November 2014

The

Leaf

Sycamore High School Student News Magazine Volume 2 | Issue 4 | November 21, 2014

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THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

1

[ inside this issue ] The Leaf

Sycamore High School 7400 Cornell Road Cincinnati, OH 45242

Staff Writers Jordan Baker Jenna Bao Natalie Brinkman Caroline Bruns Ben BrynjulfsonReardon Emily Chien Adhiti Chundur Hannah Clark Taylor Close Benjamin Cohen William Coleman Meghan DiGiovanna Jake Englander Sydney Evans Max Fritzhand Zachary Fritzhand Meredith Gottliebson Charles Harte Sarah Horne Claire King Riley Kurtz Claire Lefton Beverly Liu Jack Loon Melinda Looney Harsimran Makkad Ellen Martinson Ethan May Zachary Milliken Joshua Patterson Esther Pittinger Anthony Popenoe Madeline Schramm Lauren Shassere Luke Tenbarge Max Torem Emily Tyler Kamaria Walton Leah Wallihan Neil Yejjey Nathan Zhang

[ news ]

[ cover story ]

[ fun&games ]

9-13 | spirit and pride return to SHS in many forms

17 | wordles, sudoku, riddle, word scramble

2 | ISIS poses threat to the U.S. 2 | time capsule: history through the years 2 | employee of the week

[ feature ]

3 | students vote for first time

[ opinion ] 5 | sleep deprived from school

[ sports ]

7 | gay marriage spreads across U.S.

19 | girls, boys water polo finish season

8 | thanksgiving fun facts

20 | senior Derek Southward continues climbing career

[ a&e ]

6 | lessons learned from the homeless

14-15 | a preview of the final “The Hobbit” movie

[ spotlight ] 21 | senior Harry Kroin fills halls with music

The Leaf, the official print news-magazine of Sycamore High School, serves as an educational tool in the training of student journalists. We provide information and editorial leadership concerning school, national and world issues. We also provide a public forum for the exchange of ideas and viewpoints and to give coverage to newsworthy events directly related to the diverse school population. The viewpoints are purely of the staff of The Leaf and not the administration.

editors’ note

Print Editors-in-Chief Atiya Dosani Lauren Saxon Web Editor-in-Chief Kathryn Tenbarge Leaflet Editor-in-Chief Lauren Glynn ASSIGNMENT EDITORS Lila Englander Brenda Shen Associate Editors Joseph Ahn Taylor Evans Madeline Marsh Anna Zhou Managing Editors Abbey Baker Isaac Goldstein Creative Projects Joseph Ahn Hannah Frey Elizabeth Rickert Orion Schlosser Zoe Schlosser Business Manager Caroline Gao Web Master Eli Seidman-Deutsch Broadcast Editor-in-Chief Victoria Swart news Hannah May Sports Alex Wittenbaum Eli Zawatsky FEATURE Hannah Frey Lauren Kurtzer A&E Amy Deng Ben Ruskin Opinion David Wertheim Spotlight Brooke Landrum Fun & Games Rujula Kapoor

Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

Adviser Cheralyn Jardine Photographer McDaniel’s Photography About us Professional memberships: • Columbia Scholastic Press Association • Journalism Education Association • National Scholastic High School Press Association • Ohio Scholastic Media Association • Ohio Professional Writers (National Federation of Women Writers) • Quill & Scroll International Journalism Honorary

During our three years at SHS, we have never experienced such a high level of school spirit and pride.

After only one quarter into our senior year, the positive changes

we see have set the tone for our graduating class.

From composting to the earned senior privileges, the school environment continues to improve. In

this issue we are highlighting aspects our student body has come to love and appreciate.

-Lauren Saxon and Atiya Dosani

[ news ] Photo courtesy of MCT Photo

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21| SHSLEAF.ORG

ISIS jeopardizes feelings of safety Kamaria Walton

A

staff writer

mong the pressing issues threatening the United States, ISIS ranks high on the list. ISIS is an extremist terrorist group and is in the Islamic state of Iraq.

ISIS has been so powerful and successful in Iraq because they are located in part of the country where there is a lack of government.

Another major reason behind their expansion may be attributed to the group’s strong ties with local Sunni tribes and ex-Baathists.

Students may ask themselves; well that is way over there, why are people worried about it in America?

However, there are believed to be over two thousand Americans who are secretly a part of ISIS. James Foley, an American journalist, was beheaded by a

member of ISIS. Furthermore, future members of the military face the threat of being deployed to fight these extremists.

With conflicting opinions on what action to take, President Obama has chosen to send drones to try to take care of this issue.

Facts about ISIS:

1. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been the leader of ISIS for the past eight years.

2. ISIS controls 35,000 square miles of Iraq and Syria.

3. The number of ISIS members has recently tripled.

4. ISIS was created in the 1990s.

5. ISIS is the richest terror organization in the world.

Employee of the Week Conner Fenton was recognized as Employee of the Week (Oct. 26-Nov. 1). Conner demonstrates a strong work ethic while he takes inventory in the Sycamore Aves Store. Conner also excels at customer services and greeting guests when they come into the Aves Store.

Time Capsule WILL COLEMAN staff writer

5 YEARS (Nov 27, 2009) Tiger Woods is hospitalized after a car crash in Orlando. Woods was unable to participate in the next several tournaments. This all unfolded two days after rumors that Woods had an affair with a New York City nightclub manager.

10 YEARS (Dec 21, 2004) Author J.K. Rowling sets a release date for the sixth Harry Potter book, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” The classic book series that many of us read throughout childhood also came to life in movie theaters across the world. The final Harry Potter book was released two and a half years later.

30 YEARS (Dec 10, 1984) South African Desmond Tutu receives the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts toward ending the apartheid in his homeland. Tutu also supported struggling countries in the Middle East after his success in Africa. During the 80’s he was an Anglican Bishop and now works as a social rights activist. Students in World History classes watch the movie “Hotel Rwanda,” which focused on Tutu and the apartheid.

