standards; redirecting teaching-to-the-test instead of eliminating it.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 5

Myriad class choices present challenges for scheduling AMBER SWIGART cover editor

As end of year exams continue and students consider the upcoming school year, the ability to choose confidently from the plethora of courses offered at WHS becomes increasingly important.

Many classes offer several levels of instruction, with courses like biology including an AP, College Credit Plus and regular biology class.

Others, however, offer fewer options.

Richard Leone, WCS Director of Secondary Education, says that the multitude of classes offered makes accommodating for several levels of a subject difficult to schedule.

Furthermore, Leone says the state curriculum relies heavily on state standardization of classes, and sometimes, students are forced to stay on a

certain pathway of classes as a result.

“The state has driven that standardization... At the state, if you are looking at college prep or looking from a college perspective… they have driven that CCP, AP or IB game for sure,” Leone said.

Leone adds that most regular AP, IB and CCP classes have stricter guidelines, like the state-outlined curriculum shaping regular classes or the College Board standards forming AP requirements.

Because there is no set of standards set for honors classes or what qualifies as an honors class, progress in other pathways is more standardized and easy to measure.

According to WHS Principal Tyler Keener, the honorslevel pathway ends for most students after sophomore year.

Furthermore, Keener asserts that rather than taking an

unmanageable course load, students who want to challenge

“CHALLENGE YOURSELF A LITTLE MORE IN WHAT YOU ARE INTERESTED...,” KEENER SAID. themselves can choose to focus on the subject in which they are most interested.

Keener encourages students to meet with guidance counselors in order to select courses which will support their future pursuits.

“If you are torn between pathways and there’s not really a middle pathway so to speak, challenge yourself a little more in what you are

interested because usually, because of your interest in it, you are naturally going to work harder,” Keener said.

Guidance counselor Tyler Egli states the CCP program is a valuable opportunity for students who are especially interested or advanced in a subject, but are not necessarily ready for an AP level class.

“With College Credit Plus, there is a perfect option for middle-ground students. If they are strategic enough, they can save a lot of money. Student loan debt is a huge crisis in our society,” Egli said.

Egli stresses that the difference between AP and IB classes and those on the regular track lies not just in the amount of homework they assign, but also in the depth of the content covered.

Keener stated the school district is attempting to work with parents in order

to decrease the confusion surrounding scheduling, specifically referring to scheduling involving sixth, seventh and ninth graders.

Most of the classes that have been offered in recent years and are not currently were in the Family Consumer Science Department, according to Keener.

Meanwhile, the number of classes elsewhere within the high school has steadily been expanding, especially in the case of the Science Dept.

According to Keener, new classes can come to fruition once a department shows interest in creating a class and there is student interest behind it.

In any case, students should keep their plans after high school in mind when choosing how to create a schedule that is both challenging and manageable.

FOCUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 6

Bracing for repeal and replace, GOP undergoes growing pains ESTELLE SHAYA business manager

Friday, March 24, the American Health Care Act was pulled hours before a vote in the House.

After having been rushed onto the docket by President Trump’s command, the bill was pulled due to fears there was not enough support to pass it, according to a March 23 article “Republicans delay vote on ‘Trumpcare’ after struggling to reach an agreement on the bill,”

by Bob Bryan and Allan Smith published in Business Insider.

According to Bryan and Smith, divisions in the GOP are responsible for the bill having been pulled. While the Freedom Caucus wants certain health benefits to be repealed, other members of the party thought the bill went too far.

Data collected by The New York Times shows 150 members of the GOP supported the bill, 45 were undecided, 9 were leaning against it and 33 people entirely opposed it. Since there is no Democratic support for the bill, and Republicans require 215 votes for the bill to pass, only 22 members of the GOP could vote against the bill.

The American Health Care Act would fundamentally change sections of the Affordable Care Act passed under the Obama administration.

Several major components of the Affordable Care Act include that it keeps insurance companies from denying people or charging them more due to pre-existing conditions, children can be kept on their parents’ health care until they turn 26, companies cannot place annual or lifetime limits and many preventative care options have been available, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s official webpage.

Tom Tierney, a professor of sociology and anthropology at the College of Wooster, said one of the largest parts of the Affordable Care Act was the individual mandate, requiring everyone to get insurance.

Although the American Health Care Act would keep some of the Affordable Care Act in place, it would eliminate funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund and some family planning providers, limit funding for Medicaid and repeal changes making more people eligible for Medicaid,

What’s Inside? a closer look at the Focus section

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HEALTHCARE an overview of health care around the globe

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CARBON FOOTPRINT analyzing the emissions of your actions

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME the most friendly places in Wooster

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CURSIVE a dying art or a necessary tool?

eliminate cost-sharing reductions and premium subsidies and repeal taxes such as the penalties associated with mandates for minimum essential health coverage, according the bill’s summary on Congress’ official webpage.

Tierney said the bill’s vision of health care is based on an ideology to, “let the market take control of healthcare.”

However, he also mentioned that the Affordable Care Act is built upon market based healthcare, only with subsidies and an individual mandate from the government.

It is still early in the Trump presidency. There are other bills and health care proposals currently in Congress.

However, Tierney said he ultimately sees healthcare in the United States as moving toward a public entity, rather than a private, market-based one.

On April 2, Trump tweeted, “Talks on Repealing and Replacing [the Affordable Care Act] are, and have been, going on, and will continue until such time as a deal is hopefully struck.”

What the United States healthcare system will become is yet to be seen.

Info to go: American Health Care Act The AHCA would have eliminated federal matching for Medicaid expansion beginning in 2020 .

Adults under 30 would have gotten a refundable tax credit of $2,000 to offset premium costs, given that they make less than $215,000 annually.

Medicaid expansion under Obamacare has resulted in an additional 11 million low-income adults gaining coverage.

Up to 10 million people could have lost coverage under the American Health Care Act. Medicaid currently covers adults who earn up to $16,400.

An average 60-year-old would have received $5,900 less in tax credit per year.

Insurance premiums for 64-year-olds, on average, were estimated to have risen nearly 30 percent and fallen 20 percent for 21-year-olds, in addition to a $2,000 tax credit.

INFORMATION COMPILED BY BY AUSTIN MCCULLY INFORMATION GATHERED FROM A MARCH 9, 2017 ARTICLE TITLED “WHO WINS AND WHO LOSES UNDER OBAMACARE REPLACEMENT BILL” ON MONEY.CNN.COM.

Healthcare systems elsewhere in the world Canada:

Canada’s healthcare system is a publicly funded system set up by the Canadian government.

The system provides coverage to all Canadian citizens, including preventative care, medical treatments, dental surgery, hospital access and more.

As put into place by the Canada Health Act, all health care in Canada must be administered by a non-profit, public agency, must insure comprehensive health care access at a universal level for all those ensured, must be accessible for all those ensured and can travel with a person if they move.

Information from canadian-healthcare.org.

France:

France’s healthcare system requires patients to pay a doctor or other medical employee up front.

The government will then reimburse a patient, either in part or in full. This rate of reimbursement is usually between 70 percent and 100 percent. One hundred percent coverage is given in circumstances such as long term care or for poorer patients.

Beyond the government reimbursed portion of health care, a mutuelle, or form of insurance usually from employment, covers the remainder of the cost.

Blurbs by Estelle Shaya. Graphics by Matt Lorentz. Information courtesy of canadian-healthcare.org & an article from The Guardian entitled “Which country has the world’s best health care?”

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 7

THE CARBONIC PLAGUE: Explanatory blurb written by and statistics gathered by Austin McCully.

your carbon footprint

Quantifying your impact on the world around you

The estimates below are annual averages for one through four-person households and households with one to four vehicles based on residence in Wooster from www.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator. For a more accurate estimate of you and your family’s carbon emissions, follow the URL to the more detailed carbon emissions calculator. According to climatecentral.org, we will have to reduce our carbon footprint by 40 to 70 percent by 2050 in order to avoid potentially disastrous overheating.

Home Energy 1 person

15,617 lbs CO2

Transportation 1 vehicle

10,484 lbs CO2

Waste 1 person

1,383 lbs CO2

2 persons

31,234 lbs CO2

2 vehicles

20,968 lbs CO2

2 persons

2,766 lbs CO2

3 persons

46,851 lbs CO2

3 vehicles

31,452 lbs CO2

3 persons

4,149 lbs CO2

4 persons

62,468 lbs CO2

4 vehicles

41,936 lbs CO2

4 persons

5,532 lbs CO2

Graphic by Evan Rice.

Editor offers steps to reduce your carbon emissions DROSOS KARDULIAS on campus editor

Reducing one’s individual impact on the environment is as much about maintaining awareness as it is about reducing, reusing and recycling.

According to an article titled “25+ ways to reduce your carbon footprint,” published on the website for the organization Carbon Offsets to Alleviate Poverty, being aware of the emissions involved in personal travel is an important first

step to reducing a carbon footprint. For instance, travel by plane creates a large amount of pollutants, so decreasing the frequency of travel has a significant impact on pollution. Even driving a car is a pollution-heavy method of travel, which can be mitigated by carpooling, driving a more fuel-efficient car, and by not speeding, as driving quickly is much more damaging for the environment.

