THE WOOSTER BLADE
WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER • 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH • MARCH 23, 2018 • VOLUME XVIII, ISSUE 11
“SERVICE: contribution to the welfare of others” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Index:
Graphic by Matthew Lorentz
On Campus 2-3 A&E 4-6
Focus 7
Cover 8-9 Feature 10-12 Sports 13-14 Views 15-16
THE WOOSTER BLADE | MARCH 23, 2018 | PAGE 2
Students join national walk out ERIN O’DONNELL cover editor
At 10 a.m. on March 14, schools across America were virtually empty for 17 minutes as students walked out of their schools in solidarity for the 17 victims of the school shooting in Parkland that occurred exactly one month prior. At WHS, students participating in the walkout met at the flagpoles, as student body and senior class president Mimi Wiles delivered a speech. In her speech, Wiles expressed, “We are coming together in unity to mourn the 17 innocent lives lost in the recent mass shooting in our country at Stoneman Douglas
High School.” Following the speech, students took a lap around the school, then returned to third period. “I did not ask for silence [during the march], but it was mostly silent anyway. Any conversation I heard was about the walkout itself or what happened in Parkland,” Wiles said. Wiles stressed that at WHS, the discussion was about school safety and solidarity for the SDHS victims, rather than gun control, which is the primary national focus of the walkout movement. Student government organized the walkout at WHS, with the help of the administration and a few passionate students, including Kate Vojtkofsky (12), who ran
the @whsactivism page to disseminate information about the walkout. According to principal Tyler Keener, the WHS administration did not take an official stance on the walkout, but the students who organized the walkout have communicated with the administration every step of the way in order to ensure student safety. Keener stated, “I commend the student leaders who have proactively worked with administrators to present a plan that is based with an overwhelming emphasis on unity.” The walkout was optional for students, and those who participated were not punished for their absences from class.
CORPORATE SPONSORS Corporate $250
ON CAMPUS
JACOB GOOCH
Wooster High School students march around the high school during the
As students returned from the walkout, Blade staff members asked what motivated their participation: “I”m marching to raise awareness to ending violence in schools”-Macie Meade (12) “...I marched because I believe we need to remember the victims of the Parkland shooting, and to tell our legislators that we need gun reform” -Sam Carmel (9)
tened to, and every person who is involved does have a voice, and they will be heard, and the leaders of our country need to listen” -Grace Buchholz (10)
Gioninos WMW Logistics Students march nationally Critchfield, Critchfield, and Johnston LTD. CORINNE WILES Swigart- Braunscheidel Insurance Wooster Motor Ways Bogner Construction Company
Blue Dyer, Roche $500 and Company
Due to the Feb. 14 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and abundance of mass shootings in 2018, students are responding in the form of protests. Two major dates are reserved for protests: the National School Walkout March 14 and the March For Our Lives March 24. According to the Vox article “The National School Walkout Explained,” both protests have a common goal: to get the government’s attention in order to pass stricter gun
violence regulations to provide safety and security for common places, such as schools. The National School Walkout was formed by Women’s March organizers, as stated by the aforementioned Vox article. The plan was for anyone involved in the school system to walk out of school at 10 a.m. for 17 minutes to honor the 17 lives lost in the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. The March For Our Lives goal is for people to march on the streets of Washington DC and other major cities to show the government how safety needs to become a priority in lieu of current events.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | MARCH 23, 2018 | PAGE 3
School safety&
WHS Wooster City School District adapts new security methods HOLLY MILLER feature editor
In light of what has been happening throughout the United States and in the Wooster community, WCSD is taking actions to make schools safer for students and staff. At a community meeting Feb. 26, a resolution was passed to implement another school resource officer to the WCSD. This action will guarantee that there will always be an officer at WHS and one other circulating the schools in the district. At WHS, actions have been taken to closely review who can enter and exit the academic wing of the building. At the front entrance, WHS employee Eric Middleton reduces the people who can go beyond the locked doors. He monitors cameras and also the people who can exit and enter. Door alarms around the high school are also in the process of being reviewed and evaluated
to make sure no one can enter without signing in at the front entrance.
“WHS WILL HAVE A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER 100 PERCENT OF THE TIME.” SUPERINTENDENT MICHAEL TEFS SAID A safety solution that Tefs is evaluating is separating the public from the high school. He says, “Our architect is working on a plan to completely separate the public from the high school prior to the command area.” This plan would ensure the separation of public from students. The WCSD continues to address the community’s concerns about safety around the district.
