THE
PAW PRINT ISSUE #6 | VOL.36 | JANUARY 26, 2024
A LOOK INSIDE:
6
CELEBRITIES AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
8-9
GHS’s FIRST SEMESTER WRAPPED
12
GREEN’S VERY OWN ATHLETES ON ICE
THE PAW PRINT
02
design by Mckenzie Collinsworth
table of
CONTENTS
03 Oped 03
Student section at the boys varsity basketball game. PHOTO BY: Michelle Herdlick
Pass on the Pass
12-13 Sports
04-05 News 04-05
In the News and on ghspawprint.org
06-11 Features
12
Sports on Ice
13
Winter Mid-Season Overview
14-15 Opinion
06
Celebs in the Wild
07
Summers Sports
14
My Stoplight
Semester Wrapped
15
A Journey of Injuries
08-09
10
How to Deal with Grief
11
Excessive Student Debt
Staff List EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: MCKENZIE COLLINSWORTH DESIGN EDITOR: CATHERINE SMITH MANAGING EDITOR: NINA SUMMERS WEBSITE EDITOR: VICTORIA SCHLUE CHIEF COPY EDITOR: SOPHIA SALEY COPY EDITOR: PARKER GREEN MEDIA MANAGER: MADDIE LUCEY
16 Caboose 16
Best Friends Wonka Review
Editors: NEWS: SELENA SABBAGH
CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: CARTER SHARPNACK
FEATURES: HADLEY BIALEK ELLA MAROCHINO
Staff Writers:
COURTNEY ADAM CENTER SPREAD: ELLIE COLE MALLORY GEARHART MORGAN DOAN RAE FEINMAN SPORTS: NOAH FISCHER AIDEN BRUECK AMAUNI GARY JASZLYN HAWKINS OPINION: EMILY HESSE NINA MCANNALLY SHANNON HURD MAISY JOHNSON CABOOSE: SOPHIA WELLS MADY KERLEY
ADVISOR: NATALIETANNEHILL
NATALIE KETLER CA LEAH MOORER OLIVIA MUZI ADDYSON PADGETT JULIA PARRISH ROWAN PENNINGTON MAX SHEIBELHOFFER JILLIAN TAYLOR LOGAN TOOLEY NOELE ZUBER
THE PAW PRINT
design by Mckenzie Collinsworth
PASS
L
ON THE
et’s be clear: The Paw Print is not anti-efficiency. In fact, you might even call us efficiency proponents, having refined our own systems to produce more editions of GHS’s favorite publication than ever before. So when it comes to the new hall passes that rolled out this semester, we understand that the intent was noble. We too would like to see students in class and know that our restrooms are safe from the errant vaping child. But in practice, the hall passes are best described by the German word verschlimmbessern: to make a matter worse by trying to fix it. The virtual hall passes are accessed through a massive QR code that hangs above where a sign out sheet once sat. You need a phone to open the Google Form that the code leads to, and upon arriving at this form, you must fill out a questionnaire explaining why you are leaving the class. Like communism, this sounds great in theory. Nearly everyone has a phone, after all, and using less paper is environmentally conscious. But, also like communism, there are hidden dark sides that make the virtual hall passess very difficult to execute with any finesse. For one, the phones. According to the powers that be, Green High School has a “no phone policy” within the confines of a classroom. Given that, many teachers will take your phone on sight, or have you put it in a little cubby during class time. Having to take out your phone in class to use the restroom not only violates previously established school policy, but then gives the student access to the device while they are in the halls, potentially creating a distraction that would delay their return to class. In addition to that, many students don’t have access to school wifi or a reliable connection to
THE GREEN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER THE PAW PRINT 1474 Boettler Rd. Uniontown OH, 44685 (330) 896 - 7500
VISIT OUR WEBSITE ghspawprint.org FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @thepawprintghs @thepawprintghs
03
PASS
data, making them unable to use their phones and scan the QR code. The virtual hall pass then becomes irrelevant, since students aren’t using it when they can’t load the form. Then you have the efficiency issues. Like we said previously, we understand how a virtual hall pass may seem better in this regard. But between fishing out your phone, scanning the code, loading the form, answering, walking to the restroom, maybe having to find a different restroom because the one you first tried is inconveniently locked, and then returning to class, you end up wasting valuable instruction time. Again, we at The Paw Print applaud innovation and technology within our school (check out our previous editorial on A.I.). We also understand that the virtual hall pass may work perfectly in larger, unstructured environments like a study hall. But in the everyday classroom sense, the cumbersome set up, time restraints, and distractions created by the hall passes negate any record keeping efficiency. If we were a betting editorial staff, which of course we are not, we wouldn’t place our money on any teacher or student using these hall passes with any regularity, ultimately proving the venture pointless. Instead of tracking kids at all times, we suggest simply rewarding the kids who don’t abuse the restrooms via the new point system; it’s a solution that will not only avoid the issues outlined above, but also end the needless punishment of kids who just need to do their business. Ultimately, efficiency can’t be weighed by only one standard, you have to consider not only the bureaucratic benefits, but how the new policy will actually affect those who use it. For the editorial staff, these virtual hall passes are simply a no.
