Spotlight The March 2018 Vol. 67 Issue 5 The Spring Musical: Who, What, Where Page 3: and When The Chief: To Emma Andrus Students involved in the Masqu- nigan, Mason Adams as Angie keep or not to ers program have been working the Ox, Sean Weiland as Joey keep? diligently to memorize countless Biltmore, Zach Zdanowicz as Cal- lines, lyrics, and dances since au- vin, Elizabeth Gonzalez as Sarah ditions for the musical Guys and Brown, Autumn Knierim as Miss Dolls occurred in January. Guys Adelaide, Lizzie Vukovic as Gen- and Dolls is a dynamic comedy eral Matilda B. Cartwright, Katie set in 1930s New York. The plot Cutts as Agatha, Kai Falcone as revolves around the storyline of Allison, Meredith Gardner as Ver- gamblers Nathan Detroit and non, Cassie Urry as Ferguson, and Sky Masterson, who balance tak- countless other students who are a ing risks with money and taking part of the cast and crew. chances with their own respective Senior Meredith Gardner, relationships, which plays into the who will be playing the flirtatious style of this overall quirky and character of Vernon, is looking lively musical. The tale evolved forward to being involved in a pro- Page 3: from short stories written by duction with such a talented group We could not Damon Runyon, made its way of students: “I honestly love mu- to Broadway, was adapted into sicals, so I’m looking forward to playing great music with a great learn without a film, and will be taking center being able to sing, dance, and just bunch of people.” them: a thank stage at Olmsted Falls this spring. overall be a part of one.” Students, residents, and lovers The cast includes Daniel Fidler The cast will also be joined by a you. of musical theater alike can look as Sky Masterson, Jake Wrege select group of students in the pit forward to seeing a fantastic per- as Nathan Detroit, Cole Zehe orchestra that will provide the in- formance on Friday, April 13th as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Bill strumental music for the perfor- at 7:30 and Saturday, April 14th Wendling as Benny Southwest, mance. Senior Andrew Barnard, at 7:30. Ticket costs will be $7 for Joe d’Aliberti as Arvide Aberna- who will be playing trombone, an- students and $10 for adults. Please thy, Michael Hollenbeck as Rusty ticipates an enjoyable atmosphere save the dates for these perfor- Charlie, Colin Clark as Big Jule, surrounding the preparation and mances and come out to support Alex Holm as Harry the Horse, performance of the musical, say- this large group of extraordinarily Alex Bolton as Lieutenant Bran- ing, “I’m really excited about talented students. Writers

Page 3: Find Their The ultimate Niche spring break Lauren Gumeny staycation Almost every Ohio school has multiple sports teams. Football, basketball, soccer, baseball, What’s volleyball; you name it, schools This is the first year that Camryn Hassel, Jake Wrege, have it. What about a writing team? Olmsted Falls High School has and Nicole Egel. The teams will Inside? PenOhio makes that possible. had a PenOhio team, since there face St. Joseph Academy, St. PenOhio is a writing league was a lot of interest this year. Ignatius, and Fairview High made up of public, private, and Teams are split up by grade, with School. The teams are training parochial schools in Ohio. At the freshman and sophomore writers twice a week for the competition Working Hard for Regional and State tournaments on “Junior Varsity” and junior and are eager to put their skills in the Spring, teams of talented and senior writers on “Varsity.” to the test. Varsity member the Right Notes writers compete to write the best The Junior Varsity team is Emma Andrus says, “I’m very fictional narrative they can within coached by Ms. Arnold. JV is excited about this group of a forty minute time limit based on comprised of two freshmen, Emma writers because they’ve created a Winter Sports: the prompt given. Judges grade Barnard and Carly Edmonds, really encouraging environment these creative narratives, looking and three sophomores, Justin of positive feedback. The schools Team Victories specifically for certain elements, Andrews, Nicole Latona, and we’ll be competing against such as how it addresses the prompt, Elizabeth Traine. The Varsity should be pretty worried because and Individual descriptive language, and character team is led by Ms. Harrington. this team is so strong.” Wish Accomplishments development. The highest scoring On the Varsity team are junior your bulldog writers good luck as stories win awards, including writers Emma Andrus, Lauren they travel to Oberlin College on scholarship money and a chance to Gumeny, and Jared Brancatelli March 10th for the North Central get published in the PenOhio book and Varsity Alternate Dylan Regional tournament! of winners. Reines. The senior writers include Page 1 March 2018 The Spotlight Vol. 67 Issue 5 The Band and Choir Go To Contest Ellie Goetz The upcoming contest for the band and choir Sight Reading is a component of the competi- March, at Westlake High School. The classes classes can be very stressful for the musicians, tion where the students receive brand new music that will be performing are the top two groups, but it is also exciting. Contest is a competition and are then asked to perform it with minimal Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble. Wind where bands and choirs from the area prepare errors and without practice. Choir director Mrs. Symphony is playing in the class AA, and is plan- pieces to perform in front of judges. Each