THE WOOSTER BLADE
WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER • 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH • SEPT. 4, 2015 • VOLUME XVI, ISSUE 1
The Wooster Blade encapsulates “A Year of Firsts”
INDEX
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 4, 2015 | PAGE 2
front section
cover 1-2
10-11
sports
on campus
12-13
3-4
focus
trends
5-6
14
feature 7-8
views 15-16
a&e 9
Photo (on front) by Maggie Flechler. Photos (left) by Jenna Zhu, Casey Baik and Fred Holmes. Cross country photo courtesy of Jim Lanham.
CORPORATE SPONSORS We would like to thank all of our
supporters for the 2015-2016 school year.
Corporate $250
BCI Buckeye Division Bogner Construction Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnson Ltd. D&S Distribution Franklin Gas and Oil Gionino’s Seaman Corporation Swigart-Braunscheidel Insurance The Pines Golf Club Wooster Glass
Blue $500 Dyer, Roche & Co. Freeman Building System Metals USA Pine Tree Barn The Western Reserve Group
ON CAMPUS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 4 2015 | PAGE 3
14 new staff and faculty members
From spirit animals to Aristotle, from Blink-182 to The Lion King, from professional theater to The Big Bang Theory, meet the new staff and faculty. Heather Dennis Gault Manager
Q: What is an interesting hobby of yours? A: I like to go garage saling and find things that I can repurpose.
Tyler Egli
Ben Ott
Guidance Counselor
District Tech Paraprofessional
Q: If you could eat dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? A: Abe Lincoln
Elizabeth Gleixner
Drew Durbin Intervention Specialist
Q: What is something unique about you?
Q: What’s your favorite album of all time?
A: I’ve done theater professionally on two occasions.
A: Blink-182 Greatest Hits
Math Dept.
Q: Do you have any pets? A: I have two 15-week old kittens, Minnie and Molly. Both are named after Harry Potter characters: Minerva McGonagall and Molly Weasley.
Amanda Terakedis
Alexander Garey
Michael Sexton
Hannah Kulka
Administrative Intern
District Technology Resource
Rebekah Bell
English Dept.
English Dept.
English Dept.
Q: What is your favorite book?
Q: What is your favorite TV show?
A: The Janet Evanovich series. The whole series.
A: Depends on what is available on Netflix. As of right now, my wife and I are watching Parenthood.
Jamie Gerber
Michael Lepley
Guidance Counselor
Specialized Professional
Q: If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things, what would they be? A: My family, a firestarter and a bowl.
Q: If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things, what would they be? A: My wife, my kids and food. Chelsea Hanawalt Speech and Language Pathologist
Q: What’s your spirit animal? A: A guy who claims he can read people’s spirit animals told me, while I was 42 weeks pregnant that my spirit animal was a whale. I really don’t like that so I’m going to say a mongoose.
Q: Describe yourself in one word. A: Impassioned
Dylan Ruff Science Dept.
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
Q: What is your favorite movie?
Q: What is your favorite dessert?
A: Hawaii Five-0. I watch multiple episodes almost every night.
A: The Great Gatsby.
A: Banana pudding with vanilla wafers in it.
Quotes compiled by Shiyuan Wang and Sarah Hopkins. Photos by Casey Baik, Maggie Flechler, Bree Flinn-Johnson, Megan Buss, Fred Holmes, Hannah Knapic, Maureen McKeown, Claire Lanham and courtesy of Diane Hartman.
Thank you, Gionino’s, for generously providing our work night meal.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 4, 2015 | ON CAMPUS | PAGE 4
Mountain biking team rides on SAMANTHA BRUNN business manager WHS’s mountain biking team is rolling into their third season of competition this fall. According to Emily Walter (12), the season thus far has been going, “Really well. Wooster riders have been on top of the podium for each race in both varsity and JV, male and female,” Walter said. Although the mountain biking team is not a recognized varsity sport at WHS, it is a part of the Ohio Interscholastic Racing League. “Prior to [the OIRL]’s creation, there was no system in place for high school students to compete against each other. No high school in Ohio has a school recognized varsity mountain biking team,” Walter said. Wooster’s mountain biking team was founded in the fall of 2013, and became state champions in the 2014 season. “Wooster’s team found great success last year under Coach Wenger’s leadership, winning the state championship varsity title and finishing as runner up in JV. This season, the focus is on not only defending the varsity title, but also mentoring and growing the JV team to secure the top of the podium in both categories. Through this effort we hope to expand our school’s awareness of the sport of cycling, mountain biking specifically, and continue to see growth in both participation and support,” Rody Walter, creator of the OIRL and co-director of the League, said. The mountain biking team has gained its newer members through word of mouth and information sessions held at the beginning of each season to pique interest from WHS students. “My goals for my first season are to have fun, try my hardest, and eventually get first place in a race,” Nick Despoy (11), a first-year member of the mountain biking team, said. While mountain biking is still relatively new to the halls of WHS, “What the team needs now is the support of its school. These athletes are defending their state varsity championship title and would be very appreciative to see some friends and staff out at the races to cheer them on,” R. Walter said. The next home course race will be held at Vulture’s Knob Sept. 26 at 2 p.m.
Timothy Fritz (9) bikes through Vulture’s Knob during the OIRL Race Number Two on Aug. 29. Fritz placed fourth in that race. PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT DILYARD
Summer Excursions:
Cooper said the people of Garça were lighthearted and were very grateful and welcoming. During the trip, Cooper observed local methods of worship along with a completely different culture than that of America, an experience she called life-changing. Cooper said the mission trip gave its members perspective on their own significance in the
scope of the world. “It… shows kids what they are capable of and how important they are in the lives of others,” Cooper said. Back in Ohio, Logan Selby (11) biked the Ohio Erie Canal from Cleveland to Kentucky with a group of cyclists, including James Nielson (10), Scot Nielson (12) and three Cincinnati teenagers. From dipping his tires in Lake Erie all the way to the Ohio River and beyond, Selby biked 337 miles and spent all but one night camping. Changing their original plan,
the group chose not to stop at the Ohio River. “We got to Cincinnati, dipped our tires in the river, and then rode into Kentucky, because we were right there,” Selby said. The ride was far from easy, and two members of the group were injured, which prevented them from finishing the journey. However, Selby emerged safely from the trip, with an average of 65 miles biked per day. WHS students could be found across the Atlantic, as well. Emma Strong (11) is no stranger to Europe, having visited both France and England in the
past. However, this summer Strong and her family visited Italy, Germany and Holland, and witnessed the cultures and histories of the three nations in person. Strong said the opportunity to see other countries and travel more of Europe was an experience for which she is very thankful. “I’m really grateful I was able to do something like that, since it may be an opportunity I never have again,” Strong said. More than 70 days of summer break can provide life-changing opportunities to see the world.
