The Wooster
BLADE Volume XXI | Issue 6 | May 24, 2021
Changes: growing up and saying goodbye Inside the May 24, 2021 Issue
p. 3 - Debunking COVID-19 p. 5 - WCSD prepares p. 8 - BLADE best of p. 12 & 13- Mapping out changes for a new senior plans local drinks picks vaccine myths year
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Speakers address death penalty with history students at assembly MOLLY SNYDER staff writer
On May 13, speakers Joe D’Ambrosio and Father Neil Kookoothe came to WHS and talked to the history students about D’Ambrosio’s experience on death row. Convicted in 1989 for the murder of Anthony Klann, D’Ambrosio was sentenced to death following a trail that lasted three days. Klann was found on the ground of D’Ambrosio’s workplace, and he and his boss were accused of murdering the 19-year-old. After sitting on death row for 11 years, D’Ambrosio met Father Kookoothe, who was formerly a lawyer and would later become his advocate for his exoneration. During the lecture, Father Kookoothe explained that after he went over D’Ambrosio’s case file, that he believed D’Ambrosio was wrongfully convicted, and later discovered that the prosecutor had intentionally hid and destroyed evidence that would have proved D’Ambrosio’s
innocence. The first detectives on the scene determined that the murder had not happened on site, the body had no socks or shoes on, and the victims airway was compromised before his death. These three pieces of evidence directly contradict the prosecution's case, and were hidden from the defense attorneys. Father Kookoothe also discovered that one of the first people to accuse D’Ambrosio of murder, Paul Lewis, had a rape charge that Klann was a witness to and was set to testify against him in court. However, even after a federal judge ruled that the evidence withheld by the prosecutors would have proven D’Ambrosio’s innocence, he had to wait another six years before getting officially exonerated. Cases like D’Ambrosio’s has sparked conversations about the ethics of the death penalty, appearing on a CNN special “Death Row Stories”, bringing his case into the national spotlight. The wrongful conviction also sparked reform in Ohio law, Section 2743.48 changing the wording of a law outlining
the ways to prove wrongful convictions, according to both speakers. D’Ambrosio travels across the country giving lectures about his experience with the criminal justice system and death row, and is still in court attempting to receive financial compensation for the two decades he spent on death row as an innocent man.
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ON CAMPUS 2021 WCSD Retirees These WCSD faculty and staff have left or will be leaving the district at the end of this school year:
Melissa Arko Jeffrey Bielek Deborah Blough-Schmidt Michele Brown Joanie Bruch Diane DeFelice Deanna Kramer Phyllis McCoy Judy Meininger Leslie Middleton Emmanuel Stone Lori Ujcich Karen Walkerly Bonnie West Tina Zarella Michelle Zerrer
D’ Ambrosio and Kookoothe speak about D’ Ambrosio’s experience.
Bonnie West retires after 25 years of service to the WCSD LEX PARSONS staff writer
As the year reaches to a close on the 2020-2021 school year, many people give bittersweet goodbyes to friends and staff members who have been in the district for a long time. At the close of this year, one of those retiring staff members is Bonnie West, the district treasurer, who has worked for the WCSD since 1996. After almost 25 years of service,
West has positively impacted those with whom she works, including Jill Ackerman, Human Resources Administrative Assistant who says she admires Bonnie’s work ethic, morals, and her dedication to her students, staff and community. Ackerman says she will miss Bonnie, but she is happy and excited for her to start this next chapter of her life. West said she looks forward to taking advantage of her retirement and notes that she is especially excited to travel with
PHOTO COURTESY OF WCSD
Treasurer Bonnie West poses above.
her husband, taking some time around her house to do her own hobbies and projects and just be able to take life a slower pace. West said she has enjoyed much about her work for the district. West also notes that this district is full of caring individuals, dedicated to providing educational opportunities and says she has enjoyed working with the district’s debits and credits. However, West notes that the most rewarding thing about her work, has been working with others in working on a day-to-
day basis. “Being given the opportunities to help those around me understand and navigate whatever parts of the business side of education they are needing to connect with at the moment. As I leave the district, it is the latter part where I hope I have made a positive difference,” West said. Before she officially retires July 31, she will be working to create a smooth transition with the next treasurer for the Wooster City School District, Amy Welty, an alumna of WHS.
FOCUS
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COVID-19 vaccine myths debunked WCSD comittee proposes ASHTON DUNLAP sports editor Under the Biden administration, COVID-19 vaccines are continually being distributed and given at an impressively rapid rate. As of May 18, 124 million Americans have been fully vaccinated. Along with the proliferation of vaccines, though, is a similarly large number of vaccine myths. Due to social media and the effortless spread of ideas and controversies, many COVID19 myths were spread quickly and without constraint. Several popular myths were gathered after talking with WHS students and other members of the Wooster community.
The COVID vaccine The COVID causes infertility. alters DNA. According to a Johns Hopkins Medicine article titled “COVID-19 Vaccines: Myth Versus Fact,” “confusion arose when a false report surfaced on social media, saying that the spike protein on this coronavirus was the same as another spike protein called syncitin-1 that is involved in the growth and attachment of the placenta during pregnancy… The two spike proteins are completely different and distinct, and getting the COVID-19 vaccine will not affect the fertility of women who are seeking to become pregnant.”
vaccine
According to a CDC article titled “Myths & Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines,” “Both mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines deliver instructions (genetic material) to our cells to start building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. However, the material never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept. This means the genetic material in the vaccines cannot affect or interact with our DNA in any way. All COVID-19 vaccines work with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop immunity to disease.”
COVID vaccine side Only one dose of the The COVID vaccine will effects are dangerous COVID vaccine is allow people to stop needed to be protected. wearing a mask. or fatal. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines can have side effects, but the vast majority are very short term —not serious or dangerous. The vaccine developers report that some people experience pain where they were injected; body aches; headaches or fever, lasting for a day or two. These are signs that the vaccine is working to stimulate your immune system. If symptoms persist beyond two days, you should call your doctor. If you have allergies, especially severe ones that require you to carry an EpiPen, discuss the COVID-19 vaccine with your doctor, who can assess your risk and provide more information about if and how you can get vaccinated safely.”
According to a study by the Penn Institute of Immunology published in Science Immunology on April 15, “Those who did not have COVID-19—called COVID naïve—did not have a full immune response until after receiving their second vaccine dose, reinforcing the importance of completing the two recommended doses for achieving strong levels of immunity.” According to a CDC article titled “Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination,” “If you receive a vaccine that requires two doses, you should get your second shot as close to the recommended interval as possible. However, your second dose may be given up to 6 weeks after the first dose.”
According to a Cleveland Clinic article titled “Already Vaccinated? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Stop Wearing Your Face Mask Yet,” “although the vaccines are incredibly effective (and were nothing short of amazing in terms of turnaround), they only offer 94% to 95% protection. There’s no way to tell who the 5% will be who don’t respond to the vaccine and will still be at risk for COVID-19... Those who have been vaccinated might be asymptomatic spreaders. The vaccines prevent illness, but more research is needed to determine if the vaccines also prevent transmission. Experts are concerned that vaccinated people can still become infected without symptoms and then spread it to others who have not been vaccinated yet.”
new facilities plans SYLVIE SHAYA views editor In response to a predicted influx of students to the WCSD, a facilities master planning committee was formed to make a recommendation to the BOE regarding new schools and renovations over the next 30 years. “The Master Planning committee was formed as part of the Business Advisory Council (BAC) by Dr. Tefs to create a plan for future growth and what the plan will look like with our current facilities” said Bill Gantz, BOE and facilities master planning committee member. The creation of the facilities master planning committee was driven by the recent rise in housing projects in and around Wooster, attributed by Tefs to the need for more workers at many major local companies. The facilities master planning website estimates 500 housing units will be built in the near future, contributing about 700 new students to WCSD. “We need a master plan that would drive us through this process,” Tefs explained. The facilities master planning committee is, “A diverse group of local taxpayers... that bring something to the table,” said Tefs, the organizer of the committee. The committee is composed of 27 individuals, including business leaders, teachers, education specialists and prominent community members. The committee has released details about three possible plans and is working to recover feedback from the community
regarding the plans, although Tefs and Sue Herman, President of the BOE, emphasize the ability of any community member to propose a fourth plan. The main consideration of the committee is community feedback. “We really are dependent on input from the public,” Herman said. Committee community sessions will be conducted on May 18, June 10, July 13 and August 12 and surveys are running on the committee website to gauge community opinion of each of the plans. According to information released by the committee, plan one includes the creation of a new consolidated elementary and a new middle school. Plan two includes two new elementary schools, divided between first and second grade and a new middle school. Plan three includes two new elementary schools, a new middle school and the redistribution of grade levels between the middle and high school. All plans include the renovation of the high school. The state will fund a significant portion of the cost of the plans, taking on 30% and leaving 70% of the costs to a Permanent Improvement Levy in the Wooster area, according to Gantz. The creation of a Master Plan is the first step of a long process of funding, designing, and eventual construction and renovation of facilities and buildings. More information can be found on the WCSD website, at http://www. woostercityschools.org/ district/content-page/facilitiesmaster-plan.
