The Wooster Blade, Volume XIX, Issue 5

THE WOOSTER BLADE

WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER • 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH • NOV. 9, 2018 • VOLUME XIX, ISSUE 5

Examining the ramifications of society’s use and reliance on technology

Index: On Campus 2-3 Focus 4-5 Feature 6 Trends 7 Cover 8-10 A&E 11-12 Sports 13-14 Views 15-16

ON CAMPUS

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

Teachers promote acceptance MADISON HELMS staff writer

If students walk the halls of WHS, they will likely see walls covered in posters promoting one club or another, but if they walk down the eighth grade hallway, they will see rainbow posters adorning the windows of many eighth grade teacher’s classrooms.

Instead of promoting a club, however, these posters promote the idea of inclusion and acceptance, reading in large rainbow letters, “LGBTQ Safe Zone.”

The posters were printed and distributed by eighth grade Science Dept. member Dara Wood, who has also decorated her door with the transgender pride flag to promote inclusion.

Wood said she distributed these posters to her fellow eighth grade teachers because they, “provide a safe environment to kids who are lgbt so they know they belong and they are respected.”

In looking at the distribution of the

signs, Wood noted that she began passing them out in the eighth grade hallway, but hopes to see them throughout the school.

“I would like to see it carried out throughout the rest of the school, but I also respect that some teachers would not want to be forced to have one,” Wood said.

In regard to spreading the posters to other parts of the school, History Dept. member Scott Miller says that “I think it’s important for eighth grade, but it’s not just important for eighth graders, it’s important for any grade.”

Catherine Strong (12), president of Prism, a student organization that focuses on spreading awareness and acceptance of LGBT+ students, said she is pleased that the eighth grade teachers have taken this initiative.

“The creation of LGBT+ safe zones is especially important in classrooms where our schools younger students reside,” Strong said.

Strong also notes that early acceptance from students and teachers alike will help younger students as they face their own battles.

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Grace Brownson Libra Pritchard (11) works on a painting in Advance Placement Studio Art. Libra is one of four AP Studio Art students who will be submitting their artwork to the eXpressions program at the Cleveland Clinic.

Artists create works for program CLARA LEE staff writer During this school year, four AP Studio Art students, Libra Pritchard (11), Ben Cornelius (12), Haley Balas (12) and Dani Legg (12), will be participating in the Cleveland Clinic eXpressions program.

The eXpressions program, according to their website, civiceducation. clevelandclinic.org, is based on engaging students, both at the high school and middle school level, to explore science and medicine creatively.

“Through project-based, peer-to-peer learning, students translate research studies conducted by Cleveland Clinic summer interns, producing artistic, literary and mathematical interpretations of science,” as stated on the “Civic Education” explanation of the program.

Pritchard’s piece is a 3D acrylic painting depicting the effects of substance abuse and the health effects of smoking cigarettes. Materials Pritchard used to create her piece included a plastic glove from a bio lab filled with paper towels, styrofoam, instant-dry clay, and real cigarettes.

Pritchard says the aspect of her piece she likes the most is the brain.

“I made it absolutely horrible because I can’t sculpt, but it turned out great because it looks ugly on purpose, and it was just fun to create it,” Pritchard said.

Cornelius is submitting a painting depicting virtual reality in the patient

care setting. Cornelius’s painting, inspired by the game Tron, shows a caretaker with a VR headset watching over a senior citizen.

Cornelius says his piece was relaxing to make, as it incorporated sketching and painting.

Balas used acrylic paint and sheets of wood to make her 3D painting, portraying the study of nurse-topatient ratios in the hospital. Balas explained that hospitals usually exceed the ratio of 1:4, having nurses assigned to six or seven patients.

“My work just represents a doctor standing on a grid because grids are what they use to assign nurses to patients, surrounded by a bunch of empty spaces that represents the patients, and then I have a patient’s hands holding the grid because they’re, like, running the hospital,” Balas said.

Balas says she likes how her grid turned out, although it was slightly challenging to make it appear 3D. The topic of Legg’s piece is the effects of kangaroo care on the length of stay of infants. The piece depicts a tired mother cradling a baby hooked up to a monitor.

Legg says she chose her topic because it sounded different and made her think of the kangaroo in Winnie the Pooh.

According to Legg, this work is different from the art she usually makes because it pieces a lot of different things together.

Legg used oil paint, modeling clay, wires and plastic for her painting.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | NOV. 9, 2018 | PAGE 3

Speech and Debate expands to EWMS MAEVE FLORENCE-SMITH staff writer

The Speech and Debate coaches at WHS will be extending their program to include middle school students.

According to head coach Holly Custer,“We are trying to form a middle school club because we want to extend the opportunity of Speech and Debate to other students. The Ohio Speech and Debate Association... has recently added a Middle School division with specific middle school events. Following that implementation, we think that this opportunity is one that the students at Wooster should have.”

There will not be a specific season for the middle school club because they do not have a competitive aim. However, Custer said, “If there is interest, we may do an exhibition similar to what we’ve done in the past for our outreach program.”

Hayden Michel (9), a participant in the last middle school outreach program, said that for the older middle school program, they practiced their pieces three days a week.

High school speech and debate team members helped them and explained the process.

Michel said they had a few weeks to select a piece, memorize and prepare it. Then, they performed the pieces in a tournament of only those in the outreach program and the middle schools were judged by high school students.

Custer said she hopes to run the club during the winter into the spring and said coaches hope to offer the sixth through eighth graders the opportunity to try out several or all of the

middle school events. The coaches would like to introduce the middle schoolers to speech, debate and interpretation. The program will be relying on high school team members to help work with and coach the middle school students.