judge Kiedrowski explains, “I am excited to have these ning on playing the pieces “Armenian Dances has a copy of the music that the group will kids show off their hard work and ability. It’s part 1” by Reed, “Vanish Army” by Alford, perform and makes comments throughout the a great learning experience for them to prepare and “Chester” by Schuman. Wind Ensemble is performance about what they are hearing. The to sing for distinguished judges and get feedback playing in class B and will play “The American groups are not competing against other schools, on how to grow.” Sophomore Lexy Jensen, a Red Cross” by Panella, “American Barndance” but are instead trying to be better then they member of Chorale, shares in these feelings, ex- by Saucedo, and “At Dawn They Slept (Decem- previously have been. The judges will rate the claiming, “I’m really excited because we’ve been ber 7th, 1941)” by Bocook. Each class will also group on how they play according to a scale of working on not only pieces that are challenging have to sight read music to play to the judges in one to five, one being the best and five being the and have allowed us to grow musically, but also a process similar to choir. Both ensembles have worst. Groups receiving a composite score of a a wide variety of genres. At the rate we are im- been perfecting this music since the fall and hope one will move on to the state contest. proving, we are bound to succeed at contest.” their dedication is rewarded. Band director Mrs. The choir’s contest is the weekend of March The band contest is also the first weekend of Budd expresses, “I am so proud of our students 2nd and 3rd. The ensembles going are the top for their personal hard work and commitment to two groups, Chorale and Bel Canto. Chorale Music Education. It is an honor to share music will be singing the pieces “A Red, Red Rose” with students and audiences and to work with by Mulholland, “Vox Populi” by Svilainis, and such talented young musicians.” Senior Hope “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord” by Burkhart, who plays percussion in Wind Sym- Hogan. Bel Canto will be singing “Doraji” by phony ,states, “I’m very excited for contest and Muhn, “Goin Up” by Franklin, and “The Vio- I think everyone will do great this year.” If you let” by Patterson. Along with singing the pre- know someone who will be competing in contest pared pieces, the groups will also have to sight this weekend, make sure to wish them luck! read a piece and then sing it to the judges. The Construction Saga Continues: What’s Happening Now? Olivia Benton

When the 2017-2018 year began, Olmsted Falls strument storage, and additional practice rooms. for students and/or other visitors to purchase High School went under construction to make Additionally, Masquers will benefit from a green drinks and food after school hours. Changes to architectural changes that would be beneficial room for storage where props and other materi- the media center may appear minor, but they for students, staff, and the community. New als for school plays will be placed, including a are vital and will be beneficial to students and classrooms will be added, boys and girls locker scene shop. Furthermore, a new business wing teachers. Private meeting rooms and enclosed rooms will be updated, and much more. will be added on to the school. Four new class- study areas will be added as well as making the What is being put into place right now is a rooms will be dedicated to the business program, media center more open in design. A lobby will new wing of classrooms. These classrooms will one being a FAB lab.This is a workshop with be installed at OFHS plus new entry ways that be added in the courtyard near the south edge machines that will allow students and teachers will be large, open and modern. The exterior of the cafeteria. Four art classrooms and nine to digitally create objects that will then be made building will change minorly as well. On the brand new science classrooms will be added. Al- tangible. This FAB lab will be one of five in the front side of the building (facing Bagley Rd.), though classrooms are taking the place of the area. a window extension will be added to make the current courtyard, once the new building is here, Rounding out the project is the remodel of the appearance of the building seem taller in height. there will be two new smaller courtyards. One of Bulldog Cafe and kitchen. The Bulldog Cafe will It will be located above the main entrance by them will be located between the cafeteria and become separate to give a wonderful advantage the new parking lot that has been made already. new science rooms, and the other will be located The window extension will have lights hanging between the new art and science classrooms. As from the high ceiling. From the outside, these the temperature rises and snow begins to melt, lights will be able to be viewed by anyone pass- construction more visible to students will start ing by the school or coming inside. At night, the taking place. lights will be illuminated to show the bold fea- Other plans to update OFHS include expand- tures and pride the high school carries. As the ing the music areas. Because the band and choir new building is on its way, the lengthy process programs are rapidly growing, an expansion is will be worth it because the high school will be much needed and will be highly appreciated. host to many more exciting opportunities for the Included in this are larger classrooms, more in- teachers, students, and community.

