The Wooster Blade, Volume XVII, Issue 4

THE WOOSTER BLADE

WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH OCT. 28, 2016 VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 4

ELECTION INSPECTION: The Wooster Blade examines local and national candidates

INDEX

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 2

Front 1 Focus 7-11 Cover 16-19 Sports 23-26

CORPORATE SPONSORS

$250

Index 2

On Campus 3-6

Feature 12-15

A&E 20-22 Trends 27-29

Views 30-32

SPONSORS

$500 ar.

Baaron, Inc. BCI Buckeye Division

The Pines Golf Club The Urban Cottage

Metals USA Dyer Roche & Company, Inc.

Q&A Q:

What is your advice for aspiring writers and poets?

CF: It is very difficult to give. When I was young, I wondered what was behind words…[such as] my name…

“I have learned that words have echoes beneath the surface, they have historical connotations, they have vibrations of meaning.”

I would advise that writers should read a lot; reading improves writing and writing improves reading. One influential experience I had when I was trying to become a writer was when I heard another famous Chilean poet. He was 17 when he was exiled and tortured by the government; decades later, he came back and was renown as a poet. I was 19 years old when I went to hear him read some of his poems in my hometown. At that moment he was 39 or so.

Afterwards, I went to him, showed him some of my poems, and told him that I wanted to be a poet. He said, “Okay.” He asked me, “What are you, you going to write about?” And I thought, wow, that is the question. It put me in a very difficult position, right?

First, I felt depressed… what am I going to write?

But then I started thinking. To know what I’m going to write, I have to know what [came] first, right?

And that’s going to be part of my [journey] if I want to write. Then I will feel what I have to say. But, that question was very important to me, because he considered me seriously… he said, “Okay, you are going to write... we are going to make a dialogue ...”

“Your relationship with language...must be personal. But, I think that personal language has so many connections.”

And also, [I would advise] an experience like a literary workshop, or a program… you need to read a lot… to live as many lives as [you] can... And that is what my book is about. All those lives and names [in my book] are people... One chapter of the book says, “All of them are mine,” but, that is sort of what poetry [is about].

Q:

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 28, 2016 | ON CAMPUS | PAGE 3

with Chilean Poet

Christian Formoso

On Oct. 4, Chilean writer and poet Christian Formoso visited WHS and spoke to upper level Spanish and literature classes. He has published six books of poetry, and won several national prizes for his work.

Formoso’s poems are imbued with the unique history and culture of his hometown, Punta Arenas. This city is the southernmost in the world, and the violent storms and climate caused great hardship for settlers throughout the centuries. Growing up near a historic cemetery where many of these courageous immigrants were buried, much of Formoso’s poetry seeks to tell the stories of their lives and deaths, struggles and aspirations. In addition, his poetry reflects issues in modern and historical Chile and throughout the world.

Staff writers Rachel Wood and Amber Swigart spoke to Formoso about his work as an author and poet.

When people read your poems, is there a message about society or about oneself that you’re hoping they will find?

CF: I write for two reasons. One, on one side of the page, I am one of those people. And I hope that someone else is reading on the other side of the page...

I can’t control; I do not want to control the message...

“I want to create a certain experience of language that provides an experience for the reader.”

I’m not sure if the message is the thing that is [most important].

Q:

As part of being awarded the Pablo Neruda Prize, do you feel a special connection to Neruda and his work?

CF: I have always felt a special connection to him, and some part of his huge work, which is more than 60 books...I felt a special connection when I was creating my first books, like Cementerio. I feel connected especially to three of his books…. En Ti la Tierra, Canto General, which reshaped the way we used to read history in Latin America, it’s a great book… and Extravagaria, which was published 1958...So I like those three books. I feel very connected to him, not specially for the prize, but the connection...

”My connection with him is with his poetry.”

Q:

Are there any themes in society that you would like your readers to think about? [Such as] oppression, the poor, the Chilean indigenous people...

CF: I think that the theme of power...When you read the poems, they often show how power acted, oppressing people. I think that this is one of those particular [themes]...which makes the poems sort of possible to be read somewhere else, which is what I hope [for] and what has been happening.

And, I think that [power] is the biggest [theme] in much of my work, power in history, power in

Formoso speaks to Spanish and literature students at Wooster High School on Oct. 4. personal relationships, “machismo,”...It’s also about the power that men wield... I do think power is one of the problems in our society and… we can stop [this] problem.

Q:

What do you think the inclusion of details about Punta Arena adds to your work and its appeal?

CF: I think that I would not have written anything like what I wrote if I had been born somewhere else. The inclusion of Punta Arena made those particular details [personal]... it is the particular place where I am standing to look at the world…I think the particular details provide a certain [feeling]. But, what I believe is that these details provide a difference [to readers in other locations] but also a similarity in the sense that they are experiencing the universal.

“Maybe their places and histories had different names, but those experiences are in the form of ours...”

We [can] look at that and it helps us [examine] our relationship with history and with the territory.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | OCT 28, 2016 | PAGE 4

WHS mascot rediscovered

Facts about our mascot, and more!

OLIVIA SLEEK

trends editor The disappearance of the WHS mascot is due to the lack of student volunteers.

According to principal Tyler Keener, “We usually have one or two students who sign up to be the General. This year no one has signed up.”

However, Athletic Director, Andy Kellar, has big plans for the future General.

“The General costume has been the same since I started working here. It would be really nice to update it a bit.”

Kellar said his plans would involve having a school-wide contest on drawing up a new mascot and the winner would be selected in order to have a new mascot design. Then, he would try to see if any class event would be interested in making the clothing to help with the cost. Kellar said he would have to purchase the head of the mascot because of the complexity of the design.

Two years ago, WHS tried to make changes to the General, but the results proved to be lack luster. Alum Taylor Bennington facilitated a discussion on the changing of our mascot. According to Bennington, the reason for the change was because of the controversy of the General depicting a confederate general.

“Our intent wasn’t to change the mascot to change the mascot. Our intent was to return the image of the mascot to what it was to be originally intended to be: a representation of General David Wooster, whom was a revolutionary war hero, not a confederate,” Bennington said.

Bennington said the reason nothing changed was due to a lack of agreement between the athletic director and the student body on the reason as to why the General should be changed.

WHS student body president, Matthew Chidsey (12), would like to see a reappearance of our mascot.

“He adds spirit to our games and pep rallies,” Chidsey said.

If anyone wishes to be the next General, talk to Kellar in the athletic office.

College Credit Plus analyzed DROSOS KARDULIAS on campus editor

College Credit Plus courses offer college credit for classes taken in the high school, taught by high school teachers.

WHS principal Tyler Keener states the College Credit Plus program is intended to afford students the opportunity to receive college credit without the cost associated with taking a standard high school class.

The classes are available at WHS or on the campuses of the partnering colleges, which is mainly Wayne Akron, but some students are also taking classes in association with Kent State and Ohio State.

Keener states that College Credit Plus classes are required to set equivalent academic standards to the classes which are offered on the partnering college’s campus.

Rich Leone, Director of Secondary Education at Wooster City Schools, also states that the College Credit Plus courses should be equivalent to true college classes.

Admission to College Credit Plus classes is based on criteria set by the Universities themselves.

“Any student can take CCP courses if they meet the university’s criteria for enrollment,” Keener said.

Leone states the reason for WHS partnering with Wayne College and Akron University is that both institutions are connected to the local community and boast high entrance standards for the College Credit Plus program.

According to Leone, the high standards of the partnering universities tend to place a sizeable emphasis on ACT scores as a metric for judging potential candidates for the College Credit Plus Program.

-Tyler Keener Last time the General was seen was early last year. -Tyler Keener Students can volunteer to be mascot. -Tyler Keener The costume is worn for football and basketball seasons . -Tyler Keener It is extremely hot in the mascot costume. -Tyler Keener A new mascot costume would cost anywhere from $5,000 $10,000.- Tyler Keener The word mascot originates from the French term ‘Mascotte’ meaning good luck. -Yourdictionary Mascots were first used to provide extra entertainment for spectators -FISU.Net Live animals used to be used to strike fear into opponents. -FISU.Net Facts gathered by Holly Miller.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 28, 2016 | ON CAMPUS | PAGE 5

Weighted grades reward students enrolled in rigorous classes HANNAH KNAPIC cover editor

Beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, a committee of teachers, along with principal Tyler Keener and guidance counselor Tyler Egli, began discussing the option of implementing weighted grades in WHS. This committee, the Building Leadership Team, or the BLT, has looked into the option of setting the grade point for a student in Advanced Placement, honors classes or International Baccalaureate classes at a 5.0, rather than a 4.0. College Credit Plus classes must be weighed according to state code.

