The Bruin - April/May 2017

Wadsworth High School

Newspaper II/III

April/MAY 2017

The

1870 - 2017 Wadsworth City Schools: “Celebrating 147 years of Excellence in Education”

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LAST DAY MAY 24th

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Volume XLII No. 7

625 Broad Street Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

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Tenured teacher leaves with distinguished honor

BY ANNA BOWLING

This year, Mr. William Schmeltzer Sr. gets to enter a new chapter of his life with the recognition of being Teacher of the Year. The National Honors Society voted for Mr. Schmeltzer because of his love of both the career and the students.

Schmeltzer is a coach and chemistry teacher here at the high school. He works mostly with the honors and AP students, but is willing to help anyone that comes to his door.

“I’ve always taught chemistryhonors, AP, and academic - but it has always been chemistry. I taught at Norwayne High School for seventeen years before I came here, and they were great kids too. I was a little apprehensive coming here; you know, it’s a bigger city, but the kids have always been so accepting of my teaching and they really try

for me. That’s what I’ll really miss,” said Schmeltzer .

The recognition that Schmeltzer receives with this award is not just for the academics, but also for his service. Even though he teaches some of the hardest courses, students love his classes.

“Sometimes I’m a real jerk, giving large homework assignments, but they always step up. It’s really about the kids, it’s not about me. The kids make the school,” said Schmeltzer.

He is also basketball and softball coach for the girls teams, and has had many students fall in love with his coaching style.

Students that work with him during the basketball season know just how much he loves his job.

“He is a phenomenal coach. He works really hard both as a coach and in the classroom. He cares about his students and players and you can see it every day,” said Jordan Barnhart, 10.

PHOTO BY ANNA BOWLING

Mr. Schmeltzer, in white, stands with his family after giving a short and sweet speech about how much this award means to him.

His students are not the only ones who care about him. Many of the teachers here at the school appreciate him and recognize the hard work that he puts in every day.

Schmeltzer enjoys the company of his fellow teachers just as much as they enjoy him.

“The really great thing is that I have so much respect for my colleagues. My fellow teachers do a whale of a job,” explained Schmeltzer.

“I am definitely going to miss this place. It’s neat that the kids put me in that particular scenario to receive

Proposed drug testing for students next year What do you think about Wadsworth’s drug testing policy?

“I think it is a waste of money.”

- Morgan Porpora, 9

“I really do not care, I think more people will be caught.”

- Matt Young, 10

“It is a good thing, especially for our athletes.”

- Kayla Kinney, 11

PHOTOS BY MARRAYA YOUNGBLOOD

BY MARRAYA YOUNGBLOOD

The Wadsworth Board of Education has proposed a policy concerning the drug testing of its students. If enacted, more than half the students at the high school, as well a few middle schoolers, will be affected.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ohio had the highest number of deaths from synthetic opioids. In 2014, Ohio had the most heroin related deaths with 11.4% of the 10,574 deaths nationally.

The district hopes that drug testing will provide a healthy and safe environment to its students and undermine the effects of peer pressure. But, high school teacher and coach John Burton is skeptical.

“Peer pressure is a driving point when it comes to drug use among teenagers,” says Burton.

Legally, the district is only allowed to test students who are involved in an extracurricular activities or a student who drives to school. However, parents can choose to have their child tested through an opt-in program. In an electronic survey created by the Board of Education, only 4% of the responses said that all students should be drug tested.

“I think it’s unfair that they’re testing athletes,” said Alex Teagle, 10.

These tests will be conducted at the start of each activity, and

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then randomly each month. Yet, all eligible student participants will be tested at least one time during the school year regardless of when they join the activity.

The cost for each individual test is $13, which adds up to $20,000 annually. Some believe the cost of this new policy is a waste of taxpayer dollars.

“I think it is money that could be spent on something more important,” said Kira Tavanello, 10.

In the case that a student is found using drugs, he or she has two options: the student can either receive treatment, or be suspended from 50% of his or her season. Student drivers not involved in an activity will lose parking privileges for a period of 9 weeks. Both options will also require the student to submit up to three follow up tests at their own expense.

For second offenses, the student will face new consequences based upon the original course of action they decided to take. More information on these violations can be found on the district’s website under “Wadsworth City Schools Bylaws and Policies.”

The District hopes drug testing makes a safe alcohol, drug and nicotine free environment. It is their goal to help students achieve their full academic potential while they are here at Wadsworth High School.

such an award and it’s something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. I really will,” he said.

Mr. Singleton, one of the advisors of NHS, said that having this award helps raise staff and student moral.

“I think it’s healthy and it builds a strong community. I’m a big advocate of such accolades. People appreciate when others appreciate them.” Mr. Singleton continued. “[Teaching] is a great career. You have to have a great deal of patience and a love for the academics but, you know, it’s such a great route to go. I am so glad I went into education, I

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really am,” Schmeltzer explained.

Many students are saddened by his retirement. They hoped to have him as a teacher, coach, or even just to continue to see him around the building.

Schmeltzer wants to have a continued presence among the students. He plans on sticking around Wadsworth, and going back to his small town roots.

“I am a total outdoorsman. I like to fish and hunt. I love it,” he finished.

Schmeltzer will continue to coach girls’ basketball at the school.

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E ditorial

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Q&A with Q&A Quentin Standardized testing is an often discussed topic among teachers, students, and parents. Over the past few years, the state of Ohio has attempted to perfect the testing system in their schools. OGT, PARCC and AIR testing have all tried to correct issues within our educational system.

Although many complaints are made, most of these have to do with the question material.

Students believe that the material on the tests differs from the materials they learn in classes.

In essence, they learn different material then what would prepare them for the tests.

Tests are a necessary evil. They correctly assess what a student has learned over their educational career and places everyone, no matter their current situations or origins, on the same scale.

While tests are not liked by students, teachers, or parents, they are necessary. However, changes can and should be made to improve the system.

Does testing improve education?

BY QUENTIN GRIFFIN AHMED DARWICH

Upcoming Events

Ahmed The dreaded testing season of Wadsworth High is certainly hated by students and teachers, alike. This “testing” season, that spans from the end of March to the end of May, completely ends any joyous memories that a student could have from the school year.

This season of multiple three hour exams and seemingly endless studying leaves a terrible taste in students’ mouths as they head into summer. We, as an educational system, should limit the amount of testing.

Assessments take time away from instructional time in which students could be improving on their knowledge. Not only does it take away time from a teacher teaching but it can also take time away from the possibility of completing labs and other handson activities.

In this modern society, it is important to ensure the knowledge of children. There are other methods to do besides testing, and we should explore these options.

“Plug In” by Colin Wright

It is no secret that technology plays an important, if not integral, role in our every day lives. Cell phones and social media make it much easier to instantaneously communicate with others. An endless well of information is available in seconds to anyone with access to the internet. Even though technology has had a positive impact on our lives, it also has the potential to severely harm our society.

Having proficient communication skills is arguably the biggest key to success in the workforce.

Interviewers look for candidates who are able to comfortably articulate their ideas. This is not an easy thing for everyone to do, and cell phones do not help. Communicating via an electronic device, be it an email, text, or even phone call, is obviously different from communicating in person.

