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Volume 55, Issue 4 YOUR NEWS FOR OAK HILLS HIGH SCHOOL December 15, 2016

by Abby KrommeShantytown offers students a unique experience Each year, Oak Hills’ while also teaching them to appre- came to speak with Gina as well. students came up with a story to The whole experience National Honor Society hosts an ciate things as simple as a bed or a Aidan Flanigan, OHHS junior, said show how quickly anyone’s life of Shanty Town is a fun way for event to raise awareness for the warm dinner. Katlynn Pristas, an he learned through Dr. Mussman’s can change. Abigail Turner, Oak students to gain empathy for those poverty and homelessness that Oak Hills junior said, “I’ve never speech that “Anyone can help. Even Hills junior, said that this activ- experiencing homelessness. While countless people experience daily. really appreciated my warm bed if it’s just by treating everyone like ity taught her that “life can give raising money and collecting For the past two years, the NHS like that until I slept in a cardboard a human being.” Dr. Mussman also you obstacles, but a bad situation canned goods for those in need, president has rounded up a crew box. It was miserable, but it gave taught the students to say “people doesn’t have to last forever. Things Oak Hills students are making a to execute this event, called Shan- me a sense of empathy.” She added, experiencing homelessness” rather can change in the blink of an eye.” difference every year. National ty Town. During a night spent “I was so relieved to go back The stories exemplified the fact Honor Society hopes to grow the outside in the Oak Hills court- to my home when it was over, that it is not always one’s own event, extend participation each yard, students watch informative but it broke my heart to think fault that they are experiencing year. Nick Krauser said, “More films, listen to speakers who have about the thousands of people homelessness. Sometimes, life people should definitely participate escaped from poverty, and take who can’t do the same.” turns against you and no mat- next year to support the cause and part in activities that shed light This year, NHS pres- ter how hard you fight, you are to raise money for the Greater on the realities of homelessness. ident Nick Krauser organized at a loss. To finish off the night Cincinnati Homeless Coalition. Students turn in $15 to participate the night. After each of the on a serious note, Nick Krauser Actually sleeping outside and in the event, and almost all of the students finished construct- brought everyone together, experiencing a tiny bit of a person money is donated to the Greater ing their cardboard houses, each of the students with a lit experiencing homelessness’ daily Cincinnati Coalition. Canned the students listened to a candle in hand. He explained life really shows us how important goods donated by the students speaker who fought her way how although the night was it is that we help any possible way are given to the Anderson Food out of homelessness. Gina, fun, everyone needed to re- we can.” So, Oak Hills sophomores pantry. Despite sleeping in card- the speaker, helped many member why they were there: and juniors, take advantage of this board boxes and eating cold soup students realize that living in to understand the reality of amazing opportunity and sign up for dinner, many students love a cardboard box is not the only way than “homeless people.” It gives homelessness. Around the world, for Shanty Town next November! Shanty Town and the knowledge it homelessness looks. Many times, these people a face, while also rec- someone dies every 3 seconds due offers all of its participants. Junior Gina would face so many hard- ognizing the fact that homelessness to causes tied to homelessness, Grace Wagner says, “Everyone ships at once that it felt impossible is a temporary state and not a label so the students went around the is cold and tired, but it doesn’t to fight through them all. How- of what kind of person they are. circle, blowing their candles out matter because we are cold and ever, each time she pushed off the After hearing the speakers 3 seconds after the person before tired together.” Shanty Town is an weight of the hardships and found and watching a documentary for them. When everyone’s candles eye opening experience that gives stability once again. Dr. Mark more enlightening information, were out, the reality set in of how students an idea of how people Mussman, the Director of Educa- the students did some activities to many died in such a short amount experiencing homelessness live, tion for the Cincinnati Coalition, reflect on what they learned. First, of time.

by Isabel Hassett Make a difference in your community; ways to help While many of us enjoy giving gifts to our family and friends during the holiday season, we usually don’t consider extending the same generosity to those that are less fortunate. We may donate a few dollars to a local charity or tip our waiter a little extra after lunch to extend some kindness, but there is always more to be done. For those of us who are fortunate enough to have a traditional holiday, let us look to those who are not and try to help. If you are struggling to find an inspiring cause to support this year, here are some ways that you can give back to the community over the holiday season.