EDITORIAL POLICY The newspaper staff will make every reasonable effort to verify quotations in final approved copy with the individual(s) quoted, in interest of accuracy. Copy in the newspaper will bear bylines when, in the opinion of the adviser with the editor’s approval, the writer has earned recognition and running the byline is acceptable journalistically. If a newspaper editorial does not bear a byline, it reflects the opinion of the entire staff. A bylined editorial reflects only the opinion of the writer. Viewpoints expressed in newspaper editorials are not necessarily shared by any members of the faculty (including the adviser), the administration, or the board of education. All letters to the editor of the newspaper must be signed for verification purposes, but the staff may withhold names upon request. Because of space limitations letters of 300 words or less will receive preference, and longer letters may be subject to condensation with the cooperation of the writer. The final decision of whether to print a letter rests solely with the staff.
news
THE PAW PRINT
04
design by Mckenzie Collinsworth
IN THE NEWS
...or on the ghspawprint.org website
STANLEY
CUP FRENZY
key club’s
BED BRIGADE by Courtney Adam
by Maddie Lucey
Sunday, December 31, a Valentine’s Day Stanley Cup edition was releaseda simple pink and red cup. Crowds of people waited outside of Target to get this cup. Not only was there a rush inside to snag it, many people camped outside the stores overnight. There are so many reusable cups like Stanleys out there. Yeti, Hydro Flask, Starbucks etc. are all popular, so why is there this craze for Stanley Cups?
Senior, Kyle Smith, Plays at Jackson Friends with his friends. PHOTO BY: Mallory Gearhart
The gym is loud: parents and students cheer from the stands, shoes squeak against the vinyl wood floors, and refs occasionally let out shrill whistles to mark fouls. It could be any high school basketball game in the country, if not for the fact that no one here is playing for their school. This is J Friends, short for “Jackson Friends Basketball”, a moniker derived from the church that sponsors and organizes play. It’s a local league that has been growing in popularity as traditional, schoolsanctioned basketball declines. by Parker Green
RISE OF J FRIENDS
NEW BOOKS in 2024 by Hadley Bialek
Each year authors across the globe either continue a series, start a new book series or publish their first stand alone novel. The website and app Good Reads is used by many in the reading community. Users are able to follow other people, see what books they’re reading, their opinions on certain books and new book recommendations. Good Reads also has a list of 6,271 books being published in 2024 on their website. This list is ordered by the number of shelves the book receives.
Drunk Elephant products destroted by ten year olds at Sephora. PHOTO BY: Catherine Smith
Walking into Sephora never used to warrant a fear among adult makeup users, but now with the influx of 10 year olds raiding the Drunk Elephant skincare section, the fear is valid. Sephora and all other makeup stores used to be serene locations for adults to purchase their overpriced makeup essentials. Over the past year, this tranquility has slowly been transformed into a rush of anxiety when the thought of multiple pre-teen children running around the stores like feral animals comes to mind.
Saturday, January 6, eager volunteers gathered at Greensburg United Methodist Church with their power tools in hand. The church is the major sponsor of the Akron/ Canton chapter of the Bed Brigade. The Bed Brigade is a non-profit charity that builds and delivers beds to anyone in need. Part of the organization started in 2012 in Grove City, Ohio. Teenagers were helping out at a church summer camp when they were asked to build beds for a Bed Brigade chapter in Circleville, Ohio. After a while, a chapter in Columbus was started.
by Catherine Smith
10 year old
SEPHORA
CRAZE
Members of Key Club building a bed frame at the Bed Brigade event. PHOTO BY: Courtney Adam
THE PAW PRINT
05
news
FIND THESE STORIES ON OUR WEBSITE!
The ghspawprint.org website possesses recent news stories (as seen below), in-depth feature stories about some of our very own staff and students, and positively interesting reviews from movies to books. Also on our website, you can find our complete staff list (with pictures and staff titles) and our latest issue linked to our issu account. Keep up to date with some of our most recent stories which our website provides. Read the full story of each articel presented below on our website so you know everything about these crazy stories.
ON MIKE DEWINE
SCAN TO ACCESS OUR WEBSITE!
by Noah Fischer
The Federal Railroad Administration announced the first 69 grant recipients in a program, which will expand passenger rail service across the United States. Shown in a poll administered by the Rail Passengers Association, the desire for passenger trains is growing within the United States, thus this program is aimed to connect the country through new railway routes. Ohio specifically is a state which benefits greatly from the funding for this program. Four proposed railway routes in Ohio have received funding from the FRA’s grant. Two of these new routes connect through Cleveland, linking the city to Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati in one route, and linking the city to Detroit, via Toledo, in the second route. by Addyson Padgett
AMTRAK expansion
green’s
ADAPTIVE
B-BALL by Ella Marochino
The Green Bulldogs recently added their newest form of a competitive sports team. The Green Bulldog co-ed wheelchair basketball team started their first season with a win against Cloverleaf. The team consists of different types of athletes, some that need the wheelchair and some that do not. Regardless, every player on the court uses a wheelchair at all times. The rules state that there must be two players on the court at all times that need the wheelchair. Otherwise, all the other rules and regulations are the same as any other basketball game.
