Issuu

MAY 2022

THE ROYAL NEWS FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

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

EDITOR’S COMMENTS NRCS TOTY THE PATH TO WAR

BAND TRIP WAS MAGICAL MARY KAY CABOT, A TRUE CLEVELAND HERO OPENING DAY RECAP BENEFITS OF HITTING SNOOZE BAD HABITS HURT GRADES OPINION: ROCK HALL HITS ROCK BOTTOM IN NEED OF A BREAK DR. STRANGE A BIG HIT PUBLIC CELEB BATTLES COMMON CORE FAILS INTERPOL RETURNS TO CLEVELAND COVER AND INSIDE PHOTOS: GRACE KELLEY

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 GRACE KELLEY

T H E ROYA L N EWS

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

umans. The easily interchangeable, imaginative worlds we create through our mental perceptions and sensory apparatuses are often not in alignment with one another. As the intersection between our personal understanding and the absolute truth is quite small, much information and knowledge exists beyond traditional grasp. Given that antagonistic and partisan debates on multifaceted issues often dominate public discourse, populations evidently lack omniscience. Ideally, this commonality of inevitable human blindness should result in both kindness and humility as the shared unreliability of our brains is widely displayed. Yet, as opposed to feeling benevolence toward a fellow human with dissenting ideas that stem from a similarly untrustworthy brain, our immediate reaction instead includes anger and frustration. As people are characterized by manifested internal traits, ranging from intense altruism to malicious evil, varying propensities are clearly individual within each person. While one’s fundamental, innate identity cannot shift, these contrasting predispositions can be employed for the greater good through the redirection of energy. If one is notably worrisome and obsessive in regards to their bedtime routine, they’re marked as neurotic and strange. Alternatively, one who channels this anxious energy into climate change is viewed as a visionary activist. Nobody chooses the packaging and traits with which they’re born, but humans can independently make decisions in celebrating their inherent differences and choosing how to productively disperse and redirect this energy. Given that all individuals are microscopic specks in an unfathomably large system that no human fully understands, and we largely exist as insane entities who are endlessly attempting to discern truth from fiction in an increasingly intricate reality, the only appropriate response to this absurdity is treating others with unconditional empathy and compassion – this is precisely how I intend to approach my future career in journalism. This month’s issue is particularly poignant for me, as it

marks the end of my time as both editor and student journalist of this renowned publication. As I look ahead to an academic journey that extends beyond the walls of North Royalton High School, the Royal News has undoubtedly impressed upon me an unwavering commitment to the written word in providing a voice to crucial subjects and silenced voices. My appreciation and gratitude for this organization are definitively immeasurable, and I am certain that my remarkable experiences these past four years will allow me to serve as a life-long journalist in an unimaginably greater capacity. My fervent zeal for changing the world through words will persist throughout my career, and this resolve originates from both the newspaper itself and the brilliant adviser who has unfailingly fostered my love of writing. Thank you, Mr. Hemery – it has been nothing but a privilege and honor to have you serve as an incredible mentor who continuously provided me with patient guidance as I cultivated my distinct voice. While my involvement within this organization comes to a bittersweet conclusion, North Royalton student journalists will triumph onwards in their noble pursuit of uplifting deserving voices and stories. Given the turbulent crises that have marked these past several years, student journalism and media are uniquely critical in ensuring future generations will contribute to the fourth pillar of democracy by penning salient articles that create knowledgeable populations, thereby empowering citizens to make informed decisions with adequate comprehension of current events. I hope beyond hope that both students and administrators do not overlook the exceptionally influential manner with which written stories can deeply impact the world. Thank you, as always, for taking the time to read their words. -Emma Kolick, May 2022 T HE ROYA L N EWS

WORDLE CHAMP TURNED NRCS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

BY EMMA KOLICK

mid a period of remarkable transition for North Royalton City Schools, students and staff alike attempted to return to normalcy following a marked past two years that were characterized by hybrid learning and a diminished ability to connect with peers and teachers given the lack of traditional learning and extracurriculars. In order to combat these temporarily fundamental alterations to schooling, educators across the district persisted tirelessly in creating interactive lessons and engaging opportunities that simulated a standard classroom environment. Despite the significant hardships and struggles presented by this public health crisis, teachers within the high school successfully navigated these uncertain circumstances and continued to prove their immense importance within society, as they continued to endow students with enriching ideas and fascinating worldviews that assisted in strengthening both their personal values and individual knowledge. Wishing to recognize teachers for their outstanding performance in powerful student connection and impactfully teaching their respective subjects, NRCS annually awards one District educator the honorary award of Teacher of the Year, which 6

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distinguishes them as exceptional individuals who make a profound difference in the lives of others. Fostering a welcoming and inclusive space as he leads and organizes Link Crew and the coinciding freshman orientation that works to acclimate incoming students to the distinctly different and overwhelming structure of high school, his immeasurable contribution to the energy of student dances and the excitement surrounding student council and spirit week made NRHS math teacher Mr. Ciha an admirable and deserving choice for the NRCS 2022 Teacher of the Year award. “What our school community is most likely to notice about this teacher is what he does to ensure that school is for the students,” said NRHS Principal Mr. Osborne in regards to the extraordinary teachers who are often considered for this award. “He is always looking for ways to improve the high school experience for our students,” he continued. As this award coincides with Mr. Ciha’s 10th year teaching within the District, he is noted for his leadership as student council and Link Crew advisor, and he directly interacts with students to assist in ensuring events such as Winter Formal, Link Crew Orientation, spirit week, pep rallies, and

