The Royal News, October 2021

OCTOBER 2021

THE R O YA L NEWS FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS

TABLE OF

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

EDITOR’S COMMENTS NEW WING OPENS AT NRHS LOCAL BUSINESSES RELY ON STUDENTS MENTAL HEALTH ADDRESSED IN SCHOOL NO MORE ONLINE SCHOOL STUDENTS HARASSED AT WORK THE BEARS' FOOTBALL COMEBACK DOES ROYALTON LOVE THE NAME? NRHS MOSTLY IGNORES SOCIAL MEDIA INTERVIEWS PREP STUDENTS FOR TOMORROW TOUGH DECISIONS FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES FALL PLAY ANNOUNCED MOVIE REVIEW COVER PHOTO: MOLLY PETRINA INSIDE COVER PHOTO: MICHAEL BODZENTA

S TA F F

Writers

MICHAEL BODZENTA ISABELLA CARLUCCI CHARLEY CARMICHAEL SYDNEY FRYDRYK ANGIE GRUNERT JACK HALEY ANASTASIYA HAYDASH ARIEL HICKS CAMERON HOOVER BRENDAN KOVACH KAYLIN PAULOZZI MOLLY PETRINA JACK ROBINSON

Staff Advisor MR. HEMERY

PHOTO BY ARIEL HICKS

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

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ormal. That’s the buzzword we’ve latched on to all summer to describe our innate desire to return to something familiar after living in a world filled with uncertainty.

As students returned to in-person learning, bookbags slung over their shoulders, there was something absolutely “normal” about it. The lunchroom is again filled with a cacophony of sound. Students are working collaboratively in the school’s new spaces. Outside observers would surely nod their heads and say, “That seems perfectly normal.”

Yet, anyone in education can confirm there is nothing normal about this year. After being separated from each other for so long, there is a new energy in the building. Of course, we’re still teaching lessons and participating in engaging conversations. But tucked behind all of the normalcy is a deep awareness that in an instant it could all be gone. We’ve all now lived through that moment in time. This awareness of how our most treasured moments can evaporateleads to a depth of appreciation for the experience.

Whether it be listening to the cheer of fans at the Friday night football games or a discussion of metaphor in a novel, there is an understanding between students and teachers that what we do now seems to matter more than ever before.

Nowhere is that appreciation of the moment more evident than in my journalism class. These students came in with an eager and earnest interest in sharing their written words with the readers. Several of the students want to make a career out of writing.

There is a spark to their stories, both in craft and in content. Not only do they take their role as student journalists absolutely seriously, but they are some of the finest people I’ve ever met. They are kind, intelligent, talented and hilarious. In the short time we’ve been together, they’ve already formed a strong bond and work as a team, which resulted in their first issue of The Royal News.

I’m proud of what they’ve done. And although I’ve been blessed to be associated with this publication for eighteen years, I don’t know if it’s ever mattered as much as this year. Because we’re all looking at the world from a new perspective. One that doesn’t want to go back to taking life for granted. One that is comfortable knowing that every moment is absolutely essential and important.

Thank you for sharing in our enthusiasm for these moments. And thank you, as always, for taking the time to read.

-Mr. Hemery, Staff Advisor T HE ROYA L N EWS

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IMPROVEMENTS AND GROWING PAINS AS SCHO OL OPENS BY: MOLLY PETRINA

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n October 22nd, students and teachers at North Royalton High School will begin the process of moving into the brand new arts wing of the school, which will provide new opportunities for students and teachers as well as expand the square footage of the somewhat crowded school.

Mr. Osborne feels that the move is a long time coming, saying that “when you feel pride in your school, it is easier to learn.” Over the past three years, students at North Royalton High School have learned to adapt to living in a construction zone. For the first time since the orange tape went up, the inhabitants of the school are now able to enjoy the results of the ongoing project.

In early 2020, the school introduced the new STEM wing to students returning from virtual schooling due to the pandemic. Near the end of the school year, the English and History departments were also able to move into their new classrooms. An important part of the new schooling model is collaborative spaces, found in every department’s own central hub containing furniture that can be put to6

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gether and taken apart in numerous ways to support group work. Each department was able to choose what went into their classrooms and collaborative spaces to support lessons.

The other major collaborative space in the building is the learning stairs, found in the den near the cafeteria. The area is useful, but often crowded nowadays as a result of the smaller spaces available to students in study halls or lunch periods. This particular collaborative space brought about criticism, with some students complaining that the stairs are often “cold and dirty” after so many lunch periods with no time to clean between and the constant air conditioning running throughout the building.

However, most of these spaces serve to aid in the learning ability of students at the school. Mr. Osborne worked with architects on the flexible design and scalability of the school, saying that “there’s a college feel to the building” as a result of the new additions.

Architects worked to take the best ideas from decades of school renovations, specifically taking the idea for collaborative spaces from the age of open schools, an idea that has since fallen to the wayside.

Last year brought the awaited opening of the STEM wing, just as this year introduces the art wing into the

The new family and consumer science area includes numerous kitchens containing state of the art appliances to better help students learn to cook throughout their food science courses taking place next semester. school layout. Students found the science classrooms and their new technological advancements to be top notch.