While Books-a-Million may be the most accessible and easy-to-find local bookstore, there are many small bookstores that go relatively unnoticed. For those who are able, these bookstores are definitely worth a visit -- not only do they sell a wide (and inclusive!) selection of new books to add to your TBR, they provide a chance to support locally-owned small businesses (which, to be honest, we could all try to do more often). One thing must first be considered, however, before reading: this is not an exhaustive list. That is to say, there might not be something mentioned for everyone but I guarantee it does exist and you should definitely look beyond these bookstores. by Rae Fienman
IN OHIO
independent
BOOK Green’s co-ed basketball team. PHOTO BY: Julie McMahan
STORE REVIEW
Governor Mike Dewine, following his December 30th now-overturned veto of House Bill 68, a bill in two parts which sought to ban gender-affirming care (puberty blockers, hormone therapy, gender transition surgery) for minors as well as banning transgender people from participating in women’s sports–a bill which targets a very small, vulnerable group of people–was met with extreme backlash from the Republican party, with the current leading Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, saying in a Truth Social post: “DeWine has fallen to the Radical Left,” going on to say the bill would have “stopped child mutilation, and prevented men from playing in women’s sports,” before imploring the state legislature to overturn the decision.
Japan has become the fifth country to land on the Moon. The precision technology in the lander allowed the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon, or SLIM, to land closer to its landing site than any previous lunar mission. SLIM used “pinpoint landing” technology, which uses cameras on the lander to adjust its landing. While most previous missions have had a landing area of 10 kilometers, SLIM only has a landing area margin of error of 100 meters. This level of precision has gained SLIM the nickname of the “Moon sniper.” by Carter Sharpnack
JAPAN on the MOON
Mike Dewine speaking on his new bill. PHOTO BY: ABC News
An artist’s illustration of an ispace lander and rover on the surface of the moon. PHOTO BY: ispace
features
THE PAW PRINT
06
CELEBS WILD
design by Mckenzie Collinsworth written by Nina Summers
IN THE
celebrities environmental impacts discovered
S
ome celebrities have a devastating impact on the Earth’s climate; others fight hard to protect it. Most celebrities emit more CO2 emissions in a couple of months than an average person does in years. Along with private jet emissions, celebrities also contribute a lot of heavy consumerism. Due to their wealth and fame, many of these celebrities get away with contributing to climate change without consequence. Since the Eras Tour began in March, Taylor Swift created some public outrage from environmentalists. Swift’s private jet took around 103 flights between March and August, releasing tons of CO2 emissions. With over 166 hours in the air, Taylor Swift emitted more carbon emissions in a few months than multiple people do in a year. In recent events, Swift has been faced with backlash from polluting 138 tons of CO2 emissions in a brief time period to see her new boyfriend– Travis Kelce. “To offset green environmental effects of her frequent flying, Swift would need to plant more than 2,200 trees, which would require approximately a decade to mature.” Daily Mail said. Along with Swift, the Kardashians and Jenners have spent hundreds of millions of dollars to customize their private jets. John Travolta, specifically, has been reported to have a fleet of his own planes. A lot of celebrity’s clap back at negative environmental comments by claiming they allow friends to use their jets, so they are
not directly contributing to the use. “Taylor’s jet is loaned out regularly to other individuals. To attribute most or all of these trips to her is blatantly incorrect,” a representative for Taylor Swift said in an interview to Rolling Stones Magazine. A lot of celebrities also present the argument of their safety. High-end celebrities take their own private jets to shows and other events because being with the general public could pose a threat to their safety. Along with safety, celebrities travel a lot more than the average person so it would make sense for them to use their own form of transportation. However, the issue is that celebrities tend to take short 2030 minute airplane flights instead of riding in cars, buses, or other forms of transport. In an article published by Yard Digital, Sustainability Director, Chris Butterworth, said, “It’s easy to get lost in the dazzling lives of the rich and famous, but unfortunately, they’re a massive part of the CO2e problem we have with the aviation industry.” Many celebrities have faced climate change scandals, including Kim Kardashin who used climate change as a marketing tactic to sell a Skims Nipple Bra, and Aubrey Plaza for promoting dairy milk by mocking plant-based milks. Environmental group Greenpeace lashed out at Kardashian soon after her ad was aired for being insensitive to a very real issue . A recent post from environmental advocacy group, Greenpeace, stated “Using melting glaciers and rising sea levels as a
punchline to improve your profit margins makes a mockery of an issue that is devastating millions of people’s lives.” Despite the ongoing contribution of pollution from private jets, Billie Eilish made a large environmental impact in the past year. Eilish used solar-powered ‘zero-emissions battery systems’ to run her Lollapalooza set. In a partnership with REVERB, an environmental non-profit, Eilish raised 116,000 for multiple different pro-climate organizations during her tour. On top of that, Eilish and her brother Finneas, started a collaboration with a well-known vegan restaurateur to open a new all vegan restaurant. The restaurant, Argento, is an Italian based restaurant that serves only vegan food. Science Teacher and Environmental Club adviser Carrie Wagar feels celebrities should acknowledge their position as role models for others. “They are in a position to be environmental activists and should set a strong example for others and not fly their jets all over the world,” Wagar said. Celebrities from music artists to actors all over the world over utilize their wealth and fame. Instead of driving a car to the grocery store or facetime with their long-distance boyfriend, many celebrities contribute to climate change in many ways. Whether it be for safety reasons or emergency flights to another country, celebrities are starting to be held more accountable for their CO2 emissions and climate scandals.
reduce your environmental impact
SIMPLE
SAVE
TRAVEL
CONSERVE
WATER
WASTE
Watch your water usage by turning off faucets when not in use, taking short showers, and avoiding unnecessary water consumption during the day.
Help reduce your eco footprint by practicing recycling, composting, saying no to disposables, bringing your resuable bags to stores and buying less items.
LIVING
ENERGY
GREEN
Be content with what you have and avoid shopping. Find joy in simple pleasures: plant trees, grow food, buy local produce and mend and make do.
