WADSWORTH HIGH SCHOOL
VOLUME XLVII, ISSUE 4 JANUARY 2022
Not All Wounds Are Visible: Mental Health at Wadsworth High School
Staff Editorial
Mental health needs to be personalized at WHS
“We want to show kids that talking to a counselor is not a bad thing and that we are here to help, again trying to break down the stigma that is around mental health or mental illnesses in general,” said Sara Kopacko, Wadsworth High School’s prevention specialist. The mental health of teens is something that is often addressed by counselors, but not given enough personal attention. It is often expressed that it is difficult for teens to go to the counselors, especially if they do not have a personal connection with them. The counselors try very hard to address mental health at Wadsworth and give great effort in putting together presentations and assemblies for students. Their effort does not go unseen by the students, and these programs are recognized to be a great way to educate students on signs of
degrading mental health. The main problem with this is that students still do not have that personal connection. The counselors have many different jobs at the school and many students to take care of. Because of this, they do not get to form relationships with many students in the same way that teachers do. They simply do not have the time in their schedule because of their other obligations at the school. If we hired someone to take care of things like test preparation and schedule changes, this might help to make time for counselors to bond with students. Although the counselors are extremely busy at our school, it is imperative that students feel that they have someone they can trust. One idea to help form this trust is counselors could meet with students one on one; they do not even have to strictly talk about their
mental health, but could speak about things outside of school. This will allow personal connections to grow between the students and the counselors. If the counselors each manage to meet with two students a day for about half an hour, ideally, they will be able to get through each student by the end of the year. This will allow the counselors to grow a deeper connection with the students, so the students will feel comfortable with meeting with them in the future if they ever feel the need. If that idea is too time consuming and our counselors cannot meet with each student every year, it would be a good idea to at least start with the freshman class. If every freshman is called down individually for a personal conversation with their counselor, it would make them more comfortable to come down on their own in the future.
Although there may be conflicts with the counselors’ workloads and scheduling issues, this would still be a good guideline. If the school utilizes this idea, students will actually get to speak with the counselors and start trusting them. This idea could help inspire students to talk to the counselors in the future, because they will feel more comfortable confiding in them after speaking with them personally. This is definitely not a simple fix. We hope that our survey highlights the needs that students still have. It is our goal in this issue to encourage kids to reach out to their counselors and develop that trust with them.
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Nathan Blanton, Senior
BRUIN STAFF
ONLINE EDITOR Jackson Kerley
625 Broad Street Wadsworth, OH 44281
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ART EDITOR OPINION EDITOR
Chloe Porter
MANAGING EDITOR
COPY EDITOR
Ari Kaser
Liz Gromofsky
Grace Pantalone Kade Miros
Dylan Heppert
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Julia Swain
Clare Nicholas, Senior
STAFF WRITERS
NEWS & IN DEPTH EDITOR
Katharine Allen Brenden Barlett
Janae Joachim
Brooke Baughman
BUSINESS MANAGER
Mason Burton
Michael Jira
FEATURES EDITOR Ashley Allwood
Lily Chesbro Sydney Daily Katie Griffin Luke Houser Haley Reedy
ADVISOR
Liam Russell Carley Sorrent
Eric Heffinger
Gavin Zeiner
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.
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THE BRUIN NEWS
BOYS BATHROOMS REOPEN AT WHS I BY BRENDEN BARLETT
n late September, Wadsworth High School was struck by a streak of vandalism within its boys’ bathrooms. With seven bathrooms total, excluding locker rooms, there was a point in time where only three were open for use. The 1400 hall’s bathroom was repaired and reopened on December 12, after closing in early September. Currently, the administration is working towards repairing damaged equipment in the remaining bathrooms. Mr. Sieber, vice-principal at Wadsworth High School, said that the administration has plans to re-overhaul each of the boys’ bathrooms over the duration of the next few weeks. “Our intent is to buy stall walls and doors and stuff that will hopefully not be damaged by students,” Sieber said. “It took a while to get the pieces and parts needed in, especially for the 1400 hall’s bathroom because it received the most damage.” According to Sieber, around 14,000 dollars were spent while replacing broken equipment and purchasing the necessary renovations for the boys’ bathrooms. “The downside is we would like to use
that money on other things, but we have to have our bathrooms functioning,” Sieber said. “It’s easy for us as a staff because there’s a bathroom in every other hall that we have access to. You guys are supposed to have 1500, 2500, 1400, and 2400 hall bathrooms. It’s a different layout with how the bathrooms are.” The maintenance department has recently begun the installation process of the new equipment. They started by making the necessary repairs in the 1400 hall’s bathroom, followed by the 2400 hall’s, and have since moved on to the 1500 hall’s bathroom. “For me, I don’t understand what the fascination is with vandalizing something to the point that you know you can’t use it,” Sieber said. “We can’t use the restroom, and we have to shut it down because it’s not safe to have kids go in there, and from a privacy stand-point you guys don’t want to have to go in there and use a facility and not have privacy while you’re using it.” Sieber hopes students will take better care of each of the bathrooms after the remaining repairs are complete, as he believes students and staff alike are lucky to have the building they have.
1300 ELL CONVERTED TO GUIDANCE SPACES
O
BY SYDNEY DAILY
ver the past couple of months, the 1300 extended learning lab has been converted into more guidance counselor spaces for other organizations to come in and work with students. “We have flexible office space going in, so one office will be used with outside agencies, other therapists we work with along with organizations like College Now,” said Mrs. Ross, WHS counselor. College Now is a program that is designed to help students in middle school and high school achieve their dreams of going to and succeeding in a two-year or four-year degree program. College Now provides financial aid for schooling and scholarships and retention services. “Another office will go in which I believe will relocate someone in our office. So it will end up being some office space going in, a large group conference room, and then some other flexible space for student use
This is the larger room that is being converted. Some tables and comfortable couches will go in this space. Photo by Sydney Daily.
4 JANUARY 2022
as well,” Ross said. The counselors hope that the new space will draw more students into the guidance office. They feel there is still an issue with kids having the confidence to come down. “We always love when students come in. I still think there is a sort of stigma about coming to the guidance office, so I hope to continue to change that perception so the students feel comfortable coming in anytime for any reason,” Ross said. “We just love seeing students so hopefully, that will be another avenue we can work with students in. We envision doing some peer tutoring in there eventually and having more student activities going on in there too.” Overall, the counselors are looking forward to having the extra space. They are excited about other organizations coming in to work with students.
This is the area where a couple offices will be built. Someone from the current guidance department will be moved in here and then another office for more therapists. Photo by Sydney Daily.
The boys bathroom in the 1400 hallway while being prepared for repairs. The bathroom was reopened on December 12th for the last week before Christmas Break. Photo by Brenden Barlett.