the annual spring GloRo dance truly engages the student While this ability to easily connect with kids promotes body. Thoughtfully listening to their input and subsequently brilliant classroom experiences that result in remarkable stuworking to materialize their visions, he perpetually works to dent success, his unfailingly friendly and kind attitude allows strengthen school spirit and create dynamic events that excite for relationships to form outside of the traditional environothers and bolster the traditional high school experience. ment through various extracurricular activities and student Despite his spirited and lively animation that natural- events. ly captures students, his ability to form student connections “With my involvement in Link Crew and student council ultimately culminates in invigorated learning that allows for as the Junior Class President, I’ve seen how hard he works to immense achievement within his classroom. While he cur- put on school events and his enthusiasm to create a positive, rently teaches only Geometry and Honors Geometry, he has uplifting school culture,” said junior Colin Finnecy. “Seeing also instructed Algebra I, Algebra II, and Honors Algebra II/ how energetic he is to the incoming freshmen really demonTrigonometry. strates how much he wants the student body to enjoy their “What I’m most proud high school lives inside and of is connecting with the outside of the classroom,” kids while still pushing he continued. them with the content,” said As transitioning Mr. Ciha. “As goofy as I am, from middle school to high we do wall-to-wall math school is often a formidable in class. But, in constantly and intimidating experiworking and pushing with ence, Ciha works relentlesskids, I’m so connected with ly to create an electrifying the students that they don’t orientation day designed mind,” he continued. While to excite freshmen for their his students encounter chalfuture, as students undergo lenging theories and proban exhilarating and enerlems within his classroom, getic welcome as soon as he says he constantly strives they walk into the building. to find a balance of teaching Followed by spirited chants, difficult content in order to dances, interactive games, a strengthen their abilities, yet comprehensive tour of the creating and packaging lesbuilding, and an intimate, As part of the “Ciha Posse” tradition, Mr. Ciha and sons in a way that students don’t members of the group enjoyed breakfast the morning small-group experience in which realize how cerebral and complex groups of eight freshmen and two after NoRo Homecoming to help clean up remaining Link Leaders engage in activities the concepts are. remnants of the previous night’s festivities. Attending Baldwin Wallace designed to meet everyone and University and pursuing a major in learn of the endless opportunities mathematics and a minor in education, his extensive knowl- that abound, much of the initial freshmen fears are amelioratedge has allowed him to simplify nuanced topics and present ed by this annual event. Despite his extraordinary impact at them in a clear, concise manner that assists in the learning pro- large-scale events, his incredible effects on the student culture cess. Given that much college curriculum teaches the philos- permeate even smaller and seemingly mundane interactions. ophy surrounding education as opposed to rigid instructions “I was at the junior varsity basketball game with him a regarding how to explain subject material to students, Mr. Ciha few days ago and watching him interact with other students credits one of his student teaching field experiences with trans- demonstrated to me how natural and comfortable everyone formatively impacting his approach, as educational philosophy feels around him, even other staff members,” said Junior Class inevitably fails to comprehensively convey the true experience Vice President Makena Shroka. “There’s a different level of and intricacies of a high school classroom. respect students can have while being around Mr. Ciha, and “I had a great mentor who, for the first week of being in this can only be because of his selfless character and immense his class, I wasn’t teaching at all, and he just gave me a seating involvement in the school,” she continued. chart and told me to watch the students,” Ciha said, finding As Mr. Ciha continues provide remarkable and impresthe assignment to be remarkably strange. Instructing him sive lessons for his kids in order to foster academic student to simply observe the classroom and determine which pairs success, his dedication to creating energetic and entertaining of kids he believed to be best friends, enemies, students who activities through a variety of different activities and extracurstruggle, and those that are exceptionally strong in math, he ricular opportunities showcases his fervent passion and comquickly understood the profound importance of personal- mitment for helping students excel in all aspects of their life ly understanding each student. “Each year brings new faces, – the true hallmark of a great teacher. Despite his exceptional personalities, and skill sets to work with. That skill of learning victories as a tremendous teacher, he plans to create superiorabout your students as quickly as possible makes the actual ly exciting events and spirit next school year. “This year was teaching a lot easier, and that was the best thing I learned,” he a transition year still from COVID,” Ciha said proudly, “but continued. next year will be a total reset and a brand new beginning. T HE ROYA L N EWS

THE PATH TO WAR BY: JASHU TAMILSELVAN KUNTHAVAI

he world before and after COVID are two different worlds. Although it may look the same, the mindset that people have taken is incredibly different. One key difference includes that many people have stopped watching the news and people stopped taking world events as seriously, largely due to the fact that the U.S. is still enduring a major pandemic. This is especially true for teenagers, who do not pay enough attention to international news to know the backstory behind climactic events. As such, when the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict started on February 24 of this year, quite a few people did not understand why Russia would issue such an attack. This is a conflict that started before COVID 8

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ever began – the problem stems from the end of the Cold War itself. In 1991, Ukraine became an independent country before the Cold War ended and conditions in the Soviet Union were uncertain and challenging. As Gorbachev had started to allow elections and loosened the iron fist the USSR held on its puppet states, Ukraine’s independence generated varying international reactions, and many countries still saw the Ukrainian people as Russians – a mindset that still influences today’s events. In December of 1994, The Budapest Memorandum was signed. As the USSR actively participated in the arms race and stored its weapons in various

countries, Ukraine gave up the nuclear stockpiles that Russia had stashed in the country. This serves as evidence that Ukraine had no interest in war or the products of the previous Soviet Union. The Budapest Memorandum honored Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to independent territory. This Memorandum was signed by the US, the UK, and the Russian Federation, which contributed to the “Ukrainians are Russians” discourse. In November of 2004, the election of Ukraine presented a Russian-backed candidate, Viktor Yanukovych, and a western-oriented candidate, Viktor Yuschenko, who battled for the presidency. As Yuschenko was mysteriously poisoned and barely recovered, Yanukovych appeared to emerge victoriously. This wasn’t the end though, as the people of Ukraine declared that the election itself was fraudulent and demanded re-election. Citizens took to the streets wearing orange – the color of Yuschenko’s campaign color. By December, the people achieved their wish and a new election was sanctioned, and this time, Yuschenko won. This Orange Revolution would be a huge event that would leave a bitter taste in some people’s mouths, even today. In April of 2008, a NATO summit began with furious debates as to whether they should extend a Membership Action Plan (MAP) to Ukraine. In order to do this, though, a military alliance between twenty-eight European countries and the United States was mandatory. Vladimir Putin, who has been in power since 2000 at this point, strongly opposed this notion, and he allegedly said to former US President George W. Bush that Ukraine “is not even a real nation-state.” Given that Russia is a world power, NATO declined to give Ukraine a

