THE
ISOR
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Visor weighs in on the benefits and blunders of AP classes
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arcbishop hoban high school - Issue 1 - September 20, 2013
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Internet streaming services take over Hoban homes
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Meet this year’s fall sports team captains
planning to
Escape O
n Tuesday Sept. 3, Akron Police Officers demonstrated the benefits of A.L.i.C.E training in an all-school assembly. Realizing that more can be done to minimize damage caused by armed intruders other than simply addressing nationwide gun policies and ownership rights, police officers as well as school administrators across the country are now suggesting new tactics and guidelines for students to consider in the case of such emergencies.
continued on page five > Photo by Hannah Caprez
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editorial
Comparing AP and Honors Courses
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dvanced Placement classes mean a great deal to aspiring students in their preparat- ion for college. Aside from providing students with deeper insights into a particular subject matter, AP can serve as a reward for those who score well on the exam by allowing such students to be excused from preliminary college courses and from the financial burdens that accompany them. But, even when one’s exam scores do not place them in position to skip a college class, it is still beneficial to have AP class credit on a high school transcript. In short, AP classes seem to have little to no drawbacks for students. In comparison to an AP class, an honors class seems to offer little to the student in terms of the future educational opportunities. Without a standard of national comparison, college admissions officers have a difficult time assessing whether or not a particular honors class provided adequate preparation for college level material. Because of this as well as the aforementioned reasons, when given the choice between the two, most highachieving students will choose AP over honors. “You’re preparing kids for a test, but the test measures not only knowledge but skills, such as critical thinking and analyzing documents,” AP History teacher Robert Yanko said.
Yet, while knowledge and skills are greatly fostered in both courses, honors classes can provide students and teachers alike with one integral tool to a proper education that an AP class, especially in coming years, cannot-- flexibility. Because an AP course is designed to prepare students to score well on the exam, little room is made for time to thoroughly develop branching ideas from a subject aside from what is immediately pertinent to the class. Because of the extra time, honors classes, on the other hand, can encourage such exploration. “I used to teach the AP courses, but the Honors Government course allows us to do more applicable and hands on activities that an AP course simply doesn’t have time for. In my opinion, I would love to see seniors out of the classroom as much as possible in their last year,” Honors Government teacher Jason Anderson said. Ultimately, the seemingly contrasting structure of each type of class leads to a reassessment of the goal of education: Is its purpose to prepare students for college by the methods of a common core standard, which can yield college course excusals as well as financial benefits, or to do so in a manner that promotes a freer playing field, where students and teachers can have a greater influence on the direction and development of the class?
Surprising truth about Middle East and U.S
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n recent years, nearly all news coming from the Middle East has been bad news for the United States. From the Arab Spring to the Egyptian Revolution, the war torn area has been through a great deal of dramatic change. And it’s only getting worse-- the U.S. now risks military involvement in Syria against the Assad regime. From the perspective of an American, it is easy to assume that most of these countries despise America, and to some degree there is truth in that statement. The U.S. never ranks well in the international popularity contest, especially in the Middle East. However, the media often paints a much uglier picture of our reputation in the area than what is accurate. Though there is certainly anti-U.S. sentiment in some Middle Eastern countries, rarely does the American public hear about the pro-U.S. sentiment in certain countries of the region. First and foremost one of the U.S.’s closest allies, Israel, is located geographically right in the center of the heated region. In addition the U.S. considers Jordan, a nation just north of Israel, to be a friendly ally in the Middle East. Amid the crisis in Syria, Jordan, which shares its northern border with Syria, has quietly been a base camp for the United States military to train and stand by in the case of an attack. Even further north lies Turkey, another reliable ally of the United States since the Cold War.
South-west of Turkey is Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, both smaller nations that favor the United States. Nearby lies Saudi Arabia, a nation that is one of the most intensely Muslim in the world, but considers the United States a friend and an ally regardless of religious and diplomatic tensions between Saudis and Americans. Though there is an even larger list of countries that resent the U.S., simple statistics shed light on a rarely told truth. According to the latest census information, the population of the Middle East is around 306 million people. The population of the nations the U.S. considers formal allies in the region amounts to a total of almost 170 million people, or more than half of the Middle East’s entire population. In other words, a majority of Middle Easterners live in a proU.S. nation. While that does not mean that every single person in those countries approves of America, their governments and at least a large group of their people ally themselves with our nation. Regardless of the numbers, the Middle East still poses a major problem to the U.S. However, to say that the entire region hates us is quite simply an exaggeration. The threat of the Middle East continues to grow, but the United States has much more support than common perception suggests. In other words, the U.S. has leverage in a region commonly seen as helplessly anti-American.
VISOR
THE
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.
