THE
VISOR
arcbishop hoban high school - Issue 2 - October 4,2013
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Visor compiles the month’s most noteworhy news
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Students share their spirit via social networking
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A behind the scenes look at this years’ Homecoming dance
Knig
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SPIRIT WEEK view photos on page four >
Photo by Hannah Caprez
2013
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news
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
VISOR
THE
OCT. 4, 2013
written by Tim Brennan and Ben Easton graphics by Sarah Carmon
ARCHBISHOP HOBAN HIGH SCHOOL
THE NEW iPHONES
Online: www.hobanvisor.com
On Sept. 20, Apple Inc. officially released its latest flagship product-- the iPhone 5s. While the iPhone 5s only shows slight differences in appearance to its predecessor, the iPhone 5, its functions still set a number of precedents for customers and competitors alike. Firstly, the 5s is the first smartphone available to users that provides a processing mainframe capable of 64-bit operation, which rivals the processing capabilities of most desktop computers. Also, the 5s boasts one of the simplest yet most innovative security systems in today’s phone market: fingerprint touch ID. With a 360 degree reading capability, a sapphire crystal lense, and a high resolution sensor, users can now truly say that the power of this new age technology rests in the tips of their fingers. Now, with a simple touch and push, purchases through iTunes, the App Store, and other online shopping sites can be made with ease.
Mailing Address: One Holy Cross Blvd. Akron, OH 44305
E-mail: visor@hoban.org AWARDS •CSPA Gold Medalist •NSPA First Class Award •Quill & Scroll Int'l First Place •OSMA First Place
The Visor subscribes to the ASNE/MCT Campus news service and to APStylebook.com. Signed letters for publication are welcome. Mailbox is in the main office. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus of the editorial
GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN Congress worked late into the night on Sept. 30, trying to approve the budget for the nation’s upcoming fiscal year. Yet, the last ditch efforts to reconcile the postulates of the spending bill between House Republicans and Senate Democrats was all for nought, considering the Congress was ultimately unable to come to a compromise on the budget. The result? Our nation’s first federal government shutdown in 17 years. A shutdown mainly focuses on cutting back on non-essential government programs and workers, such as the National Park Service which includes parks such as Yosemite and the Statue of Liberty. Also, the Center for Disease Control will cease its annual flu prevention programs and be unable to respond to outbreak investigations. Salaries for troops and the defense budget will not be affected as well as veterans hospitals which will continue treating patients. This shutdown has no definitive end date and has sent home approximately 800,000 employees. Congress will continue to argue over the budget until an agreement can be reached and the budget approved.
OCTOBER COLLEGE VISITS Walsh University
8th
Otterbein University
18th University of Findlay
9th
Holy Cross College Baldwin Wallace University
14th
Ohio State University University of Pittsburgh College of Mount St. Joseph
28th
15th
Thiel College Washington University
29th
17th
Defiance College
22nd
30th
Alderson Broaddus University Case Western Reserve
St. Mary’s College
University of Toledo Cleveland State University
Ursuline College
board. Signed opinion represents the views of the writer only.
