The Royal News, April 2022

APRIL 2022

THE R O YA L NEWS FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14 15 16 17 18-19 20 21 22-23 24-25

EDITOR’S COMMENTS

STUDENTS PLANT FOR THE FUTURE ANNIE HITS THE STAGE PAINT NIGHT A HUGE SUCCESS ROYAL HARMONY IS UNSINKABLE SHOULD YOU STAY OR SHOULD YOU "GOGH" GLORO, A NIGHT OF FUN FOR NRHS TECH FOR OUR HEALTH CLEVELAND SPORTS CONTROVERSY RESTLESS NIGHTS AT NRHS NEW BATMAN, IS IT WORTH IT? TIRED OF THE WEATHER IN CLEVELAND OPINION: IS TAIWAN NEXT ARE SANCTIONS ENOUGH? COVER PHOTO: CASEY CHARLES INSIDE PHOTO: OLIVIA SAFRANEK

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS PUBLICATION ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS. THEY DO NOT REFLECT THE OPINIONS OR VIEWS OF THE ROYAL NEWS, ITS ADVISOR OR NORTH ROYALTON HIGH SCHOOL.

S TA F F

Writers

BRANDON BARRETT MICHAEL BODZENTA CASEY CHARLES KIRA CHEREN JACK HALEY CAMERON HOOVER GRACE KELLEY JULIA KINDEL EMMA KOLICK PRATHISHA KRISHNA ALLISON KRZYWICKI ANJALI PATEL KAYLIN PAULOZZI MOLLY PETRINA OLIVIA SAFRANEK JASHUTAMILSELVANKUNTHAVAI

Staff Advisor MR. HEMERY

PHOTO BY CASEY CHARLES

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

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umbers. Seated around the dining room table, family game nights marked by intense UNO matches quickly transform into ferocious battles and strained relationships as four cards are reluctantly drawn from the deck. As visual arts influence vision and music manipulates sound, games uniquely alter human action by implementing alluring point systems. Ultimately, these metrics are arbitrary and imaginary concepts that bolster the progression of games such as Scrabble and Monopoly. However, this fixation on numbers often pervades larger pieces of the societal experience, such as schools, corporations, and the collective human mind that is largely structured around points, grading systems, and other quantifiable metrics.

These point systems, like GPAs and Twitter retweets, fail to accurately measure one’s success, as they misrepresent longterm objectives and intentions. As goals are typically complex and multifaceted, the collapsing of meaningful processes into mechanical scoring systems fundamentally changes one’s ambitions in order to strive toward a groundless metric. Living in a hyper-industrialized landscape obsessed with increasing productivity and monetarily-valuable outcomes, populations frequently attempt to attain numbers that drastically distort true intentions and purposes. Entirely focused on the output of actions, society has overlooked the importance surrounding the preceding process that results in these outcomes – instead of experiencing school through the lens of edification and bettering oneself through increased values and humanity, standardized test scores take precedence in measuring one’s growth as a student.

While these metrics are narrow measurements that cannot fully capture the contextualized larger picture, point systems are undoubtedly clear and simple, therefore structuring life as a board game. As society endlessly quantifies actions, it carves out the complex intricacies that are necessary to tell the full sto-

ry. If one simplifies the richness of movement to display numbers on a Fitbit and the beauty of education to a comparative GPA, it inevitably thins out the plurality of one’s experiences and discounts other ways that could value such processes.

In larger frameworks, this emphasis on statistics and numbers makes reasonable sense. As war wages in Ukraine and civilians suffer as a result of Russia’s unjustifiable invasion, quantifiable measurements like death counts and economic hardships allow experts to analyze the conflict through a broader lens to better understand the situation. Yet, as these statistics flash across television screens, each number is comprised of an intensely personal story that was created through another human’s challenging, harrowing journey. While quantifiable data is undoubtedly important in making large-scale decisions, these statistics do not fully capture the lived experiences of others.

In an effort to bring these statistics to life, this month’s fantastic issue personified these numbers and uplifted stories that are often flattened to simple metrics. With a massive public health crisis and an abhorrent war, the world has experienced immense suffering in the past several years, and thus it is crucial to remember that human beings make up the numbers that surround unfathomable death counts and job losses. These extraordinarily talented and hard-working student journalists successfully gave a voice to others, and this month’s publication allows for a sense of hope in that no one’s story is ever permanently left untold. Journalism helps society better personify the statistics that bombard news feeds, thereby fostering a stronger sense of empathy, advocacy, and humanity. Thank you, as always, for reading.

-Emma Kolick, April 2022 T HE ROYA L N EWS

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GARDEN CLUB GIVES STUDENTS A PLACE TO GROW

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BY MOLLY PETRINA

s students step outside to get on the bus in the spring, they will notice a patch of blooming flowers outside the school’s back entrance planted by the Garden Club back in the fall. Along with an additional student-run garden, these are just a few of the projects the Garden Club are responsible for that are making an impact around North Royalton High School. What was once a Boy Scout service project has grown to include 85 students and 19 administrators that are eager to make a difference in their school.

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This club is a different type of extracurricular, providing all students with a place to get involved even if they are not an actor or an athlete. It also teaches students new skills that they may not have previously learned. Mr Kleem says, “It’s necessary for kids to get outside and do manual work and watch things grow.”

The ultimate goal of the Garden Club is to create a community for its students while also beautifying the high school campus. Their motto, “We know the dirt,” is jokingly thrown around between club members during meetings. Friends are easy to come by in the Garden Club, which has become

a safe and inviting environment for people of all Since its beginning, the Garden Club has certypes to be accepted. Club secretary Alexandra tainly made an impact on North Royalton’s schools Hertel says, “It allows me to spend time with my and community. Many of their contributions aim sister and some other friends I may not normally to help nature and make the school look nicer, see outside of the school day.” The Garden Club with the plants present outside the school likely is a low time committo attract a lot of butment and has no fees terflies in the spring. like other activities, The club also has making it perfect for plans to possibly work students who have with the North Royalnot previously had ton City Garden Club the time or money to in the future. Garden be involved in their Club has recently beschool. The students gun to provide seniors are all very enthusiasin the high school with tic about the prospect scholarships that give of gardening and are preference to students eager to participate in studying environmentheir club. tal or biological sciThe student offiences. Every student cers and adult adminand teacher involved istrators of the Garden in the Garden Club is Club have organized able to feel its impact numerous activities for as well. This club that their students to enstarted out as only gage in throughout the three students and a Garden Club members plant bulbs in the garyear. During the fall season, den that will not bloom until the spring. The teacher had grown immeathe students participated in flowers will bloom in the spring for all students surably to include many and faculty in the high school to enjoy. a pumpkin carving contest people in the school and that ended with students district, including Superinand teachers swapping recipes for pumpkin seeds. tendent Michael Laub, in its activities.

