page four
page nine
page eight
Two of Hoban’s newest clubs attract both students and faculty members.
Students’ political awareness proves astonishing in school-wide poll.
Sweet treats and ghastly ghouls haunt the history of the Halloween season.
the archbishop hoban high school n issue 4 n october 21, 2011
taoism. neopaganism. sikhism. christianity. agnosticism. hinduism. unitarian universalism. zurvanism. confucianism. jainism. esotericism. reform judaism. shinto. bhakti movement. northern buddhism. samaritanism. totemism. bahá’í faith. the creativity movement. athiesm. nontrinitarianism. manicaeism. ismailism. manichaeism. gnosticism. islam. sufism. nuwaubianism. wahabi. orthodox judaism. mandaeism. humanistic buddhism. ghost dance. norse mythology. fourth way. smartism. haredi judaism. methodism. mithraism. nuwaudbianism. reiki. fundamentalism. caodaism. evangelicalism. mohism. pietism. dahomey mythology. bön. pentecostalism. liberalism. haitian mythology. modernism. neo-orthodoxy. ashanti mythology. new evangelicalism. cherokee mythology. paleo-orthodoxy. inca mythology. ecumenism. lingayatism. tengriism. baptism. mysticism. presbyterianism. shamanism. balinese mythology. greek polytheism. zulu mythology. orphism. luciferianism. gaelic mythology. pythagoreanism. wicca. martinism. calvinism. voodoo. discordianism. humanism. subud. jediism. naturalistic pantheism. catholicism. universal life church. religion. scientology. new thought. lutheranism. shinshukyo. zoroastrianism. mazdakism. rastafari movement. fellowship of reason. anglicanism. episcopalianism. mormonism. hermeticism. tantrism. eastern buddhism. exploring some of the many faiths within the walls of hoban
editorial
two
Students must reevaluate promises in superfanning duties and beyond
A
mid the sea of blue and gold that tantalizes the eyes of opponents loom the super-fans. These painted, bedecked students stand proudly behind the Hoban football squad as they fight for Hoban’s glory, strong, brave and true. Or do they? This year, 86 students signed up to be super-fans. Among the stipulations that were included in this commitment was attendance to each and every game this fall. The schedule was public; the obligation was obvious. However, apart from the first football game, the dedication has not been apparent. Attendance numbers of superfans have dropped drastically since the first Hoban football endeavor. Now, away games rarely garner even a half of those signed up for the club. It is understandable to face disheartened fans at this point in an unsuccessful season. However, when students make a commitment to support a team, with a written promise that they will attend, they must follow through. Perhaps it is too late for the super-fans to redeem themselves this sea-
son, but students in the future should consider the assurances they make, whether it be in the super-fan, work or home arena. n
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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: Editorial cartoon by Mary Stalter
Protests propel youth into action hen considering the presidential election in 2012, it is important to consider the impact the Millennial Generation has on the future of our country. 18- to 29-year-old Americans represent the largest and most diverse generation in American history in terms of number and opinion. Now more than ever, the youth’s voice in politics is ever-present throughout society, especially in the recent Occupy Wall Street Movement. The current Occupy Wall Street Movement is comprised of mostly youth and students who for three weeks have camped out near Wall Street. Unafraid to voice their opinion, thousands of these protesters commonly proclaim that they are the “99% that will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the 1%,” according to their website occupywallst.com. The protesters proclaim that Occupy is a leaderless movement without an official set of demands. Instead of one central leader preaching to the masses, Occupy uses a consensus process in which anyone can join in the decision-making and propose ideas. Proposals may be passed if nine-tenths of the majority approves. Also, Occupy has organized medical, food, legal, outreach and security groups available for all members. Occupy Wall Street has certainly turned
the
into a powerful movement that has surprised and even frightened many Americans. What was once just a mob of jobless Americans on Wall Street has now turned into a national movement with Occupy starting in Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis and Portland. There are even rumors of Occupy going global: Occupy the World. It is hard to fathom that such a spontaneous case of “mobocracy” has turned into national protest that has not ceased to back down. Whether the protesters actually accomplish some common goal or simply are staying to fight for their own beliefs, a certain quality of youth leadership and influence has flooded America. The Millennial Generation will have a huge voice in the upcoming election, as Americans have already seen in this national protest. Although we do not necessarily support the protesters, we as high school students should see Occupy as encouragement to make a difference in the upcoming election. There are groups offered to students like Youth Politicians of America, which conducts online discussions and offers free memberships to students ages 14-22. We may not be able to cause a national campaign such as Occupy, but we should realize that our political voice is just as important as voting veterans’. n
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
Occupy Hoban: Where the students are the protesters
O
ver the course of the “Occupy Wall Street” protests held in New York, I have considered the American way of inspiring change. Even if the protester’s ambitions are not logically centered, I find that this is a figment of the U.S. that I love. But all this talk of political reform got me thinking. What would happen if Hoban students organized a massive protest? Enter Occupy Hoban, a satirical world where Hoban’s students are “the 99%”. On September 18, 2011, a citizen wakes up. Instead of snuggling into the soft comfort of his duvet, however, he is caught with an icy wind that strikes him from the newly opened zipper in his tent. Looking up, he sees a fellow protester gesturing for him to rise. It’s time to occupy Holy Cross Boulevard. Yesterday, the protests started in earnest, with many enthusiastic students present in protest of the new uniform pants that will dominate the halls next year. Many of them do not even understand the arguments they shout to the administrators. That morning, they were clad in pants, fleece, and all manner of headbands and superfluous accessories. But if it had been warmer, they would have shown up in yoga pants and short skirts, too inappropriate for school and as always, highly fashionable. Indeed, these young protesters do not understand the superficiality of their woe, they chalk any limitation imposed upon them as actions comparable to oppression. Upon the break of night, most of the frivolous protesters venture back to their suburban
