Year in pictures Spotlight on page 7 Rebecca Pittard

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Woosterthe High School studentwooster newspaper 515 Oldman Road Wooster, OH. Dec.blade 16, 2011 Volume VII Issue 7 cornerstones of our community TO 13 years of leadership Noble impacts town MAKE Noah Spector McCreary ends coaching career graphics editor FACTS YOU Editor’s Note: This story is the third of a four-part series David O’Donnell the OCC eight years ago, They’re a hard-working and focusing on people who are cornerstones of the Wooster community. 5SMARTER editor in-chief the team has qualified for experienced group of kids, the Div. 1 playoffs once and and the class of 2013 has the There is a certain point when a person is traveling On Dec. 12, Mike McCreary won the OCC in the first two leadership that will make down Oak Hill Rd. where immediately to his or informed the 2011 WHS years of its existence. them successful,” McCreary her left lies the newly christened Oak Hill Park, football team at an and to the right, sits the Alice Noble Ice Arena. “It is unfortunate that the said. impromptu meeting that he Had it not been for the generosity and good will changes that are necessary Linebacker Mason Tomblin will be stepping down as on behalf of the Don Noble Sr. and his family, none in order to improve include (12) also recognizes the talent head football coach. of these things would have ever been made possible. the loss of a good coach,” of next year’s program. McCreary, According to his book, Like Only Yesterday, Don Noble Donald Duck comics whose career “Next year Sr. rose from working at a farm to becoming CEO of 1. is obviously were banned in spanned 13 Rubbermaid, a Wooster-based company that under Noble years, said going to be and his successor, Stan Gault, became a fortune 500 company. Sweden because it was a very different, From his time at Rubbermaid, Don Noble Sr. developed a Donald does not difference in but we’re love for Wooster that translated into one of his main interests wear pants. opinion that ready to accept and goals according to his son David Noble, which was brought his the challenge helping people. tenure at WHS and win Whether it was donating, to an end. some games,” raising funds for construction Tomblin said. “Mike and I or creating organizations, According had a different Don Noble Sr. did what he could idea of where to Kellar, the to help a town that, according we wanted structure of the to his son David Noble, impacted the program coaching staff his family i m m e n s e l y . There are only 18 to go, and it is ultimately up “There are so many examples 2. to the new head of how my g r a n d f a t h e r countries in the u l t i m a t e l y ended in his coach, and he helped this city. There world richer than Bill hopes that the resignation,” are the overt things, like new head coach Gates. A t h l e t i c [constructing] the Alice Noble will invite some Director Andy Ice Arena, d o n a t i n g of the 2011 staff Kellar said. to the high school, the Arts Center and the YMCA,“ to be a part of After a 4-6 Don Noble Jr., grandson of Don Noble Sr. said. season, which the 2012 staff. According to Don Noble Jr., one of the most ended in a Drew Gerber, admirable characteristics of his grandfather loss to rival lineman coach, was how incredibly humble he was. Orrville, Kellar is undecided on “He [Don Noble Sr.] never did any of it [helping Wooster] had to re- whether or not for the recognition. There are so many things he helped evaluate the he will return out with that he never talked about”, Don Noble Jr. said. next year. Compassion will always be one of David Noble’s fondest Coca-Cola3. was structure of the Mariah whitman originally green and football team. “McCreary is a memories of his father, who passed away nine years ago. Mike McCreary stepped down from his position “My favorite memory of him is how well he treated “Every year, great guy and used to contain as WHS head football coach on Monday, his employees at Rubbermaid,” David Noble recalled. no matter what a great coach. I cocaine. In the afterword of his father’s book, David explains the team’s ending a 13-year long head coaching streak. still have some the depth of his father’s compassion for people. record is, there decisions to “…They [Rubbermaid employees] seemed to understand that is always room make,” Gerber Kellar said. he really cared for their welfare. I know that he did.” David wrote. for improvement,” Kellar said. McCreary agrees that the Since Don Sr.’s passing, his surviving family members said. Bess acknowledged the role end came in an unfortunate have inherited his giving attitude toward the city of Wooster. According to captain McCreary played in his life. fashion. Specifically, the Donald and Alice Noble foundation, Keegan Bess (12) this year’s “I can’t thank McCreary , “Obviously, it’s a headed by David Noble, has helped create Oak Hill team had a considerable enough for the years I spent disappointment. I’m sad to Park, as well as supporting Main Street Wooster. amount of talent. “We were playing for him. He is one of see my coaching job at my my role models and I wish All of these generous donations have improved Wooster. Plants run a fever a solid team this year and Cathy Rohe, Office Manager at the Alice Noble Ice 4. alma mater come to an end,” him nothing but the best,” unfortunately we came out just like humans McCreary said. Arena, would go even further with such an idea. of a couple close games on Bess said. “I feel certain that we would be seeing a very different Wooster when they are sick. As far as the future of Kellar said no decision has the losing end,” said Bess. Wooster Football, next year’s today if it were not for the generosity of some of our citizens McCreary’s record over been made for who next such as the Noble Family and Stan and Flo Gault,” Rohe said. team will be a strong one, year’s coach will be, he will the past 13 years is 69-63, In the summation of his memoirs, Don Noble Sr. states that according to McCreary. begin to accept applications making him the second “Whoever the coach will be if given the chance, he would re-live his life, a life filled with next week, and work winningest coach at WHS. next year will be inheriting ups, downs, and a life filled with compassion for other people. Since Wooster’s move to a very talented program. tirelessly to find a good fit. Quite frankly, there is nothing more noble that. Community hosts array of events Lincoln Way honors Hannah Doan Typists’5. fingers travel staff writer alum achievement 12.6 miles on an Drew King-Smith little siblings and cousins The College of Wooster will host the mens basketball business manager there. I think it is really average work day. game between COW and Heidelberg University. Many schools encourage sweet to see the little kids I “If you are a sports person, College of Wooster Basketball Game students from a young age to helped in elementary school games are fun, safe environments that are College of Wooster study hard and receive good remember me,” Holmes purpleslinky.com close to home,” Emily DeVincent (12) said, also @ grades, and Lincoln Way said. noting that the games are reasonably priced. Elementary has a special Along with the certificates,

