THE
VISOR
Archbishop Hoban High School - Issue No. 5 - 17 December 2020
Good riddance 2020, you won’t be missed Celebrities and a pandemic page 2
All 2020 has taken from us page 6-7
Christmas song bracket page 12
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I’m lying in bed one night, scrolling through Instagram in a futile attempt to encourage sleep. Before I know it, the digital clock on top of my bookshelf reads 3 A.M. and the last three hours have passed in a nocturnal haze as I fall deeper down the social media rabbit hole. As I read article after article, my anger becomes more prominent. Pictures of Cardi B and Kim Kardashian celebrating Thanksgiving and birthdays maskless with friends and family spark a fire of righteous indignation. Why do these high profile celebrities get to pretend like the pandemic, which has ruled our lives for the last nine months, doesn’t exist? We couldn’t celebrate milestones with our extended family or even hug our friends, but there they are on our feeds flying large groups to private islands. Sure, they were responsible enough to get everyone tested first. Yes, they quarantined for two weeks beforehand. However, this was incredibly foolish and risky. I understand that people have the right to spend their hard-earned money however they want. Most extravagant displays of wealthBirkin bags for two-year-olds, a third Lamborghini, or renting out a whole stadium for a proposal- I can shrug off. We don’t know what battles others face on a daily basis and judging their actions without knowing the full story would be incredibly cruel. But I cannot let this stand. Such a public display of exorbitant expense in the face of many’s economic devastation is not only incredibly tasteless but callous. Other citizens in the United States have been struggling to make ends meet, barely affording to stay afloat in this capitalist country. Publishing such extravagant celebrations on social media instead of using their platforms for good is just ignorant. Not everyone follows suit, though. One celebrity who understands the mantra of goodness for his community is Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Isaac Rochell. Rochell, a seventh-round pick out of Notre Dame, has taken charity work to a new level in the midst of pain and suffering. The 2017 draftee founded Local Human, an organization which according to the Los Angeles Times was designed to “support various charities and serve the community.” For every T-shirt sold, Rochell sends one to a local foster center. The charity also donates $10 per shirt to the organization of the month. For foster children who have difficulty affording clothes, this is a blessing. His alter-ego, “Mr. Giveway,” plays a prominent role in the city of LA, giving money to people who reach out on social media. Rochell responds to comments, publicising causes and literally putting his money where his mouth is. A video circulated on Tik-Tok showing the well-known figure paying for everyone’s groceries at Von’s Market on Giving Tuesday. The customers stand astonished and then incredibly grateful as their balance reads zero. Rochell even jokes that “[he] really can’t bag.” He self-deprecatingly shrugs off their praise as he admits “the groceries are on him today.” The precedent many celebrities have set during this difficult time spans from selfishness to service. While not wearing masks or social distancing sets a dangerous example for young and impressionable followers, we can only hope that more celebrities follow the lead of Rochell and pay it forward during these unprecedented times.
VISOR
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The variety of celebrity’s response to the pandemic
editorial
Archbishop Hoban High School Mailing Address: One Holy Cross Blvd. Akron, Ohio 44306 Website: hobanvisor.news Email: visor@hoban.org Awards CSPA gold medalist NSPA first class ASPA first place Quill and Scroll Int’l first place OSMA first place Signed letters for publication are welcome. Our mailbox can be found in the main office. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus of the editorial board. Signed opinions represent the views of the writer only. Staff Editor-In-Chiefs Sara Cassady Alex Dillon Josh Fenn Advisor T.K. Griffith Staff Reporters Dylan Feltovich Maia Ferry Mia Gallagher Victoria Jackson Luke Monteleone Gavin Morrison Alex Wong Grace Wyszynski Cover page graphic via Alex Dillon
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Moving on from the dreadfully disappointing 2020s by Luke Monteleone Never had the world seen such a drastic cultural change. Since March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit our shores, many have felt powerless to move forward. Yet, now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. As we crawl through the final days of this stressful year, hope for 2021 rests on the horizon in the promise of an effective vaccine. That still begs the question, what comes next? Now, I won’t try to predict the future as it’s obviously a fool’s errand (look at all the Instagram posts claiming 2020 would be their year), but I hope to discuss a few important lessons that we can grow from. First, we all must practice gratitude. Though it is easier said than done, a gracious attitude sweetens every success and comforts every failure. After emerging from a horrific year, it’s more important than ever to take a mental inventory of all
the gifts and privileges we have in our lives. Gratitude needs to be two-fold and we must all be grateful for the simplicities we enjoy. In the midst of the shutdown, many felt neglected and subjugated as they missed out on important milestones. In times where we feel we are treated unfairly, remember to begin simple. Ask, “Am I healthy? Do I have a roof over my head? Do I have at least one person that values me? Do I have access to safe food and clean water?” If you can say yes to any two of these questions, you’re better off than most. Additionally, remembering the small moments that can brighten a day. As we look forward to the return of large gatherings and milestones, let’s all step back and count our blessings in the moment. We must be grateful for both the small intricacies and large events in life to truly live. Next, I challenge you all to boldly live a little. We all know at this point what being told to stay home feels like. When it is
finally safe to freely go out again, we need to make an effort to take advantage of this luxury. Go to that party. Take a chance and try something new. It is a disservice to not take each opportunity to live life to the fullest. A day will come when one can no longer live the life they want to. We caught a glimpse of it in quarantine and it isn’t pretty. Our best option is to live unconditionally. What comes next is what each one of us make of it. Seize the opportunity.
My frustrating journey with the game of chess by Gavin Morrison I still have a book on chess that my grandparents gave me ten years ago. I never got any use out of it, as I’ve played very little chess these past ten years, but recently, the tables have turned. The old book has graduated from collecting dust in my closet, becoming one of the many resources I’ve used to try and improve my chess game. A few months ago I decided to try my luck once more with the game of chess. It had been maybe three years since I had last played, and I remembered little to none. I began my newfound chess career by watching a few videos on the basics- learning every piece’s function, the keys to developing your pieces, and general tidbits that should have positioned me on a path to success. I tried my luck on the popular website Chess.com, where as many as 200,000 games are being played at any given moment. I didn’t have anyone to play a game of chess with in person, so this was my best bet. Looking back, I had no real shot of winning any of these matches. After a disappointing series of losses, I gave up on this short-lived hobby, deciding that the game just wasn’t for me.
