THE
ISOR
arcbishop hoban high school - Issue 4 - November 8, 2013
pg. 2 The Visor examines the option of elective religion classes
pg. 6 Boy’s soccer coach Octavian Muresan takes a journey to citi-
pg. 8 The Visor wraps up the season with final thoughts from fall sports captains
Reduce. Reuse. Remember your room key?
continued on page four
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Photo by Danielle LaRose
his week, the Visor explores the changing world as the shift towards eco-consciousness takes shape. Specifically, we investigate the travel industry and how the push for ecofriendliness has revolutionized the industry. Furthermore, we address how Hoban does their part to take care of our earth.
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Religion Electives Promote Diversity by matt mascolo
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he phrase, “Educating Hearts and Minds” shows the duality of the Catholic education. Not only are students prepared for college and beyond through rigorous coursework and well-rounded curriculum, but also prepared spiritually through four years of religious instruction. In addition, students are prepared for different cultural and social climates through both the many service opportunities and immersion and mission trips which are made available. As Hoban continues to focus on more global aspirations, the religion department should as well. Mainly, the religion department should expand its teachings past solely Catholicism and begin to provide the option for the study of world religions. In light of this, the religion department–which teaches an intrinsically cultural subject–has a responsibility to inform students of the religious institutions around the globe. The religion department should restructure its curriculum in order to include more education on other major world religions such as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. One possible change would be to allow both juniors and seniors to have the option to choose between different world religion classes each semester. Freshman and sophomore class-
editorial & opinion
es would teach about Catholicism and thus we would have more spiritually rounded students. It is understandable why the religion department has not taught world religions yet; this is a Catholic school committed to teaching the tenets of Catholicism passed down by our founders, the Brothers of Holy Cross. Also, it is not as if our current religion classes neglect the discussion of world religions as they are often brought up when applicable to topics in class. However, these are times where international relations are now more important than ever, and it is no longer acceptable to ignore the cultural and religious norms internationally. The administration’s goal to, “Educate the Heart” is incomplete without the perspective of other faiths. Some of the greatest religious thinkers have benefitted tremendously from interfaith dialogue. Martin Luther King Jr. adopted the use of active nonviolence as a means of social reform directly from Mahatma Gandhi and even went as far as to say that Gandhi, a practicing Hindu, was the greatest Christian of the 20th century. It is through this interfaith dialogue and examination of world religions that can help affirm one’s own faith. We as a school community do not shy away from diversity, we embrace it. We should do the very same when it comes to faith as well.
Art Movement Defaces Old Stereotypes by ben easton
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o most, the word “graffiti” surely conjures up multiple negative connotations ranging from over-stylized and often indecipherable font prints to violent street gangs. Whether it be streaked across the sides of train cars, spray-painted on the tops of billboards, or etched onto the faces of concrete buildings, graffiti, and the low opinion of it, is prevalent throughout most populated cities in the world. Yet, while graffiti is often associated with gangs and crews writing their group name or “tagging” certain areas of their city to establish or declare territory, a new form of street art, made famous by the iconic but anonymous Banksy, has emerged in the last decade. In the introduction of his first self-published book, Banging Your Head Against a Brick Wall, Banksy writes, “The quickest way to the top of your business is to turn it upside down.” Doing just that, his work, while still making use of spray-paint cannisters and city walls, introduces a new type of wit and satire into street art. Instead of simply copying a “tag” over and over again on different walls around the city, Banksy and others like him have taken to creating original works that send real messages to the public sphere. Part of what makes Banksy so intriguing is his anonymity. Does he refuse to reveal himself because
his street art is considered illegal? Is he trying to tell us that we should focus more on the work done than the artist who created it? Is he using the mystery behind his identification to support his artistic message or to simply maintain public interest? While I have no idea who the man truly is, I do believe that the overarching purpose behind his works is becoming clear: People should not have to rely on ordinary modes of expression and art to communicate their feelings and beliefs about the world they live in, for those who do so run the risk of falling into the same societal grooves that Banksy so often criticizes. Although many will continue to write off this new form of stencil graffiti art as a short-lived counterculture movement incited by half-artistic half-rebellious vandals who live to deface city buildings and billboards, those who do so will have overlooked the point completely. Banksy, whose success has labeled him a “sellout” to many in the street art community, has never stood for the financial or popularity aspects of his work. Rather, his goal is to enlighten others, especially our generation, that art does not have to be what feels like the long-dead works of Leonardo Da Vinci or Jean-Francois Millet when it can still, and should, be alive and enjoyed by the world today.