1. Donate old coats, hats, gift you can give over the a simple wish list, and you care about them. the spirit of giving doesn’t gloves, or scarves to a local holiday season is your time. purchase the items that they have to do the same. Need is homeless shelter or Good- Those who cannot afford want. When you see the joy 5. Send holiday cards or year-round, so take the time will store. a meal, children receiving on the parent’s faces, know- care packages to active-duty to volunteer, donate, or just For many experi- treatment in the hospital, ing that they will have some- military members be kind to others whenever encing homelessness during and the elderly who cannot thing to give their children Members of the military you can. Those you help will this holiday season, the cold spend the holidays with their this year, it truly warms your make incredible sacrifices for appreciate the effort, and is an enormous obstacle family are all deserving of a heart. us, and without them, our chances are your own spirits to overcome. Cincinnati wonderful holiday, and you freedom to enjoy the holi- will be lifted. weather can be especially can help make that happen. 4. Simply make someone days would be threatened. unpredictable, which is why Every hour spent volunteer- happy. This year, try to gather and everyone needs to be pre- ing makes a difference in Giving back over send some necessary supplies pared for the biting cold. To that person’s life, and the day the holidays doesn’t have or small gifts to servicemen make your donation more may even become a tradition to mean making elaborate and women that cannot effective, spread the word if you get the whole family gestures or spending ex- come home for the holidays. to coworkers, friends, and involved. cessive amounts of money. You can do this through your family to gather as many Some people have experi- local Red Cross or through cold-weather clothes as you 3. Sponsor a local family for enced great loss or sadness the A Million Thanks pro- can. the holidays. this year, and taking the time gram. Many churches or to cheer them up can make 2. Volunteer at a local community centers offer a world of difference. We 6. Make giving a year-long organizations that means a program where you can love to know that someone priority something to you. sponsor a family for the cares, so make an effort to let Though the holi- Perhaps the greatest season. The family makes someone know that you do days seem to end too soon, December 15, 2016 Your News for Oak Hills High School 2

Dear Reader, Congratulations! You have all made it through (almost) a half school year! Whether it’s your first or last year at Oak Hills, this is a time to celebrate. Winter break means snow, hot chocolate, presents, family, and most of all, dogs in cute little sweaters to keep them warm. There are some negative Prom Updates By: Abby Dye aspects to the holiday season, such as nonstop political This year’s prom will be held at the downtown Hyatt on April 22 and the prom theme will be discussions at the family Christmas dinner, but those can Fairytale Fantasy. Junior Jordan Asman, head of the prom committee, said that this year’s prom will be “unforgettable.” be overlooked. The Tartan staff has been working this past Help is still needed to plan this year’s prom. For more information on how you can be part month to bring you excellent holiday-themed articles, and of this memorable night, contact [email protected]. Remember, if you don’t take an I hope you enjoy reading their works as much as I do. So active role in planning prom, you can’t complain when it’s over. curl up by the fire with a nice blanket, pause your studying for midterms, and take a look into what’s going on at Oak Hills. As always, let me know if there is anything you think The Tartan should be writing about, and have a great rest of the school year! Happy holidays, Isabel Hassett

Has Christmas lost its meaning? by Hannah Welling LGBT+ Safe Place Stickers: Providing Safety for Differences (Opinion) As we come up on the Christmas season, it is almost impossible to avoid the huge by Marissa Kempf and Mya Lipps illuminated displays, festive music and Christmas specials on TV. Is Christmas becoming The United States Supreme Court legalized same sex marriage on June 26th, 2015. With the Supreme Court too commercialized? Should we return to more traditional celebrations? What is Christmas ruling that it is unconstitutional for states to ban same sex marriage, this was a huge victory for all same sex supposed to mean anyway? couples nationwide. Many have said that now that marriage is legal for all same sex couples, all issues faced Christmas has a different meaning to everyone. Some people see Christmas as purely a within the LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, +) community have been resolved. To state it simply, way of celebrating the birth of Christ. Others believe Christmas is a time to express love to this isn’t true. Two of the biggest issues facing the LGBT+ community are violence and hate crimes, with the family and friends by giving and receiving presents. It can also be viewed as an opportunity Orlando nightclub shooting being one of the more recent events. to visit distant family or friends. As the world around us is fastly changing, the religious The LGBT+ community’s anxieties are high and many worry for the future. This year, stickers were placed meaning behind Christmas has faded. The holiday season is being taken over by material either on or near many teachers’ doors that read “LGBT Safe Space.” The stickers are meant to say that if a things: presents and shopping. An Oak Hills sophomore, who wants to remain anonymous, student is a member of the LGBT+ community, they are welcome to go to that teacher with any issues or explains it like this: “There is no holiday cheer. There is no vibe in the air. Everyone is just concerns they have regarding their sexuality, gender identity, relationships, or anything else that they may not stressed out from having to spend all their hard earned money on things that don’t matter, or feel completely comfortable going to just anyone with. They mean that they can go to someone without the else we look like we don’t care.” fear of judgement and know they are accepted for who they are. But are these stickers actually necessary? Do Everyone has a different opinion about the true meaning of Christmas and how to cele- we really need them? brate the holiday. Overall, I think we can all agree, the holidays are a time for love and peace We wanted to hear from the students. In a survey, we were able to collect data that states that some students and stories from crazy uncles about how they smashed their thumb 50 years ago. do find the stickers unnecessary. Some say that there isn’t any harassment towards the LGBT+ community and that the community is fine without a safe place here at Oak Hills. A few also felt it’s unrealistic and implies our school is “soft.” These people feel that this isn’t the way the real world works and that having safe places is misleading. We asked English teacher, Mr. Becker- who did have a sticker on his door until it disappeared- his opinion: “I don’t know if they are essential. But I have always had several students from the LGBT community and I wanted them to know that I am supporting them. The teen years are tough enough as it is. The LGBT community is part of the Oak Hills community. All should receive the same support.” By giving the LGBT+ students someone to talk to, the stickers are helping them fit into the stubborn nor- malities of society and reminding the students that, no matter what, they are important. Even if opinions are scattered and uncertain due to personal or religious beliefs, it shows respect, acceptance, and even love. Overall, the majority of responses were positive and open to the stickers with an understanding that in to- day’s world, where traumatizing events like the Orlando nightclub shooting can happen again, it’s hard to feel completely safe. Even if it isn’t realistic, the stickers can help raise a generation to not define people by their differences, but instead accept them. After all, America is the Melting Pot.

