THE WOOSTER BLADE
WOOSTER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSPAPER • 515 OLDMAN ROAD, WOOSTER, OH • SEPT. 6, 2019 • VOLUME XX, ISSUE 1
Growing in new directions in the Wooster City School District
Artwork by Olivia VanSickle and graphic by Madison Helms
Sophie Gamble
On Campus 2-4 • A & E 5-6 • Focus 8 • Cover 9-11 • Sports 12-13 • Feature 14 • Views 15-16
ON CAMPUS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 6, 2019 | PAGE 2
Foundation recognizes two WCSD employees Teacher of the Year: Stan Burris
Staff Member Award: Phyllis McCoy ELLIE SNIDER staff writer The Outstanding Staff Member Award is awarded each year, going to those who have gone beyond their duties as a staff member and have helped shape their students’ lives. This year’s Staff Member Award recipient is Phyllis McCoy, a paraprofessional at WHS. McCoy first began teaching at Lincoln Way Elementary before moving to Melrose and eventually WHS. At the high school, McCoy has many duties, which includes managing the General Grounds Coffee Shop that is located in the school’s library. As a specialized paraprofessional, McCoy’s main priority is the students she works with in the multiple disability and intellectual disability classrooms. “I assist students with more
staff writer Two years ago, WHS hosted the Drug Free Clubs of America, a nationwide
co-editor-in-chief
individualized instruction during class time and supervise work study sessions… I really love our students,” McCoy said. Aside from the students with whom McCoy works, she also says that there is something to be said for the teamwork in her department. “You just don’t do this alone by any means, you couldn’t do it alone, but when you have teamwork not only from your coworkers, but within the school district as well…,” McCoy said. The sense of family found in the classroom is something that makes every day special to McCoy, who decided to become a paraprofessional in the schools after her own children had left WHS. The Outstanding Staff Member Award is decided annually through community nomination and then a selection committee and is presented at the WCSD’s annual convocation.
STAND renewed for the upcoming school year ASHTON DUNLAP
RHEANNA VELASQUEZ
organization dedicated to protecting youth from the negatives of drug abuse. Last year, WHS hosted STAND, an independent drug free club, which was led by WHS Mathematics Dept.
WHS Intervention Specialist and tennis coach Stan Burris is the 2019 recipient of the Ralph R. and Grace B. Jones Foundation Outstanding Teacher Award. The Outstanding Teacher Award recognizes WCS educators for their commitment to students, excellence in classroom teaching and sustained positive impact in the community. Burris, who has been teaching for 37 years in Wooster, said that upon receiving the award, he was both, “surprised and motivated to live up to the faith that my team teachers have in me.” Burris has earned immense respect from the entire WHS staff, according to Science Dept. member Charles Cerniglia. “Of all the teachers I’ve ever worked with, Stan is one of the very best at creating a comfortable learning environment for students. He is also one of the very best at coming up with creative instructional strategies that allow kids to be successful in the
member John Karamas. Associate Principal Nate Steiner says WHS will continue using STAND as the drug free club during this school year. “We are always looking to engage our students in proactive ways to help stop narcotic and drug use. STAND allows us to do this. We are always looking for ways to improve our effectiveness but have been happy with this particular model,” Steiner said.
“Of all the teachers I’ve ever worked with, Stan is one of the very best at creating a comfortable learning environment for students...” CERNIGLIA SAID. classroom,” Cerniglia said. Burris’ greatest strength as a teacher is his compassion and commitment to consistently making the difference in all students’ lives, WHS Special Interventionist Alicia Hawkins added. “He’s always been like this. When people need something, they come to Mr. Burris. His co-workers do. They trust him, they admire him, and because of that he deserves it more than anybody,” Hawkins said. WHS Principal Tyler Keener concurred, citing Burris’s tremendous impact on both students and the community on a daily basis.
Steiner says that the current STAND cards will expire in the fall, when new cards will be instituted. Otherwise, the only possible changes to STAND may be some incentives. Steiner notes the format and structure of the club will stay the same. Last year, 250 students enrolled in STAND, which was a 13 percent increase from the year before. Steiner hopes the participation and impact will grow from last year and the
club will continue to encourage students against drug use. “The goal of the drug-free club is to help students stand up against narcotics and drug use in a united front and offer support in connecting with our community agencies with those students and families who need extra assistance in this area,” Steiner said. Students can contact Steiner if they have any other questions regarding the club.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | ON CAMPUS | SEPT. 6, 2019 | PAGE 3
SPIRIT WEEK: 1
During the week leading up to the football game against Wooster’s rival, Orrville, students dressed up and showed their school spirit for the various themed days of “Spirit Week.”
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Photos taken of Monday’s theme (Beach): Photo nine consists of BLADE staff members and photo seven has Brooke Balas (10), Science Dept. member Eric Heller, Cooper Smith (11) and Cooper Murphy (8) Photos taken of Tuesday’s theme (‘80s): photo one has Trent Kuzma (9); photo two was taken in Bryan Ehrlinspiel’s room; photo four has (left to right) Molly Schneider (12), Michelle Stern (10), Madison McCoy (12), Madison McGhee (12) and Avery Becker (12) Photos taken of Wednesday’s theme (Twin Day): photo five has Social Studies Dept. members Phil Klein, Bryan Ehrlinspiel and Mark Kister; photo six has Marius Stoll (11) and Dillon Charbonneau (11); photo eight has Zayanna Ntia (10) and Zoe Ntia (10); photo ten has band members Emma LoGiudice (12) and Audrey Cochran (11) Photos taken of Thursday’s theme (Jungle): photo three has seniors Thomas Matthew, Molly Schneider, Madison McCoy and Madison McGhee (12) Photos by: Photos six and nine were taken by Grace Brownson; photos one and two were taken by Hannah LoGiudice; photos three, five and ten were taken by Maddy McCully; photos four and seven were taken by Theresa Wendell.