75 YEARS (Dec 7, 1939) Former New York Yankee star Lou Gehrig is elected into Baseball’s Hall of Fame. The first baseman won six World Series’ and won the Triple Crown in 1934. Just a year and a half after his entrance into the Hall of Fame, he died of ALS, which was later named after him.

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

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Midterm elections see low voter turnout New voters, student poll workers fill polling stations tONY POPENOE

T

staff writer

his year’s midterm election saw the lowest voter turnout in 72 years. No state was able to get more than 60 percent of registered voters to vote.

Midterm elections in the United States see a drop in voter turnout regularly, compared to presidential elections. In the 2012 presidential election, Ohio had a 70 percent turnout rate, but the midterm’s this year had a turnout of only 36.2 percent.

Voter turnout for young voters is known to be even less, with only a fourth of voters ages 18 - 29 voting in midterm elections.

“People around our age skip voting a lot because most policies don’t directly affect them,” senior William Schrantz said. “I don’t like politics, nor do I need to earn a living, so I’m not going to get tangled up in a mess that doesn’t need to be worried about yet.”

Young voters make up 21 percent of eligible voters and are critical in many elections. Capturing the youth vote was a critical part of the results of the 2012 election, with Obama winning 66 percent and Romney

only 32 percent.

“I do plan on voting this year because I think it is important to be politically involved, especially at a younger age,” senior Rachel Kleindorfer said. “I also believe that elections are relevant to me because they will affect us in some way.”

Turnout might have been hindered by recent Supreme Court decisions.

Last Sept, the Supreme Court ruled to prevent the extension of early voting in Ohio, resulting in a shorter voting period.

“Many swing states now feature huge chunks of their electorate voting early, with two-thirds of voters voting early in Colorado and Nevada in 2008 and more than half voting early in Florida and North Carolina,” political journalist Aaron Blake said in ‘The Washington Post’. “These numbers matter — a lot.”

This year, Ohio had its worst voter turnout on record. The landslide victory for Republicans across the state is being attributed to the low numbers.

“Turnout matters,” Hamilton County Republican Party chairman Alex Triantafilou said. “It really is that fundamental.”

11627 Springfield Pike Cincinnati Ohio 45246 513-671-2144

OF SPRINGDALE

Through government class, students had the chance to spend Election Day working the polls.

Each poll worker attended a three hour training class where they learned the procedure for the day.

Then, the night before the election, they attended an organizational meeting to set up equipment.

All poll workers reported to their precinct on Nov. 4 at 6:30 a.m. and remained there all day. The polls closed at 7:30 p.m. after which they counted ballots, put away equipment, and cleaned up.

“It was a long and tiring day, but I am glad that I will get paid for it,” senior Megan Jiang said.

All images by Lila Endladner

ALTERATI NS

Students work polls

10756 Montgomery Road Cincinnati Ohio 45242

513-429-5612

Senior Katherine Steinberg receives a sticker after voting in her first election.

[ opinion ] THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Staff Editorial

Successful shift, spirit sweeps school

Leafing through the masses: What is the best change you’ve seen this year?

F

Cartoon by Esther Pittinger

rom tables to Twitter, SHS has been given a face-lift this year.

These tangible changes have resulted in an atmospheric change in the building.

There is a new buzz in the

halls of SHS. Both new and old students, teachers, and administrators alike feel renewed school pride.

As the student voice of SHS, we have noticed considerable changes in our own corner of the school.

A shifting attitude of the administration has given our staff new opportunities and chances to reach our fellow students.

The administration has recognized The Leaf Publication and other vital programs at SHS for the hard work they have done to make the school what it is.

We appreciate this respect, and look forward to a continually prospering mutually beneficial relationship.

Re-Do Day gave us all an opportunity to get to know each other and see how we can make the school better.

Micaha Underwood, 11

New and improved salads and wraps.

Mrs. Karen Gregory, cafeteria employee

I like how the administration seems to really respect us as individuals this year. It improves morale.

Talia Bailes, 12

I’ve noticed more students are involved in after school activities and it motivates people to find opportunities.

Ethan Abney, 10

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

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Let teens sleep, start school later EMILY CHIEN staff writer

T

he phrase “party all night and sleep all day” sounds ideal.

However, the late night study sessions make this lifestyle unrealistic for students.

The cost of sleep deprivation can be high, even disastrous “I definitely cannot focus in class ever,” freshman, Kiri Wang said. “I can always feel myself drifting off and getting drowsy.”

Teenagers need at least

nine hours of sleep to function at their best.

However, one study found that less than 15 percent of teenagers achieve this.

Although teens naturally fall asleep later as they get older, school still demands full concentration at early start times. Lack of sleep limits a person’s ability to listen, learn, and concentrate.

“The expectation that a student would ever get up before 6:00 and come into school ready for hard work should be unheard of,” Wang said.

Sleep deprivation makes students irritable, heightens eating habits, and contributes to illness.

If schools started later each morning, students would get significantly more sleep.

Schools that have switched to later start times have seen academic improvements, and give students an extra five hours of sleep each week.

Other personal solutions could be to simply prioritize sleep a bit more, make schedules and stick to them. Having more awareness of sleep can, in the end, lead to personal success.

“My sleep dictates everything for me,” Wang said ”It determines my mood, my drive, and focus.”

Remembering gratitude during Thanksgiving JENNA BAO staff writer

Society associates holidays with different traditions and feelings.

Halloween brings to mind spooks, scares, and sweets. Christmas reminds us of pine trees, presents, and peppy tunes about bells and snowmen. But what does Thanksgiving mean?

