The Wooster Blade, Volume XVI, Issue 3

THE WOOSTER BLADE

WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER • 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH • OCT. 9, 2015 • VOLUME XVI, ISSUE 3

S O WO

S ’ R E T

Z Z BU

INDEX

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 2

front section 3 LANDON RICE IS THE ONLY MALE CHEERLEADER IN THE WCSD

Taking the cheerleading world by storm

Parents share past memories of concerts

a&e

14-17

feature 22-25

Healthy living: where in Wooster to get fit

trends 26-28

by the numbers

sponsorship 4 8-9

focus

views

29-32

Front photo taken by Maggie Flechler. Index photos by Hannah Knapic, Claire Lanham, Beth Clayton, Spencer Dilyard, Casey Baik.

Script Woo courtesy of Dan Adams.

CORPORATE SPONSORS We would like to thank all of our

supporters for the 2015-2016 school year.

Corporate $250

1-2

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

WHS prepares for upcoming lip dub

on campus

5-7

Wooster football looks to continue improving

sports

18-21

WOOSTER’S OWN

Unique sights only found in Wooster

Only in Wooster cover 10-13

Blue $500 Dyer Roche & Company, Inc. Freeman Building System Metals USA Pine Tree Barn The Western Reserve Group

BY THE NUMBERS Homecoming attire

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 3

by the numbers

Average regular tie Price: $13-$50

Average hair price: $25-$40

Average bowtie price: $12-$40

Average nail price: $30

Average vest price: $30-$100

Average corsage price: $35-$40

Average men’s dress shirt price: $9-$75

Average dress price: $100-$400 Average shoe price (women): $16-$90

HAN NAH

KNA

PIC

Average dress pants price: $16-$150 Average dress shoes (men) Price: $31-$160

Average boutonniere price: $5-$20

Data collected through consultation with Identity Hair Studio, Tips, Toes, and Beyond, Kohl’s (prices include clearance) and www.promgirl.com, polls collected by Maddy Nacci

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 4

SPONSORSHIP

ON CAMPUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 5

WHS lip dub brings students together with school spirit HANNAH KNAPIC staff writer

After receiving thousands of views, the WHS lip dub will be reincarnated on Oct. 23.

The previous lip dub, featuring the 2015 seniors, received over 15 thousand views on Vimeo.

Kristin Broda, English Dept. member and drama teacher, is ready to put on another show.

Also involved is computer Science Dept. member, Nathan Greene.

Seniors wishing to take part in the lip dub auditioned on Sept. 21, 22 and 23 in Broda’s room C221. Songs used for auditions ranged from “Love is an Open Door,” performed by Vince Vanata and Nick Koontz, to “Dynamite,” performed by Derek Kunkler.

BETH CLAYTON

Kristin Broda, English Dept. member, helps the students who are participating in the lip dub perfect their parts for the recording scheduled for Oct. 23, the Friday of the annual Wooster-Orrville football game.

For the lip dub production this year, Broda plans to make changes to how the whole school will be included.

Broda said more clubs and sports teams will be featured to further showcase spirit, and there will be a greater focus on the graduating class.

However, she hopes to have the entire school finish the production together rather than only seniors finishing the production.

Natali Edgerton (11) said, “I felt like the lip dub was the first time we worked on something as a whole school. It made us closer and really brought up the school spirit.”

Vince Vanata (12), a participant in the lip dub, hopes the production will encourage more students to attend sporting events in the future, such

as basketball, baseball and softball.

At this time, 30 seniors are taking part in this year’s lip dub.

Broda expressed she is most excited for the, “Amazing seniors… [they’re] fun people who’ll totally kill it.”

Lip dub participant Rece Emplit (12) is hopeful that “everyone feels like they are part of something big here at WHS.” Lip dub participant Taya Lautenschlagar (12) hopes the timing of the video will, “encourage all students to come out, show spirit and cheer on Wooster as they take on Orrville.”

The planned release date for the lip dub is Oct. 30, the Friday of the annual Wooster-Orrville game.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 6

8th grade yearbook

Artsy

Academics

Academic or artsy?

What is your ideal club?

Power of the Pen, Academic Challenge, Math Counts

8th grade

Use this helpful chart to find your best fit

High school

START HERE

High school

Meeting times for clubs Art club- every Wednesday Creative Writing club- the first and third Thursday of the month Drama Club- once a month on Fridays Improv Comedy club- Mondays after school Newspaper Production- every morning during first period NHS- at least one Wednesday a month after school OCC Leadership- specific Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m.

Speech and Debate- Mondays after school Student Government- every other Thursday Yearbook- every day during sixth period 8th grade clubs: NJHS- specific days TBA Academic Challenge- Wednesdays Power of the Pen- Wednesdays Math counts- Mondays after school Yearbook- TBA

Leadership

Art

Leader or artist?

Which type of art do you prefer?

Crafting

NHS, Student Government, OCC Leadership

Art Club

Writing

Creative Writing, Newspaper Production, Yearbook

Speaking

Improv Comedy, Speech and Debate, Drama

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 7

Interact Club, Key Club

In the community

In school

Friends of Rachel, Teen Institute

Yes

And being supported

GSA, Upward Bound

Do you enjoy helping others?

Meeting times for clubs

Service

Which do you prefer?

Academics

Athletics Do you speak another language ?

Do you prefer indoors or outdoors?

No

Indoors Outdoors

Other options

Bowling Mountain Biking, Ultimate Frisbee

Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Spirit Committee

Academic Challenge, History Club , Science Club, Chess Club

Yes

Academic Challenge- Mondays 5 to 6 p.m.

Bowling- meeting this winter Chess Club- Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

FCA- Fridays at 7:15 a.m.

Friends of Rachel- Wednesdays during lunch German- Wednesdays after school GSA- every other Thursday after school History- twice a month after school Interact Club- first Thursday every month Key Club-every other Tuesday after school Mountain Biking Club- Thursdays after school Science Club- Thursdays after school Spanish Club- Tuesdays as announced Spirit Club- Tuesdays Teen Institute- every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 3-4:30 p.m.

Ultimate Frisbee-every Monday and Wednesday after school Upward Bound-Tuesdays after school

Spanish Club, German Club, French Club

FOCUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 8

Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio helps people with disabilities OLIVIA SLEEK focus editor

The Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio is a program that allows people who have with physical or visual disabilities to take on sports.

Lisa Followay, founder of ASPO, came up with idea to put the program into motion when they moved to Ohio in 2006.

Her son, a WHS alum, Casey was involved in adaptive sports in Indiana prior to the move.

“ASPO was founded in 2009 based on Casey’s experiences with adaptive sports and the enormous benefits he received.

He was 8-years-old at the time and got to experience many great sports. When we moved back to Ohio in 2006, we were struck by the lack of opportunities. In 2009, we started ASPO after meeting

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA FOLLOWAY

Anne Hammel playing sled hockey at Alice Noble Ice Arena. Sled hockey is one of nine sports the Adaptive Sports program of Ohio has available. several people with disabilities who were interested in adaptive sports. Our mission is to improve health and

wellness with of individuals with physical and visual disabilities through competitive and recreational activities,”

Ida Sue undergoes budget cuts SAMANTHA BRUNN business manager

Despite recent federal funding cuts, the Wayne County Board of Developmental Disabilities continues to provide the same level of care to the Wayne County area.

According to Anna Marshall, Director of Business Operations at the WCBDD, the funding cut is a two-year phase out of about 12 percent of Ida Sue’s total budget of $14 million annually. The cut is due to the diminished amount of tangible personal property tax currently being given to the WCBDD. In order to compensate for the cut, Marshall said the WCBDD has downsized their administrative staff from twelve to four people. Additionally, the WCBDD has begun to utilize outside private providers for matters such as transportation.

Although people may believe the number of students able to utilize the WCBDD’s limited resources is dwindling, Marshall said the WCBDD utilizes an eligibility process to determine whether an individual needs the level of care Ida Sue provides, and the WCBDD always finds the necessary means to help each individual.

“While not everyone passes the eligibility process, you can appeal with due process.

We always refer people to other organizations and services that can meet their needs,” Marshall said.

According to Ken Kelly, Community Employment Manager at the WCBDD, the biggest upcoming focus is on community employment.

“First of all, the assessment process begins for our students at age 14. We determine whether they are eligible to participate in the community employment initiative and find them a mentorship opportunity within the community,” Kelly said.

Kelly explained that businesses in the community such as Green Leaf, Lowe’s, and Danberry Woods, as well as the local auditor’s office, have all provided mentorship opportunities for WCBDD students.

As the WCBDD looks to the coming year, they hope the community will support the school through community employment opportunities, as well as moral support.

Followay said.

The athletes first started the program as a way to still be included in sports and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Anne Hammel, an active member of the ASPO, has been a member for the past five years.

“It’s really helped with my self-esteem and gave me a sense of belonging. It helped me realize that I can achieve greater things,” Hammel said.

“Some are just looking for a way to be active and healthy, while other enjoy being with others who share similiar life experiences. A few, once they start, are also looking or an opportunity to compete at the elite level. For adaptive sports, that’s the Paralympic Games, held two weeks after the Olympic games at the same venue,” Followay said.

Hammel agrees with Follway. “There’s some sort of

understanding will all share with each other. I always wanted to play a sport but was never able to. When I found out about the program, I called them up immediately and wanted to get involved immediately,” Hammel said.

There are several locations throughout Ohio that participate in the program including: Wooster, Toledo, Akron, Medina, Columbus and Youngstown.

According to adaptivesportsohio.org, the program offers nine different sports athletes can partake in that range from power soccer to sled hockey.

On Oct. 31 there will be a three-on-three wheelchair basketball tournament in partnership with the Wooster Elks. Everyone is welcome, and the cost is $350 per team. Teams may register at adaptivesportsohio.org/3on3.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT 9, 2015 | FOCUS | PAGE 9

Project aims to help fight hunger Local nonprofit fundraiser: community service projects.

The church assessed the need of Wayne County and has

STEPHEN KRIDEL co-editor-in-chief The movement #ForWayneCounty is a project started by Grace Brethren Church that allows community members to aid people in need.