Still, he understands why there is a sense of frustration among the boys at the high school. “I hate walking half a mile to use the bathroom, and I really think the nonsense needs to stop,” said Jaxon Dorland, a junior at Wadsworth High School. Despite the frustration amongst many boys in the high school, Sieber knows how unlikely it is that any of the students will report one another for damaging the bathrooms. “I know kids don’t wanna rat [other] kids out, but at the same time, too, I
don’t expect kids to go up and confront other kids, and I certainly don’t want that to happen,” Sieber said. “I think a lot of times with our peers, they realize from our other peers that it’s not the right thing to do.” As of now, the high school’s administrative staff and the maintenance department continue to try and discover new methods that will help keep the bathrooms both open and safe. While they know they can not make them vandalism proof, they hope they can limit any future damage to the bathrooms.
SHORTAGES STRIKE WHS CAFETERIA
T
BY KATIE GRIFFIN
hroughout the first half of the school year, shortages have caused some major changes within the cafeteria. Multiple types of fries are being served throughout the day, and food has been running out early sometimes. The changes in the cafeteria are mainly due to a nationwide food shortage. The staff has had to face being shorted products from multiple vendors. Not only the food in the cafeteria is being affected. So are products including condiments and paper A typical lunch served at Wadsworth High School lays on the tray. This lunch includes one of the different varieties of products. french fries. Photo by Katie Griffin. Students have been starting to notice the changes in the cafeteria long-haul truckers, and the environmental as well. factors that cause crops to be smaller or “The school is lacking pizza,” said WHS non-existent,” Gnap said. freshman, Kiara Boswell. “They’re always For the past two school years, all students running out.” have been qualified to receive free lunches There is reason to suspect these through the USDA, causing the need for shortages will continue into next year as even more food at WHS. well. “All of these factors on top of the huge “The food industry has not encountered amount of students that are participating this type of manufacturing or distributing in the school food programs this year issues for many years” said Kelly Gnap, the thanks to the USDA offering all meals at no Food Services Director at WHS. “The fact is cost, are also making the supplies harder there are so many variables that affect the to find,” Gnap said. “Our high school alone market which are causing the delays and is serving up to 400 more students per day shortages.” than we did in the past.” The changes are derived from other While many believe that things will not go factors as well. back to the way they were for a while, the “[These include] smaller workforces staff is working to create a new normal in at the manufacturing plants, the lack of the cafeteria.
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WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 5
THE BRUIN OPINION
SECOND LANGUAGES SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN GRADE SCHOOL
S
OPINION BY LUKE HOUSER econd languages should be incorporated into the American schooling system at a younger
age. Foreign languages are not something that the United States puts much effort into. Because English is such a universally spoken language, many Americans do not feel the need to learn a second language. In other countries where English is not the first language, many people will also learn something such as English so that they can be better prepared to go out into the world. The United States largely does not see this as a problem, and therefore does not teach its youth how to fluently speak a foreign language. Most children are taught the basics of a language, but not much more. “I went to elementary school in Oklahoma and I had Spanish in elementary school and it was one of our electives like music and art and gym,” said Andrea Kline, Spanish teacher at WHS. “So I had Spanish in elementary school and then I also had it again in middle school and then I took Spanish as an eighth grader which allowed me to take AP Spanish my senior year.” Kline is one of the teachers here at Wadsworth High School who teaches Spanish as a foreign language. She has taken several years of Spanish classes in order to effectively teach
new generations foreign languages. As someone who has dedicated much of their time to this cause, she knows a lot about the topic. “A lot of European countries do learn multiple languages,” Kline said. “Not just one or two, but three or four languages. [But] I would also say
because in Europe, other countries are so close, they’re bordering a different country and so it’s the same as bordering a state in the US. They’re gonna be traveling through those countries much more often than Americans might be traveling to other countries.” “Research has proven that children’s minds are open for learning a new language between the ages of three and twelve,” Kline said. “[And] after turning twelve the mind kind of closes down and it makes it much more difficult to become proficient in a second language after
the age of twelve without immersion of years and years in a language.” It is my belief that second languages should be a much higher priority here i n the States as well. Schools in the U.S. should begin seriously teaching children a second l a n g u a g e around the beginning of elementary school t o the
point where students can fluently speak a different language by the time they enter into the world as adults. The earlier that people start learning a second language, the more likely they are to retain that knowledge. There are a couple reasons why this would be very beneficial for the nation. It would improve the general education and intelligence of the nation if children were taught two languages. Bilingual people also have many more opportunities for living and traveling around the world with a knowledge of a second language.
Learning a second language would make Americans better citizens of the world and would greatly strengthen our ability to travel through and understand much of the rest of the world. The debate is still up for which second language should be focused on most if it was a bigger priority in the U.S., but really any second language would prove beneficial. “In the United States, Spanish is the number two language spoken in the U.S. so I think that is a very useful language for Americans to learn,” Kline said. “Also the Hispanic population is the fastest growing population in the United States so I think that is really important. However, really I think learning any language is gonna be useful whether it’s French, German, Arabic, Mandarin; I think they would all be very useful.” “There can sometimes be this idea that everyone should learn English because we are a superpower country, however, really if we wanna communicate and work effectively with other countries and other cultures, it is helpful to be able to communicate in their target language,” Kline said. Foreign languages are an important aspect of education that is usually overlooked. If it was a higher priority in the U.S., it would greatly improve the quality of our nation and its people.
SCHOOL WEEKS SHOULD ONLY BE FOUR DAYS LONG
I
PR OS
n Colorado, more than 60 percent of the school districts are using four day week schedules as of 2019. In the United States in total there are more than 1600 school districts that follow the four day school schedule as of 2019. Four day school weeks would be more helpful than five day school weeks. It allows for students to have more time to do things they like. It is also shown that four day weeks attract more teachers that otherwise would not want to teach. While it does have drawbacks, it also has lots of benefits for students, teachers and parents. “I think it would be great idea, as one of the most frustrating things for me as a high school student is spending time doing nothing,” said Morgan Raymond, junior. “If we could cut out all of the time I spend at school doing busy work, four days would be great for me.” Multiple studies have been done on the pros and cons of four day school weeks versus five day school weeks. One problem with a four day school week is it will leave parents of young children with nowhere for their
children to go. However the four day school week is very popular among students, parents and teachers. The idea of a four day school week came about because of the Great Recession. It was used by smaller school districts to save money while still giving students the education necessary to strive. It also was used to attract teachers to schools districts they would otherwise not have gone to if it was not for a four day school week.
6 JANUARY 2022
mental health days less district spending more attractive to teachers
A four day school week gives students another day to relax and de-stress from school, and allows for them to spend more time doing school work or sports during the week. “I feel like the less time we are at school, the more time we have to creatively pursue our other passions and hobbies,” said Bella Schoonover, sophomore. While with a five day week students do not have that extra day so they do not have as much time to relax.
longer school days hard time finding childcare for younger students
CO NS
OPINION BY MICHAEL JIRA
“I think that they would be nice because its less time at school,” said Sarah Yannayon, junior. “But I think teachers would give extra homework, but I would prefer four days.” Four day school weeks also allow teachers to be better prepared for the week. With another day it would give teachers time to lesson plan and better prepare what they are going to teach. While in the studies it has shown that attendance rate has not changed much if at all between four and five day school weeks that is not all to look at. The main negative for most people is that in studies, four day school weeks show a slower rate of progression. With a four day week, students have more time to focus on themselves and both their mental and physical health. A big debate of the four versus five day school week is what is school supposed to do for students. Are schools actually supposed to teach students what they need after school? Or are schools meant to teach students how to act after school? These questions are often asked and they are the main reason some school districts have and have not gone to a four day school week.
