WADSWORTH HIGH SCHOOL
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VOLUME XLVII, ISSUE 7 APRIL 2022
FORMER WHS STUDENT FLEES UKRAINE
LOCAL WOMAN PROVIDES SAFE HAVEN FOR FOXES
CAVALIERS MANAGE A WINNING SEASON
Protecting our Earth, one newspaper at a time
Earth Day is approaching fast and not many students do anything for it. Our Earth is extremely important considering that we rely on it to live and survive. Our environment is so important and preserving it should be a top priority, considering that so many amazing species live on it. Keeping the Earth pretty should be a top priority of students at WHS. This Earth day, students should take the time to appreciate their environment and what lives in it. Students can plant a tree, pick up trash that they find blowing around, or ride their bike/walk as their form of transportation for the day. Instead of throwing away this very
paper, please place it in the recycling bins that are located around the school. Instead of shoving the papers down the toilets and clogging them, causing the janitors to fish them out, please recycle. Sorting cardboard, paper, glass, and plastic is an easy way to recycle. After the items are sorted, they can be taken to different recycling bins that are placed around town. This year on Earth day, lets reduce, reuse and recycle so we can leave the planet prettier than before.
I SCREWED UP SO YOU DON’T Dear HAVE TO Grace,
I am starting to not care about school and I know that I should just stick it out because there is less than a quarter left, but I really just have no motivation to do any of my school work. Any tips?
We would love to hear your feedback!
I get this 100%! Especially since it is my senior year, I am really struggling to get any sort of motivation to get my school work done (not that I have ever really had a strong motivation). I find that using my Reminder app or Google keep to keep track of all the assignments that I have really helps. I like to check off the boxes. Keeping a countdown may also help because then it may create a “Only 5 more weeks left! I can do this” mindset. I was actually thinking recently about how since I am a senior that my finals really would not matter to me and that I could just kind of skip through them. But then I thought about the fact that even when I do badly on my midterms and finals, I feel good about the fact I tried, even if it ends up being a D+.
wadsworthbruin@gmail.com
April Announcements
Please send letters to the editor to
GRIZZLIES OF THE MONTH
Junior Banquet: This event will take place on April 22 at the Galaxy from 7-10 pm. This includes dinner and a dance.
Safety Town Volunteer Opportunity: Safety town is looking for volunteers from 6 to 12 grade. You can sign up either for the AM or PM sessions from July 18 to July 28. Geometry testing day: On April 22 Sophomores and some other students will take the Geometry test. Non-testing students will not come to school that day.
Follow the Bruin on all platforms @Wadswor thBruin
Happy Earth Day!
~The Bruin Staff 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.
THE BRUIN ADVICE
GRADUATING SENIORS GIVE GOING AWAY ADVICE A
BY MASON BURTON AND LIAM RUSSELL
s the 2021-2022 school year comes to a close and seniors begin to wrap up the year for early graduation, there is lots to reflect on. Everything from high school football games to lunch with friends can be some of the most memorable moments for seniors. The time spent with friends and the memories made now are some of the best things a new college student has to hold onto. The senior class has spent roughly the past 12 years together, growing and maturing to become the people that they are today. The Bruin wishes the senior class the best of luck in their adventures outside of the walls of Wadsworth High School. You made it seniors, go celebrate your next adventure.
CONNER FRISBY 1. “My advice to incoming freshmen is to not be afraid to try something new.” 2. “The best way to make friends is to play sports or get involved in an after school activity.” 3. “Best memories have to come from football because of the amount of memories made on the field and hardships endured.”
1. What’s your best advice for incoming freshmen? 2. What do you think is the best way to make friends? 3. What would you consider your best memories from high school and why?
FAITH LIGAS 1. “Don’t put all your energy into school, develop healthy habits and activities alongside it.” 2. “Be bold and start the conversation - if they don’t try to reciprocate they aren’t worth your time.” 3. “Last day of school every year, it was like a sigh of relief.”
SOPHIA NOVAK
NATHAN BOULTER 1. “My best advice for incoming freshmen is to take school in slowly, not try to understand everything all at once.” 2. “The best way to make friends is to meet people in activities you like so you know you already have stuff in common, or simply be yourself and people will accept you.” 3. “My favorite memory from high school is when I got to play the Scarecrow in the OffBroadstreet Players production of The Wizard of Oz. I love this memory because I got to fully immerse myself in theater and become this character.”
EMALINE BING 1. “As dumb as it sounds, just take risks. These 4 years are super important for you to find yourself, and you can’t do that without trying out new things, even if it can be intimidating.” 2. “Get involved and be social. If people invite you to hang out, take every opportunity to because you never know who you’ll meet.” 3. “The football games because I got to hang out with all of my friends and get hype.”
1. “Live in the moment, enjoy every moment of your high school career. These four years fly by way faster than you think they will. Every good grade and honors or AP course you take can really help you out in the future.” 2. “Talk to everyone, make an effort to get to know people in your classes, during sports, at lunch, etc. You don’t have to be best friends with everyone, but being friendly and making an effort to talk to people can make high school feel a lot less stressful.” 3. “School dances and football games! The student section cheering for a Grizzly win and dancing with all your friends are two things I think make high school so memorable.”
RYAN DAW
1. “Don’t be afraid to try something new like theater or a different club, you can meet some amazing people in the groups we have.” 2.”It’s scary being new to the high school but you can find people similar to you in different places, be bold and reach out to someone.” 3. “My best memories of high school are my years of cross country because of the friendships I made on the team. I’ll always have the best memories from my favorite sport.”
WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 3
THE BRUIN NEWS
On March 30th the US men’s national team qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This comes after the US men’s team missed out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia after qualifying for the past seven world cups, a streak dating back to 1990. The US team was drawn into a group with England, a heavy favorite to win the tournament, and have a rough world in their first world cup back.
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Main Street Wadsworth looking for artists Main Street Wadsworth is looking for artists to paint a new mural in downtown Wadsworth. They are looking for two artists to paint murals in the downtown area. For more information you can go to mainstreetwadsworth.org/call-to-artists/
Rags combust in Wadsworth High, forces school to close Three fire trucks from the Wadsworth Fire Department arrived at Wadsworth High School after the fire alarms were set off at 3:20 a.m. Rags used by shop students had combusted, creating the smoke that set the fire alarms off. Because of the smoke, Wadsworth High School was forced to close on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.
4 April 2022
STUDENT FRUSTRATION GROWS AS GAS PRICES SKYROCKET
BY BRENDEN BARLETT & GAVIN ZEINER
W
hile people across the country are forced to adapt to the growing gas prices, Ohioans are no exception, as they face the current state average of $3.84 for unleaded gas and $4.50 for the average of premium unleaded gas. Student drivers from Wadsworth High School are also forced to adapt to the new prices, as in some cases they see the amount they spend skyrocket compared to what it once was. Two students of the junior class at Wadsworth High School commented what they spend on average when getting gas, what type of car they drive, and their general feelings towards the rising prices, which, as can be expected, were of disappointment. “I used to fill up my entire Hyundai for 26 bucks, and it would last a full week.” Sam Bridenthal said. In comparison, Nate Pace, another junior, drives a Kia, which he says takes anywhere between 47 and 52 dollars for a full tank. “25 will get me a half tank,” said Dylan Bushi. “It’s a bunch of bologna.” Unfortunately, as heavily disliked as the current prices are, it is unlikely that they will improve any time soon.
