NDA The Vista issue 1 (2017-18)

The Vista NOTRE DAME ACADEMY*3535 W. SYLVANIA AVE.* TOLEDO, OH 43623*VOL 68 ISSUE 1*Oct. 3, 2017

New Principal Embraces New Role at NDA

Mrs. Cullum hanging out with some of her students on a Friday afternoon. Photo by A shley Keane

Mrs. Cullum and some students pose together on a Friday afternoon to celebrate the end of a busy week. Photo by A shley Keane Elizabeth Pierson As part of the 2017-18 school year, the Notre Dame community welcomed a new principal, Mrs. Sarah Cullum.

She was previously principal at Rosary Cathedral and is an alumna from the University of Notre Dame.

How does being a principal at a high school differ from being a principal at a middle school?

“There are many more moving parts, I don’t have to do everything. I don’t have to be in charge of maintenance or be a sub for a class, people know what they are doing in different departments.”

What was your proudest moment at your old school?

“I can’t tell you it’s a single moment; it was just how much I adored and loved my students.”

What are the most important skills to have to be a high school principal?

“You have to think big. You have to never want to settle and know what’s amazing about where you are and run with that. And love what you do

because with that, you’ll have the best visions.”

What was your reaction when you found out you got the position?

“I was in the airport, waiting for my plane, and I read an email from Mrs. Grilliot. I screamed in the middle of the airport, and everybody just looked at me.”

What has been the hardest adaption you’ve had to make?

“So far, there are a lot of places I have to be, meaning meetings and appointments. I don’t like being out of the building, and I don’t like my door being shut.”

What is one thing you were nervous the most about?

“I’m following a pretty amazing principal, so when you step into the shoes of someone like that, it’s a risk.

It’s a risk to put yourself out there.

But I’m happy to tell you, I’ve never felt more at home.”

What is the best advice you could give to high school students? “Do not

wait to live! Do not wait to be yourself. And for the love of everything, regardless of what everybody else does, be kind.”

What has been your happiest moment so far, here at NDA? “There have been so many incredible moments, but I’ll give you one of my favorites. A junior stopped in to tell me she reached out to a freshman who was having a hard time adjusting to a new school and making friends. Just taking the time to stop and ask how things were going helped so much. That simple act of acknowledging and showing compassion made me smile and tear up at the same time. Thanks, K!” “What is your favorite quote to live by? “It is a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ‘Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.’”

In This Issue: Page 2 New Tech Around School

Page 5 Taylor Swift

Page 7 Musical Preview

-2-

News

New Faculty, Staff Fill the NDA Halls Ashley Keane This year Notre Dame Academy welcomes 7 new faculty and staff members who offer different gifts and talents to the school community.

Ms. Sarah Hunter, theology teacher, graduated from Central Catholic in 2013. She has three sisters and a Cocker Spaniel named Chloe. In her spare time she enjoys cycling, yoga, ballet, watching Disney movies, and listening to Broadway soundtracks.

"I'm an avid theatre performer and have been acting and singing ever since 5th grade. I work professionally when I'm not teaching," Ms. Hunter said.

Mrs. Nicole Kunz, Advancement event coordinator, graduated from NDA in 1994 as a third generation alumnae.

Her husband Kevin, a St. Francis alumni, and her three children attend St. Joe's Sylvania.

"My kids are very active, so in my spare time I enjoy going to their sporting events," Mrs. Kunz said.

Ms. Amanda Martis, theology teacher, is a 2011 graduate of NDA. Her parents

Ms. Sarah Hunter Ms. Kelly Kraus See p. 5 for more photos of new staff have been married for 33 years, and she is an only child. She was a founding member of Key of She and directed Xavier University's "AcaBellas" while in college.

"I love to watch movies, hang out with my cats and cook with my roommate," Ms. Martis said.

Mr. Nicholas Ball, technology assistant, graduated from the University of Phoenix. His wife Stephanie and their son Landon recently celebrated the arrival of their second son in August.