In 2013, 141 million Americans participated in Black Friday shopping. Thanksgiving is the second biggest football-viewing day, with 71.9 million fans tuning in. A whopping 51 million turkeys were consumed for the holiday.

So amidst the wild sales, sports teams, and feasting, where does the actual thankfulness come in?

Citizens of the United States have plenty to be thankful for no matter how much anyone complains, from democracy to the right to complain if we please, to public education and the availability of accurate information just a click away.

Yet actual appreciation of the opportunities we have tends to be restricted to the 15 minutes of scrambling for ideas after a distant aunt decides to go around the table to share before the stuffing gets cold.

Then, when confronted with an opportunity to reflect upon what we are thankful for, we spout easy answers and say things like “my cat” (not to say that feline friends cannot be great sources of joy).

Even though we ought to be thankful for what we have all year round, it is fairly unrealistic to expect ourselves or others to always be glad for the chance to wake up early for school.

As is the incredible human trait of not appreciating something until it is gone.

However, the one day we dedicate to catching up on a year’s worth of gratitude, we ought to put sentiment before

sales and contemplation before cranberry sauce.

So this Thanksgiving, stop salivating over the pie long enough to appreciate Aunt Bertha (or Wong or Pat) for bothering to make delicious food, and avoid getting trampled in a mad dash for jeans by assuring loved ones we are t r u l y thankful for them.

All photos courtesy of Lila Englander

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THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Extending a hand

A behind the scenes look at homelessness in Cincinnati DAVID WERTHEIM

separate area.

Although offered multiple times, he continues to turn down the hen one walks down offer to stay in a special care center the street, especially for veterans.

While he does not in urban areas such as necessarily cherish his living space, Roselawn, Over-thehe feels like he has made a home in Rhine, and Clifton, one may see his locker, where he has lived for multiple homeless folks on their way. more than 10 years.

People do not bat an eye or even stop When I came back one day, I was to think about what it is really like to startled to find that Lonnie was not be homeless in Cincinnati. living at the storage locker but was I began my journey in Roselawn, at the veterans hospital that he had where I met Lonnie.* Lonnie, like turned down so many times instead.

13 percent of homeless people in I was upset, thinking that I had lost Cincinnati, is a former veteran who a friend of sorts. served honorably in the Vietnam However, a week later, I came back war. and there was Lonnie in However, Lonnie’s If you his black shirt smiling life is dominated by at me once again. He had lived post traumatic stress offered me a banana this somewhere disorder (PTSD) and time, and once again, for 10 years, other mental diseases I said no. I thought of he developed during his whether that why he wanted to come service. Lonnie has not place was a been able to adapt since storage locker back to this little storage coming back from war, or a mansion, locker so badly.

And it hit me. If you had and he currently lives memories lived somewhere for 10 in a storage locker. But, are created years, whether that place anytime I see him, he wherever you was an apartment, under seems thrilled. go a bridge, a storage locker, Despite living on or a mansion, memories Veteran’s Disability Checks, Lonnie are created wherever you go, and always offers me a snack while I am memories are forever. at his locker.

Some homeless people work to try “Hey little man, you want an and not be homeless anymore, but apple?” he asks with a smile. As Lonnie seems to have given up. He always, I politely turn him down, never had a long-term relationship, and we continue to talk. so maybe he feels like his visitors are Lonnie only has a few possessions. his children.

So you may ask, what He has a couple shirts, a couple can I do? pairs of pants, a shopping cart, and Cincinnati has multiple homeless a transistor radio. He gets around shelters where people can serve town by calling a cab, but because meals or play games with younger he walks with a cane, it takes him children.

While some people worry longer to get around and do basic donating money to a homeless things like grocery shop. person may go toward alcohol or His monthly check is enough to tobacco, food donations are another survive on, but he cannot afford the option.

Even something as small as luxuries that we take for granted, a granola bar may be the most food such as going to the bathroom.

Lonnie goes to the bathroom in they have eaten in a week.

Some people may choose to go a pot, which he dumps out in a

W

opinion chief

above and beyond. I have seen people give large amounts of money, and even take a homeless person out for a nice dinner.

So while you may think that homeless people are no-good, lazy people, that is not always true. Some homeless people try to enjoy life while they can. I was at Oktoberfest this year, and I saw a homeless couple with their dog kissing and holding hands like they just got married.

So before you pass harsh judgment, just remember that these individuals *Not his real name are people too.

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[ feature ]

7

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Gay marriage legalization spreads across country riley kurtz

staff writer

emilie KIng

staff writer

L

ike dominoes tipping over, states have been securing the freedom of marriage equality one by one over the past few years, and the process has noticeably spiked in recent weeks.

“I think it’s amazing. I don’t know if it will be legalized in new states soon because there’s a small percentage of people who don’t care,” freshman Terrell Jasper said.

Although homosexual marriage was recently banned in Ohio, students are ecstatic about the fact that the U.S. is making progress.

“Being a Catholic, the Bible says [homosexual marriage] is against [my religion], but I believe that people have the right to do whatever they want when it comes to themselves. If it’s not harming them or others, I think it’s a good thing they are legalizing [homosexual marriage],” sophomore Hannah Young said.

When students were asked about their feelings regarding the ban on

marriage equality in Ohio, there were many different responses.

“I think [the banning of gay marriage] is wrong because everyone should have the opportunity to marry the people they love and divorce the people they hate,” senior Jennifer Weber said.

SHS history teachers have their own viewpoint on the subject as well.

“In Loving versus Virginia, the court ruled against banning interracial marriage, so I can’t help but feel like in years to come, we will view gay marriage in the same way,” AP U.S. Government teacher Mr. Kevin Wittman said.

Freedom to marry Pro-marriage court ruling; pending further action.