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 Sarah Carmon, Joseph Brennan, Christian Cook, Ashley Kouri, Michael Londa Julia May, Matt Moscolo Adviser Natalie Tannehill
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opinion
Fear of change inhibits possibilities for growth
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o much has changed at the beginning of this school year. We are three months older and wiser, or at least I can only hope for the latter. Classrooms are full of many new teachers. In fact, new faces and situations surround us: new freshman and transfer students, a bright and shiny new field and track, a new logo and many new technological devices in the classrooms and around the halls. Change indicates progress, growth and positivity. However, so often it seems change is met with resistence and negativity. Often, when faced with a new situation, people react negatively. There are often loud complaints, tears and attempts to revert back to the way things once were. These failed reactionary movements are absolutely counterproductive. Adjusting to a new situation presents challenges, and being removed from one’s comfort zone is incredibly awkward and uncomfortable. It is important to remember this perspective and treat those who react this way with kindness, ideally these reactions will fade and people will dry their
eyes and accept the new situation positively. For me, the most influential change in my life was switching schools after first grade. Initially, I had been incredibly upset. It took me a great deal of time to adjust to life at a new school, but without that one change, nothing in my life would be the same. If I had not gone to that Catholic school, my family would not have converted to Catholicism, I would not have looked into Catholic high schools and I would not have chosen to attend Hoban. I would never have had the opportunity to meet my wonderful friends, or pursue any of the opportunities that Hoban has given me. Basically, I would not be the person that I am now. Change presumedly exists in all our lives and will continue to do so. Last year, when the new “H” logo was revealed, many students, admittedly including myself, reacted horribly to its creation and implementation. Looking back on all the backlash, I am confused as to the origin of all the animosity. Giving Hoban a good, cohesive brand is far from horrendous, so it should not
“I’mso Dunn” by emily dunn have caused such animosity amongst us. The idea of change is complex, and it may take many forms, but can undeniably amount to something life-altering. Growth depends on change. So, we must tame our strong reactions, explore our adverse feelings, adjust and learn to accept change in order grow. If we cannot grow, we are not truly living. Before everybody starts complaining about the next new thing that shakes us out of our comfort zone, pause for a while and think about the positive impact that this tiny change could make on our lives. Chances are, it will truly be for the greater good.
Student loses license and learns the real rules of the road
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unning a red light; ignoring a stop sign; blatantly disregarding the use of a turn signal-- all of the aforementioned are ways in which drivers cause angst, distress, and frequent use of the breaks for those on the road around them. Though many moving violations often go unpunished by law enforcement, they can still cause serious consequences. It is common knowledge that, when one gets behind the wheel, they should avoid committing such blunders lest they be the victim of another’s road rage. In most cases, driving school teaches drivers to check their mirrors, use a turn signal, and go with the flow of traffic. Yet, often times this “flow” travels much faster than the designated speed limit, which can lead good drivers to form bad habits over time. It was this day-to-day practice, this game of follow the leader, that led me to go 71 mph in a 55 mph zone and, moments later, to be pulled over on the shoulder of I-77 South. With the widely resented blur of blue and red lights flashing behind me, I sat motionless in my car, unable to register the repercussions of what was happening. Even as the ticket was written up and handed back to me, for I knew no argument or use of charm could’ve prevented such, the surreal fog that had settled in had yet to be lifted. It was only after I began to drive
away that the reality finally set in: this was my second offense. Being so, I knew that unlike the offense itself, the punishment would be severe. It is law in Ohio that upon one’s second moving violation, his or her license be suspended for 90 days. Though I hoped it might be, my case was no exception; beginning August 21, my license would be suspended. Despite the gracious granting of certain driving privileges, I couldn’t help but choke back frustration. I knew exactly why this had happened and exactly whose fault it was; I had no one to blame but myself. Still, even with my own guilt acknowledged, I felt that a sort of injustice had just taken place. In truth, I found it infuriating that I was the one whose license was revoked, if only because it will leave so many other bad drivers on the road. This annoyance only mounted with each reaction I received to my embarrassing news. In response, people told me “that’s not that fast” followed by “I go faster than that all the time,” thus only angering me further. With my exasperation now growing daily, I can’t help but watch through hawk-like eyes the actions and corresponding speeds of those who are still legally allowed on the roads. More flagrant mistakes than mine are made everyday and yet, in most cases, they go unpunished. Many people
Every LaRose has its thorn by danielle larose blatantly break the simplest of laws, but are ignorant to how real the consequences can be. This experience, only 31 days in, has not only made me feel powerless to stop this disregard, but also upset with myself for previously acting the same. Now, as cliched as it sounds, I have a newfound respect for the law and, despite my own resentment, hope this can serve as a cautionary tale to all those who think, just like I used to, that they can ignore their own limits, along with those of the law. Like most, I never thought I would get caught and now, with lessons learned that go unmentioned in driver’s ed class, I hope others can realize that the law’s the law. No “rules of the road” will keep it from catching up with you, just as nothing could keep that state trooper from catching up with me.
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news
Introducing... by matt moscolo
[ [[ [[ [[
Ms. Amanda Spada English
Take the time to get to know Hoban’s new faculty members and learn about their own high school experiences.