Use less energy by turning off appliances when not in use, switching to energy saving bulbs, and investing in energy saving appliances and products.
25% of the world’s gas emissions are caused by vehicles. Ditch your car as often as practicably possible and cycle, walk or ride public transportation to help reduce.
REDUCE
THE PAW PRINT
07
features
NOW OPEN The premier indoor sports training facility in Northeast, Ohio. Specializing in baseball/softball, our modular approach gives way to any number of sport training disciplines. At 24,000 square feet, our wide open spaces and padded turf will give you the competitive edge to perform at your peak.
* BASEBALL * SOFTBALL * FOOTBALL * SPEED/AGILITY * STRENGTH/CONDITIONING 1277 HOME AVE. AKRON 4310
center spread 08
THE PAW PRINT
SEMESTER
design by Mckenzie Collinsworth written by Mckenzie Collinsworth
WRAPPED
TOP RIGHT: The Green Bulldogs football team receives encouragement encouragement before the big Homecoming game against Louisville. PHOTO BY: Michelle Herdlick TOP LEFT: Student section leaders, Leah Dubravetz ‘24 and Lucas Bitong ‘24, running the flags before the Homecoming game in their neon gear. PHOTO BY: Michelle Herdlick BOTTOM LEFT: Green’s Musical Theatre Department performs Anastasia with lead roles Claire Holdren ‘24, Clayton Breon ‘24, and Aiden Brueck ‘25. PHOTO BY: Michelle Herdlick BOTTOM RIGHT: Bulldog mascots cheer on the football team during the Homecoming game in their neon pride gear. PHOTO BY: Michelle Herdlick
THE PAW PRINT
09 center spread
RIGHT: Green Girls Soccer Team wins the Federal League for the first time in history. PHOTO BY: Michelle Herdlick LEFT: The 2023 Homecoming Court announced before the Homecoming football game. PHOTO BY: Michelle Herdlick COVER: Green’s Competition Cheer team wins first place in the state. PHOTO BY: Sophia Saley
BOTTOM: Mr Allan announcing which class won the spirt stick at the pep rally. PHOTO BY: Alyssa Davis LEFT: Ana Mijatovic ‘24 and Seth Mcmillen ‘24 participating in the courtyard cleanup project in Envrionmental club. PHOTO BY: Morgan Doan
TOP: Jamie Duskey ‘24 and Morgan Doan ‘24 serve hot chocolate at Student Council and NHS’s Coco and Cram. PHOTO BY: Parker Green TOP LEFT: Girls of Green supports the girls tennis at their senior night with posters and gifts. PHOTO BY: Mckenzie Collinsworth LEFT: Audrey Reimer ‘24 directs the marching band as a senior led activity for the year. PHOTO BY: Michelle Herdlick
THE PAW PRINT
features 10
design by Mckenzie Collinsworth written by Mady Kerley & Ellie Cole
5Grief GRIEF 1 T 2 3 4 5 DEALING WITH
Stages of
DENIAL:
hroughout life, everyone is bound to experience some form of grief. Grief can be experienced differently by everyone, as it is the way that someone responds to the loss of a loved one. It could be experienced by the loss of anyone you have in your life, as well as things similar to a loss of a job. Grief can be experienced in many situations. When experiencing grief, knowing how to deal with emotions can be extremely difficult. Especially when going through the many stages that someone could experience.Understanding how you feel and processing your emotions is the most important part of starting your journey in dealing with grief. The first step in doing so is recognizing how the grief has come up and allowing yourself to grieve. As previously mentioned, it could be from a death, or even things such as losing a job. In an article done by the Harvard Health publishing David Rosmarin explains why this first step is crucial. “Going through the grieving process is essential to healing, no matter how long it lasts,” Harvard Spirituality and Mental Health director Rosmarin said. Then, recognize the emotions being experienced and how the mind and body reacts to the situation. There are numerous symptoms of grief such as lethargy, insomnia, and loss of self control. These factors all lead up to recognizing where you stand in the five stages of grief. You might have heard of these five stages of grief. But what are they, and does grief really follow a set timeframe? The five stages- denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. They are often talked about as if they happen in order, moving from one stage to the other. Feeling numb is common in the early days after a bereavement. Some people at first carry on as if nothing happened. Anger is a completely natural emotion, and very natural with grief. “I felt a lot of anger because it’s hard to accept the loss of someone you’ve had for a really long time,” said Kate Cole ‘26.
When we are in pain, it’s sometimes hard to accept that there is nothing we can do to change things. Bargaining is when we start to make deals with ourselves. Sadness and longing are what we think of most often when we think about grief. This pain can be very intense and come in waves over many months or even years. “I would say for me the hardest stage of grief was sadness. When it first happened [the cause of grief], and now. It hasn’t gotten any less sad to remember or think about it,” Katie Vecchione ‘26 said. Grief can feel like nothing will ever be right again, but gradually most people find that the pain eases, and it is possible to accept what has happened. “When my dog passed in her sleep, it was traumatic because it was so unexpected,” said Isabelle Dennis ‘26. “Grief can be a burden, but also an anchor. You get used to the weight, how it holds you in place” Sarah Dessen said, in the book The Truth About Forever. All of these stages can make going through life difficult, so it is important to have people there for support and guidance through grief. These people could include family and friends;however, it is important to know when to get professional help. Professional help can look different depending on the situation. It could include personal therapy, family therapy, a support group, or any medical professional. In the meantime, practicing self awareness and self care is important when processing grief at any stage. Some small things that could make a big difference are journaling, taking a bubble bath, or taking extra time to do anything to better yourself. Another factor that can be incredibly helpful and powerful in a grieving process is exploring your spirituality. It can be seen as a way to bring people together, as well as bring solace and comfort. Grief comes in waves, and can differ from person to person. Grief comes at unexpected times, but the next time that it does, keep this in mind and try some new tactics to make the grieving process easier.
