The Royal News, May 2021

MAY 2021

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

EDITOR’S COMMENTS A FAREWELL TO SUPERINTENDENT GURKA WELCOMING A NEW SUPERINTENDENT A NEW HOME FOR THE HUMANITIES PHI BETA KAPPA ANNOUNCED CHANGING OF THE GUARD THE BAND MARCHES ON SPORTS: LOVE OF TENNIS SPORTS: A TRIBUTE TO THE GAME DRESS CODE CONTROVERSY A NEW CLUB FOR EVERYONE OPINION: ELECTIVES ARE CRITICAL MOVIE REVIEW A CLOSER LOOK AT RUSSIA, UKRAINE COVER PHOTO: PANKTI MEHTA INSIDE COVER PHOTO: CASEY CHARLES

Editor

S TA F F

EMMA KOLICK

Staff Advisor MR. HEMERY

Writers

BRANDON BARRETT PETER CARAM CASEY CHARLES JARET GOLD BRIVAN IBRAHIM EMMA KELLEY GRACE KELLEY PANKTI MEHTA JASHHVANTH TAMILSELVAN MOLLY PETRINA DYLAN SAUNDERS

PHOTO BY CASEY CHARLES

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

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ith this year being marked by grave plights and bleak outlooks, the recent past has been characterized by feelings of increased worry and heightened apprehension due to severed social connection and drastic deviation from standard routine. Experiencing anxiety objectively made sense -- yet, it so often doesn’t. Given the power and capacity of the human mind, we spend a remarkable amount of time obsessively contemplating the trajectory of our futures and inventing false concerns as opposed to contemplating real world wonders.

We tend to provide anxiety with far too much credit, and though the difference in mental outlook is considered to have worsened over the course of the pandemic, we’ve undoubtedly showcased a collective mental strength that many previously felt was unachievable.

Instead of ruminating on the hours spent fretting over both salient and miniscule topics, we must pride ourselves on our increased courage and tenacity that will allow us to use these experiences in leading future endeavors.

The resilience displayed by human beings is nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing our drive to battle through difficult situations -- and we ultimately won that challenge, as vaccine numbers increase exponentially and America experiences a gradual return to normalcy. Life’s beauty is inseparable from its vulnerability and fragility, and we’ve felt joy amid periods of immense suffering. While this year has undoubtedly shed light on countless negatives that pervade the world, innate human adaptability and resilience has prevailed, and

that must be celebrated. Motivation to persist through adversity was evident throughout this year’s newspaper, and North Royalton’s student journalists labored away to provide the community with information and stories when it so desperately needed it.

Sadly, this serves as our final issue of the school year, yet these students’ stories will be etched into our memory and woven into our perceptions of all that has transpired. Their dedication to storytelling and reporting has been remarkable, and their passion and work ethic has culminated into three wonderful issues that gave a voice to crucial subjects and informed the community about prominent topics. Though this unforgettable group of students will pause for a well-deserved summer vacation, and several writers look ahead to an immediate future marked by journeys that extend beyond North Royalton High School, their collective pursuit of ensuring the community is provided with immense truth and knowledge will leave a lasting impact on those who took the time to read their words.

Evolving into journalists in the fullest sense, they’ve impressed the idea upon the district that their words and ideas matter -- student voices are of great importance in transforming the world, and so often we tend to forget this. Despite a year full of unprecedented crises, they toiled away in their efforts to bring voiceless experiences and people to life. These reporters are the future, and I hope beyond hope they don’t lose sight of that. Thank you, as always, for taking the time to read.

-Emma Kolick, 2021 The Royal News Editor T HE ROYA L N EWS

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AN EMOTIONAL FAREWELL: SUPERINTENDENT GURKA'S EDUCATIONAL CAREER COMES TO A CLOSE

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By: Emma Kolick

mid a period of remarkable mately decided upon elementary education in his sophchange for North Royalton omore year of college at Ohio University. Partly inspired City Schools, as construction by transformative interactions with his past teachers, of both a state-of-the-art he continued to further his pursuit into the educational high school and a master elementary field by obtaining both a master’s degree and a superinschool significantly broadens educa- tendent’s license. Beginning his career as a teacher in lotional horizons, the completion of these grand buildings cal communities, he eventually transitioned into various has allowed for increased opportunities for students and administrative positions, including principal of Albion staff alike. Coupled with the sucElementary in 2002 and later cessful navigation of a massive director of personnel for NRCS, public health crisis in ensuring until ultimately achieving the tiboth physical safety and contintle of district superintendent in ued academic accomplishments, 2013. the district has triumphed in creGiven his transition from a ating a school system that is able teacher who directly worked to conquer unexpected chalwith children to administrative lenges while also generating an positions that hindered student extraordinary atmosphere that interactions, this lack of daily enables students to thrive. exposure was no match for Gur However, the leadership that ka’s passion for watching kids has guided the district into this flourish in academics, athletics, position will soon alter, as Superand the arts. “There’s few events intendent Gurka has emotionalyou don’t see him at, and not bely announced his plans to retire cause he has to go, but because at the end of the current school he genuinely enjoys going and year, creating a sense of sadness seeing the students succeed,” said within the community that has Presot. viewed his nearly decade long While his three daughters atsuperintendency with immense tended NRCS, his attendance at pleasure and contentment. As after-school activities and events North Royalton will undergo has remained consistent despite a change it has not endured in their graduation. almost ten years, Mr. Gurka’s During the annual Royal View literacy night “I still try and go to all the basin which young students gather to hear lengthy educational career will ketball games, the football games, come to a culminating end at this prominent community members give ani- the plays, and I’ve even driven year’s commencement ceremo- mated readings of children books, Mr. Gurka down to Columbus to watch the ny, marking his last official act as shows the illustrated version of “Hensel and band perform at contest,” said Gretel Ninja Chicks.” superintendent whose legacy will Gurka. “When I watch these stuoutlive the duration of his posidents practice and perform, I feel tion. that same pride for the students as I did for my own “I’ve enjoyed every moment with him. It’s been a kids,” he continued sentimentally. Heavily involved in great experience, and he’s a leader who trusts the peo- the school community, his prioritization for students is ple he works with,” said assistant superintendent Mr. consistently reflected in his day-to-day work.