Our voices are not the only tools we use to communicate in person. No one human is the same, but studies estimate that at least 55% of communication is nonverbal. That offers a simple explanation for why

sarcasm is difficult to interpret over written communications.

We rely on these nonverbal communications for so much of how we interact with people.

The more we interact through technology, the less practice we get using these cues.

Phones have infiltrated our family events and detract from what was quality time. It is not uncommon to see an entire family sitting in silence around a dinner table, while everyone stares at a phone. This has become so prevalent that many restaurants have begun encouraging their visitors to put their phones away and enjoy social interaction.

Perhaps the most dangerous impact of technology is evident in distracted driving.

According to ODOT, there have been nearly 5,000 distracted driving related crashes so far this year. Too often, drivers forget their main focus is the road ahead.

Technology and cell phones have benefitted us in more ways than we can count. However, we all have a responsibility to remain “plugged in” to reality and the people around us.

Meet the New 2017-2018 Editors

Wednesday, May 10

AP Lang/Comp Exam Career Tech Orientation

Thursday, May 11

News Editor

Editor-in-Chief

News Editor

Friday, May 12

Ahmed Darwich

Quentin Griffin

Jackie Toth

AP Stats Exam

Band Awards Night

Saturday, May 13 Prom

Wednesday, May 17

Graduation Practice

Friday, May 19 Baccalaureate

Sunday, May 21

Commencement

Wednesday, May 24 Last Day of School

Sports-Business Editor Josh Hagans

Bruin Staff Editor-in-Chief: Quentin Griffin Front Page: Page Editor: Ahmed Darwich, Jackie Toth Reporters: Anna Bowling, Marraya Youngblood Editorial: Page Editor: Ahmed Darwich, Jackie Toth Reporter: Colin Wright Speakout: Page Editor: Alyssa Laikos Reporters: Lindsay Carr Opinion 1: Page Editor: Ahmed Darwich, Jackie Toth Reporters: Olivia Porpora, Richie Dietrich Opinion 2: Page Editor: Ahmed Darwich, Jackie Toth Reporters: Jacob McDermitt, Kai Wagner Features: Page Editor: Tori Baker Reporters: Jonathon Ball, Joe Chamier News: Page Editor: Ahmed Darwich, Jackie Toth Reporters: Jessica Hermann, Kylee Baranek Picture Pages: Editors: Alyssa Laikos Reporters: Stacey Thayer, Jacob Brown Sports 1: Page Editor: Josh Hagans Reporters: T.J. Lockwood, Connor Mendel Sports 2: Page Editor: Josh Hagans Reporters: Christian Szalay, Jake Loguidice Entertainment: Editor: Tori Baker Reporters: Kaitlyn Setera, Matt Studenic Of The Month: Editor: Alyssa Laikos Reporters: Angelique Elia Ads/Business Manager: Josh Hagans Adviser: Eric Heffinger

Features Editor

Art Editor

Online Editor

Tori Baker

Alyssa Laikos

Nate Barnett

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 April/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.

N EWS A word from our

principal

Students, it is finally here: the end of the school year. It has been a fantastic year and I want to thank all of you for making my job as High School Principal a great one. We have had major success with the athletic, academic, and fine arts programs all year. It has been amazing to watch all of you mature over the course of this year and I can’t wait to do it all over again this coming year. Each year brings wonderful moments of excellence from our student body. Keep up the good work.

I do want to take this time to thank our wonderful staff for an outstanding year as well. Students: you are fortunate to have a passionate group of teachers that care for you every day and strive to make you better. Our teachers and support staff continually find ways to motivate and inspire each one of you. It is not an easy task, as you know, but they do an excellent job. Special thanks and congratulations to Mr. Schmeltzer Sr. who will be retiring this year after many years of teaching.

You will be sorely missed and we hope that you have a great retirement.

I would also like to give special mention to Mr. Berlin, Mr. Sieber and Mr. Musgrave for an outstanding year as well. I have appreciated all the work each of you has done administratively to make Wadsworth High a great place to be at for our students and staff.

Each of you treats ALL students and staff very well and you are all, truly, great people.

Students, I have said it multiple times and I will say it again. We have the greatest High School in the State of Ohio because of all the great people here. Have a great summer and see you in August.

GO GRIZZLIES!!!

- Mr. Moore

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Downtown Wadsworth prepares for renovation

BY KYLEE BARANEK

Plans for renovating Downtown Wadsworth have sparked both fear and excitement in the community. Multiple concerns have been expressed about the seventy-five page plan that describes ways of beautifying Downtown to make it more appealing.

The part of the plan that is causing the most concern is the possible moving of the gazebo, which is currently located in the center of town. While there are no concrete plans, moving the gazebo to an area with a more family-friendly atmosphere seems to be the general consensus of those surveyed.

Supporters think that an area with more green space would be the best option for moving the gazebo, as a spot with extra space would be beneficial for the groups that perform at the gazebo. This would also create a welcoming atmosphere and help attract younger groups of people.

Downtown Wadsworth has had a gazebo since the mid-1800s, and the idea of moving it to a different location is not appealing

to many of the citizens of Wadsworth. These citizens being the local business owners and workers that are located around the gazebo.

The President of the Board of Main Street, Daniel Slife, said, “I speak on behalf of Main Street Wadsworth: they’ve adopted a framework that is a loose plan and guideline. So, the adoption of that plan, though versions of that show the gazebo moving, it’s not the only way.”

According to the Wadsworth Economic Director, Harry Stark, “The whole small component of the gazebo and the green space in the Downtown will be talked about, but that’s a long term plan. When we meet in May, we are really going to be looking at more of the small term plans that are happening this year. Part of this plan is going to include the people of Wadsworth by forming an implementation committee consisting of people both for and against the moving of the gazebo.”

The good news is that Stark said that the taxes will not be raised, and that the annual budget will handle all of the expenses

Ongoing strife in Syria

BY JESSICA HERMANN

What started in Spring of 2011 as a peaceful uprising has now left over 300,000 citizens dead.

Civil war is raging in Syria.

Rebels are hidden with weapons while Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has shown that he is not afraid to use force while fighting the war. He is claimed to have committed serious war crimes against the Syrian people, although he denies such acts. The outcome of the war is if the rebels win the civil war, Assad will be tried in the International Criminal Court. If the government in power wins, Assad will subsequently not be tried for those alleged crimes, according to the United Nation.

The Syrian president has also allegedly tortured at least ten European citizens. On April 4, Assad is believed by the United States and other nations to have taken an action that many would consider wrong and inhumane.

He was accused of using chemical weapons against a rebel group based in Khan Sheikhoun, killing over eighty.

This can be horrifying for those who know the effect of chemical weapons on living people.

“I don’t know what to think

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

Protestors gather to protest the U.S. air strikes in Syria.

about what Assad says. The country has been fighting since 2011. According to a UN commission, there is evidence that all parties here committed war crimes,” said Sarah McIlvaine, an American History teacher.

Not only is it banned by the United Nations Security Council, but chemical warfare is physically scarring and ruins the lives of those who do survive.

Some may wonder where the United States fits in with all of this. Former president Barack Obama had been aiding Syrian rebels with food and medical supplies since February of 2013.

