THE LAKEWOOD TIMES “QUESTIONABLE BEHAVIORS” Vol. 94, No. 3 - December 2014 - Lakewood High School -14100 Franklin Blvd. Lakewood, OH 44107/www.lakewoodtimes.net Editors’ letters Editorial Policy As preservers of democracy, our schools shall protect, encourage, and enhance free speech and the exchange of Staff 2014/2015 ideas as a means of protecting our American way of life. The Co-Editors: Times and its staff are protected by, and bound to, the prin- Editorial Board Members: Matt Morgenstern ciples of the First Amendment and other protections and Mackenzie Rivera LaNiqua Jones Contentslimitations afforded by the Constitution and the various Robert Searles court decisions implementing those principles. Jacob Buntyn Ryan Swingle It is the mission of The Lakewood Times, the official Jacklyn Voll Mickey Nestor newsmagazine of Lakewood High School, to serve as a Assistant Editors: public forum that promotes the gathering and exchange of Ashley Hirsch Mandy Muscatello Veronica Gordon (Photography) ideas, and uphold high journalistic standards for the pur- Brett Brown Ozemenay Taylor pose of enriching the lives of our readers. Ryan Mitchell (Sports) The Times is established as an open forum for student Emily Suleiman Eman Naserallah expression and as a voice in the uninhibited, free and open Emily Suleiman (Copy) Christian Bort discussion of issues. The Times will not be reviewed or re- Maggie Jawhari strained prior to publication. Content of the Times, there- Samuel Ciancutti fore, reflect only the views of the student staff or individual Adviser: students and not school officials. Students may use online Dennis Ebner media to educate, inform, and entertain their readers. Both the school and the cyber community are entitled to the same protections and subject to the same freedoms and Underage odyssey...... 4 responsibilities, as all other student media outlined in this policy. Online media are forums for self-expression and are similar to traditional media, in their freedoms, responsibili- Drugs...... 6 ties, and professional obligations. As such they will not be subject to prior review or restraint. Student journalists may use online media to report news and information, to com- Why party man?...... 8 municate with other students and individuals, to question and consult with experts, and to locate material, to meet Marijuana...... 9 their news gathering and research needs. The Times, and staff, will strive to avoid publishing any material determined by student editors or the student edito- Snow days...... 10 rial board to be unprotected, that is, material that is libelous, obscene, materially disruptive of the school process, an un- warranted invasion of privacy, a violation of copyright laws Traffic...... 11 or electronic manipulations changing the essential truth of the photo or illustrations. Other obligations can be found in Holiday events...... 12 the handbook available to each student. The Times adviser will not act as a censor. If questions arise over specific copy as defined within Bad teachers...... 13 this policy, student journalists will seek the advice of the communications attorney from the Student Press Law Cen- ter. TheTimes editorial board as a whole will be responsible We all love Christmas music..14 for determining editorial opinions, which represent the opinions of a majority of the editorial board. No single New Years resolutions...... 16 member of the Times can be held responsible for editorial content decisions. The Times is a tool in the learning pro- cess of journalism and operates as a learning laboratory. Holiday recipes...... 18 Any student may be a member of the staff, with or without prior journalism experience or enrollment on the staff for credit. As a forum for student expression, the Times will Old building...... 20 publish all letters to the editor, provided they are 300 words or less and contain the author’s name, house, and address. Shoes...... 22 On occasion, we will publish letters using the “name with- held” providing the Times editor, or a team editor, knows the author’s identity. Blackfish...... 24 We reserve the right to withhold a letter or column and return it for more information if we determine it contains items of unprotected speech as defined by this policy. Let- Poor police mentality...... 26 ters will be edited for spelling and grammar. Should a letter contain errors in fact, excessive grammatical errors or be Commercialized Christmas....27 too long, it will be returned to the author for re submis- sion. Deadlines for letters and columns will be no later than ten days before the next publication date. The Times may Gym worries...... 28 choose to report student, staff, faculty, and alumnus deaths as he editorial board is made aware of them. We reserve the right to decide not to cover a death based on relevance, On the Cavs and hope...... 29 timeliness and circumstances. In cases where the editorial board decided not to cover death, letters to the editor in re- Winter sports...... 30 gard to that death could be printed.
2 contents The Lakewood Times I endorse hardly any of the activities in this issue—even the ones The content contained in this issue of The Lakewood Times isn’t that are relatively peaceful in the time of the holidays. Still, I en- a reflection of the staffs’ beliefs in any way and shouldn’t be taken Editors’dorse this issue as something that the Times seldom does—plays letters as offensive. The main focus of this issue is on drugs and alcohol, with a taboo object. But it’s quite fun to do so. and why students choose to do these things. All students inter- All of these testimonials are anonymous, for we’d rather not viewed asked to remain anonymous to protect their identities. have our students be persecuted for any unlawful partying. But, The purpose of this topic was not to encourage any of the activi- even for teachers, I think what can be gained from this issue is the Contents ties in this issue, but was a very good topic to talk about in this day idea that sometimes we need to step back and look at the ques- and age. Students may be peer pressured into something that they tionable times in life. I, of course, find my happiness in different, don’t want to do or may have some kind of addiction to some sort more lawful manners, but that doesn’t mean that accessorizing of substance. This may be relevant to many of the students and one’s festivities with amenities of various descents is always a bad has some worth to Lakewood. This issue could be a great way to thing. In fact, it can be all right at times. educate the students of LHS about the many different things that Some may dislike this issue for some very blatant articles on teenagers do today. marijuana legalization and views of law enforcement, as well as a For example, this issue of the Times contains a story about cover wherein two psychedelic marijuana leafs are framing a red why students do the drugs they do. It explains how the student solo-cup that inconspicuously lords over the setting. If you don’t may feel and how it may affect that person’s life. The purpose of know what the cup is supposed to suggest, you need to get to this story isn’t to persuade the students of LHS to not do the thing a party or watch Animal House right away. It’s one of the more that they do, but to rather to take in consideration on how it affects memorable of American party symbols. their body and their surroundings. Because the drugs may be af- Additionally, this issue deals with more relaxed (and tame) fecting your body, but it may be affecting the people who care for subject involving the forthcoming holiday season as well as some you the most even more. Not to mention that if a student is doing important issues (such as Photography Editor Veronica Gordon’s drugs and they are failing their classes, it’s probably a direct result article on the Blackfish documentary). of their drug use. My hope for this issue is that it shows the stu- Stay safe this Christmas break even if you want what Miley dents of LHS to be safe and to not be peer pressured into anything Cyrus would call a “banger.” Be blunt with your decision-making, that they don’t want to do. and realize that, in the end, it’s all about having fun.