Custer said there will be some differences between the high school Speech and Debate team and the middle school speech and debate club.

The high school team competes from November until March. Students at the high school try out for the team, whereas the middle school club is voluntary, so any interested students will be able to join.

The middle schoolers will not attend extracurricular competitions.

Custer says she and other Speech and Debate coaches have decided on these differences because, “We really want the students to be able to try out the events that we have with no pressure of performance in competition.

We want them to become comfortable sharing their voices and ideas so that, when they come to the high school, they will be more prepared to enter the competitive realm of the Speech and Debate team.”

Custer said she hopes this new opportunity will allow the middle school students of Wooster an opportunity to, “find their voices, and improve their communication skills.”

Mark Wood (9), a participant in the last middle school program, said he particularly liked that the middle school and speech and debate team helped him make good friends.

Custer noted that the Speech and Debate coaches are still working out the specific details for the middle school program.

MADDY MCCULLY

WHS lacrosse player, Peyton Nichols (12), passes out candy at a community trick-or-treat event, hosted by the Science Club, on Oct. 25. Roughly 20 different clubs and sports teams participated in handing out candy to roughly 500 children from WCSD elementary schools, which took place on the ground level of WHS.

WHS staff encourages students to participate in various school clubs

SOPHIE GAMBLE staff writer

WHS has a variety of clubs, some of which are curriculumbased, some that emphasize school spirit and school improvement, some that focus on community service and others that allow students to explore their talents.

According to the 2018-19 student handbook, he school has 52 clubs and activities, including sports and music, that allow students to explore different subjects and interests in a school environment.

Students are encouraged to

participate in a group or club, as it helps people connect with peers while learning something new and meaningful, according to Nathanael Steiner, administrative intern at WHS. Clubs and other groups are part of a well-rounded education, Steiner added.

“Extracurricular activities also allow for students to develop or hone strengths outside of the academic curriculum, focusing on other talents they might have,” Steiner continued.

Paige Arnold, Key Club adviser and History Dept. member, said students should be encouraged to be part of a

Clubs at WHS: - Academic Challenge - Alpine Discovery Club - Art Club - Band - Boys and Girls Club - Chess Club - Choir - Drama Club - Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Students

- History Club - Improv Comedy Club - Interact Club - International Club - Key Club - Legacy - Math Counts - NHS - NJHS - OCC Leadership

club, specifically one that does community service.

“It’s important for kids to establish a connection with their community,” said Arnold.

Katherine Putka, Prism adviser and teacher within the Art Dept., says being a part of a club or group helps students, “feel more involved and helps you get acquainted with other people outside of your classes.”

Improv Comedy Club is advised by Kristin Broda, a WHS Dramatic Arts teacher.

Broda said improv is a collaborative art that helps people connect with peers, and encourages students to try it.

- ONE Club - Orchestra - PEN OHIO - PRISM - Science Club - Speech and Debate - STAND - Student Council - The Wooster Blade - Wooster Teen Institute

FOCUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | NOV. 9, 2018 | PAGE 4

Día

PAULINA SALAZAR staff writer

de los

Muertos:

Day of the Dead celebrates passed on family members Graphics by Corinne Wiles

The Day of the Dead, or El Día de los Muertos, is celebrated primarily on Nov. 2.

In an article written by Mary Soco, the festivities include making an altar for loved ones that have passed away, praying and gathering with your family and friends.

It is centered on commemorating death, according to Stefany Cisneros.

Cisneros stated Cempasúchil, or Mexican marigolds, are believed to guide souls, they are part of the things put in the altar.

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MASON GARCIA

Student celebrates Day of the Dead in Mexico From the roof of the house at which I stayed, I had a view of much of the city.

Bright red, orange and yellow buildings blanketed the rolling mountains. On the ground level, Papel Picado and marigold flowers were present on every single street.

However, colors are not the only appeal of this event. In the open air mercado, fresh MASON GARCIA pan dulce (sweet bread) gives staff writer a bakery-esque scent to the whole festival. Candied skulls, In searching for the best masks, and face paintings can place to experience Día de los be bought there as well.

Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Face painting is a tradition my experience would point to San Miguel De Allende, México. for Day of the Dead in Mexico,

Carolina Gonzalez, leader of her school’s color guard in Mexico, emphasizes the importance of the Day of the Dead.

“It is very important for Mexican culture because that’s how our parents or grandparents educate us and that’s how their parents educated them... it’s an old tradition that has been passed on because we dedicate a day of the year to all our loved ones that have passed away,” Gonzalez said.

Festivities of the Day of the Dead date back to the Mayans, as stated by newspaper, Diario Correo.

Ana Rivas, Mexican citizen, also commented, “The altar is the most important part of the Day of the Dead because we honor the ones that were with us before.”

Rivas described how she celebrated the holiday in the past.

“I celebrate with my whole family, we go to the cemetery and decorate the graves of the ones that passed away, then we go to my grandma’s house where we build an altar, say a prayer, and eat,” Rivas said.

Most of the Day of the Dead celebrations are praying for and remembering those loved ones who have passed.

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MADDY MCCULLY and many festival-goers, myself included, joined in the fun.

Salons, art institutes and street stands use a variety of colors to paint people.

I went to an art institute and my face became a completely black and white ornate skull.

Other men had similar faces to mine, but the women typically had their faces painted with colorful flowers or spiderwebs and fake eyelashes. Natives to San Miguel and tourists, the streets were jam packed with skeletons of all sorts.