The Wooster Blade asked students:
How do you think school can be made safer? “I think we need more drills to show students what to do. One ALICE drill every four years is not enough.” Melody Ashworth (11) “Metal detectors at the doors.” Zach Brewster (10) “Put in metal detectors.” Landon Rice (10) “The key is the students. They are the eyes and ears. Student involvement, engagement and spirit “More security.” Kendra Kerstetter (10)
“Metal detectors and harsher and equal punishments.” Adrianne Silva (11) “We need to make classrooms feel safe and friendly.” Daniel Fash (11) “Eliminate the weapon that threatens it and getting rid of the ignorance that keeps us from “Building positive relationships with students. Making sure students feel safe and welcome in our classrooms.” Mrs. Doup “Be more accepting of all people and backgrounds.” Joseph Macchetta (12) “A big issue is between classes when everyone is in the hallways and out of control.” Ben Otto (11)
“No outside civilians. Take out windows by doors of classrooms.” Aubrey Pagniano (10)
“Teachers need to be more on watch and bookbags need to be checked.” Juli Pycraft (10) “Institute metal detectors at main entrances.” Cameron Brisbine (11) “Actual anti-bullying programs.” Ryan Mount (12)
Responses collected by Rachael Schmidt
ARTS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | MARCH 23, 2018 | PAGE 4
FINE
FESTIVAL
Q&A
The Fine Arts Festival will take place Saturday, April 7 in the WHS Commons from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival displays the talents of music, visual arts and dramatic arts students. Artwork is showcased and performances will be given. Q&As conducted by Melina Mera and
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT VISUAL ARTISTS:
1. What inspired you to make this piece? 2. Do you make art outside of school? 3. What do you enjoy most about art class?
Isabell Coin (8) 1.
2. 3. 4.
It was kind of a project we had to do. I just tried to make it funny and that worked out pretty well on my behalf. Yes, I do ceramics outside of class. The creative freedom. No; once every year since kindergarten.
PERFORMANCE:
2. 3. 4.
A: Because this venue is a little more casual than a formal concert, we sing some pop tunes, folk music and more laid back repertoire. It’s a more relaxed setting, so they can perform some funnier songs they know. High school soloists use this as a good chance to perform Disney, show tunes and folk music.
that most people wouldn’t do. Yes, I draw sometimes. The creative freedom. No; I had art there last year.
Ria Vimal (11) 1.
2. 3.
4.
It was a picture that my dad took. [The assignment] was just a grind enlargement. I looked through pictures that my dad took and I liked that one. I thought it would look nice enlarged. Sometimes; I used to a lot when I was younger, but not too much now. The peacefulness because it’s a nice break from a hectic school day, and it’s easy to concentrate. No, I had it in middle school.
Emily Patterson (Choir Director) A: For the Fine Arts Festival, we use singers from grades 5 through 12. Fifth grade singers, sixth grade singers, seventh grade choir and eighth grade choir are required to perform as ensembles. We use it as a warm up for the All-City Concert in May. Grade nine through 12 students are welcomed and encouraged to create small groups to perform or sing a solo by themselves. This year, Women’s Chorus and a newly formed men’s group will be performing as well.
1.
Photos by Maddy McCully
Joe Macchetta (12) Q: A: Me and a small group of guys started a little “men’s chorus,” and we are singing “Homeward Bound,” a beautiful men’s piece we try to sing some way every year. Q: A: We typically come together Wednesdays after school and Thursdays after group sectionals. Plus, we have sung this song in the past, so we have a basic foundation prepared; we are just attempting to polish the song and make it as close to perfect as possible. Q: How does it feel to be able to perform in the Fine Arts A: It’s a great feeling to be able to share something we are passionate about towards members of our community.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | MARCH 23, 2018 | PAGE 5
Fine Arts Festival features young artists
ANNA NACCI The WCSD will hold the 20th annual Fine Arts Festival next month. The festival will feature artwork from WCSD students of all ages. There will be 150 pieces of artwork from each of the four WCSD elementary schools, with 25 pieces from each grade, according to Alendria Huffman, Art Dept. member at Melrose and Cornerstone. To select the featured pieces,
By Lexi Eisenhut (5)
creativity and craftsmanship are considered, according to Ashley Bowman, Art Dept. member at Kean and Parkview. This will be Huffman’s second year submitting elementary art into the festival, and Bowman’s eleventh. The Fine Arts Festival creates an opportunity to showcase artists’ talents. For young artists specifically, having their artwork featured, “Displays a child’s intelligence and talent that cannot be displayed on a test or report,” Huffman said. Having their art featured helps students for their future.
“I think that students need to be recognized for their accomplishments at a young age to foster their interests and growth,” Bowman said. In addition to the individual student art from Parkview, there will also be a guest artist featured that worked with the students to make a bigger piece, says Bowman. The Fine Arts Festival does not just feature physical art, but singers, dancers and musicians will also be performing. The fifth, sixth and seventh grade choirs will perform in the afternoon, according to the
By Faith Timko (7)
WCSD website. As a whole, the Fine Arts Festival is unique as it showcases all forms of art from students in the WCSD. “I think it’s necessary to show that not only are we a scholastic and an athletic [school]...we can do everything at this school district, we’re amazing, and when you go to the Fine Arts Festival, you see the talent that oozes out of this place,” Taggart said. The Fine Arts Festival will take place April 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the WHS Commons.
By Grace Edwards (7)
THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | MARCH 23, 2018 | PAGE 6
Lead features presented in this year’s spring play, Our Town The history behind Elizabeth Perkins
Our Town.