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WHS adds civil rights class New athletic director welcomed to WHS LENA WIEBE focus editor This year, WHS teacher Brian Questel is debuting a new class focused around civil rights and tolerance. Questel said that when he arrived at WHS from his previous position at Boy's Village, he wanted “...to teach something different, unique. Both my boys are African American, so I’m very invested in it personally.” The curriculum, he says, will encompass social issues facing a number of demographics, including African Americans, Native Americans, women and LGBT people, as well as analyze socioeconomic issues he says keep, “20 percent of the country in poverty and doesn’t allow them to move up.” Questel is also emphasizing a student-driven class model. He explained that “There’s no book at all. The curriculum is based on world events that are happening and asking… why is this happening?” On the importance of such a class, Questel explained that “When you see the rise in hate groups in America, when you see the events that happened at Charlottesville, when you see how minorities and women don’t have socioeconomic opportunities… we’re looking at
what, 60 to 65 percent of the American population? When you look at the raw numbers, it affects a large part of the American population… there’s a rise in suicides in this country. There’s just a lot of reasons, statistical, human, to have a class like this, and to hopefully have a safe place to express opinions… and to still learn.” “I don’t think you can defeat hate without learning about the history of why things happened,” Questel continued. “And when your own children are called n------ and one is a doctor and one is a teacher - that helps drive me.” The class coincides with the introduction of the WCS Diversity Task Force. The task force, according to NAACP President John Clay, has worked to get diverse books in elementary, schools, has made steps to hire African American teachers, and has worked towards increasing recruiting of diverse teachers. Though Questel says the class was not specifically related to the task force, he said he, “Knew we had that emphasis… and the administration embraced it [the class] immediately and has been very positive towards things I want to teach.” The class will be a semester long and is a history elective.
JENSAN BAUMAN staff writer New athletic director Joe Rubino, can be found walking the halls of WHS this year instead of Edgewood Middle School, where he previously worked. Late in the summer, Rubino accepted the position as athletic director and is eager to get to work with athletes. Rubino says he is most excited to, “serve students who are athletes and their parents, while we serve our community together.” Rubino’s enthusiasm has
spread to student athletes and players, as well. WHS cheerleader Adria Lemmon (11) said, “Mr. Rubino has been an excellent athletic director thus far, as we have been equally treated as WHS athletes… each athlete has been held to high standards.” WHS golf team member, Max Martin (9) said that at their Aug. 8 golf tournament, Rubino arrived with doughnuts for players and wished them luck at the match. Cheerleading coach and WHS English Dept. member Jennifer Wright says the
role of an athletic director is multi-purpose. Wright says providing safe environments, creating equal opportunities and staying up to date with all athletic policies are quintessential to the job of an Athletic Director. Rubino said he wants students and parents to know his door is always open. He also notes that he looks forward to attending as many games as he can this year and make himself visible throughout the building so students and athletes can get to know him, as athletic director.
WHS welcomes Cass Dixon: New assistant athletic director LUKE POMFRET staff writer New Assistant Athletic Director, Cass Dixon, said she has always been an athlete at heart. She played many high school sports, as well as college volleyball, and after college, she started a coaching career that lasted 23 years. Dixon also was involved in
administrative work at Ashland University and served as the Senior Woman Administrator. She is originally from Lorraine County and went to Midview High School and said she enjoys having her family close. Dixon admits she does not have much free time, but when she does, she enjoys supporting her children. “We love to watch Graham and Marin compete in whatever event they are in,” Dixon said.
Also, Dixon and her family enjoy spending time outside with their two dogs. The family also enjoys relaxing and watching movies. Dixon said she is excited to work as the Assistant Athletic Director. “When this opportunity presented itself, I thought it was a great fit because I had been involved in athletics my entire life and we love this community we are in, so it was a great merge of the two,” Dixon said.
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Graphic by Corinne Wiles
b e w s ’ y n t in So
h g u a c n ider-Ma
Sp
Writer analyzes new Disney releases
SIERRA DEWALD staff writer
LEO RILEY a&e editor Recently, Sony and Disney informed the public that Spider-Man is leaving the MCU. This news was announced by The Hollywood Reporter after it was revealed Sony and Disney could not reach an agreement at a meeting regarding SpiderMan’s future. In an interview with Cinemablend on Spider-Man’s departure, President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige said, “It
was never meant to last forever. We knew there was a finite amount of time that we’d be able to do this, and we told the story we wanted to tell, and I’ll always be thankful for that.” Feige’s quote implies Marvel always knew the wall crawler’s exit was imminent, yet the outrage among fans suggests they were not aware of this unspoken truth. Spidey’s sticky situation was not helped by the web slinger’s Avengers co-star, Jeremy Renner, who posted about the friendly neighborhood SpiderMan’s unceremonious exit.
Hawkeye called out Sony saying, “Hey we want SpiderMan back...Please,” and although most likely a joke, fans quickly rallied behind him, further complicating the issue. Amidst the chaos and outrage Peter Parker himself, Tom Holland, spoke out at D23 saying, “It’s been a crazy week, but I want you to know I am grateful from the bottom of my heart and I love you 3,000.” Ultimately, it is unclear whether fans will accept his departure. For now, the fate of Spider-Man remains trapped in Sony’s web.
