Volume 84: Issue 6

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GIBBS BRIDGE: Are the rumors true? Take a trip and find out for yourself, or read this...if you dare.

Features - 17

NEW SPORTS CREATED TED

BY NV STUDENTS:: Broomball and ultimate frisbee plan, practice and play ay for the first time ever Sports- 26, 23

Sylvania Northview HS 5403 Silica Drive Sylvania, OH 43560

Janu ary 26, 2010 TSP’s debut 28-page i s sue

Student Prints Sylvania Northview

MICHELLE LORENZ

Volume 84

Issue 6

NV Goes green

2 Teacher websites changed Students who visited their teachers’ websites in the new year may have been met with a pleasant surprise. As of January 1, all teachers in the Sylvania school district have had the location of their site changed from Build Your Own Website (BYOW) to TeacherWeb. The decision to change was made

by Director of Communications Nancy Crandell due to an increase in BYOW prices, according to Psychology teacher Ms. Sarah Petersen. Although teachers have access to many different websites, TeacherWeb is supported by the district because it is more affordable. The site includes many of the features found in BYOW sites plus some additional upgrades.

Like BYOW, TeacherWeb has areas for teachers to post important announcements, documents which students can download, contact information, links and blogs. An application called Newsflash also allows teachers to post information which parents can subscribe to and receive in an email, or even have sent to their phones as a text message.

Other new features include teachers’ schedules, supply lists, an area where grades may be posted, FAQs, background information about the teacher and a calendar where teachers can post what will be taught each day.

“TeacherWeb has a lot more structure than BYOW when it comes to specific teacher features that are included,” said Ms. Petersen.

The Faculty page of Northview’s website has already been updated with hyperlinks to the new TeacherWeb sites. Although many sites are still under construction, a few NV teachers already have an account.

-Elizabeth Masson

NEWS

January 26, 2010

Quiz cats move on to winter season

By ALLY YOCOM

ABBEY STRICK

St aff writ er Finishing off their fall season strongly and looking ahead to the upcoming second season of the year are the Northview Quiz Cats.

The Quiz Cats ended the fall season with a 5-3 record, qualifying them to move up to Division 1 for the second season this year.

Division 1 of the winter season, according to Quiz Cats coach Mr. Perry Lefevre, is made up of the best teams from the fall season. Their first match for this season will be held January 25 at Toledo Technical Academy against TTA and Bowling Green.

Northview’s Quiz Cats are led by two very strong team members, juniors Alec Elrod and Tim Sundberg, according to Mr. Lefevre.

“If I were to make an official estimate, yes we will do well,” said Sundberg, speaking of the season ahead.

“Alec Elrod is a one-man machine,” said Mr. Lefevre. Elrod can score an average of 250 points on his own in a single match.

“I’m kind of twitchy and I think very quickly. It’s not just about knowing the answer, you have to be fast,” said Elrod.

The team’s greatest match so far this year was against Bowling Green, according to Mr. Lefevre. The Quiz Cats beat them in

PREPARING TO ANSWER a question at Quiz Cats practice are juniors Michael Schuster and Jacob Watson, freshmen Charlie Garey and Thomas Needham, junior Tim Sundberg and junior Alec Elrod. The team ended their fall season with a 5-3 record. a close match with the scores only differing by 20-40 points. “Bowling Green had their own Alec Elrod,” said Mr. Lefevre, which made for some fierce competition for the Quiz Cats.

Along with BG, St. John’s is always tough competition for the Quiz Cats, but they managed a close win against the Titans this year.

The match that is most anticipated for this season is against Bowsher and St. Johns on February 22. Bowsher and St. Johns are both known to have strong teams,

according to Mr. Lefevre.

Mr. Lefevre prefers that the team members enjoy coming to Quiz Bowl practices and matches and that the team can win while still having a good time.

While traveling to compete at meets, the team has seen coaches that yell at their students and take Quiz Bowl very seriously.

As for next year’s Quiz Cats, Mr. Lefevre believes that he has a promising group.

“Next year looks very good,” he said, “I expect us to be in the top three or four schools of the league.”

New calendar changes made final

By ALEX CARTER

St aff writ er Due to the construction around the Sylvania School District, the 2010-11 school calendar has been changed.

Because the last day for construction is set on the day that students usually start school every year, the school board had to make a choice to push the first day of school back until September 1, according

to Principal Mr. Stewart Jesse.

The majority of Northview’s construction will be taking place in the band room and Little Theatre and is expected to take most of the summer.

Other scheduled changes include a much shorter winter break, taking place from December 23 to 31, just a little more than a week, much shorter than the usual two-week break, according to Mr. Jesse.

Winter break will be experiencing much of the calendar change since most of the other breaks and usual dates are not changed. Spring maintains its usual weeklong break (April 4 to 8) and school ends for students on the regular June 9.

“I think winter break should be longer and summer should be shorter because we need that break during the year,” said freshman Ben Rubin.

NEWS

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January 26, 2010

SPADE preps for state, national tourneys French

By HALEY NELSON

Co-edit or Nearing the end of their regular season, the Northview Speech and Debate team (SPADE) is preparing for the State and National qualifier competitions in February.

The group recently competed in the Notre Dame Academy and Wooster High School tournaments January 23. The Debate team traveled to NDA. Competition was strong for the Speech team at Wooster, one of the larger tournaments in the area.

Perhaps one of the team’s most important events of the year, the Sylvania tournament, wrapped up over the January 15 weekend. The tournament is the largest in the state, and is NV’s home tournament and responsibility to plan. Held at NV, Southview and McCord Junior High School, this year’s tournament was the largest since 1998, according to assistant coach Mr. Grant Christensen.

“Around 900 competitors came this year,” said senior President Elizabeth

Schwartz.

Senior John Holler and sophomore Moe Dean placed second in the category of Policy Debate. Seniors Courtney Tipton and Haley Nelson advanced to the semi-final speech rounds of Dramatic Interpretation and Original Oratory respectively. The Public Forum team of seniors Elizabeth Schwartz and Connor McEwen advanced to the double octa-final round of this debate category.

“Sylvania is one of the most competitive tournaments all year and it was great to see our hard work pay off,” said Schwartz.

With the season almost in wraps, the SPADE team is prepping for the State and National qualifier competitions.

Competitors will attempt to qualify for the State competition at Upper Arlington High School February 5 and 6. The National qualifying event will occur February 19 and 20 in Cincinnati.

NV’s SPADE team will have one last tournament to hone their skills at the Perrysburg High School tournament January 30.

club hosts dinner

By DAVID ALDRICH

St aff writ er

ABBEY STRICK SOPHOMORE DANI LULFS, freshman Evan Baker and Michael Schwartz and senior Connor McEwen review debate cases.

Harry Potter park created in Orlando

By NICOLE MANGAS

St aff writ er Hogsmeade, Three Broomsticks, Honeydukes, Zonko’s, The Forbidden Forest, Ollivanders. All these and more are a part of the new Harry Potter theme park: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located in Orlando, Florida part of the Universal Studios Island of Adventures, according to mugglenet.com.

“The plans I’ve seen look incredibly exciting, and I don’t think fans of the books or films will be disappointed,” said the author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling, according to mugglenet.com.

Set to open this spring, the park features the Village of Hogsmeade, which is filled with many shops that are featured in the books, such as Honeydukes. From every flavor jellybeans to chocolate frogs,

Honeydukes is sure to make every sweet tooth ache. Another shop in Hogsmeade is Zonko’s, which is full of dungbombs and all sorts of magical merchandise that can help any jokester.

The 20-acre park also includes three rides: The Flight of the Hippogriff, Dragon Challenge, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The Flight of the Hippogriff is a small family coaster that takes passengers on a ride through the skies over the Hogwarts castle grounds, according to universalorlandoresort.com/ harrypotter.

Another feature of the park is the Dragon Challenge. It is a twin high-speed rollercoaster that has many iconic elements from the Triwizard Tournament.

The most recognizable landmark from the Harry Potter book series anchors the park: Hogwarts. It is home of the state-of-

the-art attraction called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. New technology is used to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways people have never experienced before. Not much information has been released about the inside of Hogwarts. All that can be found about the castle is that the Great Hall will be “breath taking and that many of the iconic rooms from the book are present,” according to universalorlandoresort.com/ harrypotter.

As Harry Potter continues to be a global phenomenon, the park creators look to “enhance the phenomenon by bringing the wizarding world of Harry Potter to life,” according to mugglenet.com.

“I am so so so excited for the theme park,” said freshman Caitlin DeGross. “I am most pumped to actually walk into Hogwarts and learn to be a wizard.”

Northview’s French Club kicked off the new semester with their annual Progressive Dinner last Saturday. “The kids really like it and request it every year when events are planned,” said French teacher Mrs. Mary Goodwin.

The dinner consisted of four courses, just like a traditional French meal. Every student who attended brought a dish that they signed up for, with the recipe supplied by the French teachers. All the attendees traveled together from house to house from 5 to 7 pm.

The dinner gets its name from the way it is served. Diners are served each course as they progress from one person’s house to the next.

The first course, which is called “l’ entrée”, featured appetizers. Hors d’œuvres include “les rilletes”, a shredded pork spread served cold and flavored with spices, and a pizza dish called “la tarte flambée”, made with cream, bacon and onions and originates from the French region of Alsace, which borders Germany, according to Mrs. Goodwin.

Next comes “le plat principal” or the main course. “Le boeuf bourguignon avec les pates” is a beef stew with noodles that was served at junior Lara Meyer’s house.

The third course consisted of salad and several cheeses, including “le camembert” and “le port salut”. “La salade” was served not with French dressing, but rather with a vinaigrette.

Drinks included water and pop.

French bread was served throughout the first three courses.

For dessert, a pie called la tarte de la praline and a flan-like dish with a caramel syrup was served.

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NEWS

January 26, 2010

Cat’s meow continues rehearsals, Sci-Oly preps for Winter One Act tryouts held, MidSummer announced as Spring play February tourney St aff writ er

By ALEXA KALANQUIN

What do Astronomy, Forensics, Picture This, and Dynamic Planet have in common? One thing: Science Olympiad.

“Since so many people wanted to be on the team this year, we have two teams that we will bring to competitions,” said senior President Connor McEwen.

A competition is an academic track meet that includes 23 team events. Each event reflects science in different ways.

Events include chemistry, earth science, and physics.

“Science Olympiad isn’t only based on individual skills, but on teamwork as well, since each event requires a partner,” said senior John Holler.

Science Olympiad encourages teamwork because it’s a basic skill in most scientific careers today. All of the events are based on working with a partner to help you learn the advantages of teamwork. The NV Science Olympiad team is looking to place again this year.

“Last year we placed second at Regionals, and our goal this year is to place first,” said McEwen.

NV’s first competition is February 6 at Solon High School in Solon, Ohio.

-Skylar Rose

The Little Theater has been warming up for the winter and spring performances of Cat’s Meow, Winter One Acts and auditions for A Midsummer Nights Dream.

In the past years, Cat’s Meow has been scheduled for December, but the seniors performance has been pushed back to February 11 and 12. The student directors are seniors Sarah Fatemi and Athreya Rajan. Practices are usually two or three days a week for about an hour.

The directors of Cat’s Meow have overcome a few setbacks the past few months. Roughly fifteen actors or chorus members, as well as both choreographers and a student director have dropped out, according to Fatemi.

“We have rewritten and reconstructed parts of the show. Luckily there are still many people who are dedicated to making the show great,” she said.

Winter One Acts held tryouts in November, with plays being written by several students. Fatemi, senior Breanna Randolph, juniors Ted Garey and Estar Cohen, and sophomore Regan Street are play writers and directors of plays this year. Each play is about 15 to 20 minutes, separated by a five minute intermission, according to Garey.

ABBEY STRICK LEADING A REHEARSAL FOR THE GIRL’S CHORUS LINE is senior Katherine Chang. Seniors Alexx Klein, Stephanie Yarnell, Emily Snook, Lacey Rogers, Kristi Layman and Katie Roemer follow along. The girls practice a couple times a week to a mix of popular songs in preparation for their performances on February 11 and 12.

Randolph, the Drama Club president, organized the event and approved the scripts. The plays are being performed in the Little Theater February 4.

“The idea for my play came to me when I was at a restaurant,” said Garey. “It took me about two weeks to write and revise, and I’m starting rehearsals this week.”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the spring

play for this year and auditions are being held the week after exams. The play is a comedy written by William Shakespeare that takes place in Athens.

“We’re keeping the play classic Shakespeare, but we’re putting a modern twist on it,” said Marisa Mercurio.

The actual play will be held in the Little Theater at the end of April.

NEWS

January 26, 2010

5

Career Tech programs host fair NV staff in cafeteria, work to spread info members send aid to Haiti Two Northview staff members are leading efforts to send aid to Haiti, which was struck by a terrible earthquake January 12.

Business teacher Mrs. Peggy Jones is collecting food and essential items to send through ISOH/ IMPACT, a relief organization based in Perrysburg. The list of items to donate can be found posted around the school and in emails sent to teachers, but includes basic necessities like first aid kits, bottled water, canned foods, and hygiene supplies. “We have so much, and they have nothing at all.

I didn’t want to sit and do nothing,” said Mrs. Jones. Items can be brought to room B-3, and she hopes to make “many, many” trips with a full van to the donation site.

French club and its advisor, Ms. Kim Gogel, are also planning to donate money. They will be collecting cash donations during lunch periods the week of February 16 through the 19, and each donor will receive a Mardi Gras mask.

“Haiti is a French-speaking country and one of the poorest in the world, so we wanted to help out,” said Ms. Gogel.

Students looking to donate to the relief effort can also do so via text message. Musician Wyclef Jean has set up the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund, students can donate $5 by texting the word “YELE” to 501501.

Texting the word “HAITI” to 909999 will also donate $10 to the American Red Cross.

The quake hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, and measured 7.0 on the Richter scale. As many as three million people have been affected, and the true number of dead will not be known for some time. Estimates have ranged from 30,000 to 50,000, according to the Washington Post.

-Connor McEwen

By HALEY NELSON

Co-edit or What do Northview Career Technology programs have to offer? The Career Tech department intends to answer that question at their annual Career Fair January 28.

“Career Tech programs will set up information about their programs in the cafeteria,” said Business Technology teacher Mrs. Peggy Jones. “Students will be able to talk to teachers and students to understand the many different programs better.”

The goal of the fair is to provide NV

students with information about the Career Tech department and all the choices available to them in this area, according to Mrs. Jones.

“I really like Med Tech 2,” said senior Kelly Sandstrom, regarding Career Tech.

“We have learned to take blood pressure, draw blood and draw up medicine.”

All the Career Tech programs will set up information tables in the cafeteria during all lunch periods.

The Automotive collision, Cosmetology, Computer Science, Early Childhood Education, Business Tech, Interactive Media, Medical Technology, Engineering, Visual Basic C++, Exploring

Careers in Education, Financial Risk Management, Construction Technology and Visual Communication Design programs will be present at the Career Fair.

“There will be drawings and giveaways this year,” said Mrs. Jones. “Different groups will also be highlighting [different aspects] of their programs, like the Med Tech students taking blood pressure.”