Staff Ainsley Allen Morgan Ciolek Angela Milano Emma Andrus Abby Gaba Andrea Sheetz (Editor) Olivia Benton Ellie Goetz Kelley Shiltz Dylan Briggs Lauren Gumeny Sara Tonissen Rhiannon Lloyd Page 2 March 2018 The Spotlight Vol. 67 Issue 5 Say Goodbye to The Chief The Unsung Heroes Ainsley Allen Sara Tonissen Chief Wahoo has been a statement discussion between Indian team owner Each school in Olmsted Falls be leaving their lunch periods of Cleveland for years. Used since and MLB Commissioner has a large staff to help every hungry because every staff member 1947, the long-standing logo depicts Rob Manfred, it was decided that school day run smoothly. Bus in the kitchen is needed to make and a grinning, red-faced cartoon with a the logo should be changed. They drivers, principals, and teachers serve the food without incident. feather headband, and during Ohio’s announced the decision on January all play their part in making sure One of the most important jobs warmer months it’s not uncommon 29th with Manfred making a that every student’s school day, that the lunch ladies do is make to see a family or group of friends statement: “ from beginning to end, goes well. detailed menu production sheets to walking through the streets of the city, is committed to building a culture of However, there are two groups avoid wasting paper while making heading toward , diversity and inclusion throughout of people that some students sure that everybody knows what is donning the well-known caricature on the game,” he also said that the logo, may forget about. Without these for lunch for the week. All of lunch t-shirts and baseball hats. As of 2019, “is no longer appropriate for on-field hardworking staff members, ladies are alumni of Olmsted Falls however, there will be a major change use.” teachers and students alike would and they love talking to the kids in the way Cleveland fans cheer on Although many people are in favor be lost and hungry in a dirty every day. Cafeteria Manager Ms. their team. of the abolishment of the mascot, school. To show how much they Carrie Schaefer mentions, “The Over the past few years many there are also a great number of fans are appreciated, the custodians and kids and staff make our jobs fun; debates have been sparked over the who do not support the change. Many cafeteria workers have been asked we feel like family in the cafeteria.” logo’s racial insensitivity toward are dedicated to preserving Chief a few questions about what it is The custodial and cafeteria staff Native Americans. Groups such as the Wahoo because they see the logo as a like to work at OFHS. are made up of extremely hard American Indian Education Center vital part of the city’s history, which The jobs the custodians do in working people who deserve to and the American Indian Movement is in reference to the mid 1990s when the school are very important be noticed all around our district. of Ohio have been protesting the Cleveland opened Jacob’s Field, later because they ensure that everyone Many of them work here because mascot for a while now, using signs renamed Progressive Field, and the will have a safe school day. The of the amazing students that they and powerful lines such as, “We are Indians made the World Series for most common job that students meet, and they feel like part of a not honored,” and “Our children are the first time since 1954. Fans are think the custodians take care of is family with their fellow workers. not mascots. ”They see the logo as a desperate to hold on to Chief Wahoo, cleaning, but they do so much more Nikki Egel says, “The custodians racist caricature that degrades a group considering him a symbol of the city like making sure that the heat and lunch ladies at OFHS are so of people who have been suppressed they are so proud of. Junior Jack works to keep everyone warm and gracious. I‘m sure they have a lot for decades. Sophomore Justin Spellacy voices his opinion on the they make sure that everything they could complain about with Andrews agrees, saying, “I think matter, stating, “I think that that’s is safe to use. Maintenance is all of us running around, but they they made the right choice in getting the Indians symbol, that’s how very important and not everyone don‘t. They‘re always happy to see rid of the logo. It was offensive and people recognize them. It represents can do it because there are many you and they work so hard at what demeaning.” Protesters argue that the Indians, and it’s been around for different safety license that are they do. This school would fall apart Chief Wahoo depicts a past in which so long, I really would’ve liked it to needed to work with the different without them. I‘m so thankful derogatory depictions of a whole race stay.” equipment. When the custodial to have built a relationship with of people were made in good fun. The If you are not completely ready to staff isn’t making sure that many of them.” The jobs that the Native Americans are demanding let go of the mascot, however, the everything in this school is working custodians and cafeteria ladies do their respect now. During the 2016 club will still be selling merchandise properly, they are spending their are very