She said that playing Emily has been on her bucket list ever since she began acting. Perkins has been involved in many musicals, including; The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music and Working. Our Town might be my favorite production. The whole cast is really strong and
OUR TOWN In 1994, Our Town was the first play to ever be performed in the WHS Performing Arts Center. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Our Town, and the play will be put on again by the cast, director Todd Patterson and assistant director Brett Hiner. According to Patterson, Thornton Wilder, the author of the play, came to Wooster in 1950 and played the main role in a production that was done at the College of Wooster. Our Town is a timeless and classic American play. “Our Town is so popular that it is said that it is performed somewhere in the world every day,” Patterson said. One reason for its timelessness is its simplicity. Patterson says Wilder wanted everybody to see themselves within the characters and story. “... the author wanted to make it universal. He didn’t want to lock it in as a particular story of a particular group of people in a particular time,” Patterson said. Hiner says the play is timeless because of its message. “... the theme and content of the play is more important now than it has ever been,” Hiner said. The show dates are April 6 and April 7 at 7:30 p.m. and April 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketpeak.com/res/ whsdrama. Tickets will be emailed to print immediately after the online transaction. For any questions, email Joel Kennedy at joel@marlanekennedy.com.
Photos by Aleesha Vaughn.
Perkins said she does drama club because she gets the opportunity to know and work with others in all grades. Evan Doan
Our Town, this spring.
Matthew Lorentz The Outsiders as Bob Sheldon, the Soc gang leader. Additionally, Lorentz was featured in Working: The Musical Swibel. Lorentz was cast as the Stage Manager for Our Town
degree. Nick Cosmo Women, Working: The Musical and Shrek the Musical Our Town.
Little
build such strong bonds through the myriad of hours spent at rehearsals.” University. Lexi Snoddy Rebecca, in Our Town.
Her favorite production she has ever been a part of was Seven Brides for Seven Brothers because she got to sing and dance as part of the show.
Jack Neill (12) is preparing to play the part of Mr. Webb in the WHS spring production. Webb is the father of Emily, and works as a newspaper editor. Webb is very old fashioned and
Hope Kennedy as Mrs. Webb, the mother of Emily.
Features by Maddy Nacci, Jacob Gooch and Gina van Lieu. Blurb by Clara Lee.
FOCUS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | MARCH 23, 2018 | PAGE 7
Students participate in Junior Achievement Competition AVERY ROSS
Junior Achievement is an educational organization that deals with the creation and administration of job-readiness programs designed to prepare children and young adults alike for work by providing training in important concepts including: entrepreneurship,
the JA Organization has since expanded its repertoire of programs to classrooms all over the United States, with schools all over Wayne County being included, as stated on the JA of Central Ohio website, a branch of juniorachievement.org. ranging from elementary to high school based programs. The JA Titan program is based around
and teamwork, as explained juniorachievement.org
company run by students, and it is the primary JA program that
JA website, the JA program was founded in 1919 by Theodore Vale, Horace Moses and Massachusetts senator Murray
student who has participated twice in the JA program, once in his junior year and again in
JA
program,
JA
Company
after school in select locations,
he, “...enjoys the JA program, because it inspires a fun competition amongst friends.”
Nielson also explained the approach of Titan is to create a, “...Financial simulation where a group of three students found a company and attempt to become more successful than their friends’ companies.” JA of Central Ohio held their annual JA Titan simulation March 9. WHS student Nolan in second place at the end of the competition. “It was pretty nerve racking… we never
we] went with our game plan ‘Skate fast, eat Chick-Fil-A...’” He said, when asked about his success in the competition. For more information on the Junior Achievement programs and events, visit their website at juniorachievment.org.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JA FACEBOOK PAGE
COVER
THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | MARCH 23, 2018 | PAGE 8
Community members share their experiences with service RHEANNA VELASQUEZ
Student advocates
To work for the common good is a concept many can recognize. For Student Body President Mimi Wiles (12), service is what restores her faith in humanity. In the middle of her senior year, Wiles’ schedule is packed with rigorous classes. Yet whether through tutoring, blood drives or visits to Glendora Nursing Home, Wiles finds the time for service. “The really nice thing about service is, if you do it a lot, if you get into it, yes, it does benefit yourself, but it’s so nice to help people. Everybody needs to do their part. I think if people really take time out of their day to help somebody else or just do some kind of volunteering, it strengthens your morals. It makes everybody a better person. It helps students realize we can help,” Wiles said. Megan Kleinheinz (5), an
Edgewood student and Girl Scout Junior, also recognized service as benefiting both recipient and giver. “[Service] means, to me, doing something for someone else for the feeling of satisfaction, not the money or reward. It also means to be part of the community and serve something greater than yourself for a greater form of g o o d , ” Kleinheinz said. Kleinheinz d e s c r i b e d learning about service through volunteering at the Humane Society and other experiences with her Girl Scout troop. However, not only the work of students and volunteers, but that of doctors, policemen and many others can also be
“... [Service] also means to be part of the community and serve something greater than yourself for a greater form of good,” Kleinheinz said.
