The Wooster Blade Issue - 6

THE WOOSTER BLADE

WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER • 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH • DEC. 5, 2014 • VOLUME XV, ISSUE 6

SURROUND

The Wooster Blade explores the intricacies of music and its ever-changing landscape.

SOUND

INDEX

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 2

Students express opinions on Christmas music selections

What kind of Christmas music do you prefer?

What is your favorite Christmas album?

Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey 29% Wrapped in Red by Kelly Clarkson 28% Christmas by Michael Bublé 20% 28%

Modern

34%

Classical

38%

Mixture

The Gift by Susan Boyle 6% Noël by Josh Groban 17% Data collected by Claire Lanham 200 WHS students were randomly polled

Graphic by Han Mahle

1-2

on campus 3-4

5-6

a&e

cover section

focus

front section

sports 7-8

9-10

feature 11-12

13-14

views 15-16

THE WOOSTER BLADE

Front photo by Han Mahle

Co-Editors-in-Chief Taylor Bennington and Jack Reynolds • Co-Webmasters Han Mahle and Shreya Gurumurthy • Business Managers Alex Hasapis and Paige Clayton • Graphics Editor Alex Hasapis • Managing Editor Paige Clayton • Front Editor Alli Wigham • Design Managers Samantha Brunn and Alli Wigham • On Campus Editor Jack Hartmann and Gaelan Gatz • Focus Editors Shiyuan Wang and Becca Foley • Trends Editors Bri Bocook and Claire Lanham • Sports Editors Eric Belcik and Luke Wiest • Arts & Entertainment Editors Mike O’Donnell and Ben Snoddy • Feature Editors Olivia Bernadine, Stefi Hernandez and Chloe Landers • Cover Editors Samantha Brunn and Mary Grace Gorman • Views Editors Alex Barnard and Stephen Kridel • Staff Writers Kayla Barnet, David Burnett, Isabelle Cannon, Kayla Cooper, Matt Friedhoff, Sarah Hopkins, Emma Jeffries, Nate King-Smith, Tatumn McGrew, Maureen McKeown, Ryan Miller, Hanna Morgan and Olivia Sleek • Photographers Casey Baik, Maggie Flechler, Becca Foley, Fred Holmes, Marcus Jefferies, Cain Lanker, Maureen McKeown, Madison Culver, Austin Miko and Grant Peabody • Cartoonists Grace Cheng, Fred Holmes and Cain Lanker • 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 or at thewoosterblade@gmail.com.

ON CAMPUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 3

WHS athletes sign letters of intent to play at collegiate level CHLOE LANDERS feature editor

Two WHS seniors signed their letters of intent to take their talents to the next level.

Cameron Daugherty, a multisport athlete, made his final decision to attend Bowling Green State University to pursue his baseball career.

Daugherty expressed he is pleased to be attending BGSU and has high hopes of being placed on the field wherever he can. But, as of now his hope is to play infield, outfield and pitch for the Division 1 school.

Daugherty looks forward to being able to play with his brother again, as his brother will be a senior pitcher.

“I would just like to thank my coaches, family and my school for making all of this possible for me,” Daugherty

COURTESY OF PAUL WHITE

Kevin White (12) signs his NCAA Letter of Intent alongside his parents and coach Doug Bennett to run at Loyola Universty in Chicago. White will compete in the 8k and the 10k as a freshman. said.

Kevin White, a state and regional cross country participate, signed with Loyola University Chicago.

White signed for cross country and indoor and outdoor track. For cross country, White will definitely be running an 8k and a 10k

as a 600 meter for track, also having high hopes of specializing in the 1,500.

One reason White chose Loyola is the appeal of the fast team and the coaching staff.

He also added they have a good education program that will make juggling school and sports easier.

Loyola has had a great deal of success in the 1,500 distance, which White said added to the appeal for him.

In order to bring his time up in races, White will follow the training program provided from his coaches and says he will take time to use resources provided by the school too. Running with faster runners will also help White up his competition by being encouraged to keep on moving.

“I’m really honored to continue my running dream

in college and I know this is only a reality because of all the support I have received from the people and students of Wooster,” White said.

Andy Kellar, WHS Athletic Director, has enjoyed watching the two athletes gain experience and development.

Athleticism requires an equal share of both mental and physical strength, and Kellar said he believes Daugherty and White possess both. These combined skills make them talented athletes.

“Both Cameron and Kevin are outstanding student athletes and lead by example. They both work extremely hard and are both three sport athletes and compete at the highest level in all three sports,” Kellar said.

Both athletes are to start their college seasons in the fall of 2015 with their newly signed

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THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 4

Ecocolumn project promotes environmental responsibility CHLOE LANDERS

feature editor With a class of 16, Shelly Silvaggi, Science Dept. member, is able to pilot a new eight week experimental project with her AP environmental class.

The Ecocolumn project is newly introduced and is supposed to teach students to model their own ecosystems using a liter bottle, a fish, grass and water. The liter bottles create three layers, in which make up the ecosystem.

The goal of this experiment is to show students how difficult it can be to recreate and produce what the natural world does for us, Silvaggi said. The project is running successfully, and Silvaggi adds

that she would like to continue doing this project with future classes, giving them more leniency on the habitats they choose and various organisms.

“Ultimately, it is my hope that students will appreciate that the natural world works in a very complicated and balanced way, which humans cannot easily duplicate, and as a result, to recognize importance of being responsible stewards of the environment,” Silvaggi said.

Silvaggi adds that student Chloe Beckett (12) has been very successful in creating an ecosystem and in finding solutions to problems that come about throughout the project.

Students check their ecosystems about three times throughout the school week,

Beckett said. Also adding, that one of the fish in the ecosystems lived 38 days.

“The most interesting part so far is how challenging it proves to be to imitate this life when it happens naturally everyday,” Beckett said.

Fellow student, Jacob Harmon (12) has enjoyed the project as well.

