Vol. 5 No. 4 (April 2015)

blueprints Volume 5, Issue 4

April/May 2015

The Benefits of Team Sports PLUS:

ยง Underage Drinking ยง Spring Fashion ยง Left-Handed Equality ยง Post-Prom ยง Happiness

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

BLUEPRINTS 2014-15 Staff

Editor-in-Chief Julia Lerner

Entertainment Editors Regan McCroskey Adriona Murphy

Features Editor Brittany Cline

News Editor

Destiny Braden

Opinion Editor Anna Minton

Photo by Ben Barkett

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ith the school year drawing to a close, it seems appropriate that the graduating senior class has determined their legacy. While other classes are known for their resilliance in times of struggle, ours is recognized for one thing: our drinking problem.

And obviously this is not the only thing our class is known for.

We’re going to be the first class to send a student to Georgetown, and the last class to be served ice cream at the Nutri-Bar. We’re the first class to not see Mrs. Gwynn AND Senora Baldwin in over 37 years. We’re the very first group to not have Mr. Bernath walking down the hallways, and we’re the last senior class Mr. Bennet will ever teach. We’re the first journalism group to go online and we’re the first class to EVER win a superior in writing (we won four, by the way).

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So not all bad. In fact, mostly good. But for some reason, the newspapers never seem to remember all the good things we’ve done, and the fun things we’ve shared.

So to all my graduating seniors: don’t forget.

Most of us walked with each other from kindergarten to senior year, and I’m begging you to not forget everything we’ve learned from each other, everything we’ve done together, and everything we can still do in our short time here together.

In three short months, I’m going to be moving 400 miles away from the only life I have ever known, but I know I will be taking with me every lesson from every person I knew throughout high school.

With love, Julia Lerner @julialwashere Retiring BluePrints Editor-In-Chief

Sports Editors Nic Mork Trevor Steyn

Layout Editors

Maggie McGonagle Dakota Smith

Photographer Ben Barkett

Artist

Nick Bygrave

Business Manager Luke Bauer

Staff Members

Kaeli Frahn Paige Griesse Austen Miller Emily Pitcher Alex Templeton Barrett Williams

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OPINION

SPORTS

Page 4: “We bribed the police” Page 5: 18 vs 21 Page 10: Left-Handed Equality,

Senioritis, Changing Season

Page 8: The Benefits of Team Sports Page 12: Mork’s Sport Report

NEWS

Page 6:Spring Fashion Page 7: Post-Prom 2015 Page 12: Longest Ride Review

Page 11: Senior Seminar Day Page 12: Granville Loses Funding

FEATURES & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 13: Happiness, Strawberry Lemonade Bars Page 14: Rambling on Parenthood Page 15: Things I Learned From My Mother Page 16: Ask Andy; Ask Macey and Millie

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“We

STAFF EDITORIAL

bribed the police

Prom rumors that got out of control, and what to do about underage drinking

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rom this year was interesting, to put it mildly.

While most of us had what you would call an “average” (if you could call the epitome of our high school career “average”) Prom, 28 of us did not. And unfortunately, most of us showed up, anticipating a normal prom, but instead recieved an almost-empty dance crawling with teachers, police officers and not our friends.

Every single kid who entered the dance heard a different story in between munching on cupcakes, dancing to the awkwardly remixed Taylor Swift and Rihanna and screaming at their friends over the noise.

The rumors started circulating immediately: Each of the 28 student who got off the bus recieved a 10 day out-ofschool suspernsion. The police did sobriety tests and breathalyzers on every student. The students got letters written to their future colleges, detailing the event. And then, finally, the students “paid off ” (according to parents, at least) the police to drop the charges, and of course the police complied.

In the days following the Prom, though, rumors continued to circulate. It wasn’t 28 students, it was suddenly over 40, who “arrived at the prom intoxicated” (according to the Newark Advocate). It wasn’t a

ten day out-of-school suspension, it was a twenty day outof-school suspension. It wasn’t just alcohol, it was hard drugs: crack cocaine, hallucinogenic mushrooms, etc. And a student was not going to be allowed to graduate.

However, nothing actually happened. The 28, not 40, students showed up on their party bus, hopped off and only a small amount of alcohol was found on the bus. There were no drugs to be found anywhere on board. Not a single student took a breathalyzer, not a single student got a letter written to their college and there were no suspensions handed out.

As no official information was released by the school, it was difficult to determine what had actually happened and what rumors were true. And, to make matters worse, The Newark Advocate perpetuated a number of the fallacies, and ended up retracting a number of statements made about the event. It was up to the indiividual students who were invovled to set the record straight.

The rumors were, without a doubt, the worst part of the entire Prom situation (other than the questionable legality of underage drinking). However, the question then becomes, would Prom night have been so eventful if the drinking age was not 21? Would anyone have actually

Drawn by Nick Bygrave

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cared what these kids had done, and perpetuated such malicious rumors if the drinking age was lower?

