Volume 83: Issue 9

The

STUDENT

Sylvania Northview Volume 83 Issue #9 March 31, 2009

Prints >> page 3

TOP NEWS STORIES PEEK INSIDE

Theistic Therapy goes to state conference

Science Olympiad places 2nd

Parking lot problems >> page 4

Photo Courtesy of Mr. Andy Roth PREPARING FOR THEIR FORENSICS LAB are junior John Holler and senior Ricky Gerding. The duo competed in this activity at the Kenston Tournament on March 21. The Science Olympiad team performed exceptionally well at this tournament, finishing second overall.

Staff Writer

Ever wonder if infomercials tell the truth? >> page 9

Boys and girls track off to a quick start

Northview’s Science Olympians created history March 7 at the Northwest Regional Competition, placing second overall. The team qualified to States, which will be held on April 18 in Columbus at The Ohio State Campus.

Students arrived on The Ohio State Lima Campus at 8a.m. to compete against 30 teams in 23 events. Events tested knowledge in life science, earth and space science, physics and chemistry related science, technology and engineering, and inquiry of science. The top three scorers in each event were awarded medals.

NV’s science team outshined rivaling teams, medaling in ten events. Those placing first at the competition included junior Haley Armstrong and sophomore Serena Chang in Cell Biology, juniors Katherine Chang and Connor McEwen in Chemistry Lab and

Technical Problem Solving, senior Mischa Muqaddam and freshman Jennifer Deng in It’s About Time, and freshman Adeel Tausif and sophomore Tim Sundberg in Dynamic Planet.

“We worked really hard after the first tournament and I felt we were well prepared for the regional test,” said Armstrong, “I was really happy with a first place.”

NV also received a silver medal in Physics Lab, conducted by McEwen and Muqaddam and earned two bronze medals in Fossils conducted by sophomores Nick Smith and Serena Chang, Junkyard Challenge carried out by seniors Andrew Muelheisen and Muqaddam, and Astronomy conducted by junior Levi Jasper and Sundberg.

“Even though we weren’t in AP Physics, we prepared well enough for the event to beat teams that had taken that class,” said Muqaddam, “It just goes to show that hard work really pays off.”

In preparation for the upcoming State

tournament, Science Olympians attended the Kenston Tournament March 21 to face some of the top teams in the nation.

Competitors came from areas as far as New York and teams brought as many as 30 students to compete.

NV’s team failed to place in the top three, but still came out with several top finishes. Among those that placed in the top six were Armstrong and Serena Chang placing sixth in Cell Biology, Armstrong and Jasper placing fifth in Disease Detectives, and senior Sweta Rao and junior Courtney Tipton placing fourth in Health Science.

The team of McEwen and Katherine Chang rounded off the day placing second in Chemistry Lab and first in Technical Problem Solving, medaling in each event.

“I couldn’t be happier with the results of this tournament,” said advisor Mr. Andrew Roth, “We faced not only the top teams in the state, but in the nation and still managed to place well.”

The National French Honor Society NV students inducted, certificates awarded

>> pages 11

SECTIONS News >> 1 Opinions >> 4 Features >> 7 Sports >> 10 WEATHER Today High 56 Low 36 Tomorrow High 49 Low 33 TThursday High 52 Low 34

News Editor L’homme que sait deux langues en vaut deux! This phrase, which translates to, The man who knows two languages has the voice of two men, was said by each new member of the National French Honors Society.

The banquet for the new members being inducted into the National French Honors Society (NFHS) was held on March 25 in the cafeteria. This is the second year that Northview has been involved with the NFHS, according to French teacher Ms. Kim Gogel.

“After two years it’s still great to be able to add new students due to their excellent academic performance in the French Language,” said Ms. Gogel.

In order for a student to be inducted into the NFHS they had to meet three requirements. The first requirement was that the students needed to be in their fourth semester of French. The second was that the students had to have an “A” average in their French class and a “B” average in all there other classes. The third was that the students becoming members had to be either a sophomore, junior, or senior. However some freshmen could possibly be inducted if they still met the other requirements.

The NFHS aims to stimulate interests in the study of French, to promote high standards of scholarship, and to reward scholastic achievements. This organization also aims to promote and perpetuate inter-

Photo Courtesy of Ms. Gogel NORTHVIEW STUDENTS WERE INDUCTED into the National French Honor Society on March 25. In order to be inducted, students had to meet three requirements including grades and age. national friendship and to reward efforts toward furthering solidarity in the Frenchspeaking world, according to Mrs. Mary Goodwin Seniors who are members of the society will recieve a seal that will be placed on their diploma. The seal they recieve is similar to that of the National Honor Society’s seal. On the seal is the phrase Fleur-de-lys and a picture of the French rooster. The name of the society is also on the seal.

After a short opening speech from Mrs. Goodwin, the ceremony began. Each new member was asked to stand on the stage in the cafeteria so the induction could begin.

The traditional saying of a French phrase and the torch of knowledge was passed to each new member.

“I’m very happy to have accepted this award,” said sophomore Betty Cloutier.

“I’m glad to see all my hard work with the language has paid off.”

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News

March 31, 2009 In brief

P.E.A.C.E. Project sells bracelets Staff Writer P.E.A.C.E, also known as Protect Every Abused Child Everywhere, is a group of Northview students who mentor other students from Sylvania schools and promote awareness about abuse.

P.E.A.C.E is selling wristbands to raise awareness of abuse. They are leather wristbands, unlike the stretchy Livestrong bracelets, and will cost around $6.

“I think the bracelets will help promote awareness,” said senior Megan Dorner. “If someone is wearing it, someone is bound to ask what it’s for. Eventually, the word will be spread.”

The group of about 20 NV students meets once every few weeks for one period during school. They spend most of their time planning to mentor children.

In addition, they will be traveling to the Sylvania junior highs and elementary schools to give presentations about respect according to junior Hail Nowak.

The members will then mentor and encourage the students who may be struggling in school and have problems at home. Also, they will perform a skits that will demonstrate positive behavior and how it can affect others.

“Abuse happens a lot and in many different forms. It is important to spread awareness because the abuse needs to stop,” said Dorner.

The group was started three years ago at NV and Southview. Now, there are P.E.A.C.E organizations all over the country. Their goal is to make kids feel good about themselves and have a positive attitudes while spreading awareness about child abuse. Also, memebers try to make those who are made fun of feel good about themselves and know that people care about them, according to Dorner.

“I enjoy being in P.E.A.C.E because I love helping the other students,” said Nowak. “It is really rewarding to see how I can help affect someone’s life for the better.”

Music Dept. heads to States Staff Writer Northview’s Music department showed off its skills in competitions this past month. On March 7, the NV choirs left at 7 a.m. to arrive at Archibold High School by 8:30 am for the district competition.

All choirs were required to perform and sight-read a piece for a judge.

Women’s Chorus received a II in class C, Symphonic Black and Gold achieved a I in class B, A Capella men’s chorus received a I in class A, and A Capella women’s chorus received a II in class AA. A Capella men’s and women’s chorus also combined to achieve a I in class AA. When all the ratings were given, the choirs arrived back at NV by 3 p.m.

“I’m very proud of the choirs,” said Ms. Gallahue. “Their hard work and dedication was rewarded at contest.”

The Symphonic and Concert band also did well at the district competition held at Southview. Having only an hour to perform all of their pieces, the Concert band, directed by Mr. Mark Kroll, received a II in class D, featuring soloist freshman Brittany White on the flute.

“Being my first solo, it was pretty nerve-wrecking,” said White. “But it was a lot of fun.”

The Symphonic Band, directed by Mr. Eugene Bohland, received a II in class B. One of their pieces was supposed to feature a solo played by sophomore Paige Ankney on the oboe, but due to Ankney’s illness, sophomore Courtney Gilliland played it instead.

Penny war hits the halls Staff Writer The stage in the cafeteria was filled with milk jugs for the Penny War which started March 9 and lasted through March 17.

Each first hour class competed to win a free breakfast.

To win, students put pennies in their first hour teacher’s milk jug for positive points and silver coins and dollars in other teacher’s jugs for negative points.

At the end of the week all the money was counted and the winner was announced at the end of the day March 23.

This was the fourth time Northview has had a Penny War, they raised $370 dollars this year, according to Mrs. Wanda Snyder.

The money raised went towards a conference that the Exploring Careers in Education students attended on the weekend of March 28 at Kent State University. The conference was for Future Educators of America.

Mrs. Snyder was in charge of the Penny War this year and is an Early Childhood Education teacher.

The winning class was Mrs. Karen Turley’s first period Geometry double block class. Her first hour class will receive a breakfast on April 1, and no that is not an April Fools joke. Mrs. Youngs’ class came in second, only trailing by $4 and Miss Petersen’s first hour was a close third The breakfast includes pancakes, waffles, scrambled eggs, and much more.

Junior Carmen Watson took a leadership role in the class. She is also in Early Childhood and prompted the rest of her class to help out for a good cause.

When asked why she got so involved in the Penny War Watson said “I am very competitive so I wanted to win.”

“She went around the classroom each morning collecting pennies from her classmates,” said Mrs. Turley.

“This was very important to me because I am involved in the program too. Its nice to know that my leadership helped my class win,” said Watson. “Also the free breakfast was an added bonus.”

Sam Weisman ADDING TO THE PENNY WAR JARS are seniors Ryan Yockey, Andrew Simpson, and Charlie Rollins. The money collected from the Penny Wars went towards an Early Childhood education conference.

SPADE competes at States Features Editor After a six-month season of hard work and dedication, the Northview Speech and Debate Team (SPADE) finally competed at the Ohio State Speech League’s State Competition.

From March 5 to 7 at Mason High School the team worked through many rounds, competing against the best competition in both speech and debate in the state of Ohio.

NV had the most qualifiers from any school in the entire Tarhe Trails District area, with 14 participants total, according to assistant coach Mr. Grant Christensen.

The team of sophomore Kelvin Lui and freshman Moe Dean qualified for the State Competition in Policy Debate, and competed in five rounds.

Also competing in Policy Debate was senior John Boudouris and junior SPADE Vice President John Holler, who were one point away from making the prestigious Quarter Final round, according to tournament records. The two teams debated the pros and cons of using alternate energy sources.

Two NV teams competed in Public Forum Debate where they argued the pros and cons of the No Child Left Behind Act. Adding to their National Tournament

Qualification, seniors Alex and Sam Gross made it all the way to the Octa-Final round, ultimately placing eleventh in the state. The team of senior Jennifer Post and junior Alyse Rogerson also competed in Public Forum Debate.

“I was really happy with how we did, but I would have liked to have done better,” said Sam Gross. “Now, we are starting to prepare and work really hard to get ready for Nationals.”

NV had the most qualifiers from any school in the entire Tarhe Trails District area, with 14 participants total Senior Kelly King and junior SPADE President Elizabeth Schwartz competed in a newer category, Student Congress, modeled after real Congressional sessions. Although the two did not have to qualify to compete in Congress, Schwartz advanced to the final round in a category she had previously never competed in, placing tenth out of 149 speakers, according to tournament records.

“I was one of the only ones at the State tournament to have not done Congress before,” said Schwartz. “Thus, I was so shocked and happy to make it to the final round. It was amazing.”