Nielson (12) explained his administration’s spin on last year’s “changing the culture” campaign. “We are trying to constantly evolve the culture that we’ve got in student government and the stigma that the student body holds with us. Flipping that pyramid… Putting us at the back and then pushing forward,” Nielson said. Olivia Hoppe (12) would like
to see student government members act as liaisons between students and administrators. “Just keep asking the students what they really want to see, and then actually do something about it, and relay that stuff to the administrators, so that it actually gets done,” Hoppe said. Student body vice president Jenna Zhu remarked that
student government plans to continue spirit campaigns this year. “I look forward to keeping the spirit and energy up around the school from last year,” Zhu said. However, school spirit has often been a contentious issue among some students. Paul Lindemann (11) was a fan of last year’s spirit initiatives. “Keep up the spirit that they
had last year,” Lindemann advised. In contrast, Josiah Talampas (12) would like student government to rein in the pep. “A little bit less spirit. Still school spirit, but not too much,” Talampas suggested. As the year progresses, student government members will work to evolve their initiatives with changing student opinions.
Students experience life outside of school DROSOS KARDULIAS staff writer WHS students explored the world and encountered new experiences through various journeys this summer. Hayley Cooper (12) was a member of West Hill Baptist Church’s mission trip to Garça, Brazil.
Students anticipate new student government initiatives MARY GRACE GORMAN co-editor in chief Last year, students saw an unusually active student government, which focused on promoting school spirit. This year’s student government wants to build off that momentum, while also forging their own path. Student body president Scot
FOCUS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 4, 2015 I PAGE 5
FRANCE
Q: What is the biggest difference from the town you lived in, in France, to the town you live in now, Wooster? Nesrine Bouchiha: 17 years old A: Where I live it is less rural; we have more apartments than houses. However, the houses, cars, and even the hamburgers are bigger. Everything is bigger in America. Q: What do you look forward to doing in America? A: There are many things to do in America, I would like to go to a Cavs game, see the West Coast and NYC, Niagara Falls and Disney World.
s e m
o c l e w r
e g an
s t n e
d u st
Q: What do you miss the most from Switzerland, and why? A: I miss the good and healthy food in the city. Q: Why did you choose to do foreign exchange, and why did you choose America? A: I wanted to learn a new culture and language because English is the most important language.
h c ex
e t s o o W SWITZERLAND
Q: What is the biggest difference between the school you attended in Switzerland and the school you attend now In Wooster? A: In Wooster, the teachers are really fun, and we have lots of sports in school. At my school in Switzerland there was just learning; we went to school from 7 a.m to 5 p.m. Pablo Dimartino: 16 years old
BLURBS BY ISABELLE CANNON GRAPHIC BY SHREYA GURUMURTHY
Jones Foundation recognizes Chelf OLIVIA SLEEK
focus editor EWMS fifth grade language arts teacher Patricia Chelf was named the Jones Foundation’s 2015 Outstanding Teacher. Chelf has been teaching for 25 years in WCSD, and was honored by the award. “Getting this award is humbling. There are many other teachers out there who deserved this award just as
much as I do, so getting it means all the more,” Chelf said. Along with the title, Chelf received a $5,000 stipend from the Ralph R. and Grace B. Jones Foundation. “The entire school community is super excited for Mrs. Chelf. She is an extremely kind and compassionate person who is always giving of herself. It is nice to see her rewarded for
her service and very special demeanor,” Superintendent Dr. Michael Tefs said. “Mrs. Chelf was always encouraging me and telling me I can do anything I set my mind to and not to let anything get in the way of my happiness and my success,” former student Elizabeth Szukaitis (11) said. Students are not the only ones affected by Chelf. “Her smile is constant and contagious. She
Academic Challenge succeeds at Nationals CHLOE LANDERS trends editor
In June, Edgewood Middle School’s Academic Challenge team took their talents to Chicago, where the seventh grade team placed second in Nationals. The team is led and coached by Amanda Nida, Dean of Students at EWMS. Normally 50 or 60 students are on the team. “The students on the team encouraged one another and were successful because of that and their hard work,” Nida said. Seth Opatz, sixth grader at EWMS, said the team offered him plenty of benefits.. “Sometimes the questions about books and who the authors are can be hard. There’s lots of questions about that,” Opatz said. Tyler Keating, eighth grader at WHS and captain of the EWMS team, agreed with Opatz, saying the only improvement he sees is the need for more classical literature knowledge. Keating believes his ability to do mental math and his knowledge about mythology, allows him to perform well. Keating said the success at Nationals was due to the team’s ability to work together and achieve their goals with good chemistry. Keating noted how he liked the way the team worked together in the second round of Nationals, especially after they struggled in the first round. is extremely optimistic with an amazing growth mindset. She is just such a pleasure to be around, to call a colleague a friend,” Tefs said According to Chelf, she wants her students to never be afraid of going to school or be scared of not knowing everything. “School should not be a place that students fear; it’s my job to make it easier. I want my students to walk through my
door with a smile on their face. I want them to know that I love them even when I have to give them tough love. And I hope that through it all I’m able to have affected them in some way. That’s why I do what I do; it’s all for my kids,” Chelf said. Chelf has taught fifth grade at Melrose and Layton Elementaries, and most recently at EWMS, over her years of teaching in the WCSD.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEP. 4, 2015 | FOCUS | PAGE 6
NCAA disapproval prompts inquiry into online options at WHS SAMANTHA BRUNN business manager
In light of the recent incident involving 2015 alum Marquise Blair’s Credit Recovery courses being deemed unacceptable by the NCAA, many students are considering their options regarding online education if they plan to pursue Division I and II college athletics. According to Principal Tyler Keener, WHS offers two types of online courses: Credit Recovery and Generals Academy. Keener explained Credit Recovery is entirely online, and students recover credits they have failed in the traditional classroom. However, according to NCAA.org, Credit Recovery programs are typically
unacceptable. “If you are concerned you may not meet the Division I academic requirements… Avoid quick fixes through credit recovery programs. These courses may not be accepted by the NCAA,” NCAA.org states. In Blair’s case, these same Credit Recovery classes were the point of contention regarding his athletic eligibility. “I was fully expecting [the NCAA] to accept [the credits]. That’s their arbitrary decision,” Doug Haas, Generals Academy coordinator and football coach, said. According to Keener, aspects of Credit Recovery deemed unacceptable by the NCAA are the lack of classroom seat time and lack of teacher interaction. Keener explained there are no plans to change Credit
Recovery to fit these criteria. The other online program, Generals Academy,was introduced last year. “GA is a blended learning model in such a way that there is a WHS teacher that runs the course, they pace the course and they are responsible for the grading of the course. A student can choose to be entirely online from home, though,” Keener said. The Ohio BOE defines blended learning as, “the delivery of instruction in a combination of time in a supervised physical location away from home and online delivery whereby the student has some element of control over time, place, path, or pace of learning,” according to education.ohio.gov. GA caters to around 50 district students in grades six through
twelve and has four core subject teachers who mentor those students. “A Generals Academy faculty member is assigned to each student based on interest. It isn’t based off of grade level certification,” Haas said. GA utilizes the online program FuelEd, which has been touted as a viable option for college bound athletes attempting to retake classes. “We will no longer put those at-risk students [pursuing college athletics] in Credit Recovery. They would be put in the FuelEd online platform,” Haas said. However, according to getFuelEd.com, “Institutions utilizing the FuelEd curriculum with their own instructors should contact the NCAA directly to research the requirements for obtaining
eligibility for the school directly,” meaning an individual school’s FuelEd program is examined on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed. According to Keener, the WHS FuelEd program has been approved by the NCAA. “What we’ve done with the NCAA is explained to them which courses we provide through FuelEd with the teacher’s instruction. They say that they will evaluate it on a case-by-case basis, but it will be approved as long as we can prove to them that these classes have a teacher’s instruction component,” Keener said. Keener implores students to be well-versed on core NCAA requirements early in their high school careers in order to have time to meet all eligibility standards by graduation.