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Students explore summer opportunities OLIVIA HINER staff writer With more and more people getting vaccinated and COVID19 restrictions beginning to lift, many students at WHS have made plans to attend various events this summer break. From Camp Invention, to working in theaters, students are looking forward to this summer. Beginning with Camp Invention, Katherine Sayre (10) will be volunteering at Camp Invention and The Invention Project in July. During Camp Invention she said she will, “help lead kids around and get to their stations.” At The Invention Project, which she said is, “a version of Camp Invention, but for middle schoolers,” she will be, “helping her mother set up her stuff,” as her mother will be working there as well. Sayre
will also be attending a girl scout camp in July where she will be, “running stations for younger girl scouts or walking them around to their stations.” Similar to Sayre, Trinity Mark (11), will be working as a camp counselor at a Girl Scout camp. Along with camp counseling, Mark is a member of 4H and will, “clean the barns down at the fair.” Sophia Anderson (10) is a part of Grace Church’s youth group, Grace Students, and will be going on a mission trip to Philadelphia this summer. She is unsure of what they are specifically doing this year, but in previous years they have, “served as leaders at summer camps with kids, helped finish yard work at local buildings, hold block parties, and help with whatever the churches in other cities need.” Anderson said she is optimistic to be helping in any way she can. Hannah LoGiudice (10) will be going to the Southern Summer
Theatre Institute where she said she will be getting, “the real world theatre experience by running tech for a professional level show and preparing a portfolio for college.” The program will be putting on the performance of Hello Dolly. Laura Rapport (10) will be working as a high school apprentice for Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s Youth Camp in Kansas City. It is occurring in June and she said she is waiting additional information. Mya Vandergrift (12) has a composer residency in upstate New York and said she is very excited to be getting this experience. Jhon Fajardo (11) will be going to a band camp in Florida where he will be, “practicing a bunch of songs and then performing them at the end of camp.” Looking ahead, several WHS students are taking advantage of unique opportunities.
Wooster welcomes Boba Bowl business
LANIE MEYER staff writer A new addition to downtown Wooster’s businesses opened late April of this year: Boba Bowl. The owners of this family run business, Jimmy and Becky Norrs, said they opened with the goal to provide our community with the best quality boba tea at the best possible price. There are over
20 flavors of teas from which customers can choose, in the categories of milk tea, fruit tea, or even coffee flavors. The types of boba pearls to choose from range from the traditional tapioca, which can be described as having a chewy texture and sweet taste, and popping pearls, which burst in your mouth with fruit juice. With such a large variety to choose from, customers are offered to sample the boba flavors. A small bubble tea or coffee is $5 and the large is priced at $7, which is an affordable price to stop in to give it a try. If you are not one to consume a lot of sugar at once, choosing a fruit tea in the smaller size would be the way to go. The crumble bowls, starting at $6
and the perfect size for one, is similar to a yogurt parfait. If you order an acai crumble bowl, do not expect for it to be the consistency of an acai smoothie bowl, and the one possible drawback is that the ratio of topping to base is slightly disproportionate toward toppings. According to the owners, all fruit and honey used in these bowls are outsourced from local distributors, such as the local farmer’s market. Boba Bowl provides a bright atmosphere to catch up with friends, in a bustling environment. As the temperature warms up, Boba Bowl is a perfect place to stop in to grab a drink or snack before exploring downtown or going to the outside seating to enjoy the weather.
Wooster Nutrition:
Business sells mega teas
SHERIDAN SCHAUER staff writer Wooster Nutrition, near the downtown pavilion, serves energizing teas and meal replacements. As a popular location in Wooster the question surrounding these types of beverage is: are these types of products good for you? Mega teas have a blend of green and black tea to boost metabolism. Tyra McClane, Co-owner of Wooster Nutrition stated that mega teas contain aloe vera for healthy digestion, B6+B12 booster for energy and a collagen booster for healthy hair, skin and nails. When Teresa Swain, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist, was asked how she felt about the nutritional value in the ingredients she stated, “My concern with a loaded tea is the amount of the stimulantcaffeine. Large amounts of caffeine can put your cardiovascular system in overdrive.” She recommends avoiding consuming mega teas on an empty stomach. Wooster Nutrition has over 80 different shakes from which to choose. They include 24 grams of protein and 21 different essential vitamins and minerals. Each shake is less than 250 calories. When Teresa Swain was asked about drinking the shakes as a meal replacement she stated, “I will always be a proponent of real food vs a
processed, engineered shake. Meal replacement shakes use protein isolates. Protein isolates are when the food like soy or peas are chemically stripped of almost everything except the protein in that food. So, you lose the nutrients in that food in order to isolate the protein.” She recommends having it as a treat, but not as an entire meal replacement. Wooster Nutrition has good tasting drinks, but they are expensive at $8 a drink, or $14 for the mega tea and
“My concern with a loaded tea is the amount of the stimulant-caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine can put your cardiovascular system in overdrive.” SWAIN SAID. shake combo. For a drink that is $8, it is expensive for a non-nutritional beverage. Despite its popularity Wooster Nutrition has its faults in nutrition, but can still be a fun treat. The drinks are good, but the nutritional value is not desirable for the cost. It can be an enjoyable drink, but would not be recommended as a diet or meal replacement. When asked why she recommends Wooster Nutrition, Tyra McClane Coowner of Wooster Nutrition stated, “We recommend our mega tea + shake combos because they are quick and easy for people on the go”. Wooster Nutrition is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m..
COVER
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District changes:
Dr. Tefs prepares for transition to Revere LUKE POMFRET focus editor
Dr. Michael Tefs will soon be leaving his role as the Superintendent of Wooster City schools to be the new Superintendent of Revere Local Schools, effective July 1, 2021. Tefs has been the Superintendent of the Wooster City School district since June of 2008 and over his tenure, he describes some of his personal accomplishments, “I was born and raised in Wooster, and it’s been an incredible school system for my children. My wife and I grew up in Wooster and met many people that will impact us forever. Professionally speaking, I am most proud of the cultural climate we have created administratively. I am very
proud of labor relations. I am really happy with the amount of voice our employees have in their work environment,” Tefs said. Tefs hopes the next superintendent will hold some values true to his own. “If you take care of your employees first, you provide a work environment for them that is safe, secure, and motivating; you provide robust and comprehensive job-embedded professional development… It is very important to listen to your employees,” Tefs said. When looking to the future, Tefs describes his ideas of increased enrollment in Wooster due to the housing increase taking place, which he says will lead to a revision of the environment and develop a relevant curriculum. Dan Stavnezer, Wooster City
WHS honors classes spark debates on equity LUKE POMFRET focus editor When the administration released the scheduling information for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year, there was a minor adjustment: 11 honors classes were cut from the curriculum. The decision made many students and parents ponder why these courses were cut.
Principal Tyler Keener, in response to this question, notes Wooster’s changing population needs to better suit all of its student. “Seventy percent of our students fall in between 18 to 27 on the ACT… The AP, IB students usually score in the upper twenties, and low thirties on the ACT, and this group of kids only accounts for about 20 percent of the student population. Our general
School Board member, says that in his time working with Tefs, he likes how, “The district has improved its handling of bullying, addressing inequality in regards to making the district a safe place for every student, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, color, ethnicity, etc. with our Welcoming Everyone Policy.” Scott Miller, president of the Wooster Education Association, describes Tef’s impact on the WCSD. “Dr. Tefs has been a champion and recognizes the importance of a quality public school district plays in the community… We both share the opinion that a school district in a community is the glue and helps bring the community together,” Miller said. Miller says this might be the first time they experience a change in leadership for some teachers, but he remains confident that the next superintendent will have similar values to that of Tefs. Tefs said he will be sad to be leaving his position, and in thinking about it, he declares, “Once a general, always a general.”