In the Speech events, junior Courtney Tipton was extremely close to advancing into the Quarter Final round of Dramatic Interpretation, a category that focuses on acting. Tipton competed against 47 total State Qualifiers using the piece Shakespeare for My Father.

Junior Haley Nelson was a Quarterfinalist in Original Oratory, a category with 44 state qualifiers. She placed thirteenth in the state, only one point away from making the Semifinal round.

Competing for her first time at the State level was junior Sarah Fatemi, who competed in four guaranteed rounds of Impromptu Speaking.

Senior Adam Cesarz and sophomore Viktor Barricklow competed in Duo, a speech category with 46 qualifiers. The pair were Quarterfinalists in their first year participating in SPADE, using the energetic piece, The History of Mankind.

“As a whole the team improved so much from last year,” said Schwartz. “We had so many more people break to highlevel rounds and we couldn’t have wrapped up the season in a better way.”

The State Competition was hosted by Mason High School; a large school near Cincinnati where each qualifier competed in at least four rounds of competition.

Hundreds of students qualified to states in the thirteen total speech and debate categories, filling up both the high school and intermediate school at Mason.

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NEWS Thespians attend states Staff Writer Over this past weekend, the Northview thespians attended the Ohio Educational Theatre Association Conference at Beavercreek High School in Dayton. Students left March 27 for the annual weekend-long conference and got back on the afternoon of March 29.

Ohio EdTA puts on the program every year in order to increase students skills and knowledge in theatre arts, according to their website. The conference includes performances from schools all around the state and classes for students and gives students a chance to grow as theatre participants. This year’s conference theme was “Livin’ It Up” and scheduled a weekend full of workshops, ranging from improv and lighting to costume design and scene painting.

Not only were the NV thespians invited, but all students interested in theatre were allowed to attend as well.

The conference “exposes our students to productions outside Northview as well as opportunities to attend workshops to improve skills and a variety of production skills,” said theatre director Mr. Don Wachowiak.

This year NV took the one-act Theistic Therapy to the conference to be performed at the event. The play, written and directed by sophomore Yianni Papadimos, features a number of students in a comic portrayal of the Greek Gods undertaking therapeutic counseling. “State thespian conference was something else,” said Papadimos.

“No matter what happened, I had a blast performing.”

Papadimos’ one act was eligible for a state performance due to the quality of his work and the cast’s performance at the Winter One Act Festival. All one acts performed were judged by attending teachers and the top scorers were then asked to attend states. Besides the Papadimos original, juniors Michael Stebing’s Escape from Home and Sarah Fatemi’s You Can’t Have Theatre without a little bit of Drama were also able to be performed at states. The shows could not be performed, however, because some of the cast members were unable to attend due to prior obligations.

As a member of The International Thespian Society, NV thespians are exposed to the larger world of theatre. To become a part of the prestigious group, theatre participants accumulate points by participating in theatre, whether inside or outside school. Prospective students are required to acquire ten points for induction, five of which must be acquired from the school to which they attend, according to the NV theatre website. Points can be earned through excellent work during a production, participation in full-length shows or one-acts in either acting or business, and participation in children’s, community or professional theatre.

NV thespians are inducted in a ceremony at the end of every school year.

According to the EdTA website, some two million people have been inducted into the organization since its beginning in 1929.

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March 31, 2009

BPA places well at states; nationals in sight for many Staff Writer The Business Professionals of America (BPA) traveled to Columbus to compete in the BPA state competition on March 12 and 13. The BPA consists of Northview Business Technology and Interactive Media classes.

According to Interactive media teacher Ms. Tami Blue, students qualified for states by competing at the regional competition at Clay High School on January 27.

Placing in the top ten in their competition for Business Tech was senior Tim Goss in Prepared Speech and seniors Eric Brown, Steven Camp, Haley Lancaster and John Jerabek in Global Marketing. Placing in the top ten in their competition from Interactive Media was junior Britney Lupica in Digital Media.

A select few students who were highly ranked in the state competition will be participating in the National Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas May 6-10. These students include senior Ziad Burkett who placed third in Advanced Spreadsheet and seniors Paul Broer, Jimmy Dow and Alex Gross who placed first as a Small Business Management Team.

“I am proud of how everyone did,” said Gross. “In Small Business Management, ten minutes determines how you are going to do at States. The pressure was like a giant weight on my chest as I fought for our rightful place at Nationals.”

Many other students competed in multiple different categories at the states competition. From Business Tech, juniors Jessica

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Briddell SENIORS Alex Gross, Paul Broer, Jimmy Dow, and Ziad Burkett pose for a picture at the Business Professionals of America State competition after all qualifying for the National Competition. Gross, Broer, and Dow placed first as a Small Business Management Team and Burkett placed third in Advanced Spreadsheet.

Coyle, Cassie Clark, Georgiana Rumman and Hannah Shafransky competed in Presentation Management.

“It was really exciting going to states this year as a junior. It was a great experience, and hopefully I will make it again next year as a senior, too,” said Coyle.

From Interactive Media juniors Brendan

Connelly and Amanda Edwards competed in Desktop Publishing.

In the individual competitions, senior Tim Bodie competed in Entrepreneurship, senior Josh Brint and junior Scott Goellnitz in Integrated Office Applications, and senior Michael Epstein in Advanced Interview Skills.

Sophomores fundraise for Mom’s House Staff Writer Lending a helping hand in the community, the sophomore class had a fundraiser for Mom’s House March 2-11.

Mom’s House is an organization that provides many necessities to single mothers who have not finished high school and are working toward finishing their education, according to sophomore class advisor Mr. Perry Lefevre.

Students were asked to bring in items for

the collection such as school supplies, baby items such as diapers and wipes, clothes, toys and gift and gas cards.

“While the drive was not as successful as past years, many useful items were still collected,” said Mr. Lefevre. “There was a significant amount of gas and gift cards collected.”

The collection took place in first period classes. The class with the largest amount of items collected was rewarded with a free breakfast provided by the sophomore class government.

Mrs. Tami Blue’s first period Interac-

NV art accepted into Governor’s Exhibit Co-Editor in Chief Twenty-one Northview artists were selected to send their artwork to the Governor’s Youth Art Exhibit regional show.

The artwork was chosen by a panel of judges on March 7 at Bowling Green High School. Once the artwork was chosen, it was sent back to the creator to be framed.

After it was framed and properly packaged, the artwork was taken by NV art teacher Mr. Ryan Creech to the Regional Exhibition at the Woodland Mall in Bowling Green according to art teacher Mrs. Terri Seal-Roth.

The artwork in the Regional Exhibition included work from 3D, Intermediate 2D and 3D, and Honors Senior Studio 2D and 3D classes.

The artwork ranged from drawings, ceramics, paintings, photography, and computer art.

At the Regional Exhibition, art was chosen for the State Exhibition. Three NV artist’s were selected including senior Jackie Walz’s charcoal piece Police Line, senior Ella Chiantis’ ceramic box Octa Shell Roots, and junior Shannon Parcell’s scratchboard Wings of 100 Stars.

“I’m really excited to have a piece in the Governor’s Show as it was the first time I entered anything into this show,” said Chiantis.

The state pieces were sent to Columbus to be displayed at the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower from April 19 through May 14, according to Mrs. Seal-Roth. There is an awards ceremony and luncheon on April 19.

“This is the first time something like this has happened to me so I am pretty excited,” said Walz. “My mom is making me go to the awards ceremony” If not chosen for the State Exhibition, the artwork stayed in Bowling Green and was part of the Regional Exhibition that was held from March 18 through March 29.

tive Media I class won the breakfast, which consisted of muffins, bagels, and juice. The breakfast took place on March 24.

“I have to give most of the credit to Mrs. Blue who brought in a good portion of the items,” said senior Faith Latorre. “Our class worked hard to earn this breakfast because we really wanted it. The food provided by class government was really good.”

“It was great to be able to help those in need at Mom’s House,” said sophomore class representative Mackenzie Reeves. “It was satisfying to know we were able to help others and make a difference.”

Med Tech competes in Columbus Staff Writer Select Med Tech juniors and seniors from both Northview and Southview traveled to Columbus on March 25 and 26 to compete at the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) National Leadership Conference.

Students taking gold included senior Alyssa Darah, the team of juniors Taylor Heninger, Becca Turley and SV junior Eric Fisher, and the team of SV seniors Harry Shaddy and Ryan Tropp. Receiving silver were the team of seniors JT Bowens, Stephan Vizina and junior Elle Achil and the team of juniors Jessica DeBelly and Jessica Collins. Junior Wendy Wisniewski received a bronze medal.

Students could also run for state officer positions. Juniors Kate Mutchler and Alyse Rogerson ran for positions and were voted into Vice President and Treasurer for the state of Ohio, respectively.

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March 31, 2009

OPINIONS

School is for learning, not earning “H”s When you stop to think about it, our idea of “learning” has really become ridiculous. Our view of school and education at Northview has gotten much too far out of hand.

Students play the system to get the highest grades, while the system inherently puts pressure on students to achieve a high class-rank. Everyone worries so much about whether she got the H or whether he or she attained a quarter GPA high enough to jump up a couple ranks in the class, that it seems we all have forgotten why we come to school everyday.

Unless I am mistaken, high school is a place where students are supposed to make the mistakes, to experiment with options and to test plans for the future before college. We come to NV to learn, above all other reasons. We learn about the world around us and we learn about ourselves.

However, with the entire system of class rankings, many students are stuck in a stressful place. Even making the smallest mistake seems catastrophic, so many do not attempt to branch out.

Often students are forced to cut out a class that only awards them with an “A”.

They need to keep their class ranking up and their GPAs unburdened by scores less than 5.0s. Others will only take Advanced Placement and Honors classes, because their only goal is being at the top of the class.

This, however, is foolish. High school is a place where the student with multiple interests can learn that maybe they are not cut out to be an artist, but realize that a career in law would be perfect for their talents. We

test ideas and goals; we test our dreams for the future. Before it actually costs big money at college, students need to experiment with options and different courses.

Furthermore, many NV students, for example, have wondered if a career in music would best fit them. However, most music classes at NV only award students regular As, thus some students who want to get into good colleges would never dare to take such classes. Thus, these concerned individuals wait until they knock on the door of their major college to find out that maybe music isn’t really the best career path for them. Wouldn’t it have been nice to find this out in high school, where it does not cost a load of money to find out that you are woefully out of place?

Sticking to the basic schedule of taking the minimum amount of classes with the highest likelihood of getting Honors credit teaches us nothing. There is nothing wrong with wanting to achieve and do great at school, but are students truly learning?

Learning, as in actually changing, understanding and benefiting from having knowledge’s breadth expanded? Or, are many simply in it for the sheer grade, forgetting that an education is about understanding the world and therefore ourselves? An education is intended to prepare students for the future and for a life beyond the desk, but I

am not so sure that many meaningful jobs require the worker to speed through tasks superficially without actually caring about what they are doing. To make it in the real world, one needs to learn and grow from their experiences, a mindset absent in our “grade-o-centric” student culture.

Surely, the student body sounds terrible.

Nevertheless, however awful this gaming of the system may be, can we really blame these students? With so much pressure to have an astronomically high GPA, it almost seems illogical to take regular classes. Who wants to lower their GPA with regular As or find out that they were not cut out for drafting, receiving a B? Sure, this is a learning experience, but it can seriously hamper a person’s future and likelihood of getting into a topnotch college.