Ms. Marisa Napoli, English teacher, is a 2013 NDA graduate. Her mother is also an NDA alumnae. She has four

younger siblings here, as well as a dog.

"I like to sleep and drink coffee (not in that particular order). I also love the theatre, arts, and attending events around Toledo," Ms. Napoli said.

Mrs. Amanda Mutgi, Latin teacher, went to Bowling Green State University.

She lives with her husband and two kids in Holland. They also have a pet gecko named Ezekiel.

"Most students may not know that I am a vegetarian, and I like to read, garden and watch football," Mrs. Mutgi said.

Mrs. Jamie Orians, Director of Annual Giving and Alumnae Relations, went to the University of Toledo. She lives with her husband and three children in Perrysburg and belong to St. Joe's Maumee.

"My husband owns 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza, we are Cleveland Browns season ticket holders, and we love vacationing in Hilton Head Island," Mrs. Orian said.

Ms. Kelly Kraus is also joining our staff as assistant to the principal.

The new faculty and staff will learn how welcoming the girls of NDA can be.

New Technology Provides New Opportunities Elizabeth Pierson This school year NDA has many new changes and additions regarding technology.

NDA has new smartboards in the classrooms, a TV-wall inside and outside of Fitz Commons, resource center renovations, laptops, and a robot.

The smart boards are bigger and better for educational purposes.

“These new smartboards make it easier to go over homework and classwork since it allows two people to write and work on the smartboard at the same time.

For example, in my math class when we put our answers on the smartboard, it takes half the time it did before. Two people can show their work at the same time,” senior Kaitlynn Stumm said.

The TV-wall is both inside and outside of Fitz Commons. It is still being installed and worked out with the technology and maintenance department.

Those screens will display the inform

Part of the TV wall in Fitz Commons that will be completed this school year.

Photo by Ashley Keane ation that the TVs in the dining hall, Lobby D, and the Junior Academy already show.

The Savage Resource Center is a new and creative environment. It features 3D printing, new laptops, and a maker space. With these additions, it makes it easier to focus on certain tasks students have to complete.

The laptops can be used by any stud-

ent or faculty for whatever educational purposes necessary.

The Maker Space is a creative side of the Resource Center that allows students to explore their creative thoughts and to put them into motion.

“I love how the Resource Center is more open and the laptops are right there for you to use. It makes it easier to write papers and focus on what I’m trying to do,” junior Taylor Diggins said.

The Tech Nest is also working on a robot. This will help any sick students Skype during class so that they don’t miss any school work.

For example, if a student is out of school for some accident or other case that requires a lot of time to be at home, this robot will go to her classes. She can Skype during them and not miss anything. She can ask questions or talk to the teacher and classmates right there.

These additions and renovations will benefit students right at their fingertips to use as educational tools.

Notre Dame Keeps Winning Streak Going 14X Strong Hannah Dailey

The Notre Dame Academy Eagles have won the All-Sports Award 14 years in a row, which is a significant gift to the school.

“This award shows that not only are we successful in the classroom, but also on the court, in the pool, and on the field,” senior swimmer Cassidy Wilson said.

“I remember at visitations when the whole school counted all the years they had won the award. It made me proud of my future school’s sports teams,” freshman Nevaeh Krontz said.

NDA competes against other schools in the Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) including rivals such as St. Ursula Academy and Central Catholic High School.

Winning the All-Sports Award has a lot to do with winning TRAC Championships in each of these sports. NDA has won six championships in basketball, five in track and field, four in cross country, four in tennis, two in soccer, and one volleyball championship since the TRAC was founded in 2011.

“It shows how competitive NDA’s athletic program is overall and this stems from the hard work put in by our student-athletes and coaches,” Athletic Director Mr. Gary Snyder said.