A little later in the year, a wreath making contest As the Garden Club continues to grow, teachers was held where participants made wreaths out of and students alike hope to have even more activnatural materials for consideration. Now that win- ities planned and more land to plant in. The stuter has come, the gardeners have focused their ef- dents are planning to build their own bird feedforts on inspiring a younger generation to begin ers in the spring to take home. They also hope to gardening. Garden Club president Ava Hertel says, establish a schedule for the summer break so that “Talking to the little kids has been one of my favor- students can come up to the school to check on ite activities.” The “little sprouts” of Mrs. Hertel’s their garden. In the future, the Garden Club hopes second grade class have been swapping letters with to gain enough land to plant a pumpkin patch and the Garden Club and will also be receiving their a military garden. They may also be responsible for very own bulb packets to plant at home. In the a portion of the school’s enclosed courtyard as adspring, the Garden Club will get to see the bulbs ministrators make plans to renovate the space. The they planted during the fall bloom and continue Garden Club feels that it only has room to grow in their gardening in a more forgiving climate. the coming years.

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BELOVED ANNIE TAKES THE STAGE

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BY EMMA KOLICK

s North Royalton’s renowned theater department nity to perform in front of a substantial endured several years of intense social distancing audience this coming April. As the theand strict masking policies in order to advance pub- ater department was previously reduced lic health, audiences were conspicuously marked by to transforming in-person productions scattered seating arrangements with only a limited number of to self-generated Youtube videos, stucommunity members permitted to view the remarkable and dents would record skits with their cell lively performances of these talented students. Yet, given the phone cameras with background green significant easing of precautions screens to simulate an authentic and collective sense of relief surproduction. Further, members rounding local COVID numbers, were required to wear clear masks the phenomenal actors comprisand social distance at all times, ing the high school’s theater have thus making it difficult to project utilized this fortunate alteration to voices and rehearse with one anprepare a thrilling spring musical other. However, COVID policies that is set to create a riveting prohave altered substantially, allowing duction marked by high-energy for a grand production while sisongs and a relentlessly optimistic multaneously ensuring the health storyline. Showcasing the familiar of others. tale of Annie, this timeless story is “We’re still always careful in sure to grasp the attention of chilnot getting too close to anyone, but dren and adults alike. this big, onstage event makes it feel Based on the prominent commuch more normal,” said sophic strip dating back to the 1920s, omore Jonathan Pavelich, who the tale of Annie centers around plays the role of Oliver Warbucks. a determined young orphan in He continued to say that many of New York City who fervently bethe performers believe that this lieves her parents will reclaim her sense of normalcy is a large conas their beloved daughter. Adopttributor in creating a spectacular ed by the Depression-era billionperformance for the entire North Sophomore Sophie Howell (R), who fulfills Royalton community to view. In aire Oliver Warbucks in order to the famed lead role of Annie, stands with fel- addition to this restored environattract publicity for his supposed low theater members, Gabe Wood and Lizzy altruism in giving Annie a home ment, the engaging plotline acts Shiplett, as they practice lines. for the holidays, she persists in her as an alluring aspect of this famed hopeful outlook surrounding her musical that has served as inspiraparents. Imploring Warbucks to help her in finding her true tion for contemporary movies and plays alike. mom and dad, her spunky and persistent charm influences “There’s a familiarity to this show in comparison to past him to declare a $50,000 reward for those who come forward productions that would make more people interested in seeas her parents. This tremendous reward garners the attention of ing this production,” said junior Maddie Geschke, who fills the the villainous Rooster, Lily, and Miss Hannigan, who formulate character of Grace Farrell. Fulfilling the role of Warbucks’ prian evil plan to kidnap Annie and steal the monetary prize that vate secretary in assisting his large business, she also serves as Warbucks has offered. Yet, this wholesome and ultimately joy- his blooming love interest as the musical continues. “The audiful musical ensures a feel-good ending for the wonderful char- ence will know a lot of the songs, and of course, seeing friends acters that will inevitably resonate with the audience. on stage will always pull people in,” she continued. Furthering Given the renewed normality of this school year, current these captivating aspects of the production, she believes that theater students are increasingly appreciative of their opportu- the high-energy choreography, particularly the dance aligning 8

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with the distinguished song “Easy Street” that features the three this setting,” she said proudly. Similarly, Pavelich is exceptionally prominent villains, will undoubtedly enchant the audience. excited to work with the younger grade levels given his past per“In the song ‘Hard-Knock Life,’ everyone is doing cart- formance experiences with his older sisters that both previously wheels on stage and there’s just so much enthusiasm,” said participated in the theater program. sophomore Sophia Howell in agreement, who plays the lead “My first show here was The Music Man with my older role of Annie. “The characters have bold personalities with a lot sisters as I was a middle schooler, so it just feels like it’s come to say, especially Ms. Hannigan,” she continued, asserting that full circle since now I’m the high schooler and I can guide the the witty and humorous dialogue that characterizes this perfor- younger kids,” said Pavelich. Allowing for a new generation of mance will enhance the viewers’ experiences. talented performers to enter, he says everyone in the theater deAdditionally, the ultimately heartwarming moral of this partment is learning how to serve as an admirable leader for the production emphasizes the significance of family, as this quint- younger students to emulate. essential comingAs electrified of-age story details anticipation builds both Annie’s and given the nearing Warbucks’ expeof the production’s rience in underdebut, a plethostanding both the ra of challenging traditional and unwork is required to conventional princreate such a thrillciples of this intuiing performance, tive human bond. often resulting in Determined to find large time commither family, this proments and copious duction showcases memorization in immense optimism the form of lines, and the imporsongs, and choretance of persisting ography. In addition through obstacles as to continuously reAnnie persists in the Junior Maddie Geschke, who plays the role of Grace Farrell, assists the hearsing lines, they search for her parents. middle schoolers as they excitedly rehearse for their first performance frequently practice Despite attempts by with accompanydebut. (Photo credits Maddie Geschke) the central criminals ing music from the to steal her for moneband, engage in chotary gain and negate her chances of finding her mom and dad, reography rehearsals, and immerse themselves in singing pracher relentless positivity distinguishes her character and stretches tice through choral rehearsals. Eventually, this tremendously into the audience. “It’s just a good family story that everyone can time-consuming and difficult work culminates into a full runenjoy and appreciate,” said senior Grace Isabella, who serves as through as performers excitedly envision the show’s upcoming the wicked Miss Hannigan. premiere.