Harmon agrees with Beckett, in that this experiment aids in teaching students how difficult it is to replicate a natural habitat and how important these habitats are.

“My favorite part of the project has definitely been seeing our fish alive and healthy. It’s kind of like being a parent, but without the actual legal

Han Mahle

Shelly Silvaggi’s AP Environmental Science students are keeping track of their Ecocolumn projects in the biology lab.

responsibilities,” Harmon said.

When the project is completed, students will use conducted

information to help students in future classes complete the project with better results.

WHS continues Administration offers lunchtime entertainment BRI BOCOOK Ping Pong Invite TATUMN MCGREW

staff writer The second annual Ryu Ping-Pong Invitational will be held Dec. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Commons at WHS. Student Body Vice President David Burnett said the Ryu Ping-Pong Invitational is a good break when there are not many activities going on.

Last year the invitational managed to bring in 30 participants; this year 40 to 50 participants are anticipated.

Student Body President, Taylor Bennington stated they are, “expecting more people this year due to the increased involvement of the student body.”

Burnett stated the importance of PingPong in WHS is certainly growing and student government is expecting a wonderful turnout with the second annual invite.

Bennington said it is not necessarily the importance of Ping-Pong but it is the, “idea of school building events that get people involved.”

Seokhyeon Ryu former Student Body President stated the first invite went well.

Ryu also said the invitational is “significant if it brings people together who wouldn’t regularly interact with each other.”

The cost of participation for single players is $3 and the cost for doubles is $5. The invite is open to all WHS students.

trends editor This year at WHS, new activities are being added to the lunchroom for student entertainment and positive reinforcement.

Along with the current corn hole tournament, another corn hole tournament, a ping-pong tournament and a two on two video game tournament may take place.

According to Brandon Cobb, administrative intern, the activities are a form of positive discipline.

As long as students stay out of trouble, which include no detentions or suspensions and they follow rules, they are awarded with these opportunities.

“I saw a need there for something to do. I think it’s the only time where kids are actually able to unwind throughout their day when there’s not expectation to do school work,” Cobb said.

Positive reactions have come from students like Nick Lee (12) and Kristen Machado (10) about the new implementations.

“The changes are giving Maggie Flechler students opportunities Students participate in the cornhole tournnament to get their minds off the stress they offered during lunch periods in the Commons. under go throughout the school day. It’s nice to have a our break enjoyable,” Machado said. time when the administrators are These changes will be made throughout trying to put activities in it makes the year, starting new traditions at WHS.

FOCUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 5

Window Wonderland: Kiwanis puts new twist on board game A continued tradition

Citizens of Wooster marvel at decorated businesses on a cold winter’s day at the annual Window Wonderland in downtown Wooster.

PHOTOS AND CAPTIONS BY CAIN LANKER

Wooster residents start the holiday season with festive wagon rides through downtown, as well as decorating the children’s tree and meeting Santa Claus.

staff writer Kiwanis is an organization whose main goal is to improve children’s lives.

Their motto is “We Build,” which they have done through their work in many parks and events in Wooster.

They are raising money to rebuild Christmas Run Park as 24 years ago the park was built.

This has been more of a pressing issue, especially in light of the city needing to replace a water line directly under the playground.

The money raised is to help the city pay for the new playground.

To raise money for this project, they are putting a new spin on the classic board game

M o n o p o l y, calling it Wo o s t e rO p o l y .

K i w a n i s members are selling them for $25 and the proceeds are going to help rebuild the playground at Christmas CLAIRE LANHAM Run Park.

According to Wooster-Opoly is sold for $25 in the main office member Eric and at over 50 businesses around Wooster.

Braunscheildel, they started selling them in Game of Wooster” published

by Wooster Weekly, former Novemeber of this year.

They created 750 games, and president of Kiwanis, Sandy about 350 have been sold thus Elliott said, “You get to learn more about our area businesses far.

In an article titled “The by having fun.”

more flexibility and foster student creativity.

However, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute expressed disappointment in the Ohio house committee, stating, “The bill promises to unleash chaos on every school and district in the state.”

In a meeting with the editorial board of The Columbus Dispatch, Governor Kasich stated despite this bill passing a house committee, he does not believe the bill will gain enough

momentum in the Ohio General Assembly to ever end up on his desk.

Rep. Gerald Stebelton has made it clear that he does not support the bill to repeal the Common Core standards, telling Benjamin Lanka of Cincinatti.com that those who oppose them, “Don’t know what they’re talking about.”

Stebelton stated if the goal of the bill is to improve the education system, the focus of this bill is wrong. He stated

RYAN MILLER

Ohio passes bill to repeal the Common Core standards BEN SNODDY a&e editor

An Ohio House of Representatives committee passed a bill to repeal the Common Core education standards in Ohio on Nov. 5.

According to The Columbus Dispatch, in an article published Nov. 6 entitled “Ohio House committee votes to repeal Common Core,” if this bill were to pass, current Common Core math and English/language-

arts standards for grades K-12 would be eliminated and replaced with standards from Massachusetts that were in place prior to that state adopting Common Core.

These new standards would be implemented by the 2018-2019 school year.

In an interview with The Columbus Dispatch, Rep. Matt Huffman, a prime sponsor of the bill, stated the bill’s main goals are to increase control at the local level, give teachers

Sports Card Show Saturday, December 13 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Proceeds go to All Sports Booster Club

Located in the hallway by the Gault

we should be focusing on specifically on how schools implement testing.

Stebelton’s committee then took up a bill that would limit the total time for each assessment to four hours per year.

Stebelton believes the consensus of the Ohio General Assembly is that the Common Core standards are still needed, given that they prepare students for a path toward college and higher education.

Thank You, Bosco’s Pizza Kitchen, for generously providing our work night meal.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 6

Five Faces of the Administrative Staff:

Why do you enjoy working at WHS?