As a group of students, the BluePrints staff cannot condone underage drinking. In the interest of anonymity, we should not discuss specific incidents, or even address who was involved, nor should we criticize the decision of all involved parties (including Mr. Durst, Mr. Carpenter, and the Granville Police Department) to not punish the students aboard the party bus.

What we can, and what we should do is reconsider the law regarding underage drinking.

In 62% of countries around the world, the legal drinking

We now know the truth: a potentially interesting story was, actually, incredibly boring. But is it enough to make students and legislators alike to consider the legality of drinking at the age of 18?

age is 18. As seniors in high school, most of us are 18 years old. Here, we can fight in a war, move out of our mom’s basement, get married, make incredible decisions regarding the rest of our lives, but we can’t drink a beer.

What do you think the legal drinking age should be? Tell us @ blueprintsonline.org 4 BLUEPRINTS APRIL 2015

the drinking age

BY EMILY PITCHER

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s the school year is coming to a close, we tend to celebrate in various ways. For seniors, the last summer before going off to college is a time for students to make everlasting memories with their friends, in hopes they will still stay connected during the college years. During summer parties and events students will constantly be around alcohol.

When entering into the world of adolescence I constantly had heard stories of under-age drinking. Now that I am in a world where drinking is a part of everyday life, legal or illegal, I have become aware of the positives and the negatives of it. Getting ready to enter into the college setting, where a good majority of students participate in underage drinking, I don’t think the drinking age should be 21 because once you turn 18, you are finally considered an adult. I always find myself asking: if we are considered “adults” now, why shouldn’t we be allowed to drink? Drinking is seen as a “forbidden fruit,” something we shouldn’t be doing. Many can argue against me that drinking at a young age is harmful, and we are irresponsible. I would like to provide a counterargument and say that drinking is completely up to the individual.

On top of all of that, in most countries the drinking age is 18.

We fall into a category of 4% of countries that limit drinking to 21+. The countries we are lumped with include some of the strictest regimes around the world. Why do we want to be categorized with them?

The reason behind teenage drinking is that teens love to do things they aren’t allowed to do. If the drinking age was lowered to 18, teens wouldn’t feel the need to abuse alcohol. This is when the controversial situation comes to play: should the drinking age be lowered to 18? In my opinion, yes.

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BY REGAN MCCROSKEY

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onestly, I don’t think that the drinking age should change.

I’m sure many people would disagree with me, but to be honest, even with the age set, people still get ahold of alcohol anyway; it doesn’t matter how old you are. There are tons of high school and college students who find alcohol easily.

I feel like many parents turn their heads when they know there kids are drinking, just because they don’t want to deal with it. As long as their kids aren’t doing something incredibly stupid, why should we all spend our time trying to change something that isn’t totally necessary?

I’d rather our government spend time trying to take on issues like gay marriage laws, abortion rights, gender equality rights or something with a greater value that really does need fixed.

There are so many different things in this world we could be addressing that need change. The drinking age shouldn’t be a top priority. Because even if we change the drinking age, high schoolers will still drink, people who drive will still get arrested if they drive intoxicated. Nothing is going to dramatically change.

Changing the drinking age to 18 is just another first world issue. Your 17 year-old will still continue drinking with their friends at that party on Friday night whether it’s legal at 18 or 21. The only thing that would change is that you have 18 year olds buying alcohol. So? You have to be a responsible drinker whatever age you are, because all the consequences are the same, even if you’re 50 or 16.

I’d rather spend my time trying to find a way to protect people from racial discrimination, human trafficking or other severe, illegal matters. Letting someone have a beer is the last thing on my mind.

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Spring into Fashion Just when you are taking out the long awaited shorts and tank top, it starts snowing, and when you put on your over-used winter coat, it’s suddenly 70 degrees. While April showers do bring May flowers, they also make putting a cute, weather appropriate outfit near impossible.

KAELI FRAHN A Shift Dress

As the weather begins to warm, it’s tempting to throw on a pair of shorts and head out the door. The shift dress, however, allows one to be comfortable and fashionable.

Open Shoulder Shirts

Open-shoulder shirts give a bohemian airy feel which is perfect for the spring time.

KAYLA BRADEN KATE GINISE Culotte Shorts

Culotte shorts are a comfortable alternative to jean shorts or athletic shorts and can easily be dressed up or down.

Jogger Pants

With all kinds of prints and patterns, jogger pants are one of the coziest ways to be fashionable.

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MIKAYLA MORRISON Crop Tops and Flannels

When the weather becomes hotter, and it’s time to choose your outfit, a crop top paired with a flannel is always a must.

A flannel can be multiple colors, and adding it with a crop top makes a perfect spring outfit.

As Prom season draws to a close, we see hundreds of different styles, colors and accessories.

Deciding on the perfect dress, as we all know, is the most diffiicult decision of the season, but it’s safe to say that there are no bad choices.

