The Bruin- November 2005

Newspaper II/III

November 2005

The

BRUIN

1870 - 2005 Wadsworth City Schools: “Celebrating 135 years of Excellence in Education”

Volume XXXI No. 2

Wadsworth High School

Cancer benefit Upon the WMS stage Rock on November 19th

Enjoy local bands $1.00

625 Broad Street Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

Many hearts are with family, friends in Iraq

BY LAURA MYERS

Veterans marched into the West gym Friday as their accomplishments were celebrated by the school. However, another group of local heroes is yet to be recognized. This group consists of family, friends, and alumni who are currently in Iraq.

“He’s proud of what he does,” said junior Abigail Ledman about Pat Keenan, a family friend and 2003 graduate. Keenan, though not presently in Iraq, will be shipped there in December. However, Keenan’s older brother Jeff is in Iraq right now.

The current conflict in Iraq began in March 2003 because of the beliefs that the Iraqi government had weapons of mass destruction and that Saddam Hussein, its leader, was a threat to the United States. Though the weapons never materialized, Hussein was

taken prisoner on December 14, 2003. He is currently undergoing trials for his crimes against humanity. The troops are still in Iraq in order to promote democracy and protect against insurgency as the Iraqi people start out under a new constitution.

There are 11 Wadsworth graduates currently in Iraq. Some grads, such as Pat Keenan, have yet to begin their tours of duty. Others are nearly done with their tours. Jeff Young, who graduated in 2000, will be home in time for his wedding on December 3.

Young is not the only member of his family overseas. Dale Young, who graduated in 2002, is stationed in Britain, though his whereabouts are unknown due to

the secret nature of his missions.

“Not even his wife is allowed to know where he goes,” said senior Debbie Young about

Kaufman said that her brother had wanted to join the military since birth.

There are a few boys in Iraq

Dale, her brother.

Kendall Kaufman, who also has family in the military, wears heart shaped dog tags around her neck in remembrance of her brother Ryan and three other members of his marine unit.

Ryan, a 2004 graduate, has been in Iraq since June 20 and will be coming home on January 20.

whom some at t h e high school have known since birth. Luke Martin, the son of physical education teacher Mr. Martin, is stationed in Iraq.

Also, Russell E. Farkas, son of art teacher Mrs. Nedoh, recently returned from service.

“We are proud and relieved,” said Mrs. Nedoh about Farkas’s return. Both sons graduated

from the high school.

Along with the many alumni that have been mentioned, m a n y students’ f a m ily members, who graduated from other schools, are also in Iraq. These include junior Caleb Blythe’s cousin, sophomore Abby Vogus’s stepbrother, and junior Dan Houston’s father. Also, newspaper teacher Mr. Gramuglia’s brother is serving his fifth tour.

Many family, friends, and alumni are in Iraq right now.

Kendall Kaufman had one piece of advice.

“To those with loved ones over there: keep your head up - they’ll be home soon.”

Band finishes marching season, begins preparation for concert

BY MICHELLE MCCUNE

Exciting dance moves, trombone “suicides” and “scatters,” along with such favorites as “Fat Bottom Girls” make band performances the highlight of any parade or assembly. The multifaceted band is currently shifting gears as the marching season comes to a close. After marching season ends, the band splits into two groups: concert and symphonic.

“We’re really putting the pressure on,” said band director Steven Hadgis. The season of marching will now be followed by

performances at such prestigious events as the Ohio Music Educators Professional Conference on January 26 at the Cleveland Convention center and at Severance Hall at Case Western University on January 29. Only the best are invited to perform at these exclusive events. A taped audition is sent to the Ohio Music Educators Association and goes through a panel of judges in a blind audition. Only four bands are chosen, and Wadsworth is among them.

Along with this, the band has been invited to the Ohio Band Directors Conference at the University of Akron on December 2.

Wadsworth City Schools celebrates 135 years

To celebrate the 135th anniversary of Wadsworth City Schools, this picture, consisting of every student and teacher in the district, was taken in October.

See insert for more information about the panoramic photo.

Arts & Clubs Page 5

Read about the hard work the drama department has put into The Crucible.

They are one of only two chosen.

The 116 instrumentalists and ten color guard performers practiced constantly to achieve this level of excellence.

“During the summer, it’s around 15 hours a week, but in band Band members blast their music to the fans at a home football game. PHOTO BY MEYERS PHOTOGRAPHY camp, it’s 25 or so,” said junior sense everyone’s anticipation as These moves were added, Betsy Bauer. “During the school soon as the blindfolds were put along with more entertaining year, including class time, we on, and then the whole place went drills, to “spice up the music even practice for nuts,” said junior more,” said Hadgis. It has been about 11 hours, his goal to get the crowd more in“It just keeps getting Doug Gallo. not includAfter instru- volved with the band. Marching bigger and better.” ing games or mentalists sug- competitions were eliminated to shows.” gested adding provide a wider variety of songs All of the -Mr. Hadgis the college-level rather than playing the same ones work pays off moves to the over. These include “Carry On during their performances. drills, Hadgis warned them about My Wayward Son,” “Fat Bottom “My favorite song to play is the possible downfalls.

Girls,” “Mr. Roboto,” “River‘Fat Bottom Girls.’ I love hearing “Trombones did get hurt. dance,” “Santana,” and many the crowd cheer!” said freshman I warned them, ‘If you don’t do more.

Missy Farriss. The combination this right, you could bend your “It just keeps getting bigger of music, dance moves, and now- trombone.’ But of course, they and better,” said Hadgis. famous “suicides” have by far wanted to do it. We did have one After much preparation, the made this the most popular band mishap!” Hadgis also said, “It’s band is ready for concert. Having song. fast, very fast. If you’re a little received many honors in the past, “When they did the suicides at early or a little late, you will get it is likely that this year will be no the football assembly, you could hit in the head.” different.

Features Page 6

Help pay tribute to retiring teacher Mr. Varner by reading about his career.

Pictures Page 8

Experience paradise with pictures from Homecoming.

Entertainment Page 13

Learn more about the return of Harry Potter.

2

Editorial

November 2005

Editorial

Irony surrounds Volunteer Day Everyday, irony tiptoes its way into our lives. Some ironies flee our minds without the least bit of acknowledgement. However, noteworthy ironies leave us so utterly baffled that we quit worrying about them and simply accept them as they are.

For instance, it seems as though many of us have accepted the irony embedded in mandatory volunteer hours. The irony treads on as such hours must be completed to graduate.

This irony began with the graduating class of 2005. Seniors were, and still are, required to fit in 10 hours of volunteer work come graduation day. Requiring “mandatory volunteer hours” exemplifies the term oxymoron.

Even though an oxymoron is likened to ridicule, we feel that volunteering truly is an excellent way to give back to such a supportive community. However, the fact that it is a requirement is what strikes us as odd.

For example, since it is a requirement, how will those students who truly love to volunteer their time stand out amidst the rest of their graduating class? Sure, they could work even harder and be at peace with themselves for

truly wanting to volunteer.

Moreover, colleges will notice the student who puts in 200 hours versus the student who puts in 10.

Yet, with every graduate’s transcript including volunteer hours, colleges may go back to mainly looking at academics, sports, and other extracurricular activities.

