The Wooster Blade, Volume XVIII, Issue 9

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WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH FEB. 9, 2018 VOLUME XVIII, ISSUE 9

Examining the important link between failure, creativity and success ON CAMPUS 2-4

TRENDS 5

A&E 6-7

SPORTS 8-11

COVER 12-14

FEATURE 15-17

FOCUS 18-19

VIEWS 20

ON CAMPUS

AMBER SWIGART co-editor in chief

In recent weeks, an Instagram account featuring lewd images has caused controversy.

The account features photos of both WHS teachers and students, and among the posts are faces photoshopped onto nude images and pictures of genitalia and posts that make racist, derogatory and overtly sexual comments about the victims’ appearances.

Faculty members began to become aware of the account when overhearing student discussion and being approached by concerned students.

One of the teachers, Art Dept. member Tricia Taggart, was students laughed at the account, which she considers an abhorrent example of harassment.

“I think your generation is

What’s Inside?

a closer look at the On Campus section

If it’s not them, it’s just another thing on a screen,” Taggart said.

Carolina Carlton (12), one of the students who was pictured on the account, says incidences of harassment on social media, like this one, should be taken seriously by administrators.

“Just because something’s not a threat doesn’t mean it can’t hurt

someone,” Carlton said.

Carlton added that she thinks personal insecurity, rather than those of the victims.

Superintendent Michael Tefs said a key component of reducing harassment is to prevent the place, which the district focuses on through character education.

He adds that people who support an account, whether by liking, following or commenting on it, contribute more to the problem of harassment than the solution.

According to Principal Tyler Keener, students and parents need to know that the situation is being handled diligently through the standard procedure for investigating harassment.

“We do have instances like this every once in a while where accounts are created, and later taken down… everything that comes to our attention we investigate and process,” Keener said.

Currently, the account has been made private, and while the administration continues to address student complaints, they details about the status of the investigation.

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EXAMINING RECENT WHS INCIDENTS AND PROTOCOL

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LOOKING AT WHS ELECTIVES FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR

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DISCUSSING THE CULTURE OF SCHOOL PEP RALLIES

Threat disrupts WCSD

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 2

ESTELLE SHAYA co-editor in chief

On Jan. 30, a message reading “Kill Them All. 2/1/18. For the motherland,” accompanied by a swastika was found in a male restroom at the high school.

The message was located in a first-floor bathroom near the family and consumer science classrooms.

In a press release on the message, the district wrote that all schools were placed on a lockdown protocol in response to the threat. This protocol continued through Feb. 1.

As the investigation into the threat continued, a message from Superintendent Michael Tefs sent Jan. 31 said the situation was determined to be more of an instance of hate speech than an actual threat.

The message stated, “The disposition of today’s investigation seems to be centered more around intimidation.”

A final update from WHS Principal Tyler Keener on Feb. 1 stated that the school will continue to investigate this instance of hate speech along side to Wooster Police Department.

Keener said the school will continue to work to create an inclusive environment, and instances of hate speech will not be tolerated.

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WHS holds elective fair

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 3 ERIN O’DONNELL cover editor

WHS will hold its first ever elective fair Feb. 13, Feb. 14 and Feb. 15, during academic assist periods.

In years past, elective teachers have held presentations, but never in an elective fair setting.

This year, Nathan Greene, event organizer, and other teachers set out to improve upon the past years’ elective presentations by making the presentations more interactive.

According to Greene, students who have previously taken the different elective courses will present information and answer questions from prospective new students.

Principal Tyler Keener said the new format of the elective fair will be a welcome improvement from past elective presentations, as they took place during scheduling

meetings with each class.

“A course description and a three minute synopsis is difficult to get a true feel of what a class is about,” Keener said.

Greene noted Kristin Broda, Acting I, II, and Advanced Acting teacher, as one of the most enthusiastic about the elective fair.

“The fair is an opportunity to display, discuss and share what we’re passionate about,” Broda said.

Broda shared that she noticed a dip in enrollment in her dramatic arts classes last year, and has hope that the fair will help to solve that issue.

“I hope that more students will have a better understanding of what is offered in the dramatic arts, and choose a pathway that fits for them,” she said.

Students who are in grades eight through eleven will attend the fair.

ELECTIVES OFFERED AT WHS

Drama 2D Art 3D Art FCS - Foods, Fashion, Financial Literacy Computer Science Media Productions - BLADE, Yearbook, TV Productions Economics and Entreprenuership Health/PE - Discussions online or in class (Waivers for PE) PLTW - Engineering PLTW - Bio Med Music Department - Choir, Band, Orchestra The Cadet Program - Students interested in teaching who leave WHS to help at elementary buildings List courtesy of Nathan Greene

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 4

Students voice opinions on pep rally leadership llies?

WHS d l u Sho

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Yes No

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The Wooster Blade.

8%

Cheerleaders Student Government Any Student Group

ALEESHA VAUGHN

MOLLY SCHNEIDER Student and faculty may have recently noticed a decrease in student attendance at pep rallies, which has a big effect on the rallies themselves, according to cheerleader Lauren Sarzosa (12).

Cheerleading coach, Duper Pallotta, said the student body should encourage everyone to come and have fun and show school spirit.

“I really do wish students would not leave. Attend the rally, support Wooster athletics, have some fun and be a kid,” Pallotta said.

Sarzosa said she noticed that class involvement and student attendance has decreased throughout the years and encourages more students, especially the seniors, to attend.

“This has become a big problem this year with our seniors because seniors are usually the leaders of the school and if they aren’t attending

pep rallies and showing school spirit, the younger grades won’t be as involved,” Sarzosa said.

According to Tyler Keener, WHS principal, students are not allowed to skip the pep assemblies, but seniors with senior privilege and students with appointments during the school day are not required to come back.

Student body president Mimi Wiles (12) said pep rallies should be more open to other clubs and sports.

“I think pep rallies should

not focus specifically on one group, club, or sport. I believe each team and group should be considered equally and celebrated equally,” Wiles said.

According to Wiles, if Student Government ran the pep rallies, they would be more interactive and celebrate more throughout the school.

Sarzosa said WHS pep rallies should include everyone because school spirit is about students and teachers coming together to support one another and have fun.