MAP. From November 2013 to December 2014, huge protests overtook Ukraine, and re-elected President Yanukovych attempted to orient Ukraine toward Russia. Coupled with the arrest of his political rival, Yulia Tymoshenko, these issues sparked political unrest and public protests about government corruption. The protests, known as the Euromaidan protests, were centered in Madison Square in Kyiv, and at least 130 people were killed and Yanukovych fled to Russia. Then, chaos ensued. From February to March 2014, there was intense international outrage, as Russia had captured Crimea, which is a Ukrainian peninsula with a predominantly Russian population. The UN and the EU condemned Russia’s actions and international outrage erupted, and the troops who captured the population were Russian, but they had removed their insignias. Notably, this was two years after Putin was re-elected to be president – he remains President to this day. In April 2019, former comedian Volodymyr Zelenskyy was voted to be the next Ukrainian president. As he campaigned to stop the war with Russia and defend against the corruption found in Ukraine because of Russia, Zelenskyy’s presidency allowed him to crack down on pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarchs. As a result, Putin deployed a huge number of troops to the border and even claimed that Russians and Ukrainians were “one people.” And, of course, on February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-on invasion of Ukraine. The past truly does pave the way for the future. Many people didn’t know how brutal this path to war was until they researched the history behind it. The path toward the war definitely didn’t start with sunshine and rainbows, but there are many possibilities that it could hopefully end with one.

T HE ROYA L N EWS

BY JULIA KINDEL

A TRULY "MAGICAL" TRIP

s spring break commenced on an early Monday morning at 7:30 AM, many band members excitedly arrived at school with all of their belongings. Their anticipation only continued to build as they had their last parade rehearsal before entering on the motor coaches to Florida. The upcoming drive to Orlando was about 23 hours long and students settled into their seats, preparing themselves for the long drive ahead. After multiple rest stops and a rather unrestful night drive, the band arrived in Florida on Tuesday morning and headed to the Rainforest Cafe for a well-deserved breakfast. Following breakfast, everyone hopped back on the buses and headed to Typhoon Lagoon for some swimming and relaxing in the lazy river. Soon after, the group jumped back 10

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on the buses and arrived at Hollywood Studio to enjoy rides such as the Tower of Terror and Slinky Dog Dash. Eventually, night fell upon the park and a fireworks show concluded the first day of action at Disney. After arriving at the hotel, everyone was finally able to check into their rooms and have the chance to get better sleep than the previous night. After eating some concerningly crunchy pancakes for breakfast on Wednesday morning, the band arrived at Animal Kingdom, and students rode coasters like Expedition Everest and went on the Kilimanjaro Safari to see a multitude of animals like giraffes, flamingos, rhinos, crocodiles, and lions. After a few hours of adventure at Animal Kingdom, everyone was transported to Epcot, where they collectively ogled at the largeness of the massive sphere

facing them head-on at the entrance. At Epcot, rides like Test Track and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure had long wait times, which may have deterred weak souls, but certainly not band kids. A big aspect of Epcot is its collection of countries from around the world assembled in a circle – from the United Kingdom and France to Japan and China, students visited each country’s respective gift shops to find items they liked. Once again, night approached and crowds started to form in the best viewing spots for the fireworks display. The show at Epcot was even more spectacularly choreographed than the previous night at Hollywood Studios and the group returned back at the hotel for some well-needed rest. Thursday morning arrived, along with the pressure of the parade that would be occurring later that afternoon. The band grabbed their uniforms to put on the bus and traveled to Magic Kingdom where they took a ferry to reach the park. At Magic Kingdom, rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain accumulated large wait times. However, students knew they had to ration their time to make sure they had enough time to eat lunch before the parade. Eventually, the time came when the band went backstage to put on their uniforms and get warmed up for the parade. Everyone was nervous, but the band directors remained kind and asked students to drink water, realizing how much they were sweating. As the band went out, they played the best they could and had tremendous fun. The night grew closer as the last fireworks show the band would watch during the trip began to draw a crowd. Students watched the picturesque fireworks as the last of their anxieties regarding how the performance would go ascended into the sky along with the colorful bursts. Friday morning came as a bitter indicator of the band’s last day in Florida, as band members packed their suitcases, loaded them into the bus-

es, and traveled to Universal Studios for a full 11 hours of excitement awaiting them at the park. Students could jump between two parks by taking the Hogwarts Express to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Springfield, U.S.A.: Home of the Simpsons. In Universal’s Islands of Adventure, rides like the Incredible Hulk Coaster and the Jurassic World VelociCoaster drew more daring kids who liked faster speeds and more upside-down turns. After an incredibly long day at Universal Studios, band members filed into the buses at around 8:00 PM and left immediately to get home. The last uncomfortable night in the buses came and went with some rest stops in between. On Saturday morning, the band ate breakfast in South Carolina at Golden Corral and got back on the buses for the final stretch of driving. Students arrived back home at around 3:45 PM, gathered their things, and greeted their parents. Considering the trip as a whole, the band stayed respectful, responsible, and most importantly, had fun. Behaviors like this allow the band to keep getting invited to Disney, giving some students an opportunity to go on a trip they’d never experience otherwise.

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REPORTING LIVE FROM CLEVELAND...

