The Wooster Blade, Volume XVIII, Issue 6

THE WOOSTER BLADE

WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER • 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH • DEC. 8, 2017 • VOLUME XVIII, ISSUE 6

2017 A World of Change : A Year In Review

Graphic by Matthew Lorentz

ON CAMPUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 2

“Traveling to Puerto Rico with my best friend.”

-Anna Munro (10)

“I have expanded my social life.”

-Kristofer Missler (12)

“I saw Troy Sivan in concert!”

-Kate Boyer (11)

a closer look at the On Campus section

What’s Inside?

“Justin Bieber’s concert.”

-Natalie Gardner (12)

“Putting a recliner in Peggy Joe.” -Madison Cox (12)

“Going to the Caribbean.”

-Sophie Gamble (9)

What was the best moment of

2017?

“Homecoming.”

-Bryn Savidge (12)

2 3 4 5

“Baking Crème Brulee.”

-Mimi Wiles (12)

STUDENTS REFLECT ON THE BEST MOMENTS OF THE YEAR WHS YEAR IN REVIEW: PHOTO COLLAGE AN UPDATE OF THE POWER OF THE PEN CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM STEM LAB OPEN ON CAMPUS

“Becoming a senior, because I know I get out after this year.”

-Emily Rodriguez (12)

exchange program.”

“Going to see Gucci Mane and the Weeknd.”

-Chayah Magee (10)

“Cedar Point.”

-Landon Rice (10)

Corridor conducted

by Corinne Wiles and Melina Mera on Nov. 30 during lunches.

-Laura Zanatto (12)

high school cross country season.”

-Sam Carmel (9)

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 3

photography: A Year in Review 1

SPENCER DILYARD

2

MADDY McCULLY

Graphic by Spencer Dilyard

The given photos showcase a variety of the activities and special moments that took place throughout the school year.

3

GIAMINH NGUYEN

Photo collage key 1

On their visit to the NASA Glenn center, Staff members of The Wooster Blade captured the Shuttle-Centaur launcher.

2

Small Business Saturday included many businesses, such as Urban Cottage and Clothes Minded.

3

Joey McGee (12) is lifted in celebration after his 64 yard touchdown run.

4

Lexi Nolletti (11) performs in the WHS Drama Club Fall Musical, Working the Musical.

5

The WHS Marching Band goes through their routine for “Script Woo” led by Madison Cox.

4 KRISTIN KEATING

5 DAN ADAMS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 4

KEY Club plans to sell necklaces POP Suspends Competition ALEXIS FLORENCE for Swalizland, Africa ALEXA MITCHELL KEY Club at WHS gives students volunteer opportunities to help serve the community and other communities around them.

“The KEY” in KEY Club, stands for Kiwanis Educates Youth.

Kiwanis is the parent club of the organization and oversees what KEY Club does.

The club’s focus is toward helping children in any way that they can.

Brittany Brinkerhoff (11), vice president of KEY Club, said KEY Club has showed her how to put others first and has taught her leadership skills.

“It’s helped me like to volunteer.

Volunteering makes you feel better when

it’s over, knowing you have helped someone else out,” Brinkerhoff said.

KEY Club member Lily Williams (11), explained that volunteering has impacted her personally.

“I read to children every Tuesday. It’s really cool because I get to go to my old school and see my old teachers, but I also get to be around little kids that brighten my day,” Williams said.

KEY Club will be selling necklaces soon in lunches for the thirst project on which they are working.

In Africa, there are areas with little clean water for people to drink.

Brinkerhoff said the thirst project that KEY Club is supporting helps build wells for clean drinking water in Africa.

Each necklace will be sold for $5 and all profits will be going to Swaziland Brinkerhoff explained.

CORPORATE SPONSORS Corporate $250

Gioninos WMW Logistics Critchfield, Critchfield, and Johnston LTD. Swigart- Braunscheidel Insurance Wooster Motor Ways Bogner Construction Company

Blue Dyer, Roche $500 and Company

For 32 years, Power of the Pen has provided a creative writing competition for middle school students, but for the 2018 season, the organization is suspending tournaments.

The Power of the Pen organization recently sent an email to coaches explaining that the group is halting competition for the upcoming season.

“It is with deep disappointment that we have to cancel the 2018 season of Power of the Pen… Frank Merrill, an integral part of the POP program and husband of POP’s founder Lorraine Merrill unexpectedly passed away last month and we are unable to run the 2018 POP season without him,” the letter said.

One of Wooster’s Power of the Pen coaches and English Dept. member Chelsey Porter said she was shocked by the email and was very upset for the sake of the students.

Porter explained that Power the Pen is a creative outlet, especially for more introverted students.

131 N. Market On The Gazebo Square

“It gives a lot of students a voice when they do not always have the strongest voice in the classroom,” Porter said.

Lexi Nolletti (11) is a former competitor in Power of the Pen who can further attest to the skills she learned from the writing contest. “... the program taught me time management skills that have been really useful in my academic career.

I write timed essays all the time, especially in AP and IB classes, and feel that POP prepared me...,” Nolletti said.

Porter, who coaches alongside Gifted Intervention Specialist at Edgewood Polly Fenton, commented that the Wooster group is hoping to organize miniature writing tournaments in order to continue to encourage young writers in this time of uncertainty with the organization.

Porter and the organization, in their letter, stated they are optimistic that the group will be able to continue with tournaments next season.

Power of the Pen, according to their website, has more than 7,500 students compete in tournaments annually.

330 201-0665

We Have Bubble Tea Milk Tea

Fruit Tea

Matcha

Boba

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 5

WHS technology

social media blocking policy undergoes revision in the high school SPENCER DILYARD on campus editor

The WHS Technology Dept.

JACOB GOOCH

intended to further the technology curriculum and opportunities in WHS. Additionally, the lab is intended to contain a 360 degree camera, a 3D printer and scanner and other technologies.

WHS Media Center welcomes the addition of new STEM Lab ERIN O’DONNELL cover editor

Garey.

policy.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 6

Music of the Year Jan uar y 1 2 Feb rua 3 4 ry 5 Ma 1 2 rch A

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a closer look at the A&E section

What’s Inside?

20

6 YEAR IN REVIEW: BEST OF MUSIC 7 YEAR IN REVIEW: BEST OF FILM BLADE STUDENTS REVIEW NEW 8 ENTERTAINMENT 9 A CLOSER LOOK AT WONDER

WHS students offer what they believe to be the year’s premier songs and albums “Lust for Life” by Lana Del Ray Maddy Martin (9) “Project Freedom” by Joey Defrancesco Andrew Cochran (12)

More Life by Drake Jacob Butdorf (11) and Gabby Monastra (10) “Attention” by Charlie Puth - Emily Lay (11)

Perfect Timing by NAV and Metro Boomin Nate Monastra (8) “Pray” by Sam Smith Bekah Barnett (10) “Greatest Love Story”

by Lanco Dani Legg (11)

Everybody by Logic Vince Fiorita (10), Ellia Miller (12), Sarah Hackett (11) and Francis Sim (9)

Graphics by Matt Lorentz.

Corridors compiled by Skyy Khounborin.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 7

WHS Students weigh in on their favorite movies of 2017 Get Out “Get Out, because it was very well done, got great reviews and had an intense twist.”

-Haley Balas (11)

Wonder “Wonder, because it shows how you can look past what is right in front of you and find something deep down in someone that shows who they really are.”

Baby Driver

Spiderman: Homecoming

“Baby Driver, because it was action packed.”

“Spiderman Homecoming, because it brought a new, better Spiderman that everyone enjoyed.”

-Lauren Crum (9)

-Joel Weeman (10)

-Casey Purdum (10)

Metacritic: 84%

Metacritic: 68%

Metacritic: 86%

Metacritic: 73%

IMDB: 7.7/10

IMDB: 8.1/10

IMDB: 7.8/10

IMDB: 7.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 99%

Rotten Tomatoes: 85%

Rotten Tomatoes: 93%

Rotten Tomatoes: 92%

Photo fair use courtesy of Get Out’s Instagram Page.

Photo fair use courtesy of www.wonder.movie.

Photo fair use courtesy of http://www.babydrivermovie.com.

Photo fair use courtesy of Spiderman: Homecoming’s Instagram Page.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 8

Flamingo Jack’s atmosphere does not match the food

ERIN O’DONNELL a&e editor

Flamingo Jack’s has made the move from food truck to storefront, and, while the food is still as delicious ever, the move from the food truck creates a confused atmosphere.

Food trucks are a separate entity from the town they serve.

They are portable, allowing customers the illusion of hailing from another place or culture.

Jack’s, in particular, was convincing customers it hailed from a California poolside bar.

However, once Jack’s joined Wooster’s downtown, it quickly lost its Cali vibe allure.

The space the restaurant occupies was formerly the Market Grill, which was a popular nighttime bar for college-aged students.

It is dark, even in the daytime, and the back of the restaurant boasts a pool table.

The seedy atmosphere the bar inherently carries fails to match

the vibe the menu brings: shrimp po-boy, watermelon pork tacos, shrimp and grits, which are all fresh, bright, summer foods.

Let it not be missed, however, that the food extended beyond my expectations.

I went with my older brother, and we ordered six small dishes between the two of us.

Each item we tasted was at least an eight out of ten for us.

Overall, the quick turnaround time from Market to Jack’s forgives some atmospheric inconsistencies; however, I hope to see the bar transformed to match the coastal energy and innovative menu, which Flamingo Jack’s deserves.

