The Bruin - February 2022

WADSWORTH HIGH SCHOOL

VOLUME XLVII, ISSUE 5 FEBRUARY 2022

Inside the Bruin

FEBRUARY ISSUE 19

10& 11

News 4

Newsblurbs

5

OHSAA Sports

Opinion

7

5

Changing the Hallway System & Locker room usage

Feature 6

13 6

Teachers Side Hustles

13 Joseph Musical New Businesses 19 coming to Wadsworth

Sports Valentines Day Entertainment 16 & 17

10 & 11 Couple Superlatives 20 Cutouts, puzzles, games

Spring Sports Spread

BRUIN STAFF

Is Valentines Day a 12 Commercial Holiday: Head to Head

625 Broad Street Wadsworth, OH 44281

Jackson Kerley

NEWS & IN DEPTH EDITOR

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Janae Joachim

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ART EDITOR

Chloe Porter

MANAGING EDITOR

COPY EDITOR

Ari Kaser

Liz Gromofsky

2 FEBRUARY 2022

ONLINE EDITOR

Grace Pantalone Kade Miros

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT Julia Swain

BUSINESS MANAGER Michael Jira

STAFF WRITERS Katharine Allen Brenden Barlett Brooke Baughman Mason Burton

ADVISOR

FEATURES EDITOR Eric Heffinger Ashley Allwood

OPINION EDITOR Dylan Heppert

Lily Chesbro Sydney Daily Katie Griffin Luke Houser Haley Reedy Liam Russell Carley Sorrent Gavin Zeiner

Valentine’s Day needs to be more sentimental

Valentine’s Day has become just another money making holiday.

This holiday began with celebrating St. Valentine, who is believed to have secretly married couples. He also wrote the first “Valentine” to the jailer’s daughter before his death.

In the middle ages people would simply exchange handwritten cards with love notes.

Now there’s billions of dollars spent on Valentine’s Day cards and gifts. It is more important about how much people spend than showing affection to their significant other.

People need to learn how to show affection

and appreciation in other ways than just through their money. There are so many other holidays in which people can buy gifts for each other, or any other day of the year for that matter.

Valentine’s Day should be celebrated through heartfelt things such as handwritten notes, picture collages, or anything else that can be done on your own time. Handmade gifts to loved ones mean much more than any amount of money that can be spent.

We would love to hear your feedback!

Please send letters to the editor to wadsworthbruin@ gmail.com

GRIZZLIES OF THE MONTH

BY CARLEY SORRENT

I SCREWED UP SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO Dear Grace, The guy I like likes me back, but my best friend likes him too. Do I continue to hangout with him or do I stop talking to him all together for the sake of my friend?

Oh my. In all honesty you are in one big pickle! But I think you have to decide which is more important to you, the friendship you have with your friend or the connection you have with the guy. Personally, I cannot relate to you in this situation. I’m the other girl! But I do know that if I was in your situation I would have a hard time choosing because when you like someone it can be hard. I think that you should try to think of the future and think ‘Who will still be with me in 10 years?’ Based off that information I think you will have your answer but who knows because relationships between people are constantly changing.

Dear Grace, I hate Valentine’s Day and I think that celebrating it is a big waste of time. My friends want to get together and do something to celebrate it but I do not see the point. Should I go?

I think that Valentine’s Day is fun! Even though it can be pretty expensive for some people, I think that it has many different meanings to people. Last year, I went out to dinner with some friends and I tried to make a reservation at a restaurant but they told me they only had tables in even numbers! I thought that was silly and that they should not limit themselves but I am not sure if it is always like that or if it was just because of the holiday. But going out and doing something could be fun and Valentine’s Day is for celebrating love and do you not love your friends? I see it as a sweeter version of Thanksgiving, I like to show thanks and love to those around me but instead of pumpkin pie, I eat chocolate!

Need some advice?

Contact Grace Pantalone 22gpantalone@wadsworthschools.org Instagram: graciepantalone

Happy Valentines Day!

~The Bruin Staff COVER BY ARI KASER Editorial Policy The Bruin is a monthly publication produced by the Newspaper II and Newspaper III students at Wadsworth High School. The Newspaper I class produces the May issue. The staff will do its best to inform

the student body and the community of intra-school, community or national events that affect the student body. This paper provides on-the-job training for the staff members. All decisions are made by the staff members with the advice and suggestions of the adviser. The school administration works closely with the staff to ensure accuracy. We, as the students of journalism, hold the same rights and the same responsibilities as professional journalists as we strive for professional standards. These rights include the right to print any material that is not libelous, obscene or excessively disruptive to the school process. The Bruin will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of religion, color, creed or sex. The staff members accept full responsibility for everything appearing in this publication. The staff strongly encourages students to express their opinions through the letters to the editor column, which is printed every month. The staff also encourages the members of the community to express their opinion as well. Space permitting, all letters will be printed. We reserve the right to edit or omit any portion of any letter because the staff accepts the responsibility for the contents of the paper. All letters must be signed, but the name will be withheld upon request.

THE BRUIN NEWS

BY HALEY REEDY & JULIA SWAIN

WINTER SIGNING DAY FOR STUDENT ATHLETES WINTER FORMAL

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inter signing at Wadsworth High School is when student athletes sign on with a college to attend next year. This is a major event for those athletes, their families and their coaches. Winter signing took place February 2, 2022 in the Media Center of Wadsworth High School. Four student-athletes signed to play college sports in the fall 2022 season. Drew Mason signed with Hiram College to continue playing baseball. Arianna Kaser signed with California University of Pennsylvania to continue her golf career.

Mia Petit signed with Notre Dame College to join the acro and tumbling team. David Shue signed with Lake Erie College to continue wrestling.

Drew Mason

Arianna Kaser

Mia Petit

David Shue

FOOTBALL LEGEND TOM BRADY RETIRES

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n Saturday, January 29, 2022, it was falsely reported that Tom Brady would be retiring from the NFL at the age of forty-four. Brady would later reveal that he was “far from a decision.”

However, he was apparently not too far because the following Tuesday, February 1, 2022, Brady officially announced that he would be retiring from the NFL after twenty-two seasons in the league. Brady played twenty seasons for the New England Patriots and two seasons for the Tampa

Bay Buccaneers.

After winning three MVPs, seven championships and being named to the All-Pro list six times, he leaves football as arguably the greatest of all time.

On his retirement, Brady had this to say in a post made on Instagram on February 1: “I have always believed the sport of football is an “all-in” proposition - if a 100% competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed, and success is what I love

so much about our game,” Brady said. “This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive c o m m i t m e n t anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.”

2022 WINTER OLYMPICS KICK OFF IN BEIJING

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he 2022 Winter Olympics kicked off in Beijing on February 4.

They will run until February 20, 2022 and will include seven new events: women’s monobob, men’s and women’s big air skiing, mixed team relay in short track speed skating, mixed team ski jumping, mixed team snowboard cross and freestyle skiing mixed team ariels.

At the time of writing, the Russian Olympic Committee leads the medal total with six overall: two gold, two silver

and two bronze medals. It is followed

by Netherlands and five other countries tied for second with four total medals.