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

leveland is the home to many fathe reporter she is. mous journalists and reporters, One of the biggest changes for jourand Cleveland Browns beat writer, nalists today is to not only be accurate and Mary Kay Cabot, has established precise, but to be quick upon breaking news. herself as one of the all-time greats as she pro“Right away you have to get your post up,” vides reliable and engaging Browns news for said Cabot. “It doesn’t have to be the full stoNortheast Ohio. ry, but you have to get a couple of paragraphs Cabot graduated from Kent State University in 1984 out. You then add to it as you get more information.” with a degree in Journalism. She then was offered a job Not only has Cabot been quick to break Browns' news, for the Plain Dealer and has now been covering the but she has been accurate, which is why she’s so deeply Browns since the late 1980s. In what used to be a pri- respected in her field. marily print writing job, she now not only writes, but When people think of sportswriters and reporters, has expanded her skill they think of people set to include podcasts, breaking news of a big radio shows, and live retrade or new signing. ports. Not only is this part imReporting also has portant, but there are changed with the popother perspectives that ularity of Twitter. After may need to be taken the 2021 Browns’ seainto account. “I don’t son concluded, Cabot just tell people what reported that the relahappened, but I tell tionship between quarpeople what it means terback Baker Mayfield or how to look at someand head coach Kevin thing in a different way Stefanski was rocky and than they have before,” that there was a possibilsaid Cabot. “I try to ity that Mayfield would put things into differCleveland Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot request a trade. This ent perspectives to help demonstrates fearless journalism. resulted in Mayfield firing people understand it.” back saying, “Clickbait. You and many other Cleveland As technology has advanced, so has the media. Podlocal media continue to be the drama-stirring reporters casts and live streams have become much more popuwith no sources or facts. ….. I’m not your puppet.” Two lar over the recent years. For many reporters, Twitter is months later, Mayfield did indeed request a trade, prov- now the place where news is broken. In order to become ing Cabot correct. successful in today’s media, one must become versatile, “I knew at the time what I was writing and talking according to Cabot. “Learn how to edit videos, upload about was absolutely on point and true,” said Cabot. podcasts, and use all social media platforms, to go along “I’m not going to be afraid of the backlash. I can’t do with being a good writer,” she said. “Get comfortable my job that way.” Ignoring the criticism and just believ- with that and know as much as you possibly can.” ing in yourself is something every journalist has to deal Overall, the Cleveland Browns have one of the most with. For Cabot, she attributes some of the criticism knowledgeable and experienced beat reporters that with being a woman in a male-dominated field. “Some- they could have. “There’s nobody that works harder times I think if I had just put someone else’s name on than me at covering the Browns than I do,” said Cabot something, it wouldn’t draw the negative attention,” said with confidence. “There’s nobody that provides what Cabot. Although Cabot may receive backlash, she stays I do in terms of insider information and anticipating extremely confident in herself, which is what makes her what might happen.”

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BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA: GUARDIANS BASEBALL BY GR ACE KELLEY

s thousands of people crowd the in the American League. He played nine years streets of downtown Cleveland, all with the Cleveland Indians, even leading them heading towards Progressive Field, to become World Series Champions in 1948. it’s easy to tell that baseball season Doby’s primary positions were center field and is here. This year, Progressive Field looks a bit second base and had a career batting average of different, lacking the team name the Indians. .288. Larry Doby sadly passed away from cancer Instead, the name Cleveland Guardians is plason June 18, 2003, but his memory still lives on tered everywhere, signaling the rise of a new era in Cleve- today. land baseball. The Guardians first official home opener The Guardians home opener was not the only imoccurred on April 15, portant event in Major 2022, where they lost 1-4 League Baseball (MLB) against the San Francisco that occurred on April Giants. 15. The celebration of A very special guest Jackie Robinson, the first made an appearance at African American player the home opener, throwin the MLB, takes place ing out the first pitch of annually on that day. This the season. Tom Hanks year, it was the 75th annitook to the mound to versary of Robinson’s demark the beginning of but. His number (42) was a new era in Cleveland officially retired in 1997 sports. It is said that and is brought out once Hanks has been a fan of a year. To commemorate Cleveland baseball for his outstanding efforts, many years and attends every MLB player, coach, season games as much as and umpire wears the Cleveland Guardians opening day. possible. Tom Hanks voiced number 42 on April 15. Jackie the video that announced the name change to the world, Robinson is remembered every year for his amazing pershowing his support of the name change early on. By step- formance and groundbreak changes in the MLB. ping onto the mound, Hanks proved to everyone that he is Despite the controversy, the Guardians’ name change confident in the new title for Cleveland baseball. has occurred and an improved brand is being built around Another special guest that took to the field during the the name. It leaves Cleveland sports fans to wonder what Guardians home opener was Larry Doby Junior. Doby Jr. else the MLB and our new team has in store for our city. made his way behind home plate in honor of his father, Larry Doby. Doby was the first African American to play

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SLEEPING IN BY ANJALI PATEL

lmost three years ago, California signed a bill in which all high schools within California would not be allowed to start before 8:30 AM, which is set to be implemented this upcoming school year. Recently, a bill was introduced in New Jersey to also push all high school start times to 8:30 AM, and the Ohio Senate Bill 218 was introduced in 2019 with the same criteria. Clearly, there is a common trend among states in advocating for later start times. What does all this mean? In the near future, it would not be surprising if high school students started school at 8:30 or later in Ohio and other states. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that middle and high schools start at 8:30 AM or later to give students the opportunity to get the amount of sleep they need. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington and Salk Institute of Biological Studies on two high schools in Seattle that started at 8:30 AM displayed the benefits of this potential change. Tracking students' sleep time with activity watches, they discovered that even thirty-four minutes of extra sleep on average resulted in grades and academic performance increasing significantly. One common concern of adults regarding later start 14

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times for teenagers is that teens will simply stay up later and, as a result, receive the same amount of sleep as before. However, this study found that “after the change in school start time, students did not stay up significantly later: They simply slept in longer, a behavior that scientists say is consistent with the natural biological rhythms of adolescents.” This also prompts the question: What are the natural biological rhythms of adolescents? Despite the common belief that teens are on the same cycle as adults, teens undergo “sleep phase delay” in puberty where they no longer become tired around 9 PM but rather around 10-11 PM. With school starting earlier as kids become older, this simply results in less sleep. Gideon Dunster, the lead researcher in the study mentioned says, “Research to date has shown that the circadian rhythms of adolescents are simply fundamentally different from those of adults and children.” Another researcher on the study, Horacio de la Iglesi, said, “To ask a teen to be up and alert at 7:30 AM is like asking an adult to be active and alert at 5:30 AM.” Despite all the benefits that would come out of the later start time, many teens worry about when school would end. Many high schoolers today al-

ready leave school ranging from 4-9 PM and sometimes later due to after-school activities. Adding the extra hour after school would cause some students to get home at an extremely unreasonable time. Additionally, many families are conditioned for the early starting times. Starting later would not only be a change for the students, but for many parents, as well. Overall, starting school later could be beneficial, but can also be detrimental. In this scenario, each school and student body will face a different outcome from the later starting times. The question remains: is it worth it?

