Vol. 58 No. 03 www.bcomber.org The Beachcomber Beachwood High School 25100 Fairmount Boulevard Beachwood, Ohio Dec. 16, 2016 BHS Musical Ensembles Perform With Cleveland Orchestra performing and worked in By Dalia Zullig another room…I had ex- Editor-in-Chief tra rehearsals twice a week The renovated audito- for the two to three weeks rium saw its first event on leading up to it, and each the evening of Nov. 5. The rehearsal was about an BHS Orchestra performed hour long.” with the Cleveland Orches- Goldman said students tra along with the choir who were not able to com- and some of the band. mit time to rehearsals were Instrumental music not forced to perform. teachers Lisa Goldman and “The students were told Noel DeViney worked with ahead of time that this the students in a series of would be something above rigorous rehearsals. Choir and beyond,” she said. “… Director Darlene Haight If students felt they did had 9 students sing along- not have the time, they side the Cleveland Or- could be excused.” chestra. 7 band students, A slightly reduced Cleve- led by Band Director Da- land Orchestra joined 39 vid Luddington, in both a students. They played piec- Brass Trio and Woodwind es that utilized the avail- Quartet, performed with able musicians. the Cleveland Orchestra as First the BHS musical well. ensembles performed a “I started working with series of pieces including the kids immediately when works by Vivaldi, Bach and school started,” Goldman Mendelssohn. After in- termission, the Cleveland Students from Beachwood’s orchestra had the opportunity to play side by side with the Cleveland Orchestra. said. “My assistant Noel Photo by Susan Bestul DeViney and I split the Orchestra played works by class so that I peeled off John Williams, Beethoven students. reer out of music, but she very cognizant of the little Haynesworth and Wu hope those kids who would be and Michael Dougherty. At “The way the conductor does want to keep playing. details within the music,” to join an orchestra in col- the end of the evening, the was able to communicate “It wasn’t terribly stress- Wu said. “He knew the lege. Inside This Issue... two orchestras joined to- with us and get us to do ful playing with the Cleve- style very well, and he gave Adams, who played the gether to perform Ravel’s what he wanted us to do land Orchestra,” Wasser- pretty good advice on the double bass during the Boléro as a finale. was amazing,” she said. “It man said. “It was more phrasing and how to mod- event, also wants to con- The students had the was almost like he was talk- stressful playing by our- ulate the bow.” tinue her musical career in opportunity to practice ing to us and not telling us selves because when you’re Freshman Abigail Ad- college. not only with Cleveland what to do. He would say ‘I playing with the Cleve- ams also learned a lot from “I’m not sure if I would Orchestra musicians, but want it to sound like this’ land Orchestra you know working with her stand major in music,” she wrote. also had a special rehearsal and not just ‘do this’.” it’s going to sound good… partner, Mark Atherton. “But I would love to play in with just Beachwood stu- Wasserman also found They’re so good that no “My stand partner was a college orchestra.” dents under the leadership it very educational to play matter what you do, it’s go- really cool,” she wrote in an “This is a once-in-a-life- of Cleveland Orchestra alongside the world-fa- ing to sound good.” email. “He’s been in the or- time kind of event,” Gold- conductor Brett Mitchell. mous orchestra. Senior Shitong Wu, who chestra for 30 years.” man said. “The Cleveland “The conductor came in “I think it was really played first chair viola, said “It’s great to play with Orchestra is a world class Hope Beats [about] two weeks out and PG 2 Hate interesting to see what playing with the orchestra people who are better than organization. It was both worked with just the 39 we’re doing for fun and on the night of the event you,” said senior Cameron an honor and a privilege kids,” Goldman said. for class being translated was cathartic. Haynesworth, who played to host them; it was both Senior Amanda Wasser- into something someone is “It was freeing because first cello, “…because you an honor and a privilege to man, who plays violin, said doing professionally,” she we’ve worked so much and get to see what you’re have them work with our the conductor had a special said. now we get to express it to missing out on.” students; and it was both way of getting across his Wasserman said she everybody,” he said. Wu wants to minor in an honor and a privilege to musical directions to the doesn’t want to make a ca- “My stand partner was music in college. Both be on stage with them.” Beachwood Responds To Shaker Heights Suspensions may or may not have been By Jinle Zhu related with the incident, a ASL Holiday News & Layout Editor walkout staged on Friday PG 3 Party the 11th, and a blackout by “No, because they don’t both Beachwood and Shak- work for it and as a cul- er, Weingard and Husa- ture they are scary, violent, madeen’s punishment has rude and needy. They ex- now been reversed. pect to be catered to.” According to the Shak- These were the words erite coverage, Husama- used in a text message sent deen’s mother met with by a Shaker Heights stu- Shaker Heights Principal dent the day after the elec- Jonathan Kuehnle and tion. It was a racist tirade came up with an alterna- directed at African Ameri- tive to her in-school sus- cans. pension. Shortly after, Shaker “I don’t think [Weingard Woman Heights students Elena and Husamadeen] should PG 6 Warriors Weingard and Myahh have been punished,” Husamadeen were appalled Shaker Heights senior Ben by the racist message and Livingston added. “They posted a screenshot of the were doing what they be- A banner was distributed on social media to organize the blackout. message on social media, lieved was right.” Image source: Instagram where it exploded. The use of racially- On Thursday Nov. 10, charged language and ra- City, verbal abuse of immi- not have been suspended. At Beachwood, students the Shaker Heights admin- cially-motivated violence grants and more. I know the suspension was have also expressed strong istration decided to call the have been increasingly com- “I understand why the overturned, but it was still opinions on the incident two girls to the principal’s mon since the election and student who [publicized the a bad decision.” and its outcomes. office, where they were in- are part of a larger trend. messages] was punished “I do hope the Shaker ad- On Friday, Nov. 11, formed of their in-school Since the election, there based on Shaker policy,” ministration tries to keep many Beachwood students suspension for “disruptive has been a nationwide in- Shaker senior Noah Gill the student body more joined Shaker Heights stu- behavior and speech.” crease in hate speech and said. “However, the other involved,” Livingston con- dents in holding a black- Responses Through an extraor- graffiti. According to CNN, student didn’t tweet any- cluded. “I was surprised out (where students wear PG 9 to Trump dinary series of events, documented incidents in- thing that would have ex- there wasn’t an assem- black clothing) to protest including a letter by the clude mosques getting let- posed the original commen- bly to talk about the sub- the suspension. The black- American Civil Liberties ters promoting genocide, tator’s privacy, not even the ject, what with the bomb Union, a bomb threat that vandalism in New York name, and therefore should threats and online uproar.” Continued on Pg.2 ... News THE BEACHCOMBER 2 News THE BEACHCOMBER 3 Holocaust Survivor Tells Story About Hope Overcoming Hate ASL Club Welcomes Community to “PJs and Cereal” Party was 17 years old, accord- Bernath emphasized the that for two weeks and ing to the Cleveland Jewish challenges of life in the restored Stanley’s hope in News. He now celebrates Nazi prison camps. In- humanity, giving him in- May 6 as his birthday ev- mates scrambled for food spiration to get through ery year. in a place where starvation each day with the knowl- “That’s when I was re- and torture were daily oc- edge that not all Nazis born,” Bernath told BHS currences. were monsters,” Deegan students in 2013, as quot- However, one day Ber- wrote. ed in the Cleveland Jewish nath was working near a Even though he was in a News. “If I had been there Nazi guard tower when a horrifying place, Bernath one more day, I would have miracle occurred. While he tried to stay hopeful. He been [dead].” was working, a small pack- emphasized the impor- Bernath and the other age dropped, as if from the tance of focusing on the prisoners were starved in sky. positive. the camp. When he was He was not sure whether “Hatred is a parasite that liberated in 1945, Bernath he should open it and take infects your brain,” he said. weighed only 65 pounds. the risk of being shot. He Students were awed On that day, he was eating took the risk, picked up by Bernath’s abillity to grass and worms while ly- the package, hid behind keep hope and love in his “Hatred is a parasite that infects your brain.” Photo by Rihab Ali ing on the ground. barracks and opened it. In- heart, despite having lived Deegan was introduced side the package he found through horrors that oth- concentration camp. For more than ten years, to Bernath by former stu- a sandwich. A Nazi soldier, ers can only imagine. By Rihab Ali “HRC students were able Deegan has asked Bernath dent Ronie Cohen. Since whom Bernath never met, “Mr. Bernath is my Staff Writer to hear about his early life to speak to his students af- then, Bernath has come kept sending him food for hero,” Deegan wrote. “ He and brutal struggles at the ter the class finishes their regularly to speak to two