On Feb. 21, The Columbus Dispatch published an article

titled, “Not all central Ohio schools ‘weight’ GPA for honors classes.”

This article took an indepth look at Columbus area schools and the way in which they weight their grades.

Most schools, such as Pickerington, Reynoldsburg, and Hilliard, weight an A in Advanced Placement and IB on a 5.0 scale.

Honors classes at said schools are weighted at a 4.5 for an A. At WHS, the BLT has taken an in-depth look into schools such as Wadsworth and Jackson, but

When applying to colleges, a weighted grade is often unweighted.

According to Kent State Assistant Director of Admissions, A a r o n Berger, KSU unweights grades back to a 4.0 scale while examining applications.

GRAPHIC BY SPENCER DILYARD Oftentimes, h o w e v e r, schools such as has not yet come to a decision on the scale at which the grades Kent will keep grades weighed will be weighted, according to when considering scholarships, Berger said.

Keener.

B

A

Berger believes weighted grades reward students who have rigorous classes, especially AP and IB courses.

To take a look at a more local school, the College of Wooster does not follow the policy of unweighting grades when looking at admission, and also considers the grade with the weight added when looking at scholarships, according to Jennifer Winge, Dean of Admissions.

Winge stated, “A weighted GPA indicates that students are taking more rigorous coursework… something that they should be rewarded for.”

Science Dept. chairman and BLT member Charles Cerniglia stated that weighted grades could help determine valedictorian, class rank and scholarships for WHS students.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 6

Wrestlers read at Kean ALEXANDER THOMPSON

For the past several years, the wrestling team has gone to Kean to read with the elementary students, now they are going above and beyond, introducing a new interactive teaching program this year.

Don Rammel, wrestling coach and Social Studies Dept. member, explains the new program is based around The Energy Bus for Kids, a book about positivity by Jon Gordon.

The 10 week curriculum goes over five rules for living a positive life, which the wrestlers will teach to students in Danielle Read Yohman’s second grade class.

“It ties in really well with Rachel’s Challenge,” Rammel said, referencing a districtwide anti-bullying initiative.

“It’s good for us, as student athletes at the high school, to give back.

The kids get out of it, someone to look up to, not necessarily because we’re student athletes or high school kids, but because we’re coming back [to the elementaries]” Rammel said.

Wrestler Chad Courtemanche (12), echoed Rammel’s sentiment, relating that he feels it is important for student athletes to be active in the district and give back to their learning community.

“I remember once, a little girl gave me and Avery [Winans] (12), a card that said, ‘You are cool,’ and I thought that was really nice,” Courtemanche said of an experience during the program last year.

Courtemanche looks forward to participating in this year’s program.

Taggart awarded for art MADDY NACCI sports editor

Wooster High School art teacher, Tricia Taggart, recently received the eXpressions Teacher Celebration award from the Cleveland Clinic for participating in the program for 10 years.

This eXpressions program encourages high school students from all over the state to creatively interpret research studies done by Cleveland Clinic student interns in literary, artistic, and mathematical ways, according to civiceducation. clevelandclinic.org.

The program uses projectbased learning and interaction among students to give participants the opportunity to be creative along with learning through research studies.

Taggart has required her AP students, along with other select students, to participate in the artistic aspect of this program.

“It’s a challenge unlike

any other assignment... it gives the students a criteria and information and then sets them free to be creative,” Taggart said.

The eXpressions Teacher Celebration award was given to all teachers who participated in the program for five or more years.

Taggart says it is very humbling to receive this award.

She started the program because the Cleveland Clinic has helped her family through multiple medical instances.

“We are extremely proud of Tricia and her dedication to promoting student success. I am blessed to be able to work with staff members who are so committed to their students and helping each of them reach their full potential in unique and creative ways,” principal Tyler Keener said in a recent WHS press release.

Taggart said she loves to see art students connect with other subject areas such as math and science through the eXpressions program.

GRANT PEABODY

The Wooster Blade’s

BLADE wins CSPA gold medal for 2015 NATE KING-SMITH editor-in-chief

Every year The Wooster Blade submits six of its best issues to be critiqued in an international convention for student publications, hosted

by Columbia Scholastic Press Association, and this year, The Wooster Blade was recognized as a Gold Medalist once again.

The publication received a Gold Medalist designation on last year’s submission; in addition to the four years in which a silver medalist rating was obtained, this was the 16 year BLADE was given a Gold Medalist rating.

Last year’s staff members took pride in this accomplishment.

Mary Grace Gorman was one of the co-editors-inchief of BLADE last year and was happy to see that all of their efforts

throughout the year paid off.

“I was ecstatic when I found out that all of our hard work was recognized on a national scale,” Gorman said.

The excitement over this news is centered around the significance of the award to both the students on staff and to the publication itself.

Kristi Hiner has been the staff adviser for 17 years and is an English Dept. member.

“The award means a great deal to the students. It allows us to see how much we grow each year and allows us to compare the work we do to other news publications and then set goals on what we specifically want to do for the current school year,” Hiner said.

Additionally, Hiner added that the critique of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association allows us to

maintain and hold ourselves to standards through our use of an objective viewpoint.

On top of what this meant for the students, the Gold Medalist designation also has an importance to the publication.

Sarah Hopkins, one of this year’s co-editors-in-chief, reflected on what it took to earn a gold medalist standard.

“It takes consistent hard work and dedication from our staff.

The award means a lot for our paper because it’s a reflection of all the work we have put into a publication of which we are proud,” Hopkins said.

The Gold Medalist accomplishment provided an objective reflection for how far the newspaper and its staff have come, as well as highlighting the aspects of the BLADE that can be worked on to ensure this paper is the best paper it can be.

FOCUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 7

Science of space broken down for much easier understanding SAMUEL SCHONFELD

The universe is only as big as the solar systems to humans, but there is a massive amount of uncharted space.

Space is made up of matter, tiny particles, and other pieces that puzzle many scientists.

However, they have made a discovery and they call it dark matter.

galaxy clusters showed some of the mass in the universe was ‘missing,’” according to “Where is the Rest of the Universe” by Jesse Emspak on Livescience.

Another issue with dark matter that causes scientists to scratch their chins is based on Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

It states, “that massive objects caused a distortion in space-time,” or gravity bends light, as well, even though light itself is massless. So, something is adding mass to galaxies that cannot be seen.

With advancements in technology, scientists are working to uncover the mysteries of the universe.

Dark Matter in the light

about in the 1930s, by Swiss astronomer, Fritz Zwicky, who, “realized that his measurements of the masses of

Historic Rosetta Comet Mission a success for the ESA

RACHEL DUGAN WOOD The Rosetta Mission, the first ever space mission to orbit and land a spacecraft on a comet, ended Sept. 30.

According to the European Space Agency, the Rosetta mission was launched in March 2004 and took over 10 years to

reach its destination, Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Fortunately, the Rosetta spacecraft successfully arrived at the comet in August 2014 and sent a probe, Philae, down to the surface, according to www. esa.int.

According to NASA, studying comets can reveal crucial information about the formation of our solar system, as many comets are theorized to have been created at the same time the planets were formed.

The NASA site reported that studying the makeup of materials on comets could reveal whether they have delivered water and other

complex particles to planets they collided with. The Philae probe found such complex particles, including the amino acid glycine, a component of proteins, and phosphorus, a component of DNA, within the comet.

Scientists planned to have the Rosetta gather final data on Sept. 30 as it made a controlled impact on the comet’s surface.

The sensors analyzed the comet’s surface environment and took high-definition pictures as it descended, before losing signal upon impact, according to the European Space Agency.

Graphic by Matthew Lorentz

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 8

Other countries serve as U.S. alternative in wake of election

Explanatory blurb written by Austin McCully. Country blurbs written by John Gorman, Jacob Gooch, Ryan Miller, Spencer Dilyard and Tatumn McGrew. Graphics by Austin McCully.

A

ustralia

F

inland

Z

imbabwe

C S

anada

witzerland

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | OCT 28, 2016 | PAGE 9

Background of the case: During the 2008 presidential election cycle a group called Citizens United produced a documentary called Hillary: The Movie, which was highly critical of her. They wanted to advertise their documentary on television. Fearing they would not be allowed to do so under the current law, Citizens United filed a preliminary injunction to prevent the FEC from taking action against them. This request was denied by the D.C. District court and overturned by the Supreme Court on Jan. 21, 2010. The court’s decision nullified certain provisions of the McCain-Feingold act that prohibited corporations, unions and non-profits from making independent expenditures .