Pro-marriage ruling at the appellate level paving the way for marriage

Marriage ban Marriage ban, lawsuit filed awaiting ruling

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Thanksgiving Fun Facts ZOE SCHLOSSER

creative projects editor

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The world’s largest pumpkin pie was made in Bremen, Ohio

The average person gains 1 lb. on Thanksgiving

20 ft wide 3, 669 lbs

91%

of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving Source: americanhistory.about.com

[ cover story ] THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Aves are rowdy

T 10

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

aking flight: ‘Battle of the Skies’

he rowdiest game of the year

Will coleman

E

staff writer

ventful. This is one word that hardly encompasses the excitement of Halloween night at SHS. Students started the day with a comical “twitter war” with Mason and ended it with a triumphant victory over the Comets on the football field.

On the first play of the game the Aves lost the ball, putting Mason in the red zone.

Just seconds later, Mason fumbled the ball right back to SHS. This set up the Aves for a 35-yard rushing touchdown from sophomore halfback Ra’Von Bonner.

Bonner finished the game with four touchdowns, 169 yards, and was named Beacon Orthopedics

Primetime Performer of the Week.

Despite already being eliminated from the playoffs, the football team received momentous support from the student section, who cheered the team on to a 36-0 shutout over Mason, eliminating the Comets from the playoffs.

“The Mason game always has a huge meaning to us. We never want to let go of that trophy,” senior wide receiver Ryan Wahler said.

Wahler broke the SHS all-time receiving record this year in a game against Colerain.

Students claim the game was their greatest Ave Cave experience. But why?

To start, the “Twitter war” hyped up the students, the players, and the game.

Secondly, the cold and wet weather made students feel brave for fighting it out and enduring the harsh weather conditions. And of course, explosive plays got the crowd excited.

The fact that it was Senior Night was surely a factor as well. In addition to the players, the student section also had senior leaders participating in their last SHS football game.

“Leading the Ave Cave in cheer is something that I’ve wanted to do since my freshman year. It’s a great feeling when the whole school is following behind you,” senior Jeffery Henry said.

March of the champions Leah Wallihan staff writer

Many new additions have come to SHS, and the most recent is send-offs for athletic teams going to State competitions. On Oct. 16, the school introduced the new send-off method routine, the “March of the Champions.”

During the last ten minutes of 6th bell, the Girls Varsity tennis team and the Girls Varsity water polo team walked around the school led by the drum line while students lined the walls and cheered.

“It was really cool to have the whole school showing their support for your sport,” junior Alexa Abele said.

Team captain of the water polo team, Jennifer Weber, was happy with the change.

“The parade was really cool to do.

[It was] Photo courtesy of Mr. Doug Mader

something that I had never seen before, and to be a part of it was neat. I felt like we should have been throwing out candy while walking down the hallways. Overall, I enjoyed it and thought it was very classy,” Weber said.

In previous years, the send-off was not nearly as big of an event, and did not bring as much enthusiasm.

“They made an announcement for anyone to come up to the front office for a state send-off. Usually a staff member said a few nice words and that was it. Also, no one really showed up because you couldn’t be late for class,” junior Amanda Peck said.

Overall, the new method instated by Principal Mr. Doug Mader has brought more spirit to the school.

“I thought the ‘Walk of Champions’ was a really cool experience. Every year they just have the state send off in the front office and it is never exciting. The ‘Walk of Champions’ was exciting and made me feel like there was more spirit in the school,” Peck said.

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Newsfeed Ryan Wick @rwick99 Mason moms bring snacks after every football game Clara Chuey @ClaraChuey Mason is all about that treble Jonathan Rollins @thejrawlz

Mason double dips Shiloh Eklund @ShilohEklund Mason still has a webkinz account Lauren Saxon @Lsax_235 Mason doesn’t have fight song Fridays Allie Kolthoff @AllieKolthoff Mason is going trick or treating tonight and not the game Claire Hallock @Clairehallock30 Mason goes to bdubs and orders a salad Matt Green @matthew_green6 Mason has snapchat stories over 100 seconds Erin Kroell @erinkroell224 Mason uses flip phones Megan Sulfsted @megan_sulf Mason wishes they could be like the cool kids #AVES Kiley Schafer @kiley_schafer Mason dots their i’s with hearts Andrea Goldstein @andrea_golds Mason likes Mondays Caroline Bruns @caroline_bruns

Mason enjoys blizzard bags Adam Lucken @lucky_lucken Mason doesn’t put their seats back at lunch

11

Composting changes world

Environmental club and custodians help SHS go green Kathryn TENBARGE

S

web editor-in-chief

orting daily lunch garbage into compost, trash and recycling may not seem like a process that could save the world, but the Sycamore composting program as a whole is making a huge difference in the waste problem Ohio faces.

The school district recently won a National School Boards Association award for composting and recycling.

“It was the doing of not just the high school but our [the environmental club] in the first place,” AP Environmental teacher and Environmental Club sponsor Mr. Ron Hochstrasser said. Hochstrasser and the custodians along with student volunteers staff the composting tables during lunch.

The Environmental Club is responsible for promoting ‘green’ practices throughout the school day and collecting recycling after school.

Hochstrasser will also be attending an Environmental Education Council of Ohio meeting in Apr. to potentially receive another award from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

“I think we’re a model for the rest of Ohio and the country,” Hochstrasser said.

Sorting trash may be a burden, but it will affect the environment the next generation lives in.

“Every day I ask people how they feel about how they impacted the environment today. Most people generally care,” custodial department head Mr. James Dudley said.

Drum line: Heartbeat of SHS LUKE TENBARGE

staff writer

They are the heartbeat of the marching band and the most resonant part of any football game. The drum line can be heard anywhere in the stadium, but they are rarely heard from themselves.

Members works long and hard hours to present polished marching routines that can be seen at every football game.

These musicians sacrifice plenty of free time to perfect their marches and music. The workload at the high school can be very time consuming but the work must get done every day.