homes. Those who remain are the stalwart intellectuals. Unconcerned with the dress code, they are present for more pressing issues. Their motivations stem from the money they spend, the events they sponsor, and the beliefs they share. This communal angst has festered for months. Now, it will finally be released in a tumultuous spurt of teenage rebellion. The rebellion manifests itself peacefully, but it is oppositional nonetheless. Were they American citizens, they wouldn’t have to worry. But the citizens of Hoban aren’t always allowed to gather freely in the street or speak their mind unconditionally. Still, the courageous souls huddle close to small campfires in order to stay warm into the depths of the chilled Fall night. In the morning, they will not be joined by the ephemeral dress code protesters. Instead, they will address raffle tickets, or the arts, or sports funding. Picket signs lay in the corner of tents, clothes laid on their backs. They had no additional wherewithal. He is proud of their schedule. His own personal duty in the whole ordeal is to mock up the desires of the protesters, and figure a way to make the citizens’ voices heard. When they were organizing the protest, he remembered that the Americans had not articulated their wishes clearly enough to inspire change. He wouldn’t let that happen to the citizens of Hoban. When morning broke on the third day, the grimy young band of activists emerged from their tents and cast their voices aloft on
the clear breeze. Echoes of change reverberated across the lots between the wings of the makeshift amphitheatere, as body heat does in the embrace of a bird’s feathers. The building welcomed the words, amplified them, glorified them. But these new people emerging from the building did not share the same affection for the protesters. They held the air of an authority, and they were not to be challenged because their requests were perfectly reasonable. They told the students they must vacate the property, they told them that they were no longer allowed to shout and scream about rules that would not be changed. Like Zuccotti Park in America, they had to clean Hoban. His hopes faltered; he wondered what could possibly needed cleaning up. Suddenly, images of regulated, orderly behavior flashed through his head. He could not inspire reform, he would not be held as the champion of the great movement that ended all student limitation. He had failed. n
America’s youth must embrace political responsibility
I have never considered myself one to miss an opportunity to voice my opinion, whether to articulate praise or advocate change. Lately, many other young adults in the U.S. have gained notoriety by using their youth and energy to advocate a cause they may or may not be well-informed about. While I doubt very much that every person involved in the “Occupy” movements is filled with righteous indignation fueled by even a minimal amount of reliable fact, I see something very positive in the news coverage that these people who are voicing their opinion are getting: they are mostly young adults, and many are students. It is imperative today that we, the future generation of American voters, recognize that there is more to the American political system than a group of rambling, middle-aged Congressmen arguing. The ability to impact American policy is not reserved for those preparing for retirement; we young people have it too. I recognize that oftentimes it feels like even when young people do make an effort to impact their government’s actions, their requests go unheard. For example, more than forty
members of the Honors Government classes here at Hoban emailed our legislators two weeks ago, and the overwhelming majority has not received replies. However, that we as Americans have the ability to voice distention, make suggestions, or even just offer praise to our legislators whenever we want is a right that we as young adults should exercise when we feel strongly about an issue. Personally, I am strongly pro-life. In my letter I encouraged Governor John Kasich to examine the Ohio Department of Health’s September report, recognize that more than half of the women who had abortions in 2010 were under the age of twenty four, and that almost 70 percent of them had only a high school education or less. I encouraged him to support legislation to ensure that women understand the options available to them through government-assisted childcare, paternal child support, and other service organizations should they choose not to terminate their pregnancy. I feel my email was polite, timely, and factual. I didn’t have to stand in the rain or sleep in a tent to send my message, and as far as I know, no
government agencies are preparing to harass me for utilizing my first amendment right. I informed the legislator who represents my home state what I feel strongly about, and, though I haven’t yet received a response, I feel I had done some small amount of good in participating in the system. Teenagers must recognize that they can and should take an active role in their government. In thirteen months, many of us will be electing the new executive of our country. In order to make informed decisions, we must embrace our duty and rise actively as the new generation of influential Americans. n
news
four
UNDERGROUND CLUBS BRACELET CLUB
E
very Thursday morning, a small group of students gathers before school to help others through their art. They wake up early to collaborate before the tone sounds and, instead of complaining about the early hour of their meeting, joyfully go about their work with smiles adorning their faces. This unique group is the Bracelet Club, which meets weekly to construct its jewelry. The bracelets, although currently still in the construction process, are eventually going to be sold to benefit Project Hope. “Making bracelets has always been a branch of the Peace and Justice Club, but [senior] Liz Santucci and I thought it deserved to be its own entity,” senior member Julianna Blischak said. “We have a lot of fun making the bracelets. We make all kinds, and we even teach other members how to make new
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2011
Founded
2011
by abbey dankoff
Meetings
Th. 7:15 a.m. in Room 120
types.” Even though the club, which is under the guidance of social studies teacher Greg Milo, is only in its first year, it already can boast several members and quite a few memories. “We have about ten students who come to Thursday meetings on a regular basis,” Milo said. “There’s a lot of chit-chatting that goes on; it really adds to the harmonious work environment.” While the members of the club do not directly see the people they are aiding through their efforts, they are determined to make a change through Project Hope. And although the pride the club feels in helping out the less fortunate produces a very gratifying feeling, there is another reason that Bracelet Club continues to bring members back to room 120 week after week. “Waking up at 6:30 a.m. on Thurs-