Thus, students need to change their mindsets about learning and the district should as well by abolishing the valedictorian and salutatorian ranking system. Like many other schools in the area, students should be rewarded by what category their GPA falls into. High achieving students with the highest range of GPAs could graduate summa cum laude, magna cum laude or cum laude, a great honor. This gives students a chance to reach a high range of academic achievement.

Students need to change their mindsets about learning and the district should abolish the valedictorian and salutatorian ranking system.

In this way, the pressure is alleviated.

There is room to make some mistakes and to experiment, because no one has to worry about class ranks anymore. Students can strive to graduate in a top category of grades.

By trying to graduate summa cum laude, students do not have to compete amongst each other for top positioning; results are completely based on the individual.

Students have room to make mistakes on their way to unraveling their future. One can take that regular drama class or experiment with AP Conceptual Physics. Because education is so much more than the grade, let’s take the pressure off the grade.

This will also help to change the mindset of many students. High school will begin to cease being all about grades and transform into a place where we can truly learn and grow.

Students need to remember what a high school education is truly about and change their mindset from working just for the grade. There is nothing wrong with working for high grades, but take something away from every class. Learn something.

The grade is not the most important aspect of one’s education; adapting and growing as an individual rank much higher.

And, take a second and stop. Truly stop, reflect and think about every single thing you have learned and hope to learn. You may actually discover just what you came to school looking for.

Yourself.

Because education is so much more than the grade. ~Haley Nelson

Parking lot courtesy: Use your own spot Parking lot courtesy is something that Northview students lack undeniably and becomes more evident every week. I am not talking about the “everyone for themselves” attitude that causes student drivers to cut off or fail to let people out of spots and into the infamous exit lines, because I am surely guilty of that as well. I am talking about the number of students who fail to park in their assigned spots.

Being a transfer student, and taking a Visual Communication and Design class at Southview for my first two periods, my parking appears open and unused.

However, I do not use my spot until third period when I arrive at NV to finish the rest of my day. I already stare at my sad reflection in the pane of glass on the band room doors because they are forever locked by the time I reach school. Then I trudge my way through ice, snow or rain around the building to the front doors. The walk from my parking spot to the front doors is long enough in the blistery cold or pouring rain, let alone when someone fails to follow rules and parks in my spot. The common occurrence of my parking spot being taken when I myself need to use it, has been over the last three months.

Approximately three days out of the five day school week, I drive up Silica and into the lot and find that my rectangle piece of asphalt has already found itself a new resident, another car. For the first few times, I said, “Okay no big deal, maybe

they just thought I was sick. A car will not be there tomorrow.” However, by the fifth time that my spot had been occupied by another vehicle, I began to feel less calm and collected. By not parking in the assigned spot that they were graciously given, these students caused my spot to be even further away from the school doors and my walk even longer in the frigid cold.

“It is not everyday that someone parks in my spot,” said senior Hannah Shinharl, “but it has happened one too many times and it was annoying.

People need to appreciate the fact that they even get the privilege to drive to school.”

It is only common courtesy to park where you are supposed to be assigned. At the beginning of the year, when spots are handed out, students pay $30 for a pass and an assigned space. The Wildcat shaped passes are marked with a specific number, indicating the spot you should be in. How would you feel if someone was taking something that you had paid for? To put it honestly and bluntly, it is irritating and rude to have paid for a certain parking spot and then have someone else use your purchased space while you have to circle the lot in search of new destination.

“Everyday it is a near fight to get out of

the parking lot,” said senior Noel Luther, “I used to get a pull through spot making my exit safer and faster, until cars started parking in other spots, spots that used to be vacant by the time school is over.”

The Northview Agenda book clearly states “Students must park in the assigned number spot that is the same as their parking hangtag.” So even if you are not one for courtesy, then you are bound by school rules and will receive parking tickets.

“Tickets start at $5 and increase to $10 and $15 for the first three offenses,” said parking lot coordinator Tracy Creque.

“The fourth and fifth offenses become Saturday schools and then eventually the loss of a parking pass.”

Keep in mind not following the rules, will not just hurt your ability to drive to school but it will also lighten your wallet.

“It might seem like I am just being knit picky, but the fact is that people are not following rules and making it difficult for everyone else in the parking lot. So it makes me start to wonder why I should follow the rules,” says Luther.

Although students parking in other people’s spots is most prevalent on the NV grounds, I also have many visitors and student teachers park in my spot, or at

By parking in a spot other than your own, you are basically stealing what someone else has purchased.

Top 20 things Andrew loves Several people have recently accused me of having too many negative views on things.

“Why can’t you write something positive for once?” they ask me. The real Andrew Miller is a fun and happy guy, and to prove this, I thought I would list 20 things I love and explain why I enjoy them.

20. Dollar Menus- Got a buck? You’re in luck! Considering that is all I usually have in my wallet, the dollar menu is awesome.

19. Napping- After eating a Hot Pocket, my nap allows my mind and body to rest and regenerate.

18. Frugality- Thrifty, not wasteful; the lifestyle for me.

17. Staplers- The stapler’s precision and durability makes it the most superior office utensil.

16. Rube Goldberg Machines- They make completing everyday tasks 100 times better, while keeping simple-minded people like me entertained.

15. Sporks- Best of both worlds, now if only they made the Fospnife.

14. Northview Alma Mater- The melody penetrates my soul and leaves my body tingling.

13. Good and Plenties- Their name explains it all, I keep an emergency stash in case of a nuclear war.

12. Crazy Straws- It’s like a maze that you always solve, but honestly, they are more fun to watch than actually use.

11. Hypothesizing on how the world will end- Alien invasion, giant meteor, rabieinfested Nazi squirrels, I don’t care, I just want to be there.

10. The feeling of Pop Tarts on my face- Don’t judge me.

9. Shaquille O’ Neal movies- Kazaam!!

8. Panhandlers- Worth a laugh and maybe a nickel.

7. Armadillos- Will they ever accept me as one of their own?

6. Discovery Zone- What to do first? The ball pit? The monkey bars? The weird conveyor belt from the future?

5. Michael Dorsey- His positive outlook on life, mastery of the trombone profession and pointless stories make my day complete.

4. Microwaves- Saving the ordinary male from starvation since 1945.

3. Where’s Waldo- He’s right next to the cake-eating donkey wearing a sombrero!!

2. Hot Cheese Machines- OHHHHH yeah. That’s all that needs to be said.

1. The Student Prints- The place where ideas are allowed to run free and disperse into the student body, The Student Prints is an unstoppable force. ~ Andrew Miller

least it seems because there is no indication of a Wildcat parking tag. Besides students and student teachers, I have even found a friendly and apologetic Dr. Rieger, the Superintendent, in my spot on one occasion, who kindly shook my hand and jokingly offered to move my vehicle back for me.

I understand that NV’s visitor parking is basically nonexistent, but if you are a visitor or student teacher that makes frequent and long stays at NV, you need to inquire about where else to park.

“Parking in spots other than your designated are makes my job more difficult, I constantly have to go out and tell people to move their cars or write tickets,” said Creque. “People who need somewhere to park can easily come into the office and talk to me. I am more than happy to tell people where to park. I can find a spot, whether it is an empty spot, or if a student is absent. ” By parking in a spot other than your own, you are basically stealing what someone else has purchased. Offenders are intruding on the piece of space that others have essentially rented from school. So as the school year continues on, the student drivers at NV have a chance to redeem themselves and be courteous to others by parking where they are assigned. Student teachers and staff have a chance as well, all you need to do is inquire and ask where you should park so you can avoid taking a student’s spot. ~ Kelsey McCoy

Sylvania Northview High School 5403 Silica Drive Sylvania, Ohio 43560 2008-2009 Co-Editors-In-Chief: Max Filby & Elizabeth Strick Advisor: Sarah Huey News Editor: Haley Hofbauer Photo Editor: Sam Weisman Features Editors: Haley Nelson & Yelena Zhernovskiy Sports Editors: Alexx Klein & Joe Mehling Opinions Editor: Sarah Squillante Business Editor: Jackie Walz Staff Writers: Katherine Chang, Taylor Dreps, Sarah Fatemi, Mary Grace Fitzgerald, Nicole Hobbs, Adam Jurski, Katie Koffman, Kristi Kopaniasz, Nicole Mangas, Kelsey McCoy, Andrew Miller, Yianni Papadimos, Cody Ramm, Abbey Strick, Jordan Tomase, Brian Wadsworth, Nick Wineland, Ally Yocom Photographer: Halie Langhals 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, Quill and Scroll and the Great Lakes Interscholastic Press Association.

OPINIONS

5

March 31, 2009

Students need to follow golden rule There is a simple aphorism that says, “Treat others like you would like to be treated,” this is not a difficult concept to grasp, but for teenagers it seems to be a problem.

Every day I walk down the halls of Northview, attended by approximately 1,300 students and do you know what I see and hear? I watch others push, pull, and even trip people in the hallways. Amongst the chaos, I also hear various derogatory terms. I hear stereotypes of ethnic and racial groups and hear people calling each other the “W” word and basically every other horrible name imaginable.

While many people do not find this to be a problem, I think this is one of the biggest problems in our school. When did it become acceptable to treat others poorly? Whatever happened to the common courtesy and compassion that people once had towards

each other?

I watch students ostracize and ridicule others in many cases for no apparent reason or just solely based on the fact that they think someone is “weird.” We are all weird in our own special way because we are all unique individuals. By judging a person before you know them you might be missing out on a really great friend.

Many times students lash out at others due to their conflicts, but is that really necessary? I find that if by having a calm rational conversation, not by name-calling

or violence that these conflicts can be solved.

As teenagers, sometimes we goof around with one another or say things we don’t truly mean, but it is important to remember that you do not know what struggles someone may be dealing with.

Many students are dealing with various stresses such as family and other personal problems.

If students were more accepting of each other I think that the number of suicides and violent encounters in schools would drastically decrease.

Many times students lash out at others due to their conflicts, but is that really necessary?

In addition to the lack of respect students show to each other, they are even ruder towards teachers. Trust me, I have had my fair share of disagreements with teachers and been bitter about many things that I considered unfair or wrong about our educational system. But regardless, the teachers are our elders and they deserve some sense of respect, even if we do disagree with them.

I challenge our school body not only to show common courtesy but to also show respect for teachers and peers. Think before you speak and consider how your actions might affect those around you. Hold a door open for someone. Say please and thank you. Befriend someone who is shy or quiet.

Consider someone’s feelings before your own. Let go of stereotypes. Above all, be a decent human being. ~Yelena Zhernovskiy

Students ruin soap NV spirit lacking at sporting events; cheer- use in restrooms ing, attendance poor It’s 7:05 p.m. You’re already late for the basketball game and you’re worried that you won’t be able to find a place in the student section. You quickly rush out the door; finally make your way through the gym filled with energetic, screaming fans and it’s more packed than ever. Unfortunately, you have to squeeze tightly with the stranger next to you, who is no longer a stranger once the buzzer sounds.

M a y b e you see that kind of spirit at other schools, but sadly, I’m not describing Northview’s student section.

It seems lately that students have lost their intensity towards games.

In previous years at NV our spirit was vigorous and full of emotion.

Now when you walk into a sporting event you could probably hear a pin drop. There’s no need to worry about making it on time or even five minutes early; there will be plenty of available seats.

The student section is usually made up of five or eight students, if we’re lucky.