Photos collected by Adriona Murphy

Olivia Ebersole & Natalie Saigh

Hannah Su Sophia H mich, Alaina M a utras & Dani Hu relli, ffman Trevor Steyn & Abbey Pitcock

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Hannah Ehlers & Ethan Gaines Samantha McCutchen & Kevin Henry Parris Miller & Mara Dunning

For photos, promposals, and more, follow us online @ blueprintsonline.org

en & Juli

a Lerner

Sara Martin, Matt Roach & Rachel Romesburg

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The

Benefits of Playing

Team Sports

BY AUSTEN MILLER, NIC MORK, TREVOR STEYN, BARRETT WILLIAMS, ALEX TEMPLETON

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articipating in sports is something that everyone has more than likely been a part of in their life. It is a fun way to stay in shape and meet new people. But the most important aspect could be the lessons that the sports world can teach.

Being a part of a team requires people to pull their own weight.

A team wins together and a team loses together. Participating on a team is a good way to teach children what reality can be like. It teaches teamwork, leadership and how to overcome adversity. All of these things go farther than sports though. In the work force and business world, there will be obstacles that people have to overcome.

Participating in sports is also a good way to stay in shape.

Every single sport requires some form of physical activity. Over the years many programs like Play60 have been developed to help underprivileged children to participate in sports. It is a charity that many athletes and sport companies donate to, and many professional athletes like Cam Newton, quarter back for the Carolina Panthers and Dwayne Wade take part in.

Other government programs set up by First Lady Michelle Obama have been utilized to help overweight children participate in sports.

Being on a team brings people together and creates friendships. It builds trust, knowing that you have to pull your weight so that the guys to your left and right can succeed and do the same. Most friendships created while playing sports last a life time, and there are bonds that cannot be broken.

“Being on a team helps you to learn and work with people you may not like, and it builds camaraderie.” said varsity head basketball coach Adam Teeters. “It helps overcome adversity with other people which is what life is all about.”

He said “Being on a team is not for everyone, but they should at least try to.”

The basketball team had a very successful season doing just those things and working together. It is incredible to see what kinds of things can happen when a team works together.

The football team is also no stranger to working together as

The Granville Lacrosse team takes the lead against the Bexley Lions. a team. Coach J.R. Wait said “team sports are instrumental in developing skills for life. Working together in a group for a common goal, sacrificing for others, taking on leadership responsibilities, dealing with success and failure together, and many more important skills and experiences are learned and gained by being part of a team.”

“The more young people who are involved with team sports, the better off our school, community, and society will be” Wait said. “There are things that are taught in team settings that simply cannot be learned in the classroom.”

“You need to make sure everyone is doing their part in order to be successful,” said Hollingsworth, a lacrosse team captain “I was back and forth on varsity my freshman year, and the leadership that was around is what kept me in going because I was constantly being pushed to get better.”

The Boys Basketball team was certainly familiar with being successful. Senior captain and MVP winner, forward Austin Rush contributed greatly during his four years in the program. “Teams can go far if they choose to work together,” said Rush.

Being a part ofa team can help people achieve things that

So fight, fight like heck, and when you’re tired, lay down and rest, someone will be there to fight for you.

-Jim Valvano

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The mens’ varsity lacrosse team celebrates after a victory against Bexley. seem unreachable. Tuesday night the varsity mens’ lacrosse team defeated Bexley 13-8. Captain Sam Hollingsworth played a large role in it.

“We worked together as a team and got it done. I couldnt be more proud right now,” said Hollingsworth.

Of course when it comes to sstaying physically active, they are also a good idea. In team sports and in single sports like golf, cross country, and track, people mainly do it for the thrill of staying active.

But make no mistake, being a part of a single sport is still a good way to build mental toughness and reliability. Certainly if you don’t do your part during a team sport, you will fail. But with single sports, you performing poorly could make the entire team lose. This helps build the mental idea that you have to pull your own weight in order to succeed.

Being a part of a team is a great honor that many take advantage of, and others do not. There is no time to act foolish and mediocraty will not be accepted. The lessons like teamwork, tenasity, confidence, calmness in a stressful situation and overcoming adversity is something that many will encounter throughoutn life, and certainly in the work force. Many have to understand that they can not face the world alone, and in order to do that they have to have teamates that they can rely on in hard times.

Lastly, being a part of a team is something that will be remembered for the rest of your life. You create bonds and friendships that will maybe last a lifetime. Life gets difficult, but when you have teammates, and the lessons that you have learned at your hands, being able to overcome obstacles does not seem as hard. §

CAPTAINS’ THOUGHTS MITCH MCDONOUGHMens’ Lacrosse “Being a part of a team has actually helped me be more condifdent and out going in high school.”

AUSTIN FINLEYFootball “It really has prepared me for the world.”

AUSTIN RUSHBoys’ Basketball “I feel confident when I’m on a team. We can go as far as we want.” www.blueprintsonline.org 9

senioritis E CHANGING SEASONS

BY REGAN MCCROSKEY very single year we hear about “senioritis”, the deadly disease all seniors catch right about third quarter, maybe even earlier. A virus that grows within our minds and our bodies with symptoms like fatigue, seeing no reason to go to school, rejecting homework and having a lot more absences than usual. This is also that time of year when teachers are handing out exam review packets, AP exam slips, EOC’s, the senior projects and all kinds of things we have to buckle down to. But do we really focus in on it?