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 Joseph Brennan,Sarah Carmon Christian Cook, Ashley Kouri, Michael Londa Julia May, Matt Moscolo Adviser Natalie Tannehill
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news
THE NEWS
Voices in the V
: Q
Crowd
compiled by julia may
IN BRIEF
by tim brennan, kitchy cook and hannah caprez
State Election
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Freshman Election
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reshman student council representatives make an impression for their entire class and set the tone for the of all of their peers over the next four years. This year’s freshmen have chosen Blythe McDermott, Jessie Guerriero, Justin Austin, and Michael English to serve their class for the first year of their high school career. “Our goal this year is to get the class involved and really incorporate ourselves into the Hoban family,” President Blythe McDermott said. In the past, other freshman class representatives have collaborated on projects such as class tshirts and fundraisers. This year’s representatives plan to engage in similar projects to prepare themselves and their classmates for their future at Hoban.
Canned Food Drive
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“I
really enjoyed hearing about the certain aspects of jobs that make them interesting to me. I wasn’t really ready to be interested in all three of the careers I picked, but they made it real and it started to get me thinking about a more specific career.”
Junior Annie Tomei
“I
“I
t was intriguing and gave me a better outlook on what I might want to pursue through college. The gentleman who presented broadcasting opened my eyes to things I hadn’t realized.”
Junior Joe Belair
“I
thought it was super beneficial because I got to meet with and talk to doctors in my specific field (Dentistry). They gave me insight into different aspects of the work that I never had thought of. Overall, it was helpful for me but probably not as helpful for other kids who didn’t have any specific career interests.”
Senior Michelle Felden
”
felt career day was important because it let me have a better understanding of what is to come. It was personal because the leaders were always open to my questions and answered them accurately. I think it was a great idea and should be considered in the future.”
Senior Pat Williams Photo by Hannah Caprez
he annual canned food drive kicked off on November 1. This year’s goal of 45,000 is nearly 3,000 more than last years goal, which was surpassed enormously when we hit 55,055. A few added incentives of the drive that we can expect are dress down days, double T doughnut days, and, chocolate, baby formula, and meat bonus days. As always there will be class throwdowns to keep the competition flowing. The cans donated will be distributed over 15 local agencies to help with the epidemic of hunger in the Akron-Canton area.
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What did you think about Hoban’s career day?
Photo by Hannah Caprez
his year, general elections fell on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Akron locals voted on four major issues during these elections. At press time, the results were not yet released.The first issue determined funding for local health facilities. Issues Two and Three decided on a renewal tax for the parks in Akron and the Akron Zoo. Issue Four was a proposed charter amendment on whether Children’s Hospital should be given land for a steam and chilled water system. In addition to these issues, there were 10 elected positions up for vote this year. Because it was an off-year election–held in an odd-numbered year–the overwhelming majority of elections are held at the municipal level. This year, Akron voters determined three members of the City Council at Large, one member of the Ward 1 Council, four members of the Board of Education, and two Municipal Court judges.