FEATURE
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 4, 2015 | PAGE 7
A chain reaction of kindness is spreading around WHS WHS students chimed in their answers: What do kindness and compassion mean to you?
the d re any n a a f o ss ne sion cks ip.” d h n o s i l s a “K mp g b tion (11) n co ildi rela ford bu able raw st eo C -Th
ne eo nd m so frie m to a the g s n ) lki eed ng (10 “Ta o n givi dt i h w d hm .” an vice el Sc a d a ach -R
“It’s seeing someone having a problem and trying to feel and help them the best you can.” -Jeremy Lun (10)
“It’s befo puttin go -Sar re a Da your thers s ugh erty elf.” (10)
“Including others when they need it, like letting somebody sit with you.” “Ba -Dylan Bolick (10) gol sical wo den ly, -Joh rks.” rule nG alw the orm ays an (9)
WHS forms a Friends of Rachel Club
“Cliché, but it really is treating others with respect.” -Gary Fowler (12)
t ou ne not o me s, ve so dnes ha g in in you 12) elp re k ike H n( “ pu l a lm of eling sse u fe .” M to orey -C
“Kindness is sitting by someone when they’re by themselves.” -Haley Cooper (12)
“Showing people the respect they deserve.” - L a y n e Christian (12)
a ing de p u e ke tit od is ve at go s i t s ne osi ing ind , a p read K “ ile sp 11) e( sm d k l e an es.” tt Bi vib arre -G
Quotes compiled by Kayla Barnet No Yes
Do you think that the Rachel’s Challenge Do you think that the Challenge presentation some change in W presentation willRachel’s cause some changewillincause WHS?
KAYLA COOPER
N/A
focus editor
On the first day of the school year, WHS students listened to a presentation regarding Rachel’s Challenge. The program was inspired by Rachel Scott, the first victim of the Columbine shooting. Her story is one of kindness and compassion, which were the main themes in the presentation. Based on Rachel’s story and her ideals, WHS has started a Friends of Rachel Club. This club is a place where students can encourage the school to spread kindness. Amanda Terakedis, the initiator of the group, said, “The goal of the group is to just continue Rachel’s message. The big thing is kindness and to make this a better place for everyone.” Gwen Hahn (12), a student participating in the club, attended a meeting and said she appreciates its purpose. ”It encourages us to spread kindness through our community. It inspires me to be a better person,” Hahn said. Another student who joined the club, Acacia Kauffman (12), explained how the volleyball coaches encouraged the team to go to the ambassador meeting. “The club is working toward spreading kindness throughout the school and helping to make everyone feel included,” Kauffman said. Kauffman noted how the program could have a positive effect on the school by uniting the student body and staff. “As for myself, during the assembly we had, I saw a lot of parallels between Rachel’s life and my own. I have always wanted to change the world and believe that spreading kindness is the perfect way to do that,” Kauffman said. Terakedis added that she knows the club will not solve everything, but it will start rooting out some of the problems with bullying at WHS.
D
Do you feel that WHS students need more kindness?
No Yes
44%
55%
Do you feel that WHS students need more kindness?
Do you feel that WHS students need more kindness? No
Do you feel that WHS students need more kindness?
11%
Yes No Yes
89%
On Aug. 25, 160 students were polled. Data compiled by Katie Ward, Scot Nielson and DrososDo Kardulias. Students were polled during the 4a, 4b and 5a lunches, fourthsome periodchan you think that the Rachel’s Challenge presentation will cause study halls, second period AP Statistics and third period AP English Literature. Graphic made by Shreya Gurumurthy. N/A
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 4, 2015 | FEATURE | PAGE 8
Administration explains new enforcement policy TATUMN MCGREW
D
staff writer
ress code has recently been a topic of discussion throughout WHS in the beginning weeks of the 2015-2016 school year. Amanda Terakedis, the new administrative intern who formerly worked as an intervention specialist at WHS, said that in her new position, she focuses mainly on discipline. In that disciplinary role, she addresses dress code infractions. “Teachers have asked administration to enforce it [the dress code] more because there are new trends,” Terakedis said. Terakedis also noted that the incorporation of a female administrator becomes more helpful to address dress code violations with female students, as, “It’s easier for females to address females than males to address females,” Terakedis said. Principal Tyler Keener explained the adminsitration’s goal the first week of school was to create a more consistent outline of clothing that is appropriate in a school environment and what is not. A message for repeat offenders, Keener said, is to be respectful to those enforcing the
code and not keep repeating the same offenses. Keener said the dress code enforcement is not something to be used to body shame. “Fashion and society dictate how we dress. The diversity of women’s clothing puts a burden on females,” Keener said. Katelyn Roper (11) believes that the dress code, and the implementation of the dress code, are unfair. “Many students have been wrongfully dress-coded this year, not to mention the fact that boys get away with [violating] the dress code more than girls do,” Roper said. Although there are disagreements with the dress code, there are students who believe that the dress code serves a purpose. Madison Culver-Lee (11), a student who was approached for violating the dress code, said that in her case, the dress code was enforced fairly. “I was dress coded because when I folded my arms, my shirt rode up and you could see a little bit of my stomach...I think it [the dress code enforcement] was justified...It wasn’t a big deal,” Culver-Lee said. Culver-Lee stated that the WHS student body is exaggerating the dress code problem, turning into a bigger problem than it really is.