FEATURE THE BRUIN
THE RISE OF VEGANISM REACHES WHS BY DYLAN HEPPERT, GRACE PANTALONE & KATIE GRIFFIN
M
eatless diets are becoming a major lifestyle for many people today due to health, ethical or religious reasons. As these diets become more and more relevant, some major companies and cities have adapted to these lifestyle changes. Burger King created the Impossible Whopper, a burger that includes a meatless patty, and many other fastfood chains have tried to accommodate dietary restrictions. Grocery stores have sections specifically for meatless items. The differences in these diets can vary. Veganism is the most extreme meatless diet, as it excludes all animal products including leather and other animal-based products. Vegetarianism is very similar to the vegan diet, with the exception that vegetarians can use animal byproducts and consume dairy
products. Pescetarianism is the least strict of the meatless diets because those who follow it tend to follow the vegetarian diet, with the inclusion of seafood.
VEGAN
- No Dairy - No animal byproducts (ex. leather)
VEGETARIAN - Can use animal byproducts
No meat consumed
Eats dairy
- Eats seafood - Can use animal byproducts
PESCETARIAN Even though there are many more specifics to each diet, this venn diagram shows the basic similarities and differences. Infographic by Grace Pantalone.
POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES OF GOING VEGAN POSITIVES
NEGATIVES
CUTS DOWN ON GREENHOUSE GASSES
MORE DIFFICULT TO FIND VEGAN FRIENDLY OPTIONS
PREVENTS SPECIES EXTINCTION CONSERVATION OF WATER Meatless diets can provide multiple benefits to the environment. Individuals who want to help the environment can make the decision to go vegan. One benefit of going vegan include the conservation of water. According to futurekind.com, “Agricultural production as a whole accounts for 93% of the world’s water supply, with meat and dairy production being the biggest culprit: one quarter of our freshwater
HARDER TO CONSUME PROPER NUTRIENTS is used for this industry alone!” Going vegan also helps to keep species alive and away from endangerment. Veganism also reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Futurekind.com states that “the high levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and other GHG produced by animal agriculture generate over 14% of global emissions, greater than all transportation emissions.”
DOES WHS ACCOMMODATE?
There is a population of students at WHS that follow a meatless diet. Following a meatless diet can be difficult for students because if they do not pack their own lunch, it can be hard to find options in the cafeteria. On most days, students have the option to eat a vegetarian friendly school lunch. However, there are no lunch options for vegan students.
There are many reasons as to why one may choose to follow a meatless diet. Scientists have said before that red meats can lead to high risks of heart attacks, strokes, cancer and other health related issues. Another reason is that there are documentaries such as “Forks Over Knives” that give viewers insight into what goes on in the meatpacking industry and what the animals go through. These documentaries can open viewers eyes and some people take on a plant based diet due to their ethical concerns for the animals. Religion can also dictate whether or not a person eats meat. For example, some Buddhists choose to follow a plant based diet, because in their religion it is believed to be a violation to kill animals. There are a multitude of reasons as to why someone may choose to cut meat out of their diet, whether it would be for personal or religious reasons. With meatless diets becoming more prevalent, knowing information can be beneficial to many individuals.
FILM LIST
Some documentaries and movies that have information as to why one may choose to follow a certain diet are “Forks Over Knives” and “Before the Flood”. These point out the pros and cons of a meatless diet.. “Forks Over Knives” came out in 2011. The film explores how certain dietary patterns can contribute to an increase or decrease in health issues. Photos courtesy of fair use
“Before the Flood” came out in 2016. The documentary follows Leonardo DiCaprio as he explores the idea of sustainability involving veganism and protecting the environment.
‘APES’GIVING: A TASTY LESSON Jason Jurey, the AP Environmental Science teacher at WHS, has held a vegan/vegetarian feast for his students known as ‘APESgiving.’ “The idea was to expose students to different foods that might be considered vegetarian or vegan,” Jurey said. During the week of midterms, students were able to bring in vegan or vegetarian dishes that they had prepared for the class, this gave them the opportunity to see how cooking with substitutes is not always that much different. “‘APESgiving’ had different food than I typically eat, but it was interesting to try foods that I normally wouldn’t make or eat on my own,” said Wyatt Greenless, senior in Jurey’s class. “It helped show me that food without any animal products can still taste good.” AP Environmental Science features
a unit on food production and meat packing where students have the opportunity to experience meatless food and learn about the meatpacking industry. “Some people find it a little offputting when they figure how meat gets from farm to table, in some cases,” Jurey said. “I just think it’s valuable to offer alternatives.” The documentary, Kiss the Ground, gives students an eye opener to other meal options. It can show that there are a lot of ways to make healthy food taste good. Learning about what happens when food go from farm to plate. “The documentary did give me some second thoughts on a couple meals I had over break,” said Jonathan Erb, a senior in Mr. Jurey’s APES class. Kiss the Ground can be found on Netflix and can be viewed for free as a student or teacher.
Daily Options For Vegetarian Students: -Cheese Pizza -Milk, Juice -Side Salads -French Fries -Chips, Fruit, Vegetables, Yogurt
A vegetarian lunch lays on it’s tray. It is not vegan, because of the cheese included in the meal. Photo courtesy of Brad Norris.
Daily Options For Vegan Students: -French Fries -Side Salads -Chips, Fruit, Vegetables -Juice
APESgiving was held during the week of finals while the AP Environmental Science students learned about the meat packing industry and how it affects the diets of people. Mr. Jurey likes to teach students this lesson just so they are aware of other options available to them. Photo by Arianna Kaser.
WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 7
THE BRUIN IN-DEPTH
Not all wounds are visible: Mental health at WHS BY HALEY REEDY & LIZ GROMOFSKY
ALL GRAPHICS & LAYOUT BY ARI KASER
O
“The National Institute of Health reported that ne in three students at Wadsworth High School self reported experiencing anxiety. Two in five self anxiety is increasing in the age group of 13 to reported experiencing depression. Many other 18, so we are seeing the numbers go up and up,” students at WHS experience a multitude of other mental Sekhsaria said. illnesses daily. The survey also concluded that 39.5% of Mental illnesses have affected people long before the students’ immediate family members were pandemic, but counselors, doctors and therapists are diagnosed with anxiety and 34.7% were diagnosed beginning to make and design more programs with the with depression. “Genetics is something that plays a role in a intent to help teenagers. The goal is to avoid or handle the crisis of these illnesses that have been brought on by lot of medical problems and mental health is no exception,” Sekhsaria said. all the societal changes caused by COVID-19. The Bruin conducted a survey which was distributed The increase of mental illnesses amongst throughout the English department, with the expectation teenagers has not only been recognized on a local that all teachers level but also on a Have the last two years would pass out national level. affected your mental health? the survey to their The United States students. Surgeon General, In total, the Vivek Murthy, releases Bruin received statements addressing yes, negatively 884 responses mental health across from students who the nation, specifically voluntarily took the in teenagers. survey. “Mental health “I’m not surprised challenges in children, at these numbers, adolescents, and no they are right about young adults are real yes, positively what I had expected,” and widespread. Even said Sara Kopacko, before the pandemic, prevention specialist an alarming number for Wadsworth High of young people School. struggled with feelings 46% of the of helplessness, student population depression, and that took the survey, thoughts of suicide self reported that — and rates have they are medically increased over the both diagnosed with a past decade,” said did not answer mental illness. Murthy, in a December “The most common mental illness press statement. that we see right now is anxiety and I Within the high school, would also say depression, they go hand and hand,” said the administration has made efforts to increase Dr. Dipti Sekhsaria, a pediatrician from Akron Children’s awareness and availability of tools that will help Hospital. students to get a handle on their mental health. The survey concluded that 30.7% of students said This school year, Kopacko joined the team of they had been diagnosed with anxiety and 20.2% had guidance counselors as a prevention specialist been diagnosed with depression. and Nikki Farson has been added as a freshman
38.3%
23.1%
8.6%
roughly
1 3 in every
students at whs are diagnosed with & experience self-reported
anxiety
8 JANUARY 2022
WHS MENTAL HEALTH SURVEY RESULTS
20.8% of students have expressed having
withdrawal from friends & family
20.1% of students have reported they
find it difficult or tiring to do normal, daily tasks
23.9%
6.1%
13.2% of students have expressed having
trouble relating & understanding others
40.7% of students have reported having a
reduced ability to concentrate
IN-DEPTH THE BRUIN
ALL STATISTICS COME FROM AN ANONYMOUS SURVEY COMPLETED BY 884 WHS STUDENTS. THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED BY THE BRUIN STAFF IN DECEMBER OF 2021.
5
for every
students at whs,
2
24.0%
suffer from self-reported
of students have reported
changes in eating habits
26.1% of students have reported having
more drastic mood changes
41.0% of students have reported
low energy levels & significant tiredness
33.1% of students have expressed having
greater time spent worrying or feeling guilty
only counselor. Sophomores were introduced to a program that trained them in how to deal with mental health crises with themselves and with others. On January 3rd, the Wadsworth Board of Education recommended that the district hire a Student Well Being/Mental Health Coordinator that will provide prevention and education services, provide case management and therapeutic intervention, and develop school-wide projects addressing mental health. “The job position is going to most likely be filled by the beginning of next school year, so in August of 2022,” Kopacko said. The Bruin survey is not the only study done that demonstrates the increasing numbers of students experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. “Quoting a pre-pandemic study, one in three teenagers ages 13-18 suffer from an anxiety disorder and now those numbers are going even higher,” Sekharia said. As there becomes an increase in the number of teenagers suffering from mental illnesses, there is an increase in treatments and programs. “We want to show kids that talking to a counselor is not a bad thing and that we are here to help, again trying to break down the stigma that is around mental health or mental illnesses in general,” Kopacko said. The fear that students have of talking to counselors is not something that is subjected to just them but also to staff as well. “When I first went [to counseling], I did not know how to deal with a counselor,” said Chris Sieber, assistant principal at Wadsworth High School. “I grew up where if you have problems, you just deal with them.” Adults within the school district are speaking up on their mental health to let students know that they are not alone in their struggles. “This was a constant struggle and I still struggle, however I am in a much better place,’’ said Becky Roe, ED. Aide at WHS. “Thanks to new medications and seeing counselors.” Many early-sign symptoms of mental illness are seen at WHS. 40.7% of students experience a reduced ability to concentrate, 41% have low energy and significant tiredness, 20.8% felt themselves withdrawing from family and friends, and 33.1% spent a greater time worrying or feeling guilty. “If we want to see these numbers decrease, we need to create awareness,” Sekhsaria said, “Then educate students and also family members on the signs of mental illness.” Parental support is something that Sekharia believes will help reduce the number of students who already have or are developing a mental illness. “We should train parents on the signs of mental illness so that if they see a changed behavior with their child, if the child is avoiding activities at school, avoiding school, grades dropping, many visits to the school nurse, constant tiredness these are the signs to a parent that could point to something being wrong,” Sekharia said. However, giving parents the early signs of a mental illness is only part of the way to solve the problem. “Letting parents and students know that there is help available, we need to get rid of the stigma of asking for help,” Sekharia said.
depression
Does school and homework affect your mental health?
