The Wooster Blade, Volume XVIII, Issue 1

THE WOOSTER BLADE

WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH SEPT. 8, 2017 VOLUME XVIII, ISSUE 1

Examining recent

within the Wooster City School District

INDEX:

on campus 2-4 trends 5 sports 6-7

a&e 8-9

feature 13-14

cover 10-12

views 15-16

ON CAMPUS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 2

Wooster Frontline supports Generals’ wins and losses RHEANNA VELASQUEZ

the

tradition

of

painting

seniors leading chants at games.

Decked in blue and gold or other themes, a frenzied student crowd ecstatically cheers on WHS athletes.

They chant. They scream.

This is the Frontline.

“It’s been going for, I’d say, we are the Generals- the General’s our mascot- [the to do some type of theme for our student section. They called it the Frontline because it’s like a warzone,” 2017 alumnus Eddie Rooney said.

The “warzone” is a fusion of color, energy and sound.

Co-organizer of the Frontline, Sidny Chamberlin (12), describes Frontline members following

or jumping a really fun

around.

It’s and exciting

contagious beyond the student crowd. Football player Zac Ntia (12) describes the enthusiasm in the Frontline

SPENCER DILYARD

“People run out there, and we do the three claps ready thing, football and they’re excited to see us play, you know, it gets us ready for the game,” Ntia said.

This year, many members of the senior class are eager to make the Frontline better than the year before.

Adam Swindell (12), an

organizer of the Frontline together with Chamberlin, Tyler Foster (12) and other seniors, discussed the group’s goals.

“We want to be louder, and I just want more people to come

team spirit,” Swindell said.

Chamberlin also expressed interest in strengthening the Frontline’s support at need to get to more than just football and basketball

teams,” Chamberlin said. @WooFrontline, the Frontline’s Twitter page, posts updates on scheduled games and themes for the student section. For tonight’s student section theme is camo.

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THE WOOSTER BLADE Staff

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 3

WHS Student Government: From left to right: Grace Buchholz, sophomore class president, Mimi Wiles, senior class president, and Lucas Lindenmuth, junior class president.

These three students will lead their respective classes this year.

Mimi Wiles (12) is both class president for the senior class and student body

president.

Wiles said she first joined Student Government because she wanted to participate in a club at the high school. Although she was hesitant at first, Wiles said she found Student Government to be very welcoming.

Over the course of this year, Wiles said she hopes to, “create a connection between administrators and students, so the administration can talk to students and meet their needs.”

Establishing better communication with students is a fundamental piece of Wiles’ approach. To contact her or the Student Government, students can use the e-mail address studentgovt17@gmail.com.

Lucas Lindenmuth (11) is president of the junior class.

Class President features by Estelle Shaya

Introducing the WHS 2017-2018 class presidents

Goals and leaders for the upcoming year

Lindenmuth said he originally joined Student Government because, “I thought I might be able to do some good for the school and its students.”

Lindenmuth added he hopes to do the best possible job to make as many people happy.

For this year, Lindenmuth said he would like to have a successful Prom, reduce drug abuse, make sure no one in Student Government overreaches their power and make sure students know they can approach him with any concerns.

In addition to speaking with any Student Government members, Lindenmuth said students can contact Student Government at @woostergov2019 on Instagram or at @woocampaign on Twitter.

Grace Buchholz (10)

is the sophomore class president.

For the upcoming school year, the sophomore class is in charge of planning for winter formal, according to Buchholz. She said her primary goal is for the dance to be a success.

Buchholz said she was originally convinced to run for Student Government by former class president Matt Chidsey. Buchholz said she is glad she chose to run and has learned a lot through her participation in Student Government.

Student poll data examines role of class leadership

How effective do you think student government is in carrying out its agenda?

5% 7% Never Not Neutral Very

14%

20%

54%

Somewhat Do you think student government should play a larger role at the high school?

1%

Did not answer No Yes

18% 81%

Poll was distributed Aug. 30 to lunches and study halls

by BLADE bers. In graph data, 97 polls are included.

Senior Student Government members establish their goals for the school year JOHN GORMAN views editor

In an effort to make WHS a more enjoyable place for students, the 2017-18 Student Government has begun to set and work toward goals to improve student life.

Mimi Wiles (12), senior class president, explained that the major goal of the Student Government this year is to meet as many concerns as possible from students.

Senior class vice president Julien Lubell (12) explained some larger goals, including opening up the courtyards for senior lunches and reducing Gault membership prices for WHS students.

“We are also very focused on building on our school spirit and maybe organizing some pep rallies and maybe another lip dub during the school year,” Lubell added.

Lubell also emphasized the necessity of students to get involved with student government. The best way to bring about change in the school is to talk to your representatives, Lubell said.

Though Student Government members already have some goals for the year in mind, they are always looking for more ways to help the student body.

Izzy Rico (12), senior class representative, encourages students with concerns to get involved.

“Talk to their peers who are part of student government.

We’re here to listen to their concerns and make them known to the administration,” Rico said.

However, if students are unable to get in contact with a member of student government, they can send an email to studentgovt17@gmail. com, Wiles reminded.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 4

Free Health Expo at WHS Gault promotes responsible living HANNAH KNAPIC sports editor

On Sept. 16, the Gault Recreation Center in WHS will be hosting a Health Expo free for the Wooster community from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Health Expo, organized by Wellness Coordinator Heather Dennis, will feature classes, assessments, prizes and free

found on the Wooster City Schools website.

Heather Dennis stated the goal of the expo is, “...to target community members who are not active and share with them different ways to start a healthier

lifestyle.”

With an array of exercise classes, Dennis described the exposition as an easy way to showcase

the Health Expo will be able to sample 15 minute classes Wooster: Durniat Strength, DecCamp and Iron Kids from the YMCA. Carol Mills, a WHS Guidance Counselor secretary, will also be instructing a Zumba class, as she does regularly at the Community Center.

As a Zumba instructor, Mills

cover editor Amanda Terakedis is the new Coordinator of Pupil Services for the WSCD. According to Terakedis, the position will involve attending meetings and working with

Mills has been instructing Zumba for about nine years and has participated in wellness expositions through the community center for approximately two years.