CHRIS ROCHE focus editor

The second season of the eerie Netflix original Stranger Things builds on all of the strongest parts of its first season.

The second season brings a great new story, the stunning returning cast, as well as some welcome new faces and also boasts a killer soundtrack.

The second season is still set in the charming fictional Hawkins, IN, but takes a couple detours to visit the Windy City, Chicago.

Some of my favorite characters from the first season return for

The photo above showcases the pool table in the Flamingo Jack’s restaurant.

The restaurant is located at the former location of Market Grill on S. Market.

Justice League fails to meet expectations

Stranger Things returns in an impressive fashion round two, including Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan) and Joe Keery (Steve), my personal favorite this season.

Some new faces also appear on the show such as Sean Astin (Bob) and Sadie Sink (Max), the latest member of the group.

The second season also brings a mysterious new story.

Hawkins begins to return to normal, and the kids are enjoying their lives in middle school.

But, all is not well in Hawkins a mysterious dark force seems to be spreading.

It is up to the group of friends Dustin, Will, Lucas and Mike, to figure out what’s going on with the help of Steve.

While most of the story is an action packed thrill ride, there are some low points that tend to slow down a bit.

The second season also brings a killer soundtrack with it, including DEVO’s electrifying “Whip it,” Scorpion’s “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” and

CHELSEA PATTERSON

PHOTO FAIR USE COURTSEY OF NETFLIX MEDIA CENTER

A promotional photo advertising the launch of season two of Stranger Things.

Duran Duran’s “Girls on Film.”

Season 2 of Stranger Things is an intriguing and mysterious continuation of the hit show that took the pop culture world by storm.

The way the second season ends answers some questions, but still leaves many unanswered.

With a third season already in the works, I cannot wait to see what is in store.

EVAN DOAN a&e editor

After watching Justice League, I cannot help but mourn its failed potential, both as an individual movie and as an integral cornerstone in DC comics’ cinematic universe.

In contrast to its predecessor, Batman v Superman, Justice League’s weakness as a film is in its inability to take itself seriously.

The film’s heavy reliance on cheesy one-liners, even at its greatest climax, deters any sort of emotional investment in the film or its characters.

The result of this comedic oversaturation is ultimately underwhelming to watch, a shallow spectacle filled with characters whose sole purpose, it seems, is to provide enough comedic relief to distract viewers from the film’s painfully incohesive plot.

The film seeks to introduce a new roster of dynamic characters, give them personal backstory and then bring them together to save the world in a way that forces them to grow and change.

Herein lies its greatest flaw: this story is just too much for 120 minutes.

As a result, Justice League feels like a rushed and heavily condensed version of what might have been a spectacular movie, if only each character was given their own standalone movie before bringing all of them together.

Despite all this, Justice League manages to entertain, and I would encourage others to watch it for themselves.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 9

Wooster City School District hosts special screening of

CLARA LEE On Nov. 18, the WCSD hosted a special screening of the film Wonder at Cinemark Movies 10 for

students and family members.

Many third, fourth and middle school students in the district have read the book, Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

According to Brandon Cobb,

Kean Elementary principal, many of their students have read the book. Kaelee McCausland, a fourth-grade teacher at Cornerstone Elementary, said she read it aloud to her class.

With many classrooms and students reading the book, a team consisting of Amanda Terakedis, Student Services Coordinator, and the equity coaches from each building, Kaley Egli, Angela Reich, Brittany Grimshaw, Shannon Baldwin, Ashley Bonenfant and Juliana Hamad, decided to organize a showing of the film for several reasons.

Cobb said the movie provided a learning opportunity for students.

The main character, Auggie Pullman, is a child whose appearance is affected by Treacher Collins syndrome and, therefore, faces challenges when he attends a mainstream school for the first time.

“We all thought this movie presented a unique opportunity to build understanding and acceptance of others,” Cobb said.

According to Cobb, seeing Wonder in the theater also provided a literacy connection, as teachers encouraged students to compare a story with the

movie. McCausland said that seeing a story come to life can help students make connections between the book and the movie.

The movie was also encouraged to be seen by WCSD staff because of its central message of kindness and acceptance, according to Karen Arbogast, Director of Elementary Education.

The message also aligns with the Wooster Way and creating a culture of kindness in schools, said McCausland.

“I think students are more aware of how their small actions and words can impact others… we had very specific and directed conversations about how we can impact those around us in both positive and negative ways,” McCausland said.

The showing was a success with around 724 tickets sold, according to Terakedis.

As parents left the movie, they were given discussion questions created by the organization team to encourage conversation with their children.

Seeing Wonder in the theater promoted discussion and allowed valuable lessons to be learned both in families and with teachers at schools.

Writer evaluates movie and book versions of Wonder

HOLLY MILLER feature editor

“I know I’m not an ordinary 10-year-old kid,” says Auggie Pullman in the bestselling book

Wonder by Raquel J. Palacio.

This story, about a boy named Auggie Pullman, will steal your heart.

Auggie was born with a very rare condition, mandibulofacial dysostosis, leaving him with severe facial disfiguration even after 27 surgeries.

Palacio said she came up with the idea to write Wonder when she had her own incident seeing a girl with facial disfigurement.

Her three-year-old son looked at this girl and started to cry.

Palacio said she left as she did not want to upset the girl.

She later realized she made the situation worse by leaving and, so, she addresses a story which allows

us to experience Auggie’s story.

Auggie lives his life with people staring at him all the time and has to deal with situations just like Palacio’s son crying at the girl.

After being home-schooled his entire life, his parents make the big decision to enroll him in middle school.

He has to endure being stared and laughed at by other students.

Eventually, a handful of students come to see how great of a kid Auggie really is, and they become his best friends.

Readers get to experience Auggie’s life from the perspective of multiple characters.

Auggie changes, as well as changing the people around him.

This heartwarming story will make people look at their lives and the lives around then in a different way.

It will make people realize that kind people make a significant impact overall.

Wonder was recently made into a film.

Jacob Tremblay plays the part of Auggie. Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson play the parts of Auggie loving and kindhearted parents who do everything they can to help him realize his worth.

The actors bring the story to life, making viewers feel all the emotions that comes with Auggie’s extraordinary life.

Graphic by Matthew Lorentz

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 10

LOOKING BACK AT Fall Sports 2017:

WHS coaches discuss their favorite memories from the past year

Winter Sports

Gymnastics Coach Debbie Knapic, “The season was overall really good...

We always say, ‘A couple of good girls can’t beat a good team’ and that’s what we had last year.”

Boys Basketball Coach Mike Snowbarger, “We won 19 games last year and ranked third in the Division 1 AP poll.”

What’s Inside?

a closer look at the Sports section

Bowling Coach Tracie Leindecker, “We captured the SCHBSC National Divison Title...”

Swimming Coach Chris Matthew, “Both teams winning the OCC championship in early 2017.”

Wrestling Coach Don Rammel, “Winning the Hammer at home under the spotlight was the highlight of the past wrestling season. It was a 100% team effort.”

10 WHS SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW 11 CTE IN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 12 ATHLETES COMMIT TO COLLEGE SPORTS 13

Spring Sports

Cheer Coach Duper Pallotta, “Among many that I will cherish, my very favorite is varsity’s 3-peat plus all three squads winning OCC at Wooster.”

Volleyball Coach Jen Snowbarger, “Last year, Mount Vernon won the league going undefeated. This year we played them at home and beat them in three sets...”

Cross Country Coach Doug Bennett, “The satisfaction and enjoyment for the time spent with the student athletes of Wooster XC.”

Girls Soccer Coach Charles Cerniglia, “The best has to be beating Dover 4-0 and home in front of a crowd of 65 or 70 EDGE kids.”

Girls Cross Country Coach Mackenzie Doup, “The bonding that Girls Tennis Coach Stan Burris, occurred before we went “Izzy Rico finishing second over the day’s workout.” at Canton sectionals and qualifying for districts.”

Football Coach Doug Haas, “Joey McGhee’s touchdown run... And the win over Ashland in week 10 to secure a piece of the OCC...”

Girls Lacrsse Coach Holly Pope, “Beating Avon Lake at home to move on to the Sweet 16...”

Boys Lacrosse Coach Blair Young, “I would say the overtime win against Brecksville-Broadview Heights.”

Softall Coach Scott Dunlap, “Beating Ashland at home after losing to them the night before in extra innings.”

Boys Tennis Coach Stan Burris,“Moving ahead of Lexington and finishing second in the OCC...”

Girls Track Coach Christine Mascotti-Rasor, “Getting second place in the OCC league meet. We scared Lexington, and they only beat us by 20 points.”

Baseball Coach Steve Young, “[It] definitely has to be Joey McGhee’s homerun against Revere High School.”

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 11

CTE presents danger to football players JOHN GORMAN views editor

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, commonly referred to as CTE, is a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive brain trauma, according to the Concussion Foundation.

The Mayo Clinic outlines the symptoms of CTE to include cognitive impairment, depression, emotional instability, aggression, motor impairment and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

According to David Cifu of Virginia Commonwealth University, CTE was first observed in early 20th Century boxers who were described as, “punch drunk,” though the discussion of CTE has now fallen squarely on football.

A PBS article titled “Timeline: The NFL’s Concussion Crisis,”

by Lauren Ezell, notes a common historical trend of the NFL directly ignoring discoveries made by the scientific communities.

