Contra-Banned...

Phoenix rising from the Ghoulish treats: tasty or coffee grounds p. 12 toxic? p. 22 Hoodwinked? They’re listening to WHAT? You decide. p. 20 p. 24 Vol. 88, No. 3 • November 2008 • Lakewood High School•14100 Franklin Blvd.• Lakewood, OH, 44107 Cover Photo by Alex Mezin, Staff Photographer. Cover Design by Thealexa Becker, Design Editor. ...or just CONTROVERSIAL?

The Lakewood Times Hey, LHS! Editorial Board We did it! One quarter down, just three more to go. During the last month Rebecca McKinsey Editor in Chief of this quarter, The Times has been working to discover how students and Thealexa Becker Design & Focus Editor staff at Lakewood High feel about the dress code. We took advantage of Rachel Kowalski News Editor the convenience offered by Scantrons to get more data and comments than Sarah Jawhari Opinion Editor Times surveys ever have before. Some of what we found was expected, but Isabella Zettler Lakewood Life Editor Jacob Ott Sports Editor a lot of the information and opinions we received surprised us. Read on to Andrew O’Connor Advertising & Business Manager discover what LHS says about dress code. Valerie Locke Names Monitor In addition to dress code controversy, this month’s issue offers reviews Miranda Mave Art & Photo Coordinator of movies, books, music, and restaurants; fun new info about the SAT and Adam Mihalski Public Relations & Pollster ACT; a faceoff between two Times staff members; and information from Wilson Sackett Exchange Editor female LHS athletes about who influences them. Enjoy, and remember that Fiza Shah Future Book Compiler we’re always welcoming new members! Danielle Szabo Distribution Head Rebecca Karen Ballash Adviser