important because they World Series the Indians faced major with the Chief on it. This is in order to time outside of school with their help everyone have successful pushback from the public regarding hold on to the trademark they have families and working on their school days. Their jobs may not the matter. During the playoffs, the on the cartoon, which prevents others various hobbies like Tim and his cross very often, but both groups club was faced with a lawsuit while from using the symbol as they please. love for golf. Custodian Ms. Donna are made up of strong, trusting playing in Toronto to have the team’s Regardless of any opinion or Livingston says that her favorite teams that make the lives of every name and logo banned from Canadian backlash, the official switching of part of working at OFHS are all of student and staff easier. If you TV. While the judge dismissed the mascots will take place coming into the “friendly people and my bestie have the time, please thank one of case, the publicity surrounding it put the 2019 season with the logo coming Tim T.” these wonderful people for all the the Indians and their mascot under off the team’s jersey sleeves and caps. The cafeteria ladies also have work they do for us because they considerable scrutiny. So be ready to go out and support many important jobs that they do deserve the same appreciation as Coming in 2018, significant pressure your Indians as they sport a brand in order to keep every lunch period any other staff member working in was placed on the team due to the new look. running efficiently. Without the this amazing district. current controversy, and after a lunch ladies, many students would Spring Break: Cleveland Style Kelley Shiltz Spring means many things: warmer weather, taste for pizza? Presti’s Bakery and Cafe has Recently, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo flowers, and most importantly, Spring Break! a delicious menu of fresh baked pizza, gelato, revealed that they are breaking ground to build From March 26 to April 2, some students from panini, salad, and coffee. Right down the street a new Asian Highlands Exhibit that will include Olmsted Falls will travel out of the country or is Mama Santa’s, established in 1961. This an amur, which is an endangered descendant of to somewhere warm, but many students will be restaurant has homemade pastas, sauces, and a leopard, red pandas, snow leopards, and more. staying home. Even if it may seem anticlimactic, dough that creates the amazing pizza. After The exhibit size will be just about an acre and there are many fun activities to do during the your meal, treat yourself to dessert at Corbo’s will have special viewing glass that will allow break. Bakery and Cafe. For over fifty years, Corbo’s visitors to see the animals up close and personal. A great way to start break is to go to the has had award-winning cakes and pastries. They Also in Cleveland, the West Side Market Cleveland Art Museum. General admission to are also known for their award-winning cassata provides a unique experience to try, smell, the Museum is free, with the exception of certain cake and cannolis. Sophomore Annie Lindley is and taste over 100 types of food ranging from special exhibits. The Cleveland Art Museum was a fan of what Little Italy has to offer: “I have vegetables to chocolate covered jalapenos. Ever founded in 1913, and since then the Museum eaten at Mama Santa’s and Trattoria, and have since the West Side Market opened to the public has been renovated and there have been many been very pleased with my food. The pizza in 1912, many vendors of different ethnicities additions made to the building. From paintings at Mama Santa’s is delicious, and the pasta and cuisines have shared their tastes with to knight exhibits, to clay and modern art, the dishes at Trattorias are out of this world. The Clevelanders. The market is open year round, museum has a little bit of history and beauty environment at Little Italy is beautiful, and it and the hours are Monday and Wednesday, 7-4, for everyone of all ages. To keep their artwork is a perfect place to take someone on a date or to Friday and Saturday 7-6, and Sundays 10-4. up to date, the museum has new and upcoming just treat yourself.” exhibits to look for which include Eyewitness For a different option, every Monday, the Views: Making History in Eighteenth Century Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has free admission Europe, Recent Acquisitions, and Danny to all Cuyahoga County residents. Just some of Lyon: The Destruction of Lower Manhattan. the animals seen at the zoo include armadillos, If you get hungry while admiring the artwork, bats, bears, a koala, cheetahs, elephants, foxes, the museum has a cafe, the Provenance. Also, lions, gorillas, monkeys, tigers, and hundreds of only a few miles away from the Art Museum is other amazing animals. Also, if it gets a little Little Italy. Little Italy is a neighborhood that too cold for walking around in the zoo, there is to this date holds the deep culture and heritage a rainforest that includes many warm-blooded of the Italians that lived in the town. Have a animals and a cafe for when you get hungry.