weeks. experienced incredible Holocaust survivor Stan- hands of Nazis in a number study of the Holocaust. Deegan’s students about In an email, Deegan hardship at the hands of ley Bernath visited Greg of concentration camps,” Bernath is a native of his experiences. commented on this story Nazis, and he maintains an Deegan’s Human Rights Deegan said. “It will cer- Romania who was liber- Bernath has spoken reg- as the most meaningful incredible attitude of hope and Conflict (HRC) class tainly help them under- ated from a concentration ularly at other schools as part of Bernath’s talk. and resilience. [In spite on Oct. 31 to speak about stand the Holocaust more camp in Ebensee, Austria well. “That same Nazi soldier, of everything,] he doesn’t his experiences in a Nazi fully.” on May 6, 1945 when he In his speech at BHS, whom he never met, did hate his oppressors.” Speech & Debate Team Seeking Coach Hoping to Compete This Season time commitment. was particularly strong. By Michal Becker “I think that could be a Three students placed at Staff Writer difficult [position to fill] the state tournament that because of the amount of year, including Jessie Gill Since September, speech time, energy, effort and (class of ‘13) who placed & debate team captain background knowledge first in humorous interpre- Swathi Srinivasan has been the position requires,” said tation for the second year struggling to get this year’s English teacher Nicole Ma- in a row. team rolling. jercak, who coached the The speech & debate This is hard to do with- team from its 2008 restart team did have a sign-up Photos and reporting by Melanie Bernstein out a coach. until last year. sheet during activities “We have had an intro- “For the last several week this fall. All students ductory meeting, and I years I’ve tried to find who signed up were called The American Sign Language Club and ASL teacher Sharon Weisman hosted the annual holiday party in the BHS gym from 11 am to 2 pm on Dec. 6. The party has been tradition for the have prepared competi- someone to replace myself, to a meeting with Student past twelve years to entertain members from the Cleveland deaf community and to build bridges between the deaf and hearing populations.This year’s party had music, a bouncy house, tion dates and materials but it’s extremely difficult Activities Coordinator games and face painting, along with enough prizes to give one to each person in attendance. There was something for everyone. “Many of my fellow students in the class take it for the sole for the potential members to find people with that Craig Alexander on Oct. 5. purpose to attend the holiday party and communicate with the deaf,” said junior ASL club member Arin Mintz. It is so rewarding to be able to speak with the deaf community and have no to work with; however, we kind of knowledge and 21 students attended, barriers of communication,” she added. This year, over five hundred people of all different ages attended. This year’s theme was pajamas and cereal, so all of the students and volunteers were do not yet have an adviser commitment,” she added. the majority of whom were The BHS speech & debate team pictured at the state tournament in 2013. From left to right: decked out in pajamas. The students in ASL ran fundraisers, including making and selling chocolates for two dollars each. These candies were a print of a hand signing the term “I love you.” and are actively looking for Last year, the team was underclassmen. Varun Jambanath, Beth Moses, Anshika Niraj and Jessie Gill. Students also reached out to local businesses for donations. This year, donors included The Winking Lizard, Dave’s Cosmic Subs, Jet’s Pizza and multiple others. one,” Srinivasan wrote in coached by Majercak with Srinivasan attended the Photo from Beachcomber archives an email. help from 2011 alum Jove meeting and explained “I’ve talked with peo- Tse. that they would need to tional tournaments.” year. She points out that season.” ple in various levels of This year she is unable to find a new coach before According to Srinivasan, there are interested stu- “More importantly, how- Beachwood administra- coach the team since she is competing at tournaments last year’s team was prom- dents. ever, I’d like to prepare the Students And Staff Adjust To Exams Before Winter Break tion regarding this mat- also advising The Oculus this year. ising. “Though they are not kids for next year, and at dents support the schedule ter, though they’re all busy yearbook. Under Majer- “Last year we had a re- “[It] included a lot of yet prepared to compete, I least get them to the point By Prerna Mukherjee with break, with that kind of change and the midterms people,” Srinivasan ex- cak’s leadership, the team ally good speech & debate freshman talent,” she said. have resources that can get where they are confident additional reporting by down time to grade ex- before break. plained. produced state champions team,” said sophomore “The team would routinely them there,” she wrote. “I in their skills so they can, Vivian Li & Yingying Gao ams,” Hardis said. “I’m sure you will find Speech & debate coach and regularly competed at Nam Nguyen, who was on place.” do think we may be able to at least, compete in the fol- Staff Writers In an email, English dissenting voices if you requires specialized knowl- national tournaments. the team last year. “At least Srinivasan still hopes to pull off a few local tourna- lowing year,” she added. teacher Casey Matthews ask around enough people, edge and a tremendous The 2012-2013 team two people attended na- see the team succeed this ments at the tail-end of the explained some possible [but] a lot of parents would advantages of scheduling prefer that midterm ex- Beachwood’s winter exams before break. ams take place before the ...‘ Shaker’ Continued from Howard said. break is scheduled to start “On the one hand, it is break,” Hardis said. Pg.1 “I just think both sides BHS Students Respond To OSU Attack on Dec. 23 this year, a week great for the students to In addition to earlier might have a point to some were texting things that computer that showed his later than previous years. be able to actually enjoy midterms, the second out was organized through degree,” junior Jakin Wu wasn’t on the news yet, anger towards the United Superintendent Dr. Bob winter break without hav- quarter will extend two social media with informa- said. “A point can be made so initially we were all just States. Hardis explained that the ing upcoming midterms weeks into January after tion that was circulated that Husamadeen and trying to make sense of it OSU released a state- change was put into ef- hanging like an albatross exams are over. primarily through Insta- Weingard shouldn’t have all,” Lisa Bolman wrote in ment on its website: fect in order to maximize around their necks,” she Social studies teacher gram. publicized the message on an email. Bolman gradu- “[Our] police and local instructional time prior wrote. Greg Deegan does not sup- Although the exact num- Twitter in the first place ated from BHS in 2011 law enforcement contin- to the new midterm exam Matthews also identified port the new schedule. ber is unclear, The Beach- since it was originally pri- and is currently in gradu- ue to respond to a public schedule that precedes potential disadvantages. “Honestly it interrupted comber estimates that over vate. However, I think that ate school at OSU studying safety incident on Ohio winter break. “Teachers who teach se- a unit, so we have to cut 100 students participated the school’s response in physical therapy. State’s campus. A suspect “With Christmas Eve mester classes counted on a unit we typically would in the peaceful protest at suspending the two girls “Knowing a place I lived has been shot and reported and Christmas falling on those final two weeks to have finished first semes- Beachwood. was completely wrong and for so long being attacked deceased. Victim injuries a weekend [we were able] make sure all of their cur- ter,” he said. “I think the protest was inappropriate given the was very upsetting, but I include stab wounds, in- to have our students in riculum was covered,” she Freshman Amanda Leiz- a bit hard to notice,” said circumstances.” still feel very comfortable jury by motor vehicle and school straight through wrote. man noted that the sched- junior Gregory Glova, who “I think that the Shaker walking on Ohio State’s other injuries that are be- Friday, Dec. 23, which is, Matthews added that ule seems unusual, but ul- participated in the black- school district didn’t han- campus,” said Sam Bern- ing evaluated.” roughly speaking, a week changing the schedule for timately does not mind it. out. “It was very subtle dle it well for multiple rea- stein, who graduated from Classes resumed on more school than in previ- winter break will cut into “I’m okay with it, per- since a lot of people wear sons,” Howard continued. BHS in 2010 and OSU in Tuesday, No. 29. ous years’ first semesters.” curriculum time, especially sonally…[but] it seems a black to begin with, and I “The main reason is that The courtyard outside Watts Hall where the attack occurred. 