A main focus of #ForWayneCounty is collecting and distributing food.

“The [Grace Brethren] church is raising a canned food drive for some of the people here.

Their goal is to raise 350,000 pounds of food for some of the people here in the county and just try to help some people here with a movement to fight hunger,” Reis Rising (11), a member of Grace Brethren said. #ForWayneCounty is a project a year in the making.

Last September, Grace Brethren celebrated its 75th anniversary with 75

“WE COLLECTED ALMOST SIX TONS OF FOOD AT THE FAIR AND NEARLEY $10,000,” SNYDER SAID. worked to fulfill those needs, according to Grace Brethren communications director Rachel Snyder.

In addition to social media and a hashtag, a booth at the Wayne County Fair was used solely for promoting #ForWayneCounty. The booth served as a drop off location for non-perishable foods or donations.

“We collected almost six tons of food at the fair and nearly $10,000,” Snyder said.

Food is a needed resource to which not all Wayne County residents have access.

One in five adults and two in five children in Wayne County do not know where they are getting their next meal; Grace Brethren is trying to raise awareness for this, Taylor Mills (12), youth leader at Grace Brethren, said.

Non-perishable food and monetary donations are both welcome and encouraged to be dropped off at the church during office hours.

Debate sparks student interest RYAN MILLER & SCOT NIELSON on campus editor & staff writer The Wayne County Public Library held Candidates’ Night on Oct. 1, giving school board candidates an opportunity to solidify their stances on issues such as classroom size, integration of technology in classrooms, and communication between administration, teachers and school board members.

The event was moderated by Cindy Biggs and hosted by the League of Women Voters. Questions were posed to candidates by the moderator, as well as members who attended the event.

Four candidates participated in the hour-long debate, two of whom currently serve on the board. Incumbent candidates consisted of local physician Michael Knapic and attorney Robert Reynolds. Former teachers Sue Herman and Jackie Kiefer seek election.

Also on the ballot is William Gantz, who seeks the unexpired term.

Candidates took stances on prevalent issues such as busing schedules, the Common Core and standardized testing and also on the anticipated effect of Issue 3 on schools.

The seventh question posed to the candidates asked them to share “the most important goal [they] would like to achieve as a member of the school board.”

Kiefer asked for more collaboration between teaching staff and administration and called for smaller class sizes..

Herman agreed with Kiefer, stating that teachers need to feel valued by administration, emphasizing the importance of communication.

Reynolds cited the continued expansion of Edgewood Middle School as his goal.

Knapic said the district needs to continue to improve the way state funds are utilized.

Elections will take place Nov. 3. Three candidates will be elected in total.

Walking to end Alzheimer’s

AMBER SWIGART staff writer

The 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place at WHS on Oct. 17.

The Alzheimer’s Association, which holds fundraisers for the cause across the United States and sponsors programs like the Wayne County Walk, is the largest nonprofit voluntary health organization for Alzheimer’s and aims to gain attention for the disease.

Andrew DeFratis, communications coordinator of the organization’s East Ohio chapter, says students can get involved by volunteering.

“We need people who can help direct visitors where to go, distribute walk t-shirts and ask walkers to fill out advocacy

cards to support Alzheimer’s research,” DeFratis stated.

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in America, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International.

Money raised for Alzheimer ’s-related programs predominantly contributes to research.

“Obviously, the goal is to find a cure, so most fundraising goes directly toward getting to the core of the disease in order to learn more about it and, eventually, develop a cure,” a representative of the Alzheimer’s Association said.

Registration is still open.

Contact Community Development Coordinator Stephanie Mueller at smueller@alz.org.

COVER

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 10

Wooster’s Buzz: The Wooster Blade turns WHS into the latest edition of Buzzfeed.

The Wooster Blade takes a look at refuges in WHS for students to relieve some everyday stress.

10 experiences that are distinct to Wooster

1 People in kilts 3

4 Amish buggy parking

5 6

N WI

7

Photos by Jenna Zhu

Three sporting goods stores within walking distance of each other

The massive Orrville/Wooster rivalry

Script Woo

8 If you need a place to refuel and recharge...

General Grounds, the coffee shop, located in the WHS library, is a popular spot for students to go when they need a break from the daily grind.

You can sometimes hear bagpipes

Lerch’s Donuts

If you need to read the paper as you drink a cup of coffee...

The BLADE room is home to many students and is the perfect place to unwind.

If you to want to play a game or two...

The school store is open to all students who want to purchase spirit apparel or play cards with the store staff.

2

Woosterfest is our own Octoberfest

9

You’ll get an earful for pronouncing “Wooster” wrong

10 Coccia House pizza

Graphics from BLADE archives Photos by Megan Buss

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 11

How well do you know your science teachers?

Q: Which Science Dept. member has no sense of smell?

A: Eric Heller

Q: Which science teacher got engaged while sky diving?

A: Eric Heller

Q:Which science teacher absolutely loves to bake?

A: Shelly Silvaggi

Q: Which Science Dept. member creates art out of recycled materials?

A: Dara Wood Q: Which science teacher has a homemade hydroponic system to grow vegetables?

A: McKenzie Doup

Q:Which science teacher’s favorite place to mountain bike is Vulteres Knob in Wooster or Reagan Park in Medina?

A: Carol Estvanic

BREE FLINN-JOHNSON

Facts collected by Erin O’Donnell

Which faculty members said these catchphrases?

Match the following quotes with the correct teacher.

1. “Yahtzee!”

2. “Dear Santa,”

5. “May the odds be ever in your favor.”

A

G

Quotes compiled by Nick Cosmo Photos courtsey of woostercityschools.org

6. “Peace, love, science rules.”

3. “¡Que shock!”

4. “There was a fox in my backyard yesterday.”

H

B

7. “Heavens to Betsy!”

C

E

D

F

8. “Fly, birds!”

ilvag gi

Answer key: 1. D 2. A 3. E 4. G 5. C 6. F 7. H 8. B

She

r erbe

lly S

G Drew

As temperatures fall, these WHS teachers are ready for sweater weather.

P

n

lei

K hil

sM

ri

Ch

Photos taken by Becca Foley

ot

c as

zor

a ti-R

e

Cut Jill

Co

pp

ola

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 9, 2015 | COVER | PAGE 12

6 Struggles Athletes Will Understand

The Struggle is Real 8 Stuggles AP Students Will Understand

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Writing that perfect thesis in less than five minutes

mg

O

Reading three different books for classes at once Taking multiple textbooks to each class Missing other classes for the AP tests When at least one day each weekend is a designated homework day “Okay ladies and gentlemen, please get out your blue or black ink pen.”

Wondering if you will actually get credit for the class Frantic studying March and April

during

Referencing concepts from class in the real world and not understanding why other people are not as excited as you are

Struggles compiled by Austin McCully, Mary Grace Gorman and Hanna Morgan. Graphics by Drew Friedhoff and Shreya Gurumurthy

L

LO

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Early morning practices Limiting free time to a minumum Trying to get equipment without spending too much money Having to compete against friends for spots Late night homework after long practices Trying to stay positive after losses

5 Struggles Music Geeks Will Understand

1. Getting marks on your neck from your shoulder rest 2. When there is a page turn in the music 3. When your high step isn’t very high 4. How uncomfortable the band uniforms are 5. When valves freeze to a score in a movie and trying to identify which 6. Listening instruments are playing

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 13

What type of chair are you?

What social media outlet are you?

Which of these shapes is your favorite? a. Triangle

b. Rectangle

c. Circle

d. Square

Which is most important to you? a. Independence

b. Chrysler

c. GM

d. Volkswagen

a. Italy or Greece

b. Cartoonist

c. Editor

d. Photographer

b. New York City

a. Renaissance

If you were a Malcolm Gladwell book, which would you be? a. The Tipping Point

b. Blink

Mostly As: Blue chair Mostly Bs: Cushion & wheels

c. Outliers

Mostly Cs: Leather chair Mostly Ds: Plastic chair

d. David and Goliath

c. The beach

d. Paris or London

What is your favorite era in history?

If you were on the newspaper staff, you would be a... a. Writer

d. Speaking your mind

c. Loyalty

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Which of these car brands would you prefer to drive? a. MercedesBenz

b. Optimism

b. PostModern Era

d. Enlightenment

c. Age of Discovery

What kind of music do you usually listen to? a. Older music of all genres

Quizzes compiled by Scot Nielson and Amber Swigart.

b. Pop/rap

c. Rock/ country

Mostly As: Instagram Mostly Bs: Snapchat

d. Indie/ alternative

Mostly Cs: Facebook Mostly Ds: Twitter

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT 9, 2015 | PAGE 14

PHOTO FAIR USE COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA

Q: Was it different than other rock concerts?

A: I had previously been to a few concerts. But, those were just concerts with some decorations and lights on stage. During “The Wall” tour, the stage was a show by itself. Picture this: the stage starts to be filled by five foot tall, 10 foot wide white bricks, eventually over 400 of them filled the stage.

As the wall formed, starting from the sides, 20-foot-tall puppets start acting out the songs, 50-foot-tall animations fill your view, and then: the band is completely walled off.

Q: Why did you go to the concert?

A: Pink Floyd was amazing experimental music on Dark Side of the Moon, mellow rock in Wish You Were Here, then Animals I didn’t really understand until college (based on British class distinctions as in Animal Farm). The album seemed to rebel against authority, while also speaking to adolescent alienation and feeling isolated even when in a crowd. The music was good too, more guitar-heavy than before, more of a heavy beat. In other words, more rock.

Undergoing the “Pink Floyd Experience” Q&A with James Foley conducted by Becca Foley

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Boss is the Boss BOB GORMAN guest writer

PHOTO FAIR USE COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA

Q: Was it good to hear it live?

A: The vocals were not so great in the first half. It got better, although maybe that was because our eardrums were more damaged by the end of the concert. Yeah, it was loud, though it needed to be to be heard over the fans.

But, seeing the show was not just about hearing the music, nor about seeing the band…

In fact, the show, especially this one, would have been amazing even with no sound at all, which was good, if you already had a lot of eardrum damage from previous concerts.