Page 3 March 2018 The Spotlight Vol. 67 Issue5 Morgan and Annie’s Sports Report Morgan Ciolek and Rhiannon Lloyd Boys Basketball: The Olm- got confidence that we can competing in the Baron Cup ible asset our seniors are to senior Alex Bolton, Munoz, sted Falls varsity boys bas- do something real special!” final on February 11th against the team. Senior Jaden Men- sophomore Jack Surtman and ketball team has dominated The varsity team will host the the Amherst Comets. The deluk joined his fellow senior White finished the 200 free the conference during the winner of John-Marshall and team ultimately lost 5-4, but teammates Josh Jaeckin and relay. The boys varsity swim- 2017-2018 season, maintain- Berea-Midpark for the first they did not give up easily. Michael Shaw in the Century ming also grabbed 5th place at ing a 14-1 record and tying playoff game on March 3rd. The Bulldogs surprised many Club on January 24th after the SWC Championships, with with Lakewood. The boys after defeating top contender clenching his 100th career win. the swimmers making the po- have been a frontrunner all Girls Basketball: The varsity Orange in the semifinals of the As the Bulldogs head into the dium 6 times. The girls have season, taking over the SWC girls basketball team has con- Baron Cup and handing the SWC championship rounds as had a great season as well,. and clinching win after win. tinued to be a leading team in Lions their first division loss of a clear prospect to take the They swam hard and were The Dogs faced their first the SWC conference for the the season. The varsity team trophy home for the third year able to grab 7th place in the conference loss of the season remainder of their season. went into the finals hoping to in a row, the boys begin their SWC Championships this sea- against the Lakewood Rang- The girls finished their confer- defend their title and bring the tough preparations. Junior son with top 10 finishers. The ers on January 30th. After ence season 14-4 and second Baron Cup back home to Olm- Connor Atkins states, “We Girl’s Medley relay landed 8th a tough beginning, the Bull- overall. Their final win of the sted Falls for the second year are really looking forward to place with seniors Joy Jacobs dogs eventually fell to the conference season came from in a row. After a headstrong going for our third straight and Emily Andrews, sopho- Rangers 67-57. Juniors Eric a 56-48 win over Bagley Road start the Dogs led the Comets conference championship and more Arianna Ponticelli, and Hanna and Braden Galaska rival, Berea-Midpark. The 2-0 at the end of the first pe- getting that three peat. With junior Morgan White.The 200 led the team in scoring with Dogs outscored the Titans in riod. The team held out their the hard work our guys are freestyle relay won 9th place 14 points each. However, the 3 of the 4 quarters and were lead for the rest of the game putting in now, I have con- with Ponticelli, senior Nata- team quickly made up for this led in points by senior Sarah until the third period when fidence we’ll be able to bring lie Moore, freshman Caroline loss on February 2nd with a Balfour. Balfour dominated Amherst tied the game 4-4, that championship home.” Lockhart, and Jacobs. Lastly, 60-58 victory over the North the court scoring 20 points and eventually scored their the girls placed 9th in the 400 Ridgeville Rangers. The Dogs overall. Sophomore Danielle final point to leave the game Bowling: Both 2017-2018 freestyle relay with White, led in points throughout the Stevens was named a Morning as champions. While the Dogs JV and varsity bowling teams sophomore Hannah Kho, game until the fourth quarter Journal Player of the Week may not have been able to have brought home significant Moore and junior Ally Rice. when the Rangers nailed a 3 on February 2nd after her in- take home that title they rep- wins and losses this month, to bring the score up to 56-55. credible showings this season. resented Olmsted Falls well in the boys team running a win- Gymnastics: The girls gym- Hanna responded to this with Stevens had 10 points against the finals and demonstrated ning streak, the girls pull- nastics team had an extremely a 3 of his own, and senior Tom Amherst and 18 points against exactly what they were made ing through extremely well. successful season this year. Lloyd