2014. “It felt a little eerie walk- Additionally, at the high if they are also trying to Teachers are desperately trying to finish their last units before semester exams next week. little weird, maybe they wouldn’t have noticed it if the school is supposed to Image source: AddisWang via Wikimedia Commons Shortly after he began ing on campus for the first school, first semester ex- cut back on summer as- Image by Rose Hersh. should move winter break I hadn’t known about it be- be a safe space where you his attack, Artan was killed time,” Escott said. “Most ams have been moved from signments. back so we can start with forehand.” don’t feel threatened, and This event sent shock- by a university police offi- people are comfortable January to December. “I think many teachers “Now some would say don’t have to study, but [midterms].” the next semester after- Junior Maxwell Rack- a student bringing [rac- By Justin Dubin waves through the OSU cer, Alan Horujko, who is going back on campus be- Hardis says students, are also cognizant of [the [the original schedule] ac- then I also feel like if we Sophomore Jin Liang is wards,” Freshman Amanda mill, who also participated, ism] to the forefront of Staff Writer community, and, subse- being praised as a hero for cause of how good the se- parents, and staff mem- workload students have] tually…gives [students] a had them after break we’d not happy about the sched- Leizman said. agrees. discussion should never quently, the Beachwood helping to save many lives. curity is,” he added. bers he has spoken to seem from summer assign- lot of time to study, so I get have more time to study,” ule change. Freshman Priyanka “It was a [positive] sen- result in consequences for On the morning of Nov. community, given that The campus was put on “I wasn’t on campus at to support earlier mid- ments, so to limit summer there are pluses and mi- she said. “I’d rather take midterms Shrestha also does not timent and an organized the victim. The girls didn’t 28, Abdul Artan, an Ohio many BHS grads attend a lockdown, and a Buck- the time, but when I got terms. assignments and then take nuses to midterms preced- Senior Ankita Prasad after break because I usu- mind the extended quar- way to peacefully protest deserve to be punished for State University student, OSU. eye Alert message was sent back to campus a few days “A lot of parents would weeks off instructional ing winter break,” Hardis supports the change. ally study during winter ter. the decision,” he said. trying to feel safe in a place drove his car into a group “I couldn’t believe this to students at 9:55 a.m., later, it felt like nothing really like final exams to be time of the end of the se- said. “I’m glad [midterms are] break…[the old schedule] “It’s good that you have “I was home sick, so I where they spend most of of students and staff who was actually happening on saying “Active Shooter on happened,” said Carly Bro- before the break,” he said. mester is definitely worri- Freshman Priyanka before break, honestly,” would just mean more time a cushion after break,” wasn’t publicly involved their teenage years.” were standing outside at my college campus,” BHS campus. Run Hide Fight. dax, BHS ‘15 alum and cur- “…It allows students to feel some for many,” she wrote. Shrestha appreciates that she said. “I hated the head- studying, so having [mid- Shrestha said. “But I would in the blackout, but I Shaker Heights princi- Watts Hall. ‘14 alum and OSU junior Watts Hall. 19th and Col- rent OSU sophomore. “No they have built up, kind of Hardis went on to note she will have more free ache of having to study terms] before break means like if [the semester] ended would’ve been involved pal Jonathan Kuehnle was After he hit students Mitchell Escott said. lege.” one was talking about what to this crescendo of inten- that a potential advantage time during winter break, over break. [Now it’s] kind I have to cram [studying] before break.” otherwise to display peace- contacted for comment but with his car, Artan got out “In the beginning I was Minutes before the at- happened, but campus still sity academically, and then of starting winter break but she has mixed feelings. of hard, but…I get to en- everything before break,” “But I don’t mind it too ful protest against the out- declined. and slashed students with just trying to figure out tack, Artan posted a pic- felt very safe.” have a true vacation.” one week later would be “It’s good we have [mid- joy my break…I can spend Liang said. much,” she added. come of that situation,” a knife. Artan injured a to- what was actually happen- ture on Facebook of a “Some teachers would the extra time available to terms] before break so that time with my family with- Hardis believes that Beachwood junior Jayla tal of 11 people. ing because my friends document from a Dell also appreciate having the study for midterm exams. we’re free over break – we out having to stress about most parents and stu- Features THE BEACHCOMBER 4 Features THE BEACHCOMBER 5 Exploring The Effects Of Video Games On BHS Adolescents Inequitable School Funding a Persistent Problem in Ohio

By Tyler Pohlman & With Republican-controlled government at both the state and federal level, and “school choice” supporter Parker Gill teens have limits imposed Staff Writers by their parents. Betsy DeVos selected for Secretary of Education, the problem is not likely to be addressed any time soon. The study found that Video games have be- students who received a By Alex Cala come a staple of childhood gaming console right away Opinion Editor the state level, you move private schools, something and adolescent entertain- would spend less time on towards a more adequate that has taken away a sig- ment. According to the homework, resulting in and equitable program for nificant amount of money American Psychological lower grades on standard- School funding is some- everyone.” from public schools. Association, more than ized tests for reading and thing that doesn’t receive Unfortunately, with “Although every school 90% of children from the decreased writing perfor- nearly as much attention funding being primarily district is impacted differ- ages of 2 to 17 play video mance four months later. as it should. However, for based on property taxes, ently, on average, for ev- games. Another study by Karen some students, it can be districts like East Cleve- ery child who moves from Freshman Zach Harf Cummings of the Uni- the difference between land, which have a limited a traditional public school estimates that he spends versity of Michigan and having a full-time school tax base, are at a severe to a charter school, that about 10 hours a week Elizabeth Vandewater of nurse or a music class, disadvantage. district will lose the state playing video games. the University of Texas in things that are viewed by Increasing state fund- funding for two students. “Sometimes, when I 2007 also found negative many educators as essen- ing to districts with lower Beachwood is losing over don’t feel like doing home- results when adolescents tial. property values seems to $90,000 per year while work and I want to escape played video games regu- And in Beachwood, be the only way to move to- Cleveland is losing over somewhere else, I feel like larly. The study involved where we benefit from one wards a more equal fund- $140,000,000 each year to video games are [an escape 1,493 children using time- of the highest per-pupil ing system. charter schools,” Wagner to] a world that I enjoy diaries to determine their expenditures in the state, “Currently, the state wrote. rather than actually doing time spent playing video it’s hard to imagine what provides about half of the In the future, more fund- the homework,” he said. games compared to their it’s like to try to learn in a total revenue per pupil. ing might shift from public In order to examine the time engaging in other ac- school that can not afford It should actually be 70- education to these alterna- video game habits of BHS tivities. It should also be to provide adequate ser- 75%,” Phillis said. tives, given the likely ap- students, the Beachcomb- noted that the students in vices. The current school fund- pointment of Betsy DeVos er anonymously surveyed this study were also given For the fiscal year of ing system was actually as Secretary of Education 100 students. Our survey as much time as they want- 2015, Ohio spent more ruled unconstitutional in by President-elect Donald found that 78 of the 100 ed to spend playing video than it ever has on edu- 1997’s State v DeRolph, Trump, someone who has respondents play video games. cation, nearly $10 bil- a case that Phillis was in- never attended a public games on some sort of According to the American Psychological Association, more than 90% of children from the ages of 2 to 17 play video games. The study found that lion dollars, on its 1,031 volved in. The Ohio Su- school, and whose children gaming platform. Photo by Shane K. via Wikimedia Commons. students who played vid- districts, which include preme Court ruled in a 4-3 have never attended a pub- eo games for more than public districts, joint voca- margin that the system lic school. Do Video Games an hour a day spent 30% tional districts, and public failed “to provide for a DeVos’ reach (and mon- Cause Violence? tively played first-person video games lead to violent the 2008 Delaware School violent video games, only less time reading and 34% community schools. This Ohio’s school funding formula has been ruled unconstitutional by the Ohio Supreme Court, thorough and efficient sys- ey) has shaped Michigan In spite of their preva- shooters. behavior. Survey concerning wheth- 3%, or 2 people, feel that less time doing homework comes to an average of but the state legislature has never addressed the problem. Image by Livi Eppell. tem of common schools” educational funding since lence, video games have re- The even more devastat- The test involved 1,595 er students have played violent video games make compared to non-gamers. $9,640,615.17 per entity. as directed by the constitu- the 90s, pushing “school mained controversial due ing Columbine shooters children and young adults violent video games in the them more aggressive. However, Kamelhar Ohio funds its schools tion, and that the govern- choice,” which is aimed to to one subcategory: violent were found to be active who played violent video past while at the same time