Vol. 10 No. 2

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ULTIMATE FRISBEE

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blueprints JANUARY 2020

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Vol. 10 No. 2 $2

GRANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

WHY CAN’T WE BE FRIENDS?

January 2020 1

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR T he start of a new decade, as well as a new semester, is the perfect time for fresh starts. As students begin to settle back into the routine of school, it is important to remember that we are halfway done with the 2019-2020 school year!

With the graduation year of the current seniors beginning, many have begun to decide the next steps in their future, and have been accepted into numerous colleges. Staff member Paige Grunden has outlined some of the most popular colleges that the class of 2020 has applied to, as well as where many seniors have ultimately decided to attend.

The start of 2020 also marks the beginning of an election year, ultimately fueling tensions between the different generations. In response to these mounting tensions, I have compiled a guide that outlines how to respect each of the generations. Features editor Grace Portzline has also written an editorial about the importance of getting along and collaborating with each of the generations.

With the winter sports season in full swing, sports editor Andy Hoben has provided an overview of each winter sport as their progress this far in their respective seasons. News editor Molly Wilson has also compiled a feature on basketball coach Adam Teeters, and has outlined his life both on the court and in the classroom. Entertainment editor Anna Mialky has also written a sports feature on the high school’s ultimate frisbee club team, and outlines what makes the team unique.

Photo by Emily Gold With the approaching Oscar Award Ceremony, it seemed appropriate to pay tribute to some of the best movies the film industry has to offer. Opinion editor Nick Williams has reviewed the best crime movies over the years, including the crime classic, “The Godfather”. Staff member Jake Barry has also compiled a list of must-watch western movies, and describes why they are worth watching.

On behalf of the staff, we want to wish you all a very happy new year, and wish you the best of luck during the third quarter!

FEATURES EDITOR Grace Portzline

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Emily Gold

SPORTS EDITOR Andy Hoben

STAFF Lauren Kiernan Paige Grunden Jake Barry Kennedy Ogden Faith Blankemeyer Liam McCamish

OPINION EDITOR Nicholas Williams

ADVISER Amy Tolbert

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OPINION 3 4 5

NEWS

NEWS EDITOR Molly Wilson

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Anna Mialky

VOL. 10 NO. 2

READER OPINION STAFF EDITORIAL OP-EDS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sarah Carpenter

WEBSITE EDITOR Gavin Robinson

CONTENTS

NEWS BRIEFS GENERATIONS

6-7 8-9

SPORTS

Sport Briefs Getting to know Star Spotlight Hobie’s hot Takes ultimate frisbee

10 11 12 12 13

FEATURES FOLLOW US: Twitter @GHSBlueprints Instagram @granvilleblueprints Facebook GHS Blueprints

Seeing double Star look alikes College choices

14 14 16

ENTERTAINMENT Band trips western movies Crime movies On the calendar

15 17 18-19 20

READER OPINION

ON TOPICS WE ARE COVERING THIS MONTH

BY EMILY GOLD (‘20)

Q

How many twins do you think go to the high school

54%

31%

Twelve

Fifteen

0%

15%

Sixteen

Nineteen

STORY, PAGE 14

you ever Q Haveplayed ultimate frisbee?

36% 64%

Yes, I love it! No, but I would love to try!

STORY, PAGE 13

Q

Do you think teachers at the high school are...

19% 48% 24% 9%

Boomers

Generation X

Xennials

Millennials STORY, PAGE 8-9

Q

DO you think we should have a librarian?

76%

24%

Yes! They are No, the times important part are changing of the school.

To stay in touch with our magazine, follow us on Twitter @GHSBLUEPRINTS

And follow us on Instagram

@GranvilleBluePrints

STORY, PAGE 5

Q 11%

What is your favorite STORY, PAGE 18-19 Movie genre?

33%

Crime

Westerns

22%

34%

Comedy

Drama

January 2020 3

OPINION

Cartoon by Kennedy Ogden(‘21)

what is the biggest sterotype about our generation?

TEACHING EACH OTHER THE WAY

STAFF EDITORIAL he average life expectancy in the U.S. is 80 years, which means there are five or six different generations trying to get along and dictate societal norms all at once. This can be messy, because while times are always changing, people are often resistant to change.

Generally speaking, younger generations may be more accepting of diversity and different lifestyles, while older generations possess a wealth of experience and wisdom that can be shared.

That’s the good news.

The bad news is that generations often hold each other in contempt. Young people blame their parents and grandparents’ generations for global warming and a soaring federal deficit, while older people think of kids as either too idealistic or unmotivated.

More specifically, each generation has its traits and tendencies.

Every high school student is part of Generation Z. Our challenge, according to scientists, is nothing less than to save the planet, even though climate change is a problem we inherited, not created.

We also face the rising cost of a college education and soaring student debt amid an uncertain economy.

But we’ve been spared the harsh criticism of the generation before us, known

T

as millennials. They have been derided for being lazy and unmotivated (slackers, you know), but they’ve also been responsible for a technology boom that has changed lives and changed the world.

There are two other “generations” with noteworthy nicknames and reputations.

Baby Boomers were born during a time of enormous population growth in the U.S. They came just after World War II, so the economy was booming and life was dramatically better for them than their parents.. For minorities, this age group both endured and celebrated the Civil Rights movement. But Baby Boomers are also mocked (OK, Boomer!) for their seeming unawareness of how the world has changed.

Then there’s the Greatest Generation, whom nobody mocks. Some of these men and women fought in both World Wars, paying a heavy price to help preserve a free world, including the defeat of the Nazis and the ending of concentration camps.

It’s good that the generations don’t always see eye-to-eye. We can learn from each other, correct each other, and set a better example for each other. In the end, people are people.

EDITORIAL POLICY BluePrints, Granville High School’s newsmagazine, is published by students in Journalism. As a forum of student expression, the goal of BluePrints is to provide the high school students’ perspective on relevant issues concerning the school, the community and the world. Editorial decisions are based on timeliness, relevance and appropriateness. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily that of the entire staff, student body or school. Letters to the editor will be published as space allows. BluePrints does accept advertisements; however, the staff reserves the right to withdraw ads.

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“I think the older generations think we are addicted to our phones which is not true.”

-Eliza Kurtz (‘23) “That all we do is make Tik Toks and play on our phones.”

-Avery Spiker (‘22)

“They think we are lazy and we do not have any work ethic.”

-Ben Thompson (‘21) “Boomers see us as lazy; however, we are just vibing and having a great time with life.”

-Marcus Mills (‘20) “That we do not talk to each other and we only talk how we text.”

-Layton Rosen ‘20)

BY EMILY GOLD (‘20)

SCHOOL LIBRARIANS ARE GOING EXTINCT

W

ith the increase in the elimination of school librarians nationwide in the past few years, including Granville’s very own middle school librarian, the necessity of school ANNA MIALKY librarians is constantly being questioned by school districts.

Where some schools attempt to replace qualified professionals with parent volunteers, others have eradicated the position altogether. Nevertheless, students and staff alike will suffer if their school librarian is removed.

According to the Pennsylvania System

of School Assessment, student reading testing scores increase from 10 to 15 points with a strong library program at their school as well as boost literary development.

