THE
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archbishop hoban high school - Issue 2 - October 3, 2014
pg. 3
Staff member analyzes the value of high school relationships
pg. 6
Senior becomes an Emergency Medical Technician
pg. 8
The Visor examines the Boys and Girls soccer team’s seasons thus far
A snapshot of Spirit Week as the Knights prepared to avenge Akron pg. 4
two
news
IN BRIEF
OCT. 3, 2014
by Alex Lynch and Sarah Carmon
THE NEW APPLE PRODUCTS Recently, Apple held their annual fall keynote in which they presented the new iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and Apple Watch. In this release, Apple abandoned their stand on small smartphones and gave in to the demand for larger screens. Apple has created two new iPhones, one big, the other even bigger. The iPhone 6 features a 4.7 inch display, while the iPhone 6 Plus features a 5.5-inch display. Both of the iPhones boast thinner, more seamless designs, faster A8 processors, improved cameras, faster Wi-Fi and LTE capabilities, and more onboard storage. Along with the iPhones, Apple previewed its first new product line since the iPad in 2010, the Apple Watch. This wearable device will provide features such as: keeping users connected to their phones, acting like a mini iPod, working as a fitness tracker, and even replacing a users wallet. It will be available in early 2015.
VISOR
THE
THE NEWS
ARCHBISHOP HOBAN HIGH SCHOOL Mailing Address: One Holy Cross Blvd. Akron, OH 44305 Online: www.hobanvisor.com 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 board. Signed opinion represents the views of the writer only.
NATIONALMERITSEMIFINALISTS Evan Nichols, Anna Armao and Anthony Incorvati have been named National Merit Scholarship Competition semifinalists. Students are considered for this competition based on their PSAT scores from junior year. Out of the 16,000 semifinalists, these three Seniors were able to place among these students from around the nation. In order for the semifinalists to advance, among other requirements, they must portray academic success in the classroom in addition to their PSAT scores. These three students have met many of the requirements that are needed to become National Merit finalists. The awards for the National Competition will be announced within a short period of time.
Graphics by Sarah Carmon
NEW ATHLETIC LOCKEROOMS At the beginning of the 2014 season, the Dowed Field made extensive renovations, giving the space a professional atmosphere. In a process that took all summer, Athletic Director Michael DelMedico, Football Coach Tim Tyrell and many others collaborated to create an incredible new atmosphere under the stands at Dowed field. The renovation updated parts of the locker room that had not been changed in over 30 years. The first step of the project began before the start of the 2013 season, when the lighting was improved. The rest of the renovations were finished this past summer. After the old lockers were removed and transferred to the freshman locker room, the walls were given a fresh coat of paint and the new lockers installed. The restrooms were updated and the room was given new flooring, which consisted of carpet and new tiling in the showers. Finally, furniture was put in along with a smartboard and a large screen TV for watching film. “The end result is fantastic. It truly is the equivalent of a college locker room," Del Medico said. Hoban is also in the process of making a girl's locker room that will be added to the concession stand and bathrooms. These additions are part of a large scale expansion to improve the lives of Hoban students. The renovation of the locker room is just a preview of what is still to come.