Flash forward to last week, and once again I was back in the swing of chess. This time, I meant business. I had grown tired of being a chess failure, and my losses were weighing heavy on my psyche. Instead of mindlessly playing through games like before, I set out to learn the game in-depth, focusing on improving my board vision. A huge key to success in chess is avoiding simple mistakes, which are found in abundance with new players. Chess.com allowed me to analyze my wins or losses, letting me see exactly where I erred or made a (surprisingly) good move. This feature has its drawbacks, as viewing my games only further confirms just how lousy of a chess player I am. Would I ever learn how to properly open a chess game? Would I ever manage to put an opponent into checkmate or capture more of their pieces? As my Elo rating on Chess.com continued to drop, the same feelings of hopelessness I had felt before began to return. For the unaware, an Elo rating is a system that was created by Arpad Elo, for which it was named. The Elo system is used in games like
chess, in addition to its use in popular video games like League of Legends and Overwatch. Since I started playing, my Elo rating has only continued to drop, at one point reaching as low as 300. None of these roadblocks have slowed me down. Unlike before, I no longer care about winning in chess. While the wins I do experience are few and far between, they are no different from a tough loss for me. My goals have shifted from dominance of the chess board, to an approach focused on improvement. Going forward, I’m going to win some and lose some. But as long as I continue to get better, what’s the harm in that?
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How Santa and the CIA are conspiring against us by Josh Fenn
Do you trust the government? I certainly don’t. Just look at their track record: they tried to convince us that birds were real and not just government surveillance devices. After seeing the success of the bird project they decided to take their surveillance efforts to the next level by enlisting the help of Santa Claus. As everyone knows, Santa Claus flies around on Christmas Eve and delivers presents to the entire world in just one night. Since many people believe that Santa isn’t real (a ridiculous notion that I may cover in another article), he receives unrestricted access to our homes. So, seeing the opportunity to spy on the American people, the CIA made Santa an offer he couldn’t refuse. In exchange for the technology needed to fly during a snowstorm, Santa would agree to plant small cameras and microphones in houses. As you might have guessed, the CIA’s half of the bargain was giving Santa Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. But what’s really important is Santa’s half, which has allowed for the CIA
to spy on innocent people for decades. Santa utilizes two main strategies of home surveillance. One of his methods involves hiding nearly microscopic microphones and cameras in children’s presents. No one would ever suspect that a kid’s new toy opens the door to unwanted, unrestricted government oversight in our lives. Mr. Claus’s second method of infiltrating our homes is a bit more interesting and thought out: Elf on the Shelf. The eyes of these seemingly harmless overseers easily transform into security cameras. There’s also plenty of room to hide a microphone. At first glance, these miniature elves may seem innocent, but in reality, they’re the perfect way to spy on people. Since they’re constantly moving around, they can see every aspect of our lives and clearly map out our whole house. Also, it’s well known that these elves go back to the North Pole at the end of the day, giving them an ample opportunity to spy for Santa without causing any suspicion. This isn’t just some crazy theory either, as the official Elf on the Shelf website
basically admits it. They say that “the magical Scout Elves help Santa manage his nice list by taking note of a family’s Christmas adventures and reporting back to Santa at the North Pole nightly.” The proof could not be more clear: Santa’s elves are just the kind of undetectable surveillance the CIA needs. Finally, the elves come with a warning that you aren’t allowed to touch them, which is the perfect defense mechanism. It makes it basically impossible for people to discover their spying capabilities, appealing to a sense of Christmas wonder and imploring them to “keep the magic” of the elves alive. I think I’ve laid out more than enough evidence to prove that Santa Claus and the CIA are working together to spy on people around the globe. It’s truly sad that you can’t even trust Santa in 2020, but that’s just how the world is with the rise of technology. With this in mind, remember to stay away from any elves on your shelves and thoroughly check your presents for cameras this holiday season. Mind your surroundings, someone may always be watching.
Ranking the nostalgic gifts we all wanted as kids by Maia Ferry
We all remember writing the longest letters to Santa listing all we wanted for Christmas when we were younger, right? Well, I guess I’ve always been a skeptic. I always knew I was writing to my parents, so I made the list even longer than most kids, perhaps just to be even more of a pain. But I still remember my biggest Christmas wishes, some of which would turn into my most prized possessions throughout my childhood, and some even now: 10: Razor Scooter I begged my parents for a scooter when I was younger. My best friend at the time had one, and I was extremely jealous. But, once I asked and received, it was instant regret from there. Two words: ankle killers. 9: Barbie Dreamhouse This was one of two on the list that I was just never allowed to get. The exquisite, overpriced, envied Barbie Dreamhouse was something that most girly girls sought after. Even though, of course, I already had about five other dollhouses. But it was Barbie, okay? Call me greedy, because I was. 8: Rainbow Loom I had the knockoff version of the biggest craze of fifth grade for the longest time. I recall one of my top moments of the year being the time my crush asked me to make him
a bracelet (shoutout to Adam, wherever you are now). But once I got the name-brand product on Christmas from my grandpa, walking into school with two full sleeves of rubber bands, it was too late. “Don’t you know, like, no one wears those anymore?” some girl asked me. The judgment in her voice still haunts me to this day. 7: LeapPad Explorer My best friend throughout some of my earliest childhood memories was my little baby pink LeapPad Explorer. I brought it with me everywhere, along with all my tiny game cartridges. I miss you to this day, old friend. 6: Kindle Fire As any of you who know me probably wouldn’t expect, grade-school me was about the biggest bookworm you could imagine. I held back tears of joy as I ripped open the gift wrap on Christmas morning to my Kindle Fire, which would boast not only loads of games and music, but just about the most impressive collection of books you could find. 5: Guitar Hero Ah, the second wish that was never granted. I still am pained by the lack of a little more Guitar Hero in my life, but my cousin and I make up for it by playing it at her house until the early hours of the morning.