Dr. Tefs works in the Board of Education Central Office in the three photos above. Tefs will be leaving his position as superintendent in July.
curriculum lines up to about a 24 ACT score, and, therefore, we must evaluate if we are meeting all the needs of kids in the building,” Keener said. Keener says a significant misconception with the change of scheduling options is that now students will not feel as comfortable taking higher-level classes. “If you are an accelerated student, you will continue on the accelerated pathway to taking CCP classes and AP classes. We can blend the honors curriculum with the regular curriculum and make those opportunities available to all students,” Keener said. In a Board of Education meeting on May 17, Keener
gave a presentation focusing on the class changes and involved Charles Cerniglia, Science Dept. member, to share the inequities he saw in the curriculum. “Roughly one out of every two students was economically disadvantaged sitting in a regular class, and roughly one out of every ten students was economically disadvantaged while sitting in an honors class… It is my impression that the parents and families of students deemed regular may not be as are not as vocal and active and advocating for themselves. As these students compose the majority of our building and are often the least amongst us, I want to ensure that we give voice to
RUMEN ZDRAVCHEV
their needs as well and the effects of these honors courses have on them are taken into consideration,” Cerniglia noted during his presentation. The Wooster City School Board carried a motion to suspend the elimination of honors classes until further exploration is provided. Kristina Boone, a Board member, says, “When you have these changes, this is something we should have been talking about six months ago… We need time as a community to address these issues and to make the transition seem less scary.” WHS Students began the scheduling process during the week of May 17.
ARTS
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Marvel’s recent TV shows tackle important issues
PAULINA SALAZAR trends editor The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, starring Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie, follows Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes on a mission following the last movie, Avengers: Endgame. In the show, Sam and Bucky decide to team up against the anti-nationalist organization, the Flag Smashers, but the show also follows their personal journeys. Wilson’s story shows the struggles of black men in the United States in the show as there are many moments that mirror real life, like Sam being stopped by a police officer for no apparent reason, only let go when the police officer realizes he is Falcon. Sam is able to sympathize with the Flag Smashers’s because he sees the struggles of the people that were displaced after the events of Avengers: Endgame and understands their struggles. Barnes’s story is that of a war soldier with regrets. His struggle throughout the show is his inability to make amends, especially with those closest to him. Despite the constant bickering between Bucky and Sam, Sam is able to give him advice on how to make amends, which Bucky follows. Another side to Bucky’s story is that he has no family and few friends, however, it can be seen
throughout the show that Sam’s family provides some comfort to Bucky. The Flag Smashers are an interesting villain in the show because they have a cause that could not be disagreed with by viewers. A world without borders sounds great, but the organization takes their cause too far and incites violence. However, I never really looked at them as villains because their leader, Karli, just seems like a weak villain, portrayed as a scared little girl as the series comes to an end. There is another anti-hero that is revealed later in the show, who seems more dislikable than the Flag Smashers, known as the new Captain America or John Walker. He stands as a symbol for police brutality and uses force even if not necessary. If he feels emasculated by others, he will get more violent. He also creates the most shocking, but best shot scene in the show. Despite how dislikable the character is, he is a great example of a man emasculated by his peers. Despite all of the amazing things in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the ending is a letdown in terms of how flat it was in comparison to the rest of the show, especially the events leading to the ending. It is mostly anticlimactic, and for a show that tackles a lot of big issues, did not serve justice to what the Flag Smashers could have been. They were thrown away to make room for what could be a new conflict revealed in the last few episodes. I definitely still recommend this show for any Marvel fan, but perhaps not children since it does deal with some heavy issues that may not make this show as enjoyable for children as most Marvel content.
BLADE Staff Ranks Vampire Movies
LAURA RAPPORT staff writer
Vampires are one of the most iconic monsters in pop culture. These blood-sucking creatures have appeared in hundreds of movies, books and TV shows. Vampires have appeared in a variety of genres, including horror, romance, and comedy. As a vampire enthusiast, I have taken it upon myself to rank some of the most popular vampire movies. Each movie will be ranked by acting, plot, story, and vampire lore.
Dark Shadows, starring Johnny Depp as Banrnabus Collins, a man who was cursed to become a vampire by a witch, is by far the most entertaining vampire movie I have seen thus far. It does not follow traditional tropes that are seen in most vampire movies and instead created its own lore. Dark Shadows is funny and has a great message about the importance of family.
Twilight. The Twilight Saga, starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson as Bella Swan and Edward Cullen is entertaining; however, it lacks a good plot, good acting and a good story. The only good part about the movies is the Cullen family, except for Edward, whose vampire antics were the only thing that kept me interested.
#5 #4
Dracula 1931, starring Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula, Helen Chandler as Mina and Edward Van Sloan as Van Helsing, laid the groundwork for its successors. It is based on Bram Stoker’s novel of the same name and Lugosi’s performance as Dracula is iconic. The film is entertaining and well-made, but considering it is 90 years old, some aspects, like the special effects, have not aged well.
#1 #2 #3
Dracula 1992 starring Gary Oldman (as Count Dracula), Winona Ryder (as Mina Murray), Keanu Reeves (as Jonathan Harker) and Anthony Hopkins (as Van Helsing) is another adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel. The film is beautifully made and features incredible performances from the entire cast, especially Hopkins. Dracula is not for the faint of heart, and I would only recommend it for the most dedicated vampire fans.
The Lost Boys. This 1987 film features two brothers, Michael and Sam, played by Jason Patric and Corey Haim. When Micheal accidentally joins a gang of vampires, Sam and his friends must team up to defeat them and save Micheal. This movie is very entertaining and is great for families who love vampires.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | MAY 24, 2021 | PAGE 7
ZEKE NTIA
INTERSCOPE RECORDS
The Sounds of Summer: Playlist for warm weather and good vibes INTERSCOPE RECORDS
Songs to Scream in the Car on the Way to the Beach
TOP DAWG ENTERTAINMENT
LUCIA PERFETTI
Summer Work Out Playlist
staff writer
I polled my followers on Instagram for their top summer road trip songs and received around two dozen responses. I then proceeded to narrow them down based on which songs felt like they went together well and added a few of my own picks for a total of 10 of the ultimate summer road trip songs in the order they should be listened to.
“IN A DREAM” by Troye Sivan
REPUBLIC RECORDS
Summer Chill Nostalgia BRITTANY WACHTEL staff writer
In a search to find the songs of the summer, I took to Instagram Story polls to challenge my followers to recommend to me their top songs.
“Blue World” by Mac Miller “Petals” - TOPS “Looking Out for You” by Joy Again
“Good News” - Mac Miller
“Fifteen (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
“Heat Waves” - Glass Animals
CHLOE FRICHTL
staff writer I polled my followers on Instagram for their top workout songs, and got around 3 dozen responses. I then narrowed them down based on what I felt went together, while also adding a few of my top workout songs. Here are 10 workout songs for the perfect motivating playlist (in no particular order).
“The New Workout Plan” by Kanye West “UCLA” by RL Grime ft 24 hrs “Show Out” by Kid Cudi
“Close to You” - Dayglow
“All Of The Lights” by Kanye West
“The spins” - Mac Miller
“Black Skinhead” by Kanye West
“deja vu” by Olivia Rodrigo
“Disappoint Me” - Zeke Ntia
“i” by Kendrick Lamar
“Honeybee” by The Head and The Heart
“It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)” - The 1975
“IV Sweatpants” by Childish Gambino
“Ribs” - Lorde
“Workout” by J. Cole
“Cigarette Daydreams” by Cage The Elephant
“blind” by ROLE MODEL “Hands” by Barns Courtney “Walking in the Wind” by One Direction
“August” - Taylor Swift
“Erase Me” by Kid Cudi and Kanye West
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Best of BLADE Picks
Groups of BLADE staff members went out to popular locations in the community and rated different beverages based on criteria agreed on by each group, including: taste, price, appearance and overall experience.
Coffee
The Team: Sophia Mera, Chloe Frichtl, Lena Wiebe, Ellie Snider Our Pick: Undergrounds, for the best Americano or latte. Undergrounds is the clear favorite and has delicious coffee. We highly recommend!