While no film can be wholly original, the slate of recent and upcoming releases from Disney show that the entertainment giant seems to have given up on coming up with new ideas. According to Becky Fuller of ScreenRant in her article “All The Live-Action Disney Remakes In Development,” there are at least 15 live action remakes of classic Disney movies in development, to say nothing of those that have already been released. This number does not even account for the animated sequels, like Frozen 2, or further
installments in franchises that Disney has acquired, such as Marvel films, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and the upcoming Avatar films. Although the sequel films technically contain new plotlines, Disney is still drawing on existing characters/ franchises and their fanbase, counting on nostalgia to bring viewers to the box office rather than a strong, original story. Not every recent remake or sequel has been terrible, as most have garnered mixed reviews, and I have enjoyed some of them. However, the majority simply do not need to be made, and they should not be prioritized in place of new ideas. While rehashing stories that are known to work is certain to produce a profit, Disney should not forget what made it so great in the first place: making movies that have a certain element of magic to them, and that magic often comes from telling stories that have not been told on film before.
Fall musical announced as Grease SKYY KHOUNBORIN sports editor The WHS Drama Club held auditions this week for the fall musical, Grease, which will be performed in November. Brett Hiner, Director of Drama Club, says Grease was chosen in order to help branch out to the students who have an interest in live theater. “It’s so well known; we’re hoping to reach out to the kid who has always debated
joining us and maybe this is the musical that convinces them to do so. There’s never been a better time to join the Drama Club,” Hiner said. Emily Patterson, Assistant Director of Drama Club, explains how Grease will be different from past WHS musical productions. “Grease is one of the largest shows we’ve done in a while and producing a full-scale musical is a big challenge… This show will challenge our
organization, our imagination and we are ready,” Patterson said. Grace Buchholz, Co-President of Drama Club, is excited for the fall musical. “I’m looking forward to all our new members. I’ve been wanting a show to get more people involved and this is it,” Buchholz said. Hiner and Patterson both said they hope to post the cast list this weekend, and full cast rehearsals will begin Sept. 16.
HANNAH LOGIUDICE
Four students pictured above participate in the dancing portion of the Sept. 3 auditions for fall musical Grease in the WHS PAC.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | A&E | SEPT. 6, 2019 | PAGE 6
S W E I V E R E I V O M SUMMER of the other three movies? This adventurous film introduces a new toy into the classic Toy Story gang, a plastic spork named Forky. This new toy takes Woody on an adventure where the audience also gets the much needed return of a toy, Bo Peep, that has been missing since the first movie. STUART COURSON Pixar was able to appeal staff writer to every audience member, whether they are brand new The Toy Story franchise has to the series or they have been had tremendous success over around since the beginning in the years. 1995. Many people thought the Pixar was also able to give a franchise came to a close after deep storyline, filled with many Toy Story 3, only to be left in lessons, that may flow over a shock after Pixar announced kid’s head, but for adults, will Toy Story 4. Does this fourth installment meet up to the hype provide an emotional response.
LEO RILEY
a&e editor The newest addition to the Tarantino collection, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, hit theaters at the end of summer and has been stirring up controversy ever since. The film has been fighting three scandals since its inception. Tarantino’s treatment of women, allegedly inaccurate depiction of Bruce Lee and gratuitous violence have all been issues with the movie’s success. Women in Tarantino’s movies have been a controversial topic for the director. Its issues range from under representing the woman the movie is based
upon, Sharon Tate, to implying a main character successfully murdered his wife, and, overall, has done nothing to help the director’s image. Tarantino’s depictions of Hollywood legend Bruce Lee have also received some flak. In the film, Lee is shown as an arrogant man whose only purpose is to make the protagonist look better. This image was everything Lee worked to dismantle throughout his career and was an incredibly tasteless move on Tarantino’s part. Now, gratuitous violence is nothing new in a Tarantino film, however, it reaches a new level in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as the audience may find themselves rooting for the violence. It was unsettling how quickly I found myself cheering for the brutal deaths of the antagonists. Ultimately, I think its flaws cloud the experience of an otherwise great film. I would recommend watching the movie, but keep in mind, it has its fair share of problems.
GRAPHICS COURTESY OF MADISON HELMS
PAULINA SALAZAR views editor
This summer brought a lot of films to cinemas everywhere. One film that came out was
Spider-Man: Far From Home, released July 2. The plot of Spider-Man: Far From Home takes place after Avengers: Endgame and follows Peter Parker as he goes on a summer trip to Europe with his school. However, his plans go awry when he ends up having to aid Nick Fury in protecting the several countries he visits in his trip. Directed by Jon Watts and starring Tom Holland, SpiderMan: Far From Home is a great action film that can be enjoyed by people of varying ages due to the fact that the film has
the perfect balance of thrilling action scenes and comedic comments by the protagonists. The film received a 90 percent approval rating by critics and a 95 percent approval rating by the audience on rottentomatoes.com. Spider-Man: Far From Home keeps the audience in suspense throughout the whole film by keeping the audience in the dark about some characters’ motives. An enjoyable Spider-Man film, Spider-Man: Far From Home is one of the best movies to have been released this summer.
