Issuu

BLUEPRINTS GRANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL • GRANVILLE, OHIO • MAY 2016 • VOL. 6 ISSUE 5

The Senior Edition Class of 2016

Inside:

District considers mandatory drug tests Senior Class History Moneyballing the class of 2016 Political Pundit: John Ball Advice for seniors blueprintsonline.org

Letter from the Editor

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

BLUEPRINTS STAFF editor in chief Anna Minton

news editor

“Married, liiving in DC and figting for social iustice.”

Grace Montgomery

sports editors

Kyle Zies and Cole Jaquith

opinion editor Carsten Savage

entertainment editor Olivia Ebersole PHOTO BY ANNA MINTON

s the school year winds down, it’s time for the final BluePrints publication of our 2015-2016 school year. In this issue we have investigated the substance abuse policy, and whether or not mandatory drug tests have a place in our future. Additionally, we take a look back at the year we’ve been through, with all its ups and downs. And then there are our cherished seniors. Soon we will be saying goodbye to the Class of 2016. In this issue we celebrate and honor this class with senior profiles and a history of our graduating class. In addition, we are fortunate enough to obtain some special advice for our seniors. This advice comes from third graders and randparents, and it includes tips on achieving a successful future. Although we know we will miss the graduating seniors, BluePrints has already started looking to the future. 2016-2017 is sure to be an exciting year with both seasoned staff and a new crop of student journalists. The new staff is fired up and already generating plans to make next year our most successful one yet! This is a very bitter sweet goodbye to our five senior staff. While we will miss them all greatly, we know that Hunter,

2 May 2016

features editor Justin Thompson

Olivia, Kyle, Grace and Cole will continue to succeed in their post high school lives. We can’t wait to see what amazing things they will accomplish in the future! Thank you for your continued support to our publication! Of course we’d love to hear what you think and learn of any recommendations for improvement. Please drop us an email at ghsblueprints@gmail.com. Or, talk to us through one of our new social media sites. You can follow us on Instagram, @ granvilleblueprints; Facebook at GHS Blueprints or on twitter, @GHSBluePrints. Have a great summer and we will see you in print in the fall!

“With a steady job, a bunch of dogs, a library and a hot husband”

business manager Morgan Prachar

social media editor Madeline Walker

staff

Ashlyn Brockway Gillian McCracken Sophia Ehlers AnnDe Jo Cook Hunter Brown Daniel Brnjic

adviser

Mrs. Amy Tolbert

“I will have franchised a Chick-fil-A”

online

blueprintsonline.org

“ “Hopefully coaching football.”

GHS BluePrints GHSBluePrints @granvilleblueprints

CONTENTS BLUEPRINTS • MAY 2016

OPINION

4 Are mandatory drug tests necessary?

NEWS 5 District considering madatory drug testing 5 Student government visits Ohio Statehouse

SPORTS 6 Moneyballing the class of 2016 7 Considering DII athletes

SENIOR EDITION 8 Senior class history 10 Senior profiles 17 Advice for seniors

FEATURES 18 Political Pundit: John Ball

ON OUR COVER PHOTO BY OLIVIA EBERSOLE Are mandatory drug tests necessary4 Senior Class History 8 Moneyballing the class of 2016 6 Political Pundit: John Ball 20 Advice for seniors 17

BLUEPRINTS GRANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL • GRANVILLE, OHIO • MAY 2016 • VOL. 6 ISSUE 5

The Senior Edition Class of 2016

Inside:

Are mandatory drug tests necessary Senior Class History Moneyballing the class of 2016 Political Pundit: John Ball Advice for seniors

blueprintsonline.org

Opinion

Are mandatory drug tests necessary?

BY SOPHIA EHLERS (‘17) STAFF MEMBER t’s sad to see that because the school district thinks there’s an out-of-control drug-use problem in the high school (whether there is or not), they feel the need to subject students to humiliating and accusatory drug testing. Aside from the fact that it is outrageously costly, time consuming and embarrassing for students, I want to stress that just because we are high school students does not justify the school violating our constitutional right to privacy. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg advocated strongly against drug testing in schools without some evidence or suspicion that the student is using them, saying that it’s “not reasonable, it is capricious, even perverse.” The Supreme Court case New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985) stated that school officials, unlike police, may search students without a warrant when they have “reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated either the rules of the school or law.” Yet, school officials may not search you unless they have a good reason to believe that you in particular broke a law or a school rule. An example given by the court was that “if a teacher thinks they witnessed you selling drugs to another student, they can ask you to empty your pockets and can search your backpack, but just because they think ‘some’ students have drugs doesn’t give them the authority to search all students.” I feel that to drug test all students is to “search” all students, and therefore is directly in conflict with this case. While I don’t agree, I understand that drug testing students under certain circumstance is justified if the school has reasonable suspicion the student has or is useing drugs. However, testing students who apply for parking passes and participation in athletics is just wrong, humiliating and disgusting. It’s unfair to subject students who have no suspicion, prior issues or evidence of druguse to drug tests. I am a two-sport athlete and I drive to school. I do not use drugs, and I am not scared I won’t pass these tests; I am scared that little-by-little this school is taking away my rights as a citizen of this country, and no one is doing anything about it. This school is starting to feel like a prison instead of a healthy environment where students can flourish and develop as an individuals, like a high school should be. Testing athletes and parking pass-recipients for drugs without any suspicion or probable cause clearly infringes on students’ rights. At the very least, it is violating and demeaning. I am not letting this school take away my right and my peers’ right to privacy, and neither should you.

EDITORIAL CARTOON BY CARSTEN SAVAGE BY GILLIAN MCCRAKEN (‘17) STAFF MEMBER s the school year comes to an end, the district is starting to plan its mandatory drug testing for student athletes and parking pass recipients for the coming year. Although the drug testing process is expensive and time consuming, it is effective. Past drug situations in Granville prove that there is a need for students to be drug tested. While testing gives the school environment a sense of safety, it also helps assure students that there is adequate security and assures them that their classmates are not under the influence of drugs. Although the process is a “It helps ashassle and up- sure students sets some stuthat there dents, I think it is necessary for our students’ safety. is adequate Some perks of the drugs tests include security and keeping students safe and not under drug assures them influence, preventing less driving under that their drug influence and keeping the roads safe. Student athletes will also benefit. We classmates have high expectations for our athletes, are not under so they need to be held to a higher stan- the influence dard so that they can represent our school well. If students are under the influence, of narcotics. ” it can rub off onto the younger age groups of our community, and it gives us a bad repuation when we play against other schools. It is important to pass on good decisions to the younger classes and keep our district safe and decent. While students are groaning now, they will be happy once they gain acceptance into selective colleges that think highly of our school and its students. Keeping our school drug-free shoould be one of our communiy’s highest priorities.

Yes.

4 May 2016

No.

“Just because we are high school students does not justify the school violating our constitutional right to privacy.”