Mr. Osborne, a former science teacher, said, “I would’ve loved to teach in the current science rooms.” Another new

insertion is the industrial arts rooms of the school. North Royalton takes great pride in its industrial arts program, one that many other schools have done away with.

However, the current community focus is the new arts wing, which is due to open to students any day now.

This wing includes resources for both music and art students, giving them a “beautiful environment to learn and teach in,” as stated by Mr. Osborne. Most art classes have been delayed until the second semester so that they can be taught in the brand new spaces, including a room set up specifically for ceramics and pottery as well as a specialty lab for the digital photography course. Family and consumer science also has its own area which includes stateof-the-art equipment for teaching cooking classes, such as brand new kitchens and appliances. Band and choir students will also enjoy four new performance spaces, new storage spaces, and five individual sound rooms for the use of students. Overall, the newly renovated building is made for the benefit of the students.

The school as a whole has also been technologically and structurally updated, leaving behind some portions of the school from the 1970s and fully demolitioning the

The newly built band room sits empty, waiting for the opening of the arts wing to allow students to enter the space and begin rehearsals for their competition season.

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The new choir room is twice the space of the old one, encompassing an entire hallway in the wing in which students can cross to get to other classes separated by a movable divider. The room also contains a raised platform to improve the teacher’s ability to conduct the students. segments from the 1950s. The school now has the ability to upgrade technology as needed, as a result of hundreds of miles of new network cables in the school’s ceiling and walls.

The renovations also included a focus on sustainability in its new technology. The white roof of the upper floor saves money by reflecting the light, saving the use of air conditioning by naturally cooling down the building. The reflective and triple-planed windows also serve the same purpose, saving money and resources. The renovations took every opportunity to save the community money, explained Mr. Osborne. He said, “We are the stewards of the money that the community provides.”

Numerous other improvements also served to use money carefully instead of wasting it. The school now owns its own transformers instead of renting them, cheapening the cost of energy per kilowatt hour by putting the whole bill on a single meter. This was another long-term solution by administrators, a newfound way to keep costs down in the future.

Two of the main construction initiatives included in 8

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the plan were the connection of the two separate parts of the old building with a top floor and the modernization of the remaining sections of the old building to bring it up to current standards. In order to follow guidelines, it was essential to the overall project to scrutinize the cost of renovating certain sections of the building to see if the cost was worth it. Many of these areas were instead torn down, but one of the main complications was the asbestos that remained in the oldest parts of the building.

The asbestos added cost to the overall project, as the removal process was extremely dangerous and plans needed to be made to take out the asbestos in as safe a manner as possible. Overall, this complication made the entire project more expensive and time consuming.

The other main issue that crews faced during the construction process was delays of materials caused by the pandemic. Although having students out of school should have sped up the overall renovations, any possible advantage was lost when supply chain issues hit and materials were lost and delayed. The glass needed for the art area was delayed, as was the metal soffit panels and flooring.

The flooring company was short of workers, as were many furniture providers, causing furniture, refrigerators, and flooring to be out of stock.

As construction progressed, the alumni and overall community of North Royalton had the opportunity to relive their memories in the old building one last time before it was torn down. Mr. Osborne understands this notion, sharing that he himself met his wife for the first time in Cafeteria 2. He also acknowledges, however, that these renovations were necessary, even in the face of community opposition.

The bond used to fund the construction was originally struck down several times due to different views. Many people held fond memories of the original building, insisting that if it was good enough for them then it would work for the students of today. The bond underwent various rewrites, one of which was called Safe, Warm, and Dry. This was the most minimal renovation option, with upgrades mostly reflecting the name of the plan and not much else.

It took numerous tries until the last version passed with a 60% vote due to the support of parents and students.

Throughout construction, the school held walkthroughs to show the community the improvements while also allowing them to relive their memories one last time in the old segments of the school. A groundbreaking ceremony was held to commemorate the beginning of construction, at which attendees were able to keep a vial of dirt from the event. Bricks from the old school were also left out by the trailers as keepsakes for alumni who wanted a tangible item to tie their memories too. As construction wraps up and students begin to move into the new building as a whole, a ribbon cutting ceremony is being planned for the opening to the community in December.

The new ceramics and pottery studio contains its very own kilns to provide students with all the resources required to make their art when classes resume next semester.

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LOCAL BUSINESSES CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE AMIDST WORKER SHORTAGE

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By: Jack Haley

ith everybody ea- rectly after his football practices in order to close ger to get out of the the restaurant. Many other employed teens find house, Northeast themselves overworked, balancing similar schedOhio businesses are ules similar to Jaron’s in order to keep their busiscrambling to remain function- ness running. If he did not come in for the extra ing through a dry spell of help in help, Jaron said, “Everything would be backed up.” the workplace. This disastrous worker shortage Santo’s is now closed on Tuesdays due to the lack spawned from of help, and the the COVID pandemand for their demic, shifting savory Italian demographics, dinners shows no and generational signs of slowing differences. down. Neverthe “In the restauless, the managrant industry, the ers and even lowbiggest problem is er employees are finding workers,” as persistent as said Mr. Neuever when trying meister, an AP to find new peoEconomics teachple to hire. “I reer of 17 years at member multiple North Royalton times the managHigh School. The er would ask me restaurant indusif I knew anytry is just one exbody to get the Briarcliff Plaza on Pearl Road contains mostly smaller, famiample of smaller job,” said Jaron. ly-owned businesses.