The correct answer is no.

As seniors, we have been struggling to get our homework done, to drag ourselves out of bed each morning and continue to focus in on important assignments. We’ve given our all this year, can’t we just graduate?

I wish.

With less than 40 days until graduation to go, the thing on every seniors’ mind is summer plans, applying for housing, or figuring out what they want to do next. Anything that has to do with their future. Why is that such a bad thing?

People will tell you that junior year is the hardest.

That’s a total lie. Figuring out the next step of our lives after high school is so stressful and time-consuming that it’s ridiculous. Your

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senior year you will spend stressed.

Congratulations, you get to spend the next 9 months going to bed every night thinking about what happens if you get rejected from every school or you don’t find the right place for you or what if you get into the college but not your major? Then you get to apply for billions of scholarships you probably won’t get, you also get to sit down and cry because your tuition cost is such a big number its heart-breaking. Then you go on 12 more college visits and spend thousands of dollars driving and flying all over the place just to see if the campus “feels right.” Not to mention all the interviews, auditions and events you have to go to and be on you’re A-game for.

Talk about busy, right?

And don’t forget you are still in school, doing the same extracurriculars and the same number of classes as all the years before.

So if we are all a little tired by the end of the year or we don’t feel like writing another giant paper or studying for another test, just give us a break. We’ve done everything this high school has required of us, and exceeded the minimum in the number of classes we take, the extra-curriculars we participate in, and the sports we play. We’ve been going above and beyond for almost four years.

Isn’t that enough? §

BY LUKE BAUER fter a few week of school and warmer temperatures, there is no doubt that many of us have begun to think of the springtime and the pleasures that go along with it. Spring Break, warm evenings, outdoor sports (finally) and the lure of the end of school have many of us distracted from our everyday routines.

This distraction, especially for the seniors, has an extremely weakening affect upon our work ethic and diligence when it comes to schoolwork. “Senioritis,” as it is so lovingly called, is intensified, and in my opinion, teachers use this to their advantage.

Historically here at Granville High School, the third quarter is always the hardest. Typical busy work combined with research papers, standardized tests, graduation requirements, college and financial aid obligations, new sports seasons and the proximity to summer throws students into a downward spiral of self-loathing and self-pity.

Teachers, on the other hand, seem to thrive off of this senior slump. They seem happy, eager and excited to assign us the work that we dread so much. It would

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seem like a small amount of empathy would be present, but it is quite the opposite. Typically, more work is assigned in order to counteract the affects of senioritis.

Let me be clear. I am not trying to call out our teachers, because I know they are doing an excellent job at their profession, but it is hard not to picture a mad scientist rubbing his hands together laughing over a boiling pot of some foreign material when thinking of the creation of lesson plans.

In my opinion, the senior teachers should meet us halfway and focus less on busy work and reorient class activities to more discussion based and thought provoking activities. After 12 years of schooling, I know each and everyone of us can write a sentence about a poem, or explain the components of a cell in a five sentence paragraph.

At this time in our schooling, we should focus on future based discussions and test preparation. Many of us know our choice of colleges, and we all know our time here in our beloved town is coming to a close.

I know it is nearly too late for my own class, but for the sake of my dear friends below us, we could all change with the seasons. §

Left-Handed Equality

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BY DESTINY BRADEN ews reports are raging about vari- understanding.

In kindergarten, the right-handed stuous minority groups that are seeking equality. African Americans, dents were busy cutting out Eiffel Towers women, religious groups, handicapped and Mona Lisa’s while the poor left-handed children stare ashampeople and sexual minorities, edly at their attempt of some of which make up less a straight line, wonderthan 1% of the population, ing why it looks like are rapidly gaining equality in the Himalayas. When our accepting and progressive teacher teach the differculture. Yet there is a group of ence between left and people that makes up an entire right some say, “Right is 12% of the population that are the hand you write with! constantly being ignored and And left is the hand left wronged. over.” This leaves the Every day, the forsaken poor left handed stugroup that is the left-handed dents utterly confused. people of this world has to Even from the start, leftstruggle through activities right-handed people take for Photo by Adriona Murphy handed people aren’t granted, using tools that were made with provided for. Classrooms are stocked with only right- handed people in mind. Writ- right handed scissors and right-handed ing on a whiteboard only to have it be desks. Computer mice are kept on the right smudged when your left hand goes over side of the computer, and pencil sharpenit and walking around with pencil lead on ers’ handles are on the right side, making your hand are just a few of the things left- them impossible to use with your left hand. handed people struggle through every day Can openers, musical instruments, weapthat right-handed people are incapable of ons and power tools are things that left-

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BY MAGGIE MCGONAGLE henever I was asked what I wanted to do as I was growing up, I would constantly change my mind: doctor, musician, writer and a wide range of other professions.

Throughout all of the years, however, I have always known that whatever I did I wanted to help people.

Knowing this I was extremely excited for the senior project this year. Analyzing a third-world country and trying to solve a major issue is just the kind of project that interests me. I know that although it is a tough project, the outcome would be interesting.