One example of this ignorance of the risks that come with concussions is shown by NFL Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee Chairman Dr. Elliot Pellman’s actions who, after years of investigation into lasting effects of concussions on athletes, sent a New York Jets wide receiver back into a game after being knocked unconscious a quarter earlier in a close game in 2003.

In fact, a year later, the NFL’s Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Committee published a report that NFL players are chosen by some sort of artificial selection and are less susceptible to brain

injuries. And, the following year, the same NFL committee published another paper suggesting that “players who are concussed and return to the same game have fewer initial signs and symptoms than those removed from play.”

Finally, in 2009, NFL Spokesperson Greg Aiello admitted that there is a link between concussions and longterm health problems that was previously ignored by the NFL. Later that year, the NFL implemented stricter return to play guidelines.

The following years saw a myriad of new rules designed to reduce traumatic hits to the head in the NFL. Ken Belson, of The New York Times, reported an 11.3 percent drop in concussions in 2016, down from a record

Are you concerned with the effects CTE has on football players?

CTE has on football players?

39.5% 60.5%

high of 271 the prior year, in an article titled “N.F.L. to Spend $100 Million to Address Head Trauma.”

A study of football players, conducted by Jesse Mez of Boston University and published July of this year, analyzed the brains of 202 football players, 101 of whom played in the NFL. Of these players, 176 were found to have CTE, with all but one NFL

Yes No 119 WHS athletes were polled on Dec. 1 and Dec. 4. player being diagnosed.

However, it is important to note that many of the brains analyzed were donated by families due to CTE like symptoms seen in the athletes.

The NFL has slowly begun to accept the idea that football carries a great risk of CTE and NFL outreach has begun to focus on flag football and safer alternatives to standard tackle football for youth.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 12

Students Continuing Athletics in College

WHS athletes who committed to play sports next year

feature editor

sports editor

Brent Dillon (12), a WHS golfer, has verbally committed to Ashland University.

Dillon has had a successful high school career, almost making it to states this year.

Dillon looks forward to playing golf in college.

“I’m super excited for college golf, to play with a new group of guys and go on trips to tournaments,” Dillon said.

He said he plans to work hard and compete for a playing spot while making an impact all four years.

Ashland University also got a new coach this year and Dillon said he likes the direction the coach is going.

He said he is excited to play for him.

Mason Frazier (10) a player who played alongside Dillon his freshman and sophomore seasons said that Dillon brought “I really enjoyed his attitude and the experience he brought to the team,” said Frazier.

Nov. 8.

BRENT DILLON

Ever since first grade, Grace Rickett (12) has had a passion for playing soccer.

Next year, she will take this passion to the next step by attending the University of Dayton and playing soccer at the D1 level.

“I’m excited to move forward and play at the collegiate level, I hope to take advantage of the academic resources that are offered to student athletes,” Rickett said.

Rickett said Dayton’s excellent education and soccer program appealed to what she was looking for in a school.

Rickett said receiving an athletic scholarship made it possible for her to attend a private university.

Rickett’s goals for the season are, “to prepare ahead of time to be ready to play at the next level and to contribute as much as I can to the team’s success.”

She said she is looking forward to attending Dayton next fall. She is also excited to meet new teammates and challenge herself to become a excellent student athlete.

She will officially sign Feb. 4.

HANNAH KNAPIC

REECE MITCHELL

Lacrosse captain Adam Swindell has committed to continue his athletic career at Otterbein University in Westerville next fall. Swindell said his love for lacrosse started in sixth grade after playing with a friend.

Since then, his dad has been his biggest supporter and role model by setting an example through his dedication and hard work.

Swindell said choosing Otterbein came after an overnight visit where he experienced, firsthand, the nature of the team. Combined with great academics and many opportunities for future internships in the neighboring city of Columbus, Swindell said Otterbein will be the best fit for him next fall.

243 E. Liberty St. Downtown Wooster 330-601-1250

ADAM SWINDELL

HOLLY MILLER

GRACE RICKETT

EMMA LOGUIDICE

THOMAS MATTHEW

ALEESHA VAUGHN

Upscale and Designer Consignment Clothing and Accessories

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 13

Booster Club implements Athlete of the Month program This school year, the Wooster All Sports Booster Club has implemented an athlete of the month award honoring a student from each sport for their hard work.

According to booster club president, Jennifer Monastra,

the booster club decided to start giving out the awards this school year because the club is about supporting and celebrating the successes of the athletic programs.

Monastra also mentioned that the booster club raises money for the athletic programs, but the athlete of the month award is important because it, “brings athletes to the forefront.”

After six years of middle and high school level running, Haley Miller (12) plans to continue her cross country career throughout her college years.

Miller will be attending Heidelberg University in fall of 2018 to run at the Division III collegiate level.

After searching for the perfect college for both running and academics, Miller selected Heidelberg to advance her running skills.

“I chose the school because I like that it is really small, and everyone on the team was really nice and welcoming,” Miller said.

According to Miller, she thoroughly enjoys the competition and rewards cross country meets entail.

Also, being part of a team is

HALEY MILLER

CORINNE WILES

The award shows the hard work athletes put in on and off the field, and acknowledges their academic achievements and leadership skills.”

Christine Schneider, secretary of the booster club, said, “The coaches have the difficult job of choosing which athlete they feel is deserving of the recognition for that particular month.”

CHELSEA PATTERSON important to Miller who sees it as a good way to create friends, especially in a brand new place full of unfamiliar faces.

Miller says she is excited to continue the sport she has been doing almost her whole life.

SYDNEY GRAHAM

RACHAEL SCHMIDT

Girls cross country coach, McKenzie Doup, said she thinks the athlete of the month award is a good idea and, “It is always enjoyable to publicly recognize the successes of one of your athletes.”

According to Monastra, the awards are presented to athletes and coaches at the booster club meeting on the second Monday of every

month.

The November meeting finished up the awards for fall sports.

The athletes who received awards are also recognized on the Wooster Booster Club Twitter @woosportsfan and on Instagram @ woosterallsportsboosters.

The next meeting will be held Dec. 11.

EMMA LOGUDICE Sydney Graham started swimming when she was 3-years-old and will swim for Ohio Northern University.

Growing up, Graham said she played, “almost every sport under the sun,” but injuries prevented her from other sports, so swimming was what stuck.

Graham is a year-round swimmer and a natural leader on her team.

“Sydney has always shown initiative and is a naturally responsible captain,” Chris Matthew, swim said.

Graham said her proudest high school swim moment was sophomore year when she averaged 1:11 in her fly and came in at 1:03 at sectionals.

Graham said she is excited to take her talents to Ohio Northern, as they have a beautiful campus and the coach

EMMA LOGUDICE is very welcoming.

Coach Matthew also noted that, “With the workload now, Sydney won’t be overwhelmed with the sets. She is prepared to be a phenomenal Division III swimmer.”

Along with swimming, Graham hopes to study nursing in college.

Student athletes continue sports at collegiate level

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 14

Inspecting unprecented world events of 2017 :

What’s Inside?

a closer look at the Trends section

BLADE INDEX: A compilation of data relating to unprecedented events of 2017 14

THE BLADE INDEX: A LOOK AT UNPRECEDENTED EVENTS

15

POLLS AND STATISTICS SURROUNDING STUDENT PERSPECTIVES

TRENDS The world is experiencing unprecedented levels of displacement, with 65.5 million people having been forced from their homes The Dow Industrial Index passed 24,000 Littlest Generals Preschool opened A Leonardo da Vinci painting sold for a world record art amount of $450 million Unprecedented number of NFL players kneeled during the national anthem World population reached an unprecedented 7.58 billion In 2017, Arctic Sea ice reached a record low for level, according to scientists from the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) and NASA The United Nations named 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development After the Aug. 21 eclipse, the next total eclipse will take place on April 8, 2024 The ‘ball’ dropped over Times Square at last year’s New Year’s celebration weighed 11,875 pounds Wonder Woman, directed by Patty Jenkins, became the highest grossing liveaction film directed by a woman College of Wooster builds new science building, the Ruth W. Williams Hall of Life Sciences WHS introduces new AP class, AP Seminar Las Vegas shooting was the biggest mass shooting in U.S. history

Data courtesy of The United Nations Refugee Agency, “Markets Pass Another Milestone, as Investors Remain Fearless,” The New York Times, Wooster City Schools official webpage, “Leonardo da Vinci Painting Sells for World Record $450 Million Despite Lingering Doubts Over its Authenticity,” The Telegraph, “Unprecedented Number of NFL Players Kneel in Protest During Anthem,” St. Louis PostDipatch Worldometers, “11 Terrifying Facts about Climate Change,” Wired, “United Nations declares 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development,” World Tourism Organization UNWTO, “When’s the next U.S. total eclipse?,” EarthSky.org, “NYE History & Times Square Ball,” Times Square: The Official Website., “America Recycles Day 2017,” United States Environmental Protection Agency, “’American Space Ninga’ Back on Earth After Record-Breaking Flight” – NPR, “Wonder Woman’ Breaks Records: Biggest Live-Action Box Office Hit by Female Director,” Variety, College of Wooster official webpage, “Wooster High School Will Introduce AP Seminar in the Fall,” The Daily Record, “Two of the Deadliest Mass Shootings in U.S. History Come Just 35 Days Apart,” CBS. Facts compiled by Amber Swigart and Estelle Shaya.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | TRENDS | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 15

WHS students express their thoughts and opinions about their favorite trends and experiences in 2017 ALEXIS FLORENCE

cover editor The following poll data provides a look into WHS

students’ thoughts and opinions on the year 2017 and their outlook for 2018.