Your body’s normal reaction to rationalize overwhelming emotions and to absorb the reality. A defense mechanism that buffers the immediate shock of the loss.
ANGER:
The pain of loss starts to firmly take hold. The anger can be towards the deceased, others, yourself or life. A normal stage of the healing process.
BARGAINING:
The attempt to minimize or postpone your sadness by imagining “what if” scenarios. You may also feel guilt or responsibility, leading you to bargain.
DEPRESSED:
The realization of the reality and the true extent of the loss. As the loss feels more present and unavoidable, you feel depressed.
ACCEPTANCE: You might still feel that it’s unfair, and that’s ok. The pain resides, but you can envisage your life with the new reality.
design by Mckenzie Collinsworth written by Aiden Brueck
THE PAW PRINT
excessive
STUDENT
11
features
DEBT
restrictions and problems large amounts of debt possesses an individual with
M
any high school students aspire to pursue higher education, but are discouraged due to the fear of looming student debt. The burden of post-college debt is not only avoidable, but also harmful to the wellbeing and potential of young students. Alternative funding options, income-driven repayment plans and debt forgiveness programs can provide relief to those already burdened by student debt. Income-driven repayment plans adjust payments based on income and family size, while debt forgiveness programs cancel some/all debt after a certain time or under certain circumstances. Rather than being forced into high-paying jobs solely to pay off their loans, these programs can help alleviate the stress of student debt and allow graduates to pursue careers of their choosing. Alternative funding options such as grants and furthered scholarships can alleviate this issue and prioritize the futures of our youth. Research consistently suggests that increased access to grants and scholarships positively impacts educational outcomes. These alternatives play a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable education system, breaking down financial barriers for students. The issue of access to higher education is at the forefront of many discussions, and at the heart of the problem lies the cost of college education. According to a report by the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees at a private four-year college in the U.S. was $36,880 in the ‘20-’21 academic year. For in-state students at public four-year colleges, it was $10,560. These ever-rising
tuition fees and associated expenses create a daunting financial hurdle that not all aspiring students can overcome. Higher education, which could be a rocket for personal and societal progress, can become a privilege accessible only to those with significant financial means. Post-graduation, the weight of student loans can turn academic accomplishment into a source of lifelong stress. This burden is unnecessary, stifling the creativity, innovation and ambition of recent graduates. Instead of embracing opportunities and pursuing passions, many find themselves constrained by financial obligations, making career choices solely based on their ability to repay loans. A 2021 report by Forbes found that student loan debt in the United States has reached a record high of $1.56 trillion, with the average borrower owing $32,731. This debt can take years, and sometimes decades, to pay off, leading to delayed homeownership, marriage and other major life milestones. A survey by One Wisconsin Institute found that individuals with student loan debt are more likely to live paycheck to paycheck and have lower credit scores, limiting their financial opportunities and freedom. The model of financing higher education through loans shackles individuals to debt for years, if not decades. This not only hampers individual potential but also stunts the overall progress of society by constraining the contributions of individuals. Private loans, such as college financial aid, tend to have higher interest rates than federal loans; interest on student loans starts accruing as soon as the loan is disbursed. Payment plans with subjectively confusing terms can leave borrowers feeling
overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. For example, some lenders may offer variable interest rates that can change over time, making it difficult for borrowers to plan for the future. Subsidized and unsubsidized loans also present different challenges for borrowers.Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while the borrower is in school, and unsubsidized loans start garnering interest as soon as they’re taken out. All of these factors contribute to a system that platforms inequality, where talented individuals can be bound by debt for years, if not decades, and are unable to fully contribute to society. Implementing solutions, such as income-driven repayment plans and debt forgiveness programs, can free individuals from the weight of post-college debt. This liberation, in turn, brings an environment where graduates are free to explore their passions; a society where they can contribute meaningfully and chart their paths without being constrained by what leads them there. The current system of student loans places undue stress on individuals and families, often resulting in a cycle of debt that spans decades. This can have a negative impact on their mental health, relationships and overall quality of life. By addressing this issue, it could not only potentially improve the lives of those affected by student debt but also strengthen our economy and society as a whole. Ultimately, the value of accessible and affordable education cannot be overstated in the pursuit of a fair, just, and prosperous society.
“Make sure you apply for FAFSA and know the difference between grants and scholarships and lonas.” - Mrs. Garritano “Don’t go into debt!” - Mr. Owen
sports
THE PAW PRINT
12
design by Mckenzie Collinsworth written by Sophia Wells, Sophia Saley, & Olivia Muzi
SPORTS ON W
ICE
hen Green High School students think of winter sports, they commonly think of basketball, swimming, and bowling; however, ice sports are often forgotten. Due to Green Local Schools’ lack of sponsorship for these activities, many students’ hard work, dedication, and accomplishments made through their sport goes unacknowledged. The two most popular forms of ice sports are figure skating and hockey. While both take place on an ice skating rink, they are vastly different sports. Ice skating can be done as solos, duos, or synchronized teams; however, ice hockey is only done as a team. Additionally, their skates themselves are different. A hockey skate has a wider and shorter blade to maximize their speed, control, etc. and a ice skate blade has a longer and flat blade to achieve the best spins, jumps, etc. Despite their differences, both sports require skills that take years of practice and commitment to perfect.
