page five Check out recommendations for books to read this spring break.
pages ten and eleven Hunger Games fans prepare for the movie premiere.
page fourteen Boys volleyball gears up for a successful season.
the archbishop hoban high school n issue 10 n march 16, 2012
united IN HOPE
Photo by Lindsay Huth
Supporters gather outisde St. Mary’s Church in Chardon prior to the funeral of the first shooting victim.
Chardon grapples with the school shooting tragedy pgs. 7 - 9
editorial
two
Red Cross teamster strike selfish
O
n Feb. 28, around 60 pints of blood were not delivered from Hoban’s blood drive to local hospitals due to an ongoing strike of American Red Cross blood collectors. Hoban was forced to cancel its biannual blood drive as a result of the strike which officially began on Feb. 14. While the woes of the 250 Red Cross workers are certainly understandable, especially into today’s collapsing economic state, it is wrong that they have chosen to discontinue their work completely, which literally provides life for others. The union members demanded better health care and working conditions, preferably with longer breaks in between collections. The Red Cross could not meet these desires and is using certain leverage in an attempt to force the workers to return. Although many drives around northern Ohio have been cancelled, some smaller scale drives are still available in churches or community centers. Blood is still being collected, however at 10 percent less the normal amount, which already is not enough in proportion to its urgent need. Consequently, the blood that is being collected must be shared among local hospitals. This controversial strike has caused much debate
about the workers’ moral culpability as they refuse to work at the drives, upon which so many patients rely to save their lives. At Hoban’s blood drive, 60 to 100 pints of blood are collected each year to send to local hospitals. Every one pint of blood can potentially save three lives. Although the conditions of the workers may not be perfect, it is indulgent of them to think of themselves before those who need the blood to possibly survive another day. Those victims in need of blood are the ones that are suffering the most from this recent disturbance. It is disappointing to watch Hoban students sign up for a blood drive with the best intentions in mind, only to be told that they cannot help others. As Hoban students who have been consistently taught to practice self-sacrifice and service, it is difficult to understand the workers’ choices. Truly, it is onerous to contemplate how these workers can sleep peacefully at night knowing that their action may have cost a human life. As of now, there is no end in sight for the strike. Until a compromise has been made between the Red Cross and the teamsters, blood donations will be sparse. n
KONY video reveals power of Internet
O
n March 5, a video called "KONY 2012" was released on Youtube. Within hours the video went viral and has been a worldwide sensation ever since, exploding all over the Internet on popular social networking websites. The video was directed by Jason Russell with the intention of bringing widespread attention to the plight of children in central Africa. According to the film, over the past twenty years, Joseph Kony, head of the Lord's Resistance Army, has abducted thousands of children and forcibly recruited them as solders. In less than three weeks, almost one hundred million people world wide have viewed this thirty minute video propogated by the company Invisible Children. The result has been instant awareness of a previously obscure problem. This video forces us as citizens to recognize the far-reaching power of the world wide web. This power includes the ability to shape political awareness and start movements. With social networking becoming more popular in our society, the Internet is used by many to share their beliefs and anxieties about certain topics. For example, in 2010, Wael Ghonim anonymously founded a Facebook page in
response to the killing of Kullena Kahaled by Egyptian security officials. The page promoted ending corruption within the Egyptian government and terminating the rule of former President Hosni Mubarak. Soon, over 250,000 people had joined the Facebook group and talk about the page began to increase. During the height of the protest, Egyptian officials became aware of Ghonim’s Facebook page and had him arrested. However, Ghonim’s arrest only escalated the involvement of the revolution, with a planned protest at Cairo's Tahrir Square. Shortly after, President Hosni Mubarak stepped down from his political position. Facebook, along with other social media websites, helped Ghonim’s beliefs turn into actions and started a revolution that will go down in history. As responsible citizens it is imperative Americans understand the inherent responsibility that exists with social media. Websites such as Facebook and Twitter can be an extraordinary media for raising awareness of political issues. However, despite the fact that cyberspace has the ability to positively change the world, it is our role as consumers to critically evaluate the intentions and credibility of anything that “goes viral.” n
Check out Issue 9, produced by the junior Visor staff members, online at hoban.org.