In an effort to enhance the realisticness of this musical, Closing in on the production’s community debut, actors the theater department has also recruited a number of middle and actresses continue to ceaselessly prepare for their first inschoolers to fulfill the role of the plentiful orphans within this school productions that are set to take place on Wednesday, story’s distinctly Dickensian orphanage. As scenes transpiring April 6. Followed by general performances for all to attend within the orphanage will feature an abundance of young ac- Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, they will conclude this tors and actresses making their debuts, returning members are production with a performance on Sunday afternoon. As these incredibly excited by the prospect of fresh faces entering this sensational and hard-working performers’ sacrifices through program. both time and effort have generated an impassioned perfor“I really like working with the middle schoolers because I mance marked by liveliness and energy, this show will certainly enjoy helping the younger kids and convincing them to contin- capture the attention of all who attend this astounding producue this into high school,” said Howell. “I can even see them grow tion. “I think Annie really is a show for everyone,” said Pavelich into bigger personalities as they become more comfortable in with a smile.

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PAINT NIGHT FUNDRAISER FOR NAHS A SUCCESS BY: MOLLY PETRINA

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s art lovers of all ages grabbed snacks and checked their tickets at the doors of the high school’s brand-new art facilities, student members of the National Art Honor Society prepared to host their annual community fundraiser. The attendants were treated to live instruction, acrylic paint, and canvases with which they could create their own painting of either a space landscape or a dragonfly. The event was organized by the National Art Honor Society, a prestigious art extracurricular organization in North Royalton composed of students nominated by Mrs. Ford and Mr. Speers. These talented students meet twice a week to organize events such as Paint Night and the annual art show, as well as to make the school more colorful with activities such 10

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as decorating around the school with chalk in the summer.

“We do a lot of activities around the school to welcome people back and make the school more colorful,” says NAHS member Elise Papini. National Art Honor Society students were also responsible for painting the windows in the office during the winter and participated in face paint fundraisers to raise money during football season.

In the months leading up to Paint Night, National Art Honor Society students met numerous times to iron out the details of their event. During these meetings, the students designed the Paint Night poster, created a video to advertise the event on the morning announcements, and delegated the responsibilities for

the night among themselves. The food provided at the be challenging, with people not as willing to go out event was all brought in by the students and all of the after two years of quarantine. The NAHS students were real-time instruction was also delegated extremely surprised and impressed by to the art student volunteers. the turnout. “It was so fun to teach peoIn early meetings, it was established ple about art and was a really good way that around fifteen tickets would have to to raise money for the art show,” says be sold in order to consider the event a NAHS member Venus Wise. success. The tickets were slow to sell at This event also marks one of the first first, with only eight selling by the Montimes that community members have day after the sale started. But by the time been able to experience the new high that Paint Night came about, thirty-sevschool’s art facilities. With the full en people were in attendance, making house, every seat was taken with peothe event a popular night out. “We were ple of all ages picking up a paintbrush so excited and so happy to see all the tato try out a new skill. It was especially bles filled, and it was good to see people exciting for the NAHS students to see getting involved,” says NAHS president, younger painters practicing their skills Grace Brierley. in the crowd. “It was really fun to see Katarina Djordjevic and The support shown by the communiother people’s artistic skills and every Leni Doehrman show ty on Paint Night has made the National painting came out amazing by the end,” off their space-themed Art Honor Society fundraiser more than a paintings in the middle of says NAHS member Venus Wise. Because success. The money raised by Paint Night instruction. Although there the art program does not experience the will mostly be used to fund the school’s is a sample painting, all par- same representation as other extracurricupcoming art show in May, which show- ticipants have the opportu- ulars, it is often harder for art students to cases the talents of students in all of nity to make their painting recruit new and incoming students into North Royalton High School’s art classes different in style and color. their program. Paint Night provided an and extracurriculars. Also organized by opportunity for art students to display the National Art Honor Society students, their skills and their new resources to the the funds will be used to buy props and community to promote the high school’s supplies that fit the theme chosen by the art programs. student volunteers. All North Royalton Overall, Paint Night was an obvious High School students will have the opsuccess, with many members of the comportunity to attend the art show during munity buying tickets to support North their school day. Community members Royalton High School Art Students. “I will also be encouraged to visit the exthink it inspires a lot of people in the hibit after school hours. The National community who don’t usually have the Honor Art Society is also using their opportunity to do art,” says NAHS memnew budget to create merchandise for ber Elise Papini. Even the youngest of their club, which will combine the origiattendees benefited from being exposed nal designs of all the honors art students to the North Royalton art programs, as into one logo. many children may discover an interest Gabrielle Brihn and Paige This Paint Night marks the first in-perin art through opportunities like these.

Perkins learn to blend son event held by the National Art Honor National Art Honor Society students colors of acrylic paint onto Society since the pandemic shut down all also use Paint Night to show the comextracurricular events. The event held fun their canvas before begin- munity what they have learned and how for the whole family and was able to raise ning to paint their dragon- hard they work in their program. The exa significant amount of money for the fly. Each of them chooses perience was enriching and relaxing for a slightly different color school’s art show. Since there are not a lot both the student instructors and the parpattern in order to make of other ways for this club to raise money, ticipants, who took this opportunity to their paintings contrast. the success of Paint Night was essential. share their talents with each other amid The students were expecting the event to the friendly atmosphere.

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BY JASHU TAMILSELVAN KUNTHAVAI

THE GREAT VOYAGES OF "UNSINKABLE"

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veryone knows about the RMS Titanic.

The biggest most beautiful ship ever builtin 1912. A ship that was lauded as being the most invincible ship ever built. A ship that crashed into an iceberg on its maiden voyage, killing more than 1,500 people, all because lifeboats didn’t suit the aesthetic of the ever-awesome RMS Titanic.

People all over the world know about this amazingly tragic story, yet they are less familiar with Royal Harmony’s remarkable production surrounding this catastrophe: Unsinkable. Based on the tragic tale, this derivative is about the thirteen couples that survived the Titanic. Made of six songs, this show has been in production since July of 2021 and 12

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ended on March 12, 2022, and it served as the magnum opus of the 2022 season of North Royalton’s show choir. The show saw three competitions, four in-school shows, two community performances, and many long days and nights of practice that culminated into perfection.

On Unsinkable’s first maiden voyage, the Beavercreek Midwest Show Choir Classic 2022, Royal Harmony won last overall in the Small Mixed category. Royal Harmony’s director, Ms. Sydney Jahnigen was proud of the efforts showcased by show choir members. Explaining her belief in the progression of this show’s quality, she said, “Our performance at Beavercreek was great for where we were at in our development of the show, especially when you

think about how many of our members had never entered the show choir arena before. The show definitely grew from that moment throughout the season. Beavercreek lit a fire under Royal Harmony that encouraged the students to work hard to better the show.”

Fortunately, unlike the actual RMS Titanic, Unsinkable lived on to tell its own rendition of the tale.