Sincerely, Matt Morgenstern and Robert Searles
December 2014 misc. 3 the underage drinking trip TheBy Ryan Swingle new “Odyssey”:
As each week comes to a close, there p.m. All of the “squads” now meet up, be- are illegal substances involved? This is is always talk of where this weekend’s cause God forbid someone would show up where the “plug” comes in. Each squad “banger” will be held. Adolescents seem to a party alone. Of the four or five people member frantically hits up any potential to crave these parties almost as much as in the squad, one person will have to be plug, a supplier of drugs. When a reliable they crave the drugs that are ever present the DD for the night. This person is key to supplier is reached, the squad then hits up at such “bangers.” The drug of choice for the squad having a successful night of par- a local corner store as the plug buys them many teenagers is the “satanic” liquid of tying. They are in charge of transporting alcohol and picks up the drugs. Now, it’s alcohol. What goes on at these parties and everyone to and from the party. Another time to get freaky. what is so attractive about alcohol is often member of the squad could attain the re- It’s now 9:00. Time for the party to start a mystery to the non-party-going “common sponsibility of supplying a place to sleep bumpin’. The squad parks on a side street folk.” for the night. This could, however, be as- near the trap house and waits. Waits for Most parties are hyped-up early in the signed later, or the squad could crash in what? They already have a squad to slide school week in order to try to escape from the DD’s car. into the party? Oh, no no no. They need to the unending schoolwork. As the week By the time 8:30 has rolled around, it’s find another squad to unite with in order to goes on, the anticipation for the week- time for the squad to head on over to the make it not-so-awkward as they enter the end’s festivities build. The buildup comes “trap house.” Before the squad rolls up to trap house. Now that everyone is in the to a head on Friday when the hallways are the trap house supplies must be attained trap house, it’s time to get under the influ- buzzing with the details of that night’s par- for the night’s festivities. These supplies ence. Depending on what kind of party you ty. If there is a “theme” to that night’s party include, but are not limited to, drugs and are at, protocol for sharing drugs is differ- there is talk about what everyone will wear. alcohol. Where does one get these sup- ent. Now it’s the night of the party, about 7 plies if they are both underage and there For example, if you are at a BYOB party
The Lakewood Times Live! Here we have a specimen having thrown up after having too much alcohol. The student’s identity is,of course, altered here. Photo courtesy of an anonymous source Sports, arts, announcements, staff profile pictures, school news, and much more! www.lakewoodtimes.net
4 focus The Lakewood Times The new “Odyssey”: the underage drinking trip
(bring your own beer), sharing is frowned up in a corner, or passed out on the ground. house, or spend the night in the DD’s car. upon. There is usually an underclassman who is If the DD is not inebriated, the squad can If you are at a party where “jungle juice” inexperienced in the party atmosphere and either swing by a local fast-food establish- is present, you will throw all of your hard has had a few too many to drink. ment, or go to their designated sleeping liquor into a large container and everyone Obscene Sharpie drawings can be found area. They can figure out if a member’s par- is welcome to share “the juice.” on their faces from antagonizing seniors. ents aren’t home and crash there, or they Now, if a “skittle” party is on the agenda As the night goes on, they start to awaken can try to tip-toe past their parents into the every squad would throw all of their drugs from their drunken stupor, alcohol is again confines of their bed. The squad may even (preferably in pill form) into a container, and shoved down their throat until they are hit up an after party and continue the binge then everyone shares in the fun. even more inebriated. Now some people’s drinking all evening. The party is now starting to take off. A stomachs start to realize that they have The morning after, each squad heads to few squads start to show up, music starts had too much. Puking ensues. Bathrooms the local diner to try to recover from their bumping, and the drinks start pouring. It are full with party-goers waiting to rest their hangovers. As the morning comes to end, starts off with a few people who brought a heads on a comfortable toilet seat and let it is now time to get ready from a stern talk- few beers in a backpack, and then the bot- it all out. ing to as they arrive home. Each member tles start to get broken out. Shots, shots, As people start to leave and the party gets a nice lecture from his or her paren- shots. winds down, it is time to figure out what tal unit, while enduring the headaches and Now the party is reaching its high point. the squad is going to do now. Sometimes stomach pains of a vicious hangover. The Everyone is “feeling themselves.” People the DD has a few too many to drink so the symptoms become suppressed as the can be found playing beer pong, hooking squad can either try to sleep at the trap weekend continues and the buildup of next weekend’s banger begins.
The Lakewood Times Live! Sports, arts, announcements, staff profile pictures, school news, and much more! www.lakewoodtimes.net
December 2014 focus 5 “I can show you a high time”: student experiences on drugs
By Mackenzie Rivera
These following passages are descriptions by students while on various drugs. These students have remained anonymous for obvious reasons. Shrooms/Psilocybin “When I did shrooms, MDMA/Ecstasy/Molly it felt like I wasn’t my- “Basically it makes your throat feel numb so it seems self. The fact that my like it’s hard to breathe. It’s really not though, and you family and I went cos- just get super happy like you literally feel like you’re on mic bowling afterwards top of the world. Drinking with it was fun but it made made it so much worse. me talk so much and be all over the place...like sloppy When my cousins and I drunk but really hyper.” did it, we did it 15 min- Marijuana “When I smoke weed, it just makes me laugh a lot. My parents got a divorce a few months ago in the summer time, and I was upset and got a gram from my friend. I smoked it and it just took my mind off things and it made me really happy and all I could do was laugh.”
“Drugs in de’ Line” by Brett Brown
6 focus The Lakewood Times “I can show you a high time”: student experiences on drugs
utes before we went to the bowling alley and when we Cocaine were at the bowling alley I “One time I sniffed coke, and I felt like I was on felt like the pins were talk- top of the world -- energized as ever. But the ing to me. Afterwards, it fall off it was worst than I thought. I will nev- felt like five minutes went er do it again because it made me sick to my by when really we were stomach.” there for three hours.”
Lysergic acid diethylamide/LSD/Acid “When I was on acid, I was trippin’. All I kept saying was, ‘I’m tripping meatballs!’ and I felt like I was trapped on this drug for like eight hours and it felt like I was in a movie.”
“Drugs in de’ Line” by Brett Brown
December 2014 focus 7 “Born to be Wild”: what makes troubled teens run? By Eman Naserallah
Everyone needs a way to vent. Everyone teenagers are thrown into substance abuse in because their experimenting with dif- needs a way to let out his or her problems. due to peer pressure. As Scheer puts it, ferent drugs for social reasons. They see But not everyone is the same in expressing “It’s human nature to be curious about the what their friends are doing. Of course these inner thoughts and feelings. Some forbidden.” Dual Enrollment Psychology everybody’s different, but Shuckert says teenagers don’t have someone trustworthy teacher Dr. Charles Greanoff says that of that there may be some similar aspects in to tell their secrets to, so they rely on il- course peer pressure and lack of positive the students who are going through this. legal substances to keep them going and peer influence plays a role in why students “There are definitely certain aspects that “happy” in life. take on drugs. are similar, such as relapsing. It is very rare According to LHS psychology teacher Guidance counselor Emily Adkins says that a person will go into treatment, and be Kimberley Scheer, drugs and alcohol boost that students reach out to her saying they fine for the rest of their lives,” she says. If our neurotransmitter chemicals that make do drugs because they see their friends a student is struggling with these things, us feel happy and relaxed. “Teenagers use doing them, and sometimes it’s just sim- Schuckert says that the school usually tries them because they make it easier to over- ply out of boredom. “The most damag- to provide support and as much help as come social shyness, awkwardness, and ing effects I see are students who try and possible; whether it’s trying to get the stu- to have fun,” Scheer says. treat depression on their own. This is only dent to a facility where they are provided Dopamine and serotonin are at unusual a temporary high feeling and students do with the help they need, or something sim- levels for these people and it leads to a not realize the side effects of the drugs pler like just helping the student reach out rush of pleasure that they have never expe- actually make them feel more depressed to their parents to tell them about this. rienced before. However, as they grow ac- afterwards,” Adkins says. She also says It is very hard to grow up and try to meet customed to the pleasure they are receiv- that students report to her saying they everyone’s expectations. It’s also hard to ing from the substance(s), their nerves will have tried drugs because they know their keep up with classes and tests. But think- adjust to them and it will feel as if they’re limits and the amounts that their body can ing it’s okay to medicate yourself to “help not getting that same effect anymore. In handle. That is wrong. “As counselors, we these problems?” You’re only making it order to bring your body back to balance, remind students that there is actually no worse. Talking to a trustworthy adult, par- higher levels of the chemical are needed way to know this and that drugs can be ents, social and/or guidance counselors, or your body will slow or even shut down. made up of many unknown substances,” or even teachers is just one step in mak- This then reduces the effectiveness of our she says. ing your struggle easier. It’s a painful fight, body’s natural neurotransmitters. Guidance counselor Melynda Shuck- where if one doesn’t get help, it will not get However, it is a known fact that some ert says that she usually sees kids come better.
