The Bruin - February 2018

WADSWORTH HIGH SCHOOL

NEWSPAPER II/III VOLUME XLIII NO.

The

VOLUME XLIII NO.1

Do you love it or hate it?

“I do really like it because if students really needed a study hall, they would make time for it.”

-Sarah Cain, 11.

“I am not a fan of the eight periods because I don’t want to be at school for longer.”

-Madison Couts, 10.

“I can’t wait to see how it works out.”

-Axel Muller, 9.

Inside the Bruin:

FEBRUARY 2018

Show that y that speci a ou tr uly ca l person r e gift o f a Br with the uin!

To:

From:

625 BROAD STREET, WADSWORTH, OHIO

New year, new schedule

BY OLIVIA PORPORA

The beginning of a new year always brings new changes, and the 2018-2019 school year is no exception. Next year the high school’s new schedule will bring a large change to our learning environment. The new system will contain eight periods with fifth being a universal study hall.

The new bell schedule for the upcoming school year will consist of eight class periods with fifth period being the IE or “intervention enrichment” period. With next year’s new schedule, students should be able to get more of their homework done in class rather than at home.

The day will start at its usual time, 7:35 a.m. and conclude at 2:34 p.m., which is only four minutes longer than the bell schedule we have now.

This means classes would be cut by three minutes and the time you have between classes will be cut down to four minutes instead of five.

“I love this idea! It gives every student the opportunity to have a non-stressful period in their day, and it doesn’t drastically change our schedule,” said Alexandra Zuder, 11.

Lunch is a crucial part of the school day. Not only does it allow kids to socialize with their peers but it also allows for students to refuel for the second part of the day. Lunches will overlap but there will still be three lunch periods and it will take place during IE. The band is a major part of our school and that class currently takes place during fifth period but with the new bell schedule, this will change.

As of now band will have four periods, most likely being 4th, 6th, 7th, and 8th period. Other classes like Yearbook and Newspaper will also be receiving new periods.

“I feel great about the new schedule because it makes band a lot easier. And now that the bands are split up for marching season, we won’t practice outside during school hours, and evening practices will not be as long,” said Demetrios Laikos, 11.

IE will be during fifth period and will be set up a little differently compared to your other classes.

Students from all four grade levels will be in one classroom. Once assigned to a teacher, you will continue to have that same teacher

for the rest of your high school career, along with the same group of kids.

“Next year I will be a junior and I don’t like the fact that I will be spending fifth period with freshman.

I would rather have that class with just kids in my grade,” Danielle Cheff, 10.

The school is trying to utilize the most of this spare time by allowing coaches to host meetings as well, instead of having them before or after school. Also teachers can write passes to students that need to make up testes or to get extra help in that subject. This helps students who participate in after school activities or are not currently taking a study hall.

“I’m so happy that they are adding it, I have too many classes I want to take and I don’t have room for a study hall and this is the perfect solution,” said Elena Vukovic, 10.

The upcoming school year can serve as a test run for the IE period and administration can get a feel for how well the schedule will work at Wadsworth. In the eyes of many students and teachers alike, they hope that the schedule is here to stay. It can lessen the amount of work and stress put on the kids here at WHS.

7:35-8:20

Period 5

10:47-12:07

Period 2

8:24-9:09

Period 6

12:11-12:56

Period 5A

10:47-11:17

Period 3

9:13-9:58

Period 7

1:00-1:45

Period 5B

11:12-11:42

Period 4

10:02-10:47 Period 8

1:49-2:34

Period 5C

11:37-12:07

Chief

Page 3

Page 5

throughout the day do we have everyone here,” said Mr. Moore.

However, seniors are still annoyed over this issue and some are stuck parking in the sophomore lot. This is a recurring problem that annoys each senior class.

Yet, the administration has yet to take action and impose serious consequences on those who come early and park in the lot.

“There are so many spots by the 1500 wing. [Seniors] don’t want to walk that far but they’re going to have to,” said Brooke Leimeister, 12, when asked on the subject.

Sophomores have yet to reply to the seniors’ qualms and seniors have not taken any actual action to

fix this problem. This may seem like a very trivial problem, except it is one of the most popular complaint students have. In the winter months, this parking issue has skyrocketed due to a long walk in the cold.

Other schools around us handle their parking in different ways. At Barberton, there are several lots and failure to comply with their parking rules results in a boot on your car after the third offense.

Some schools have even assigned parking spots for each student.

While the sophomores have a different colored pass, it is clear that this distinction is not working.

Mr. Moore and the administration

Do you love it or hate it?

“Wait! There’s a new bell schedule?”

-Casey Potter, 11.

“I love that fact that I don’t have to take a study hall and that it is already built into my schedule.”

-Laney Corell, 9.

5th Period - Minutes in IE

Period 1

NHS

$1.00

Gymnastics

Page 10

“I like that it is giving kids who are busy after school a chance to get work done in school.”

-Ben Bebe, 10.

New Band

Page 13

Parking lot troubles seniors again

BY MARRAYA YOUNGBLOOD

One of the most hotly debated topics here is the student parking lot. Whether it’s sophomores in the junior/senior lot, icy pavement, or parents dropping their children off -- everybody seems to have something to say.

Recently, there has been a rise of sophomores parking in the main lot, much to the senior’s dismay. Many of these seniors have late arrival and are upset over the lack of parking spots at the start of second period.

“We have 404 spaces in that lot and we sell over 500 parking passes because very rarely

@WadsworthBruin

PHOTO BY MARRAYA YOUNGBLOOD

Parking is a privilege at the school, yet students are not satisfied with the lot’s conditions and demand for something to be done.

advise to report these people in by taking down their parking pass numbers. The parking lot is just too big for a small group to run and keep organized.

“You guys have to police yourselves. You have to park in

WadsworthBruin.com

the right spot,” said Mr. Moore.

Regardless of the solution, it is doubtful that our school will reach a solution that satisfies everybody. However it is important to remember, parking is a privilege and not a right.

Wadsworth Bruin

2

New bell schedule

STAFF EDITORIAL

Next year, Wadsworth High School will be implementing a new bell schedule. One in which, all students will have a mandatory study hall, also called an “I.E.” period, during the fifth period. This change brings a plethora of advantages for the students at WHS. High school is an ideal time for students to experiment with what works for them: what kind of schedule with which they can best succeed, how to structure their studies, and how to best manage time in ways that are unique to them.

With this being said, every student having a study hall at the same time allows the student to reach out and meet with their teachers for extra help in any subject.

For example, if a student misses a day of school due to an illness and they miss a test, instead of them having to try and coordinate a time it takes the test with a busy schedule, they can easily make up the test during the I.E. period.

It is hard enough for a student to balance trying to catch up with their make up work, still attend their extracurricular activities after school and make up any missing tests or quizzes while complying with a teacher’s schedule.

E ditorial Valentine’s Day tips fr om the Bruin staff THE BRUIN

F ebruary 2018 Not only can a student find time to make up a test, they can go to a teachers room during this I.E. period to get help with a difficult subject. The student can reach out and get extra help to excel in their classes.

This extra one-on-one time between the student and the teacher can greatly improve the student’s comprehension of that subject.

However, this could lead to a problem. What if many students go to the same teacher?

This problem can be resolved by having upperclassmen that already took and mastered that subject, to help the struggling underclassmen.

This will bring more attention to peer tutoring. The peer tutoring program at WHS will be able to grow because it will be so much easier to schedule time for students to receive extra help.

This new change of the bell schedule will improve Wadsworth as it will allow students to receive extra help from the teacher or other willing students.

This will strengthen the community around us at WHS as it will get students involved to help each other out. It is going to be an exciting time to see this new bell schedule be put in place next year.

Have a fun and safe Valentine’s Day! -The Bruin

“Tell Savannah she’s beautiful.”

-Quentin Griffin, Editorin-Chief

“Family Guy and chill.”

-Jackie Toth, News & Opinion

“Stay single, boys are too clingy.”

-Alyssa Laikos, Art

“Chocolate covered strawberries from Malley’s is a MUST HAVE.” -Tori Baker, Features

“Always get the food.”

-Josh Hagans, Sports & Business

“No, it is not bad at all. Most college students change their majors anyway, and you will have time before you have to declare yours.”

For freshman year of college, should I room random or choose from Facebook?

