The Wooster Blade, Volume XX, Issue 8

The Wooster

BLADE Volume XX | Issue 8 | Jan. 24, 2020

Community building: Writing a better future Graphic by Madison Helms

Inside the Jan. 24, 2020 Issue

p. 5 Examining Ed Choice in Ohio

p. 6 Foreign Policy Review: the U.S. and Iran

p. 7 Community events celebrate MLK

ON CAMPUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 2

WCS hosts annual speech and debate tournament SKYY KHOUNBORIN sports editor At the 2020 Sharen B. Althoff Rotary Invitational Tournament, the WHS team placed third out of 50 schools.

There were roughly 1300 competitors; competition having to take place at the high school, Edgewood Middle School, and Kean Elementary School.

Wooster has been hosting tournaments since the 1920s, but was named in honor of Sharen Althoff in 2008.

Some highlights from the tournament include: Bryn Savidge (12), taking first place

in Informative Speaking, Stuart Courson (12) receiving second place in Program of Oral Interpretation and Eve Norris (12) placing fifth in Declamation.

Keith Vandegrift, President of the Speech and Debate Parents Association, explains his role in order to assist with the overall process of the tournament.

“The president contributes to the tournament by checking with the head coach for this year’s requirements.

This entails finding gracious and motivated parents to head up key positions for our home tournament. The president takes on additional tasks and assists other parents in their

individual roles as required.

It takes teamwork to run a tournament properly,” Vandegrift said.

Head Speech and Debate coach Holly Custer emphasizes the immense size and importance of the tournament.

“I can’t describe it in just one word. I would say the Wooster tournament is stressful, in a planning perspective, competitive, in an experience perspective, and important because it gives students pride to represent others,” Custer said.

Bryn Savidge (12), president of the Speech and Debate team, takes her role as president seriously.

“As president, I have to coach a lot of kids and the people in my category...I am in charge of telling the team what to do at tournaments and make sure that everyone is doing what

Youth Shakespeare group performs in Wooster MAEVE FLORENCE-SMITH feature editor The Wooster Youth Shakespeare Company is putting on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

According to director Mary Jackson-Smith, Twelfth Night is, “A play that deals with themes of bullying, identity and pretending to be someone you’re not.”

Jackson-Smith chose to put on Twelfth Night because, “it is the right time of year, it is a play with a really nice balance of lines and it has a lot of medium sized roles.”

Jackson-Smith has been

producing plays for 10 years, originally starting her program in Utah.

Recently, she moved to Wooster and has decided to organize a youth Shakespeare company here. Jackson-Smith, with occasional help from parents, sews everyone’s costumes.

Violet Stormer Burch (5), who plays the role of Olivia, says her favorite part of being in the play is, “Being on stage with all the people watching and not being afraid.”

Twelfth Night opens on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Wayne Center for the Arts. Additional performances are Jan. 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 26 at 2 p.m.

SKYY KHOUNBORIN

On Jan. 18, the Wooster Speech and Debate team wait with the rest of the competitors in the PAC at WHS for the awards ceremony to begin. they need to do,” Savidge said.

The WHS Speech and Debate team has one more normal season tournament in Norton

on Jan. 25.

The next tournament held in Wooster is the state tournament on March 6 and 7.

FEATURE

THE WOOSTER BLADE | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 3

How can youth make a difference? Guide to aiding Australia

Wooster food programs provide for many ELLIE SNIDER staff writer While the season of giving may have passed for some, many people in Wooster struggle to eat year-round. In Wooster, soup kitchens are an important resource for those combating food insecurity.

Madelaine Dwier, Corps officer at the Salvation Army, explains what services the Salvation Army provides and emphasizes its importance.

“The Salvation Army has a soup kitchen serving hot meals Monday through Friday

at noon… our meals are nutritionally balanced; this contributes to better health, also the soup kitchen provides participants with opportunities for socializing and case management when possible,” Dwier said.

In addition to the On Site Meal Programs, the Salvation Army also provides a homeless shelter after school program and church services, according to Dwier.

Another group that provides food to the needy is Meals Together Incorporated, which is located in the United Methodist Church.

MADDY MCCULLY

Pat Merrill, Bruce Blouch and Kathy Rotuno serve free evening meals at the Wooster United Methodist Church on Thursday, Jan. 16.

Food director Pat Merrill says that “[Meals Together Inc.] serves food every Thursday to 60-100 people in the community… [our goals are] to serve the community and provide a safe, friendly environment.”

Wayne County provides meals every day, and the locations and times can be found on the Wayne County Streetcard, provided by the United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties. These establishments, including the Salvation Army, Meals Together and other churches, list the times and days when they serve food, and the streetcard is a way that people can get information on where to go.

“A lot of people who go to these food programs, three times a day, seven days a week, are all the same group, and they are able to have their own sense of community,” said Merrill.

The problem of food insecurity is more prevalent than some might think. According to Dwier, “Twelve percent of Wayne County residents experience food insecurity.”

The soup kitchens of Wayne County combat this issue.

Merrill said teenagers can volunteer or help fundraise.

ASHTON DUNLAP staff writer

Over the last couple of weeks, an increasing number of WHS students have posted various images and stories bringing awareness to the wildfires in Australia.

Other than posting a photo on their Instagram story, what more can one student do to help a whole country in need?

Hundreds of organizations across the globe have stepped up to provide options for people to donate to aid animals, people and volunteers affected by the fires.

According to The Australian Red Cross’ website, they are offering a Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, which takes donated money and distributes it to various assistance and relief programs.

The Red Cross has already sent over 1,000 people to aid communities affected by the wildfires. Donations can be easily given by searching

“Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery.”

GIVIT, a nonprofit that has recently focused on the Australia bushfires, focuses on allocating donated goods to specifically requested items. Their system is very streamlined and items can be donated by searching “GIVIT give items.”

Although social media has made advocacy much more widespread and easy, it can also create the opportunity for scams and fake accounts.

The account @ exposinginstascams aims to sort real accounts from scams, and before raising awareness to an account, ask the following questions to make sure it is legitimate.

Is the account verified? Does the account have a website?

Does the account have more than nine posts? Are the posts recent?

If the answer to those questions is yes, the account is safe to be supported.

To give items: givit.org.au/give-items To give money: redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recoverydonate

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THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 4

STUART COURSON staff writer As a student interested in pursuing acting in the near future, my favorite roles are ones that shine a light on problems within our society, but I definitely know there is a line of certain topics that are off limits in terms of sensitivity.

However, in regards to human trafficking, where is that line?

It was sophomore year when I decided to join my high school’s speech and debate team. I have been on the team for three years, and one of the key qualities about this team is the amount of freedom a student has when deciding on a topic about which to give a speech.

So, for my senior year, I decided to do an interpretative speech on the fight directed toward human trafficking.

I was made aware about the fight against human trafficking my junior year, where for a final project in one of my classes, one group gave a presentation about human trafficking.

Since then, I have started educating myself about this issue, creating a better understanding about the complexity of this secretive industry and seeing what people can do in order to help the fight.

