Visor Issue #6

THE

VISOR

arcbishop hoban high school - Issue 6 - December 17, 2013

pg. 3 A Visor staff member shares a relatable holiday experience

pg. 6 Exploring the motivation behind the pursuit of various college majors

pg. 9 Fill in the blanks with The Visor’s first ever Mad-Lib

"I can rest only for a moment, for with

FREEDOM come responsibilities,

and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended."

- Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) pg. 4

Cover by Danielle LaRose

two To the Editor, After reading Danielle LaRose’s opinion piece “Reputations Give Unfair Advantage to Select Students” in the November 25 issue of The Visor, the college counselors at Hoban feel compelled to respond to two points about our work.

First, the writer asserts, “Even here at Hoban, students have observed that seniors in CP classes are overlooked by Student Services in favor of those in AP and Honors classes while preparing to apply to the schools of their choice.” It is simply not true that CP students, or any other category of students, are “overlooked” by the college counselors. During the second semester, we encourage each junior and his/her parents to meet with us for a College Planning Meeting at which we outline and explain the process of applying to college; at this meeting we also assemble information about each student which will be useful to us when we write recommendation letters in the fall.

Most students schedule this spring meeting.

In the first quarter of 12th grade, we introduce seniors to the Naviance Program and explain its use in the college application process, meeting with all students during the school day. We will continue to do this. We are available to all students who need any help with college planning, without regard to the level of their high school classes. We make arrangements regularly to meet with students before or after school because many do not have study halls or the chance to consult with us during the day. We schedule night meetings open to all students and their parents to guide students through the college admission and financial aid process.

The article suggested that the college counselors do not act according to the basic standards of our profession, standards which require us to treat each individual student with the same energy and respect as any other, regardless of her or his particular circumstances, academic or personal. In fact, we work hard to be fair and attentive to the needs of each student we serve. It is accurate that at the beginning of the college application season, the counselors often are busy with Honors/AP students because these students are 1) more likely to apply Early Action, 2) more likely to apply to selective colleges which have much earlier admission deadlines, and 3) more likely to apply to a greater number of schools than CP students. We don’t target these students for special, early treatment; they target us!

In a second claim in the commentary, the writer states, “… many counselors… become careless in the submission of a student’s

letter to the editor materials; there have even been reports of counselor’s [sic] switching out the names of students on recommendation letters. Rather than recommending each student individually based on personality and merit, some have taken to generalizing the letters of students with similar academic notoriety.” In this section, the writer questions the competence of the “many” Hoban college counselors, declaring that we are careless, maybe even lazy, in carrying out our professional responsibilities when submitting college materials and letters.

In truth, a counselor’s recommendation letter often follows a certain, defined format; this format reflects what colleges and the Common Application program require us to include in each letter: a student’s academic ability and potential, a student’s activities and service record, a student’s personal qualities and skills, and any personal or family situations which may have influenced the performance of the student. Our job is to highlight important aspects of a student’s profile and to evaluate a student’s chances for success in college. Because of this necessary content, our letters may appear formulaic, but they are never simply form letters. We don’t switch students’ names in a “customizable” recommendation that fits all students. If we used such a form letter, why we would take the time to interview students about their high school experiences? That would be pointless, and students justifiably would object to the generic content of their letters. We write many recommendation letters (so far this year we’ve written letters for 59% of the class of 2014), and each letter’s content is unique to the student being recommended. We write all letters intending to help students gain admission to their selected schools, and we take this responsibility seriously.

We hope this response to the Visor article has clarified some misconceptions about our duties. The Student Services Department is part of a team effort at Hoban; we work to support the instructional efforts of the other departments and to help all students make a smooth transition from high school to college and career. This article did not accurately reflect our professionalism and our work ethic.

The College Counselors at Hoban:

Kevin Hiller y Dan Weiss David Whitehurst

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 Mascolo Adviser Natalie Meyer

opinion

Once inspiring child stars fail to impress audience

G

rowing up a 90’s kid, the television set was a staple of my childhood. Arguably some of the best on-screen characters, television series, and movies were produced during my formative years. I was most fascinated by the child stars, though and looked up to them due to their positive values, upstanding reputations and successful careers.

Television channels such as Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel portrayed each child star in a seemingly ideal lifestyle and due to this fantasy I wanted to grow up just like them.

Now at the end of 2013, I’m no longer that little girl staring doe-eyed at the television. Now, the child stars I once adored are the complete opposite of their young selves, and are even suggesting that this is a “normal” phase of life. Former stars such as Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus are prime examples of this phenomenon: Lovato recently admitted in an interview with Access Hollywood that, “with my drug use I could hide it to where I would sneak drugs. I couldn’t go 30 minutes to an hour without cocaine and I would bring it on airplanes.” Cyrus has arguably had the most the scandalous year. With the open use of illicit drugs, risque clothing choices, a raun-

chy performance at the Video Music Awards and two explicit music videos later, she nearly became the epitome of a child star gone wrong.

