Investing in the environment vital to human race
Investing in the Earth is extremely important due to how pollution, deforestation and displacement of animals is affecting the environment.
There are different ways to invest in the environment, which includes monetary investment and investment of time. According to the United Nations Foundation, there are seven ways to invest in the planet.
One way to invest in the environment is by investing in renewable and in energy sustainability, which would help with pollution seeing as fossil fuels are responsible for around 60% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN environment programme, Renewable energy. Governments around the world, and citizens of said countries,
should turn to sustainable options for energy some of which includes: solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, and ocean energy according to the UN.
Citizens are able to use solar energy from installed solar panels and invest in other forms of energy,but the responsibility falls on the government to transition to these types of renewable energy.
Voting for elected officials who support these types of energy’s and petitioning/protesting for the use of these renewable energies could help encourage a change.
Reducing deforestation and regrowing the trees that were cut down will in effect help reduce carbon emissions. According to wwf.org on the effects of deforestation, trees, in essence, absorb carbon dioxide, and when they are cut down, those gasses that they once were storing, will release carbon dioxide back into
Reduce, reuse, recycle plays important role in society
STELLA POWERS
trends editor
For over 50 years, environmental activists have used the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” in an attempt to make people more environmentally conscious.
According to the Smithsonian Institution, the phrase was created by Gary Anderson, a senior at the University of Southern California in 1970.
“To combat the proliferation of consumer waste, environmentalists encouraged everyone to embrace the ‘3 R’s,’” says the Smithsonian Institution website.
Lucia Perfetti, president and founder of the Green Club at WHS, shares that the environment is important to her due to memories she has related to it.
According to Perfetti, the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” has been around for a long time; however, it changes over time with environmental movements.
“Right now, I would say the saying applies to parts of our daily life that we don’t really think about, like fashion, and energy,” shared Perfetti. “It is so easy to cut down (or reduce) our individual impact on the planet by using less electricity and gas.”
Pros of EVs
the atmosphere, so not only is deforestation displacing animals and killing them, but it is also causing more pollution.
Governments around the world are the only ones that can stop deforestation indefinitely, but there are ways that regular citizens can help too. One can reduce the amount of paper products that get used, stop using palm oil, recycle paper products, and donate to organizations like the Borneo Project, according to greentumble. com on the 15 strategies to reduce deforestation. Helping save the environment and planet is important to many. Ashley Schroer (12), a WHS student who is concerned about the environment, says that some ways to help the environment is by, “...recycling, avoiding over consumption, picking up trash, and donating to wildlife protection charities.” Schroer said this issue is important because, “...it could help plants and
animals not become extinct and it would help stop global warming and global climate change which both have effects on human health.”
Another student at WHS who is concerned about the environment is Mira Flox (10).
Flox said that “The usage of motorized vehicles includes lithium mining, which is extremely dangerous for the ecosystem.”
Flox sees that it is due to the fact that “...fossil fuels release high amounts of carbon.” And believes that “An overall cut back on individual transportation can make an impact, with only using public transport or manual bicycles for long distance.”
The environment is, and will continue to play, a vital role in the prosperity of the human race. Without conscious thought or action to improve the environment, we will be the cause of its, the only planet that we know of that is habitable, destruction.
Importance of recycling
LILY CAMPBELL-LEHTINEN
For Perfetti, “reuse” is the most important part of the phrase.
“I love my clothes, but often have to remind myself that it is healthier for our planet if I wear clothes until they absolutely cannot be used anymore, rather than throwing them somewhere like Goodwill, which is already overwhelmed with donations,” Perfetti said.
Once clothes are beyond repair, Perfetti shares that her family will often cut the old clothes into rags to use around the house.
Erin Petruzzi, WHS Science Dept. member and adviser of the Green Club, shares that it is important to reduce, reuse, and recycle because it helps to save resources and minimize waste.
According to Petruzzi, “Reduce, reuse, recycle is an attitude or philosophy associated with consumerism. Reduce means limit what you use. Reuse means to repurpose or upcycle items before recycling or disposing of them. Recycle means to contribute the materials to a program that will process them to create new products rather than send them to a landfill.”
As it encourages people to do their part in making a difference, the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” has become a really important part of the environmental movement.
staff writer
According to National Geographic, Earth Day is a day dedicated to protecting the planet from deforestation and pollution. National Geographic also mentions that one excellent way to help the planet is by recycling often by saying: “Before you throw something away, think about how it can be recycled or repurposed.”
Wendy Bullock, Outreach Coordinator at the Stark Tuscarawas Wayne Recycling District states on the topic of recycling that it helps the earth by saving energy, creating jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries, conserves natural resources like timber, water, and minerals, and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Bullock also states that “Recycling gets down to one person taking action. New products can be made from your recyclable waste materials. Recycling is good for our environment, our communities, and our economy.”
Steve Tharp, Program Manager at the Stark Tuscarawas Wayne Recycling District, offers some other helpful information about items that can be recycled for the general population.
Tharp states that pill and medicine bottles can be recycled, as long as they have a head and neck and are longer than a credit card.
Plastic milk jugs can be recycled as long as they are clean.
Shredded paper cannot be recycled, instead it must be placed in the trash.
However, regular paper can be recycled as long as it is loose in the recycling bin.
Earth day this year will take place on Saturday, April 22 and will work towards protecting the environment.
staff writer
Electric car sales are on the rise with their promise of a better future and cleaner environment. In 2022, more than 800,000 electric cars were sold in the US.
Also, in 2022, electric vehicle sales jumped from 3.2% to 5.8% of all vehicles sold in the United States. According to Kelley Blue Book, “At the end of 2022, the average price of an electric vehicle was $61,488…”
The move to electrification will be gradual as communities need time to adjust. A lot of rural communities do not have the amount of charging stations that urban communities have. You can have a charger installed in your house, but that also increases your electric bill.