Sports included in the TRAC are basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, soccer, swimming and diving, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

-3-

Sports Snapshot

Sports

Senior Justice Wingate lines up her serve sending the ball over the net to the Irish. The eagles went on to defeat the Central Catholic Irish in three sets of this varsity match. Photo By: Kendall Rejent

Germs Weigh Down Bags Elizabeth Pierson

Purses are essentially a part of the uniform at NDA. Everybody uses them, but does anybody really know how clean they are?

“I use my purse everyday. I keep everything in there from books and binders, to deodorant, to random post-its,” senior Ariel Cummings said.

According to an article on businessinsider.com, when researchers at the University of Mauritis swabbed the outside of men and women’s purses and wallets, they found several kinds of bacteria, most of which are normally harmless.

The types of bacteria the researchers found are micrococcus, staphylococcus, and bacillus.

Micrococcus naturally grows on human skin from the mucous in people’s mouths and noses.

Staphylococcus, the second most common bacteria, also grows on skin. The third bacteria they found, bacillus, “typically grows on dead or decaying material,” the researchers reported.

“I had no idea how dirty my purse actually was until I cleaned it out.

After I saw what I kept inside of it, I changed my purse, and I plan on keeping better care of it from now on,” junior Taylor Diggins said.

Even though avoiding germs is impossible, a little cleaning never hurt anything.

Some tips from Martha Stewart from marthastewart.com on cleaning out your purse are to vacuum it out with a hand-held vacuum and to use a lint roller to make sure hairs and random little papers don’t pile up inside of the purse. She also suggests using alcohol free baby wipes for the outside.

“Now that I know of useful tools and supplies when cleaning my purse, I will be sure to them when I do clean out my bag every week,” junior Dearrah Dunbar said.

Researchers also found that leather purses might actually be a good investment, since swabs from them grew less bacteria in the lab than synthetic materials did.

-4-

Opinion-Editorial

Who Will You Pick? Rivalry Continues Crosstalk

Men For Us Hannah Dailey

St. John’s Jesuit, home of the Titans, encourages students to be unique and to discover their own path. They exhibit qualities of social justice inside and outside of the classroom.

The boys who attend SJJ are truly “Men for others,” as they are taught to be selfless and serve others in their community.

Through an organization called Christian Service, they plan things like Hunger Awareness Week and organize mission collections.

They have 113 course offerings, 30 clubs, and 50 sports teams. More than 65% of the student body is involved in multiple sports and clubs.

The school offers many opportunities to take AP and Honors courses to advance students’ education even further. The mean ACT score at SJJ is 25, which is above the national average.

The recent graduating class had 5 National Merit Scholar Semifinalists and 2 NMS Commended Scholars. SJJ seniors have been accepted to around 240 colleges and universities across the nation.

Titans have claimed seven state championships in four different sports, along with countless other league, district and regional titles. St. John's has won the Three Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) All Sports Trophy the last four consecutive years. They won the Toledo City League All Sports Trophy for best overall sports program 28 out of 37 years, which is more than double any other school.

They provide many opportunities for NDA girls to get involved including marching band, color guard, and winter musicals.

St. John’s Jesuit creates the best and brightest young men in the Toledo area who are well-rounded and open-minded.

The Vista Staff Volume 68 Issue 1 The Vista is a publication of Notre Dame Academy by the students of Journalism II and III. The office is located in room 113 of the school.

Unsigned editorials represent a majority vote of the newspaper staff.

Editor in Chief: Ashley Keane Assistant Editor: Hannah Dailey Adviser: Mrs. Julie Sells Second Year Reporters: Elizabeth Pierson First Year Reporters: Ada Ogbonna Kendall Regent

You Be SFS Ashley Keane

St. Francis de Sales High School, home of the Knights, has a high-achieving academic atmosphere. With colors of blue and red, they mean business when it comes to it.

Their motto is "Be Who You Are And Be That Well" which shows how they value each individual student. They promote self-image in wanting them to succeed in life beyond school. They want each and every young man to stay true to themselves with dignity and a sense of proudness about their futures.

