THE WOOSTER BLADE
WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER • 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH • SEPT. 9, 2016 • VOLUME XVII, ISSUE 1
SKETCHING A SMARTER SUMMER:
WHS students recount experience gained from summer academia PHOTOS BY HANNAH KNAPIC
index sports 8-9
cover 2-3
focus 7
on campus 4-6 trends 14
feature 10-11 a&e 12-13
views 15-16
COVER
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 9, 2016 | PAGE 2
Students discuss time spent in pre-collegiate programs Over this past summer, many WHS students traveled near and far to challenge themselves academically through college camps and state supported programs. In this issue, The Wooster Blade features four students who took part in such activities.
Junior IB student attends summer classes at Stanford Q&A with Anna Savage (11)
What classes did you take throughout the summer? Would you consider them more challenging than the IB classes at the high school? I took abnormal psychology, language of film and yoga and meditation. I didn’t think the classes were necessarily hard; it was just a lot of work and the challenge was learning the subject matter and studying effectively. I’ve only been in IB for about a week, so I can’t really say much on comparing the two. Did you have a favorite class? My favorite class was definitely abnormal psychology. It was really interesting and thought provoking. How did you meet new people during the summer? I met new people in my classes and in my dorm when I would hang out in the lounge. Do you think you will continue to stay in touch with any friends you have made? I have stayed in touch with a handful of people so far and I think we will keep in touch at least until we go to college. Did you have a roommate? If so what was that experience like? I did have a roommate, and it was really cool because there were kids from all over the world. My roommate, Chloe, was from China. She would FaceTime her family and none of them knew English, so she would speak in Chinese and she also taught me the Chinese alphabet. Sometimes it was difficult just because of the cultural differences and different customs between us, but overall, it was fun. Take us through a typical day of classes and activities while attending the summer college. I typically slept through breakfast, but I’d get up for class around 9:30 and I’d walk to psychology. The only reason I walked was because the main quad was so pretty and it was a nice way to start the day. After psychology, I’d go back to the dining hall for lunch and then ride my bike to yoga. After, I might go to a coffee shop with my friend and go fountain hopping, which is a big thing at Stanford. Sometimes we’d ride the Caltrain to San Francisco on a day off or ride our bikes to downtown Palo Alto for dinner. I’d do homework in my room and then would come hang out in the dorm lounge for a while before bed.
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANNA SAVAGE
Top right: Plaque commemorating the famous Stanford Prison Experiment. Bottom Right: Stanford’s campus cactus garden. Left: View from the top of Hoover Observation Tower.
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NEWS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | Sept. 9, 2016 | PAGE 3
WHS senior travels to Rhode Island for BELL program
Jess Lyons (12)
In what summer program did you participate? I participated in a pre-college program called BELL Rhode Island. It was an environmental leadership lab that I got college credit for through Brown University. How did you hear about the program? I heard about the program because I was contacted by a group called The Joyce Ivy Foundation, which grants scholarships to girls seeking higher education in the form of precollege programs at prestigious universities, mainly Ivy League schools. I looked through the schools they partnered with and found Brown University, which has been a dream of mine since I was little. I chose the BELL program because I’m interested in environmental science, and the lab was located right by my grandparents’ summer home. What was the highlight of the program? It’s hard to pick just one highlight for the whole trip because it was two weeks long and every moment was amazing. I will always remember the people who I met, stargazing and seeing the international space station pass through the sky, and walking down the beach in the middle of the night to find bioluminescent jellyfish. Were there any negatives of participating? There weren’t really any negatives. The food and bathrooms were nothing glamorous, but much better than the average amenities at a summer camp. We disconnected from electronics and our cell phones for almost the entirety of camp, but by the second day of not having my phone, this was definitely a positive. We got to know each other better than if we would have remained in contact with all of the things going on back home. Would you encourage other students to get involved in programs over the summer in coming years? Absolutely. This was my first experience that was anything like a true summer camp and now I’m so jealous of people who have had these experiences growing up. I loved it and I miss the people I met there a lot. The only negative is how far away we live from each other; we can’t see each other often enough. Q&As by Sarah Hopkins and Valerie Anderson. Photos by Hannah Knapic.
Boys State participants reflect on summer experience Reis Rising (12)
Ben Wiest (12)
What was the process of getting into Boys State like? You were nominated by a teacher and then had to go through an application process where you were chosen. Where did Boys State take place and how long did you stay there? Bowling Green State University, June 12th through the 19th. How did you make friends for the week? People on your floor and the people that you worked along side with. Are you still in touch with any of the friends you made? Yeah, I talk to my roommate on social media from time to time. What were your living conditions like? A standard dorm with air conditioning and communal bathrooms. Did you have a roommate? If so, what was he like? Yes, and he was pretty similar to me and had interests in the same things. Take us through a day at Boys State. Wake up early, have breakfast, go to work, lunch, and go back to work. We have free time until dinner and, after dinner, we had a nightly assembly with speakers and music. What was your job at Boys State? I worked in a state agency. What did you think about Boys State before the trip verses after the trip? Did your opinion or thoughts change? I dreaded going and only went because my parents made me. Then, I realized it was a great learning experience and there is nothing else like it.
Ben Wiest (12) and Reis Rising (12)
What was the process of getting into Boys State like? The process was pretty tough. The question process was fine, but the essay we had to write, I had to think about. Where did Boys State take place and how long did you stay there? It took place at Bowling Green State University, and we were there for one week. How did you make friends for the week? You try and be as social as you can having to be with guys you have never been with and try to get to know each other. Are you still in touch with any of the friends you made? I am still friends with some of the people I met there. Did you have a roommate? If so, what was he like? I did have a roommate, and he was a nice guy. We talked and got to know each other. What was your favorite and least favorite part of Boys State? My favorite was getting to know other guys who you can try to relate with, but the downside to it was the food they made for us. Take us through a day at Boys State. We would wake up at 6 a.m. and eat, go to work, eat lunch, and then have free time, then go to an assembly. What was your job at Boys State and did you enjoy it? My job was city council president, and I did enjoy it very much. What did you think about Boys State before the trip versus after the trip? Did your opinion or thoughts change? I thought it was going to be more relaxing before the trip, then after, I found out it’s a lot of work and focus.