The area is much more modest than the businesses struggling He, like many other cluster of markets found south on the same street. to perform at an opmembers of the staff, timal level today. This started working at lack of worker supply is also plaguing many local the restaurant after being asked by another employstores and service providers, especially those centered ee. However, with a limited pool of possible hirees, around a family. Undoubtedly, having a sufficient Santo’s, like many other local places, is targeted on worker supply for these businesses is a necessity, but maintaining their business within this worker epithe importance of having a full staff is often underesti- demic. mated.

Another North Royalton student involved in For example, Santo’s Italian Restaurant is a a family-owned business is junior Logan Petit, family-owned business in Middleburg Heights that whose father owns Petit Lawn Care. Since the job is not exempt from the problems brought by the seasonally changes from yard maintenance to snow worker shortage. “They probably would not be able plowing, it is a challenge to find a year-round set of to function without us working,” said Jaron Dzied- employees. “It is quite difficult to find employees,” ziak, a dishwasher at the restaurant. Jaron works said Logan, who works during the summer due to multiple times a week, including several shifts di- sports.

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Although not one single explanation can be completely attributed to the widespread staff shortage, an easily identifiable cause is the COVID-19 pandemic, which was known to skyrocket unemployment rates all over the United States. The stayhome orders of early 2020 closed nearly all local businesses, and even a year and a half later, many employees are yet to return.

Mr. Neumeister One of many large-chain plazas located on Pearl Road in Strongsville. The explained that since remote work had to plazas feature a plethora of restaurants that are always bustling with customers, putting a lot of pressure on the small bands of employees. take place during the early pandemic, comscale of the area, Cleveland itself follows a similar panies are exploring completely online functionpattern, with its large industrial market in steady ing. Given this input, the shift does not directly decline. Therefore, this shift in age and population impact businesses that have in-person employees. gradually lowers the number of adolescents able to Nonetheless, it opens up opportunities for those work. not wanting to leave the safety of their homes.

With the change of population in the area and Also, many markets had to make drastic emthe lasting impact of the pandemic, local estabployee cuts to maintain a positive cash flow, lishments are still face-to-face with the obstacle of which has contributed to the rising rate of unfinding a supportive cast. As Mr. Neumeister put employment and deterred people from working. it, they are forced to “weather the storm” as long as With fewer employed overall, various industries it may take to overcome the worker shortage. are filled with businesses that are running shorthanded, leaving the local ones with less support to take the major hit. “A big chain restaurant can suffer losses for a little while,” said Mr. Neumeister. “A local store has a harder time doing that because, ultimately, they don’t have the big bankroll to fall back on when they start losing money.”

However, COVID is not the sole blame for this lack of support in the workplace. As North Royalton is primarily a residential community, the population is primarily made up of families who raise generations. However, as time passes, the youth that grow up in North Royalton leave their homes and often move elsewhere. The town’s population trend supports this reasoning. North Royalton is currently declining at an average rate of 0.39% per year, according to US Census data. Increasing the THE ROYA L NEWS

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NRHS TEACHES MORE THAN THE CURRICULUM

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B Y S Y D N E Y F RY D RY K

ecently, North Royalton students and staff ing for mental health. have brought more attention to the impor- Holly Pederzolli, a local licensed tance of mental health. Actions such as more professional clinical counselor, said that convenient access to counselors, Bears Den, an unneeded amount of stress is addand an open staff have been added in hopes to improve ed to kids, especially high schoolers. and release stress high schoolers have to deal with day “Pressure put on these kids is a lot more to day. than 20 to 30 years ago.” Social media also plays a big part Many said defining in this, she explained. mental health is the first Sports, jobs, and school step in making it betwork are also stress facter. Mr. Francescangeli, tors in students' everyday North Royalton science lives. According to Hanteacher and coach, decock, this also plays an scribed mental health important role in future as “emotional well bedecisions and careers. ing and self awareness.”

“Students are overKelly Hancock, Chief worked in certain situaClinical Officer of the tions,” said junior Jason Cleveland Clinic, deShuck. “Some bring it on fines it as the “emothemselves by taking AP tional well being of classes or too many exoneself.” A North Roytracurriculars.” At North alton sophomore, JeleRoyalton, after hours of na Milenkovich, said it school, many students at is “how teenagers are North Royalton participate able to deal with things in extracurriculars such After a long day at school, Mallory Vish (sophomore) mentally including as sports, music, or clubs, assists little sister Brynn Vish (freshmen) with her struggles and stress.” No which are recommended. But matter what the definition math homework. Although this may be stressful, Mal- taking on too much can cause lory tries to ease her sister's stress by helping. is, society, now, has made stress for many students. it a point to understand North Royalton junior, the importance of mental Makena Shroka, said the health. North Royalton High School in particular has biggest mental health challenge for her is “the pressure been making changes in hopes to bring awareness to mental health.

In the past, mental health was not talked about.

