The Wooster Blade - Issue 11

THE WOOSTER BLADE

WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER • 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH • MARCH 27, 2015 • VOLUME XV, ISSUE 11

Inspired by the twitter hashtag, #DearMe, The Wooster Blade invited WHS students to share advice with their past selves.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 2

THE WOOSTER BLADE

INDEX

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, Claire Lanham, Tatumn McGrew, Maureen McKeown, Ryan Miller, Hanna Morgan and Olivia Sleek Photographers Casey Baik, Beth Clayton, Maggie Flechler, Becca Foley, Fred Holmes, Marcus Jeffries, Claire Lanham, Cain Lanker, Maureen McKeown, Madison Culver, Austin Miko and Grant Peabody Cartoonists Grace Cheng, and Fred Holmes 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 330-3454000 ext. 3210 or at thewoosterblade@gmail.com.

We can also be found online at thewoosterblade.com.

front section 1-2

on campus focus

a&e 7

3-4

5-6

cover section 8-9

sports 10-11

feature 12-13

trends 14

views 15-16

Front photo by Alex Hasapis

ON CAMPUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 3

WHS Speech and Debate team celebrates state championship KAYLA BARNET

staff writer On March 8, the Wooster Speech and Debate team went to States and returned home as state champions.

Taylor Bennington (12), in the category of Congressional Debate, Ben Snoddy (12) and Gaelan Gatz (12), in Policy Debate, are the individual champions.

The team has been presenting on stage for a long time, so conquering nerves is not hard anymore.

“As the rounds get harder and as you move from semifinals to finals, the pressure gets bigger, but I wouldn’t say I get nervous,” Bennington said.

Snoddy has a similar view.

“Our coaches prepare us a lot, to the point where we’re pretty confident going into the rounds. Sometimes you just take a deep breath, remind yourself that you’ve done all

this work to prepare for this moment, and you’ve done everything you can do,” he said.

Coach Bill Franck says he asks the team to put in about 10 hours a week dedicated to practicing and researching.

Franck explains some of the rituals of students.

“Everyone has their own thing. Some students just walk the school, most will warm up their voices, which entails them facing the wall and just talking to it,” he said.

Franck is proud of the students, he was actually in tears speaking of them.

“They’re no longer competing for themselves, they’re competing for their squad, for their team, to represent our school. Champions find a way to compete for something greater,” Franck said.

Wooster is proud to be home of the state champions for Speech and Debate.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WHS SPEECH AND DEBATE

WHS Speech and Debate state qualifiers brought home the trophy for first place as a team, and three individual champions were recognized. The state tournament was held at both Boardman High School and Canfield High School on March 7. A new sign and billboard will recognize the special achievement.

Student Government sparks discussion LUKE WIEST sports editor

GAELAN GATZ

on campus editor From their popular twitter account to the highly promoted school store and their spirit initiatives, Student Government and its leaders from all classes are prevalent throughout the halls of WHS. President Taylor Bennington and vice president Dave Burnett lead Student Government, while president Dave Burnett leads the senior class. Burnett and Bennington have acted as either president or vice-president for their class or Student Government all four years.

Bennington (12) believes the current Student Government, which includes members from all four classes, is making more of an impact this year than in

the past three combined.

“I would say three quarters of this school really appreciate the initiatives that Student Government has taken this year to change the culture of the building,” Bennington said.

Bennington believes the fact that he and Burnett are the only students to serve as president all four years has positively impacted the school.

“I know some people would say its been shady having both of us lead the student body for four years, but what those same people don’t take into consideration is that most of the time, whoever is your freshman class president is going to be your president all four years,” Bennington said.

Not all students said the current government made the right decision in taking on an ambitious spirit campaign.

Jacob Harmon (12) said the spirit campaign went over the

top and was not akin to what all students wanted.

“I respect them trying to instill school spirit and other programs but some students that don’t want to participate and get shunned in a way,” Harmon said.

Senior class president Burnett welcomes any questions that students may have, but says it is not fair to simply place anyone under fire.

“The second something doesn’t go exactly the way people think it should, they need someone to blame. More often than not, Student Government members are the easiest targets. What students need to learn is that it’s about the ideas, not the people. That’s the key,” Burnett said.

Despite any particular concerns, Student Government will continue to operate on behalf of the student body with positive change in mind.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 4

Sean Worth bakes goods to donate to Wounded Warrior Project HANNA MORGAN

staff writer WHS alum Sean Worth is always thinking about how to help make other people’s lives better.

“The Wounded Warrior Project helps veterans readjust to civilian life after their service

to our country is completed.

They provide various programs and services to meet the needs of those injuries both physically and mentally in war,” History Dept. member and History Club adviser Misti Bisesi said.

To help raise money, Worth and his mother, Deanna Worth, IB Dept. member, bake goods

one day a week to sell and then donate all the money to the Wounded Warrior Project.

“Originally, this was to help [Worth] with life skills, and we were going to take the items in for the teachers. After more consideration, we thought perhaps we could start a business to teach Sean about

running a small business,” Deanna said.

After looking into many charities, Sean decided on the Wounded Warrior Project.

“I want to give money to the wounded warriors to help them out with a place to live after they come home,” Sean said.