obligations I take. So naturally, I would often
ALEXIS FLORENCE cover editor
Just like many students involved in National Honor Society or any volunteering group, I am always on the hunt for volunteer hours. With such high requirements and taking into account my busy schedule, any opportunity
concession stands at sports games. Blood drives and bell ringing are also easy ways to meet volunteer requirements. From my perspective, it feels that students are pushed into thinking that service is meant we are constantly told service hours look good on a college application. However, this way of thinking completely defeats the idea of Students should try their best to eliminate this self-serving mindset, and they can do it by following their passions in
defined as service. Healthcare providers devote time, effort and attention to patients’ concerns, giving advice and motivating change toward health, according to Wooster Family Physician Eric Smith. Smith defined service as ethically working toward a person’s and community’s best health. “Healthcare providers have a responsibility to the principles of science, the profession of being a healer and the patient who has put their trust and faith (two different things) clinician is that the provider should try to cure when possible, to help whenever appropriate, and to always ensure a person feels that you heard their suffering or fear of suffering,” Smith said. Policemen also work to
volunteering and reaching out in the community. While there are groups that need help on the WHS campus, there are countless organizations throughout Wooster and Wayne County looking for support. If you are interested in the Medical Outreach in Orrville, an organization at which I once volunteered, strives to create sustainable communities in Honduras with medical assistance. It is a great place
ensure public wellbeing. Sergeant Mike Jewell of the Wooster Police Department described service for policemen as supplying the public’s need for law and order. “Police officers provide service as someone to help mitigate circumstances, to be a sounding board, and to be a decisionmaker. Service, as far as the police, supplies the public with someone to make the ultimate decision. We’re decisionmakers,” Jewell said. Like Kleinheinz, Smith and Wiles, Jewell expressed a sense of responsibility and contribution. “There’s a duty to one’s community. The police department and police officers here in Wooster especially have a strong sense of community service, of being a part of the community and helping the community,” Jewell said. Serving their community is a diverse crowd of doctors, policemen, students and
I, or any student, can become involved in. I found a passion in mentoring a seventh grade student. I go to Edgewood Middle School once a week to help her with homework and, in our short time together, we have built a sense of camaraderie and friendship. The time I spend at Edgewood counts toward my volunteer hours for NHS, but the hours are more than just a requirement: I feel like I am truly helping someone and that goes beyond a club. My advice to students when it
grateful to have community organizations spanning a variety of interests in which
passions and use your talents to serve your community; forget about the hour requirements.
Evaluating the role schools play in community service DAVID CHENG WHS offers many groups to join that allow students to engage with and give back to the community. There are three service based groups at WHS, including Key Club. Key Club’s mission statement, according to their website, notes that “Key Club is an international, student-led organization that provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership.” Key Club is overseen by Paige Arnold, Social Studies Dept. member. In looking at the service the club provides, Arnold said club members base their efforts on providing for the local community. ”In Wooster, we look for opportunities to volunteer in the community, support the Wooster Kiwanis Club and sometimes institute service projects in the school,” Arnold said. Other service based groups are Interact Club and National Honor Society. NHS is overseen by Rebekah Bell, English Dept. member. In order to be considered to join this national organization, Bell said, “They [students] must show exemplary promise in the four pillars: scholarship, service, leadership and character.” For NHS, service is one of the organization’s main pillars, and Bell states that in order to maintain membership, “Members must do 45 hours of service while a member of NHS at WHS.”
Bell said that one key concept for students in NHS is that they, “are committed to the idea of volunteering our time and abilities for the creation of a better tomorrow.” According to The New York Times, in the article “High Schools Mandating Community Service for Graduation,” more and more high schools are mandating community service as graduation requirement, especially in the Long Island District. Having the school perform service projects around the school also provides benefits to the students and the community according to The New York Times in the article “The Benefits of Volunteerism, if the Service Is Real.” According to Joseph E. Kahne, interviewed for the article, his surveys show that if students do mandatory or volunteer service around the community in high school, they will most likely be involved in some civic activities, which overall will benefit the community. In one study on which he collaborated with the University of Chicago titled, “Developing Citizens: The Impact of Civic Learning Opportunities on Students’ Commitment to Civic Participation,” Kahne’s research found that service directly contributed to meaningful classroom experiences and civic identity. Based on Kahne’s research, the concept of volunteering can seem mundane, but students should look at their communities and decide how they feel that they can make an impact on others.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | MARCH 23, 2018 | PAGE 9
As people start their spring cleaning, they may be looking for places to give donations of clothes, books, furniture, etc. Following is a list of different organizations in the Wooster area to which people may donate.
Donation Locations: 1 2 3 4 5
FEATURE
FEATURE
BLADE Blurb by Evan Doan
sessions included topics of writing, photography, design and Photoshop. In addition to attending the conference at Columbia, students saw a matinee of Phantom of the Opera, and enjoyed the food at John’s Pizzeria and Serendipity 3 (bottom left photo). Students explored and shopped around Rockefeller Center (top left photo). A small contingent of BLADE students also appeared on The Today Show, as pictured in the bottom right.