Furthermore, about 27%, is not so quick to blame using a combination of ment should find a solu- allow families to look be- video games. players of games such as games. These subjects were accounting for factors such or 16, of the violent video video games, stating that state funds, property and tion immediately. yond public education and Despite these games be- the original Doom and assessed for physical ag- as age and gender. game players answered any type of leisure activity income taxes, and federal “Right now, the two biggest problems we face in The decision was reaf- towards charter and pri- ing rated for only ages 17 Grand Theft Auto. gression after three and The survey includedthat playing these violent can cause an adolescent to funds to supply its schools. education funding is that there is no adequacy, and firmed three more times vate schools if they feel the and up by the Entertain- But it is not clear that six month periods. The responses from 6,567 video games are stress re- complete less school work, The amount of state between 1997 and 2003, need to do so. ment Software Rating playing violent video test concluded that the eighth-graders and found lieving for them. which in turn negatively funds that a district re- no equity...a great disparity exists between the top during which no changes “(DeVos) has spent her Board (ESRB) , adolescents games is the cause of vio- prepubescents in the study that the students did not The Beachcomber survey affects their grades. ceives is calculated using were made, but with the family fortune on trying to are still able to obtain these lent behavior, or if both showed a relatively small predict an dramatic in- suggests that violent video “If a kid is going out to a formula that takes into and bottom 25%. By pumping more money into the fourth ruling, the Court obtain funding for charter games with their parents’ crease in violent behavior games only cause a rela- play six hours of basketball account the enrollment gave up jurisdiction on the schools and vouchers….” permission. as a direct result of violent tive increase in aggression after school, they’re not and the property values system at the state level, you move towards a more matter, essentially waving said Melissa Cropper, Pres- Some believe that exces- “According to the American video games. in a miniscule number of going to have time for their in the area. A district with the white flag and accept- ident of the OFT (Ohio sive use of violent video BHS school psychologist students. Also, for some grades; same with video lower property values and adequate and equitable program for everyone.” ing an unconstitutional, Federation of Teachers). games may lead to detri- Psychological Association, Kevin Kamelhaar argues individuals, violent video games,” Kemelhar said. “It a student body of 500 will unfair system as the norm. One of the problems that mental effects. In 2014, more than 90% of children that violent video games games can even be posi- has to be an appropriate receive more money from Education funding is not come with these types of Grand Theft Auto 5 was from the ages of 2 to 17 play are not the cause of violent tive in the sense that they time frame.” the state than a district of -William L. Phillis, Executive Director of The Ohio Coalition of often mentioned as a dire schools is a lack of account- pulled from shelves in Aus- behavior. actually release aggression Kemelhar also defends the same size with higher social issue, and its reper- ability, and, frequently, a tralia after a change.org video games.” “Some kids just have a in some people instead of video games against the property values, assuming Equity and Adequacy of School Funding cussions are not as appar- lack of success in educating petition gained more than tendency for violence,” Ke- creating it. charge that they cause an- that all other factors re- have less stable home lives, had a performance index (The Ohio Coalition of ent as other troubles fac- students. 40,000 signatures. are symptoms of a violent increase in aggressive ten- melhar said. “Playing a vid- tisocial behavior. main constant. higher high school drop- score of 82.11. Its highest Equity and Adequacy of ing the state government, “As far as research shows, Critics argue that violent personality. dencies. eo game shouldn’t cause Other Effects of “[Playing video games] There is often a dispar- out rates and less of a sup- grade was a B, of which it School Funding), a Co- which might explain why it most charter schools are video games inspire young Craig A. Anderson of the However, according to any more violence than a Video Game Use doesn’t necessarily lead to ity seen between districts port system at home, all of had one, and it had 8 F’s, 6 lumbus-based group that, hasn’t been adequately ad- not performing any better people to reenact their vir- department of Psychology a study in 2015 by Whit- kid already has.” Another question is antisocial behavior, but it such as Beachwood, whose which can have a negative D’s, and 1 C. It’s almost as in its own words, seeks to dressed. than the public schools,” tual actions in real life. The at Iowa State University ney Decamp, an Associate Kemelhar went on to whether video games lead can lead to isolation,” Ke- relatively small student impact on a child’s educa- if these two districts don’t “secure high quality edu- A.J. Wagner, a former Cropper said. “There is a most notable example was along with colleagues from Professor of Sociology at state that he hasn’t seen an to antisocial behavior in melhaar said. “Antisocial body and robust property tion. even exist on the same cational opportunities for member of the state school place for high performing in July of this year when Japanese and American Western Michigan Uni- increase in violence in chil- adolescents. Furthermore, behavior is purposeful; iso- tax base allowed it to have The disparity between planet. all Ohio school children board who resigned on Nov. charters in our system that an 18 year old gunman Universities conducted versity, video games don’t dren as a result of violent some have argued that ex- lation is just the fact you’re an operating budget of these two districts is clear- School funding is some- without diminishing op- 19 and had a track record of are held to certain stan- killed 9 people Munich, an experiment in 2008 to predict violent behavior. video games. In his view, cessive use of video games not around other people.” $29,283,687, and spends ly seen in the latest state thing that, clearly, should portunities for students advocating for more school dards, but right now, there Germany. The teenager ac- try to figure out if violent He examined data from kids who become violent could increase depression Isolation, he says, is not an average of $17,315.85 report card. try to ensure an even play- who reside in higher capac- funding for public schools as are way too many charter are predisposed to violence and negatively affect stu- unique to video gamers. per pupil for the 2015 fis- Beachwood met 28 of ing field, and attempt to ity districts,” thinks the well as more accountability schools.” with or without the influ- dents’ grades. “Some kids spend hours cal year, and a district the 29 standards, had a close the gap that obstacles answer is simple. The state for charter schools, says that Cropper says that char- ence of the game. Our Beachcomber sur- reading, which causes such as Bellaire, a similarly performance index score such as poverty pose, in or- simply needs to spend some of the first things to go ter schools have lost sight Freshman Tyler Stovsky sized rural district located of 107.42, and was, over- der to ensure a stable and more money on its future. when a district is short on of their original purpose, agrees. in Southeastern Ohio, all, the 5th ranked district secure adult life. Clearly, “Right now, the two big- cash tend to be extracurricu- and are now too focused on “With all the hours “Kemelhar emphasized that which has a much smaller in the state. Its lowest the system now is not do- gest problems we face in lar in nature. serving as competition for I’ve played in these video property tax base, and, grade was a C, of which it ing that, with districts education funding is that “Economically strapped both dollars and students games, I don’t really feel time spent playing video thus, an operating bud- had one. with lower property values there is no adequacy, and districts are seeing a loss of to public schools. violent in any way,” he said. games, like any other activ- get of $11,904,264, and When compared to Bel- and higher poverty rates no equity...a great dispar- art, music and physical edu- The original purpose of Michael R. Ward of the ity, needs to be managed which spent an average of laire, the differences are being left behind. ity exists between the top cation classes. Schools are charters were to experi- University of Texas at Ar- $7,923.29 per pupil in the staggering. Bellaire only William L. Phillis, the and bottom 25%,” Phillis losing nurses, counselors ment, for teachers to be lington found a negative effectively.” same year. met 8 out of the 26 stan- Executive Director and said. “By pumping more and extracurricular activi- able to innovate and share correlation between video Looking at these num- dards set by the state, and Founder of the OCEASF money into the system at ties. All of these enhance the their findings with the ed- games and adolescent vey revealed that 12%, or them to isolate them- bers from a purely mon- student experience and im- ucational world,” she said. crime rates in his 2010 9 of those who play video selves, but it doesn’t get a etary perspective, the dis- prove student performance,” “Instead, it is now a source study. Ward studied trends games answered that