When President Trump took office, he decided to take action against Syria based on the alleged chemical attacks. Trump saw no such way to justify such an action, and proceeded to order a military strike on the Syrian air base where the chemical bombs were supposedly launched from.

This caused controversy both in the United States and in Syria.

Some Americans believe that the U.S. should not have gotten involved with the Syrian civil war, and instead let the Syrians take initiative themselves. Others hold the mindset that Trump is doing what is right, seeing as the militant group ISIS holds heavy influence in Syria.

“I don’t believe it is ever okay to use a chemical bomb. As for Trump bombing the Syrian base, I am not sure. It is hard to understand that he bombed the base because of the suffering of Syria babies, but he banned Syrian refugees and their babies when they tried to come to the U.S. for safety,” McIlvaine added on the topic of President Trump’s bombing.

that the renovations will cost.

As there is no set plan, the directors are focusing on some of the short term plans they will be able to accomplish this summer.

For example, one of their short term plans is to put Edison lights in the alleyway between Bicksler Electric and the Sub Station.

Other plans to beautify Wadsworth are already in motion.

The city has put in new benches and trash cans to make the city more alluring.

The gazebo moving is not the only long term renovations and plans that are in the discussion process. There is also talk about a branding campaign. “One of the things we don’t have is a brand Who is the city of Wadsworth?”

Stark addressed.

Currently, Stark and others are negotiating with consultants about a brand for the city of Wadsworth and for the downtown to try to get more people into the area. Another long term plan is a streetscape plan. This plan includes ideas of expanding the streets and creating a plan for more business parking spaces.

One of the main reasons that Stark and others think we need

renovations is the idea of getting an “anchor” into the downtown.

This “anchor” is a business that could be a shopping center, grocery store, restaurant or even a park.

It is something that is meant to bring more people of all ages to Downtown Wadsworth and want to spend time in the area. The “anchor” is the whole reason downtown is being renovated. This, coupled with the brand, will put Wadsworth on the map.

PHOTO BY KYLEE BARANEK

This gazebo in Downtown Wadsworth has been a focal point for decades, but new plans for Downtown may bring a new location or even new gazebo to the city.

NEWS BRIEFS WORLD War with North Korea becomes real possibility

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

North Korean leader Kim Jung-un stands with North Korean forces after the most recent missile testing.

With the possibility of an oncoming war, President Trump hopes to work towards peaceful relations between the U.S. and North Korea. Pyongyang, North Korea’s Capital, is preparing to launch another nuclear missile test in the upcoming weeks. The missile ranges are slowly coming closer to U.S. soil; the closest state they could reach would be Hawaii. Trump also hopes to involve China in solving these upcoming issues.

NATIONAL OBAMACARE REPEAL BILL PASSED IN THE HOUSE

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan on his way to the House floor in the Capitol for the vote on the repeal and replace of Obamacare.

The House Republicans announced on Thursday, May 4th, that the Affordable Care Act repeal bill has passed in the House of Representatives. The repeal was hotly contested for its steep spending cuts, and was ultimately passed with a 217-to-213 vote total. The bill is expected to also be hotly contested in the Senate; the next home of the bill. It would be smart to expect many changes in the bill as Republican Senators differ on what they wish to change about Obamacare.

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2017

Summer work changing the meaning of summer

OPINION BY OLIVIA PORPORA

Students who are in honors or AP classes know the struggle of having to do homework over the summer. All of this work can take away from the importance of the break that summer brings. Some students have so much summer work that they do not get an actual break from school. Summer work is a bad idea, and it takes away from the true meaning of summer vacation.

“It is rough fitting [school work] in my busy summer schedule and I find it to be ineffective in helping students

understand the information,” said Noah Porter, 10, who plays two school sports. Both of his sports require a lot of summertime commitment.

Most teachers give out summer work to help keep the students’ minds active over the long summer break so that when school rolls around the students are ready to work. The reality is that this work just causes students more stress with deadlines and makes it harder to understand topics.

Signing up for these honors and AP classes is already a huge commitment for students. With the difficult curriculum during the school year, I feel that it is too much to add onto during the summer. Students need time to be kids and enjoy life.

Mrs. Rohrer, who teaches AP Biology at WHS, thinks that doing summer work introduces

PHOTO BY OLIVIA PORPORA

This is a page taken out of the grade 10 AP biology text book. For this class students had to read, take notes, and do a scavenger hunt during the summer.

the kids to what the class and the criteria both entail.

If you do not understand the topics during the summer then it is pointless and a giant waste of time because the teachers never go back and cover it in depth.

I have personally been affected by summer assignments. It took up a huge amount of my time and it was hard to meet some of the deadlines. I also had to get out of the house to do some of the work.

The assignments were worth a lot of points and the teachers graded them with a fine-tooth comb.

Most of the work that you do over the summer is not reviewed in class when you return. The teachers just collect it and expect that you know the material.

“Students and teachers can both work harder during the school year to get the work done rather than doing it in the summer. I feel that I don’t get to have a real break from school,” said Sarah Cain, 10.

By the time you finish all of the work, summer is over. You have to go back to school and do the same thing over again. It is not fair to say that we get a break when we are loaded with work.

Summer is a time to relax and take a break from the stress of school. Students should not have to do all of that work during the summer. Instead they should spend summer break with their friends and family.

Did doing summer work help you prepare for this school year?

“No, all I did was read books and write journals.”

-Anna Callow, 10

“What summer work?”

-Demetrios Laikos, 10

“No, I did all of my work on the last day and my teacher didn’t even go over it, so it was pointless.”

-Regan Gatz, 9

“Yes, I think it is a good idea because it is good to keep the mind active and practice over the break.”

-Andrew Edwards, 12 PHOTOS BY OLIVIA PORPORA

B.Y.O.D: a student’s rights versus their privileges

OPINION BY RICHIE DIETRICH

Allowing students to bring in their own devices was an idea that was supposed to bring students closer together in the classroom and allow them to strengthen their overall learning experience.

It now has turned into a battle of censorship and an argument of rights versus privilege between students and the administration.

“Bring Your Own Device” was a program implemented by the Wadsworth Board of Education a couple of years ago and the overall effectiveness of the program has been questioned by teachers and students alike.

Their concerns question whether or not the program has actually helped students perform better in the classroom, or rather if the program has stalled the environment of learning and allowed students to skip out on their education. This has become a major concern in our educational system.

“I deal with the bad sides of the devices, but there are major benefits to having them in the classroom, and social media can be a great tool that students are able to use to promote their education, if used responsibly,” said Mr. Berlin.

As previously stated, there are pros and cons to this program.

Social media can be a beneficial factor in assisting a student in their education, but it formulates the question of whether or not students are using their devices, both for school and social media, responsibly. Is this program a

right of the students or a privilege given to them?

“It’s neither a right nor a privilege,” said Mr. Berlin, when asked about the B.Y.O.D. program. “It is a part of everyday life, at Wadsworth High School, and many other schools, at that.”

When discussing the pros and cons of the program as a whole, it is obvious that the cons are a result of student irresponsibility both inside and outside of school when it comes to how they use social media, and how they may instead be focused on their phones instead of their work, but when it comes to the pros of the program, what are they specifically?

Positive impacts of this program stretch to very far reaches; students are able to learn and study via their device in many different ways.