St. Francis has a new digital library collection that includes online eBooks and audiobooks. This is a tool to help the students access materials from any mobile device.

They are academically challenging with 20 Advanced Placement classes which makes them the Toledo Area's largest program for AP courses. Last year, 15 of the 20 courses scored above the national average.

The recent senior class had 90% of graduates that received merit-based college scholarships averaging $99,000 per student. All of the seniors were accepted into at least one of their colleges of choice.

St. Francis has been to 27 state championships in seven different sports especially swimming. They have their own indoor natatorium pool for classes to use, as well as water polo, swimming, and diving teams.

The school also offers different activities for NDA girls to participate in such as cheerleading for football and basketball, spring musicals, and marching band in the fall. Girls can also be part of their homecoming court or just attend their dances including prom.

Overall, the Knights live out their school motto of being themselves to their fullest potential, which makes them strong individuals for the next generations to come.

Editor’s Corner Hey, it is me again!

The school year is off to a great start. All the new faces of students and staff are becoming more and more familiar every day.

NDA has a lot of events coming soon to look forward to, so make sure you are getting involved with any of those that you can.

I hope you are enjoying the beginning of the school year. If you ever want to read more about a certain topic, feel welcome to talk to any Vista staff members. I look forward to talking to you through the paper!

Ashley

Opinion and editorial

-5-

Still Not Ok, Years Later “I am not going to allow your client to make me feel it is in any way my fault because it isn’t.”

The verdict of the Taylor Swift trial serves as validation that victims of sexual assault and their stories will be heard despite when and how they achieve comfortability enough to come forward.

Ms. Swift recently brought to the attention of the press a personal situation in which she was groped, without consent, by David Mueller in 2013.

Mr. Mueller, a former radio host, inappropriately grabbed Taylor from behind after a concert in 2013 and was fired for his actions. The issue resurfaced in 2015 when Mr. Mueller attempted to sue first, claiming the allegations made against him were damaging his credibility.

In spite of her apparent advantage, the settlement made was only a $1 request, meant to draw attention to the cause rather than the financial situations of both Mueller and herself.

Many of Ms. Swift’s supporters are conflicted with the notion that the trial is only a success due to the star’s pow-

erful status and are not convinced they should expect the same outcome.

The decision alone to go to trial should mean something in the eyes of those suspicious of her motives given she did not have to appear in court, but rather chose to give her testimony in person.

Because Ms. Swift is a celebrity, every aspect of her life is reported and written about, especially her romantic relationships. Her rough track record of exes was considered when questioning whether her account was believable or just more gossip surrounding a vulnerable target such as herself.

When asked if Mueller’s inappropriate hand placement might have been unintentional, Ms. Swift rebutted: “It is not alleged. It is fact.”

When victims come forward, they are undoubtedly looking for nothing more than justice, even if it is just a step towards a personal recovery. Ms. Swift provided a powerful example.

New staff continued from p. 2

Mrs. Jamie Orians

Mrs. Nicole Kunz

Ms. Marisa Napoli

Mrs. Amanda Mutgi

Mr. Nicholas Ball

Ms. Amanda Martis

It’s Free Speech Not Hate Speech Ada Ogbonna On August 12, 2017, a riot broke out in Charlottesville, Virginia that will forever be known as a battle over an old copper statue of Robert E. Lee and rights vs the common good. The lines were blurred until the revving of a truck settled the debate. Fingers were pointed, blame was placed, and a life was lost not because of free speech but because of hate speech.

Our country’s founders considered free speech so important that they made it our first amendment. Free speech is such a fragile thing that put in the hands of the wrong person, can lead to uprisings, violence and war. This does not mean that some people deserve free speech and others do not, but it does means that in some cases the line between free speech and hate speech needs to be drawn in order to protect the greater good of society.