the
visor ARCHBISHOP HOBAN HIGH SCHOOL Mailing Address: One Holy Cross Blvd. Akron, OH 44306 Online: www.hobanvisor.com E-mail: visor@hoban.org AWARDS •CSPA Gold Medalist •NSPA All-American •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: Editor-in-chief Lindsay Huth Managing Editor Kristin Brennan Features Editor Abbey Dankoff News Editor Connor Lynch Sports Editors Jordan Cook and Nick Corbett Copy Editor Katie Caprez Photo Editor Allie Weiss Website Editor Max Moore Staff Reporters James Axson, Anna Baumhoer, Katie Cottrill, Allie Griffith, Micaela Gutlove, LaTroy Lewis, Daniel Lloyd, Kevin Ritenauer, Lexi Smith, Jack Srail, Katie Stepanek, Mackenna Swing Adviser Natalie Meyer
opinion
three
Put redhead jokes on the back burner; save a ginger
W
ar ning: what you are about to read contains both graphic and controversial material, and may be offensive to certain audiences. Reader discretion is advised. It starts with an “innocent” taunt: perhaps a seemingly innocuous joke or two, a playful shove of the shoulder, a backhanded remark about heritage. This is the initial stage; the inevitable peril, though close at hand, is not extraordinarily noticeable. The belief in one’s safety is still palpable—oh! the naivety. It escalates. Soon the jokes arrive tenfold, bombarding victims with the inaugural stages of a day wretched and unwelcome to those I will simply refer to as “the unlucky.” This small percentage of people is reduced to shrinking behind trash cans and seeking refuge in the unlit corners of hallways in order to avoid the inhumanity enveloping the world around them. The annual suffering does not come as a surprise to its prey; a year of bliss and security culminates annually on this inevitable day of anguish. Those innocent sufferers become easy targets as their one most prominent feature turns on them in betrayal. Blazing like fire against a sea of dull earth tones, “the unlucky” by definition break the overwhelming monotony of the world surrounding them; today, this wouldbe celebrated quality screams treason. Safety is
no longer an option. Once the attackers begin their assault, the brutality is incomparable and unrelenting. Chance of escape: minimal. Chance of rebuttal: imperceptible. Chance of emotional damage: probable. While this ill-fated day, known more commonly as St. Patrick’s Day, is historically known for its lighthearted nature and emphasis on the happy-go-lucky antics of leprechauns and those of Irish descent, this seemingly whimsical holiday has the blackest of underbellies. For those unfortunate souls who are cursed with hair the same color as the orange on the Irish flag, this March 17 holiday has turned into a villainous breeding ground for destructive behavior. Though this harsh reality may seem unbelievable to those who simply acknowledge the cheery exterior of this holiday, it is nevertheless the truth. As a proud and strong redhead, I will admit that even I have been reduced to the fetal position in the corner of the lower hallway of our school on this most dreadful of holidays. The hostility, though meant to only include innocent taunts, is excruciating; whispers about “those soulless gingers” abound. Around the world, ginger hatred is also seen on a grand level. One Denmark sperm bank is no longer willing to accept redheaded donors; everyone remarks about the inevitable extinction of the
ginger population. The discrimination is nearly impossible to escape. I believe, however, that by joining together we can stop the madness and return this day to one of revelry and joy. Though that idea may be difficult to grasp, one day this hostility will be a thing of the past, a hardlyremembered facet of our nation’s dark history. To make it easy for everyone reading this, I’ve prepared one easy way that can (and should) be used to avoid any inclination of snark concerning redheads on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s simple. Don’t hate; appreciate. We redheads are the real 2%, and as such we should be cherished, not ridiculed. The end to this cruelty is in sight; a new, joyous day is dawning, and it is a day of alliance, not defiance. Dream with me, Hoban. And just for clarification, yes. I do have a soul. n
Chardon deaths cannot be rectified with more violence
F
ight or flight. The sur vival of the fittest. These concepts all arise from the fundamental idea that we humans are an egoistic species who will do anything to preserve our own self-interest and thus protect our own survival. In this quest to both survive and thrive, the human race (and the West in particular) has become both selfish and brutal. Along the way we have become an unforgiving society which seeks vengeance and instils hatred in our everyday actions. No act expresses hate more fully than the choice to maliciously take another’ person’s life. Though the decision to kill is often fueled by emotions aside from hatred, there is no less harm done just because the decision is emotionally charged. The violence done by T.J. Lane at Chardon High School on Feb. 27 is a glaring example of the result of emotionallycharged dysfunction in our society. Lane’s actions were barbaric, morally reprehensible and for many, unforgivable. There can be no justification for the violence Lane did. However, it is just as barbaric, if not more barbaric, for our society to respond to this violent act with further violence. In the days since the shootings at Chardon, I have heard radio announcers call for Lane’s slaughter. I have heard text messages read by these same announcers which call for permanent solitary confinement and torture,
because death would be too easy. I have listened to classmates advocate the same treatment. These suggestions are always justified by the speaker with an implication of righteous indignation and an allusion to the “eye for an eye” mentality. Though I understand the initial emotional response to violence, I find these suggestions disgusting, asinine and most of all hypocritical. There can be absolutely no justification for killing Lane to prove to the world that killing is wrong. Many Americans justify the death penalty by suggesting that such a severe punishment will discourage would-be murderers from killing. When presented with incontrovertible statistics which demonstrate that the death penalty does not deter people from murdering, many shrug off or deny them. I am unsurprised that in a nation where we allow the death penalty that barbaric actions continue to happen. If the government can decide that a person’s actions have rendered him unworthy of living, who is to say that the people themselves should not be allowed to pursue their own personal retributive justice? Understanding that this is backwards logic, we must abandon corporal and capital punishment once and for all and instead employ logical, non-violent punishments. This is not to say that Lane (or murderers
in general) should not be punished in any way. Lane must be detained, perhaps for the rest of this life, and forced to repay his debt to society. Once this seventeen-year-old has been mentally stabilized, he can serve a life sentence in prison. For now, the hearing which will determine whether or not Lane will be tried as an adult has been postponed until April 3. Thankfully, Ohio law prohibits the sentencing of minors (no matter what court they are tried in) to death row. Adult criminals, however, are not spared this inhuman treatment. Thus, we as a society must begin to transform the culture we live in from one of hatred and violence to one of acceptance and peace. Only once we as a nation stand together for non-violence can we be surprised when violence occurs on our streets and in our schools. n
news
four
Mock trial sophomores look from finals to future by james axson