This large jump in score can be accounted for numerous reasons but one significant factor is the accessibility of resources. Students and teachers alike may not know where or how to find resources within a library, nor are they keeping the collection updated and current.

Unsurprisingly, students who are excelling in reading are not being challenged without a librarian present.

Similarly, students who are falling behind will continue to do so without a librarian to boost them.

Additionally, English teachers have lost a valuable collaborative partner. Where they once relied on the librarian to inform them what to provide their students, they are now faced with an entirely new realm of teaching that they previously were not tasked with or prepared to teach.

However, school librarians are salient for more than simply book recommendations. They provide a safe haven for students to learn and grow, making them feel welcomed and contributing to a positive environment.

Librarians are an essential member of any school to help students evolve into the successful reader and person they can potentially be.

WORLD WAR III IS NOT HAPPENING ANYTIME SOON

2

020 has begun and with it, its very first meme: the start of a third world war. Open any social media platform and your feed will no doubt be flooded with jokes of young NICHOLAS WILLIAMS adults being drafted into the military. Whether these memes hold any kind of truth is irrelevant in the context of the internet but in the back of everyone’s mind lies the concern of a massive conflict actually evolving, but in reality there is nothing to worry about.

Every joke of sizable magnitude begins with a significant event and this one is no different. In order to understand these memes properly, one must first become familiar with their origin.

In the early hours of Jan. 3, 2020, the Iranian Major General, Qasem Soleimani, was assassinated via airstrike by the order of Donald J. Trump. Like everything else he does, his orders fell under immense controversy and as a result he is facing criticism from his political opponents.

Many of those opponents are claiming that this was a murder that had little to do with American interests and something that would almost definitely lead to a large scale conflict. Whether or not this assassination will lead to a war is yet to be seen, but the fact of the

matter is that the killing of Soleimani was not unprovoked.

According to NBC, the Major General of the Iranian military was responsible for the deaths of 500-600 American soldiers and the maiming of thousands more thanks to his disgusting attack strategies.

He also armed various terrorist groups such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthis, leading many to label him as a terrorist himself. The day prior to his assassination, the Pentagon even went on to make a statement saying that he “was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq”, as per the United States Department of Defense.

After Soleimani’s subordinates conducted an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq something had to be done about this radical military leader.

While all this information may make it seem like there is no controversy to be had, the troubles start with the fact that Qasem Soleimani held a legitimate role in the Iranian government, serving as the aforementioned Major General.

Despite the incriminating evidence that Soleimani can be considered a terrorist and was a definite threat to the safety of American lives, this would be the near equivalent of a high ranking member of our military being murdered by a foreign power.

While this analogy may be a little far fetched, the reality of Iran’s situation cannot be ignored.

The quagmire between the United States and Iran kept the two countries on guard, but recently tempers have started to cool.

Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on American bases in Iraq, but it resulted in zero American lives lost and minimal damage sustained to American assets, as reported by The Washington Post.

In a statement from Donald Trump later that same day, our President declared that tensions between the two countries are beginning to recess. The Iranian attack was said to serve as a “warning” and that nothing more needs to be done in regards to the death of Soleimani.

Our Commander in Chief has no plans to retaliate violently in response but instead will impose economic sanctions on Iran, with Trump even saying that he wishes for peaceful interactions to take place in the future.

While a war between the United States and Iran would mimic the story of David versus Goliath and make for an entertaining box office hit, perhaps it is best for all parties concerned that the two countries continue to repair their strained relationship.

For all of the people within the draft age range worrying about being forced into military conscription, the facts are pointing to relations between the United States and Iran proceeding with minimal aggressive behavior.

January 2020 5

NEWS

STADIUM RENOVATIONS BEGIN TO TAKE SHAPE

BY PAIGE GRUNDEN (‘20)

T

he plans to build a new stadium at the high school are just getting started. The nearly $3 million plan has been highly anticipated by the community. It aims to update the current sports facility to meet regulations that it currently fails to do so.

The project is currently being funded by both private and public funds, and it is split about half and half between the two.

“For the public side of the investment, the school district is committed to ensure that our facilities are safe and ADA compliant,” according to the website GameOnGranville, “Therefore, the district has agreed to pay $1.5 million towards improving the bleachers and restrooms as well as resurfacing the track.”

The other $1.75 million is being funded by The stadium as it appeared before renovations began. (Photo by Emily Gold) the community through private donations. As an incentive for funding, people can also pay to have their names on certain aspects of the for the fall of 2020 and open for all activities,” Athletic Director stadium such as the track, press box, concessions stands, and Josh DeVoll said. “However, given the scope of how large the more. project is we do anticipate some adjustments in the schedule While fundraising has been going on for a while, there that may require us to open at a later date.” is no end in sight. With possible unexpected complications A huge obstacle for the demolition and construction of the that could arise because it is such a massive project, raising new stadium is the weather. With winter in session and spring enough money is crucial. to come, all types of weather is to be expected.

“Fundraising is going well, but with any project you have The stadium is one of the latest major renovations to happen unanticipated issues that can drive cost higher than expected,” at the school. The theater has been updated and other sportJeff Brown said. “We are continuing to fundraise to ensure that ing facilities have been redone in the past few years. It will be we have the revenue to complete the project.” a much needed project, in order to get everything up to code Even though it is early, demolition has already begun on the and provide athletes with a better area to practice and play. ground. They have started with the more obvious tasks.

“Having a facility that you are proud of makes a significant “We have removed the old bleachers and press box,” Sudifference in the day to day operation of programs, not just on perintendent Jeff Brown said. “We are also in the process of game night,” former football coach and current teacher JR Wait relocating the existing metal bleacher to another location so said. “The high usage of this facility is going to have a lasting, that the site work for the water and sewer can begin.” positive impact on thousands of Granville athletes of all ages The goal had been to open the new stadium at the beginthroughout the district, as well as our coaches.” ning of the fall sports season in 2020.

“Yes, it is our goal to have the stadium completely finished

DISTRICT BEGINS LIBRARY REDESIGN PROCESS

BY PAIGE GRUNDEN (‘20)

T

he library in the middle school is about to undergo a redesign process. The redesign is supposed to help libraries stay with the times, and in turn, be of more help and use to students.

It is not just students who feel the need for change. Librarians also believe that it is important to stay with the ever growing nature of technology. They recognize the importance for physical books while also recognizing the need to stay current with technology.

“Librarians are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the current century of learners, continuously training to remain a relevant part of educational growth and preparing students for the future,” high school librarian Sally Gummere said.

The library redesign is currently just in the planning phase.

There are no plans set in stone yet and the committee is working to come together on ideas to improve the library spaces within the school.

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One of the ways the committee has been getting ideas is to attend events and tours at places like Denison. Since Denison has a more updated library space, the Library Redesign Committee has visited there to gain some insight on the latest library spaces.

Incorporating new and updated technology is one of the key parts in the redesign. Since students are relying more heavily on computers and other technology, it is important that they have access to technological resources.

According to the American Association of School Librarians, “An effective school library program supports students’ learning and their exploration of the world”.