way of promoting students the ceremony also awards The motion picture, War Horse, directed by to go on and succeed. scholarships to alumni Stephen Spielberg, will be released Dec. 25, 2011. Lincoln Way holds a special students. War Horse Release According to www.comingsoon.net, the film is “Every year we hand out Cinemark Movies 10 ceremony for past alumni INDEX set in the 1940s and focuses on the friendship to congratulate them on about six scholarships to @ that develops between a boy and his horse in the making the honor roll. students for about $250. We midst of the First World War. Cinemark Movies “It is a way to encourage hope that the students that 10 will be showing this movie for two weeks. students to continue to receive these scholarships succeed. It was created by use it to better prepare for Alice Noble Ice Arena will be open every day except Dec. Doris Cantey, Irene Weaver college,” Mann said. 25 during the holiday season, offering noon, evening Skate with Santa and myself,” Michael Mann, Sonya Eckley (12), who has arts-- 2 and holiday skate sessions. On Dec. 24, the arena will Alice Noble Arena Principal of Lincoln Way, also been attending since be hosting a skate with Santa event, open to the general @ said. seventh grade, said it is a sports I-- 3 public. The Ice Arena is located at 851 Oldman Road. Mann said the program great experience for both was created 17 years ago. herself and the kids. sports II-- 4 This year, 88 students are “You get recognized in front The “Snow Days” event at Progressive Field will be attending, 33 of them WHS of all the young kids and I squibs-- 5 “Snow Days” open until Jan. 16, 2012, offering a variety of winter students. think it makes them want activities. According to www.cleveland.indians.mlb. feature-- 6 Progressive Field “A lot of the time its older to be up there when they com, popular activities include snow tubing, ice- brothers and sisters on stage leave elementary school. @ skating and arts and crafts. In addition, the park offers snapshots-- 7 and the kids enjoy it and are It is also nice to know you visits from Santa on select dates during December. encouraged by it,” Mann could potential get some views--8 said. scholarship money,” Eckley WHS is hosting the boys and girls varsity swim Dreya Holmes (10), who said. The honor roll recognition meet between Wooster and Wadsworth High School Boys Swim Meet has been attending since on Dec. 28. “We have a really good team this year and seventh grade, said she for the alumni of Lincoln will get a lot better. This is the year to come watch WHS Natatorium enjoys coming back and Way will be held today, Dec. us,” Matthew Dyer (9), swim team member, said. @ seeing all the kids. 16, at 2 p.m. and last until “It is always fun to see my 3:15. 2 [ the wooster blade / dec 16, 2011 ] arts Student artist shows art in Cleveland Clinic eXpressions Art Program she submitted for the art award was a painting. “I see something and I draw it,” Pittard said. In regards to Pittard’s painting for which she won a blue ribbon, she was inspired while she was sketching hands one day, and thought of how interesting they could be by catching blood. Pittard joseph gorman found the category of blood Fans of gather to vote at The Olde Jail Restaurant Dec. 5. loss management in patients undergoing arthroplasty interesting because during WHS students sound off about the joint replacement surgery, doctors are worried about blood loss in the patient. predictions for X-Factor winner Vicki Anderson staff writer horley inspires Pittard and T makes her think deeper “Josh Krajcik. He sings “. He mariah whitman through what she says. the music I like versus the is amazing.” –Tynia “A lot of what she [Thorley] Pittard's art will be displayed at the Great Lakes rest of the contestants.” Slaughter (11) Science Center Jan. 26. says is out there and bubbly. It brings to mind a whole new –Colby Jefferies (10) Lauren Miller include Zoe Madden (12) cabinet of ideas,” Pittard said. “I want Josh Krajcik to staff writer and Seonhyung Kim (12). Also, all of the AP Art win because he grew up Kim said, of Pittard students brainstorm on their “Josh Krajcik because his he Cleveland Clinic projects together in order in Wooster and went to T receiving the award, voice is like the voice of an eXpressions Art Program “I’m kind of jealous, but to help inspire each other. Triway.” –Brian Crum combines art and science I am also happy for her.” Pittard said the AP Art group is angel.” -Ben Snoddy (9) through students interpreting very supportive of each other. (10) Kim finds Pittard to be really different scientific categories creative and notes that she is “In AP, we all love art. It was Cleveland Clinic summer always improving on her skills. a great opportunity for us to i n t e r n s r e s e a r c h e d . Madden also said she finds submit [our art],” Pittard said. "With the way everyone ", the Becca Pittard (12) won a Pittard to be very creative and Pittard said they were has been voting, I think judges always like her blue ribbon in her category she has noticed that Pittard just happy one of the of blood loss management enjoys using different surfaces students received an Marcus Canty will win." performances." -Rebecca in patients undergoing to paint on, including shoes. award and was recognized -Samantha Schabitzer (10) Kreuzman (10) arthroplasty, according to Art Thorley attributes Pittard for their achievements. Dept. member Tricia Thorley. to thinking “way outside Pittard plans to continue Thorley said there were the box” and is always art of some kind in college. "His gift and his genius is in his ability to over 140 categories and 1000 dedicated to problem solving. There will be a display entries for the competition. of Pittard’s work in the write and deliver his own music." -L.A. Other AP Art students Cleveland Clinic eXpressions Reid of The X-Factor on from WHS that submitted ittard enjoys sketching, art program Jan. 26 at the art for the competition although P the piece that Great Lakes Science Center. [film reviews] Cartoon: Documentary: Familiar character provides Life in a Day is more than the average documentary request for people to film he leaves his home in the their day on July 24, 2010. morning, if he will be able laughs in Puss in Boots From the time they woke to return home to his family and his friends. It is both how he received the up, to the time they fell safely in the evening. heartwarming and comical footwear that has been asleep, basic everyday Tragedy, joy and struggle and is sure to be part of the associated with his name activities were to be filmed. are all portrayed. From collection of Shrek movies since the beginning: his The Web site ended up the stampede deaths at in many households. boots. receiving 4,500 hours of a Techno music festival First of all, the initial It gives viewers insight video from over 80,000 in Germany, to a woman idea of fairytales coming into the lifestyle of Puss Megan Gant submissions. People in 192 skydiving and a mom together continues in Puss in Boots that led to his trends editor different countries sent recuperating from surgery in Boots. Humpty Dumpty, personality and vital role in videos. The result is to remove breast cancer. Kyra Rudy Jack and Jill and the magic in Shrek. Life In A Day is a spectacular to say the least. I was brought to tears, I staff writer beans from “Jack and the There is also an option documentary, produced The people in the video laughed and I was struck Bean Stalk,” along with to watch Puss in Boots in by Ridley and Tony Scott, are not formally introduced, with awe. others, appear in the tale 3D. Although unnecessary, with help from YouTube, but a quick look into their It also made me uss in Boots stars in of Puss in Boots, who in this is enjoyable and worth that encompasses the daily lives makes you feel like acknowledge a fact that yetP another film after his the movie is attempting to the extra money to see in lives of a large variety of you personally know I had always known but memorable role in the Shrek regain his reputation after theaters. people from all corners of them. There are a few one that I never really movies. an old friend turns his home It adds more of a fairy the world. questions that were posed thought about. No matter The animated cat has town against him, letting tale affect with sword I was hesitant watching a to the subjects, but were where you are from or returned with the voice of his mother down. fights and a giant documentary, but director not directly asked by the what your situation is, we Antonio Banderas to theater Not only did the movie fit beanstalk growing into the Kevin MacDonald broke producers, or director. are all human beings, we screens on Oct. 28 and has into the theme of movies audience. all the normalities of your One of the answers to all have feelings, we all been providing laughs ever previously starring Puss, All in all, Puss in Boots average documentary. the question, ”What do experience tough times since. but it also provides a is a satisfying movie that The video footage itself you fear?” really hit me. (some tougher than others) The movie Puss in Boots missing puzzle piece as to will leave you laughing was filmed by your A middle-aged, average and we all have hopes and is the story of events that who Puss was before he met and bring back memories average person with an Afghani citizen said he dreams. Regardless of who led up to Puss in Boots Shrek. of Puss and Shrek’s average camcorder. fears for his life everyday, we are everyone is not that meeting up with Shrek The movie even shows adventures. YouTube sent out a he worries about when different from each other.