Teenagers naturally have a working factory in their heads. However, drugs and alcohol make that factory work overtime and overwork the teen. “Mind Factory” by Maggie Jawhari
8 focus The Lakewood Times “Born to be Wild”: The benefits of the
Bymulti-named Robert Searles weed One of the most controversial topics in Spain, researched the use of cannabinoids today’s society is the use, production and in treating cancer in April 2009. What they distribution of cannabis (marijuana, weed, discovered is published in the April 2009 pot etc.). Although it’s been around forever, issue of The Journal of Clinical Investiga- the federal government and many others tion. The researchers found that after a still want it to be illegal. Why does the gov- 30-day THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, which ernment feel this way about this substance is the cannabinoid of the cannabis plant) and what is so potentially harming about it treatment of two people diagnosed with to the public that they shouldn’t have ac- fast-moving brain cancer, the chemical cess to it? One reason is because there are had killed the cancerous cells while pre- many misconceptions about marijuana and serving the healthy ones. The THC killed its use. However, many people believe that the cancer cells by helping them feed on marijuana is probably one of the safest and themselves, an event known as autophagy. most therapeutic substances around. More illnesses that help and are treatable A common stereotype is that marijuana with medical cannabis include HIV/AIDS, is addictive. This is something that has Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, insomnia, been debated, but can’t really be proven. anxiety disorders, and muscle disorders, This is because nothing about weed is bio- among others. logically addictive. However, many people Not only should marijuana be legal for believe that it’s an addictive substance the aforementioned purposes, but it should because it is said that heavy use leads to also be for its practical uses. Hemp (the things like a higher probability of dropping non-drug cannabis plant due to a lack of out of school or more relationship prob- THC) can be used for many things that lems. This may be true, but according to could really benefit the world. Hemp can be Psychology Today, only about nine percent used to make paper and is a better alterna- of regular marijuana smokers will develop tive to using trees. Trees take years to grow a serious addiction and only about ten to completely, while hemp reaches matura- thirty percent of regular users will develop tion in only four months. Even the original dependency. Not everyone who smokes Declaration of Independence is written on marijuana will be addicted to it because it hemp. just really isn’t common. Although the government may have their The government and many other peo- “reasons” for making marijuana illegal, the ple have this notion that marijuana is bad real and obvious reason why it’s illegal is for you, but it’s hard to claim that when simply because of money. Marijuana is a there’s counteracting proof of its value. For plant and therefore it cannot be patented, instance, alcohol alone kills about 2.5 mil- which means no money for the big phar- lion people annually while 443,000 people maceutical companies. These pharmaceu- die from tobacco-use. Marijuana doesn’t tical companies would rather have you buy kill you because it’s non-toxic and it is im- their own drugs, not something anyone possible to over dose on. Regardless, the can plant in the ground and have useful substances proved to be more lethal are medicine for. However, some states have still legal. started to realize that marijuana could be Another important reason why mari- useful. There are 23 states that have legal- juana should be legal is simply because it ized marijuana in some way, but only four is something that really can be utilized in states have legalized marijuana for recre- the medical field and there are many cases ational use. Those states include Colorado, to prove this (some states, such as Califor- Washington, Oregon, Alaska, as well as the nia and Colorado, have indeed approved it District of Columbia. Hopefully very soon for such). One study at the School of Biol- other states will come to learn how useful ogy at Completeness University in Madrid, this plant can be. “High Repetitions” by Brett Brown
December 2014 focus 9 WinterBy Eman Naserallah traffic mayhem
Everyone has winter car troubles. Brush- you stuck in less traffic as possible. In- are also salted because they are in school ing off the layers of snow or ice that froze stead, however, of using a main street like zones. As the website for Lakewood City over the windshield during the night, is real- Bunts or Franklin, which are known to get says, “Side street salting is concentrated at ly a pain. Waking up, layering up, and driv- backed up in the morning, you could use hills, intersections, curves, school zones, ing to school with backed up traffic in less those side streets surrounding the streets. and railroad crossings.” than 30-degree weather is not the most Go onto Robinwood from Detroit and head Driving on snowy roads is not an effort- ideal picture for a winter commute. Why not straight into the school if being dropped less action, according to senior Saef Ottal- try a different routine? off. Then, if getting dropped off, the driver lah. “Driving in these [conditions] are hard Before going to sleep every night, tune can turn on to Bunts and go to their desired sometimes. A person just has to remember into the ten o’clock broadcast of the news, location. Or if the parents are the type who to drive slow and take [their] time. Think or simply go on the Weather Service app on do not like to take on the harsh traffic of ahead and plan things out before [leaving your phone and see what the high tempera- Bunts, they can drop you off on Franklin, home.] It really does get crazy; I’ve been ture for the next day is. That way, you can off Blossom Park. driving for a little over a year now and I still go pick out your outfit and can save time Don’t worry about salted streets. First off, find it crazy,” says Ottallah. in the morning. If you pack a lunch every- because it is a school, the streets around Following these simple tips can insure day, set out everything you need (non-per- Lakewood High School are salted and you the least-traffickedcommute on your ishable items) which saves you even more plowed after heavy continuous snowfall. way to school. The basics are checking time in your morning. The mod parking lot is plowed and salted temperatures for the day ahead, getting up The next day wake up, eat breakfast, as well. Secondly, because LHS lands on early, and leaving home at a comfortably change clothes, and hop into the car (or two main streets, Bunts and Franklin, they with wiggle room in between. Don’t drift on mom’s/dad’s car). You can leave at an ear- are always being salted and plowed. And, turns, make sure your windshields are ice- lier time, around 7:45, and you can be fif- finally, those side streets that are well ad- free, and that donuts in the North Lot are teen minutes early to school, which gives vised to use as detours through this winter fun when control is in your grasp. you more time to plan a route that will get
“Snow Car” by Maggie Jawhari
10 life The Lakewood Times Saying goodbye to snow days? By Ashley Hirsch
Last year, the harsh winter forced North- for students in middle school and high believes the delays will make it harder for ern Ohio schools to surpass the amount school. certain students to get to school in the cli- of snow days granted to each district. The The plan was designed to give schools mactic conditions that hindered the day in exceeded calamity days motivated Ohio the flexibility to make up snow days by ex- the first place. “With a single parent who to make a change in its snow day system. tending a few hours during the school year works in the morning, she wouldn’t be Instead of requiring schools to complete a rather than adding days at the end of the able to take me to school…[Additionally], minimum number of days per school year, year. Hours missed above the minimum students, especially seniors, would find the state now requires schools to fulfill a do not have to be made up. However, if a school more of a chore to come to if a delay minimum number of hours. school closes enough that it will fall below went into effect,” says DeJesus. “Much of The law change for Ohio is designed to the minimum number of hours, the school the student body would simply opt-out be- make it easier for school districts to make must extend its scheduled year. One way cause snow-days don’t exist anymore, and up for lost time. That will mean schools will to make up the hours missed below the their disdain towards the new [protocol] be counting hours, not days, when having minimum required is to use blizzard bags. would lead to eventual defiance towards to close for emergency situations. Districts At the start of the 2014-2015 school year, longevity and being present in school.” will still make calls to keep students home schools will submit plans explaining how So the student body of LHS will sim- for the day, or to delay the start of school they will make up the missed hours, in- ply have to see whether or not snow hours when dangerous weather occurs. How that stead of days, up to the equivalent of three manifest themselves as oppositional enti- time is made up will now change. scheduled days. But as of right now Lake- ties. Regardless, the district is slowly, but Under the new rules, Ohio requires a wood is undecided of its plans. steadily, reforming the schedule in a time minimum 910 hours for students in kinder- To some students, the delays are less where everything in education is being garten through sixth grade and 1,000 hours than beneficial. Junior Antonio DeJesus turned on its head.