“If you choose from Facebook, you can get to know the person over the summer and figure out what he or she likes and dislikes.

Plus, if you realize the two of you aren’t compatible, you can easily decide to find someone else.

Whereas, if you choose random, you will be stuck relying on the person you are paired with to have the same expectations for living situations that you have.”

What style of dorms should I stay in: regular, suite, apartment?

“Do whatever gives you the most space out of the options available for a freshman year student.”

Are there any things that are completely necessary to bring that an incoming freshman might not think of, or anything an incoming freshman might think they need, when they really do not?

“Definitely! I brought way too many pairs of shoes because I thought I was going to need different kinds for different occasions, when, in reality, anything over three or four pairs just takes up space. Also, do not bring bunch of bottles of soap, even though you might be afraid of running out--your school will most definitely have a convenience store where you can repurchase hygiene items. Things you bring in bulk almost always take up a large amount of space, and you really do not use them like you would anticipate.”

While college is a big jump, it is a great experience and is nothing to be anxious about!

“I’d rather sleep.”

-Ahmed Darwich, News & Opinion

College advice for seniors

BY MACIE CARMEL, BRUIN ALUMNUS

Senior year is accompanied by many feelings: nostalgia of past school years, eagerness to graduate, and, for most students, nervousness about college. This stress arises from uncertainty and unfamiliarity with college life, which seniors are going to be catapulted into in just six short months.

To help ease some anxiety, The Bruin has asked former writer Macie Carmel, graduate of Wadsworth’s class of 2017, some questions sent in by some of this school’s very own seniors.

Should I commute or stay on campus if I choose a college nearby?

“Staying on campus the first year gives you a much bigger opportunity to make a lot of friends.”

Is it bad to be an undecided major when I go to college?

Bruin Staff Editor-in-Chief: Quentin Griffin Front Page: Page Editor: Ahmed Darwich Reporters: Olivia Porpora, Marraya Youngblood Opinion 1: Page Editor: Jackie Toth Reporters: Kylee Baranek, Colin Wright Opinion 2: Page Editor: Jackie Toth Reporters: Adam Darwich, Jacob LoGuidice Editorial: Page Editor: Ahmed Darwich, Jackie Toth Reporters: Tori Baker, Jackie Toth News: Page Editor: Ahmed Darwich, Jackie Toth Reporters: Kai Wagner, Jacob Brown Features: Page Editor: Tori Baker Reporters: Anna Bowling, Jessica Hermann Entertainment: Editor: Tori Baker Reporters: Richie Dietrich, Anna Bowling Sports 1: Page Editor: Josh Hagans Reporters: Joey Baughman, Jacob McDermit Sports 2: Page Editor: Josh Hagans Reporters: Christian Szalay, TJ Lockwood Speakout: Page Editor: Alyssa Laikos Reporters: Marraya Youngblood, Olivia Porpora, Kylee Baranek Picture Page: Page Editor: Alyssa Laikos Reporter: Jacob Brown, Kaitlyn Setera Of The Month: Page Editor: Alyssa Laikos Reporter: Anna Bowling Online Editor: Nate Barnett Ads/Business Manager: Josh Hagans Adviser: Eric Heffinger

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.

If I had to rate you from 1-10, I would rate you as a 9 because I am the one that you are missing.

N ews

THE BRUIN

New California making history

BY KAI WAGNER

A country with a powerful bond between 50 states could become that much more powerful by admitting its 51st state. New California is on the cusp of breaking into statehood.

New California, consisting of nearly all of the present state of California exempting parts of the coast, is one step closer to declaring statehood. Reading their Declaration of Independence on Monday, February 5th, they constitute their rights to forming a new state in a very serious manner.

Flu epidemic

Ne w Ca

Ca

lif or n

ia

lifo rn

ia

PHOTO BY KAI WAGNER

New California is breaking into statehood with their new Declaration of Independence.

This year’s flu season has been the most traumatic than it has been in recent years. The CDC believed the number of incidents peaked due the Christmas Season, yet the numbers remained to climb steadily.

Claiming over thousands of lives this year, it has become ever more important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to keep the country healthy. The flu has impacted over 50 children. The CDC suggests to always wash your hands and to maintain hygiene.

BY KAI WAGNER

PHOTO BY KAI WAGNER

The executive board of NHS, led by Andrew Jariga, and Ahmed Darwich have brought energy and enthusiasm into National Honor Society

to the new inductees to solidify the core pillars of the program; scholarship, leadership, character,

Breaking into the top percentile

BY KAI WAGNER

Joining the prestigious ranks of students to accomplish a perfect ACT score is Wadsworth’s own Lily Stewart, 11. Lily has successfully broken into the top 0.136% of all students to obtain a 36 on the ACT. Stewart is no stranger to difficult tests. She attributes her success to the challenging AP and honors courses she takes. For Stewart, the ACT was just another challenge to overcome.

Stewart did not see the test as something to take lightly. She knew she would have to work hard to prepare herself.

“It was just a mental thing. I found myself studying over it every night and just wanting it more than all other test-takers.”

The wait between taking the

test and receiving your testing score can be be one of the most stressful times for any high school student. Stewart, even knowing she did well, felt the same anxiety.

“Finally getting the score back after a couple of weeks was a relief. Once I saw my score I felt a rush of excitement and completion,” Stewart said.

Having never received a “B” on her report card, Stewart knew she was up to the task of getting that perfect 36.

Stewart’s classmates look to her for answers and her friends revere her intelligence. She strives to do the best work she possibly can in her academics.

Stewart deserves to be recognized as an exceptional student, classmate and and friend. For Stewart, her hard work has finally paid off.

and service.

The Executive Board has done great work and look to do more.

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day?

“I think it’s overrated.” ~Jenna Skinner, 11

“If you don’t have a significant other, it can be a real bummer.”

3

The Tide Pod Challenge is ending

BY KAI WAGNER

BY JACOB BROWN

NHS making new traditions

Known for their high standards and strict customs, Wadsworth’s National Honors Society is trying to shake things up.

Andrew Jariga, 12, the President of NHS at Wadsworth, his Vice President Ahmed Darwich, 12 and his executive board, have improved upon the prestigious club through planning mandatory monthly meetings.

Bonding exercises, guest speakers, ceremonies, and casual get-togethers are being presented

F ebruary 2018

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

Tide has been trying to stop the recent outbreak of the Tide pod challenge but continues to have no success.

Tide pods are explained to be the most effective way to clean your clothes, but a new use has come into being. The new wave of eating tide pods has been a sensational breakout, taking over the social media networks.

Aside from its “humorous” rash, however, it has proven to be lethal and must be stopped.

The Superbowl commercials released by Tide were a strike at the recent Tide pod challenge.

Recently being spammed on Twitter, Tide has tried to stop the madness with no success.

College planning is on the rise

BY JACOB BROWN

As the school year winds down, the pressure of making plans for the future also comes crashing down on students. Seniors need to worry about graduation and making plans for college, juniors need to think of the best classes to take to meet their needs. sophomores are just deciding what path they want to take and freshman are just getting used to high school life. It has become more apparent to how their future is beginning to look, and it’s up to the students if they like what they see.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

Ohio State’s campus, one of the largest in the nation, has seen an increase in student visatations.

Valentine’s Day history

BY JACOB BROWN

Valentine’s Day is an annual holiday that is celebrated on February 14 and was initially called Lupercalia, a day of love.

It was started by the Catholic Church in the 4th century but was deemed to be “unchristian” at the end of the 5th century by Pope Gelasius. It was then renamed Valentine’s Day. Throughout time, the day has been used as a reason to spread love from one person to another.

At school, it has evolved as students grow up and move from grade to grade. In elementary school, you would get everyone in your class a Valentine’s Day card and everyone would exchange cards and get candy.

In middle school, it became less common to get anyone a card, and in high school, it’s rare to see anyone exchange cards or get candy.

“I think we should go back to the old days where we gave

everyone in our class valentine cards,” said Seth Beldean, 11.

As students get older, Valentine’s Day became a day that was shared between significant others and less of a social activity.

When students were asked what their plans were, most who didn’t have a significant other said they had no plans while those who did said they were going to do things such as go out to dinner, watch a movie, or simply just exchange gifts.

