archbishop hoban high school - Issue 6 - January 30, 2015
Teaching through the
TIMES
pg. 3 A Visor staff member comments on Hoban’s new lunch policy
pg. 6 A Hoban art teacher and Visor staff member share their experiences of international service
pg. 10
A unique glimpse of Akron’s urban art
Design by: Maddi Rotunda
VISOR
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opinion
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THE NEWS
IN BRIEF Jan. 30, 2015 by Amanda Deighen and Emily Dunn
WINTER ONE ACTS
VISOR
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ARCHBISHOP HOBAN HIGH SCHOOL Mailing Address: One Holy Cross Blvd. Akron, OH 44305 Online: www.hobanvisor.com E-mail: visor@hoban.org
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n Sat. Jan. 23, the Hoban Theater Series premiered Mark Harvey Levine’s Cabfare for the Common Man as the 2015 “Winter One-Acts” show. The theater series staple disappeared from the series after the ill-attended run of Brecht and the Butterfly and was replaced with the Murder Mystery. After having the show’s venue moved from the Barry Gym Stage to the Moreau Ministry Hall, a significantly smaller venue. Despite the smaller venue, the opening night performance had been entirely sold out. “I was so happy to hear it was sold out!” senior Nicole Armour said. “Some people stood alongside the walls and on the stairs, and there were even people watching outside through the windows.” With the show’s success, it is likely that the Winter One-Acts are here to stay. “It’s so awesome to feel the support of the student body in a show as small as that,” Armour said, “it was the best way to have ended my time with Hoban Theater.” n
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:
ROBOTICS CLUB
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ith the integration of technology into the Hoban curriculum, students have become more familiar with the quirks of electronics. However, one group of fifteen students has been assembled together by their vast knowledge and mastery of machinery. Under the name of Robotics Club, this assortment of builders and programmers have been preparing to compete in the club’s first competition. Preparations for the challenge began in October with biweekly meetings held after school under the supervision of mathematics teacher Susan Veverka. The members of the team were delegated into two smaller subunits of builders and programmers. Utilizing the Lego Mindstorms 2.0 kit, the builders designed and assembled the robot in order to perform the competition objective of knocking balls from a container then placing them into tubes of varying heights. In order to achieve this goal, the machine had to be modified to include lifting elements. The other students involved in process were responsible for developing, writing and programming a code that enables the robot to perform all of its actions and commands. After four months of preparation, the team travelled down to Columbus to compete in the First Robotics Competition held at Ohio State University where they placed 13th out of 24 teams. n
MARCH FOR LIFE Hoban’s Knights for Life club took their annual trip to Washington D.C this past Wednesday. Once there, the club attended various rallies and congregations; all of which in the promotion and preservation of life. Although, an instance on Capitol Hill proved that there is much to be done. This march is held every year in support of ProLife causes. Next year the group shall journey to the nation’s capitol to again stand for life: past, present, and future. n
Editors-in-chief Sarah Carmon Emily Dunn Managing Editor Joe Brennan Features Editor Maddi Rotunda News Editors Christina Gorey Sports Editors Dan Dicola Copy Editor Marilyn Icsman Photo Editor Ashley Kouri Website Editor Kyle Knapp Staff Reporters Julie Ciotola, Christian Cook, Alexander Lynch, Anna Reece, Joey Santucci, Angelina Sapp, Elizabeth Stitzel, Kameryn Zingale Adviser Natalie Meyer
opinion
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Reaching new milestones leads to personal reflection
I
remember when I went through the major “high school decision” back in eighth grade. I desperately wanted to go to St. Vincent-St. Mary High School for their theater program, yet my parents wanted me to attend Archbishop Hoban for its superior academics. Obviously, you know how that story ended. After filling out applications and taking my placement test, Hoban became the place where I would spend the next four years. Once I had been accepted, I could not wait to get out of my middle school. I was ready for the next big thing in my life, and I was growing impatient. I never felt like I truly belonged at my grade school, eagerly anticipating “graduation.” The night of my eighth grade graduation, I had my first real experience of Hoban. Sure, I had shadowed and gone to open houses and Seventh Grade Visitation, but those experiences can never truly replicate the sense of community that Hoban possesses. After auditioning for the Hoban Theater Series’ Comedy at the Castle, I had been cast in the show and had to attend a photo shoot/production meeting. I was terrified, and so were some of the other incoming freshmen that