Presot. “He always has the kids’ best interest in mind, Though the superintendent’s role is markedly imand he’s certainly left his mark on the district,” he contin- portant from the students’ view, given his authority to ued. Working together for roughly twenty years, they’ve call snow days, allowing for exciting snowball fights and grown tremendously close in their roles. Though Gur- later wake up times, his position is actually filled with an ka’s career in North Royalton began two decades ago as abundance of complexities similar to this scenario. principal of Albion Elementary, this only represents a “People pay close attention to my decisions regardportion of his vast educational experience. ing snow days,” he said with a laugh, “but I make a Initially unsure of his potential career path, he ulti- thousand of those kinds of decisions a day.” Overseeing 6

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nearly every aspect of the school, his main objective is to hone in on how each decision will impact the educational experience of North Royalton students and ensure that teachers have the tools necessary to carry out their plans.

“It’s important to him to have a staff that believes that though we may not always agree on everything, we have an understanding that everything is done in the best interest of the kids,” Presot said. Emphasizing community and student-based initiatives, Gurka hopes to have created a sense of pride in both the experience of the schools themselves and the buildings the students reside in, and this mindset led to the incredible creation of contemporary schools that serve as the most visible accomplishment of his career.

“He was instrumental in leading the district to our new and updated facilities, and that will pay dividends for generations to come,” said North Royalton High School principal Mr. Osborne, who believes Mr. Gurka’s contributions to the school district will persist for decades.

As the first proposed bond supported simple renovations of district buildings, the issue failed five times until the ballot changed into one that would construct new schools with advanced technology and space as opposed to minor repairs. Deciding upon a master elementary school and a new high school, the bond issue successfully passed in May of 2017, largely due to Gurka’s leadership and commitment to listening to others.

“I’m proud of a lot of things I do on a daily basis, but these buildings are the big one,” said Gurka, as these spaces will continue to provide for students beyond his superintendency. Given the magnitude of this accomplishment, educational leaders across the district and beyond have shown immense awe, and the North Royalton community has felt a renewed sense of pride.

Despite his visible achievements throughout his career, Mr. Gurka has shown outstanding character through his positive and lighthearted interactions with both students and staff that has served as a reassuring role in guiding North Royalton City Schools to greatness.

“He has a very good sense of humor and there have been many times over the years where that sense of humor was important as we worked through difficult situations,” said Osborne. “Even when things weren’t going how we would have liked, there was a sense if we could find something to laugh or smile about, everything would be okay,” he continued proudly.

Prioritizing a workspace and relationships that were permeated with community and collaboration as opposed to a close-minded environment, his authenticity and comforting sense of humor were continuously present, even within moments of immense seriousness, including the PTA Founder’s Night in 2017.

As PTA Founder’s Night commenced, allowing for a ceremonial presentation of awards to honor distinguished community members, Mr. Gurka sat pleasantly in the audience while, unbeknownst to him, he would soon receive the prestigious PTA Lifetime Achievement

Speaking to a middle school classroom filled with captivated 5th grade students, Mr. Gurka explains the importance of being a leader.

award. Beginning to joke with his coworkers, one of whom nominated him for the award, he demonstrated his characteristic love of both music and humor by rapping nonsensical lyrics.

“It was hilarious. Everyone was laughing so hard. I can’t say he’s good at singing,” said Presot with a chuckle, “but that’s one thing about him: he has a great sense of humor. When he’s with staff, he cracks jokes, plays random songs, and he’ll even start singing.”

Mr. Gurka’s easy going approach has certainly contributed to the sense of community felt by staff members and administrators alike, and his presence within the district will undoubtedly be missed by the entire North Royalton community.

Despite the unique timing of the transition given the remarkable effort required to continue quality education throughout COVID-19, his decision to part from his career was not fueled by the pandemic, as his family came to a personal consensus over the summer.

Married to his wife, Patty, who works within the district as a Response to Intervention teacher at Albion Elementary school, they’ve resided in North Royalton for decades. Furthering his personal connection with the community, his three daughters, Carly, Alli, and Micaela, have all graduated from NRHS. While the school year ensures a notably full schedule, his recreational time is marked by boating, fishing, golfing, and relaxing at Lake Chautauqua in New York with his family. Ensuring retirement in the fullest sense, he hopes to simply spend the immediate future with his loved ones.

As Mr. Gurka’s legacy is guaranteed to outlive the duration of his career, the community is both saddened by the departure of an excellent human being who cares deeply for the wellbeing of students, while also deeply appreciative of his leadership that has allowed North Royalton to thrive. “My goal as an administrator has always been to help people and take obstacles out of teachers’ way to help the students,” said Gurka. “When I can impact the kids, that’s when I have the best day, and it makes me happy I was able to contribute to that,” he finished with a smile.

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A MEMORABLE TRANSITION: FRESH LEADERSHIP, NEW BEGINNINGS

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B Y E M M A KO L I C K

s Mr. Gurka announced his plans to retire at the con- versity encouraged its students to diversify clusion of the current school year following an out- their skill set by taking a variety of courses in standing eight years as district superintendent, the a range of subjects, thus allowing him to find North Royalton Board of Education immediately set a love for education and helping students, out to find an equally remarkable candidate who would ensure leading to an extensive educational career. the prioritization of students as the heart of education. UnderFurthering his knowledge through obgoing a comprehensive and thorough search, involving over taining a master’s degree in education from Cleveland State Uniforty applicants and numerversity and a superintenous interviews, the board dent’s license from Bowling worked diligently in finding Green State University, he a candidate whose experibegan at Strongsville Middle ences would allow for a conSchool as both a teacher and tinued improvement on the a coach, as he played footdistrict’s exceptional legacy ball and baseball in college. in providing students with Serving as vice principal, immense academic and soand later principal, at varicial opportunities. ous local schools, he delved Narrowing the search into the administrative level to two final candidates, the as Human Resources Direcsuperintendent position tor at Westlake City Schools. was ultimately granted to Eventually extending his Mr. Laub, whose immense leadership into his role as educational knowledge and Avon superintendent, he experience as Avon City has remained in this posiSchools superintendent for tion for just under a decade. just under a decade allowed