4: Toy Kitchen Another toy that, for whatever reason, I had multiple of throughout my childhood. My dream at the time was to become a world-famous chef, so I guess I was just getting myself on the right path. My parents were very supportive, always excited to try my newly invented dishes of plastic food. 3: Easy Bake Oven I still miss my Easy Bake Oven. In fact, this one hurts a little bit to write. The hours spent making half-decent brownies and cookies with my mom, dad and sister will never be forgotten. Plus my family generously pretending to be impressed with my nonexistent baking skills. 10/10 would buy one of these again. 2: Webkinz Who wasn’t obsessed with Webkinz as a kid? The memories made using my tiny collection of little pets to play online with my friends will be forever cherished. 1: Wii Ah, yes. The absolute best — and actually, the first thing I remember asking to get for Christmas. We had our first Wii for almost a decade, and when it broke a couple years ago, I was devastated. We just purchased a new one last Christmas — the days of playing Wii Sports and Just Dance with the fam are far from over.
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A moment of quiet peace and reflection in 2020 by Victoria Jackson
Every typical school morning would start in a rush as my family and I raced throughout the house to prepare for school. Now, mornings start soothingly sedated. The air is cold, the few and fleeting birds chirp their wondrous songs and recently the ground has begun to sparkle like diamonds under the spell of snow. As I sip hot chocolate, embraced in my sweatshirt and leggings, morning begins to blossom at full height. How many times have I missed this serene atmosphere prior to the pandemic? Now I seem to find myself overwhelmed by the beauty of the simplest things. Walking through Hoban’s halls have changed a lot since the pandemic. I miss how it used to be. Freshman year, before the two transferred, my best friends Zoe and Aidan would walk with me from Biology to second period. Zoe and I would drop Aidan off at his Algebra class, wave to Mrs. Spontarelli who we’d both see seventh period and then take our time heading to our classes. Those mornings were warm and welcoming, building our friendship to its unbreak-
able state that it remains in right now. After school, our trio would be joined by Tony, and we would walk around the school talking and laughing as I sipped my signature sweet iced tea. Although they transferred, I still communicate with the three on a daily basis, sharing the events of the day and updating them on Hoban’s current events. Sophomore year was much different. I no longer had three of my closest friends by my side. I had interactions with people I still wish I had never met. I struggled to find activities to look forward to and enjoy. Despite all this, my friend Olivia was with me. She’s hilarious, strong and beyond kind. We would walk the halls after school enjoying each other’s company. I looked forward to those 20 minutes each day after the bell. Now, with Olivia and I in-person on different days, the halls feel so much colder. I still text and call her almost every day, but it’s so much different. I’m thankful for online learning, however. As I sit in class, stressed over my inability to focus, I’m able to stand and walk
around for a few minutes, allowing me to clear my head and focus on class again. In between classes, my brothers come in and we joke around for a short while until class time comes around. I appreciate the time in between classes more than ever. Technology’s trance is broken by the rhythmic flow of laughter. All in all, despite the state of society now, we have to find peace in the simple moments. Conversations with a loved one, the scenery around us, the triumph of realizing you finally understand that math problem you’ve been working on constantly, they’re all events we manage to take for granted. It’s not easy to watch everything unfold around us and then focus on such minor inconveniences. But it seems to help ease the pain and stress when you have a list of at least three small interactions, daily experiences and enjoyable moments that manage to make your day. Life won’t ever follow the path we’ve drawn out, but we can at least treasure the small but sweet moments that carry us through.
Not liking Sarah Fuller isn’t a personality trait bro by Grace Wyszynski
“I hope she gets plowed.” “Is it bad that I want her to get ROCKED? I mean it’s only fair.” “They couldn’t have grabbed one from the guys team?” No, you moron. They couldn’t have “grabbed one from the guys team” because Vanderbilt University does not have a men’s soccer team. The program was dropped years ago. On Nov. 28, Sarah Fuller stepped onto the football field suited up for the Vanderbilt Commodores and became the first woman to play in a Power Five football game. While there has been an overwhelming amount of support for Fuller, an alarming and disappointing amount of hate also surfaced. An influx of Twitter trolls took to social media to label the ordeal as a publicity stunt and voice the opinion that women do not belong in a male-dominated sports field. I will certainly argue that this was not a publicity stunt. Sure, Vanderbilt had to know that press would come with putting a woman on the field, but Coronavirus quarantining took out three players and left them without a kicker. Vanderbilt Women’s Soccer had just won the Southeastern Conference Di-
vision I championship and Fuller was a dominant kicker on that winning team, making her a solid candidate for the kicker role regardless of gender. As mentioned previously, Vanderbilt does not have a men’s soccer team, leaving them unable to snag a male off the soccer fields. What did you want them to do, wave a magic wand and pop out an incredible male kicker? “If she weren’t a female, would she still have made the team?” Probably. She’s arguably just as good as Vanderbilt’s other male kickers. Vanderbilt is 3-7 on field goals, with the longest one being made from 41 yards out at Mississippi State. Fuller’s best field goal in practice was 38 yards, after only one week of actual football training. Her best soccer free kicks travel nearly the length of the field. Maybe her football debut wasn’t the most beautiful kick we’ve ever seen. All I’m saying is that Sarah Fuller is a strong and capable athlete, and with a little fine tuning she could become a phenomenal kicker that would’ve made the team regardless of her gender. The stigma surrounding women entering a male-dominated sports field needs
to stop. If there is no female team equivalent to a male team, women are granted the right to try out on that team. That is fair. However, I feel that society discourages women from taking these opportunities. A woman kicking once in a football game was overly-dissected and grossly criticized. Imagine the backlash any men’s team would receive if they chose to give women permanent spots on their team. To those who try to argue that we don’t see any males trying to break into the world of female athletics: why would they want to? Women’s teams are largely overshadowed by men’s sports, receiving far less time in the spotlight and far less opportunities. In addition, women’s professional teams are paid significantly less than their male counterparts. People who weren’t even good enough to play a high school varsity sport need to stop speaking on a woman who is a dual-sport Division I athlete. And to all the frail old men and insecure teenage boys wishing for Fuller to get “rocked”: she’s a 6’2” goalkeeper and absolutely built. If it came down to you or her, I’d bet a lot of money that you would be the only one getting hurt.
