The Bruin - January 2020

January 2020

Wadsworth High School

Volume XLV No. 4

IS OUR RECYCLING GOING TO THE RIGHT PLACE?

COACH BOOTH BREAKS RECORD TRENDS TO LEAVE BEHIND

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION NEVER TASTED SO GOOD

WE LISTEN. WE CARE. WE CAN HELP. Cornerstone Psychological and Counseling Services Depression, Anxiety, Substance use issues?

Founder’s Hall 195 Wadsworth Rd. Ste. 201 B Wadsworth, Oh 44281

330.722.4166

Recycling is a crucial step in the preservation of the earth.

As many people know, the environment is in desperate need of attention.

Answering to this issue many families have invested time into recycling their waste.

When community members take the time to sort their trash and relocate it to a recyclable garbage can, they feel as if they are helping the earth.

Members of our community spend large amounts of time doing all that they can to recycle correctly, sadly, it is not always going where they believe it is.

Fox 8 produced a news piece placing trackers in multiple recycling bins, one of which came from our high school, to see where that trash ended up.

After seven different

Staff Editorial

trackers were used, only three ended at a recycling plant, three others were taken to a landfill and one lost signal.

Those who take part in our recycling club take the time out of their day to collect recyclables from all over the school. If students recycle the wrong things, such as full bottles of water, the whole garbage can is considered contaminated and no longer will be able to be recycled.

The student body at Wadsworth needs to become more cautious of what they put into the bins.

While recycling plays a large role in the preservation of the

earth, the idea of reducing our usage of items, such as plastics, is even more important.

Many items for sale today are convenient for the consumer, ready to be used one time and then never touched again. Sadly, this is one big contributor to the trash built up in landfills.

Second to reducing is recycling.

As we enter the next decade, reducing and recycling needs to be taken more seriously. The issues arising from trash in the environment are important and need to be dealt with.

Many recycling companies claim that once non-recyclables have contaminated the garbage, none of it can be recycled. If

2019-2020

Bruin Staff items placed into the bins have not been cleaned out, the entire garbage can will be considered contaminated and sent to a landfill.

At the same time, recycling is not very profitable for companies, with little demand for these items, it is simply easier to place it in the landfill. To recycle all of the items costs companies more opposed to treating them as trash.

It is sad to say that our work is being wasted. Hopefully

by Fox 8 bringing attention to the issue, we will be able to find a solution quickly.

From serving reusable dishes at local restaurants to eliminating disposable products in our homes we would be one step closer to a cleaner environment.

Danielle Cheff, 12

Career Tech

Ta ble of Conten ts

Studen ts of the Month

@Wadswor thBr uin

05

Tension with Iran

10-11 Talent beyond these walls

16-17 Courtney Davis, 12

Cole Lamp, 12

Do you know where your recycling is going?

08

Is the legal age to consume tobacco and alcohol fair?

15

625 Broad Street Wadsworth, OH 44281 Editor-in-Chief Halle Shaeffer News Editor Anna Wolfinger Art Editor Emily Thompson Features Editor Morgan Porpora Sports Editor Jillian Cornacchione Online Editor Abby Wichterman Business Manager Logan Egleston

Social Media Manager Sarah Scobee Staff Writers Brianna Becerra Micah Beck Emily Brandyberry Andrew Clark Brian Coote Emily Kurtz Natalie Maher Kate Messam Alex Miller Axel Mueller Lauren Satink Seth Smalley Chris Steele Julie Wellert Adviser Eric Heffinger

New spin on The Office

18

Whats trending in 2020

Find more articles written by The Bruin staff members on

WadsworthBruin.com

Editorial Policy The Bruin is a monthly publication produced by the Newspaper II and Newspaper III students at Wadsworth High School. The Newspaper I class produces the May issue. The staff will do its best to inform the student body and the community of intra-school, community or national events that affect the student body. This paper provides on-the-job training for the staff members. All decisions are made by the staff members with the advice and suggestions of the adviser. The school administration works closely with the staff to ensure accuracy. We, as the students of journalism, hold the same rights and the same responsibilities as professional journalists as we strive for professional standards. These rights include the right to print any material that is not libelous, obscene or excessively disruptive to the school process. The Bruin will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of religion, color, creed or sex. The staff members accept full responsibility for everything appearing in this publication. The staff strongly encourages students to express their opinions through the letters to the editor column, which is printed every month. The staff also encourages the members of the community to express their opinion as well. Space permitting, all letters will be printed. We reserve the right to edit or omit any portion of any letter because the staff accepts the responsibility for the contents of the paper. All letters must be signed, but the name will be withheld upon request.

Officer of the Year

BY MICAH BECK

Wadsworth School Resource Officer Adam Innocenti was named the 2019 Officer of the Year by the Wadsworth Police Department.

The award was voted on by patrol officers and dispatchers.

To be eligible, officers must have been awarded Officer of the Month during the calendar year. At a monthly staff meeting, sergeants nominate the Officer of the Month to an officer whom they have noticed exemplary work from.

From there, they are then voted on by the sergeants, lieutenant, and chief.

Innocenti moved to Wadsworth shortly after graduating College from the University of Akron in 2002, and has lived here ever since.

Starting in 2008, he worked as a full time police officer and a part time school resource officer at Wadsworth PD. In 2018, Officer Innocenti became a full time School Resource Manager.

Before starting with Wadsworth PD, he worked for the Medina County Sheriff’s Office as a full time corrections officer and a part time deputy.

“The transition from being a road officer to a school resource officer was an easy one due to the overall positive attitude that the school administrators and students gave me when I first began,” said Innocenti. “The main difference is the type of activities that an SRO conducts, like teaching in classrooms for staff and students.”

Innocenti is involved in a number of other programs as well, such as Cops & Kids, Safety Forces Camp and Medina County Police Activities League.

“My favorite part of the job is working with young people and helping with issues that they may be having,” said Innocenti. “No day ever seems to be the same.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF WADSWORTH POLICE

Officer Adam Innocenti was awarded a plaque by the Wadsworth Police Department for the Officer of the Year award.

Creating an unmatched area

BY HALLE SHAEFFER

Recent additions to Wadsworth’s downtown area have inspired a more active and friendly environment for citizens of our

community.

Dolce at the Strand recently opened with the hopes of attracting more members of Wadsworth to their historical location. Dolce at the Strand was established by the owners of Valley Cafe, Nicole and BJ Mikoda, where they serve gelato, baked goods, wine and cheese.

With the addition of Dolce, our downtown area now serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at multiple restaurants and more in the near future.

“We were really looking for a way to entice more people to come downtown,” said Nicole Mikoda. “When we opened Valley Cafe, we really wanted to be a part of the revitalization of downtown.”

The recent renovations of the downtown have already attracted many people to the area. The addition of Wadsworth Brewing Company and the extension of Valley Cafe’s hours have created much more nightlife surrounding the downtown space.

Wadsworth Brewing

Company had similar interests as Dolce at the Strand upon opening three years ago.

“The success of the downtown has been ebb and flow,” said owner of the brewery, Ericha Fryfogle-Joy. “There would be times when there were lots of empty storefronts and retail spaces but my husband was very adamant about opening our business downtown.”

The addition of these new local businesses have spiked the interest of community members with our downtown area.

The city of Wadsworth has started the Downtown Infrastructure Program to benefit the future of our downtown. Adranne Krauss, Executive Director of the project #ADowntownUnmatched, has been focused on creating the best area she can while reclaiming the charm of the town.

“The goal is to create a vibrant and charming gathering place for our community to come together and shop, dine, work, and have fun,” said Krauss.

While the city is currently in the process of gathering community feedback for the cityscape and utility replacement project, they are also focused on the addition of nine new businesses for our downtown in 2020, including Downtown Deli, Unwined and Blue Tip BBQ. “The increase in food establishments will contribute to a growing nightlife that started when Wadsworth Brewing Company opened three years ago,” said Krauss.

Enhancing our downtown is the main goal of the Infrastructure Project. Working on the replacement of many

water lines and communication lines is the first step in the process. Accommodations for pedestrians are being made as well. They will be fixing sidewalks in hopes of making downtown a more desirable location.

