Oct. 5, 2026
Meet the new Holy Cross Educators Pages 6-7
Archbishop Hoban High School
Vol. LXXIV No. 1
Football Midseason Recap
Page 10
HOLY CROSS PATHWAYS PROGRAM SETS EXAMPLE OF INCLUSIVENESS BY ALIVIA TUBAUGH
The newly expanded Holy Cross Pathways Program gives an equal educational opportunity to all students with delayed intellectual disabilities.. The program has increased by six students since the 20252026 school year. The Holy Cross core value of inclusiveness celebrates diversity and welcomes everyone with the hospitality of Christ. Hoban’s Pathways program is the ideal reflection of what inclusiveness means. “It would be a serious mistake to open a school imagining that all the students will be alike in character and conduct, Blessed Basil Moreau wrote in Catholic Education. “In the group of students given to you, there are no two who have the exact same mind and heart. Never forget that all teaching lies in the best approach to an individual student, that all the successes you will find will be in direct proportion to the efforts you have made in this area.” Holy Cross Pathways is a specialized program for students with intellectual disabilities in need of a modified curriculum. Pathways is run by Coordinator of Holy Cross Pathways Laura Szczecinski, as well as alumnus and instructional assistant Nicholas McCoy ‘97. McCoy has specialized in working with people with additional needs for over 20 years. He started out as being a part of the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board and now has joined pathways to continue helping the people around him. Intervention specialist and alumna Theresa Gorbach ‘01 leads the Kindness Club, an Enrichment B activity that pairs with the Pathways students to do acts of service together.
Matthew Mills (right) from Holy Cross Pathways engages with Michelle Agnoni and Danielle Howe by giving them classroom made candy apples. These candy apples were made by the Kindness Club for the office secretaries during Enrichment B. PHOTO COURTESY OF MELANIE WHITE “The Kindness Club was built on Mother Teresa’s idea of doing small things with great love,” Gorbach said. Pathways was an idea for multiple years until two students joined last year, which kickstarted the program. Now, knowledge of the program is expanding. “They’re like a team,” McCoy said. A way to be a part of this team is to join the Kindness Club that takes place during enrichment B. Activities are regularly taking place, as well as an upcoming Pumpkin Plummet that will take place on Friday, Oct. 9. Pumpkins will be sold during lunch periods on Wednesday, Oct. 7 and Thursday, Oct. 8. These pumpkins will be used in the downhill pumpkin race, where they navigate
a custom-built course with many twists and turns. The pathways students tilled, watered, and created the hill where this will take place over this past summer. Although it started as just making pumpkins, the Pumpkin Plummet has turned into a bonding experience as well as a way to contribute to the Hoban community. “Hoban means a lot to me and Hoban’s mission means a lot to me,” Gorbach said. Pathways continues to contribute to the mission of inclusiveness and kindness that the Holy Cross Core Values has set forward. Pathways welcomes everyone with open arms, and hopes to see more smiling faces soon.
news
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NEW YEAR INVITES NEW ATTENDANCE POLICIES
BY EMMA POMEROY
For the 2026-2027 school year, Ohio updated the attendance laws under House Bill 96 to count all absences—excused and unexcused alike—towards “chronic absenteeism.” While Hoban does not directly have to follow these guidelines because of the distinction between public and private schools, administration has still carefully created a new attendance policy of their own. “Almost all students at Hoban benefit from the EdChoice program in the state of Ohio,” Principal Catherine Perrow said. “So although we are not a public school, we do operate under some … Ohio Department of
Education policies.” New to this update, attendance is tracked by the minutes spent at school. This means that leaving early or arriving late both count towards a total number of absences. Hoban has taken the penalties from Ohio’s new policies and made them fit the school community. When a student is absent for 3 percent of their classes, their family is
notified. “When a student reaches 5 percent, that [student] goes to Mr. Harris, and it triggers an opportunity for him to talk with kids about what’s preventing them from getting here,” Perrow said. “Sometimes it’s that the family car isn’t working … Sometimes it’s that a student doesn’t feel connected here at Hoban.”
This table shows each percent of missing hours a student could have and the consequences that follow. IMAGE COURTESY OF HOBAN ADMINISTRATION
During the meeting with Mr. Harris, a plan to get to school or become more involved within the Hoban community is made. Disciplinary actions do not start until 10 percent of classes are missed, which start by removing extracurricular activities or other things that are taking priority away from the student’s education. Overall, attendance is very important to Hoban administration, with the parentstudent handbook stating, “Students who are absent from five meetings of a particular class during a quarter without medical documentation may receive a 10% drop in the overall quarter grade in that class for that grading period.”
