The Wooster
BLADE
Inside the Feb. 21, 2020 Issue
p. 5 March ballot brings WCSD levy
p. 6 Faculty share their p. 13 All ears: debating the female role models impact of music on studying
Volume XX | Issue 10 | Feb. 21, 2020
heroes heroes stand up for a cause heroes spread positivity heroes provide inspiration to others
Everyday heroes impacting the lives of the community
ON CAMPUS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 2
Concert choir prepares for return to OMEA JACK VENEY staff writer The WHS concert choir consistently goes to the Ohio Music Education Association Large Group Adjudication, which occurs March 13 and 14. According to Music Dept. member and director of choirs Emily Patterson, every ensemble that participates in OMEA Adjudicated events has to sing three selections, one of which has to be chosen from a select list of traditional choral pieces. After each piece is performed at the adjudicated event, the ensemble is given a rating, much like all other musical adjudicated events. Ensembles are given ratings based on accuracy of rhythms, pitches and text, changes in volume and tempo, and proper choral techniques. Patterson states that when selecting songs, she typically selects one traditional, one slower song and one multicultural piece, trying to find ones that highlight the groups strengths. “Directors look for a varied program typically including a more traditional choral piece, something slower and a third multicultural piece, all varying in tempos, keys, and textures. Directors also find pieces
that highlight their group’s strengths.” Four year choir member, Lydia Cooper (12), describes that for a regular concert, the ensemble has to know their music and execute proper dynamics, but for adjudicated events, they have to prepare for both those things and also be prepared for sight reading, where they only get four minutes to prepare. “For regular concerts we just have to know our music, and execute the proper dynamics. For adjudication, we have to do all of that, and be prepared for sight reading. We don’t know what we will sing until we get there, and in four short minutes we have to figure out our parts,” Cooper said. Three year choir member, Emma Yoder (12), says preparing for adjudicated events is a lot more pressure than preparing for a regular concert. “Preparing for adjudicated events is more pressure, but in a positive way, because instead of just performing in front of a group, you have to do well as you are being judged. It’s never about being an individual person, it’s about the group,” Yoder said. Getting the songs to be performance ready can easily take six to eight weeks, Patterson states. “Getting all three selections
“PREPARING FOR A D J U D I C AT E D EVENTS IS MORE PRESSURE, BUT IN A POSITIVE WAY, BECAUSE INSTEAD OF JUST PERFORMING IN FRONT OF A GROUP, YOU HAVE TO DO WELL AS YOU ARE BEING JUDGED,”YODER SAID.
Wooster Robotics teams find success at Kalahari LUKE POMFRET staff writer The WHS Robotics teams recently competed at the Kalahari Classic Jan. 17 and Jan. 18 to compete with robotics teams from different states and countries. The high school team 44691A “Prestige Worldwide” earned 40 place, out of 147 teams. The middle school team, 44691B “Yuh Moms Spaghetts,” won the overall tournament in an alliance with 4110A, The Squirrels in Beta. Jacob Melrose, coach for all of the WHS Robotics teams, describes how robotics helps students learn to work together. “Robotics teaches these kids how to communicate and work as a team,” Melrose said. This year is Melrose’s third season involved with the robotics club at WHS, and has had every team go to the state tournaments every year. Melrose cites the success of the teams to the students’ dedication in school and outside of the classroom. Melrose opens the working area by 6:30 a.m. and usually will not leave until 5:30 p.m., giving the teams plenty of time to meet
when convenient. Melrose says he is grateful for the supplies the teams have, including laser cutters and a fully functioning building area to create designs and build. Hayden Frank (11), part of the team “Prestige Worldwide,” has been a part of the program for two years and tries to lead his team and help others. Jacob Yost (10), describes how his first year of robotics is going, by stating, “Robotics is something I truly enjoy… it’s great to be surrounded by likeminded people.” This may be the first year of middle school terms competing, but team 44691B “Yuh Moms Spaghetts” is hopeful for future years. Members Tyler Massoni (8), Sydney Older (8), and Jack Pomfret (8) say their most significant accomplishment has been winning the overall Highland tournament, which qualified them for the states. “This team has faced adversity… we lost three members, but we continue to work hard and push forward,” Massoni said. Melrose is optimistic about the years to come and knows that he has a batch of, “innovative and problem-solving students.”
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to a quality performance, including practicing sight reading skills, takes consistent and focused work over six to eight weeks. Perfecting a single song can vary in the difficulty of the text, techniques and rhythmic patterns. Singers have the added challenge of text and conveying the composers meanings through those words,” Patterson said.
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THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 3
Custodial member Teirre strives to provide positivity and inspiration MOLLY SNYDER staff writer Oxford Dictionary defines hero as, “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” For some, a hero may be a fictional character from a movie, for others, a family member they look up to, but one thing all heroes have in common is their ability to inspire and lift up others. One person that fits the mold of a hero on campus at WHS is part of the custodial staff. Akron native Teirre Coleman, more fondly known as T, is a custodian at WHS and uses his job to not only keep the school running, but he also uses his job to inspire and uplift students and staff alike. As a self-professed “people
person,” T does his best to interact with students and staff and strives to be a positive force in the school. “It [being a custodian] showed me that it’s just more than just being a clean-up guy, you get involved with people, you get to be a motivator to people… you just get to touch people,” T said. Outside of work, T said he enjoys meeting new people, watching sports, cooking and being involved in other’s lives. Always wanting to be surrounded by positive people, T said he strives to be a positive force to those around him. Being one out of the 11 custodians on staff at WHS with over 2000 students, T is part of the behind the scenes machine that is the backbone to the efficiency of the school. T said the custodial staff at the school deals with anything from restocking bathrooms to
monitoring the school lunches in the cafeteria. It would be easy for T to slip into the background and go about his day without interacting with anybody, but T makes sure he goes out of his way to make conversation with whomever is around in hopes of brightening
“I ALWAYS TRY TO THINK POSITIVE... WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH I ALWAYS THINK... THERE’S A BETTER WAY OR BETTER SOLUTION TO DEFEAT THAT MOMENT,” T SAID.
their day. T said he sees WHS as one big family, his family and makes it his personal goal to be a positive force in as many people’s lives as possible. It is not easy staying positive when life gets rough, but T has his own solution. “I always just try to think positive… when things get tough I always think… there’s a
better way or better solution to defeat that moment,” T said. Being a custodian was not what T imagined for his life, but he always tries to use his opportunities to reach others and be there for them. “ If you have any problems… I’m here to help in any way I can… I’m just that guy to try and keep people uplifted,” T said.
GRACE BROWNSON
Custodial staff member Teirre Coleman strives to inspire and uplift students and staff every day, while always keeping a positive attitude.
Members of 8th grade writing team advance SYLVIE SHAYA staff writer The WHS eighth grade creative writing team, which is part of the Power of the Pen competition, recently took second place overall at their district tournament in Ashland. Of the 12 middle school writers, seven will be attending the regional competition, but for Chelsey Porter, English Dept. member, the club’s sole focus is not on the competitions. “My goal is to at least send one person from each grade to states,” she explained, but, “my other goals included developing creative writing club because I have a lot of participants who
don’t want to compete, but want to be there to write.” There are a total of 24 competitive writers, but the club has about 40 members in total, according to Porter. The seventh and eighth grade competitors take part in Power of the Pen competitions, while the high school writers compete in Just Write competitions. Ashley Shroer (9), a member of the Just Write team, said, “writing stories is something that I’ve always liked to do, and it [Power of the Pen} gives me a place to do that and to improve at what I like to do.” Shroer added that she hopes people on her team make it to states, but mostly wants to work
on her writing. “Writing is truly a great way to express yourself. And, when you’re on a team, the experience is all the better,” Ella Buzzard (11) said. Buzzard aims to expand her creative horizons and come out of her shell in what she writes over the year and has been experimenting with style and genre to work to improve her writing. The high school Just Write team’s competition was delayed from its tournament at Cloverleaf, but will be attending a tournament in Columbus Feb. 29, the same day the middle school Power of the Pen team will be attending regionals at Kent State University.