were cast in the show. Everybody was older and more mature than we were; they all knew each other and were so close. I was afraid that I would not be welcomed into that close-knit group. My fears were quickly put to rest when I stepped in Barry Gym. Everybody was so excited to welcome the incoming freshman into their company. They taught us a bunch of games, we ate pizza, and took some fantastic photos that you can still see in Mr. Kwitkowski’s classroom. I had even been “adopted” by an upperclassman. For the first time, I felt like I was part of something special. I left that photo shoot happier than I had ever been and feeling beyond excited. All throughout my eighth grade graduation mass, I sat in a pew thinking about all the new people that I met, and how many more I would encounter over the next four years. When the ceremony finally ended, I got some cake, took some pictures with people that I have not seen since, and finally left the reception early with my dad. I did not cry at all. In fact, I felt relieved. Now that I am enrolled in college, have a roommate and am ready to take that next step
“I’mso Dunn”
by emily dunn forward, I often reminisce about how I felt as I was getting ready to come to Hoban. The excitement is still there, but not so much the itching need to escape where I am now. I am surrounded by some pretty fantastic people and wonderful friends, and I would not want to leave before I absolutely must. When I sit through Hoban’s significantly longer baccalaureate mass, I am sure that I will be looking towards the future just as I was before, but also reflecting on the time that I spent here and the fonder memories I have made. Graduation will definitely be a relief, but I think that this time around, I think I will cry.n
New lunch policy encroaches on student’s leisure time
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echnology has become a prominent part of the daily lives of high school students over time. Not only do students have technology for personal use, such as social media and communication, but also for the betterment of their education. From my freshman year until now, my final semester of senior year, I have experienced the technology change firsthand. I, myself, moved from using a flip phone to being able to use a smartphone, iPad and MacBook for both personal and educational use. Because technology has been provided by the school, there have been many regulations set in place by the school to limit the use to ‘school appropriate usage’. Because of this, students are limited by app restrictions, website restrictions and limitations on the types of devices permitted for use during the school day. Students spend approximately 33 hours in school per week. Within those 33 hours, students are given around two hours of time per week for socializing during a designated lunch period each day. Lunch moderators were lenient on the use of technology as it was implemented by the use of iPads and allowed upperclassmen the use of cell phones due to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, as they do not have devices provided to them for school use. As of late, the leniency has turned into a strict “no
technology” policy during this recreation time. The idea of ‘no technology’ during lunch periods is completely unfair due to the ratio of time we are allotted for a break in a given day. The 25 minutes given for lunch and a break from the chaos of the school day should allow for the ways of the 21st century. I find that if I take a break to work on school work that I forgot about or am working ahead to complete, I am much less stressed and better able to focus on the next task at hand. The rules state that we are not permitted to use technology after seven hours of intense focus in school is almost impossible for me. Students should be able to use the 25 minutes as they please due to the amount of focus put into the other six and a half hours of time spent at school. Not only does taking technology away during a break add stress, it also takes away the social aspect of a lunch period and reduces the student’s ability to put more work into school work. During the countless lunch periods I have sat through during my high school career the use of technology has proved useful for studying and teamwork while working on assignments. Technology during lunch periods adds to the social aspect of the time. Even if students are buried in their devices, they are still at the table with their friends instead of alone at a table in
ll
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the library. It is a break and students should be able to choose how they use that time. Many students may have an upcoming test or a forgotten homework assignment. Others simply need the time to get ahead on homework to reduce the workload for the coming night. Reducing this 25 minutes of work time can lead to a student having academic trouble or even falling behind. Yes, this may not be the ideal way to look at it, but not every student is perfect, we make mistakes and this is one of the ways students work to find a solution to the crunch they are in. Overall, technology is positive and should be viewed as such. Students should have the ability to do what they want with the free time they have in their hectic schedules of focused time in order to help them succeed and reduce stress.n
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FUEL PRICE: $ 1.30 1982 In 1979, the Iranian revolution iterupted crude oil produc-
tion. Low supply drove fuel prices to record highs, resultig in the gas crisis of the early 80s.
