the
archbishop hoban high school one holy cross boulevard december 15, 2015 // issue 7
visor
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE
WORLD The Visor explores Christmas traditions from around the globe. More on page 8
Student discusses the issue of police brutality after recent experience. page four
Take the Visor’s quiz to find out which holiday villain you most closely resemble. page eleven
Knights take the trophy in first victourious state football championship. page fourteen
two Protests prove student intolerance
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rotests have reached many colleges throughout the nation in the past few months. The University of Missouri protests, led by their football team, caused several other universities, including Ohio State, to hold demonstrations of support. Around the same time, a movement began at Yale University concerning political correctness and cultural appropriation. The administration sent an email to the entire school system that set guidelines for inoffensive Halloween costumes. Education professor Erika Christakis, who also presides over one of the undergraduate colleges with her husband, critiqued the administration’s action in another email. Christakis’s email expressed discontent that an administration would try to monitor adult students about their dress, arguing that there should not be implied control over students’ expression. She asks in her email, “What does this debate about Halloween costumes say about our view of young adults, of their strength and judgment?” In retaliation, a large group of students protested, insulted the couple and tried to have them fired from their residential positions. These students thought it was insensitive of Christakis to suggest that it would be acceptable for anyone to dress however they wanted. Instead, they supported the administration, who they say were working justly to create a “safe space” for marginalized groups against cultural appropriation. Though students are right to be upset about discrimination--from the student body or administration-- the Yale protesters have taken their sensitivity too far. While schools should take steps to educate the community and eliminate issues, infringing on students’ freedoms solves nothing. Christakis, who urged the creation of an intellectual space above all else, had the best interest of Yale at mind. Though the students have good intentions, their reaction seems more borne from intolerance than the tolerance they strive for. Nicholas Christakis held a meeting with students to respond to their reactions to his wife’s email. After he refused to apologize for the email’s content, the student body began barraging them both with insults and a public shaming campaign.
What students think “The students at Yale had the right intentions, but they took things way too far.” -Kaitlin Kleinman ’16
The protesters attacked Christakis for, in their opinion, ignoring her responsibility to shape safe and comfortable residential life. One insisted that her job was not to foster an intellectual space, but a home. However, at a university, shouldn’t students be excited by the prospect of a home with intellectual roots? Several students went so far as to say they no longer felt safe in their hall. Remember that this is Yale University. These young men and women are already among the most privileged in the country, and they live in modern, safe, state of the art dorms. This overreaction is an example of a strain of modern thought which dictates that disagreements are unacceptable. It manifests itself most in debates over political correctness, but the idea has spread through many facets of life. Take a look at current politics: the parties are so polarized because they cannot get over their disagreements and compromise, making government unnecessarily unproductive. The same unproductivity results in any number of debates when intolerance is practiced. Of course Yale students, and everyone else, should speak out against racism and appropriation. The issue is that most are not doing it in a way that is actually conducive to progress. No one can force their own beliefs on another— no matter how correct those beliefs may be. People, whether at Yale University or throughout the world, will always demonstrate discrimination. The challenge is opposing that discrimination without fostering a similar intolerance. Trying to control what college students wear will not force people to become less racist or more appreciative of the cultures they might have appropriated. People speaking out against something must grant the same courtesy to their counterparts. In the situation at Yale, a professor believed that issues should not be solved in the same way the students believed. Looking closely, you can see that the parties do not necessarily disagree about the presence of a racial problem, simply how to address it. Yet students would not even tolerate that. In the future, students should save their intolerance for more worthy matters and focus on meaningful communication instead of petty aggression.
“The students should be able to dress however they like, even if it is unappropriate. They should not have treated the students this way and should just let the issue pass.” -Ryan Ambach ‘19
editorial
the
visor
archbishop hoban high school mailing address: one holy cross blvd. akron, ohio 44316 online: www.issuu.com/thevisor email: visor@hoban.org
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staff
editors-in-chief marilyn icsman joseph santucci managing editor julie ciotola opinion editor gabriella wittbrod news editor angelina sapp features editor brian rozumny sports editor kara marshall design editors lucas lauterjung elizabeth stitzel webmasters joseph brennan alexander lynch staff reporters mara bahmer, madeline grosklos, shamael muhammad, andrew ross, julia susany, bridget wiedt, victoria woodburn, kameryn zingale adviser katharina cerny
three opinion Businesses should close doors during holidays
H
ow will you feel when you fill in the final answers of your last midterm exam? I know how I will feel: relieved. With the completion of the first half of the school year and the beginning of a break full of winter fun and family, I can successfully put school out of my mind, at least for a week. However, for some teenagers and adults in the laboring world, Christmas does not signify a hiatus in work and responsibilities. According to an article by Bryce Covert, a reporter for Think Progress, about one in four Americans will have to work on a holiday this year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day or a combination of the three. These celebrations were initiated in the effort of bringing families together for a day in the midst of the turmoil of everyday life. But instead of respecting these familycentric holidays, businesses, drawn in by the lure of commercialism, force workers to spend these days trapped in their tedious and stressful job environments instead of in the comfort of their homes. I understand that it is necessary for some job holders to work on Christmas. Some prime examples of this are policemen, fire fighters, nurses, EMTs and 911 operators. These people work tirelessly to ensure
public safety, and unfortunately crime, disease and disaster do not take a holiday. Because these safety workers remain active during the holiday, we can celebrate Christmas without the fear of unplanned calamity that might cause the day to take a turn for the worse. To repay their sacrifices, it would be exemplary if we showed our gratitude by commending them for their services, whether on social media or in person. It would be prudent, on the business’s part, to offer these workers monetary recompense for the hours that they work, or put simply, pay workers an additional Christmas bonus. Though there are businesses that must remain open on Christmas, there are also businesses that have no viable reason for remaining open. Fast food restaurants dominate the latter category. Why force employees to make burgers on a holiday where most people are at home enjoying home-cooked meals with their loved ones? In my opinion, fast food joints choosing to remain open on Christmas and forcing employees to work the Christmas shift is a display of pure corporate greed. Companies may try to justify their actions by arguing that their employees
mara MAdness by mara bahmer
volunteer for Christmas shifts. However, in many instances, this statement proves false. Private employers can require their employees to work Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, and many exercise this right. For example, workers at several K-mart stores told reporters they weren’t given the chance to volunteer for the Christmas shift, weren’t allowed to request the holiday off, and risked being fired if they didn’t show up for work if requested to work on Christmas. In the spirit of Christmas, a corporation’s main goal should be to provide their employees with the opportunity to spend the holiday with the people they love, not to milk every possible penny out of the Christmas season.