Staff: Editors-in-chief Sarah Carmon Emily Dunn Managing Editor Joseph Brennan Features Editor Madeline Rotunda News Editors Christina Gorey Sports Editors Daniel Dicola Copy Editor Joe Brennan Photo Editor Ashley Kouri Staff Reporters Julie Ciotola, Christian Cook, Amanda Deighen, Marilyn Icsman, Alexander Lynch, Anna Reece, Joseph Santucci, Angelina Sapp, Elizabeth Stitzel, Kameryn Zingale Adviser Natalie Tannehill
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opinion
Retailer’s controversial decisions alienate market
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sitive groups was not enough, Urban Outfitters sells blatantly racist products. They have sold anti-Semitic clothing such as the infamous “Jewish Star shirt” and a money-imprinted shirt that read “Everybody Loves a Jewish Girl.” In 2003, the retailer sold a board game called “Ghettopoly,” a game as racist as it sounds. This disrespect for others’ heritages and the gross and slanderous stereotypes promoted by these items alone should turn away even the most determined Urban Outfitters supporters. On top of selling a host of obscene and offensive products, Urban Outfitters steals the work of independent designers and artists, without giving any credit or compensation in return. In May of 2011, jewelry-maker Stevie Koerner was blind sided by the discovery that the company was selling a line of necklaces identical to necklaces she had designed and handcrafted. Urban Outfitters even used the exact same brand name as Koerner. More recently in May of 2014, graphicdesigner James Soares was shocked to discover a popular print of his used for a pattern on a mini skirt. In both cases, Urban Outfitters simply pulled the items from stock and from their website with no apologies or compensation to the creators. I implore you to refrain from supporting this public relations train wreck.
Been there, DUNN that by emily dunn
ately it seems as though Urban Outfitters keeps repeating the severe mistake of “shock-advertising,” proving itself to be unworthy of support. Early in September, the pricy, young adultoriented retailer released a $129 “Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt” which clearly referenced the 1970 campus shooting. The company rushed to cover up its mistake, attributing the blood-splattered appearance of the sweatshirt to “discoloration from the original shade of the shirt” and removed it from the website. However, the company was unable to contain the outrage as the Kent State community and others nationwide reacted on social media. The Kent State sweatshirt is only the most recent Urban Outfitters offense. For over a decade, they have sold merchandise that promotes dangerous and unhealthy lifestyles. In June of 2010, the company received negative press for a graphic tee with the words “Eat Less” emblazoned across it, alienating and angering those who fight the dangers of eating disorders and body dysmorphia. The company also has a line of tee shirts for children with obvious drinking references such as “USA Drinking Team” and “I Vote for Vodka.” These and other products make a joke out of dangerous lifestyle choices. As if hurting and alienating highly sen-
Time after time, Urban Outfitters is in the headlines for some offensive product or another. Straightaway, they halfheartedly attempt to control the damage, but eventually turn around and cause another controversy. They do not even try to clean up their image, almost as if they feed off of negative press. There are better ways to spend your money. If you want the “look” or the decor that Urban Outfitters provides, support local vendors such as Retread, Akron, owned and operated by Hoban’s own Fine Arts department chair, Micah Kraus, and Campus Minister, Jason Horinger. Revival, Square Records and Market Path in Highland Square are other small, local choices. Frankly, Urban Outfitters is not a safe investment. Plus, who wants to pay $129 to look ignorant? n
High school relationships can impede personal growth roundings, including those who we surround ourselves with. For those of us who delve into a relationship too prematurely, we will often compromise ourselves to fill the desires and needs of our significant other. Others become involved in the telltale interdependent relationship- rendering the two inseparable and infesting the halls with their public displays of affection. While affection is not entirely despicable, the time and place for such lies outside the five minute transition between classes. Furthermore, many high school students in committed relationships fail to acknowledge the reality that exists beyond his or her significant other. The common belief is that one’s boyfriend or girlfriend is the sole source of happiness- that he or she “completes” an individual. This notion to be rather comical as we so quickly forget that we are fully functional and capable of producing our own happiness as soon as we acquire a relationship. With such relationships friends, family and school work are often unjustifiably neglected. As a result , in such heavy investments of time and emotions the crushing effects of breakups are multiplied as a person’s “world” shatters. It is a travesty to limit oneself to a singular relationship. While not all high school relationships are horrendous experiences that rob an individual of identity and happiness, many
E Y A
by amanda deighen