PHOTO FAIR USE COURTESY OF SPIDERMANFARFROMHOME.MOVIE
Spider-Man: Far From Home will be the final MCU film featuring Spider-Man, however Sony will continue the franchise separately.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | AD | SEPT. 6, 2019 | PAGE 7
FOCUS
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Farm to School project receives grant for WCS
RHEANNA VELASQUEZ co-editor-in-chief After receiving $99,214 from the USDA, local non-profit A Whole Community, Inc. has laid the groundwork for a Farm to School grant project that will serve Wooster City School and Northwestern Local School students. The Farm to School grant project is a collaboration between A Whole Community, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, the College of Wooster and Wayne County Extension. A Whole Community Executive Director and project director Karen Potter describes
School board revises calamity day policies SYLVIE SHAYA staff writer Ohio has unpredictable weather year round, often causing school to be canceled because of heat, snow or unpredictable weather patterns. In the 2018-2019 school year, Edgewood Middle School had
to cancel school because of heat in the beginning of the school year and later had to cancel because of extremely cold weather and snow during the winter. Edgewood principal Brad Warner said, “A group of teachers witnessed we were losing a lot of educational time,” an observation that
the project’s three components as expanding supply chain partners, developing individualized farm to school plans and creating ambassador programs, with the ultimate goal of delivering more fresh, local produce to school meals. WCSD has a $500,000 food budget, $75,000 of which is spent on fresh produce, according to food services manager Don Lewis. Spending on local produce, however, has been somewhat limited over the past several years. Local purchases of fresh produce have largely consisted of between $2,000 to $3,000 of apples, pears and peaches from Bauman Orchards, said Lewis, who noted the seasonality for such produce is limited. This year, Lewis said he
anticipates $4,000 to $6,000 of spending on local produce through A Whole Community. Lewis emphasized that while some may define produce as local when it is sourced from surrounding states, both WCS personnel and Farm to School partners aim to purchase from farmers within Wayne County. Dr. Shoshanah Inwood, project evaluator and Assistant Prof. in OSU’s School of Environment and Natural Resources, echoed the sentiment. She and Potter presented the project to the School Board of Education on Aug. 27. “We are an agricultural county. We really want to support our farmers and support our kids to eat healthy foods, so we will be bringing in more local foods and produce to the schools,”
Inwood said. Farm to School Ambassador clubs will also be introduced at Edgewood, Cornerstone, Northwestern Elementary and Northwestern High School, according to Inwood. “The idea is that we let the students take the lead in what they are most interested in. Is it a hydroponic greenhouse? Is it a school garden? Is it a field trip? Those are the kinds of things that we have money to help support,” Inwood said at the meeting. Funds from the project have also been allocated to support food service staff, who have received additional training, recipes featuring local produce and $1,500 for kitchen supplies such as food processors, according to Potter.
prompted the proposition of a creative plan to keep students on track. The Wooster Board of Education recently approved the plan to allow an alternative method of calamity day recuperations throughout the entire WCS district. “The reason that most teachers considered this necessary was so that students did not lose out on skills necessary for success on... [school] tests,” explained Edgewood seventh grade language arts teacher Michael Sexton. Sexton and seventh grade
math teacher Brigit Frantz presented their plan to give students digital work, as opposed to making up school in June after testing, to the WCS Board of Education last April. They created a way to keep students on track, allow students to fulfill their state mandated hours of education and satisfy the time required to be made up from days off school by teachers’ contracts, stated Sexton. The proposed change would allow teachers to create online modules to be completed by students outside of class,
explained Sexton. Students without internet access would be provided the needed resources during school, said Warner. According to Sexton, students, in general, had a positive response to the change. Rhys Florence-Smith, a student at EWMS (7), said the work “felt like more homework,” and he “never felt like it was so much work we couldn’t get it done.” The proposal was approved by the board after its second reading at their Aug. 27 meeting.
Thank you to East of Chicago for donating a work night meal to our Sept. 3 work night.
THE WOOSTER BLADE
COVER
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 6, 2019 | PAGE 9
New year, new faces: Joe Kacsandi, administrative intern Wooster City School “IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD... District welcomes AND WOOSTER IS ONE BIG VILLAGE,” new faculty members KACSANDI SAID. SYLVIE SHAYA staff writer
Erica Lepley, intervention specialist EVE NORRIS staff writer Erica Lepley is a new Intervention Specialist/Student Supervision Aide at WHS. She mainly works with students who require special education, and when asked what her goal was for her students, she said that “building relationships and a safe space for my children” is her top priority. Lepley grew up in Strongsville, where she adopted her love for teaching through her grandma and aunt, who were both teachers. After graduating high school in 2006, she attended Bowling Green and got her degree in Special Education. Prior to her work at WHS, she was in restaurant management for 11 years, worked with the credit recovery program, and has now been a student supervision aide for two years at the school. She is working toward her masters in school counseling through Kent’s online schooling program. “I want to explore the counseling world and grow in the special education department,’’ she said. She has expressed her
admiration and dedication to her students while discussing her intentions for the school year. When asked about the interactions between her students and the rest of the student body, she said, “I really love how the students can be a leader for themselves and for other people.” She wants to make it clear that, “My classroom is always open.”
“MY CLASSROOM IS ALWAYS OPEN,” LEPLEY SAID.
“It takes a village to raise a child,” Joe Kacsandi stated, “And Wooster is one big village.” Kacsandi said he feels that everyone in Wooster is on the same page of wanting to help educate and support children as effectively as possible, something he sees as crucial for an effective school system. Kacsandi is this year’s administrative intern, taking over the position from last year’s administrative intern Nathanael Steiner, who is now an associate principal. Having worked as a middle school principal in Westerville,
Kacsandi moved to Wooster with hopes of getting back to the roots of why he went into education, connecting with kids and helping students learn. He also said he wants to assist teachers in reaching every child as well as they can. Kacsandi plans to learn as much as he can about, “the way things are done here,” and is working to build relationships with students throughout the school. Kacsandi worked in education as a teacher for eight years before becoming a middle school principal for eight years in the Westerville City School District, near Columbus, and an assistant principal in Normandy High School for four years.
Photos by Maddy McCully and Rumen Zdravchev
Amber Yarnell, District ELL Teacher MOLLY SNYDER staff writer
“Once a general always a general,” says Amber Yarnell, one of the newest additions to the WCS faculty. After graduating from WHS, Yarnell chose to pursue a more unique form of teaching, deciding to get her masters in teaching English to speakers of other languages, or TESOL for short. Rotating between elementary schools, Yarnell teaches English as a second language to students ranging from preschool to fourth grade. During her college years, Yarnell studied abroad in Spain, Chile and Germany. Yarnell
said she uses her experiences to relate to the students she teaches as she knows how it feels to be in an unfamiliar place with a completely different culture and language than what is known. Yarnell has actually been a part of the Wooster City Schools staff before, teaching Spanish for one year and a half in Wooster until transferring to Shaker Heights, where she taught for four years. Yarnell’s position in the WCSD can be utilized by children who are coming to Wooster with little to no known English and are in need of guidance when it comes to learning about not only the language but also the culture in Wooster and the United States in general.