On its second voyage, the Walsh Jesuit Great Lakes Invitational 2022, Royal Harmony won the Grand Champions in the Small Mixed division, the People’s Choice Award, Best Male Soloist, and fourth overall in the whole competition. Crew and Combo got second place, with Combo two points away from the number one spot. Ms. Jahnigen was incredibly pleased with the Walsh performance and believes the students were much more confident in the production and their own talent, leading to a greater show.

Additionally, a number of other factors contributed to the show choir’s success, as Jahnigen said they were able to include props and improved life vests that increased the quality of the performance.

On Unsinkable’s third and final voyage, the Marysville Showcase 2022 allowed for many victories, as Royal Harmony was third in the Small Mixed Division and won the People’s Choice Award, proving yet again that the heart of the people is just as important as the heart of the judges. This served as one of the cleanest and smoothest performances yet as they competed against prominent schools. Due to both nerves and the setting of the competition, performers were slightly nervous, yet it was still a great production.

Unsinkable was supposed to have a total of four voyages, yet, the voyage was canceled due to COVID. Despite this, Ms. Jahnigen and Royal Harmony as a whole thought that they had risen above the ashes that seemingly defined the past two years.

“I was worried that due to COVID, time off, new students, and a new director that we may take a step back, but in all seriousness, we moved forward,” said Jahnigen. “I can remember seasons in the past four years where we were not recognized at all at a competition. This year we were called out at every event,” she continued.

She went on to say that despite the chaos of COVID and the challenges it created through quarantines and sickness, Royal Harmony persisted

amid adversity. While they were often missing dance partners, crew members, or instrumentalists, they never gave up and received trophies, memories, and a group of core people to celebrate with. “I will always be proud of that and look forward to what’s next,” Jahnigen said.

Many Royal Harmony members felt disappointment at the end of the last voyage, as they hadn’t gotten into finals. Yet, they know they poured their heart and soul into their last performance, making it the best production of the whole season. With the end of the season, everyone can expect Royal Harmony to continue progressing in their talent, and NRHS cannot wait to see what the future holds for these members.

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A NEW WAY TO EXPLORE CLASSIC ART: THE IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH EXHIBIT

BY GR ACE KELLEY

n northern Ohio, thousands of people have Accompanying the social distancing and been given the chance to experience the famask recommendations, there has been an inmous artwork of Vincent Van Gogh in an crease in sanitation protocols and a decrease in immersive setting. Opening on September operating capacity. High-use surfaces are being 22, 2020, “Lighthouse Artspace Cleveland” began sanitized more frequently to ensure the eliminato open its doors to the public and ticket sales hation of bacteria, and the decrease in operation caven’t stopped since. pacity is meant to maintain social distancing and During the exhibit, people can view some of focus on the overall safety of the guests.

Van Gogh’s most famous paintings in 500,000 cuFor many attendees, the Immersive Van bic feet of projection, shown on the walls, floors, and ceil- Gogh Exhibit can be very captivating, especially for those ing. Co-producer Cory Ross who have an artistic eye. Howwanted to bring the exhibit to ever, some people, such as Cleveland, Ohio, after seeing North Royalton alumna and how successful the show was Walsh University freshman in Toronto, Canada. Ross, a Emma Kelley, believe the exformer Broadway performer, perience wasn’t worth the knew the importance of art to money. To attend the exhibit, the citizens of northern Ohio it costs a minimum of $39.99 and felt the need to provide an per person, plus online fees. opportunity for the people. He There are three types of tickteamed up with Luca Longoets: basic, premium, and VIP, bardi to make the experience a and basic tickets only include captivating show. Longobardi admission to the exhibit. Preproduced the score that goes mium tickets, along with along with the exhibit, which admission, include cushion gives the audience a truly imrentals and a limited edition mersive setting. The score pairs poster, and VIP tickets include Spectators enjoying Van Gogh’s Starry Night well with each piece of artwork all previously listed amenities Over the Rhône projected on the wall. displayed, further setting the and a VIP souvenir laminate. mood of Van Gogh’s pieces.

VIP tickets cost $55.99 per person.

Throughout COVID, the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Kelley, who had purchased only a basic ticket, was unin Cleveland has remained open. Like nearly every business, derwhelmed by the experience. “I liked it,” she said, “but I there were public health struggles, and numerous safety was expecting way more for the price.” She attended the imprecautions and guidelines were put into place to keep the mersive exhibit in December of 2021 and was granted basic space open. Throughout the exhibit, there are large white access. From a spectator’s point of view, the show seemed circles projected on the floor, spaced six feet apart. When enchanting but was not necessarily geared toward younger observing the exhibit, spectators must remain in the circle audiences. with their party for the entirety of the time spent in the proRegardless of safety precautions and prices, the Immerjection room to ensure that a safe distance remains between sive Van Gogh Exhibit in Cleveland is a great tribute to the all who attend. artist’s famous pieces. Van Gogh was one of the most famous During the peak of COVID, both staff and guests were artists in the post-impressionist era and remembering his required to wear masks. As the years have progressed and work is important to the artist community. Overall, taking there have been more discoveries regarding COVID, their a trip downtown to visit the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit mask policy has shifted from required to optional to ensure is a great way in which to further explore amazing artistic the comfortability of all spectators. culture.

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GLORO SHINES A BRIGHT LIGHT ON DANCE DROUGHT

BY BRAND ON BARRET T

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fter two years of waiting, North Royalton High School’s most casual dance has made its long-awaited return. Despite the winter weather, neon T-shirts and shorts replaced traditional suits and ties on the night of Saturday, March 26. Many students across the school were excited for a fun time, however, GloRo #6 has a slightly

ment as the school discussed its plans. However, across the world, strong forces, especially a certain virus now extremely well-known by the populace, came together to cut plans short.

The school closed, “quarantine” became part of everyday conversation, and GloRo 6 would be pushed back until an unknown date.

The hectic school year of 2020-2021 passed with no mention of GloRo, or any other dance for that matter. This current year, however, was dance-filled – as it needed to be in order to fulfill its role as the “best year ever.” Homecoming and Winter Formal both made their comebacks, and as March approached, no one was surprised when the announcement came that GloRo #6 would finally arrive. Three entire classes had never experienced this occasion, and with it came explosive conversations regarding dress, songs, and, as usual, dates. This time, it would not be canceled – and everyone would be prepared.

more complicated story given the COVID pandemic.

In March 2020, students began to talk about the sixth GloRo, as it was approaching in a few weeks. As talks of dates, outfits, and music abounded, there was a general feeling of excite-

Finally, the night of the dance arrived on this thrilling Saturday night, and it was absolutely incredible. The glowsticks were easy to put together and looked vibrant in the dark. The music was, for the most part, exciting, and dancing with both friends and unknown peers was a tremendous experience. GloRo #6 was definitely worth the wait, and the student body is greatly looking forward to another neon dance next year.

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IS THE FUTURE HAPPENING NOW?