TYSON HUNKA GHS Sophomore, Tyson Hunka, has been playing hockey since he was three years old. He enjoys playing for the Canton Akron Jets by airport. While Hunka has been playing hockey since he could walk, he finds more excitement playing his other sports, football and lacrosse, more. Hunka plays his other sports through Green High School which allows him to be able to play with his close friends. Hockey has impacted Hunka’s life through many aspects; such as, keeping himself busy in the off-seasons and helping him grow as a person. “I became interested in hockey when I saw my dad playing a game on the Xbox,” Tyson Hunka said.
OWEN CAPPS Owen Capps, GHS Sophomore, has been ice skating for over five years. Growing up, he watched the winter Olympics with his mom and spent his time at the ice skating rink, creating an interest in the sport. He trains at Center Ice Sports Complex and is part of the Center Ice Figure Skating Club. With weekly practices and extensive competitions, figure skating can be difficult mentally and physically. However, the friends, memories and personal growth illustrated through this sport are enough to keep Capps on the ice. Through his hard work and dedication, Owen was able to qualify for the upcoming national competition. “I’ve had many ups and downs with this sport, but it has made me the person I am today,” stated Capps. “The friends I’ve made from skating have always been there for me through hard times.
design by Mckenzie Collinsworth written by Aiden Brueck
THE PAW PRINT
13 sports
WINTER mid-season overview GIRLS Basketball
BOYS Basketball
A senior-less roster was never a problem for the Bulldogs. Our girls’ basketball team has not only garnered a record-breaking year, but also has stepped up in terms of their overall leadership and prowess within the Federal League. While losing tough battles against top-ranked opponents--Magnificat and Jackson--they still have kept up with the competition. Jenna Slates, ‘25, has broken not only the career steals record, but has also broken the record for most career rebounds. With five games left (as of publishing), the ‘dogs have no intentions of letting up.
After a relatively late-start to their schedule, the boys’ basketball team racked up ten wins to catch up. They’ve since broken even in their series against Jackson, and had four-or-less point losses to Brunswick and McKinley. Brady Rollyson ‘24 has since achieved 1,000 total career points after playing varsity minutes since his Freshman year, and strong defenders in Luke Jansen ‘24 along with Jarrett Taylor ‘24 have brought more total possessions than ever before. Head coach Mark Kinsley has seen himself surpass 400 total wins in his coaching career, adding to the accolades the 23-24 season has strung along.
Dance Team
Gymnastics
In the current dance season, the team has astounded audiences with captivating performances at pep rallies and basketball games. They’ve not only emphasized teamwork in their routines, but also improvement with every performance. Recently, at regionals, they navigated through various dance styles. These include: Pom, Kick, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Lyrical. They ended up securing qualification in all categories. Looking forward, they’ll compete in the state competition on January 28th at Heath High School.
Green High School’s gymnastics team triumphed at the Jackson Polar Bear Invitational, claiming 1st place in their season opener. Facing 16 teams, Alyssa Morgan impressed with an 11th place on vault, while Braxton Taliaferro secured top 10 finishes. Lindsay Morgan showcased versatility with placements in multiple events. Izzy Menefee’s finesse shone through, and Reese Genet emerged as the overall winner, securing 1st place in floor, bars, and the allaround.
GIRLS Swim
BOYS Swim
On January 13th, at the Northeast Classic Invitational, Laina Swartzwelder ‘25 set a new school record in the 200 freestyle, clocking 1:56.94 during prelims at The University of Akron. Olivia Scheibelhoffer ‘24 also made waves, breaking her school record in the 50 freestyle with a thrilling swim-off time of 24.17. The girls’ swim team, including these record-breakers, is set to compete at the Federal League Meet at CT Branin Natatorium in Canton.
The boys swim team is looking forward to a strong end of season, with top performers Camden Doerrer ‘24, Seth McMillien ‘24 and Aidan Byers ‘24 expected to go far. Unfortunately, some swimmers have been forced to take a backseat due to illness. However, spirits are high from both athletes and coaches as they enter the postseason.
Wrestling
Comp Cheer
Green’s Bulldog Wrestlers found success mid-season, winning their first home Federal League match in two years earlier this month with a 39-33 victory over Jackson. Standout performances by Joel Brink, Hudson Newhouse, Conner Roarty, Tyler Grant, Matt Galemmo, Craig Campbell, Nick Schaal, and Gabe Holeman secured first-place round wins. Additionally, in the Bulldog Brawl Tournament, Matt Galemmo claimed 1st place, with Nick Schaal at 3rd, Lance Parrish at 5th, Craig Campbell at 4th, and Joel Brink as the Runner-Up.
Another title for their impressive record, Green’s competitive cheer team secured the OHSCCA state championship this past weekend. Bringing home more gold to Green, the 2024 team were praised for their hard work and commitment alongside their dedicated supporters.
opinion
M
14
design by Catherine Smith written by Victoria Schlue
MY STOPLIGHT
y reading chair sits in the far right corner of my room, aligned with the window on the front of my house. I’ve covered this chair in pillows, blankets, and far too many philosophical debates. As a result of such, I contemplate and look outside in pursuit of answers. Most of my questions only get answered by: someone taking in their trash cans, mowing their lawn, or the same treeline that I’ve watched for ten years. All of which surround my stoplight. My stoplight has witnessed the highs and lows of throwing my books across the room, silently screaming into the abyss, reenacting dialogue, and countless tears shed. However, I’ve only seen my stoplight in three different lights.