Illustration by Eve Norris
FOCUS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 4
WCSD works to prevent bullying and promote positive environment LENA WIEBE focus editor According to stopbullying.gov, the School Crime Supplement, published in 2017 by the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice, nationwide, about 20 percent of students between 12 and 18 have experienced some form of bullying, and about 19 percent report being bullied on their school property. In the WCSD, administration and guidance department members say they work jointly with the student body to help prevent bullying. Julianna Hamad, WHS guidance counselor, says at Wooster, “...our guidance and administrative team work collaboratively to combat any instances that we are made aware of. We are lucky to work in a building with so
many clubs and student-led organizations that take pride in promoting positivity and inclusivity.” The Wooster Way, Wooster’s program whose mission is, “empowering the heart, body, and mind” (woostercityschools. org), is a key focus for bullying prevention efforts at Wooster. Richard Leone, WCS Director of Secondary Education, remarked that “Positive Culture [sic] in all of our schools is of the utmost importance. It is also a team effort of all employees, not just administrators. The Wooster Way is a multi-layered approach to build and enhance positive culture within the Wooster City School District.” Both Hamad and Leone commented that they believed social media has made cyberbullying more prevalent in recent years. Leone added that “Continuing
RUMEN ZDRAVCHEV
Superintendent Dr. Michael Tefs addresses community members at the Jan. 28 Board of Education meeting about responding to bullying concerns.
to educate our students on the proper use of social media platforms and apps is essential in combating rude, mean and bullying behaviors.” WHS Principal Tyler Keener added that students should work to help promote positivity and prevent bullying in their schools. “As high school students, we ask you to take pride [in] your school. Leave a legacy that others want to follow. Our students have done a great job of creating a positive culture… let’s continue to make this place even better for the next generation,” Keener said. When responding to allegations of bullying, Leone says administrators follow the protocol set out in board policies 5517 and 5517.01. Board policies 5517 and 5517.01 strictly prohibit bullying and, “aggressive behavior,” and outline a course of action for investigation of complaints. The board policy requires that “The Building Principal or appropriate administrator shall prepare a written report of the investigation upon completion. Such report shall include findings of fact, a determination of whether acts of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying were verified, and, when prohibited acts are verified, a recommendation for intervention, including disciplinary action shall be included in the report. Where appropriate, written witness statements shall be attached to the report.” These policies also add that such an investigation may result in disciplinary or legal action based on the report and the magnitude of the violations committed.
GRACE BROWNSON
Carissa Timko, along with staff and students, gives doughnuts to students on Feb.18 as part of the Random Acts of Kindness initiative.
WHS observes Random Act of Kindness week MAEVE FLORENCE-SMITH feature editor The Random Act of Kindness Foundation, as cited on randomactsofkindness.org, believes that all people can be brought together with kind actions and, “that kindness can be taught.” Marin Dixon, freshman class president, said Random Acts of Kindness has been brought to WHS as of Feb. 17. “We [Student Council] are recognizing kindness week so we can bring to light human appreciation and kindness within our school.... We hope that all students and staff are impacted by kindness week, and that those impacted students and staff are able to pass on the kindness to loved ones or people in general, outside of school,” Dixon said. Rheanna Velasquez (12), president of Student Council states, “Kindness really is a choice at the heart of how we interact with each other, and that means it has tremendous capabilities in fostering wellbeing, understanding, empathy and support.” Kindness not only benefits
people around us, it is also good for each individual. According to the video, “The Science of Kindness,” found on randomactsofkindness.org, “Studies have shown that if you perform just one random act of kindness a day they’ll not only reduce your stress, anxiety, and depression, but your body is flooded with the same hormones that make you and the person you’ve helped calmer, healthier, and happier.” The Random Act of Kindness Foundation offers many ways for people to help, including becoming a RAKtivist®. The website states, “‘RAKtivist’ is short for ‘Random Acts of Kindness activist’. Think of RAKtivists like kindness ambassadors—and, like all ambassadors, they’re a part of an active, global community.” Dixon states, “Becoming a RAKtivist is really quite simple. All you have to do is be nice to everyone no matter the circumstances.” According to the website, there are around 30,900 official RAKtivists ®, with ages ranging from 14 to 89, with representation from 87 different countries worldwide.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 5
American Heart Month events take place at WHS SKYY KHOUNBORIN sports editor February is known as American Heart Month, meaning that across the country, individuals spread awareness for heart health and heart disease. At WCS, one of the primary ways in which American Heart Month awareness is celebrated this year is through Jump Rope for Heart Week, in partnership with the American Heart Association. Throughout Jump Rope for Heart Week, students from multiple schools within the district show awareness through spirit week and a jump rope tournament. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease; the most common risk is smoking tobacco. “Coronary Artery Disease is caused by plaque buildup in
the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body...Plaque buildup causes the inside of the arteries to narrow over time, which can partially or totally block the blood flow,” states the CDC. Adam Parker, Youth Market Director for the American Heart Association, said that heart health is a highly important topic for teenagers to learn about. “Students in high school need to be aware of heart disease because it is a lifelong mission to keep yourself healthy. As we learn at an early age it is easier to build the healthy habits we take with us for a lifetime,” Parker said. Discussing topics, such as heart health, allows students to understand how the administration is passionate about developing individuals more than just on an educational perspective. Sara Crooks, WHS Associate Principal, explains the enormous importance of
RUMEN ZDRACHEV
Students, staff and community members participate in Heart Health Awareness month events at WHS during a boys’ varsity basketball home game on Feb. 4. The goal of this event was to raise awareness for heart health and to demonstrate the importance of maintaining one’s health and being active to reduce the chance of disease. talking about heart health with students. “Students may not know the resources and organizations that exist in our community to support them. Highlighting
WCS brings tax levy to March ballot RHEANNA VELASQUEZ co-editor-in-chief Wooster City Schools is one of two school districts in Wayne County bringing tax levy proposals to the ballot March 17. WCS last brought a levy to the ballot as a 6.5 mill continuing expenses levy passed in August 2010. In 2010, the school levy passed by 1.2 percent, with 3,449 votes for and 3,368 votes against.
The current levy proposed is also a 6.5 mill levy, intended to support operating costs related to personnel, curriculum, utilities and buses, according to WHS associate principal and levy committee member Sara Crooks. Estimated to generate an additional $4.2 million in annual revenue, the levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $18.95 each month. Charles Cerniglia, WHS Science Dept. member and
levy committee member, says the school district needs the proposed levy due to the effects of HB 920, legislation passed in 1976, which reduces the taxes charged by a voted levy to offset increases in the value of real property. “As the prices of everything continually rise, while our effective tax rates are automatically lowered, it is only a matter of time before schools are forced to go ask residents to bump the tax rates back up
our partnerships with organizations like The American Heart Association shows how we are committed to the development of the whole person,” Crooks said.