They began renovations in 2017 and are continuing construction through fall of 2020. The work will entail the replacement of aged waterlines, sewer drains, and storm drains.

They also hope to complete updating the sidewalks, streets, and alleyways to make the area more livable and vibrant.

The group had originally started by creating First Fridays, stirring up

attractions to local business and awareness for the area.

“First Fridays have brought a new energy downtown, with the businesses getting increased foot traffic,” said Krauss. “It is a very exciting time for our downtown and community.

I hope to see a downtown that is vibrant 365 days a year.”

Their mission is to create a downtown unmatched with the addition of new restaurants and retail spaces that will bring our community together.

“The community seems very supportive of the small businesses downtown,” said Krauss.”It’s a community effort to come together to support our local small business.”

As new businesses open, hopefully more community members will find themselves shopping and eating locally.

Peaking the interest for others of what our downtown is capable of becoming, with the support of Wadsworth.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AXEL MULLER

Allie Merhar, 12, enjoys her first time trying Dolce at the Strand. They offer two flavors per cup ranging from mocha to strawberry, as well as baked goods like cupcakes.

IRANIAN CONFLICTS RAISE QUESTION OF WAR

“We took action last night to stop a war. We did not take action to start a war.” - President Trump

BY EMILY KURTZ

Iranian military leader, Qasem Soleimani, was killed by a United States airstrike early Friday January 3, 2020 while at an airport in Iraq.

Qasem Soleimani started to become a prominent Middle Eastern leader in the 1980’s, when he helped lead key forces in Iran’s revolution. Through this he started to gain political power and later started to play a major role in the development of the Iranian republic.

Soleimani was believed to be planning targeted attacks on Americans and American interests located in Iraq and Iran at the time. President Trump explained this in a press conference held in Florida the afternoon following the airstrike.

“Soleimani was plotting imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel, but we caught him in the act and terminated him,” Trump said.

The President went on to explain how Soleimani’s plan to bring harm to Americans was not the first he has ever had. He revealed that in past years there have been hundreds of what are to be believed targeted attacks.

“The recent attacks on U.S. targets in Iraq, including rocket strikes that killed an American and injured four American servicemen very badly, as well as a violent assault on our embassy in Baghdad, were carried out at the direction of Soleimani,” said Trump.

Thousands of Iranian citizens crowded the streets to mourn the death of Soleimani at his public funeral on Monday January 6, 2020. Other leaders of Iran assured future retaliation to the U.S. as a result of the airstrike, which came in the form of missiles being launched at U.S. military bases located in Iraq on January 7, 2020. No casualties were reported and Trump spoke to the public stating that the military bases remained stable through the attack. He attributed this to the modern technology that has been developed for this purpose.

While the U.S. government has remained relatively quiet about the airstrike, large social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok have taken the topic of war and ran with it. The topic of “World War III” quickly took flight to the top of Twitter’s trending

page right after the airstrike, even though sources such as the Washington Post reported that war is unlikely. Hours after the counter-strike from Iran, comedic hashtags about the topic were created and sent straight to the top of Twitter’s trending page. Wadsworth High School students often use social media as their main news platform, so the memes and jokes shared online have become some of the only knowledge they have about the events that have taken place in the Middle East. Ally Sell, 10, was one of the few interviewed that heard the breaking story on the TV first.

“I first heard about it on the news eating dinner with my family,” Sell said.

When asked about how often she watches the news, she revealed that it is not often at all.

“Well I don’t really watch or read about the news unless I’m with my family, which is just when I’m eating with them and they have it on,” said Sell.

Most of the other students interviewed said they heard the news from social media like Isaac Machar, 11.

“I first heard the news from Snapchat and Twitter,” Machar said. “The jokes I saw said something like ‘bye friends, can’t wait to be drafted’.”

Machar was also then asked about if he knew how the military draft worked.

“I’ve never looked into this honestly,” said Machar. “I never thought it would be a possibility.”

Like many others interviewed, Machar did not have much knowledge on how the draft would actually begin if it became a necessity. That process would all have to begin with Congress taking a vote to declare war, then taking another vote in order to reinstate the draft process. The last drafting period in the U.S. ended in 1973, two years before the Vietnam war was concluded.

As of January 9, 2020 the story has still been developing, but tensions between the U.S. and Iran are still high. Both countries have announced that they will remain cautious with any near-future attacks.

IRANIAN CITIZENS CROWDED THE STREETS TO PAY RESPECTS AT SOLEIMANI’S PUBLIC FUNERAL

WHERE STUDENTS GET NEWS

PHOTO MADE AVAILABLE BY SUPREME GOVERNMENT OF IRAN

OUT OF

70

STUDENTS OTHER

4%

7.14%

21 .

GOT THEIR NEWS FROM NEWS NETWORKS

(ARTICLES, TV, ETC.)

71.4%

GOT THEIR NEWS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA (MEMES, JOKES, ETC.)

PHOTO COURTESY OF REUTERS

“I think that the memes and jokes on social media could offend those actually risking their lives to protect our country.”

IRAN’S SUPREME LEADER, ALI KHAMENEI, CALLED FOR THE STRIKE ON US BASES IN IRAQ

-Luke Sommers, 12.

“I first heard about the airstrike on TikTok after somebody made a video about going into WW3.”

-Tori Zakikian, 12.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EVAN VUCCI

PRESIDENT TRUMP STOOD TO ADDRESS THE NATION AFTER CALLING FOR THE IRAN AIRSTRIKE.

“Making memes and jokes about something that can turn into something very serious makes us as a generation ignorant.”

-Danielle Cheff, 12.

Ohio’s minimum wage raises for all hourly workers 2019 $TAT$ $8.55/hour

$8.70/hour

$9

$17,784 yearly

.45

$350/week

$9.65

$7.25

$7.25

5 $7.25 $9.2

$342/week

(per a 40 hour week)

2020 $TAT$

$10.00

Ohio’s minimum wage rates were raised on January 1, 2020 from $8.55 an hour to $8.70 an hour for non-tipped positions, while tipped employees will have a 5 cent raise to $4.35 an hour.

Ohio’s decision to raise the minimum wage comes from an amendment to the state constitution made in 2006. The amendment requires minimum wage rates to be assessed by the state and adjusted to meet inflation and the cost of living each year. Some students, like junior Mia Ross, see this as a great change.

“Well since I have a job, I am honestly pretty happy because I will get more money,” Ross said. “I feel it is needed because the current minimum wage isn’t hardly enough to live off of.”

The cost of living for most attributes in Ohio (healthcare, housing, utilities, etc.) is considered to be below the

$8.70

(per a 40 hour week)

$18,200 yearly

Midwestern minimum wages in 2020

All information courtesy of paycor.com and minimum-wage.org

Driving in Ohio can be severely dangerous during the winter season. In fact, according to ValuePengiun. com, Ohio is ranked fourth in the nation for it’s detrimental weather-related driving incidents.

Automotive accidents alone account for nearly the largest number of accidental deaths in the country, but when paired with the extreme conditions of the Ohio winter weather, this brings forth a whole new issue.

Once banned from the school entirely, earbuds are being reintroduced in study hall. Students are now allowed to use their earbuds to listen to music while they work on their homework. Some students are ecstatic about the change in policy, while others seem to be neutral.

According to certain students, earbuds help them focus on their work and keep them productive.

“I do so much better with them.

I don’t zone out as much, and I can actually focus,” said Kristin Butcher, 11. “There’s no more loud people or distracting silence.”

Although the rule was changed, some students did not even notice they were banned.

“I had no idea earbuds were banned from study hall,” said Kianna McEwen, 9. “I use them all the time in academic lab.”

With this new rule being implemented, whether people knew it or not, earbuds are popping up in study hall and academic lab in larger numbers than they were before.

In the 2018-2019 school year, Student Council unsuccessfully tried to implement earbuds back into the school, as they were banished after the first semester of that year.

According to administrators, earbuds became both a safety and obedience issue, where students would not be able to hear teachers in the event of an emergency, and students would also refuse take them out when asked.

Despite past policies and troubles relating to earbuds, students are excited about their return.

national average, but due to the wage raise, the prices of some basic products could spike with Ohio’s minimum wage due to the country’s increasing inflation rate. This generates worry in some students who work for minimum wage like Alexis Prock, 12, who

has a job at Acme Supermarket in Norton.

