The Bruin- October 2007

625 Broad Street Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

Newspaper II/III

October 2007

REMEMBER: The first grading period ends October 26

1870 - 2007 Wadsworth City Schools: “Celebrating 137 years of Excellence in Education” Volume XXXII No. 1

INSIDE THE BRUIN

2007 Homecoming court crowned Congratulations to the 2007 Homecoming Court: HOMECOMING KING: BOBBY HOMECOMING QUEEN: JILL S ENIOR ATTENDANT: JENNY HARSH SENIOR ESCORT: DREW CLINE SENIOR ATTENDANT: JENNA GAHAN SENIOR ESCORT: KYLE FOX JUNIOR ATTENDANT: BRITTANY ARVAY JUNIOR ESCORT: ZACH WATTS SOPHOMORE ATTENDANT: SAM GEARHART SOPHOMORE ESCORT: ANTHONY SCHROCK FRESHMAN ATTENDANT: MONICA BORSANI FRESHMAN ESCORT: PHILIP LAHUE

indians seek a return to the world series pg 12

Seniors Bobby and Jill receive the honors of Homecoming King and Homecoming Queen on September 28.

PHOTO BY DAVID SANSONETTI

Mayoral race intensifies

BY MORGAN DUTA

Mr. Magnacca talks about his new role as whs principal page 5

students study Chinese Culture over summer pg 5

Cal’s Comments: Coach Cal talks about life, Spirit, and Wadsworth high school pg 6

$1.00

625 Broad Street Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

Three Wadsworth citizens, Joseph Arpad, Robin Laubaugh, and Chuck Pfeister, are all key individuals in this year’s campaign for mayor. On September 26, each of the candidates came together at a question and answer luncheon hosted by the Wadsworth Chamber of Commerce. Each contender was asked a series of ten questions and had two minutes to discuss each answer in front of a packed house. The luncheon was a great way for all of the candidates to showcase their personal viewpoints on Wadsworth’s future.

“Instead of developing around the edges of the city,” the Democratic Arpad suggested, “I would like to see more redevelopment in downtown Wadsworth in the same manner as Medina and Wooster.”

Arpad also foresees three major projects for Wadsworth: “One is the high school, next is a recreation center and third is a senior center. I believe the citizens of this city must be engaged in every aspect of these projects and be excited about being part of the process. This is not the city’s project, it is the citizens’.”

This year’s Republican candidate, Laubaugh, also believes that Wadsworth needs more economic development and stated, “We have much work yet to do on the city’s infrastructure. I wanted to add that I love our small town charm and will continue to consider that a priority.” The candidate also talked about making Wadsworth a better community,

“We can always do better. We can communicate better. I am, and if elected I’ll make certain that we will make growing a business in Wadsworth an easy thing to do.”

She also discussed her leadership roles within the community, “I have been a leader in many organizations in the city and the re“ I lo v e o ur sm a l l town charm and will continue to consider that a priority.”

- Robin Laubaugh

sult has turned me into an always optimistic, but realistic person.”

Pfeister, an Independent candidate, also believes in more economic growth within Wadsworth, “I would support anything within my power as Mayor to bring new businesses into the city,” Pfeister states. He also discussed his desire to follow the people’s wishes. “I’ve been going around this city and asking every customer who comes into my barber shop what their priorities are,” said Pfeister, “We have to honor the people’s wish.”

With each candidate working towards economic growth, it is inevitable that Wadsworth will be seeing new changes soon.

While at times it may seem that the mayor has a majority of the control over Wadsworth’s future, you, as a young individual, really do have a say in what happens in your home town.

Get out on November 6 and cast a vote for your favorite candidate.

BREAKING NEWS High school students busted CLEVELAND: A 14 year old student from Success Tech Academy shot four people on October 10 before shooting himself. All four victims are in stable condition.

WADSWORTH: Six Wadsworth High School students were arrested on October 5 and are facing drug trafficking charges. Medway, a MedinaWayne drug task force, along with the Wadsworth Police Department, had been investigating four months prior to the arrests. According to the WPD, the main goal is to keep the school safe and to keep drugs and alcohol out of the school. All students under 18 are being held at the Medina County Juvenile Detention Facility.

FIRESTONE: A Firestone High School student was arrested October 6 for stabbing his father several times.

The student has been charged with felonious assault and domestic violence.

TALLMADGE: Six members of the undefeated Tallmadge Blue Devils football team have been suspended for a hazing incident that occurred in August, which violates the school’s code of conduct.

Two students are facing rape-related charges in Summit County Juvenile Court. Those involved are not allowed to return to school until the appeals process is completed.

Cafeteria strives for improvement

BY ALYSSA ROBERTS

For just her second year as Director of Food Services, Jennifer Knapp has a lot on her plate.

Since Knapp has taken the position, many changes have either already been enacted or are in the process. One change Knapp has had to make involves the pricing of a la carte items. The price of most items has increased. This increase has caused many students to question the reasons for these changes.

“A la carte prices have not changed since the 2003-2004 school year,” stated Knapp.

Since then the economy has shifted and overall prices of goods have risen. This year especially, Knapp realized a change in price was inevitable.

“This cost of food has gone up over 6% this past year, and the labor cost of the food services program has also increased by 3%,” Knapp said. In addition, Knapp also noted that higher fuel costs are part of the increased a la carte prices. Because of corn shortages due to national development of ethanol as an alternate energy source, prices of fuel have skyrocketed.

“The price of a la carte items really depends on the cost of the goods coming in,” explained Knapp.

Although Knapp sets the final prices for a la carte foods, school lunches are mandated by two regulatory bodies. Regular lunch, at $2.40, allows the school See Cafeteria on page 19

Visit the Bruin OnLine at: http://ww2.wadsworth.k12.oh.us/whs/bruin/

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E DITORIAL

THE BRUIN

October 2007

The

editorial

Recent high school events bring harsh dose of reality This past month has brought about an unheard of number of high school tragedies and tribulations. Students from schools around the area, including Wadsworth, have had to deal with the consequences of very real world situations. From the hazing scandal in Tallmadge, to the recent drug bust in Wadsworth, it seems the harsh reality of the world is sneaking its way into our academic communities.

As students, our lives exist mainly in the atmosphere of the high school. We spend our days socializing with fellow students and working with our teachers.

We often mistakenly believe that our actions will only have consequences within Wadsworth High.

The worst punishment for breaking the rules is a detention and even then we can talk our way

out of it if we are on our teacher’s good side.

However, the closer we approach to adulthood, the more severely we are held to adult standards, including the law. Often, we think we will always be young and able to get away with whatever it is we want to do. Yet with the recent arrests of our fellow students, be it in Ohio or elsewhere across the country, it is painfully obvious that we are no longer in that age of innocence.

We are in an age when the police can come into our school and arrest the same kids we have known since kindergarten.

We at The Bruin believe it is time to step up to our roles as responsible individuals and become more aware of the consequences of our actions.

Dear Editor, September 11 came and went this year with no mention of it at WHS. Our flag was not even at half mast. Overall, I think our school does a lot of good things, but how can this happen? We have a Veterans’ Day assembly that is important, but if we honor and remember things that happened before we were living, why can we not have something to commemorate an event that we have lived through? At the very least there should be a moment of silence. I think it was extremely unfortunate that there was no recognition of a day that was so disheartening, yet unifying, at all.

Candace Smalley, 10

have been nominated for 2007’s homecoming deserve it. It is well known for homecoming court to be a popularity contest, common sense should be used and the consideration of other’s feelings is important, and feelings deserve to be respected.

Homecoming court is, and should remain, something to be proud of. Students who are wellrounded, caring, and involved in the community and school should be the basis of why someone is nominated. It should be a good representation of the class, and viewed as an accomplishment to be voted by fellow classmates. Instead, there are some who would rather point and laugh rather than respectfully be proud of their class.

Taylor Connolly, 11

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Happy as I may be for those who have been nominated for this year’s homecoming court, I cannot help but remember that some are simply there to be a name on ballot that, as a class, we can laugh at. It was a sad day when the student body discovered such a ‘practical joke.’ Students who take pride in organizing such a thing should be ashamed of themselves. The excuse might be used claiming that the students who

Dear Editor, First off I would like to say that I love Wadsworth High School, and I am proud to be a grizzly. I think that a big problem WHS has is the lack of school spirit. About a quarter of the student body does not wear grizzly apparel on Fridays, and the rest of us who do, do not really care, we just wear it to wear it.

bruin staff Editor-in-chief: Aaron Krumheuer Managing Editor: Jill Edmonds Copy Editor: Brooke Babyak Marketing Editor: Erin Conley Front Page: Page Editor: Morgan Duta Reporters: Alyssa Roberts Editorial: Page Editor: Justin Mesick Reporter: All Editor Positions Music: Page Editor: Kat Saunders Reporter: Chad Taylor Speakout: Page Editor: Carly McNutt Reporter: Laura Arch Opinion 1: Page Editor: Lindsey Otanicar Reporter: Kyle Davis Opinion 2: Page Editor: Brett Cline Reporter: Autumn Ellis Features: Page Editor: Caitlin Douglas Reporter: Emily Hanna News: Page Editor: Mike Hoover Reporters: Alyssa Henry Picture Page: Page Editor: Brittani Peltz Reporter: Dave Sansonetti Entertainment: Page Editor: Tyler Jack Reporter: David Kauffman Variety Page: Page Editor: Sarah Fortner Reporters: Aumaine Gruich Sports 1: Page Editor: Taylor Smith Reporter: Anthony Lorubbio Sports 2: Page Editor: Logan Kilbride Reporter: Dan Mueller Health Page: Page Editor: Rachel Hudson Reporter: Britt Busson Movies: Page Editor: Ben White Reporter: Ben Dee Photography Editor: Justin Mesick Ads/Business Manager: Matt Sarlouis Asst.: Alan McPeek Adviser: John Gramuglia

Bruin Debate Should the school’s cell phone policy remain the same?

YES

NO

BY ERIN CONLEY

BY JILL EDMONDS

Certainly, it is no secret that the use of cellular devices are prohibited during school hours in all classrooms throughout the building. The student handbook even requests that all cell phones remain in the students’ lockers until the end of each day.

So why are so many students throwing tantrums when their teachers confiscate their phones?

When a faculty member sees or hears a cell phone during class, they are allowed to take it until the end of the day. When the incident happens a second time, a parent must make a personal appearance to pick up the phone in the office. On the third offense, the staff is able to retain the cellular device for the remainder of the year. Some may believe that these are incredibly harsh punishments, but rules are rules.

Because every student has clearly been informed of the school’s opinion of this issue, they are aware of the risks involved. Cell phones are nothing more than disturbances and have no purposeful use in the classroom. Without a doubt, the school’s current cell phone policy should be unaltered.

I think that everyone should be proud to be a grizzly, and we should not have to be bribed to show school spirit. We all go to one of the best schools academically and athletically in northeast Ohio, it should not be hard to show our spirit. I hope that in the future all students at WHS will take more pride in being grizzlies.

Matt Waanders, 10 Dear Editor, As an exchange student from Europe, going to an American high school is a completely new experience. It is sometimes hard to understand the student’s problems because I am used to something else. Why are you freaking out about the rising lunch prices?

We did not even have a cafeteria in Germany; there was no possibility to have a lunch at school!

And you can be so glad to have your lockers. I took my book bag from home with me because normally we carry all our books with us the whole day. Besides we do not have any sport teams at school. We do have a gym, but only for school sports. There is no school spirit at all because we do

It is no surprise that cellular devices are becoming more and more popular as time passes. Fortunately, Wadsworth administrators have thought of such a nuisance and mention the rules on cell phones in the student handbook: keep the gadget in your locker or risk having it confiscated.