WCS is demonstrating awareness not only for health, but for similar events such as Random Act of Kindness week, which will be held the week of Feb. 17.
to where they can fund their schools,” Cerniglia said. The school district relies heavily on local property taxes for revenue. Wooster City Schools Superintendent Michael Tefs notes that with 6.9 percent and 34.7 percent generated from federal funds and the state, respectively, 58.4 percent of WCSD’s funding is generated locally. Crooks says that while most community members will ask, “how much is this levy going to cost me?”, the other question to consider is,“what is the cost of not passing this levy?”
“My Elliot (age 4) and Alice (age 1), are future Wooster Generals, and I want them, and all the kids of their generation, to have access to the incredible opportunities that I have had the privilege to observe as an elementary and high school principal. This district is doing amazing things, and I want to continue that for the next generation of Generals,” Crooks said. Since 1989, WCS has brought 11 levy proposals to the ballot, with five failing and six passing, averaging 8.2 and 7.8 percent margins.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | FOCUS | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 6 Ashley Siegel (12) poses with Da’Shawn Walker while attending Night to Shine, a dance sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation held at Grace Church. The year 2020 was the first time Siegel was able to participate in the dance.
Passion at work
Lindeman impacts students through Boys and Girls Club MADDY MCCULLY co-editor-in-chief
PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHLEY SIEGEL
Siegel finds passion in special education SKYY KHOUNBORIN sports editor Ashley Siegel, a current senior at WHS, has always known she loved children and wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. It took one teacher and one moment to figure out what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Siegel first became introduced to the idea of special education when one of her teachers approached her about an opportunity to assist one of the special education classes at WHS. Troy Worth, Siegel’s sophomore AP Biology teacher, was the one who recommended the position to her. “Ashley has a caring personality. Ashley’s smile and positive attitude was what initially caught my attention. I am extremely happy that I could provide an opportunity for all students that brings a smile as it does for Ashley,” Worth said. Erica Lepley, one of the
intervention specialists with whom Siegel works, did not realize how much of an impact Siegel would make on the program. Lepley was introduced to Siegel at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year after seeing Siegel interacting with the students in another special education classroom. “Ashley has been a great role model to have in my classroom. Her energy and positivity that she displays on a daily basis spreads throughout the classroom. Several students have commented on how kind and upbeat she is when working with them. They enjoy her humor and her love for helping them with their work,” Lepley said. Since then, Siegel has been doing various activities with special needs students and in return, learning much about herself. “It pretty much changed my entire life. I’ve grown so much as a person. Without this opportunity, I don’t think I ever would have discovered my love for special education,”
Siegel said. From her involvement with the special education program, Siegel has decided to major in Early Childhood Intervention to become a special education teacher. Siegel says her biggest role model is Stacey Dillon, her mentor, because of her joyful personality and willingness to do so much for her when she needed it the most. Dillon is also a teacher, which is what Siegel wishes to be in the future. Stacey Dillon says Siegel is a, “strong, driven, and focused young lady. She has taken her unfortunate life circumstances with grace and uses those experiences to push others to be better as well. Her devotion, leadership, and guidance to others is evident in her daily life.” Siegel continues to use the knowledge she has learned through her involvement with the special education program to impact others. She hopes that in the future, she can make an impact, similar to the impact these students made on her.
Majoring in creative writing and exercise science as her undergraduate program, Christine Lindeman, never would have conceptualized the idea that she would become the executive director for the Wooster Boys and Girls Club. Lindeman, an avid runner and WHS alumna (2007), first became involved in the club in 2014 by applying for the director position at Edgewood, which was a position responsible for running the after-school program. After the first executive director left, with support of the board, she then became the new executive director in 2015 and has been holding the position ever since. Since the club has been open for six years, Lindeman has been able to see the kids she works with grow up, stating, “I have been able to see and have relationships with kids who started in fifth or sixth grade and now they’re in high school. They’re starting to make decisions about what they’re going to do afterwards and what they’re thinking about as adults, and to see people grow up was something that I didn’t really anticipate, but it is one of the amazing parts of my job.” Lindeman has had an interesting experience returning to the community in which she grew up, and was glad that she grew up in the Wooster community and school system as she works within the school frequently and often works with her
former teachers. Anita Jorney-Gifford is one of the teachers who has known Lindeman since she was a student at WHS and has worked closely with her as the director of operations. “She is dedicated to the Boys & Girls Club. She puts in long hours working to find funding sources and continuing to be involved in seeing the members succeed. Her knowledge of the Boys & Girls Club of Wooster is essential, because she has been here since the beginning. She has served in different capacities in the club, giving her knowledge and insight that others may lack. Christine finds ways to help her staff grow to make an impact and improve opportunities for the members,” Jorney-Gifford said. Karrie Foster met Lindeman six years ago when she began tutoring for the Boys and Girls Club. Foster says she loves brainstorming with Lindeman since they share many common goals and aspirations. Foster also added that she admires Lindeman’s passion for her role. “Christine is so full of passion for her job, each and every student that crosses her path is important to her. She takes the time to get to know students and if there is a need with that student she searches out a way that she can help that child succeed,” Foster said. When looking forward, Lindeman hopes to keep growing the Boys and Girls club with hopes of expanding the club into the elementary level in order to reach as many youth as possible.
FEATURE
THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 7
19th Amendment still affects women after 100 years SYLVIE SHAYA staff writer On Aug. 18, 1920, 100 years ago, after decades of constant agitation and protest, American women gained the right to vote. Enormous progress has been made in the realm of women’s political participation over the last century, but major issues persist. Nell Reardon, former WHS History Dept. member and candidate for mayor, as well as current board member of the Wayne County Historical Society, explained that looking at, and celebrating, the past can help lay, “the foundation for young women to understand what has been done and what difficulties women in the past have overcome to win their rights.” Reardon also argued for greater political participation by women, as she stated, “these hard won rights are something that we have to protect. Arguably, it doesn’t matter if you have the vote if you don’t use it.” Though women’s political participation has increased dramatically from the celebrated ‘Year of the Woman’ in 1992 when a record number of women were elected to Congress, even now only 23% of seats in the House of Representatives are held by women, according to Jordan Walters, Assistant Professor of History at the College of Wooster. “Women represent half the population in the U.S. but only have a small percentage of political power,” Walters explained. Walters added that she hopes the centennial celebration can act as a rallying cry for women
politically and she hopes to see better political representation of currently underrepresented groups in the future. “It’s been heartening to see more women running for office in the last couple years, but gender stereotypes and gender discrimination still abound and inhibit women’s participation in politics. For example, women are still often perceived to be weaker and more emotional than men,” stated Zareen Thomas, Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality studies at the College of Wooster. Walters said that “A big factor is a lack of universal child care. For women who want to work or need to work, it is difficult to achieve a worklife balance without child care assistance.” Walters said she hopes that greater numbers of women elected to positions of political power will allow for the passage of legislation that is directly beneficial to women. Over the course of this year, Reardon is organizing extensive events to celebrate 100 years of women having the right to vote. On March 22, Susan Trollinger, English Dept. member at the University of Dayton, will speak at the Wayne County Historical Society Schoolhouse; on June 22 Deborah Kitko, Genealogy Librarian at the Wayne County Public Library, will speak at the Wayne County Public Library; on Aug. 20 Deleasa Randall-Griffiths, Professor of Communication Studies at Ashland University, will speak at the Wayne County Public Library; and on Oct. 25, Carol Lasser, Professor of History at Oberlin College, will speak at the Wayne County Historical Society Schoolhouse.
In this issue of The Wooster Blade, four English teachers from WHS were asked about some of their female role models from different points in their lives. Two of the questions are included.