“I am worried because when minimum wage goes up, the price of products also could go up,” said Prock.

In the past ten years, Ohio’s state minimum wage has been

raised a total of $1.25. With the raise in 2020, the total became $1.40. The federal minimum wage, however, has remained at $7.25/hour since 2009. Payment to those under the age of 16 will remain set at the federal minimum wage and no less than that.

Ohio winters are notorious for heavy snowstorms, sleet, rain, strong winds and below freezing temperatures. These less than ideal circumstances result in extreme consequences for those behind the wheel.

Many students have experienced the repercussions of driving during these weather conditions first-hand.

“My sister, Morgan, was driving us to school,” said Rachel Cook, 12. “We were going down a hill, and she tried to brake at the stop sign, but there was black ice so the

car spun out and did a 360 in the middle of the road. We hit the curb and ended up on the complete opposite side of the road. We were okay, but if there were other cars around, it would have ended much worse, and someone could have gotten badly hurt.”

According to Cleveland 19 News, Ohio winters have resulted in a total of 172 traffic-related deaths over a five year time interval (20132017), putting it as one of the deadliest states in the country when it comes to winter driving, following only Michigan (282), Pennsylvania (197), and New York (183).

The 2019-2020 winter season has lacked the usual snowfall Ohio receives by this time of year, but much more snow is predicted to appear in the upcoming winter months.

With the worst of the winter weather ahead, many Ohio residents are apprehensive of driving on the hazardous roads, especially those students who have recently acquired their driver’s license and have never experienced driving in such perilous weather.

“I’m really nervous to drive in the winter for the first time,” said Hailey Yurchiak, 10. “The roads get really bad, especially the back roads and in neighborhoods.”

Although winter weatherrelated driving deaths can not be completely eradicated, being conscientious of the slick roads and maintaining a safe speed while driving Leading states for weatheris a necessity to help ensure related driving deaths 2013-2017 the safety of those behind the wheel this winter season.

“I am going to make sure to take my time and pay attention when I’m on the road,” said Yurchiak.

Moreover, with a great deal of people on the roads during the winter months, there is an increased risk of accidents. In fact, a large number of winterrelated car accidents are due to others not taking part in safe driving habits. Because of this, the best way to limit these high mortality numbers is to stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times so that you have an idea of what is going on around you and are able to act quickly in case of an emergency.

Ohio ranks fourth for most winter weather-related driving deaths

BY JILLIAN CORNACCHIONE

BY JULIE WELLERT

PHOTO BY JILLIAN CORNACCHIONE

Winter storms, often accompanied by heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and strong winds, result in less than ideal driving conditions for Ohio residents.

282

197

183 172

Mic Pen higa nsy n lvan New ia Yor k Ohi o

BY EMILY KURTZ

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The Electoral College should be abolished OPINION BY SETH SMALLEY

With the start of 2020 we begin perhaps the most polarized presidential election year ever. With this we are reminded of the broken and outdated system that is the electoral college.

The electoral college was established in 1787 as a compromise after months of debate by the founding fathers. On one side of the debate there was the belief that Congress should elect the president in order to keep slave states from having a lesser voice because slaves had no suffrage. On the other side there was a belief that there should be a democratic popular vote in order to represent the people’s wishes.

The compromise was the electoral college, in which each state would have the same number of votes as the total of their Representatives and Senators in congress. These votes are then used by appointed electors to represent how the people vote in their state. The issue with this is that there are no guidelines on how electors must vote, and this is why some states are winner take all while others split their votes based on percentages.

“It is weird to me that the popular vote winning candidate doesn’t win because of the fact that the majority of people in the country voted for them,” said Matt Richards, 12. “It doesn’t make me feel like my vote counts because of the fact that it is based off of the electoral college votes.”

This current system is outdated and is meant for a time where there were far fewer voters than there are today. The college was meant to give each state a fair voice, but over the years as populations have grown, it has made the people’s voices less heard. After the 2016 election, there have now been five instances in which the popular vote has not lined up with the elected president.

“I don’t know if I am even going to vote in this election because it seems like my vote doesn’t matter that much if someone can get more votes and lose,” said Shane Corp, 12.

This feeling of apathy towards voting has become widespread in our country among young people, largely due to the electoral college system. With the voter turnout percentages for young people being remarkably lower than other age groups and trending downward over the past fifty years, it is obvious that there is a need for change. People do not want to vote because they feel their vote doesn’t matter, and under the current system they may not be all wrong.

“Why should people vote if the college does not listen to what the people want?” said Alex Hartshorn, 12. “The system seems very broken and needs to be changed if you ask me.”

The system should be altered to fairly represent the votes of the people who our country was built to serve, not remain an inaccurate representation of our population’s opinion.

“I think it (electoral college) means that the people’s vote doesn’t really matter,” said Alexis Prock, 12. “I feel like my vote means nothing and the elections that end where the candidate who gets the popular vote doesn’t win just proves that.”

The electoral college is an outdated system with very few to no remaining benefits and many issues from voter apathy to inaccurate representation. The electoral college should be disbanded and replaced by a system in which the candidate who wins the popular vote is elected to the office in order to accurately represent the population of our country’s opinion.

18 year olds should have full rights of adulthood OPINION BY MORGAN PORPORA

At 18, one legally becomes an adult, and with that comes many freedoms.

With this newfound freedom comes the right to vote, and for males, the ability to be drafted. These are big steps towards being a grown individual, but the government prevents us from being full adults until the age of 21. I believe that if someone is old enough and mature enough to be armed and potentially die for their country, they should have all of the rights that come along with adulthood.

Gambling is one of many things that is forbidden for those under the age of 21. While 18 year olds are legally allowed to be on casino property, they are not allowed to participate. Gambling is a form of entertainment for adults, and those who are 18 should be included in this.

In Ohio, buying tobacco products is illegal for people who are not yet 21.

This is a recent and state regulated change, and it further limits the rights of 18 year olds. Being an adult is not truly a reality until the age of 21.

Conceal and carry is yet another right that is prohibited for those who are below 21. This is not anywhere near logical, as the draft takes 18 year olds away from home and throws war weapons into their hands. If they can handle these dangerous weapons, then they can most definitely be responsible enough to conceal and carry.

Though gambling and purchasing tobacco products are rights that have been taken away, the most defining right of adulthood is having the ability to legally consume alcohol.

“If you are old enough to die for your country, you should be able to drink alcohol,” said Jacob Machar, 11.

It is not logically sound to allow 18 year olds to fight in a war but not be able to drink alcohol. This standard sends mixed messages about the values of the government, as they are willing to put lives on the line and not allow them to enjoy a drink with friends and family.

“If I am old enough to vote for people who could in turn send me to fight their wars. I should be able to make the purchase of alcohol at the age of 18,” said Jack Grice, 12.

The federal government defends the law by saying that underage drinking can have a negative impact on developing brains. They want to use this as an excuse to prevent drinking at the age of 18. If this reasoning is used, then 18 year olds should not be drafted. If they are not old enough to make safe decisions in regards to alcohol, then they are not old enough to handle a gun and fight for our country.

The United States is able to draft their citizens and force them to be adults, so they should be treated like adults in all matters. Many 18 year olds are preparing to enroll in college and start a life of their own, so they should be able to enjoy the full rights of adulthood.

LEGAL DRINKING AGE BY COUNTRY

Is dance a dying art form?

School spirit ceases to exist with senior class W

OPINION BY SARAH SCOBEE

OPINION BY LAUREN SATINK

ith the senior class this year, school spirit has lost its importance, making

school events boring and insignificant. Football games and spirit weeks are venues for the senior class to step up and show everyone how it is done. But this year, the senior class has left much to be desired. Attendance at football games was low and the participation in school events was lacking.

School spirit is created when a group of seniors takes initiative and encourage other students to take pride in their school and the activities they participate in. This year, that group of seniors has been quite small and as a result, school events have fallen short of spectacular.

“Through my four years, I have definitely noticed a decrease in school spirit, especially with our class,” said Ryan Nagel, 12.