Kelvington to lead theater program by katie cottrill
N
ext school year, the Hoban Troubadours are undergoing a change in direction. Come fall, current troupe directors and religious studies teachers Russ Kwitkowski and Mary Lou Swinerton are stepping down from their roles in the theatre department and music teacher Kyle Kelvington is taking the status of director. As the curriculum for the religious studies department is being revised, Kwitkowski has resigned as director to focus his attention on writing next year’s new religion courses and being more involved in the classroom. Because of the hours this will consume, Kwitkowski has stepped down as the director of the Troubadours. “I want to be the Mr. Anderson of religion,” Kwitkowski said. “I want to focus on the balance between mind and heart, community building and implementing technology into the classroom. I also want to focus more on who Jesus is and make the curriculum more student-centered.” Swinerton, who is also stepping down from the program, has received an internship at the Cleveland Clinic as a chaplin, helping those in need. “It’s been a great privilege to work with a group of such talented students,” Swinerton said. The theater program still holds a special place in the hearts of Kwitkowski and Swinerton, however. Kwitkowski fondly remembers several things about plays past; the special effects of Frankenstein, the entire experience of Oliver Twist, the challenge of The Nerd, the whimsy of Almost Maine, the community of Comedy at the Castle and the social awareness of Dead Man Walking are just a few of the things Kwitkowski recalled. However, he isn’t going too far away. “I’m going to miss the community and as a community, being creative and making something out of nothing,” Kwitkowski said. “But I’ll still be tech director.” Likewise, Swinerton has sense strong community in the program. “I was always very conscious that it was a community,” Swinerton said. “We had complete
and total trust of our players backstage. The stage managers had heart and soul and we became a company. It was the best thing I ever did at Hoban High. And I want to send a sincere shout out to the set designers and builders.” As the drama troupe prepares to take on a new director, many students remember the past yet look forward to the changes. “It is going to be a change, but they [Kwitkowski and Swinerton] are going on to pursue goals that suit them very well and it will help us all learn how to adapt,” junior Matt Kannel said. “It’s sad to see two people who have watched us grow step down, but I’m looking forward to working with Mr. Kelvington next year as well.” Kelvington accepted the proposal Kwitkowski has made and has gotten a head start on planning for next year’s theatre season. He has plans to integrate students who focus on musical theatre and people who act in non-musical plays. This will be made possible by incorporating musical theatre styles to annual shows such as the Winter One Acts. “I want to improve upon the already established foundation in the theatre department,” Kelvington said. “I’ve already been reading a bunch of plays trying to figure out what to perform next year.” Kelvington has stated that he is open to working with any faculty member depending on what literature he chooses to put into production. He plans to attend the State Thespian Conference in Dayton at the end of this month for the Friday night performance of the All-Ohio show, the Laramie Project featuring Hoban seniors Laura Eastbourn and David Scarpitti and freshman Kolin Morgenstern. He is also planning on attending the International Thespian Conference with Matt Kannel and other members of the Hoban Troubadours in Lincoln, Neb. this summer. Although the troupe is taking a new direction, the beloved Kwitkowski and Swinerton have hopes of returning to the program to help with Murder Mystery again sometime in the future. n
Photo by Allie Weiss
O
n Sat. March 10, Hoban’s mock trail Team Thomas participated in the 2012 state mock trial competition in Columbus. After winning on Thursday and Friday, Team Thomas advanced to the final round on Saturday where they took on the team from Indian Hill in Cincinnati. The team acted as the defense in the case and became the state runner-up. The case was about Storm Jackson, an 18-year-old who had recently acquired a new cell phone and allegedly stole prescription drugs from four houses. He was later tracked using the GPS on his cell phone and charged with the thefts. In the final round of the competition, Hoban acted as the defense for Jackson on the grounds that his fourth amendment rights were violated when the police department obtained his GPS records without a warrant. “The team put on the best trial all year,” faculty advisor Kevin Hillery said. “They rose to the challenge and there was nothing that we would really change about the trial.” Attorneys were by seniors Katie Caprez and Connor L ynch and the witnesses were senior Kellie Tomin and sophomore Katie Frego. Seniors Kristin Brennan, Abbey Dankoff and Ana Horattas along with sophomore Ryan Kupcik were members on the other side of the case. The team finished second out of 373 teams and claimed the title of state runner-up, ending an 8-1 season and moving to a record of 2-2 in the state championships. “It was a really great experience going up against all the teams,” Frego said. “Ryan and I had a fun time hanging out with the seniors and we will definitely miss them next year.” In one of the trials in the state competition, Frego won an outstanding witness award and Abbey Dankoff and Katie Caprez won outstanding attorney awards. “This year was great. The team was fun and everything was enjoyable,” Kupcik said. “As for the future, I think we will be going back to states and winning the title.” n
features
five
spring break
BOOKS
Ne w Yo rk Ti m es
Sarah D
BE ST -S
EL LIN G
essen AU TH OR
along for the ride
by mackenna swing
THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER by stephen chbosky
Stephen Chobosky’s novel is a coming-of-age story centered around an introverted teen named Charlie. Set in a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Charlie writes a series of letters to an anonymous recipient. A quintessential wallflower, Charlie struggles to form and understand relationships with his peers and documents his experiences in his letters. The novel follows Charlie’s development as he faces troubling situations with family and friends. Chobosky has cited J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” as inspiration, which is seen in the striking similarities between the two novels and the fact that Charlie’s English teacher gives him a copy of Salinger’s novel to read for class. Readers will empathize with Charlie as he attempts to discover his identity and searches for acceptance, inclusion and love.
IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY by ned vizzini
JANET EVANOVICH #1 NEW YORK
LLING AUTHOR
sky o b h c n e p ste h
O N E MONEY A STEP HA
NIE PLU M NOVE L
FOR THE
“COMES ROARING
Sarah Dessen never fails to disappoint with great summertime reads. The queen of beach books has done it again in creating lovable protagonist Auden West. Auden, a quiet, bookish girl, has suffered from insomnia since her parents divorced when she was a child. Far from being depressing, Dessen uses Auden’s nighttime adventures as a backdrop for a developing romance with fellow night owl Eli, Auden’s love interest. Along the way, Auden learns to embrace the last months of her childhood and to appreciate her new stepmother and halfsister. “Along for the Ride” is a must-read for anyone looking for a unique spin on the usual boymeets-girl love story.
TIMES BESTSE
IN LIKE
A BLAST OF VERY — The Washi ngton Post FRESH AIR.”
