The Bruin - May 2022

WADSWORTH HIGH SCHOOL

VOLUME XLVII, ISSUE 8 MAY 2022

the new voices

LEGISLATION

IS ADMINISTRATION CENSORSHIP HOLDING BACK THE VOICES OF THE STUDENT BODY?

GAS LEAK CLOSES SCHOOL

THE BRUIN INSIDE THE BRUIN

CRUMBL COOKIE REVIEW

ALPACA FARM

A ONCE IN A LIFETIME PERFORMANCE

INS IDE

NEW ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

CEDAR POINT UPDATES

T H E

BRUIN STAFF 625 Broad Street Wadsworth, OH 44281 ADVISOR Eric Heffinger

2 MAY 2022

PARKING LOT WOES

BRUIN

GIRLS LACROSSE

STAFF WRITERS

CO-EDITORS IN CHIEF Lily Chesbro & Carley Sorrent

EDITORS

Katherine Allen Brenden Barlett Katie Griffin Luke Houser Haley Reedy

Noelle Allen Lauren Ball

STAFF WRITERS Joseph Davis Elizabeth Edwards

Alexandra Banks Grace Barrett

Mallory Gerschutz

Katie Basinger Olivia Benner

Angel-Belle Jones

Carson Bernard Sydney Blake

Lillian Love Brianna Perkins

Drew Bowerman Aiden Brown

Lezlie Tinney Jade Wilcox

THE BRUIN NEWS

NEWS BLURBS

BY JOSEPH DAVIS

DRAFT LEAKED FOR ROE VS. WADE TO BE OVERTURNED For the first time in U.S. history, a Supreme Court draft was leaked. The draft leaked was to overturn Roe vs. Wade. While currently in place, Roe vs. Wade protects the right for a person to have an abortion without excessive government involvement.

If Roe vs. Wade is to be overturned, states will be able to drastically restrict, if not ban abortion.

Photo courtesy of David Ryder / Getty Images.

ELON MUSK REACHES AN AGREEMENT WITH TWITTER

Elon Musk is demanding a change in Twitter, buying it for 100% of the company’s stock. If the deal goes a promised, he will be their largest shareholder after acquiring it for 44 billion dollars. Beginning to buy his share of Twitter on the 4th of April. Elon has been passionate about buying twitter to change the system’s laws. Musk has promised to make Twitter a “free speech” social media app and has said he will reinstate Donald Trump’s Twitter account, which is currently banned.

Photo courtesy of Fair Use.

OHIO PRIMARY Ohio held a primary on May 3, 2022 to select the party candidates for state wide and national offices. For the open U.S. Senate seat, Republicans choice Trumpbacked J.D. Vance and Democrats chose Congressman Tim Ryan. Mike DeWine won his Republican primary in his hunt for a second term as Ohio’s Governor and the Democrats choice Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley as their candidate. The general election will be held on November 8, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Ohio.gov.

MEANT FOR MORE TAKES ACTION IN WHS

BY ANGEL JONES

M

eant For More is a religious group that is held in Wadsworth High School. The club was established in August of 2021 by Kenzie Shaffer, a sophomore at WHS. Each meeting starts with icebreaker questions, allowing students to get to know each other and feel more comfortable.

Following this, the students dive right into the lesson.

“We’ve discussed many topics throughout the year like prayer, spirituality, and our identity with God,” said Danielle Merced, a WHS sophomore member of Meant For More.

There are two speakers, Shaffer and Michael Defilippo, a Wadsworth High School junior. Defilippo and Shaffer switch every week so there is someone different speaking to the students.

“The goal of the group is to spread the gospel to students in our school.” Shaffer said.

Their objective is to reach students who are interested in pursuing and exploring their faith.

“Starting this group was very hard because people are very judgmental about what you believe in,” Shaffer said.

A few students were looking into providing a club that would bring their peers with similar beliefs together.

“I’d really like to even start some sort of Christian group in the school, but found out one was already being started and said to myself why not join it.” Defilippo said.

Students in Meant For More want members to feel like they are in a safe

place and loved by others around them.

This group is judge free, and everyone is open to having their own thoughts and opinions.

Shaffer believes it is an enjoyable experience to be able to hold this in school.

“I felt like I was alone when it came to religion, so I wanted to find someone or some group that was like me and believed in religion as much as I did,” said Defilippo.

Meant For More is held in Mr. Callaghan’s room during C lunch every Wednesday.

This club is open to anyone, whether you are religious or not.

Meant for more is a very welcoming group and open for new people at any time, all students wanting to participate in

this lovely group have to simply walk in.

“We had an outreach this year where we were able to help bring kids together at WHS to learn a little bit about Jesus. As a member of the club, I’ve really enjoyed this club as it really is a great way for high school students to learn about the Lord in a new, interactive way,” said Merced.

The club creates a welcoming environment for anyone who is looking to partake in discussion and learn about religion.

“I really enjoyed the sense of community and the relationships I was able to build there, both with my friends and with Jesus himself,” said Bella Schoonover, sophomore at WHS.

A few Meant For More members just got done with a meeting, talking with each other and are getting ready to go to 6th period to finish the day. The meetings have icebreakers, snacks, and small group discussion.

Photo by Angel Jones.

WADSWORTH PERFORMS AT PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

T

BY NOELLE ALLEN

he Wadsworth Off Broad Street Players were given the opportunity to perform at Playhouse Square for world-famous lyricist Tim Rice. The students put on a successful show of Joseph and The Technicolor Dreamcoat – one of the many musicals written by Rice.

Daniel Hahn, the Vice President of Education at Playhouse Square, and Patricia Chapman attended Wadsworth’s performance of the musical. Hahn and Chapman asked the Off Broad Street Players to perform a song from the musical at the Playhouse Square Annual Chairman’s dinner. This event featured Tim Rice along with a number of Sustaining Founders–donors who have contributed $5,000 or more to the Playhouse Square organization.

Myles Fortner, a junior at Wadworth, played the lead role of Joseph in the performance. Fortner has been participating in drama productions since 2018 and was beyond excited to receive this opportunity.

“I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face when I heard about it,” Fortner said.

The pressure was on as the group had only a few weeks to rehearse before the event occurred. The group chose the final song of the musical called “Any Dream Will Do/Give me my Colored Coat” to perform.

It included every character in the show and captured the magic of the story all within

one song. Although the act was nearly perfect, the students dedicated their time to performing their absolute best.

Jasmine Krug, sophomore at Wadsworth, played a smaller role of a wife in the ensemble of the production. She was grateful for the opportunity to perform for Rice.

“It was so surreal to be performing in front of Tim Rice,” Krug said, “I watched him the whole time while I sang.

[Eventually] he began to cry and slowly conduct us and I realized just how much his work meant to him.”

This was the first time in Wadsworth High

School history in which the department was given an opportunity as astounding as this, other than receiving titles and nominations in the Dazzle Awards. Fortner explained that the cast is unsure of the exact reasons behind this invitation to Playhouse but acknowledges that each individual’s optimism and dedication played a big role.

“We just worked hard and had fun, and it’s nice to see that pay off,” Fortner said.

The performance at Playhouse Square was a rewarding and unique experience for the drama program and the school as a whole.

The Off Broad Street Players perform together at the Annual Chairman’s Dinner. Following the performance, the students were invited to dine with Tim Rice and the rest of the Playhouse audience.

Photo courtesy of Pam Csaky.

3 MAY 2022

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WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 15

THE BRUIN NEWS

GAS LEAK CAUSES SCHOOL CLOSING

BY CARSON BERNARD

O

n Friday, April 22, a gas leak was reported around 1:30 in the morning. A piece of the piping located under Marathon Gas station downtown wore out, causing the pipe to leak out gas.

Assistant Chief Potter of the Wadsworth Fire Department received a call from one of his officers who was dispatched on sight. The street department was planning on putting a camera in the storm drain Thursday night, and that’s when they found out that the gas had leaked into the storm drain.

“We are not exactly sure of when it began leaking, and we were trying to find the source of the smell for a couple of days,” Potter said. “We kept tracing it back until we found that the Marathon was the source of the leak.”

Potter and the rest of the fire department’s first plan of action was to contain the leak and the gas itself.

This was a challenge as the gas was already confined in the storm drain, so the department had to find a way to get the fumes out of the drain.