“ONCE A GENERAL ALWAYS A GENERAL,” YARNELL SAID.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | SEPT. 6, 2019 | PAGE 10
An introduction to the new staff at WHS
Jordan Smith, algebra and geometry teacher TYLER KEATING
staff writer Jordan Smith is a new feature in the math hallway at Wooster High School this year, however, this is not his first time teaching for the school district. After starting out his teaching career with a year as a math tutor at Wadsworth
High School, he was hired by Wooster City Schools to be a math teacher at Boys’ Village. He worked there for three years, splitting his time between Boys’ Village and Edgewood Middle School his first year, before coming to WHS. According to Smith, “It’s
definitely a big change from Boys’ Village, but I’ve really enjoyed working with these classes, and there’s a lot of great kids… I’ve always looked forward to being in a high school setting again, so this is exciting for me.” This year, Smith teaches classes in Algebra I and Geometry.
Ann Crites, physical science teacher ZACH BREWSTER staff writer
Ann Crites is a physical science teacher who previously worked at Boy’s Village and has been teaching for 22 years. Crites attended Olmsted Falls High School, The University of Toledo and Ashland University.
Crites was not sure if she wanted to continue this career after teaching in inner city Toledo, but said she always felt the urge to keep coming back to teaching. Crites said she is excited to be a part of WHS and attend sporting events because she enjoys the community aspect.
SIERAH PILSON staff writer
Brian Questel, social studies teacher JACK VENEY staff writer
Social Studies Dept. member Brian Questel is beginning his 14 year of teaching, after teaching 13 years previously at Boys Village. Questel graduated from WHS in 1972 and The University of Akron in 2004. During his break between high school and college, he wrote and worked as a photographer for various local newspapers. Throughout his years of teaching, Questel has taught
many classes covering a wide range of topics from computer programming to government. At WHS, Questel now teaches two classes of World Studies, two classes of Government, and one Civil Rights class. Out of all three subjects of classes he teaches, he said he does not have a favorite one, although he is most invested in his Civil Rights class. According to Questel, the transition to WHS from Boys Village has been fairly smooth. “The staff has been very helpful… Coming in, learning a new school, more students,
Keaton Leppla, technology resource teacher
learning how to find your way around the computer and everything that that’s kind of been a challenge, I guess. But you know, overall, this is a smooth transition,” Questel said.
Keaton Leppla, the district’s new technology resource teacher, helps teachers implement new technology in the classroom and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Leppla says his favorite part of the job is working with teachers on different technology projects inside the classroom. Outside of school, Leppla says he coaches football and enjoys spending time outdoors, where he likes to kayak, fish and hike. Previously a history teacher, Leppla says he was often left to his own devices in regard to technical assistance. As a result of this experience, he decided to pursue technology in hopes of providing others with the guidance that was denied him, “It’s something I never had and something I wanted as a teacher,” Leppla said.
Leppla says he was drawn to Wooster because of his familiarity with the area, and the strong sense of community within it. Throughout the year, Leppla says he hopes to become familiar with all of the technology in the district, as well as build lasting relationships with teachers and students.
Photos taken by Tyler Keating and Rumen Zdravchev
THE WOOSTER BLADE | COVER | SEPT. 6, 2019 | PAGE 11
Two alumnae share reactions to their Rotary Exchange experiences thus far Anna Nacci, cover editor of The Wooster Blade, interviewed two 2019 WHS graduates, Holly Miller and Catherine Strong. Miller and Strong are both exchange students through the Rotary Exchange Program. They were interviewed on their recent arrival to their host families.
Holly Miller: I’m living in Iquique, Chile. Catherine Strong: Yokkaichi, Mei Prefecture
Q: What is your favorite part about where you are? Catherine Strong: My favorite part about Japan is how beautiful even the most mundane of things are.
PAULINA SALAZAR Julieta Mondino is an exchange student from Trelew, Argentina, attending WHS this year. Mondino decided to join the Rotary youth exchange program because of a close friend who had hosted someone from France previously, encouraging her to join the program and partake in an exchange. Although the United States was not Mondino’s first choice, she is glad she was able to stay here. “I love everything here, and something that I’m really impressed about is that
Graphics by Madison Helms
Q: What are you most excited about for your time at your new home?
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLY MILLER
Holly Miller, in Iquique, Chile, said she believes the biggest cultural difference is that people in Chile are more open and warm when meeting people.
everything is really green and clean, and everyone is so respectful with other people and with the community rules, I just completely love it,” Mondino said. Mondino communicated with her host family before traveling to the United States. After talking to them about Wooster and WHS, Mondino grew excited about her stay here. Mondino believes this is one of the best decisions she’s made in her life. “Everyone is really kind and treats me very well, and everyone is willing to answer my silly questions,” Mondino said on her experience so far, describing it as amazing.
• Louisa Lenharo EVE NORRIS
PHOTO COURTESY OF CATE STRONG
Holly Miller: I’m excited to be involved in Chilean culture, learn the language and have summer for three months. Also, I will be traveling to Patagonia and the Easter Islands with Rotary. I’m excited to have those opportunities.
• Julieta Mondino views editor
Q: Where are you living?
Catherine Strong said she is most excited about experiencing the Japanese education system.
