The Wooster Blade, Volume XVIII, Issue 10

THE WOOSTER BLADE

WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH FEB. 17, 2017 VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 10 METI L TO A OP H

S

T NE IN

ES SE

LO JOH RE N TT J

LE WI S

OJ OUR K R NER T E I C N RU N S H N Y TH G L WE T U T R T A N N A O E U L MAND R J R . R O SA PARKS N ONDEREL A O K DOUGLASS C I R LSSTEVIE W E FRED LICIA G A B O R U R ZA I S A D .

MA .B

G N I C A R B M E Y T I S R E V I D BOBBY SEALE

E W.

MILES DAVIS

BEYO NC É

O NE HARRIET M I S TU A ING K NIN B T SSATA SHAKUR M A A T O N CORETTA SC ipsum

B A R A C K O BAMALCOLM X A V A N G E L A DA I

M OUIS A L

RM

S

STRONG E N W .

T P H T U Y R O G E O N OD M HU A

ANG R MAYA D ELOU OPRAH WINFR SHALL EY BOOKER T ER . W AY M CKESSO AS H E I N ACK RO INGTO N N O

JP L BIN T ON AT ANG S I MO S TO RI RRISO SS N N EC HU ULL ORS GHE S

index: on campus: 2-3 focus: 4-5

Evan Rice

cover: 6-7 feature: 8-9 a&e: 10-11 sports: 12-13 trends: 14 views: 15-16

ON CAMPUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 17, 2017 | PAGE 2

Staff defeat students in charity basketball game AMBER SWIGART cover editor

In a Feb. 8 basketball game to benefit the American Heart Association, several WHS staff members defeated students in a 60-41 victory.

According to Math Dept. member and team member Amber Eames, the staff’s teamwork proved essential to beating the students after losing to them in last year’s game.

“For us, it was an all-around team effort, whether it is by making threes or getting the rebounds,” Eames said, adding that some staff members get together and shoot around on Fridays.

Student Assistant Coach Sydney Clapp (10) appreciates the unity that results from playing on a team and plans to involve herself in future staff versus student games.

“It brings the students together,” Clapp said, before noting that Wil Gastier (12) and Cameron Reed (12) made standout plays in the game.

Furthermore, Associate Principal Andrew Bratcher said that one student player’s skills could have affected the outcome of the game substantially. “[Maureen] McKeown just couldn’t get the ball enough.

If she had played more, the students could have beaten us,” he said.

The student versus staff basketball game supports a worthy cause.

“All of the proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association,” Student Government President Matt Chidsey (12) said.

Student Government organizes and volunteers at the basketball game.

CORPORATE SPONSORS

The following information from the Feb. 3 issue has been corrected: Cheerleading Tryouts are March 6 through March 8, instead of the dates and times as posted in the previous issue.

TRACY MORGAN

The Wooster Blade erroneously spelled Ashley Baxstrom’s name.

SPONSORS

$500

We would like to thank all of our supporters for the 2016-17 school year.

Baaron, Inc. BCI Buckeye Division Everything Engraved Swigart- Braunscheidel Insurance The Pines Golf Club The Urban Cottage Wooster Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Metals USA Dyer Roche & Company, Inc.

ON CAMPUS Tradition Remodeled:

Why the library has transitioned to a media center

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | FEB. 17 , 2017 | PAGE 3 ESTELLE SHAYA business manager

Students entering WHS’s library are greeted with the sights of comfortable chairs and couches, and a student-run coffee shop to the side.

This image has stark differences from prior years, where the library had more books and was filled with large wooden tables and chairs.

The transition of the library into more of a media center has been in the works for the past several years.

According to Principal Tyler Keener, before this year’s change in appearance, Director of Secondary Education Richard Leone reached out to Wooster Public Library for circulation purposes, and prior to that, the coffee shop General Grounds was added to the library by Intervention

Libraries vs. media centers: A growing trend HANNAH KNAPIC cover editor

As can be seen in the WHS library, now referred to as the media center, the nature of libraries, as people know them, is changing.

According to an article entitled “The changing nature of Libraries in the Digital Age” by Alex Solk, published March 10, 2016, on www.sheppardrobson. com, libraries are slowly becoming more of a center for technology and work than a home to printed materials.

Solk discusses the recent changes in libraries, including the new need for group and individual work spaces, as well as formal and informal areas. The new areas in libraries serve as a study or reading area for those in the library.

School libraries are now creating spaces more open and collaborative, opening up opportunities for students to work together, according to an article titled “What Does the Next-Generation School Library Look Like?” on ww2.kqed.org.

Librarian Carolyn Foote described the new library concept when she said, “I knew that I wanted the library to be a campfire space where students could gather... a transparent space where learning in the school could be seen through the windows…”

Media centers in schools are a growing trend, allowing for collaboration and learning on a more centralized scale.

Specialist Holly Pope.

These changes have been in an effort to modernize the library and make it more of a communal space for students to work in.

“We have math lab and some intervention periods, but a library is a space where students and teachers can connect,” Keener said.

As the library has changed to appeal more to group activity, more students have been allowed to come from study halls.

Beth Hart, the library paraprofessional, said eight students can come from each study hall most periods, with the exception of seventh period where this number has been cut back to four due to the number of study halls.

Keener said student reactions to the library’s changes have been positive, and many have enjoyed having more of a communal space in which to work.

Although the library has a more laid back atmosphere, the majority of people continue to work and use the library as the educational space it was intended for, Hart said. Keener said there have been some abuses of library use, resulting in revocation of library privileges for some students, but not many.