Photos by Sarah Carmon; Emily Dunn; Julia May
[ [ [
Ms. Katie Buzzelli Spanish
Mrs. Christine Hahn Latin
High school: Battle Creek Central in Battle Creek, MI Extracurriculars: Debate Club; Theatre; Choir; Student Council; Flag Core
High school: Hoban Extracurriculars: Tennis; Softball; CYO Basketball;Spanish Club Best high school memory: Mr. Yandek’s 6th period English class; winning the Senior Games.
Mr.Ron Martin Steel Drum/ Percussion
Best high school memory: My freshman year I was the last alternate for the flag core and by my senior year I was the captain.
Mr. Elliott Bardun Science
High school: Bedford High School Plans while at Hoban: To record a CD for the Steel Drum Band; to expand the Steel Drum and Marching Bands Fun fact: I played the drums in a grunge band called Anacrusis in high school.
Mr. David Michaels Orchestra/Piano/Choir
High school: St. Edward’s Extracurriculars: School Marching Band; Choir; School Musicals Best high school memory: Band camp each summer; we would rehearse each day and the band really grew during those summers.
[ [ [ [
High school: Immaculata Academy in Buffalo, NY Plans while at Hoban: To get to know the students better and to continue to build the Hoban community. Fun fact: One of my first jobs was painting fire hydrants for the city.
High school: Claymont in Uhrichsville, OH Plans while at Hoban: Breakdown the fear of physics and prove that yes, it actually can be fun. Fun fact: Once I see a movie, I can quote it anytime after.
Ms. Cathy Campensa French
High school: Belvidere in Belvidere, NJ Extracurriculars:Marching Band; School Choir; Girl Scouts Best high school memory: Graduation and becoming a drum major.
Teachers collaborate to create expressive album by ben easton
Designed by Micah Kraus
D
ue to the multitude of talented students at Hoban, it is often easy to forget that teachers enjoy exploring their creative outlets as well. This past summer, Social Studies Department Chair Greg Milo and Religious Studies teacher Hannah Clark banded together to create Blingin’ Ohio Beauty, a nonprofit album released on iTunes Sept. 10th, 2013. Calling themselves Eight Eyes, because both Clark and Milo wear glasses, the duo hopes that their hard work will draw attention not only to their music but to their cause. In accordance with the nonprofit music mission, Milo plans to use the money made from the album to help fund a school trip to Kosovo next spring break. “We’re trying to get students engaged and active in another culture,” Milo
said. “We thought this would be a creative way to help raise money for the trip.” Though the album is being met with much praise among the Hoban community, History teacher and bassist for Igor and the Vultures Rob Yanko voiced his opinion on Milo’s choice to explore his musical talents with other artists. “Just like Yoko Ono is responsible for the breaking up of the Beatles, Mrs. Clark is responsible for the breaking up of Igor and the Vultures,” Yanko said. “Of course all members of Igor and the Vultures are free to explore their own musical projects. In fact, I am currently working on my own album in response to Eight Eyes. I encourage all to look for it on iTunes, it is entitled ‘Eight Eyes? They’ll be lucky if they get eight ears to listen to it.’” Without a doubt, emotional tensions are running high among former members of Igor and the Vultures. Yet, despite all the controversy, it seems as though Hoban Students
have retained their support of Mr. Milo and Mrs. Clark as they continue to pursue their musical goals. Overall, though the future of these two groups is uncertain, if past conflicts are not put aside, one can count on a great battle of the bands at this year’s talent show.
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news
ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE / ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE / ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORMUNTER / EVACUATE / ALERT / LOCKDOWN/ I / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE / ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVAC / ALER /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT/ LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALE RT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / RT INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT/ LOCKDOW /INFORM/ COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER R/ EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / COUNTER /EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKC CK DOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ANALYZE / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT/ LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ANALYZE / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE / ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER / EVACUATE /ALERT / LOCKDOWN / INFORM / COUNTER /
Biting the BULLET
A.L.i.C.E. program initates new response to armed attacks by ben easton
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the damage caused by armed assaults. As demonstrated and thoroughly explained by the Akron Police Officers at the all-school assembly on Tuesday Sept. 3rd, if escape is impossible and circumstances dire, students and teachers retain the right to use any force necessary, whether that be collectively tackling the gunman to the ground or creating confusion by loud noise and movement, so long as he is restrained from freely inflicting harm upon those in the building. Despite the fact that even the mere thought is disturbing, high school shootings are a reality. Sophomore Brady Rusinek knows this reality first hand, as he was at Chardon middle school, adjacent to the high school, when the shootings occurred on Feb. 27, 2012. “We were all crowded in the Band Room office at the time. I didn’t really know exactly what was going on, but there were other people in there that were breaking down, crying,” Rusinek said. Because the majority of those who commit mass murders in school systems intend to kill indiscriminately, taking as many lives as possible, it is crucial that teachers and students take action immediately upon receiving knowledge of the situation. “Instead of just sitting there and waiting, students can be proactive. Building
barricades in front of the doors, holding the door shut with belts or cords, and just creating chaos will all contribute to slowing the aggressor down, which is exactly what we want,” Akron Police Officer D.J. Bickett said. “It might only buy you a few minutes of time, but that may be all you need until the police arrive.” Although it may be counter-intuitive, when trying to save as many lives as possible, the worst thing to do is to give the assailant, someone who most likely desires to cause the greatest amount of damage possible, control of the crowd. When comparing the 32 lives taken in the Virginia Tech massacre, whose perpetrator, Seung-Hui Cho, was given little to no resistance during his rampage to the three lives taken in the Chardon High School shooting where T.J. Lane was chased out of the building by the football coach, one can see how much of a difference active retaliation by the students and faculty can truly make. Though it would take unimaginable courage to counteract an active gunman, when a stand is taken collectively, not only will more time elapse for authorities to arrive and assume control of the situation, but in that span of time, countless lives can be saved.