WHS students and staff welcome exchange youth
staff writer Lousia Lenharo is one of the foreign exchange students at WHS. Lenharo, who is from Arealva in São Paulo, Brazil, plans to study in America for an entire school year, and has been settled with the Miller family for two weeks, while WHS alum Holly Miller studies abroad in Chile. Lenharo expresses her interest in hobbies such as volleyball, playing guitar, reading and works on the English language. She said that apart from her first language, Portuguese, she began studying English at around seven-yearsold. Although she says she finds English, “difficult to communicate,’’ she said “I try to focus on English...I
see another world. New people, other places, other experiences…” When asked to contrast American and Brazilian culture, she notes that Brazilians tend to express intimacy in different ways. In Brazil, it is proper etiquette to say goodbye when leaving a class, and just like Americans who may use the handshake and the French practice La Bise, Brazilians tend to hug. Despite the minor differences, she says that her experiences so far have been welcoming and positive. Lenharo said her goal for this year is, “...to have new experiences and do things I have never done before.” She expresses her excitement for this school year by encouraging her fellow classmates to engage and talk with her while she settles into American culture.
SPORTS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 6, 2019 | PAGE 12
Cleveland Browns look to thrive in upcoming year
REECE MITCHELL co-editor-in-chief
The Cleveland Browns, from the laughing stock of the NFL to most promising team, have everyone waiting to see if high expectations can become reality. With off-season trades and promising players, the Browns
have all-stars like Odell Beckham Jr., Baker Mayfield and Jarvis Landry making this offense deadly. For most Browns fans and the Browns organization, a Super Bowl is the end goal. In July, head coach Freddie Kitchens is quoted as saying, on ohio.com, “the goal is always to win the Super Bowl.” They went all in on second year quarterback Mayfield, hoping he is the player to bring in talent and hoping he has the ability to lead them to a Super Bowl. The Browns have put a target on their backs with their newfound confidence. Teams see the Browns as an elite team
now as much as analysts do. Jim Rome on his sports show said, “the Cleveland Browns are winning the Super Bowl,” also adding that he has said it since last year. Rome also said that the Browns have surpassed the Dallas Cowboys as America’s team. Being labeled as the best has made the Browns the team to beat and other teams want to make a point, whether it is to say the Browns are not as good as people say or to say they are better than people thought. Either way, Baker Mayfield seems to love the challenge and the publicity and is ready to prove that the Browns have what it takes to be elite. The atmosphere has changed: Cleveland is no longer the team that went 0-16. They are the team with some of the best odds to win the Super Bowl, which could make them the greatest comeback story ever.
September Wooster home games
7 Boys cross country runs at Wooster Invitational
9
7
Girls Cross country runs Boys golf plays in the at Wooster Invitational General Cup
11 12 12 Girls tennis competes against GlenOak
13 Football plays against Dover
Girls golf plays against Crestview (COW)
14
Girls soccer plays against Ashland
21
Boys soccer plays against Volleyball plays Medina Akron Firestone Buckeye
2019 fantasy football league drafts require good judgment Melvin Gordon are in a holdout, looking for money for their teams and are currently not playing. I would be very careful drafting both of these players early in the draft as they could hurt your team as much as they may help it. Getting a solid, reliable running back like Nick Chubb later in the draft might benefit you more than a star who is holding out for money. REECE MITCHELL In the quarterback and receiver co-editor-in-chief situation, look for Patrick Mahomes Fantasy Football is here along with and Drew Brees to be the top the beginning of the NFL season, quarterbacks in your draft as and there is no better way to keep in Mohomes is coming off of an MVP touch with friends, family and the season, and Brees is the highest NFL than to be a part of this type of ranked quarterback coming into the league. 2019-2020 season. Holdouts have started to become a As for receivers, do not count on trend ever since Le’veon Bell did not Odell Beckham to score as many play last year for the Steelers because points, as he is on a high caliber he could not figure out a good team with many targets. Less balls enough contract situation for himself. may be thrown to him, but as for His contract situation ruined some receivers, Julio Jones and Deandre people’s fantasy teams. This year, Hopkins are your top receivers as star running backs Ezekiel Elliott and they have been for the past years.
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SPORTS | SEPT. 6, 2019 | PAGE 13
VOLLEYBALL
Molly Schneider (12) serves the ball to the other team.
Wooster volleyball is starting off its season with a 5-1 record. “We are striving to win the OCC and make a run in tournaments,” coach Jen Snowbarger said. “This year, we have a lot of key returners and have seven seniors back from last year. Unfortunately, we have a few players out right now, which hurts some of our rotations, but overall, we have a solid foundation to build from. The girls get along great and are looking to make this a great season,” Snowbarger said. The team’s next game is an away conference match at Ashland on Sept. 12.
CROSS COUNTRY
GOLF
The girls golf team is 3-1 in dual matches. Last season was the first season for the girls golf team. The team finished seventh at the OCC tournament. Mark Snowbarger, head coach of the girls golf team, says he is impressed by the development of skills on the team. “[We] came into this season with the idea that we were going to improve on last season, which I believe we have done so far,” Snowbarger said. The boys golf team is also hoping to gain more experience on the course. Last season, the boys golf team finished third at the OCC tournament. John Karamas, head coach of the boys golf team, says the minimal varsity experience last year could be improved this year. “l’m hoping the experience we gained last season, along with senior leadership will allow us to compete for the OCC title this DAN STARCHER season,” Karamas said. The next home match for the girls golf team is at Crestview on Ben Haven (11) lines up the ball Sept. 12. The next home match for the boys golf team is the General for a putt on the green. Cup tournament on Sept. 9.
WHS Fall Sports:
FOOTBALL
A preview into the 2019-2020 season
Joel Weeman (12) and Henry Gamble (12) lead the pack.
CHEER
The WHS cheerleading program has a new coach this year, Jennifer Wright. She said this year she is looking forward to, “getting to know the young ladies who have chosen to dedicate themselves to WHS Cheer and expanding the role of a cheerleader at WHS.” Cheer at WHS is split into four committees this year; social, spirit, fundraising and community, in order to encourage school spirit.