yes, negatively
66.2%
no
17.1% other
yes, positively
8.9%
3.3%
did not answer
4.3%
Anonymous opinions of what students believe will help their mental health Answers collected from school-wide survey
Keep assignments a reasonable length
Increasing mental health awareness more would allow it to reach the students
Incorporating mental health days
Stop giving excessive amounts of homework, I’m not at school 7+ hours a day to then go home and spend another 3 hours on homework
Not necessarily changing policies but being more aware of what students are going through
WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 9
THE BRUIN IN-DEPTH
ADAMH board funds sophomore mental health program
W
BY HALEY REEDY
adsworth High School’s sophomore class is the first to undergo lessons on how to better cope and understand mental health in themselves and others. The Wadsworth staff members teaching these lessons are Sara Kopacko, WHS’s prevention specialist, Nikki Farson, the new ninth-grade counselor, Micheal Sladky, WHS’s health teacher, and Beth Beal, a retired middle school counselor who has come back into the classroom to teach the sophomores the course. The program is used to train students on how to deal with a mental health crisis, whether it be a friend experiencing the crisis or the student them self. At the end of the program, students become certified to aid in a mental health crisis. The booklets used to teach the classes are filled with information on what to do if a student notices a friend
More than a game: the mental health of student athletes
I
BY JULIA SWAIN
n a survey done at Wadsworth High School 55.9% of students shared that sports have had a positive impact on their mental health, while only 7.8% shared that sports have had a negative impact. This is in heavy contrast to collegiate athletes, as there is an exponential increase in reported instances of the negative effects on student athletes at the collegiate level as opposed to the high school level. One of the major issues behind these instances is the lack of help that athletes seek for a variety of reasons. It is shown that only ten percent of collegiate athletes seek help for these concerns, while thirty percent of nonstudent athletes seek help for their own concerns. Jessica Churbock, sports physical therapist at Akron Children’s Hospital, shared her views on why athletes are so hesitant to seek help for their mental health concerns. “I think sometimes there is a lack of knowledge surrounding the resources that are available to those suffering from mental health concerns,” Churbock said. “That paired with any cultural stigmas regarding mental health issues can limit access. Also, the age-old athlete mentality of ‘no pain, no gain’ I think sometimes keeps people from asking for help.” Zach Humrichouser, cross country and track coach at
10 JANUARY 2022
in a crisis whether it be from trauma, self-harm, bullying experiencing that disorder. The book that is used for the program is called “Teen or other forms of violence. The program is currently only available to the current sophomore class and the Mental Health First Aid USA” and it has many different websites and resources classes are taught during the 5th-period academic for sophomores to use. lab. “Our main goal is to “The grant is good for two years so the current create available and sophomores go through the program and the accessible treatment current freshman will go through the program next regardless of pay,” said year as well,” Kopacko said. “It is going to become Tiffany Shelton, Planning a cycle where every sophomore will have done the and Program Director program.” of the Medina ADAMH There have been several mixed feelings coming Board. from the students who have been taking this class. According to the ADAMH “It was helpful for people going through a Board’s Community challenge but I didn’t find it helpful for me,” said Boards Booklet, the goal Bree Talabac, sophomore. of the programs that Pictures and diagrams are used throughout the they provide is to create booklet and the in-class lessons to demonstrate a safe and healthy the types of environment across help. Along with Ohio for those seeking the factors that treatment for mental increase students’ illness and substance abuse. likelihood of a “The initial amount we mental health requested was $27,795; challenge, how however, after the initial award to reach out to a friend, and how These booklets are the booklets used for the teenage mental amount we were given $40,000 to recover. health first aid program. Within these booklets are tools that from ADAMH,” said Sara Kopacko, “It was students can use to better educate themselves on mental illnesses Wadsworth High School’s new the ways to respond to mental health challenges. Photo by prevention specialist. helpful, but it and Arianna Kaser. All of the school districts in was repetitive,” Medina County have ADAMH as a said Taylor Turner, a sophomore who has gone through the program. resource to use at their school. Included schools are Brunswick, Cloverleaf, Highland, “It was things we’ve already learned [in middle school].” Descriptions of mental health disorders and Medina, and Wadsworth. Each district has a different symptoms are illustrated for students in an attempt to set of programs that it uses based on the funds in each grasp the appropriate ways to handle them if they are respective region. Wadsworth, shared the changes in the mental health of suggest the exact opposite. 84% of National Collegiate athletes he has seen over the past few years. Athletic Association (NCAA) athletic trainers reported “I would say one of two changes that I see is with social seeing diagnosed anxiety disorders in their athletes. media becoming more prevalent [resulting in] athletes If that number is not daunting enough, a study done really starting to kind of compare themselves to what they by the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) reported that see other people do,” Humrichouser said. “I think some of approximately 47% of athletes experienced burnout over that has good things that you can learn from other people the course of their collegiate career. but I think we see ‘oh what I’m doing maybe isn’t enough, For collegiate athletes, the sport that was once a or what they’re doing is so perfect’ when in reality they’re release sometimes feels like a chore, and with the risk struggling just as much of losing their scholarship, the stress Has sports affected as you or I are.” manifests itself in an increased risk of Additionally, anxiety and depression. A study done by students’ mental health? Humrichouser shared the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine the impact he believes revealed that approximately 21% of COVID-19 has had on the athletes reported feeling symptoms of depression. other athletes’ willingness to The question is, how do we fix the stark participate in sports that contrast between the collegiate and high they maybe were once school numbers? Andrea Wieland, fully committed to. Associate Athletic Director for Sports “I think honestly Performance at Penn State University yes, positively shared her opinion in Penn State’s I’ve seen people no more on the fence,” student newspaper, Penn Today on Humrichouser said. what she believes to be one solution for “They just are almost improved mental health for collegiate unsure of what they athletes. want to do next.” “We can celebrate and be joyful in their He then shared the prowess without dehumanizing them as importance of a strong only performers,” Wieland said. “I think mindset in sports. that’s where a lot of mental health issues “I think mental health is can arise, the disconnect of the fact that these huge [in sports],” are people first and we have to treat the whole Humrichouser person, and then we can look at athletic performance.” yes, said. “I think Humrichouser also explained the importance of negatively with running building a support system as an athlete. [specifically], it’s “You can train on your own, but it’s doing that for an so easy to go into it extended period of time, I think over the last couple of and almost kind of years, we’ve definitely seen the importance of having a just give up and get down on yourself because it’s hard.” community, having athletes and coaches to be around While the percentages in the mental health survey consistently,” Humrichouser said. “I think you definitely show the positive effects that sports have had for a see the value of that, especially in today’s culture.” majority of athletes at Wadsworth, collegiate numbers
14.6%
21.8%
7.8%
55.9%
IN-DEPTH THE BRUIN
Possibly hereditary: mental illness is found in the genes. Medically Diagnosed M Illnesses in Immediate BY CHLOE PORTER
39.5
Family of WHS Students
36.2
34.7
29.6
Text Line: 741-741
Other
None
Eating Disorders
4.1
other supports
psychological treatment
talk therapies with a counselor, social worker, psychologist or substance use professional
medical treatment
given by a health care provider
LAST NAME A-D: krapp@wadsworthschools.org
LAST NAME E-K: lfreund@wadsworthschools.org LAST NAME L-RH: cdipaolo@wadsworthschools.org LAST NAME RI-Z: lross@wadsworthschools.org FRESHMAN: nfarson@wadsworthschools.org PREVENTION SPECIALIST: skopacko@wadsworthschools.org
5.2
natural or alternative therapies, self-help activities, physical, mental and emotional self-care
Medina County Crisis Line: 330-725-9195 WHS counselors are also available at their emails, which are listed below. Counselors are broken up by alphabetized last names for grades 10-12 and then there is a counselor specific for freshman students. There is also a prevention specialist available for students. Please contact your guidance counselor if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis.
6.9
Substance Abuse Bipolar Disorder PTSD
ADHD/ADD
OCD
Depression
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, call: National Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
10.4 10.5
Personality Disorder
13.5
12.2
Anxiety
Percentages of Students
ental health can often be caused by someone’s family life. There are two ways that families can cause mental illnesses which includes genetically caused variations that are passed down or by an adult having it and then inducing it through their actions. “Part of it can be biological; we know that some of it is genetic,” said Rikki Patton, PhD, marriage and family therapist at Family Connection of Wadsworth. There are a few mental illnesses that have been diagnosed to be hereditary in many cases. These include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Major Depression. In a study published by the National Institutes of Health they have found variations in two genes of code among people who had been diagnosed with one of these five disorders compared to someone who had not. According to the National Institutes of Health these two gene codes help to regulate the amount of calcium neurons receive, which in turn, affects people’s mental state. Small variations were found in the gene code CACNA1C which has been proven to be linked to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Not only can family mental health be caused by genetic variation, but also by it being modeled in a family. “Substance use and mental health, which we can clump together, do run in families,” Patton said. Therefore, just like substance abuse, mental health can depend on what prior generations have done. For example, if a parent has issues dealing with anxiety it can be passed on to their children. This is often why therapists recommend having parents come in for a session when a teen is going to counseling. It is often helpful to understand where kids may have developed their illness from. Patton expressed that many teens that she sees often have had mental health issues modeled for them such as struggling to deal with anxiety. Although it is not the parent’s fault for experiencing something like anxiety, it does guide the therapist in assessing what could help the child. This is known as the multi-generational transmission process. It is important that all generations of a family seek help from therapists such as Patton so that future generations may not be affected by their families mental health as severely. It is never too late to reach out to a professional whether someone is a teen or an adult.