Also, as if mandatory volunteer hours were not enough, this year’s seniors were forced to rake leaves for Senior Volunteer Day. Unlike last year, we seniors were not able to choose where or how we wanted to donate our time.

We broke a great tradition.

Also, what is even more peculiar is that it seems as though the school board just wanted to get Senior Volunteer Day over with.

Why wait for May? Just make it easy on everyone, and force the seniors to rake, regardless of whether or not there are leaves on the ground.

To compensate for such irony, we at The Bruin are making a motion to hold another volunteer day sometime in the spring.

This way, seniors will at least have the opportunity to choose how they would like to give back to the community. All in favor?

Let us know!

How The Box stays full during the winter months.

You‛re breaking the dress code!

The Brewin’ Debate Is the current system of determining class rank fair to all students?

YES

BY EMILY HOOVER

Staying up until the wee hours of the morning to study or complete a project is not an activity limited only to those who take honors and AP classes. While honors students often have many projects due within one week and a myriad of homework assignments to worry about, academic classes can hardly be classified as easy. The current system of determining class rank is fair because it gives honors students a slight advantage, but also recognizes that academic classes are not far behind.

“If you work just as hard as people in honors classes, you deserve to be at the top of your class, too,” said senior Jamie Stout.

However, if the current system was changed to give honors students more points, academic students would have no chance to be at the top of their class. Typically, honors classes are not that much more difficult than academic classes, so they should not get more than the quarter point for their classes.

Clearly, giving an extra quarter point for honors classes is a good way to recognize the toil and sweat of honors students without giving them too much of an advantage over those hardworking academic students.

Any student who has ever taken an honors class will tell you that it is an enormous amount of work. It is impossible to sit in an honors or AP course and get an A without earning it. Students are responsible for completing lengthy homework assignments, papers, and projects day after day. Though some academic students are given long assignments on occasion, most have little or no homework on a daily basis.

“Compared to other students, we have loads of work. I am definitely in favor of a five-point system,” said Justin Manning, a senior who is enrolled in all honors and AP classes offered.

The current quarter-point internal weight (one-half of a point for AP classes) is hardly enough to be considered weight. This penalizes students who challenge themselves and earn an occasional B. And yes, class rank really does matter. It is a qualification for many college honors programs.

The students who care enough about their education to challenge themselves should be rewarded with a higher class rank. This would allow them to participate in more exclusive programs. Honors and AP classes should be given a full point of weight in determining class rank.

Letters to the Editor I think that the high school should install artificial turf at Art Wright Stadium because of the poor field conditions. It would benefit the true athletes of the school; The soccer players, and I am sure the football players would not mind it so much.

Kyle Fox, 10 We do not have fiesta pizza enough for lunch. We should have it every Friday instead of the normal pizza.

Brian Brown, 11 The lunch ladies here are very nice and do a great job each day making the food. The only thing I miss from my past years is the cup of fries at the middle school.

Tyler Jack, 9

If you are interested in submitting a cartoon to The Bruin, please drop it off in Room 17, or give it to Kate Hudson. Keep the size of the cartoon to under 8.5 x 11 inches. All cartoons must relate to our school and be signed by the artist.

Bruin Staff

NO

BY CLAIRE DAVIS

I would like to thank everyone for coming out and watching the volleyball games this season.

Great season girls!

Sarah Fortner, 9

Editor-in-Chief: Kate Hudson Associate Editor-in-Chief: Emily Hoover Front Page: Page Editor:Laura Myers Reporter: Michelle McCune Features: Page Editor: Aaron Mueller Reporter: Drew Knight News: Page Editor: Courtney Harris Reporters: Cody Steigerwald, Amy Jarvis Editorial: Page Editors: Emily Hoover, Claire Davis Reporter: Zach Budinscak Opinion: Page Editor: Ryan Renacci Reporter: Kyle Snoke Speakout: Page Editor: Justin McInturff Reporters: Scott Siesky, Trevor Day Picture Page: Page Editor: Dan Grassel Reporter: Tommy Kaminski Photographer: Nick Jack Sports: Page Editor: Zach Berger Reporters: Cody Valiante, Alli Macko Entertainment/Music: Page Editor: Shelly Anderson Reporters: Brad Mueller, Josh Snyder Variety/Oddity: Page Editor: Katy Wilson Reporters: Kristi Havens Arts/Clubs: Page Editor: Rochelle O’Neil Reporters: Kat Little, Jesse Mooney Ads/Business Manager: Laura Hlavaty Asst. Business Manager: Garrett Wienecke Photography Editor: Nick Jack Copy Editor: Claire Davis Asst. Copy Editor: Rochelle O’Neil Proofreaders: Newspaper/Yearbook I classes Advisor: John Gramuglia

I am writing to express my sadness at the departure of Mr. Varner from the WHS staff. Though our class only got to experience him for a short time, he made a profound impact on all of our lives.

Despite his unorthodox teaching style, we were able to learn a lot from him in a short time. I now recall something he said when interviewed last year for Speech II’s “Grizzly Grapevine.” “I fear nothing. I have the strength of thousands because my heart is pure.” I now know this to be true.

Farewell, Mr. Varner. You will be missed.

Dan Woods, 12 I would like to complain about the lack of Halloween spirit. Why can’t we have a costume parade like in elementary school? I mean, I can’t even show off my new costume.

Brittani Peltz, 10

I think that the school should have a fundraiser for the needy in our community. We could buy these people coats, hats, and gloves. To me this would be one of the best projects we could do to help out. I also think the community would really appreciate this.

Matt Sarlouis, 10 We feel that our Grizzly Spirit has fallen short the past few months. It really showed at our last pep rally. We don’t know if the freshmen knew what to do, but they were pretty pathetic. We think our school needs some encouragement.

Sarah Davis, 12 Melissa Lauro, 11 When we walk around during the day and see our breath, there has to be something wrong.

Ashley Currens, 11 Tara Collins, 11

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 advisor. 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.

Because the staff accepts the responsibility for the contents of the paper, we must reserve the right to edit or omit any portion of any letter. All letters must be signed, but the name will be withheld upon request.

Opinion

November 2005

3

What happened to family values?

With Thanksgiving approaching, Americans need to recognize importance of family Carrying one hundred and two passengers, the M a y flower landed on Plymouth Rock in OPINION STAFF November of 1 6 2 0 .

Nearly four hundred years later, we still commemorate the voyage of these pilgrims by celebrating Thanksgiving.

The traditional meal remains, but the traditional meaning of Thanksgiving is beginning to collapse.

The meaning of Thanksgiving, just like any other opinion, is different for many Americans.

When early pilgrims first observed Thanksgiving, they celebrated it as an acknowledgement to God for the many gifts He had given them.

Over the course of four centuries, Americans have redefined the holiday as a time to celebrate with the family. However, in today’s world, the traditional family of a father, mother, and children has changed into something much harder to define.

“Every Thanksgiving, my family comes to my house to celebrate. Before we eat we all

go around the table and say one thing that we are grateful for. My five-year-old nephew always says Bob the Builder or some other fictional character. He doesn’t understand yet what he should really be thankful for,” said Mrs. Reis, a teacher here at the high school.

The response to this question is usually “friends” or “family.”

Ironically, the turn of the century has marked a very strong decay in what we consider “family” or even “friends.”