Valentine’s Day is widely considered to be a “hallmark holiday” and mainly used to sell things like cards, candy, flowers etc. and holds very little tradition behind it. Just because it does not hold as much tradition as typical holidays, like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving, it is still widely celebrated.

“Valentine’s day is a great day to show your appreciation towards your significant others,” said Corynn Rench, 11, “and should not be under appreciated.”

~Jacob Machar, 9

PHOTO BY KAI WAGNER

Lily Stewart, 11, after months of hard work, receives a perfect score on her ACT to join the top percentile of all students.

“Valentines day is my favorite holiday, I love it!” ~Samantha Beddow, 11

PHOTO BY JACOB BROWN

Ahmed Darwich, 12, is madly in love with his job of being an editor on the staff of the Bruin.

Are you trash?

Because I’d like to take you out.

4

O pinion 1

THE BRUIN

F ebruary 2018

Friendzone presents insurmountable obstacle OPINION BY (STILL SINGLE) COLIN WRIGHT

Every single male in the universe is familiar with an innocent sounding, yet devastating concept: the friendzone. The friendzone is a hopeless and gutwrenching metaphorical “place,” where many become trapped and few ever escape.

The friendzone is defined as a situation where one person (usually male) attempts to initiate a romantic relationship with another (usually female) and is met with rejection. That rejection often comes in the painful form of “you’re like a brother to me!” or “What? You’re just a good friend of mine!” Those words can cause a heartache incomparable to any other.

Some see friendzoning as a method of preserving friendships that might otherwise become awkward after a failed attempt at taking things to the “next level.”

“I would much rather friend zone someone than cut them

off because you still want a relationship with them,” says Secilia Ho, 11.

Seeing friendzoning as a blessing instead of a curse is not as easy for the rejected person.

They will almost always try and scheme a way to save themselves from the pit of despair, but to no avail.

“The best way to deal with getting friend zoned is to accept that it does not actually matter.

Just hang with the boys. As a wise, wise man once said, ‘Saturday is for the boys,’” writes Drew Blankenship, experienced friendzonee and Wadsworth alumnus.

There are different schools of thought when it comes to escaping

Times Colin has been friendzoned: LLLLLLLLLL LLLLLLLLLL LLLLLLLLLL *each L is equivalent to ten friendzones

PHOTO BY THE SINGLE JACKIE TOTH

The single (how?) Colin Wright gazes longingly into the night, wondering when he will finally find love. Unfortunately, all he sees is his reflection. Colin enjoys long walks on the beach, dogs, and makes the best eggs east of the Mississippi.

people escape the friendzone suggests (among other things) trying to be mysterious to make your desired companion jealous.

This just seems childish to me, but there is simply no clear-cut approach to solving this problem.

“I think a crucial part of getting out of the friendzone is having a sense of humor. To free yourself from this shackle, you cannot take yourself too seriously. Every girl

“To free yourself from this shackle, you cannot take yourself too seriously.”

-Mr. Singleton

the friendzone. Clare Austen, a writer for Men’s Fitness, suggests getting outside opinions to evaluate if the relationship is even a possibility before trying to make a move.

A website dedicated to helping

wants to laugh and have fun,” says Mr. Singleton. “There’s definitely an artistry to it. It’s not a science.

Popularity does not matter; humor will always win the day.”

The most reasonable approach to this problem is to simply be genuine. If the relationship is meant to happen, chances are, it will.

“If you find a way to escape the friendzone, you’re a hero,” says Cameron Riggenbach, 12. “It’s a big deal. Also, ladies, I’m still on the market. Add me on Snap.”

Let’s face it: you might never get out of the friendzone. Ladies, Cameron’s right, just don’t waste your time adding him on Snapchat. Add me.

Colin Wright Colin Wright c_wright for you :)

c_wright for your friend :)

The #MeToo movement is crucial and defining to this generation

OPINION BY KYLEE BARANEK

Since 1998, approximately 18,000,000 women have reported being sexually assaulted. According to RAINN, the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1 in 6 women have been the victim of an attempted or completed sexual assault in her lifetime. Movements such as the #MeToo movement, which has flooded most social media outlets, has been attempting to educate, inform, and give woman a voice in this matter.

Yet, surprisingly very few people know about this in our school. Most guys that were asked have not heard of the movement. After it was explained to them, they still could not recognize what it was. However, most of the girls asked had an opinion on this matter, but few of them were willing to voice their opinions publicly.

The fear that goes along with not speaking out is a key concept of the movement. Along with the “#MeToo” hashtag that

isn’t possible”. The truth in floats around social media goes Brianna Becerra, 9.

This movement is essential for the matter is that it is never the hand in hand with another called “#Time’sUp”. This included, women. With the oppression that victim’s fault. This concept of smaller movement is to show women have faced for decades, victim’s blame has become the that the time to be quiet is over, oppression caused mainly by standard within our society and and that it is time for victims men, for those men to not pay a the victims are left to feel the to speak up. Many are worried shred of attention to something burns of the utter discomfort of the repercussions that could this large is disheartening. It has from sharing their stories.

The few boys in this school been this way for years only due occur if they were to speak up.

There is a bigger issue to this to the fact that there is a huge who are aware of this important problem. Women are the key to stigma around the concepts of movement, are actually very the solution, but are not able to rape and sexual assault. It is a educated about it and vocal on what it stands for. find a doorway in.

“The MeToo The issue is that movement showed most guys do not a lot of promise take things like this when it began seriously. Either they back in late 2017. do not care to inform I think it serves as themselves, and in an amazing way turn they have just for people to share not bothered paying their stories and attention to the try and reach out #MeToo movement, to other victims. or that they do not PHOTO BY ANNA BOWLING It really did some Girls have been taught to stay silent.

Instead, it is time to stand in fully understand solidarity with those who have been affected by sexual assault and good in letting what it means, what harassment. people know how affects the movement could have, or how it can go on stigma that has affected both huge the problem of sexual to change society. The numerous women and men differently. violence is,” Vinnie Lobello, sexual assault allegations that When a woman is raped, 11, said. have been brought forward in questions such as “what were Matt Sboray also media sources these past few you wearing?”, “were you commented saying, “I think it months have found a home in drinking” , or even “are you is a good movement to have the #MeToo movement and it sure you didn’t say yes?” have for our country. It can give helps give a purpose to silenced been asked to female victims, people the courage to stand victims willing to speak out. while men normally receive, up against sexual harassment “I think it should be taken “he should feel lucky”, “he and violence.” seriously. There are many should have enjoyed it”, or if Sadly, the boys presented women that have been and are the victim is not taken seriously, are the slim few who knew being affected by this,” said they may even receive a “That about this movement. That

If I had to rate you from 1-10, I would rate you as a 9 because I am the one that you are missing.

“There are many women that have been and are being affected by this.”

-Brianna Becerra, 9 is the issue. The two of them make up a small percentage of a larger scale.

With not only how many women but even with how many men have experienced some form of sexual violence, it is important for everyone to be informed and understand the impact that this movement on everyone.

This should not only be something that women know about, but something every American should be informed about. The only way things will get better is if we as the human race support and care for one another.

The MeToo movement is a crucial and defining part of today’s society. If we do not look forward when looking for ways of change, nothing ever will. When the movement is truly supported, and not overlooked by ignorant individuals, we look towards promising change for our daughters, sisters, mothers and friends. It is time to speak up, and speak out, about how important this movement is.

ADS

THE BRUIN

F ebruary 2018

need pHYSICAL tHERAPY?

5

Wadsworth Sports Medicine 621 School Dr. (at the YMCA) 330–334–0035

Proud supporter of the Wadsworth Bruin and Wadsworth Athletics!

Robert S Crawford, M.D., CAQSM

Wadsworth Sports Medicine since 1991

Go Grizzlies!