Unleaded Gas Prices over the previous decade during the month of April $4.00 $3.75 $3.50 $3.25 Prices
USMNT Qualifies for 2022 World Cup
$3.762
$3.855 $3.688
$3.509
$3.00 $2.604
$2.75 $2.50
$2.336
$2.25
$2.751 $2.402
$2.377
$2.00
$2.062
$1.75 $1.50
$1.44 2012
2013 2014 2015 2016
2017 2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
OHIO GUN OWNERS NO LONGER NEED A PERMIT TO CONCEAL CARRY FIREARMS BY DYLAN HEPPERT
I
n under 90 days new gun owners will no longer have to get a permit to conceal carr y a firearm Currently, any citizen who wishes to conceal carr y their firearm must pass a background check and complete an eight hour safety course. However, af ter 90 days any Ohio resident who purchases a handgun can conceal carr y that firearm without any training. Senior Camden Matriano-Lim believes that the encouragement of more conceal carries will increase the safety of Ohioans. “I think this is the best thing ever because without the requirement of a license more people will want to carr y guns,” Matriano-Lim said. “I think this will allow the population to live in a much safer state of being.” Another par t of Senate Bill 215 gives the carrier an option to tell a police of ficer if they have a firearm on their person. But if an of ficer asks if they have a firearm, then the carrier must tell the of ficer the truth. “If they don’t ask about it then why would they care about it,” MatrianoLim said. In Ohio you do not need a license to open carr y a firearm. This means that any gun owner with a handgun can carr y that firearm in a holster, or what is commonly known as ‘on the hip’. Having a concealed carr y permit means being legally allowed to carr y a firearm in a hidden fashion. The idea of the bill is to encourage more gun owners to conceal carr y their firearms. To purchase a handgun in Ohio, one must be at
This map shows the amount of state who follow constitutional carry in 2021(19).The amount of states with constitutional carry has increased to 25 in 2022. Photo courtesy of Fair Use.
least 21 years old and must pass a background check. Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 215 last month that no longer requires eligible gun owners to get a permit to conceal carr y a firearm. This means that new gun owners will not be required to take the eight hour safety course. These gun safety courses teach key information to new gun owners, information such as how to handle firearms and how to avoid misfires and negligent discharges, as well as dif ferent ways to conceal carr y and which one works best for you. Junior Ryan Semancik believes that permits should still be necessar y for those wanting to conceal carr y. “I don’t agree with the bill because I think you should still have to get a permit,” Semancik said. “I think the laws and regulations we have now are good enough.”
Getting a conceal carr y permit allows a gun owner to carr y their firearm out of state. Currently 25 states are constitutional carr y, meaning that an eligible gun owner can conceal carr y a firearm without a permit. Ohio law will not protect you in other states, so if a person travels to a state that does not have constitutional carr y, they cannot conceal carr y their firearm without a permit in that state. “I think that the laws we have now make it easy for a law abiding citizen to carr y their gun,” Semancik said. “However, by making the laws looser it will make it easier for criminals to carr y guns. Senate Bill 215, will allow gun owners to conceal carr y their firearm for free, af ter they have purchased it. It costs around $50 for a safety course and about $67 for the permit itself in the state of Ohio.
OPINION THE BRUIN
KANYE WEST’S ANGER AT “SKETE” IS JUSTIFIED OPINION BY JANAE JOACHIM
K
anye’s anger about his family situation that he expressed through multiple posts on Instagram throughout the months of February and March was justified. Most of his posts were coupled with captions, written in all capital letters, where Kanye complained about his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, and her unfair sharing of their children. Kanye wants fair custody of the children, meaning his children would be present at Sunday Service. He also wants a say in what his children are permitted to do,
obsession with Pete Davidson.” Kanye is very self-obsessed and narcissistic, despite his efforts to correct these faults. However, he has expressed his awareness of these faults and their consequences, including the ultimate loss of his marriage and split of his family. “Kanye reveals the truth of how his actions are affecting his family, and I find it hard to feel bad for him,” Schnell said. Of course, Kanye’s efforts and frustrations with his family and divorce situation could have probably been relieved more effectively by talking with someone he trusts rather than ranting on social media. However, Kanye is aware of how
Kanye West smiles at a crowd. Kanye has expressed his unfavorable
specifically, opinion about Pete Davidson. Photo courtesy of Fair Use he does not want his young daughter, North, to have celebrities use their platforms and sees opportunities to expose the true nature of access to TikTok. Kanye has posted (and deleted) these certain people at times, in this case, screenshots of his texts with Pete Davidson, Skete. People have spread criticism of Kanye, who Kanye refers to as “Skete.” “I understand his motives definitely, even calling him crazy. He is, in fact, bipolar. “Kanye should probably slow down on losing custody of your own kids and losing a marriage is tough and hard to cope with,” replying back to Pete because he does said junior Erik Schnell. “However, that not have a filter and he’s going to ruin his doesn’t excuse his harassment of and family’s relationship with him,” said Jacob
Hines, said freshman at Wadsworth High and controversial moments throughout the School. “He should take a break from past two decades show that. I think that social media.” many celebrities are as bad, if not worse, Kanye’s posts show that he is in a state than West but try to mask it with a squeakyof desperation, putting no one in a state clean persona.” to judge. For such a successful and proud Kanye stands up for his need to be a dad man like him to make as big of a failure as to his kids. He understands the importance losing his family, it must be overwhelmingly of the nuclear family and wants that to be hard to cope with. Hence, the posts with the a reality for him. legal pad and myriad of videos explaining and asking for the public’s opinion on his situation. Kanye and his actions may be somewhat insane or wild, although he is the one who said “name one genius that ain’t crazy.” He is one celebrity willing to sacrifice his reputation, and career, to speak his truth, which is not crazy at all. This is the kind of truth that all celebrities and people in general should be quick to give without fear of being canceled Pete Davidson gives the camera a peace sign at the 2021 Met Gala. Davidson has replied back to Kanye because of failure to conform to the with photos. Photo courtesy of Fair Use acceptable values or beliefs of the present He is undoubtedly hurting, but hopefully culture. “I personally like Kanye a lot for his he comes back stronger than ever and personality which he displays,” Schnell we get another album like 808s and said. “By no means is he a good person, Heartbreak out of this (besides Donda 2, nor has he claimed to be one as far as I of course). As of now, Kanye has deleted all of his can remember, but he doesn’t try to hide who he is. Kanye West has no shame that Instagram posts, and his account, he is Kanye West and his shocking lyrics @kanyewest, contains only a link to the Stem Player in his bio.
WADSWORTH SHOULD HAVE OUTDOOR LEARNING SPACES OPINION BY KATIE ALLEN
A
While many teachers take their classes outside for walks around the track or studying outdoor elements, it can sometimes be very unorganized. With a designated area just for outdoor learning, distractions can be limited allowing for students to take in the outdoor environment. “The times that I’ve taken my class, whether it was for an activity or just taking
s big of a school that Wadsworth High School is, it seems like there should be a space for outdoor learning or an outdoor lunch area. Even at the middle school during warm weather students are given the opportunity to eat lunch in the courtyard. While the layout of the high school doesn’t leave much room for an easily accessible space, there is a lot of open space between the extended hallways. “There’s not an easy way to get into the middle areas in between the long hallways and there’s not really anything right outside since we have a parking lot on both sides,” said Mr. Humrichouser, a history teacher at Wadsworth. “But there’s also the question of who’s going to take care of it by keeping it clean.” Although the use of an outdoor space could be a distraction to some students, it can also hold benefits for a large majority of students. Outdoor learning can increase academic performance, development in young children, engagement in students and overall is The middle school courtyard has not yet opened healthy and fun. for lunch due to the weather. Once students are “I think it would be really beneficial for allowed, they can choose to eat lunch outside or use students to go outside to learn, especially the courtyard as a shortcut to class. Photo by Katie Allen in science classes,” said Lauren Anderson, a sophomore at Wadsworth High School. my academic lab out to just walk around “I definitely think it would help people the track, they actually behave surprisingly learn, there could be some distractions well,” Humrichouser said. “I think for for different types of learners, but for most the most part it wouldn’t be too big of a people it would be beneficial.” distraction, but I think if you have multiple
classes out there or w i n d o w s looking out, then it could become very distracting. But if it has its own little space like behind the gym, or off to the side around the track then I don’t think there would The spaces between hallways outside the school have enough open space for be too many a couple benches as shown above. While the benches could be expensive, a cheaper option would be to have the carpentry class make them if they have distractions.” time for an extra project. Photo by Katie Allen Another good last year, students were allowed to eat use of an outdoor space at Wadsworth would be allowing lunch outside in the little area behind students to enjoy lunch outside. As many the auditorium, that did not seem to last students enjoyed lunch in the middle the rest of the year. Unlike at the middle where once consistent good school courtyard, bringing a few benches to school, weather starts, students can walk through an outdoor area would get much use from and eat lunch in the courtyard. the students. “I miss being outside and talking to “I think maybe if we start something my friends and the courtyard was nice to small and then kind of build off it, then I walk around in. I made a lot of memories can definitely see it happening. I know I there,” said Anthony Sinato, a sophomore talk to the freshmen I teach most the day at Wadsworth. and they talk about how at middle school With all the benefits behind outdoor they liked going outside and just standing there,” Humrichouser said. “So I think learning, Wadsworth High School should if you incorporate maybe once a month make room for an outdoor space dedicated or every other Friday if they want to, they to bringing fun and healthy engagement to can have lunch outside, I think kids would students. The addition of a few benches and tables can make great change at respond well to that.” Although for a couple days in the spring Wadsworth for both students and staff.
WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 5
THE BRUIN IN DEPTH
Can Wadsworth High School’s cafeteria do more?
BY ASHLEY ALLWOOD
E
ver since the USDA had made the commitment to serve all school aged children free breakfast and lunch there has been a huge difference in how much plastic is used and how much food is wasted. In order for students to get a free lunch it requires the student to have at least three of the five options given for lunch. This is typically a fruit or vegetable with a choice of the entree and a milk. Most of the time students will throw away the food they do not eat along with other things that they do not even realize are harmful to the environment around them. The school lunches are served on
plastic trays that have 5 sections to separate the food. Wadsworth High School has roughly 1600 students that are offered a free lunch. This means that there are about 1600 trays that are given out everyday. Along with the plastic trays, the school usually offers their fruit and vegetables in a plastic bag or plastic cup. The school offers diet sodas that come in either plastic bottles or aluminum cans. Students will eat their food with plastic silverware. All this material is recyclable, but students do not have the option to even recycle the material. If students were given the option to recycle their plastics and aluminum then the community around us would be better off. One issue that students would have
with recycling their stuff is that most students don’t know what to recycle. “I don’t think students will know what to recycle and what not to recycle, such as food,” said senior Celia Lambert, who recycles cardboard at home. “I think it will become one big trash can.” Usually all the material the school gives out for students lunches is all plastic. The only thing that is not recyclable is the food and due to the free lunches there is so much wasted food. Although it would be a difficult process to get started, if there was a way to save all the waste food that students do not eat then it could be donated to local services. “I realize the implementation of
something like this would be difficult,” said Mrs. Rohrer, biology teacher at Wadsworth High School. “I also think starting a ‘compost bin’ for food scraps would be helpful.” Rohrer also mentioned that the compost bin could be used for environmental teachers in Wadsworth High School. The compost bin could also be used as fertilizer in community gardens. There are many ways to recycle and reuse materials inside the school. Although the school already has recycling bins for paper in each classroom, there is still more that the high school could do to not only help the school but their community.
Jason Jurey makes an impact M
BY LILY CHESBRO
r. Jurey, AP Environmental Science teacher at WHS, does everything he can to try and make a difference with what is going into the earth’s landfills. He is planning on starting a clothing swap, to help reduce the amount of usable clothes from going into the landfills or getting burned to then turn into air pollutants. “So we’re still kinda in the tentative stages of figuring out a date for this,” Jurey said. “But, the general idea is that students will be allowed to bring in as many articles of clothing as they want, so hopefully it’s gonna be something that is gently used.” There will be a table, potentially in one of the extended learning labs or in the senior commons with tables set up with all of the different pieces of clothing. They will be separated into girls and
6 APRIL 2022
boys with the sizes separated as well, is able to put them to make it easier to find something specific. “Depending on how many pieces of clothes you bring you can then swap for that number,” Jurey said. Any clothes leftover from the clothing swap will get taken to homeless shelters or donation centers. Jurey has a recycling bin for plastic bags as Recycling bins can be found around the school in well. Any student most teachers’ classrooms. By putting recyclable who brings materials in these bins, there will be less waste put plastic bags in into landfills. Photo by Ashley Allwood.
in a bin to ensure that they do not go straight to a landfill. He also has a battery bin for dead batteries to go in that he or students can bring in to collect. “So for me I like to collect them because that ensures me that they’re not gonna end up in a landfill,” Jurey said. “A lot of those things have chemicals in them that if they seep out ,[they] can pollute groundwater and
they can stunt the growth of plants amongst other things.” He then takes them to the transfer station in Medina County to make sure the metals and chemicals in the batteries do not pollute the environment. “They do have some hazardous material days where you can take things like paint and other hazardous chemicals that you wouldn’t normally just wanna throw in the dumpster,” Jurey said. “We’re always trying to find new ways in that class [AP Environmental Science] to do things that have a meaningful impact,”Jurey said. “There’s always hope for the next generation if you’re willing to take the steps to make things better right now.” Plastics, toxic metals, and fabrics all affect the environment in different ways and can not only affect the appearance of the environment but also the long term effects on the soil and bodies of water.
IN DEPTH THE BRUIN
Spring clean up week scheduled for first week of May S
BY LIZ GROMOFSKY
pring cleaning is in full swing and people are eager to get rid of their junk. Wadsworth offers a spring clean-up week which is May 2 through the 6. Citizens are encouraged to put out their belongings that they do not want or need anymore and the city will come pick it up off the curb. David Sekala is the supervisor of the transfer station, the place that holds spring clean-up week. The transfer station is a place where trash is taken and condensed from across the city of Wadsworth, before it is taken to the landfill. “The main purpose of this specific week
is to help the community who is not able to get extra trash picked up on a regular basis,” Sekala said. “This is when they have the opportunity to have it picked up.” The city has no weight on how much they pick up during this week, as it can fluctuate so much from year to year. “I can tell you that it is a good 30 to 40 percent more trash than normal [pickup],” said Sekala. This week is set aside to collect trash that would not normally fit in a regular sized trash can. “When my guys are all done [collecting the normal trash], they come around with a front load truck that has a bucket on the front of it and they go back over the entire route a second time, picking up everything
that was on the ground,” Sekala said. “Our normal trash trucks are automated so the only thing they pick up on the first run is the cans of trash.” The trash that is eligible for pickup is trash that is nonchargeable. No furniture, bedding items, construction debris, or larger items are welcome for pickup. “But if you have extra bags of trash, clothes, old junk from your basement, all of that can be picked up,” said Sekala. Although none of the trash picked up will be recycled, there are four spots around Wadsworth that have recycling bins available to the public. All of the trash that is picked up is taken to the Medina County Solid Waste District in Seville.
Recycling bins can be found at the transfer station, Weatherstone Park, and Wadsworth Buehler’s, and Friedt Park. Wadsworth High School has their own recycling bin that students put their material Photo by Ashley Allwood.
Earth Day vendor takes place in Wadsworth
S
BY ASHLEY ALLWOOD
heena Stewart (Cloninger) holds craft shows and shopping vendors for small business owners. At these vendors small business owners can show off their creations that they make out of recycled material. Most businesses will reuse material to create objects that can be sold for their customers to use. “I use these vendors so small businesses can show off the stuff they create such as wreaths,” Stewart said. Stewart thought since the materials are all recycled and reused, she decided to
host an Earth Day themed showcase on April 24, 2022 from 10-4 at 660 High St Wadsworth. “I thought since most of the shops are reused and recycled material, I thought an Earth Day event would be great!” Stewart said. Stewart hosts a vendor and craft show every month. All the information on the Earth Day event and her other events can be found on her Facebook with her personal account under her name or her Facebook group page “JG Promotion Inc Vendor events”.
Shops displays their sustainable products. These shops are open to any customers to come in and check out. Photo by Sheena Stewart.
The Fresh Flower Market welcomes their customers in. The wreaths made, are made with completely recycled material. Photo by Sheena Stewart.
Recycling Bin Locations Weatherstone Park- Reimer Road Wadsworth, OH 44281 Wadsworth Buehler’s- 175 Great Oaks Trail, Wadsworth, OH 44281 Transfer Station-165 Auble Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281
WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 7
6.5
million Ukrainians have been displaced since February 24, 2022 according to the UN Refugee Agency 1. Bohdana, her husband Max, and their cat Simba pose for a picture. This was on New Years Day, prior to her having to flee the country.
1.
BOHDANA BOLDINA
2.