Blade staffer reviews hot chocolate options in Wooster By Elizabeth Klienhenz McDonald’s Woo’s Brews Woo’s Brews sells a rich hot chocolate steamed with whole McDonald’s also offers peppermint and regular hot milk and Ghirardelli syrup, topped with whipped cream chocolate. The peppermint flavor is surprisingly mellow, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. The drink radiates pure but has a spicy aftertaste. The regular style, on the other milk chocolate, with a smooth and creamy consistency. Yet hand, is sharp and tangy as far as cocoa goes. Neither is despite its richness, it is not overbearing and manages a rich or overtly chocolaty. McDonald’s makes their hot certain softness. Woo’s Brews is located at 131 N. Market St. chocolate with a premium syrup and pours each cup from downtown and customers can walk away with a small cup a machine. Hot chocolate is available at both the North End of hot chocolate for only $1.80. and downtown storefronts and a small cup costs $1.99. Panera Starbucks Panera Bread sells many flavors of hot chocolate, including Starbucks’ hot chocolate has a taste all its own: a thick peppermint and regular. Both flavors are fairly spicy and blend of milk chocolate and cinnamon. With each sip, the steaming hot. The peppermint has a certain sting and the initial taste of velvety hot chocolate gives way to the zesty regular has a mild tang. Overall, both flavors are thin and cinnamon and the two flavors blend perfectly. The drink, smooth, and both come with a topping of dense whipped made from a premium Starbucks mix, also comes with a cream. Panera, located in Wooster’s North End at 3934 topping of whipped cream. Starbucks is located at 3872 Burbank Road, sells a small cup of hot chocolate for $1.90 Burbank Road, and a tall hot chocolate costs $2.20. and a small peppermint for $3. Muddy Waters Muddy Waters serves a hot chocolate that is perfectly balanced: rich but not overwhelming, creamy but slightly tangy, warm but not burning. The drink is fairly mellow but flavorful nonetheless. Muddy W aters steams their hot chocolate with Ghirardelli chocolate syrup and milk, and both whipped cream and sprinkles are available upon request. The Café is located at 116 E. Liberty St. and a small serving of hot chocolate is slightly more expensive those of other stores at $2.55. jetta blaine sports I [ the wooster blade / dec. 16, 2011] 3 The Bowling Club strikes for new success Tim Yuhas boys coach Jim Dilyard. “I think it [the chemistry] is The girls bowling team has staff writer The team does not classify great. We all get along really started their season by being The Bowling Club provides as a school sport. They raise well and try to feed off each undefeated. a positive experience for their money through fund other’s energy. We’re also According to Beth Courson players who decide raisers. very good at helping each (12), the girls team also to join. Although the team is not other make corrections for has good chemistry that a sport, it is eligible to our next shot,” Dilyard said. attributes to their success. qualify for district, Moore and Coach Dilyard “There’s absolutely no league and state alike agree that bowling is drama on the team, which tournaments. a fun alternative to a school makes it a lot easier to Also, players sport. feel comfortable and not are eligible Senior Jenn Philipon enjoys be nervous at matches,” to receive playing a new sport she has Courson said. awards from never played before. Despite being undefeated, the league. “I’ve gotten way better the girls team is not exactly So far, the at bowling than I ever focusing on winning boys team expected,” Philipon said. tournaments at this point has high “Bowling is a sport that you time. Instead, they are expectations. can play and still have fun,” focusing on trying to win According to Moore said. each match one at a time. Sawyer Dilyard Dilyard enjoys his time “It’s easier to focus on those T h i s (11), the team has coaching and likes to help [matches] individually to year, for the first time, the set lofty goals. his players. make sure we win them,” Bowling Club has a JV and “As of now, we want nothing “I just really enjoy teaching Courson said. varsity team for both boys less than a championship,” the game to the kids,” Home matches start at 4 and girls, as the girls team is Dilyard said. Dilyard said. He also said p.m. at Wayne Lanes. The in its first year of existence. Both Andrew Moore (11) he respects the fact that there team encourages fans to Both the boys JV and varsity and Sawyer Dilyard agree are many ways the game can come out and support them. teams have eight players. the team’s success has come be played, and if players use The next home match is The girls teams each have from the participant’s good their intellect, the game can Dec 21 and their last match six players, according to chemistry. will take place Feb.8. Evan wagers be really fun to play. NBA lockout creates uprising throughout nation’s basketball fans Cody Smith to take substantially less best athletes.” staff writer money so the owners can Training camp has begun After 149 days and almost make more,” Rhoden said. and with two weeks left 150 hours of negotiations, the The owners and players before the season starts, NBA lockout has officially ended up coming to an many teams are scrabbling ended, and the NBA is set agreement of 49 percent to to grab the best free agents. to begin play on Christmas the owners and 51.1 percent Agents such as Nene Hilario day. to the players. of the Nuggets who recently The lockout began with the Kirk said he is on the signed a new contract for existent collective bargaining owner’s side. “I believe five years to stay with agreement ending, which that the players were the Nuggets, and Tyson left the players and owners more trouble than they Chandler who signed with at a crossroad struggling were worth.” The players the New York Knicks are to come to an agreement in originally were asking for a among the popular picks. time for season. 57 percent to 43 percent split The returning champions, Daniel Kirk (10), an avid between the players and the Dallas Mavericks, have sports fan from WHS, owners. had a busy offseason with said “the lockout would With the lockout over, and the recent acquisitions of take years” to come to an the new 66 game season Lamar Odom, Vince Carter agreement. approaching, many believe and Delonte West, but Kirk William C. Rhoden gives that this will be the best believes the Miami Heat are Photo courtesy of Jade Craycraft and Alex Kacere of Liberty University his viewpoint in a video season yet. the team to beat. with . NBA’s Commissioner David “The other teams do not Rhoden mentions the Stern, stated the upcoming have the talent to compete.” WHS alumni athletes pursue Occupy Wall Street season will be filled with, Kirk said. demonstrations when talking “incredible competition, The Heat open up the sports careers at universities about the players and their tremendous excitement, and season on Dec. 25 against position against the owners unending hard work and the reigning champions, the Logan Price preparation for the real me an opportunity to kick “Simply, the owners want dedication by the world’s Dallas Mavericks. staff writer world, with being held to help me get to the next WHS is full of talented accountable for her grades, level,” Kacere said. athletes. her performance, her Kacere is joined at Many aspire to play at attitude and her effort. Liberty by sophomore Jade the collegiate level, yet She considers it all worth Craycraft, the setter for the unfortunately, few ever get it, from the recruiting camps Flames’ volleyball team, the opportunity to do so. at a young age, to her father who recently participated in However, there are multiple coaching her, to now playing the NCAA Championship Wooster alumni who are at a Division 1 school, and Tournament. currently competing at says that she would not Craycraft, recipient of various college levels across change her experience for the Big South Conference the nation. the world. Freshman of the Year, has One such athlete is Ohio Another WHS alum now found a difference in playing State softball pitcher Kasie playing Division 1 athletics college sports. In high Kelly. is Alex Kacere, who is the school, it was more for fun, Kelly is a sophomore kicker and punter for the but now she says it is more at Ohio State and has a Liberty University football like a job. double major in business team. Agreeing with Kelly and marketing and strategic Kacere finds playing for a Kacere, Craycraft sees the communications. Because college team challenging, increased importance in of such talented batting but rewarding with the the cerebral part of the lineups, she says playing at unity and family aspect of performance. the college level has been a being around his teammates “The mental aspect of the big transition, both mentally all day. game becomes almost more and competitively. When looking back at his important than your skill,” “There truly is no days at Wooster, Kacere is Craycraft said. comparison to how much clearly thankful to everyone To some, college athletics mental preparation and who has helped prepare may seem impossible to game focus goes into Big him. reach, yet these three joined Ten competition,” Kelly “I would like to thank by other WHS alumni show said. Wooster High School and that even the seemingly Kelly considers it all as Mike McCreary for giving unattainable can be reached. 4 [the wooster blade / dec. 16, 2011] sports II A look at key players of this year’s winter sports... a leads ows talents Gallo-Ma l t team with hard work sh on ee c G ou c rt M