News

District considering mandatory drug testing BY DANIEL BRNJIC (‘17) STAFF WRITER ranville High School has had a reputation for drug use for a long time. Currently, administrative officials at the District office are putting a plan in the works for the 2016-2017 school year that would involve students participating in drug testing. Talks have varied from all students being eligible for testing to the tests being optional. The likely plan will involve students being selected at random to participate in the tests. It is no secret that Granville has a drug issue; a recent poll by school officials stated that almost one third of seniors have tried marijuana. This statistic is considered by most to be a low estimate of the actual drug use at Granville. Granville is one of the few remaining schools in Licking County that has not implemented drug testing. “We need to crack down on this for the safety of our students,” said Mrs. Varrasso, the nurse at the high school. “Drugs are unhealthy and illegal. Studies have shown that they cause brain damage and do lead to hard drugs like heroin.” The school district overwhelmingly supports the testing program. The resistance has come mainly from parents who do not want their children tested. There is a common feeling among the students that the administration officials do not understand the scope of students using drugs at Granville. They believe that a “shock” will occur when they begin testing and end the program because of the number of students testing positive. “Here at Granville, it is not your typical high school,” said junior Kate Duncan. “I think when the administration finds that a number of students with a 4.0 GPA tests positive for dope they will scrub the program. They will not want to put a blemish on these kids’ records,” Most students share an opinion that the district will only go so far with testing. The general consensus among students is that Granville has a reputation to protect and the tests will not become a long term program. The administration at Granville does

not share this opinion, but then again they may not understand the scope of drug use at Granville. “I think only the student- athletes will be tested,” said Kate Duncan. “The school has a reputation to protect, so they will narrow the scope of testing.” Some students want this stereotype at Granville to end, and want a clean drugfree school. “If they get caught they should be severely punished,” said Junior Alex Eckels, who is an athlete. “Those who do drugs are just stupid. This needs to end before people actually get hurt,” At the end of day the administrators will make the final decision, and only time will tell the effectiveness of the drug testing program.

The school’s policy on substance abuse, as seen in the student handbook. PHOTO BY ANNA MINTON (‘17) “We care about the safety of our students,” said Mrs. Varrasso. “We do not care about reputations if that involves putting our students at jeopardy.” The school district will make the final call this summer. They should announce a plan by August, well before the start of the new school year.

The future YiG officers gather for a photo after the convention. PHOTO PROVIDED BY GABRIELLA SCHNAIDT

Student government visits Ohio Statehouse

BY MORGAN PRACHAR (‘17) BUSINESS MANAGER ranville’s Youth and Government program recently attended a statewide conference at the Ohio statehouse. During this event students had the chance to debate important political issues and discuss bills and different ways to make Ohio a better place, the committee has been preparing for this event all year during their meetings. While at the event participants had the chance to be elected for executive officer positions who will serve next year, some of the elected positions this year included; Gabriella Schnaidt as the president of the senate along with Parker McDonald, Katie Bauman was elected governor, Ethan Shaw as speaker of the house, Nicholas Maxwell is chief justice and lastly Nick Menster was elected lieutenant governor. Students had the opportunity to meet other Youth and Government members from all around Ohio and hear what ideals they are passionate about and form lifelong friendships. Gabriella Schnaidt is a current member and is returning for the 2016-2017 school year, “everyone should come be apart of this group next year.” Schnaidt said. “Not only do we come up with legislation that we feel there is a need for, but we get to prove to the actual members of the government that we can debate civilly.” As the year comes to a close there is still local elections coming up for this year’s committee.

blueprintsonline.org

Sports

Moneyballing the class of 2016 finding the most undervalued athletes in the senior class through statistics

By Kyle Zies

6 May 2016

hen looking through the years of high school, we label classes. We have a social hierarchy that comes to the forefront of everybody’s mind. A crucial piece to that hierarchy is athletics. What athletes were produced from what class? The unfortunate part to this method is that we base our ideas purely on results. After a 5-5 season, no one will remember the class of 2016 football team. After the boys basketball team bowed out early in the postseason, thoughts of Drew Dilger, Trent Tackett, Peyton Ley and others will be solely faint memories. Girls soccer was unable to hoist the championship trophy for the second time in three years. With this hierarchy that we subconsciously rank our athletes, there needs to be more clarity to the situation. Rather than looking at records of teams and individuals who are accepting the highest athletic scholarship, perhaps a more realistic viewpoint is to look at statistics and individual stories to correctly label the top individual athletes in the class of 2016. The idea of “Moneyball”, famed by Billy Beane and the Oakland Athletics in 2002, is the idea of finding under the radar players who are just as effective as popularized players based on statistics. Instead of regurgitating pointless information about our perceived top athletes, we delve deeper into the statistics in order to Moneyball the class of 2016.

Alex Meurer Looking across the state of Ohio, at the Division III level, 5 feet 10 inches and 160 pounds will not cause Thad Matta to come knocking on your door. In Alex Meurer’s case though, he may surprise the average spectator. In the 23 games this season, Alex produced 12 points per game and registered nearly 90 assists on the season. As compared to others in the state, his points per game would rank him around the top twenty in the state at the division III level. His assists would sky rocket him into the top ten in the category. Perhaps most impressive, however, is his three point percentage. Meurer made 42% from beyond the arc. That is substantially high for his size and level of competition. Significantly high. That percentage is a top five rank in the state. Studying Meurer’s stat line, the more shots Meurer takes, the better he is. His slightly under 50% field goal percentage is another reason that ranks Meurer up with the best. This is in 23 games. Perhaps in 50 games, Meurer’s size and durability may increase his stat line and shoot him to the top of the charts in respected scoring categories. “I try to play whatever style of basketball the team needs in order to win,” said Meurer. “I try to make my teammates better.” Meurer is being recruited at the

Division III college level by specifically Dension University and American University, respectively. His 5’10 size will easily make college coaches look the other way but, at the division III high school level, Meurer is perhaps easily the most undervalued basketball player in central Ohio.

Alex James Given his lanky stature, Alex James’ ability on the football field suprises some. Perhaps more athletically gifted in lacrosse, it is during football that Alex is much more underrated. His stats speak to not only his ability, but the poor quality of the 2016 football season. James, a cornerback, played in seven games this season while nursing a broken finger and when healthy was not a flashy player. His stats read just 30 tackles over the course of the season, which by no means will garner a full scholarship. However, compared to the Granville defense, his stats stands out. Playing in the secondary, his 30 combined tackles compares to the other defensive backs who had surprisingly a high amount of tackles this year. Fellow defensive back Hunter Brown, registered approximately 30 combined tackles as well, however, over the course of ten games. Why does James stand out? This speaks to the pitiful defensive play and schemes for the team as the secondary was making more tackles then necessary some ten to fifteen yards down the field. James, accomplishing this over the course of seven games is triumphant, however, he may just be perhaps the product of a poor system. “I enjoyed coming back for our last season,” said James. “Sadly my season came to an end three games early but I was thankful for the experience.” His two interceptions on the year speak to his athletic ability and knowledge of assignment. No matter how inadequate the assignment was.

Zach Blumling The sport of baseball has become, dare I say, the easiest sport to Moneyball. It’s the most well-known sport that you can accurately judge players by their stats and get an accurate assessment of players’ values. At the high school level, Zach Blumling was the one player that intrigued me. Not a highly recruited player, Blumling may be the most statistically consistent player.