“Snow Car” by Maggie Jawhari
Photo courtesy of nwitimes.com
December 2014 news 11 Winter family activities By Lanuiqa Jones
This December there are many events to attend in our area for the holiday season. Here they are with the dates, times, and venues. “The Toy Soldier & Fairy Godmother Holiday Show: Presented by Olmsted Performing Arts” This show is family friendly and tons of fun. Dates to mark on your calendar would be De- cember 13, 14, 20, and 21, at 1 and 3 p.m. They will be performing in Tower City Center, on the large staircase by the food court and movie the- ater.
If you feel “Too Close” to this event then that’s just perfect! Singer-songwriter Alex Clare will be in town Dec. 20, at 8 p.m, at the House Of Blues. Come sing along and enjoy yourself with your friends before the end of the year.
They’re back! The Trans-Siberian Or- chestra is ready to make your holidays magical as they perform “The Christ- mas Attic”, their original Christmas rock opera, at 3 p.m. on Dec. 26 at Quicken Loans Arena.
Do you like jazz? Would you like to hear some holiday music? If yes then the Jingle Bell Jazz Matinee is for you. On Dec. 14, at 2 p.m., at the 14th Street The- ater you can hear some of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra’s best play your holiday favorites. (They’re also playing at Hanna Theatre on the thirteenth in a Peanuts- themed show.)
Tuesday, Dec. 16, The 1975, Cruiser and Young Rising Sons will be at the Cleveland Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. (Additional events include the Harlem Globetrotters at Quicken Loans Arena on Dec. 27 at one in the afternoon, the stage version of A Christmas Story playing at Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre now until Dec. 21, a “Stomp” stop in January, and many others.
Cleveland will be hopping in Decem- ber as numerous performers come to the city and its surrounding areas.
websites Photos courtesy of artists’ official 12 life The Lakewood Times Ineffective teaching equals Ineffective student body By Maggie Jawhari Society tends to overlook the impact first grade teacher for a full year, they will during their adult years than students teachers have on the learning of students. enter the second grade unprepared. This who struggle through with below-average The power of an effective teacher is some- will have a cumulative effect and can lead teachers. According to the Harvard study, thing most of us have experienced and to academic problems in the future. Stu- the quality of teaching can lead to earning understand on a personal level. Almost all dents of ineffective teachers will often wit- an extra 25,000 dollars during a student’s of us have had exceptional teachers that ness their abilities drop. They get so dis- lifetime. made a class more interesting or changed couraged by a particular teacher that they The Harvard study also listed some our attitudes towards learning. These start to despise that subject and score characteristics to look for in good educa- teachers possessed a passion for the sub- lower on tests. Due to their insufficient tors. Those that “clarify course objectives”, “show sensitivity to the level of the stu- jects they taught as well as a genuine care grades, students end up enrolling in easier dents and their rate of progress”, “are car- for their students. They inspired us to pon- classes. Their lack of academic motivation ing, fair, and respectful”, “hold high expec- der ideas, take on more challenging work, eventually has the potential to affect where tations for themselves and their students”, or even pursue careers in a particular field they apply to and which colleges they are “dedicate extra time to instructional prepa- of study. accepted into. ration and to helping students”, and “en- Just as a “good” teacher can improve The effects of an incompetent teacher hance instruction by varying instructional a child’s life and learning, weak teaching can extend into a student’s future. Stud- strategies, activities, and assignments” are can also have profound and long-lasting ies show that having a good teacher in the considered good teachers. effects. There are reasons for students per- fourth grade increases the chances of stu- forming poorly in school that go beyond dents attending college by 1.25 percent. the scope of simply lacking intelligence. Students who consistently have competent For instance, If a child has an ineffective teachers are likely to earn higher incomes
“This is the value of the teacher, who looks at a face and says there’s something behind that and I want to reach that person, I want to influence that person, I want to encourage that person…behind that color, behind that language, behind that tra- dition, behind that culture. I believe you can do it. I know what was done for me.” - Maya Angelou
December 2014 life 13 Tis’By Jacklyn Voll and Emily Suleimanthe season for Christmas tunes We’ve all heard a cacophony of Christmas music over the past few weeks, but here are some generation-spanning favorites you can reserve for the day itself.
“Jingle Bells”- Diane Krall
“Please Come Home”- Mariah Carey “Joy to the World” - Faith Hill
“Christmas in the Room”- Sufjan Stevens
“Suzy Snowflake”- Rosemary Clooney “Let it Snow”- Dean Martin
“Silent Night” - Joseph Mohr
14 life The Lakewood Times Tis’ the season for Christmas tunes
“Holly and the Ivy” - Judy Collins
“Frosty the Snowman” - Jimmy Durante “Twelve Days of Christmas” - Straight No Chaser
“Baby it's Cold Outside”-Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan
“Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer” - Burl Ives
“Santa Baby” - Eartha Kitt
are courtesy of AllMusic and Amazon “Snowflake” art by Maggie Jawhari. The album covers
“Sleigh Ride” - The Ronettes
December 2014 life 15 New Years’ resolutions : Lakewood High School By Mackenzie Rivera
Every day towards the end of the year, near Christmas and after Thanksgiving, we get asked that one question: “What’s your New Year’s Resolution?” For some people, it’s to lose a few pounds, finish high school, go to a new college or, for that matter, just get accepted. My personal New Year’s Resolution is to go to a good college, get accepted to my top schools, and finish high school with a bang! I went around Lakewood High School and asked different people their New Years Resolutions and got many interest- ing answers...