TRENDS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 5

The BLADE index shares demographic data for Black History Month

Year Black History Week began: 1926 Year Black History Month began: 1976

U.S. black population as of July 1, 2014: 45.7 million *Number of black Representatives in House: 47 *Number of black Senators in Senate: 3

*Change in total black members in Congress from 1971 to today: +37 February is Black History Month. The national celebration and commemoration of African American Number of black military veterans in the U.S. in 2014: 2.2 million history began in 1926 with Black History Week, established by historian Carter G. Woodson. According *Median black household income for 2015: $44,100 to the United States Census Bureau, the week *Median white household income for 2015: $75,100 corresponded to the second week of February so the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln *Black poverty rate in 2015: 24.1% would fall upon it. Later, in 1976, the week was expanded to a full month. In order to celebrate this month, our *Change in black poverty rate from 1976 to 2015: -7% Blade Index for this issue focuses upon national data on *Percent of black Americans who say U.S. race relations are generally bad: 61% African Americans.

Number of black-owned firms in 2012: 2.6 million Percent increase in number of black-owned firms from 2007 to 2012: 34.5% Percentage of black Americans 25 and older with a high school diploma in 2014: 84.4% Percentage of black Americans 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2014: 19.7% Number of black Americans who voted in 2012 presidential election: 17.8 million Increase in black voters from 2008 presidential election to 2012 presidential election: +1.7 million Data compiled by Estelle Shaya

* “6 facts about black Americans for Black History Month” by Kristen Bialik and Anthony Cilluffo from the Pew Research Center on Feb. 22, 2017.

No asterisk - “Black (African-American) History Month: February 2016” from the United States Census Bureau.

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THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 6

The Shape of Water

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 2018 provide positive experiences

The Post The Shape of Water Washington Post The

CHRIS ROCHE

Post

focus editor

The Shape of Water

ALEXIS FLORENCE cover editor

The Post

The Post, through suspense-

The Washington Post:

The Shape of Water

Three Billboards

a closer look at the A&E section

What’s Inside?

Ebbing, Missouri

6 7

A COMPILATION OF OSCAR NOMINATED FILM REVIEWS

In Bruges Psychopaths.

DAVID CHENG Three Billboards

2018 GRAMMY AWARD WINNERS AND CRITICISM

Three Billboards Outside

Seven

A&E

Grammy Awards lack relevance One main problem that stands out with the given awards is the fact that only one solo female artist was awarded a Grammy.

The recipient of this award, Alessia Cara, won the title of Best New Artist.

Although Cara is deserving of a major music award, Best New

CORINNE WILES This year’s 60 annual Grammy Award Ceremony left many people questioning the pertinence of music’s biggest night.

The highly-anticipated award show was telecast Jan. 28 in Madison Square Garden, New York. However, this year, the awards were rather disappointing, especially because most of the ceremony was based solely around pop music.

Cara’s most popular solo songs are on her album titled KnowIt-All, which was released in 2015. The top hits, “Here,” “Wild Things” and “Scars to Your Beautiful” all topped the Billboard charts in early 2016.

Cara is not exactly a “new” artist introduced in 2017.

Other nominees for this category, including SZA, Khalid and Lil Uzi Vert, are more relevant recent artists award.

Also, Jay-Z, who made a big comeback in the hip-hop industry this year with his

Best Dance Recording: “Tonite — LCD Soundsystem Best Rock Song: “Run” — Foo Fighters, songwriters Best Rap Song: “HUMBLE. “— K. Duckworth, Asheton Hogan and M. Williams II, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)

new album 4:44, was surely

Album of the Year: 24K Magic — Bruno Mars

of the eight nominations he earned.

Yet another reason the event is out of touch is the fact that Bruno Mars swept the awards. While Mars is one of the greatest artists of all time, 2017 was not his best year. He had a few great hits, topping the Billboard charts over the span of the year, but he was overly recognized during the ceremony.

Mars won awards in a total winning these awards, he beat other well-deserving nominees whose songs and albums were more prominent across the entirety of 2017.

The Grammy awards ceremony needs to gain relevancy by reassessing their nomination system if they want to prove their standing as music’s biggest night.

Best New Artist: Alessia Cara

Best Music Video: HUMBLE. — Kendrick Lamar Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Feel It Still — Portugal. The Man Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Tony Bennett Celebrates 90 — Various Artists; Dae Bennett, producer

2018 Grammy Winners Record of the Year: 24K Magic — Bruno Mars Best Pop Solo Performance: “Shape of You” — Ed Sheeran Best Alternative Music Album: Sleep Well Beast — The National

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: Prototype — Jeff Lorber Fusion

Song of the Year: “That’s What I Like” — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus and Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars) Best Pop Vocal Album: ÷ — Ed Sheeran

SPORTS

Thomas Matthew breaks boys swimming record SPENCER DILYARD Thomas Matthew (10) broke a 15-year-old WHS 200 yard freestyle swimming record at the OCC Swimming and Diving Championships on Jan. 13.

Matthew has been swimming year-round since he was 12, and

What’s Inside?

a closer look at the Sports section

“That record has been my goal since I started swimming, it was a dream come true,” Matthew said.

Matthew said he is inspired by his older brother Clay Matthew, who made it to states two years in a row, and WHS graduate Connor Orr, who Matthew says was a great leader.

Matthew’s goal this season is to make it to states and be named an All Ohio Athlete. All Ohio requires a top 16 overall position in the state. His future goal is to receive scholarships for college and to continue his swimming career.

In seasons to come, Matthew

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has his sights set on breaking Daniel Ackerman’s 100 yard freestyle record of 45.9 seconds set in 2015.

The 200 yard freestyle record was previously held by Joe Silvestri and stood for 15 years until Matthew broke it.

Chris Matthew, the WHS swimming coach and Matthew’s mother, said, “Silvestri is a great swimmer, and an even greater person,” adding that 10 minutes after Thomas broke the record, he called to congratulate him on his accomplishment.

Chris Matthew’s goal for the team is more personal bests.

OCC’s brought almost every swimmer on the boys and girls teams a personal best, and she hopes to see this continue for everyone.

Swimming sectionals is coming up Feb. 10, followed by Northeast Ohio Districts Feb. 17 and states Feb. 24.