FORMER WADSWORTH EXCHANGE STUDENT FLEES UKRAINE BY CHLOE PORTER AND CARLEY SORRENT
Crammed in a car with her aunt, brother, and two others, Bohdana Boldina tried to find a comfortable spot in her seat. They still had many miles until they were safe, outside of the Ukrainian border. Suddenly, the car jerks to a stop and all the ache and tiredness from days of traveling was immediately forgotten. Her body was running on fear and adrenaline alone. Looking up, her eyes met the figures in front of her car with their guns pointed straight at her, and all she could think is that this must be the end. In her head, she was silently praying that they were not Russians disguised as Ukrainian soldiers. If this were the case, surely she would be a target. Her life was in danger. Bohdana Boldina was a foreign exchange student at Wadsworth High School from 2016 to 2017. She has had to flee her country, Ukraine, in order to protect herself, her brother, and her aunt. She recalled how quickly her world changed; how serious everything had become all at once. Stacy Villilo, Bohdana’s Wadsworth host mom, recalled what
Above is Bohdana Boldina’s 2016-2017 yearbook photo at Wadsworth High. Boldina enjoyed taking art classes and Newspaper/Yearbook 1 while attending WHS.
8 APRIL 2022
2. Bohdana’s husband, Max feeds their cat, Simba, at her grandparents house. Max was forced to stay in Ukraine by the time Bohdana had to leave.
“I thought I was just going to be dead.” -Bohdana Boldina
Bohdana was like when she stayed with her. “She was reserved– I think she had quite a bit of culture shock,” Villilo said. “I think she had a lot of culture shock, and had a bit of a difficult time acclimating to high school life. She had a little bit of struggle there, but I think that every foreign exchange student does. She loved to go exploring, she liked to explore the landscapes here. She found a lot of her inspiration for her art here.” As Villilo kept up with the news, she began to worry about Bohdana’s safety. “We were worried even before the Russians were setting up shop on the edge of the country,” Villilo said. “From what we could gather, we thought that there would be an attack.” In early February, Boldina thought nothing was going to happen. In fact, she dismissed the very fact when she was corresponding with friends here in Wadsworth. “When I got those emails at first, we were actually laughing really hard,” Boldina said. According to Boldina, the people of Ukraine have had threats from Russia for years, so most citizens did not think a war would come. Generally speaking, they made sure to keep their everyday life as undeterred as possible, even after other countries’ news stations were covering the planned attacks. “It was really hard to realize something was going to happen,” Boldina said. Although there were a lot of news stations covering this in America, Boldina explained that this was not the case in Ukraine. What little coverage that the citizens saw was mainly put out to calm their fears, telling them not to worry. “I could speculate that it’s their government trying to keep them calm, trying to keep them positive,” Villilo said. Most NATO countries, including America, believed that Russia would bomb Ukraine
on February 16. When this did not happen, Ukraine was united in celebration. This further reinstated the stance that Ukrainian leaders had on keeping spirits high. It was seen as less of an avoided threat than a chance for unity. Flags were draped across Ukraine, and in Kyiv, the nation’s capitol, they even unveiled a 200 meter flag at their stadium. This celebration ended as soon as Russia invaded on February 24, 2022. “My body just started shaking so bad,” Boldina said. She first heard from her sister in Kyiv early that morning that she could hear explosives going off. Boldina lived in Zaporizhzhya, which is in the south east, very far from Kyiv. “[During the] first couple days we were just really shocked and really scared,” Boldina said. “We didn’t know what to do.” They waited for good news. Boldina hoped that the war would end soon. After all, she reasoned, this is the 21st century. She soon realized that the conflict would take a lot more time than she initially thought. Boldina’s thoughts began to wander towards her loved ones. On February 27, 2022, the city of Tomak was occupied by Russians. This is where her husband’s parents live. She has not been able to get into contact with them ever since the 27th. With the news of Russia’s recent occupation, she began to understand the decision she must make. “It wasn’t until they actually did the first shelling on February 24,” Villilo said. “Based on my communication with her, it took actual shelling for anyone to realize that it was serious.” Boldina was faced with the truth. “I started to realize it was all just getting really worse and not better,” Boldina said. By the time she recognized she would have to leave the country, global Ukrainian
According to NPR News as of April 12, “The U.N. said that more than 1,800 civilians have been killed and 2,800 injured”.
5.
3. Bohdana cries at her parents apartment. This is the moment that she realized her mom would not be able to leave with her. 4. Bohdana and her brother, Fedya, are sleeping in the car. They were in the car for 48 hours on their way to Lviv.
5. This is Bohdana’s dinner with her host family. It was her first day arriving in Spain.
3. 4. mobilization began. This meant that men from ages 18 to 60 could not leave the country. If Boldina should flee, she would have to leave her husband and parents behind. “For a person who’s really sensitive, I couldn’t stay there any longer.” The plan to leave by train was soon dismissed when Boldina saw the news of the hostility at the train stations. She said that people were unintentionally crushing each other. She decided that taking a car would be the safest. Although Boldina’s husband could not go with her, she did not venture this journey alone. She traveled with her younger brother, Fedya, who is 9 years old, her Aunt Larysa, and two other people who needed to flee as well. Her cousin, son to her Aunt Larysa, took them to Lviv, which is in Western Ukraine. Boldina expressed how difficult the traveling was. “I just couldn’t move and I couldn’t sleep,” Boldina said. In the midst of traveling, her car was faced with a truck full of soldiers. As they stepped out, pointing their firearms at the car, Boldina could not be sure if they were actually Ukrainian. “I thought that I was just going to be dead,” Boldina said. Fortunately for Boldina and her family, they actually were Ukrainian soldiers and not disguised Russians. There have been incidents of this happening– they dressed up to look familiar, and then they attacked. A recent news story reported that Russians had used this technique to capture and kill journalists across the country. After that brush of terror, she still had a grueling journey ahead. The trip to Lviv was 48 tiring hours of little sleep for Boldina. Once the group arrived, they slept for two days. After they caught up on sleep, they quickly boarded a bus to Warsaw, Poland, taking another 13 hours. They rested in Warsaw for two more days. They then took a bus to Madrid, Spain, which took another 48 hours. From there, they bussed to Málaga,
All photos courtesy of Bohdana Boldina.
Spain, which was “I cannot imagine going another three hours on back to Poland or even to the top of that. Lastly, their U.S.,” Boldina said. cousin’s best friend took At the time of the interview them from Málaga to she knew it would be easier to Estepona, Spain. get documents in Poland, but “We’re feeling safe she did not want to go back. The here,” Boldina said. first trip was hard enough on Once arriving in her, her aunt, and her brother. Estepona, she found that She did not believe they could she felt very comfortable make another trip unless it with her new hosts was back to Ukraine. Although in Spain, Lyubvov she does not want to leave Lopushynska and her hosts, the Lopushynskas, Roman Lopushynskya. she has now realized that this Since they are ethnically war could take until 2035 and Ukrainian, they have a is considering going back to lot of the same customs. Poland to go to a university. Boldina says it feels -Bohdana Boldina Boldina expressed how somewhat like home there is a lot of Russian to her, her brother, and propaganda on the internet, aunt. However, despite but if people think twice about feeling comfortable with the family, it has the sources they are using, they can avoid been incredibly difficult for the three to adjust harmful misinformation. She wants people to to their new life in Spain. know of the genocide Russia is conducting, “We are like illegal here for now,” Boldina and the atrocities of Bucha. said. Boldina is now safe in Spain, she still feels They have been trying to get their refugee the sadness of having to leave her loved ones documents from Spain since they arrived in behind. Boldina wishes that no one else will the beginning of March. Boldina described have to experience what she went through. how in Poland they were ready to give She hopes that people will do what they can documents as soon as possible to all of the to help, whether that be a donation, or simply Ukrainian refugees there. In Spain, they are just educating themselves. going to have to wait almost two months– they “If they’re interested, look for local are supposed to meet with the UNHCR, United organizations that support it,” Villilo said. “I Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to know we have a big Ukrainian population in receive them on May 5. Parma. I know the churches in Parma have “For now, unfortunately without documents, been collecting donations and they’re giving I can’t get a full time job,” Boldina said. them directly to refugees– especially in Currently she is brushing up on her graphic Poland, because that’s where most of them design skills using Adobe Photoshop and are going.” Illustrator which she is trying to use to find Boldina hopes that everyone will listen to employment online so that she can work in her story. Spain until she gets her documents. She has “I was in Wadsworth and maybe people will received a part time job of cleaning houses on trust me. . . I really really hope so,” Boldina the weekend, but she says she is still looking said. for more.