Tina Fey Bossypants
thentic... d utterly au “Insightful animpor tant book.” this is an OK REVIEW TIMES BO NEW YORK
Graphics by Lindsa
This satirical novel told from the perspective of a burned-out teenager takes a very serious topic, teen depression, and converts it into a comical and lighthearted story. Craig, a sixteen-year-old awkward but quick-witted teen, checks himself into a psychiatric ward after battling suicidal thoughts due to his placid and seemingly uninteresting life. Craig is quickly taken under the wing of many idiosyncratic patients who show him the ropes of living in a psych ward. During his stay, Craig discovers friends, love and parts of himself he never quite understood.
er a wallflow of being the perks
ALONG FOR THE RIDE by sarah dessen
ONE FOR THE MONEY by jane evanovich Written by a New York Times bestselling author, this fast-paced novel transports readers straight into the heart of the rough, slinky New Jersey “Burg.” The lovable heroine, Stephanie Plum, is a outspoken, vibrant young Italian girl with a firecracker personality. The novel takes readers to the bounty-hunting life of Plum, where trouble often rises. This novel serves as an excellent precedent for the entire series. Whether readers chose to complete the series, comprised of eighteen books and counting, this book alone provides sufficient entertainment for those looking for a good read.
BOSSYPANTS by tina fey
y Huth
Comedian Tina Fey’s release of Bossypants lives up to every expectation as Fey delivers sharp wisecracks about life, love and everything in between in her first biography. Each story captures readers’ attention along with their hearts and has them rooting for this unlikely protagonist. Every inch of the book is dripping with quirky sarcasm, including snarky quotes on the back cover that will have readers roaring with laughter. This light read is perfect for readers looking for a good laugh. n
features
six
Tuition increase seeks to expand educational horizons
on the
rise by the numbers hoban expenses & 42% instruction student Activities Financial aid & 17% scholarships Auxiliary 9% services Support 16% services 16% Facilities
I
by connor lynch
n a recently published letter to Hoban students and parents, the Hoban Board of Directors and administration have set tuition at Hoban at 9100 dollars, up from 8800 dollars last year. Increases of about 300 dollars per year have become almost standard for the school, due to rising costs, the influence of a poor economic climate and the development of the school. “Our costs have gone up,” said Brother Ken Haders, the President of Hoban. However, the increase in the amount that parents or other benefactors will pay for a Hoban education is not solely dedicated to sustaining the current functions of the classroom. In addition to providing continued education, cocurriculars, athletics and support that already exists, Hoban tuition dollars are also spent for the development of the school. Each year, just under 80 percent of Hoban’s budgeting revenue was obtained from tuition dollars and individual class fees. Yet certain funds are hidden. In fact, all of the textbooks as well as many other written materials, tutor salaries, computers, lab materials and even Smart Boards are paid for by state funding from Ohio, one of only a few states that provide funding for private schools. Theses costs are not included in Hoban’s yearly budget, and as a result, tuition is significantly lower than in other states. For the 2012-2013 school year, Hoban projects its total expenses to around 9.5 million dollars. Although they may be able to expect a typical donor increase of about 10 percent, much of the burden caused by spending increase will be passed on to families. A large function of the Hoban budget is financial aid and scholarships, two ways in which Hoban attracts the best and brightest students. Although much of this giving is supported by donor dollars, tuition dollars are used for fulfilling the school’s mission, outlined in a letter written to parents by Brother Ken Haders. “It is important to us that students are not excluded from Hoban because of family finances,” Haders wrote. The largest expense at Hoban is faculty and staff salaries, which comprise about 55 percent of school expenses. Next year salaries are increased slightly according to the salary scale with no cost of living increase. Expenses also include classroom materials that are not provided by the state, including religion textbooks, copies and teacher supplies. The services that Hoban provides to its students are also a major expense. The advancement, admissions and outreach departments all use tuition dollars to attract and support students as they experience Hoban and ready them for the next step in their educations. Each year, this costs nearly 1.5 million dollars. Other costs include athletics, which includes support staff salaries and the costs of maintaining competitive programs at Hoban. Equipment, transportation, venue rental and referee compensation outline the expenses of these programs. Yet a large part of tuition is invested back into the school in order to not only maintain but also to improve the quality of education available at Hoban. This year, the technology department is scheduled for expansion, including the integration of new technology in the classroom. This starts with development of an expanded school infrastructure, including Wi-Fi enablement and increased data network capacity. Tuition increases at Hoban are based in part on the advancement of the use of technology in the school. “We are in the second year of a four year improvement plan,” Dr. Mary Anne Beiting said. This plan aims to change the philosophy of how students and teachers interact with technology during the learning process, yearning for full integration of personal tablets and everyday use by teachers, as well as greater self-exploration on the part of students. With costs escalating due to rising oil prices and imperative development planned, the future for Hoban is still bright, albeit ever more expensive. n
centerspread
seven
n i T O H aS the
K R DA H
undreds lined the street. Wrapped in coats and blankets, they tried to shield their faces from the brutal gusts of wind. The only parts of the body visible were their hands, bravely holding signs with hearts, waving American flags. The signs’ message was simple: “One Heartbeat.” Over a thousand packed St. Mary’s Church and spilled into the church entrance and hallways. When the Mass ended, young men solemnly carried the casket out to the tune of a bagpipe, and the bereft parents hobbled out. The formerly stoic faces of the supporters dissolved into sobs. Though emotionally exhausting, the funeral for Daniel Parmertor was only the first of three memorials the citizens of Chardon attended that week after Feb. 27 school shootings.