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n lieu of Homecoming, the pressure to find a date weighs heavily on many students. For many the date they hope to take is also a potential significant other. If homecoming goes well, it can serve as a springboard for relationships to blossom. But beware as dating in high school is not as glamorous as Hollywood would make it appear. Research conducted by Dr. Melanie Zimmer-Gembeck found that the average high school student was involved in four different relationships throughout his or her four years, with the average relationship lasting 8.6 months. While these statistics may exceed or fall short of expectations, Gembeck’s research does suggest that high school students become involved in many short- term relationships. Her findings beg the question- Is dating in high school worth it? For those students who feel that they are physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to balance the commitments of schoolclasses, homework, sports, co-curricularsand the maintenance of a relationship, then having a boy or girlfriend is a viable option. However, for those who are unsure of his or her ability to juggle these priorities, dating in high school becomes excessive. High school is one of the most interesting social dynamics to which one will be introduced. It is a time of growth and discovery. We as teens are impressionable to our sur-
teens place too great of an importance on being in one. As the daughter of high school sweethearts, and having been involved in several relationships I am convinced that dating in high school is all too overrated. High school consists of only four fleeting years. This short time should be used to experience various types of relationshipsespecially those not connected to a dating commitment. Relish this time with a multitude of people, do not limit yourself to only dating relationships. A successful high school experience is not defined by the dating relationships you hold. It is more than acceptable to be single and to actually enjoy being single. Despite the conception that the happiest people are involved in relationships, two is not always better than one. n
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center spread
Layout by Maddi Rotunda, Photos by Ahsley Kouri and courtesy of Tina Braman
In a world where spirit thrives, the Hoban Knights rise up for Spirit Week 2014, ready to avenge Akron.
A group of freshmen girls dressed as “pink ladies” from the 1950’s for decades day on monday.
2014
Mum MUM Day DAY
Seniors are hoping for a touchdown on sports day.
Seniors stand guard on mum day.
all is silent in barry gym before the mum day assembly.
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center spread mr. t, the dark knight, keeps watch over hoban students on friday.
The dome sets the scene for the day’s Events. Yehaw! Spirit Committee and Mr. Yandek celebrate Western Day.
A group of juniors celebrate the return of Wacky wednesday by wearing their craziest outfits.
SHHHHHHH! Masked freshman knights keep quiet on mum day.
mrs. Bulgrin pretends to catch a snooze during a quiet class.
by Joe Santucci
SpotKnight:Kyle Knapp
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features Senior Kyle Knapp recently became certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and gave The Visor an inside look into his exciting service to the community.
What was the process involved with training?
“Over the summer I had to take about 170 hours of lecture and labs. There was also 10 hours of clinical time working in a hospital and a fire department. At the end of the class I was required to take and pass seven practical skills labs and then take an exam through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians in order to get my state and national licenses. Now, I have to do continuing education classes throughout the year in order to renew my license.”
What made you interested in becoming an EMT? “It’s kind of in my blood, my uncle has been one for over 30 years and he always had me with him at different events at his fire station while I was growing up. I also really enjoy being able to help others and being an EMT allows me to help those in need in a completely new light. I’m also very interested in medicine and plan on becoming a doctor, so this is just a natural first step.”
How has it affected your life?
“This has actually had a huge impact on my life. I perform a very serious job which requires me to be at my absolute best 100 percent of the time. Being an EMT requires that I hold the lives of others in my hands, and that is a responsibility unlike any I’ve ever had before. I’ve seen things that have really left an impact on my life, both positively and negatively, and these experiences have forced me to “A typical day at the fire station consists of ‘grow up’ very quickly.” basic chores like cooking and cleaning, but we also do a lot of training and checking of equipment. An emergency call can come in at any time, so we have to be ready for those calls. I could end up going on any type of call from a building fire, to a car accident, to a wide array of medical emergencies.”
What’s the typical work day consist of?
How to
g
impress t r e a Your t
shadow by Joe Brennan
What has been your most memorable experience? “This one is really tough. It would either have to be my first full house fire I went on or the first car accident that I was on. They were both incredible experiences where I had pivotal roles in the incident, maintaining the well being of both my partners and the patients. It’s an incredible rush to be going about 80 miles per hour down the road in a massive fire truck with lights and sirens blaring as you go through red lights and stop signs!”