Graphics by Danielle LaRose
ince the tragic shooting at Columbine High School in the spring of 1999, there have been multiple school massacres across the United States including those at Virginia Tech, Chardon High School and Sandy Hook Elementary that have led administrators and police officers to reconsider the most effective school-wide approach when faced with the threat of an armed intruder in the building. Rather than turning out the lights, remaining silent, and crouching under desks in a desperate attempt to evade the intruder, new policies are calling for a more active and practical response from the students and teachers. A.L.i.C.E, which stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate, is the new protocol for schooling systems when they encounter an armed threat during operating hours. Resolving to change old tactics used in previous years such as training students to remain clustered together like “sitting ducks” in the corner of the classroom to the new techniques of delivering clear and concise messages as well as encouraging students to “counter” the aggressor when no other choice is available, those who developed A.L.i.C.E. aim to minimize
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centerspread
Television turned off
Entering into the digital age, many have found themselves giving up cable in favor of internet streaming. This widely growing trend has taken over homes across America and now, those from the Hoban community as well.
by julia may
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or ty-three years ago, the emergence of cable revolutionized the way enter tainment and the media entered homes across America. Accessible to all, it seemed as if entertainment peaked its convenience. Now, at any given moment millions around the world are utilizing Inter net streaming to watch shows previously available via a cable provider. With its convenience and variety of movies and TV shows, online TV streaming companies such as Netflix and Hulu are quickly dominating. The sudden, significant growth in popularity has caused cable to no longer be the primar y channel. The movement to eradicate cable and rely on subscription ser vices can be seen across the countr y and Archbishop Hoban. Senior Maria Zaynor and her family are one of many who have made the switch to a cable-free household where Netflix reigns supreme. “We had cable when we got a free six month trial for Netflix, but when that
ended, my parents didn’t want to pay the $35 a month to continue with cable,” Zaynor said. “Ever yone in my family loves Netflix because we can watch all of our favorite shows whenever we want and don’t have to wor r y about the hassle of recording them.” Among the conver ts is Hoban’s Technology Integration Specialist Tom Hottinger who agrees with the transition from cable to a subscription ser vice. “With cable you can’t necessarily pick what you really want, you’re given this package and you’re stuck with it,” Hottinger said. “Cable would be better in my opinion if they let you pick 50 channels that you pay for monthly, then my family and I could watch the channels we actually enjoy and not the ones that I never even think of watching.” If getting rid of commercials does not sway the avid cable viewer, consider the cost. According to Time War ner Cable, their most popular cable package r uns at $49 per month and Direct TV’s cable deal is $86 per month.
“The $8 or $9 a month is much more practical than the average cable bill which can cost around four times the price of Netflix,” Zaynor said. If cable was gone tomor row and consumers used subscription ser vices such as Netflix and Hulu, society would quickly feel the impact. Some would enjoy the liberating sense of being in control of when and what they watch while others would miss the nostalgic experience of flipping through channels to watch their favorite weekly premieres and rer uns. “It would force my kids to not watch those junk TV shows and make them more conscious of what they’re watching,” Librarian Tina Braman said. “Plus, it would be easier for my life because I rarely know when I’m going to be able to sit down and watch a show in my busy schedule.” Regardless of the consumer’s opinion, cable TV’s role in the entertainment business is shifting and its position in society will be redefined in the near future.
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centerspread
CULT TV SHOWS
Amidst the chaos of the cable to internet switch are the shows caught between the two. Take a look at a few our current favorites available on the internet, cable or both.
30 Rock
Can be Found ON: Netflix and Hulu Main Character Liz Lemon, who is head writer of a sketch comedy show, has to learn to appease to her far from humble new boss and over the top new star all while keeping the show afloat and not going insane. Cast includes comedy favorites Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, and Tracy Morgan.
Genre: Comedy.
Orange is the New Black
Breaking Bad Can be Found ON: Netflix and AMC Network After being diagnosed with lung cancer, high school chemistry teacher Walter White joins an ex-student in a mission to create, cook, and sell the most pure form of crystal meth available on the drug market.
Genre: Crime,Drama, and Thriller.