Streaming could benefit Adele and other artists KA RA DI
F
or years, I have been an avid monthly customer of Pandora, one of the most popular ad-free radios available on smartphones and desktops. This advanced application provides a mix of songs for its customers based on their favorite genres of music ranging anywhere from modernday rap to throwback pop-tunes of the ‘90s. After choosing these select genres, the app recommends stations that play songs similar to the song previously chosen. Users are able to save a variety of stations on their account for every type of mood. Pandora and apps like it allow listeners to experience musical pleasure without having to purchase each individual song. This provides listeners with an opportunity to experience new artists and genres every day. While this may seem like cheating to companies like iTunes who make users pay for each individual song and album, Pandora does not allow audiences to replay, fastforward or select the song of their choice. Many artists have benefitted from revealing their hit singles and albums on stations like Pandora by gaining a larger fan base due to the exposure of songs in the same genre. Musical diva Adele, however, has made the executive decision to not release her new music on Pandora or apps similar to it. Soon after dropping her new album,
25, music enthusiasts all over the world, including myself, were excited to hear Adele’s much-awaited lyrics. It had been nearly five years since her last single hit the market and when the news of 25 arose, I couldn’t have been more excited. My anticipation, however, dwindled when I heard that the famous music star would only be releasing her songs to be paid for, whether it be on CD’s or iTunes. Although her two previous albums, 19 and 21, are available for streaming on the Internet and applications, 25 is the exception. I am upset to learn that I must pay extra money to iTunes for Adele’s album, while I’m already paying for ad-free radio by listening to her station on Pandora. Major reasons why pop stars like Adele, Taylor Swift and Beyoncé choose to avoid streaming their music are a matter of control and their desire for royalty checks. Every time one of their singles or albums are purchased or played, the vocalists receive a designated amount of money-- something they would miss if they allowed their music to be streamed on Pandora or YouTube. Taylor Swift, for example, revoked her 1989 album from Spotify, a Swedish streaming company, because she did not believe artists were compensated enough for their work. While it is understandable that artists should be rewarded for their successes,
SE
by kara marshall
they miss the chance to express their lyrics to millions of Americans who never buy their album, but choose to stream music instead. Music’s purpose is to connect the feelings of the singer and the listener through the meaningful lyrics and melodies of a song. By focusing mainly on financial gain, Adele and artists like her miss opportunities to relate with their audiences. Musicians who allow companies stream their songs expose their talents to millions who would otherwise never be able to listen to their work. In doing so, they generate a fan base more likely to buy tickets for a live concert, ultimately paying for any lost money from fewer album sales. If artists were to realize the impact their songs generate on audiences all over the world, their value for money would decrease significantly.
four
opinion
BAD BOYS BAD BOYS What’cha gonna do when
they come for YOU?
by brian rozumny
P
olice brutality has dominated media in past months, and for good reason. However, in the past I have not paid attention to the issue as much as I should have. Because it was not affecting me directly, I ignored it, even though I knew I should be supporting those who were affected. Recently, an encounter with the police opened my eyes to the unreasonable mentality many have; though nothing compared to the suffering of those seriously discriminated against, I gained a personal understanding of the frustration they face. Several weeks ago, my friend invited me to her house. I arrived to find that the house looked desolate, so I called to see where she was. She informed me that her and several others had made a quick trip to a nearby Dairy Queen to get some ice cream and that they would be back to her house shortly. I decided to drive around her block so I could listen to the new Adele album that had just been released the previous day. Singing along, I geared up to make a left turn when red and blue lights began flashing behind me. I knew I was not speeding, but was I swerving? Had I forgotten to put my blinker on? I sat with my hands on my steering wheel as a cop approached my window. He informed me that I was being pulled over for suspicious activity. Supposedly, there had been a dark SUV circling the neighborhood, looking for cars to break into. My car is a blue 2004 Honda CR-V and had driven around the block once. I was asked to present my license. After doing so, I waited for the officer to return from his car. While waiting, my friends began to drive by. As two of them passed, they recognized
my car and looked at me confusedly. After several minutes, a second policeman arrived. Both approached my car, and I was told that I had to get out do that they could search it. I am fully aware that my fourth amendment rights allow me to deny the officers access to my car. But as a newly turned eighteen year old who has never had a run-in with law enforcement, I feared what could potentially escalate if I refused to get out of my car. The officer led me to the back of my car. The officers patted me down to make sure I was not “carrying a dangerous weapon” then proceeded to search my car, where they found nothing but several Hoban polos and a pair of shoes I wear to work. After I was let back into my car, the officers grilled me with questions about my plans for the night. The officers wanted the names of people I was going to be spending time with, and after telling them I honestly did not know who was going to be there, I was told I could leave. I made a quick turn up the street and found my friend’s family waiting to hear my tale. My parents raised me to respect law enforcement, and I have done so because I believe that police officers deserve it. Two of my uncles hold respected positions in local departments, and I am grateful for their and their co-workers’ service and dedication to protecting their communities. However, I believe that my interaction with the Tallmadge Police Department was blown out of proportion, and I question why cops feel the needs to take such extraordinary measures. There is no escaping the fact that police brutality is a prevalent issue in today’s society. Publicized slaughters of black men and women by white police officers led to
necessary, large-scale protests and movements throughout the United States for the past two years, including the month long Baltimore Protest of 2015 and the ongoing #BlackLivesMatter Campaign. These activities have received deserved recognition in efforts to combat systemic racism and cruel treatment of black youths. However, some police brutality is not limited to the African American demographic, as shown in the case of Zachary Hammond, a white teenager who was gunned down by police officers despite being unarmed. Institutionalized racism is a major cause of police violence, but some officers lash out regardless of skin color. I do not say this to discount the unique struggles of people of color, but to draw attention to how broad the issue of police brutality really is. The Saturday night I spent watching cops search my car in no way compares to the treatment of those such as Tamir Rice, a twelve year-old from Cleveland who was shot and killed for playing with a toy gun. But my experience has led me to have much more respect for those who fallen victim to improper treatment by police officers, their families and those who seek to bring awareness to the situation. I have never known police officers to be evil, and I continue to believe police brutality is a result of mistakes and poor training. My altercation with the Tallmadge Police Department bothered me, and I did not even end up with any real consequences. I cannot begin to fathom the emotions of those who have been affected by police brutality in a larger, more negative way than myself. I hope that as a nation we can address and solve this problem.