Undergrounds
price - 3.75/5 taste - 4.5/5 appearance - 4.25/5 overall - 4.2/5
Boo Bears
price - 2.5/5 taste - 4.5/5 appearance - 4.25/5 overall - 3.8/5.
Sure House
price- 2.75/5 taste - 3.5/5 appearance - 4/5 overall - 3.4/5
Starbucks
price - 2.5/5 taste - 3.25/5, appearance - 3.5/5, overall - 3.1/5
Dunkin Donuts
price - 4.25/5 taste - 1.75/5 appearance - 3/5 overall - 3/5
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5
TRENDS Iced Chai:
The Team: Lucia Perfetti, Molly Snyder, Laura Rapport Our Pick: Undergrounds Undergrounds has delicious iced chai and we highly recommend!
Milkshakes
The Team: Hannah LoGiudice, Molly Snyder, Delaney Wilson Our Pick: Hartzlers Undergrounds is the clear favorite and has delicious coffee. We highly recommend!
For my milkshake endeavor, I went to Hartzlers on the north side of Wooster and got a medium marshmallow milkshake. The drink cost $4 and tasted exactly like melted ice cream. The consistency was very thick and full of flavor, but I expected nothing less from Hartzlers. The shake is very sweet and tastes exactly like a marshmallow. For flavor, I give it a 4.5 / 5 as the sweetness was a little overbearing, and I give it a 5 / 5 for price. I feel like $4 is a very good price for a medium shake. I would definitely recommend this drink to anyone who has a sweet tooth.
The coffee milkshake at Dari-Land is simple, yet well done. At $4 for a medium, you get a good size shake for an affordable price, that tastes good. While they were not busy, there was very little wait time, and the staff was friendly. The tables outside gives residents a place to enjoy a treat on a nice day with friends or family. Overall, I enjoyed my milkshake and my overall experience and I definitely recommend the coffee milkshake at Dari-Land.
Baskin Robbins, overall, has okay milkshakes. It tastes fine, but ultimately, is nothing special . The Baskin Robbins baseball nut milkshake, which consists of vanilla ice cream with cashews and black raspberries, is okay, but it is very liquidy and just tastes like extra sweet cashew milk. At the price of $4.69 for a small, it is very overpriced for mediocre flavor. The general experience was not great considering they were about most of the flavors that were advertised. The look of the milkshake is nothing special, it looks appetizing, but there was no wow factor or anything to make it extra special. Overall the milkshake was lackluster and not worth the amount of money it costs to buy one.
Boo Bears Small- $5.25, Large-$6.25 4.5/5 - The quality at Boo Bears is always amazing. It was a little too cinnamon-y, though.
Undergrounds Small- $3.70, Medium- $4.00, Large- $4.60 5/5 - beyond delicious and refreshing. I loved how warm it tasted; it reminded me of autumn. Perfect ratio between the chai and milk.
Starbucks Tall: $3.65, Grande: $4.25, Venti: $4.65 5/5 - It tasted great and was super refreshing. There was a nice balance between the chai and the milk.
FEATURE
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Avid reader provides guide to summer reads SHERIDAN SCHAUER staff writer The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han Belly Conklin visits the Fisher’s in the town of Cousins every summer. Two boys Conrad and Jeremiah are at the beach house. They always treated her like a sister, but this year is the summer she turned pretty. Rivalry spurs between Conrad and Jeremiah for the right to Belly’s heart.
A Summer to Remember by Erika Montgomery Perpetual Page Turner did a review recommending A Summer to Remember by Erika Montgomery. A woman receives a package containing mysterious photos of her deceased mother and famous actors. Leading her crosscountry to find out more about her mother, and possibly even identify her father.
The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal Best Sci Fi Books, a participant in Amazon Services, recommended The Calculating Stars by Mary Kowal. On a spring night in 1952, a meteorite fell to Earth causing the Earth to be inhospitable for humanity. Elma York, an experienced pilot wishes to inhabit the moon. She drives to be the first Lady Astronaut, but society may not let her.
Her Dark Lies by J.T. Ellison Perpetual Page Turner, a website created by a book fanatic, wrote a review for the thriller novel Her Dark Lies by J.T. Ellison, which is a story about a bride and groom having a luxurious wedding at an Island villa, but secrets are being kept. The wedding is being sabotaged, and a killer is on the loose.
Additional Recommendations: The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent Meet Me in Paradise, by Libby Hubscher Mystery: The Imposter By Anna Wharton The girls are all so nice here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano Horror: The Lost Village by Camilla Sten The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig Nothing but Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
English Teachers offer book recommendations ELLIE SNIDER feature editor
Chelsey Porter
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo and Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz. Six of Crows is part of the Grisha universe that can be experienced in Netflix’s new series Shadow and Bone (based on the book series written by the same author). It is absolutely gripping and will have you absorbed within minutes. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy series as well as anyone who enjoys action/adventure with a strong cast of characters. In this story, the characters are all technically criminals in their own way and it is essentially a heist in a fantasy realm. You will find yourself rooting for the characters and unable to breathe and they risk their lives time and time again.
Magpie Murders is literally a whodunit novel within a whodunit novel, which makes it incredibly unique and will have your mind racing the entire time. It is a British-style crime story in the same essence of Agatha Christie.
Jennifer Wright
Wuthering Heights by Charlotte Brontë I first was introduced to this novel in college and I immediately fell in love with the dynamics of the characters and the setting of the West Yorkshire moors in England during the early 1800s. Bronte is able to capture the raw emotions of impassioned love, obsession, despair, madness, and revenge in a way that the reader absorbs the words on the page. I also admire Bronte’s courage in questioning the value of inherited social classes and the emphasis of the facade of Victorian morality of that time.
Jeff Bowen
Those Who Wish Me Dead by Michael Koryta A teenage murder witness finds himself pursued by twin assassins in the Montana wilderness with a survival expert tasked with protecting him -- and a forest fire threatening to consume them all. Students should read this book because of the suspense of the plot. Like all of Koryta’s books, once you begin you will not want to put this book down!
Jill Coppola
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt I read it during a summer break a few years ago. It instantly became one of my favorite books. It is a long one that because it was summer, I could get completely immersed in and stay up all night reading. It is a coming-of-age story with a bit of a dark side and some really unexpected twists and turns. I could not put it down!
Chad Bever
Wooden on Leadership by John Wooden and Raise Your Game by Alan Stein Jr. Each of these books are full of life lessons and strategies to help you more positively approach relationships, schools, work, and even your own mental health. Each of these books, for me, are a 10. I appreciate the sports-related anecdotes they often used to get their message across.
Brett Hiner
Falling by TJ Newman. It is a thriller that actually thrills. It fits the idea of a summer
beach read, even if you are not headed to the beach. It moves at a pace that I think would be engaging to students.
Kristi Hiner
Shadow and Bone (book one of The Grisha Trilogy), by Leigh Bardugo, is the first of an entertaining and fast paced fantasy series that creates a world in which we are given a reluctant heroine who has to overcome an insurmountable evil. Although this plotline may sound familiar, it is an enjoyable and unpredictable storyline. Also, readers get the bonus of being able to watch the Netflix adaptation after reading it.
Graphic Artist Note: As an artist and a member of the class of 2021, I felt it was my responsibility to record the chaos and odd brilliance that this school year has been. Most of what student journalists do is examine the currents change around us. And, in a year of persistent change, the need for journalism and passion for the world around us grows ever persistent. So, while this mosaic is chaotic, it is connected by chaos. Scraps of old issues, the BLADE staff class of ‘21s bylines, and random pieces of our lives come together are connected by color. As a tribute to this school year. this mosaic will also be a permanent keystone in our BLADE room at WHS.