These sad-looking students are behind bars because they are guilty of the following transgressions: (From left to right) Josh Watkins, illegal headgear; Meredith Richards, showing too much shoulder; Jordan Congeni, a real hardened criminal in hoodie, sunglasses and sweatpants; Anna Marburger, indecent exposure of the midsection; Abbey Hegarty, entirely too comfortable; along with everyday hoodielums Carley Ama- long, Mary Beth Donahoe and Emily Jackson. ...or just Contents Focus 4 – Clothing Statement News CONTROVERSIAL? 10 – Freshmen discover Lakewood 12 – Phoenix not just a myth anymore 13 – Teachers exchanging students 22 14 – Recent grad investigates FBI 15 – Prepping for your future 16 – Chance Encounter News Briefs Editorial The arrival of fall 17 – Inquiring Times means the coming of Study hall studied Halloween and winter sports (above). 18 – Cheers and Jeers Cheerleaders show off their routines (right). Open mind, open campus Photo by Kim Farkas. Dr. Sidney Peterson and 19 – Times’ take on hoodies her daughter, Emily 20 – Faceoff on dress code take in the scenery in Poland (below). 21 – Bookroom hours conflict Lakewood Life 22 – Dying for sweets “Twilight” highlights 31 23 – Cereal Central Little Italy 24 – “Nick and Norah” won’t bore ya Playlist Profile 25 – Musical musings Sports 26 – Girls’ sports influences 28 – Wilson’s Words of Wisdom 29 – Winterhurst no longer on thin ice 30 – Editor’s Corner Underclassmen Uncovered 31 – Ranger Report Sports Under Review 13 November 2008 3 Focus Focus Students speak: no more hoodie rule By Rebecca McKinsey, Editor in Chief less tops, opposed by 75 percent; and the con- It’s no secret that Lakewood High students straints on clothing that is in disrepair or has don’t like the hoodie rule. What may come as a holes (74 percent). surprise, however, is that they don’t have a big “ y class was interrupted to Reasons for this opposition are varied. One M problem with the rest of the dress code. is the ever-present freedom of expression ar- punish people wearing hood- More than three hundred LHS students gument – 57 percent of students believe the completed surveys to let The Times know what current dress code is too restrictive of personal ies when a security guard they thought about the dress code. While some expression. aspects of the results only reinforce the com- came in to check. Not only Twenty-one percent of surveyed students plaints that staff members have heard count- believe that the restrictions set forth by the were the five to ten people less times, others are unexpected. dress code are so extensive that having uni- Most significant is the response regarding deprived of a lesson, but the forms would be better. the hoodie rule. Of the students surveyed – “I think that having this strict of a dress code whole class was distracted close to 100 in each grade – 92 percent say the is basically like wearing a uniform already,” rule needs to go. for the rest of the period.” sophomore McKenzie McKernan said. “Either Reasons regarding this majority opinion get rid of it or give us uniforms.” were varied, but one that becomes more sig- Students and faculty alike agree that viola- nificant with the approach of colder weather is tions and subsequent enforcement are exten- the warmth offered by hoodies. to check. Not only were the five to ten people sive. The Times was unable to obtain data on “I know that wearing hoodies can be a prob- deprived of a lesson, but the whole class was dress code violations from LHS administra- lem,” one student said. “However, getting wet distracted for the rest of the period.” tors. However, student-reported results from a going across the street and being cold is a prob- Students deny the argument that the apparel similar dress code survey conducted by Jamie lem also.” banned by the dress code is distracting to their Cure’s English class last year verify that viola- While the opposition to the hoodie rule learning. On average, 84 percent of students do tions are occurring. Of the students surveyed, comes as no surprise, what may be more un- not find any of the restricted apparel distracting. 26.8 percent said they had violated dress code expected is that the majority of students – 66 The only articles of clothing a larger amount of more than five times, and 12.5 percent claimed percent – admit there should be some type of students say are distracting are short skirts (30 they had been sent home more than five times dress code, and 60 percent say they agree with percent) and low necklines (25 percent). And for dress code violations. most of the current dress code. while only 32 percent of students support the “The dress code was a good idea when it The areas of the current dress code that are ban on short skirts, 73 percent agree that low started, but now it is out of control,” junior supported by the majority of LHS students are necklines shouldn’t be allowed. Mike McMaster said. the restrictions on low necklines (73 percent), The largest dissent is found with the hoodie Students also protest the inconsistency pres- clothing that promotes drugs, alcohol, tobacco, rule – 96 percent of students say hoodies are ent in current enforcement procedures. “I don’t sex, and violence (71 percent), sheer or light- not distracting. have a problem with a dress code, but everyone weight clothing (70 percent), and oversized, “I believe I speak for everyone when I say at this school is not treated equally,” senior baggy, or tight-fitting clothing (54 percent). that a hooded sweatshirt doesn’t distract learn- James Bond said. “Security guards don’t write Several aspects of the dress code, on the ing or is the cause of problems,” sophomore up certain people because they are friendly with other hand, stand out as being greatly opposed Grant Graves said. them, while other people get caught. If every- by students. The most significant is the hoodie Next up were body piercings, which 88 per- one gets treated the same way, then there is not rule. Others are restrictions on body piercings cent said weren’t distracting, then dyed hair – 84 a problem.” and unnaturally colored hair, both opposed percent of the LHS students surveyed said they The dress code set forth by the Lakewood by 76 percent of students; the ban on sleeve- don’t find unnaturally colored hair distracting Board of Education states as one of the rea- to their learning. sons for having a dress code, “We expect stu- “Piercings don’t bother the educational pro- dents to maintain the type of appearance that is cess,” sophomore Miklos Szabo said. “It’s not “I know that wearing not distracting or disruptive to students, teach- like they are talking to us while we are trying to ers, or the educational process of the school.” learn. They are just being worn, and if it both- hoodies can be a problem. Despite this, many students assert the extensive ers you, then don’t look at the person.” enforcement of dress code is actually increas- Students also believe the time and effort that However, getting wet going ing disruption, more than the banned articles security guards and administration put into en- across the street and be- of clothing ever did. forcing dress code take away from more impor- “I really and truly believe that hoodies and tant needs. ing cold is a problem also.” other such disallowed articles of clothing are “The administration has a lot more impor- ten times the distraction they were before they tant issues to deal with besides the dress code, were banned,” sophomore Nicole Dashiell said. such as truancy and fights,” senior Kelsey Mo- “My class was interrupted to punish people ran said. “They have become too wrapped up wearing hoodies when a security guard came in in punishing students for petty things.” 4 The Lakewood Times Focus Focus Teachers weigh in: hoodie rule a hassle