Precedent promotes First Amendment rights JOHN GORMAN

Just because the Citizens United precedent allows for increased campaign finance, it does not mean the core principals of American democracy are buried beneath ungodly mountains of cash.

In fact, Citizens United may have brought about a resurgence of democracy in United States politics.

According to an article by Foreign Affairs, titled “In Defense of Citizens United,” the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 that governed elections for nearly the past 10 election cycles was much worse.

They continue, stating, “no longer were candidates free to raise unlimited donations, nor were citizens’ groups free to express their political opinions. In short, organized political discussion and activity were left largely in the hands of the news media and the two leading political parties.”

People or organizations were no longer able to express their political opinions by donating to their favorite candidate. Foreign Affairs continues, “It is no accident that these changes in the rules of American politics coincided with increasing partisan alignment among members of Congress... The changes in campaign finance rules turned American politics into a classic case of monopolistic competition, in which the Democrats and Republicans’ sectarian duopoly was protected by government regulation that diminished innovative policy ideas, bipartisanship and fiscal responsibility.”

Simply put, this withering of American opportunity to participate in politics has led to more a partisan and divided government, which in turn leads to less innovation, bipartisanship and financial stability.

Additionally, a Reuters Article, titled “Citizens United gives freedom of speech back to the people,” describes how we have had three presidential elections under the precedent set by Citizens United, and there have not been any cataclysmic election problems (well, until Trump, that is) stemming from the Citizens United campaign finance reform.

Furthermore, corporations are still forbidden from giving to candidates’ campaigns. In fact, less than 5 percent of funding for campaigns comes from forprofit spending.

Moreover, by lessening restrictions on donations, organizations like the Humane Society, the National Association of Realtors, the Environmental Defense Fund and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for example, are given a voice in American politics.

While at first glance, Citizens United may seem to be a way for elections to be bought, in reality it allows for more voices to be heard during political discourse.

BLURBS BY RYAN MILLER PHOTOS BY RYAN MILLER AND GRANT PEABODY

Court’s decision lessens transparency in politics RYAN MILLER

The date Jan. 21, 2010 has the utmost significance to the realm of campaign finance.

On the aforementioned date, the United States Supreme Court rendered their verdict on Citizens United v. FEC and, by doing so, created Independent Expenditure Only Committees, or as they are more infamously known Super PACs. Super PACs have allowed for unlimited amounts of money to be funneled into advertising amongst other campaigning practices.

While it is true that having more money does not equal more votes, this is more than evident when looking at Jeb Bush whose Jeb! Campaign raised more than $160 million and resulted in a mere three delegates at the RNC this June. The effects are seen more in down ballot races.

Prior to the creation of Super PACs, all campaign funds that fell under the jurisdiction of the FEC were limited to the amount of money an individual or corporation can donate, with the absence of those more harsh regulation transparency has regressed sharply.

This is because groups identifying themselves as 501(c)(4) or social welfare organizations do not have to disclose donors unless their donations are explicitly for political purposes.

The importance of this is massive, as it allows organizations such as the NRA, ACLU or any number of organizations to funnel money into Super PACs without having to disclose where the money is coming from, this phenomena is often referred to as dark money.

Many of the names of these organizations are extremely problematic because unlike the NRA or the ALCU most have extremely vague names, making it difficult to ascertain what their motives may be.

Dark money is essentially untraceable which is concerning for accountability among candidates, it is doubtful that those huge donations go unnoticed by candidates. I find it hard to believe that a corporation, union or non-profit that pours thousands of dollars toward a candidate’s campaign has no influence on his or her decision making.

There is no doubt that Citizens United v. FEC should be overturned through the court system, it was an issue created in the courts and, therefore, must be solved in the courts.

I sincerely believe politics should not become a game of fundraising where only candidates with money in their campaign fund can win.

It is clear that reform is needed and it’s time for our Supreme Court to fix the mistake they made in 2012. By doing so, they will level the playing field.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 10

2016 Democratic and Republican vice presidential nominees Mike Pence AMBER SWIGART cover editor

Governor Mike Pence of Indiana will appear on the ticket this election season as the vice president to Republican nominee Donald Trump.

According to the cnn.com article “Donald Trump selects Pence as VP,” Pence, who served six terms as a Congressman and was elected governor of Indiana in 2012, is often championed for his staunch social conservatism.

The vice presidential nominee refers to himself as “a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order” according to the October 4th washingtonpost.com article “Who is Mike Pence?” and is outspoken about his faith

and its effect on his political views, which likely explains his controversial proposal of a 2015 bill concerning religious freedom, according to the same article.

“Pence said [the bill] would extend legal protections to Indiana business owners who didn’t want to participate in same-sex weddings, citing their religious b e l i e f s ; opponents a r g u e d that he was sanctioning discrimination,” the article states.

The article also highlights Pence’s conservatism by referencing his abortion policies, one of which prohibits abortion when the fetus has a disability.

As governor, Pence cut Indiana’s taxes at an unprecedented level, funded new roads and bridges for

the state and prioritized fiscal growth, according to his profile on in.gov, the Indiana Government’s website.

Tim Kaine JACOB GOOCH Tim Kaine has been in public service for more than two decades and is currently serving as the running mate for Hillary Clinton.

According to biography.com, Kaine was born in St. Paul, Minn. and grew up in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kaine attended the University of Missouri for a degree in economics and then and traveled to Honduras to run a small vocational school for teenagers.

It was noted on biography.

Graphic by Spencer Dilyard.

Fair use photos courtesy of Flickr.com.

biography page located on 1994 as a city councilman of Richmond, Va. and was then Mayor of Richmond.

In 2002, Kaine became lieutenant governor of Virginia and, in 2006, he became the governor of Virginia.

Following his time as Virginia’s governor, Kaine became the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and was elected to the United States Senate in 2012.

According to Hillary Clinton’s website hillaryclinton.com, after becoming a senator in 2012, Kaine became a part of a group of 30 people who have served as a mayor, a governor and a senator.

Kaine has a wife, Anne Holton, and three children, and currently lives in Richmond, Va.

experience in his life that in the world.

According to Kaine’s Senate

Powers of the vice president

The United States

ESTELLE SHAYA business manager

The powers of the vice president of the United States pale in comparison to those of the president, and yet leave the office with a portion of political power.

The position of vice president exists primarily for scenarios where the president may be unable to perform his or her duties, according to the White

House’s official web page. In cases of death, resignation or temporary incapacity, the vice president can replace the president in the Oval Office.

According to CNN in a “By The Numbers on Vice Presidents,” by Caitlin Stark, eight of the United State’s past vice presidents have succeeded to the position of president, in addition to another six vice presidents that have also become president.

However, the vice president’s powers extend beyond the

executive branch.

As the United States Senate states on its official web page, the vice president is also the president of the Senate.

This position gives the vice president a vote in the case of a tie.

A final power given to the vice president makes him or her the receiver of electoral vote tallies from states and gives the responsibility of opening them, according to the United States Senate.

Although these powers are

limited, the vice president has gained more say in the government in past decades, either consulting with the president or pushing for specific policies, according to a Smithsonian article “How the Office of the Vice Presidency Evolved from Nothing to Something,” by Beth Py-Lieberman.

The vice president may not be the most powerful political entity, yet he or she still exerts a share of influence in the United States government.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 11

Ron Amstutz:

Ron Amstutz is the WWW CO Republican Nominee .DAV URTESY EKIE UE S FER.C OF MAIL for the seat of County OM Commissioner.

Amstutz believes his experience in budgeting, governmental services and local ties are needed in bridging the gap, as two out of three County Commissioner seats are available.

Amstutz underscores the importance of the local TRACY workforce, stating, “One of my major concerns is in MORG AN helping to develop the workforce our county needs, both now and in the near future. There are many aspects to empowering more of our citizens to live at a level that is self sufficient.” He continues by saying that he would also like to focus on job placement, drug court and emotional health support.

Amstutz realizes that County Commissioners do not set policy, but hopes to help create learning opportunities associated with Sue Smail, immediate past Chairman of the Wayne l o c a l workplaces.

David Kiefer is the Democratic candidate for County County Republican Party, is running for retention of Wayne Commissioner.