their bad rep,” he said. parity isn’t very apparent. he wrote in an email. of competition to public during the time period grades are negatively af- Kemelhar emphasized After all, Bellaire’s operat- Given the current envi- schools...Education should when a popular video game fected as a result of playing that time spent playing ing budget of $11,904,264 ronment, it will not be easy be collaborative, not com- was released and the num- video games. video games, like any other is still 2 million dollars to get an equitable school petitive.” ber of teen crimes and ho- Robert Weis and Britta- activity, needs to be man- over the state average. funding system. Overall, Cropper fears micides committed. ny C. Cerankosky of Deni- aged effectively. However, what isn’t taken “To fix education prop- that with the appointment Ward discovered that son University conducted “I think time manage- into account is the dispar- erly will take a leader who of Devos and a Republican- when a new game is re- a study to see if video ment is huge,” he said. ity in socioeconomic status is willing to raise taxes ruled government on both leased, the number of games would negatively af- “Video games are no differ- between the two commu- and adjust tax formulas the state and federal level, teen-committed crimes de- fect students’ grades. One ent than exercise or read- nities. from their current con- funding could divert to creases significantly. Ward group of students received ing in the sense that we According to the latest figuration,” Wagner wrote. block grants, which will credits video games in the a video game console at the have to keep track of how available census data, Bel- “Someone will need to pay allow the states to spend sense that they can be used beginning of the study, and much time we are spend- laire has a poverty rate of more. Those who pay more federal education dollars as a way to release aggres- another group of students ing.” 23.1%, which is greater are not likely to be hap- however they see fit, which sion and anger while play- did not receive a console “Video games all the than the state rate of py, will complain loudly, could exacerbate the prob- ing a game instead of in until the end of the study. time distract me from 14.8%, the national rate of and be sure to campaign lem of inequitable funding. real life. It should, however, be school,” Stovsky said. “I 15.1%, and almost 6 times against any such leader in “The fear is that legisla- The Beachcomber survey noted that the students usually have a set time that larger than Beachwood’s the future.” tors will try to create choice also found evidence against in this study were given as I will go and do my home- poverty rate of 4.1%. One way leaders are at- and advocate for more violent video games caus- much time as they wanted work but I usually go past Poverty is something tempting to plug the holes vouchers and charters ing violent behavior. to spend playing video that time and play longer that vastly affects the qual- Trump’s pick for Secretary of Education supports increasing school choice through vouchers in Ohio’s education system over trying to effectively Of the 60 students who games, which could lead to than I plan to.” ity of someone’s education. and charters, an approach likely to divert funds from the poorest school districts. is with the advent of more educate [all of Ohio’s] chil- answered that they play skewed results since most People in poverty tend to Image by Livi Eppell. vouchers for charter and dren,” Cropper said. Junior Leah Roter became the Div. II girls’ cross country state champion at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio on Nov. 5. Roter ended her undefeated season with a stunning time of 17:55, becoming the first Beachwood athlete in history to bring home the state cross country title. It seemed that the odds were certainly in Roter’s favor the day of the state meet. With good weather, a great course and in- domitable talent, Roter started with a lead and never let it go. “I was in the lead for the whole race, basically, so it was quite hard, but I man- aged to get first place,” she said. Roter’s coaches are proud. “There are not enough words to describe how happy I am,” cross country coach Jamie Lader said. “This is the first state champion I’ve had the pleasure to coach.” Assistant coach Dominic Velotta ex- plained that Roter’s talent and preparation put her in position to win. “The stars were aligned for her; every- thing fell into place,” Velotta said. “The team was there to support me, so that was really nice,” she said. “And the coaches just told me not to worry, [to] just run my own race…and that’s what I d i d .”

Coming Soon: Coverage of Diver Amanda Leizman and more Arts & Life THE BEACHCOMBER 8 Opinion THE BEACHCOMBER 9 Avett Brothers Bring Sensitive And Soulful Sound To Akron In Response To Donald Trump: No One Took Him Seriously points in the performance. turned dark, and the only white working-class, and By Ben Connor Striking heart chords, thing people could see By Alex Cala many other (predominant- Staff Writer the song explored a man’s were the red exit signs in Opinion Editor ly) white groups will con- confessed love to a girl he the background of the the- tinue to be a major force in The Avett Brothers per- can’t have, starting off ater. November 8, 2016… a politics for the foreseeable formed at the Akron Civic slow and steady and end- Suddenly, twenty feet day that will go down in future. Theater on Nov. 16, bring- ing in a folky jam. It was a above the stage, an orange history as the day that, In this way, we are ing American folk rock to four-minute rollercoaster neon light reading “The for better or worse, voters watching him join with the rubber city along with ride of emotion. Avett Brothers” as well as elected Donald J. Trump the Washington establish- generous doses of compas- A few songs later, Seth purple neon lights reading to be the 45th president of ment he campaigned so sion, sincerity and felicity. Avett took a break from his “True Sadness” hit my reti- the United States. feverently against, creat- With no opening band, guitar and sat down at the nas and sent shivers down If you would have told ing a legacy that has trans- Scott and Seth Avett hum- piano while brother Scott my spine. Seth and Scott me last year that I would formed one of the major bly took the stage, along- exchanged his banjo in for sang in harmony as a sin- be typing that sentence, two political parties in an side double bassist Bob a microphone. This meant gle light shined down on I would have called you inconceivable way. Crawford and cellist Joe the band was ready to play them. It goes to show the crazy and asked you if you However, what will hap- Kwon. their most famous song, “I range the band can have, in were living in some parallel pen if he can’t deliver on From slow and heartfelt And Love And You.” From terms of both their talent universe, perhaps one in the many things he has songs about coping with the moment Seth touched and their emotional range. which the Cleveland Cava- promised? struggles to banjo-filled his fingers to the piano Sitting in the upper tier liers and Chicago Cubs The wall on the border madness that brought peo- keys, the whole crowd of the theater, I had a great were world champions. seems like a pipe dream; ple to their feet to dance, knew what was in store. perspective on how the Alas, the polls, which congressional term lim- their setlist portrayed Everyone joined to- fans reacted to the music. predicted a win for Demo- its are not going to pass the evolution of the mu- gether in song and spirit As a high schooler, I don’t cratic candidate Hillary through Congress any- sic they’ve made through as the Avett Brothers sang really know too many oth- Clinton, were wrong, and time soon, and negotiating their fourteen-year jour- about a failing relationship er people who share this Trump took several key trade deals doesn’t work ney together. and the struggle to say the taste in music, so it soft- swing states, including like negotiating with a con- They opened with “In the words “I love you.” When ened my heart to see hun- “The lights hit my retinas and sent shivers down my spine.”Photo by Ben Connor Ohio, on his way to the tactor or labor union. Curve,” a song off of their the last notes on the piano dreds of people dancing to most shocking and im- If Trump can’t deliver on 2007 album “Emotional- played and the song came the music I love. gracefully bowed to their back on stage and humbly the crowd of flailing hands, probable victory since Tru- his promises, he will face ism,” which immediately to an end, the performance For their last song of audience and walked off agreed to an encore. They eventually making their man beat Dewey in 1948. a very angry electorate, a livened the crowd. Next, filled our hearts with emo- the night, the Avett Broth- stage. The applause was played three more songs, way to the darkness back- Trump will be the first Democratic party ready they played a song from tional energy and warmth. ers performed “Living of deafening. each better than the last, stage. president to have no prior Cartoon by Jinle Zhu to pounce, and, perhaps their 2012 album “The Car- The Avett Brothers are Love,” a song that carries I was brought to my feet to end their captivating, Ready to leave, I put my political experience since worst of all in his devilish penter” called “Live and touring to raise excitement the message that whatever as the cheering continued emotional, and blood- coat on. Still in awe of what Dwight D. Eisenhower, a hatred in this country, no dent as ever, yet repeatedly His ability to completely some of the great dema- eyes, failure, something Die.” The third song on for their new album, True one does in life, it should