By Rebecca McKinsey, Editor in Chief is high among LHS staff, with an average of 89 Teachers and staff are usually seen as the percent agreeing with the restrictions on over- bad guys when it comes to the dress code. sized or tight-fighting clothing, low necklines, What students may not realize, though, is that clothing in disrepair, hats, bandanas and other the majority of the teachers who tell them ev- headgear, sleeveless tops, and skirts shorter “I believe self-expression ery day to take their hoodies off would love to than knee-length. see the hoodie rule thrown out. Within these results, the highest support is is important and neces- In an effort to learn about staff opinion on found for the banning of oversized, baggy, and sary. However, this can the current dress code, The Times surveyed tight-fitting clothes (98 percent) and low neck- the approximately 200 staff members at LHS lines (97 percent). The least-supported of these be accomplished after and received responses from about one third restrictions is the ban on sleeveless tops, which of them. is agreed upon by 71 percent of staff. school, on the weekend Perhaps the most surprising result is that Although the teachers surveyed support and during the summer.” more than half of the staff surveyed – 56 per- the majority of the dress code, there are sev- cent – do not agree with the hoodie rule. eral aspects on which the staff was conflicted. Some of the teachers ventured to say that Most notable is the hoodie rule. Teachers are the security reasons for not allowing hood- also split over the bans on body piercings, sup- ies are not valid. “The reasoning behind [the ported by 53 percent of staff, and unnaturally class time having to enforce the dress code, hoodie rule] doesn’t make sense,” ESL teacher colored hair, supported by 57 percent. and over 33 percent spend more than five Rebecca Havel said. [The students who run Despite the conflict, seventy percent of staff minutes doing this. Several teachers express from staff members and put their hoods up believe the current dress code is not too restric- having to spend “too much” time on enforce- represent] a small number, but the whole stu- tive of students’ personal expression. ment. dent body should not be penalized. Hoodies “I believe self-expression is important and This sentiment is not a new one. Of the are fun to wear, cheap, warm, and also very necessary. However, this can be accomplished teachers surveyed by Cure’s class last year, fashionable!” after school, on the weekend and during the 84.2 percent said enforcement of dress code Despite the conflict over the hoodie rule, summer,” [need subject and name] Holmok takes away from teaching time. the opinion that some type of dress code is said. “Also, in my opinion, there is plenty of Community support is tantamount as well: necessary is shared by 98 percent of LHS staff room within the current dress code for neces- last year’s English survey showed 76.9 per- surveyed. Several reasons were given for this sary self-expression.” cent of surveyed LHS staff saying that having opinion. Some teachers at LHS do think student self- uniforms would make LHS look better to the Ninety-three percent believe having a dress expression is compromised by a restrictive community. code contributes to the way the Lakewood dress code and the threat of uniforms. Other teachers disagree with uniforms community perceives Lakewood High stu- “The T-shirts and group ‘tees’ that state because of the difficulty buying them would dents. Going along with this, 71 percent of what the kids belong to or events they have present to some students. “Many students LHS staff think the dress code contributes to participated in is part of the richness at LHS,” wear jeans because they are more economi- community support for Lakewood High in the one teacher stated. “I think that we need some cal and more readily available in all sizes,” one voting booth. limits set for dress code, but not a dictatorship. staff member said. “Many of the pants for the The faculty at Lakewood High also thinks The students should still have the freedom of school uniforms are limited in size and some- that having a dress code and enforcing it con- expression.” times difficult to find for all kids.” tributes to positive student performance: 73 A large number of teachers and staff, 79 per- Others argue that students should worry percent say enforcing dress code contributes cent, would like to see uniforms implemented. less about dress code and find other venues to classroom decorum. This number is almost equal to that obtained by for expressing themeslves. Support for many aspects of the dress code Cure’s students’ research: last year, 79.4 percent “Students (and staff!) who want to stand of teachers they surveyed were in favor of uni- out and be remembered after their LHS years forms. The majority reason for this, however, can find better, life-improving, ways: fundrais- “ is not that teachers want more restrictions on ers, our all-encompassing music and bands, Group ‘tees’ that state students, but that they no longer want to have sports, being a team leader, always showing what the kids belong to to deal with the hassle of enforcement. your good side to everyone, being a ‘tech “I don’t believe [having uniforms] is right,” geek,’ trying to be a go-to person for help or events they have par- one teacher said, “but I would agree only to in science and math for your friends,” LHS reduce current conflict.” Bookroom Secretary Dawn Winger said. “I ticipated in are part of About half of the staff surveyed says en- think high school should teach students to be the richness at LHS.” forcement of the dress code creates unneces- socially adept and functional, not anti-social sary conflict. Ninety percent claim to spend and getting by.”