Graphic by Matthew Lorentz
Nineteen members of The Wooster Blade and seven members of The Legacy staff attended the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Conference in New York from March 13 through March 16. The conference took place over a four-day period at Columbia University, as shown in the top right photo. BLADE Students attended a plethora of sessions, taught by experienced journalists from across the country. The
Phantom of the Opera provides music to the ears of audience
CATE STRONG Let us face the music: there is a reason that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is the longest running musical on Broadway. If you ask your mom what show she saw when she went to New York City, it was probably Phantom (or The Lion King). The show and its music have several different enticing aspects of theater: romance, mystery, danger and comedy (depending on who’s putting on the production). This is no doubt a result
of Webber’s skill in writing blockbuster, showstopper musicals including the likes of Jesus Christ: Superstar and Cats. Phantom’s music contains a sort of emotional intimacy, presumably a result of Webber’s relationship with the show’s original star, Sarah Brightman, at the time he composed the score. Aside from the unchanging aspects of the musical, Phantom continues to attract fans to the Majestic Theater because of the dedication the performers have to preserve the original intent of Phantom’s story while also bringing new elements to each changing company. The current Broadway company
performs a Phantom that changes emotionally with each performance, allowing a frequent theater-goer a fresh perspective on the characters and the plot. Take for example, Rodney Ingram, the newest performer in the principle role of Raoul. His performance changed drastically from when I watched him in August and more recently a few weeks ago. Raoul, being a love interest juxtaposed to the fascinating character of the Phantom himself, often times comes off as boring if the actor only employs the general emotions
of someone in love. However, Ingram channels several emotions that are often overlooked in Raoul’s character, making a dynamic Raoul that seems like a dynamic character more than a plot device. Phantom’s casting team is also employing color-blind casting, a technique growing popular in theater. Performers are cast based on talent and dynamic, rather than ethnic accuracy in regards to the performer’s character. This was most famously used in Hamilton, where historically Caucasian characters are represented by a diverse, nonwhite cast.
NEW YORK
Ali Ewoldt became the first Asian-American to play the principle role of Christine in 2016, while Norm Lewis and Jordan Donica became the first African-Americans to play the Phantom and Raoul respectively. Ingram joined in 2016 as well, being the first Latino to perform Raoul’s role. This casting technique not only transcends superficial barriers that might keep casting directors from hiring the best talent, but also keeps Phantom up to date with a modern and progressive audience. The emotion behind each character, due in part to Webber’s initial creativity and the current company’s dedication to the show, as well as the diverse and relatable aspects of theater weaved into the show, has kept Phantom running for so long. With 30 seasons under the show’s belt, Phantom may be past the point of no return as Broadway’s longest running musical.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | MARCH 23, 2018 | PAGE 11
Wooster Wheelchair Basketball wins statewide tournament GRIFFIN MURPHY On March 10, the first wheelchair basketball state tournament, organized by the Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio, ended when the Wooster team clinched the win against Tallmadge 37-21, bringing an end to their 12 week season for all of these athletes who range in age from first grade through twelfth grade. Lisa Followay, the director of, said she has enjoyed watching the program grow and anticipates more teams in upcoming years. “Five teams in five years feels amazing. Looking forward, we would love to see 10 teams in 10 years, 20 teams in 10 years… We currently have 70 basketball wheelchairs tied up in the program for all of the students.” Lisa Followay said the program, along with efforts from Dr. Michael Tefs and WHS Athletic Director Andy Keller, was able to expand the teams until there were five of them. One of the students on the team, Ryan Hannan (7), stated, “It feels great to have won since we’ve been playing for
three years, and the first year we didn’t have anyone to play. Last year was the first time we were really playing, and then this year, to have a tournament is just awesome.” In looking at their win, Evan Heller (10) said, “It feels great to have won the first championship on our home court.” Heller scored 17 points in the 37-21 win over Tallmadge. Heller and Brett Followay, the team’s coach, said the team practiced two times a week for one hour and a half, not including outside work players decide to put in. “It feels amazing to have won this… I feel our team has excelled at working together as a team not allowing one player to score all of the points for us… I think we did amazing especially since middle of the year we only had five kids and really made a push to get some more players,” Coach Followay said. All of the players, coaches and members of the staff are all looking forward to future years in the program and growth with all of the wheelchair basketball teams.