THERESA WENDELL
The varsity cheer team poses for a picture at the Orrville vs. Wooster game at Orrville.
Teamwork is the name of the game for the 2019 girls tennis team. Head tennis coach Stan Burris anticipates a good season saying, “This year’s team is driven to be successful. They support each other during matches and practice as well as any team I have coached.” Despite the transition of a new JV coach, Burris says there have been no challenges. With a record of 9-7 last year and a second-place finish at the OCC, Burris hopes the players continue improving COURTESY OF SKYY KHOUNBORIN and enjoying the process. The team faces Skyy Khounborin (12) hits a GlenOak Sept. 11 backhand to the opposing team. at home.
TENNIS
BEN WEEMAN
Boys and girls cross country opened their season on Aug. 24 at Green. “Overall, we did well for how young we are, but there is still room for improvements,”captain Evan Miller (12) said. For the season, captain Melina Mera (12) has set a personal goal to achieve. “My goal for the season is to run a sub 20 before the season ends,” Mera said. The boys team finished fourth and the girls team finished third. The next meet is Sept. 7 at the Wooster Invite.
THERESA WENDELL
Varsity football competes against Orrville.
The WHS girls soccer team had a 12-6 record last year, and this year the record is 4-2 so far. “I’m looking forward to building something new with a new group of people,” head coach Charles Cerniglia said. Cerniglia added that the varsity team has demonstrated mental and physical toughness throughout their season thus far. The next home game is Sept. 12. The boys soccer team had an overall record of 12-7-2 last year. “I look forward to playing Madison...[the game] will indubitably decide the OCC,” Jacob Nurse (12) said. The team’s record is 3-2 currently overall. The team has a home game Sept. 14 against Akron Firestone High School.
This past year, the WHS football team won conference champions and had a record of 6-0 in their league, according to Doug Haas, head football coach. This year, he explained that there are a number of new players who he hopes to be able to work with to defend this title in the upcoming season.
SOCCER
STEVEN LOGUIDICE
Emma LoGuidice (12) dribbles the ball away. Blurbs written by: Rheanna Velasquez, Skyy Khounborin, Clara Lee, Sophie Gamble, Jensan Bauman and Rumen Zdravchev.
FEATURE
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 6, 2019 | PAGE 14
Students share summer experiences LUKE POMFRET staff writer Most students have almost three months of summer vacation to recharge and relax. Some of classmates choose to work, vacation or volunteer, which involves venturing outside of Wayne County. Whatever students did this summer, there is no doubt that many of them experienced incredible opportunities to leave home and experience different cultures. Zoe Ntia (10) and Zayanna Ntia (10), went on a mission trip that focused on learning about different religions, as well as being able to share Christianity to younger children around the ages of seven to fifteen. Zayanna said that the mission surprised her because she saw that children could pick up the message of God. Zoe said the trip’s impact on the
children, “helped save lives, and I’ve experienced it first hand.” Both Zoe and Zayanna said they recommend that others get involved in other communities and join mission trips. Robert Thomson-Lynce (10) visited Colombia to visit his mother’s family. In Colombia, Thomson visited various areas and was submerged in Colombian culture. Thomson describes the area he visited, “We went to the mountains in Colombia, which is where my grandma and most of my family live.” Thomson also said the students in Colombia only have one to two weeks of summer vacation, which differs from the traditional U.S. school schedule. Thomson says he does not have a favorite place in Colombia, but “Colombia is one of the places to get to know.” Audrey Carlton (12) has spent the last two summers in Lecce,
Italy, living with a family as a nanny for their child, Yasmine. Carlton says her daily agenda consisted of going to the park and the beach. Carlton said the family she worked for was very friendly and welcoming. “The family I stayed with really welcomed me in their home, and from the first week, I knew they were like my second family,” Carlton said. Carlton said the best moment of her trip was, “seeing Yasmine’s dance recital that she has been working on all year. It was so adorable, and seeing her so proud of herself, made me so happy.” Carlton loves Italy because the people are kind and the food is amazing. Students can find opportunities to travel abroad by getting involved in the Global Education Program at WHS or through local churches for mission trips.
CHLOE BOUCHER
Over the summer, Zayanna Ntia (10) went on a Grace Church mission trip to Atlanta and worked with children like Isabel (middle) and others.
WHS welcomes new addition to Band Program: Craig French joins as new band director ALEC PAULEY on campus editor Before the 2019-2020 school year began, the WHS marching band had already been working for three weeks, learning a new pregame and halftime performance under the instruction of new band director Craig French. French takes the place on the podium this season after Dan Adams’ retirement last year as the new Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra conductor. Wooster City school district Superintendent, Dr. Michael
Tefs, wrote a message to introduce French on woostercityschools.org, saying, “Craig’s extensive music experience coupled with his passion for providing students with a solid educational experience make him an ideal director for our high school band program. He is a passionate and driven educator with the best interests of his students at heart.” Though French is new to the program at Wooster, he comes with prior experience, 16 years to be exact, at multiple public schools in Georgia, North Carolina, Missouri and Ohio.