Getting a face paint adds to the authenticity of the experience.

Vendors sell ice cream and other sweets in the Jardin. The Jardin is in the town square that is filled with trees that are trimmed circular. At almost any location of the festival,

MADDY MCCULLY the grand parroquia church is visible high in the sky.

At night, altars for lost loved ones are set up with colored sawdust, food they liked in life, marigold flowers, and colorful crosses and skulls signature of day of the dead. These altars, or ofrendas, are visited by people the people of San Miguel with faces painted as decorative colorful skulls, all lit by lanterns and candles.

Eating sweet bread, while gazing at countless ofrendas in the warm mexican breeze, was the most Mexican culture I have experienced before. This is an experience I would recommend to anyone with interest in Día de los Muertos.

From the lively Jardín all the way to the bustling open air mercado, there is something for everyone on Day of The Dead.

MASON GARCIA

1: View of the Parroquia Church in San Miguel De Allende through a street with papel de picado hanging between buildings

2 & 3: In Senora Matthew’s room, she set up a Day of the Dead table remembering some of her family’s loved ones.

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View of Ofrenda set up by residents of San Miguel

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | NOV. 9, 2018 | PAGE 5

Buckeye Book Fair: Ohio Authors Share Their Works RACHAEL SCHMIDT & KEIFER DILYARD cover editor and staff writer On Nov. 3, Wooster hosted the 31 annual Buckeye Book Fair.

Julia Wiesenberg, the event’s executive director, explains that the book fair serves as a, “showcase for Ohio author’s new works and is a resource for schools, libraries, and reading programs which can apply for free books or free author visits.”

According to WayneCountyEvents.com, there were over 350 titles on sale at the book fair.

The event also features illustrator demonstrations and its own lineup of speakers.

Kristen Lepionka is a novelist

who writes mysteries that are set in Columbus and, in attending the fair for the first time this year, she said she wanted to share her experience with writing.

“I’ve always loved reading mysteries. I just love stories about the darker side of human nature,” Lepionka said.

Lepionka has written two books in her series; The Last Place You Look and What You Want to See. Lepionka said she learned to pick locks in order to properly write about her main character, Roxane Weary.

“She wanted to be a psychologist, but realized that she’s a bit too nosy for that, so she became a private

investigator instead,” Lepionka said.

Another first year Buckeye Book Fair attendee, William Krejci, is an investigative author uncovering paranormal activity within northern Ohio.

“When I was about 5-yearsold, we were driving through Cleveland with my parents in the family van with my brother and sister, and we rolled up to the corner of 44th and Franklin in Ohio City and my dad points to a house called the Franklin castle and says, ‘hey kids look that’s a real haunted house.’

When you’re five-years-old and your dad says something that profound, it must be true,” Krejci recalled.

Krejci said the Franklin Castle is regarded as the most haunted house in Ohio.

“I was so enamored by this, that there was a real haunted house. Around 1992, I started doing some research on it and just kept it along until 2005 when I met up with a man

MADDY MCCULLY

Author Drew Daywalt signs a copy of his children’s picture book The Epic Adventures of Huggie and Stick for a child at the Buckeye Book Fair. named John [W. Myers] and we pulled our resources and we ended up writing a book [Haunted Franklin Castle] about it,” Krejci said.

Krejci currently lives in the Franklin Castle and is the historian in residence.

He is also the author of, Buried

Beneath Cleveland, a book about the many graveyards located around Cleveland, and Haunted Put-In-Bay, about his experience with paranormal activity while working there as a park ranger.

The event is held by The Daily Record and admission is free for local students.

FEATURE

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

Influenza medicines Xofluza offers a new tactic for preventing illness provide multiple treatment EMILY JEWELL options this flu season focus editor

The Flu Shot combats sickness MOLLY SCHNEIDER trends editor During the 2017-2018 flu season, about 80,000 people have died from influenza disease or complications, according to Don Ward Hackett from precisionvaccinations. com.

The flu is a virus that can cause a fever, body aches, nausea and vomiting, according to WHS health teacher Julie Zimmerer.

The flu shot is important to prevent these symptoms as the shot can fight off most of those strands and protect other family members from getting it, according to WHS school nurse Natasha Paul.

“It builds up the antibodies to help protect your body against the infection when you get the flu vaccine because it has the antibodies in it and it helps protect your body against getting the flu,” Paul said.

WHS student Madi McGhee (11), who has received the flu shot, said that it will create more viruses and protect

people against only a certain string of the flu.

However, a common misconception is that the flu shot injects people with the live virus to build immunity, however, only the flu nasal spray does this and the shot does not, according to Paul.

McGhee, Paul and Zimmerer said they get flu shots every year and they have not gotten the flu in a very long time.

According to Zimmerer, she gets the flu shot because her doctor recommends it and has not gotten the flu in 20 years.

Paul recommends getting the flu shot because it does not hurt to get one. “...it does more, it helps you more than what it harms you. I think that throughout the years for me getting the flu vaccine so many times I hardly ever get sick, but I also do a lot of hand washing and cleaning surfaces so I’m not getting sick as well so I also protect myself that way,” Paul said.

McGhee also encourages anyone who has time to get the flu shot to get one.

On Oct. 24, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved the nation’s newest influenza treatment: baloxavir marboxil, sold under the brand name Xofluza.

Xofluza is an oral drug used within patients who show symptoms for no more than 48 hours. The treatment is also restricted to patients who are 12 years and older.