Fleetwood Mac

Q&A with Jodi Harris by Grant Peabody.

Q: What was the audience like?

A: It was a mixed generational crowd, not drugged up that I recall, [and there was] no mosh pit. There were people in seats and people standing at various times.

Q: What made this concert unique?

A: “The Wall” was like nothing else I have heard about, and I was lucky to see it, there weren’t many places it was performed.

Most concerts play a variety of songs from many albums; but this concert told a story.

“The Wall” was an album, then a brief concert tour, then a movie. It was not actually a tour; there was way too much in the set to actually take it on the road from place to place. I think it was just on Long Island and L.A..

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

I had a sweet spot of about 10 years in my youth, during which I saw a lot of concerts.

Many great memories linger, but one still stands out: the Boss is the Boss.

The Born in the USA tour, celebrating Bruce Springsteen’s record-breaking album of the same name, thrilled audiences throughout the world.

My turn was at the old “Mistake on the Lake,” Municipal Stadium in Cleveland in August 1984, where I joined more than 70,000 of my closest friends for an unforgettable evening.

Prior to the concert, I was just a mild Springsteen fan. I attended with friends because it was the young-adult event of the summer. But, by the end of the three-hour energy fest, I was sold on the Boss for life.

I have seen him several more times and own many of his albums, all owing to attending

that concert.

As a middle-ager looking back 31 years, I remember the concert was long and exciting. I remember Bruce belting out “Born in the USA” and “Born to Run” while running from end to end of a stage as long as the scoreboard in the old stadium. I remember Clarence Clemons performing as the saxophone player.

Mostly, I remember thinking that every great thing I had heard about Springsteen and the E Street Band was true.

I was fortunate enough to attend numerous other concerts over the years -- James Taylor, Bob Dylan, Steely Dan, Harry Chapin, Crosby Stills & Nash, The Eagles, Earth, Wind & Fire, America, Boz Scaggs and others. I got to see the historic combination of Bob Dylan, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and the Grateful Dead together at the Rubber Bowl in Akron.

So, I am pretty lucky, but I will say it once again: the Boss is the Boss.

Q: What was the atmosphere like?

A: The atmosphere was nostalgic. A lot of the songs were from my teenager years.

Q: When did you see Fleetwood Mac? A: June 13, 2004

Q: What made the concert special?

A: They were a group that was extrememely popular when we were teens. It was also special because we were there with a group of our best friends.

PHOTO FAIR USE COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA

DAWN KRIDEL guest columnist It was the fall of 1978 and my senior year in high school. I had a friend who was home on break and was lucky enough to score two tickets to a Billy Joel concert. This same friend surprised me in August with his latest album at the time, The Stranger.

The concert took place on the campus of the University of Toledo at Centennial Hall. During basketball season, it was where the Rockets played, but that night, the court was set up for a concert and our seats were on the floor.

We were all younger at the time, and Billy Joel performed with an incredible level of energy.

He spent most of the night at his beautiful grand piano, but at several points, he bounded around the stage alongside his fellow band members.

The playlist that night

included, “Movin’ Out,” “Vienna,” “Always a Woman,” “Only the Good Die Young” and “Piano Man,“ on which he played both the harmonica and piano.

My favorite song of the evening was “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” which begins and ends slow and soulfully, but becomes fast-paced and honky tonk in the middle.

He was an up-andcoming New York city artist who played to a sold out crowd of high school and college students dressed in Levi’s, Izods and boat shoes.

We came for an evening of well written and well performed music, and we were not disappointed.

“You know that when the truth gets told That you can get what you want or you can just get old You’re gonna kick off before you even get halfway through When will you realize, Vienna waits for you…”

James Lanham

Remembering the Piano Man’s music

A vivid night with the Doobie Brothers

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT I OCT 9, 2015 | PAGE 15

SHREYA GURUMURTHY

Q&A conducted with Jill Coppola

by Maureen McKeown

The Grateful Dead 1965-1995 Bill Kreutzmann, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh

Q: How many times have you seen the Grateful Dead?

A: “I honestly don’t know how many times I have seen the Grateful Dead...too many to count!”

Tom Johnston, co-founder of the Doobie Brothers, attributes the group’s marijuana-themed name to a housemate who suggested the moniker to its members “because you’re always smoking.”

Following my freshman college year, the opportunity arose to enjoy this sensational rock band at Blossom Music Center in August of 1976.

Having just completed his U.S. Naval Academy plebe year, my high school friend invited me to catch the concert, accompanied by his girlfriend and my date to be determined.

To my delight, that first Doobie’s appearance at Blossom included the recently acquired lead singer Michael McDonald who propelled the Doobie Brothers to the platinum album Takin’ It to the Streets.

Songs included the McDonald penned “Takin’ It to the Streets,” along with other Doobies hits “Listen to the Music,” “Long Train Runnin’,” and “China Grove.”

Concerts fly by for me if all of the lyrics are familiar, (see, e.g., James Taylor, greatest singer/songwriter ever in this universe) but lag when I am a casual fan waiting expectantly through obscure cuts for that renowned hit or two.

The Doobie Brothers were the antithetical band for this casual Doobie’s fan; no concert I have ever attended traveled so fast.

It is astonishing that the Doobie’s founders, Johnston and Patrick Simmons, are still touring with the Doobie Brothers after 45 years with the band.

PHOTOS BY CLAIRE LANHAM

Q: What was the audience like? Did it change the experience?

A: “ It was like a big family - it was like if you were there, you were taking part in something only those present could understand.

It did not change the concert experience; it made it what it was.

Dead shows would not have been what they were without their specific audience.”

Q: When and where did you see the Grateful Dead?

A: “I went to shows all over the East Coast and Midwest between 1988 and 1993.”

Q: What was the best aspect?

A: “The best aspect was that Dead shows were not just concerts; they were experiences.

People would be selling jewelry and passing out information on all kinds of topics. My friends and I would always meet tons of really interesting people, sit and talk for hours, camp out, dance. It was just really liberating.”

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 9, 2015 | ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT I PAGES 16 & 17

What is your ideal bookshelf?

Elementary School Student (as given by Lisa Aultz)

Wayside School Is Falling Down- Louis Sachar Each Kindness- Jacqueline Woodson Hatchet- Gary Paulson The President’s Stuck In The Pete The Cat Rocking in My School Shoes- Eric Litwin Actual Size- Steve Jenkins Bathtub- Susan Katz Enemy Pie - Derek Munson Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing- Judy Blume Because of Winn-Dixie- Kate DiCamillo

Recess Queen- Alexis O’Neill

-Lisa Aultz, Library Paraprofessional at Melrose Elementary

Wooster High School Senior Ella Hayward-Lara

Throughout the month

Harry Potter Series- JK Rowling The Giver- Lois Lowry Eragon - Christopher Paolini The Help- Kathryn Stockett Ender’s Game- Orson Scott Card Farhenheit 451- Ray The Nancy Drew SeriesBradbury Carolyn Keene Cyrano De Bergerac- Edmond Rostand Jane Eyre- Charlotte Bronte A Wrinkle In Time- Madeline L’Engle

419

of September, students were polled from various lunches and study halls and

English Dept. Member Diane Mealey

Graphic by Nate King-Smith. Polls conducted by Erin O’Donnell, Hannah Knapic, Scot Nielson and Maureen McKeown. Ideal bookshelves collected by Mary Grace Gorman, Amber Swigart and Samantha Brunn, and photos by Becca Foley and Jenna Zhu. Book photos by Becca Foley, Jenna Zhu, Hannah Knapic, Spencer Dilyard, Fred Holmes, Megan Buss, Claire Lanham and Bree Flinn-Johnson.

Lewis Carroll

To Kill a Mockingbird- Harper Lee The Night Circus- Erin Morgenstern Jane Eyre- Charlotte Bronte Trixie Belden and the Mystery of the Headless Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban- JK Rowling Horseman- Kathryn Kenny Pride and Prejudice- Jane Austen The Many Lives and Sorrows of Josephine B.- Sandra Gulland Nancy Drew and the Secret of the Old Clock- Carolyn Keene The Book Thief- Marcus Zusak

asked, “What

book has had the greatest influence on your life?”

Alice In Wonderland-

English Department member describes reading journey through life

Does this mean I hate the Harry Potter books? Not so much. I think it has more to do with them just not being my cup of guest columnist tea. However, for what I do appreciate Students and staff alike are often Ms. Rowling and Harry is the explosion shocked when I tell them, aside that has happened in young adult from the first of the Harry Potter literature since the successful publication books, I have not read the acclaimed of those books. series. Even then, I only read the Pre-Harry you would be pretty hard first one because I read it to my pressed to find a lot of good material two older kiddies before bed every for younger readers. Because of this, I night. think that is why my youth was spent Ask my wife, and I think she will reading the latest adventures of Batman tell you I fell asleep when we saw and Superman comics from the local the first film at the theater a while convenient store. back.

I was not a “book” reader until later

BRETT HINER

in life and, while I think I am making up for it now, I still regularly head back to those DC (and occasional Marvel) adventures and my first memories as a reader.

I do not recall the year in college, but there was a point when I picked up the unabridged version of Stephen King’s The Stand, an 1,100 page door-stop of a book. Following Stu, Nick and Glen as they made their way through King’s apocalyptic tale was perhaps the best literary experience of my life. Plus, the confidence that making my way through that book gave me, as a reader, was the beginning of my adult literary journey.

That journey has since included visiting the Seven Kingdoms and Araluen, witnessing Harry Dresden’s magical powers and Harry Bosch’s detective skills, fearing running into Jack Reacher in a dark alley or not having Penn Cage on my side of the law. Lately, it has been devouring anything written by Michael Koryta.

So, “why do I read?” Maybe the best answer to that question comes from my favorite author, Mr. King: “Books are a uniquely portable magic.”

It is not at all clichéd to say being taken away from somewhere in Wooster, Ohio, and being placed, say, in a dystopian future, not only shows the power of

words, but it is also a wonder of science.

Whether it is a fictional world or being taken in on a real life journey, reading books is one of the few pieces of evidence left proving that we are still thinking.