THANK YOU 2017-2018 PATRONS Diana & Bill Aey, The Anderson Family, Dawn Bailey, John & Karen Baker, Katie Baker, John Sr. & Michele Baker, The Ball Family, Tom & Lynn Bardar, Michael and Jennifer Barnes, Dave Bartiromo, Mary Beth Baxley, Doug & Cindy Beeman, Rich & Dana Berlin, Allen and Corina Bingham, Mark & Melinda Black, Charlene Blevins, Eric Bowling, Beth Bowling, Chuck & Maureen Brigham, Denise Brown, Heidi Burkey, Nana Callow, The Carpenter Family, Debbie and Mark Carr, Lisa Chapman, Danielle Cheff, Vickie Conley, Judy Conner, The Cornacchione Family, Paul Coward, Dawn & Robert Crawford, Carol Crawford, Bill & Lisa Dallas, The Debon Family, Erwin & Sally Diener, Rebecca Dills, Debbie and Steve Dishauzi, The Dishong Family, Don & Vicki Dreher, Ed Dryer, The Earnest Family, Melisssa Eaton, Betsy Emery, Heather Errante, Falkenstein Family, Michelle Farr, The Felix Family, Susannah Forreman, Dr. and Mrs. Fortner, Cindy Gabler, Steve and Kelly Gibson, Ray and Betty Gill, Evelyn Griffin, Jenny & John Griffin, Cheryl & Steve Griffin, The Hagans Family, Joe & Lisa Hanna, The Haprian Family, Harig Family, Ron Hart, The Hillegass Family, Dana Hire, Tim and Jodie Hughes, Analiseth Huskins, John, Sandy, and Kassie Hutchinson, Brian & Kristie Ihrig, Bill & Amy Jariga, Lauvence & Nancy Jennings, John Johnson, Jason Jurey, Andrea Kline, The Kurt Family, Angel Kusmits, George and Hannan Laikos, Laikos Family, Ms. Laikos, Janet Lindhe, Mary Linn, Joe & Laura Lockwood, The LoGuidice Family, Rich and Cheri Long, Shawn and Laura McDermitt, Jake and Debbie McDermitt, Steve and Sarah McIlvaine, Donald and Melinda McMillan, Liz Mendel, Scott Merhar, Don & Tanya Miksch, Heidi Miller, Wendie Montgomery, Steve Moore, Mike Moser, Amy & Frank Muhl, Mike Nemeth, Dave Nicholas, Greg & Dana North, Roger & Leslie North, Miss Allison Pallija, Angel Pappas, Kathie Parke, Allison Parsons, Connor Pletcher, The Recupero Family, John and Norma Renner, Tom and Renee Riggenbach, The Schoonover Family, Semancik Family, The Setera Family, The Shaeffer Family, Scott and Shannon Shope, Jim & Laurie Sickels, Simpson Family, The Singleton Family, Jamie Soucie, Angel Snowball, Kris Storad, Dave & Trish Swanson, The Szalay Family, Margaret Tate, Sarah Trausch, Amy & Bill Tuck, Clarke and Shawn Van Dyke, Melisa & Adam Virgei, Kirt & Leanne Virgin, Allyson Wagner, John and Nancy Wagner, Mike Wagner, Stephanie Warner, Webb Family, The Wichterman’s, Jim & Pam Williams, Ted & Felicity Wilson, Stephanie Wise, Bridget Witschey, Kaye Wolfinger, Rita Youngblood, Kathy Zagar.

Want to advertise in The Bruin?

Wanna hear a joke? Valentine’s Day!

6

O pinion 2

THE BRUIN

F ebruary 2018

Student apathy is the biggest problem in education

BY ADAM DARWICH

and wrinkled textbooks. Students look towards the Internet to answer their questions instantly that only reinforces their desire for instant gratification. This goes directly against the patience required for learning in the common K-12 format.

School aids, teachers, and administrators have attempted to fight apathy in anyway they can. Teachers are asked to make lessons more interactive. They are

The issue? The same students participate, the ones who care.

These solutions have not worked and will not work as students get more and more connected to the world and disconnected to the school.

Like all other things, The Bruin and this author provide a new pathway. A road less travelled but one that could yield better results than the previous methods.

It is common knowledge that, in this day and age, our society revolves around entertainment.

What students see whenever they turn on a screen is a society that perpetuates an idea of five seconds of fame, all for the sake of entertainment.

“Today, kids are opened to this environment that places everything on entertainment. There is no focus on education. It is not that they don’t care, it’s that they don’t know how to or don’t see the relevancy,” Mr. Austin said.

The evidence for this is clear.

A practice squad player for the NFL makes approximately seven thousand dollars a week. On the other hand, a teacher, with a Master’s degree and 10 years experience, makes that over the course of maybe two whole months. Society’s focus is on entertainment and until we switch

Any literature or discussion that centers around the problems in American education seemingly always includes one of the following usual suspects: overworked/underpaid teachers, lack of funding, inadequate resources, or faulty testing procedures set by legislators that have not experienced the education system at work in years.

Unfortunately, “I am not afraid to fail a the main crux of the issues in student, you have to work education lies hard to succeed in this not within these classroom and in life.” issues.

The

-Mrs. North main problem plaguing our educational institution is apathy -- continually told to find new and innovative ways to reach students apathy from students.

Students today are the most -- through multimedia messages, efficient, advanced, and open- group work, games, and alternative minded the world has ever seen. assessments. The question for They are connected to a plethora teachers has become “how can I of sources for information and keep them interested?” Not “how eyewitness accounts. The ceiling best can I answer their interest?”

This is dangerous in teaching. of today’s students is higher than ever before. Where they are, Administrators have fared in however, is well beneath their similar ways. They have created club after club to try and connect the floor. The problem is apathy.

The inter connectivity of the student to the school. “We look to world today has hindered students involve students in different ways” to care about what lies in front of is something that can be found on them in the age-old, worn-out, almost every school district page.

Keep the Chief

BY JAKE LOGUIDICE

In recent news, the Cleveland Indians will remove Chief Wahoo from their jerseys for the 2019 season has stirred much controversy among sports fans everywhere.

Some would say that the removal of the Chief Wahoo logo from Indians jerseys is for the better, but I would completely disagree.

“I think it is a slap in the face to the loyal Cleveland fan base. Chief Wahoo is a part of Indians history and will forever live in my heart,” said Matt Moore, 11.

I think that traditions are not meant to be broken. Calling the beloved logo racist seems far fetched and quite unnecessary.

One must believe that the Washington Redskins’ name and logo would be considered more controversial and thus should be

retired as well.

Chief Wahoo has been the Indian’s logo since 1947. He was created by Walter Goldbach. The year after Chief was created, the Indians won the World Series (1948).

I do not think that the logo itself is racist. However, certain interpretations of it have created a notion of racial discrimination among sports fans and especially Native American tribes.

But, many people, especially those who reside in Northeast Ohio, feel that this whole thing is unnecessary and that Chief Wahoo was never made to poke fun at Native Americans.

However, recent racial tension in our society has created a greater tendency for minorities to fight against tradition and ignorance which is quite understandable.

If one were to go around Northeast

Ohio and ask people what they thought about Chief Wahoo being removed, they would find that Ohioans love Chief Wahoo and most likely own a piece of Indians merchandise with him on it.

“Chief was a part of the team,” says Benny Petit, 11.

Currently, Chief Wahoo merchandise prices have rose significantly - especially antique items from the 1940s to 50s.

Clevelanders are very upset about the decision to remove Chief Wahoo from the Indians jerseys because they feel as though the logo was never racist and that everything is being blown out of proportion - I agree.

Some Chief Wahoo merchandise will still be sold in stores, but the beloved Chief will no longer be the symbol of the tribe. The Indians will now use the capital letter “C” as their only logo.

PHOTO BY ADAM DARWICH

Students care more about the instant gratification on their phones than their test scores, which require effort for success.

it to education or something more rewarding than “Five Seconds of Fame,” students will not care.

Mrs. North, an Advanced Placement teacher, has a method that has students afraid from the middle school.

“I remember almost being scared out of taking her class. Look at it this way, her two classes (AP Calculus and Honors Analysis) ranked number 1 and 2 in the survey of the hardest class in the school,” said Matthias Gruich, a scholar of the senior class.

“I am not afraid to fail a student.

You have to work to succeed in this classroom and in life. Luckily, I mostly attract students that understand that,” said Mrs. North, who is not queasy with the red ink.

The answer to student apathy lies in the crossroads of these two ideas. Admittedly, this is a hard task. Shifting our societal focus back onto knowledge and hard work will take years.

During that time, teachers can help the problem by writing the big, red “F” on student’s work. It is a difficult but, necessary task.

Trust me, we need it.

No more Chief

Chief Wahoo will be discontinued in 2019

BY QUENTIN GRIFFIN

The Chief Wahoo has been a mascot and rallying cry for the fans of the Indians since 1915 This month Indians ownership and Major League Baseball have decided that after the 2018 season the Chief will no longer be on the Indians jersey. Although, they will continue to sell merchandise in small doses to maintain their copyright of the product.