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF LISA FOLLOWAY
Wooster City Schools earns grand champion status at Pen Ohio ESTELLE SHAYA On March 10, WHS hosted its first ever Pen Ohio tournament. According to Chelsey Porter, director of Power of the Pen for eighth grade, the tournament was hosted in lieu of Power of the Pen tournaments that were not run this year. Porter said the director of Power of the Pen passed away unexpectedly this year, and access to the computer program formerly
used to run tournaments was lost, thus cancelling all events this year. According to the Pen Ohio webpage, penohio.wildapricot. org, the organization was created under The United Fellowship of the Pen, a larger organization started Feb. 23, 2017. A tournament consists of three timed rounds of writing, each with its own prompt. One distinction between Pen Ohio and Power of the Pen is that Pen Ohio is designed for all
middle and high school grades, rather than only seventh and eighth. Porter said she hopes to take advantage of this opportunity to establish the program for higher grades. However, following this year, seventh and eighth grade Power of the Pen students will go back to competing in their regular tournaments. For students in the program, Power of the Pen and Pen Ohio offer many opportunities. Anna Schultz (8) said, “I guess that
no one cares what you write about…they just care that you wrote it and it’s interesting to read. People can see a prompt in so many different ways that nearly any story based on it is going to be interesting because you can see another person’s thought process about the prompt and it could be way different than yours.” At the high school, the program is designed for students to both learn and write. Porter said the students,
who practice once a week, begin their practice by looking at an element of narrative and then students spend 40 minutes writing to a prompt. After the time ends, they take time to share what they have written. Between seventh and eighth grades, 12 students represented Wooster at the tournament. According to a district press release, the Wooster team was tournament grand champion, with a combined seventh and eighth grade score of 6,312.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | MARCH 23, 2018 | PAGE 12
WSTR production staff begins Power of One Initiative,
asking students,“What EMMA LOGIUDICE The WSTR video production team has recently started a project at WHS called The
makes you special?�
Kole Emplit (11), will be going to each of the lunches and asking students to write down one thing that makes them special. “These will then be hung around the school so everyone can see what makes each person in WHS special and also let everyone in the building know they belong and has something inside of them that makes them unique,� Nathan Greene, Computer Science teacher and WSTR adviser, said. REECE MITCHELL This project was inspired by Administrative
Power of One. The Power of One is a project where several members of the video announcement crew, specifically Natalie Gardner (12), Daniel Carpenter (12) and
Seth Opatz advances to state bee ALEXA MITCHELL Seth Opatz (8) was one of the 50 students participating in the Geography Bee that WHS holds yearly, finishing in the final 10, and is advancing to states. The state competition will be held in Columbus where there will be 100 students participating. The Geography Bee allows fifth through eighth grades to participate. Opatz has been in the bee all four years. History Dept. member Scott Miller is in charge of
the Geography Bee team and helps the students prepare. “Two years ago, Seth finished in the top 10 and went to state,� Miller said. Opatz says he was f i r s t
Photo by Maddy McCully
interested in geography when he was little, watching the news, always asking questions about how there could be the same name for multiple cities. He said this lead to his interest of geography. To prepare for the bee, Opatz said his mom would help him every night by asking different questions and watching the National Geographic channel on TV. “Every night my mom and I pick up an atlas and pick different cities to study and learn about different things,� Opatz said.
Intern Heidi Haas, because she started this project on a smaller scale in her office, having each student, who comes to see her, write something that they feel makes them special before they leave her office. Greene and the WSTR video production team said they wanted to make it a full school project with the hope that students can begin to recognize
how diverse we, as a school and as a student body, are and to help show everyone in the school building how much each of us has to offer. “The hope is that students will be able to see these characteristics in each other,� Greene said. This project began the week of March 12 and will continue once a week during lunches.
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SPORTS
SPORTS | SKYY KHOUNBORIN
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LL TBA SOF
EMILY JEWELL
AMBREA DELLAFAVE their toughest competition this year will be Lexington. Andrew Symonds (12) is one of the Andrew Martinez (11), captains for the boys’ tennis team. has been a varsity midfielder “I hope to see some success from since his freshman year for boys’ them,” Symonds said. lacrosse, and is looking forward to The first match of the season having a new team and seeing how for all players will take the team presents itself this year. place April 2 against Lake Adam Swindell (12) is the boys’ team High School at the WHS captain this year. tennis courts. According to Martinez, their team strength is being disciplined and the coaches are stricter this year. The coaches are Blair Young, Sam Carmony and Reid Delaney. Martinez also said their weakness has not been found yet, because they have not had their first game. Individually, Martinez would like improve his face offs, because, “I’m the one that starts the game and sets the tone and it’s very important in games.” Their next home game will be April 3 against Avon Lake.
WHS Spring Sports
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Holly Pope is the head coach for the girls’ lacrosse team and is excited for the upcoming season. “For the team this year, I’m looking to continue to improve our ability to read situations, adjust our game plan accordingly. I’m always looking to improve our stick skills and overall lacrosse IQ,” Pope said. The biggest competitor for the team will be Avon Lake, according to Chamberlin. Sidny Chamberlin is co-captain of the girls’ lacrosse team this year. “For the team, we have a really tough schedule this season and our team is a little smaller than past years. But, I hope we can all just maintain positive attitudes on and off the field,” Chamberlin said. Their next game will be April 11 against Wadsworth at Follis Field.