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B Y P R AT H I S HA K R I S H NA

anotechnology is everywhere – from movies to becoming the newest life-saving technology, it is the newest and most innovative way to reduce the effects of cancer cells and even eradicate the diseases within the human body. These microbots or nanobots swim around the body trying to detect cancer cells. Cancerous cells or malignant cells can be potentially life-threatening, as they divide very fast and can metastasize quickly, affecting other tissues and organs nearby leading to multiple organ failures. This is why new ways to detect cancer and deliver drugs to the cancer site are extremely helpful.

These microbots first detect cancerous cells and then release chemotherapy drugs on these cells, resulting in a slowing of the spread of cancer. Eventually directed by magnets to allow them to navigate the sites where the cancer cells are apparent, the change in pH then lets the bots release the chemotherapy drugs by changing shape, given the acidic environment of the tumors.

Created by using pH-responsive hydrogel, they are suspended by iron oxide to allow for the magnets to direct these bots. Further, The bots also have varying shapes and weights to let them open and release the chemotherapy drug. Innovated by Jiawen Li, Li Zhang, Dong Wu, and their colleagues, this technology can be the newest way to defeat cancer, as 1.6 million people are diagnosed within the USA currently.

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This technology can change the lives of people because it reduces the side effects of other chemotherapies given that it attacks specific cells and sites – not every cell around it. Thankfully, this leads to a decrease in side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Additionally, it can also be used in all types of cancer situations because the bots can be directed to various parts of the body and are not restricted to one type of cancer because the drugs in them can be changed.

Advancements such as this will surely revolutionize the healthcare industry and change the lives of many for the better. These new ideas and technologies will completely change human life – the future of science is finally here.

CONTROVERSY RETURNS TO CLEVELAND

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B Y M I C HA E L B O D Z E N TA

midst the free agency frenzy that mid-March brings, the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes began to heat up. On March 11, 2022, it was announced that Watson would be free of all criminal charges. Immediately after, the Texans were immersed with calls interested in the superstar quarterback.

To evaluate Watson’s situation, the clock must be turned back to the end of the 2020 season. After Watson’s fourth NFL season, the disgruntled quarterback requested to be traded out of Houston. He was coming off of three straight pro-bowl seasons and wanted a fresh start elsewhere. Shortly after, 22 women accused Watson of sexual assualt and misconduct.

Due to these accusations, Deshaun sat out all of the Texan’s 17 games during the 2021 season, each listing him as out due to “non-injury reasons/personal matter.”

Throughout a lengthy process and investigation, it was determined that Watson would not be facing any criminal charge.

Once it was known that Watson was available and now not facing any charges, multiple teams called the Texans offering their trade package for the quarterback. The four teams in play for him were the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Cleveland Browns.

Throughout a week of rumors and speculation, on Friday March 18, the Houston Texans traded Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns for six draft picks, including three first rounders.

Following the news that Watson was coming to Cleveland, it was also announced that he would receive a new 5 year, $230 million guaranteed contract. The $230 million is the most guaranteed money for any player in NFL history by $80 million.

With Watson as the Browns new quarterback, it marks the end of an era in Cleveland for Baker Mayfield. Although the acquisition of Watson made it official Baker was on his way out, the controversy surrounding him signaled he would be gone either way. Earlier in the week, Baker went to Instagram to share his thoughts on the Browns inquiring about Watson stating, “I have given this franchise everything I have.”

In the days following Mayfield’s statement, he officially requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. The Browns responded by saying that they would not be accommodat-

ing to his request.

Now that the Browns have their new $230 million quarterback, Mayfield will now be granted his wish and traded to a new team. With the Colts trading for Matt Ryan, the Falcons signing Marcus Mariota, and the Saints re-signing Jameis Winston, spots for Mayfield are drying up.

Going into the 2022 season, with a new quarterback and recently acquired receiver Amari Cooper, the expectations are once again high. These expectations may be premature as Watson is expected to be suspended by the NFL for a minimum of four games. During these games, it is expected that newly signed backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett will run the offense.

Now that the Browns have replaced Mayfield with Watson, this has brought some strong opinions. Junior Garrett Polverine liked Mayfield’s performance, saying, “Baker is a Cleveland guy. He’s a hard worker and is gritty and a little cocky, which we all like.” Although disappointed to see Baker leave, Polverine is also excited about the new opportunity with Watson. “The ceiling for the Browns' upcoming season is the Super Bowl. We have a top five offense and defense. Watson’s addition really pulled our team together.”

Steelers fan and North Royalton senior Daniel Mckee was critical of Watson but recognized his talent saying he “definitely did some bad things” but admitting that he is a “top five talent in the NFL.” Mckee also made a bold statement saying, “If they make the playoffs, they should be the favorites to win it all.”

Overall, Watson’s situation is extremely controversial.

In his Browns press conference, he claims that he never assaulted any women and denies any wrongdoing. Either way, he will have to go a long way to prove to people that he is not the person these women are saying he is.

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SACRIFICING SLEEP BY: JACK HALEY

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n every high school student’s experience, it is more than likely that they have heard the phrase “well-roundedness.” Counselors, teachers, parents, and adults alike drill the imperativeness of this quality into student’s brains, giving the notion that the more activities a student surrounds themselves with, the more successful they will be at the time of graduation. This advice is not wrong; colleges look for diverse students, and an embellished resume can open plenty of opportunities for an individual. Yet, involvement has a price: one’s quality of sleep.

“I don’t remember the last time I got eight hours,” said North Royalton senior Jenna Kotlyn. Jenna is a National Honor Society member, dual-sport athlete, and an active member of a number of other school clubs. Working around a loaded schedule on a day-to-day basis, she explained that schoolwork is mainly responsible for the repeated late nights.

With that, schoolwork is an everlasting constant for the high school student. Depending on the course level, the amount of time needed to dedicate to class varies, but every passing high schooler has had to complete an assignment at home before.

Many students like Jenna see homework as the inevitable and ceaseless practice that it is, and since quality of sleep does not appear on a report card, it must be sacrificed.

Marina Baskhron, another senior, described this balance of priorities perfectly. “If I were to get a full night’s sleep, nothing would get done,” she said. After school, Marina currently has track practice, another workout, dinner, and a few hours of homework nightly. “It’s so difficult [to get a night’s worth of sleep],” she said. “By the time I’ve 18

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completed everything I don’t go to sleep until 1.”

While students are missing out on sleep in order to maintain success in school, they also agree that the lack of rest weakens their ability to perform on a daily basis. Senior Taylor Jacubenta suggested that her late nights forced her to complete tasks before bed hastily, resulting in what she described as “not her best work.”

Another student, junior Fiona Parker, feels her sleep schedule makes it more difficult to focus in school. “I’ve had to adapt a lot in class in order to pay attention,” she said.