Many loyal Cleveland Indians fan will complain that the logo is tradition and must stay. However, racism has been brought to forefront in this country and needs to be cleansed out of our professional sports leagues. The Chief Wahoo, while being a symbol in the Cleveland Sport’s heart for generations, needs to go to purify the game of baseball.

“The chief it self should have gone a long time ago. It’s definitely a racist depiction of an Indian,” said Austen Manix,12.

This is huge step forward to remove controversial names in pro sports. People are finally starting to take action on these racist and stereotypical sports names and mascots.

“The decision to get rid of Chief Wahoo is a decision that upsets me but one that me and my fellow Indians fans will have to live with,” said Brendan Merhar, 11.

This will be a hard adjustment for Indians fans everywhere but one that is necessary.

Hopefully this will be followed by other major franchises like the Washington Redskins and Chicago Blackhawks to look into how they can help purify our national sports teams of racism.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

Chief Wahoo’s has been associated with the Cleveland Indians since 1947. He will be phased out as the official logo after the 2018 season.

PHOTO CREATED BY QUENTIN GRIFFEN

Anti-Chief sports fans protested in downtown Cleveland, standing outside Progressive Field. They protested for the duration of the 2017 MLB season and are glad to see the owner remove the image for the 2019 MLB season.

I'm sorry I didn't get you a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day, but if you want something sweet, I’m right here.

A ds

THE BRUIN

$5

Enjoy our slice of pizza and soda special all day every day in our family friendly dining room, where you can watch our Pizzaiolis make our New York

style pizza!

F ebruary 2018

E B T I O H X W PI

7

1154 Hinkle Dr, Wadsworth, Ohio

(330) 331-7470

ZZER

A I

Show your student ID to get a 20% off discount!

That awkward moment when valentine’s Day is around the corner, and the only person that loves you is your mom.

8

P icture P age

THE BRUIN

F ebruary 2018

Picture Perfect Couples of 2018

Be

nC a ha rrol l ve be (9) & en da Sava tin g f nnah or 6 m Owe on ns ( ths 9) .

& 2)

0)

teele (1 Chris S r. & ) 0 (1 r ea Loope for a y Mikayla been dating have

1 e( r3 in 11) fo v ( o g n h S Fry ati sia en n d o J lle ee Co ve b ha

s.

th

n mo

2)

(1 man her s. t a Le onth sey ind for 6 m L ) & ting a r (11 gne een d a b W i e Ka hav

Alex Burnham (11) & Aunie Gordon (9) have been dating for 2 months.

Kenzie Kim es (12) & T ony Batey have been (11) dating for a year.

1) n (1 Lia g n i s. &Y ear (12) for 4 y l l e mer ting Dam een da n a b Ry ave h

(11) Salzgeber (11) & Ryan w o d s. ed th B n 6 mo Sammie dating for have been

Hailey Montgomery (12) & Ben Arnold (12) have been dating for 5 months.

*All photos are courtesy of the pictured couples.

Halle Shaef fe have been r (10) & Cha dating s for 3 e Rodgers month (11) s.

man iede .

W n rs oga yea ) & L g for 2 1 1 ( n er inkl en dati yW e Abb have b

(11)

What do you call a very small valentine?

A valentiny!

Rebecca Painting (10) & Dylan Mark ley (10) have been dating for 2 years.

Kat Mcc ie Gaum o for mas (1 e (12) & 2 4 ye ars. ) have b Clay een dati n

g

P icture 2

THE BRUIN

F ebruary 2018

LII

41

9

33

538 YARDS 613 25 1ST DOWN 29 1 0 TURNOVERS 71 6 1

PLAYS PENALTIES SACKS

72 1 0

Describe your Dream Date

s to t e h a wis mez in , 1 . o a, 1 na G 9 p.m hat n n Ha Sele f 6:0 ent t or m Sa with ime o basem ce flo g sin rime t ore’s t dan n a p tt Mo celle em. t Ma an ex o sys has stere and

Alli e to sp Merhar , e Gray nd a da 10, wou y dolp Gubler with M ld love h s a unde ins in th wimmin tthew eH r the g moo awaiia with n n at mid seas nigh t.

Who:

6:0

What:

9p

m When:

t h ig

M

n d i

Where: If you were a fruit, you’d be a fine-apple!

S ports 1 THE BRUIN 10 Record Signing day for WHS Senior Athletes F ebruary 2018

BY JOEY BAUGHMAN

The class of 2018 is filled with dedicated student-athletes taking the next step in their athletic and academic careers deciding to pursue their respective sport at the collegiate level next year. These special athletes have made tremendous sacrifices these past four years making all the right decisions to set themselves up to get an opportunity to extend their lives as competitive athletes.

This Year’s seniors already have eight commitments on the early signing day which was on December 20, just a few months ago. Six of those were Division 1 commitments. To add to that, another sixteen students athletes have committed and signed their National Letters of Intent’s on February 7, with three of those being Division 1.

“We are very blessed to have such an incredibly talented senior class at Wadsworth

High School,” says Wadsworth athletic director Brad Musgrave.

“We had eight kids sign in the fall and sixteen more this winter.

I have never had that many seniors signing to play in college in my seventeen-year career as an athletic director. Ten of those twenty-three kids are signed to play at NCAA Division 1 schools. Each one of these kids exudes traits that every coach looks for in a studentathlete: athleticism, work ethic, dedication, perseverance, intelligence, teamwork and leadership. They are all very nice kids who also excel in the classroom. I am so proud of each of them and wish them nothing but continued success as they progress to the collegiate level next year,” Of the sixteen athletes that signed on February 7, four of them chose the route of football.

Christian Szalay signed to play for the Raiders of Mount Union, Joey Baughman signed to play

The 2018 football class that has signed to play at the next level.

for Elon University in North Carolina, Mitchell Blackburn signed to play for Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia and Kyle Arrowsmith took the junior college route and is playing at Hocking College down in Athens next year.

A total of eight student athletes are pursuing men’s and women’s soccer at the next level.

Emily Arellano will be at Seton Hall University in New Jersey, Tori Baker will be playing for

Ashland University, and Jordan Taylor will be competing with Howard University in Washington D.C from the girls soccer team. From the boys team, Connor Mendel signed with John Carroll University, Ben Arnold and Josiah Sovine will be paying for Huntington University in Indiana, Tyler Randolph signed the University of Findlay, and Matt Studenic will be playing at Ohio Northern University next fall.

Hailey Montgomery has decided to pursue Track and Field at the prestigious Ivy League School of Columbia University in New York City.

Lauren Schlauch will be playing women’s lacrosse at PHOTO BY TORI BAKER Notre Dame College

All of the athletes that have signed their letter of intent.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN TODD

in Cleveland and Sarah Keating has signed to play softball for Franciscan University of Steubenville.

“I’m very excited to become a part of such a great soccer program next year,” says Emily Arellano, a Seton Hall women’s soccer commit. “I’m super proud of my teammates as well and I can’t wait to see what we are able to accomplish in college.”

Overall, a record twenty-five athletes from this year’s senior class are continuing their sport in college and potentially a few more that are deciding in the spring.

This Wadsworth senior class has left their mark and set the bar high for the next generations of athletes. The class of 2018 will be one to remember with all the athletes pursuing their dreams at the collegiate level.

Gymnastics repeats as NGC league champs

BY JACOB MCDERMITT

For the second consecutive year, the Wadsworth gymnastics team took home the Northeast Gymnastics Conference Championship. They took a season-high performance from the Grizzlies to top Wooster by just over a tenth of a point, 132.10 - 131.95, to clinch it on January 29th.

“It was super exciting because Wooster is a really good team and they were the last team we had to beat to win the league,” said Hannah Daulbaugh, 12. “We knew everyone had to step up and everyone did. I am so proud of our team. It was really fun being consecutive champs for my last two years.”

Over the past two years, the

Grizzlies are undefeated, 14-0, within the division. Over that same time span, the team has only lost two regular season matches.

Seventh-year head coach Rachel Urbanic described the 0.15 point victory that clinched their second straight NGC league title as the best moment of this season.