For example, in the case of Braschi vs. Stahl Associates in 1989, New York’s highest courts ruled that a homosexual couple that rents the same apartment and lives together must be acknowledged by the landowner as a “family” and receive any discounts any traditional family is credited.

Another example occurred i n

As individual states in our country continually alter the definition of family by law, what will stop the passing of national laws that are different from the morals our early ancestors brought with them when they landed on Plymouth Rock?

As American beliefs differ on the view of what can be considered a true family, it cannot be denied that American families have changed drastically in the past de-

Massachusetts, in which Governor William Weld granted government workers family leave benefits for homosexual couples if they were to become ill.

cades.

In the United States during the 1960s, nine percent of children lived in single parent homes. To-

Every day, hundreds of students log on to the Internet here at the high school.

Whether they are OPINION STAFF looking up information for their latest project, finding the definition of a word, or just checking some sports scores, the Internet has definitely become the number one source of information. Problems arise, however, when good natured searches turn bad. Moreover, every student’s worst nightmare becomes a reality when the words “Inappropriate Content Blocked by TCCSA Filter” appear.

Censorship is defined by dictionary.com as the ability to examine books, films, or other material and to remove or suppress what is considered morally, politically, or otherwise objectionable. By this definition, it implies that moral, political, and objective standards must be set, but the question is, who sets these standards? The answer is not who you may think.

The school, in fact, does not choose what is and what is not

filtered. That job is handled by Tri-County Computer Services Association. They also do Internet filters for many other districts, such as Green and Wooster.

One major frustration that I find many students have with the filter is sites that are not bad in content but, for some reason, are blocked. For instance, a Google images search for “school supplies” comes up blocked for inappropriate content. Inappropriate content? What is inappropriate about school supplies? Our principal Mr. Williams had the answer I was looking for.

“Many times, a good site can be blocked because they have rotating advertising, so one day the advertising could be appropri-

ate, and the next day, it’s not,” he said. Williams also stated that the school has the ability to unblock certain sites that are not detrimental to the learning process. One common misconception about the filter is that some computers in the school are not under the filtering system. However, Williams confirmed that, “every computer in the District is under the filter.”

With all this being said, I have a few tips for those of you who find yourself having filter frustrations. First of all, do not search for just images because at least one image is inappropriate. Therefore, all of them will be blocked. Second, make sure none of the words in the search or URL you are typing can be taken more

day, that statistic has soared to 27 percent.

Another study has shown that teens from divided homes are more likely to have general health problems, more fit to display signs of emotional problems, and are more relevant to become sexually active.

The cause of the rise in single parent homes has risen significantly over the past decade.

However, what is the reason for such a shift in American society?

An answer could be the media, which is one of the most influential sources in our culture.

According to the Center on Media a n d

Public Affairs, extramarital sex has become depicted on television much differently in comparison to the middle of the twentieth century.

Between the mid-1950s to

around 1970, 38 percent of shows on television depicted extramarital sex as morally wrong.

However, since 1970 the number is down to only seven percent.

Extramarital sex, although considered wrong by numerous religions, is not necessarily the reason for the decline in family values.

Consequently, an important statistic that television networks keep hidden is that 63 percent of the time, adultery is not disproved of on television.

According to the scholars at MCMPA, these numbers are helping to destroy the traditional impression of the close bond shared by the family.

Television is not the only influence on young children. Many schools are also inforcing a new definition of family.

New York City public schools have given all of their first graders a new series of books. These books teach children that a family with two moms or two dads is perfectly healthy and normal.

Whatever the reason for such a drastic change, it is uncertain what the future holds for the “traditional” family. Whichever way you decide to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, it is important to be with the people you care about most.

than one way. The filter looks for keywords and blocks them, without understanding what context words are to be taken in.

Lastly, if you think something is inappropriate for school, it probably is. Use good judgment when searching and surfing the Internet, and you should have no problems.

Overall, while the filter may be

a little too stringent, it generally does a good job of keeping the school Internet network safe and appropriate. One thing that many do not realize is that many unchecked websites could contain viruses or spyware, causing the network to crash. I do not know about you, but I will take censored computers over no computers any day of the week.

Internet filter raises questions

PROUD TO BE A BRUIN SPONSOR

GOOD LUCK GRIZZLIES!!

Computers in the school are all connected under one network. This network is filtered by TCCSA. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICROSOFT WORD

4

Speakout

November 2005

If you could change one thing about WHS to make it a better place, what would it be and why?

S T U D E N T S

At the end of every grading period, in each class, you should get rid of the kids with the lowest grades. Then, by the end of the year, you would be left with only the people who deserve an education. The ones who were voted out will work in the fields, completing 15 hour work days with no breaks. Darwin had it right: survival of the fittest.

I would build a big stage so we could have “Rock the Cure” here, so a zillion more people could come.

-Kyle Merrick, 12

-Dave Kipfer, 11 If I could change one thing about our school I would have a Crazy Bone tournament team.

-Zach Goodson, 12

I would have more pep rallies to try to raise school spirits. Right now we have none!

I would put heaters in the hallways so that I wouldn’t have to find a different way to my classes and so I’m not so cold!

-Emily Miller, 11 If I could change something about WHS, it would probably be the water dripping through the ceiling, and the size of the school.

The halls are too crowded and often make you late for class.

-Ryan Bednar, 10

I would bring back The Man, The Myth, The Legend, Mr. Larry Varner. That man alone made me want to come to school each day. Pay him $1,000,000 if that’s what it takes!

I would chain the locks on the courtyard for good! It is so dangerous for people to walk through there, especially when it rains because they could slip and fall!

I would make stricter rules regarding discrimination, so people could feel more at home in this school.

-Britt Busson, 10

-Mike Barlow, 11

-Taylor 12

-Max Hiltner, 12

I would have the administration pass out rewards for people who were caught “Paying it Forward.”

Our school would be a much better place if we all took the time to help each other.

-Ryan 12

I would add a napping period to our schedules. I think that our day starts too early, and we have a lot of homework at night; when are we ever going to have the time to sleep?

-Melissa 11 1) I would like to be able to leave school if you have 7th period study hall.

2) I would make it so we could wear jeans with holes in them.

-Brad Lott, 12

What is the greatest change you have seen at WHS over the years you have been here?

I’ve only been here two months, so this is tough. The pep rally for the football team was awesome.

The cheering, the music, David Crowley’s fantastically confusing speech. Unforgettable!

- Mr. Hamilton

1) I teach better, more mature students.

2) Coach G. has become quiet, diplomatic, open-minded, and extremely strict, especially when it comes to enforcing the “no food in classrooms” rule.

- Mr. Callaghan

The high school building has gone through many changes throughout the years. State testing is also a very big change. Students are required by the state to take more classes. A big change is changing from a 15-minute modular schedule in which regular classes met for 45 minutes and science classes met for one hour. We also changed from eight 45-minute classes to seven 48-minute classes. The school day is shorter.

-Mr. Lange

The size of the classes. It seems that every year the classes get bigger and bigger! Consequently, the school building seems more and more crowded.

- Mrs. McIlvaine

The turnover in administrative positions is the greatest change I’ve seen. I have had three different pricipals in seven years.