Originally I was not looking forward to the assignement. Earlier in the year there was a day called senior seminar day that all the seniors got to skip class and essentially attend discussions and other pointless crap all day. The only thing that really made the day worth it was the free pizza.

After this past senior day, I am so excited for the project. The video we watched on human trafficking, although sad, was much more attention-grabbing. I learned many new facts about the topic that made me feel sick and hatred towards the many men and women that buy and sell people of all ages for their own benefit.

handed people have to get custom made, usually for a much higher price.

This discrimination against left-handed people isn’t new. The word “left” came from the Ancient Greek word “lyft” which means weak and evil, while right came from the word “riht,” which means good, fair and proper. In many cultures, left-handed people are forced to use their right hand because the left hand is seen as unclean.

Left-handed people need to be provided for. Not only is using tools made for the use of your non-dominant hand uncomfortable, it is also dangerous! In fact, every year over 2,500 left-handed people die using tools that were made for right-handed people. With this statistic, and the fact the left-handed people die an average of 9 years earlier than right-handed people, it is astonishing we haven’t gone extinct!

This prejudice against left-handed people needs to end! There needs to be enough left-handed equipment for the number of left-handed people there are. If you see a left-handed person struggling, help them.

Just because left isn’t right, doesn’t mean it’s wrong.

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My favorite part of the day was when I got to talk to Nicole O’Brien. She is a Critical Care Physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. In the past year she started travelling to The DRC in Africa to help sick and impoverished people. She described it as “a two hour trip on a motorbike followed by a two hour hike.”

There are no roads leading in or out of the city that she volunteers in.

Seniors Shannon Murphy and Tyler Thomas and I have been working on a water project all year to fund a community in Africa with a water sanitation sytem. We have raised nearly $2,000 dollars.

When I heard Nicole talking about similar issues in the DRC I was even more interested than in the beginning of her talk.

Since she has travelled to Africa she has created a non-profit organization called Restore Elikia. The message her organization gives to others is “Restoring hope by providing sustainable orphan care and community development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

I am thrilled to see where this project goes and all of the solutions students come up with to save their assigned countries. §

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Speith dominates Augusta

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BY NIC MORK he Masters is something that golf fans and sports fans alike look forward to every April. The towering trees and colorful azaleas are part of the reason that makes Augusta National Golf Club the home of the most famous major of the year.

This year the main storyline was the hopeful of return of Tiger Woods, four time green jacket Nic’s Sport awinner.

Report When Tiger announced that he would be returning it only added to the anticipation for golf fans, as one of the best golfers of all time to be returning to Augusta.

Another story line was young Rory McIlroy, who dominated the British open and the PGA Championship. McIlroy was deemed the favorite by many to win the Masters and complete the career grand slam by winning all the majors.

As the Thursday approached the world turned to see if Tiger Woods could contend at the Masters for the first time in many tries. The public perception was if Tiger could even make the cut it would be a success for the once domination golfer.

The first day was also the day where the future winner took the lead. Jordan Speith, the 21 year old phenomena from Texas, was in the final pairing last year. He was in the last day at the tournament, before falling to Bubba Watson.

Speith is known for his intensity and maturity despite being one of the youngest golfers on tour.

Speith was leading after every day of golf in the tournament and was the first wire to wire winner of the tournament in the history of the masters.

The tournament will be headlined by the emergence of Speith who now people are saying the young Texan and Rory may be the two young guys that can lead golf into the sport it once was when Tiger was dominating the sport.

The rest of the major tournaments will definitely be interesting, especially if Tiger is in the field and in the hunt.

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The Longest Ride

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BY BRITTANY CLINE he Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks is his newest novel, made into a movie. It premiered on April 10. The Longest Ride is a parallel story about an old couple who met and were inseparable and a young couple who had to work together to overcome the issues in their relationship.

The movie follows the young couple, Luke, a former bull rider attempting to ride again, and Sophia, a college senior, majoring in art. While driving back late at night in his truck, they see an old man, Ira, stuck in a ditch on the side of the road. They learn of his love story when he was younger and strive to make a difference in their own relationship in order to save it.

I definitely loved the movie, but if I were to compare it to the book, there were a few things that were left out. The first thing I noticed was that the book begins with Ira and his attempt at suicide to be with his

wife once again. His wife, Ruth, came back to him in spirit telling him to keep living his life and not to worry about her, she is fine. The difference in the movie is that they didn’t begin with that scene. They began, sort of in the middle of the second chapter, at one of Luke’s bull riding competitions.

They never showed Ruth coming back to Ira. I feel as though this scene was really important to set the scenes and the mood of the movie to follow.

Another difference I noticed is that, in the book, the character Luke was supposed to ride a bull, “Big Ugly Critter,” and it was supposed to be the biggest event, but in the movie, they never discussed him riding it and it was not a concern.

Overall, the movie was very well done, on its own, and reflected the majority of the details in the book. The casting was very well done and even though the plot and certain details were altered a bit, it definitely will make you cry! §

Granville Loses Funding

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BY JULIA LERNER ust a few weeks ago, Governor John Kasich announced his plan for education reform around the state of ohio. He announced that half of the 610 public school districts in Ohio would now receive more state funding, in an attempt to provide a better education for their students. Under Kasich’s plan, that means half of the 610 schools will receive less.