“I was in Wadsworth so maybe people will trust me.”
“I called it genocide because it’s become clearer and clearer that (Russian President Vladimir Putin) is just trying to wipe out even the idea of being Ukrainian.” -PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE IN IOWA ON APRIL 12, 2022.
WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 9
THE BRUIN FEATURE
GRAB N’ GO: WHS GIVES BACK TO STUDENTS
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ood security deals with the ability to access food and its availability. Even though it is not something that a lot of people think about when it comes to living in Medina County, there are certain areas that could be affected. Food insecurity is a situation in which a family is unable to be guaranteed their next meal. There are many different factors that could lead to food insecurity, such as the loss of a job or food shortages. It is not uncommon for food banks and pantries to exist in communities as a source for those who may need help getting certain items. In Wadsworth and Medina County, there are many different
Similar to the idea of giving away and receiving books in a community, First Christian Church in Wadsworth has a structure that holds nonperishable items for those who need them. Photo by Grace Pantalone
BY GRACE PANTALONE
insecurity on the weekends or that may resources that are available. COVID-19 affected many families, have had a rough morning. This program and both Feeding Medina County and is open to all students, and there are no qualif ications the Grizzly required to be Grab N’ Go are met. resources that There is work to help try usually no to provide food specific limit security for to the amount those in need. of items that Katy Fuerst, can be taken; the executive it is more director of based on what Feeding Medina the students County, works think they will to provide need. But there weekender Grizzly Grab N’ Go shelves can be accessed through the can be limits bags and The guidance counseling offices. The items have been collected by deliver food to WHS parents. Sign-ups to bring in items are sent out through based on how items food banks, weekly emails by Dr. Vincent Suber. Photo by Grace Pantalone many are available senior citizen facilities, and other institutions that may to ensure that everyone is able to get need help. Sara Kopacko, a Wadsworth something if they need it. “The kids have done an incredible job. High School guidance counselor, works within Wadsworth High School by They are very conscientious, where they organizing Grizzly Grab N’ Go collections don’t want to take too much and want to make sure they are leaving some for and distributions. The Grizzly Grab N’ Go is a collection of others,” said Sara Kopacko, a guidance donations, mostly snacks or smaller meal counselor at Wadsworth High School. Grizzly Essentials is another program items, from various families in Wadsworth. Since lunches are free at school, students that Wadsworth High School has that are ensured to get at least one meal a has to do with toiletries. This includes day. The Grizzly Grab N’ Go is for students any necessary toiletries, such as that may experience any type of food toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine
products, that may not be accessible at home or for students to get on their own. “I think that we are getting better about finding students who need the resources and letting them know about it,” Kopacko said. Before the end of the school year, any items that may go bad during summer break get donated to the Salvation Army as a way to prevent any waste. Those who are looking to donate items to the Grizzly Grab N’ Go can sign up through the weekly emails that are sent out. Sign ups are not available every week but are sent out when the shelves start grow empty. Most of the items that are being collected are canned items or non-perishables.
GRAB N’ GO SIGN UP
Scan the QR Code for the Grab N’ Go sign up page. On this page, items that are needed will be listed. There are only 17 spots per item listed.
FEEDING MEDINA COUNTY MAKES A LOCAL IMPACT
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BY GRACE PANTALONE
eeding Medina County, a local organization, also works to provide students and citizens of Medina County with food and other items. There are many different ways to get involved with Feeding Medina County such as volunteering or donating. They also work with the schools in the county to provide food items for the students to take home. Originally this service was only offered to grades K-6 but as the need for this resource grew, it expanded its reach to K-12. “We realized that some of these high school students that were making bags for themselves were also grabbing things for siblings or other family members,” said Kopacko. Medina County Leadership has a lesson from Feeding Medina County which talks about what they do for the county. Feeding Medina County offers a tour to the young leaders and teaches them about their services. There are four main programs that they provide to the county, Weekender bags for Children, Staples for Seniors, Food distribution, and Pantry delivery services.
10 APRIL 2022
They also hold food pick-ups at local parks and other areas once a month. For example, the Wadsworth pick-up location 2022 Food Distribution is Art Wright Stadium (280 Grandview Schedule Avenue Wadsworth, OH 44281). This pickup happens between 10:30 am and 12:00 Lodi pm. In addition, there are three other pickHidden Hollow Camp APRIL JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH 8672 Richman up locations: Lodi pick-up is Road located at 4/7 Lodi 1/6 Lodi 2/3 Lodi 3/3 Lodi Lodi, OH 44254 Hidden Hollow Camp (8672 Richman Road 4/14 Brunswick 1/13 Brunswick 2/10 Brunswick 3/10 Brunswick 4:00pm - 5:30pm Lodi, OH 44254), the Brunswick pick-up 4/21 Medina 1/20 Medina 2/17 Medina 3/17 Medina 4/28 Wadsworth 1/27 Wadsworth 2/24 Wadsworth 3/24 Wadsworth is located at Willetts Middle School (1045 Brunswick Hadcock Road Brunswick, OH 44212), Willetts Middle School 1045 Hadcock Road Medina JULY JUNE AUGUST and the Medina pick-up is at the MAY Brunswick, OH 44212 7/7 Lodi 6/2 Lodi 8/4 Lodi 5/5 Lodi Fairgrounds (735 Lafayette Road Medina, 10:30am - 12:00pm 7/14 Brunswick 6/9 Brunswick 8/11 Brunswick 5/12 Brunswick OH 44256). Each town has a specific date. 7/21 Medina 6/16 Medina 8/18 Medina *5/25 Medina Medina Please check the calendar to the right for 7/28 Wadsworth 6/30 Wadsworth 8/25 Wadsworth 5/26 Wadsworth Medina Feeding Fairgrounds Medina your communities date. 735 Lafayette Road County has picked these pick-up Medina, OH 44256locations DECEMBER NOVEMBER OCTOBER SEPTEMBER 7:30am 9:00am them in because of how easy it is to -access 12/1 Lodi 11/3 Lodi 10/6 Lodi 9/1 Lodi the community. 12/8 Brunswick 11/10 Brunswick *10/12 Medina 9/8 Brunswick Wadsworth Feeding Medina County has many 12/15 Medina 11/17 Medina 10/13 Brunswick 9/15 Medina Art Wright Stadium volunteers that help food drives 9/22 Wadsworth 12/22 Wadsworth 280organize Grandview Avenue *11/23 Wadsworth 10/27 Wadsworth Wadsworth, OH 44281 and pack and distribute food to schools 10:30am - 12:00pm and communities. Those interested in *Dates are Wednesdays volunteering can check their website, feedingmedinacounty.org, to sign up for the various volunteer opportunities they The dates shown above for the food distribution are posted on Feeding Medina County’s Website. The food offer. Their website also has additional distribution pick up happens in four of the towns that are located within the Medina County Borders. Photo courtesy of FeedingMedinaCounty.org information on their programs and how to get involved.