-Mr. Knapp

The clothes of the students are very scanty. I wish we were back in the old days when I didn’t see any belly button rings or elastic from someone’s underwear. It makes it hard to teach. Cover yourself, por favor!

-Mrs. Mathews More students today love classic rock, and I attribute that to parents with great taste in music. “Keep on rocking in a free world!”

- Mr. Robinson Updated computer programs, laptops on the move, and the new televisions are the best improvements.

- Mrs. Lance

Fear. We seem to fear what the public will say about us as a school system or how they will view us as a faculty. In the past, we were the public. We were not afraid to do more, to push the envelope of teaching, and to try new ideas. Now we fear the state, fear the public, and fear not getting the levy passed. Now we teach to the test. In the past, teachers not only did more in the classroom, but seemed to think of teaching as a professional challenge, not as a job. I don’t think students have changed as much as some people want to believe. However, students seem less open-minded and see things as black or white, with no understanding of the color gray. Teachers are trying to be best friends with students; the line between students and teachers seems to be disappearing. Computers are used much more now and have replaced human communication. All in all, we seem to have lost the meaning of the word respect. Students for teachers and teachers for students. We seem more interested in school spirit than the spirit of school.

-Mr. Gains

T E A C H E R S

Arts & Clubs Fine Arts Student of the Month

Matt What year are you in school?

Senior

What clubs/ Activities are you involved in?

Drama Club, Marching Band, and Concert Band

What activities do you have outside of school?

4-H, Galaxy Players

What do you plan on doing when you graduate?

I want to go to college and What is your favorite asmajor in the area of theatre. pect of being in band?

Hearing the audiences’ reaction after I perform.

What is your favorite aspect of being in drama?

Being able to step out of myself and my world and being someone else for a short time.

Who is your mentor and why?

My grandma because she was the first person to introduce arts, music, movies, theatre, and everything else. She was the first person to ever believe in me and she gave me all the values I have today

Not your average NFL

BY KATHY LITTLE

For years there has been a team where people can argue and debate or compete in things such as humor and drama. Speech and Debate and NFL offer all these things.

Speech and Debate competes weekly throughout the state of Ohio. The NFL, or National Forensics League, is a nationwide competitive speaking team. NFL is also a group that the speech team competes in.

For the past eleven years, Mrs. Mathews has been coach of the school’s team. She started out as assistant coach to Mr. Gains, and four years ago, when Gains retired, became head coach.

At the beginning of the year Mathews has students that want to join fill out a sampler. After the students return the sampler the coaches choose who they want in each category.

Another deciding factor on whether or not a person will be chosen is that they must be committed to 6 tournaments a year and at least 1 practice a week.

The speech team meets everyday after school from 3:00 PM until at least 7:00 PM. Some debaters do not leave the school until even later.

Speech and Debate competes in several competitions throughout the year. Some of their more

important competitions this year are the tournament in Sylvania, (Toledo) Ohio in January and the District and State competitions in February and March. The Sylvania tournament will be a two day competition with competitors from around Ohio and other states.

“We are a hard working group; I think the very best and brightest are on this team.”

- Mrs. Mathews Though everyone wants to, not everyone competes in every competition. Some meets fill up, and there is not enough space for everyone to compete. When this happens, Mathews chooses the people that have practiced the most and worked the hardest to compete in the tournament.

There have been many great accomplishments the speech team is fighting to defend. Two years ago, senior Ginny Braizer was the state champion in Drama and last year the Speech team had 22 people go to state in various categories.

Mathews is hoping to send over 20 people to state this year and send at least one student to the national competition in Texas this June.

November 2005

5

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Club Reviews and News

**********

National Honor Society: The induction ceremony will be held the morning of November 23.

Drama: What: The Crucible, directed by Mrs. Zagar and Mrs. Csaky Where: O.J. Work Auditorium When: Premiers December 1 and continues until December 3 Tickets: Sold at the bookstore and at the door.

Adults - $5 Children 12 and under - $2 Senior citizens - FREE In the Next Issue: Choir concert review Symphonic band review of Ohio Band Directors Conference. * All information submitted by advisor of the club.

Drama department’s The Crucible brings great expectations

BY ROCHELLE O’NEIL

Even though Halloween is over there will still be people crying “witch” come December.

The Drama department’s upcoming play The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, is set to premier December 1 and continue through December 3.

The plot tells the story of the happenings in the small town of Salem, Massachusetts, in the late 1600’s. The daughter of the Reverend Parris, the town’s minister, becomes deathly ill and many accusations are brought forth. At the first mention of witchcraft, mass hysteria begins to break out in this very religious town.

Cast members are led by directors Mrs. Csaky and Mrs. Zagar whose insight and creativity continue to inspire the young actors.

“Directors are just like athletic coaches, they give students opportunities to learn how to become productive team members, working toward a common goal,” said Csaky.

Zagar also has a fond interest for directing.

Upcoming Events:

Thanksgiving Break: -November 24- 28 Fall Conferences: -November 17 and -November 21 Interims: -December 5

“When I am absorbed in directing there is no other world.

I can forget everything and just have fun,” said Zagar.

“I want people to leave the auditorium wowed. I just hope we do Arthur Miller justice.”

-Jamie Stout,12 Cast members meet every day, Monday through Friday, to do a run-through of each act, making sure their performances will be perfected in time for the drama’s premier. Not only do these dedicated students put forth time, effort, and heart into their work, but they also manage to have fun while they do it.

“I love it when we’re in the middle of a serious moment, and someone starts giggling, and we all end up laughing,” said sophomore Kelsey Hill.

Every member has different

expectations and aspirations for the play; it does not matter whether they are a member of the cast, crew or even a director.

“I expect that the play will be amazing. We have an amazing amount of talent and some fresh new faces. This play should leave you stunned,” said senior Kyle Mohler.

Cast members include students from all classes. From the single freshman David Echenrode to the thirteen seniors, each individual actor brings something different to the drama in order to achieve excellence in the production of the play. However all of these young talents live by one motto.

“After all, the motto for the students of theater is, ‘Act well your part; There all the honor lies,’” said Csaky.

No matter what you are into, The Crucible is sure to capture your attention. Love, romance, jealousy, lust, pride, deceit, and revenge are all major aspects of the play. There is no doubt that there will definitely be at least one eye-catching component.

Cast members of The Crucible practice their acting skills and lines during rehearsal on October 28. PHOTOS BY ROCHELLE O’NEIL

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Features

November 2005 pic

Christine

Favorite Quote: It is not how far you fall, but how high you bounce.

Favorite Class: AP Calculus

Joel

Favorite teacher: Mrs. Khoury Plans after high school: Attend Cedarville University

November Students of the Month

Veterans Day, a day to honor soldiers of past and future

BY AARON F. MUELLER

Veterans Day, November 11, is a day dedicated to those who have served this great nation in the military. Many veterans were honored during an assembly held at the high school. These veterans included teachers Mr. Schmeltzer Sr., Mr. Martin, and Mr. Smith.

Thanks to these people and all other men and women who have served in the military, we can enjoy the freedoms that Americans are blessed with each and every day.

However, not only are there people in the community that have fought for America in the past, but there are those who will do it in the future. Many seniors have plans of joining a branch of the military after graduation, if they have not joined already. The fight for freedom is a never-ending battle, and with the help of these courageous people, America should stay on top.