Craig Martin Dean of Students

Quotes collected by Taylor Bennington, mugs by Alex Hasapis

“The opportunity to work with the student body, and helping them grow and find their way… The faculty here is also a great team to be a part of.”

Andrew Bratcher Associate Principal “I see myself here to assist Mr. Keener in any way that I can… as well as to serve the 10 and 11 grade classes….It’s really like a family working here… it sounds so cliché to people who don’t work at WHS… but it’s true.”

Coats for Kids collects clothes to help those in need KAYLA BARNETT staff writer

Howard Hanna Real Estate is celebrating its sixteenth consecutive year of running the Coats for Kids program and invites Wooster community members to participate in donating to the children and teenagers in need.

This program involves people donating their new or gently used coats to school, which will then be given to children who cannot afford new coats for the harsh winter to come.

The gently used coats will be washed by Ray Crow Cleaners and given to the Salvation Army in Wooster.

“This is the tenth year that Wooster is doing the Coats for Kids campaign.

Community Service is trying to keep the kids warm in the winter by giving them used or gently used coats,” Dianne Hange of Howard Hanna Real Estate explained.

When most think of “Coats for Kids,” they donate coats that generally fit smaller children, rather than teenagers and middle schoolers.

“We actually really need larger and bigger coats donated because the high schoolers and middle schoolers need them as well,” Hange said.

This is a one day only event, so coats should be brought either to a school in the WCS district on Dec. 5 or directly to the Salvation Army.

Tyler Keener Principal “We just have such a great administrative team, secretarial staff and faculty at WHS that holds themselves to such a high standard, now combine that with students who strive to achieve excellence and you have a great mix. It’s just a great place to work.”

Nolan Wickard Associate Principal “I like working with the different faculty and staff. They are truly a dedicated group of people with the same focus to see our students be successful.

At the end of the day, our focus is the same: student success.”

Brandon Cobb Administrative intern “It’s really a combination of getting to build relationships with staff and students, as well as to be under the mentorship of a great administrative team.”

SPORTS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 7

Wooster’s winter sports teams provide flurry of excitement Boys and girls Generals basketball Boys and girls swimming ISABELLE CANNON

GRANT PEABODY

EY

CAS IK

BA

staff writer It is time to put away the cleats and lace up those high tops as it is time for basketball at WHS. With the departure of three starting seniors since last season, the team hopes to improve their 6-8 OCC record.

The recent departure of Marquise Blair (12) was disappointing, but according to power forward Brett Lepley (12), the team is looking to move forward.

With a prolonged, but successful football season, many of the teams athletes are jumping straight from the turf to the wood in only a matter of a week.

These transitions were met with hard work from every one of the players, Coach Craig Martin, boys varsity basketball head coach, said.

“I’m happy thus far with our progress, we have had all the footballers back, it might take them a little bit to get their basketball legs back in shape,” Martin said.

The girls, coming off a successful year going 11-3 in OCC, find themselves in a similar situation with the boys, losing valuable seniors with many spots to fill.

The team has gone through a tough remodeling phase, with an almost entire new team out on the floor. But, they have found success, according to Abby Reed (12).

“The season has started out a bit rough since we lost a lot of seniors last year, resulting in us having almost a brand new team, but we are slowly getting to the point where we clique; which is great. We have a lot of potential to go far this year,” Reed said.

Chemistry and preparation are what both teams need to capitalize on this season.

staff writer Christina Matthew, girls swim coach, and Jeff Dehaan, boys swim coach, have positive thoughts about this upcoming season.

Matthews’s goals for this year are the same for every year.

“Go undefeated in every dual meet and send as many girls as possible to districts and states,” Matthew said.

Jessica Bonezzi, an All Ohio swimmer in the 100 butterfly is most looking forward for her teammates to receive many personal best times and to swim fast in every meet.

“I know it is going to be a fun season,” Bonezzi said.

Jeff DeHaan boys swim coach, has the same goals as Matthews for this upcoming season.

“My goals for this season would be to keep up our winning record and to send as many swimmers as possible through the post season,” DeHaan said.

DeHaan, he has a tough schedule ahead of him,

“Walsh Jesuit is a strong team because they can recruit as a private school, and Massillon Jackson has improved greatly over the years,” DeHaan said.

Captain, Kevin White (12), believes this year’s team will beat last year’s state place, which was the best in Wooster’s history.

Wrestling and gymnastics JACK HARTMANN

W

on campus editor

ooster’s wrestling and gymnastics teams are both looking for successful seasons despite the youth in both of the programs.

The 2014-2015 gymnastics team consists of three underclassmen who are led by five returning upperclassmen.

Gymnastics head coach Debbie Knapic has high standards for her team this year, despite their youth. “ I am just going to treat it like any other season. We may be young, but I know this group of girls have something special the factor is just getting them to all work together,” Knapic said.

Helping the team stay on track to perform well this year are two seniors, Stephanie Walton and Morgan Bright, who have spent all four years in the gymnastics program. “ Now that I am a senior I want to take after seniors who have led me in years past. I want to give the same

opportunity to this year’s team,” Stephanie Walton said.

The wrestling team is also overcoming the struggle of a young roster this upcoming season.

“Even though we have a young roster this season, I am not worried that, that will put us a step back, this season. We have a couple guys coming back, as well as welcoming three new senior wrestlers this year,” head coach Don Rammel said.

The wrestling team advertised around the school to encourage new wrestlers to come out for the team.

“We tried to get as many people to come out as possible and we picked up about four or five upperclassmen who have never wrestled before; however, they are big strong bodies that can help us win in the long run,” Aaron Saal said.

Both the gymnastics and wrestling teams won at least one tournament last year and look to continue the success this year.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 8

1.

1. Jessica Bonezzi

As the winter season of sports is about to begin, there are a number of promising athletes that will lead their teams during the winter season.

One of these athletes is Jessica Bonezzi (11), a member of the girls swim team.

According to Bonezzi, last year she qualified for States, and the team won the NEAC championships and remained undefeated for the entire season. She is optimistic for the upcoming season for herself and her teammates.