ADVENTURE CLUB hile most Hoban students are comfortable staying in the warmth of their homes on brisk weekend afternoons, there are a certain few who choose to trade pajama pants for hiking boots and replace the safety of the indoors with the excitement of the outside world. From climbing vast trails throughout Akron to pumpkin carving, the newly-formed Adventure Club has begun to partake in exciting activities that highlight members’ thirst for adventure. Although the club is only in its first year of existence, it can already boast thirty members and an array of events planned for the rest of the year. The club is headed by senior presidents Allie Weiss and Melissa Shaffer, who decided to join Outdoors Club during their time together on the cross country team. “I first learned about the club from Ms. Senn, our advisor. She’s
Founded
Getting to know two of the leastknown school clubs
days to get to Hoban for my favorite activity is the absolute best way to start the day,” said senior Liz Santucci, who leads the club along with Blischak. “We usually decide how to fashion bracelets for the week based off of Mr.Milo’s music selection for the morning. We’re like a giant sewing circle, except we’re not old.” Bracelet Club hopes to start selling its bracelets by Christmas time during lunch periods and at other school and sports events. By purchasing a bracelet, members of the Hoban community can aid both Project Hope and the growth of the newly-founded club that produces the jewelry. The aid that the Bracelet Club gives to the people of Akron through Project Hope proves that, no matter how simple or small an action, students can always assist those most in need of help. n
Meetings
M+W, 3 p.m. in Room 234
been working on developing this club since the end of last school year, and we finally got around to organizing it all through the administration,” said Shaffer, one of the club’s co-presidents. “I knew I wanted to join from the moment I heard about it. I love being outside, especially in the winter when I’m not in season.” Math teacher Miranda Senn, who founded the club early this school year, had definite motivation for creating a club that would involve experiencing the wonders of nature. “I was a Girl Scout for fifteen years as a kid, and I received my Gold Award when I was a teenager. My love of the outdoors continued into my college years when I joined University of Akron’s Outdoors Club,” Senn said. “I had always wanted to get involved with a club at Hoban, and I thought that I could be involved and incorporate my love for nature simultaneously.
Even though the events organized by the club, which usually occur on the weekends, aim to unite members through enjoyable adventures, there is another very vital impact the club can have on members. “Being in Adventure Club has major health benefits,” said junior Brian Hughey, who, along with junior Sierra Radik, serves as a vice president of the club. “So far we’ve gone hiking and walked over three miles in one trip, which was much easier than I anticipated. Except for the 110 steps we had to climb when it was raining-that was no picnic.” Adventure Club has only held three meetings so far this year and is always looking for members to join who are interested in stepping outdoors and discovering the beauty of what nature has to offer. Students interested in joining in on the adventures should listen to announcements for upcoming events. n
news
five Sophomore Melinda Baer, junior Tony Burns and freshman Tony Incorvati practice for their upcoming TV appearance.
Walsh Jesuit discusses uniform pants possibility
Photo by Allie Weiss
by jack srail
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Academic Challenge on TV show by lexi smith
O
n Oct. 23, select members of Hoban’s Academic Challenge team will face off for a match to be aired on the ABC television show on Jan. 14. The fast-approaching taping, which was expected to occur much later in the season, has forced the Academic Challenge team to quickly choose competitors and begin practicing. However, with the aid of head coach and science teacher Judy Mohan, assistant coaches religion teacher Ben Rossi and math teacher Jennifer Spontarelli, and a brief return of former advisor English teacher Cher yl Erdman, team members are diligently preparing for the upcoming match. The first step of preparation for Hoban’s team was to assemble a super team of six members. Three will actually be filmed competing, and three will ser ve as alternates. “Students are chosen for their speed, accuracy and communication,” Mohan stated. “Naturally, there is also some level of seniority.” Junior Tony Burns, sophomore Melinda Baer and freshman Tony Incor vati were picked to represent Hoban for the match, and practices began immediately. The exercises during practices for the TV episode differ from those of the regular season. Junior Captain Tony Burns explained that some of the differences include three schools rather than two competing, using pictures for questions and completing more rounds than a regular season match. In preparation for the taped com-
petition, the team reviews tapes of old shows to familiarize itself with the format of the filmed competition. While watching the tapes, members also analyze the questions asked in order to recognize the scope of potential questions. This allows team members to realize their weaknesses concerning certain subjects so they may be able to improve their skill in answering them. During the TV practices students will also perfect their speed with buzzers, a skill that is vital to their win. “This is what hurts them the most,” Mohan said. “They almost always know the answer but they aren’t able to buzz in fast enough.” Because Hoban is chosen to compete on TV only once ever y two or three years, this will be ever y TV team member’s first appearance on TV. However, the team is confident in its chance of success. “I expect them to do ver y well,” Mohan said. “This year we have a ver y strong set of competitors, and as long as there’s good communication, they can win.” Other club members not competing in the television face-off have confidence in their on-air representatives as well. “We’ve always had a strong team with great coaches who have been through this before,” senior Meredith Rittman said. “With their help we can prepare well enough to win.” All of the arduous time and training that the Academic Challenge team is demonstrating will hopefully lead it to a first place finish. n
test your skills
answer these academic challenge questions and see if you’re cut out for the talented team. 1. What is the name for the linkage in amino acids? 2. A cobbler makes shoes; what objects does a cooper make? 3. The Ionian Sea has the greatest depth as an arm of what larger body of water? 4. In Ancient Greece, what was the title of a person who recited epic poems as a profession?