County Commissioner.

Kiefer is a member of the Wayne County Farm Bureau, Since replacing Jim Carmichael, Smail emphasizes that her Wayne County Sustainable Energy Network and the Opiate time in office allowed her to gain firsthand experience and Task Force. working relationships with many other elected officials.

According to his website, Kiefer wishes to focus on Smail says she is, “committed to serving Wayne County increased job growth and improve the quality of life of all and its residents and will continue to work to keep this a Wayne County residents. great place to live, work and raise a family.”

Kiefer explains on his website, “I base my life on Smail also states that Wayne County has been blessed Biblical principles and know that God has put us all on with many great schools and will focus on working this Earth for a reason. I have always been a peoplewith small businesses to provide employment person and realize the importance of developing opportunities that will work for students during the yourself as a whole person: physically, socially, school year. emotionally as well as spiritually. I got involved in county government because that is where I thought I r e d xan could have the most impact.” d Ale n a n Kiefer was unable to be reached for comment a m r Go n for this story. h o J y.

COU

RTES Y

OF S

County Commissioner

Sue Smail:

David Kiefer:

County Commissioner

by ull itten stin McC r w s Au lurb ate b raphics by d i d n Ca .G pson Thom

Scott Wiggam:

County Commissioner

OTT WIGGAM

COURTESY OF SC

Scott Wiggam, a three term Republican Wayne County Commissioner, is running for the state representative seat being vacated by Ron Amstutz.

When it comes to education, Wiggam believes in local control.

Wiggam believes schools should be tested every three years and that ACT and SAT test scores should be used for high school students.

Wiggam said, “I think there’s probably been too much flexibility with charter schools and there hasn’t been enough oversight.” He stressed that he wants charters to be held to the exact same standards as public schools.

The county commissioner said that ECOT, the embattled online charter school under state investigation, should return any money it was paid for students not actually enrolled.

Wiggam said he does not support the Common Core standards and wants all districts to set curriculum.

Wiggam also voices support for student-led prayer in schools.

State Representative

MAD

ISO N

CUL VER

-LEE

Stephen Spoonamore is running as an Independent for the State representative seat being vacated by Ron Amstutz.

Spoonamore is a businessman and cybersecurity expert who co-founded and sits on the board of the Wayne County based ABS Materials.

He said his priority would be on the budget.

On the subject of education, Spoonamore said he would push for a five year exclusion from state testing for Wayne County school districts, he would then re-evaluate his stance based on the results of that experiment Spoonamore wants existing schools boards to begin overseeing the finances of charter schools within their districts saying, “Public money demands public oversight.” He also said he thought some of those who run charters are crooks.

Spoonamore said the online charter school, ECOT, currently being investigated by the state should be forced to return $64 million an ODE audit found they had been paid for students not actually enrolled by the school.

Stephen Spoonamore: State Representative

FEATURE

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 12

DIY: Pumpkin Crafts

BLADE staff members use Pinterest pumpkin craft ideas as inspiration to decorate pumpkins for fall festivities.

Pumpkins made by Hanna Morgan, Glara Lee, Valerie Anderson and Nick Cosmo.

Using only tape and googly eyes, a pumpkin can become a mummy.

Gluing googly eyes all over a pumpkin can turn it into a monster.

Place crayons around the top of a pumpkin, then use a hair dryer to melt them, to make it look like it is dripping paint.

Stretching balloons over a pumpkin will give it the dipped in paint look.

Drawing a cat face on a mini pumpkin and gluing ribbons onto a larger one makes them the perfect pair.

Painting designs is a fun alternative to carving pumpkins.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 13

WHS Mountain Biking Club had a successful year, with two of its teammates, Spencer Dilyard and Gillian Wenger winning the state championship.

In order to qualify for state, individuals must have started at least three mass start, (a race format) races, explained Dilyard.

To achieve a successful year, Dilyard emphasizes the importance of weight training and training with people who are ahead of your skill level.

Even though mountain biking is a relatively new sport, Dilyard believes club members should be allowed to receive physical education credit.

“It’s just as taxing as many other high school sports, if not more,” Dilyard said.

Wenger would like to see more girls in the racing world.

“It’s a fun and exciting thing to do. The girls and the guys get to race the exact same races and skill sets,” Wegner said.

If people are interested in learning more about the sport of mountain biking, they should search www.oirl.org according to Wenger.

This website has all the information needed to learn about Ohio mountain bike races.

WHS Mountain Bike Club coach Andrea Wegner was very proud of her team’s success this year.

“The team has put considerable effort into their training and it shows,” Wenger said.

This is WHS’s fourth year of participating in the sport, their third year taking first in state in varsity boys, first year taking first in JV boys and fourth year taking first in varsity girls.

Wenger wants everyone to know that this is a sport in which anyone can compete.

“I really hope more students come out and give it a try. It’s a sport like no other out there, everyone is so helpful and encouraging,” Wegner said.

The mountain biking team practices at Vultures Knob in Wooster.

Story by Isabelle Cannon Photo Courtesy of Matt Dilyard

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 14

Left Brain Versus

Right Brain c i g

Lo

People use both sides of the brain SARAH HOPKINS co-editor-in-chief

A well known theory amongst psychologists, scientists and humans in general is that of the role of the left brain versus the right brain.

The left brain and right brain theory is the idea that people think and function using one side of their brain more than the other, causing differences in their levels of creativity and ways of thinking, according to livescience.com.

Mike Sullivan, Social

Studies Dept. member and psychology teacher, explained that, typically, the left side of the brain has more to do with language, logical thought, math and science, while the left side of the brain has more to do with creative thought, spacial concepts and artistic ideas.

This theory, however, has proven difficult to verify.

In an interview with NPR on Dec. 2, 2013, cognitive neuroscientist, Kara Ferdermeier, explained that after much research examining the activity of

the brain’s hemispheres, “It seems safe to say that for the most part, we all use both sides of our brains almost all the time.”

Sullivan concurs, saying there can be varying amounts of development on one side or the other of the brain, but both sides are needed to function.

“It is impossible to be just one or the other,” Sullivan said.

Split brain research further confirms this thought; the two sides of the brain work together in order to complete daily tasks.

The right brain is the non-verbal side, where things are analyzed visually and creatively, rather than logically.

Roger W. Sperry, who in 1981 received a Nobel Prize for his findings, established these concepts and the discovery of two separate hemispheres of the brain.

Facts according to ucmas.ca.

Reasoning

re

at

ivit y

The left-brain, or left hemisphere of the brain, is associated with logic and reasoning.

The left-brain is used for processing information by analyzing it in a logical and sequential way.

Blurbs by Tatumn McGrew Illustration by Jessica Lyons

C

Nolan Khounborin (11) and Cate Strong (10)

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | OCT. 28, 2014 | PAGE 15

“Cate is probably the weirdest and funniest girl I’ve ever met,” Khounborin said.

Sophia Davis (12) and Michelle Sibilia (10)

Upperclassmen were asked to name an underclassman who inspired and stood out to them.

“She never complains about anything, no matter how challenging something may be, and she is quiet and respectful to everyone,” Davis said.

Jake McCory (11) and Victor Ayala (10)

Looking Up to Underclassmen Quotes collected by Glara Lee and Maddy Nacci.

Photos taken by Chelsea Patterson., Tracy Morgan, Madison Culver-Lee and Grant Peabody

“We have become good friends and we will always have each others backs,” Kirk said.

Jesse Ballow (12) and Gina Van Lieu (10) “He is Cesar’s brother, gets along with everyone and makes bang burritos,” McCory said.

Adam Kirk (12) and Stone Nicholson (10)

“Her attitude is contagious and she makes everyone around her happy. She reminds me to stay positive, be happy and to be an overall good person,” Ballow said.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 18

1.“

If I want to knock a story off

2.“

the front page, I just change

”

my hairstyle.

3.“

Democrats hate me, Republicans hate me. I have what doctors call a punchable face.

I’m the worst thing

”

that’s ever happened to ISIS.

” 4.“

I think apologizing’s a great thing, but you have to be wrong. I will absolutely apologize, sometime in the hopefully distant future, if I’m ever wrong.

WHO SAID IT?

5. “

here are quotes from the presidential candidates, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and other political figures. guess who said them and see correct answers Authenticity is key. in the key below.

“ 6.

”

My microphone is broken, she broke it, with Obama. She and Obama stole my

7.“

microphone, they took it to Kenya. They took my microphone to Kenya and they broke it and now it’s broken.