In Wooster, there are eight charging stations all of which are located downtown. The popularity of electric cars has spread to Wooster and Wayne County, “I would say that the biggest impact is that we have an industrial base that works in the automotive industry and that those companies are making a transition and looking to the future on how they can grow that business for themselves as well and capitalize on the trend and transition.” said Maribeth Burns, the President of the Wayne Economic Development Council. Charging an electric vehicle is half the cost of filling up a gas car. The average price of gas in 2022 was $3.61 per gallon while on average it only cost $56 per month to charge your car at home. You fill up your car more than once a month, so it is less expensive to charge an electric car. According to MotorTrend, “The state of Ohio ranks No. 21 in charging costs in the U.S…” In Ohio, it costs $5.66 to fully charge a Tesla Model 3, $7.36 to fully charge a Volvo XC40, and $12.37 to fully charge a Ford F-150 Lightning. There are many charging networks across the US that you can use to charge your car if you do not have a charger at home such as Electrify America and EVgo. Electric cars are more feasible in rural areas than people may think, “I think that Wayne County has always done a good job of looking into the future and trying to prepare for changes that are likely to occur. So even in rural communities you’ve seen municipalities and villages take a look at adding charging stations in their communities and trying to get prepared for what’s likely to be a transition.” Electric cars in rural areas are more feasible and not as out of reach as some may think.
REBEKAH LAY staff writer CALEB KOSTOHRYZBEFORE YOU THROW SOMETHING AWAY, THINK ABOUT HOW IT CAN BE RECYCLED OR REPURPOSED NATIONAL
Tri-County IB program will not run in 2023-2024
Ethan Keating staff writerAfter 17 years of existence at WHS, the Tri-County International Baccalaureate Academy will not be enrolling a new class of juniors in the 2023-24 school year.
According to a statement released by James Ritchie, Superintendent of the Tri-County Educational Service Center, the interest and student enrollment in the IB program have been dwindling in recent years.
“This decrease in enrollment has fundamentally impacted the IB program. As a result, superintendents in the tri-county area have reached the difficult decision to not enroll new students in this program for the upcoming school year,” Ritchie said.
According to Victoria Birk, the Tri-County International Academy IB Diploma Program Coordinator, there is a set fee in order to run the program, and that fee is divided by the number of students enrolled which is paid for by the school districts. Birk said the ideal number of students in the program between the junior and senior classes is 50 students. With only nine students applying to the program for next year, it is not economically feasible to run.
“Our latest enrollment number for the class of 2025 was incredibly low. Even if we could get local support in the way of contributions
WHS reflects on potential new mascot
LILY CAMPBELL-LEHTINEN staff writerMcWoo, and Archie.
for tuition offset, we don’t believe a class that small is pedagogically a sound option for the students. This program has been around since 2006 with TCIA representatives, myself included, visiting area schools to forge relationships and share information each of those years.
It’s disappointing that despite our efforts over these seventeen years that more area interest and support hasn’t developed,” Birk said.
Audrey Miller, a senior in the IB program, reflected that due to low application numbers, she was not surprised by the cancellation of the program, but notes that the IB program allowed her to form connections with teachers and classmates and has helped her prepare for the rigorous workload of college.
“I do think that having the opportunity to take IB classes at Wooster was really unique and especially beneficial for advanced students at the county schools who have less access to difficult classes. Especially with fewer AP classes being offered at Wooster next year, I don’t think the removal of the entire program was a wise choice,” Miller said.
Birk remarked that she will miss the students and the close family feel that the program has . While a new class of juniors is not being enrolled, the current juniors enrolled in the program will be supported through their senior year.
In the concluding of the school year, the College of Wooster has announced that they will be replacing their mascot, the Scottish highlander, with the Scottie dog. According to the College of Wooster website, the change needed to happen because, “No human mascot can represent the diverse identities of our campus community, and many human mascots raise serious concerns about racism, xenophobia, and are otherwise problematic.”
COW also stated that the name of the new mascot would be Archie as students were allowed to vote between the top three choices: Mac,
At WHS, a similar question is being raised in relation to the Wooster General mascot. This question addresses whether the General is representative of the students of WHS.
Scott Musser, principal of WHS stated: “The origin of the General is very unique. It was developed by a student who went to Norwayne in the mid 30s. However, it might not be very representative of the student body.”
Musser also stated that it would be a long process to change the mascot since community members, school board members, and of course, students at WHS would need to be involved in making this decision.
In relation to this, Musser noted:
“It would be a question of how to still incorporate the name General into an animal mascot. For example, the College of Wooster was still able to be known as the Scots since they transitioned from the Scottish Highlander to the Scottie dog.” Musser also mentioned that if the mascot were no longer human, it could be changed to an animal or symbol with the name General. One option that could be considered is a horse or mustang. However, Musser stated that the decision would be made by the student body, likely through getting a small group together to debate what the mascot should be, if students believed the change to be necessary.
Student Council hosts outdoor events
Caleb Singer-Holden staff writerStudent Council is currently hosting many events all taking place within the next couple weeks. The first event will be the drive-in movie they will be hosting on May 20. The movie being shown will be The Lego Movie by Phil Lord Christopher Miller.
This is the third time Student Council will be hosting this event. Kelly Grayshock, Student Council adviser , had said, “WHS Student Council sponsored the first Drive in Movie in 2021 as a student Social event. Because of the space restrictions for COVID , they had
Pets of WHS add to class environment
to be creative, so an outdoor event seemed great. This is our third year, and it has quickly become a tradition. This year we are reaching out to the elementary and middle schools to make this more of a Wooster community event.”
COVID caused changes with Student Council. Grayshock had said that the group has been working on changing what it means to be a student council member.
Grayshock went on to say, “Because of COVID and other factors, Student Council was put on hold and that caused some loss in momentum.
This past year, members have worked on structure, reorganization and new goals to help shape what
Laura Rapport a&e editorWHS: aside from being a school, is home to many class pets, including snakes, fish, and gerbils.
Science Dept. member Matthew Knight has a snake in his classroom named Marley, fellow Science Dept. member Matthew Balsinger has fish in his room, English Dept. member Chelsey Eppler Porter has a snake named Indiana in her classroom, librarian Kelly Grayshock has gerbils named Tater and Tot in the library, and science teacher Miriam Stokes brings in her dog, Osa, the St. Bernard, every week.
According to petsintheclassroom. org, class pets can have numerous benefits for students. “Observing and caring for an animal instills a sense of responsibility and respect for life. A pet brings increased sensitivity and awareness of the feelings and needs of others—both animals and humans. Students will see directly how their behavior and actions affect others. Studies show
they think Student Council can be. Most of the time, the student body sees the social events that Student Council sponsors, but we do so much more. Behind the scenes, members do community service, volunteering and collaboration with other clubs.”