ON CAMPUS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 9, 2016 | PAGE 4
The who’s who of who’s new: WHS welcomes incoming staff Denise Broda: Spanish Dept.
Denise Broda is the newest member of the WHS Spanish Dept. This year she will teach Spanish I and III at WHS. Broda graduated from WHS and then majored in Spanish at the College of Wooster. She went to the University of Akron and got degrees in Spanish literature and teaching. She also studied abroad in Merida, Mexico. She then taught upper level Spanish and took students on trips to Spain at Copley High School for 18 years. Broda says she has a passion for social justice and civil rights. She puts this into action by volunteering at a migrant center in Hartville.
Beth Hart: Library Scientist Beth Hart is the new face in the WHS library this year, checking out books and maintaining the serene state of the athenaeum. Hart now resides in Wooster and graduated from WHS. She subbed in the library for six weeks of the 2015-2016 school year. Hart says she looks forward to interacting with the students and teachers that will be making use of the media center this year. She said she is an avid reader, and her preferred genre is suspense. This summer, she devoured works by James Patterson and Stephen King, both authors whose books you can now get from the WHS library with the help of Hart.
Jennifer Wright: English Dept.
For Jennifer Wright, teaching at Wooster is coming home. Wright is originally from Wayne County and a graduate of Norwayne High School. After high school, she attended the University of Oklahoma before teaching in Vail, Co. The next stop was Northhampton, in the United Kingdom, where she was an assistant principal at Caroline Chisholm School for nine years. She returned when she had her son, who she wanted to raise in Wayne County. One of the prime reasons she decided to return to Wayne was that she missed the student culture in the schools.
Maggie Johnson: Copier Room Maggie Johnson will be taking the helm of the copy room this year, ensuring that copies are made efficiently and correctly. Johnson’s duties are critical, as teachers often rely upon the copy room to ensure they can supply classes with worksheets and other papers. Johnson was formerly a paraprofessional, working with students at Edgewood Middle School. However, she now holds the position of technology paraprofessional, and no longer works directly with students. She says she enjoys spending time with her family, following her children with their sporting events and baking.
New paraprofessionals start their academic year With the coming school year, several new paraprofessionals have joined Wooster High School. Kelly Grayshock is a credit recovery paraprofessional whose duties involve coordinating students and ensuring they remain on task. She hails from Richmond, Ky., and states that she came to Wooster because she wanted to be closer to family and friends.
Casey McGurk is also a credit recovery paraprofessional. She is originally from Wooster and attended Ashland University. She states her love for Wooster caused her to return. She now assists students with schoolwork and provides them with academic guidance. Rick Grayshock, a paraprofessional in the educational disability room, works one-on-one with students to help them achieve
their goals. Originally hailing from North Royalton, Grayshock says he came to Wooster because of his job and because of his friends in the area. Grayshock said he was, at one time, a sports writer. Also a paraprofessional, Kyle Buxton comes to WHS from his alma mater, Ashland University. His duties involve the same one-on-one interaction as other paraprofessionals, so he can help students do their work. Buxton
says he is a capable juggler and is helping to coach the soccer team. WHS alum Avari Gress is a new specialized paraprofessional, serving as a teacher’s aid in Robert Williams’ class. She spends her entire day with the students in Williams’ class. She explains her return to Wooster resulted from the job opportunity and from people who work for the district giving it a glowing recommendation.
Blurbs compiled by Alexander Thompson and Drosos Kardulias Pictures by Chelsea Patterson, John Gorman and Drosos Kardulias
THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | SEPT. 9, 2016 | PAGE 5
Casey McGurk: Paraprofessional Casey McGurk is a new paraprofessional in Credit recovery at WHS. This is McGurk’s first year teaching. She recently graduated from Ashland University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She said she is quite familiar with WHS, as she is a 2012 alumni. “It’s great to be back, everyone is full of school spirit and friendly,” Mcgurk said. When outside of the classroom, McGurk enjoys being outside, shopping, drawing and crafting.
Robert Williams: I.S.
Robert Williams is a new addition to the intervention specialists at WHS. Previously, Williams worked as an intervention specialist at Garfield High School in Akron. Williams graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education as a Moderate-Intensive Intervention Specialist. Williams enjoys working in General Grounds when given the opportunity. “It’s a great opportunity for students to learn job skills and gives staff the chance to develop a rapport with students in a different setting,” Williams said. When not in the classroom Williams enjoys fishing, golf and spending time with his family.
Juliana Hamad: Counselor
Julianna Hamad is a new addition to WHS guidance counselors. Hamad taught at Jackson High School for one and one half years, completing her practicum and internship for school counseling. Hamad graduated from Akron University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a double minor in Child and Family Development. From there, she completed her master of Education in School Counseling at Kent State University. Hamad fell in love with the small town vibe in the WHS halls. “ The banners on the walls, conversations with parents/teachers/students, and notable school spirit are just a few things that scream thriving community,” Hamad said. Outside of school, Hamad enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Ryan Conrad: Science Dept.
Ryan Conrad is a new Science Dept. member at WHS. Before coming to WHS, Conrad said he previously taught biology and health at Northwestern for seven years. He graduated from Malone University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. After graduation, Conrad taught for one year in London, England. Even though school has only been in session for one week, Conrad has been very impressed with the friendliness of the students and staff at WHS. “I have been made to feel very welcome here,” Conrad said. Outside of school, Conrad enjoys spending time with family, the outdoors and anything Cleveland sports related.
New employees help to foster educational growth for students Mary Teeter
, student aid, went to Wadsworth High School, and graduated Wayne County Schools Career Center. Teeter likes being at Wooster High School, and she said she, “Looks forward to working with kids and giving back to the community.” Teeter worked as a long-term sub for two years, went to Wadsworth High School and graduated from the Wayne County Schools Career Center. Teeter currently works part time as a landscaper and also quilts and donates the quilts she makes through her church Teeter is married, has two adult kids and has a pet cat.
Heather
Kurtz
, paraprofessional, graduated from Norwayne High School, then went on to graduate from Akron University. Kurtz was a stay at home mom and worked at Luk for 10 years, worked at Edgewood Middle School for two years and was a substitute teacher for three years. Her motivation to become a teacher is to, “Help students become the best they can be in life after high school,” she looks forward to helping prepare Wooster students for their lives after high school. Kurtz loves coffee, likes to ride bikes and likes to be outdoors.