Imagine Bradbury’s world when we stop…

My literary bucket list (which you all should have) has me, hopefully, paying a visit to France and hanging out with Jean Valjean for awhile, and then making my way through Atkinson’s Liberation Trilogy.

And who knows, maybe I will even find my way back to Hogwarts.

SPORTS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 18

WHS cheerleaders predict a successful season SARAH HOPKINS cover editor

The Wooster cheerleaders are spreading pep through the halls of WHS and have high expectations for this year.

Varsity cheerleader Olivia Stokes (11) said the year is off to a great start and notes the team has been preparing well for each Friday night.

“We’ve been working really

hard, not only preparing for OCCs, but preparing for every game, whether that’s working on new cheers and chants for upcoming games or making signs to spread school spirit,” Stokes said.

JV cheerleader Libby Szukaitis (11) has really enjoyed spreading school spirit and being surrounded by a group of girls who have easily become close friends.

From being together at games,

to relaxing and decorating t-shirts together, these girls are in it together.

However, the squad has one primary goal.

“Our goal this year is to win OCC,” Szukaitis said.

Hard work and practice competitions have contributed to the season thus far, according to head coach Duper Palotta. She added cheerleading is more work than some people think.

“It’s not just motions, but motion placement. You must be able to dance, jump and tumble. It requires great balance, a solid build and flexibility,” Duper said.

For Gabby McClure (9), this season is about improving and being able to showcase the team’s hard work to crowds.

She said she loves that they get the opportunity to represent the school at games and at other schools.

R! EE H C

CASEY BAIK

Watts honored for abilities MADDY NACCI staff writer

What is the hardest part of being a cheerleader?

“I think that tumbling and conditioning is the hardest.” – Jillian Schneider (10), varsity

“Even if you don’t consider cheerleading a sport, you should still respect the amount of commitment, time and effort that we pour into it.” –Amber Swigart (10), JV

“I think the hardest part of being a cheerleader is how the stereotypes associated with the sport affect us as individuals, and how easy of a target we are as a squad.” –Landon Rice (8) “Remembering all of the chants and dances that we do every Friday night.” –Hannah DeHart (11), varsity

Quotes gathered by Maddy Nacci Graphics by Shreya Gurumurthy, Scot Nielson and Valerie Anderson

GO

WOO

Duper Pallotta expects each of the cheerleaders in the WHS program to continue to develop and improve over their years, but she identifies the one girl who has improved the most since eighth grade as Kaitlyn Watts.

Duper has been coaching the cheerleading program for 18 years.

Duper emphasizes continuous improvement for the squad and for the girls as individuals.

“All of the girls have to continue to improve and do what they are expected to do to make it to the next level,” Duper said.

Duper chose Kaitlyn Watts as the most improved cheerleader since eighth grade because, as Duper said, she has come out of her shell and learned to be more relaxed and comfortable with both cheerleading itself and the girls who are around her.

Duper said Watts was a very shy girl, at first, but she has learned to express herself through cheerleading, which Duper admires.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | OCT. 9 2015 | PAGE 19

Football excels at all grade levels “I’ve been very, very pleased with the season so far, we just need to keep improving week by week,” Haas said.

Varsity has a record of 5-1, JV is 2-3, freshmen 2-4 and eighth grade 4-1-1.

As this is Haas’s first year coaching a defending OCC championship team, he explains that he wants to make competing for that title a culture piece for his teams Varsity is currently undefeated in the OCC conference at 3-0, with a good chance at repeating and possibly surpassing the previous year’s

success according to Haas.

As well as producingin terms staff writer of skill, Wooster football has grown in other areas.

From eighth grade to varsity, “We’re a team. The finger WHS football is looking to pointing/blame game has been keep working and improving approached and taken care of. to make this season a special Of course we have problems at one. times, but when it comes down According to coaches Doug to it, we’re an actual team this Haas (varsity head coach), year,” team captain Tremaine Steve Young (freshman head Wilson (12) said. coach, JV offensive coordinator, Young, who coached at and varsity assistant), and Wadsworth for four years Rhyne Ladrach (eighth grade prior to this season, says that head coach), Wooster football at Wooster, there is a totally is on course to have a great different environment, but it season at all levels. has been one that he enjoys.

“When things are going well, it’s fun to see the interactions on and off the field between players,” Young said.

The football season continues as the eighth grade team has their next game Oct. 14 against Mount Vernon at Follis Field; the freshmen play Oct. 15 at Mansfield Senior; and JV and varsity play Lexington, whose varsity team is currently tied with Wooster and Ashland with a 5-1 record, SPENCER DILYARD in their upcoming games, JV on Oct. 10 at Follis, and Junior wide receiver Colt Morgan extends for a diving catch against Madison Rams in 20-7 varsity Oct. 9 at Lexington. victory last Friday night giving the Generals a 5-1 record overall.

DREW FRIEDHOFF

SPENCER DILYARD

Photo (top): Trey Mathis stiff arms two defenders as he sprints for a first down.

Photo (bottom): Kobe Russel leaps in front of two Madison recievers and pulls down an interception for the Generals.

WHS football players give opinions on athletic role models

Tremaine Wilson (12): “I’d have to say Michael Hart, running back #20 out of Michigan. I watched a film on him and just loved the way he played and the passion that he played with and wanted to be just like that.

He’s the reason I wear #20.”

Nick Johnston (11): “Ezekiel Elliot because he clowns and is amazing at running the ball.”

Titus Thind (11): “LeBron James because he came from a place close to where I was born and he is the greatest.”

Dylan Dagley (9): “Tom Brady because he’s good and hasn’t done anything wrong in my opinion. He’s a role model.”

Nick Ballard (11): “Bo Jackson, because how versatile he was as a player and how humble he was with his fame

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 20

Cleveland Browns fumble for a starting quarterback

GRANT PEABODY sports editor

As Sunday approaches, many people are scrambling to find a good quarterback for fantasy football.

But for the Browns, it seems to be a scramble just to decide a starting quarterback for the next game.

After a disappointing rookie year, Cleveland fans were quick to think that Johnny Manziel was a bust. Manziel was determined to turn his reputation around in the eyes

150 N. Walnut St. Downtown Wooster 330-601-1250

of Cleveland.

He first began by heading to rehab and cleaning up his act, after exiting rehab, Manziel had a new mentality and desire to become a better football player both on and off the field.

In the Browns first game against the New York Jets, Josh McCown would exit the game after taking a brutal hit while trying to dive into the end zone, resulting in a fumble.

Manziel then found himself in the game and would go on to throw for 182 yards and one touchdown on 13 of 24, passing in a 31-10 loss to the Jets.

Although it was not enough to get the win, Manziel showed great signs of maturity and discipline with the ball in his hands.

Cleveland fans still had something to cheer for during week 2 as Manziel was named the starter for the upcoming game against the Tennesse

Graphic by Shreya Gurumurthy Titans. Manziel would go on to throw for 172 yards and two touchdowns on 8 of 15, throwing in a 24-10 win over the Titans.

But, to many people’s surprise, including mine, Manziel was thrown from the starting spot in week three against the Oakland Raiders and replaced with McCown.

McCown threw for a

Upscale and Designer Consignment Clothing and Accessories

respective 341 yards and two touchdowns; he also added an interception to his stat line, as well. The Browns would end up losing 27-20.

Now it is time for the Browns to make the smart decision in naming the starting quarterback.

Is Manziel ready to command the Browns to victory? Will it take the entire season for the Browns to find a solution? Cleveland fans have long awaited the answers to both these questions Something positive to take away from all the madness that has taken place in the last few weeks is that both quarterbacks are showing signs of improvement. Fans should not get their hopes up of making Super Bowl appearance this year. But, stick around Cleveland fans; the Browns just might surprise you.

QB statistics Johnny Manziel3 Touchdowns 354 Passing Yards 1 Interception QB rating- 99.7 Josh McCown4 Touchdowns 746 Passing Yards 1 Interception QB Rating- 98.4 Statistics from ESPN

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 21

HEAD TO HEAD: Dispute over the intentions of club sports

Benefits of club sports evaluated

HANNAH KNAPIC staff writer

In the 2013-2014 school year, the National Federation of State High School Associations website stated that “...participants in high school sports increased… with a record total of almost 7.8 million…” Along with the growth in high school sports, comes an expansion of club sports.

Sports such as softball and baseball allow teens to compete at elite levels in competitions all over the country.

This opportunity increases the ability to be seen by college coaches; therefore increasing the possibility for college scholarships.

Club athletics permit athletes to strengthen their abilities through offseason games, workouts and practices.

Due to rigorous schedules, elite athletes often have a stronger work ethic and receive better grades than non-athletes. Club sports also allow teens to meet more people and develop better social skills than non-athletes.

Another benefit of club sports is the zero tolerance of illegal substances. Elite coaches and teams require athletes to sign contracts which state athletes may not use illegal substances while in season and hold that requirement to offseason also.

Contracts encourage club athletes to stay away from drugs and alcohol more so than non-athletes.

Sports in general have positive health benefits. Exercise helps produce endorphins and reduce production of cortisol and adrenaline; three chemicals that cause stress and depression, as reported by Healthline on June 28, 2013.

Overall, elite sports benefit athletes physically, mentally, with school and social life.

Lexi Rehm (11), softball“We play fall tournaments, two in September and two in October; then we’re done until summer and play every weekend all summer. I practice three days a week on my own, and we have three practices a winter, each about four hours.”

Jessica Bonezzi (12), swimming“I train all year round. In the summer, I spend four hours in the pool every day. In the spring and fall I spend two to two and one half hours Monday through Friday and two hours mixed swimming and on land workouts. During school season, we swim anywhere from two to three and one half hours a day from November to February.

Harmful effects of club sports assessed

DROSOS KARDULIAS staff writer

Though founded in fun and games, the harms of club sports to their participants are too great to be ignored.

According to Collin Hitt, of The University of Arkansas, difficulty with transportation to practices, games and required costs prevent lower income students from participation in club sports. Club sports create an environment where rich students thrive, as poor students struggle to gain entry.