Girls basketball win OCC’s and break record for highest points scored in a game RACHAEL SCHIMIDT On Jan. 25, the Wooster Lady Generals won the OCC championships for the first time in 12 years.

Head coach Mike Baus, girls basketball coach at WHS for eight years as head coach and one year as an assistant coach, said the team’s main goal of the season was to win the OCC championship.

“Being OCC champs feels great, especially since the last time girls basketball won the OCC was in 2006,” said player Macyn Siegenthaler (10).

Team captain Jaida McCloud (12) said she is honored to be a leader to her team the past two seasons.

“Winning OCC has been the

team’s goal for a while now, and to reach that goal, knowing we had it in us was amazing,” McCloud said.

According to Baus, over the last two seasons, the team has also set multiple records.

Siegenthaler broke the record of most points scored in a game by one player, with 44 points.

As a team, the Generals broke the record of most points scored in a game, with 96 points against Louisville, and broke the record for most rebounds in a game with 57 rebounds against Ashland, according to Baus.

Baus also said that last season, Stephanie Smith (11) broke the record for most rebounds in a single game with 27 rebounds and broke the record of most rebounds in a season with 312 rebounds.

Along with their accomplishments, the Generals have come together as a team over the season. Baus said he has enjoyed coaching this year’s team and said they have good chemistry.

Siegenthaler agreed, stating she looks up to McCloud because, “She’s always cheering me on and giving me advice on and off the court.”

McCloud said she is proud of the girls on the team this year and said one teammate who deserves recognition for her hard work is Anna Zerrer.

“I’ve never met anyone who keeps such a positive and upbeat attitude. I admire her hard work and beast mode mentality,” McCloud said.

The last game of the regular season will be Feb. 10 against Orrville.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 9

2018 Olympics: performance enhancing substances deny Russian Olympic team from competing in PyeongChang KYLE WARD As the 2018 Olympic games begin, the absence of Russia in the PyeongChang games is evident due to a recent banning for using performance enhancing substances.

Earlier this year, the International Olympic Committee issued that Russia and its athletes would be barred from competing in the 2018 winter Olympics.

Any athlete who has been cleared to compete in the games will be allowed to do so, but they are not allowed to compete

medals won by Russian athletes will not show up in

Individuals who compete will do so in neutral uniforms labeled “Olympic Athletes from Russia,” and will be supporting themselves, not Russia.

Olympic games or count toward Russia, and the Russian anthem will not sound.

According to the I.O.C., this punishment was issued to

Along

with

Smucker’s supports athletes on their journey to winter Olympics SKYY KHOUNBORIN With the arrival of the 2018 Winter Olympics, athletes from around the world are not only competing for the gold, but they are also competing for

sponsorships.

According to Ahiza Garcia’s article titled, “U.S. Olympic athletes sure aren’t paid like champions,” from July 7, 2016 on CNN, Olympic athletes rely heavily on sponsorships in order to train and participate in the Olympics.

the athletic juggernaut due to allegations of doping in past Olympics, including the 2014 Sochi games.

Over 1,000 Russian athletes have reportedly been involved

with using s t a t e s p o n s o r e d performance enhancing drugs.

According to “Vladimir Putin Won’t Tell Russian Athletes to Boycott Winter Olympics” published on Dec. 6, 2017,

by CNN, Russian president

Although the athletes have to qualify for the Olympics, they must pay to participate and contribute to the cost of winning any of the medals. All metals have a tax on them, due to the fact that the medals are made of real gold, silver and bronze.

Local businesses, including Smucker’s, have been sponsoring athletes in the Olympics since 2013. Tamara Fynan, Vice President of Marketing Services for Smucker’s, states that the reason they sponsor athletes is, “to show our excitement for Team USA.”

For the Winter Olympics this year, Smucker’s is sponsoring Ted Ligety (alpine ski racer), Hailey Langland (snowboarder), Jessie Diggins (cross country skier), Maia and Alex Shibutani (ice dancers), McRae Williams (freestyle skier), Torin Yater-Wallace (freestyle skier), Evan Strong (para-snowboard cross racer) and Danelle Umstead (alpine skier and paralympian).

The athletes selected for the sponsorship were based on a number of different criteria with the greatest emphasis being that the athlete has an authentic connection to the

Vladimir Putin says he will not issue a boycott on the Olympic games, but he does claim that the ban is politically motivated. However, a handful of Russian athletes that have received a life ban from competing in the games have had their ban overturned.

On Feb. 1, the I.O.C. cleared 28 Russian permanently banned athletes who are now allowed to compete in the games under the name “Olympic Athlete from Russia.” evidence of them using performance enhancing drugs, and have been cleared of all restrictions.

brand.

According to Amy Williams, Strategic Partnership & Events for Folgers, “Our Folgers campaign celebrates the relationship between athletes and their coaches, so we sought out to partner athletes that have a unique or special bond with their coach. We’ll be telling those coach/athlete stories in all of our marketing efforts.”

The athletes that were chosen to represent Folgers include Ted Ligety, Jessie Diggins and Evan Strong.

The first commercial with one of these athletes will come out in the beginning of February.

SPORTS

The 2018 winter Olympics This year, the 2018 winter Olympics are being hosted in PyeongChang

CLARA LEE

an assortment of facts about the upcoming Olympics.

Seven sets of siblings will compete for Team USA in PyeongChang.

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Stadiums cost around $11 million a year on average to maintain after the Olympics have concluded.

more than one athlete from Mexico A record 102 medals will be awarded in 15 disciplines.

An estimated 90 countries with a total of 2,800 athletes will play in this year’s Olympics.

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Winter Olympics.

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Citations

The Olympics provide unity

For the Olympics, South Korea could spend nearly $13 billion.

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The Olympics can provide a unifying power by bringing together diverse athletes who come from all over the world to participate.

On January 20, the International Olympic Committee signed off an agreement stating the South Korea and North Korea teams will march under a unified flag at the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, according to “Winter Olympics 2018: North Korea will send 22 athletes to PyeongChang” on www.bbc.com. North Korea will send 22 athletes who will compete in figure skating, short-track speed skating, cross-country skiing and Alpine skiing, as well as a group of women’s hockey players that will combine with the South Korean team.