Who are your female role models from literature? Bill Franck: “Probably Athena. She
didn’t take a lot of crap from the other Jill Coppola: “Tons - I don’t know if I can think of gods and the idea that she… mentored them all. Hester Prynne, from The Scarlet Letter, and guided Odysseus… She has a heart Elizabeth Bennet, from Pride and Prejudice, Trixie Belden - she was a Nancy Drew-type… Someone I just when a lot of other gods don’t.” love, I don’t know if she qualifies or not… [is] Holly Golightly [from Breakfast at Tiffany’s]. Chelsey Porter: “Molly Weasley - she had nothing Brett Hiner : “‘Caitlin Hendrix’ from Meg to give, but never questioned giving everything for the betterment of her society. Zelie Adebola - willing Gardiner’s UNSUB series. She’s perhaps, to fight over and over again to life the oppression the best female character I’ve ever read. placed on her people and her legacy. Hermione Is it too cliché to say Antigone from Sophocle’s play? Love her. I’ve been read- Granger - never let society tell her what she was ing comics since I was four and NO female capable of, proved herself through action and was character in comics is better than Wonder never crippled by things she could not control.” Woman (sorry, Marvel junkies).”
Who have been your female role models/heroes in your life? Bill Franck: “Her name is [Amanda] Gains. She was my Advanced Math teacher, and I had her in high school. When I became a teacher, she was my first assistant principal… my first year in North Carolina, they had a designated dining area for teachers off the cafeteria, and she would always make it a point to get to know everyone. She made trigonometry and geometry awesome… and I didn’t like algebra. She really had an influence on me professionally.”
Chelsey Porter: “The women in my family have been heroes in my life. Both my mother and grandmother have been through significant events that could have held them back their whole lives, but they taught me what it means to make a tangible goal and keep going. Several of my female teachers in high school and college also became significant role models for me. They taught me that the love of learning and curiosity are more powerful equalizers in life than anything else.”
Jill Coppola: “My mom. Her sister, my Aunt Judy. My Brett Hiner: “My mother, Aunt Mary, Aunt Susan. My high school cheerleading coach, Mrs. twin sister and my wife. They’re the four Costello… They all espouse all of those characteristics. hardest working, kind women I know (and, Every single one of them is selfless, strong, kind, smart yes, FUN to be around).” [and] never stops learning.” Interview conducted by Lena Wiebe and Anna Nacci
THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEATURE | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 8
Unfinished business:
empowering women in building wealth Graphic by Sylvie Shaya
RHEANNA VELASQUEZ co-editor-in-chief Who runs the world? Girls, as Beyonce sang in her 2011 single. Yet, in 2020, women continue to face key obstacles to building wealth. Ohio recently fell from second to 33 place on a list ranking the best states for female entrepreneurs, after the evaluation incorporated female-specific metrics looking at women’s health and safety and women’s business opportunity, according to the Jan. 13 Cincinnati Business Courier article, “Here’s where Ohio ranks among best states for female entrepreneurs.” But, with business ownership as a main source of wealth building, how do these obstacles play out in Wayne County? Even beyond business ownership, women continue
WOMEN EARN $0.82 FOR EVERY DOLLAR EARNED BY MEN. ADDITIONALLY, WOMEN OWN ONLY $0.32 FOR EVERY DOLLAR OWNED BY THEIR MALE COUNTERPARTS. to face obstacles to wealthbuilding in confronting the wage gap, poverty and cost of care. The Center for Community Solutions, a Northeast Ohiobased, nonpartisan think tank, observes that women earn $0.76 of every dollar that men earn in Wayne County.
Nationwide, women earn $0.82 for every dollar earned by men. Additionally, women own only $0.32 for every dollar owned by their male counterparts. Jordan Walters, Assistant Prof. of History at the College of Wooster, notes, “The majority of mothers in America struggle to pay bills, take care of children, and engage in meaningful work. For many professional women, their ability to get ahead is contingent on hiring other women to take care of domestic tasks. In the twenty-first century, many women employed in the service industry are women of color who often don’t make a living wage and struggle to care for their own families. None of this empowers women.” Walters described a need for change in society’s work patterns, with partners equally sharing in domestic labor and the government assisting families with child care costs.
This issue of The Wooster Blade is sponsored by Milltown Family Physicians
COVER
THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 9
Clay continues to give back to the community after retiring from NAACP ELLIE SNIDER staff writer John Clay, former president of the Wooster/Orrville NAACP, continues to be involved in the Wooster community after his retirement from the position, contributing to discussions that persist following his 12 year involvement with the NAACP. Growing up on a farm in Geneva, Ohio, Clay learned many skills that made him who he is today. “I learned how to work, I learned how to be on time, I learned how to stick the job out… things that I hope that I have carried forward,” Clay said.
The sixth child of nine, and the oldest boy, Clay said he was placed under a lot of pressure that he couldn’t always live up to. “I was a very scared child, I was always afraid… but somewhere along the line I gained my voice, and I found out that I do have skills that I didn’t know I had,” Clay said. In high school, Clay played football and got several offers to play in college, but he turned them down. “I didn’t go, so I don’t have a college degree, which I’ve always regretted…that experience of being in a learning institution with all these other people…I was too afraid to leave my little bubble,” Clay
COVER LETTER: When discussing this issue’s cover theme, the staff wanted to pay tribute to February as Black History Month and March as
said. When Clay moved to Wooster as an adult, it was at the same time that the KKK was rallying in Lodi. “I thought to myself, ‘what are you getting yourself into John?’,” he said. Clay had no knowledge of the NAACP, until one day, “I was playing golf at the College… it was Manny Stone who convinced me and gave me my first taste of the NAACP.” Through the NAACP, Clay found his passion. “I have always liked helping people, I like doing projects, and I found out I have some leadership skills I did not know I had, so I got on committees and started getting involved,”
PAULINA SALAZAR
these subjects were covered, the editors
views editor
decided on the theme of “Heroes.” This way,
February is Black History Month, which is recognized to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and crucial black historical figures in the United States. Black History Month originated in 1915, when American historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the presentday Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), according to history.com. The ASALH sponsored a week to celebrate black history
the community would be featured for their contributions. To choose who was covered, the staff created a criteria for what makes someone a “hero.” After that, staff members nominated those who they saw fit the criteria, and the staff voted on who would be featured.
he was president of the NAACP. Now that Clay is no longer president of the NAACP, he continues to try his best to be part of the community. He starts his day by getting his twelve-year-old son ready for school, before spending his afternoons in meetings at the college or the library. “I spend more time than I care to at meetings… [to] understand what is going on in our community and look for ways I can be helpful. I just try to be there… and I taught my son to do the same things.” Civic engagement is very important to Clay, and he continues to contribute to the community by coaching basketball and participating wherever he can. “My mother once told me, ‘John, people are just people. There’s good and bad in everyone’… It taught me to look for the good in people and trust someone until you have reason not to,” Clay said.