for what seemed like an rushing performance. As I just witnessed, I thought war hero, took office in one took him seriously. stated that he wouldn’t eschew Republican tradi- gogues in history. that “The Donald” isn’t the setlist was “Laundry Sadness, so it made sense come from a place of love eternity, but was actually they thanked the crowd to myself, did this really 1952. When he takes of- When he proposed ban- accept any result in which tions on issues such as free He is so effective at this, normally accustomed to. Room,” which stood out that they jammed out to a and happiness. When this about three minutes, until for their time, they threw just happen? fice on January 20, Trump ning Muslim immigrants he didn’t win, no one took trade and Congressional that, sitting in my English One thing is for certain– as one of the many focal few new tunes. The stage song came to an end, they eventually the band came copies of the setlist out to will also be the first presi- from entering this country, him seriously. term limits have turned class the morning of No- Donald Trump will be the dent to have no political an act which seemed like All of our ignorance and the party on its head, vember 9, there were kids, 45th president of the Unit- or military experience and something that could only burying our heads in the transforming it into a new particularly minorities, ed States of America. What the oldest man to ever take occur in a dystopian novel, sand enabled a man who is type of monster that only crying, presumably fearful isn’t certain, however, is Gambino’s New Album Echoes Smooth Sounds of the Seventies office at the ripe old age no one took him seriously. sexist, xenophobic, racist, answers to Trump himself. for the future of our coun- what that means for our Nostalgic sounds are because of how weird and of 70 years and 220 days, When he implied that egotistical, and extremely His ability to weapon- try. future. Hellish dystopia, or By Jared Zullig used in other songs as well, different it is. He sings it besting Ronald Reagan’s Rafael Cruz, the father of unqualified to occupy the ize hateful and prejudicial The die-hard coalition angelic paradise? We shall Staff Writer such as “Boogieman” and like he is out of breath, a 69 years and 349 days Ted Cruz, his main rival in most prestigious office in speech, not only turning that he has stitched to- see during the reign of “California,” which fea- stark contrast to the cheery when he took office on the the Republican race, was the world. it into a rallying cry, but gether, combining the re- President Trump. Childish Gambino’s new ture funky beats and high background beat. The lyrics same day in 1981. somehow involved in the The thing is, so many an actual attraction, rivals ligious right, Tea Party, album Awaken, My Love!, pitched James Brown-like themselves are very cyni- No one thought Trump assassination of JFK, no people, even many of his (his first in nearly three vocals. This use of retro cal, an attitude that is easy had a chance. When he an- one took him seriously. supporters, didn’t actually years) which came out on sound is quite different to sympathize with right nounced his candidacy on When he mocked a re- think that he would win. Dec. 2, is a return to musi- from his other rap-heavy before midterms. June 16, 2015–what seems porter with disabilities, no To many, four more years cal styles of the past. albums such as Because In fact, the album fea- like eons ago–announcing one took him seriously. of a divided government Many songs in the col- the Internet from 2013 tures almost no rapping, that he would build a wall When he suggested that was the better alternative. lection use sound effects and Camp from 2011. something Gambino is well on the border, and when he a judge’s Mexican heritage That’s not to say that reminiscent of the 1970s I find myself enjoying known for. This may disap- later suggested that Mexi- made him biased, no one Hillary Clinton didn’t play and 1980s. many of the throwback point many of his fans who can immigrants were rap- took him seriously. a role in this election. Her The first song on the al- tracks on the album. Even listen to him for his rap- ists and thieves, it almost When he repeatedly inability to inspire, to ac- bum, “Me and Your Mama”, with the enjoyable songs, I ping talent. But the tracks seemed like a sick joke. Did bragged about “liking” war tually weave a coherent starts with synthesizer and find myself missing a good hold up nonetheless. he not want to get elected? and knowing “more about message together for the high pitched vocals that loud rap number to blast However, if you enjoy It was something a fas- ISIS than the generals,” no American people, to appeal sound like something Mar- like “Sweatpants” from a lush 70s sound, I would cist dictator would say, not one took him seriously. to anyone in the white, vin Gaye would have made Because the Internet. It wholeheartedly recom- a candidate for leader of During the debates, working class population in the 1970s, but then almost feels like the new mend giving a listen to the free world. when he came across as that Trump exploited. evolves into the guitar and album is incomplete with- Awaken, My Love! by When he said that he outmatched and outwitted Despite his shortcom- drum-heavy sound of a out a rap. Childish Gambino. wouldn’t rule out running in by an admittedly boring ings, Trump also deserves rock band like Pink Floyd My favorite song would as a third-party candidate, and tame but nevertheless credit. His ability to re- Image source: glassnotemusic.com or Led Zeppelin. have to be “California,” just a statement that proved well-prepared Clinton, no peatedly shoot himself in that he was truly looking one took him seriously. the foot with extremely out for himself, no one When sexual assault al- ridiculous lies and com- took him seriously. legations were brought ments and still not end Watch Dogs 2 Offers Unique Experience For Video Gamers When he said he was go- against him by many wom- up on the short end of The ctOS also makes the ing to build a wall on the en, making it clear that an the stick places him some- By Sridhar Uppalapati supposed “big data” that southern border to keep early accusation wasn’t an where between the Kardiac Staff Writer hackers, such as Holloway, illegal immigrants out of isolated case, no one took Kids and the Chicago Cubs hate. In order to take on the United States, making him seriously. when it comes to resilien- By creating a unique Blume, Holloway joins the Mexico pay for it and cre- Even in the days leading cy. The man was counted atmosphere through the hacker squad Dedsec, and ating a symbol that would up to the election, when out more than anyone interesting and intuitive through this squad the serve as a reminder of the Trump appeared as confi- could count, and still won. Trump is not ready to handle the responsibilities of the election. Cartoon by Nia Darby game features, Watch Dogs player is able to complete 2 is one of the best games I multiple side missions (I have played. have only been doing side Since its release on Nov. missions, so I have 0% 29, I have already logged story progress but five The Beachcomber nearly five hours on the PC hours logged) and progress version of the game. through the main story The premise behind this with his partners in justice. Editor-in-Chief Sports Editor Issue Staff amazing game is that the The plot is not the best Dalia Zullig Max Alter Melanie Bernsteins, Jared Zul- player is a hacker famous I have seen (my favorite lig, Vivian Li, Yingying Gao, in the community for his still being the plot of Halo: Layout Editor Image Editor Prerna Mukherjee, Rihab Ali, home defense attacks. The Reach or Witcher 3) but Jinle Zhu Gabriela Costa Michal Becker, Zachery Zhang, main character, Marcus it gives substance to the Ben Connor, Justin Dubin, Holloway, fights against game, and gives life to the News Editor Copy Editor James Flowers, Athena Gras- the corrupt organization actions and decisions of The defining feature of Watch Dogs 2 is the overarching focus on hacking. Image source: watchdogs.ubisoft.com Jinle Zhu Molly Rosen so, Parker Gill, Nia Darby, Tyler Blume. the player. Pohlman, Livia Eppell, and Blume controls the city Speaking of which, er event in which they con- The player can hack cars in apart from the games that more even though I have Opinion Editor Adviser Sridhar Uppalapati. of LA through their next Watch Dogs 2 has several nect their world to another order to make them turn have the same free world already logged five hours Alex Cala Josh Davis generation movement very unique game features player’s world and try to randomly or explode parts rpg features, such as Grand on it (which in the gaming ctOS, which stands for that truly make it stand hack each other without of the road to keep Blume Theft Auto and Skyrim. world is not long at all). ‘Central Operating Sys- out. First is the unique being found. This feature off their trail. Players can Watch Dogs 2 is truly able Nevertheless, I hope if you tem’. The program collects multiplayer experience. keeps the player always on also hack npcs (non-player to achieve a unique and do get the chance to play data on all of the people While playing the main their toes, as their interac- characters). Each npc has powerful gameplay. this game, you will experi- The Beachcomber is a student publication subject to prior review. This newspaper is dedicated to affording an opportunity to all BHS students to express their within LA, and essentially storyline, or even adven- tion with the virtual world a unique identity with an I would have to say ence the same feeling of controls the city through turing around the map, the is constantly changing. age and personality trait. Watch Dogs 2 is one of the euphoria I had. opinions on these pages. All unsigned editorials appearing in The Beachcomber represent the opinions of the editorial board. They do not necessarily reflect the access to traffic lights, player will randomly get The defining feature of Through these twobest games I’ve played, and views of the student body, the staff, or the administration of Beachwood High School. The Beachcomber welcomes all letters to the editor, whether critical, compli- manholes and other city a notification that allows Watch Dogs 2 is the over- simple game features, the it still gives me a strong mentary, or informative. Letters deemed obscene, libelous or inflammatory will not be published. Letters should be sent to Editor-in-Chief Dalia Zullig at dzullig@ objects. them to enter a multiplay- arching focus on hacking. game is able to set itself feeling of wanting to play beachwoodstudents.org. To contact Beachcomber adviser Josh Davis, email him at [email protected]. Opinion THE BEACHCOMBER 10 Sports THE BEACHCOMBER 11 Students Respond to Trump Win With Range of Emotions Boys Basketball Ready to Build on Impressive Legacy of 2016