In future years, the library will continue to update. Keener mentioned updates like new carpeting, improvements to the coffee shop and a tech space to which students can look forward.

FOCUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 17, 2017 | PAGE 4

Board approves Tefs as interim superintendent at Green ALEXANDER THOMPSON

At an emergency meeting on Feb. 1, the WCSD Board of Education amended WCSD Superintendent Michael Tefs’ contract, allowing him to be interim superintendent of Green Local School District, which serves the Smithville and environs, and a pay reduction of $5,000 a month.

The Board split 3-2 in both votes with Board President Michael Knapic, Vice President Susan Marlar, and Bill Gantz voting in favor of the two measures, and L. Sue Herman and Janice Gallagher dissenting.

On Jan. 27, Green Superintendent Judy Robinson resigned from her position.

GLSD Board of Education Vice President Randy Brillhart said that in her letter of resignation, Robison wrote that she

WCSD taps Dennis for wellness coordinator position

resigned in order to assist other educational organizations.

As to why Tefs was selected, Brillhart said, “We have an interest in maybe taking a harder look at some of our curriculum and making sure those programs are serving the students well, and it was expressed to us that Dr. Tefs has a strong background in that area.”

Brillhart also said Tefs’ and the WCSD board’s openness to the arrangement contributed to the pick.

The contract discussed at the board meeting allows the arrangement to extend as long as July 31, 2017, but Knapic stressed that the arrangement could be reviewed monthly.

Tefs said in an interview, “I’ll be very surprised if I’m still there on June 1.”

Brillhart said the Green Board of Education has

already initiated its search for a new superintendent and confirmed that there would be a replacement as early as April and as late as July.

Tefs stressed his role as interim would be limited.

“What’s going to be my role is working with the board of education and keeping board business moving until they can get someone,” Tefs said.

Tefs said he was proud and flattered that Green asked him and stressed his motivation was to help a neighbor in need.

At the Feb. 1 meeting Gallagher and Herman expressed their discontent.

Gallagher said the Green district has three members of its current staff with superintendent’s licenses.

At the meeting, Herman said, “I feel terrible for them, but I also know, having checked, that there are people with this

certification. This would be a time for them to step up in their own district, they know all those people.”

Both members said that community members were concerned that being interim superintendent at Green would draw Tefs attention from the district.

Tefs said he would leave Wooster sometime after 3 p.m. on two days of the week to go to Green and work every evening.

“I think I could serve and do it on more of what I consider my time. That would be my issue that I have to worry about, not Wooster’s time,” Tefs said.

The superintendent said on the days he goes to Green, the transportation supervisor and building principals will be able to handle any problems that arise on the return routes.

Gallagher was adamant in her

JOHN GORMAN

to promote, support, and model such health behaviors and habits.”

Dennis, who was the former wellness coach at Maximvs Gym, states that her primary goal as the wellness coordinator is, “to provide employees a way to move and be active. This will include free/reduced cost for healthy club memberships, as well as access to fitness classes.”

Crum believes that Dennis is an excellent choice for wellness coordinator, stating, “I think her personality, her drive and

her experience is why she is the right choice for this position.”

As coordinator, Dennis will be organizing one-on-one and group coaching sessions in addition to nutrition and education classes for members of the WCSD staff.

Crum explains that Dennis is currently researching and selecting a wellness program for the district. She has been in contact with Columbus City Schools, Wooster Community Hospital, Akron Children’s Hospital, along

Gault Recreation Center manager Heather Dennis has been selected to become Wooster City Schools District’s wellness coordinator.

According to Jennifer Crum, Director of Student Services in the District, the position was created to oversee the implementation of the district wellness policy, which underscores the importance of, “a community-wide effort

opposition saying, “I’m very selfish, I want you here for the children of the Wooster City Schools.”

There are local examples of long-term superintendent sharing. Jon Ritchie, who is Superintendent of Rittman, Orrville and Southeast School Districts said of his arrangement, “Every school district is different, but I would say in my community we’ve been doing it for quite some time, and it’s been working out very well.”

He said he could not speak to the specific situation between Wooster and Green.

Tefs also said Central Office employees would not receive a pay increase to compensate for the possible extra work.

Tefs negotiated his own contract with Green Local, but Brillhart declined to discuss that contract.

with community members and local businesses that have wellness programs, such as Certified Angus Beef, in order to perfectly craft the district’s program.

According to Superintendent Michael Tefs, in the school district press release concerning the wellness coordinator position, in the long run, the district hopes to grow the wellness coordinator position to collaborate with Akron Children’s Hospital to also promote student wellness.

FOCUS

Solidarity March:

BOE votes to put levy for WHS building maintenance on May 2 ballot:

Wooster residents march in protest of executive order on immigration ADAM KIRK This past Saturday, 400 people gathered at the gazebo in downtown Wooster for a Solidarity March.

According to Rev. Kevan Franklin, minister at Trinity UCC of Wooster and organizer of the march, the purpose of this march was to oppose the recent travel ban and support refugees and immigrants.

Rev. Franklin was the main scheduled speaker in the event, and spoke to the crowd on why the march was important.

“We can give each other hope and say to one another ‘we are not alone,’” Franklin said in his speech.

Another scheduled speaker was WHS student Estelle Shaya (11).

As the second speaker, Shaya read the poem inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty to the crowd, emphasizing an importance on the values America was founded on.

“Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door” Shaya read.

After all scheduled speakers gave their speeches, there was an open mic time during which anyone in the crowd who wanted to could speak on the issue.

Among those who took this researcher at OSU ATI; William Barnett, student at the College of Wooster; and Juanita Greene, former president of the WoosterOrrville NAACP. Greene’s primary message was one of equality and acceptance.