These ways include Kahoot, an interactive and competitive

student-to-student activity that tests the individual’s knowledge of a specific topic (i.e. knowing Spanish vocabulary, knowing one’s history, etc.) and Quizlet, a multiple-choice application that allows students to choose between studying with flash cards/matching, an electronic test, or a small assortment of games.

There are also many other benefits to having devices in classes, such as allowing students to use Google Docs, which allows them to access their papers from any device as long as they use the same email. This can allow students to take more notes, be more organized, and spend more time listening to the teacher.

However, the usage in class can also limit how much a student learns.

The school’s blocking of certain applications such as

Snapchat and Twitter have allegedly been attempts to keep students focused on the classroom, but due to students using data on their phones, this attempt to block unnecessary content has failed. So, what is the true purpose of devices in the classroom?

I believe that the true purpose of devices in the classroom is to allow students to connect further with one another but also to connect to the subject at the same time. Using Quizlet and Kahoot helps, but self-discipline and proper usage is on the student.

A discussion between what the students believe and what their teachers and the administration think of the progress of the program will always differ, but regarding the goals of education, take John F. Kennedy’s words for yourself: “The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth.”

Is the “B.Y.O.D.” program a right or a privilege for students?

“I believe that it is a student’s privilege that the school gives to them. They do not entirely deserve to have a phone at school in the first place.”

Matt Woody, 10

“It is the student’s right to have their device in the classroom.

However, it is more respectful to have the devices away while the teacher is talking.”

Hannah Sieber, 11 PHOTOS BY RICHIE DIETRICH

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The increasing threat of specialization in athletes

OPINION BY JACOB MCDERMITT

In today’s ultra-competitive high school sports society, more and more student athletes are beginning to specialize in a single sport. They quit all but one sport to focus on it year-round.

This may seem like an opportunity for the athletes to reach their full potential in that sport, however it usually ends up hurting them. It can cause a loss of interest in the sport and overuse or burnout injuries.

Multi-sport athletes are healthier and more active, as they transition into their adult lives.

According to a study done by

The Ohio State University, the earlier an athlete commits to a single sport, the more likely they are to quit early.

At the most basic level, sports are games. The idea is to have fun, but athletes who specialize in a single sport often become tired of the repetition; they do not enjoy their individual sports as much when it begins occupy all their time. When they begin a sport because of the joy they get from it, the eventual lack of enjoyment becomes a problem.

Beau Casey, 10, played basketball as his only sport during his freshman year. This year, as a sophomore, he also began playing tennis. Casey is also considering golfing during his junior year.

“I like how it makes the school year go faster. Mixing it up throughout the year definitely helps me to keep my focused during each sport,” says Casey.

Single-sport athletes get

PHOTO COURTESY OF RYAN STORAD

Players crowd around specialized athlete, Ryan Storad, 11, after he tore his ACL.

drained from playing the same sport all year, but athletes like Casey do not have that problem.

Many people think specialization helps athletes because they become conditioned for the movements of particular sports, but according to a study done by John P. DiFiori, MD, Chief of Sports Medicine at UCLA, multi-sport athletes have better muscle development and general athleticism.

The unique environments help the athlete to develop a multitude of different muscles and muscle areas. Being fit in a wide variety of muscle groups helps the athlete’s overall health and limits the overuse injuries that plague single-sport, yearround athletes.

Overuse or burnout injuries are common in specializing athletes. The repeated use of the same muscles in the same fashion wears them down until they break.

Dr. Neeru Jayanthi of Loyola University did a study of 1,200 athletes and found that specialization in a single sport led athletes to be up to 93% more likely to become injured.

Multi-sport athletes lose time to other sports, but single-sport athletes lose more time to injury instead. When these athletes return from their injury, if they do at all, they are unhealthy and unconditioned. In comparison,

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEAU CASEY

Beau Casey, 10, plays tennis for the first time this year to try something new.

multi-sport athletes have remained active and fit from their participation in other sports.

Ryan Storad, 11, plays basketball as his only sport.

He was a varsity starter his sophomore year, and began his junior year in the same role.

However, after just 6 games, he tore his ACL and missed the remainder of the season.

“I don’t think the trainers help enough and we don’t stretch enough,” said Storad, when asked what he thought was to blame for his injury. Specializing requires trainers and players to

pay extra attention to their health through stretching and staying rested, which can be avoided by multi-sport participation.

In the aforementioned study, The Ohio State University also found that early specialization led to lower activity rates as the athletes reached adulthood. The more sports someone participates in, the better the chance they will continue to participate in one of their sports.

Playing multiple sports benefits the athlete not only as they participate, but as they move forward in their life as well.

Track’s most difficult events are put against each other

OPINION BY KAI WAGNER

Track is arguably one of the most excruciating sports at Wadsworth High School, but the hardest, most intense event is up to debate: the 400 meter dash, 800 meter run, 300 meter hurdles and 2 mile run all live up to the title of most difficult, but which one trumps all?

Track separates all-around athletes from the specialized athletes. It puts fitness and mental

toughness together, making it one of the most difficult sports in high school. Other sports such as football and wrestling are difficult as well, but they both have goals that could distract a person from the pain of the activity you take part in.

The dedication to run track is especially intense. Taking one day off of the six-day-aweek schedule can completely diminish all your other efforts to become a good runner.

Getting into the specific events of the “most excruciating sport in Wadsworth High School,” track is loaded with difficult events that people see as torture, such as the 2 mile because of its distance, or the 400 meter dash due to all the talk from the track team. Some ask why

athletes would even sign up for the sport and put themselves through all the pain. Runners put themselves through lots of intense, excruciating workouts that they hope will eventually lead them to the top.

These workouts are specialized for the runner. A long distance runner has a much different workout than a hurdler or a sprinter, which makes it tough to decide which of these events is the hardest.

The six-day-a-week practice schedule regularly sends the runners home in agony, knowing that they have to do it all over again the next day. During this preparation, runners have different workouts, some more intense than others. This creates an ongoing debate of the hardest

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL PORPORA

Alex Jones, 12, in the 4x100 relay at the Wadsworth High School Track, bolts past Nordonia to take the lead for the Grizzlies.

race. A general consensus that runners have come to is the hardest race in track is the 400 meter dash.

“The 400 meter is the hardest race; it’s a full sprint for a full lap and demands everything from your body. After the race, the only thing you can do is collapse on the ground,” said Josiah Sovine, 11, a speed-demon on the track team.

As a track runner that does mostly sprints, the 400 meter dash is the most demanding race of all.

It is a full-on sprint for a whole lap. Most of the guys running this race will tell you how unpleasant and spartan the race actually is.

“The 400 meter dash is awful. At the 300 meter mark you become dead and still can hardly see the light at the end of the tunnel, but you have to keep sprinting,” said Sovine.

These four clinical races usually end in all competitors lying on the ground gasping for air, but they are some of the most important races in track. Although the 2 mile is the longest distance, the speed of the race is the slowest. The 300 meter hurdles is the smallest distance, but running while jumping over multiple hurdles to cross the finish line puts everyone in agony. These races still do not have anything on the 400 meter dash or the 800 meter run.

The 800 meter run and the 400 meter dash are both very similar.