One year of room, board and tuition and a public, four-year university cost about $3,900 in 1984.
by christian cook
1987
FUEL PRICE: $ 0.95
In 1991, the Super Nintento video game console debuted in the U.S. at $199.
1991
FUEL PRICE : $1.13
1992
In 1996, Internet provider AOL charged $19.99 per month for internet use. Prior to the flat fee motel, users paid AOL $3.50 for every hour spent online.
1997
FUEL PRICE : $1.23
FUEL PRICE $2.80
2008
1996
2007
In July 2008, the average gas price peaked at a record $4.09 due to the surging price of crude oil and low refinery capacity 2008 also saw milk prices peak at nearly $4.00 per gallon. The price reflected a spike in the price of corn meal cattle feed, which had doubled since the previous year.
2012
The average cost of one year of room and board tuition at a public, four-year university in 2012 is more than $15,000 The average evening movie ticket price in 2012 is $12.00
Design by: Christina Gorey
Design by: Christina Gorey
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or the past seven years, citizens have been paying over $3 per one gallon of gas. However, since early November gas prices have steadily declined to under $2, approaching $1.50 in some areas of the country. This recent drop in prices has stimulated the short term economy. Robert Sinclair, spokesman of AAA for New York said “With these savings, people were hitting the road and buying vehicles, they were buying big SUVs and pickup trucks like crazy.” The economy will suffer in the future as there will not be a domestic source of fuels and America will be dependent on foreign countries. Contrary to popular belief, a mild winter season and absence of natural disasters have not caused the gas price drop. Rather, gas prices have have primarily come down as the result of prospective elections. In the recent election of the 114th Congress, the majority shifted to conservatives, many of whom pushing for one key agenda- The Keystone Pipeline. Which is an oil pipeline system which could supply massive amounts of domestic oil to the United States. It runs from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin in Alberta, Canada to refineries in Illinois and Texas. The pipeline consists of four phases, three of which have been completed and the fourth is awaiting approval from the Federal Government. The pipeline would reduce America’s dependence on Middle Eastern countries for oil. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC) has long held a monopoly on oil, binding itself to American consumers. Because the nation now has potential for an independent oil source, OPEC has driven their prices down far enough that there is no present need for the Keystone Pipeline. Without necessity, the Pipeline will not be approved in elections and OPEC will return its prices to normal. Although most Americans have benefited from OPEC’s reduced gas prices, other economies are suffering from dissimilar results. Countries such as Russia and Venezuela depend heavily on the price of oil, and are consequently on a path towards recession. The Russian economy receives over half of its revenue from oil and gas exports. A price drop on every barrel of oil by ten dollars costs them between $12.2 billion and $14.6 billion. In Venezuela, oil accounts for 95 percent of export earnings and, combined with gas, makes up 25 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. Venezuelans are facing 60 percent inflation rates and everyday needs are becoming scarce. OPEC must allow prices to rise and the Keystone Pipeline to be built or they will lose their 10th largest oil exporter, Venezuela, and possibly Russia as well. If gas prices stay where they and the Keystone Pipeline is vetoed than the US will be so dependent on the Middle East for oil that prices may reach five dollars.n
1984
news
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Four sophomores to explore leadership experiences by julie ciotola
Sophomores Emily Armbrust ‘, Jacqueline Russo ‘, Frank Kelly and Jessica Guerriero together at our monthly meetings” Guerriero said. For Guerriero and Kelly, the experience will commence next September through April, concluding at the end of their junior year. As they expand their understanding of the Akron community and its resources, they will be representing Hoban as young leaders in Summit County. Both Jacqueline Russo and Emily Armbrust will be attending HOBY’s flagship program, a statewide seminar, to practice service to their community along with leadership. Since 1958, this foundation has given extraordinary opportunity to scholars nationwide, accepting two applicants from each area school. With the help of volunteers who run the pro-
Photo by: Julie Ciotola