“We had been telling them all season that this is the meet we need to win,” said Urbanic. “The girls didn’t know the score, I did, so they had no idea if they won or lost. When I told them that we won, the huge smiles on their faces were really cool to see.”

This year, the Grizzlies team returned first.

All-Gazette performer Hannah Daulbaugh, 12.

Bella Thompson, 11, and Caitlyn McDougal, 10, were also named Honorable Mention All-Gazette

PHOTO COURTESY OF HANNAH DAULBAUGH

The gymnastics team huddles as they prepare for a big meet against Wooster.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RACHEL URBANIC

The Grizzlies gymnastics team and coaches Rachel Urbanic (bottom right) and Aubrey Durkey (bottom left) pose with the girls signs after clinching the Northeast Gymnastics Conference for the second year in a row.

a season ago. Those three were also all first-team All-Northeast Gymnastics Conference. secondteam All-Northeast Gymnastics Conference returning members include Abby Winkler, 11, Jamie Vaughn, 10, and Emma Spoerke, 10. This year’s team also features senior Megan Tyler, juniors Kira Tavenello and Leah Ferry, sophomore Baylee Campbell, and freshmen Alyssa Talabac, Ava Snowball, Emilee Loparo, and Mackenna Blackburn. In her seventh season as head coach, Urbanic describes this group as one of the closest she has seen.

“The overall camaraderie with this team is great. We have a really good group of girls,” said Urbanic.

Is your name wifi?

Because I’m feelin a connection.

“We have three that are freshmen that came up that are just really strong and that is helping us a lot.

The older girls are good leaders, and those two things put together is really cool to see and it works really well with the flow of the team.”

This team unity is what has allowed them to compete and succeed within the Northeast Gymnastics Conference.

“They have all stepped up.

Everyone has contributed in their own way, whether its with skill or just team leadership qualities,” said Urbanic, “pumping each other up and cheering for each other and giving each other a little bit of advice before they go compete.”

The gymnastics team is in two leagues, for the third straight year. They face much greater competition in the Suburban League, but the team looks forward to getting pushed by opponents they will potentially see at sectionals.

“We have really been working hard to up our skill level and upgrade our routines, so we are expecting a lot more out of them than we have seen so far with the things we are adding,” said Urbanic. “We’re really excited for the rest of this season. We have accomplished a lot so far and are excited to see what else they are made of because we know they have more to offer.”

S ports 2

THE BRUIN

F ebruary 2018

11

Dodgeball tournament cancelled

BY T.J. LOCKWOOD

Due to low participation and the complications in finding a good date in which the event would be held, the annual WHS dodgeball tournament has been canceled for this year.

The decision was made official on Friday, February 2 in a Student Council meeting. This tournament is one of the many events sponsored by student council that brings in money that the school donates to the United Way. Many of the Student Council representatives openly spoke out against the decision, on the day of the meeting but were not able to change the minds of the executive board and the teacher advisors of Student Council.

Although the tournament is canceled this year, it will continue in the future. Right now, the tournament is planned to take place every other year. The idea behind this is to increase the interest in the tournament and, therefore, bring in more money to donate to the United Way. Usually, the event is held on the Thursday before Good Friday due to the fact that it is right before a three day weekend. This

year, Good Friday falls on the Friday before Spring Break and the administration predicts that this would potentially decrease the number of students who could participate. Also, holding it later in the year could potentially conflict with the seniors early release for Summer Break. The tournament has already been struggling with numbers in the past and holding it on this day or later in the year certainly would not help.

The year that the dodgeball tournament is not being held, there will still be an event set in place to raise money for United Way. At this point in time, this event is unknown.

This cancellation has brought much commotion among the student body and especially in students who have competed in the event in years before. Much of the senior class has also been frustrated with this, seeing that this was their last year to participate in the tournament.

The tournament is a fundraiser for United Way, but according to the executive board, the students have forgotten the real reason why the tournament is held and have made the event solely a competition.

“Disappointed that we could not have a bipartisan effort to push this through. Truly sad to see representatives of the students not represent the students views,” -Junior student council representative William Virgin, 11

“It’s a shame that the tournament has been canceled.

Who doesn’t love to watch and compete with your friends in a game of dodgeball,” -Former Dodgeball Champion Mason McMillen, 11

“I think that the dodgeball tournament was something that Wadsworth students looked forward to every year. I am greatly disappointed that it is no longer happening,” -Matt Moore, 11 PHOTOS BY TJ LOCKWOOD

“I believe the decision of the Executive Board was very logical. It is their student council and I fully support their decision”

-Mr. Schoonover, Advisor

Last year’s dodgeball championship game was hosted by on by Student Council.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WHS STUDENT COUNCIL

Basketball teams were successful on senior night

PHOTO COURTESY OF MADDIE MOVSESIAN

Wadsworth Grizzly seniors celebrated Senior Night with victories for both the boys and girls teams.

BY CHRISTIAN SZALAY

their way to greatness.

Before being in the program, the Lady Grizzly basketball team already had a very good reputation and this special group of players only made the program even better. From the classroom to the court, the

It has been a long ride for the senior class. The bond created over the years and the bar they have set has been remarkable.

It was only right to honor these great student-athletes in the best way, with a win on Senior “The memories I’ve Night. made with the rest The Lady Grizzlies have of the seniors are seen it all, irreplaceable and from countless regional titles I’ll remember them to even being forever.” part of the 2016 State

-Peyton Banks, 12 Championship players of Coach Andy Booth’s team.

The Lady Grizzlies have squad are perfect examples of been winners ever since sixth leaders.

On Wednesday, February 7, grade. Winning the State Championship for travel ball in the Lady Grizzlies took control sixth grade, it was evident that of senior night right from the the group of girls were well on tip. The senior class made the

most of their senior night and won by a large margin with a score of 82-19.

“It is unreal that it is already our senior season.

The memories I’ve made with the rest of the seniors are irreplaceable and I’ll

remember them forever. It’s been a long and successful ride with them but we aren’t done yet,” said Peyton Banks, 12.

The mens basketball team has been on a bumpy road as of late, but have also had a very successful group of players.

Being a Suburban League contender ever since they were in 7th grade, the senior basketball players have always been a family. Before middle school, the class of 2018 were split into two teams and both were very successful. Winning their respective leagues and countless tournaments, the pride they take when they take the court together was unmatched.

“I knew back when we were in middle school that we would end up being a pretty good basketball team. The

amount of time we put in day in and day out is outrageous.

I wouldn’t want to play my senior season with any other guys,” said senior captain, Jacob Justice, 12.

On February 2, the Grizzlies played the North Royalton Bears, and showed the familylike bond between the senior class. From the tip off, to the final buzzer of their senior night, the game was completely controlled by the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies gave it their all and came out on top in a convincing Suburban League victory over a hot North Royalton team. The Polar Bears won eight of their last nine games coming into the game. The Grizzlies then went on to defeat the Polar Bears with a score of 73-49.

How was playing with your fellow seniors one last time?

“It was by far one of the most fun games I’ve ever been apart of.”

- Jacob Justice, 12.

“It was so much fun playing in the throwback unifoms and getting the win.”

- Sophia Fortner,12.

“We all played as a team and we had so much fun.”

- Reid Black, 12.

Are you a parking ticket?

Because you’ve got FINE written all over you!

12

F ebruary 2018

E D L A R S I A

O

C

A ds

THE BRUIN

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE

Try the $5 menu:

$1 Soft Drinks & $2.99 for a small queso

chimichanga, arroz con pollo, tacos, burritos, quesadillas

Available From: 1:00pm - 4:30pm & 8:00pm - Close Monday - Friday

E ntertainment

THE BRUIN

F EBRUARY 2018

13

Batey’s band takes off in local music scene

BY ANNA BOWLING

Students at Wadsworth High School are well known for the things they achieve on their own, while also keeping up with schoolwork. Many are involved in their own personal endeavours and pursuits. Tony Batey, 11, is one such student, whose band Perfect Girl is earning newfound recognition among his peers.

After the release of their EP Snug, pictured behind, Perfect Girl has seen rising fame in Wadsworth. The band has a wealth of performances lined up for the future, including a charity benefit for the famine in Yemen.

“Jake Ross, who graduated last year, and I started getting

together at each others houses around December of 2016,” Batey says. “We would just jam out, with me on guitar and he would play the drums. We had both figured out that we wanted to play music and that we enjoyed the same kind of music. We just jammed for a few months, never really anything serious.”