Dear Oak Hills Students, I hope the Holidays are all you expect them to be: warm blankets, mugs of hot coffee or hot chocolate, and cheerful evenings with fam- Thank you to our advertiser! ily. Be grateful for everything you receive and know that it’s better than nothing. Forget material value for a second and just smile at the fact that Grandma wanted to give you something. Even if she just gives you plain white socks or even better, underwear. Don’t forget to send me cute pictures of your dog in it’s holiday sweater because let’s be honest, that’s all the really matters. We hope you learn something new, or find meaningful advice to take into 2017. Sincerely, Mya Lipps

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2017 Yearly Horoscope The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Abby Dye by Abby Kromme Around this time of the year, shaving for that month and instead, do- Capricorn (December 22- January 20) I’m sure you’re thinking of Christmas nate to find a cure for prostate cancer. Keep your eyes open. Be aware of the ones around you as you will see their true selves for either the good or the bad, but don’t view them differently. Instead, keep an open mind about them. and Thanksgiving. As much as I love Locally, many students and Be diligent about repaying debts as they will haunt you throughout the rest of the year until paid back. the holidays, there’s something during a few teachers are partaking in this On a positive note, in July, expect to change your Facebook status to “In a relationship.” If you’re already taken, the winter that warms my heart even event. On any normal day, you can expect your relationship to blossom by this time of year. more: No Shave No- catch Mr. Schroeder vember. As a female, with a clean shave. Aquarius (January 21- February 19) the societal expec- However, through It´s your time to shine in 2017. In May, you will have the opportunity to become a leader, Aquarius, and if you take it, your self esteem will rise tremendously. tations to keep your November he let his There is a strong force that will push you to cherish others. Some might try to put you and your aura of gratitude legs hair-free all of facial hair grow out down, but don’t let them. the time gets tire- as he supported the New changes to your daily life will emerge. Take advantage of them. They’ll bring you fortunate opportunities later some. The amount cause, despite his in the year. of money and time wife’s unhappiness it takes to shave is with his doing so. Pisces (February 20- March 20) unreal, so I find any He has donated the Keep your eyes open. Be aware of the ones around you as you will see their true selves for either the good or excuse I can to go money he saved to the bad, but don’t view them differently. Instead, keep an open mind about them. Be diligent about repaying debts as they will haunt you throughout the rest of the year until paid back. without doing so. Prostate cancer. Ad- On a positive note, in July, expect to change your Facebook status to “In a relationship.” If you’re already taken, For the guys that are ditionally, the senior expect your relationship to blossom by this time of year. capable of growing a beard, it is a fun class’ own Ashley Schaefer took part in way to let go for a month and not feel No Shave November for a fourth year. Aries (March 21- April 19) the need to look groomed and proper. She has donated all of the money she New year, Old faces. New people will enter your life this year as well as old faces. In previous years, you have What most people do not know, how- saved on shaving cream and razors to been putting others above you. It’s encouraged that you put yourself above others every once in awhile. ever, is that this trendy event is meant Prostate Cancer. While her boyfriend You’ll say what’s on your mind more often, Aries. No longer will you keep your opinion to yourself. Don’t try to hold your voice back either. It needs to be heard. to raise money for prostate cancer. questioned whether or not she was a Back in 2014, the ALS ice female and her family frequently com- bucket challenge went viral and was pares her legs to those of a gorilla, she Taurus (April 20- May 20) You will be up to something. Attempting to keep a hidden project hidden will empower and strengthen your a huge hit. While continues to participate independence. It’s recommended to keep this plan hidden, since many won’t understand it’s purpose. many participated every year. Ashley Your confidence will grow this year. Take advantage of any opportunity to travel, especially travel offered by your in the act of dump- doesn’t let the daily employer. ing a huge bucket comments on how of ice water over disgusting she is get Gemini (May 21- June 21) their heads, very her down, and neither Love is in the air. Don’t be surprised to find someone especially attractive when the new year starts. It’s easy to let few donated money should you. To partic- feelings like these come and go, but remember that it’s your inaction that you regret the most. Try to start something to ALS as they were ipate next year, all you new with this person. You might find there’s something more than just attraction. Your social scene will get signifi- “challenged” to do. have to do is simply not cantly bigger this year, so get ready to attend some concerts and parties. It’s critical to make good first impression- No Shave Novem- shave. You can make don’t look like a hot mess. ber is very similar, an easy donation with but we hope to all of the money you Cancer (June 22- July 23) change that. While saved for the month Changes are coming. Big and small changes are coming this year for you. Be prepared for some major many participate online at no-shave.org! decision making; even bigger than deciding what selfie to post. Make choices that you feel best about. Trust your gut and raise awareness Even if you do not have instinct. Don’t quit your job, despite how much you hate it. If you quit, you’ll hate not having a paycheck even more. for the cause, the the money to donate, Strive and succeed this year, and vow to make positive changes. number of people who donate is very it will save you a few dollars. Raising limited. The intention is for each per- awareness is better than doing nothing Leo (July 24- August 23) son who participates to save all of the at all. The early bird catches the worm. Make sure to stay on top of all your responsibilities or you’ll spend most of money they would usually spend on the year playing catch up. At the beginning of the year, don’t be surprised to find yourself forming a serious relation- ship. It’s highly recommended that you take time to focus on how you want to present yourself to others. Acknowledge your goals and use them to be the person you truly want to be. Winter Bucket List by Jocelyn Collett Virgo (August 24- September 22) • Grab a cup of hot chocolate from your favorite place. One year older, one year wiser. You’ll grow up a lot this year, Virgo, and you’re newly found maturity will come in handy with some loose ends exposed throughout 2017. • Drive around to look at Christmas lights. Be aware of your stress levels. It’ll be easy to overthink this year when you’re so busy. Try find time to relax. • Organize a secret Santa between your friends or a club You’ll have plenty of money at the beginning of the year, but be cautious with your spending. you’re in at school. • Bake cookies for Santa. Libra (August 24- September 22) The sky’s the limit. Remember this, Libra, and nothing will stop you from achieving. Your self-esteem will go to • Go ice skating! an all time high, and gathering new, interesting friends will be as easy as pie. • Create a Christmas card for your favorite teacher before Overall, this year is dedicated to you. It’s not being selfish; it’s not your fault the universe arranged it this way. Enjoy it while you can. break. • Wear that sweater your mom loves. Scorpio (October 23- November 22) • Take a trip to Perfect North Slopes. Destiny is calling. Your past will meet with the present soon enough. It’s fate knocking on your front door. If you remain kind and determined, Scorpio, this year will bring prosperous luck, and your role in life will be revealed. • Make gifts for your neighbors. Don’t be surprised when you attract a lot of new people; your grace and charm is practically a magnet. The downside • Write ten new New Year resolutions. of this year is that you will need to create a budget plan. • Eat peppermint bark. • Have a winter movie marathon. Sagittarius (November 23- December 21) Let fate make the decisions. Coming across new people won’t be by accident. The Universe has chosen these • Make a Christmas ornament. people to be in your life for a reason. Know that what you want won’t always come to you as planned, but that doesn’t • Take a photo with Santa and your siblings. mean it’s not coming. Keep ahold of your money- it will come and go quite easily. It’s recommended, that you take some free time and • Get a group together to go caroling. consider what you want for your future before this new year starts.

A comic by: Rosalie Picter December 15, 2016 Your News for Oak Hills High School 4 New Year’s Celebrations By: Sydni Crass New Year’s celebrations in Paris, France

The New Year, or “St.Sylvestre”, begins January 1st and ends February 1st.

Mailboxes are flooded with greeting cards and gifts throughout the month.

Papillotes, or chocolates that pop like small firecrackers when opened, are a common new year’s treat.

Big grape harvests begin at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Thousands of couples meet up on the Champs-Élysées, an avenue in Paris, for a New Year’s kiss when the clock strikes 12.

Etrennes is a common practice in France at this time, when one gives money to people who serve them on a regular basis: the mail carrier, local firemen, the garbage man, etc.

Popular festive foods include turkey, goose, cornish hen, scallops, lobsters, oysters, and smoked salmon.