went to the free throw the North Ridgeville Rang- of. Senior Angelo Hanson re- The teams finished 10th out They finished their season at line knocking out both of his ers. As the lady Bulldogs con- flects back on the season, “Our of 12th in the Martin Luther sectionals in 10th place out shots, solidifying the win for tinue into their postseason, end goal was to win the Baron King Jr. Day tournament on of the 24 competing teams, the Bulldogs. This difficult the stakes are raised and the Cup. We didn’t quite win but January 16th. It was a team making Olmsted Falls proud. win on the road brought the girls are more determined than I wouldn’t want to have done effort, earning 6209 points Freshmen Lindsey Lapinta Dogs back after their loss and ever. Junior Shannon Carr ex- it with another set of guys. I overall. The girls team was led and Annie Gutschow had great gave them the confidence to plains, “We’re really excited am so proud of what we ac- by junior Krislynn Katona, showings at sectionals along continue their winning streak to go into the postseason after complished this year. They are with a 459 series and junior with juniors Abbie Larosa and against the Amherst-Steele finishing off with a 14-4 confer- like a family to me. Hopefully Ashley Clark, with 382. The Naomi Goldman. Although Comets and the Berea-Mid- ence record. Our district is full next year they can bring the boys team was led by Kyle the Bulldogs are finished, park Titans. The February of talented teams that we need cup back to OF.” Kollm, with a 567 series, and they had many highlights this 9th game against the Titans to take seriously. Our biggest junior Travis Green with 554. season that proved the girls’ was also Coach Delisio’s 100th goal is to focus on playing each Wrestling: The Olmsted Falls The boys varsity team came excellent gymnastics abilities. career win as the Olmsted and every game with more en- varsity wrestling team has home with a win on January Goldman is proud of her team, Falls head coach. The varsity ergy and effort than the other proved their worth this season 20th against Westlake, 2900- “We have had some very suc- team traveled to Berea, and team and to pull out a win as with win after win on the mat. 2743, and Green led the team cessful meets this season, es- defeated the Titans 54-41. a team!” The girls hosted their The Dogs have dominated the with a 568 series. pecially when we got 2nd at The team was led in points senior night on February 14th SWC conference remaining the Lakewood Invitational. by Galaska with 19 followed for their last regular season on top this season and taking Swimming: The Bulldog Our last meet was sectionals, by junior Chuck Backus with game against the Strongsville down each team one by one. swim teams swam extremely where we placed 10th out of 10 points. The Bulldogs only Mustangs. Balfour had an in- The team had their final SWC well this season, bringing 24 teams. It wasn’t exactly have 3 conference games left credible showing for her se- dual on February 8th against home some wins and a spot the outcome we wanted since before they begin their road to nior night, leading in scoring Westlake, defeating them 47- in the SWC Championships. only the top 4 teams advance the playoffs. Junior Michael with 22 points before fouling 13. The Bulldogs also hosted The boys beat Avon 89-91 to districts, but I am still very Fritz exclaims, “We’ve had a out. The ladies will begin their their senior night on January on January 29th in a close proud of our team. It was a strong season so far and we are playoff season shortly in the 25th. The varsity team faced meet. The first place finish- learning experience for all of continuing to grow as a team month of February. the North Olmsted Eagles and ers were junior Masen Collins us, and I cannot wait for us to and as individuals. With play- triumphed over them, winning with 200 free and 500 free, ju- be even better next season!” off season coming up, if we Hockey: The hockey team 57-13. The Bulldogs 6 seniors nior Connor White with 100 continue to play hard and play has completed another incred- all took home wins that night free, sophomore John Munoz together and have fun, I’ve ibly successful season after demonstrating the incred- with 100 breaststroke, and

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