According to article ‘What the approval of the new flu drug Xofluza means for you’

by Aimee Cunningham at sciencenews.org, what makes Xofluza different from other influenza virus fighting medicines is, “The drug fights the influenza virus in a new way compared with other antivirals such as Tamiflu,

targeting a different step in the virus’s quest to make more of itself.”

However, it is to be used much like tamiflu.

As explained by Dr. John Strong, “The new influenza antiviral medication will likely not be used any differently than current therapies. Currently, the recommendations are to treat high risk individuals on an outpatient basis or hospitalized individuals with Tamiflu.”

Xofluza is a very new treatment and has not yet been introduced into the Wooster Community Hospital doctors offices, said Dr. Dana Schmidt.

Schmidt explained what will have to occur in order for the drug to reach Wooster’s offices.

“Since the drug is FDA approved, theoretically, I could prescribe it now. But in reality, since the American Academy of Pediatrics has not yet released a

recommendation about its use, we probably will not start using it,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt also explained that due to last year’s deadly influenza season, people may see a recommendation and use in offices very soon.

Schmidt is approaching the drug cautiously, but is hopeful about it.

“The studies that were done showed a reduction in symptoms by 16 to 35 hours depending on patient and situation. So, instead of missing five to seven days of school for influenza, a student might only miss three to four. But as always, the most effective treatment against influenza disease is getting your flu shot,” Schmidt said.

Xofluza will begin use in most offices upon the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation.

1. Did you get a flu shot this year? 2. If yes, did you get the shot at WHS? 3. Do you think flu shots help prevent influenza and/or decrease symptoms?

4. Do you think it is important for people to get flu shots?

1.

2.

3.

71% No

86% No

29% Yes

14% Yes

4.

42% No

41% No

58% Yes

59% Yes

Poll of 120 students conducted on Nov. 29 and Nov. 30 and distributed in study halls and classes by Alexa Mitchell, Bryn Savidge, Sophie Gamble, Skyy Khounborin and Molly Schneider.

Graphics by Corinne Wiles and Catherine Strong

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TRENDS Slay - To dominate or succeed

in appearance or an activity.

Ex: “Girl you slayed that outfit.”

THE WOOSTER BLADE | NOV. 9 , 2018 | PAGE 7

What’s the tea?

Shook - To be extremely shocked

Ex: “That hairdo is snatched”

Sister - Refers to friends of

Gucci - Derived from Gucci the

any gender. Often used before other slang word such as “sister shook” or “sister snatched.”

fashion label, and means good, cool or chill.

Ex: “Hey are you doing gucci today?”

Ex: “Oh look at her, she looks like she has a lot of clout.”

Ex: “I don’t want to try to flex but look at my new car.”

looks. Is often used to replace “on fleek.”

Ex: “That test had me shook!”

influence and/or fashion.

manner.

Snatched - Describes fierce

or surprised.

Clout - Having attention, fame,

Flex - To show off in a proud

With a limit of 280 characters, Twitter users are utilizing creative ways to express their thoughts effectively. In the Twitter world, “tea” is referred to as the latest gossip, and is often “spilled,” “shared,” or “poured” with followers through retweets and shares.

Ex: “Hey, sister, what is up?”

Graphics by Corinne Wiles and Jacob Gooch.

Blurb by Skyy Khounborin. Definitions compiled

by Bryn Savidge and Skyy Khounborin.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | NOV. 9, 2018 | PAGE 10

Online testing affects students GINA VAN LIEU on campus editor With AIR tests changing from paper to online in 2018, there has been discussion between school districts and the Ohio Department of Education as to whether online testing is the best way to test students.

Using computers to test students allows for less resources to be used and, in turn, less money to be used, according to “Pros and Cons of Online and Offline Examinations,” as found on blog. entranceprime.com.

Mode effects, meaning the mode by which they take the test, for secondtime test takers were about one third as large as the first year in math and about one half as large in ELA, according to Benjamin Backes and James Cowan in the article “Is the Pen Mightier Than the Keyboard? The Effect of Online Testing

on Measured Student Achievement.”

History Dept. member Michael Sullivan said online tests are easier to grade than paper tests, which is why many testing agencies like to utilize the online model.

When students are tested with paper and pencil, they are more likely to remember more information than if the information was online, according to the article, “Pros and Cons of Online and Offline Examinations.”

For other students, paper testing is more comfortable.

“Paper testing is familiar and easy to work along with, as one can get into a familiar posture and write notes and such in the margins,” John Schmidt (12) said.

On the other hand, some students find that online testing is easier than paper testing.

“Online testing, because it is so much faster than paper testing, and requires less effort to answer the questions, especially essay questions,” Landon Rice (11) said.

According to the ODE, Ohio expanded to solely online administration and scoring system for all grades and content areas in the spring of 2018.

Apple accused of practicing questionable business ethics

DAVID CHENG views editor Apple was recently featured in a CBC documentary for their business practices of overcharging customers and trying to force them to buy new devices, rather than fix their old ones.

This new accusation from the CBC is one of many of Apple’s controversies just this year. There was batterygate, beautygate, chargegate and since this scandal has not been dubbed a name yet it is just Apple-overcharging-forrepairs-gate.

Most important was Apple’s batterygate from the end of 2017 to the beginning of 2018. This dealt with the issue of planned obsolescence.

Apple, through software updates, intentionally slowed down older phones. As of January of 2018, according to the article “iPhone Throttling: Class Actions Pile Up As Apple Hit with 32nd Lawsuit,” written by Liam Tung for ZDNet, Apple has had 32 class actions lawsuits over this very issue.