continued on pg. 8
eight
preventing an attack Eric Harris was a smart, motivated and popular high school boy. He held a steady job at a pizza parlor, ate dinner nightly with his family and regularly dated a girl in his class. Unfortunately, Eric Harris was also an undiagnosed psychopath. This condition caused him to view people as “chemical compounds with an inflated sense of their own worth” rather than human beings. Because he was undiagnosed, and his outward appearance and activities made him appear relatively “normal,” his family, his friends and the faculty at Columbine High School failed to recognize indications of future violence. These signs are highlighted in the book “Columbine” by Dave Cullen. If these signs had been recognized, one of the most horrific school shootings in history that took place on April 20, 1999 could have prevented. According to the National Threat Assessment Center, or NTAC, nearly all of the thirty-seven school shootings that have taken place since 1974 could have been prevented by the perpetrators’ schools if proper safety procedures were being practiced at the time and, more importantly, if school faculty members were simply paying closer attention to their students. Because school shootings are usually premeditated, warning signs are usually prevalent. In more than three fourths of the attacks that have taken place, the attacker has told at least one person the details of his plan. In the case of Columbine High School, Eric Harris told several classmates of his plan to “kill mankind,” wrote poems in his English class about suicide and homicide and helped to create an online game which simulated a school shooting. No one acted on these incidents because Eric did not fit the “profile” of a high school shooter. As a result, Columbine serves as the quintessential example of why experts now believe that paying attention to the behaviors and social interactions of students, rather than their outward appearance, characteristics and traits, is essential for schools attempting to prevent future attacks. In light of recent attacks, both hard and soft programs have been implemented in schools to promote a safe environment for students. Hard programs include no-tolerance policies, such as automatic suspensions and/or expulsions for bringing weapons to school or threatening other students. Soft programs, which include counseling and antibullying assemblies, work to teach students how to understand and control their emotions. Most experts now believe that hard programs, though necessary for appropriately disciplining students, do not address most of the underlying issues which lead to school shootings. The goal of soft programs is to help students cope with these issues, which include depression, lack of control of anger and psychopathy.
striving safety
a history of violence
The Chardon attack was one o the Scripps Howard News Service, o a New Hampshire school cafeteria. O Tennessee school, and two days late elementary school. In spite of the recent onslaugh Statistics statistician, called murders in school environments have decreas Justice Statistics. The first school shooting rese tiative could identify occurred in 197 to school and, after pulling the fire a scene. In the 36 years between that i occurred, 73 percent of which result
q&a wit
Have school shootings changed t A: Since Columbine, safety procedures federal guidance regarding safety, Hob to promote school safety. When Akron promote new safety procedures, Hoban which provides further guidance regar Many schools are implementing h safety. Thoughts? A: Both forms of procedure are import “policy” a school can implement, howev advance when considering school safet to avoid chaos when everyone in the bu Do you think being a private sch A: Being a private rather than a public s It is fostering a community built on soc culture of a school is composed of peop working together to promote this carin safe environment, Any last thoughts? A: There are two elements to preventin problem and second, having the courag tence to see and the courage to act—bo sense of these attacks because making keep in mind that, like Scripture says, w look out for one another.
for
According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2009 17 percent of students grades nine through twelve reported to having carried a weapon in the past 30 days. This percentage, which represents information obtained from 41 states, has begun to decrease in recent years, declining from 22 percent in 1993.
In 2008, Harrold Independent School District in Texas passed a regulation allowing teachers to carry firearms in classrooms, becoming the first school district in the nation to allow weapons carried by faculty. Teachers chosing to carry weapons must go through additional training, including learning to use ricochet-free ammunition.
Information courtesy of the National Center for Education Statistics and The New York Times.
Several those w detectors of stude schools, a 91.7
e
a shot in the
of four school shootings last month. According to on Feb. 10, a 14-year-old shot himself in the face in On Feb. 20, two teens shot a group of students at a er, a 9-year-old fired at a 8-year-old girl at a Washington
ht of shootings, Jennifer Truman, a Bureau of Justice s at school “a rare event.” In fact, crime and attacks sed in recent decades, according to the Bureau of
earchers for the federal government’s Safe School Ini74, when a student carted guns and homemade bombs alarm, shot at emergency responders rushing to the incident and the new millennium, 37 school shootings ted in fatal injuries.
th dr. beiting
the safety policies at Hoban in any way? s have been continually evolving. With both state and ban has developed procedures such as annual lockdowns public schools were given a large grant a few years to n was invited to participate and received a large handbook rding violence prevention. hard and/or soft policies to promote school
ng tragedies like school shootings: first, recognizing a ge to address the problem. It takes having the compeoth must be used with each other. It’s difficult to make g the illogical seem logical is impossible. Everyone must we are our brothers’ keepers; therefore, we must always
school districts throughout the nation, primarily with a history of violence, have implimented metal s at the entrances of schools. In 2003, 10.1 percent ents reported having metal detectors within their along with 69.6 percent having security guards and 7 percent locking school doors during the day.
dark
IDENTIFYING A SHOOTER According to the Safe School Initiative, possible shooters are difficult to identify, as they present themselves as average teenagers. The typical attacker is a male who is a current student of the victimized school. The largest grouping of perpetrators maintained A’s and B’s in school, and some were even enrolled in Advanced Placement classes. Nearly half actively participated in social activities in or outside of school, and, surprisingly, 63 percent had little to no history of disciplinary offenses. Preceding the assault, most displayed no notable changes in grades, motivation in school, friendships or amount of disciplinary problems. The clues to the attackers’ instability lie on an emotional level. Nearly three-fourths of the assailants felt “persecuted, bullied, threatened, attacked or injured by others prior to the attack,” and most reported experiencing periods of deep depression or suicidal thoughts. Sometimes, such thoughts are leaked on social media sites, as in the Chardon incident. According to Behavioral Healthcare Magazine, last December, shooter T.J. Lane posted a poem on Facebook which read, “Feel death, not just mocking you. Not just stalking you, but inside of you. Wriggle and writhe. Feel smaller beneath my might … Die all of you.” He also tweeted that Feb. 27 would be “a day when people at school suffered.” The student often begins planning an assault at least two weeks ahead of time. More than half of the time, the target identified prior to the attack is a faculty or staff member—not a fellow classmate. Other victims who were not originally targeted often suffer from the attacks, more than half of which were students. n
The Visor would like to remember those whose lives were taken during the shootings in Chardon on Feb. 27. May God bless the victims and the families of this horrific tragedy.
daniel parmertor
russell king, jr.