With the board him to distinguish himself searching for a candidate As the administrative team and Board of Education from the abundance of qualithat would provide for an orgaalike celebrated this momentous transition for the fied applicants vying to lead the nized way in which to improve first time in nearly a decade, him and his daughter, district. Marking a transition of upon the already fantastic Brooke, and wife, Julie, stood closely together just momentous change, this transchool district, a core quality of outside of Serpentini Chevrolet Stadium. sition of leadership serves as a a potential nominee included symbol of great success, as Laub approaching education with meets and exceeds almost every qualification both the administra- the students at the center of each decision. As prior knowledge tive team and the board alike hoped to see in the next superinten- and interaction with kids is salient in order to fully embody this dent. Signing a three-year contract that is set to begin on July 1, he principle, qualified applicants were expected to hold a substantial showcases a genuine passion for kids and education, evident in his history in connecting with students across all levels and successpast experiences at both prior scholastic roles and college itself. fully utilizing resources to improve the quality of education pro “When I took my very first education class, I fell in love vided. with it,” said Laub, new superintendent of North Royalton City “We wanted someone with experience in the position,” Schools. “I went home, looked at my mom and dad, and told said Mrs. Dolezal, President of the North Royalton Board of them I wanted to teach and coach the rest of my life,” he con- Education. “We want to remain a quality district that provides tinued passionately. Initially attending Baldwin Wallace with a opportunities and growth for the students through supporting particular interest in accounting and criminal justice, the uni- them academically, socially, and providing for their interests,” 8

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she continued. Given the incredible of the classroom, one of his fatools North Royalton offers, as the vorite days of each school year district recently underwent massive includes traveling to Cleveland construction projects in creating both State University and watching a new high school and elementary Avon students eagerly particischool, this past experience in leadpate in a robotics competition. ership will enable the new superinAs personally interacting with tendent to properly employ these students is his favorite part of resources to generate innovative and being superintendent, this job is substantial change. made especially more difficult However, immediate alterations given Avon’s sheer size, as Avon will not transpire with this new High School houses roughly transition, as Laub emphasizes first double the number of students forming relationships with students as NRHS. This stark difference and staff alike, listening to the cononly further proves his dedicerns of community members, and cation to interacting with stuattending meetings in order to gain a dents, demonstrating the clear clear picture of the district as its own way he fits into North Royalton.

The North Royalton Board of Education, who special community. As specific policy Though his experiences in worked diligently to ensure this position was ideas remain undecided, he prefers a Avon have been immensely enfilled by an exceptional character with imthoughtful decision-making process in joyable, as he has even raised his familiarizing himself with the schools mense scholastic experience, excitedly sur- children in the community, he round the district’s new leader. and staff members. While his agenda always kept a close eye on North is largely dependent upon his eventual Royalton, as his wife works as experiences within the district itself, he remains steadfast in his a teacher in nearby Strongsville. Holding a high opinion of the belief that students must come first in every situation. district since high school, as he often competed against North “If we all work together to create this roadmap of where we Royalton during his time as a three-sport athlete in Berea, he felt want to go, we can use that roadmap as our framework in mak- this new superintendency endeavor would bring remarkably exing decisions, so that way our decisions align with what we feel citing opportunities. is important,” said Laub. “To me, that’s putting students first,” he While his scholastic experiences are of tremendous imsaid adamantly. portance, he ultimately prioritizes his family, as he and his While academic decisions are of immense importance in beloved wife, Julie, reside in the Avon community. With two regards to creating an excellent educational environment, many children, their daughter, Brooke, is a sophomore at Avon High believe that support for students’ interests must remain a priority, School, and their son, Michael, is a cadet at the United States as well.

Air Force Academy. Eventually hoping to move to North “I hope the new superintendent enjoys seeing students suc- Royalton in order to increase involvement in the community ceed elsewhere, whether that’s at musical performances or sports and lessen commute time, this will transpire in a few years games,” said Mr. Gurka, who is retiring at the conclusion of this given their daughter’s current status at Avon High School. “If school year as district superintendent. “It’s time-consuming, but we moved now, I think I’d lose my job as a dad a little bit,” he I hope they genuinely want to get involved with the communi- said with a chuckle. ty and interact with the students,” he continued, reflecting on Given his keen interest in bettering the scholastic experienchis experience at North Royalton, as he frequents school sports es of students and ensuring kids are at the heart of each decision, events and personally communicates with students in an effort his passion for education will be of tremendous benefit to the to showcase his genuine care for their varied passions. Similarly, North Royalton community as a whole. As this change in leadLaub embodies this thought process in regards to education. ership provides opportunities for fresh and exciting changes, the “Kids truly know me, which is the coolest part of my job,” district looks forward to this incredibly momentous transition, Laub said excitedly. “Everyone knows where I stand on Friday while also recognizing Gurka’s accomplishments over the years. night during the football game, and kids would say I support the “I know those are big shoes to fill, and I don’t take that lightly,” heck out of what they do because our district should be about said Laub. “I value him and his legacy and everything he’s done them,” he said. Attending an abundance of school events due there. I think I ended up doing what I was meant to do, and I to his authentic enjoyment in viewing students’ success outside certainly love it,” he finished proudly.

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NEW HOME FOR THE HUMANITIES

BY BRAND ON BARRET T

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ver the past year, students to make life easier and increase socialand staff alike have seen the ization, as the prior layout of NRHS did transformation of North Roynot group rooms together by department. alton High School from unorThough the social studies teachers were ganized and maze-like to categorized and previously spread out in both levels of the navigable. One of the main portions of this building, requiring a trip across the buildtransition was the move of the humanities from ing to speak with their fellow history lovers, they’re the old 300s and 400s hallway to the newly opened now able to interact by simply walking next door. and renovated areas of the

As a history teacher, school. One NRHS teacher Mrs. Orseno naturally feels who has been heavily imdisappointed about the depacted by this move is Mrs. struction of the old buildOrseno, who teaches a variing. She says, “As someone ety of social studies courswho studies history, I am es and has recently moved always sad to see old buildinto a brand-new classroom ings torn down. But in this filled with collaborative sense, we evolved to be the spaces and advanced techway education is now.” Hownology. ever, she is extremely happy “I feel good about it. It’s with the school’s pride in its nice to have...things that are history and the steps it has new and allow for the abiltaken to continue to honor ity for students to collabothat legacy, saying, “I think rate more and to be togeththe school has done a good Mrs. Orseno’s new room is quite the uper with the other students,” job of preserving the histograde - it even has sofas! said Orseno in regards to the ry...with the bell, that has a change from one classroom to new home. We don’t use the another. Additionally, while many teachers were bell anymore, but it has a new home. It’s kind of worried how this transition would transpire, her nice to see where you come from.” individual move went extremely smoothly.