Sean’s father Troy Worth,

Science Dept. member, began selling the treats to his students at $0.50 each.

“When talking with Bisesi, I learned the WHS History Club’s charitable organization was also the Wounded Project,” Deanna said.

Sean’s goal is to donate $500 to the History Club.

that are normally turned on using a small button, the students took out the original wiring and replaced it with new wire that could then be connected to a large button or switch.

Children with disabilities can now more easily play with the toys due to the larger activation mechanism, explained WHS Science Dept. member and club adviser Eric Heller.

The project was created

through parent suggestions and brainstorming. It combines the club’s two favorite things; science and helping others.

“We were doing a service to these kids while also learning about science,” Heller said.

Science club president Asvin Gireesh (10) concurs with Heller about the project.

“It was new, it was cool, it was fun to do,” Gireesh said.

Through hard work, the 24 Science Club members were

able to rewire 13 toys, most of which will be sent to Ida Sue School.

Science Club member Tracy Morgan (10) also really enjoyed participating in the community service project.

“I think the whole process was really cool because it was not only a really interesting hands on Science Club experience, but we were able to use what we learned to accomplish and make something to help

others,” Morgan said.

Science Club always welcomes and encourages new members to join. Regardless of the time of year or if the student has attended previously, everyone is welcome. The club meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

The club will participate in more exciting events soon, as they have upcoming trips to the zoo and OARDC at the end of March.

Science Club rewires toys to be accessible to the handicapped SARAH HOPKINS

staff writer The Wooster High School Science Club met after school to have some fun while also helping the local community on March 10.

Various club members spent the Tuesday afternoon rewiring toys in order to make them more accessible to handicapped children.

In order to modify the toys

Student Government hosts seminar NATE KING-SMITH staff writer

The WHS Student Government has begun hosting a leadership seminar as a way of encouraging school spirit and adding more experience to up-and-coming leaders in the high school.

The program is headed by Dave Burnett (12), who serves as senior class president and student body vice president, and Taylor Bennington (12), who serves as student body president.

The program is designed for members in any group of the school to improve their leadership, and is especially beneficial toward those interested in positions in Student Government next year.

“There are people from outside Student Government who are involved in order to apply the training they receive from the program to their

groups and is open to anyone who is considering a leadership position for next year,” Bennington said.

“I THINK THE SCHOOL WOULD BENEFIT MORE IF PEOPLE WOULD PARTICIPATE,” WOOD SAID. The Leadership Seminar is meant for students to partake in a challenge to either raise money or design a school spirit initiative. This challenge is designed to test their leadership abilities and learn more about how to grow those abilities throughout the challenge.

Burnett believes this will be a chance for students of all groups within the school to

learn leadership and positive forward thinking.

“It’s a chance for us to continue leadership that can live on for generations throughout the high school,” Burnett said.

David Wood (11) is one of the students taking part in the challenge to come up with a strong leadership idea for the school.

“I think the school would benefit more if more people would participate in this competition because it uses skills necessary to receive a higher production index,” Wood said.

Burnett says the program will receive assistance from faculty members throughout the seminar, including principal Tyler Keener as well as Student Govt. adviser Tracy McElroy.

Many of those involved hope for it to help the school gain more spirit and for initiatives taken this year to continue for generations in the high school.

FOCUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 5

School security remains a sensitive issue at Wooster High School DAVE BURNETT staff writer

Last spring, new cameras were installed throughout WHS, giving administrators more angles to watch for suspicious behavior.

WHS Principal Tyler Keener said the cameras help, stating, “These cameras have given us at least 10 times the visibility and surveillance that we previously had. We were using 20 year old cameras that were starting to show their age.”

One WHS senior had an item stolen from the building two years ago. The student, who wishes to remain anonymous, states, “I lost an item worth hundreds of dollars in the non-academic wing of WHS. I had to repeatedly check

in with administration and was told each time that they were checking the tapes. I was told two stories from the same administrator, one leading me to believe that an individual had been located, and the other suggesting that a camera didn’t have any kind of angle on the criminal at all. Due to the inconsistencies in the story, it made me question whether or not they actually fulfilled their duties.”

Last spring, new cameras were installed throughout the entire building, giving administrators more angles to watch for suspicious behavior.

New door locks of various shapes and sizes were added to entrances across the WHS campus, with faculty members receiving an encrypted key

Fred card for Holmes (11), s w i p e questions a c c e s s the success entry to of these several changes, key points and has in the witnessed building. students gain Keener access to one explained the switch, AUSTIN MIKO set of doors at WHS. stating, “The key New cameras and door locks were H o l m e s cards are installed last year throughout the states, “One ultimately building to watch for suspicious activity. p a r t i c u l a r set of very l e s s important doors can be opened expensive once the initial by taking a hard plastic card to computer system has been work the latch down in time to purchased.

Administrators open them.” Holmes is scared can control which doors staff of the prospect of a plastic card members and coaches have getting access into key areas, access to, where the old key stating, “You never know what system didn’t have that type of type of person or student may security.”

be attempting to get into some of these areas in our building.”

Keener responded to Holmes’ concerns regarding entrance to the building illegally, stating, “Students need to know that actions like that are considered breaking and entering and are obviously illegal. This building is 20 years old, and we’re actively working to take care of any security issues, including this one.