In response to the lawsuits, Apple, according to USA Today writer Jefferson Graham in an article titled Apple’s apology for Batterygate didn’t go far enough, admitted that they slowed down older phones because of battery degradation.

This more recent controversy involves Genius Bar practices when it comes to repairs. An undercover investigation into Apple stores

from CBC News: The National was posted on YouTube with the title “Apple under fire for allegations of controversial business practices that looked into their business and stores.” They used patrons with broken Macbooks, hooked them up with undercover cameras and recorded their experience with Apple.

One of the people selected for this documentary had an issue with their display. He brought in the Macbook and wanted to see the diagnosis and the price for a repair through Apple.

After the Genius Bar employee took apart the Macbook, he determined there was water damage, and said it would cost upward of $1,200 to repair. The employee said, “And then, if we need to replace the display as well that’s another $780.” Giving a price of $1,980. The employee went on to tell the customer he was better off buying a new computer because it is the same price.

The only real issue with the Macbook, according to that video, was an improperly bent pin that was not connecting the display to the logic board.

The false diagnosis only happened, because the water indicators also turn red when it is exposed to very humid conditions as well. However, small repair shops for common fixes like these are constantly under attack by Apple.

Last year, according to Vice, in the article written by Jason Koebler, “Apple Sued an Independent iPhone Repair Shop Owner and Lost,” a small electronics shop received, “a letter demanding that he immediately stop using aftermarket iPhone screens at his repair business and that he pay the company a settlement.”

Even though Apple has lost some of the lawsuits against small shops and companies, they try to control everything in their ecosystem through intimidation.

A&E

THE WOOSTER BLADE | NOV. 9, 2018 | PAGE 11

WHS Drama Club sets the A Midsummer Night’s Dream: for fall production taking a look behind the curtain stage RHEANNA VELASQUEZ

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focus editor Magic and mischief-making are the WHS Drama Club’s highest orders of business as the crew sets the stage for their fall performance of William Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Describing A Midsummer Night’s Dream as an entertaining examination of love and its accompanying joys and miseries, Drama Club director Brett Hiner said Shakespeare’s play, “looks at the depths to which we go to not only pursue those we love, but the passions we love as well.”

“The action is comical, heart-breaking, and hugely entertaining… it’s love. It might be Shakespeare’s most enjoyable comedy, certainly his most popular one,” Hiner said.

Lead actor Eli Bachman (12) explained that in the play, fairies intervene and mix up humans’ love interests.

Bachman’s own character, the Athenian youth Lysander, falls out of love with Hermia and in love with Helena, played by Grace Buchholz (11) and Bryn Savidge (11), respectively.

Bachman described enjoying seeing the cast grow more comfortable with their characters as they work to put together the show.

“We’ve definitely made the play our own, with the way we are working together through scenes, and with such a close cast it’s easy for us to connect in the play,” Bachman said.

Drama Club President Elizabeth Perkins (12), who has previously performed in Working and Our Town, appears in A Midsummer Night’s Dream as the playful fairy jester Puck.

Perkins described her character as, “especially childlike and mischievous.”

“I view the role as a challenge to not take myself too seriously,” Perkins said.

Amusement is readily available to all hands on stage, however.

“I love the enthusiasm of my castmates... Performing Shakespeare is challenging and we’ve all had our fair share of flubbed lines, but in the end, we spend a lot of rehearsal laughing,” Perkins added.

Hiner noted the fall production was set back by issues with fire code, lighting and performance space availability in the PAC. However, according to Hiner, Drama Club has also been meeting the challenges measure for measure.

“The cast, crew, advisers and adult volunteers have worked exceptionally hard on this show; in many cases going above and beyond their normal duties.

I can only hope the Wooster community at large joins us to see their work/performance. It will be worth every moment,” Hiner said.

Ten dollar tickets for adults and $8 tickets for students and senior citizens will be available for purchase at the door or at ticketpeak.com/res/whsdrama.

Performances are scheduled for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.

1) Lysander, played by Eli Bachman (12) confesses his love for Helena, played by Bryn Savidge (11); Hermia, played by Grace Buchholz (11) reacts in anger. 2) Athenian mechanicals rehearse a play. 3) Bottom, played by Holden Jackson (12) is introduced to fairies. 4) Snout, played

by Madison Helms (11) squishes Snug’s face, played by Ben Stavnezer (8) to prove that he is not a lion. 5) Paulina Salazar (10) assists in building the set. Photos compiled by Rachael Schmidt and Grace Brownson.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | NOV. 9, 2018 | PAGE 12

Nutcracker cracks under pressure

REVIEWS

LEO RILEY staff writer

BYLAW

brings new music styles together

21 Pilots new album, Trench, creates storyline

Bohemian Rhapsody rocks the box office

DAVID CHENG views editor

MYA VANDEGRIFT staff writer

JULIA HOOTMAN staff writer

The newest version of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, titled The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, barely hits the standards of even children’s entertainment.

While visually stunning, The Four Realms falls short in everything else, from acting to writing.

The plot is predictable and unbelievable, with the main character, Clara, having odd reactions throughout the story. The comedy fails to make even the youngest in the audience laugh, and the writing feels off as characters ignore the obvious to create a sense of tension.

Fans of the original story will be disappointed by the changes made to the storyline and characters of this beloved tale. The only group I would recommend this film to are those on a long plane ride with nothing to do.

The best course of action when considering watching this movie is to save your money. There is a reason why Bohemian Rhapsody devastated it at the box office.