Similarly, senior Ryan Kachmarik also agreed that getting little sleep hinders his attention. “One thing I noticed is that when I’m super tired it's impossible to focus. I get distracted so easily,” he said.

While the prominent effects vary from person to person, sleep deprivation can lead to a number of negative consequences. A study by Stanford Medicine found that inadequate sleep in teenagers cause an inability to concentrate, poor grades, drowsy-driving incidents, anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide and even suicide attempts.

These repercussions cannot be worked around while still achieving little sleep. However, high schoolers tend to first search for solutions to the most blaring symptom of sleep deprivation: prolonged drowsiness. To avoid the sensation that one needs to sleep, students look to find quick fixes, which ultimately have consequences.

One habit many students have engaged in to avoid feeling drowsy throughout the day is frequent napping. Jacubenta often takes naps, yet she understands how the practice affects her. “It’s so bad,” she said. “I don’t reap REM sleep, I am ex-

tremely exhausted the next day, and I end up having to catch up over the weekend.”

“It definitely makes it harder to fall asleep at night,” said Kotlyn.

In addition to naps, teens use drinks with caffeine, which prevents the brain from receiving signals of tiredness, to avoid feeling sleepy. Caffeine is addicting, and Kachmarik managed to overcome a total dependence on the substance at the start of his senior year.

Over the summer, he drank about 700 milli-

A collection of empty Celsius cans, an extremely popular energy drink, lie together as a representation of the lack of sleep high schoolers experience. grams of caffeine per day from coffee to pre-workout. “After the crash, I would be in a really annoyed mood,” he said. I realized it wouldn’t be sustainable. I slowly weaned myself off, and it was rough at first, but it is for sure better for me.”

He also described how he became addicted to caffeine. “I had to get up early for sports, and I would stay up later for work. Not to mention, there was always stuff going on late at night. I would only get about three hours of sleep a lot of nights,” he said. “In addition, caffeine made it harder to fall asleep.”

No matter the circumstances, a lack of sleep leads to its own consequences, and sleep deprivation has become an epidemic for high school students. In lives where so much is going on that adequate rest is unavailable, many teens are building health-affecting habits without realization.

NORO TRIES TO STAY AWAKE

BY KIRA CHEREN

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s the weeks drag on, a phrase heard around school is, “It’s fine, I´ll just drink more caffeine tomorrow." As the school year is slowly coming to an end, deadlines and tests are quickly approaching. As a result, many students are opting to sacrifice sleep for school work. This habit is not healthy in any aspect, and it is imperative to prioritize sleep. According to PubMed, a popular biomedical search engine, insufficient sleep impacts concentration, productivity, and cognition.

All three of these cerebral function-oriented skills play a key role in performance, specifically during that dreaded math test or completion of an intricate project. Receiving an adequate amount of sleep is also vital in physical and mental recovery.

Sleep helps promote muscle recovery, which slowly rebuilds tiny muscular tears caused by intense gym sessions, nail-biting games, or even fierce strutting during the ¨Walking for Fitness¨ class.

Besides the physical benefits of getting enough sleep, it is mentally required as well. Lack of sleep is not optimal, especially for those who struggle with mental health. Further, PubMed reports that individuals who have poorer sleep quality suffer from increasingly severe depression and anxiety symptoms compared to an individual with better sleep quality. Along with this, insufficient sleep promotes aggressiveness and a higher likelihood of accidental outbreaks.

It is clear to understand that sleep is, without a doubt, immensely important.

From schoolwork, to the court, to social interactions, sleep plays a key role in everyday activities. With this being said, Noro Nation, try and obtain a sufStudents resort to caffeine to ficient amount of get through the day. sleep!

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BATMAN HITS WITH A WHAM!

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BY PETER CARAM

fter two years of waiting, the highly- anticipated comic book film, The Batman, is finally here. This film takes place in a separate universe from the current DC extended universe (DCEU), and it brings one of the most beloved characters in the DC universe back to the big screen. Can it possibly live up to two years of anticipation and hype?

The film takes place in Gotham City where Don Mitchell, played by Rupert Penry-Jone, the mayor of Gotham City, gets murdered by the main villain of the film, the Riddler, played by Paul Dino. The Riddler leaves a clue to his whereabouts when he murders the mayor, and promptly after, the hero of the film appears. Bruce Wayne, known as Batman and played for the first time by Robert Pattinson, discusses how corrupt Gotham City is and his desperate wish to strike fear in the eyes of the criminal population.

Shortly after, he suits up as Batman and takes on a gang of criminals in a subway station taking them down one by one until they all run away. Suddenly, the Bat-signal flashes, which is a sign that Lieutenant James Gorden needs Batman's help. The two meet up to investigate Mayor Don Mitchell’s murder, but the other cops investigating the scene are not pleased to see Batman working with them, as they consider Batman to be a vengeful and bitter vigilante.

Eventually, Batman works in solving the clues the Riddler leaves behind.

Batman returns home to do some detective work in regards to the crime and gets into a small dispute with his trusted sidekick, Alfred; Batman has little interest in the social scene and playboy image that is the hallmark of many Batman reboots that preceded this film.

After cracking the code for the next riddle, Batman and Lieutenant Gordon go back into Gotham night in pursuit of more information, and they soon discover Mayor Mitchell was corrupt. After a fruitless meeting in a lounge, Batman encounters a mysterious waitress at the 20

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lounge named Seleina Kyle, who plays the role of Catwoman.

Batman and Catwoman end up engaging in a battle at the mayor’s old house, which reveals that Seleina is trying to find her friend who has mysteriously gone missing at the IceBerg Lounge after meeting the mayor. Batman agrees to work with Seleina to find her friend because he has a feeling she leads to the answer to the RIddler’s game. Can Batman solve the mystery of why Riddler is wreaking havoc on the city of Gotham?

With an eighty-five percent, certified fresh rating, an eighty-nine percent rating for audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and $472 million at the box office through its first two weeks, The Batman is one of the most successful films of the year so far. The film’s take on the characters was fantastic, and the film seamlessly tells the story as it plays on Batman’s reputation as the “world’s greatest detective.” This film fulfills the detective story stereotype as opposed to a traditional superhero film, and this film serves as a top-tier comic book transformation onto the screen.

The story and action sequences were wonderful, and both the soundtrack and the cinematography was amazing. The cinematography is the best yet, as it paints a grim and dark picture of Gotham.

Performance-wise, Robert Pattinson did a phenomenal job as Batman, making one feel like he was destined to play the character. Additionally, Paul Dino was successful as The Riddler, and his portrayal of this character was perfectly psychotic and twisted.