During pep assemblies, most seniors who have the chance to leave, choose to go home before the assembly and the few who stay bring little energy. In past years, the senior class has shown up to pep assemblies with charisma and underclassmen looked up to them because of it. Seniors should strive to show up to the last few pep assemblies to finally show underclassmen how it should be done.

Prior seniors have gone all out for spirit weeks and the class of 2018 even made YouTube videos about the chants done in the student section. “The lack of spirited leaders in the student body has not been the same since class of 2018,” said Hailey Montgomery, class of 2018. “The legacy we left behind can not be ruined.” Many current seniors can still remember their efforts to show support for the school. It should be a goal of the class of 2020 to be remembered in the same way.

“I admired the seniors for being so involved and their overall willingness to participate in school spirit weeks and pep rallies,” said Megan Callahan, 12. “It is sad how much school spirit has decreased since my freshman year.”

There are still plenty of opportunities for the seniors to show that they have school spirit. The basketball games have themes, similar to football games, and there is one

D

ance has always been part of the way people express themselves, their joy and sadness, love and pain. In the past, dance was celebrated and considered to be popular among many. Though some say that dance is fading, it will never be completely lost due to the passion that dancers carry.

Dance is an art form that will never be forgotten even through the trial of time because there will always be someone else who loves the beautiful fleeting moments of dancing, times where they can feel alive.

“I do not think dance itself is dying but there are definitely certain styles that are being forgotten,” said Northeast Ohio Dance student, Megan Moore, 11.

One of these styles being forgotten is ballet.

The world has come to know dance better through various TV shows, such as “So You Think You Can Dance,” “World of Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars.” While these shows have become the world’s idea of dance, they do not represent dance in its purest form. They represent a more contemporary, quick, eye-popping fix of dance, rather than its graceful elegant roots, such as ballet.

“When people think of dancing they do not think of ballerinas anymore, it is more competition style that they think of,” said Moore.

Even throughout the world’s changing ideas of what dance is, people still believe in dance at its authentic form.

Christopher Stygar, co-director of Northeast Ohio Dance, has danced professionally for 16 years and performed works from many renowned choreographers.

“If you end up with some phenomenal dancer/choreographer that the average person gets to know, then all of a sudden, ballet becomes a thing again,” said Brenda Stygar, co-director of Northeast Ohio Dance.

The idea of dance and what it is may be ever changing, but dance itself will still remain alive.

“The spirit inside of a human body is always going to want to move and express itself,” said Christopher Stygar. “As long as there is music, as long as there is thought happening, dance will continue to happen.”

The enthusiasm that dancers have will forever keep dance alive. As long as dancers express their love for the art, dance will always be relevant in society and the world.

more spirit week before Winter Formal. Students can also attend games for the sports teams that do not draw as big of crowds such as softball or track and field.

This senior class is one of the largest Wadsworth has seen so it has the potential to leave a legacy at the high school. With five more months left as the Senior Class of 2020, we still have time to show future classes what it means to show grizzly pride.

PHOT O COU

RTESY

PHOTO BY OF AXEL MUELLER

Seniors pound on the fence in the front of the student section at the first football game this year.

Attendance declined sharply after the kick off of the football season.

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Kylee Tenney,10, performs the role of Snow Queen in Northeast Ohio Dance’s annual holiday production of The Nutcracker.

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Michelle Hawk, 11, and WHS alumnus Jacob Elsass enjoy the Arizona heat in Sedona.

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Sisters Madyson Miller, 11, and Maliya Miller, 9, get festive by wearing matching pajamas.

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Benny Miller, 9, and Ryder Evans, 9, meet a monkey at Kalahari.

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Lili Mills, 12, and Megan Callahan, 12, visit Lock 3 and laugh at their skating skills.

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Celia Lambert, 10, and Chloe Porter, 10, pose together with Christmas lights.

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Kelsey Link, 9, Ava Lalli, 9, and Tenley Inestroza, 9, celebrate the new decade together.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MACY MELLON

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Sadie Ellis, 11, and her younger brother Lucas smile joyfully at Northside Christian Church.

Winter Wonderland PHOTO COURTESY OF JD WEBB

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLY TYLER

Macy Mellon, 11, and Rachael Robinson, 11, used their winter break to go on a lunch date at Padia.

Juniors Jessica Reber, Elijah Heckler, Cole Points, Brody Parrish, Ryan Sieber, Brianna Becerra, Aidan Pappas and sophomore Rylie Dudich come together to celebrate secret santa.

Seniors Zach Kidd and Rachel Kellner sharpen their ice skating skills at Lock 3.

Juniors Ally Tyler and Jacob Machar kick off the new year together.

The boys swim team earned second place at the Walsh Relays.

Logan Merkle, 9, shows off his snowboarding abilities.

PHOTO BY EMILY BRANDYBERRY

The Grizzly Leader Academy volunteers at the Liberty Nursing Home to spread holiday cheer.

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COURT PHOTO

E MERKL LOGAN PAGE BY EMILY BRANDYBERRY

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACH KIDD

Jacob Jariga, 11, stands on the line as his teammate shoots a free throw.

Boys Varsity stands together during the National Anthem before the game.

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BOYS BASKETBALL Varsity Seniors, Mason Fortner (left) and Stanley Bingham (right) run across the court before the start of the game.

Jacob Jariga, 11, dribbles under the hoop to try and score for the G rizzlies.

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Seniors Abby Dadich (left) and Leah Bardar (right) sing the national anthem with other members of show choir before the game.

PAGE BY EMILY THOMPSON

Callagha n, 9 free thro , shoots a w.

Scott Dallas, 10, watches as his teammate shoots the basketball.

ALL PHOTOS BY AXEL MUELLER

Coach Booth establishes a legacy at Wadsworth

BY CHRIS STEELE

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Coach Andrew Booth has had much success in his tenure as the Lady Grizzlies Basketball coach, and the winning culture that he has brought to Wadsworth is continuing to grow.

On November 30, 2019 Coach Booth earned his 300th career win at Wadsworth High School. The Lady Grizzlies bested the Hudson Explorers 52-46 to earn the victory. He also gained his 400th overall career win on December 14, 2019 after defeating the North Royalton Bears 45-23.

Ever since Booth took over the reigns of coaching Lady Grizzly Basketball at Wadsworth in 2005, he has been seen as one of the major figure heads of Wadsworth Athletics. He has received multiple achievements throughout his time at Wadsworth, such as claiming 12 Suburban League Titles, being ranked 56th in the nation, and winning the State Championship in 2016 all as a coach on the girls team.

The Lucas, Ohio native started his first seven years coaching with boy players until making the switch to girls.

His first experience coaching came at the expense of his college basketball coach who allowed him to have a two year stint as an assistant at Malone University. Booth then went onto coach at Mansfield St. Peter High as a boys junior varsity and varsity assistant coach. From there, he then moved onto an assistant coaching and teaching job at Crestline University.

For Booth, coaching the girls team had never crossed his mind.

“My buddy at Crestline, the Crestline girls coach, knew that Madison High School had a very good girls team and had a coaching position open,” said Booth. “I ended up calling them and the more we talked, the more interested I got until I eventually applied and got the job.”

Although he enjoyed his time at Madison, Booth had nothing but joy for

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Suburban League titles the move to Wadsworth.

“Wadsworth has almost always had a very successful program and I was ecstatic to be a part of it,” said Booth.

“My main thing coming in was that I didn’t want to mess it up.”

Booth’s parents were both teachers when he was growing up. At first he did not want to follow in their footsteps, but over time, the idea of pursuing a profession in education started to become a reality for the Malone University alumnus.

“At first I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go into teaching because I wanted to try something different than my parents,” said Booth. “I thought I wanted to go into business, but after my first accounting class I realized that was not the right choice and went into teaching.”

After coaching at numerous different schools, Booth was glad to bring his passion for teaching and coaching to Wadsworth. He came in to take over for the very successful coach and English teacher at Wadsworth, Scott Callaghan.

Before Booth came to Wadsworth 15 years ago, The Lady Grizzlies had proven to be very triumphant and a winning culture had established as part

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Listen to Booth’s story on the Beyond Bruin podcast by scanning the QR code on your phone.

of the program.

“There was a lot of pride and tradition in the Wadsworth program before I came into the head coaching role,” said Booth. “I wanted to keep building upon the success that the program has had and bring a new perspective.”