Although there has been controversy on whether the decision is fair to the South Korean athletes since the sudden addition of new members can deprive the South Korean athletes of the playing time they trained for, it is a step to improve relations and an action that shows that sports provide opportunities for unity.

Unity and diversity go hand in hand in the Olympics. The president of the IOC, Thomas Bach, advocates “Unity in Diversity” as a motto, which means respect for different cultures, gender, social

backgrounds, perceptions, attitudes and opinions, according to the IOC President Manifesto “Unity in Diversity” on www.stillmed.olympic.org.

Ashley Reid, Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at The College of Wooster, says sport is a strong force of unification, as it provides an opportunity for diverse groups to be included under a common goal of pursuing athletic excellence.

“Every demographic has an opportunity to collectively work as a team towards that objective,” Reid said.

Jennifer Carter, Director of Sport Psychology at The Ohio State University, says sports provide an opportunity for athletes from different backgrounds to better understand each other and find common ground.

“Working together toward a common goal is one means of decreasing stereotypes and prejudice about group differences,” Carter said.

The unity cultivated by sports in turn provides many benefits for athletes.

“When a team of diverse individuals works together toward a common goal, sweating and bleeding together along the way, it is an incredible feeling. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts,” Carter said.

Carter says sports promote characteristics such as teamwork, perseverance, leadership, strong work ethic and initiative.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 11

SKYY KHOUNBORIN Clara Lemal-Brown (12) recently qualified to be on the U.S. Junior Olympic team for rugby after participating in a rigorous course of workouts in Chula Vista, Calif.

Lemal-Brown has been playing rugby for two years and gained the status of AllAmerican by Farrah Douglas and Emilie Bydwell shortly after she began playing. The All-American title shows that Lemal-Brown is in the top 80 in the country for rugby.

Since then, she has been competing on four different teams playing in the wing position. These teams include Hudson, Celtic, Thunderbirds and Atlantis.

She manages playing on each team by writing out all her workouts in advance.

Rugby is a full contact sport that uses no pads. A point is scored by touching the ball down in the try zone. The ball, known as the quanco, can only be passed backwards according to Lemal-Brown.

The sports shows a wide range of players. “It’s a more open and accepting sport that celebrates all talents and body types,” Lemal-Brown said, acknowledging she enjoys being in a place where being different is encouraged.

The Junior Olympics, for which Lemal-Brown is in the running, is an international competition. It will be hosted in Argentina in October of 2018.

Although she qualified to be on the U.S. team, the team must play against Canada to secure the North America spot. LemalBrown and her team will be competing against Canada’s Junior Olympic Rugby team in Las Vegas in March.

Photo courtesy of Clara Lemal-Brown

Leiendecker shares experience bowling for Junior Team USA ESTELLE SHAYA co-editor in chief Allie Leiendecker bowls for the WHS bowling team and the Junior Team USA. Leiendecker first began bowling when she was twoyears-old.

She said she started, “as soon as I was old enough to pick

up a bowling ball and throw it down the lane.”

Leiendecker’s coach and mother, Tracie Leiendecker, started teaching Leiendecker to bowl early, as their entire family bowls.

She said Leiendecker began to compete at nine-years-old against high school and college age girls.

Today, Leiendecker competes

both inside and outside of school.

Tracie Leiendecker said competing at the high school level gives Leiendecker a chance to be a part of the team, where she acts as a leader and role model for her peers.

Outside of school, Tracie Leiendecker said in this past year, Leiendecker has won the Teen Masters and Jr. Gold

tournaments, and earned four gold medals, one silver and one bronze, representing Jr. Team USA at the Lee Evans Tournament of America.

Leiendecker said she enjoys the opportunities for travel and new friends she gets from bowling.

Leiendecker said she is most attracted to bowling for, “the competition and the people

I get to meet. I have met so many friends from all of the United States, as well as other countries such as Canada and Puerto Rico.”

Leiendecker said being a part of Junior Team USA has been an amazing experience and opportunity for her.

She looks forward to once again being a part of the team next year.

COVER

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 12

Examining the importance of

AILURE

What’s Inside?

a closer look at the Cover section

The Wooster Blade’s Cover section focuses on the power of failure both in the life of an individual and in society as a whole. The Blade hopes the following stories will encourage students to have a more positive perspective on failure.

12 CREATE PATHWAY TO SUCCESS 13 14

20%

80%

Have not failed a class Have failed a class

49%

39% 32%

61% 13%

People learn from failures People do not learn from failures

2% 1

4% 2

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Failure leads to future success

AVERY ROSS Failure is the root of success.

When success is reached, failure has, more often than not, occurred already. History

psyche of students, noting that acceptance of failure, and subsequent improvement, are key in the improvement of a student’s work ethic.

Failure is at the basis of three legends, as detailed by the Bradaronson article “Famous Failures.”

Walt Disney’s rise to success began when he founded an animation studio after he newspaper because he, “lacked creativity.”

Colonel Sanders franchised his fried chicken recipe after a from his family restaurant.

study are based around it.

Failure is everywhere; it is in science, art, history and even education.

In an interview with Todd McKee, WHS psychologist, he

publisher for the Harry Potter series. uphold a legacy of success, and their stories each began with a discusses

this in the article “Failure in Science is Frequent and Inevitable--and We Should Talk More about It,” considering failure to be a “formative moment” in the training of a new scientist.

As Morihei Ueshiba once said: “Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.”

Accomplishment requires knowledge, which cannot be gained without someone learning through their own failures, then teaching from their past mistakes.

All tasks, no matter how simple they are, begin with trial and error, with knowledge from past endeavors being endlessly handed from one generation to the next.

Without failure, there is no advancement, no technology, no knowledge, no… humanity. mankind.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 13

Dr. Michael Tefs

Jill Coppola

WCSD Superintendent There are a lot of quotes out there that say you probably learn more from your failures than your successes and I agree. When something goes well, you usually don’t think about and reflect on it. You learn from your failures because most people don’t want that to happen again, so they think about what they could do differently.

“

English Dept. member

“

I once failed to buy my boyfriend a Valentine’s day gift, I felt horrible.

I have never failed to buy him a gift again.

“

Educators share lessons and advice concerning

“ Quotes compiled by Melina Mera

AILURE

Emily Patterson

Elizabeth Vaerewyck

“

Science Dept. member

My sophomore year of undergrad I had mono and missed a bunch of classes, and as a result, I failed a semester of chemistry.