Even though libraries themselves may be changing, librarians are here to stay. Librarians are quick to adapt, and willing to do so in order to improve their students’ school careers. While no plan has been finalized quite yet, the committee is well on the way to figuring out how to best help students and teachers through updating library space.

WELLNESS COMMITTEE FOCUSES ON MENTAL HEALTH

BY FAITH BLANKEMEYER (‘20)

M

ost people who experience mental health issues show symptoms early on in life, which gives schools a unique perspective into a child’s beginning development. In recognization of this fact, the district has been planning a new program starting from pre-K to high school to help kids who may have mental problems that go unaddressed.

The Board formed a Well-Being Task Force three years ago to address student wellness, according to superintendent Jeff Brown.

“We formed action research teams that researched prevention policies, social media, school conditions, parenting and behavioral health issues,” Brown said.

The district has been testing students using the OH YES survey for many years.

When examining trends, the school board has noticed that stress and suggestions of mental illness have risen.

“The plan will have multiple goal statements centered on Professional Development, Parent Education, School Conditions, Enhanced Services and So-

cial-Emotional Learning,” Brown said.

With this in mind, Brown said that the Board of Education is also “in discussion with third party vendors to have a specific mental health specialist hired to work directly with students.” This could mean the possibility of having an in-school therapist for students to see.

“We need all of our staff recognizing the signs of trauma and practicing well-being activities to ensure our students’ needs are being met. All of our staff need to take an active role in this process.”

Besides the possibility of a school therapist, teachers also need to be trained to see signs within students if their mental health is worsening.

“We need all of our staff recogniz-

ing the signs of trauma and practicing well-being activities to ensure our students’ needs are being met. All of our staff need to take an active role in this process,” Brown said..

Mike DeWinehas taken a huge role in the possibility of this new action plan, according to Brown.

“He dedicated $675 million across the state. Our share of that money is $94,000 in the first year and $154,000 in year two.”

The wellness plan initiative will be placed in the school system at the end of this school year and all throughout the next.

Brown said the best possible outcome of this initiative is for students to display “less stress and behavioral health issues and more coping strategies.” This will be measured over the student involvement with new programs and continued research on the OH YES survey.

The mission of Learning for Life is ultimately “striking a balance between academics, athletics and the arts as students prepare for life after Granville Schools.”

January 2020 7

Artwork by Kennedy Ogden(‘21)

COVER STORY

WHY CAN’T WE BE FRIENDS?

HOW TO GET ALONG WITH OTHER GENERATIONS

BY SARAH CARPENTER (‘20)

n recent years, tensions between different generations have grown stronger and more prominent, ultimately making it increasingly difficult for members of different generations to work together in an efficient and friendly manner. In order to combat the growing gaps between generations, use these tips to make collaborating with other generations easier.

I

Boomers: 1946-1964 Baby boomers are characterized by their independent and goal-oriented mentalities, and commonly define themselves based off of accomplishments within their profession.

DO NOT:

Never brag about how easy it is to use technology. Many boomers are easily irritated when it is assumed they cannot understand newer technologies because they did not grow up

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with it, unlike younger generations.

“A lot of people don’t understand that it’s harder for baby boomers to adapt to all the new technology of today,” former Chamber of Commerce Director Maggie Barno said. “We grew up in a time when the technology of today was only ever dreamed of, so we aren’t used to it.”

DO:

Honor the experience that they have in the workforce. Baby boomers are the most experienced generation within the workforce and can provide a great wealth of helpful advice.

Refrain from simply brushing them off and demonstrate that their ideas are respected. “[We] just need to understand that past generations have wisdom that they can impart to us,” said math teacher Derek Hull.

Gen X: 1965-1979 Generation X, sometimes referred to as the “middle child”

generation, value freedom and independence within their work environment.

Members of this generation typically have a sense of healthy skepticism and are willing to challenge the status quo.

DO:

Be efficient and work in a timely manner.

Members of Generation X are usually direct and straight to the point, and value accuracy and timeliness. When working with members of this generation, be sure to honor due dates and different time commitments, as they do not like wasting time.

“In order to respect everyone every generation just needs to understand history as well as what every generation has been through,” Smith said.

DO NOT:

Do not micromanage. Members of Generation X dislike constantly needing approval and leaning over their shoulders can lead to a larger disengaged workforce.

Give members of this generation roles in which they can work independently and without restrictions.

“We’re most known for ignoring the traditional governance of society,” English teacher E.B. Smith said. “We just enjoy our freedom.”

Millennials: 1980-1994 Millennials are often known for their strong-willed nature and

strong sense of self worth. They are extremely passionate in everything that they do and were raised to value teamwork and feedback from others.

DO:

Demonstrate that they are respected as people. Members of the millennial generation desire to earn the respect of their peers, and dislike when they are discredited because of their age. Listen to the ideas they have and take them into consideration. “Other past generations just need to understand that times have changed, and what we say can make an impact,” said Hull.

DO NOT:

Never call a millennial lazy. Calling millennials lazy completely destroys their desire to work, and makes them feel as if they are not valued. Being labeled as unwilling to work also furthers the negative stereotypes against them, and as a result, discredits their experience.

“If someone I personally know called me lazy just because I am a millennial I would be offended,” said Hull. “People that know me realize that I’m not lazy, but most of the time it’s kinda funny to see people giving in to stereotypes.”

Infographic by Faith Blankemeyer

Generation Z: 1995-2012 As the newest generation, Generation Z is still relatively inexperienced within the workforce. Unlike the other generations, Generation Z is the first to grow up surrounded by technology, and as a result, are technologically savvy and can adapt to change easily.

DO:

Always explain why a decision was made and the purpose behind the work they are doing. Members of Generation Z feel that their work should be meaningful and fulfilling, and are not content with simply being instructed to do something.

“I like to know the work that I am doing has purpose, I hate doing busywork because it just seems pointless,” freshman Izzy Lauffer said.

DO NOT:

Isolate members of this generation. Generation Z places high importance on connections with others, especially face-to-face interactions. According to Yozell Associates, Generation Z believes that genuine face-to-face connections are more effective than other forms of communication. “Nothing beats just talking face-to-face,” Lauffer said. “It’s nice to have a genuine human connection.”

January 2020 9

SPORTS ing the Granville Invitational.

Some of the talented younger wrestlers on the team include junior state runner-up Douglas Terry, junior Stephen Cheng, sophomore Bobby Vahalik and freshman Carson Miller. The wrestlers have senior night at home against Newark on Jan 24, and the sectional tournament starts on February 29.

BY THE NUMBERS These Blue Aces have turned in great seasons in their respective sports so far.

Let’s look at their success by the numbers.