SUPREME COURT DEBATES MAIL-IN VOTING METHODS
BY KAYLA JOHNSON
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 31, 2026 requesting that states coordinate with the USPS to enforce stricter rules regarding mail-in ballots. The case made its way to the Supreme Court, where it was decided that it was too close to midterm elections to change any regulations. “While there is a lot of conversation at the national level regarding potential mail-in voting changes, Ohioans should know that their experience this year will be no different from what they have come to expect in past elections,” said Communications Director of the Mailing Address: One Holy Cross Blvd Akron, Ohio 44306 Website: https://hobanvisor.news Advisor: Brian Luck
Office of the Ohio Secretary of State, Dan Lusheck. If the executive order goes through, states will be required to send the USPS a list of people who plan on voting by mail 60 days in advance, as well as creating unique barcodes that get delivered to voters. Controversy follows this case as it is unusual for changes to be made so close to an election. “The absentee and mail in ballot request form to request mail in ballots has already gone out in the state of Ohio, so if you change that now…that creates a whole lot of confusion,” said social studies teacher Austin Hawk. Absentee voting offers veterans
Many Ohio residents rely on mail-in ballots for voting. Despite the recent Supreme Court case, citizens can still vote by mail for the midterm elections on Nov. 3, 2026. GRAPHIC BY KALYA JOHNSON, DATA FROM OHIOSOS.GOV fighting overseas the ability to has the opportunity to request participate in elections and can an absentee ballot at VoteOhio. be more convenient for everyday gov, vote early, in person, or on Americans. “Any eligible Ohioan Election Day,” Lusheck said.
Editor-in-Chief Print: Deidre Drensky
News & Feature Editor: Kayla Johnson
Editor-in-Chief Online: Lexxi Schmitt
Opinion Editor: Lily Obhof
Layout Editor: Emma Pomeroy
Entertainment Editor: Griffen Waugh
Sports Co-Editors: Drew Towell Korban Hahn Social Media Managers: Emma Pomeroy Lexxi Schmitt Kayla Johnson
Staff Writers: Luke Finley Lucie Kenst Nathan Johnson Alivia Tubaugh Ava Yusufi Mia Yusufi
Opinions expressed in the Visor are not necessarily the opinions of Archbishop Hoban High School, its board of trustees, administration, faculty, staff or student body. The Visor does not submit to prior review by any member of the administration or board of trustees.
editorial
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Mental Health Minute EDITORIAL: MAKE YOUR VOICE BY KAYLA JOHNSON
As the weather gets colder and the daylight decreases, mood changes, shifts in appetite and decrease in energy become much more common. Specifically in adolescents, the change in seasons can have a deep emotional and physical impact. “It is common for people to experience some mood changes during the fall and winter months because, as daylight decreases and colder weather keeps us inside more, our sleep cycles and mood-regulating hormones are impacted” Counselor Katie Surface said, Specialists suggest taking daily walks and adding vitamin D into your diet to increase mood and health. To help combat lack of motivation students can plan fun activities, stay social and avoid cancelling plans. At the very least, students should attempt to maintain a regular sleep schedule. “Good, quality rest can safeguard against both physical and mental illness by improving your body’s ability to repair itself and ward off stress,” said Surface.
‘Pray’ Tell with Pope Leo BY LUCIE KENST
One tradition that the Catholic Church has continued since 1879 is that the current Pope, Pope Leo XIV, dedicates every month of the year to a certain prayer intention. This tradition is still so special because Pope Leo prays about what he feels the world needs most, and for the month of October, he has chosen Mental Health Ministries. Mental health is a topic that many people in the Church have ignored for centuries; however, Pope Leo believes that it is a very important topic for all people, the youth especially, to learn more about. He hopes that by bringing awareness to the struggles of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges that people in and outside the church may face, the community may continue to minister and reach out to ensure everyone feels safe and supported. According to Pope Leo XIV’s intention, “Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.”
HEARD THIS NOVEMBER
Everyone has something that they are passionate about, from environmental policy and education funding to local community resources. These affect people’s day-to-day lives, from how people live to the policies that are put in place. Politics directly influences every single one of these issues, but according to the Civics Center, only 27% of 18-year-olds are registered to vote. Young voters’ perspectives and status as future leaders makes their voices essential to shape the future. Specifically, their diversity and unique life experiences bring fresh ideas to the table. Most importantly, it ensures that government policies address the needs of the upcoming generation rather than just repeating past rules. In Summit County, 31% of 18-year-olds are registered to vote.
election can also vote in the primary elections for candidates they want to see on the main ballot later. Understanding the system is key to making the youth vote count. “WHETHER YOU Ohio has partially CHOOSE TO open primaries, which VOTE EARLY IN means one does not PERSON, VOTE have to register with BY MAIL OR VOTE a political party beforehand. Instead, ON ELECTION DAY, OHIO MAKES when one arrives at their polling place on IT EASY TO primary election day, PARTICIPATE.” they request a ballot of the party whose - Frank LaRose primary they want to vote in. Local elections There are three often come down to ways to vote in Ohio, a handful of votes, making it easy to cast meaning high school a vote no matter where voters do have the you are. power to decide issues “Whether you in their community. choose to vote early in Taking the first step person, vote by mail or to participate is easier vote on Election Day, than most students Ohio makes it easy realize. Registration to participate,” Ohio closes Oct. 5, 2026 Secretary of State for the Nov. 3 general Frank LaRose said. election. To register, “Our goal is to make visit scan the QR code sure every Ohioan below. Students can has the information even register if they they need to make an are 17, informed choice.” as long Casting a ballot is as they not just a duty, it is will turn the most direct way to 18 on or hold elected officials b e f o r e accountable to young e l e c t i o n people. Do not leave day. High decisions about the s c h o o l future in someone hands. Get s e n i o r s else’s w h o registered, research the turned 18 candidates, and make before the your voice heard this g e n e r a l November. Scan this QR code to register in time for the midterm elections. All the information you need to complete your registration is listed on the website. While that does beat the national average, it still leaves the voices of the vast majority of eligible young voters unheard at the ballots.