What happened? I know that in past years NV might have been doing better in sporting events than we are now, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t stop being

enthusiastic about our teams. Win or lose we should be cheering on our team. That’s what school spirit is all about.

It’s embarrassing when the visiting student section is packed full of screaming fans and our side of the gym is bare, with the majority of the fans being parents.

Some excuses of not having school spirit are “I don’t like it here at NV.” Well from the looks of it you’re stuck here so you might as well stop sulking about the school and make the best of it.

Students are going to find something to complain about no matter what school they attend, it’s the attitude you have that makes you better able to deal with these problems.

If everyone had a better attitude towards school events, or just school, maybe we would actually have a spirited student section. Let’s show the other schools that we can have great spirit even if the score board doesn’t turn out how we would like.

It would bring the school together. NV is one of the best schools in the area; believe it or not we should actually appreciate what school we go to. We have it off really well at NV and we take it for granted. ~ Jordan Tomase

If everyone had a better attitude towards school events, or just school, maybe we would actually have a spirited student section.

“I think its just plain ignorant especially when they are underage.” ior Connor Richardson Richar - junior

ATTATCHED TO A wall are empty soap dispensers in the F-hall restroom.

Displayed on the first soap dispenser is a sticker that says “Please remember to wash your hands.”

Photo by Max Filby

“Always wash your hands after using the potty.”

My mother’s words of hygienic advice have echoed in my head ever since my toddler years. However, at Northview I have been unable to perform this most simple and encouraged of all bathroom tasks.

As I walked into one of the A-hall restrooms on March 25, a loud dripping noise echoed and a huge puddle of pink soap was pooled in a bathroom stall. A student had broken that bathroom’s only soap dispenser and placed it on the edge of a ceiling tile.

The abuse of soap dispensers has resulted in the decision to put less soap in dispensers for students to misuse, according to Principal Mr. Stewart Jesse.

“When you go to the bathroom you’re supposed to wash your hands,” said senior Mishaal Muqaddam, “not being able to is kind of gross.”

Why do students think it is funny to prevent hand washing and promote disease?

Students need to stop abusing the soap dispensers in school restrooms because students are unable to wash their hands.

In a school jammed with students, several of who are probably sick, unclean hands are just another contributor to possible school-wide pandemics.

Thank the hygiene gods for the recently added Purell dispensers in hallways because without them the school would become a disease-ridden building.

To all students who spend their time messing around with school soap dispensers; get involved, play a sport or just leave the bathroom and go back to class. There are plenty of things that are more exciting and interesting than dismantling a soap dispenser and ruining clean hands for the rest of us.

-Max Filby

“I think it is a pointless thing to do because you can easily get in trouble.

It’s not worth it.”

-senior Amanda Collins

What do you think of people who post a photos of themselves drinking on Facebook and MySpace?

6

OPINIONS

March 31, 2009 Column

A Perspective On Politics

By Max Filby

“I’m a sophomore at the University of Toledo with a 3.5 G.P.A. and I cannot afford school next year,” said 2007 Northview alumni Emily Perry, “where’s my bailout?”

Recently the United States government has attempted to solve national economic woes by giving big companies multiple cash infusions now widely known as bailouts. But what about the “little guys” who can’t afford their own education?

Instead of handing out another round of big business bailouts, the government should start bailing out the individuals who make our country great.

If companies and banks are not allowed to go bankrupt, then U.S citizens should not be allowed to either. Students like Perry are the future, but if future leaders and adults are unable to afford a higher education, then the future looks bleak.

Perry will not be the only student at UT facing financial hardships in the coming year. UT will be cutting certain scholarships for students due to the economy.

Some students in Sylvania have a hard time understanding how the recent recession is affecting people as close as their next door neighbors.

“My grandparents lost a lot of money in the stock market from the Dow Jones Industrial,” said senior Ashley Maloney.

AIG, the world’s largest insurance provider has created outrage over bonuses given after receiving more than $170 billion in government bailout money, according to MSNBC.com. If a huge insurance provider like AIG is not responsible enough to handle emergency funding, then who is?

The common U.S. citizen is more than responsible enough to appropriate a personal bailout, especially when his or her own education and well-being are at stake. Contracts and agreements could also be made to prevent a person from spending their money on items such as drugs or alcohol.

Bailouts of American citizens could be done by methods of lowering taxes, or increasing the minimum wage.

“My mom works part time with no benefits and my dad has been out of work since December,” said NV alumni Jane Smith*.

The crippling economy has forced some families like Smith’s to change their lifestyles. Smith’s family is not currenltly covered with health insurance and has resorted to purchasing nothing but groceries.

“Its definitely changed how we live,” said Smith, “we are looking into health insurance options but they are all so expensive.”

Although I have not been as harshly affected by the economy as Smith or Perry, the financial crisis has caused some changes in my lifestyle.

Once reassured that I would not have to worry about college expenses, I was recently informed that I will have to pay for graduate school myself.

The effects of the financial crisis on students proves that there must be an end to the government’s misuse of bailouts.

Irresponsible corporate executives do not deserve bonuses when their standard of living is already excessively higher than that of the average American.

“Some of the money used in the bailouts is definitely being abused,” said Smith.

While on the campaign trail in 2008, Barack Obama gave light to a new tax program that would essentially help to “spread the wealth,” of the upper to lower classes. Obama’s new plan must be implemented as soon as possible in order to begin helping out the average American individual.

The average American can no longer afford the irresponsible actions of overpaid corporate executives. It is time for the government to start bailing out deserving American citizens instead of wasting money on big businesses. * Some of the names in this story have been changed in order to protect the rights of students/ alumni and their opinions. The opinions expressed in this column do not pertain to every company or person, but to some of them.

Spring clothes too revealing?

Around this time of year many of us are making plans for one of the best weeks of the year: spring break. A lot of planning goes into this epic week including where to go, what to do and who to go with.

One of the best parts of going on a spring break vacation is getting the chance to go shopping for summer clothes while it’s still cold outside at home in preparation for the warm spring break weather.

On a recent trip to the mall to do some of my own spring break shopping, I went into Pac Sun to look for shorts. Immediately, I had to turn and check the sign to make sure that I hadn’t accidentally walked into Victoria’s Secret. All of the shorts (if you can even call them that) couldn’t even cover up the rear end belonging to the smallest person in the world. If I wanted to run around in my underwear, I would just do it. Spending $40 on a piece of fabric sewn together that wouldn’t fit anyone except maybe my cat is definitely not the answer.

Honestly, how could anyone even be comfortable in something that short? Next year the new trend will be going naked.

Clothes keep getting tighter, shorter, and just plain nastier. I don’t care how “fit” you are, there isn’t a single person that looks good in the tiny clothes that stores are selling nowadays.

Disregarding my encounter with the so called “shorts” I decided to do some online shopping the next day for a new swim suit.

Quickly I discovered the swim suit industry is competing with the shorts industry for the most revealing piece of clothing and they’re winning.

While browsing through suits on multiple sites, I almost felt compelled to hide my computer from anyone else who may walk by and see. If you’re looking for a swim suit online and the pictures make you feel as if you’re looking at porn, don’t worry, you aren’t alone. I don’t think I ever imagined that there would be an instance in which I would be looking for a swim suit and feel violated at the same time. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me.

Even worse is the fact that stores try to convince girls that wearing revealing stuff like that will make us happier or get us boyfriends or whatever the case may be.

Newsflash: if a guy takes interest in you only after he sees you in your brand new booty shorts you should know that he’s not into you because of your charming personality.

Just because you see people on 90210, Gossip Girl and The Hills wearing the same thing doesn’t mean that it’s flattering. We’re all being desensitized and forced to think

Photo Illustration by Sam Weisman

DISGUSTED BY A pair of short shorts is sophomore Abbey Strick. Every year spring clothing becomes shorter, tighter and more inappropriate. that looking trashy is acceptable because we see it in music videos and on TV. A good indicator that something is way too inappropriate is if you looked at it one day and thought that it was too revealing, saw tons of girls wearing said item in the next few weeks and then went back to buy said item against your better judgement.

Congratulations, that’s called losing your morals.

Of course times change, but as far as I’m

concerned this isn’t exactly a change for the better. I’m not saying that everyone needs to cover up every single part of their body.

Just take some pride in yourself and put on something that’s at least respectable.

This spring break invest in a pair of shorts that actually goes past your butt.

Maybe even get a bathing suit that doesn’t resemble a thong. Trust me, you’ll be happier and so will everyone else. ~ Abbey Strick

Drinking photos out of hand “Dude, I was so wasted. I don’t even remember this photo being taken.”

While perusing through pictures on Facebook.com, one can find a comment like this on numerous photos. Students at Northview have started a new fad: putting pictures of them drinking on Facebook. This does not make students look “cool” and they can suffer various punishments if caught.

Most of the pictures contain students standing with the signature red cup and open beer cans in the background. Some pictures even have students playing “beer pong” and chugging down can after can.

Students try to cover up the cans with photo editing devices such as scribbles and putting fake, cartoon party hats over them. Seriously?

Everyone knows what is really there. Stop trying to hide the fact that you are drinking. It is not funny and it definitely does not make you look sweet.

All of this poses the question: Why then do students put these pictures up? Our parents have told us since we can remember not to drink for countless reasons such as that it is bad for you and it is against the law. Students probably still continue to drink because it is not allowed and that in turn makes drinking sneaky. Then students feel like they are doing something rebellious. Along with feeling mischievous, students enjoy the fun of partying all night long and feeling like they are more “mature”.

Since when has drinking been the “cool” thing to do? Sure, who doesn’t want to feel included and part of a group, but that does not justify drinking. In reality, many will actually will lose respect for you because you do not have enough respect for yourself to not drink.

By now, some of you are rolling your eyes and about to put this article down because you think this is just like any other person telling you to not drink. “What’s the big deal?” you ask. The big deal is that there is an age limit for a reason. Persons over 21-years-old are allowed to drink,

not 15-18 year-olds. We are not trusted with the maturity and the liability of being allowed to drink alcohol yet. Plus, alcohol is a depressant and can reduce attention and slow reaction speed. It can also cause severe harm to your liver, which is a vital organ that you cannot live without. If you drink and then drive, you could badly injure someone else. In addition, if you get wasted, you could do things you regret and will be embarrassed about later. Drinking can also tarnish a reputation that you will have to deal with all throughout high school.

Drinking is not worth all these things that

people who display themselves on the web that way,” said an anonymous sophomore.

Students who portray themselves drinking on the web can suffer many consequences if caught, such as not being allowed to play sports and participate in extracurricular activities. Most of all, your parents will most likely lose their trust in you. That could result in an earlier curfew and multiple annoying phone calls throughout the night such as “Where are you?” “Who are you with?” and “What are you doing?” One night of fun drinking and then posting it on the web is not worth the consequences.

“It is really not smart to put these kind of pictures on Facebook because parents can glance at the screen and see what is going on,” said an anonymous senior, “you can get into a lot more trouble with your school and parents. It is just not worth it.”

Out of the 1347 students at NV, over 500 of them have a Facebook, according to Facebook.com. If you put pictures of yourself drinking, 500 students can potentially get you in trouble with the school and/or your parents. Is the misconception that drinking will help you fit in really worth it all? No, it is not.