The United States is tied for third with France, Germany and Sweden. The host country China has only one medal, landing it fourth place.

The United States opened the competition as the favorites to win and with over 60 events still to compete for there is an ample amount of room for the U.S. to make a comeback before the end of the Olympics.

BY CARLEY SORRENT

leader of WHS’s National Honors Society.

“They are not earmarked for any one thing for now, but we have to have a little bit of a stash fund for the National Honors Society.”

Singleton said that most of NHS’s funds are for their induction ceremonies, teacher of the year awards, membership renewal and “Adopt a Family.” NHS does not have very much immediate funding, and the students and supervisors work hard for most of their money.

“What we get from our fundraisers, we primarily give back,” Singleton said. “We keep what we have to keep.”

The flowers are being sold for two dollars a piece, and three for five dollars.

They will be attached to a card.

“Normally [the flowers are] red, green, yellow, [or] pink, but because of COVID-19,

Winter Formal for the 2022 school year is scheduled to be on Friday, March 11 from 8-10:30 p.m.

Wadsworth High School Choir Department puts on Winter Formal rather than Student Council, who puts on Homecoming.

The theme for Winter Formal is “Fire and Ice.” It has not been decided whether or not the dance will be held in the WHS gymnasium or the YMCA gymnasium like Homecoming was. More details will come out closer to the date of the dance.

It is tradition for the girls to ask the guys to Winter Formal.

FIVE BELOW OPENS IN WADSWORTH

Five below held its grand opening on February 4, but it had been open for a few days before then.

The store has many different sections such as home goods, stuffed animals, clothes, candy and toys. Photo by Grace Pantalone.

CCP GUIDELINE CHANGES

WHS guidance office sent out an email on January 28 regarding the changes being made to the requirements to be eligible for College Credit Plus (CCP) classes.

Starting this year, ACT score is optional for placement in the CCP program.

NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY SELLS VALENTINE’S DAY FLOWERS A s Valentine’s Day approaches, Wadsworth High School gets ready by having a Valentine’s Day themed spirit week. The National Honors Society will be selling flowers to students for the holiday.

“One of the reasons that we’re really excited for the flower sale is because of COVID-19,” said Mrs. Rosenberger, a leader of Wadsworth’s National Honors Society. “We haven’t really had an opportunity- there haven’t been a lot of fun things in the building.”

The flowers will be sold on February ninth to the eleventh.

“All the proceeds that we get will go to numerous things,” said Mr. Singleton, a

4 FEBRUARY 2022

we can’t do that this year,” Singleton said. “COVID-19 has impacted paint and dyes that the flowers that Barlett-Cook can purchase.”

In years past, the different colored flowers had different meanings. Because of COVID-19, there will most likely be only red, pink and white flowers, along with The carnations are probably going to be red, white and pink. Carnations symbolize love, in all forms. Photo by Carley Sorrent. whatever the flower company provides. opportunity to do something fun and Despite the changes, the flower sale spirited for the first time in years,” will still be happening.

Rosenberger said.

“We’re excited about kids having an

NEWS THE BRUIN

Downtown Businesses Prepare for First Friday

For some downtown businesses like Jazzercise, they have been involved with First Friday from the beginning. Handing out different treats, dressing up in costumes, or even putting together mini obstacle courses for kids.

“It really is challenging for us down at the end to get people to come down that way,” said Wendy Becerra, owner of the Wadsworth Jazzercise.

Each month, First Friday brings new costumers to the door of businesses that might not be the easiest to see.

To find out more about becoming involved with Wadsworth Main Street email Adrianne Patrick at: adrianne@mainstreetwadsworth.org

BY KATIE ALLEN

looking to come in. The third team is the promotion team that does marketing rought to downtown Wadsworth events like First Friday and posting on in 2018, First Friday has become social media to promote the downtown a popular event among citizens experience. The last team is the and visitors alike. As this monthly event organization team which really helps with brings together people and businesses memberships, sponsorships, fundraising with different themes, activities and and policies and procedures. These four contests, much goes on to prepare in the teams are all made up of volunteers, background. which citizens in Wadsworth can become These downtown events like First Friday involved in. are planned and While every First put together by a Friday is different and volunteer board can be very weatherof directors dependent, even a small running the crowd can help the small organization. businesses downtown.

There are The idea behind First four different Friday is just to help bring committees that people into downtown work on projects local businesses they that contribute to might not have been in downtown. before and maybe make The first team is them come back in the the design team future. that designs “We’ve had businesses projects like the tell us that sometimes downtown clock. they make enough The second team money on a First Friday is the economic that they make enough vitality team Wadsworth First Friday 2022 date and theme rent for the whole which assists schedule is listed on the flyer. These themes month,” said Adrianne c u r r e n t are planned out a year ahead of time through Patrick, the executive b u s i n e s s e s research and often suggestions from social director of Wadsworth and new ones media. Photo Courtesy of Wadsworth Main Main Street.

Street Facebook.

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Wadsworth’s clock on Main Street unveiled to Wadsworth back in 2018. The clock project was made possible by Main Street design team and local donors. Photo by Axel Mueller.

Becoming involved with Main Street Wadsworth is a great way to get to know more people in the organization along with learning more about the businesses and community.

“It’s all about educating the community about what is downtown and the different small businesses here, and helping to connect the community to the small businesses,” Patrick said.

Dating the establishment of the city of Wadsworth in 1814, this sign is one of many.

The others are found in several different spots around Wadsworth. Photo by Axel Mueller

OHSAA APPROVES BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL, GIRLS’ WRESTLING NEW SPORTS WILL NOT BE ADDED TO WHS AT THIS TIME

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BY SYDNEY DAILY

he OHSAA unanimously voted to add girls’ wrestling and boys’ volleyball to school sports in the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. WHS however, is not planning on adding these two sports to the school due to cost, transportation and issues with planning.

“It could happen down the road; the finances, transportation and practice scheduling makes it hard to prepare for, especially in such a short amount of time,” Brad Musgrave, Athletic Director at WHS said. “There are a number of things to take into consideration to get it going.”

WHS lost a great deal of money last year due to COVID-19 and cannot afford to add any new sports right now.

“Finances are a big thing, you need to plan for that, you can’t just automatically say we are having a team,” Musgrave said. “We’ve got all of these sports right now and last year I lost significant funding due to COVID-19. This was because no one was allowed to come to our games except for parents and that’s what funds all of our sports. This was such a surprise and financially right now I cannot take on new sports.”

WHS also has concerns with the amount of interest and participation for these sports.

“I am not sure what interest we would have,” Musgrave said. “Girls wrestling would be easier because they can go and

be on our wrestling team right now, and so once we would see numbers growing in that area, then we can consider branching that off.”

There is also an issue with planning.

WHS did not know these sports were being added and therefore did not have enough time to plan it out for the upcoming school year.

“Well number one, when you found out about it, it’s the same time every school in Ohio found out about it,” Musgrave said. “Nobody had any clue this was coming. The last two sports that have been added, the most recent one was lacrosse and then the one before that was bowling. Everyone in Ohio knew that those sports were coming because they had been building towards those for years. There needs to be a lot of planning and forethought; it isn’t as easy as someone saying we can have boys volleyball and have no problem. It would need to take some time.”