The biggest problem with this plan, however, is that nobody understands how Kasich and his board decided which school districts were in need of more funding, and which schools could be okay without it.

Kasich’s staff published that they made the calculations of need-based aid using property values in the area, median incomes, special education needs, and poverty/unemployment rates.

Kasich and his staff determined the aid through studies of “input-based” and “output based” economics within a community, according to the published plan from the Education Tax Policy Institute. However, Kasich is also considering the difference among school districts, by comparing the

economics and necessities of schools to each other, as if he were comparing GHS to Newark High to Licking Valley.

His “special needs plan” is, quite frankly, not comprehensive enough to determine the aid a school district needs. The plan clarifies that those considered “gifted and talented” are considered a special needs student, but does not clarify the needs of those students who require additional assistance when it comes to learning.

Granville High School has always been considered one of the best schools in Ohio, earning recognition from the Wall Street Journal as one of the ten best public high schools in the nation based on SAT, achievement tests, and standardized test scores. Because of this, our school has just lost a sick amount of money, previously dedicated to the furthered education of students.

Howard Fleeter of the ETPI in Columbus stated his concern with the plan. “We still don’t understand what is driving it,” he said. “I just don’t want to pass judgment on anything I don’t understand yet.” §

HAPPINESS O

BY ANNA MINTON ptimism. Not an easy choice. Especially if you go to any high school, including our very own. I myself have been told here that I walk like a cripple, the ends of my hair look like a dead rat, that I dress like a freak, and that my butt is way too big, so I better watch the way I eat, cuz I’m packing on the pounds. And I may be wrong, but I’m thinking that I’m not the only one here who gets these gems of wisdom about yourselves as your walking down these hallowed halls. So…what do we do?

Do we crumble? Do we curl up in a ball and cry? Do we change our name and move to North Dakota to get away? No. There is a simpler solution. It’s just a simple choice that we have to make. A choice called optimism.

Science has shown that optimism, or thinking positively, is much better for you than focusing on the negative. You see, when your brain thinks of negative thoughts and emotions, it often is unable to move past these thoughts and be productive. However, when your brain has positive thoughts and emotions, it is often easier to expand on your ideas and to make plans for the future.

Optimism makes it easier to turn a possibility into a reality. Gretch-

en Rubin, the founder of the Happiness Project, has also proven that optimism and happiness can change your everyday life. She wrote that “just by thinking positively, we can improve out health, social relationships, and even our financial security”.

So, during this period of glares in the hallway, tired and grouchy conversations, and re-writing the same sentence over seven times because you really have no idea how to finish you English essay, I invite you all to start thinking positively. If you really do believe that you can pass that test you have for Mosquera, even though you speak Klingon better than Spanish, then who knows; maybe you will. § Photos by Paige Griesse

{

StrawBErry lEmOnaDE barS

}

§¼ cup of sugar §½ cup of butter, room temperature §1 ½ cups of flour §¼ teaspoon of salt §1 cup of fresh lemon juice §2-3 teaspoons of lemon zest §½ cup of fresh strawberries, pureed §1 ¼ cups of sugar §4 large eggs §¼ cup of flour §½ teaspoon of baking powder §¼ teaspoon of salt §Powdered sugar

BY BRITTANY CLINE

Procedure: §Preheat the oven to 350 degrees §Lightly grease a 9x13 inch pan

Crust: §Cream together the sugar and butter §Gradually beat in the flour and salt until crumbly §Pour into the prepared pan and press into an even layer §Bake for approximately 17 minutes or until the edges are set

For more recipes, check us out at blueprintsonline.org/category/features/food

Filling: §Combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, strawberry puree, sugar and eggs and beat until smooth §Add in the flour, baking powder and salt §Pour the filling over the hot crust §Return to the oven and bake for 23-26 minutes, or until the filling is set §A light brownish colored crust may form on the top of the filing §Sprinkle with powdered sugar §Cool completely §Store in refrigerator §Enjoy!

They did not turn out the way I thought they would. I was really disappointed because there were no layers to the bars, it was burnt on the sides but liquidy in the middle. Even when I put it back in the oven for a few minutes, the middle sunk down a bit and was still really liquidy. There was no way to fix it. I do not suggest using this recipe. Maybe use less of the lemon juice and the strawberry puree. Cook for 30 minutes instead of 23.

I apologize for this recipe not being the best.

www.blueprintsonline.org 13

RAMBLING

ON

PARENTHOOD

BY NICK BYGRAVE reat. Now he’s written something “ on a topic about something he couldn’t possibly know anything about. What an idiot.” Well, theoretical person who has a problem with my ramblings, I’m not going to talk about my experiences as a parent, because I’m not one. I’m going to talk about what I think parenthood means, what it does and doesn’t do, and whether or not it’s a good idea (for you).

I’ll start out by saying that I unashamedly would prefer to have a son over a daughter.