Jordan ray-rogers

cody smith

Zach Humrichouser Claire Miller junior editor editor-in-chief As the weather outside gets chilly and activities move indoors, thoughts turn to one of the Halle Gallo-Malta, hard everyday. all the main qualities most exciting times of the year: the beginning of high school basketball. a captain of the girls “She always gives it her all of my life I’ve learned After finishing with a record of 11-11 and losing several seniors, boys basketball coach basketball team and four- and she contributes great from basketball like Craig Martin said a player to watch this season is captain Luke McGee (12). year letter winner, said the ball handling to the team,” responsibility, leadership, “We have little varsity experience as a team this season, but I think Luke will be one game has matured her as a Walker said. sportsmanship and how to of the guys to help the team get use to playing at the varsity level. He is a hard worker player and a person. Gallo-Malta said the goal work with other people,” and very intelligent on the court,” Martin said. The girls basketball for the season is to win the Gallo-Malta said. McGee said he is honored to be picked as player to watch this season by Martin. coach Mike Baus said rest of their games, and most She said it felt special “Every practice I look to improve and work on my skill set so that I can help Gallo-Malta is a leader importantly, beat Orrville. knowing Baus chose her as the team win,” McGee, who shot 34 percent from the 3-point line last sea- and a team player that She said her drive comes a player to be highlighted. son, said. demonstrates by doing. from the family aspect of “I appreciate him With his recent scholarship to play baseball next year at Ohio State, He said she is the coach the team and wanting to recognizing me. It’s great McGee said this will be his last season playing basketball and on the court and directs represent the community being coached by him and wants to end his career on a high note. the team all the while the best she can. I owe half of my success to McGee and the rest of the boys basketball team giving it her all. Gallo-Malta said she has him and the team,” Gallo- will play at home against West Hol- Fellow team member and learned many lessons from Malta said. mes on Dec. 16. captain Lauren Walker basketball. Baus said Gallo-Malta is a said Gallo-Malta works “I grew up on the court… pleasure to coach. bbins has Ste hig Higgs shines on balance beam ut h o ho Abby Peabody d arts editor n p a e According to gymnastics t mariah whitman s s coach, Debbie Knapic, the nicki barrett f gymnast to watch this g o winter is Emalee Higgs. r in “Emalee is a beam l s t specialist. Her confidence Bars are all e and steadiness on the about strength s a beam is outstanding. She and knowing e Ellie Rickett is also a very dedicated how to maneuver r sports editor s person. She has worked all your body,” Higgs o

W year, in and out of season, said. The wrestling team has once again begun their season. n to perfect old skills and Knapic said Higgs Coach and Science Dept. member Troy Worth is looking forward to this season. gain new ones,” Knapic is an all around Worth has many talented wrestlers on this year’s team, and one of the them who stands said. athlete and competes out the most in his viewpoint is senior Nate Stebbins. Higgs, a senior, prepares in all four events at “He has good conditioning, which pushes everyone else to work harder in practices,” physically and mentally gymnastics meets. Worth said. for gymnastics meets. As a captain for the Having wrestled for 10 years, Stebbins has high expectations for this season. He “My favorite event is 2011/2012 season, Higgs’ for several other athletes has high that hopes his team will work hard and make an effort in every practice. balance beam. To prepare coach says she demonstrates on the gymnastics Stebbins also has expectations for his team to make it to state this year. for beam. I go through great leadership on the team, team. Madison Shank “I like the competition and how it is only you against another person,” routines physically and “She is a great supporter of for the uneven bars, Stebbins (12) said. mentally over and over her fellow gymnasts and is and Morgan Bright for Worth said that Stebbins’ greatest advantage toward the team is his again, visualization helps very encouraging to each the floor event both endurance. Stebbins is in the 126 pound weight class for his a lot. [My] least favorite one,” she said. show great promise this team out of the 18 players. event is the uneven bars. Knapic also said to watch out season. The wrestling team’s next match will be Dec. 17 at Mapleton.

WHS divers make a splash this year Swimmers strive for success

Alex Holmes Alex Holmes on campus editor on campus editor The boys diving team is very strong with four divers this The boys swimming team is well into their season season. and doing very well. “Javan Starkey (12) and Cooper Orr (10) are two of the male “We have a bunch of really good swimmers to divers to watch this season,” Jackie Kiefer, WHS diving coach, watch this year,” Jeff DeHaan, boys swimming head said. coach, said. Kiefer said that this is Javan’s first year competitively diving, DeHaan noted that Jacob Ackerman (12), Daniel because he was not a WHS student last year so he was not Ackerman (9), David Goodrich (9) and Matthew allowed to compete. Dyer (9) are just a few swimmers to watch this “He [Starkey] has phenomenal dives that he learned by season. Each of these four swimmers have already himself and he is very motivated to do well,” Kiefer said. swam times that place them in the top forty of WHS Kiefer said Cooper almost made it to sectionals last year and boys in the past several years. has a bright future ahead of him for this season. “This year I would like for us to win OCC and have “Cooper is looking to improve difficulty of his dives this year both of my relays go to state,” D. Ackerman said. J. and he has already improved two dives,” Kiefer said. Ackerman agreed with his brother, saying that he Orr said his goals for this season are to see him and Javan go would like to win OCC for the ninth year in a row. to state. “My favorite part is definitely the team and how The boys’ next home swimming and diving meet is tonight, well we get to know each other,” J. Ackerman said. Evan Wagers Evan Wagers Dec. 16, at 5 p.m. at the Ellen Shapiro Natatorium.

Corinne Landers spectrum editor Corinne Landers spectrum editor This year, freshman Sydney Wenger is making a splash on the swim team. Although, it is the first year on the diving team for Wenger, along with many other freshman and Katelyn Persinger (12) she has already become someone sophomores, are leading by example said coach Chris to look out for on the diving board. Matthew. Matthew has seen a good work ethic in Wenger, Coach Jackie Kiefer says that Persinger threw a reverse, and by a talent perspective, she is very fast. Wenger swims which is a very difficult dive, especially for someone in mostly freestyle events, but can swim fly and backstroke. their first year of diving and that her years of gymnastics Wenger has been on swim team since she was five and helped her diving skills. has been swimming a total of 11 years. She lived in Orrville Persinger said she started private lessons in July where until she moved to Wooster her seventh grade year. she learned new dives. Persinger, who was in gymnastics Wenger’s goals for this year are to cut her time in the 500 for 13 years, had an injury that prevented her from doing free. “I hope to become a better swimmer all around, not gymnastics, which led her to diving. Persinger is always only in freestyle, but in other strokes too,” Wenger said. hardworking and a great diver said teammate Lizzie Wenger is also admired by her teammates. “Sydney is a Wagner (10). It’s a matter of perfecting the dives said determined athlete and will contribute greatly,” Gabrielle Persinger. According to Kiefer, the Kent-Massillon meet Sibilia (10) said. on Dec.16, is always a good meet to come to. “We swim big at every [meet],” said Matthew. The next Evan Wagers Evan Wagers swim meet will be held at WHS on Dec. 16. squibs [ the wooster blade / dec. 16, 2011 ] 5 the wooster blade // sep-