“You can’t have a rainbow without all the colors,” said

Greene to applause from the crowd.

The event brought many people from Wooster and surrounding communities to the town square. Multiple age groups.

The audience included, children, high school students, college students, adults, veterans, immigrants and registered members of multiple political parties.

Standing together at the demonstration, Wooster City and Ann Gastier spoke about the importance of the march.

“Because I teach students of all races, I’m concerned about them feeling safe.

They try hard, work hard, and all they want is the chance to be successful in ways other children take for granted,” G a s t i e r said as Friedhoff nodded i n agreement.

Rev. Franklin added that this march was just the, “tip of the iceberg,” and that people in Wooster and surrounding communities should keep listening for more opportunities to get involved, including visiting Representative Jim Renacci when he visits Wooster in the coming weeks and other possible protests.

ALEXANDER THOMPSON

ADAM KIRK

At its Jan. 24 meeting, the WCSD Board of Education voted unanimously to put a Permanent Improvement Levy on the May 2 ballot.

According to the WCSD Treasurer Bonnie West the levy has a five year term limit and will raise $1,050,000 annually.

West went on to say the district is seeking the levy because the 25-year bond levy that paid for the construction of WHS will be expiring.

For the owner of a property worth $100,000, “The cost of the expiring bond levy is $162.30, compared to the proposed new Five Year Permanent improvement levy, which is estimated to cost $61.25, for a

net savings to the homeowner of approximately $101 per year,” West said in an email.

Board of Education member and board property liaison, Bill Gantz, also stressed that voting for the levy would actually lower taxes.

Gantz explained the money raised by the levy will be put toward building maintenance.

Over the next five years, the duration of the levy, these maintenance projects will include roof and some heating equipment at the high school, Kean, Melrose and Parkview Elementaries.

Funding will also go toward improvements to the Edgewood gym and the razing of the Cornerstone Annex to allow better bus circulation.

Gantz urged voters to approve the measure.

GRANT PEABODY

COVER

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 17, 2017 | PAGE 6

on campus editor The Wooster/Orrville branch of the NAACP is dedicated to, among other causes, promoting diversity within Wooster’s public schools.

Dr. Yvonne Williams is a member of the Wooster/Orrville NAACP’s ad-hoc education committee, which is dedicated to promotion of diversity within our schools. During the NAACP’s Feb. 13 meeting, Williams presented a motion to begin an email and letter writing campaign, directed at the WCS Board of Education. The campaign aims to persuade administration members to increase the number of minority teachers in the Wooster City School district.

The letter-writing campaign asks for polite but firm correspondence to be directed to Michael Knapic, Sue Herman, Janice Gallagher, William Gantz, Susan Marlar and Michael Tefs, concerning the lack of minority teachers, the importance of diverse role models for students, the value of encountering teachers from different ethnic groups in an increasingly diverse society, the significance of introducing white students to adults of color in leadership positions and the overall necessity of diversity training to understand issues of race and racial justice.

Williams said the campaign is an attempt to step up efforts toward achieving a more diverse teaching staff, as she states that past attempts to bring the issue to the attention of the district have produced no result.

Former branch president and current Executive Committee Member Juanita Greene also mentioned that the NAACP has spoken to Tefs about the lack of diversity, but has seen no resulting actions from the district. Greene stated the NAACP was assured that the district would be looking into the issue, but no changes occurred.

Wooster City Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Tefs stated the lack of minority teachers in the district is due to the retirement of many teachers when pension changes were implemented, and minorities were greatly underrepresented in the post-pension hires. Tefs stated the district plans to address the lack of teacher diversity by sending representatives to a large job fair, the Northeast Ohio Teacher Education Day, thus, hopefully, increasing the pool of applicants.

Tefs expressed uncertainty as to the demographics of the future, expanded applicant pool.

“What’s the diversity of that candidate pool? I don’t know,” Tefs said.

Scott Gregory, formerly a teacher at Lincoln Way Elementary School and another member of the ad-hoc committee, emphasized the disproportionately low number of black teachers, as compared to black students.

Gregory stated that in the entirety of Wooster City Schools, there are two black teachers. Comparatively, the Wayne County Schools Career Center employs six black teachers out of a staff of 100 full-time instructors, whereas Wooster City Schools employs 500 employees, according to Tefs.

John Clay, president of the Wooster/Orrville NAACP chapter, stated the district could better promote diversity by not only hiring teachers from a variety of racial backgrounds, but also by introducing students to diverse forms of literature in the classroom.

Tefs provided a list of literary works being read in Wooster schools which focus on diversity, including Giraffes Can’t Dance and My Nose, Your Nose.

The Wooster Blade will continue its reporting on the demographics and hiring practices of the district in the March 10 issue.

“Kendrick Lamar. He uses his music and celebrity as a platform to spread awareness of social inequality and promote solutions for social justice” - Alvin Makori (11)

“Michelle Obama, she is a very nice and kind woman, but she also works hard for what she believes in, like healthy eating and equality.”

- Madison Helms (9) Quotes collected by Tatumn McGrew and Hannah Knapic

Fair use photo courtesy of Flickr

DROSOS KARDULIAS

Fair use photo courtesy of Flickr

Examining diversity in Wooster City Schools

African Americans who inspire students at WHS

Fair use photo courtesy of Flickr

“Nelson Mandela because I was taught to love and that people weren’t born hating each other. He has a quote [that states] ‘If you want to make peace with your enemy, you work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.’ This quote gives me hope that people will stop seeing the world in black and white and look at it for what it has become and what it will become.”