Based on his club team stats, Blumling registered a .442 batting average. At the high school level that does not jump off the page and at the college level, that average will go down. What is impressive however, is his .530 on-base-percentage. Statistically, Blumling should get on base almost every other at bat. What is impressive to me about this stat is that Blumling has a high strike out rate swinging. If Blumling could sit back and take more pitches to increase his chance at a walk, Blumling’s on base percentage could shoot up to the .600 range. “I will admit, I get a little greedy at the plate sometimes,” Blumling said with a laugh. He is not a power hitter. Blumling only hit 9 homers through the course of 24 games but managed to shatter in 23 RBIs. He is not a fast runner, he was able to receive 5 stolen bases on the year which is nothing to turn too many heads. If Blumling can take more pitches and be less aggressive at the plate, Blumling’s on-base-percentage could increase tremendously with more walks. Blumling has committed to Wheeling Jesuit University to continue his baseball career. The Cardinals might have found a pretty undervalued player in central Ohio. Statistically, there is sufficient evidence to back up that claim. These three athletes have flown under the radar over their past four years of high school showing flashes of talent but never setting the world on fire. Statistically, they set the stats sheet on fire if you look at the right things. Not all are extremely athletically gifted yet all three get the job done in subtle ways that are the difference between wins and losses. In a Moneyball world, these three kings stand out on the page. At least, statistically.

Considering DIII Athletics

BY COLE JAQUITH (‘17) SPORTS EDITOR Athletes often overlook the opportunity to play division III sports because they aren’t “big time” schools. Even though division III sports don’t offer the glory that division I sports do, they still offer some tremendous benefits. One of the most important benefits is the quality of education. Although division III schools can’t give athletic scholarships, athletics can still help students get into a better school than they otherwise could. Colleges and universities take into consideration what students can offer outside of the classroom as well. Another benefit is the support system that athletics provide. Sometimes students get lost in the crowd when first starting out at a new place. Athletics provide a group setting where there are a number of people who are either going through the same process as you or have gone through it before. Most Division III athletic programs focus heavily on the academic success of their players. Athletes aren’t shooting for the pros, so preparing for a life in the workforce holds much more importance. Limits on practice time also allow for free time where coaches can talk to students about school and get them help if necessary. Many students say that they stopped playing sports because they wanted to have a life in college. Division III athletic programs have a limited amount of time during which they can make events mandatory, giving students much more free time, allowing them to keep playing sports and have a life. Students don’t have to stop playing sports just because they couldn’t make it to a division I program. They should at least explore all of their options so that they can make an informed decision before dumping athletics for good. blueprintsonline.org

Senior Edition

2016 Class History BY HUNTER BROWN(‘16) STAFF WRITER

Elementary Years At the Granville Elementary School, no one remembers anything specific except for playing on the playground. During these years, the birth of the phrase “recess is my favorite period of the day” came into the forefront. 4th grade The first talk… they split the boys and the girls up into two different rooms, and the teachers simply told us not to laugh at the kids talking about their genitals. 5th grade AAR reading assignments were given to every student, and this may have been the most stressful homework ever. Students had to read a book, and answer questions about 5th Grade Super Games the books plot, characters, themes and more hoping they would get enough points to get an A for the quarter; it truly was tragic. 6th grade Probably the best year school kids will experience. School is not difficult, and we were the oldest in the school. The school day did not begin until 9 o’clock so sleep is not an issue either. It was a confidence booster for the different experience we will witness. 7th grade Being constantly thrashed by the current eighth graders, we would joke about how many friends we had, though some of us were not lying. For those of us who were tricked into taking choir, Mrs. Snyder constantly reminded the boy’s class that we were rather immature. Lastly, puberty… everything is just awkward, and no one wants to revisit that. 8th grade 7th grade Halloween Basically we were on top, and bullying the seventh graders as every class before us has. This was also the time where Andrew Bubnar, Dustin Tolley and Alax James went around the school yelling “YOLO Swag,” which became rather annoying quickly. Freshman Year We were the lowest on the totem pole, looked down upon as scum. Everything had gone so far south that we could only go north from there. For the second week of school, freshman realized the glorious miracle, which we refer to as “Late Arrival,” only to have it taken away later by the senior project.

Undefeated 8th grade football team

Sophomore Year Driving is probably the best event that comes from sophomore year. After many tests, boring driving classes and two hour long practice in cars, students are ready to take the test, which many will pass their first or second time. Junior Year

Junior year Homecoming

8 May 2016

Everything is pretty chill; we understand high school and are respected. Many athletes have groundbreaking seasons their junior year. Many students begin to look at the colleges they would like to attend. Senior Year The longest school year of them all, and it never seems to end. Teachers decide to go ahead and give test on the same day, and make projects due all in the same week. With all this stress, many students have been worrying about college, and a few seniors have had mental breakdowns. Senior year Prom

Vietamese-inspired street food in downtown Granville Clmays Construction New homes, remodeling, Custom Cabintry

Christopher Mays, Owner Email: clmayscon@gmail.com 2111 Silver Street Granville, OH 43023 Phone: (740)403-8765 blueprintsonline.org

Senior Profiles What the class of 2016 is really like BY GRACE MONTGOMERY (‘16) NEWS EDITOR

Sarah Ahrendt Ohio University / English Secondary Education Best Moment: Italy Trip Jacob Alexander College of Charleston / International Business Best Moment: Winning LCL Worst Moment: Losing Districts Funniest Moment: Accidentally texting my friends in my family group chat Aidan Anderson Vassar College / Giraffe Ethnomusicology Best Moment: Having a piece I composed performed by a 68 person ensemble Worst Moment: Getting Yellow on my visit to Kurtz in the Congo Funniest Moment: The times I have fallen over in my chair when leaning back John Ball Harvard University / Government and Neurobiology Best Moment: Performing stand-up comedy in Columbus Worst Moment: Making two girls cry in a mock trial match Funniest moment: Getting Miss. Caye to film a Jenga montage for the GHS video announcements Taylor Betizel Ohio University / Physical Therapy Best Moment: Going to the state finals for soccer and having the whole school and town supporting us at Crew Stadium Worst Moment: Waking up at 6 each day Funniest Moment: Anything Sarah Owen does Zachary Blumling Wheeling Jesuit University Best Moment: Going to Georgia with the baseball team Worst Moment: Getting the chord stuck in the sander right after Mr. Bennett said not to Funniest Moment: Locking Mrs. Evans out of class Jack Boyd Cornell University / Economics Best Moment: Watching Matt Durst make the transition from uncool to cool Worst Moment: When Senora Baldwin retired Funniest Moment: Nothing funny happens to me

10 May 2016

Bailey Bradshaw College of Wooster / Education/ Psychology Best Moment: Swim team bonding Worst Moment: Anything related to presenting Funniest Moment: Falling up the stairs Ben Bressoud Willamette University / Archaeology Best Moment: Being a villain and laughing maniacally on stage as much as possible during the “Pink Panther” Worst Moment: Being forgotten and left behind when the Senior English Class returned from the Denison Library Funniest Moment: Making a government video parodying the neo-Nazi party while dressed as a neo-Nazi Emilee Brown Indiana University / Applied Mathematics and Environmental Sustainability Best Moment: Trip to Costa Rica my junior year with so many amazing friends and some crazy adventures Worst Moment: Losing to Columbus Academy 8 times in my high school career Funniest Moment: When Caleb McVey threw pencils into the ceiling and then had to write an apology note to the substitute Hunter Brown Lipscomb University / Business Management Best Moment: Getting #Lit Worst Moment: Every single test Funniest Moment: All the times I dropped my calculator and batteries went everywhere Caleb Browne Marshall University / Nurse Practitioner Best Moment: Getting accepted to Marshall Worst Moment: All of my surgeries Funniest Moment: Listening to John Mayer talk about all the fish he caught Taylor Bruck Ohio University / Broadcast Journalism Best Moment: When Senora Baldwin stopped me in the hallway one day and told me that she wanted me to know that I brighten her day, make her laugh so hard, and that she just loves having me in class. It made my day! Worst Moment: Exam Week Funniest Moment: Anything Sarah Owen does... she makes me laugh harder than anyone I know! Andrew Bubnar Undecided / Business and Economics