Can be Found ON: Netflix This TV show is a Netflix Original Series, so you if you don’t have Netflix, you should find a friend that does. The show follows thirty-year-old Piper Chapman who is convicted of transporting money for her girlfriend who happens to be a drug dealer and ends up being sent to prison for 15 months.
Genre: Comedy, Crime, and Drama.
The Walking Dead Can be Found ON: Netflix and AMC Network Zombie lovers, this one is for you. Police officer Rick Grimes and other survivors of the recent zombie apocalypse battle it out against massive hordes of bloodthirsty undead.The group must survive until a cure for the infection can be found or face a gruesome death like all others have before them.
Genre: Drama, Horror, and Thriller.
Coming to a small screen near you FAMILY 9.259MODERN P.M., ABC NETWORK
10.29:30Super fun night 10.9 American horror story P.M., ABC NETWORK 10 P.M., FX NETWORK
Graphics by Danielle LaRose
I Met Your Mother 9.29 HoMeland 9.23 How 10.3 10 P.M.,SCANDAL 8 P.M., CBS NETWORK 9 P.M., SHOWTIME ABC NETWORK
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features
HOBAN TRAVELING AROUND THE WORLD by sarah carmon
After flying thousands of miles over deep oceans and far away from home, Hoban students traveled to new places around the world. Students were offered the opportunity to spend part of the summer in different countries experiencing many new cultures and traditions. They were given the option to travel to Ghana, Italy, Spain, France or Montreal.
GHANA
MONTREAL
The first of three trips traveled was to Cape Coast, Ghana. From June 5-15, nine students accompanied by two teachers traveled to Ghana. While there, students immersed themselves into the culture of the Holy Cross community in Ghana by taking part in various traditional cultural activities such as attending morning masses, learning to play the bongo drums, and singing african songs. During the trip, the group participated in the everyday life of the people in Cape Coast by joining the children in school and spending time with them afterwards. Students also traveled to multiple landmarks and places that are important to the country’s history.
ITALY, FRANCE, SPAIN The second trip explored Italy, Spain and France from June 4th through June 14th. Students had the opportunity to spend time in each country discovering many landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican, Eiffel tower and the back streets of Barcelona. The group visited multiple cities, including Monaco and Monte Carlo in France, Barcelona in Spain and Florence, Assisi and Rome in Italy. From homemade pasta in Italy to fresh baguettes in France, the group was opened into a new world of food. Many students agreed that the cuisine was one of the best aspects of their trip. Another part to the trip that students enjoyed was the architecture of the buildings, such as the Coliseum in the heart of Rome and the Eiffel tower in France. “My favorite part of the trip was experiencing different cultures and various ways of life!” Ian Hamlin said. After 10 days in Europe, the group returned home to share their experience with friends and family. Without a doubt, the variety of rich experiences and sights offered through this trip brought the group many lasting memories.
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VOICES INWhat THE was the song of the summer? CROWD Song:
Song: Love Like War by All Time Low
“I like electronic music, and I really like the singer. She has a very nice voice.”
Junior:
Jackie Reyes
The third trip taken was to Montreal, Canada. From July 8 through July 12th, 10 Hoban students, Father Mike Ausperk, Director of Spiritual Formation Mary Bulgrin, three St. Edward’s High School students and St. Edwards Academy Campus Minister Carrie White visited St. Joseph’s Oratory. While there, the group visited several churches, prayed and celebrated mass with the people of Montreal. Many of the things they saw and encountered in Montreal were in the French language or a part of the French culture that is strong in that region. After leaving the Cleveland area, the students and teachers traveled in two vans across the border into Canada. The group experienced what life is like living in dormitories at a Jesuit high school. They stayed in the dormitories with about 40 students from Holy Cross schools across America. Furthermore, many agreed that the highlight of the trip was the people they got the chance to meet and spend time with. Faith was a huge part of this trip. Many of the participants agreed that their faith grew while on this pilgrimage to Montreal. “The pilgrimage to Montreal is a four day adventure that can really allow a person to connect with both their inner faith and the Holy Cross community from around the country,” Max Duffy said with enthusiasm. Overall, this trip served as a growing experience, spiritually and communally for all that attended.
I Love It by Icona Pop “I think the song of the summer is “I Love It” by icona pop. I think so because it reminds me of driving witht he top down on a winding road in the middle of the summer with my hair a’flowin in the wind.”
Song: Same Love by Macklemore “It proves that our generation can stand up and be passionate about something that matters. A lot of people seem to doubt us.”