- Hannah DeHart (12)

“MLK Jr. because he inspired freedom for many and was capable of protesting without violence.”

-Aiden Call (9) Fair use photo courtesy of Flickr

COVER

John Clay leads Wooster/Orrville NAACP branch JACOB GOOCH

John Clay of Wooster serves as the President of the Wooster and Orrville National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Clay has been a member of the Wo o s t e r / O r r v i l l e organization since 2005. In regard to

why he joined the NAACP, Clay said, “I wanted to be able to give back to my community and raise awareness of the just those of color.”

This has been a resounding message from the Wooster/ Orrville chapter of the NAACP, according to their website, woosterorrvillenaacp.org, on which they say, “Our membership is shared by individuals of

many racial, cultural and socio-economic levels.“ Looking back, Clay said his favorite memory from his time with the NAACP was at

dinner, he remembers being extremely nervous, dropping some salad on the ground, then while Clay was reaching down to pick up the mess Strickland told him to leave it

for the waiter to pick up.

Now looking forward, under his leadership, Clay wants to, “Try to focus on being advocates for young people and people trying to get back into society, but really just people.” In the past Clay has coordinated the Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest, has organized the annual Martin Luther King Jr. worship service and has held multiple positions within the NAACP.

MEETING YOUR LOCAL

NAACP Organization promotes equality in community ALEXIS FLORENCE

The members of the NAACP of Wooster/Orrville, Unit 3208, have been serving their communities for 52 years.

The group of 80 strives for equality of all people as stated on their website.

Scott Gregory, who has been an NAACP member for four years and taught at Lincoln Way elementary for 30 years, says groups like these are important in promoting diversity.

“Everybody needs to be aware of all kinds of people,” Gregory said.

They hold events to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and construct their annual MLK essay contest in January, along with their annual

ALEXIS FLORENCE

with speakers in October.

The NAACP takes action to promote social change in terms of criminal justice. the criminal justice committee, explained that the NAACP takes in applicants with a criminal records and provides get their records expunged. organization is involved in numerous programs.

Jason Smith, who has been a member for a couple of months, was a part of the Oasis program with which the NAACP partners. The program helps participants recover from drug and alcohol abuse.

Smith also explained the Ridge program, which helps felons get back on their feet

improve their people skills.

In this week’s meeting, the group adopted a motion to start a letter-writing campaign to the Wooster Board of Education in order to push the board to improve the ethnic diversity in faculty at Wooster City Schools.

Susan Sommer-Wagner, the secretary of the NAACP, commented on the future of this initiative and others.

“We want to make sure people value diversity,” Wagner said.

Wagner said the group will continue to work on promoting teacher diversity, as well as work with other groups to Care Act, creation of jobs and

keep the momentum from the Women’s March that members Wooster, as well as working The NAACP played a large role in removing the sale of the Confederate In 2016, the group had a booth at the fair with the label Wagner said the group plans to have a spot again at this year’s fair to promote awareness about diversity issues.

If people want to become involved in the NAACP of Wooster/Orrville, they can visit their website wooster-orrvillenaacp. org for more information.

“The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racebased discrimination,”

FEATURE

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 17, 2017 | PAGE 8

Where Are They N w?

N

The following feature is a continuation of the Feb. 3 issue, in which several other notable WHS Alumni were featured.

VALERIE ANDERSON cover editor

Philip

E

W

S

Photo taken by Vinnie Colauita

Emmy nominated composer, Philip Giffin, lives in Pacific Palisades, Calif. and graduated from WHS in 1972.

In high school, Giffin was part of a rock and roll band, where together, they wrote their own original tunes and performed covers of other songs. Junior year, Giffin took a music theory class at WHS, and from that point on, knew he wanted to study music in college with the hopes of pursuing a music career in the future.

Today, he is very thankful for the teachers who encouraged him.

“Many Wooster High School teachers were inspirational to me while I was a student. A

few in particular were, Bert Mahaffy, Carol Delpropost and James Caputo,” Giffin said.

After his high school graduation, Giffin attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

“It was quite a culture shock because it was right in the heartbeat of Boston. There were no trees or grass lawn, like the College of Wooster campus. It was cement and sidewalks and busy streets in the middle of the city. So, that took a little bit of adjusting, but it was music 24/7, which I loved,” Giffin said.

Graduating with honors in 1976, Giffin continued to live in Boston for a few years touring with bands and saving money before moving to California.

Today, Giffin is a T.V. and film score composer with an

extensive and impressive list of credits. He is also a record producer. Among other scores, Giffin has composed music for 93 episodes of the Disney cartoon Darkwing Duck, orchestrated notable movies such as Die Hard 1, Die Hard 2, Lethal Weapon 1 and Lethal Weapon 2, as well as composed music for a host of T.V. movies.

On the side, Giffin takes time to give master class lectures at colleges and universities to speak about what he does for a living.

“So many teachers, fellow artists, and friends helped me along the way. When I can, I like to take the opportunity to give back and encourage aspiring composers. I tell others that although it is very competitive, don’t give up. You can do it,” Giffin said.

Graphic by Matthew Lorentz

Night to Shine dance brightens students’ evening a&e editor

The Night to Shine Prom proved to be a magical experience to those students who attended.

As outlined in The Daily Record article, entitled “A night to shine” printed on Feb. 15, the Night to Shine Prom was an event hosted for people with special needs who are 14 years of age or older.

The Daily Record article further explains that the event was funded by the Tim Tebow Foundation, organized by the Sycamore Community Church and took place at the Shisler Center on Feb. 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

As Robert Williams, WHS intervention specialist, explains, the event included a multitude of activities in addition to dancing, including a limo ride and

karaoke.