April Wackerly
, custodian, started working in the WCS District as a substitute custodian, as well as working at the Warrensville Developmental Center. “My favorite thing about working here at the high school has got to be the people, hands down.” Wackerly has rescued 10 dogs from being euthanized over the years, loves to camp, fish and be outside. She rock climbs; however, tree climbing is still one of her favorite activities.
Matt Ritchey,
tech department member, is enrolled in his last year at Stark State University. Ritchey said he loves being at WHS and his job at Wooster is what he wants to do for a career.
Blurbs gathered by Isabelle Cannon and Tatumn McGrew Photos taken by Hannah Knapic and Madison Culver Lee
THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | SEPT. 9, 2016 | PAGE 6
New school year commences changes to high school policies
Dress code gets slight revision: Restricted types of sleeveless shirts now allowed under revised code HANNAH KNAPIC cover editor
Graphic by Spencer Dilyard
The 2016-2017 school year began with a dress code change for WHS students. The main goal of the revised dress code was to define and modify, said principal Tyler Keener. On page 15 of the student handbook, the new dress code states: “Students can wear hemmed sleeveless tops that cover the point of the shoulder… shorts and skirts must be mid-thigh… Students should refrain from wearing rompers.” With the changes mentioned above, Keener believes that the new dress code is modest and appropriate, and stated, “... there are lots of classy and appropriate sleeveless shirts.” To make this change, the administrators, particularly Amanda Terakedis, looked at other schools with similar demographics, as well as school around our area. According to Terakedis, the first school examined was Dublin High School in Columbus, one of a list including Pickerington, Wadsworth and Triway. So far in the school year, Keener said there have been the typical dress code violations, but he, “...appreciates that students aren’t pushing the envelope.”
WHS stiffens tardy policy EVAN DOAN views editor
With the new tardy policy at WHS, certain students are feeling a lot of pressure to hurry to class each morning. The newly updated WHS student handbook states, “If a student is more than 5 minutes late to class, they are considered skipping class and will be assigned an appropriate consequence.” The appropriate consequence includes the possibilities of Saturday school, after-school detention and further penalizations if the behavior continues. Associate Principal Andrew Bratcher says the updated policy stems from a disregard for showing up to class. “We had certain groups of students intentionally cutting class on a regular basis,” Bratcher said. Zach Dreher (11) believes this new policy could have unintended consequences for people not deliberately skipping classes. “I think that the administration needs to rethink how they deal with people skipping because this policy could end up punishing the people who are good students and who are not trying to skip class. Being late happens every once in a while,” he said. Additionally, Dreher believes the administration’s concept of skipping class is flawed, saying, “I think that skipping is missing the whole class, not just the first five minutes.” Principal Tyler Keener emphasizes this addition to policy is not to be unforgiving, but is simply to make the punishment stiffer for cutting class, so students will be discouraged from purposely skipping. “I think the students who want to be in class won’t be greatly affected by this, if at all. This is a way of ensuring kids aren’t just wandering the halls when they’re supposed to be in class,” Keener said. Whether or not the new policy change is effective, it prompts the question of how to separate the students who are purposely skipping from those who are unintentionally late for class.
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FOCUS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 9, 2016 | PAGE 7
Education and entertainment combine in Cornerstone Playlab EMMA STRONG feature editor
On Aug. 14, the Cornerstone Playlab was established, marking the opening of a project more than three years in the making. The idea for renovating the playground was brought to the PTO by a group of teachers about three years ago, according to Danni Schantz, the head of the Playlab’s Executive Committee. “We studied the problem for a full year before embarking on the actual campaign. It became clear pretty quickly that we would need to rebuild and not just renovate the old space,” Schantz said.
Raising the funds for the campaign was a community effort; the Cornerstone PTO and students raised money through a school-wide math-a-thon and spell-a-thon, according to Cornerstone PTO president Molly Richard. “Cornerstone feels very lucky to be supported by our community,” Richard said. According to Schantz, by the time the fundraising period over, $630,000 was raised for the completion of the project. The Playlab consists of much more than a traditional playground and has successfully integrated learning into the space. “The Playlab is home to a pollinator garden, rock garden,
Wooster Way kicks off JOHN GORMAN staff writer
Returning for its sophomore effort in the WCS district, the Wooster Rachel’s Challenge program is undergoing a couple of changes. The Rachel’s Challenge Initiative was implemented last year throughout the WCSD in an effort to reduce bullying and increase school unity. No longer a stand-alone program, Rachel’s Challenge will be incorporated into the Wooster Way. Administrative Intern Amanda Terakedis describes the Wooster Way as an umbrella term for all programs already in place to ensure a safe learning environment. Superintendent Dr. Michael Tefs explains the most significant reason behind switching to the new program lies in the greater versatility of the Wooster Way. “The Wooster Way encompasses multiple factors around our curriculum and programming, and Rachel’s Rally is just one of the those,” Tefs said. Returning FOR Club member
Katie Brownson (11) believes that to further the agenda of Rachel’s Challenge, WHS should adopt more whole school projects. The Wooster Way makes this more possible, as all the anti-bullying programs are compiled into one central initiative, the different smaller organizations will not be vying for the time of potential members. Rather, Terakedis believes the organization leaders will be able to more easily work together to create a significant difference in our school culture. Terakedis hopes the changes will not be limited to the school district. She continues, saying not only will the Wooster Way be present in all Wooster City Schools, the Wayne County Public Library and Mayor Bob Breneman have expressed their support for the program. Regardless of whether the program is referred to as Rachel’s Challenge or the Wooster Way, Terakedis reiterates the premise remains the same: create a system to ensure the physical and emotional safety of all members of the Wooster Community.
TRACY MORGAN TRACY MORGAN
The Cornerstone Playlab opens after three years of preparation. Among other features, it includes a geology garden and outdoor classroom. and weather station. Each space has a learning mailbox filled with educational
information,” Richard said. One portion of the Playlab, known as “Danny’s Hill,” has
slides that are ADA accessible, according to Schantz. While the Cornerstone Playlab was completed fairly recently, Schantz and Richard both note its positive effect on students and on the community. “Since the dedication of the Playlab, it has been filled with children, not only during the school day, but also after hours and on the weekends. We love to see so many children playing,” Richard said. As the year progresses, more events will be held on the site that will utilize its resources. Additionally, Schantz noted that volunteer positions are available to any high school student who may be interested in getting involved.