Articles by Lindsay Huth and Kristin Brennan.
tant in keeping a school secure. The most important ver, is a proactive attitude. It is crucial to always think in ty because, like in the case of any emergency, it is easier uilding has his or her own role. hool makes a school more secure? school is not a distinction that prevents school shootings. cial responsibility that truly makes a difference. When the ple who care about the welfare of others, and everyone is ng attitude, the hope is that the school will naturally be a
nine
demetrius hewlin
features
ten
Photo by Allie Weiss
HUNGRY for more Hunger Games fans anxiously await the book’s silver screen debut by lindsay huth
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n Fri. March 23, Suzanne Collins’ literar y phenomenon The Hunger Games will descend upon theaters across America and allow its book enthusiasts to experience the dystopian universe on the big screen. The film has the potential to garner over $100 million on its opening weekend, dubbing it one of the most lucrative productions of the year, according to nj.com. Already, the movie has smashed the record for first-day pre-show ticket purchases on Fandango and thousands of fans have shown their enthusiasm for stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemswor th throughout their nationwide tour of eighty malls. At the Mall of America event March 8, fans began lining up a full 24 hours prior to the 4:30 pm meet-and-greet with the cast. Police cut of f the line at 8 pm so those already in line would have enough room to spend the night on the mall floor. The book, which was first released in 2008, is currently atop both the USA Today
what are you most looking forward to about the hunger games?
and New York Times best-seller lists for children’s series and has been translated into 26 different languages. Casting for the main roles of the film was competitive. Stars such as Chloe Moretz, Abigail Breslin and Hailee Steinfeld had their sights set on the role of the main character Katniss Everdeen, but Jennifer Lawrence was chosen based on her 2010 performance in Winter’s Bone. “You can manipulate appearance, not essence,” producer Nina Jacobson told USA Today. “Jennifer taps the inner life of Katniss.” Lawrence was thrilled to be cast as Katniss, a character whom she admires. “I’m drawn to Katniss,” Lawrence told Seventeen magazine. “She has strength, she doesn’t get insecure and she doesn’t care about heartbreak. She’s a role model.” Though some book devotees are ner vous about the how closely the film version will adhere to the novel, Collins was intimately involved in the production of the film, ensuring it aligned with her vision. “I’ve just had the opportunity to see the finished film of The Hunger Games,”
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I’m really excited to see how they portray the actual games since they showed very little of them in the previews.
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ANGELA ALBANESE ‘12
Suzanne Collins wrote in a letter to her fans, according to Screenrant.com. “I’m really happy with how it turned out. I feel like the book and the film are individual yet complementar y pieces that enhance one another.” One aspect of the book which will remain intact in the movie is the violence. Some potential moviegoers and parents have voiced concern about the ubiquity of bloodshed in enter tainment and the desensitization which results from it. “Is it violent? Yes,” film director Gar y Ross told Enter tainment Weekly. “Do we back off from what it is? No, we don’t.” The anticipated box office hit is just the first in the Hunger Games film franchise. The popular trilogy, which also includes Catching Fire and Mockingjay, will be produced as four separate films. According to Screenrant.com, it is undecided how the stor y will be split from three books into four parts. Before focusing on the future of the film series, however, Hunger Games fanatics must first experience the initial installment, which will be in theaters next Friday. n
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I want to see how they represent the cornucopia. I’m curious to see if it will be a good adaptation like Harry Potter or a bad one like Twilight.
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MRS. BRAMAN
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I’m excited to see how they graphically show their clothes on fire when they’re presenting the tributes in the capital.
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SUSAN STALTER ‘14
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meet the cast JENNIFER LAWRENCE
JOSH HUTCHERSON
LIAM HEMSWORTH
21-year-old Jennifer Lawrence was cast as Katniss, the strong-willed protagonist of The Hunger Games books and movie. Lawrence was discovered by a photographer at age 14 in New York City, after which she began appearing in commercials and modeling. She graduated from high school two years early with a 3.9 GPA in order to launch her career. She began with roles in TV sitcom The Bill Engvall Show and movies including The Poker House (2008) and The Burning Plain (2008). Her role in Winter’s Bone (2010), the Grand Jury Prize winner at the Sundance Film Festival, earned her Best Newcoming Actress at the Hollywood Awards. Last year, she played roles in The Beaver and X-Men: First Class.
Josh Hutcherson plays Peeta Mellark in the upcoming film. The 19-year-old from Kentucky transferred his family to Los Angeles at the age of nine to pursue his acting dreams. He appeared in his first film, a TV movie entitled House Blend, in 2002 and soon after guest-starred on the popular television series E.R. He then began regularly landing roles in children’s films including Kicking and Screaming (2005), Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005), Bridge to Terabithia (2007) and Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008). He advanced to more mature films with his appearance in The Kids Are All Right (2010), which was nominated for four Academy Awards.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, 22-year-old Liam Hemsworth was cast as Gale Hawthorne in The Hunger Games. He garnered the interest of an agent while still in high school and eventually followed the footsteps of his brothers and became involved in acting. His first roles were small parts in the Australian soap opera Home and Away and the drama McLeod’s Daughters. In 2008, he gained a long-term role as Josh Taylor in the soap opera Neighbours. He then extended his work into the United Kingdom and the United States in films such as The Last Song (2010) prior to landing a prime role in The Hunger Games film.
haven’t read The book?
Everyone around you has been buzzing about the Hunger Games premiere. Every time it is brought up at the lunch table, you tune the conversation out since you never fell to the peer pressure to read the books. But now, with the movie a week away, you’re getting curious—should you still see it even if you haven’t read the book? And what should you expect if you do go?
You should definitely go. The storyline is amazing, and you won’t want the movie to end.
Read it first because, just like the Harry Potter series, the books are always better than the movies.
Yes, it’s probably better to see it before so you don’t get disappointed if it’s worse than the book.
sami stewart ‘12
michaella waickman ‘15
lizzy miller ‘14
before you go The film takes places in Panem, a postapocalyptic North America.
If you haven’t read the book, here are some facts you should know before embarking on your first Hunger Games experience.
The government sponsors an annual event known as the Hunger Games in which children fight to the death to win food for their District.
Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are District 12’s Tributes fighting in the games.
Source: imdb.com
movie TRIVIA Both Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth dyed their naturally blonde hair brown for the movie, but Josh Hutcherson, a natural brunette, had to dye his hair blonde. The pre-sale tickets, available Feb. 22, broke the record for sales, which was previously held by the Twilight installment Eclipse. The movie Savages, set for a 2012 release, also pined for Jennifer Lawrence as its lead. Lawrence, however, chose The Hunger Games, and the Savages role went to Blake Lively. Catching Fire and Mockingjay’s futures as films depend on the success of The Hunger Games. Source: imdb.com
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moving into the
Photo by Allie Weiss
future Hoban explores new technology USES FOR IPADS IN THE CLASSROOM Schools can switch to digital textbooks, which both saves money and increases convenience for students By tracing the location of students’ iPads, teachers can ensure all are accounted for prior to leaving for field trips Interactive maps and exhibit-related content make field trips more enjoyable Increasing the amount of work done electronically reduces paper used, helping the environment Source: www.scilearn.com
by kevin ritenauer
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dvancement in technology is an inevitable occurrence, and with many businesses utilizing the abilities of paperless tablet computers, schools are beginning to follow suit. Hoban is considering taking this initiative and supplying iPads for its students. Last week Hoban teachers including academic dean and economics teacher Susan Cox, math teacher Tom Hottinger and history teacher Greg Milo, travelled to St. John’s High School in Toledo, Ohio. There, students and teachers have already begun using iPads, and Hoban teachers wanted to see how their program works. “The fact is, it will be necessary for young people to be well-versed in technology such as the iPad as they enter college or the workplace,” Milo said. “Hoban wants to be sure to prepare its students the best we can, and implementing a program with the iPad is a way to ensure students have the skills necessary for the 21st century.” Hoban would try to create a program where each Hoban student and teacher would have an iPad. There are also some possible benefits not only for the students, but for Hoban as a whole, especially regarding environmental concerns. “iPads make St. John’s a nearly paperless school,” Milo said. ”Students can download handouts, take notes and write and turn in papers
on their iPad. Teachers can also grade and edit all assignments on the iPad.” Bishop Hartley, located just outside of Columbus, is another school in Ohio that has been using iPads in their school. “Having iPads makes class interactive and much more interesting than before,” Bishop Hartley junior Paulina Eberts said. “In AP calculus class, we use an application for antiderivative practice. We’ve also used game apps to study for Spanish.” The planning process of this Hoban project is still in its research stage, as many aspects require deliberation. “Teachers are visiting schools and researching what program would best fit the needs of the students,” Principal Dr. Mary Anne Beiting said. These teachers are moving closer to the technological transformation. “A one-to-one program [in which each student has a personal iPad] is still in the works but Hoban students will have access to iPads in the school by next year,” Cox said. Beiting explained next year’s plan. “We plan on having one cart of iPads and some others that the students will be able to use,” Beiting said. As modern technology continues to advance, the Hoban administration explores the option of possibly incoporating technologies such as iPads into the classroom. n
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guide
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to the spring sports season
Track ready to start off the blocks by nick corbett
Photo by Allie Weiss
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Juniors Lauren Donatelli and Meg Fleming prepare for the track season.
ith a new boys track coach,Tom O’Neil, the black top speedsters are getting in shape and ready to compete at the next level. The boys are going to have to be in shape as they recently advanced from Division II to Division I. Losing state-bound Evan Luse will definitely have an impact on the team, but with young talent emerging from the J.V. team, the boys look to get back on track for a great season as a team and individuals. “We will miss Evan greatly, but we have a lot of fast runners that can fill his spikes with a lot of hard work,” senior Duran Johnson said. Coach O’Neil is taking on his first year as head coach for the boys team. O’Neil was the boys track coach at Akron North before arriving at Hoban. Assisting him are two alumni track runners, Lawrence Wynn and Andrew Luse. Returning this year are seniors James Dimengo, Connor Lynch, Duran Johnson, Jake Michney, Ameer Hodoh, LaTroy Lewis
and Ben Sarkis. According to senior James Dimengo, the Knights will be in better shape than any other team around. The boys start their season March 27 at Normandy High School. The girls team has different goals as they look to get back to the winning side. Running in Division I is a tough task as they have to compete against the biggest schools in Ohio. Head coach Joe Lutz is certain that his girls have great potential to win the North Coast League. Seniors Lindsey Nickolich and Natalie Rothenbuecher, junior Allie Grif fith and sophomore Anne Kramer look to lead the team in the sprinting portion. Sophomore Katie Frego will lead the team for the distance running. “We have a good idea that we have what it takes to win a lot of meets,” senior Lindsey Nickolich said. “It just depends on how that individual runs on that given day.” The girls will start their season with the boys on March 27 at Normandy High School. n
track snapshot 21
last season RECORD boys 4-3 girls 3-4
games to watch
players to watch
3/31
Natalie Rothenbucher ‘12 sprinter
Michael Beaven Invitational
POSTSEASON boys 4/20 6th place at districts Trinity Invitational girls 5/3 anne kramer placed North Coast League Championship fourth
Anne Kramer ‘14 sprinter Jacob Michney ‘12 thrower Christian O’Neal ‘13 sprinter
senior quote
coach quote
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The team is working hard, and we continue to show plenty of potential.
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TOM O’NEIL
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We should be really good this year because everyone is taking it seriously; it’s not just a recreational sport.
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DURAN JOHNSON
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Boys volleyball looks to underclassman skill to shape state-worthy team by max moore
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he boys volleyball team will be retur ning this season after an impressive tournament run and state championship appearance. The team lost six seniors from last year’s team and looks to continue its winning ways with a ver y young team. Many of the boys have been putting in work over the off season competing on club teams. This year the team will be led by captain and two-year varsity player senior Nate Fulmer. He looks to lead the team back to the state championship game to compete for their third state title in five years. “We have a young, auspicious group of guys ready to compete at the highest level,” Fulmer said. With four returning seniors there will be plenty of leadership to help with the younger players. Along with Fulmer, seniors Zach Reichert, Corey Sailer and Alec Womack look to lead this team to victor y and continue the Hoban boys volleyball tradition of winning.