The gates will be opening at 6:30 p.m. The cost for attending the movie will be $5 per person, and the event will also feature a Oh-Yo frozen yogurt truck that people can purchase from.
Another major event occurring will be Student Council elections for the next school year, which will be held April 25 and 26 during the school day. Posters are all over the school encouraging votes.
that the presence of animals tends to lessen tension in the classroom.” said the information page on petsintheclassroom.org.
Grayshock spoke about why she keeps gerbils in the library, saying: “Pets, even tiny ones, are proven to decrease stress and anxiety. They also create educational opportunities.” She added that the gerbils have become very popular “Tater & Tot have become quite the celebrities and students and staff come to the library just to see them!”
Stokes spoke about her love of dogs, saying: “[Osa] is happy every single day… they ask for so little. They give so much and in return they just want food and love… We don’t deserve dogs.” Stokes’ dog is also a canine good citizen, which allows her to come into schools and other public places. Osa comes in every Friday and also has trading cards, which Stokes encourages students to get.
Class pets are good for students’ mental health and are also a fun addition to any classroom.
ON CAMPUS THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 28, 2023 | PAGE 2
1. Indiana, the corn snake that lives in Chelsey Eppler Porter’s room rests in her cage during the final stages of her shedding process.
2. Matt Knight holds Marley.
3. Miriam Stokes takes Osa, a Saint Bernard, outside to enjoy the sunshine.
4. Matt Balsinger’s leopard gecko, Denali, chills under a rock.
5. Marley is a ball python who is housed in Matt Knight’s room.
6. Tater and Tot, the library gerbils, who are a mother and daughter pair, stand in their cage.
7. Matt Balsinger has a collection of fish in the tank in his room.
Photos by Hannah LoGiudice, Stella Powers and Kelly Grayshock
WCSD attempts to pass a school levy that will aid the building of new schools
MATTIE DUNLAP cover editorOn May 2, Wooster community members will be voting on a bond issue regarding the construction of a new K1-2 elementary school on the Cornerstone campus and a new middle school.
According to the Wooster City Schools website, the May 2 bond issue is a part of phase 1 of the District Facilities Master Plan and will cost homeowners around $19.60 per month per $100,000 of home value. However, the district would reduce from six buildings to four, reducing utility and maintenance expenses.
Gabe Tudor, superintendent of WCS, says the master facilities planning began in 2018, around the time they started assessing the state of Wooster’s school buildings.
Tudor goes on to explain the impetus behind the May 2 levy as being multiple things.
“I think it was a combination of potential enrollment growth and aging buildings that started the conversation. And then from there,
it was other things that became attractive to the project; what do we want our buildings to do and serve our kids? Do we want to put all our kids together?... But, the idea probably started primarily with potential enrollment growth and aging buildings,” Tudor said.
According to Tudor, if the levy is passed, construction would begin right away with plans for the new middle school to be opened by 2026.
Connie Storck, Wooster community member, expresses her concerns with the May 2 bond issue, especially the destruction of Cornerstone Elementary school.
“...The board never looked into historic renovation costs, although the historic renovation architectural firm that renovated the downtown courthouse was willing to evaluate the building,” Storck said.
Additionally, Storck shares the negatives of grade-banding, a method the Facilities Master Plan adopted.
“The plan calls for grade banding. It eliminates all neighborhood schools…A Brookings Institution study states that basic factors affecting student achievement are
Carnivals raise funds for elementary schools
‘sense of belonging, connectedness, and support; academic challenge and engagement; and social and emotional competence for students and adults’,” Storck said.
Vice president of the WCS BOE Danielle Schantz offers an alternative view of grade banding, saying it is a more equitable way to house students within the district.
Schantz says she hopes the levy gets passed to provide Wooster students and staff with modern facilities.
“Public schools serve more than just the educational needs of Wooster’s kids. Counseling services, extended child care, meals, and health services are provided to many of our students. Wooster students deserve to have safe, friendly, and modern facilities. Some students spend as many as 8 hours at school each day. It is their home away from home. Wooster staff also deserve to teach in facilities that accommodate their professional and personal needs as they do this important work,” Schantz said.
To learn more about the May 2, 2023 bond issue, go to the Wooster City Schools website and visit the master facilities plan page.
Trump faces possible criminal charges
business records, according to the Manhattan district attorney website.
Throughout the school year, there are many events that happen at the elementary schools that serve as fundraisers, community events and allow the students and parents to get to know each other. Carnivals are hosted by some of the elementary schools in the spring and help the schools to fundraise. .
Carnivals are funded by the building PTO. Eric Vizzo, principal at Cornerstone Elementary, says “ The main purpose is to provide a fun event for parents and students to attend and enjoy together and also raise funds for PTO to help support field trips and various other learning experiences for our students,” Vizzo said. The funds raised from events like these benefit the students in many aspects of their education.
Jayme Tucker, assistant principal at Cornerstone Elementary, says, “Students have the chance to connect with our staff members in a different capacity than they do during the school day. It also provides an opportunity for families to spend the evening together.”
Carnivals allow students to see their teachers in other environments outside of school.
Students enjoy and look forward to activities outside of school, especially the carnivals. Steve Furlong, principal at Parkview Elementary, said, “They enjoy it. They start talking about it way in advance, and it's awesome to see how much fun they have while they are here,” Furlong said.
The excitement and anticipation shared by the students is one of the many reasons to hold events such as carnivals. On April 28, Cornerstone will be hosting their carnival from 5:30 p.m. through 8:00 p.m.
TikTok faces another Potential ban
TRISTAN MILLER staff writerOn March 30, 2023, former president Donald Trump was indicted by a Manhattan jury. According to the U.S. Department of Justice website, “When a person is indicted, they are given formal notice that it is believed that they committed a crime,” essentially the jury in Trump’s trial felt there was enough evidence to move forward with a potential criminal trial.
On April 4, Trump traveled to New York City to be fingerprinted and photographed; it was there that his charges were officially released and he was charged with 34 felony charges of falsifying
All of the charges are in connection to his involvement in the payment of hush money to the sport star Stormy Daniels in 2016. According to an April 5 New York Times article written by Ben Protests and Jonah E. Bromwich, “The charges trace back to a $130,000 hush-money payment that Mr. Trump’s fixer, Michael D. Cohen…The payment, which Mr. Cohen said he made at Mr. Trump’s direction, suppressed her story of a sexual liaison she says she had with Mr. Trump.”