9.“

”

If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, let it roll right off you.

8. “

I know I’m not supposed to like muscle cars, but I like muscle cars.

Answer Key:

Take criticism seriously, but not personally.

He’s not a war hero. He’s a war hero

”

because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.

”

1. Hillary Clinton 2. Taran Killam portraying Ted Cruz on SNL 3. Donald Trump 4. Donald Trump 5. Tim Kaine 6. Alec Baldwin portraying Donald Trump on SNL 7. Hillary Clinton 8. Donald Trump 9. Joe Biden

Quotes collected

by Ryan Miller and Spencer Dilyard.

Illustration by Leah Sim.

”

”

Sources: ibtimes.com, nbc.com, usmagazine.com, brainyquote. com, mariecliare. co.uk, nytimes.com

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 19

Compulsory voting takes place in 26 countries, in which all able citizens are legally required to vote, according to the Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

in countries such as Australia and in Belgium, you could go to prison,” says the cnn.com article “Obama: Maybe it’s time for mandatory voting.”

Facts compiled by Amber Swigart.

Photo taken by Chelsea Patterson.

Mandatory voting sparks cultural disagreement AMBER SWIGART cover editor

The pewresearch.org article, “U.S. voter turnout trails most developed countries,” highlights the consistently low voter turnout in the United States, with 53.6 percent of eligible voters voting in the 2012 presidential election.

Many Americans say the low voter turnout creates a disconnect between the people and their government.

Elizabeth Parker, an Australian native who currently lives in the United States, finds that living in a country with the compulsory system gives her an appreciation for a relationship between citizens and the government.

“I think that it stops the apathy. You get in and you have to make a decision, you have to decide who you want to go with, even if you don’t like either party...you take a little bit of responsibility for what happens and

Voting requirement fosters democratic ideas

AUSTIN McCULLY

graphics manager

The Pew Research Center found that in 2012, the United States had 53.6 percent of voting age citizens actually vote. This poll puts us behind France, Mexico and Canada, among many other countries in voter turnout. In presidential elections the voter turnout is highest, but in the smaller elections, that people still need to care about, the turnout is laughable.

In a compulsory system, leaders who wish to win have to become more compliant and understanding of both parties and to many more voters. Reasonable candidates would lead to less extreme policies and platforms and would garner more support from the people.

Compulsory voting would also eliminate rule by the minority. The entirety of the country would be represented in the vote, and the possible.

It would also involve every U.S. citizen in the government, and people would be more inclined to take part in other aspects of government if they understand the impact of their decisions.

Being involved unites people, and a country united can do many things an unstable country cannot do.

People complaining about a bad Congress would have no one to blame but fault. In this system, all voters are responsible for elections.

United States, avoid its implementation.

“I would say there is little political let along voter participation in the general population of China. The local and national legislative bodies are basically rubber stamps for the [Chinese Communist Party],” Steve Xu, a College of Wooster student who has lived in China, said.

In any case, instituting this system in the United States would affect eligible citizens who have withheld their right to vote in previous elections.

Mandatory participation encourages ignorance

SPENCER DILYARD democracy in many ways.

This kind of voting system would make elections much more democratic. After all, is a government really a democracy if less

there’s not that disconnect there,” Parker said.

Similarly, Argentinian Juani Valero considers a compulsory system more representative of the people. “[Compulsory voting] is not such a difficult system to apply, and it would increase the population’s participation greatly and coincide with the true will of the people,” Valero said.

Despite the aforementioned benefits of a compulsory system, many developed nations, including the

focus editor

The right to vote is a basic fundamental of modern democracy, available to all of its eligible citizens; however, recent election data has shown low voter turnout.

According to “2012 Voter Turnout Report,” on bipartisanpolicy.org, the 2012 presidential election brought only a 57.5 percent voter turnout.

The reasoning behind compulsory voting, mandating voter turnout, stems from the basis that higher voter turnout, whether forced or voluntary, is Dr. Lever, of The London School of Economics and Political Science, speculative.” further educate themselves politically. A direct result from compulsory voting, then, is an increase in uneducated votes, which drowns out thoroughly researched, considerate votes from politically-involved citizens.

Dirty Jobs star, Mike Rowe, responded to a fan requesting him to encourage his fanbase to vote on qpolitical.com.

Rowe said, “The country doesn’t need voters who have to be cajoled, enticed or persuaded to cast a ballot. We need voters who wish to participate in the process... None of the freedoms spelled out in our Constitution were put there so people could cast uninformed ballots out of some misplaced sense of civic duty.”

Any citizen’s obligation to vote should be preceded by an obligation to get informed: Without mandating voter awareness, mandating voter turnout is a recipe for lessinformed political input from the general population.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 20

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

HALLOWEEN: THE HORRENDOUS AND HAPPY SIDES LList compiled by Hannah Knapic

The Nightmare Before Christmas

EVAN DOAN

Halloweentown

ENTERTAINING HALLOWEEN MOVIES

Twitches The following films are a collection of feel good films with some love, humor and triumph over evil.

Corpse Bride

Hocus Pocus

Science behind scares

Bat made by Matthew Lorentz

views editor

Horror movies are a very polarizing subject for many people. While some actively avoid them, others cannot resist the thrill of suspense, helplessness and occasionally violent content these movies bring.

Psychologically speaking, this is a very open ended discussion.

Marvin Zuckerman, professor of psychology at the University of Delaware, suggests that similarly to roller coasters, bungee jumping and whitewater rafting, horror movies provide an exhilarating experience for those who are inclined to thrill-seeking.

According to social psychologist Mark Davis, there is a strong correlation between empathy and one’s ability to enjoy horror. The less personally attached viewers feel to the characters who undergo frightening experiences, the higher likelihood that they will be able to enjoy frightening movies.

According to socialphychonline.com, data also suggests that attraction to horror increases from adolescence to adulthood, but then decreases as we age past our young adulthood.

It is important to realize that these are theories, and should be considered as such. Even so, if you consider yourself to be a young, thrill seeking and emotionally apathetic individual, try scrolling through the horror genre on Netflix this spooky season.

List compiled by Kayla Barnet

Sinister

As Above, So Below

FRIGHTENING FILMS

Hush These movies will not only mess with your mind, but frighten you enough to keep you up at night and crawl into your nightmares.

The Conjuring Pumpkin made by Spencer Dilyard

The Den

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 21

Students evaluate today’s TV shows and provide opinions You may know Aziz Ansari as Parks and Recreation’s lovable and flashy Tom Haverford, but have you met Aziz Ansari as Master of None’s Dev Shah, an actor trying to make ends meet, while also navigating being young and in New York with his best friends?

The New York Times summed it up best when it called Master of None, “an adorable but mature rom-com,” and “an idea-packed bulletin on technology and social mores.”

Master of None dropped last year on Netflix and has hooked viewers with its witty, yet relatable, storylines about life, love and the living in the 21 Century. Season two is expected to premiere in 2017.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is absolutely adorable.

Ellie Kemper portrays Kimmy Schmidt, a “mole woman” recently rescued after living underground with a cult for 15 years.

This funky plotline sets the show up for interesting episodes that are only further fueled by a great cast that also includes Jane Krakowski and Tituss Burgess.

I highly recommend Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt to anyone looking for a light and comedic show. Seasons one and two are now streaming on Netflix.

Community Meta is the word that best describes the show that was Community.

Community was a show that explored the life of community college students in ways not normally seen in a TV show.

It aired from Sept. 17, 2009, to June 2, 2015.

Community explored the lives of community college students through different types of storytelling, including a whole episode based on Goodfellas.

The plot of the show explored many types of stories with an episode that takes place completely within a video game. Community recognized that it was a TV show and played with the viewer’s idea of TV genres. The show appealed to those who understand television and I would love to see this show back.

Mr. Robot Mr. Robot is a fresh take on today’s money driven society.

It places the viewer in a realistic world where the protagonist, Elliot Alderson -- a hacker who sees the world in ones and zeroes -- struggles with his own perception of reality.

The show is wonderfully shot, with vast scenes in every episode.

The story is unpredictable, with almost every episode ending in a cliffhanger. The music from the latest indie rock and hip-hop in Mr. Robot is incredibly well done.

The best part of the show is definitely the main character, played by actor Rami Malek because television has never seen someone like him.

I would recommend Mr. Robot to anyone.