news
five
News in Brief by lucas lauterjung
Senate passes Republican bill despite anticipated veto
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he Senate passed a bill on Thursday, Dec. 3, that will overturn the Affordable Care Act and terminate federal funding to Planned Parenthood, if signed by President Obama. The bill passed by a slim margin of 52-47 in the Senate. President Obama has promised to veto the bill when it reaches his desk this week. While writing this bill, Republican Senators added various conservative amendments, enter the addition of ending federal funding to Planned Parenthood. These amendments are all symbolic though, since the bill is not anticipated to become federal law. Republicans claim that a presidential veto will help them in the polls- the House and Senate Republicans lack the two-thirds majority to override a veto, assuring that the purpose of the bill is for campaign talking
points. The Affordable Care Act has been a hot button issue in Washington since its passage in 2010, and Democrats noted that under the law, millions of Americans have become insured who could not previously obtain coverage. However, Republicans blame the bill for rising healthcare costs and insurers abandoning some markets. Despite the harsh criticism towards the Democrat-backed health care law, Republicans have yet to propose a replacement measure- many have criticized the Republican party in the past for their fierce opposition to the Affordable Care Act, with no plans to replace it. This bill will create a new talking point in the Republican Presidential Debates, with the next debate scheduled for Dec. 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
First Melt location opening in Summit County
M
elt Bar and Grilled- a chain that specializes in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches- announced the opening of a new location on their website in late November. The restaurant will be located in Montrose, wedged between Fairlawn suburbs and the I-77 exit for Route 18. The newest location will feature a large indoor seating area that will accommodate roughly 120 guests, plus a seasonal outdoor patio that will seat an additional 35 hungry customers. The popular chain opened in Sept. 2006 in Lake-
wood, Ohio; since then, the locally owned bar and grill has grown to seven regional locations, with the Montrose location being the eighth. “I am literally so excited for Melt to open because who doesn’t love a grilled cheese?” remarked sophomore Grant Carr. “I cannot wait for Melt to open in the Akron area, I always find myself craving a buttery sandwich, but can never find a good restaurant to fulfill that need!” says senior Sydney Huckabee. Melt Bar and Grilled in Montrose is set to open its doors in March, 2016.
Adopt-a-Family Christmas Drive officially underway
really enjoy the Adopt-a-Family fund-raiser because though I’ll never see it, knowing that a little girl or boy will have gifts under their tree and presents to open on Christmas morning is remarkable. It puts me in the Christmas spirit and I am so grateful that this fund-raiser gives me and the Hoban community the opportunity to allow these children to experience joy on Christmas morning.” To give students ample time to collect money, buy gifts, the Drive will continue until Dec. 13.
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he 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP21, is currently underway in Le Bourget, France. The conference began on Nov. 30 and will conclude on Dec. 11. The conference is held annually, each year with a different focus. This year, the focus is to keep global warming below the critical threshold of 2 degrees celsius. The conference objective is to achieve a legally binding agreement on climate change- the agreement is to be signed this year and implemented by 2020. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global warming of more than 2 degrees celsius would seriously affect our planet with an increase in the number of extreme climate events. France’s President, Francois Hollande, is currently accommodating over 40,000 delegates from 195 countries around the world. The most notable delegates present are United States President Barack Obama, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leaders of the three countries with the largest carbon footprints. These leaders are trying to create a global plan that would have all countries cut back on carbon emissions. With a clear goal set, the delegates should reach a universal agreement on how to cut back on emissions by the end of the meeting. “I find reading about this conference very interesting because I am studying environmental engineering next fall,” said senior Jacqueline Krim. “It’s always fascinating to hear that representatives from all over the world are working together to better our planet.”