With a mix of Latin, Jamai-

people throughout WCS. “I will be attending special education meetings in and out of the district. I will work with building level administration, parents, and teachers, with whatever needs they may have… I will work directly with Jen Crum, Director of Pupil

community-wide health education are explained. The ODPHP believes that health education programs, such as Wooster’s

the Gault, prevent disease and injury, improve health and overall enhance the quality of life.

sees Zumba as, “...exercise in disguise…” and a way to burn calories while simultaneously having a good time.

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion entitled, “Educa-

every day, and thinks that in-

Terakedis leaves high school, assumes new position at ALEXIS FLORENCE

community will give people a chance to experience exercise

Services,” Terakedis said.

However, Terakedis mentioned that she will still be working on previously started programs such as the Wooster Way initiative, the Leader in Me program with the elementary schools and the Social Justice group at the high school.

Terakedis’ former colleague, principal at WHS, expressed his joy for Terakedis.

“I am excited for her,” In regard to her time at WHS, Terakedis explains how her experiences helped

Cate Strong

Taking place on Sept. 16, the Health Expo, held in the WHS Gault, will feature a myriad of athletic activities free of charge. prepare her for this position.

“Preparation came from being an Intervention Specialist in the classroom for 16 years, then the administrative intern position allowed me to be in a leadership position with students, parents and teachers,” Terakedis said.

The administrative intern position is used as preparation for administrative positions Terakedis’ administrative intern predecessor, was appointed the principal of Now, Heidi Haas sits in the

position and, according to Haas, she is excited about the learning opportunities and the possibility of an administrative position.

“I get to put into practice what I someday would do as a professional,” Haas said.

Terakedis is starting her 18 year in education and this worked as an intervention specialist for eight years at the high school and then was the administrative intern for two years at WHS. Terakedis would also like to add that she is very excited for this opportunity.

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TRENDS From 1880-2016 the combined average temperature over global land and ocean surfaces was the highest during March of 2016, at 2.20 degrees Fahrenheit above the 20th Century average of 54.9 degrees Farenheit.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 5

An examination of the statistical trends indicating global warming The first six months of 2016 set a record as the warmest respective months globally in the modern temperature record, which dates to 1880.

2.0 to 4.0 1.0 to 2.0 0.5 to 1.0

2016 was ranked the warmest year out of 137 years in the ranking

“Since 1901, the average surface temperature across the contiguous 48 states has risen at an average rate of 0.14°F per decade.”

Statistics courtesy of The United States Environmental Protection Agency via epa.gov, nasa.gov scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York, The National Climate Assessment, conducted by John Walsh, University of Alaska Fairbanks and Donald Wuebbles, University of Illinois and ncdc.noaa.gov.

0.0 to 0.5 -0.5 to 0.0

Display of average temperature change for each state from 20112014. Graphic by Matt Lorentz.

Data collected by Holly Miller.

Environmental incidents JOHN GORMAN

views editor No matter how much many try to deny it, global temperatures are rising at an unprecedented rate.

According to NASA’s “Vital signs of the planet,” 16 of the 17 hottest years on record have come since 2001, with the hottest coming in 2016, the last year for which data is available. This is almost certainly due to increased carbon dioxide and other heat trapping gases into the atmosphere resulting from human activities.

Since the late 1800s, this has led to about a

two degree Fahrenheit increase in average surface temperature.

Stefan Rahmstorf, of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, posits that as global warming continues to rise, it is likely the record for hottest year will be broken once every four years.

Environmental scientist Dana Nuccitelli, writing for The Guardian, reports that rising global temperatures have led to more noticeable impacts in the past few years.

North Americans saw the most storms and floods in over 40 years and saw 1.5 times more weather

catastrophes around the globe last year, while California suffered the fifth straight year of their worst drought in a millennium.

Though global warming is a global issue and should be addressed as such, The National Resources Defense Council reports in an article titled “How you can stop Global Warming” there are some simple ways in which individuals can do their part to reduce their carbon footprint, like reducing water waste, eating less meat and buying energy efficient lightbulbs.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 6

K Y R I E

Both Cavs and Boston score big in trade

JOHN GORMAN views editor

New Cleveland Cavaliers General Manager, Koby Altman, seemed to do the impossible: improve their roster for another playoff run and stockpile assets for a potential post-LeBron future.

First reported by Shams Charania of The Vertical on Aug. 23, the Cleveland Cavaliers are sending Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and Ante Zizic, the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first round and Boston’s 2020 second round

draft picks.

The loss of Kyrie may seem dire, but as bleacherreport. com’s Joseph Zucker, emphasizes in his article titled, “Kyrie Irving Traded to Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Draft Pick, More,” the Cavs are simply trading an elite offense, no defense guard, for another.

Perhaps more important than Thomas is the addition of Jae Crowder. One of Cleveland’s biggest flaws was its inability to guard elite scorers with LeBron on the bench. Crowder provides a needed remedy.

Crowder is a significantly larger, faster and better player than both 37-year-old

Richard Jefferson and offensively inept Iman Shumpert and is significantly more affordable.

The Cavaliers

Graphic by Spencer Dilyard

SPORTS acquired Adriatic League MVP, Zizic and Boston’s 2020 second round pick - both nice gains, but neither will make an immediate impact.

Finally, perhaps the biggest acquisition for the Cavaliers was the 2018 Nets’ draft pick.

Projected by most analysts to end up in the top-five picks in the draft, suddenly the Cavaliers have the ability to draft a legitimate superstar to build around if LeBron decides to leave or an attractive asset to trade for a proven superstar.

While Cleveland gained a myriad of assets, the Celtics got the best player in the trade.

Kyrie has the unique ability to take over a game on the offensive end and may be the necessary spark to fuel an NBA Finals run.

With the Celtics coming to Cleveland for the first game of the season, one thing is for certain - it is going to be an exciting season to watch for both teams.