In the duration of his stay at Wadsworth, he has seen nothing less than pure success in his eyes. Many players whom he had the privilege of coaching have left the program to continue playing at the college level, such as sophomore at Ashland University, Sophia Fortner, who has much praise for her past high school coach and mentor.

“He has always made us all feel so capable of doing the impossible and empowered us to be the best versions of ourselves as players and people,” said Fortner. “I have no doubt that he is a huge reason behind where I am now as a person and a collegiate player.”

Another local legend, two time firstteam All-Ohio and 2016 Wadsworth graduate, Jodi Johnson, greatly appreciates the support that her “second dad” continues to give.

“He has helped me grow so much as a player and as a person; he has had

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such a positive impact on my life,” said Johnson. “Even in college, I still get a ton of support and coaching from him.

He definitely has earned the ‘G.O.A.T.’ status and left a legacy in Wadsworth and the entire state.”

Being a future Hall of Fame coach requires one to be very well rounded in his or her ability, but what Booth thinks has allowed him to be so successful are the kids he’s gotten to coach.

“I have been very fortunate since coming to Wadsworth because I have been able to work with such a great group of kids and athletes that are very good at what they do,” Booth expressed.

“To the kids at Wadsworth especially, basketball is very important and the kids here work very hard to get better and perfect their game.”

It takes time and patience to stay in a program like Wadsworth for such a long time. The thing that makes Booth want to continue his coaching career each year is the student athletes that he gets to build relationships with each day.

“The kids definitely make everything about the job so much better,” Booth expressed. “I love getting the opportunity to come in each day to coach and teach a bunch of great young ladies. All the bonds and memories we all have been able to build throughout my time here are some of the best things I get to be a part of.”

Coach Booth has definitely set a standard at Wadsworth with his winning ways. He has had a tremendous impact on all of his students and athletes, past and present, and many are thankful for what he has contributed to their lives. Although he has had a very accomplished coaching career to this point, the winning tradition appears to not yet be over for Booth and the Lady Grizzlies. His legacy that he has left and is continuing to build on, is one that people will certainly remember for many years to come.

Intramurals shoot into 2020

BY ANDREW CLARK

When school lets out for the weekend, for many students, it is a time of relaxation. This is not the case for the intramural

PHOTO BY ANDREW CLARK

Brayden Humphery, 12, jumping to contest Mitchell Evan's, 11, shot in a close match up between their respective teams.

basketball players at Wadsworth High School.

Intramurals are an afterschool activity that anyone can sign up for and participate in without the obligation of mandatory practices. These sports can be offered by the school or managed by outside complexes.

Players in the intramural basketball league must have a team assembled before they sign up. There are no official tryouts, but there is a 25 dollar fee per person for entry into the league.

Competing with and against friends is one of the main driving forces for players in the league.

“It’s something to do to stay in shape and it's fun because you get to play with your friends,” said Robby Kellner, 11.

Others simply join to win as much as possible so that they receive bragging rights against their friends.

For team uniforms, players

usually wear basketball jerseys from different professional and college teams or matching colors.

In the regular season, each team gets to play seven games.

The games are refereed by WHS teachers. The current teachers that referee the contests are Mr. Lee, Mr. Lynn and Mr. Thompson. The competitions are composed of 12 minute halves, but if the game goes into overtime, sudden death will occur.

At the end of the season the top four intramural teams get to play in the finals for a chance to win the championship.

Students who signed up for the WHS intramural basketball league began the 2019-2020 season on November 30.

The season progressed with games taking place every Saturday morning, until winter break when they received a temporary rest. The games started up again on January 4 with students more than thrilled to have a chance to show their skills on the court once again.

With winter break behind them, the players only have three games left until the playoffs commence on February 8.

The defending champions from last year are Robbie Lynn, Robby Kellner, Logan Seme, Tyler Montgomery, Kayden Rosenberger, and Ethan Russel.

All players are looking forward to the remaining games in the regular season and are eager to take their team to the championship this year.

Barret Labus, 11, running down the court to help his team defend the basket against Ryan Nagel's, 12, team.

PHOTO BY ANDREW CLARK

Wadsworth athletes set to take on college level sports

BY ANDREW CLARK

High school Athletes that have proven excellence in their sport are given opportunities to continue playing at the college level. Many of our Grizzlies have recently signed to schools inside and outside the state of Ohio.

This is a great honor for these grizzly athletes, who have been leaders in their sport and are seen as role models for underclassman on their teams.

The most recent athletes to commit to a college are Aly Brugh, Mason Fortner, Chase Diosy, Jack Grice and Jake Russell.

Aly Brugh has signed with the College of Wooster to continue her career in soccer.

In addition, Mason Fortner

recently signed with Valparaiso to play football at the college NCAA Division I FCS level, and like many has several goals for his future athletic career.

“My goals at Valparaiso are to help turn the program around with the new coaching staff,’’ said Fortner. “I want to have a huge impact and help create a winning football tradition at Valpo for years to come. I also want to receive the quality degree and education that

Valparaiso offers.”

Jack Grice will be taking his allstate honors in football to Grand Valley State University, and his teammate, Jake Russel, will be playing at Oberlin College.

Lastly, Chase Diosy will be continuing his academics as well as his baseball career at John Carroll University.

On top of these individuals, many more WHS athletes are looking to further their athletic career at the collegiate level.

Pat Tillman Service award winner, Mason Fortner, After Signing His Commitment Letter to Valparaiso stands for a picture with his teammates in the Grizzly Den. PHOTO BY ANDREW CLARK

2020 Summer Olympics

BY AXEL MUELER

After a four year rest, the Summer Olympics are back for billions to witness the greatest athletes throughout the world compete for their country's honor by bringing home the gold.

During the Olympics, athletes from around the world come together to compete for gold medals in the hopes of getting crowned the best athlete for their respective event, not only in their country, but in the world.

The 2020 Summer Olympics are to be held in Tokyo, Japan and are projected to have 206 participating nations. They will begin on July 24, 2020 and last until August 9th, 2020.

11,091 athletes are expected to participate in events ranging from table tennis to surfing.

During the 2016 Olympics held in Rio De Janiero, 3.6 billion viewers tuned in via television to witness the greatest athletes of our time in action.

One of the many people who watched was Track and Cross Country Runner, Preston Raineri, 11, “I really like the opening ceremony for the Summer Olympics and watching the track events, I love the high energy around the games.”

It was estimated that 500,000 tourists attended the 2016 Olympics, looking to witness the greatest athletes in the world compete firsthand.

With the amount of tourists, officials, security, and athletes

attending the Olympics, it is estimated that the overall cost of the games will end up at about 25 billion dollars. Audience members and attendees will be able to buy tickets to several of the events for as low as 18 United States dollars. However, for travelers, this is the least of their worries as many hotels are already booked, along with flights taking p l a c e weeks before

t

h e games start.

On the morning of December 9, The World Anti-Doping Agency unanimously agreed to ban Russia from major international sporting competitions for four Summer Olympics, the 2022 World Cup and the 2022 Winter Olympics

in Beijing. This is the result of Russia being accused to have been providing their athletes drugs to enhance their performance, giving them an unfair advantage over opposing athletes.

During the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio De Janiero, Russia sent 282 athletes who then ended up bringing 56 gold medals, the fourth most of any nation that participated behind China, Great Britian, and the United States. For several Russian athletes, this is viewed as quite unsettling news as many of them have worked their whole life to represent their country only to have their country banned due to cheating.

Russian athletes are still allowed to compete in Olympics, however, they must do so under a neutral flag that is not representing any specific country.

A new rule that is being implemented is one against athletes kneeling and raising their fists in order to protest. The International Olympic Committee stated that they want the nations of the world to come together in peace and harmony.

Another new feature to the 2020 Olympics is that Toyko is using recycled cardboard beds to accommodate all of the competing athletes in hopes to help the environment.

Although there are drastic changes coming to the 2020 Olympics, billions of people are looking forward to the anticipated events.

Pushing it to the Max Max Runkle has been lifting for two years, competing all around Ohio.

BY BRIAN COOTE

W

MAXRUNKLE

hile most students find it a struggle to carry the weight of school, Max Runkle has the strength to take on powerlifting along with academics.