“I would love to be NEAC champions again, and think that with as much work we are putting in, it is within reach,” Bonezzi said.

Christina Matthew, head coach of the girls swimming team, also has high standards for Bonezzi. According to Matthew, last year Bonezzi was Swimmer of the Meet at the NEAC meet and also Performer of the Year. She believes that it is possible for Bonezzi to achieve more.

3. Carla Stoll

4. Morgan Bright 2. Aaron Saal

Just last year, Aaron Saal wrestled to a record of 26 wins and 10 loses.

Including in his performance, Aaron was the only WHS wrestler to go to Districts last year, as a junior. This year, he plans on qualifying to state, and he also plans on breaking Wooster High School’s takedown record, which is currently held by Nate Stebbins. Nate’s record is 132. Aaron’s personal record was 96 last year.

Jacob Saal, Aaron’s brother and teammate stated that ”Aaron has been trying for two years to break the takedown record, and I believe he can. Aaron is truly an inspiration to everyone on the team, he always makes sure that everyone is doing what they are supposed to by keeping everyone on task.”

2.

6. Cameron Daugherty

The Winners of Winter: Six athletes to watch for this season

5. Matt Dyer

C a r l a Stoll (11) has been playing basketball for 10 years and is currently a post on the WHS girls varsity basketball team. Her position changes through the years. Her favorite thing about the sport is when the entire team plays as one, instead of as individuals. She likes when the team is starting to click because it can really fun and enjoyable.

“I think that we might start off a little slow because we have a whole set of new girls, and we still need to get used to playing with each other.

But we will definitely get better as the season goes on.” – Carla Stoll (11)

3.

for the upcoming Gymnastics season.

4. goals “I hope for my senior year to be a fun and memorable experience and to let go of some

Jumping into the winter sports season, Morgan Bright (12) shares her personal and team

of my fears that I have and to leave nothing behind. I want this year to just be a very fun and successful year for the team,” Bright said.

For this season, Bright believes the girls can succeed together as a team and can do what they put their minds into doing.

“We have a lot of talented girls that can do anything they put their minds to. Like they say, gymnastics is 90 percent mental. We just have to be confident and we can achieve a lot this year,” Bright said.

Fellow teammate Stephanie Walton (12) shares her experience competing with Bright.

“She tries to motivate everyone at practice and cheers on anyone,” Walton said.

Stories by Michael O’Donnell, Hanna Morgan, Maureen McKeown, Eric Belcik, Emma Jeffries and Shiyaun Wang. Photos by Maureen McKeown

6.

With a record of 13-9, the boys basketball team saw moderate levels of success in the 2013-2014 season. With the rather young team of last year, this year’s season will see more depth and, hopefully, more success than last year. Led by threeyear letter-winner Cameron Daugherty (12), the experienced group of seniors hopes to bring success to the team. Last year, Cameron received first team honors in the OCC and in the district, as well as receiving an honorable mention for All Ohio Division 1 basketball.

“Cam’s a leader that everyone looks up to. He gets a lot of offensive and defensive boards, which is huge because you can’t score without the ball. Over the past few years, he’s been growing immensely as an offensive scorer as well,” Drew Wharton (12) said.

“We need to build on playing together and finishing games. Too many games last year were lost because of our mistakes. We need to sure things up this year,” Cameron Daugherty (12) said.

Matt Dyer (12) is The Wooster Blade’s boys

athlete to watch for.

5. swimming Last year, Dyer was a captain on the swim

team, OCC champion in the 200 yard Individual Medley and the 100 yard backstroke, OCC swimmer of the year, set three school records and made it to the state tournament.

Dyer is confident he can contribute even more to the team this year.

“As a captain, I have to lead by example, whether it’s explaining a workout, or giving 110 percent every practice. I want to end as a state medalist [top eight in the state] and win the OCC for the 12 year in a row; both of which can be accomplished,” Dyer said.

After high school, Dyer plans to attend Kenyon College, where he hopes to swim.

COVER

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 9

Ohio considers cuts to arts programs SAMANTHA BRUNN cover editor

In early November, the Ohio Board of Education proposed new Ohio Operating Standards, much to the dismay of the media and the public.

On Nov. 10, Patrick O’Donnell wrote for The Cleveland Plain Dealer, “The State Board will vote in December… on whether to eliminate requirements that local districts have a certain number of elementary art, music or physical education teachers, school counselors, library media specialists, school nurses, social workers and ‘visiting teachers.’

Administrative code requires districts to have at least five of

these eight positions per 1,000 students in what some call the ‘5 of 8’ rule. The state board is considering wiping out that rule and allowing districts to make staffing decisions on their own.”

According to Plunderbund. com, a political blog focused on Ohio and national politics, in an article on Nov. 10, “The State School Board is leaning toward the notion of ‘local control’ in these proposed revisions.”

The article went on to say that the proposed changes are a major result of the lack of funding to the public educational system in Ohio.

According to The Columbus Dispatch on Nov. 12, “Many people took to Twitter to express their outrage to this

using the hash tags #Ohio5of8 and #5of8. On Tuesday, the board heard five hours of testimony from people who were mostly against the plan, which will get a preliminary vote in December and a final vote in March.”

According to StateImpact.Npr. org, the State School Board feels these changes will be beneficial in favor of focusing on the core subjects that are tested in the state’s standardized testing curriculum, and also in giving local districts more freedom to choose which programs to fund.

There is still ample time for people to voice their opinions and or support on the proposed changes to the Ohio School Board Operations.

plan

GRACE CHENG

Pep band returns MARY GRACE GORMAN

editor As surrounding schools suffer cuts to music and the arts, music at WHS continues to thrive.

The WHS Music Dept. recently decided to bring back pep band.

Music Dept. member Doug Bennett explained that WHS last had a pep band in 2006, but the program was cut due to lack of funding.