Though everyone in the building is incred “It wasn’t really too bad for me personally be- ibly delighted with the new advancements and cause I didn’t have too much stuff,” she said. While opportunities a new high school creates, many there was also an adjustment period in learning are eagerly wondering when the project will be how to utilize this new workspace, she says that ex- complete and construction sounds will cease, alperimenting with her classroom and allowing time lowing for a certified brand new high school. “I to pass resulted in a solid understanding of how to hope it is fairly soon so that everyone can get use this area to her benefit. settled and used to the new spaces,” she said op Further, features of the new classrooms appear timistically.

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P H I B E TA K A P PA W I N N E R A N N O U N C E D B Y D Y L A N S AU N D E R S

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RHS recently announced that the winner of one of its most prestigious awards, the Phi Beta Kappa Award, was senior Jillian Baracz. The NRHS staff selected her for Phi Beta Kappa based on her outstanding academic record, involvement in school activities, and strong character.

NRHS faculty broke the news to Jillian while she was in AP Spanish 5. Jillian remembers watching Principal Osborne, counselors, and a few other NRHS staff members walk into her Spanish class. “I thought someone was in trouble at first,” said Jillain. “Then, Principal Osborne started explaining the Phi Beta Kappa award. He awarded it to me immediately afterwards.”

Each year, North Royalton High School awards one exceptional senior the Phi Beta Kappa Award. The senior must be in the top ten percent of their graduating class. They must also demonstrate a genuine interest in bettering themselves and the world around them through academic pursuits. Jillian believes that she was selected because she worked to diversify her high school career.

“I meet the academic requirements for the Phi Beta Kappa Award, but I don’t just spend my time outside of school studying,” said Jillian. Jillian pitches for her varsity softball team, works at a veterinary clinic as a receptionist, works as an umpire over the summer, and stays involved in high school clubs.

Perhaps most notably, Jillian acts as President of the National Honors Society for North Royalton High

School.

NRHS faculty aren’t the only ones who noticed Jillian’s work ethic. She was nominated for both the “Most Likely to Succeed” and “Most Involved” senior superlative titles, among others.

Of course, maintaining such a packed schedule can be stressful. Jillian shared some of the most important stress-management tips she learned while striving for excellence in all parts of her life.

“Personally, the best way I learned to deal with… the stress was in the gym. Exercise helps get me out of my own head. It also can help me feel better about my self image,” said Jillian.

Jillian is also grateful for the support she received from her friends, family, coaches, and two dogs, Lola and Bo. To the underclassmen who hope to receive a Phi Beta Kappa Award one day, Jillian said, “Work your hardest every day. No matter how tough it gets, hard work always pays off. This [award] has given me the chance to reflect on the hard work I put in over my high school career, and I don’t regret any of it.”

After graduating high school, Jillian plans on attending the University of Findlay with a major in Animal Science/Pre-Vet and a minor in Spanish. She also plans on continuing her softball career with the Findlay Oilers. In the meantime, Jillian will continue to work at being the best version of herself at North Royalton High School.

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BY JASHHVANTH TAMILSELVAN

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CHANGING OF THE GUARD

hroughout the years of elementary school, middle school, and high school, students have seen many faces. They have seen many friends, many teachers, and many mentors.

But one face that they see more often than they realize is Officer Jon Karl. From conducting Safety Town to serving as the high school’s mentor on safety and firearms, he has been with us from the beginning of a lot of our journeys. But in July, he will finish his journey as the North Royalton High School’s police officer. Taking over for his position at the high school is none other than Officer Lexie Bell.

Ever since his childhood, Officer Karl was surrounded by police officers. “My father was a police officer, “ he said. “I grew up around police officers, so I was familiar with, you know, many of the people that were in the

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profession.” At first, Officer Karl went to the University of Dayton to study electrical engineering. After three semesters, he decided that it wasn’t his calling. “That didn’t work out, so I came home,” he said. After this, he went to Tri-C to get his Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement. He also attended the Private Security Academy for the state of Ohio. “I always found it interesting, different. There are a lot of opportunities to be with people, to help people, and I felt kind of silly, but when I was interviewed for the job...that’s one of the questions and I said...I want to help people.”

In 1982, Officer Karl was hired as a correction officer by the County’s Sheriff ’s Office. He held that position for six years. In September of 1988, he began to work as a police officer for the city of North Royalton.

From then until now, he has been working as a police

officer. During this period, he has spent seven years as a SWAT operator who is “basically your SWAT cop that does all the SWAT things.” Starting in the winter of 1989 to 1990 (around six months), Officer Karl worked undercover on a narcotics investigation. He was then selected as a UN peacekeeper in Kosovo and spent a year there. “It was an active war zone, “ explained Officer Karl. “We were there under the UN and the US State Department. I had about 75 officers under my command from all over the world, and it was a very interesting experience.” Shortly after his arrival, the agency that worked with the school district wrote a grant from the US Department of Justice called Cops in Schools.

And this is where we find him today.

The school has been grateful to be under Officer Karl’s careful watch for so many years, but welcomes Officer Bell into the community. Officer Bell had no family history of law enforcement. “I actually have a family history of drug addiction and alcoholism, “ she explained.

“I have had family members, close family members, go in and out of jail. So growing up around that...I think that pushed me to want to do the exact opposite.” She grew up in Michigan and then joined the Marine Corps.

She served for two years and relocated to Hawaii. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s in Criminal Justice. Afterwards, she moved back to Ohio and applied to be a police officer in Cleveland. She started her career there in 2017 and moved to North Royalton in January of 2019. Officer Bell also shares the opinion of Officer Karl, saying, “I want to help people.”

Police officers often encounter very intriguing experiences from their career. For Officer Karl the first occurred when he served as a SWAT officer, where there were “four different presidential security details,” as explained by Officer Karl. “That's just cool because there's so many moving parts. Understanding the importance of your participation is huge.”

But the biggest experience for Officer Karl was being a leading officer in Kosovo. When Officer Karl volunteered to be a peacekeeping officer in Kosovo, Slobodan Milošević, the communist dictator of Kosovo, had begun a process of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo.

Milošević also started to use the national police force as his secret police force who did all the illegal crimes.

Officer Karl and police officers from all over the world became the police force for the country of Kosovo.