The same New York Times article explains that when paying Cohen back, Trump classified these payments as “legal expenses,” this
is where the fraud occurred as the prosecution claims that there were no legal expenses and a retainer agreement was not in place.
According to an April 5 CNN article written by Daniel Dale, Trump pled not guilty to all charges and then traveled back to his residence in Mar-a-Lago Florida where he gave a speech maintaining his innocence. Within this speech, Trump touched on a number of grievances, including his impeachment, the raid on Mara-Lago and Obama, as well as many other topics. He finally touched on the trial stating, “This fake case was brought only to interfere with the upcoming 2024 election and it should be dropped immediately. Immediately.”
Recently, there has been a large push across several nations to ban the social media platform Tik Tok and limit its access to important data, with the United States potentially doing this also.
A New York Times article from April 12, states that “The White House told federal agencies on Feb. 27 that they had 30 days to delete the app from government devices.” This shows the push from the United States to stop the platform's expansion, but within the United States, some are calling for the platform to be removed for all citizens due to privacy concerns. An article from KTVH on April 13 concerning a possible ban on the app in Montana states, “Supporters said the
ban is needed due to TikTok being owned by a Chinese company and collecting a large amount of data on users.”
Although the main cause cited for the app needing to be banned involves these alleged privacy concerns,TikTok continues to assure all users that their privacy is protected.
On March 23, the CEO of TikTok, Shou Chew testified in front of the U.S. Congress that TikTok has, “for the last two years been building what amounts to a firewall, that seals off protected U.S. user data.”
The company has offered several assurances like these over the past few months, but many state governments and members of the U.S. Congress continue to push for limitations on the platform, making its future in the United States ambiguous.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 28, 2023 | PAGE 3
FOCUS
GRACE KOSTOHRYZ feature editor
HANNAH LoGIUDICE on campus editor
Earth Day events take place in community
OLIVIA HINER co-editor-in-chiefAll across the globe, there are countless organizations working to bring awareness to Earth Day. Inside the Wooster community, there are also events going on to celebrate the day.
At WHS, the Green Club encouraged students to participate in a spirit week. Around spirit week, Lucia Perfetti, (12), president of the club, said “I feel like a lot of the messaging surrounding the environment is very negative… a spirit week is a fun way to celebrate Earth Day because, although we absolutely don’t want anyone to sleep on the dangers of global warming we do want
to instill a little bit of spirit and motivation back into the idea of the environment, and environmental advocacy.”
Along with a spirit week, the Green Club, in partnership with Scott Miller, Social Studies Dept. member, will be planting flowers in the courtyard across the hall from the office. The club’s goal with this is activity is to promote peace between humans and the environment.
As far as businesses go, Local Roots hosted their annual Drive Electric Earth Day on April 22. Ryan Leeper, the event organizer, said the event is important to the community as, “electric vehicles are still fairly unknown powertrains to the average person.” Leeper reminds people that the purpose
Easy Earth Day activities
of Earth Day is a way to raise awareness regarding the planet, which is aligned with the goal of the event.
The College of Wooster is encouraging students to use reusable to-go containers at their dining hall for the month of April. According to the “Wooster Dining News” from April 10, “since September, more than 25,000 disposable to-go containers have been sent to the landfill. “ Students who purchase a “green-to-go” container are entered to win prizes. Throughout the Wooster community, people are coming together to bring attention to Earth Day. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved, and considering participation can help educate.
Global plastic treaty limits production
LAYNEEThe UN environment program, an organization that finds answers to environmental issues, takes a step to influence the end of plastic pollution world-wide by issuing the plastic treaty.
Since December 2022, representation from each nation and other associating groups came together, the creation of the plastic treaty -a international, legally binding, agreement to limit plastic production- began, according to “First proposals put forward for the global treaty to end plastic pollution,” published by Food Packaging Forum.
Much controversy over legal ties to the treaty came through the nations, as the article reads, “The countries
that believe ‘goals and efforts should be global and mandatory’ and those that believe it should be ‘voluntary and country-led.’”
Paige Arnold, WHS Social Studies Dept. member, notes that similar to the plastic treaty, in history, nations have come together to solve environmental issues. “There have definitely been examples in history of countries coming together to help the environment. The Kyoto Protocol, from the 1990s, is one example. Many countries agreed to help try to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. The US Senate refused to ratify the agreement and eventually the U.S. rejected the treaty outright, “ Arnold said. According to Arnold, the Kyoto Protocol eventually failed as only small up and coming nations had agreed to it.
The plastic treaty has become
Earth Day is on April 22 which is a great time to start teaching kids about the Earth in a fun and creative way with these activities.
You can watch and learn about many different birds by attracting them to your house with a homemade cardboard bird feeder. All you have to do is grab an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll and cover it with peanut butter. Then, roll the cardboard in seeds or bird food mix. Next, hang it up to a tree and watch the birds.
Reusable tote bags help the environment by eliminating the use of plastic bags when shopping. It also makes a cute accessory for kids and the kids can customize them however they want. All you need is a blank canvas tote bag and fabric markers which you can get from stores like Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels and more.
influential due to the big endorsement from the United States, according to Food Packaging Forum.
Last February, the United States proposed the information about the treaty to the UN environmental program. The Food Packaging Forum describes, “The U.S. proposal focuses on the downstream management of plastics – recycling and reuse, along with redesigning products to use less or use easier to manage plastics.”
“My prediction is that whatever environmentally-based concessions the US agrees to will be satisfactory to some nations but not quite radical enough in the eyes of other nations that have historically been more aggressive than the US in their attempt to fight climate change,” Arnold said.
Cities nationwide host events to celebrate Earth Day
Clean the Ravine in Worthington: On April 21, volunteers will be gathering for around four hours to plant trees and bushes, remove invasive plants, mulch and spruce up nearby gardens.
Earth Day Jubilee in Santa Monica, Calif. - Heal the Bay, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping the watersheds and coastal waters of the Los Angeles area safe, will be hosting a jubilee on Santa Monica pier to “celebrate the beauty of the oceans.” This event will focus on educating youth about the environmental movement.