But what about the unwritten part of the cell phone rule that all faculty members abide by? The first time a phone is confiscated, it is held until the end of the day. The second time, a parent must come to the school and pick it up. The third time a phone is taken, it will be held in the office for the remainder of the year.

The third strike consequence is outrageous. A cell phone is an expensive piece of equipment that one uses for emergencies and recreation. To hold it for a substantial amount of time is unfair to the people who pay the bill and puts the owner of the phone in potentially harmful situations.

A revision of the cell phone policy is in need for the near future.

not compete with other schools.

In addition to all that we have exactly one room with computers, not a whole wing for media lessons.

But there are also things I really miss! School starts at 8:00 a.m., our lessons are only about 45 minutes and there are 20 minute breaks after each second lesson where you can hang out with friends.

Jana Becker-Maier, 12 Dear Editor, With four weeks behind us in the 2007-2008 school year, I cannot help but voice my opinion shared by the entire student body. School lunch prices are an absolute outrage. Buying my lunch to support our school since my sophomore year, I hate the thought of graduating with empty pockets. Working two jobs to pay bills and save for my future and upcoming college education next year, the thought of budgeting a decent chunk of change for school lunches disgusts me.

From hot dogs to whatever the menu may bring, I am sick of paying for poor quality food.

Armed with a five dollar bill each day, I am able to walk away with

a grilled chicken salad for $2.50, and a veggie wrap for the same amount. For five dollars at McDonald’s or any popular fast food establishment, I could walk away with a filling and satisfying load of burgers and fries. However, we are not permitted to bring in fast food due to the enjoyment the cafeteria staff gets from the sounds of grumbling stomachs.

If the price of lunches do not change, expect a shortage of buyers and an overload of brown bags in the trash cans.

Steve Sponsler, 12 Dear Editor, I am currently a junior and play soccer. I hate that sports teams cannot wear black shirts on the field to even warm up in.

The girls soccer team recently received black shirts, and we can only wear them off the field.

Red and white may be our main school colors, but black is a color also associated with our school.

No one understands what the big deal is about getting black shirts.

Everyone at Wadsworth already has about a million red and white shirts!

Lauren Steidel, 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.

N EWS

THE BRUIN

October 2007

Shooting sparks controversy

BY ALYSSA HENRY

Five months after the Virginia Tech massacre, two Delaware State University students were shot and wounded early Friday, September 21. The two students were at an on-campus café when the shooting occurred. University administrators were quick to react, and the campus was shutdown as police searched for the gunman.

The victims, Shalita Middleton and Nathaniel Pugh, both 17 and from Washington D.C., were shot just before 1 a.m. Friday morning at the Village Café. Pugh was shot once in the ankle, and Middleton was shot once in the abdomen and once in the lower back.

Middleton remains in serious condition. All together, the gunman fired four to six shots before leaving the scene.

Officials at the university shut down the campus for several days and ordered students into their dorms via the school website. The main gates were locked while the police investigated the shootings and until it was deemed safe.

Three days later, the police arrested 18-year-old Loyer Braden in the shooting of the two students. He is charged with attempted murder, assault and reckless endangerment, as well as

From your Principal

Mr. Magnacca Welcome back to the 20072008 school year. We have had a great start to the school year.

This is attributed to the great efforts of students and staff. I am impressed with your effort.

Keep up the good work!

Our Homecoming festivities were recently held, including the bonfire, spirit week and dance.

I am very proud of the positive spirit displayed by our students at the Homecoming events.

We also had a successful dance sponsored by Student Council.

The end of the first grading period is quickly approaching.

Grades for the first nine weeks close on Friday, October 26 with grade cards being distributed on November 2.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has helped make me feel welcome at Wadsworth High School. With your help and support, we can continue the tradition which has made Wadsworth High School the BEST! Go Grizzlies!

Record of Shootings 1999-2007 Date

Location

September 2007 Delaware State University

Victims Two students injured 33 people killed, 23 injured

April 2007

Virginia Tech University

October 2006

Pennsylvania

5 girls killed

November 2005

Tennessee

Assistant principal killed, two injured

March 2005

Minnesota

Student kills nine, shoots himself

May 2004

Maryland

Four people injured

April 2003

Pennsylvania

Head teacher killed

January 2002

Appalachian School

Three killed

March 2001

California

Two students killed

May 1999

Georgia

Six students injured

April 1999

Columbine School

12 students, teacher killed

Since 1999, numerous school shootings have occurred involving both younger students and university students alike. The high number has sparked concern over security in schools.

a gun charge. Braden is from East Orange, N.J., and is a freshman at Delaware State.

The shooting was apparently sparked by a late-night disagreement involving Braden and another student. Braden was also involved in an altercation earlier that week that may have played a role on Friday. Police believe that both the altercation and the shooting might have occurred because

of rivalries between students in New York and Washington areas. Police are certain, though, that the victims did not instigate the shooting but were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, it is still unclear at this time of the exact motive of Braden.

Controversy surrounds this shooting and how it was handled.

Police knew that Braden had left

BY MIKE HOOVER

students who hung the nooses were suspended for three days.

Three months later, an unknown assailant burned down a portion of the high school. In the following days, several whiteblack fights occurred throughout the school and the town of Jena.

The demonstrators argue that the black students were punished unreasonably in comparison to the white students. Despite the magnitude of the demonstrations in support of the Jena 6, there are also many naysayers who feel that race is not an issue.

Donald Washington, the U.S. attorney for Louisiana’s Western District, is currently assessing the situation to determine whether or not racial injustices were committed by school officials.

The events in Jena have sparked national debates concerning the treatment of African-Americans in the U.S. justice system. Civil rights activists Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III have spoken publicly on the topic and have had meetings with Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco.

The purpose of the meetings was to discuss the treatment and negotiate the release of Mychal Bell from jail. Bell was unable to post his original $90,000 bail, thus spending 10 months in jail.

However, nothing regarding the five other students could be discussed because they still have charges pending against them.

campus shortly after the shootings because he was under surveillance from the earlier altercation. Braden was one of the first two people questioned regarding the shooting but was not held because of the lack of evidence.

Despite suspecting Braden as the shooter, campus security allowed Braden to enter through the main gate, cross the campus and use his key card to enter the dormitory.

At the time he returned, police had still found no gun, and it is possible that Braden still had the gun with him.

Those who are mindful of the Virginia Tech massacre are skeptical that the situation was handled the proper way. Over the past years, countless school shootings have occurred. However, this shooting in particular is the first since the Virginia Tech shooting. Security is taking new steps now to protect against possible shootings, such as quicker responses from school and local authorities, and a text messaging warning system available at some universities.

For now, the Delaware State University freshman has been expelled, and the gun has yet to be found. Braden is currently being held at the Delaware Correctional Center and prosecutors are seeking a higher bail amount.

‘Jena 6’ teens incite national race debates

In recent months, tempers have flared in the small town of Jena, Louisiana. Several thousand protestors have come from all over the country in support of a group known as the “Jena 6.”

The Jena 6 are six black high school students who face multiple charges after beating a white student, Justin Barker, on the 4th of last December. Mychal Bell, one of the six, was convicted of aggravated battery in June. Recently, his adult conviction was overruled, saying that he should have been tried as a juvenile because he was only 16 at the time of the attack. He was recently released on $45,000 bail after spending 10 months in jail.

Reed Walters, the district attorney in charge of Bell’s case, re-filed the charges in juvenile court. If convicted in this court, Bell could spend time in a juvenile facility until he turns 21. The remaining members of the Jena 6 are yet to be brought to trial. They also face possible aggravated battery and conspiracy charges.

In the recent rallies, protesters have focused on last August’s racially-fueled events at Jena’s high school. The day after a black student asked if he was allowed to sit under a tree traditionally designated for white students, two nooses were found hanging from the tree’s branches. The white

More than 20,000 protestors nationwide have held rallies during the last two weeks. Gatherings in Jena were led by Sharpton and King. When Bell was released, Sharpton acknowledged the crowd and indirectly credited them with Bell’s release.

In light of the events in Jena, the families of the Jena 6 members have been subjected to threats and harassment nearly every day.

A white-supremacist website listed the names, telephone numbers and addresses of members of the Jena 6. The listed editor of the site, William A. White, is currently being investigated by the FBI and Louisiana state police.

Family members of the Jena 6 whose numbers were listed on the site have reported instances of being threatened over the phone.

In upcoming weeks, this case will continue to unfold as the five remaining teens are brought to trial.

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News Briefs

• In addition to having a new principal, Joe Magnacca, WHS has a few new administrative faces. Mr. Steve Moore, former athletic director, was hired as associate principal., vacating the athletic director’s position.

Former Chippewa AD Mr. Rich Berlin has taken over.

• In similar news, Mrs. Nancy Klocker, attendance records clerk, has retired after 20 years of service. Her last day was September 28.

Thanks to her for all her hard work over the years..

• Nearly 800 copies of the 2007 Whisperer were distributed in early October under first year adviser Mrs. Carrie Knapp. Kudos to last year’s yearbook staff. The yearbook looks great!

• Order your son or daughter’s yearbook for the 20072008 school year now! Go to www.jostensyearbooks.com and use the password “Wadsworth.” You can also use Images.jostens.com to upload pictures of your children to be included in the yearbook. Be sure to include your child’s name and class in the “title” section. Order early before prices go up. Please help support the 2008 WHS yearbook!

• A new security measure that has been put into place for this school year is the AlertNow phone calling system. AlertNow will be used to notify students and faculty of any emergency situation that may arise. The use of this system will make it easier for the administration to inform large amounts of people within a short amount of time of what actions are appropriate.

AlertNow sends a voicemail message to a database of numbers, thus relaying information to the recipients of the call.

School employees and parents are asked to submit up to two numbers to be alerted in the event of an emergency. These submissions are to be made on the informational letter that was recently sent to parents and employees.

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THE BRUIN

October 2007

F EATURES

Students study Chinese language, culture

BY CAITLIN DOUGLAS

Wadsworth High School concluded its classes on June 6th, 2007. However, five students from Wadsworth, along with 18 students from the Summit County area, chose to begin a new learning adventure just less than a week after school ended.

On June 11, 23 students and six teachers began their two week journey, diving headfirst into the culture and language of China.

The program, sponsored by the Summit County Educational Service Committee in partnership with the University of Akron, made it possible for students and teachers to get a taste of China.

To prepare for the course, several teachers, including our own Madame Petrie, traveled all the way to China to experience firsthand the culture and language.

She believes it is vital for students to immerse themselves in foreign language, especially in today’s world, saying “We now

live in a global economy. It is common for Americans to travel as far as China on business. To best prepare for the future, today’s students should be studying more than one foreign language at advanced levels.”

The basics of Mandarin Chinese were taught to the students and teachers by University of Akron Professor Yi Joy Qiu and Graduate Assistant Yan Zhang.

The Chinese language has a reputation for being extremely difficult to learn. “The hardest part of learning Chinese was pinyin, their Chinese alphabet,” junior Morgan Duta comments.

Senior Erin Conley, however, believes the most challenging aspect of the language was the pronunciation, explaining, “Every word has a different tone. If you say a word with the wrong tone, you could accidentally call your mother a horse!”

Thanks to Dave Jones, Summit County ESC coordinator, the students utilized top of the line technology, including iPods, to

record Chinese dialogue.