“So, initially they contained it in the storm drain, and then we found where that eventually let to, which was the pond behind the match building. Then we put up containment on that pond and released it through the storm drain,

and flushed it out. That way there were I didn’t want to be in a situation where responsibility to cover the cost of no fumes in the storm drain, and there lives could be endangered.” the damage, but the company has was no immediate chance of ignition in Overall, it will be the gas station’s insurance that will cover the cost. the storm drain,” Potter said.

Central Intermediate School, otherwise known as CIS, is the school right by the Marathon Gas station where the leak occurred. Dr. Hill, superintendent of Wadsworth City schools, received a call around 5:30 that morning as well.

“My initial reaction to hearing the news was that we need to get some better understanding from the people that knew what was going on--the police and Fire Department--to find out what will happen with CIS that day,” Hill said.

The school was professionally inspected and checked by the fire department and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to see if any odor was found. While there was no odor found, the city decided to shut down part of Route 94 that day, which would have caused dangerous amounts of traffic around the school. Hill made the final call and decided that it would be best to shut down the school that Friday, just for cautionary purposes.

“I just didn’t feel safe about the whole thing. At that time it didn’t smell Marathon Gas Station located in downtown Wadsworth. The gas station will hire an outside company to come and fix up their equipment and run maintenance checks. like gas, but they didn’t know where Photo by Carson Bernard. the leak was,” Hill said. “It wasn’t until later that morning on Friday when they figured out it was the gas station. It was a safety move…for the most part

THREE PLANE CRASHES IN WADSWORTH IN ONE YEAR

A

BY OLIVIA BENNER

ccording to PBS, he average American has a one in 11 million chance of being in an airplane crash. Every year, there are approximately 37 plane crashes a year per state.

With that being said, three crashes in Wadsworth within a year is a tremendous amount. These crashes do not only affect those directly involved, but also the businesses involved and the community.

Brian Bowser, a junior at Wadsworth High School, has been flying out of both

the Wadsworth Municipal airport and Skypark private airport for a number of years. Bowser was a member of the military auxiliary program that was based at the Wadsworth Municipal Airport for five years, before recently stepping down from his position.

“There is a mandatory checklist that each pilot must go through before taking flight,” Bowser said. “It is necessary that he is checking things like fuel level, free movement, tire pressure, and ASL levels.”

Because of the long list of qualifications

Greenwich Rd Trease Rd

7

Route 5

-sites of the crashes -runway -airport location

Mennonite Rd

Acme Rd

KEY:

Seville Rd

and criteria needed to safely fly a plane, a single crash is rare in a small town like Wadsworth, let alone three crashes in a span of only one year.

The first crash occurred on September third of 2021, where a single engine plane, being flown by Peter Klapp, 74, crashed into a pond three miles from the Wadsworth Municipal Airport. The plane was only airborne for around three to four minutes after taking off around 11 am. Klapp’s remains were Display fighter engine plane located at the entrance of the Wadsworth Municipal Airport later discovered by a dive team, and it Photo by Olivia Benner. was announced that he would have been plane malfunction. dead on impact.

“Most of the pilots are from different The second crash that occurred was airports and have trained at different September 18, 2021, just before 7:00 schools, so most of the time when an pm. An experienced pilot from Medina, accident happens it’s by pilots’ errors,” Robert Taylor, 64, was preparing for Bowser said, when asked why there takeoff. As Taylor increased in speed and have been so many crashes recently. began to lift, the nose of his plane was Skypark airport, the location of caught on the runway, which inevitably the most recent crash, has been caused his plane to flip over and catch investigating the recent accidents on fire. The single-engine plane was and are working to improve things for totaled as it was engulfed in flames, and all of their pilots. Joel Kull, manager Taylor was pronounced dead on scene. and owner of Skypark, expressed that The third crash occurred on April 28, safety is one of their top priorities, and 2022, at Skypark Airport, in which an that they are working to enhance their unidentified pilot attempting to land his training. plane got caught in the crosswinds. This “We are doing everything we can caused his aircraft to move to the left and working with the FFA to ensure the side of the runway and flip over onto its safety of our pilots,” Kull said. roof. He had only minor injuries and is Despite the recent crashes, the FFA expected to fully recover in a few weeks. and both airports are making changes One thing that all three of the crashes to ensure the safety of their pilots and had in common were pilot error and property.

WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 5

THE BRUIN OPINION

LINES IN STUDENT PARKING LOTS SHOULD BE REPAINTED YEARLY OPINION BY LIZZY EDWARDS

E

very day, students at Wadsworth High School drive into the student parking lots and face the same problem: trying to park between the fading lines.

This issue could be solved by repainting the lines in the parking lots every year.

Currently the lines are repainted every 2-3 years. However, this is not often enough to prevent the lines from fading, especially when there are severe snow storms nearly every winter that wear away the paint.

While this issue affects all of the student lots, the sophomore lot is by far in the worst condition. In some places the lines have completely disappeared, leaving students without any guidelines for where to park their cars. Since new drivers are notoriously bad at parking, this can have disastrous consequences.

“It’s really difficult to see the lines,” said Anna Wallace, a sophomore at Wadsworth High School. “That definitely hurts drivers, and it makes it a lot easier to crash.”

As the parking lot fills up before school, many students drive right over the lines, often weaving between already parked cars to get to a spot, instead of driving down an aisle and turning into a spot from there. Similarly, at the end of the day some students drive to the middle of the line of cars and try to force their way in, rather than waiting to be let in from an aisle.

While this is partially due to bad driving on the students’ parts, the situation is

made worse by not having distinct lines in the parking lots. Without them, students are free to drive wherever they want without taking into consideration the danger it may put themselves or others in.

“People love to speed,” said Emma Errington, a senior at Wadsworth High School. “I’ve almost been hit twice when I was just walking through the parking lot.”

This fear is shared by many students.

“I’m always scared of being hit,” Wallace said. “I’ve seen someone get completely cut off by a person driving really fast.”

Student parking lots can be extremely dangerous places for both drivers and pedestrians. Although there is not a perfect solution, there are small steps that can be taken to minimize the number of crashes. Repainting the lines every year is a relatively easy commitment that will likely have significant results.

Two cars are parked between fading lines in the sophomore lot as the traffic clears out after school. The lines in student lots are currently repainted every two to three years.

Photo by Lizzy Edwards.

FINALS SHOULD BE DETERMINED BY TEACHERS OPINION BY LILY CHESBRO

A

t the end of the school year there is often celebration for the completion of each course and with that also comes final exams. Finals hold a strong importance and hold value in each class, but what each final consists of varies with subject.

“I think finals should be required based on subject”, said Kalyn Davis, WHS choir director. “For some subjects like choir our final is our final concerts.”

As for other academic classes, Davis explains that teachers should give a final.

“Other core classes like math give a final to see what you have learned from the year,” Davis said. “I think they are important for certain subjects.”

A class like choir does not have a written final like many other academic classes.

Their last concert is considered their final as well as the concert evaluation.

“I think it accurately shows what they have retained for the year,” Davis said. “It may not be accurate from what they knew earlier in the year, but it shows what they have learned for the year long course.”

From Davis’ explanation, it is concluded that finals show the improvement throughout the year as a final product.

As new things are learned, all of the work month after month is put to the test.

“These exams, as well as the grading period grades, help develop a comprehensive grade for the end of the

year,” said Mark Postak, math teacher at WHS. “In a year long class, the grading periods compose 80% of a student’s overall grade while the semester and final exam account for 10% each.”

This shows the breakdown percentage of what the grading periods and exams contribute to the final grade in the class.

Final exams and midterms are a fifth of the whole grade.

Postak explains that some courses, such as college courses that only last a semester, have a final grade determined by a midterm and a final, making them extremely important.

“I would hate to think of our school not having final exams and having a student’s first experience with exams being two assessments that determine whether or not they receive credit,” Postak said.

Finals have benefits for students, such as preparing them for college as well as assessing their knowledge of the information learned.

WHS’s show choir performs at their end of year Disney themed concert. This concert counts for their final grade.

Photo courtesy of Kalyn Davis.

ARE THEY WORTH THE HYPE?: CRUMBL COOKIE REVIEW

O

OPINION BY KATIE ALLEN

ver the last year, the massive sales increase in Crumbl Cookies has become very popular all around.

Just recently more stores have opened in our area, but are they worth all the hype over them? The cookies at first glance all look very appealing and some are unlike any cookie I have ever seen. The cookies are very big so it does make sense that they cost more, but $4 still seems like a lot for one cookie. Another part of the Crumbl Cookie brand is the menu’s weekly rotation, which can make it tricky to get your favorite cookies. We tried four of them so you do not have to!