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Freshman Tommy Leslein will look to gain experience this season as a standout player. Added support will come from the star junior Tony Burns and sophomore Connor Evans. “We have a completely brand new team, but I believe once we are able to mesh together we will be able to compete with any team in the state,” senior Corey Sailer said. “If we put our best effort for ward I have no doubt that we can get back to the state championship.” Retur ning varsity coach Matt Mihelic, who is no stranger to state championships, returns to mold these diamonds in the rough into champions. H e w o n t h e O H S B VA Coach of the Year Award in 2010 and hopes to retur n to the pinnacle of coaching at the state title game. The boys need as many fans as possible to journey with them through an arduous season and suppor t them through their endeavors. The games are electric and are sure to be ver y entertaining. With a mix of experience and youth the team looks to continue their excellence on the cour t this season. n
We have a young auspicious group of guys ready to compete at the highest level. NATE FULMER
Photo by Allie Weiss
Senior Corey Sailer winds up for a serve at volleyball practice.
boys volleyball snapshot 21
last season RECORD
games to watch
18-9
Walsh Jesuit
POSTSEASON Division II state runner-up
3/24
4/14
St. Ignatius
5/5
Inspire Tournament
players to watch
‘12 Tommy Leslein ‘15 Tony Burns ‘14 Nate Fulmer
coach quote
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We will, we will rock you.
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MATT MIHELIC
senior quote
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We’re a brand new team, but with hard work we have plenty of potential.
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COREY SAILER
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lacrosse snapshot 21
last season RECORD
8-9 POSTSEASON OHSLA Honorable Mention: Jimmy Zazo
games to watch 3/24
North Canton Hoover
3/27
Kent Roosevelt
5/3
Walsh Jesuit
players to watch
‘12 Jimmy Bott ‘12 Michael Jenkins ‘14 Jimmy Zazo
senior quote
coach quote
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We have a lot of new players, but with the help of our seniors we can win some big games.
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DANNY CLEM
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We lost a lot of experienced players from last year but gained a ton of depth.
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JOEY REEVES
boys tennis snapshot 21
last season RECORD
games to watch
10-1
Canton Central Catholic
POSTSEASON Two players advanced to districts
4/2
4/3
St. V-M
5/24
players to watch
‘12 Bobby Macom ‘12 Tyler Potts
Walsh Jesuit
coach quote
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We will be good. Most of our team is coming back. We should be 12-0 this year.
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BENNY PIETRANGELO
softball snapshot
senior quote
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We should be pretty good this year. Benny’s our coach—enough said.
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TYLER POTTS
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last season RECORD
games to watch
8-14
4/23
POSTSEASON NCL second team: Natalie Bender, Emma Horning
Walsh Jesuit
4/28
Rock & Fire Showcase
players to watch
‘12 Natalie Bender ‘13 Emma Horning ‘13
Caitlin Constance
coach quote
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Our goal is to compete for the NCL title and also to have a lot of fun along the way.
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BOB MOSHER
senior quote
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We can do well this season. This is a rebuilding year, and we have a ton of talent.
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CAITLIN CONSTANCE
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fter last season’s hear twrenching loss in the state championship to St. Francis de Sales of Columbus, the baseball team is prepared to come back with the same momentum. The Knights ended their 2011 season on a questionable call by the home plate umpire in Columbus, resulting in the Division II runner-up trophy and a 20-9 record. Returning players and this season’s captains seniors Jon Crabbs, Colin Shaub, Tommy Yakubowski and Nick Corbett, along with contributing junior Aaron Cain, know what it takes to be a winning team in a competitive environment. “We have the hardest schedule in the state of Ohio, but we have a good amount of unproven talent,” Crabbs said. The Knights face such spor ts powerhouses as Cleveland’s St. Ignatius, Tallmadge, Strongsville, Walsh and Toledo’s St. John’s. They also have a great chance against rivals, a feat with which many other Hoban teams have had trouble in the past years. The Knights swept both Walsh Jesuit and St. Vincent-St. Mary last season and look to continue
the streak in the upcoming spring. The team also racked up an exceptional 9-3 record in North Coast League play, arguably one of the highest quality collection of baseball teams in the state, while also claiming the league coach of the year, Jim Diestel. However, the baseball team has lost a number of integral players. The team graduated nine key seniors, including first team NCL third baseman Kerrigan Cain and pitching aces Matt Gebacz and Nate Prebonick. These seniors were all cr ucial in the victories that led the Knights to their second state championship appearance in school history. To make up for this loss of experience, the retur ning senior captains have been working in the weight room and indoor fields since the winter months, bringing underclassmen into a more varsitypaced style of play that will ready them for the fast-approaching season. With a number of talented seniors lost from last season, the Knights face a daunting task ahead of them. But with an award-winning coach and a group of veteran captains that understand how to win in pivotal games, the future is bright for Knightball 2012. n
Photo by Allie Weiss
“Knightball” looks to take trip back to states
by jordan cook
baseball snapshot 21
last season 20-9
St. Francis de Sales
POSTSEASON Division II state runner-up
3/31
4/14
St. John’s Jesuit
4/16 & 4/17 Walsh Jesuit
players to watch
Aaron Cain ‘13 center field Nick Corbett ‘12 pitcher Tommy Yakubowski ‘12 catcher Jon Crabbs ‘12 right field
coach quote
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The senior leadership will be key as their experience from last year will help us.
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JIM DIESTEL
senior quote
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We have the toughest schedule in Ohio, but I think we can go undefeated.
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JON CRABBS
Compiled by LaTroy Lewis
RECORD
games to watch