S: SHOE ay not m s t n s or Stude pers, cleat ol, but p cho sli wear boots to s t all times er rn a toed steel- ust be wo day. All oth but m l , r s o shoe the scho ble to wea ok during re accepta t Handbo e n a shoes HS Stude hat shoes b t. t the W mmends tect the fee reco ed to pro s enclo
WHAT TO WEAR
BOTTOMS: The WHS Student Handbook states that “any clothing that does not have an inseam of at least five inches” is not acceptable. It continues that spandex, form fitting and cut-off shorts are not acceptable. Bottoms are not be ripped above the knee and no undergarments should be shown.
HAT COVERINS/HEAD are no GS: Students bandann t allowed to wea r as head cov , hats, sweatband e s, ri n g s of any combs/p kin ic or hoods ks in hair, sung d, las du There is ring the school ses no comm day. . en exceptio n for reli t about an gious he covering ad s Studen in the WHS t Handb ook.
TOPS: According to page 14 of the WHS Student Handbook, OT is no HER: Sl students are not permitted to eep t to s wear any top that is a, “sheer or see relat chool. A be worn wear e n through type of clothing, scooped disr d item y type during shirt, or any type of shirt/top/blouse co upts the or any c of gang n l that exposes cleavage.” Tops are not and stitutes educatio othing,“ t a n h e t to display any type of derogatory or st alth of hreat t proces hat s o uden t suggestive comments, or any drug or t” is he stude the safe or a n g t a or ty in alcohol connotations. No shirts should, code st the d other “expose skin or underwear at the ress . waist due to the shortness of the top while the student is seated.” Sleeveless shirts are not allowed.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
Blurbs and graphics by Shreya Gurumurthy
The situation leaving WHS puzzled: Dress Code
The dent WHS Stu tes that ta s k o Handbo ation reserves istr “the admin judge what is t h the rig to t acceptable,” and or no lude acceptable “not attempt to inc t s e o is d and no that it to what is k includes s a s m e it all dboo .” The han bout acceptable tudent is unsure a g s a b (s) ein that “if ot the item r not, n r o r e th o whe cceptable worn are a y should not then the item.” wear that
VS.
MAGGIE FLECHLER
MAGGIE FLECHLER
Wooster High School students Sarah Hopkins and Stephen Kridel demonstrate appropriate clothing for school (left) and clothing that violates the WHS dress code policy (right). Examples of dress code violations in the left photo: sleeveless shirts, tank tops, torn shorts, sagging pants or shorts that have shorter than a five-inch inseam.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 4, 2015 | PAGE 9
Band’s Marching Machine legacy continues with new freshman STEPHEN KRIDEL co-editor-in-chief
Rookie band camp, the first of three weeks of summer band camp, helps assimilate firstyear band members into the band and also allows them to participate in the traditional competition: Marching Machine. “It’s just a game of elimination. They get a series of marching commands and if they make a mistake, they jump out and you go until you have one person left who doesn’t make a mistake,” band director
command because they became Dan Adams said. 10 to 20 commands This year, the l o n g game had 62 strings; competitors you just who marched have to until there was remember only one left: John and hope Gorman (9). you get it “I was right,” Gorman f a i r l y said. confiGorman is not dent. The unfamiliar to the hardest tradition of Marching p a r t Machine or the prize was just with which it comes. rememIn 2012, his older sister, bering PHOTO COURTESY OF DAN ADAMS Mary Grace Gorman (12), e a c h
also was recognized as the Marching Machine. “I was very proud of him. My piece of advice for him going in as a new student in the program was for him to stand out by winning Marching Machine and I felt very stressed watching him, probably more stressed than when I was in it myself,” M.G. Gorman said. The prize for winners changes from year to year, but the concept of the prize is the same every year. “A little bit of public embarrassment and usually some gaudy shirt or hat with
balloons on it,” Adams said. In addition to embarrassment and balloons, winners also receive the recognition of being a quality marcher, which can help them later in their careers. “Because I won Marching Machine my sophomore year, they moved me midseason when they needed someone to learn a different spot when someone dropped,” M.G. Gorman said. The Marching Machine competition has been a tradition since 1996, and the list of winners gains one more rookie every year.
brought a little bit of everything to the table. The alternative rock group is one of the few bands that sounded the same, if not better, live, in comparison to the studio recorded songs on their album. After the show, both bands
stuck around to sign anything and everything put in front of them and to talk to fans in a way that made it feel as if we had just watched lifelong friends perform and not complete strangers.
Saint Motel proves to be worth the patience and mishaps
SARAH HOPKINS cover editor
On a hot and sticky July night, I had the privilege of
squeezing into the small music venue Musica in downtown Akron to see Saint Motel perform. After about an hour of delay due to technical difficulties, the doors opened and the opening band, Coin, began their set in the dimly-lit brick warehouse turned music club. A foursome of Nashville natives in their early twenties, Coin brought endless energy and
CLAIRE LANHAM
arts & entertainment editor In the first 15 minutes, Straight Outta Compton gives a startlingly realistic depiction
s e i v o m rts and
ce n o c r e mm
u s : s n o i Opin
of life in late 1980s Compton, simultaneously introducing the main characters, showing the astonishing police brutality against anyone of color and the harsh lives N.W.A. members grew up with that ultimately influenced their music. In the fascinating story of how one breakthrough and profoundly important group of musicians changed hip-hop and rap music forever, director F. Gary Gray manages to stay true to the style and passion of the original N.W.A., while keeping the movie from dragging in its
fun into the room. Their indie pop sound and emotion-filled songs had everyone dancing and singing by the time they played their hit song, “Run.” After Coin came Saint Motel, who killed it in every manner possible. Mixing older songs from their 2012 album Voyeur and newer songs from last year’s EP My Type, Saint Motel
Straight Outta Compton portrays life realistically
147 minute run time. The three main actors, Jason Mitchell, Corey Hawkins and O’Shea Jackson Jr., portraying Easy-E, Dr. Dre and Ice Cube respectively, give remarkable performances; each made his character seem equally as important as the other and vital to the storyline. Viewers who are familiar with household names like Dr. Dre and Ice Cube see the long road it took for them to get to where they are today, dealing with bad managers and business partners, family death and the
fight to find the right words. O’Shea Jackson Jr. portrays Ice Cube, who is Jackson Jr.’s real life father. He gives a noteworthy performance, and the uncanny resemblance he shares with his father makes viewers feel as if they are watching Ice Cube himself, 20 years younger. Straight Outta Compton also portray a young Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur during the beginnings of their own music careers, each started by Dr. Dre and his record company Death Row Records.