On the weekends, there are plenty of other things to do that are fun and do not require alcohol. Going to movies, dinner, glow bowling, laser tag, and putt-putting are just some examples of non-alcoholic activities. Why not put pictures of yourself doing these fun things on the web? You will not get in trouble and people won’t lose respect for you. In addition, most people might think you are fun person and want to become your friend.

All the pictures of students drinking on the web needs to stop. It is not the “cool” thing to do, you can get into deep trouble, and people will those their respect for you.

In addition, you can injure yourself, your reputation, and can possibly hurt others too. You should think before you portray yourself that way on Facebook, but most of all, refrain from drinking at all.

Students at Northview have started a new fad: putting pictures of themselves drinking on Facebook. could happen to you or others.

Putting these kind of pictures on the web just makes you look like you are eager for attention. It makes it look like you want people to think you are so “super sweet” since you play beer pong on the weekends.

Posting pictures of yourself drinking will most likely not gain you any new friends.

The usual reaction of these photos is probably not “Oh my gosh, that person is awesome because they drink and look like they’re having so much fun. I totally want to be their friend now.” In reality, most people just roll their eyes in hopes that you will grow up and realize that life is not all about getting wasted every weekend.

“If a guy I was talking to had pictures of him drinking on the web, I would at the very least lose respect for him. It is a major turn-off to drink and I am not interested in

FEATURES

7

March 31, 2009

Ms. Jennifer Crosley works with seniors Brittany Gullufsen and Marina Russo.

Ms. Crosley has been teaching at Northview for nine years.

Ms. Katie Mattimoe takes time to work with juniors Gabrielle Romberger and Evan Kosmider.

Mr. Ryan Creech works with sophomore Cody Weis during one of his art classes.

Helping senior Jake Schmidt with math is Mrs. Kara Curran. Mrs. Curran teaches pre-calculus and geometry.

Mrs. Lindsey Jurski helps sophomores Mamie Silver and Ken Bodie use the computer during their Spanish three class.

On the terms of teaching at Northview, several educators are using innovative, avant-garde methods in the classroom and students are taking notice. When asked which teachers’ methods they enjoyed most, students were able to present a plethora of names.

Mr. Ryan Creech In the art department, teacher Mr. Creech is using ceramics and wheel-throwing as a way to teach students.

“My favorite parts of teaching at NV is working with the highly talented staff, and also the highly talented students,” said Mr. Creech. “I learn a lot from them.”

Mr. Creech’s passion for teaching was influenced by many of his coaches and teachers. Mr. Jeff Bunker, his junior high basketball coach and teacher, was among the most highly noted.

Aside from his ardor for sports, Mr. Creech has hobbies and interests including computer graphics, drawing and photography.

As one of his hobbies, Mr. Creech has considered adding a digital photography or an art history course to his curriculum.

“I love history,” said Mr. Creech, “specifically ancient art history.”

He manages to constantly share his love for art with students and they continue to do the same.

“Mr. Creech is really easy going and great at helping us,” said junior Mason Goff.

“He has patience and lets you think freely.”

Mrs. Lindsey Jurski When teaching a world language, a responsibility presents itself that needs to be dealt with properly. Students will express that Mrs. Jurski grasps this responsibility.

“I love the way Señora teaches our class,“ said sophomore Margot Jacobs. “She explains all our new material thoroughly.“ Mrs. Jurski uses technology to help enhance her students’ education. Her pupils work with Smartboards, Senteo remotes and electronic blogs.

“I like using the blogs,” said Mrs. Jurski, “because it’s a way that the students can

read and communicate with one another in Spanish. Also, once their work is posted, it has been mastered.”

Mrs. Jurski’s teaching methodology includes pushing students until they have mastered the subject matter. She began teaching because of her godmother, a kindergarten teacher. From a very young age, Mrs. Jurski was inspired by her godmother’s “passion and creativity.”

If able to add a class to her syllabus, Mrs. Jurski would hope to teach a Spanish Conversation course.

“Speaking skills are the least developed in a foreign language,” said Mrs. Jurski.

“Only the outgoing people in my classes speak up enough to be incorrect. The only way to correct conversational errors is to realize audible mistakes.”

Later in life, Mrs. Jurski wishes to teach future educators at a university level. She wants to teach teachers to teach.

Ms. Katie Mattimoe Ms. Mattimoe has set the English language on fire with her innovative teaching strategies.

In her youth, Ms. Mattimoe was affected most by her high school band teacher, Mr. Chris Lyons.

“I liked Mr. Lyons very much because he regarded everyone highly and tried to be as accessible as possible,” said Ms. Mattimoe.

Her interest in teaching English sparked during her college days. Now, not so many years later, her favorite class to teach is American Literature.

“American Lit is great because it’s the easiest to apply to the world,” said Ms. Mattimoe. “It has applicable constant themes and concepts that students can understand.”

In a world without American Literature,

she would want to teach history because, according to Ms. Mattimoe, the two courses cannot be split; there cannot be one without the other. Also, history would include politics and Ms. Mattimoe has a good amount of fervency for debating.

If she could create her own course, Ms. Mattimoe would like to add a Media Literacy class. In this course, students could analyze media including advertisement and articles as well as their cultural impacts.

Her favorite part of teaching at NV is the thoughtful, intelligent kids.

“They make me think outside the box,” said Ms. Mattimoe. “Everyday they teach me something new, whether its applicable to teaching or not.”

Mrs. Kara Curran Mrs. Curran is not necessarily using unorthodox methods of teaching in her classroom, but, what she is doing, her students love. Of all things math that Mrs. Curran teaches, her favorite by far is trigonometry.

She likes to teach it so much because, “trig has so many questions based on real life problems,” said Mrs. Curran.

Mrs. Curran’s decision to teach was influenced by her high school math teacher.

“He was patient, funny and good at what he did,” said Mrs. Curran, “but most importantly, he enjoyed it.”

Mrs. Curran is very fond of math and helps her students develop a similar thrill.

“I like Mrs. Curran because she always tells us family stories. She’s really funny,” said sophomore Suzie Smid.

Mrs. Curran took a college course entitled Recreational Math. It was a “super, cool, and fun” math class that involved leisure problems; meant for those who wanted not to “do” math, but to enjoy it.

Mrs. Curran finds teaching the students of NV to be a rewarding pleasure.

Though the content she teaches stays the same, her kids never get boring. Some are quiet. Some are funny. With each student, different personalities present themselves.

Ms. Jennifer Crosley Ms. Crosley loves kids. She loves working with young adults. Teaching chemistry and cosmetology anatomy seemed to be her only option.

She loves every aspect of teaching.

“I’m passionate about every lesson,” said Ms. Crosley. “I’m passionate about every lesson: they’re all my favorite.”

If unable to teach science, Ms. Crosley would quite simply not be a teacher.

“Science is my passion. I don’t want to grade English papers. I’m not athletic,” said Ms. Crosley. “Science is what I live for.”

Having a father who was an elementary school teacher and later a principal, it is not hard to derive where Ms. Crosley developed her zeal for teaching. Also, as a child and young adult, she was consistently told that she was a natural teacher.

On the subject of the cutting edge, Ms. Crosley is not afraid to say her whole class is avant-garde.

“I try to not just give notes. I believe in the seven styles of learning,” said Ms. Crosley. “I like to use color, movement and songs.”

“She takes chemistry lessons and makes it so that kids can understand it. She helps us enjoy it,” said senior Nick Ansara.

Ms. Crosley’s favorite part of -teaching at Northview is not just the kids.

“It’s seeing the kids get that ‘aha’ moment,” she said. “I like helping them grow as individuals. Every day they rock my world.”

FEATURES

March 31, 2009

8

Pressures of teen pregnancy

ation illustr

nicely and were helping with everything we could have possibly needed. One worker was very interested in my pregnancy and made conversation with me about it. She asked many questions, such as when I was due, the gender of my child and other things about it. The people in Gymboree were the only people during our trip that treated us normally.

After getting a bite to eat, recording and discussing the reactions of the people in the mall, we decided to end our trip and go home. It was a relief to get to the car and take off my fake stomach.

After only two hours of being pregnant, I was tired of the mockery, strange looks and rude comments I had received during my time there On March 4, I went into seventh period lunch looking pregnant. Once kids started noticing they were not shy to stare. It was so awkward walking around feeling people’s judgmental looks. Even people that I have class with or see around school frequently watched me walk around with an unending stare. Before I went into the lunch room I figured that I wouldn’t have any problem staying the whole period, but after everyone’s initial reaction I was ready to leave as quickly as possible.

I walked through the cafeteria during fifth period as if I was pregnant.

Although I was at school with peers, I still received the same type of attention that I had the night before at the mall. People stared as soon as I walked through the doors. People across the room stood up to see who I was and what was happening. I got a lot of attention, but in a bad and unwanted way.

After having walked around the cafeteria for only one period, I received comments about it for the rest of the day. People who hadn’t even seen me asked where my belly went and what was going on with “the whole pregnancy thing.”

Going into this “social experiment” I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t think that I would get much of a reaction from many people and that my trip to the mall would be mostly uneventful. People certainly proved me wrong. After barely an hour of walking around at the mall all I wanted to do was go home, curl up on the couch and stay as far away from people as possible.

I could not believe how unconcerned people could be about my feelings. One thing that I was appreciative for was having two friends with me.

There is no way that I could have done it alone. I felt like everyone in the mall was against me, so having two people there who I knew were on my side helped slightly.

After this trip I have a whole new outlook on teenagers who are pregnant.

They do not deserve the ridicule and things that they obviously receive on a daily basis.

From experience I can now say that it is not a comfortable situation to be put into and strangers who gawk make it so much worse.

Everywhere they go, the pregnant girls are looked at differently and I feel bad for them. It’s not fair to them to be scoffed at. Other people do not know what the girls are going through and what is happening with them. People have no right to judge about something they know nothing about.

Research for this article taught me a lot.

Everyone really needs to think before they stop and stare at someone or make a stupid comment. I’m not here to condone teen pregnancy, but who are we to judge the circumstances that a person is under? I’m in no way perfect in this department, but after this experience I will definitely be more conscious to try not to judge others. ~ Abbey Strick & Chelsea Ulmer

photo

In 2006, 860 babies were born to girls residing in Lucas County ages 10 - 19 or 26.6 per 1,000. This is the highest rate statewide, according to The Toledo Blade. But no one ever thinks about the point of view of the pregnant girl. Everyone always thinks about her bad decisions. My fellow staff writer Chelsea Ulmer (her point of view is in italics) and I decided to investigate the other side of the story. The side of the pregnant teen.

Staring, pointing, laughing, strange looks and rude comments.

Exactly what I received when walking around the mall one night while dressed up as a pregnant teenager. I had quite the experience and it was much more interesting and full of surprises than I had expected.

Have you ever gone somewhere and felt like everyone was staring at you? That’s how it felt when I went to the mall appearing to be pregnant. Two of my friends, junior Cody Brant and sophomore Alexa Kalanquin, and I went on a trip to the mall with a pillow under my sweatshirt to appear pregnant.

Although I took a friend with me, Southview junior Patrick Harrington, I was somewhat nervous. I was anxious about the awkward situations I was about to be put into. And boy was I right. As soon as I stepped out of the car, there were people staring and gawking until the moment that we left.