I decided to create a speech about human trafficking because I truly have a passion

for this complex fight, and hope to spread awareness.

While I definitely had much success with this speech, I have also encountered not so great success as well. Sometimes, the judges, who are usually parents of children in Speech and Debate, love my piece and truly advocate for the fight.

However, sometimes, judges are the polar opposite, writing down good qualities about me as a speaker, but mainly critiquing me on my speech itself, simply putting that it is too dramatic.

Specifically, there is one time within my speech where I say the fact that Ohio is one of the worst states in the nation in terms of human trafficking, as reported by ABC News. I have had one judge at a tournament write down that exact statement on my ballot, along with: no, not true.

Do not get me wrong: I am very proud of how successful my piece is doing, and this not a cry for judges to give me good scores because at the end of the day, I do not care about how I, statistically, do at tournaments.

The main reason I chose to talk about this topic is solely to spread awareness, and make people understand why this fight deserves more attention.

It just aggravates me when there is a population who will not understand the facts of the world in which we live today.

As January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, I encourage everyone to please educate yourself on this industry, and help out with the fight toward the end of human trafficking.

Donate supplies such as clothing, toiletry, food and other household needs to anti-human trafficking organizations, such as The Salvation Army.

Graphic by Madison Helms

Reflecting on human trafficking awareness

Coalition raises educational awareness on human trafficking in Wayne County SYLVIE SHAYA staff writer January has been designated National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and organizations throughout Wayne County have worked to do their part to raise awareness of this crime.

The Wayne Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition organized events all month to raise awareness in different parts of the community.

Nicole Zornes, Prevention and Intervention Officer with Wayne County Juvenile Court and current Facilitator of WATCh stated that “There are many assumptions about victims and untrue stories being spread around social media, and WATCh aims to dispel those myths and give correct information.”

WATCh is achieving this awareness goal through their January community events.

WHS School Resource Office April Teichmer said that “the most we have really run across in Wayne County is more of the trafficking...for forced labor,” on farms and such. Ohio is the state with the fifth highest rate of human trafficking in the United

States, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

In terms of her work as School Resource Officer and watching for human trafficking, Teichmer said that “a lot of it just has to do with the home situations of kids...knowing where they come from and whether they are even at risk to begin with... and building a relationship with the kid to make sure that isn’t something that is going on in their home life.”

Teichmer could not recall many incidents in Wayne County and Zornes explained that the scarcity of human trafficking cases in Wayne County, “does not mean that human trafficking does not happen here: it just means we need more people to recognize this crime.”

Through events and community awareness, “WATCh aims to educate all of Wayne County,” Zornes added, and the events they hold “may have a speaker... but it is mainly WATCh members having an open and honest conversation with concerned members of the community.”

During the rest of the year, apart from human trafficking awareness month, WATCh continues to work to educate the community through its

monthly meetings and by hosting awareness events at the request of different agencies and groups, according to Zornes.

She also encourages community members to educate themselves and their families, volunteer, join coalitions like WATCh and work to end the demand for human trafficking.

Some of the events held this January have included an event on Jan. 15 at Grace Church as well as a Jan. 18 event at Discover Church aimed to educate community members about the facts of human trafficking. On Jan. 15, WATCh spoke with cadets at the Wayne County Career Center Law Enforcement Training Academy and on Jan. 22 and 29, WATCh will be speaking with the staff and administration at Chippewa Local Schools to educate them on the warning signs of human trafficking.

For more information, visit the online site for WATCh or the National Human Trafficking Hotline for statistics and information.

WATCh also holds a monthly meeting that is open to the public, at noon on the second Monday of every month at the Wayne County Children Services Building.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 5

Tusky Valley begins arming school teachers TYLER KEATING staff writer According to an Aug. 13, 2019 article entitled “Are School Shootings Becoming More Frequent? We Ran The Numbers” by KUNC, a public radio station in Colorado, the rate of school shootings is increasing. The article stated that between the years of 1999, when the Columbine shooting occurred, and 2014, the United States averaged a shooting every 124 days. From 2015 to 2018, that number dropped to 77.

Many schools are turning to arming teachers to prevent school shootings.

According to an Aug. 20, 2019 article by Barb Limbacher published in The TimesReporter, four of the seven school districts in Tuscarawas

County authorize armed staff members, as Garaway Local School District joined Newcomerstown, Indian Valley and Tusky Valley.

Justin Pirolozzi, a senior at Tusky Valley, says, “I understand the logic behind it; however, I feel like it could cause more problems than it solves.’’

In another article by Limbacher along with Jon Baker, from The TimesReporter, published on June 12, 2018, Tusky Valley Superintendent Mark Murphy stated, “We are committed to continuously updating our safety standards given the reality and challenges we face today. The board of education unanimously approved a resolution to arm employees at its meeting Monday. None of us are excited about the

endeavor, yet it is a significant safety measure the board has authorized.”

When asked if similar measures could be taken in the Wooster City School District, superintendent Michael Tefs said, “The first question you have to ask is why you would or would not… any decision would have to be a community decision. You have to consider what is best for families and for the schools. We have armed our two largest buildings with resource officers, who are trained police officers.”

Dr. Tefs continued to say that to the best of his understanding, the teachers’ union held the same stance.

1.

Would you agree with the idea of arming teachers in school?

Yes 34% 2.

Do you believe arming teachers nationwide would reduce school shootings?

Yes 33% 3.

No 66%

No 67%

Would you feel more safe in the classroom if teachers were armed?

Yes 30%

No 70%

During the week of Jan. 13, Zach Brewster, Alec Pauley, Leo Riley and Madison Helms distributed 128 polls in grade 8-12 study halls. Graphic by Corinne Wiles.

Why do you believe arming teachers would or would not reduce school shootings?

“They would reduce school shootings because the teachers could defend themselves and their students.”

“I don’t really think it would ...

I wouldn’t feel comfortable in a classroom where a teacher had a gun. Plus if the wrong teacher had a gun it could possibly go wrong.”

“The solution to the problem is not in how we stop it, but how we prevent it from starting in the first place.”

-Anonymous 8th grader

-Anonymous 10th grader

-Anonymous 12th grader

EdChoice program offers school choice; faces opposition from WCSD ANNA NACCI & SIERRA DEWALD cover editor and staff writer Following the issuance of this school district they fall under year’s district report card, WHS to transfer to a private school received a “D” overall, meaning of their choice, including a it has been classified by the parochial [religious-affiliated] Ohio Department of Education institution if they choose, as an underperforming school according to Superintendent and its families are eligible for Michael Tefs.

While WHS will begin to a program called EdChoice fall under the program at the beginning next school year.

EdChoice, which has been beginning of the 2020-2021 year, Cornerstone in place since 2005, is, “a school scholarship option for students Elementary has been under attending low-performing this classification since the public schools and students in beginning of this school year, families with incomes at 200% Tefs said.

Tefs furthers that what has or less of the Federal Poverty Level,” according to the ODE’s happened under EdChoice so far at Cornerstone indicates website.

Under EdChoice, students that the program imposes costs for the in underperforming schools significant receive funding from the public school district and shows a

trend of primarily affluent families taking advantage of the vouchers, which he says is counterproductive to the program’s mission of lifting up families in poverty.