opinion
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CELLPHONES SHOULD BE ALLOWED DURING LUNCH OPINION BY EMMA POMEROY
Hoban student models an example of a student hiding their phone. This example could be seen less and if students and teachers could work together on phone policies. PHOTO BY EMMA POMEROY
Each and every year, school boards and offices attempt to find ways to keep students’ attention and get them more involved within their community. This year, the change was taking phones and cellular devices away from the student body from 7:55am to 2:50pm. Though this change has been beneficial during class time, phones should be allowed during lunch or other mental breaks to make students happier and less inclined to rebel. For the 2026-2027 school year, Hoban has created a “bell-to-bell” phone policy which prohibits the use of personal cellular devices during instructional time. So far, the administration has noticed a beneficial change in the school. “It is healthy to disconnect,” Principal Catherine Perrow said. “Our primary focus when we are here at school is first to learn … We are learning who we are as people. We’re learning who we are as children of God. We’re learning who we are in [our] community. And when the device takes center stage in each of those
interactions, we lose the ability to do all of those things well.” Although this argument has good intentions , social interactions in 2026 include cell phone usage in a way that has continued to evolve over the last few years. By banning phones, social interactions may suffer. If Hoban’s student body was allowed phones only during lunch, said device would not take center stage over the whole day. If school and education are the jobs of the student body, this is our workplace— are employees allowed to use their phones during breaks, as should we. Last year, students were not allowed phones during instructional times, but during lunch and passing periods use was permitted. Lunches were still social, if not more social as students could connect using things happening around the world. Many students also do not treat lunch as a social break, but rather as a time to give their brain a break. Having phones during lunch would allow students to decompress and feel less overwhelmed.
ENRICHMENT B OPTIONS NEED MORE STUDENT INPUT BY AVA YUSUFI
Archbishop Hoban High School offers many different options for Enrichment B activities throughout the year, yet many students find it hard to find an Enrichment B that suits their preferences. Enrichment is an outlet for students to take a break and enjoy activities with friends, while also having the option to take advantage of the time by studying. Bryce Harris, associate principle of student life, tracks Flex and enrichment scheduling. Harris understands the enrichment system and how it benefits student life at Hoban. He also understands how students impact the choices for enrichment. “I think they [Hoban students] are everything,” Harris said. “The goal of enrichment is to provide enriching time for our students to buy into the things that they are passionate about and learn something new about something that they love or just have some good ol’ fun, and without a student voice, us adults might miss the ball with that, so the students are everything.” Hoban’s Holy Cross Educators host
enrichment options. Harris advises teachers to speak to their students about what they want to participate in during enrichment instead of assuming what their students want. Harris estimates that a consistent 60% of teachers participate in or host an enrichment. “All faculty and staff have a shared responsibility of providing opportunities during enrichment,” Harris said. “Teachers create opportunities either because it is something that they are passionate about or they hear that their students are passionate about it, so they just make a space for that.” Although Hoban offers many fanfavorite enrichment opportunities, limited space and lack of adult monitors makes it hard for everyone to find an activity to spend their time in. Unfortunately, students still find themselves alone in an enrichment or locked out due to a lack of space. Many Maggie Sejba, Francis keunerer, Lauren Short, Claire Furlong cards during Woman of Hoban. Woman of Hoban is a popular Enrichment B activity. IMAGE COURTESY OF ELAINA KARAFILIS
enrichment options are repeated by teachers and lack creativity. “I love enrichment but I think that we need more creative and diverse enrichments for people that enjoy different things,” said sophomore Alivia Shenigo. Students are encouraged to discuss with Harris their ideas for enrichment and to sign up for enrichment activities in advance. Along with this, teachers who have an interest in hosting enrichments should speak to their students about their passions.