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his year, four Hoban students were chosen for the opportunity to attend two acclaimed leadership conferences. These programs, Junior Leadership Akron (JLA) and the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation (HOBY), educate high school students about leadership qualities through interactive programs. Sophomores Jessica Guerriero and Frank Kelly will attend JLA, and sophomores Jacqueline Russo and Emily Armbrust will attend HOBY. After submitting a resume along with teacher recommendations, these four students were chosen to represent Hoban as they are guided through the process of becoming young leaders. “I applied for Junior Leadership Akron because it sounded like a really unique opportunity and a great experience,” Jessie Guerriero said, “My family, especially my cousin Becca Weiss who attends JLA this year, really encouraged me to apply also.” Junior Leadership Akron is an organization modeled after the Leadership Akron Signature Program, a foundation that trains adult leaders to better their community. JLA provides students with experience to strengthen their management skills through a 9 month curriculum, and is a non-profit program funded by the FirstMerit Wealth Management Services and J.M. Smucker Company. JLA is composed of two students from each area high school, both public and private, who will interact with their peers monthly in various workshops. “I’m super excited to meet new friends and make memories
gram, nearly 10,000 students are able to participate in HOBY per year. These volunteers are adult leaders, who strive to serve as examples to students, hoping to inspire innovation within all members. For three days, Armbrust and Russo will participate in all of HOBY’s interactive workshops, strengthening positive assets and acquiring helpful, new skills to benefit the community. “I am excited to meet new people and apply what I will learn at the conference in my everyday life” Armbrust said. Through meaningful interactions and hard work, these four sophomores will strive to become active, young leaders in Summit County. n
by alex lynch
P
resident Barack Obama recently launched his net neutrality plan to keep the internet free and open. This plan was proposed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Nov. 10, 2014 as they continue to consider new rules for safeguarding competition and user choice. Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers, or ISPs, and governments should treat all data on the Internet equally, not discriminating or charging differentially by user, content, site, platform, application or mode of communication. It prevents providers like Verizon and Comcast from dictating the kinds of content you are able to access online. Instead, ISPs have to treat all traffic sources equally. Net neutrality is enforced by the FCC, an independent company. On May 15, the FCC decided to consider two options regarding Internet services: one permits fast and slow broadband lanes, thereby compromising net neutrality. The other reclassifies broadband as a telecommunication
service, thereby preserving net neutrality. On Nov. 10, President Obama recommended the FCC reclassify broadband Internet service as a telecommunications service. “I believe the FCC should create a new set of rules protecting net neutrality and ensuring that neither the cable company nor the phone company will be able to act as a gatekeeper, restricting what you can do or see online,” President Obama said in an official statement.
His proposal consists of four rules. First, if a consumer requests access to a website or service, ISPs should not be permitted to block it. Second, ISPs should not be able to intentionally slow down some content or speed up others, through a process called throttling. Third, ISPs should disclose to the FCC on how they are managing their networks. Four, no service should be stuck in a “slow lane” because the consumer does not pay an additional fee. “An open Internet is essential to the American economy and increasingly to our very way of life,” Obama said, “By lowering the cost of launching a new idea, igniting new political movements, and bringing communities closer together, it has been one of the most significant democratizing influences the world has ever known.” This plan is a crucial factor to protecting an open, accessible, and free Internet. Net neutrality creates an even playing field on the web, allowing consumers to access everything they want online for no extra charge.n
Design by: Christina Gorey
President Barack Obama proposes net neutrality plan
centerspread
six
a “Honduras was
2
wonderful experience, especially the nd time around.” - Tess Davey, ‘15
Students travel to Honduras by joe santucci
Servir al mundo. Ama cada persona. Serve the world. Love each other. I have heard these mantras before, but during my time in Honduras, I found new meaning in them. Immediately upon arriving in Tegucigalpa, I was taken aback by just how different it was than what I expected. My previous impression was that a third world country would look barren and dead, but I could see even from the plane that I was mistaken. Honduras was extremely beautiful; mountains rose up all around us and color was everywhere, from the houses to the shops to the orphanage where we stayed. The kids at the orphanage were very open and friendly to us, speaking rapid-fire Spanish in a way that I had never heard before. But I caught on quickly, and truly speaking the language created a “real life classroom” experience. Throughout the week we spent lots of time hanging out with the kids there. They realized that our Spanish was not perfect, but did everything they could to help us understand what they were saying, using body motions and simple phrases and words. The first medical brigade we did was at the orphanage the day after we arrived. For these kids, as well as most of the other Hondurans we helped, this was their only doctor’s appointment or even access to a doctor for the year. At a typical brigade, people lined up and waited for hours before we got to the scene and set up our stations. Patients went first to nurses, who collected data and their general health status, then to the doctor for a more detailed examination, and finally to an eye doctor or dentist if needed. When they finished all examinations and procedures, they went to the