French outlined a few goals he has for his first season on the ladder. “This season, my goals for the marching band are to provide entertaining shows for our community, give students an experience that is enjoyable, musical and challenging, and to honor our senior class as they deserve,” French said. French said he hopes to hold on to tradition and maintain the band’s good reputation. Brian Nguyen (12), member of Wooster music program for seven years, comments on the new changes that have come with a new band director. “I think it [the new show
style] will have mixed reactions based on the crowd. With the home crowd [the new show style] will be hit or miss depending on how they liked Mr. Adams’ style of marching [performances].” Nguyen talks about the future for the WHS marching band and how future years will be affected by French’s implication into the music program. “I’m excited to see the impact Mr. French has on the students. He has a similar laid back feel like Mr. Adams’ [had] and gets along extremely well with the students. If he keeps up his attitude into concert season, he
will definitely leave a mark on the band.” French concludes, “I am just pleased and honored to be given the opportunity to lead this music department and band program. I consider it a huge responsibility, and will do my very best to share my passion for and knowledge of music to all of my students. I look forward to sharing years of musical experiences, performances, and relationships with my current and future students.” French says he plans on planting his legacy with Wooster High School.
VIEWS
THE WOOSTER BLADE | SEPT. 6, 2019 | PAGE 15
Presidential Election
THE
Graphic by Corinne Wiles
Leading candidates and central issues in Democratic debates take center stage MYA VANDEGRIFT views editor The Democratic party began with 20 Democrats and three Republican candidates. Now, nearly 18 months out from election day, 10 Democrats remain and Donald Trump stands alone as only one other Republican is still vying for a spot. According to Politico, three Democratic candidates are standing out so far as voter’s top choices. Former VP Joe Biden, Senator Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have been notable names over the course of the past two Democratic debates, and will be competing among seven other nominees in the third debate, which will be held Sept. 12, 2019. The 10 candidates who have qualified, according to vox. com’s finalized line-up include: Beto O’Rourke, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, Bernie Sanders, Julián Castro, Andrew Yang, Cory Booker and Amy Klobuchar. Common stances among Democratic nominees include: support of universal background checks for firearms, an easier pathway to citizenship for immigrants, raising the federal minimum wage, pro-choice legislation, making college cheaper and/or fixing debt-relief programs and combating climate change.
Joe Biden As the voter’s first choice, for the Democratic party, according to Politico, the former vice president has been making a name for himself among those of the more moderate left wing voters. Advocating for a $15 minimum wage and comprehensive criminal justice reform, Biden is also in support of the Green New Deal and a voluntary buy-back program for assault weapons. Bernie Sanders The self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist is all in for Medicare for All, abolishment of the electoral college, The Green New Deal, and comprehensive criminal justice reform. He is also in support of a $15 minimum wage and has proposed new estate taxes on inheritances of multimillionaires and billionaires. Elizabeth Warren As a senator from Massachusetts, her populist economic message has animated the Democratic base. She advocates for affordable housing, raising the minimum wage, free college and paying farmers to carry out climate-friendly practices. She is in support of universal background checks, the Green New Deal, and citizenship for DACA Dreamers.
Donald Trump The current U.S. president is looking to continue for another term in the 2020 election. In his current term, he called on Congress to build a wall along the southern border, withdrew America from the Paris Climate Agreement, and expanded oil and gas development in the United States. His slogan for the 2020 election is “Promises Made, Promises Kept” indicating that he will continue with his current ideals for the duration of the election, according to promiseskept.org. Bill Weld The former Massachusetts governor has struggled mightily to gain traction in a party that is dominated and transfixed by Trump. According to Mercury News, the New England Moderate is socially liberal, but very conservative when it comes to economy, prioritizing cutting spending and taxes. Information regarding Democratic candidates views was compiled from POLITICO’s “Candidates Take Stands on Issues.”
BLADE ASKS WHS:
Would you say you are knowledgeable about the 2020 presidential election? Yes 13.4% No 36.4% Somewhat 50.2% Have you been watching the democratic debates? Yes 8.5% No 75.5% Somewhat 16.3% How knowledgeable are you on the Republican candidates? Very 11.3% Not at all 42.6% Somewhat 46.1% Do you plan on being politically active in the future? Yes 63% No 37% Polls were distributed to 141 random students by staff members Bryn Savidge, Sophie Gamble, Leo Riley, Anna Nacci, Tyler Keating, Zach Brewster and Jensan Bauman during the last week of August.
THE
WOOSTER
BLADE
Editors-in-Chief Reece Mitchell, Rheanna Velasquez, Madison McCully Webmaster and Head Photographer Grace Brownson Graphics Manager Corinne Wiles Business Manager Sophie Gamble, Leo Riley, Bryn Savidge, Rheanna Velasquez Managing Editor Anna Nacci On Campus Editor Alec Pauley Focus Editor Lena Wiebe Sports Editor Skyy Khounborin A & E Editor Leo Riley Trends Editor Bryn Savidge, Theresa Wendell 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, Tyler Keating, Clara Lee, 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 Graphics Staff Madison Helms 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 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. 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. 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
THE WOOSTER BLADE | VIEWS | SEPT. 6, 2019 | PAGE 16
THE WOOSTER BLADE 2019-2020 EDITORIAL BOARD
TYLER KEATING
The Society of Professional Journalists dictates that journalists: Seek truth and report it Minimize harm Be accountable and transparent Act independently In addition to these SPJ principles, The Wooster Blade staff pledges to: Amplify student voices Cover diverse perspectives Facilitate meaningful discussions
Letter from the Editors With 2019 marking the Year of the Student Journalist, we look forward to the coverage our staff on The Wooster Blade will bring. Now more than ever, we want to encourage our staff to pursue journalism that not only engages the community but that they also find incredibly meaningful. Journalism is a powerful tool, and we hope that our students will rediscover how to advocate
change, uncover new voices and expand our coverage of the issues that impact our community. Our paper strives to promote responsible discussion, explore the issues that divide, unify and enrich us, and tell the stories that accurately reflect the diverse experiences of our student body. The Wooster community also deserves reporting that engages critically with our immediate
culture, community and world. The coming year will be full of challenges, learning and change. We invite you to follow The Wooster Blade on our journey. Happy reading, Rheanna Velasquez, Maddy McCully and Reece Mitchell Co-Editors-in-Chief