Rivalry between Riders and Generals prevails, despite OCC split MADDY NACCI feature editor

The football rivalry between Wooster and Orrville has gone on for 107 meetings and both teams plan on continuing the rivalry for many years to come.

Since 1990, Orrville has led the series 17-11 through many hard fought battles between the two teams, according to Orrville Athletic Director, Audrey Zuercher.

Doug Haas, WHS football coach, says the game was played as the last game of the season for many years, but when Orrville left the Ohio Cardinal Conference, the two teams decided to meet for the first game of the season.

“Having the game moved to week one brings a completely different feel ... the focus for us is making sure we are fundamentally sound moving into the week one game against

Spencer Dilyard

is an important event for both the WHS football team and the Wooster community.

“Everybody knows about it, everybody gets excited about it; it is something that everybody gets behind,” Lanker said.

Haas said the whole team and community gets Spencer Dilyard involved and said everyone has fun with the whole Chace Marshall (12) breaks away from Orrville defenders in the Aug. aspect of the rivalry.

25 Orrville-Wooster rivalry game “My team, family opponent will and I know not to Orrville,” Haas said. wear red and black Doug Davault, Orrville football help harden us as coach, also said that the game we prepare for the Jake Burns (10) and Avalonn Harper (12) celebrate by bumping helmets any day, especially on Orrville vs. at the beginning of the season remainder of our after a touchdown catch Wooster week,” he is very different, but will help games,” he said.

The two teams said. other as the first game of the them prepare for their season.

The last meeting of the rivalry season through 2019.

“They are one of the best teams signed a four year contract, WHS football player, Corbin was Aug. 25 at Orrville, where we’ll face, and coming out of beginning in 2016, stating they Lanker (12), says the game Orrville won 20-16. the gate and playing a quality will continue to play each

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 7

Additions and improvements: The Blade examines athletic updates at WHS Chelsea Patterson Photographs of new additions or improvements at WHS. Immediate left: repaved tennis courts, immediate right: new locker rooms, top right: redone basketball court, bottom right: progress on renovations to the baseball stadium, bottom left: Joseph Benden Sr. Performance Center.

Chelsea Patterson

Cate Strong

ESTELLE SHAYA co-editor-in-chief

On returning to the high school, students may have noticed some of the many athletic updates that took place this past summer.

WHS now hosts locker rooms attached to Follis Field, repaved tennis courts, a redone baseball diamond and refinished gym.

Although these infrastructure updates may seem sudden, many have been in the works for some time.

Tyler Keener, WHS Principal, said finishing the development of Follis Field that began with the placement of turf simply coincided with upgrades to other athletic facilities that regularly take place after an interval of years.

The main athletic construction project has been the addition of locker rooms to Follis Field.

Andy Kiel, Director of IB and assistant football coach, said the new locker rooms include a weight room, the Joseph Benden Sr. Performance Center, that can be used by any sport,

Cate Strong

Chelsea Patterson as well as locker rooms solely for football players and for visiting teams.

Kiel added the facility also contains rooms for officials and a new trainer’s room.

Keener said much of the support to build the locker rooms came from the community. He added that the new facility will also help Wooster in general. “[The new facility] allows us to host football playoffs, which brings community funding in … This is beneficial for our community as a whole,” Keener said.

Treasurer Bonnie West and Wooster City Schools Board of Education members allocated funding for the other athletic facility projects. These projects and their respective costs were published in the district’s FiveYear Capital Improvement Plan for 2017 through 2021.

Much of the funding for these additional projects came from the 2017 Permanent Improvement Levy, according to Keener. The levy, which was passed May 2 serves to bring in one-million dollars annually for the WCSD for repairs and renovations to the district,

according to the “WCSD Permanent Improvement Levy” page on the WCSD’s web page.

Keener said these other athletic projects were mostly necessary maintenance for athletic facilities.

One other substantial change made to high school athletics is within the general athletic budget. At their August board meeting, the WCS Board of Education approved the combination of the high school and middle school athletic budgets.

According to West, this change is due to the movement of the

eighth grade to the high school.

“We just felt like we needed to change the structure to better serve what is currently our structure right now,” West said.

Both West and Keener stressed that the combination of the budgets is only a procedural change. “It’s more just a technical thing – eliminating one line-item,” Keener said.

West added that this change will not affect what is provided for athletics at the middle or high school level. Rather, the school will continue to provide the support and services it has in the past.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 8

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Summer Stage Wooster Local theater production company provides creative outlet for Wooster community members of all ages and areas of expertise.

Photos of Shrek The Musical, including performances of the songs “I Think I Got You Beat” (top center),” I Know It’s Today” (top right), “Story of My Life” (bottom right), “Build a Wall” (bottom center) and” Morning Person” (bottom left). Actors take a post-performance bow (top left). Photos

Productions create sense of unity EVAN DOAN a&e editor

Sending off their performance after three months of preparation and five live performances, Summer Stage Wooster finished its production of Shrek The Musical.

Summer Stage was started in May of 2012, according to Board President Joel Kennedy. After the success of its first few productions, including Annie, and The Sound of Music, Summer Stage moved to become a nonprofit organization.

Kennedy explains that a strong sense of community has helped push the program forward for the past few years, and that the families of cast members are able to help in every aspect of production.

“From building and painting set pieces, to publicity and selling ads, to ushering and baking cookies—we all band together for the good of the show. There is a real bonding and support system that is born from the process and I think that is one of the best benefits,” Kennedy said.

Head Director Todd Patterson voices similar thoughts about a sense of community, even extending from those involved to those in the audience.

“All productions are more fun and meaningful when you know those who are on stage. In Shrek The Musical, every actor, backstage worker or member of the pit orchestra, had some ties to Wayne County or to the city of Wooster. We’re very proud of that,” Patterson said.

Additionally, Patterson explained that beyond acting, people of all different interests have helped contribute to productions.

“Actors on stage are joined by vocal and instrumental musicians, dancers, sound and lighting technicians, set builders, set decorators, painters, make up artists, hair stylists, costumers.... the list goes on and on. There is truly something for everybody in a theater production,” he said.