Wayne County Fair:
Board amends Confederate flag decision ALEXANDER THOMPSON webmaster
The Wayne County Fair Board, announced Aug. 23 that it is discouraging the display of the Confederate flag by vendors, but is still permitting the flag’s sale. That announcement became public in a meeting between Rev. Andries Coetzee, Wooster/Orrville NAACP President Juanita Greene, and WCF Manager Pete Armstrong. The announcement was confirmed with Coetzee & Greene by the BLADE, and with Armstrong by the Daily Record in the Aug. 28 article, “NAACP/Church See Progress.” Only two vendors offer Confederate flag material and both have been personally contacted, according to Greene. Don Reichart, WCFB President, explained the reason for the change of policy, saying, “We just want to keep everybody calm. Only a small percent of people care.” The announcement comes on the heels of a year long
effort by the Wooster/Orrville NAACP, Coetzee’s Westminster Presbyterian Church, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne County to have sales of the flag banned, according to Coetzee. The most recent actions taken
conversation [on Aug. 23] they finally heard us, they finally understand.” Reichart said the WCFB’s opposition to a ban is that “The First Amendment is the freedom of speech and freedom of action; there are no laws in the country against the Confederate flag. If we were to [ban the flag’s sale] it would be censorship.” Alicia Shoulps, the Marketing and Public Relations Director of the Ohio State Fair, which has banned the sale of the flag since 2015, said, “It would only be a First Amendment issue if you banned wearing [the flag]. This was a contractual ban; we determine what our vendors sell.” She compared banning the flag’s sale to restricting the types of foods vendors can sell. Shoulps went on to say, that while they got a mixed reaction on social media when they announced the ban of the flag, the impact on the Ohio State Fair since has been “zero” in terms of revenue and attendance.
“THE FIRST AMENDMENT IS THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND FREEDOM OF ACTION...,” REICHART SAID. by the coalition have included circulating an online petition espousing a ban, which at press time, had 471 signatures. Greene asserts, “The Confederate flag was flown by groups of whites that were against civil rights… In that aspect, it is a symbol of hatred and recent incidents have shown it is still used as a symbol of hatred.” In Greene’s opinion, the WCFB’s policy of discouraging the flag’s display, “really doesn’t go far enough, but it’s baby steps. At least in our
SPORTS
F A L L S P O R T S
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 9, 2016 | PAGE 8
- FOOTBALL (2-0): Next game at Mount Vernon tonight - BOYS’ SOCCER (2-2-0): Next game Sept. 13, home, against Mount Vernon - GIRLS’ SOCCER (1-0-4): Next game Sept. 10 at Hickory - BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY - (Both placed third at Green Invitational, girls placed fourth and boys placed fifth at Ashland Invitational): Next meet Sept. 10, at Wooster - GIRLS’ TENNIS (3-1): Next competition Sept. 10, Ashland Invitational - VOLLEYBALL (0-5): Next game Sept. 13 at Ashland - GOLF (3-1): Hosts Wooster Invitational Sept. 12
Photos by Grant Peabody, Madison Culver, Hannah Knapic, Theresa Ford, Molly Kilbourn
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | SEPT. 9, 2016 | PAGE 9
MADDY NACCI sports editor
For the first time since 2004, the OCC is adding a new member, while losing one of its founding members. The Ohio Cardinal Conference has welcomed Mount Vernon as a new member of the conference this fall, while Orrville has left the OCC at the same time. The OCC was created in 2002 by Wooster, Lexington, Madison, Ashland, Mansfield Senior, Orrville and West Holmes and conference play began in fall of 2003, according to occsports.org. Soon after, Clear Fork joined the league. The teams have been competing in athletics and activities for 13 years in this conference. Mount Vernon has joined the OCC, coming from the Ohio Capital Conference. Justin Sanford, Mount Vernon’s activity director, says leaving the Ohio Capital Conference for the OCC was tough, because Mount Vernon was one of the Ohio Capital Conference’s founding
members. “However, with the changing landscape of schools in central Ohio and seemingly regular realignment happening in the Capital Conference, it was in the opinion that in the best interest of Mount Vernon’s student-athletes, programs, fans, and consistency, the Ohio Cardinal Conference was the greatest fit for our school,” Sanford said. Sanford says the OCC is both a great competitive and geographical fit for Mount Vernon schools. “Having like-sized schools in this conference is certainly an equalizer as it comes to competitiveness. I hope that the Mount Vernon athletic programs bring a great passion for our sports both from our coaches, kids, and our community,” he said. According to the article “Ohio Cardinal Conference opens doors to Mount Vernon,” by Curt Conrad at richlandsource. com, Mount Vernon has the biggest male enrollment of students at the high school at 489 male students in grades
nine through 12 and second biggest female enrollment at 423 female students among the OCC schools. Orrville has joined the Principals’ Athletic Conference. Orrville was the smallest school in the OCC, with 185 boys and 174 girls in grades nine through 12, according to richlandsource. com. Andy Kellar, the WHS Athletic Director, says Orrville was the furthest east in the league and traveling was too much for their middle school teams. Clear Fork will also be leaving as of fall 2017, because of its increasingly small size, according to Kellar. The OCC has been a successful conference as it has 12 state champions over the 13 years, according to occsports.org. Kellar believes a new and competitive school will only make Wooster athletics stronger. This year, Kellar would love to see Wooster win the OCC all sports trophy and for everyone in Wooster schools to work hard and compete well in their athletics.