“Don’t let the bees die.” -Teddy P. (Cornerstone) “Don’t step on the plants, they might die.” -Elizabeth S. (Cornerstone)
“Plant trees to make oxygen for people to breathe.” -A’niyaha H. (Cornerstone)
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“Don’t be a mean friend.” -Cameron C. (Cornerstone) “Listen to the teachers in all the schools.” -Bianca F. (Cornerstone)
“Focus on the person talking to you.” -Vanessa R. (Kean)
“Don’t eat worms.” -Bella M. (Cornerstone)
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“Don’t kick the fish.” -Alan C. (Cornerstone)
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Advice to the senior class: Wise words from WCSD teachers and kindergarteners
“Make lots of pizza.” -Beckham K. (Kean) “Have fun and be careful walking alone.” -Airella W. (Kean)
Compiled by Molly Snyder
“By far the biggest decision in your life will not “Have fun while you’re in college. However, no involve your schooling or career. The biggest matter what you did the night before, get yourself decision will be the choice to be a parent and the to class the next morning. Focus on your classes, most important job in your life, should you decide study hard and be self-disciplined. No one is going to be a parent, will be to support and love your to be looking over your shoulder to make sure child.” “Live YOUR life! you get to that 8 a.m. class or write your papers... -Ryan Conrad (WHS Science Dept.) Live for YOU and your future! Remember what your priorities are- YOU are the When you make mistakes... learn from them! only one responsible for your success.” Be the example of kindness and strength!” -Katie Taillon (EWMS 6th Grade Language Arts) “A new chapter starts as this one does end -Tricia Nussbaum (WHS Visual Arts Dept.) It is time to go out and to make some new friends “Budget your time and money wisely, To have lots of fun when you are at college “Hilarie Day’s Class Rules: but give friendship and smiles away But remember you’re there to gain lots of knowledge -Attitude is everything. If you keep a positive attitude, for free. It’s a combination that is So go find yourself and the song your heart sings you will always be moving toward your positive goals. sure to bring you peace and Chase after your dreams and opportunities they bring -Life is not fair. Life will never be fair, but you have the happiness!” Plan for the future but in the moment do live power to change your part of the world and make it fair. -Amy Hall (Kean 3rd Grade) And cherish this life and all it has to give.” -Nothing is free. You will need to work for good grades, -Bob Veney (EWMS 7th Grade World History) wonderful friends and a happy life. In life, every success and every problem you will “Say ‘YES’ to the diversity of life and “Step out of your comfort zone and be have will fall under one of these three rules.” test the things that push you out of your willing to experience new things. Get to -Hilarie Day (CS/PV Gifted Intervention comfort zone-LIVE a life that will make “Thirty years from now, you know people - before you judge. If going to Specialist Gr. 3&4) you spend your old age smiling!” will be more disappointed college, have fun, but remember why you -Cynthia Vaughn (EWMS Grade 7 Science) by the things you didn’t do are there. Do your best. Your successes or take chances on than by are based on your choices now!” “You just experienced one of the craziest years known the ones you did do. So, take -Michele Brown (EWMS Intervention to mankind; just remember that it will get better. You chances and enjoy the ride no Specialist) are embarking on the part of your young life that will matter where life leads you. matter the most to your adult self. Whether you are Good luck to all of you!” “Embrace changes that help going into the workforce or to college just do the BEST -Matt Orock (EWMS 6th you grow.” you can and life will fall into place. I hope that this year “I care less about your potential and more about Grade Science) Pat Lindeman (EWMS taught you that you are stronger than you thought you what you do with it. The world is full of gifted Grade 6 Mathematics) were! I wish you ALL the absolute best in all of your under-achievers. Don’t waste your gifts!” future endeavors!!!” -Polly Fenton (EWMS Gifted Intervention -Misty Bisesi (WHS History Dept.) Specialist - 7th Grade Language Arts) Compiled by Jack Veney
11 | THE WOOSTER BLADE | MAY 24, 2021
CAPITAL UNIVERSITY Leah Sanchez Wayne Gerrick, lll
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Oh the places we’ll go...
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
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COLUMBUS, OH
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CLEVELAND, OH
Leo Yang CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
Joey Lyons Mariah McConnell
A breakdown of the Class of 2021’s post-graduation plans
CLEVELAND, OH
AKRON, OH
Alexandria Ajian Lily Eggerton Bailey Harpster James Lyons Jeffrey Manson Andreya Mohn Adrianna Rubino Austin Spinder Alaya West
THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON WAYNE COLLEGE ORVILLE, OH
Brandon Kurtz Makaylah Byers Pheonix Reeves Abby Swigart Hunter Withrow ASHLAND UNIVERSITY
ASHLAND, OH
Kade Coblentz Chris Franks Anna Glasgow Chandlar Hall Madison Kurtz Adria Lemmon Alexis Pesicek Brock Sigler BARD COLLEGE Leo Riley
CLARK STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRINGFIELD, OH
Trenton Snoddy UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
CINCINNATI, OH
Katelin McNeil CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF ART
CLEVELAND, OH
Elianna Vojtkofsky ANNADALE-ON-HUDSON, NY COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE COLUMBUS, OH
BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY Zoe Chamberlin Rebecca DiScipio Taryn Welty
BEREA, OH
BLUFFTON, OH
BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY Madison Schroer Margo Sturgis
DAYTON, OH
Lauren Crum Lucas Niro DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY
BLUFFTON UNIVERSITY Alexis Fuller Aedan Chavez
Madyson Vaughn UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON
BOWLING GREEN, OH
PITTSBURGH, PA
Jensan Bauman UNIVERSITY OF FINDLAY Joshua Henderson GRINNELL COLLEGE
Lena Wiebe CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA HAMILTON COLLEGE Kendall Ross
CALIFORNIA, PA
12 | THE WOOSTER BLADE | MAY 24, 2021
Sophie Gamble
FINDLAY, OH
HOCKING COLLEGE NELLSONVILLE, OH
Mercedes Graser Levi Hutchison INTERNATIONAL DIVER’S INSTITUTE
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC
Jacob Stangelo JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY Emanuel Butdorf
GRINNELL, IA
JACKSONVILLE, FL
JOHN CARROL UNIVERSITY Imari Eearly-Cross
CLINTON, NY
Graphics by Sylvie Shaya Information courtesy of W Guidance/Carol Mills and W Council as of May 20, 2021
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OH
JOHN HOPKINS UNIVERSITY Cassidy Brown
BALTIMORE, MD
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY Todd Geiser Natasha Hartmann Jacob Kane Garrett Smith Bryce Westover
KENT, OH
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KENYON COLLEGE Elizabeth Snider
GAMBIER, OH
LAKE ERIE COLLEGE Braeden Cook
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PAINESVILLE, OH
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COLUMBUS, OH
Riley Ardrey Oneli Basnagala Kayla Bielke Ian Fetter Kiley Hummel Tyler Pettorini Justin Roberts Paulina Salazar Francis Sim Marius Stoll Sophia Troutman Calvin Winter
Jaden Boucher Dakota Henry
WOOSTER, OH
ATHENS, OH
OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY Hannah Johnson Owen Roach
Rachel Furlong
Giselle Fead Isabelle Winter
EUGENE, OR
WESTERVILLE, OH
OHIO
PITTSBURGH, PA
SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY Alicia Kunkler
WEST POINT, NY
SLIPPERY ROCK, PA
STARK STATE COLLEGE NORTH CANTON, OH
WAYNE, NJ
Martin Valdez
THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER WOOSTER, OH
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
DELAWARE, OH Mya Gish Caitlin Scott
WALLA WALLA, WA
WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY
Eilee Fletcher Macy Miller Alaina Hescht Steven O’Berry Matt Pesho Justine Thorn
THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURG Dylan Greenberg
OXFORD, OH NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY CHICAGO, IL
Mya Vandegrift
Emily Castro
Sylvie Shaya
WAYNE COUNTY SCHOOLS CAREER CENTER
PAUL MITCHELL THE SCHOOL
Chloe Gettles Emilee Glenn Erin Gonzalez Jacob Hammond Lucas Robinson
SEATTLE, WA
Benjamin Haven
OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY
NEW YORK CITY, NY
WHITMAN COLLEGE
WEST POINT
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
Stephanie Wolf MALONE UNIVERSITY CANTON, OH NORTH CENTRAL STATE COLLEGE Lucy Weeks MANSFIELD, OH Macey Dillon Brooklyn Sturgis-Erb MIAMI UNIVERSITY
NORTH CANTON, OH
Madaline Altland
Chloe Cosmo Lindsey Despoy Maxwell Mingay Shannon Sarzosa Mitchell Davis Benjamin Miller Luke Stokes
MOUNT VERNON, OH
TOLEDO, OH
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
OHIO UNIVERSITY
MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
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UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO Madeline Allen Allyssa Foster Elena Wagoner
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WALSH UNIVERSITY
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY ATI Bradley Moses
SWEET BRIAR, VA
Danielle Flickinger
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THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
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Jack Veney
Ella Buzzard James Carpenter LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO Audrey Cochran CHICAGO, IL THE NEW SCHOOL Asharia Irby
Cassidy Sims William Stansifer
ADA, OH
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WHS WHS Student 1.
OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY
MORGANTOWN, WV
Kiefer Dilyard Kaitlyn Drown Julian Grimes Jerusha Savage XAVIER UNIVERSITY Julia Hootman Zeke Ntia ZANE STATE COLLEGE Faith Hemmann
WOOSTER, OH
CINCINNATI, OH
ZANESVILLE, OH
EMPLOYMENT Tate Amstutz Sophia Battles Triston Caine Faith Chapman Allison Clark Aairkya Evans Ashton Foreman Alexander Green Katie Griffin Eniko Halacsy Olivia Hatten Leroy Hershberger Alexandria Hobdon
Kelsy Holiday Gage Ignatz Connor Kennedy Jospeh LeDoux Dominic Lewis Madison MArinello Grant McKee Arielle Mettler Ryan Miles Jazzlyn Mitchell Brayden Phillips Paige Phillips Dillon Pridemore Drezdin Robinson
Damian Schmidt Skylar Shepard Logan Shows Cooper Smith Tyler Sommers Steffanie Spear Gretchen Suppes Sairra Tapp Austin Tolle Cameron Troyer Anthony Webb Leeann White Brycton Wilson
MILITARY
COLLEGE DEFERMENT
Ian Fetter Kalob Himes Benjamin Haven Binaca Morse Ethan Hersberger Hayden Frank Zachary Demastus
Austin Spinder Andreya Mohn Kayla Bielke Neena Shell Sylvie Shaya Sierra Dewald
Madison Martin Rebecca Kline Emili Stack Trystan Pittman Even Buyok
13 | THE WOOSTER BLADE | MAY 24, 2021
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WHS athletes sign to play collegiate sports
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Over the course of the last year, these 14 WHS athletes signed with their respective colleges to play collegiate sports. WHS had a total of three NCAA Division 1 signees, five NCAA Division two signees, and five NCAA Division three signees and one NAIA signee.
Braeden Cook
Jaden Boucher
Zoe Chamberlain
Aiden Chavez
Audrey Cochran
Commited to: Walsh University
Commited to: Balwin Wallace University
Commited to: Bluffton University
Commited to: Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Sport: Soccer
Sport: Lacrosse
Sport: Football
Sport: Tennis
2020/2021 Result: 1st place in the OCC
2020/2021 Result: Advanced to Sweet 16 on May 22
2020/2021 Result: 1st place in the OCC
2020/2021 Result: 1st place in the OCC
Wayne Gerrick III
Josh Henderson
Commited to: Lake Erie College
Commited to: Ashland University
Commited to: Oregon University
Commited to: Capital University
Commited to: University of Findlay
Sport: Football
Sport: Baseball
Sport: Acrobatic Tumbling
Sport: Baseball
Sport: Football
2020/2021 Result: 1st place in the OCC
2020/2021 Result: 1st place in the OCC
2020/2021 Result: Finished with a 4-1 record
2020/2021 Result: 1st place in the OCC
2020/2021 Result: 1st place in the OCC
Adria Lemmon
Chris Franks
Tyler Pettorini
Rachel Furlong
Leah Sanchez
Elena Wagoner
Taryn Welty
Commited to: Ashland University
Commited to: Ohio State University
Commited to: Capital University
Commited to: University of Toledo
Commited to: Baldwin Wallace University
Sport: Cheer
Sport: Baseball
Sport: Lacrosse
Sport: Volleyball
Sport: Softball
2020/2021 Result: 1st place in the OCC
2020/2021 Result: Advanced to Sweet 16 on May 22
2020/2021 Result: 1st place in the OCC
2020/2021 Result: Lost in round one of sectionals
14 | THE WOOSTER BLADE | MAY 24, 2021
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The Wooster Blade staff has an ongoing tradition where the graduating seniors write columns, remembering their time at WHS and thanking the people they met along the way as a final farewell to WHS. These columns are accompanied by baby photos instead of the traditional staff photos .
Reflecting on these past four years: The impact of COVID on the class of 2021
JACK VENEY co-editor-in-chief I have known for the past year that this moment would be coming: the moment where I have to write my senior column. I have had ideas come
into my head about what to write it about, but I never wrote them down. Maybe I should have. But, as I sit here, the morning that my column is due, I still have no idea where to take this. This year has been interesting, to say the least. Trying to publish a newspaper during a global pandemic, especially when school schedules were ever changing, presented many challenges. I could use the words, “We’re living in unprecedented times” to describe this past year, but those words are used far too often. Going from two days a week to completely remote,
back to two days a week, and then five days a week placed differing challenges in publication. Back in November, when we went completely remote for the remainder of the semester, we had a full issue planned that just never happened. Being just a second year on staff, who for most of my first year did not do very much work or take many pages, I never expected to be co-editorin-chief. In my first year, I never took hard stories, never wrote an opinion piece, but last March, I decided to be more involved. I helped more with laying out two to three pages
in the issues we completed. It was this initiative that I can attribute to holding the position of co-editor-in-chief. Getting the text with the list of positions for this school year in the beginning of June was one of the most surprising texts I have ever received . Going down the list, I was not expecting to find my name at the very top. It did not surprise me that Lena was there, but to have my name sitting there right next to hers, definitely surprised me. A little-known fact is that Lena and I have been close friends since first grade. It could not be more perfect that
we basically start and end our public-school careers together. (Although I am still mad at her for abandoning me to go to Germany for all of second grade). As I near the close of this, I feel that I should give a little bit of advice, but I do not feel that I could give anything better than the advice from teachers to graduates as seen on page 13, especially my Uncle Bob’s poem that he wrote. I know that there are great things coming after graduation, but I will never forget the lasting impact that being a part of The Wooster Blade has made on my life.
Pandemic teaches senior to prioritize experiences over activities
LENA WIEBE co-editor-in-chief I do not think I am a person who is very good at prioritizing. I have a lot of flaws, but that one might be the
worst. I know there are things and people that I care about, but when it comes to my day to day life, I always find it hard to sort them out from the noise. If I have any unsolicited advice to give, it is to not drift from meaningless obligation to meaningless obligation. Getting involved in a lot of things provided incredibly valuable experiences for me and helped me connect with people I might never have otherwise, but it can be easy to lose sight of what is important, and it usually is not that test or tournament that is two weeks away.
There is always so much to do that it can be easy to get caught up in just repeating the manic cycle of day to day life over and over. Relax. To paraphrase my very wise therapist (more unsolicited advice: you should probably get therapy if you can): you have the rest of your life to be busy. This year cut through a lot of that. When everything gets put on hold, it becomes easy to figure out what is important because it is what you miss; your classes, activities, teachers, friends and family. I missed BLADE, but I am so incredibly grateful for
the continued creativity and resilience of our staff. Their dedication is inspiring to me, and I cannot wait to read the BLADE next year to see where it takes them. Mrs. Hiner and Jack: thank you for being unfailingly steady while we navigated this year, but also thank you for your capacity to push us to always be better and to ask more of others and ourselves. I have learned so much from both of you over the years I have known you - from Math 24 to rhetorical devices to how to work up the courage to ask a question - and I am so glad I
will be finishing out this year with you. Hannes and Mama: we made it! I can’t even imagine what my life will look like without the dinners and endless Q&A sessions and you in it every day, but I will miss you. I am here because of you. To my friends: thank you for being there with me while we figured it out. I missed you. I am an infinitely better person because of you, your passion, patience, kindness, and the sometimes necessary not-kindness, impatience and willingness to be honest. It is a work in progress.
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A CHAPTER CLOSING, ANOTHER OPENING...