hile the Walsh administration denies Hoban’s influence in its decision to consider school pants, it cannot be denied that the uniform pants have become a popular trend. The administration adamantly states that it is the abuse of the current dress code that has sparked the recent debate over whether or not to incorporate a uniform pant. “It is our students who are beginning to wear skinny pants to school, and we have determined this type of pant to be inappropriate,” Walsh principal Mark Hassman said. As of now, Walsh is in the investigation process and hasn’t made a decision as to whether to make school pants mandator y for next year or not. “If the students cannot adjust and continue to wear inappropriate pants to school, we will begin to look further into the uniform pant,” Hassman said. The problems that Hoban and Walsh are one in the same but there have been two different solutions put on the table. Walsh has chosen to give there students a second chance before making anything official. Hoban has made the point of having school pants next year clear, already having pants picked out and even days when you can be fitted and pre-order school pants. “I think it’s outrageous,” Walsh junior Matthew Elias Musci said. “Kids should be able to wear whatever kind of pants they want because that’s part of being an individual.” Neither students from Walsh nor Hoban want to wear school pants for next year, and both are making their opinions well-known. The students from Hoban and Walsh both argued that neither of them want school pants and that they want a chance to fix the problem. Both administrations believe that although pants at both schools may be an issue, things are being handled in two different ways. Nevertheless, both are tr ying to get a point across that certain types of pants are unacceptable for school. “The common theme of students’ disbelief shows that, no matter what school gets uniform pants, the students will always be unhappy with the decision,” Hoban freshman Margaret Melhus said. n
1. peptide bonds, 2. barrels, 3. the Mediterranean Sea, 4. a rhapsode or rhapsodist
centerspread
six
Samia Gheith Muslim
What are the basic principles of your faith? We believe in following the five pillars, which consist of a creed, daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, almsgiving and a pilgrimage to Mecca. What’s your favorite religious holiday? My favorite holiday would have to be Ramadan because it falls on the day after the month of fasting, so knowing that the fasting is over is a huge relief. What is your weekly ser vice like? We go to the mosque and pray every now and then. What is it like being a Muslim at a Catholic school? It’s not too bad. Everyone is welcoming so I don’t feel any different!
DeAllen Jackson Baptist
What are the major differences between your faith and Catholicism? In my church there’s a lot more singing and clapping, and the service usually lasts up to two hours. We do not recognize a pope, and communion is only given on the first Sunday of every month. What is it like being from a different Christian denomination within a Catholic school? It really doesn’t make a difference to me. I do all the same motions except I don’t receive the Eucharist when we go to all-school Mass. What do you find most interesting about your faith? I think it’s really cool when people at my church become overwhelmed by the Holy Ghost. Some of the older women begin to speak in tongues and it’s really awesome to watch and experience.
Jewish
Skylar Gross
What is it like being from a different religion in a Catholic school? I feel very unique, but sometimes it is hard because of the different holidays and trying to understand them. What is your favorite Jewish holiday? Hanukkah because we get presents everyday for eight straight days. What do you do during Christmas? Christmas and Hanukkah are around the same time, so we celebrate Christmas with our friends while still taking time to celebrate our traditional holiday. What is your weekly ser vice like? It is held on Saturday morning. It can last as long as three hours, which usually consists of a great amount of praying and reading from the Torah.
Lutheran
Nick Schondel
What are the major differences between your faith and Catholicism? We look to the Bible more for answers and we believe that everyone is automatically saved by grace. Everyone receives the gift of heaven. What is your weekly ser vice like? It is a lot like a Catholic Mass, but anyone who is baptized is allowed to receive communion. Have you always gone to Catholic school? No, I went to public school until eighth grade. Freshman year was my first experience with Catholicism.
What is it like being from a different Christian denomination within a Catholic school? It’s really enjoyable. The first all-school mass was quite a learning experience for me.
centerspread
Corey Sailer Buddhist
Where are you now in your faith? I am discovering and starting my journey into Buddhism. What does being a Buddhist require? There is a lot of meditation. Buddhism focuses on compassion and learning to understand the world around you. Do you have any plans pertaining to your religion? I want to go to a monastery in Thailand and get a Sak Yant. It’s a sacred tattoo that can give you strength and wisdom, and it can only be given by a head monk. Within the next few years I want to spend a few months there to escape from the world and really focus on Buddhism.