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From the Ground
Up:
How the Eco-Movement Led the Way for Awareness Worldwide
by jonathan sapp
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n the past decade, a sweeping revolution has changed the way our society functions on a daily basis. The effort of conser vatism and ecological practices, also known as going “green” has affected many industries and has even created new industries. Among them all, the largest and fastest growing is the ecotourism industr y. The industr y, which is based on eco-friendly and sustainable tourism, has thrived in the 21st centur y and is becoming one of the most profitable areas of the travel industr y. It is based on the practices of being environmentally conscious and reducing the environmental impact the hotel industr y has on the earth. Since 2000, ecotourism has grown by over 20 percent. Over 40 percent of Americans have taken an “eco-vacation” in 2012, compared with only about 20 percent in 2000. And as of 2011, it is the fastest growing sector of tourism in the United States. Ecotourism activities listed among the 10 most popular vacation pursuits and destinations in America according to the U.S. Travel Association. Even amid the recession, the industr y grew at an exceptional rate. Ecotourism has affected nearly ever y sector of the travel industr y in one way or another. Brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and Star wood have all rapidly adjusted to the change in traveling trend. Many of these industr y giants have even started new chains of hotels that revolve around the eco-
friendly lifestyle. For example, Star wood created a new brand in 2010 called Element Hotels. The chain focuses on sustainable and ecological vacationing. However the movement is not limited to new hotel chains. Hilton Hotels, one of the largest hotel conglomerates in the world, has completely redesigned the way their hotels operate in order to become more efficient and ecologically conscious. They have began offering recycling options in all hotels, the cleaning staff use high-efficiency laundr y ser vices, hotel restaurants offer smaller portions to reduce the amount of wasted food, and standard lighting systems have been replaced with high-efficiency ones. The dynamic shift in the travel industr y towards ecotourism has been met with some negative views. Several industr y leaders have called the shift towards ecotourism a scam and a mere “fad” rather than an impactful change. However the opposition is clearly in the minority; the travel industr y now relies on ecotourism for over half of its growth. It is rare that an industr y is met with such dynamic change in so short a time as what has happened with ecotourism. It has altered the travel industr y, the largest sector in the world, and has also affected society and the way people travel. It has brought to the forefront a pressing issue that our generation faces. Ecotourism is the first step towards protecting the earth in our ever yday lives.
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How A Hoban Helps:
t Hoban, the push to be a more eco-friendly school is a continuing effort. Within every classroom there are paper recycling bins. In the cafeteria there are plastic and aluminum recycling bins. And with the implementation of iPads, many teachers are using far less paper. Yet even with these options, there is still more that can be done. “Making environmental choices should be part of everyday life - not just vacations. The Hoban community is always working to improve our environmental impact. We recycle, work to reduce paper use, and are looking at green options for our future. Sign up for the environmental science class to learn more. We can improve our relationship with the planet today and into the future,” said Mrs. Candy Bates, who teaches environmental science classes. Hoban’s efforts have gone a long way, but there is certainly room for improvement.
14 billion
For more information about how Catholic organizations do their part for our environment, visit http://catholicclimatecovenant.org/ and be sure to make the St. Francis pledge!
pounds of garbage, most of which is plastic,is dumped into the ocean yearly.
STATISTICS
THE OCEAN 1 million + 100,ooo
the minimal number of seabirds and sea mammalia that die each year from pollution.
the percent increase in the risk of developing lung cancer for those living in areas with high levels of air pollutants
20%
CITY STREETS 33 million
the amount, in tons, of food thrown away by Americans each year.