Arrested Development

Photo courtesy of NASA Blueshift on Flikr. com and graphic by Spencer Dilyard

First Take

Dance Moms

First Take is a weekly sports forum on ESPN2 featuring Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless, who debate all manner of sports.

While open discourse is a great thing, the bombastic, clashing personalities of Smith and Bayless take it a step too far. Every episode quickly turns into unsavory squabbling about Tim Tebow, the Dallas Cowboys or LeBron James.

Also, the hosts have a history of making comments leading their suspensions, in regard to the NFL’s handling of Ray Rice’s discipline, and lawsuits, in the case of accusing parents of a Little League World Series team of committing fraud against the league.

There are countless superior sports commentary shows on the air, and First Take’s petty feuding and questionable coverage justify its cancellation.

Dance Moms centers around Abby Lee Miller and her students at the Abby Lee Miller Dance Company.

Miller is notorious for being a stringent and passionate coach, but she is, frankly, painful to watch. Instead of any sort of constructive criticism, Miller only berates her dancers and fights with their overbearing mothers, who would do anything to live their dreams through their children.

Every episode boils down to obnoxious fighting between Abby and the mothers, about things as unimportant as where their daughters stand on the stage or their arbitrary team ranking.

After six seasons of the same tedious, raucous bickering, Dance Moms should most certainly be cancelled.

Fox cancelled Arrested Development after three seasons before a fourth, and admittedly worse, season debuted on Netflix on May 26, 2013.

Fans of the series should rejoice at the news that Arrested Development may return, likely in the form of a fifth season on Netflix.

“People are loyal to it, and we’re going to do another 17 episodes. So stay tuned for ‘Arrested Development,’” said producer Brian Grazer in the forbes.com article “‘Arrested Development’ Season 5 Is Happening, Will Be 17 Episodes” Arrested Development’s clever comedy paves the way for later sitcom successes and also features a timelessly funny cast, including Michael Cera and Will Arnett.

The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory is everything wrong with television.

It has been on the air for 10 years and is just old fashioned.

It appeals to those who have been watching television for 50 years and just want the same reprocessed tropes, two-dimensional characters, worn out catchphrases and a laughing track.

Really, come on guys, it is 2016.

The show mocks the culture of intelligence.

Blurbs by Sarah Hopkins, Christopher Roche and John Gorman

TV recommendations Shows to come back Shows that need to go

Master of None

THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 22

Drama Club begins behind the scene work for Guys and Dolls WHS Drama Club is hard at work behind and on the scenes preparing for the upcoming production of Guys and Dolls.

Whether it includes building sets or running lights, the cast and crew manage to keep busy. Show dates are Nov. 12, Nov. 13, Nov. 19 and Nov. 20.

Photos by Madison Culver-Lee and Chelsea Patterson.

Blurbs written by Olivia Sleek and Chelsea Patterson.

Photo 1: Parker Suggs (11) and Ally Edgar (10) use power tools to help build a set piece.

Photo 2: An up close view of the board use to control all the sound and lighting for the production.

Photo 3: Nathaniel Cornelius (12) poses with power tool while participating in set construction.

Photo 4: Angelina Fox (9) begins painting a wall for the musical.

Photo 5: Todd Patterson, assistant director, gives student advice on what needs to be done for the show.

Photo 6: Drama Club member focuses hard on building a frame for the set.

Photo 7: An overview of the whole stage from the light and sound booth.

Photo 8: Jacob Gooch (10) and Zach Dreher (11) work on technical problems.

Photo 9: Some power equipment used to build the sets for the show.

Photo 10: Zach Stevenson (12) uses a power saw to cut a wood piece for the set.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

SPORTS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 23

WHS Sports Superstitions Graphics by Spencer Dilyard Photo by Hannah Knapic

Standing on the foul line until the other team moves after the national anthem.

- Drew Friedhoff

Eating the same things before cross country meets.

- Maddy Nacci (11)

Pre-game meal the night before every home game.

-Sam Schonfeld (12)

Braiding my hair the same way before every volleyball home game - Lindsey Shadley (11)

Very Superstitious For athletes participating in sports at all competitive levels, superstitions are commonplace for those trying to gain a supernatural advantage over others.

MAUREEN McKEOWN views editor

Doing and undoing the velcro on my batting clothes a certain amount of times before every at bat.

- Reis Rising (12) Cowboy stretches prior to every match.

-Evan Doan (11) Wearing the same socks all year (without washing) during track season.

- Maureen McKeown (12)

No matter the sport or competition, every athlete goes through a different process in order to prepare for the start of the game, debate, race, etc.

Some believed that superstitions can make or break an athlete. No matter if it is on the stage, field or court. But do superstitions really mean anything? Do they actually help a team win a big game?

Without them, sports would not be just as fun without crazed fans wearing the same shirt for four months in a row.

They are made to prevent bad luck as every single superstition is unique in style.

Jeromy Green (12) has his own take on getting ready for a cross country meet, by sitting down on his bed the night before a race, and staring at all the medals he has earned throughout his life because it reminds him of how far he has come and sees it as the

motivation for him to keep going.

Even pro athletes all around the world have superstitions.

Anyone who is passionate about the sport they play, dreams big, and wants to win will do whatever it takes to get to that place. Even professional Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, who holds the world record for both the 100 and 200 meter dash, has his very own superstitions.

“I just imagine all the other runners are big spiders, and then I get super scared,” Bolt once said to a reporter.

Many athletes are superstitious when it comes to playing the sport they love.

Whether it be a before, during or after a game ritual, athletes do what they have to do and stick to it if it works. It doesn’t matter if you are an athlete who tried out for the track team or if you are the fastest man in the world. It’s all about getting in the right state of mind, figuring out what works for you and being passionate about your sport.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 24

Wooster celebrates another successful season of fall sports 2.

1.

As winter comes into view, fall sports athletes at WHS look back on a memorable year as they pass it on to the next generation. These teams tie the knot and now gear up to head into sectional play.

4.

Photos by Grant Peabody and Spencer Dilyard

3.

From left to right 1. Brent Dillion holding good form after taking a stroke on the fairway.

2. The boys cross country team starting quick in a race.

3. Trey Mathis gets ready to dodge a couple defenders.

4. (Above) Jansen Gulifer preparing to strke a cross.

Fall sports close the door to their seasons Soccer The boys’ soccer team celebrates an outstanding season, with a 10-3-4 record and an OCC title win.

by Coach Brian Hansen, who attributes the team’s win to their cohesion and drive on the

their shoes.

Goal keeper and senior potential in this year’s team a year that we were gonna do it, it was gonna be this one… we put our heads down and worked harder than we’ve ever

tournament against Akron Brunswick.

Cross Country

with a second place award at the OCC Championship,

Holmes Championship and third at the OCC Championship.

Varsity runner Connor Niro regular season has gone as a team.

The boys’ and girls’ cross country teams continue to have strong seasons with a Girls’ cross country coach, McKenzie Doup, is proud

how to compete. Now we are peaking at the right time,” says Niro.

The teams hope to use the

have shown throughout the season. Doup says their most

the postseason at the district, regional and state competitions.

their last regular season game is tonight at 7p.m., at Thomas Worthington. place in the OCC this year, as

they took time to recap their The Generals only losses were the season, the team showed

“I thought we had an amazing start. We hit some

matches.

Rooney (12) said.

Mark Snowbarger said.

Continuing strong, the team was able to win the OCC tournament, however, they behind Ashland.

our team knew the potential

not only have multiple years years.

According to Reed, these seniors were an asset to the team in that they taught and improved the younger players

Holmes Championship.

“All, but two runners got their personal or season bests, we won the meet overall and we had a new school record set by junior Maddy Nacci,” Doup said.

The girls’ cross country team

points.

The boys’ cross country is no stranger to success either,

since 2010.

“They’ve come together as a group toward that one to lose took over this year,” Hansen said.

Senior captain Cameron Reed also credits the team’s ability to work together, as well as the

Golf

seniors graduating this year

in Sectionals and will continue on to the state competition.

Football season is spiraling to end as

Generals this year was caused starters were not able to play. think we responded in the best way possible,” quarterback, Peyton Bennington (12) said.

The General’s overall record is 7-2.

Soccer blurb by Erin O’Donnell Cross country and golf blurb by Matt Lorentz.

Football blurb by Hanna Morgan.

Photos by Grant Peabody and Spencer Dilyard.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 25

I E U L T

N QA I

Y

With Sports Coaches

The gender inequality gap among men’s and women’s coaches has increased over time since Title IX, a ruling that supports the right of women to have the same opportunities as men in sports. Recent events have drawn attention to this problem.