7.5 10

The cookie did not taste like much at first, but we did taste the pink velvet in aftertaste. While eating the cookie it fell apart very easily so lots of crumbs got all over the plate. The frosting had a lemon-y taste to it. It was good and something I would not be able to find anywhere else but, also was not anything too special. Finding a copycat recipe on Google would definitely be a cheaper alternative.

8 10

Looking at this cookie we were really excited, but after tasting it we were a little disappointed. We had higher hopes as the cookie just tasted like a normal sugar cookie. The frosting was like the Pink Velvet and tasted lemon-y.

Again, it was good but nothing too special.

Pink Velvet

The four flavors we had tested out from left to right: Pink Velvet, Peanut Butter M&M, Confetti Cake and Chocolate chip. For the week of May 2-7 the menu had additionally served Mango Frozen Yogurt, Mom’s Recipe, Lemon Glaze, and Hazelnut Mudslide.

Photo courtesy of Hannah Hoffman.

8 10

Confetti Cake

This cookie was my favorite out of the four cookies. It had a lot of peanut butter in it, which there can never be too much. We did not taste the chocolate from the M&Ms much just because of all the peanut butter. The cookie was very soft and did not fall apart like the Pink Velvet had. Overall, this cookie was very good and was worth the hype.

Peanut Butter M&M 6 MAY 2022

6 10

This cookie was good but no better than any chocolate chip cookie that comes in a pack at a grocery store.

The cookie was crunchy on the outside but very soft on the inside which was very good.

It also was very big like all the others but again nothing a grocery store or baker doesn’t have.

Chocolate Chip

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WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 7

THE BRUIN IN DEPTH

F

ive hundred and eighty six. This is the amount of free speech controversies detected across the United States by the Free Speech Tracker since its creation

by Georgetown University in 2017. It was founded to monitor these instances to determine how often first amendment rights are challenged in political, social or intellectual expression. More than half of these entries occurred in an academic environment according to the database.

An example of this can be found straight from the Bruin. Brianna Becerra, former staff writer and a co-editor in chief of the Bruin, was tasked with sharing important opinions monthly in the form of the editorial. This is defined as a newspaper article written by or on behalf of an editor that gives an opinion on a topical issue.

Oftentimes, Becerra felt as though she had to avoid certain topics, or remain cautious discussing them.

“Whenever I wrote articles, especially editorials, I knew that I had to be very careful about what I said,” Becerra said. “I had to learn how to censor myself before [the] administration could censor me.

There were definitely more topics that I wanted to tackle in the Bruin, but I knew

student publications entirely. Any state that adopts New Voices will grant student newspapers the right to publish without any sort of prior review or censorship, which gives rights that do not presently exist to student journalists. Fifteen states currently have adapted the act, and twenty have already begun efforts towards their own bill.

“Student journalists go into journalism to tell stories, to tell the stories that matter to their communities, to their schools, to their peers,” said Hillary Davis, New Voices Advocacy and Organizing Director. “This legislation allows them to be able to do that without first and foremost thinking about how it’s going to be received by a school administration.”

However, there are many concerns surrounding New Voices. One of the more prevalent objections exists within the fact that administrators are worried about the effects that the act will have on the appropriateness of their publications. Davis addressed these concerns, and dismissed them with remarks on why these worries should not be present.

“I think they [legislators] need to stop for a moment and separate out their stereotypes and fears of high school students in particular from reality,” Davis said. “We constantly are dealing with legislators who are very afraid that the only thing student journalists want to do is talk about sex, and drugs, and gossip about their teachers and that just confounds reality. No student sits in class and goes through all these conversations about ethics and media law and good journalism and fact checking and all of that just to wreak havoc.”

As outlined in the Wadsworth Board of Education’s policy on student publications, the Bruin is a “limited-purpose” public forum, and is “not intended to address general matters of public concern,” meaning that publications such as the Bruin were not intended to expand beyond the walls of Wadsworth High School by covering community based concerns, such as elections or town emergencies, although the Bruin has done just that over the past three or so years.

Additionally, it lists that school officials may review and reject content during the process of prior review if it falls under specific criteria, such as if it includes age-inappropriate content, or if it includes matters beyond the limited scope of the forum. This limits the information that is given out in student publications if prior review is used.

“It’s [the prior review of the Bruin] laid out in our board policy that we are to review it,” said Steve Moore, former WHS principal and current assistant superintendent.

“The principal is

the new voices

LEGISLATION that

the administration wouldn’t let me.”

This initiates the problem of censorship within a publication. Even things such as the opinions found in editorials, which are intended to display the ideas of the staff in an honest and authentic way, may be altered in order to fit what administrations deem to be appropriate.

The Bruin functions under prior review, as this form of censorship is utilized in every publication, allowing the administration, specifically the building principal, to change or reject content completely prior to the release of the paper.

The introduction of the New Voices Act intends to change this notion, as it looks to separate the administration from

BY JULIA SWAIN LAYOUT BY ARI KASER, HALEY REEDY, AND CARLEY SORRENT

8 MAY 2022

15 states are affected by the New Voices Legislation, while it is proposed in 20 others.

120,295 views were accumulated on the Bruin website for the year of 2021. This suggests that the Bruin is a highly utilized local news source. ultimately in charge of the stuff that comes out in the paper but we have obviously an advisor that does that, and our students are responsible for it, but I think really what it’s been is that we really want to make sure that we review it for accuracy.”

Kat Wilkinson, junior at WHS, shared her own thoughts on the Bruin, and how she believes that prior review affects the content.

“I love the Bruin so much, but I think a lot of the content is fluff because the school is uncomfortable with talking about anything else besides things that are happening within the school, [but] I think there needs to be more conversation about current topics,” Wilkinson said. “We are all so scared to be seen as controversial. Even just saying your opinion is controversial because it goes against the norm of being ‘hushhush’ about tricky subjects.”

An example of this can be seen in a Florida high school, where principal Michael Hunter censored a school’s yearbook in their coverage of a walkout in opposition to HB 1557 (a bill that involves parental rights in education). The journalists were punished for this incident, despite the fact that they were covering the event in a matter that was simply reporting the event as it happened with no inserted opinion on the matter behind it.

This notion of prior review or any other

COURT DECISIONS YOU SHOULD KNOW In: Dean v. Utica (2004) Community Schools the United States Supreme Court ruled that a high school newspaper was an example of a limited public forum and the district had no right to censor its content.

form of censorship creates a fear within student journalists, as they often question what they can and can not cover. Wilkinson agreed with this notion, as although she wishes that the Bruin could cover topics such as LGBTQIA+ matters and birth control, but it would be unlikely because “of how censored our media is in school” and how “even just saying the word ‘gay’, ‘racism’ or ‘abortion’ causes a stir.”

Moore had positive opinions on the current prior review system, stating his belief that if it were to be continued, there would be many benefits for all involved.

“I believe that the student review process is very good,” Moore said. “I don’t believe it’s censorship and I would like that to continue, but I’m open to further dialogue.”

Additionally, Moore shared that, “We really want to make sure that we review it [the Bruin] for accuracy, we want to review it for appropriateness, and appropriateness is not censoring.”

The fact of the matter is, prior review is defined as a form of censorship according to the Free Speech Center. It gives administrators the power to eliminate content that they do not think is fitting for a student publication and it prevents newspapers such as the Bruin from writing about certain topics that may cause backlash that the administration is not

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969): in a 7-2 ruling the United States Supreme Court said neither students nor teachers “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”

ready to face.

Additionally, the major initiative of New Voices lies in the elimination of the role of the administration in student publications, allowing students the freedom and room to make mistakes and to grow as journalists without worry of push back from higher-ups in their school district.

“This legislation is really critical to taking administrations out of that role, allowing students to have that freedom to grapple with big and important things happening in their communities and to do so in an ageappropriate way, and to really talk about these issues, for students by students, and I think that this legislation allows students to do that which just has that benefit across the board for everyone,” Davis said.

This fear that some student journalists face is the main reason that New Voices has looked to eliminate student censorship as it, in their opinion, limits publications greatly. It seemingly affects how students get their information within their schools.

Information may get left out due to the fear of administrations in how a possibly controversial opinion will be perceived.