We’re constantly looking to how we can improve our building. Those doors are locked for a reason throughout the day and students need to understand that they’re locked for security reasons.”

While reforms have been made, school safety undoubtedly remains a sensitive issue at the forefront of the WCSD agenda.

Cornerstone plans Play Lab PAIGE CLAYTON managing editor

In light of the Feb. 24 meeting of the WCSD Board of Education, the Cornerstone Play Lab project has reached the surface in the community of Wooster’s agenda.

According to Cornerstone principal Eric Vizzo, discussions surrounding the Play Lab began one and a half years ago and have been in the works ever since.

The Play Lab, as defined by Cornerstone PTO member Marcy Campbell, is a playground concept combined with natural elements, including hills and tree stumps.

The Play Lab will also enable children the opportunity to experience education outdoors in areas such as a butterfly/sensory garden, a geology garden and a weather station.

While the Play Lab has enormous educational benefits, it holds an overall budget of $474,587, according to the Board Docs.

As a result of project budgeting set forth by BOE, the Cornerstone PTO will be responsible for raising $393,713 of the Play Lab cost.

According to Board of Education President Bob Reynolds, the project holds an Aug. 1 cutoff, but does not have a year deadline.

“Our requirement is that any work down must be completed by Aug. 1 of that particular year, in order to make sure that the site is ready for the start of school,” Reynolds said.

Superintendent of Wooster City Schools Dr. Michael Tefs commented on the project and on the collaboration of the BOE and the PTO saying, “The committee and school district are meeting regularly for progress monitoring purposes.”

The Cornerstone PTO is expected to begin fundraising efforts in the coming weeks, and the Board of Education continues to meet with the PTO to discuss the continued progress of the Play Lab campaign.

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THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 6

WHS graduates gained valuable experiences for their careers

1.

Richard Benson: Wooster City Law Director

Richard Benson, a WHS graduate of 1972, agrees with longtime childhood friend, Mike Buytendyk in that WHS gave him opportunities and experiences that have traveled with him throughout his life and career.

Benson participated in many activities offered at WHS, including Key Club, Student Council, Speech and Debate and Drama Club.

Student Council was a significant club for Benson as he said it allowed him to get a feel in government from a student’s perspective.

Benson is also extremely passionate about the Speech and Debate program WHS offers and said it taught him to express himself and ideas.

Although Benson had a love of theater throughout high school, the study of law came to him in college and he decided to pursue that profession in the legal field.

Bob Breneman, Mayor of Wooster, is a WHS graduate and said it gave him a great deal of opportunity and experience.

WHS was helpful to Breneman because he said he was taught to problem solve, a skill he said is useful for his position as mayor.

Breneman explained that his American Heritage II class taught by Mr. Ulbright, a fellow City Council member, taught him a great deal and allowed him to find his love of government. The math, science and humanity classes also helped Breneman find the solutions to problems and got him ready for real life problem solving.

Breneman also shared he was part of Student Council, which gave him experience in student government.

Blurbs by Chloe Landers, photos by Beth Clayton

Mike Buytendyk, a 1972 WHS graduate, believes he gained an immense amount of experience and training through the various programs offered at WHS. Buytendyk said he graduated high school with marine biology in mind for future college plans, but joked that the rather brutal science labs made him think of other professions.

As the President of City Council, Buytendyk said WHS prepped him by allowing him to be president of his class, a member of Key Club and also a member of the WHS Speech and Debate team.

Buytendyk believes that Key Club instilled the public service aspect he uses in his everyday job and the Speech and Debate team gave him confidence in his speaking abilities, along with skills that have traveled with him throughout his entire career.

Benson and Buytendyk: Class of ‘72 Breneman: Class of ‘74

3.

Bob Breneman: Wooster City Mayor

2.

Mike Buytendyk: City Council President

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Broadway

This past week, I had the privilege of attending Wicked at Gershwin Theatre on Broadway, in New York City, and I left thoroughly impressed.

The play is well written and the performers are fantastic, despite not being members of the typical cast that performs. The vocal performances are impeccable.

Notable performers include Lilli Cooper, playing the lead of Elphaba as the second understudy, and Ryan Vasquez, making his Broadway debut as Fiyero.

Despite the young and marginally inexperienced lead characters, they carried the show in a manner that gave the illusion they have performed these roles their entire lives. This fact became most apparent during Cooper’s performance of “Defying Gravity,” which gave me shivers.

On New York City’s Broadway Street, near Columbia University, Mel’s Burger Bar has been serving customers burgers and milkshakes in an incredibly comfortable and enjoyable ambiance since 2010.

The eclectic menu offers burgers such as the classic Cheeseburger Baby and the more radical Widowmaker, which comes topped with Mac and Cheese and bacon.

A less extreme option that still offers some variation from the traditional burger is the Red, White and Blue, which features a thick slice of tomato, onion and bleu cheese.

The burgers range in price from $8.75 to $12.75, so the food does fall within what I would consider pricy. All burgers are made of 100 percent certified black angus beef and mine was prepared to the perfect medium-rare, pink

Ground Zero

THE WOOSTER BLADE | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 7

The story itself is a refreshing new take on the land of Oz, presenting the world through a wide range of complex emotions, as opposed to the simplistic binary of good and evil present in the original story. The emotional maturity within the play surprised me and drew me in for the remainder of the show.

