THE ROYAL NEWS
FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS
Co-Editors
NYAH PALMER
MADDEN PIEKARSKI
Writers
ZOE AMBURN
EMILY DOCKRILL
NYAH PALMER
MADDEN PIEKARSKI
AVA WEATHERBIE
MADISAN WINER
OF 5 6-7 8-9 10 11 12-13
EDITOR’S COMMENTS
SPEED, STRENGTH, AND WELLNESS SEES GAINS
THE BAND "ONE" AGAIN
BEHIND THE SCENES OF CLUE
BEYOND THE BOOKS
ASIAN CULTURE CLUB KEEPS GROWING
COVER PHOTO: NYAH PALMER
INSIDE PHOTO: NYAH PALMER
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.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
Here at North Royalton, we are celebrating the end of the first quarter.
The school has been through a lot of change. We have welcomed in the new freshmen, the school schedule has now been intertwined with Bears Den, and some are even completing their college applications, getting ready for an even bigger adjustment. But, before these big changes, we have an entire year ahead of us. Many are looking into the future with optimism and some are feeling the heavy burden of taking harder classes. At least we can all agree we’re doing it together and will make it out the other end together.
The students who took the time to write during some of their busiest days have shown a commitment to the newspaper that is admirable. Those who wrote did so with their hearts, and I admire them wholly. This year I have taken on the
role of both writer and editor, which affords me the opportunity to see my peers’ writing before the final paper is published; this was an amazing experience. I truly enjoyed their articles and what they had to say about the school and culture of North Royalton.
I hope everyone enjoys the articles as much as I did and approaches the year knowing we are off to a great start. This year feels like it’s going to be an incredible one, and I don’t only say that because we’ve just started—the content that has been produced has been top quality and shows the incoming, hopefully good, change that is heading towards the school like a tsunami.
Thanks, as always, for reading, -Madden Piekarski
The Royal News Co-Editor
NEW CLASS ELEVATES ATHLETIC CULTURE AT NRHS BY AVA
Over the past few years, a new class has been embedded into the athletic culture at North Royalton High School. Strength, Speed, and Wellness is a course many athletes are strongly recommended to take during their school year, in order to improve their fitness for their sport outside of their allotted practice time. It gives students the opportunity to lift weights and maintain a good shape without having to spend extra time outside of school and practice.
According to an article on the North Royalton Athletics website, this course includes “training methods to improve strength, quickness, speed development and flexibility. In addition to weight training, Strength, Speed, and Wellness focuses on other areas of wellness such as nutrition, sleeping habits, stress management, recovery methods, and time management skills.”
While anyone is allowed and encouraged to take this class, many coaches want their athletes to enroll,
with some sports even requiring their players to take it. Many see significant value in this class. For example, Coach Lapsevich, who led the boys basketball team to the final four, and Coach Koncious, who led the softball team to being suburban league champions last year, have positive views on this program. Both have seen the benefits firsthand because of their experience teaching Strength, Speed, and Wellness, and by observing how their athletes have improved after adding the course to their schedules.
Through the implementation of this program, many agree that the athletic environment and culture has undergone a huge shift. Coach Lapsevich said, “Anything new takes time to implement, but I have seen major progress being made for our students here because of this class. Working out is a life skill that is so important for everybody, and the students are seeing results that are life changing! I love this class and how it is helping shape the lives of our kids here at North Royalton!”
Coach Koncius echoed this statement, noting that “when you look around at our sports teams and their success they have had in the past couple of years, I do very much think that the overall environment has
changed. There is a willingness to work hard and a want to be competitive. Our athletes are finding success on the playing field. The teams that have embraced hard work have been able to cash in on success.”
This success is clearly seen across the board for almost every sport, whether that be within the softball program and their conference championship or the girls’ soccer team being state runner-ups. North Royalton is witnessing a revolutionized athletic environment, with the help of a revolutionary class, one that is not necessarily a typical academic course, but still a highly educational one.