We seem to forget that this amendment is not a get out of jail card. In certain situations we are not allowed to say whatever we want, such as yelling fire in a movie theater or cursing at a school because there are consequences to what we say, and I believe that this was completely forgotten as Klu Klux Klan members, white supremacists, and Neo-Nazis gathered to spread hate in such a public setting.

Their speech should not be considered “free speech” because free speech does not inflict fear into the hearts of innocent people. Free speech does not beat innocent men and women to the ground with baseball bats. Free speech does not carry torches in the middle of the night and chant racial slurs.

And free speech does not drive a truck in the middle of peaceful people calmly counter-protesting and kill 32 year old Heather Hyer who only wanted to make the world a better place without the scars of social injustice.

Blood spilled and a woman died, yet some are still justifying their complete disregard for human life with the words “it's my right”.

I am here to tell them that no it isn't their right, it will never be their right and this is me using my free speech to tell you that as long as I, a strong proud AfricanAmerican, am alive and thriving, hate speech will never ever prevail.

Feature

-6-

Same Day of the Week, But New PLC Fun Ashley Keane PLC mornings used to be focused solely on service activities, but this school year Pastoral Core Team is changing things up a bit for the students.

These days will happen twice a month starting at 7:30 a.m.

Campus Ministry will have announcements on posters and through WNDA prior to those times.

Those notes will let students know what each week will be about and when it will take place. They will be held in Fitz Commons and last until the end of PLC. Some of the mornings will still have service activities, but others might have different options such as games to earn snacks and prizes while connecting with God. These Wednesdays are a time for growing in faith and community with fellow Notre Dame girls. It is open to all students even if they have completed all required service hours.

If a student needs hours, they may bring their planner to get signed by a Campus

Some freshman participated in a Kahoot game full of fun. Photo by A shley Keane Ministry leader on the mornings where there is a specific activity designed for service.

"We want more girls to feel they can get involved. It would give them an opportunity to try new activities by Campus Ministry without feeling they have to commit for a whole year," Ms. Faye Smith, PCT Retreat and former PCT Service leader, said.

Each will feature different activities

such as prayer experiences, discussions, service projects, and adoration.

"It was fun because everyone was getting so many questions in the game correct. Also, Mrs. Jakubisin brought her daughter which was super adorable," freshman Nevaeh Krontz said.

There will also be planning for faith events such as the school liturgies, prayer services, and Appalachia mission trip.

Anyone who wants to have any part of these things, should go to those specific Wednesdays in order to sign up.

This includes anyone who is just interested in possibly helping at these events.

"The goal is to try something new to get people interested in growing their faith lives and the NDA community," Ms. Smith said.

Look for future announcements posted around the Campus Ministry door for the next meetings.

Anyone is allowed to attend, so bring a friend and some coffee to make the most out of a Wednesday morning.

Girls Learn, Grow While Serving Others Ada Ogbonna Notre Dame Academy students and faculty members are service-oriented to those here in Toledo as well as those living all the way down in Central America.

NDA not only empowers these girls, but it also helps girls become better individuals through education, service opportunities, and lifelong friendships.

Every summer, a group of NDA students and faculty members make a weeklong trip to the Dominican to serve the people, specifically young girls. This year the students served the girls of the Mariposa Foundation.

From playing, singing and dancing with the girls to weeding and painting a trail for the foundation, NDA girls did it all!

“It was the best week of my entire life. I wouldn't change my experience with all the Mariposa girls for anything in this world,” senior Abby Hoste said.

Another activity that reflects the vast opportunities Notre Dame has when it comes to service is the summer Migrant

Seniors Grace Hittler, Maddy Vesoulis, and Isabelle Tucker having fun in the Dominican Republic together. Photo by Mrs. Smith.

Ministries program. These students and adult helpers go to different schools in the area and tutor immigrants.

From English to math to Bible studies, Migrant Ministries helps those who may not speak English at the level needed to comprehend the subjects that are taught at a fast pace at school. They also help children learn the basics needed to further their education and to understand better at a slower pace.