Taylor Williams (12), has been involved in theater since her eighth grade year, and most recently played a younger version of Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical. Williams says that the challenges of the performance take a group effort.

“The cast was very large, and knowing where you needed to be and when you had to be there, while trying to help others out, was a challenge, but it was also really rewarding watching everything fall into place,” she said.

Jaryn Lindenmuth, a sophomore at Kent State University and WHS alum who played Rapunzel in Shrek the Musical, said that to see so many people coming and enjoying the performance, coupled with working with fellow stage actors, was most rewarding.

“The huge crowds that showed up and the standing ovations were obviously amazing. But beyond that, just meeting so many new people and reconnecting with old friends made the show that much better,” Lindenmuth said.

Looking forward, Kennedy said that Summer Stage’s main priority is helping the Wooster High School Drama Club with their upcoming musical and choosing a play for next summer.

Shrek the Musical

THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 9

Lack of diversity indicates problem in cinema and television, despite slight improvements

The television shows and movies Mr. Robot, Hidden Figures, Fresh , Moonlight and Star Wars: The Force Awakens all promimently feature minority actors.

EVAN DOAN & NICK COSMO a&e editors

Film and television continue to face gaps in diversity despite recent improvement.

A TIME article, titled “U.S. Steps Closer to a Future Where Minorities Are the Majority” released June 24 of 2015, states that minorities made up 37.9 percent of the population in 2014.

Yet, according to an article by The Los Angeles Times, released Aug. 29 of this year titled “You

USpopulation populationinin2014 2014 U.S.

might see more women and minorities on TV, but Hollywood has a ways to go when it comes to diversity, report says,” a lack of diversity persists in both which cites the 2017 Hollywood Diversity Report, states minority actors comprised 11.4 percent of lead roles on television in the 2014-2015 season.

Moreover, 3 percent of TV scripts involved minority writers, and 8.9 percent of scripted television had majority minority casts.

2014-2015 Lead 2014-2015 Minority Minority Roles Lead Roles 11.4%

37.9% 62.1% 88.6%

Caucasian

Minorities

Minority actors

Caucasian actors

However, these numbers have increased from previous years, with the amount of majority minority casts more than doubling and leading minorities increased by over three percentage points from the year prior.

While television might be moving in the right direction, According to the aforementioned The Los Angeles Times article, minorities in writing and directing positions have decreased 2.7 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively, while minorities in leading roles stayed the same.

Film is especially prone to cases of whitewashing, as seen

by Tilda Swinton’s casting in 2016’s Doctor Strange. KoreanAmerican actor and comedian Margaret Cho emailed her concerns to Swinton, as reported in an article by The Guardian titled, “Ghost in the Shell’s whitewashing: does Hollywood have an Asian problem?”.

“There’s a frustrated population of Asian Americans who feel the role should have gone to a person of Asian descent,” wrote Cho. “Our stories are told

by white actors over and over again, and we feel at a loss to know how to cope with it,” she continued.

A PBS article entitled “Black innovators shine through history in these animated short

“...what is needed to help close the diversity gap is public concern and increased awareness.” television can have on young minds.

The PBS article goes on to say that a lack of diversity creates a serious problem in how minorities are perceived, especially for children. The portrayal of minorities in the media and the lack of roles children of that same minority.

The article states, “TV consumption strengthens white boys’ self esteem while decreasing that of white girls, black girls and black boys, perhaps because of a lack of positive role models in media.” but the relatively small amount of black characters in animated aggressive or unintelligent.

Maybe what is needed to help close the diversity gap is public concern and increased awareness. An instance of Hollywood diversity can be found in a CNN article released Feb. 22, which says that April Reign, the creator of the #OscarsSoWhite movement stated she is encouraged by what is happening on the small screen and there has been recent recognition of black artists movement is not over.

Graphics by Matt Lorentz, Nick Cosmo and Corinne WIles. hotos courtesy of Fox, ABC, moonlight. movie, starwars.com/the-forceawakens and USA.

COVER

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 10

QUESTION:

How do you feel about school at this point in your academic career?

We asked students in kindergarten, sixth and twelfth grades the question, located above, to gauge the changing attitudes of students as they progress through their education.

K

6

“I feel really happy.”

“Good. Snack time is my favorite time.” -Avery

“It’s okay. I like my teachers.” -Jillian

“I feel great about school, because

“Kinda fun. because there is long division to worry about.” -Quinten

subject is drawing.” -Gilbert “I feel good, I like how we learn and we play.” -Benjamin

Psychologists explain students’ evolving outlooks

“I like it, but at the same time every time it gets harder I get stressed out me out.” -Elijah

“I feel good. Science is fun when I have new experiences.” -Alondra

HANNAH KNAPIC sports editor

Research has proven that students’ perception of school and academics tends to change as they get older and more mature.

According to the article “Grade-related Changes in the School Environment: Effects published by Jacquelynne Eccles Adler in Advances in Motivation and Achievement, many aspects contribute to the changes in school perception by students. publication include how classroom

processes impact motivation and note age-related changes in understanding of achievement and motivational experiences change as students get older.

College of Wooster professor of Ph.D, has studied the research behind educational development through her profession. school changes around third grade, which is when standardized testing gets added to academics. stress and work gets harder, as students also begin to see disparities between who does well and who does not.

12

“Stressed.” -Nate Lee “I’m ready to move on.”

-Evan O’Brien

“I feel like it’s doable; I will live. It may not be the best time in the world, but it’s not bad.” -Emma Payment

“I feel I’ve achieved enough academically that at this point it won’t change if I get into college or not. Whatever happens, happens.” -Keith Kilner

Poor experiences in the classroom also affect how students feel about going to school, as bad experiences can cause anxiety and fear of solutions to the issue of poor perception of school, including: deemphasizing testing; using the Pygmalion effect, which is a tactic in which teachers hold students to a higher level and see higher success rates because of it; and creating a classroom climate of learning and success.

Wooster City Schools elementary school psychologist, Emily Buchholz, witnesses firsthand the

evolution of students’ mindsets as they mature and grow.