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by Mia Gallagher
Flush three ice cubes down the toilet. Sleep with a spoon under the pillow. Wear your pajamas inside out. For years, this odd combination became a ritual of hope--one that promised sleeping in, snow fun and of course, no school. To this day, I am a firm believer in the magic and power of a snow day. Reminiscences of prematurely making plans, constantly checking the Snow Day Calculator and faithfully anticipating the school’s phone call often linger at the forefront of my winter thoughts. Yes, the snow days of old always presented a wonderful surprise and guaranteed a fun, exciting time. However, this glorious tradition hangs in the balance, seemingly yet another victim of 2020’s unrelenting cruelty. As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the global population, society searched for an alternative to face-to-face interactions. Efforts to slow the spread required workers and students alike to enter a foreign, digital landscape. Zoom meetings took the place of in-person conversations; a personal iPad became superior to pencil/paper handouts; pajama pants and hoodies replaced khakis and polos.
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What 2020 has Just like that, a new, revolutionary learning format emerged from the ashes of fear and uncertainty. This approach triumphed over the virus—a true testament to humanity’s strength and resilience. If a global pandemic cannot deter our pursuit of knowledge, who’s to say a little cold weather or snowstorm can? No longer will students earnestly awake on a snowy morning and hear the glorious ringtone or a groggy parent’s voice signalling no school. Instead, they will be expected to rise at their normal time, log into a digital classroom and stare at the wintry landscape with painful longing. As I write this, the most memorable snow days flash through my mind and make me teary-eyed. One year, the frigid, below-freezing temperatures closed schools for two days. I remember spending the first day sledding and building a snowman with my best friend, Elisa. That night, the phone call came early, promising another day of leisure and allowing for a sleepover. Later on, snow days became catchup days. I can remember my sixth-grade self pleading with my parents to let me stay up late
and put-off my lengthy homework assignments. However, the rebellious attitude of the night before amounted to hours sleeping in and completing tedious tasks on the day itself, effectively diminishing the proposed freedom. I sit here now, an overburdened, over-scheduled junior, mourning the loss of these cherished, care-free days. It scares me to think of the generations of kids who will grow up without the wonder of snow, the blissful ignorance of freedom and the stupidity of the sacred ritual. I now memorialize snow days, a treasured friend who died March 13, 2020. They survived by the hopeful anticipation and faithful love of students and teachers alike. We thank Mother Nature for providing the snowstorms and praise the ignorance of weather forecasters who always over-speculated the precipitation. They will be remembered by thankful students, teachers and graduates, owing their most-cherished childhood memories to the fun they promised. They will forever be missed.
chanting common refrains they knew since childhood. The sound rifling off the steel trusses of a stadium cannot be replicated. However, following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, sports had to find another way to proceed. It was not safe to cram fans into a packed stadium. Many pregame rituals were no longer safe and typical events could no longer be organized. Modern fandom died. Many teams tried alternatives. For instance, in the NBA bubble there were “virtual fans” on video screens surrounding the court. The boards eventually just turned into celebrity shout outs and delayed reactions from fans watching at home. Other leagues, like the NFL experimented with manufactured crowd noise, artificially regulating it at certain levels per NFL rules. It felt fake and sounded tacky. Yet, perhaps the worst televised sports production in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak belonged to Major League Baseball. Oh boy, was it bad. If watching televised baseball wasn’t already underwhelming enough, this simply fell flatter than a Blue Door pancake. Rumor has it that sleep specialists recommended it to patients.
As a result, fans felt more disconnected from sports than ever before. The stitching that held together communities came undone, and served as a reminder of how drastically the world had changed. In 2020, a sharp decrease in viewership and fan engagement plagues pro sports. However, we’re hopefully rounding the corner as we enter the new year. On Dec. 12, the Cleveland Browns faced the Baltimore Ravens in a socially distanced contest at FirstEnergy Stadium. As someone who is not a Browns fan, I was surprised how much I enjoyed the fans in the stands even though I was at home. From the roar of a touchdown to the deafening silence when a referee made a terrible call in the home team’s favor, sports finally felt real again. The scene at FirstEnergy Stadium in the midst of what has been called the “Game of the Year” finally gave fans a glimpse back at normalcy. The spirit of the fans in Cleveland is reminiscent of the collective attitude of sports fans everywhere. Quot-
by Luke Monteleone
There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic altered most normalities of society as we struggled to maintain community safety. Any type of large gathering, from parades to rallies were simply not safe in 2020. However, one category was struck particularly harder than most: live sports. Yes, many leagues delayed their seasons and played fanless games, but that’s not what I’m talking about. What fans miss is not the teams they cheer on, but how they were able to partake in the excitement. The in-person gameday experience for any sporting event is truly special. From the home crowd pouring into a stadium to the sound of live music and the smell of restaurant food, one cannot help but feel excited. For many, cheering on sports teams became a family tradition, habitually frequenting the same restaurant, occupying the same table to timing their departure to reach their season seats at kickoff. Not only do sports bring individual members of a team together, they bring communities together. On any given Sunday in a typical NFL season, tens of thousands of fans crowded into a stadium,
ing the great Ariana Grande, we are saying a collective “Thank U, Next” to 2020. Here’s to a 2021 with fans in the stands.