Not only did students dabble in Mandarin, they also got an in depth look at Chinese culture, past and present. The class learned about Chinese schools, street life, traditional dance, and the renowned Terra Cotta Army.

On June 15, the class met Students Morgan Jenna , Drew , Erin and Caitlin visit Chicago’s Chinatown. at Ni’s Dy- PHOTO BY GRETCHEN PETRIE After learning about culture in There were lots of interesting litnasty in Fairlawn for Asia Day, where students dined on Chinese the classroom, the class had the tle shops and the food was great!” cuisine, practiced Tai Chi with opportunity to visit Chinatown in elaborates Drew Cline, 12.

Master Mr. Gang, and learning Chicago to witness some of what By the end of the two week painting techniques from local they learned firsthand. class, students were able to write In Chicago, students and their own names in Chinese, do Dorena Shen.

Senior, Jenna Gahan, remarks, teachers shopped in Chinatown, basic translations, and recognize “Chinese culture is a lot differ- toured the area, and visited the forty Chinese characters. ent from ours. I really enjoyed Chinese American Museum.

“The class was definitely worth “It was actually pretty cool! it,” Conley concludes. learning some of their rituals!”

Students of The Month

Words of Wisdom: “Let the chips fall where they may.”

Career plans: Engineering

Justin

Favorite Class: It’s a tie: AP Chem. and AP Calc.

Lauren

Favorite teacher: Mrs. Hutchinson

Magnacca keeps traditon intact

BY EMILY HANNA

This year, Mr. Joseph Magnacca was hired as our new principal.

He acquired this job because the former principal, Mr. Brian Williams, was promoted as Director of Instruction and Professional Development. Magnacca knows the school has an excellent rating and plans on continuing this tradition.

He has known he wanted to be an administrator at Wadsworth and declared, “Becoming the principal at Wadsworth was the only way I would have left my position as Rittman High School’s principal.”

Magnacca has lived in Wadsworth since 1988. He has two children, Katie, 13, and Karissa, 12, whom attend Wadsworth Middle School. He now enjoys going to all of the Wadsworth activities with his children, and no longer has to drive them to Wadsworth events and then drive to Rittman. Magnacca states, “It is easier when my family and I are going to the same place and represent the same school.”

As far as our school goes, he plans on evaluating the staff, students, and administration to see what qualities each hold.

Knowing he cannot change our school’s foundation for success, he only plans on tweaking things he sees that are a problem. He was a former principal and teacher at Rittman High School, so he has great experience with how to treat students. His method is no one gets away with anything. He treats his students like his kids.

“If I let one kid in our school get away with something, then I have to let the other 1599 get away with it too,” he said.

He does not plan on being lenient with student punishment.

The three main things that really bother him are lying, tobacco, and fighting.

“If you get caught lying you will only get in more trouble. Tobacco will cause enough problems for you, even if you’re not doing it in school, and fighting solves nothing. If anything, it causes the problem to grow larger”, he claims.

Magnacca tries to make the students feel like they are being treated the same and keeps things consistent. As far as future plans go for the school, nothing will be changed drastically. He thinks our policies are outstanding, and many things in our school should continue the way they are. Mag-

nacca has no plans on changing some policy changes within a new is definitely in the future; the many of the issues that have been school. problem is we do not know how Magnacca describes that a new far in the future.” building is being discussed. In orAfter finding out more how the “Becoming the principal der to make a new school, it has to school acts during its daily rouat Wadsworth was the be authorized by the board. Then tine, Magnacca will start changonly way I would have left they would have to strategically ing things that he feels are necesmy position as Rittman High plan where everything would go. sary after discussing it with the After figuring these two aspects, other administrators. Magnacca School’s principal.” the board must review the budget plans on helping our school reach -Mr.Magnacca, Principal to see if labor and material costs its full potential and going above are affordable. and beyond our excellent tradimentioned to him such as dress Magnacca said, “A new school tion. code, a new school and many other things.

He personally believes, “dress code should be from the base of the neck to the knee.”

The thing that bothers him most about dress code is when students know they are violating the rules.

Normally, the student will keep a change of clothes in their car.

“If you thought it was going to be a problem, why did you wear it?” he proclaimed.

As far as future plans go, the dress code is not on the list. HowNew principal, Joe Magnacca, plans a bright future for Wadsworth High School. ever, students may see PHOTO BY DAVID SANSONETTI

A RTS & C LUBS Drama club prepares for fall children’s play

BY CARLY MCNUTT

School drama is about to start, and what a better way than the children’s play to make the kids happy. October 25, 27, and 28 the Drama Club will be performing two plays for the price of one. These plays will be completely directed toward the children of the community.

The performances will be held at 7:00 p.m. on the 25 and 27, and at 2:00 p.m. on October 28.

The children’s play consists of two, one act plays. The first play is called Folk Tales are Fun. The Drama Club will act out six folk tales from different countries. Each tale includes foreign languages. The actors and actresses in the play will teach a few words to the young audience. They want to be able to

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Band

show children that other countries have the same idea for stories as we do here in the United States.

Stone Soup is the classic tale full of knights, kings, queens and fighting dragons. The idea the actors are trying to get across is the thought that anyone can be anything they want to be if they put their mind to it.

Stone Soup and Folk Tales are Fun will be performed for all of the second graders in the city on October 26. This day is a day for the kids to get out of class for their second grade field trip.

Folk Tales are Fun, and Stone Soup will keep the city on their feet. Children enjoy watching high school students perform because they all look up to the performers. The plays also bring in many adults that enjoy a good laugh and a good time from the students.

Wadsworth’s Band has been selected to be the guest high school band to perform at St. John’s Arena at Ohio State University on Oct. 20 (Mich. State game). For those of you who do not know what a “skull” session is, it is basically a pep rally and musical extravaganza 2 hours and 45 minutes before the game begins. Wadsworth Band will play at 12:45 p.m., then, Ohio State and Michigan State will start playing at 1:25 p.m. Coach Jim Tressel will bring in the team and say a few words. The Wadsworth Band will get to play one more tune in-between the Michigan State and Ohio State songs. Then, the bands and crowd will march over to Ohio stadium to see the game - kick-off time is 3:30 p.m. It is OSU’s Homecoming, so St. John’s Arena will be full (capacity is 13,276). The rally is FREE and seating will be based on a first come, first serve basis. Many people who do not have tickets can stay in area hotels who offer packages to see the game on a big screen in their banquet rooms, complete with refreshments, and suites to stay in overnight.

Everyone try to come out and support!

Submitted by Mr. Hadgis

FINE ARTS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH What clubs/ activities are you involved in?

Band, HUDDLE, Choir, and Drama Club

What clubs/ activities are you involved in?

Drama Club President, Latin Club Vice President, and Show Choir

What do you plan to do when you graduate?

I am hopefully going to go to Capital University for nursing.

Dan

Kelsey

What do you plan to do when you graduate?

I am going to go to Akron for Polymer Sciences and continue on into their law school.

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Dates to Remember October 19 Red Cross Blood Drive October 19

Sweetest Day Flower Sale

October 22 6-8:30 P.M.

College Fair at St. Vincent- St. Mary High School October 22-26 Students not passing all five subject areas will retake only that subject test(s) for the OGT.

October 27 ACT at Wadsworth High School November 2

Report cards go home

November 3 SAT at Wadsworth H.S. November 20

NHS formal evening induction ceremony at O.J. Work

Career Technical Students of the Month

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10 Tips for dating

BY ANGEL ROBERTSON

1. Listen to what your friends think about the relationship. They only have your best interest at heart.

2. Think about why you like the other person. Do not go out with someone for the wrong reasons because it will only come back to get you in the end.

3. Know what you want out of the relationship.

4. Do not do anything just because someone wants you to.

5. Make sure you are out of a relationship before you start talking about getting into another.

6. Stay away from people known for cheating; you almost always get hurt.

7. If someone tells you that they are cheating while you are with them, try to find out the truth before doing anything about it.

8. Make sure that they are only talking to you about how they feel and they are not trying to get with other people while trying to get with you.

9. Make sure they are in it for the right reasons, do not let them use you.

10. Most importantly, do not let anyone make you do anything that you do not want to do. Like number four says, but apply it to everything about the relationship. Just all around be careful, the other person may say things just to get to you.

Front runners and fair-weather fans

As I walk through the halls of our school, I see many students wearing an assortment KYLE of athletic OPINION STAFF team’s apparel. Whether it is a college team or a professional one, students love to represent their favorite teams. Living here in Ohio, one would expect to only see clothes that show off teams from this area, but that is not always the case.

Ever since I can remember, I have watched the Pittsburgh Steelers whenever their games are broadcasted. Since both of my parents were raised in Pennsylvania, I have always been a fan.

My father and I love to put on our Steelers gear and help cheer on our team. We always root for them, regardless of their record.

It would be downright wrong to only like my teams when they have a winning season.

Recently, it seems as if kids in our school only express themselves as fans when a certain team is doing well. For example,

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take the Cleveland Indians. This year the Indians won the American League Central Division title.

Now that they seem to be making a good run in the playoffs, everyone jumped on the Indians bandwagon. In the past years when the Indians were not doing so well, no one seemed to be the die hard fans they are now. Why is this?

These people are what you would call a fair-weather fan. They only root for their teams when it is a good season. To me, these kids are not the fans they say they are.

Along with the fair-weather fan is the front runner. This person only likes and cheers for the teams with the best record. Whatever the sport or season, they root for the best teams. I remember a few years back when the Steelers did happen to go to the Super Bowl. All of the sudden, we had numerous Steelers “fans.” Now do not get me wrong, some people do have legitimate reasons for liking a certain team. It becomes unfair when they start to wear a team’s apparel only because they are doing well.

“It really angers me when people only root for the good teams,” says junior Zach Watts.

True fans of the Cleveland area are no strangers to losing. The Browns, although winning an NFL championship in 1964, have never appeared in a Superbowl.

In baseball, the Indians have not won the World Series since 1948. Although the Cavaliers just reached the NBA Finals this past summer, the Cavs have failed to clinch a league title. If you say you are a fan of Cleveland sports, you can not only cheer for them if they do happen to be in a winning season. Take Craig Snyder, 11, who I see as a real fan. Snyder’s favorite teams are the Browns, Cavs, and Indians.

When asked if he is still an avid fan even during a losing season, he replied, “No matter what the circumstances are, I still love my teams.”

This is the mark of a true fan, always cheering his teams on.

If you say you are a fan, then be a fan all year. Do not just root for a certain team because they are having a good season. You should have a legitimate reason for liking a team, not only because they are good. Being a front runner or fair weather fan is a disgrace to the team and to other true supporters.

Price increases take over cafeteria Looking back on last year, I remember the good old days when cookies LINDSEY were only OPINION STAFF 35 cents, a single dollar could buy a hotdog, and you could purchase a Gatorade for only a dollar and a quarter.

Prices like these can no longer be found within the school cafeteria.

This year, nearly every food item is being sold at a higher price.

“I am forced to bring a packed lunch now! There is no way I am paying those kind of prices,” says Mike Harbaugh, 10.

What is behind all of these price increases? Were these increases truly necessary? I think that, in a way, the school is taking advantage of us high school kids. Think about how much extra money they are making in a day from the price increases alone! To put it in perspective, pretend that roughly 200 people buy a Gatorade. The school would make an extra 50 dollars from these sales alone.

Now, to us this number does not seem like a very tremendous amount, but add it to all of the other extra money and the number shoots way up.