Zoe Kravitz did a “Purrfect” Job as Cat Woman, and Jeffery Wright did a great job as Gordon. The relationship that Batman develops with Gordon and Catwoman is a unique addition to this story. Overall, this film deserves a 10/10 for being a fantastic - and unique - Batman film, and for continuing the story of the Caped Crusader everyone knows and loves. The Batman is out in theaters now and will stream on HBO Max starting on April 19 - this film will offer a Bat-tastic time!

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SNOW SNOW G O AWAY

BY VANESSA VADOVSKI

fter the first taste of nice weather a few weeks ago, many want nothing more than for it to be like that every day.

Winter is the favorite season of many Ohioans given the beautiful snow that accompanies this time of year. Yet, with all of the snow lately, people have grown tired of the sight, as enough snow can prove to be a bother.

After multiple blizzards over the winter months, the shining sun and a perfect seventy-two-degree temperature was a nice respite from the cold.

After this break, North Royalton proceeded to receive snow that weekend. One day it was seventy degrees, and the next it plummeted to thirty. Unfortunately, this kind of weather has continued over the weeks that have followed. With the fluctuating temperatures, this has even resulted in illnesses within school, as many students report having a slight cold.

This past 2021-2022 winter was a season that nobody was expecting. With the last few years having minimal snow, it was quite a shock to have multiple blizzards, and this resulted in excitement from the student body given the excessive snow days granted by the superintendent. Last year with the varying virtual school schedule due to COVID, snow days were not a possibility, and most kids were not hopeful in receiving any. Luckily, however, last year featured one sole snow day due to teachers not being able to drive to the school. This current year, the snow days definitely brightened many students’ spirits, as it made it feel as though school was back to normal. While COVID is not yet over, many items are starting to go back to normal, and it is precisely what kids need.

On Saturday, March 26, when students heard of impending light snow, many envisioned a small dusting. However, as they looked out their window later that day, they were met with at least an

inch of snow.

A lot of factors have made students wish for summer weather.

One of those factors includes that daylight savings changed back.

Given that time has sprung forward, the community finally gets to enjoy days where the sun isn’t going down by six’ o'clock. With a longer period of daylight, many can now actually enjoy the full day. Additionally, the school also finally entered the spring season. Hopefully, this mess of weather will be cleared up by the time NRHS finally gets to spring break.

While spring break is later in the month, students are content with this delay, as they don’t have to deal with snow being the marked spring break weather.

Even if the temperature stays in the high sixties, students will be happy. For the current moment, NRHS only hopes that Mother Nature will make up her mind and allow for sunny, spring weather.

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OPINION: TAIWAN: THE NEXT DOMINO TO FALL?

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BY: CASEY CHARLES

ith all eyes on Russia’s violent and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, many are left to wonder how close the world is to a global conflict.

Countries including the United States, Canada, France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom have consolidated in sanctioning efforts against Russia by attempting to limit Russia’s imports and exports, as well as cripple its economy. The European Union has taken an even stronger stance on the matter by declaring that they would remove Russia from the Society of Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, commonly shortened to SWIFT. As these international sanctions begin to stack up, Russia’s economy has plummeted into financial chaos with rocketing prices and a panicked public. While a majority of the world’s leading countries have sided with Ukraine, not all share the same sentiment. India, Mexico, and Israel have all chosen to shy away from condemning Russia for its invasion. However, none of these silent nations compare to the next biggest threat to the well-being of the globe: the People’s Republic of China.

The authoritarian nation is itching to expand its territory in the East with the full acquisition of Taiwan. The island nation, around one hundred miles away from mainland China, has already had its share of defeats and takeovers over the course of its history. Taiwan has been closely associated with China since documented history showed the relationship between the two countries began in the seventh century.

Although the Dutch took over Taiwan from 1646 to 1661, the first long-term transition of ownership regarding Taiwan occurred after the first Sino-Japanese War in 1895, when China ceded Taiwan to Japan.

Taiwan was under Japanese colonial rule until the empire’s defeat in World War II, when The Potsdam Declaration, agreed upon by the United States, China, and Britain, gave the territory back to China. The sig22

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nificant strain between Taiwan and China first began in 1949, when communists seized power in China and pushed the Nationalists, the ruling party at the time, to Taiwan. Starting in the 1950s, the United States and Taiwan formed a mutual-defense treaty, allowing the small nation sufficient time and security to build its economy.

Although the United States terminated diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1978, they have kept an unofficial commercial and military connection to Taiwan.

In the midst of all of this, the island’s ties with the Chinese have significantly deteriorated as the new millennium brought with it an era of global influence and economic prosperity for China.

It was not until the second term of the Obama administration that the United States grew closer to Taiwan once again. From 2016 to 2020, the United States made even bolder attempts to do business with and recognize Taiwan. In December of 2016, Donald Trump, although only President-elect, broke away from decades of U.S. diplomatic policy with Taiwan by speaking directly via telephone to Taiwan’s leader and first female president, Tsai Ing-wen. In March of 2018, the United States enacted the Taiwan Travel Act, which gave both top U.S. officials and top Taiwan officials the ability to travel between the two countries.

As a result of these policies and various other actions, China has recently ramped up threats of military force towards both the United States and Taiwan.

In July of 2021, the Chinese ambassador to the United States, Qin Gang, voiced a stark message to the two nations, saying, “If the Taiwanese authorities, emboldened by the United States, keep going down the road for independence, it most likely will involve China and the United States, the two big countries, in a military conflict.” September data from the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense showed that Taiwan’s Air Defense

Identification Zone, a system that monitors threats going past the median line between mainland China and Taiwan, saw a colossal spike in Chinese military aircraft sorties.

With all of the events that have unfolded in Eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine, there is high speculation that China may also decide to pursue its own full-scale invasion of Taiwan. This comes after President Joe Biden has directly warned President Xi Jinping of adverse consequences should China lend a helping hand to Russia. Unfortunately, the United States would presumably respond in a much different manner to a Chinese appropriation of Taiwan compared to how the country has responded to Russia’s current onslaught on Ukraine.

The first reason this may be the case is because of the connection American multinational corporations have in China. Well-known brands such as Apple, Nike, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Home Depot, and Walmart all invest billions of dollars into their operations in China. With generous donations to both Republicans and Democrats, the heavy influence that multinational corporations have in Washington D.C. would make quickly tarnishing relations with China improbable.

The United States would likely also have a weak response to a Chinese invasion due to how much the United States relies on imports from the Eastern nation. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the value of goods imported from China jumped by $71.6 billion from 2020 to 2021, amassing a total of $506.4 billion. Since the United States has gradually relied more and more on imports from China, it seems unlikely that the United States would block trade with China should they invade Taiwan.

The only item that appears certain includes that China will only continue to challenge the United States and the West as a dangerous international power. The battle between democracy and freedom versus autocracy and oppression has the potential to quickly escalate on a global scale with the fall of Taiwan and Ukraine. Just as the United States punished Russia for its actions in Ukraine, China must meet the same fate if America truly wants to send a clear message to the world regarding imperialism in today’s day and age.