The character Ice Cube’s statement, “Speak a little truth and people lose their minds,” could not be more true with the controversy N.W.A. faced when they released their first album Straight Outta Compton. It contained brutally honest and true stories of how violent police were in Compton for no reason when a man was seen standing on the sidewalk. The music alone justifies going to the film, and Straight Outta Compton is one music biopic moviegoers will not want to miss.
COVER
THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | SEPT. 4, 2015 | PAGE 10
A Year of Firsts
Mid-August marks the end of summer for students of Wooster City Schools. The beginning of the school year is a time full of transition for students who are faced with changes, including maneuvering grades and possibly a new school, entering harder classes and playing different sports. The change from the lazy days of summer to the bustling school year is striking, as students have to adjust to juggling classes, homework, extracurriculars, part-time jobs and sports. School can be exhausting, but many students enjoy it because they have the chance to share classes with their peers. Also, starting in high school, there is a greater range of classes to from which to choose, which more closely match specific interests of students. Depending on each student’s grade level, he or she encounters different new experiences or “firsts” in educational tenures. Therefore, for most children, the school year marks a time of “new beginning” more than anything else.
Wooster students from kindergarten to college look foward to a new year full of opportunities.
Fifth Grade
First Grade
Upcoming first grade students Gretchen Snyder, Jaxon Corbin and Scott Schonfeld will have new teachers, new things to learn and many more classmates this year. Because of the many adjustment this year and the introduction to more classmates, first graders will also have the opportunity to develop numerous new friendships. For Corbin, the biggest differences are the students and teacher in his class, which he summarized by saying, “We have new teachers this time, and I have new friends.” One aspect of first grade that is different from kindergarten is the things students learn during the year in all four core subjects. For many students, first grade is the first time they receive out-of-school worksheets and activities to complete as homework.“I am just excited, not super excited for first grade,” Cornerstone first grader Snyder said, when expressing her worries surrounding the change. First grade can be a sizable change for many students with the increasing workload, but there are many positive aspects, like meeting new students and learning a greater range of subjects. Corbin’s interests are focused on science and recess. “I’m nervous about reading,” he added. Schonfeld’s focus is in mathematics, which he summarized by saying, “I want to learn how to do fractions; my favorite subject is math.”
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Blurbs compiled by Amber Swigart and Mimi Wiles. Graphics by Nate King-Smith and Shreya Gurumurthy.
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Fifth grade is a year that includes several changes for Wooster students, particularly the shift to a new school building with new teachers and also in joining their entire graduating class for the first time, as well as the introduction to middle school activities. In relation to the fact that the fifth grade uses a number system to grade, instead of a letter system used by the seventh grade and up, fifth grader Sophia Mera aims to receive all threes this year. Additionally, fifth grader Seth Chamberlin said, “I really want to turn in all of my homework on time and get good grades.” One major change forthcoming fifth graders experience is the presence of students from the entire district, rather than just their elementary schools, meaning that students will have the opportunity to meet many more children their age. “I’m very excited to see my friends and meet new ones,” Llana O’Hearn said, in regard to seeing her classmates at school after the summer. As for the difficulty of this year’s classes, Mera said, “They’re not too much harder or different” than her classes as a fourth grader, later adding that having teachers that she has never been around will be a challenging element of the classes. “We have locker combinations and pressure at a new school,” O’Hearn said, in relation to the size of the middle school, which can be a major transition for many fifth graders because of the larger building with lockers and multiple levels. “My goal is to master my locker combination,” Chamberlin said. The fifth grade is also the first time students can join several of the middle school’s clubs, including Yearbook Club, Guitar Club and Student Council. Mera’s interests are centered around music and the arts, and she plans to participate in choir this year. Chamberlin’s consist of football, lacrosse and baseball, and O’Hearn plans to participate in softball.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | SEPT. 4, 2015 | PAGE 11
Seventh Grade
The transition between sixth and seventh grade for students in Wooster City Schools involves many changes, including becoming the oldest class in the Edgewood school building, taking increasingly difficult classes and having the ability to participate in sports and activities affiliated with the middle school. For many, seventh grade is the first year in which a tryout process is necessary to participate on a sports team. Upcoming seventh grade students, Hannah Johnson, Macey Dillon, and Lucas Niro, plan to try out for some of Edgewood’s numerous sports teams. Seventh graders have the opportunity to take harder classes than before, some even counting for high school credit. Regardless of the classes being taken, however, it is definite that seventh grade grades are important in the long run. According to Johnson, “I’ll need to work harder because taking hard classes this year will affect my high school grade average.” Niro agrees with the need to perform well academically, saying, “I want to get all As and Bs this year.” Among the many changes with which seventh grade students are faced, there are many minor adjustments that require getting used to, such as unfamiliar teachers and an earlier start time than the fifth and sixth graders.
NINTH GRADE Upcoming ninth grade students will experience many changes this school year, including involvement in WHS sports and clubs, as well as integration into classes with older students. Ninth grade is the first year that students can try out for high school sports’ teams, many of which are not offered at the middle school level. Freshman year is also the first in which students are no longer secluded from other high school students in classes and hallways, as the eighth grade hallway is predominantly separate from the high school classes and lockers. “You could have a class with anyone, whereas last year the eighth graders were kept separate,” ninth grader Cameron Brisbine explained. Taking harder classes is an option for many students and, because high school classes, sports and clubs typically require more time commitment than those of middle school, having good time management skills is an important element that many ninth grades aim to master in order to succeed. “I think that I will need to study more and also work harder during the off season than I did before,” ninth grader Adam Frank said, in regard to what he will do differently this year. Above all, ninth grade is a time for students to become more involved within the high school in academics, sports, clubs and in the halls on a day-to-day basis.