Beyond the realm of travel, there are multiple

opportunities for decreasing the environmental impacts of the home. “Reduce What You Can, Offset What You Can’t,”

by Carbonfund.org provides a plethora of easy ways to cut emissions, including improving household insulation and only turning on electronic devices when they are in use.

According to Shelly Silvaggi, Science Dept. member, there are a vast number of ways to reduce one’s carbon footprint in the home. More extreme approaches include living in

a multi-family residence, such as an apartment or duplex or installing a smart thermostat.

However, Silvaggi states that less extreme options, such as decreasing meat consumption or utilizing public transit, are impactful as well. Silvaggi states being conscious of energy consumption is especially important in Ohio, as a great deal of the state’s power comes from coal-burning plants, which produce significant amounts of pollution during the generation of electricity.

Steps to Reduce Your Carbon Emissions: Travel less Utilize public transit or carpool Recycle Decrease meat consumption

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | APRIL 7, 2017| PAGE 8

HOME AWAY FROM HOME: Students discuss their favorite local spots Christmas Run Park WHS freshman Melina Mera spends most of her summer days in the comfort of the outdoors, cooled by the shade of trees and an icy cold stream that runs through the valley where Wooster’s Christmas Run Park is located.

Instead of cable or the internet, Mera’s entertainment comes from exploring “the tunnel” underneath Bowman St. and the stream.

“The park feels like my home away from home. I go there often with my friend Corinne to ride my bike,” Mera said.

Last April Wooster Kiwanis Club reconstructed a new playground and 2 full basketball courts.

Mera also said, “The reconstruction of the pond into basketball courts is good for the community, but I’ll miss having it there.”

Basketball Court Skylar Clapp (12) depends on one simple spot in Wooster that helps her escape from the rest of the world; the basketball court.

Anytime Clapp is feeling stressed or overwhelmed from school and other stressors, she said she takes refuge on the court because playing basketball helps her forget any troubles.

“Whenever something is going on in my life, it doesn’t matter out there. The only thing that matters is whether the ball goes through the net,” Clapp said.

Clapp said she always focuses on improving her shot form and other skills while on the court.

This focus helps her forget all of life’s problems and as she notes, truly makes the basketball court her home away from home.

Freedlander Park For every person there is a favorite place to go, a second home of which they hold most dear.

For Emma Payment (11), that place is Freedlander Park.

According to the City of Wooster’s park description found online at woosteroh.com, the park was founded in 1962 through generous donations

by Herman Freedlander, it also features an 18-hole course for disc golf, and a large pool during the summer.

“It has an amazing playground with lots of swings, a bunch of cool places to walk, and even basketball courts… My favorite memory is beating Keith [Kilner] (11) in a game of basketball.” Said Payment.

The second home for Emma Payment is Freedlander Park, a wonderful park by all accounts.

Blurbs written by Kayla Barnet, Valerie Anderson, Jacob Gooch and Holly Miller.

Photo by Jacob Gooch

150 N. Walnut St. Downtown Wooster 330-601-1250

Now accepting Prom dresses for consignment!

Healthpoint Wooster’s HealthPoint has found a home in WHS student Reis Rising (12).

“I enjoy lifting, exercising and getting into shape.

It’s really welcoming, the employees are nice and they take care of their equipment there,” Rising said.

Rising has been going to HealthPoint three to four times a week for about two years. He said this gym is a good place for everyone to go to, even those who do not work out often.

“No matter if it’s cardio, muscle strengthening or even physical therapy, you could go because they offer so much,” Rising said.

HealthPoint even offers occupational therapy to help those who have been injured while playing a sport.

Great selection of Prom dresses and accessories.

Professional on sight alterations.

FOCUS

Ohio House members introduce bill implementing cursive she supports the idea behind the bill.

ALEXIS FLORENCE

she is hesitant about putting

Fenton said.

Editor advocates for merits of cursive

Student questions value of learning new writing ADAM KIRK

RYAN MILLER

VS taught to be understood.

Head to Head

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 10

Elementary and middle school students enthused about art MADDY NACCI sports editor

Elementary school art teachers in Wooster City Schools say that art in elementary school is essential for child development and creativity and they enjoy working other subject areas and a wide variety of materials into a curriculum that is best for their students.

Alendria Huffman, art teacher at Cornerstone and Melrose, and Ashley Bowman, art teacher at Kean and Parkview, each teach an original curriculum based on Ohio Department of Education’s Visual Arts Standards. Each elementary student has art for 40 minutes each week and each teacher sees over 700 different art students a week.

Huffman says she works the seven main elements of art (form, line, shape, color, value, space and texture) into every lesson, along with history of art.

“Fourth grade students at Cornerstone are working in small groups to create artist inspired mixed media trees based on famous artists who, at some point, had a tree or trees as the focal point of their work.

For example, Shel Silverstein was the artist

What’s Inside?

A closer look at the A & E section

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ARTWORK IN THE SCHOOLS: The art created by grades K-7

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ARTWORK IN THE SCHOOLS: The art created by grades 8-12

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JAZZ EXPLORED: A look at jazz both presently and in the past

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MOVIE & MUSIC REVIEWS: A look at new movies and music

and illustrator of the book the Giving Tree.

This is wonderful for students because it also ties in the literary piece,” Huffman said.

Bowman says her students work on using different art mediums to create masterpieces, including oil pastel projects, water color projects, printmaking projects and sculpture.

Bowman works the themes of counting, symmetry, patterns, Indian and Chinese culture, poetry and solar systems into her projects.

“So much is taught in the art room, not just art history or how to manipulate art materials... It is important to give students an opportunity where they feel successful, some students that do not excel in their classroom are visual learners and can really succeed in the art room,” Bowman said.

Huffman says art gives students the opportunity to be creative and have fun.

“A lot of art is history, and I’m happy to teach the newest generation where we have been and how it is all still relevant to day.

An art student is a more well-rounded person,” Huffman said.

Bowman and Huffman love teaching and sharing their love and enthusiasm for art with their students.

M I D D L E

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALENDRIA HUFFMAN

K-4 students artists working in their small classroom studio, creating masterpieces to be displayed across the district.

TATUMN MCGREW on campus editor

The WCSD Fine Arts Festival showcases art of students in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade in the WSCD. Pieces for the festival are selected from Edgewood Middle School are selected

by Dawn Blattel and Katelyn McAbier, Edgewood Middle School Art Dept.

Pieces they selected for this year’s fine arts festival included 94 CD weavings, a glassblowing recreation and a table full of food sculptures, according to Blattel.

“When selecting pieces, teachers typically look for mastery of project objectives, individuality/creativity and variety amongst the projects,” Blattel said.

When pieces are judged, the Art Dept. asks people to assist in the process.

“Retired art teachers or artists from the community come judge artworks on the night of set-up, so there is no bias from the art teachers when judging,” Blattel said.

Pieces may win Best of show ribbons, second and third place for two

E L E M E N T A R Y

dimensional and three dimensional art, as well as honorable mention ribbons.

Artwork is usually held by the art teachers until the second semester of school at the beginning of January when the selection of pieces begins.

“By February, we begin mounting, matting, and preparing artworks because March is Youth Art month and we also compete in the Wayne County Junior High Art Exhibition just before the Fine Arts Festival,” Blattel said.

The estimated amount of artwork in the festival from Edgewood is over 1,000 pieces and both Blattel and McAbier brought over 500 pieces each.

WCS Fine Arts Festival Awards People’s Choice: Emily Kemmerer (11) Best in Show 3D: Corbin Lanker (11) Best in Show 2D: Ren Miller (11)

THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 11

A CLOSER LOOK AT HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE ART PROGRAMS ISABELLE CANNON H I G H S C H O O L design manager

WHS Art Dept. members, Tricia Taggart and Katherine Putka explain their views as to why art in education is important in today’s society.

Katherine Putka teaches 3D art, including ceramics and sculpture. She also teaches Graphic Arts and Adventures into the Arts.

Tricia Taggart teaches the 2D arts, Drawing, Painting AP Studio Art and Adventures into the Arts.

Both teachers follow the Ohio Standards for the curriculum, however, Taggart said that because art is a creative field, she can alter techniques to help incorporate skills that novice artists can build upon to improve almost immediately.

Both emphasize that art is not just for meeting a one credit graduation requirement, as it can be a benefit for students.

“Art is critical for proper development of both motor and language skills. Arts help to develop critical thinking and decision making processes. By encouraging risk

Artwork by WHS alum and current student at the Clevlend Institute of Art, Stephanie Haught.

taking, arts education can help increase inventiveness and creativity,” Putka said.

Taggart explained that art is important for many different types of professions and businesses.

“We desire beauty and creativity around us, but how will this happen if teaching this artistry is no longer available?,” Taggart said.

President, Donald Trump has proposed to cut spending for the art and humanities endowment, according to an article entitled “What Trumps Proposed Spending Cuts Could Mean for the Arts Economy” on www.fortune.com.

Putka explains that this proposed bill could have a harmful effect on children’s future educations.