SWIMMING The Granville girls basketball team huddles before a game played at John Glenn High School. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Hilaman)

ACES WINTER SPORTS LOCK-IN FOR LEAGUE TITLE RACES

BY ANDY HOBEN (‘20) BOYS’ BASKETBALL (8-5)

The boy’s basketball team returns much of their rotation from their league-champion and district semi-finalist squad from a year ago and will look to meet or exceed those marks in 2020. Seniors Brody Ley, Dom Varrasso and Jake Stone all started a majority of last season, and despite losing senior Brody Bitters to a torn ACL, the Aces have two more talented junior players, Jaden Rudder and Carsyn Crouch, who round out this years lineup. The Aces are now 3-2 in the league after wins over Newark Catholic and Licking Heights and take on Lakewood at home on Friday.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL (8-3)

The girl’s basketball team won the Licking County League title and made the district finals a year ago with a very young lineup and return many key contributors from that team. Sophomore Cate Schieber was the teams leading scorer and an allOhio player as a freshman a year ago, and her alongside three-year starters Lanie Hilaman and Ella Rogers have led the Lady Aces to a 4-1 start within the league. They are

coming off of three straight wins over Newark Catholic, Licking Heights and Licking Valley within the league, and they play Northridge at home on Saturday.

INDOOR TRACK

The indoor track team has had two successful meets thus far competing against some top Division I competition. In the first meet of the season at Tiffin, everyone who went from Granville bested their personal record.

In the second meet at Logan, senior exchange student Mariana Garcia broke the school record for the triple-jump.

Seniors on the team include Matthew Steele, Conner Bush, Darius Helgerman, Will Schieber, Ellie Lewandowski, Tori Bergstrom, Olivia Garland, Annika Green, Sophie Shaw and Reilly Zink. The team has two more regular season meets at Ohio State and Akron, and the postseason starts on March 3.

WRESTLING

The wrestling team may be short on seniors, with only Zach Walsh and Carl Greene going out for the team this season, but many younger wrestlers are gaining experience. The team has had six meets so far, including host-

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The swim team has had seven meets already this season, and have a large group of seniors that have led the team to their success. Both the boy’s and girl’s teams took home the championship at the Viking Classic hosted

by Kenyon College earlier in the season. Seniors on the boy’s team include Peter Leithauser, Ben Litle, Bryson Haunstein, Ross Barrett, Mason Clark and Cian and Cole McDermott. Seniors on the girls team include JoJo Cacciato, Lilly Stewart, Sarah Carpenter, Katie Noth, Maggie Phillips and Janie Schrieber.

The swim team’s next meet is away again at Kenyon College on Saturday the 18th, and the Licking County League championship meet starts on Feb 1.

BOWLING

The varsity bowling team brings many experienced members of their team back for this winter season. The team has had seven matches thus far and has six matches left until the Licking County League tournament. Seniors Eric Stickley and Jacob Folk lead the boys team, and are joined by younger bowlers Adam Szczyt, Kobe Hooker, Kyle Neeley and Sherman Parker. Seniors Ainsley Chanda and Eve Painter lead the girls team, and Katie Thompson, Katie McDonie and Lydia Painter are also big contributors. The bowling team’s next match is at Park Lanes against Heath on Tuesday.

22.34

Seconds that senior Ben Litle swam the 50 meter free in, a personal and team best

211

Score that bowlers Katie Thompson and Katie McDonie both totaled to beat Lakewood and Sheridan

42

Points that Lanie Hilaman and Cate Schieber combined for in a win against Bishop Hartley

2

Douglas Terry’s place in last year’s state meet, the highest finish in school history

4

Consecutive LCL Buckey Division titles for the boys basketball team, as they are now going for their fifth straight

GETTING TO KNOW...

ADAM TEETERS

leading the team since 2012

BY MOLLY WILSON (‘20)

S

ome may fold under the pressure when faced with the decision that Adam Teeters faced straight out of college. He was accepted into law school and offered a teaching position within the same week, and, contrary to what most would decide, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a teacher.

Teeters graduated from Ohio Dominican University with a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Education. These degrees have allowed him to teach numerous courses such as Government, Psychology, AP Psychology, Economics and Sociology. He has been

LIGHTNING ROUND Favorite sport?

Basketball Favorite sports team?

Cincinnati Reds Time spent working with athletes per season?

500 hours Favorite workout?

P90X3 Favorite pro sports athlete?

Luka Doncic

teaching for 16 years and has been at Granville for eight years.

AP psychology is Teeters’ favorite class to teach because it allows him to go “in multiple different directions with the subject matter.” The evolving nature of the subject keeps him interested in what he teaches.

It is no surprise that Teeters ended up with the profession he has today. Teeters’ father was a basketball coach and teacher himself at St. Charles Preparatory school, where Teeters played.

According to Teeters, “learning the game and our idea of how to play the game came natural” due to his constant exposure to it as a child.

Eight years ago, Teeters embarked on his own journey as varsity basketball coach and teacher at Granville.

Since then he has earned respect from players and coaching staff..

“Teeters inspires confidence and determination on and off the court, leading to continued successes in multiple facets of my life,” said former player Nick Windley (‘18).

High school athletics are a huge commitment from players and coaches, especially basketball. Basketball players spend a lot of time away from home playing games and practicing during the holidays according to Teeters.

“Were busy during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Valentines day and its tough on me and it’s tough on the families” said Teeters.

Some might be surprised to learn that Teeters spends about 500 hours a year interacting with his players and focusing on their game.

Head basketball coach Adam Teeters poses with his wife and two children after recording the 100th win of his career. (Photo courtesy of Adam Teeters) Teeters tries to balance his coaching and family life by being “home in both body and mind” when he is at home.

Teeters says he takes every free second at school and uses it to his advantage by either grading papers or drawing up new plays for his team. This process allows him to alleviate his workload to a certain extent, thus he can focus on family while he is at home.

Additionally, Teeters will invite his son to come to practice with him in order to have more father-son time. While his son Aidan is not always up to come to practice with his Dad, the option is always there.

The hard work and dedication put into the game by players and coaches has lead them to numerous LCL victories.

The basketball team has won the Buckeye division consecutively for the past four seasons. Teeters has lead the team to Buckeye division victories five times in his Granville career.

The wins, titles, and defeats

are the far less important aspect of the sport according to Teeters. His favorite part about coaching young athletes is seeing how they have continued to succeed in their lives outside of basketball.

Getting to see past players come back and support the team makes all the time and effort worth it, according to Teeters.

His favorite team event is the alumni game because it gives him the opportunity to see his past players once more and reconnect with them. These players also love to check in and support their team.

“Coming home to watch a team that is so well disciplined and fundamentally sound is something that never gets old” according to Windley. “Watching the correct brand of basketball is very special and sticks with both the players and fans.”

Teeters has made quite an impact in the past eight years.

“He truly cares,” Windley said.

January 2020 11

SPORTS STAR SPOTLIGHT

TERRY IS ALREADY A GRANVILLE GREAT

BY ANDY HOBEN (‘20) UNDERCLASSMAN INVOLVEMENT NEEDS TO PICK UP IN STUDENT SECTION

Sophie Shaw fights for draw control in an eighth grade game. (Photo courtesy of Linnea Gold)

D1 DREAMS COME TRUE FOR LACROSSE PLAYER

BY MOLLY WILSON (‘20)

A

s the only girls’ lacrosse team in the LCL, the team has managed to make a sizeable impact, an achievement partly due to senior player Sophie Shaw.

Lacrosse is nothing new for Shaw. She began playing in the fourth grade as her family had just moved into Granville.