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C o l l e g e
Juggling the realities of being away from family and moving to a new town full of unfamiliar faces to start college can be worrisome and stressful, but also exciting. WHS 2015 alum Alli Wigham will start college at Denison University this fall. She believes the school year will be extremely different from high school. “I’m going to be living in another town. After being accustomed to having my own room, I’ll be sharing a room with another person and my bathroom with students from an entire hall,” Wigham said. The transition between high school classes and college classes is also a change for college freshmen, who may be used to having smaller classes and different types of homework. “I never really studied in high school, sorry teachers reading this, so I need to get some study habits quick, and that’s a fear,” Zack Buchholz, WHS 2015 alum and freshman at OSU, said. For most students, starting college also means saying goodbye to family and friends. One concern for Sydney Sleek, WHS 2015 alum and freshman at Akron University, is adjusting to dorm life and living away from her parents. “I think what’s going to be most different is not going to be able to come home everyday after school and see my parents and sisters,” Sleek said. There are feelings of stress and pressure while preparing to attend college, such as each student’s course load and time management skills. However, there are also many positive and enjoyable aspects of college, it a place to learn more and to find true passion, it is also a place to meet new people. There are many mixed emotions at the start of college. The pressure to get good grades, to make new friends, and to live in a new place can be overwhelming. On the other hand, there are a lot of things about which to be excited, especially starting fresh in a new town.
SPORTS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 4, 2015 | PAGE 12
MCKENZIE DOUP
PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL SNOWBARGER
Written by Nate King-Smith
summer, there is potential to have a very good year,” Snowbarger said. Snowbarger enters his eleventh season as a coach. He was an assistant coach at St. Vincent-St. Mary for five years and then spent another five as the head coach at Smithville. Snowbarger will be looking to improve last year’s varsity boys’ basketball record of 13-10.
Written by Ryan Miller
JP Lytle, a WHS alumnus, has taken the position of one of the new assistant boys’ soccer coaches. Lytle played soccer at WHS and continued his career playing at Valparaiso University and Ashland University. Lytle has taken on a different approach with the team this year by using defense as the best unit on the field. “We have no doubt that the group of guys we have will continue to get better and take back what’s ours: the OCC championship title,”
Lytle said. Alazar Coetzee (11), a starting varsity player, said, “I believe that Coach JP has brought many new quality aspects to the team. He goes through new workouts with us that will help us outwork our opponents as we battle for the OCC title this year.” The team has had great start to their season being 2-0-1 so far this year.
JP LYTLE
far and I have loved getting to know all the girls,” Doup said. The girls made it to Districts last year and have started off their 20152016 season with a second place finish at Mapleton and a fifth place finish at Mount Vernon. Doup thinks this group of girls has a lot of potential and is hopeful for this season.
MICHAEL SNOWBARGER
After the resignation of coach Craig Martin last year, the boys’ basketball team was in need of a head coach. Michael Snowbarger took the job. Snowbarger, who was hired to fill the boys’ varsity coaching position last spring, is optimistic about this year’s team . “I am very excited for the season to begin. The kids worked extremely hard this summer. If we can build on where we ended in the
CASEY BAIK
With the retirement of Nikki Reynolds, the girls’ cross country team was in need of a new coach to step up and fill her shoes; taking Reynolds’ place is first-time coach Mckenzie Doup. Doup ran cross country and track at Clear Fork High School, and then at Ashland University, where she competed in Nationals in 2011. “Coaching has been very enjoyable so
MAUREEN MCKEOWN
WHS welcomes new faces to athletic coaching staff
Written by Maureen McKeown
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 4, 2014 | SPORTS | PAGE 13
Wooster athletes approach the new season with high hopes Football hits hard at home opener Tennis serves up the competition WHS football started off the season with a win over Akron Firestone 27-7, on Aug. 28. Quarterback Peyton Bennington (11) says the team works hard and notes they have experience in all positions. “We have a great fan base that brings excitement in all aspects of the game,” Bennington said. Armand Rutter (11) said that coming into the season with the community behind the team will help them immensely as it will get them excited and motivated to play. “We have returning varsity players and new players that are making impacts in all places on the team,” Rutter said. The team has its next game at Wadsworth on Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.
The 2015 girls’ tennis season has officially begun, with the team starting strong with a 2-1 lead. Team captain Olivia McCory (12) explained the team underwent a slight transition after losing their first singles player. “We’ve had to move around a lot. Thankfully, we have a lot of players that can play various transitions,” McCory said. McCory adds that the team goals for the season include developing players for future seasons, being as competitive as they can and having fun. The team’s next home match is against Clear Fork on Sept. 8 at 4:15 pm.
Cross country runs for conference Golf team tees off toward States The boys’ cross country team is ready for the new season. With a win at their first meet at Mapleton, the team is strong in times already, with most of the boys running their best times. Matt Chidsey (11), a top runner for the boys’ team, said, “I think that the team will be a good competitor in the OCC meet and I think we have a legitimate shot at making it to States if we keep our eyes on the goal. I see myself finishing my season in the state meet.” Racing into this season with a brand new coach, McKenzie Doup, the girls’ cross country team is looking forward to an eventful season after getting second place at the Mapleton meet and fifth place at Mount Vernon. Varsity captain Maureen McKeown (11) believes the team is going to be very strong this year.
Soccer kicks season off strongly
After winning OCC last year, the girls’ soccer team is looking forward to another great season in 2015. Emily Edgell, one of the team’s senior captains, is very optimistic about how the team looks in comparison to last year. “I would say we look a lot stronger as a team this year and work great together. I think we are going to have a great season if we keep up the hard work,” Edgell says. After a win at home to West Holmes, the boys’ soccer team looks to capture another victory next Tuesday at Orrville. “Our main goals as a team this year are to win OCC and beat Wadsworth again,” Matt Adams, senior captain, said. With a record of 2-0-1, and 2-0 in OCC play, the boys’ team hopes to make positive strides this season
WHS Golf is teeing off into a great start of the season with their first tournament being a team win at Hawk’s Nest. Second-year varsity player Brent Dillon (10) says this golf season will be very promising and strong. “I think we have a shot at winning the OCC and making a run in the post season,” Dillon said. Coach Mark Snowbarger said the boys have the talent; they just need to work in practice on making basic improvements. Anthony Panepento (11), third-year varsity player, said he is looking forward to this year. “By the end of the season, I think this team will be good enough to get a shot at going to State,” Panepento said. Snowbarger said the boys will make the season as good as they want it to be.