In regard to female students, researchers at Inside Education find females comprise only 22 percent of club athletes, whereas 40 percent of interscholastic athletes are female. Lessened female participation, according to the same study, results from societal stigma surrounding female participation, combined with a lack of extrinsic motivation.. Female students already comprise a minority of participants and including them further should be prioritized, rather than adopting programs that marginalize them.

Furthermore, club sports harm students’ academic and social development.

According to research done by Dr. Beckett Broh, of Ohio State University, the impacts of club sports on athletes are surprisingly negative. Broh’s study finds club sports put students at an academic disadvantage compared to their peers, and students do not gain any benefits, in terms of development or social interaction, that they would on an interscholastic team.

Club sports distract students from school in favor of encouraging pure athleticism.

In contrast, interscholastic sports generally have academic eligibility requirements.

Because club sports discriminate against female students and those from a lower socioeconomic background participants, it is clear they do more harm than good.

Students recall time spent for club teams Nick Koontz (12), baseball“For my travel summer baseball team last year, we practiced about four hours a week in the winter, but only once a week in the summer. Throughout the summer we played about 50 games and were in several tournaments.”

Keagan Brown (10), soccer“I spend about seven and one half hours a week playing with International Academy for the whole school year and get a break during the summer.”

Emily Edgell (12), soccer“I play all year and practice almost everyday of the week, but I also train on my own, so I’m ready to play at Cleveland State next year. So every night except for occasional weekends I’m training.”

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 22

Getting an up close and personal look at emoticons Emoticons prove difficult to translate

MARY GRACE GORMAN co-editor-in-chief

I have always been a firm believer in the power of words.

With hundreds of thousands of them in the English language, I generally feel there is an eloquent way to express a sentiment verbally or in writing.

So, when I chose the “Words to Use Instead of Emojis” blurbs for this issue of the BLADE, I was expecting a pleasant and lighthearted task.

But, as I delved deeper into the world of emoji translation, I found that I woefully overestimated my linguistic prowess and underestimated

the power of emojis.

For three days, I agonized.

I studied old text messages, examining the context in which I used emojis in everyday conversation.

I read columns online by people who only communicated in emoji for long periods of time. (How awful.)

I even consulted emojipedia. org.

Where did all this research get me?

Right back to the drawing board, or rather, the planning sheet, where we decided we needed a new game plan.

Although I could have tried to write a column entirely in emojis, I decided to spare myself another miserable evening and simply write what I discovered.

It is impossible to translate emojis because they are not a language. They are merely an accessory to be sprinkled among words.

As Instagram software engineer, Thomas Dimson, wrote on a company blog post this spring, “Emoji [sic] are

becoming a valid and nearuniversal method of expression in all languages.”

Emojis do not compose a language of their own because they are ubiquitous in the digital form of every language, creating a common thread of communication that transcends traditional language barriers.

Simply put, emojis are more similar to facial expressions than they are to words.

In fact, an article from the technology website WIRED, published in Feb. 2014, explains scientists have found that an entirely culturally-created neural response causes human brains to respond to emojis like real faces.

Typed communications are notoriously easy to misinterpret, but emojis allow us to convey tone and facial expressions seamlessly within a text, adding clarity of message as well as a personal touch.

So, if emojis seem like a foreign language to you, take a second look.

They might have a little more to say than you think.

Emojis you want

Nike swoosh- Dylan Dagley (9) Taco- Amanda Zerrer (12) Lacrosse stick- Natali Edgerton (11) A person saluting- Ben Wiest (11) Flute- Emily Moses (9)

Your favorite emojis Chicken wing- Madison Culver-Lee (11) Tiger- Lauren Nielsen (9) Baseball- John Nebesky (11) Fire- Shayne Zaketel (9)

Smirking face- Derek Kunkler (12)

Expressing emotion with emojis e nat o i t fec f A

Upset

Annoyed

Students reenact emoji faces

Misc hie vo us

An MAGGIE FLECHLER

Emojis fair use courtesy of iemoji.com

gry

p Hap

y

Graphic by Nick Cosmo

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 23

Hidden treasures: BLADE explores high school campus Blurbs by Ryan Miller and Shreya Gurumurthy

Leah Sim

W Memorial Brian Lacey Behind the WHS building lies a memorial that many people may pass and never know the true story behind it.

In 1997, WHS alum, 49-year-old Brian Lacey lost his battle with depression.

The memorial includes a garden, an archway and a winding path and was built to commemorate Lacey after his death. Leaving behind friends and family who wanted to remember his life through building a memorial on the high school grounds.

Sue Mathur still takes care of the memorial today.

Mathur said she feels it is of great importance to remember him for his work in the community as he was a very active member of the WHS community.

“It is important to memorialize and remember anyone’s life, but anyone who meant so much to the community deserved that garden,” Mathur said.

The garden was designed by friends of Brian, as well as his wife, Beverly, shortly after his death in 1997. Many of his friends and family donated plants from their private collections for the garden.

Lacey was involved in gathering resources and donations to get the field-house, known by most students as the Gault Recreation Center, which was built in conjunction with WHS. “Brian was certainly instrumental in getting the field house built,” Beverly Lacey said.

Brad Fleming, grounds supervisor for Wooster City Schools, said he hopes to see a better understanding and a greater appreciation of the memorial.

“The biggest thing I would like to see is the respect of the kids, to see them enjoy it and know why it is there,” Fleming said.

The Brian Lacey memorial still stands today as a symbol of his life and memory.

The WHS Memorial Arboretum was created in 1994 with the help of students and faculty members, populating the school grounds with hundreds of trees.

Kevin Hennis, a retired Science Dept. member, began a project to plant trees across the grounds of the then barren high school land.

According to former Science Dept. member Dennis Jordan, Hennis wanted to plant two of every tree native to the state of Ohio. The project was not completely finished, but hundreds of trees were still planted.

As the arboretum was designed to be a memorial, community members would pay to have a dedicated plaque and, with those funds, the group was able to buy more trees.

The Science Dept. members, along with many other staff members, helped build an amphitheater behind the tennis courts.

The amphitheater had seating for teachers to have outdoor classes and also for the drama and music departments to have summer performances, according to Science Dept. member Shelly Silvaggi.

The theater was built with recycled plastic lumber in order to be sustainable, but according to Science Dept. member Dave Snider, the material had became too unstable to use.

Unfortunately, Snider says the amphitheater will not be able to be used again unless it is completely rebuilt, but the Wooster High School Arboretum is a beautiful place for students, teachers and community members alike to spend time outside, enjoying nature.

Wooster High School

Grove of Virtues

Scot Nielson Graphic by Hanna Morgan

Outdoor classroom

Jess Lyons

Driving by the front entrance of WHS, one will notice the plethora of trees spotting the grounds of the school.

Science Dept. member Shelly Silvaggi said the school grounds started off barren, but Kevin Hennis, a retired Science Dept. member, along with many other faculty members and students helped plant hundreds of trees, creating the WHS Memorial Arboretum.

According to Science Dept. member Dave Snider, most of the trees on the land were donated by people in the community and planted by the Science Dept. and the class of 1993.

The trees in the front of the school were a part of the arboretum project, but eventually became a way of generating funds.

“They called it ‘The Grove of Virtues’ and each tree had a monument stone on it that represented one of the virtues that we felt were important for students and citizens to have,” former Science Dept. member Dennis Jordan said.

People are able to dedicate trees to people who represent these values.

Jordan says Hennis was the main facilitator of the arboretum project and began the Grove of Virtues project.

Landon Rice defies stereotypes

G

SHIYUAN WANG feature editor

ender barriers are still prevalent for athletes who participate at younger ages than the collegiate level, especially in the sport of cheerleading.

Eighth grader Landon Rice is the only male cheerleader in the Wooster City School District, out of all the grade levels combined.

Originally, Rice was a gymnast; however, he only enjoyed certain aspects of gymnastics.

“I was interested in cheerleading because I only enjoyed certain elements of gymnastics, such as tumbling... Also, some of my friends wanted me to try it because they thought I would excel in the sport,” Rice said.

Ashley Siegel (8), one of Rice’s friends and teammates, believes cheerleading would benefit from having more males join the sport.

She states that if schools can encourage more boys to join cheerleading without fear of being judged, cheerleading would not be stereotyped as a sport just for girls.

Siegel said she hopes Rice will “set an example” for other boys to feel confident enough to join the team.

Rice’s coach, Khiara Kimborough, also hopes that his example could encourage other boys to join the team.

She explained that, typically, boys of Landon’s age do not become cheerleaders for fear of being bullied by their peers, and some boys mistakenly think they are not eligible to cheer because of their gender.

“We can start by working to eliminate the stereotype that cheerleading is a sport for females. With Landon on the squad, I hope this will begin to encourage more male cheerleaders to at least try out for the squad and not feel discouraged,” Kimborough said.

Rice is aware of the stereotypes associated with cheerleaders of all genders.

“Many of the girls have been called names because of the stereotypes that are associated with cheerleaders... many people still believe cheerleading is not a sport,” Rice said.

He continued by explaining that cheerleading is a sport of appearances and said it might be perceived as feminine because cheerleaders are usually cheering for male athletes.

When comparing gymnastics to cheerleading, when it comes to gender barriers in both sports, Rice believes gymnastics was more accommodating to both genders since gymnastics has a separate league for males.

While Rice is grateful for the opportunity to join the cheerleading squad, he does not wish to be treated differently from the rest of the cheerleaders.

He is simply a person who is interested in a sport, like many other males and females his age.

HANNAH KNAPIC

over gender barriers

FLIPPING FEARLESSLY

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | OCT. 9., 2015 | PAGE 24

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 25

Photo by Beth Clayton. Graphic by Nick Cosmo and Shreya Gurumurthy.

Becca Foley

Dunkin’ Donuts strides into Wooster CLAIRE LANHAM a&e editor

The rumor began in early August that Dunkin’ Donuts would be coming to Wooster.

After being approved by the City of Wooster Planning Commission, Dunkin’ Donuts will open in Wooster by the end of the year.

The shop will be located in the former First Merit Bank on Cleveland Rd. and will share the building with a BaskinRobbin’s.