Staff: Editors-in-chief Benjamin Easton Danielle LaRose Managing Editor Timothy Brennan Features Editor Hannah Caprez News Editors Jonathan Sapp Sports Editors Trey Lesiak Copy Editor Emily Dunn Photo Editor Julia May Website Editor Kyle Knapp Staff Reporters Joseph Brennan, Sarah Carmon, Christian Cook, Ashley Kouri, Michael Londa Julia May, Matt Mascolo Adviser Natalie Meyer
editorial
THE DIVIDE GREAT by jonathan sapp
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he issue of gun control is often a complicated and partisan issue that has riled the nation for many years. Typically, more conservative individuals favor limited gun control while liberals generally favor more advanced gun control. Without trying to elaborately and delicately suggest my opinion, I will be forthright and blunt: I am in favor of unrestrictive gun control. My conservative stance on gun control stems from the simplicity of the situation. Though cliche, the phrase “guns don’t kill people, people kill people,” rings true. To say that a gun killed a person is to use a weapon as a scapegoat for an action committed by a person. There is no excuse for any gun violence, and convicting the weapons industry to restrict gun freedoms will not solve an issue that primarily arises from the actions of one person--the perpetrator. Furthermore, it is important to note that not everyone who owns a gun is a criminal or an offender of the law. What few people know is that the majority of people who own guns register their weapons and never abuse them. An overwhelming amount of gun crimes however, approximately 82 percent according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice, are committed with stolen guns. Given that stealing is already a crime, it is pointless to regulate an industry that cooperates willingly with the law. The weapons industry already follows strict guidelines set up by the federal government that limits weapon types, bullet sizes, and the quantity of weapons produced and sold. The issue is therefore not within the purchasing and owning of a gun but in the maintaining of it. People who legally own guns rarely, if at all, commit gun crimes. If none of my arguments satisfy you, then draw your attention to the very foundation of our country and our freedoms- the second amendment. In the Bill of Rights, this amendment states, “...the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” In consideration of this, it should be evident that Americans not only have the constitutional right to own their own weapon, but that restricting this right in a misguided attempt to avoid violence could potentially endanger the security of the American public even more than if gun laws were loosened.
three Two of the Visor’s most opinionated staff members sound off on their views on current gun control policy.
by ben easton
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olumbine High School. Virginia Tech. Chardon High School. Aurora Century Movie Theater. Sandy Hook Elementary. Washington D.C. Naval Yard. The list goes on and on. With each passing year, it seems as though the number of fatal shooting attacks in the United States not only grows higher, but at a more rapid rate as well. Though the debate on gun control continues to roar on in national and state politics, the fact that many semi-automatic weapons, which were used in some of the attacks listed above, can be obtained by citizens with relative ease shows that the humanitarian threat posed by such circumstances has still not been properly addressed. Last year, Ohio legislators enacted a conceal and carry law, allowing individuals who obtain a license to carry certain weapons in public places. This law is a poor solution to the present issue because as history has shown us, it is the accessibility of weapons and impulsive use of them leads to harm. Simply put, more guns means more danger. If more restrictive gun laws were in place, not only would it be more difficult to obtain weapons, but those who may inflict violence on others would have a more difficult time than simply pulling a trigger to do so. Because four out of the six perpetrators of the aforementioned crimes ended up killing themselves and most of the guns used were legal at the time, it is evident that the weak gun laws not only accounts for more innocent deaths, but for more suicides as well. Also, due to the fact that many people who commit suicide exhibit no telling indicators to others prior to the act, the common argument of a limited gun control proponent that mental health services must be reinforced in order to address the issue of mass shootings before they happen only has partial merit. In the case of applying tighter gun control laws, omission is more dangerous to the security of the American people than commission. If no restrictive action is taken, as can be seen in the past years, we will continue to witness cases where people abuse their right to own a weapon. It is not my request that the right to bear arms be revoked, just that the manner in which they are obtained and regulated to be sharply revised.
Cartoon by Maddie Beban
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Knights
knights take on
Hoban Spirit Week
The Knights leaped into spirit week with themed days and an assembly full of music, speakers, dancing and cheers. Students of all grades participated in these themes by dressing in festive attire ranging from decades apparel to typical tourist looks. “While this week was a little unpredictable, I think that it really showed how much our student body can come together,” Spirit Committee chair Jeff Crock said. Visor takes a look at the week’s events through the lens of a camera.
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Freshman show off their 50’s flare while rocking their poodle skirts .
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Mr. Anderson’s third period class of juniors participate in “Whaki” Wednesday. #uKnighted #White #Khaki
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Senior Football player Tristian Rothenbuecher watches his fellow teammates as they play at Infocision Stadium. #mumday2k14
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A group of sophomore girls come together to get groovy for decades day. #Gnarly
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Hoban tour guide Anthony Messina takes his students on an adventure through Algebra 1.
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Senior Michael Jenkins questions freshman as they witness their first mum day experience. #Silence #mumday2k14
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niors Henry Stitzel, Breanna Nixon, nd Annie Tomei cast a spell on Harry otter Day.