Junior Emily Suleiman: To be more patient
Junior Ashley Hirsch: To finish a short story
Senior Maggie Jawhari: To not procrastinate
Senior Robert Searles: To focus more on school
Senior Jacob Buntyn: To get a better job
Senior Mallory Horan: To live life to the fullest
Senior Monique Morrison: To graduate from high school
Sophomore Mandy Muscatello: To be more productive
Senior Jack McDermott: To try and raise my grades
Senior Ryan Swingle: To be a nice guy
Senior Brynn Sirca: To get accepted to my top school
Sophomore Eman Naserallah: To get into a good habit of getting to classes on time
16 life The Lakewood Times New Years’ resolutions : Lakewood High School
Freshman LaNiqua Jones: To pass freshman year
Senior Kaitlin Kasper: To get better grades and to get accepted into my top school
Junior Jacklyn Voll: To get better grades
Senior Cynthia Fuentes: Remove negative vibes from my life to become a happier person
Senior Sam Ciancutti: To lose weight (just kidding), excel in rugby, and get ready for college
Senior Matt Morgenstern: To give up and be as happy as possible
Junior Veronica Gordon: To put more effort towards everything
Senior Ata Suleiman: To get fit
Freshman Christian Bort: To make the most of my opportunities
Junior Ozemenay Taylor: To be more kind to people
Junior Antonio DeJesus: To keep loving people and be nice to them no matter who they are
Senior Brett Brown: To publish more books, buy a car, get new friends and girlfriend, and focus on college
“New Year’s” by Brett Brown December 2014 life 17 It’s all about that bake, no turkey; recipes By Samuel Ciancutti
When looking to the holidays, we look at the fun and joy that comes from being around those who love us and care for us. Or, at least that’s what normal people look forward to. Me? I look to the food. The luscious masses of turkey, chicken, beef brisket, corn, mashed potatoes, cheesy potatoes, cookies, cake and pies, oh my! Though we all indulge in these guilty pleasures, some people genuinely care for their health over this holiday season, while others just let the calories fall in. Taking that into account, the following recipes will tackle your most magnificent obsessions. Baked Sufganiyot: -Doughnuts- 1½ cups flour 1. Mix all of the dry ingredients above into a small bowl. 2 teaspoon (t.) baking powder 2. Mix the liquid ingredients and the sugar ½ t. salt into a larger bowl. ½ stick melted butter 3. Gradually mix the dry mixture into the ½ cup sugar wet. 4. Cover with damp cloth and let sit for 60 1 egg minutes. 1 t. vanilla extract 5. Knead the dough and roll into propor- ¾ cup milk tioned balls. 6. Place on a greased cookie sheet and -Coating- bake in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes. ½ stick butter ¾ cup sugar 2 tablespoons grounded cinnamon
Baked suganiyot, pumpkin chocolate cookies, and cream cheese sugar cookies (from left to right) are some easy and interesting concoctions for all late-night baking parties. Photos courtesy of www.allrecipies.com
18 life The Lakewood Times It’s all about that bake, no turkey; recipes Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies: 1 cup sugar 1. Cream together butter that has been softened to 1 cup butter room temperature with the sugar, cream cheese, salt, vanilla extract, and egg yolk in a large bowl. 1 package cream cheese 2. Gradually mix in the flour with this mixture, as it ½ t. salt gets more difficult to do, knead with your hands. 1 t. vanilla extract 3. Chill the dough for about eight hours, or overnight. 4. The following day, roll out the dough and choose 1 egg yolk your desired shapes for your cookies. 2¼ cups flour 5. Bake in a 375-degree preheated oven for seven to ten minutes or until they attain a golden brown color. 6. Top with your desired frosting and sprinkles.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: 1 cup canned pumpkin 1 cup sugar 1. Cream together the canned pumpkin, sugar, oil, and egg together in an average sized bowl. ½ cup oil 2. Mix together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt 1 egg and baking soda in a small bowl. (Sift together ingredi- 2 cups flour ents if desired). 3. Add the dry mixture to the wet gradually while also 2 t. baking powder adding in the milk and vanilla extract. Then add the 2 t. cinnamon chocolate chips. ½ t. salt 4. Spoon cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet, one inch apart from each other, baking in a preheated 1 t. baking soda oven at 350-degrees for 10 minutes. 1 t. milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2-cups chocolate chips
December 2014 life 19 Here’s to you,
OneOld last look Building! at LHS’s storied East wing.
20 life TheThe Lakewood Lakewood Times Times Here’s to you,
OneOld last look Building! at LHS’s storied East wing.
December 2014 lifelife 21 Shoes, shoes, and more shoes: giving feet something to walk about By Christian Bort
Are you ready for Christmas? These are the top-10 picks that you may want to consider buying (in the order of my choice) if shoes are on any of your loved ones’ Christmas list..
10. C-10 Adidas Originals Strong, lightweight shoes. However, if you’re a person with wide feet, they’re simply not for you. Thus, they’re number 10 on the list because of their lack of feasibility for everyone. Still, though, it’s a decent piece of footwork.
9. Gilbert Crockett Pro (Vans) Vans are notorious for being the skateboarding shoes. Even though it is winter, no one can deny the good look of Vans and how the age-old shoe producer continues to grow in popu- larity.
8. Adidas ZX Flux 8000 These shoes were the Adidas counterpart of Nike’s Roshe Run, except these are just better. Adidas allowed you to make your own image pattern with new technology. These shoes hit big and are a steal too.
7. Nike Air Flight Squad Basketball shoes seem to make their way to the top of this list. Just released, the Air Flight Squad has a lot of potential and looks very nice, especially in regards to its coloring.
6. D Rose 773 First, these are great basketball shoes. Even though they are great, they aren’t number one. Everything about these shoes is good, so it’s hard to explain their flaws. For this price, it’s a steal. They don’t hold up well, however, and like their namesake, only get so far.
22 opinion The Lakewood Times Shoes, shoes, and more shoes: giving feet something to walk about
5. Adidas Pure Boost Adidas takes a spot in the top-five with the Pure Boosts. These shoes are super comfortable, the design is decent, and have sold out because of Kanye West. These are shoes that are hard to compete with.
4. Kobe 9 Elites These shoes are for real basketball fans. According to my research, these shoes have some of the best traction a shoe can possibly get. However, everything else is relatively mediocre and thus the Kobe 9 Elites can’t really get off the ground (like their namesake’s new team). . Kobe 9 Elites These shoes are for real basketball fans. From research, these shoes have some of the best traction a shoe can possibly get. Everything else is moderate and they just can’t weight out to a better spot on the list.
3. Jordan IV Retro Jordan is one of the bigger names in the basketball world. He easily tops every other brand of basketball shoes out there. But for these shoes, we’re not talking about performance, but rather appearance. I say this because old basketball shoes can’t compete with advanced ones, hence, they are only sought after for their look.
2. Jordan Futures These shoes are high on the list for their unique look, combining elements of past designs and new ones to indicate the movement of the Jordan label to the “future” of shoe mer- chandising. It’s a good shoe and is different from the others in the Air Jordan line.
The1. LeBron LeBron 11’s set the bar for 12’s modern basketball shoes when released, mak- ing them a top contender in the shoe world. The sequel to the 11’s will be a hot-seller during the gifting season, so grab them quick.