A great way to teach kids about how plants grow is by growing a seed in a jar. All you need is a mason jar, paper towels and seeds of your choice. First, wet the paper towels and shove them into the jar but not too tightly. Then, place the seed inside the jar at the side. Re-wet the towels when needed and watch the seeds grow.
Flower crowns are fun to make and can teach young children to appreciate the beauty of nature. For supplies, you need any soft stemmed flowers and scissors if wanted. Braid or knot the stems together to create a cute accessory for people of all ages.
A fun way to get kids outside on Earth Day is by creating or finding a scavenger hunt online of things you can find in your area and printing it out. This activity teaches kids how to identify plants and to pay more attention to the life around them.
National Day of Action to Stop Dirty Banks in Cleveland - Along with many other people around the United States, individuals are staging non-violent demonstrations to protest banks funding climate destruction.
Cleveland Clinic Earth Day Event in Strongsville: On April 20, the Cleveland Clinic Strongsville Family Health Center will host multiple vendors and educators from a variety of sources and programs to promote investing in the planet.
End the Era of Fossil Fuels Rally in Washington, D.C.: A youth-led rally will take place in Washington, D.C. at the Freedom Plaza. Following the rally, the individuals will march to the White House to urge President Biden to follow through with his promise to end the fossil fuel era.
Cape Coral Cleanup in Cape Coral: With plans to host the biggest cleanup the city has ever seen, Cape Coral will be hosting around 5,000 volunteers to help clean up the lasting effects of Hurricane Ian. The focus will be on recovering the trash and debris left over from the storm.
COVER THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 28, 2023 | PAGE 4
ESLICH staff writer
The Wooster Blade wanted to recognize the continuing efforts of bringing awareness to climate change and environmental issues by those in Ohio and in the United States by examining nationwide events. From cleanups to parties, here are a few ways people are commemorating Earth Day.
Prom: student shares a how-to guide on the end of year dance
LAURA RAPPORT a&e editor
The WHS Prom, with the theme Midnight Masquerade will be held May 13 at Greystone Event Center from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Prom originated at colleges in universities in America, according to an article published by Time Magazine in 2010 by Claire Suddath. “The word ‘prom’ is short for promenade, the formal,
introductory parading of guests at a party… prom can be traced back to the simple co-ed banquets that 19th century American universities held for each year’s graduating class. A growing teenage culture pushed proms younger and younger, and by the 1940s the adolescent dance we know today had almost entirely taken hold,” Suddath wrote.
This year, WHS will allow underclassmen, freshman and sophomores, to attend if invited by a junior or senior. With a whole new
demographic of students now able to attend the dance, it is important to review the steps one should take in order to have a successful Prom.
Step one is to find people to go with. Whether you are going with a date or with friends, you will probably have more fun if you go with someone. It is It is important to find someone you will have a good time with.
The next step is to find something to wear. Whether you are renting or buying a dress or tux, you should
Advice on how to shop sustainable for Prom
NORA LEVY sports editorAs Prom approaches, searching for the perfect dress is high on the list of steps to having the best Prom. However, the qualities of the perfect dress may be different for each attendee, as for some, sustainability is an important piece to consider.
To sustainably dress at Prom, a dressember.com article by Millie Vieira emphasizes two key tips: “1. Buy second hand 2. Buy from an ethical company.”
In a Sept. 1, 2022, article by Eva Astoul on sustainably-chic.com, a third method is mentioned, as Astoul recommends borrowing a dress from friends or relatives.
Locally, stores like Jodi’s Closet and Friendtique may have Prom dress options to choose from, while Plato’s Closet may have Prom dresses at a slightly more expensive price point if the shopper is willing to drive to Strongsville.
Buying from an ethical company
may pose an added challenge as you must first determine which companies are sustainable.
Jasmine Owens of ethicalconsumer. org details seven ways a company can be unethical in a March 22 article. Though, Owens boils the idea of an ethical business down to four key principles: “Its commitment to the environment, how it treats workers and its human rights record, its policies regarding animals [and] how it acts towards democracy and the state.” If the company has questionable practices, the company may not be sustainable.
Finally, if a Prom attendee has an older sibling, cousin or other relative, it may be a good idea to check and see if they have any dresses that could be borrowed. Even if the Prom dress does not fit perfectly, it may be cheaper to get alterations than to buy a new dress. An alteration would also certainly be sustainable.
The WHS Prom is scheduled for May 13 and the theme is Masquerade.
find something comfortable that you are okay with wearing for several hours. Try to avoid itchy fabric, sequins that scratch you, and clothes that are too tight.
Once you have found someone to go with and something to wear, it is time to make plans for the evening.
If you are going out to dinner, be sure to make a reservation as soon as you can. Most restaurants are usually pretty busy on Saturday night, and they will be even busier on the night of Prom, so making
plans early will be helpful in the long run.
You should also decide whether or not you want to participate in the Grand March. It is not required, but it can be a fun way to show off your fancy attire and date.
Once you have you have made your plans for the night, it is time for the dance itself.
The most important thing to do is have fun. make sure to savor the evening and make lots of good memories.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 28, 2023 | PAGE 5 TRENDS
Disney Nature introduces youth to animal kingdom
Concerts provide opportunities for people to enjoy live entertainment
STELLA POWERS
trends editor
For people who enjoy music, going to concerts can be a great and really fun experience. There are many notable artists that will be playing at nearby venues in upcoming months, though they may not be very affordable.
One of the most talked about concerts, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, has fans excited; however, getting tickets for the event has been difficult. This show will be playing at the Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on June 30 and July 1, but tickets are not currently available through Ticketmaster due to high demand.
Another upcoming show is the tour by Stevie Nicks and Billy
Joel. According to Ticketmaster, the most inexpensive tickets for this tour are around $75, but that price is only available for single admission in upper level seating.
Other known artists, including Sabrina Carpenter, Melanie Martinez, 5 Seconds Of Summer, and more are also playing Ohio venues this summer.
However, there are other ways to enjoy live music besides just the expensive, mainstream shows.
In terms of more local music, there are many opportunities to enjoy performances in Wooster.