I have found the most frustrating part about Hollywood’s recent batch of troubled stars is the constant sympathy and extremely lax treatment they receive in response to their far from wise decisions.

Demi and Miley certainly do have a disadvantage at hand. Due to their decision to subject themselves to Hollywood at such a young age, they have grown up with constant pressure from the tabloids and media. Their every step is magnified by the press and then blown out proportion. Yet, in no way is this a credible excuse for their choices. No, I have not grown up in the limelight to fully understand the pressures the starlets withstand but I do know that they made the conscious decisions to object themselves into a menacing business where privacy is nonexistent.

After reminiscing about my childhood and realizing where I stand now, I feel immense pity for children nowadays who have such terrible role models to look up to. Many of the positive role models are often overshadowed.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING

MAY

FLOWERS

by julia may Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Hilary Duff and Ryan Gosling are just a few child stars who have grown from their former selves and have not strayed from the moral and upstanding path that they were raised on. Watching my idols from past become such scandals saddens me. The real lesson to be learned from child stars, today: you are not a “grown up” because you “make mistakes”, you become a “grown up” when you do not make “those mistakes” and consider the people who are being affected by the choices you make, or you face the consequences us “normal” people would face if we took cocaine on an airplane. 

Important lessons learned in non-traditional family

I

love having so many people in my life, but what I knew when I was young is completely lost. The true essence of Christmas, as harmonious family time, has dissolved from my life. Although I cannot change my family’s current dynamic, I can only make the best of the time we get to spend together during the holiday season. With positivity and a continuous effort to keep my family on good terms, Christmas will still be a special day, just in a thoroughly different way.

My summer as a 6-year-old girl consisted of playing outside until dark, coloring at the kitchen table with my mom and enjoying time at home with my family after long days at daycare. During the summer after I turned seven my perfect little world diffused and was shattered into a million pieces. Like it was yesterday, I remember the hot summer day when my parents told me they were going to get a divorce.

Being so young, the reality did not become apparent until my dad moved out of the house and I started to travel between two houses.

In the beginning after the divorce, it all seemed as though things did not change drastically. After the summer had come to a close, Thanksgiving was the first time the normal routine felt different.

The distance my parents showed became a challenge for my young self to accept.

The memories of waking up Christmas morning to my dad blaring Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” and my parents spending hours of the morning opening presents from Santa were vivid in my 7-year-old mind.

There was a distinct difference between Christmas the year after the divorce and what I had known for the years prior. Little did I know, the first Christmas with my parents being separated would foretell what Christmas will be like for the rest of my life.

Since my parents have parted ways, Christmas has been a time I prefer to come and go. Although my parents have done a commendable job of making Christmas a special time to be together, over time that has dwindled into another day of another year. Instead of enjoying Christmas music, listening to the popular songs brings back the memories of my family having Christmas together.

After a few years, having two Christmases had become easier. Yet, when my parents moved on to have significant others, things started to become perplexing all over again.

Having stepparents makes Christmas more hectic than having one with a normal tight-

STAND

ll

ta

knit family. What was two Christmases with my two parents has become four Christmases with my parents and their families and the families of their significant others.

All of the people that have become my family have been extremely welcoming but Christmas seems to be dispersed instead of focused on the true purpose of Christmas.

Although Christmas for me will never be the same and year after year Christmas will continue to lose meaning, I hold on to the memories of how special Christmas was for me for the first seven years of my life. I love my family dearly and would never wish to change how things are because I am the luckiest girl in the world having the parents and family that I do. 

four

news Mandela leaves an

A LIFETIME

INDELIBLE MARK

Remembered 1918

on the world

Born Rolihlahla Mandela in Mvezo, South Africa on July 18

by danielle larose

W

1942

hen word of Nelson Mandela’s death breached the media on Thursday, Dec. 5, the world was prompted to reflect on his legacy, one which goes nearly unmatched in worldwide influence.

The former South African president spent nearly seven decades fighting for an end to oppression, during which time he challenged both his persecutors and the world to do the same. His efforts proved expedient, despite spending nearly a third of his life as a prisoner of apartheid. Never known to be embittered, Mandela’s passive approach to racial integration was considered enigmatic for some, but inspiring for all.

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison,” Mandela said.

Once released, Mandela wasted no time in his attempts to unite a world shaken by violent division. His denunciation of violent retaliation helped transition him into power, and such restraint soon echoed universally, fueling his movement and the inevitable change that followed.

Merely four years later, Mandela secured his role as a global symbol for peace when elected as the first black president of South Africa. A newly minted example of gracious political power, Mandela’s spirit created a network of impact in a variety of forms. A looming

Recieves a law degree from the University of South Africa

1944

Co- founds the ANC Youth League

1951-52

Elected president of the ANCYL; the Defiance Campaign Begins; Opens South Africa’ s first black law firm

1956-61

Arrested; joins 155 others on trial for treason, all of which are aqcuitted by March 29

1962

Given life sentence in prison for sedition

1990 Released from prison on February 11

http://www.nelsonmandela.org/content/page/timeline

1993

Accepts join Nobel Peace Prize with South African President F.W. de Kierk

1994

Elected the first black president of South Africa

1999

Steps down after one term as president; established the Nelson Mandela Foundation

2004 2013

Steps down from public life Dies at age 95 on December 5

force in activism and the recent inspiration for books, music and movies alike, Mandela made his way into every aspect of American culture. Perhaps the most evident of his influences, though, is that on the nation’s political leaders.