DON'T DELAY BY KIRA CHEREN

oes the thought, “Why can’t I ever complete assignments early?” frequently enter the mind? Is procrastination becoming an apparent issue, especially given the rapid speed with which the end of the year is approaching? Certain theories explain how procrastination might be programmed into the mind. Firstly, anxiety increases as deadlines approach. The further the deadline is, the less concerned one is about whether there is enough time to complete it. Additionally, many students hold perfectionistic tendencies and a fear of failure. Many people want to create exceptional work that contains zero errors, but in reality, people just end up procrastinating for fear of creating subpar work. In order to combat this habit, one can set goals of solely getting the work done and correcting any errors afterward. Essentially, group the task into smaller portions so it becomes less overwhelming. Along with this, reminders of short-term and long-term feelings are imperative. For instance, how will one feel at two in the morning trying to rush to finish a project and, in turn, obtain a lower grade? Would one rather feel auspicious because the work was thoroughly completed well before the deadline, or does having an anxiety, caffeine-filled night sound more favorable? Psychology Today suggests to “Challenge your beliefs about tolerating discomfort and revise what you say to encourage yourself to engage in a task, even if only for a little while. Focus on the longer-term rewards that you’ll experience while persevering with the task.” In short, the majority of people have procrastinated at one time or another, but it is vital to bounce back and get on track. Especially as the school year is nearing an end, it is important to end on a high note.

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OPINION: HAS THE ROCK HALL HIT ROCK BOTTOM? BY: CASEY CHARLES

n 1985, a spirited national competition to decide the an abundance of overlooked talent in new host of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame com- the rock and alternative community? menced. Months later, Cleveland emerged victorious, The variety of available options extends besting cities such as New York City, San Francisco, from familiar names of 70’s and 80’s rock, Memphis, and Philadelphia. On September 2, 1995, the such as Styx, Mötley Crüe, Kansas, Billy Rock and Roll Hall of Fame officially opened its doors to Idol, and Foreigner, to iconic 90’s groups the world from the coast of Lake Erie, and consequently ce- like Stone Temple Pilots, Collective Soul, mented the city as the “Rock and Roll Capital of the World.” Third Eye Blind, Counting Crows, and The Offspring. Each year, a new pack of inductees joins the history of the Money and publicity could very well be factors in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - a tradition dating back to 1986 choices made by the museum. Artists like Eminem or Dolly in the museum’s original site, Manhattan. Parton undoubtedly bring in more media attention and tickWhile most of the artists, bands, songwriters, and pro- et sales than anyone in rock that is still remaining. The Rock ducers that make up the 351 current and Roll Hall of Fame must be careful members of the Rock and Roll Hall not to isolate part of its core fanbase by of Fame represent all the styles and distancing itself from the initial vision genres of rock that have been present of the museum’s founders. over the years, it seems that over the In addition to a broad consensus on past decade, the museum has strayed pop music, Americans love their rock, away from judging new additions rap, and country music. These three based on their ties to the rock and roll genres are incredibly popular, yet so industry. distinct that each has at least one radio Resembling more and more of station dedicated to it in cities across a “Music Hall of Fame” every year, the entire country. While they overlap the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has in some instances, they largely all have PHOTO BY: GRACE KELLEY clearly invited the presence of eligible their own unique sound. Unlike the Rock icons from across all music genres. Just this week, the Class and Roll Hall of Fame, other genre-specific museums have of 2022 and its fourteen inductees were announced, with kept a more rigid group of inductees. If one were to go to names such as Eminem and Dolly Parton in the mix. Both the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, chances are the hip hop star and the country legend stand out as stark he or she would not see the Eagles mentioned anywhere in contrasts to some of the pop and rock names that also made the building. Likewise, Green Day is probably not going to the cut, such as Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, and Judas Priest. see any future nominations for the Hip Hop Hall of Fame & However, it should be noted that these two artists are Museum in New York City. far from being the first Rock Hall inductees in their respecIf the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is going to be named tive genres. Artists and groups such as Elvis Presley, Ray after rock and roll, it should follow in the footsteps of both Charles, Johnny Cash, Run-DMC, and Beastie Boys have rap and country and be solely dedicated to that music genre more arguable reasons for their inductions because they left and the people that brought it to prominence. Just because a substantial part of their legacy in rock and roll. Contrastly, an artist is eligible for a nomination does not mean that Jay-Z, Hank Williams, The Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, and Chet they’re deserving of it. It is time for the heart of the “Rock Atkins are examples of artists whose backgrounds in rock and Roll Capital of the World” to face the music and look at are much harder to be traced. the long-term consequences of its actions. If chasing a few Considering all of this, there is still one important ques- extra dollars is really more valuable than preserving the glotion that remains unanswered: Why induct those who have ry of rock and roll, a decade or two down the road, will it still little to any connection to rock and roll, when there is still be remembered like it is today? 16