pharmacy to get all the medicine they were prescribed for the year. We had brigades all around the area, traveling anywhere from ten minutes to three hours. During my time as a translator, I heard and saw conditions that would be unthinkable to be left untreated in the United States. I worked for several days with Dr. Michelle, an optometrist who was on the trip. She did not know Spanish at all, so when I was with her I was forced to step outside of my comfort zone in translating. Spanish was not the only thing I learned during my service as a translator: I also learned a lesson in simplicity. We had no technology which, while disorienting at first, helped everyone live in the moment; we were so absorbed by the culture and people there that we soon forgot all about our phones and our comparatively trivial problems at home. At the end of each day, the group came together and reflected on our experiences. We became very close through our shared struggles and triumphs of the day’s work. Though I cannot speak for individuals, I know that as a whole we all grew in our teamwork and friendships. Personally, I gained an appreciation for the things I previously took for granted. Simple things, like clean water, medicines and toothbrushes, which are in abundance here, Hondurans desperately needed and were overjoyed to receive. Servir al mundo. Although we only served a small country, I truly feel that we made a difference in the world. Ama cada persona. Even though the trip was only a week, I became friends with people that I had never associated with before. Honduras was a life changing experience that I will carry with me always.
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Through their Eyes Who sponsored the trip and how were you able to go? I went to Haiti with a group called VOSH (Volunteer Optometry Service to Humanity). I learned about this group from my mom, who’s been part of the group for about 10 or 12 years. It consisted of seven optometrists, one optician, two nurses, a retired doctor, plumber, farmer, machinist and myself.
What was your main task in the service trip? A typical clinic is set up where the first station is called acuity where you look at the letter chart and gives you a base-level prescription. This is where I usually worked. One of the days, I also worked in a fitting room, where people picked out glasses to match their prescription. To see people go from not having been able to see to sliding these glasses on them created a great reaction. No language that could be spoken between us, but physically it was obvious.
Were there any cultural similarities? There’s a lot of cultural crossover. The universal thing that I saw in children is they want a connection, attention and care. Unfortunately, no matter how well the orphanages are run, you can’t get enough attention to all of the kids. While testing acuity among some boys, it was extremely difficult to get the boys to pay attention. So, I decided the best option would be to have a dance party. It was that moment where I understood, we don’t speak the same language but at the core, we’re the same. After the barrier between us was broken, they expressed sincere joy.
What were the most significant differences?
Is there anything from the service trip you’d like the Hoban community to know about? I wish that every student had the opportunity for an out-of-country experience, because it’s life-changing. You don’t want to live a tastes-like-chicken life. So often we go through life, leveling things that help us be more comfortable with differences. It’s important to be uncomfortable, because, boy, does that bring perspective with it! I would express to the Hoban community that putting yourself in uncomfortable situations will help you grow in some way. Photos courtesy of: Colleen Cain and Micah Kraus
Art department chair Micah Kraus travelled to Haiti on a mission trip. He shares his photos and experience with The Visor.
First thing I thought getting off of the plane to Haiti and entering into Port au Prince was that you have to be tough as nails to survive here. There’s no room for weakness.
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features
Teaching through the by maddi rotunda
It may be hard for current students to picture Hoban any way than what it is now, but several teachers here have seen Hoban change and evolve throughout the course of many years. The Visor explores the experiences of these teachers as they share insights about their own time at Hoban.
What has changed since you began to work at Hoban?
“When I started, the front of Hoban looked at a loading dock. There was a dome or highway. You can still see the remnants of the old front entrance.”
1988
Mr. Hillery
What currently exists that didn’t exact when you started work here? “There was no Rent-a-Junior or Banglabash. There were also way less sports!”