The Career Tech department assembled a NV and Southview teacher committee to plan the event and the many Career Tech programs are prepared to spread information about the many choices available to students.

Choir, orchestra, band students head to annual solo and ensemble contest determined by many factors, ranging from presentation and appearance to overall sound.

“I hope the audience appreciates my hard work and extreme dedication,” Numerous music students from across said senior Corey Howe. “I have been Northwest Ohio will make the journey to practicing since September on my class A Perrysburg High School on January 23. vocal piece.”

Their reasoning?

The musicians will All are readying “I hope the audience appreciates my be ranked from one to themselves to participate in the annual Solo and hard work and extreme dedication. I five, one, or “superior” the highest score Ensemble Contest. have been practicing since September being and five, or “fail” being The competition the lowest. will be hosted by the on my class A vocal piece,” “My goal is to Ohio Music Education get a one this year for Assosiation (OMEA). my class A trumpet solo, Band, Orchestra and so I have been practicing Choir members are all since school began with my private music that they will be playing. eligible to perform.

Each group or soloist’s skill level is teacher,” said junior Sarah Hanline.

Those that choose to compete will

By MARGOT JACOBS

St aff writ er

perform as a soloist, part of an ensemble, or both.

All groups are classified into four different groups, class AA being the best and C being the worst. Each class determines how strictly the musicians will be judged and the difficulty of the piece of

-s enior Corey Howe

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January 26, 2010

BEYO n D v

Driving laws change in Ohio Speed traps eliminated, texting made illegal

By MARGOT JACOBS

St aff writ er Flying in quickly with this New Year are a few new driving laws for all Ohioans.

The main new law for Ohio is the windshield wiper law. When your windshield wipers are on and your headlights are not you risk a $100 to $150 fine. No drivers will be fined until after the six-month grace period that was issued by the police has passed. “This seems like a good law because if the weather is inclement and your wipers need to be on it will help other drivers see you,” said senior Rami Harb.

This law will be a secondary offense, which means police will have to have another reason to pull over a car before they can charge the driver for a violation of the law.

Another new law is allowing semi trucks to travel faster on the highway. The trucks are allowed to go 65 miles per hour on most interstates compared to the old speed limit of 55 miles per hour.

Starting this year the police’s flashing lights are not the only lights that you have to move aside for. You are now required to move over or slow down for any tow trucks that have their lights on and are stopped on the side of the road. The first time offense will be a $300 fine and the second offense is a $500 fine.

Speed traps will now be eliminated in Ohio. Transition zones for areas where the speed limit drops by 20 mph or more will

ABBEY STRICK SINCE JANUARY 1 it is illegal to type, send, read, dial any numbers or answer any text messages while operating a motor vehicle. It is legal to answer a phone call. be provided on all expressways throughout Ohio.

The final driving law issued this year in Toledo is the texting law. The new law prohibits typing, sending, reading, dialing any numbers, or answering any text messages while operating a vehicle.

However, it does not forbid talking via cell phone.

“I think it is a good law because when you text and drive you have a greater risk of getting into an accident,” said junior Ilyse Golding.

The first violation for texting will be a minor misdemeanor and gives a fine up to $150. The second time violation of the law

will be a third-degree misdemeanor, which may give up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. If there is a third violation it is considered a first-degree misdemeanor and the highest punishment is a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

“Generally speaking, it will be a very tough law to enforce. Unless we see you stopped at a stop sign texting, how are we supposed to catch you for it?” said Northview’s resource officer, Mr. Philip Gallop.

All of these laws were put into action January 1 and are quickly being enforced by police officers, according to The Toledo Blade.

Spirit shop opens in Mayberry Plaza

By HARLEY ROHRBACHER

St aff writ er A new shop that opened December 1 in the Mayberry Plaza has sparked some interest in Northview and Southview students. It’s called Viewear LTD and is a spirit shop for the two schools.

The store sells a variety of items like hoodies, t-shirts, sweatpants and even polos. For interested students in buying NV wear, this shop is open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed on Monday and Sunday. However,

in the winter weather, the store is not open when the roads are not completely clear.

“I began Viewear LTD because I thought that the people in the area should be able to get what they want when they want it,” said NV 1984 alumni Greg Redlin.

“It just made sense to come back here and offer my services.”

Redlin owns and runs the store with his wife Robin. Not only does this new shop sell spirit wear for the Sylvania schools, but Viewear LTD also offers items for any sporting teams and local businesses, like nurse scrubs, factory clothing and restaurant clothing. According to Redlin, they will advertise for any business and

even do all the graphic art for free. Anyone with a student ID can get 10% off any purchase, and for kids who cannot get to the store, Viewear LTD has a website. Just go to www.companycasuals.com/viewear and if students find something on there they like, they can just let Redlin know and he will get it.

Hoodies and sweatpants are the popular items right now, according to Redlin, with hoodies costing $28.50 and sweatpants costing $23 and students can even get the items personalized.

“It’s a great idea for a store and the sweatpants are really comfy,” said junior Mary Grace Fitzgerald.

Earthquake hits Haiti Tragedy struck Haiti January 13 leaving thousands dead. The earthquake, which was the worst in the region in nearly 200 years, left the country in shambles.

The earthquake was registered at a magnitude of 7.0 and struck about 10 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, the capitol of Haiti, according to the United States Geological Survey.

One of the most devastating outcomes from this catastrophe is that the airport and the port were both badly damaged, inhibiting international rescue efforts from assisting the country as quickly as they would have wanted, according to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The death toll in Haiti is estimated to be around 200,000 and still climbing. Most of the already unstable country has been destroyed.

“It truly is a tragedy when a country that already had so little looses so much,” said senior Leah Smith. “I hope that everyone is able to contribute something to the victims in Haiti.”

The U.S. government, UNISEF, and locally owned Anderson’s are some of the few organizations helping donate to Haiti. The Anderson’s is helping anyone who wants to donate, just drop off donations at their stores.

“Our goal is to get as much product as we can there as soon as we can,” said employee Mark Hetrick.

Water found on Moon NASA has discovered water on the moon, creating many new possibilities, such as the development of a lunar space station. According to scientist Anthony Colaprete, NASA found about a dozen, two gallon bucketfuls.

The find is based on preliminary data collected when the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS, intentionally crashed October 9 into the permanently shadowed region of Cabeus crater near the moon’s South Pole.

After the satellite struck, a rocket flew through the debris cloud, measuring the amount of water and providing a host of other data, Colaprete said.

“The water has always been there,” said Astronomy teacher Mr. Frank Ulrich. “Now that we’ve found it, what are we going to do with it?”

-Haley Hofbauer

EDITORIALS

January 26, 2010

7

New plane rules safe, but a bit too extreme Christmas Day was supposed to bring joy and peace around the world. And it did—up until the hour that Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab tried to bomb Flight 253 service from Amsterdam to Detroit.

Thankfully, everyone was alive and the plane landed safely. The failed terror attempt caused airport security to tighten what has recently become a bit looser (how do fireworks get on planes nowadays, anyway?). I happened to be in Canada while these changes were being made, so I was able to experience the new rules and regulations for international flights coming into the United States first-hand.

Arriving at the airport incredibly early (three hours for an 81-minute flight), we were informed that we could not take more than just a purse (or as most men prefer to call theirs, satchels) on the plane itself.

Much last-minute stuffing of all that was in my backpack into already-full suitcases was required in order to help curb the cost of luggage transportation. Finally, we were instructed to leave our suitcases to be mechanically searched. Regular process, take out all liquids and put them in a plastic bag, shoes off, body-scan and then off you go.

Next, we approached long, white tables of airport security who graciously took our purses and hand-searched every little thing inside. While that was happening, we were all given a pat-down (sorry, ticklish people).

I will be completely honest—these new procedures added to the pre-boarding

no electronic devices could be turned on, no items on one’s lap, and seatbelts had to be fastened. The new regulations explain that for the last 75 minutes of a flight to the U.S., all passengers must be in their seats with their seatbelts fastened with no exceptions to use the bathroom, according to the Transportation Security

I will be completely honestthese new procedures added to the pre-boarding process made me feel a lot safer. process made me feel a lot safer. The less luggage allowed on-board, the less chance of a lethal substance or explosive among passengers. I felt that the pat-down and hand-searching is a necessity to plane safety.

What was to come, however, came as a bit of a surprise. After boarding the plane and being wished that I “enjoy my flight”, the same rules applied: during take-off,

Administration. Electronic devices had to be turned off as well. These last two rules I deem unnecessary. Although it is true that one could tamper with utilities in the plane’s bathroom, what makes them think that one could not do the same during the two or five hours prior to landing? And with nothing “unsafe” on the plane since everything and everyone has been handsearched, what could even be done in the

bathroom that would lead to suspicion? I had to listen to a man in the seat behind me argue with the flight attendant for the last 75 minutes about why he should be allowed to go to the bathroom because he was a “56-year-old man who needs to go every hour”.

And turning off electronic devices? In the past, the last 10 minutes of the flight was the time to turn off all computers, iPods and phones. That is the reason that I did not bring my homework on the plane.

For the last 75 minutes of the flight, I was stuck sitting in my seat, listening to the fiery 56-year-old man describe his urinary problem. What possible harm could these devices even cause to the safety? It is not like someone can e-mail a physical bomb through the computer onto someone on the plane.

When it comes to flying, it is better to be safe than sorry. Many of the new rules made are logical and necessary to the protection of one while in the air. However, the last couple of rules I could do without.

After all, there is not much to “enjoy” about a flight when you are sitting in silence with your legs desperately crossed.

-Sarah Fatemi

Lunch boxes can be cool and eco-friendly As I walk into the lunchroom everyday during sixth period, I observe a sea of brown paper lunch bags. Some students simply find brown bags “cooler” than Tupperware, while others don’t want to carry a lunchbox around all day. But what these students don’t realize is that carrying around a flamboyantly colored lunch box all day is much more eco-friendly and fun than those bland, brown lunch bags.

Students mindlessly throw these bags away ignorant of the effect it could have on the environment.

Each year, Americans use 10 billion paper bags, cutting down 14 million trees, according to Earth911.com.

Global warming is obviously becoming a huge issue around the world and while students tend to ignore this dilemma, I believe our generation is a crucial part in solving this problem. If students start eco-friendly habits now, they will carry on these habits until adulthood and eventually pass them on to younger generations.

Switching to reusable lunch boxes may seem like a small, insignificant attempt to help recycle. But if you think about how many Northview students pack their

lunch, an estimate of 95% use paper bags every day, not including the people who buy. With so many students using paper lunch bags and not recycling them, a lot of paper is wasted and sent to landfills.

Switching to a lunchbox and Tupperware is such an easy way to recycle and save paper and plastic. It won’t take you any longer in the morning to pack your lunch and you may be saving a few trees along the way.

Instead of using plastic sandwich bags, you could switch to small Tupperware containers. Rather than drinking from a new bottled water, you could use (and reuse) a water bottle you find in your cupboard. New bottled waters, such as Aquafina, boast that they use 50% less plastic than other popular bottled waters.

Though this is a good step towards the reducing of plastic in landfills, nothing compares to a reusable water bottle.

One hundred and eighty-two days in a school year means at least 182 paper bags thrown away each year by every student that packs a lunch daily. A lot of money can be spent on buying bottled water, brown bags and sandwich bags. Why waste money

ABBEY STRICK LUNCH BOXES AND TUPPERWARE are an eco-friendly option for students who pack their lunch everyday for school. These options would save paper and plastic. and create more landfills when you can just pack your lunch in a reusable lunchbox equipped with Tupperware?

I have asked many students why they won’t consider using Tupperware or lunchboxes and most of their replies

were, “I would look weird”. In all honesty, who really cares? If you decide to join the “Tupperware Revolution”, I applaud you for deciding to take that little extra step to help save the planet.

-Molly Porterfield

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January 26, 2010

COMMENTARY

Med Tech: no guarantee of being a doctor The Medical Technology Program at Northview is designed to serve as a preparatory course for students seeking a profession in the medical field. The class teaches students basic functions of the human body and how to administer basic medical techniques. The class also offers students an opportunity to shadow in a medical facility for a realistic, hands-on experience.

But what exactly is the purpose of the Med Tech program? Is it intended to give only a general overview of the medical field or is it geared towards training of specific careers? Is Med Tech a program designated to prepare students for medical school or training as practitioners?

While Med Tech is an excellent program that gives students experience with medical professionals and teaches important medical skills, its original intent is to train tomorrow’s nurses, technicians and practitioners.

“This class is perfect if you want to be a nurse because they teach you skills you learn in nursing school,” said Med Tech senior Becca Turley. “But I don’t think it prepares you that well for medical

school.”

Upon learning about all the career technology classes, including Med Tech, many students were under the impression that Med Tech was aimed at preparing students for medical college.

“My first impressions of Med Tech were that it was supposed to train you to be a doctor and go to medical school,” said Med Tech senior Jessica Collins. “But after taking it, I realized it trains you to be a nurse or a technician.”

Medical school requires a strong background in science and entrance is highly competitive. On average, only 46% of applicants are admitted into medical schools and the average undergraduate‘s grade point average is a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. This means that students interested in attending a medical college must be at the top of their class, receive high scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and have a strong education in science. Students aspiring to go into PreMedicine and then attend medical school afterward need to take advantage of the variety of science classes offered at NV.

Personally, upon telling my counselor my aspirations to be a doctor and attend medical school, I was told to take as many AP and honors sciences courses as possible, even doubling up on sciences one year. In order to prepare for the intensity of medical school that requires a good understanding of chemistry, biology, and physics, students need to concentrate almost all their efforts in taking the advanced science classes available. Sadly, this is not possible when one is involved in the Med Tech program.

Med Tech requires students to donate two to three periods of their day to the class and one period to either general chemistry or anatomy. Overall, four out of the nine class periods must be given up for Med Tech and the required English, math, social studies classes and lunch occupy another four. In Med Tech II, a travel period must also be given when students shadow at medical facilities. This leaves no room to take advantage of the extensive science courses at NV. I am by no means suggesting that Med Tech does not offer a great medical education. It indeed offers the exact opposite. The Med Tech program gives

students the realistic experience of working in a medical facility and teaches students skills that are paramount to anyone seeking a medical profession. But the program does not allow students to take on all the science courses that are crucial to anyone considering medical school in their future. If there were a way to be involved in the Med Tech program and take all the chemistry, biology and physics courses at NV, then that would be the best preparation for medical school. Since this is not possible, students interested in attending medical school should choose to double up on sciences.

Med Tech is a noteworthy program, but those that become involved should be more realistic about its intent. While it offers good training for all medical professions, those seeking entrance into medical school should be more concerned with developing a strong background in science, primarily chemistry and biology.

This path gives students the education and preparation they need for any undergraduate Pre-Medicine program and medical school.

-Katherine Chang

Final projects create less stress than exams “Exam” is probably the only five-letter word besides “shank” that has the power to strike fear into the hearts of each and every living student. Because students are required to take at least six classes per semester, it is inevitable that, come exam time, stress levels will be exceptionally high. However, there is one bright spot in this academic mess: some teachers offer projects as an alternative to the final exam.