Some cities organize fireworks or a parade, but most people join New Year’s celebration in New York City friends at a party, or go to a restaurant to celebrate. One of the famous New Year parades take place in Paris, in which About one billion people from around the globe thousands of performers - singers, dancers and entertainers - steal the watch this event on television. show, marching through various streets.

The New York City celebration in Times Square is an American tradition that is more than 100 years old.

Waterford crystal LED ball drops from the former New York Times Building to welcome the New Year.

The LED ball weighs 11,875 pounds, and drops 141 feet in 60 seconds as the countdown to the new year plays.

The city offers a free fireworks cruise on the Staten Island Ferry.

Many celebrities and musical guests make appearanc- es and perform, such as Demi Lovato, Luke Bryan, Bill Nye, and Ryan Seacrest.

Celebrations last from 3pm-12:15 am this year.

Confetti is released from the rooftops of buildings throughout Times Square creating a colorful blizzard.

The Times Square Alliance sanitation crew, in bright red uniforms, distribute tens of thousands of fun par- ty favors including hats, glasses, and noisemakers.

Réveillon in Brazil

Held on beaches throughout Brazil on New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve.

Brazilians dress in white from head to toe.

At midnight, fireworks from large rafts 300 meters from shore light up the sky.

People in attendance party from 7 pm until dawn the next day.

Lemanjá, the goddess that protects the sea, receives offerings from local residents such as vases of white flowers, fruit, lighted candles to guide her way, and thousands of small slips of paper containing everyone’s wishes for the coming year.

The best-known events are held in Rio de Janeiro, which attracts around two million people, including 700,000 tourists.

“Próspero Ano Novo” means “Happy New Year” in Portuguese.

Two weeks immediately before the festival, local community bands play throughout Rio’s neigh- borhoods.

Early in the day, many local restaurants serve special buffet lunches. December 15, 2016 Your News for Oak Hills High School 5 Around the World Chinese New Year

Date varies between January 21st and February 20th, this year the celebration falls on January 28th.

Festival for 1/5th of the world’s population.

Firecrackers are popular during the Chinese New Year and are thought to scare off evil spirits.

“Xinnian Kuaile” means “Happy New Year” in Chinese.

Each year of the Chinese New Year calendar is named after an animal.

This is the longest festival in the Chinese calendar, lasting as long as 15 days and allowing children to take an entire month off of school.

Dragon dances and street fairs are very popular, and dancers dress up as lions and dragons to per- form for viewers.

One traditional treat is a candied crab-apple on a stick.

On Chinese New Year, everyone is considered a year older, no matter when you were born. Some believe you should not wash your hair on the first day of the Chinese New Year as you would be washing away your good luck for the New Year.

New Year’s celebration in Japan

Entrances to homes and shops are deco- rated with pine and bamboo.

People eat soba on December 31 to wish for a life that’s as long as the noodles they’re eating. Eating soba past midnight, however, is to be avoided because it is believed to bring bad luck.

Bells are rung 108 times across all Bud- dhist temples. The number has a special significance in the tradition of Buddhist temples because it is believed there are 108 sins of human beings. When the bell rings 108 times, it will help people absolve their sins.

Many watch NHK Kohaku Utagassen (End of Year Singing Contest/TV Show), which has been broadcasted since 1951.

End-of-year cleaning takes place in offices and homes. It is believed that by cleaning your house, you can purify your residence and welcome the “Toshiga- mi-sama” (god of the coming New Year).

The Japanese have a custom of giving money to children on New Year’s.

Songkran Festival in Thailand

Buddhist’s celebration of the New Year.

Consists of a 3-day water festival lasting from April 13th-15th.

Parades feature huge statues of Buddha that spray water on bystanders.

People release fish into rivers as an act of kindness.

People tie strings around each other’s wrists to show their respect. One might have as many as 25 or 30 strings on one wrist, each from a different person, and the strings are supposed to be left on until they fall off naturally.

The word ‘Songkran’ is originated from the Sanskrit word ‘sankranti’, which means ‘astrological passage’.

Some apply a white pasty, powdery substance to each other on the face or neck as a sign of protection and promises to ward off bad luck.

Takes place during the hottest time of the year in the Southeast Asian country.

For three days, the streets become a massive water fight, with people throwing water on each other.