Shaw did not realize how far she wanted to take her lacrosse career until seventh grade when she began playing club lacrosse.

Since that moment, Shaw has been extremely dedicated to recruitment.

“The recruiting process has been a huge part of my life,” Shaw said. I remember calling up D1 coaches in eighth grade. Coaches calls were so nerve wracking but it was a great life experience.”

Shaw has earned numerous titles during her time as a high school athlete.

She was voted All-State twice as well as All-District and All-League three times each.

In 2019 she was awarded US Lacrosse All-American and is currently the leading scorer in the state of Ohio.

“She is driven to be the best she can and this is evident with her commitment to Lacrosse in and out of season,” coach Tara Parsley said.

She has racked up three impressive single season records: 109 goals, 92 ground balls and 184 draw controls.

“Sophie’s success is a combination of her work ethics, her passion for the game and her athleticism,” Parsley said.

Shaw has proved herself a key piece to the puzzle for the team as she has been voted MVP and team captain twice within three years.

“She has elevated Granville’s success with her ability to transition the ball and expert ability to score,” Parsley said. “Her work on the field during practice is nothing less than 100% and she raises the level of all players around her.”

Lacrosse is not the only sport Shaw dominates. She has proved herself as an all-around athlete as she was a four year field hockey letterman and is soon to be a four year letterman in indoor track.

She has earned herself the utmost recognition from her teammates in field hockey as well, being voted the MVP twice.

The end’s not near for Shaw as she has committed formally to play lacrosse for Furman University located in Greenville, S.C. “At Furman, there are girls from all over the country and I immediately felt at home when I went on my visit,” Shaw said.

According to Shaw, what further sealed Furman as her top choice was the great academics and the beautiful campus.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing D1 lacrosse, and it’s finally become a reality,” Shaw said.

12 www.blueprintsonline.org

A school’s student section is often one often the defining aspect of the atmosphere surrounding a game, as their loud chants and cheering can dominate whatever field or gym that they inhabit.

HOBIE’S Granville has been fortunate HOT TAKES throughout the years to have a consistently solid student section that spans across multiple sports, and after each year the leadership roles in the sections are passed down to the junior class to take it over for the following year. However, at Granville sporting events in the 2019-20 school year, it is exceedingly apparent that most of the student section for basketball is made up of seniors; if the great tradition of the Granville student section is to be maintained in future years and for future classes, underclassmen involvement needs to start sooner rather than later.

DOUGLAS TERRY ALREADY A GRANVILLE GREAT AS JUST A JUNIOR

As just a sophomore, Douglas Terry already had made Granville history as the first wrestler in any grade level to reach the state championship match, and though he ended up as a runner-up with a loss to a nationally-ranked senior wrestler, Terry has already etched his name in the Blue Aces record books. Terry is a fairly middleweight wrestler, competing at 145 pounds last year, but in his record-breaking sophomore season he showed that he has the ability to compete at the state level and possibly win a state title before his Granville career is over, which would be unprecedented.

NEWARK GENERALS HOCKEY IS A MUST-SEE While Granville doesn’t have its own hockey team, the nearby Newark Generals have had many Blue Aces on their team throughout the years and are the home team for many schools in Licking County.

They have won two consecutive state championships but have lost many of the contributors on these teams to graduation. However, with senior leaders like Jack Bortle, Tyler Dickerson, and Nick Williams, all Granville students, as well as a group of talented underclassmen who are also Granvillians, the Generals have continued their winning ways and maintained the electric atmosphere at the Lou and Gib Ice Arena. With a rowdy group of Granville student section members that also frequent Generals games, Blue Aces fans have a fun environment to experience the game of hockey.

Members of the Granville Spoilers ultimate frisbee team fight for the catch. (Photo courtesy of David Braden)

Diving into the Ultimate High School sport

S

arah Law crosses the field and performs a flawless backhand throw to teammate Max Scheetz.

Scheetz cuts left and looks for an opening. He jumps and catches it, just barely out of grasp from the opposing team.

From across the field he sees president and star player David Braden. It’s a risky move but defenders are coming at him left and right. It’s now or never.

He does a forehand throw. Braden runs, catches it midair, and sprints to the endzone, winning them the game. The team goes wild. It’s official. At this point, the Granville Spoilers are ninth in the state.

Ultimate, a high-intensity no-contact sport, is played by attempting to get the frisbee across the endzone without touching the ground. This sport is typically played by two opposing teams and requires a myriad of skills to be played successfully. The high school’s team continues to flourish in its third year as an official school club, despite being a non-traditional sport. However, the club was not always this successful. In fact, it began simply as a fun activity among a group of friends.

“The school Ultimate Frisbee team started as a long held traditional game after theater events,” senior Karli Prederi

said. “It has existed long before I came to the high school.”

After acknowledging talent within the group, however, passionate players and future co-founders and co-presidents David Braden and Nick Havill began to lead numerous pickup games outside of their typical tradition.

“Eventually some of us participated in pick up games scattered throughout the summer,” Prederi said. “We realized we had some skills so we started an Ultimate Frisbee team called the spoilers.”

The group’s apparent skill could no longer be ignored. However, there were few members that obtained enough basic knowledge of the sport to raise the bar on their simple pick up games.

“We’ve learned a lot of key skills from coaches but more often than not we learn from each other and people from other teams,” sophomore player Damien Frail sid.

With acquiring new-found knowledge about the sport, Ultimate Frisbee athletes began to practice until perfection as well as participate in various tournaments such as the U.S. Open Club Championship in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

“I like how Frisbee requires a lot of different skills, such as sprinting, jumping, the ability to throw well along with many other aspects,” Frail said. “The combina-

BACKHAND To throw the disc from the left side of the body for right handed players.

FOREHAND To throw the disc from the right side of the body for right handed players.

BY ANNA MIALKY (20’)

Photos courtesy of David Braden).

tion of all those things makes the sport really appealing to me and many of my teammates.”

As the 2018-2019 school year came to a close and Havill graduated, he passed the torch to younger president Braden.

The team continues to grow in skill, size and passion under Braden’s leadership.

“Not only did Nick and I share the logistical burdens (turning in paperwork, coordinating practice, recruiting, etc.), the team also relied on him as a leader on and off the field,” Braden said. “Following his departure I have worked harder to help maintain team chemistry and step up in games and during practices, as many new players will need help learning fundamentals.”

Braden’s success as a leader is clear.

His dedication and passion regarding Ultimate draw many towards the club and thanks to his welcoming attitude, the Granville Spoilers are expected to continue to thrive long after his graduation this upcoming May. “My favorite thing about being president is being apart of something bigger than I am and leaving behind a legacy,” Braden said. “The team’s achievements means more because they required more than just one player. It was a collective effort of the whole team. I’m hoping this team is something that not only continues to exist, but continues to grow and improve. In the future I will be able to look back and be proud knowing that I contributed to the founding of the team.”

In addition to Braden, many team members serve as leaders to less experienced athletes, thus contributing to the positive atmosphere, commonly referred to as the “Ultimate community.”