Last year, the boys’ tennis team had a record of 15-5. The head coach for the boys’ tennis team is Stan Burris, and the assistant coach is Douglas Railsback. “My main goal this year for the boys is to be league champions and to have strong senior leadership,”Burris said. Burris said
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EMILY JEWELL
Wooster baseball is setting out to Wooster girls’ softball ended the improve their 13-8-1 record from last season last year with 9-15 record. year’s team with the help of Coach Senior letter winner Katie Brownson Steve Young. says the goal for this year’s team is to, In order to achieve that goal, the aspect “focus on the fundamentals of the game of improvement, according to Young, is and perform their very best every time we being a team. step foot on the field.” “It will be crucial for us to come together Coach Scott Dunlap hopes to improve the and develop our chemistry both on and off the team’s overall consistency and hitting. field,” Young said. Consistency and improved hitting will The need for team unity will be crucial AMBREA DELLAFAVE be key against their biggest conference when competing against schools such as competition this season. Mt. Vernon, Lexington, Madison, as well Dunlap explained the main goal as their own team, explained Young. Giaminh Nguyen (12) will be Brian Questel, Kim Shaw, for the 2018 team is, “...to be Senior first baseman on the team, running his seventh consecutive Ashley Reed and Bret Breneman, consistent in what we’re doing. Evan O’Brien, agreed with Coach year of boys’ track. according to Nguyen. We graduated eight, so we are Young on the team’s goal, This season, he is looking forward Lakyra Campbell-Bell (11) will be fairly young. And just to play which is to win the OCC to seeing how the team and each running her second year of girls’ track. smarter all around.” conference and make a run in individual does and to, hopefully, win This season, she is looking forward to The Generals will have tournaments. Wooster’s first the OCC. getting first place in the 100 meter dash. their next home game game will be held at home Nguyen would like to focus more on his Campbell-Bell would like to individually March 24 against April 4 at 5 p.m. against teammates in order to help them improve. improve on her form and improve her 100 Waynedale. Madison. He also includes that the team’s weakness is meter dash. having inexperienced, new runners and the team’s Coach Mascotti-Rasor is the girls’ head coach strength is, “that most of the runners are willing to this year. She said this season one of her goals is work hard and push themselves.” improving after every meet and winning OCC. Coach Douglas Bennett is the boys head coach this year. Their first track meet is April 3 against Northwest and Other coaches are Christine Mascotti-Rasor, Drew Gerber, Norwayne, at Norwayne.
TRACK
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | MARCH 23, 2018 | PAGE 14
JOHN GORMAN views editor
As
MARCH MADNESS
March
Madness
hoped for smooth conference tournaments to help ease the selection process. Instead, the college basketball world was rocked by reports of widespread corruption and scandals reaching programs around the nation. A Sports Illustrated article titled “List of Schools Implicated in NCAA Basketball Scandal,” by Scooby Axson, reports that as of Feb. 23, more than 20 college basketball programs, including perennial powerhouses such as Duke, UNC and Kentucky, were implicated in federal documents reporting widespread recruiting violations. These violations were generally in the form of impermissible meals, plane tickets or other items of value being given by the universities to players or their family members.
AMBER SWIGART co-editor-in-chief
Graphic by Corinne Wiles
It is hard to believe that a year has passed since I last triumphed over my peers in our staff’s March Madness bracket competition: one full year since my bracket-making skills were last belittled, and that I proved
One instance of a school appeared to be exposed via FBI wiretap when Sean Miller, head coach of the University of Arizona’s men’s basketball team, was allegedly caught discussing payment of $100,000 to Deandre Ayton, a projected top three NBA draft pick this year, to bring him to Arizona, according to an ESPN article by Mike Schlabach titled “FBI wiretaps show Sean Miller discussed $100K payment to lock recruit.” However, as Michael McCann of Sports Illustrated writes in an article titled “Sean Miller’s Statement Takes the Fight to ESPN: Is a Lawsuit the Next Step?,” Miller maintains his innocence in the matter. Moreover, McCann reports month after Ayton committed to Arizona. As this investigation, and many more like it, are far from over, the NBA is looking to step in. A SB Nation article by Tom Ziller titled “Is the NBA
my extraordinary know-how, once and for all. I admit, I do not follow collegiate basketball very closely. Or any sport, for that matter. But then again, who needs to? The serendipity of sport is its unpredictability, its reliance on happenstance. I owe some thanks to those who inspire me: Mimi Wiles, winner of the WHS bracket challenge, and Estelle Shaya, who I did not know very well at the time, but who deserves thanks nonetheless. I like to attribute my victory to luck. Or, perhaps it was just my woman’s intuition. I believe that the gods of college basketball, or whoever
really willing to clean up the NCAA mess it helped create?,” the primary cause for this illicit recruiting stems from the NBA’s requirement of athletes being 19 or one year removed from high school. Rather than having elite prospects graduate directly from high school into the NBA, they must play a year in college. As such, these paraprofessional athletes are able to select their university preference based on the highest bidder. According to Ziller’s article, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is planning to take steps to address the growing trend of one-and-done players, that is, athletes who go to college for a single year before going to the the illegal recruiting and to ensure the highest quality talent for his league. With all eyes on the NCAA basketball tournament and the surrounding hoopla, it will be likely that the collegiate corruption chronicle will continue to dominate headlines.