Performances are jammed with quick tempos and complicated rhythms to excite fans and onlookers.

Often times the drum line can be seen at pep rallies and are included in the ‘March of the Champions’ parade to fire up the student body.

“The drum line works really hard to get to where they are and they always put in the extra effort,” sophomore Daniel Dong said.

Many people struggle with stage

fright, but the drum line has to perform in front of several hundred people every Friday.

“The football games are not stressful because we’ve already performed the piece so many times during competitions where we are actually being judged,” freshman Ethan Main said.

The practices for marching band can be about two hours and forty five minutes long. Much of this time is spent repeating marches and transitions to become more accurate.

Overall the drum line is a wellrespected and well-liked group at the high school and their performances never fail to incite the fans at football games and pep rallies.

“The drum line is really cool. Their music always seems really difficult,” junior Chris Seger said.

“

They always put in the extra effort.

12

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Caught up in spirit

Photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

[ column ]

[ a&e ]

Ben Cohen

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Creativity:

staff writer

A skill everyone can harness NATALIE BRINKMAN

C

staff writer

Photo Courtesy of Natalie Brinkman

reativity means acting from your intuition and responding to ideas that occur to you; it means doing what occurs to you,” art teacher Mrs. Margaret Copfer said.

All around us creativity flows and enlightens us, but in many cases it is hard to harness those thoughts and push them into an outcome.

“Keeping a sketchbook and a journal, and actually doodling is a good way to get started,” Copfer said.

It does not take massive skills to be creative, but the single ability to put ideas to the test. All day everyday thoughts roam around just waiting for an extra spark to be made into something extraordinary.

If drawing is enjoyable, carry a sketchbook for when the urge strikes. If singing is a passion, sing songs with friends or get involved with a choir. If writing is fun, keep a journal. It is all about practicing.

“By taking an art or music class, you start to develop some confidence because you practice those skills. Also, when the teacher is giving you prompts and

ways to begin, you start to see that you can express yourself because you have some skills,” Copfer said.

Everyone has natural, creative ways, but even those who do not believe in their abilities can learn through a class and with at home practice.

“Everybody is creative. Everybody has to just believe in things that occur to them and actually record them somehow,” Copfer said.

Being creative also does not take a lot of money, nor resources. For doodling all you need is a pencil or pen, a piece of paper, and your brain.

D. William Lange, DMD, Inc D. William Lange, DMD, MSD David W. Lange, DDS, MS Practice Limited to Orthodontics

9157 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45242 (513) 791-0777 Fax: (513) 791-7817

905 Main St. Milford, OH 45150 (513) 248-7100

20 years ago, a little show called “Friends” debuted on television. This show soon became a pop culture phenomenon and arguably one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.

Still, a common criticism of the show is constantly presented: where is the diversity?

The show had a simple - almost too simple - set up: attractive people living in New York. Now where has this been seen before? In almost every successful show in the past decade.

It is not that such shows were trying to be non-diverse; they were just using what they knew worked, or thought worked. TV executives assumed that people wanted to see people who looked like themselves on TV, but what about all the other viewers who are not Caucasian models?

The recent TV season is putting a change to this. So far, “How to Get Away with Murder” has become one of the highest rated new shows, which is paired with “Scandal.” Both of these feature lead black females.

“Black-ish” is another new show, in the coveted post-“Modern Family” time slot, which is about a modern African American family. A contrast to the slightly diverse, but still very white “Modern Family.”

“Cristela” and “Fresh off the Boat” each help this trend too. The former about a Latino family and the latter is about a Korean family, though a premiere date has yet to be announced.

“American Horror Story: Freak Show” is also breaking ground by casting real disabled people in its “freak” roles. While the three breasted woman and two headed girl are both clearly made from prosthetics, the show has cast the world’s smallest woman, a woman with no legs, a man with deformed arms due to a disease called Phocomelia, and a transgender woman who is currently labeled as the “world’s tallest model.”

If TV continues this trend of truly portraying the everyday American and not just the “ideal” image of one, maybe we will finally get to a point where we won’t have to write articles about it and can just sit back, relax, and enjoy some diverse TV.

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THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

The final Hobbit movie premieres: Dwarves face danger in the form of dragons MaDELINE mARSH associate editor

Elizabeth Rickert creative projects editor

Image by Elizabeth Rickert

T

he “Lord of the Rings” is one of the most well known books and movie enterprise in cinema history. “The Lord of the Rings” movie series finished production in 2003.

Fans of the “The Lord of the Rings” also will be fond of “The Hobbit,” which is the prequel to “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

There have been two movies in “The Hobbit” series so far: “An Unexpected Journey” and the “The Desolation of Smaug.”

The last installment, “The Battle of the Five Armies,” will be premiering Dec. 17, 2014.

“My dad used to read ‘The Hobbit’ to me when I was a child.

I don’t think we ever finished the book. I am really excited to see the last movie because, unlike with the other ones, I don’t know what is going to happen,” junior Michelle Swart said.

This is a map of Middle Earth, which is where “The Hobbit” takes place. Author J.R. R. Tolkien drew the drawings personally. The language featured above is Elvish, which Tolkein made up himself.

Tolkien fans.

They are known for their beautiful music by Howard Shore and lush scenery.

The scenery is mostly filmed in New Zealand, as it was for The Shire. This is a region described in Tolkien’s A lifetime of middle earth Many fans of “The Hobbit” have novels. known about Middle Earth and its Hobbit Town inhabitants since they were children. For fans of the movie, there is a “real Though, different from the books, life” Shire in Matamata, New Zealand the movies are loved by most J.R.R. where visitors can tour the movie set.

In the book...

“The Hobbit’s” tone is a brisk, light adventure story because it is written as a children’s novel.

Narration opens the novel it describes Hobbits and Bilbo Baggins in particular, which is followed by Gandalf.