in-depth
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CLASS OF 2030 CONTINUES LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
BY LUCIE KENST & LILY OBHOF
Archbishop Hoban High School is an elite college preparatory school focused on educating both the heart and the mind to all students. This year’s Freshman Class now joins alongside the Hoban community and compares pretty evenly to years past. This year, the current Freshman Class is made up of a total of 228 students. 52.5 percent of the freshmen are boys and the other 47.5 percent are girls. This year is more evenly split, which was not necessarily the case in years past. However, what is very similar to years past is the total number in the class. The current Sophomore Class started their freshman year with 242, the current Junior Class started theirs with 240, and the current Senior Class started with 231. Last year’s seniors, the Class of 2026, started their freshman year with 226, so in reality, the Class of 2030 is right on track. In 2021, five years ago, there were a total of 750 students, but now, Hoban is up to 892. FRESHMAN CLASS SIZES
Some things that make Hoban unique are the amount of counties students come from and the difference between private and public schools. This year, the Class of 2030 is traveling to the Golden Dome from six different counties: Cuyahoga, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne. There are about 16 counties in Northeast Ohio, making Hoban freshmen account for just about 38 percent of the area. As for types of schools, 134 of the current Freshman Class came from a Catholic elementary school. Another 66 students came from public schools and 25 came from private, non-Catholic schools. Lastly, 3 students previously were online learners or homeschooled. Looking at the whole school statistics
over the last five years, there are four clear schools that contribute the most students to Hoban: St. Hilary, St. Francis de Sales, St. Sebastian and St. Anthony of Padua. This aligns with this year’s Freshman Class, specifically since private Catholic elementary schools make up for nearly 60 percent of the class. TYPES OF SCHOOLS THIS YEAR’S FRESHMAN CLASS COMES FROM
Ohio’s EdChoice scholarship is a state-funded scholarship that can help students attend and afford private school instead of attending their local public school. EdChoice is a program that many states around the country participate in, and Ohio is no different. At Hoban, 799 students throughout the entire school receive EdChoice to help fund their private Holy Cross education. The Freshman Class in all receives 199 scholarships funded through the state. Along with EdChoice, Hoban also gives many scholarships of their own to help ensure students can receive a Holy Cross education. One of these scholarships is known as the “Endowed Scholarship,” which is a scholarship award from various generous donors. There are 108 freshmen who currently have been awarded one of these scholarships. Hoban also has many other types of scholarships and grants that range from academic achievements to financial need. 97 percent of all Hoban students receive some kind of scholarship, whether that be EdChoice or meritbased, that helps ensure they can attend Hoban for all four years of high school. INFOGRAPHICS BY LILY OBHOF DATA FROM JESSICA FASIG & CHRISTINE HAHN
STUDENT BODY RACIAL IDENTITIES
Hoban has a diverse student body, containing several different racial and ethnic groups. A total of 61.3 percent of the student body identifies as white, 22.2 percent of students identify as Black, with 4.2 percent identifying as Asian or Pacific Islander; 2.2 percent identify as Hispanic or Latino and 10.1 percent of the student body identifies as multiracial. The student body is made up of many different groups and students come from all walks of life. As a Catholic High School in the Holy Cross tradition, religion is an important aspect of a Knight’s daily routine. Not only is Hoban diverse in its ethnic and racial makeup, but also in its religions. Throughout the school, about 65 percent of students identify as Catholic, and in the Freshman Class alone, it is about 55 percent. This adds to the core value of inclusivity. Although every student is required to take a theology class while here at Hoban, understanding that everyone comes from different backgrounds helps students to better understand each other and build an even stronger community of Knights. STUDENT BODY FAITH
features
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HOBAN WELCOMES NEW HOLY CROSS EDUCATORS BY MIA YUSUFI, LEXXI SCHMITT & LUKE FINLEY
Left: New Holy Cross Educators gather to prepare for the academic year. PHOTO COURTESY OF MELANIE WHITE Right and below: ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE HOLY CROSS EDUCATOR Jayma Gill is a mental health specialist from Red Oak Behavioral Health. In her free time, she enjoys writing poetry and journaling. Gill encourages anyone who wants to talk about anything or needs help to reach out. “I’m enjoying Coming from Lake Catholic and St. Vincent-St. Mary, first-year Assistant Athletic Director Tanner Ross is happy to bring his expertise closer to home. So far, he has enjoyed “meeting all the student athletes and parents.”
JAYMA GILL being here so far and I look forward to being here for a long time.”
TANNER ROSS Outside of school, he enjoys being a dad and playing video games.
Chris Idone is a new full-time substitute teacher, who also is the head boys lacrosse coach. On the side, Idone also works “as a sports reporter for Stats Perform where… [he] cover[s] college football, NFL, MLB, and college Alumna Catey Scanlon ‘02 is returning to Hoban as the Chief Advancement Officer, which involves fundraising to support scholarships and to support capital and equipment needs at Hoban. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family.
CHRIS IDONE basketball.” This year will also be his 16th year coaching lacrosse.
CATEY SCANLON “I see this position as a chance to make a difference and help where I can.”