They are both too short of a distance to be jogging, but too long to be sprinting the entirety of

the distance. The 800 meter run is found to be more of a burden to students who have never ran track due to the distance, in a recent survey in the school. Out of 30 men not on the track team, 23 picked the 800 meter run.

The 400 meter dash, however, received more support from the track team to be the hardest race in track. Out of another 30 men on the team, 17 of them had a stronger dislike towards the 400 meter dash.

“The 400 as an all-out sprint for a full lap makes it one of the 3 hardest races in track. These three are the 300 meter hurdles, the 800 meter run, and the 400 meter dash,” said head track coach, Chris Beery.

So with all of this said, the hardest race in track is the grueling 400 meter dash. The 400 meters of a full sprint, starts to kick in at about 250 meters making the last 150 meters a grind for the competitors. The 400 meter triumphs over the 2 mile, 800 meter, and 300 meter hurdles for the hardest race in track with a close second of the 800 meter run.

“The 800 meter dash has made a recent upcoming. Like the 400 meter dash, it has almost turned into a sprint for two whole laps.

So the toughest event could change very soon,” said Coach Chris Beery.

With all this said, track’s most excruciating event goes to the 400 meter dash. The all-out sprint defeats every other event.

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Boys’ and girls’ lacrosse

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D

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C

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H PHOTOS BY STACEY THAYER

A) Sarah Roe, 12, #4 on defense, steals the ball from Lake to clear to her offensive players on the other side of the field, leading to a 19-7 Lady Grizzlies win.

B) Evan Goebel, 12, #12 runs the ball down the field in a 12-7 loss for the boys against St. Vincent St. Mary.

C) Alyssa Baxley, 11, #10 gets ready to play offense for the Lady Grizzles in their game against Lake.

D) JV player Jarelle Hutcherson, 10, #8 goes after a ground ball in their game against St. Vincent St. Mary.

E) The Wadsworth girls’ varsity team hustles for a ground ball against Lake.

F) Hannah Toolis, 11, #13 goes for the goal while Lake’s #18 attempts to block her.

G) Varsity lacrosse player, Noah Simpson, 12, #45 catches the ball from a teammate and goes to the goal.

H) Camdyn Brady, 11, #34 runs toward the ball after the draw which sent the ball to the right.

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Wadsworth Alumnus walks on to Ohio State

BY T.J. LOCKWOOD

Wadsworth alumnus and current Ohio State senior, Nick Seme, has fulfilled his lifelong dream: walking on and officially becoming a part of the 2017 Ohio State University football team.

“It has always been a dream of mine to play for the Buckeyes...

I still have a hard time believing that this is all real,” said Seme.

The senior defensive lineman was recently placed on the roster after transferring from Ashland University. This has been a dream for Seme, but it has come in an unexpected way.

From multiple serious injuries, having to change positions, and transferring schools, Seme has had a career full of twists and turns. Despite these obstacles, former Wadsworth football coach Greg Dennison, who coached Seme through high school, was not surprised by Seme’s walk-on success.

“He wanted to do it, and when Nick sets his mind to something, he is going to find a way to do it,” said Dennison.

Seme played for the Wadsworth Grizzlies football team in 2011 and 2012, and contributed in a number of ways. He played many

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK SEME

Nick Seme #15 carries the ball for the Wadsworth Grizzlies in his junior year.

positions, including tight end, defensive end, and linebacker.

At Ashland, he played fullback, and now is on the defensive line for the Buckeyes. Dennison said that Seme did a “little bit of everything” for the Grizzlies.

“Guys like him don’t come along very often,” said Dennison.

Although Seme had great success in his high school career, he also had setbacks. Seme suffered an MCL/ACL injury that kept him out for almost all of his senior season, and hurt his recruitment possibilities for college football.

He also suffered a shoulder injury after his first game at Ashland University, which required surgery and a long recovery.

This forced his main focus to academics rather than football, sparking his interest in Ohio State.

“I wanted to transfer to a larger school and focus more on my academic career. I had no intentions of playing when I got down to Columbus,” said Seme.

Although he had these setbacks and a change of focus, he was able to recover and become an even better player through his hardwork and dedication.

Dennison also had a lot to say about Seme’s work ethic and character, being the paragon of hard work and the rewards that

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK SEME

Ohio State coach, Urban Meyer, left, officially puts Nick Seme, right, on the Ohio State roster.

come with it.

“He was always such a gifted hard worker with a great attitude,” said Dennison.

Under Coach Dennison, Seme is the only player to continue his football career at Ohio State, which is widely known for their success in college football. Ohio State is often ranked as one of the best college football teams in the nation. Notably, the Buckeyes won the Division I NCAA football national championship in 2015, the fifth win for the program. They also returned to the playoff in 2016.

The upcoming team looks to return to the college football playoff and bring back another national championship trophy

for the Buckeyes with returning senior quarterback J.T. Barrett leading the way. Last season, the Buckeyes made it to the playoff as the three seed, but were shut out in a 31-0 loss. The team looks to return this season even stronger and ready to compete.

Playing for Ohio State has been an opportunity of a lifetime for Seme that he has always dreamed of and worked toward. Seme is prepared to do anything to help the Buckeyes succeed and get better every day.

Seme closed with “It all came down to working toward and following a dream... If you consistently work hard, you can create amazing opportunities for yourself.”

Dodgeball Tournament back, better than ever

BY CONNOR MENDEL

The stands were full and the stakes were high, with 24 teams entering this tournament. It all came down to one team, as the student council put on another successful dodgeball tournament for the United Way. The NENE team came out victorious, defeating Daj Mabal in the championship.

Led by Michael North, 10, with Joey Baughman, 11, Alex Jones, 12, Cody Suartt, 12, Mason McMillen, 10, Luke Baughman, 10, Drew Blankenship, 12, and Zain Tittle, 10.

There was a 40 dollar entry fee, with a maximum of 8 players per team. From the tournament, student council raised 960 dollars for United Way. The tournament was set up with 3 team pools that each sent their top team into the playoffs. The advancing teams were: Squirtle Squad, Dodging Joe’s, The Innercity Wigglers, NENE, Daj Mabal, Swole Team Six, Betty Crocker and Cowherd.

Daj Mabal vs.

The Innercity Wigglers in the elite eight game was loaded with questionable calls and led to a bad outcome for Joey Fernholz, 11, and the Innercity Wigglers.

“I have no argument with the officials or administrators of the dodgeball tournament.

I simply have a difference of opinion on the particular call that is in dispute and the consistency of some of the literature in the rule sheet.

I am in no way trying to undermine the authority of the administrators nor refs and would never do that to the sport of dodgeball that I love so dearly. I hope this clears up any confusion and we can move on from this incident,” said Fernholz, when asked about the call and the tournament as a whole.

“It wasn’t really surprised,” said Michael North. “Luke and I are going for the first ever 4 timer so I hope we continue to do it. We worked really hard for it and I’m dedicated to achieve my goal.

My three words would be, way too easy,” said North.

The dodgeball tournament has a brief but interesting history. It all started in 2014 and took a break for the 2015 year, starting back up again for 2016 and 2017.

Another champion, Mason McMillen, said, “not a shock.”

“I thought the refs were unfair against the Innercity Wigglers, but it doesn’t matter because we would have won anyways.”