Bilbo is 51 years old at the beginning of The Hobbit; by the beginning of Lord of the Rings, he is 111, but because of the Ring he has not noticeably aged.

Radagast the Wizard was only mentioned by name in “The Hobbit”.

Elrond and other well known characters from “The Lord of the Rings” were never in the novel, though they do appear in the movie.

It has houses, an inn, cafe, and a store that fans can visit.

“The Lord of the Rings” is a widespread phenomenon that has been going strong since the books’ release in 1937.

This is the final movie for “The Hobbit” and Middle Earth.

“I’ve grown up with “The Hobbit” and the “Lord of the Rings” movies and books so it’s kind of sad that it’s ending,” freshman Sydney Barr said.

In the movie...

The script was more fleshed out and enhanced.

This makes it more connected with the Rings trilogy, but not as suitable for children.

It opens with Bilbo’s preparations for his 111th birthday party. He is writing his memoirs for Frodo, who appears in the movie, but was not yet born in the book.

Radagast shows up as an active character.

Tauriel the Elf, a love interest for Kili, is invented for the movie.

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

15

Which Middle Earth character are you?

START Are you an extrovert?

Are you an impulsive person? yes

no Would others come to you for advice or assistance?

yes no

Are power and riches the most important thing in life?

no

Is your weapon of choice a bow and arrow?

Legolas Greenleaf

You are skillful and intelligent.

You are thought well of and a great companion to take on a quest.

Gandalf the Grey

You are very wise and powerful. You give good advice, and are a great help on journeys.

However, you try to fix everything.

yes Do you enjoy spending time at home?

no yes Do you only associate with people similar to you?

yes

yes

no

yes

You are King Under the Mountain. You are known to be a dedicated leader.

However, wealth and power can overtake your proper judgment.

no

no

yes

Thorin Oakenshield

Do you eat multiple meals a day?

yes

Frodo Baggins While you love to be at home, you long for adventure. When push comes to shove you are braver than you seem.

Do you long for adventure?

no

Bilbo Baggins

You love to be at home. Eating, relaxing, and enjoying the quiet life seems to suit you.

Yet when adventure comes, your courageous side will come out.

Summary of ‘The Hobbit’ movies

An Unexpected Journey

Twelve dwarves, the wizard Gandalf the Grey and a hobbit are on an adventure. A Hobbit is a small, big footed, introverted creature who hates adventures. Bilbo Baggins, the Hobbit, finds himself helping the dwarves reclaim their kingdom from the dragon Smaug.

Bilbo is an ordinary hobbit, or so he thinks. When the journey begins, the dwarves think of Bilbo as a nuisance.

Soon the hobbit proves his worth by helping the dwarves stay alive against trolls, goblins, and giant spiders.

He does not do this alone; Bilbo finds a ring, while in the Goblin’s lair. This ring appears in all of the Hobbit movies and continues in “The Lord of the Rings’” trilogy.

Desolation of Smaug

On their journey into the forest, the dwarves are captured by elves and taken as prisoners. Bilbo escapes the elves by wearing the ring.

Bilbo helps his friends escape to the human river city of Lake Town.

With the help of the mayor, the crew finds shelter and supplies to help them on their journey to the Old Dwarf Kingdom.

Bilbo deciphers the map leading to the need to steal from Smaug.

Bilbo tries to steal the Arkenstone for himself, but he awakens Smaug.

The dwarves then enter the mountain to help Bilbo. They fool the dragon into rekindling the forge using his fiery breath, but Smaug eventually escapes.

Smaug rightly assumes that the dwarves had help from Lake Town and flies off to wreak havoc on the humans.

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

16

Marching band makes memories

TAYLOR CLOSE

F

staff writer

ew know what goes on during the weekly competitions that the marching band attends.

From practices before the competitions, to late arrival time back to school, the competitions are timeconsuming. By the end of the season, the band, including the freshman, are excited to finally be through all the late nights.

“For the most part I don’t mind the late nights as long as it’s not a school night and I can sleep in the next day, and I like being able to spend time with all of my friends in band on long days and late nights,” junior Nate Halstead said.

Upon arriving at the school on competition day, band members get their instruments and head to the field, taking a few hours to rehearse.

“Some people need the time, some people don’t. The current amount of time is okay since it allows the band members who need practice to practice with everyone,” freshman Max Snyder said.

After the intense practicing, the time comes to load the equipment onto the semi-truck and eat before leaving the school. This break is considered the down time of the day.

Upon arriving at the host school, all of the equipment is unloaded off the semi-truck. The uniforms are taken off the hangers and put onto the bodies of the band, and the members get ready to warm-up.

Warm-up is a time for going over certain parts of the show without going through all of it. The band and color guard separate and focus on different parts of the show during

warm-up, which usually takes about 45 minutes.

Finally, it is time to perform in front of hundreds of people. This added pressure causes either even more anxiety or creates a rush of adrenaline.

The performance is the main reason the band goes to a competition, but with all of the work to get there, it is all over in 12 short minutes.

After the performance, one of the directors, usually Mr. Jimmy Blankenship, gives a post performance review. Then the band changes into comfortable clothes.

“Getting better every week is an accomplishment for any group. Not only has the group improved every week, but they have also done so at almost three points a week. That's an incredible accomplishment, and one that I am very proud of,” Blankenship said.

During the season, the marching band usually gets little sleep between practice, games, and competitions.

Marching band teaches time management.

The seniors remember their band experiences as some of the best memories of their high school career.

“My first competition was with the Flight Show theme and we had these gigantic 13-ft poles that were supposed to look like planes and these flight attendant costumes that had a skirt. My sister was also in color guard at the time,” senior color guard member Annie Schoen said.

p. 11

Check out a feature on the drum line

[ column ] Screening with Ben Ben Ruskin a&e chief

I have never seen a movie quite as intriguing as “Interstellar,” starring Matthew McConaughey. The movie consisted of so many different spectacular layers, it’s impossible to express them in words.