Overall, recent changes to the program are estimated to cost WCSD $262,570 annually, and Tefs says that is a conservative estimate, as it only takes into account the WCSD students who already attend private schools.

Since the announcement of WHS’s addition to the list of EdChoice eligible schools, there has been objection from some in the district, including Tefs.

Although Tefs says he is an advocate of school choice as a principle, he raises concerns about the legislation, stating, “I don’t believe that local taxpayer

dollars should fund private, parochial tuition.”

Additionally, he states the metric for an underperforming school is too broad, citing that recent changes to EdChoice will label over 1,200 schools as underperforming starting in the 2020-2021 school year.

Tefs says this is a 422 percent increase from the current metric and will encompass 70 percent of Ohio’s public schools.

Superintendent Tefs posted an action alert to the WCSD website, encouraging families in the district to take action against the program.

The action alert cites further concerns about the cost EdChoice will impose on the district, since WCSD receives $2,342 per student in state funding, while EdChoice

vouchers are $4,650 for kindergarten through grade eight and $6,000 for grades nine through twelve, and local taxpayers fund the difference.

According to the action alert, Tefs would like families to call or write Representative Scott Wiggam or Senator Kristina Roegner and ask them to vote to amend the EdChoice Legislation.

The Wooster City School Board also voiced objections to the legislation and formally passed a resolution against EdChoice on Jan. 10.

The resolution states that the Board opposes EdChoice and raises similar concerns to those of Tefs, specifically stating that the program violates the Constitutional principle of separation of church and state.

FOCUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 6

Tensions in Iran: a primer MOLLY SNYDER staff writer On Jan. 3, American forces assassinated top Iranian General Qassim Suleimani in Iraq, escalating tensions between the two nations.

This direct attack against Iranian leadership sparked global conversation of what the assassination means for the diplomacy between the two nations and the possibility of escalating conflict.

“Some examples [of possible escalation] include direct provocations by Iran that could occur with attacks on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf just off the coast of Iran, or attacks carried out by Iranian proxy groups against American forces stationed in Iraq or other parts of the Middle East. There are so many potential flashpoints that it should be worrying to anyone,” says Jeffrey Lantis, Professor of Political Science at the College of Wooster.

Lantis said the threat of war is unlikely and hopes that both nations see the potential destruction a war could create.

On Jan. 8, just five days after the assassination of Suleimani, Iran struck an Iraqi base with a missile holding American troops.

Although it was previously reported that there were no casualties, it has recently surfaced that 11 soldiers were injured in the attack, according to CNN. Matt Krain, Professor of Political Science at the College of Wooster, says, “Iran retaliated… but then signaled that it was not interested in pushing things further. The U.S. also seemed to suggest that it would not retaliate in kind.” Krain added he believes the only way for war to happen would be through miscalculation, but acknowledges that World War One was started by a series of

“IT’S A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT... IT ALSO RAISED VERY SERIOUS ETHICAL AND INTERNATIONAL QUESTIONS OF WHETHER ASSASSINATION IS EVER JUSTIFIED, WHETHER ONE COUNTRY CAN VIOLATE THE SOVEREIGNTY OF ANOTHER...”

KRAIN SAID. miscalculations as well.

Not only did the assassination of General Suleimani increase tensions with Iran, the attack also received mixed feelings in the international community.

“It’s a dangerous precedent…

It also raised very serious ethical and international legal questions of whether assassination is ever justified, whether one country [the U.S.] can violate the sovereignty of another [Iraq] and act against that state’s express wishes, which also sets a horrible precedent. Imagine if Russia killed a Ukrainian general visiting Washington D.C. by using a drone strike on U.S. soil to target him or her. The U.S. would be rightfully furious. But now, we don’t have the benefit of the norms prohibiting that to help us justify a response,” Krain said.

Misty Bisesi, Social Studies Dept member, says the most realistic scenario for resolution of the tensions between the two nations would be for the United States to put sanctions on Iran in order for them to back down.

Graphic by Sylvie Shaya

U.S. foreign policy reflects long history of intervention in Iran

LENA WIEBE focus editor In recent weeks, the revelation that the United States government assassinated Iranian general Qassim Suleimani in response to an Iranian-backed militia’s attack on an American military base that resulted in the death of an American contractor has left the international news media reeling. Following the later news that Iran was responsible

for the shooting of a Ukrainian passenger plane carrying hundreds of civilians, much attention has been focused on the developing crisis between the United States and Iran.

Iran, which holds the capabilities to enrich uranium and create dangerous, crude bombs, is no small threat. But, those considering responses to the issue should take a broader view that remembers the history of U.S. interventionism in the region.

According to a Vox article

by Alex Ward and Zach Beauchamp titled, “9 questions about the US-Iran crisis you were too embarrassed to ask,” the United States’ relationship with Iran began in 1951, when the U.S. and Britain backed a coup that overthrew the democratically elected Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad

Mossadegh when he attempted to nationalize the country’s oil industry.

Since that time, the United States has supported and armed the authoritarian regime of Ruhollah Khomeini, which was eventually overthrown by the revolutionary Islamic Republic.

The Vox article also states that the United States then funded Iraqi troops, even supporting Saddam Hussein’s use of chemical weapons against Iranian soldiers.

Even all of these dramatic events barely sum up the 70 years of tensions between Iran and the United States.

Those who consider Iran’s perceived aggression should also consider its long history and context, and should remember the past failure of U.S. interventionism in the Middle East.

COVER

THE WOOSTER BLADE | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 7

Creating light to replace darkness: In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, The Wooster Blade cover section was inspired by one of his famous quotes, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” This issue features people and organizations, in Wooster and beyond, who are working to make a difference in the community.

Wayne County NAACP hosts yearly student essay contest According to the website of the Wayne County NAACP, the essay contest, “Provides school-age students ... the opportunity to learn and write about Dr. King’s life.” The prompts and length of the essays vary depending on the writers’ grade level.

Students in grades first through third were asked to write a 150 to 400 word essay based on Jacqueline Woodson’s book, The Other Side. The first place winner is Joshua Mays (3) from Orrville Elementary School, second place winner is Kaiidon Piurowski (2) from Melrose Elementary and third place winner is Cooper Schafrath (2) from Cornerstone Elementary.

Students in grades seven through nine wrote an essay with 600 to 900 words also based on the Greensboro Four and how Martin Luther King influenced their decision. The first place winner is Camryn Nelson (7) from Edgewood Middle School, second place winner is Isacc Nikkel (8) from WHS and third place winners are Rhys Florence-Smith (7) from Edgewood Middle School and Katelynn Weltlich (8) from WHS.

Blurbs written by Maeve Florence-Smith

Students in grades four through six were asked to write 400 to 700 words about the Greensboro Four who initiated a sit-in at their local Woolworth lunch counter.

The first place winner is Alex Noser (6) from St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, second place winner is Anthony Tarutani (6) from St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception and third place winner is Bethany Gingerich (6) from Orrville Middle School.