the estimated percent of the world’s waste and pollution produced by the United States
30%
YOUR
BACKYARD 300
the number of times the equator could be circled with the amount of paper, plastic cups, forks, and spoons thrown away by Americans yearly/
Layout by Danielle LaRose
statistics courtesy of dosomething.org, earth911.com, and www.clean air.org
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features SECRETS REVEALED: Starbucks’ Hidden Menu Everyday, over one million customers visit Starbucks coffee shops across the globe. Whether someone requires a quick shot of espresso to make it through the rest of the day or craves a decadent dessert such as a frappuccino to satisfy his or her sweet tooth, Starbucks provides for all of one’s coffee needs. However, few people realize how extensive the off-menu drink options are–such as a “short” cup size smaller than a “tall” and “extra hot” drinks that are roughly 20 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than normal. Similarly, any iced drink can be blended in order to receive a slushie-form of the same drink. With the following recipes based on a “tall,” these are just a few of the countless secret drinks at Starbucks. by tim brennan Nutella Frappuccino Dalmatian Mocha Order a White Chocolate Mocha with one pump of hazelnut Order a Java Chip Frappuccino and ask for two pumps of syrup. mocha syrup and one pump of hazelnut to be added, then finish it with whipped cream and a hazelnut drizzle. Pixy Stix Refresher
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TOP
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Request a drink to be half Passion Tea and half Valencia Orange Refresher, then mix it with two pumps of classic syrup and one pump of raspberry. Red Starburst Order a Strawberry Lemonade and blend it with one scoop of vanilla powder and one pump of raspberry syrup.
Graphics by Hannah Caprez
Biscotti Frappuccino Buy a biscotti and request it be blended into any frappuccino, creating a drink with cookie bits throughout. Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino Order a Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with one pump of white mocha syrup and one pump of cinnamon dulce syrup, then top it off with cinnamon dulce powder.
Banana Split Frappuccino Buy a banana and request for it to be blended with a Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino, vanilla bean powder, and java chips. Top it off with whipped cream and both a mocha and caramel drizzle. Red Velvet Frappuccino Request a drink to be half White Chocolate and half regular Mocha Frappuccino with one pump of raspberry syrup. Toffee Frappuccino Order a Java Chip Frappuccino with two pumps of toffee nut syrup and finished with a caramel drizzle. S’mores Frappacino Buy a Double Chocolatey Chip Frappuccino and add one pump of cinnamon dulce syrup and one pump of toffee nut.
Street Artist
BANKSY Contributes to Art Evolution
by kyle knapp and ashley kouri rt takes on a whole new level in the streets of New York City. Banksy, an anonymous street artist from the United Kingdom, redefines the normal perception of art. Due to Banksy’s latest street art expedition, "Better Out Than In", the walls of New York City are being transformed on a nightly basis. The various works are cleverly created by the mysterious artist in an attempt to make a change within what some people believe as a corrupt society and to criticize the various governments of the world.
Graphics by Danielle LaRose
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New York City’s Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, expressed severe displeasure with the Bansky's work littering the New York City streets, calling it law breaking and guerrilla. A large focus of Banksy’s work in New York City is on the rebuilding of the World Trade Center, which he calls the biggest eyesore in New York. As quoted on the popular news website, The Guardian, he attempts to argue that the new building is "a betrayal of everyone who lost their lives on September 11th because it so clearly proclaims the terrorists won." To keep up with the street art revolution, Banksy is creating a new work every day in October and authenticating it by posting a picture of the work on his blog. The blog is a map through his artistic journey throughout New York and depicts his hard-hitting expose on the government and the changes he wishes to see. For example, one of his works shows two children reaching out to grab a can of spray paint in a “Graffiti is a Crime” sign at the corner of a busy New York street. Banksy’s revolution in New York truly shows how art can be used to open up the minds of the beholder, allowing the artist to enter into their minds and drive a point through. Matt Adams, a resident of Williamsburg, is in awe of Banksy's art. "He's sort of like Batman, no one knows who he is, he does his work under cloak of darkness and everyone in New York is looking for him." Even through the dispute of whether graffiti is art or unlawful, Banksy draws attention to his critical thoughts. He states in one of his works; “If graffiti changed anything -it would be illegal.”