Buchholz said that a few of the factors which affect children’s view of school include caregiver views, peer or social groups and the relationships with teachers. also stated that solutions to negative perceptions of school can change when positive relationships are built and the positive impacts of schools on the community, the country and the world are displayed.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 11

Karla Bennett Karla Bennett is new to WHS as an English Dept. member who teaches English I and American Literature.

Bennett attended Bowling Green State University to pursue a major in secondary English education.

She says her ultimate goal is to become a high school guidance counselor and teaching is the first step to achieving that goal.

Bennett said she loves her job because of her everyday interaction with students.

“I love being able to teach something that is hard to grasp and then seeing students finally understand it and improve,” Bennett said.

Outside of teaching, Bennett has five children and she said she does not get much time to herself, but loves to read when she can.

Rachel Figliomeni Rachel Figliomeni is the newest addition to the eighth grade Math Dept. at WHS. This is Figliomeni’s seventh year teaching, after previously working at Grandview Heights Middle School for one year and Hamilton Township High School for five years. Figliomeni attended Wadsworth High School and then Bowling Green State University.

For Figliomeni, the best part about teaching is seeing students’ progress. “Seeing growth in students is so rewarding. Also, being able to build personal relationships with students makes education so much more meaningful and personal,” she said.

In her free time outside of the classroom, Figliomeni enjoys hiking, cycling, swimming and other outdoor activities.

Julie Zimmerer

Julie Zimmerer is now a physical education and health teacher at WHS. She has taught in the Wooster City School district for 15 years, previously teaching first at Edgewood, then WHS and most recently at Cornerstone.

Zimmerer attended Midway Huet High School in Texas and then went to Stephen F. Austin State University.

She returned to Midway Huet High School to teach personal fitness and physical education for two years before moving to Ohio to be closer to her family.

Zimmerer said she decided to teach because she wanted to be around youth and work with them.

Zimmerer said she loves to do outdoor activities and spend time with her two sons.

Blurbs by Evan Doan, Holly Miller and Maddy Nacci Photos by Emma LoGuidice, Maddy McCully and Aleesha Vaughn.

New teachers join the staff at Wooster High School

Randi Raffa

Craig Grimes

Heidi Haas

Randi Raffa, the new WHS Records Secretary, moved to Wooster a year ago from Indianapolis.

According to Raffa, she is in charge of new student enrollment and taking care of academic records.

Raffa explained that her favorite part about the new opportunity is the ability to meet with and talk to new students and their families.

Raffa graduated from a small school called Trinity Christian School in Vermont, where she participated in basketball, soccer and choir. She then went on to receive a degree in communications from college in Pensacola, Florida.

Outside of working at WHS, Raffa said she enjoys spending time with four children and her family. She also just started to take up canoeing.

Craig Grimes has been teaching for 10 years and is. currently serving as the long term substitute for Science Dept. member, Mackenzie Doup.

Grimes attended Smithville High School, obtained his Bachelors from the Ohio State University, before getting his PhD at the University of Wyoming.

Grimes said he always knew he wanted to be a scientist, but developed an appreciation for teaching during graduate school.

For Grimes, the best part of teaching is helping students formulate their own hypotheses. “The ability to work with students as they develop questions and interests they didn’t know they had. As a life-long learner myself, I also find that my own understanding of subjects improves greatly when I teach,” Grimes said.

Heidi Haas, returns to WHS not only as an alumna, but as the new Administrative Intern.

Haas said her job is focused on discipline and supporting the staff with any needs they might have, including handling dress code and also incidents including fights or disputes between teachers and students.

Even though Haas’ job focuses on discipline, she says the best part of her job is when she works with students. “In the morning and lunchtime, I get to see a variety of students and interact with them in a more positive way,” Haas said.

After her time at WHS, Haas attended Providence College in Rhode Island.

Haas has three children and said she enjoys watching them in their activities. She also enjoys reading and participating in triathlons.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 12

WCS District implements Leader in Me program MATT LORENTZ graphics manager

The Leader in Me program, introduced to several WCSD elementary schools for the 2017-18 school year, empowers younger According to www.theleaderinme.org, The Leader in Me program attempts to create the ideal school culture, using numerous values and content from The 7

Pictured, are the current WCSD Board of Education members who work to serve the district and community. From left to right: V.P. Susan Marlar, William Gantz, Sue Herman, President Micheal Knapic and Janice Gallagher. Image courtesy of the Wooster City Schools website.

Wooster BOE addresses plans for year AMBER SWIGART co-editor-in-chief

As students adjust to the new school year, the WCS Board of Education continues to preside over the district and make decisions that will influence its future.

Currently, the board is composed of William Gantz, Board President Michael Knapic, VP Susan Marlar, L. Sue Herman and Janice Gallagher.

However, this year is the last in the terms of three board members: Janice Gallagher, William Gantz and Susan Marlar.

According to the Wayne County Board of Elections website, the five candidates running for the board seats are Hilary Carroll, Erik Coblentz, Brad Gowins, Dan Stavnezer and incumbent William Gantz.

Procedurally, the election does not change anything in the board agenda. At the same time, the upcoming board meetings will likely boast higher parent involvement.

“I think you see a little bit more participation during a big election year than you do during non-election years,” Tyler Keener, WHS principal, said.

More than anything, much of the board’s routine procedures, which compose the board’s agenda and budgeting, do not change from year to year.

“We haven’t yet finalized the budget for the current school year ... Generally what occurs in [the budget] is that basically, we are allocating resources to fund those programs and services that are already in place,” said BOE treasurer Bonnie West.

The proposed budget goes to the board for approval in late September.

Though the issues that will be brought to the board can not be predicted, community concerns often shape board discussion, according to Keener.

Furthermore, parent involvement can play a pivotal role in introducing new issues and idea to the board.

Public Participation forms are available at ev-

ery monthly session.

“When [the Cornerstone playlab] was discussed, there was a group of people that came to board meetings and participated more frequently. It just kind of goes with what’s out there in the community … the kind of the culture that’s going on,” Keener said.