Students in grades 10 through 12 wrote an essay with 900 to 1200 words about the brutal murder of 14-year-old Emmett Louis Till, and determine why his death is considered an incentive for the Civil Rights Movement. The first place winner is Colten Kee (11) from Rittman High School, second place winner is Nick Swartz (11) from Rittman High School and third place winner is Sarah Hovest (11) from Rittman High School.

TYLER KEATING

The Wooster Chorus, directed by Lisa Wong, performs at the opening ceremony of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at the College of Wooster on Jan. 20. The celebration included a speech from Kimberly Brazwell, a public speaker and social justice advocate, as well as opportunities for education and service.

COW holds annual MLK Day celebration SOPHIE GAMBLE cover editor On Jan. 20, The College of Wooster hosted its sixth annual Martin Luther King Day Jr. celebration.

This event is hosted so community members can engage in dialogue and exploration of MLK’s work and vision, as well as current social justice issues, according to The College of Wooster’s website.

This year’s keynote speaker, Kimberly Brazwell, is an author, public speaker and social justice advocate based out of Reynoldsburg.

Brazwell used the SouthAfrican term Sawabona, meaning “I see you” while addressing community members in McGaw Chapel during the morning’s keynote address. She talked about how this word is used to tell someone that you see them for

everything they are, and yet you accept them.

Brazwell spoke about her life, her new book, Browning Pleasantville, and about how to take steps in our communities to make a difference. She emphasized looking at those we help as people who have their own life stories and pasts.

“That human-to-human interaction, getting to know someone as a whole,” is an important part of service, according to Brazwell.

The speaker also talked about what it means to have a vision and how important it is to be a trailblazer, but also emphasized how much of a risk this is.

Emily Farmer, a senior at the COW and Model United Nations and Hillel member on campus, was involved in this year’s celebration.

“MLK day is a really important event for Wooster

because it gives us a chance to engage with the differences and injustice within our communities in America,” Farmer said.

Farmer was part of two justice dialogues; one about the impact of Anti-Semitism in America and its impact on Jewish members of the Wooster community, led by the COW’s Hillel, and a WooStories event on what activism is personally for people and what an activist looks like.

There were numerous opportunities on campus for people of all ages to participate in justice dialogues and service projects, which ranged from discussions about minority mental health to an exploration of intergenerational justice and how it impacts climate change.

Service projects included making dry soup packets, blankets and even tutus for a women’s empowerment 5K.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 8

Social justice: Examining how WHS administrators approach inclusion through classes, clubs and policies

WHS classes start dialogues about injustice LUKE POMFRET staff writer

At WHS, teachers have created a message of importance for students to learn about the inequalities many faces every day.

Brian Questel, Social Studies Dept. member, teaches a Civil Rights and Intolerance class that generates conversation about inequality in multiple forms, such as socioeconomic inequality, race, and gender, and helps give students historical context as to why these issues came about.

Questel said he hopes students will be able to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and see beyond their current world view.

“Everyone has their own story and situation, and I would hope those personal stories can bring about a greater understanding not only to all my student’s lives and our Wooster community, but ultimately, the country and world-at-large,” Questel said.

Diane Mealey, English Dept. member, said the social injustice unit she teaches in all of her English II classes generates

more discussion about diversity and inequalities.

Mealey says, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee shows students social injustice in literature, but the research paper that students work on afterward creates a discussion of the need for diversity, in general, to help better understand each other.

Mealey said she hopes that students will be able to apply the lessons they learned in class to their lives and stand up for the underrepresented and generate change.

Social service in the community:

Hope Center helps local families in need LEO RILEY a&e editor In 2011 The Wooster Hope Center was founded with the purpose of empowering individuals and families to give back to their community, and since then it has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for said community from donations.

The Hope Center provides many free services to the community such as food, haircuts, clothing, hygiene products, diapers and hope.

One family positively affected

by The Hope Center is the

Good family, and Rebecca Good, who said, “I wanted to have dinner with family, and there is good food and presents, I think it’s wonderful. There’s not a lot of people who have the opportunity to share a meal together.”

As with most non-profits, The Hope Center depends on donations, volunteers and fund-raising projects.

“We need all hands on deck,” said state Rep. Ron Amstutz, in regards to The Hope Center. “[They are] doing something that makes a difference.”

The Hope Center has been

able to aid over 3,500 families in Wooster through collaboration with local Kiwanis groups, the Frick Foundation, local churches and local businesses, according to The Hope Center’s website.

The next fundraiser is at Gioninos, on Jan. 28, where 10 percent of every bill will be donated to The Wooster Hope Center.

If interested in volunteering or donating, The Wooster Hope Center can be found at 807 S. Spruce Street or by accessing their website woosterhopecenter.org.

How the WHS administration examines social justice JACK VENEY

staff writer Looking at social justice in education is a learning process for administrators.

“When you look at how do you perceive social justice/ injustice, well, to me, we will always be looking at what we do is the best for all students.

And, I think it’s a process more than it is necessarily that you’re doing this right or wrong,” WHS principal Tyler Keener said.

According to Keener, administrators look at the curriculum and adapt it to better fit the student population. Keener said that in doing so, they actively carry

on the ideas that came from the Diversity Task Force, which discussed the lack of diverse representation in the faculty in the school district and expand the diversity of the written and taught curriculum throughout the school system.

The idea of social justice has become important in education, according to Keener, as, “educators, in general, on a larger scale, look at how are we providing access and equity to the curriculum for all students.”

Keener notes that the four cornerstones of social justice are equity, access, participation and rights, and are important to look through when evaluating social justice in the district and within the community.

Clubs in WHS advocate for inclusion and equality Prism

One Club

ALEC PAULEY

ALEC PAULEY

on campus editor Prism, the LGBTQ+ activism club at WHS, builds on the idea of inclusion and social justice for all.

Riley Brisbane, president of the Prism club at WHS says that Prism specifically addresses social justice for those in the LGBTQ+ field.

In the context of Prism, Brisbane defines social justice as, “Equality, [that] everyone is treated equally.”

Brisbane addresses the importance of promoting social justice in a public high school saying, “It is important because some aren’t quite as welcoming.”

on campus editor Rilee Richardson, co-president of One Club says that the club aims to address social justice in the school, defining social justice as, “making sure every individual’s specific needs are cared for.”

Richardson describes the ways that the club works to make WHS a kinder place.

“We attend all-in academy meetings to learn how to best address situations and make sure every student is cared for.”

To uphold justice at WHS, One Club pushes for their members to spread kindness and be helpful in hopes of a butterfly effect causing positivity all throughout the school.

SPORTS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 9

Winter Sports Recap:

Coaches of the following Wooster winter sports teams were asked about their season and what they want to accomplish.

1. How do you think your season is going?

2. What were your goals this season?

Drew Dossi (10) dribbles the ball down the court against Ashland.

Gymnastics

Deb Knapic

1. The season is going great as far as wins and losses go.

However, we are dealing with some injuries and other situations.