“When you have schools engage in censorship, not only are they sending a message to students, and student journalists, that you should conform to what’s popular rather than what is

THE BRUIN IN-DEPTH

In: Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988) the United States Supreme Court ruled school officials are allowed to censor “school-sponsored publications if their decision is reasonably related to a legitimate pedagogical purpose.”

important to talk about, you’re also sending a message to the school that the media doesn’t matter, that it’s only about puff pieces that make you feel good and that you shouldn’t be grappling with scary things in an age-appropriate manner,” Davis said.

Local media, while not completely absent from the Wadsworth community in the form of papers such as the Medina Gazette, is less prevalent than it used to be. The Bruin is an example of one of these outlets, as it often tackles community based issues.

This is another critical mission of New Voices-- to give student journalists the space to fill the gap left behind by rapidly disappearing coverage of their communities and the stories that are most important to them.

“So the states that have New Voices Legislation, there is an opportunity there to fulfill this really critical mission of education that the other states don’t have,” Davis said. “In addition, student journalists are filling a much larger role than they used to because local media is struggling and in a large number of communities there aren’t daily papers anymore and there aren’t local news sources, so student journalists really do serve a critical function to their community as a whole in profiling

their community and representing their community.”

Furthermore, some believe that censorship places a limit on what topics can and can not be discussed. This creates a harmful barrier between the reporters and the audiences that they are trying to reach, not allowing their voices to be felt to their full effect.

“Student newspapers are a great place for students to learn how to use their voice for good,” Becerra said. “Censorship greatly limits the topics that they can discuss, and this does a great disservice to not only the writers, but their audience as well.”

Student censorship, specifically prior review, gives the power to administrations that do not always have all of the information they need in order to censor a writer from covering a potentially controversial event. If this continues in the future according to groups like New Voices, it will continue to damage the potential for growth within student publications. This then may eliminate the chances for these publications to grow and flourish beyond the walls of their high schools and into their communities, who can benefit from this information more than anyone else.

Wadsworth Administration’s Official Censorship Policy

“As limited-purpose public forums the student journalists or performers associated with the publications and/or productions listed above may address matters of concern and/or interest to their readers/viewers. These limited-purpose public forums are not open to the public at large and are not intended to address general matters of public concern. As limited-purpose public forums, school officials will not routinely and systematically restrict content of the publications and/or productions listed above prior to their publication/performance; however, school officials may review the content and reject an article/publication/production due to one of the following four (4) reasons:”

Where poor grammar or writing is evident

Where the content involves unprotected speech

Where matters beyond the limited scope of the forum are included

Where a legitimate question of age appropriateness of the material exists

WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 9

THE BRUIN SPORTS

GIRLS LACROSSE WORKS TOWARDS LEAGUE SUCCESS

W

BY SYDNEY BLAKE

ith the Wadsworth girls lacrosse team never winning the Suburban League, their standards are set high this year.

This is Wadsworth’s girls' lacrosse's second year as a league sport, as COVID-19 canceled its original first year.

It became an official high school sport in 2019 and was a club high school sport for five years prior.

Last year, the Grizzlies’ overall record was 8-10, with a 3-3 record in Suburban League.

The team started their 2020-2021 season on a tough note with a 14-5 loss in a non-conference game against North Canton Hoover. The team was able to easily bounce back with conference

wins against Copley, Kent Roosevelt, and Brecksville.

This year, the team lost a tough conference game against Stow-Munroe Falls on April 26. The game went into double-overtime before the Stow Bulldogs were able to come out with a 9-8 win.

The team is now 3-3 in the Suburban League.

Emily Townsend, a middie for the girls’ lacrosse team, has been a part of the varsity team for all four years of her high school career. A middie plays both offense and defense. Townsend has been playing for nine years, and all of her hard work and leadership skills paid off when she earned a senior captain position, along with Allie McCall. As a senior captain, Townsend has huge responsibility.

“As a senior captain, I help lead warm-

Emily Townsend (12) and her teammates celebrate a goal on their Senior Night against Wooster on April 28. Wadsworth was able to win 6-5.

Photo courtesy of Olivia Beldean.

ups, like our practice throwing before games,” Townsend said. “I lead by example.”

Not only is winning the Suburban League for the first time this year the team’s goal, but also adding more wins on their overall record.

“We want to continue to win games,” Townsend said.“I think we’ve been doing really well and majorly improved from last year. Hopefully this can improve our chances of winning this year.”

A Suburban League championship has been in the back of the teams minds since the end of their 2020-2021 season.

In the off-season, they looked to improve their skills.

“We really focused on improving in our off-season,” said Townsend. “We had training days that included working on our stick skills as well as conditioning days. We have a good group of girls that stay motivated. We have fun but also stay working hard.”

The lacrosse coaches have kept the team motivated for a title throughout the entire season. Shannon Herlihy, the varsity head coach, has been a part of the program for two years. This is her first season as the head coach.

“Our coaches this year have been extremely motivational,” said Sydney King, a sophomore on the varsity lacrosse team. “Coach Herlihy has brought us so far this season and has given many of us confidence on the field that we didn’t have before this season. We truly are a family and I feel like the Suburban League title is definitely in reach.”

Winning the Suburban League title would be key to a successful 20212022 season and would give the team motivation for seasons to come.

“I think winning a Suburban League title would definitely put us on the map as a lacrosse team and show other teams in the area that even with a relatively new program, we have a large amount of potential for the years to come,” King said.

League Championship in the future may be in the back of their minds, it is not a top priority at the moment.

“So far, we haven’t worried about the Suburban League Championship,” Keck said. “We’re focusing game by game, but towards the end of the season, you know, it’s obviously a goal we want to meet, but [the coaches] don’t talk about it a lot until the end of the year.”

Despite a current focus on the present, winning is always a goal for the team.

Freshman catcher Maddy Hostettler touched on this shared objective.

“I think our team could really do it and I’ve always wanted to be able to win, and I think if we put in the work as a team we’d be able to do it with ease,” Hostettler said.

Wadsworth finished fourth in the

National Conference of the Suburban League with a 6-6 league record, behind Brecksville-Broadview Heights (10-0), Stow (7-3), and North Royalton (5-5).

Keck currently leads Medina County in strikeouts, and with a team batting average of 0.352, these assets have come in handy as they have gained postseason success so far.

They headed into postseason play on May 9 against Barberton where they had a 5-2 win and advanced to the Brunswick Sectional Final. After beating Avon Lake in a 12-2 mercy rule win (six innings) on May 11, the Grizzlies have earned their spot in the District Semifinal vs. BrecksvilleBroadview Heights.

The game will be played Monday, May 16 at Brunswick High School at 3 p.m. with a trip to the District Final on the line.

Emily Townsend attacking against Wooster on April 26. Townsend is a middie, and plays both offense and defense.

Photo courtesy of Olivia Beldean.

GRIZZLY SOFTBALL SHOWS EXCITEMENT TOWARDS POSTSEASON

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BY LAUREN BALL

fter practicing during the offseason and playing the majority of their season, the Wadsworth High School softball team is preparing to win the Suburban League Championship and succeed in the playoffs. Most of the team has put in countless hours of work and is poised to make a run for a successful postseason.

The year started off strong for the team, as they earned wins in scrimmages against Tallmadge and Norton.

Starting the year with a 3-1 record hinted at a promising

Maddy Hostettler (9) catches a ball in a regular season game.

Hostettler and many other players were involved in lots of offseason practices to get ready for the season.

Photo courtesy of Maddy Hostettler.

10 MAY 2022

season for the Grizzlies.

Taylor Keck, a junior pitcher for Wadsworth, explained that the road to success started in the offseason.

“I think the preparation starts before the season when everyone does conditioning and open fields and stuff,” Keck said.

Since September, the team has been involved in open fielding and hitting, which are voluntary practices in the offseason with the coaching staff, in the hopes of being prepared for the season before official practices start.

While these practices are not mandatory, they assist in getting prepared for the demanding schedule of the season, as well as meeting soon to be teammates.

In addition, the team has been doing workout-based training such as weightlifting and conditioning with the goal of being as ready as possible when the season rolls around.

“Then in the beginning of the season, [we are] showing up to practice and knowing what we have to work on going into the season and then just trying to play our best,” Keck said.

While the team currently holds a 10-11 record, they have played well and have close loses to Ohio softball powerhouses, such as Hoover and Walsh Jesuit.

However, while winning the Suburban

Taylor Keck (11) pitches in the team’s first scrimmage of the season on March 18 in order to prepare for the regular season and postseason. The Grizzlies won 7-6 against Tallmadge.