The dance received glowing reviews from several of those who attended from WHS. Joey McGhee (11), Olivia Stebbins (10) and Jay Hawkins (10) are students who attended the dance, and had only positive things to say about their experience.

While McGhee said his favorite part of the experience was the dancing, Stebbins and Hawkins particularly enjoyed the karaoke.

Williams, who also attended the dance as a volunteer, said rience for the students.

“It was good for them to get out, it’s not something they get to do often. The dance was more structured, which was a good thing,” Williams said.

This structure came from the help of volunteers, which totaled to over 50 people, according to Williams.

Photo Courtesy of Holly Pope

NICK COSMO

Jay Hawkins (10), Joey McGhee (11), Olivia Stebbins (10) and Shania Nieman (10) model for a photoshoot at the Night to Shine Prom. The event, hosted by the Sycamore Community Church at the Shisler Center, was memorable night for those in attendance.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | FEB. 17, 2017 | PAGE 9

National Parks: A closer look

Cuyahoga Valley National Park History, facts and attractions from Ohio’s best known national park

Northern Ohio is the site of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, home to over 20 miles of the Cuyahoga River, which, along with ancient glaciers, shaped the land into the striking landscape seen today.

The preservation of Cuyahoga Valley began in 1929 when Clevelander Hayward Kendall set aside 430 acres of land for park purposes.

In 1974, the area was estab-

The park’s grandest waterfall is Brandywine Falls, which roars down a 65foot drop in Brandywine Creek.

Visitors can view the falls by trekking the Brandywine Gorge Trail.

Graphic by Evan Rice Blurbs by Rachel Wood

national park.

One of the park’s bestloved attractions, the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, follows the canal for many miles. This paved path traverses creeks and scenic forests, connecting bikers and pedestrians to many historic landmarks throughout the park.

After the Ohio and Erie Canal fell into disuse, beaver activity transformed part of the canal into an area now known as Beaver Marsh. Visitors can trek through the marsh on a boardwalk and spot beavers, otters, and muskrats.

Photo courtesy of Besty Weber on Flickr

Controversy arises over National Park Service’s social media posted by the official National Parks Service account.

The message read, “We regret the mistaken RTs from our account yesterday and look forward to continuing to share the beauty and history of our parks.” Many of the National Parks Service social media accounts and messages help spread awareness about the National Parks and post warnings about certain hazards within the parks that might affect people visiting.

According to an article in Backpacker Magazine titled, “Inside the National Park Service’s Twitter Rebellion,” by Caleigh Ryan, the deleting of the retweet caused numerous rogue twitter accounts to surface.

An example of a rogue account would be the @AltNatParkSer account. This account has tweeted much in response to Donald Trump’s positions on global warming.

As of now, the official National Parks Service Twitter has resumed its normal habits.

CHRISTOPHER ROCHE Over the course of three days, a Twitter stunt initiated by the National Parks Service Twitter has spawned multiple rogue Twitter accounts.

According to a CNN article, written by Dan Merica and Dana Mash titled, “Trump admin tells National Park Service to halt tweets,” after the official National Parks Service Twitter retweeted a picture comparing the 2009 inauguration crowds and the Trump inauguration crowds, some of the representatives of the new administration asked the interior department of the National Parks service to halt using their official twitter account.

According to the CNN article, the issued halt was attributed to the fact the administration believed the account was hacked.

The retweets have since been deleted, and a message was

A 300-million-year-old sandstone formation, Ritchie Ledges is comprised of beautiful yellow and orange rocks that tower above visitors on the trail below.

The area’s unique environment is considered a microcosm in which hemlocks and yellow birches thrive.

The Canal Exploration Center functions as a visitor’s center. The building dates back to 1837, and has been a residence, tavern and blacksmith shop throughout its storied history. Here, visitors can learn about life during the usage of the Ohio and Erie Canal.

All information from www.nps. gov/cuva

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 17, 2017 | PAGE 10

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Tracy K. Smith, American poet and educator, earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and an MFA in creative writing from Columbia University, according to Poetryfoundation.org.

NOW

THEN Aretha Franklin music for over six decades.

by an African-American poet, James Laughlin Award, Essense Literary Award and the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, according to Poetryfoundation.org.

African

personal life and experiences.

Louis Armstrong made a name for himself as one of the all-time best jazz musicians.

Armstrong, as outlined by

is one of the most accomplished musicians in all

and pop-based permutations.

earned Rolling Stones Magazine’s number one placing on the list of greatest singers of all time.

Louis Armstrong

Stevie Wonder

singer and exceptional instrumentalist, Wonder’s

American

Taraji P. Henson, an African American actress, has been praised for roles in acclaimed

Frank Ocean

the TV series Empire.

American women in the industry.

numbers of artists with both his vocals, which may have changed the landscape of jazz music in a major way.

Maya Angelou Maya Angelou has written a myriad of prose that are honored by some as timeless.

Angelou, according to her personal website mayaangelou.com, has written more than 30 bestselling titles. Among them are I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which garnered international acclaim for sharing her personal story with sexual abuse.

Sidney Poitier Sidney Poitier paved the way for African Americans after him to be a part of the movie industry.

As biography.com outlines, Poitier

and openly about his experiences.

Artists

Tracy K. Smith Tracy K. Smith, American poet and educator, earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and an MFA in creative writing from Columbia University.