The OHSAA also did not announce any of the rules or scheduling for these sports.

“There are no rules yet, the OHSAA just said we’re going to have this sport,” Musgrave said. “How many games, how do we operate, who do we play; none of that stuff is even set up yet. They announced something that they are not prepared to have operate yet.”

Transportation is already an issue at WHS and adding new sports that require

transportation would make it more difficult.

“Transportation would be another issue,” said Musgrave. “Transportation is a big problem in Ohio and actually throughout the whole country. Spring is really bad because all of the sports are outside in the spring. Volleyball would be different but we would still have to transport them. We already have such a challenge trying to get other teams to their away events and that would just add another layer to it. Wrestling would be different since it’s in the winter and there are not as many sports in the winter. We have some school vans that the wrestlers take now.”

Ryan Snyder blocks the ball at a volleyball tournament. This block is known as a double block. Photo courtesy of Ryan Snyder.

Students at WHS think it would be a good idea to add girls wrestling and boys volleyball.

Ryan Snyder is a senior at WHS who plays club volleyball. He feels adding this sport could give students a chance to do something new and spread awareness to the sport.

“It would spread boys volleyball as not many boys play it in the area,” Snyder said. “It could open bigger opportunities in the future for the sport at our age level.”

WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 5

THE BRUIN FEATURE

TEACHERS AT WHS BALANCE TWO JOBS MR. BERG RUNS TEACHERS-N-TENTS

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BY LIZ GROMOFSKY

harles Berg is a speech teacher here at Wadsworth High School. At the end of the day, he goes home to his family, but that is not when his work day ends. When he gets home, he starts working on his side business, Teachers-n-Tents.

Berg is co-owner of Teachers-n-Tents with Wadsworth Middle School teacher Greg Pickard. “[Pickard] started the business because he wanted to rent a tent for an Ohio State Party he was having,” Berg said.

When trying to rent a tent, Pickard realized how expensive it was. The next year, Pickard had the party again but instead he bought a tent.

“We have this time off in the summer so [Pickard] thought why don’t I buy more tents and we will rent these tents out to other people to offset the cost,” Berg said.

After renting the tents, Pickard and former co-owner Shannon Bender realized that people also want tables and chairs to go alongside the tents. Bender is a middle school teacher as well.

“So then all of a sudden you have tents, tables and chairs,” Berg said. “That is how the business all really started.”

Teachers-n-Tents is celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year. However, Berg did not become a part of this business until about 4 years ago.

“I bought Benders side out,” Berg said.

Berg says there are a few reasons he bought into this business. One reason is because in the summer time, he is not good at just sitting around. Another is because he likes to be active when he is off.

“In the summer time I want to be doing something,” Berg said. “I am not good at sitting by the pool. I should be doing something to make extra money and technically we don’t get paid in the summer time so I thought why not jump in.”

Berg and Pickard have been best friends since they were three years old. They grew up together in Rittman, Ohio.

“It seemed like a logical fit for me,” Berg said. This is because Berg and Pickard are so close.

He goes on to say that seeing the business grow is the most rewarding part. Teachersn-Tents has had a drastic growing period in the last few years.

“Since the time I started, the business has grown at least 50 percent,” Berg said.

“Working hard and seeing something work is pretty gratifying and pretty cool.”

Berg and Pickard served 61 customers last year, which is the most that they have had since the business started.

“In the summertime we spend 8 to 10 hours a week which is not a ton of time because it’s quick and we know how to do it,” Berg said.

Berg says that he loves hanging out with his best friend which makes it fun.

“We are both very competitive and to see a business grow from a competitive standpoint is fun, but I would lie if I said the extra money isn’t great,” Berg said. “We are teachers and even just a little bit of money goes a long way.”

MR. KAUFMAN RUNS KAUFMAN FAMILY FARMS

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BY MASON BURTON

r. Kaufman is also a teacher at Wadsworth High School who owns two small businesses outside of his job at the high school.

Kaufman grew up on his parents’ farm and that was his inspiration to use the farm for his use.

“I grew up on that farm,” Kaufman said. “My parents gave us two acres on their farm to build the house we live in now.”

Not including the farm, Kaufman is also in the real estate business with his father.

“We buy and sell real estate,and we buy and flip rental properties,”Kaufman said. “It is a lot of work and there are some definite risks, but it’s very rewarding to buy a house that is all yucky,” and “When someone buys the house and says it’s a very beautiful house, it’s very rewarding,” Kaufman said.

Before Kaufman began his own farm, the land was being rented out.

“Instead of renting out the land, I said I’m going to start making some hay,” Kaufman said.

Kaufman rents out the farm from his father and owns some of the equipment on the farm.

Kaufman began to realize there was more money in raising cattle than there was just making and selling hay.

“I found that there was more money in the beef so we kept adding a few more beef every year until we got up to about 13 or 14 cattle a year,” Kaufman said.

Kaufman Family Farm has been selling grass-fed beef, pigs and chicken for 12 years now. Kaufman sells cows by the quarter, half and full.

“It’s very rewarding seeing the animals grow, seeing people that are happy with the product they are getting, seeing the cows out in the field and seeing them grow,”Kaufman said. “The feeling that you’re doing something and providing a good product for people.”

“People comment all the time on how nice the farm looks and how they like looking at the cows,” Kaufman said.

Owning a farm is not a very easy task, you can not just get up and go on vacation.

“I probably spend 5-6 hours a week during the winter, whereas in the summer I spend about 20 hours a week during hay season,” Kaufman said.

Kaufman Family Farm will likely be inherited by Mr. Kaufman after his parents.

Some people consider selling their business but for now, Kaufman plans to continue raising his cattle and other farm animals. “ My ten year plan is to continue farming, depending on how involved the kids want to be,” Kaufman said.

Kaufman takes a photo of his cattle out in the field. Kaufman family farm has been raising and selling cattle for ten years now and they sell 13 to 14 whole cows a year.

Photo courtesy of Larry Kaufman.

LEFT: Guests celebrate at a graduation party under a tent that was rented from Teachers-n-Tents. These tents are available all year round. Photo courtesy of Charles Berg

RIGHT: Berg poses for a picture inside of his classroom at Wadsworth High School. Berg is the co-owner of Teachers-n-Tents alongside Greg Pickard. Photo courtesy

by Liz Gromofsky

LEFT: Berg takes a photo of a tent he had just set up for a graduation party. Teachers-n-Tents does the most business in the summertime.

Photo courtesy of Charles Berg.

6 FEBRUARY 2022

Kaufman poses for a self portrait in the halls of the high school. Kaufman teaches personal finance, accounting, and business entrepreneurship. Photo

by Mason Burton

Kaufman takes a photo of his tractor and bailer out in the field. Kaufman family farm is located on River Styx road in Wadsworth Ohio. Photo courtesy of Larry Kaufman.

OPINION THE BRUIN

WHS HALLWAY SYSTEM SHOULD BE RE-EVALUATED

problem usually occurs at the school’s intersections, which is where the wings he flow of traffic in the hallways of the school jut out from the main hall. at Wadsworth High School should Each one of these intersections leads to be changed. The hallways are many students running into each other overcrowded and congested; most because of how cluttered and glutted students have great difficulty just the intersection is. Both students and walking to their classrooms without faculty have complained about ways to bumping into other students or being fix this problem but nothing has come slowed down in certain areas. This to fruition.