Shortly after Mandela’s death was announced, reactions poured from the mouths of former presidents, congress members and current public figures. In a televised appearance, President Obama revealed the personal affect Mandela had on him and the approach he took in his career.

“My very first political action, the first thing I ever did that involved an issue or a policy or politics, was a protest against apartheid. I studied his words and his writings,” Obama said. “And like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set, and so long as I live I will do what I can to learn from him.”

Now, people around the globe are learning from him. His loss has caused his influence to transcend time, a feat that places him at a status the likes of which only Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas K. Gandhi have accomplished.

“When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country,” Mandela once wrote, “he can rest in peace.”

A man of unrivaled principle, spirit and impact, Rolihlahla “Nelson” Mandela is undoubtedly the icon of a nation and a beacon of hope for the global community. 

His Memorable Musings "If I had my time over I would do the same again.

So would any man who dares call himself a man."

"It always seems impossible until it's done."

“Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.”

"I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make "A fundamental concern for oth- "I learned that courage was you see problems from all angles." ers in our individual and commu- not the absence of fear, nity lives would go a long way in but the triumph over it. The "Real leaders must be making the world the better place brave man is not he who ready to sacrifice all for the we so passionately dreamt of." does not feel afraid, but he freedom of their people." who conquers that fear."

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2013/12/05/nelson-mandela-quotes/3775255/

five

news

Service committee highly active during holiday season by ashley kouri

T

mer drives and fundraisers, Hoban is expected to carr y on its tradition in giving to the less fortunate. We play a large part this season in ser ving the poor, guided by our own ser vice committee. They proved themselves and Hoban worthy of the job after holding a Thanksgiving dinner, ser ving those who can not afford a hot meal. Many of these people rely on our ser vice and aid.

“A man said that Jesus was happy with us that night. It meant a lot that we were really making a difference for people,” Pero said, recalling the past Thanksgiving dinner. The involvement of the Ho-

ban students in the program makes a great impact on those they are helping and even those around them. Not only do the poor benefit, but those donating their time and ser vice go home with the satisfaction of making a difference in other’s lives. The 12-15 students that are part of the ser vice continually step into leadership roles as they take part in the helping of others. Hoban maintains it’s generous reputation with the aid of this committee, as they take lead in the giving to others and devoting their valuable time to helping those who are less fortunate.

New chapel to build on foundation of faith community by joe brennan

F

or many years, Hoban’s chapel has been inadequate in entirely fulfilling the needs of the school community.

The current place of worship for Hoban students is scarcely larger than a classroom. By next year, however, the Hoban community will see the installment of a more suitable oratory.

Breaking ground in March, Hoban hopes to finish construction on The Spiritual Formation Center, including a full-scale Chapel, by the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year.

“The school has never had a true chapel, and it’s really at the core of our Holy Cross Values,” Advancement and Athletics Director Michael DelMedico said.

The chapel will have around 125 seats, along with a bench and vestibule. Although school masses will still take place in Barry Gym, DelMedico hopes to be able to ac-

commodate an entire class in the chapel.

Below the chapel, the Spiritual Formation Center will include conference rooms, bathrooms, a meeting room and a kitchen. This area will provide Hoban with the capability to hold on-campus retreats in years to come.

“It will be a great multipurpose facility for students to meet and exercise their faith,” DelMedico said. “It will be a wonderful place not only for organized activities but also for reflection.”

Hoban’s student body has shown strong support of the Spiritual Formation Center, excited to see the effect it will have on their spiritual education. “I think that the new chapel will present Hoban students with additional opportunities to grow together in our faith,” junior James Paradise said.

Those behind the project not only see it as a tool for the advancement of the students’ faith, but also hope that it will

make an impression on the outside community. “This will be one of the most prominent features of our school,” DelMedico said. “ It should make it clear how much we emphasize our faith at Hoban.”

In his first year at Hoban, President Sweda has been happy to accept this project, headed by the advancement staff and facilities committee. “We’ve been blessed by a community that has been extremely generous,” Sweda said. Sweda is also excited for the impact that this project will have on the school and the emphasis that it will place on our Holy Cross values. “The Chapel is a visible sign to remind people that we have a more comprehensive education than other schools, developing both the heart and the mind.” This twofold education is at the heart of Holy Cross principles, and The Spiritual Formation Center will allow Hoban to administer this to its students more than ever.