The tournament works quite similarly to the tournament in the movie “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” which is rated 6.7 stars out of 10 by IMDb. Unlike the movie, where

the “underdogs” of the tournament won, here at this dodgeball tournament the favorites won. With two of the players of the winning team being returning champions and three of them being runners-up, the odds were in their favor.

Although a girls’ team has never won the tournament, each year they show their best abilities. “I think dodgeball went very well this year! There was a lot of participation and the money went to a great cause,” said Kenzie Grice, 11, a member of the Bean ‘N’ Gang 2.0 team.

When interviewed, she was asked what three words she would use to sum up the tournament, hers were: “Someone beat NENE.” But in the end, NENE, the wrestling team affiliate, prevailed and took home the crown for the second consecutive year.

The Innercity Wigglers get ready to dodge balls.

PHOTO BY ALYSSA LAIKOS

PHOTO BY ALYSSA LAIKOS

The gymnasium before the game begins. The excitement was palpable.

NENE, made up of members of the wrestling team, were the winners of the WHS Dodgeball event.

PHOTO BY CODY SURRATT

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Notable Alumnus Jodi Johnson wins National Championship

BY CHRISTIAN SZALAY

A year after leading the Lady Grizzlies to a triumphant State Title, Jodi Johnson, a freshman at Ashland University, helped lead the Eagles to a Division II National Championship.

Going into her first year at Ashland, a very competitive school, Johnson had to work for every minute she was given on the court. Earning a starting lineup spot as a freshman and being a contributor to the team was a huge accomplishment.

As a freshman, Johnson averaged 11.9 points per game while shooting 51 percent from the field. Johnson was a hound on the boards tallying 4.8 rebounds per game, as well as dishing 3.4 assists per game.

The Eagles averaged 93.4 points per game, yet no single player averaged more than 20.

Not only did they go undefeated,

but they won most games by over 20 points. With the season success, it was evident they had big potential to do something special this year.

They did just that, ending with a 37-0 record. It was the first time in Division II history for a women’s basketball team to complete a perfect season.

Defeating Virginia Union in the GLIAC National Championship 93-77, was a perfect way to end such a historic season for the Eagles.

The bond the team had with one another is very hard to find among teams.

“Our team was very close and I feel like that’s why we had so much success this season,” said Johnson.

Ashland has a very young and deep bench consisting of three seniors, three juniors, two sophomores and four freshmen.

The fast pace, up-tempo game

PHOTO COURTESY OF JODI JOHNSON

Jodi Johnson (front right) holds team back just as they win the Championship.

The tight-knit Ashland Lady Eagles celebrate the National Championship.

style of the university really Showing pure dominance showed the grit and demeanor this season, the Lady Eagles of of the young talented squad. Ashland will play one of the Averaging 13.6 steals per game, most successful programs in getting out and running was part of

the identity this year.

“No matter what role you Sharing the ball was not a problem for played on the team, everyone Ashland, averaging was engaged and we were 24.4 assists per game. all genuinely happy for each The team showed their selfless play other when we did well.” style and thrived on -Jodi Johnson it.

“No matter what role you played on the team, all of sports, The University of everyone was engaged and we Connecticut, in an exhibition were all genuinely happy for each game on Sunday November 5th. other when we did well,” said Dating back to the beginning of Johnson. her senior season at Wadsworth

Chris Steele competes in bowling states

BY JAKE LOGUIDICE

This winter, Chris Steele became the first freshman bowler in school history to go to states.

On March 11th, 2017, Steele made his first appearance at the OHSAA state tournament.

Steele is a very dedicated bowler, but he went to states with a chip on his shoulder.

“I’ve been bowling since I was three and I’ve always wanted to go to state. I think I got a bigger motivation because everyone said that bowling is not a real sport so I tried to prove them wrong,” said Steele.

Steele certainly has a mindset that he wants to prove people wrong about the sport of bowling.

Steele bowled a 171, 200, and a 204 at states. He said it was rough, but he managed to finish in 45th place out of 207 bowlers.

This led him to finish with a 575 series and an opportunity at a top spot because of his performance in the tournament.

Steele’s performance did however get him in the top 25% of all the individual bowlers in the state. It also got him a few awards such as the Suburban League honorable mention and the Medina Gazette MVP. In states, Steele proved that he is a top competitor in what is only his freshman year. By his senior year, Steele says he wants to sign to a college such as Muskingum University or The Ohio State University to pursue his bowling career.

High school bowling has shown to be an upcoming sport lately. The 2017 OHSAA State Tournament had a huge tournament with many teams competing. However, Steele is used to this kind of pressure, “I’ve already started bowling in junior pro tournaments but I eventually want to go on to the adult pro tour (PBA),” said Steele.

He certainly has a lot of goals for his future in bowling and they start next season.

Steele says he thinks that the boys bowling team will return to state and do much better than they did this year. Individually, Steele is working hard to improve his game for next year.

He plans to get better before next season, his sophomore year, and advance to the postseason once again. Steele aspires to advance further and do better than he did last year.

Steele’s coach, George Steele, has a lot of confidence about the upcoming seasons for the bowling team. Their performance next season is a product of their state appearance this last season.

“I would like to see our team grow into one of the state’s strongest programs,” Steele said.

The attitude towards next season appears to be hopeful for the Grizzlies. The coaches and players share the same mindset when it comes to the goal for next season.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JODI JOHNSON

High School, it was clear that Johnson had big dreams of winning the big games. Little did she know, those dreams would soon come true.

Leading the Lady Grizzlies to a 28-1 record, while averaging 16.5 points per game and capping the season off with a State Championship, it was very clear she was a natural born leader.

Winning the High School State Championship seemed to be the perfect ending to such a great season, but shortly after, Johnson received the Player of the Year award for Division I womens’ basketball.

Living up to high expectations, Johnson may have paved the way for a huge legacy.

Browns first round picks

BY JAKE LOGUIDICE

Round 1, Pick 1: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M.

Round 1, Pick 25: Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan

PHOTO BY HAILEY SHORT

Chris Steele, 9, is very focused and in the middle of a match for the Wadsworth Grizzles.

“I would like to see a State Championship brought to Wadsworth from the boys and girls teams,” said Steele.

The future of Wadsworth bowling may contain more State appearances. The bowling team, including Chris Steele, are hopeful for the future.

“Next season we are going bigger and I would like to see us do better in States,” says Steele.

But for now, Steele is trying to improve his match scores to prepare for next season.

Steele also plays soccer for the high school team in the fall season. He is a multi-sport athlete but finds a tremendous amount of fulfillment from performing well in bowling.

Next season, Steele hopes to accomplish much more than he did this season.

Round 1, Pick 29: David Njoku, TE, Miami

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

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Maslanka acknowledged Shane Kirvel goes from talent show to Bluetip and remains, a blend of southern for her role in Career Tech rock, classic rock, and hard

BY JONATHAN BALL

BY ADAM DARWICH

Madaline Maslanka, a career tech student at Wadsworth High, recently travelled to Anaheim, California to compete in an international competition in the category of Principles of Marketing. To qualify, Maslanka first had to win the district competition at the University of Akron and place in the top four in her category at the statewide competition.