Mansfield Senior
Clearfork
Lexington
Tygers
Colts
Minutemen
Ashland
West Holmes
Arrows
Knights
Wooster
Mount Vernon
Generals
Hornets
Graphics by Matthew Lorentz
The OCC undergoes multiple changes
Generals soccer welcomes new coach, Charles Cerniglia RYAN MILLER focus editor
Bringing 15 years prior coaching experience from his time coaching high school boys soccer at Waynedale and a Ohio Strikers United club team, Science Dept. member Charles Cerniglia is poised to take over the WHS girls varsity soccer team. Cerniglia enjoys the excitement and passion found in high school sports, which he identifies as special qualities to encounter in athletics of any variety. “There is an emotional intensity in high school varsity athletics that you won’t find anywhere else. To go into stadiums and compete for
MADISON CULVER-LEE
The Wooster Generals girls’ varsity soccer team and Coach Cerniglia (center) pose as a group before a hardfought game at Follis Field. championships under the lights with your childhood friends is the ultimate [experience}.
You won’t find that in club. you won’t find that in college. You won’t find that anywhere
else. And to get to do that with the super-cool people on this team makes that incredible experience even more special,” Cerniglia said. Assisting Cerniglia and taking over the JV coaching position for the girls is Amanda Largent who enjoys coaching with him and has seen his coaching expertise first hand. “Coaching with Cerniglia has been great. He knows the game very well and his coaching is focused. The girls are not only learning a lot, but they are enjoying playing together and improving every day. He is dedicated to this program’s success,” Largent said.
Senior captain and returning team member, Heidi Ebin, notes the dedication Cerniglia wants from his players. “He really wants us to put in a lot of effort to be the best we can be,” Ebin said. Cerniglia does not want this year’s team to be taken lightly especially in conference play and feels like they can exceed expectations. “I believe in this team, and this team believes in itself. We won’t be intimidated and when we meet our OCC rivals. I think they’re going to find out we’re a whole lot tougher than they think we are,” Cerniglia said. The girls’ varsity soccer team plays their next home game against Westerville North High School Sept. 17.
FEATURE
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 9, 2016 | PAGE 10
By the numbers: Back-to-school consumption An estimated $1.6 billion was spent at bookstores in August 2014. www.census. gov/
Of consumers, 55 percent will finish back to school shopping in August. www.npd.com
America buys 11 million paper clips per year. (Author Dino Grandoni) www.thewire. com Each year, Dixon Ticonderoga alone produces an estimated 1.5 billion pencils. (Author The United Ned Smith) www. States consumes businessnewsdaily. 69 million tons of com paper each year. epa.gov Each year, Crayola makes 600 million colored pencils. www.crayola.com
In 2016, back-toschool shoppers spent $75.8 billion. nrf.com
Post it notes, 3M, produces 50 billion Post it notes annually. (Authors Nick Glass and Tim Hume) www.cnn. com
Crayola makes 12 million crayons per day, totaling 3 billion crayons per year. www.crayola.com
Families with children in kindergarten through grade 12 plan to spend an average $673.57 on apparel and accessories, electronics, shoes and school supplies.
In 2015, according to the National Retail Federation, back to school shoppers spent $68 billion. nrf.com
Each year, Crayola makes 465 million Crayola markers. www.crayola.com
In the fall of 2016, about 50.4 million students will attend public elementary and secondary schools. nces.ed.gov/
Data collected by Ryan Miller Photo by Hannah Knapic
THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | SEPT. 9, 2016 | PAGE 11
From around the world: New students come to Wooster
Rotary Exchange in Wooster AMBER SWIGART staff writer
The Rotary Youth Exchange gives students across the world the opportunity to live abroad and experience the culture of another nation for a year in order to create a more expanded world view and broadened cultural understanding. According to woosterrotary. org, over 7,000 students nationally participate in the program. Mike O’Donnell, Wooster Rotarian and Interact liaison, asserts that learning about cultures different than one’s own is essential to grasping context to society globally. “One of the big benefits of the program is that it makes the world seem smaller. As someone touched by the exchange
Q&A: Laura Corrao from Italy
Photo by Chelsea Patterson
program, I think you learn that people from around the world are more alike than they are different,” O’Donnell said. Cathy McConnell, the District’s Outbound Chair, concurs with O’Donnell’s assessment, asserting that exchanging provides students with a valuable opportunity to mature and improve language proficiency. “Students end up growing and maturing over the year… they’ve got to really problem solve and figure out things from a significant distance away from their families and away from environments that are familiar to them,” McConnell said. Those interested in experiencing the Rotary Exchange Process can reach out to a local Rotarian and inquire about involvement.
Q&A: Lars Pennings from Germany How does American schooling differ from schooling in Germany?
Do you keep in touch with your friends from home? No.
What made you want to do the exchange program?
You guys have lockers. We don’t have those. You guys have the same classes everyday. Your school is bigger and you have a lot more sport activities.
I wanted to see America.
What is it like coming to a new country without knowing anybody?
What do you miss from Germany? The food, it’s better. Food here is really fat.
Do you have any big plans for your stay in America ? Not really.
Do you plan on coming back to America in the future? I thought about living in America but I don’t know yet.
It’s exciting. Q&As conducted by Kayla Barnet, Kayla Cooper and Estelle Shaya. Photo by Chelsea Patterson.
How would you describe the area in Italy where you live?
What is your favorite part of Wooster or the United States?
What’s the biggest difference between here and Italy?
What has your experience with a host family been like?
I live in Sardinia, in the center of a city by the beach called ‘Cagliari.’ It’s not a big city, but the streets are chaotic and noisy, so people tend to move inside the city using public transportation or on foot. The population doesn’t live in individual houses, but in apartments.
I think what I like the most here is the fact that everyone is really nice. When you go to the store, the employees always ask you how you are doing and tell you to have a nice day. That’s great. That, and the fact that there is so much green here. There are trees and gardens everywhere; it’s beautiful.
Where I live, as I’ve said, people tend to move on foot and use public transportation. Also, life is much more nocturnal. We don’t have dinner until 9 p.m. and then we go out. And, even at one in the morning, you can see people sitting at bars and walking around the city, especially teenagers.
I’ve been staying with the Szukaitis. They’re an amazing family. They’re super nice to me and they always do what they can to make me feel good and comfortable. I’m very lucky and grateful to spend these months with them.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 9, 2016 | PAGE 12
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Students go head-to-head on new Suicide Squad film
Viewer argues merit of film
co-editor-in-chief
DC universe’s most recent comic book based movie, Suicide Squad, put an interesting twist on the classic “super team” approach in the superhero film industry by creating a team of imprisoned villains whose sole job is to save the world or die trying. The film made it no challenge to start liking the world’s most dangerous super villains. The introductions were well done with film intermissions that broke things up and provided information in the form of cool animations on every member of the squad, as well as backstory that developed an attachment between the viewers and the characters.