The WHS Music Dept. puts on numerous concerts throughout the year, consisting of students involved in choir, band and orchestra. There are many upcoming performances in early May, such as the upcoming Big Band Dance on May 6. More
information can be found on the WCS Music Department website. Wooster is also home to The College of Wooster, which provides many opportunities for experiencing live music. The Wooster Symphony Orchestra will be performing on April 22 at the Gault Recital Hall. For more information, visit the College of Wooster website. Wooster also has many talented local musicians, many of which can be seen as a part of the Main Street Music Series by Main Street Wooster. From May 26 to October 8, there will be free live music on the Downtown Wooster Public Square every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, starting at 6 pm. Ranging from free to fairly expensive, there are many local opportunities to attend a concert or performance and enjoy live music.
How to: create graduation announcements
MOLLY BYRNE cover editorSimply to Impress:
-Customizable templates
-Customizable envelopes
-Wide range of variety in photo layouts
-Both low and high price ranges depending on the number of images
-1,122 Premade Graduation Announcement Templates
Shutterfly:
-Customizable templates
-Wide range of designs and layouts
-Higher end price range unless on sale
-177 premade graduation announcement templates
HANNAH LOGUIDICE
on campus editor
Disney is a company that has an impact on almost every part of the entertainment industry from theme parks and cruise lines to kids movies, TV channels and more.
One of Disney’s lesser known franchises is Disney Nature, which seeks to give viewers an in-depth look at the animal kingdom.
Disney Nature released its first movie The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos on Oct. 26, 2008, and since then, 10 more documentaries have been released, all focusing on different aspects of the animal kingdom.
After Disney Nature’s initial release, the documentaries began to be released on, or around, Earth Day and many of them seek to aid conservation efforts for the animals seen in the documentary.
African Cats was released April 22, 2011, and was partnered with the “Save the Savannah” campaign.
According to a May 2, 2011, article from the African Wildlife Foundation, “A portion of the proceeds from the opening-week ticket sales will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to ensure the
future of lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes and a host of other animals in the vibrant African savanna.”
Each documentary follows the lives of different “characters” within the environment, following everything that happens to them and providing narration to give context to what the viewer is seeing.
Chimpanzee was released April 20, 2012, and follows the life of Oscar, an adorable chimpanzee as he navigates the forest. It captures everything that Oscar and his family encounter.
A few of the other documentaries include Monkey Kingdom, which follows Maya and her son Kip in the Jungle of South Asia, and Born in China features three different animals: the panda, the golden monkey and the snow leopard.
Disney, as a company, has been at the forefront of environmentalism, sustainability and conservation efforts for a long time.
According to Disney.Impact.com, their long term goal is to reach a net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions, they have already eliminated the usage of single use plastic straws and stirrers in Disney World. Additionally, they utilize reclaimed water for grounds keeping and have designed Disney character dolls to utilize 100% recyclable plastic free packaging.
As graduation date is June 4, 2023, many seniors are beginning to order graduation announcements, invitations and planning their graduation parties. But, weeding through places to order these items can be difficult. The following is a list of websites with the best variety, most affordable price range and most amount of customization between designs.
Basic Invitation:
-Customizable templates
-More simple in design
-Middle to low range in price
-844 premade graduation announcement templates
Minted:
-Customizable templates
-Higher end of price range
-Each template is very personable and can be changed easily
-7 pages of premade graduation announcement templates
Baking shows provide entertainment options
BEN STAVNEZER graphics editorCook’s Table:
Cook’s Table highlights individual chefs and cuisines across the world. The show features how the creative process is born in each chef and the joy they derive from making masterpieces and sharing the culture they cook. It is a great show for complicated and simple cuisines alike.
Salt fat acid heat:
In Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, chef and writer Samin Nosrat travels the world to explore the four basic keys to wonderful cooking. The show has only four episodes, but the length makes the show easy to binge. Learning the fundamentals of cooking is a great way to improve your cooking skills.
Great British Baking Show:
The Great British Baking Show is an enjoyable departure from American food shows, which turn their content into a contest. The bakers are not professionals, just people who love this as a hobby. The show does a great job presenting their baking as a true labor of love. The judges are straightforward and honest when it comes to failures but they’re never rude about it.
Decor:
Amazon has a great range of basic decor for graduation parties at lower costs. Anything you may need from plates, spreemers, napkins to party favors and table clothes. A huge benefit to ordering these items from Amazon is the wide range of colors and designs, this makes it very easy to match any theme of graduation party or event.
Etsy is on the middle/higher end of pricing for decor, however, it is much more customizable and can be used for bigger pieces that may be saved after the party. Ordering a custom sign for a graduation party would be a great idea from Etsy, the host can personalize the message on the sign, the colors, font etc.
Alton brown’s good eats:
Mixing humor, common sense, science and food is a winning recipe for Alton Brown’s Good Eats series. It is a great show for beginner cooks, since everything is explained thoroughly and logically, so viewers do not just learn what ingredients go into a dish, they also learn why the ingredients work together and what they contribute to the recipe.
ARTS THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 28, 2023 | PAGE 6
Nora Levy
Photos Fair Use Courtesy of DisneyNature.com
Spring Sports Features
For our final regular issue of The Wooster Blade, the decision was made to feature athletes, teams and coaches from WHS spring sports. The teams and individuals featured were chosen based on, on-field success, community service and their dedication to their programs.
Lacrosse team uses service to build teamwork
JACKSON STANSIFER staff writerThis spring, the WHS boys lacrosse team looks to produce another successful season, starting it off with four wins and two losses.
The team is led on and off the field by captains Courson Kauffman (12), Landon Miller (12) and Cooper Laughlin (11), who were selected by their peers. Second-year head coach Reid Delaney explained the impact of these three on the rest of their teammates.
“We have an amazing trio of captains leading this team. These three are constantly working on ways to increase team chemistry and make sure everyone feels heard and appreciated,” Delaney said.
Cole Kuzma (10), who joined the team for the first time this season, explained this welcoming nature of his teammates as he entered a new sport.
“I started off knowing nothing, but as the season has gone on, [my teammates] have taught me almost everything I need to know and have stayed patient and encouraging throughout the whole
process,” Kuzma said.
One of these teammates, and coteam captain Courson Kauffman, is going into his ninth year playing lacrosse. He described how preparation for the season, including practices in the fall, extensive time in the weight room, and other individual preparation made this year’s team special.