She has won many awards, including the Cave American poet, the James Laughlin Award, Essence Literary Award and the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, according to Poetryfoundation.org.

and Entertainers

Taraji P. Henson Taraji P. Henson, an African American actress, has Hustle & Flow, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Hidden Figures and the TV series Empire.

Lilies of the Field. Poitier directed many for African American women in the industry.

BLURBS BY NICK COSMO

BLURBS BY KAYLA COOPER

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | FEB. 17, 2017 | PAGE 11

Comedians in the Spotlight And the role they play in society Hannibal Buress has been telling jokes in front of audiences since he was in college.

His jokes are featured in four of his Netflix comedy specials, the most recent of which was released in 2016 and named Comedy Camisado.

However, arguably his most notable joke was a bit about Bill Cosby, which an Los Angeles Times article, entitled “Hannibal Buress: The comic who kindled the Cosby firestorm,” credits for being life changing for Cosby’s accusers.

Buress has parlayed his standup skills into an acting career, with roles on T.V. shows such as The Epic Andre Show and movies such as Neighbors.

Burress’s comedic stylings can be found on Netflix and information regarding his shows can be found on hannibalburess.

John Mulaney is best known for his work on the sketchcomedy show Saturday Night Live at the young age of 26. He and Bill Hader created the character Stefon, one of the show’s most recognized skits.

In addition to working on SNL and other live shows, Mulaney does stand-up.

His commentary on having baby-face, being raised Catholic, dealing with airports and many other topics make for some of the biggest laughs you will have.

Mulaney’s humor appeals to practically everyone; he does not swear as much as many other comedians do and most topics are family-friendly and relatable.

He has two specials on Netflix, New in Town and The Comeback Kid.

Blurb written by Ryan Miller

Demetri Martin is a stand up comedian well known for his quirks and observational humor.

Martin utilizes wordplay and unorthodox joke delivery methods, such as instruments like the guitar and harmonica, in his act.

In his comedy show, entitled “If I” Martin said he was deadset on becoming a lawyer ever since he was 12-year-old, but after finishing his second year in law school at NYU, he decided it was not for him.

He began his comedy career performing standup and later became an Emmy nominated writer on the Conan O’Brien Show.

Martin’s stand up routines can be found on Netflix and his works can be found on demetrimartin.com.

Blurb written by Kayla Barnet

Gary Gulman is a stand-up comedian whose deadpan and sarcastic way of narrating makes him one of my favorite comics.

He was on the NBC show Last Comic Standing, coming in third place. Gulman has also appeared with hosts such as Jay Leno, Stephen Colbert and David Letterman.

Gulman’s sense of humor appeals most to young adults who understand mature and somewhat raunchy language.

He focuses on storytelling; ranging from riveting documentaries about computer fonts, to his experiences in Trader Joe’s, to what it’s like to not have money.

Gary Gulman has one special available on Netflix, It’s About Time.

Blurb written by Ryan Miller

Fair use photos courtesy of Flickr.com. Photo of Hannibal Buress courtesy TheeErin. Photo of John Mulaney courtesy Dominick D. Photo of Demetri Martin courtesy theNerdPatrol. Photo of Gary Gulman courtesy Matt Kleinschmidt

Blurb written by Kayla Barnet

How humor unites us ERIN O’DONNELL cover editor

Humorist Mary Hirsch once said, “Humor is a rubber sword- it allows you to make a point without drawing blood.”

Humans have wielded this rubber sword for centuries, using it to address social issues that are pertinent in society.

By using humor to address injustices and taboos, comedians have found a common denominator between all classes of citizens: people love to laugh. Humor unifies people from all walks of life to remind them of their common humanity.

In an article entitled, “When the Truth Hurts, Tell a Joke: Why America Needs its Comedians,” by Roger Cohen and Ryan Richards, the writers cite a Dave Chappelle sketch which reached all areas of the political spectrum.

Chappelle, an AfricanAmerican comedian, portrays the role of a blind white supremacist who never realized that he himself was not white. While watching an African-American man recite racist rhetoric, viewers could not help but notice the irony, and think that if a black man could mistake himself for a white man, possibly the two races are more similar than they themselves think.

In addition to social narration, comedy can also serve to be a welcome positivity. In WHS, the Improv Comedy Club strives to embody their motto, Robin Williams’ quote “Comedy is acting out optimism,” according to club adviser and drama teacher Kristin Broda.

Students interested in learning more about comedy can attend a club meeting or contact Broda.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 17, 2017 | PAGE 12

The Knapic family

MADDY NACCI sports editor

WHS gymnastics coach Debbie Knapic has been supported by her family through her 10 years of coaching.

Knapic’s family consists of her husband, Michael, and her three children, Trevor (graduated from WHS in 2014), Garrett (9) and Hannah (11).

Knapic says coaching has sometimes gotten in the way of dinner or transportation, but

her family is very supportive and helps out so that she can focus on getting things done for meets and practices. “[My family] supports the team by coming to meets and being huge a help for moving the equipment for Beauty and the Beast. Having Hannah on my team has been a blessing and she has accompanied me to meets since I began coaching,” Knapic said.

She says the family always holds the house together in evenings when she has practices or meets.

From left to right: Garrett, Debbie, Trevor, Michael and Hannah Knapic

SPORTS

The Haas family MAUREEN McKEOWN views editor

If there is one family at WHS that is involved in the football program, it is the Haas family.

Leading this football legacy is Doug Haas, WHS head football coach.

“My family has been amazing in regards to supporting me.

My kids want to be involved in everything from being at practices to riding the bus to

away games,” Haas said.

Heidi Haas, who also works in the district, is a WHS alum and is wife to Doug Haas, also puts herself into the football program with full force. Heidi helps from team dinners to going to the Dean Davis with the team.