Photo by Hannah Caprez

he holiday season is generally known as the time of giving. The weather becomes colder and Christmas brings out the generosity in many. Hoban especially gets in to the holiday spirit beginning with the canned food drive, followed by many opportunities to give to those less fortunate. The ser vice committee spends much of their time planning and ser ving the community, especially during this season. Their focus is to enhance programs that are already in place and see how they can move for ward in their endeavors, especially for the second semester.

“We invite the homeless and hungr y people of the community surrounding Hoban to the East Akron Community House and ser ve them a complete spaghetti dinner. We are hoping to expand it each time we do it,” committee head Travis Pero said. In recent efforts, snowflake sales have been held on order to raise money for typhoon relief in the Philippines. The committee is hoping that students will purchase the snowflakes and decorate their tenth period classes, all the while remembering the cause he or she is supporting.

In future events, they will be holding a hot meal dinner on the first Thursday of the month at East Akron Community House.

Because of the extreme success of for-

six

Oh, THe

!

humanities by ben easton

A

“

ll too often, seniors hear the flimsy advice to prioritize their actual interests as opposed to financial pursuits when choosing a college major. But is anyone taking it?

While degrees earned in the humanities and social sciences often provide a fulfilling career, they tend to lack in financial stability. On the other hand, students who major in business, science, or math related courses often find no trouble securing a well-paying job, but sometimes struggle to find daily enjoyment in their profession.

Last year, Forbes Magazine published an article releasing information on the current trends and prospects of college majors. To little surprise, liberal arts degrees ranked at No. 5 on their top ten list of worst college majors. Not only do such degrees draw the least number of students into their programs, but the projected salar y upon graduation, assuming that the 9.2 percent unemployment rate is evaded, amounts to a mere 30,000 dollars. Moreover, while masters degree holders will see an average salar y nearing 50,000 dollars, this increase still ranks well below the national average among other college graduates with the same qualifications.

I want a job thaT I wOULD

centerspread

In recent years, humanities majors have seen a tremendous drop in popularity. Likewise, majors related to business, finance, medicine, and law have seen growing increase in student interest. The Visor explores the causes and effects of these trends, and how your own college choice may influence the discernment of your future career.

However, proponents of liberal arts majors have a different outlook. Unlike degrees in other fields, those in the humanities provide students with a wide array of skill sets that can help them in almost any career pursuit. It is also important to remember that while one’s college major may be a strong indicator of their future occupation, it can often be misleading. Some successful english majors who later changed the direction of their career paths include Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, comical talk show host Conan O’Brien, and multi-million dollar businessman and politician Mitt Romney.

Yet, despite the success stories of these few famous English majors, the reality remains that in the past few decades, whether it is because of parental pressures, financial pursuits, or to some extent, genuine interest, the vast majority of high school seniors have increasingly sought degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Besides of their obvious financial benefits, an additional reason that students may study one of the STEM disciplines is due to the fact that in comparison to liberal arts majors, degrees in STEM offer a much wider array of stable careers to choose from. This flexibility not only allows students more discretion in their career direction, but also provides an even greater

love,

Most Satisfying Jobs 1

1. Musician 2. Municipal Firefighter 3. Aircraft Assembler 4. Pediatrician 5. Animal Care Worker 6. Criminal Investigator/Special Agent 7. College Instructor 8. Therapist

time cushion before they are eventually pressured into specializing.

In a 2012 study done by Georgetown University entitled “Not All College Degrees are Created Equal,” researches concluded that despite the fact that a STEM major generally results in a more lucrative occupation, the job market must also be considered in relation to the college major choice. Although architecture may look like a smart career choice, many may be shocked to know the unemployment rate for recent graduates now stands at daunting 13.9 percent, which surpasses the 12.6 percent of fine arts majors. This shows that while certain majors may be assumed to guarantee graduates high paying, secure jobs, when taken into context of the nation’s current economic situation, not all is what it seems.

But in choosing a major, do the economic pressures of today’s job market leave actual subject interest out of the equation? Not necessarily. While the modern trends recorded may seem to indicate that conclusion, if students dedicate time and effort into researching prospects related to their first choice major, they can considerably expand their career options.

By doing so, not only will graduates tend to more readily meet their monetar y needs, but they will also be in better position to choose a career for which they have a genuine passion. 

but I want to make doing it.

money

”

Most Lucrative Jobs 2 1. Petroleum Engineering 2. Health & Medical Prepatory Program 3. Nuclear Engineering 5. Pharmacology 4. Pharmaceutical Sciences 6. Computer Scientist 7. Naval Architect 8. Chemical Engineer

seven

centerspread

PROFIT vs.

F.A.Q.?

Passion

(of yourself)

Here, The Visor looks at three of the most common questions asked in the midst of the major-or-money search.

Often, deciding on a certain major or career relies on two key components that can either complicate or simplify the choice depending on whether you’d rather have financial stability or fulfillment and love for what you do. When searching for one, the other or both, keep these components in mind.

Wha t m a j o r w i l l easily employ me in a job that pays well

What career will make me

?

the happiest

?