There are approximately 1600 students currently attending this school. This means that the cafeteria serves a huge amount of food, and in return, makes a whole lot of money. The price of a regular lunch is $2.40, and if you are planning on getting fries with that expect to pay an extra dollar.

Now I know that $3.40 is a decent price for food when compared with restaurant prices, but

is our cafeteria food restaurant quality? After looking around, I have found that many restaurants have lunch specials for only $4.99. Our lunch is only $1.60 less! If you ask me, that is just simply outrageous. There is no way you can tell me that our school lunches are close in either proportion or quality to what a restaurant would serve!

Once again I stress the fact that these prices add up! Consider a student who purchases a school lunch everyday. Even if they do not purchase fries as well, they are paying $12.00 a week, which makes it roughly $36.00 a month. Their grand total for the year comes out to $432.00! Next, a student who does get fries with their lunch would spend $17.00 a week, and $51.00 a month. The total amount they spend each year is approximately $612.00! I am sure people can definitely find better things to spend their money on!

By no means are any of us high school kids big business people yet. Most of us earn minimum wage, if we even have a job at all. Although minimum wage has climbed to $6.85, our school lunch takes up half of our pay each hour. So if you are purchasing a lunch each day for yourself, then you are technically working for $3.45 an hour.

“I definitely do not agree with the new increased lunch prices. I hate spending all of my earnings on buying my lunch,” says Amanda Hoover, 12.

It is very obvious that these new inflated prices are putting quite a dent in our pockets.

Something definitely needs to be done, and quickly. Before long we will have tragic cases of people going hungry due to the fact that their wallets are empty!

CaL’sComments How does your 10th grade Honors class rank with some of your past classes?

It is too early to tell; I do not know my students well enough.

I do not like to compare; it is unfair and leads to disappointment.

I teach great kids: respectful, kind, serious, and curious.

What worldly advice would you give to outgoing seniors?

OPINION STAFF Honor this place. Finish what you start. Be a giver, not a taker.

Reach your full potential.

What is your take on our recent pep rally?

I was pleasantly surprised! Our students, led by our amazing senior class, cheered as if they cared. Our cheerleaders performed with precision and enthusiasm, and our band completely rocked.

To make our next pep rally better, a purpose needs to be established and stated. Why were no teams introduced? Why was there no mention of our football team’s game that night at Green? Keep up the great work Mrs. McIlvaine, Mrs. Lake, Mrs. Arvay, and Mrs. Douglas! Your spirit and leadership are appreciated.

How do you like to spend your free time?

There is no such thing as “free time.” In fact, the unforgiving nature of this time and this place is beyond exhausting. The older I get the more I understand the cost of wasting the time that I am given.

What is the outlook on the upcoming 2007-2008 varsity basketball season?

I cannot wait to get started. We had an excellent summer. Our returning players have embraced our core values: character, toughness, and passion. I have complete faith in the leadership of seniors Joe Goddard, Taylor Smith, and Mitch White. I look forward to watching our players thrive as they utilize a very exciting style of play.

THE BRUIN October 2007 O PINION 2 7 Teacher involvement needed in Student of the Month selection

Back in the great, glorious days of eleme n tar y school, being chosen by your BRETT teachOPINION STAFF ers for an award like Student of the Month was an honor that received looks of contempt and jealousy from your peers. Now, it is a task to get students to even consider becoming a Student of the Month.

To achieve Student of the Month status, one must be a senior and nominate his or herself.

To do this, a student will have to pick up, fill out, and return a surprisingly large eight page packet in which students must describe in detail their leadership activities, scholastic abilities, community service, employment, music, drama or athletic participation and any other awards or honors they may have received.

This process is uniform for all county schools, and it is sponsored by the Medina County Gazette and the combined Kiwanis-Key Clubs in our area. It is supposed to be an entirely student-driven process but here at our school, that has been a problem of late.

“The main drawback is that students don’t take the initiative to come in and pick up a packet, and if they do, following through with the packet is also a problem,” Student of the Month advisor Mrs. McConnell stated when asked about the process’s drawbacks.

If a student does happen to pick up and return a packet, he or she is voted to become a Student of the Month by a panel of three seniors and two juniors from their own school. Does anyone else not see the problem here?

Students can write down a plethora of things on paper to make themselves look good to a panel of judges who may or may not be their own classmates.

“I wish the teachers would pick the winners for Student of the Month. That way, if I would win, I could brag to all my friends that my teachers like me more than them!”

-Joey Kaminski, 12 If a nominee’s classmates and friends are part of the selection committee, voters could pick a friend that does not really deserve such a prestigious award.

But the question still remains, is the nominee’s classroom behavior and demeanor consistent

TOP: These cameras have been installed in a number of places around our hallways and monitor students throughout the entire school day.

PHOTO BY AUTUMN ELLIS

BOTTOM: Electrical technicians are now installing these cameras and completing the wiring.

PHOTO BY AUTUMN ELLIS

These senior students, tired and stressed from the day’s activities, struggle to fill out the eight-page packet that is required of them in order to be eligible to win the Student of the Month award.

PHOTO BY DAVID SANSONETTI

with what has been written down on paper? I am surely not to say.

Why not ask or poll the people who see and evaluate the students on a day-to-day basis; our teachers. Our teachers know how we behave and act, and most importantly, they know our actions in the classroom. Our teachers see us everyday and can surely say if we are worthy or not of an award like this.

I am calling for a change. Send

a form to our teachers at the end of each month, asking them to nominate a student who has worked hard, gotten excellent grades and has shown they have what it takes to be a Student of the Month.

This seems like a good way to erase the drought that our Student of the Month advisors have seen lately in the number of applicants.

“I wish the teachers would pick the winners for Student of the Month. That way, if I would win,

I could brag to all my friends that my teachers like me more than them!” says senior Joey Kaminski.

It is my firm belief that an award like this should place high regard on the student’s character, an intangible that cannot be written about but only observed. I also believe that this award should encompass a student’s classroom behavior.

So, teachers, help us put the luster back into this award and hopefully draw more students to it.

New security cameras cause debate, keep watch Do you ever feel like you are being watched?

Well, it is no secret anymore, a AUTUMN black bubOPINION STAFF ble hanging from the ceiling usually indicates another set of eyes watching you.

Not only because of last years dilemma over school bomb threats, but an overall need for enhancement of security has caused the school to install numerous cameras throughout the halls.

The wiring process is being finalized for a new set of 31 cameras as compared to the 16 total cameras last year, leaving our school 47 cameras altogether. It is proven to be a necessity caused by research from the past years.

Hundreds of violent episodes in schools located in Arkansas, Colorado, California, Ohio, and other states have led educators to make “Safe Schools” a priority.

At this time there are no unbiased studies of the benefits and drawbacks of the use of video surveillance systems in schools.

Naturally, proponents of using these systems emphasize the benefits, while opponents discuss the drawbacks so it is hard to tell if cameras are going to solve our problems. Benefits to using these cameras depend on the individual school and the problems it faces.

Even with surveillance being

CAMERAS IN SUBURBAN LEAGUE SCHOOLS Wadsworth - 47 Tallmadge - 26 Barberton - 44

one of the most controversial methods of monitoring students’ actions, it is being utilized in our school many believe that it could be one of the most successful ways to stopping theft and violence.

Mr. Terringo, our Assistant Principal, stated that, “It is a source used to find missing things and to help keep the students in our school safe” They are used to keep the good and honest students safe while catching the bad ones that attempt to ruin it for everyone else.

It is a good idea when you are doing what you are supposed to be doing at school, and hopefully it will help us keep our personal belongings a little more protected. It can be pretty pathetic when you have your brand new iPod sitting next to you and the second you look away, it is

gone. Students have gone as far as stealing someone’s graphing calculator. “The issue is just getting out of control, and something needed to stop it, and we feel like monitoring the students through surveillance could be the new solution.” Mr.Teringo says.

Although no one actually monitors these cameras throughout the day, they are used when a situation comes up to help protect our students and find out who is responsible. With the amount of complaints that students have about their personal belongings being stolen or vandalized, I think it is beyond a necessity to bring these cameras into our hallways.

They should not have to be here, but we as a student body should not care if we are doing the right thing. If you are not doing anything wrong, then why would you care if someone is watching your every move?

“Cameras are there, kids know about them, they are mostly used as a deterrence factor to help kids make the right choices.” said Mr. Terringo about this new technology.

Cameras in our school were not exactly installed because of trust issues, but they do help prevent them. They are a good idea.

Everyone hopes with the new security measures, that our school will be a safe haven for students and future problems will be prevented.

“In a nut shell, kids are here to learn. The main priority of our staff is for kids to be safe and not feel insecure,” Mr. Teringo stated.

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PHOTO BY EMILY HANNA

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PHOTO BY DAVID SANSONETTI

PHOTO BY DAVID SANSONETTI

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PHOTO BY BRITTANI PELTZ

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PHOTO COURTESY OF YEARBOOK

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1. Senior Matt shows his school spirit while holding the Wadsworth flag during the Medina football game.

2. Sophomore attendants Sam and Anthony exit the field after being introduced during halftime at the Homecoming football game vs. Cloverleaf.

3. The Homecoming King (Bobby ) and Queen (Jill ) are surprised and ecstatic about their titles.

4. The football team is ready to score six more.

5. The Homecoming bonfire rages on.

6. This group of seniors came together for a quick picture after their last Homecoming dance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARLY MCNUTT

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FA L L F E S T I V I T I E S Earlier this fall, the Wadsworth and Cloverleaf volleyball teams squared off in a highly anticipated Suburban League match. This match did not only have league title hopes at stake but was special in its own unique way. The teams joined forces and participated in a state wide fundraiser called “Volley for the Cure.” In honor of those fighting breast cancer and survivors.

The volleyball team sold pink t-shirts for the cause. All of the money raised from the sales was then donated to breast cancer research. During the game, both teams wore pink shirts, and the whole gym was decorated in pink. Fans also wore the shirts they bought. Even though the game did not fair too well for the Grizzlies who lost in four games, it was clear that everything was for a good cause.

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PHOTO BY DAVID SANSONETTI

1. Sophomore Kristen tips the ball over the net during warm ups.

2. Junior Kristen jumps high into the air and spikes the ball during warm ups.

3. Junior Emily winds up and serves the ball over the net. Unfortunately, the team fell short and lost to Cloverleaf in four high-energy games.

4. Pink covers not only the players but even the students as shown in this picture. All revenue was donated to breast cancer research and survivors.

PHOTO BY DAVID SANSONETTI

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PHOTO BY DAVID SANSONETTI

PHOTO BY DAVID SANSONETTI

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Marilyn Babyak Jones Visit Room Matt and Kristin Hutchinson 17 for a form Melanie Heppell Melissa Eaton to become a Michelle Farr patron or visit Mike and Karen Gospodinski our website Mike and Katie Recupero Mike Moser at: Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert The Mendel Family http://ww2.

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Professional athletes lead youth in wrong direction OPINION BY TAYLOR SMITH

When thinking of a professional athlete, one might think that they should be role models.

This assumption is not always correct though. These days, the athletes youth look up to are frequently arrested and fined for breaking the law. If the way athletes are acting now is a sign of how future athletes will be, professional sports are in big trouble.

There have been several incidences involving athletes in the past few years. One case that has made major headlines is the Michael Vick dog fighting case.

The case made many people very angry because of how cruel dog fighting is. Not to mention, the crime of dog fighting is a felony.

Vick first lied about committing the crime in front of a court room.

After admitting to doing the crime weeks later, Vick was suspended from the NFL for the crime and for lying to the commissioner. On top of it all, Vick tested positive for marijuana on September 13 of this year. The thought that Vick would do these actions shows the direction our role models are heading today. Kids who used to idolize him now have to question what Vick is really about.