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acky tourist refers to her reliable map navigate through Hoban’s halls on cky Tourist Thursday. #Lost
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oup of freshman unite to “shush” peers on Mum Day. #Freshman17
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Harry Potter Tuesday done right with a Deatheater’s Darkmark. #PotterProbs
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A group of Hogwart’s seniors pose in the halls. #ExpectoPatronum
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Seniors Maddy Goosmann, Lucia Congeni, and Caralynn Knopf pose for a group picture for Austin Griffith.
Freshman Annie Leslein and Stephanie Delagrange look in awe at the sites on Tacky Tourist Thursday. #Touring
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The statue of Archbishop Hoban stands tall in its shrine that was crafted by the seniors.
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Olympic Gold Medal Winner and Hoban Alumnus, Butch Reynolds speaks at the annual Mum Day assembly. #Winning #newH
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features
{ {
KITCH’S TIPS 1. Start the night off with a mirror pep-talk (“You got this” “Girls like you” “You can do this”)
2. Come out come out wherever you are- don’t hide in the alumni gym or the bathroom. 3. Be formal, but come to party. 4. Don’t make your date pay for anythinggirls are very expensive, bring money. 5. Stay out of the middle during “Sandstorm.”
6. It’s like “Hotel California”, you can check out anytime you want, but you may never leave. At least until 11. 7. Take off your jacket before you dance- you will get sweaty.
8. Leave space for the Holy Spirit. 9. Don’t spit in the punch bowl. 10. You can dance if you want to; you can leave your friends behind, cause if friends dont dance and if they don’t dance well they’re no friends of mine.
HOMECOMING: BEHIND THE SCENES
by joe brennan and kitchy cook
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very year, hundreds of students participate in the homecoming festivities, but few are aware of the monumental effort put into this dance. The Student Council Activities Committee is primarily responsible for homecoming, and they begin to work on it long before the school year begins. This process starts in the spring when the activities committee is chosen. “On our applications, we had to write a few theme ideas for homecoming,” Senior Mykaela Zingale said. Once committee members are chosen, they discuss what topics are relevant and would be enjoyable for all students. After they come to a decision, it goes to the administration for approval. “It’s hard to get everything approved, especially on a low budget,” senior committee member Jordan Ouellette said. “We even have to get the placement of our decorations approved.”
“The Activities Committee is really dedicated to making this year’s Homecoming special.”
- Moderator Kathryn Buzzelli
The Student Council Activities Committee also has to decide on the appropriate music to play at the dance. “We have a contract with the Beach Boys and for the most part, they know what to play. We also like to let students make song suggestions at lunch time before Homecoming,” Zingale said. After everything is approved, the Activities Committee organizes and executes their ideas. This year, inspired by the blockbuster hit “The Great Gatsby,” the Activities Committee agreed on a roaring twenties theme for homecoming. This theme will guide the decorating process and even influence outfits for homecoming. “We have a lot of black and gold decorations, and we even discussed bringing in a piano,” Student Council Moderator Kathryn Buzzelli said. “Fringe is going to be big, and so are black and white suits.” Moderator Kathryn Buzzelli is confident in the Activities Committee. “Our students this year are real ‘go-getters’. They’re extremely proactive and are always on top of things,” said Buzzelli. “We just had a meeting, and I found out that all of the decorations have been ordered and are on their way to the school.” Homecoming is on October 12 and tickets are on sale in the library.
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features
HOBAN STARTS HOsting
by emily dunn & ashley kouri
Hoban has recently welcomed four Chinese exchange students into the community. Partnering with the Three W International program, the students will attend classes until they graduate, and have been placed with host families. Adjusting to life in a new culture, naturally, has its ups and downs. The Visor speaks with the students and their host families on this interesting change.
Cathy Ning & Mrs. Mary Hart What has been your best experience in America so far?
CN:Monday to Friday is the studying time
Vicky Yang & Mr. Jason Horinger
What has been your best experience SH: He's enjoying school. He's very focused and wants to in America so far?
and we are hardworking, but the weekend is VY: The food here is very good! more free and easy to enjoy. MH: Cathy is full of optimism and energy. JH: If you think it sounds delicious now, you should see everything at dinner. Those are my favorite things about having VY : It took some getting used to. Cathy around. She’s a very nice, sweet girl. What has the biggest struggle been She’s added a little spark to our home life. What has the biggest struggle been for you both?