Finding balance and optimism brings growth
ELLIE SNIDER feature editor If anything can make high school seem surreal, it is finishing your entire high school education on a random Monday morning while at work. This past year and a half has been a wild ride, from March, when no teacher except Mr. Klein knew how to work Google Classroom, to this school year and the recordedin-2006 lectures of Edgenuity. While much of the traditional
high school experience was not able to happen this year, it has been a unique period of reflection and has also been a time where students can finally branch out past doing only academics with their free time. I remember my years as an underclassman, being crammed to the brim with assignments that I was physically unable not to give my 100% effort, despite being worth .01% of my overall grade. Sundays were booked with hours of “studying,” which to me, was just reading the textbook and taking pages upon pages of notes. While this year is slightly worrying as far as the strength of the academics, especially for students who stayed all online, personally, it was also a great chance to spend more time doing things that were not homework. My first piece of advice for high schoolers would be to
hold on to your new interests and hobbies, even as school transitions back to normalcy. High school is a great time to figure out who you are and where your interests lie. If you never take the time away from your studies to try your hand at baking or watching films or other things, you will miss out on great experiences and memories. There is a healthy balance between studies, hobbies, and friendships that I have found over the past year that I hope to maintain throughout college and that I hope younger students will discover and retain. I would also encourage students to try to be optimistic. As cliche and middle-schoolteacher-esque it may sound, attitude does make a difference. Football games and school dances become so much more fun when you stop criticizing the little things and decide to
have a good time with your friends. Teacher’s classes start to be more entertaining when you start laughing at their jokes, instead of pretending they are not actually funny. I promise that you are not too cool to enjoy things that other people do. While dances and games are not for everyone, there is a difference between maintaining your individuality and missing out on the high school experience because you think you are the main character. WHS is full of people who made these four years unique from any other you will experience. From incredible teachers to close friends, the people you meet in these halls shape who you become. From ninth grade to your senior year, you will grow as a student, a friend, and a person. It is up to you to grow into the type of person you want to be.
Pandemic helps senior rediscover love of learning
SYLVIE SHAYA views editor I loved to learn as a child. I remember sitting on the floor with my sister, pestering her to explain systems of three equations when I was seven. Of course, I did not understand anything she told me, but I was excited to try.
16 | THE WOOSTER BLADE | MAY 24, 2021
Trying to understand that which confused me was thrilling, From learning different languages to understanding physical mechanics or astrophysics. The repetitive routine of the same patterns day in and day out, the late nights and early mornings contributed to a sense of boredom during much of my time at WHS. By the middle of my sophomore year, I no longer felt thrilled by learning, lectures were arduous, readings tedious and I despised the thought of waking up each morning to a day I knew I would not enjoy. The year of COVID spent doing little but busy work and feeling as though I was slogging through studies of nothing reminded me of how much I enjoy actual learning,
something of which I was doing very little. Spending so much time learning what felt like nothing made the return to actual classes this spring remind me of the reasons I enjoy learning. The months of abject boredom served to remind me of the value of having something to think about and the excitement I once found in learning. As much as I despised the constant monotony of much of high school, one of the few aspects I have truly enjoyed is the people. The friends I grew close to and those I grew away from, the teachers who broke the tedious cycle of seemingly useless assignments, and the many people who supported me and helped me through dark times all made my high
school experience a generally positive one. I have changed since I first entered WHS, becoming more mature, confident and self assured due to the people with whom I spent my high school career. People who pushed me to be kinder, more understanding, and more positive, and who supported me whenever I felt the weight of failure and uncertainty. Thank you to my parents, my sisters, my friends, my teachers and everyone else who has encouraged and supported me over the past few years. I hope to take the lessons I have learned with me as I continue on to college and further, remembering to enjoy learning and appreciate the people who help me along the way.
Learning to take up space brings self-love
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Reflecting on the importance of change in growth
SIERRA DEWALD cover editor I distinctly remember being younger and looking in awe at the seniors, thinking they had everything figured out. Now that I am almost done with my senior year, I can assure anyone thinking the same that, that is absolutely not the case. Probably the most important thing I have learned throughout high school is that no one, regardless of how old they are or how confident they seem, has it all together. If you told me four years ago
that I would be taking a gap year instead of going to college in the fall, with no idea as to what school I am going to end up at after, I probably would not have believed you. Yet, here I am, with that and so many other uncertainties hanging over my head. Still, for someone who usually likes to be over-prepared, I am oddly more calm about all this than I could have anticipated. Sure, there are moments of panic, but with COVID uprooting virtually everything for the past year, I have made a sort of peace with the fact that life is never quite what I expected it to be. The things I expected to take away from high school, the stressful classes and important lessons and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that everyone talks about, have been a part of my years here, but they are not what sticks out to me the most. When I reflect, it is not the
big, milestone moments that I remember. Those feel like little more than a blur. Instead, I think of the small thingsspontaneous coffee runs, conversations in the school hallways and laughing until I could barely breathe. I think of the friends I have known since the beginning of high school, and often for years beforehand, and how I have gotten to watch them grow and change into people I am more proud of than words can properly express. I think of the people I have met throughout the last four years that have changed my life for the better, encouraging me and impacting me beyond anything I could have imagined. I think of how I am a different person than I was four years ago, in ways I never could have anticipated.
I do not have some lifechanging piece of advice to offer, and I certainly do not have it all figured out. It is okay to be a mess sometimes, and it is okay to have moments where it feels like everything is falling apart. Just do not place so much emphasis on that test; I promise it is not as important in the long run as it feels right now. Look around and notice the people you have, and the moments that happen every day. Your high school experience probably will not be everything you expect it to be. Sometimes things do not work out, and that sucks, and it is ok to feel that way. Just try not to close yourself off to changing your plans because growth is often happening-and the best memories are being madewhen you least expect it.
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invest in someone else. And finally, I have been thinking about growth. The fact that so much physical, emotional and communal growth occurs during the short four years that is high school is crazy to me. Growing up is a truly special experience that flies by if you don’t pay attention. I entered WHS as an awkward 13-year-old, and now I am exiting as an adult that has fully embraced my awkwardness, height, and most importantly, myself. And I think that is pretty cool. But yes, underclassmen, parents, adults, alumni, and whoever else is reading this, Some advice from a senior in high school: You are allowed to take up space. You are allowed to chase your passions. You are allowed to be alone. You deserve to love the person you are growing up to be. Because I do.
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As my final year of high school comes to a close, I have been thinking about a lot of things. So, this being my final column in The Wooster Blade, I would like to write about my sporadic nuggets of advice, realization, emotion and growth. Just a warning, this column will jump around to my multiple different thoughts. I have been thinking a lot about space. As a 6’0 girl, I always felt that I had to make
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and how much they mean to me. BLADE, Speech, Drama Club, Band, Orchestra and Cross Country have gotten me through high school. Though they made me busier than I would like to admit, they added so much to my life. If you love something, pursue it as much as you are able. It is so rewarding to pour your life into what you are passionate about. Chase what finds you. I have also been thinking about love. Specifically, the fact that I spent two years of my high school experience in a relationship with a temporary person, when that time could have been spent with lifelong friends. Not to hate on any existing high school relationships, but love is rarely found when you are sixteen. But, you know what is? Yourself. Please, please, please get to know yourself before you
WE CANNOT BECOME WHAT WE WANT BY REMAINING WHAT WE ARE
MYA VANDEGRIFT
myself smaller. That I was not allowed to take up space and needed to minimize myself to be digestible to other people. On a physical and emotional level, I always felt big. So, I want to make clear to anyone who needs to hear it: you are allowed to take up space. You do not need permission to exist fully as yourself, and anyone who makes you feel that you must limit who you are should not have that weight in your life. And, if the person holding you back is yourself: you deserve to be kind and at peace with who you are. It takes time to build that positive relationship with yourself, but it is what you deserve. You can do it! I have been thinking a lot about time. I have been thinking about the several groups and activities that I have done throughout the years
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High school does not always go according to plan...
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Failing shapes experience
SOPHIE GAMBLE cover editor To be completely honest, I did not always love high school. I did not love attending pep rallies and I didn’t love school dances. I think I always expected ‘more’ out of these last four years, because of how they look in movies and in books. But when I look back, I do not think about all the things that I did not like. I think of the friendships I have made in places I did not expect; the teachers who have inspired me to love learning; the passions I have acquired for writing and public relations; the excitement of competing under the lights on Follis field; the homework dates with my best friends. Through all of these experiences, I have found one thing to be true: there will always be things we love and things we do not love about a place. And, all of the things we do not love will teach us
something about ourselves. I have learned that I prefer smaller learning environments, and that I will need a tutor if I ever have to take chemistry again. If I did not occasionally step out of my comfort zone, I would not have discovered these things about myself. By taking the safe route, I would not have met many of the wonderful people with whom I surround myself, and I probably would not have applied to the same college or known what I wanted to study. This fall, I am attending Hamilton, a college that I have never physically visited. While this is a reflection of graduating mid-pandemic, it is also a reflection of my newlyfound philosophy. I know that I will find things I love about Hamilton, because I am excited to try new things and to meet new people. My advice to all is to realize it is okay to fail and it is okay to not love everything about high school. Experiences are how you learn who you are, which is what high school is truly about. So, take that impossible class, join that new sport, talk to that person because high school does not last forever. When you look back, you will remember the things you loved, and you will have learned from the things you did not.