Now, there is an acknowledgment of these issues, in hopes to make a positive change. Recently many celebrities have brought these issues to the forefront of the conversation. When people such as Simone Biles, Chris Evans, and Michael Phelps are discussing these issues, students are able to see that it should be normalized. Students at North Royalton are now advocat12

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I put on myself. I have in and say, ‘I need a really high standards someone to talk to’ I work towards everyis a great resource to day. My parents also have.'' At North Royput a lot of pressure alton there are also on me due to my high psychiatrists and sostandards. This causes cial workers available them to have high exfor anyone who is in pectations, which are need. hard to meet all the Mr. Francescangetime.” Staying on top li said, “Know that of everything in order coaches are able to unto maintain success derstand as well and are stresses out students. happy to have conver Resources are now sations to help put you becoming more availback on track.” Jason able through schools Shuck agreed and said, as well as individu“Coaches have helped als. Family, friends, me significantly outside and the school disof sports, checking up trict provide ways to on me and other playhelp positive mental ers as well.” health and break the Kelly Hancock Even after multiple tests, Emily Hain (junior) stereotype of not talking about and other medical professionstill manages to have hours of homework. mental health, including Bears She is forced to stay up late due to her after als all continue to advocate Den. Bears Den was formed the importance of family and school extracurriculars that last at the high school in hopes to relationship. More specificalat least six hours a day. bring change such as talking ly, at North Royalton it is imabout mental health. Students portant that staff, coaches and in the middle school also have their monthly Bears students, as well, are there to support anyone and evDen. eryone through the ups and downs of high school.

“I think it's important for everyone to know that it is okay to talk about mental health and get help if you need it,” said Emily Hain. Although this may be scary, there are so many ways to break bad mental health. North Royalton High School has made it clear through their staff the importance of mental health by allowing them to be open with their own personal experiences with students.

Professional help has become a big opening for many people to share their experiences. Local licensed professional clinical counselors, like Pederzolli, are able to build a healthy mental state of mind.

North Royalton High School has provided and created many programs to help high schoolers through the rough patches of high school. Counselors, coaches and staff see the change within the students. North Royalton's new assistant principal, Mrs. Zyweik said, “Our counselors are really good at working with students no matter what they need. Just being able to walk THE ROYA L NEWS

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S

LOGGING OFF ONLINE SCHOOL

BY CAMERON HO OVER

ince COVID-19 and online learning, being made days boring and took a toll back in person has been a different kind on me mentally. Homecoming and of experience for everyone. Some students other events were taken away from wear masks, others don’t. Some students us.” have been out for four to five days, and others not While some students couldn’t one. Most students enjoyed the full classrooms wait to come to school, other stuagain, cheering stadiums, and seeing their favor- dents got a little too comfortable and didn’t want ite teachers. School is finally back. to come back. Justin Holubek is one of the stu On the first day dents that wasn’t of school, the envivery excited about ronment was surely returning. “I liked different. No masks, online better than no QR codes, and this,” the senior less forceful seating stated. “I was able rules. Classrooms to rest, take care were full of students of the dog, and for the first time in stay on track of a while, and school my work, without started to feel like leaving my home, school again. and to me, that’s Senior Taylor better. It is nice Jacubenta, an AP having my teachand Honor Roll stuers and seeing my dent, was very excitfriends again, but ed to be back in perthat’s about it.” son. “Online feels Students arfake,” Taylor said. en’t the only ones “You feel less concoming back from nected with your being online eiteachers and classther though. Some mates.” While being teachers also rein college-bound joiced at being North Royalton High School students having lunch classes, being in person back in school. “It was together with no social distancing. helps extremely when it nice to come back and comes to tough topics and harder assignments. “I’m see my coworkers in person,” said Mrs. Shepmore focused doing work in a study hall rather than herd. “Kids pay attention more in person. Once online where I’d put it off for a later date. Anoth- you build a relationship with a student, it makes er thing is communicating with my teachers better. it easier for them to ask questions.” While being I feel like I absorb information better in person as back in person, Mrs. Shepherd could see a comwell.” plete switch in students’ moods and their overall Having a new school was nice, but many stu- attitude while being in the classroom. dents were happier about seeing their friends One of the few positives teachers and students than the new school. Senior Taylor Matlock was learned was using new technology. happier about the company of her friends when Not every student is the same, yet almost evschool got started. “With no social interaction, it eryone wanted the same thing--to be together.

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WARNING IN THE WORKPLACE

BY KAYLIN PAULOZZI

orth Royalton teenagers, both boys and girls, have been encountering rampant sexual and verbal harassment from people, especially at their places of employment.

A recent NPR news article reported “that 77 percent of women had experienced verbal sexual harassment, and 51 percent had been sexually touched without their permission. About 41 percent said they had been sexually harassed online, and 27 percent said they had survived sexual assault.”

A North Royalton senior, who asked not to be named, said she has been harassed at her job, both sexually and verbally. “I feel so uncomfortable and I feel like something could happen to me.”

Assault is too common in the workplace in society today. Most of the time, it’s not just once. This NRHS senior has been harassed six times by all different people at her job. When asked who the main category of people was, she said, “It’s mostly old men who think they have a chance.”

Students said they often don’t report the incidents because they fear consequences at work, even though workers of all ages have rights when working at an establishment or business.

The NR student said, “It truly is a scary world to be in now because teenagers are afraid to speak up.” Some teens are concerned about losing their jobs if they mention something that happened to them.

In a recent poll of North Royalton High School students, 63% said they had been harassed at some point at their job.

17% of males said they were harassed on the job, while 83% of females have had to endure this harassment.