Generally, I liked the way in which Wicked connected with the familiar story, The Wizard of Oz, however some of the connections seemed forced and far fetched, specifically the attempt to tie in the Lion, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow.

However, this mild complaint is largely forgivable and is outweighed by the compelling story and beautiful songs that make attending this show an unforgettable experience.

enough to be juicy but cooked enough to stay in one piece throughout the meal.

To accompany the meal, I would recommend one of the 12 milkshakes. Both the chocolate shake and the cotton candy-flavored, “The Circus,” were thick and delicious.

A bar is in the front of the restaurant, while the dining area extends behind it. The walls are of mostly exposed red brick while music such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and the Monkees plays. The environment of the restaurant is wonderful owing to its location, relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.

All in all, I really enjoyed my experience at Mel’s and would like to go back to try a different burger-shake combination.

One of the newest sites opened in New York City, the 9/11 Memorial is an architecturally beautiful museum that affects visitors with its emotion-provoking images.

Each of the 2,996 names of the victims of the attacks and their pictures are in numerous places throughout the memorial. As people walk through the museum halls looking through the images of all the people who lost their lives to the terrorist attack, they are hit with a strong blend of patriotism and sadness.

The photos also include the six people who died in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.

The fact that these images are included really embodies the true intention of the memorial: to honor and respect the people who lost their lives not only

Dining

in the terrorist attacks of 9/11, but also recognize others who lost their lives to different horrible terrorist attacks like this one.

However, not only the images on the wall, but the building itself, Freedom Tower, presents heartwrenching images. The architecture of the building is a mixture of modern artistic design and actual structures from the old World Trade Centers. Having the actual structures in the building, scarred with the fire and ash from the destruction, is really heartbreaking.

The 9/11 Memorial is a must see when in New York City, and it is really an honor and the duty of us, as Americans, to pay tribute to the memory of the men, women and children who lost their lives in the attack that changed the country’s history.

NYC photo courtesy of fair use from Anthony Quintano, Wicked photo from cherrylet, Mel’s photo and 9/11 memorial photo by Alex Hasapis. Blurbs written by Ben Snoddy, Michael O’Donnell, and Shreya Gurumurthy respectively.

COVER

THE WOOSTER BLADE | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 8 Photographs: Alex Hasapis Cartoons: Grace Cheng

Based on the recent Twitter campaign, #DearMe, The Wooster Blade asked people in the community what they would tell their past selves if given the opportunity.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 9

Cards collected by Sarah Hopkins, Maureen McKeown, Hanna Morgan, Isabelle Cannon, Samantha Brunn, and Mary Grace Gorman.

To view the entire card collection, go to thewoosterblade.com.

SPORTS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 10

Wooster teams spring forward into a busy sports season Baseball

The WHS baseball team has high hopes for this season and has set many goals for themselves.

Ryan Lally (12) and Brett Lepley (12) both set goals of winning OCC and state.

The boys also make it clear that Madison is a team to watch out for this year, as they were last year’s OCC champions and will continue to have another good team.

Although they won last year, the team plans to take revenge and beat them this season.

“Madison beat us for the OCC title in the last game of the season last year, so we want our revenge on them,” Lepley said.

Improvements like confidence and leadership from last season will also be made this spring according to Lally and Lepley.

The number of players that came out this year also will help the team be successful.

“I think that we have a much deeper team this spring than in any previous year that I have been here. We have a lot of guys that are good baseball players and should, hopefully, help us win a lot of baseball games,” Boyd said.

This season the players and coaches want to be successful.

Boyd states that whether it is the OCC or in the state tournament, the goal is to win the last game of the year.

Boys’ Tennis

This year’s boys’ tennis team is the largest team they have had in the past eight years.

Having so many tennis players is a blessing and a curse for head coach Stan Burris.

“It makes for a lot of potential, however, we may have to let go of some guys who are not bad tennis players and that is the hardest part,” Burris said.

Young talent will emerge in the tennis program this year and the hope is that it will set the foundation for WHS tennis for years to come.

“I’m excited to showcase my talents at the high school level, and I’m excited to see what this team can do,” Andrew Symonds (9) said.

Catch the tennis team in action April 1 at home against Perry.

Softball

After the softball team had a solid season last year, they are setting up for their upcoming season in the spring.

Last season, according to the varsity head coach Scott Dunlap, the girls softball team had an overall record of 13-11.

Dunlap hopes to, “...educate [the players] about the game of softball but more importantly teaching [the players] responsibility.”

Dunlap also states he feels confident about his team’s abilities, but there is still room for improvement and for unfilled positions.

Acacia Kauffman (11), who plays first base and outfield positions, says she looks forward to, “...playing with a lot of my friends and playing with a faster game speed on the varsity field.”

Brooke Hemphill (12), another varsity player, also said she is hopeful about the upcoming season and hopes to win the OCC and advance in the playoffs.

Lacrosse

The WHS lacrosse teams are striving for success this year.

After a disappointing season of three wins and 10 losses, captain Drew Braden has high hopes for this season because of their experience.