3

into my job

5

Often, the major one chooses is no longer enough to find employment. Here is how different degrees contribute to future success.

Ma nag er min Ass istr a ista nt tive Cu sto Rep mer S res ent ervic ativ e e Acc oun tan Sys t tem sE ngi nee r Co nst ruc En ti gin eer on

r

Ad

se

Tel le

hou

?

How does my degree factor

Wa re

Sof t Ass ware Q ura nce uality En gin eer Exe cut ive Ch ef Pro per ty M ana ger

Employment Rate (%)

100 100 100 100 99 99 99 98 98 98

4

Though these careers may not be conventially appealing, those who pursue them are surveyed to be among the happiest in their fields, according to a study by Careerbliss.com.

In a time where unemployment rates for recent graduates are rising exponentially, these jobs defy the decline.

Geological/ Geographical Engineering Military Technologies Pharmacology School Student Counciling Medical Assisting Services Metallogical Engineering Treatment Therapy Professions Architectural Economics Agriculture Production and Management Atmospheric Sciences and Meterology

?

Doctoral Degree Professional Degree Master’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree Associate’s Degree Some college, no degree

1. http://www.businessinsider.com/most-and-least-satisfying-careers-my-plan-2012-12 2. http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2013/10/22/239698749/the-most-and-least-lucrative-collegemajors-in-2-graphs 3. http://www.businessinsider.com.au/majors-pay-the-most-2011-11#major-in-geological-engineering-military-tech-pharmacology-or-student-counseling-and-you-will-definitely-get-a-job-3 4. http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/03/23/the-happiest-jobs-in-america/ 5.http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm

High school diploma Less than a high school diploma

Median Weekly Earnings

2.5% $1,624 2.1% $1,735 3.5% $1,300 4.5% $1,066 6.2% $785 7.7% $727 8.3% $652 12.4% $471

Layout by Danielle LaRose

Sources

Unemployment Rate in 2012

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features

December

ENDEAVORS

13

20 ...

by tim brennan & matt mascolo

s Northeast Ohio enters its annual bout of winter weather, the holiday break welcomes the annual winter festivities. Lifts operate nonstop at Boston Mills and Brandywine, carrying skiers and snowboarders up the slopes as others zoom down them. Sleds speckle Goodyear Metro Park, with kids of all ages racing down the hill. Lock3 offers ice skating for those brave enough to venture out onto the ice.

For those who do not see eye-to-eye with the frigid weather, indoor activities include baking cookies and curling up in a blanket beside the fireplace to watch a movie. With hours of additional free time during the holiday break for seasonal activities, do not waste a flake of a second.

A

21 Attend “A Christmas

22

Carol” at the Ohio Theater in Playhouse Square in Cleveland.

24

snuck down the chimney during the night

in holi28 Partake day crafts and 29 Travel to Pittsburgh

30

Enjoy the 31 company of friends

cookie decorating during the Cleveland to see the final game Zoo’s Annual Decemof the Browns 2013 ber Days event. season.

at a New Year’s party while watching the ball drop in New York City.

...and into

JANUARY 1

Make a New Year’s Resolution, and stick

2

3

5

6 Watch the Cavs

to it.

4

While food from restaurants like Chipotle and take on the PacSwensons is always tasty, many people have beers in Cleveland at come so comfortable with such places that they sub6 pm to complete consciously neglect to branch out to other eateries. the break.

Here are some of the less-frequented restaurants not far from Hoban that are both quick and delicious.

Her In director Spike Jonze’s new film “Her”, Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) is a lonely man heartbroken from the end of a serious relationship. He later purchases “Samantha” (Scarlett Johansson) , an intriguing and funny female operating system. What at first is an innocuous friendship becomes more intimate and both Theodore and Samantha fall in love with each other and undergo the ups and downs of any relationship. Oddly enough, this film about a man in love with a computer looks to boast more emotions than most generic romantic comedies produced today. Opens Jan. 10.

time with the & spend family.

27

While in the classic film of the same name, Mary Poppins appeared to the Banks children gracefully floating from the sky, umbrella in hand, the transition from book to film was anything but magical. In “Saving Mr. Banks” Emma Thompson plays P.L. Travers, the author of the popular Mary Poppins books and in 1961, is reluctant to sell the rights for a film adaptation. Only a visit from Walt Disney himself, played

by Tom Hanks, does she open up to the idea and begin to elaborate on the origins of Mary Poppins. Opens Dec. 13.

The Wolf of Wall Street

displayed at Cherry Wood Way or Stan Hywett Hall.

presents that Santa

Saving Mr. Banks

Director Martin Scorsese lends his acute cinematic eye to the investigation of the corruption and fraud within the stock market in the 1990’s. The true story revolves around Jordan Belfort (Leonardo Dicaprio), a stock market con man who successfuly steals hundreds of millions of dollars from his investors before being arrested and detained by the FBI. A black comedy highlighting the excess of Belfort’s life, Jonah Hill and Matthew McConaughey lend their comedic skills as friends and advisors to Belfort’s operation. Clocking in at 179 minutes, “Wolf of Wall Street” looks to be an exhaustive investigation into Belfort’s life and one that will resonate with audiences. Opens Dec. 25.