Officer Karl explains, “We actually became the police force and then we started recruiting and training the citizens to rebuild a new police organization...So it was a very interesting process.”

Although police officers have interesting encounters, they also have an equal amount, if not more, of difficult things in their career. One of the hardest things, as stated by both Officer Bell and Officer Karl, was making death notifications. “Seeing families in turmoil, seeing the devastation of people's actions and choices, that's tough because I've seen that in my personal life,” said Officer Bell.

Meeting total strangers and telling them that their loved one died is a horrible thing, and it doesn’t help that it is very emotionally draining for a police officer. Officer Karl has experienced punches, kicks, screams, and he could deal with that. He said that it was just a way for people to react and that they didn’t mean to do these things. Since there are many difficult things they do and see in their careers, they have to find ways to keep themselves emotionally neutral. “You know, having a network of people to talk to usually lightens that emotional load,” stated Officer Karl. The people they encounter are in physical and emotional trauma, so Officer Karl explains that a social network really does help.

When it comes to the best part of working at NORO, Officer Karl and Officer Bell both agreed that being there for students is the best part of their jobs. “We get the opportunity to step in and it may be help you when you guys are having a bad day or a bad time. And it's great getting to work with the kids. It's definitely different than being on the road, “ explained Officer Bell. “And you guys are silly.”

Officer Karl shared that seeing kids from Safety Town to elementary school, middle school, then high school, and all the way to commencement is very great. “Seeing the promise and the potential that all of you guys have and getting to watch you head out into the world is cool,” stated Officer Karl.

Despite his love for the job, Officer Karl affirmed that he will be spending a few weeks at a beach somewhere after his retirement. Officer Karl said, “I'm going to spend a couple weeks on a beach somewhere, but then after that it'll be ‘Okay want to work a little bit more?’” Officer Karl anticipates being fully involved in school safety counseling and working with different groups within that area. He will maintain his law enforcement credentials and will be answering Officer Bell’s phone calls, which “is going to be important.” Officer Bell will be staying here and will be the new police officer for North Royalton High School. We bid farewell to Officer Karl and welcome Officer Bell to North Royalton High School.

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THE BAND KEEPS MARCHING, DESPITE COVID

BY BRAND ON BARRET T

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ver the past year, every aspect of

The end of October closed the book on high school has been shaped by marching season, and a new month began conthe pandemic. From the learning cert season. Several changes had to be made in environment itself to the stadiums this environment, as well. Similar to the marchfrom which the Bears crush their opponents, ing band season, though this separation was nothing has escaped the pandemic’s grasp. largely due to the hybrid schedule of the high One of the most prestigious institutions at the school at the time, each of the four bands, inhigh school, the North Royalton High School Marching cluding freshman, concert, symphonic, and wind ensemBand, is no exception. Everything from the shape of the ble, were split into two groups: an A-K band and an L-Z block band to the horns of the trumpets were adapted band. The bands also moved from the former band room and reworked to fit these new circumstances. to larger areas, though this was also motivated in part The first by construction major example on that side of of this reworkthe building. One ing notably ocband in particucurred during lar, the symphonthe marching ic band, altered band season, between Gym 1 as the schedule and the Performfor NRHS Band ing Arts Center Camp was aldepending on the tered so that schedules of the no groups of choir and Wind more than ten Ensemble.

Alband members though the school met at the same is no longer split spot simultain half through a neously. This hybrid schedule, change meant the bands continthat only seue to use the gyms Even though marching band ended back in October, the flip folder niors and freshand Performing still has its uses - mostly for the upcoming Band-a-Rama. men attended Arts Center in orevery day, while der to maximize sophomores and juniors came every other day. As the the space between performers to keep the virus at bay. school year began, the band was again split into vari- Many band members are extremely glad these various schedules. The A-L band would attend Wednesday ous changes were implemented, and while they did dull practices first, followed by the M-Z band. Addition- various aspects of the season and separated them from ally, the block band formations needed a rework to friends for a decent chunk of the year, they ultimately alproperly uphold COVID protocols. Instead of having lowed for both a marching season and a concert season. everyone shoulder to shoulder, marchers were instead As a result of these policies, both band night at the staorganized into groups of four each that had similar dium and the symphonic band performance at the conmarching patterns and were spaced out from one an- cert created a long-awaited reunion. Despite having been other. These changes made the season a success, com- separated for months, the two halves of the band came plete with several performances and even a night for together and harmonized as if they had been together, the band to shine alone. continuing this tradition of excellence since day one.

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THE TEAM RISES AGAIN B Y JA S H H VA N T H TA M I L S E LVA N

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his was a very tough year. We went was more mini-game styled. But this year is all remote last year, and the seniors different,” explains Parameswaran. This is due didn’t get the grand exit from their to the fact that the captain and coach wantfour years of high school that they ed to make sure that the players were ready deserved. Prom was cancelled. And maybe to face the tougher opponents in the tournathe hardest hit for some students was the canments. cellation of all school sports. 2020 was a very

Finally, the team engages in tournatough year, indeed. Yet, we strove to make things better ments. As Parameswaran explained, the team always for ourselves and others for 2021, which includes the “emphasizes winning.” All they want to do is win and restart of sports seasons, including an often overlooked improve their game. One very important aspect of sport in North Royalton a game is the mindset of High School, tennis. the player. If they tense Although the team up and get angry, things did begin a bit later than can go south very quickthe previous year, they are ly. Parameswaran notes, “I still making a big comealways take deep breaths back. As the captain of and stay calm. I try to not the Varsity team, Adhav get frustrated and tightParameswaran said, “All en up. The key is to stay we want to do is win. We loose.” Another aspect is also want to improve ourfocus and determination. selves every game that we The team usually likes to play.” play away games because There are many of the new environment things that Parameswaran and increased focus. FoNRHS Varsity Tennis Team has to do for his team. cus is a very important Parameswaran explained, part that was emphasized “One duty is making sure everyone gets the info I re- by the captain. The team needs “to keep focus at all ceive from the coach. Another duty is holding the team times no matter if I’m losing or winning.” Meanwhile, materials. I hold the ball hopper, med-box, and etc. I there is another dimension to the focus of a player also make sure to keep motivating the team and lead that most people forget: the crowd. A huge crowd them into positive energy that brings the best tennis out can be daunting, but Parameswaran explains that it is of anyone.” all part of the learning curve and that they enjoy the The practices are also an essential component of the crowd cheering them on once they put their focus on team. “We do practices every day where we don’t have the game. a game,” says Parameswaran. The team first starts with Due to these many factors, things are going great for a little warm up, a friendly rally. A rally is where the the tennis team. The varsity team has garnered 8 wins players just hit the ball to each other. It doesn’t matter if and 3 losses. The JV team has garnered 6 wins and 3 the ball goes out of bounds, bounces four times in a row, losses. This is already a great lead for North Royalton or goes to the next court. They just keep on hitting it to and overall a great performance by the tennis teams. each other. Next comes the really fun, and difficult, as- But this isn’t the end of the beloved tennis team. As pect of practice: the match-up games. “This year we put Parameswaran says, “I expect some of our players to a heavy emphasis on match playing because we were a reach states. I also expect a good record from the team young team that needed experience. Previous years it by the end of the season.”