In most cities in Thailand, there are colorful parades in the streets and beauty pageants with traditional costumes where “Miss Songkran” is coronated. December 15, 2016 Your News for Oak Hills High School 6 by Alli Auel War on Christmas Opinion The month of De- belittled when people choose winter-themed designs since as a participant in the “war ion, I think some may have cember is upon us and along to wish one another “Happy it first appeared in 1997. on Christmas”. Starbucks, missed the real reasoning with it comes Christmas Holidays” instead of “Merry From minimalist snowflakes however, spoke up and stated behind the new simplistic trees, light displays, and Christmas.” Many Christians and hand-drawn reindeer to that its holiday cups were Christmas season. Referring other holiday decorations. have gone to social media to a winking snowman and dec- meant to be a blank canvas to the Christmas season as During the season, most peo- voice their feelings about the orative ornaments, each year for customers to create their the “holidays,” and the sim- ple can be seen decorating “war on Christmas” making the design was distinctive own stories, inspired by the ple design of the Starbucks their houses with christmas it a trending topic on Twitter and different from the last. doodles and designs that cus- cup, were simply created lights, browsing stores for and Facebook. However, when the new sim- tomers have drawn on white to acknowledge all people, gifts, and baking scrump- The popular coffee plistic design was released in cups for years. While some including Christians, who are tious treats. This season, shop, Starbucks, has faced stores, Starbucks was branded Twitter users praised the celebrating a variety of differ- however, some feel as if the similar backlash due to minimalist design, ent holidays and observances holiday, Christmas, is being their so called partic- others thought the during the holiday season. threatened. That is because ipation in the “war on cups were a part of The holiday season does not many have chosen to label Christmas.” The backlash the "war on Christ- just belong to Christmas, the season as the “Holidays” began in November 2015 mas." Despite the but it belongs to a variety of rather than “Christmas.” This when Starbucks released backlash, Starbucks other holidays celebrated by has caused quite the contro- their new holiday cup, has brought the other religions and national- versy in the Christian com- which had a new sim- controversial design ities all over the world. Some munity because many feel plistic design: an ombre back for this holiday include Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, as if the holiday Christmas, from bright red to dark season. Boxing Day, St. Lucia Day, which represents the birth cranberry. In the past, Although Three Kings Day, and many of their savior Jesus Christ, their iconic Christmas everyone is entitled more. is being disrespected and cup has featured several to their own opin- What is your New Years Resolution? 20% OFF by Brenna McDermott one regular priced clothing item if you bring The Tartan into the Lou Lou’s store “Get my snapchat score “To start eating right and “To try and not be as rude to 200,000 by the end of get a flat stomach plus -fi to people and be nicer to location before the year ( 2017)” nally have nice eyebrows” others. Also to become a -Anjela Lehmkuhl -Haley Cox better basketball player” 12/31/2016! -Neleah McAdams

“Sleeping more, less “To do a cartwheel” stress” -Sarah Slattery -Gabrielle Buccino

“Defy the odds my doc- “Continue my great- “Finding a date for tor gave me and go back ness” prom 2017” to cheerleading after my -Tony Trame -Anna Leah Swafford shoulder surgery.”-Kayla Black December 15, 2016 Your News for Oak Hills High School 7