February celebrates and recognizes the significance of black history
Women’s History Month. To assure that both
people that inspire our staff and those in
Clay said. When he became president of the NAACP, Clay focused on three specific goals. “My vision was to present ourselves as intelligent, visible, and build strong relationships. I spend a lot of time doing that,” Clay explained. When little packets containing candy and a flyer for the Invisible Empire started appearing in Wooster, Clay retaliated by organizing a march in downtown Wooster. He explained, “We made it a point in our meetings that this is not a political rally. This is about us… hate is not welcome here.” Clay said the rally was his first time he had been involved in something like that. “It was daunting getting up on a stage. I took my son with me… I take him wherever I go, so he’s gotten to be a part of the NAACP and helping people do the right thing,” Clay said. Clay also helped organize the Tuskegee airmen exhibit while
nationally in 1926 in the second week of February, intended to occur during the same week as the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. As the celebration evolved, it became a full month to celebrate black history. “We can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history,” President Gerald Ford said. Ford recognized Black History Month as an official national observance in 1976, according to a Time Magazine article from Jan. 29, 2016. An article by Diane J. Cho in People Magazine explains
some events celebrated during Black History Month. On Feb. 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison; on Feb. 16, 1951, the New York City council passed the first bill protecting citizens from racial discrimination in housing; and on Feb. 10, 1989, Ronald H. Brown was elected as the national chairman for the Democratic Party. This Black History Month has the theme of “African Americans and the Vote,” due to the centennial anniversary of the Nineteenth and Fifteenth Amendment. The Black History Month theme is chosen by the president of the United States.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 10
Who is your hero, and why? GRACE BROWNSON
Cheryl Goff is a freshman guidance counselor at WHS. Goff is also involved in multiple community organizations in Wooster.
Goff spreads joy in WHS LUKE POMFRET staff writer Cheryl A. Goff, freshman class school counselor, is not an ordinary guidance counselor: She is extraordinary. Goff grew up in intercity Columbus, the youngest of five siblings. She says her mother was very vocal and involved in her community and her father’s work ethic played an extremely important part in shaping who Goff is today. Along with her mother, faith plays a major part in Goff’s life. Goff says that when she was younger, she was the person all of her friends would go to talk about various concerns, which helped her to realize her gift. Goff says the most rewarding aspect of her jobs is, “When I see a student really realize their purpose and who they are, that really enlightens me.” One of the most unknown aspects of Goffs work is her service to the community. Goff serves as the Vice President of Salvation Army Womens Auxiliary, is involved with the Village Network and is the second vice president of the Wooster/Orville NAACP. She also attends the Second Baptist Church on Sundays. Goff believes the statement, “If you know where you come
from, then you know where you’re going,” truly helps build the success of a person. For this reason, Goff says the Black History month announcements are important for every student to hear, because these stories help give diverse perspectives Most students know that when a birthday is near, Goff is one of the first people to wish a student a happy birthday. Every freshman student receives a card from Goff, showing her appreciation for them. “Everybody is special, everybody has a purpose… we all need each other to move forward… I’m going to do my part and bring in positivity,” Goff said. Although Goff has had many triumphs, certain situations have not been easy. Goff says racism has been a recurring issue in her life, but she never lets those comments and situations derail her from her mission. “Don’t judge people by the way they look… [know] who you are, then you’ll be able to know how to respect, accept and live with others,” Goff said. Goff says that her biggest idols are mother, Michelle Obama, Shirley Chrisholm and Mary McLeod Bethun. Goff would also like to thank her husband, Leroy Goff, snd her two children for teaching her valuable life lessons.
Chloe Frichtl (9): “My parents are my heroes because they’ve taught me how to work hard and have good values and they sacrifice so much for me every day.” Makaylee Murphy (10): “My dad. I’ve always looked up to him. He pushed me in sports, and he was a very athletic and a very good player for sports. He’s the one that shows me I can do anything, and I love him so much for that.” Sam Carmel (11): “Martin Luther King Jr. I like how he fought for everybody on the basis of equality and he was a phenomenal
speech writer.”
Brooke Balas (10): “My dad, because he’s one of the most helpful and kindest people I know and I look up to ... him.” Gurleen Matharu (12): “My sister, because she has always been there for me and been a role model for Quotes compiled me.” by Jensan Bauman
THERESA WENDELL
Sean Lally is a prevention specialist at OneEighty, the leader of Teen Institute and a helper to Stand Club.
Lally encourages positivity and growth among students ASHTON DUNLAP staff writer Sean Lally, Youth Mentoring and Prevention Specialist at OneEighty, has made his mark on WHS, EWMS and the Wooster community. Lally says his journey toward his current role began in high school when he became religious. “Through being discipled, I wanted to sell more people about that heart transformation; I got a youth ministry degree from Liberty, wasn’t 100 percent sure at the end of it that, that was exactly what I was called to do. [The job at OneEighty] opened up, and I was kinda job hunting and a lot of it was in line with what I was qualified for in a lot of ways,” Lally said. Through his job at OneEighty, Lally has reached many people, especially teens at WHS and EWMS. His club, Teen Institute, at the high school and his work at EWMS has touched the lives of many teens. “We would love overnight success, but realistically, that’s not how human growth works; emotional growth happens, it happens over time. Sometimes you see some wins in the short term, but in the long term, you
try to see that overall character development,” Lally said. Jhon Fajardo (10), a member of Teen Institute at WHS, describes Sean as an always positive person who influences many. “Sean has created a small group that is a healthy alternative to making bad choices such as drinking or doing drugs. Although the group hasn’t caught on greatly yet, it’s helpful nonetheless as it attracts a few of my classmates,” Fajardo said. Teen Institute and much of Lally’s other projects often go unnoticed, although their impact is huge. He has helped with dozens of communitywide events on a plethora of current issues and has been a large part of Stand Club at WHS. Nathanael Steiner, Associate Principal at WHS, has helped Lally with Stand Club and understands Lally’s impact. “Sean has worked to help grow students into strong leaders who strive to make positive choices within our schools and communities,” Steiner said. Lally’s impact in Wooster is just beginning, and in the future, his work will continue to make an impression on many.
SPORTS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 11
Evan Heller leads on and off the court TYLER KEATING staff writer Evan Heller (12) did not originally want to play wheelchair basketball. “At first, it didn’t sound fun to me, but they said to try it out and see if I liked it. And once I tried it out at my first practice, I loved it,” Heller said. Since he started playing in eighth grade, Heller has had an impressive career, leading the team on an 48 game win streak. Since the Generals wheelchair basketball team has started playing, they have never lost a game. Casey Followay, who met Heller five years ago, says he is a positive force both on the court and as a representative of the sport in the community, saying, “That is the best part of who he really is, he has fallen in love with the sport over the years, dedicating himself to becoming the best athlete he can possibly be. He has also been an example to the community, proving that things can be accomplished, even if they are done differently.” During his sophomore year, Heller started playing for the ACC Junior Wheelchair
Cavaliers, a team comprised of players from across northeast Ohio. According to Heller, the team is currently ranked ninth in the nation out of 50 or 60 teams. He was recently recognized for scoring 1000 points with the team. At the end of the year, the Junior Wheelchair Cavaliers team will head to Kansas to compete in a tournament for the national championship. However, Heller says nothing compares to playing for Wooster. “First things first, I’m playing for my school, so it’s an honor just playing for the school. Not a lot of kids with disabilities get to play for their school, so that’s the main thing,” Heller said. Heller’s teammates also say he inspires them. Teammate Abby Lake (9) says, “He [Heller] teaches us what to do and when to do it… he’s kind of like the mini-coach… He’s the one that really got me into wheelchair basketball. Without him I wouldn’t be playing. If that doesn’t show leadership, I don’t know what does.” Followay says Heller is a role model outside of the court as well. “I feel that he shows the
community that it’s more than just playing a sport, but about being part of a family… People like him are constantly overcoming and adapting to obstacles on a day-to-day basis. Evan is living proof that dreams are achievable, it’s just a little different process,” Followay said. Evan Heller stands as an example to others, both to those who compete with him on the court and to those who interact with him outside of basketball.
