Wadsworth High School
Newspaper II/III
March 2006
The
BRUIN
1870 - 2005 Wadsworth City Schools: “Celebrating 135 years of Excellence in Education”
Volume XXXI No. 6
Class takes steps toward graduation BY LAURA MYERS
Many sophomores find the thought of graduation hard to grasp. After all, it is still over two years away. However, sophomores took a huge step towards their commencement last week as they took the required Ohio Graduation Tests. The tests, fondly referred to as the OGT’s, were administered from March 13-17. The five different areas tested were writing, reading, math, social studies, and science. “The science and history tests were harder this year,” said sophomore Brooke Babyak. Sophomores took practice tests last year as freshmen. Although the tests taken this year count only for the class of 2008, freshmen took practice versions of the test while the sophomores were taking the real thing. Last year, the first year the OGT’s became required for graduation, 78.9 percent of all Wadsworth sophomores (class of 2007) passed every test. Seniors and juniors who passed all five tests last year were not required to come to school until 10 a.m. during OGT week. Otherwise, the bells could have interrupted the students who were testing. This late start time made classes 25 minutes long. The short classes proved difficult for many teachers in their quest to impart the same amount of knowledge in half as much time. However, none of the students were complaining. Most upperclassmen took advantage of the late time by sleeping in and going out to breakfast. “I went to Alexandris for some good cooking,” said junior Sam Polk. The OGT’s placed a marker on the sophomores’ trails to graduation. With these difficult tests behind them, the class of 2008 is almost ready to face the real world.
Congratulations for a great winter season in academics, arts, and athletics!
625 Broad Street Wadsworth, Ohio 44281
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Spring forward
The beginning of spring brings many exciting events for students
Spring Fling scheduling Students plan for warm presents timing issues days of Spring Break BY MICHELLE MCCUNE
BY LAURA MYERS
Unlike dances in the past, this year students had the option to choose what type of dance Spring Fling would be. It is traditionally formal; however, students had the option of voting for a semiformal, carnival-style, or decade-themed dance. Surprisingly enough, students turned down the alter- Formal dances prove to be one of high school’s highlights for many. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLAND BAILEY native options. Tickets are $10, and the theme day before Spring Break as is New York City. Decorations well. Many students are leavwill be organized by Student ing with friends or family that weekend for their Spring Council. Since the girls’ basketball Break destination. This is the third consecuteam’s state tournament was held the same weekend as the dance, tive year that complications the administration decided to such as those above have postpone the dance until Friday, sprung up for Spring Fling. Last year, the dance was March 31. This gave students the freedom to go to the game know- scheduled the day before ing that they would not miss the Easter, creating a problem for many students who planned dance. Because school does not let on spending time with their out until 2:38 p.m., students will families. The year before that, a have only a few hours to get ready for the dance. This could prove varsity boys’ basketball game to be problematic for students, was held the same day as the especially girls, who often require dance. This created a serious several hours to get dressed, get problem for those wishing their hair and nails done, and then to attend both the game and Spring Fling. eat with friends or a date. Along with other issues, The SAT test is another issue for many. There are only three many juniors have decided to tests left this school year, and forego Spring Fling because one is given April 1, the day after Junior Banquet is just around Spring Fling. A good night’s rest the corner. The cost of a new is essential for optimal scores, dress or suit and a ticket stops so many are forced to forgo the many from attending both. Despite these issues, the dance to be at their fullest potenturnout is expected to be tial for the test the next day. March 31 is the last school good, as always.
Though the Ohio weather has been above freezing for nearly two weeks now, most students are dreaming of sun and sand. Spring Break, which takes place from April 3-7, gives boundless opportunities for escape to warmer climates and more exotic locations. “I am so excited about going on vacation over Spring Break,” said junior Teryn Wessel, who is going to Florida during the week off. However, sunny vacations are not the only activities students plan to take part in over break. Many students use this time to visit colleges, finalize summer plans, or simply catch up on some much needed sleep. Sophomores may well use the week to extend their recovery from the dreaded Ohio Graduation Tests. Still others are spending Spring Break at the high school, training for track, tennis, baseball, or softball. “Our track team has three meets that week,” said junior Dave Carter, a distance runner. Whatever they decide to do with the time off, many students are excited for break because they simply need a change from the
Entertainment Page 3
Features Page 8
Hop aboard the Black Pearl with this preview of Pirates of the Caribbean 2.
Find out how the young academic elites spend their free time.
monotony of their daily routine. Even teachers recognize the importance of Spring Break, the only break since President’s Day. In fact, many teachers plan to lighten the homework load for the week. “My senior composition kids have worked hard, so I am giving them a break over Spring Break. Pun intended,” said Mrs. La Monica, who also teaches Latin 2, 3, and 4. Spring Break is normally associated with the celebration of Easter; this year, however, Spring Break ends a week before Easter. This means that there is also no school on Good Friday, bringing the total number of April days in school to 14 (assuming no snow days). After Good Friday, however, there is not another break until Memorial Day. This places even more importance on Spring Break, as it is an opportunity to recharge for the last few months of school. This may delay the inevitable onset of “spring fever” so that students can stay sharp through the important fourth quarter. Whether students are going away or staying home, sleeping, studying, or sprinting, Spring Break should prove beneficial to everyone.
In Memoriam Wadsworth High School salutes Mr. Saylor for his hard work, dedication, and thoughtfulness to students, staff, and visitors. Saylor battled cancer for over a year, all the while giving words of advice and inspiration to those around him. These words include the motto of WHS :
Mr. Ron Saylor Beloved counselor and friend
Pictures Pages 6-7
Feel the excitement of state tournaments from many different competitions.
PAY IT FORWARD SEE STORY ON PAGE 8
Arts & Clubs 13
Read about the Business Co-op’s success at tournaments.