“I think this year we are very optimistic about this season and we are very excited about this year. I think we all know we have the talent to do well this year we all just have to come together as a family and a team,” Braden said.

On the girls’ team, senior captain Nikki Edgerton, said the team will get along very well, leading to a more enjoyable season overall, coming off a rough season of seven wins, eight losses and one tie, “I think that our team this year has much better chemistry than in years past,” Edgerton said.

Girls’ lacrosse varsity team will open on March 26 at 7 p.m. and the boys’ lacrosse team will open on April 1 at 7 p.m.

Track and Field

The WHS boys’ and girls’ track teams are looking forward to building off their own successes from the past year.

The boys’ team hopes to repeat as the champions of the OCC, while the girls, with new senior additions hope to finish in the top tier of most competitions.

Girls’ track coach, Chris Mascotti-Rasor, believes the team has the potential to do great things.

“We have the right people in both distance and sprinting, we just need time to develop and get used to competing,” MascottiRasor said.

On the boys’ side, the team will be led by returning state qualifier Kevin White (12).

White believes the boys will repeat because of the overall strength in all three of the events, sprinting, distance and field.

Photos by Maggie Flechler, Maureen McKeown, Casey Baik and Fred Holmes.

Blurbs by Ryan Miller, Eric Belcik, Shiyuan Wang, Jack Hartmann and Bri Bocook

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 11

Rewriting the record books: students make WHS athletic history

Saal takes down record Daugherty drops 1000 Ending with a splash Aaron Saal (12) finally got what he has been dreaming about for after four long years. He now holds the record for the most take-downs at WHS. It takes someone special to be a great athlete and a great student at the same time.

Aaron said that “I would lift all summer, and play football to make myself better.”

Saal would not only give his all every day during practice, but also during his junior and senior years he would come in for extra workouts and drill sessions.

Coach Don Rammel, stated, “Aaron has matured into a leader on and off the mat. His hard work and dedication on the mat is a great example for our young team and, in his personal life at his church, he does a great job with the youth ministry.”

Saal is the definition of an athlete who works hard. He went from scoring six take-downs his freshman year to scoring 147 his senior year. Within his many other achievements, Saal also had 77 career wins, which puts him in the top 10 of all time at WHS.

On Feb. 13, Cameron Daugherty (12) became the fourth basketball player in Wooster history to score over 1,000 points.

Play was stopped versus Ashland early in the game to congratulate Daugherty, who lettered all four years in basketball under coach Martin.

Martin recognizes the importance and rareness of reaching a milestone such as this.

“It is very meaningful to have a player you’ve coached all four years reach 1,000 points,” Martin said.

Martin previously coached a player who reached 1,000 points at the previous school where he coached, but says, “It doesn’t happen all the time.”

Daugherty said it meant a lot to score 1,000 points after four seasons of hard work.

“I wouldn’t have been able to complete this milestone without my teammates and without coach Martin.

He [Martin] pushed me until I reached my potential,” Daugherty said.

Daugherty scored a total of 1,080 points in his career.

Wooster swimming ends the season on a high note sending Connor Orr (10), Nathaniel Cornelius (10), David Goodrich (11), Daniel Ackerman (12) and Matthew Dyer (12), and Jessica Bonezzi (11) to States this year.“Standing on the podium at the state meet with guys I’ve gotten to know over the last four years was the perfect end to high school swimming,” Dyer said about one of his favorite moments of the year after finishing sixth in the 100 yard breaststroke.

Ackerman had great success at States by taking second place in freestyle.

“This was the best year for teamwork and work since I’ve been on the team. Everyone’s success was due to the encouragement and support of our team as a whole,” Ackerman said.

Bonezzi took fourth in the 100 fly at States.

“I am extremely proud of all the girls. Everyone worked really hard this year, we had a lot of fun.”

Bonezzi said on the girls’ team success this year.

Aaron Saal story by Maureen McKeown, Cameron Daugherty story by Luke Wiest, swim team story by Grant Peabody

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FEATURE

THE WOOSTER BLADE | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 12

Watch the Cleveland

GRAPHIC BY HAN MAHLE

5

Watch a movie in a theater, such as Insurgent (sequel in the Divergent series) and Get Hard with Will Ferrell.

9

11

Visit Cedar Point for a Day.

a family/ 12 Host friend board game

tournament Visit Tulip mania at the Cincinnati Try paddle zoo. boarding or Visit a beauty salon canoeing in the for a makeover 14 Mohican River

13

Tips collected by Isabelle Cannon

Be a Traveler, NOT a Tourist Tips collected by Alli Wigham

1. Remember some of the best places to visit are not the most popular tourist destinations.

2. Talk to the locals about what is worth visiting.

3. It never hurts to learn a bit of the local language.

4. If something is expensive, it does not necessarily mean it is worth doing; some of the best attractions are free.

5. Public transportation is a great way to get around.

6. Five star hotels are overrated. You will have just as great a time in a less expensive hotel and will save money too.

7. Become familiar with the social customs of the places you are visiting before your trip.

8. It never hurts to do some research on the history of your travel destination.

9. Do not waste your money on tacky souvenirs.

10. Bring a good book for long plane or car rides.

11. Do not stress yourself by rushing to see everything in a short period of time. Take your time, relax and enjoy your vacation.