“I have played for a lot of different teams, but not a single one has put in as much off-season work as this team,” Kauffman said. Additionally, Kauffman stressed the importance of volunteer work among the team as a way of growing the team’s chemistry, while ultimately serving the community in a positive way.
“By doing [volunteer work], the upperclassmen are able to meet the younger guys in a less intimidating environment than the lacrosse field and we really get to know each other,” Kauffman explained.
Heading into the season, Delaney stated that he hopes to reach the ten win mark and earn home-field advantage in the postseason, while both Kauffman and Kuzma said that they hope to win the region. The boys lacrosse team will play their next home game against Avon on May 4.
Track coaches make an impact on many athletes
OLIVIA HINER co - editor in chiefIn March and April of this year, both Douglas Bennett, Instrumental Music Dept. member, and Chris Mascotti, Math Dept. member, announced their plans to retire.
Despite stepping down from teaching, they have both decided to continue coaching.
Bennett serves as the boys cross country coach and distance track coach. Mascotti, nicknamed Scotti, is the girls track coach.
In looking at why they want to continue coaching, they both mentioned the pleasure of working with kids.
Bennett stated “Personally, , I’m not ready to completely disengage myself from coaching… I really enjoy working with kids.”
Scotti discussed that she decided to continue as she really enjoys it and loves the kids in the program. She said, “It is a great way to stay connected and continue making an impact on the lives of so many kids.”
Bennett and Scotti said they are unsure of how long they will continue coaching at the moment, but will do so as long as they are
enjoying it.
As far as challenges go, Bennett talked about the fact that he will only continue to get older, and kids will only get younger. The past years have had an impact on their decisions to continue. Scotti said that “My past years of coaching have allowed me to connect with so many more students than just those that I have taught in the classroom. During that time I have built life-long bonds that only athletes and coaches can experience, overcoming adversity and celebrating the successes together while building memoires. I want more of those connections, experiences and memories. ‘’ Bennett similarly said that coaching has been a very rewarding experience for him, and he is hoping to continue for years to come.
Scotti wanted to mention that “It has truly been a privilege to coach and teach so many outstanding athletes. It has also been awesome to and to coach with great coaches and people.” Both coaches have made impacts on kids, and will no doubt continue to do so. They both take value in the pleasure of coaching.
WHS senior Blake Bowen has proven himself time and time again throughout his baseball career.
Bowen has committed to the University of Kentucky and notes, “It’s basically just a full time job in college. I mean it’s, it’s a lot of work but I love doing what I do.”
Bowen has always been driven in his passion as he constantly improves himself and his team.
Aiden Mackey (12) who plays baseball with Bowen, highlights Bowen’s progress. “He has come a long way as a baseball player and leader. He’s always picking up players if they are down and it shows on and off the field… He is constantly talking to his team and getting to know them. This motivates me because it shows he cares about our team and motivates me to do better.”
Mackey said he has witnessed the effects, first hand, of Bowen’s optimism and attentiveness towards baseball.
Steve Young, WHS varsity baseball coach, examines Blake’s progress throughout the years by stating: “When Blake was a
freshman, he was immediately thrown into the top end of our lineup and really took to that responsibility & worked hard every single day. He was quiet and didn’t say a whole lot his first couple years, but you could tell he was observing a lot… The thing I’m most proud of Blake for is how much he’s grown into a more vocal leader and is not afraid to speak up and pick guys up when they need it. He makes everyone in our program better when he speaks up and holds teammates accountable. Blake has helped establish the standard for the rest of the guys to live up to.” Young praises Bowen as an athlete and notes that he upholds the team to their full potential due to his connection with his teammates.
Bowen’s commitment to his sport and team is undoubtedly strong, but how has he reflected on his own career? After asking what his biggest baseball related achievement was, Bowen replied humbly, “Getting my first offer from Kent State was an insane moment for me, just so surreal and it was just so exciting for me.
Last year, I got player of the year in Ohio, so that’s also a very big achievement in my eyes and very proud to be honored, to be called
that.”
In order to become a successful athlete, people must find motivation to do so. Bowen highlights his dad’s role in making
him so driven by saying, “...my dad has always been around for me and always has heped me throughout my whole baseball career. He’s always there if I need throwing to or ground ball practice, anything that I need.” His father, Jeff Bowen, played Division II baseball at Cedarville University. Bowen will be showcasing his skills next on the baseball field on April 29 at 1 p.m., against Buckeye.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 28, 2023 | PAGE 7 SPORTS
Blake Bowen excels athletically and as a team leader, both on and off the field
LAYNEE ESLICH staff writer
“HE MAKES EVERYONE IN OUR PROGRAM BETTER WHEN HE SPEAKS UP AND HOLDS TEAMMATES ACCOUNTABLE.” STEVE YOUNG
OUR VIEW Head to Head
Students advocate for May 2 WCS levy
As the end of the school year approaches, plans for the coming school years have begun; one of those plans is reliant on a very important levy to WCS that will be voted on May 2.
As adult voters in the Wooster community are the ones voting on this levy, we want to make sure that student voices, those who will be directly impacted by this vote, do not go unheard.
One part of the levy involves the demolition of Cornerstone Elementary School, of which some community members are opposed. The main problem with this demolition is based on the history of the building, but those who oppose this part of the plan need to understand the importance and need of of doing so.
In 2011, the Wooster City School District made a plan to relocate students so that they would be attending neighborhood schools. The result of this mindset resulted in a large socioeconomic discrepancy between the four elementary schools. According to the Facilities Master Plan “Bond
Issue FAQ, which can be found on www.woostercityschools. org., the poverty rate for each elementary school is listed.
Cornerstone is listed at 66.7%. This rate compares to Kean at 25%, Melrose at 47%, and Parkview at 67%, and clearly illustrates the socioeconomic issue within the entire school school system. One part of the Master Plan includes constructing schools that are more grade-banded, which would mean students being grouped based on grade levels rather than neighborhoods. In place of Cornerstone’s current building, a K-2 facility would be constructed. In addition to this new facility, there will also be a new 6-8 middle school built on high school grounds.
Grade banding would lead to the current socioeconomic issues becoming less prevalent in our current elementary schools and allow for more dynamic teaching environments. Another benefit is that the move from six to four school buildings would also reduce administrative costs and
School shootings spark anti-trans legislation talks
killed.