Many girls even go to the houses of the students and act as private tutors to the children that need more help.

“It is a beautiful experience that helps open your eyes to the lives of other people in your very own city,” junior Mercy Torres said.

Migrant Ministries is a four-year program that encourages those who have a knack for teaching. It provides and opportunity for those who want to explore the lives of other without leaving the state. This program helps change the lives, one subject at a time, of those who are not as fortunate in our area.

All information can be found in the Campus Ministry office by asking Mrs. Faye Smith or Mrs. Lauren Jakubisin, the leaders of Pastoral Core Fiat Team. Applications for Migrant Ministries are announced towards the end of the year, and the Dominican Trip has regular meet-ings in Fitz Commons.

This life-changing service trip is open to all students who feel called to help

Arts and Entertainment

-7-

Cast Prepares to ‘Bring It On’ for Fall Musical Kendall Rejent When NDA announced this year’s musical Bring It On, students’ minds immediately went to the popular movie franchise. They will come to be pleasantly surprised by the work and the unique musical twist brought to this well-known story.

The story is about senior and head cheerleader Campbell who transfers to a rival school, only to find out someone she once mentored has taken her place.

Campbell seeks revenge on her old squad while learning to adapt to the atmosphere of a new school.

While cheerleading is the focal point of the story, the plot of the musical in many ways showcases the importance of relationships and forming strong bonds of friendship.

“For students, I love that it deals with forgiveness — you can make mistakes, apologize for the mistakes, and move on,” director Mrs. Trish Sanders said.

In addition to the cheer routines, the girls are learning a variety of other dance

The cast comes together to practice their cheerleading lifts. Photo by Kendall Rejent styles including: traditional musical theatre, tumbling, and hip hop.

For extra help, cheerleaders from the University of Toledo came in to work out the routines with the dancers, including two NDA alumnae, Jessie and Amanda Williams and Chris Dickendasher from NDA musical.

As a senior and one of the leads, Carly Krulikowski is excited about all this year’s show has to offer.

“This show is like something I have

never done before. As a senior, I hold a lot more responsibility to be the best leader and performer I can be. I couldn't imagine a better way to end my NDA musical career!” Carly said.

Fans of Broadway and Hamilton will enjoy the show’s songs as playwright Lin -Manuel Miranda serves as a lyricist and co-author of the modern music.

Throughout this coming of age journey, Campbell learns what it means to forgive and forget and understand what is truly important: the memories and friendships made regardless of the trophy your team brings home.

“One of the coolest things about directing is when you get to the show and you remember back in August when they were just learning the steps and the songs and they just work and work and put together this beautiful show,” Mrs. Sanders said.

Opening weekend for the show starts October 20. It will run for two weekends.

Tickets go on sale soon.

School Shines Through Camera Lens Ada Ogbonna AP Biology is about to get a fun twist to the class this year, but this is not the one at Notre Dame. A .P. Bio, a popular TV show will be set in Toledo for the new season.

It stars Glenn Howerton from It's A lways Sunny in Philadelphia, the comedy sitcom. The cast is speckled with stars ranging from Patton Oswalt to executive producer Seth Meyers.

The show is about an Ivy League philosophy scholar, Jack, who sets out to Toledo to be a school's new AP Bio teacher.

Instead of teaching the curriculum, he decides to use the smart kids as tools for his own personal revenge against those who wronged him.

“I have not heard much about the show, but it seems to be interesting. I am especially excited to watch it if it is here in good ol’ Toledo,” sophomore Maria Bier said.

There is some speculation that it will be filmed at Whitmer High School because

it is set in Toledo. These rumors have not been confirmed up to this point.

“I never heard anything about it being filmed at my school, but it is a good size and has a vintage look that might help the show,” senior Benjamin Logue from Whitmer High School said.

Benjamin sees opportunities the show will bring to the area if it does get filmed at one of the local schools.