12. Do not eat anywhere you can eat back home. Try new things and explore your options.

Hit the Road, Jack!

Roadtrip Essentials Healthy snacks

Hand sanitizer Sunglasses

Camera

Chapstick

First aid kit Favorite hat

Eye drops Spring break playlist

Money Reusable Sunscreen water bottle Comfy sweater/sweatshirt

Totebag

Charger for any and all electronics

Essentials collected by Emma Jeffries Playlist compiled by Sarah Hopkins

3

4

7

Try Paintballing or Indians take on the Laser Tag. Chicago White Sox Hike in the on March 29 at 4:05 Cleveland Metro p.m.

Parks with Go Glow bowling at friends.

8 Wayne Lanes.

10

SPRING BREAK MIXTAPE

Cleveland

Visit the Great Lakes Science Center, for Myth busters: The Explosive Exhibition.

ITH --SM KING ATE

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2

6Host a dinner Visit West Side Market in party

SPRING BREAK 2015

PHIC

1 Go Geocaching

GRA

Stuck Here? Ohio Staycation Tips

“Tongue Tied” - Grouplove “Love Me Like You Do” - Ellie Goulding “Tumblr Girls” - G-Eazy “Reflections” - Misterwives “FourFive Seconds” - Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney

“I Choose U” - TimeFlies “Lay Me Down” - Sam Smith

“Home” - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros “Believe” - Mumford and Sons “One Last Time” - Ariana Grande “How Will I Know” - Whitney Houston “No. 1 Party Anthem” - Arctic Monkeys “Style” - Taylor Swift “Sugar” - Maroon 5 “Kiss Me” - Sixpence None The Richer

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 13

Where are they now?

Rob Gesler 2004-2005

The Wooster Blade catches up with past editors-in-chief to recognize all of their achievements post WHS graduation.

Rob Gesler graduated from Miami University in 2009 and majored in organizational communication.

After graduating from college, he worked evening shifts in guest services in Snowmass Village, Co. There, he had the opportunity to ski over 80 days each ski season.

Currently, Gesler resides in Portland, Ore. and works for Global, an IT staffing firm.

Michelle Sczpanski 2010-2011

Elyse Freeman 2009-2010 In May 2014, Elyse Freeman graduated from Ohio University with a major in Strategic Communication with specializations in business and sociology through the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Freeman currently resides in Alta, Utah and works Alta Ski Area, a ski resort. After college, Freeman decided to take a gap year to gain more life experience before pursuing a fulltime public relations career. Freeman says traveling and working seasonal jobs has taught her numerous skills and trades she might not have learned had she worked behind a cubicle.

David O’Donnell 2011-2012 After graduating high school, David O’Donnell traveled to Sao Paulo, Brazil, through the Rotary Exchange Program.

He lived with four different host families and had the opportunity to travel all around Brazil. Currently, O’Donnell is a sophomore at Pennsylvania State University studying economics. He is also the vice president of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

Calla Sneller 2008-2009 Calla Sneller graduated from The Ohio State University in 2014 and double majored in international relations and Spanish. In 2009, Sneller spent a year as a Rotary Exchange student in Argentina. Currently, Sneller is living in Uberaba, Brazil, as an English teaching assistant for one of Brazil’s federal universities. She is living and working in Brazil through a Fulbright Program, which sends 1,800 students abroad each year to increase cultural understanding.

Darcie Draudt 2002-2003 After graduating high school, Darcie Draudt received her Bachelors degree in Anthropology from Davidson College, then went on to receive her Masters in Korean Studies from Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. Draudt is currently a Research Associate in Korean Studies and Program on U.S.-Korea Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C.

Claire Miller 2011- 2012 Claire Miller is currently a junior at Loyola University Chicago. She is majoring in journalism with a minor in sociology and is set to graduate in May 2016. Miller occasionally writes for her school newspaper, The Loyola Phoenix. She was also an assistant editor for MOSAIC Magazine that will be published this spring.

After graduating, Miller hopes to work for a magazine or website and report on music or social issues, while also becoming more involved in photojournalism.

Michelle Sczpanski currently attends Syracuse University in New York. She is expected to graduate in May of 2016 with a triple major in public policy, citizenship and civic engagement and public relations. After Sczpanski graduates, she would like to pursue a career in a non-profit management or philanthropy.

She is currently the communications manager at the Near Westside Initiative, a non-profit in Syracuse dedicated to revitalizing local communities.

Noah Spector 2012-2013

After graduating high school, Noah Spector spent a year in Argentina through the Rotary Exchange Program. Spector resided in a city named Tandil, a midsized city four hours south from Buenos Aires. Spector says the experience was one of the more influential periods of his life. He currently attends The Ohio State University and plans to major in non-profit management with potential minors in economics and Spanish. This upcoming summer, Spector will be working for Smucker’s in their public relations and sponsorships department.

Blurbs written by Stefi Hernandez

TRENDS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 14

Coffee proves to be positive and beneficial for health According to researchers from Seoul National University, a study performed by scientists at the university showed that people who were affected by stress from sleep deprivation had a decrease in their stress levels after smelling the aroma of coffee. Coffee has also been linked to making people feel happier and improved alertness, but only when used in small amounts.