This option usually comes as a relief to many students. Ordinary exams force a student to study nearly five months worth of material for each class in the span of a couple weeks, much of which has been forgotten and needs to be re-learned entirely.

Honors and Advanced Placement classes demand an even greater amount of time and effort, which may prompt a student to spend less time studying for other subjects and in turn, cause their grades on those exams to suffer. Thus, a student’s exam grade is not necessarily a representation of their knowledge in a class.

“For my harder classes, I’m much

more likely to study longer, and I do that by starting my studying sooner,” said junior Klaudia Konik.

This is not to mention the fact that much of what students spend hours memorizing will often not appear on the exam at all, which wastes a lot of study time. Therefore, it is no surprise that many students jump at the chance to avoid this

individually, but projects allow them to see how the individual topics they have learned relate to each other. Projects also help a student remember material far better than cramming for an exam. Studying for an exam is basically memorization, which is quickly forgotten after the test, but projects leave students with memories, thought processes, and the final result which helps

“With exams, you don’t really know how much to study.

It’s really hard to know when it’s enough,” -junior Klaudia Konik ordeal.

There are many advantages to assigning projects that teachers should consider.

First, like exams, students demonstrate their knowledge of a certain subject, but unlike exams, it allows them to see the big picture. Exams quiz each topic

the information be remembered.

“With exams, you don’t really know how much to study. It’s really hard to know when it’s enough,” said Konik.

“With projects, however, you know what the teacher wants and expects. It’s easier to prepare for projects than exams because

the expectations are clearer.”

Depending on their format, projects may also be easier for teachers to grade and allow students to express their creativity.

Each student has their own view on things and teachers who allow for some flexibility in their projects could allow students to explore their interests. If a student is interested in what they are reading or doing, they are more likely to remember it.

If the final result was saved in a particular format, like PowerPoint, teachers could also grade them at their leisure.

Finally, probably the biggest advantage for students is that it greatly relieves stress around exam time, eliminating hours of memorization and re-learning and simply allows them to manage their time completing projects.

Whether it be assigning projects instead of exams or just offering them as an option, this is definitely something that should be given greater consideration by teachers. Exam time is stressful enough, and an alternative that both decreases stress and increases retention deserves to be looked into.

-Elizabeth Masson

COMMENTARY

THE PEANU T GALLERY

“I think it should be painted over. It was painted a few times but it’s the school rock and it just keeps bringing everything back up.”

-Senior Pre st on Carpent er

Do you think it’s appropriate that the spirit rock be painted over?

“I wouldn’t have a problem if people painted over Jake’s rock for sports or another good reason.

Otherwise, it should be left alone.”

“It was nice at first, but it is the school’s spirit rock.

Maybe one side could be kept in remembrance of Jake.”

-Fre s hman St ephanie Duwve

-Junior Mat t St evens on “I think that students should find a different way to remember Jake besides the rock.”

Th e

-Sophomore Courtney Hendrix Student Prints

Sylvania Northview High School 5403 Silica Drive Sylvania, Ohio 43560 2009-2010 Co-Editors-In-Chief: Haley Nelson & Sarah Squillante Advisor: Sarah Huey News Editor: Haley Hofbauer Photo Editor: Abbey Strick Features Editors: Katherine Chang & Yianni Papadimos Sports Editor: Alexx Klein Opinions Editors: Sarah Fatemi & Adam Jurski Business Editor: Kristi Kopaniasz Staff Writers: David Aldrich, Alex Carter, Estar Cohen, Mary Grace Fitzgerald, Addison Hirschfeld, Margot Jacobs, Alexa Kalanquin, Nicole Mangas, Elizabeth Masson, Amanda Metcalf, Aurora Milliron, Megan Moyer, Kelsey Pomeroy, Molly Porterfield, Harley Rohrbacher, Skylar Rose, Mami Silver, Bridget Thomas, Brian Wadsworth, Ally Yocom The Student Prints is the official student-produced newspaper of Sylvania Northview High School. It is distributed monthly at no charge to serve the purpose of informing students, faculty, staff, administration and the Sylvania community of current issues. The main goal of The Prints is to present coverage of events in an unbiased and accurate manner. The paper also respects the opinions and ideas of the entire NV community.

Signed letters to the editors are encouraged and should be no longer than 300 words. All letters can be turned into the publications room, E-6. The Prints reserves the right to edit letters that contain grammatical errors, accuracy and profane or libelous comments. The newspaper staff is entirely responsible for the content of the paper and supports the First Amendment to the Constitution. Unsigned editorials published in The Prints are written by staff members, and agreed upon by a majority vote of the editorial board. The Prints is carefully examined by its staff and adviser prior to publication to prevent incorrect or libelous information. The newspaper staff does not endorse advertisements published in The Prints. Advertising specifications may be obtained by calling (419) 824-8708.The newspaper follows the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook guidelines for punctuation and grammar. The Prints is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, and Quill and Scroll.

January 26. 2010

9

Healthy fast food?

Eating healthy seems to be the new trend these days. Celebrities are even doing it and making their own organic products. Even fastfood restaurants like McDonald’s and Taco Bell have a new healthy section on the menu.

Health food stores like Claudia’s do their best to cater to those who have chosen to be vegetarians and vegans. Kroger seems to be doing their best to provide organic food.

When I now go to Taco Bell I can order something more healthy and not feel bad eating fast food.

Taco Bell now has a drive-thru diet menu that consists of seven different healthy options.

Each choice has less than eight grams of fat and is under 340 calories. Each taco or burrito is made with a soft, flour tortilla that has a variety of fresh meat, lettuce and other vegetables.

Although it is still Taco Bell, the healthier options must be a little bit better.

Another fast food joint that is attempting to make a better name for themselves, is McDonald’s.

I am very excited about feeling good about eating fast food.

With their various salads and wraps that they offer, McDonald’s

is having healthier choices to choose from. The salads that are offered have 430 calories or less while the wraps are 340 calories or under.

A big grocery chain that is joining the health food bandwagon is Kroger. They are offering a variety of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.

Not only do they offer fresh food, but they also have a section of gluten-free or wheatfree products for those who have certain allergies or are trying to do their best to eat healthy. Though organic fruits and vegetables may be more expensive than the normal produce, it is worth the price to stay fit and healthy.

Then there is the allorganic food store, Claudia’s.

They have natural, organic and environmentally-safe products to offer for those who are interested.

Claudia’s is a good place with moderate prices if you’re looking for a specific brand or are trying to start a new healthy diet.

Eating healthy is important in order to have a long life. There are more places that are trying to provide organic food and healthier options to the public.

-Aurora Milliron

Exams for electives are useless “Are you serious? We have an exam in this class?” is a common question asked toward the end of the semester. Most students tend to not worry about their elective classes because they think that they are “easy A’s,” or “blow-off classes.”

Sooner or later, the week before exams that you have dreaded all year approaches.

All your teachers are cramming in study guides, tests and last minute notes.

Your free time is taken up with trying to balance studying, extracurricular activities and spending time with friends.

You don’t have any time to be studying for classes that aren’t as “important” as your main courses. Something must be done to stop this chaos.

I think that all elective classes should allow reports for final exam options rather than a written test. It’s just too hard to focus on your core classes plus electives.

This doesn’t mean that electives aren’t important, it just means that a scantron exam is not necessary for it.

“I completely agree. It’s so hard to study for my regular classes as well as my electives,” said senior Meredith Wagner. “It can be so overwhelming.”

Electives are more fun and interesting when you don’t have to stress about a test in that class or an essay worth half your grade.

I know that there are many students that would agree because studying is stressful around exam time and one less exam takes a little weight off your shoulders.

“I hate studying for all of my elective exams. I thought that electives were supposed to be fun, not stressful,” said sophomore Brad Wadsworth. Maybe the end to this stressful time of elective exams is realizing they are not needed.

-Skylar Rose

10

EDITORIALS

January 26, 2010

Spirit rock intended for all NV students; student will be remembered despite it being repainted The death of a student is, under any circumstance, a tragedy. Northview students were forced to experience such a loss with the death of a former student, Jake Thornton, earlier this year. As writer Thomas Mann once said, “A man’s dying is more the survivors’ affair than his own,” and NV students, both current and former, have found numerous ways to honor and remember their friend. Most notably, however, was our ever-changing spirit rock, which proudly displayed his name and various other sayings almost immediately after his accident. Months passed and students respectfully refrained from painting the rock with seemingly less-important subject matter, but students were outraged when someone anonymously repainted the rock with the words “somebody had to do it…” and subsequently, a Facebook group was created entitled “Stop Spraying over Jake’s Rock at NV”.

Although these words seem as though they undermined the grieving process of hundreds of students, the message is frankly, spot-on. How long can one realistically expect a high school’s rock to display the name of a student who was not even a student at the time of his death?

Wouldn’t it be much more meaningful to have a permanent memorial, whether on NV’s property or not, that does not run

the risk of being constantly altered?

Painting over words that commemorated Jake should not be seen as a disrespectful or combative act; students are simply doing as they are expected to do. The spirit rock is called the spirit rock for a reason. Though it is appropriate to paint it in spirited memory of a life lost, people must understand that it is equally appropriate for it to be painted for athletic events, birthdays or rivalries. Surely these seem insignificant in comparison to a death, but the rock belongs to everyone. Who is one to decide what causes “deserve” a place on the rock?

While the rock has served as a temporary symbol of a much-celebrated life, it does not seem appropriate to “claim” NV’s rock for the dedication of one individual, no matter how shocking, tragic, or far-reaching his death was. It is also unmerited to dedicate the rock for such lengths of time to the death of one specific student when there have been countless student deaths that do not receive the same recognition or concern.

It is understandable that students were upset by the brash removal of their makeshift memorial and even more reasonable because they are still mourning over his death. But it is

ABBEY STRICK NV’S SPIRIT ROCK has been painted many times in reverence to Jake Thornton, a former student who passed away earlier this year. futile to argue or be upset over the repainting of a spirit rock that belongs to an entire student body, the majority of which did not know Jake. Although he has not been forgotten by preceding classes, Jake was a member of the class of 2009. While current students can sympathize with those affected by his death, it is understandable if they are not mourning, especially to the extent

of our most recent graduating class. Jake should be remembered by his friends and family by the admirable life that he lived and his life should be commemorated in a permanent, appropriate manner. The rock has been painted thousands of times for various reasons; it was dedicated for months to Jake, and although people are certainly still grieving, the rock should no longer serve as his memorial.

Students should use, appreciate extra help

NHS students, teachers offer opportunities for tutoring Are you struggling with your grades or do you need help with a specific class? Now is the time to stop suffering in silence and take advantage of the many extra help opportunities offered at Northview.

My first word of advice to students in need of assistance with material and study habits is to help yourself with organization and prioritizing.

Keeping binders, papers and notebooks organized truly helps with cutting down on wasted time. Storing an unorganized mess could potentially lead to stress further down the road,

as papers may be lost or take an excessive amount of time to find.

Furthermore, students should manage their time wisely and keep priorities straight.

The majority of students would agree that friendships are an important part of high school, but we must remember that grades are a critical aspect as well.

Perhaps gathering a study group among friends would help with maintaining important engagements in a fun way.

Secondly, use and benefit from the Academic Assistance Center. Throughout the school

day, teachers are available in the guidance office, as well as after school in room B7, Monday through Thursday. National Honors Society students are also open to questions in the guidance office and in room B5 throughout the school day.

Do you ever find yourself waiting around after school for an extra- curricular activity to begin?

Worried about a final test or a difficult homework assignment?

Next time that you answer yes to both questions, seize the opportunity to take advantage of additional help in the Academic Assistance Center.

The help offered isn’t just for students who have fallen behind, but also for those who genuinely care about school.

If mathematics is not your forte, certified math teachers can also offer assistance in room B7 throughout the school day for Intermediate Algebra students, as well as Algebra I and II students.

If you’d prefer to seek additional help after school, lists of tutors who help during after school hours are found in the guidance office. Compromises over fees can be made between tutors and students.

Freshmen and sophomores

worried about the Ohio Graduation Test should take advantage of the upcoming OGT Intervention taking place February 1 through March 5.

My final recommendation to struggling students is to ask your teacher questions. Most NV teachers are more than willing to help and answer any homework difficulties you might be having.

Before and after school, teachers are almost always available to students. As a student body, we should utilize these opportunities NV has provided and be thankful for them.

-Bridget Thomas

FEATURES

11

January 26, 2010

Scholarship Opportunities for every Wildcat A multitude of scholarships are always available in Northview’s Guidance Office.

Any senior can apply to advance their college education - it’s all possible through a talk with your counselor.

Let’s take a look at some of the opportunities available...

Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Deadline: January 31, 2010 Requirements: Residency in Sylvania/Township Contact: Chamber office at 419-882-2135 Amount: $2000 nonrenewable

Big Sun Scholarship Deadline: June 24, 2010 Requirements: Student Athlete Contact: www.bigsunathletics.com Amount: $500

Northwest Chapter of Credit Unions Scholarship Deadline: February 12, 2010 Requirements: Written Essay of student attending college Contact: Kathleen M. Kanipe 419-729-9650 Amount: 2 scholarships- 1 for $2000 & 1 for $1500

National Commission for Cooperative Education Scholarship Deadline: February 15, 2010 Requirements: Interest in co-op program for college Contact: f.schettino@neu.edu 617-373-3406 Amount: Up to $6,000 renewable for 4 years

The Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools Scholarship Deadline: April 1, 2010 Requirements: Application Contact: Please see Ms. Hess for more information and details Amount: $2000-$12995 possible awards given

James Kura Memorial Scholarship Deadline: February 19, 2010 Requirements: 2.5 GPA, application and essay Contact: Susan Carr at info@acdl.org Amount: 3 essay winners will be awarded $1000 each

2010 KFC Colonel’s Scholars Program Deadline: February 10, 2010 Requirements: High School GPA of 2.75 Contact: www.kfcscholars.org Amount: $1000

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program Deadline: June 19, 2010 Requirements: Written essay of 500-1000 words Contact: Grant Parker www.abbottandfenner.com/ scholarships.htm Amount: $1000

Dr. Seuss’s “Oh the Places You Will Go” Scholarship Deadline: February 15, 2010 Requirements: Senior students & written essay Contact: Random House at www.ohtheplaces.org Amount: $5000

~Haley Nelson and Katherine Chang

FEATURES Evolution of the Northview Wildcat

12

January 26, 2010

By Amanda Metcalf

High school has been argued by some to be the greatest years of your life. For decades, generations of different Northview students such as Mrs. Lori Leslie, Mr. Andrew Roth and Mrs. Erin Fitzgerald have been left to define these “great years”. While working and being involved in sports, extra-curricular activities and clubs, NV students become involved in the Wildcat Community. Through time, NV has undergone various changes and the average NV student has slowly morphed into what is now the Wildcat of 2010.