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INSURANCE ONE 6 [ the wooster blade / dec. 16, 2011 ] feature Gifts for high schoolers Holiday ideas for grandparents Junior suggests creative gift ideas for high schoolers this year Steven Kleinhenz describes some gifts for his family members

“A framed photograph of Aquinnah Beach and the Lighthouse on Mar- tha’s Vineyard; I’ve vacationed there my entire life, first as a child and then with my own children and grandchil- dren.” 700- count Egyptian cotton sheets “They are so comfy and silky that I “A pair of wicked good just have to have them!” L.L. Bean slippers” iTunes gift card “Who wouldn’t want gift cards?”

“The novel Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow, quarterback for the University of Florida”

“A tin of caramel corn” Dell laptop “I need this so I can have all my schoolwork in one place.” Parents make their wish list Parents weigh in on what they want for the holidays

“A hot tub” “A new pair of - Lynda Geitgey running shoes” - Eric Vizzo A Porsche “ A leather wallet” “I want a car, so I don’t have to - David Coppola constantly use my parents.” “ Anything golf “ A big screen T.V.” related” - Andrew Bratcher - Tyler Keener Erin McClintock (11) “ World Peace” - Nell Reardon Holiday Gift Giving Guide Teachers express their holiday gift Gift ideas for children ideas for their families and friends Younger child offers up some ideas off her Christmas list Joseph Gorman staff writer Gracie Blincoe age 4

Bryan Ehrlinspiel Social Studies Dept. Sony Aibo Dog As the holiday season movies and said he expects as gifts. Ehrlinspiel also “A doggy that draws near, Social Studies to receive some this holiday mentioned that he is hoping fetches a bone.” Dept. chair Bryan Ehrlinspiel season. to receive a snowblower shares his thoughts on Mentioning that he wants before inclement weather popular gifts this year. enjoyable, rather than arrives in Wooster again for Ehrlinspiel initially said he pragmatic, gifts this year, the winter. “My Little Pony” would want peace, love and Ehrlinspiel added that he If he could have any gift, harmony as a holiday gift. is hoping to receive Xbox regardless of how practical He added that his mother games during the gift-giving it is, Ehrlinspiel said his first and wife had been asking season. pick would be for everybody him frequently what he “I have all the realistic stuff to have a good holiday Totally Hair color it and braid it wants for the holidays, and I need,” Ehrlinspiel said. season. Following that, he has replied that he does Ehrlinspiel mentioned that Ehrlinspiel said he wants not want anything major he is always happy to receive a 60-inch LED HDTV on “I want a Barbie where you can this year. gift cards, particularly to which to play video games color her hair.” Ehrlinspiel collects Blu-Ray GameStop and Best Buy, and watch movies.

Chris Matthew Foreign Language Dept. With winter break mentions, her husband has As a teacher, Matthew Gifts for middle schoolers around the corner, Foreign given her presents such as said she loves receiving Language Dept. member gift certificates to a hair or hand-made, personal cards Individual suggests gift ideas for preteens Chris Matthew opens up nail salon. from her students for the about her holiday wishes. If she could have anything holidays. This year, Matthew said for the holidays, as unrealistic “[The cards] mean so Sarah Hopkins (8) she does not really want as it may be, Matthew much, and I know that most anything specifically, stating mentioned, it would be that kids don’t have a lot of extra Short brown UGGs that she has everything she everyone she knows remains money to buy gifts for their needs. in good health. teachers. However, she adds, her Matthew added that, “Life “I cherish these cards husband always gets her a is very difficult when you because students are really gift which she enjoys for the are sick,” which is why she honest and you know they holidays. wishes for everyone to be appreciate what you do In the past, Matthew healthy. daily,” Matthew said. Aeropostale, American Eagle, Picture of Egyptian cotton sheets shop.com (fair use), picture of Dell laptop or Delia’s gift news.cnet.com (fair use) picture of iTunes gift card .com (fair use), picture of Porsche pansedan.com (fair use), picture of Martha’s vineyard encore-editions. cards com (fair use), picture of L.L. Bean slippers amazon.com (fair use), picture of Through My Eyes broncosgab.com (fair use), picture of homemade caramel corn justtaste.com (fair use), picture of Aibo dog boingboing.com (fair use), picture of My Little Pony amazon.com (fair use), picture of Barbie tampabay.com (fair use), picture of UGGs cheapuggsforsale.com (fair use), picture of Aeropostale gift card meijer.com (fair use), picture of New York Yankees t-shirt t-shirtguru. New York Yankee’s t-shirt com (fair use) snapshots [ the wooster blade / dec. 16, 2011 ] 7 2011 [ a year in review ]

our staff photographers traveled around the world this past year and captured memories that encapsulated the events of WHS and beyond. noah spector

joseph gorman Jetta blaine

joseph gorman jetta blaine cody smith

cody smith cody smith joseph gorman

mariah whitman jetta blaine

evan wagers jetta blaine joseph gorman

[Left to Right]