Lauren Allen is an English teacher. Allen has been teaching for nine years and came to Hoban because she heard great things about the school. She enjoys hiking, reading, and working on films in her free time. Allen says that Physical Education and Wellness Coordinator Mike Cook loves his new PE classes and enjoys teaching officiating. Cook wanted to get back to Catholic education after graduating from a Catholic school and teaching there. Outside of class, Samantha Hardin is a new face in the Academic Success Center. Hardin is an Intervention Specialist who enjoys reading, writing, and video games in her free time. She enjoys helping kids reach their academic goals while also making learning fun. First-year history teacher Holden Shumate chose Hoban because “[he] found out really quickly [that] everyone wants everyone else to succeed.” Before Hoban, Shumate taught in the Norton and Green school districts.
LAUREN ALLEN her favorite part of teaching is “the relationships I get to form with the kids.”
MIKE COOK Cook is busy with his kids’ activities such as volleyball, softball, basketball, and track.
SAMANTHA HARDIN “I immediately felt like this was the place I needed to be,” Hardin said.
HOLDEN SHUMATE Outside of school, he enjoys playing music and soccer.
features Christopher Arnold-Law is a new math teacher. He has been teaching for two and a half years and went to college at Kent State University. Outside of school, Arnold-Law teaches at Chaparell’s Baton and Drum Corps. He says that the year is going well, adding This is Kiersten Frankford’s first year teaching after graduating from Kent State University in 2024 with a degree in Integrated Social Studies. Outside of school, Frankford enjoys watching T.V, reading, and working out. Frankford came to Hoban because Norman Jesser ‘10 is the new Director of Alumni Relations. Before Hoban, he “was in the restaurant world… [where he] was the general manager of multiple restaurants and also was a sales representative for a beverage distributor company.” Jesser has also been a Laura Szczecinski is the new Coordinator of Holy Cross Pathways, where she teaches students who benefit from a modified curriculum to access high school core class content for the classes of history, science, English and math. S z c z e n s i n k i ’s
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CHRISTOPHER ARNOLD-LAW that he has been “really happy with how my students have been performing.”
KIERSTEN FRANKFORD she “felt it would be a really positive environment for me to teach in.”
NORM JESSER football coach at the University of Akron as well as a basketball coach at Hoban.
LAURA SZCZECINSKI favorite part about working at Hoban is that she “loves the energy!”
Alumna Julie Bagdon ‘20 is a new longterm substitute for the English department. Before Hoban, Bagdon worked at the University of Dayton and Walt Disney World. She graduated from Hoban in Annie Fritts is an Intervention Specialist. Before Hoban, she attended Kent State University, majoring in Special Education, and worked at a different school for one year. “I like that [the job] is flexible and I get to do different things everyday and Alumna HypatiaGrace Kostko ‘22 is returning to Hoban as a long-term math substitute. Kostko is a firstyear teacher and an Ohio State graduate with a degree in astrophysics. She is also a ballroom and salsa dancer, dancing for four years competitively. Carter Welo is returning to Hoban as coordinator of NIL education and student athlete support. Welo said one of the many aspects of this role is, “to work with students who potentially could have [NIL] deals” Previously, Welo taught at Hoban as a health teacher. This year, he is excited to
JULIE BAGDON 2020, and “came back because it… always felt like home.”
ANNIE FRITTS help kids understand education better and meet them where they’re at.”
HYPATIA GRACE KOSTKO “I had a great time in high school and I’m very glad to be back.”
CARTER WELO be back and make connections with students through athletic support.
Shamir Brice ‘11 is a Theology Teacher who teaches Holy Cross Spirituality and Charisms for the freshmen and Paschal Mystery for the sophomores. Before Hoban, he taught high school religion at Torino Grace in Fridley, Minnesota. Brice enjoys Bob Gephart is the new Chief Financial and Operations Officer, where he is in charge of all the bookkeeping and accounting that goes on in the school. Gephart “really enjoy[s] being in the education space” and said that Hoban was “just a good fit.” Kyle Rebuck is a new social studies teacher at Archbishop Hoban High school. He enjoyed Mum Day and is excited for the student versus staff basketball game. Outside of school, Rebuck enjoys traveling, podcasts, football and baseball. A l u m n u s John Zazo ‘15 is returning to Hoban as director of the Pep Band. Zazo went to the University of Akron for a bachelor’s in classical percussion and the University of Hartford for a Master’s of Music in percussion. He has been in music
SHAMIR BRICE “discussing anything theological, historical, political, or related to pop culture.”
BOB GEPHART He is also an Arsenal fan, which is an English Premier League soccer team.
KYLE REBUCK He also has a golden retriever that he likes to take to national parks.
JOHN ZAZO for 20 years in a wide variety of genres including metal and classical.
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features
ENGLISH TEACHER FLEMING HOSTS TRIVIA NIGHT BY MIA YUSUFI
Trivia fanatic and English teacher Linda Fleming hosts trivia night weekly at a local restaurant. Fleming says trivia has always been something she enjoys. She gets it from her extended family who loves trivia and plays very often. In June 2025, Fleming got word from a friend that a local restaurant needed a new idea to drive business. There, she saw an opportunity. Fleming now hosts trivia at the restaurant once a week, not only bringing in customers for a local establishment, but also as a “fun creative outlet.” Fleming uses her lessons and knowledge of the game to come up with new and interesting questions every week. “It gets harder,” Fleming said, “I’ve run out of things I know and I have to research new things every week.” Oftentimes, she “stumps” most adults in the room with her questions from class that day.