2. Gaining skills required for our winning the league undefeated, strong sectional meet and beyond sectionals.

1. I am very happy with how

2. We always want to be in a position to compete for a league championship, but more important than that, we want to get better every day and be playing our best basketball come late February into March.

the season has gone so far, Boys we have had great senior throughout the year, Basketball leadership the kids have come to practice

Selena Gonzalez (12) in motion for a strike in practice.

Michael Snowbarger

Girls Basketball

Izzy Signorino (12) takes a shot in warm ups in preparation of the girls’ home basketball game.

Michael Baus

1. We are 8-5 on record and 5-2 in conference; the season is going fine. The girls have had to face some adversity with two ACL injuries, a couple of girls not coming out and the flu going through the team.

2. The goal for season is to win the conference OCC

2. My first goal was to best

Wrestling Mitch Riker

Greg Adams (10) in the circle after victory at this year’s Beauty and the Beast.

ready to work and get better every day.

that are routines, and being finish at making it

Brenna Huffman (9) swings on the bar at practice.

Bowling

Tracie Leiendecker

Photos by Hannah LoGiudice, Ashton Dunlap, Grace Brownson, Skyy Khounborin and David Adams.

1. We are getting better as the season goes on, which is the progression we want to see.

We want to be peaking for the post-season.

1. We are growing stronger as a team, both boys and girls have had some close match and tournament success. They are working hard to prepare for the quickly approaching post season.

Quotes compiled by Sierah Pilson, Ashton Dunlap, Hannah LoGuidice and Sydney Ebin.

New Philly at the Wayne invitational, that was my old team. Every other goal is still in front of us: beat Orrville, win OCC’s, five district qualifiers, two state qualifiers, and one state placer.

2. Each year, our goal is to be more successful than the year before. Our goals are set pretty high with the accomplishments from last season. As for the boys,we were the 2019 OCC Champs, with the Bowler of the Year and Coach of the Year, and the team qualified for Districts.

We would love to capture the OCC title and make it to the State level this season. For the girls team we finished third place at OCC, so our goal this season is to finish in the top two and bowl for the OCC Championship.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 10

ASHTON DUNLAP

RUMEN ZDRAVCHEV PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMAS MATTHEW

Senior Thomas Matthew receives the male swimmer of the year award after the boys and girls teams win the OCC tournament.

Matthew excels senior season MADDY MCCULLY co-editor-in-chief RUMEN ZDRAVCHEV

In the top left picture, Wooster girls varsity diver Brooke Balas (10) twists in mid-air, executing a flip off the diving board. In the top right photo, Thomas Matthew and Tyler Stand-Fox hug after Matthew breaks a school record. In the bottom photo, Wooster swimmers race against Lexington and the rest of the OCC competition.

Wooster swim teams win the OCC REECE MITCHELL co-editor-in-chief

The WHS swim teams just clinched their most important win of their season by winning the conference championship.

With historic performances from Wooster’s swimmers, they smashed records, including one held for 40 years.

For senior captions Maddy Murphy and Kyle Ward, this win is memorable. Murphy says her favorite memory of this year is, “winning the OCC tournament, especially since the boys won too.”

Murphy also adds that the team’s victory was meaningful because, “we have worked so hard this season and winning OCCs is always in the back of our minds.”

The bond from competing on both the swim team goes beyond just being teammates.

“They are my brothers and family,” Ward said.

And, he adds with that close relationship, that bond helps them train and push each other to become better every day.

Swimming since he was eightyears-old, Ward is not new to the excitement of the OCCs. Ward says the tournament is, “important to him, personally, because freshman year, I helped carry on our win streak and it was one of the best feelings in the world.”

For the past two years, the boys team has been fighting to win back the OCC championship title, so Ward says the team members have been on a revenge tour to get the title back, noting the

fulfillment of winning it this year.

For boys and girls head swim coach Chris Matthew, the OCC win is sweetened by the fact that her son Thomas Matthew, in his senior year, has been a part of the journey.

“I’ve changed my opinion about it [OCCs] over the last few years because I’ve seen how important it is to the kids,” Matthew said.

Matthew also notes how much the teams take pride in their school, citing that this pride makes the win mean so much more to them.

Matthew says the team practices like it does every other meet, and that they train just as hard. However, winning the OCCs, Matthew adds, is like winning a mini championship for them.

Thomas Matthew (12) has become a standout swimmer, adding his name to the record board and breaking the 100-fly record and a 40-year-old 500 free record.

Matthew comes from a competitive swim family and has been swimming year-round since fifth grade. He has been swimming for the four years of his high school career, with his favorite memory being his relay team going to states and breaking his older brother’s relay record set in 2010. Along with swimming for the relay team, he also swam the 100 and 200 free at states.

Matthew has a unique situation with his mom, Chris Matthew, serving as the head swim coach, but he said he appreciates her coaching.

“I am so thankful to have her support, her great coaching, and her presence,” Matthew said.

Chris Matthew has seen Thomas grow as a swimmer and said she realized he would be a standout swimmer when, “he was a freshman and dropped from a 1:52 to a 1:47 at districts and made the A

relays.”

Chris Matthew said she enjoys coaching Thomas because of his hard work and the time they are able to spend together.

“My favorite part of coaching Thomas is knowing that he’ll show up to work, and he was like that even as a freshman.

He has inspired other boys on the team to work harder, to be more disciplined, and that’s something that’s intrinsic with him. He cares so much about the team, and their accomplishments, and he’s pretty humble,” Chris Matthew said.

Kyle Ward (12), co-captain of the team and one of Matthew’s teammates for about eight years, says that swimming with Thomas has helped him drop time and has pushed him to work harder.

Ward also states he and his teammates admire Matthew’s hard work.

“Thomas is always a really hard worker, and myself and the team admire that. He helps us keep focus and not goof off too much,” Ward said.

Matthew has committed to swim at the University of Cincinnati, and says he is looking forward to swimming with awesome coaches and a great team.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 11

WHS gymnasts compete abroad SYDNEY EBIN staff writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF MACYN SIEGENTHALER

Siegenthaler celebrates her total high school career point accumulation of 1,000 points, scored at the game against Madison.

Macyn Siegenthaler recovers from ACL injury for successful season RHEANNA VELASQUEZ co-editor-in-chief While 10,000 hours remains famous in pop culture as a benchmark for excellence, Wooster basketball player Macyn Siegenthaler (12) has long flipped that figure on its head.

The 5-foot-9-inch guard speaks of playing since she was four-yearsold, describing an early drive to work hard that remains evident in her high school career.

As a sophomore, Siegenthaler set the school all time scoring record in a game at 44 points.

Overcoming an ACL injury in her junior year, she returned to the court as a senior, averaging 23 points a game, with a highest scoring game of 43 points.

Daisha Brown (12) cites Siegenthaler’s greatest strength as creating openings to drive toward

the hoop and finishing the ball in any possible position.

“Macyn is a determined athlete.

She knows what she wants to get at and strive toward,” Brown said.

Nora Levy (9) also comments on Siegenthaler’s aggressive ball-handling and versatile playmaking.

“She scores so well and she can drive a lot,” Levy said of Siegenthaler, adding, “Especially coming back after that ACL tear...getting all these points and reaching a thousand, that was a really great moment for her.”