“Many adults tend to forget how important the arts were to their development and if they don’t put value into art in their current lives, they see it as not worthy of money. Many in the business field are already noting creativity and risk taking to be in short supply causing their business to grow less quickly,” Putka said.

If students are interested in taking Art, Adventures into the Art is the prerequisite for any art class.

EMMA STRONG feature editor

After graduation, some high school artists choose to pursue higher education through attending art school.

One such student is ‘16 alum Noah McKee, who is currently studying at the Columbus College of Art and Design.

“During high school, I wasn’t really into doing art until junior year. At that time, I dove headlong into art by taking any art classes I could. I took every drawing class, the first painting class, some sculpture, and finally, AP art. My current area of study is in the field of Illustration,” McKee said.

In transitioning from high school to college art curriculums McKee stated that availability of resources and the way his classes are set up have improved his skills and maturity exponentially.

“We just learn and improve and give it our all. I feel like I have improved by leaps and bounds that would never be possible in a high school setting.

Everything I do is a learning experience,

High school artwork courtesy of Tricia Taggart. Artwork pictured appeared as part of the Fine Arts Festival. Artists, clockwise from top left are Kaylee Peet, Kate Vojtkofsky, Julia McIntyre and Anna Qu.

and is overall, more fun than it is work,” McKee also emphasized that his classes in high school provided a solid foundation for this success.

Jessica Howard, coordinator of Continuing Education and Community Outreach at the Cleveland Institute of Art, works to ease the transition from high school to college for students attending the CIA as part of her job. The CIA precollege program also aids students who plan to attend art school.

“In our pre-college program, which is a college prep program, most of our instructors are current faculty at CIA. Our pre-college students are often being assigned projects similar to those that full time students would be asked to complete,” Howard said.

In speaking on how the value of high school art programs affect interest in attending art school, Howard articulated that students are the ones who value the programs most, but it is the responsibility of the general public, and the government to demonstrate art being taken seriously and the unlimited career possibilities in art.

C O L L E G E

THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 12

Jazz Band hits all the right notes at annual Big Band Dance ALEXIS FLORENCE

The origins of the WHS jazz band date back to the 1960s, according to director and Music Dept. member, Daniel Adams.

Adams further explained that Jazz Band has not always been after school club. He said that once the high school moved to its current building, it became a class. Now, the band has 19 members.

Adams said it is important to have a jazz band at WHS because it has great value.

“Jazz is an important part of our heritage, both historically and musically, and it’s great for our students to have an avenue to learn about and perform it,” Adams said.

The band is also a way for

students, such as Matthew Brunn (11), to expand their interest in music.

“I’ve always enjoyed music, and Jazz Band would allow me to explore more of it. Also those bowties look fabulous,” Brunn said.

Jazz Band is known in the community for their annual big band dance that features music from the big band era played by the band.

Students, including Rachael Schmidt (10) enjoy attending the dance.

“The Big Band Dance is the most fun and carefree dance.

It’s great to go with a group of friends to enjoy the music and dance,” Schmidt said.

Adams stated the dance serves as the group’s largest fundraiser.

Jazz band will be performing at the Big Band Dance on May 6.

a in s t h e l p x e r e t i r w ff i c a n ce o n g i a s t S f

JOHN GORMAN Originating in the early 20th Century in New Orleans, jazz music has been a core component of American culture for generations.

Jazz music originally stemmed from both African rhythms and bluesy feel and European harmonies and instrumentation.

According to jazzinamerica.org, these came together in New Orleans and evolved through

African American spirituals to become what jazz is today.

Widely considered to be the original jazz soloist and innovator, Louis Armstrong was a pivotal figure in the birth of jazz. An NPR.com titled “Louis Armstrong: The man and his music,” explains that his nearly nonstop touring with his band throughout the ‘30s and ‘40s helped to spread the popularity of the genre across the nation.

One such individual who was inspired by the confidence and talent of Armstrong was Miles Davis.

Davis is widely considered to be one of the progenitors of both cool jazz and hardbop jazz, an up-tempo, wilder alternative to the standard bebop jazz.

Davis would also later go on to record Kind of Blue, an essential album for any jazz

j az

z

listener, along with other virtuosos like saxophonists John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley, and pianist Bill Evans.

A Slate.com article

by Fred Kaplan titled “Kind of Blue,” explains how the album marked a new beginning of jazz music; rather than being confined to a rigid set of chords, the musicians were free to do whatever they please.

Abigail Daniels of CNN states that much of modern music, specifically hip-hop and rap, have their roots in jazz. Both genres were born in similar ways.

“Jazz was born a raw and energetic rebuttal of what was

musically acceptable at the time, and became the voice of a generation of African-American youth,” she explains.

Jazz in the early 20th Century is what hip hop is today.

While jazz may not appeal to everyone on the surface, look a little deeper both at modern music and jazz from the past.

Eric Fairhurst, saxophonist for the Standard Time Jazz Quartet, corroborates on the importance of jazz to morderm music.

“Jazz is a distinctly American music. To prove its importance and influence, look to Europe, South America and Africa and their acceptance and appreciation of this art form. The improvisational nature of jazz, along with its core of lbues was also the impetus for rock and roll. Today, jazz is known as a truly world music,” Fairhurst said.

Whosampled.com finds that artists from Madonna to Jay Z and Kanye West have all used licks from the likes of Herbie Hancock and Nina Simone.

Jazz has music for everyone; whether you want a smooth, emotional, swinging, or lively tune, give the likes to Paul Desmond, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk or Charles Mingus a try.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 13

Beauty and the Beast

KAYLA BARNET Ignoring the obvious problems of bestiality and the romanization of Stockholm

Syndrome, I grew up watching Beauty and the Beast, and is a part of my childhood.

Going into the movie theater, I had high expectations because I have watched the animated version for 17 years -- something I hold close to my heart.

However, I did not leave the theater disappointed in any way.

Emma Watson’s performance is beautiful, especially due to the fact that she is basically a princess in real life. The songs

filming of the movie is breathtaking.

I even liked the modifications the director made: adding diversity to the cast, the new songs, giving a backstory to the castle and some of the characters, and answering a few questions the original movie left are almost identical to the original film, the costumes are beyond impressive and the

out.

Of course, there are a few things from the original film that I miss; the dance in the

ballroom did not feel as grand, and the library the Beast gives to Belle feels much smaller in the new film than the original.

Though these seem miniscule, those were scenes I have always looked forward to when I watched the original movie.

These small let-downs in no way changed my opinion on the film’s entirety, however.

Overall, Beauty and the Beast is a breathtaking film that is done incredibly well. If you have grown up watching that movie, like I did, I highly encourage you to watch it. I guareentee you won’t regret it.

Kong: Skull Island

CHRISTOPHER ROCHE Kong: Skull Island offers a welcome departure from Peter Jackson’s 2005 King Kong.

Taking place right after the Vietnam War, the movie provides a strong backdrop for the action-packed thrill ride that comes with an enormous ape wreaking havoc.

The cast features a handful of well-developed characters that never seem to surpass each other with amount of dialogue or time on screen. The movie’s stars include Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson and even more big name actors.

Jackson’s performance as a grizzled military commander particularly stood out to me.

The soundtrack is filled with ‘70s rock that fit nicely with the Vietnam War era setting and provide a great selection of music for the movie. The cinematography offers many incredible scenes, from the first encounter with Kong himself, to the explosive ending.

The movie shines most when it shows off the creativity put into designing every aspect of the mysterious skull island, from the selection of monsters roaming the island, to the smallest details that make the island seem to come to life.

The plot drags a little in between the astounding action scenes, but the story comes together in the end.

In many ways, Kong: Skull Island is an homage to the Vietnam War era films such as Apocalypse Now. I would recommend this movie to anyone looking for a modern rendition of the classic monster movie.

EVAN RICE artist

Through 13 LPs and three and a half decades, Depeche Mode has masterfully created dark introspections on themselves.

Their latest LP, Spirit, marks a change for Depeche Mode as a melancholy composition for the rest of humanity instead of a self-reflective composition. The titans of electronic rock and the new wave reflect bitterly on the world and its loss of decency through 12 elegantly lyricized and fashionably engineered tracks.

Depeche Mode’s sudden journey into writing about the

world marks the end of the album’s stylistic changes; their mix of keyboards and classic blues guitar are particularly reminiscent of their early work and especially their magnum opus, Violator.

Each track included on Spirit excels, but the album succeeds most in its ingratiatingly beautiful tracks peppered throughout, most notably the lonesomely delivered “Poison Heart” and the distorted ballad that is “Fail,” though the album gets engaged in a heavyhanded attack in “Where’s the Revolution”. Though the heavy-handedness is almost certainly a reaction of the world’s current political and social climates, it is unsuited for the album’s reserved observations of the rest of the world’s negativities.

Though a few deficient tracks mitigate the album’s quality, in Depeche Mode’s atmospheric return to their past excellence in sound, Spirit effortlessly sweeps listeners away in their eerily beautiful electronic gospel.

FEATURE

THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 14

Akron Zoo

Closer than Cleveland or Columbus, the Akron Zoo opens its doors to day-trippers looking to stay a little closer to home.