Shoe photos courtesy of the websties of NIke, Adidas, and Vans
December 2014 opinion 23 Blackfish:
Bythe Veronica Gordon black and white truth about orcas SeaWorld has been an icon of family fun unexpected discovery. Orcas have an area are separated from their families normally and happiness since the 1970s. Perhaps of the brain that humans do not. This extra around the age of two. That’s like kidnap- you even have memories of seeing a show region extends from their limbic system, ping a two year old and subjecting it to a life at one of these parks, which are located and deals specifically with emotion. The of captivity or slavery. In addition, whales across America. But what horrors do the uncovering of this part of the orca brain killed on the hunt are cut open, filled with performance orcas suffer in sacrifice for only further proves that they do have feel- rocks, and thrown overboard to sink to the our enjoyment? ing and do experience a range of emotions bottom, which is an illegal action that has In the CNN-sponsored documentary even more heightened than our own. been repeatedly-used by SeaWorld in the Blackfish, cameras take a deeper look be- This research alone makes it clear that past. hind the locked gates of the marine mam- keeping these animals in captivity is not Blackfish follows the horrors of many mal industry, with shocking and heart- moral or humane. “Imagine being trapped whales and reports on a multitude of inci- wrenching results. in a bathtub for 25 years,” a former Sea- dents, but focuses on the life of one male Orcas have been recognized by scientists World trainer urges in Blackfish. “It’s no named Tilikum. Taken from his family at two as one of the most-intelligent sea animals. wonder that these animals develop psy- years of age, he was kept in a Canadian They live in packs as they roam the ocean chological issues.” The performance or- marine park called SeaLand of the Pacific. freely, and each exclusive pack has its own cas are herded away from their packs and He spent two thirds of his life locked in a 20 exclusive language—and no two packs separated from their mothers at very young foot by 30 foot metal box (it was thought have the same means of communication. ages to live in a cramped environment with that if netting was used, people would cut Families always travel together, and even unfamiliar whales who often abuse the it to set the whales free) with no light and an adult offspring will not stray far from newcomers. no interaction, save for two older female its mother, which ensures steady growth An orca has approximately the same life whales that accompanied him and con- of a whale clan. These animals have been span as a human, and the young whales stantly abused him. After living like this for dubbed “killer whales” on years, his frustration built up and pure superstition from the resulted with him pulling a trainer mid-1900s—a wild orca has under the water during a show, never harmed a human. In eventually killing her. SeaLand fact, they tend to be curious closed due to the incident, and of humans passing through SeaWorld scrambled to get a hold their habitat may even come of Tilikum, who was the largest to investigate. orca in captivity and not yet fully Just examining the way mature. Upon his arrival at Sea- these animals live gives in- World, Tilikum was harassed by sight that they are social the other whales, who would rake and extremely intelligent his body with their teeth, without a creatures. However, this break. SeaWorld staff placed him theory was further proven in isolation for his own protection. by brain scans done on the Physical protection, that is…the whales which resulted in an isolation invoked stress and de- pression that resulted in the col-
Tillikum, SeaWorld’s very own “killer” whale and one of those focused on in the documentary. Photo courtesy of upi.com
24 opinion The Lakewood Times the black and white truth about orcas lapse of his dorsal fin (which only occurs the whale grabbed her ponytail, not her This is just a fraction of the mistreatment in under one percent of whales in the wild), arm, and when audience witnesses spoke that these whales endure throughout their remaining floating motionless in the water up, they states that yes, he did grab her lives in captivity. Tilikum, the now famous for hours on end, and gnawing on the metal arm, but she evoked the attack it was in “murderous” whale, is still performing grates of his tank. no way an act of aggression on Tilikum’s shows regularly at SeaWorld, and they will Tilikum’s death count is up to three part and instead the trainers fault for hav- not let him out of their grasp anytime soon people so far, which includes his attack at ing a ponytail. “They blamed her,” a former because his sperm is incredibly expensive SeaLand, along with two more attack at coworker of Dawn states. “How dare you? and valuable. And that is what this comes SeaWorld, one in 1999 and the most recent How disrespectful for you to blame her, down to—profit. Marine performance com- in 2010. The 2010 attack, which resulted when she’s not even alive to defend her- panies will continue to portray these wild in the fatality of trainer Dawn Brancheau, self?” animals as something that can be con- shocked and horrified people across the Tilikum is one of over 600 cases of docu- quered by humans, but in reality they are country. Dawn, the senior trainer at Orlan- ment aggressive orcas, which leads scien- spontaneous and unpredictable, and al- do Sea World, was reported to be the most tists to confirm that it is not just him that ways will be. These industries will paint the responsible employee that SeaWorld had poses a threat. image of a playful and harmless object that seen in decades. While performing a show, “Every whale in captivity has a bad life. humans can simply control, but this could video evidence shows that Tilikum grabbed They’re all emotionally destroyed, it’s not not be farther from reality. her arm and dragged her under the water. just Tilikum. Each one is a ticking time It’s time that the truth was uncovered for The initial arm grasp quickly developed into bomb,” Lori Marino, a neuroscientist, everyone to see. It’s time each and every more aggressive measures, and Tilikum states. When looking at the facts of orcas one of us can look at these bright adver- ended up scalping her and breaking many that have killed humans, one thing is im- tisements and learn to see right through of the bones in her body, in addition to rip- portant to keep in mind —these animals them, to the reality that these animals have ping off one of her arms. are not naturally aggressive in the wild. feelings just as we do, and that each and It seems impossible that SeaWorld would How could humans have pushed them to every day they suffer. In this case, igno- attempt to warp the details of an event that such emotional deprivation, for our own rance is not bliss. (All facts in this report was captured on camera, and yet they at- amusement, that they would act out in were gathered from Blackfish.) tempted to regardless. They claimed that such in such drastic measures?
At SeaWorld marine shows regularly have train- ers and orcas in seemingly well-held “collabo-
website ration.” Photo courtesy of SeaWorld’s official Trainer Dawn Brancheau of SeaWorld, who was killed by Tillikum. Photo courtesy of www.theguardian. com
December 2014 opinion 25 Law enforcement:
Byto Jacob Buntyn serve and (annoy) you Anyone living in Lakewood has probably through traffic, and parked in front of me so ever. The officers attempted to arrest me had a run in with our police force. In fact, I couldn't go anywhere.” The officer broke on a curfew violation even though at the our officers are infamous within the areas traffic laws, endangered himself, other driv- time they pulled me over it was five minutes surrounding Lakewood. The consensus is ers, and Brian just to tell a skater to get out past my curfew. that Lakewood police officers have either of the street. “While the cop was lecturing Both officers were extremely rude to me too much money, or too much time. me about how dangerous it is to skate in during the entire altercation. Even though I Any run in with the police usually results the street another car pulled up and parked lived just down the block from where they in one car pulling you over or approaching behind us.” While Patrick was on the wrong pulled me over, they were both convinced you, and then quickly two or three more side of the law in this certain situation, that I was breaking some sort of law and cars are on the scene. This type of event skating in the street is the only option due seemed very determined to arrest me for is very common in Lakewood, not so much to the poor sidewalk conditions throughout something. They asked a lot of questions in other areas such as Cleveland or West the entire city. that seemed to be an attempt for me to in- Park. With almost any incident you can al- Two summers ago, I left for a walk to criminate myself. most count on several cars and officers to the store at 5:45 in the morning and I was In certain areas where more police are arrive on scene. pulled over by a police officer. He started present is necessary this can be a bless- Intense police forces like these can be questioning me, asking me for my I.D., ing, but for some incidents the number of intimidating and scary to anyone, especial- where I was going, what I was carrying, officers on scene is over the top. Lake- ly someone who has never been involved etc. He told me to sit on his car while he wood police are intense in situations where in an altercation with the police. A resident searched through my book bag, something it is not needed. Officers are dangerous to of West Park, Patrick Brian, was riding his he was doing without legitimate probable themselves and others when attempting to skateboard to Lakewood's skate park and cause. He radioed in for another officer to execute their job of serving and protect- was pulled over by police because he was come help him and soon there was anoth- ing. Our police force is earning a very bad skating in the street. er officer there. The officers rifled through reputation for their actions and they may Brian recalled the event saying, “The all of my belongings, tossing everything lose the respect and trust of Lakewood’s cop pulled out of the lane opposite of me, around with no regard for them whatso- citizens.