Hindu Rajat
seven
Chadda
What are the main differences between Hinduism and Catholicism? In Hinduism we believe in believe in many gods, and there is one greater god named Brahma. Of what does your weekly ser vice consist? I attend a Sunday morning service at Shiva Vishnu Temple in Parma, which takes two or three hours depending on the week.
Are there any traditions you take part in after the ser vice? My family takes part in langar, a weekly holy meal that usually feeds 250-300 people. The food is delicious--it’s good stuff. What does it feel like being a Hindu at a Catholic high school? It’s pretty easy. I feel like people respect my religion.
What is it like being from a different religion in a Catholic school? It’s not awkward, but I do feel a little out of place. As a Buddhist I don’t worship a god, but I still admit that I could be wrong.
How does attending a Catholic school enrich your faith? We have a great community and we have the Brothers [of Holy Cross] here. Plus, there are good people who help me learn and grow in my faith. My teachers and classmates are always there for me, and I am grateful that I can rely on them for spiritual guidance. Have you participated in any spiritual retreats? I went on the Search retreat. It was extremely fun and informative. When I was there I had a great amount of time to think about my faith and what it means to me. What do you see in your future as a Catholic? I’m not one hundred percent sure, but I might go into the seminary following high school. With my interactions with the Brothers and with everything I do within my parish, it just seems like a good fit. I feel like that is what God is calling me to be.
Sandra Dickos
What are the main differences between your faith and Catholicism? They’re almost identical, but in Greek Orthodox Christianity there is no original sin or venial sin--it’s all the same. What are your weekly ser vices like? It usually lasts about two hours depending on if the bishop is there. The service is spoken in both English and Greek.
What is it like to be graded on a religion other than your own? It’s a little bit easier because I went to a private school before I came to Hoban. A lot of the prayers are different and we have different saints, but I don’t have trouble participating in religion class. What is it like being from a different religion in a Catholic school? It’s not that bad because our religions are very similar, but I also really enjoy having the opportunity to learn about another facet of Christianity.
Interviews by Katie Cottrill, Allie Weiss, Micaela Gutlove and Anna Baumhoer. Photos by Allie Weiss
Joe Fallucco Catholic
Greek Orthodox
features
eight
“
What was your paranormal experience?
A couple years ago I was trying to sleep and I saw a white figure in the hallway and it was my dad. My mom and sister saw it, too.
”
NICHOLAS McINTURFF ‘15
“
My mom used to own a bar and there were five ghosts that went to the bar. She was cooking and a knife started floating. Also, customers would ask, “Who is that?” but no one was there.
” ” ” ”
LINDSEY NICKOLICH ‘12
“ “ “
Rachel and I were in my basement and she thought I woke her up but I didn’t.
LAUREL JAROCH ‘12
There is a guy who works with my mom and he studies paranormal activity.
SARAH CARMON ‘15
I was sleeping and I woke up and there was a guy in black standing at my door.
SYDNEY SCHUBERT ‘12
Akron’s Haunted Past Tales of ghosts surround local theater by mackenna swing
T
he Akron Civic Theatre, previously known as the “Loewes Theater,” has remained a monumental aspect of Akron culture since 1929. Throughout the past eighty-two years, people have attended a multitude of plays and other various productions at this venue, but does the public truly know what goes on behind the scenes? The Akron Civic Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Akron near the Erie Canal. Since its opening, the theater has acquired a reputation for being haunted. Supernatural forces are known to roam the lavish theater underneath the ceiling’s twinkling stars on a day to day basis. There are three specific paranormal figures that are present in the theater: a loyal janitor, a well-dressed actor and a suicidal girl’s ghost. The most commonly seen ghost is “Fred the janitor.” Fred was a dedicated employee who supposedly died during one of his shifts at the theater. During various school proms held at the Akron Civic Theatre, attacks have been recorded on students who were disrespecting the theater through vandalism. Fred’s ghost continues to carry out his janitorial duties to this very day. Senior Allison Pugliese is a former ballet student who preformed at the theater on oc-
CANDY CRAZE
When the little candies were first put into production, the intent was for them to be perfectly round. After many failed attempts to produce perfect, spherical treats, the manufacturers began to refer to them as duds. The first part of the name comes from the large amount of milk used to make the candies.
The origin of common candy names A contest set up by the Curtiss Candy Company resulted in the name of this treat. Mr. Nikola Jovanovic was chosen to name the bar. He selected Butterfinger, the nickname given to him as a child due to his extreme clumsiness and overeating.
casion. “I remember when I preformed at the Akron Civic Theater the older girls would always taunt us and tease us about Fred the janitor,” said Allison Pugliese. “They would never tell the whole story but I was still scared.” The second ghost of the Akron Civic Theatre is the well-dressed man. He is believed to be an actor who is not quite aware that the show is indeed over. He has been seen backstage among current actors and he has also been seen sitting the balcony. Many guests and employees believe they have seen him lurking throughout the theater. The third and final ghost of the Akron Civic Theater is a weeping girl who has been spotted at the side of the Erie Canal that runs behind the theater. Prior to construction of the Akron Civic Theatre, the young girl committed suicide by jumping into the canal and drowning. Her crying and sobs have been heard by maintenance as she sulks alone along the canal before disappearing into the darkness. Given its vast prosperity for almost a century, many believe that the Akron Civic Theatre is a crucial part to Akron’s history. Whether it be it’s frightening myths or it’s elaborate decor, the Akron Civic Theater has made an impact on the city. n During the summer of 1912, Clarence Crane had a revelation: candy bar sales were so low in the summer because chocolate bars melt so quickly in high temperatures. As a solution to the problem, Crance developed a peppermint candy shaped like a life-preserver and intended to “save” the pleasure of eating candy from being extinguished by the summer heat.