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ONE LAST PITCH: A TRIBUTE TO MY TIME ON THE FIELD BY: EMMA KELLEY

The Lady Bears home Varsity field.

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hroughout the past year and a half, the NRHS softball program has faced many challenges and disadvantages due to COVID-19 restrictions, rules, and regulations. Last year, student-athletes Casey Felton, Meaghan Stafford, Ashley Dlugolinski, Hailey Dlugolinski, and Morgan Gresko sadly had their senior season stolen from them. Not being able to play was heartbreaking for our entire program, but we tried to make the best of it. After not having a season in 2020, we are so grateful that we can step out onto our field five days a week and play the game in which we tirelessly sacrifice blood, sweat, and tears. With a JV record of 7-11 and a Varsity record of 15-4, the Lady Bears are off to a great start this season, and I know that we will continue to do great things!

As a 4-year varsity athlete and a proud softball player in the NRHS program, I have had an amazing experience playing for both Coach Koncius and 16

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Coach Whitely. Not only have I been encouraged and helped every step of my high school career, but I have also been lucky enough to go through this experience with two of my best friends. Both 4-year letter winners, seniors Paige Heffke and Jillian Baracz (captain) have been by my side since game one of our freshman year. As the pitchers for our team, Heffke and Baracz have helped us reach many of our team wins and goals, and have both put in so much work to help our program succeed. Also graduating this year are my great friends, Peyton Maciak and Shannon O’Malley.

Maciak (starting right fielder) and O’Malley (starting center fielder) have been amazing additions to varsity for the last two years with many clutch hits and amazing plays in the outfield. I can’t begin to express how thankful I am for these four girls and for the great season that we have had so far.

While NRHS softball may be coming to an end for us seniors, I have full confidence that the rest of our team and program are set up for future success.

On the 23 and 24 of April, the Varsity softball team went 3-0 at the annual Priebus Tournament in Wellington, Ohio. During the third game of the weekend, we won 29-0 against Notre Dame Academy and

Coach K’s 100th career win (29-0 against NDA) happily celebrated this as Coach K’s 100th career win. With thirteen people on the varsity roster, we all either played the field or were able to hit during this game. After playing twenty games this season, all of the underclassmen (Julya Dillon and Payton Liptak as juniors, Mia Maddamma, Liz White, Bel-

la Weatherbie, and Lilly Putnam as sophomores, and Gia Lobello and Ashley Butler as freshmen) have also put in countless hours of work and dedication to our program and made so many great things happen this season. I believe that they will continue to do this for years to come.

Being a Lady Bear for the past four years has given me a second family, pushed me to better my game, encouraged me to continue being a dedicated team player, and has taught me that no matter what, we win and lose as a team. “The team culture is better than it has ever been, and it shows in our performance on the field,” said our senior captain Jillian Baracz. “I’m very grateful to play with this highly motivated and hardworking team. As long as we keep playing hard and having fun, we are going to do amazing things on and off the field.” Thank you to my coaches and teammates for an amazing season and good luck to those of my teammates who will be playing after the seniors are gone. I am forever grateful for the opportunities that I have been granted and the memories that I have made. Once a bear, always a bear!

Seniors Jillian Baracz, Shannon O’Malley, Paige Heffke, Peyton Maciak, and Emma Kelley (L-R) THE ROYA L NEWS

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DRESS CODE CONTROVERSY

BY GR ACE KELLEY

he dress code at North Royalton High School is coming from. Because the school seems to be a controversial topic for some. has control of temperature regardless Students and administrators tend to see the of the weather, students may not have dress code in different ways. While there to worry about pushing the dress code seems to be a few misunderstandings from both sides limits with their shorts. of the topic, there are also good points made.

When talking to students, both The first article of clothing that has been discussed male and female, about the dress code, ripped jeans to great extents by both the students and the admin- were mentioned multiple times. Some students existrators is shorts. One NRHS student who asked to pressed their misunderstanding of why we as North remain anonymous stated, “What are we supposed to Royalton students are restricted from wearing ripped do? Nowadays, long shorts are not advertised to girls. I jeans. A classmate, Aangee Vakil, said, “I enjoy wearing would have to spend hours to find shorts that reach the ripped jeans because I feel good in them. It would be standards of the dress code. Then, I would go to school nice to be able to wear them in school every so often but and run the risk that I won’t risk breaking some teacher doesn’t dress code rules.” approve.”

Some students In stores that are do not completeadvertising to teenly understand why age girls, most times ripped jeans are not there are limited allowed. amounts of clothes There can be that fit the proper decommon misconscriptions of the dress ceptions about why code. It is easy to see students are not alwhy some struggle lowed to wear ripped with shorts and the jeans, said Mr. OsStudents who meet dress code policies looking dress code. borne. “When stuat the digital picture wall.

With the temperatures dents come to school,” Mr. rising as the summer seaOsborne commented, “we son approaches, seeing students wearing shorts grows are teaching our students what professionalism looks more likely. like. It would not be appropriate to show up to a job Mr. Osborne, the principal of NRHS, said that the interview in ripped jeans, so we are trying to teach that rise in temperature should have less effect on students' to the students now.” By enforcing the dress code, the wardrobe choices because of the complete control cli- administrators are attempting to set a solid foundation mate that the school now has: “What’s nice now is that for students. Kids can have a better understanding of we are in a climate control building. For the first time in what to expect from the real world and how to prepare the history of North Royalton HIgh School we are in a for certain situations such as job interviews. climate control building, so it should be comfortable. I Even though students and administrators may not wear a suit and tie to school every day, except on Fridays always see eye to eye on the dress code, both make great when I wear khakis and a polo. I have never died from points about the dress code reasoning and foundation. heat exhaustion, even when we didn’t have air condi- There can be misunderstandings on the student side tioning. Many of the teachers deal with the same thing when it comes to what we can wear to school but adso I don’t see temperature as an issue.” When consid- ministrators do a good job helping them understand. ering the new circumstances of air conditioning in the The controversial topic has two sides. Which side do building, it is easy to understand where Mr. Osborne you take?