A Farewell to Mr. Becker by AlliCincinnati Auel Holiday “To Do” List by Jocelyn Collett PNC Festival of Lights ed off as a rather confrontation- who wished to stay anonymous, What: The Cincinnati Zoo and Bo- Mr. Becker has been tanical Gardens is transformed into a teaching at OHHS for 12 years, al and tumultuous relationship said, “He is very involved in winter wonderland with over 2 million over the course of which he has has blossomed into an ever- student life and makes sure to LED lights. taught courses like Journalism lasting friendship between two go the extra mile!” When: Starts November 21st and ends and Mass media, Creative writ- veterans. Not having him next Mr. Becker has put January 2nd. It is open 5–9 p.m. Sun- to me is going to be awkward. his 12 years at OHHS to good day through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. ing, and English 1,2, & 3. That’s on Friday and Saturday. not all though; Mr. Becker For the last eleven years he’s use. He has been involved Where: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical has been even more involved been the anchor to our side of with numerous programs that Garden in the school with coaching the basement. I would say he is positively impact the student Cost: $16 online ($18 at the gate) for the speech team for 4 years, that neighbor with a beautiful life and community around adults; $12 online ($13 at the gate) contributing to the Veteran’s lawn and landscaping, and if a the school. Mr. Becker has for children ages 2-12 and seniors 62 and up; free for children under age 2; Day Assembly, and this year ball landed in his yard, he’d take immensely contributed to the parking not included in price helping to start the Honor it! Kind of mean, but eventually annual Veteran’s Day Assembly, Flight Program Fundraiser. Mr. he’d give it back, just when he where he has recruited veterans Christmas Nights of Lights Becker wants his legacy to live felt like it and on his terms. He’s here to our school. Mr. Becker What: Features a two-mile car ride on here at Oak Hills for as long my kind of guy! Honest to God has helped other teachers shape through Christmas displays and light shows. as possible and has high hopes will miss his sense of humor our student body into the young When: November 11th through that the Veteran’s day assem- and our awkward talks. He’s one adults we are. When asked January 1st bly will continue on for many of the best.” When Mr. Becker how he feels about the students Where: Coney Island years to come. was asked about his fellow col- of Oak Hills he said “OHHS Cost: $6 per person. Free for ages 3 Mr. Becker has worked leagues he said “I was fortunate students represent the typical and under. hard to earn the respect of enough to get to work with and middle class americans with many other great teachers such learn from the best educators in the same fears and dreams as Ice skating on Fountain Square What: Enjoy ice skating downtown as Mr. Commins, Mr. Limpert, this business.” Over the course everyone. Spending time with on Cincinnati’s Fountain Square. and Mr. Baldwin. When asked of his career Mr. Becker has also them everyday helped restore When: Open Monday – Thursday to speak about Mr. Becker, Mr. worked to inspire the education my faith in nature.” From all of from 12PM to 5PM and Friday – Sun- Commins wrote, “ What start- of many students. One student, us here at The Tartan; thank you day 12PM to 9PM until February 20th. Where: Downtown Cincinnati on Fountain Square Oak Hills teacher and coach is remembered Cost: $7 per person The Oak Hills commu- “Mr. Roche was my nity lost a beloved teacher, friend dad’s old wrest ling coach and An Antique Christmas and colleague on December 7th my dad had a lot of respect for What: Display of antique ornaments, toys and cards reviving Christmases of when Mr. Dick Roche passed him,” sophomore Ryan Johnston generations past and sharing holiday’s away suddenly. said. “I don’t think that there decorations and traditions. is anything bad people can say When: Through January 8th “The Oak Hills about him because he was always Where: Located at the Taft Museum Community is deeply saddened very nice and willing to help.” for Art in Downtown Cincinnati by this tragic loss,” superinten- Cost: $8 seniors and students, $4 ages dent Jeff Brandt shared. “Dick “He was a great man 12-17, free ages 11 and under; free for touched the lives of so many because I remember I would get all on Sundays. Parking is free with young people in his role as a in trouble and he would tell me admission. teacher and coach. He was a I’m better than that,” sophomore man of few words, but the words Kayden King added. “He would A Whimsical Wonderland he did speak had