The year 2017 was a dynamic year for every facet of life and

society; 2018 is also expected to be full of surprises.

Students were asked questions concerning politics, the environment, entertainment,

sports and life in Wooster, Ohio, for this year and the next year.

The goal of this poll is to society for 2017 and 2018

Overall, 140 WHS students were polled. Students took the poll during academic assists and study hall periods from Nov. 27 through Dec. 5.

What Wooster event are you most looking forward to in 2018?

What was the best film of 2017?

What was the best restaurant new to Wooster in 2017?

Beauty and the Beast

47%

Which sequel are you most excited to see in 2018?

Window Wonderland 48%

The Fate of the Furious

36%

Woosterfest 36%

Despicable Me 3

17%

Jazz fest 16%

75%

Gouda 69%

Flamingo Jack’s

Ballot

31%

Yes No

25%

Incredibles 2

25%

Solo: A Star Wars Story

St

% 21 %

Oh

io

47

Graphic by Matthew Lorentz Poll Distributed by Alexis Florence, Skyy Khounborin, Molly Schneider, Aleesha Vaughn and Rheanna Velasquez

What team is most likely to win their respective championship in 2018?

s dB row n

d

n ela ev Cl

s an di In

Cle ve lan

s

er

%

e ev Cl

ali av dC n a l

ke ye s

Cleveland Indians

3%

30%

29

Who was the better Ohio team in 2017?

57%

Ohio State Buckeyes

at eB

34%

36%

uc

Cleveland Cavaliers

No

56%

Yes No

Do you approve of Donald Trump’s first year in office?

Yes 71%

Yes

75%

43%

No 29%

44%

Did you make a conscious effort to help the environment in 2017?

Will the world be able to “save the bees” in 2018?

Will Donald Trump be impeached in 2018?

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 18

Congress passes pieces of legislation to assist the people

ESTELLE SHAYA co-editor in chief

In this past year, Congress has passed 89 pieces of legislation.

This legislation and descriptions of its passage can be found on Congress’s official record of legislation, found at congress.gov.

No legislation passed through Congress this year was vetoed

by President Trump.

Of these 89 legislative accomplishments, many fall into broad categories.

Fifteen pieces of legislation provided for congressional disapproval at various government actions.

Ten pieces of legislation

provided assistance to veterans or changed aspects of aid to veterans.

Six were for disaster relief, mostly for this year’s hurricanes, and four renamed various government buildings.

Others provided for memorials, appointing people to various positions, scientific research and appropriations for the government.

The remaining pieces of legislation vary widely in what they accomplished.

On Aug 2, legislation to increase sanctions on Iran and Korea and modify how the president could influence sanctions with Russia was signed into law.

A National Computer

Forensics Institute was established in the U.S. Secret Service to educate lawenforcement, prosecutors and judges and provide information to the public on investigation and prevention of cyber crime.

A bill was passed calling for the United States to rejoin the Bureau of International Expositions, entitled “U.S. Wants to Compete for a World Expo Act.” Other passed legislation includes requiring the FBI to issue standards for using Rapid DNA instruments, protecting food and agriculture from terrorism and promoting women in conflict prevention and international peacekeeping.

Currently, Congress is

working to bring a massive tax reform bill to the president.

Both the Senate and House have passed versions of the tax reform bill, leaving the two versions to be reconciled and then voted on again.

There are conflicting opinions on the effects of the Senate tax reform plan would have.

A Dec. 1 article from The New York Times said the Joint Committee on Taxation projected $1 trillion to be added to the deficit by the tax bill.

The same article states Republicans expect the tax reduction to provide a bigger boost to the economy than the report took into consideration, and that economic growth would cover the cost of the bill.

Trump proceeds with campaign promises after inauguration in January JOHN GORMAN views editor

After his inauguration, President Donald Trump had visions of sweeping changes for U.S. policies on a wide variety of issues ranging from immigration to healthcare to tax reform.

Perhaps Trump’s most notable campaign promise was to build a border wall with Mexico.

Although this has not happened, there is speculation that this border wall rhetoric has discouraged illegal immigration from Mexico, as the number of apprehended

Wooster’s local government succeeds in 2017

while crossing to the United States fell to its lowest level in 17 years, according to a BBC article titled “U.S.-Mexico illegal border crossings fall to 17-year low.”

Additionally, another BBC article titled “Supreme Court allows Trump travel ban to take full effect,” from Dec. 4 reports the Supreme Court has upheld Trump’s travel ban on six primarily Muslim countries, another immigration success for his administration.

Trump also ran on a platform of repealing and replacing Obamacare, so healthcare

reform was at the forefront of discussion throughout the year.

However, according to Valerie Volcovici of Reuters, in an article titled “Trump says open to temporary

of his latest proposal, President Trump has reportedly approached Democrats to reach a bipartisan agreement.

While discussions have not yet been successful, the dialogue looks to continue into the new year.

Economic reform has been another critical issue for the Trump Administration, according to Lauren Bambino of The GRAPHIC BY MATTHEW LORENTZ Guardian, in her article titled “Senate healthcare reform deal with Democrats,” Republicans pass sweeping Trump’s current efforts are overhaul of US tax code,” on Dec. 2. Senate Republicans falling short.

Due to the unfruitful nature have passed the current

iteration of their reform bill and are looking to reconcile with the House in the near future.

If the bill makes it through the Conference Committee, Trump will have a large, legislative victory to his name.

Trump has had an assortment of other accomplishments throughout his tenure, most of which came through executive orders, though possibly the most lasting impact Trump has made was achieving the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch early in the year, according to an NPR article titled “Senate Confirms Gorsuch To Supreme Court,” by Nina Totenberg.

AMBREA DELLAFAVE

as one of the best hometowns.

In The Financial Times, the city obtained ‘Top Micro American City of the Future 2017,’ he said.

The opening of the Safety Services Building in August was an accomplishment, Dordea stated.

Jonathan Millea, Wooster’s Development Coordinator, received the 2017 Young Community Development Professional Award and completed the $1.4 million Burbank Rd. Reconstruction Project.

Millea also partnered with

plant incorporated a process using byproducts from the treatment that produces electricity and they built numerous bike paths.

Barbara Knapic, Ward Two City Council Member, said an accomplishment was being awarded a distinction for excellence in financial reporting

by State Auditor Dave Yost, and Linda Applebaum being hired as the first female law director.

Knapic said Wooster has brought in jobs, with the Planet Fitness, the expansion of Schaeffler and Daisy plants and other new businesses.

This year, the Wooster local government made many accomplishments.

Andrei Dordea, Director of Finance of Wooster, said that Wooster alone, “had an exceptional year of accomplishments.”

He referenced Money Magazine, which ranked Wooster number 37 in ‘Best Places to Live in America 2017’ and in Ohio Magazine 2017/2018, Wooster was chosen

Wayne County, Orrville, Rittman and Wayne Metropolitan Housing Authority to win a $962,500 federal grant to help limitedincome homeowners, home buyers and landlords to repair older homes throughout Wayne County and Wooster, according to Dordea.

Andrew Dutton, the Planning and Zoning Manager of Wooster, lists some of the recent accomplishments: going completely digital for permit applications of Building Standards and Planning Division, the sanitary sewer

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 19

Die-hard “Jake Paulers”

DONALD TRUMP

Donald Trump, the 45 president of the United States, uses Twitter in an unprecedented way for politicians.

He often announces policy changes or changes in America’s relationships with other countries and their leaders by sending out a tweet to his 44 million followers.

A recent controversy over Trump’s Twitter usage occurred on Nov. 29, when Trump retweeted a series of graphic anti-Muslim photos and videos from a far-right group. Leaders around the world condemned Trump’s decision to retweet the content, including British Prime Minister Theresa May, with whom Trump has traditionally had an allied relationship, according to CNN article “Trump retweets anti-Muslim videos.”

Making his start on the Vine app in 2013, Jake Paul has made his mark in almost every aspect of the entertainment industry.

He vlogs on YouTube, with his influencer marketing group called “Team Ten,” and recently made his way to the TV screen, playing the role of Dirk on the Disney Channel’s show Bizaardvarks.

Paul also released a song, “It’s Everyday Bro,” in May 2017, which is available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music, and became the fourth-most disliked video on YouTube, according to MyTop100’s “Most Disliked YouTube Videos.”

JAKE PAUL

Photo fair use courtesy of @jakepaul on Instagram.

Photo fair use courtesy of Michael Vadon on Flickr.

Personalities chosen based on a 136-student nomination poll, distributed Nov. 28.

Blurbs written by Erin O’Donnell and Rheanna Velasquez.

Photo by Molly Schnieder.

With the Internet, YouTube and various sites emphasizing usercreated content and interactive sharing, the practice of vlogging, audiences.

WHS’s Zeke Ntia (9) started vlogging in September of 2016.

“I always liked making videos, and then I tried,” Ntia said.

“My Strange Addictions: Dabbing.”

Although generating new ideas presents a challenge, Ntia said he still enjoys vlogging.

“I like to make people laugh, and I also like seeing something Ntia has 370 subscribers to his YouTube channel, CoolZeke.