“I started lifting my sophomore year just to lose some fat and gain a little muscle,” said Runkle.

For senior Max Runkle, what seemed at first like basic exercise turned into pushing himself for fun.

“At first, I did it because I felt like I had to, but I soon started to love it and couldn’t wait to work out every day,” said Runkle. “Simply lifting as much weight as possible against the competition.

It gives my training more of a purpose now.”

Staying in shape takes consistent workouts and time management. Various equipment is needed to train for competitions. Having both the equipment and the time to workout can be difficult trying to balance, but Runkle has a routine schedule and many options to stay fit while handling his academic and social life.

“I typically have one or two rest days a week which are always during the week and I try to plan them the day before tests so I can study more,” said Runkle. “If work and school get too busy, my workouts are usually 45 minutes, but if I have time I will take up to 90 minutes.”

Powerlifting is a strength sport that consists of three attempts at maximum weight on three lifts: squat, bench press, and dead lift. To excel in the sport, your entire body must be able to handle the extreme weight.

For its participants, consistent training and extreme dedication is needed.

“My typical workout is 15-25 minutes of warming and firing up the central nervous system, then I move on to 4-6 sets of heavy squat bench or dead lift,” said Runkle. “On the days I have a powerlifting workout, I follow by doing assistance exercises to the big three lifts and a lot of core work. On regular lifting days, I lift my arms and back a lot. When I’m eight or more

weeks away from competition, I do the three lifts one time a week each. When I am less than eight weeks away, I try to do the squat, bench and dead lift twice a week each. The closer I get, the less volume or sets I do a week and the weight gets heavier to peak my strength for the competition”.

While strength and lifting are a key component to

“The adrenaline rush is crazy and it gives you a purpose.”

-Max Runkle every sport, powerlifting is not common in schools.

It takes outside dedication and clubs to be a member.

Runkle is a member of the Wadsworth YMCA, has a gym at home and has a specific training gym in Orrville. He competes every three-to-six months, traveling all across Ohio. His next competition is January 18 in Brookpark, Ohio.

“I am a part of the USA Powerlifting Federation and there are competitions in nearly every state all year.

Usually there’s one somewhere close to Wadsworth every weekend,” said Runkle.

Powerlifting meets are divided into two sessions. In

a session, there are two flights, or groups. Every lifter gets three attempts to squat, bench and deadlift. Group A does all of their squats, then group B does all of their squats, and the same pattern continues for bench and deadlift.

One lift goes at a time so everybody at the competition has their eyes on the lifter. After each lift, there are three judges that give a red or white light. Two or three white lights are needed for the lift to be counted as good. The lifters are divided between age and weight divisions, although the true competition is in the men’s/women’s open age division. At the end of the competition, the best male and female lifter is decided based on the heaviest weight total (combining all three of each lifter heaviest successful attempt) multiplied by each lifter’s individual weight coefficient.

The sport opened up a new experience for Runkle, as it gave him a new demographic to compete with. He stepped outside the school sanctioned sports to find a passion that stays with him all year round.

“I’ve competed against young 14-year-olds all the way to a 64-year-old man who deadlifted 660 pounds,” said Runkle.

Not limited to lifting, Runkle runs outdoor track. He enjoys mid-distance running such as the 800 meter or the 400 meter. There is also more than athletics and school to Runkles life. He has a job at Kohl’s cleaning out the changing rooms. He engages in his community as he goes to Alpha meetings at Freshwater Church. Balancing school and outside life is challenging, but the key component to how he handles it is scheduling and balancing his activities with his training.

Constant dedication and practice is needed to keep up in powerlifting. Max Runkle pushes himself to the limit every day to compete and further himself in a way few do not.

c h r inko Dil a lon M Bear ing down for the ride

BY NATALIE MAHER

Within the Wadsworth High school student body, there is a number of diverse activities and hobbies done outside of the high school, one being bull riding and freshman Dillion Marchinko does just that.

Marchinko may seem to be just another freshman at Wadsworth high school but what people may not know about him is what he spends his time doing on the side, outside of school. Last year, Marchinko decided to try out bull riding. On top of keeping up with the inherent aspects of being a teenager, Marchinko has begun dedicating his time to learning the sport.

“I started bull riding this year but have been practicing for a while,” said Marchinko. “I like to practice anytime I can, usually four times a week.”

The sport of bull riding was not something he picked up immediately. He needed to put in the work, which he has with trying to get in four days a practice a week.

“It took some time getting use to it, but after I figured it out I loved the intensity and reward of doing it.”

Like many sports, there are many techniques and fundamentals that need to be taught and practiced. These fundamentals are taught by his coach

Shawn Thorsell. Thorsell runs Buckin Ohio, where Marchinko practices. He practices with Thorsell whenever they are both free or with scheduled dates with other riders. These

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DILLION MARCHINKO

Marchinko gets ready to start his ride.

Once the gate opens, he will enter the arena. With a simple nod of his head, the competition against the bull will begin.

are learned through dedication and drilling on something else rather than just simply jumping onto a bull, starting your ride, and hoping for the best.

Once fundamentals are practiced, then moving onto a bull, one normally calmer than what he would face on competition day.

“I ride a drop barrel that helps me practice my balance and every once in while I hop on a bull that is not as crazy to reduce my risk of injuries,”

Marchinko explained.

Though there are conventional ways of practicing that reduce injury, there is no way to reduce the risk of an accident or injury while competing.

The competitions are intense and dangerous. When competing Marchinko choses to acknowledge his fears, but not dwell in them.

Marchinko said, “I try not to look at my fears while bull riding.”

These competitions are known as rodeos and are based upon the riders ride and how the bull does. Once scored by judges in these two categories, they are added together and the total score is used to name the winner. Rather than a sports trophy, in bull riding, a belt buckle is equivalent.

The most challenging p a r t of his ride happens

to be right at the start of his competition and ride on and against the bull. Before his ride begins, Marchinko must simply get on the bull and get stabilized. He must execute this part of the ride in a chute which is a mere 42 inches wide and 96 inches long. This physically speaking does not give him much room for error.

“The biggest challenge I face is getting into the chute with a bull that is going crazy and is just wanting to h u r t me,” said Marchinko.

But this is not the only

challenging part. In order for him to beat the bull, he must stay on the bull for eight seconds.

These eight seconds are not his only goal, he is also focused on not getting injured.

“The fear that I have, and has happened, is getting my hand tied up in the rope and getting stomped on and dragged by the bull,” said Marchinko.

Marchinko did not wake up one day and decide to get involved in this high intensity sport.

Marchinko’s sister, Morgan

Marchinko, was not surprised when this decision was made.

“It did not surprise me much,” said Morgan. “He and my cousin have talked about doing it since they were little.”

Practicing the sport of family. He found his inspiration to start from his uncle.

“What motivated me was my uncle that did it while he was growing up and later passed away from an accident,” explained Marchinko.

His sister elaborated explaining how his uncle was not the only one in the family prior to Dillion that practiced the sport of bull riding. His grandpa did it also.

“My uncle and grandpa did

some bull riding and roping when they were younger as well,” said Morgan.

Marchinko hopes to continue to build upon his skills and continue riding for a long time. He plans to continue even out of high school. His plans also include trying to make it professionally in bull riding. This is going to take a lot of time and dedication but

Marchinko is ready to take this challenge, with a goal set still relatively early in his life still being a freshman in high school.

Marchinko expressed his desires and goals involving his sport, “With this sport I am hoping to achieve making it into the PBR (Professional Bull Riders), but for now I’m focusing on making every ride better than my last,” Marchinko said.

With big goals set and not knowing what his future will hold when is comes this sport and what he plans to do with it, Marchinko has decided to take it one competition, one entering the chute, one ride, and one bull at a time and he plans to do just that.

Fox 8 released a story in November 2019 that evaluated the recycling programs of several Northeast Ohio counties by placing trackers in various recycling bins. A tracker deposited in the Wadsworth High School bin briefly lost its signal after being picked up by the truck, but turned on again after it arrived at the landfill in Dover, Ohio.

Our recycling ended up in a dump. These findings seemingly cracked open the truth of the recycling program in Medina County.