“There’s definitely more traffic at the intersection,” said Mr. Hanna, a math teacher here at the high school. “There’s a lot of congestion. People like to take the corners tight so when coming out of that teacher workroom, I’ve been sideswiped a few times from people cutting that corner pretty sharp.”

So, how can the hallways of WHS be improved to enable students to move through the intersections with as little disruption as possible? Firstly, Hanna pointed out that some of the collisions could be avoided by students simply This is part of the main hallway at Wadsworth High School. Shown by putting their phones here is one of the intersections at the 1400 wing of the school.

This is where much of the congestion in the hallways takes place. away.

Photo by Luke Houser. “[A] point that could help

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OPINION BY LUKE HOUSER

is the amount of people that have their face in their phone when they walk down the halls,” Hanna said. “I’ve seen a lot of people just run into each other or even run into me, so when you’re trying to go through there especially if you’re looking down at your phone, people just nail each other because they’re not watching.”

One solution would be to incorporate a staggered release system after every bell. This would mean that some classrooms would release their students at the normal bell ring and some classes would wait until a secondary bell in order to release their students. This would mean that there would be around half as many students in the hallway at one time which would cause less overcrowding.

The downside to this would be that it would take a lot more time for students to get from class to class. This may lead to something like some classes having to be shorter which could lead to other problems.

A second, very expensive solution would be to connect the northern part of the wings to create a secondary main hallway in the school. This is a bit of a stretch as the funds required to build a secondary main hall to connect the north side of the wings would be far more than the average school system

has lying around. However, if the ends of the wings were to be connected, it would largely erase the overcrowding problem, granting the students split up equally among the two main halls. Besides the fact that a second hallway would be extremely difficult to fund, there may be a downside to implementing such a system: connecting the hallways would make it easier for an active threat to traverse the school.

“I’ve heard that the reason they didn’t connect the [northern ends] because that would be super nice if these ends were connected because then people could use either hallway to go from one end to the other,” Hanna said. “They’re not connected so that it’s harder for a person to get from one end to the other.

So in case there is an active threat on one end of the building, all of these wings are able to get out quickly and instead of them cutting across the north hallway they have to go around and [walk] back up [the wing]. So it’s helpful for that, but in the day-to-day, we’re gonna have to pay for it.”

Each solution has its benefits and drawbacks. Whether it’s the price or the extra time needed for changing classes, there are downsides to any change. But if the school wants to fix the issues with its hallways, it will need to consider its options.

MORE WHS SPORTS SHOULD UTILIZE LOCKER ROOMS OPINION BY KATIE GRIFFIN

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or as long as many people can remember, only certain Wadsworth High School sports have serviced the locker rooms.

While it was perceived that there was a rule against it, it has been uncovered that technically, all sports have access to the locker rooms.

Teams including tennis, cross country as well as track change in the school bathrooms before their practices, and the perception at WHS has been that these students are not allowed to use the locker rooms. Musgrave explains the truth behind these rumors.

“There are a number of lockers in [the locker rooms], but do other kids tell them that ‘it’s their locker room’, possibly,” said Mr. Musgrave, the Wadsworth Athletic Director. “I don’t know that, but I can say that there’s nothing that is assigned to a specific sport.”

Musgrave has divided the locker rooms into different sections, determined by relativity.

“The locker rooms are set up with one hallway being boys locker rooms, and the other [side] being girls [locker rooms],” Musgrave said.

“In terms of who uses [the locker rooms], most of the time a team will specifically use a locker room because they are an indoor sport.”

Musgrave says there are, however, certain times when the locker rooms are closed due to school use.

“When we have a home athletic contest, that’s where leaving your stuff in a locker room or changing after a workout would be a problem,” Musgrave said. “We will use one of the phys ed locker rooms for the officials and the other one for the other team. So, at a certain point, we cut that off. The other team usually gets here around 4:30-4:45, so it’s not a problem for kids to change, but they don’t want to leave their stuff in there because those get locked up and we don’t want somebody [to leave their things in there].”

Some students understand that there are many pros and cons to more students using the locker rooms.

“We use the locker rooms for swim, but not for cross country,” Mallory Gerschutz, a sophomore at Wadsworth High School said.

“The bathrooms are crowded when everyone is in there, but I don’t think it’s a big problem for us.”

The Physical Education locker room lays dormant. Few students store anything here, so there is room for more athletes. Photo by Katie Griffin.

Gerschutz understands that this setup may not work for all sports teams.

“I think that if it becomes a problem for certain sports [teams], then they should be able to use the locker rooms,” Gerschutz said. “But I understand that may cause more issues [in the locker room].”

Musgrave understands that some problems may be caused by more

students using the locker rooms, but believes there is a simple solution to fix them.

“If there is an issue with locker rooms the kids need to go to their coaches and express that they feel like there’s a problem and then let the coaches either solve it or come to me so we can all work things out,” Musgrave said.

WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 7

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THE BRUIN VALENTINE’S DAY

“We’re gonna drip forever, but we won’t just focus on that.”

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COUPLES

BY ARI KASER & GRACE PANTALONE The students picked for these superlatives put their names or their friends input their names into a survey that was promoted on the Bruin social media platforms. The survey was open for 3 days for students to fill out as it was promoted by word of mouth and social media. The student body then voted, choosing the winners.

“When Grace told us she put us in superlatives survey, we didn’t think we’d get this far!”

Cutest Couple Allie McCall & Anthony Ripplinger

Most Fashion Forward Couple

Sophia Novak & Michael Swanson “May the odds be ever in ‘our’ favor.”

Most Likely to Survive the Hunger Games as a Pair Tessa Blake & Maxx Bosley

“World domination, I think yes!”

Most Likely to Accomplish World Domination Ally Sell & Wyatt Greenlees

10 FEBRUARY 2022

“We’ve got two countries down and 193 more to go!”

Most Likely to Travel the World Together Sydney King & Kyle Figuray

VALENTINE’S DAY THE BRUIN

“Can’t beat the beans.”

Most Athletic Couple

“Real life Troy and Gabriella except Karlee hates math and Benny’s intramural basketball team is 0-2”

Ellie Zuro & Anthony Cirino

“Follow us on Instagram: @lizgromofsky @luke_ryder55”

Most Likely to Become Social Media Influencers Liz Gromofsky & Luke Ryder

“Give orange me give eat orange me eat orange give me eat orange give me you.” - Nim Chimpsky

Most Likely to Win a Talent Show Together Karlee Adams & Benny Miller

“I think one of the best part of high school is being able to support one another within different activities and events! So that’s why we say, GO WADSWORTH GRIZZLIES!”

Most Grizzly Spirit Leah Tefteller & John Allen

Most Artistic Couple Gabby Raatz & Adam Quinn WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 11

THE BRUIN VALENTINE’S DAY OPINION

IS VALENTINES DAY A COMMERCIAL HOLIDAY? OPINION BY GRACE PANTALONE & MICHAEL JIRA

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alentine’s Day is a holiday that involves celebrating the love you have for those around you. Many people associate it with couples but it can be for everyone even if you are not in a relationship.