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OPINION: GIVE US A BREAK! B Y VA N E S S A VA D O VS K I

his past school year, North Royalton mountainous amounts of schoolwork during the High School has experienced interestweekends is quite taxing. With an abundance of ingly-timed breaks. Spring break comhomework being assigned over the school week, menced weeks later than most other students are unrightfully provided with excess schools, and Christmas break was also cut incredworksheets and studying over their two days off. ibly short as students perpetually worried and Despite this endless stream, the student body still prepared for looming midterms after the joyous receives homework over breaks. holiday season. Overall, students have yet to find a relaxing It is difficult to concentrate on spending time with one’s period this year to recharge their brains. family or to relax when homework awaits – they are called Given the ongoing COVID pandemic, the major- breaks for a reason. These periods are supposed to be time ity of the population has unfortunately not been able to for students to get a small break from the strain and stress personally visit some of that school puts on them. their family members By the time break arrives, in over a year. As public students are burnt-out health conditions have and ready to unwind as started to ease, many the worry of life ceases. people finally took these Kids require rest, and school-issued breaks as their lives will truly start an opportunity to visit once they graduate and the friends and family enter the real world as members whom they adults. love after being apart for Having homeso long. work over breaks also For example, sophoimpacts the quality of a more Rasleen Rai excitstudent's work. Students edly traveled outside of are less inclined to do Why are students engaging in endless homework the country to see her beloved as opposed to spending time with their families? their best work when they are family she hadn’t been able simply attempting to comto visit due to COVID restrictions, and she was left with plete the assignment as quickly as possible. Over break, hours of homework to complete once she returned home. students need time to spend with their family or simply Sadly, she wishes she could have gone on her trip and not relax instead of doing endless work that could easily be achad to worry about the overwhelming homework that complished when they return. awaited her once she got back. Sophomore Avery Justice agrees, saying, “You're more Following the varying school schedules and stressful active and busy over breaks, so sometimes students end up past two years students have been forced to endure as they even forgetting to do it until the very last minute, leaving it attempted to readjust a traditionally normal school sched- at minimum work and nothing learned from it.” Students ule, they need these breaks to simply relax. Being with are not going to forget everything after being gone for a people every day, to being isolated, then back with the gen- mere week. Similarly, sophomore Cassidy Woodmancy eral populace has placed a heavy mental toll on many stu- says, “It’s called a break for a reason. It takes away from the dents. Readjusting to school life isn’t easy when one is used pressure and stress of school”. to staring at a screen all day alone in their room. Along With student mental health at an all-time low, is it truwith that, many students receive hours of homework every ly a good idea to keep piling more work on top of them night, not allowing them much time to unwind, especially in hopes of somehow increasing their quality of life? How if they do hours of after-school activities. long until they break under the pressure? If they never reOf course, having homework during the week is a nor- ceive a true break, will they ever get time to enjoy life as a mal thing – it helps students learn. However, experiencing kid? Students deserve a break. THE ROYA L NEWS

MULTIVERSE MADNESS THIS MAY

BY PETER CARAM

fter months of anticipation, Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness is finally here. This film takes place after the events from Spider-Man: No Way Home, the previous installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it continues to focus on the Multiverse and magic side of Marvel. The story excitingly begins with America Chavez, played by Xochitl Gomez, who has the unique power to travel through the multiverse, and a variant of Doctor Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, named Defender Strange, who is attempting to attain a book entitled Vaa Shaaa Teee to figure out how America can control her powers. Defender Strange proceeds to betray Chavez, and later dies in the process as he leads America to create a portal that travels to the real universe. Meanwhile, the true Doctor Strange is attending the wedding of his prior love interest Christine Palmer, played by Rachel McAdams, who is interrupted by a monster called Gargantos that is in pursuit of Chavez. Dr. Strange, with help from his friend Wong, is able to save her from the foul beast. After learning more about Chavez’s plight, Strange enlists the aid of old ally Wanda Maximoff, also known as The Scarlet Witch, who is played by the famous Elizabeth Olsen. As Maximoff has been studying a spellbook titled The Dark Hold, this book has largely corrupted her, which sets her up as Strange’s Antagonist and fellow co-star for the rest of the film. Her prime motivation -- to find her way back to her kids, Billy and Tommy Maximoff -- is sure to stir intense emotions in viewers, especially as it was released on Mother’s Day Weekend. 18

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With 75% ratings from critics and 87% approval from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, one can conclude that the reactions between critics and audiences have varied slightly. This disconnect may be attributed to how deeply an eager moviegoer must sift through past films in order to stay informed and understand every nuance of new Marvel releases. The New York Times published an article this week encouraging fans to rewatch three prior Marvel films and two entire television series, with the possibility of a third, to prepare for every detail in this movie. As a Marvel fanatic who is familiar with all of the Times’ recommendations and the complexities of each film, this movie was truly fantastic. The story is riveting, the pacing is steady, and the characters were excellent. Everyone in this film had their time to shine. This film had great action and beautiful cinematography and effects. There were also several horror elements in this film, a first for the Marvel Universe, that positively caught some audience members by surprise. The performance by Benedict Cumberbatch was wonderful, and Elizabeth Olsen makes the Scarlet Witch superiorly conflicted and sinister when compared to previous MCU films. Additionally, Xochitl Gomez made her character one of the best newcomers to the franchise in quite some time. Overall, this film undoubtedly earns a 10/10 for being one of the most creative films in the MCU and for continuing the multiverse storyline in Marvel. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness is in theaters now and this is a must-see this spring season!