According to akronzoo.org, the prices range from $9 for children to $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens. The summer hours, which are in place from April to October, are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of the week.

with unique restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues.

According to coventryvillage.org, the neighborhood is located near Cleveland Botanical Gardens, Cleveland Museum of Art and other University Circle attractions and provides a small, college-town feel, within a large city.

Cleveland Museum of Art

Alliance, Ohio If you have a little extra time this spring break, make sure you visit Alliance, Ohio, with its folksy museums and scenic green spaces.

Alliance, nestled just northeast of Canton and only one hour and 10 minutes from Wooster, is truly the Paris of Central Northeast Ohio, other than the actual Paris, Ohio, of course, which is just 20 minutes south of Alliance.

If you are spending the day in Alliance, Troll Hole, home to 2,990 trolls, which is a world record, according to Guinness World Records. The space is small, and if you have to wait in line for a tour, walk to the end of the block and take a stroll in the Feline Historical Museum, operated by the Cat Fancier’s Association Foundation.

After you have seen the museums and explored the local restaurant scene, you might be able to catch the Carnation City Players’, the local theater company, rendition of the Pulitzer Prize winning play Rabbit Hole on the April 7 through April 9.

14 15 20 21 22

SPRING BREAK Ohio attractions for a day trip RECREATIONAL READING making time to enjoy reading SENIOR REFLECTIONS the college admissions process ORGANIC PRODUCE the shopper’s guide to pesticides SENIORITIS students discuss senioritis

Located about one hour and 15 minutes from Wooster in the University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland, the Cleveland Museum of Art provides creative fun for all ages.

Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, the museum currently features exhibits ranging from “Black in America: Louis Draper and Leonard Freed,” to “Opulent Fashion in the Church,” according to clevelandart. org.

Some special exhibits may require the purchase of a ticket, but visiting the museum’s collections is free.

Spring Break Day Trips

Hocking Hills State Park

What’s Inside?

a closer look at the feature section

Coventry Village

The Franklin Park Conservatory

in Logan, Ohio, provides numerous outdoor and family friendly activities. The park is comprised of nature preserves, caves and waterfalls and a variety of lodging options are available to rent for an extended stay.

The Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus showcases a mixture of art and indoor and outdoor gardens.

Currently, according to the conservatory’s website, fpconservatory.org, the “Blooms and Butterflies” exhibition is being shown, which includes the release of butterflies during daily educational programs.

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission to the conservatory costs $14 for people ages 13 to 59, $7 for children ages three to 12 and $11 for seniors ages 60 and up.

Blurbs written by Sarah Hopkins, Emma Strong and Alexander Thompson. Graphic by Matt Lorentz

Westside Market Vendors of meat, baked goods, flowers, seafood and fresh produce all meet at Cleveland’s Westside Market.

The market is open Monday and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has been featured in programs on the Food Network and the Travel Channel, according to westsidemarket.org.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 7, 2017 | FEATURE | PAGE 15

k a e tim m y h e W

Pictures credits Tourzrimournir , Mounir (food), MaxPixel

RACHEL WOOD & AMBER SWIGART

C

onfucius once said, “No matter how busy you may think you are, you must

(reading), Thlare Public Relations (students) Graphic by Matt Lorentz

they have read four or more books for recreation in Aware that the books read in their class may be the

students to make time for this activity outside of school and

be an invaluable resource for students of any

for ? g n recreat i d ional rea

Poll conducted by Rachel Wood and Amber Swigart Poll conducted March 21 and 22 during 5A and 5B lunches

WHS students & recreational reading No 36%

No 13% Yes 64%

Yes 87%

7% 2% 6%

1

10% 36%

0

39%

2-3 4-5 6-7

Would you read recreationally more often if you had less homework?

Do you think that reading outside of school is beneficial?

How many books has your English teacher assigned within the past year?

8+

2%

11%

14% 23%

26% 24%

How many books have you read for recreation within the past year?

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 18

We asked elementary students: Melrose Elementary students shared responses to this question March 30, 2017.

“We can recycle, reuse and reduce.”

-Collin Fitzpatrick (2) “Help save animals. If I see a hurt animal, I can call the vet.”

-Daniel McWeeny (1) “I can plant trees and plants and recycle things.”

-Brooklyn Nolletti (4) “I can use less water and I can pick up trash.”

-Ellen Armour (1) “Put the trash inside the trash can.”

-Jake Jung (Kindergarten) “We can use less electricity, but using less screen time and turning off lights.”

-Gideon Michener (2) “I can recycle paper, cans and bottles.”

-Sierah Schad (Kindergarten)

school.”

-Brandon Graser (4) Quotes compiled by Olivia Sleek.

Graphics by Spencer Dilyard.

“Not litter and help the plants.”

-Madeline McNeil (2)

“Pick up sticks that fall.”

-Lauren Weiser (Kindergarten)

“Pick up trash and save water. If there’s no water, what can we drink?”

-Cole Cassidy (1)

“Not litter and not cut down trees.”

-Luke Derodes (3)

“Plant more trees and change the dirt for the trees so they don’t die.”

-Jocelyn Henderson (1)

Environmental education remains necessary for upcoming generations EVAN DOAN & JACOB GOOCH s pressing environmental issues continue to come to light, concerns about how and when environmental ideas are being addressed in our education system are increasing.

Denny Jordan, former science teacher in WCSD and Case Western Reserve graduate, says educating students about the environment is the most essential way to raise awareness about these issues.

“Education is key. We need to show people that care of the environment is important to our quality of life and will save money in the long run,” Jordan said.

According to Jordan, educational requirements surrounding the environment are relaxed, at best.

He cites a lack of direct demonstration, saying, “One general trend over the last two decades seems to be that there is less hands-on experience.”

Jordan said outdoor

programs play a key role in environmental education, continuing, “I think that it is extremely important that we continue outdoor programs to keep kids connected to nature.

I truly believe that the best way to develop an appreciation for nature and the environment is to be out in it.”

The Ohio Dept. of Education Next Generation Science Standards, found on education. ohio.gov, were adopted in July 2011.

Within this guide are three categories: Earth and Space Science, Physical Science and Life Science.

The entire science standards guide mentions recycling only as a suggestion for teachers to show students the impact that they have on the environment.

According to WHS Science Dept. member Shelly Silvaggi, all of the branches within science help to foster an appreciation for the environment.

“The foundation for Environmental Science is laid in Earth Science, Biology and Chemistry. Bringing all of those concepts together for a full system approach to solve

problems, anthropogenic and otherwise, is the purpose of Environmental Science,” Silvaggi said.

Jordan stresses it is important for all of us to be informed about current environmental issues, saying, “We need to make sure that things like the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, the coral bleaching and the use of chemicals get covered more and that people understand the consequences of their actions. Read and be informed.”

Silvaggi showed similar concerns about the dangers of ignorance, saying, “ It is important to be aware of the impacts that humans make on the world around us. All of our actions have consequences, good or bad. If we can assess our impacts, we can make better decisions.

These decisions can then benefit all life on this planet.”

How environmental issues are being addressed in education is important to ensuring everyone is informed on some of the most pressing topics, not only for today’s generation, but for many generations that will come in the future.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 19

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

Experts identify flora to look for in the upcoming spring months April May Blurbs by Adam Kirk. Watercolor by Jess Lyons.

After assisting in the design of countless gardens and the newly created Cornerstone PlayLab, Wooster resident and WHS parent Margaret Bourne knows a thing or two about

Bourne also gave a few decorating tips for those working with “fun May

FEATURE

Seniors Illustrations

by Evan Rice

HANNA MORGAN

I

knew at a young age that I wanted to be an athlete at the collegiate level With that goal in mind, the schools at which I visited needed to have physical therapy, which is the major in which I was interested.

After talking to several coaches and researching majors and campus life, I compiled a list of schools I wanted visit.

Because each of my visits were primarily centered on playing lacrosse, each coach set up my

MAUREEN McKEOWN With the spring season starting, graduation is right around the corner for the senior class.

Seniors have turned in their college applications and now it is time to decide on where to spend the next four years of your life.

“I’ve always known where I wanted to go to college, and

admissions visit for me.

Everything was personal to me, which is different from typical visits, as they are mostly group based.

At each school I visited, I received a personal tour and got to meet with my admissions counselor.

Members of the team would also show me around the campus and answer any questions about student athlete life.

I found that assistance very helpful because I got special attention and found out much more about the school because of those with whom I talked.

After comparing visits with my friends who were not athletes, I felt as though I was more informed about each of now that I am, it all feels so surreal to me,” Adrian Evans (12) said.

For students, there may seem to be millions of choices and factors that go into the decision of choosing a college, which can be overwhelming for the students making those choices.

“I’ve visited many different schools and now I just need to finalize scholarships and decide on a plan on where to go. My advice for seniors is to make a chart of everything have it lined up so you know exactly how

the schools I visited.

Since I was going through the admissions process as an athlete, my coach did much of the work for me, as she also made arrangements with admissions regarding my scholarship package.

I found it easier and more helpful to get the information I needed through my coach and future teammates, rather than going to admissions counselor for everything.