But now the funding is again available, and Dan Fleischaker, will be directing.

“I have directed pep bands for the last 16 years at my previous schools, and I’ve come to really enjoy the atmosphere and friendships that come with directing this type of group,” Fleischaker said.

Due to the long absence from the community, many Wooster residents may be unfamiliar with pep bands.

“Simply put, a pep band is a small group of student musicians who perform music for athletic events. In CASE Y BAI this case, we’re performing for basketball games, to K add excitement and energy to the game and to help motivate our teams and fans,” Fleischaker said.

Many band students expressed excitement for the group’s revival.

“I am excited for pep band. I’m glad that those involved in band are being provided with another opportunity to contribute to the school,” Emma Strong (10) said.

Some also feel pep band contributes to the school spirit campaign.

“I think pep band will increase fan spirit. School spirit is pride in our school, not just our athletics. But, hopefully, through pep band, we can make a few people love our school more,” Aaron Cochran (11) said.

Fleischaker emphasized pep band is ultimately about bringing musical students together in an enthusiastic atmosphere.

“I hope we can have fun making music, and supporting the teams.

It’s another way to build a sense of family and teamwork within the band,” Fleischaker said.

Every student in the WHS bands is in pep band, but they will perform in smaller groups at six basketball games, starting Dec. 6.

Changing music landscape precipitates death of albums ALLI WIGHAM front editor

On Nov. 3, 2014, Taylor Swift declared war on the music streaming website, Spotify, by pulling her music from the site, following suit behind other artists, such as Beyonce and The Black Keys.

In an interview with Yahoo!, Swift shared she feels the rapidly changing music industry is beginning to feel like an “experiment.” She went on to say, “I’m not willing to contribute my life’s work to

an experiment that I don’t feel fairly compensates the writers, producers, artists and creators of this music. And I just don’t agree with perpetuating the perception that music has no value and should be free.”

Despite the backlash Swift is facing for her harsh stance, Swift’s newest album, 1989, sold over 1.25 million copies in its first week. For an album to go platinum, it must sell one million copies. Swift’s album is the first album that was released in 2014 to go platinum in 2014. However, a

Forbes article entitled “Why Taylor Swift’s 1989 Could Be the Last Platinum Album Ever,” speculated Swift’s 1989, released Oct. 27, may be the last to achieve this feat. The article also states that by this time last year, five albums had already reached platinum.

Perhaps an article from CNN, entitled “Songwriters: Spotify doesn’t pay off unless you’re Taylor Swift,” exemplifies the mistreatment of music’s best through rock ‘n’ roll legend Bon Jovi’s experience with Spotify.

In 2012, the infamous anthem

“Livin’ On A Prayer” received around 6.5 million plays on Spotify over three months.

Bon Jovi and his two co-writers earned a whopping $ 1 1 0 from this success.

If given the option, it is practical for a person to choose to listen to music for free

instead of paying for it, but is this option worth the detriment to the music industry overall?

There is no concrete answer as to why albums have seen such a decrease in sales, only speculation.

However, most AUS TIN experts attribute this MIK O decline to a changing music industry landscape that prefers the release of singles instead of albums and streaming music instead of CDs.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 10

W

HS’s Favorite Albums of All Time:

Recently, 201 teachers and students were polled as to what albums are their top three choices. Those pictured here are their top picks. Albums not pictured: Abbey Road by the Beatles, Queen’s Greatest Hits, The White Album by the Beatles, Back in Black by AC/DC. Fair Use: Maroon5.com

Poll compiled by Stephen Kridel

Fair Use: ImagineDargons.com

Fair Use: TaylorSwift.com Fair Use: LanaDelRey.com

Fair Use: WizKalifa.com Fair Use: LanaDelRey.com Fair Use: Weezer.com

Fair Use: Coldplay.com

Fair Use: KidCudi.com

Fair Use: DrizzyDrake.com

Fair Use: Beatles.com

Fair Use: TaylorSwift.com Fair Use: ArcticMonkeys.com Fair Use: PinkFloyd.com Fair Use: OneDirection.com

FEATURE

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 11

Ugly Christmas sweaters become new holiday tradition

Ugly sweater runs invite holiday-themed exercise

Sweater Facts

SARAH HOPKINS

STEFI HERNANDEZ feature editor

It seems as though every December, people find themselves scrounging through their grandmothers’ closets or local thrift shops in hopes of finding the perfect, ugly Christmas sweater.

But from where did this trend originate? According to TIME Magazine, ugly Christmas sweaters began to make an appearance after Bill Cosby began sporting them on his then popular T.V. sitcom in the ‘80s. The trend also thrived as ugly Christmas sweaters became a staple for Chevy Chase’s lead character in National Lampoon Christmas Vacation.

The style faded in the ‘90s, but resurfaced once again the early 2000’s.

According to myuglychristmassweater. com, in Vancouver, Canada, around 2002, a group of college students decided to throw an ‘Ugly Christmas Sweater’ themed party in which all the attendees were encouraged to wear their ugliest Christmas sweaters.

The students throwing the party even offered a prize to whomever could present the ugliest sweater. The party was successful and such parties became a popular local event, which eventually spread throughout the United States and even the United Kingdom.

The style continues to be appreciated by people of all kinds including hipsters, adults and grandparents. Whether ugly Christmas sweaters are worn ironically or not, the trend seems to be growing in popularity.

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staff writer From the end of November to mid December various cities across the country will be holding an Ugly Sweater Run. Children and parents alike will be invited to put on their ugliest sweaters and participate in a 5k in over 20 cities throughout the United States. Solo runners or groups of four people or more can sign up to partake in this festive race, according to theuglysweaterrun.com.

Human Movement Management organizes the race and the company’s president Jeff Suffolk said, ”This holiday 5k has everything your 5-year-old-self would want with a few additional perks of adulthood. Our goal is to give people a well deserved break from the holiday madness to spend time with friends and family.”