“Everyone is always super nice and accepting and willing to work with less experienced players,” senior Sarah Law said. “The team dynamic is pretty tight knit because we’ve been around each other for a while. Every now and then teammates can butt heads a little, but overall it’s a really cool environment with some pretty awesome people!”

Furthermore, members say the team’s support for one another, strong work ethic, welcoming attitude and fun- loving spirit makes it a desirable group for many students, setting it apart from other traditional sports.

HAMMER To throw a hammer simply pretend like you are throwing an axe.

January 2020 13

FEATURES

SEEING DOUBLE

BY LAUREN KIERNAN (‘20)

W

alking through the halls, you see a short girl with tightly curled hair but as you turn the corner you see her again. And while you might think your eyes are playing tricks on you, they are not. Most likely you are seeing Penny and Nona Hunter, one of the fifteen sets of twins in our building.

The chances of having twins are 1 in 285, so statistically Granville has more than the average.

Seniors Penny and Nona Hunter are twins who do not necessarily know whether they are identical or fraternal but many would say they look pretty familiar.

Among their friends, they are easy to tell apart, but according to Nona other people confuse them up to three times a week. When school starts, people take a little time to remember who is Penny or Nona.

“When people say hi they don’t say a name in order to avoid choosing the wrong one,” Penny said.

When the mother is pregnant, the doctor is unable to tell whether the twins are going to be identical or fraternal, and they normally do genetic testing when they are born. According to Penny, their parents did not want to get them tested with the chances of something going wrong.

“My parents were scared that it was going to be invasive,” Nona said.

When it comes to twins, the time between the two births can vary from two to 30 minutes, depending on different

CHARACTER LOOK ALIKES

BY KENNEDY OGDEN (‘21) When walking the same hallway at the same time of day everyday everyone starts to look the same. In this case, there are some students that start to look like iconic movies and television show characters.

factors during the mother’s labor. In the Hunter’s case, Nona is older by 18 minutes, which is considered average, although Penny said she has “never heard of [the time between births] being longer than five minutes.”

The Pros and Cons

Being a twin is not always easy.

According to Kah Seng Tay, a writer for Business Insider, the hardest parts about being a twin is the comparisons, the competitions, the communication, the assumptions, and the mistaken identity.

Both Penny and Nona said that the hardest part is that no one understands that they are two completely different people and should not be categorized together. Also, it is very hard because it is someone who is always with you and you can never avoid them like you can with other siblings.

“It is very weird to have someone who looks a lot like you; it kinda freaks me out,” Penny said.

Even though there are some hardships when it comes to being a twin, there are definite pros that help hide the cons.

Even though having someone with you for the entirety of your childhood can be a challenge, according to Penny it is a definite pro. You have someone with you that knows exactly how your life is going because they are going through it right along with you. It is helpful to know someone is there so you do not feel so alone when going through the changes in life.

“The best part is being able to easily

Cormac Maclae; Eddie Kasbrak

Aside from Cormac Maclae being a carbon clone of “IT” character Eddie Kaspbrak, Maclae is not defeating a child-eating clown. Maclae is running for the 2020-2021 student body president.

Maclae is an active member of political community. Maclae is periodically working on Morgan Harper’s campaign events, while also being an active student in Youth In Government, Debate Club, and various band activities.

14 www.blueprintsonline.org

steal their identity whenever I want,” Nona said.

Twin Telepathy

Another question that often comes up is twin telepathy, is it real or is it fake?

According to a Penn State student, twin telepathy is the idea that twins can feel pain the other one is experiencing, doing or saying the same thing as their twin without realizing, and even finishing each other’s sentences. There is no scientific evidence behind whether twin telepathy is real or not but both Penny and Nona said they have experienced it and that it is real.

Jokes

One last thing about being a twin that everyone asks about is whether or not they have ever switched places. For identical twins, this is super easy because they look almost exactly the same.

During their junior year around April Fools day, Penny and Nona decided to switch classes for the day. None of the teachers noticed even the band director Mr. Smith did not notice when Nona was playing the flute instead of Penny.

“I’ve never even played the flute,” Nona said.

Ross Barrett: Tod Chaves

Tod Chaves from “Bojack Horseman” is notoriously known for being a lazy slacker. Ross Barrett is entirely the opposite, with the exception of being wildly creative and being a human replica of Todd. Barrett is a senior, working on his artistic expression through various mediums. He is working on a pastel project of late rapper Juice Wrld. Barrett also dabbles in fashion photography on his Instagram platform.

Mrs. McDonald: Miss. Frizzle Miss Valerie Frizzle from “The Magic School Bus” is known for taking her students on unparalleled but teachable field trips. This June Mrs.Mcdonald and associates will be taking accepted students to the Bahamas to teach marine biology.

Although the is not going to be taking students into the interior of a fish she will be allowing students to explore a course topic that they would not have taken otherwise.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF A MUSIC TRIP? "The Steel Drum Virgina Beach trip."

- Julian Ployhar ('20)

The marching band performs on Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom. It took years of auditioning for the marching band to get this opporotunity. (Photo courtesy of GHS Bands via Facebook)

STUDENTS FORGE NEW MEMORIES ON MUSIC TRIPS

BY GAVIN ROBINSON (‘20)

A

s the winter season progresses, the high school’s music programs ramp up in intensity with numerous gigs and trips. While it may create a lot of work, students enjoy the opportunities.

“What really makes these trips worth it for me are the lasting bonds that form from such a special shared experience,” marching band senior Nate Homan said. “It brings us all just a little bit closer together."

The biggest music trip this year was the band Disney trip. Taking place during winter break, they bussed all the way to Orlando, Fla. The marching band performed in Magic Kingdom on Main Street USA. Concert band had a chance to play at the Disney music clinic.

“Marching down Main Street in Disney was a truly magical experience, and will probably be something I remember for the rest of my life,” Homan said.

While there was plenty of performing involved, students had some free time as well.

“My group all carried three copies of Rango and took pictures with them everywhere," band president Layton Rosen

said.

While the band is always reaching higher, Disney had a lot of hype and anticipation.

"Disney was the dream. Disney was awesome," Rosen said.

Another big music trip is the orchestra Chicago trip, taking place March 14.

Although they can be stressful, performances can provide great memories for music students. The holiday concerts are particularly favored.

“It’s the only concert all of the music departments get together for. And it’s fun to watch everyone else,” orchestra senior Danielle Miller said.

Music performances can also be a profound way for students to develop an artistic skill. Whether creatively or emotionally, students find that music is a great outlet to express themselves.

“I like being able to communicate through something other than words,” Miller said.

"Disney was really fun."

- Braden Householder ('23)

"The orchestra Toronto Trip." Annabelle Foster ('21)

"I liked Disney." Joe Dickson ('23)

"Probably Virginia Beach".

- Ryan Bunyard ('21)

BY Gavin Robinson(‘20)

January 2020 15

FEATURES

College flags hang all around the guidance office to show students the many options they have when choosing the next step. (Photo by Paige Grunden).

OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO...

WITH THE SCHOOL year ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH, MANY SENIORS ARE MAKING IMPORTANT DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR FUTURES.

BY PAIGE GRUNDEN (‘20)

T

he class of 2020 is leaving Granville this year, and for those who are choosing to go to college as their next step, they have a big decision to make. Where is the class of 2020 going?