BY BRIANNA BECERRA

B

eth Biggins-Ramer, Solid Waste Coordinator for Medina County, refutes the credibility of Fox 8. Their story frustrated her, as she reports that their claims caused backlash within the county in regards to the functionality of the recycling program run by Medina County. She states that the report made by Fox 8 in regards to the Medina County recycling program was inaccurate and did not include all of the information that she provided for them.

Biggins-Ramer explained that each garbage truck has a GPS, allowing the facility to track its route. Once the truck arrives at the Twinsburg plant, the materials are weighed and separated. She says that there is more than enough evidence to prove that the materials did in fact make it to the plant.

“We showed Fox 8 the truck GPS trail and the scale ticket, but they left that out of the story,” said Biggins-Ramer.

She claims that Fox 8 has reported the story incorrectly due to some sort of preconceived bias and explains that the recycling went to the recycling plant in Twinsburg to be sorted. This was not captured on the tracker, as it lost its signal after being picked up and turned on again after it was dropped off at the landfill.

Biggins-Ramer argues that Fox 8 made the assumption that the recyclables never made it to the plant at all, creating a misleading story.

Biggins-Ramer justifies why the tracker was found in a landfill, as the tracker is not recyclable. She states that the plant sorts through the contents of the bins and discards the materials that cannot be recycled, called contaminants, and sends them to a landfill. This would prove the program to be successful, as the contaminants should find their place in a landfill.

Biggins-Ramer also evaluates the safety and the ethics behind placing trackers in the bins, as she claims that the trackers were powered by lithium ion batteries. These batteries have the potential to catch fire, putting employees and even the general public in danger all for the sake of an experiment. “[Fox 8] didn’t think about endangering the workers,” stated Biggins-Ramer.

She believes that Fox 8 did not handle the story properly, causing it to be misleading. She confirms that the recycling program in Medina County is both functional and successful.

Nino Piccoli, Services Director for the City of Medina, has first-hand experience with the Medina County recycling program and refutes BigginsRamer’s claims. He candidly reports that the company that handles recycling in the county is misleading those that take the time to recycle.

Piccoli explains that sanitation programs around the county, such as the

Wadsworth Sanitation Department, are required to keep public records. This company, however, is a privately operated company, meaning that they are capable of hiding their records. This allows them to keep their sales private, so there is no way to prove that the recyclables are being recycled unless they release their records.

“Private haulers and operators are less than truthful about the amount [of] material collected and [that is] actually marketable,” said Piccoli. “The issue is that [they are] a private entity and their records are just that: private.”

Piccoli explains that it costs this company to recycle, which is why they send it to the landfill. It ensures that they are able to make a profit, even if it means deceiving citizens that go out of their way to recycle.

Wadsworth City councilman, Dave Williams, confirms Piccoli’s claims. He says that the Medina County recycling company has never provided the proof that their materials are being recycled. While he admits that contamination of the recycling bins can be a contributing factor, little to nothing is recycled even if it is clean.

Williams backs up the credibility of Fox 8’s story, saying that Medina County was caught red-handed and attempted to cover it up. This recycling program has been under scrutiny for many years, and this damning evidence proved that it was not as functional as the residents had been led to believe.

“There was no way to tell where these things went until there was a tracker put in it,” explained Williams.

Though Medina County has come under fire for their lack of transparency, Williams says that this is just the tip of the iceberg of a much larger problem. Fox 8 exposed Cleveland for having a faulty program as well, showing that Medina County is not alone.

Williams reports that programs all over the nation fail to recycle, as there is currently no place to sell the recyclables.

“There’s no market for all of the materials collected,” reported Williams.

Without a market to sell their goods, these recycling companies are not able to make a profit. Profit is a driving factor of recycling, as companies like Medina County’s will go under if their services are not profitable. This makes it difficult for companies to recycle, potentially forcing them to be deceitful.

Piccoli feels that many reforms must come about in order to secure a clean future for the planet and that these reforms must occur not only at the county level, but the state and federal level as well.

“People feel good about taking the time to recycle, however I’m confident [that] the majority of material picked up as recycling ends up in the landfills,” stated Piccoli.

Piccoli is not alone in feeling frustrated by the recycling program within the county, as Allison Parsons, teacher and advisor of the recycling club at WHS, feels similarly.

“We have so many students here at the high school that work diligently to handle our recycling every week, and to see it just end up in a landfill is extremely disheartening,” said Parsons.

Expense is a factor in the function of recycling programs throughout the state, as it costs large sums of money to provide individual bins for all residents. This has been a request by some Medina County residents, as they are required to put in the effort of transporting their own recyclables to various bins around the county. Even with this barrier, some residents still do their part to try to make the world a cleaner place, including WHS. Over the past two years WHS has worked to ensure that recycling is a priority. There are small recycling bins in every class, and the recycling club comes around to collect them each week.

The program for recycling at WHS began during the 2018-2019 school year, and it is run by students. Parsons says that starting the recycling club was no easy task, but that she wanted to make a difference and to teach students how to recycle.

“There were so many hoops to jump through with starting this club,” stated Parsons. “It was in the works for over a year.”

Biggins-Ramer praises the work of Wadsworth High School students to make recycling important within the school. She says that the students here began one of the first recycling clubs in the county and have even influenced other schools to follow their lead.

“These students have become the leaders of recycling programs in high schools

throughout the county,” said Biggins-Ramer.

Though Parsons is proud of the progress of the recycling club, she says that students need to be educated on what is recyclable and what is not. She reports that this issue stems from the lack of education that students receive in regards to recycling.

“I’m constantly picking plastic bags out of our recycling bins,” said Parsons.

“Students think that just because it’s made out of plastic, it’s recyclable.”

She proposes the idea of an environmental club as a solution to this, as she wants students to be educated on whether certain items can be recycled or not. Parsons also proposes the idea of integrating lessons about recycling into some courses at the high school, as she believes that it is a necessary skill to learn how to recycle properly and prevent contamination.

The bins at the high school were put in place to collect glass, some kinds of plastic and paper.

Though all of these materials are accepted, a vast majority of recyclables are paper. Piccoli proposes a different idea for where the paper could go.

He explains that the Abitibi Paper Retriever Paper Recycling Program recycles paper goods that are put in their bins, and that the high school can be paid per ton of paper recycled. This would not only ensure that the paper is being reused, but Wadsworth High School could profit from it as well.

“The kids are doing a great thing at the high school, so this would guarantee that everything would be recycled and their efforts wouldn’t be wasted,” said Piccoli.

Putting this new program into place would most likely replace the recycling program at WHS, or potentially add a new layer to it.

This would mean that paper would have to be separated from the rest of the materials, as the Abitibi Paper Retriever is exclusively for paper.

Parsons agrees that it would be beneficial to make money off of recycling paper, but it may be difficult to enforce this program alongside the current program.

Due to the need of the paper to be separated, a specific bin would need to be placed in each classroom to ensure that all materials are being properly sorted. This may cause a problem for multiple bins to have the incorrect type of recyclables be dispersed throughout.

“Putting multiple bins in each class could cause contamination rather easily,” explained Parsons.

Parsons believes that there are better ways to try to save the environment, such as using reusable water bottles.

“We could save so much plastic if students brought reusable water bottles to school, rather than the plastic ones,” stated Parsons. “Reusing things like these can make a difference as well.”

As a whole, it is relatively unknown if the recycling program in our high school or even Medina County is as successful as it claims to be. Though recycling does not necessarily hurt the environment, Parsons, BigginsRamer, Piccoli and Williams have all agreed that reducing the consumption of single-use goods is the most beneficial solution.

Students take a chance on Mamma Mia! auditions M E A N

BY KATE MESSAM

Join the cast of the Mamma Mia! as they venture to the island of Kalokairi, where their entire, crazy journey is centered around songs from the 70s hit musical group, ABBA. Before the fan-favorite musical can be brought to life on stage, though, the drama department must pick the best performers to fulfill such a time-consuming task.

Students received their vocal selections on December 17 and were tasked with learning their parts over winter break. At auditions, having taken place on January 7, they performed a song of their choosing and read sections from the script.

“Many students come into auditions thinking this is just fun and games,” said director and teacher Mrs. Csaky. “But it takes talent, dedication, self-discipline, collaboration, and a lot of sweat to create a quality production.”