Volleyball spikes into the season The girls’ volleyball team hopes to win big this year in OCC and in tournament play. Erin Daugherty (12), playing the front row, mentions that a goal for the team would be to consistently work together and to communicate on the court as much as possible. With those two things in mind, Daugherty said the team could go further than anyone expects. She also adds that the team’s chemistry and teamwork is very strong, which helps them pull away in close matches. “Personally, my goal is to be the best leader for the team I can possibly be,” Daugherty said. Come see the team on Sept. 5 as they take on St. Vincent-St. Mary at home.
Photos By: Casey Baik, Grant Peabody, Fred Holmes, Bree Flinn-Johnson, Jenna Zhu Blurbs Written By: Hanna Morgan, Grant Peabody, Nate King-Smith, Maureen McKeown, Emma Jeffries
TRENDS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 4, 2015 | PAGE 14
ULTIMATE FRISBEE: Local and global groups gain recognition
What is Ultimate?
Originating in the 1960s, Ultimate Frisbee combines soccer, American football and netball, creating a noncontact sport where two teams are in an open field of around 60 to 70 meters long. Ultimate players use teamwork and sportsmanship to move the disc to the designated end zones, where a point is scored. Ultimate Frisbee is a fast-paced sport, in which all ages can join. Blurbs written by Emma Jeffries
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Ultimate may see Olympic future BECCA FOLEY a&e editor
Following the recent addition of golf to the summer Olympics, a new sport may soon be thrown into the summer Olympics program. Ultimate Frisbee and other Flying Disc sports in the World Flying Disc Federation have been granted full recognition by the International Olympic Committee on Aug. 2, according to wfdf.com. The World Flying Disc Federation represents Flying Disc sports such as Ultimate Frisbee, disc golf, beach ultimate and freestyle and field events. While recognition from the International Olympic Committee does not guarantee that Ultimate Frisbee will become an Olympic sport, it does guarantee that the World Flying Disc Federation will be in charge of developing the sport worldwide and establishing technical aspects of Ultimate Frisbee at the Olympic Games, according to an article entitled “Ultimate Frisbee Recognized by Olympic Committee” by Rachel Bennett on wect.com. “This is an incredible milestone in the 30-year history of WFDF and a further important step for our International Federation in the development of our sport worldwide,” World Flying Disc Federation President Robert Rauch stated, according to wfdf.com. While it is rumored the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo are considering adding a sport to the Olympic Games, Ultimate Frisbee still has to compete with more established sports for a spot as an official Olympic sport, according to an article titled “Ultimate Frisbee recognized by International Olympic Committee” published on Aug. 2 in Sports Illustrated. Ultimate Frisbee continues to gain worldwide popularity, and organizations like the World Flying Disc Federation have hopes of the sport one day being seen in the Olympics.
RYAN MILLER on campus editor
Twenty years ago, Jim Foley moved to Wooster. After moving here, he looked for a local frisbee club and, not finding one, got a few people from the College of Wooster to play. “When the club was founded, I was looking for a club to play frisbee with. The closest club I found was in Kidron, so I got some people to play from the college. People come back to play, still, from that group,” Foley said. Paul Martin, one of the original members of the club and student at WHS when the club was started, has been very happy with the club’s success over the years. “Truthfully, I am glad to see that the group has continued as long as it has and been as successful,” Martin said. Wil Gastier (11) has been playing Frisbee for a year. After seeing people throwing Frisbees, he gained interest in the sport. “I saw people at cross country meets throwing them around. After I played while at a youth conference, I found out about a Frisbee club in Wooster,” Gastier said. Matthew Chidsey (11) has been enjoying Frisbee for six years. He gets the most enjoyment from catching the frisbee in difficult situations. “I enjoy the thrill of someone throwing a Frisbee into the air and knowing that I will be the one who catches it,” Chidsey said. The Ultimate Frisbee Club meets every Wednesday and Sunday at 6 p.m. They also have a Facebook page where updates are posted regarding their games.
The Basic Rules of Ultimate:
Teams of seven players compete on a rectangular field with two end zones. Players must work together to pass the frisbee to a player in the end zone in order to score a point. The player with possession of the disc must pass without moving, or else the team will receive a foul. The defense can intercept the disc for a forced turnover.
VIEWS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 4, 2015 | PAGE 15
Editors set goals for year Our View Changes at Wooster High School cause disorder and overall confusion
High school students all over the world use their lunch times to wind-down, do homework and chat with friends about their rigorous workload. The Wooster Blade Editorial Board feels the new 25 minute lunch period does not allow for us to both walk through the lunch line and eat lunch before the bell rings for the next class. A fellow BLADE staff member took to his phone to break down the actual time it takes to get through the lunch line and then subtracted that time from the time given to eat. Based on his stopwatch, 15 minutes were allowed for the student to eat lunch after making his way through the chaotic line. That being said, The Wooster
Blade Editorial Board feels that the current lunch period schedule does not allow students enough time to eat or socially interact with classmates and unwind before starting the second half of the school day. The lunch period should be a time for relaxation, rather than another stressful period added to our day. In order to make it a time that students may eat their lunches and also relax for a few moments, it is imperative that the administration reevaluate our current schedule to give us at least 30 minutes for lunch. Another change that has caused some problems is the reorganization of the student parking lot. Students have recently found
“TO BE AD-DRESS-ED” | COMMENTARY | SCOT NIELSON
that the chains put up at the ends of the parking lot are causing more problems than they are fixing. When students search for a parking space and they go toward the front of the parking lot, they are forced to maneuver their cars in the very small awkward space provided. The Wooster Blade Editorial Board is able to understand why a new arrangement was put into place, but feel as though this new change is actually not solving any problems. Students are still being dropped off by their parents in the student parking spaces, rather than being dropped off in the drop-off line. This change only causes more confusion.
STEPHEN KRIDEL AND MARY GRACE GORMAN co-editors in chief
As newly appointed co-editors in chief of The Wooster Blade, we are grateful for this opportunity to share with our readers only the most aesthetically-pleasing and thought-provoking news. To take full advantage of this unique opportunity, we continuously strive to provide our readers with objective, well-written, fully-reported and well-researched news stories. We also strive to maintain a fair, but confident, opinion in our editorials and columns.
We will work to ensure that every word, opinion and concept put into our editorials are the works of our whole editorial board and reflect the opinion of our editorial board. If any part of the editorial board disagrees, we will make their opinion known within the text. For clarity, we will differentiate between our opinions and our news to ensure proper and complete communication with minimal confusion. We are grateful to have received a letter to the editor in this, our first issue. We welcome letters from students and community members, provided they are 300 words or less. In addtion, we also accpet guest columns from school and community members. At The Wooster Blade, we strive to be a reliable and trustworthy news source. In the coming year, we hope to build on the esteem of our predecessors and become the best publication we can.