Senior Shane Sams can be seen from time to time wearing his army uniform throughout the hallways. He has great pride for his country and is never afraid to show it.

Sams has already enlisted in the army and completed basic training. He is part of the 795th Military Police Battalion. Sams knew the army was something he had always wanted to be a part of.

“I knew I didn’t want to go to college, and I didn’t have anything left to do other than to bum off my parents. My grandpa was a military policeman, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” said Sams.

The army has proven to be beneficial to many of its members. Sams said he likes the fact that the army will pay for college, provide full health benefits, and offer free food and housing.

However, there are numerous setbacks to potentially being part of a war. Obviously, these men and women risk their lives each day they are in a battle. Each sol-

Senior Shane has already completed basic training for the U.S. Army.

Va r n e r t o u c h e s l i v e s Revered physics teacher suddenly retires in middle of his thirty-fifth year of teaching; students will miss him greatly

BY DREW KNIGHT

For 35 years, Larry Varner has been touching the lives of students. Now, abruptly, Varner has retired during the middle of the year.

“It wasn’t my idea,” Varner said about retiring.

Though the reason for Varner’s retirement is not clear, what is clear is that Varner was undoubtedly one of the high school’s most popular teachers.

“The man is a genius!” said senior Josh Thomas.

Varner always had a way of making school interesting and fun for all of the students who took his physics class. Maybe it was because he loved to teach.

“I enjoyed coming in daily and teaching kids how the universe works,” said Varner.

Of course, according to Varner, his students liked him for other reasons.

“Kids like me because I don’t sweat much for a fat guy,” said Varner.

Everyone will miss the mysterious physics teacher. He could always relate a physics problem to an interesting fact, as how fast one would travel if one jumped through a hole in the earth. He left kids with great memories of physics class.

“We’ll never worry about the jumping Chinese again,” said seniors Alise Kormoshoff and James Petty.

Apparently, if the whole Chinese population jumped at once, the Earth would not be knocked out of orbit.

Varner’s retirement not only affects the lives of current physics students, but also the lives of students who always wanted to have the legendary teacher.

“I hear Mr. Varner is the man,

Varner shows his superhuman strength by holding the world on one finger.

PHOTO BY SHELLY ANDERSON

and I dreamed of having him!” said junior Mike Barlow.

It was the respect Varner gave to his students that earned him respect from all of his students.

Students wanted to be in Varner’s class. He made his classroom a positive place for everyone. Now, he plans on making nursing homes a positive place.

“I want to become a male stripper at nursing homes,” said Varner jokingly.

Jokes like that became the staple

for Varner. Over his 35 years, his students learned to love him not only for his great teaching abilities, but for his down-to-earth attitude.

“The guy is the most mysterious and interesting guy I know.

I wish someone would write a book on him,” said senior Scott Landerholm.

Physics class will never be the same. There is no doubt Larry Varner will be missed very much.

PHOTO BY AARON MUELLER

dier must be braver than one can imagine.

The unselfish Sams has a unique view regarding the current war in Iraq. “I don’t think we should be there anymore, but someone has got to do it, and why not me?” said Sams.

On June 27, 2006, Sams will report to Fort Benning in Georgia to undergo desert training. A few other seniors joining the military will be attending basic training in 2006 as well. Carter Brooks, Matt Simpson, and Brandon Beke are among those that plan to join All members of the military, both young and old, deserve the honor of Veterans Day.

Homecoming Event Survey Which do you favor?

Bonfire

Pig Roast

86% 14%

Wadsworth High School Marketing Education “Learn to earn and earn to learn”

(SOURCE:100 random Wadsworth High School students)

Variety

Junk of the Month

November 2005 Dear Daisy, My boyfriend doesn’t understand that high school relationships aren’t marriages. I’ve recently lost all of my guy friends, been watched when I talk to other guys, and he always has to know where I am. Obsession isn’t healthy in everyday high school relationships. How do I give him the hint that I need my space?

-Victim of Obsession, 11 Dear Victim of Obsession, It sounds to me like you are going to have to be completely honest with your stalker. You can start off by saying something like “I need more space than you seem to need.” If he does not get the hint after you say that, I would try a more direct approach before he takes his obsession to the next level and carves your initials into his skin.

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girls will begin to notice you for your self-confidence.

Dear Daisy, My boyfriend broke up with me because I order my McDonald’s cheeseburgers with only ketchup, but he didn’t like ketchup. How should I deal with this?

-Confused Ketchup Lover, 11 Dear Confused Ketchup Lover, Well to be quite honest, it sounds to me like you might be better off with someone who would not dump you over ketchup. Perhaps next time you should go for fast food with a new date. Take the easy way out and order your cheeseburger plain so your boyfriend can’t find a pointless reason to break up with you.

DearDaisy,

Junior Dom stands in his red rusty Ford F-150, “Ol’Rusty.”

BY KATY WILSON

Have you ever seen this big, red, rusty beast driving down the road? Have no fear; it is junior Dom Accordino!

With the exception of Accordino, people may turn away at the sight of this truck’s unattractive appearance.

“I call him Ol’ Rusty. He’s quite the classic,” Accordino added.

So what exactly is it that makes Ol’ Rusty a classic?

“It is all rusty and about to fall apart,” said Accordino. “Or maybe it is the two tone paint job of red and rust.”

PHOTO BY DAN GRASSELL

By looking at the truck, one would underestimate the power that Ol’ Rusty has, but on and off the road, this truck is quite the “bad boy.”

“I drive Ol’ Rusty to work, school, and of course, tailgating,” Accordino stated. “Ol’ Rusty is my right-hand man…except when he breaks down.”

Breakdowns are not uncommon for a truck that is almost 17 years old. As a matter of fact, if you ask Accordino, it is highly possible that he is in the process of fixing something on his dear Ol’ Rusty.

“It is a work in progress,” said Accordino. “I would not trade it

in for anything!”

If you are with your friends driving down the road and you spot this red, rusty beast, beware of breakdowns and odd noises. It is just Ol’ Rusty making another appearance, which could very well be its last.

To many, Ol’ Rusty is a classic piece of rubbish, but to Accordino, it is his love.

“Many people say that I’m a Ford truck man; that’s all I ever drive,” said Accordino. “So I went to a dealer and bought [my truck] for $16.99.”

Is Ol’ Rusty really worth $16.99? That is a decision each person must make for himself.

Dear Daisy, I am wondering what I should do about my current situation.

I got 99 problems, and I wish a girl was one. Girls just don’t seem to appreciate a good man these days. What do you think I should do to get girls to notice me?

-Lonely Bill Lumbergh, 12 Dear Lonely Bill Lumbergh, Well for starters, the key to finding a relationship is to not be looking for one. Good things will come when you least expect them to. Keep your head up and just be yourself. Eventually,

Dear Daisy, My girlfriend is smothering me! She calls me at least three times a day and wants to hangout 24/7. This obsessive behavior needs to end! She writes me love letters every night. Help me please!

-Smothered to Death, 12 Dear Smothered to Death, It sounds to me like your girlfriend must really like you.

Make sure you are gentle if you decide to tell her how you really feel about her obsessive behavior towards you. If talking to her does not make her behavior end, maybe you and your family should consider relocating far away.