Sophomore:
Luke Lauterjung
Senior:
Caralynn Knopf
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features
Photo Courtesy of Nathan Stroempl
Q+A
by joe brennan and kitchy cook
Religion teacher ventures across countryventure on bike Hoban teacher takes sixty-day summer by tim brennan
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his summer, religious studies teacher Nathan Stroempl embarked on an incredible journey across the nation. Starting in Savannah, Ga., he biked roughly 3,700 miles in 62 days, finishing the trip in Vancouver, Canada. In high school, Stroempl was involved with the charity Habitat for Humanity; post-graduation, a friend of his became involved with the Fuller Center for Housing subdivision. For six years, this friend attempted to persuade Stroempl to participate in a cross-country bike adventure sponsored by the Fuller Center, but his busy schedule never allowed time for it. That is, until this year. As a teacher, Stroempl finally had the summer free of work, providing him with the time necessary to participate in the endeavor. He managed to raise $3,700 for the Fuller Center. However, his time for actually training during the school year was limited, especially because it was his first year teaching. Nevertheless, Stroempl managed to bike about 100 miles per week in preparation. 55 miles was his prejourney record distance for one day, which was broken multiple times within the first week of the bicycle adventure. Accompanying Stroempl along the way were 20 full-way riders and 18 segment bicyclists. With the exception of the friend involved with the Fuller Center, who only rode for week one, everyone was a stranger to him. Nonetheless, he set out with few belongings and just three sets of clothes to accomplish one of his childhood dreams: to bike across the United States. After riding between six and eight hours each day, the group was provided refuge by participating churches. At these locations, Stroempl and the other bicyclists gave presentations about the charity and collected donations. In addition, some days were designated “build” days where the group helped
city construction-like projects. For example, in Oklahoma City they moved rubble and debris generated by a cataclysmic tornado off of properties and into the street to be removed. “Entire neighborhoods were completely wiped out,” Stroempl said. “It was devastating.” Along the way, Stroempl experienced remarkable ordeals. As one would expect, the Rocky and Cascade mountains were both challenging and beautiful. Riding uphill with a headwind slowed his rate of progress to six miles per hour; however, upon reaching the summit of his ride and beginning his descent, speeds reached up to 30 miles per hour. Even faster was his speed on an interstate around Salt Lake City, where he and the other bicyclists barely moved slower than the vehicles, hitting speeds up to 50 miles per hour. In Colorado, Stroempl passed through Dinosaur, a town named for its proximity to countless uncovered dinosaur bones. “Street signs, statues, parks, they all referenced dinosaurs,” Stroempl said. “Bones could still be seen still half-buried in the dirt in certain areas.” In addition to simply observing his surroundings during the trip, Stroempl filmed portions of it. This footage of his journey–shot by both a handheld camera and one mounted to his bicycle–is featured in webinars he created as a complement to his teaching by connected his experiences with the class. For example, a storm was brewing in Alabama and Stroempl had a flat tire; just before the storm broke open, a man offered refuge to the bicyclists in his own home. This stranger shares a likeness with the Good Samaritan. Next summer, the trip spans from New Jersey to California, passing through Ohio. Stroempl says he is tossing around the idea of participating the entire way again, or at least completing the Ohio segment. In addition, he is considering starting a biking club in the spring, should students also wish to partake in the Ohio leg.
During every class, students and teachers roll their eyes at responses they receive from their counterpart. This is a collection of the most common questions teachers hate and answers students despise.
QUESTIONS
“Did we do anything yesterday? ” -English Teacher Jamie Adaway
“Can we have more time to do this?” - Librarian Tina Brahman
“Can I borrow a pencil? Can I go to the nurse?” - Mathematics Teacher Zach Tocchi
“When is this due?” - Religion Teacher Eugene Rossi
ANSWERS “You should have learned that in 5th grade.” - Freshman Maria Mealy
“Look it up.” - Sophomore Gillian Moresy
“I don't know, can you? (referencing the bathroom)” - Junior Tommy Leslein
“ You should have learned this last year.” - Senior Isaiah Cheek
Photos Courtesy of Tricia Easton
ten
sports
Hoban soccer:
boys and girls face off
by trey lesiak
W
ith a quick start towards a successful 2013 season for boy’s varsity soccer, team bonding seems to be key in the effort to better the result from last year’s playoff woes. A loss in last year’s district semi-final game to opponent CVCA of 2-1 was the last thing left in the returning varsity players’ minds when they came back to once again represent the blue and gold this summer. However, this summer got underway with some flare. The senior and varsity players traveled to Emerald Isle, North Carolina to practice and come together as a unit before the regular season back in Ohio began in August. Spending a week on the beach, the team worked on drills run by the senior captains and conditioned in the sand to strengthen not only individually as players, but in team chemistry as well. “Obviously it brought us together and gave us a bond, but it was preperation.” senior co-captain Ben Naragon said. “We prepared our body and our minds in order for us to come into the season physically and emotionally ready.” That preparation continued into the fall when the boys came back to Akron. The team returned home only a week before the beginning of school and began its pre-season right away. The boys finished their pre-season 3-0 on the road, all against Division I teams. They then continued their route when they went on to defeat their next three opponents in the regular season, including the Division I schools Avon Lake and Holland Springfield. “We are definitely facing competition that we won’t see later on when it comes to the postseason. This means we will be ready for whoever we will have to play after holding our own against D I powerhouses”, senior co-captain Jordan Sarver said. With their eary success and the team’s difficult schedule as a factor, the Knights were rewarded with the ranking of fourth in the state once the polls were posted. According to head coach Octavian Moresan, who is returning for his third year as head coach, the continuously expanding fan section is a tremendous factor as well. “The fans for us are the twelfth man” the head coach said. “They give the team heart to win the games.” Ranked 9th in the state with a record of 5-2-0 the team faces the second half of its schedule. In the latter part of their season, the Knights will continue to be tested with big games against rivals St. Vincent-St. Mary on Sept. 28th and Walsh Jesuit on October 1st as well as bouts versus the Division I teams Western Reserve Academy, Highland and Medina. Those games will set the tone for the postseason beginning in mid-October and will “hopefully end in Columbus”, senior goalkeeper Andrew Markowski said. No matter where or when their season comes to a close, as the boys continue on in their strive towards success, one thing is for sure: the Hoban boy’s varsity soccer team remains united.