In addition to responding to community concerns as they occur, the BOE expects to focus on diversity this year and continue the discussion started in previous years.

“The board will address diversity this year as part of the Diversity Task Force. Otherwise, we will address issues as they arise,” Dr. Michael Knapic, BOE President, said.

Above all, BOE meetings reflect the values and concerns of the school district, and, as students get deeper into the 2017-2018 school year, the BOE continues to meet regularly each month to review and update district policies.

The board next meets Sept.

26 at 7 p.m. in the WHS LGIR.

ple, a self-help book authored

by Stephen Covey in 1989.

As the name of the program implies, the main purpose is to guide everyone to become a leader within the classroom and within the school.

Eric Vizzo, Cornerstone Elementary principal, said, “The goal [of The Leader in Me] is area where they can become a leader and then foster their growth in that role. These could be skills related to art, music, math, science, etc.”

Kaylee Harrell, principal of Melrose Elementary, said she likes how applicable the seven habits emphasized in the program are for Elementary has already seen a positive response from students who learned about habit one of the program, “Be Proactive.”

While learning about this habit, Harrell said, “Students learned the importance of a proper greeting ... It is unbelievable to see students as early as ing such important life skills.”

Additionally, a key component of the program and the values from is its universality of ideals.

Sara Crooks, principal of Parkview Elementary, said, “What I love about The Leader in Me is that it establishes a common language for all:

ent kind of motivational program, based on the authority of www.theleaderinme.org.

The distinction asserted by the The Leader in Me website is a shift in the general model: empowering students, regardless of intelligence or alternate factors.

Crooks, however, believes the largest shift of attitude elementary school level.

“The biggest paradigm shift Everyone feels more empowered and aligned. We still have to live it with our students a bit ence is that students are learning how to look another person in the eye and deliver a topnotch handshake,” Crooks said.

Harrell said the program has already positively impacted students and teachers at Melrose Elementary.

“I believe that as students learn the habits and begin taking on more leadership roles, you will see more ownership in the day to day tasks here at school from our students,” Harrell said.

While the program is still in its preliminary stages, a level on their students and faculty.

“In researching The Leader in Me, the schools that are in it for the ‘long-haul’ are the ones that truly change their culture and climate and promote student leadership. I feel that based on the The Leader in Me will be with us for quite some time, ” Vizzo said.

Although the motivational program is currently implemented in WCSD elementary schools, the general track of utilization trails all the way through high school level.

WSCD has not committed to any further expansion, however, and will determine their needs in the future, according to both Crooks and Vizzo.

FEATURE

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 13

Matt Giordano: Teacher of the Year ALEXIS FLORENCE

Matt Giordano, a physical education teacher for Cornerstone and Parkview Elementary schools, was annual Ralph R. and Grace B. Jones Foundation Outstanding Teacher Award for 2017.

Giordano is in his 23 year of teaching for WCS and said he English at Boy’s Village school, then spent the next 12 years at WHS teaching English. For the past 10 years, he has been teaching physical education at the aforementioned elementary schools, in addition to several years at Wayne Elementary school.

In response to winning the award, Giordano said he was “It is a huge honor and it did not really sink in until the following week… it is surreal,” Giordano said.

While the news of his accomplishment may have been a welcome surprise by Giordano, it comes as no shock to his colleague Sara Crooks, principal of Parkview Elementary school.

“If you asked the kids who deserved it, they would have picked him too. They love him so much; he’s a superstar,” Crooks said.

The award is given in conjunction with the Wooster City Schools.

Matt Long, the grandson of the Jones’ and current Jones Foundation Trustee, explained

in a speech at the 2017 Wooster City Schools’ Convocation why his grandparents created the award. “[Ralph and Grace Jones] both felt strongly that educators are a cornerstone of our community, and they wanted to provide recognition to those educators who go the extra mile in their work,” Long said.

Giordano additionally commented on the transition from teaching high school to now teaching elementary students.

“It was not easy. People might think it would be easy, but it’s a you go from teaching 16 and 17-year-olds to 6 and 7-yearGiordano said.

When asked about his

Celebrating staff achievements:

ALEXIS FLORENCE

approach to teaching regardless of the subject, Giordano has one goal in mind: his students. “ … People would say what do you teach? And, I would say I teach students … you have to think of your students then

focus on the subject matter,” Giordano said.

The Jones Foundation has been presenting the award, that includes an unrestricted $5,000 grant, to successful nominees since the 2000.

Foundation recognizes WCS employees for outstanding work

Roberta Burr: Staff Member of the Year AMBER SWIGART co-editor-in-chief

AMBREA DELLAFAVE

On the WCS staff convocation day, the Ralph R. Grace B Jones Foundation recognized an outstanding teacher in the Wooster City School District for the 18 time, adding an award to recognize those who influence students outside of the classroom.

Roberta Burr, Transportation Dept. secretary, was named Outstanding Staff Member of the year by Matt Long, grandson of Ralph and Grace Jones.

Burr holds a multitude of organizational responsibilities, including planning the school bus route, responding to community calls and organizing transportation to

athletic events and field trips.

When presenting Burr with the first ever staff award, Long highlighted her unparallelled dedication to student safety.

“She has personally bought clothes, food, school supplies, and Christmas gifts for students in need. Roberta also manages information related to students’ medical needs, custody, and special needs...In short, when we think of the type of person we’d like to manage our children’s safety, Roberta is the gold standard,” Long said, in a speech at the convocation.

According to Burr, the experienced staff and their comprehensive knowledge of the students are important to the well-being of the district.

“We have personnel that have been around 20 plus years,

and that makes everything smoother,” Burr said.

Furthermore, Burr notes the excellent relationships shared between her and fellow transportation staff members, particularly their ability to work as a team.

Vic Cole, Transportation Dept. supervisor, said Burr’s care for the wellness of her students exceeds her job responsibilities.

“Roberta goes over the top to do things correctly… I have seen her in our office with Bus Registration from the time the sun comes up until the stars are shining in the sky,” Cole said.