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taken from us by Sara Cassady
The holidays have always been my favorite time of year. With the exception of last Christmas (everyone got a stomach bug at the same time), happiness and joy accompany this season. I love everything about it: the brightly lit Christmas tree in the living room, the garland adorning the stairs, the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting from the kitchen and the excuse to wear ridiculous-themed clothing (resting Grinch face shirt, I’m looking at you). While we still argued over ornament placement, baked snickerdoodles and listened to Micheal Buble’s Christmas album, the atmosphere lacked the distinct note of cheer usually brought on by the holiday festivities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the upcoming season will be unlike anything seen before. There will be no Dec. 23 drive to Grandma’s. No James provoking me into an argument until mom tells us both to shut up. No anxiously awaiting the arrival of my aunts, uncles and cousins on Christmas Eve. The loss of raucous laughter during
by Alex Dillon
March 12th. A day that will live in infamy. As the news first broke, we all rejoiced over our extended spring break. But now, no one is celebrating. Even after nine months, COVID-19 still runs rampant through the nation and has destroyed practically everything in its path, notably our high school experience. Mum Day, 12 Days of Christmas, Homecoming and our education—cherished parts of the Hoban tradition—all stripped away by the novel coronavirus. Last spring, school was barely a concept; we had assignments here and there but little-to-no instruction. Although school has somewhat gone back to normal, learning through a screen or even through a hybrid-model will never match the value of a completely in-person education. Additionally, many beloved traditions were completely thrown out, one being Homecoming. Without a second thought, the formal was tossed onto the back-burner. Obviously there was no safe
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white elephant or Uncle Mike in a Santa Hat passing out gifts. The one bathroom we share will go mercifully unscathed. Christmas morning will have a distinct lack of egg and cheese sandwiches. For only the second time in 18 years, on Dec. 25 I won’t wake up on the floor of a house on Carmel Achor Road. I will wake up in my own bed, wishing I was somewhere else. I took my family for granted. My parents both have multiple siblings, so I grew up surrounded by a large extended family. We go on biennial beach vacations, show up for every major milestone and never miss a birthday. At least once a month, we meet at someone’s house to spend time together. This level of closeness, love and affection was assumed, a constant I never imagined could be taken away. Then, it was gone. There was no summer spent poolside, watching my cousins chicken fight as the Steve Miller Band played in the background. The house was ominously quiet without the background noise of wrestling and flash-
light tag in the yard. We facetimed and zoomed, sure, but it wasn’t the same. Originally, I was hopeful we would be able to reunite before Thanksgiving. I didn’t want to sacrifice the Turkey Trot, making noodles with Aunt Kim or counting my blessing while surrounded by those I love. However, the holiday came and went with no extended family present. We simply sat around the dining room table, eating turkey, stuffing, sweet potato casserole and rolls. There was no reminiscing or writing what we are thankful for, just stilted conversation as we tried to not focus on what was missing. Although we won’t be spending the season with loved ones, I take solace in the knowledge that we are keeping others safe. Stopping the spread is more vital than another Christmas, as painful as that truth may be to acknowledge. 2020 has sucked, but if we protect the lives of citizens, we can have a future to look forward to.
way to shove 600 students into a hot and sweaty gym for three hours so there was no surprise, but it still hurts. Hoban assured a spring formal to make-up for the lost Homecoming, but who knows if corona will be done making its rounds by then. 2020 has certainly taught every student to keep expectations low and doubts high. Another tradition was of course the 12 Days of Hoban Christmas. As this year went on, COVID-19 continued to worsen. More and more students and faculty tested positive, sometimes causing whole teams to quarantine. When Summit County turned purple, Hoban made the decision to go fully remote, the day before 12 Days of Christmas was projected to begin. Every year, Hoban added a festive twist to the dreadful exam season. It never failed. Students love the 12 Days of Christmas because it gave them a chance to bring some joy into the final weeks of school before break. Corona just had to stamp out the little joy we had left. Typical. Last but certainly not least,
Mum Day. I will say it went a lot better than anyone was expecting; the fact that we actually had a Mum Day was a miracle in itself. However, we still missed out on a lot. Half the school had to sacrifice their Mum Day so seniors and freshmen could experience that day for either the first or last time with their whole class. Although I’m incredibly grateful I was able to attend, it all felt different without the whole school together as a family. Seniors were able to decorate the school the night before but the senior lock-in was done away with. I have to say, I was looking forward to “sleeping” on some very uncomfortable carpet while poorly taped decorations fell all over the school. Mum Day just wasn’t the same running on seven instead of two hours of sleep. Clearly COVID-19 took away a lot from us. So with that I say, good riddance 2020. You will not be missed.
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The blue door bakery and cafe brings me hope by Grace Wyszynski
Located on a busy stretch of State Road in Cuyahoga Falls, The Blue Door Bakery and Cafe is a quaint hotspot with to-die-for pastries, homemade breads and an indulgent brunch menu. I’ve had the opportunity to eat breakfast here multiple times, and every single meal was incredible. Everything sold is made in-house using local, organic and fresh ingredients with a focus on delicious clean eating. The restaurant has a cozy, classy interior with a bright blue door out front (hence the name), making it impossible to miss. Their drive-thru window opens at 6 a.m. to sell coffee, bread and other sweet treats, so before my classes started today I picked up a selection of the pastries to try for the first time. I’ve watched four whole seasons of The Great British Baking Show and two of The Holiday Baking Championship, so I think that you could practically consider me an expert on pastries and baked goods at this point, right. I’ve reviewed and ranked the four items I tried, ending with my highest recommendation.
Blueberry muffin: I’m not a fan of blueberries at all, but this muffin was honestly pretty good. I’d probably rate it a 7/10. Most of the blueberry muffins I’ve ever tried were dry and crumbly, but this was soft and the berries weren’t too sour. My dad and brother absolutely adored these and scarfed them down instantly. Sour cherry danish: This one surprised me. I typically don’t care for fruit danishes, but this was not your typical Panera overly-sweetened monstrosity. The dough was nice and fluffy and wasn’t too sugary, and the cherry filling provided a rich compliment. I give it an 8/10, and they earned my mother’s stamp of approval (which is really saying something). Brioche sticky bun: This. Was. So. Good. I rate it a 9/10. Coming in second in my rankings, this sweet treat was airy and had an almost croissant-like texture. The bun was just sweet enough and had a subtle almond flavor, making it the perfect breakfast pastry. My sole complaint was that it lived up to the name with the sticky
exterior making this one a little difficult to eat, and I refused to eat it with a fork. Pain au chocolat: 10/10. This chocolate croissant is definitely one of my all-time favorites, second only to the ones I ate in France. The pastry measured nearly the size of my face. It was enormous. Incredibly light and airy, this croissant had insane layers that were far better than what I’ve ever seen produced on any of my baking shows. The chocolate running through the center was rich and clearly high-quality, with just the right amount of sweetness. This pastry earns the top spot for my favorite item on the menu and was by far the best morsel I’ve eaten in awhile. I could probably rave for days about this croissant. If you’re comfortable dining-in, I highly recommend sitting down here over the break to try the full brunch experience. If not, definitely consider stopping by the drive-thru to pick up some of these incredible pastries and coffee to brighten your morning.