HERSHEY’S
Milk Duds
Originally, this popular candy bar was actually three bars in one package. Each miniature bar had a different flavor: chocolate, strawberry or vanilla. Soon after the release of the bar, however, it became obvious that the chocolate bar filled with nougat was the crowd-pleaser. In an attempt to address the popular demand, manufacturers began to produce a larger version of the chocolate bar.
3 Mu
Chocolatey Covered Caramels
Whip ped
ger
rfin e t t u B
sketeers
Up, Flu ffy Cho c olate
-on- Cho
c olate Taste
LIFESAVERS FI VE FL AVOR
Source: www.health-benefits-of-dark-chocolate.com/candy-bar-trivia.html. Text by Kristin Brennan
features
nine
state of the union.
PARTY AFFILIATION
a study of the status of politics at hoban survey and graphics by lindsay huth
Democrat, 23.01%
Republican, 40.71%
VOTE Undecided, 23.89%
IN AMERICA... Independent,
11.5%
41% Independent 31% Democrat 26% Republican
MALES
reported awareness of local politics: 2.38 out of 5 percent who knew the mayor of Akron’s name: 27.87%
85% 5%
knew the name of the Vice President of the United States
but...
believed his name is spelled “Beiding” or “Biding,” similar to principal Dr. Mary Anne Beiting, rather than “Biden”
13.9%
knew that Ohio Senate Bill 5 dealt with collective bargaining rights and unions
FEMALES
reported awareness of local politics: 2.17 out of 5 percent who knew the mayor of Akron’s name: 27.78%
Percentage of students who knew one of President Obama’s opponents in the 2008 election
FRESHMEN 88.5%
SOPHOMORES 95.1%
JUNIORS 95.7%
SENIORS 84.0%
Analyzed from a survey of 115 Hoban students. National statistics from gallup.org.
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POSTSEASON
PROGRESS REPORTS
by nick corbett and daniel lloyd
GIRLSGOLF
The girls golf team achieved a successful season finishing 10-4 in match play. At OHSAA sectionals, the girls placed ninth out of the twenty teams competing. Senior Abbey Dankoff missed the district tournament just by 1 stroke. The team was lead by Dankoff and fellow seniors Danielle Cincurak, Alyssa Coill, Taylor Stott and Colleen Considine. “We had a great season and a lot of fun,” senior Danielle Cincurak said. “Our coach taught us a lot about the game which helped us during our regular season match play.” The girls look to continue to improve the golf program next season although they are losing 5 senior starters.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
The Lady Knights volleyball team has record of 7-13. With only three seniors on the team, it allowed others the chance to step up and lead. “One turning point this year was when some of our underclassmen stepped up to add some stability as well as dynamics to our team,” junior Alessandra Dickos said. The team spent much of the year building up chemistry throughout the team through a variety of bonding activities. Despite tough losses to Padua and Walsh, the team brought about a three game sweep against the Fighting Irish to finish the season. “We really used our strengths to pull out a win against St. V,” junior Madeline Corrigall said. “We really came together as a team.” The team expects an easy win over opponent North and to move far into the playoffs after its strong showing against the school’s archrival.
GIRLSTENNIS
The girls tennis team attained a record of 5-8 in match play with a victory over the Irish on the court. In the post season, Junior Elisa DiMeo and senior Halle Remen advanced through sectionals to the district tournament. “Even though we did not have the best season, the team has a good amount of talent returning for successful seasons in the future,” senior Megan Semans said. The team is looking forward to a strong showing next year and to advance far into the post season.
CROSSCOUNTRY The cross country team won all titles at the Dick Malloy Invitational and placed second at the St. Vincent-St. Mary Open. Cross country finished the regular season with both boys and girls teams finishing fourth at the NCL Championship meet. Last year, the team lost its star runner Max Straus and this season was originally thought as a rebuilding year. A few individuals worked hard to overcome the odds. “Under the leadership of Max Moore the team has improved drastically and is now setting its sights on advancing from the district meet this upcoming Saturday,” senior Liz Santucci said. Sophomore Katie Frego looks to conquer Division I districts this weekend and move on to the regional race.
BOYS SOCCER
Usually when a program shifts to a new coach, it takes awhile for a team to restart and get into the routine of things. For Tavi Muresan and the soccer team, the first season of the new regime proved a success. “At first the transition was a little rough having a lot change with Tavi, but as the season progressed we became more comfortable it and grew accustomed to it,” junior Tim Delaney said. The highlight of the season was defeating the Walsh Warriors for only the second time in school history. With a 8-5-1 record, the team is taking a hopeful look towards the playoffs as the fourth seed with its first game against the winner of Field and Streetsboro. “We are prepared for some tough games ahead but we are also confident we can make a solid run in playoffs this year,” senior captain John Paradise said.