1. Joe Bruch and Kayla Villegas were crowned Homecoming king and queen on Sep. 23. 2. A Fourth of July firework celebration in Mexico brightens the dark sky. 3. George Kulka (12) runs down the field in a boys lacrosse game last spring. 4. “I chose to take this picture to commemorate the anniversary of 9/11. The American flag represents the strength of this nation,” Smith said of his photo. 5. Joseph Gorman traveled to Kenya this past summer with his father and a group from the COW.“I was looking for hippos on Lake Victoria and wanted to capture my experiences,” Gor- man said. 6. The Wooster student section supports the football team in blur of blue and gold. 7. Community members wait in lines at the 182nd anniversary of the Wayne County Fair. 8. Grant Logee (11) hits a bunker shot at a golf outing. 9. Von Blair (11) pictured at a WHS home football game. 10. Beth Courson (12) pictured during soccer practice this past fall. 11. Downtown Wooster is decorated festively during the holiday season. 12. Jetta Blaine traveled to NYC during a Blade trip to attend the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Conference in March. 13. Gorman got a shot of a giraffe when he visited Africa. 14. “I randomly took this picture of the first snowfall of 2011 and I really like the way it turned out,” Wagers said of his detailed snapshot. 15. Noah Spector attended an Indian Pow-wow in Loudonville. “I chose this picture because I noah spector believe Native American culture deserves more exposure in society,” Spector said. 8 [ the wooster blade / dec. 16 2011 ] views Should character of matter? Students caught cheating NO YES As colleges across the nation continue to raise their stan- dards for admittance, high school students are feeling even Former Miss USA Rima behavior. Getting a DUI [ head to head ] more pressure to receive high scores on standardized tests Fakih, who won the com- after becoming a role model and have been proven to do whatever is necessary to do petition in 2010, received for girls across America is this, even if it involves cheating. a DUI in Michigan a week irresponsible. Also, when The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes that cheating ago. not exactly a contest built young women nationwide Recently, the current Miss on standardized tests is unethical and irresponsible. How- Despite the fact there is on character and family- are looking up to a woman USA, and former Miss ever, the competitive nature of which they have become a so much turmoil through- friendly appeal. You could whose reputation has been Michigan, Rima Fakih was part of through the college application process is partially out the nation because she be a closet moron and still tainted, they are receiving arrested for a DUI and to blame. Given the current SAT/ACT cheating scandal is supposed to be a role win the whole thing. a negative image of a so- provocative photos have in Nassau County, NY, the presence of competitiveness is model, members of The So, why is the nation called role model. surfaced according to thep- becoming more evident, and the issue continues to grow. Wooster Blade Editorial holding recent winner Rima Women now a days are agentplanet.com. According to CBS News, 20 high school students from Board find it hard to get too Fakih to such a high stan- The Wooster scarce for young girls to Members of Long Island have been accused of paying students of being upset over Fakih and her dard after she gets caught Blade Editorial Board look up to. A figure chosen paid to take the SAT and ACT while impersonating another troubles behind the bottle drinking behind the wheel? for Miss USA should believe that Fakih student, between 2008 and 2011. The students were being and the wheel. Honestly, there is noth- meet certain standards to should be held fully paid $500 to $3,600 to achieve scores as high as the 97 We are not diminishing ing really respectable maintain the iconic image of responsible for her percentile. the seriousness of a DUI if you look nice in Miss USA. actions. We believe The Educational Testing Service, or the E.T.S., is the charge. a bathing suit or a We believe that Miss USA that being Miss organization tasked with investigating students who are The Wooster Blade Edito- evening-gown. The should be judged not only USA is a privilege accused of cheating on standardized tests. Although the rial Board understands only thing they’ve on her beauty, but also be and it is implied E.T.S. has previously stated that New York Law prohibits why some people are upset won is the gene judged on the premise that that Miss. USA disclosure of information regarding the cheating, New York over the fact somebody pool. she is a hard working, car- should have a prosecutors tasked with examining the scandal have stated somewhere drove a car in- So when certain ing individual that will help clear record, otherwise. toxicated. But that happens members of The America succeed. and be some- “Prosecutors say the law simply prohibits disclosure of a lot these days. Wooster Not only did former Miss one for young the investigation: Once cheating has been proven, they According to dont- Michigan get a DUI, she girls to look maintain, the testing service has full authority to report the diedrunk.com, about 1.4 denied any al- up to and outcome to third parties,” stated a New York Times article million people were ar- legations that involving the cheating incident. According to the E.T.S., rested on DUI charges in she was in jail, the College Board, the organization that sponsors the SAT, 2009. according to cancels approximately 3,000 scores annually, for suspected The year 2009 was kind theblaze.com. cheating. of blurry for most mem- She was on her Twit- The Wooster Blade Editorial Board believes these stu- bers of The Wooster Blade ter and Facebook accounts dents should be punished because of their cheating, which Editorial Board, but for as while sitting in jail, telling