1992
Ms. Haubert, ‘86
Have you always been a guidance counselor at Hoban?
“Not exactly. When I started, I was half-time counselor and half-time campus minister.”
Were there any traditions that existed when you were a student that no longer exist?
“There was a junior class activity called Road Rally. You would sign up with a partner and receive a scavenger hunt map of Akron. If you made it back in time with all of your items, you would win a prize.”
1994
Mr. Griffith, ‘89 What has changed since you attended Hoban?
“Academically, Hoban is much more challenging. Also, Mum Day used to be for the Hoban-Walsh games.”
Were there any teachers who you had who still work at Hoban?
2000
“Brother Ed Libbers was my honors chemistry teacher and Brother Joe LeBon was both my honors geometry and Visor teacher.”
Mrs. Mancine
What did you find surprising when you began teaching here? “I was shocked that people here really seem to understand God. Students seemed, and still seem, so spiritually connected.”
What has changed at Hoban since you began teaching here?
How has Hoban changed since you attended here as a student? “We didn’t have a uniform when I was a student. Instead, our dress code was business-casual. Also, there was no Banglabash!”
Were there any teachers who you had who still work at Hoban?
“Mr. Yandek. Go into his room where you’ll find a picture of me during my questionable years of softball tees and too much tanning.”
2013
Ms. Buzzelli, ‘05
Design by: Maddi Rotunda
“The view outside my window. When I started working here, there was a beautiful forest and you could watch the sunrise through the trees.”
features
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From DJ-ing students’ birthday parties to local high school homecoming events, Relentless Volume has become a well-known name in the Hoban community. However, the business, owned by Hoban senior Kolin Morgenstern and his friend David Brown, has quickly grown into a producing and promoting company, providing sound and performers to large events. Other Hoban students who have become involved in the growth of Relentless Volume are seniors Adam Pacanovsky, Stage Manager, and Greg Brown, Head of Security. According to Pacanovsky, the company specializes in audience research where they “focus on maximizing the audience’s experience while also maximizing profits.” Although Relentless Volume is a company primarily run by students, the magnitude to which they have expanded their business has allowed them to work with artists such as Twenty One Pilots and Imagine Dragons. Over the summer, Relentless Volume was contracted by The Country Fest Ohio, working directly with artists such as Brad Paisley, Brantley Gilbert, and Jake Owen. Their duties consisted of managing both
New Year,
New Me
the stage as well as how and when the artists would perform. With an audience of 45,000, Relentless Volume quickly realized how much farther they could develop their thriving business. Outside of Ohio, Relentless Volume continues to establish itself in large cities such as Miami, Florida and even other countries such as Spain and potentially Germany. Nonetheless, the company remains solely run by students. Although they have successfully expanded their business, both Morgenstern and Pacanovsky admit that their age has often prevented them from earning respect in the entertainment industry. “When you hire us, we’re no longer high school students. We’re professional businessmen. Some people don’t see that,” Pacanovsky said. However, despite this roadblock, Relentless Volume continues to grow in popularity. “Everything we do, we do it bigger and better. The only reason we’re as successful as we are today is because of our passion,” Morgenstern said. The ultimate goal for the members of Relentless Volume is to own their own music festival, similar to that of Ultra or Tomorrowland. Only time will tell of the future
Whether desiring to learn something new, improve health, or increase mental well-being, people of all ages make goals to better themselves in the new year. More than 50% of the population makes a new year’s resolution. But research shows that more than 80% abandon their resolutions by mid-February. The Visor interviewed students and faculty on their 2015 resolutions.
2015
Study hard
be more optimistic
be sincere meet new people
Don’t procrastinate work sleep out e r o m t e g Eat healthier Help others ead more Start rR unning
long-term success of Relentless Volume. However, with full commitment to the business, Morgenstern assures, “We will take this as far as we can.” n
My New Year’s Resolution is . . . “...to learn to ride a unicycle comfortably.” Gabriella Wittbrod, ‘16 “...to improve my inner locus of self control.” TK Griffith, Teacher “...to develop and define my pectoral muscles.” Jesse Blankenship, ‘15
“...to be more optimistic in my everyday life!” Olivia Petit, ‘17
Photos by: Marilyn Icsman
by maddi rotunda
Photo by: Maddi Rotunda
Students’ company continues to grow and look towards future
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Going for by libby stitzel
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features
gold
Science Olympiad is back at Hoban for the first time since 2003. Run by Mrs. Mancine and Mrs. Vrobel, the nine student team is on the road to success. The Visor interviewed Mrs. Mancine, Marissa Fiume, and Katie Bisaha to find out more about the group. Mrs. Mancine: Well there’s 23 events...Some events involve building, some involve an actual test. You’re never alone, and you almost always get to bring reference materials in with you.