As Batey and Ross continued to make music together, they were also contacted by an alum interested in writing with them.

Sam Holik made the duo become a trio, and they started to work on a produce a tangible album.

The band’s EP has started to expand their popularity and convince the community to listen to what they have to make.

“We started playing some open mics, and it just

PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY BATEY

Tony Batey, 11, plays an open mic night with his band, Perfect Girl. Their latest show was in Kent on January 26.

snowballed from there. It’s become something that we have become really committed to,” Batey continued.

Perfect Girl says that they draw influences from pop music, and look up to music icons such as David Bowie, Jack White and Ty Segall.

“I think they give a new spin on an old genre, and I really like that,” says Jacob Elsass, 11.

Elsass had kept tabs on the band since they first started, and became more intrigued when they released their EP. “I like how distinct their sound is. It’s new and different, and can take some time getting used to, but it’s really enjoyable,” Elsass said.

As for the future, the members of Perfect Girl hope to see the band flourish and continue.

“I’ve realized that this sort of thing is something I really have a passion for. If I can make this into a career, that would be great. I hope that over the next few months we can really branch out in Northeast Ohio and gain a following. Hopefully we can continue to play more shows and get our music out there,” Batey says.

Currently, Perfect Girl has a few set performances in the works, and much more to come.

Their EP is also currently being played on a local radio station,

Fortnite: EPIC Games’ big jump Fortnite has managed to reach the tops of many charts - even landing many beginning content creators on YouTube and Twitch.

Although the team at EPIC Games has high hopes for growing their other games off of the back of their massively popular Fortnite, the developers are putting their main focus on developing Fortnite - more specifically their Battle Royale mode - further; adding new maps, weapons, the implementation

internal debates, we feel there is not a clear path for us to grow Paragon into a MOBA that In recent gaming trends, retains enough players to be many open-world shooters sustainable. We didn’t execute and strategy games have well enough to deliver on the come to the front-end of the promise of Paragon. We have gaming community. Games failed you — despite the team’s like PlayerUnknown’s incredibly hard work — and Battlegrounds (PUBG) we’re sorry.” took the internet by storm, On a lighter note, EPIC Games’ accumulating 11 million more transparent communication players in the matter of months; and enforcements on fair play however, four months after in their biggest title, their the release of PUBG, another download cache and game had come to the public stocks have internet’s attention: both shown an increase Fortnite’s Battle in the overall amount Royale. of players on their Within its first other titles, although two weeks, Fortnite not substantial enough managed to catch the to merit a response attention of some 10 from EPIC Games’ million players with PHOTO BY RICHIE DIETRICH themselves. its one-hundred man An in-game screenshot from Fortnite’s sandbox Battle Royale mode, which made Battle Royale mode, and of vehicles and many other “Fortnite is a great game from gained even more traction community requests are at the what I’ve played so far,” says when it announced its two- front of their lists.

Evan Dryer, 11. “Although, I Although for their high hopes team 50v50 Royale Battles. do think it lacks a lot in terms Although suspected to have of branching their other titles due of being played over and run off of PUBG’s popularity to Fortnite’s massive popularity, over again. It’s a game that’ll at the time, Fortnite gained EPIC Games has recently hopefully help EPIC Games more traction for itself announced that in mid-April grow, but we’ll see,” Dryer than ever imagined. When they will be completely shutting continues.

Fortnite’s early-access began down their online servers for their While Fortnite continues months before, it was simply MOBA Paragon. to grow in the gaming In spite of this news, the lead a build-and-defend title that community, EPIC Games still never gained too much of a fan developers for Paragon released raises its hopes that their title base, and since its update for this statement: “After careful will help their other projects the free-to-play Battle Royale, consideration, and many difficult grow.

BY RICHIE DIETRICH

PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY BATEY

The band’s official logo was designed with the idea of pop music and their idols in mind.

The Summit, that specializes in new local artists. You can find details about their band on their website at https://perfectgirloh. bandcamp.com/ and their facebook, https://www. facebook.com/perfectgirloh/.

Perfect Girl wants to continue

to make music that accurately represent who they are, and what they stand for “Hopefully, if I’m writing music correctly, it’s something that’s fun, but it’s music that is also pushing boundaries,” Batey said.

upcoming show dates February 23-El Wray Record Store in Barberton February 26-It’s a Kling Thing! House in Akron March 21-Hive Mind in Akron March 23-Bless this mess in Akron March 24-East End Venue in Akron April 19-Bless this Mess in Akron May 5-Bless this Mess in Akron TBA-Happy Dog in Cleveland

vertigo: EDEN’s start REVIEW BY RICHIE DIETRICH

Over the course of the past three years, Jonathon Ng, a Dublin native, has gradually been building his music career under the pseudonyms The EDEN Project and EDEN. Although, mid-January this year, Ng has taken the biggest step of his career thus far: through the release of his first album vertigo.

Throughout the Indie music scene, Ng’s first album has landed him some recognition; and, some criticism as well.

The general consensus throughout the music scene is that one either loves or hates vertigo.

However, in my eyes, I stand a middle-ground on Ng’s first major release. Where I can see people loving every single second of every song,

PHOTO COURTESY OF EDEN A scene from EDEN’s music video for start//end.

I also believe that out of any collection of music, singles,

or EPs that Ng has released, that vertigo is both strong and weak at the same time.

The vocals in this album hit the listener hard with stories about growth and heartbreak, but simultaneously all have the same kind of undertone, which makes it evident that people who have no listened to Ng for a while can easily not have appreciation for his music.

The first personal look at Ng’s dedication in making vertigo came from his AMA (Ask Me Anything) on the self-titled r/eden subreddit, in which Ng reinstated the point to those who were having trouble understanding that vertigo was not just a love story, but that it is instead meant to be for himself; in a way, as something he can look back on as his own growth as an artist, and that there was not much more to vertigo than that.

As a whole, vertigo has it highs and its lows, and depending on who is listening, the emotion evoked from Ng’s music can be a stance between everything and nothing.

In Ng’s own words, vertigo is, “...an album made by myself, for myself.”

Excuse me, but I think you dropped something. My jaw!

14

F ebruary 2018

Attraction: A scientific approach

GUEST WRITE-IN BY RYAN FRATO

Teenage romance is typically described as passionate and irrational.

In stories like Romeo & Juliet, the protagonists go to ridiculous means to be together, but ultimately fail. Molly Cavanaugh, 12, describes romantic attraction as “Like when you step outside on a spring day and it’s finally warm.”

But attraction is not just frivolous pining. There is an evolutionary reason for every feeling of passion that you experience.

Attraction has to do with a potential partner’s fertility and gene viability. A study from Germany found that when we can understand someone’s expressions easily, that is a key component to attraction.

Humans detect this gene differentiation using pheromones-chemical compounds made to attract a mate. When someone’s smell is particularly pleasing to you, they probably have many different genes than your own.

A combination of pheromones and all your senses taking in information about a potential partner sends your body into a fight or flight response, making everything seem much more important Connor Behedyt, 12, compares romance to addictive substances, “Romantic attraction is a beautiful dance of endorphins in your head…

Nice in controlled doses, dangerous in large ones.”

Adult romantic relationships can be just as passionate as younger ones, but the difference is that teenagers lack the experience to handle these emotions. So when we critique each other for leaping into passionate romances, remember that our inexperience is making us blind, rather than stupid.

Clinical counselor, Cindy McQuown from Cornerstone Psychological Services in Medina gives advice to teens in this situation, “Give it time, don’t trust to quickly… don’t give yourself too quickly.”

She talks about how she was sure she was going to marry her high school boyfriend, “That was the only reference point I had… But life goes on, and you grow so much!

Enjoy relationships and try not to take them too seriously,” McQuown said.

So even though there is an understandable reason that your heart flutters every time you see a cute person in the hallway, remember to take things slow, because you have got all the time in the world.

F eatures

THE BRUIN

A six year love story

BY ANNA BOWLING

When it comes to high school relationships, many do not last.

Whether due to immaturity, circle changes, or the simple fact of growing up, the likelihood of a relationship lasting is low. But for Eric Blair and Katherine Hart, they have proven the statistics are wrong. Hart and Blair have been dating since 2012. They first met in kindergarten, but became friends in fifth grade when they rode the bus together.