By Lily Steiger By Tyler Pohlman By Daniel Mishins Junior including the right to make Freshman Junior much more realistic and ter, and Instagram feeds decisions about my own generally beneficial to the are exploding with nega- body. I’m afraid that he The main impact of the country as a whole. tive, hateful sentiment, I will push our country back election on myself and on Unfortunately, I was one cannot remain silent any- The results of this elec- years and years. I strongly believe that this country will be the of the many disappointed more. tion season made me feel He wants to make Amer- Trump won’t do some of legacy left in the sociopo- people to see that Hillary I might get attacked for the most disappointed, ica great again, but when the impulsive and contro- litical atmosphere. The Clinton was losing, tre- writing this, but I beg that sad and afraid that I have was that great time? Was versial things he said like notion that the values, or mendously. Though the you hear me out. While felt in a very long time. it the 60s, when African “making Mexico pay for lack thereof, represented election went on for hours, I do not wholeheartedly Hillary was going to win. I Americans were discrimi- the wall” or “banning all by our now president-elect going into the morning, support Trump – and I cer- thought it, I believed it and nated beyond belief? Was it Muslims.” I also strongly represent those of the I knew at 9:00 p.m. that tainly do not support Clin- I was convinced of it. But the 80s, when the economy believe that Trump will American people is an in- the election was over when ton, the response to this seeing this racist, xeno- crashed under Reagan and be a stronger leader than sult to the American edu- Trump won Ohio and Flor- election has been disap- phobic, childish sexual ha- millions died from aids? Obama by making more cation system, which has ida, and North Carolina, pointing and discouraging. rasser rise from the joke of Was it the early 20th cen- decisive actions that will failed to instill a respect for all important swing states I will wait until we can the candidates to the 45th tury, when women weren’t benefit the economy and truth, as well as American that candidates rarely lose come together – liberal and president of the United even allowed to vote? We American security. cultural values, which have while still being able to pull conservative, Democrat States has left me rattled have worked so hard to get Despite all the positive failed to instill respect for off winning the presidency. and Republican, man and and shell-shocked. to where we are today, and that I believe he will do, others. With Donald Trump as woman, black, white and Hillary Clinton was so we don’t need our presi- Donald Trump isn’t my president, our country is otherwise – and change qualified to be our presi- dent to push us back. first choice because he has taking a huge step in the America for the better. I dent that she was over- This was not a normal no political experience. wrong direction. While I will wait until we can over- qualified. Despite Trump’s election. The major issues I would have preferred a By Lakala Stewart may agree with some of his come the results of an elec- claims that she has wasted weren’t only taxes and different Republican can- Junior political views, he is a nov- tion and have the dignity her time in Washington, jobs. Our fundamental didate like Marco Rubio ice to politics, and a very to respect one another, Hillary’s thirty years in rights are at stake. This is or Ted Cruz because they On Nov. 8, I tuned in to impulsive and radical man. despite our political views. politics dwarfed his one a man who has bragged have far more political ex- the election coverage at There is no way he will be America was established year literally thirty times about sexually assaulting perience and more mature. exactly 7:00 p.m., anxious able to hold our country to be ruled with the con- over. The fact that an un- women and who has been Overall, I’m glad there to find out who would be together, and I fear how sent of the governed. This qualified white male can accused by over ten dif- was a Trump victory, and my president for the next this will affect our interna- was a democratic election. win the presidential race ferent women of sexual I feel that we, the Ameri- four years, leading me tional relationships. America spoke. I’m sorry over a woman who should harassment. That’s never cans, will be somewhat saf- into adulthood. Though I you feel upset, and I truly have gotten the easy ma- happened before with an- er. One thing that seems wasn’t fond of either can- By Jakob Bolman am sympathetic towards jority just shows how much other candidate, and it’s beneficial with Donald didate, my support went Junior your sadness. white male supremacy still a problem. I have to keep Trump is that we may have to Hillary Clinton, as she My hopes are that we reigns. an open mind, because it’s a solid alliance with Russia has much more political I have kept quiet this will overcome this negative I’m more than afraid to how our election system and Putin, meaning there experience than the unsuc- election season. I have ac- sentiment and join togeth- grow up in a country he works, but as a woman, I will be more collaboration cessful businessman, Don- tively chosen not to share er and make the best of the leads. I’m afraid that my just can’t bring myself to to deal with terrorism and ald Trump, and her views, my opinion on social me- next four years. The power rights will be taken away, support him. other world threats. policies and promises were dia. As my Facebook, Twit- lies in our hands. Trump’s Election Has Real Consequences For Most Vulnerable Reporting by Zachery Zhang; graphics by Jinle Zhu By Jinle Zhu people, immigrants and grounds, asking if their example. He has a history it his priority to minimize ers by taking away their News & Layout Editor minorities. lives and healthcare would of civil liberty violations, fossil fuel emissions. voice and dehumanizing Over the three days im- be the same in the next including calling an at- I fear that slowly, all of them, that suddenly they A vote for Trump was a mediately following the four years. torney a “race traitor” for the things society has put feel vulnerable when criti- Junior Quarterback Ben Connor Named First Team All-Ohio vote of disrespect for wom- election, the Trans Life- Guidance counselor Liz defending a black client as into place to help vulner- cized. to 30 this season. He ac- en, immigrants and mi- line saw a 500% increase Osicki has also noticed in- well as calling the ACLU able people will dry up. When someone whips By James Flowers counted for all but nine of norities. A voice for Trump in call volume. In addition, creased anxiety since the and NAACP “unamerican.” Disability allowances, pre- and beats and starves a Staff Writer the team’s scores this year. was a voice diminishing my CNN and the Washington election. In addition, he was deemed natal care for the poor, all dog, it is not “ridiculous” This season, he also rights as a human being. Post statisticians reported “Immediately after the “too racist” to be a federal of those things that quite that the dog decides to bite Junior quarterback Ben earned 2nd team all-CVC We aren’t infants who an unprecedented spike election, I had a few stu- judge by the Reagan ad- frankly barely make a drop back. It is, however, out- Connor was named Divi- at quarterback with 19 to- have not yet learned ob- in calls to suicide hotlines dents come in feeling very ministration years ago. in the federal budget but rageous that the dog was sion V First Team All Ohio tal votes. The only teams jects exist outside percep- since election night. anxious and worried about Sessions, among others in still manage to save lives deprived and abused in the on Nov. 30, the first Beach- that didn’t vote for him in tion. We recognize there In addition, the San what Trump’s presidency Trump’s cabinet, have a will start to dry up and first place. wood quarterback to do so the CVC were West Geauga, are consequences of our ac- Francisco Suicide Preven- could mean for them or direct avenue to legislative eventually disappear. There Respect for opinions is in over 20 years. and, ironically, Painesville tions. Just because a body tion Hotline saw a 30% their families,” she said. “I oppression of already mar- will be real consequences for statements like “I hate The last Beachwood foot- Harvey, even with his re- does not drop across the increase in volume, which even had a couple of stu- ginalized groups. in the lives of the most vul- black coffee” not “I hate ball player to achieve