design by lucas lauterjung
T
he National Honors Society kicked off the annual Adopt-a-Family Christmas Drive on November 28. Each year, every third period class “adopts” one child in need and purchases or donates Christmas gifts to them. Each class is provided with background information on the child including their age and interests. Classes often collect money and have one student go out and purchase gifts for the child that reflect the interests reported to them. When asked about the Drive, NHS member Lauren Cea said, “I
France hosts 21st annual climate change conference
six
news
{SOUTH SUDAN} Human rights horrors perpetrated in South Sudanese civil war
S
outh Sudan won independence from Sudan in 2011 with a nearly 99 percent vote in favor of independence, becoming the world’s newest nation. After gaining their independence, Salva Kiir Mayardit, a politician from the Dinka tribe, was named president. President Kiir, as he is referred to in accordance with Dinka custom, chose Riek Machar, a mechanical engineer and a member of the other major tribe in the country, the Nuer tribe, as his vice president After Kiir accused Machar of plotting to overthrow him, he dismissed Machar and the rest of Kiir’s cabinet. This conflict quickly evolved into a civil war, with the Dinka and Nuer tribes fighting against each other. Starting in December of 2013, the war in the South Sudan has produced some of the most shocking atrocities committed in any war. The combat has been compared to the Rwandan genocide of 1994 in terms of brutality. A report released in October by the African Union details some of the human rights violations committed by both sides of the conflict. “While conflict is not a new phenomenon to South Sudan, the majority of those the commission met with said that they have never seen the scale and nature of violations witnessed during this conflict,” the report says. “What makes it so much worse for them is the targeting of civilians, which they claim was never a central part of previous conflict.” Because much of the violence is directed toward civilians, many have been forced to leave their homes since the start of the war. With 4.4 million people facing starvation and 2.2 million forced to leave their homes, the conflict has been ranked as one of the most devastating in the world. The UN Security Council described the food crisis as the worst in the world in July 2014. In Unity State, South Sudan, a massive swamp dominates much of the land, with the water covering an area the size of France during the rainy season. Many people have been forced to flee their lands and escape through the mosquito and snake infested water. Geng Keah Deng, 50, is just one of near 100,000 people who have traveled through the dangerous waters. “We would swim until we could swim no more,” he said in an interview with the New York Times. “We would eat water lilies, if we ate at all.” Deng details the way in which soldiers attacked civilians, noting that their intentions were not to go after soldiers but after the most vulnerable of people. “They came to kill, and they came to look for young girls,” he said. Rape, investigators say, has been used a weapon of war in the South Sudan. Gang rape of women of all ages is common, and they are then left to die, unconscious and bleeding. The African Union report mentions the brutality of the killings. “People were not simply shot, they were subjected, for instance, to beatings before being compelled to jump into a lit fire,” the report said. Child soldiers are a frequent sight in the war, with boys being abducted and brainwashed, and subsequently trained to kill. Investigators say that this level of brutality will make reconstruction of the country a difficult task. Perhaps the most startling report is that soldiers have forced people to eat other people. “I have seen people being forced to eat other humans,” a person in United Nations camp told reporters. “Soldiers kill one of you and ask the other to eat the dead one.” The problems in South Sudan are far from over, investigators say. Once fighting ceases, rebuilding the nation will be difficult because of the damage that has already been done.
By the Numbers Statistics of South Sudan, provided by Mercy Corps
68.1
percent of the adult population is literate
million people are at risk of starvation
14.3
percent of people have been displaced since the outbreak of war in 2013
million people in need of humanitarian aid
“ “
4.6 8.0
“ “
by gabriella wittbrod
It is so sad that innocent people are being forced to leave their homes and are being attacked and punished so brutally by the soldiers. -Lily Zachua ’18
All the problems in South Sudan are so devastating. I didn’t know about a lot of the issues, and I think we need more education pertaining to them. -Maggie Lawrence ’17
news seven Shooting in California raises terrorism concerns by joseph brennan
A
t 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, a husband and wife opened fire on a holiday party in the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California. The male shooter, Syed Rizwan Farook, had been working in the environmental health department of the center prior to the attack. He and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, murdered 14 and injured 21 of his coworkers with assault rifles and pipe bombs before they were gunned down by police. Farook and Malik “were radicalized for quite a long time before their attack,” FBI Director James B. Comey said. Investigators have retrieved online conversations which discuss jihadist thoughts dating back to 2013. According to Farook family attorney Mohammad Abuershaid, Farook got to know Malik through an online dating service. They met face to face when Farook visited Saudi Arabia, where Malik had moved, from her native home Pakistan, around the age of 18 or 20, Abuershaid said. Farook brought his wife to the United States on a fiance visa
in July 2014. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department are reviewing the fiance visa program "to assess possible program enhancements,” DHS spokeswoman Marsha Catron said. Although specific motivation for the attack has yet to be pinned down, some evidence points to the terrorist group ISIS. On the Friday after the attack, U.S. officials familiar with the investigation claimed that Malik posted to Facebook her pledge of allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr alBaghdadi while the attack was underway. Then on Saturday, ISIS’ official Iraqbased station publicly hailed Farook and Malik as supporters of the radical Islamist network. "We pray to God to accept them as martyrs," ISIS’ al-Bayan Radio said. It is important to note that ISIS, which has been quick to claim various acts of terror including the recent bombing in Paris, named Farook and Malik as supporters rather than members of the group. On Saturday morning, White House officials
briefing President Barack Obama about the investigation told him that they had "no indication that the killers were part of an organized group or a broader terrorist cell.” This point of information insinuates that the couple was self-radicalized and acted alone, as did the Boston Marathon bombers in 2013. "As we've become better at preventing complex multifaceted attacks like 9/11, terrorists turn to less complicated acts of violence like these mass shootings,” President Barack Obama said in a rare national address from the Oval Office on Sunday. Such terrorists are extremely difficult to combat because, at least superficially, they are honorable U.S. citizens. In this specific instance, Farook and Malik had never run into any trouble with the law, nor were they on any list of potentially radicalized people. However, evidence uncovered by federal investigation, compounded with the couple’s past, points to overseas involvement of the Islamic State.