FEATURE THE BRUIN
FOX TALE SANCTUARY PROVIDES SAFE-HAVEN FOR FOXES BY KATIE GRIFFIN & SYDNEY DAILY
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ichelle Vokac began Fox Tale Sanctuary as a way to remove foxes from bad situations. She brings them into her Medina home and provides for their needs. Vokac began Fox Tale Sanctuary because she saw what a great thing she could do for the foxes by taking them in and caring for them. “A fox is a very unique animal,” Vokac said. “When a fox builds that bond with somebody and you change their environment, what they are used to and their owner; it is very detrimental and stressful to them. I just saw that there was such an opportunity when we were helping Kit. Then we brought in Bear. Immediately after we got Bear in, someone from Fox Tale Group had reached out to me and said that Finnegan was left behind at Mount Hope.” Vokac usually gets her foxes due to a need of a re-home for a fox or foxes that are in compromising situations. “I don’t find them, they find me,” Vokac said. “We started advertising that we were a sanctuary in November and I immediately started receiving a lot of calls about wild foxes in tough situations.” Working from home has made Fox Tale Sanctuary possible for Vokac. “I work from home so I am lucky enough to have flexibility to interact when I have those breaks,” Vokac said. Vokac spends her individual days working with the foxes throughout each of their individual daily routines. “Kit, Bear, Finnigan and Roo are in outside enclosures,” said Vokac. “We are working to raise funds right now to make the facility bigger. Zoe is inside, we are working with her to eventually move her outside with the others. We start inside the house. I handle the dogs and the cats and then Zoe is in her enclosure overnight; that way she is not unsupervised and digging holes in my couch and in my walls. I will let Zoe out and I will clean her enclosure, get her fed and watered, and then we head outside and handle the chickens and foxes outside.” Education is a huge thing for Vokac, she feels it is very important to be fully educated on foxes before taking on the huge responsibility of them. “I love doing rescue and I love working with the animals but I think my biggest thing is educating people,” Vokac said. “Especially now with TikTok and Youtube,
June, 2021
Michelle adopts Kit.
you guys can look up a fox and see videos of these happy, giggling foxes that people are petting and they are making noises and wagging their tails and they look cool. Unfortunately, that may be one in every fifteen if you’re lucky enough, the variable in that is the foxes personality. It really depends on how much time you are willing to spend building the bond and the trust and working with that fox and making them comfortable.” Vokac faces struggles with the foxes just as anyone would with any animal. “In fox ownership, you just have to change your approach to things in the household,” Vokac said. “I won’t be able to open windows and have air freely flow through my windows in the summer times because the foxes will knock those screens out and escape. You always have to make sure the doors are shut; if you are going to have a fox inside the home, there are significant changes you need to make. It is like any animal. Any animal comes with responsibilities, there’s cleaning, feeding, interacting. I don’t consider them any different then I would consider my children. I have to wash my children’s clothes, and feed them and get them off to school. My foxes I love just as greatly” People can help the foxes by purchasing items off of the Amazon wish list posted on Vokac’s website, or by sponsoring an individual fox via monthly payments. People can also volunteer their time if they can not purchase toys or necessities for the foxes. Vokac agrees that spending time and building a bond with the foxes is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Fox Tale Sanctuary is not currently open to the public, but Vokac hopes to make that possible in the near future.
June, 2021
Kit escapes from FTS.
MEET THE FOXES!
1
4
2
3
5
6
1 & 2- Finnegan, 3- Zoe, 4- Bear and Kit, 5- Kit, 6-Bear. Photos by Katie Griffin.
July, 2021
Kit is found and brought back to FTS.
Nov., 2021
Michelle adopts Bear from a fur farm.
Nov., 2021
Finnegan is brought to FTS after his buyer noshows after an auction.
Feb., 2022
Michelle adopts Zoe after she is found shot in the wild.
March, 2022
Roo is brought to FTS as an owner surrender.
WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 11
THE BRUIN SPORTS
SPRING SPORTS ATHLETES OF THE MONTH JESSIE CROOKSTON: UNDERCLASSMAN THRIVING ON THE BIG STAGE
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BY BROOKE BAUGHMAN
essie Crookston, sophomore at Wadsworth, is a multi-sport varsity athlete who excels in basketball and softball for Wadsworth. Crookston, inspired by her family, has been playing softball since she was six years old. “My mom grew up playing softball with
Crookston takes a picture after her game in front of the Grizzly paw print that says 2021. This was right after the Grizzlies won a double header against Avon Lake. Photo courtesy of Jessie Crookston.
her two sisters who ended up playing at Akron University together,” Crookston said. “I have grown up watching my sisters play in the summer and in high school.” Throughout the years before high school, Crookston tried to get comfortable with many different positions before eventually finding her passion for playing the field. “I tried being like my mom and sister and pitched [previously], but I currently play shortstop and outfield,” said Crookston. The Girls Varsity Softball team went 17-6 last season and that was largely due to Crookston’s talent on the field, being named 2nd Team All Suburban League and 1st Team All County. She also made the Northeast Ohio Underclassman Team. “I felt honored to make that accomplishment as a freshman,” Crookston said. “It made me feel more confident in myself as a player.” Aside from all of Crookston’s success last season, she is excited to play her second varsity season despite all of the major changes throughout the program, one being varsity head coach Mike Schmeltzer Sr. retiring. “I will miss Coach Schmeltzer Sr. a lot but I was glad to have him on the bench this year during basketball season,” Crookston said. “ I also think our new head coach Sam Harvey will help lead our team.” Crookston’s sister, Kim Crookston, also joined the coaching staff last year as the JV coach. Although Crookston enjoyed having
her sister on the staff, it has sparked adversity that Crookston had to persevere through. “It was a struggle having my sister on the coaching staff because many people said I made varsity since my sister is the coach,” Crookston said. “It pushed me to work even harder to prove myself and show that I wasn’t just handed my position on
Jessie Crookston and her older sister Kim pose on picture day at the beginning of the 2021-22 softball season. Kim Crookston joined the staff last year as the JV coach and is now a varsity assistant. Photo courtesy of Jessie Crookston.
Crookston goes up to bat against Stow during their first home league game. The Grizzlies ended up losing 1-3, but this is their only loss so far, making their record 3-1. Photo courtesy of Jessie Crookston.
the field.” Crookston looks up to many athletes that help influence her game, but most of all, she looks up to Sierra Romero, a Michigan
Alumni shortstop that ended up going professional for USSA Pride. “I look up to Sierra because she was one of the best in the big 10, and I remember watching her on TV and being very inspired,” Crookston said. Crookston spends a lot of her time playing sports year-round, but when she is not playing, she enjoys family time and loves to babysit her little cousins.
KYLE YURCHIAK: LACROSSE STANDOUT LOOKS TO IMPROVE IN 2022 Xcelerate, which is based out of Cleveland, but he will not be participating this year. “I’ve played club for the past three years, yle Yurchiak, junior at WHS, is a but I will not be playing this year because three year varsity athlete for the boys I played with an older lacrosse team. He group of kids who will be has been a big component graduating this year, and in the team’s successful I won’t have a team,” records, going 13-5 last Yurchiak said. season and currently 3-0. Yurchiak’s freshman Yurchiak started playing season got completely lacrosse when he was cut due to COVID-19, little, and lacrosse was not so he was motivated a very popular sport. to make a big impact “A few of my friends during his first season played lacrosse and it as a sophomore. He seemed interesting so received offensive I gave it a try,” Yurchiak player of the year for said. Wadsworth, First Team Yurchiak ended up Suburban League, and really liking lacrosse and Honorable Mention in has been playing for 8 the region. years. He also made the “I was very happy and varsity lacrosse team definitely felt honored as a freshman, which takes a lot of talent and Kyle Yurchiak (left) and his teammate to know that I made an dedication. Yurchiak Parker Ross (right) pose with jerseys impact on the team’s after their game against Hudson on April plays attack, which is an 12. Wadsworth beat Hudson 16-8 and success,” Yurchiak said. favorite offensive position that is expanded their record to 5-2 overall. Yurchiak’s memory of high school responsible for scoring Photo courtesy of Parker Ross. lacrosse was making goals. history last season. Yurchiak and his During the last couple of summers, teammates also look forward to continuing Yurchiak has played for a club team called
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BY BROOKE BAUGHMAN
12 APRIL 2022
to make history for Wadsworth lacrosse in upcoming years. “One of my favorite memories of lacrosse was just this past year when we won our first playoff game ever against Medina after losing to them in the regular season just a week before,” Yurchiak said. “In my next two years I look forward to making more history for Wadsworth lacrosse as a team.” Due to all of Yurchiak’s success, and that he is in his junior year, has been asked a lot about where he wants to go to college and
his plans for the future. “[College] is a question that comes up a lot and as of now I’m not quite sure where I stand in terms of if I want to play lacrosse or not,” Yurchiak said. “I definitely would like to stay in-state for college, Ohio State and Ohio University are both schools that stand out to me as potential choices if I do not play lacrosse.” Besides Lacrosse, Yurchiak likes spending time with his friends, working and going fishing during the summer.