Photo courtesy of: Amie Mancine
What events are you involved in? Marissa: I’m in the Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry Lab, Protein Modeling, and Bungee Drop. Katie: I do Disease Detectives, Forensics, and Green Generation. How would you encourage other people to join Science Olympiad? Mrs. Mancine: I love the competition. Even if we aren’t doing well, we just go in and make the best of it..We do a lot of laughing here!
Juniors Michael Smith and Jacob Romero prepare a plane for their first competition of the season
Vandalism Through the Eyes of an Artist by ashley kouri
The ageless act of graffiti can not be ignored by those who live in the urban area. Some may call it vandalism, but others call it art. Street artists such as Banksy have taken to the stone walls in order to let their voice be heard. Here in Akron, the citizens have done the same. The walls are painted with voices that are unable to be heard otherwise.
1. 7.
4.
8. 5. 6. 1.) A spray painted wall in Highland Square depicts two faces of questionable identity. 2.) A Highland Square grafitti artist displays a personal take on a skull. 3.) This Highland Square graffiti points the way to the new year. 4.) On the side of Angel Falls Cafe, “Keep it Simple” dominates the artsy mural created by Firestone Students. 5.) In a corridor on the outside of Downtown Akron’s music venue, Musica, a voice on the wall states its opinion on society’s industry. 6.) Graffiti covers the wall 3. in a mural of urban art in a Highland Square alley. 7.) Miscreant is voiced on a wall in attempt to reflect one’s self. 8.) Images surround the pillars of a bridge next to Luigi’s restaurant.
Photos by: Ashley Kourie
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sports
let’s putby ht eiranna next game right here inhis t reece box
TO THE HOOP
Photos by ; Anna Reece
A
lthough the girls’ basketball team got off to a shaky start with a loss to Glenoak in their second game of the season, they have maintained a strong record since. After winning only eight and losing 16 games last year and graduating one senior, the girls worked hard during the offseason to improve their game. Team Captains Erica Roberts, Kara Marshall and Danielle Carlson have helped lead the team to 10 victories so far this season against teams such as Massillon Perry, Holy Name, Lake Catholic and rival Walsh Jesuit. Going into their game against Walsh Dec. 13, the girls were ranked 11th and Walsh 2nd. The team was forced to overcome a tough 30 point loss from the year before, but their hard work paid off and they came out with a 58-48 victory. In the week following the game, the Knights moved up to the No. 10 spot, but unfortunately have moved down since then. However, the team is looking forward to a competitive game against No. 19 St. Vincent-St. Mary on Feb. 4. So far this season, the girls have a promising record of 10-5. Sophomore Rachel Chessar leads the team in overall points with junior Kara Marshall, sophomore Meg Lyren and senior Sydney Mitchell not far behind. “We’ve had a good season so far, especially because we beat Walsh once,” Marshall said, “For the remainder of the season, we hope to win the NCL title, grow as a team and maybe even win districts.” This year, the girls feel that they have a strong bond both on and off the court. With the success they have had up to this point, the playoffs seem an achievable goal. “When we play with confidence, we’re unstoppable,” Mitchell said. The Knights’ next game is Saturday, Jan. 31 at Lake Catholic at 7:30 p.m.