C
oming off a successful year last fall the girl’s varsity soccer team seeks to steal the spotlight with a new head coach leading the charge into the 2013 season. The team finished 14-5-1 overall last season and 4-2-1 in the North Coast League while also winning the district finals in late October. Their playoff run soon came to end however on Oct. 31st when they were bested by Toledo St. Ursula Academy with a score of 1-0. After the departure of 10 seniors, as well as the former head coach Brian Misanko, a majority of holes in the program needed to be filled before the 2013 season began. Luckily, 11 returning varsity players, including seven seniors, filled those roles and provided experience and maturity during the preseason. As for the head coaching position, the former junior varsity coach Patrick Dobbins was awarded the job. Dobbins, who was a 1987 graduate of Hoban, led his JV team to a 14-1-1 record in 2012 and is on track to matching and possibly surpassing that success with the varsity team this fall. That success is evident so far as the team is off to the start of 9-0-1 with the only tie against Holy Name on Aug. 28th. In the first three games the girls dominated opponents, beating Kenston 7-0, Northwest 5-0 and Norton 7-0. “Team bonding over the summer has really helped us create a strong chemistry” senior co-captain Mykaela Zingale said. “We are all each others best friends.” Some of those team bonding rituals not only included 3-a-day practices, but also sleepovers, dance-offs and rap battles between girls. This connection, along with head coach Dobbins taking the reigns seems to have the team firing on all cylinders. Dobbins has led the girls to 1-0 victories over Lake Catholic as well as CVCA proving not only his ability to adjust to and prevail in close games, but also the team’s. “He is a very good coach for us” senior midfielder Kirsten Stepanek said. “He really knows what he is talking about when it comes to the game”. If the record was not enough, the girls certainly know how to keep their fans entertained even before they play. The flamboyance even has gone as far as some of the players claiming the team played one of their regular season bouts in Ontario, Canada when in reality they played near Mansfield in Ontario, Ohio only 70 miles away. They defeated the then undefeated Ontario Warriors 4-2, making up for their convincing lie. The team now looks to continue its vivacious dominance in the latter half of their season when they face off against NCL rivals Walsh Jesuit on Oct. 2nd and Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin on Oct. 9th. Postseason play begins on Oct. 14th where the girls will seek to defend their District title and advance to a conclusion that they can only hope will arrive in November.
eleven
sports
We are the Knights and the Knights are
compiled by michael londa
[Girls Tennis] [Girls Tennis]
Michelle Felden and Julia May “Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion. ” - Muhammad Ali Pre-game ritual: Singing the “Hoban” cheer way too loud Pump up song:Will Smith Radio on Pandira Fun fact: We have 8 seniors on the team. Matches of the year: STVM (9/25), NCL Tournament (9/28) Record: 2-10
[Boys Golf] Justin Bober and Jeff Crock “Every shot is precious.” - Mr. Robert Yanko Pre-game ritual: Riding in the van ride with Coach Baraneck to the course. Pump up song: Midnight City by M83 Fun fact: “I have a pet fish named Martin” - Jeff Matches of the year: NCL Conference tournament (9/18) Record: 7-1
[Girls Golf]
Stephanie Collins “Achievements on the golf course are not what matters, decency and honesty are what matters.” - Tiger Woods Pre-game ritual: Jamming to music Pump up song: Get Lucky by Daft Punk Fun fact: We have 12 senior cheerleaders. Matches of the year: STVM (9/30) Record: 9-4
Photo by Justin Bober
[ONE] The Archbishop Hoban fall sports captains present an inside look at their teams and season thus far.