November 2008 5 Focus Focus Dress code? Uniforms? No 2% Yes No No 21% 21% 34% Ye s No Yes 66% Ye s 79% 79% 98%

Students Staff Students Staff

Sleevless shirt rule? Piercing rule?

Ye s Ye s No 24% 26% 29% No Ye s Ye s No 47% 53% No 71% 76% 74%

Students Staff Hair color rule? Students Staff “ I don’t understand why they want Ye s to limit our clothing options or even 24% go to uniforms because we are respon- No Ye s sible for if we succeed academically or No 43% 57% not...We are the ones who decide to do 76% our work, and pay attention … not our “ clothes!” -Becca Houp, 9 I think that the way Students Staff students dress cannot possibly affect the edu- Hoodie Rule? cational process. Anyone who is distracted in class Yes because the person next to them has a nose ring or is 8% wearing a hoodie needs to learn how to cope because Yes in the real world there’s no No dress code.” No 44% 56% 92% -Hannah Eaton, 12

Students Staff 6 The Lakewood Times Focus Focus It’s not what they’re wearing, research says

By Sarah Jawhari, Opinion Editor of a problem. But is there really to the correlation between strict pizzazz, nor public schools their dress codes and achievement in questionable reputations. Numerous studies have been a correlation between dress code the classroom. If this is true, then what it is conducted to prove the effective- and success? To put this in perspective, imag- about private schools that makes ness of dress codes in the class- A study conducted by the De- ine this: a typical private Catholic them seem so desirable? room. If students dress for success, partment of Sociology as the Uni- school, all students in uniform, Again referring to the study, the then they are expected to succeed. versity of Notre Dame proved ready to take a standardized test. “nice” effect of Catholic schools It is believed that attendance will otherwise. Though the study was Next door is the public school that is not associated with whether the increase, academic achievement accepted for publication in The houses minorities and poor whites, students wear uniforms or not. It will skyrocket, and substance use Journal of Educational Research simply because the cost of public is more likely due to the social rela- and behavioral issues will be less in 1998, the information is still rel- evant, and provides serious insight schools is much cheaper. tions fostered in Catholic schools. Any onlooker is automatically This also becomes a matter of drawn to the tidy tots in uniform. common sense: private schools The following are the comparisons of absences, behavior, and drug usage in Catholic and Private academies with and without Who wouldn’t be? Private schools emphasize religion or morals, and uniforms. The numbers are in percents. have upheld amazing reputations the majority of private schools are for attendance and academic predominantly white, making for a achievement. Relative to Lake- closer set of students, as it were. Catholic Sample wood, many people think fondly Families wealthy enough to send Uniform No Uniform of both Magnificat and St. Ed’s. their children to private schools Then the question becomes, don’t have to worry about putting “How do we take all that private food on the table, so they don’t Absent school success and pump it into have to deal with the stress associ- 2.89 2.55 public schools?” ated with poorer families. If par- Behavior David L. Brunsma and Kerry ents are nagging their children day 1.49 1.41 A. Rockquemore conducted the and night about what they’re going Notre Dame study, which found to do about the house payment or Drugs that transporting such success isn’t the bills tomorrow, children will 2.73 2.80 easy. “Opponents of adopting become distracted, making for uniform policies,” the study said, problematic achievement issues. Private Sample “stress the legal, financial, and Board members should realize questionable effectiveness of such that it’s not all about uniforms. Uniform No Uniform policies.” Though they look tidy and proper, Enforcing a strict dress code there are so many other variables or a uniform on poorer public that will affect the children wear- Absent schools only spells trouble. To be- ing them. After all, putting a crisp 2.93 2.73 gin with, some places wouldn’t be button-down shirt on a stressed Behavior able to afford the uniforms. teen before he takes a standard- 1.33 1.28 Brunsma and Rocquemore con- ized test won’t ensure that he Drugs cluded, “The strongest opponents does better. To the contrary—he’ll 2.36 2.07 to uniform policies charge that probably spend more time wor- there currently exists no empirical rying about the itchy, goofy shirt evidence to support the numerous than the exam in front of him! and varied clams of uniform pro- It is hard to assign a specific Total Sample ponents.” equation to success. Just because This is where the correlation a stricter dress code or a uniform Uniform No Uniform between dress codes and success may create a classier look, it prob- comes in. According to the Notre ably won’t be worth the trouble Absent Dame study, student uniforms it would take to enforce. Private 2.90 3.01 have no direct effect on substance schools are getting along nicely be- Behavior use, behavioral problems, or at- cause of what they’re teaching in 1.58 1.74 tendance. In fact, a negative effect the classroom—not what they’re of uniforms on student academic wearing. Drugs achievement was found. 2.68 2.71 Put simply: it’s not the uniforms that give private schools their November 2008 7 Focus Focus Area schools struggle over dress code too