One way that people celebrate with one another is by going out for dinner and giving gifts.

“I think the day really shouldn’t be about how much money you spend on that person,” said Faith Zeitler, WHS senior. “I’ve always said you can show you care without emptying your wallet.”

Valentine’s day has been celebrated in school with parties ever since elementary school. There are a multitude of ways to celebrate this holiday, one way is by just taking time for friends or a significant other.

A lot of people focus on the fact that they have to get a gift for their significant other and in turn that has created an expectation for these gifts. The most important part of this holiday is sharing the love that may not always show to friends, family, or a significant other.

“I do not think there should be one day to celebrate your love,” said Mr. Piehl, one of the WHS band directors. “Everyday should be like Valentine’s Day.” With everything going on in today’s

world it can be hard to remember to thank and appreciate the people that are always there for you. Valentine’s day is a reminder to everyone that there are constantly people supporting and caring for them.

Writing letters is uncommon in the modern world when there is technology that allows for a quick, instant m e s s a g e to be sent.

Valentine’s Day can be celebrated with just a simple romantic gesture. It is not a holiday that has to be celebrated exclusively amongst couples. Everyone needs a reminder that they are loved and that is what Valentine’s Day is for.

Valentine’s Day is not bad or a made up commercial holiday. It is a holiday that is used to celebrate those around you and how they care for you.

The holiday is not a made up by candy companies or movie producers but from old legends that started with good intentions. Taking time to appreciate those around you is a vital part of keeping relationships thriving.

his year, consumers are expected to spend about 23.9 billion dollars on a holiday without a clear meaning. Many people around the globe spend money on each other only in the name of love. This is why Valentine’s Day should be regarded as a hallmark holiday, or a holiday made for commercial purposes.

Junior, Carson Richards also believes that companies take advantage of Valentine’s Day to make money.

“I see it[Valentine’s Day] as a commercial holiday but that is because I have no traditions that I do annually for the holiday,” said Richards.

Valentine’s Day could have multiple origins. The Catholic church recognizes about three different Saint Valentines, but Valentine’s Day’s patron saint is said to be a priest who married Roman couples in secret during a war. Valentine’s Day can also be traced back to pagan festivals celebrated in mid February. The Catholic Church would eventually christianize these festivals to recognize and celebrate Saint Valentine.

It is also believed that Valentine’s Day is also connected to the mating seasons of

only bring them back together at the end for some sort of “happy ending”.

Modern movies/shows, like the ‘Kissing Booth’ and ‘Bridgerton’, are known for their over-sexualized scenes which are portrayed to thousands of middle and high school students.

For example, the ‘Kissing Booth’ is rated TV-14, meaning it may not be suitable for those under the age of fourteen. Although, that is just a rating, that is also the majority of their audiences age. If a high school or middle school student was to be asked if they have seen this film, the majority would say yes.

On Netflix, ‘The Kissing Booth’ is categorized as a teen romance film.

Meaning that it is being shown to and recommended for junior high to high school students.

“I feel like the older movies are more cute and give hope for romance, but now they are all sexual,” said Sienna Longman, sophomore. “All I’m thinking of is the ‘Kissing Booth’, that is the most sexual

one.”

Even if movies are not intended by directors to be seen by these high school and middle school students, these movies reached the point where every student knows of or has seen these sexualized movies.

‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ is also another movie that is shown under Netflix’s teen movie category.

In this movie the main character Lara Jean is fake dating the boy she really likes, Peter Kavinsky. The whole point of them fake dating is to make Peters ex-girlfriend, who is also Lara Jeans ex-best-friend, jealous.

Peter takes advantage of the fact that Lara Jean has feelings for him to make his ex jealous so she comes back to him, virtually manipulating Lara Jean into dating him and taking advantage of her feelings towards him.

One of the biggest scenes in this movies is towards the end where Peter and Lara Jean share a scandalous moment in a hot tub while

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OPINION BY DYLAN HEPPERT

birds which start around February 14th.

Nevertheless, many people seem to regard February as a month of love, and splurge on gifts on the 14th, never minding the history that created the holiday.

The average American will spend about $175 on Valentine’s day gifts according to the National Retail Federation. This amount of money will go towards gifts for significant others as well as family, friends and pets.

Senior, Josh Carlson believes that Valentine’s Day is overrated and over celebrated.

“I think it should be a holiday but I also think that is shouldn’t be as popular as it is,” Carlson said. “Often it consists of people feeling left out and sometimes the day itself is just annoying.”

However, there should not have to be a certain day of the year to show that people care about the ones that they love.

“I personally think Valentine’s Day should be for spending time with a special person in your life,” Richards said. “You can always buy material things but the people you care about may not always be there.”

Surprising those that someone loves with a gift on a random occasion could be more meaningful than doing so on a day that they see coming.

Going out of the way to buy someone something they like is a lot more special than an overpriced card.

ROMANCE MOVIES: CRINGEY OR CUTE?

12 FEBRUARY 2022

on a school trip.

The scene is recorded and shown and shared to people that go to their school.

Again broadcasting an over-sexual scene to hundreds of teenagers.

Eventually it all works out and the video is taken down and the lessons are learned by the high schoolers. While some might see this as a teaching moment to show kids what not to do, the fact that directors and producers are approving those types of scenes to then be targeted to teenagers is unacceptable.

People are the products of the media they take in. There are definitely moves to be made by media and highlighting sexculture and marketing it as something cool is not what should be done.

WHAT STREAMING SERVICE OFFERS THE WIDEST SELECTION OF ROMANCE MOVIES GRAPHICS BY HALEY REEDY AND ARI KASER

10 0

50%

19.2%

15.4%

HBO

20

Amazon

30

Hallmark

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odern day romance movies are one of the worst movie genres due to the fact that there is a severe lack of chemistry between actors and the horrible plot lines, not to mention the oversexualization of the characters.

Nine times out of ten, romance movies are gag worthy. If watchers wanted to see people eat face and argue about who loves the other one more, then visit a high school.

However, there are a selection of movies that are tolerable.

The movie has to be well executed or else it comes off as cringey and fake. The ‘Netflix Original Series’ has the worst selection of movies. For example, ‘The Kissing Booth’ Series and ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ are hands down the worst of the worst because of the horrible plot line focused on the manipulation of others.

Movies made in the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s are the best romance movies.

Movies like the ‘Notebook’, ‘The Princess Bride’, and ’Romeo and Juliet’ are films that were well written and not over sexualized.

“Older movies are better because the love and experiences are more genuine instead of a bunch of sexualization and sexual scenes,” said Michaela Mileto, sophomore.

The newer romance movies always showcase the main love interests in some sort of a feud halfway through the movie that is completely pointless and avoidable to then

Netflix

OPINION BY HALEY REEDY

11.5%

Hulu

3.8%

Information from survey taken by 53 WHS students

ENTERTAINMENT THE BRUIN

WADSWORTH’S OFF BROAD STREET STUDENTS PERFORM 1

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BY ASHLEY ALLWOOD AND KADE MIROS

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adsworth Off-Broad Street students perform about two musicals a year. They have already performed “The Wizard of Oz” for the winter musical. For the “I’m looking forward to being back in spring musical they are performing “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor the pit because it is a whole different environment when you’re down there Dreamcoat.”