ZEKE NTIA

ESTELLE SHAYA & AMBER SWIGART co-editors in chief

As Jake Paul aficionados, creatively nicknamed Jake Paulers, we often struggle with haters who fail to understand the impact that one boy, despite being seemingly talentless, can have on an entire generation.

Jake Paul is, no doubt, influential. He has a massive following of 12 million subscribers on his YouTube platform and has developed huge followings on many other platforms.

Despite consistent controversy and displays of poor character throughout his career, his fan base continues to unwaveringly support him.

As obsessive followers of this YouTube culture, created by Jake Paul and other prominent vloggers, we see no problem with Jake Paul beginning to be seen as representative of our generation’s cultural values.

For those who have not yet fallen in love with Paul, as we have, it could be hard to understand how he has success.

With actions like setting house-high fires, mocking the established news media, making music that is agreed to be awful (we do not agree, obviously. How does society not see the value in songs like Paul’s “It’s Everyday Bro” and “Ohio Fried Chicken”?) and being an annoying jerk toward his friends and fans, it would seem Jake would have lost all his support long ago. Parents might have decided that he is not the right role model for their tweens. But, as of yet, no such action has been taken.

The fact that a person like Jake, who is an admittedly illfitted role model, has great influence over such a young demographic of our population should not scare all of you non-Jake Paulers.

Not all of his values and actions will instill themselves within his extremely impressionable young viewers, after all.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 20

y r a t n r e e t m n e l e E C e g n n i o n t r s a r Corne pens Early Le o

FOCUS NIEDER

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BY MO PHOTOS

5.

er’s her teach t o n a , 3 hoto ures 4. ouse. In P joy. Photo 5 feat h n e p o the o en rs visiting up for students t e b m e m lined unity 3. ws comm to 4, tricycles are o h s 2 o t pho . Pho bringing families in for ing ideas y the students. In w a r d 2. ’ s t den de b a u activities and learning with t s m , s n y e la disp nowm Wooster City Schools students, their children. tin board aring the paper s the students. e ll u b ’s t 1.

Paul Seling is a parent of r h e y s with an emphasis on students b lb y o e b ristina T ses mad ay spirit h a four-year-old in Littlest u d C o li , h with disabilities with [being 1 o h d o t a e o e h r In ph gerb into t Early Learning Center on Dec. placed with] their typically Generals program and said ard gets rd and gin o a b o b in t in e t ll e 11. developing peers.

This he is very excited for the ll bu u b s al’ in d r a C The classes and teachers are provides the opportunity for us move. He said there is more a Jessic preparing for the move through to bring all of those classrooms room for all of the preschoolers’ MADDY NACCI feature editor

What’s Inside?

a closer look at the Focus section

The Early Learning Center is a renovated area in the Cornerstone annex that will be a new home for three, four and five year old students from nine different Littlest Generals, Ida Sue and Tri-County preschool classes.

The Littlest Generals will have three preschool classes at the Early Learning center. Littlest Generals teacher Jessica Cardinal said this will be a great change for them as they

A student uses one of the new tricycles at the center. have been moving around to different locations ever since the program began.

The current three-year-old classes will be moving to The

20 NEUTRALITY FACES 21 NET CHALLENGES COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS 22 REEXAMINED COLLEGE APPLICATION 23 PROCESS EXAMINED

education and planning.

“Part of our initiative in Wooster is doing the ‘Leader in Me’ and to mix it in with our standards. One of our seven habits is to begin with the end in mind and make a plan…

This week is all about making a plan of how and what to do to move over to the new space, so we are letting them be a part of it,” Cardinal said.

The new center includes nine classrooms with new technology and furniture along with a new gym.

Jessica Cardinal and Karen Arbogast, Director of Elementary Education, are

EARLY LEARNING CENTER OPENS

The creative bulletin board is titled as “Preschool Is A Hoot.” excited to have all of the preschool classes together in one location.

“The Tri-County preschool program serves a majority of

serving high school students under one roof,” Arbogast said.

The Littlest Generals teachers

Students spend their time with the preschool’s new equipment. and Arbogast were very involved in the renovating of the area as they gave input on the design of the building and architect Mike Foore made changes for their specific needs, said Cardinal.

Arbogast says early childhood education is extremely important for development.

“I would place an emphasis on the early learning perspective, specifically on vocabulary development, literacy skills and also...the social and emotional perspective,” Arbogast said.

Arbogast said they are working on creating a partnership between parents and their children in preschool by

needs and that the new center will serve as a great home for the children.

“I am so thrilled to be in a district that puts the emphasis on early childhood education. I have been here since the program started, and Dr. Tefs has always been our biggest cheerleader. He knows what preschool does for a child’s entire education.

This just shows that there really is great community and support for preschool,” Cardinal said.

Arbogast says the WCSD values preschool experiences and she feels very lucky to have the space and teachers who make great things happen on a daily basis.

Where is it?

Attached to Cornerstone Elementary school.

When did it open?

Dec. 1, 2017.

How old are the kids who go there?

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 21 Oct. 1, 2002 “Net neutrality” as a term is coined by law professor Tim Wu. Jun. 27, 2005

DSL internet is deregulated.

Oct. 27, 2007 FCC orders Comcast to Sept. 23, 2011 FCC commission to vote on net neutrality.

FCC deregulates cable internet.

Jan. 12, 2003 Deregulation of cable is challenged but stands after Supreme Court decision.

Sept. 23, 2005 Comcast blocks bittorrent

Aug. 1, 2008 FCC publishes Open Internet Order.

Dec. 14, 2017 A timeline showing the history of net neutrality. All facts from whatisnetneutrality.org/timeline Graphic by Matthew Lorentz

Internet neutrality encounters opposition AVERY ROSS The Net Neutrality law, enacted in 2002, serves to create equal access to internet sites, but is currently at risk of complete abolition.

Net Neutrality requires all websites to be equally accessible.

This means that internet service providers, or ISP’s, must provide access to all legal websites with the purchase of an internet access plan, as well as outlawing the “throttling” of specific websites, which is the act of slowing a user’s internet speeds significantly, or completely, when they attempt to access a site, as outlined in the ACLU’s June, 2017 article “What is Net Neutrality.”

If Net Neutrality is abolished, ISPs would be free to rework their services however they please, as described by Freepress in the article “Net Neutrality: What You Need to Know Now.” Lifting Net Neutrality would allow ISPs to slow searches, block websites, and even sell web access in packages of websites, similarly to the way TV packages are sold currently, also defined by Freepress in the

article “Net Neutrality: What You Need to Know Now.” Once Net Neutrality is gone, the only vote there will be against ISP’s will be with our wallets.

Net Neutrality’s abolition was brought to a vote once before in 2005, and the rights protected

by Title II were cited heavily in its defense, as detailed by whatisnetneutrality.org’s interactive timeline.

After the initial vote on its abolition, the issue has been brought up several times in both the Supreme Court and Congress, yet the Obama administration stood in its defense.

However, the Trump administration has brought in Ajit Pai as the new Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and, Pai has been working to end Net Neutrality as we know it, as covered by NPR in the article “FCC’s Pai: ‘Heavy-Handed’ Net Neutrality Rules Are Stifling The Internet.”

FCC Chairman Pai has pushed against Net Neutrality since his appointment last year and he is bringing his plan to end Net Neutrality to a vote in the FCC commission on Dec.14.

FOCUS

Examining college credit plus courses: EMILY JEWELL College Credit Plus courses, or CCP, have been offered at WHS for the past three years.

In WHS there are multiple educational opportunities for students, which are honors courses, regular courses, AP courses, as well as College Credit Plus courses, which were previously called Post Secondary, according to WHS Guidance Counselor Tyler Egli .

Rebekah Bell, WHS English

Dept. member, is teaching CCP Composition I and II classes for the first time this year .

When discussing the program, Bell stated that the College Credit Plus program, “just completely puts all the responsibility on the students.”

Bell also stated some of the benefits that CCP gives to students are that “[they] help the students grow up quickly...

There is a safety of learning those things in a high school classroom than on campus your freshman year.”

Jill Coppola, WHS English

Colleges acceptance of CCP Credits

Dept. member, also teaches Composition I for the College Credit Plus program.

Coppola said there are many beneficial aspects of the CCP program. “... [CCP is] practical, and I think the students can see how they are really going to be able to use this and how it is going to benefit them,” Coppola said.

If searching for a viable course option, WHS hosts a College Readiness Night to inform students and families of the courses, including CCP courses, offered at WHS.

How many CCP classes have you taken?

44% of students polled have taken a CCP course

57%

36% 6% 1%

1-3 4-6 10-12 N/A

Do you think your first choice college will take CCP course work?

31%

59

81

of students polled expect to have CCP credit carry over

percent of students polled believe the course work in CCP is not equivalent to the work in a college

percent of students polled believe only specific colleges take CCP credits

44%

56%

Yes No

125 WHS students were polled from November 24-30

Ohio schools offer CCP courses to students grades 7 through 12 RHEANNA VELASQUEZ College Credit Plus, Ohio’s current dual enrollment system, has been in place throughout the state for two academic years.

Under the program, students in grades 7 through 12 complete courses at high school, on college campuses or online to earn high school and college credit at the same time.

According to the Ohio Department of Higher

Education website, CCP is meant to improve students’ college and career readiness.

CCP derives from Ohio’s Post Secondary Enrollment Options Program, originally enacted in 1989 for 11 and 12 grade students.