By Thealexa Becker, Design Editor 2. Outer garments must Lakewood is not the only school cover undergarments (this district with a hoodie problem. includes bra straps). No In early October, students at sheer or see through cloth- North High school in Akron ing allowed. staged a protest against what they 3. Pajama pants are not permitted to be worn to school. viewed as an unfair dress code. 4. Students are permitted to wear shorts and skirts of appropriate length. The official dress code permits 5. Coats, sunglasses, scarves, “rags”, hats or other head coverings may not be worn at school from sweaters and sweatshirts, much the time a student enters the building until 3:11 p.m. Coats and hats are to be kept in lockers like the policy at LHS, but bans during the day. Additionally, proper etiquette indicates that hats not be worn at certain school the presence of hoods for the du- events outside the normal school day (e.g. concerts, plays and the like). ration of the school day. 6. Shoes must be worn at all times. Shoes with wheels are prohibited at Bay High School. School officials suspended 29 students for refusing to comply and remove their hoods when Requirements include the following. they were asked to do so. Over 1. Dress and grooming standards require cleanliness 100 students came to class wear- in the interest of health, sanitary conditions and ing hoodies, but only 29 of them safety requirements. were given a two-day suspension 2. When a student is participating in school activities, for insubordination. The other his/her dress and grooming must not disrupt his/her 71 removed the hooded sweaters performance or that of other students or constitute a when asked. health threat to himself/herself or other students. The reason the students gave 3. Dress and grooming are such as not to disrupt the for their protest was the weather teaching/learning process. conditions. The first “cold” day 4. No dress that promotes hate, profanity, vulgar or of the year came in early Octo- negative messages; anything advertising or related ber, and the students felt that they to alcohol, tobacco and drugs or anything sexually should be allowed to keep warm explicit is permitted. with the hoodies. Akron City Schools has what amounts to two dress codes. The K-8 dress code is uniform-like Dark glasses are not to be worn unless prescribed by while the high school students a doctor. are permitted to wear jeans and T-shirts. The high school’s code is No excessive or distracting use of make-up similar to that of LHS. Coats and outer garments not appropriate for indoor An Akron City School staff wear are to be kept in lockers and are not to be worn member responded to the protests in classes. on October 3 by saying that the district had no plans to change the hoodie rule and that any changes would have to go through the Ak- ron City School Board. Many area school districts have varying dress codes, ranging from A. Feet must be covered by some type of shoe or sandal. virtually no guidelines except for Bedroom slippers are not permitted, and flip flops are not the administrator’s discretion, to recommended for safety reasons. rules that may seem bizarre but C. Proper underclothing should be worn at all times. appear to be linked to deterring E. Hair curlers/rollers are not to be worn. gang violence. F. No outdoor jacket/jean jacket is to be worn during the school day. To the right are excerpts from a G. Any garment specifically made to be worn as an undergarment can’t be worn as an outer garment. few area school dress code guide- H. Inappropriate insignias, emblems, and/or gang related colors, shall not be worn during the school lines. day or at school functions. I. EXTREMES in styles or bizarre types of clothing are discouraged 8 The Lakewood Times T:7.25 in