The musical is about the main and being a part of the musical but in character, Joseph, and his 12 other a different way than being a part in the brothers. He is given his dream cast,” said Camryn Racin who plays coat from his father as a symbol of the flute.

In preparation for the musical, favoritism. The story continues as the brothers try to plot against him the crew gets together for rehearsal in jealousy. The story of Joseph and everyday after school to learn all of the Technicolor Dreamcoat is loosely the songs. So far, each day they spend based on the story of Joseph from the their time going over every song and Bible. This musical is different from then add another song after a couple most other musicals that Wadsworth days.

“Right now we are just going through High School has ever put on because the whole thing is sung and there is no the whole show just trying to learn music,” said Mrs. Davis, the choir dialogue.

“I think the hardest part is going to director. “There’s no dialogue with be the memorization of all the songs music behind it, so right now everyone just needs to learn their we learn,” said sophomore part, so it’s taking a while.”

Josh Hershberger, who is “It adds a little crew has not started playing Asher. “We have only more personality to The work on the scenery discovered half of the music quite yet but plan to use a so far and we are trying to because you learn the music we have have flexibility so projector to set the scene on a screen behind the gotten.” cast while they perform.

Some of the characters you can make it The tech department helps perform in multiple parts in sound different run the projector from the the musical, whether it is the than other office that is located in the main character or involved back of the PAC. The tech with the ensemble. Many performances.” students will bounce back -Brock Robertson, french department also attends and forth between parts horn player in the live pit rehearsals with the crew to start practicing the use of to keep themselves busy lights and preparing the microphones throughout the whole performance.

“Obviously if you are a lead, you can’t for each performance around the end play more than one role, but being in of February and March. an ensemble gives you more freedom “Since it is all music, that’s going to to do more than one thing because affect the mics and how I just run it you have the time,” said senior Kylee all so I have to sit in it and listen to Tenney, who is playing Potiphar’s wife. it before I do it, which is going to be “If you’re not on stage for one role you difficult,” said Rylee Dudich, who runs could still be participating by singing the microphones and sound effects.

The crew receives costumes and off stage.”

The high school drama department props from Akron Costume and Design. also decided to bring back the live The high school uses this company for pit to perform the music to go along most of the performances they do. The with the musical for the first time in musical will be performed on March four years. Usually the musicals are 24-26, 2022 at 7pm. put on through an audio playing that is run through the tech department.

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PHOTOS BY KADE MIROS 1. If the directors are busy during rehearsal with a certain group, the other cast members are allowed to practice their music in a practice room. The brothers are practicing a majority of their songs in the first act.

2. The cast members who play the brothers are receiving blocking directions from the directors. Blocking is learning where to go when different things happen.

3. Chloe Leavitt, junior, is holding a pose in one of the dances. She shows jazz hands, a full front body posture and a smile.

4. The character Jacob and his several wives create a family photo. They are all happy but it all changes because the oldest brother, Ruben, tells a lie to Jacob saying that Joseph had passed away.

5. Kara Moore, junior, and Karlee Adams, senior, are pretending to take a photo of the whole cast to wrap up the first number. They are both playing the narrators.

6. Myles Fortner, junior, is seen singing Joseph’s main ballad, “Close Every Door” where we see Joseph locked up in Jail. The song requires lots of belting and passion which is what Fortner is portraying with his hand movements.

WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 13

THE BRUIN AD

Bidinger’s Ice Cream Opening Day is on March 12, 2022

WE ARE HIRING!

Local Bidinger’s Ice Cream Shop is looking for new hires for the summer.

Applications can be found on our Facebook page.

Completed applications can be emailed to bidsicecream@gmail.com or dropped off at Bidinger’s located at 410 College St, Wadsworth, OH.

Join our returning Seniors! We would like to congratulate them on all their hard work!

14 FEBRUARY 2022

Don’t forget Bring Your Own Banana for opening weekend to get discounted banana splits!

AD THE BRUIN

BARBERTON

3235 Manchester Rd

330-644-8881

WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 15

THE BRUIN SPORTS

GRIZZLY SENIORS ANTICIPATE A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

BY BROOKE BAUGHMAN

“I am super excited to be with my teammates on such a special night,” s the 2021-2022 basketball Simpson said. “I’ve been waiting for season is drawing to an end, forever and I am really grateful for all of Wadsworth High School seniors the support that I’m going to have at the are taking in their last few weeks of being game”. a Grizzly. The boys basketball team has two Connor Sams, a 3rd year varsity letter seniors this year, Alex Risher and Connor winner, is very much looking forward to Sams. The Lady Grizzlies have four seniors Senior Night with his teammates and this year: Celia Lambert, Ciena Matheny, coaches.

Regan Simpson, and Ky’Sonna “I have been playing ever since Won. I was 5 years old, and I haven’t Regan Simpson, a stopped playing since,” Sams senior captain for the Lady said. “Basketball has taught me Grizzlies, has been playing that if you are mentally tough basketball ever since she and your attitude is good, that was in kindergarten. Simpson you can get anywhere in life.” explains that playing basketball Sams explained that has taught her many lessons basketball is more than just a and greatly impacted her life. sport to him, teaching him not “Basketball has taught me to take things for granted and to how to be a good leader and appreciate the things that have teammate and has brought been placed in his life.

Sams, senior, going up for a layup against me close to people I will always Sams has several goals for Connor the Highland Hornets. Sams was selected as love,” Simpson said. himself in order to make the rest Medina Gazette Athlete of the week in December.

Wadsworth is currently third in the suburban league.

Simpson has been playing of his senior year successful. varsity since her freshman “I need to keep playing with a Photo courtesy of yearbook staff. year, and from that, she has (From left to right) Ky’sonna Won, Regan Simpson, Celia Lambert, and strong mindset and be tough,” gained many memorable Cienna Matheny taking a picture during their Pre-Senior Night dinner in Sams said. “I really want [the that he is not sure where he will continue the commons. The parents catered Olive Garden, and provided cake and moments that she will always personalized cookies for the team. All teammates also contributed to gifts team] to keep playing together and his career, but is very close to making a for the seniors. Photo courtesy of Macie Roberts cherish.

I feel that we can win most, if not decision “I’ll always remember all of the rest of our games, and The boys basketball team plans to host the feeling of beating the Night on January 27 against Hudson. make a run in the playoffs.” their senior night on February 11th, against undefeated Hoban team my freshman Simpson, as well as the other seniors, While Sams is looking forward to senior North Royalton. year, and how happy we were right after on anticipated this night ever since they were night, he is more excited to continue his the court celebrating together,” Simpson freshman. basketball career in college. Sams said

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said.

Simpson and the Lady Grizzlies hope to win a district championship this year because they want to send the seniors off on a positive note.

“I think winning a district championship is possible as long as we continue to work hard and play like it’s our last game,” Simpson said.