The 3.1 mile run benefits the charity Save the Children, which helps children living in poverty all around the world.

According to an article published on nbcchicago.com, there will be stations for runners to grab some hot chocolate throughout the course.

Also, each participant will receive a custom vintage knit hat as well as a drawstring bag. Awards are given out for the best real mustache, best fake mustache and best beard in honor of No-Shave-November.

Although there are no races in Ohio, there are races on Dec. 13 in Philadelphia and Indianapolis.

History of ugly Christmas sweater tradition revealed

Vancouver, Canada, claims to be the birthplace of the first ugly sweater party in 2002 at the Commodore Ballroom, according to inventors.about.com

According to nationaluglychristmassweaterday. org, December 12 is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day this year.

This holiday falls on the second Friday of December each year.

In 2013, Coke Zero launched “The Sweater Generator” where you can select colors, patterns and shapes to create an ugly sweater and submit it for votes.

The winner would receive a real life version of their sweater, according to fox2now.com.

Blurbs Compiled by Becca Foley

‘Tis the Season: WHS reacts to ugly Christmas sweater festivities “They’re good because people will think, ‘Wow, that’s an ugly sweater,’ and they’ll get you a new one. Then, you will get a bunch of good, awesome sweaters.”

Alex Nguyen (10)

“It’s kind of pointless, but I guess they might boost Christmas spirit if it’s like a tradition or something.”

Matt Webber (10)

“I love wearing ugly sweaters.

I think it’s nice to see them in the classroom because it’s a little reminder that Christmas is close; plus they look cute.”

Sydney Sleek (12)

“I like them. I think it lets people express their creativity, and they are fun to wear.”

Chelsea Patterson (9) “I think they’re actually really cute. It’s a great way to spread Christmas spirit in the school.”

Jordan Smith (11)

Blurbs Compiled by Olivia Sleek, Photos by Fred Holmes

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 12

BLADE staff takes a stand on the overuse of “love” and “hate”

LOVE

HATE

/luhv/

an intense feeling of deep affection

MATT FRIEDHOFF staff writer

In today’s society, the word “love” has become all but synonymous with the word “like.”

This mergence has lead to a societal desensification of the word “love.”

Does a person love a particularly good chocolate cake or do they simply like the way it tastes?

When we say that we “love” an inanimate object, it takes away from the meaning of the word when it is used in a more significant manner, for more important reasons.

The connection an individual has with his or her family is one of the strongest bonds known to mankind. By saying, “I love this, I love that,” as often as, “I love my family,” we inherently reduce the meaning

72%

of the word “love” to one that has little weight or significance.

The meaning of the word “love” is also diminished when used in the realm of relationships. High school relationships, especially, are guilty of the word’s excessive misuse.

Unfortunately, many high school students break out the “L-word” much too quickly for their own good, and at the risk of disrupting the sanctity of love’s true meaning.

These guilty students tend to express their love for their newfound significant others after being in relationships for incredibly short periods of time. The repetition of this kind of behavior only makes the situation worse, continuously downgrading our perception of what it means to love or to be “in love.”

“Love” should be used to express a feeling that takes time to develop. It should be used for people one truly cares about on a deeper level; deeper than a pleasing encounter with piece of cake or a fleeting relationship.

Only until we start to save the word for situations that truly deserve its presence can “love” reclaim its power.

of students polled think the word

LOVE is O V E R U S E D.

168 WHS were randomly polled recently

/hāt/

an intense or passionate dislike

ALLI WIGHAM front editor

Dictionary.com defines the word “hate” as “to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest.”

While there are a plethora of synonyms, it seems there is an apparent overuse of the word “hate” in today’s society that has exhausted its original meaning, and has lessened its intended effect on the listener.

Overusing the word hate can often be seen by many as overdramatic. It is often not meant literally either.

I, myself, am guilty of the occasional “I hate my life,” after receiving my most recent test grade back, but do I really mean that I hate my life? Of course not.

So, why did I choose to use

82%

the word hate?

One answer to this question could be due to a lack of words conveying the same meaning as hate.

Incorporating these words instead of the tired word, “hate,” will be taken more seriously. Another reason to avoid the word hate stems from studies that have found that having one’s mind constantly revolving around negativity can lead to negative health effects.

According to hsph.harvard. edu, Laura Kubzansky, associate professor of society, human development and health at the Harvard School of Public Health, led a study in 2007 that followed more than 6,000 men and women aged 25 to 74 for 20 years. She found that “emotional vitality—a sense of enthusiasm, of hopefulness, of engagement in life, and the ability to face life’s stresses with emotional balance” reduces the risk of heart diseases in people of all ages.

Defining one’s self by the things he or she hates can often be viewed as uninteresting and may lead to unhealthy side effects, but sharing the love can help to bring people together.

of students polled think the word

HATE is O V E R U S E D. Data collected by Kayla Cooper

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WHS Orchestra welcomes the season with annual

H liday C ncert

Photostory by Cain Lanker Senior photographer Cain Lanker spends some time with the WHS Orchestra as they prepare for the annual holiday concert which will take place Dec. 8 in the WHS PAC at 7:30 p.m. and will feature songs brimming with holiday spirit and merriment sure to brighten any evening.

Orchestra Statistics 75

Members Established

1909

Performed at big venues such as

Disney World Fenway Park Washington D.C.

Facts compiled by David Burnett

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 13

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 14

Final season of Newsroom serves as worthy goodbye to beloved show Jeff Daniels stars as Will McAvoy, a renowned and selfassured news anchor who has come to the news network ACN to work with a new staff. Their goal is to report the news in a way that has no dependency on ratings or bias toward a certain audience.

Along with Daniels, in the first two seasons, are his executive producer and ex-girlfriend Mackenzie McHale (Emily Mortimer), his eccentric and entertaining boss Charlie Skinner (Sam

LUKE WIEST

sports editor HBO’s The Newsroom has certainly been a refreshing and unique show that is finally coming to an end after two short years.