Burr, who is entering her 35 year of employment within the Wooster City School District, began working in the Transportation Dept. in July of 2004.

THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 14

New exchange students arrive in Wooster

Q&A: Laura Zanatto from Brazil How does American schooling differ from schooling in Brazil?

“For starters, here, it starts in August, and in Brazil, it starts in February because our summer vacation is December/January.

Here, you guys have four years of high school, in Brazil we have only three. We don’t change classes, like we don’t change the classroom; all the teachers come to our class. We don’t get to choose the subjects we want to take. Everyone has the same schedule. And, we don’t use computers.”

Q&A: Marcelo Mirassol from Germany What is the biggest difference you have noticed between the U.S. and Germany?

“The school is a very huge difference, but also how people communicate. In Germany, people are usually very cold to each other. In the U.S., I have heard that people just pretend to be warm. It just sounds a lot nicer than in Germany.”

What do you miss most from Germany?

“Definitely my family, but if you are talking about like Germany as a country and not family or friends, I would guess one of my favorite drinks, called Mate, and I love it. That’s basically one of the things I love most because I drank it like everyday. It’s like my morning coffee.”

What is it like coming to a new country not knowing anybody?

“It’s weird and strange. Everything’s different, but somehow the same.

A word I would describe it as is ‘hard’, because you know nobody, you don’t know who you can trust like a hundred percent, you don’t know how to act with people. Can I be myself or should I be less crazy?

So, you have to change a little bit, but after you get to know people they get to know you. I would say now it’s good. But, in the beginning it was hard.”

What do you miss most from Brazil?

What made you join the exchange program?

“The food. Brazilian food is really different from American food. And, my parents obviously, and I guess the weather, here the weather changes really really fast.”

What has your experience with a host family been like?

“It’s been great. They are awesome; they are really good. They are similar to my family, like they have two sons, and I don’t have any siblings back in Brazil, so it’s really good.”

Laura is staying with Lubell family

“My mom did it when she was 18; she went to New Zealand. I was going to do it with any program that I could.

The goal was always to come to the United States, but then I found the Rotary Exchange Program and they had United States as an option, so that was my first option.”

What has your experience with a host family been like?

“At first, it was weird, because you are coming to a new family and you know you don’t belong to that family. And, you can’t open up like how you do at home. ‘Cause at home, I basically jump into my mother’s arms and scream and sing and that is a thing that I shouldn’t do on the first do with my host family ‘till I get to know them and get to know if they like that. My host family is pretty chill and there were no problems everything was fine, so I have no complaints.

But, the first day was very weird.”

Marcelo is staying with Nurse’s family Q&As conducted by Christopher Roche.

Photos by Jacob Gooch.

Wanye County Fair for All committee raises awareness JOHN GORMAN views editor

Headed by Westminster Presbyterian Pastor Dries Coetzee, the Wayne County Fair will feature a #Wayne County Fair for All booth.

Last year, a group led by Coetzee petitioned the Wayne County Fair Board to prohibit the sale of Confederate Flags and memorabilia bearing the flag. This petition, in part,

was inspired by a decision by the Ohio State Fair to ban the sales of the aforementioned items, according to Pelzer of Cleveland.com.

While the petition to ban all Confederate Flag imagery was declined, the Wayne County did ban the sales of Confederate Flags.

Following this, the Fair for All group organized and ran a Black Lives Matter booth.

According to Jason Ferrell, a member of the Fair for All

group, the intent of the booth was to promote discussion and racial equality.

Additionally, available at the booth was information regarding voter registration, criminal justice literature regarding the sealing of criminal records, NAACP registration forms and games and candy for children.

The Fair for All Committee is planning on updating their strategy this year.

“After Charlottesville,

things have really taken on a new dimension in which the Confederate Flag is very much, in our community, a symbol [of aggression against minorities],” Coetzee said.

While the declination of the petition to ban the Confederate flag for second consecutive year comes as a disappointment, the Fair for All committee hopes to bring about meaningful change in other ways, namely raising awareness and promoting

discourse of deep-seeded issues in Wayne County.

Moreover, after the emergence of Ku Klux Klan recruitment materials and flyers in the area, this is a time in which citizens of Wayne County cannot stand idly by, Coetzee emphasized.

The booth will be open throughout the duration of the fair for any who wish to learn more about local issues of injustice and how they can help.

VIEWS

THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 15

Community Rally provides hope

ERIN O’DONNELL cover editor

“Hate has no home here.”

These words, spoken by John Clay, president of the Wooster/ Orrville chapter of the NAACP, quickly became the theme of the Wooster CommUNITY Rally held Aug. 29.

The rally, attended by upward of 1,000 people, according to The Daily Record, was organized by the local NAACP chapter as a response to the local KKK recruitment fliers found in several locations around Wooster.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports on Aug. 25 that flyers intended to recruit new members to a local branch of the Ku Klux Klan were found strewn in plastic bags, along with candy.

“When I saw that flyer and bag… fear shot through me. So here we are, as a community, about to do this [oppose the KKK] again,” Clay said in his speech.

In order to “do this again,” Clay stressed that members of both the Democratic and Republican parties must work together to combat hate.

“This is a nonpartisan event.

This is a time to be together,” he told the crowd.

Joining Clay as speakers were, among others, Betsy Sheets and Brian Deeken, the chairpersons of the Wayne County Democratic National Party and Republican National Party, respectively, who both stressed the importance of working together across party lines to combat hate.

In his speech, Deeken urged listeners to escape their, “echo chambers of confirmation bias” by engaging in dialogue with opposing party members.

Hearing different viewpoints

“I think white people should take priority. I mean, the minorities are about 16 percent of the population; white people should take priority … Liberals want to play the race card and take down Confederate monuments, but they are erasing history,” Morrow said.

Although Morrow and his fellow counter protesters may see the people in attendance as going too far, many see this rally as just the beginning.

Nate Addington, Director of Social Responsibility at the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at the COW, said “This rally gives me hope for the future of Wooster.

I see it as a stepping-off point for the town and the college.”