To help students, NRHS counselors encourage students to speak up and talk to adults or teachers. “I would suggest approaching an adult manager, supervisor, or a parent/guardian,” said Mr. Spessard. They said not only are counselors go to’s, but teachers, coaches, and other adults are good support people.

“Most companies have policies about harassment in the workplace, and if the harassment were severe, I may suggest involving law enforcement.” Mr. Spessard said the choice to quit a job if a student feels unsafe is always an option.

Another senior has also been harassed at her job. She has only worked there for a year and has had multiple harassment instances. She said she has not defended herself because “I feel

so awkward, and I just act nice even though I hate it.” She said the main group of people who harass her are “usually old men but sometimes it’s other people who are just blatantly rude.” Although this is a common occurrence, she said she is too scared to tell her manager. She feels as if she knows nothing will happen about it if she says anything about it.

These situations are very uncomfortable for the students experiencing them. The second senior said, “I was cussed out by a couple for not accepting their $50 bill.” When in reality, her workplace cannot accept bills over $20.

Students at North Royalton are overworked, along with being pawns for harassment. Being overworked leads to being in the workplace for hours and days on end. This leads to more situations for students to get harassed, possibly multiple times a week. This becomes a recurring issue during high school jobs.

Some students cannot look forward to work anymore because of what may happen when they arrive. The counselors and teachers reminded North Royalton students that they should feel safe to speak up about what is happening so a prevention can be made and something can be done to protect the students.

Shift leader interacting with a very polite and friendly customer, enabling a smooth exchange.

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BY MICHAEL BODZENTA

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BEARS' STELLAR TURNAROUND

rom a winless regular season one year ago, the North Royalton Bears football team has completely turned their fortune around this season with a current record of 6-3.

“Everything is back to the way it was before,” said the Bears head coach Nick Ciulli. Looking back, the 2020 season was one that the team will never forget. Although last year’s regular-season was COVID shortened and a dreadful 0-6, the Bears ended on a high note with two road playoff victories against Amherst and Olmsted Falls. They eventually fell to Avon Lake, but in the end, the 2020 playoff run had a huge impact upon this year's returning seniors.

“We know how to win and how to beat good teams,” star quarterback and captain Michael Piazza said. This season they beat Westlake, Massillon

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Perry, Akron East, Twinsburg, Wadsworth and a menacing Nordonia team. The team’s record doesn’t show how well they have played, as the team is a couple of better-executed plays away from being 8-1.

The season kicked off at home against Westlake, and the Bears put their conference on notice with a 30 point 2nd quarter, which ultimately resulted in a dominant 43-7 victory. The week after Highland came out on top 24-21 in a hard-fought loss at home. After that loss, the Bears really kicked it into gear, winning three games in a row to move to 4-1. Not only did they win three games in a row, but North Royalton also outscored their opponents 8347 in total. Coach Ciulli noticed the defense’s drastic improvement, as he said, “The group is finally

settling in and learning how to play together.”

After winning three consecutive games in a row, the Bears traveled to Stow to take on a highly-talented Bulldog team. In another gut-wrenching game, the Bears were defeated by a final score of 38-35 on a last-second field goal. That, however, was unfortunately not their biggest loss of the night. Talented wide receiver Vince Koprowski suffered a fractured collarbone, likely ending his senior season. Losing a player like Vince to injury is a huge blow to the team, as both Coach Ciulli and Michael Piazza described him as ‘irreplaceable.’ But while the injury stings, the Bears have excellent players all around and follow the next-man-up mentality.

Such a mentality began to take effect immediately after Vince’s injury as another wide receiver, senior Nicholas Colabianchi, stepped up to score two long touchdowns. The team then responded the next week with a blowout win over Twinsburg, 34-14. Senior Zadan Abuhamdeh and sophomore Cody Miller also shined and began serving as two huge factors for the Bears' turnaround. “Both of those guys are crazy good,” said Piazza. “The versatility of both of those guys is what makes them the backs that they are.”

Along with the gained experiences and bonding as a team, the 2021 season has become much more of a normal year for the Bears. In 2020, North Royalton, along with every other high school team, had no student section while the team had to follow strict protocol rules. This season, however, things are back to the way they were pre-pandemic. “You don’t realize how important fans are, how important the band is, how important the cheerleaders are, and how important the student body is. The crowd definitely gets you going,” said Coach Ciulli. “Last year we missed it for sure.”

While the season is winding down, there is still much more to get excited about. The Bears will travel to Brecksville on October 22nd to take on the pesky Bees and fight to regain the Golden Shoe, the prize of the rivalry game. A rivalry that has dated back over 80 years, the Bears have been looking forward to this game, especially since they lost to Brecksville last season by a final score of 42-28. “It is not another game. Everybody knows everybody, and it takes the competition to the next level,” said Coach Ciulli.

Piazza is also fired up and understands what this game means to the team, “You know when it’s Brecksville week. We want that shoe back. That has

The costumed-themed Royalton Rowdies (name of North Royalton’s student section) watch intensely as the Bears drive down the field. been what is driving us this year.”

With the turnaround this season, there is a chance the team will host at least one playoff game in North Royalton, something that has never been done. Piazza put it best, “Buckle up, it’s going to be a fun ride.”