In order to face the emerging threats to our safety and security, Americans must put their differences aside and band together. Americans can make a difference by taking steps such as buying American-made products, supporting troops at home and abroad, contacting congressional representatives, and advocating for human rights globally. With the balance of the world in jeopardy, it is time for the United States to rekindle the strength and grit that the nation had years ago.

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SANCTIONS: WILL THEY STOP RUSSIA?

BY EMMA KOLICK

s Russia persists in its immoral and unjust brutalization of villages throughout Ukraine, the bombing of schools and hospitals has tragically resulted in a tremendous loss of innocent civilians as historic and vibrant villages are continuously destroyed. Despite the wide-ranging and violent Russian invasion, Ukraine’s comparatively small army has created an extraordinary, triumphant group of soldiers who have unexpectedly defended their communities, thereby halting Putin’s previously swift plan in occupying this independent nation. With nations rejoicing in Ukraine’s heroic resistance, this staggering and emotionally-striking aspect of war serves as only one form of theater the international community is distraughtly witnessing.

Concurrently, there remains an underlying catastrophic, financial aspect to this battle that includes economic attempts to dissuade Russia from perpetuating this abhorrent pursuit. Largely, the physical war transpiring throughout Ukraine cannot be fully understood without simultaneously comprehending the full brutality of the financial war waged on the Russian economy. As western countries and Europe alike collaborate in imposing harsh sanctions as deterrents in punishing the appalling actions of Russia, countries across the world are aiming for this financial siege to lessen the brutality and intensity of Russia’s detestable actions.

Given Putin’s grave threat of nuclear war in the case of interference regarding Russia’s attempts to capture Ukraine, the capabilities of these weapons threaten to doom the human species if utilized to their fullest capacity, and thus both western nations and Europe rightfully refuse to enter into physical combat within this battle. However, given the immense power of sanctions in financially harming a country and its ruling class, the waging of intense economic war serves as the most successful tool in destabilizing Russia’s tremendous international monetary power and lessening its ability to exert terror over the Ukrainian people.

Acting as the third-largest holder of foreign exchange reserves, Russia holds a substantial cash 24

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reserve that prevents sudden ruptures in the economy, thereby lessening the sanction’s impacts in creating an immediate effect.

Lowering America’s leverage as private sector players within the Russian oligarchy absorbs less financial impacts, Russia’s position as an export-driven economy further decreases the power of sanctions in ameliorating this catastrophic war. Despite the strength of their economy, the severity of various sanctions has resulted in the near-collapse of their current financial system, as its country is enduring a total ban on military goods, Russian flights in the West’s airspace, oil and gas imports, luxury goods, and an economic targeting of key oligarchs close to the Kremlin, As the international community exists as a globalized economy, many believe that humanity is tied together by common pursuits of innovation and prosperity, and thus there should be a powerful interest on all sides to resist war so as to not hinder these trade relations. Recognizing the world’s exponentially increasing population and the ever-present need for gas resources around the world, Russia took advantage of this globalized economy and ensured nations were dependent upon their raw materials like gas and oil.

Given that this reliance of other countries on Russia’s resources has lessened the vulnerability of their financial institutions to economic weaponry, the interwovenness of international economies guarantees that many nations will not attempt to entirely damage Russia’s economy at the risk of disrupting supply chains in their personal countries.

With President Biden explicitly asserting the lack of persuasion that these sanctions hold in directly appealing to Putin, these economic punishments are targeting the political elite and key financial institutions, which will serve as an impetus in the crumbling of their economy.

As 50% of German power generations depends on Russia’s resources and much of Europe utilizes Russian energy exports to fuel their industrial-

ized societies, many countries, such as the United Kingdom, have lobbied for a sanction exemption on energy in order to ensure consumers in innocent countries are not harmed at the gas pump. As Russian resources hold a substantial influence on European economies, many nations are not financially willing to absorb the cost of entirely cutting the Russian economy off, thus lessening the impact of sanctions and thereby prolonging Russia’s continuation in brutalizing Ukraine.

Despite the reluctance of various countries in fully severing Russian ties, its economy has continued to feel the intense brunt of international coordination through enduring punishments from varying countries that previously contributed to their export-driven economy. As Putin previously believed the vast majority of nations would refrain in imposing sweeping sanctions to protect their own citizens in paying higher money for gas and oil resources, he clearly made a massive miscalculation, as the Russian central bank recently doubled interest rates in an effort to stabilize the ruble following the currency’s remarkable loss in value. Enchanted by a perverted imperial fantasy, these sanctions have proved dismal, as the economy has been strangled by sanctions and forced to put forth tremendous monetary resources in an effort to overtake the innocent country of Ukraine.

As Russia’s economy crumbles, the Kremlin has undertaken crisis management steps in order to combat the catastrophic impacts of sanctions, as they’ve already witnessed double-digit contraction and subsequently blocked transfers of foreign currency to non-residents and taken extreme measures in regards to capital controls. These limitations on the Russian economy and common Russian people will inevitably extend far beyond the current detrimental impact if the government continues to carry out its unjustifiable invasion of an independent nation.

Despite the initial devastating effects of these sanctions, these financial deterrents have held varying impacts throughout history, often holding little incentive for international nations to cease actions given the primary impact on common people as opposed to the political officials themselves. Creating complete devastation for Russian citizens who hold minimal savings, many are at risk of losing their

pension payments, thus leading to a financial crisis that harms the wrong individuals and fails to dissuade the actual pursuit of war.

With experts contending that sanctions only work 5% of the time when it lacks a pairing of simultaneous military force, sanctions will continue to terrorize the Russian economy, yet it will not create punishments that will incentive Putin to terminate this unjust war. Despite these conspicuous limits, given the serious threat of nuclear war if a perceived military threat enters the Russian landscape, sanctions appear to be the superior option in a moment where all other decisions will inevitably lead to worldwide devastation. The longer Putin continues this occupation of Ukraine, the more intense these economic hardships will grow.

While economic sanctions through both the West’s and Europe’s intervention have proven successful as Russia’s economy quickly deteriorates and resources quickly dwindle, the impacts felt by common Ukrainians who hold minimal power in influencing Putin’s decisions are predominantly detrimental to the common man – not key international players. Clearly, these economic limitations have not prevented Russia from bombing schools and central infrastructure in innocent Ukrainian villages. Yet, given the power of Putin’s nuclear threats, advanced forms of countering Russia’s invasion will only prove horrific for the international community in the form of nuclear weapons, and thus severe financial limitations must continue to be created in order to further diminish Putin’s access to monetary and public support for this merciless war.

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PHOTO BY: GRACE KELLEY