Christmas decorations

up early 26 25 Wake to unwrap the

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Bilbo Baggins and his ragtag gang of dwarves and wizards return in director Peter Jackson’s second film in the Hobbit trilogy. At this point in the story, Bilbo’s company continues their quest towards the Lonely Mountain to combat the dragon Smaug, who hoards the mountains riches away from it’s rightful owners. Martin Freeman and Sir Ian McKellan reprise their roles as Bilbo and the wizard Gandalf, while Benedict Cumberbatch and Evangeline Lilly appear in the film as the voice of the dragon Smaug and the wood-elf Tauriel. Expect The Hobbit to be the epic fantasy film of the winter and hopefully a journey worth remembering. Opens Dec 13.

around 23Drive 23 and admire the

10 ...

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features

Christmas Commercialized

by julia may by julia may

L

ucy van Pelt called it as she saw it in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” back in 1965 when she explained the true meaning of Christmas to Charlie Brown. “Look, Charlie, let’s face it,” she sneered. “We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket. It’s run by a big eastern syndicate, you know.” While her comment may connotate a negative feeling towards the holiday, recent trends by retailers and consumers alike indicate that her words may have not been far from the truth.

According to tradition, the official Christmas season begins the day after Thanksgiving. In the recent years, though, more consumers have opted for a rushed Thanksgiving meal in order to amass the shopping deals of the unofficial holiday known as Black Friday. The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s to signify the kickoff of the Christmas shopping season. The color “black” refers to when stores moved from the “red” to the “black,” back when accounting records were kept by hand, and red ink indicated a loss, and black a profit.

The long day of Black Friday used to begin at a brisk 6 a.m. It is here where stores are littered with doorbuster deals and coveted spending incentives are awarded to those who could arise out of their Thanksgiving food comas the earliest. Retailers saw how easily they could attract hoards of consumers to their stores through saving some money that they chose to make their customers even more offers that they could not resist. After record breaking sales year after year, the “slippery slope” began when retailers began pushing

back store hours for Black Friday veterans and sending out in-your-face advertisements weeks early to lure newbies into the vicious day. In 2011, a new extreme was introduced when several retailers (such as Target, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Best Buy) opened at midnight for the first time and just a year later in 2012, Walmart and several other retailers announced that they would open most of their stores at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. One would hope that society would have snapped out of the materialistic spell that corporate America casts by now but unfortunately, that is far from the case. As of this year, many large retailers opened their doors to the public at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Now, conversation at the Thanksgiving table has drifted away from spending time with family and instead is focused on the game plan for snagging one of the four flat screen TVs in Target. The obsession has gone as far as customers abandoning the comforts of their homes to opt for camping out for more than a week just to score a bargain.

With workers threatening walkouts and partaking in strikes to aggressive crowds with annual reports of assaults and trampling, it is hard to see how much worse the situation can get. If this holiday keeps up with the trend it has created, Thanksgiving and Black Friday could wrestle to claim supremacy in the hearts of Americans in the future holiday seasons. No longer is this holiday season focused on the birth of a savior and the opportunity for family time; rather, it revolves around ways companies can commercialize and capitalize in the weeks leading up to Christmas day. 

Holiday MAD-LIBS

Dear _________, name Jolly__________St.Nicholas lean your________ this way! Don’t you tell a/an_________ body part adjective adjective soul what I’m going to say! Christmas is coming soon, now you dear_______, please tell me noun what you’re _________ me on this Christmas Eve! I’m worried that you won’t be able to _______ -ing verb verb down the chimney to bring me my gifts! So this year I’ve decided to leave my _______open so noun you can get in for sure! Now I know that last year you brought me coal, but I just want you to know that I hold no grudges, and I’ve been _________ all year, and I expect __________ presents. adjective number However, ________ has been very _______ and deserves a/an ________ present. In case you name adjective adjective might have forgotten from last year, my house is the ________ one with the ______ in the driveadjective noun way. Hope that you have a safe flight and enjoy the ________ and _______ I leave out for you! noun noun Sincerely, __________________ sign here

ten

Q+A with

RETREAD, AKRON

features With Christmas just around the corner, some may still be looking for the perfect gift. To help all you last-minute shoppers out there, The Visor explored the wares of the brainchild of Hoban’s own Micah Kraus and Jason Horinger- Retread Akron. Check out some of their handmade products and learn about their unique business. by emily dunn

Q: What was the mission behind Retread Akron?

MK: The mission of Retread is to preserve. It all started as an attempt to preserve Akron history that was being buried in the ground every time a house or a building is torn down.That was a passion that Mr. Horinger and I shared as well as a passion for the “treasure hunt” for beautiful materials, hardware and mysterious objects that you find in those places.