It was hard, but I learned that if you really want something, you have to pick yourself back up and keep working at it.

Eric Heller

Science Dept. member

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I remember the first time I didn’t make a team I was trying out for. That failure just made me try harder for the future.

“

Music Dept. member I have a tendency to not always speak up for myself or things that I want. However, I miss out on things like extra opportunities, meeting new people or getting extra tater tots with lunch. So, I’ve learned that speaking up for myself and what I am interested in helps me be a part of new things.

“

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 14

ailure in school:

examining the role of grades in admissions

EMILY JEWELL The class of 2019 has begun their college search process and must now start sending in transcripts to different college admissions. But, what does an admissions department think when they see a C+ in AP Chemistry or a D- in Algebra II? Grades are very important when trying to get into a college; however, they are not the deciding factor for a student’s admission.

According to Jennifer Winge, Dean of Admissions at the College of Wooster, there are factors that outweigh a certain grade to the admissions officers. Winge said, “Wooster, like many selective institutions, believes rigor outweighs the importance of a perfect or high GPA.”

This fact, that challenging courses are more important than a 4.0 GPA, was also supported by writer for The Huffington Post, Kat Cohen, in her article “What Matters Most to Colleges? Good Grades.”

Cohen writes, “Colleges don’t just want to see good grades, they want to see good grades in challenging classes.”

However, good grades are often difficult for high school students to obtain due to their maturity level when they enter high school, according to Cohen. Cohen explained that “College admissions realize you’re human and know kids enter high school immature.”

With that being said, colleges understand the immaturity of students in terms of their work ethic and their performance that often leads to poor grades.

When asked what admissions think of when they see a failed

class or low grade Winge said, “A failing grade is a red flag to most admission committees.

It doesn’t mean though that a student is not going to be offered admission. It’s best that the student be transparent about the experience and take ownership for that outcome/ performance.”

Overall, Winge said, “We are most excited about students who wish to immerse themselves in a diverse global community of learners who are not afraid to take some academic risks along the way.”

With this piece of advice in mind, Winge explained the kinds of students the College of Wooster, as well as many other institutions, like to see no matter the grades they received. They look for students that are hardworking and willing to challenge themselves academically.

JOHN GORMAN With education as an important factor in determining success after graduation, achievement in classes is critical.

WHS Principal Tyler Keener stresses the first way to avert failure in school is already present in the classroom.

“We’re so fortunate that our teachers are the frontline to any sort of student failure… When you don’t know an answer, that discussion between you and a teacher and you and a group of classmates oftentimes leads to success,” explains Keener.

Keener also explains that teachers are always carefully examining test data and other indicators to see what aspects of their lessons may need to be retaught, what students may need extra assistance on, and looking for other ways to prevent failure.

According to Keener, this past semester has had the fewest failures since he has been at WHS, which he attributes to students and teachers working

together better and teacher proactivity to look for ways to help lead students to success.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Tefs explains that while teachers are critical to preventing failure in the classroom in younger grades as well, teachers also play a critical role outside the schoolhouse in educating families on how to best set their children up for success.

“What we have to do, as educators, is really make sure we’re setting that family up for success… it’s just that partnership, that engagement, sometimes it does take two to do that,” explains Tefs.

Both Keener and Tefs cite the newly adopted Principles of Practice, a program designed to not only prevent student failure but also promote a student’s social and emotional wellbeing, according to the district website, as a tool used by the district to increase the likelihood of a student’s academic success.

FEATURE

The AHA promotes a healthy lifestyle GINA VAN LIEU The

American

Heart

organization.

It focuses on curing heart disease and strokes, according to Adam Parker, Youth Market The association is the oldest and largest voluntary organization disease and stroke, according to Chante Jones, Communications Director for the local AHA at the

What’s Inside?

a closer look at the Feature section

The AHA was created to reduce heart disease by promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle.

“The national goal is to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent, while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent by 2020,” Parker said.

The mission of the AHA is to lessen heart disease and stroke.

“Our mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke,” Jones said.

The AHA works with the nation each year to promote

15 16 17

heart awareness.

“The American Heart Association touches hundreds of thousands of people each year with the past research we have funded, and the educational programs we provide communities across the country,” Parker said.

Throughout the year, the AHA delivers valuable information to people in over 80 countries.

“We’re the nation’s leader in CPR education training. We help people understand the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. We provide sciencebased treatment guidelines to healthcare professionals to help them provide quality care to their patients. We educate lawmakers, policymakers and the public as we advocate for changes to protect and improve the health of our communities,” Jones said.

LILY WILLIAMS

LILY WILLIAMS

LILY WILLIAMS

month was in February of 1964, and was recognized by President Lyndon B. Johnson, according to the American Heart Association website.

WHS promotes heart disease awareness GINA VAN LIEU At the boy’s basketball game last Friday, there were many activities to promote heart health during the game and at halftime.

Student Government sold shirts, announced heart facts, collected donations and had students jump rope during half time.

There were tables that had facts about blood pressure, CPR

WCS health initiative.

Mimi Wiles (12), Student Body President, hopes that the school can spread awareness about heart health.

“The administration wanted to involve the school to spread awareness about how important heart health is during the national Heart health month, which is February,” Wiles said.

There are other activities going on throughout the district.

One example of the activities

happening was a Perry Hot Shot assembly at the elementary schools, as well as a spirit week this past week. vs. Student basketball game at 3:30 p.m. and later in the month, there will be Hoops for the Heart at Edgewood, and jump rope at the elementary schools.

At WHS, and throughout the district, there are many activities going on to support the American Heart Association.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 16

Tim Tebow Foundation holds Night to Shine at local church MADDY NACCI The Night to Shine event, a Prom night experience for people with special needs ranging in a age from 14 and older, will be held at Grace Church Feb. 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The event will be hosted for the first time at Grace Church, in partnership with Sycamore Community Church.

This will be the second year Night to Shine will be held in

Wayne County.

Nationally, Night to Shine originated in 2015 and is run through the Tim Tebow Foundation. There are over 500 churches hosting this event worldwide.

The night will have a myriad of events including limo rides, hair and makeup, photography, games, karaoke, caricature, food and dancing.