Information provided by the National Council of Behavioral Health
WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 11
ADS THE BRUIN
Thank you to all our patrons. The Pantalone Family, Gerri Edwards, The Allwoods, Steve and Karen Blankenship, Evan Dammarell, Jerry and Sheryl Bittinger, The Bittinger Family, Alan Bittinger, Jonathan Barker, Kari Kimbrough, Matt and Mary Porter, Ed and Cathy Lewis, Dj & Ethan Green, John and Jenny Griffin, Nana Ohlma, Allen Family, The Joachim Family, The Gromofsky Family, Aaron and Julie Russell, Dale and Christine Robinson, Marcie Gordon, Ray & Gail Daily, The Sullivans, The Wyatt Family, The Palange Family, Chris & Christi Urbanek, Susan Vanik, Kelly Matriano-Lim, Jennifer Kallai, Sara Zamiska, Mr and Mrs Charles Zamiska, Doug and Michelle, Elizabeth Heckler, Dana & Cheryl Kreider, The Zeiner Family, The Semancik Family, Jim Sorrent, The Sorrent Family, The LaCroix Family, Mike and Sara Zeiner, Amanda Daily, Megan Wysocki, Chris and Leslie King, The Kresowaty Family, Shield Maintenance LLC, The Baughman Family, Greg & Connie Lallathin, Dan and Debi Kaser, Jeanette Barlett, The Chesbro Family, The Alquero Family, Mr. and Mrs. Gromofsky, Russell Chesbro, Tina Allen Kolessar, The Fox Daily Family, Ann Russell, Noah Porter, Russ and Marj Allen, The Brandyberry’s, Bill Deverall, Dave and Nancy Porter, The Decker Family, Joe and Erin Sorrent, The Yurchiak Family, The Lambert Family, The Guenther Family, The Heppner Family, Kylee Ford, The Lawrence Family, David and Kay Alley, Dale and Adda Porter, The Hendershot Family, Larry and Mary Russell, Liza and Eric Gilbert, Jenn Mcendree, Micah Beck, The Murphy Family, Art and Cindy Reedy, The Reedy Family, Rick & Monique Chapman, Ted & Felicity Wilson, The Painting Family, The Crowley Family, Karol and Terry Tucker, Michelle and Murray Mast, The Schmeltzer Family, Michael Miros, Maddie, David and Amy Kaser, Tara Griffin & Kevin Anderson, Peggy Shiflett, The McCurry Family, Wadsworth Masonic Lodge #385, The Henderson Family, The Burns Family, Robin and Ted Lysiak, The Harris Family, Natalyn Kaser, Margaret and Wayne Kaser, David and Kay Alley, The Gostkowski Family, The Nagy Family, Doug Beeman, Laurie Griffin, Ed & Marjorie Griffin, The White Family, The Martin Family, Mary A Russell, Matt and Teresa Porter, Dana North, Steve Griffin, The Piehl-Whetstone Family, Mike and April Jira Alaina Ziegler, Joyce Johnson, Anne Cooper, Brian Barlett, Barb Carroll, Jami Swain, Jeffrey Swain, Joey Baughman, Beverly and Bob, Dennis Joachim, The Young Family, Holly Pants, Marta Moore Photography, Susan Scandlon, Floyd Moats, The Koontz Family, The Houser Family, Wendi Koontz, The Estep Family, Chad and Peggy Setera, Debbie & Gary Lake, The Jurey Family, Kevin Myers, Kristy Nichol, The Houser Family, Allison Parsons, Mary Burton
12 JANUARY 2022
ENTERTAINMENT THE BRUIN
DANCE ENSEMBLE RETURNS TO THE STAGE BY LILY CHESBRO
dance ensemble by Mrs. Davis. “Mrs. Davis, the choir director, asked ance ensemble is back after its if any dancers had any interest in disappearance due to COVID-19. continuing dance ensemble, since last It is a group composed of both year we were unable to have it due to dancers and non dancers that perform COVID-19, and Kylee and I wanted to at each choir concert, ran by Carrie Lewis work together to run dance ensemble and Kylee Tenney. Rehearsals take place this year,” Lewis said. during academic lab a couple times a This led Tenney and Lewis to start week, and the dance is choreographed thinking about what they wanted to do by Tenney and Lewis for each concert. for the first concert and how they were The only concert that dance going to go about getting ensemble does not perform “WE ARE HAPPY everyone involved who was at is the classical concert in TO BE BACK interested in joining. March, because it is shorter AND WE ARE Lewis and Tenney are both and is more focused on the GRATEFUL THAT dancers at different studios choir. and they are also part of the WE ARE ABLE The next concert that dance show choir here at WHS. ensemble will perform at is TO HAVE DANCE “We meet during academic ENSEMBLE.” the spring concert in May. lab to choreograph and if Dance ensemble was -CARRIE LEWIS either of us are too busy required to take a year off during academic lab, we last year due to COVID-19. will meet after school on “Unfortunately, due to Wednesdays,” Lewis said. COVID-19 we could not have a dance Dance ensemble performed at the ensemble, since we couldn’t meet fall choir concert as their first one back during academic lab to practice,” Lewis this year. They performed to the song, said. “We are so happy to be back this “Another Day of Sun” from the movie year and we are grateful that we are able “La La Land.” This group that was to have dance ensemble.” involved in dance ensemble was a group Lewis was chosen to be co-captain of composed of anyone who wanted to join
D
and thought they may enjoy it. After the as experienced. first show, Tenney and Lewis decided “We try to make the choreography a to have an audition, which brought new mixture of both easier moves and more members who are able to pick up the challenging moves, that way, those choreography quickly. who are not dancers are able to be Olivia Benner is one of the new challenged while those who are dancers members of dance ensemble. She had are able to have choreography that is up not performed in the first concert and to their level,” Lewis said. later decided to join and made it after Every rehearsal has a purpose and the audition. each minute is used. Rehearsals are “Carrie Lewis [inspired me to join]. meant to make sure that each dancer She is the dance captain and made me is clear on all of the little details in the want to join because she makes it a very choreography. Also, that all spacing fun environment,” Benner said. is correct and once viewed from the The holiday concert was the most audience there are not any empty recent and dance ensemble performed spaces. to a couple songs from “The Polar Express.” “I feel confident during the rehearsals because of all the practice we’ve had but I know once we get on stage I’ll have some nerves,” Benner said. Lewis and Tenney create the choreography for dance ensemble, which includes both dancers that are experienced and members that are not. This means that they have to choreograph a dance that is not Dance ensemble performs at their last concert. This too easy for the dancers and not too was to a medley from “The Polar Express.” Photo hard for the members that are not courtesy of Vicky Chesbro.