What’s your favorite thing to do before a game? “Dancing and singing in the locker room before games.” -Kara Marshall 16’
“Listening to pump up music and taking pregame pictures with Dani and Liv.” -Camille Hughes 15’
“Game day picture with Liv and Cami” - Dani Carlson 16’
“Joking around to help relax my teammates.”Sydney Mitchell 15’
sports
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Like the other teams at Hoban, the boys bowling team is rivaled by St. Vincent-St. Mary and Walsh Jesuit. Unfortunately, these matches do not attract the same large crowds as other sports such as basketball or football. However, that may change in the near future though due to a newly energized coaching staff, led by head coach Dennis Holodnak. This season the team, which includes four seniors, started off strong with a record of 5-0. They also participated in the Panther Tournament and won third place. In the North Coast League tournament, the team won second place. Although the season became more difficult, the boys continued to compete with each team they faced. The Visor interviews three senior bowlers, Devin Angles, Brandon Becker, and Mark Chris to gain an insight to the boys bowling team.
When did you join the bowling team? How would you describe the team?
What is your favorite part about being on the team?
Devin Angles- “I joined the bowling team during my freshman year. We have fun together and love to compete.”
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Mark Chris- “It was sophomore year when I joined the bowling team. The team itself is a great group of guys to bowl with. We have lots of fun.”
What are your favorite accomplishments? DA- “One of my favorite accomplishments was getting my best friend Brandon Becker to join the team sophomore year. I enjoyed being on first team for NCL because it’s cool to get recognized and know that you’re one of the best.” BB- “Being a team captain as well as Devin Angles.”
BB- “My favorite part about bowling is traveling around to the different games and bowling with different schools and teams.” MC- “The competition is my favorite part. If you can’t win the best part is just going out and having fun and messing with people.”
What is your highscore? DA- “My highscore is 300.” BB- “271 is my highscore.” MC- “My highscore is a 270.”
MC- “Participating in the NCL and Panther tournaments.”
Design by Sarah Carmon
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Brandon Becker- “I joined the bowling team during my sophomore year. As a team, we are all best friends. We love bowling together.”
DA- “As team captain, my favorite part about being on the team is helping my other teammates progress and better the future of the team.”
Junior Anthony Christian shoots for possible college programs by joe brennan In his third year on Hoban’s varsity basketball team, junior Anthony Christian has embraced a leadership role on the court. “Christian is a great facilitator,” Head Coach T.K. Griffith said, “He’s very good at finding the open man and making other players look good.” Starting at shooting guard, Christian has averaged 4.5 assists and 6.5 rebounds per game this season. Not only does he create opportunities for his teammates, but he has also averaged 15 of his own points per game, shooting 44 percent from the floor. With Christian’s heightened influence on the court has come an increased pressure to perform. “He is learning to lead,” Griffith said, “He is changing from a complementary player to one who carries more responsibility.” With half of the season left, Christian must adjust to his commanding position on the Knights’ basketball team. Christian has already demonstrated immense talent at Hoban, and he is still devel-
oping his skill in basketball. “I work on dribbling and shooting with my personal trainer, Anthony Thomas,” he said. Christian’s game has recently improved in part from the help of Thomas, who he met through a close friend. Although his game has evolved at Hoban, Christian’s history in basketball dates long before his freshman year. When he was only two years old, his uncle Alan Christian got him interested in the sport. Christian’s uncle inspired him to play throughout his youth on both Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) teams. Griffith also instructs Christian, polishing any aspect of his play that needs improvement. “He’s a great coach. He teaches me to have discipline on the court and makes me a better person,” Christian said. Another family member, Christian’s cousin DeAllen Jackson ‘12, convinced him to come to Hoban. Jackson was a senior in Christian’s freshman year, so the two cousins were able to play as teammates before Jackson
graduated to join the basketball team at the University of Mount Union. Christian has many options to consider for his own college basketball career. He has received offers from various universities including Cleveland State, Kent State, Akron, Dayton and Northern Kentucky. “My top choice for college is Xavier University,” Christian said, “Second would be Akron. I’d like to stay close to home.” Before he commits to any college/university, Christian has half of this season and all of the next to realize and showcase his abilities on the court. Junior teammate Sam Ruscak is excited to play alongside Christian for the remainder of their time at Hoban. “Christian has an on-floor charisma that enlivens our team during games,” Ruscak said. By the same token, Griffith looks forward to coaching the young athlete over the next year and a half. “Christian doesn’t remind me of any player I’ve coached before,” Griffith said, “He is definitely his own person.” n