Describing Siegenthaler’s play on court, Levy says, “She’s obviously a really big threat. It’s great to have that type of player out there with us.”

Siegenthaler, Levy and Brown each identified the OCC championship as a continued goal moving forward.

At the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, two Wooster gymnasts, Jordan Wright (9) and Rachel Furlong (11), competed in the three day long Atlantis Crown Gymnastics Meet beginning Dec. 19.

Competing with the Dominique Moceanu Gymnastics Center team, Wright placed fourth in the vault event and Furlong placed fourth on floor. Their team, as a whole, finished first in the competition, and both gymnasts described feeling good about their

experience.

“It was tough, but we had our training behind us and we needed to focus on what we practiced,” Furlong said.

Both gymnasts began gymnastics when they were 3-years-old and now train 20 hours a week in Medina. Wright and Furlong said their coach, former Olympian Dominique Moceanu, is their inspiration when the training gets tough.

“She is very encouraging and her past story is really inspiring,” Wright said.

Moceanu was a part of the 1996 Olympic Gymnastics team and won the gold with her team at the age of 14, the youngest U.S.

Gymnastics champion in history. Both girls mention that her story helps to inspire and encourage them on their gymnastics journey.

Furlong says this year is monumental in her gymnastics career, stating, “I actually started gymnastics at a YMCA, and this is my first year at a club gym.”

Commenting on her gymnastics journey, Wright states, “I think I have become more confident and learned how to have fun.”

Wright and Furlong, who both plan to continue their gymnastics career in college, will be competing at home in the Individual Invite on Feb. 5.

A&E

THE WOOSTER BLADE | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 12

The Rise of Skywalker

ZACH BREWSTER staff writer The Rise of Skywalker, released Dec. 20, served as a disappointing conclusion to the Skywalker Saga.

From the first few minutes of the film, it is clear that the pacing is breakneck and will not slow down to explain crucial information, such as how Palpatine returned or how Rey repaired the previously destroyed Skywalker lightsaber.

The Rise of Skywalker, at 2 hours and 22 minutes, would have benefited from a threehour runtime in the same way Avengers: Endgame did.

Disappointment also comes in

the sense that many characters are either underdeveloped or put off to the side for new characters, such as Finn existing to only shout “Rey!” and Rose being sidelined for Zorii Bliss and Jannah.

The pacing of the film combined with the underdevelopment of characters leads to many action scenes feeling boring and meaningless. Why be excited when you do not feel invested in the plot?

One issue I had was not with the film itself, but the marketing. One of these marketing deceptions, for example, was when fan-favorite music, such as Duel of the Fates, was promoted but then was not present in the movie.

This led to expectations that, while not the film’s fault, deflated into disappointment.

The poor writing of the plot leads to many past themes of Star Wars films being disregarded. One of the major themes of The Rise of Skywalker’s preceding film, The Last Jedi, was that you do

not have to descend from an important bloodline to have an impact; anyone can be a hero.

The Rise of Skywalker neglects this by revealing an important, established character’s familial connection to Rey. The film often feels disconnected from the sequel trilogy and the saga as a whole.

Simply put, the movie often does not feel like a Star Wars film.

The movie is not a total letdown, however. It has many enjoyable moments sprinkled throughout, such as wellwritten humor for C3-PO and stunning visuals throughout.

All things considered, The Rise of Skywalker is not the worst Star Wars film by far.

Actually, it is not even much of a bad movie by itself. But, as the end of the Skywalker Saga, especially following the incredible conclusion to the Infinity Saga, Avengers: Endgame, earlier in 2019, The Rise of Skywalker could be summed up as a rushed and poorly written bundle of missed opportunities.

The new generation of CATS

EVE NORRIS staff writer

Following the 1998 video release of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, the musical

remains a pillar of nostalgia.

The announcement of a new Tom Hooper rendition of Cats in 2019 caused excitement; however, the release of the Cats trailer made the excitement come to a standstill Cats is known for its Broadway showings where, since its production in the ‘80s, actors rely on the interactive surroundings, while the audience relies on the unique costumes and dramatic makeup.

The 2019 rendition fails to offer such creativity, as most of the production uses cheesy

CGI to replace the original makeup concepts that make the Broadway Cats such a revolutionary work of art.

The beautiful dancing and powerful music remains, but Hooper falls short while trying to impress the audience with modern technology and popular actors. By replacing the traditional methods of costuming and makeup, the remake loses the impressive character design.

At the end of the day, it is disheartening for Hooper to strip the musical of its original charm and artistic integrity.

For Your Consideration: Movie critics evaluate three

Little Women

PAULINA SALAZAR views editor Little Women is a coming-ofage film adapted from, the 1868 novel under the same name by Louisa May Alcott.

The film follows four sisters as they grow up and go on different paths. It is told through one of the sister’s point-of-view, Jo March, an aspiring writer.

The film is, although confusing at times because of the alternating timeline, amazing and captivating. The portrayal of the four sisters’ bond with each other, despite their differing personalities and arguments is touching.

Greta Gerwig, writer and director of this film, has been nominated for an Academy Award for best adapted screenplay, and has won several awards for it such as

the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award, according to IMDb. Little Women features Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Eliza Scanlen as the four sisters with Timothée Chalamet, as their wealthy neighbor.

The wardrobe of each character is beautiful and represents their personalities.

An example of the amazing wardrobes is Jo March’s eccentric, masculine clothing to show her defiance of women’s roles, and Meg March’s elegant dresses, representing her hopes to marry rich and enjoy the finer things in life.

Little Women is currently up for various Academy Awards including best motion picture of the year, best achievement in costume design, best performance by an actress in a leading role: Saoirse Ronan, who fits perfectly into her role as the defiant Jo March, and best actress in a supporting role: Florence Pugh, playing Amy March and making it hard to dislike the character despite her actions.

I recommend this film to anyone who is interested in a drama coming-of-age film, even if you have not read the book.

TRENDS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 13

New Year’s resolutions at WHS

Save the date: exploring national holidays

Do you think making New Year’s resolutions is worthwhile?

Do you think people who make resolutions keep them?

No 40%

No 84%

Do you r

REECE MITCHELL co-editor-in-chief A National Day is a designated date which marks celebrations of different things.

Whether it is celebrating something as big as our country’s independence on July 4 or celebrating National Waffle Day on Aug. 24, there is something to celebrate every day.

As for making your own national day, if you have an idea for a holiday that is not already celebrated or recognized, you can register your own holiday through nationaldaycalender.com These days give everyone Do you think people who Do you think making an opportunity to celebrate what they are proud of, regardless of what make resolutions keep New Year’s resolutions is hobby, item or place it is that they want to celebrate.

Below, find the list of upcoming National Days that you can recognize worthwhile? them? in January.

24

25

National Compliment Day

National Opposite Day

National Spouses Day

27

28

29

National Have Fun At Work Day

National Puzzle Day

National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

No 40%

Yes 60%

26

30

31

National Croissant Day

National Backwards Day

No 84%

Yes 16%

Graphics by Corinne Wiles and Madison Helms

Yes 60%

Do you make New Year’s resolutions?