CN: The English is very different from the English studied in China! School culture is very different too. MH: Communication is a bit of a struggle, but once she gets her English skills up to speed that obstacle will be out of the way.
for you both?
VY: There is no struggle. Sometimes, my speaking isn’t going that well.
JH: She’s very easy going; the adjustment period didn’t exist. It makes my life easier. [to Vicky] Your English keeps getting better and better!
Jerry Ling & Chris Caston ‘15 What has been your best experience in America so far?
CC: It’s fun having him around the house. He’s actually helped me with Chemistry. JL: I now have two brothers to play with me and study with me. What has the biggest struggle been for you all?
CC: His English is pretty good, so it hasn’t been too difficult. JL: School has been something new to adjust to, but it is not very bad.
FALL MOVIE PREVIEW by matt mascolo
With award season around the corner, moviegoers prepare for these possible nominees and potential blockbusters.
Elvis Yang & Mrs. Solo Hovis What has been your best experience in America so far?
get good grades. When he gets a good grade, he's had a excellent day. EY: School. What has the biggest struggle been for you both?
SH: Just getting up because their time is a 12 hour difference. He's a very easy child to parent. EY: Language and Weather. The weather here is cold.
Stephen Guo & Sarah Davies, ‘14 What has been your best experience in America so far?
SD: We went to Cedar Point back in August and we've been to the drive-ins. SG: My best experience in America is Mum Day, because that day I had the chance to go to the football game with my friends, and I felt the power of the Hoban. What has the greatest struggle been for you both?
SD: There hasn't really been any struggle. He's been a good camper. SG: There is no doubt that the biggest challenge is language. It is hard to learn so much vocabulary.
GRAVITY
This film acclaimed by “Avatar” and “Titanic” director James Cameron as “the best space film ever done” begins when debris collides with a satellite, separating two astronauts (Sandra Bullock and George Clooney) and forcing them into a fight for their survival. The film is set entirely in space and director Alfonso Cuaron utilized cutting edge 3D and CGI technology to bring the experience of life in space to millions who would otherwise not be able to experience it. “Gravity” opens Oct.4.
12 YEARS A SLAVE Telling an unbelievable true story, “12 Years a Slave” chronicles the life of Solomon Northrup, a free black man who in 1841 was sold into slavery on a Louisiana plantation. Northrup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) encounters a cruel plantation owner (Michael Fassbender) a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) and countless others along his journey towards freedom. The film, based on the 1853 biography of the same name, is very faithful to its source material with its unflinching depictions of racism and discrimination. “12 Years a Slave” opens Oct. 18. and expect it to dominate come awards season.
THE HUNGER GAMES Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch return in the sequel to the blockbuster smash “The Hunger Games.” This time around it’s the 75th Hunger Games, which means former victors now must face off against one another. All the while, a rebellion is growing because of Katniss’ actions in the last games. The always reliable Jennifer Lawrence is surrounded by a returning cast and franchise newcomers Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti, both Academy Award winners. “Catching Fire” opens Nov. 22nd and will more than likely break box office records.
THE WOLF OF WALL STREET Photos by Julia May
Director Martin Scorsese moves from the mean streets of New York to Wall Street to tell the true story of Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), and his involvement in corruption and fraud. This marks DiCaprio’s fifth collaboration with Scorsese and marks Scorsese’s return to black comedies. Matthew McConaughey and Jonah Hill also star, lending their comedic gifts to Terence Winter’s twisted screenplay. “The Wolf of Wall Street” opens Nov. 15. , and perhaps DiCaprio will earn his first Academy Award that has thus eluded him so far.