A lot of work goes into coming up with new questions every week. Fleming starts with an easy first question to get players comfortable, and progressively gets harder with the final wager. She then picks from a range of categories, including cities, inventors, famous songs, Jeopardy! questions, cats and animals, athletes, geology, musicians, and more. There is a system in place for every question and every answer. Fleming believes the best questions are the ones with multiple layers to think through, similar to puzzles. There are even prizes, like a twenty dollar gift card for first place and a ten dollar gift card for second place winners. Fleming’s audience ranges in age. Some weeks, other Hoban teachers show up to support. Fleming often does trivia during Enrichment B as well, bringing her skills to the Hoban student body. Students interested in joining trivia can sign up in Flex.
Linda Fleming shows a trivia question about the Harlem Renaissance. Fleming does Enrichment B trivia with students on many Wednesdays and Fridays. PHOTO BY MIA YUSUFI
HOBAN HIKING CLUB EXPLORES LOCAL OHIO TRAILS BY AVA YUSUFI & DREW TOWELL
Ohio is the home to many scenic hiking spots local to Archbishop Hoban High School. On Saturday mornings, John Laubacher and James Mulholland invite the Hoban Hiking club to local hiking spots around Ohio. Students are able to enjoy the outdoors while learning from two experienced biology teachers. Laubacher and Mulholland choose trails about 2-4 miles that are scenic and local. Their goal is to host a hike every 2-3 weeks for the rest of the school year even throughout the winter and cold months of the year. Laubacher expresses that the best time to hike is the fall because of the calm weather and beautiful scenery. “We [Mulholland and Laubacher] both really love the outdoors and hiking and being outside, and we wanted to be able to share that with students,” Laubacher said “We wanted to show them the cool places that we live around and spend time in community with each other.” They use hiking as a way to connect
with students while also teaching them about the ecosystems surrounding them. Laubacher believes hiking is beneficial for one’s health while simultaneously
offering a way to spend time with family and friends outdoors. He describes hiking as a way for people to challenge themselves and step out of their comfort zone. Laubacher also promotes safe habits while hiking, including bringing food and drinking water to stay hydrated. He advises the group to stay together and never hike alone. He also suggests it is smart to tell a friend or family member where you plan to go and how long you plan to hike for. The hiking club has many new adventures awaiting. Laubacher would eventually like to explore kayaking and canoeing. If you or anyone you know is interested in trying something new, get in contact with Laubacher at laubacherj@hoban.org and he will provide information and a mandatory permission slip. The Archbishop Hoban Hiking Club brings a group to hike. They explore Cuyahoga Falls during the winter. IMAGE COURTESY OF JAMES MULHOLLAND
features
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MUM DAY PEP RALLY DISPLAYS KNIGHTS’ SCHOOL SPIRIT
Photos by Luke Finley
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CREATES FOOD REVIEW PAGE BY NATHAN JOHNSON
Big Bro Bites reviews food all over Akron. PHOTOS COURTESY OF @BIGBROBITES
The Associate Principal of Student Life, Bryce Harris, runs a social media page called Big Bro Bites that reviews food all around Akron. Despite his page being a hobby for Harris, he believes social media pages like his create a community to share food spots. “There is enough food in this world for us all to eat,” Harris said. “It doesn’t just have to be me in that space. I think the more awareness we can have on the local restaurants the better.” Harris’s love for food developed from the high amounts of calories he needed to sustain himself
as an athlete in college. T h i s in turn made him fall in love with food even after graduation. “‘I used to be a D1 offensive lineman, so I was like 310 pounds and I had to eat 6,000 calories a day, so I ended up falling in love with food,” Harris said. “My friends and family was like, ‘You always reviewing food, you always getting food, you need to start a page.’” When he was an underclassman for his collegiate team, his nickname was “Big Bro Bryce,” since he was the first underclassman to ever be a captain for the football team at
University of Toledo. He swapped ”Bryce” with “Bites” to fit the theme of food. Harris’ goal now is to get monetized on other social media, besides just TikTok. “I don’t know how to reach that goal, but a dream of mine and an aspiration of mine is to get monetized on Facebook,” Harris said. “Instagram and Facebook have the same monetization.” Harris encourages people that have a goal to work towards it now. “Just start, and as corny as that sounds, you have to start because I probably had this idea for three years,” Harris said. Anyone with food recommendations for Big Bro Bites to try, can come by the central office.