Hometown History class offers unique experience by julie ciotola and andrew ross
T
his past semester, Hoban introduced a new class to the student body, which provided students with a chance to learn about Akron’s history. This course, entitled “Hometown Histories”, was taught by History department chair Greg Milo. Students enrolled in the class had opportunities to go beyond the typical classroom setting, exploring different aspects of Akron through various field trips. “Hometown Histories is great because instead of a normal classroom setting, we have a ton of speakers and field trips included in the curriculum that allow us to go out in the community and interact with the people around us. It allows us to learn more about where we live in a fun and innovative way,” said junior Kaitlyn Clark. Thus far, students have visited the Perkins Mansion, the John Brown House, Lock 3 and several shops downtown. They even were able to finish one of their trips at the popular Luigi’s Italian Restaurant. All of these excursions were voluntary and after school hours, yet managed to bring a large crowd. The class has also studied the rich history of Akron’s tire industry and canal system. “I love that Mr. Milo shows me areas of Akron that I did not even know were there. I have developed a new appreciation for my city,” said junior Katie Petit. In addition to sightseeing around Akron, students recently had the opportunity to create renditions of articles for the Akronist, an online local news and entertainment
website. The Akronist serves as a resource for citizens of Akron to stay connected with community, and gives them the chance to contribute personal stories. This assignment provided students with a chance to think outside the box and
“Hometown Histories is great because instead of a normal classroom setting, we have a ton of speakers and field trips included in the curriculum that allow us to go out in the community and interact with the people around us.”
-Kaitlyn Clark ’17 share a special experience. “Personally I had the opportunity to sit down and interview one of my greatest inspirations,
Kelley Montalvo, the third baseman for the Akron Racers, as well as the GM/Owner for the organization. It was awesome to get to learn more about a program I have followed for my entire life,” Clark said. Furthermore, the Akronist hosts live storytelling events for citizens to enjoy, where they can listen to stories and contribute their own. Mr. Milo’s students were encouraged to partake in this event by reading a personal article to the group, which was made up of a team of bloggers for the Akronist, as well as several others important Akron figures. “It was kind of nerve-wracking to get in front of the spotlight with everyone there, including all my classmates” Petit said. “But I really didn’t want to miss out on this amazing opportunity given to me.” After finishing her reading of her personal article, Petit was praised by the director of the magazine, who enjoyed it so much that it was actually published in the magazine. “What is really so unique about Hometown Histories is that I’m learning about my home. I’m not reading about places halfway across the globe, or places that have been buried in the past. I’m learning about the place right outside my window and I think that’s really cool,” Petit said. “Hometown Histories has helped me accomplish goals that I didn’t even know I had, and cultivate talents I didn’t even know we’re there. I’m very thankful for Mr. Milo and his cool class, and the opportunity the Akronist gave me. Everyone should take this class if they ever get the opportunity.”
eight
Christmas
centerspread
AROUND THE WORLD
by kameryn zingale
Poland
T
he Polish begin Christmas time at the start of Advent, and people keep in mind the real meaning of Christmas. This is a time of peace in Poland, where people try not have an excess of anything. Many give up their favorite food or drink in preparation for Christmas. It is common for people to attend Church more frequently, and special dawn masses, called “roraty” are held in dedication to Mary saying yes to the Angel Gabriel. A common tradition in Poland is “Jasełka,” or Nativity plays. These performances, often performed by school age children, tend to be more secular than religious and sometimes put the Christmas story into modern times. Also, the smell of tangerines in schools and workplaces are characteristic of the Christmas season. When people from Poland begin to smell tangerines, it means that Christmas is on its way. Christmas Eve, “Wigilia”, is a very busy day in Poland where people often fast and meat is not eaten. The main meal is eaten in the evening after the first star has appeared in the sky. Traditional polish dishes such as “barszcz” (beetroot soup), “uszka” (little dumplings with mushrooms) and “krokiety” (pancakes with mushrooms or/and cabbage, in breadcrumbs, fried in oil or butter). Presents are not opened until after the Christmas meal, so to tease the children, the adults will sing Christmas carols after eating to prolong the dinner. St Nicholas, or “Święty Mikołaj” as he is called in Poland, brings presents to good children for Christmas. In some areas of Poland, “Gwiazdor”, or the Starman brings presents to children if they are good and “rózga” (birch rods used as a form of discipline) if they are bad.
Australia
I
n Australia, Christmas comes at the beginning of summertime, so Christmas festivities are held in hot temperatures. Caroling is a very popular activity, and groups of Christmas carolers are often organized by individual cities or towns. However, words about snow and winter are often exchanged for special Australian words about summer. Australians also take great pride in decorating their homes for the holidays. Competitions are often held within neighborhoods to see who has the best decorated house. One street in Sydney annually raises over $35,000 for charity with their coordinated Christmas light displays. Another common decoration is the “Christmas Bush”, a native Australian tree with cream colored flowers that turn a deep shiny red over a period of weeks (generally by Christmas time). It is an Australian belief that when Santa arrives in Australia, he gives his reindeer a break and uses kangaroos or “six white boomers” (a popular Australian Christmas song) to pull his sled instead. He also changes into cooler clothes more suitable for the hot climate. Families try to all be together for Christmas when they have a filling lunch with barbecue and seafood. On Christmas Eve, the fish- markets are often filled with people waiting to buy their fresh seafood for Christmas Day.