If used in excess, coffee can make insomnia worse, and people can become irritable, shaky, nauseous and develop an accelerated heart rate. According to deancare.com, four to five cups of coffee a day may be too much unless people are among the few who can tolerate a large amount a day. One to two small cups are recommended for the average individual.

In an article written on diabetesjournals.org, researchers from the American Chemical Society discovered that people who drink four or more cups of coffee a day cut their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes in half.

Drinking a large amount of coffee has been associated with high glucose tolerance and according to diabetesjournals.org, during several small metabolic studies that were conducted, the short term effects lowered insulin sensitivity.

63%

37%

of students polled said they do drink coffee

According to huffingtonpost.com, drinking coffee gives the body more antioxidants than any other beverage will.

From a study conducted in 2005, scientists have not found anything that comes close to providing as many antioxidants as coffee.

Though fruit and vegetables provide many antioxidants as well, the human body seems to absorb the coffee better.

Having the right amount and excess of antioxidants helps the body to prevent disease and promotes good health. The body also produces molecules called free radicals, which if left unchecked, can cause illnesses and other problems. The radicals can only be neutralized by the proper amount of antioxidants.

In a New York Times report, several scientists took part in a discussion with several athletes who had been drinking coffee for years.

They stated a cup of coffee before their workouts would help to improve their performance, especially when training for distance sports such as cross country running, competitive cycling, and other long events like triathalons.

The caffeine increases the fatty acid count in one’s blood stream, which will then allows an athlete to absorb and burn the fats first, so the carbohydrates they are storing can be used later on in exercise.

of students polled said they do not drink coffee

According to huffingtonpost.com, from a study conducted in 2006, 125,000 people who drank coffee over the course of two decades showed that drinking at least one cup of coffee a day can reduce the risk of developing liver cirrhosis by 20 percent.

“Consuming coffee seems to have some protective benefits against alcoholic cirrhosis, and the more coffee a person consumes the less risk they seem to have of being hospitalized or dying of alcoholic cirrhosis,” Arthur L. Klatsky, a lead researcher in the study, said.

According to skincancer.org, 21,200 women will be diagnosed with skin cancer in America in 2015 and 3,300 of those will die from melanoma, in an article detailing the facts of skin cancer. Drinking coffee has been shown to help reduce the risk of skin cancer in women.

According to a study conducted by Harvard Medical School, women who drink three or more cups of coffee per day are less likely to develop skin cancer than those who do not.

Scientists suspect that the high levels of caffeine in the coffee have a protective effect because the people who drank decaffeinated coffee did not see any results.

Blurbs compiled by Claire Lanham. Poll conducted by Olivia Sleek on March 16, 18 and 19 during lunches and study halls where 137 students were polled.

Photo/graphic by Nate King-Smith, Shreya Gurumurthy and Han Mahle.

VIEWS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 15

Student advocates for a new face on the U.S. currency

MARY GRACE GORMAN cover editor

Women in history do not get the recognition they deserve, and adding one to the $20 bill is a step toward a solution.

In fast-paced history classes, key female figures are passed over namelessly or confined to single sentences. “Betsy Ross sewed.” “Rosa Parks sat.” “Dolly Madison ran into the burning White House for a painting.”

Do you know anything else about any of these people?

Women in history are sidelined, seen as important only for “women’s issues.”

Well, I have news: women are integral to human history.

When Harriet Tubman rescued hundreds of people from persecution and brought them to better lives, and

democracy truly begin.

Thousands of women deserve to be better recognized for their contributions.

But as a start, I would suggest a personal favorite: Eleanor Roosevelt, also known as the original Claire Underwood.

One of the most active first ladies in history, she revolutionized the role of first lady to more than just a pretty face, and eventually became a UN delegate in her own right.

Or, to be a little more modern, who better to put on our currency than Janet Yellen, the first female chair of the

Sojourner Truth and Lucretia Mott campaigned tirelessly for equality for all people, they were not rallying for some niche cause; they were on the forefront of the campaign for human rights.

When leaders like Margaret Sanger and Emma Goldman broke taboos on birth control, the modern middle-class family was born, and the full workforce was able to take off.

And, only when activists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton brought women the right to vote did our representative

Federal Reserve Bank, who wields tremendous power over the entire world economy. She has used that power for good, acting as a steady hand to guide the recovery during her tenure. Sure, she is not dead yet, but brand new dollar bills are not built in a day.

Women have already been confined to the margins of history books. It is time we stop marginalizing them further by allowing them only impractical dollar coins.

We can start expressing their value by putting them on larger and more valuable bills.

Keeping the “modern Who should replace Andrew Jackson? president” on the twenty WHS students and staff speak out:

TAYLOR BENNINGTON co-editor-in-chief

Whether it be removing God from the Pledge of Allegiance or changing the name of athletic organizations, the politically correct, whom make up the political correctness parade [PC parade] are always on the prowl, ready to pounce at any moment upon something deeply rooted in the culture and tradition of the United States that does not adhere to its unrealistic standards, meant only to promote a homogenous black and white society.

The parade is now advocating for the removal of America’s seventh president from the $20 bill for the placement of a woman or African American leader in lieu of President Andrew Jackson.

Andrew Jackson singlehandedly set the precedent that now results in what we know as the modern president.