As a result of this course, many coaches have seen advancements in their athletes. For example, Coach Lapsevich mentioned that he has seen his basketball players improve their vertical jump and build up their physicality, which is needed for high school-level basketball. In addition to basketball, Coach Koncius says that not only can she see physical improvements with the girls on her team, but she has also seen an increased mental fortitude on the field. Her athletes are using what they are learning in class and applying that directly to the games, including the confidence to push themselves because they are taking a class that challenges them in many ways that directly correlates to their sport.
Since there is such an emphasis on athletes being a part of this program, they are given a wide-range of exercises to increase their abilities. Coach Lapsevich said, “All athletes are getting all major areas of strengthening, mobility, explosiveness, core training, etc. because the program covers all of these aspects. I really like the program we have in place.”
Although it is challenging to make each workout specific to each athlete’s needs, the coaches are making modifications for each athlete. Coach Koncius explained that those who teach this class “try to ‘tweak’ training programs for sport-specific needs. We can easily differentiate lifts based on program needs and individual athlete’s needs as the program is written—for example, the squat exercise can be differentiated as a back squat, goblet squat, or tap squat.” She said that this can be seen when softball and baseball athletes receive necessary arm care through this class, and that there also tends to be a change of lifting schedule based on when competitions are occurring.
The way that they address the needs of each student allows the individual athlete's performance to improve greatly and, at the same time, decreases the risk of injury. This allows for a personalized experience when taking the class, which is not something one would be able to get if they were going to the gym alone.
Strength, Speed, and Wellness is a program at North Royalton that is quickly becoming a popular and preferred option for all students. It provides a good basis for everyone to improve upon their athletic abilities and have a good understanding of all things health related. Having a class like this as an option for students to take is beneficial to North Royalton High School in many ways, for both the athletes trying to advance themselves in their sport and students who just want to learn more about how to take care of themselves, something that is vital in order to maintain good health throughout one’s life.
MARCHING BAND "ONE" AGAIN
BY EMILY DOCKRILL
The North Royalton High School Marching Band, performing in class AA, has done it again! They had superior ratings the entire season leading up to states on October 25, when they heard that glorious “one” once again.
Their first contest on September 20 at Revere high school qualified the band for states. They won AA best auxiliary, AA first place, best overall vi -
ways start on your left foot. Another thing is body carriage, as Mr. Vitale would constantly say, “Stand proud, confident, strong.”
Students spent up to six hours a day over the summer at school practicing music and marching. When fans look over at the band stands under the Friday night lights, they see a
sual, best overall music, and grand champion. The second contest on October 4 at Avon Lake High School got the band second place AA against Beakercreek High School, a superior rating, and broke the band's average visual record. The third contest on October 18 at Maumee High School won the band almost all the overall awards and grand champions. How did this come to be?
The band held three practices in June and commenced Band Camp in August, when they started back up on marching basics and continued practice with a consistent schedule. Marching basics are exactly what they sound like. One of the most important skills to remember when it comes to marching is: “Left, right,” signifying that you al -
family that was fostered over years of effort put in by alumni, band directors, and current band members. The band members realize the importance of this community. Reese Beatty said, “I’m gonna miss being part of something so big. It's so powerful with a group that spends that much time together.”
Everyone has high expectations, which pushes them to pursue greatness. One of the most important practices the band has are Wednesday night 6-9s. Our band has a secret weapon–something no other band uses–dots! The first few 6-9s over the summer are called painting sessions. If you’ve ever looked at the school's faculty parking lot and wondered, “What are all of these weird numbers, I can’t
even read half of them,” that would be the dots. It’s a way to map out every single formation the band brings to life during their contest show. It allows them to learn it easier and faster, increasing their ability to make the show the best it can be.
There is also a lot to be said for the students’ mindset. Luke Fialkowski said before the first contest they “went in with the mentality that we would win, and [he had] never seen that before.” Marching band requires a different skill set, a different mentality, a different attitude to perform at a superior level. They win at practice, before they even set foot on the field.