Students auditioning for the musical are buzzing with excitement at the opportunity to put on one of the most well-known performances in musical history. Lili Mills, 12, has been a 4-year member of the drama department and is excited to audition for the show.

“Mamma Mia! is amazing and it is so cool to have the chance to be a part of it,” said Mills. “It is one of my favorite musicals because of how lighthearted and fun it is.”

The musical follows Sophie, a young woman who has grown up on a secluded Greek island with her mother Donna. After just being proposed to by her boyfriend Sky, Sophie wants her father present for the big day.

The problem, however, is that there are three possible men who could be her father, all of whom she has never met. Sophie invites the men to the island in an to attempt to figure out which man is her real father. The story goes on to show the stress that Donna feels as the men arrive and the incredible bond between a mother and her

daughter.

The amount of time spent on preparing a musical is astronomical, and Mamma Mia! will be no exception.

Benny Miller, 9, is not deterred from auditioning because of this huge commitment.

Miller was inspired by this year’s fall musical, Bright Star, to audition for Mamma Mia! “The atmosphere around Bright Star was something really different to me and everyone I know who was in it certainly enjoyed performing in it, so I want to have that experience myself,” said Miller.

As the second musical put on by the drama department this school year, Mamma Mia! was chosen partly because it differs greatly from the November show, Bright Star.

“We try to choose plays/musicals that will give our performers a well-rounded repertoire by the time PHOTO BY KATE MESSAM they leave the program as Lili Mills prepares for auditions by seniors. Mamma practicing songs, her stage presence and Mia! rounds speaking roles for Mamma Mia! out the 4-year experience with a contemporary musical with modern music and lots of modern choreography,” said Csaky.

With this modern musical being put on the Wadsworth stage, the production still manages to evoke nostalgia with the music the cast performs. The cast of Mamma Mia! sings some of the Swedish pop group ABBA’s top tracks.

The Office! The Musical makes its debut at Playhouse Square

BY KATE MESSAM

Fans of The Office may or may not be pleased to hear that the show was picked up by in 2018 and turned into an offBroadway musical parody. Lucky for those interested, the show is being put on at Playhouse Square January 23-25.

The musical follows along with the hit TV show’s revered plot. The best moments from all nine seasons have been combined into one day at everyone’s favorite paper company, Dunder Mifflin. The Office! A Musical Parody is comprised of songs like “That’s What She Said,” “We Have Fun Here,” and “Marry Me Beesly.” No members of the original show, however, are a part of the musical version.

“I would go see the show because I love The Office and I love musical theater, but I don’t think it would be very good,” said Ethan Hitch, 12. “ It’s hard to like something new after being so used to the original.”

On the other side, Riley Covil, 11, is more open to the idea of a completely new perspective of the show.

“I feel like it’s really cool that something that so many people loved and miss is coming back in a different sort of way and with new actors portraying all of the characters,” said Covil.

Though fans may be uneasy to the idea of different actors playing some of TV’s favorite characters, the show is an obvious success as the tickets for the four shows are sold out.

45% Hate it The Office! A Musical Parody: Love it or hate it?

55% Love it Based on a poll conducted by The Bruin staff

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BY ANNA WOLFINGER

Join Kady, Gretchen, Karen and Regina in Tina Fey’s Off-Broadway rendition of Mean Girls: The Musical.

Debuting in December at Playhouse Square, Mean Girls took a comical, melodious spin on the original movie many have come to know and love.

Although this musical is based off of the original movie, there are many differences that can set it apart from the film version. One of the main differences is the most obvious: the music. Mean Girls consists of 25 original songs sung by many Broadway singers throughout the musical.

One of the main differences that was missed from the film was the iconic “Jingle Bell Rock” Santa outfit dance that Kady, Gretchen, Karen and Regina performed for their school talent show. This was a pivotal scene in the movie, as Gretchen was pushed to her breaking point. Even though the three main girls did not perform this dance, the scene was not overlooked. Instead, four other men dressed in Santa costumes danced out this scene.

The stage set-up was one that was very unique to accompany the quick movements of the musical. A screen curved around the back of the stage, changing in part to each scene. Actors also rolled in desks on wheels and changed directions in uniform to show the changing of class periods.

Overall, Mean Girls: The Musical is a “fetch” rendition of the original motion picture and it is sure to fulfill the expectations of fans.

It is one you will not want to miss out on and it leaves the audience with a new appreciation for Mean Girls.

Elementary schools start drama club

BY MICAH BECK

Opportunities have opened for kids attending any Wadsworth elementary school or Central Intermediate School, as a new after-school drama program has begun.

Wadsworth Elementary Drama Club, which was started by 2010 Wadsworth High School graduate Cory Ott, is designed to develop children’s acting skills early on.

Ott is the founder of the modern Wadsworth Footlighters, and is still involved in planning and directing productions by the WHS Off Broad Street Players.

“I grew up here and started drama rather late,” said Ott. “There was no program for younger students other than community theatre, which could be 30 to 50 minutes away.”

A typical meeting consists of students playing games to learn and review skills that could be applied to the stage. For example, improv games are played to have students thinking on their feet.

“The goal for this program is letting students explore the performing arts and letting them express themselves in a safe and welcoming space,” said Ott. “I also hope to instill a love for performing arts and letting them grow not only in the arts, but as well-rounded and upstanding students and community members.”

Ott believes this is the outlet some students need to find a passion for stage acting, and hopes they continue to be involved in theatre as they grow up.

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• Half of what your Brain Needs 58% of Vitamin B12 for brain and nervous system function

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50% of “complete” protein, 46% Niacin to fight cardiovascular disease 44% Zinc, 43% Selenium antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, 21% Phosphorous

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PHOTO BY JAKE LOGUIDICE

NEW YEAR, NEW TRENDS

BY ALEX MILLER

The beginning of a new year means the start of many new trends. To welcome these new trends, it is also necessary to say goodbye to many trends of 2019. This page gives a look into the new trends of 2020 that we are sure to love, as well as the old trends that should be left behind in 2019.

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DOLCE A T T H E STRAND

opened in December and has already become a popular spot downtown for its handcrafted Italian gelato, desserts and beverages.

“Dolce has delicious gelato and such a fun atmosphere!

It is a great addition to downtown.”

-Kayla Ross, 11

LIVE ACTION MULAN

Disney has seen great success with its recent live action films.

This remake of the original 1998 film is set to be released on March 27.

LEWIS CAPALDI

was the U.K.’s best-selling artist of 2019 and his song ‘Someone You Loved’ has recently risen in popularity.

“I like Lewis Capaldi’s voice and his writing. His style really speaks to me.”

-Isaac Machar, 11

“I am excited to see all the new additions that Disney makes to the movie. It will be sad to see characters like Mushu go but the re-imagined story will be fun to watch.”

-Ada Wagner, 9

ADIDAS SUPERSTARS

have been a popular shoe in the past few years, but they are on their way out. Vans have become an increasingly popular shoe in the past year, leaving Superstars in the dust.

“I got these shoes for Christmas in eighth grade. It is time to move on.”

-Julia Blake, 11

BULLET JOURNALING

VSCO GIRLS

have become a meme in the past year with the rise of social media platform TikTok. This stereotype is known for their Hydro Flasks, scrunchies, metal straws, stickers and more. In 2020, we do not want to hear your Hydro Flask hit the floor.

AREA 51 RAID

MARIO KART TOUR

had short lived popularity in 2019.

A new mobile game will likely pop up in 2020 to take its place.

“The game was fun but it got boring quickly. All the updates made the game less fun.”

-Olivia Whitlock, 10

The “Storm Area 51, They Can’t Stop All of Us” Facebook event went viral in July, with over 2 million people marking that they planned to attend.

The few who did show up were quickly dispersed by law enforcement.

is an organizational system that takes the place of traditional planners and journals. It is a way of selfexpression that allows you to plan, reflect and meditate.

The new year is a great time to start.

OLD TOWN ROAD

became the longest running number one single in the 61 year history of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 2019. This overplayed song should stay in 2019.

“Old Town Road was a good song while it lasted, but it is not something that needs to be idolized.”

-Whitney Fimple, 11

BIL

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