No 55%

Yes 45%

Yes 16%

Ye

If you make resolutions, do you keep them?

No 57%

Yes 43%

How do WHS resolutions compare to national averages?

Exercise more Save Money Eat more Healthy Lose weight Poll information includes 150 polls randomly distributed on Jan. 15 and Jan. 16 to students in grades 9-12. Polls were conducted by Jensan Bauman and Grace Brownson. Data compiled from Yougov.com.

VIEWS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 14

Head to Head: What role should politics have in entertainment?

On Jan. 5, the 2020 Golden Globes generated controversy, as many of the award recipients used their time to advocate for issues ranging from the fires in Australia to voting and women’s rights. The controversy is representative of an ongoing debate on the merits of those in Hollywood bringing politics into entertainment. Two BLADE staff members explain their differing perspectives on the subject.

Politics detract from awards

LUKE POMFRET staff writer

The Golden Globes Award night, held Jan. 5, was filled with discusssion over topics ranging from the Australian fires to digs at the president.

While watching the supposed entertainment award show, I felt as if celebrities forgot the primary purpose of the Golden Globes, which is to entertain, commend their performances and reflect on the previous year of television and movie excellence.

Ricky Gervais opened the night by comically harassing his fellow peers, but also delivered an important message: “If you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech. You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg.”

Although it is the responsibility of the opening presenter to set the mood for the rest of the event, Gervais established a critical idea to keep the awards ceremony more focused on entertainment.

There is a time and place for political conversations, just not on national television.

Celebrities usually express their own opinions instead of a professional opinion, and as much as I respect everyone’s right to an opinion, this should not be displayed on national television.

Despite Gervais’ comments, celebrities, including Michelle Williams and Joaquin Phoenix, ignored Gervais and shed light on the importance of voting. Williams focused on the importance of voting, encouraging more women to vote based on their own self interest. “So women 18 to 118, when it’s time to vote, please do so in your self-interest...

It’s what men have been doing for years, which is why the world looks so much like them. But don’t forget we are the largest voting body in this country. Let’s make it look more like us,” Williams said upon winning best actress in a limited series.

In years past, I always looked forward to the opening monologues, especially if Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are the presenters.

Unfortunately, in recent years, speeches have become focused on politics and crude comments about other people, as well as people of power.

The Golden Globes and other award shows should focus more on keeping an uplifting atmosphere, inspiring viewers and commending the television and movie industry, instead of focusing so much on today’s political climate.

“I BEG OF US ALL TO GIVE [OUR CHILDREN] A BETTER WORLD...WE HAVE TO...PLEAD FOR EVERYONE WE KNOW TO VOTE IN 2020.”

-PATRICIA ARQUETTE “IF YOU DO WIN AN AWARD TONIGHT, DON’T USE IT AS A PLATFORM TO MAKE A POLITICAL SPEECH. YOU’RE IN NO POSITION TO LECTURE THE PUBLIC ABOUT ANYTHING. YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE REAL WORLD. MOST OF YOU SPENT LESS TIME IN SCHOOL THAN GRETA THUNBERG.” -RICKY GERVAIS “SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO TAKE THAT RESPONSIBILITY ON OURSELVES AND MAKE CHANGES AND SACRIFICES IN OUR OWN LIVES. I HOPE THAT WE CAN DO THAT. WE DON’T HAVE TO TAKE PRIVATE JETS TO PALM SPRINGS… AND I’LL TRY TO DO BETTER. I HOPE YOU DO TOO.” -JOAQUIN PHOENIX Quotes compiled by Ellie Snider, courtesy of LA Times and CNN.

Politics raise awareness

LEO RILEY a&e editor

At this year’s Golden Globes, celebrities seemed to not speak about their actual awards as much as they did about their political views, and I, for one, would love to see more of this type of behavior in Hollywood.

Celebrities using their spotlight to advocate for things about which they are passionate as a way to improve our world is absolutely one of the best things they can do.

One reason this year’s Golden Globes may have seemed to be more political than most is because of the Australia bushfire, and with multiple celebrities hailing from Australia, the topic was addressed repeatedly throughout the show by celebrities such as Cate Blanchett, Ellen DeGeneres and Joaquin Phoenix.

Viewers do not seem to appreciate the politicalization of awards shows, and neither does famed British comedian Ricky Gervais, who stated before the show, “If you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech. You’re in no

position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world.”

Rallying behind Gervais’ words, Twitter was soon flooded with the #HollywoodHypocrites, attacking the more outspoken celebrities, and praising Gervais for his controversial comments.

Further echoing Gervais’ speech, Joaquin Phoenix, winner of best actor in a motion picture drama for his role in Joker, addressed his peers, saying, “We don’t have to take private jets to Palm Springs . . .

I’ll try to do better, and I hope you will too.”

The praise Gervais received for his cynical comments is unfortunate, and while I understand the frustration behind said comments, I more align with Phoenix’s thinking on the issue.

The answer to celebrity hypocrisy is not to have them stop speaking about politics, it is for them to do more than speaking about politics.

Foremost, it is important to clarify that celebrities have freedom of speech too, and disregarding their opinions takes away an important platform for change, something we certainly need in the time of burning continents.

It is great that celebrities are willing to speak out despite receiving backlash, although they should not have to.

It should be the responsibility of politicians to make change happen instead, but meanwhile, celebrities vocalizing their advocacy is still a good thing and can lead to change.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 15

Netflix releases season 2 of You:

You opens a discussion on fans forgiving manipulative protagonists

BRYN SAVIDGE

Fair use courtesy of Twitter @PennBadgley

trends editor You, a Netflix hit series has recently released a second season.

The “semi-satirical stalker drama”, as explained by a Dec. 2019 Variety article, depicts the life of Joe (Penn Badgley), a sociopathic murderer and selfprofessed romantic who goes to extreme measures to “protect” his romantic interests.

Penn Badgley, who plays the protagonist Joe, disagrees with fans on forgiving the protagonist for his sociopathic behavior.

Similar to the first season, Joe is an oddly likeable guy, as the plot is driven by his often humorous voice-overs.

His intelligence and charming appearance warrants fans to swoon. In fact, Joe gains more

sympathy in the second season, which shows memories from his traumatic childhood, giving the audience hope he can change once he ends up with his true love.

But, as the season continues,

Mourning untimely deaths of rappers

CORINNE WILES & MADISON HELMS graphics co-managers Rap is a genre that in the past years, has taken the world by storm and has become particularly popular with younger generations.

But, as quickly as these popular rap artists rise to fame, they seem to leave the industry all too soon, as premature

deaths seem to be a common occurrence in this genre of music, perhaps more so than any other.

Much of the rap industry, including the lifestyle of these artists portrayed by their lyrics and public image, seems to glorify or glamorize things like

illegal drug and alcohol use. In a sense of irony, these negative situations most rappers portray in their music are, oftentimes, what causes their untimely deaths. Rappers such as Mac Miller, Lil Peep and Juice Wrld were not shy about expressing their drug habits through their music, and all three rappers passed away in a drug-related death.