I think participating in athletics at the collegiate level helped me considerably because I gained more insight through not only the admissions, but the athletic department, as well. It was comforting to have so many people caring about my well being on that college campus and wanting to become a part of their family. much everything is,” Gillian Fannin (12) said.

Having to decide their futures when they are teenagers can be a lot of pressure.

Talking over all the possible places with an adult or trusted teacher can help minimize these concerns and clear the way for the ultimate decision.

“My older brother and parents have really helped me in deciding on where to go. They all let me know what they like in a school but also let me have the ultimate say in it,” Ben

DREW FRIEDHOFF

T

he college admissions process is exciting and eye-opening for me and for many other high school students across the country.

Exploring what the next step is going to be in higher education can be stressful, but if students begin the process early and do their research, it becomes much more enjoyable.

Visiting college campuses exposes students to a number of different people and atmospheres and is an essential part of the search as colleges take into account an individual’s interest when he or she applies.

Also along the way, using websites such as cappex.com, niche.com and Naviance - the program WHS began using to sync communication between students, colleges and high school counselors were very helpful.

Once I visited, researched and selected the colleges that intrigued me, the Common Application made applying to colleges a breeze.

All of the

requirements and information for applications are listed here, and it stays organized and easy to access.

The worst part of the application process is the waiting that comes after applications are done. The counselors at WHS are beyond helpful during this time period.

Keeping them updated and making sure everything has been sent to the colleges of choice is both important and a good way to pass the time.

Finally, the hard work pays off and students get that package in the mail that informs them that they have gotten into college.

The relief and gratitude I felt, knowing I got into college, and knowing that all the time and effort I put into my high school education was really worth it, was definitely one of the greatest feelings in the world.

The application process may be long and strenuous, but the exploring and learning that comes with it and ultimately getting into college outweighs everything else and will put people on track for the next four years of their lives.

Seniors offer advice on college applications and admissions

Wiest (12) said.

Choosing a college can be very difficult, but there are outlets to help. There are people willing to help students at WHS and as, Julie Hamad, WHS guidance counselor says, students can also utilize specific tools and strategies to help them.

“Always stay up to date with Naviance, and check with any club or activity you are in to see if there is a scholarship for you. If you don’t apply for a scholarship, you won’t get it,” Hamad said.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 21

The shopping guide to pesticides...

Recently, the Environmental Working Group released their “Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce” to the public, which is an informative list of what produce is most and least likely to be contaminated with pesticide residue.

According to the EWG website, they tested 48 different types of produce and made two separate lists to show where each type of fruit or vegetable belongs. Each fruit and vegetable was washed thoroughly and then tested for pesticides.

Those fruits and vegetables that tested with the highest amount of pesticide residues were placed on the Dirty Dozen list. The produce with the least amount of pesticide residue was placed on the Clean 15 list. The EWG encourages to buy the fruits and vegetables on the Dirty Dozen organically because of the high pesticide residue.

Blurb by Hanna Morgan

Celery

Peppers Peaches

Papayas

Spinach

Sweet corn

The clean fifteen

The dirty dozen

Grapefruit Pineapple Honeydew

Nectarines

Sweet peas Cabbage Cantaloupe

Grapes

HANNAH KNAPIC cover editor

In today’s society, grocery stores are more than threefourths full of genetically modified foods, according to the Center for Food Safety, at centerforfoodsafety.org.

Professor of Anthropology at the College of Wooster, Matthew Mariola, explains the many benefits to buying

organic foods rather than genetically modified produce, ranging from being better for your health to supporting local farmers.

When buying inorganic foods, consumers purchase produce that is covered with pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and other harmful chemicals, said Mariola.

These chemicals not only harm individuals, but also the

Pears

environment.

The chemicals in inorganic foods cause water pollution and do not provide any extra nutrients or antibiotics to animals that need them, according to Mariola.

Dr. Bob Ross, a member and writer for Wooster Natural Foods, further emphasized the harm of inorganic food on the environment, stating it releases petroleum into the soil that

contributes to climate change.

When it comes to wildlife, the pesticides and herbicides cause Colony Collapse Disorder, a disease that is killing honeybees, and is mutating bugs as they become immune to the pesticides, according to Ross.

Certain produce is more likely to have a higher concentration of pesticides than others, depending on the

Graphics by Matt Lorentz and Emma Strong

Avocado Asparagus

Potatoes physical properties of the fruit or vegetable. Soft foods like strawberries, will have more pesticides than foods with rigid outsides like avocados.

When considering buying produce, most grocery stores carry non-GMO foods.

In Wooster, if one is looking to buy locally, Mariola and Ross recommend Local Roots, Spoon or Wooster Natural Foods, all located in downtown Wooster.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | APRIL 7, 2014 | PAGE 22

SARAH HOPKINS co-editor-in-chief

Every day, I wake up at the break of dawn, down a cup of joe and eat a bowl of nails sans milk; it is time to get on that senior year grind.

I make my daily trek to the hallowed halls of WHS at 8:05 a.m. and cannot help but notice the growing amount of my peers being plagued by the same dreadful “disease:” senioritis.

Senioritis is often characterized by students’ lack of motivation at the end of their

educational career.

Now, maybe this affliction exist on some scale and does affect some students, but regardless, senioritis is basically giving up because the end is in sight.

Seniors: is that the way you plan to live the rest of your life?

Each time you foresee the end of a job, a relationship, a game, a life, are you just going to call it quits and cruise onto the next?

Finishing strong is important, and a good work ethic even more so. Not giving up when it is an easy and available option highlights that strong work ethic.

I firmly believe no regrets will ever arise from putting forth your best work.

The great Oprah Winfrey once said, “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”

And the even greater Sarah Hopkins once said, “Stay hungry and do your homework.”

Senoritis infects students RYAN MILLER

Senioritis characterizes weakness

A Class Divided; Seniors Do you believe senioritis is a real condition?

focus editor

Senioritis is a sly adversary.

While it can manifest itself during high school, in my personal experience, senioritis takes its tightest grip during the second semester of a person’s senior year of high school and gives little to no warning when or how it will strike.

Although the disease is still pending recognition from the AMA, it has become a familiar lexicon and has made its way into the vernacular of seemingly every student in order to characterize what was previously referred to as the senior slump.

discuss their views on Senioritis

Do you suffer from senoritis?

Exploring the causes of senioritis

6.4%

OLIVIA SLEEK trends editor

33.0%

Senioritis is something of which high school seniors face.

93.6% 67.0%

- Yes

Common symptoms include dwindling motivation, loss of ambition and a marginal slip in grades.

I can attest, from personal experience, that once the college acceptance letters come in, it becomes increasingly easy to focus on the future, instead of the here and now.

A poll conducted by the Omniscient, a peer based publication located in Pittsboro, North Carolina, 78 percent of high school seniors recognized having the aliment.

However prevalent senioritis maybe be, even at its peak, it is abnormal for a prognosis to be fatal to a college acceptance.

According to an article by Time Magazine, entitled “These Senior-Year Missteps Could Cost You Your College Acceptance,” only one to two percent of admitted college students have their acceptance revoked each year.

To conclude, senioritis is a very real feeling, a feeling that many have felt at one time or another but it is not the end of the world.

- No

- Yes

A poll of 154 students was conducted March 30 and March 31. Poll condcuted by Holly Miller.

- No

“a general apathy towards school work that is developed after years of schooling at an institution,” according to sites. bu.edu.

Dr. Susan Bowling, a doctor from the Cleveland Clinic Family Health Care Center here in town, gave some insight into the condition of senioritis.

“It’s a cultural phenomenon not a clinical condition. So many people experience it that it [has become] a legitimate shared

experience. It’s a term that we use in the U.S. and Canada; it’s not a universal experience.”

Bowling also stated that for students who claim to have senioritis, they need to keep up with their workload and not fall behind.

“We often live in the past and the future, right ‘now’ is often hard to enjoy. That is my advice to seniors; live in the now and don’t stop working toward your goals,” Bowling said .

Senioritis may be a universal experience for most seniors, but as long as students keep themselves on the right track, senioritis can be cured.

TRENDS NATE KING-SMITH co-editor-in-chief

Owning a plant and having to care for it may seem like a tedious chore, but houseplants offer benefits to a home and make aesthetically pleasing additions to a room.

Deborah Singer, local business owner of Deborah’s Garden Market, loves plants and the intangible qualities they bring to a room.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 23

“Besides the beauty they can offer as living things, I find plants therapeutic to be around, they can even clear the air we breathe and make it easier to sleep,” Singer said.

To expand on this idea, WHS Science Dept. member and botany teacher, Troy Worth, champions this air purification.

“Plants do a great job of removing phenol compounds from the air that are caused by plastics and electronics,” Worth said.

Additionally, WHS environmental teacher and avid gardener, Shelly Silvaggi, speaks to plants’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide from our atmosphere and to clean the air.

If these benefits seem appealing, people may still be confused as to what plants to purchase initially.

Singer said the easiest plants to start growing are succulents “Succulents are also perfect plants to take to college. They grow slow, you can buy small,

and you can create different combinations of them in dishes; the worst you can do is overwater them,” Singer said.