In 1985, Laurie Amstel, now Mrs. Leslie, graduated from NV. As a cheerleader, Spanish Club member, Whispering Wildcat and National Honor Society member, she was a very involved student. Mrs. Leslie was also a member of Pep Club, which today is known as Paw Pride, a group of students that create spirited posters to hang around the school. Mrs. Leslie was an office worker as well, but she didn’t receive volunteer hours for doing so. In fact, volunteering was “not a big deal back then,” according to Mrs. Leslie.

The 1985 NV school day then only consisted of seven periods, with only four of the periods being mandatory classes. The fifth period was longer than the others, being divided into four sections: 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D. This four-quarter period consisted of a study hall as one section, lunch as another and one class for the other two sections. Therefore, their lunch period was much shorter than the 42 minutes we’re used to today. Also, a different pair of seniors reported the announcements each morning. “It gave variety and made listening to the announcements enjoyable,” she said. If that school day doesn’t seem different enough, imagine having a pep assembly just about every other week. On most game-days, a group of seniors would conduct the assembly and perform skits while the cheerleaders cheered.

Casual dances after games were held in the cafeteria and formal dances were in the Commons, which is now the Media Center upstairs. For Homecoming, each class would create a float corresponding to their class theme, and their class attendant would ride it around the field at the HC game. Also, both juniors and seniors were invited to prom.

Outside of the building consisted of unassigned parking spots and a designated smoking area for not only teachers, but students as well. “There was no real discipline or structure,” said Mrs. Leslie. “Many periods were like play periods. But back then, the world seemed to be a much safer place.”

Today, Mrs. Leslie is married to Mr. John Leslie, NV class of 1983, with a son, Ryan, who is a seventh grader at McCord and a daughter, Sami, who is a sophomore here at NV. Chemistry teacher and golf coach Mr. Andy Roth, class of 1991, proves that NV has significantly changed in almost two decades.

Nineteen years later, Mr. Roth is basically an older version of his high school self. His favorite subject has always been chemistry and he played golf for three years in high school. He was even a member of NHS, which he now serves as a member of the teacher council that determines who is admitted into the soceity. Although Mr. Roth claims he is the same, NV has certainly changed since the ‘90s.

Mr. Roth was fairly involved as a NV student, even though there were “not nearly as many clubs as there are now”.

“You guys have a lot of opportunities we didn’t have,” said Mr. Roth.

Musically talented in trombone, baretone, trumpet and the French horn, Mr. Roth was a part of NV’s first jazz band, the school band and pep-band, which is still taught by Mr. Eugene Bohland. Mr. Roth was also a part of what was known as the Medicine Show, which is today known as Stay Tobacco-free Athlete Mentor Program (STAMP). He traveled to middle schools to encourage students to live a drug free lifestyle.

As far as NV spirit is concerned, students were enthusiastic when it came to sporting events, even though the NV spirit rock was not in place yet. “We were still terrible at most sports, but everyone went to the games and had good school spirit,” said Mr. Roth. After every football and basketball game, there were dances which “everyone went to,” he said.

In 1991, NV consisted of only about 1000 students. “You could actually walk the halls without jamming into people,” he said. With less students, senior lockers were the lockers that you may notice in Mrs. Kathleen Benya’s room and in the Computer Lab. Today, Mr. Roth is married to art teacher Mrs. Terri Seal-Roth, another NV graduate of 1991, and they have two boys named Jack and Ben. Erin Fitzgerald, formerly Erin Rutherford when she graduated in 1999, had a different view of NV than many students do now. Today, many students in the hallways of NV sport Southview spirit visibly and some verbally state how they wish they attended SV over NV. “Everyone at NV would have rather have been at NV than SV,” she said. “Everyone loved it.”

Erin was a part of the volleyball team her freshman and sophomore years, and she was part of the dance team her junior and senior years. She also was part of the Spanish Club, Whispering Wildcats and DECA. The DECA store sold supplies and candy to students and was abolished two years ago from NV. Erin also danced in Cat’s Meow during all four years of high school and she was head choreographer her senior year. “They used to let people dance in it no matter your year,” she said.

As far as grilled cheese Wednesday is concerned, it has always been a big deal. “Everyone was always excited for grilled cheese day,” said Erin. “People made shirts worshiping it.”

After school, Erin attended casual NV dances after every football game and attended as many sporting events as she could. Young Life was also a weekly activity for her friends. During the summer, her friends enjoyed visiting Mr. Freeze ice cream and went to the Quarry almost daily. “I never went to a pool when I was in high school,” she said.

NV also had a dance known as the Sock-Hop that took place during football season. After a big bonfire, everyone would proceed to the cafeteria, where dances always used to be held, and dance the night away in their socks.

During Erin’s junior year, the NV spirit rock was finally placed in front of the school. Her class was also the first class to paint over the lockers in C hall, establishing what is today known as Senior Hallway.

Today, Erin is married to Rob Fitzgerald, who graduated with her in 1999. The couple is expecting twin girls in March.

1985

1991

1999

FEATURES True

13

January 26, 2010

I’m addicted to texting

Life

A new epidemic has taken over America’s teenage population.

This outbreak is nothing like the marijuana influx in the ‘60s or the severely acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outburst at the beginning of the new millennium. This new pandemic is so commonplace that close to 95% of students at Northview exhibit symptoms.

Texting. While this term may not sound as intimidating and dangerous as cocaine addiction or the black plague, it certainly affects the population drastically just the same.

Teens, now more than ever, are excessively texting. Important tasks are prolonged or put off and attention is withdrawn due to the importance placed on texting. Homework takes twice as long to accomplish and teen drivers who text are now such a threat to public safety that new legislation was enacted to prevent texting and driving.

So why is it that sending a typed message via cellular phone is so popular and addictive? TSP takes a closer look at two NV students who make texting their priority.

Amy Wolf

‘Hey Amy, when is your lunch period?” Two seconds later… ”seventh period”.

Junior Amy Wolf is an avid texter. On an average day, she sends a minimum of 300 texts.

Wolf has not always been given

Torrence Garland

Another fervent texter among the students at NV is senior Torrence Garland. Garland accumulates a shocking 600 total texts a day.

“Once you get going, you get going,” said Garland.

Texting began at a young age with Garland. Starting in

the opportunity to text without a limit. Her old texting plan during her freshmen and sophomore years only allowed her unlimited texting to people on the Verizon network.

The plan was not enough to satisfy Wolf’s need to text.

“I remember calling the Verizon hotline to check how many texts I would send,” said Wolf. “Sometimes I would go over and my bill would be really expensive.”

As a result, Wolf was put onto the unlimited texting plan.

Since then, her texting has grown immensely and she accumulates on average 20,000 texts a month.

Wolf feels the need to text so much because “it makes it easier to communicate with friends.”

In Wolf’s case, texting is rarely used for short simple questions or to make plans. All 600 texts mostly consist of full-blown conversations between her and her friends.

Texting has distracted her in a

major way. Wolf cannot ignore a text and answers her phone while doing homework. She becomes distracted with every text, prolonging the amount of time it takes to complete homework.

Even during this interview, Wolf had to stop our conversation to text. It’s quite clear that her phone never leaves her side.

“I usually fall asleep with my phone in my hand,” said Wolf.

Wolf’s texting has become such a priority that she can’t even put her phone down during a cross country practice. She answers her phone mid-set in an attempt to stay in contact with her friends.

“Texting while running is really not as easy as it sounds,” said Wolf.

Texting has become such a priority in Wolf’s life that she experienced emotional withdrawals after going a day without her phone.

“It was a really sad day without texting,” said Wolf.

While Wolf puts off important tasks to answer texts, she does resist the urge during important tasks. She does not text while driving for safety reasons. Also, Wolf tries to keep texting to a minimum during school because “you can get in huge trouble.”

Like most teens, Wolf does not see her excessive texting as a problem.

“Texting is just something I do,” said Wolf. “I enjoy talking to my friends and keeping in touch.”

Despite its distraction to important tasks, she plans on continuing her constant, everyday texting.

“Most of my friends communicate through texting because it’s fast and easy,” said Wolf. “I love talking to my friends and I would feel weird not texting them.”

eighth grade upon receiving his first phone, he began texting his dad with a 1000 texts per month plan and racking up on average 600 texts a month.

“My dad and I were just trying to figure the whole thing out so we texted a lot,” said Garland.

When Garland entered high school, his dad predicted his texting would become excessive and bought him an unlimited plan. His texting has grown astronomically since his middle school years, accumulating 15,000 texts in November and a record 21,000 texts the previous month.

“My dad just looked at the phone bill and told me I should be ashamed of myself,” said Garland.

“He doesn’t get mad though.”

Garland mostly texts to make plans to hang out with his friends, or what he calls “The Crew”, comprised of seniors JB Bowens, Darius Copeland, Marcus Van, Josh Easterly and Ralston Shedrick.

“I text Ralston the most,” said Garland.

He justifies his excessive texting by claiming it is a more efficient way to get a response.

“It’s so easy to get a bunch of texts,” said Garland. “Just exchanging a few short texts gets to be a lot.”

Garland doesn’t put his phone down during homework or while studying, a practice implemented by many avid teen texters.

“It takes me longer to get all my homework done,” said Garland.

“But if it gets to be ridiculous, I’ll just put away my phone.”

With so many texts a month, his phone is busy processing messages hours on end.

“Texting so much gets to be so annoying,” said Garland. “Your phone is always going off and it’s especially annoying when it’s on vibrate.”

His texting frenzy has evolved into some newly found skills. While interviewing Garland, he showed me how he could text without even looking, as it has become almost second nature.

“I mastered this one over the summer,” said Garland.

Texting seems to affect Garland’s family just as much as himself. His dad amasses on average 15,000 texts a month and his mother is beginning to text with regularity, according to Garland.

“I even taught my grandma how to text,” said Garland. “She can say simple things but she ends up forgetting a lot of it.”

While Garland has proved to be a heavy texter, he does demonstrate restraint. He only texts after school in order to stay on top of his school work and tries not to late night text too much in order to catch up on his sleep. He also does not text while driving or while working.

“I work at McDonald’s,” said Garland. “So there is never really time to stop and text.”

He texts mostly at night when there is little activity or while watching television.

“If you were an only child,” said Garland. “You would be bored too.”

HOW DO NV STUDENTS COMPARE? How many times do you text a day?

5% 11%

25%

32%

• • • • •

27%

5% Never 11% 1-10 times a day 27% 11-80 times a day 32% 81-200 times a day 25% Over 200 times a day

When do you text?

6% 12% 9%

52%

21%

• • • • •

52% All the time, no matter what 21% After school only 9% During tasks not needing immediate attention 12% Only when there’s nothing to do 6% Never BASED ON A SURVEY OF 166 STUDENTS

14

January 26, 2010

FEATURES

GREEN Nor thview High School, whether you knew it or not, is slowly but surely becoming a greener school.

Steps are being taken each day towards reducing t h e carbon footprint and energy wasted in the home of the Wildcats.

Think for a moment. With the dozens of SMART Boards, hundreds of computers, and thousands of lights in our building alone, powering up for even a seven hour period can take a pretty heavy toll. It would seem almost silly that actions have not been put in place

sooner.

Before electricity can even be addressed, one must imagine the amount of water bottles brought into our school each day. Even though school policy prohibits the use of water bottles during the day, somehow hundreds still end up scattered around the building.

Also, something that seems to be quickly forgotten is the innumerable number of paper used in our school. Assuming 90 teachers have 20 students and that each teacher only gives out one sheet of paper (a drastic understatement) to each student. That is 1800 papers per period that often end up in the trash.

H o w e v e r, something is being done t o combat this. And who is raising their sword first and highest?

Ms. Michelle Bogue.

Ms. Bogue campaigned, several years ago to start a paper bin recycling program.

She can now proudly say that almost every classroom has one.

Through the help of student volunteers, Ms. Bogue is able to collect the huge amount of papers and ship them out to be recycled.

Ms. Bogue has also initiated the use of several bottle depositories in order to recycle bottles. They can

be seen in the cafeteria, theatre, publication and choir rooms, and pool (the only places where water bottles are permitted).

Though these steps have been taken, Ms. Bogue feels more can be done.

“Northview earns a sad face,” she said in regards to NV’s environmental actions. There is still so much more that can be done.

Yet, what can those who have no desire to brandish a shield and march into the recycling war do? One small thing that is still effective is to shut off all computers over extended breaks (weekends and holidays) and also to power down SMART Boards during off periods.

FEATURES

January 26, 2010

N & GOLD

15

steps toward an eco-friendly school

Leaving these and other electronic gizmos on can really use up a good amount of electricity. To make up for that, another joins Ms. Bogue at the war front. Mr. Ryan Reed, the NV engineering instructor, started to help a few years ago.

As a project, the NV engineering class built a solar powered car. In order to power the car, the class also constructed a set of solar panels. This $10,000 project was completed with the help of Heidtman Steel and successfully began supplying the school with some solar energy.

The amount of energy being contributed by the panels is by no means

staggering, but at the same time even the smallest bit can help.

Mr. Reed’s engineering students are also in the midst of their next project, another step towards a greener NV. They MICHELLE LORENZ are in the process of mounting a wind turbine at the top of NV The engineering students have been working Hill. The columnar, galvanized on the turbine for some time now. They plan to have the project finished later this year steel base can be seen from a distance and the turbine head is currently mounted behind Mr. Reed’s desk.

When completed, the wind turbine (whose construction was sponsored by British LAURA GUINNESS Petroleum), will provide even Plans for the solar panels were constructed a more alternative energy to the few years ago. Since then they have school. What’s more is what the turbine is symbolic of. As any contributed energy to the school and solar car. passersby looks up, they will see the spectacle spinning with turbine head held high. They will look up and know that our school LAURA GUINNESS is making a difference.

The school has had recycling bins available for the past few years in hopes of students making -Yianni Papadimos environmentally conscience choices.

FEATURES 16 Fitness for Dummies January 26, 2010

A guide to a New Year and a New You

By KELSEY POMEROY AND BRIDGET THOMAS

For the many uncoordinated and athletically-challenged folks out there, we have good news. Here are some fitness tips we have formulated for students to use, including those not active in sports. The guidelines that we have composed for your new 2010 fitness plan are simple and can accommodate even the busiest of schedules. No more excuses, lazy bums. Get up off the couch and try our tips today!

Tip #1: Join a gym. m.

For any of you social butterflies out ut there, joining a gym, like the YMCA or Urban nnect Active, is a perfect way to connect e, all with friends and meet new people, while staying in shape. Make it a weekly habit between you and a group off your friends to go to the gym. Find a fitness d make center that is teen friendly and sure all equipment is available. This way, you can get the full workout experience. Although in most cases a membership is necessary to gyms, there are perks to buying ounts one. Members are often offered discounts mbers can on exercise classes and family members utilize the gym as well. Whether you ou enjoy dmill, or weight lifting, jogging on the treadmill, swimming with friends, exercisingg will no longer be a chore. Exercising with friends is f ! a great way to get motivated and get fit!

Tip #4: Go out side and walk your dog .