GIRLSSOCCER
The girls soccer team maintained its reputation as a force of Northeast Ohio soccer with a record of 7-5-3, including a crushing 3-0 victory over the fighting Irish as a major highlight of the season. Part of the team’s success was the camaraderie between the players. “Our team is a family. We always give one-hundred ten percent for each other,” senior Rae Naragon said. “We are closer, stronger and more passionate than ever.” The team faced one of the toughest schedules in girls soccer history, but that did not stop the Knights from attaining their goals. “Often times a team gets better after a tough loss as opposed to an easy win,” junior Molly Reilly said. “It should help us as we advance through the playoffs.” The Knights are looking forward to a strong playoff run and having home field advantage through the district championship.
BOYSGOLF
The boys golf team finished first in the Trinity Tournament. In postseason play, the team ended the year fifth overall. Senior Marcus Carano advanced to the district tournament where he scored a seven over par. The lad linksters were led by seniors Carano, Jimmy Bott, Gordon Reffner and Avery Berhens. “We didn’t have nearly as good of a season as we did last year but we had a couple of good quality wins,” Bott said. The golf team will look ahead to ahead to next year to get back into the state tournament.
FOOT BALL
The football team conquered NDCL for the first win of the season. Though the team will not be competing in the state playoffs, it looks to gain a few more wins before the season ends. “I’m really proud of every single player on our team,” senior Jimmy Zazo said. “We never gave up and we continued to fight through our obstacles. We still are a family and look to finish the season off like we had originally planned.” The Knights played many close games including the face-off with St. Vincent- St. Mary. Injuries may have been the setback of the season, but the team looks to bounce back next year.
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Getting to know cross country star Katie Frego by kevin ritenauer
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Sophmore Katie Frego has her sights set on qualifying for the state cross country tournament.
Boys soccer ranks third in NCL going into postseason by james axson
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n Wednesday Oct. 5, the Hoban boys soccer team played Padua for the North Coast League title. After a stalemate in the first seventy minutes, Padua snuck in a late goal to win the game 1-0. With this loss, the boys record went to 7-4-1, and they fell to third place in the NCL. “After the game we felt that we needed to work more on goal scoring,” junior Paul Gutbrod said. “We were really really excited for the St. V game because they’re one of our main rivals.” Determined not to let the loss affect it and spurred on by its victory over Walsh, the team then turned its sights to its second rival, St. Vincent-St. Mary, whom it faced on Saturday Oct. 9. After St. V-M dominated the first half, the Knights faced a 3-0 deficit
midway through the second. “We needed to play more like a team and stop being individuals,” sophomore Michael Londa said. “We felt like we were letting them play their game.” At this point, the game increased in intensity and Hoban began to penetrate St. VM’s rigid defense. After several attempts on goal, Gutbrod was able to put the Knights on the board. Excited after its goal, Hoban’s offense began pushing harder in an attempt to tie the game. After several good attempts and a mild scuffle, the game came down to the closing seconds when junior Tim Delaney scored the Knights’ second goal with under a minute to play. Unfortunately, a last-ditch effort to tie the game proved unsuccessful and the team suffered its second loss in a row. Despite this unfortunate end to the
Photo by Allie Weiss
ophmore Katie Frego has left cross country fans and opponents wondering just how far she will go. Despite being Hoban’s girls cross country star, Frego had quite an unusual beginning to her cross country career. “I first tried tennis in the fall of freshman year,” Frego said, “but I participated in track in the spring and from there I decided I wanted to try cross country. I really liked the track coaches and they said they wanted me to give cross country a shot.” This turned out to be a great decision. “I’ve finished in the top 5 in all of my races and I’ve gotten first in 3 of them.” Frego said. Finishing off her North Coast League season, Frego finished 3rd out of 54 runners in the NCL’s championship meet. Frego was also received all NCL first team honors in her first season on the team. Frego’s target for the rest of this season is to lower her 5 kilometer personal record to under 19 minutes and 40 seconds as well as make it out of the district meet and into the regionals.Seeing as she has two years left at Hoban, Katie has set some goals for herself. She wants to keep lowering her time and try to get to the state meet at Scioto Downs. “Most of all, I just want to keep enjoying myself while running,” Frego said. “It’s something that I like to do now, so I want that desire to run to stay with me.” Frego practices several pre-race rituals. On race day she always wears the same socks and headband, and it is custom
that the girls pray as a team right before the race. She mentally prepares herself all morning for a race. “I do some deep breathing and relax during the day before a race,” said Frego. Frego has also shown great promise in the classroom, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 4.0, even winning the “Academic Knight” award for the first quarter of the 2010-2011 school year. When asked how she balances school and cross country, she shrugged it off like it was not much of a challenge. “I’ve learned to become really time efficient,” Frego said. “I leave about an hour and a half everyday for homework in the evenings.” Katie has a couple hobbies outside of running that she really enjoys. She likes to take pictures, scrapbook and enjoy the outdoors with her friends. “I also played soccer from kindergarten to the eighth grade” added Frego. After high school, Frego would like to attend the University of Notre Dame with her brothers Jacob and Mark and at least run intramural cross country at the collegiate level. “I’d like to study either international relations or communications in college,” Frego said. She aspires to be a sports reporter in the future. The first step for the team’s and Frego’s state meet aspirations will be on Saturday, October 22nd in the girls Division I district meet at Akron Goodyear. n