You just never know what you’re going to find. We save something, but also have that childlike excitement from the discovery. We’ve evolved into making things, and we also provide some of the materials to other artists.

Q: How do you come across these different materials?

MK: There is a bit of a difficult process getting into the buildings, and we try to do it as honestly and legally as we possibly can. Typically, what happens is somebody will contact us saying that a home or property that they own is going to be torn down and that they are interested in having us look at it. Other times, the company or organization tearing down the building will contact us. Sometimes we have to pay, but usually the owners are more interested in seeing what we can salvage. Seeing the joy that these people get is quite the experience.

Q:Where did the name “Retread Akron” come from?

MK: I think like most things, the name came from joking around. While throwing around ideas for a name, I offhandedly said, “We should call ourselves ‘Retread’ because a retread tire is a cheap tire that someone buys to help his or her vehicle to be safe, plus rubber is such a crucial part of Akron’s identity. Then we looked at each other, and that was it! I also love the bluecollar mentality of somebody who would retread something instead of throwing it away. Those people are being industrious about making use of it, which is exactly what we want to do.

Q:What are some of the challenges you face?

MK: Our biggest challenge is that we can’t hold traditional retail hours, so we’re trying to figure out that while doing “pop up shops,” selling here at Lock3 and craft shows just to have our stuff out there and to get people to know about us. Teachers at Hoban are rarely ever solely teachers. You could look at almost any teacher at the school, and everything they teach is something they live. We are not only energized and inspired by our students, but we are energized by what we do after school. It shows our students that there is a way to live as an artist, or a historian or writer. You can find your own way.

Product overview: Courtesy of Jason Horinger

Wood-Panel Wall Art Large: $55 Small $24 Designed and Printed

by Micah Kraus Made from refurbished Hoban bleachers Screen Printed Tee-Shirts Designed and Printed by Micah Kraus Cards for any Occasion Designed and Printed by Micah Kraus

eleven

sports

One sport athletes fail to recognize greater opportunity

R

ecently, the trend of specializing in one spor t has taken over high school athletics. With television, cell phones, the internet, co curricular activities, and other modern forms of enter tainment, spor ts are becoming less attractive to high school students.

Yes, these activities, for the most par t, take less and even no ef for t compared to a high school spor t, but is that beneficial in any way? The demands and pressures of high school are another reason students tend to stop playing a spor t. But by not wasting time on Twitter and other social medias, schoolwork, most likely, would take up less time.

Spor ts of fer benefits that many other activities and amenities cannot. The simple benefit of physical exercise, especially in today’s world, is a huge advantage. Sheer determination and competition are also impor tant aspects of high school spor ts that can evolve into skills for successes later in life. In today’s age with the obsession of social media, teens lose the sense of human contact of which spor ts can of fer. Ath-

letics also teach students to work with others in a team atmosphere which combats such individualistic tendencies.

Many reasons athletes tend to only play one spor t seem unreasonable. “I don’t like the coach.” “It’s too hard and takes up too much time.” “I never get to play.” In my personal opinion, these excuses are pathetic. By not playing a spor t because of these petty reasons, teens are missing out on the oppor tunities to excel and improve as person and an athlete.

This is easily compared to the real world.

If one does not like their boss or the job is too hard or it takes up too much time, does this employee quit? Again, it seems like society has taught athletes and even non athletes to take the easy way out.

A legitimate argument to focus on one spor t is the chance of playing in college. But I do not agree with this myth.

Through multiple spor ts, a broader range of skills will be acquired. For example, a football player uses mostly strength and speed, while a basketball player relies on quickness. Many such skills overlap while others can transfer

LIKE

MIKE

by michael londa to both spor ts allowing increased per formance. Playing multiple spor ts can actually increase the chance to play in college, sometimes even through a dif ferent spor t than the athlete originally thought.

I do not believe spor ts are necessar y for all of us. I also understand that some students have extremely busy schedules where only one spor t is possible. I only believe that high school spor ts can set many students on a path towards later success. Our generation has so many excuses. We do not like the “hard stuf f,” but it is this that helps us grow. I see spor ts as a fun and beneficial route that will take an individual fur ther in life, but only if they let it. 

NCAA remodels football playoff selection process by kitchy cook

T

he 2013 college football season will be the final season that the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) will decide which collegiate programs contend for the National Championship. Next year, a four team playoff will be introduced featuring the top teams in the countr y. However, the spot of a team in the playoff system will not be determined the same way the BCS does which is through conference tie-ins in which the champion of certain conferences get an automatic bid.

According to the College Football Playoff website, “A selection committee will choose the four teams for the playoff based on their performance during the regular season, including, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, championships won, and other factors.”

Through this new system, simply achieving an undefeated season will not automatically qualify teams, such as The Ohio State University in recent years, for a playoff bid as it had for the BCS. This will put pressure on athletic directors to schedule more challenging opponents in order to be considered by the Selection Committee for the contest, while also making it more challenging for lower tier teams to schedule games against highly ranked ones.