Dunkin’ Donuts will offer another option for the coffee lovers in Wooster and will

provide a secondary store for people who do not want to wait in the long lines from the Starbucks pick-up window.

Staples like cappuccinos, espressos, tea, hot chocolate and lattes are offered, but Dunkin’ Donuts also has more unique drinks, including the Pumpkin Latte, Hot Pumpkin Macchiato, Mint Hot Chocolate, and Dunkin’s own Dunkaccino, made with a house blend.

In addition to the wide selection of coffee, Dunkin’ Donuts has doughnut varieties that have been popular since Dunkin’ opened in 1950.

Alongside tasty pastries lie doughnut holes, cookies

and bagels. The coffee shop offers bakery and breakfast sandwiches.

Several things to try include the Tailgator Breakfast sandwich which includes smoked sausage, peppers, onions, and chipotle sauce; the Big N’ Toasted, which is eggs, bacon, and cheese on Texas toast; or the Pretzel Roll Chicken sandwich, a breaded chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese and honey mustard combo served on a pretzel bun.

Dunkin’ Donuts will provide numerous tasty and alternative options for eating, snacking and coffee from which Wooster citizens will benefit.

Whenever I go to the fair, I am not going because I want to see the art exhibits, or the animal exhibits or to ride the fair rides.

I go because of Lerch’s Donuts.

Considered a local Wayne County delicacy, Lerch’s Donuts warms the heart of the Wooster citizens with soft and sweet dough, perfectly fried to provide mouth watering tastes for the community.

One of my favorites is their powdered doughnuts.

Even though they get pretty messy, because the doughnuts are heavily powdered, I would not like them any other way. They are the perfect snack when I get stressed from all my schoolwork.

And, while I could be feeling guilty over buying a dozen of their doughnuts all for myself, I would rather just revel in the taste.

Of course, Lerch’s does not only offer the powdered variety, they have other flavors as well.

While Lerch’s might not offer as much coffee or other breakfast foods as Dunkin’ Donuts, the flavor of their doughnuts make up for that absence.

Shiyuan Wang

Currently, the nearest Dunkin’ Donuts is 19.5 miles away. I can make it to Dunkin’ Donuts and back to my house in approximately 50 minutes.

But, why would anyone travel so far when we have Lerch’s Donuts here in town?

Dunkin’ Donuts is just that much better.

If you are searching for soggy, uniform circles dipped in sugar, cinnamon or nothing, Lerch’s Donuts is a good option.

If you have had three Lerch’s Donuts, you would have had them all.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a variety of frostings, fillings and flavors, Dunkin’ Donuts is a great fit. With flavors ranging from Boston Cream to Oreo Cheesecake, anything you could imagine lines the wall of doughnuts in the store.

In addition, Dunkin’ Donuts offers their signature doughnut holes, Munchkins, which are an easy snack that can be eaten along with the creamy coffee.

All in all, Dunkin’ Donuts has much more to offer to Wooster than Lerch’s.

Lerch’s Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts

Students debate which doughnut shop is the superior shop

Unique doughnut shop names: The Holy Donut Yo Yo Donuts Vincent Van Doughnut Dough Loco Carpe Donut

List compiled by Shiyuan Wang.

Names from www.grubstreet.com.

Thank you,

for generously providing our work night meal.

TRENDS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 26

The city of Wooster offers a variety of fitness facilities HealthPoint

Durniat Strength

HANNAH KNAPIC

HealthPoint is a rehabilitation and exercise center, which includes group exercise classes and personal training.

Health Point also offers massotherapy therapists who are trained uniquely in sports, relaxation and therapeutic techniques. With a wide range of equipment geared toward physical strength, members are able to turn their wellness goals into a reality. There are many different payment plans on how much it will cost to become a member, which can found on woosterhospital.org.

YMCA

Durniat Strength, located on 3065 E. Lincoln Way, offers a multitude of services focused on improving athletic performance and overall physical fitness, including athletic performance training, personal training, zumba classes, and nutritional classes.

Durniat strength offers various discounts, including those for families, couples, seniors, and active military members.

Athletic performance training is intended for athletes who want to focus on improving a specific aspect of their fitness in order to be more competitive in a respective area. Olympic, power, and kettlebell lifting are seamlessly integrated with speed and agility exercises in order to give the trainee a competitive edge in any sport.

Personal training is also available. During personal training, the trainer will work with the trainee over time to help her adapt to any limitations she may have exercising in order to improve overall strength and general health. Group zumba and nutritional classes are also available. Wooster local Geoffrey Belanger said that Durniat Strength is a great place to work out without distractions and has a very supportive staff.

Andrew Durniat has received certifications from the National Strength & Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and USA Weightlifting as a Sports Performance Coach and has sent athletes on to compete at colleges including, but not limited to, Ohio Northern, Bowling Green, Ohio State and the University of Toledo. Durniat founded Durniat Strength in 2005, has been passionately helping others achieve their physical goals since then.

Crossfit

Flex Yoga

MAGGIE FLECHLER

The YMCA offers programs such as swimming, gymnastics, karate, basketball and even competitive hip-hop. It also has many specialty camps. The winter specialty camp allows students to take part in their favorite skill or activity for an entire day during their winter break. The YMCA also has many family nights, including the Halloween family night and Thanksgiving dinner. An adult membership for one month is $35 or $420 for the year. The rest of the membership options and fees can be found on www.woosterymca.org/learnmore.

Flex Yoga, located on South Market St., inspires healthy living through a variety of classes open for everyone.

Yoga is an ancient practice that strengthens the body and rejuvenates the mind.

“Yoga contributes to a healthy lifestyle by offering a way to find a physical balance,” Flex Yoga employee Annie Yoder said.

With busy schedules, many people do yoga to relieve stress and find balance.

Alongside a healthy diet and exercise, yoga can impact a person’s life.

“When we gain strength and flexibility in a mindful way, we sleep better, feel better, and have more energy when approaching our day,” Yoder said.

Signing up for classes can be done ahead of time online and walk-ins are also welcome.

There are donation yoga classes available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

If people are looking to start a healthy lifestyle, Flex Yoga offers many classes to help them find the perfect fit.

Blurbs by Valerie Anderson, Evan Doan, and Kayla Barnet

CASEY BAIK

Crossfit offers structured and intense workouts on a daily basis through the use of what are called WODs, which stands for workouts of the day. There are two Crossfit facilities in Wooster: Declaration Crossfit and Wooster Crossfit. Multiple activities can be participated in at Crossfit. First and foremost is the WOD, the traditional weightlifting class combined with aerobic conditioning. Another option is the no-bar workout, which excludes weightlifting from the workouts for those who find the heavyweights in the gym intimidating. The no-bar program is offered only at Declaration Crossfit. Kidz Fit is a program to teach kids body-awareness, balance, and coordination, and is also exclusive to Declaration Crossfit. Members can also schedule partner workouts.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | TRENDS | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 27

GMOs: harmful in more ways than one

Juicing provides healthy alternatives

o sn ain s t n Co GMO

EMMA JEFFRIES

CLAIRE LANHAM

trends editor

a&e editor

GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are living organisms whose genetics are artificially manipulated through engineering, according to the Non-GMO Project.

There are numerous scientists, researchers and environmentalists around the world who are in favor of genetically modified organisms, claiming they will help solve world hunger by making it possible to grow more crops.

They say the production of these crops is more efficient and sustainable rather than natural, traditional crops. These people also claim that GMOs are completely safe, and emphasize they are no different from traditionally grown crops. However, many researchers completely disagree with these arguments.

Lately, there have been studies claiming GMOs are extremely unhealthy, linking them to cancers, organ damage, immune system disorders, accelerated aging and infertility, facts from “Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risk of Genetically Engineered Foods,” by Jeffrey M. Smith.

Some researchers also claim GMOs are actually harmful to the environment and say the crops and herbicides are harming birds, insects, marine ecosystems and are eliminating habitats for monarch butterflies. Genetically modified crops are accused of reducing biodiversity, polluting water sources, and being unsustainable, according to the Institute for Responsible Technology.

When it comes to my diet, I like to know from where my food is coming from and how it is grown. Genetically modified organisms are detrimental to the human body, not only because of the risks that they are linked, but because they go against the environment’s natural systems. They are potentially harmful to the health of human beings and to other species, as well.

I try to maintain a non-GMO diet, eating as much natural, locally grown produce as possible. I want to stay healthy and know exactly what I am consuming. With anything artificial or man-made, I find the potential risks frightening. Products containing GMOs should be clearly labeled in stores and the government should do further research into their potential health risks, both domestically and worldwide.

As many teenagers and adults have begun trying the new fad of juice cleansing, many people may question why people choose juice.

Going on a juice cleanse, for even just a few days can work in favor for the body to cleanse the system, giving boosts in nutrients and helping to keep the immune system stronger and healthier.

By juicing raw fruits and vegetables, one can obtain minerals, vitamins and other important nutrients without the added sugar and chemicals put in to preserve the drinks Drinking juice can aid in flushing toxins from the body and helping regulate weight and heart circulation, as well.

According to juicemaster.com, juice, added with a touch of exercise, can help to alleviate eczema, asthma and obesity, most notably among other things.

One thing to keep in mind is the fact that there are right and wrong ways to juice.

Too many tropical fruits can be detrimental because fruits like mangoes and pineapples contain sugar and cancel out most of the beneficial effects of juicing.

Adding fresh green vegetables to a juice plan is useful because most are relatively flavorless and blend in well with fruits and also contain fibers and enzymes that fruits do not always have.

According to mindbodygreen.com, suggested vegetables to use in smoothies include: cucumbers, which help skin; celery, which works as an anti-inflammatory and can lower blood sugar; carrots to help eyesight; and beets, which are a good source of iron and help to cleanse the liver.

According to juiceitup.com, the optimal length for a juice cleanse is three days to properly restart the palette and rid bodies of toxins.

Local places to find fresh fruits and vegetables include the seasonal farmer’s markets, Local Roots and Buehler’s.

Juicing and juice cleanses are not meant to replace a regular diet, and anyone who chooses to do so should also keep a healthy three day meal plan full of other nutritious foods, according to mindbodygreen.com.