TYLER KEATING
Heller throws a pass to a teammate during warmups. Heller has committed to play for Auburn University in college.
Edgewood Middle School basketball season ends SIERRA DEWALD staff writer The Edgewood Middle School boys basketball team recently finished a successful season, with an overall record of 12-4 and two wins in tournament games, according to coach and Edgewood math teacher Patrick Lindeman. Reflecting on the season, Lindeman said he is very proud of the team, highlighting their dedication on the court and in the classroom, stating that “all members of our team were integral to our success.” Team member Brady Bowen (7) echoed the sentiment, saying, “[the team’s] biggest strength was playing as a team and not being selfish.” Lindeman said the team’s greatest strength was, “the commitment of our players to come and work hard each and every day at practice,” while team member Jack Dossi (7) pointed to speed on the court as a strength. Dossi added that his goal for the season was for the team to
make it to the championship, which they achieved, and said his favorite thing about playing basketball was
becoming closer with the team. Bowen said his personal goal for the season was to score in the double digits every game, which he did in all except three, and added that he likes playing basketball because he enjoys, “playing with [his] friends, competing and doing what [he] loves.” Lindeman said he particularly enjoyed coaching this team because, “they are a great group of students/ athletes,” and they pushed each other to get better every day. Lindeman has been coaching basketball for five years at Edgewood Middle School and said his goal for coaching future teams is to continue to help student athletes succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.
Graphic by Madison Helms and photo by Hannah LoGiudice
202 N. Market St. P.O. Box 629 Wooster, OH 44691
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THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB 21, 2018 | PAGE 12
shows bring joy to fanbase Graphic by Madison Helms
Staff writer finds the message of Bojack Horesman
LEO RILEY a & e editor Bojack Horseman was a truly meaningful show to me, but what that meaning consists of, is really hard to pin down. If you asked 10 different people about what Bojack Horseman is and what it means to them, you would probably get 10 different answers, but to me, it is a show about forgiveness, especially in the final season. The titular Bojack Horseman
Redesigned Sonic movie is best suited for children
(portrayed by Will Arnett) is a washed up celebrity, the former star of family sit-com Horsin’ Around and current addict. While the first season was not the strongest, starting with season two, the show truly found its footing and began to develop its own voice, as the explorer of the morally grey, delving into many situations but always letting the viewer draw their own conclusion. By the time the final season came to a close, Bojack Horseman became a masterpiece of animal puns, celebrity guest stars and the darkest of dark humor. The entire show is currently streaming on Netflix, making it the perfect time to binge the entire show, something I would highly recommend if you are looking for something mature and meaningful, while also embracing its inherent silliness.
ZACK BREWSTER staff writer Sonic The Hedgehog released Feb. 12 after a hefty re-work. The studio faced mass backlash to Sonic’s character design in the May 2019 trailer,
Docuseries Cheer, sheds realistic and enjoyable light on community college athletics
ANNA NACCI cover editor Cheer premiered on Netflix Jan. 8, and its first season has already received a 95 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The docuseries follows the cheerleading team of Navarro College, a junior college in Corsicana, Texas. The team is very successful, having accrued 13 national championships, and five grand national championships. What makes Cheer special, however, is not the team’s tradition of success, but the stories of the cheerleaders according to Chaim Gartenberg in an article on theverge.com. The decision was then made to delay the movie three months from its November release to allow the VFX team time to more accurately redesign the titular character. The film is adapted from the long-running series of video games of the same name. While I have never played any of these games, I found the movie easy to understand as it did not rely on the viewer being familiar with them. The humor in the movie is hit-or-miss; witty when self-
themselves. While the overarching plot of the show is seeing the team prepare for their chance to win a 14 national championship, the viewer also gets to know each member. Through hearing the pasts of each team member, I grew to care deeply about not only the team, but the individuals who comprise it. One cheerleader, who has become not only my favorite, but a national sensation as well, is Jerry Harris. Jerry is a stunter, meaning he throws and catches the female members of the team. What makes Jerry stand out is his positivity, towards his team, and his life in general. He is famous for “mat talk,” which means encouraging his teammates from the side as they perform their routine. However, this means that Jerry is on the side, meaning he was not chosen to perform in the competition. Despite not being chosen as one of the top referencing, childish when not. One flaw of the film is the inconsistency in Sonic’s speed. In some scenes, he is shown running across the United States in a matter of seconds, but later on, he struggles to outrun a fighter jet. Another issue with the movie involves the poor attempts to stay relevant with today’s youth, which end up falling flat and will soon feel outdated, especially when comparable to the ‘Fortnite’ scene in Avengers: Endgame. The film also has a large number of blatant product
performers, Jerry is a consistent bright spot for his teammates. Another thing that makes Jerry’s positivity extraordinary is his story. Jerry’s mother died of lung cancer when he was 16, so he moved in with one of his teammate’s mothers and has been living with the family since. Jerry is just a great example of one of the people that has a touching story, but he is certainly not the only one. The only thing more touching than the stories of the cheerleaders is how much their coach, Monica Aldama, cares for them. Monica works day and night to teach and support her team, both in and out cheer itself. Cheer is great because it features athletes who normally do not get attention in sports. Being in the middle of nowhere in Texas and a junior college, Navarro and teams like it are generally not highlighted, but Cheer gives them a space to share who they are. placements that completely pull viewers out of the film. Instead of thinking about what would happen next, I sat in the theater wondering how much Olive Garden and Zillow must have paid the studio. I would expect a sequel announcement soon, as the movie leaves off on an opennote and brings in a familiar character for a post-credit scene. I would not recommend Sonic The Hedgehog to the average movie-goer, but it works as a somewhat entertaining film to take your little sibling to see.
TRENDS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 13
Is music a stress reliever from tasks or a distraction from productivity?
Music positively affects productivity
ALEC PAULEY on campus editor Studying and doing homework after school, after all other activities a student is involved in, fills up most of the hours of the evening. During these hours, stress can be high, after a six hour school day, any sports practices, games, club meetings, etc., and one might find themselves lost in the sea of English papers and math equations for homework due the next day or an upcoming test for which we have to study. Either way, it is rare that I find myself studying or doing homework with a completely calm and unflustered mind. To help make the work more bearable, I turn to music to help set my thoughts straight. Now, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of genres, styles, and types
of music, and most will have various effects on work, but I find that listening to jazz and other melodic music helps to alleviate stress and helps set my mind on a productive path. Music in many studies has been shown to reduce stress, and with less stress, obviously, comes higher efficiency in work. An article created Nov. 2013 titled “Music as Medicine” on the official website of the American Psychological Association supports the idea that music helps reduce stress. The APA conducted a study about such ideas and concluded that “...Music also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.” Though it is scientifically proven to reduce stress, music may seem like a distraction, possibly taking someone’s mind off their stress and work so that it actually hinders their ability to stay focused, but I have to disagree. Again, maybe music like hard rock or certain styles of rap would have this effect, but listening to slower, more relaxing tempoed songs, calms me. Rather than overstimulating my mind, soothing music lets me sit all my thoughts and work down around the dinner table and address each one individually, in the most efficient way possible.
Music is a distraction from tasks
ASHTON DUNLAP staff writer Listening to music while studying is enticing and entertaining, but is it beneficial to learning? Most music that students listen to include lyrics, and studies have shown that music with words decreases efficiency. According to a study published on PubMed.gov titled “Background music: effects on attention performance,” “if background music is played in the work environment, music without lyrics is preferable because songs with lyrics are likely to reduce worker attention and performance.” A majority of the music teenagers listen to is pop, hip-hop, or rock, and all three genres commonly have lyrics implemented into the music. If students listen to their favored music while studying, they will most likely
Teachers’ music favorites “Bolero” by Maurice Ravel - Katherine Putka, Art Dept.