Once a plant is purchased, the next, most challenging, step is looking after them.

According to Singer, it is common for starters to overwater plants and to have improper amounts of sunlight.

Singer recommended that after finding a spot with proper lighting for plants and figuring out how often they need

Native plants springing up

Nigella photo courtesy of H.P. Brinkmann. Marigold, pansy and fern photos public domain courtesy of Pixabay. Basil photo courtesy of Valerie Everett. Images collected by Jacob Gooch and Kayla Barnet.

What’s Inside? a closer look at the Trends section

23

FLORAL FOLLY tips and tricks for spring gardening

24

COMMUNITY THEATER local programs encourage dramatic arts

25

TECH TRENDS electronic accessories that innovate phone use

watered, the best move is to get plants on a schedule. “...If a plant doesn’t seem healthy, lift it out and look at the roots; you want white fleshy roots. If roots are soft and mushy, they are getting too much water, and if they are brittle, they’re dry,” Singer said.

Plants can potentially repel insects, improve air quality, and bring life into a house.

With some practice and care, owning a houseplant may provide a host of benefits.

Plants from left to right: Nigella, marigold, pansy, basil and autumn fern.

left and right this summer

Composting encourages eco-friendly gardening ISABELLE CANNON design manager

Composting is a way to reduce waste in landfills and to add beneficial nutrients into the soil.

The act of composting is nature’s way of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost, according to an article called “What is Composting,” on recycleworks.org.

Shelly Silvaggi, Science Dept. member, explains that composting is very beneficial to the consumer and the environment.

“Compost is free nutrients for the garden, and it prevents organic material from wasting space in a landfill, Silvaggi said.

Anyone can start a compost, and few ingredients are needed.

Science Dept. member Troy Worth explains that a little area of a garden can be used as a

compost.

Food waste products such as peels and vegetable scraps and even yard debris with a packet of yeast, and time can start a perfect compost pile.

Science Dept.

Member Mckenzie Doup has a compost pile at her house. She explains that yard wastes, especially leaves, are the best to add to a compost pile, as it is the best kind of nitrogen for healthy plants.

2

Photo fair use via Ifan Tjeered Veenhoven on Wikimedia Commons

3

Photo courtesy of LuMee.com

The Perfect Some people want to elevate their picture taking capability, and some want a way to cool down on a warm day.

Thankfully, there is an easy simultaneously. Mini phone fans are sold which attach to the charging port of a smartphone or can be attached to a phone case. These fans can either blow one’s hair they can blow cool air to cool someone down. This can be a perfect new accessory addition versions of this product are sold, and they can be found on Amazon for a small fee of $2.44

4 Attachable Camera

5

Photo Courtesy of Ringly.com

A Quick Every time

Phone cameras are used moments they wish to remember, as an alternative to carrying a bulky high quality digital camera with them everywhere they go.

However, some may wish that phone cameras were able to take better pictures to go along with the convenience.

Some cases are able to bridge the gap between phones and professional cameras by providing an attachable optical zoom to phones.

Multiple versions that give higher level of zoom for better picture quality can be found on Amazon for a range of prices.

Photo fair use via Max Pixel on google images.com

Blurbs by Nick Cosmo and Valerie Anderson

1

Photo Courtesy of Phonesoap.com

m

THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 24

large part of culture, and many attempt to create the best picture possible for their social media platforms or own enjoyment.

However, lighting can be tricky to perfect at times.

Thankfully, LuMee is able to solution. LuMee sells a phone case that has a strip of lights around the outside edge of the case with adjustable settings for dimness, ensuring that one will have the perfect setting and lighting for any situation.

The case operates on its own battery and can be found on LuMee’s website for $69.95.

PhoneSoap UV sanitizer and universal phone charger uses germ-killing UV-C light, which, according to Amazon, is designed to kill bacteria found on everything from doorknobs to toilet seats. cell phone charger that can fit and charge any phone with its universal charging outlet and USB port. The case disinfects your phone within 10 minutes and comes with an 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

PhoneSoap UV sanitizer cases can be purchased off Amazon, costing between $47.99 and $119.95 depending on size.

Ringly has developed smart bracelets and rings that keep you connected without having to look at your phone.

The jewelry is stylish and does not appear to be an electronic device, but can be synced to your smartphone.

According to Neiman Marcus, the jewelry is able to count steps and distance traveled and even calories burned.

This phone accessory is rechargeable, water resistant and is able to sync with your favorite smartphone apps.

Ringly smart jewelry is for sale on Neiman Marcus, ranging in price anywhere from $195 to $265.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | TRENDS | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 25

Summer Stage showcases local talent CHRISTOPHER ROCHE

Stage is an organization devoted to using talent in our community.”

Summer Stage Wooster is a community musical production

“SUMMER STAGE IS AN ORGANIZATION DEVOTED TO USING TALENT IN OUR COMMUNITY,” PATTERSON SAID.

to students and their families.

A musical theater organization based in Wooster, Summer Stage puts on a musical every other summer at WHS. According to Todd Patterson, the director for Summer Stage productions, the idea is to allow community members to participate in all the aspects of putting on a musical, from performing in the show, to set design, to lighting and sound.

Patterson explained, “Summer

The Sound of Music.

Community The

aters

In the past, Summer Stage has produced The Sound of Music, Life: A Musical Journey and Annie. nie

One student, Lexi Snoddy (11), who was involved in The Sound of Music production, said, “My favorite thing about summer stage productions is getting to meet and work with so many new people from our community.”

This summer, the production will be Shrek: The Musical and Patterson will direct. Auditions will be held May 24, and May 25 in the Performing Arts Center.

Auditions for children and youth ages 5 through 18 will be held 4:30 p.m. through 6:30 p.m.

Auditions for adults will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the same location. The dates of the performance are July 22-23 and July 28-30 in the PAC.

in Wooster

Photos Courtesy of WHS Drama Club and WaCPAC

WaCPAC plays large role in the community DROSOS KARDULIAS

ticipate in the program free of charge, which Karger states is an intentional policy, with the purpose of eliminating economic barriers for participation.

Karger states WaCPAC partici-

ing children’s social circles and introducing them to new and unfamiliar faces from around the county.

The shows organized by WaCPAC, according to Karger, generally follow the format of being entirely adult productions in the fall and winter, allowing both adults and children in the spring and including only children in a summer musical.

Margaret Leatherman, director of the summer youth production for three years running, states she has been involved with the organization for 15 years and expresses pride about

for those involved, from improving social skills to broaden-

the community. “[WaCPAC is] a great way to

WaCPAC president Jennette unteer organization she leads has existed since 1982, and serves Wayne County by organizing theatrical performances and events throughout the year.

The productions are entirely

help them improve their skills in public speaking, in their conLeatherman said.

Leatherman went on to say ence on students will manifest environment as well.

Laurie Schang, treasurer of WaCPAC and member since the 1990s, characterizes the procommunity, which has led to ity.

Schang described the program as serving the purpose of furthering public education.

WaCPAC’s next production will be The Wizard of Oz.

Anne of Green Gables.

SPORTS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL. 7, 2016 | PAGE 26

Opening Day brings optimism and hope

JOHN GORMAN The 2017 Major League Baseball season begins on April 2, and with it, comes a new season of tradition and hope for all 30 MLB clubs and fans alike.

Opening Day in baseball brings with it an atmosphere that no other sport manages to encapsulate.

No other North American sport can compete with the history and tradition that comes with 117 seasons of America’s Pastime.

No other sport has had the President of the United States kick off the season, with the president having thrown out the ceremonial first pitch for over 100 years, although the tradition has come to an end this year.

Major League Baseball simply has a richer, longer history than all other major sports in the United States by nearly 50 years, and Opening Day marks another chance to add to that storied history.

Opening Day creates a feeling of being hope and excitement for all teams and fans.

Regardless of payroll or last season’s finishes, every team starts out undefeated. While this occurs in other sports as well, the 182 game season gives countless chances for anything to happen, and it usually does.

Finally, even for those who may be less passionate about the beginning of the MLB season, Opening Day marks the end of winter, and who does not like spring?

What’s Inside? a closer look at the sports section

26 27 28

MLB PREVIEW A look ahead at the 2017 MLB season and the mystique of opening day MARCH MADNESS advice from the reigning bracket champion and the most common picks from students

} 29

WHS SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW courts, a closer look at the most promising athletics at WHS

Graphic by Matt Lorentz

A look ahead to the MLB season JOHN GORMAN On April 2, the quest for a World Series for all 30 MLB teams officially begins.

Though it is a 162 game season and anything can happen, there are some things that are much more likely than others.

For instance, USA Today predicts a very similar finish to last season, with the Red Sox, Indians, Nationals, Cubs and Dodgers all winning their divisions again.

The only difference from last year is the Houston Astros jump from a disappointing third place AL West finish to a division championship and with good reason. Second Baseman and reigning AL batting average leader Jose Altuve looks primed to carry the Astros back to the top of the west.