When a body of mass intercepts light, it casts an impression of itself called a shadow. At Hoban, when a student is assigned a shadow, this means he or she will be accompanied by a local eighth-grader throughout one school day. This Hoban student is responsible for making an impression on the shadow that reflects the values of the school. With proper guidance, shadows hopefully become Hoban students themselves.
1. The first rule in guiding your shadow is to get off on the right foot.
To do this, you must show up to receive your shadow on time. For your shadow, a bad first impression of you is a bad first impression of Hoban.
2. After receiving the shadow, immediately begin to analyze him or her.
Study your shadow’s demeanor so you can quickly determine a course of action for your first period class. If your shadow seems at all self-assured, arrive a few minutes late and allow him or her to provoke excitement in an otherwise listless classroom. However, in the event that your shadow does not ooze confidence, go to class promptly and ease him or her into the new environment.
3. Your shadow will likely challenge you to keep him or her busy throughout the day.
You will introduce your shadow in certain classes and even go on a school tour, but you often will be forced to neglect him or her and focus on your studies. Appeal to your shadow’s creativity, as he or she will be forced to make his or her own fun for much of the day.
4. More crucial than anything else, you must befriend your shadow.
Ask simple questions about his or her interests and share about your own. If your shadow has an affinity for talking about him or herself, allow him or her to dominate your conversations. When you must feign enthusiasm, make sure to do so convincingly. A shadow ventures to Hoban to view the high school from a student’s perspective. When you are assigned a shadow, he or she glimpses the school through your eyes. No matter who he or she is, where he or she comes from, or whether your shadow is a he or a she, cast upon him or her the sheer grace that embodies Hoban.
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features
Animal Care League’s [
WILD FRIENDS by kameryn zingale Reptiles
]
Edward Cullen Corn Snake
Edward is enjoying his second year as a Hoban pet, but he is currently residing at biology teacher Candy Bates’s house until the new lab is finished. Fun fact: Corn snakes are also called Red Rat Snakes.
[
Mushu Bearded Dragon
Other Animals
Mammals
]
Alfredo and Meatball Gerbils
Mushu is two years old. Fun fact: Bearded dragons use the spikes around their face as a defense mechanism by expanding their throat when they feel threatened.
[
From mini mammals to giant arachnids, the biology rooms are host to a variety of interesting critters. Biology teacher Amie Mancine gave The Visor a chance to get to know these usually overlooked creatures. Animal Care League takes care of the animals, making sure they are healthy and receiving proper nutrition. Along with the animals that are currently at Hoban, the Animal Care league is expecting the arrival of a Chinese water dragon later this year.
Alfredo and Meatball have been at Hoban for two years. Fun fact: Gerbils will pound both hind legs on the ground when excited or stressed. This is called “thumping”.
] Shake and Bake Guinea Pigs
Reptar Giant African Millipede
Shake and Bake are relatively new to the Hoban family and were new last year. Fun fact: Contrary to popular belief, guinea pigs
Reptar is three years old. Fun fact: Millipedes have existed on earth for over 400 million years.
Amazon Chilean Rose Haired Tarantula
are not related to pigs.
Amazon joined the animals of Hoban two years ago and was briefly famous when she escaped from her enclosure shortly after she came to Hoban. Fun fact: Tarantulas do not catch their meals in webs. They stalk and attack their prey.
Getting to know Hoban’s New Clubs by Danny DiCola
Unified for Uganda Moderated by Social Studies Department Chair, Greg Milo, Unified for Uganda, or U for Uganda, is a club that raises money and emotionally supports for a less-fortunate girl in Uganda named Aloya Vanessa. Unified for Uganda is a branch off of Peace and Justice club, and raises money for her through fundraisers such as bake sales and bracelet making.