The ODE reports that lawmakers expanded the PSEOP in 1997 to include ninth and tenth graders and, in 1999, restricted eligibility to students with at least a 3.0 grade point average.

With the implementation of

CCP in the 2015-2016 school year, legislators sought to consolidate PSEOP with other accelerated programs and increase participation in Ohio dual enrollment opportunities.

Comparing CCP to PSEOP, Ohio Department of Higher Education’s CCP Director, Larisa Harper, said CCP was more extensive in communicating options within the program.

“Secondary schools and colleges work together to provide annual information sessions, during which all

students can learn about the years, Ohio has really made a push to allow more access to responsibilities of the students college credit.” participating in college-level students previously faced with coursework,” Harper said.

While the last year or two of PSEOP and other dual credit credit classes, Keener said programs had 30,000 students having CCP classes on campus has allowed the high school to year of CCP saw over 54,000 and WHS partners with the 68,000 participating students, University of Akron-Wayne according to Harper.

Seventy-four Wooster students currently take CCP courses. in Biology, College Algebra, WHS Principal Tyler Keener English Composition I and II, Pre-Calculus and U.S. History.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 23

COLLEGE

THE APPLICATION PROCESS This list is based on responses made by guidance counselor Julianna Hamad.

Find what colleges are a

colleges

recommendation

transcripts

school

Naviance allows users to use the supermatch college search engine to narrow college choices.

Students should visit colleges spring of their junior year.

Financial aid opportunities should be a factor in choosing a school. Students should review financial aid packages during the spring of senior year.

Applications are recommended to be submitted before Thanksgiving break.

Submit to the institution through their website or through The Common Application.

Some schools require a personal essay.

NCAA students should submit applications by NCAA Clearinghouse.

Students should request letters of recommendation at least 30 days prior to their deadline.

Teachers should be asked for a letter of recommendation by Oct. 15 ( for November and December deadlines). Students can request letters from teachers via Naviance.

Students should request transcripts through Naviance for their counselor to send at least 14 days before the deadline.

Students should make their decision

by May 1, the national date.

1

2

3 4

5

List compiled by Maddy Nacci and Rachael Schmidt. Graphic by Matt Lorentz.

FEATURE

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 24

Businesses that have come and gone in Wooster in Graphics by Spencer Dilyard. Blurbs by Alec Pauley and Hannah Knapic.

2017

Holcomb’s Classic Popcorn Holcomb’s Classic Popcorn, located on N. Market St., sells homemade popcorn, fudge, roasted nuts and ice cream, according holcombsclassics.com.

Today’s Kitchen Store

What’s Inside?

a closer look at the Feature section

“Your Place for Quality Kitchen Products is not just a catchy phrase but it is our commitment to you!” according to TodaysKitchenStore on Facebook, was the motto of the Wooster’s Today’s Kitchen Store.

The store offered many services and products including cookware, cooking classes, gourmet specialty foods, chef’s tools and countertop appliances. ”As many of you know, the retail world has changed over these last few years and as a result, Rick and I are unable to stay in business,” the owner stated.

The establishment closed July 29, according to their Facebook page and was open for seven years prior.

24 25 ON STUDENTS 26 AWHOFEATURE ATTEND THE WAYNE 27 COUNTY CAREER CENTER TUBACHRISTMAS: THE 28 TRADITION AND MEMBERS

A YEAR IN REVIEW FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT LEFT OR MOVED TO WOOSTER IN THE PAST YEAR

Drawing by Holly Miller

The Wooster Chocolate Company The Wooster Chocolate Company opened on E. Liberty St., in November.

The company, run by chocolatier Jamie Inks, uses pure and organic ingredients to create their chocolates, according to woosterchocolates.com.

Roots Yoga

Roots Yoga will soon be opening on E. Liberty St. With a main location in Wadsworth, rootsyogaohio.com states, “...you will experience a welcoming community of teachers and students with quality yoga classes to enhance your life.”

Gouda Bar and Grill Gouda Bar & Grill, on East Liberty St., offers grilled cheese, burgers, fries and refreshing drinks, according to their Facebook page.

The Wooster Book Company The Wooster Book Company took pride in their attention to detail and enthusiasm about the books they sold, according to www.woosterbook.com.

The store has closed permanently due to the owners retiring.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 25

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness, at the intersection of Akron and Portage roads, is a chain workout facility where memberships are $10 for basic access or $21.99 for all inclusive access per month, according to the Membership section on planetfitness.com.

MC Sports

Illustration by Holly Miller

Deborah’s Garden Market

“We are here to serve your gardening needs with plants, decorative accessories and to share our knowledge so you can have the best looking gardens in your neighborhood,” states the Deborah’s Garden Market website.

“The shop was a garden store that offered help with customers gifts, gardening and landscaping needs,” also stated on the store’s website.

The store closed Aug. 28, of this year. Many of leftover cabinets, tools, benches, etc. were for sale as the move out of the facility was occurring.

The store closed Aug. 28.

Kmart The Wooster Kmart opened in 1993 according to a June 7, article from The Daily Record about the Kmart leaving Wooster.

“We have been strategically and aggressively evaluating our store space and productivity, and have accelerated the closing of unprofitable stores as previously announced,” Howard Riefs stated in an email to The Daily Record for the article about the establishment closing.

Justin Starlin, president of the Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce, said the Kmart store was hurt by the fact that “a large majority of retail has moved to the North End.” Sears Holdings Corp., Kmart’s parent company, announced just over a year ago it was closing 78 stores nationwide, 68 Kmart stores and 10 Sears locations, in an effort to restore its profitability.

Michigan Sporting Goods Distributors Inc. operates a chain of stores, which are located in seven states in the midwest.

Most of the firm’s outlets carry a full line of sporting goods and clothing, while a handful are twice as large and incorporate an outdoor center that features camping, hunting and fishing gear, all according to an article on Feb. 17, at www.Mlive.com, a regional news page for Michigan.

Berkeley Research Group evaluated inventory management and explore additional cost savings initiatives and strategies.

Later, the declining profit and lack of improvement to buildings themselves led to a bankruptcy petition that was filed Feb. 14, for MC Sports establishments all over the midwest.

Students were asked:

If you could have any restaurant or store come to Wooster what would it be and why?

“Target because they have everything.” -Sophie Gamble (9) “Chik-Fil-A because I like chicken.” -Deshawn Petty (11) “iHop because it is good.” -Ben Miller (9) “Olive Garden because it is cheap and good quality.” -Jacob McCory (12) “Steak N’ Shake because the milkshakes are good.” -Brandon Kurtz (9) “Cheesecake Factory because I really like vanilla cheesecake.” -Laura Zanatto (12) “Cabelas because we don’t have enough outdoor stores.” -Bradley Moses (10) “Chik-Fil-A because it is good.” -Tyler Foster (12) “Target because it is better than Wal-Mart, and they have everything.” -Maddy Marinello (9) Blurbs by Hannah Knapic and Alec Pauley. Corridor compiled by Corinne Wiles.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 26

WHS students thrive at Wayne County Schools Career Center WCSCC Mission Statement: “Provide knowledge, skill development and experiences necessary for a lifetime of personal and professional growth,” according to the WCSCC website.

ZACH KRINKE HENRY GAMBLE Zack Krinke is a senior from WHS who attends the Wayne County Schools Career Center where he is taking a construction course.

According to the Wayne County Schools Career Center’s website, wayne-jvs. k12.oh.us, the construction program requires students to, “perform all aspects of construction including framing, roofing, masonry, plumbing, residential wiring and finish

carpentry.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics website states that employment of construction workers is expected to rise 13 percent from 2016 to 2026.

One of Krinke’s favorite things about a Career Center education is that instruction is more one- to-one for students and teachers.

A typical day for Krinke starts with him attending his academic classes in the morning and working on his trade.

He also enjoys the Career Center because of his trade, making it a more hands-on

LANE WILSON MELINA MERA Lane Wilson (11) is currently attending the Wayne County Schools Career Center for morning classes in the 20172018 academic year.

At the Career Center, Wilson is enrolled into the sports medicine classes.

Wilson said he strayed from traditional schooling due to his interests in sports medicine.

“I really liked being able to learn a new thing I couldn’t learn in a regular classroom,” Wilson said.

Classes at the Career Center focus on one certain skill, which differentiates it from regular

high school, where students learn many subjects.

“The education at WCSCC is preparing you for what you want to do as a job, where the high school is just general knowledge,” Wilson said.

This program is beneficial for students who know what they want to pursue in their careers, such as Wilson, who aspires to be an athletic trainer after his graduation.

Wilson’s teacher, Andrew Nicholson, reflects on Wilson’s presence in his sports medicine classes.

“He is a special person with a unique sense of humor and personality,” Nicholson said.

Instead of simply learning

experience.

Krinke says the reason he chose to attend the Career Center is centered on what he wants for his education.

“If I go to school, I might as well learn a career instead of just sitting in a classroom.”

Construction is a unique program for Zack as he says, “I get to learn different ways to build using different tools to help get the job done.”

Looking forward, Krinke wants to become a construction worker and build cabinets.

He also plans on attending apprenticeship college in Richfield after his graduation.