Another big case happening

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right now involves O.J. Simpson. Simpson, who was previously in court for the murder of his wife, has now been arrested and charged with stealing NFL memorabilia involving his career.

Simpson was a Heisman trophy winner in college and an all star NFL player. The people who used to admire Simpson for his athletic ability now have to deal with the fact that he is a criminal.

Besides these two examples, there have been many more athletes who have been arrested.

Nine Cincinnati Bengals have been arrested in the past two years. When Bengals’ quarterback Carson Palmer was asked about it in a press conference with espn.com, his anger was evident.

“From here on out, guys just need to make better decisions,” Palmer said. “Life is about making the right decisions and moving on. The decisions they have made are not the right ones.”

The examples that these professional athletes are setting are unacceptable. Athletes need to start getting involved with the community and start setting good examples for these kids by being well behaved. If they are going to be making the amount of money they are making, they need to use it to do good, not commit crimes.

Go Figure!

Indians seek return to World Series

Twice our football team received a first place vote in the state of Ohio in the AP Poll.

Our volleyball team (13-7) has no seniors on its roster.

The Cleveland Indians, a losing team last year, has clinched their Division Title.

After going 0-6 against the New York Yankees in the regular season, the Indians beat them three out of four times in the playoffs.

The Cleveland Browns scored 51 points in their win over Cincinnati one week and lost to Oakland the next, giving Oakland its first win in 11 games.

The Browns turned around the next week and beat the Baltimore Ravens.

The boys soccer team was rained out for the second year in a row against Medina.

Postseason games will be played at Jacob’s Field for the first time in six years.

Cleveland fans are excited for their hometown team. PHOTO BY ANTHONY LORUBBIO

BY ANTHONY LORUBBIO

For the first time since 2001, the Indians are headed to the postseason as AL Central Division champions. Overlooked as a contender in one of baseball’s top divisions, they have proven themselves as a legitimate candidate for the World Series title.

The Indians have the best record in baseball at 96-66 and rolling Heading into the month of October, they have been plowing down the competition, looking

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Palidar’s football career threatened

BY TAYLOR SMITH AND ANTHONY LORUBBIO

Junior captain Jake Palidar had a scare during the homecoming football game against Cloverleaf. Although he is okay now, the blow to his neck caused a call to the ambulance and a late night trip to the hospital.

The collision occurred when Palidar attempted to make a tackle against Cloverleaf’s quarterback. Video evidence

shows that fellow linebacker Broderic Kelker’s body jolted Palidar’s neck in the wrong direction. The blow did not look serious at first glance, but proved to be a serious injury.

Palidar was immediately put on a stretcher and sent to Akron Children’s hospital for further testing.

“This wasn’t the first time I had to leave a football game in an ambulance. Freshman year I broke my pelvis and in pee wees

I had the same type of injury,” stated Palidar. After a long night in the hospital he was clear to leave with a neck brace.

Palidar’s tough attitude gives him a chance to recover in just a few weeks. He laughs in the face of danger.

Junior Jake lies in Akron Children’s hospital after his career threatening neck injury.

PHOTO BY ANTHONY LORUBBIO

like a team on a mission. Baseball fans in Cleveland have not felt this way since 2001. There is only one diminishing aspect of the postseason: the Indians’ first two opponents are the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Over the course of the season the Indians have not looked good against their division foes from the East Coast. The Indians are 2-5 against the Red Sox and even worse (0-6) against the Yankees this season. The first time in six years the Indians have made it to the post season they are facing teams that they have had minimal luck against during the season. Luckily, the Indians put the past behind them and won the series against New York.

Indian’s clinching game came on a beautiful Sunday afternoon game in front of a bustling sellout crowd of 40,250 fans. The team came out ready to play.

Grady Sizemore was especially pleased with the performance of the team. “We had a sense of urgency to get it done today.” he said following the game during a recent press conference. “We’re always intense,” the center-fielder said. “I don’t think we ever lose that. This is a team that never gives up.”

The Indians must keep that intensity if they expect to make it back to the World Series.

The last time the Indians won a World Series title was back in 1948 when they had superstar pitcher Bob Fellar. They came up short two times- once in 1995 against the Braves and again in 1997 to the Marlins. The Cleveland hopeful feel the Indians may come through this year, though.

The past five years the fans have not had much to cheer about because of the “re-building” stage they were in, 2003 being the worst finishing 68-94. The re-building has paid off, though.

Downtown Cleveland is alive with pride in their baseball team.

Tickets for the Indians’ second round of the playoffs with Boston are already sold out. The waiting is over in Cleveland as the team has a legitimate shot at the World Series title for the first time in fifty years.

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UFC fights for popularity years ago. He is currently training with Team Wreckroom, a professional fighting team, in Ashland.

“There is a unique thrill that goes along with fighting. When your adrenaline is flowing and you know that you are winning, it is an amazing feeling. This is what makes it the best sport I have ever been a part of,” said Sponsler.

He plans on debuting in April when he turns eighteen. Although his MMA career has not begun yet, he has trained independently for boxing and fought at the Arnold Classic his sophomore year.

Miller began fighting three years ago while still playing football. He admits that it is difficult to juggle the two sports, but he enjoys both of them equally as much. He specializes in jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and MMA. He has had a few fights scheduled, but

BY LOGAN KILBRIDE

Sports that involve fighting and violence, such as wrestling, boxing and karate, have always been popular. A new sport has recently emerged as a contender for the most watched violent sport in America: Mixed Martial Arts, otherwise known as Ultimate Fighting.

This sport is a combination of boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and other martial arts. The objective is to knock your opponent out, get him to tap out, or win by decision. Not only is it popular for students to watch and follow, but many students have taken up the sport as a hobby, as well.

Luke Miller and Steve Sponsler are two students that have begun their Ultimate Fighting careers.

Sponsler began fighting over two

387

-number of yards Dru Jones had in his record-breaking performance against Green

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football conflicts have stopped him from debuting. He plans to make his Ultimate Fighting debut after the football season is over.

Other students such as Dan Foore and Taylor Deal stick to some of the more traditional violent sports. Foore has been wrestling for twelve years now and currently belongs to the varsity wrestling team. Last year he placed 4th at the state tournament.

He has not trained for MMA yet, but he loves both sports and can draw parallels between them.

Deal has also wrestled for the school in the past. He has been doing jiu-jitsu since he was ten years old. He seems to have always been interested in some type of fighting or physical activity.

Deal said, “Almost every fight you watch on UFC goes to the ground, and that is where the

Steve freezes for a picture before his first boxing match in his debut at the Arnold Classic. PHOTO BY LOGAN KILBRIDE

wrestling comes in. This is why wrestling and jiu-jitsu have assisted me in becoming a veteran fighter.”

Violent sports have always been

By the Numbers 11

of years that, Nicole Cargill, the leading runner for the girls cross coun-sets by Emily McMillan try team has been running so far this volleyball season

467

popular and as long as people continue to support them, new sports such as MMA will continue to see their success skyrocket.

0

- Raiders’ losing streak prior to playing the Browns

-number of times the football team was mentioned in our recent pep rally

Alumni athletes take it to next level

BY DANIEL MUELLER

Former Grizzly, Derek Foore, grapples a fellow wrestler at the state meet last year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MR. SHIARLA

Throughout the years, our school has produced numerous, young athletes, but the class of 2007 had an unusually large amount of great performers. Kenny Owens, Beth Bianco, Derek Foore, Cassie Shrock, and Jen Uhl exemplify dedication, hard work and success. These people and many more have lead teams to victory and have been role models for kids of all ages.

They have shown people what it takes to be a high school star athlete.

Now these great high school performers have moved on to another part of their life: college. The majority of students who move onto college have a hard enough time dealing with the new experiences of being on their own and coping with the workload, let alone having to partake in sport.

A normal day for Derek Foore, now a wrestler at Eastern Michigan University, consists of getting up at 6:30 a.m., going on a three mile run, stretching and then going to classes. Once classes are

over, he again has to meet with the members of his team and coaches for a two hour practice. And this is only the preseason workout.

“For me, this is a totally new experience, and it is going to take some getting used to.” Foore said when asked what he thought about college life.

“Spending over thirty hours a week does not leave much room to hang out with friends like most students get the chance to do.”

Beth Bianco, a walk on at Ohio State, is also in the preseason, training for her pole vaulting career.

“The coaches are not able to teach us anything yet and rarely are there throughout the workouts, but I look forward to the actual season when we will be together as a whole.”

Bianco was a standout for the track team and is not quite sure what this year is going to bring.

Although, aware that the training is not going to be easy, Bianco stays dedicated. More than anything, she is happy to be a part of the sports program at Ohio State University.

“As a walk on, I have to prove something to the coaches. I know it will take more time, effort and hard work than I have ever ex-

perienced before in order to gain respect, but I am ready for the challenge.”

Kenny Owens, another star pole vaulter, will be performing for the Akron Zips this upcoming spring track season. Like all college athletes, Owens trains 35 hours a week leaving only time to study for his classes to keep the scholarship he was awarded.

“It’s going to take a lot of work to accomplish what I want this year,” Owens said. “It’s a whole other level after high school!”

Other 2007 Alumni Participating in Collegiate Sports: Aimee Basset, KENT STATE UNIVERSITY Jen Uhl, BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY Cassie Schrock, EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY Ashley Currens, Indiana Wesleyan University Elana Cole, ASHLAND UNIVERSITY Dan Robinson, WALSH UNIVERSITY Jeremiah Lawson, GULF COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE Nick Neary, THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER Mike Barlow, BETHANY COLLEGE Jessica Ellebruch, SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY

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October 2007

E NTERTAINMENT

Halo 3 takes nation by storm

BY DAVID KAUFFMAN

As most of you know, Halo 3 for the Xbox 360 was released at midnight on September 25. It has been under a lot of pressure to live up to the hype given to it, and many will agree that it has. Two months prior to its release, Halo 3 acquired one million preorders, a mile stone for the Microsoft Game Studios.

For those of you who have not played Halo before, Halo 3 is the final installment of the Halo trilogy. First coming to the consumers’ eyes on November 15, 2001, Halo captured millions of fans.

This science fiction first person shooter puts the gamer in the position of “Master Chief,” one of the last remaining super soldiers of the human race. You fight off a collection of alien species as you discover the secrets of the planetlike construct you are on, Halo.

Halo 3 completes the saga started six years ago. Along with the ending to the Halo story, Halo 3 has some new features for the gamer to enjoy.

The first addition allows gamers to play the campaign as a team. Up to four players work cooperatively either on the same television with split screens, or online via the Xbox Live service.

Players can now keep their most memorable moments with the second addition. One can save about 100 of these “highlight reels” on their Xbox 360’s hard drive. You can post these films over Xbox Live so others can check out your best moments on Halo 3.

There are a couple of new features for the multiplayer mode as well. One is the new multiplayer game, “Infection”. It can be compared to the old playground game of freeze tag. One player is an infected Flood (a creature in Halo

3), or “it”, and tries to infect all the other players.

The final innovation, and arguably the best new feature, is the Forge tool. With this tool, games can customize different multiplayer levels to their likings.

Although you cannot change the physical characteristics of each level, you are able to decide where what weapons and vehicles will appear and the respawning locations will be.