“The competition has two parts; a written portion and a roleplay event with judges,” said Maslanka. “They average out the two scores and hopefully you score is high enough to move on.”

Maslanka scored quite high on both parts as she placed second in the state of Ohio and qualified to the international tournament in Anaheim, California.

Alongside the amazing experience of being stacked up against some of the greatest Marketing students in the state, Malsanka had other enjoyable times too.

“We got to go to Disneyland and I became friends with a lot of people that went. I also visited the beach and just had an overall great time,” said Maslanka.

Unfortunately, Maslanka did not qualify for the final round of the competition, but is excited about a possible

marking career.

“Just participating in a tournament like this gives me a lot of hope for my future in marketing,” she said.

Maslanka said that, “There was about 10,000 students that come to compete with an extra 8,000 family members that were there to watch.”

While being pit against the best of the best, Maslanka also got to have the time of her life.

Shane Kirvel played in the WHS talent show on May 1, demonstrating his skill with the guitar. The talent show is not Kirvel’s only outlet for his music but he is also a member of Walking In Circles, a local Wadsworth band that will be opening the Bluetip Festival this June.

“What we do is play music,” said Shane Kirvel, 11, when speaking about his role in the band.

In the summer of 2015, Kirvel was taking guitar lessons from Walking In Circles’ founder Jake Gray. Gray saw potential in Kirvel, and Walking In Circles agreed to invite him into the band.

Walking In Circles was founded in 2012 by Jake Gray and a group of WHS students looking to enjoy their musical talents together. Their style was,

rock. A lot of people doubted the group’s potential, saying that “The genres were old and that no one would want to hear them.” Walking In Circles formed regardless, and have reached unprecedented success, with numerous performances across the U.S. They have traveled to Nashville and beyond, entertaining collegeaged audiences and older rock fans alike. The journalist Neil Shack of the Odeon Concert Club Cleveland once described them as, “...a Lebron swish.. Feels good to hear.”

Despite how far they have gone, Walking In Circles still has roots right here in Wadsworth. Every member was a WHS student, and one member works at the YMCA adjacent to the building. It is obvious that creative people can make waves in this town, going

PHOTO COURTESY OF QUENTIN GRIFFIN

Madaline Maslanka, 12, poses with her prize winning trophy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHANE KIRVEL

Walking In Circles pose for a photo after the release of their second studio album.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHANE KIRVEL

Walking In Circles founder Jake Gray plays the Belcourt Tap, one of the venues on their Nashville performance.

from a handful of kids in a garage to a band performing across states.

Walking In Circles continues to represent their hometown by playing the Bluetip Festival in between summer shows.

The Bluetip Festival is a long-held tradition, something people wait for in the summer.

Walking In Circles first attended the Bluetip in 2015, where the newcomers received critical praise. Emily Canning - Dean of the Wadsworth Post said “The group, which formed in 2012, picked up a lot of momentum after performing at the Medina Battle of the Bands in 2013.”

Walking In Circles will be opening the festivities on June 20. Students and teachers will look to see their pupil and peer accomplish his goals.

Meet the 2016-2017 Student Council Executive Board

BY JOE CHAMIER

With the 2016-2017 school year slowly coming to a close, student council executive board elections have dawned upon the school once again. Along with two vice presidents and a secretary, the current student council elected a new student body president.

Secilia Ho- Secretary Secilia Ho, 10, was elected as student body secretary. Secilia is a sophomore golfer and recently was a part of Wadsworth’s first Suburban League Championship.

She won Suburban League Player of the Year and was also selected to First Team All Suburban.

Ho has been in Student Council since 7th grade. This is her first year on the Student Council Executive board. She is also a member of Wadsworth’s Speech and Debate team, and participates in HUDDLE and STAMP. As a secretary on the executive board, she is in charge of taking minutes, call to order, adjourning

the meeting, and taking attendance.

“We mentioned a recycling club a few times at our meetings this past year,” said Ho. “I really want to put this together for next year and I feel it would be a hit at our school.”

Leah McNutt- Vice President Leah McNutt, 10, was elected to one of the vice president slots on the Executive Board. McNutt has been in Student Council since 7th grade. She is the sister of previous Student Council Executive President Andrew McNutt, and intends to climb through the ranks of Wadsworth’s Student Council Executive Board.

McNutt plays volleyball and lacrosse, but sports aren’t the only things on her list of extracurriculars. She is also a member of many other clubs, including Key Club, STAMP, HUDDLE, Red Cross club and Suburban League Leadership.

“I really want school spirit to be our main focus next school year,” said McNutt. “Last year’s

Student Council did a great job of it, but there is still work to be done.”

Tony Batey- Vice President Tony Batey, 10, was elected to the other Vice President position.

As a Vice President, Batey’s main job will be assisting the president and representing his class.

Batey has been in Student Council since 7th grade, and this is also his second year on the Executive Board. He previously was also elected as Vice President.

Batey is also a member of Speech and Debate, academic challenge and Wadsworth’s marching band and jazz band.

The 2016-17 Executive Board recently went to a Suburban League conference, where they got ideas from other schools about their respective student councils.

“After seeing how other schools operate their student councils, it gave us some great ideas for next year. I’m very excited about it,” said Batey with a smile.

Adam Darwich- Student Body President Adam Darwich, 11, was elected student body president. As a student body president, his focus is not only on his class, but on the whole school.

Darwich has been in Student Council for three years now. He is a member of National Honors Society and is a member of Wadsworth’s drug prevention programs in STAMP and HUDDLE. Darwich is also the captain of the swim team.

“School spirit is going to be the name of our game next year,” says Darwich. “I have a lot of plans for next year, with emphasis on tradition and I am excited for it. I have a couple other things that I intend to start next year, but I’ll keep those up my sleeve for now.”

Darwich has big plans for the school next year. He plans on working with the staff and students to make those dreams come to fruition. As for now, he intends to continue to put school spirit at the head of his priorities as he begins his tenure as student council president.

PHOTOS BY JOE CHAMIER

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The Clumsy Custard Horror Show takes stage

BY KAITLYN SETERA

“Absurd,” “strange,” and “over-the-top weird” are just a few phrases that were used by audience members to describe the most recent comedy put on by the drama department at Wadsworth High. Despite such commentary, those who attended The Clumsy Custard Horror Show on April 27-29, found that the production was also oddly entertaining and hilarious. It was a huge success for the cast and will never be forgotten.

The story took place in the

fantasy lands of Zob Proper and Zob Improper, where Princess Prince had just turned 18 and was looking for a husband. Upon meeting the sweet and believedto-be pauper, Swashbuck Valpariso, she fell head over heels. However, conflict arises when she is kidnapped by ice cream clones working for the evil Dacron. Such a threat reveals the true identity of “innocent” characters and leaves many in shock.

The theme that love is disguised makes the plot of The Clumsy Custard Horror Show sound like a typical fairy tale

PHOTO BY GLEN RUTHERFORD

Henry MacLaren, 10, as Sir Prize, challenges Joel Wichterman, 11, as Swashbuck Valpariso, to a fight in order to defend the royalty of Zob Proper.

with princesses and villains, but the elements in which made the play stand out were the ridiculous one-liners and humor incorporated into the script.

“It took a new direction, unlike any of the past plays,” said Jeffrey Hutchinson, 10.