Lack of women coaches poses a national and local problem HANNAH KNAPIC cover editor

On June 23, 1972, Title IX of the 1972 education amendments was implemented as a law, prohibiting federally funded schools from discriminating against students or employees.

Forty-four years later, the focus has shifted from discrimination against students in athletics to include discrimination against coaches and administrators in athletics.

According to R. Acosta and Linda Carpenter, as quoted in the SAGE Journal on May 25, 2012, the percentage of women in athletic leadership positions in the NCAA is less than 20 percent.

Even in the Women’s National Basketball League, 33 percent of managers are women. In sports such as college football, women make up zero percent of an issue committee, which undertakes the fixing of problems in college football at the Division One level.

In 2011, the percentage of

women on the Association Wide Executive Committee, a group dedicated to looking at problems in the NCAA without singling out sports, was 15.8 percent, while in the Playing Rules Oversight Panel, a committee created to examine safety, rules, and sports image, came in at zero, according to data collected by SAGE. At WHS, males act as head coaches over five female sports, including soccer, girls basketball, and softball, while only one woman is the head coach of a male sport, boys

swimming.

On Feb. 25, 2016, Brian Clapp from the Work in Sports.com blog wrote an opinion article titled “The Need for Women in Sports Goes Beyond Title IX.” Clapp’s article gives examples of women in professional sports positions and explains how they have benefited the program.

Becky Hammon became the first full time female assistant coach in the NBA in 2014 when she was hired by the San Antonio Spurs. In 2015, Hammon became the head

Percentage of women coaches of Division 1 women teams in college athletics

NFL makes way for women employees sports editor

The NFL has created a new job position in the league for former women’s pro tackle player, Sam Rapoport, to get more women involved at the team level.

According to “NFL tabs Sam Rapoport to help open job ‘pipeline’ for women at team level,” by Jane McManus on espn.com, 30 percent of the league’s front-office employees are female. There are even fewer women in football

operations jobs, with one woman serving as a full-time referee and another working as a full-time quality-control coach.

Rapoport has been hired as the Director of Football Development. In this position, she will find other women who know about the game and train them.

At the same time, she will work to open up more job opportunities for women in the league, according to the espn. com article by Jane McManus.

The league plans to expand opportunities for women as

athletic trainers and through officiating, according to “NFL tabs Sam Rapoport to help open job ‘pipeline’ for women at team level,” from espn.com.

“NFL Names Sam Rapoport Director Of Football Development,” by Vincent Frank at forbes.com, says Sam Rapoport has experience through the NFL league office and USA Football, in which she worked for six years, overseeing female teams.

If Rapoport is successful, she will have increased the number of women holding jobs in the NFL.

% 17.4

MADDY NACCI

coach of the Spurs’ summer league team and led them to the summer league title that summer, according to Clapp.

Clapp ends his article with explaining why women need to be implemented further into athletics, stating, “...sports need this change because it has been shown that having women in important roles within business is incredibly beneficial to their industries,” a sentiment that will cause women to have the voice they deserve for equality and innovation, according to Clapp.

Statistics from www.cehd.umn.edu Graphics by Spencer Dilyard

41.9%

64%

70.4%

26.5%

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 26

MADDY NACCI WHS record holder

SPENCER DILYARD graphics manager

On Oct. 8, Maddy Nacci (11) broke the WHS girls cross country 5K record at the Wayne Holmes Invitational.

The previous record, set by Claire Miller, was 19 minutes 24 seconds. Nacci beat that time with a 19 minute 16 second time. Miller’s time stood for seven years, as she set it in 2010 as a junior.

Cross Country coach McKenzie Doup praised Maddy saying she, “puts in a lot of work and has a great attitude.” She jokingly added, “unless we’re doing pushups.”

Doup said the team trains every day with one optional rest day. This training schedule includes one long run day, one long intensity workout, one short intense workout and on the rest days are normal mileage runs or aerobic exercise sessions.

Nacci says she watches her diet closely during the week, but after a race, it is not a priority. She eats the same things every night before a race and in the morning.

Some songs that go through her head while she runs are “Forever” by Drake and “One Day” by Matisyahu.

For Nacci, soccer was her and she had a hard time choosing between soccer and cross country this year.

“Both teams were extremely supportive through the whole thing,” she said.

Ultimately, the last year’s track season ended so well that she wanted to continue progressing with her running.

She wanted to run as much as she could with her friends Maureen McKeown (12), Isabelle Cannon (12), Tracy Morgan (12) and Kendall Begue (12) before they graduated.

Nacci said she feels honored to be a part of the team and expressed that she is very happy with how her season and the team’s season has gone so far.

She said this season has really made her realize how much she loves running.

Nacci hopes her team can make it to state. Her favorite race is the 5K, which requires both speed and endurance.

She said every course is school, which keeps it interesting for her.

Nacci said cross country alum Kevin White is her idol, as he works very hard and does so with determination.

She also mentions that her idol, friend and fellow runner, McKeown, has always supported her and tried to help keep her positive. “Maddy not only makes workouts fun, she is also a leader. She leads by and the team.”

For Nacci and the girls team, their next race occurs this weekend at Youngstown for Regionals.

TRENDS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 27

Jacob Gooch (10)

been an interesting

Jackie Wendell (12)

Evan Opatz (10)

The WHS Science Dept. nominated the following seven students based on their exhibition of an above average interest for science, the great improvement showcased in their science abilities and the science-based opportunities they have taken advantage of inside and outside of school.

Rachel Dugan Wood (12) Jenny Kalikasingh (12) Jessie Ballow (12)

Tracy Morgan (12)

science courses at

“It’s interesting to

The Wooster Blade asks

“I really enjoy Julie thefeedfeed). I’m really me inspiration about what food I can create or recipes to look up. Also, her pictures are really -Mimi Wiles (11)

“Ryan Reynolds.

His tweets are always either hilarious, very socially aware or both.”

-Adam Kirk (12)

students about their favorite celebrity social media.

“Buzzfeed, because it is both a reliable news source, in my opinion, and it has fun quizzes.”

-Landon Rice (9)

“Lauren Sanderson, because she is social media to vibes and positive -Emily Cavin (11)

“One of my favorite celebrities to follow is this kid called Brian Imanuel. He’s hilarious on Twitter.”

-Anna Qu (12)

Quotes by Emma Strong.

Illustration by Jessica Lyons.

TRENDS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 28

“Joe Biden, because he’s -Alexis Florence (10)

THE WOOSTER BLADE | TRENDS | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 29

Students fondly remember childhood Halloween costumes

1

2

Looking through old photos is always pleasant, but glancing through old Halloween pictures can be a real treat.

WHS students submitted photos of old costumes of their childhood to help remember Halloween costumes of the past.

4

3

Photo 1: Gillian Fannin (12), Sarah Hopkins (12), Maureen McKeown (12), Halle Kotulock (12) and Beth Clayton (12) all pose for picture at a St. Mary’s Halloween party.

Photo 2: Garrett Bielke (12) sits on a pumpkin to get his picture taken as Harry Potter, Photo 3: Makayla Caldwell (12) is all ready to trick-or-treat as Elmo.

Photo 4: Fiona (10) and Sophia (12) Davis dressed up as a bunny and a witch for Halloween.

Photo 5: Adam Kirk (12) and brother Daniel posed as Michelangelo and the Red Power Ranger.

Photo 6: Kayla Barnet (12) and with her old babysitter smile for the camera as a witch.

1

Photos collected by Kayla Barnet and Maureen McKeown.

Blurb written by Olivia Sleek.

5

6

THE WOOSTER BLADE | OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 30

Seniors weigh in on 8th Seniors: Then and Now graders’ integration TATUMN MCGREW on campus editor

was integrated into WHS for the 2012-2013 school year.

Now these students are in their last year of high school, and as

Kyra Lee (12) has noticed a class’ behavior and the current eighth graders. “We were not this bad; we kept our heads down and kept to ourselves,” Lee said.

Over the years, eighth grade classes have become more integrated with other class levels

Drosos Kardulias

at WHS, they have time to for students like Nakeya Hunt (12) .

“As an eighth grader coming to the high school, I was pretty hyped to come here. And, I’ve noticed that between our class, and this year’s eighth grade class, they interact with the rest of the high school way more than we did,” Traeton DeVirgo (12) said.