The North Pole
centerspread
nine
Mexico
I Hoban
n Mexico, Christmas is celebrated from Dec. 12 to Jan. 6. Starting on Dec. 16, children participate in “Posada” processions, where they travel from house to house within their neighborhood and sing a song about Mary and Joseph asking for a room in the house. However, at each destination, the children are told there is no room and that they need to go away. Eventually, they find the house that is hosting the Posada party and are invited inside to enjoy food, games and prayer. Piñatas are common at the Posada parties. Although Christmas trees are becoming increasingly popular, Nativity scenes, called the “nacimiento” are the most popular Christmas decorations in Mexico. Many families designate a room in their house to a life size nacimiento. Normal figures such as Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the three kings and the shepherds are included, as well as special Mexican figures such as women making tortillas and animals like flamingos. Different figures can be bought in markets all over Mexico. Christmas Eve, “Noche Buena” is a day dedicated to family. Children participate in the final Posada and then return home for the main Christmas meal. After dinner, people go to the Midnight Mass service, “Misa de Gallo” which is followed by fireworks to celebrate Christmas Day.
Haiti
A
design by gabriella wittbrod
t the beginning of December, people in Haiti begin searching or Christmas trees. They might cut pine branches on their own or go to the market to have trees brought down from the mountains. After finding the perfect tree, they decorate it with large, bright ornaments. At the bottom of the tree, a large Nativity scene is set up. The tree and the Nativity often take up most of the living room. During the day on Christmas Eve, children clean their shoes and then fill them with straw. These shoes are then placed under a tree on the porch in the hopes that “Tonton Nwèl” (Santa) will replace the straw with presents on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, it is common for the people in Haiti to leave their doors open to their neighbors with all the lights on until 3:00 in the morning. Children are permitted to go out and visit with friends, and they usually are not seen by their parents until early in the morning. Older children are expected to look after their younger siblings. Children of any age are allowed to drink “Anisette”, a slightly alcoholic drink made by soaking anise leaves in rum and sugar. In addition to the nightlong parties, some Haitians go to Midnight Mass while others go caroling. After all the public festivities, families return home to eat the main Christmas meal called “reveillon” (a French term meaning “to wake up”). The meal usually begins in the early hours of Christmas morning and continues until dawn. Christmas Day is spent resting and recovering from the previous night’s celebrations. There is more eating with the family, and children play with the toys brought by Tonton Nwèl.
ten
WHICH
features
HOLIDAY VILLAIN
Are You?
1. Which youthful protagonist brings you the most grief? A. Cindy Lou WHo B. Elsa & Anna C. Rudolph D. Tiny Tim 2.. Which of the following makes you the most angry? A. Christmas Spirit B. When you don’t have your own kingdom C. Being disturbed by bright, shiny noses D. Workers asking for fair wages
design by joseph santucci
3. What is your favorite holiday movie? A. How the Grinch Stole Christmas B. Frozen C. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer D. A Christmas Carol 4. Which of the following most describes you? A. Green and furry B. Handsome and manipulative C. Blue and frosty D. Grey and decrepit 5. What is the worst thing you have ever done? A. Broken into houses and stolen gifts and decorations B. Tricked a girl into engagement to steal her kingdom C. Terrorized innocent Christmas creatures D. Lived a miserly life
Mostly A’s?
You’re The
Grinch! Try not to steal Christmas this year.
Mostly B’s?
You’re
Hans! Please spare the hearts of Your significant other(s).
Mostly C ‘s?
You’re The
ABominable SNOWMAN! Rudolph would be sad if you tried to eat his family again.
Mostly D’s?
You’re Scrooge! Didn’t anyone ever tell you that money can’t buy happiness?
features
eleven
The
Nutcracker by julia susany Local ballerinas perform The Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of Ballet Theatre of Ohio.
During the final week of November and early December, Hoban junior Lily Sargent performed in The Nutcracker, a classic Christmas ballet, as a fairy queen and an Arabian princess. Sargent is dedicated to dance and plans to continue to entertain as long as she is capable.
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finally returns home at ten. The grind doesn’t stop over the weekend, when she will rehearse anywhere from six to nine and a half hours a day, meaning she dances about 30 hours a week. In addition to her rigorous dance training outside of school, she is also a member of the Hoban Dance Team, so she must also learn a new dance every week for the football half time shows. When asked about her time on the team, Sargent said her favorite part was “the rush; performing in front of so many people.” Preparing for The Nutcracker is no small feat. At the end of August, dancers from Sargent’s studio are called to a closed audition where they are taught a dance and then observed by their teachers. Dancers going for lead roles, such as Clara, must learn a separate dance as well. This is the last opportunity for the teachers to observe how the students have grown, and their dance abilities. The process takes two weeks and in another two
to three weeks, the cast list is posted. When revving up for performances, life gets even more hectic than usual. To prepare for the 2,000 attendees, Sargent rehearses up to 50 hours a week. For Sargent, the payoff for the weeks and weeks of hard work is worth it. “I use so much time in my life to get us to the show, when children are happy, it’s a really rewarding experience to have someone appreciate the countless hours you out in,” said Sargent. Her intense schedule leaves little room to lay around and relax. “I think I would be lying if I said it was easy,” said Sargent. School work is done when I return home and I have to stay organized to keep it all together. Free time for me is usually when I do my homework.” Sargent plans to continue to dance for as long as she is capable. She is applying to college programs that would allow her to double major in dance and another subject that she can utilize after her dance career.