26A NYPD policeopinion officer drags away a “criminal” for protests that occurred in New York on Dec. 3. Photo taken by RobertThe Stolarik (NYLakewood TIMES) Times Christ-Thanks-Mas-Giving: Law enforcement: an unabashed holiday miracle
By Brett Brown
By Brett Brown
Christmas is undoubtedly the most won- ends, Christmas merchandise begins to not “give” us something? Just think about derful time of the year (no pun intended). It spring up. By the end of Halloween, com- it, most holidays involve handing out some is a worldwide event celebrated on all lev- mercials advertising layaway on expensive kind of gift. For Halloween, it’s candy and a els. After Halloween, the Christmas music presents pop up like the flu all over the me- lot of trips to a dentist, for Valentine’s Day commences and we are all pulled into the dia. In fact, Wal-Mart was among the first it’s a sweet card and some expensive flow- jolly spirit. The ghosts and ghouls are trad- to begin showing Christmas commercials. ers you bought from the gas station at the ed in for candy canes and reindeer. But, But, there is just one problem, one very lit- last minute, and even St. Patrick’s Day (al- more often than not, one pivotal holiday is tle problem. There is one holiday, between though I don’t think of a bad headache the outshined, Christmas’s ugly sister, Thanks- cavity-ridden Halloween and capitalistic- morning after as much of a gift). Oh, but giving. The holiday, which has been billed Christmas, one holiday that promotes un- not Thanksgiving, with it’s fattening foods as time of family and “thankfulness” has selfishness and thankfulness, Thanksgiv- and boring TV specials, not to mention the been dilated by the highly commercialized ing. Black Friday celebration immediately after- Christmas holiday. The forgotten holiday, the joke of the wards. As a fan of Christmas, it is easy to un- Christmas punch line, a holiday that is so Plus, have you ever heard any Thanks- derstand why Thanksgiving is outshined at undermined that children only remember it giving music? Halloween has its own such a high degree. The promise of expen- as a three-day vacation from school. De- soundtrack, and so does Valentine’s Day sive presents is more appealing than thank- spite its role as a pinnacle of family and for goodness sake. I mean, I really wouldn’t fulness for family and friends (seriously, friendship, it is oddly one of the least com- find a song about turkey and stuffing to be what have my family and friends done for mercialized holidays (next to Canada Day). a memorable tune. Plus, any song about me lately?). But, why is there such a rush? It is not a holiday that promotes gift-giving eating a bird wouldn’t sit well with any par- Before the new school year starts, even and fruitcake, but rather one of “not-ex- ents. before football season starts, Halloween pecting-anything.” “Santa Fighting Turkey” by the author begins to creep into the vicinity. By the Have we become so indulged in mate- end of August, stores begin selling Hallow- rial possessions that we cannot compre- een paraphernalia. Even before Halloween hend the thought of a holiday that does
December 2014 opinion 27 Cavalier troubles: look to the future By Ozemenay Taylor
The Cavs will be just fine. It just takes not going to fly up and knock some shot change this. As James takes the primary time. As of now, Dec. 3, the Cavaliers hold into the tenth row. He’s not physically gift- offensive threat, who Dion Waiters used an 9-7 record, and after a home win against ed body-wise to defend. He’s athletic in to cover, Waiters moves to the secondary the Indiana Pacers, are a consistently terms of quickness and strength, but isn’t threat, and so on. So Irving can now cover strong team without its biggest forces still a bruiser and isn’t going to bump a guy off the third perimeter weapon, usually just actively playing for the team. the block. And also, Love’s had an effort is- a spot-up shooter. That’s the Cavs’ best Worrisome fans and analysts warn about sue. This is pretty common for high-usage hope. Irving has good lateral quickness but the previous “Big Three” and how they offensive stars. Love will sometimes just can get turned around and doesn’t have didn’t mesh and eventually lost in the Fi- not commit. He’s slow on rotations and the muscle to get up into a guard’s dribble. nals. The Miami Heat. The Cavs have yet to help, doesn’t run off shooters as well as he The new-look Cavs should be able to hide face a major test at this point in the season needs to, and generally just doesn’t give him more effectively, however that’s some- but they have to be ready at all times. As great effort unless it’s for a rebound. thing that needs to be worked on in the the Nuggets showed, the Cavs have to be But it’s not just Kevin. It’s also another “K” next 50 plus games. There’s every reason ready for teams to give their absolute best. name. Kyrie Irving. to think the Cavs will be in contention for But what looks to be the Achilles heel Irving was in the thirty-fourth percentile a Finals spot next season. LeBron James in the team, and the reason for the four last season according to Synergy Sports. does that, and Kevin Love only confirms it. losses so far, is defense. The Cavaliers un- He gave up a huge percentage on jump But there are major questions that stand, der Mike Brown last season finished nine- shots, over 1.0 points per possession, the same that were there with Miami when teenth in the league in points allowed per which is very high. Players shot 39 percent James arrived. And no one knows better possession, which was actually a substan- on spot-up possessions with him guarding, than James that the process of transform- tial improvement from the Byron Scott era. as he’s an over-active helper who doesn’t ing a good team on paper into a truly elite But they still struggled mightily. And on top run off with discipline or authority. Irving’s contender is about philosophy, and all 12 of that, the biggest question about Kevin issues are similar to Love’s in that he strug- active players buying in. Love, beyond the inane playoff appearance gles with effort and physicality. But Love In May, we’ll find out how the Cavaliers questions, is his defense. And there’s good can be hid effectively next to a rim protec- take on this massive task, and the expecta- reason to criticize. tor. Even with help behind him, Irving can’t tions that come with it. Love’s problem has been relevant even be. in Minnesota. One, he’s not a leaper. He’s The addition of James, however, could (From left to right) Kyrie Ir- ving, Lebron James, and Kevin Love are proving that the “Big Three” concept is something that needs a bit of grease to get going. All photos courtesy
of the Cavs’ official website
28 sports The Lakewood Times Construction junction dysfunction: softballers without gyms By Mackenzie Rivera