Jackson believed that being president should be about more than just being an administrator or an executive but being the leader of the United States, and direct voice of the people. Historically speaking, the modern president may have looked much different without Andrew Jackson in the picture.

Sure, the U.S. Mint has redesigned and removed currency from circulation, but never before has a portrait been removed from a coin or bill because a few radicals claim that it could possibly, on the third Sunday past the full moon on a 70 degree night in the middle of January, be offensive to someone.

This is just another attempt by those in the parade to take away an American tradition, and remove the edges from our nation. However, it is these same people who fail to realize that these edges, cultural traditions, religions and values are what make the United States of America the greatest nation on Earth.

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Responses by Alex Barnard and Olivia Bernadine

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | MARCH 27, 2015 | PAGE 16

Editors sounding off:

Green District Fraternities fires educator racist remarks

Officer’s treatment angers student

SHIYUAN WANG focus editor

CHLOE LANDERS

JACK REYNOLDS

Keith Allison, a former teacher for Green Local School District who is also an animal rights advocate and vegan, was fired in August for uploading photos displaying calves in small huts, while also showing the separation of the baby cows from their mothers.

Superintendent Judy Robinson said, on Fox8.com, that Allison’s position was terminated due to offending a farm owner.

Allison’s termination violated his freedom of speech as it was not malicious, nor was it forcing users to become vegan.

Racism is a characteristic that is not foreign to America. The most recent group of people to display this characteristic involves fraternity brothers from Oklahoma.

The incident sparking criticism of fraternities was a video that was uploaded on the internet on March 8, showing brothers in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter of Oklahoma University singing a racist chant while on a bus for an official fraternity function.

If incidents like this continue, a nationwide ban on Greek Life would not be unreasonable.

feature editor

co-editor-in-chief

Climate change debacle ensues

MIKIE O’DONNELL a&e editor

The United States has seen a recent trend in science-denying that seems counterintuitive and

innately harmful.

According to a report in the Florida Center for Investigative Reporting, by Tristram Korten published on March 8, 2015, employees of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection have been banned from using the terms, “climate change” or “global warming.”

This particular policy is doubly harmful in a state like Florida, which is affected by climate change more than any other state. It is also indicative of a wider ignorance of science, also manifested in trends such as anti-vaccination.

Earlier this year, I was deeply offended.

It happened in January, when I got into a car accident late on a school night, driving home from a basketball game.

What offended me was not the accident itself, but what the police officer on the scene said to me.

I was required to write a

statement, and before handing me the pen, the officer asked me, “Do you know how to write in English?”

Before he asked me that question, I did not interact with the officer at all; therefore, I gave no indication that I would not be able to understand English.

I was completely shocked by his ignorant question, but at the time of the accident, I was too shaken up to really express my outrage over his assumption that I would not be able to speak the English language, even though I have been living in the United States for seven years.

I am extremely disappointed that a member of the Wooster Police Department automatically assumed that because I am Asian, my knowledge of the English

language would be lacking.

The worst thing about the situation was that the police officer was not aware of how ignorant his comment sounded and did not say it with any malicious intent. It shows a deeper, underlying problem in society where certain people believe that assuming Asians do not know English is an acceptable norm. If people do not even understand there is a problem with the way they treat the Asian community, then it makes it much harder for them to correct their wrongdoing and realize just how deeply this divides our society.

If this is the way that our police department treats the minorities in Wooster, then I deeply urge them to change their attitudes toward them into one of more respect.

winter ruining their two-day calamity policy.

With a two-calamity day policy in place for the 20152016 school year, students should plan on enjoying the first month of their summer in school next year.

It may seem that I am just complaining for the sake of complaining. I will make one thing clear: while I sincerely appreciate and approve of the BOE waiver, it is a proverbial example of too little, too late.

We have had a bevy of days added to the calendar, and a two day waiver does not even get us to the five days traditionally followed in previous years.

Parents, students and teachers in the WCSD should be furious that our district has chosen to conveniently ignore the new ODE hour system, playing softball politics with education.

We deserve better than to be treated like mere numbers in a complex algorithm, telling us we should operate on a zerobased calendar.

In short, it seems we ignore ODE recommendations when they fail to fall in line with the district’s hard-line, businesslike agenda.

We deserve better than to have certain board members promote a zero-based calendar on behalf of their political beliefs and a general disdain toward the teaching profession.

These particular members operate our schools like a corporation, treating students like stock shares and teachers like indentured servants of the board.

We are people too, and the rights of students and teachers should not be swiftly brushed aside in the name of tough bottom-line business strategies.

Those members should be swiftly ousted in the next election without hesitation.

With thousands of ruffled feathers in the Wooster community, a unified cause, and one clear voice, it is quite clear that the chickens have come home to roost for the board of education.

Frustrated by late ruling by the BOE

DAVID BURNETT staff writer

On March 24, the Wooster BOE approved a two-day calamity day waiver.

This waiver moves the final day of school to May 29 for the majority of WCSD students.

It is a classic case of cut and run politics, admitting that for the second year in a row, the district has completely failed to aptly prepare for our changing calamity days.

The proud and stubborn stance taken by the BOE when setting the 2014-2015 academic calendar came back to haunt them, with another brutal Ohio