Graphics by Hanna Morgan, Spencer Dilyard and Shreya Gurumurthy

THE WOOSTER BLADE | TRENDS | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 28

What is pumpkin spice?

Pumpkin spice returns SARAH HOPKINS cover editor This year marks the twelfth year the Pumpkin Spice Latte has been sold at Starbucks.

According to “Peter Dukes Shavres the Story Behind Starbucks First Pumpkin Spice Latte” published on news. starbucks.com on Aug. 25, 2014, the brainstorming for the future best-seller began in early 2003 when the Starbucks research team was looking for an autumnal drink to follow their other successes with holiday drinks, like the peppermint mocha and eggnogg latte.

However, originally, the pumpkin spice latte was not a frontrunner in the testing. No one thought of it as anything too special, according to an article entitled “Pumpkin Spice Latte, the Drink That Almost Wasn’t” on blogs.wsj.com.

It fell somewhere in the middle behind chocolate caramel and

cinnamon spice.

Reflecting on the process, Starbucks’ espresso brand manager, Peter Dukes, told The Wall Street Journal in late 2013 that “It wasn’t the natural winner, but there was something there.”

Vancouver and Washington, DC stores were the first to test the new concoction in fall 2003, and it was an instant hit.

The rest, as they say, is history.

“I really liked the pumpkin in it. I could taste the pumpkin and enjoyed it,” Natali Edgerton (11), who just recently hopped on the bandwagon and tried the drink for the first time said.

Now that it has become such a staple of fall, people everywhere enjoy this seasonal drink as the leaves change colors.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Students take to Twitter to voice their opinions about Pumpkin Spice

starbucks.com, a standard, grande pumpkin spice latté has 380 calories, 50 grams of sugar and nearly a quarter of the recommended daily intake of fat.

Nontraditional pumpkin spice flavored items:

Pillsbury did not miss a fall seasoned spice, either.

They have now started selling Pillsbury pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls.

FLAVOR OF THE MONTH:

Ever since the unveiling of the pumpkin spice latte in early 2000, fall has not been the same. Pumpkin flavored everything has become a normality of autumn. But, what is really in a pumpkin spice latte? According to

JELL-O has made a new flavor of JELL-O for all fall lovers. Pumpkin spiced pudding and pie filling is now available, but will only be available for a while.

Jaryn Lindenmuth @Jaryn_Noel

Lex @RehmLexi

Chobani has been known to make different flavors like butterscotch and they too came out this fall with pumpkin spice Greek yogurt.

Rhe Troyer @rheannatroyerr

Pumpkin spice smoothie from pulp is

It would be really great if someone brought me a Pumpkin Spice Frappuchino

It’s almost September...

YAYS! That means pumpkin spice lattes... I am ready

9/22/15, 8:57 PM

9/21/15, 9:34 PM

8/28/14, 2:15 PM

1 FAVORITE

1 RETWEET 10 FAVORITES

3 RETWEETS 1 FAVORITE

Graphics created by Nicholas Cosmo, Shreya Gurumurthy and Spencer Dilyard

Blurbs, photos and tweets compiled by Maureen McKeown, Samantha Brunn and Sarah Hopkins

VIEWS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 29

2

3

1

2

3

8

5

8

9

7

6

1

4

12

11 12

10 1 1

10

9

Graphic by Shreya Gurumurthy

Time for a change in Wooster: New Class: Sign language 4

7

6

5

Students propose changes to WHS and the community

New sport: Field hockey ISABELLE CANNON cover editor

WHS has a variety of sports that are popular with a number of students. However, we are missing one key sport: field hockey.

Field hockey, a fall sport, consists of teams of 11 players who use a rubber ball and a stick. It is predominantly a female sport.

Players must maneuver the ball with their sticks around opponents to try to score a goal; however, the players must not use their hands to control the ball and they are not allowed to raise the stick above their shoulders.

Teams at Ohio schools come from areas including Magnificat, Hudson and Kent Roosevelt.

Field hockey is popular among the collegiate level, as well as our own College of Wooster who has a team that competes all over the United States.

WHS should consider field hockey as another option for female athletes seeking an exciting and competitive game.

Seeking ideal BOE member ALEX BARNARD views editor

Representing a school district that is fiscally responsible for $40 million of taxpayer income, as well as seeking the best interests for the students and the district, is not a job for the faint of heart.

The ideal candidate should not be afraid to take unpopular stances if the result benefits the students, as well as the district.

Difficult decisions have to be made and many will not appease the majority and, in some cases, the minority.

The candidate should make decisions based not on personal feelings, but rather sound principles and proven merits. They should be open-minded and willing to listen to differing opinions, but always remain loyal to providing the best education.

Alas, the candidate cannot act as an individual because it requires a group of people coming together to extrapolate the best vision.

24-hour diner and bike paths

AUSTIN MCCULLY staff writer

WHS should look to separate itself by offering sign language as a foreign language credit.

In addition to the typical perks of a second language, classes in sign language would offer an opportunity to connect with a portion of the four million members of the deaf community in the United States, according to Gallaudet University Library.

Despite the significant number of hearing-impaired citizens of the United States, less than two million Americans are fluent in sign language today. In comparison, over 28 million Americans are fluent in Spanish.

While languages such as Spanish and French have their perks, offering sign language at WHS would be an impactful decision that could offer a plethora of opportunities for students.

BECCA FOLEY a&e editor

While the town of Wooster has many unique and local dining opportunities, the town lacks a local 24-hour diner or coffee shop.

For those who travel, work or are just awake and hungry at 3 a.m., major chains like McDonalds or Starbucks are the only places to get food and coffee past 11 p.m. Wooster lacks a local dining option for those who want home-cooked food during the night.

Along with the unique dining opportunities, the walkability of downtown Wooster is another benefit to the city. However, the downtown area, and much of Wooster, lacks adequate bike paths for those who prefer to bike, rather than walk or drive. Bike paths would improve traffic and increase safety in the city of Wooster.

With small steps, Wooster can grow to be an even greater city.

Letter to the Editor

Recycling remains pivotal in society Thank you for your recent page dedicated to the current eco-movement in last issue of The Wooster Blade.

Recycling is something that can be easily accomplished by looking for ways to repurpose items or by placing items in a recyclable bin instead of the trash can. According to the EPA, less than 35 percent of households and less than 10 percent of businesses in the U.S recycle. By recycling as a community, and more importantly as a human race, we can help prolong the existence of our beloved Earth.

While working at The Boys and Girls Club of Wooster, I

have noticed that we too could do a better job of recycling our items, especially during meal times. The standard school lunch consists of the following; milk carton, plastic bags, napkins, straws, utensils and plastic cups, all of which can be recycled with a minimal amount of effort.

Our Student Advisory Board, essentially Boys & Girls Club student council, decided to challenge our members to do their part and start recycling anything they can. In addition, we started educating our members on the effects of their contributions. Our members have responded positively

to the change and they have shown a growing sense of pride in our community.

It is easy to forget about the effect recycling can have on the future generations. If you cannot recycle for yourself, do it for others. As the old saying goes it is better to give than to receive. Is it not time that we all do our part in giving back to the world that has given us so much? Let us work together today so future generations can have a better tomorrow.

Miles LeGros Program Coordinator Boys & Girls Club of Wooster

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 30

OHSAA five credit rule harms senior students more

BECCA FOLEY a&e editor

During the first week of school, after planning my schedule, I had to add three online courses to my already

full senior year.

I am taking online courses because of an OHSAA rule that states a student must be taking five credits worth of classes in order to participate in athletics.

To me, these classes are just busy work. With their lack of rigor and the time they take out of my busy schedule, it is unnecessary for me to be in these classes.

WHS and the OHSAA believe it necessary for me to be in these classes because currently, I take a calculus class at the COW. The course does not count toward the five academic courses that I must take in

order to participate in athletics.

Both the college class and my AP science course take two class periods, which makes it difficult to take five credits worth of classes. Therefore, I am enrolled in three online classes to make up for those credits.

Now, in trying to balance these three online classes with two AP classes, gymnastics, a college class, newspaper, band, a job, college applications, and family, I have become fairly stressed.

Online classes are not only required of me, but of all students at WHS. WHS

requires two online classes of students before they graduate: health and financial literacy.

While there are benefits of these courses, such as not having to schedule students, plan for a class period and scheduling the teacher to teach other classes, the absence of face-to-face interaction with teachers makes it difficult for students to fully comprehend the material they are learning.

Also, the online classes in which I am enrolled have revealed themselves to be lacking academic rigor.

It is possible to move through material quickly without fully

understanding the material.

Given my busy schedule, I probably should not complain about the lack of rigor in these courses. But, it is unfortunate that the rather dull presentation of this online material does not grab my interest and attention the way that a good classroom teacher can.

So, for those who plan to take a college class their senior year, wait to do your health and financial literacy until your senior year in order to avoid taking two additional and unnecessary online classes, like I have been forced to do.

Societal response helps Female golfers deserve own team with college visit access

SHIYUAN WANG feature editor

As a result of a series of clumsy mistakes, I made a fool out of myself by tripping over a ball hopper during tennis practice and ended up spraining my MCL, which is a ligament in the knee.

This injury perfectly coincided with my college visit to Washington University in St. Louis.

Thankfully, the director of admissions provided me with a wheelchair, so that I would not have to be on crutches for the entire tour.

Using a wheelchair gave me a different perspective of the world and not just from a physical standpoint.

When I was using a

wheelchair, I found everyone tended to become a lot more polite toward me. People openly volunteered to open doors for me, and no one seemed annoyed if I needed extra time and space to move around.

All in all, it made me feel slightly uncomfortable to be treated so nicely. Not that society is always rude, but people do not tend to take measures to be extra polite to strangers.

The university itself was pretty handicapped accessible, except for one door on which the accessibility button was broken. There were plenty of ramps around, so my visit was not too uncomfortable.

Washington University sets a good example for accessibility.

I am not saying that one day on a wheelchair would give me a perfect understanding of what it is like to be handicapped in the United States, but it did give me a better perspective of how society can treat people, at least the people on college tours.