They don’t sit down, they don’t listen to the teacher, they’re loud and disrespectful. It needs to go back to where they were secluded. It’s ridiculous to have a 17-18 year old in the same class room as a 13-14 year old,” Hunt said.

Sarah Hopkins

Student IDs lack point

KAYLA COOPER on campus editor

This school year WHS introduced student ID cards and many students have questioned whether or not these ID cards are necessary.

I too, was struggling to understand the use for them.

Much of this struggle to understand the use for the student ID’s can be attributed to the lack of students actually wearing them.

I came to the conclusion that the student ID’s are useless when I only saw some of the eighth graders wearing them.

Associate Principal at WHS, Andy Bratcher, informed me that the cards are mainly used to scan in and out of lunches, and knowing where the students are, especially in terms of getting on and off the bus.

According to Bratcher, the main goal in mind of the cards is improved safety for the students. Student ID’s could be very useful for eighth graders because they are new to the high school and still learning the ropes, but when it comes to other grades, they are unnecessary.

Older students do not wear them and have not seen any negative consequences or aftermath.

Since I only see eighth graders wearing them, then I am sure the overall goal for the student ID’s is being reached within that grade.

Other than that, I do not see the use for student ID’s for the students who have been going to the high school for a couple or more years.

Evan Rice

Esther Hart

Wil Gastier

VIEWS Photos by Jacob Gooch.

Graphic by Matthew Lorentz..

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS I OCT. 28, 2016 | PAGE 31

Trump’s comments allude to larger, widespread societal issue

AMBER SWIGART

perspective, The United States Census Bureau’s “Quickfacts” page reports that there are nearly 309 million inhabitants in 2010, of which 50.8 percent are women.

Before taking violated men into consideration, these figures suggest that one in ten Americans are affected by the form of violation that the current GOP nominee for president seemingly jokes about, defends by saying that all men promote this rape culture and says that we, the American people, are expected to similarly overlook and brush under the rug. “[Trump’s defense] never acknowledges the awful reality of unwanted sexual advances that women face every day... By now he should understand that there is virtually no woman who hasn’t been grabbed, groped or fondled by an acquaintance, a co-worker, a boss, a relative or a stranger, always with the assumption on the attacker’s part that t h e r e ’ s nothing s h e can

cover editor

Many Americans admire Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s unfiltered honesty and ability to tell it like it is.

Yet a 2005 tape released in early October, in which Trump boasts about his ability to kiss women without their consent and, “grab them by the [explicit]” showcases his distinction between private and public behavior; if Trump prides himself on projecting racism, misogyny, homophobia and Islamophobia to the public, what horrific comments fail to make it through his “filter”?

Trump’s dismissal of comments suggesting he uses his powerful position to grope women unwarrantedly as normal behavior belittles the very serious problem of rape that according to the National Sexual Violence Research Center’s “Statistics About Sexual Violence,” one in five women experience in their lifetime.

To put this figure in

n

eA

5

f 14

ll o Po

ple

o pe

c

te

uc

d on

ri ale V y db

g

rin

u 0d

2

as harmless or, perhaps more frighteningly, normal.

In fact, Trump supporters’ excuses to justify his blatant sexism m e r e l y illustrate t h e

gender problem that still exists in our society.

Trump and his followers may consider rape worth joking about and the playful objectification of women, or “locker room talk,” as harmless, but these sentiments merely promote and discredit the real problems constantly facing women.

“Even if men did talk like this, it would be reprehensible…

,o

on

rs de

ct. nO

do to stop him,” said Paul Waldman in The Washington Post article “Donald Trump has now guaranteed that women voters will hand the election to Hillary Clinton.”

Rape is not a punchline, nor should it be seen as acceptable “locker room talk.”

While mentioning that it affects our mothers and daughters is not necessary to exemplify that all women deserve basic human rights, perhaps the familiarity of these roles showcases the prevalence of rape culture; it is not an urban myth, nor should it be brushed off

Photo by Chelsea Patterson

Trump’s m a l e privilege comes through in the video, and in his response statements.

His comments in the video underscore his support of a gender hierarchy wherein women are objectified, valued for beauty and not competence, and men hold power over them. Women are objects to fulfill men’s desires,” Angie Bos, Associate Professor of Political Science at the College of Wooster, said.

By supporting or defending Trump’s blatant bigotry, recognize your promotion of a culture trivializing and overlooking rape, a culture dedicated to undoing advancements made in favor of women’s equality and a culture that could not care less about valuing women and treating them with respect.

In what situations do you feel men and women are not treated equally?

-”In athletics, guys’ teams are funded more, and in the

pros, they make way more money than women do.”

-”In choosing what to do with their bodies and how they dress.”

-”In the workplace, men are sometimes hired over woman because they say that women are not as strong as men.”

-”People assume that women cannot handle the intensity of the army.”

Corridor conducted by Valerie Anderson, on Oct. 20 during 1, 2, 4th and 8th period.

THE

WOOSTER

BLADE

Editors-in-Chief Sarah Hopkins, Nate KingSmith Webmaster Alexander Thompson Graphics Managers Spencer Dilyard, Matthew Lorentz Business Managers Grant Peabody, Estelle Shaya On Campus Editors Drosos Kardulias, Tatumn McGrew Focus Editors Austin McCully, Ryan Miller Sports Editors A & E Editors Kayla Barnet, Nick Cosmo Trends Editors Olivia Sleek Cover Editors Erin O’Donnell, Amber Swigart, Valerie Anderson, Hannah Knapic Views Editors Evan Doan, Maureen McKeown Feature Editors Hanna Morgan, Emma Strong Staff Writers Madison Culver-Lee, Jacob Gooch, John Gorman, Glara Lee, Holly Miller, Christopher Roche, Samuel Schonfeld, Leah Design Managers Isabelle Cannon, Estelle Shaya Sim, Rachel Dugan Wood Head Photographer Grant Peabody Photographers Madison Culver-Lee, Hannah Knapic, Tracy Morgan, Chelsea Patterson Cartoonists Jess Lyons, 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. 28 2016 | PAGE 32

OUR VIEW

No one is safe from Donald Trump’s ridicule. Republicans, Democrats, men, women and people of countless nationalities have all found themselves in the crosshairs of the 2016 GOP presidential nominee.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes a presidential candidate should not make vast generalizations that only add credence to baseless stereotypes and demoralize groups of people.

Many Republicans withdrew their support of the presidential nominee after audio was released of Trump objectifying women and condoning sexual assault.

A common trend occurred when those Republican officials renounced Trump.

Many of them mentioned that they, as fathers, grandfathers or husbands, found

his comments to be offensive to women, seeming to suggest that his comments were only offensive because

on polls and analysis of the electoral map, released an infographic showing that Trump would beat Hillary Clinton by a margin of

MUCH OF TRUMP’S CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN CENTERED AROUND XENOPHOBIC COMMENTS AND POLICIES SUCH AS A BAN OF ISLAMIC REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS. they themselves knew women.

While The Wooster Blade Editorial Board understands it was not the intent of the comments, the board believes Trump’s comments should be offensive on a human level, not just because you know or are related to women.

FiveThirtyEight, a website that focuses

350 to 188 electoral votes if only men voted in the upcoming election.

After the release of this figure, a concerning amount of Trump supporters tweeted with the hashtag “#RepealThe19th” to voice their support for repealing the 19th Amendment, which grants women suffrage.

Although the hashtag may have been used

by some in a satirical nature, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board still finds it appalling and disappointing that any suggestion of depriving women of their right to vote would be made in any context.

Much of Trump’s campaign has been centered around xenophobic comments and policies such as a ban of Islamic refugees and immigrants.

Trump has since rescinded his support of a Muslim ban, presumably because public backlash has grown so large. The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes Trump’s rather recent change of heart does not make him any less culpable for his words or actions.

As a person in the public eye running for president, Trump must be held accountable for the statements he makes.

The aforementioned discriminatory

Letter to the editor BLADE EditorsWooster High School Students: November 8th is General Election Day! If you are 18 years or older, I strongly encourage you to cast

your vote. Whether or not you can vote this year, talk to your family, friends, neighbors, ect. about the candidates and become educated about the process of electing those who will be your voice at the local,

regional and national levels.

There are many online sites to assist you in your decision-making, including votesmart.org. For countywide elections, visit the Wayne County Board of Elections website at

votewayne.org to view a list of candidates and to review voter registration, polling locations and sample ballots.

Barb Friedhoff