Zach K Wayn rinke (12 )i e Cou RE nty C n his con areer struc ECE MITC HELL t Cent er. H ion class e pla ns to at the atten d

Lane W Care ilson (11 er C ) is e en nr plans to at ter spor olled in th JACOB G tend t Wals s medic e Wayne OOCH in h or A C the class’s criteria from a book, kron e progra ounty Wilson and his fellow Career after m. H grad Center classmates visit different uatio e facilities for a more hands-on n. approach.

“The unique thing about the sports program is that we get to go to the pool, Durniat Strength, and Flex Yoga as a part of the class,” Wilson said.

A classmate of Wilson, Anthony Tosatto, greatly appreciates his participation during class.

“I do enjoy having Lane in class because he keeps it interesting in the classroom,” Tosato said.

Wilson plans to attend the University of Akron or Walsh University after high school.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 27

Career Center provides valuable alternative education options

WCSCC Vision: “Using compassion, respect and teamwork, we make WCSCC a great place to work and learn,”according to the WCSCC website.

TREVOR BRADDOCK NICK COSMO

B JACO

CH GOO

sooner.

PARKER SUGGS ELL ITCH

DAVID CHENG

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The Wayne County Schools Career Center is an opportunity for students to further their education in high school.

classes,” Suggs said.

engineering.

FEATURE

TubaChristmas: a holiday tradition REECE MITCHELL Around the world, TubaChristmas has given all ages an opportunity to play the tuba among fellow tuba players and carolers.

According to tubachristmas. com, Harvey Phillips started the tradition of TubaChristmas in 1974 at the Rockefeller Center ice rink, and it has now spread to 192 U.S. cities As TubaChristmas expands around the United States, the town of Rockefeller stays the same.

“Since we have been playing at Rockefeller, this is our 44 anniversary. We’ve never canceled,” said Thomas Phillips, the Vice

President of the Harvey Foundation and brother of Harvey Phillips.

In looking at the impact of TubaChristmas on his life, Philgreatly.

“Seeing the younger generations and the older generations playing together is amazing,” Phillips said.

In the towns TubaChristmas is held, each one has a special value to the city hosting it.

Douglas Bennett, WHS Music Dept. member and TubaChristmas director says, ”I think our ably had about 40 tuba players and maybe a couple hundred singers, and it has since grown

Photo courtesy of Dan Adams

to nearly 1,000 Christmas carolers and anywhere from 80 to 100 tuba players.”

Wooster has not always had a TubaChristmas, but 21 years ago, Bennett and Steve Thornton established one here. Prior

Former TubaChristmas tubists share their positive experiences David Burnett

AMBER SWIGART

David Burnett, a 2015 WHS alum, has remained invested in music According to Burnett, he is now one of only a few Music Performance majors at the University of Akron. Burnett involves himself in a degree program that prepares students to perform in professional orchestras and military bands. “[The WHS] music faculty is really second to none in the area,” Burnett said.

Burnett said he strongly that his involvement in the WCSD music program has fostered an enduring love for music that will continue throughout his life.

Wooster TubaChristmas will be held in the WHS Performing Art Center on Dec. 16.

to Wooster hosting it, Bennett and about 40 other tuba players traveled to Akron to participate in the event.

Bennett describes TubaChristmas as a special tradition to which people look forward see-

Scott Pycraft

ing every year.

The Wooster music parents also host a pancake breakfast before the event.

TubaChristmas will be held in the WHS Performing Arts Center on Dec. 16.

ANNA NACCI

Scott Pycraft will be returning for his 11 Tuba Christmas this year.

Pycraft, a 2003 WHS graduate, played tuba in the concert band while at WHS. One of the reasons Pycraft said he continues to return to Tuba Christmas is because of the friendships he has made.

“It is...a great opportunity to rekindle old friendships. There is a special bond created when making music with your peers,” he said.

Pycraft also said his favorite part of Tuba Christmas is the “Jingle Bells” song.

He especially enjoys playing alongside the children who are invited onto the stage to ring the bells.

Peter Gooch

GINA VAN LIEU

Peter Gooch has been a part of Tuba Christmas for eight years.

Gooch said Music Dept. member Doug Bennett told him about Tuba Christmas when he was in middle school. throughout the years, but he mainly sticks to his Euphonium.

Gooch loves Tuba Christmas because of the community collaboration.

“I really love Tuba Christmas for the community spirit that it promotes through collaboration between the musicians on stage and the people in the seats,” Gooch said.

VIEWS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 29

Pop culture grew in 2017

2017 has been a year of change

JACOB GOOCH This past year, more than ever, people of all walks of life have embraced Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

One of the most dramatic examples of a person being the change he wishes to see has been our President, Donald J. Trump. Whether it has been on the Twitter social media platform or in proposing policy, Trump has not failed to make the change he wishes to see materialize.

In addition, the ‘Feel the Bern’ movement, created by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, has truly taken hold.

In a April 2016 article from The Globe and Mail, entitled, “The U.S. could feel the Bern for decades as Sanders plans to reform democracy,” the movement to reform democracy, led by Sanders, will likely be apparent in our society and government for

an unprecedented time as the movement has focused on reforming the entirety of the government.

Further, with the increased hostility toward undocumented immigrants, sanctuary cities have taken an even more finite stance through their reaffirmation of their status.

Within a January article from the Chicago Tribune of this year entitled, “As Trump signs immigration order, Emanuel vows Chicago will

“THE U.S. COULD FEEL THE BERN FOR DECADES AS SANDERS PLANS TO REFORM DEPOCRACY” stay sanctuary city,” furthered the statements of their mayor, Rahm Emanuel. Emanuel reaffirmed his support for the city’s sanctuary city status, standing with mayors across the nation. The mayor went further by promising to maintain that status to protect the citizens of Chicago regardless of their immigration status.

This action directly went

against President Trump, protesting on one of the largest stages.

Amidst this progress, the LGBTQ+ movement has faced further roadblocks from the federal government, following leaps forward in the last year.

According to a CNN article from November entitled, “LGBT Rights Milestones Fast Facts,” after the SeventhCircuit Court of Appeals ruled the Civil Rights Act prohibits LGBTQ+ persons from being discriminated against in the workplace, the Department of Defense ordered a six-month halt on enlistment of transgender individuals. President Trump then reinforced this action with a Tweet stating that the United States would essentially not allow transgender persons to serve in the military.

Following these moves by the President and the Department of Defense, Attorney General Jefferson Sessions issued a memo to all federal prosecutors that the Civil Rights Act did not apply to LGBTQ+ individuals, contrary to the SeventhCircuit’s ruling.

In summary, the United States has truly embraced the ideals of self-determinism and have been the change that they wish to see. The year 2017 has been one of change, politically and socially, regardless of point of view.

CHRISTOPHER ROCHE One of 2017’s most defining traits is its pop culture.

This year featured stunning movies to great TV shows to an amazing selection of music.

One of the standout movies from 2017 is Dunkirk, directed

by Christopher Nolan.

Dunkirk depicts the events that unfolded on the beaches of Dunkirk during WWII. It is an intense and thrilling two hours.

The movie’s score, written

by Hans Zimmer, expertly incorporates a feeling of rising tension throughout. The movie’s first song incorporates a ticking sound that adds to the tension and adds to the feeling of urgency and throughout the entire film. Dunkirk is one of the defining movies of 2017.

One 2017 pop culture standout is its great selection of TV shows. My favorite show of 2017, by far, is the second season of Stranger

a closer look at the Views section

POLITICS and POP CULTURE in 2017

What’s Inside?

Revisiting

29 30 31 32

Things. The second season brings everything I love about the first season and much more. It expands on the deep and engaging story set inthe small town of Hawkins. It also retains all my favorite characters, especially Dustin and Steve, with some new ones as well. The second season also showcases a great soundtrack.

The other defining aspect of 2017’s pop culture was its vast variety of fresh new music releases, from Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN., to Imagine Dragon’s Evolve. While these two albums were among my top picks for the year, my absolute favorite album of 2017 was Gorillaz’ Humanz. I have always loved the music of the Gorillaz and when I heard this album was their first after a six year break from music, I could not wait to hear it. To say the their music is different from most genres of music would be an understatement; their music can vary from a hip-hop and rap genre to a techno and experimental genre.

My favorite songs from the album include “Saturnz Barz (feat. Popcan),” and “She’s My Collar (feat. Kali Uchis).” The Gorillaz’ style is definitely out there, and I love every bit of it.

This year featured great music, great T.V. shows and some great movies. I can’t wait to see what 2018 holds for the pop culture world.

POLITICS AND POP CULTURE IN 2017 ISSUES WITH SHOPLIFTING AND ATHLETIC STANDARDS WHAT MAKES HOLIDAY GIFTS GREAT NET NEUTRALITY

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 30 Are WHS student athletes held toAre WHS Are student college student be held athletesathletes held to heldAre college Should studentthey athletes held a different ethical standard thana different to a ethical different ethical standard to a ethical different ethical standard than to a different standard non-athletes? than college students? standard? non-athletes? than college students?

34% 66%

No Should that ethical stanAre WHS student athletes held to dard be higher, lower, or a different ethical standard than the same standard? non-athletes?

18% 22%

66%60% Yes Higher No Same Lower

38%

35%

65%62%

66% 65%

Yes

34%

Poll of WHS students’ beliefs on the ethical standards of athletes 34% 35%

on campus editor

On Nov. 8, three college men’s UCLA players were arrested in China for stealing from a Louis Vuitton sunglasses store, according to The New York Times.

The three athletes, LiAngelo Ball, Cody Riley and Jalen Hill, were released on Tuesday Nov 14.