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Picture Page

November 2005

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‘Rock the House’

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BY TOMMY KAMINSKI

Homecoming was another night to remember. There was a new DJ, who came with two large projection screens that showed music videos and videos of students “getting jiggy with it.” Everyone enjoyed the decorations, which made students feel like they were actually in Paradise. There were numerous limos pulling up to the high school side entrance, with students pouring out of them in extravagant dresses and expensive suits.

“All the time I spent getting ready for the dance was well worth it; since I had such a wonderful time with all my friends!” stated junior Caity Todd.

A new addition to Homecoming this year was the Rock the House Group. this group entertains at parties, bar mitzvahs, and special

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events. This fine company made their way around the dance floor, taking photographs of students having a great time with their friends and dates.

As always, the Homecoming court shared a dance as the rest of the school looked on in admiration.

Another new addition to the festivities was the smoothies out in the lobby. Students enjoyed the cool, delicious taste of lemons, strawberries, and bananas.

The new DJ and tasteful treats brought one of the largest turn outs for a formal dance: 1,062 students pulled out their party shoes and hit the dance floor in the West gymnasium. Clearly, everyone enjoyed the jammin’ tunes and colorful decorations.

“I had such a great time movin’ and groovin’ with my date and all my friends. I love Rock the House!” Said freshman Kyle Davis.

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Homecoming 2005

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1. This group of guys takes time for a quick picture in between songs.

2. Sophomore Homecoming court attendants proudly smile as they are recognized on the dance floor.

3. Check out all the pictures taken by Rock the House Group on their web site.

4. Junior Aimey shows off her crazy side as she sings and dances.

5. Members of the Varsity Volleyball team show their team unity on and off the court.

6. Sophomores Brittani Jenny , and Laura show how much fun they are having.

7. Junior Will shows off his moves as well as his nice smile.

8. Homecoming King and Queen, Nate and Claire, share a dance.

9. Senior Aaron and junior Brittany pause to have their picture taken together.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROCK THE HOUSE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

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November 2005 2.

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Signs of Fall

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As the summer ends, and the air turns cold, The leaves turn to shades of red and gold.

Football is back and ready to fight, And the town will watch under stadium lights.

Shorts turn to jeans, and the jackets are on, And before you know it, the leaves are all gone.

Pumpkins on porches, and scary decorations, Now it’s time for Halloween celebrations!

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Halloween will come with costumes and fright, And the kids will eat candy on Halloween night.

But there’s still work to be done; so roll up your sleeves.

People go to their yards to rake all the leaves.

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The time has now come for October to end, Another holiday is just around the bend.

A holiday for giving thanks and enjoying a feast, Where a turkey is a necessity, to say the least.

When everyone is full, and the food is all gone, The men surround the TV, since football is on.

When Thanksgiving is over, a new wind will blow.

A new season is coming; it’s Fall’s time to go.

The transition of seasons are not noticed by all, But I hope you will stop to see the signs of Fall.

BY DAN GRASSELL

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1. A jack-o’-lantern gets ready for Halloween.

2. This tree has lost all of its leaves for the season and is ready for winter.

3. The senior class rakes leaves this fall for Volunteer Day. 4. This rake came in very handy to many seniors on Volunteer Day. 5. This candy stash looks great after a long night out trick-or-treating.

6. Trick or treaters stop at a house to fill their bags with more delicious candy.

7. The leaves begin to change colors and turn bright shades of red and gold.

8. Almost all of the leaves have fallen from the trees and are ready to be raked.

9. These friends take time from a busy day at school to carve their pumpkins.

10. The football team fights to win a game as the town shows their support.

PHOTOS BY DAN GRASSELL, NICK JACK, AND TOMMY KAMINSKI

PHOTO BY MEYERS PHOTOGRAPHY

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November 2005

Collegebound students face financial future With tuition costs on the rise, students dread debt after graduation

BY COURTNEY HARRIS

For seniors, college is quickly approaching. Seniors are beginning to apply for college, scholarships, and financial aid.

As many have noticed, there has been an increase in tuition costs which has made parents and students alike nervous. Many are unsure if they will have the funds available to get a higher education because of the recent increase.

According to the College Board, families can expect to pay, on average, anywhere from $112 to $1,190 more than last year on tuition alone, depending on the type of college. The recent increase has even prompted the government to set a new record.

The new record is in financial aid, a total of about $129 billion.

Some price tags you hear about are upwards toward $30,000, yet 60 percent of students attending four-year schools pay less than $6,000. Many find this hard to believe, but with the resources of grants, the actual price students end up paying is quite less than the posted tuition.

A grant is money given to students by the government to receive a higher education, but unlike a loan, students do not have

to repay the amount. In 20042005 the total percentage of total undergraduate grants declined for the third year in a row. However, about 63 percent of students had some form of aid, whether from loans, grants or both.

For the 2005-2006 school year, students face reaching deep into their pocketbooks. A two-year public university’s tuition and fees will increase $2,191 or 5.4 percent, while four-year public universities will increase $5,491 or 7.1 percent for tuition and fees,with a $6,636 increase for room and board. The most shocking yet are four-year private universities, with a $21,235 increase in tuition and fees and room and board increasing $7,791.

College Board reported that Ohio has the sixth most expensive public colleges in the nation. Ohio rates $1,549 over the national average. In some cases, it is almost just as much to stay in-state as it is to attend college out-of-state.

Regardless of the prices, college enrollment is still on the rise. There were 16.6 million college students in Fall 2002.

The 2005 outlook for total college enrollment is 16.7 million students. How much more can our pocketbooks take?

HOW TO HAVE LESS STRESS OVER TUITION COSTS 1. Do not panic over the money just yet. You know college will not be cheap, so make sure to apply for grants, scholarships and aid.

2. Fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The Department of Education processes these forms that you can fill out at www.FAFSA.ed.gov, and in about two-four weeks you will receive a SAR (Student Aid Report), allowing you to see how much your family will be expected to pay out of your own funds toward annual tuition.

3. Get your best package. Each university has different packages that can offer you more grants and fewer loans.

4. Make up the difference. Financial aid packages will not always cover your total expenses. You need to look for scholarships within and outside of the university. College Board offers a free scholarship tool at www.collegeboard.com. It searches nearly 2,300 sources, offering over $3,000,000,000 in awards.

5. Do not give up. All the planning and scheduling can seem stressful, but the payoff in the end will be worth all the work. According to U.S. Census Bureau, people with a bachelor’s degree earn more than 70% more on average than someone with only a high school diploma.

News Scholars merit recognition

BY CODY STEIGERWALD

Paying to take a practice test is not the average student’s idea of a good time.

What reason would drive some students to this madness? It may be that National Merit grants over $2,500 in scholarships per year for many students who perform exceptionally well on the test.

According to www.nationalmerit.org, the National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Senior participant Dan Woods describes National Merit as a great way to earn recognition for scholastic ability and earn money for college.

Those seniors with an opportunity to earn scholarships are semifinalists Emily Hoover and Dan Woods.

Elizabeth Kollar, Brittani McCauley, and Danielle Roberts rank among the commended students.

The final results will not be known until later next year.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed, but I’m excited to see the results,” said Woods.