KA N Y E VS . PET E : A S O C IA L M E DIA F E U D BY KAYLIN PAULOZZI

pening a phone to any social of potentially murderous behavior. He postmedia platform can immediately ed a video that was quite disturbing to media show results of the Kanye West consumers. His attacks on Kim on Instagram and Pete Davidson feud. were becoming alarming, saying that she was With posts from Kanye flooding Instagram, trying to gaslight him and how she wouldn't fans became worried. Kanye West, who was let his children come to Sunday Service for married to Kim Kardashian before their dithe fifth time. Kim addressed how Kanye vorce, had four children with her. They had was lying about his multiple posts and capbeen a family for many years untions, calling out Kim for things til 2021. After this divorce, Kim she allegedly didn’t do. started seeing Pete Davidson During this, Pete Davidson around October of 2021. Kanye and Kanye were also exchanging expressed jealous feelings tomore messages. At this point, Pete wards Kim and Pete for this, but was begging Kanye to leave him many don’t know if it was for and Kim alone. Pete said, “What publicity or real. you are doing to your family is Kanye has addressed Pete dangerous and going to scar them multiple times on social media, for life. Please handle these maturging his fans to go after him. ters privately bro I beg you.” Pete He gave Pete the name “Skete” as was trying to defend Kim and her a joke and many of Kanye’s fans children while Kanye kept going. referred to him as this. There Pete said how great of a mother have been photos of text mesKim is and that Kanye needed to sages between Kanye and Pete let them be and stop bringing evthat were posted by Kanye himerything public to social media. Released texts between self. These messages consisted of Pete was scared for Kim and Kanye and Pete. Kanye harshly telling Pete that he her children’s safety because of can never meet the West children. Pete was respect- Kanye’s outbursts. After this long chain of events, ful saying that he wouldn’t get in the way of Kanye Kanye deleted all of these Instagram posts and has and Kim’s children. stepped away from this feud with Pete publicly. This After Kanye told his fans to go after Pete, he then social media event went on for a long period of time posted a photo exclaiming to not hurt Pete in any and has seemed to subsided, but people are still way and that he would handle everything himself. worried about what Kanye may do next. Kanye then posted messages between him and Kim explaining that he would do everything to protect his family and never let anyone hurt them. After these posts, Kanye apologized as he said it seemed like he was harassing her or stirring the pot. Fans had noticed Kanye’s countless posts about this feud and became worried. Kanye had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2016, and these were visible in his actions on social media. People were concerned for Kim and her children because people were believing that Kanye was showing signs THE ROYA L NEWS

COMMON CORE'S PARADOXIC LACK OF COMMON RESULTS

BY EMMA KOLICK

s legislators fervently sought sweeping edu- and nearly half of the nation cation reform in the early 2010s in an effort discontinued the usage of speto minimize systematic variation in student cific tests that serve to measure achievement across the nation, Common student and teacher achieveCore State Standards swiftly rose to prominence as it ment in regard to mastery of various school subjects. hopefully offered school districts a brilliant, uniform As large-scale studies attempted to determine the curriculum within the four main educational subjects quantifiable effects of this reform, analysts discovered that would exponentially bolster success in the class- startling evidence that displayed a decline in crucial room. While states previously held individual educa- test scores as a result of these standards. With both tional initiatives and criteria, Common Core proposed 4th-grade reading levels and 8th-grade math levels dea promisingly homogenized approach that would fos- creasing exponentially, these distressing results showter both similar and advanced academic achievement cased the compound effect of these standards, as the given the common benchmarks that would elicit near- negative impacts of this homogenized approach aply identical results. peared to significantQuickly adopted by ly grow in intensity as more than forty states Common Core persistand the District of Coed as the central benchlumbia, those that inmark of achievement in dependently decided classrooms. to reject the implemenDespite the deeptation of this modern ly-held convictions and policy initiative even dogmas of political altered particular existelites and educators ing standards in order alike, this ineffective to reflect the revered initiative ultimately goals of Common Core. failed students. GivEducational policy analysts discovered troubling Initially experiencing en the demonstrable, results in observing 4th grade reading scores, as tremendous public and elite abhorrent impacts of this praise, with one politician studies showcased a decline in student achieve- fruitless, standards-based noting that this reformed ment following the implementation of Common reform, it is intolerable and Core (source: The Federalist) pathway to student success outrageous for the vast maserved as the greatest alterjority of states to continue ation to public education since Brown versus Board utilizing these curricula. With benchmarks formulatof Education, both the monetary contribution of the ed largely by elite politicians and educational policy Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the promotion experts, invaluable input from teachers who personof this fundamental change by the Obama administra- ally interact with their students and witness both the tion served as a seemingly extraordinary prediction victories and frustrations of students in real-time were into its future progress. met with neglect and indifference. Yet, this brief moment of disillusioned elation was While those who developed these standards enrightfully eclipsed by bitter disappointment in Com- visioned an undeviating, orderly system in which mon Core’s lack of real-life achievement. Approx- classroom activities within each school district were imately five years after the adoption of these bench- coordinated by the expectations of Common Core, marks, numerous states urgently reversed their course this idealistic worldview is remarkably unattainable, of action and executed incredibly differing policies, as inevitable inequalities and differences in each in20

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dividual class require the teacher’s ability to modify lesson plans in order to better suit the needs and understandings of their unique students. As each new set of students carries varying skill sets, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, the rigid inflexibility of these educational expectations serves as a hindrance in the primary job of educators to individually assist classrooms in their pursuit of knowledge. Simply increasing expectations for students without prior consideration of these crucial characteristics is an incredible disservice to their ability to properly learn. With studies proving a distinct correlation between wealth and high-achieving schools, as districts with higher funding and increased access to technological and core resources perform superiorly when compared to students in low-income communities, the discrepancies in test performance based on demographic characteristics such as affluence and poverty have only amplified throughout the duration of these newly-implemented benchmarks. As schools that experience a lack of adequate funding have failed to acquire the proper training and coordination needed for these inelastic expectations, educators who work in wealthier districts have received significantly more instruction and preparation regarding this drastic shift in policy. Despite the belief that common, regulatory standards will elicit similar results on standardized testing and other measurements of academic advancement on a national level, this exclusive and unyielding set of dictatorial policies put students of lower socioeconomic backgrounds at an unjustifiably systemic disadvantage. This top-down educational approach appears easily establishable as each district adopts nearly identical procedures, yet this federal policy fails to acknowledge the distinctly inconsistent ways in which Common Core is implemented due to inherent differences in each state, school district, individual school, and the teachers themselves who direct diversified classrooms with a range of students. As standards must endure scrutinization and subsequent alterations from an abundance of multifaceted and complex institutions before proceeding to direct implementation in schools, this disruption of uniformity in these benchmarks naturally results in differing policies for each classroom, thus creating alternating lesson plans and instruction that are all eventually gauged by identical metrics. Districts modify state educational policy in order to beneficially unite Common Core expectations with specific community conditions and circumstances, thereby rendering the re-