Aaron Sorkin’s TV drama, centered around a famous newscaster and his new, idealistic team of journalists, is currently halfway through its final season.

Waterson), and other notable actors and actresses including Dev Patel, Olivia Munn and Jane Fonda.

As the show progresses, the news team deals with real life news stories, such as the Bin Laden killing and the Boston Marathon Bombing, while facing ethical and moral

decisions in journalism and life.

The show has certainly been a classic Sorkin presentation in its quickly moving conversation and wit, and, of course, the broader themes about right and wrong and idealism. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish The Newsroom as a comedy or a drama.

Today, much of the media has been infiltrated by biased reporting, social media and a focus on profit, rather than the basic duties of journalists.

The Newsroom has been a breath of fresh air to watch over the last few seasons. Although at some points, it does seem as though Sorkin overstates his theme of truthful and hard-

hitting news and looks down on any opposing ideas.

The final season has started with major revelations in a very captivating way. The humor and passion of each episode is still prevalent and moves along well enough to keep an audience’s interest for an hour. The performance by Jeff Daniels, especially, shows just how diverse of an actor he is, as he is probably better known for the Dumb and Dumber movies.

As the last few episodes of The Newsroom transpire, Sorkin will have a challenge in summing up his message for the audience. Beyond the end of this series, I will always remember The Newsroom as a rare and delightful breed of television.

Swift’s transition to pop Ballet enriches student’s NYC experience proves positive for career PHOTO COURTESY OF HBO

PAIGE CLAYTON managing editor

On Nov. 29, I had the opportunity to attend the opening night of the New York City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker.

Over the years, my family and I have attended the local productions of The Nutcracker put on by the Wayne Center for the Arts. In addition, I also danced in the production, myself. As a result, the ballet has earned a very special place in my heart.

Not to diminish the value of our own production here, but rather to better comment on the experience put on by the New York City Ballet, I would

be lying if I did not say their production of The Nutcracker was the best ballet performance I have ever had the privilege to see.

The technical features of the production, stemming from the dancing itself and spreading to aspects of lighting, scenery and prop usage were all used to the greatest advantages and the pure talent of the dancers is incredible.

In fact, many of the core dancers are children ages 16 and under.

Additionally, almost every dancer plays numerous roles in the production, proving both versatility and experience.

According to programs distributed at the ballet, all children performing in the production are members of the New York School for the Performing Arts, a highly prestigious and demanding program. In addition, they also dance for the New York City Ballet and their countless productions.

Having danced, myself, at a

younger age, I can commend these children not only for their raw talent and ability, something for which I could only have wished, but also for their dedication and poise under the spotlight at such a young age.

In the audience around were people of all different statuses, as well as different geographical backgrounds.

The NYCB is world-famous, so it was no surprise to find a family from Spain sitting next to me.

I could also find a spectrum of attire present in the audience.

While I understand my experience may have been once in a lifetime, and is one that most will not have the opportunity to experience, I can only encourage people who find themselves in New York City around Christmas time to stop by Lincoln Center and encounter the magic that is the New York Ballet Company and their production of The Nutcracker.

SHREYA GURUMURTHY

graphics editor Taylor Swift’s new album, 1989 broke all Swift stereotypes and began her career as a full pop artist, yet her new pop voice does not fail to excite Swifties around the world.

Swift released her new album on Oct. 27, making her the first artist to sell over a million copies in one week for three different albums.

First debuting as a country singer, Swift’s new pop singer image has caused much controversy over the last month. Many say the singer is not being herself by making an album that has no country roots and does not completely revolve around her love life,

but this difference brings a refreshing taste to her music.

In the past, Swift’s albums were loaded with sappy songs about ex-boyfriends with slow guitar chords packed with emotion.

This new album lacks the stereotypical Swift country music and is replaced with bubbly electronic beats that fill modern pop music.

Although this is the complete opposite of Swift’s style, these new beats are just what she needs to keep her fans excited for a new album.

The overall quality of the music models the usual style of pop music with an ‘80s touch.

The techno sound and catchy beats make the songs more modern. “Welcome to New York” and “Blank Space” are two songs on the album that embody the techno sounds.

Their catchy, upbeat tunes make them easy to dance to.

Overall, the music on this album is just what fans needs to keep an upbeat rhythm to our lives, if only fans can accept that Taylor Swift is not the kind of artist she was five years ago.

VIEWS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 15

Wooster students get the cold shoulder

staff writer

Following the discovery of a troubling letter that forced an obvious and well-deserved calamity day, Wooster City Schools is left with only one calamity day for the remainder of the 2014-2015 school year.

It is important that student safety remain a priority, but we must also aim to avoid sending high school students to class in the middle of June.

To be blunt, Wooster has missed a golden opportunity concerning calamity days due to the new state-certified hour system.

According to the ODE with the 2014-2015 school year, Ohio students in gradesone through eight are required to have 910 hours of classroom instruction. Students in grades 9-12 are required to complete 1,001 hours.

To put this into perspective, WCS operates their building schedule on a seven hour day for approximately 180 days of the school year. Simple math show that this number amounts to 1,260 hours- more than 150 hours over the high school minimum and 350 hours over the primary school requirement.

This means that Wooster could easily allocate 10 or 12 calamity days and still remain well above the hour requirement. The notion that all calamity days need to be

“No. We need more. We’ve already used one and it hasn’t even snowed yet.” -Shelly Silvaggi, Science Dept. member

Yes “I think we should have more because with Ohio’s weather; there’s really no way to tell what’s going to happen and we get too much snow for only two calamity days.” -Erin O’Donnell (9)

31.5%

Dave Burrnett

made up to fit the education business model is outrageous.

Wooster School Board President Bob Reynolds has stated the largest reason for going on a low calamity day policy is to protect the educational future of students by making sure that excess days are made up.