sports
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HOBAN DEMOLISHES WALSH ON MUM DAY
BY KORBEN HAHN
As of Mum Day, the football team stands at 2-4 following a challenging early season slate. The Knights dropped four nonconference contests, falling to out-of-state teams from West Orange in Florida, NFL Academy from Europe and Eagle Academy from New York, before losing a close 17-14 matchup against St. Edward’s. Hoban secured its first win of the year in a 1914 victory over Cardinal Gibbons, providing a crucial momentum boost for the roster. “Getting a win under your belt before facing your archrival really gets lots of weight off your shoulders and that game definitely helped build momentum for the kids,” Head Coach Tim Tyrrell said. The Knights carried that momentum into Mum Day, dominating
Senior Jaiden Daniels breaks down Walsh’s defense all the way to the end zone. PHOTO COURTESY OF ELAINA KARAFILIS on both sides of the ball in a 30-0 shut out victory over Walsh Jesuit on their own home turf. Hoban established control early and sustained high intensity throughout the contest. Quarterback Major Cribbs performed the offense and completed 7 of 11 passes for a touchdown. Wide receivers John Johnson and junior Malachi Cook anchored the passing attack, recording three receptions each.
The Hoban defense completely stopped Walsh’s offense, keeping them off the scoreboard entirely. Kiren Green created extra opportunities with two fumble recoveries, while Jace Campbell broke the game open in the third quarter with a pick six extending the lead 23-0. “We’ve only given up really two big plays a game and we knew if we can limit that, we would have a chance to win the game,” Tyrrell said.
LACROSSE UNDERGOES SHIFT IN COACHING STAFF BY LILY OBHOF
New school year, new season, and new coaches. Or no coaches. With the start of a new lacrosse season, there has been major upheaval in both the boys and girls coaching staffs. “We’re like, governing ourselves right now,” said junior Jocelyn Waugh, a member of the girls juniorvarsity lacrosse team. Currently, the girls lacrosse team does not have any coaching staff, leaving the team uncertain going into the season. The girls team is
currently searching for applicants, and have not yet made an official decision on who will be their new head coach. Practices and lifting are being coordinated by seniors, and the students are taking charge. “It’s very up in the air and uncertain, but we have hope,” said Hadley Franjesh, another member of the junior varsity team. Meanwhile, the boys lacrosse team is also undergoing a shift in their coaching staff. Last year’s offensive coordinator Chris Idone,
will be taking over as head coach following the departure of former Head Coach Danny Clem. The defensive coordinator, Shawn Lengle, is returning as well. The team has high hopes for this season and have started offseason lifting to prepare for the games in spring. “I have a pretty positive outlook for our team,” said senior Jack Harvey, a face-off for the varsity team. “I think it will be a little struggle with the losses from last year, but I think we’ll manage.”
LATE SEASON RUN HELPS GUARDIANS ‘3-PEAT’ AS DIVISION CHAMPS BY DREW TOWELL
As the Major League Baseball regular season winds down, drama stays prevalent in the American League Central Division. Coming off of a wild finish last year, many analysts expected a firm and clearer ending to this year’s race. The Detroit Tigers were heavy favorites coming into the season, but under performance and injuries affected their chances of winning the AL Central. The opening for the top spot was controlled by the Chicago White Sox who grinded their way to the top of the Division, only a few years after finishing with the worst win-loss record in the league’s history. Within the final few weeks, the Cleveland Guardians stayed in the race just long enough to get hot. Springloaded by a giant interdivision series against the Tigers, the Guardians completed three walk-off wins,two of them being in the same day. With momentum on their side, they stormed into the biggest series of the year against the White Sox. After losing game one, they walked off game two and firmly took game three, giving them the division lead and a playoff spot. The final few games are yet to be played, but after a statement win the Guardians secured a first round bye for the playoffs and the number two seed going into October. Hopefully, the Guardians can make the most of the first round bye. Both the White Sox and Astros have problems coming into the playoffs. The White Sox are a very young team and haven’t reached the postseason in five years making them inexperienced. The Astros on the contrary are older and on the decline of a dynasty. The Guardians have a golden opportunity because of the lack of competitive competition coming out of the wild card round. If they win, the Guardians will have set themselves up for a deep postseason run and potentially replicate the magic of the 2016 season.
entertainment
OLIVIA RODRIGO BLENDS LOVE & HEARTACHE IN ‘YOU SEEM PRETTY SAD FOR A GIRL SO IN LOVE’ BY LUKE FINLEY
The long-awaited “you seem pretty third album by sad for a girl so Olivia Rodrigo, “you in love” by Olivia seem pretty sad for a Rodrigo came out girl so in love,” was on June 12, 2026. It finally released on is Rodrigo’s third June 12, 2026 and album and shows has taken the world her growth since her by storm. With three debut record. IMAGE chart-topping hits, COURTESY OF a record-breaking SPOTIFY streaming release, and a sold-out world tour in support of the album, Rodrigo has certainly been successful with this record. On top of all of this, she has delivered what is possibly one of the best albums of the year. The song “purple” perfectly represents the album’s strengths. Rodrigo talks about moving to a different area with one’s significant other, and, in doing so, giving up a little bit of oneself in the process. This specific feeling is revealed in the lyrics: “I had big dreams ‘til I tied myself to you, now I’m all consumed.” The writing on this song shows exactly why this album is so fantastic; the lyrics about love slowly twist into something darker. This concept expands throughout the record as it follows the entire story of a relationship, from the joy of love at first sight in the lead single “drop dead,” to the bittersweet reminiscing in the closing track “cigarette smoke.” Rodrigo balances the two extremes to create a clear sonic story through the album. This record truly is one of the best albums of the year. The songwriting, the concept, and Rodrigo’s inherent skill of tapping into her emotions have made this album an instant classic in the pop music world.