Letter to the Editor Leadership training leads to elitism
Leadership training has been going on in Wooster City Schools for as long as I can remember, but I have noticed a lack of inclusion of people from every school group. Isn’t leadership training supposed to help students create a school full of leadership and talent? I’ve watched dozens of new programs as they are launched and they all have a base in leadership. All of these programs take a small group of my classmates, who are picked by administrators and teachers, and the same students, and groups of students, are picked every time. If these same people are
picked every time, how are other groups supposed to learn leadership skills? Sports have been a divider in most things, but when the girls’ volleyball team is picked over and over for leadership training, then it raises the question: why them instead of other teams? Why not the boys’ cross country team or the boys’ baseball team? I have received recommendations on my leadership from the State of Ohio, Air Camp USA, and Boy Scouts of America, but only once have I been asked to be a part of a leadership-based program. If the administrators and teachers are concerned
with creating leaders, then why do people like me, who want to be leaders, get pushed aside? I have heard teachers say the reason they keep the same students in training is due to behavioral issues. Troublemakers cause trouble for one reason especially: they don’t know how to lead people. By sending them to the trainings, you can cause them to lead in a positive light instead of a negative. Therefore, I challenge you, teachers and administrators, to think about the quiet students or the troublemakers next time you choose students for the training; it will have a lasting effect. -Jacob Gooch (9)
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Editors-in-Chief Mary Grace Gorman, Stephen Kridel Webmaster Shreya Gurumurthy Graphics Manager Nate King-Smith Business Manager Samantha Brunn Front Editor Maureen McKeown On Campus Editors Kayla Barnet, Ryan Miller Focus Editors Kayla Cooper, Olivia Sleek Sports Editors Casey Baik, Grant Peabody Arts & Entertainment Editors Becca Foley, Claire Lanham Cover Editors Isabelle Cannon, Sarah Hopkins Views Editors Alex Barnard, Fred Holmes Feature Editors Hanna Morgan, Shiyuan Wang Staff Writers Valerie Anderson, Megan Buss, Nick Cosmo, Spencer Dilyard, Evan Doan, Bree Flinn-Johnson, Drew Friedhoff, Hannah Knapic, Austin McCully, Maddy Nacci, Scot Nielson, Erin O’Donnell, Amber Swigart, Katie Ward, Tatumn McGrew, Drosos Kardulias Photographers Fred Holmes, Grant Peabody, Casey Baik, Megan Buss, Bree Flinn-Johnson, Hannah Knapic, Jenna Zhu, Maggie Flechler, Maureen McKeown, Claire Lanham Cartoonist Scot Nielson, Jess Lyons, 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 330-345-4000 ext.
THE VOICE OF WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL
THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | SEPT. 4, 2015 | PAGE 16
Dress code provokes editorial discussion
During the first two weeks of school, administrators have begun a stricter crackdown on the dress code than we have seen in previous years. Many students were caught off guard by this stricter code, since the rules have not been so rigorously enforced in the past. The Wooster Blade Editorial Board feels there are several problems with this approach. First, our administration needs to be seen as a united front, and that image is difficult for them to pull off when our male administrators and faculty appear uncomfortable talking in objective terms about the dress code in front of students. The method chosen for enforcement is also problematic. During the first week of school, students were greeted as they entered school with a public dress code check. While we understand this measure was put into place in order to emphasize that all students are receiving equal enforcement, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes that publicly calling out students who violate the dress code promotes a culture of shame. When trusted adults publicly judge students’ choice of dress in front of other students, it invites them to do the same to their peers. The Wooster Blade Editorial Board has since noticed students calling one another out on their choices with comments like, “I can’t believe you didn’t get dress-coded for that,” exemplifying how teenagers model behavior.
While The Wooster Blade Editorial Board recognizes these statements by students are sometimes made sarcastically, they still indicate a problem. Such enforcement practices have only served to make what students choose to wear a more distracting issue, which is the opposite of what a dress code is intended to do. The objective of the dress code has been to create a professional environment, according to principal Tyler Kenner in the junior and senior class meeting. While The Wooster Blade Editorial Board agrees that biology necessitates different standards of clothing for different genders, professionalism can be mostly gender neutral. Yet, in terms of athletic wear, women still are called out more than men. Currently, most women’s running shorts violate the dress code, while men’s shorts generally do not. If professionalism is the standard, neither gender should be allowed to wear athletic shorts. Instead, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board suggests that both genders be allowed to wear athletic shorts, as they are loose fitting and not viewed as distracting by most students. In addition, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board commends the administration’s efforts to enforce the same standards for different body types. However, in doing so, the administration should amend the outdated handbook in order to
create a standard, as currently, the handbook only bans “scooped shirts or any type of shirt/top/ blouse that exposes cleavage.” As The Wooster Blade Editorial Board applauds the administration’s attempts at consistency in enforcement, we suggest that they closely examine the handbook to rid it of the inconsistencies within. Consider, for example, the “no form-fitting shorts” rule. Students are allowed to wear leggings and yoga pants, which are very formfitting. Consistently speaking, if those form-fitting shorts had a fiveinch inseam they should fit within the acceptable dress code, as should jeans that have holes or rips that fall below the five-inch inseam. The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes students would be more amenable to a dress code that attempts to keep up with the times. Some teenagers will always try to wear clothing that is in fashion; administrators cannot change human nature. Updating the dress code to include standards like a fingertip rule for shorts, rather than a five-inch inseam, and a set standard of inches or fingers for how low cut a shirt may be, would increase adherence to the dress code, as students would feel it was fairer. The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes that dress codes are not inherently problematic. With some minor detail changes to the handbook and a less public style of enforcement, WHS could have a more successful dress code policy.
Students voice frustration over Twitter Taylor Mills @taylor_mills_3
Megan Christel @Christel_Megan
All of this dress coding is ridiculous..
My collarbones r sexier than yours
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8/20/15, 6:37 PM
Jaryn Lindenmuth @Jaryn_Noel Boys having legs is not a problem. Girls having collarbones is not a problem. Shoulders are not a problem. Sexualizing normal body parts is. 8/20/15, 11:51AM
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Hannah DeHart @_hannuh7 Let me just say this, some girls can’t help if they have a bigger chest so you can’t put them down because of their bodies. You shouldn’t 8/20/15, 8:55PM
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