The film also earned a 33 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and a 5.5 on a 10-point scale from IMDb. On Oct. 19, Martin Garrix released his surprise EP, titled the BYLAW EP. The EP technically was released over the course of five consecutive days, but was released as a whole EP on the aforementioned date. The name is an acronym for every song on the EP, starting with, “Breach,” “Yottabyte,” “Latency,” “Access” and “Waiting for Tomorrow.”

This album is a return to Garrix’s older musical style, a more techno, house vibe, rather than his current phase of future bass with a slow melodic bass.

One song, “Access,” was dubbed “Chinatown,” by his fans while it was still a work in progress and uses a zither type sound as his entrance. This song in musical style sounds like it is a sequel to his song “Forbidden Voices,” from 2015.

His album features some very high profile collaborations with Dyro, Blinders and Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park.

His music incorporates so many different styles and different artists and their visions, and what he creates, marries all those sounds.

On Oct. 6, Trench was released to the excitement of 21 Pilots fans everywhere.

The album opens with a powerful guitar part in “Jumpsuit,” and most of the songs follow with a more electric vibe. As a dedicated fan myself, I was hesitant to accept their new sound.

However, the iconic baselines and the raw lyrics expressed in their new music still resonate with listeners the same way that their music always has.

A personal favorite of mine is the new albums fourth track: “My Blood.”

The artistic drum part combined with lead singer Tyler Joseph’s falsetto is one of the most tasteful representations of the ties between their old and new sounds.

21 Pilots is known for their theme of coping with mental health. While they have received criticism in the past for talking so openly about mental health issues, they directly discuss the harmfulness of romanticizing suicide in the song, “Neon Gravestones.“ With references to the music industry and a storyline all to itself, there is a lot to unpack from the band’s new material, and the insightful points made in their music all in all Trench it was definitely well worth the listen.

Bohemian Rhapsody is a wonderfully made film that honors Freddie Mercury’s memory and keeps Queen’s legacy alive.

Starring Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury, Lucy Boynton as Mary Austin and Gwilym Lee as Brian May, Bohemian Rhapsody tells the inspiring story of the rock band Queen and meets all good expectations from eager Queen fanatics. The acting from Malek, as he portrays his character brilliantly, gives viewers the feeling of knowing Freddie Mercury himself.

The director of the film was Bryan Singer, also known for founding Bad Hat Harry Productions and producing most the films for which he serves as director.

The film’s occasional hasty time jumps and rushed feeling can be overlooked because of the years of powerful, emotional and important content that needed to be included to tell the story properly.

Overall, Bohemian Rhapsody is a fantastic film that is a must see for anyone who ever has, and ever will, care about history’s greatest music.

The film also earned a 60 percent Rotten Tomatoes score, a 8.4 on a 10-point scale from IMDb.

SPORTS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | NOV. 9, 2018 | PAGE 13

Matthew Nielsen to compete on Team USA Figure Skating team

Matthew Nielsen performs in a recent showcase hosted at Wooster’s Alice Noble Ice Arena. In this photo, Nielsen executes a triple toe jump.

If he qualifies at the Midwestern Sectional Championships, Nielsen will then move on to the National Championship taking place on Jan. 19 through Jan. 27 in Detroit, Mich.

Maddy McCully

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Martin said that Nielsen’s talent will bring him success.

“He has all the ability in the world to take it as far as he is willing to take the sport,” Martin said.

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Members of The Wooster Blade staff have chosen players and teams throughout the National Basketball Association for different categories they believe these teams and players will win at the end of the NBA season. The categories include: NBA Champions, Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. The staff members who predicted these award winners are sports editor Reece Mitchell, cover editor Maddy McCully, and co-editors-in-chief John Gorman and Alexa Mitchell.

NBA Champion

THERESA WENDELL

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Staff Members Predict NBA Outcomes

Alice Noble Ice Arena, invited Nielsen to join them.

In looking at Nielsen’s success, Martin attributes it to his perfectionism, attention to detail, and commitment.

“He has a unique talent and body awareness that is rarely ever seen,” Martin said.

Nielsen said he believes in the power of perseverance and encourages other athletes to do the same.

“Even when you think you want to quit, you should push through, and one day it’ll all pay off,” he said.

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Matthew Nielsen (10) was selected for a spot on the U.S. Figure Skating team.

The team’s website describes Team USA as, “those skaters who are selected by the International Committee, International Committee Management Subcommittee and/or the International Skating Union to represent the United States at ISU events including, but not limited to, spring internationals, Junior

Grand Prixs, Senior Grand Prixs, Senior B internationals, ISU championships... and the Olympic Winter Games.”

Nielsen will compete for Team USA at the Midwestern Sectional Championships beginning in Fort Wayne, Ind. on Nov. 15, according to Christian Martin, Nielsen’s head coach.

Martin has been Nielsen’s coach ever since Nielsen began skating.

Nielsen said he began skating 10 years ago because one of his friends, who participated in the Learn to Skate program at the

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feature editor

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ANNA NACCI

Most Valuable Player

Kevin Durant

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Stephen Curry

Rookie of the Year

Trae Young

Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton

Luka Dončić

Defensive Player of the Year

Kawhi Leonard

Anthony Davis

Kawhi Leonard

Anthony Davis Graphic by Corinne Wiles

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | NOV. 9, 2018 | PAGE 14

Ultimate Frisbee:

Sport celebrates 50th anniversary GRIFFIN MURPHY sports editor

This year marks the 50 year anniversary of the invention of the sport Ultimate Frisbee.

According to UltimateHistory. com, the sport was invented in 1968 by a man named Joel Silver using the first mass produced frisbee, although at the time it was called a plastic flying disc.