design by lucas lauterjung
s the winter sports and activities season is kicking off, students are suddenly finding themselves swamped with practices and exams. Junior Lily Sargent feels this particularly acutely as her ballet company, the Ballet Theatre of Ohio, is gearing up to perform The Nutcracker at Akron Civic Theatre. Sargent has been dancing for fourteen years; at age two she was inspired to take lessons by her older sisters Heather and Holly. “I used to watch them and wanted to do what they did,” said Sargent. She asked her mom if she could begin lessons and she never looked back. She cites her sisters and her encouraging teachers as her inspirations. For Sargent, dance is her life. A normal day for her consists of waking up early in the morning to fit in a two hour workout before school to gain muscle mass and strength. She stops home after school then heads to her studio for five hours of rehearsal, and
twelve
BACTERIA RESISTANCE
by victoria woodburn
A
ntibiotic resistance is not a newly discovered issue. However, the rapid adaptations of bacteria are beginning to raise concerns about the end of modern medicine and its effectiveness in the battle against infections. Just as animals adapt to become stronger over time, bacteria evolves as well so that it may thrive. Antibiotic resistance has been a concern within the medical community for many years already, but new findings prove that their resistance is developing at an alarming rate. A study from The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal showed that a new strain of bacteria, referred to as the MCR-1 gene, prevented colistin from killing bacteria. Colistin is considered to be a “last-resort” when it comes to fighting infection, making it the most effective form of antibiotics. The resistance most likely arose in China after an overuse of colistin in pigs and other livestock. The spread of MCR-1 around the world and through different species of bacteria is setting the stage for what scientists call the antibiotic apocalypse. If a strain of bacteria contains the MCR-1 gene, then it is essentially invincible to all known types of antibiotics. Professor Timothy Walsh from the University of Cardiff said, "If MCR1 becomes global, which is a case of when not if, and the gene aligns itself with other antibiotic resistance genes, which is inevitable, then we will have very likely reached the start of the post-antibiotic era.” But what exactly does an “antibiotic apocalypse” mean for medicine? According to scientists, an antibiotic apocalypse would mean an end to many surgical procedures and antibiotics that people take for granted. Ultimately, it could send medicine into a setting similar to that of the early twentieth century, before the invention of the first major antibiotic penicillin. Without the use of effective antibiotics, surgeries such as hip replacements and appendix removals could
WHAT YOU
SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
MCR1
1. 2. 3.
features Antibiotics have played a pivotal role in the development of modern medicine. However, the overuse of antibiotics by doctors and their patients and the abuse of them in the agricultural industry has given bacteria an opportunity to build up an immunity. The rate at which these bacteria are evolving is leading towards a world where modern medicine will ultimately be as effective as practices that were used in the early twentieth century.
become life-threatening. Likewise, most cancer treatments could become deadlier rather than beneficial, and even childbirth could once again become a dangerous situation. According to the Center for Disease Control, 23,000 Americans die annually of the two million Americans who are infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. By 2050, that number could rise to approximately 317,000 deaths each year here and nearly ten million worldwide. An overuse of antibiotics by the general public is one of the primary factors contributing to the growth or resistance. A study by the Wellcome Trust in England revealed that found many people insist on taking antibiotics despite not needing them, and stop taking them before their dosage is complete. By over relying on antibiotics, a person actually contributes to any bacteria in their body that are starting to build up a resistance. Professor Mark Wilcox, from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said that developments in medicine are not keeping up with the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and it is clear that medicine is losing the battle. The obvious solution to the problem of antibiotic resistance would be to invent stronger antibiotics. Unfortunately, the development of antibiotics is a gradual process. There hasn’t been a new class of antibiotics discovered since the 1980s, and the encouragement for pharmaceutical companies to develop new strains is relatively nonexistent due to drugs that are taken habitually being significantly more profitable than antibiotics taken once for a few days. The strains of bacteria that are immune to even the strongest forms of antibiotics are beginning to spread at an alarmingly accelerated rate. Ultimately, without any immediate changes in the defense against antibiotic resistance, the future of modern medicine grows more troublesome each year.
Bacteria evolves overtime and develops resistance to certain antibiotics. The strain of bacteria known as MCR-1 is essentially invincible to all known types of antibiotics. MCR-1 could start an “antibiotic apocalypse”, meaning the strain could end many surgical procedures and antibiotics that people take for granted, such as hip replacements and appendix removals.
sports
thirteen
Cavs on top
Despite slow start, Cavaliers show promise for upcoming season by jack griffith
T
he screaming fans, the falling confetti and the gleaming Larry O’Brien as the Cavaliers championship parade rolled down East 9th Street: the 2015 NBA Finals provided the greatest opportunity for the sports-beleaguered city of Cleveland to finally end the 51 year championship drought since the 1997 World Series. While the dreams of a parade were dashed by the Golden State Warriors, fans immediately turned their hope to the 2016 season. Expectations for the season, already very high, continued to rise as the Cavs resigned three time All-Star Kevin Love and key contributor off the bench Tristan Thompson. With the additions of other role players such as Richard Jefferson and Mo Williams, many fans saw a team with no visible flaws and the ability to surpass a Cavaliers record for wins in a season of 66. After winning eight of their first ten games, the Cavaliers have struggled to win convincingly against poor teams and even lost four out of six games. While many would see this as a concern for the Cavs, here are the five reasons why Cavs fans should not stress about the team’s poor start:
1.
The injury bug, which bit the Cavs hard at the end of last season, has carried over into this year. Both of the Cavaliers starting guards, Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert, have yet to play a single minute this season. Irving, who injured his knee in the Finals, and Shumpert, who suffered a preseason wrist injury, are both due back around Christmas. Expect to see the Cavs surge when they come back, as Irving is the team’s most natural scorer while Shumpert is one of the best on-ball defenders in the league.
LeBron James, a man who has played over 36,000 minutes in his NBA career, has begun to play less minutes and even take games off to rest his body for the playoffs. Look for James to continue this trend until the spring, where he will play with fresh energy and look to lead the Cavs to a championship.
5.
3.
Both Tristan Thompson and Timofey Mozgov saw very little action during training camp and the preseason for the Cavs. Thompson was seeking a new contract, while Mozgov was recovering from offseason knee surgery. Both have appeared shaky to start the season, but both are players with a proven track record that shows that they will improve as the season progresses.