Already as a spring sport athlete I’m be- Really we should start conditioning that we were going to get construction. ginning to feel the effects of the construc- in November/December just as any other As a student and an athlete, I feel we tion happening in Lakewood’s schools. year. The students, teachers, principals, should have a say in this. With taking away Last year around this time (I’m not sure and the Board of Education of Lakewood the gyms, what are the physical educa- about the other sports) softball pitchers City Schools knew that it was going to be tion students supposed to do? Swim the and catchers had already began condition- hard, but having being told that we can- whole semester? While playing a sport, I ing. We had every Monday in the West Gym not start conditioning till February when don’t have to take gym, so I don’t know a for a hour to a hour-and-a-half to pitch and the season is in March, is the schools just lot about it. But from what I hear from a lot get ready for the season. With the gym be- not being organized. When dealing with of gym students, you HAVE to participate ing knocked down, we can’t practice or disorganization, when a building is going unless you have a doctor’s note. But if a condition. Outdoor sports such as track to be knocked down in the middle of the student doesn’t know how to swim or has a and rugby have more opportunities to school year is a big problem. To my knowl- medical issue with chlorine, then what hap- practice because their sports don’t inher- edge, the principals and others in charge pens to that student? Go walk the track in ently demand good conditions. Softball of this construction are taking one season the middle of January? Now I understand and baseball players can’t do their thing in at a time. But that plan is not a great one. that the gym teachers may have a plan or the snow, as the balance needed (especial- You need to start planning for the season they may not, but if students do have a ly when pitching) is not available with snow. ahead. Also, because of softball not having medical issue will they fail because of it? The problem is, however, we have hardly a coach for a while and the Board of Edu- The other day, parents of the softball any gym time to begin conditioning. cation waiting till November, we can’t even team were putting together fundraisers for So why not the elementary schools? Be- get a gym in Lakewood because we need a the spring season. The school expects us ing a “walking community”, we have many coach (or “adult”) with us at all times. to have a great season or one better than elementary schools such as Hayes, Taft, Being a senior is very stressful, with last years, but we don’t even have any- McKinley, and many more, along with the the applications, college visits, getting col- where to practice it. If that’s the case, then middle schools. Most coaches and many lege coaches to look at you, and dead- we can raise our own money and go to parents questioned why we can’t use those lines. Knowing that this construction was gym and pay for it. The city of Lakewood gyms. Well, the answer is unknown as lim- supposed to be done our senior year, on gives out free gym time to the mens’ bas- ited answers are coming from Lakewood top of the school not being organized, ketball teams in Lakewood. Is this reason- City Schools athletic administrators. Is it makes it just so much more stressful. If able? The athletes of the prized population too much of a hassle to ask? Baseball uses the construction was supposed to be done of Lakewood, the students, shouldn’t have the weight room at Taft, but pitchers and this year, the school had so much time to to wager for time when their seasons (that catchers for softball cannot use the other think about the plan and gym plan. Why produce acclaim, scholarships, and defi- elementary school gyms? To be unorga- are the schools still disorganized? Maybe nite physical fitness) will be blooming as nized is problem, but to just be lazy and the school wasn’t ready or maybe it was a quickly as the lilies in March. We want to be not care is a bigger one. shock to everyone in the city of Lakewood one of the best sports programs in North- east Ohio, right?
Readjustments in building projects throughout the town have made gym condi-
tioning that much more difficult to procure. East Gym photo taken by the author
December 2014 sports 29 WinterBy Ryan Swingle, Ryan Mitchell, and Matt Morgenstern sports previews Boys’ Basketball: Captains: Rotation of four seniors from game to game
Critical games include regular season games against Glenville, Brecksville, Avon Lake, Westlake, and Elyria.
Playoff aspirations include another strong season and defending the previous year’s West Shore Conference Championship.
Stand-outs include returning All-Conference players senior Wes Gerhardt and junior Logan Swift-Stewart as well as returning letterman Nick Porter.
Final coach remarks: “It will be very difficult to match last seasons 21-4 record and conference championship. However if this team will pick up defensively, play unselfishly, and commit to a team rebounding effort, anything is possible.”
CaptainsGirls’: Seniors MikaylaBasketball: Harper, Madison Clause, and Taylor Shaw
Critical games include the Stark County Hoopfest Tournament vs. Stow-Munroe Falls, and regular season games against Berea-Mid- park, Avon, Rocky River, Westlake, and Magnificat.
Playoff aspirations include continuing success and being competitive in the West shore Conference through the loss of many seniors.
Final coach remarks: “I’m excited about the upcoming basketball season. Although we lost six seniors, we still have the balance and depth to be competitive in the West Shore Conference.”
Captains:Wrestling: None
Critical meet: “Top Gun” tournament in Alliance. It’s one of the tougher tournaments around.
Season Goals/Expectations: Our goals this year are to increase our team GPA and strive for excellence on and off the wrestling mat.
Standout Wrestlers: Senior Arrien Robinson, last year’s West Shore Conference Champion.
Coach’s comments: “Once you’ve wrestled, everything else in life is easy.” -Dan Gable Hockey: Captain: Senior Luke Walkush
Critical games: Rocky River and Bay Village
Playoff aspirations include strong play in all regular season and tournament games and to make the GCHSHL Baron cup.
Stand-outs will include returning starters Walkush, senior Nate Bonacuse, and junior Jake Gregory. Also look for senior Joe Young to have a strong year -- his first at goaltender.
Final coach remarks: “With our returning letterman as the core, we hope that our new additions to the team will complement our strong points and help us improve different areas of our game.”
30 sports The Lakewood Times Winter sports previews Boys’ Swimming: Captain: Senior Shawn Sovie
Critical meets are against Bay, Rocky River, and Westlake. According to Head Coach Allison Davila (who also coaches the girls’ team), “Those will all be close match-ups.”
Playoff aspirations include great Conference performances, advancing more swimmers from Sectionals to Dis- tricts, and some qualifying at States in both swimming and diving.
Stand-outs (especially on relays) will include Sovie and sophomores Preston Polen and Nick Ferrone. According to Davila, there are also some new freshmen who promise to have an impact after swimming on some club teams.
Final coach remarks: “It was definitely tough losing 17 seniors. However, we have a really strong up and coming freshman class that I think will step up. I am excited to see how this season goes. Can’t wait!”
Girls’ Swimming: Captains: Seniors Hannah Burke and Taylor Wohlfeil
Critical meets are against Bay, Rocky River, and Westlake.
Playoff aspirations include great Conference performances, advancing more swimmers from Sectionals to Dis- tricts, and some qualifying at States in both swimming and diving.
Stand-outs will include junior Cate Schleckman and sophomores Kelly Reis and Julia Neff.
Final coach remarks are the same as the Boys’.
Gymnastics: Captains: Seniors Marisa Elis, Lily Jancik, and Nathaly Rodriguez
Critical meets include those against Eastlake North and at their Rock and Roll Tournament.
Playoff aspirations include participating in Sectionals.
Stand-outs will include sophomores Emma Yonkers and Emily Pearlman with freshman Catilin Cimino. Assistant coach (and English teacher) Kate Laino says she has high hopes for Cimino.
Final coach remarks: “I think we have eight returning veterans and then, as of right now, some 15 new girls. The majority of them do not have much gymnastics experience, so with a team that large, it’s going to be a new chal- lenge getting them all up to par.”
December 2014 sports 31 32 flashback The Lakewood Times This cover is from an October 2007 issue of the Times. It was actually the first issue of that school year.