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PROMOTING DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AT NRHS

BY PANKTI MEHTA

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new club at NRHS, the Student Group on Diversity and Inclusion (SGDI), promotes social relations across all boundaries of difference with an open-minded, student-centered approach. The student leaders -Pankti Mehta, Lauren O’malley, and Kadhu Ramasay -- plan activities and discussions around various topics such social polarization, race relations, stereotyping, etc. The teacher ambassador for the activity is Mr. Rhodes, teacher of Computer Science at the North Royalton High School.

The biggest step the SGDI has taken towards advancing racial equity/ promoting respect and understanding in our school and community has been through the open-minded, student-centered discussions. Despite having so many members -- people of different orientations, religions, races, and nationalities, typically underrepresented in our school’s demographics -- the high level of acceptance and respect of different viewpoints is truly remarkable, and unique to the SGDI. In the midst of a pandemic, during the first few weeks of school, there was much heated argument about whether or not to continue fall sports.

As the board issued its final decision to cancel, many strongly agreed to protesting the outcome.

From their point of view, it was correct, given the frustrations of such unpredictable events. Still, as members offered different perspectives and took

PHOTO BY: JASHHVANTH TAMILSELVAN

on the sports issue through an online discussion hosted via social media, everyone present seemed to come to a common conclusion: a protest would not be suitable, given the current pandemic.

The beauty in this anecdote is not about what’s right or what’s wrong, but it is that everyone was willing to listen to different perspectives with mutual respect and unanimously come to a common conclusion. This small step in initiating the club had the huge consequence of togetherness on a controversial issue.

Apart from this, the various efforts of SGDI continue to propagate race relations and acceptance in the North Royalton community.

Through club positions, many of which are held by underclassmen, the next generation of SGDI members are being trained to lead. Apart from this, once it is safe again to do so, the club is hoping to host a large-scale public event that promotes greater awareness of different cultures in an enjoyable atmosphere. Future plans also include inspiring others schools to conduct similar efforts and a mentorship program where SGDI members talk to middle school students about discrimination and surrounding topics in order to inculcate the values of acceptance at an early age.

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OPINION: NOT REQUIRED, BUT NECESSARY: A CASE FOR ELECTIVES

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B Y JA R E T G O L D

orth Royalton High School offers some great electives. Science & Sustainability helps students understand the challenges the planet faces and encourages them to come up with solutions. Trojans, Romans, and Myths provides a window into mythology and prompts important questions about the world. Personal Finance prepares teens for the uncertainties of adult life. These classes, and many more, allow NRHS students to explore unique fields and points of view, gain a better understanding of the world, and learn what they want to do after school. Unfortunately, there is far too little attention placed on electives.

With a limited number of students and teachers, it makes sense that there are only a certain number of electives that can be viable classes.

However, Ohio’s educational decisions have not helped the matter. Increased support for charter schools has led to a drop in NRHS enrollment in the past few years, and while the decline isn’t major, it has played a big impact on electives.

Several classes that were previously offered have been canceled this current school year, and there are expected to be major cuts for the 2022 school year. With some elective classes only having five or six students, even three or four students that don’t enroll in NRHS can make a large impact on whether those classes exist.

Ultimately, these kinds of choices are inevitable, but the Ohio Department of Education should not be making it harder. Funding should be directed at making public schools better and providing students with a wide array of classes. Given that charter schools make money through private means, while public schools are only funded by the government, the Department of Education should shift its focus

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to making the public school experience as great as possible, and that includes support for electives.

Of course, all the money in the world can be thrown at making more electives possible, but it will not matter unless students sign up for the classes.

NRHS history teacher Mr. Kish thinks students too often ignore classes that aren’t required to graduate. “I think students should take another look at electives,” he said. While he understands the difficulties in investing in classes that have little interest, Kish believes that a shift in views can help garner more enthusiasm for electives. “[Those classes] are a major part of an enriching high school experience. They help students become well rounded, beyond knowing general knowledge,” he continued.

From my own experience, taking Creative Writing has encouraged me to write fiction, both in and out of the classroom. It is a passion that in large part stems from the encouragement and engagement I received from that class. For every elective, there are stories like this, and discovering new passions is something that should be fostered, not prevented.

Electives are great classes that help prepare students for the adult world, open their minds to new ideas and points of view, engage in debate and problem solving, and maybe even discover a subject they want to study that they never knew about. Electives are everything fun, enjoyable, and useful about school, and should be encouraged, rather than tossed aside as “other classes.” Between government support, and student enthusiasm, it is clear that electives should be given a chance.

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G O D Z I L L A VS KO N G PA C K S A P U N C H I N T H E AT E R S

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BY PETER CARAM

fter many delays, Godzilla vs Kong was finally released in theatres this spring season of 2021. This film is the fourth installment of the cinematic Monsterverse franchise and surely met the audience’s expectations, including a fight between a giant ape and a large lizard that breathes a t o m i c breath. Yet, one question remains: did this film deliver what audiences wanted during COVID? Starting with a company that sp ecializes in strange anomalies called Monarch, these Monarchs contain Kong, a monster ape, on Skull Island.

Within Skull Island resides the head of the operation, Dr. llene Andrews, played by Rebeca Hall, and her mysterious daughter, Jia, portrayed by Kaylee Hottle. Though the two are studying Kong in order to find a way in which to communicate with him, only Jia can actually interact with him through sign language. Believing that Kong can lead them to a world called Hollow Earth, home of the Titans, the mother-daughter duo team up with Dr. Nathan Lind. Meanwhile, a young girl named Maddison Russel meets up with a mysterious broadcaster by the name of Bernie Hayes to discover why Godzilla is attacking people and destroying buildings, despite the fact that he tried to save humanity in previ-

ous films. While the movie’s human characters are making their discoveries, this does not stop the two monsters, Godzilla and Kong, from clashing with one another in a rivalry that dates back centuries. Can the story’s human heroes find the mysterious d i s c ov e r i e s while these monsters fight?