This year's show, titled Reflections, is full of emotion and empowerment. Director Mr. Burdick
could have been made without the direction of three very special people: Mr. Vitale, Mr. Burdick, and Mr. Nary. All three directors work in harmony, knowing that they have built a stable community committed to their craft. The band hierarchy is pure leadership and allows the past to plant seeds of growth for the future. Mr. Nary said, “We all have the same goal in mind, we all know where we want to get to.”
The students agree that the directors are key. Beatty said, “Mr. Vitale composed a really great arrangement of music for us.” She also explained how the smallest changes in visuals and music dynamics result in the shows that give us straight ones and grand champions.
emphasized that “this band really likes to play with big dynamic contrasts, which really makes for an exciting show.”
There is also quite a bit of physical stamina needed to perform. During band camp, Director Mr. Nary said, “Air is the cause and solution to our problems,” meaning that, as a band, air support is what makes a piece of music musical.
This year is different from those in the past, as the freshman class makes up over a third of the band. Mr. Nary said, “It’s exciting to see a lot of students taking advantage of the opportunities the school offers.” The freshman class is a very diverse group, with so many very talented musicians.
However, none of the band's accomplishments
Many people don't realize the amount of work Mr. Vitale puts in for the band. He composes the music himself (being one of the only band directors that still does), and he designs the show choreography to fit with the music. He is the heart of the ensemble.
Although the band makes it look easy, there is a lot of effort that goes into achieving greatness. Ben Wislocki said, “Marching band definitely takes a lot of skill, and you're competing with other bands which requires a lot of effort. Everyone has to put in effort all through marching band and band camp. Just like any other sport, it has time dedicated to practice.”
Congratulations to the North Royalton Marching Band for an incredible season!
THE CLUE CREW
BY ZOE AMBURN
The North Royalton theater program is a great place for young actors and singers to enhance their abilities. Run by Mrs. Jahnigen, the program is looking forward to performing their fall play, Clue, from November 13 to the 16 in the PAC. The actors have been working hard this quarter to make this play special. The actors, however, aren’t the only ones working hard. Behind the scenes, the crew is a foundation to make the whole show come together. There are many different jobs for the crew: lights, music, costumes, set, etc. Publicity member Hannah Bell explained her role. “Publicity shows people snippets of the show on social media,” said Bell. “It brings more people in and gets the audience intrigued. I love to advertise for the school and meet new people along the way.”
show. Stage manager Lindsay Meerdink said, “Stage management is a crucial part of the show. I have to be in rehearsals since the start of the process even though there aren't any other crew around. My sister is also a stage manager, so we both cover for each other and take notes. I love getting to know everyone because everyone is so sweet. It's a great group to be with.”
Even minor roles have an impact on the show. Set painter Lillian Rayl said, “I paint the set, which draws attention to the rest of the set with color. I enjoy talking with other people in the crew, it’s a lot of fun.”
Photos by Madisan Winer
Stage managers are another key aspect to the
Every role has an impact in this production. The crew have done an amazing job turning the play into an amazing production. From lights to set, there is a great role for anyone to be a part of. There is a lot of work that goes into productions, and the crew have risen to that task. Good luck to all who are performing on stage or behind the scenes!
REVISITING THE CLASSICS
BY: MADDEN PIEKARSKI
Each year of high school, it is normal to be given reading assignments that classify as classic literature. While not everyone enjoys reading the books or maybe skips out on it altogether, the idea that students can come together and bond over how they feel about the book, whether they like or dislike it, is refreshing. The fact that these popular and timeless stories bring people together has not gone unnoticed by the musical writers.
The Great Gatsby and The Odyssey are the most recent books that have been adapted into musicals. Both follow the original main protagonists in the stories, but give their own spin, while keeping the important original plot points of their respective stories the same. While
Recently, many of these classics have made the jump from the classroom to the big stage as musicals. In the last decade, musicals have become increasingly popular and are a great outlet for students to express themselves or find enjoyment. NRHS senior Norah Bell explained that the musicals not only help her understand the material of the books, but they also create a positive environment around the reading that allows a more light-hearted approach. Another student, Emmarie Ray, remarked, “It gives the audience a better way to visualize the books, and it makes it more enjoyable for younger audiences.”