“Halo 3’s graphics are the best I’ve seen,” says Matt Schaub, an avid Halo 3 player. Along with these better graphics and a handful of new features, Halo 3 brings an end to the Halo trilogy. Ask anyone who owns Halo 3, and they will tell you that it is a must have. Halo 3 has brought the best the gaming industry has to offer to the consumer. Any new games will be based off of the innovations Halo has achieved.

Matt Schaub and Max Bruno take each other on in Halo 3. They have a blast with the new features offered by Halo 3, especially the new weapons like the Spartan Lazer and Gravity Hammer. PHOTO BY DAVID KAUFFMAN

New iPods use new technology

BY TYLER JACK

The iPods are getting smaller, more advanced, and more colorful. The newest iPod that is coming out is the iPod Touch. This iPod is the most advanced one to come out yet. The features include: new touch screen technology, a camera, youtube, Wi-Fi internet, maps, and a new wide screen viewing display.

The iPod Touch is very similar to the popular iPhone, but there

are some advantages that the iPod Touch has over the iPhone. Starbucks has joined together with the makers of iTunes, and they have created a new way of getting music. While you are in the store and there is a song that is playing that you like, you can instantly connect to the stores Wi-Fi and see what song and who the artist is. The iTunes Store is right on your iPod, so buying and downloading songs is faster than ever.

There are also new iPod Nanos

that are coming out, they can now play videos and movies.

Another addition to the nanos is the variety of new colors to choose from. The new iPod Nanos are expected to be a huge hit.

With all of the new iPods coming out, many wonder what new features will come next.

Live television, news updates, and possibly live sport scores. iTunes is always looking for new ideas and improvements.

Jonah Hill makes huge success with new movies

BY TYLER JACK

Two years ago when asked about Jonah Hill, many responses would have been, who is he? But in the past couple years Hill has come out of no where and made a big hit in the movie career. This 24 year old has made a giant impact with his newest movie, Superbad.

You may also recognize Hill from movies such as, 40 Year Old Virgin, Grandma’s Boy, Click, Accepted, Knocked Up, and Evan Almighty. He has many new movies and television appearances lined up.

Hill started his college career at New School University, where he studied acting. He started to

write plays and performed them in a small bar. His plays that he wrote started him off in his career of acting. Soon enough his first role came in the movie, I Heart Huckabees.

Hill then began performing in the show, Campus Ladies, for the first season. When the season ended he became more concentrated on his acting career.

His manager, Judd Apatow, was the one who gave him his greatest opportunities. Hill has been in two supporting roles in Evan Almighty and Knocked Up. His starring role came in the movie Superbad. Apatow is also working on a fourth and fifth film for Hill to appear in.

The career of Hill does not stop

(330)336-1410 Fax: (330)3346243

Blooming Acres , Inc.

GEORGE HEHN, JR

7529 STATE ROAD WADSWORTH, OH 44281

there, he even makes his own screenplays. Hill will be putting out one of his screenplays to Sony called Pure Imagination. In this movie, he will be a patient that has an imaginary friend that he got after a trauma accident. Other projects that Hill is involved in are; working for Saturday Night Live, The Simpson’s and The Larry Sanders Show.

“I laughed so hard I thought I was going to pee my pants,” said Joe Goddard. Goddard believes that Superbad was one of the best movies he had ever seen. Many students at Wadsworth High think so too.

“The best part about the movie is how close the movie relates to real high school life,” said C.J.

Jonah Hill appears in his newest movie Superbad, that came out September 17th.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES

Emery.

Hill’s favorite movie was Superbad. Hill believe that the acting and type of comedy that they did made it easier to be relaxed and have a better time while shooting.

Hill’s personal life growing up was not very different than the kid he plays in Superbad. Hill grew up in Los Angles being an outcast from the rest of his grade.

He was not in any sports and did not get very good grades. Hill stayed laid back and kept looking forward to hopefully one day becoming an actor.

Being involved with his career, he has met many new friends. He became good friends with Justin Long after they met on the set of Accepted. You may know Justin from other movies such as Dodgeball and Jeepers Creepers. They have also worked together in the films, Strange Wilderness and One Part Sugar. Long said that Hill was one very funny man.

M USIC

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Upcoming Shows •

Underoath 10/21/07 at the House of blues

•

Among the Hidden comeback show 10/27/07 at the spot in elyria

•

Saosin and Norma jean 10/28/07 at the house of blues

•

Bruce Springsteen 11/4/07 at the Q Arena

•

Stevie wonder 11/6/07 at the Q Arena

•

Keith Urban 11/9/07 at the Q Arena

Third Eye Blind rocks BGSU REVIEW BY CHAD TAYLOR

We all have those memories of our early childhoods that really stick out; whether it is a certain band or some event you participated in. For me and many others it happens to be music.

One such band that brings me back to middle school is Third Eye Blind. So when I heard that they were to play a show at Bowling Green University, I knew I could not miss it.

Third Eye Blind is a rock group that was formed in the 1990s. They have had three very successful full-length albums including their self titled debut album, which went platinum six times. Some of their more popular tracks are “SemiCharmed Life,” “How’s it Going to Be,” and “Jumper.”

As my friends and I arrived on campus, adrenaline was pumping through our bodies while approaching the venue. There were college students everywhere, because as it turns out, it was their homecoming weekend.

The atmosphere was electric.

“Once they left the stage, I was hoping to God that they would play at least one more song.”

-Kelly Collins, 12 The concert took place in Anderson Arena, which is a pretty good sized basketball gym. Standing on the bleachers, the lights went dim, and the giant THIRD EYE BLIND banner was rolled across the stage. The entire student body erupted in cheers as front man Stephan Jenkins emerged from the darkness.

He started the show off by talking about homecoming. This was his attempt at connecting with the crowd to ensure a good night; and it worked. The band needed only to play the first few chords of hit song “Jumper” before the crowd began to rock in time.

Echoes of “I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend” traveled around the arena as every person in sight was chanting the chorus.

Sure, the lights were bright

Frontman Stephan Jenkins woos the crowd at BGSU. PHOTO BY CHAD TAYLOR

and the songs were loud, but the main reason Third Eye Blind was such a hit was because they were playing to the right age group.

They debuted in 1993 and became more popular around 1997-2000. The average college student was between eleven and fifteen years old when Third Eye Blind released their hit song, “How’s It Going to Be.” After a few of the more unknown songs, the band left the stage, leaving behind an anxious group of students.

“Once they left the stage, I was hoping to God that they would play at least one more song,” said senior Kelly Collins.

After about five minutes of waiting, Third Eye Blind appeased the crowd with a much anticipated encore. They capped off the set with “Graduate.” Jenkins asked the crowd, “Are you guys ready to graduate?” The students responded with loud yells, fist pumping and leaping into the air.

It was obvious that the band had the arena under their spell. Eventually, the song ended and the band began to say their goodbyes.

Overall, the band definitely succeeded at giving the BGSU students a memorable homecoming.

October 2007

15

Rilo Kiley’s Under The Blacklight, Exposed

BY KAT SAUNDERS

Following a three year hiatus, California’s indie sensation , Rilo Kiley, is poised for success with their fourth studio album, Under The Blacklight. Comprised of a group of child actors from Troop Beverly Hills, Salute Your Shorts and Boy Meets World, familiar faces from once adored television shows and movies work their magic in another medium.

After the success of their break-through record, “More Adventurous,” lead singer, the meteoric Jenny Lewis, released a critically lauded solo album, Rabbit Fur Coat. A lucrative tour followed, and many were left doubting if Rilo Kiley would reform. In the after-math of Lewis’s break-up with guitarist Blake Sennet, tension within the band hit an all-time high, and the two were unable to get along during their last tour. The announcement of Under the Blacklight’s release came as a shock to many.

A strong departure from their earlier sound, Under the Blacklight features Lewis’s same passionate lyrics and soaring vocals. Taking a poppier turn, the video for the album’s first single, “The Moneymaker” was a popular summer hit on Youtube.

While some were disappointed with the new direction Rilo Kiley has taken, critics were still quick to praise the group’s latest effort.

Even with the split opinions, an agreement was made that

there are some flawless tracks on the album. Beginning strongly with the uptempo, “Silver Lining” Lewis spins a tale of a love she “willed to die” over a deceptively catchy guitar riff.

“Breaking Up”, a joint effort

by Lewis and Sennet sheds light on the end of their relationship and how lovely it is to make a fresh start. The horn-heavy “15” is the high point of the album with Lewis’s vocals at their strongest.

Several other stand-out tracks include the stripped down title track, ‘“Under the Blacklight”, as well as the fuzed out “Smoke Detector.”

Despite the triumphs of the album, several tracks fall flat, including the Latin inspired “Dejalo,” as well as “Dreamworld.”

Featuring lackluster song-writing and poorly executed ideas, these tracks are drab and uninspiring in comparison to some of Under The Blacklight‘s gems. The few weak tracks threaten to jeopardize its impact on current music.

Still, the fact remains that Lewis is a singer-songwriter that few can over-shadow. Her charisma both live and on the record, is the glue that holds the group together, though perhaps the band is holding her back. Her relationship with Sennet is still dysfunctional Though both have released solo material, she has clearly emerged as the stronger of the two, making for friction between the pair.

Whether or not they can put their

Rilo Kiley’s shining star, Jenny Lewis, is all smiles during her solo tour, but tension still thrives within her group.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AUTUMN DEWILDE

differences aside and deliver on tour remains to be seen.

As Rilo Kiley prepares to tour ambitiously, they are uncertain of what direction they may take next.

Having hinted at possibly parting ways by the tour’s end, it is refreshing to see a band make such a valiant effort to look beyond past events. Sure to top many critics’ Best of the Year Lists, Under the Blacklight is armed with powerful ballads and monster singles, and is a real peek into the inner turmoil of one the nation’s rising bands, though such turmoil might be their undoing.

UPCOMING Avenged Sevenfold: Avenged Sevenfold October 30th

Say Anything: In Defense of the Genre October 23rd Dave Gahan: Hour Glass October 23rd

Duran Duran: Red Carpet Massacre October 30th Mario: Go October 30th

Chris Brown: Coheed and Cambria: Exclusive No World For Tomorrow October 30th October 23rd Andrea Bocelli: The Best of Andrea Bocelli Vivere October 30th

CD Releases

16

Welcome

REVIEW BY BEN WHITE

The Resident Evil series is based off the popular video game series by Capcom. The basis of the story is that a malevolent company called, Umbrella Corporation, which is the largest commercial entity on the planet, has made a vaccine called the T-Virus. The virus reanimates dead body cells to make a human stronger, faster and smarter, but something has gone terribly wrong.

The vaccine has escaped and instead has infected the entire research team that invented it.

They were all killed by the security system that runs the facility, the trouble was they did not stay dead. The T-Virus turned their dead bodies into zombies.

After time, the T-Virus infected zombies have escaped the facility and went to the above city and infected them. Umbrella, trying to cover up their mess before the entire world finds out, nukes the city to destroy all evidence of the infection and outbreak.

Although they tried to keep the infection down, their attempt was worthless because some of the infected escaped the city before it was destroyed. Over time, the infected that escaped infected even more people until the world became a barren wasteland.

We join Alice, a test subject from Umbrella that has mutated with the T-Virus and gained super strength, speed and reflexes and telekinetic abilities. She and her caravan of survivors are the only ones left that are not infected and they are just trying to get by with the final days of Earth.

Umbrella has gone into hiding and testing clone subjects of

Movie of the Month

Ailce (Mila Jovovich) stands poised to battle the undead.