The Lady Grizzlies hosted their Senior

GRIZZLIES WRESTLING LOOKS TOWARDS STATE TOURNAMENT

BY BRENDEN BARLETT

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n Saturday, January 29, the Grizzlies competed at the annual Suburban League wrestling tournament in Cuyahoga Falls. The team brought 18 wrestlers, and each of the 14 starters placed in the top ten, with five of them placing first in their weight class. The Grizzlies finished second among the 15 teams with 392.5 points, nine shy of beating the Brecksville Bees.

The Suburban League tournament is unique from most wrestling tournaments because wrestlers are placed into one of four pools instead of a conventional bracket. After facing the other three wrestlers in their pool, they wrestle two matches in a bracket against other wrestlers with the same amount of wins as their own.

Nick Humphrys took 5th in the tournament after having to fight back from an early loss in round three of his pool.

“I was surprised and a little defeated,” Humphrys said on his loss, “I knew I had to bounce back for the team and myself though, and I did and placed as high as I could.”

While content with how he performed, Humphrys believes the tournament proved he has a lot of work to do before the state tournament.

“My goal going forward is to perfect my style by March, and I think as a team we all know the goal is to win the state title.”

16 February 2022

Humphrys said.

Brody Grimm, freshman and varsity B wrestler at 175 pounds, placed 8 in the tournament after winning two of his three matches in his pool.

“I knew it was going to be hard, but I wanted to wrestle in it.” Grimm said. “Looking back, I wasn’t surprised by how I did, but I didn’t think I would have placed.”

With the season nearing its end, the Grizzlies look towards hosting Sectionals on February 26.

(From front to back) Aaron Ries, sophomore HVY wrestler competes in his championship match.

Ries is ranked in the top four of the state at heavyweight. In the back, Coen Grimm, junior and 190 pound wrestler works to escape from bottom. Grimm took third in the tournament.

Photo by Brenden Barlett

BOWLING TEAM ROLLS TOWARD THE FINISH LINE

BY BRENDEN BARLETT

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he bowling team found a lot of success after a strong performance at their Suburban League Championships in Norton.

Casey Haugenbaugh, a senior, recorded the most points out of every girl with a combined 646 points throughout her three games, assisting the girls team’s strong fourth place finish.

The Suburban League Championships saw athletes bowl in three games as well as compete in “bakers.” The girls team recorded 2,840 points total, while the boys team placed seventh with a combined 3,691 points.

According to Owen Lane, a junior, when it comes to bakers, “each person bowls two frames. So if you are the first bowler you bowl the one and six and the second bowler has frames two and seven and so on.”

Generally, teams will choose to have their most consistent athlete bowl frames five and ten as getting a spare in frame ten earns the team bonus points.

Compared to normal games, bakers involve more teamwork and strategy and can be essential to how well the team competes.

The senior class’s girls and boys bowlers. Picture was taken after their meet against Lexington High School. Photo by Katie Allen.

Having bowled for three years, Lane says he has a lot of fun.

“My main goal going forward is to keep my spares at 70 percent or higher,” Lane said.

Lane believes for himself and the team, that becoming more consistent in how many spares they get can truly benefit the team. As the season nears its end, hopefully the Grizzlies start their next season off as well as they finished this one.

SPORTS THE BRUIN

AS THE SNOW FALLS: WHS SWIM TEAM

THE REALITY OF INDOOR TRACK PREPARES FOR POSTSEASON nearly enough. Everything, especially

PERSONAL NARRATIVE BY JULIA SWAIN running, feels harder those first couple

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of weeks back, and the weight of the old wind blows and snow flurries approaching season allows for the stress around me, sending a deep chill to begin to seep in. throughout my body that I know This winter in particular has been will last for hours. My throat burns from brutal, with temperatures struggling to the below freezing temperatures and my escape the low teens and ice coating legs feel heavier than normal, causing the roads. Workouts on the indoor each step to feel slower than the last. track seem harder than ever and the These are the hardest days, the days motivation to show up to the nonwhere I feel as if none of this is worth it. mandatory practices shrinks. Our coach This is completely normal when it comes tells us constantly that these ten degree to indoor track, a love-hate (mostly hate) days will make the eventual sixty degree relationship that both frustrates me days feel like nothing, but it is hard to endlessly and elicits the greatest sense imagine those days ever actually getting of accomplishment. here.

These are the times where I have As snow continues to pile high outside, to constantly remind myself what I am we find ourselves running lap after lap doing it for. , I will admit, some days I on the indoor track and the forty plus do it because I m i n u t e feel like I have runs seem to. I do not love i mp o s s i b l e running one to complete hundred percent as we weave of the time. In around the fact, there are sprinters more days than who are not where I feel completing like quitting right their own then and there. workouts However, in the my hunger for suffocating, personal records hot air and improving that the times persists, indoor track allowing me to provides. push through This is these days. I the ultimate do it for even reality of the possibility i n d o o r of achievement t r a c k , come the especially start of the for distance spring season. runners.

This is where It may not indoor track feel worth it comes in; the now, but the time between preparation December and that these February where two months the framework bring will for the season be evident is built. Rose Short, Ellie Heckler and Brynne McAllister pose for a picture at an in the This name indoor meet at the Ashland University indoor facility. This was the first s p r i n g is painfully meet of the indoor season for many of the athletes. Photo courtesy of w h e n Rose Short ironic for we run distance our first meet. Through all of the pain that runners as we run outside barring a we endure over the course of two plus blizzard or any temperature below months, the silver lining is ultimately the ten degrees. While training in harsh success that we will reach, whether as a conditions allows for ample preparation team or individually. against any weather situation possible, So, as awful as it seems now, the long, it feels pointless in the moment, as cold runs that come with the seemingly the perfect spring weather seems endless winter season will all be worth excruciatingly far away. it, and when I step up to the line for the As December bleeds into January, the very first time in March, I will be grateful return back from break proves difficult for every single one of these winter runs. as the two weeks off does not feel like

BY JULIA SWAIN

I

t is five a.m. and Anthony Ripplinger, a senior member of the Wadsworth High School swim team, is already heading to the pool. It is one of the six days a week that he has swim practices.

“We have two practices a day Monday, Wednesday and Friday [where] we lift before school and swim after,” Ripplinger said.

“Tuesday and Thursday we are in the pool at 5:15 A.M. before school and after, and a normal practice consists of 5,500 yards, or around three miles of swimming. We also have a 6-8 a.m. practice Saturday.”

When added together, there are many hours that these athletes must put into their sport through both swimming and lifting in order to prepare for their meets.

Ripplinger went into his mental preparation for both practices and meets, explaining the steps he takes to prepare himself for the practice or meet ahead.

“Practice is physically demanding, where racing is mentally demanding, so you have to plan accordingly,” Ripplinger said. “I get to the pool early to stretch out and move lane lines for the team. Before races you just have to trust your training will prepare you well.”

Ripplinger then explained taper, a commonly used swim tactic. This is the

time leading up to a big competition where swimmers decrease their training volume while increasing their rest.

“A big thing in swimming is taper, so all season we are building up our yardage peeking during Christmas break where we swim seven to eight miles a day,” Ripplinger said. “Once January hits, most of our dual meets start to take place [and then] February starts the postseason and we start to decrease our yardage and increase intensity in order to prepare our body for racing and the end of the season.”