Many people, it seems, expected that he was the father of my baby and that we were shopping together for our child. One of his friends who happened to see us even texted Patrick to find out more about the situation. He asked if Patrick had a girlfriend who was pregnant, and if he was the father of a soon to be baby. I wonder what was really going through that person’s head when he first saw us, because he was obviously taken aback.

“I was fine with people expecting that I was the baby’s father,” said Harrington, “I would assume the same thing, but I would not act rude like most of the people we encountered.”

As I was preparing for our adventure I started to feel very anxious. I was worried about what people would think of me and how they would react to a young pregnant girl. A major part of me believed that I was overreacting and was even worried that I would return home with nothing to report about. I believed that people would just ignore me or not really care. I was in for a big surprise.

On my way out the door I had major trouble putting my shoes on; having such a big belly proved to make everyday tasks very difficult. I ended up having to sit down to put my shoes on and then ask my mom to help me up.

We went into many stores, shopping and looking at normal things.

It would not have been any different from a normal day, except that my stomach had grown out five inches or so. It was attracting so much extra attention than a normal trip to the mall.

People tried to be discreet about the fact that they were staring at me, but they did not realize that I could easily tell what they were doing. Groups of people would whisper and point at me as I walked past. Did they think I would not notice? I definitely noticed and it was unbelievably uncomfortable. When someone already stands out, they do not need people pointing and laughing from across the mall adding more unwanted attention.

“I could not believe the rude looks and comments that we received in the mall,” said Harrington, “I feel bad for anyone who has to go through that.”

When we arrived at the mall I was pretty nervous to get out of the car. Being with two of my friends helped a lot, but it was still nerve-wracking. At first nothing really happened and I began to wonder if anyone would react at all. After wandering around for a little bit I began to notice people staring at me.

Upon entering Payless a group of kids, probably just a few years older than myself, noticed me. One girl pointed and then all of them stared at me even after I went into the store. This was my first taste of how cruel and obvious people can be. After walking around most of the mall I got a lot of stares, doubletakes, and “up-downs”. The worst was the moms shopping together who would stop and stare for a minute and then whisper to each other all the while giving me a disappointed look.

“The dirty looks were quite irksome,” said Kalanquin.

“I was really glad that I wasn’t the one appearing to be pregnant.”

We went into Gymboree, the baby-clothing store, part way through our experiment. We were going to look around and see some reactions of people in the store. Other shoppers did not pay much attention to us.

Although they were older than I, they knew what I was going through and did not treat me strangely.

The workers were also very generous to us, both of them believed I was truly pregnant and talked to me as if I was. They chatted with us very

Are economy, tech harming newspapers?

Co-Editor in Chief “It’s a sign of the apocalypse,” said government teacher Mr. Perry Lefevre as he picked up a copy of The Toledo Blade, ‘The Student Prints is now larger than The Blade.”

The newspaper. Once seen as an equivalent to the Blackberry, newspapers have paid a hard price recently with today's economic crisis and newer technological advances.

The Internet is threatening the status of newspapers and other printed publications across the country.

The recent economic crisis has caused The Toledo Blade to decrease in size by one inch, according to WTOL.com. Several other publications, such as Rolling Stone have changed formats in order to appeal to more readers during the economic meltdown.

The Detroit News and The Detroit Free Press, will now only deliver papers three days a week beginning in March, according to The New York Times. The media group owner of the newspapers believes that several costs will be cut, along with nine percent of their 2,100 jobs.

Along with the fall of The Detroit News and Free Press come the apparently diminishing Los Angelos Times and Chicago Tribune, recently filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Some newspapers like Colorado’s old-

est, The Rocky Mountain Times and The Ann Arbor News have been unable to withstand the double whammy of the online press and economy and will soon stop printing altogether. Is the future of printed publications in danger? Although it seems so, newspapers are a source of information that predate almost any other news source and have truly stood the test of time.

After visiting The Daily Telegram in Adrian, Michigan where The Student Prints is printed, the future of journalism became obvious.

I saw the monstrous machine that churned out thousands of newspapers daily and I could smell the heavy scent of ink floating around the room. Finally, I saw employees of The Telegram printing the papers, working hard, believing that what they do truly makes a difference.

At that very moment, when I visited The Telegram, I saw the future of journalism, and it looked exactly as it does today. Although Blackberries and iPhones are said to have revolutionized media, they really have not changed much from the original newspaper.

A paper is touchable and legible on an iPhone or in print. But the readers’ enjoyment and interest in the paper between the two journalistic mediums is extremely un-

equal.

When I read a printed-paper, I can feel the ink as my hands run over the front page, and am presently surprised as to what might be on the next page. Where as on an iPhone or Blackberry, I find less interest and surprise in its flat, plexiglass screen.

The printed-paper will never fall to the grips of the technological and Internet based

monsters of today's world, no matter what economic crises occur. We may lose a few along the way, but in the end the strongest will be left printing.

So to those who believe that a Blackberry is the singular device of the future, remember that it is only a sidekick to the media and information superstar that is the newspaper.

FEATURES

9

March 31, 2009

Ever wonder if those products are as good as they look? TSP tested out some of what we thought were the coolest.

Staff Writers We have all been there: spending that night laying down all curled up under a blanket watching some great TV. All of a sudden, your phone starts vibrating sporadically because you just received a text. Now you’re about to make a huge decision, do you get out from under your blanket (which is extremely comfortable) or do you just lie there and wonder who just texted you? u? Well of course you’re not just going to lie there, so, unfortunately, you have to o get up and answer your phone.

But what hat if there was such thing g as a blanket with sleeves? ves? That would most likely y be the best creation ever. Well luckily for us, there iss such an invention. The Snuggie is the new and improved mproved blanket that actually ctually can let you stay comfy as you text your friends. riends.

You might ight be thinking to yourself, rself, isn’t the Snuggie the he same thing as a backwards ards robe? Well you are completely mpletely wrong, the Snuggiee is probably the next best thing hing to Taco Bell, and that’s saying a lot.

Ally, my fellow Student Prints staffer ffer and I were able to test out this is wonderful creation.

We both rated as a ated the Snuggie must buy.

Not only is it long

enough for your body and plus some, it’s actually really soft. The only disappointment I found with the Snuggie (yes I know hard to imagine) is that I thought it would be a thick blanket, but it is somewhat thin, but still keeps you warm.

Overall this is a must have product, which you can find at Costco or other local stores.

As you enjoy your glass of delicious chocolate milk, you reach over to grab the remote to change the channel, in the process of reaching you knock over the glass of chocolate milk. You’re out of paper towels, next best thing? The Shamwow, that’s what!

You lay the brightly colored orange cloth over your spill, softly pat the surface; supposedly the Shamwow will clean up your spill without having to use any other type of paper towel. Sadly the Shamwow extremely lacks in the promises it made.

It claims it can hold 20 times its weight in water, which would be three

TESTING OUT THE SHAMWOW is sophomore Nick Wineland. The Shamwow was disappointing for Wineland after he tested it as shown on the informercial. It was able to soak up all of the liquid but then turned the liquid a strange yellow color when is was wrung out of the Shamwow. It was also unable to soak up as much water as the infomercial said it could.

pounds of water, it didn’t even hold half of that. I also did the same test in the infomercial w h e r e Vi n c e the Shamwow guy takes a pan of water and soaks it all up.

The Shamwow did soak it all up, but when I rung it out it turned my water yellow. Overall, the Shamwow is very good at soaking up liquids, but other than that it’s pretty bad. Shamwow is not so wow, it’s more like Sham so-so.

RATINGS Sham-Wow:

TRYING THE SMOOTH AWAY is senior JorAway is supposed to remove hair by in three counter clockwise circles and opposite direction across unwanted hair.

Away did not work well if you had a lot testers said that it took a long time to remove the Smooth Away not worth it.

dan Tomase. The Smooth moving the Smooth Away then three times in the However, the Smooth of hair to remove. The just a little hair which made

Ever have those nasty embarrassing hairs that you can’t get rid of? Well hopefully you don’t, but, if you do here’s something that might help you out.

The Smooth Away is a hair removal product that helps you remove unwanted hairs. All you have to do is place the product over the hair you would like to remove, then move the product in a counter clock wise circle three times, then the opposite way another three times.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t really work all too well: there’s a catch. You have to have little hair to remove for the product to work.

Many of you may have seen the commercial and if you remember, it shows a man with a very hairy chest and after he uses Smooth Away, his hair is gone! But it actually doesn’t work like that. It also takes awhile to remove the hair and it only removes a little of it. Overall your better off just using a razor, or if you are brave, waxing.

Snuggie: Smooth Away:

/5 /5 /5

NV students micro-blog on Twitter Staff Writer Twitter is the latest social networking site to invade the homes of millions of Americans, making it easier to communicate with others. Though still relatively unknown, it has been gaining popularity over the past year.

There were six million Twitter users as of February 2009, according to a Forbes.com article.

Much like Facebook, Twitter allows users to “update” their status in 140 characters or less to let people know what they are doing. These are also called “tweets.” People can “follow” others on Twitter, receiving updates on what they are doing.

One may also sign up for mobile updates on certain people. The person’s status update can be sent directly to a cell phone.

“I started to use it to get more views on myYouTubevideopostingsfromfriends,could post questions and get responses, and can let people know what is going on,” said senior Kristin Wilson. “I originally had a Twitter and deleted it because I thought it was weird, but now I like posting new tweets and following my friends… almost too much.”

Many news channels, reporters, and politicians have joined the trend and have started Twitter sites to stay connected.

The New York Times, The Washington Post, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Cable News Network (CNN), and National Public Radio (NPR) have all started sites with breaking news updates. News alerts are as serious as “Nine dead, 50 injured in Turkish Airlines passenger jet crash at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, officials confirm” (CNN Twitter from February 25) to tweets found on the New York Times site such as “First Dog Expected Soon.”

“Ali Sayre and I are trying to start a Twitter revolution comparable to the Facebook phenomenon,” said senior Kayla Hen-

derson. “I enjoy tweeting back and forth.

We follow NPR and the New York Times so we are up-to-date on current events. Literally.”

Politi-

cians have also joined Twitter to express important messages or requests to supporters. It is another form of technology besides YouTube or Facebook that politicians

are using to better connect with the voters of the country. President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Senator John McCain and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are a few examples of politicians who have Twitter sites.

For example, President Obama’s last message on Twitter was “Barack Obama is asking you to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering in your area. Visit http:// USAservice.org or text SERVE to 56333 for info.”

Twitter is just another way to stay up-to-date during the information age in the digital world. The ability of Twitter to communicate in-depth like other social networking sites such as Facebook or Myspace is limited, but it is becoming another online sensation.

10

SPORTS

March 31, 2009

Maple Leafs’ look to repeat winning season Sports Editors The Los Angeles Lakers, the New England Patriots, the Boston Celtics and the Sylvania Maple Leaf Lacrosse team can all be described in one word: dynasty.

The Maple Leafs’ are looking to add their third straight, state championship trophy to their resume in 2009.

The team returns many key players from last year including Southview juniors Drew Stansley, Thomas Stichter, Zach Jackson, and Branden Yoshino. Also returning are Northview seniors Tripper Northrup, Charlie Rollins, Tommy Grubs, John Jerabek, Nick Messinger, Nick Flaminio, Alex Wisner and Wes Ferguson. After taking a year off, senior Mike Winters returned to the team. He played his freshman and sophomore year for the Leafs’.