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NEW NAME BRINGS NEW OPINIONS IN CLEVELAND

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espite the Indians changing their name, don't expect to see the old gear gostudents around North Royalton High ing anywhere especially since they School continue to wear their fan gear. have the same color scheme.”

The team will now be called the Guard- North Royalton Senior, Larry ians at the start of the 2022 Betleseason, as announced jewski is back in July. This change not a big has brought about many fan of the change. He said opinions on the shift. that he really likes the In The players on the dians name and it's going team don’t seem conto be hard to see it go. He cerned about the name, doesn’t like the Guardbut are focusing on their ians name either. “I don’t job. Cleveland Indians know what I would rather starting infielder, Yu have other than Indians, Chang, said, “No matter but I do not like the name what the name is, I will Guardians.” In Cleveland, always give my 100% on it is kind of split in the the field.” middle as to how many Alex Call, who plays people like or don’t like it. for the Cleveland Indi Prior to being called the ans triple-a affiliate, the Indians, the organization Columbus Clippers, said was called the Cleveland he enjoys the new name, Spiders from 1887-1899. and he thinks Cleveland The team then changed fans will grow to accept it their name to the Cleveas time goes on. “I don't land Lake Shores for the mind the change. I think 1900 season. For the 1901 that ultimately the orgaseason, they called themnization has to make what selves the Cleveland Bluethey feel is the best deciBirds and in 1902 they sion for their brand,” Call were called the Cleveland said. “I think depending Bronchos. From 1903on how they play it, it 1914 they changed their could lead to some exname to the Cleveland The statues on the Guardian Bridge in citement for something new in Naps, and finally in 1915 they downtown Cleveland.

Cleveland.” settled on the name Indians. In Call also said he feels fans will buy new gear for 2022, they will change to the Guardians. the Guardians as well as keeping their old Indians Despite the name controversy, there are a lot of gear. He said, “I think Cleveland will accept it and things fans are looking forward to and are excited embrace it for the most part. You are always going for. Hopefully the change of the name will break the to have people that are on both sides of loving it and curse they seem to have against them, but only time hating it. I think fans will buy new gear, but I also will tell.

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MOST NRHS STUDENTS REJECT SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE

BY ARIEL HICKS

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tudents at North Royalton are being encouraged to vandalize and steal school property for social media clout, which is being widely referred to as ‘devious licks,’ although many challenges have stemmed from this.

“A devious lick is an illegal act that kids do at school because they’re bored and have nothing better to do with their time,” freshman Jill Storer said.

Reports across the country say kids have been stealing items such as teachers’ phones, papers, hand sanitizers, toilets, and stall doors. Most devious licks occur in the restroom, but other rooms have been targeted.

“I don't like devious licks and other challenges because I feel as though they’re immature, and kids, who are mostly high schoolers, should know better than to do that,” Jamie Hicks said.

Many teachers are urging students to report any behavior that might be suspicious and to not keep quiet about it.

“Devious licks are harmful to the school environment because of the other trends that come from devious licks that cause even more damage than just stealing something,” freshman Briar Rose said.

Some of these challenges include slapping a teacher and running away before they can be punished, turning off the lights in another classroom and hiding, and one that’s been around for a while, pushing the fire alarm when there isn't an emergency.

“I’ve seen my friend do a small devious lick at the beginning of the year, and I’ve done one myself,” a student who asked to remain anonymous said.

North Royalton students have not been reporting these incidents, but according to an anonymous student, they are hap-

pening.

“I have no idea why people do devious licks.

I have no idea how, when, or why they do it, but I guess it's just being seen as a funny little trend,” freshman Briar Rose said.

The main reason kids do these are for likes on TikTok, although Jill Storer said, “I dont think it's for social media clout, but to make your friends laugh and have an inside joke.”

“Students who perform these challenges tend to do them at the beginning of the day, end, or during a free period, usually where they can have a friend watch them do it,” teacher Ms. Mallory said.

So that they don't get caught, students who perform devious licks in the bathroom usually do it at the end of the day so that they don't have to wait around and possibly be targeted by teachers or other students.

Although some devious licks are happening, many say North Royalton has done a good job at controlling it.

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INTERVIEWS PREPARE STUDENTS FOR FUTURE B Y A NA S TA S I YA HAY DA S H

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eniors at North Royalton High School have been stressing over the Senior Exit Interviews, which took place on Wednesday, October 13. Despite the pressure, most students and teachers believe that Senior Exit Interviews give seniors a feel of real life interviews.

The students had to dress professionally and be interviewed by a panel of teachers and administrators. The process also taught students how to complete a cover letter and what to put on the resume. The students had to make a short presentation about themselves, their achievements and their involvement at North Royalton High School over the past four years.

Seniors had to present their information to three to four interviewers. A lot of the students were slightly nervous about the fact that they did not necessarily know their interviewers. Senior Gabrielle Brihn said, “I was least excited about the fact that I don’t know any of the teachers that I had.” Gabrielle did not know what to expect from them.

On the other hand, some students requested a teacher for their panel. Senior Alyssa Barbeck requested her favorite teacher Mrs. Leatherman to be one of her interviewers and was placed in her group. However Alyssa was a little bit nervous because she got four teachers interviewing her and most students only got three. One of her interviewers works for NASA, so that added to the stress.