Photo courtesy of Taylor Keck.

FEATURE THE BRUIN

ENERGY DRINKS PROVE TO INVOKE HEALTH HAZARDS

BY KATIE GRIFFIN & LEZLIE TINNEY

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nergy drinks often contain double the amount of caffeine found in a singular cup of coffee. With the popularity of energy drinks growing amongst adolescents, studies have been conducted to find the real dangers within these drinks that are filled with excessive amounts of sugar and caffeine.

Tiffani Hecht recently had her TikTok account blow up after posting about her current health situation, which she believes to be caused by overconsumption of energy drinks throughout her life, specifically within her teen years. The viral TikTok, obtaining over 13.6 million views shows a compilation of Hecht consuming a variety of energy drinks and joking that ¨Drinking energy drinks every day like they’re water” led to the development of a tumor in her liver.

Energy drinks contain a large amount of caffeine, and the risks associated with consuming that amount of caffeine are not always listed on the packaging.

“Energy drinks often contain more than twice the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, but manufacturers aren’t required to list or limit the amount,” said Harlan Spector a Northeast Ohio writer, editor and communications consultant in an article about the risks of energy drinks. ”The Food and Drug Administration limits caffeine in sodas – but not energy drinks because these are frequently marketed as dietary supplements.”

Energy drinks are also often targeting their sales and marketing towards

based ones and Bangs [a brand of younger people. energy drink] due to the harmful “They are targeting caffeine amount. a specific group, and Energy drinks are specifically people are starting to causing problems within realize these drinks are youth populations, but so being over consumed,” are other heavily caffeinated Dr. Liebig, a sports beverages. medicine professional “Caffeine quickly adds said in an Akron up, more than people may Children’s Hospital realize,” Dr. Liebig said. “You article pertaining to can be in the toxic range the dangers of energy before you know it.” drinks.

“Between Caffeine, however, is not 30 and 40 percent necessarily the issue with of adolescents are energy drinks in Hecht’s consuming energy situation. drinks regularly. ¨So I think the These drinks aren’t misunderstanding here is benign. The amounts that the caffeine is to blame. of caffeine can be The caffeine had nothing dangerous for some to do with the tumor in my kids.” liver,” Hecht said. “Likely Wadsworth High it was the sugar and other School students ingredients in the energy have had their own drinks that helped the negative experiences growth.¨ when consuming Hecht can not say for energy drinks. a fact that energy drinks “I did notice a high caused her situation, but she heart rate, and weight believes there are few other gain [when drinking multiple energy drinks A Monster Energy drink on a Circle things to blame.

“There is no way to per week]. I had a K shelf. A typical 16 oz energy drink what exactly harder time sleeping contains about 160 mg of caffeine. pinpoint Photo by Lezlie Tinney. caused the growth of and my mouth got dry tumors. You can only during this time,” said Brent Yergin, WHS sophomore. “After speculate and rule things out,” Hecht I quit drinking them in eighth grade to said. “So for me: I rarely drink, don’t freshman year, I noticed that the worst smoke, no drugs ever, I was only on birth energy drinks are probably pre workout control for a couple of months back in

high school, no diabetes, no chance of hepatitis, etc. So when doctors rule things like that out you start to look at food and diet” Hecht believes that the way she was consuming energy drinks was not the healthiest choice either.

“My diet has always been poor due to some eating and body issues I’ve had since high school. I have always drank lots of energy drinks in place of food (not recommended at all). There was one point in my life where I was drinking four energy drinks a day,” Hecht said. “So I think if you were not to abuse energy drinks you would be perfectly fine. But I obviously did abuse them for sure and since they were likely a high contributing factor to my tumor, I ended up completely cutting them out.”

Hecht notes that she only made her TikTok video for fun, and was not trying to attack energy drink brands.

“When I made the TikTok video it was supposed to be like a “haha” for me and my friends since I had actually just found out that same day that the tumor had grown in the last nine months. I was coping,” Hecht said. “I want to be clear that I was never blaming energy drinks or Red Bull or Dutch Bros for my tumor.

I willingly consumed them myself, and I also was never looking for pity.”

Energy drinks can come with risks, but so do most other beverages with high caffeine and sugar levels. When consumed properly and occasionally, related health concerns are often few and far between.

LOCAL ALPACA FARM EXPANDS

BY KATIE BASINGER

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ajestic Meadows, an alpaca farm in Medina, Ohio, opened its doors in 1994. Since then, they have cultivated an experience that everyone is sure to love with over 200 different animals, as well as an on-site boutique. Visitors are presented with the opportunity to feed and pet dozens of different species.

Jeff Farley, one of the owners of Majestic Meadows, has been raising alpacas for more than 29 years. Every year they shear the alpacas for the fleece and sell it for profit.

On top of the alpaca fleece profit, the business also makes money through their pastures. Guests can schedule a time to come feed and pet the grazing animals.

The farm features alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, cows, kangaroos, llamas, pigs, miniature horses, a camel, and a tortoise.

Visitors pay ten dollars at the door for all access to the pastures and can purchase feed for the animals inside the boutique, located on the front of the property.

Housing all of these animals is a very

big job. The establishment must ensure that they have all of their USDA licenses.

The camels, kangaroos, and wallabies all require certain licenses. The animals that Majestic Meadows houses also have to be friendly toward people.

Sam Strickler, a Wadsworth High School junior, visited in June of 2020 and said the highlight of his experience was getting to hold a baby kangaroo.

“I think they had a lot of diverse animals there,” Strickler said. “If they had more kangaroos or adult kangaroos it would be cool.”

Farley explains that he is looking into acquiring a couple capybaras. Capybaras are semi aquatic animals and require a pool as well as the grazing area.

The business has expanded as far as the land allows them and will continue to invest in new animals as long as they can support them.

“I am getting some turkeys in June,” Farley said. “Hopefully they will be male turkeys because those are the colorful ones.”

All of the animals require different food

and heat on top of their basic needs. They keep three veterinarians on staff at all times, however, Farley makes sure he can provide all the care to the animals as well.

The farm serves as a destination for many outside groups such as elderly groups, retirement homes and school groups.

Majestic Meadows also accommodates for disabilities.

Farley says that he has expanded his farm quite a bit and as time goes on the goal is to keep up the quality of life for the animals, as well as making it a good time for visitors.

Every year in the spring, Majestic Meadows shears their alpacas for their fleece. The alpaca fleece can be made into dozens of products such as clothing and yarn, some of which they sell at their on-site boutique.

Photo by Katie Basinger.

Visit or contact the farm: This is a miniature potbellied pig. The farm has two breeding potbellied pigs named Patrick and Petunia.

Photo by Katie Basinger.

4195 Abbeyville Road Medina, Ohio 44256 330-725-2977 majesticmeadowsalpacas.com

WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 11

THE BRUIN ENTERTAINMENT

LEGO STAR WARS: THE SKYWALKER SAGA RADIATES WITH NOSTALGIA OPINION BY BRENDEN BARLETT

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eleased on April 5, 2022, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is the most expensive Lego video game yet, covering all nine of the main Star Wars movies, from the prequels to the classics and the sequels.

Before breaking down the game and covering how I felt about it and how two other early players felt about it, it is worth mentioning that my personal rating of the game will be based on the emotions I felt playing it, the visuals and sound effects it had to offer, and the game-play itself.

The first person I interviewed was Tommy Arnold, a junior who has not only played all of the previous Lego Star Wars games but other Lego games as well.

When asked about how the new installment felt compared to its predecessors, Arnold said it felt different in a good way, and he thought that the mechanics improved a lot, as well as the game play, which he thought was more immersive.

“The Jedi duals were pretty cool.”

Arnold said, “The new duals between Jedi and Sith were great, which was definitely much better than previous games, and they changed how characters work with classes and stuff, which is also pretty nice.”

Coen Grimm, another junior who is likely the most passionate about the new installment of Lego Star Wars out of all of us, said the game’s strongest points were

overall how fun it was, the sheer amount of what there is to do, and the amount of characters players can play as, which something Arnold also liked.

“The previous Lego games are great, but the new one takes Star Wars to a whole new level,” Grimm said. “Like you go through every other scene and get to explore a lot more, and it feels so different because it’s open-world, almost like an Assassin’s Creed game.”