However, a significant portion of media outlets are more focused on the shooter’s gender identity, rather than the fact that six innocent people were gunned down in a place where they should be safe.
According to NBC News on March 28 reporters Alex SeitzWalz and Mike Hixenbaugh wrote that Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA tweeted, “Instead of banning ‘assault rifles’ we should ban gender affirming care for kids.”
Can Money Buy Happiness?
maintenance expenses. From a student perspective, Cornerstone was constructed with floor to ceiling windows and no secure entry point for people entering the school. It was constructed in a pre- Columbine society; therefore, it lacks the proper security a more modern school would possess. Another concern is Cornerstone’s aging facilities, with large cracks appearing in the masonry of the building and parts of the building desparately in need of updating. Students deserve to go to a school where they feel safe and have a good environment in which to learn.
Students and teachers deserve to have access to high quality facilities that include quality science labs and new technology. A Harvard School of Public Health study concluded that the physical condition of school facilities influences academic achievement. The May 2 levy should be passed as it will greatly benefit educational opportunities for students.
Of Vengeance’” by Siladitya Ray, Rep Marjorie Taylor-Greene (RGa.) had her congressional twitter account suspended for seven days because she shared an image that promoted a trans day of vengeance. Additionally, the article emphasizes that transgender people are more likely to be victims of violent crime. With messages that could promote hate coming from our lawmakers, the focus is shifted from the true issue of gun violence and perpetuates acts of violence upon transgender individuals.
BEN STAVNEZER graphics editor
When we wonder if money can buy happiness, we probably first jump to thinking of the luxuries it provides, like expensive dinners or grand vacations.
In my opinion, you do not need sports cars and private jets to be happy, but you do need shelter and stability and those things cost a fortune these days.
If we only focus on the happiness that money can bring, I think we are missing something. We also need to think about all of the worries that it can free us from.
Money provides control, allowing us to buy our way out of day-today issues, from something as small as gas prices to a medical emergency or inflation.
Most people are well aware that there is a cost of living crisis, that prices of everyday essentials are out of control and that not having to stress about how to pay bills is good for your mental health.
BRITTANY WACHTEL co-editor-in-chief
From a young age, money is ingrained into the minds of society. Realistically, money is the driving factor of everything. Everything that is in your home costs money, everything you are wearing costs money, and everything you eat costs money.
Although money does have an undeniable control over society, money can only take you so far. As someone who was raised in a oneincome household, I have learned the value of making the most out of what I have.
At the end of the day, if you are not happy without money, you will not be happy with money. Not worrying about being financially stable is beneficial to one’s mental health, but at the end of the day, money is not going to be there for you when you need it most.
With the recent school shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville Tenn., I have to question how serious many people are when they express their concern about the deaths that are occuring in school shootings.
According to an April 3 article by Dakin Andone from CNN, the shooter fired 152 rounds, with 126 of those being from a rifle.
NPR reporter Joe Hernandez reported on March 28 that the shooter was armed with AR style weapons and that six people, including three children, were
We, the people of the United States, have a fundamental problem if we are choosing to focus on a person’s gender, rather than making an effort to create safer schools.
The outcry regarding the transgender shooter, rather than the shooting itself, has also sparked trangender hatred online and has threatened the safety of many members of our communities.
According to a March 29 Forbes article titled “Twitter Temporarily Restricts Marjorie Taylor Greene After She Tweets About ‘Trans Day
The inappropriate behavior in reaction to the shooting is further emphasized by the 2023 mass shooting statistics. ABC News reporter Kiara Alfonseca wrote on April 10, ” The United States has faced at least 146 mass shootings so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. There have been more mass shootings than days in 2023”.
While members of our society are busy tweeting about the shooter’s gender identity, mass shootings continue to occur and no action is being taken. As citizens, we must truly reevaluate our priorities and spend our time protecting innocent lives instead of perpetuating misinformation and materials potentially harmful to even more individuals.
Housing affordability alone in the United States is at a record low, and the average American household needs to spend 42.9% of its income to afford a medianpriced house, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
I think money mattering to the average person serves as a corrective to a narrative that people in power have been trying to push. It always seems like a lot of very rich people are fixated on trying to tell everyone else that money does not make you happy. Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google told his employees that “having fun shouldn’t always equate to money” after cutting staff benefits and calling for a 20 percent improvement in company’s productivity. Ultimately, it is very convenient to pretend that money isn’t important when you’re trying to keep a lot of it yourself.
Money will not love you, money will not make sure that you got home safe, and money will not be there when you need it most.
As humans, the most essential thing to our functioning is interaction with other people. If you do not have a good support system or a shoulder to cry on, money can not help you.
According to an article written by Dr. John Delony on Dec. 30 for Ramsey Solutions, human connection is one of the most vital parts of living a happy life. Delony says, “Connection is a disposition you have toward people—more of a mindset than a relationship status… For your closest relationships, I like to sum it up this way: Connection is being fully known and fully loved.” Financial security is a major stress reliever, but all humans need is connection. Humans need to be seen, loved, and cared for. Without connection, everything else is meaningless, even money.
Editors-in-Chief Brittany Wachtel, Olivia Hiner • Graphics Editor Nora Levy, Ben Stavnezer • Feature Editors Ben Stavnezer • Cover Editors Mattie Dunlap, Molly Byrne• On Campus Editor Hannah LoGiudice • Focus Editor Grace Kostohryz • Sports Editor Nora Levy • Trends Editor Stella Powers • A & E Editor Laura Rapport • Views Editors Brittany Wachtel, Olivia Hiner • Staff Writers Lily Campbell-Lehtinen, Laynee Eslich, Rhys Florence-Smith, Jaelyn Frederick, Ethan Keating, Caleb Kostohryz, Rebekah Lay, Tristan Miller, Jamie Ogle, Caleb Singer-Holden, Jackson Stansifer • Head Photographers Nora Levy, Ben Stavnezer • Photographers Brittany Wachtel, Ben Stavnezer, Nora Levy, Lily Campbell-Lehtinen, Hannah LoGiudice, Ethan Keating, Molly Byrne, Caleb Kostohryz, Rebekah Lay, Laynee Eslich, Caleb Singer-Holden • 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. 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.
VIEWS THE WOOSTER BLADE | APRIL 28, 2023 | PAGE 8
NORA LEVY sports editor
YES NO