Green:
THE PAW PRINT
Green equals go, or in my case to “just keep moving forward.” I find frequently, while reading “classics,” that I will never be more creative than an alcoholic man in the 1920’s. In spite of this hard truth, I have attempted tirelessly to out-imagine some of the “greats.” I fall short every time. But, usually through some horrible curse, my new attempts beat out my old ones. And while I don’t find myself being one of the “greats’’ too soon, I think it’s
important to continue. To keep moving forward, to continue trying, to remember your mistakes and to rewrite the endings better than the last. That’s the point of a green light: giving myself the permission to move forward for the better.
Yellow:
I probably shouldn’t admit this but, at heart, I am no better than a college frat boy who discovered the key to motivation through a self-help book. I know, I know… I didn’t see it coming either. But I will say I’ve adopted many ideologies from this genre. My favorite to be: taking every opportunity as it comes. Sometimes when I’m driving and the light turns yellow and I’m too close to stop, but too far to go through, I hesitate for a moment, then I punch the gas pedal. I like to think of taking every opportunity that comes my way very similar to that. Most times when I hesitate about an opportunity I think of the consequences, and all the “what ifs?” But, “what ifs” are “what ifs” and well… a “what if” doesn’t seem like it would get me to the next green light so, in the meantime: I will punch gas when I hesitate and get through… at least till the next yellow light.
Red:
My reading chair, like I’ve said, has seen the best and the worst of me. I would say more good than bad, but I’d be lying. Usually, I’ll finish a long series of novels in the middle of the night, mostly because I can’t seem to stop myself and go to bed at a normal time. In the middle of the night when I’ve finished the stories of the characters I’ve laughed with, and faced their hardships as my own, without a doubt I will become somber of our goodbye. I will look for answers outside. The red light will be waiting for me. Because nobody is out on the roads at three in the morning, the light will undoubtedly be red. So when I seek more, the red light reminds me to stop. To relish in the good, and face the epilogue with a smile, rather than a frown. The green chair in the upper right corner of my room has given me the opportunity to sit and lay while I face my ups and downs, and figure out that the stoplight I’ve been staring at for the past ten years is also staring at me waiting. So in the middle of the night, when me and my stoplight stare at each other through my window, I will stop and remind myself of the blessings I have. And when I hesitate through the yellow light, I will hit the gas and remember to just keep moving forward.
design by Catherine Smith written by Jillian Taylor
THE PAW PRINT
15 opinion
A JOURNEY OF INJURIES
A
t five years old I started playing soccer for my local community grasshopper team, which was coached by my dad and aunt. From there I would go on to explore many other sports such as gymnastics, basketball, and track. Along with occasionally participating activities such as volleyball, softball, kickball, and more for fun when out with friends or family. As I got older I learned stretching, keeping up my physical strength and health is a great way to avoid injuries, unfortunately, some injuries cannot be avoided. Growing up I was always in good physical health along with having an adaptive mindset, which allowed me to excel in most activities I participated in. While I would watch others struggle with injuries, I was blessed enough to have coaches who cared about offseason conditioning along with pregame stretching to protect me from preventable injuries. For as long as I can remember, my coaches would always make it imperative that everybody on the team does at least ten minutes of active stretching before both practice and games. While at the time it might not have seemed like it was doing that much it was a great habit to build early on so I would have them when it mattered. Throughout my middle school years, I was involved in multiple different sports such as soccer, track, and basketball. As you go up in sports, kids begin to get stronger and competition becomes more competitive. This paired with body
changing makes it almost impossible to not run into injuries. I would occasionally run into a rolled ankle or stoved finger, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed with a little bit of ice and rest. The spring of my eighth-grade year would be the last season I would be injuryfree. At the time in my life, not only was I participating in middle school track, but I was also playing club soccer and AAU basketball which made for a pretty busy schedule. My day would add up to around three hours of practice every day after school along with tournaments and games on the weekend, and track meets spread throughout the week. With a schedule like this stretching, resting, hydrating, and keeping a healthy diet is imperative to not only keep healthy but perform well. While this was hard on top of homework and school I did the best I could and for the most part it worked. Then that summer I started high school basketball and soccer conditioning, which while it was very difficult, I managed to continue my injuryfree streak. At this point in my athletic career, I wasn’t worried about getting injured and believed if I stuck to what I had been doing then I would be good, but mid-way through my freshmen soccer season with less than a miniature left in the game a girl would clip me from behind, which would not only bless me with a boot for two weeks but put me through ACL surgery and nine month recovery. This would be one of the most challenging experiences of not only
my athletic career but my life. While the surgery itself was bad, so was the period leading up to the surgery. Not only could I not play, but I had to sit and watch all my friends play not knowing the next time I would be able to get back on the field. I also had to think about the fact that my first high school basketball season had ended before it even started and contemplated whether I would be able to run track or not. Then, after the surgery was worse because reality had set in and there was no going back. At first, I was excited to get to physical therapy but after a while, the repetitiveness started to drain my energy especially when I was seeing minimal improvement. But after a long few months, the progress finally paid off and I was finally able to start non-contact and catch the end of track season. I continue to have problems, but the more work I put into getting better the more things start to go back to normal, and going through physician therapy showed me even more experiences I can do to prevent future problems like that. After going through that experience, it made me realize that no matter how far behind you think you are there’s always a way to catch back up if you constantly put in the work. While there is always the possibility that another injury could occur, I know that I can always bounce back with the right people and the right mindset.