The Great Gatsby musical has been propelled to Broadway, Epic, the Odyssey musical, gains its recognition from social media like TikTok and Instagram. Both are extremely popular among younger generations. They are popular for their big-name book inspirations, but they are also recognised for their different takes on the stories. Junior Lily Skudrin believes that The Great Gatsby is different in the aspect that it “shows a more direct portrayal of the relationship between Nick Carroway and Jordan.” Senior Nyah Palmer remarks that Epic shows originality through its creation, as it was “produced in different sagas for each important plot point of The Odyssey.”
This originality is a spinning tide that pulls students in and creates an enjoyable environment for them to appreciate their favorite or maybe even hated classics.
TNEW CLUB EXPANDS ITS SCOPE
BY NYAH PALMER
here have been several new clubs at NRHS in recent years, from book club to craft club to climbing club. Asian Culture Club, however, stands out for two reasons: because it’s founded and run by students, and because it’s a cultural club dedicated to spreading awareness and celebrating diversity. In a predominantly white school, such an inclusive club can make a huge impact–and that’s exactly what it’s done.
Asian Culture Club was founded by Sana Hameed and Nethra Sriram. They both said they felt alienated growing up Indian in Ohio. “When I was younger, I feel like I was really embarrassed about being Indian,” Hameed said. “Everyone else is different than you.” Sriram agreed, adding that she felt “super out of place when I was the only Indian girl in my elementary school classes.” As they’ve grown older, they explained, they’ve grown more comfortable with their cultural identities–and they wanted to create a space where other Asian students could feel accepted, too.
Now, one year later, there are a total of 75 students in the Asian Culture Club Google Classroom. At past meetings, they’ve discussed Asian holidays such as Ramadan, and they went outside to toss dried flowers in the air for Holi (they weren’t allowed to use actual powder). They also had a bhel puri contest, judged by Hameed and Sriram, with plenty of leftovers for everyone to snack on.
This year, however, Hameed and Sriram have bigger plans for their club. Asian Culture Club technically isn’t board certified, but thanks to Hameed’s runner-up essay win in the Maltz Museum’s Stop The Hate essay contest, NRHS was awarded $2,000 to promote diversity within the school. That means Asian Culture Club can expand into more “handson stuff,” as Sriram explained. She said meetings this year might involve activities like cooking Asian foods.
The club began last school year. “Ms. Hubbell helped us,” Sriram said. “We just had to talk to her about what we’d be doing.” Once they’d secured a teacher advisor, Mrs. Gaydos, they were set to have their first meeting. Hameed expressed her worries beforehand, unsure how many people would show up. But as they waited in the community room, they watched as it began to fill with more and more people.
“Last year was more of a trial run,” Hameed says. “This year, because we have more experience, we can do something more. And not just to put on your college
apps.” Sriram and Hameed have plans to start a fundraiser later in the school year to support Asian women trying to escape domestic abuse. “In Asian cultures, at least from what I’ve seen, it’s really difficult to speak up,” Hameed says. “If no one wants to talk about it, then we have to talk about it.”
As seniors, both Hameed and Sriram will be graduating, but they hope that other members will continue the club in their absence. “I don’t want it to end with us,” Sriram says. Hameed agrees, joking that “it’s lowkey impossible to spend
$2,000 in a year.”
If you haven’t already, NRHS students should stop by an Asian Culture Club meeting. It’s a friendly, welcoming environment for all students and a space to learn about and share different cultures while we have fun making
crafts and eating snacks. The Google Classroom code is u7auuy57 for those interested. And for those who aren’t current NRHS students, keep an ear out for a potential fundraiser later this school year: the Asian Culture Club would love your support!
PHOTO BY NYAH PALMER