With two little boys and one girl following in this football family footsteps, the Haas family name has made its mark in the WHS football books.

From left to right: Karly, Heidi, Max, Jake, and Doug Haas

WHS COACHES AND THEIR FAMILIES From left to right: Erin, Ashyln, Donald and Tony Rammel

The Rammel family MADDY NACCI sports editor

Donald Rammel has been the WHS head wrestling coach for five years, and for his family, wrestling has become more of a family sport.

Rammel’s family consists of his wife, Erin, his son, Tony (7-years-old) and his daughter, Ashyln (5-years-old).

Rammel says he is gone a lot on weekends, having meets that start early and end late on Saturdays, along with practices multiple days a week.

“My wife is great at supporting me. She really takes on even more responsibility at home

during the season as far as dinner, homework, and getting our kids to their events...if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be able to coach, she is the glue that holds everything together,” Rammel said.

Rammel says his family works together to make team dinners or cheer on the team.

“My kids are probably the biggest fans of the program.

I can hear them cheering for the guys during events and they will come down and play with them after home meets,” Rammel said.

Rammel said his family loves the sport and loves to support the program.

From left to right: Sarah, Luke, Jennifer, Michael and Will Snowbarger

The Snowbarger family MAUREEN McKEOWN views editor

The Snowbargers have made their marks within the WHS athletics programs.

With Jen Snowbarger being a former WHS athlete and alum, she now coaches the varsity volleyball team for 12 years, and Michael Snowbarger being head boys basketball coach one year ago.

Michael Snowbarger is currently coaching an OCC Championship team (19-1 season), and has made great strides within the program.

Jen Snowbarger has also impacted the athletic program at WHS with winning four OCC titles within her 12 years of coaching.

“Having gone to WHS it was my dream to come back and coach at my alma mater.

Through coaching I am hoping to leave the same impression of Wooster on student-athletes that was given to me through my coaches in high school,” Jen Snowbarger said.

Both Jen and Michael have used their own experiences in playing varsity sports to help their athletes in many situations.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | FEB. 17, 2017 | PAGE 13

HANNA MORGAN feature editor

Every day, there are professional sporting events being played and broadcasted on television and social media.

Some children have dreams to become a professional athlete and aspire to be like the ones they watch on television.

In an article published on livestrong.com, called “The Pros and Cons of the Influence of Sports Athletes on Kids,”

by Kay Ireland, it is noted that professional athletes can have both a positive and negative impact on younger athletes.

The article mentioned that if children see professional athletes yelling and talking back to the referee, then they will think that it is acceptable to do the same. That also goes with fighting with members of the opposite team.

The article also mentioned that while watching professional athletes, children learn a strong work ethic and can then \aspire to compete like them.

In a recent poll given to 150 WHS students on Feb. 10, Lebron James (14 percent) and Serena Williams (4 percent) were picked as the male and female athletes that students looked up to the most.

All the athletes mentioned in the poll were student nominated.

Sidny Chamberlin (11), who plays both lacrosse and tennis, says professional athletes have an impact on young athletes because they give the children someone to admire.

“Having a star athlete to look up to provides motivation for younger athletes to compete and succeed,” Chamberlin said.

Regardless of their actions, athletes influence the youth who admire them.

Photos by Grant Peabody

Athletes set examples

Chris

Blair

Orr

TRENDS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 17 2017 | PAGE 14

FINSTA: The Trend Sweeping The Nation

reports Instagram as being one of the most popular social media apps in the world with over 400 million active users and with this popularity, there has been a rise in fake Normally, those making these accounts only allow their close friends or other fake accounts to

Main accounts can be seen by hundreds of people casually, and are what users want everyone to Blurb by Spencer Dilyard

Graphic by Matt Lorentz

Finstas spark creativity

Finstas bring controversy GRANT PEABODY

DREW FRIEDHOFF

business manager

sports editor One may question what the need for a second instagram account may be; however, finsta provides many

Now, what used to be a voguish getaway from the overlooming eye of adults, is now subject to the scrutiny of older

and when did you take this picture?,� students have begun creating second accounts, allowing them to post creatively Of course, this does not give students the right to post inappropriate or vulgar photos, but it does allow them to regulate who sees their photos and also gives Finstagrams are intimate online spaces intended for an audience of friends, with the number of followers purposely kept students who yearn for freedom of

Graphic by Spencer Dilyard. Photo by Madison Cilver-Lee

Instagram, like Facebook, is slowly beginning to be used by parents and employers in an attempt to stay trendy

for students to try with their friends, the

to post photos on Instagram for only close friends, and others you allow, to follow and other adults are eliminated from the equation, giving users a sense of freedom

they would not regularly post, then maybe those photos should not be out problem, regardless of whether they are Either way, they include controversial topics that can be incriminating to the bully and spread rumors about others without these people even knowing, which can tarnish peoples’ reputation in for some, the idea behind them is not worth the drama that it can cause to the

VIEWS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB 17 2017 | PAGE 15

EPA approves Flint’s water

EVAN DOAN vews editor

Protesters gather around the White House in response to the newly approved Dakota Access Pipeline. President sparking renewed outrage against the government nationwide. Photo Courtesy of moonwatcher13 on Flickr.com

Trump’s Pipeline causes concerns

SARAH HOPKINS Co-editor-in-chief

I like to think that I care about the environment and the people who inhabit it.

I recycle at home and at work; I yell at people who litter in front of me; I acknowledge and fear the depletion of our ozone; I try to be kind to my neighbors.