The Varsity lacrosse team practices at Art Wright Stadium in the snow. The boys wore swim trunks and flannels in order to add some fun to the conditions. Photo courtesy of Kyle Yurchiak.
SPORTS OPINION THE BRUIN
Photo courtesy of David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images.
Photo courtesy of Jim McIssac/Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS FIND SUCCESS AMIDST DOUBT ALL INTERVIEWS DONE BY THE BRUIN VIA THE PRESS BOX AT ROCKET MORTGAGE FIELDHOUSE ON MARCH 28
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t is unlikely that the Cleveland Cavaliers will win a championship this season due to the plethora of injuries that were endured. However, the potential that was shown and the expectations that were exceeded provide hope for years to come. “I think it’s a beautiful thing that we have 42 wins,” said Kevin Love, Cavaliers center. “Obviously our goal is to have much more than that. We felt like we could have [won more games]. I’m happy for JB. I’m happy for the organization.” Love shared these sentiments following the Cavaliers win against the Orlando Magic,
Lamar Stevens defends against LeBron James in their March 21 game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Stevens averaged 6.1 points and 2.6 rebounds this season and was named as an allstar reserve. Photo courtesy of David Liam Kyle/ NBAE via Getty Images.
clinching their first winning season since 2017-2018, a feat that no one saw coming. A season ago, the only thing that the Cavaliers had to look forward to was the use of their fourth pick in the NBA Draft, and this season they accomplished their first playoff berth since the 2017-2018 season, and their first without LeBron James since the 1997-1998 season. For a team that was not expected to amount to much more than the 22 win total they put up last season, they exceeded all
guy who’s trying to figure out how to help this team win,” Bickerstaff said. “ He does a great job of flying around coming up with start to finish that can cause one’s adrenaline those defensive rebounds, he cuts, well, he to spike one moment and their stomach to moves without the ball. He runs the floor, drop the next. he does a lot of things The Cavaliers are that won’t end up on no different and it the stat sheet. He is a valid concern wants to help us win to wonder if the and he sees a need success that was and he is going out achieved this year and helping.” will last for years to Issac Okoro was come. Additionally, another underrated the Cavaliers piece of the Cavaliers suffered both a midroster this season season COVID-19 as he was able to outbreak and thrive as an unlikely multiple injuries, rookie stand-out. He some of them being filled necessary roles season-ending. due to injuries and These roadblocks provided a great deal led to a worse of effort and hustle record than was Darius Garland defends against Garland averaged that was oftentimes maybe expected, 21.7 points and 8.6 assists this season and was not recognized. as they went on named as an all-star reserve. Photo courtesy of “That’s Isaac,” David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images. a skid following Bickerstaff said. “He’s the all-star break a guy who it [his play] due to these obstacles. They went from isn’t sexy all the time and people don’t want being one win away to being the conference to talk about it. You don’t win games in this leader to barely scraping through to the league without guys like Isaac, you know, play-in tournament. Although this was an guys that are willing to do things that most improvement from the previous few seasons, people aren’t willing to do, without leading Cavaliers players themselves showed acknowledgment or the rewards, you know, disappointment in their finish, further or the publicity, but he knows that’s how reinforcing the drive that this organization he helps us. His teammates respect and has to improve and reach the championship, value him as a coaching staff, you know, we a goal that seemed unattainable a year ago. respect and value him. It can’t go unset how This improvement was not reached by just important he is to us.” the all-stars on the team or by the players The Cavaliers ultimately had a successful that made the majority of the headlines. season, no matter the outcome of the The under-the-radar role players that filled in Cavaliers playoff fate that will be decided the necessary spots throughout the season either on Friday, April 15 or the first-round played just as large of a part as players that series that they will play if a win is achieved. filled the stat lines. This led to the creation They defied odds in a way that was exciting of the Cavaliers Junkyard Dog Chain, which to watch and for the first time in a long time, honors the player with the most hustle after the stands of Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse every Cavaliers win. Players such as Dylan will be filled brim to brim with fans that are Windler thrived under this honor as he was hopeful for a championship, something able to be recognized for his play that did that seemed unimaginable a season ago. not often find its way into the stat line. *Story written prior to Cavaliers playoff “I mean, he’s [Dylan Windler] another outcome.
OPINION BY JULIA SWAIN expectations. This was due largely in part to stellar play from players like Darius Garland, Love, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, and the stellar leadership that they received from head coach JB Bickerstaff. The chemistry of the team, as well as the can-do attitude that they displayed on a nightly basis, was the main reasoning behind this success. The only way that the Cavaliers were going to be successful was if they believed that they could exceed the expectations of the fans and the media, which is exactly what they did. “I think it’s a lot of personnel, and the injuries have kind of piled up and taken a toll on our depth,” said Bickerstaff regarding the changes he has seen in the team since the beginning of the season. “But what we’ve focused on is how connected the guys have to be and how much they want each other to be successful, how much they bought into one another and bought into the team and played for something bigger than themselves, and that’s continued from the beginning of the year till now.” Bleacher Report had the Cavaliers at twenty-five in their pre-season power rankings, while ESPN had them at twenty-six. Comparatively, Bleacher Report had them at sixteenth in their final power rankings while ESPN had them at fifteenth in their most recent rankings. The rankings originally had them as one of the worst teams in the league, and while they could’ve finished much higher, the improvement demonstrates the absolute shock factor that the Cavaliers produced. While they lost to the Brooklyn Nets 108115 on Tuesday, April 13 in their first of two chances to make it through to the first round of the playoffs via the play-in tournament, they will receive another chance to play either the Atlanta Hawks or the Charlotte Hornets and will become the eighth seed in the playoffs if they succeed in this. The only question that remains is this, however: is this success plausible in years to come? It’s not a bad question to ask, as oftentimes teams will have great success one year and will fall flat the next. Sports are often an unpredictable roller coaster, an up and down journey from
WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 13
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14 APRIL 2022
FEATURE THE BRUIN
LIVING WITH A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT BY LUKE HOUSER
H
ere in the Medina-Summit County area, students from various countries have come to study and learn in an American setting. Karen Hamilton is the current representative for the ISE (International Student Exchange) for this area. Around Wadsworth and its surrounding counties, she manages all the exchange students who take part in the program. Her job is to make sure that all students are placed with a suitable host family and that students’ needs are met. Hamilton was teaching high school German in Cuyahoga Falls when she was approached by the agency and was asked if any of her students would like to host an exchange student. Two of her students came forward saying their families were interested, and afterwards the ISE asked her if she would also like to become a representative and supervise families throughout the year while they have the student. Since Hamilton was an exchange student herself, taking the job was a natural fit. “I love working with teenagers and people from different backgrounds and cultures, and different countries with different languages, so it’s just something I really enjoy,” Hamilton said. Hamilton stated that this year alone she started with 14 students coming to the area. After one left early in the year and another left after the semester, there are now 12 exchange students here. Two of those students are in the Wadsworth school district. Hamilton says that she prefers host
families that are close to where she lives so that she can easily travel to a host family in case of emergency. “I like to be local so most of my students are all within a 30 minute radius of Wadsworth,” Hamilton said. “So if they need anything from me… I can be there quickly… So mainly I’m in Medina County and Summit County, but it also wouldn’t be difficult if someone were nearby in Wayne or Cuyahoga County.” Host families come in all shapes and sizes and do not have to be a traditional family. Anyone who meets the ISE’s eligibility criteria to host a student can do so. This means that a single parent, traditional family or even an older couple could all host an exchange student. Families that do end up hosting may hear about the program in several different ways. “Some of my families have hosted an exchange student when they were kids and their parents hosted, others have just heard about the experience and have always wanted to do it, or they may want to host as they learn more about the program,” Hamilton said. However, families looking to host will have to go through an application process. Every family member over the age of 18 will have to go through a criminal background check. Hamilton also personally speaks with the families and does an in-person home visit to check to make sure the home is suitable for the student. She speaks with the family to make certain that everyone is in agreement about hosting an exchange student. Hamilton will then also make reference calls to people that know the
Hosts Dan (furthest right) and Kelly (furthest left) Davis stand with Levente Torda (from Hungary) and Theetouch Methiyanon (from Thailand) to take a picture in New Vegas. The Davis family lives in Wadsworth. Photo courtesy of Karen Hamilton.