When you are sitting at home and have nothing to do, why not go outside and take your dog for a walk? Not only will your dog get the opportunity to get out of the house (and maybe even leave a present in you neighbor’s yard), but you will benefit as well. Taking a brisk walk will instantly refresh and revitalize you and is great exercise for your entire body. Stop denying your dog (and yourself) the experiences of the great outdoors. So, go ahead and put on your running shoes. Grab a leash and take a jaunt around the neighborhood with your furry friend today.

Tip #2: Get in shape at home with Wii Fit .

Maybe some of you have the Wii Fit game, but haven’t really gotten around to using usin it. Now is the time. Wii Fit offers a way to stay in shape without leaving your livi living room. With so many different options iincluding yoga, strength training, and aero aerobic and balance games, you can do a new workout everyday. What’s even better is that the new Wii Fit Plus allows you to create cr your own workout routines and come comes loaded with more games than the original. The T Wii Fit helps you to strengthen and tone your yo body, but allows you to have fun while you aare doing it. I mean, come on, who wouldn’t wa want to burn calories catchingg fish while sliding around on a virtual rtual glacier? Every while, switch out Modern Warfare II once in a whi for this interac interactive fitness game. me.

Tip #5: Join a fun aerobics class .

Local gyms such as the YMCA MCA and Urban Active offer a widee variety of exercise classes to both members and nonmembers. Zumba, an aerobic exercise routine that is inspired ed by Latin dance and music, lures its participants articipants with slogans like, “Ditch thee workout.

Join the party.” We challenge ge all NV students, even the boys, to do just thatmaking exercising not an unpleasant leasant task, but an everyday fiesta!

Tip #3: Mult itasking is a beaut iful thing .

Attention all couch potatoes: who says watching television or a movie requires sitting on the couch with a bowl of popcorn? Try multitasking by practicing simple workout techniques while catching up on your favorite television series. Students who find they watch television frequently can exchange salty and sugary snacks for a pair of dumbbells. Get a mini ab and cardio workout by doing crunches or jogging in place during commercials. This way you can still watch all of your favorite shows and keep fit. No matter which technique you choose, you will be one step closer to a better and healthier you.

Tip # 6: T he litt le things count too.

There are other ways to keep in shape, even without formal exercise. For instance, try cutting pop and caffeine out of your diet, or if that’s too much of a commitment, cut down to one a day. Instead of becoming upset that you didn’t get a parking spot next to the handicapped, take advantage of the situation and power walk yourself from the furthest spot away. The next time you have the chance to choose between the elevator or the stairs, pick the stairs. It saves electricity and you burn calories, a win-win scenario. Lastly, don’t eat when you aren’t hungry, (or when you are bored,) as it can lead to mindless calorie intake. Now that you are armed with this newfound information, put it to use by integrating these tips into your everyday life.

FEATURES

January 26, 2010

17

Gibbs Bridge: Fact or Fiction?

By NICOLE MANGAS

St aff writ er From ghostly shadows to white orbs, the story of Gibbs Bridge is one that is rumored among Northview students.

What is the story of Gibbs Bridge then? Is the story of Gibbs Bridge fact or fiction?

Gibbs Road Bridge is located in Richfield Township between the towns of Sylvania and Berkey. There are two different stories as to why the bridge is thought to be haunted.

The first story of the bridge tells of a nasty accident that supposedly occurred there many years ago. It is said that the victims of the accident haunt the bridge.

Legend has it that the sounds of a collision and laughter are heard at night. People have also reported being chased off the bridge after dark by ghostly shadows, according to toghs.org. Pictures of the bridge reveal white colored orbs. On some voice recordings, deep breathing and unclear voices can be heard, according to trimarpress.com/gibbsbridgereport.

The other story, which is not as well known, tells of a male high school student who drove his motorcycle home from school after football practice in the ‘70s.

A couple bullies were waiting for him on each side of the bridge with a fish line going across. The line was then secured to the trees nearby. Unaware of the line, the motorcyclist was decapitated. It is rumored that if one parks their car on the bridge at midnight, puts the car keys on the

NICOLE MANGAS

COVERED IN GRAFFITI is Gibbs Bridge. Many students from NV have traveled to the bridge to hopefully experience a thrill and maybe have a brush with paranormal activity. roof of the car and flashes the headlights three times, he will hear a motorcycle revving and some garbled yelling. This legend is known as “Xanadu,” according to theshadowlands.net.

“The experience of Gibbs Bridge was so scary and eerie,” said senior Seneca Perry. “Three friends and I sat on the wall of the bridge to take a picture. Later when I looked at the pictures they had white orbs in them.”

Since there is a discrepancy, TSP decided to investigate whether the tale is fact or fiction by going to the bridge. But be warned, people have been kicked off the bridge by gunshots and even chased for miles by a truck, according to toghs.org.

It was a freezing January night as my car thermometer said seven degrees. It was around 10 p.m. As I pulled up to Gibbs Bridge, I realized how dark it truly was outside. The only light emitting from my headlights and the moon. I had this really weird feeling from the second I saw the bridge.

I parked on the side of the road and NV graduate Mike Becker and myself got out. The bridge was covered in graffiti and trees surrounded both sides. We walked around and attempted to go under the bridge.

The whole feeling was very eerie, cold and dark. Becker was skeptical of the whole affair but was talked into it because

Cats in the Crowd Haley Hofbauer, SR. > ACADEMICS

Hofbauer was recently named the January Chamber of Commerce student of the month.

“Mr. Jesse nominated me because of my involvement in numerous activities,” said Hofbauer.

At the awards ceremony, Hofbauer gave a speech to local area businesses. She plans on either Miami University or the University of Dayton to double major in Spanish Language and education.

he thought it would not be safe for me to go alone. We sat on the wall of the bridge for about 20 minutes. In that time, we heard many funny noises. There was one reoccurring noise that could have been a voice, but part of me thinks it was just an animal in the trees.

Then there were headlights off in the distance. Since we knew stories of people getting chased off the bridge by a truck, we sprinted to the car and sped off. Thankfully, we were quick enough and the car was left in the distance.

It is hard to draw conclusions from what we experienced. But what can be said is that Gibbs Bridge is definitely an odd place. Whether the rumors are true or not is uncertain. Although the experience was creepy, I believe that there is no paranormal activity there. I think people create the eerie feeling and try to make any noise sound like something paranormal. My thoughts are not based on completely solid facts, but merely from my experience. The fact that there are no reported killings or accidents associated with the bridge does back up my theory, according to the Lucas county records. The truth will have to be left to the professionals.

So NV students: the bridge is only as scary as you make it. Although paranormal stories have been reported, I experienced nothing too spectacular. Beware though; Just because nothing happened to me, does not mean you will not experience something wild yourself. I wish you good luck and advise that you proceed with caution.

Student s in all grade level s acros s Nort hview are const antly accompli s hing great feat s and gaining not able accolade s. It i s t ime t hey got s ome recognit ion:

Jessica DeBelly & Lauren O’Hare, SRS. > GOLF

DeBelly and O’Hare were just awarded positions on the Capitol University Golf team in Columbus.

“I was invited to play for four years on their team,” said DeBelly.

“I am excited that I am able to continue playing this sport.”

Both girls are four year members of the NV golf team.

Photos by Abbey Strick and Scott Hall

18

January24,26,2009 2010 November

FEATURES

The im porta nce of

sleep

T ho s e la te n ig h ts c o u ld m e a n more tha n j u s t t ire d mor n ings

By M e a g a n M oye r a n d M o lly Porte rfile d Throughout the school day, many teenagers are struggling to stay awake because they are affected by distractions such as new electronics, poor eating habits and excessive extra-curricular activities. Teens need nine or more hours of sleep, according to the American Academy of Sleep. In reality, some Northview teens are only getting about four to eight hours each night.

“I catch up on my sleep on the weekends,” said sophomore Liz Barga, “I only sleep about seven hours each weeknight.”

Many students are very busy with sports, schoolwork, clubs and other activities, so they rely

on energy drinks to keep them awake and functioning. What most teens don’t realize is that energy drinks are extremely high in caffeine and can cause a person to stay up for hours into the night, which makes them exhausted the next day. Energy drinks are only going to create a lack of sleep from the excess caffeine they contain.

“When you’re tired it’s difficult to concentrate on anything.

Students that don’t get enough sleep get frustrated faster and retain less information than those who do get enough sleep,” said German teacher Christina Forster. “Test and quiz scores suffer as

well, due to poor memory recall.

Those short on sleep also tend to lack patience and tolerance for others.”

One study showed that sleep deprived teens are 17 times more likely to remain depressed after a year than teens who had a good night sleep, according to the University of Rochester Sleep and Neurophysiology Research Laboratory. Insomnia is one cause of depression in teens. It is a disorder that causes one difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep.

Five or less hours of slumber makes a teen 71% more likely to experience depression, and 48% more likely to have thoughts of

committing suicide, according to WebMD. “I get in a bad mood when I don’t get at least seven hours of sleep,” said sophomore Katie Perkins.

Lack of sleep also affects your complexion, your health and your weight. Too little sleep can also make teens more likely to suffer injuries and have car accidents, according to WebMD. On a personal level, we have found that with more sleep, we tend to be focused and are generally happier. Lack of sleep can make one negative and stressed, impair relationships and affecting judgment, according to The

Seattle Times. After all, coming to school on two-hour delays is much easier and teachers as well as students find that schoolwork is easier and less stressful.

Although a lack of sleep is not known to be the major cause of suicide or depression, it is certain that sleep is a very important aspect to your health.

In order to keep your body functioning well, you should cut down on bad habits like drinking energy drinks, playing with electronics, watching TV or procrastination of schoolwork.

After all, a lack of sleep can be far more important to your health than you may think.

Ring in the new year with realistic Welcoming the New Year can be a lot of work; if remembering to say and write 2010 instead of 2009 is not enough, many students are plagued with thinking up a New Year’s resolution. All this extra work is a terrible thing, right? Well, here are some suggestions to help make the life of the average high school student a little easier.

The first, and probably most popular, New Year’s resolution is, understandably, to lose weight, exercise more and eat healthier. This goal could potentially be very beneficial; that is, if the person can stick to the resolution. An easy way to accomplish this goal would be to create a schedule of healthy food to eat throughout the week. In addition, it would be helpful to join a gym. For a less

intense physical activity agenda.

Doing push-ups, jumping jacks or running-in-place while in front of the television would do the trick.

If health is not a problem, grades might be. Your GPA is very

New Year’s resolution prospect is volunteering more. Volunteering is no big deal; that is, as long as it is something enjoyable. Northview recommends 200

Sometimes making a difference really can change someone’s life.

A fourth, and perhaps more

S N O I T U L RESO

important to colleges and making a resolution to keep up grades can only have positive effects. A good way to raise grades is to allot a particular amount of afterschool time for homework and studying each subject. Taking notes directly from the textbook can be very beneficial (although time consuming), especially if a test or quiz is coming up.

A third, and very important,

volunteer hours for college applicants and although this number may seem gigantic, it is certainly obtainable. Picking an enjoyable place to volunteer and doing so every weekend for only five hours a session gets all volunteering out of the way in less than a year. However, volunteering is not all about the hours. Helping out in the community is important in that it touches people and helps to make society a better place.

personal, New Year’s resolution is always a possibility. Resolving to find a significant other can be a big goal to take on, but it is doable. Don’t worry, this doesn’t involve asking every person of the opposite gender out until one says yes; simply being oneself and making sure others know one is available is an easy way to set about accomplishing this goal. Make sure to act confident and someone will be sure to come your way.

Lastly, watching less television or spending less time

surfing the web is a great New Year’s resolution. This opens up possibilities for more time with friends and family and may even help to boost grades.

To accomplish this goal, set a specific amount of time to watch TV and/or surf the web.

It may be easier to break up the designated time into small chunks, so that watching TV or internet browsing can be used as a refreshing break from homework instead of a daily activity.

Whether it is boosting grades or watching less television, New Year’s resolutions are great motivators and are beneficial and confidence boosting when accomplished. So, pick a resolution, stick to it and make your dreams come true (or, if not your dreams, at least this one goal).

-Mamie Silver

FEATURES Count Me In

Bullying: the new age

Everyone seems to remember those classic bullying situations. The big senior stealing the freshman’s lunch money. A bully challenges his victim to a brawl after school by the dumpsters. Students raucously chanting “Fight! Fight! Fight!” in a circle around two combatants in the middle.

These are the situations forever portrayed in the media and in our minds when one thinks of bullying.

But let’s be honest, how often does this sort of bullying still occur? How often must administrators really stop a classic “lunch money” fight? These days, rarely ever.

Bullying has evolved becoming more complicated and technology-based, in accordance with our society. Today, bullying revolves around the Internet, drug and alcohol use, texting, and verbal insults. True, physical bullying is still a problem, yet more advanced and often more hurtful forms of abuse have stolen the spotlight in the bullying arena.

It cannot be denied that bullying occurs at Northview daily. But, in what ways do today’s new sort of bullying exist?

And, simply, what should we do about it?

The Student Prints will be continuing their Count Me In Series focusing on high school drug and alcohol use and relating stereotypes, in collaboration with the Sylvania Community Action Team. This series will focus on the individual in regards to stereotypes and substance usage; personal opinions and student ideas will be shared within Count Me In.

19

January 26, 2010

Bullying and NV:

HOW MUCH ARE WE REALLY AFFECTED? The W

be targeted in many different ways and

ORD through many different mediums. ink h t y Bullying can become a serious It seems as though students are often aril ecess in terms n problem quickly. ridiculed into joining in with the crowd. t ’ n I do ing exists do drugs Horror stories of cyberStudents are pressured into using drugs or to ully b s e l e p t r bullying gone wrong are all too starting to drink.

Alcohol, drugs, and this a e o e nd th cing p people u is to r common today and students are o mix of peer pressure and bullying seem to f of it But t l . k u n paying the price.

Students can go hand in hand these days. n c i o ptati or dr how diffi m e t e ist . timat r res o peers o Being talk t n n a y n ed about sa mi r o o d i n b t behind yo a e ck and th s gs s n u o o ur e m m n y a b e n in o g o n confronte the worst t e -A d g f is e eling in the oin t I’v lse verbally at w g o r ld .

B eing tacked is e worse tha not y tha one ally physically n e b m e e ing a a ’ r t t acked. Th I ds ul om ever e pain las lo n f g s e r n . s a ts m d n a lie calle e. I har I w w k - Anonymou in er am ho til s junior nev ful n out e un ay th (it) b urt t ab ld u m one s. a h ough cou f. Yo ome t doe IT’S TRUE. th ords ysel of s ut i b Bullying has w m n , my llied ng fu them gotten more and us bu aki rt more complicated mo m hu y n y b n’t no more and technologically A ho wo p advanced along o s

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. you ate ms. i h roo e? i oe. at m ch en to have . h ing i p . ully ology. s hap erson pants b n . ’t p ges tech alway idest eakin don y fr is p essa . wh nk. so . stu our es th t m ing tex erbull hy do re the in y you! ska ssing it , a cyb re. w you keep hates dirty bara hore o u w . em o e h o u t! , s n y w yo xox at’ slu yo ore s, hate met! a ever friend y?! th u. wh true. tt ever hah some e pre ate yo ! its g ’r h are om get you nd i ou you think y a hat y ck you ’re ta ats w you re. th o wh

Let’s take a deeper look…

The stats

42% of kids have

been bullied while online. 1 in 4 have had it happen more than once.