With that, I have to agree with Grimm; I was honestly shocked by just how modern of a game that Lego Star Wars felt. During most moments of the game, I could explore anywhere in the map I was at and do just about anything I wanted, from breaking blocks, to attacking my party members for no better reason than I wanted to, to riding just about any vehicle or creature in Star Wars I wanted, from an AT-AT Walker to a Bantha in Tatooine.

At times, Lego Star Wars generally did not feel like a Lego game. I think that the graphics were incredible and even put some modern, realistic games to shame. However, while the graphics were truly incredible, I believe that some of the silliness unique to Lego games was missing.

As for what we each thought were the strongest episodes of the game, Arnold and I preferred Episode III, Revenge of the Sith, while Grimm liked Episode V, The Empire Strikes Back.

“I enjoyed Episode III a lot because it’s a

in some places, especially the events leading up to Young Anakin’s pod race and being freed from being one of Watto’s slaves.

Also disappointed with Episode II, Arnold said, “some of the battles were definitely downgraded compared to the original Complete Saga.”

This, in my opinion, was true, as it did not feel as exciting as I remembered from when I played Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, although it is Darth Vader interrogating an Ambassador of the Rebellion. Unlike previous worth mentioning this Lego adaptations of A New Hope, the scene is nearly identical to the movie, game was not focused with characters even actually talking. directly on the Clone Photo courtesy of Fair Use. Wars.

For those interested in Lego Star Wars: While I was more neutral towards the sequel episodes, VII-IX, Grimm also The Skywalker Saga, it can be purchased mentioned his dislike towards them. on all modern consoles as well as PC’s However, he admitted it was mainly starting at $59.99. because of his dislike for the sequel Despite each of our few dislikes towards movies in general and that some of their the game, Arnold and Grimm, as well as missions were enjoyable.

While I enjoyed the majority of my myself, mentioned how nostalgic it felt experience playing the game, I felt that while playing, and each rated it very high the prequel episodes, I & II were rushed out of ten which can be seen below. classic, of course,” Arnold said. “Episode VI was also great, but like the sequel movies, the sequels in the game were absolutely awful too and by far the worst.”

Tommy Arnold: 8.5/10

Our Rankings: Coen Grimm: 9/10

Me: 7.5/10

BEREAL REDEFINES SOCIAL MEDIA

BY MALLORY GERSCHUTZ & LUKE HOUSER

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eReal is an app designed to be the alternative to social media apps.

Claiming that it is ‘not another social network,’ it strives to feature people in a realistic light.

The goal is to show people your life without being ‘fake.’ Apps such as Instagram or Snapchat can sometimes be fake through the use of fake backgrounds and filters.

“I like it because I think most social media filters are very cheesy; I think they look bad,” said Andrew Novak, a junior, at Wadsworth High School.

Everyday the app sends users a notification, giving them a two minute window to post a picture of whatever they are doing at that time. The front and back cameras are used simultaneously to show

12 MAY 2022

your friends what you are doing and where you are.

If you do not post in the given time frame, you can still post late. However, the app prohibits users from seeing their friends’ posts until you have posted your own daily BeReal.

“Honestly I’m not a big fan of social media but I think it’s kinda nice how you can see people all around the world at different times, you know what they post, a picture of their face and a picture of what they’re doing,” Novak said. “I think that part of it is cool.”

To add friends on BeReal, you can either connect your contacts to the app or browse through the discover tab. When posting you can specify whether you want to show your picture to only your friends or publicly. Every public post will show up on your discover page and be shown to every BeReal user.

“It’s just a fun way for you and your friends to show what each other are doing instead of just telling them,” said Kendall Smith, a sophomore, at Wadsworth High School.

BeReal allows users to comment or share a live reaction to their friends’ posts.

To send a live reaction you simply take a picture of your reaction.

“I like it because it’s a different way to stay connected and you can keep it with just your close friends so you can make it funny or more of a joke, making it less serious than other social media platforms,” Smith said.

BeReal was released recently in December of 2019, resulting in a limited amount of publicity.

“I feel like it’s fairly new so it’s hard to know if there are pros and cons to it yet,” Smith said.

The app has seen huge success among Gen-Z users, especially in places like Europe. However, only time will tell if BeReal can keep up with other social media platforms or if it will fade away like any other fad.

Luke’s Opinion

In my time with the app, I found that BeReal does exactly what it sets out to do and nothing more. Because of the users inability to post more than once a day, BeReal is certainly no replacement for big-name platforms such as Snapchat or Instagram.

However, if users want an authentic way to show off their daily lives, there is no better way to do that than BeReal. My only concern is that because of its simplicity, the app did not entertain me for long and I could easily see myself losing interest in it.

Mallory’s Opinion At first, the app was hard for me to navigate, but after spending a few minutes on it I was able to better understand. I think BeReal has a very unique concept that is unlike other social media platforms.

I enjoy using it with my friends, but once everyone posts for the day there is not a reason to go back on the app. I have only had this app for a short time and I see myself using it less and less everyday.

However, if you are looking for a form of social media that is not as time consuming as something such as Tik Tok or Snapchat you may enjoy BeReal.

BeReal will ask users to take a photo once a day at any random time. This adds to the app’s authenticity by not allowing time for extra preparation from the user. Photo by Luke Houser

FEATURE THE BRUIN

WHS WELCOMES A NEW PRINCIPAL FOR 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR B

BY KATIE GRIFFIN

eginning in the 2022-2023 school year, Wadsworth High School will be admitting an additional principal into the building. This position is going to be taken by Keri Hamsher, who currently works within the Rittman school district.

The position became available following Kirk Kresowaty’s retirement. He is the current attendance clerk.

“Our high school has over 1600 kids, and we have had three administrators since before I was a teacher here. We have considered [hiring an additional principal] for a long time, for a couple of years we’ve had this discussion,” said Mr. Seiber, Wadsworth High School’s Assistant Principal. “We felt the need for it and Dr. Hill agreed so that’s why we were able to get [another principal].”

Hamsher currently undertakes multiple job roles.

“I’m at the middle school and high school, so I’m the middle school principal and the assistant high school principal [at Rittman], and I [also] coach volleyball,” Hamsher said. “Outside of education I’m a realtor, so I sell houses and help people buy houses. My family and I breed dogs, and I also run a JO volleyball club.”

Hamsher considers helping people to be a priority in her life.

“I do love it [all of her jobs], I love helping people,” Hamsher said. “That’s where I find my joy and I think working in education allows me to do that and I think selling houses helps me help people too, and puppies just bring joy to everyone, I mean there’s nothing sad about puppies.”

Hamsher has also brought her passion for helping people to her home life.

“I also have horses and do some equine therapy with some special needs students and we’re eventually going to have marriage retreats at our home,” Hamsher said. “I have a passion for people I guess is what I should say to you.

So I try to find ways to use the gifts that God has given me to spread joy for other people.”

Hamsher and her family began breeding puppies due to their youngest daughter, Ainsley’s, interest in becoming a veterinarian.

“We breed bernedoodles, hypoallergenic dogs, and we breed Aussie-Doodles,” Hamsher said. “It’s just a lot of fun, I actually brought some of our puppies in for our staff one day for a mental health and wellness day because puppies bring smiles.”

Hamsher has prior experience with her work in the Rittman school district.

“Before all of those things, I was a principal [at Rittman], and I was an athletic director at Wooster High School and at Waynedale High School,” Hamsher said. “I also coached college basketball for a number of years.”

Family is a large part of Hamsher’s life.

“One of my favorite things to do is to listen to my daughter sing and obviously to be involved in my kids’ lives,” Hamsher said. “My three daughters keep me very busy.”

Hamsher grew up in Ohio, attending Ohio schools for high school and part of her college career.

“I actually graduated from Orrville

Keri Hamsher, second from left, stands with her husband and three daughters. Family is one of her top priorities. Photo courtesy of Keri Hamsher.

High School,” Hamsher said. “I went to Marshall University where I played volleyball and basketball, and then I got my master’s degree at the Citadel in South Carolina, and then I got my principals license and my superintendent’s license at Ashland University.”

Hamsher hopes for her position at WHS to stick for a while.

“I’ve been in my current position eleven years. I don’t like to jump around.

I like to build relationships with people, and get to know people. I had a really hard time saying goodbye to my family here at Rittman,” Hamsher said. “It’s really hard when you make changes but sometimes God leads you down paths that you just need to follow. So I like to get somewhere and stay there and really

get to know the people that I work with and just invest in their lives.”