a profound im- at the high school since his retire- try to get me out of as much as Holiday Show pact on all of those whose lives ment in 2010. he could, so I could get on the What: A floral show that features he affected. He will be greatly right path.” poinsettias of royal blue, lively orange, missed and his legacy will forever Mr. Roche is married and has three and deep purple that will join the more be remembered.” children: Cara, a current senior at Mr. Roche will be traditional hues. Roche taught physical Oak Hills, Matthew, class of ‘97 missed by the Oak Hills com- When: November 12th – January 8th. education and health at Oak and Amanda (Roche) Biser, class of munity. Counselors are available Open daily from 10AM to 5PM. Hills from 1974 - 2010 and ‘97 who currently teaches English at at Oak Hills High School for Where: Presented at the Krohn Con- servatory, located in Eden Park. coached wrestling from 1974 - Oak Hills High School. anyone needing support. Cost: $7 for adults, $4 for children, and free for ages 4 and under. Free Caffeine Addiction in Teens parking offered on street or in the lot. by: Hannah Welling the same amount of caffeine as two fact that caffeine is an addictive Holiday in Lights Many Americans today and a half Mountain Dew sodas. drug can be dangerous. Caffeine What: Built over a mile of wooded roadway, the holiday themed displays might claim that they need their Though findings are not particu- content can range from as much of fantastic seasonal color adorns the caffeinated beverage of choice larly conclusive, the risks involved as 160 milligrams in some energy woods, depicting everything from San- to simply get through the day. with high caffeine use in teens are drinks to as little as 4 milligrams ta Claus and his elves to every animal But how much caffeine is too frightening. in a 1-ounce serving of choco- on the ark. much caffeine? Are teenagers late-flavored syrup. Even decaffein- When: Open until Saturday, Decem- addicted to caffeine? There is ated coffee isn’t completely free of ber 31st from 6:00pm-9:00pm Sunday no doubt that the percentage caffeine. Caffeine is also present in - Thursday and of teens drinking caffeine has some over-the-counter products 5:30pm-10:00pm Friday - Saturday. increased dramatically in recent such as pain relievers and cold Where: Located at Sharon Woods, a years along with the negative medications. These products can Great Park of Hamilton County. side effects. NPR states that contain as little as 16 milligrams Cost: $13 per car teens and young adults spent or as much as 200 milligrams of almost $2.3 billion on caffeinat- caffeine. In fact, caffeine itself is a ed beverages in 2015. Even the mild painkiller and increases the Top Ten Holiday Movies Top Ten Holiday Songs National Coffee Association is effectiveness of other pain reliev- 1. Have Yourself a Merry Little finding worrisome change in ers. 1. A Christmas Story Christmas health with 31 percent of youth Teens should be more 2. Elf 2. Rockin’ Around the Christmas regularly consuming coffee. aware about the risks of caffeine on 3.The Nightmare Before Christmas Tree One attractive genre of their health as well as day-to-day 4. Scrooge 3. All I Want for Christmas is You caffeinated beverages, that seems uses in order to limit their con- 5. Home Alone 4. Little Drummer Boy to be targeted especially to teens High caffeine use may sumption in their daily life. 6. The Santa Claus 5. Blue Christmas and young adults, is the energy lead to insomnia, nervousness, 7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas 6. O Holy Night drink. These beverages bring the restlessness, irritability, an upset 8. Jingle All the Way 7. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer effects of caffeine to a whole new stomach, a fast heartbeat and even 9. Miracle on 34th Street 8. Grandma Got Ran Over by a level by adding a tremendous muscle tremors. Even more so, the 10. Arthur Christmas Reindeer amount of sugar to the drink. lack of knowledge among teens 9. Santa Baby One Red Bull has about the contents of their drinks 10. Feliz Navidad December 15, 2016 Your News for Oak Hills High School 8 HOLIDAY CROSSWORD Down 1. The night before Christmas Across 2. Where the Grinch tried to steal Christmas 3. ____ the red-nosed reindeer from 7. What the tree is decorated with 4. Another word for gifts 8. What everyone hopes will fall the night before 5. What bad kids receive in their stockings school on Christmas 10. This is lit during Hanukkah 6. Number of days of Hanukkah 11. Hanukkah is known as the festival of _____ 9. A popular drink during the holiday season 12. The type of tree that symbolizes Christmas 13. _____ the snowman! 14. A spinning top