GAINING CITIZENSHIP to the united states of america
features HOW IT ALL BEGAN For a foreigner to the United States, obtaining citizenship is rarely an easy process. Octavian Muresan, a native of Romania, is no exception. For Muresan, challenge and perseverance began early in life, but they also prepared him fully for his experiences in the United States. On Feb. 4th, 1966, just one year after Nicolae Ceaușescu, Romania’s longtime communist dictator, assumed control of the nation, Muresan was born in the small Romanian town of Reteag. Growing up in the midst of the Cold War, Muresan and his family were constantly forced into very strict living conditions. “Lighting, television programs, food and even religion practice was all under government control,” Muresan said. Yet, despite all of Ceaușescu’s restricitve measures upon the Romanian people, Tavi and his teenage friends found a certain kind of refuge in what he now refers to as “the beautiful game”--that is, soccer. In his second year at the University, Muresan met his soon to be wife, Mihaela. Because she was also a major in chemistry, the two got along famously in the early years of their relationship. “Mihaela had a big impact in my life because she made me understand the importance of education,” Muresan said. Two years later, both Muresan and Mihaela graduated with degrees in Chemistry and found jobs related to their studies. In 1993, Muresan began his career as a soccer coach. Although he had stopped playing himself, he still wished to continue his involvement with the game. While also balancing a job in a factory analyzing chemcial structures for construction materials, Muresan organized a youth soccer tournament in the town he was living in. Recognizing Muresan’s ability to oversee the tournament, his boss at the chemical factory decided to promote him to administrative manager. “This was a big step in my life,” Muresan said, “I now understood how my work with soccer and my work in the professional world could be connected.” At this point in his life, Muresan had constructed a stable living by which he could successfully support his wife and child, Vlad, while also continuing his involvement with soccer. So why did he decide to risk what he had built up and travel to the United States?
ALL ABOUT SOCCER
seven Muresan’s skill and talent for the sport developed early on. Yet, while Muresan began playing soccer at the age of eight, he never played on an organized team until he started high school. He first built on his abilities in pick-up games with his older brother, Ioan, and other friends, which quickly led him to fall in love with soccer. Due to his precocious skills and dedication to the game, Muresan was able to begin his professional career before he was an adult. “As a junior in high-school, I played with the men’s professional team, CFR, in Cluj-Napoca. We played some of our games in a stadium with over 15,000 fans,” Muresan said. Without a doubt, Muresan’s quick transition from the streets to the stadium forced him to adapt to and learn from a more demanding and disciplined environment, an experience that would surely help later on in life. Although he was talented enough to continue playing professional soccer and stop his schooling, in 1985 Muresan decided to attend the University of Babes-Bolyai for four years with a major in chemistry. All the while, he still played with his professional team travelling throughout Romania. In addition to this, Muresan found a way to balance a job at a local factory. With hectic days often lasting from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Muresan quickly learned how to manage his time between soccer, school, and work very effectively.
ROMANIAN BY BLOOD
AMERICAN BY HEART
Layout by Sarah Carmon
According to Muresan, the primary reason that he chose to come to America was for his son, Vlad. Muresan had indeed created a sturdy foundation and living in Romania, but he felt that only America held the best promise for Vlad’s future. After arriving to the United States, Muresan worked for various soccer clubs in the country from 2003 to 2007 and attained the highest coaching qualifications available to him. Once he had become a fully licensed coach, Muresan desired to take his life visions for soccer to the next level here in the United States. With the launch of Liberty Football Club in November of 2007, Muresan finally found the means to do so. As Director of Coaching and Player Development, Muresan oversees 15 teams ranging from the U8 to U18 level. In addition to his success in club soccer, Muresan’s path to U.S. citizenship reached its highpoint last month, when on Oct. 18th, 2013, 11 years after arriving to America, Muresan officially became a citizen. “When I look back, it makes sense that at this point in my journey I became a United States citizen,” he said. “Even though I am a native of Romania, I am proud that I can call America my home.” In retrospect, these words hold firm because as one reflects on Muresan’s life, one full of perseverance, optimism and ambition, it can be seen that though he is Romanian by blood, he truly is American at heart.