2022 PROMISES NEW MOVIES AND SHOWS
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BY BROOKE BAUGHMAN
he year of 2022 is going to be full of new movies and television series that fans have been waiting for. Due to a numerous amount of delays in 2021 from COVID-19, many releases will be coming out this year. Within the new year, many sequels that have been long planned out for multiple years will be released. “Legally Blonde 3,” starring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Coolidge, is set to come out in May of 2022. The production has been in the works since 2018.
“I am excited for ‘Manifest’ season four to come out in 2022 because season three ended on a huge cliffhanger.”
Allison Schroeder, sophomore
Photo courtesy of Allison Schroeder.
“Avatar 2,” starring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, is another movie that has been long awaited by viewers, for over a decade. The first “Avatar” movie premiered in 2009 and held the spot of being the highest grossing film of all time for ten years. The film starts with Jake Sully and Neytiri staring a family in Pandora, and then old enemies return and they have to fight a whole new battle. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU, has produced some of the highest grossing movies of the decade and they are not slowing down in 2022. The MCU is “I’m excited for ‘Stranger Things’ season 4 to come out because it left on a cliffhanger and I want to know what will happen next.”
Henry Canfora, sophomore
Photo by Brooke Baughman.
releasing three movies in 2022 including “Thor: Love and Thunder,” “Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness,” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” There have also been rumors that Marvel might release “Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” but its release may not come until 2023. Not only are new movies coming out, but fans are excited for some of their favorite TV shows to continue on with new seasons. “Manifest” season four is set to come out sometime in 2022, although no one is certain when, due to the show’s unpredictable timeline. The NBC missing
“I can’t wait for ‘Black Panther’ to come out because I want to see how they will carry on the legacy of Chadwick Boseman.”
Jake Schmeltzer, sophomore
Photo by Brooke Baughman.
plane drama was canceled and dropped by NBC, but because of the reaction of the fans, Netflix signed the show for a fourth and final season. The writers had originally planned to release six seasons, but they now have to fit all of their ideas into one final season. “Stranger Things” season four, starring Milly Bobby Brown and Noah Schnapp, is also highly awaited by fans. The series premiered back in 2016 and has been nominated for many awards. Season three ended on a cliffhanger and the series has been teasing viewers through new season four trailers.
“‘Spiderman into the Spider-Verse’ is going to be good because I really liked the first one.”
Jack Lawrence, freshman
Photo by Brooke Baughman.
WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 13
THE BRUIN SPORTS
WADSWORTH BASKETBALL VARSITY ATHLETES STRIVE FOR SUCCESS SOLOMON CALLAGHAN
S
BY ASHLEY ALLWOOD
olomon Callaghan, junior on the Wadsworth basketball team, has been playing basketball for his entire life. Solomon became interested in basketball because he has grown up around it due to his father, Coach Scott Callaghan. “I’ve had a ball in my hands since about 14 months old, according to my parents, but no truly organized games until about 3 or 4,” Solomon said. When Solomon made varsity basketball during his freshman year, he mentioned that it was nerve racking but he felt
prepared because of all the experience and practice he was able to overcome that feeling. Solomon believes having a dad that is also a coach with lots of experience has helped him get to the point he is at. “It definitely is a benefit that my dad is a coach,” Solomon said. “He passes on a lot of knowledge to me that I can use in games, and is an encouraging role model.” In the summer, Solomon spends four days a week in strength training and does basketball workouts everyday, twice a day. Solomon also went to basketball camps throughout his years of playing. “I love the team this year, we have a lot of
Information was updated as of January 6th
returning guys, meaning more experience, so I think we can do great things this year,” Solomon said. Solomon plans on playing in college but has no commitments anywhere yet. He averages about 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists a game. “One thing that I would tell upcoming players is to never give up and keep working on their game,” Solomon said. “People around are always getting better, so it’s important that you stay prepared and better yourself with more work.” Solomon was later announced on Northeast Ohio Top athlete to watch.
Solomon Callaghan, junior on Wadsworth Varsity Basketball team, competes against Brecksville-Broadview Heights. During the clinic Solomon scored 19 points of the 54 overall. The Wadsworth team lost against the Bees with a score of 77-54. Photos by Ari Kaser.
ANA PINKERTON
A
BY ASHLEY ALLWOOD
na Pinkerton, freshman point guard on the Wadsworth Varsity Basketball team, has been playing basketball for eight years. At practice, the team works together for a couple hours practicing different drills and lifts twice a week. The team has competitive practices together working on different skills. “Our team is very close on and off the court and are very aggressive,” Pinkerton
said. Being a freshman on varsity comes with many opportunities. Pinkerton learns how to play at an older, faster level. This has not been a big complication for Pinkerton, for during the game against Lake on November 19, Pinkerton led all scorers by twelve points. “My advice that I have for upcoming players is that you shouldn’t take anything for granted. I’m only a freshman but I’m already seeing how fast the games go by,” Pinkerton said. “You have to live in the
moment.” Pinkerton spends all year training at camps that are run by colleges. Pinkerton mentioned that her favorite camps she has gone to were the University of Akron and Cleveland State University. Pinkerton’s goal for the season is to win suburban league and for her team to grow stronger fundamentally. Pinkerton plays AAU basketball for Buckeye Blast when she is not in her high school seasons.
Ana Pinkerton, freshman on Wadsworth Varsity Basketball team competes against Brecksville-Broadview Heights. The Wadsworth Grizzlies beat the Brecksville Bees with a final score of 48-20. Photos by Ari Kaser
14 JANUARY 2022
SPORTS THE BRUIN
WINTER GUARD FORGOES PARTICIPATION IN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
T
BY KADE MIROS
he Wadsworth High School Winter Guard began their season and has decided to not compete in the championship meet at the end of March. However, the team has decided to still compete against other teams at other schools. The theme for Along with their routine will be a traditional chameleon. The song flag and silk, is a cover version e x p e r i e n c e d guard members of the song “Grace who have Kelly,” by MIKA. The p a r t i c i p a t e d cover is very popular for two or more on the social media seasons get to spin weapons like rifles. platform TikTok and They are a little bit is known as the song harder to handle that sings, “I could which is why only team be brown/I could be members with previous experience get to use blue…” The outfits them. Photo by Kade will be very colorful Miros. and the team’s movements are going to be chameleonlike. The championship meet is one that the team works hard for, unlike no other. The coaches have decided not to participate in it this year due to the WHS choir and band departments taking a trip to Walt Disney World at the time that the state championship is being held. “Although Disney World is where dreams come true, I am really going to miss out on competing at what would have been my final states competition,” Katie Bishop,
senior team captain said. Due to COVID-19, the last state competition that the winter guard has attended was two years ago. Skipping out on this competition will make it the third season the team did not attend states. “It is not the most fun plan but the coaches do this because almost all of our team are in either choir or band, some of them both,” Bishop said. The team will still compete almost every weekend and is preparing a routine with many drills, spins and tosses. Team members have to practice at home as well to make sure that they know every count and step of their routine when they attend weekly practices.