I have this decided solely because I have never been able to comprehend women, and I doubt I would be a good role model for an adolescent-developing one. I can’t imagine a beer-bellied whatever-I-become, with an interest in stand up comedy and cars that spit fire and not much else, would make a suitable teacher or guardian to girl dealing with dolls or a teenager dealing with boyfriends. I’m certain I would love her just as much as boy, and deep down I might prefer it in the long run (historically less troublesome). Nonetheless, if I’m going to talk about this topic in depth, I’m going to go ahead and allow myself some comfort to refer to my child as a “he”.

You may have noticed that it doesn’t sound like I’d be a good parent. That’s because you’re right. That may change as I grow older, but as of now, I could offer the wisdom and advice of a schizophrenic homeless man. It also scares me to think that if I where to reproduce, that their would be little Nick Bygraves running around, banging their heads on things and breaking neighbors’ flower pots. Nobody

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wants that. So, I’ve decided that if in the future I want to have children, it will be entirely based on whether or not my wife (I like saying ‘my wife’, makes me feel accomplished) would make a good mother. One possible fault of mine is that I would like to be the “cool dad”, which would 1. mean I have to become cool on some level, and 2. mean that my poor wife would have to play the bad cop. I’d foolishly offer ice cream for breakfast, thinking I live in a ABC Family sitcom, and she would be the one cooking eggs while I eat the now abandoned bowls of Moose Trax. I imagine, assuming that I don’t change much between now and then, that I would get along swimmingly with young children. We laugh at most of the same things and watch the same shows, crave the same food and perform at a similar math level.

In addition to the fear of being a poor father, I feel a reasonable thing to worry about when considering parenthood is how it will effect the marriage. After all, just because a woman can deal with your snoring and the fact that her parents still haven’t quite gotten over her choice in husbands, doesn’t mean she can deal with a crying, vomiting toddler. What if having a child doesn’t bring the two of us together, but rather tear us apart? It probably happens more times then I’m told. Part of that separation I think can come from the complete and unending attention a child requires until “adulthood,” whatever age they decide to mentally reach it (which could be anywhere from 14 to 40).

I have it in my head that your own life is completely put on hold for the 18-odd years that you’ve decided to nurture and educate

a human being with your last name (unless the divorce didn’t come out in your favor).

It is in many ways, the most selfless thing you can do.

That being said, I also cringe in the knowledge that there are so many factors in raising a child that could go wrong. And I don’t mean small stuff like wondering if he exercises regularly or recycle. I mean life-ruining yet perfectly possible instances.

What if during adolescence he experiences or witnesses a traumatic event that will scar him until death. What if he is involved in car accident that kills the others involved?

What if he never finds love and dies alone?

What if he becomes a father before he has a steady job or relationship? What if he becomes a drug addict, or even worse, a dealer. What if he grows up to be a serial killer?

Apologies for getting a bit serious/terrified in those last few theoretical situations.

I started to feel genuine fear and anxiety for my non-existent son. It probably wasn’t smart for me to dissect such a common topic with paranoia and pessimism.

I’ll have to someday accept the fact that I could give my son fantastic, educated and insightful advice, and he could still turn out to be a murderer. At the end of the day, it is what he decides to do with his influences and teachings that make him who he is, whether I was the source or not. Guess I’ll do what every decent parent does: wing it and hope for the best.

There is much more I’ve thought about and haven’t covered, but this rambling is really damn long isn’t it? It’s 2:40 am. Enough for one night. §

Things I I

learned from my mother

BY MAGGIE MCGONAGLE come from a family of four kids. Life can be hectic at times considering all of the activities that we participate in. My mom keeps it all in balance. She is a stay at home mom, and in my opinion, one of the best. She is funny, kind, caring, and responsible.

As I grew up I always thought that my mom was the worst. She would yell at me and constantly nag me. Now as I am about to enter the next chapter of my life I am starting to realize all of the great things that my mom has done for me. She has taught me discipline among many other things.

Here are a few of the many life lessons that my mother has shown me that I will cherish forever.

1. BE OPEN TO CRITICISM I have always struggled with receiving criticism. I feel as if I am being picked apart and looked down upon. My mom has taught me that criticism is one way to better myself. By taking constructive criticism, and being respectful while getting it. I can challenge myself in new ways and grow into a better version of myself.

2. BE A GOOD FRIEND One of the first things I learned from not only my mom, but both of my parents is to treat others the way you want to be treated. Be supportive, kind, caring, and loyal. I have seen my mom and the way that she would do anything for her friends. She keeps their secrets, cares for them when they are struggling, and cheers them on when they need supporters. I hope that one day I can be as good of a friend as she is.

3. DON’T BE AFRAID OF CHANGE I hate change. It is one of my least favorite things in the world. My mom has taught me to embrace it. Although it may not be welcomed with open arms, it happens. It is inevitable. I know that going forward in life I will have to allow change in my life to grow as a person.