The anniversary of the beloved sport was celebrated with a large event in Del Mar, Calif. on Oct. 18, which was presented by USA Ultimate.

According to Julie Lee, the chairmen of the Ultimate foundation, in an interview with Ultimatefrisbee.com, the event itself was run by The Ultimate Foundation, a nonprofit organization that prides itself in bringing Ultimate Frisbee and good natured competition to the youth of our nation.

History of Ultimate In 1968, Joel Silver, according to IMDb, the producer of many high budget movies such as the Matrix trilogy and the first two Die Hard movies, introduced his thought for a sport called Ultimate Frisbee to the Columbia High School student council in Maplewood, NJ, according to the world disc federation.

The next year, the first game was played between two groups of students using a Wham-O Master disc, one of the first frisbee discs to be mass produced for public use.

The plastic flying disc was

invented in 1948 by Fred Morrison. This lead to the first mass produced disc called the Pluto Platter made by Wham-O toy company in the beginning of 1951.

The name “Frisbee” did not come about until it was trademarked in 1958

by Wham-O, dubbing it the “Frisbee,” based on the nickname given to the flying discs by students in New England, according to thoughtco.com.

Silver said he never thought of this proposal as being serious, as it was intended to be a joke when he proposed it originally, but then 50 years later, people are still playing the game.

In 1954, the first recorded competition utilizing the flying discs occurred at Dartmouth University where a bunch of students organized a tournament of a game they had invented called “guts.”

According to Gutsfrisbee.com, guts is a frisbee game where two teams stand on opposite sides of each other and then the offense has each player take a throw at the opposing team with the frisbee. If they hit a member of the opposing team, then that person is out unless they can catch the frisbee. Then, any member of the defending team may catch it and a person on the opposing team is out.

Joel Silver wrote the first set of Ultimate Frisbee rules in early 1970 and wrote the second set of rules in November of 1970.

The first Ultimate Frisbee tournament was held at Yale in April of 1975 and eight teams took part in this competition,

and Rutgers came out on top to win this tournament.

Ultimate Frisbee has been integrated into many high schools across the nation whether it is in clubs, intramural sports or varsity athletics.

According to Ultiworld.com, the first instance of a school approving Ultimate Frisbee as a varsity sport was in 2014 in Vermont. VPA approved for it to be an established varsity sport for a 2019 season.

John Gorman (12), Evan Hootman (12), Ben Otto (12), Cristian Chavez (12), Griffin Murphy (12) and Lee Boyer (9) participated in a friendly competition of Ultimate Frisbee on the band practice field behind Wooster High School.

Frisbee then and now On Nov. 7, 1970, the first organized game of Ultimate was played and Columbia High School was victorious over Millburn High School with a score of 43 to 10.

The first organized college game was between Rutgers and Princeton on Nov. 6, 1972. Rutgers won the game 29-27, according to Ultimatefrisbeeinfo.com, While Ohio has not officially recognized Ultimate Frisbee as an official varsity sport, there is a plethora of intramural and club teams at many high schools.

WHS has had an Ultimate Frisbee club in the 2015-2016 school year, which was headed by seniors with the help of Eric Heller. The club was disbanded shortly thereafter.

Heller said that “a bunch of seniors got together and asked if I would help them form a frisbee club.”

Senior Ultimate Frisbee club leaders included Wil Gastier, Becca Foley, Jenna Zhu and Alazar Coeteze.

Heller went on to say that as those seniors graduated, the interest for the club seemed to fizzle out.

“The club was a majority senior lead,” Heller said.

Heller said the club started with the students, and if they would like the club to return to WHS, then they should go through the process of starting a new club again.

Reece Mitchell

VIEWS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | NOV. 9, 2018 | PAGE 15

OUR VIEW

Free admission to sporting events enables increased attendance Recognizing that WCSD students have gained free admission to football games this past season to promote school spirit on special occasions such as Homecoming and Halloween and to encourage participation in Frontline’s student section themes, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board strongly urges that the Athletic Dept. capitalize on the opportunity to take the next step and provide free admission to all Wooster sporting events for WHS students.

Benefits of free admission to sporting events would be twofold: elevating school spirit to new heights, while also promoting greater accessibility

to the events in response to the diverse needs of the student body.

According to the Ohio Department of Education District Profile report for the 2017-2018 academic year, 38.2 percent of the students at WHS are economically disadvantaged, qualifying for free and reduced lunches. “[Students] want to go to watch friends and show school spirit, but at the same time, we are spending so much money to do that. It might be keeping kids from coming and having fun,” said Grace Buchholz (11), a student who frequently attends high school sporting events.

Providing students with free admission encourages attendance. Coming together to support WHS sports and events also provides students with a safe, social environment to be with peers and support classmates, according to Student Council Adviser and English Dept. member Jennifer Wright.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board recognizes that free admission is accompanied by both opportunity and challenge.

“All the money from gate receipts go to the athletic fund, and that money is there to support the 25 sports that we have,” Andy Keller, athletic

Where is the best ice cream served in Wooster?

Hartzler Family Dairy

BEST Where is the best place to shop in Wooster?

What is the best pizza, locally?

T.J. Maxx Gioninos Pizzeria

BLADE What is the best extracurricular sport that WHS offers?

Swimming & Diving

director, said.

Keller also noted free admission is offered as an incentive to join WHS’ new drug-free program, STAND. However, keeping in line with WCS’ Principles of Practice and The Wooster Way, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes that free admissions offer an untapped opportunity to actively embrace the diverse needs of the student body.