[Football]
[Girls Volleyball]
Jake Tersigni; Alex Underwood; Domenic Grosso; Daneil Sutter; D’Angelo James “If you’re not right then you’re left.” Pre-game ritual: We rub Archbishop Hoban’s nose, and stop at the Mary statue for individual prayer before getting ready for the game Pump up song: I Can’t Stop by Flux Pavilion Games of the year: STVM (9/27) Record: 1-1
Marianne Dannemiller; Olivia Dujanovic; Gabby O’Neill “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Pre-game ritual: Chapel, scouting report, go over gameplan, and eating smarties Pump up song: Yeah! by Usher Fun fact: We match completely from head to toe whenever we’re together. Games of the year: STVM (9/23) Record: 4-8
[B&G Cross Country] Tom Bulgrin; Katie Frego; Kate Boylan; Sarah Davies; Maddie Beban; Maria Albanese; Jamie Vieson; Casey Surblis “With great power comes great responsibility.” Pre-game ritual: Kate Boylan’s prayer and pump up cheer led by Casey Surblis Pump up song: Temperature by Sean Paul Meets of the year:NCL meet (10/12) Record:Three top 3 finishes (Boys)
[Cheerleading] Leah Sadinski and Holly Sargeant “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how loud you cheer!” Pre-game ritual: Team meal and bus ride Pump up song: Lady Marmalade by Christina Aguliera, P!NK, Lil’ Kim and Mýa Fun fact: We have 12 senior cheerleaders. Games of the year: STVM (9/27), Walsh (11/1) and playoffs
[Girls Soccer] Natalie Comeriato; Katie Easton; Mykaela Zingale “If you don’t give 110%, you don’t deserve to be on the field!” Pre-game ritual: Listening to trap music Pump up song: Incredibe by Carnage Post-game tradition: Touching the goal post after every home win. Games of the year: STVM (9/28), Walsh (10/2) Record: 9-0-1
[Boys Soccer]
Ben Naragon and Jordan Sarver “Without commitment, nothing gets done.” Pre-game ritual: Tavi’s extra long speach, Ziggy Zaggy and team prayer Pump up song: Intro by The xx and Good Vibrations by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch Fun fact: “I wear neon yellow gameday socks.” - Ben Games of the year: NCL matches and the post season Record: 6-2
twelve
sports
Sibley starts off Hoban football season with flare by joe brennan and kitchy cook
F
Photo by Tricia Easton
reshman Todd Sibley made his varsity debut as running back in Hoban’s second football game against Austintown Fitch, scoring both of Hoban’s two touchdowns. In the Sept. 13th game against Cleveland Shaw, Sibley scored two touchdowns and ended the night with 175 rushing yards. His uncle, who played football for Central Howard High School, introduced him to the sport in 2007. “I loved it from the start,” Sibley said. Sibley played in a pee wee league throughout middle school and he went out for Hoban’s football team this summer. Although only a freshman, Sibley has caught the attention of our senior captains. “As soon as I saw Todd at workouts this summer, I knew he could do great things for our team,” Senior Captain Daniel Sutter said. “It’s great to see so much talent in a freshman.” Sibley is excited to be able to showcase his abilities in his first year at Hoban. “It’s a great feeling to know that I was one of the only kids who wasn’t afraid to step up to the plate as a freshman,” he said. His greatest motivation is the support of his father. “My dad was never a football player, but he still comes out to all of my games and is my number one fan,” Sibley said. As a freshman on Varsity, Sibley faces the challenges and pressures of delivering on a much more demanding playing field. Yet, despite being one of the youngest, he is still able to remain consistent from game to game. “When the first whistle blows, I just zone in and everything else goes away,” Sibley said. Sibley looks forward to a bright future at Hoban and beyond, determined to stick with the sport that he loves. “I’ll never be able to give
Freshman running back Todd Sibley rushes past defenders from Cleveland Shaw in last week’s winning game. up football, and if I can’t make a career playing, I want to become a sports trainer,” he said. The football team plays Barberton tonight at 7 p.m.
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he Visor and its online companion are published about 14 times during the school year as a forum for the expression of student news and opinion. The paper is distributed free of charge to all students, faculty and staff. The Visor does not carry advertising. The Visor strives for accuracy and balance in its coverage and publishes only legally protected speech. The Visor does not print material that is obscene or libelous, material that constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy or material likely to be disruptive of the educational process. The Visor consults with school attorneys on matters of potential liability. The Visor welcomes letters, either in response to its editorials and news stories or raising issues of concern to its readers. Letters must not contain errors in fact. Letters must be signed, but a name may be withheld on request of the writer for sufficient reason. When a letter is signed by more than one person, the Visor will print only the name of the principal writer, with an indication of how many other names were signed. Letters are subject to editing as to length, language and libel. The Visor
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Since school officials have a legal obligation to keep such matters confidential, it is difficult to cover such stories fairly. If a disciplinary policy of the school is questioned, the matter will be raised at a time when the reader is not likely to associate it with an individual infraction or its consequences. The Visor chooses not to take a position that is inconsistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church on clear matters of faith or morals, but may take a position contrary to current church discipline or practice. For example, the Visor will not take a position that Jesus did not rise from the dead (contrary to defined faith) or advocate premarital sex (contrary to Catholic moral teaching), but may advocate that priests be allowed to marry (contrary to church discipline and practice). The Visor is a member of, or affiliated with, the Northeastern Ohio Scholastic Press Association, the Great Lakes Interscholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, and the Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society.