regular season, both the players and coaches look forward to a successful postseason. “I’m feeling positive about the playoffs. We’ve used the season to evaluate our players and feel prepared,” head coach Tavi Muresan said. “Four of our losses have been by only one goal and in the postseason anything can happen. We hope to go as far as we can.” Looking to break the losing streak before the playoffs, the boys faced the Coventry Comets in their final regular season game on Saturday October 15. In a spectacular senior night spectacle, the Knights defeated the Comets 2-1 with goals from seniors Andie Frick and Braden Evans. The Knights played their first playoff game on Thursday, October 20. Results were not available at press time. n
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Assistant AD Randy Thomas joins Hoban community by latroy lewis
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Photo by Allie Weiss
ith less than a full year under his belt, Randy Thomas has quickly embodied the Hoban lifestyle. His passion for athletics helps him make Hoban a comfortable home. Thomas is one of the newest additions to the Hoban staff acquired in the past year. What started as an internship rapidly blossomed into the finding of a more permanent community. “I love the sense of community I’ve felt
since I’ve got here”, Thomas said. “I had no clue what I was getting myself into.” It all began with an e-mail that Thomas sent to Hoban Athletic Director Mike Del Medico. After months of back-and-forth conversations via e-mail, Thomas earned his 800-hour internship at Hoban. He was interning from Ball State University 270 miles from Akron. Four days following the completion of his internship, Hoban hired Thomas as the official Assistant Director of Athletics. As the Assistant Director of Athletics,
Assistant Athletic Director Randy Thomas works in his office managing Hoban sports. The school welcomed him to the athletic department less than a year ago.
Thomas is always busy. He dedicates the majority of his day to Hoban athletics, arriving at 7:30 a.m and leaving at 9:00 p.m. “There’s nothing boring about my job,” Thomas said. “Answering phones is about as boring as it gets for me.” Sporting fun fashions also adds excitement to his day. “Students tell me all the time that I should be an American Eagle model,” Thomas said. Besides being known as the fashionable Assistant Director of Athletics, Thomas could be known as tweeter of the Hoban Athletics Twitter account. “I like keeping the Hoban Athletics Twitter up-to-date,” Thomas said. “I like letting the students and alumni know what’s happening.” So the next time you tweeters stumble upon a Hoban Athletics update, know that Randy Thomas is the brains of it all. Sporting events keep Thomas’ motor running. “Watching the games makes it all worth it,” Thomas said. “I am here for the students. If they weren’t here I wouldn’t have any reason to be.” Thomas can be spotted at most Hoban sporting events. There is a reason why Thomas works in the athletic department -- he enjoys sports and the competition they bring. He attends games as a fan and goes to cheer on the teams as a commoner. “Once things get started I’m like any other fan,” Thomas said. n
Hoban athletes weigh in on Athletic Department
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s two Hoban athletes, we have experienced both successful and failing sports programs throughout our high school careers. We know the caliber of athletes at our school is at most times superior to that of our opponents. Yet, in recent years, our teams have come up short in crucial games that could turn the tide of athletics at our school. This is in part due to setbacks created by past leadership within the athletic department. We believe that at this point, Hoban is at a crossroads. Our school has come to a crucial junction that could make or break the future of sports at One Holy Cross Boulevard. The decisions that will be made in the coming years will need to be drastic and progressive in order to compete with the other two parochial schools that are seeing a considerable amount of success in multiple sports. Mike Del Medico, our energetic new athletic director, along with the rest of the newlyhired athletic staff, is the spearhead of this progress. Del Medico has made many drastic changes by hiring new coaches of multiple sports teams, including girls basketball, girls volleyball, boys track, boys soccer and girls soccer. In addition, he has also hired a strength and conditioning coach who instructs every
varsity sport in strength and conditioning in the weight room. To increase the effectiveness of this new position on the Hoban athletic staff, Del Medico raised the funds to purchase brand new weightlifting equipment, which was needed to replace the half-century-old weights and benches that previously occupied the Caraboolad Fitness Center. Del Medico has also brought other miscellaneous improvements to the Hoban sports experience including new bleachers, basketball hoops, uniforms and soon-to-come tennis courts. New fundraising efforts have also benefited the sports program. Each team at Hoban has had ample opportunities to help raise money for their respective sport. One example of this was the chance to sell raffle tickets. Each ticket bought gave the buyer an opportunity to win a new car, while also supporting the Knights. To aid the athletic director in his administrative duties, a new office and staff has been created to move sports in the right direction. Assistant Randy Thomas, Secretary Cindy Collins and Administrative Coordinator (Mayor) Bernard Hovey all are working diligently to make Hoban a renowned sports powerhouse once again.
However, Del Medico’s job is far from over. Future high school athletes from Northeast Ohio base their decisions on where they wish to attend largely on the success of the sports program at each respective school. The other two parochial schools in our area seem to better understand the fact that it is the competition for these athletes (i.e. LeBron James and Mike Vrabel) that largely determines a school’s athletic success. Athletically, our school has had a rough patch in the recent past. But with the leadership and decisive choices that Del Medico and his staff has and will continue to make, the coming years can be bright for the Hoban athlete. n