Focus Focus

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Art by Sarah Jawhari, Opinion Editor 10 The Lakewood Times news news Freshmen unearth Lakewood’s roots By Fiza Shah, Editorial Board Member stayed longer than anyone, with- feels that every year the commu- How would you like to get a longterm one, and that what their out expecting anything in return. nity goes through some form of grade for the opportunity to meet students learn will help them later Sims thinks that “Lakewood is change, whether it is population a full-grown man in a toga, take on. Through this project, many of a great place [to live].” The size of growth or building development. risks, or experience true kindness? the students came across individu- the city has allowed him to keep in While living in such a diverse and The students in Freshman Ad- als that sparked their curiosity. touch with his friends since mid- changing community, the under- vanced English had a chance to For example, Clair Beargie re- dle and even elementary school. standing of one’s surrounding be- experience this, and much more, counts that one day, on one of her Moreover, he appreciates the di- comes very significant. in the “A Walk Across Lakewood” walks, she saw a man walking down versity in Lakewood, and thinks it “There is more to Lakewood,” project. the street. He was in a toga with an is great that people from other cit- said Sullivan, “than Chipotle.” According to Gail Meinke and umbrella in his hand, a cloudless ies, such as Cleveland, are moving The students are encouraged Shane Sullivan, both ninth grade sky above his head. Though she here. “[Lakewood] isn’t perfect,” to explore the places that interest Advanced English teachers, many said she didn’t approach him, she Sims said, “[but] it doesn’t need them to discover more of what teenagers today aren’t as informed still thinks it was an interesting ex- to be.” Lakewood has to offer. How- about Lakewood as they should perience. Nonetheless, with the inspira- ever, there are some required be. There were also many students tional and often humorous experi- sections of Lakewood that they In order to help more students who took advantage of the op- ences, some of the students also have to visit in order to get a full understand the possibilities Lake- portunity to offer random acts of faced some frightening encoun- picture of the city. Some aspects wood offers, Sullivan and Meinke kindness. For instance, Elizabeth ters. There were many rules and are comparing three businesses in are assigning the “Walk Across Kissel met a disgruntled man with guidelines that the students had to Lakewood, such as the different Lakewood” project to their stu- a baby in his arms while walking follow, one of which stated they restaurants, and comparing recre- dents. Originally designed by down Water- were never ational services. Also, they had to Meinke and English teacher Sean bury. When to walk alone. walk Madison or Detroit from end Wheeler, the project is meant to Kissel ap- This rule was to end and visit both libraries and accompany Peter Jenkins’ book “A proached, the “The students who put in place Metroparks. Walk Across America.” man became to avoid po- “All of [the students] who have Jenkins writes about the expe- irritated as have put their heart tentially dan- put their heart into the project riences he had in his journey on the baby be- into the project have gerous situ- have realized that Lakewood’s not foot from Alfred, New York to gan to cry. ations, such boring,” Meinke said. Florence, Oregon. He wanted to He refused realized that Lake- as the one in After completing the walking discover the true America, which to talk to her, which Emily part of the project, students were was, in his mind, corrupted by the adding he wood’s not boring.” Golba found then required to come up with negativity of the Vietnam War. might change herself. a creative way to present their On his journey, he relied com- his mind if Golba, now discoveries to their class. There pletely on strangers for shelter and she could get the wailing baby to a junior, and some friends went weren’t any requirements given many other bare necessities. Much stop crying. Kissel accepted the to Caribou Coffee one day. They by their teachers that dictated this of the book is about his conver- challenge and took the baby from saw a heavily tattooed man walk in part of the project. Both Sullivan sations with these strangers, from the bewildered man. After singing with his girlfriend, and decided to and Meinke agree this part of the whom he learned much of what a lullaby, the baby fell asleep and initiate a conversation. After they process was one of the hardest for America is and a lot about him- was returned to her father. She talked a while, they headed home. their students, because they were self. felt good about helping the total Golba told her parents about used to teachers telling them what After reading Jenkins’ book stranger. the conspicuous tattooed man. Af- they need to do to get an A. over the summer, the Advanced Matt Sims also used this project ter listening to Golba’s description Meinke also said that some stu- English students were given a as a platform for generosity and of the man, her mother looked up dents went into the project with project the first week of school to self-sacrifice. Sims was leaving the a list of reported sex offenders a set notion of what Lakewood inspire them to think and discover Lakewood Public Library when he that she received via e-mail. Af- is. According to her, this project the true Lakewood, while gauging noticed that the Lakewood Earth ter browsing through the e-mails, is meant to give the students the their understanding of the book. And Food Foundation was busy the tattooed man to whom Golba opportunity to help develop their For an entire month, the stu- setting up their food stands in the had spoken was staring back at her own opinions about their city, with dents walked throughout Lake- front. The LEAF Foundation is an from her home computer. Golba proof to back it up. wood, talking with complete organization that wants to devel- said this experience didn’t hinder “The community of Lakewood strangers, discovering the busi- op a healthier and more practical her walking, because she knows is changing.” Sullivan said. “One nesses in