Resident Evil: Extinction

PHOTO COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES

MOVIES

to the Extinction

M OVIES

THE BRUIN

October 2007

The world is dying, over taken by zombies infected with the T-Virus, and it is up to Alice (Mila Jovovich) and her convoy of survivors to bring the Umbrella Corporation down.

See Extinction

Alice in scenarios. Unable to produce sufficient results, Dr. Isaacs (Iain Glen), the one who made Alice so powerful, has resorted to finding the real Alice.

After testing the blood of Alice on an infected person to find a cure, he realizes that they are much more hazardous than a normal zombie.

“You survived the outbreak, you battled the apocalypse, now you face extinction.”

Resident Evil: Extinction Sony Pictures

After this test he realizes that the cure for the infected lies in Alice’s blood. He sends his new created zombies after her. Alice fights them off but ends up losing some of her convoy. Dr. Isaacs watches the fight from a building, but Alice finds and chases him.

While he is escaping to his base on his helicopter, he is bitten by one of his new zombies.

He goes back to the base to inject himself with the virus that is used to treat zombie bites. The over mutation mutates him beyond control, and Alice must stop him before he escapes the base.

Sony has done an amazing job with this third installment of the Resident Evil series. The movie has phenomenal special effects and a great story plot that is full of action, suspense and horror. Resident Evil: Extinction is the best, in my opinion, of the series hands down, especially the ending.

BWhite’s RATING (5 stars) Box Office Hit

A clone of Alice that was just awaken inspects her surroundings to find out who and where she is. PHOTO COURTESTY OF SONY PICTURES

Cam Wexler (Jessica Alba), and Charlie Logan (Dane Cook) play the main characters in Lionsgate Films new movie, Good Luck Chuck. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIONSGATE FILMS

Good Luck Chuck does not live to standards REVIEW BY BEN DEE

Two well known stars, Jessica Alba and Dane Cook, play the main characters roles in Lionsgates new movie, Good Luck Chuck. A new, somewhat comedic movie debuted on Friday, September 21. Despite being just an average movie, Good Luck Chuck was still able to gross over fourteen million dollars in its first week at the box office.

The movie opens with a ten year old Charlie Logan playing spin the bottle with a bunch of his elementary schoolmates. He prays that his spin lands on the very cute redhead, but instead, lands on a freaky goth girl who tries to jump him in the closet.

When Charlie denies her, she puts an evil hex on him.

Charlie just trashes the hex as a joke, not knowing that the curse was real. He does not start to realize the full-forced reality of his curse until twenty years later.

The main character Charlie Logan (Cook) has taken on a curse.

Sleep with Charlie once, and the next man you meet will be your true love. Charlie’s reputation has made him ultimately famous with many single women.

Being single and having a famous reputation can be a good thing for awhile. But after not being able to keep a girlfriend for very long, he becomes sick of his famous reputation and looks for a new woman in his life. One day, Charlie wakes up and ends up

running into the love of his life.

Cam Wexler, accidentally bumps into Charlie and recognizes him for his reputation, as every girl does. Cam realizes that if she manages to be with him, she will eventually find the love of her life. For Charlie, that is a whole different story.

This time though, he is determined not to sleep with her. If he does, he will ultimately lose the woman of his dreams.

Once again, Charlie is left with a difficult decision: he can hook up with Cam, or he can try his hardest not to and find out if Cam is really the one for him. Even though this movie had some hype to it, honestly, the movie was not that great. For those of you who have seen the movie, I am sure you agree with me.

This movie should have been rated NC-17. Even though this is a comedy, there were scenes that were way too graphic and vulgar for a rated R movie.

Lionsgate films, known for their original scary and mysterious movies, seem to have gone off track with their new somewhat funny movie.

I do not really understand what the main point of the movie is, and I think they could have planned this a little better. The movie seems to be all about Dane Cook trying his hardest to stay with Jessica Alba without sleeping with her. This movie had absolutely no plot at all.

There is a lot of nudity in the

film, and I feel that you really do not need a movie with nudity in it to make it even an above average movie. Cook will never be that great of an actor because he is known as a hilarious comedian.

This has been one of the movies that I have been looking forward to seeing, and it just did not live up to its standards.

The script was originally written for a PG-13 movie, but the directors and script writers decided to see how far they could go with their sexual humor. I would not waste ten dollars to go see this movie. This is a movie that you would not want to sit and watch with your mom. Overall, I thought the movie was just average, everyone has seen better, and there is better out there.

With some of the best comedy movies that have come out in 2007, Good Luck Chuck does not live up to the hilarious movies such as Superbad and Knocked Up. I plan on seeing way better movies in the future, and this movie was a huge disappointment to me. I expected better. There are better movies coming out later this year. Lets just hope some of them are not as average or bad as Good Luck Chuck.

BDee’s RATING (3 stars) Average

A DS

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October 2007

17

Place your ad in the Bruin. Visit us at: http://ww2.wadsworth.k12.oh.us/whs/ bruin/ Or e-mail Bruin adviser: g-man@wadsworth.

THE BRUIN H EALTH 18 Students, teachers skip important aspect October 2007

for their daily routine.

“I only sleep five to six hours a Americans have rearranged night, so I never sleep much anypriorities in their daily lives. Lei- how. It does not interfere with sure activities have climbed up in my daily life when I get only a front of an essential part of pro- few hours of sleep,” said junior Katie Johenning. ductive functioning: sleep.

When valuable sleep is “I miss about fourteen to twenty hours of sleep a week!” said skipped, there are some severe consequences and that be diagteacher Mrs. Hutchinson.

Employees and students would nosed with sleep deprivation. rather spend their time working According to Wikipedia, The Free or going out to relax with friends Encyclopedia, sleep deprivation than get the required amount of is the general lack of the necessary amount of sleep. sleep every night.

Some moderate ailments of “I miss about an hour of sleep certain nights, and I am always sleep deprivation are headaches, tired the next morning,” said se- dizziness, aching muscles, slurred speech, weight nior Josh Peters. loss or gain and For the average person, “Lack of sleep has yawning. These seven to eight caused over 100,000 are just some of the hours of sleep is automobile crashes examples symptoms. Some recommended to of the more sebe considered a and 1,500 deaths.” vere include: good night’s rest.

The National Sleep Foundatoin hernias, clinical Although some people only need four to six hours depression, cardiovascular disof sleep to feel well-rested, oth- ease, hallucinations, dizziness, ers need more than the average color blindness and a weakened eight hours to function properly immune system. Again, these

BY RACHEL HUDSON

are only some of the severe symptoms sleep deprivation can cause.

“If I get only five hours or less, I am dragging and need a lot of coffee to function,” said Hutchinson.

Another danger of minimum rest is falling asleep at the wheel. The National Sleep Foundation concluded from a recent study that lack of sleep has caused over 100,000 automobile crashes and 1,500 deaths.

Students are skipping out on sleep to do leisure activities and school work; they do not realize the People who skip risk they are putting themselves in. PHOTO BY RACHEL HUDSON out on sleep do not realize the risk in their lack of on sleep for reasonable reasons care. Seven to eight hours is the sleep. The cause behind this will- that apply to their lives. Hutchin- recommended amount of rest a ingness for risk is for mere leisure son skips sleep for motherly and night, without this, it is possible activities. teacher duties or simply having to acquire severe problems and even life-threatening situations.

“Homework, projects, movies time for herself. and friends take the place of hours The risks of losing valuable Sleep is a necessity to properly of my sleep,” said Johenning. sleep are high, but not many function throughout the day.

People have chosen to skip out know about them and might not

What to pack in your lunch 1. What kind of bread should a sandwich be made of? *wheat bread

2. What are the best vegetables for lunch time? *cucumbers, red peppers, and broccoli

3. What dairy products should be in your lunch? *yogurt

4. What are some delicious fruits to munch on at noon? *apples, kiwis, cherries, pineapple and grapes

5. What are some great protein-filled snacks for lunch? *trail mix, toasted almonds and cheese cubes

Brain development effects teen decision making

BY BRITT BUSSON

Teenagers are most often known for their rebellious behaviors; however, it is being questioned as to whether this rebellion is a result of nature or nurture. New brain research is being conducted to find when and how adolescents develop the part of the brain that regulates emotions and impulses and how this development, or lack there of, affects the decisions teenagers make. Some interesting findings have been made, however, little can be concluded as studies are still in the very beginning stages.

Research done by neuroscientists at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) indicates that the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which controls impulse and emotions, does not fully develop until sometime in the mid 20’s, as it was previously thought to develop by age 18. This research offers some explanation as to why teens, having been taught since elementary the dangers of alcohol, drugs, sex and other risky behaviors, still resort to participating in these activities. This does not insinuate that teenagers

are not responsible for their actions; however, it does put them at a higher chance of making poor decisions.

Sociology and Psychology teacher, Mr. Lynn agreed, “Even though this research claims that the brain is not fully developed until the early 20’s, this should not be an excuse for teenagers that make poor and uniformed decisions.”

Richard Lerner, director of the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development, notes

that as certain adolescents show resistance to peer pressure, the prefrontal cortex thickens, which is an indication that connections are being made between different parts of the brain. This supports the idea that an undeveloped prefrontal cortex would lack the ability to make connections between impulses, emotions and knowledge, which could lead to poor decision making.

The prefrontal cortex affects decision making having to do with drugs, alcohol and sex, as well as

decisions concerning situations in which a teenager is forced to rely on instincts and impulses, such as instances in the classroom and situations when driving. Teenagers are likely to make poor decisions because they are unable to react or focus as well as they should, and they are more vulnerable to impulsivity.

Senior Rachael Walker explains her motor vehicle accident in the winter of 2007, “I looked away from the road for two seconds and right when I looked back, I

Teenage Statistics

-Approximately one in four sexually active young adults ages 15 to 24 contracts an STD each year.

-Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers.

-16-year-olds are three times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than the average of all drivers.

-23% of teen drivers killed in 2005 were intoxicated.

-Statistics show that 16 and 17-year-old driver death rates increase with each additional passenger.

-Teens make up just 7% of all licensed drivers, but they represent 14 percent of driving fatalities.

-Nationally, nearly one million young women under age 20 become pregnant each year.

That means close to 2800 teens get pregnant each day.

-Every day, nearly 3,000 young people under the age of 18 become regular smokers.

-60% of college women diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease were drunk at the time of infection.

Sound Vision Foundation

was on the gravel and about to hit a mailbox, so I swerved. Then I thought I was about to hit an animal on the other side of the road, so I swerved back and ended up in the ditch.”

This incident exemplifies the hypothesis that attention span and ability to focus and connect regions of the brain are not completely developed as a teenager, which makes decision making while driving sometimes a difficult task.

Influenced by research done by the NIMH and Ronald Dahl, professor of psychiatry, pediatrics and psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, the Supreme Court declared in 2005 that executions for crimes committed as juveniles are unconstitutional.

Most knowledge is based on theory and hypothesis rather than concrete, factual information, and therefore, these studies and findings are not significant or strong enough to show a cause-and-effect relationship between developments of the brain and destructive teenage behavior. However, it is possible that an under-developed prefrontal cortex affects the decisions teenagers make.

V ARIETY

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Haunted houses add thrills, chills

BY SARAH FORTNER

The weather is getting cooler and days spent lying by the pool are over. Friday nights are taken up by cheering on the Grizzlies and attending the after game dances. Saturday nights are left open for many students and everyone is wondering what to do.

Fortunately, Halloween is coming up which opens up the possibility of many fun haunted houses in our area.

Haunted houses are a fun social event where teenagers are able to go and have a great time. With these haunted houses, fun and scares are a guarantee.