should be viewed as a violation of ethics. much as we read the news- her fans that she was in a However, The Wooster Blade Editorial Board recognizes paper, we do not remember different state and also said that the pressure of doing well on these tests has fostered seeing any fuming articles that another girl by the last ad- cheating on college entrance exams, such as ACT and SAT. about those 1.4 million Blade name of Fakih was arrested. mire. In today’s day and age, students are competing against people. Editorial Board Members of The Wooster When you hundreds, if not thousands, of students for admission into Fakih is not different. take the fact that Blade Editorial Board become Miss colleges and universities, which sometimes pushes them to According to their Web beauty pageants think that Miss USA was USA, there are drastic measures. site, the Miss USA pageant are not contests irresponsible and has set expectations Fortunately, the students who were caught cheating have judges contestants based on that judge the char- a bad image not only for that should exposed serious holes in the security measures taken dur- three criteria: how they look acter of someone, our country, but also for be upheld. ing standardized testing and hopefully the breaches will in a swimsuit, how they we find it hard to the Miss USA pageant as a Some of lead to reform. look in an evening gown, be upset when a whole. these ex- Although The Wooster Blade Editorial Board does not and how well they can keep former winner She failed to meet the pectations condone cheating on the SAT and ACT, it believes that the from embarrassing them- gets arrested for standards implied of being should current competitiveness of college admissions is a factor in selves in an interview. drunk driving. a proper female figure for be good students cheating that should be addressed. As you can see, this is women nationwide. Student questions police Contrary to popular opinion, officer frequent taser use local rapper does not impress the late 1960s. However, the most common death stations to take his song off I am happy for the fortune according to sun-sentinal. caused by tasers is known the air. It seems like every that MGK has accrued com, their widespread use as cardiac arrhythmia, or an other tweet in my timeline because of his recent rise began after Taser Interna- irregular heartbeat, which is one of two clever lyrics in popularity, I just do not tional’s teaming with police has lead to heart attacks. from one of his songs. think he has the lyricism, in 1999. It can take as little as three I just do not understand nor the subject matter to Ever since then, tasers seconds for cardiac arrhyth- the hype around MGK, rationalize this ascent. have become a well-known mia to be caused, though whom I consider to be in His style, or lack thereof, weapon in subduing police these cases are extremely the same lyrical class as does not appeal to me. I do Luke Flechler suspects as well as self- rare in the grand scheme of David O’Donnell Waka Flocka Flame and not rage, I am not a wildboy staff writer defense. things. editor-in-chief Gucci Mane. and I do not have a dark The sight of a taser is able According to electronicvil- MGK fans are easily history with drugs. And by Tasers are weapons that to cause some of the most lage.blogspot.com, since I can remember the good distinguishable form actual that standard, I also cannot are necessary for police of- fearsome criminals to stop 2001 there have been over old days when rappers rap fans, because in any rationalize why any other ficers to carry, but are used in their tracks, and usu- 500 documented taser re- cleverly rhymed about picture ever taken of them, WHS student would relate much too often. ally works just as well as lated deaths that have been relevant issues, rapped over they make an “L” with to or enjoy his music. All too often, tasers are firearms in apprehending caused by police officers. Of decent beats and making an their index fingers and their Keep throwing the “L’s” used in popular culture to suspects. all of these cases, about 50 “L” with your index finger thumbs. I did not need any up MGK, because you are help with slapstick humor This response is mostly of them have been proven and your thumb stood for further reassurance that a loser. and making people laugh. due to the pain that tasers the taser to be the main “loser.” MGK’s fans are losers, but However, tasers are one of can cause. The charge a cause of death. East-side Cleveland rapper since they display their most dangerous weapons a taser is armed with fires In essence, tasers are Machine Gun Kelly has “L’s” in their pictures, it is police officer, or anyone for tens of thousands of volts one of the most powerful recently taken Northeast easy to tell who the losers that matter, can carry. through two small barb-like weapons a police officer can Ohio, and specifically WHS, are. Tasers are a weapon for needles attached to wires carry, but the power is used by storm. His music can I will admit, I am a fan police to carry, but they are that are shot from the taser. all too often. be found on the iPods of of any, and all, hometown handled in a manner that While tasers were origi- Most police officers would overly-excited, out-of-con- heroes. I cheer for Wooster’s has caused much contro- nally introduced to help in rather pull a taser on a trol adolescents. rivals (even Orrville) when- versy throughout the past protecting and serving, they suspect than a gun, which I If I had a dollar for every ever they are not playing few decades. have caused several deaths believe usually saves lives, time I heard his popular WHS, and I was happy to Tasers are weapons that in their history. Accord- but sometimes may inad- song “Wildboy”, I would be see Norwayne win the Div. began development in ing to physicsworld.com, vertently take them. rich enough to pay the radio IV state final. In that sense,