As the earth begins to deteriorate, McConaughey’s character, Cooper, is earth’s last hope of survival. Cooper’s mission is to travel into space to find another planet that is capable of sustaining life.

Once again, Christopher Nolan has created a masterpiece.

Nolan does a fantastic job of creating a somewhat dark theme, but not too dark that the movie comes off as depressing.

The weekend “Interstellar” was released, 11 million people bought tickets.

As time difference is a factor, Cooper has no idea when he may be returning to earth. You will not be able to turn away from these incredibly detailed outer space scenes. The movie also stars familiar faces such as Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon. If you are at all a fan of detailed and fantastic cinema, I recommend that you see “Interstellar.”

There are also many new movies that will be coming out in the next year. “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” has been getting attention because it features the recently deceased Robin Williams.

Another movie trailer that is creating buzz in the movie community is “Minions,” from the “Despicable Me” series.

There are many new movies to look forward to this coming year, so if you are into cinema, get ready for great surprises.

[ fun&games ]

RUJULA KAPOOR fun & games chief

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Wordles CHOW

Find 142 words only using these letters

O

R

N

O

K K K K K K

•I started a trip with a full tank of 12 gallons.

•The moment I started driving the fuel tank leaked.

O

T

K K K

Math Riddle

S

Sudoku 1 4 5 6 7 5 1 4 3 3 3 8 5 4 7 1 4 1 6 5 9 2 3 7 8 4 6 4 6 7 5 7 9 8 2 1

•I traveled 50 mph until I ran out of fuel 4 hours later.

•The car uses 25 miles per gallon.

How much fuel leaked?

Word Scramble

A

Y

7q + 3q

1. RMTEXESIM 2. NKDBOROO 3. NORYAUBD 4. JAMTOIYR 5. ONIANVOITN 6. EAINCHMC 7. KORYEBAD 1. extremism 2. doorknob 3. boundary 4. majority 5. innovation 6. mechanic 7. keyboard

meta meta meta meta

[ sports ]

[ column ]

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Keeping Up with Kurtzer

REVIEW

“

LAUREN KURTZER

feature chief

Even though it ended earlier than we would have liked. I had a great time with my teammates throughout the year.

Hazing is a part of showing who is in charge by asserting one’s seniority on sports team members. It is a necessity in high school sports, but it is all fun and games until violence comes into play.

A prime example of hazing is Senior Night. Being a freshman on a We had a solid season. It was nice to Varsity team I looked forward to that make the playoffs and win a couple night of yet another new experience games. Overall, I had a great experience in high school and paying homage as a SHS soccer player. to the seniors.

I got to wear an old dance uniform while the seniors wore dresses and skirts, the other underclassmen and Images by Atiya Dosani I spent time decorating lockers.

We enjoyed giving back to our elders. It was a voluntary gift we We are excited for another year. With were happy to give. strong senior and junior classes, we Part of being a younger teammate are confident in our ability to perform or a first year teammate is to wait for under pressure. your turn; your moment to shine will come with patience.

That is what makes being an elder team member even more special.

Yes, being an underclassman had its disadvantages. I was not in the I hope that everyone does very well this front during performances because season. I hope that we all accomplish our the seniors were, I was on the end of goals whether it be to go to state, get the line for pregame—even though I a best time, or just improve the group enjoyed being in front of the student dynamic. section.

I was also not able to choose what we wore to school on performance days.

But I know I will have my chance when I am a senior, just like those girls last and this year.

Now if one of my teammates punched me as part of their so-called ‘seniority,’ I would not have any of it and my coach and all other adults should have none of it and not allow it to continue.

The seniority they claim to have is not present in one who uses violence, which is never the answer.

Being a team means being one unit—together. I hope I would be able to trust my teammates to make me feel a part of the team, yet a special individual.

Kellen Alsip,11 Girls golf

Austin Schafer,12 Boys soccer

PREVIEW

“

“

Joseph Mattis, 11 Boys basketball

Lily Retford, 12 Girls swimming

“

19 Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

Water polo scores at state Girls place third, boys place seventh staff writer

Hannah May news chief

T

he Ohio Girls State Tournament was held on Fri., Oct. 17 and Sat., Oct. 18 at both Mason High School and SHS. The boys tournament was held a week later at Ohio Weslyan University and Thomas Worthington High School.

Girls results: The girls were seeded third going into States, and after defeating Kilborne High School they moved on to play Napolean High School in the game that decided who would go to the State Finals.

SHS ended up losing to Napolean with a score of 11-10. Napolean went on to play in the championship game against Upper Arlington High School and SHS played Milford High School for the third place trophy.

“Despite us not going to the state finals, I am extremely proud of what we accomplished. We worked together as a team, regardless of us losing our whole starting lineup,” junior Hannah Kast said.

At the end of the fourth quarter, SHS and Milford were tied at nine. The game went into overtime, which consisted of two extra periods that were two minutes long. SHS ended up winning the match by two goals and therefore secured the third place title.

All Ohio Water Polo Players

“We had high hopes of winning Player Team state and we came really close. It fell apart in the end but we still won Senior, Adam Ioas 1st third and did really well as a team.

Junior, We worked very hard on our skills 1st and a lot of people improved,” Hannah Schwegmann senior Jennifer Weber said.

Senior, Mark Hancher 2nd Boys results: The boys team was ranked sixth for the state tournament. They Junior, Hannah Kast 2nd played Sylvania High School and won the game 14-1. For the next Senior, Jennifer Weber 2nd game, they played St. Xavier, who was seeded third, and lost 11-7. St. 2nd Francis was the next game, and Junior, Jory Gould SHS was defeated with a score 9-8.