Another student, Panki Mehta, said, “I was most excited about being able to interview with someone from the North Royalton community, and to be able to showcase my activities and accomplishments.” A lot of students saw the fact that they did not know their teachers as a positive so they could prepare for a real interview in the future.

Students had to make a presentation about themselves, their high school career, and their future goals. Alyssa Barbeck spent about four to six hours in total working on her presentation. She first started working on her portfolio during her freshman year.

Brihn, spent about 20 minutes working on her presentation. Gabrielle said, “I started it about a week before the due date.”

Pankti Mehta spent close to five hours working on her 20

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portfolio. She started working on the presentation on Friday, October 1, which was the day it was due. Another student, Peyton Keimer, spent about an hour and a half on his presentation; he started working on it on Thursday, September 30. Seniors all worked on their presentations differently; some prepared it days in advance and some threw it together at the last minute.

The majority of seniors believe that the Senior Exit Interview will prepare them for the future and sets them up for success later in life. Alyssa said, “I think the interview will help in the future because it will help with answering questions on the spot.”

Seniors were asked questions about themselves, and they had to come up with good and creative answers. Peyton said, “The interview provided a unique experience in which students can go through an interview and receive feedback without the risk that a job interview includes.”

The panel of teachers and administration judged the students on their ability to present themselves as a proper candidate. Pankti said, “I believe the interview was helpful for the future and showed how to interact in a more professional environment, but in a low stakes manner.” Overall, students did see the interview as a positive experience that will help them down the road.

Students were asked to brag about themselves and their high school achievements in their portfolio. Alyssa’s biggest achievement was earning the highest honors in every quarter of junior year. Gabrielle said, “I was most excited to be able to share my accomplishments from high school. My biggest achievement is being an AP Scholar.”

Pankti’s biggest achievement is being a two-year winner of the Congressional App Challenge. Peyton was delighted to share his multiple Pride in Academics awards throughout his high school career.

The Senior Exit Interview was a lot of work, but most felt it will really help later in life. Most people don’t like public speaking or the thought of being interviewed, but know that it is required. So practicing being interviewed was a really good experience. The students got to reflect on the past four years of their lives and talk about the highs and lows of high school and everything that brought them to where they are today.

R OYA LT O N B U S I N E S S E S FAC E T O U G H D E C I S I O N S B Y I S A B E L L A C A R LU C C I

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o workers to hire. This has been son why. The note was from the Subway manager the headline for weeks, and North saying that they were understaffed and that their Royalton businesses have not been workers were just kids and to please be nicer to spared. Subway, Mcdonalds, Burger them.”

King, Dunkin’ Donuts, Giant Eagles and many

A retail worker and student at North Royalothers have all felt the impact of this shortage. ton, who wished not to be named said, “I was tryThis, in turn, is affecting some of the employed students of ing to work my way through the checkout line. Somebody North Royalton High School. in line proceeded to complain about how long it was taking.

When companies are understaffed, this may put pres- I said sorry but we were short staffed, and they said, ‘Well, sure on employees working there because they are likely to you should hire more people.’” be scheduled to work more hours and have a lot of tasks to There are a few establishments that are lacking moncomplete with few people to help. ey and workers. Kavana Social Kitchen was a restaurant in NRHS student Ceterra Cozmyk works at a senior center North Royalton that had shareable entrees and live music. and said, “Sometimes it takes a long time to finish the things It closed down recently due to being understaffed and havwe have to do, and the job ing trouble making money would go much faster if we to pay for bills. A former had more people.” employee often tried to find Connie Dean, a Starpeople to work there. They bucks Employee, said, “I do were sad when it closed behave to work more hours cause it was their first job, than I had been scheduled, and it was a job they liked and it can be hard to balance very much. school and work. I don’t Macie Conroy said, “Alhave a lot of time.” though Kavanna’s didn’t The lack of employees is close down solely due to Kavanna Social Kitchen recently shut down forcing some businesses to make understaffing, that was part of due to lack of money and workers. tough decisions. Jessica Forbes, a the reason why.” member of The North Royalton Understaffed jobs cause City Council said, “I do know a great stress to employed stulot of businesses have been struggling since the start of the dents of North Royalton and other people in general. Many pandemic, and unfortunately some have had to close their workers and citizens of North Royalton are hopeful that job doors as a result.” positions are filled and businesses are able to run smoothly Paul Marnechek, president of North Royalton City again.

Council said, “Thankfully many North Royalton businesses are working to find a way to stay open. The labor shortage is being felt in all job sectors. My hope is that soon people will again feel comfortable being in crowds and in places of business. I still believe North Royalton is a great place to own and operate a business.”

Besides COVID, many people are leaving their jobs because of rude customers. When going to the local Subway, JoEllen Carlucci noticed that it was closed and there was a sign on the door. She said, “There was a sign on the door saying they were closed for two weeks and a note with a reaTHE ROYA L NEWS

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A S H O W T HAT C O M E S A R O U N D "ONCE IN A LIFETIME" B Y C HA R L E Y C A R M I C HA E L

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he 2021-2022 NRHS fall play cast, ate some of the costumes that are appropriate for the crew, director (Mrs. Dolar), and the characters and for that particular time period.” assistant directors (Mrs. West and Mr.