The team has won back to back state championships and are hoping a tougher regular season schedule will lead them to a third title, according to Ferguson.

“We want to be the best, so we have to beat the best,” said sophomore varsity player AJ Mehling.

The Leafs’ were invited to take part in a Detroit area scrimmage March 14 to kick off the preseason. The team held their own winning all three of their games, against Detroit Catholic Central, Cranbook and Northville. On March 17, the Varsity and JV team traveled to Ann Arbor to take on Pioneer. For the first time in team history, the Leafs’ defeated Pioneer 12-7.

“It was good to get back onto a

Water polo clinic begins Staff Writer Sylvania Water Polo is recruiting players for the upcoming season at the Sylvania Water Polo Clinic led by Water Polo Coaches Sarah Huey and Evan Dankert.

Players from the SYL Water Polo team were also invited to lend a helping hand in teaching.

“It’s a great way to get volunteer hours and I want to help train the future polo players so our upcoming season can be the best it can be,” said junior Megan Foster.

The clinic began March 23 at the Sylvania Natatorium and is designed to teach basic skills in passing, shooting, treading, and swimming for those interested in playing. The clinic gathers Monday through Thursday from 6:30-7:30p.m. until April 3.

Each practice consists of a short swimming warm-up and either passing or shooting drills to follow.

Treading and the learning of game strategies are also added to the lesson.

The clinic is in its second year running and was designed to build an interest for the SYL Water Polo team and to prepare new players for the upcoming season.

“This is a great opportunity for students to check out the sport of water polo and learn the basics,” said Coach Huey, “We don’t have youth programs like soccer and volleyball so we need to start catching kids younger in order to make our team great.”

The clinic attracted 17 members ranging from 13-17 years of age, according to Coach Huey.

Most of those that attended had a background in swimming.

“I’ve swam on the St. John’s Swim Team for the past two years and water polo seemed like another way to apply my swimming,” said junior Jake Sidell.

Other members were simply interested in learning a new sport and belonging to an official team that was open to new players.

“I just wanted to try a new sport and the people on the team encouraged me to do it,” said junior Olivia Fouty.

lacrosse field,” said Northrup. “Being a part of a team that beat Pioneer for the first time was pretty cool.”

The varsity team made a trip to Columbus to take on Hilliard Darby March 21. Sylvania started off the game with sloppy play and committed a great deal of penalties. The Leafs’ pulled it together and came through with a 14-11 victory despite playing without junior defenseman Connor McEwen.

“It was our first real Division 1 competition. We were missing strong defense with Connor gone, but we pulled it together after the first quarter,” said Rollins.

The Leafs’ began their regular season play against the Perrysburg Yellow Jackets. The team started off strong and never looked back defeating the Jackets 15-0. Northrup netted five goals while Yoshino and Jackson both scored three.

Also scoring in the game was junior Matt Cechner, Flaminio, Stansley, and Stichter.

“We were pretty confident going into the game. We swept them last season, so I expect the same this season,” said Flaminio.

On March 26, the team took on St. Francis and continued their hot scoring streak. The Leafs’ came out strong, scoring nine goals in the first half. Wisner was dominate and shut out the Knights during the third quarter. Northrup and Jackson contributed with three goals a piece and Cechner,Yoshino, Stichter, Stansley and Mehling had one.

The Leafs’ played St. Ignatius on Saturday, it was their first division one game.

Sam Weisman SOPHOMORE VARSITY PLAYER A.J. Mehling attempts to attack the net in a match-up against the Perrysburg Yellow Jackets. The end result was a Leafs shut-out vistory 15-0.

David Beckham: Great player or just handsome?

Along with being one of the best-looking soccer players ever to step on the field, David Beckham has shown the world that he is more than just a beautiful face (and body). He started his own soccer academy, won the Football Association (FA) Youth cup (1992), won the Premier League Championship (1996-97), voted player of the year in 1997 and played in the World Cup the year after and in 2002, according to sports.jrank.org. In 1999, Beckham played in the European Cup, the Premier League, and the FA Cup Championships.

Some people may say that his soccer career stopped after that, but this is not true. In 2002, he played in the World Cup, one of the greatest honors in a soccer player’s career. In 2001, the rest of his England team was not playing to their potential, and it was Beckham’s inspirational performance that lifted his teammates, according to the David Beckham Time Line.

“What girl doesn’t like David Beckham? He’s a soccer god,” exclaims senior Erin Milner. “He’s not just good looking. He is beautiful.”

His accomplishments on the soccer field have been almost overshadowed by the pictures that we have all seen in magazines, online and on posters. His washboard abs, defined shoulders, strong jaw line and killer smile have made girls of all ages stare. These qualities have also provoked strong feelings in men. Not the same feelings that the women encounter though; these are feelings of jealousy.

As one of the most attractive men, not only on the field, but maybe in the world, David Beckham has had many accomplishments that go unseen because of his current reputation. Saying that Beckham is overrated would be like saying Beethoven is overrated. Even if their prime is over, what they left behind was great. ~Mary Grace Fitzgerald

David Beckham is the highest paid player in Major League Soccer.

He earns an annual amount of $6.5 million dollars.

Now that may not seem like a lot but when you break it down Beckham earns a little less than $18,000 a day all for being, in my opinion simply a name.

Yes, back in the day Beckham definitely had talent, but when he moved to Real Madrid playing alongside giants of the games such as Zinedine Zidane, Raul, Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy, he never stood out. While playing in the MLS, Beckham should have killed the competition if he was half as good as the reputation that followed him.

The MLS as a whole cannot compete with the teams from England, Spain or Italy. Instead, he scored a total of five goals in two years against much easier competition. Steven Gerrard, the captain and midfielder for Liverpool, in the same amount of time, scored a staggering 21 goals against much harder teams.

Beckham is known only for supposedly being attractive, having a hot wife, and being the in the title of a dumb movie. Having a hot wife does not make you good at soccer actually it could be quite the opposite.

Personally, I don’t see why girls find him attractive, he has a plethora of tattoos that make him look like a thug who plays soccer, which is kind of a paradox. He cares more about his image in the public than actually playing soccer, which happens to be his job. And he poses for cologne ads - not very sporty.

A good example of this is Beckham going on loan to AC Milan while disobeying his contract to the galaxy. Beckham is a whipped husband whose voice quite frankly sounds like he has no tongue. ~Nick Wineland

Winter sports wrap up seasons Staff Writer

GymKats

The Northview Womens Gymnastics team concluded their season February 28 at their district meet. The team finished as the 11th place team overall out of 21 teams.

The team had several individual accomplishments, most notably, freshman Kati O’Keefe who earned first team all Northern Lakes League. Senior Cary Gray and junior Hail Nowak both earned honorable mention “This year was a great improvement from previous years and next year looks to be even better with a good group of young gymnasts coming up,” said Nowak.

Dance Team

The Northview Dance Team finished the season strong in competitions in Findlay and at Central Catholic.

In the competition at Findlay the team finished with a third place in poms, second in kick, first in jazz and another second place in hip-hop. The Central Catholic competition was another success for the team as they swept gold in poms, hip-hop and jazz.

The team finished strong and also handed out individual awards to several dancers Senior Danielle Snyder receiving the 110% award. The Coaches Award recipient went to senior Jessica Bennett and the most improved dancer was junior Sia Dufor.

Hockey

The Northview Hockey team finished their season on March 7, in the district finals against the St. John’s Titans. The intense match up ended with a Titan victory 4-3 in double overtime.

The first period start could not have gone better for the Titans as they scored 18 seconds into the opening period. The scoring would run cold until the Titans scored two goals towards the end of the second period. One of the

goals became controversial as time had expired when junior forward George Wilkinson scored to make it 3-0.

The second period ended with the Wildcats looking to overcome the insurmountable lead.

“We went into the locker room a little stunned. But all the coach said to us was ’we’re going to score three goals you watch.’ It gave us a lot of motivation,” said junior defenseman Jordan Jones.

Senior forward Matt Duvall triggered the Wildcat comeback scoring 1:16 into the third period.

Senior Kyle Hymore continued the momentum scoring at 5:01 to make it a one-goal game. Senior Nile Culver made the pass out front to assist on the Hymore goal.

The third period rolled on as the intensity would build up. At 2:10 of the period Hymore tied the game on a break away. Sophomore Tyler Harding threaded a pass to Hymore for the third goal for the Wildcats.

The game would continue to two over times where the Titans would end the game and continue to the State Frozen Four.

Wilkinson’s second goal of the game would end the Wildcats season.

The Wildcats ended the season with a 16-14-2 record while going 6-3 in league play.

Basketball

The Boys’ Basketball team finished the season in a district semi-final clash with the St. Johns Titans. The Titans would move on as they defeated the Wildcats 74-46.

The Wildcats finished their season with a 6-15 record overall, with a 3-9 record in league play.

Seniors Ryan Yockey and Tripper Northrup would lead the team in overall points per game with 11.3 and 10.9 p/g, respectively.

The Wildcats will graduate six seniors this year including the top four leading scorers from this season. Seniors leaving are Yockey, Northrup, Devin Simon, Michael Becker, Stephan Vizina, and Dave Ellett.

The Wildcats look to improve on a building year and come out strong for the next season, according to junior Alex Kruger.

SPORTS

11

March 31, 2009

Baseball hopes to improve record Staff Writer Baseball has swung it’s way through tryouts, and is scrimmaging to prepare for the season.

After months of practice, the Northview Wildcat Baseball team has been selected.

Last season, the Wildcats finished second to last in the NLL with a 3-11 record, something they do not want to repeat.

“We played terrible in the league last year, but watch out for us this year, I think we should be a favorite to take home the title,” said Assistant Coach Aaron Tullis.

However, last year’s swingers had an impressive tournament showing, winning three straight games before losing in the District Finals to the Start Spartans.

This great run combined with their nonleague play lead the Wildcats to a 14-15 overall record, in spite of their poor league showing.

This year’s team is very similar to last year’s, with nine returning seniors. Among these seniors are outfielders Mike Epstein, John Greer, and Bryan Munch. NV’s infield is held down by: Eric Brown, Dave Navarre, David Fleck, Andrew Miller, Alex Pistilli, and Rudy Severhoff.

Younger players rounding out the Wildcat’s Varsity roster are juniors Trent Zuber, Alex Kruger, Ryan Kremchek, and Michael Dorsey. The sole Varsity sophomore is Zach Ryder.

NV is trying to build it’s program around defense and pitching and they have just the players to achieve this task, according to head coach Kevin Danzeisen.

When it comes to defense, the Wildcats have a solid infield led by second base man Severhoff and a tremendous outfield carried by the leadership of center fielder Epstein.

Pitching is also a strong point of NV’s roster. This year’s pitching staff is anchored by: Miller, Munch, Zuber, Brown, Fleck, and Ryder. Zuber placed fourth in the record book for placing a 1.91 ERA last season, while Miller placed eighth in the strikeout

Sam Weisman SOPHOMORE ZACH RYDER swings away during a scrimmage. As a sophomore, Ryder is a second year starter in Northview’s outfield.

He was a key to NV’s success last season, posting high offensive numbers and throwing opponents out at will. The Wildcats have scrimmaged against Waite, Evergreen, and Bowsher in preperation for the regular season. category with 46.

Something that the Wildcats have this year is a variety of relief pitchers. Among the pitchers that have already been mentioned, Kruger is always able to come into games and finish.