Reynolds stated excess days could, “portentially leave students in a hole to start the next school year.” To use some Wayne County English, that is hogwash. Elementary students are still well ahead of the curve concerning the minimum time.

I do not like being trapped in this icy quagmire of red tape and bureaucratic jargon, with wool being pulled over the eyes of the average Ohio student.

Other districts around the state have allowed for upward of 15 calamity days and have taken full advantage of this tremendous opportunity.

As a graduating senior who will effectively be done with his public education experience in the next few months, I wish WCS would have been more realistic in its calamity day allowance.

There is an old adage that nothing good happens after midnight. Knowing what it is like to be a high schooler in June, I would add that nothing worthwhile happens in school after Memorial Day. Now is the time for the Wooster community and citizens around the state to express their frustration toward these burdensome, oppressive, and shortsighted decisions concerning calamity days.

There is simply no sound and statistic backed reason that Wooster cannot take advantage of this hour system.

Our education should not be managed like a local business.

We are better than that.

“I do not like that there are only two. I think there should be more, especially considering this winter is supposed to be worse than last.” -Abby Reed (12)

No

68.5%

“Nope, not at all. Based on last year and Ohio’s bipolar weather, it’s nearly way too optimistic that we only have two.”

-Grace Comley (11)

Quotes compiled by Shiyuan Wang Poll compiled by Ryan Miller

Snow Poll: Is Wooster’s new calamity policy beneficial to your education?

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | DEC. 5, 2014 | PAGE 16

Student Government proposes solution in search of a problem

ALEX BARNARD views editor

The political correctness police are at it again. This

time indicting our beloved WHS mascot.

In the previous issue of The Wooster Blade, a sketch of the new general was published with a side-by-side comparison of the proposed change to the current mascot that represents the school district.

Recent claims by Student Body President Taylor Bennington (12) argue that the current general represents a rendition of a former Confederate General that was a “racist bigot.” These

accusations are misguided and inflammatory.

Bennington claims, “…a majority of students were in favor of reverting back to our original mascot.” However, this imperious Student Government has not provided any type of data on the polling that took place to determine whether a majority agreed with their view.

My three brothers are alumni of this great district and were disgusted to hear that our mascot might be changed for reasons that reflect a small

group of people’s ideology.

Senior Class President David Burnett (12) accused the current mascot of having a “Confederacy attitude.”

Saying our current general reflects a “Confederacy attitude” that also represents a defeatist mindset is illogical.

Ask yourself why the original designers would want to emulate a loser on the battlefield that came from a Southern Confederate state when Ohio was a Northern state?

This “Confederacy”

reasoning behind the change makes no sense whatsoever and on top of that, the current depiction was developed in the 1980s; 100 years after the Civil War took place.

This newly reformed Student Government and their small group of followers should actually focus on things that affect people’s lives rather than trying to tamper with the school’s current mascot.

In short, this proposed change to our mascot is a solution in search of a problem.

Student calls timeout on Sound off: Grand jury disappoints over-assertive coaches

ERIC BELCIK sports editor

“One high school coach can make you hate everything about the sport that you fell in love with as a kid and that to me is depressing.”

This quote, tweeted by a Smithville High School student, gained over 20,000 retweets within a one day.

High school sports have become over dramatized to the point where they harm people’s love for the sport.

There is no room for mistakes in high school sports; perfection is required.

After reading this tweet, I realized this issue even exists at WHS in numerous sports.

During my freshman year, I was a member of the 14 member freshman baseball team.

Next year, only four of the 14 members went out for the

baseball team.

Ten baseball players quit because the game lost its most important aspect, which subsequently changed how all of us viewed the game.

It was no longer about having fun; the one aspect of the game that coaches have stressed to us since we began playing t-ball.

However, this issue is not only prevalent in the WHS baseball program, but also it occurs often in several different sports.

High school sports become more like a job, than a recreational, fun activity.

Perfection is required, and there is no room for mistakes at any high school level.

I am in no way saying that every single sport in every high school is run in such a way that causes mass amounts of people to despise the sports they once love playing.

The issue is very much relevant not only here at WHS, but also in high schools everywhere.

When athletes no longer want to go to practice or a game, that is when a coach has gone too far.

Coaches need to remember why athletes started playing sports: to have fun.

BEN SNODDY a&e editor

The lack of indictment of police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Mo. not only angers me, but also contributes to my growing disappointment in the legal proceedings regarding the shooting of the unarmed 18 year-old Michael Brown.

Inconsistencies within Wilson’s own testimony, lack of effective and honest legal proceedings and multiple eyewitness accounts are enough to, at the very least, constitute a trial. Throughout the live coverage of the grand jury’s decision, the thought that dominated my mind was, “If only there were a forum to sort out all of this conflicting circumstantial evidence? Oh wait, a trial!” Hypothetically, even if the outcome of the trial favored Wilson and was found not guilty, I would rest much easier knowing the legal process was not bypassed and that police officers are not , in fact, above the law.

Taylor Swift lacks class

During her music video and AMA live performance of Blank Space, Taylor Swift embodies a character of a ‘crazy ex-girlfriend’ where she is shown tormenting and abusing her beaus. She can be seen throwing potted plants at her victims, screaming in their faces and even killing them. The video exemplifies the double standard of domestic violence that does not apply to women. If a man is being shown aggressively grabbing the face of his significant other and acting so inappropriately, it would be viewed as extremely offensive.

ALLI WIGHAM cover editor

Nothing funny about Cosby MARY GRACE GORMAN cover editor

Allegations of rape by Bill Cosby recently resurfaced, and the iconic actor is paying a price. According to The New York Times from Nov. 20, Netflix, NBC, and TV Land have dropped or postponed programming featuring Cosby. While such claims have existed for decades, comic Hannibal Buress catalyzed a media focus. The story is undeniably sad, but it shows how a conscious public and media can exert pressure on perpetrators to face the repercussions of their actions, even years later. While he will not have to suffer in court, at least Cosby now suffers a tainted reputation.