caboose
16
THE PAW PRINT
design by Mckenzie Collinsworth written by Parker Green & Carter Sharpnack
doo ew Oompa loompa doompety iends revi est fr It’s time for another b
w e i v e r s d best frien PARKER CARTER I’m going to start with an unpopular opinion. I hate prequels. Especially speculative prequels that aren’t based in canon. It really, to use a Paw Print term, grinds my gears. If you’re going to produce a third movie about everyone’s favorite murderous chocolatier/ amateur singer-songwriter, why not use the actual, written sequel that is just as quirky, inane, and heartwarming as the first? But I digress. Wonka, despite being a prequel, was not terrible- it just wasn’t good either. Let’s begin. We’ll start off with the positives. For one, Timothée Chalamet. Now, I am not a Timothée Chalamet stan, not unless we’re talking about Little Women 2019 (in which case I proudly worship at Jo and Laurie’s altar). But in this movie, Timothée was great, and by that I mean he was super weird. It was just as God (or Roald Dahl) intended. Visually, the movie was stunning as well. We saw some beautiful costumes, filmography, and an eclectic but well-integrated CGI set up. Even still, the faults of the movie overshadowed the strengths, leaving me simultaneously wanting more and just wanting to leave. Now, the negatives, which begin with the music. Contrary to most, I don’t mind a musical. In fact, I think that some are extremely well done (cough, The Greatest Showman, cough). But Wonka’s songs and lyrics just suck. They’re giving third grader with access to rhymezone. com, but imagine the third grader was Picasso-level insane. Shockingly, the songs aren’t even the worst part of the movie. I can actually get over having a full number dedicated to noodle rhymes, but what I can’t watch is the blatant disregard of the source material. They did my man Roald Dahl DIRTY in this movie. It connects to my opening gripe about speculative prequels: they allow for conjectures that go against what was said in the novel. For instance, the heavy themes of imperialism set up in the original books were completely ignored, and Wonka’s eccentric friends were just dropped by the end of the movie, clearly cash grabs for a “found family” aesthetic. Even small things, like the setting, were terribly misunderstood. The whole point of magical realism is that it takes place in the real world. The warnings of monopolies, corporate espionage, and privilege need to be set against the backdrop of places that we know. Instead, the movie leans too far into the magical and departs from anything relatable, completely stomping on the themes that are so artfully represented in the books and other adaptations. Look, I’m not a hater. The movie was enjoyable on an objective level. But Roald Dahl has plenty of great books that are better suited for the screen. We have, quite frankly, too many Willy Wonka themed movies, and this one felt not only redundant but fanfiction-y. Basically, it was pointless. 2/5
I love prequels. Especially the ones that don’t go off any previously established canon. You know what’s gonna happen in a movie based on a book, so you’re gonna be bored. And if you aren’t bored, you’re angry that the director didn’t follow the book. With speculative prequels, neither of those issues exist. You don’t know what’s gonna happen, and who cares what the director does, it’s his movie. The first song was really fun. Wonka explains that he has 12 sovereigns to make it in the city as a chocolate maker. Throughout the song, Willy is put in ridiculous situations which cost him sovereigns, eventually leaving him moneyless and homeless. This opens Willy up to the manipulation of Scrubbit and Bleacher. Since it is so cold Willy agrees to stay the night at Ms. Scrubbits. In return, he will owe one sovereign the next day. I will note at this point I was a little bit confused about how much a sovereign was worth, since one sovereign is apparently good for: shoe shining, one night of housing, a piece of chocolate (however it was expressed that this was really cheap for chocolate, so in this universe does everyone regularly pay more for their chocolate then their housing??), and one third of a pumpkin. Willy probably should have realized something was up when the contract to stay one night was about 200 pages long, but he signed it anyway. The next day, Willy meets the three villains. After seeing fresh competition right outside their chocolate shops, Slugworth, Prodnose, and Fickelgruber, go out to try Wonka’s hover chocs. After clearly enjoying themselves, the villains go on to publicly claim that the hover chocs are by far the worst chocolate they’ve ever had. After being condemned to 20 years doing laundry, Wonka begins to move in the sewers in secret to disperse chocolate, but who wants to eat sewer chocolate? At this point, the “chocolate cartel” bribes the police chief with thousands of chocolates (leading to a quite noticeable increase in weight) to take down Wonka. Obviously Wonka wins. The whole plan to take down Wonka actually made no sense on the Chocolate Cartels points. From our perspective, yes, Wonka is clearly a man of integrity (he won’t even steal a carton of milk), but for god’s sake the cartel doesn’t know that. Just put yourself in their shoes for one second. You’re a member of the chocolate cartel and you get all of your money and influence from selling mediocre chocolate. A better chocolate maker comes around who just about everyone wants to buy from. You could either: a) kill him or b) hire him to make you chocolate. WHY wouldn’t they try bribing Wonka? Sure, it wouldn’t work, but it was pretty dang dumb not to try. Despite that clear plot hole and the lack of clarity in the value of a sovereign, the movie was amazing. It’s a heartfelt film about found family, and honestly it’s just a fun movie. 4.5/5