Hitting is also a strong aspect of NV’s game. Navarre and Epstein both posted batting averages over .340 last season and they plan on having another strong year.

“Getting a hit is the greatest feeling in the world, knowing that I am assisting my team in victory makes me feel like I am doing my part as a teammate,” said Navarre.

After being interviewed by the coaches and delivering speeches to their teammates, Navarre, Epstein, and Miller were selected as the three team captains.

All of the varsity players, along with a few additions from the Junior Varsity

team were selected to travel to Florida during spring break to play against teams representing states from all over the United States.

“This is a very talented team with some powerful individuals, we have all of the tools necessary to succeed this season,” said Danzeisen Their first game takes place at home versus Waite on March 31.

Boys Tennis fi nds new head coach Staff Writer With an uncertain coaching situation that was not filled until days before the first practice, the Boys Tennis team looks to be a surprising team in the Northern Lakes League.

Coach Mark Fisher takes over a

Northview team that had a tough season in the NLL last year, but with new freshmen, coach Fisher feels that they could be a title contender.

“I feel that this team will be a surprise to everyone,” said Coach Fisher. “We have a really strong team.”

Coach Fisher played his high school tennis at Start High School, and has two daughters that currently go to NV.

Despite the team’s first four practices being canceled for weather, they were able to secure three courts at Synergy Sports and Fitness on March 14 and 15.

There, they had their tryouts to determine who would be on varsity and junior varsity. The varsity this year is made up of freshmen Spencer Georgetti, Jimmy Stevens, and Brandon Rachwal, sophomore Tanner Newland, juniors Billy

Rachwal, Brendan Connolly, co-captains Adam Jurski and Will Forrester, and seniors Chris Seigneur and Matt Krieger.

“To make varsity as a freshman is a huge honor. I am excited to play this year and help my team out,” said Georgetti.

The tennis team practices Monday through Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The first match will be against Central Catholic today at 4:30 at the NV tennis courts.

Track begins conditioning, looks to fi rst meet Sports Editor The Northview Track team started official practices March 9 and the first two weeks of the season were spent conditioning at NV, according to girls head coach Tony Urbina. The conditioning included agility exercises, sprints and abdominal workouts.

After the two weeks of conditioning, the different events and their specific coaches split up and most groups started practicing at Timberstone Junior High.

The distance teams did not participate in the conditioning with the rest of the team because of the high mileage they are required to run for their events. Ross Deye is the boys head coach, as well as the distance coach and Jon Monheim coaches the girls.

Both teams practice either at Wildwood Metropark, Timberstone, or NV. ‘‘Training has been really tough this past week. We did three workouts compared to

our normal one, but I think it will pay off for us,’’ said sophomore Mackenzie Reeves.

The team has a new hurdlers coach this season, former NV student Julia Dempster.

Eric Keller coaches throwers, pole-vaulters are coached by Jon Engel, high jumpers

by Steve Pierzchala and long jumpers by MaGee Wilson. ‘‘We have a lot of returning jumpers so hopefully we can build off of and improve what we did last season,’’ said long jumper, junior Torrence Garland.

All groups run Monday through Friday and on Saturdays when the team does not compete in meets.

The girls and boys will split for their season opener April 11.

“I am expecting the teams to do very well. We have put a lot of hard work into practice the past couple weeks,” said Urbina.

The boys will be at Whitmer for the Whitmer Invitational and the girls will be at Eastwood for the Eastwood Invite.

Halie Langhals JUNIOR COLLEEN GRONDIN works hard at pole vaulting practice. Pole vaulting is one of the many track events students partake in at Northview.

12

SPORTS

March 31, 2009

Athlete Spotlight: Austin Gryca Staff Writer Imagine being a freshman goalie that has to replace a legend in a prestigious hockey program. Easy task? I don’t think so. If any coach was asked what the main component of a hockey team is, the answer will always be goal tending. Without a determined goalie between the posts, a team has no backbone.

Following the graduation of Northview all time great, Craig Trego, there was speculation of who was going to fill the void between the twine. Without any doubt the job of succeeding the shutout, wins and save percentage leader was going to be no easy task.

The role was going to have to be filled by one of the three underclassmen candidates.

Sophomores Matt Stevenson and Josh Klee both were the two returning goalies in the system and Freshman Austin Gryca was the new kid in town.

Throughout the summer workouts and captain practices the coaches were looking for Stevenson or Gryca to make it clear who would be the starter. By the beginning of the season it was unclear who would fit the new role, so they battled for the job. For the first half of the season both Gryca and Stevenson showed signs of brightness as well as potential.

Gryca was stricken with knee problems but despite the pain played to the best of his abilities. Both candidates experienced highs but mostly lows as the goal tending situation seemed to be the Cat’s weakness. It was not because the two were lacking talent; it was a result of the lack of experience. After a horrendous span of losing games over the months of December and January, the Cats looked for a new outlook perspective of where their season was heading.

“It took time to get used to the fast pace of high school hockey and my new role,” said Gryca, “It was tough replacing a legend but I think I handled the pressure well for a freshman.”

When League play rolled around, Gryca stood on his head in tough games; such as a loss in Findlay, a win against St. Francis and

a win against Southview. When the Cats traveled to dreaded Bowling Green to take on the Bobcats, the Cats needed a win to have a chance at winning the league. Gryca made some huge saves and continued strong play.

No other game showed the determination and heart for the game than his effort in leading the Cats to an overtime win. At this moment Gryca had finally arrived. Gryca started to grow up and emerge as the true starter for the Cats, showing integrity and dedication on and off the ice.

“Big saves lead to big goals,” said Northview goalie coach Jeremy Snyder, “and that’s what Gryca did for the Cats the second half of the season.” Snyder was on the hot seat for the first half of the season, as both goalies seemed to be struggling in games.

Through practice and games they gained experience and adapted to their new roles.

With a few tough league victories under Gryca’s belt he vowed to lead the Cats into the playoffs.

After solid performances against Ottawa Hills and Clay, Gryca faced his toughest test yet, the Findlay Trojans. After an early five to one lead the Cats coasted into the last minutes of the game with what they thought was an easy win. Despite the lead the Cats allowed Findlay to tie the game up in a matter of minutes.

“In all of my games this season I was never as nervous as this game, it kept me on the edge of my crease the whole time,” said Gryca. During a tense overtime Gryca came through yet again with some enormous saves to keep the season alive. With a shot from another underclassmen, the Cats defeated Trojans and advanced into the district finals to get redemption against the Titans. After the game Gryca relieved all of his pressure and stress when he quickly skated to the bench to vomit.

“I have no clue how he withstood the pressure as a freshman, but somehow he did it,” said Snyder.

Following the tough win Gryca had bitter taste in his mouth with hopes of revenge against the team that had embarrassed him a few weeks earlier with a crushing defeat.

With a mindset that he could come out and play his best he played one of his strongest games of the season. Despite his efforts in

Photo Courtesy of Ted Wendt FRESHMAN AUSTIN GRYCA took Northview by surprise with his incredible goal tending skills and ability to perform well under pressure. After the graduation of NV legend Craig Trego, Gryca challenged older members of the hockey team to get his spot. Despite injuries Gryca was able to perform well and have a successful first season. the game, the Cats didn’t prevail losing three to one in double overtime.

The season was not only a turnaround for the whole Cats organization but also for little known Austin Gryca. Without Gryca’s hard work, there would have been a

piece missing from the puzzle this year. He started the season as a boy, but finished a man. Hopefully Gryca continues his success and helps lead the Cats next year in bringing home some hardware.

Varsity softball looks to win in new season Excessive rain and cold weather did not stop the Northview Softball team as they began their season in early March.

Tryouts for the team were held March 9 and 10 to determine which team each player would make. The girls were separated into the varsity and junior varsity teams based on their skills at tryouts. Twelve players made varsity while 11 made JV. The varsity team consists of seven returning players, four of them seniors.

“We have many returning players and great leadership this season from our captains Ali Sayre and Bekka Apardian,” said varsity Coach Rick Schneider.

Of the four new players, two are

freshmen.

“The underclassmen on varsity are a nice addition to the team,” said junior Natalie Dicola. “They have done a good job filling in for the seniors that left last year.”

Practices began in the main gym during early March. As soon as the weather got better, practices moved to Memorial Fields in Sylvania. The teams practice from 3-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturdays.

Different skills and techniques such as running, fielding, hitting and pitching are worked on everyday to improve different aspects of the game, according to Sayre.

Memorial Fields underwent many

needed improvements. There are new dugouts on the fields and the fences were changed to be at par with high school softball standards, according to Coach Schneider.

The LadyKats had the opportunity to scrimmage some area teams before their first official game of the season. The teams played Clay High School at Clay on March 23 and the Evergreen Vikings on March 26.

Unfortunately, the LadyKats were defeated by the Eagles and the Vikings in these scrimmages.

The opening game of the season was Monday as the LadyKats played Central Catholic at home. Upcoming games include Start April 1, Whitmer April 3, and a double

header against Bedford April 4.

“I think we are going to be a greatly improved team over last year,” said Coach Schneider. “Most of our improvements have come through our hitting and pitching. Our defense will be a little bit better too.”

Instead of heading somewhere warm for spring break like many of their peers, the softball team will travel Memorial Park for practices and games. The teams will play Bowsher, Findlay, and Anthony Wayne.

“We have prepared and practiced really hard in the off season,” said junior Aly Matthews. “Hopefully we can come out on top.”

-Katie Koffman

Kelsey, Joe’s NCAA bracket predictions Louisville

Pittsburgh Louisville

Villanova

Michigan State

Villanova Connecticut

North Carolina

WINNER

Connecticut

Connecticut Missouri

North Carolina

North Carolina North Carolina

-Final Four

“Cinderella” team, the games have all been very intriguing to the last sound of a buzzer. The elite teams have risen to the top & and are looking to cut down the nets at the Sports Editor & Staff Writer championship game in Detroit’s own Ford Field on April 6th.

The tournament started out with some Brackets all around the country are underdogs causing huge upsets such as either being thrown away, and forgotten, or Cleveland State, Western Kentucky and being framed on office walls. The madness Arizona.

The 13th seeded Cleveland St. has just begun in the 2009 NCAA Men’s Vikings, got off to a great start upsetting Basketball Championship, with eight teams the fourth seeded Demon Deacons of Wake remaining these next two weeks are sure to Forrest decisively, 84-69.

However, their be nothing but pure madness. prize for the upset of the Demon Deacons Although this year lacks the classic

was short lived. The Vikings had to play the red-hot University of Arizona Wildcats. The Wildcats, earning a 12th seed, had just come off a huge victory over the 5th seeded Utah Utes. The meeting of the Cinderella teams came on March 22, in Indianapolis to see who fit in the glass slipper. The Wildcats managed to claw their way to another big victory, and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen.

Finally, the fifth seeded Fighting Illini of Illinois, lost first round to a 12th seeded Western Kentucky.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, every single top three seeded

Syracuse from each region on advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, creating ultimate match ups for fans countrywide. Luckily for some of the high seeded teams they survived near first and second round scares including a third seeded Villanova, a first seeded Louisville, a second seeded Memphis and another third seeded Missouri. Hopefully their wake up calls got their gears to grind and will help these teams even further advance.

With all of the elite eight games over, we have had time to look at all the teams and make a better prediction for the final four the championship game on April 6, 2009.