They were kept in their hotel by law enforcement until President Donald Trump’s visit to Asia.

Trump addressed their situation to President of China Xi Jinping, who then learned of the issue and allowed the players to return home.

On Nov. 15, Trump tweeted about the players and said he

Shouldthey that be ethical Should held stanbe higher, lower, or todard a different ethical the same standard? standard?

18% 38%

22%

62% 60%

Yes

Yes

YesYes

Higher Yes

No

No

NoNo

NoSame

Are college student athletes held to a different ethical standard than college students?

Should they be held to a different ethical standard?

38%

35%

65%

62%

107 students were polled on Dec. 3 and 4.

Yes LoGuidice.

Polls distributed by Emma

Yes

No

No

Graphics by Matt Lorentz

NCAA student shoplifting scandal causes controversy for students SPENCER DILYARD

Punishment for NCAA shoplifters considered

did not receive any thanks for getting them out of China and assisting in their escape from “10 years in jail.”

According to The New York Times “Trump Blasts Lavar Ball,” the players and UCLA coach Steve Alford all thanked Trump, and it was understood that they dodged jailtime.

However, some experts, like Fu Hauling, a law professor at the University of Hong Kong, have made the point that misdemeanors like these committed by foreigners are normally punished by deportation, rather than any sentencing, reported The Washington Post.

Hauling was doubtful any sentence would be given, “I would be surprised if they were even prosecuted.”

The players were kept in their

stealing, incurring more expenses than UCLA is allowed to cover.

Yahoo, Chinese authorities reimbursed the $2,200 that UCLA paid for bail, but the housing and feeding costs still remain.

Now, the question of the cost for the students’ expenses is in compliance with NCAA code, and more importantly if UCLA wants to pay for them at all, says Eisenberg.

Lonzo Ball, LiAngelo’s older brother recently signed a $33 million contract with the L.A. Lakers, however, according to Eisenberg, Cody Riley and Jalen cult time paying for these expenses.

Lower

Should that ethical standard be higher, lower, or JOHN GORMAN the same standard? views editor

On Nov. 9, three UCLA basketball team members were ar18% rested in China for shoplifting, according a Sports Illustrated 22% article by Chris Chavez titled “LiAngelo Ball, UCLA 60% Players Thank President Trump After Arrest in China, Suspended

Higher

The freshman trio of Cody Same Riley, Jalen Hill and LiAngelo Ball were released from custody Lower and sent back to the United States as a result of President Trump’s dialogue with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to Trump’s Twitter account.

Instead of facing harsh punishment such as expulsion or a loss of scholarship, the three freshman were suspended from all UCLA basketball activities.

The disparity in discipline for students and student athletes is appalling.

The fact that these three individuals not only committed a crime, but also sparked an international incident and face only a suspension from team activities, not even suspension from classes or a hit to their scholarships, is shocking.

As emphasized by Hanson Wang in his article “UCLA must discipline basketball players for China arrests,” published on Nov. 12 in The Daily Bruin, the UCLA student publication, these athletes frankly embarrassed the United States globally.

China invited the team in an between the Pac-12 school and

Should that ethical standard be higher, lower, or the same standard?

18%

China; instead, they were met with shoplifting from the very 22% people with whom they were trying to further relations.

60% Furthermore, UCLA will be paying for countless legal fees, Higher as interpreters and translators a result of the students actions, Same costs that will not be passed along to the transgressors.

Lower In contrast, according to the UCLA Student Code of Conduct, plagiarism, unauthorized use of university resources or name or swiping into a building with another person’s ID card are all infractions that are all punishable by suspension from school or expulsion.

Regardless of infraction, a lengthy investigation followed with multiple meetings with the dean.

Despite the criminal action in a foreign nation, these athletes received a slap on the wrist, actions, like selling commencement tickets, taken by ordinary students can be punished with exponentially greater consequences.

This inconsistency in punishment for student athletes and non student athletes is a disgraceful example of preferential treatment for certain students ity and must come to an end.

Editor’s Note: According to an titled “LaVar Ball pulls son LiAngelo Ball out of UCLA,” published on Dec. 4, LiAngelo’s father, LaVar Ball, has decided to pull his son out of UCLA to prepare him for the NBA draft on his own, as a result of his treatment by UCLA. According to Ball, "I'm not sitting back and waiting. We get back over here and the conseChina. So basically they're in jail here."

LaVar will now prepare both LiAngelo and LaMelo, who is currently home schooled, for the NBA draft on his own.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 31

Tradition leads to an evaluation of good gift qualities

MOLLY SCHNEIDER & RHEANNA VELASQUEZ Between birthdays, weddings and the holidays, numerous occasions throughout the year

call for the personal exchange of gifts.

The selection process is

far from simple, with no catalogue, no section in department stores, no absolute guide lighting each shopper’s way to the perfect gift.

In “Why You Shouldn’t Give Gifts to Adults,” an article published Nov. 20, USA TODAY writer N’dea Yancey-Bragg reveals Christmas shopping alone can be as stressful as running a marathon.

But gift-giving is an established tradition, coming hand in hand not only with Christmas, but with Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and countless other special occasions.

Valentine’s Day popularly oversees the exchange of candy and chocolate; Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the gifting of The value of such gifts comes not from their brands or their price tags, but from the giftgiver’s heart.

The act of giving, which demonstrates thoughtfulness and appreciation for a relationship, can be equally if gift itself.

The best gifts are also not limited to the kind that comes in pretty packaging.

According to a CBS Minnesota

article titled “Most Americans Would Skip Holiday GiftGiving, Survey Says,” published Nov. 13, 60 percent of people polled said they would more prefer spending time with friends and family any time throughout the year, rather than having the stress to buy the perfect gift for those close to them.

Whether in watching a movie or sharing a dinner, time is also a valuable gift to be spent on family and friends during the holidays.

Ultimately, what matters most is not what the gift is, but why it is given.

Students were asked: What is your favorite gift to receive?

“Socks, because they’re comfortable and cheap.”

-Cassidy Brown (9)

“I’d say shoes because it’s exciting to get shoes you’ve wanted all year.” -Lindsay Kastner (11)

“Advice, because you should always learn from people on how you can improve.” -Ben Otto (11)

“Money, because you can use that money to buy something that you like that’s at that price.”

-Giaminh Nguyen (12)

“Something that someone has truly thought about, something that tells you the person knows you.”-Victoria Machado (10)

“The best gift to receive is something someone made for you from the heart.” -Sarah Hackett (11)

“The best gift is probably something you’ll use the most because, what’s the point if you’re not going to use what you’ve been given?” -Francis Sim (9)

“Money, because then you can get whatever you want.” -Ian Michaud (10)

“Probably a new phone, because having a new phone is always a good thing.”

-Macyn Siegenthaler (10)

“Money, because I could spend it on whatever I want.”

-Taylor Barnes (10)

“Gift cards, because I am really picky and indecisive.”

-Emily Lay (11)

“The best gift to receive is money, because you can do whatever you want with money.” -Zella Papp (10)

Graphic by Corinne Wiles

THE

WOOSTER

BLADE

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

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

The newspaper can also be found at the woosterblade.com

THE VOICE OF WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | DEC. 8, 2017 | PAGE 32

OUR VIEW

Net neutrality remains crucial to democracy Net neutrality, according to the ACLU, is the policy prohibiting network owners from discriminating against information by halting, slowing or otherwise tampering with the transfer of data over the internet.

According to a BBC article titled “Regulator repeals US net neutrality rules,” the future of this policy will come to a vote with FCC members on Dec. 14.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board stands in firm support of the current net neutrality policy in the United States, as a functioning and unhindered source of information is critical to a pluralistic society.

The preservation of this stream of data is paramount.

Americans cannot permit internet service providers to alter or halt the spread of information with which they disagree.

According to Harper Neidig in his Dec. 2017 article from The Hill entitled, “FCC’s net neutrality repeal sparks backlash,” FCC chairman Ajit Pai, formerly employed by Verizon Wireless, has defended the repeal, explaining that the time has come for regulations to

move away from a one-size-fits-all policy for telecommunications.

However, these regulations are imperative to the free flow of information through the internet, and the repeal of which would almost certainly lead to a corporate monopoly over the spread of ideas.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board stands in complete opposition to this move to repeal net neutrality by the FCC, as it will permit large internet service providers to control individuals’ ability to reach reliable information in order for the companies to increase their profits.

In current policy, however, corporations are required to allow equal access.

Corporations should not have the power to rewrite legislation for their own motives, especially at the expense of the public.

The debate over net neutrality falls to a single choice.

A recent Time article by Tali Arbel published in Nov. 2017 outlines the debate, consumers in favor of neutrality and large internet service provider companies in opposition.

While telecommunications corporations side with the

opportunity to increase profits, we must defend the rights of individuals to access accurate and unimpeded information.

Congress will decide next week whether U.S. policy should benefit large corporations or the unhindered spread of thoughts.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board champions net neutrality as a crucial part of a free society so factually accurate information can reach individuals allowing for informed choices to be made.

The Editorial Board believes that the internet must be an uncensored forum through which diverse ideas are exchanged to solve the greatest issues present in the world.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board asks every American to join the fight for net neutrality to assure our society a future secured by an open internet and prevent corporations gaining a monopoly on information.

We implore you to contact your representatives in government and urge them to take action against this policy. Your voice is the most powerful weapon against abominable policy.

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