The Playoff Selection Committee is made up of former NCAA coaches, players, writers and even a former Secretar y of State. These 13 people

were chosen by the Playoff Management Committee for their knowledge, experience and above all character.

“We wanted people of the highest integrity for this committee, and we got them. Ever y one of them has vast football knowledge, excellent judgment, dedication and love for this game. They will no doubt have one of the hardest jobs in sports,” Bill Hancock, executive director of the College Football Playoff, said. “But their skills and wide variety of experiences from coaches and athletes to university leaders and journalists will ensure that they will be successful.”

Although the BCS is becoming obsolete, the games will still be played at the six BCS bowls. They will alternate sites to make sure all of the bowls have a chance for the prestigious playoffs and championship game. The first playoff games will take place on Jan. 1, 2015 at the Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl. 

The Schedule

twelve

sports

Unafraid freshman female joins wrestling team by trey lesiak

“I

say I was shocked because all teams eventually have girls that join, but it was still a moment of uncertainty,” Lann said. “Most girls that wrestle are lightweights, usually no more than 135 [lbs] and with Mikala being a heavyweight I was worried that these big guys might try to hurt her.”

With that being said, Lann insures that Saulsberry receives no special treatment.

Saulsberry herself implies that she would not want it even if it was offered. After being held back from wrestling in her first scheduled match due to Lann’s concern of her safety against an opponent who he believed might have had the intent of injuring her, she insisted she would go in her next match. “It kind of sucks that opponents would feel a different way if they had to face a girl or even if a girl beat them. It’s kind of demeaning in way, but if I try and

they try then it doesn’t really matter if I lose or win,” Saulsberry explained.

Despite the adversity, Saulsberry never feels out of place. “I grew up around guys a lot, especially my dad so when I’m around guys it isn’t weird.” Having to change in the girls locker room Saulsberry has to wait before being brought into the wrestling locker room by one of her teammates. “Other than that though, the guy’s on the team have accepted her as a teammate and push her to do better and keep trying” Lann said. “I just hope she sticks with it for all four years and she will work hard to become successful.”

Only time will tell if Saulsberry will improve and succeed, but if one thing is certain it is that nothing can stop her from being strong, strong-minded and stronghearted. 

Senior soccer forward receives All-American title

by tim brennan

O

n Dec. 8, senior soccer player Mykaela Zingale was distinguished as an All-American for her outstanding contributions and achievements on the soccer pitch this past season. Her skill and talent for the game is particularly evident through her quickness on the field along with her consistent ability to score goals.

With 12 goals and eight assists this past fall, Zingale led the girls to an undefeated regular season and well into the playoffs where they were eventually defeated by Hathaway Brown in the regional semi-finals.

Nonetheless, the effort contributed by

the girls this past season, with Zingale at the forefront, can be considered nothing but meritorious. Upon receiving the All-American title, Zingale was initially struck with surprise.

“It was pretty shocking for me at first, but I was especially thankful for my coach and teammates who supported me during the season,” Zingale said.

Among the 48 girls across the nation who were chosen for the High School AllAmerican Team for the 2013 , Ohio boasts the most per state with eight girls who qualified for the team. As one of the eight, Zingale is confident about her upcoming college soccer season at Ashland University in .

“I think it will set me up well for my future at Ashland. Being the only All-Ameri-

can to enter the team, I’m looking forward to contributing my part,” Zingale remarked.

Her fellow teammate, Maddie Diestel, has also committed to Ashland University. Diestel, the starting goalkeeper for the knights this past season, has considerable pride for Zingale’s monumental accomplishment.

“I’m so excited that she won the award and I think because of our bond on the field during high school, I’m looking forward to playing alongside her in college,” Diestel said.

On Jan. 18, Mykaela and the other All-Americans will be recognized for their achievements at the 2014 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Luncheon in Philadelphia

Photo by Julia May

like to be different. I don’t like conforming to the ‘in-crowd’ because that’s not really me. I like to be different and be original instead of someone who’s fake and not really themselves. I just like to be me.”

That quote was said by a freshman who seems uncommonly wise beyond her years. Mikala Saulsberry, 14, always has liked being original. Before coming to Hoban, she had never played a sport and initially intended to tryout for the girls basketball team this winter. However, after missing tryouts it was decided Mikala wanted to try something new.

When asked why she opted to wrestle Saulsberry appealed to her own sense of individuality. “I have always considered myself to be strong, stronger in a way and they didn’t have girls wrestling and plus it was just a great opportunity,” Saulsberry said.

Saulsberry made it her goal to join the team, but first had to receive permission from her parents. This factor in fact became more difficult than expected. “I asked my parents once and both were a strict ‘no’ on the idea” Saulsberry said. But Mikala remained persistent until eventually her parents gave in and allowed her to join. Her obstacles on the road to becoming a female wrestler, however, did not stop there.

Rich Lann has been the head coach for the wrestling team for the past 13 years and has never had a girl join the team. Despite the rarity of the situation he knew that the event would eventually occur. “I wouldn’t