Since Hoban caters to diverse students, it is necessary that the school has diverse clubs. Hoban’s clubs engross all interests, from knitting to robotics. The Visor investigated a handful of Hoban’s newest extracurricular clubs.
iKnights The iKnights, moderated by Math teacher Zach Tocchi, are a group of students who are dedicated to the Hoban Connected program. They create informative videos and update their website with resources for the benefit of students and teachers. They also provide one-on-one technological support to whoever needs it.
Science Olympiad Science teacher Amie Mancine is the faculty advisor of the Science Olympiad club. This club is made up of students who have a true interest in the field of science. The Science Olympiad is a national competition of the knowledge of science. It gives students the opportunity to practice science and explore career paths, as well as compete in not only the national competition but also invitationals in the Cleveland area.
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to the
sports
The success of
NET: Boys and Girls’ Soccer by Anna Reece and Christian Cook
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Johnny Durkin ‘10 and Matt McGee ‘12 pass the ball down the field.
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ast season, the girls soccer team went 13-1-2 winning the Division II District Championship and losing in the Regional Semifinal. The team lost seven seniors after last year. “As good as they all were, I think we adapted and worked around the holes to make it work and to be just as good as we were last year,” senior captain Annie Tomei said. Despite winning the District Championship last year, the team maintains high expectations for the upcoming post-season. “As a team this year I think it’s been difficult always being compared to the team we were last year, so a big obstacle has been learning to live up to our potential and play the way we know we can play,” senior co-captain Erin McNicholas said. The Knights have five seniors and eight juniors on this year’s squad, leading to a team with 11 players with prior experience. The captains have ambitions for the Knights regarding the playoffs. “We have the talent to make it far into the
his year, spirit week rallied the students for more than just a football game. Fans made an appearance on both Friday and Saturday night as the boys soccer team took on St. Vincent-St. Mary on Dowed field. The boys made a comeback after being down 2-1 and the game ended in a 2-2 tie. The boys went into the game with a record of 2-7-2. Although the season did not start out as hoped, it is beginning to turn around as the knights have recently brought home two wins and two ties. Last season, the team had a record of 13-2-1 and graduated nine seniors. They have had to work especially hard this year to make up for this loss, since many of these players had been starting varsity since their freshman year. "We have lost two players due to torn ACLs and have had to adjust to their loss,” senior captain Christopher Thomas said. “We also have many young players who are just starting to learn their roles on the field, but players such as Johnny Durkin, Danny McRaven and Nick and Noah Bendo are stepping up and helping to get us back on track." Despite their struggles early in the season, the boys remain a very closeknit team, which will be beneficial as they progress and compete against very skilled opponents. "In the playoffs, we hope to reach at least the district final to break our streak of three straight losses in the district semifinals," said senior captain Matt Mcgee. The boys are looking forward to the rest of the season and hope to finish with an even record of 7-7-2. "This being my last high school season, I would like it to go on for as long as it can, and the way the boys are starting to play I can see us extending this season further into the playoffs than we have in past years, despite our record," Thomas said. The Knights' next game is Saturday, Oct. 4 at Austintown Fitch at 4:00 p.m.
playoffs and as long as we play to the best of our abilities I think we can make it all the way,” Erin McNicholas said. The Lady Knights are 3-1-1 so far this season, beating opponents by an average of two and a half goals per game. The girls faced off against the St. Vincent-St. Mary Captain Annie Tomei leads the girls’ soccer team in a pre-game prayer. Fighting Irish this rival Irish when a goal was scored by St. past Saturday. V-M with two minutes left, with the fiThis years’ Seniors had never lost to the Irish prior to this weekend. Despite their initial nal score being 1-2. This Saturday, the lead at halftime http://livescifi.tv/2012/04/ girls play their senior night game against Northwest High School at Dowed Field. n beezlebub-histor y-and-evidence/ the Knights were unable to defeat the