GRANT PEABODY business manager
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NATE KING-SMITH
On top of this connection, the cast filled their roles well, with a particular shout out to Will Smith as Deadshot and Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. Also, props have to be given to Jared Leto who had to fill the shoes of Heath Ledger in playing the Joker; Leto nailed the portrayal of the character. Additionally, the character interactions were well done, with DC delivering on their promises to add humor, throwing just the right amount of laughs into the mix. Throughout the movie, character chemistry builds and it was easy to cheer for the so-called “worst of the worst,” especially the Joker and Harley Quinn, who are now officially in my top five favorite movie couples. Also, who could forget the soundtrack? From Eminem, to Queen, to G-Eazy, to The Rolling Stones, the music matched the scenes in which they were played and created a great background for every moment. Suicide Squad is a great movie with plenty of entertaining scenes to keep viewers captivated and to make it fun to be bad.
Movie is not worth the hype
THE LIGHT, THE
With a lot of hype surrounding Suicide Squad, the finished product did not live up to my expectations. It is a tiring film that is short on laughs and filled with confusion. The beginning plot did not make a lot of sense to me. In the opening scenes, we learn how some of these villains or protagonists were captured and incarcerated in the first place. Many are apprehended by Batman, which had me puzzled. If Batman can outsmart many of these villains, why has Amanda Waller, portrayed by Viola Davis, not enlisted the services of Batman instead? In addition, if he was not
available, why take the risk on these lunatics over the loyal, hard working soldiers already at their disposal? The plot gets even messier when it comes to the film’s actual villain. It is not the Joker; as many previews led me to believe. It seems that more will be made of his character in a future installment, which is disapointing because if DC wanted to capture the attention of the audience, they could have spent more time on the Joker to enhance the film’s main antagonist. There are way too many characters here, though. Just when I thought had my head wrapped around them all, another entered the mix. Director David Ayer is not afraid to kill people off, but it is hard to care about any of them when we do not know some of the characters and their backstory, while the action scenes have been so chaotically assembled. As a tradition, the closing credits provide a tease of the next installment, which many others, and I, hope to be more entertaining than this.
GRAPHICS BY SPENCER DILYARD AND MATTHEW LORENTZ
Concert-goer enticed by artist’s stage presence and audience
KAYLA BARNET
arts & enertainment editor On Aug. 2, I finally had the chance to see artist, Ashley Frangipane, also known as
Halsey, in Cleveland after waiting almost two years for this opportunity. London-based band Oh Wonder opened the show for Halsey. Normally, I do not find myself a fan of opening acts, but they were incredible; their techno-indie-pop sound was fun and interesting. At last, Halsey took the stage. She climbed through and around levels and platforms. She talked to the audience and had them finish lines for her. In addition, the lights and backdrops were visually
beautiful and fascinating. They shadowed and worked with Halsey’s movements. The artist then climbed down from the stage and stood directly in front of her fans, less than a few inches away from my friend and I, to sing a verse from her song “Is There Somewhere?” Not only was the show Halsey and her band put on absolutely amazing, but the fans were so kind, making the experience much more enjoyable. I have been to many general admission concerts, and all
of them consist of people aggressively pushing, shoving and yelling. Of course, some of this occurred, but Halsey’s fans would apologize constantly for even bumping into a shoulder. The atmosphere of Halsey’s concert was so safe and troublefree. All of the fans were there for one reason: seeing Halsey live, and we all bonded over this. We seemed to forget what was going on outside of that venue, including the stress of our lives. In between songs, Halsey told the crowd about when she
was a teenager in New Jersey, living on the streets because her parents kicked her out. She got into a bad crowd and made poor decisions. However, Halsey has worked to get where she is today, which includes selling out Madison Square Garden a few weeks ago. Ashley Frangipane is such a phenomenal performer and deserves every ounce of success she has. If you are a fan of Halsey, I would recommend seeing her live, it is unforgettable.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | SEPT 9, 2016 | PAGE 13
Stranger Things thrives
NICK COSMO
arts & entertainment editor Stranger Things, a Netflix original series released over the summer, is an absolutely thrilling and enjoyable show to watch. The show revolves around the disappearance of a young boy and the paranormal events following his disappearance in a small town in Indiana in 1983, and this premise allows the show to build many moments
Basil blooms downtown
of tension and suspense. Complete with a monster, a governmental organization with unclear intentions, and schoolyard bullies, the show’s protagonists have no shortage of challenges facing them. The show not only has an exciting premise, it is also extremely well acted as the actors are able to convey the turmoil they are going through in the stressful situations that the eight episode season forces them into. Even if one does not have the time to watch the show, I highly recommend listening to the soundtrack, as it is of an extremely high caliber. Ultimately, Stranger Things is sure to be a highlight of the entertainment industry this year, and anyone that is looking for a new show to binge watch should watch it.
HANNA MORGAN feature editor
If you are looking for great Asian cuisine and a modern, casual atmosphere for a night spent in downtown Wooster, then look no further than Basil Asian Bistro. After dining at Basil five times this past summer, it has now become one of my favorite restaurants in town. The menu offers unique and unusual choices. From
Film falls short of hopes
AMBER SWIGART cover editor
An underwhelming remake of Ghostbusters (1984) hit theaters on July 11, starring Leslie Jones, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and Kristen Wiig. The movie paralleled its predecessor, with both versions featuring leads whose interests in ghost hunting are not taken seriously within, or outside of, their professions, a focus on theoretical technology and that ever-catchy titular song. Needless to say, I had high hopes for this year’s remake. The newly released Ghostbusters has wellloved, widely acclaimed, and
unquestionably funny actresses, of whom Leslie Jones is a stand out. Yet, many of the jokes and references to the 1984 film, such as a cameo by original ghostbuster Bill Murray, seem to be acknowledgements that the remake is not a strong stand alone movie. The film delivers a few laughworthy jokes, but the buildup to these jokes diminishes their humor in the same way that a laugh track makes potentially humorous sitcoms essentially ‘unfunny.’ The same cannot be said for the original Ghostbusters, however, whose “Human sacrifice! Dogs and cats living together! Mass hysteria!” style quotes and quick humor allow for multiple views, and lend the film a natural quotability factor. In the end, Ghostbusters (2016) is a movie worth watching for the memorable performances of its actresses, but it fails to match the lasting impact and timelessness as the classic 1984 film.