The AL Central, according to mlb.com, looks to be the least competitive division race of the year. The Cleveland Indians, fresh off a World Series run, will have a healthy starting rotation and have improved

at first base with the offseason addition of Edwin Encarnacion.

Though the Red Sox are the heavy favorites in the AL East, the Orioles and Blue Jays look to challenge them again, as do the younger Yankees. However, what sets the Red Sox one step ahead of the other contenders is their outfield - a three headed monster of Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr, and rookie Andrew Benintendi. The Red Sox outstanding outfield, coupled with their improved starting rotation, gives them a strong chance to repeat at the AL East champs.

Looking to the National League, the East is a two horse race between the Nationals and Mets, however, with the Mets aging and rotation injuries, it looks like the Nationals will repeat. Fueled by perennial MVP candidate Bryce Harper, the dynamic offense will likely be too much to handle for the rest of the east to contend with.

The NL Central is Cubs territory, with bleacherreport. com predicting a 93 win season.

Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo power the Cubs’ monstrous

offense, and with Javy Baez looking to have a breakout year offensively and Jason Heyward to bounce back from career lows, it only looks to get even better. With the offseason addition of closer Wade Davis to help mitigate the loss of Aroldis Chapman, the Cubs are the odds on favorite to repeat as World Series Champions.

Finally, the NL West looks to be a battle between the Giants and Dodgers like usual. With neither team making large changes to their rosters this year, it will likely come down to the final weeks of the season as it has the past few seasons.

However, the Colorado Rockies have one of the most dangerous lineups in all of baseball and look to vie for at least a Wild Card spot this year.

According to Westgate Las Vegas Superbook, the Chicago Cubs have the greatest odds to win the World Series, at 7-2, with the Boston Red Sox, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Cleveland Indians at 6-1, 7-1, and 9-1 respectively.

Yet, anything can happen in baseball, and it usually does.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 27

a clear advantage, which is rare in itself.

Next, I look at each team’s points per game and points allowed per game.

Defense sometimes trumps a mostly because each team is

GRANT PEABODY business manager

As the winner of The Wooster Blade March Madness bracket challenge last year, I was awarded the opportunity to write about my achievement and to talk about my decisions.

I like to take March Madness one round at a time. I always choose the one through four seeds to win their respected games, unless a higher seed has

on to the next round. It often comes down to lucky decisions, which I can easily say was a huge part of my success in the If you do not do so hot in the Comebacks in the second round are easy. I chose low seeds to make it to my Sweet 16, along with some gut decisions for upsets. Usually, in the second round, a higher seeded team makes a run that nobody saw coming. Last year, it was Gonzaga, which took a stab

at my bracket, but it did so to everyone else’s.

After you choose your second round match-ups, now it gets tough. You have top dog versus top dog, and here is where watching college basketball can come in handy. But, since I did not watch a single minute of college basketball all season, most of my picks were simple educated guesses.

From here, my Elite Eight and Final Four picks were all educated guesses except for UNC and Villanova. These were my two picks from the beginning to make it to the championship game. And, because of these two correct picks, my bracket was awarded 240 points, which ultimately gave me the best bracket without even having to play the championship game.

Top 10 WHS NCAA Champion Picks 1. Kansas Jayhawks 2. Villanova Wildcats 3. Kentucky Wildcats 4. Gonzaga Bulldogs 5. Duke Blue Devils 5. North Carolina Tar Heels 5. UCLA Bruins 8. Arizona Wildcats 8. South Carolina Gamecocks 10. Wisconsin Badgers

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 28

Wooster spring sports begin Baseball looks to repeat OCC title HOLLY MILLER Expectations are high for Wooster’s baseball team in 2017.

The returning Ohio Cardinal Conference champions are looking to improve upon their postseason run, which ended with a loss to Jackson in a district final.

“I’m excited to lead the team this year and build off of what the seniors established last year, we are expecting to win the OCC again this year and make it past districts,” John Nebesky (12) said.

The team is looking forward to playing their conference rivals Lexington and Madison as well as the teams they play in the tournament.

Wooster head coach Steven

Young expects a great season.“I’m looking forward to our seniors taking ownership and bringing the young guys along throughout the season.”

The Generals play a doubleheader at home tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. against Dover.

Nick Johnston (12) lines a base hit over the second baseman’s head.

Emma Anderson (10) looks for a hit at home, against West Holmes.

Softball hopes to improve GRANT PEABODY business manager

The girls’ softball team ended last years season with a record of 9-16 and have started the Although the team’s record could have been better last

season, team captain Audrey Cass (12) said the team has good depth this season, as well varsity players.

“We have a mix of returning varsity players so we have the numbers to be successful,

and interesting season,” Cass said.

The team looks to face Lexington in back to back OCC games away on April 11, and at home April 12 starting at 5 p.m.

Connor Niro ( 11) stages the start of a big race.

Track teams expect strong year EVAN DOAN Wooster track and field teams started off their season with the boys team beating out Norwayne, for a 1-0 starting record, and with the girls team losing by a narrow 9 points.

Distance and boys’ coach

Doug Bennett says the amount of potential for this team’s success is huge.

“There are a lot of new faces this year. We have already large team, 59 kids, but I see so much potential for growth,” Bennett said.

Bennett said he sees this continuing growth as the bedrock for their team’s

success.

“There’s always a hope and expectation to win the OCC, but it’s more important that we focus on getting better and improving,” Bennett said.

The Wooster track team will be competing this Saturday at the Lexington Invite and their next home meet is April 11 against Madison.

Graphic by Evan Rice Photos courtesy of Stacey Johnston, Matt Lorentz and Dahni Reynolds

S pring S ports Preview: As winter sports come to a close, WHS looks forward to spring sports seasons

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THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 29

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VIEWS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 30

AHCA proves dangerous

DREW FRIEDHOFF sports editor

It is weird to be living in a world where musicians put more planning into their work than politicians.

For the past seven years, GOP congressmen have been ripping apart the Affordable Care Act, while hyping up their incredible plan to repeal and replace it.

Now, as Drake releases another excellent album less than a year after his previous one, House Republicans are unable to pass a bill they had seven years to write and with the entire federal government in their control.

There were so many problems with Trumpcare that it will be hard to cover them all, but let me start with the basics.

Republicans have continuously argued that people should be able to have buffet-style health care in which they pick and choose exactly what they want on their plan.

However health care is not that simple, and it seems

apparent now that Donald Trump was speaking about GOP congressmen when he said, “Nobody knew health care could be so complicated.”

Health insurance works like a tower of blocks. If you remove one from the middle, it makes the entire structure less sound.

When one benefit is removed, it makes plans which continue to offer that benefit more expensive, meaning only really sick people will buy them. Thus, further driving up the cost.

More specific problems with Trumpcare include the retraction of subsidies and a focus on age over income.

By replacing Obamacare’s subsidies with refundable tax credits, many Americans could have their premiums go up depending on the size of the tax credit.

Currently, the poorest Americans benefit the most from subsidies. Under Trumpcare everyone making under $75,000 would receive the same tax credits, and now insurers could charge more to older Americans - a vicious provision that would exponentially increase premiums for seniors.

We are lucky that Trumpcare was pulled and, hopefully, for the next go-around Republicans call on our top hip-hop producers for help since they have proven to be utterly incompetent in writing their own health care bill.

What’s Inside?

a closer look at the Views section

30

AMERICAN HEALTH CARE student opinions on Republican health care plan

31

WOMEN IN SCIENCE exploring the impacts of women in STEM

32

EDITORIAL PAGE the Editorial Board on local and national issues

Do you think the number of people covered by health insurance will change under this administration?

Same 30%

Decrease 35%

Increase 35%

On March 30 and March 31, 137 students, grades 8-12, were polled Poll conducted by Ryan Miller Graphic by Spencer Dilyard

What do Wooster High School students think of health care?

In Favor of Health Care Reform?

No 23% Yes 77%

A brief timeline of American Health care 1940s-President Truman offers national health program plan, proposing a single system that would cover all of society.

1970s-Health care costs are escalating rapidly, greater use of technology and medications.

1980s-Corporations begin to integrate the hospital system. Overall, there is a shift toward privatization of health care.

2000s- Medicare is viewed by some as unsustainable and must be "rescued."

ERIN O’DONNELL cover editor

When I first heard of the Women in Engineering class that will be implemented during the 2017-18 school year, I cringed.

I cringed because I hated the precedent that I thought it set.

I feared that implementing a class specifically for females in such a male-dominated field was unnecessary, setting girls up to fail, and missing the point of encouraging women to take engineering classes.

I cringed especially hard because the idea for the class came from males, and will only be taught by males.

I was offended by the idea of quarantining female students, and feared that this will further the divide between men and women in STEM fields.

However, if the universal goal is ultimately to bring more females into STEM fields, the numbers show that this course will do exactly that. It has already seen results, and, according to data projections, will continue to close toward the goal of true equality in the STEM fields.

The course will have the same curriculum as the regular introduction to engineering class, but with an added emphasis on bringing in guest speakers to testify about their experiences as females in engineering, according to teacher Jacob Melrose.

Melrose, the teacher whose

idea this course was, said that he saw one other Ohio school, Hilliard Davidson High School, implement an allgirls engineering course, and according to their data, Wooster could potentially see a huge rise in females taking engineering classes.