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sports
Freshman athlete Annie Leslein advances on Varsity by michael londa & trey lesiak
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and was coached by none other than her father. Because of the challenging dynamic between being both a player and a daughter, Leslein developed what seemed to be a lovehate relationship with her father on the court. “Thinking back on it now it was an advantage at times and it really helped me in the long run, but I didn’t like it at the time” Annie said. Her father still can be seen at each of her games with an intensity and passion for competition as he either argues with the referees in the bleachers or stands quietly on his own. “He’s been more encouraging lately,” Annie continued. “I think it’s because he thinks playing varsity is a big step for me. I’m going from 8th grade CYO to playing with 18-year-olds.” Leslein has made the most of that transition while just recently playing her first game as a starter on Sept. 19th against reigning state champions Beaumont High School. Though Leslein surely experiences nerves as an underclassmen, the support of her teammates allows her to keep her poise on the court. “She might not always have the experience as the older girls would in big game situations,” Senior captain Marianne Dannemiller said. “So since I’m always in with her in the back row, I’m always talking to her, keeping her calm and keeping her confident.” After Leslein’s debut against Beaumont, she has gone on to start in every
Freshman Annie Lesein prepares to pass the ball in a game at home. game since, including rivalry games against St.Vincent-St. Mary and Walsh Jesuit. Hoban is currently 5-12 as they approach the end of their season. Despite what the record reflects, the team has battled in many hard fought bouts against difficult competition where Leslein has played a significant role. “It has been a great season and I couldn’t have asked for a better team or coach,” Annie said. “I love every single one of them and I’m glad they accepted me even though I am a freshman.”
Photo by Molly Leslein
magine arriving to your first day of high school tryouts as an incoming Freshman, knowing as an athlete all the hard work you have put in during the past summer workouts for this one moment in the first week of August. Then, imagine making the team and the sense of accomplishment you feel only to have it replaced with excitement, elation and nervousness when your coach calls you up to practice on the Varsity team only a week later. This scenario describes the recent experiences of freshman Annie Leslein. Leslein, 14, was raised to be a volleyball player. Coming from a close-knit family where every member plays the sport, it was inevitable that she would quickly learn to be one of the elite on the court. Growing up with her father, Scott Leslein, who loved to play the game, Leslein and her older siblings began to master the fundamentals early with a net in their backyard. Her older sister Molly Leslein, a 2013 Hoban graduate, began playing varsity for the volleyball team her sophomore year. Her older brother, junior Tommy Leslein has played on the boy’s varsity volleyball team since his freshman year. “They never went easy on her” Scott Leslein said. “Being the youngest of three meant that she was either to train quickly or fall behind.” Before coming to Hoban, Leslein played CYO volleyball at Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Cleveland sports find long-awaited success, brings hope
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he state of Cleveland professional sports has been in shambles for several decades. Year after year, sports fans build their hopes only to be dashed by losing records. The city has not encountered a championship since 1964 when the Browns won the NFL championship before the Super Bowl era. The Cavaliers have not made the playoffs since the 2009-2010 season, and the Indians have not made the playoffs since 2007. The last time Cleveland experienced any sort of success in the playoffs was during the LeBron era. The Akron native who had the chance to finally redeem Cleveland abandoned his city. But since then, Cleveland and the Cavaliers have moved on. With the addition of Kyrie Ir ving in 2011, the team now has a new star to build around. Yet, even with Ir ving’s talent, the
Cavs are still in a “rebuilding” process. Since 2003, the Cleveland Browns have had one winning season, but Clevelanders ever y year still believe “it’s our year.” Opening with a 0-2 record, an injur y to quarterback Brandon Weeden and the banishment of Trent Richardson, it began to seem as if it would not be the Browns’ year. However, now things appear to be looking up for the Dawgs with the help of second-string quarterback Brian Hoyer as he has led the team to a 2-2 record. Perhaps now the front office will not be, again, looking for the “right fit” at quarterback in the upcoming draft. With a weak AFC North Division this year, the Browns are currently tied for first place. In 2007 the Indians were one game away from winning the American League pennant against the Boston Red Sox to advance to the World Series.
Seal Team TWO by trey lesiak & michael londa To be blunt, they choked and have not been able to return to games in October since then. That is, until now. Ending the season on a ten game winning streak, The Tribe now have the opportunity to once again face the Red Sox in the postseason. This time in the ALDS. Finally, Cleveland has a team to be truly proud of in the Indians. The city has waited more than long enough to find real success in the playoffs. Maybe this really is Cleveland’s year.