appetizers to desserts, Basil will have something to please everyone. I highly recommend the Crispy Pineapple Chicken for an entree, along with a side of coconut rice. For an appetizer, you can never go wrong with an egg roll. Appetizers have a price range of $2 to $12. Main dishes range anywhere from $12 to $20. The staff is friendly, and the service is very efficient. With options of sitting at the bar, on the patio or in the main dining room, a helpful hint would be to make a reservation, as it has been busy every time I have eaten there. Everyone should go out and try Basil Asian Bistro, as it will soon become one of your favorite restaurants, like it is one of mine.
Ocean makes a splash
AUSTIN MCCULLY focus editor
Graphics by Matt Lorentz
Frank Ocean’s new album, Blonde, is over 60 minutes long, and there is not one minute where I find it to be like any other album I have ever heard. The status quo of trending albums has been to focus on material possessions and embracing the euphoria of intoxication, but Blonde speaks to the opposite point-of-view, criticizing materialism and drug usage. “Self Control” is a voice message from Ocean’s childhood friend’s mom in
which she states, “Many college students have gone to college and gotten hooked on drugs, marijuana and alcohol. Listen, stop trying to be somebody else. Don’t try to be someone else. Be yourself and know that that’s good enough.” Those who try to label Blonde as a single genre will have a hard time. The closest designation would be R&B, but the album includes electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, and an extended cut of “Nikes” even features a rap verse in Japanese. As a side note, the album is called “Blonde,” but the album says “Blond.” Despite the title, Ocean has green hair on the cover; and finally, beside the parental advisory label is a bar code. Frank Ocean is a talented artist, an innovative thinker and a bold social activist, but there is one thing that Frank Ocean is not and will never be: a conformist.
TRENDS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 9 2016 | PAGE 14
Staff writers compare instant film of the past and present Polariod cameras then OLIVIA SLEEK trends editor
The first Polaroid camera was invented in 1926, according to Polaroid.com. The founder, Edwin H. Land, left Harvard university after his freshman year to study light polarization. However, the first Polaroid camera to ever produce an instant photo was in 1943, and was not actually sold in stores until 1948. In 1956, Polariod products were in 45 different countries
throughout the world. Prior to 1963, all the Polaroid photos lacked color, but in 1963 the first colored Polaroid was created. In 1972, the first motorized camera was invented: the SX-70 Land. The Polaroid Company was mass producing 5,000 cameras per day. In 1977, the most popular Polaroid camera was released: the Polaroid OneStep. It was the most inexpensive camera the company created, and become a bestseller in both the realms of instant and conventional cameras.
Top photo courtesy of Chelsea Patterson. Bottom photo courtesy of Jeff Slinker at Flickr.com. Polaroid story info courtesy of Polaroid.com.
Polariod cameras today SARAH HOPKINS co-editor-in-chief
Polaroid cameras have recently resurfaced in popularity. In an interview with The Atlantic, author Christopher Bonanos talked about Polaroid’s comeback in popularity and the rarity of a product doing so. “...instant pictures are special...A Polaroid picture, because there’s only one, feels like a precious object,” Bonanos said. According to polaroid.com, in 1999 the company released the pocket-sized iZone camera which made smaller prints than before. These compact
photos remained very popular amongst teenagers throughout the 2000’s. Many students at WHS have even taken to this old school way of photography. “I like Polaroids because they’re very convenient if you want pictures really fast and the pictures have a unique quality,” Molly Kilbourne (12) said. Kilbourne also mentioned that in a culture where consumers, young people especially, are beginning to appreciate vintage, it is no wonder that Polaroids are being combined with more modern social media to create a new and eclectic way of sharing photographs and memories.
VIEWS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 9, 2016 | PAGE 15
WCFB should ban Confederate flag
Graphic by Matthew Lorentz
Editor weighs in on sexism in the Olympics
Ah, the 2016 Rio Olympics. appearance? Their husband? The perfect setting to Have they not proven see superhuman athletes themselves worthy of being competing, countries taken seriously as athletes? coming together in unifying Females are also often talked celebration, and, of course, about only in comparison the media covering all of this to their male counterparts, beauty in its typical male- according to a CNN article centric view. entitled, “Olympics 2016: Battle A few sexist headlines have of the sexes in the unequal come into bad light recently language of sport.” on social media, This unequal sparking the media coverage is discussion of often the case for Olympic media Jamaican Shellycoverage. Ann Fraser-Pryce, One of these two time gold headlines medalist and came from The track athlete, who Chicago Tribune is mostly talked twitter account, about in the and read, “Wife context of Usain of a Bears’ Bolt. lineman wins Four-time ERIN O’DONNELL bronze today in Olympic gold cover editor Rio Olympics.” medalist and Rather than say her name, The athletic phenom, Simone Chicago Tribune chose instead Biles, handily addressed this to solely identify her by her inequality on the issue of marital status, which although comparison to male athletes an interesting detail, in no when she said, “I’m not the way has any bearing on the next Usain Bolt or Michael amazing accomplishment she Phelps. I’m the first Simone has made. Biles.” A study from the UK’s Whether it is comparing a Cambridge University Press female athlete to a male one found that women in sports are or identifying a female athlete “disproportionately” described in terms of her husband, these by their marital status, athletes are almost exclusively appearance, or age. covered in the media in relation This data begs the question, to a male, and that is sexism at are women no more than their work that needs to stop.
HANNAH KNAPIC
cover editor In a world full of hate, judgement and malice, the Wayne County Fair board’s decision not to ban the Confederate flag is appalling. The discussion of the prohibition of selling the flag was started by the the Wooster/Orrville NAACP following the murder of nine African American churchgoers during the summer of 2015. More recently, an online petition on change.org, started by Westminster Presbyterian pastor Andries Coetzee, also emphasizes this prohibition and addresses fair board president Don Reichert. As of Sept. 5, the petition has 471 supporters. In The Daily Record on Aug.