The event coordinators are Chaneika Polk, the Missions and Outreach Director at Grace Church, and Pat Meenan, representative from Sycamore

Community Church.

Pat Meenan said that last year, there were 88 guests and 150 volunteers, but this year there are already 166 guests and 300 volunteers, and that number is expected to rise.

He said the night is made possible because of the contributions of many great companies, including C.R. Blooms, Liberty Studios, Helms Barber Shop and Riverview Industrial Wood Products.

Chaneika Polk says Grace Church is very excited to have the resources and space to hold

this event.

“We will for sure host this event in the future. We have a really big community of families with special needs, and we don’t want them to feel as though they are not a big part of our community. We want to continue serving them and making them feel special for years to come,” Polk said.

Many students, staff and volunteers from WHS attend the event.

Molly Mahaney, Intervention Specialist, said many of her students attend the event and

attended last year. She plans to attend this year as well.

“For the students, it gives them an opportunity to do something fun and be themselves in a comfortable environment.

For the volunteers, it is a great opportunity to spend time with our students in a setting we don’t typically get to see them in. It is great for building relationships...we saw so many smiles on faces,” Mahaney said.

Twelve students from WHS will attend the Night to Shine event Feb. 9.

Pastor leads Wayne County’s largest food pantry AMBREA DELLAFAVE With a strong desire to help the community, Pastor of DayBreak Community Church, Richard Frazier, leads the Wooster Hope Center program with his wife, two people involved in the church and two other community members.

Since the Wooster Hope Center opened in January of 2011, it has became the largest food pantry in Wayne County, according to Frazier.

Last year, 24,000 pounds of food were distributed to an average of 400 families per week, according to Executive Director Frazier.

Six years ago, after Mark Gooch, Collection Management and Discovery Services Librarian from the College of Wooster, brought the demanding need to Frazier’s attention, he started the Backpack of Food Program at Cornerstone Elementary school.

The principals of each school oversee the Backpack of Food Program and, occasionally, a guidance counselor or teacher communicates and acts as a liaison between the school and the Wooster Hope Center.

Frazier stated the Hope Center is

currently giving over 900 backpacks of food per month to students in 11 elementary schools within five Wayne County School Districts, including Wooster, Rittman, Norwayne, Green and Southeast. Each backpack contains enough food for two meals. Frazier stated over 300 students are currently enrolled.

If their families fall under the 200 percent poverty level, students are eligible to receive the backpacks, according to Frazier.

Frazier stated that all the students from different schools get the same amount of food, but some schools receive more backpacks, due to the greater need of more students enrolled in the program.

The Wooster Hope Center is supported locally by Kiwanis clubs, the Frick Foundation, local businesses and over 60 churches that have given support through volunteering and providing monetary donations, according to Frazier. The center is also licensed and supported by the Akron Canton Regional Food Bank.

Members of the WHS Kiwanis Club, Key Club, are looking forward to helping fill the backpacks with food at the Wooster Church of Nazarene.

Q&A

FEATURE

with Dr. Samuel West Museum of Failure Curator

Why was the museum created?

What do you hope people take away from their experience touring the museum?

To get people to appreciate failure as a great learning opportunity.

That failure is always an option. We are humans and we fail all the time. As long as no one gets hurt or dies, then failure is not so bad. I don’t want a pilot experimenting with new way to land a plane when I’m on it (failure = death), but I do want teachers to dare try new teaching methods (failure = possible waste of time, and some frustration).

What is your favorite piece/failure in the museum?

I like the Olestra potato chips.

They contain a low calorie fat substitute. So, you can eat the chips without getting fat. Only one problem: diarrhea.

What is the future plan for the Museum of Failure?

What are the goals for the museum?

Opening a permanent museum in Los Angeles is the most immediate goal, and the touring exhibit is booked in different cities around the world. I’m going to work with the museum as long as I think it is fun; then moving on to other things.

Museum of Failure provides a unique learning experience RHEANNA VELASQUEZ The exhibition of failure repels some, and serves as an attraction for others.

The Museum of Failure, founded by Swedish psychologist and innovation researcher Samuel West in 2017, celebrates history’s failed goods, services and overall market misses, from Bic for Her to Harley-Davidson perfume and Colgate’s frozen beef lasagna.

According to the Museum of Failure

website, the museum’s goal is to give visitors “a fascinating learning experience and insight into the risky business of innovation.”

Currently, the Museum of Failure has a temporary exhibit in Los Angeles, Calif.

“Opening a permanent museum in Los Angeles is the most immediate goal, and cities around the world. I’m going to work with the museum as long as I think it is fun,” West said.

A permanent location in Helsingborg, Sweden, is also set for opening in April of 2018.

How long have you been the curator of the Museum of Failure?

The MOF opened in June last year, and I started working with it in January. So, I’ve been the curator for a year now.

Why do you think people are so afraid to fail?

Because it is socially painful. It is embarrassing - and people make fun of us for failing. Imagine a world where people shouted encouragement and helped us appreciate our failures. It wouldn’t be so scary to fail then.

Why is it important for people to fail sometimes?

Because failure is how we learn. It is how we progress. Failure and learning from it makes us who we are.

How did a licensed clinical psychologist end up being the curator of the Museum of Failure?

Good question. I love crazy projects; the crazier, the better, and I’ve always had several fun work projects going at the same time. Some are pure psychology; others are more well... crazy. My research in organizational psychology led me to developing the idea of MOF.

FOCUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 18

Bigoted Facebook posts spark backlash at College of Wooster ALEXIS FLORENCE cover editor

The College of Wooster, on Jan. 13, was informed that a student made several Facebook posts that contained hateful and racist language, according to the Associate Vice President of College Relations, John Hopkins.

The student has since been removed from campus as the

investigation into the matter continues.

Hopkins explained the content of the student’s post.

“The posts particularly targeted African Americans, but also included racist comments about Latinos, and anti-Semitic statements,” Hopkins said.

The news of these posts, that came on the heels of the COW’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. program, triggered a large

student response.

A press release by the college Jan. 31 explained that on Jan. 24, about 350 students staged a sit-in at Galpin Hall until about 10 p.m. to protest the school’s response to the situation.

The students created a lists of demands that circulated around Twitter using the hashtag #GalpinCallin18.