Best Moment: When I graduate (hopefully) Worst Moment: The other 4 years Funniest Moment: Whenever I say something Olivia Burkholder University of Cincinnati / Early childhood education Best Moment: Being a part of the cheerleading team Worst Moment: Studying for exams Funniest Moment: Every time I sat next to Tom Fowler in AP English class Graham Burris Undecided / Aerospace Engineering Best Moment: Bee-Bot programming in Physics II Worst Moment: E Field derivations in Physics II Funniest Moment: “Don’t do the dope kids” (Mr. Bait) Jason Butt Bowling Green State University / Construction Management Best Moment: Being able to leave for lunch Worst Moment: Filling out this survey Dylan Carson Bowling Green State University / Environmental Policy and Analysis Best Moment: Seeing all my pals everyday Worst Moment: It was all great! Funniest Moment: Getting a Saturday school for peeing outside during the Homecoming bonfire Hannah Cecrle West Virginia University / Animal Nutrition and Sciences Best Moment: When I was in Mr. Wait’s class Worst Moment: When I was made fun of for wearing a cowboy hat to school Funniest Moment: John Ball’s Prom speech Caleb Chapdelaine Duquesne University / History Best Moment: Late arrival Funniest Moment: Tristan H. hitting on girls at a wrestling tournament Sarah Charlton The Ohio State University / Political Science/ International Relations Best Moment: When our friend group paid the band sax-a-gram people $12 to have them play “careless whispers” to Melodie for three minutes in front of the cafeteria for her on Valentine’s Day. They danced

for her. Nothing beats that moment. Worst Moment: Getting pneumonia freshmen year and having one of my teacher’s tell my class during my absence that I’m “the equivalent of an 80 year woman.” Funniest Moment: Tricking Melodie Faur into thinking she had a secret admirer by leaving Snapple and Pizza on her door step for the last six months

every moment of being a underclassmen Funniest Moment: Doing this survey

Best Moment: Spending time with my friends

Delaney Dawson Marietta College / Early Education Best Moment: Graduating and playing volleyball all 4 years Worst Moment: Anxiety Funniest Moment: Sat in gum at lunch

Bailey Clark University of Cincinnati / Medical Sciences Best Moment: When we had to jump out of Mr. Reding’s window to go walk in a creek junior year Worst Moment: Going blind during finals week last year due to stress Funniest Moment: When we sent Melodie 8 saxograms at once

Morgan Dawson Kent State University Best Moment: Making it to senior year Worst Moment: When Shelby Sprouse and Jaclen Moxley pantsed me in indoor track in front of all the senior boys my freshman year Funniest Moment: When Malcom and Peyton danced at a pep rally

Mara Dunning The Ohio State University / Engineering Best Moment: Being able to sing “How Great Thou Art” with Chris Carlson at the Holiday Concert Worst Moment: Having reconstructive wrist surgery sophomore year

Micaela DeGenero University of Michigan Best Moment: Winning cross country states with my team! Worst Moment: Drinking leaded water… Funniest Moment: When we bought Melodie Faur 10 saxograms and they all came at lunch

Mackenzie Ebel Miami University / University Studies Best Moment: Going on the Costa Rica trip and going to the La Fortuna waterfall Worst Moment: Trying to balance AP classes, sports, and college applications at the same time in the fall Funniest Moment: When Senora Baldwin jumped onto her windowsill to get ladybugs out of her room

Sarah Demeter Walsh University / Nursing Best Moment: Receiving the nomination to be captain for the tennis team

Brittany Cline Kent State University / Interior Design Best Moment: Going on the New York Trip junior year with the drama club Matt Crudele John Carroll University / Pre-Med Matt Cubbison The Ohio State University / Physical Therapy Best Moment: Starting first varsity football game Worst Moment: Not being able to play football senior year due to injuries Funniest Moment: Joking around at lunch with friends Jack Cunningham University of Cincinnati / Exploratory Studies Best Moment: Club Fair during senior year Worst Moment: Mr. Teeter’s class Funniest Moment: AP Government with Mr. Jeremy Hopping Henry Dantzer University of Cincinnati / Industrial Design Best Moment: Performing in the Georgia Dome for a few million people for the Granville High School Marching Band Worst Moment: Becoming a freshman and

Allison DePage Miami University / Social Entrepreneurship Best Moment: Trip to Costa Rica Worst Moment: Being tardy one day Funniest Moment: Costa Rican people thinking Mr. Durst was my dad Michael Doran Marietta College / Petroleum Engineering Best Moment: Senior skip day Worst Moment: Mid Terms Funniest Moment: Watching Dan pull the fire alarm Jake Dorman Kent State University / Actuarial Mathematics Best Moment: Dropping choir Funniest Moment: Every day because I’m funny Tyler Dunfee Otterbein University / Business Best Moment: Graduating Worst Moment: Not winning LCL title senior year Funniest Moment: Golf team going to King’s Island Sophia Dunkes Kent State University / Fashion Merchandising Best Moment: Seeing Taylor Swift in concert in September Catherine Dunkin Licking Memorial Hospital Internship

Olivia Ebersole California University of Pennsylvania / Public Relations Best Moment: Twirling fire baton for the student section senior year and they started chanting “USA” Worst Moment: I forgot my batons for a band performance at 5 a.m. Funniest: Pulling a John Hutcherson cardboard cutout down the street on a skateboard and leash with Claire Stoll Jacob Ehrman University of Cincinnati / Management Information Systems Best Moment: Learning that in order to enjoy life and live to the fullest, you have to relax and not let stuff get you. Appreciate every moment you have because it might not come again Worst Moment: It took me 4 years to realize that Funniest Moment: Driving 2 hours to go buy a car for $900 from a guy named G2. That was an adventure Logan Evans Bowling Green State University / Business Best Moment: Tech with Mr. Fields 4th period Worst Moment: Most of it blueprintsonline.org

Senior Edition Melodie Faur Heidelberg University in Germany Best Moment: When I won the secretary position unopposed in the GSA elections… it was quite the campaign Worst Moment: When I got 6 saxagrams in a row at lunch Funniest Moment: Working on the Chemistry of Chocolate video with Zoe Guiney in Pre-Chem II, Zoe acting as Alton Brown and me as Paula Dean and the whole room just watching in awkward silence Tori Flowers DePauw University / Biochemistry Best Moment: Winning the state championship for cross country Worst Moment: Failing on an AP Gov. Test Funniest Moment: Too many to say

Rachel Glaser Brigham Young University- Idaho / Business Management and Finance Best Moment: Going on the France Trip and getting older Funniest Moment: When I tripped up the stairs going to French Class Ally Guiher The Ohio State University Best Moment: The day I leave and never return to Granville High School Worst Moment: Showing up to freshman orientation as a new student Funniest Moment: AP Psychology. All of the moments