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sports
FALL SPORTS WRAP-UP by michael londa
“My favorite memory was getting to see all the young runners succeed especially Joey Brennan going to regionals. I will miss the cedar point trips and the constant up and downs.” -Tom Bulgrin
“My favorite memory was beating St. V. This has been my favorite season because of how well our team got along, and I’m happy to have spent my senior year with such fun amazing and pretty girls.” -Marianne Dannemiller
Graphics by Hannah Caprez
“My favorite memory was celebrating the victory of the Goose Bowl. We formed a brotherhood this year. The bond surrounding the team enabled us to trust one another and play as one.” -Jake Tersigni
“One of my favorite memories was playing in districts. I’m challenged myself against other good players in highly competitive tournaments on great courses. I’ll never forget it because I got to play some of the best golf of my life alongside awesome teammates.” -Jeff Crock
“My favorite memory was going undefeated in the regular season, and winning districts against St.V. I’ll miss the bond that we formed, and I’ll never forget the crazy bus rides, three a days, and the memories made.” -Katie Easton
“The cedar point trip and all the workout we did together. We really bonded through the good and bad times. I’ll never forget how much we grew and even though there were hard at times, it was all worth it in the end.” -Katie Frego
“Dominating St.V, bus rides and candy crush with Coach De-on. Panera Bagels and getting benched with the rest of the JV team after skipping practice.” -Lucia Congeni
“Home football games and performing during halftime at Infocision was the best. Senior night was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed spending my last game with my squad.” -Leah Sadinski
“The North Carolina trip, beating St. V and Walsh, and winning the NCL were some of my favorite memories. All the team bonding allowed us to know each other as more than teammates. I’ll never forget the memories we had together.” -Jacob Brown
Sports Superstitions Prevent Adequite Reporting
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uperstitions have been a part of sports since the dawn of time. In baseball, a superstitious belief includes refraining from talking to the pitcher if he is in the process of a no-hitter. In tennis, players attempt to avoid stepping on the court lines between serves. Others include lucky numbers, lucky articles of clothing, obsessive-compulsive actions and playoff beards; the list goes on and on. But, how do all the superstitions in the world of sports affect the way a newspaper journalist should write a story on athletic teams and events? As a new reporter on the Visor staff I soon began to ask myself this question. As a baseball player, I had always been a superstitious person because it is just another aspect of the game. However, when I began writing sport stories for the paper I was unaware of how those superstitious beliefs would affect my ability to easily and creatively write articles students would enjoy reading. My first incident with this conflict occurred in the first issue of the 2012-2013 Visor. That issue I wrote a story on the seven new coaches that the football team had recently hired in order to
possibly end the woes the team experienced the previous year. Now, even though I do not take the responsibility for the football team’s outcome in the 2012 season, I do admit that I mistakenly allowed the expectations of all those that read my article to rise and they all, including me, were tremendously let down. Yet, my mistakes did not end there. The very next issue I wrote an article on the varsity boy’s soccer team. At that time the team had yet to lose a game and was third in the state rankings for Division II. The title of the article regrettably was “the knights’ undefeated season”, however the team’s season was not over until the final game against Walsh Jesuit the very next day. The Knights went on to lose that game, receiving their first and final loss of the regular season. In the story I also mentioned numerous times that the team was on the verge of a state championship appearance, but they again unfortunately lost to CVCA in the district-semifinals. Due to my superstitious behavior, I personally took responsibility for both of those game results and I vowed to never use the word “undefeated” again in any of my articles on Hoban athletics. Now, in my second year as a member on
Let’s Trey Ball by trey lesiak Visor and the sports editor I prefer to believe that I have become much better as a journalist in abstaining from writing something that will, in some supernatural way, affect the outcome of a sporting event that has yet be played. But, at times I still unknowingly do, especially this year when I completely disregarded the wild card game the Cleveland Indians had to play first against the Tampa Bay Rays (which they lost) in order to reach the Boston Red Sox in the ALDS. I am so superstitious that I contemplated the idea of never writing a sports article again, but hey, it’s only crazy if it does not work.