94% of teens have said that

someone has posted an embarrassing picture of them online without their permission.

58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online.

87% of teens have received a threatening or aggressive text message.

21% of kids

have received mean or threatening e-mails or other messages.

35% of kids have been threatened online. Nearly 1 in 5 have had it happen more than once.

33% of youth have been victimized by cyber bullying.

58% of these victims have not told their parents or an adult about these mean and hurtful experiences.

53% of kids admit having

said something mean or hurtful to another person online.

More than 1 in 3 have done it more than once.

”

Count Me In

with the times. Today, you are able to hurt someone just as much with a text message, as you could in the past with a fist. If you are being bullied talk to a guidance counselor, teacher, trusted adult, or any NV teen pep member.

To deal with these issues we may have to act differently today, but one fact still remains true: this kind of torment needs to end.

No individual, no matter what kind of person they are, deserves this sort of treatment. BULLYING MUST END. But, we all have a voice to bring about change, don’t we?

In light of the recent Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Dr. King said,

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

~ Haley Hofbauer and Haley Nelson Statistics courtesy of the Pew Research Foundation, Cyberbullying.us and anonymous sources.

20

A&E Golden age of rock returns Rascal Flatts comes to town January 26, 2010

Art s & Ent ert ainment

By MAMIE SILVER

St aff writ er

Next t ime you’re wal king down t he halls of Nort hview, pay special attent ion to all of t he shi rts you see t hat pay t ribute t he old T h e The

t o g re ats l i ke Be atles or Rolling Stones.

A re t he ba nds of t he late 1960s a nd e a rly 1970s –especially t hose of =t he Brit ish Invasionma king a comeback?

Only t h ree mont hs a fter its rele ase, The Be atles Rock Ba nd video ga me sold over a million copies, accord ing to ga mein former. com.

The ide as a nd mes s ages brought about by ba nds such as The Be atles, ci rcle a rou nd t wo cent ral points: pe ace a nd love. These mes s ages seem to have come back into style in light of t he ongoing wa r in I raq a nd A fgha nista n a nd t he ever-mou nt ing fe a r rega rd ing ter rorism. Bec ause t he mes s ages have once aga in become “popu la r”, so has t he music.

The la rgest component t hat ma kes t he late 60s a nd e a rly 70s’ music t imeles s was t hei r me a ning fu l a nd poet ic lyric s, along wit h t he use of a backg rou nd of elect ric g u ita r. This brought about t he era of ma ny me a ning fu l songs.

Du ring t he 1960s, Brita in’s musicia ns bega n to ga in more a nd more popu la rity in t he United States; a phenomenon t hat c a me to be known as t he Brit ish Invasion.

The Be atles, along wit h ma ny ot her a rt ists, dominated U.S. cha rts wit h lyric al importa nce a nd new, deeper music.

“All t he music al components go toget her; t hey all flow toget her,” s a id ju nior Alec El ro d.

Wit h t his lyric al cha nge, t he tu nes of t he go-lucky 50s gave way to a much more psychedelic version of rock, which was

made popu la r la rgely by ba nds li ke Pin k Floyd a nd t he 13 t h Floor Elevators. This new form of rock was t he stepping stone for deeper lyric s su ng by a rt ists to day a nd a re listened to by ma ny N V students.

At t he s a me t ime, ba nds such as The Be ach Boys were paving t he road for t he up a nd coming hippie acts of t he late 60s a nd 70s.

Then, The Be atles c a me out wit h t he Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely He a rts Club Ba nd a nd psychedelic music bec a me widely commercial for t he first t ime. Ba nds a nd singers li ke Jimi Hend ri x, S a nta na a nd The Ma mas & t he Papas were importa nt in t he cou nter cu ltu ral movement. They cha nged simple melo d ies i nto sporad ic a nd complic ated ones using mostly elect ric g u ita r. Wit h t he cha nging music, lyric s also cha nged.

“As fa r as best rock, it wou ld be e a rly to mid 70s,” El ro d s a id.

This new a nd rad ic al kind of music pro duced some of t he most influent ial ba nds of rock histor y a nd paved

ba nd ; t hei r music is considered some of t he most influent ial of t he t ime for a re ason.

The 13th Floor Elevators

The Beach Boys

St aff writ er

The Beatles Jimi Hendrix The Mamas and the Papas Pink Floyd The Rolling Stones Santana

t he pat h for to day’s pu n k music scene.

So, as you ta ke t hat wal k down t he halls of N V, t r y to remember all of t he d i fferent ba nd t-shi rts t hat you see.

Then, go home a nd listen to a couple of songs from e ach

By Molly Porterfield

om

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Ib

e an

countrymusicislove.com One of country music’s biggest names came to the new Lucas County Arena last Sunday. Rascal Flatts brought their “Unstoppable” tour to Toledo to showcase their new album. The concert, which sold out in just a few hours, was performed in front of a crowd of 7,000 fans.

Rascal Flatts formed their group ten years ago, making this their decade anniversary together. The country music trio consists of Joe Don Rooney, Gary Levox and Jay Demarcus. Rascal Flatts has received 20 accolades at the Country h Music Awards over the course of just eight Mu years. In 2005, Rascal Flatts won a Grammy years for their the song “Bless the Broken Road”.

Their new album, “Unstoppable”, Thei consists of several popular songs such as “Summer Nights”, Nig “Here Comes Goodbye” and “Unstop “Unstoppable”. Rascal Flatts is known to appeal to a wide array of ages, musical styles and both genders. Their clean cut ccountry music and deep southern dialect vocals are appropriate and enjoyed by many, making them a big act to see on tour.

It must have been quite a sight seeing all those northerners in cowboy boots and hats enjoying good old country twang at the Lucas County Arena.

A&E Art s & Ent ert ainment

Music on the

SCENE With Estar Cohen

January 26, 2010

NV’s artistic r o i n e talent s

21 Shannon Parcell

Daniel Rhollans

‘Saving Through Song’ benefits school in Africa Northview artists hit the stage to participate in a benefit concert called “Saving Through Song,” December 20 at Southview High School Theater.

The event was hosted by SV junior and member of the Toledo International Youth Orchestra, Lee Ann Song.

TIYO traveled to Africa last year where they donated violins to the Toledo Secondary School in Sister City Tanga, Tanzania.

“I met so many kind, hopeful people who lived in dismal poverty,” said Song.

“When I came back home, I felt inspired by what I learned from my Tanzanian friends and realized that I wanted to do something for them.”

Thus, “Saving Through Song” was born, a diverse music concert that raised $2500 to provide The Secondary School with a music instructor. Money was taken from ticket sales, snacks and the auctioning of Yo-Yo Ma items donated by the artist himself.

NV senior Haley Armstrong and juniors Serena Chang and Estar Cohen were among the wide array of performers that evening. Armstrong played the violin for TIYO while Cohen sang an original song and Chang performed with her own dance group. Music ranged from contemporary to jazz, keeping the audience interested the entire length of the concert.

“It was a great experience,” said Chang, “There was such diversity in the music and I am happy to have been a part of it.”

Appearances throughout the night included The Toledo Masterworks Chorale Ensemble, TIYO ensembles, former Timberstone guidance counselor Mr. Eddie Boggs, the Southview Drumline and SV junior beat boxing machine, Alison Yang.

“I truly believe music has the power to change lives,” said Song. “I think the concert was a huge success overall. I was surprised we were able to raise so much money and I can’t wait to s0ee how the money will help the kids in Tanzania.”

Cassandra Rousos

Kelly Strick

an Opinion

Trip to Elyria served as unfair punishment Members of Northview’s A Cappella Choir excitedly boarded two Greyhound buses ready to embark upon their traditional journey to New York City on December 16. I was not one of them.

I had opted out of taking the optional NYC trip, along with 14 other students who could not attend due to personal reasons, such as financial troubles.

The term “optional,” however, seemed to be redefined this year as members who chose not to participate were required to miss school to attend a choral workshop at the University of Toledo and travel to Elyria, Ohio for a performance. Students were also assigned a four to nine page paper to document the workshop and concert.

I did not understand this assignment and felt like I was being punished for my decision as students going to NYC were not required to write a paper on their experience.

Nonetheless, I waved a confused farewell to my NYC buddies and took a seat on another mode of transportation.

A bird? A plane? No, a yellow school bus.

Thus, the journey began. I looked out my window on the way to UT and thought intensively about the absurdities of this trip. I thought about how for the first time in years, NV choir was not returning to Kent State to work with previous NV director, Dr. Ben Ailing and for an unexplained reason was instead traveling to UT.

I thought about the students who were financially unable to go on the trip.

Perhaps it was their dream to sing with their choir in the “Big City,” and on top of their dream being crushed, they had to write a paper about it. As time passed, I became more and more livid.

The bus came to a halt and the group of students, continuously referred to as the “magic school bus” or “yellow school bus kids” (YBKs), were rounded up and escorted into UT. The workshop went fairly well. The directors were able to drive us to new heights with our music and I will not deny that it was a beautiful thing.

The workshop was over but the true endeavor had not yet started. We boarded the yellow school bus, which was now beginning to feel more like a comrade in battle than something I dreaded riding in middle school, and traveled an hour and a half to the mysterious town of Elyria.

Once again, I looked out the window.

What was I doing here? I had opted out of this trip. This fact, however, seemed to be irrelevant for I was on my way to a performance, only to return late that same night and attend school the next morning.

I was dumbfounded, to say the least.

I will skip ahead to the part where no one came to our performance that night.

No one came. Choir Director Mrs. Dawn Kingman reassured us that she had “taken an ad out in the Cleveland newspaper.”

Funny, our concert was not even listed on the front sign of the church.

The audience consisted of parent chaperones, a bell choir that was required to be there and roughly five to seven people otherwise. I was deeply disheartened by all of this and was even more shocked when a fellow YBK noticed that Mrs. Kingman’s husband knew his way around the church quite well. After a brief inquiry, we discovered that this was his family’s church. I boarded the school bus a final time.

Once more, I looked out the window.

Day had become night and I had become tired. How could a choir that was once known for its outstanding excellence become notorious for trips such as this one?

How could such a legacy, once overrun with overjoyed students, have a bus full of dispirited ones, some even unwilling to join their choir in NYC? As we journeyed home that evening and I looked at the faces of my new “yellow school bus” pals, I could not help but feel a bond between us. The bus had become a symbol for standing up for what we believed in and it inspired me to write this article.

Students should not face consequences for choosing not to go on an optional trip. The make-up assignment given to these students was unreasonable and should be seriously examined to eliminate a repeat of events in the future.

-Estar Cohen

22 A&E TOP MOVIES OF THE DECADE January 26, 2010

Art s & Ent ert ainment

The decade is over, at least pop culturally speaking. Many great movies have come out over the past ten years and here are seven of the best.

I have tried to include films from all different genres but, of course, my personal opinions are what I used to determine the selections.

-David Aldrich

The Dark Knight (2008): Superhero

The Incredibles (2004): The best animated movie of the decade may also be the most fun.

It handles the idea of superheroes with a fresh spin with interesting characters, clever dialogue and is much more than just a kids’ film.

movies are usually fun, but not especially ground breaking. Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight is an incredible exception. Filmmaking at its best, The Dark Knight has everything; a good story, great performances and awesome special effects sequences. It is everything a good blockbuster should be but seldom is.

There Will Be Blood (2007): This is a hard movie to describe.

The film, about one man’s ruthless pursuit of success in the oil industry, is unlike anything made before. With enthralling visuals, a haunting score and an award winning performance from Daniel Day Lewis, There Will Be Blood is one of the most unique films of not only the decade,

but of all time.

Shaun of the Dead (2004): The best horror film of the decade is also the funniest and most realistic zombie movie ever made. As it chronicles a group of people trying to deal with an outbreak of zombies in England, it entertains to such an extent that one might forget he is even watching a zombie apocalypse film.

Minority Report (2001): Although there were bigger science fiction films this decade, Minority Report is still the best. Along with Steven Spielberg directing and Tom Cruise giving the best performance of his career, Minority Report also has an engrossing story that keeps the viewer enthralled the whole way through.

Capote (2005): Phillip Seymour Hoffman won an Academy Award for his portrayal of author Truman Capote. His performance is great, as is the whole film about a man’s struggle to invent a new kind of writing. The film has great performances from the whole cast and a somber tone that makes the film unforgettable.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): The premise of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind involves erasing people’s minds.

The great thing about the film is that it treats its premise as if it is an ordinary occurrence, making it the most offbeat and moving romance of the decade.

E-Readers allow bookworms to discover on the go

By KELSEY POMEROY

St aff writ er In the technology-based world of today, almost every part of our lives has been transformed by high-definition, state-of-the art electronics and touch screens. It should come as no surprise that one of the most timeless forms of entertainment has now gone digital in the form of an electronic reader.

Imagine being able to carry an entire library of books, magazines and newspapers all on one sleek, lightweight device.

Although this sounds far-fetched, the new electronic readers, such as the Amazon “Kindle”, Barnes and Noble “Nook” and the Sony “E-Reader,” have managed to make digital reading possible.

E-readers allow you to download hundreds of books from an immense online library.

All of your favorite reads can be downloaded straight to the

device, without being connected to the computer.

Just seconds after you press “download,” your book will be ready for you to read- no waiting in lines or searching shelves required.

And as for collegeebound students ts stressing about ut the costs off textbooks, no worries!!

E-readers allow you to purchase and download c o l l e g e textbooks for a cheaper price, not to mention saving you the hassle of lugging around several heavy books at a time.

Although the Kindle was the pioneer in the e-reader field, several other kinds of e-readers have been released in order to bring more customers flocking.

The “Kindle,” released by Amazon three years ago, was

originally unpopular, but the second attempt was much more successful. The Kindle 2 was regarded as a major upgrade, with several new and improved features.

The device itself is very thin, with keys to search for books (by title, author, etc.) and buttons on the sides for turning the pages.

The screen of the Kindle has been simulated K tto look like paper, with a special kind of ink that aallows to you read for long periods of time without p straining your eyes. It st holds up to 1,500 books, which can be downloaded right from Amazon’s expansive online library.

The Kindle 2 costs $260 and books are generally $9.99 each.

The “Nook”, created by Barnes and Noble just last year, is another top e-reader for those looking for books on the go.

It is similar to the Kindle in appearance, but instead of keys

for searching, the Nook has a touch-screen bar at the bottom for clicking on the book that you want to read, as well as the option of a virtual keyboard.

The Nook has the same technology as the Kindle, carrying a screen that closely resembles the pages of an actual book. You can even change the font sizes on your device just by pressing a button.

Even better; once you purchase your Nook, you can choose from several cases to protect your e-reader. Some have been created by designers such as Kate Spade, a popular purse designer, and Jonathan Adler, a designer of home accessories and modern furniture.

Unfortunately, these cases sell for up to $125, the lowerpriced ones are around $30.