Emily Fouts Bowling Green State University / Middle childhood Education Funniest Moment: Chris Gill in English “hitting the dab” everyday Tom Fowler University of Cincinnati / Visual Communication Design Best Moment: Getting accepted into DAAP Worst Moment: Taking ACT and SAT Funniest Moment: Convincing Elia that falafel is a traditional Greek dish Levi Franz Best Moment: Mrs. Smith 3rd period Worst Moment: Learning unimportant things Madison Frey Kent State University / Fashion Design Nick Fulan Taking a gap year and working on music Best Moment: Taking over Wales Worst Moment: Math classes Funniest Moment: Hopping’s class Sarah Gabel The Ohio State University / Sustainability Best Moment: Making my AP English 11 Scarlet Letter video with Sarah C and Hannah D Worst Moment: Taking Spanish and when Hannah Delcher moved to California Funniest Moment: Tricking Melodie Faur into thinking she had a secret admirer Daniel Gibson Oberlin College / Physics and/or Computer Science Best Moment: Qualifying for the FIRST World Festival and spending a week exchanging ideas about robots Worst Moment: Browsing the library for Discworld books and getting a papercut Funniest Moment: When I entered a pun contest and I really wanted one of my 10 puns to win but no pun in-ten-did

12 May 2016

Best Moment: Graduating Worst Moment: Staying in choir Funniest Moment: When I dumped a gallon of water on Jake Dorman Aaron Holbrook Hobart Institute of Welding Tech Welding Best Moment: Pulling out of the parking lot at the end of the day Worst Moment: Showing up in the mornings Funniest Moment: April Fools on Rod Fields 2016 Clay Huber The Ohio State University / Industrial Design and Animation Best Moment: When I performed a speech to my peers on the dangers of mustaches Worst Moment: Having to be with Mr. Durst on the spring break trip 2 years in a row Funniest Moment: Prom 2k16 Alex James University of Cincinnati / Engineering Best Moment: Beating New Albany in 2 OT in lacrosse sophomore year Worst Moment: Taking two maths back to back sophomore year Funniest: Any lacrosse memory with the boys <3

Zoe Guiney Gap Year to Mexico then Oberlin College Best Moment: Steel Magnolias Worst Moment: My style decisions freshman year Funniest Moment: Sending Melodie Faur 10 saxograms on Valentine’s Day Andrew Hammond Wittenberg University / Computer Science and Theater Best Moment: Being part of the “Pink Panther” show Worst Moment: 1st exams freshman year Funniest Moment: Midnight Madness for baseball Kristina Hansell University of Cincinnati / Economics Zac Hayburn Miami University / Political Science Best Moment: Beating Lakewood in a walk off and winning the LCL Worst Moment: Losing to Newark Catholic John Hays Liberty University / Mechanical Engineering Best Moment: Graduating Worst Moment: First day of high school Funniest Moment: Stealing tricycles and putting them in people’s parking spots John Hoekstra Working next year

Cole Jaquith Ohio Wesleyan University / Business Administration with a focus in marketing Best Moment: Beating New Albany in lacrosse sophomore year Worst Moment: Having a concussion, mono, and hip surgery within 4 months Miranda Johnson Kent State University Best Moment: Accidentally getting covered in glitter by a freshmen who was throwing it around Worst Moment: I got a concussion and had 5 breakdowns in a week before the concussion was officially diagnosed Funniest Moment: This guy got paint remover on the zipper of his pants and a few moments later his face got bright red and he exclaimed, “It burns!” Camden Henderson-Joliat Ohio University / Environmental Science Best Moment: Altos getting the melody in the senior song, “On my way” Worst Moment: Algebra II Elise Jones The Ohio State University- Newark and then transfer to University of Cincinnati / Nursing Best Moment: Sleeping in and not going to class Worst Moment: Waking up early to go to class Funniest Moment: When I slept in the whole day because I didn’t want to go to school

Connor Kaethow Hope to join USML / Combat Engineer Best Moment: Leaving school every day at 2:50 Worst Moment: Walking in everyday at 8 Funniest Moment: Trent messing with Mr. Fields Maxfield Keegan Savannah College for Art and Design / Graphic Design Best Moment: Senior night Soccer Game Worst Moment: Chemistry Funniest Moment: Being named Prom king Tyler Kennan Undecided / Business or engineering Best Moment: Graduation (even though I will secretly miss high school) Worst Moment: Working on that multigenre project sophomore year (it took forever) Funniest moment: It probably has something to do with running with the cross country team Ian Kirchhofer The Ohio State University- Newark Best Moment: ALPH with Mr. Holmes and Mr. Bright Worst Moment: Stats Class with Mr. Bright Funniest Moment: I did my homework on a typewriter once Will Kosling Global Citizens Year in Brazil Simon Krajewski University of Cincinnati / Business Best Moment: Getting back my acceptance letters from all my schools Worst Moment: Falling down the stairs when I was on crutches Funniest Moment: When I purchased a Donald Trump cut out and hung the cut out from the ceiling of Mrs. Spark’s room Lexi Kunar Miami University / Business Best Moment: Nationals for cheerleading Worst Moment: Chemistry Zac LaRussa Ohio University / Biology, Pre-med Best Moment: Any bonfire with my boys Worst Moment: Our friend almost died Funniest Moment: Any moment in Mr. Teeter’s class Travis Lee The Ohio State University / Computer Science and Engineering Best Moment: Physics II programming Worst Moment: Physics II Funniest Moment: Physics II Bait roasting John Peyton Ley Sinclair College / Business Best Moment: Chilling with the homies

Worst Moment: When Malcolm danced with me at a pep rally Funniest Moment: Chris Gill’s dab Journey Link Ohio University / Undecided Best Moment: Laughing with my friends Worst Moment: People being dumb Funniest Moment: Anything Sarah Owen does Arianna Long Ohio University / Nursing Best Moment: Picking up my cap and gown Worst Moment: Walking into high school the first day of freshman year Funniest Moment: Throwing M&M’s at the kids in Lindsay and I’s freshman year English class from the back of the room Victoria Long Capital University / Athletic Training/ pre-physical therapy Best Moment: Making it back to states senior year Worst Moment: Tearing my ACL three times Funniest Moment: When Sarah Owen danced before our Thomas Worthington soccer game and made their whole football team move practice locations so they wouldn’t be distracted Carrie Lowery Otterbein University / Zoo and Conservation Science Worst Moment: Not being able to connect to the school’s wifi at all for the entire 4 years Melissa Maag The Ohio State University- Newark

GRAPHIC BY MADELINE WALKER (‘17) Zac Manogg Best Moment: Learning taxation is theft Worst Moment: Losing the soccer district Worst Moment: Learning that taxation is finals senior year theft Funniest Moment: Every dad joke I ever Funniest Moment: Learning taxation is told theft John Mayer Annie Martyn The Ohio State University- Newark / FishUniversity of Kentucky / Psychology er and Wildlife management Best Moment: Anything with Mrs. Smith Best Moment: The ALPH course I took Worst Moment: Anything without Mrs. sophomore year Smith Worst Moment: Recovering/attempting Funniest Moment: Any time Mrs. Smith to recover my grades after my concussion told a joke senior year Funniest Moment: When Travis accidently Dan Maurer kicked a locker door into Colin Walsh’s Wildlife/Natural Resources head Best Moment: All those times I pulled the fire alarm Karen Mayet Worst Moment: School Miami University / Business Funniest Moment: Pulling the fire alarm Best Moment: Graduating Worst moment: Waking up each morning Drew Maxwell Funniest moment: Dying each day Miami University Best Moment: Costa Rica Trip my junior Jamie McClintock year Alfred University / Art and Psychology blueprintsonline.org