The demands include more funding for the school’s Center

Lack of rapid administrative response concerns college student protestors JOHN GORMAN views editor

What’s Inside?

a closer look at the Focus section

On Jan. 24, 275 College of Wooster students participated in a sit-in at Galpin Hall and issued a list of demands to university administrators in response to concerns about diversity and equity on campus, according to John Hopkins, associate Vice President of College Relations & Marketing.

This is not the first time the college has seen a protest at Galpin, according to COW

18 19

Professor Ron Hustwit.

In December of 1988, a fight broke out during an intramural basketball game.

“There was an investigation of it and it was reported that the investigating security officer had kind of... made some remarks that could have been interpreted as racial remarks, and seemed to be biased in the way he handled this. School was finished over Christmas break, and when school resumed, there had been no resolution to the problem and had actually went on for

EXAMINING FALLOUT STEMMING FROM COLLEGE OF WOOSTER DEMONSTRATION

TIMELINE OF ALLEGATIONS AGAINST FORMER GYMNASTICS COACH LARRY NASSAR

some time. There were more investigations, and as all that was going on, there were a lot of things building up, a lot of rumors, a lot of talk, a lot of racial tensions. And, for whatever else was brewing, as is often the case, people started to begin to bring their grievances to the table. And that’s really the way people got organized that organized the takeover of Galpin,” Hustwit said.

The 2018 sit-in began in a similar fashion. According to Robert Dinkins Jr., an organizer of the demonstration, a student posted a photo to Facebook containing language harmful to African Americans and Jews.

According to Tristan Lopus of The Wooster Voice, COW senior Drake Schwenke is currently under investigation for these posts.

Colleen Gilfether, co-president of K(no)w and participant in the sit-in, explains that while the sit-in addressed concerns about the Facebook posts, it was more focused on larger systematic issues in the college community.

“Not only was it [our main goal] to get the administration

for Diversity and Inclusion, the creation of a student-led board to increase transparency with the administration and the expulsion of the student in question.

The student leaders during the their demands.

As mentioned in the aforementioned press release, Wooster President Sarah Bolton sent a campus-wide email to

summarize the conversation.

Bolton’s email stated that the college committed to an additional $20,000 to support the work of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, increased education and training to promote equity and inclusivity on campus and increased transparency with students through the additional release of reports of bias and student incidents.

to agree to our demands, but also unite the student body in achieving further goals,” Dinkins said.

Khorkie Tyus, vice-president of the Black Students Association and another leader of the sit-in, outlines the greater goals of the sit-in.

“Some of the main goals of the demonstration were basically [to] the let the school know we were going to hold them accountable in addressing this issue… letting them know that students of color are tired of being ignored and want to see change happen and, simply put, they can’t ignore our calls for change any longer we expect them to take our demands seriously,” Tyus said.

Students at the college presented administrators a list of 21 demands, ranging from the establishment of a sexual assault survivor hotline to mandatory cultural competency training to creating spaces for multicultural student groups, according to Dinkins.

The administration has responded to 17 out of the 21 demands, committing to establishing a survivor hotline by February, mandating cultural competency training and guaranteeing houses and lounges for all student groups. The administration has not committed to expelling Schwenke, which

was a primary demand of the students, also according to Dinkins.

Tyus explains that while many demands were met, the students still are not satisfied.

“The main reason behind the sit-in has still not been handled.

The student has still not been punished by the school and they have not given us any concrete answers as to when we will know if/when something is going to happen,” according to Tyus.

Gilfether corroborates, explaining that while hopeful, she doesn’t expect change.

“I’ve learned through my time here at the College of Wooster to not hold my breath. And so, they have already complied with some of the [demands]...

However, that being said, the email was a bit, well, it was lackluster. It was fairly short and didn’t seem to address each specific demand, which I think was what we were anticipating.

So, I hope things will get better, but I’ve learned to not hold my breath,” Gilfether said.

According to Scott Brown, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, a statement made by President Bolton to the campus community explains that all changes to the College of Wooster resulting from the demonstration and negotiations are set to take place by this fall.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 19

WHO IS LARRY NASSAR?: HANNAH KNAPIC sports editor

As of Feb. 1, 265 female athletes have accused osteopathic doctor Larry Nassar of sexual assault throughout his 30 year medical and training career at Michigan State University and with the USA Gymnastics program.

Lawsuits that arose in 2016, 2017 and 2018 accuse Nassar of sexual abuse starting as early as 1992, according to, “A Comprehensive Timeline of the Larry Nassar Scandal,” on SBNation by James Dator.

In 1992, an unnamed victim alleged that Nassar claimed to be completing undergraduate medical research in order to sexually assault her.

Olympic medalist Jamie Dantzscher admitted in a 2016 lawsuit against the USAG that Nassar assaulted her for six years, beginning in 1994, while

claiming to be treating her lower back pain.

In 1997, a parent of a gymnast at Twistars USA Gymnastics center complained to gym owner and 2012 Olympic coach John Geddert regarding Nassar’s treatment. However, Geddert reportedly ignored complaints, failed to investigate and continued to recommend Nassar to athletes, according to Dator.

Michigan State University officials were first alerted of Nassar’s mistreatment in 1997 when Larissa Boyce, a 16-year old gymnast at a neighboring high school, told MSU gymnastics coach Kathie Klages of Nassar’s inappropriate treatment during a gymnastics camp at the university.

According to the article, “What MSU Knew,” in Detroit News, Klages resigned in Feb. 2017, but declined to comment on the incident regarding complaints.

Nassar’s abuse extended

ABRIDGED TIMELINE Data collected by Hannah Knapic from “A Comprehensive Timeline of the Larry Nassar Scandal,” on SBNation by James Dator.

1994

Olympic medalist Jamie Dantzscher admitted in a 2016 lawsuit that Nassar assaulted her for six years, beginning in 1994.

1986

Larry Nassar’s medical career with USA Gymnastics begins.

1996

1997

Nassar became the team physician and assistant professor at Michigan State University.

Nassar was named the national medical coordinator for USAG.

beyond the gymnastics community. In a Victim Impact Statement, Kyle Stephens, daughter of Nassar’s friend, accused Nassar of years of abuse beginning in 1998 when she was six, according to Dator.