In-state or out-of-state certainly seems to be a big question for many students. Some prefer only in state schools, others prefer solely out of state schools, and some are looking at a mix of both. There are certainly pros and cons to both options.

In-state schools tend to be cheaper up front, closer to home and family, and are often just more familiar to students. Out-of-state schools, while they often seem more expensive when looking at the ticket price, tend to offer bigger scholarships so the price can potentially be comparable to in state schools. They also allow students to branch out, live and become familiar with different states or regions.

“I am looking for in-state schools in order to minimize the loss of a dollar here and there and to avoid out of state college fees,” senior Reece Ogden said.

16 www.blueprintsonline.org

Based on past years, the majority of students have applied and enrolled at the big Ohio schools: Ohio University, The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati and Miami University. All of these schools have seen over 100 enrolled students from Granville in the past 10 years.

“I am looking at in-state schools because I like Ohio. Ohio is pretty epic. I like staying close to family and it’s cheaper than out-of-state schools,” senior Chris White said.

While in-state schools are certainly (class of 2019) popular, out-ofstate Ohio State University--37% schools are also Ohio University-- 29% very popular among Miami University-- 24% students. Out-ofstate schools tend University of Cincinnati-- 28% to see fewer stuBowling Green State University-- 9% dents from Granville enrolling, but this Source: Guidance Department could be caused by how many choices students have. They don’t seem to all flock to the same group of out of state schools. However, there are some schools that seem to be more popular than others.

The University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA is one of the out of state schools that stands out with the amount of Granville students enrolling. According to Naviance, Pitt had 51 applicants and 12 enrolled from 2009 to 2019, which makes it one of the more popular out of state schools.

Marietta College in Marietta, WV and the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL, are up there with the University of Pittsburgh. Marietta College saw 38 applicants and 11 enrolled Granville students in the past 10 years according to Naviance, while the University of Alabama saw 26 applicants and 11 enrolled, according to Naviance.

The University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY and DePauw University in Greencastle, IN both hold the title of having the most enrolled students from Granville for an out of state school. UK has seen 16, while DePauw has seen 18 in the past 10 years.

With so many options for students, it will be very interesting to see the results of the college search on May 1,

Who applied where?

ENTERTAINMENT

MUST-WATCH

WESTERNS

By Jake Barry (‘20)

T

he old west was the time of gunslingers and cowboys, these movies are the best representation of these once infamous men. A Spaghetti Western is a film made cheaply in Europe made to represent the old American west. Not all films on this list are Spaghetti Westerns, but the best ones are.

“A Fistful of Dollars” (1967) A nameless man enters a Mexican town by the name of San Miguel (Clint Eastwood), he is caught up in a feud between the Rojo brothers and the Baxters family. The man with no name enters the struggle when a Mexican unit brining gold for weapons is ambushed by the Rojo brothers.

The man with no name sends false information to both sides for his own profit. This movie is considered the first Spaghetti Western, directed by Sergio Leone. The mysterious man with no name is a character that instantly catches my attention, with his poncho, cigar, and wide brim hat and the classic Clint Eastwood glare. The tense town that is seemingly empty combined with a beautiful score by Ennio Morricone makes this my favorite Western.

“The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” (1966) During the Civil War, a mysterious stranger and a Mexican outlaw named Tuco create an unstable alliance, Joe the stranger (Eastwood), brings in the outlaw for reward money then rescues him so they can escape. One of these escapes go wrong and their alliance is broken. Tuco (Wallach) gets his revenge and drags Joe through the desert until they come across a Union wagon and find a half-dead man who has information about hidden Confederate gold in a cemetery, but only Joe hears the grave number so the men are forced to work together. Meanwhile, a brutal mercenary called Angel Eyes (Cleef) also hears of the gold through a bounty he killed.

Another film featuring Clint Eastwood as a mysterious hero who has few words and is quick on the draw. Tuco is deceptive and is able to squirm his way out of almost any situation, while Angel Eyes is a man about as dangerous as Joe and is also a heartless mercenary.

The movie has the main characters travel through ongoing battles, and war-torn towns, the thrill of not knowing which direction the movie will go is what keeps it interesting. All the while one of the greatest soundtracks ever plays; once again from Ennio Morricone and directed by Sergio Leone.

leads a small group with his old partner Ned to hunt down the men but they run into a second group and clash with each other and the sheriff.

Eastwood, who also directed it, and Morgan Freeman are outlaws who are done with their former lives and have started families and began farming. The two men are unsuccessful at farming implying that they are almost unable to adapt to a normal life so they reluctantly pick up their guns again. Neither of them want to return to being a gunslinger but they need the money.

The film is not like most westerns because the main characters are older men struggling to make a life and at the same time struggling to remember the skills they once had.

“3:10 to Yuma” (2007) The outlaw Ben Wade (Crowe) terrorizes Arizona in the 1800’s with his gang until he is eventually captured. A father and owner of a failing ranch named Dan Evans (Bale) needs the money for his family to survive so he offers to help bring the outlaw to justice but they form a strange respect for each other while being hunted by Ben Wade’s gang.

Bale and Crowe carry the movie. Dan Evans is a serious and cautious man who is struggling to make ends meet as the railroad harrases him so they can take his land while Ben Wade is mischievous and charismatic.

The film has fantastic action while featuring characters that are easy to attach to and root for as the movie progresses. It improves greatly on the 1957 version. Something I love about this movie is how it is a western way past the time of westerns, with less grainy screen quality, audio, and improved practical effects.

“Unforgiven” (1992) In the town of Big Whiskey, Wyoming, a prostitute is brutally beaten by a pair of men, so the women in the brothel put a bounty on them which the corrupt sheriff of the town dislikes. A young cowboy finds William Munny (Eastwood), who is an old gunfighter past his prime, on a decrepit old pig farm. Munny

January 2020 17

ENTERTAINMENT

Artwork by Kennedy Ogden.

THE BEST OF THE WORST A list of cinema’s most essential crime films

18 www.blueprintsonline.org

BY NICHOLAS WILLIAMS (‘20)

I

n the opening line of the classic gangster film “Goodfellas,” Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) says, “As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster.” This iconic line summed up the feelings of many men and the continuing appeal of mobster movies. The thought of being one of the few men in the United States above the law is a fantasy that many will never be able to live out.

Filmmakers are aware of this desire and in turn have crafted hundreds of movies over the years that delve deep in the inner workings of organized crime and the pysche of criminals.

Today, we look back on the film industry’s history for these legendary crime movies.

“Goodfellas” (1990) directed by Martin Scorsese Scorsese’s “Goodfellas” is based on the real life story of Henry Hill and his dramatic life as part of the mafia. He goes from the bright-eyed new kid in the mob to the grizzled veteran on the run from all sides. The transformation is brought to life not just by the performance by Ray Liotta, but by the vibrant cast of side characters as well such as Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) and Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro).

It is not hard to see why many cite this film as one of Scorsese’s best due to many successful aspects of it, such as the

color choice, camera work, and pacing, all minor details that an average, or even above average, director may have missed.