28, in the “NAACP/Church Sees Progress” article, the Wayne County Fair board decided to discourage the sale of the Confederate flag, rather than placing an outright ban. After the shooting in a South Carolina church, many state fairs, including the Ohio State Fair, banned the sale of the Confederate flag. Although
AS OF SEPT. 5, THE PETITION HAS 471 SUPPORTERS. discouraging the sale of the flag is a step toward what the NAACP wanted to accomplish, the fair board should totally ban the sale of the Confederate flag. While many believe that the Confederate flag simply symbolizes southern pride, it inherently symbolizes the racist attitude of white slave owners who were fighting for the right to keep their slaves. During the Civil War, many other flags were used to symbolize the Confederacy, but the most popular one today is
the classic red background with a blue cross and stars. If the people selling the flags really wanted a flag to symbolize the south, why not choose one that was not used by racist and white supremacist groups including the KKK or murderers like Dylann Roof? The message sent by the Confederate flag is the same message that one would think of when seeing the Nazi flag. In both southern slave plantations and German concentration camps, a race, or races, were discriminated against because of physical features. More importantly, in both sites, beatings, torture, and murder were a normal daily occurrence. If the Nazi flag is looked at with such negative connotations, why is not the Confederate flag viewed in the same way? Overall, the sale of the Confederate flag inherently supports the murder and enslavery of thousands, and until it is banned from being sold at our fair and at other places, the racism and hatred of its past will continue to be brought into the future.
Choosing a college proves stressful
MAUREEN McKEOWN views editor
As I start my final year at WHS, I am beginning to realize the overwhelming stress of college. Almost everyday, I come home to another college sending
me an informational packet on why I should go to their school. Although I am looking at colleges at which I can run cross country and track, adding that stress only makes picking a college harder. In one week, I have five different college visits, one being an overnight. I did not want this to be the way I started my senior year. I planned out some college visits my junior year and thought I would be okay. Turns out I was wrong. Trying to find a place to call home for the next four years of my life is one of the hardest
things I have ever had to do. How many students are studying the major I intend to study? How big are the dorm rooms? Will I get enough scholarships? Where will I best fit? All questions I still need to answer way before May. As my senior year slowly continues, with or without my approval, finding the right college will just have to be one more thing to complain about. I hope future seniors have their lives better planned out than I do. So I have slowly figured out, the struggle is real.
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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 Drew Friedhoff, Maddy Nacci 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 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 | SEPT. 9, 2016 | PAGE 16
OUR VIEW
EpiPen price gouge proves problematic In this calendar year, outrage has been sparked on multiple occasions because of pharmaceutical companies drastically raising the price of their drugs. The latest wave of outrage came when the pharmaceutical company Mylan increased the price of their product, the EpiPen. An article from The New York Times titled, “The EpiPen, a Case Study in Health System Dysfunction,” stated that
since 2004, the cost of EpiPens has increased by more than 450 percent. Consequently, as of last May, a two-pack of EpiPens cost more than $600. This price increase shows the dysfunction found within the pharmaceutical industry, and exemplifies a monopolistic control of a widely-needed drug, using medicine as a means of profit rather than for intended medical purposes. The Wooster Blade
Editorial Board believes that these callous price hikes, emanating from corporate greed, are a danger and a detriment to the many people who rely on the lifesaving device, the EpiPen. As a result of increased prices, many people are searching for cost-effective alternatives. One such alternative is to use a vial of Epinephrine and syringe to inject the drug . An option called “sub-optimal” by Dr. Howard Mell, in an article
from CBS News titled “Cheaper, ‘Do-it-yourself’ alternative to EpiPen may be risky.” Mell cited multiple issues, including the temperature of the medication, proper dosage and correct depth of application. The Wooster Blade Editorial Board encourages pharmaceutical companies, such as Mylan, to reevaluate pricing tactics and to be cognizant of the well-being of their consumers, rather than making a quick buck.
Preceding a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 26, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick sat down during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” According to an Aug. 27 article on NFL.com by Steve Wyche titled “Colin Kaepernick Explains,” Kaepernick stated, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” By taking a stand for civil rights, Colin Kaepernick joins other athletes, like Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, in using their platform and status to raise awareness to issues affecting minorities in the United States. But, by doing so, Kaepernick has created a media frenzy in deciding whether his actions to not stand during the national anthem is the correct approach in working toward progress in
improved race relations. The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes Colin Kaepernick has the right to protest as a citizen in the United States, and should not be penalized for taking a stand in a movement. According to the NFL. com article, Kaepernick is aware of what he is doing and knows it will not sit well with many. The Wooster Blade Editorial Board asserts that Kaepernick’s decision to protest is constitutionally acceptable, but can be criticized if its message is misinterpreted. Despite a widely-shared frustration over race relations, not everyone stands behind Kaepernick in his decision to kneel during the anthem. Many construe his gesture as being disrespectful to the country as a whole, and notably disrespectful to the veterans who fought for the rights that he is exercising. According to Alex Boone, in the article“Vikings’
Alex Boone Rips ExTeammate,” posted by USA Today on Aug. 29: “That flag obviously gives (Kaepernick) the right to do whatever he wants. I understand it. At the same time, you should have some (expletive) respect for people who served, especially people that lost their life to protect our freedom.” Kaepernick, however, has indicated that his protest
country’s recent track record of minority oppression does not have a place in a country of justice and freedom, so he is taking action and being joined by other professional athletes, including Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane and United States Women’s Soccer player Megan Rapinoe. The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes
Kaepernick’s actions spark controversy
AMERICA’S DEMOCRATIC BASE IS THE VERY REASON KAEPERNICK IS PROTESTING. is specifically about race relations. In the game following his infamous sitting, the quarterback stood and applauded veterans during a recognition ceremony. Veterans have recently advocated for support of Kaepernick. America’s democratic base is the very reason Kaepernick is protesting. He recognizes that the
Kaepernick’s actions stem from an admiration for American values, rather than disdain toward the country. Regardless of whether his opinion is being expressed in the most appropriate and least offensive way, Kaepernick is igniting discussion for an issue that the The Wooster Blade Editorial Board deems more than worthy of it.