The Nook costs the same as the Kindle, but due to its popularity, the Nook is temporarily out of stock.

The Sony “E-Reader” has also been a big hit since its release.

With three different types of

readers, (the Daily Edition, Touch Edition, and Digital Reader Pocket Edition), Sony has something for everyone. These readers are similar to the Kindle 2 and the Nook, but allow you to connect to social networks while on the device. These social networks include Facebook, Twitter and e-mail. If you are looking to save money, the Pocket Edition sells for $200, while the Daily Edition is $400 and the Touch Edition is $300.

Not everyone is sold on the idea, however. One major complaint about the e-readers, besides their hefty price is that electronic reading just doesn’t measure up to the experience of an actual book.

“I’d rather have a book, because it’s more tangible and staring at an e-reader screen for an hour would give me a headache,” said sophomore Audrey Miklovic.

E-readers may someday be as commonplace as cell phones, but their longevity remains to be seen.

SPORTS

January 26, 2010

23

Hockey heats up against The ultimate sport introduced at Northview Findlay, loses to BG

By ALEXX KLEIN

Sport s Edit or Facing some of the most competitive teams in the state, the Northview Hockey team traveled to Cleveland the weekend of December 11 for the Padua Invitational.

NV took on defending state champions University School December 11. The Cats trailed 3-1 when junior Ryan LaPlante’s goal was waved off which led to a 4-1 loss to open up weekend play.

The team faced off against host, Padua, December 12, less than 10 hours after playing U School. NV was up one goal, but with four seconds left in the third period Padua scored making the game a 4-4 tie.

Sophomore Dalton Carter netted two goals along with single goals from sophomore Brent Easton and senior Mark Hall.

Lake Catholic was the Cats’ next opponent that same evening. Junior Nolan Culver started the scoring for the team on a power play goal in the first period. NV scored four goals in the final period, winning 5-0. Junior Aaron Booth connected for a hatrick and sophomore Zach Felser had a single goal.

December 13, NV took on St. Edwards’s needing points to secure their spot in the championship game. The game ended in a 3-3 tie.

“We played well for the first two

periods,” said Culver. “During the third [period] though, we developed the mentality that we didn’t need to try because we were up 3-1.”

A few hours later, the Cats faced off against U School for the second time that weekend in the Championship game. The Preppers proved to be too much as the team fell to a score of 5-1.

NV finished the weekend with a win over Lake Catholic, a pair of losses to U School and ties verses Padua and St. Ed’s.

The Cat’s returned home to TamO-Shanter January 2 to face Bowling Green. The Bobcats defeated NV 3-0 in an important league match-up.

“It was an embarrassment,” said junior Drew Korn. “We were heated that game.”

January 8, the team took on Findlay at the Ice Cube. The Cats had no problem with the Trojans, defeating them by a score of 7-4. Findlay was up 2-1 going into the second period, but NV regained a 4-3 lead heading into the third. Junior Ryan LaPlante and sophomore Zach Felser contributed two goals each and senior Mark Hall and juniors Dalton Carter and Culver netted one each.

The team traveled to Pennsylvania for the Meadville Bulldog MLK Invitational January 15 and faced the Knights this past weekend.

Going into the game, the Cats were 3-1 in the Northwest Hockey Conference.

By ABBEY STRICK

Phot o edit or Most Northview students probably heard the announcement recently about “The Ultimate Sport.”

At the meeting January 12, the ultimate sport was revealed to be ultimate frisbee. Freshmen Thomas Needham, Justin Lupica and Austin Jagodzinski proposed the idea of having a club for the sport and Mr. Jeremy Holloway joined on as the advisor.

The students discovered the sport while taking part in another NV extracurricular activity.

“It started off as a way to entertain ourselves through breaks during Seussical [the Musical] practice,” said Lupica.

The sport of Ultimate Frisbee is relatively new in comparison to other sports, having been created by high school students in 1968 as an adaptation of frisbee football.

Now, Ultimate Frisbee is played in 42 countries and it is estimated that at least 100,000 total people play it worldwide.

Approximately half of these people are from the United States.

In 2001, teams could medal in the sport in the World Games in Japan, according to whatisultimate.com.

At the first NV meeting, the official

rules of Ultimate Frisbee were reviewed and interested players learned about upcoming plans for the club. Twelve students attended the initial meeting.

“Any students who would like to join are welcome, even if they miss some of the first meetings,” said Needham.

The team plans on starting conditioning in the end of February, which will include running, time in the weight room and indoor practice. They plan on starting games around the end of March or beginning of April, according to Needham.

“We’d really like to compete against teams from other schools. If for some reason that doesn’t work out, we’ll just play each other,” said Needham.

The grassy area at the bottom of the hill at NV will be painted in the spring as an ultimate frisbee field to be used for games and practice. The field is a rectangle with end zones on each end.

Regulation field size is 70 by 40 yards, according to cs.rochester.edu. NV’s team is also looking into matching jerseys, according to Needham.

Generally, there are 7 players at a time on the field, but the NV club will play as many people as are on the team.

For example, if there are 20 on the team then they will split up into teams of 10 to accommodate everyone. The team meets every Tuesday after school in room E-2.

24 SPORTS Girls basketball suffers surprising loss to SV; Boys defeat Bulldogs, Generals January 26, 2010

By MARY GRACE FITZGERALD

St aff writ er The Northview Girl’s Varsity Basketball team maintained their then undefeated season December 18 with a convincing 7232 win over Maumee. The Panthers were ranked last in the NLL and the LadyKats were ranked first.

Four days later, the LadyKats faced the Lady Irish from Central Catholic December 21. The Irish were ranked third in the City League. After a neck-and-neck first half, NV started to pull away in the third quarter. The final score of this City League-NLL match up was 79-72. Another win for the Kats gave them a 7-0 record overall.

The LadyKats had four players with double-digit points in the game against the Irish. Senior captain Olivia Fouty was the leading scorer with 21 points, closely followed by sophomore Skylar Rose with 18. Sophomore Jessica Jessing was the third highest scorer, finishing with 17 points for NV. Sophomore Miriam Justinger ended the game with 10 points.

“We knew that Central would come out hard, they always do,” said Jessing.

“We shut down their main scorers, which gave us the offensive advantage.”

Just two days after the win, NV faced another City League team, the St. Ursula Arrows. The LadyKats came out energized and kept an up-beat tempo for the whole game, ending with another win for NV, 7035.

After St. Ursula, NV was still ranked first in the NLL. Fouty was the leading scorer in the NLL with an impressive 160 points and an average of 17.8 points per game with a game high of 34 this season in the Libbey game. She was also the second rebounder in the league, averaging 7.8 rebounds per game. Justinger was also named seventh scorer with 109 points.

Justinger averaged 11.4 points per game, according to The Toledo Blade.

“We executed the offenses really well,” said Justinger.

After big wins against several City League schools, the LadyKats traveled to eastern Cleveland for the game that the team had highly anticipated: Regina.

Regina has been a threat in the state for many years and last year they won the Division III State Championship.

The LadyKats came out a little flat

and couldn’t catch up with their 3-point shooters. The LadyKats suffered their first loss; the final score of the game was 36-55.

After this performance, the LadyKats faced their cross-town rivals, the Southview Cougars. SV was ranked second in the NLL to NV’s first. The game started off slow for the LadyKats with a first half score of 1124. The tempo of the game never picked up as the Cougars hit almost every 3-point shot they took. The final score was 34-55, SV. “The preparation for this game wasn’t what it should have been. The effort just wasn’t there,” said Coach Jerry Sigler.

The loss brought the Cougars up to the first place position with NV, Springfield and Perrysburg, who all have one loss in the NLL. The team’s record is 8-2 overall.

The LadyKats knocked out Springfield for a more convincing number one place in the NLL. The Kats were down 18-17 at the half, but came out strong and didn’t let up for a final score of 59-39.

The next morning, NV made their way down to Findlay to take on the Trojans.

The LadyKats put the heat on and had a strong 40-15 lead at half-time. They kept up the pressure and ended the game with a 71-57 victory.

The LadyKats now share the number one place in the NLL with SV after kicking out Perrysburg.

“We were just really focused and came out to win,” said Justinger. “This was a really big game for us, so we knew we had to play hard.”

The LadyKats were pumped up and kept the game at high pressure. The Jackets’ ball-handlers couldn’t handle it, and had a good amount of turn-overs that the Kats capitalized on.

“Our defense is really what won the game,” said sophomore Skylar Rose.

The NV girls took on the Anthony Wayne Generals January 22, and the Bowling Green Bobcats at home tonight.

The NV Boy’s Varsity Basketball team got off to a rough start with losses against Bowsher and Springfield.

The Bowsher game ended with a score of 56-64. The Springfield Blue Devils came out strong and finished the game with a 13 point advantage over NV. The Cats kept working hard after losses against Bowsher, Springfield and SV to pull off a win against Maumee. The Panthers couldn’t keep up with the NV

HALIE LANGHALS LOOKING FOR AN OPEN PLAYER is sophomore Miriam Justinger. Justinger scored 10 points in the Central Catholic game December 21. scoring threats of senior captain Jacob Zureich and junior Jacob Sturt. The final score of the game was 50-48.

“We played hard and finished the game,” said senior captain Jarred Bowens.

“We really executed the plays well and ran a hard offense.”

The Wildcats then made their way to Central Catholic to play the Irish. The inner-city school played to their strengths and NV couldn’t match their running game, according to Bowens.

For the next game, the Wildcats came home to play against the Whitmer Panthers. After suffering a tough loss of 50-69, NV started to focus on their next game against Anthony Wayne.

Coming back from a four-point deficit at halftime, the Wildcats were neck-andneck with the Generals until the last bucket. The Cats ended up losing the game 48-50, but were ready to continue playing hard for their next game against the Rossford Bulldogs.

During the practices between the Anthony Wayne game and the Rossford game, the Cats were starting to work as hard as they could and play together.

“We’re starting to focus more in practices and we are playing in game-like situations,” said Bowens.

This hard work definitely paid off for NV. The Cats came out to play against the Bulldogs and came out with a win.

The senior leaders scored a combined total of almost half of the final points, with 28 from Zureich and 11 from Bowens. Also scoring in double digits was Sturt with 15 points. Sophomore Denzel Wheaton had two points from free throws and junior Addison Hirschfield had a 2-point field goal. Junior John Joseph also contributed eight points to the score.

“We had some sophomores and a freshman come up from the Junior Varsity team to get some experience and points for them,” said Head Coach Terry Shadle.

After a nice pass from Hirschfield, freshman Connor Hartnett got his first two Varsity points. Also scoring for NV was sophomore Brandon Hall with six foul shots and sophomore Matt Leggett with a field goal and a foul shot to end with three points, according to the Blade.

“We always play harder than our opponents,” said Shadle. “We started practicing with more focus and stopped screwing around to get this big win.”

“We’re going to work as hard as we can to get some more victories before playoffs,” said Bowens.

NV played against the Bowling Green Bobcats and were down by 20 at the half.

The Wildcats cut the loss to 17 with a final score of 59-42.

The Wildcats attempted to get revenge against the Anthony Wayne Generals January 22.

SPORTS

25

January 26, 2010

Wrestling competes despite inexperience

By AURORA MILLIRON

St aff writ er Starting their season off slowly, the Northview Boy’s Wrestling team faced Southview and Springfield, but could not come up with a win against these two teams.

Leading the young team, made up of mostly freshman, is senior Bobby Callejas and juniors Jake Martinez and Billy Sargent.

“Our biggest weakness is definitely not having a lot of experience since we have so many new guys, “ said junior Tanner Newland.

Though the team has not been very successful, the boys are very well conditioned and are able to last a full match without getting tired, according to Sargent. This is mainly due to the fact that most of the team has been conditioning since the middle of October.

According to Sargent, the boys that showed up would run in the halls, do sprints, and live wrestling. Although it was not mandatory, most of the current team

showed up to get ready for the upcoming season.

“In the next couple of years we will have a good team, “ said Sargent.

While they were busy practicing, the wrestlers also held a cookie sale fundraiser to generate money for the season. They raised about $5,000 that paid for brand new bags and spirit packs.

People are still able to join the wrestling team if they are interested. There are no tryouts to make the team. Two varsity spots are still open in the 215 and heavyweight divisions.

“We have nobody in three weight classes so we give up points,” said senior Adam Box. According to Newland, the team’s biggest goal would be to do the best they can this season and build more team moral for next year.

January 14, the Wildcats hosted the Anthony Wayne Generals.

They had a rough time trying to defeat the top wrestling team in the NLL League.

Callejas, Martinez, and Newland were the only wrestlers to win their matches.

HALIE LANGHALS ATTEMPTING TO TAKE HIS OPPONENT DOWN is freshman Peter Cook. The Wildcats have had a rough start to their season, especially since they lack wrestlers in three weight classes.

“Anthony Wayne is better trained, they have been wrestling together longer as a team,” said Box.

The final score was 56-9. The boys will be traveling to Perrysburg for the Pit Tournament on January 15-16.

Swim and Dive prevail at NLL Championships Winter two-a-days pay off, end in 2nd place finish for girls

By ALEXA KALANQUIN

St aff writ er The Northview Swim team concluded their winter two-a-day training the week of January 5 and began their regular season.

They competed in the Little Giants Invitational at Fremont-Ross January 9. This was their first meet that held preliminaries as well as finals.

The boys’ team placed 14 out of 25 teams, led by senior captains Daniel Rhollans and Cody Brant, and the girls placed 13 of 28, who were led by their senior captains, Megan Foster and Laura Guinness.

For the boys’ individual races, Rhollans placed 17 and junior Ben McClurg placed 15 to qualify for finals.

Foster and Guinness also qualified for the individual finals. Guinness took third in both the 200 meter freestyle and 100m backstroke, and Foster placed fifth in the 500m and 200m freestyle.

“It was a very competitive meet with

about 700 swimmers there,” said junior Mackenzie Reeves. “All the teams were good and Fremont-Ross is usually big competition.”

The NV Dive team also competed at the Fremont-Ross Invitational January 4.

The boys’ team was led by sophomore Jake Mikolajczyk, who placed third of 34 boys and freshman Logan Newland who took fifth. The captains for the team are juniors Emily Due and Sam Federman.

“Our team’s goal for the year is to have everyone learn new dives and to have everyone qualify for districts,” said Due. The team hosted SV January 11, with the girls taking a victory. Foster and Guinness led the team again. Guinness took first in the 400m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 200m medley relay and 400m freestyle relay.

Although the boys lost, Rhollans took second in the 100m breaststroke and third in the 200m individual relay. McClurg took first in both the 100m and 200m freestyle and the 200m freestyle relay placed third.

The members of the relay team were Brant, Rhollans, McClurg and junior Britain

Fretz.

In the diving competition, Newland took first place with a score of 208 and Mikolajczyk earned second, scoring a 203.

Due placed second, and sophomore Katie Musteric finished in fourth.

NLL’s were January 16 and were held at Bowling Green.

The Girls’ team placed second behind Per r ysburg.

Guinness was second in the 200m freestyle and first in the 100m backstroke.