BROCKHAMPTON Sugar Post Malone Circles Joji Run
“Pompeii” by Bastille - Eric Heller, Science Dept.
Responses compiled by Maddy McCully
Classical music - Brett Hiner, Language Arts Dept.
Mozart - Michel Sullivan, Social Studies Dept.
Prefers silence - Shelly Silvaggi, Science Dept.
Daniel Caesar - Gianmarco Martignetti, Anything but country Student Teacher in Language Arts Dept. Timothy Gallagher, Math Dept.
be listening to lyrical music, which, whether they like it or not, decreases efficiency. Even if wordless music is being listened to, logically, it is still a distraction, as the melody of the song will still take some concentration away from the task at hand. Other aspects of the music listening experience will also take away from the task. A glance at the phone to see what song is playing or a tap or two to skip or change the song takes concentration away from the work, decreasing efficiency and performance. Research from a 2014 study conducted by The University of Wales Institute in Cardiff suggests that listening to music can damage productivity. The study stated that “music may impair cognitive abilities in these scenarios because if you’re trying to memorize things in order, you may get thrown off by the changing words and notes in your chosen song.” Obviously, in some cases, soft, low-key, classical music may help a person focus on a moderately difficult assignment, but in most other cases, music will hinder concentration. Though the distraction caused by music may not be very severe, it is still a distraction, and when a job is to be done, any distraction is bad.
Harry Styles Cherry
Mac Miller Good News
The Beatles Yesterday
Death Cab for Cutie When We Drive Clario Pretty Girl
Lorde Buzzcut Season
Khalid Know Your Worth
SHUFFLE PLAY by Spotify
Cavetown Feb 14
Movements Daylily
Green Day Good Riddance The Smiths Asleep
Songs compiled by Sierah Pilson on the week of Feb. 10. 15 students were surveyed and chose their favorite songs.
Graphic by Madison Helms and Corinne Wiles
THE WOOSTER BLADE | TRENDS | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 14
Veganism continues to grow MADISON HELMS co-graphics manager
From mainstream brands, such as Burger King’s ``Impossible whopper,” providing vegetarian options to local community members and pledging to go whole food and plant based, the choice of going vegetarian or vegan has gone beyond a diet for many, into a lifestyle, and has spread like wildfire. In fact, according to the Food Revolution Network, there has been a 600 percent increase in people identifying as vegan in the United States in the last three years. There are many motivating factors as to why one may decide to go vegetarian or vegan. According to the Nov. 9, 2019, article “The top 6 reasons people
go vegan explained,” written by Amanda Capritto for CNET, some of the most common reasons someone goes vegan is because of the health benefits of plant-based diets, animal welfare and moral values and environmental activism. Sam Carmel (11), who has been vegetarian for four years, as well as Alexi Leach (12), who has been a vegetarian for three years, both said they became vegetarians because of the health benefits that come from it. A vegan diet is rich in vitamins B1, C, and E, as well as folic acid, magnesium, and iron, while being low in cholesterol and saturated fats. Lauren Crum (11) said she has felt more energetic after going vegetarian about one month ago. Crum said she was motivated
to become a vegetarian after she watched the Netflix show Cowspiracy. Another contributor to vegan and vegetarian diets rising in popularity is the push for environmental activism. Olivia Petter reported in her June 1, 2018, article “Veganism is ‘Single Biggest Way’ to Reduce Our Environmental Impact on Planet, Study Finds,” that according to research done by the University of Oxford, eating a vegan diet can be the, “single best way” to reduce your environmental impact on earth. They found that cutting meat and dairy products from diets could reduce an individual’s carbon footprint from food by up to 73 per cent. Leach advises students who are interested in becoming vegetarian or vegan to slowly try and cut meat out of your diet and eat other protein alternatives such as tofu.
In this issue of The Wooster Blade, 130 WHS students were randomly selected to participate in a poll Feb. 18. For this poll question, students were asked as to how they identify themselves: as vegan, as a vegetarian, or as neither.
3.8% are vegetarian
0.8% are vegan
If you are not already one, would you ever consider becoming a vegan or vegetarian?
57% yes
Taco lovers rejoice! RESTAURANT REVIEW SYDNEY EBIN staff writer
95.4 are neither vegan or
vegetarian
43% no
Calling all taco lovers: Salsaroja taco bar, on January 29th joined the Downtown Wooster dining scene. The taco bar has a loud and lively atmosphere, characterized by the brightly colored Mexican decor, the seatyourself policy, Mexican music, and the large crowds. Since its opening, the bar has been packed to the brim with customers longing for tacos, rich in flavor for a reasonable price. Upon taking my seat with three others, we were greeted promptly with complimentary chips and salsa and placed our orders on the pre-prepared order forms at the store. The
ordering process might be frustrating for an individual who has no knowledge of tacos and struggles making food choices, but it can also be exciting to create your own taco and experiment with different flavor combinations. Salsaroja offers a build-yourown-taco menu offering $3 per taco, as well as a menu of unique tacos ranging in price from $3 to $8. The tacos themselves have a strong flavor, enough to provide for a unique and delicious taco experience. If you have a large party, are not a fan of noise or are indecisive, Salsaroja is not the place for you. However, if you are a taco lover like myself, you may just find your next taco haven in Salsaroja.
VIEWS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 15
Female composers: how the chords
that are credited with establishing the art form. Some are even offended to refer to composers like Mozart, Beethoven or Brahms as a “bunch of old dead white guys.” However, calling out the obvious trope of what society constitutes as a successful classical composer does not take away from the contributions they gave to music. It simply points out that the bubble of classical music still operates like that: a bubble, excluding composers that do not fit this trope, and making it harder for minority composers to find a place or work with orchestras that do not program them. Just 66 miles away from WHS, of the 72 works that the Cleveland Orchestra will perform this season, only three will be works written by women, and only four will be works by racial, ethnic, and cultural minorities. The blunt inequality shown toward women composers,
especially composers of color, is often ignored by those in the classical music world and is widely unknown to those outside of it. This is why representing women in classical music in the public eye is so important. Composer and conductor Eímear Noone became the first woman to conduct the Oscars orchestra just this year. “Kids watching — that have never seen a conductor, anyway — if this is the first time they see a conductor, it’ll never be remarkable to them to see a woman on the stage. And, what we’re trying to do is make it unremarkable, and that’s what makes it special, ironically,” Noone told NPR. While there is no easy fix to centuries of non-recognition and silence, there are some organizations that have taken it upon themselves to bridge this gap. Music Theory Examples By Women is an online database that takes excerpts from works by women for educators to use in lessons. Rather than studying the same motifs by Schubert or Brahms for the hundredth time, educators can use this resource to cite works by women and normalize them in the classroom as examples.
The Institute for Composer Diversity is dedicated to the celebration, education and advocacy of music created by composers from historically underrepresented groups through online tools, researchbased resources and sponsored initiatives, according to their website. Diversity in art is what makes art so unique and special. While what we hear in the concert hall has yet to match the years of work and culture contributed by minority composers and conductors, integrating new music into the programs of orchestras, nominating those who deserve recognition for awards, and creating historical databases are vital steps to crediting bridges between these gaps. “To the girls, to the women, to the mothers, to the daughters, who hear the music bubbling within, please speak up. We need to hear your voices,” Guðnadóttir, 2020 winner of Best Original Score said in her acceptance speech. To any artist who has felt underrepresented, these words are a hopeful reminder to not ignore what we were put on this Earth to do, the power of our own voices, and what can happen when we empower all creators to create.
Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Mike Pence behind him, President Trump talked about the economy booming and also addressed some of his plans for the upcoming election such as, “... we will never let socialism destroy American health care.” The controversy in the night first starred Trump, who refused to shake Pelosi’s hand prior to the address, which was later followed by Pelosi, who ripped up the pages of the State of the Union speech. Pelosi, who was quoted on CNN.com, tried to defend her actions by saying she, “ tore up a manifesto of mistruths,” but
does that make this behavior right? On live television, the Speaker of the House showed no respect or decency as she tore up the speech of the President of the United States. President Trump commented on it later saying, “I thought it was a terrible thing when (Nancy Pelosi) ripped up the speech…,” as stated on PolitiFact. It is also important to note, though that Trump’s behavior toward Pelosi and the rest of the Democratic party is childish. By not shaking the Speaker of the House’s hand, the President of the United States showed a great deal of
disrespect for his position and the purpose of the State of the Union address. However, not all of the night’s events provided disappointment as Amy Williams and her two children got a delightful surprise, as Sgt. First Class Townsend Williams came home from the military to give his family a surprise homecoming. Military.com says that “The reunion was the first time a military family has been surprised by a homecoming as part of the State of Union address,” putting a happy spin on what was an overall very chaotic night.
of the industry do not play in their favor
MYA VANDEGRIFT views editor Growing up, I never saw a woman composing a piece of classical music. It was not until middle school when I really got into the study of classical music, that I began to discover fellow female composers and their works. This year’s Oscars stood out to me because of not only the first female conductor to ever conduct the excerpts, but because of the woman that won best score- and her acceptance speech that spoke volumes. Only seven women have been nominated for a score composition category, and just four have won. The last woman
State of the Union address highlights partisanship
to win for a score was Anne Doudley, who got an Oscar for the score of The Full Monty in 1997- 23 years ago. This year, Hildur Guðnadóttir, composer of Joker, became the first woman to win for Best Original Score since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences combined all of the score categories in one in 2000. According to research from the Institute of Composer Diversity, which studied 120 2019-20 seasons of the United State’s most established orchestras, it was found that of the 4,047 works programed, only 8 percent were from women composers and only 6 percent were from composers of underrepresented racial, ethnic and cultural heritages. Meanwhile, works by Ludwig Van Beethoven alone were performed 434 times, accounting for 10.5 percent of all performances. To compare these statistics in a negative connotation would be considered by some as diminishing the work of “the greats”
REECE MITCHELL co-editor-in-chief A day before President Trump was acquitted in the impeachment trial by the Senate, he gave the State of the Union address. With Speaker of the House
THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | FEB. 21, 2020 | PAGE 16
OUR VIEW
The Wooster
BLADE editors-in-chief Rheanna Velasquez, Reece Mitchell, Maddy McCully head photographer Grace Brownson graphics managers Corinne Wiles, Madison Helms business managers Sophie Gamble, Leo Riley, Bryn Savidge, Rheanna Velasquez on campus editor Alec Pauley focus editor Lena Wiebe sports editor Skyy Khounborin a&e editor Leo Riley trends editor Bryn Savidge cover editors Sophie Gamble, Anna Nacci views editors Paulina Salazar, Mya Vandegrift feature editor Maeve Florence-Smith staff writers Jensan Bauman, Zach Brewster, Stuart Courson, Sierra Dewald, Ashton Dunlap, Sydney Ebin, Eve Norris, Sierah Pilson, Luke Pomfret, Sylvie Shaya, Ellie Snider, Molly Snyder, Jack Veney artists Eve Norris, Olivia VanSickle, Emma Yoder photographers Tyler Keating, Hannah LoGiudice, Maddy McCully, Theresa Wendell, Rumen Zdravchev adviser Kristi Hiner
The Wooster Blade is a free, biweekly student publication printed in cooperation with The Daily Record. The paper is designated as an open forum and follows publishing guidelines as established in a 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. Editorials represent the viewpoints of The Wooster Blade’s Editorial Board and not of the Wooster High School administration, faculty or staff. All personal opinion columns, which are bylined with the writer’s name and photo, represent the views of the writer. Letters and inquiries should be addressed to The Wooster Blade, 515 Oldman Road Wooster, Ohio 44691. Letters to the editor are limited to 300 words and The Wooster Blade reserves the right 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. Issues of The Wooster Blade are available for online viewing at thewoosterblade.com.
Meeting the mental health needs of students The wellbeing of students, especially in regards to mental health, will always be a concern in high school. Between homework, in class and state testing, clubs, sports, social interactions and many other factors, there are stressors in every room of the building. Because of these concerns, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board advocates for mental health assistance to be more openly available to students. Guidance counselor Tyler Egli describes the kinds of change that would best benefit students in terms of mental health by saying that during the average school day, he is visited by roughly four to five students solely to discuss their mental health. At WHS, Egli said there are enough resources inside and outside of the building to help students with their mental health issues. However, after looking at what is available in terms of mental health assistance, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board would like to advocate for a campus social worker. This position could better
connect students to resources and could also assist counselors in overseeing all of the services needed. Egli says, “[Guidance counselors’] jobs can be rather complex at times, as we deal with a variety of issues at any moment...we have a lot of good resources, but they are not being used to their full potential.” Within WHS, there are three main supports for mental health concerns as described by Egli. These resources include: five grade level counselors; the Village Network and their representative in the building, Dr. Skolnicki; and thirdly, the organization Anazao, which specifically helps students that struggle with substance abuse. The high school houses these resources, but The Wooster Blade firmly believes in the importance of a social worker to more smoothly facilitate the connections between students, these resources and whatever help students need. Until the school adopts more assistance to help students, Egli emphasizes the importance of healthy habits to reduce day-to-day mental stress.
Egli recommends that students exercise, eat a healthy diet, observe a regular sleep schedule and maintain positive relationships and added that “surrounding yourself with the right people can help for sure.” On Feb. 18, The Wooster Blade polled 14 randomly selected teachers about their involvement with student mental health. To help students’ mental health, two anonymous teachers said: “I try to be a role model for them” and “[I] try to form positive relationships with all students.” All of the teachers polled said they are able to notice when their students are experiencing mental health issues, and 13 of those polled recommend going to inschool resources to help with these problems. The Wooster Blade Editorial Board agrees that more mental health assistance is beneficial, and that the best way to achieve this is to educate the need for, and advocate on behalf of, a social worker to help better connect students to the resources already housed within the building.
WHS guidance counselor Cheryl Goff and Lawrence Walker, representing the Charles Follis Committee, WHS Athletic Director Joe Rubino, and Jim Stoner, author of The Black Cyclone take part in honoring Charles Follis and his legacy at a home basketball game Feb. 15. Follis was the first black professional American football player. He attended WHS and played a major role in organizing the school’s football team in 1899. After his success in high school, he attended The College of Wooster, where he played baseball. Follis played football for the Wooster Athletic Association at the time and earned the nickname “The Black Cyclone.” He was recruited for the Shelby Blues football team, a semi-professional team at the time, and played until his career was cut short by an injury. Follis’ story is not only that of a sports hero, but also of someone who took major steps in fighting the prejudice in sports, at the high school, college COURTESY OF WHS ATHLETIC DEPT. and professional level.
HONORING HISTORY: THIS MOMENT IN SPORTS