“Audience members were asked to participate, and the response is what helped to make the play so successful.”

Throughout the play, characters upon the stage would interact with those watching; multiple times, the crowd was asked to make lovebird tweets, turkey spider gobbles, and sing Old McDonald. The interaction between individuals made those watching laugh out loud and the cast did not limit its hilarious act to the PAC stage. It was continued during intermission and characters such as Swashbuck Valpariso were seen kissing peoples’ hands.

“It’s a rewarding feeling when people enjoy the performance,” said Aaron Uhl, 10. “I just hope that the audience appreciated our work, and all the effort that we put into it and laughed.”

PHOTO BY GLEN RUTHERFORD

Ashley Leatherman, 11, and Kristina Clem, 11, as the ushers, help Maria Regueiro, 12, as Princess Prince, sing her song about finding someone to love in Zob.

PHOTO BY GLEN RUTHERFORD

Maggie Stasko, 11, as Aretha Boheme, and Claire Wilson, 12, as Worfle, open the play with an outstanding introduction of what is about to occur in the plot.

Movie reviews on Beauty and the Beast, Get out, Split, Boss Baby and Fate of the Furious

BY MATT STUDENIC

Over the past couple of months, Hollywood has produced some of the best movies this year, according to Rotten Tomatoes.

Movies such as Beauty and the Beast, Boss Baby, Split, Fate of the Furious and Get Out have taken theaters by storm.

Beauty and the Beast The most talked about movie is a Disney movie, a remake from the original in 1991. The newest version has very different aspects compared to its counterpart. The new version featured stars Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Josh Gad, and many other supporting roles.

The movie is a French tale that depicts a love story between a village girl and a prince turned into a hideous creature. The two unlikely to ever meet each other, find one another after the girl’s father is taken prisoner by the

PHOTO BY MATT STUDENIC

“I thought it was an amazing film that captures the beautiful story of an unseen romance.”

- Leah McNutt, 10

prince. The two fall in love and the prince returns to his human self at the end of the film. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 6.6 out of 10.

“The original will always be the best, but the graphics in the new one make it an awesome film,” said Josiah Sovine, 11.

Boss Baby The newest animation to hit theaters is a film produced by DreamWorks Animation. The film stars the voices of Alec Baldwin, Miles Christopher Bakshi, Steve Buscemi, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow and Tobey Maguire.

The storyline of the film is about an undercover baby who finds a home with a child to find out why puppies are liked more. The film has received mixed reviews from critics, but it has made $366 million since its the premire on March 31. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a 5.5 out of 10.

“Boss Baby was a very cute movie, but it was not a very well produced animated film on behalf of the production crew and definitely could have been better,” said Colleen Fry, 10.

Split Out of all the movies being reviewed, Split has been in the theaters the longest. The film was released on January 20 of 2017, though it did not start to get views until a few months ago. Split is a horror film that was directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film features James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy and Betty Buckley.

Plotlines follow Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with 23 different personalities who kidnaps and imprisons three teenage girls in an underground hideout. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 6.3 out of a possible 10.

“Split was the kind of movie where I was always on the edge

of my seat, waiting for what scary thing would happen next,” said Katie Hibinger, 11.

Get Out The most talked about film is Get Out. The movie was directed by first time director Jordan Peele. The film has made $189 million dollars since its premier, compared to its $4.5 million dollar budget. The film stars Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Lil Rel Howery, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, Stephen Root and Catherine Keener, and follows a young interracial couple who visit the mysterious estate of the woman’s parents. The critics from Rotten Tomatoes gave it an astonishing 8.3 out of 10.

“Get Out has been one of the best movies I have ever seen in theaters, and would definitely recommend it to someone else!” said Connor Margo, 9.

PHOTO BY MATT STUDENIC

PHOTO BY MATT STUDENIC

PHOTO BY MATT STUDENIC

“It was a funny movie about an undercover baby.”

- Brayden Humphrey, 9

“It was good, but I think it should have been more realistic.”

- Lauren Conley, 9

“It was an amazing film that was funny and serious at the same time.”

- Anthony Gannon, 11

Fate of the Furious The most recent movie to debut is the eighth episode of Fast and the Furious. The movie was directed by F. Gary Gray and starred many of the same actors from the previous movies. They include Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Scott Eastwood, Nathalie Emmanuel, Elsa Pataky, Kurt Russell, and Charlize Theron. This is the second movie in the franchise without Paul Walker since his death in November of 2013.

Overall, critics were pleased and stunned with the quality of the movie. Rotten Tomatoes issued a 6.1 overall rating out of 10.

“Fate of the Furious was not the best Fast and Furious movie of them, but it was still pretty good,” said Austin Wolfinger, 12.

PHOTO BY MATT STUDENIC

“Vin Diesel was a savage.”

- Luke Baughman, 10

O F THE MONTH

THE BRUIN

McKenzie April Keaton Career Tech Students of the Month Media

Brandon Henderson

Marketing

A pril /M ay 2017

15

Junk of the Month

PHOTOS BY ANGELIQUE ELIA

Dog of the Month

Song of the Month

H e n d r is Clay Barker’s, i 10,Hendrix German Shepherd and chow mix. Hendrix x enjoys going on walks

D e s p a c i t o

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAY BARKER

and chasing bees and the occasional car ride where he enjoys feeling the wind in his face.

“Boat” is Alexandra Zuder’s,10, 2003 Buick. It gets the nickname Boat as it is “a literal boat to drive.” Boat is missing all of its cup holders and has lots of rust on the sides which has cut multiple of Zuder’s friends in the past.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNA BOWLING

April Students of the Month PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL MUSIC

This song made headlines by having the biggest debut in the year of 2017 on YouTube. In simply 24 hours the single got over 20 million views on the platform.

Sarah Back

May Students of the Month

Emily Brown

Conner Clark

PHOTOS BY ANGELIQUE ELIA

FUN FACT

Catfish are the only animals that have an odd number of whiskers.

Eric Labelle

Movie of the Month The Fate and the Furious

PHOTOS BY ANGELIQUE ELIA

May Career Tech Students of the Month

This Furious series movie quickly became one of the best movies of 2017. Globally it has officially surpassed the $1 Billion mark. With that it has also passed its prior film, Furious 7.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES

Did you know?

Serana Toth Carpentry

Colin Libby Programming, Design and Robotics

PHOTOS BY OLIVIA PORPORA

“Facebook Addiction Disorder” is a mental disorder identified by psychologists.

Sea otters hold hands when they sleep to keep from drifting apart.

16

A pril / may 2017

THE BRUIN

S peakout

What are you looking forward to most this summer?

“Saturdays with “Going to Alaska to “Slumber parties the boys.” and pillow fights.” visit my brother on his -Carl Pennington, military base.”

-Luke Baughman, 10 -Tori Kessler, 11 10 “Getting “Beach tan at veeb with beach Drew B.” veeb.”

-Clay -Drew Wagner, 11 Blankenship, 12

“Badminton, polo, cricket, rowing, croquet, “Being able to eat all day.” tether ball, and fencing.”

-Grace Back, 10 -Jack Grice, 9 PHOTOS BY LINDSAY CARR

“Hangin’ with the Jamaicans.”

-Devon Knapp, 11