While it may be hard for some to motivate themselves to complete these daily practices and meets, Ripplinger explained that this is not the case for him.

“I’m a pretty driven person so I don’t find it hard to wake up in the morning, but the process is fun, and practice is one of my favorite parts,” Ripplinger said.

As Ripplinger has explained, being a member of the swim team requires more than one may think, and the demands that go along with the team take a toll on athletes mentally.

But for Ripplinger and the rest of his teammates, the hard work has just begun, and as the season rolls along they will continue to work towards the big goals that they have set since that first five a.m. practice.

Members of the Wadsworth High School swim team pose for a picture mid-meet. The team puts in an ample amount of work during the season in order to adequately prepare for their meets. Photo courtesy of Janae Joachim.

WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 17

THE BRUIN AD

18 FEBRUARY 2022

FEATURE THE BRUIN

NEW BUSINESSES COME TO WADSWORTH

BY LILY CHESBRO

Three new businesses will have already opened or will be opening shortly in Wadsworth. Each of these have their own unique way of adding a service to Wadsworth. Byrd and Company is a store for handcrafted gifts, My Personal Trainer is an exercise and training studio and Sydequest is a place to play games and spend time with family and friends.

Some community members came in to play a game. People are able to come in and play any game available in the store with friends or others in Sydequest at the time. Photo courtesy of John Abbott.

Sydequest

Sydequest, located at 110 High Street and run by John Abbott, opened about seven months ago and many people still do not know about it.

“I have been dreaming about opening this type of business since I was about 12 years old. I always thought about how great owning a store like that would be,” Abbott said.

He then made this dream come true so people in the community are able to come in and enjoy playing games as well as buy them.

“As for coming in to play games, for me it was a necessity.

I wanted to see the faces of the community, I wanted to see them smiling, laughing and having fun at something that is enjoyable to them,” Abbott said.

At Sydequest, they also have Magic Wednesdays and Fridays. Magic is a card game. This allows people who are interested in this game to meet and play or even buy new sets of cards. Abbott has also created a Facebook group for the customers that enjoy board games to be a part of.

My Personal Trainer

My Personal Trainer is introducing its fifth location here in Wadsworth. They have already been open but plan on doing their grand opening within the first week of February.

Their goal is to have a family-friendly environment and make people feel comfortable when they walk in the door. They have free one-on-one consultations with people who want to become members.

“Everything that we believe in as a company is helping people. We want to give our clients more value than what we’re charging for,” said Heath Burkholder, District Manager of the area.

In the consultation they figure out what plan will work best for that individual to further the training as well as a nutrition plan that goes beyond just exercising.

My Personal Trainer also has people who specialize in nutrition to help people with eating habits as well.

Burkholder describes the health plans as a lifestyle change for the client rather than just a goal to reach and then forget about everything the client worked towards.

Member of My Personal Trainer is working with a fitness trainer.

During the consultation the trainers help figure out what fitness and nutrition plan will work best for the client. Photo courtesy of Heath Burkholder.

Byrd and Company Byrd and Company will be a place that people can come and view as well as purchase a form of art, whether it be jewelry or metalsmith work or paintings, all will be featured.

Elizabeth Staiger, the owner of Byrd and Company, has been working on getting the place renovated to be ADA accessible in the front, meaning there would be a ramp in the front for wheelchairs.

“All of the items that are going to be on display are thoughtfully designed,” said Staiger. “I’m a metalsmith and a jeweler.”

Staiger does not have an estimate of when everything will be finished with construction because of how much work is being put into it, as well as COVID- 19 putting delays on different construction processes.

Staiger also does a lot of commission work for people.

Whether they are looking to buy a gift for someone or something for their own home, Byrd and Company holds many options.

SAM YOUNKIN BUILDS JEWELRY BUSINESS

BY JANAE JOACHIM

“I learned about her business from her telling me about it and her jewelry ewelry Shop by Sam was created by Instagram account,” said freshman Cora freshman Samantha Younkin as a Koeberle.

Her love for jewelry making started with side business and something to do for fun that sprung from her love for jewelry the rainbow loom bracelets when she was making. The shop sells trendy earrings, younger, and she decided to start making bracelets and necklaces, all made by jewelry again, just with different supplies.

Younkin gets most of her materials from Younkin.

“One of my TikToks got a little bit of likes Amazon and Michael’s.

“At first I was donating [profits] to the and views, and that is kind of where it Akron Children’s Hospital, but it’s a lot started,” Younkin said.

After that, people found her business more expensive to buy supplies,” Younkin and started to click the links to her Etsy said.

Due to the better and more expensive and Instagram account to buy her jewelry. supplies, she began to sell her products. Her Instagram business started in January 2021, and in May 2021 she opened up an Etsy account.

“The online shop makes her jewelry easy to buy,” said sophomore Bella Zeiner.

Younkin’s favorite piece that she currently sells is the pearl necklace, which can be bought for eight dollars on her shop.

“I bought a moon charm The new moon pearl necklace sits on a mirror. The necklace can be necklace and a silver star bought on Younkin’s Etsy account. Photo courtesy of Sam Younkin. necklace,” Koeberle said.

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Three mushroom necklaces hang in the wind. The necklaces are based off of the cottage core aesthetic and can be bought for nine dollars on Younkin’s shop, jewelryshopbysam. Photo courtesy of Sam Younkin.

“They were made very well and prices were just right.”

She often goes for an elegant style that is also aesthetically pleasing, but sometimes makes the style of jewelry to match her mood. She uses Pinterest to get inspiration for her jewelry creations.

“I love the jewelry because it matches with many outfits and is affordable,” Zeiner said.”

She posts videos of making and packaging the jewelry on her TikTok account, @jewelryshopbysam.

Her Instagram business is run with the same handle.

A plain white pearl necklace sits on a mannequin.

Younkin plans for the shop to remain a This necklace is Younkin’s personal favorite piece.

Photo courtesy of Sam Younkin. side business in the future.

WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 19

THE BRUIN VALENTINE’S DAY

V

alentine’s Day is a day to celebrate the ones you love. For many, it is fun to reminisce on the way it was celebrated in one’s childhood whether it be homemade cards, store-bought treats or just the memories made.

We wanted to bring that sense of childhood with the cutout cards. Enjoy the fun activities, and do not forget to be thankful to your loved ones!

Photo Scavenger Hunt

SPOT THE 11 DIFFERENCES

LAYOUT AND DRAWINGS BY CARLEY SORRENT

CUPID

CANDY

VALENTINE

DOVES

FRIENDS

SWEETHEARTS

THANKFUL

CHOCOLATE LOVE

I’M NEVER GONNA GIVE YOU UP

I’D BE BLUE WITHOUT YOU

20 FEBRUARY 2021

YOU’RE A CATCH!

I DONUT KNOW WHAT I’D DO WITHOUT YOU

ROSES

Scan this QR code and participate in our social media game for the chance to win a gift card or candy. *Supplies are limited & Bruin members cannot participate*

I COULDN’T BEAR TO LET YOU GO

ARE YOU A CHICKEN? ‘CUZ YOU’RE IMPECCABLE