1
5
6
7 2 3
1. Kristyn Setera, freshman, demonstrates some of the different movements choreographed in the routine. These movements represent how chameleons move around. Photo by Kade Miros. 2. Maddy Weidman, sophomore, is in the middle of portraying one of the chameleon’s movements. Photo by Kade Miros.
4
8
3. While the rifle work is happening, the flag spinners are passing their flags down the line. Each person is passing them in a different way. Photo by Kade Miros. 4. Katie Bishop, senior, is practicing the routine that was choreographed by the coaches. This is her seventh season in guard. She looks forward to the future competitions and is going for gold. Photo by Kade Miros.
5. Kristyn Setera, freshman, is getting ready to do one of the various tosses in the routine. Photo by Kade Miros. 6. Members with experience are allowed to perform with weapons like rifles. They are spinning them at exhilarating speeds to obtain as many points from the judges as possible. Photo by Kade Miros. 7. Lily Love, freshman, is performing the flag feature. This part of the routine is where everyone is spinning their flags with the same moves. Photo by Kade Miros. 8. Maddy Weidman, sophomore, is getting ready to leap during the flag feature. To obtain proficient scores, she points her toes. Photo by Kade Miros.
WADSWORTH WRESTLING STARTS THEIR SEASON OFF STRONG BY LIAM RUSSELL
A
fter finishing the 2020-2021 season ranked 50 in the country, the Wadsworth Wrestling team has continued to climb the national rankings since their season started on November 13. The Grizzlies have been nationally ranked for three years under Head Coach Clay Wenger, and are now 35 in the country and fourth in the state. “Ultimately, it is from the hard work from our wrestlers. They train extremely hard which allows them to perform and succeed at a very high level,” Wenger said. “We train hard every day. Wrestling is a very hard sport,
and to be elite in the sport you have to be challenged every day.” The Grizzlies started their season strong, placing 27 out of over 100 teams in the 27 annual Walsh-Jesuit Ironman Tournament and ninth out of 55 teams at the Powerade in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Both events are considered two of the most prestigious, and toughest tournaments in the country. As for state events, the Grizzlies have won all four of the dual matches they have had this season and the North Canton Holiday Invitational. With the first half of the season behind them, the Grizzlies have the Husky Invitational, their home Grizzly Invitational, and the Suburban League tournaments left
before turning towards State Duals and their Individual State tournament. Each year the team aims to bring home a banner, win the State Tournament, and place top 15th in the nation. Aside from these goals, however, the rest of the Grizzlies’ goals are decided by its wrestlers. “I have the team determine our goals,” says Wenger. “They meet together and decide what they want to achieve.’’ Wadsworth wrestling differs from most teams because its wrestlers view themselves as a family instead of only teammates. The athletes who wrestle are very close with their teammates, and you can often find them hanging out outside of wrestling.
“Wrestling is my favorite sport, but it wouldn’t be the same without my friends,” said Adam Ryder, Senior. “Having practiced with all my friends makes things more fun and enjoyable. I also feel like I work harder with my friends pushing me.” Having a leader on a team to encourage and push you to do better is the key to success on the Wadsworth wrestling team. The wrestling team consists of five captains, each voted in by their teammates. Mason Brugh (12), Chris Earnest (11), Coen Grimm (11), Jackson Joy (10), and Dave Shue (12). With two months left, Coach Wenger and the Grizzlies aim to progress as much as they can and accomplish the rest of their goals.
Mason Brugh, senior, is shaking hands with an opponent after a match. Brugh is one of the team captains. Photo courtesy of Haylee Joy.
Adam Ryder, senior, is putting in the work against Elyria. Ryder is facing an opponent from Perrysburg. Photo courtesy of Haylee Joy. The wrestling team watches one of their teammates in a match. They are at a tournament in Elyria. Photo courtesy of Haylee Joy.
WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 15
THE BRUIN OPINION
P
THE BRUIN
op culture faced numerous reinventions this year because creators had to find alternative methods after the COVID-19 pandemic. Students took a survey, voting for their favorite pop culture moments of the year. The responses showed mutual
BEST TV SHOW
1. “Outer Banks” Season Two 2. “WandaVision” 3. “Squid Game” 4. “Loki” 5. “Hawkeye”
“Outer Banks” Season Two came out on July 30 this year. The next season will come out in late 2022 to early 2023. Photo courtesy of fair use.
P A WR P ED BY CARLEY SORRENT & KATIE ALLEN
preference for various shows, movies, and songs. For the most popular song, students had many options, but one stood out in particular. “I said ‘driver’s license’,” said Emily
Nagel, sophomore. “It was the biggest song of 2021.” Many artists shone through this year, but Olivia Rodrigo was voted the best. “I chose Olivia Rodrigo because I listen to her music the most,” said Jade Moehring.
BIGGEST
BEST MOVIE
BREAKUP
1. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
2. Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello 3. Jasmine Cephas Jones and Anthony Ramos 4. Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid 5. Elon Musk and Grimes
BEST MUSIC ARTIST BEST SONG
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West got divorced on February 19 this year. Their marriage lasted for over seven years. Photos courtesy of fair use, edited by Carley Sorrent.
1. Black Widow
2. “Dune” 3. “Cruella” 4. “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” 5.”Zack Snyder’s Justice League”
*This survey was taken before “Spider-Man: No Way Home” came out.
BEST ALBUM
1. “drivers license”— Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift began re-recording her albums that were recently owned by Shamrock Holdings, sold by Scooter Braun. Swift was not aware of the purchase when it happened. Photo courtesy of fair use.
1. Taylor Swift 2. Olivia Rodrigo 3. Drake 4. The Weeknd 5. Ariana Grande 16 JANUARY 2022
2. “For The Night” (ft. Lil Baby and Da Baby)— Pop Smoke 3. “positions”— Ariana Grande 4. “Blinding Lights”— The Weeknd 5. “Dynamite”— BTS
Marvel’s “Black Widow” stars Scarlett Johanson and Florence Pugh. It racked up 91% in audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Photo courtesy of fair use.
Olivia Rodrigo’s album “SOUR” came out on May 21 this year. Her song “drivers license” charted for eight weeks. Photo courtesy of fair use.
1. SOUR— Olivia Rodrigo
2. Red (Taylor’s Version)— Taylor Swift 3.MONTERO— Lil Nas X 4. Planet Her— Doja Cat OR 4. Happier Than Ever— Billie Eilish