From your Rising physical fads pressure teens towards perfection body. They always seem to find at question arises once again. Is conducted among teenagers 13 to principal least one physical flaw. Take the plastic surgery really worth it? Is 18 years of age, indicating that 30

BY AMY JARVIS

Welcome to the 2nd grading period. I hope all WHS students achieved the grades you hoped for at the commencement of the school year. Now is the time to set goals for the rest of the school year. Goal setting can be a great way to focus on the strategies you need to employ in order to accomplish your goals..

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our senior class. On Friday, November 4 the students in our senior class raked leaves for almost 200 senior citizens in the city of Wadsworth. I have received tremendous feedback from the senior citizens and from the members of our senior class. The weather was beautiful and I believe all our students enjoyed the opportunity to help in our community. I would also like to say thank you to the members of WHYS who served breakfast to our students before they raked. The breakfast was great and enjoyed by all.

Please allow me the opportunity to address one topic that seems to appear in every issue of the Bruin, the issue is dress code. Some students feel it is too strict, others feel it is not strict enough. I feel we will always have dress code questions unless we implement a uniform. I believe dress code is an important issue. I believe Wadsworth High School is a great place because of the strong values our community embraces and demands from our schools. I have been entrusted to support and uphold these values and I believe we do in a fair and consistent manner. I would ask students to refer to the student handbook for all rules as they relate to the dress code. We will continue to enforce the dress code in a fair and consistent manner.

Please remember parent-teacher conferences are on November 17 & 21.

I would encourage all parents to call the main office to schedule a conference with any teacher on one of those nights.

Until the next issue, GO GRIZZLIES!!

-Mr. Brian Williams

Most teens today feel inadequate when it comes to their physical appearances. Many feel pressured to push for perfection, but are they being pushed too far?

Teenagers are spending more money on tanning, and some are even having their parents dish out some serious cash for plastic surgery. Most say that it is not a big deal if it can to be paid for, but is it worth it?

The number of teenagers going under the knife continues to rise. In 2003 alone, there were more than 223,000 plastic surgery procedures performed on teenagers under the age of 18.

Imagine how the numbers have increased from 2003 to 2005.

It is a rarity to find a teenager, whether girl or boy, who is completely satisfied with his or her BEFORE

already flawed body image of a teenager, and add someone else’s image of perfection. The outcome is one really insecure person.

As more and more teens find ways to improve themselves, the pressure to be good looking has never been so great.

There are so many different procedures that can be performed on a teen to make himself feel more confident.

Rhinoplasty, the reshaping of the nose, is the most requested surgery.

Over 90 percent of teenagers that have had plastic surgery have had this procedure done.

According to Diane Zuckerman of the American Medical Association, most teens’ body images improve with their increasing age, even if they did not have plastic surgery. So, the AFTER

A teenage girl is shown before and after her surgery. She had one of the most common surgeries among teens: rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a nose job.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CONNECTICUT COSMETIC SURGERY

it really worth abandoning your natural self and your money?

To most, that is a simple question to answer, but to others, it is hard to decide. Some people need plastic surgery due to birth defects or accidents that have happened throughout their lives.

However, more than half of the surgeries performed on minors were done for strictly cosmetic reasons. Although the number of procedures seems high among teens, only four percent of the people that have plastic surgery are teens.

Not only is plastic surgery becoming more common among teens, but tanning is also a new fad. Recently, a case study was

to 40 percent of teens have repeatedly used a indoor tanning beds.

Many people have problems with tanning. More than half the girls interviewed in our school said that it is a very unhealthy habit and not worth the risk, while the other girls said that it is worth the risk to make themselves look better.

When asked about plastic surgery, most girls in our school said that they would never even consider it because of the high pain and costs, although it does appeal to them.

Although the pressure for perfection is high and on everyone’s mind, many believe it is not worth it. Only time will tell if this proves to be true.

Ads

November 2005

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Sports Cochran, Macko make Division I debut

BY ZACH BERGER

Imagine starting your first football game ever in college. It is not just any ordinary game either. It is live on ESPN 2, while thousands of fans are watching all across the nation. This is what Clint Cochran gets to experience.

Even though Cochran is the back-up quarterback, he still got his shot at starting in a Division I football game after the first string quarterback was injured.

“It’s very difficult to balance school work and athletics especially since football is so time consuming, but getting to play on national television in front of millions of people is very fun and exhilarating,” said Cochran.

So far in the year the team is 6-2 in the MAC league and they plan on finishing off the year just as strong as they started it.

“The speed of the game, the quickness in which you need to make decisions, and the size of your opponents is twice as much as it was in high school,” he said.

Paul Macko is a backup running back for the Clemson University

November 2005

ATHLETES OF THE MONTH Name: Trevor

Sport: Soccer Season Highlight:Beating Medina in the sectional final.

Advice to other athletes: Never give up and don’t settle for second best.

Tigers. They are in the ACC and are currently 4-4. He has experienced success and was named scout team player of the year.

Macko made his debut against the Temple University Owls.

“It takes almost two years of work to basically even get noticed. In the weight room, on and off the field, etc,” Macko said. “You work for your chances, and if you miss it, you do not know if you will ever see it again.”

He believes that all athletes planning on playing in college should be prepared for a big change.

“Love the game because it becomes your life.

It is very stressful, but in the end when you are out there playing it is all worth it.” Macko said.

Both of these stars will be great assets to their teams next season. The Bruin wishes them good luck.

Sports Briefs VOLLEYBALL Captains Danielle Roberts, Shelly Anderson, and Aimey Reynolds led the team to an outstanding season becoming district runner-ups. Their final record was 20-6.

Age: 18

Cochran gets ready to throw a pass during his debut against Fresno State.

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Name: Gina Age: 17 Sport: Volleyball Season Highlight: Beating Green in the first round because we gave them no chance for the win.

Advice to other athletes: Always work hard, but remember to have fun.

FOOTBALL The team finished with an overall record of 5-5 and a league record of 2-5.

Much thanks to captains Evan Rozlog, Nate Reed, and Dave Crowley, and all other participants, for an entertaining year.

BOYS SOCCER The team ended with a record of 11-4-3. Led by captains Justin McIntuff, Dan Otanicar, and Max Hiltner, this team had a very successful year ending up district runner-ups.

GIRLS SOCCER Led by captains Rachel Burcher, Toni Rock, and Amanda Craig, the girls finished off a fine season with a 9-8-1 record.

Paul Macko slams through the Temple defense with ease. This was Macko’s first debut in a Division I game.

Sports Briefs BOYS BASKETBALL Get ready! The team starts official practices on November 6 and begins the season on December 2.

WRESTLING The third ranked team in the state last year debuts the weekend of December 2. This team is looking to continue its state qualifying tradition.

SWIMMING Boys and girls swim teams start off their year on November 4, with its first meet on December 2.

GYMNASTICS These girls start practicing on November 2. The first meet is December 7.

GIRLS BASKETBALL The team begins practice on October 31. The first game will be November 26.

Ultimate fighting crashes into society

BY CODY VALIANTE

In 1986, Robert Tepper composed the classic song “No Easy Way Out.” The influential lyrics to this song could not be more appropriate to the sport of ultimate fighting, where boys become men, and only the strong survive.

When inside a 64 square foot octagon, surrounded by steel fencing tension arises when you are about to face an opponent that wants to annihilate you. It truly makes for extremely intense television.