Even as revenue from student admissions would diminish, ways to support the Wooster community as a whole would not. Free admission, paired with student-led fundraising efforts such as food drives and quarter runs presents

opportunities for charity and community-building.

“Bringing a canned food item to a game or event would greatly benefit those in need within our Wooster community, including many members of our WCS student body,” Wright said.

While applauding recent efforts to grant students free admission to individual sporting events and as a reward through STAND, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board strongly urges that the administration and athletic office continue to build school spirit and a culture of inclusion by extending free admissions to all of the student body.

On Oct. 29 and 30, during lunch periods and study halls, Blade staff writers Jacob Nurse and Melina Mera distributed polls to 50 students for suggestions for the Best of Blade categories. The answers were compiled into a list on which the Blade staff voted. The following is a compilation of the results of the vote.

What restaurant serves the best hamburger in Wooster?

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

OF What restaurant sells the best french fries?

McDonalds What is your favorite local restaurant?

El Campesino What is the best Thanksgiving food?

Mashed Potatoes

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | NOV. 9, 2018 | PAGE 16

WOOSTER

BLADE

Editors-in-Chief John Gorman, Alexa Mitchell Webmaster Jacob Gooch Graphics Manager Jacob Gooch, Catherine Strong Business Manager Anna Nacci On Campus Editor Clara Lee Investigative Feature Editor Alexis Florence Focus Editor Henry Gamble, Rheanna Velasquez, Emily Jewell Sports Editor Reece Mitchell, Griffin Murphy A & E Editors Skyy Khounborin, Melina Mera, Catherine Strong Trends Editor Molly Schneider, Corinne Wiles Cover Editors Maddy McCully, Holly Miller, Rachael Schmidt Views Editors David Cheng, Alec Pauley Feature Editors Anna Nacci, Gina Van Lieu Staff Writers Keifer Dilyard, Maeve FlorenceSmith, Sophie Gamble, Mason Garcia, Madison Helms, Julia Hootman, Jacob Nurse, Korbin Reed, Leo Riley, Paulina Salazar, Bryn Savidge, Mya Vandegrift, Theresa Wendell, Lena Wiebe Head Photographer Maddy McCully Photographers Grace Brownson, Alexis Florence, Jacob Gooch, Maddy McCully, Reece Mitchell, Rachael Schmidt, Theresa Wendell Artists Haley Balas, Catherine 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 thewoosterblade.com

THE VOICE OF WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL

THE

OUR VIEW

Rhetoric in society must change in order for civil discourse to occur

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board condemns the actions of violence these past two weeks against prominent political figures and the Jewish community.

However, condemnation is not enough. It is of increasing importance that during these polarizing and divisive times, recognition and respect for differing opinions, political views and backgrounds prevail over violence and hatred.

Agitation must not turn to outlash; anger must not overflow in violence.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board urges a renewed commitment on the part of individuals, communities and national leaders to strive for civility and respect, in discourse and conduct.

Differing opinions can, and must be, discussed with courtesy starting in homes, workplaces and institutes of learning.

“It is absolutely essential that we speak to one another with respect, and more than just speaking to one another, that we listen to each other,” Beth Friedman-Romell, Cantor at Knesseth Israel Temple in Wooster, advocated.

Friedman-Romell said that conversations must bring people face to face, with an open mind, an open heart and a willingness to hear views outside one’s own.

Communities face a pressing need for responsible dialogue marked by open-mindedness, or civil discourse.

Civil discourse is defined by the intent to enhance understanding, according to Mark Kingwell, author of the book, A Civil Tongue: Justice, Dialogue, and the Politics of Pluralism.

As difficult conversations enter national rhetoric, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board encourages a return to civil discourse and emphasizes that the onus falls on individuals to continually demonstrate empathy

and compassion.

Sarah Shanes, president of Hillel, the Jewish student group at the College of Wooster, said that regardless of our beliefs, civil discourse must take place in order for us to effectively communicate with one another.

“Even though people of different faiths view religion through different lenses, we all have love and support for our fellow human beings. If we are able to talk to each other with respect and kindness, then there should be no issue in communicating with each other,” Shanes said.

Freedom of expression remains a constitutional right. However, people must learn how to express their differences in conversations governed by respect and common decency without turning to violence.

According to Time Magazine writer Dennis Reina, in the article, “How to Talk Politics Without Getting Into a Fight,” it is of utmost importance to listen to opposing viewpoints and why people feel the way they do.

Although disagreement may remain, seeking from where views come and how to respond respectfully is crucial to building constructive discussion and debate and gaining new understandings.

In a statement released to the district on Oct. 30, Superintendent Michael Tefs addressed the anti-Semitic attack in Pittsburgh two weeks ago and stated that, “We have a responsibility to help instill civility and empathy in the next generation of citizens.”

Civility and empathy begin in thoughts, take root in words and solidify in action.

If you engage in conversation negatively, spouting insults, no matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, no one will take you seriously. If we want to be taken seriously, we must not act out in violence to prove our points, we

“Even though people of different faiths view religion through different lenses, we all have love and support for our fellow human beings.

If we are able to talk to each other with respect and kindness, then there should be no issue in communicating with each other,”Shanes said. should stage peaceful protests and responsibly discuss with one another in a respectful manner.

Given that the midterm elections have already passed, many people may be upset with the result of Tuesday’s election.

However, whether liberals or conservatives, Democrats or Republicans, we can not lash out in anger.

In homes, at schools and communities at large, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board urges individuals to foster the change in rhetoric and attitude necessary to bridge our shared realities rather than deepen the divides between us.