sults of these standardized tests inconsequential and arbitrary. With the government evaluating both districts and teachers by their students’ success on these misguided, parochial assessments that focus primarily on Common Core standards, educators across the nation are incentivized to teach to the test and reduce instruction surrounding fascinating topics that are not included in the curriculum. This lack of freedom lessens students’ ability to engage in absorbing classroom materials that reveal broader truths and extend beyond short, informational passages created solely for the purpose of identifying key details and literary devices that will eventually assist them in performing on one defining test. Instead of experiencing learning through the lens of edification and bettering oneself through increased humanity and kindness, students are endlessly instructed to focus solely on academic subjects that will increase their probability of performing well on standardized testing, reinforcing the idea that knowledge is acquired only for increasing one’s score. As this renewed approach to standards-based education has even resulted in schools cutting vital, creative classes in an effort to emphasize the importance of homogenized learning that focuses on strengthening quantifiable measurements of students, this distorted approach to educating populations is an indefensible and groundless idea that has damaged the contemporary system. In order to ameliorate this crisis, states must reverse their Common Core policies in favor of educational methods that produce higher academic success on a holistic level and allow for increased flexibility in teachers’ lesson plans to individually fit the varying needs of each student.

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EARLY 2000s POST-PUNK PHENOM INTERPOL RETURNS TO PROMOTE NEW ALBUM

BY: MOLLY PETRINA

s the lights went down in the crowded Agora and entirety of the show while also introducthe opening chords of the classic song “Untitled” ing unreleased songs. After enthusiastibegan to play, it was like the stage and venue had cally singing along with “Untitled” and traveled to another era. With a polished sort of “Evil,” two Interpol classics, the crowd grunginess, Paul Banks and his bandmates took to the stage settled down to listen to the mysterious in all-black suits and a setlist full of songs new and old. As new track “Fables.” This was followed the band played the opening by “If You Really Love Nothtrack off of their beloved aling,” a faster-timed track off of bum Turn On The Bright Lights their 2018 album, Marauder. to begin the show, the crowd The comprehensive setlist didn’t swayed in anticipation of more aim to please anyone, but it did well-known tracks of the early anyways. The formula seemed 2000’s. to mix radio hits, the band’s perInterpol is a relic of the sonal favorites, and newer tracks post-punk and indie alternainto a progression that kept the tive sound that defined the early audience waiting for more. 2000’s New York Music Scene. Songs like “Obstacle 1,” Along with bands like the Yeah “C’mere,” and “Take You On a Yeah Yeahs and The Strokes, Cruise” had the audience movInterpol directly contributed to ing in the frenzied dim and flash the punk rock genre and culturof the overbearing stage lights. al landscape of the time. After Newer tracks like “Toni,” “SomeInterpol gave fans a show to remember. touring with artists such as U2 thing Changed,” and “Fables” had and The Cure and creating 6 studio albums, Interpol con- the audience mesmerized by the familiarity of Interpol’s sound tinues to exist within a small sphere of recognition. After in their current projects. The only real complaint that can be their recent return to independent label, Matador Records, made is that Interpol’s set was not long enough. After standInterpol has begun their tour in promotion of their seventh ing through two time-consuming opening acts and waiting studio album, The Other Side of Make Believe. for the headliners to arrive onstage, the setlist was only around Although the iconic era that brought Turn On The an hour and a half. However, the band more than made up for Bright Lights and Antics has long since passed, it seems their short-form set with a plethora of hits, and a show that as though Interpol can still summon the same energy and was an attack on the senses in the best way possible. stage presence as before. If anything, it seems as though Seeing Interpol live has only cemented in stone what Paul Banks, Daniel Kessler, and Sam Fogarino have only was already known, that they are an impressively dynamic enhanced their show. It almost seems like the band wish- act that can only improve with time. Their continued proes to disappear into the stage when the fog rolls across the duction of music that matches their atmosphere and tours audience and the flashing lights blind the crowd. In an ex- that embody their ambience has defined them as an artist perience like no other, the sound and atmosphere seem to of the ages rather than the byproduct of a decade. In crebounce off the walls and come from all directions. In a cap- ating consistently for an endlessly loyal fanbase, Interpol tivating and relentless fashion, the music almost never stops has established themselves as a cultural and musical pheexcept for a quick introduction of a new song or a humble nomenon. And when The Other Side Of Make Believe is word of appreciation to the audience. released on July 15, there is no doubt that it will be appreThe audience seemed to appreciate the quick pace of ciated by the audiences who have already seen Interpol’s the setlist, which jumped from one album to another for the perpetual talent and followed their fascinating rise to fame. 22

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PHOTO BY: CASEY CHARLES

In my many years serving as the advisor for The Royal News, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with many talented writers. But it is with great optimism for their futures (tinged with ample sadness), that I say goodbye to seniors Emma Kolick and Molly Petrina, both of whom are headed off to become professional journalists. Emma began working for the paper her freshman year, and she quickly assumed the role of Chief Editor, spurring some of the largest participation in student journalism the paper has ever had. She helped with every aspect of the paper. She’s edited nearly every article that has been published in the past three years and helped to propel the paper to what it is today with her leadership. She was never afraid of the interview and knocked on the door of anyone who could give her the story. Her enthusiasm was contagious to the entire team. Likewise, Molly Petrina has been a force on our writing staff. Whenever there was an issue to be published, Molly was sure to have many in-depth articles that tackled the real issues of the time. Before Ukraine was a front page story for nearly all professional outlets, Molly was writing about the conflict and the dangers that loomed. She had a keen ability to balance that intensity with insightful stories about music and the arts. Everyone knew when they were reading her articles because they were urgent and consequential. In addition, we had many seniors who joined the team this year and contributed greatly to the paper. All my best to Michael Bodzenta, Jack Haley, Jashu Tamilselvan Kunthavai, and Kaylin Paulozzi in their future endeavors. Although I know the next generation of writers and leaders here at North Royalton will take all that these wonderful people have taught them and apply it to their careers as student journalists, the school and the entire community will miss reading the words of these students next year. Though I know, without question, they will continue to change the world on a much larger stage. All my best–and thanks for everything, Mr. Hemery

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PHOTO BY: GRACE KELLEY