How a local bakery is becoming a force for good by Sara Cassady Making a left off of Smithville Western, I pull my car into one of the angled parking spots and twist the key in the ignition until the engine stops rumbling. Grabbing my wallet resting on the passenger seat and putting on my mask, I prepare to make one of the hardest decisions of my life. Pushing open the doors with “Miss Amy’s Bakery” prominently featured on them, my nose is instantly overwhelmed with the pleasant aroma of pastry dough, vanilla and cinnamon. The focal point of the room, a large glass case, draws my gaze. It’s filled with cupcakes, cannolis, pies and cakes which are all beautifully decorated. After all, that’s why I’m here. I purchase a cupcake for everyone in my immediate family, utilizing every ounce of self control in my body to not eat all of them on the 15-minute car ride home. After parking in the cornfield we use as a driveway, I unload my precious cargo and carry it inside. After carefully freeing the “cookies n cream” cupcake from its wrapper, I rip
off the bottom and put it on top of the frosting. If you haven’t ever eaten a cupcake this way, I recommend it. You get frosting in every bite and this method is truly superior. Shoving almost the entire cupcake in my mouth should be embarrassing, but it’s so good I can’t bring myself to care. The vanilla base perfectly complements the delicious buttercream frosting and the Oreo on top adds some texture which elevates the cupcake to another level. The desert melts in my mouth and I instantly regret not buying more of this flavor. Miss Amy’s Bakery has become my go-to dessert spot in Wooster. Trust the native on this one, you won’t regret it. This cute storefront creates adorable seasonal pastries, experimenting with flavors like Hot Cocoa, Winter Woodland and Christmas Llama. A personal favorite is the “Christmas in July” themed cake we purchased this summer, which was beach themed and tasted delicious. Plus, the owner loves The Ohio State University, so you know it’s good. However, Miss Amy’s is not
just known in the community for their memorable and creative desserts. They also use their platform to give back. This Christmas season, they organized #seniorsparklecookies. This fundraising effort allows people to sponsor a cookie that senior citizens in local nursing homes will be able to decorate. As Miss Amy herself says, “We would love for you to help us spread Christmas cheer to some of those who we believe need it the most this year! We are working with our local nursing homes to provide Paint Your Own Cookies to the precious residents! This is a safe, individual and fun activity that they can do while quarantined to their rooms.” For just $5, you are spreading Christmas cheer, which we could all use a little of this year. Another perk of donating is that you’ll receive a BOGO coupon for their cupcakes, which are second-to-none. Smithville Western Road may be a haul for some of you, but I promise it is worth it in the end.
news
nine
CREATE Studios hopes to bring prosperity and joy by Mia Gallager
As the brisk December air sets in, work crews set their sights on a warmer improvement to the Hoban campus. No longer will the old paint-stained tables and musty smell accompany thoughts of the third floor. Instead, students will marvel at the fresh, innovative atmosphere CREATE Studios hopes to bring. A full renovation and revitalization of the art rooms awaits Hoban in the coming months. After originally being gutted in the late-spring, the barren space stood virtually untouched until the beginning of this month. “As part of the original timeline and overall construction plan,” said Jill Fortman, a teacher in the department, “we asked and expected to be in temporary spaces for only one semester during the fall—allowing those classes that absolutely needed to be held in a designated art space to occur in January during the second semester. Obviously, that will not happen.” This year’s setbacks only add to the list of struggles the department has faced in the planning process. The need for a more functional and collaborative space became the motivation to push this project forward. “Patience and humility is essential when working on a large project,” said Micah Kraus, chair of the art department. “Planning for CREATE Studios began in 2015 and since that time there have been many ups and downs. It has
been like a second job for the art teachers as we’ve worked on developing the design, fundraising, selecting furniture and implementing the plan.” Kraus, who recently organized and completed the Cycle for CREATE fundraiser, generated over $5,000 with his 100 mile stationary bike ride. His dedication to the new space and his students stands as a testament to the necessity of the renovation. “Everything about its design is oriented toward creativity and education,” Kraus continued. “That alone will be a huge difference between what we had previously and what we will have once this is completed. Three words have guided the art faculty throughout the design process: functional, flexibility and long-lasting.” Both Kraus and Fortman attest to the multi-purpose, innovative design the new studio provides. Tables, chairs, cabinets—even the sinks—will all be on wheels to provide a changing environment suited to instructional needs. The space also boasts a visiting artist studio, dedicated kiln space, studios for still-life and gallery-walk critiques and a permanent home for the school’s Mac lab. “I think that the students will find that the new space is their home-away-from-home at Hoban,” Fortman said. “It’s a little bittersweet for me because I was honestly expecting my AP Studio Art kids to be able to walk into that space
right after Christmas break and feel the awe.” While this year’s AP students will not get to experience the CREATE Studios, prospective students raved about the opportunity to move into the new space next year. “I’m really looking forward to having a more functional space designed with art creation in mind,” said junior Grace Kostko, a current student in the Honors Studio Art class. “Art has been a struggle for me this year. Working down in Moreau is a challenge.” For art students the balance between keeping a clean, COVID-19 safe environment and letting creativity flow is a struggle. “This year has been tough for a lot of people emotionally so my art has been a healthy outlet,” said junior Grace Gallagher, also a member of the Honors class. “I was hoping we would have the new art space this year but with the construction being delayed, it put a damper on art.” “After a couple of years, it’ll seem as if CREATE Studios has always existed,” Kraus said. “There will be paint on the walls, marks on the table and clutter on the counters. I look forward to seeing the space well used and full of “stuff ” because that means all of the work leading up to its creation was worth it.” The studio, scheduled to be completed by next school year, will provide a lasting, creative home for Hoban visual art.