Hamsher is looking forward to building relationships with students at WHS and hopefully making a difference in their lives.

“I’m really excited about coming to Wadsworth and just getting to know the students there,” Hamsher said.

“Hopefully they’ll know that they can always come and talk to me if they need to and that I will try to help them in the best way that I can, and you know sometimes that’s through correction, sometimes that through encouragement, but it’s always done with compassion.”

Hamsher’s position as a principal at WHS will begin with the 2022-2023 school year.

MRS. SMITH WINS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

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BY AIDEN BROWN

he Wadsworth ‘Teacher of The Year’ award is a voted award that shines light on one teacher who goes above and beyond with his or her duties as a teacher.

The winner of the 2021-2022 award is English teacher, Mrs. Lisa Smith. Smith is finishing up her ninth year at Wadsworth High School, previously teaching in Indiana, Arkansas, and at Woodridge High School, in Ohio.

Voting for this award began on April 11, and hundreds of students cast their votes with a brief description supporting their choice.

Smith is popular among both students and her colleagues.

Smith does not have a favorite class, curriculum, or grade to teach.

“I really don’t have one, I’ve enjoyed everyone, all of them, I take something away from every class” Smith said.

Her students say that her optimism

Mrs. Smith’s 2017 yearbook picture. Mrs. Smith won teacher of the year for the 2021-2022 school year.

Photo courtesy of Wadsworth Yearbook.

motivates them to accomplish more. They think that Smith is a beacon of positivity.

“I believe, very strongly, that every human being should feel valued,” Smith said.

This core belief fuels everything and makes Smith’s classroom different from the common classroom.

When one walks into Smith’s classroom, they see comfortable reading chairs placed along the back walls with vibrant prints, colorful walls covered in art, and posters with positive messages. The desks are set apart in groups in order to promote classroom discussion.

“I love watching students walk into my classroom everyday,” Smith said.

When someone has a deep and emphatic passion for something, the fruits of their labor help others grow. It is apparent to everyone, including students, staff, and anyone involved in the schooling process that Smith has a great passion for teaching.

“If I can make [my student’s] day better then I have accomplished my mission,” Smith

said.

Students agree that her determination and passion for education is key to what makes her special. Smith’s students and colleagues have only good things to say about her.

“I am so honored,” Smith said, “I can’t think of a better place than Wadsworth High School.”

Mrs. Smith’s classroom in the 1400 hallway.

Smith takes pride in her vibrant and comfortable room decor.

Photo by Aiden Brown.

WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 13

THE BRUIN FEATURE

SIX WHS STAFF

BY LILY LOVE

John Burton, a former WHS Biology teacher who has coached Cross Country and Track for the past 28 years, is officially resigning from the position this year.

Burton’s love for these sports started when he initially participated in both of them during high school. He wanted to become a coach in order to continue his involvement with the sports.

In terms of where he has coached, Burton spent all of his coaching years at Wadsworth High School.

There are many different things that Burton believes make track fun to coach and participate in. There are multiple events in this sport making for more diverse student abilities to be shown.

“Track is a multi tasking, multivariate

MR. BURTON

sport in terms of the different events that are there,” Burton said.

Over the course of time that he has coached, Burton has been able to create relationships with the students involved in track, as well as the other event coaches.

To him, this is one of the things that makes track so enjoyable.

“During the years that I’ve coached track, I’ve gotten to form a lot of different close relationships with the students who I have coached. Just to have the opportunity to form some meaningful relationships, and see them be successful, it’s fun.”

One of the goals of every sport is to do the best that they can do every time.

During the 2020 and 2021 seasons the team placed 10th in states, and over the past five years different groups of athletes have made it to state competitions. To the

MR. KRESOWATY

BY LILY LOVE Among these retiring staff members is former Head of Attendance offices Mr. Kirk Kresowaty. Kresowaty has worked in the offices throughout the Wadsworth City School District for the past 33 years, and he will be retiring at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Kresowaty started his job with the Wadsworth City Schools District as Head of Attendance, working with all grade levels, and the different school buildings.

“The job details have not changed over time, but the way the job is done is the part that changed,” Kresowaty said. “This job has also been one that technology has helped to improve and make easier.”

Kresowaty’s job entails different things in the different buildings throughout the district. Though the job is spread out, Kresowaty says that most of the work is done from the high school.

“My office is here at the High School and everything has always been here pretty much,” Kresowaty said.

“It’s overseeing the attendance for the school system, and as other schools needed, I would help with the attendance there,” Kresowaty said. “It’s just maintaining the attendance for each student, and making sure everything is done correctly.” Kresowaty said.

Kresowaty believes his job choice to be unique.

“I had a photography business in the 80’s where I did photography, mainly for school sports. So, I already had some contracts and connections with various school districts in the area. Through the business,

14 MAY 2022

team this was one of the best accomplishments they have experienced in their many seasons.

“That’s probably the most fun and exciting thing. It was a great accomplishment for the kids that were in the group and got to compete. It’s fun to be together as a team and to get there is a lot of fun,” said Burton.

How each athlete places during their season is important to the team and the coaches, but Burton feels that as long as the students have fun in their event and always Mr. Burton stands at the middle school track. He is running an outdoor do their best, then any practice before an upcoming track meet. level of competition is Photo by Lily Love. rewarding.

“Getting to state, and any of the levels Overall, coaching at Wadsworth High of competition I’ve coached has been School has been a highlight in Burton’s awesome.” career.

MRS. WALLET

BY ALEX BANKS

Mr. Kresowaty sits at his desk in the high school.

He is working on the attendance files for the end of the school year.

Photo by Lily Love

then I was able to get a job coaching football at one of the local high schools,” Kresowaty said. “After coaching, I was able to hear about an opening attendance officer at the high school, and I’ve worked here ever since.” Kresowaty said.

Kresowaty says he does not have a favorite part of the job, because there is always something that makes each day unique. Kresowaty does, however, feel like the job he has not only impacts him but it impacts the kids that he works with as well.

“It’s hard to find any one thing, but the biggest joy and the biggest part I’ll always remember is just working with the kids.”

An additional principal will be added to the school system next year, replacing Kresowaty’s current position.

After six years of working at Wadsworth High School as an Attendance Clerk, Mrs. Kandy Wallet is planning her retirement and will be leaving at the end of the 2021 2022 school year.

“I keep track of who is absent for the day and I also keep track of who is signed in

Mrs. Wallet sits at the attendance desk at the end of her work day. During her time at Wadsworth High School she could usually be found helping students here.

Photo by Alex Banks.

and out of school,” Wallet said.

Wallet works with all four grade levels of high school students. While working, she can usually be found at the attendance desk in the front of the school. She began this job for Wadsworth High School in 2016.

“I first started working as a substitute for the school and I had also worked as a study hall monitor,” Wallet said. “Then, I saw that the attendance clerk position had become available and I took it, and I have been doing it for a while now.”

Although she does not think she has worked at Wadsworth High School long enough to have one specific favorite memory, she says that she enjoys getting to see and work with different students every day.

Once she retires, she is hoping to go hiking in a mountain range located in the southeastern part of the United States, the Smoky Mountains. She is also looking forward to spending more time with her family and having the opportunity to watch her granddaughters grow up.

“When I am outside of school, I really enjoy watching and spending time with my granddaughters,” Wallet said.

She has three granddaughters, with the youngest one being two years old and the oldest one being eleven years old.