After what Addington calls a long period of political division, “To see the chairs of RNC and DNC, democrats and right-wingers at the same rally, it’s enheartening.”

14.4%

85.6%

is the first step to eradicating ignorance, he said.

“Racism is born of fear and ignorance. Fear and ignorance can both be overcome,” Deeken continued.

Although the speakers all delivered similar messages with a similar stance, the rally did face a bit of backlash. The small group of protesters in attendance were directed by police to stand south of Liberty St., set apart by dividers, in order to avoid violence, according to officer Mike Jewell.

However, one member of the counterprotest, Ron Morrow, stood north of Liberty with those rallying for the cause, to nonviolently watch the demonstration.

Protest Poll 12.3%

87.7%

Do you believe protests should be regulated by a body such as federal, state or local governments?

Yes No

Do you believe that peaceful protest can/will bring about meaningful change?

42.7%

57.3%

Poll out of 131 students. Polls conducted by Cate Strong, Skyy Khounborin, Rheanna Velasquez and Rachael Schmidt.

Graphic by David Cheng. Conducted Sept. 4 through 6.

Protesters line Liberty Street in downtown Wooster as part of the Wooster commUNITY Rally in response to the distribution of Photos by Hannah Knapic.

WOOSTER

BLADE

Editors-in-Chief Estelle Shaya, Amber Swigart Webmaster Jacob Gooch Graphics Manager Matthew Lorentz Business Managers Matthew Lorentz, Jacob Gooch On Campus Editor Spencer Dilyard Focus Editor Chris Roche Sports Editor Hannah Knapic A & E Editors Nick Cosmo, Evan Doan Trends Editor Chelsea Patterson Cover Editors Alexis Florence, Erin O’Donnell Views Editor John Gorman Feature Editors Holly Miller, Maddy Nacci Staff Writers David Cheng, Ambrea Dellafave, Henry Gamble, Emily Jewell, Skyy Khounborin, Clara Lee, Emma LoGiudice, Thomas Matthew, Maddy McCully, Melina Mera, Alexa Mitchell, Reece Mitchell, Anna Nacci, Alec Pauley, Avery Ross, Rachael Schmidt, Molly Schneider, Cate Strong, Gina Van Lieu, Aleesha Vaughn, Rheanna Velasquez, Devika Walia, Kyle Ward, Corinne Wiles Head Photographer Hannah Knapic Photographers Ambrea Dellafave, Spencer Dilyard, Jacob Gooch, Emma LoGuidice, Maddy McCully, Reece Mitchell, Chelsea Patterson, Molly Schneider, Cate Strong, Aleesha Vaughn 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 newspaper can also be found at the woosterblade.com

OUR VIEW

Harvey creates need for community action In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, charities and rescue organizations in Houston and the surrounding area are looking for in order to aid victims. Now, as Hurricane Irma approaches the coast of Florida, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board urges students to In the wake of disasters, it is not uncommon for fraudulent charities to form and exploit sympathetic citizens. The National Center for Disaster Fraud, along with the FBI and the Department of Justice, released a statement on Aug. 30 in which they encouraged people to, “...be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims.”

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board creators of these fake charities and to encourage Wooster students and community members to be vigilant

Editors set goals for year

THE

THE VOICE OF WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL

THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | SEPT. 8, 2017 | PAGE 16

when donating. According to the article, “Here’s How You Can Help Laurel Wamsley on npr.org, using the website Charity Navigator and doing proper research before donating can ensure that all donations get to the victims of Harvey.

WHS, many options for donations are developing.

WHS principal Tyler Keener through clubs such as History Club, run by History Dept. member, Misty Bisesi, and Student Government, run by English Dept. member, Chelsey Porter, to accept and send donations to people in need, particularly school supplies to a Houston school.

Furthermore, Cornerstone Elementary is accepting donations for Royalwood Elementary in Houston.

Two opportunities within the

AMBER SWIGART & ESTELLE SHAYA co-editors-in-chief

We are not here to make friends.

Perhaps such a statement calls to mind reality TV shows, but as we lead The Wooster Blade staff into the new school year, it also applies to our attitude toward the media and the responsiblity we bear to be fair, accurate and honest in our news coverage.

The media is responsible for not only reporting on current events

in the community, but also to question and take an active role in its environment. In addition, it is its responsibility to be thorough and unbiased in coverage.

As a result, we hope to engage in critical and thoughtful, though not passive, conversations with administrators, teachers, students and community members in order to have responsible discussions about issues, ideas and events. We also hope to promote conversation within the student body over the issues we cover.

In the end, our goal is to encourage discussion in order to ultimately cause positive change and responsible conversations.

Furthermore, we would like to establish the difference between accusatory journalism and constructive questioning and investigation.

In order to more accurately promote discussion, we will do our best to diligently investigate issues

community to donate will be at the fair, with a Wayne County Junior Pie-in-the-face Auction, as well as Junior Livestock Auction, according to the article “Wayne County Junior Fair supports Hurricane Harvey The Daily Record.

The Lake Erie Heartland chapter of the American Red Cross, located in Wooster, is working with local companies to supplement relief Cross, the J.M. Smucker Company sent a truck of food to Houston and Buehlers Food Market Inc. is collecting donations at check-outs, according to the executive director of the local Red Cross, Lara Kiefer.

The Wooster Blade Editorial Board encourages the Wooster community to take advantage of these opportunities in the area to responsibly donate money, clothes, school supplies and other victims of Hurricane Harvey.

we find concerning, whether doing so reflects strongly or poorly on the people we cover. However, at no point will we publish any articles or opinion pieces that are unfairly critical or demeaning to any person or organization.

With editorials specifically, we hope the WCS administration, staff, student body and community members will take into consideration the responsible discussion of issues addressed and will contemplate them as intended: a forum for diverse viewpoints and discussion addressed in the hope to facilitate change or perspective.

We would like this paper to not only raise concerns, but also aid in solving them.

Most of all, we hope The Wooster Blade can be an eye-catching, informative and reliable paper for WHS students, and we will do our best to ensure the articles published within it reflect the attitudes and concerns of our entire student body.