received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Mark Duhon ‘83 was the 2005 recipient. He is also the founder and Executive Director of Highsight, which provides scholarships and tutoring to Chicago high school students. The 2006 recipient was Harry “Butch” Reynolds ‘83. He is widely known for holding the world record for the 400 meter dash for 11 years and is in the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. Reynolds established the Butch Reynolds Care For Kids Foundation (BRCFK) for youth in his community. Daniel Lancianese ’80 was the 2007 recipient.He is an intervention specialist and track and field coach at St. Vincent-St. Mary Highschool. Nathan Crabbe ’94, the 2008 recipient, is also the Opinion and Engagement Editor for the Gainesville Sun located in Florida. In addition, he served in the AmeriCorps NCCC. Rick Owens ’74 was the 2009 recipient. Michael Burtscher ’70 received the award in 2010. He had taught religion at Hoban as well as serving as the Dean of Students and coaching Track and Cross Country. Burtscher retired from Hoban in 2012. In 2011 for the first time, there were two recipients: Dan Cevasco ‘70 and Steven “Skip” Radwany ‘72. Cavasco is a Palliative Care Specialist affiliated with many hospitals including Summa Health System
Barberton Hospital. Radwany is also a palliative care specialist and the founder of Grace House, a nonprofit residential facility for hospice patients without homes or caregivers. LaMonica DuBose Davis ’87 received the award in 2012 and was the first female recipient. She is the principal at Helen Arnold CLC, which she helped to found. In 2013, 12 priests and Hoban graduates received this award: Rev. John Hengle ’59, Rev. John Kumse ’71, Rev. Joseph Labak ’69, Rev. Michael McCandless ’98, Rev. Thomas McCann ’59, Rev. David Misbrener ’84, Rev. Jared Orndorff ’97, Rev. Matthew Pfeiffer ’97, Rev. Philip Racco ’69, Rev. James Semonin ’62, Rev. Kevin Shemuga ’75 and Rev. Kenneth Styles, S.J. ’62 The last recipient to be given the One Hope-One Dream Award was Marquita Mitchell ’95 in 2014. She is the Program Manager of Adult Basic And Literary Education (ABLE) and works to help adults succeed in education and earn their GEDs. These 24 recipients are examples of people who brightened the halls of Hoban and carried the Holy Cross Core Values throughout their lives and continue to do so today. They are a reminder to Hoban students that the core values are more than a religion test subject; they are the way to live life.
One Hope-One Dream award returns to Hoban by Victoria Jackson
It’s been said that the best experiences life has to offer occur in high school. For alumni, looking back at the people who brightened the hallways brings back these warm memories. Honoring one of these special people through the One Hope-One Dream Award is one way Hoban alumni can show their appreciation for people who impacted the lives of others even after leaving Hoban’s halls. The One Hope-One Dream Award, created in 2003, recalls in its title Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, as well as the Holy Cross motto “Spes Unica,” meaning “The Cross, Our Only Hope.” This award has not been given since 2014 and will be presented at an allschool assembly the week of Feb. 1, 2021. It recognizes those who bring hope to those around them through kindness, generosity and inclusiveness among many other priceless traits. Along with the award ceremony, there were also musical performances honoring Black History Month, which usually followed. The first recipient was William Considine ‘65, the CEO Emeritus of Akron Children’s Hospital. He visited Hoban last year on Nov. 19 to speak to the Hoban Leadership Institute and Entrepreneurship classes. In 2004, alumnus Thomas Allio ‘70 received the award, and in 1991 he also
ten
opinion
Forget space… the ocean is the next frontier by Gavin Morrison Space is often considered the last frontier, but recently, I’ve thought about a second “final” frontier: the oceans. Around 71% of Earth’s surface is covered in water, but humans have barely even taken a dive to see what might be lurking underneath. The deepest depth that humans have reached is almost 36,000 feet, located in the Earth’s deepest known point, the Mariana Trench. Going to these depths is no easy feat, as the conditions make it barely suitable for humans, even with the best technology at hand. Despite this huge accomplishment, there really isn’t a lot of talk surrounding ocean exploration. When I consider just how much ocean there really is on our planet, it makes me wonder why we haven’t gone further. Humans have always been explorers, but it seems that we have forgotten the ways of our past. While space is certainly the more attractive option of exploration, there is a whole world waiting for us right here on Earth.
This lack of popularity surrounding ocean exploration can be attributed to the 20th century’s obsession with space, particularly science fiction. As the new concept of space travel grew, pop culture began to catch on, wrapping up the public in this grand scheme of nationalist pride. Science fiction authors and artists drew on the prospects of alien life and extreme technological innovation, stirring the minds of a younger generation. Where’s all this hype for our oceans? One of the main appeals of space is the unknown, the possibility that we might discover another life form out there. While this hasn’t happened yet, with every passing year technology improves to further our hopes of finding these illusive aliens. Why isn’t there a search for more deep ocean creatures like the fangtooth, vampire squid or the blobfish? A quick Google search reveals the deep sea holds creatures that are almost alien, often possessing bodies that
defy logic and appearances that would give even the most experienced divers the chills. Only about 80% of our oceans are explored, with this large chunk of unexplored area holding secrets we could only imagine. What remnants of past civilizations lie deep in the seas? How many creatures are out there that we don’t know of? If humanity truly wished to know these answers, a creation similar to the International Space Station, or the ISS, would have to be created. With the implementation of a collaborative underwater research center, we could come closer as a species to understanding our planet. It’s perfectly okay to cheer for achievements in space, but the world’s oceans should not be ignored. What’s beyond our atmosphere isn’t the final frontier, but a stepping stone for humanity once we discover all there is on Earth. Until then, watch your step next time you’re swimming in the ocean, because who really knows what could be out there?
How the Visor class became my support system by Maia Ferry “TK I have a date today! Wish me luck!” I yelled to my favorite teacher from across the cafeteria. Of course, he then decided to make “Mia Ferry” student of the day, poking fun at me by announcing to the class, “I just want everyone to know that Maia has a DATE tonight.” Echos of middle school-esque “ooo”s echoed both from inside the classroom and from the students stuck on Zoom. Flash forward to later that day — I’m sitting in my car 15 minutes before the anticipated event, trying to prepare myself and denounce my incoming social anxiety. Five minutes to 4:30 p.m., I went out on a limb and texted my most reliable support system, the Visor group chat, for some moral support, letting them know “I [would] be on my date that TK so publicly announced to the class in 5 minutes.” And my trusted peers jumped at the opportunity to encourage their fellow Visor buddy. Sara came in with the whole-
someness, wishing me good luck and telling me, “Have fun, love you Maia.” Gavin came in with the sarcasm: “Don’t mess it up Maia. You know what they say. Mess up the first date, suffer for years to come.” Of course, I told him to shush. After all, it wasn’t even the first date, it was the second. Sara and Vic then proceeded to drill me on the happenings of my first date. Two of the most supportive gals I know. More good news was delivered as Josh let us know that we were now fully online, and we marveled at the power we have as THE Visor. “We did it bruh,” I said. “Love you all. The power we have.” We went off about our pride in Luke’s article, Dylan at one point saying that “someone wants [Luke] to know that [he] [is] beautiful,” and that person was him. I just know Luke cried tears of joy as he admitted that that “may be the nicest thing [Dylan] [has] ever said to [him].” But even though we were in the middle of our celebration, the
group was right back to fawning over my then-concluded date as I gave them a quick “update: date went exceedingly well.” I don’t deserve y’all. Sara, of course, asked for the deets, which of course I gave. “Stop, I’m so happy for you,” she responded. “Ahhh that sounds so sweet and I’m so happy for you Maia,” said Vic. “I’m jealous Maia,” sent Grace. But perhaps my favorite text of the night was one of initiation from Dylan: “Welcome to the simp life Maia, we are glad to have you in the group,” to which I of course replied, “Thanks Dylan, it’s very much appreciated.” So apparently I’m a simp now. And I have the best friends ever. Don’t say “aw” when you read that out loud in class guys. Was not meant to sound that cheesy.