Senior Edition Best Moment: A friend told me “I’m glad you didn’t move.” It was nice to know someone was glad I was still in Granville. Worst Moment: Walking into Denison library, sophomore year, confused and self-conscious then walking right back out because I didn’t have access to anything. Funniest Moment: When a teacher didn’t know my name and thought Jaime and Justice were two different people, neither of them me. Colin McDermott Taking a gap year to train for swimming Pre-med, biology/chemistry Best Moment: English 12 Worst Moment: English 12 Funniest Moment: English 12 Thomas McGrath The Ohio State University- Newark / Business Best Moment: Doing hoodrat stuff with my friends Worst Moment: Falling going up the stairs everyday Funniest Moment: When Peyton and Malcolm danced at a pep rally Rachel McLaughlin Kent State University / Hospitality Management Best Moment: When my sister won prom queen! So I always felt like royalty after that moment Worst Moment: Never having a full year class with Renata Irving Funniest Moment: Sitting with Melodie Faur everyday 7th period study hall laughing hysterically instead of doing actual work Jayson McMullin The Ohio State University- Newark Best Moment: Leaving everyday at 2:50 Worst Moment: Research paper Funniest: Goofin with Mr. Fields Jared Melick Bowling Green State University / Construction Management Best Moment: Watching Dan pull the fire alarm Worst Moment: Going outside after Dan pulled the fire alarm Funniest Moment: When Dan actually pulled the fire alarm Alex Meurer Denison University Best Moment: Graduation Worst Moment: When Coach Teeters threw a basketball at me during practice Funniest Moment: Telling jokes with the buds Austen Miller Walsh University / Pre-Med and Biology Best Moment: Getting to see my bros everyday Worst Moment: Junior Year Funniest Moment: Watching my friend hit

14 May 2016

a mini horse with his car and totaling it Tom Mills Ohio University / Biology Best Moment: Achieving a personal goal in athletics by running a 10.8 100 meter dash. This effort showed me what I am capable of in life and will help me through tougher times. Worst Moment: Getting a Saturday day school my freshmen year Funniest Moment: During the tech club field trip Scott Monnin The Ohio State University / Physics Best Moment: Getting lost by myself after being abandoned by Chris Carlson and Aidan Anderson in San Jose Worst Moment: Not saying hi to Denison freshman during their orientation whilst walking around Denison with Aidan, Ben and Chris Funniest Moment: When Riley and Rachel failed at assassinating me and when I drove on to school they were pulled over by the cops, trying to explain assassins Grace Montgomery College of Wooster / Communications Best Moment: When I went to ABC 6 news for my shadow day junior year and I was on tv for approximately 8.89 seconds and almost forgot my name. Back to you Marshall! Worst Moment: During the homecoming pep rally I was asked to run around a baseball bat with my head down. Later I got spun around 10 times and consequently had to sprint back across the gym. Everything went Matrix on me and I thought I was running straight, but I was in all actuality bent on my right side at a ninety degree angle. Chugging my velicoraptor arms, I tried to run as fast as I could. Funniest Moment: When Madeline walker found a piece of a latex glove in her Stromboli. Her face and everyone else’s were priceless. What made it funnier was it happened again 3 weeks later.

Jaclen Moxley The Ohio State University / Exercise Science Best Moment: Italy Trip Worst Moment: Calculus Meagan Mraz Youngstown State University / Forensics Best Moment: Practicing script in drama Worst Moment: ;) Funniest Moment: Giving Mr. Bright attitude Colin Mulford Ohio University / Business Best Moment: Going on the French Trip Worst Moment: All of junior year Funniest Moment: Goofing around at football practice Laney Naille Miami University / Biology and Neuroscience Best Moment: 2015 Field Hockey Season Worst Moment: Losing to Columbus Academy again in lacrosse Funniest Moment: Watching people fall up the stairs Arel Neuenschwander The Ohio State University / Exploratory Studies Best Moment: Traveling to Costa Rica with the Global Scholars. It was amazing to see the beauty of the country including its rainforests, volcanoes and the monkeys. Worst Moment: Being concussed my sophomore year Funniest Moment: Spending time with friends and family Will Nock Vanderbilt University / Computer Science/ Engineering Best Moment: Being surrounded by great students, teachers and faculty Worst Moment: There were none; every moment was sublime Funniest moment: Sitting with Eddy in Gov. class

Anna Moorehead Kent State University / Graphic Design Best Moment: Costa Rica Trip and making it to States twice for softball Worst Moment: When I ripped my pants and I was walking around school not knowing it Funniest Moment: When the whole basketball team ran around the school hiding from Maggie Wolf and Taylor Beitzel and they couldn’t find us Mikayla Morrison Taking a gap Year in Greece Best Moment: Homecoming football game this year Worst Moment: Being scared of being called down during pep rallies Funniest Moment: When Cameron fell into the bleachers and she disappeared

Scan the code above to see an interactive map of where all the seniors are going.

Phoebe O’Bryan Ohio University / History, Pre-Law Best Moment: Beating Thomas Worthington as the varsity goal tender my freshman year in field hockey Worst Moment: Taking all the standardized tests Cameron Ogden The Ohio State University Worst Moment: AP Spanish 5 Funniest Moment: Freshman year Sarah Owen Ohio University / Nursing Best Moment: Playing soccer for 3 years with my best friends and making my friends laugh by doing stupid stuff Worst Moment: Taking EOC exams and not being able to buy coffee when the middle schoolers are eating lunch Funniest Moment: Too many to count Isabella Palmisano Capital University / Criminology and Psychology Best Moment: Getting to write and perform a fairytale for the Granville kindergarteners Worst Moment: Senioritis on the research paper Funniest Moment: Andrew Bubnar popping the entirety of the “Star Spangled Banner” using his mouth in Calculus class Joe Pappas The Ohio State University / Mechanical Engineering Jack Parker Taking a gap year in New Zealand Best Moment: Last day of school Worst Moment: First day of freshman year Funniest Moment: Getting my senior quote Gracie Parsley Miami University Best Moment: When Thaddeus ripped his pants Worst Moment: Crying after the Pre-Calculus final exam junior year Emma Petryk Ohio University / Pre-Med Best Moment: Mentoring Worst Moment: When my mom was the Sex Ed teacher Funniest Moment: Freshman year when I fell in front of the entire baseball team Abbey Pitcock Miami University / Business Management Worst Moment: Getting beat by Columbus Academy in lacrosse all 4 years Funniest Moment: Mr. Fisher talking Maria Prentice Capital University / Piano Pedagogy Best Moment: New York choir/drama trip when I saw Rupert Grint in “It’s Only A Play”

Worst Moment: When Mrs. Simmons would not let us use the “Emperor’s New Groove” for our senior project on Peru Abby Reed Miami University / History Best Moment: Seeing my friends Worst Moment: Anxiety Funniest Moment: Falling up the stairs Hailey Rizor Miami University / Environmental Engineering Best Moment: When I saved Riley from a bee in English Worst Moment: When I got stung by a bee in English Funniest Moment: That one time when that one guy told me that one really funny joke

Edwin Shuttleworth The Ohio State University / Data Analytics Best Moment: Being selected for an Alliance last year in FRC (First Robotics Competition) Worst Moment: Being in last place in the same tournament Funniest Moment: All of Mr. Hopping’s class freshman year Sylvia Sinsabaugh University of Michigan / Mechanical Engineering and Art and Design Emilee Skerbetz Urbana University / Exercise Sciences Best Moment: Senior year of volleyball when I broke the career blocking record Worst Moment: Having to write research papers all 4 years Funniest Moment: Sarah Owen dancing/ falling in the halls after lunch Katie Stanley Capital University