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LEGO SPONGEBOB TRIUMPHANTLY RETURNS
BY GRIFFEN WAUGH characters. “I remember seeing One of the most videos of people playing beloved Lego themes, with Lego SpongeBob Lego SpongeBob [sets],” Benson said. “I SquarePants, recently think it should [completely announced its return with return] if it sells well.” the launch of two new Intervention Specialist sets on Sept. 1. Annie Fritts is also excited The sets, a recreation for the theme’s return, and of Bikini Bottom and a so are her relatives. “BrickHeadz” figure of “My nephew who SpongeBob, are the first in is 7 is a huge fan of 13 years. SpongeBob, so I think he Senior Jay Benson would be really interested is excited for the return in [the new sets], and he of Lego SpongeBob, loves Legos,” Fritts said. specifically reminiscing “I think that would be on YouTubers who something that he would recreated full episodes get into for sure.” of the original show However, one criticism using minifigures of the of Lego’s modern business
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practices is that they often overprice sets in regards to how many features they actually have, something not lost on Benson. “I really like Legos, so it’s kind of sucky, but most Legos are like that, so I’m not really too surprised,” Benson said. “It’s kind of sucky that [Bikini Bottom] costs so much because it just kind of outprices people who are less fortunate.” The two sets currently in the line, “Bikini Bottom” and the BrickHeadz “SpongeBob SquarePants Figure,” retail for $219.99 and $12.99, respectively.
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‘PITCOIN’ BRINGS PITBULL BACK INTO MAINSTREAM
many Hoban students Worldwide” is trying excited, especially to prove them wrong A new era for after the high with this new release. Pitbull is coming, attendance of his sold- He typically releases and that starts with out concert at Blossom several songs every his upcoming album, Music Center on Sept. year. “Pitcoin.” This highly- 16. “I am very excited anticipated album is “I hope the new for his upcoming set to release on Oct. album features good album,” senior Kaleb 9, just after he wraps artists that enhance Magaw said. “I don’t up his current North the songs and keep think he will ever American tour, “I’m his hype and carefree become outdated.” Back.” Several singles vibes like his previous Overall, Pitbull has have already been albums,” senior Leah shown that even at 45 released, including the Trautman said. years old, he will not current biggest hit on Even though be going anywhere the album featuring some people might anytime soon. Make artist Lil Jon. think Pitbull is old sure to give “Pitcoin” This new release has and outdated, “Mr. a listen. 1. The official photo of Lego’s rendition of Bikini Bottom prominently showcases its newly redesigned buildings and minifigures. IMAGE COURTESY OF LEGO.COM 2. The cover art for the new album “Pitcoin,” putting the name into quite a literal visual representation. IMAGE COURTESY OF SPOTIFY BY LEXXI SCHMITT
The Visor’s Spooky Playlist:
The Visor’s Halloween Costume Recommendations Fill in what the costumes are to reveal the Golden Ticket Answer!
Halloween Haunts: A Spooky Playlist “Breathe (In the Air)” by Pink Floyd Submitted by Drew Towell
“The Ghost of You ” by My Chemical Romance Submitted by Griffen Waugh
“Oh Klahoma” by Jack Stauber Submitted by Nathan Johnson
“Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell Submitted by Alivia Tubaugh
“Wild Horses” by Rolling Stones Submitted by Lexxi Schmitt
“Little Dark Age” by MGMT Submitted by Deidre Drensky
“Disturbia” by Rihanna Submitted by Kayla Johnson “Thriller” by Michael Jackson Submitted by Lily Obhof “Halloween” by Pheobe Bridgers Submitted by Ava Yusufi
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(HATES snakes) “I like this song because it feels very fall and spooky. It has a great beat and Eminem and Rihana’s voices mesh really well together. ” -Lexxi Schmitt
5 (“hoppy” Halloween) (buttons)
“Just For Now” Imogen Heap Submitted by Mia Yusufi “Season of the Witch” by Lana Del Rey Submitted by Luke Finley
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“My Girlfriend Is a Witch” by October Country Submitted by Emma Pomeroy “no body, no crime” by Taylor Swift Submitted by Lucie Kenst “Sorrows” by Bryson Tiller Submitted by Korban Hahn
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IMAGE COURTESY OF SOUND CLOUD
“The Monster” by Eminem and Rihanna Submitted by Lexxi Schmitt
(think The Cup Song)
The Visor’s Golden Ticket Word Puzzle! 1
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