Lakewood, and develop- Lakewood by emphasizing locally- that there are such people in every of the central themes of A Walk ing a true understanding of what it grown foods. community. Across Lakewood is that we go means to live in this city. Sims stayed for a few hours to Both Meinke and Sullivan feel outside of our comfort zone and Both Meinke and Sullivan agree help set up. H2O was also helping, that the benefits outweigh the see the beauty of Lakewood.” that the effect of the project is a along with those standing in line risks. “[Lakewood’s] not a static to buy the food. However, Sims community,” Meinke said. She November 2008 11 News Phoenix Rising: Local coffeehouse expands By Shaina Switzer, Staff Writer the new and expanded Phoenix for seating and, as Hutchison de- Starbucks, and I liked that about For the past seventeen years, location open and ready for busi- scribes, “a better flow for service it,” English teacher Charmian Lakewood has been home to a ness. “We want it to be perfect,” with one side for seating and the Perttu said. unique coffeehouse called the Hutchison said. “We’re doing a lot other for service.” The new Phoe- Another teacher also expressed Phoenix Café. Students and adults, of the work ourselves. We’re re- nix will also continue to showcase his pleasure in the Phoenix’s hom- young and old, gather almost ev- ally excited because we feel we do a monthly wall of art from local ey atmosphere. “In its early days, it ery day and night to enjoy fresh good tea and coffee, and we think artists, while including its own was like a throwback to the hippie roasted coffee, espressos, and the new place will better represent permanent art installations. days, small and intimate,” Social smoothies. Customers are also of- what we are about.” An interesting decor choice Studies teacher Norm Murphey fered pastries, cookies, and other Several students are already ex- is the incorporation of bicycle said. “It’s a quaint little place with treats while taking in the original cited about the move. “I love their frames in tables and counters. a friendly group of eclectic peo- art pieces decorating the walls. coffee,” junior Grant Colvin said, “Almost all of our materials are ple. Anyone could feel comfort- For many students at Lakewood “and I’m happy to see that they’re reused, recovered, or recycled,” able there.” High, the Phoenix is a retreat, a expanding.” Hutchison explained. “We wanted “It’s great that young entrepre- comfortable place to hang out Frequent visitors of the popular our new building to be as “green” neurs were able to fight chains, at after school. “I like the atmo- café will be happy to hear that not as possible and we wanted to use and build their clientèle,” Mur- sphere, the people who go there, only will the Phoenix be retaining zero volatile or harmful materi- phey said. “Now they are very the artwork, and the musicians its original menu, but they will also als.” successful.” outside,” senior Anya Hurley said. be adding to it with light vegetar- Another exciting thing to come The expansion of the Phoenix Soon, regulars and newcomers ian fare. “We are going to be doing from the expansion is the addi- will be a notable event for Lake- will be able to enjoy the Phoenix all of our own baking including tion of a stage and a new sound wood. Now, the Phoenix coffee even more as the coffee house breads and pastries,” Hutchison system. The Phoenix will continue house can show itself as a mecca expands in several ways. With a reveals. “All of our espresso and to have open mic nights and live for Lakewood citizens to flock and fresh menu and improvements to Phoenix drinks will be the same, music, but “now we will be able to to express themselves, to be enter- its arts and entertainment aspects, but much better, and I think our have a nicer venue for a lot more tained, and to enjoy one more cup the Phoenix looks to be rising into vegetarian dishes are really, really bands,” Hutchison said. of delicious, fresh roasted coffee. a new era of coffee catering. good.” Many will be happy to see the In late December or possibly With the new place being twice Phoenix expand, which means the January, co-owner and manager the size of the original, the Phoe- growth of its services and per- Julie Hutchison hopes to have nix will have double the space sonal care. “It’s not like a chain, or Phoenix Magazine: Emerging from the ashes By Greg Culley, Staff Writer After two years of silence, stu- where students can express them- be dependent on participation. incredibly selective. “Not all po- dents at Lakewood High School selves through writing.” The publication will rely com- etry is good poetry,” says Jawhari, who express themselves through When Perttu first announced pletely on submissions from the “but some of the submissions the arts of poetry and literature will the rebirth of the Phoenix to her Lakewood High School commu- have been amazing—definitely once again have a voice through creative writing class, senior Sarah nity. Currently, work is being ac- headed in the right direction.” publication. The Phoenix, Lake- Jawhari was the only student in cepted both by Perttu and through Above all, Jawhari hopes that the wood High School’s literary maga- the room willing to become the the magazine’s e-mail: lakewood- rebirth of the Phoenix will elicit a zine, is reborn this school year. editor. Jawhari, current Opinion [email protected] reaction from the student body English teacher Charmian Pert- Editor for The Lakewood Times, After submissions are received, and hopefully reintroduce quality tu has stepped up to the position wanted to combine her interest in Perttu and Jawhari will review and poetry. “When the Phoenix does of club adviser. “I like to write poetry and art with her experience edit each piece to make sure that come out, I hope that everyone myself, but I enjoy seeing students in publications. they are school appropriate and does read it,” she said, “because write even more,” Perttu said. “I Both Jawhari and Perttu hope to meet the standards of the publica- I truly believe that it’s Lakewood think it’s important for Lakewood publish the magazine three times tion. Jawhari indicated that consid- High at its most creative.” High School to have a publication this year, but the final number will eration for publication would be