sports
eleven
Forget Baker, the Browns should draft a new QB by Josh Fenn
The Cleveland Browns have finally discovered how to be a winning football team, as they’ve started out with a 9-4 record and should make the playoffs for the first time since 2002. On offense, the line has been one of the best in the NFL and they’ve paved the way from Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt to demolish opposing defenses. Meanwhile, the defense has consistently created turnovers and pressured the quarterback, largely because of Myles Garrett. Despite their success, the Browns still aren’t good enough to win the Super Bowl, which should be the goal for every NFL team. If the Browns want to win a championship, they must look to find a truly elite quarterback to replace Baker Mayfield. Mayfield isn’t a bad quarterback, he’s just not good enough to win a Super Bowl. With the exception of Nick Foles, who had an elite playoff run but wasn’t actually a great quarterback, every Super Bowl winner in the past decade was led by a top ten quarterback. Baker is simply not that, instead he is an incredibly average quarterback who can occasionally play an elite game.
The main issue with Mayfield’s play is his inability to perform under defensive pressure. When the blocking holds up, Mayfield is nearly an elite quarterback. Pro Football Focus, a website that grades every player from a 0-100 scale, gives Baker an elite 90.7 grade in a clean pocket. However, under pressure, his grade drops to an abysmal 32.4, which isn’t even in the top 32 for NFL quarterbacks. Additionally, in a clean pocket he’s thrown 20 touchdowns and three interceptions, while under pressure he has one touchdown and four interceptions. Mayfield’s lack of ability to stay calm under pressure destroys his chance to take the team far in the playoffs. When the Browns are forced to play against teams with strong pass rushes, like the Steelers and Ravens, Mayfield will flounder. In fact, the Browns have already seen this happen, as they were destroyed by both the Steelers and Ravens earlier this season. Coincidentally, these were also the games where the Browns allowed the most pressure they have all year. Perhaps even more concerning for Mayfield is the fact that he hasn’t im-
proved since his rookie season. That first season, his highest graded season of his career by a large margin, only provided false hope as opposing defenses quickly discovered how to stop him. If Baker improved every year I would be open to keeping him as our starter, as perhaps he has not peaked yet. However, the lack of development shows that the zenith has been reached and he will never become an elite quarterback. A lot of people might say I’m wrong and just a hater because of this article. But trust me, I want Baker to succeed more than anyone and I hope that he can be good for the Browns for years to come. However, I just don’t see Mayfield ending the Browns’ Super Bowl drought by becoming an elite quarterback. Plus, the upcoming NFL Draft has six quarterbacks with elite traits and I believe the Browns would be wrong to pass up on one of them due to their commitment to Mayfield. The Browns may make the playoffs this year, but they can’t stay complacent at quarterback and fall into mediocrity for the next decade.
Are you an NBA fan? Your wait will be over soon by Dylan Feltovich Rather than holding the championship season in June, NBA fans watched the King, LeBron James, run away with his fourth title in October. Normally, the players would have an offseason that runs from June to October. But nothing has been normal this year. Instead, the 2020-21 NBA regular season will begin on Tuesday, Dec. 22, with two primetime matchups. Game one features the Brooklyn Nets and the Golden State Warriors, followed by the Lakers and Clippers in a battle for Los Angeles. The Nets were plagued by injuries last season and the lineup lacked their star players Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. With a healthy lineup, the new Steve Nash-led Nets appear to be a dominant force in an Eastern Conference that does not possess a sure-fire winner. Nets’ fans will receive an early Christmas present this year, beginning the season battling a damaged Golden State squad. Unfortunately for the Warriors, they will be playing this season short-hand-
ed again, as three-point specialist Klay Thompson will miss his second consecutive season with a torn right achilles. Without Thompson, the Warriors will rely heavily on former MVP Stephen Curry, as he leads a young team featuring Andrew Wiggins, Marqueese Chriss, and newly-drafted James Wiseman through the wild, wild Western Conference. Along with Curry, the Warriors will receive defensive help from the ve Player of the Year Draymond Green. The versatile veteran looks to provide a boost with the loss of Thompson. Game Two features the best of California, as the Los Angeles Lakers battle against their hometown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. Led by LeBron James, the Lakers are coming off a successful championship season, defeating a gritty, talented Miami Heat. The Lakers only improved their team during the shortened offseason, as they acquired shifty guard Dennis Schroder and defensive help in Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell. Just when you think the
Lakers couldn’t get any better, they sign players that fill every “hole” in their already juiced lineup. The Lakers look to continue their greatness this season, seeking to compete for back-to-back titles. After their playoff hopes were crushed by the Nuggets, Clipper fans dreamed improvements would be made to take their team all the way. But, like their playoff hopes last season, fans were devastated once again with the news of the Lakers signing Harrell, losing their anchor down low to their cross-town rivals. To replace Harrell, the Clippers signed big man Serge Ibaka, a veteran power forward who remains a threat off the bench. Among the remaining players are Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers franchise piece that looks to return to his prime self and Paul George, Leonard’s side-kick. To kick off Christmas break, NBA fans will enjoy an intense opening week of basketball while they lounge around at home for the holidays.
twelve
Christmas bracket competition
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