FEATURE THE BRUIN

MEMBERS RETIRE

MR. BARNETT

BY BRI PERKINS

in his lack of presence. Not only did he M r. R i c h B a r n e t t , a M e d i a teach his requirement, he promoted Communications te a c h e r a t group work and class bonding, giving Wa d s wo r t h H i g h S c h o o l , p r e p a r e s students more opportunities inside fo r r e t i r e m e n t t h i s ye a r a f te r 2 3 and outside of the classroom. ye a r s o f te a c h i n g . A f te r te a c h i n g “He even did things to encourage t h ro u g h t h e Fo u r C i t i e s C o m p a c t , our bonding; before class everyday B a r n e t t h a s i m p a c te d m a ny j u n i o r he would have us all chant ‘Excursion a n d s e n i o r s t u d e n t s i n Wa d s wo r t h , into Excellence’, just to get the B a r b e r to n , C o p l ey a n d N o r to n . energy flowing,” Beck said. “That was While getting his masters degree, definitely something I know all of the Barnett worked part time at the students enjoyed doing, and we all University of Akron which is where he tried to be as loud as possible while found his love for teaching. Barnett doing it because it was so fun and one came from a non-traditional teaching of the most memorable things about background as he worked in Akron that class.” and Cleveland broadcasting, both This is just one of the many moments radio and television, prior to getting that remains special to Beck from involved with full- time teaching. Barnett’s class. Not only did students After doing an interview with former look up to him, but even his boss, Superintendent, Roger Wright, Chuck Parsons, the director of B a r n e t t the Four Cities discovered Compact, had no the Media negative things Communications to say about job position Barnett. Barnett at WHS and was a big asset to jumped on the the Compact and opportunity. He Wright believes enjoys seeing he is going to his students be a hard man succeed and to replace in the participating in compact. the creation of “He loved the minds of the nothing better future. than to see his “ S e e i n g former students students who’ve going out into walked step-bythe field to step through accomplish great the process things,” Said of learning a Wright. technique begin Mr. Barnett stands in his classroom. He was WHS’ W r i g h t to apply that Media Communications teacher. h i g h l i g h t s technique to their Photo by Bri Perkins.

Barnett’s many class projects with a sense of accomplishment and accomplishments from teaching, joy,’’ Barnett said. to department chair, to even just After being hired, Barnett has supporting after school programs. influenced many students and As he looks back, Barnett says he is colleagues around him. A former going to miss his students the most. student who is now studying video “I will miss the students, their production at Kent State, Micah Beck, enthusiasm, creativity, and sense of elaborated on how Barnett gave him a adventure. It truly has kept me young!” jump start in some of his current classes Barnett said. through Media Communications.

Barnett is not only a teacher but “He had all sorts of wacky creative also a lively person outside of the ideas, which really helped us develop classroom. He is looking forward to his creatively and come up with some newfound go with the flow lifestyle and amazing content,’’ Beck said. is taking retirement one step at a time.

Barnett’s love for his students and He hopes to stay involved with WHS in the material he teaches shines through his retirement but is still pondering on in his persona as a teacher and impacts potential other plans. The Four Cities many students. As a teacher you can Compact program is currently looking tell he loves his job and his students for another teacher to fill Barnett’s are definitely going to have a hard time role.

MS. CLEM

BY JADE WILCOX

Ms. Rhonda Clem has spent her years at Wadsworth High School working with students as a teacher’s aid. She says that students who interact with her often have trouble with listening and paying attention at first, but they always come through in the end. Clem said that having fun in school is the most important thing in obtaining an education. This is probably the reason

Ms. Clem gets her photo taken. She has worked as a teacher aid at WHS since 1997.

Photo by of Jade Wilcox.

why the quote she is most known for is, “It is what it is, just be happy.”

Clem enjoys hanging out with anybody close to her, and she loves having fun whenever she can. The greatest people she is worked with in her teaching career are Mrs. Baxley, Mrs. Beavers, Mrs. Dobbins, and Mrs. Lamonica. She is very close with these teachers and enjoys spending time with them. She hangs out with them both during school and outside of school by attending concerts and going swimming together.

Clem’s favorite moments of her teaching career were not only the times spent with her students, but also teaching in the same buildings as her own children. While her kids were going through the school system, she got to be instructing students while watching her children grow throughout their education. It made her very happy when they all got to watch the school’s “12 Days of Christmas” performance together, as well as being near each other during school assemblies. Clem intends to visit her mother in California after retirement, and pursue her love for travel. Since she is retiring, she should now have the time to do all the things she has not had the time to do and be able to thoroughly enjoy it.

MR. THOMPSON

BY JADE WILCOX

Mr. John Thompson began teaching 35 years ago. He spent 13 of those years supervising and instructing for his Industrial Arts class, and the rest teaching math to students.

He also used to be a football and track coach, so he got to meet all sorts of people in his career. Thompson says that his teaching career has been a blur and he hasn’t had many bad days-if at all.

Mr. Thompson thoroughly enjoys traveling, going outside, playing guitar, and golfing. He fully intends to do more of these things after he retires.

Mr. Thompson also wants to learn another language besides the Spanish he had already learned when he was in school. He believes that retirement is a time to relax and slow down. He also believes that retirement is a time to do the things that he has always wanted to do, instead of keeping busy with another job.

Mr. Thompson wants to travel to Disney World when he leaves, and says that his favorite Disney villain is Cruella DeVil.

Mr. Thompson takes a photo of himself. He taught at WHS for 35 years.

Photo courtesy of John Thompson.

Mr. Thompson also enjoys seeing new teachers that used to be students come teach at the school. Mr. Thompson enjoys joking around with his students while watching them grow and learn.

Thompson wants WHS to know that he has enjoyed sharing his life with everyone.

WADSWORTHBRUIN.COM 15

THE BRUIN WHAT’S TRENDING

CEDAR POINT REEMERGES FOR THE 2022 SEASON THE WICKED TWISTER

BY DREW BOWERMAN AND GRACE BARRETT

With summer just around the corner, many Ohioans have awaited the annual The Wicked Twister, which opened back in 2002, was torn down during Cedar Point’s offseason reemergence of the popular amusement park, Cedar Point. On May 7, the park after being retired on September 6, 2021. This coaster was once the world’s tallest and opened its doors for the 2022 season and announced the many new changes it has fastest impulse roller coaster. Wicked Twister gave over 16 million rides during its 19 years made over the course of the past few months. of function. Many park-goers are disappointed with the closure of one of their favorite rides.

What do you think about the new changes at Cedar Point for the 2022 season?

HOTELS

Beyond the park, Cedar Point has updated two hotels: Castaway Bay, an indoor water park resort, and Sawmill Creek. Both of these locations are centered around Cedar Point in the Sandusky area.

Castaway Bay has been completely renovated, now including a mini-bowling alley and many new dining options. It will reopen for guests on May 27. Sawmill Creek has also been remodeled and now has an 18-hole golf course for visitors to enjoy.

RESTAURANTS

Emma Watson (10)

1

Farmhouse Kitchen & Grill, a new restaurant that has opened in the park, is located in Frontier Town and is accommodated with plenty of outdoor seating for guests to enjoy. Items such as house-made chili, hush puppies, and corn ribs are being served, as well as specialty entrées that will be rotated throughout the season. Other additions, such as Derby Dogs, have been added to promote an increased variety of food options within the park.

2

TOP THRILL DRAGSTER

6

“I think it’s a good idea that they’re changing it up a little bit. You can’t have the same thing every time because if you do its going to get boring.”

Cedar Point has announced that the popular roller coaster, Top Thrill Dragster, will not be reopening for the 2022 season. After a piece of metal flew off the coaster and hit a 44-year-old woman back in August of 2021, the ride was shut down. Although fans awaited its return during the offseason, many have been disappointed to discover that its closure will continue.

GATE PRICES

Logan Bounce (9)

One major change Cedar Point has made affects guests before they even enter the park. Gate ticket prices have risen up to $85 per person, increasing $10 from the previous year.

Although these prices vary throughout each season, the consistent increase that has occurred should be expected by guests over the duration of this summer.

3

CASHLESS

7

Cedar Point has announced that they have gone cashless for the 2022 season. Machines have been installed around the park for guests to use when converting cash into prepaid debit cards. With this, people who attend the park will still be granted the full, thrilling experience, just without the aspect of cash.

“It will be cool to see more places to sit down and eat so that it doesn’t feel like you’re always on your feet.”

4

PARADE

Jake Carbaugh (10)

Annalisa Lobello (11)

Cedar Point’s new parade, the Celebrate Cedar Point Parade & Spectacular, will run from June 24 through August 14. This event will include 12 massive floats which will travel down the Main Midway, featuring important milestones from the park’s history.

SHOPPING Formerly named Snoopy Boutique, one of Cedar Point’s stores has been replaced with the new, PEANUTS @ The Point, which will specifically feature PEANUTS merchandise available for purchase.

16 MAY 2022

8

“Wicked Twister was one of my favorite rides. I’m disappointed it’s not going to be open this year.”

5

- PHOTOS 1-5 & 10 COURTESY OF HILARY BOWERMAN - PHOTO 6 BY DREW BOWERMAN - PHOTOS 7-8 BY GRACE BARRETT - PHOTO 9 COURTESY OF CAMRYN HENDERSON

10

9

“I am mad that Cedar Point isn’t reopening Top Thrill. That has always been my favorite ride.”