controls these things, willed me to win so that I could relay an important message to readers: sports are dumb. Playing sports? Important! Watching sports? Entertaining... sometimes! But, why would anyone spend countless hours watching dribbling, followed by commentary about the dribbling, and still be less able to predict outcomes than a girl who practically filled out the bracket based off which colors she likes? Sure, I may not be in a position to judge Americans’ use of free time, but I have always been a boundary-pusher. Feel free to fight me, or approach me, to discuss this further. Haters will say it is fake.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | MARCH 23, 2018 | PAGE 15
Firearms promote safety
CHRISTIAN WALTON guest columnist
I am in favor of letting teachers have the ability to register with the school district in order to conceal carry on campus. I want to begin my argument by first acknowledging that this is neither a perfect solution to end school shootings, nor is it the only solution. The main reason that I am for letting teachers register to arm themselves is to enhance the ALICE procedure. As many of you already know, ALICE is the response program that we are supposed to take in the event of a shooter or intruder. A problem arises with ALICE in that a majority of school
shooters are students, according to a 2015 article by the anti-gun violence group “Everytown.” The gunman will, thus, be likely to know ALICE, along with its weaknesses and exactly what we will do. ALICE ultimately boils down to a deadly version of hide-andgo-seek in which the gunman likely has a pretty good chance of figuring out where we are hiding or running, and when he finds his targets, they are severely disadvantaged to counter his violence. Armed teachers would be optimal here: rather than being Rambo-like vigilantes who heroically chase shooters down the halls, they should be a last resort during an escape and/ or a first line of defense to buy time for police to arrive. Regardless of the gun debate, Washington D.C. is failing to protect us with either gun control or extra guards, thus we need to take matters into our own hands. Letting teachers arm themselves is not a perfect solution; there are issues with it, but it should be considered as a valid option.
Graphics by Matthew Lorentz
Do you believe educators should be armed? - Students
17.6% YES 82.4% NO
S H O U L D W E ARM T E A C H E R S Polls conducted by Devika Walia, Chris Roche and Nick Cosmo during the week of March 19, 2018, and include 125 student responses 14 teacher responses.
Weapons add to chaos
HANNAH KNAPIC sport editor
Allowing teachers to possess firearms in a school building is a ridiculous idea that rather than fixing the problem of gun violence, will only add to the chaos of mass school shootings. Giving administrators, teachers or any other school official a gun to keep in the classroom would be like giving the parents of a drug addict the substances to which their child clings. Sure, if given to the right adult with the right children around, nothing will happen, but when that drug or that gun is near someone whose goal is to obtain that item, the combination is a recipe for disaster. Following the death of 15 children (yes, children, as all
but one were under 18) and two adults in Parkland, Fla., President Donald Trump spoke to a crowd in D.C., stating, “Well trained, gun-adept, teachers and coaches…” would have a concealed carry permit according to CNN reporter, Elizabeth Landers. However, I do not believe anyone, no matter how comfortable they are with a gun, could be in a clear-headed state during the commotion that occurs in school shootings. It would be inevitable that a child would be injured, rather than the shooter himself. Carrying a firearm would put the teacher at risk, as well. When police arrive, what do you think they would do to an adult waving around a weapon? A trained officers’ response would be to shoot anyone holding a gun, regardless of whether they knew it was the shooter or not. Allowing possession of firearms in a school is a foolish, cop-out way to solve the problem of school shootings. If legitimate change is what is wanted in America, it is time for legitimate solutions to be considered at a federal level.
Do you believe educators should be armed? - Teachers 7.1%
YES
92.9% NO
THE
WOOSTER
BLADE
Editors-in-Chief Estelle Shaya, Amber Swigart Webmaster Jacob Gooch Graphics Manager Matthew Lorentz Business Managers Matthew Lorentz, Jacob Gooch On Campus Editor Spencer Dilyard Focus Editor Chris Roche Sports Editor Hannah Knapic A & E Editors Nick Cosmo, Evan Doan Trends Editor Chelsea Patterson Cover Editors Alexis Florence, Erin O’Donnell Views Editor John Gorman Feature Editors Holly Miller, Maddy Nacci Staff Writers David Cheng, Ambrea Dellafave, Henry Gamble, Emily Jewell, Skyy Khounborin, Clara Lee, Emma LoGiudice, Thomas Matthew, Maddy McCully, Melina Mera, Alexa Mitchell, Pauley, Avery Ross, Rachael Schmidt, Molly Schneider, Catherine Strong, Gina Van Lieu, Aleesha Vaughn, Rheanna Velasquez, Devika Walia, Kyle Ward, Corinne Wiles Head Photographer Hannah Knapic Photographers Ambrea Dellafave, Spencer Dilyard, Jacob Gooch, Emma LoGuidice, Maddy McCully, Reece Mitchell, Chelsea Patterson, Molly Schneider, Aleesha Vaughn Artist 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 WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | MARCH 23, 2018 | PAGE 16
OUR VIEW
Safety debate necessitates student voices to make decisions and policies
the 60 Minutes shooting,” refer to the generation
amplified and made impossible The Wooster Blade Editorial Board
in the fact that it is being led by and beyond another incident of Vox in the March 14 article
Editorial members sound off on political issues JACOB GOOCH webmaster
HANNAH KNAPIC sports editor
In the extremely polarized society of today, created greatest challenge is reaching compromise of any kind,
ratings,” according to The New York Times