With its classic status cemented, it is also relentlessly iconic, even with the very first line ringing in everyone’s ears throughout the movie’s runtime.

“The Departed” (2006) directed by Martin Scorsese While not based off real life events, “The Departed” is a remake of the movie “Internal Affairs” that came out four years earlier. It is a captivating story of a man who works for the police department posing as a mobster and a gangster who is a high ranking member of the police force and their eventual realization of each other.

Irony is the driving force behind the feelings of the audience, for they are aware of each character’s position while they remain ignorant. Aside from the irony, the cast is superb, utilizing the talents of Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, and many other star names. This suspenseful gangster drama is just as entertaining as it is violent, and Scorsese’s filmography is all the better for it.

“The Godfather” (1972) directed by Francis Ford Coppola “The Godfather” has earned its spot as a top contender for best movie of all-time for there are nearly no faults with it. I will get my one complaint out of the way early and say that I feel the movie is simply too long, but at the same time, the pace never feels off. Every scene is necessary, adding something to the story, characters, tone, atmosphere, etc. The story itself is expertly crafted and just as well directed from the talents of Francis Ford Coppola.

This film has been examined under the microscope by critics since the day it hit theaters and will be continued to be analyzed for decades to come. There is nothing else I can say about this movie that has not been said a million times over.

“Pulp Fiction” (1994) directed by Quentin Tarantino Full disclosure, this is my favorite movie of all time, and I do not see it being knocked off anytime soon. As one of the most quotable movies of all time, Tarantino’s masterpiece is a true classic for many reasons. From the acting to the music, every moment is executed perfectly and with such swagger that it does not feel pretentious for a moment.

Although first time viewers may be a little thrown off by the non-linear storyline, it pays off in successive watches, for you notice something new every with every rewatch. This style is pulled off by the living legend in Quentin Tarantino, which is unlike any other in cinema. It is so unique, irreplaceable and unmockable that is impossible to watch one of his movies and be unaware of the author behind it.

While “Pulp Fiction” dabbles in many other genres such as dark comedy and drama, it is ultimately centered around illegal and often violent actions taken by the captivating characters that inhabit the story, and it is an absolute treat to watch.

“Seven” (1995) directed by David Fincher In my opinion, this is a criminally overlooked movie by many cinephiles. While it is extremely graphic and potentially scarring for younger viewers, it is not just one of the best crime movies, it is an interesting psychological drama and a murder mystery all rolled into one gritty and dark film It is truly disturbing, showing many detailed and graphic shots of the tortured victims, so be advised before trying to go eat afterwards because your appetite will be long gone by the time the ending comes around.

Speaking of the ending, the closing sequence is easily the most iconic part in the whole movie and arguably one of the best in all of cinema. I will refrain from spoiling it, so instead I will talk about the atmosphere given off by the movie. The cinematography, lighting, and production design all lend themselves to building a disgusting world hell-bent on convincing the viewer that this is the last place on earth where you would want to live. It is a special experience that always keeps me on my toes and paying attention, trying to catch clues as to what this movie is really saying.

The crime genre is always one that will attract audiences, for most of us are good, moral people with standards and rules.

But the characters in these movies are the opposite, personifying every piece of the dark human psyche possible. We will likely live our lives in a bubble, seldom venturing into the parts that make our skin crawl. These movies simply give us a taste of what it is like to live on that side of the spectrum.

DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT: MARTIN SCORSESE There are few men and women in the film industry that can rival the filmography of Martin Scorsese. Since the late 1960s, this legendary director has consistently put movies to the silver screen to box office success and mass critical acclaim. While Scorsese, works in many genres the one where he built his legacy was the crime genre. Of the 25 feature films produced by Scorsese, seven of them have been largely crime related. Even his newest film, “The Irishman,” follows in the footsteps of his earlier work with a lengthy (but necessary) runtime, harsh characters, and memorable moments. Even at 77, Martin Scorsese is not slowing down, still adding to his career that will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most impressive in cinema history.

January 2020 19

Calendar

ENTERTAINMENT

WINTER FORMAL FEBRUARY 15 DANCE HIGH SCHOOL COMMONS AT 8:00PM Students gather for the second dance of the year dressed in their very best!

This annual fun night of friends, dancing and music is sure to be one of the high school’s most exciting and memorable social events of the year. All high school students are welcome so come on down and dance the night away!

On the

Sophomores Ava Minton, Clare Hotchkiss, and Avery Spiker poses for photos at Denison before last year’s dance. (Photo coursty of Avery Spiker)

Your guide to Granville’s entertainment.

BY ANNA MIALKY (‘20)

20 www.blueprintsonline.org

JANUARY 31- FEBRUARY 1 Winter Play Walk Two Moons HIGH SCHOOL THEATER AT 7:00PM Be sure not to miss Drama Club’s heartwarming production of “Walk Two Moons” directed by Sara Sharp and Stephanie Stanton, and technically advised by Tim Stanton this upcoming winter.

The play, based on the 1995 Newbery Medal award winner

by Sharon Crech, incorporates themes of loss and grief, hope, acceptance and self-discovery. The production stars senior Paige Wallace as Sal in the high school’s final play of the 2019-2020 school year.

FEBRUARY 6 Music Concert GHS TALENT SHOW HIGH SCHOOL THEATER AT At 7:00PM Don’t miss the high school’s annual talent show. It features various high school student performers in several different categories including musical ensembles, singing and dancing. In addition to the competetors, the high school’s a cappella groups, the Ace Appellas and the Blue Notes, will perform songs for the audience. At the end of the show, a panel of professionals will determine the winners. If you have interest in participating in this entertaining event,

please contact the choir director, Mrs. Snyder. If not, be sure to come and watch these talented students!

FEBRUARY 8 Music Event Solo and Ensemble HIGH SCHOOL ALL DAY Once again, the high school is hosting the OMEA Solo and Ensemble district competition. Spread out throughout a plethora of classrooms, judges listen, critique and score student vocal and instrumental performances. These performances are s cattered throughout the school and run all day. It features student solos and ensembles from the choir, orchestra and band department. Anyone who is interested is welcome to sit back and listen to all of the hard work of the music students, as well as visitors from other school districts, have put in to their beautiful music.

FEBRUARY 25 Music EVENT Band Concert HIGH SCHOOL THEATER AT 7:00PM Be sure to check out the high school band department’s showcase as they prepare for their OMEA large group competition later in the year.

It features songs performed by the band’s Symphonic and

Concert bands and is directed

by Smith and Krumm.

MARCH 3 Music Concert CHOIR CONCERT HIGH SCHOOL THEATER AT 7:00PM The high school choirs gather for this performance to share the songs they will sing for the OMEA large group competition. It includes perfomances by the Freshman Girl’s choir, Men’s choir, Women’s choir, and Symphonic chhoir. These songs are directed by Kristen Snyder and are sure not to disappoint!

FEBRUARY 24 Music Event Orchestra Concert HIGH SCHOOL THEATER AT 7:00PM Samantha Schabel once again plans to lead her students in their third orchestra concert of the year. This performance showcases the music prepared for the OMEA large group competition. Come down and watch to support the high school’s orchestra.