18 | THE WOOSTER BLADE | MAY 24, 2021
Change teaches resilience
JULIA HOOTMAN staff writer My senior year has been the most unique year of my life. Navigating life during a global pandemic has certainly been challenging, especially as I plan to enter college in the coming fall. Through the ups and downs I have learned to appreciate life as it happens, especially when nothing is going as planned. If you asked freshman Julia what classes she would be taking her senior year, she would have said AP Chemistry and AP Literature, not Edgenuity’s online school. If you asked what sport she would be playing in the spring of her senior year, she would tell you that she would be finishing her fourth year of softball, not completing her first year of track. If you asked her where she would be going to college, she would not have the faintest idea. Nothing goes according to plan. In the back of my mind,
I always knew this, but the global pandemic really drove the point home. I spent a lot of time wallowing at the loss of the end of my junior year and the complete alteration of my senior year., but salvation comes with a change in mindset. So much of our lives is what we make of it. If you walk into a school dance thinking it is going to be lame, you are not going to have fun. If you sacrifice your true interests for activities that fit the status quo, you will never find fulfillment in your daily actions. If you change your personality to fit in, you will never be comfortable in your own skin. If you look at a global pandemic thinking there will be no end, you will miss your own life as it is happening. I have spent years working to apply this open-minded approach to my life. First in high school, where it seems as if everyone is too cool for everything. Then during the pandemic, while living in indefinite uncertainty. Once you decide to view the world in a positive light, the world becomes a much better place to live. I am thankful for all the times life did not go as planned. These missteps influenced the way I see the world and the way I choose to live. I am thankful to be the person I am today.
Seniors Give Advice to Underclassmen
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“Cherish every moment you have.” -Adria Lemmon
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“Focus on yourself and do what makes you happy, because your time in high school is short, but most importantly, be kind to everyone. You never know what others are going through.” -Madeline Allen
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“Focus on building your leadership and inspiring your peers. More gets done when community is involved and works together.” -Ben Haven
KRISTIN KEATING
“Don’t feel pressured to immediately go to college. Gap semesters/years where you work, travel, and/or volunteer can be really beneficial to figuring out what exactly you want and for taking time to grow as a person, and to make sure you do not overwork yourself to the point of complete educational burnout.” -Neena Shell JACK VENEY
JACK VENEY
“Take your time through high school, everyone wants to be a senior and graduate and go to college, but it really does go by so fast and you make so many fun memories along the way. Live in the moment rather than longing for the future.” -Elena Wagoner
“Life’s too short to worry. Find a way to enjoy the good things, and, especially, the bad things.” -Zeke Ntia
“Don’t slack, and take part in activities.” -Zach Demastus
“Prioritize your mental health above all. Although school is important, your mind and your feelings are way more important.” -Kaity Drown
JACK VENEY
As seen in the photo above, each year WHS seniors take part in high school traditions such as performing in Symphonic Band, tie-dyeing T-shirts, and putting on a spring concert. Even with the COVID pandemic, there are some traditions that never cease to change. KRISTIN KEATING
Blurbs Compiled by Sierra Dewald
19 | THE WOOSTER BLADE | MAY 24, 2021
Editors-in-Chief Lena Wiebe, Jack Veney Webmasters Rumen Zdravchev, Ashton Dunlap Graphics Manager Mya Vandegrift Business Manager Luke Pomfret, Jack Veney A & E Editor Leo Riley, Julia Hootman Cover Editors Sophie Gamble, Sierra Dewald Feature Editor Ellie Snider Focus Editor Luke Pomfret On Campus Editor Hannah LoGiudice Sports Editor Ashton Dunlap Trends Editor Paulina Salazar, Jensan Bauman Views Editor Sylvie Shaya Staff Writers Jhon Fajardo, Chloe Frichtl, Olivia Hiner, Trent Kuzma, Sophia Mera, Lanie Meyer, Lex Parsons, Lucia Perfetti, Laura Rapport, Sheridan Schauer, Molly Snyder, Brittany Wachtel, Delaney Wilson Artists Sylvie Shaya, Mya Vandegrift Photographers Hannah LoGiudice, Rumen Zdravchev, Ashton Dunlap Graphics Staff Sylvie Shaya Adviser Kristi Hiner The Wooster Blade is a biweekly student publication printed every other Friday by the Newspaper Production classes at Wooster High School. The Wooster Blade is designated as an open forum and follows publishing guidelines as established by district-wide publications policy protecting students’ freedom of expression. All copy, art and photography are property of The Wooster Blade and cannot be reproduced without permission. Letters to the editor are limited to 300 words and The Wooster Blade reserves the rights to print and edit as per length and content. The Wooster Blade is a member of Quill and Scroll, National Scholastic Press Association and Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The Wooster Blade is printed in cooperation with Wooster’s The Daily Record. Letters and inquiries should be addressed to The Wooster Blade, 515 Oldman Road Wooster, Ohio 44691. The Wooster Blade can be contacted at 330-345-4000 ext. 3210. The newspaper can also be found at thewoosterblade.com
THE VOICE OF WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL
BLADE
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Jack Veney: Thank you to all WCSD teachers who do their best everyday to make sure students have the best education possible, despite the circumstances. Also, a big thank you to the staff of The Wooster Blade, who have been willing to adapt through a year where publishing a newspaper has been anything but easy, and to Mrs. Hiner who I knew was always there if I needed anything. Paulina Salazar: Branch out and join various clubs or sports, you might find your true passion in one of those activities. Ellie Snider: Thank you to all the
WCSD teachers who tried to do their best this year despite the circumstances, and who foster a love of learning both this past year and in general. The advice I’d give would be to do whatever makes you happy in high school. There’s no point of spending your free time for four years doing something that you have no real interest in. Spend your time the way you want. Sophie Gamble: Thank you to my wonderful teachers who took extra time out of their lives to personally connect with me and inspire my love of writing Sylvie Shaya: Thank you to all the teachers who inspired my many intersts and did their best no matter the circumastance. My advice is if you do not enjoy something, stop doing it. Being unhappy in a sport or extracurricular can ruin the time you spend
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Senior Advice and Thanks Lena Wiebe: Thank you to all the teachers, advisers, coaches and counselors in the WCSD who have sacrificed so much to help all students explore their passions in and out of the classroom.
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doing things you genuinely enjoy and the activities you do should only be ones that make you happy. Sierra Dewald: Be intentional about spending time with the people who make you happiest. Don’t put so much energy into trying to impress people who make you feel worse about yourself-notice and appreciate everyone you already have. Mya Vandegrift: The best advice I have for younger students is to prioritize yourself and what you want to do, not what other people expect you to do. Don’t be afraid to make your own path! Leo Riley - Lift heavy, take your multies and stay alpha. You’re gonna rock the show.
The cover features photographs of The Wooster Blade senior staff members through the years. Our theme for this issue is changes, and the images reflect the growth and maturation of our departing seniors. From left to right, top to bottom, is: Jack Veney at age 1; Leo Riley at age 1; Ellie Snider at age 2; Sophie Gamble at age 4; Sylvie Shaya at age 3; Lena Wiebe at age 5; Sylvie Shaya at age 7; Sierra Dewald at age 10; Paulina Salazar at age 14; Julia Hootman at age 16; RUMEN ZDRAVCHEV Pictured above are the seniors of The Wooster Blade staff. From left to right, top to bottom, and Mya Vandergrift at age are Sophie Gamble, Sylvie Shaya, Sierra Dewald, Mya Vandergrift, Ellie Snider, Julia Hootman, 18. Lena Wiebe, and Jack Veney. Not Pictured are Paulina Salazar, Leo Riley and Jensan Bauman.