this cord performance against street when you walk up is comparable to incidents dents inquire about going It is unlikely that Ses- nerable. among us. black people.” distinction? Current Head them this year. to the polling station does like 9/11 and the Loma to college in Canada rather sions will make it his pri- Some argue that Trump So, in summary, if you Coach Damion Creel, who Connor was named not mean your choice did Prieta Earthquake. Ac- than the US.” ority to protect minorities supporters are people too, voted for Trump, please earned this distinction in Cleveland Gladiators High not have repercussions. cording to hotline direc- There will also be conse- against hate crimes or to that they feel marginalized take some time out of 1994, and is currently the School Impact Player of the On a basic level, anxi- tor Courtney Brown, 20% quences in terms of poli- ensure voting rights. in a political climate that your day today to explain only QB in the Beachwood Week in the eighth week of ety has already increased of calls cited distress as a cies. Trump’s cabinet picks It is also unlikely that silences their views. to your underprivileged Athletic Hall of Fame. the season for his perfor- for the people targeted by result of the election and are alarming. Take Jeff climate-change denial- It’s ridiculous that in friends why their lives, The wait for the release mance against Harvey on the president-elect’s cam- majority of callers came Sessions, Trump’s choice ist Scott Pruitt, Trump’s a system where those in safety and wellbeing don’t of the All-Ohio teams kept Oct. 14. He completed 13 paign: women, LGBTQ from low-income back- for Attorney General, for choice for EPA, will make power have oppressed oth- matter to you. Connor on the edge of his of his 18 passes for 352 seat, and he was shocked yards and 5 passing touch- when he found out he had downs for a perfect passer won. rating of 158.3, and ran 6 “Throughout the day, I times for 62 yards and 3 Social Media Makes Matters Worse in Shaker Heights Incident was just in suspense,” an rushing touchdowns. dredged up at some point, political view. It could be emotional Connor said. His 8 total touchdowns if someone in the future seen how this precedent The Beachcomber Staff “The day I found out I was in this game are tied for has the motivation to look could turn into something on the list, it was just pure the 10th most touchdowns for it. Maybe administrators should have just had a that could drastically affect excitement and joy.” in any OHSAA game in his- After national media There are tools like the short talk with the two students, reminding them, the free speech rights of He feels that a lot of his tory, according to their re- coverage, a letter from Internet Wayback Ma- Shaker students on social great season can be at- cord books. the ACLU, and a student- chine, which archives 279 that, in their eyes, what they did was wrong.... In- media. tributed to Creel and his Connor also set a record orchestrated blackout, billion web pages (and School officials should coaching staff. in the week 2 game against on Nov. 15, the Shaker counting) for cultural and stead, they brought more attention to the issue and not have done something “Being a quarterback Chippewa when he threw Heights administration historical preservation. so drastic. Maybe admin- too, he has given me a love a pass from his own end finally decided to nul- Additionally, everyone has thus magnified the embarrassment experienced istrators should have just of the game,” he added. “He zone to senior LeKend- lify the suspensions of stu- the ability to screenshot had a short talk with the and the other coaches have rick Robinson, who ran it dents Elena Weingard and posts on their computer or by the racist student and ultimately by the district two students, reminding taught me so much about all the way for a 99-yard Myahh Husamadeen for smartphone--things that itself. them, that, in their eyes, the game and myself.” touchdown, the longest tweeting out photos of an have been up for mere sec- what they did was wrong. A team captain this year, touchdown pass in Beach- iMessage in which anoth- onds--and share them with Instead, they brought Connor finished the sea- wood history. er student expressed her followers on social media. right way to deal with rac- a double-edged sword that involved in students’ per- more attention to the is- son 128/221 on passing Two of his senior team- prejudiced views of African Viewing the situation ism. will remain a prominent sonal lives online and of sue and thus magnified attempts with 2426 pass- mates, wide receiver and “I’m extremely proud, especially since the last person to do that was our Head Coach Damion Creel,” Connor said. “It’s an Americans. through this lens, maybe After all, in the age of part of their Google search censoring their speech. the embarrassment experi- ing yards, a 57.9% comple- free safety Mark Ferrell honor to be by his side.” Photo by Gabriela Colovon Costa The actions of these the actions of the Shaker the internet, this situation histories forever. In a school district like enced by the racist student tion percentage, 22 touch- and running back, tight priority next year. especially since the last about Ben Connor,” Creel became more of a stat guy.” students were either com- Heights administration are could follow this unnamed But ultimately, they were Shaker, one that prides and ultimately by the dis- downs, 10 interceptions end, linebacker, and punt- “My real main goal is to person to do that was said. Creel is extremely proud mendable or deplorable, understandable. student her whole life, merely exercising their itself on diversity and ac- trict itself. and a 110.41 passer rating. er Josh Bialosky were All get better as a leader, mak- our Head Coach Damion Creel has never been of Connor’s accomplish- depending on one’s view- Perhaps by suspending damaging her career pros- First Amendment rights, ceptance, the views ex- Overall, Shaker admin- A noted dual-threat Ohio Division V honorable ing sure the team is ready Creel...It’s kind of like a one to focus on statistics, ments, and has high hopes point on privacy and the the students, they were pects, even if she grows as something that every sin- pressed by this student istrators were mistaken in quarterback, Connor can mentions. for next season,” he said. bond now. It is an honor to but he had no choice after for his future. role of social media in to- sending the message that a person and doesn’t pos- gle citizen in the United are definitely the minority, sanctioning Weingard and win with his legs as well as His expectations for Being Beachwood’s first be by his side,” he added. the season his quarterback “Being an alumni, It day’s hyper-connected so- exposing someone for sess these views anymore. States possesses and uses so punishing either party Husamadeen. with his arm. He ran for a next season: Do it all again. All Ohio First Team Foot- Creel had heard the hype had. means everything,” Creel ciety. their own private thoughts And to a lesser extent, every day. However, this only brought the incident They should stick to team-high 533 yards on “If I can make first team ball player in 22 years, Ben surrounding his field gen- “I was never much of said. “It is going to be nice Every single time a in an environment where the same could be said for protection of the first more attention than it de- something they are much 85 attempts for 8 touch- all state as a junior, then Connor understands the eral when he first came to a stat guy,” Creel said. “I having Ben’s picture next tweet, video, or anything is the message could rever- the students who shared amendment extends to the served. more well known and bet- downs, which, with his 22 I’m sure I can do it again as significance of his accom- Beachwood. never preached stats to the to mine.” posted on the internet, it berate and become magni- the message. The public- racist student as well. Imagine a similar situ- ter at: providing students passing TDs, brought his a senior,” Connor said. plishment. “When I got the job here, kids during the season, but is truly impossible to erase fied through an echo cham- ity they have received in School administrators ation unfolding around with a quality education. overall touchdown count But that isn’t his biggest “I’m extremely proud, everybody was telling me when I saw Ben’s stats, I it or prevent it from being ber, social media, is not the recent weeks is no doubt should be wary of getting a polarizing, unpopular Profiles THE BEACHCOMBER 12 It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year The Beachcomber staff pulled aside several students and asked how they celebrate the holidays. Reporting by Jared Zullig

Mukul Govande What holiday do you celebrate? My family celebrates Diwali. It’s the festival of lights. It lasts from mid-November into December. What is your favorite part of the holiday? Lighting firecrackers and using sparklers What is your best memory of the holiday? This one time in India, my family decided to sleep early. I was downstairs playing with my friends. We had a really long chain of firecrack- ers, and we lit it and basically woke up the entire building.

Kai Samuels-Jackson What holiday do you celebrate? I celebrate Kwanzaa and the winter solstice. How does your family celebrate the holiday? We learn about African culture, and we cook African food. What is your best memory of the holiday? Probably cooking with my family

Ryo Okamoto Which holiday do you celebrate? I celebrate Christmas. What is your favorite part of your holiday? I like spending time together with my family. What is your best memory of the holidays? One time I got a PS4. What is your least favorite part of the holiday? Not getting what I want for Christmas