NRHS student Fae Sak plays the supporting Spessard) are hoping to put on a great role of Susan Walker, an upbeat and naive young acproduction of Once In A Lifetime, this fall, for tress. Fae fell in love with the theatre when their brothboth NRHS students and their friends and famer asked them to be in his college play. Although most ilies. They wish to offer comedic entertainment of their experience is in musical theatre, they decided to the community during these unprecedented to audition to push themself and have some fun. “I’m times. nervous but also excited because I never played a major role in “I hope they walk away happy. I think that people’s friends a play before,” Fae said. “I’m mostly excited about just being on and families and grandparents and so forth will walk away stage and hoping to make people laugh.” amazed,” said Mrs. Dolar, commenting on how she hopes and Because of the school being under construction for the past expects the audience to feel year, the school had to put in response to this show. the band, choir, and theatre The play Once in a classes all in one space. The Lifetime is a comedy set show Once In A Lifetime in the 1920s. During the was conveniently chosen time when silent films for NRHS’s 2021-2022 fall ruled Hollywood, the first play because it was one of “talkie” made its mark, and many shows that works well the movie industry was forwith the scenario of not beever changed. In the show, ing able to use the unit set three friends, George, May, idea to clear up space for and Jerry, were convinced other groups coming into this was an opportunity for the PAC. “One of the things a new life with new, fancy we had to take into considHollywood careers. The eration was the fact that we NRHS students prepare for the fall play. only problem was, they did couldn’t build what we call a not have any experience or unit set so that we could clear any idea what they were going to do. The three of them set out space for other groups coming in. This happens to be one of as “elocution experts” who could train silent stars how to speak those shows that works well in that scenario,” said Mrs. Dolar. on camera. Through clumsy luck, the three make their mark in Mrs. Dolar hopes that these shows inspire students. She this hilarious play. said, “My love of theatre came from one of my teachers in high The 1920s were a time of living on the edge of what society school. I went to school thinking that I was going to be a teacher thought of as proper. People were more socially connected than and got a job in the costume design in the costume department. ever during this time period because of the invention of cars I fell in love with costume design.” and national radio stations. Women could vote and had more Mrs. Dolar believes the play will also inspire the audience. freedom to be themselves. Jazz music became popular. Alcohol She said, “It’s a comedy. The pacing of it is going to be my favorwas illegal, leading to people opening illegal speakeasies. Mrs. ite part.”

Dolar said, “The idea that it’s set in a really vociferous time peri- All North Royalton High School students can see Once in od and something that we haven’t done and looked at in a long a Lifetime in school on November 10. Sophomores and seniors time, so I’m excited about it.” She also said, “Being a designer at will see the play from 2-5 periods. Freshmen and juniors will heart, especially a costume designer at heart, one of the things see the play from 11-14 periods. Friends and family can come I’m incredibly excited about is being able to try to find or cre- see Once in a Lifetime on November 11, 12, 13 at 7pm.

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C A R NA G E L E T S T H E R E B E E XC I T E M E N T I N T H E T H E AT E R A G A I N

BY PETER CARAM

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fter a long wait for one of the most anticipated comic book films, Venom: Let There Be Carnage is finally here. This film is a sequel to the 2018 spinoff film Venom.

The plot of the film kicks off with a flashback of two villains from the film, Cletus Kassidy (played by Woody Harelson) and Francis Barson AKA Shriek (played

by Naomie Harris). The two get separated after Francis gets taken away to RavenCroft, a prison for “people with special abilities,” for the rest of her life.

Flash forward to present day where the two stars of the film show up - Eddie Brock (played

by Tom Hardy) and Venom (also played by Tom Hardy).

The two are interviewing Cletus Kassidy at a San Francisco prison for a report Eddie is working on for The Daily Bugle. Cletus offers Eddie a deal of a lifetime by giving his life story to Eddie if he puts a good word in for Cletus. After the visit with Cletus, Venom shows Eddie carvings on Cletus's cell and draws them to show Eddie where to find bodies of the victims Cletus has murdered.

Although this is good for Eddie, it is not so much for Cletus because this made him even more guilty of being a serial killer and his punishment is execution. Before Cletus is executed he asks Eddie to visit him only to blame him for his imminent death. He threatens Eddie, which makes Venom angry and that's when Cletus sees Venom and knows “Eddie has a big secret.” Shortly after, Eddie and Venom get into a fight that is resolved by the two separating. Meanwhile Cletus avoids his execution by turning into the villainous symbiote, Carnage, and breaks out so he can find his love again. When Eddie finds out about Cletus’ escape

he knows he has to stop him but realizes he doesn’t have Venom anymore.

My overall opinion on this film is really positive; I really enjoyed it.

Every minute of this film was nothing but fun, including the slower parts. The comedy was great, the plot was good and the pacing of this film was perfect with a not-too-long ninety minute run time. As for performances, Tom Hardy killed it once again as both Eddie Brock and Venom, Woody Harelson absolutely did a phenomenal job as Carnage and Naomie Harris is excellent as Shriek. My overall rating of this film is a 9.3/10.

It may not appeal to all viewers, but for comic book fans the fight between Venom and Carnage lives up to the hype! If you want to see Venom Let There Be Carnage it's only in theaters now (and stay for the post credits scene - you're in for a big surprise).

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PHOTO BY: JACK ROBINSON