host family. After the family passes all this, Hamilton works with them to find the right student for the family. Additionally, all of the exchange students are vetted in their own countries to verify that they are mature and suitable enough to spend an extended period of time here in the U.S. Host families provide a room and three meals a day for the student. They also provide transportation to and from activities and school. Families will often show the students around the country by showing them things like Niagara Falls or Chicago, which can leave lasting impacts on the exchange students. Any other costs (like the student’s cost of the trip to the U.S.) is paid for by the student or student’s family. “The students pay for their program- the cost is based on the country,” Hamilton said. “Many students will save up their own money to pay for the program. For many
students it’s something they’ve wanted to do for a long time, and it will help them with their future, and they’ve always dreamed of living in the United States to see the American culture and live the American dream for a year.” Families may wish to host an exchange student for different reasons, but it almost always ends up being an impactful and positive experience. Many host families will go on to host students for a second time and will keep in contact with their student for years down the road. If you would like to learn more about hosting an exchange student, you can contact Mrs. Hamilton at “karenlynn25@ hotmail.com” or call her at “(330)3289943”. Additionally, if you would like to learn more about the International Student Exchange Program as a whole, you can find their website at “www.iseusa.org”.
LOCAL COMPETITIVE SHOW CHOIR PERFORMS BY KADE MIROS
for all of WHS’s choirs, put together choreography and determine the visual ocal competitive show choir group, aspect of the show which contains ETC, which stands for energy, things like costumes and the set. talent and commitment, finished “I am actually an ETC alumni and it is their season with many awards from really cool to think about how I am now their competitions. In fact, almost every directing for the group,” said Jones. “I season ETC finishes with countless would say that it is personally one of my awards. For how successful someone proudest moments.” might say they are, the group is not Along with participating in the choir known to many people. Many students department at Wadsworth High School, do not even know about the group even students Lily Love and Grace Maslyk are though they go to school together. a part of different groups in ETC. The assistant artistic director, Jacob “To me, ETC is like a second home,” Jones, gets to design all of the shows said Love. “ETC is a place where I go each week to see my friends and to do what I am passionate about performing. ETC is a big part of my life and I am so thankful to my friend for convincing me to join the ETC program.” There are four different groups in ETC. The first group is called “The New Generation” which contains third graders through fifth graders. “They do not compete, they just get to learn the fundamentals of The All Americans group performs one of their numbers that involves dancing. All of the numbers that ETC singing and dancing,” said Jones. performs are choreographed by directors Jacob Jones and The next group is a middle
L
Tara Tober. Photo courtesy of Grace Maslyk.
school choir which is called “Main going to work which involves costumes, Street Singers”. song numbers and our set,” said Jones. “This group is made up of fifth through “Competition season starts in January.” eighth graders that range from our Although it might not be known to treble singers and baritone singers,” some, there are even kids at Wadsworth said Jones. that participate in ETC. “Rouge” is a group that is composed “As a first-year member in the “All of soprano and alto singers with kids Americans” group, I have had an amazing ranging from eighth grade to twelfth experience being a part of this family,” grade. said Maslyk. “The staff and students all “Like the next group, these girls support each other with so much love.” get to compete throughout the season,” said Jones. The last group is a high school group that contains all singers and are called the “All Americans”. “This is our top and most competitive group that gets to represent ETC every season,” said Jones. ETC works to put on one show containing many different songs and dances they have to learn. Throughout a season, the groups go to compete around five to A few members from ETC’s top group, All Americans, get seven different times. ready to perform. They have their costumes and makeup “We start in the summer on and are ready to go on stage. Photo courtesy of Grace Maslyk. to figure out how the show is
WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 15
2022 POP CULTURE RECAP
THE BRUIN WHAT’S TRENDING
BY HALEY REEDY
When you hear ‘Pop Culture’ what or who do you think of? Do you think of Pop Culture, like the Kanye West and Pete Davidson beef? Or do you think of movies like the new Batman or Dr. Strange? What about music albums, Doja Cat or Harry Styles? Maybe even award shows like the Grammys and the Oscars? Here are only a few of the biggest things happening within the past 4 months.
KIM K AND PETE DAVIDSON
WILL SMITH AND CHRIS ROCK BEEF ‘The slap heard ‘round the world’ is what some are calling the incident at the Oscars between Will Smith and Chris Rock. Rock made a comment mocking Smiths wife, Jada Pinkett Smith and her Alopecia. The result, a slap in the face to Rock from Smith and an already trending Tiktok sounds. The sounds feature Smith cussing out Rock in front of the entire Grammy’s crowd. There are already tons of parodies and jokes surrounding the whole situation. Pinkett Smith issued a tweet wishing that Smith would not have reacted like that on her behalf. The Oscar Academy’s response is banning Smith from receiving an Oscar or attending The Oscars for 10 years.
HARRY STYLES’ NEW ALBUM
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West officially divorced on March 2nd of 2022. Kardashian is now dating SNL star and comedian, Pete Davidson. West had released a series of Instagram posts and tweets throwing shade at the new couple, specifically Davidson. Davidson has been very vocal about his relationship with Kardashian, responding to West’s tweets saying, “I’ve decided I’m not gonna let you treat us like this anymore and I’m done being quiet.” Will the new couple finally get their peace? Will West ever calm down and get over it?
Harry Styles’ second solo album is coming out on May 20th of 2022. Styles has been teasing his first single on the album, ‘As it Was’ on the album Harry’s House. The vinyl version of his album will be available for pre-sale on April 2st, 2022 on his website.
BYE BYE DOJA CAT?
Photo courtesy of Fair Use
After a recent cancellation of a Doja Cat concert, the Grammy winning star faced lots of hate from her fans. Many were disappointed that the concert was canceled and some fans even waited outside Doja’s hotel to see her when she left. After the backlash from fans, Doja took to twitter to explain her frustration with the whole situation. “This **** ain’t for me so I’m out,” she wrote. “Y’all take care.” When Doja won a Grammy, all of this talk of quitting seemed to go out the window. Doja does not even know what she wants to do with her musical career at this point.
Olivia Rodrigo wore a tight fitted dress with pink sparkles giving an hourglass illusion. This dress was designed by Vivienne Westwood. Rodrigo took home 3 Grammys, Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Solo Pop Performance Photo courtesy of People.com
Justin Bieber came to the Grammy’s wearing a basic oversized gray suit with the main points of his outfit being his bright pink beanie and Balenciaga platform Crocs. Photo courtesy of VanityFair.com
16 APRIL 2022
got beef?
BATMAN AND DR STRANGE On March 4th, 2022 ‘The Batman’, starring Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz, hit the silver screen. Now it has roughly made about $331.9 million, according to Rotten Tomato. ‘Dr. Strange’ is coming out on May 6th. Fans are rumoring that ‘The Batman’ may be competing next year at the 2022 Oscars. Photo courtesy of Fair Use
THE GRAMMYS: HOT OR FLOP? Lil Nas X, who released his famous Montero Album and then dropped off the face of planet Earth, has recently resurfaced, teasing new music. He wore French Designer Olivier Rousteing. Photo courtesy of SportSugar.com
Billie Eilish wore a deconstructed trench coat with matching boots to pull off a classic all black look that fits her persona. Rick Owens made the trench coat and the ‘sock boots’ which alone are $780. Photo courtesy of ELLE.COM
Photo courtesy of Fair Use
Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak have come together to create Silk Sonic. Some of the most popular songs that have come out of this duo are ‘Smoking out the Window’ and ‘Leave the Door Open’. Silk Sonic attended the Grammy’s with matching red suits with matching red pants and sunglasses. Silk Sonic was nominated for Record of the Year, Best R&B Performance, Song of the Year, and Best R&B Song. Photo courtesy of E!News Twitter.
Megan The Stallion wore a tight fitted leopard dress with jewels around the top paired with gold cuff jewelry. The dress was made by Roberto Cavalli. Photo courtesy of JustJared.com
Anderson Paak (left) and Bruno Mars (right) together they make Silk Sonic