4. DON’T SPEND MORE THAN YOU HAVE I got my first credit card when I was 16. Technically it is a debit card, but either way it has money on it. I would spend all the money I had on the card as soon as I deposited it. Eventually my mom got mad and told me to SLOW DOWN. I learned how to save money and how to make a monthly budget. I will continue to remember my mom’s words of wisdom on financial issues.

5. FORGIVENESS Everybody makes mistakes. One of the biggest mistakes however is holding grudges. In the long run, choosing not to forgive someone can cause more harm on you than it does on others. My mom has shown me that forgiveness shows strength. It shows that a person has the ability to see the good in others and forget past mistakes they have made.

6.HAVE COURAGE DURING DIFFICULT TIMES I have had a difficult time growing up. I have faced many difficult roadblocks. Through it all my mom has been my biggest inspiration. She has shown me that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. No matter how difficult a situation gets, if you wait it out life will be ok. My mother is a perfect example of showing strength during life’s ups and downs.

7. RESPECT YOURSELF Until about the age of 14 I had a hard time figuring out who I wanted to be. I always felt so lost and like I didn’t fit in with everyone else. I couldn’t find a solid group of friends, and I knew I was an outcast. My mom has helped me to see who I really am. I know that to have others respect me I have to respect myself first. I must practice cleanliness, dress appropriately, and have a kind attitude. I will always remember that my mom taught me how to be a respectable young lady.

8. USE WHAT GOD GAVE YOU All bragging aside, I am a talented swimmer. I have been participating in the sport since I was five years old. Going into my senior year I was nothing but burnt out. My mom sat me down one night and gave me one of the best inspirational talks I have ever had.

She told me that god gave me my ability to swim for a reason. It was a gift. If I quit I would be refusing to accept this gift. As you can guess, I decided to swim, and had one of the most successful seasons of my life.

9. FAMILY OVER EVERYTHING My mom loves her family more than anything in the world. I am not only talking about my dad, brothers and sisters, but also her family and their families. She is always making sure that everyone is ok. I am envious of the way that she opens her arms to everyone that comes into her life. She would do literally anything to ensure that others are happy before herself.

10. ADMIT YOUR MISTAKES I would be wrong if I said that my mother is perfect. But I admire the fact that when she makes a mistake she can admit that she was wrong, try to fix it and move on. I will try to go through the rest of my life fessing up to my wrongs and trying to redeem myself.

I will always live my life following the lessons that my mom has taught me. I am forever grateful to have been brought up in such a loving and caring family. My mom is truly the secret to why our lives run so smoothly. I may not always be happy with her, but I will always love her. No matter what. §

www.blueprintsonline.org 15

DEAR MACEY, DEAR MILLIE

Spring has sprung, the musical is sung… and everyone’s heads are about to explode. With ACTs, E.O.C, and PARCC testing, everyone is feeling the added pressure on their shoulders. But never fear, Macey and Millie are here! Well, kind of. We’ll try to answer your questions to the best of our ability, all while juggling our homework, failing standardized tests and wondering what to do with our lives as we sit on the couch and watch the endless stream of Prom pictures get posted to Instagram. The end of the year is like going to a batting cage. Exams, E.O.C. TESTS and final grades are being thrown at you, and unless you’re incredibly talented, a few are going to hit you. Here’s some advice to help you get a home run in the game of the end of the year.

Dear Macey and Millie, The end of the year is coming up, and I have no idea when to start studying for exams! My parents want me to start studying a month ago but I feel like anything I study now will be forgotten by the time exam roll around. I NEED HELP! Thanks, Anxious About Exams completely understand your confusion! Every stutudying for exams can be extremely stressful. I say that dent is different. While some students (including if you are starting to worry now, that’s your gut feeling myself) are usually awake a three in the morning telling you to start up. You can never study too much. the night before to study or do homework, others preI know that I sound like a nerd with no life, but here’s the fer the much more calm approach of gradually studything: I am a nerd with no life. Studying is basically all I ing in advanced. You should find out what type you do, other than binge watch Supernatural, and eat leftover are, or find a balance of both. I’m probably not the best pizza from the fridge. However, if you are a social butter“exam”ple!!! Hahaha fly, and the thought of staying home alone makes you cry, Good luck! finding time to study might be hard. However, my advice is to starting study at least 15 minutes a day, for whatever subject scares you the most. This way, you are learning just a little bit, without submerging yourself in the academic life.

I

S

-Macey

-Millie

ASK ANDY

What is the best way to survive the last month of school?

E

very year it seems that the first few months of school go by really fast but that is not the case in the final couple of months. Everyone starts off fine at the beginning of a race, but it is near the end of it when your legs go numb and you must crawl across the finish line.

If you are in shape to pass the year then schoolwork is not something that will make the end come close any sooner. The best way of making the time pass is by creating different games that require all of your attention away. So if you are close to failing I would recommend not doing this and maybe turning a homework assignment in every once in a while.

Another way to pass time is to take as many naps in the school as possible even between classes. If you sleep in the halls then people will naturally wake you up for class as they walk over you.

The most important part to remember is that the end is near and to never give up hope even on the darkest days of GHS.

16 BLUEPRINTS APRIL 2015