Their final match was against Senior, Greyson Marks honorable mention Kilborne High School and SHS won. The final score was 14-7. The last goal was Toledo Teams: scored by senior and goalie Napolean Canton Teams: Sylvania Greyson Marks, who St. Ursula Perry left the goalie position and St. Francis Columbus Teams: played field at the end of Kilborne the game in order to score Thomas Worthington the goal.

Upper Arlington Cincinnati New Albany The boys finished the Teams: St. Charles tournament in seventh AMDG Mason place.

“I think we had a pretty Milford Sycamore good season for how short Princeton Dayton Teams: our bench was. We wanted St. Xavier Oakwood to do better at state than we did, but we were all still happy,” senior Adam Ioas said.

All images by Ethan and Hannah May

ethan may

20

THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

[ column ] DAVID WERTHEIM

opinion chief

Seventh Inning Stretch

‘It’s just you, the rock, and nothing’

T

here are baby pictures of senior Derek Southward climbing.

Although introduced to climbing by his father, Southward was inspired by his older brother to join a competitive team in sixth grade.

He began spending summers at Climb Time, a local climbing gym. “[Climb Time] was my second home during eighth grade and freshman year. I grew up here,” said Southward.

USA climbing is divided into bouldering and sport-climbing.

Until he stopped last year, Southward had been competing for seven years. During his freshman year he placed 59th in the nation.

“Currently what I’m doing is open competitions similar format to American Bouldering Series, but with prize money and gear. It helps fund climbing trips,” said Southward.

In fall, Southward spends every other weekend in the Red River Gorge or other southern rock climbing destinations.

“The weekends I’m not down there, I’m up here working to pay for next weekend’s trip or doing competitions to win money for a trip. It’s usually revolving around ‘how can I fund my next trip,’” said Southward.

Climbing offers an unusual mix of benefits.

“It’s a great community. It’s a little outlandish. I’m good at it.

It’s exciting, constantly changing.

I don’t play team sports because

that involves working with other people, which I’m not too great at.

I also can’t run. Or throw,” said Southward.

But some rewarding aspects of climbing are harder to describe.

“It’s quiet, you get there early in the morning and you’re on the rock.

It’s just you, the rock, and nothing.

Just your breathing, it’s super quiet and peaceful and really serene, just a wonderful experience,” said Southward.

After graduating high school, Southward plans to serve in the Army Corps of Engineers.

“I definitely want to continue climbing. That’s what my dad did.

He was also in the military and kept climbing when he could and passed it down to his kids. Hopefully I can do the same and keep this climbing thing going,” said Southward.

All photos courtesy of Derek Southward

LILA ENGLANDER

assignment editor

Throughout the NFL season, viewers can find examples of great teams playing like terrible teams. One of the prime reasons for this is the lack of quality ownership.

A great example is the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are a team that made it to a Super Bowl in 2002, and have not won over eight games since.

The terrible ownership by Al Davis (died in 2011) and Mark Davis has formed a swirling black cloud of terrible football in Oakland for the last 10 years.

Not only have the Raiders been horrendous on the field, but lackluster draft picks such as 2007 #1 overall pick quarterback Jamarcus Russell, who played three total seasons with a 7-18 record, ballooned to over 300 pounds, and was arrested for drug posession.

The Raiders so far this year are winless through nine games, and are likely to keep up the trend if ownership does not change their plans. The Raiders may be in danger of relocation, as San Antonio is currently attempting to bait the Raiders to move to Texas.

The city of Oakland has been unable to reach a new staduim deal with the Raiders, putting the club in the same danger that the Bengals were in just a few decades ago when they were almost unable to complete a deal with the city of Cincinnati.

The Raiders have a dedicated fan base, but continue to put out terrible teams and terrible players onto the field every week, and who knows how long the fans will continue to show up if the franchise continues to put garbage onto that field every Sunday, and just how long will the Raiders be in Oakland.

It is sad to think that a franchise that was so dominant in the 1970’s and 1980’s can be so terrible now, but that is the reality of this dismal organization that needs to get back on track.

[ spotlight ] THE LEAF | FRIDAY, NOV. 21 | SHSLEAF.ORG

‘If you want to bring your own boom box then you have to top my list’ BROOKE LANDRUM

spotlight chief

W

hen hearing ‘The Beatles’, ‘The Grateful Dead’ or Frank Sinatra loudly while walking the halls, senior Harry Kroin is soon seen strutting down toward you. Long hair, definitive fashion choices, and of course, the music, are his obvious characteristics.

Kroin, however, is best described as an interesting, multifaceted personality. His ideas and plans are all his own as are his life and universal philosophies.

When Kroin graduates he does not plan to attend formal schooling. He has alternative plans for his future and how to further educate himself.

“I want to buy a double decker bus and drive around the country spreading the word to people that… we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively…

I will be attending numerous colleges, I will be auditing every single class I possibly can,” said Kroin.

His belief is that school work gets in the way of learning, that assignments make students too focused on receiving points. This puts their focus on finishing tasks instead of attaining knowledge.

“Sophomore year I stopped doing all of my work, all of it. I only focused on the learning aspect and I failed every single class, but I learned a tremendous

Image by Brooke Landrum

amount,” said Kroin.

Kroin’s philosophies spread far beyond the education system. His ideas span a multitude of topics and many have to do with the state of the universe.

“I have done a lot of transcendental meditation and unlocked what I believe is the truth of existence and those are the truths that I want to spread,” said Kroin.

What Kroin plans to do while spreading these truths is an all-encompassing and ever expanding list of qualities and careers.

His ambitions range anywhere from being a revolutionary to a prophet to simply being “free.”

Kroin believes that he can change the world and encourages people to come and talk to him about anything be it advice or just to talk.

THE LEAFLET volume 2 issue 4 nov. 14, 2014

Food for thought

Food for thought