Foster was fourth in the 200m freestyle.

For the diving competition, Due took fifth, to help the team take second.

The Boys’ team earned third place, with

SV taking first and BG placing second.

McClurg led the team, taking first in the 100m freestyle. Mikolajczyk earned first place and Newland took second in the diving competition.

“Everybody swam well at NLL’s and it was a team effort,” said Brant. “I joined the team as a junior and have had a good experience.”

26 SPORTS Girls form broomball team at Tam-O January 26, 2010

By ADAM JURSKI

Edit orial s edit or Northview students are rarely afforded the opportunity to participate in a brand new school sport. This winter, NV girls have that special chance with the formation of the broomball team.

Known as the NV Ice Ninjas and clad in lime green and black uniforms, the team was started since NV was one of the only schools in Toledo without a broomball team. Eleven girls are currently signed up for the team, with junior Amy Wolf and senior Lauren O’Hare chosen as the captains.

“It is like nothing I have ever played before,” said Wolf.

The girls practice on Thursdays at Sylvan Elementary and have their games on Fridays at midnight. They have to play this late due to the limited amount of space available at Tam-O-Shanter, according to Wolf.

The game is similar to hockey, as it is played on ice and uses five players plus a goalie on each team. However, broomball does not use skates and uses a broom instead of a hockey stick. The object is for one team to score more goals than the other.

Their first scrimmage was January 8 against Southview and Bowsher at Tam-O-Shanter where they were defeated

in both games.

“Southview was fun to play against, but Bowsher was mean,” said junior Jayme Weber. “They kept on stabbing our ankles with their brooms.”

The highlight of the game for the Ice Ninjas was when Wolf had her broom snapped in half by one of the aggressive Bowsher players.

The girls then played January 16 against Whitmer and Perrysburg, where they lost both of their games.

Overall, the girls are working and training hard to try and make this year a successful one.

“It’s fun and I am happy that I joined broomball,” said Weber.

Miss a bowl game? Here’s a wrap-up

By KATHERINE CHANG

Feature s edit or National Championship The Alabama Crimson Tide lived up to its reputation as the best college football team in the land with their defeat of the Texas Longhorns in the BCS National Championship game sponsored by Citi.

The Texas offense took a tumble with their star quarterback, Colt McCoy, being injured early in the first quarter. His absence from the remainder of the game deflated the national championship, even though the Longhorn’s backup quarterback managed to maintain a strong offense.

The Crimson Tide began with a struggling offense after a series of sacks and a dropped kick return that was covered by the Longhorns. Alabama’s wide receivers struggled to get open leaving the first quarter score 6-0 Texas.

Alabama managed to pick up their offense in the second quarter with relatively conservative plays and a spectacular performance by Heisman running back Mark Ingram.

Texas reached a high in the third quarter and in the beginning of the fourth with two touchdowns by Jordan Shipley, leaving the score at a very close 24-21, Alabama.

Later in the fourth quarter, Alabama’s defense dominated Texas’ offense by forcing three turnovers: one deflection and two interceptions. The Crimson Tide came out victorious with an ending score of 31-21.

Sugar Bowl The Ohio State Buckeyes triumphed over the Oregon Ducks in the 96th Rose Bowl, proving to doubters that the Big Ten is back. OSU’s victory meant a win for the Big Ten as the conference came out with a 4-3 record in this year’s BCS bowl games.

OSU quarterback sophomore Terelle Pryor, previously infamous as only a good rusher, defied critics with a personal record of 266 passing yards and two touchdown

passes. The once conservative buckeye offense surprised spectators by taking chances with longer passes to wide receivers sophomore Devier Posey and Toledo native junior Dane Sanzenbacher.

Oregon’s offense remained dormant for the first quarter and finally managed to score a 24-yard field goal and a touch down in the second quarter.

The game grew dangerously close with a 19-17 OSU score at the end of the third quarter. With seven minutes left in the game, Pryor threw the winning 17-yard touchdown pass to Posey.

OSU proved that its highly regarded defense could handle a fast team from the Pac-10. The seemingly fast Oregon offense was not able to rival the smart defensive tackles of OSU. Buckeye defense forced the Ducks to score 20 points and 200 yards less than their season averages.

This bowl game was definitely an eye opener for those doubting the Big Ten, who have lost the last six BCS Bowl games. OSU’s win against one of the fastest offenses demonstrates that the Big Ten is raising the bar.

Rose Bowl Controversy over whether a member of the Big East could rival last year’s national champions has been brewing in the last few weeks. The No. 3 Cincinnati Bearcats finally settled issues with one of the biggest blowouts in bowl history to the No. 5 Florida Gators.

Cincinnati has fought to be considered amongst the football elite from the start due to their membership in a weak conference. The Bearcats were unable to gain any major yardage against the impeccable Florida defense.

While Cincinnati’s offense triumphed against unranked teams, it was no match for Florida’s broad coverage.

Cincinnati quarterback senior Tony Pike, once in the running for the Heisman, had only 170 passing yards (averages 300 plus a game) and struggled to find an open receiver.

Florida offense easily stomped over the small, weak Cincinnati defense. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow threw for a record 482 yards, three touchdown passes and

a rushing touchdown. His passing was certainly accurate with 31 completions to 35 attempts. Tebow had a total of 533 yards, setting the record for most yards in a BCS bowl game. Cincinnati’s lack of coverage in their defense allowed the Gators to score 51 points.

This Sugar Bowl Blowout displayed that the champion of the Big East is no match for the runner-up of the SEC. The Bearcats as well as their conference have a while ways to go before they can be considered with college football’s best teams.

Fiesta Bowl The No. 6 Boise Broncos defeated the No. 4 Texas Christian University Horned Frogs 17-10 in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The game was all about defense, but it came from the unexpected team.

TCU, ranked first for its defense, was outshined by Boise State’s defense. This was demonstrated in the first quarter when the Broncos intercepted the ball for a 51 yard touchdown and held the Horned Frogs to only 36 rushing yards, compared to their average 265.5 yards per game, and 308 total yards, compared to their average 469 total yards per game.

The Horned Frogs struggled to put points on the board for the first quarter while Boise State scored a touchdown, leaving the score 7-0. TCU finally scored a touchdown on a 30 yard pass in the second quarter and a field goal in the beginning of the third leaving the score tied at 10-10. For the remainder of the third quarter, the game experienced a stalemate where both offenses had few successful plays.

Boise State won the game with a risky fake punt in the fourth quarter on 4th and 9. Tight end Kyle Efaw received the pass for 29 yards, which eventually turned into a twoyard rushing touchdown by Doug Martin after only three plays.

Boise State ranks 4th overall, their highest ranking in history, due to this victory. They defeated TCU’s top 4 offense and outshined the best defense in the land. TCU’s perfect season ended while Boise State finished the year with an undefeated,14-0 season.

SPORTS

January 26, 2010

27

Should captains be chosen by vote or coaches?

You jog out onto the field, wearing an armband displaying a large “C”. You begin to lead the team in stretches, give a quick pep talk and walk over to the sides for the coin flip, proudly fulfilling your duties as the coveted captain. The game starts and you score the first goal; you’re confident you’ve earned the position.

But did you really?

The position of captain is usually reserved for a deserving athlete who is able to lead a team to victory on and off the field. They are either selected by a team consensus or are chosen solely by the coach.

Some teams decide their captains with a vote by the entire team. This seems like a reasonable selection process; much like our government, those being governed should decide who governs them.

But an athletic team isn’t a democracy; in fact, it’s more like a dictatorship. Teams don’t take a vote on the drills they do, how long they have practice, when they hit the weight room or how difficult their sets are, so what authority do they have to decide their captains?

Although a player may not always agree with a coach’s decision, the choices they make are for the good of the team and he is the only one that can be entrusted with the task of deciding such an important position.

Captains who have earned the popular vote of their fellow players may be well liked and well received by their teammates, but they m a y also lack the responsibility to truly unite their team.

Coaches choosing captains eliminates the possibility of the decision being a popularity contest.

Coaches usually select their captains on the basis of merit as opposed to likeability, and this is just how it should be.

Northview golf coach Mr. Andy Roth chooses his captain with input from the previous year’s graduating seniors.

“Voting for captain usually becomes a popularity contest, especially for freshmen, who are brand new to the team and just vote for who they’ve been hanging out with the most,” he said. “I select a captain based on dependability, level of experience, communication skills and overall personality.”

Students (especially on sports teams beyond the high school level) are capable of making a wise captain decision based on these factors, but they shouldn’t be entrusted with the job.

Certain teams have adapted a system where seniors automatically become captain during their final year.

As a senior myself, I am a huge advocate of seniority, but in terms of captain selections, this old adage shouldn’t apply.

In fact, the position of captain should be awarded to the most deserving player, whether he be a freshman or a senior. Typically, captain positions are held by upperclassmen, but the position should not be reserved solely for seniors. If a junior has exhibited more drive than a particular senior, why not commend them for their efforts?

The position of captain is one that should be taken seriously, and one that should be earned - with talent, not age.

Seniors who have been given the title automatically or by a popular vote are not necessarily unqualified for unworthy, but it seems most prudent for the coach to be the one who decides a team’s captain.

-Sarah Squillante

Peyton Manning, Kobe Bryant, Derek Jeter, Tim Tebow, Jake Amstel. All of these athletes have two things in common. They are all considered the captains of their respective teams and are all good at it.

But what truly makes someone the leader of his or her team?

Is it their willingness to sacrifice for the better of the team? Is it a characteristic to control a large group of players? Or maybe being able to set a good example that anyone would be willing to follow?

There may not be one true way to define a leader or one true way to decide who will make a good leader. But the truth may lie within the locker room. The teammates that make up the locker room who see each other every day and know everybody as well as they know themselves.

The people on a team know who leads them.

They know who will step up in a time of need. And they are the ones who know who will sacrifice the most in order for a team goal.

On a sports team, you can end up spending more time with your teammates than anyone else.

You end up sharing experiences with them and in the process hold special bonds.

As a coach, you can end up getting lost in the mix. There is a certain distance that comes between players and coaches, which is just natural. When you are a coach, it is impossible to produce as close of a bond with your players compared to the relationships amongst players.

Coaches should not choose the captains of the teams but rather the players should choose. As a player, it is obvious who is the leader. They put the team before themselves and control the locker room.

As a player, it becomes too easy to be able to lie in front of coaches and put on a false personality. Players can act like captains when the coach is around and hearing what they’re saying.

But these types of players cannot avoid seeing teammates all the time. They can appear as leaders in front of coaches but when it comes down to it, they break under the pressure when called upon.

Another way to depict this is to compare a sports team to a much larger picture.

In the United States, we are able to pick our president.

We are able to choose who leads us in some of the most important decisions for our nation. The same type of concept could be applied to any sports team. The players being citizens should choose who leads them. The coach should not have a say in deciding who leads the team.

The decision of captain can be very difficult for a team but ultimately should be left to the players.

Although a coach may take the matter into his own hands, it would be impossible to make the right choice unless the coach is directly involved in every team activity.

In the end it should be the right of the players.

-Brian Wadsworth

28

January 26, 2010

SPORTSVIEW

Northview Dance Team

sport switch

with Addison Hirschfeld and Yianni Papadimos

A trip to the Northview cafeteria for us usually consists of a chicken patty, plain bagel with cream cheese and two cookies.

Perspiration meets us halfway through our meal; it’s just the nature of the beast. We have had to ask ourselves recently: who else sweats in that cafeteria?

Last week, our salty excretions hit the c a fet e r i a f l o o r in the form of pirouettes and “shaking what our mothers gave us.” Last week, we practiced with the NV Dance Team.

It was a cold and biting January night as we approached the side door to the cafeteria. We knew as much about dancing as a catfish knows about the Guitar Hero video game series. Through the lunchroom doors we walked, with our minds open to learn and our heads held high. We were not sure that we would leave the same way.

After some strange looks, giggling and cautious movements, one of the dancers approached us.

“What are you doing here?” asked senior Morgan Melchert.

“We’re here for dance practice,” we responded, as if we were veterans of the squad.

We tried as best as we could to follow suit as the girls began folding up the lunch tables and moving them to the sides of the cafeteria. This eliminated our theory that they danced on said tables.

ve that one,” “You didn’t need to move said junior Amanda Metcalf as wee folded up a table that was clearly in no one’s way but our own.

As a team, we then circled up and prepared to warm up.

Before we could even lace up our sneakers, Coach Kelly Szparka had us begin 100 jumping jacks.

W e

thought t o ourselves, “Okay.

Nothing t o o difficult.”

We were sweating by 30 and by 60 our calves were ready to be served on a platter as tender meat.

Breaking into a light sweat, we thought the hardest part was over.

Stretching ensued after jumping jacks to ensure that our bodies were notably limber and ready to dance. A sequence of stretches led to us trying to do “the splits” and falling over at the attempt of another.

Realizing that many objectives had to be complete that night, we cut the warm up session short and jumped straight into our first dance: Pom, one of the team’s newest numbers.

Agreeing best dancers were positioned in the back, we situated ourselves near the rear of the formation and prepared to

move. So we danced.

That is, the girls danced while we flopped seven to four beats behind hoping to imitate their movements.

Based on their performance, one could assume that the team had been working on this difficult dance for several months. Surprisingly, they h a d learned it only two days prior to our arrival on the scene.

After being taught a new part of the routine, we and the girls traveled into unchartered waters. Learning all the correct steps and counts seemed relatively easy. Deceptively easy. Once it was time to turn the music on and run it full speed, we stuck out like penguins at an old folks’ home.

All the time we had spent on what seemed like a large part of the dance flew by in seconds.

Yet, it would take more than a few strikes to knock us out of the game.

We continued practicing and low and behold, we began to grasp the moves, keeping somewhat in sync with the girls.

However, any move described as above basic sent us into head spins and put us farther behind.

Tired of flopping around on the floors we eat on, we and the girls excitedly repositioned ourselves to the gym where

many of their performances occur during half time of the Varsity B a s ket b a l l games.

T h i s gave us more room to move, but our ability to dance was still nonexistent. Once in the gym, we changed themes and jumped into the team’s hip-hop performance. It was debatably one of the hardest dances to learn, yet certainly the most fun. Our hips hopped madly to the rhythms of MC Hammer and C+C Music Factory all while the girls actually danced.

As if Hip-Hop was not hard enough, Coach Szparka and the rest of the team had us attempt a dance called Kick. It consisted of a series of kicks. Many kicks. They might as well have doused us in peanut butter and thrown us to the golden retrievers.

With Kick as the power note to end on, we said goodbye.

The difficulty we faced while practicing w i t h the NV Dance Team exceeded our expectations. The girls on the team are incredibly flexible and great at learning routines and performing them in little time. Dances are performed at a very fast pace, which was the biggest challenge we faced.

We can honestly say that the performance of a full dance left us out of breath.

In an attempt to keep up with the conditioned girls, we ended up making ourselves look even more uncoordinated than we actually are. The soreness of our calves and the degradation of our pride could not stop us from walking out of the cafeteria doors the same way I entered. Compared to dance practice, eating my lunch is a piece of cake.