They deserve to be treated with respect in all areas of life, not just in colleges.

EMMA JEFFRIES trends editor

As I near the end of my final, senior season as the only female on the WHS golf team, I question why a school of our size does not have a girls’ team.

Please do not misunderstand me: my overall experience playing golf with the guys has been a positive one.

My teammates, their parents and our coaches have been very supportive, and I am very appreciative.

I will not say, however, that playing on the team has been easy.

Growing up, tennis and golf have always been my favorite sports.

Freshman year, I chose tennis because some of my friends were playing, and I was just

too shy and intimidated to attempt a nerve-racking try out for the boys’ golf team.

After that season, I knew I made a mistake. I am a better golfer than tennis player and just simply enjoy the game more.

Sophomore year, I almost wimped out again, but at the last minute stepped out of my comfort zone and tried out for the golf team. I spent that year and the next playing JV and managed to make it through girls’ Sectionals to Districts as a junior. It was at Sectionals that I realized how much I wanted Wooster to have a girls’ team.

The players at both events all seemed to know each other, having played matches against one another before. The teams were so excited to be there and wore eye-catching uniforms for the events, posed for pictures and painted their faces. I am a girl; I like that stuff.

The better teams were brimming with confidence. I was left standing there with my parents and coach. The intimidation kind of got to me, and I did not play as well at Districts as I would have liked.

This year, I was really happy to make varsity. It has been

a frustrating and humbling year. Though I feel I have held my own at our matches, the males almost always out-drive me by nearly 100 yards. We play from the men’s tees, and the distances are much farther. My scores have been higher than what I would have liked.

As I look ahead to the girls’ Sectionals and Districts, I think about the teams that will be competing: Massillon Jackson, Kent Roosevelt and Medina all have powerhouse girls’ golf teams who have gone to state.

These schools are similar in size to Wooster, so why do they have girls’ teams and we do not? I know of a few younger girls who are hoping to play in high school. Would it not it be great to have a team for them to be able to compete at that level, and to possibly give them more exposure and potential for college scholarships?

Playing on a boys’ team has been a tough but also a fun and rewarding experience.

But, I think for the girls interested in golf in the future, Wooster should create a girls’ golf team.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 31

Students describe likes and dislikes within the real world Hunter boots Hunter boots are functional, yet fashionable. They keep one’s feet warm and dry in the chilly, wet weather, while looking cute at the same time. They can be worn for all different types of weather and come in various styles and colors.

Hot chocolate

Hot chocolate from Starbucks is a delightful treat. Try adding an extra flavor like mint or hazelnut for a new, fun taste. Hot chocolate keeps one warm in this cool weather. It is perfect for a chilly night by the fire.

Haunted houses

Haunted houses are a great way to get psyched for the upcoming Halloween season. There are many different haunted houses close to Wooster.

Leaves changing color

A change of scenery every so often is appreciated, and the leaves on the trees changing color as autumn rolls around provides a beautiful one. The oranges and browns provide a picturesque environment to every autumn day, whether they are on the trees or on the ground.

Horror movies

A good scare is enough to get the blood pumping, and as Halloween draws closer, movies that strive to increase the heart rate of their viewers become more and more common. One can wait for the upcoming releases or revisit the classics. Either way, be sure to keep the lights on when viewing these spooky cinemas.

Dirty laundry

Blurbs by Hanna Morgan, Nick Cosmo and Valerie Anderson. Graphics made by Shreya Gurumuthy.

There is nothing worse than finding the shirt you planned to wear embedded in a pile of dirty laundry.

Regretting your procrastination on laundry, you think about wearing it anyway. Wrinkled and in need of a good wash; you have to put something else on and go about your day.

At the end of the day, coming home to that same unfolded mess is just as worse. Add dirty laundry to the list of chores that no one enjoys, but has to be done, whether we like it or not.

Calories

Calories have always possessed a negative connotation and probably always will. Calories involve counting; counting involves math and no one likes math. It is something about which people should not have to stress. We look at the packages of the foods we eat and are more concerned about how many calories are in them than the energy this food will give us to take on the day. Hopefully, some day, our perspective on calories will change, but until then, eat your favorite foods, guilt free.

Shopping for jeans Shopping loses its spark when you walk past the pretty dresses and look up at overwhelming wall of folded denim.

Jeans come in different cuts, washes and sizes. Sizes that always seem to change depending on the store you’re in. You try on six pairs in a tiny, hot fitting room, and walk out with nothing, sweaty and disappointed. This chore becomes truly heartbreaking when you finally find the perfect pair, and the price tag is $130. It is not worth it; better luck next time.

New Facebook feature raises concern from students, Facebook staff NICK COSMO staff writer

Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, stated in a question and answer session streamed online from the Facebook headquarters on Sept. 15 that Facebook was working on a dislike button to go along with the like button that Facebook currently uses.

He further outlined that this

dislike button would not be used to express a negative attitude toward a post, but would instead be a button to express empathy toward a person, as the like button is not appropriate in certain situations.

Zuckerberg and other Facebook workers have been opposed to the idea of having a dislike button in the past, because while the point of these buttons should be used

“UNFORTUNATELY A TOOL DESIGNED FOR EMPATHY WILL PROBABLY BE USED FOR HOSTILITY,” KATIE MOUNT (12) SAID.

to express sympathy, the possibility of the buttons being used in a more traditional sense of the word “dislike” is likely.

This sentiment was expressed in 2012 by a Facebook engineer in another question and answer session.

The engineer furthered his concern that users may have been excited to have that power, but may not have been excited to have that power used against

their posts.

Katie Mount (12) shares this fear of the button being abused in such a way.

“I think the usage of it would end up being used for opinions, politics, and bullying.

Unfortunately, a tool designed for empathy will probably be used for hostility,” Mount said.

There are no official dates for when the dislike feature will be added to Facebook.

THE

WOOSTER

BLADE

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 Trends Editors Emma Jeffries, Chloe Landers 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, Leah Sim Adviser Kristi Hiner The Wooster Blade is a biweekly student publication printed every other Friday by the Newspaper Production classes at Wooster High School. The paper is designated as an open forum and follows publishing guidelines as established in a district-wide publications policy protecting students’ freedom of expression. All copy, art and photography are property of The Wooster Blade and cannot be reproduced without permission. Letters to the editor are limited to 300 words and The Wooster Blade reserves the right to print and edit as per length and content.The Wooster Blade is a member of Quill and Scroll, National Scholastic Press Association and Columbia Scholastic Press Association.The Wooster Blade is printed in cooperation with Wooster’s The Daily Record.

Letters and inquiries should be addressed to The Wooster Blade, 515 Oldman Road Wooster, Ohio 44691. The Wooster Blade can be contacted at 330-345-4000 ext. 3210.

THE VOICE OF WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | OCT. 9, 2015 | PAGE 32

Disrespect is rampant in school facilities The concerning behavior demonstrated by WHS athletes and students, especially regarding athletic events and maintaining school property, needs to be addressed and must be improved.

An alarming number of students have been disrespectful toward the WHS facility and its property through their continual littering and their failure to take responsibility for their behavior.

One of the first places people can view this littering issue is by viewing the student section at football games, which is typically filled with trash by the end of the evening.

Additionally, the various practice fields for fall sports are littered with trash, bandages and even mouth guards, on a daily basis.

When students and athletes fail to clean up after themselves, the grounds crew is then unfairly left to clean up after the students. Although we may view this as part of their responsibilities, the amount of trash and the lack of

respect it shows for our facilities is incredibly disappointing.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes the WHS student body should show more respect to our school and its property by cleaning up after ourselves after practices and games, instead of forcing others to clean up the trash that we should be responsible for on our own.

There is no valid justification for leaving trash anywhere other than the disposal bins around campus.

The disrespect shown by the WHS student body applies not only to littering, but also to overall behavior at sporting events.

The student section has been known to boo the opposing team, but has recently taken this inappropriate behavior to an intolerable level.

All fall sports hosted their senior recognition night at the latest home football game against Madison.

However, during the halftime portion where the band seniors were recognized, the student section chose to participate in

a “rap battle” rather than pay attention to the recognition.

During that same football game, a memorial service was held for Joseph Benden, a person who dedicated much to the Wooster community. Reminders that the memorial service would be held during halftime were announced several times throughout the evening, both before and during the game, yet students decided to engage themselves in the “rap battle” instead. Additionally, students left the stands, completely disregarding this solemn event.

While The Wooster Blade Editorial Board finds it encouraging that students support their teams at athletic events and are bonding as a student body, we must remember that there is a an appropriate time and place for this celebration.

In addition, students and athletes must also further their support of our school and grounds by cleaning up after themselves after practices and games and being aware of those around them in order to be more courteous to the school we proudly represent.

Students desire flexibility for activities Wooster High School has many activities in which students can participate, but when activities conflict, students are sometimes pressured or given an ultimatum by coaches or advisers to prioritize their activity instead of allowing students to make their own decision.

Many students at WHS participate in more than one extracurricular. Some students who participate in extracurriculars also have jobs and other similar duties.

This involvement often poses problems between coaches and advisors and students.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes when activities conflict with one another, the student should make the choice of which activity to prioritize

on a case-by-case basis without being unreasonably penalized by coaches and advisers, especially if the student’s performance is unaffected.

It is understandable if a student over commits and cannot fulfill his or her duties in a certain extracurricular that the adviser or coach must step in and resolve the issue, but students should be responsible for making the decisions on their participation otherwise.

The student handbook says, “In the event that students participating in multiple activities creates a situation in which one or more of the activities cannot function without their participation, then the students must choose prior to the beginning of the season which activity they plan to be active in.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board contends this policy is ineffective and unused and a new policy, defining how students make decisions about their participation on a case-bycase basis in which competitions take precedence, is necessary to prevent conflicts.

Occasionally, students who are involved in multiple conflicts have a leadership position in one or even a few of those activities.

In these cases, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes that the student should prioritize those activities where he or she has a leadership role and are, therefore, needed more.

Coaches, advisers and students should all be flexible and mindful of the fact that extracurriculars are set up for the benefit and well roundedness of WHS students.