Meranda Robey Capital University / Electronic Media and Film Best Moment: Creative writing with Mrs. Gwynn Worst Moment: Senior project Funniest Moment: Every day in Mr. Teeters Economic class Natalie Saigh Western Michigan University Best Moment: Graduating High School Worst Moment: All of freshman year Funniest Moment: When I was late for a choir rehearsal I told Snyder I took a long bathroom break… but I really just forgot and drove home Theresa Schlucter Ohio Wesleyan University / Physics Best Moment: Mr. Bait’s class Funniest Moment: Mr. Fisher’s class Alex Schultz Chapman University / Screenwriting Best Moment: Graduating and leaving you all Worst Moment: Showing up 5 days a week Funniest Moment: Giving Mr. Mullins a candygram from Mark Twain Morgan Shields Otterbein University / Biology/Pre-Vet Best Moment: Playing piccolo/flute in the many band concerts senior year, especially the all day holiday concert on the Friday before break

Ella Smith University of Cincinnati Best Moment: Summer Break Worst Moment: Having to take Financial Literacy Funniest Moment: Watching Hannah Cecrle hallway surf Kaitlyn Smith The Ohio State University / Pre-optometry Best Moment: For me it’s the little things that I love the most. Being in ski-club, being elected French club Treasurer, and walking across the stage at National Honors Society night. Worst moment: Once I got in front of a class to give a speech only to forget nearly everything I had memorized. I was mortified, but I get a good laugh over it now! McKenna Smith Furman University / Early Childhood Education Best Moment: Getting a 4 on the AP English 11 exam Worst Moment: In art class sophomore year I cut my finger with a sculpting knife during the convenient hour that the high school had no nurse. Funniest Moment: I am not that funny Shelby Sprouse Hillsdale College / Biochemistry Best Moment: Winning states Worst Moment: Barely making it out of freshman year alive and realizing I had 3 years left Funniest Moment: Every time I check my grades Dayton Steffany University of Missouri / Information Technology Best Moment: Getting to use the elevator after using Crisco on the stairs blueprintsonline.org

Senior Edition Worst Moment: When I fell going up the stairs Funniest Moment: When other people fall going up the stairs Sam B. Stewart Jefferson College Funniest Moment: Anything with Kyle Zies Allie Stoll Youngstown State University / Behavioral Psychology Best Moment: Performing an extremely difficult steel pan solo at my spring concert Worst Moment: The poster printer printed my AP Gov. trading card way too big and Mr. Hopping said he’d give me a zero. He lied. Funniest Moment: When we lost Mr. Krumm and Mr. Smith at Walmart and found Smith in the arts and crafts section and Krumm in the Halloween decorations Claire Stoll Ohio University / Music Education and performance Best Moment: Managing to wake up for an 8 a.m. start for 4 years Worst Moment: Calculus Funniest Moment: Falling up the stairs. Multiple times. Elia Taiganides University of Brighton (U.K.) / Creative Writing Best Moment: Watching Nicole Cacciato cry because she ripped a page out of her AP U.S. notebook Worst Moment: Senora Baldwin telling me my outfit was ugly Funniest Moment: Crying because Senora Baldwin told me my outfit was ugly Vega Theopulis Northern Kentucky University Best Moment: Hiking Machu Picchu on the Peru service trip Worst Moment: Doing box jumps in the weight room and falling on my back in front of everyone my freshman year Funniest Moment: Mr. Carpenter “dabbing” in Peru Julien Thomas Manhattan School of Music / Vocal Performance Best Moment: My best moment had to be the Georgia Peach Bowl trip. Sitting at the awards ceremony and watching everyone’s hard work pay off, trophy by trophy. Worst Moment: Coming to terms with your sexuality when you aren’t straight is difficult for most, like it was for me. I was lucky enough to have GHS’s support through GSA and my friends. Funniest Moment: Mr. Smith wrote all of the pre-game set out for the marching band on the wrong side of the field Kennedy Thompson

16 May 2016

Ohio University / Middle childhood education Matt Thompson Ohio University / Music Education Best Moment: Music, all of music Worst Moment: When somebody threatened the LGBT students and community Funniest Moment: Being Nuggets Clay Tietz Computer Programming/ Healthcare Administration Best Moment: Stats class with Marvin Bright and Junior/Senior English class with Tolbert Worst Moment: Being a freshman Dustin Tolley University of Cincinnati / Pre-Pharmacy Best Moment: English with Mrs. Tolbert senior year Worst Moment: Losing my pencil pouch freshman year Funniest Moment: Dressing up as SpongeBob Riley Torrence Florida State University / Undecided Worst Moment: When I accidentally called Mr. Mullins “Keith” and ran away Funniest Moment: When Rachel McLaughlin and I tried to assassinate Scott Monnin and Mr. Mullins called the cops on us Abby Tremel Cornell University / Urban Studies/Planning Best Moment: Passing AP English with Mr. Mullins my junior year Worst Moment: Getting a binder thrown at my face in the hallway Funniest Moment: “Son of a biscuit” –Senora Baldwin every day Jake Vanmeter University of Cincinnati / Engineering Best Moment: Soccer with all my friends Worst Moment: Exams and Spanish class Funniest Moment: I took a shot in soccer and it hit Evan Lewandowski in the head and he fell over Zach Vanderink Miami University / Business-Economics Best Moment: Graduation (May 29 2016) Worst Moment- Day 1 (August 22 2012) Funniest Moment: Mrs. Tolbert’s class 7th period senior year Colin Walsh The Ohio State University / Engineering Best Moment: Not failing Worst Moment: AP Physics Mechanics C Exam Funniest Moment: Physics II with Mr. Bait Josh Wakeling The Ohio State University / Fashion Merchandising Favorite Moment: When Grace made my

bio Abbey Wells University of Cincinnati / Business/ PreLaw Worst Moment: Calculus Thaddeus Winston University of Cincinnati Best Moment: Too many to single out one specific time Worst Moment: Ripping my pants senior year Funniest Moment: Ripping my pants senior year. Maggie Wolf Ohio University / Communications Best Moment: Food adventures with the OG squad Worst Moment: Anytime with Alex James Claire Zehnal University of Cincinnati / Communication Design Best Moment: When Micaela DeGenero and I dressed up as Macklemore and Eric Nally for Halloween retweeted our pics saying “On Point” Worst Moment: When my combat boots got hooked together and I fell flat in the hallway and then everyone got real quiet and I said “sorry” and got up Funniest Moment: When my friends and I bought Melodie Faur a bunch of saxograms and they serenaded her for 3 whole minutes at lunch Kyle Zies University of Mount Union / Sports Business, minor in coaching Best Moment: Playing on Thursday night football Junior Year Worst Moment: Senior Football Season Funniest Moment: Anything with Sam Banks Stewart

off le put out p o e P b se. ons a y “Choo decisi ke the i g l n g i k n i a l i e l fe m fe at the n, lives, h r t i e r h o t r pe foreve ll just hap have i , w 4 t t a 0 an they w ey wake up le-life th ubic then in a c does not g n i k wor ime nd ate. T they h stand up a ant. w o stop, s the life you e r s e o k cho Dec -Mrs. Now.”