“Though it was no flourishing romance, a friendship was born – and survived,” Blair said.

The couple has stayed this strong because they do not see each other as simply boyfriend and girlfriend. They want to keep the relationship strong, and to do that, they have formed a dynamic that allows for communication, openness and trust.

“We aren’t limited to only ‘boyfriend-girlfriend stuff.

Sometimes we need to be best friends, sometimes she needs someone to vent to, sometimes I need to someone to talk to about video games,” Blair said. “What is most important is that we are there for each other regardless of

the situation. My favorite thing is the unconditional support.”

Blair and Hart still do traditional couple things as well.

For Valentine’s Day, they hope to go to Sonnet’s downtown.

“We do not exchange gifts, aside from the occasional chocolates on Valentine’s Day, because we have just finished what I like to refer to as ‘present season’. My birthday is November 21st and our anniversary is December 22nd, so in a little more than a month Eric has to figure out three presents and I have to give two presents within three days of each other. [It is] nice having a break from presents so we can just think about spending time with each other instead,” Hart said.

The couple said that they have had their share of arguments, but usually find ways to solve them quickly.

“The few disagreements we have are generally settled within a couple minutes of them occurring. If it is more than a simple squabble, we make sure that we understand each other’s point of view and, if it is unsolvable, move forward,”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC BLAIR

Hart and Blair enjoy just being in each other’s company. They do not always enjoy doing stereotypical couple things but still enjoy being together.

Blair said.

Hart had similar views on how to handle the issue.

“We try to be patient and understanding. If there is miscommunication, we try to handle things before letting the situation get out of hand,” she said. When we do argue, we do not go to sleep upset; we talk out whatever is going on. “I love you” and “I’m sorry” are phrases that can make or break a relationship, and we use them often.”

In the upcoming year, Blair and Hart both plan on attending The Ohio State University, but are not looking any further than that for their set plans.

“I try not to assume what our relationship will lead to. Having too many expectations in a relationship can lead to problems,

so as long as we are happy and honest, I let whatever happens happen in our relationship,” said Hart.

Having a strong relationship in high school can sometimes be a challenge. Yet these two have found ways to make it work.

“Be patient, try to see both sides of everything, and really avoid intentionally doing things to cause the other person discontent,” Blair finished, “Personally, I do my best to make sure that my feelings are properly expressed and that we have at least a modicum of time together. Just because it works for us doesn’t mean it will work for everyone out there, this is just what I think works best for [our relationship]. And if I’m wrong? Oh well, we’ll be okay.”

Growing up together: Teachers’ romances that lasted over the years STORIES BY JESSICA HERMANN

Mr. and Mrs. Rohrer

PHOTO COURTESY OF MRS. ROHRER

One side of relationships that is not normally spoken about or even thought about by the members of the student body is that of the teachers that instruct them daily. In honor of Valentine’s Day, two teachers have spoken about their experience with their own personal relationships.

The first faculty member that was willing to share their relationship experience was Mrs. Rohrer, a Biology and Astronomy teacher. Her story is a classic: two individuals who first showed interest in each other during their high school years, and then later became married thus rendering them high school “sweethearts.”

In Rohrer’s case, she and her husband first became interested in each other during their senior year. Their first date was at the yearly spring fling dance, where the girls are to ask the guys to the dance.

“I was not sure if I liked him so I asked him to go but I told him that it was just as friends so he would not be confused,”

Rohrer explained.

From there, it was rather short and sweet. Their second dance together was prom of the same year, and they both graduated. From there, the two went to separate colleges for their respective interests.

“We had to make a real effort to see each other on the weekends and summers when we had free time. This is also really important to make time for each other when you are married,” Rohrer explained when asked how she was able to keep her relationship strong through her college years.

Rohrer and her then boyfriend remained together for another eight years before becoming engaged, then married. Now happily married for 14 years, the two celebrate their anniversary on December 27th.

“Be nice to each other. Try to see the other side of the story, especially if you are arguing.

And finally, if you have a chance, marry your best friend- you will never regret it,” Rohrer concluded with a smile.

Once you go Cupid, the rest are just stupid!

Mr. and Mrs. Singleton

Regarding the matter of love stories, Mr. Singleton’s can be considered humourous. He met his wife on eHarmony, a rather unexpected location for most marriages to be formed. Their first date was at Barnes and Noble for three hours.

“I knew if we were not going to be a couple or an item or anything that we could be good friends,” he explains.

However, there was a catch.

His wife admitted to Singleton that she had just been on a date the previous day with another man that she had really liked.

Hearing that, he took it to be a challenge.

“After the three hours, we parted ways and that I knew that I was interested in going on a second date. Of course when we left I did not say “hey do you want to go on another date,” because I thought that might be a little tacky,” he added with a smile.

In order to not seem tacky, the young man went to Godiva Chocolates and dropped a box of chocolate off at her work.

When the secretary paged her,

Singleton’s wife had told her that she hoped the chocolates were from the other man she had gone on a date with the previous day. Of course, she had not dared to mention such to him.

They agreed to go on another date, and after five months Singleton proposed. “I go back to Godiva, I have the ring put in a box with the Godiva chocolates and she gets her ring and I do the whole thing, you know get down on one knee and all that stuff,” Singleton recalled fondly.

The humor in the entire situation comes into play shortly after Singleton’s now fiancee had said yes to his proposal.

She asked him if he remembered the day that he had first went to Godiva and dropped the box of chocolates with a note off at her work.

“I said of course I do, and she says that she told the secretary that she was hoping it was the other guy,” he chuckles.

Despite the rather out of the ordinary comment after being proposed to, Singleton and his wife have been happily married for ten years.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MR. SINGLETON

O f T he M onth

THE BRUIN

Eric Blair, 12

15

F ebruary 2018

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE MONTH

Kenzie Grice, 12

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

Justin Timberlake’s Superbowl performance continues to receive MILLIONS of views on Youtube. He featured a medley of old and new songs, and the flashy dance moves blew the crowd away.

Alexandra Zuder, 11 Engineering

Zachary Linn, 11 Carpentry PHOTOS BY ANNA BOWLING

JUNK OF THE MONTH

PHOTO BY ANNA BOWLING

“I’m lucky if she starts,” Clay Barker, 11, says about his car, which he named,“Lil’ Debbie”.

Barker says the car hardly works, the breaks do not work, and the only thing worthwhile is the AUX cord. Before Christmas, the Kia Rio had broken down and did not work again until January.

TREND OF THE MONTH With the recent fundraiser, Pulseras have started coloring our school.

Sold to help Nicaraguan natives, the fundraiser saw high success rates.

PHOTO BY MARRAYA YOUNGBLOOD

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOLLY GRIFFIN

Princess is a seven year old rescue cat who belongs to Molly Griffin, 11. Her best features include her long tigerstriped fur and her extra fingers that make her paws look like mittens. Her hobbies include meowing to anyone who will listen in hopes of being let outside, and ignoring the presence of anyone and everyone, unless it directly benefits her.

MOVIE OF THE MONTH

ART OF THE MONTH

“This year has really been about finding myself in my art, and I have found a style that I really like. I have decided not to censor myself through my art. I just want to make beautiful things,” Severine Ford,12

PET OF THE MONTH

PHOTO BY ANNA BOWLING

PHOTO COURTESY OF LD ENTERTAINMENT

With a romantic plot line,“Forever My Girl” is a perfect choice for a Valentine’s date. It features Jessica Rothe and Alex Roe as two reuniting sweethearts who strive to find love again.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

If you were a triangle, you’d be acute one.

16

F ebruary 2018

S peakout

THE BRUIN

What Valentine’s day treat are you ?

“Are you kidding me? I am the snack?”

-James Harwick, 10

“A sweet heart, duh!”

-Emily Dennison, 12

“Hershey kiss, because I’m sweet” -Justin Ford, 10

“Dark chocolate” -Maria Busson, 11

“A couple of Dum Dums” - Alex Nemeth and Macy Mellon, 9

“Smooth dark chocolate” -Sam Hanna, 11

I hope you know CPR, because you take my breath away!

“A sweet tart because I am an acquired taste.”

-Matt Moore, 11

“Anything sweet, like me” -Emma Larj, 9

“Chocolate covered strawberries” -Derek Kraft, 12