by Ethan Cundiff Boys Basketball hope for city dominance The boys’ basketball team will be going down to Florida early in the season to compete in the Jr. Orange Bowl Classic. This will be an early test for the boys, but they’re ready to compete.The tournament will take place the week after Christmas, and the team will leave the morning of Christmas. When asked how he feels about the tournament, senior Ryan Batte said, ¨I’ve heard the competition is good. We will definitely be playing a top team from Florida. It will show how the season will go and set the tone for the year.¨ The past three seasons, Oak Hills basketball has reached the second round of the playoffs but have yet to make it further. To make things worse, last year the team was without Cameron Naber, who missed half of the season due to an injury. Three of this years seniors, Ryan Batte, Cam Naber, and Luke Rudy, have been together for the past two years and have a 28-20 record going into their third full season together. Rounding out this years senior class is Issac Holmes, Brandon Wieck, and Anthony Williams. This team is not the same as last year’s. The team only lost one starter from last year while keeping 4. “As far as leadership, I feel think it really will help now that we know what it takes to get things done, and you have to add Nick Deifel in there too because he’s been here since his freshman year. I think we have guys that will buy in and get us far,¨ Batte said about the leader- ship that can be expected from the team this year. Coach Mike Price said, “The coach’s expectations for the season are simple: play and practice like every play counts- make the fundamentals count, help each other- including being unselfish, communicating, coaching each other, competing to win and improving every day- being coachable, handling adversity, caring about performance. If we do those 4 things, we’ll be suc- cessful.¨ This year the team’s revival of important leadership ideals could turn out to be an important big factor in their push for that state title. Lady Scots on the rise The Lady Scots basketball team is on the rise this year and is expected to win at least 16 games, according to the team. The team will be led by four year varsity player, Carlie Hulette, who has already committed to Capital University. The past couple of years have been transition years for the team. They are expected to find some stability this year, as they have a mixture of experience with some underclassmen who are ready to help the team move forward. Senior Haley Scott said, ¨I think we’re gonna compete a lot more with some of the top teams in the conference, and hopefully make it further into the postseason. We’re expecting a much better season this year than last. We have a lot of experi- ence, and I’d say the team chemistry is better than it has been in a long time. We have 6 seniors this year so we’ve been playing together for a long time.¨ The girls want to prove to the doubters that this team has something in them this year. Like Scott said, the team has six seniors, Carlie Hulette, Haley Scott, Keyrstin Fisher, Sadie Chaney, Rachel Drewes, and Molly Nieman, which will give the team leadership and depth. In addition, the girls have younger talent on the roster including junior Baylie Wieck, junior Rachel Moody, and sophomore Krisi McCalley. ¨We are expecting to have a better record than last year, which was 13-10. We plan to go possibly 19-4. We also are expecting to grow as a team and come together to build a program for ourselves. An overall team goal we have is to be district champs and improve our record by winning the close games or being able to come out of a hole if we are in one,¨ Hulette ex- plained. It will be an upright year for the Lady Scots. Don’t be surprised if this team makes a run and takes the Greater Miami Conference Championship.