According to Melrose, HDHS went from 8% of engineering students being female, which is comparable to WHS’ own data, to 20% of engineering students being female, because of the implementation of an all-female class.

So far, just from students that have signed up for the Women in Engineering class, WHS has, “at least doubled, maybe tripled” the amount of females in engineering classes compared to last year, according to Melrose.

A principal goal that Melrose identified was for women to see other women in engineering fields, however, this goal is incredibly inconsistent with the course itself, as solely male teachers will teach the class.

According to Melrose, WHS currently has no female teachers trained to teach an engineering class, however Science Dept. member Shelly Silvaggi clarified that the females in the department are capable of teaching this course in the future if they undergo training specific to the PLTW engineering classes.

Madison Cox (11), a student who is currently signed up for the class, sees no problem in that there are no female teachers to teach the course.

“It [the lack of female teachers] is really just coincidence,” Cox said, “I do not think it will make a difference [that the class is taught by males].”

Although I wish that this class was not necessary, it is.

The truth is that females are discouraged from entering STEM fields all the time.

Despite the drawbacks that come with this course, to have a class specifically for women which encourages female progress in science and math areas, is certainly a step in the right direction. In the future, I hope to see this course taught by a female.

Women in STEM Fields Women make up 49 percent of the U.S. workforce, but only 24 percent of the U.S. STEM workforce. (gettingsmart.com) 13 percent of engineers are women. (gettingsmart.com) In 2011, 5,523 more men than women earned doctorates in a STEM major. (gettingsmart.com) On average, men in STEM jobs earn $5.23 per hour more than women in STEM jobs. (gettingsmart.com) For every $1 a male in STEM earns, a female in STEM earns $0.86. (gettingsmart.com) 8 percent more female STEM majors end up working in education than male STEM majors. (gettingsmart.com) In 2009, there were 4.2 million more STEM-educated men than women in the workforce. (gettingsmart.com) The share of women holding social science jobs is 40 percent higher than the share of women holding engineering jobs. (gettingsmart.com) Women hold 25 percent of genetics PhDs, but have only won 6 percent of genetics awards. (gettingsmart.com) Females who major in a STEM field are twice as likely to to work in education or healthcare when compared to their male counterparts. (gettingsmart.com) 8.3% of mechanical engineers are women. (rit.edu) 12.5% of electrical engineers are women. (rit.edu) Female students in the RIT College of Engineering have a higher graduation rate than their male counterparts in the engineering school and the university as a whole. (rit.edu)

Graphics by Evan Rice and Matthew Lorentz

Editor evaluates new course

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 31

Prominent females in science discuss HANNAH KNAPIC cover editor

Women’s roles in the STEM fields have increased significantly in the last two decades, but a gap between men and women in the science workforce is still evident in the United States.

STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s education system, with courses being added every year to schools around the nation.

The number of women in STEM careers has risen from 23 percent to 28 percent from 1993 to 2010, according to a study done by the National Science Foundation at www.nsf.gov.

In WHS, the gap between male and female science teachers is present as well.

When considering teachers of grades eight through twelve, including those who instruct students with learning or functioning disabilities, the

ratio of male to female teachers is 13 to 7, according to Science Dept. member Erin Petruzzi.

The gap between men and women lessens once students reach their undergraduate school, according to College of Wooster Professor Amy Jo Stavenezer.

Stavenezer, a professor of neuroscience and psychology, explains the divide in percentage of employers as a bunch of varying factors that combine.

One of these factors, Stavenezer explained, is the “leaky pipeline.” This euphemism explains a situation where, once men and women enter the workforce, men reach for more promotions, are more confident and are less likely to leave for family matters such as taking care of children.

Women often also take on a mentoring role for colleagues and peers, said Stavenezer.

This mentoring helps build the programs, but slows down the woman’s individual career path, allowing for less time to

focus on private success.

For Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at the College of Wooster, Jennifer Bowen, the role of mentors has been incredibly influential in her life and career.

As a sophomore in college, Bowen attended an all girls STEM camp in which women could form bonds with one another in a field that is dominated by men.

Particularly in the computer sciences and mathematics fields, where the number of women dropped by 2010 according to the National Science Foundation, the support that Bowen has found through other women has carried into her career today and acts as a comforting and helpful source.

Petruzzi, Stavenezer and Bowen all encourage women who wish to pursue a career in STEM to go for it and, if one is struggling with peers, classwork or teachers, to reach out and find a role model or mentor on which to rely.

THE

WOOSTER

BLADE

Editors-in-Chief Sarah Hopkins, Nate KingSmith Webmaster Alexander Thompson Graphics Managers Spencer Dilyard, Matthew Lorentz Design Managers Estelle Shaya, Isabelle Cannon Business Managers Grant Peabody, Estelle Shaya On Campus Editors Drosos Kardulias, Tatumn McGrew, Kayla Cooper Focus Editors Austin McCully, Ryan Miller, Sports Editors A & E Editors Kayla Barnet, Nick Cosmo Trends Editors Olivia Sleek Cover Editors Erin O’Donnell, Amber Swigart, Valerie Anderson, Hannah Knapic Views Editors Evan Doan, Maureen McKeown Feature Editors Hanna Morgan, Emma Strong Staff Writers Madison Culver-Lee, Jacob Gooch, John Gorman, Holly Miller, Christopher Roche, Samuel Schonfeld, Leah Sim, Rachel Dugan Wood Head Photographer Grant Peabody Photographers Madison Culver-Lee, Hannah Knapic, Tracy Morgan, Chelsea Patterson Artists Jess Lyons, Evan Rice, Leah Sim 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 the woosterblade.com

THE VOICE OF WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | APRIL 7, 2017 | PAGE 32

OUR VIEW

President Trump struggles with media President Donald Trump’s relationship with the media is, at the very least, complicated.

Trump and the rest of his administration have repeatedly been directly hostile toward established media sources, and they have also attempted to manipulate them.

We, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board, believe the Trump administration’s strategy is to distract citizens and the media from unfavorable topics about his administration.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board exhorts the media to not let the administration’s diversionary tactics distract from important

issues and stories that need to be covered.

On March 4, Trump tweeted a claim that former president Barack Obama wiretapped his phone in Trump Tower, prior to the presidential election in November.

“How low has President Obama gone to tapp [sic] my phones during the very sacred election process. This is Nixon/ Watergate. Bad (or sick) guy!” tweeted Trump.

Trump tweeted this statement just after the press began to investigate new, potentially damaging, revelations that emerged his attorney general, engaging in contact

throughout the 2016 presidential election, oath, that he had never been involved with observers discern a deliberate pattern of distraction and diversion in the early morning tweets that are the product of the president’s prodigious When the media coverage, or the congressional pressure, gets too tough, a simple tweet is enough to send the press stampeding in the other direction,” said “Out of control? Or is Trump’s tweeting designed to distract?” from The

Guardian.

For the last three weeks, since Trump’s tweets, the media and the FBI have been trying to track down evidence of Obama’s ‘wiretapping,’ but has been unable to The House Intelligence Committee was also distracted by these claims and spent time considering these allegations, when more pressing matters were at hand.

Media sources and the general public must be more aware of the Trump administration’s bait and switch diversionary tactics, and focus on the real story rather than falling for his attempts to distract us from the truth.

Graphics by Matt Lorentz

Students advocate for better communication As the district continues to evolve and adapt to challenges presented to it, it is unclear whether or not the consistently takes student and community concerns into consideration when introducing new policy.

According to a 2017 community survey released on the district website, community members consider state mandated tests to be the biggest concern facing the district. administration upholds the survey results are a natural result of changing standards at the state level. “...You will always find anxiety when saying the words ‘state tests.’

As you and I know, the recent changes to the graduation requirements has increased the amount of conversations surrounding state tests.

Anytime there is change, concerns surface,” said associate principal Andrew Bratcher.

The survey illustrates that state testing is the primary concern of community members, and The Wooster Blade Editorial Board hopes that the district would focus more on these concerns, rather than creating initiatives to problems that are not as pressing, such as the new anti-bullying program that will go into effect next year. One area for improvement is the need for a more open dialogue between parents and

administrators.

Elementary parent and member of the parent group Huddle, Angie Bos, said she believes it is important to create a less restrictive policy on community involvement at school board meetings.

“One really basic thing you can see at this meeting tonight [Board of Education meeting on March 28, 2017], you can only comment on things before they happen...

I think sometimes the boundaries of these meetings can kind of create a situation where it’s not really an exchange, we are just listening to what they are doing,” Bos said.

When asked about the best way for parents and students to address their concerns, Principal

Tyler Keener said, “I have always welcomed anyone who has questions or concerns to give me a call. Just as I have asked teachers to come to me if there is an issue, I also ask parents and students to do the same. Once a concern is expressed…we will work collaboratively to find a solution,” Keener said.

While The Wooster Blade Editorial Board appreciates that the administration is willing to listen to community members, the board feels it necessary to emphasize that community opinion should be weighed and taken into consideration before decisions that affect students are made, not simply when these new policies create problems.