Try har d Try to g to go to colleg e. o to you r dream or colle ge. Gra duate h job school. igh Do som ething makes that you ha ppy college and in . Listen in school. nice an Be d Don’t h meet new frie n ave par ties so m ds. and do uch n’t stay up to la hope yo te. u wish yo get into colleg I u good e. I luck.” E. age 9 Claire

“Don’t take the last moments of high school and the summer going into college for granted, although it seems like high school is a huge part of your life a few years from now it will only feel like a short amount of time so take it in while you can” -Bette Attebery Age 90

To the seniors...

BY MORGAN PRACHAR (‘17) BUSINESS MANAGER tarting a new life chapter may sometimes be seen as a frightening experience. After May 29th the 2016 seniors will flip the page to a blank chapter that will be personally written over the next four years, but for now what will be written is unknown. Here is some advice gathered from individuals in the community, including a few students from Ms. Ludwig’s third grade class, high school teachers that have watched their students grow throughout the last four years and grandparents who have been in their shoes many years ago. “I think you should go to colege. Then get a driver’s lisens. Get a job that fits you. Buy lot’s of food. Then graduate college. Then get a house. If you want you could adopd a pet. Save your money. Get a career. Hope that’s enuf “You ha ve work edvise. Have a good Life!” ed so h ard. Yo -Lukas Kemp age 8 u have the opportun ity to g s from o thing o w o t t d Y o colleg n o o r t u a t are ver e. “You le eet- wha ys y smart m u o y y e a o u want ! So do . Alw o everyon d o t t o t go to co at no I know u can llege? and wh you rea hings yo look t e h t r l l w fo y d h k d n o a a o t do you lo !S rs, om othe want to o -Justin yourself learn fr n i s be?” e i t age 9 e uali for the q an share. Be th . c e!” -Mrs that you ant to b w u o y person Snyder

blueprintsonline.org

Features

Political Pundit: John Ball

BY GRACE MONTGOMERY (‘16) NEWS EDITOR olitics are an acquired taste. Some are quite interested in discussing the issues and the nitty gritty information, while others mentally shut down at the mention of the current president or a decision made by their governor. On one side of the spectrum lies John Ball, who as a kid, would impersonate the candidates he saw on television. He soon understood that he did not like just absorbing the information given to him by the media, but rather he preferred to analyze it and establish his own point of view. John’s interest in politics is quite noticeable in the organizations he is involved in as he is the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court and the Youth Governor of Ohio. He was recently recognized in a blog called Politico in article called the “Rising stars: 18 members of America’s next political generation.” His passion for politics started from his parents, as his mom noted. “We really believe that each person can make a difference and that young people especially can and do make a difference,” Kim Ball said. “We really all jumped in with the first Barack Obama presidential campaign. John’s older sister, Anna, was 17 at the time and was a Precinct Captain in Granville. I was driving Denison students over to Newark to vote. John’s dad has been an election monitor for the Election Protection Campaign for Organizing for America. So John has grown up with the local and national news and MSNBC going on the TV and lots of dinner conversations around elections.” Their family has always been active in social justice concerns too. “After John’s sister graduated from college she went on to work on a campaign for a governor in Virginia,” Kim Ball remarked. “An important part of all of the campaign activity has been registering

18 May 2016

young people to vote. We all volunteered with her, but John worked the longest and he was the best at talking to the college students with her at James Madison University to get them to register to vote. He wasn’t shy about it at all.” Other influences in his life that inspire him include Robert Risch, the Secretary of

“We really believe that each person can make a difference and that young people especially can and do make a difference” Labor under Bill Clinton, and John Lewis, a prominent civil rights activist. “These men seem to go beyond partisan lines,” John said. “What they both seem to advocate for is speaking for the voiceless, which is something I tremendously respect.” Advocating for the voiceless is John Ball’s true platform, as it allows everyone to feel involved in the community and it instills this idea that everyone can make a change. One sector that is typically muffled is mental health. Currently he is serving for the Attorney General for Ohio Youth Advocacy Program on a committee for mental illness. “My interest in mental health reform developed because a good friend/mentor of mine has worked for the National Alliance on Mental Illness,” John said. “Truly right now is a very exciting time for being involved in this community because men-

tal health treatment is at the place where people who have suffered severely from mental illness can make policies. Now instead of people making policies at the mental health community, they are making it with the community.” John noted that when he attends Harvard next year, he still wants to focus on mental health. “I really would like to round out that focus with mathematics and science, especially with the interest of going into the neuroscience of psychiatry,” he said. “I think I will be able to develop public policy into these studies easily. I see the possibility of law school and ultimately going to work for the National Alliance for Mental Illness.” Another community that is often overlooked are those that have been incarcerated. John has had first hand experience with individuals who are transitioning back into society through his time working at the Sparta, a local diner in Newark. “While in its simplest terms the Sparta is a diner, it gives resources, such as career readiness, to people who deserve a second chance,” John stated. While John has been a part of many movements and organizations, he still is a teen. That is why he truly wants to stay focused on the youth of this country and their reactivity to politics. “One of the main issues with the millennial generation, regarding politics, is this unfounded pessimism towards the political system,” John noted. “They have reverted to a team based method of thinking and seeing politicians as not being on their team and they hate all of them. When people become disillusioned with people in the political process they start to also think that there is a one step solution to fixing the political system. There are so many institutionalized problems and people think that one election can fix everything. Many millennials think voting for president will solve all the problems and

“Whose Line is it?” when he was younger,” Kim said. ”I have always liked standup comedy, especially political comedy. It’s something John and I had in common, but he’s certainly taken it to the next level. As far as when it started - must have been at a very young age.”

John Ball demonstrating his comedic side by targeting James Bond. PHOTO PROVIDED BY JOHN BALL. they will never have to vote in an election again, especially since it takes up an hour of people’s time.” One way John Ball has advocated on behalf of youth is when he started a petition a couple of months ago to disallow a new law passed that would not let 17 year olds, who would turn 18 in the fall, vote in the primaries. “So originally if you were to turn 18 in the fall, you were allowed to vote in the primary,” John said. “It was seen that if your voice was heard in the general

election it should be heard in the primary. However, what it boiled down to is that people our age weren’t intellectually mature enough. I honestly don’t believe in silencing a voting portion of the population, so I decided to start a petition.” The petition gained about 800 supporters and the motion was passed. Another way John has found to appeal to youths is through comedy. John has been known for cracking jokes starting in kindergarten, according to his mom. “John and I spent hours watching

John Ball demonstrating his comedic side by targeting James Bond. Photo provided by John Ball. One prized memory of John’s mom is in grade school when John had a little mishap. “In a math class, John turned his white board over and wrote in beautiful script penmanship, the word ham,” Kim Ball remarked. “Then he held it up in victory and the class laughed and cheered. It was a glorious moment. However, the teacher was unamused. We scrubbed and scrubbed but couldn’t make it go away. I offered to pay for the board. No comment from the school. Eventually, I saw it in the elementary principal’s office. I offered to pay for the board again. He gave it to me, God bless him. It’s one of my prized possessions.” As of last year he has started performing stand up comedy for organizations like the Columbus Unscripted. “My comedic icons are Stephen Colbert, John Stewart and Lewis Black because they have found a way to engage our generation in politics,” John said. “I think humor is a fantastic medium to educate people on politics and to make it seem more approachable. Instead of people seeing politics as boring, it allows everyone to be engaged and educated.” Ultimately John’s goal is to stimulate as much involvement in society as possible, especially for those that have felt their voices have not been heard. While John has said that he would probably not become president when he turns 35, he is on his way to making just as impactful a change on the world. blueprintsonline.org

20 May 2016