It is action like this that has made ultimate fighting one of the most watched sports on television.

“I watch ultimate fighting whenever it is on. The effort and determination the competitors give out is just astounding.” said senior Zach Goodson.

An ultimate fighter’s work ethic has to be second to none. Their training has to be resilient and strenuous, because unlike team sports, these warriors have no one

but themselves to rely on. You just cannot take a play off or use someone as a crutch to get through a play. If you take one moment off you are on the mat unconscious.

With popularity escalating around the nation and in schools, more and more is being expected from the ultimate fighters.

The public now boo and shout in abhorrence if someone is not on the mat in the first round.

“The anticipation of that first devastating knockout is immense, the quicker the better,” said aspiring UFC fighter Kyle Bednar.

Some may disagree with ultimate fighting and call it inhumane, but one cannot help take notice to the fortitude of each and every fighter, and the willpower it takes to compete in such a treacherous sport.

At the end of the day, agree or disagree, ultimate fighting is on the up rise and ready to rumble with society.

Late third round action gets heated from the UFC’s PayPerViev Saturday night live from the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino.

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13 Potter power prevails into fourth film Friday November 2005

BY SHELLY ANDERSON

Ever since Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was released this July, Potter fans across the globe started a new countdown to the upcoming movie release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Those lucky few who have witnessed an early viewing of the movie claim it to be the best yet.

Director Mike Newell continues to add his own spice to the wellknown book by J.K. Rowling.

Most might assume that only prestigious people or those with special contacts would get to see an early viewing of such a popular movie. However, several regular movie lovers got the chance just out of sheer luck. One man got the chance and posted his reaction online on MuggleNet.com.

He received a flier while waiting in line at a movie theater advertising a test screening of a family movie. The movie to be shown was kept secret, but the man decided to go anyway since it was free. He, along with clueless others, errupted in applause when they were told just before the movie began that they would be viewing Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

The movie obviously did not have all of the effects and scenes complete, but all viewers have claimed to be completely satisfied with Newell’s work with the film.

The man who received the flier described the movie by saying, “This movie is freaking excellent!”

Another early viewer was very impressed, particularly with Newell’s work. He said the director did a parallel job of maturing the actors along with the characters in the book.

In the book, a new interest in girls comes with maturity. Undoubtedly, fans are anxious to see Katie Leung, who has been cast as Harry’s love interest, Cho Chang.

Movie stills and pictures from the set have been placed on various websites such as Veritasereum and Mug-

gleNet. Pictures of the entire cast can be found as well.

The casting for Cho Chang was one of the most popular in all the movies. In order to even audition, girls had to have a Southeast Asian appearance, look around the age of 16, and had to live in the UK. Countless girls wrapped around the audition studio on February 7, 2004 in hopes of being cast as Cho Chang. Katie Leung was lucky enough to be cast without any past acting experience.

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint’s publicity is increasing by the nanosecond.

They have been interviewed on TRL on MTV multiple times and a clip from the movie was recently featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire hits theaters everywhere November 18. Pre-sale tickets are available online.

‘Rock the Cure’ continues to save lives

BY JOSH SNYDER

Eight local bands will take over Wadsworth Middle School on November 19. Not only will music buffs enjoy the concert, but they will also be contributing to a student organized activity to raise money for cancer research.

This may very well be the biggest show of the season. Many of the bands showing will have T-shirts and other items for sale.

Last year one of the bands was even generous enough to donate more than half of its T-shirt sales to the different donation buckets.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the show starting at 5:30 p.m.

Bands to play will include Vegas, Stiletto, My Defiant Heart, Wadsworth’s own Elliot Ness, as well as four others. It is sure to be a show to see.

Last year Rock the Cure raised $3000 for the American Cancer Society, with just a little help from local bands, volunteers and a crowd of about 175 people total.

This year, with the help of our entire student body and some of the

community, the individuals putting the concert together would like to double their attendance and their donations.

“Ever since we were little we wanted to cure cancer; medical school is not an option in our future. So instead we’re changing the world one song at a time,” said seniors Taylor Dungjen and Jacqui Flaherty.

Tickets are on sale right now.

It will cost $8 presale and $10 at

the door to attend the concert. All proceeds will be donated again to the American Cancer Society. Pre-sale tickets are available through Taylor Dungjen and Jacqui Flaherty.

So come out and help save a life, while having fun doing it. Food and drinks will also be available and all proceeds from these items will be donated to help find the cure for cancer.

Music/Entertainment Cauterize sears genres

BY BRADLEY MUELLER

the band’s first music video.

It is the combination of Cauterize’s unique voice, style, and deep lyrics that speak of longing for love and falling out of it, that made their album get the popularity they have.

Rock music has come a long way from the days of Elvis and The Beatles. New genres have branched off and are constantly appearing. Others have formed by merging with each other, making new forms and styles.

Even with all the different styles and genres, there are s o m e bands that cannot be Rockin’ their way from Ontario down to the states, Caudefined. It terize recently released their sophomore album. PHOTO would be COURTESY OF CAUTERIZE.COM easier to characterize them as rock.

Because of that, CauterCauterize, coming straight ize’s song, “Shooting Stars,” from Oshawa, Ontario, first from So Far From Real was started playing in 1999. This featured in the 2004 hit comgroup of lifelong friends was edy, Eurotrip, getting them on brought together by the lead the soundtrack and to an even vocalist/guitarist/pianist Jesse wider audience.

Smith.

“It’s just something about Josh Slater (guitar/vocals), it; I don’t know what but I just Jason Bone (bass/vocals), and love it,” said junior Meghan Matt Worobec (drums) teamed Emery when asked what it is up with him and later Chuck about Cauterize’s music she Coles (guitar/vocals) joined likes. the group.

Cauterize has been sticking Being a rookie band, con- around their homeland, percerts were big for them be- forming live all over Ontario. cause it was a make or break They have been showing off situation. However, it was the their new album, Paper Wings, live performances that eventu- which came out earlier this ally got them known beyond July. the borders.

Many of their styles from Cauterize, originally influ- their first album are carried enced by Green Day, opened over in songs like “Closer,” for Evanescence on their 2003 and “Wake to the Sun.” Howtour, and then toured with ever, the band has created new, Three Days Grace and Hoo- deeper styles heard in “Porcebastank. All the while, they lain” and “Paper Wings,” with were showing off their debut a slower pace and more serious LP, So Far From Real, issued tone to them, showing how the

by Wind-Up Records that Au- band is maturing without losgust. ing immaturity.

Hit songs from that album To check out the band, visit include “Shine,” “Still Breath- www.cauterize.com or sample ing,” and “Something Beauti- their music at www.purevolful,” which was later made into ume.com/cauterize.

Michael J. Boyer, D.P.M. Podiatrist Sports Medicine

119 Broad Street Wadsworth, Ohio 44281 Phone: (330) 334-1534

Vegas is becoming really popular in Northeast Ohio. This will be their second year volunteering to perform at Rock the Cure.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PUREVOLUME.COM/VEGAS

14

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NOVEMBER 2005

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SUMMER IS OVER AND YOU STILL WANT TO BE TAN...

THEN VISIT THE ZONE. Tan until the end of 2005 for only: Students $30.00 Adults $40.00 Walk in tans are only

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