A very popular haunted house that high school students like going to is the Haunted School House and Laboratory. This haunted house offers not one, but two haunted areas. When you arrive at the Haunted School House and Laboratory you get to pick which one you go into first.

The School House used to be The Thomas House Elementary school until purchased in 1976.

Since then it has been known as the Haunted School House. You get to go through three floors of doom and even though it is a school house, you get to be frightened by giants, witches, gargoyles and much more.

will quickly learn that this was a prison what was created right after the Civil War. When you get to the reformatory you will notice that there is plenty of parking, but it fills up quickly. You will stand in line for quite some time, but if you ask people who have visited this haunted prison they will most likely agree it is worth it. You are grouped into large numbers and taken through the reformatory.

The dungeon is one of the many places you visit on the tour. You also see the electric chair and the cells in which the inmates lived.

If you are not big on the whole people jumping out and scaring you, you can still have fun at the Reformatory and become involved in a ghost hunt or ghost walk. Although, if you would like to do something like a walk or hunt you would need to plan ahead of time and get your tickets early because they sell out very fast.

The Mansfield Reformatory is located at the corner of Route 575 and Reformatory Rd. The Reformatory is open September 28 through October 31; Friday and Saturday’s 7:00 p.m. to midnight; Thursday’s 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Sunday’s from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

So, if you love the feeling of being frightened or just looking

Horrific Haunted Houses Haunted School House and Laboratory -- S. Akron, Ohio Mansfield Reformatory --Mansfield, Ohio Cedar Point Hallow weekend --Sandusky, Ohio Apple Cabin -- Lodi, Ohio When you are finished with the School House you will want to keep going on to the Haunted Laboratory. The Laboratory’s history was created in 1932 as The University of Akron’s Guggenheim Air Institute. When you visit the Laboratory you will get to go up four different floors of spinning black holes, and vertical wind tunnel, as well as hear scary stories about different scenes within the floors of the Laboratory.

You can visit the Haunted School House and Laboratory starting on September 21, 2007, to October 31, 2007, on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 p.m. to midnight. Also, starting on October 11, it will be opened on Thursday’s and Sundays from 7 p.m.- 10 p.m.

It is located off of Route 764 on Tripplet Blv. in Akron. Per house; admission is $15.00 per person. The School House and Laboratory is a great place to go with your friends and have fun.

What could be better than a double haunted house?

If you would like to go for even more scary and would not mind a little longer drive, then head on up to the Mansfield Reformatory. It is located right next to the Juvenile Delinquent Jail. If that is not enough to scare you, you

for a good time with your friends jump into a car and go visit the Mansfield Reformatory and get some great memories from it.

For families who would like to spend some time together and who have children who are still too young, there is always the good old Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. On Halloween weekend, they hold a “Monster Midway Celebration” which is a big parade with not-so-scary floats to get you into the Halloween spirit.

While you are up there watching the floats go down the park you can catch a few rides on the Wicked Twister, Witches Wheel, and of course the famous Top Thrill Dragster. This is a great fall activity to enjoy the spirit of Halloween without being scared out of your pants.

Haunted Houses are fun and exciting to go to on those Saturday when you just wish there was something to do. You can to go hunting for ghosts with friends, or get some laughs and many screams out from some great Haunted Houses in our area.

Although summer has ended and many are usually stressed out from starting up school and their grades, haunted houses are a great way to start off the school year in the fall and have a ton of fun with your friends.

October 2007

19

Junk of the Month Jon stands by his 1988 Volkswagon Vanagon. He smiles proudly as he rests his arm upon his beauty.

Jon states that his van is one of the last around.

The ‘88 Volkswagon features a bed, bin in the back, and is also a weekender.

If you want to eat a snack you can set up a small table and two reversing seats.

Jon put a lot of work into his vehicle by rebuilding his engine twice. He takes pride in his work and enjoys driving around in it. So, if you see Jon driving around in his ‘88 Volkswagon make sure you give him a wave.

Jon with his 1988 Volkswagon Vanagon.

PHOTO BY AUMAINE GRUICH AND SARAH FORTNER

Full fun on Friday nights

BY AUMAINE GRUICH

The music is pounding and animated voices can be heard from all directions. It is a Friday after-game dance at the high school and the excitement is tangible. For Wadsworth High School students, three dollars and a student ID is all it takes for two hours of unforgettable fun!

After home football and basketball games, from 9:15 until 11:00 the high school’s east gym is open for any student wanting to have a good time.

There is no expensive fee, dress code or strict rules for these dances. It is a fun place to be crazy with friends and not feel that there is a certain way to behave.

Although there are not very many regulations, the ones in place must be followed. Most importantly, do not forget your student ID! Even though last year the teachers were more lenient to let in students who forgot their IDs, this year they are really cracking down. Football players and even student council members have been denied admittance to the dances without IDs. Once into the gym, most students hit the floor directly after putting their bags and belongings on the bleachers. The majority of students change into comfortable, athletic clothes before the dance so they can dance all night without worrying about how they look.

“I like how everyone dresses down. There is no pressure to dress up and it is a lot

Cafeteria

to be reimbursed by the government for each and every lunch sold. The reimbursements then allow the school to keep regular lunch prices as low as possible.

As for a la carte prices, Knapp sympathizes with students.

“I know many students are allotted a certain amount of money for lunch, or pay for it themselves.

I am fully cognizant of that.”

This group of seniors stops dancing for a picture.

more comfortable to dance when you’re dressed down”, freshman Emma Webb says.

Although the dances are always a good time, students agree that there is a lot more energy when we win the game.

Jordan Bailey, a junior on the football team, states, “After game dances are way more fun when you win because you can go in and talk about the win with other players.”

After-game dances are always a good place to let out excitement after cheering on the Grizzlies.

Since the mood is so excited and energetic, students want music that will help them get out some of their energy! This includes rap, hip hop, and other fast songs that are fun to dance to. A favorite song of students is “Crank That” by Soulja Boy. Sam Pecnik, a senior, said “My favorite part of the In addition to pricing changes, Knapp is trying many new ideas this year in the cafeteria.

“I am really open to student input. I would like to see the cafeteria become much more student-driven,” commented Knapp.

New this year is the A la Carte Value Meal Deal. This allows students to purchase an a la carte item, milk, and fries for a lower price than if each item was bought separately.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL SEIFERT

dances is doing the Soulja Boy dance with my girls!”

A recent complaint let out by students has been about the DJs and the music. Most students are requesting to hear more of this loud, fast music rather than slow songs, country or oldies. A common opinion throughout the students is that after game dances are a place to let out energy and be crazy with friends and that simply cannot be down while swaying back and forth to some country ballad.

Besides some minor complaints about the DJ’s music choices, most would agree that after-game dances are a positive and fun way to enjoy time with friends. If you have not yet been to an after-game dance this year, grab your ID and three dollars and come out after the next home game for a fun night!

By the end of October, Knapp also plans to return the ‘5 for $2.25’ lunch option. This provides easy access to students who want affordable, healthy food for lunch.

In the future, Knapp would like to see more options in the cafeteria, although she realizes that space limits many ideas. She hopes student input, creativity, and feedback will continue to allow the food services program to improve throughout the coming years.

20

S PEAKOUT

THE BRUIN

October 2007

What was your favorite Halloween costume growing up?

My favorite costume growing up was scream. I think I used the scream mask about four times when I was younger.

-Brandyn Carver,9

My favorite Halloween costume when I was growing up was my Cinderella costume. I got a new one each year. Each was a little bit different from the year before.

I always looked forward to Halloween because I got treated like a princess.

-Renee Simon,10

When I was little, Aumaine and I used to always dress up as Minnie and Mickey Mouse. She would always make me be Mickey, so I actually hated it.

-Mallory Gruich,9 I dressed up as a trash can. I had garbage sticking out all over and pig tails. I had a trash can around me and elastic bags on me too. I had a lot of fun.

-Allison Staboz,10 A skeleton, obviously. My bones would glow in the dark.

-Sam ,12 Teenage mutant ninja turtles are pretty much sweet.

-Morgan Eggers,10 My favorite Halloween costume growing up was when our soccer team just dressed up crazy.

-Lauren Steidel,11

Kermit the frog.

-Joe ,12

Joe and Sam speak their minds.

PHOTO BY CARLY MCNUTT

Mine was a pirate when I was in 5th grade. I just liked having a hook for a hand.

-Lyndsay Hickling,12 My favorite Halloween costume growing up was the cartoon characters that were popular at the time like Spiderman, Superman, and Elmo.

-Tara Wilkey,11

My favorite costume was our We do not have Halloween in Ger- family lamb. Everyone got to many. wear the lamb costume.

- Jana Becker-Maier,12 -Amanda Voss,12

T E A C H E R S

Spiderman does what ever a spider can.

-Seth Keiper, 10

I was the Little Mermaid when I was like 5 or 6. I had a skirt that looked like scales, but I thought it was cool.

-Tiffany Weiss,9

Dressing as a troll and spiking my hair.

-Dakota ,11

My favorite Halloween costume growing up was a soda can.

-Eric Speicher,10 Mine was when I was a kitten! I think I cried half the night too.

- Justine Frase,12 I dressed up as Brad Squire, but I just do that for fun all the time.

-Joe Wenger,10

Dakota expresses herself through speakout.

PHOTO BY CARLY MCNUTT

S T U D E N T S

What was your favorite school dance memory?

My school used to wear mums with a large W on the flower at our homecoming game. I wore mine on my band uniform. My school always lost in the Homecoming game so showing my school spirit in the band was a big deal to me.

-Mrs. Mathews My favorite dance was Homecoming. I was playing quarterback for the Grizzlies and helped beat Brunswick 14-7 on a cold, rainy night. The win helped our school have a great Homecoming.

A loss would have ruined it in my opinion.

-Mr. Goddard

My freshman year I got to dance the night away with my date, Mr. Madigan.

-Mrs. Trausch I always “gator” to the song “Shout” at dances. “Welllllllllllllll, you want to make dance and shout now, everybody shout shout shout!”

-Mr. Kibler My favorite memory of a dance was my sophomore year in high school. I went to the prom (on a first date) and had a blast. The guy I attended the dance with is now my husband!!

- Mrs. Fisher

My shoes - I loved my shoes!!!

-Mrs. Baxley For one of my senior dances, my favorite friends and I went together. We were really excited that we actually got to rent a limo. It turns out then when we got the limo, it was from a retirement home and on the outside of the limo door it said retirement home. It was really embarrassing, but hilarious at the same time.

-Ms. Yaggi My school dance memory occurred in 7th grade at the Lucas Jr. High “Sock Hop.” Everybody was just standing around when the Dean of Students, Mr. McNutt, got on the microphone and said, “Ladies choice” meaning that the girls could pick you to dance. We ran as fast as we could for the bathroom to hide!!

-Mr. Booth

My senior prom in 1980 was great! I asked a friend to be my escort. We danced the whole night and went to the old Akron Agora for after prom. Because I was with a friend, there was no drama that seems to accompany these things.

We just had a fun night of wonderful memories!

-Mrs. Cskay My favorite dance was Junior homecoming because our football team had a great game, and we beat Green!

-Mr. Kaufman

My favorite dance memory was when I won the “twist” competition at a school dance back in ‘67.

Mr. Schmeltzer Sr.

Mr. Goddard poses with his Homcoming date from 1976.

PHOTO BY LAURA ARCH

At my senior prom in 1976, I met my lovely wife of 26 years.

-Mr. Gramuglia

Mr. Kaufman strikes his Heisman pose.

PHOTO BY LAURA ARCH