The film has roared out of the gate with $406 million at the box office -- a huge boost to ailing movie theatres looking for people to return to theatres in the aftermath of COVID. Overall, this film was very great. It delivers on the audience’s expectations, which was having two monsters go head-to-head with one another on the big screen. Additionally, this film skips the human character development (unlike the previous film Godzilla, The King of Monsters) and made the story almost completely about the two fighters. Of course, the action sequences were definitely over the top as well. Overall, this film scored a 10/10 for delivering exactly what the audience wanted. For those who have been King Kong fans since their younger days, seeing him on the big screen again really brings back childhood memories. The film is much better to view in theatres because seeing these two rivals dueling on the big screen roars!

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INTERNATIONAL TENSION: A CLOSER LOOK AT THE RUSSIAN, UKRAINE CONFLICT B Y M O L LY P E T R I NA

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n the midst of changing worldwide power dynamics and recovery from the global pandemic, the Russian government has taken steps to display its military power over its economically and politically valuable neighbor, Ukraine. While the number of troops and soldiers has varied from source to source, it is quite obvious that the show of strength was meant to be seen.

More recently, according to Time Magazine, President Putin has made the decision to pull his troops from the border of Ukraine, suggesting that the deployment was meant to make a point more than to start a war.

Further events have occurred in the recent past that caused many to accuse President Putin of attempting to destabilize Ukraine.

One such example is Russian passports and citizenship, which the Russian government has been offering to eastern-Ukrainians that supported their cause for the last two years.

As for Russia’s internal issues, they have most recently come under fire in the worldwide media for the imprisonment of Alexei Navalny, a lawyer and activist who was extremely critical of President Putin and his administration, accusing them of “sucking the blood out of Russia.” It is hard to understand Navalny’s standing in politics, as he has been called an extremist by some while also being a model for his supporters at the same time.

After supposedly being poisoned in August of 2020, Navalny has now been imprisoned for fraud, and then jailed again for violating the terms of his probation. While in jail he went on a hunger strike, appearing to the public days ago in court. He made the same accusations against the Putin administration of making bad decisions for the people of Rus22

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sia and attempting to keep power over all else. The government has now added Navalny’s political organizations to their terrorist database and officially labeled him an extremist, warning other activists of the government’s power. Everyone seems to have their own opinions on whether or not Navalny is truly an extremist, but the label seems to have wiped his face from Russian cities. In a recent display in St. Petersburg, a mural painted by Navalny was taken down by the city’s police just four hours after being painted.

Russia and Ukraine have had a long and unstable relationship since Ukraine’s membership as a part of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. After leaving the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine adopted a republic system that somewhat reflected the governments of the Western part of the world. Despite leaving the Soviet Union, they were still in possession of many of their resources, most notably a significant amount of their nuclear weapons. Because of Ukraine’s position between Europe and Russia, it was valuable to both the Soviet Union and the United States. Ukraine is also a major exporter of agricultural products and natural gas, making it a valuable economic partner to align with. Unfortunately for Russia, after the fall of the Soviet Union, they did not get to align themselves with Ukraine and instead were forced to wager for the return of their nuclear arsenal. In the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine promised to return all nuclear weapons to Russia, and Russia promised to respect Ukraine’s territorial boundaries.

Russia also accepted Ukraine’s newfound po-

litical relationship with the United States, where the United States attempted to westernize Ukraine and provide the country with financial support.

Since then, Ukraine’s newfound republic has run into many issues as a young government, causing the people of the country to take to the streets multiple times in recent years. The Orange Revolution occurred throughout Ukraine in 2004 when a Russia-supported candidate won an election that was said to be fixed. A month after these protests, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a new election, which was won by the candidate Yushchenko, who lost the first election.

At this occasion, the U.S. supported the protesters, and Russia blamed the U.S. for any additional unrest caused by their support of the issue. 2013 brought a second round of protests, now called Euromaidan, after the same candidate who won the rigged election, Yanukovych, took power of Ukraine in 2010 and made the decision to cut trade ties with the European Union in order to strengthen trade relations with Russia. Yet again, America took the protestors’ side, this time sending Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona to show their support. In 2013, Ukraine’s parliament got rid of the Russian-backed Yanukovych, who then fled the country to Russia.

Most recently, Ukraine’s current president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is currently working at peace talks with Russia and the U.S. over the recent movement of Russian troops near the border of Ukraine. As previously mentioned, Putin has exercised his power over Ukraine with extended Russian citizenship into Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Because of their complicated geographical past, many supporters of Russian agenda still live in Ukraine, mostly in the eastern part of the country. Russian politicians have pointed out that many Russian-speaking citizens are still living in

Ukrainian territory. As well as political support, Russia also wants what the U.S. wants, to control the territory between Europe and Russia that Ukraine inhabits. The annexation of Crimea was a show of power that had the world watching to see what Russia would do next. Russia had not taken any extreme further steps to instigate a conflict with Ukraine until now. With political opposition from the outside world and from home, the Russian government now struggles to keep its power in the face of opposition.

As for America, Washington has made sure to be directly involved with the recent developments in both Ukraine and Russia.

President Biden has promised Ukraine the support of U.S. resources multiple times and is now in the process of meeting with President Putin to discuss concerns over Ukraine’s territorial and political respect. In the past, President Biden has been accused of withholding aid from Ukraine in order to help his son’s legal issues, an accusation that has been brought up often in the recent weeks.

However, there is no evidence that this accusation is true and many point out that this allegation was first waged by an ally of former President Trump in the face of an FBI investigation regarding the 2016 presidential election. Furthermore, the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning to visit Ukraine in the next few weeks to discuss the recent Russian conflicts. At home, the U.S. has been reacting to Russian interference in U.S. elections and hacking of federal agencies by imposing sanctions against Russian institutions such as the Kremlin (Russia’s version of the White House). Significantly, President Biden has also made the decision to expel ten Russian diplomats from the country. By imposing these sanctions and sending Biden to Russia and Blinken to Ukraine, the United States is cementing itself into the conflict as the middleman with interests in Ukraine and personal conflicts with Russia.

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PHOTO BY: JASHHVANTH TAMILSELVAN