The current team has only played 21 games together, not nearly enough time to gel together as one unit. Even the returning players have only played a little more than half a season together after the mid-season trade last year. Throughout the season the Cavaliers will have main contributors return and gel into a championship level contender.
design by joseph santucci
4.
2.
The nagging injuries have led to increased minutes for rotational players that were not expected to have to contribute this much. Players like Mo Williams have been asked to start and play big minutes for the Cavaliers, when he is better suited to play backup minutes. Matthew Dellavedova and Jared Cunningham, NBA journeymen, are asked to come off the bench and become play makers for a playoff team, something they cannot handle consistently. With the return of the Irving and Shumpert, these players can return to their anticipated role and truly make the Cavs great.
fourteen
AI
S T U D E N T AT H E L R ET
THE
E QU
Q A S
IR
E ET
ESTION A
QUESTION
sports
E
ST
U D E N T AT H
L
Eric Krenz '16 Swimming
design by joseph santucci
favorite winter activity?
Swimming for 5 hours a day over break
Melanie Bielecki '17 Garrett Houser'18 Bowling Basketball
George Hudak '19 Wrestling
Bowling and sled-riding
Ice-Skating
Setting up the tree with my family
No, my mom hid presents horribly.
Do you believe in Santa Claus?
Of course!
Of course
Who doesn’t?
What's one thing you want for Christmas?
An Ugly Christmas Sweater!
A Red Ryder model air riffle
A car!
A giant pink stuffed teddy bear
12 Days of Christmas
Mistletoe by Justin Bieber
The Little Drummer Boy!
Fake tree
Fake because real is too messy
What's the best Christmas song? Jingle Bells
Does your family have a real or fake tree?
We have a fake tree
One of each
fifteen
sports
Knights take the trophy
Football wins first state championship in history of program
F
by alexander lynch “The leadership began in the weight room,” Kepler said. “Holding everyone accountable, keeping everyone focused and working, making sure everyone’s Creatinine levels were up, creating excitement and allowing it to stay alive when we needed it, these tasks pushed us to keep going and allowed us to strive on through the long season.” “In the off season I tried to push everybody to be as cocked diesel as possible in the weight room,” said senior lineman Jacob Mcneil. “It was at these workouts that the brotherhood spread throughout the entire team. We have each other’s back on and off the field. When we were on the field I had no worries in the world because I knew the brothers to my right and left will always have my back.” The relationships the team shared proved to be influential in their quest for a title. As a team, they lifted the state championship trophy last Thursday night. The term “brotherhood” proved to be more than just a saying as this ambitious group turned to one another when they found themselves in need of encouragement. “There were times when we would dying, unable to breathe and so tired, wanting nothing more than to get off the field. That’s when I would look to the brother next to me and decide in that moment that I was playing for him, because I could trust that he was playing for me,” said junior Marc Westover. “The only way our team is going to be as successful next year as we were this year is if we continue on the legacy of the brotherhood. The brotherhood is eternal.” “After the final whistle it didn’t seem real at first because we put some real hard work for this moment and everything paid off in the end. It was pretty surreal and it still hasn’t really sunk in yet,” said senior linebacker Dane Kersh. Emotions were soaring for these seniors as they realized not only had they just accomplished something no other team in Hoban history had before, but they had also just played their last football game as a Knight. “Once it was over, it felt kind of bittersweet. But seeing my brothers running around that trophy I couldn’t have asked for a better way to go out,” Gilchrist said.
photos courtesy of andy drebek
or the first time in school history, the Archbishop Hoban Knights’ football team brought home the OHSAA Division III state title after beating Toledo Central Catholic by a score of 33-20. Entering the 2015 season with several highly-regarded players at key positions, the team held lofty expectations for a deep playoff run. Those aspirations pushed them throughout the season, making the dream of a state title increasingly more realistic. “A state championship became a reality to us at the beginning of the season. We knew we had the potential and the right pieces to be the best team in the state. Our mindset as the season went on was that we have to prove to everyone that we are as good as we thought we were,” said senior Tyler Gilchrist. A big part of that mindset was Coach Tim Tyrrell. After arriving to the program three years ago, Tyrrell reinforced the idea of winning a state championship. “He came into the program with one goal and showed us the path we needed to take to be able to become champions,” Gilchrist said. “He told us the only ones that could beat us was ourselves.” That turned out to be nearly true, as the Knights finished with a final record of 14-1, losing only to Benedictine in the final game of their regular season. The Knights again found their stride in the Playoffs, knocking down New Philadelphia, Louisville, St. Vincent St. Mary and Zanesville before triumphing over defending state champions Toledo Central Catholic in the state final at Ohio Stadium on Dec. 3. “As soon as the playoffs began, we knew that our time was coming,” said senior lineman Jacob Kepler. “We counted down each of the 5 games until our goal was met.” For Kepler and his teammates, the dream of a state championship existed months before the first playoff game. The 14 week countdown commenced during the off-season, when the team sacrificed their summer for morning workouts and two-a-day training. Led by Kepler and 11 other seniors, the team not only improved their strength but also formed unbreakable bonds that would help lead them to success.
Todd Sibley ’17 runs down the field in state game against Toledo Central Catholic.
Todd Sibley ’17, Danny Clark ’17 and Jonah Morris ’16 stand together after the big win.
Football team poses together after winning the championship at Ohio Stadium.
sixteen
COLORING
Contest
contest Have fun over Christmas break by coloring in this festive picture. The Visor is holding its first ever coloring contest. Once break is over, bring your masterpiece back into school and leave it in the box outside of room 231. The winner will receive a prize!