Dator’s article explained that in 2000, MSU softball player Tiffany Thomas Lopez told a staff member and three athletic trainers about Nassar’s sexually inappropriate medical treatment.

Lopez’ concerns were dismissed by the university members.

In 2014, an investigation took place into the mistreatment, yet Nassar continued to see patients for 16 months until 2015 when it was determined that Nassar would not be charged, according to Dator.

On Aug. 4, 2016, the Indianapolis Star published the series, “Out of Balance: An IndyStar Investigation into USA Gymnastics,” in which they detail the investigation

into USAG, according to the description of the series on the IndyStar website.

Rachael Denhollander filed the lawsuit, which resulted in Nassar’s reassignment from clinical duties on Aug. 29, 2016, according to Dator.

Denhollander and an unnamed Olympic gymnast told IndyStar of their encounters with Nassar, which led to the release of a statement by the USAG claiming that Nassar was relieved of all duties in 2015.

Three first degree criminal charges for Nassar came on Nov. 22, 2016. Almost one year later, on Nov. 20, 2017, Nassar pled guilty to seven counts of first-degree sexual misconduct in court.

Multiple Olympic gold medalists have came forward with their accounts of abuse by Nassar, according to Dator from sbnation.com and McKenna Aiello’s article,

“Gymnastics Fierce Five: How They Gave a Voice to Suvivors of Larry Nassar’s Abuse,” from enews.com.

Nassar’s sentencing led to many changes in the USA gymnastics world and in MSU. Bryan Armen Graham of The Guardian reported on the aftermath of Nassar’s sentencing in his article, “Larry Nassar is locked up for life.

Now the real work begins.”

Hours after Nassar’s sentencing, MSU president Lou Anna K. Simon resigned following Michigan legislators vote on a resolution stating Simon must step down that evening.

USA Gymnastics was required to follow similar guidelines after the U.S. Olympic Committee called for the resignation of all USAG directors. The U.S. Olympic Committee required the resignation of all USAG board members by Jan. 31.

Shortened record with additional information on Larry Nassar’s medical career and history of abuse in USA Gymnastics and at Michigan State University.

2000

Rachael Denhollander, a member of USAG, alleges being assaulted by Nassar while receiving treatment for lower back pain when she was 15.

1999

Following the scandal that rocked USA Gymnastics

A MSU cross country athlete informed athletic program staff of Nassar’s sexual assault during treatment for a hamstring injury.

2004

2014

MSU graduate, Amanda Thomashow, reports sexual assault by Nassar to a member of the MSU Sports Med Clinic.

University principal Anna Lou K. Simon is alerted.

2016

2017

Nassar pleads guilty to seven accounts of first-degree sexual misconduct after testimonies from 156 women.

Nassar’s mistreatment Nassar is removed from all clinical was reported to the duties at MSU after IndyStar posts Meridian Township an investigation into USA Gymnastics Police Department. The and Denhollander files a lawsuit department begins a 16 against him. Nassar is later charged month long investigation. with three first degree criminal charges of sexual assault.

2018

Nassar is sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison by Judge Rosemarie Aquilina after 156 women testified against him on the basis of sexual assault.

VIEWS

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, 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, 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 | FEB. 9, 2018 | PAGE 20

Students collaborate with administrator to address and denounce hate speech In the last week of January, a threat was found in a first-floor male restroom in Wooster High School.

The threat stated, “Kill Them All. 2/1/18. For the motherland.” and was accompanied by a swastika. In the following days of investigation, the WCS administration and Wooster police determined this message to be an instance of hate speech, but did not define it as a legitimate threat.

However, in light of this situation, The Wooster Blade leadership believes conversations addressing hate speech and school culture should be opened between students, teachers and administration members. Thus, our following statement on this and all other instances of hate speech is in conjunction with Principal Tyler Keener and student body president Mimi Wiles.

To begin this discussion, we strongly condemn all instances of hate speech. We find the fact that this statement is even necessary in today’s enlightened society to be a sad reminder of the distance we have yet to cross to become an informed and accepting global community. Language expressing hate and ignorance has absolutely no place in schools or anywhere else in an inclusive community.

We cannot think of any reasonable reason for anyone to write such a statement as the one found in our school building.

Neither ignorance nor misinformation can justify this language because speech that targets a subsection of a population or threatens violence can never

be taken lightly. Hate speech will never be acceptable or justifiable to any degree.

While it may be easy to focus on the reprehensible aspects of this recent situation, it is essential to recognize the many groups and individuals who provided support and service during this time. We commend their hard work, dedication and quick response with this situation.

“LANGUAGE EXPRESSING HATE AND IGNORANCE HAS ABSOLUTELY NO PLACE IN SCHOOLS OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY.” Our school administration, from first discovering this threat, has taken the time and resources needed to investigate it fully. We commend their transparency and accessibility to students and parents throughout the investigation.

Additionally, the student body has responded to the incident maturely, and we applaud students for remaining calm and patient under this unfortunate circumstance.

Finally, we find comfort in the police department’s rapid response to the threat and appreciate their immediate willingness to provide WHS with additional security and

Amber Swigart, Co-Editor-in-Chief Estelle Shaya, Co-Editor-in-Chief Melita Wiles, WHS Student Body President

services. Having such a sound source of support in response to a threat gives us pride in our local law enforcement.

Now, looking to the future, we have high hopes for actions amongst our students, teachers and administration. Although this incident has been a disheartening and disappointing instance of hate speech, we believe it opens the door to conversations our school and society needs to have.

We hope students can begin to evaluate our school culture and how we respond to hate speech.

We also hope students will begin to further consider the consequences of their speech upon groups of which they are not a part within the high school.

And, most of all, we hope students will make their voices heard if more instances of hate speech occur.

We believe students should speak out responsibly against what they find unacceptable, as long as they do so in a mature manner that refrains from name-calling or bullying.

Wooster High School is, generally, a very inclusive school. This instance of hate speech is not representative of the student body as a whole, but is rather representative of a small pocket of students within the school.

However, we, as a school community, need to continue to educate all students, parents, teachers and staff members on creating a positive and respectful school culture that will not tolerate hate speech. Hate speech cannot, and will not, be tolerated.

Tyler Keener, WHS principal