"It will be a good opportunity for students to get involved and it is going to

be a unique experience. I would also love to be an extra in the TV show because it will help expand my resume," Ben said since he is involved in theatre here at NDA. Toledo is a diverse city that rarely gets amazing opportunities such as this new TV show.

From the internationally known Toledo Art Museum to the nationally ranked Toledo Zoo, Toledo is well and thriving.

The city is growing stronger and stronger as it continues to get a more positive reputation throughout the country.

There are many events held here to bring in audiences, and this show may do the same thing.

“I'm extremely excited to see Toledo gaining more recognition! I'm proud of my city and can't wait to see the show,” junior Sabrina Martinez said.

It should begin airing this month on NBC. More information will be coming out as the series continues to progress.

Until then, see you in class!

-8-

Backtalk

Everyday Eagle

Roving Reporter If you were a time of day, what would you be?

Ashley Keane "6:30 PM because the sunset is the prettiest time of day with the nicest weather."

-freshman Jillian LaBeau "Noon because I am boring. I am not really energetic or totally boring, I am just here." -sophomore Maria Bier "6:00 PM because that is dinner time here in America." -junior Irene Mollá

Senior Isabelle Tucker danced as Izzy at the last 8th grade visitation pep rally. Photo by Elizabeth Pierson

Teen Driving Put at Greater Risk

"8:00 AM because you have the whole day ahead of you for a fresh start."

-Mrs. Adler "7:00 PM because it is not too dark or bright– it’s right in the middle."

-freshman Aimee Jaggernauth

Kendall Rejent Students and faculty were given as little as a few day’s notice to prepare for the sudden resurfacing of Sylvania Avenue.

The construction that started in late August is said to continue into November, heavily affecting the flow of traffic in and out of NDA before school as well as after.

Students who live fairly close to school are even experiencing some delay: “My drive to school consists of three roads: Central, Talmadge, and Sylvania, and the fact that construction affects 2/3 of my drive is very frustrating,” senior Ellyn Jarrell said.

The most congested areas are the light at Talmadge and Sylvania in the morning, and the backup of cars leaving NDA’s parking lot after school lets out in the afternoon.

Not only are students finding it difficult to estimate when they should leave for school and when they should expect to be home after school, but their busy schedules are being compromised.

After school activities and sports are affected. “I have tennis matches that I have to go to right after school, and it takes way longer than it should to get there. We rarely have time to do a full warm up,” junior Jaden Fink said.

"I would be 1:00 AM because that is when I am most me and can be very real with myself." -senior Carly McGoldrick

"10:00 PM because that is when I can sit at home and watch Netflix before bed." -sophomore Megan Vesoulis The construction is only another obstacle in the teen driver’s everyday routine given young drivers just now getting behind the wheel are three times as likely to be involved in crashes compared to adult drivers, an article from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has recently reported.

Through research, the Foundation’s findings conclude that “inexperience paired with greater exposure on the road could create a deadly combination for teen drivers.”

The article also notes the three main causes associated with deadly car crashes which are: distraction, not buckling up, and speeding.

Of course the biggest distraction these days, especially for teens, is using the phone whether to text or to go on social media.

In such close quarters as cars inch along waiting for these red-light backups, it is more prevalent than ever to pay attention solely on the cars ahead.

"Noon because I try to be sunny and happy most days just like the middle of the day." -junior Mariah Mattison "3:30 PM because that is when we got off school already. During the summer, that is when I can hang with friends outside." -senior Emily Goodyear "7:15 AM, sun-up, because you never know what the day will bring." -Mr. DeChristopher "6:00 PM because that is when I eat dinner and watch Youtube." -sophomore Dakota Sutton "7:00 AM because it is the start of a new and fresh day that can be peaceful."

–senior Elisabeth Burchfield "I would be whatever is right before you fall asleep because you have access to interesting bits of your psyche and subconscious." -Mr. Gerhardinger