Some fellow rappers, as well as listeners, have taken these tragedies and have advocated for action. This can be seen by fellow rappers such as Trippie Redd and Lil Mosey, who have pledged to stop their use of illegal drugs. This drastic change in their lifestyles is credited to the heartbreak caused from the untimely death

the audience quickly realizes Joe is still a sociopathic serial killer who struggles so much with satisfying his urge for control that he repeatedly ruins his chances to achieve love.

However, this truth is hard to see, as Joe is an unreliable narrator and the story is told through his biased perspective.

Nonetheless, Joe’s story is thought-provoking and entertaining. Many scenes leave the audience wondering if Joe is really on a quest to secure true love or a quest to secure control.

As a whole, the series warns how modern relationships can be manipulated by the large amount of information available online. But, despite this warning, fans still root for Joe. Perhaps it is because to some extent, Joe is relatable. He

is an amplified representation of the flaws that many people in modern relationships have experienced, such as the need to create control through social media.

Additionally, in an interview on The Late Show, Badgley comments on fans’ tendency to fall for Joe, noting, “It [the show] says something about how much we’re willing to be patient and forgive someone who inhabits a body that looks something like mine, the color of my skin, my gender...these sorts of privileges.”

As many hope for season three, it might just be the responsibility of the fans to consider how much less willing society may be to forgive someone who does not fit in the box of being an attractive white male.

of JuiceWrld.

While it is no doubt that the deaths of these rappers, who are loved by many, are tragedies, with it comes new beginnings for the rap community, as eyes are opened and listeners and rappers alike all realize that perhaps illicit drug use may not be as glamorous as popular songs portray them to be. For the sake of the rap community and those who love it, it is time for change.

Hearing the news of anyone dying is devastating, especially someone close to you. When someone in the public eye passes, their death affects not only their family and friends, but a whole community who was touched by their contribution to the music industry.

With this being said, even the loss of someone you do not

“MUCH OF THE RAP INDUSTRY, INCLUDING THE LIFESTYLE OF THESE ARTISTS PORTRAYED BY THEIR LYRICS AND PUBLIC IMAGE, SEEMS TO GLORIFY OR GLAMORIZE THINGS LIKE ILLEGAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE.” personally know can be very emotional. Remember to mourn respectfully.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | JAN. 24, 2020 | PAGE 16

OUR VIEW

The Wooster

BLADE editors-in-chief Rheanna Velasquez, Reece Mitchell, Maddy McCully head photographer Grace Brownson graphics managers Corinne Wiles, Madison Helms business managers Sophie Gamble, Leo Riley, Bryn Savidge, Rheanna Velasquez on campus editor Alec Pauley focus editor Lena Wiebe sports editor Skyy Khounborin a&e editor Leo Riley trends editor Bryn Savidge cover editors Sophie Gamble, Anna Nacci views editors Paulina Salazar, Mya Vandegrift feature editor Maeve Florence-Smith staff writers Jensan Bauman, Zach Brewster, Stuart Courson, Sierra Dewald, Ashton Dunlap, Sydney Ebin, Eve Norris, Sierah Pilson, Luke Pomfret, Sylvie Shaya, Ellie Snider, Molly Snyder, Jack Veney artists Eve Norris, Olivia VanSickle, Emma Yoder photographers Tyler Keating, Hannah LoGiudice, Maddy McCully, Theresa Wendell, Rumen Zdravchev adviser Kristi Hiner

The Wooster Blade is a biweekly student publication printed in cooperation with The Daily Record. 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. Editorials represent the viewpoints of The Wooster Blade’s Editorial Board and not of the Wooster High School administration, faculty or staff. All personal opinion columns, which are bylined with the writer’s name and photo, represent the views of the writer. Letters and inquiries should be addressed to The Wooster Blade, 515 Oldman Road Wooster, Ohio 44691.

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.

Issues of The Wooster Blade are available for online viewing at thewoosterblade.com.

Empathy and service build more just societies In 1963, while jailed in Birmingham City Jail for his nonviolent direct action in the city of Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his Letter From a Birmingham Jail, in which he famously declared that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Now, as we have passed the 25 anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board urges that we remain cognizant of the injustice that continues in the world around us.

We must all remember and actively work to realize King’s legacy.

The best way to ensure King’s vision that a more equal, more just and more empathetic world be made reality is through our own action.

Nobody’s idea of justice is exactly the same, but we can look to Dr. King’s teachings as a guide for how to move forward.

“Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men

willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right,” King further opines in Letter from a Birmingham Jail.

So, all of us should take with us into the rest of the year the knowledge that no real positive change will happen in the lives of those that we love unless we take direct action for that change.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board especially urges the community to volunteer and engage in service work in remembrance of Dr. King on both this holiday and every other day.

Local establishments, like People to People Ministries, the Wooster Hope Center, OneEighty, the NAACP, the Salvation Army and the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity all work to ensure that Wooster residents can live safe, healthy lives while fighting injustice and discrimination, and

Wooster residents can help make their home a better place by working to support them.

Other routes of carrying on the message of Dr. King require individual action alongside service work; we must confront injustice as we see it in our daily lives: in our jobs, schools, our friends and ourselves.

Students, especially, carry a responsibility for making their schools safe places for everyone to learn; we have the unique ability to create a welcoming environment or a hateful one, and we see the small kindnesses or injustices that can transform that environment every day.

We alone can hold ourselves, and each other, accountable for the way that we treat others.

In the classroom, the workplace and the community, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board urges everyone to help spread Dr. King’s message, and to work for justice for all.

Speech and debate enriches civic awareness or teammates, as well as outside work on our own. Tournaments start at average around 9 a.m., so if a tournament is an hour away, with time for travel, warm ups and an opening ceremony… our bus leaves WHS at around 6:20 a.m. on average.

The Speech and Debate teams are almost separate entities. Like track and field, speech and debate often compete at the same schools, but have entirely different competitions.

MYA VANDEGRIFT Debaters...debate. The categories views editor of debate vary in topics, rules of the At WHS, the Speech and Debate debate itself and the time allotted for team has established a tradition of individual cases to be made. A judge excellence. As someone who has been decides the winner of the argument, a part of the team for three years, I and gives speaker points to each have found that little is known about team for how well they did in the what the actual team does or the explanation of their case. benefits of participating in such an Speech, on the other hand, is public important program. speaking conveyed in various ways For starters, we practice one to three through each category. times a week with our coaches and/ The Interp categories: Dramatic,

Humor, POI and Duo, all involve acting - 10 minute one or two person monologues. The speech categories Original Oratory, Informative and Extemporaneous all work with nonfiction topics. They discuss politics, social, cultural and economic issues and provide their audience with solutions to these problems.

The ability to communicate, to tell stories of our own and listen to those of others, is important not only to the development of students, but society as a whole. In a world overrun with screens that is losing the value of faceto-face communication, programs that provide a forum for intellectual discussion and problem solving should be funded and prioritized in our education systems.

As a speechie myself, there is truly no other way I would want to spend my weekends than with my friends speaking about what matters.