However, it is becoming clear

that many people, including our nation’s leaders, do not think the same way.

Donald Trump’s executive order to continue work on the Dakota Access Pipeline is detrimental to the people and the nearby environment.

Foremost, the construction has taken place on the Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s reservation and disrupts sacred burial grounds, going against the National Historic Preservation Act, according to “Why Is The Dakota Pipeline Bad?” on bustle.com.

The pipeline also puts the tribe’s water supply at risk.

“Pipeline Spill Adds To Concerns About Dakota Access Pipeline,” on npr.org, notes that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety

Administration reported around 200 crude oil spills in 2010. On Dec. 5, the close by Belle Fourche Pipeline in North Dakota spilled 180,000 gallons of oil into the Ash Coulee Creek.

The pipeline may end up being finished and functioning with no leaks, but the establishment of another oil infrastructure would not promote green, renewable energy nonetheless.

Moving forward with the Dakota Access Pipeline is not only disrespectful to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their land, but also brings environmental risks along with it.

I urge someone to talk some sense into our president and, please, do it soon.

According to motherjones. com, on Jan. 24, the water system in Flint, Mich., was officially declared to be in compliance with federal standards, over a year after the city declared a state of emergency due to high lead concentrations in the water.

No one is drinking the water yet, however. The citizens of Flint, 40 percent of whom live below the poverty line and all of whom’s real estate value on their homes has plummeted since the water crisis, are still using bottled water for their everyday needs. After all, according to CNN, the city insisted multiple times that the water was safe to drink before the water crisis came to light in 2014.

Just over two years ago, the residents of Flint discovered that the city’s drinking water had been contaminated with lead from corrosive lead pipes that the city switched to in order to cut spending.

According to CNN, the effects

of lead exposure in children include impaired cognition, behavioral disorders, hearing problems and delayed puberty.

In pregnant women, lead is associated with reduced fetal growth. In everyone, lead consumption can affect the heart, kidneys and nerves.

Although there are medications that may reduce the amount of lead in the blood, treatments for the adverse health effects of lead have yet to be developed.

According to The New York Daily News, the high levels of lead in the water supply are additionally correlated to a spike in Legionnaires’ disease within the area, 10 of which have been fatal.

All of this considered, Mich.

Governor Rick Snyder has yet to be charged, despite clear evidence that he was aware of the issue at least several months before the public was notified.

A Politifact article entitled, “Who’s to Blame for Flint’s Water Crisis,” explains Snyder’s appointment of the emergency managers who signed off on the water pipe switch, as well as the overseeing the departments of Health and Human Services and Environmental Quality, both of which failed to properly screen the water for toxins and impurities.

Despite all of this, Snyder is still governor. Actions should be taken to hold him and other responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Overview of Flint’s water crisis All are on administrative leave. are working properly.

Facts courtesy of CNN

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 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, Alexis Florence, Jacob Gooch, John Gorman, Adam Kirk, 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

OUR VIEW

Fair Use graphic courtesy of publicdomainpictures.net

THE

THE VOICE OF WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | FEB. 17, 2017 | PAGE 16

Conversations concerning awareness of diversity reveal school curriculum’s lack of diverse history.

February is Black History Month.

At WHS, the recognition of this month comes in the form of quotes read over the announcements every day.

However, although the intention of these announcements is to raise awareness and promote conversations about race, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board acknowledges that student reactions have often opened no room for these intentions of awareness and educated conversation.

In several classes, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board has noticed students reacting with anger or distaste at having to spend several minutes recognizing the cultural heritage tied to this month.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes students should be more open to conversations concerning diversity and the recognition of other cultures and races.

Important issues and questions cannot be ignored just because they may be uncomfortable to address.

Such an approach will not make them disappear. The Wooster Blade Editorial

Board believes students cannot use excuses like the authors of certain quotes, as many students rejected a quote from Malcolm X, as a means to look past the greater meaning of this month and the conversations being raised.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes the responsibility to encourage discussions of race and its place in society falls not only on students, but also on educators, administrators and school boards.

At WHS, students are required to take three credits of social studies to graduate. The recommended pathways provided for students in the “Graduation Requirements” document, found on woostercityschools.org all include the classes World Studies (or European History), American History and Government. While The Wooster Blade Editorial Board understands the importance of these courses, it is necessary to point out that all of these courses have a specific focus upon western culture and provide little to no recognition

or acknowledgement of culture in Asia, Africa, Central America and South America, with the exception of when western cultures have come into contact with these areas.

Without curriculum focus upon these areas or concerning countries that are not predominantly white, students are left to themselves to begin some of society’s more controversial and difficult conversations concerning diversity, race and culture and how they play a role in our society.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes it is a necessity for an education, which is intended to create engaged, righteous citizens, to foster discussions over more than just Western culture and white experience.

Such classes, aimed to look at perspectives from across the world, are not unfeasible. At the College of Wooster, students study a global history in the course “The Making of the Contemporary World.” The course is not required for students, but is taught by a number of faculty members in the history department.

According to its course description, found on world.voices.wooster.edu, the class is taught with an assumption that “We need an awareness of the cultural traditions that define regions and peoples; we need knowledge of the historical legacies that shape the present and the future; and we need a broad understanding of the forces that make the contemporary world.” In order to both understand the entirety of the world and engage with it, students need to understand more than the culture shaping their dayto-day lives.

In order to create more worldly citizens who possess the ability to address issues intelligently in today’s society, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board urges both students and educators to expand cultural awareness through both personal change and through relevant and worldly curriculum, and to open spaces for the conversations over culture and diversity that should occur during this month and that are currently being attempted.