Editors-in-Chief Claire Miller, David O’Donnell • Graphics Editor Noah Spector • Junior Editor Zach Humrichouser • Copy Editor Tricia Stefancin • Business Manager Drew King-Smith • Feature Editors Sarah Mason, Tara Jabour • Front Editor Elizabeth Kleinhenz • On Campus Editor Alex Holmes • Focus Editor Michelle Bielski • Sports I Editor Ellie Rickett • Sports II Editor Sean Hoy-Skubik • Trends Editor Megan Gant • Spectrum Editor Allison Canfield • Spectrum II Editors Eylie Buehler, Corinne Landers • Squibs Editors Greg Rotuno, Charlie Reynolds • Arts Editor Abby Peabody • Views Editor Austen Yorko • Staff Writers Autumn Hauenstein, Vicki Anderson, Brooke Courtemanche, Hannah Doan, Colin Faulkner, Luke Flechler, Juliet Freed, Em- ily Kridel, Lauren Miller, Devin O’Rourke, Logan Price, Kyra Rudy, Tim Yuhas, Sydney Zedd • Artists Matt King-Smith, Logan Wengerd, Catherine Freed • Head Photographer Jetta Blaine • Photographers Evan Wagers, Corey Yacapraro, Cody Smith, Joseph Gorman, Jordan Ray-Rogers, Mariah Whitman • Adviser Kristi Hiner The Wooster Blade is a biweekly student publication printed every other Friday by the Newspaper Production classes at Wooster High School. The paper is designated as an open forum and follows publishing guidelines as established in a district-wide publications policy protecting students’ freedom of expression. All copy, art and photography are property of The Wooster Blade and cannot be reproduced without permission. Letters to the editor are limited to 300 words and The Wooster Blade reserves the right to print and edit as per length and content. The Wooster Blade is a member of Quill and Scroll, National Scholastic Press Association and Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The Wooster Blade is printed in cooperation with Wooster’s The Daily Record. Letters and inquiries should be addressed to The Wooster Blade, 515 Oldman Road Wooster, Ohio 44691. The Wooster Blade can be contacted at 330-345-4000, ext. 3210.