Art by Devin Werner

12 The Lakewood Times news news The great exchange: teachers going global By Sarah Jawhari, Opinion Editor

If you were like takes and learning experiences. from Jordan and was fluent in Arabic. Another most of your peers Here are some interesting language differ- one of her students lived in Japan for 12 years in kindergarten, you ences Peterson has noted: and came back with excellent handwriting probably – at one Instead of saying, “Ruff, ruff,” for the sound skills. point – believed that a dog makes, Polish children will say, “How, “I enjoyed [grading] her works,” Skrzecz- your teacher lived in how!” kowska said with a smile. the school building. The idioms are also slightly different. Ameri- She has also traveled and taught and many It wasn’t until later cans will say, “I’m so hungry, I can eat a horse!” different schools in Europe, except for Scandi- that you realized but a Pole says, “I’m so hungry, I could eat a navia. Skrzeczkowska explained, in reference to this wasn’t anywhere horse with hooves.” this, that she simply prefers warmer countries. Kryshyna Skrzeczkowska. near the truth. But The biggest pronunciation error is simply “I thought about a warmer state like Califor- Photo by Alex Mezin. it’s still very hard to a result of words that sound similar. Peter- nia,” she admitted. deny it—seeing a teacher outside of school is son gives the example between “cloves” and However, when she applied for the exchange, oftentimes awkward and a little bizarre. For the “clothes.” This is actually common in foreign she wasn’t very specific about location, and nei- most part, we come in contact with them in the countries because of how similar some English ther was Peterson. school building, but little else beyond that. words sound. Skrzeczkowska has offered some fun facts One of Lakewood High’s science teachers, Many educated Poles have asked Peterson and parallels: however, is totally breaking the stereotype. about grammar. For example, they may ask An LHS student asked her if the Poles in In late July, science teacher Sydney Peterson whether they should say, “What are the ques- Poland speak Polish—he thought they spoke boarded a plane to Poland as part of a global tions on the test?” or “What are the questions English. Skrzeczkowska explained that many teacher exchange program. Another teacher, in the test?” American students don’t know much about Polish educator Kryshyna Skrzeczkowska, took “Sometimes I have to stop and repeat it to the rest of the world, whereas European stu- her place in the states. myself to figure it out,” Peterson admitted. dents are more universally inclined. However, Lakewood High School is already familiar As for Skrzeczkowska, who has told her Skrzeczkowska said that Americans know with exchanging members of the student body. Lakewood High students to refer to her as more educational facts—concerning math or Many LHS students are attending school in “Mrs. S” to prevent pronunciation errors, the science—than her students in Europe. (And other areas of the world. In fact, the LHS ex- atmosphere here at LHS also seems to be a yes, anonymous student, Poland has its own change program is a very strong and prominent positive one so far. language, as well as its own currency). educational tool. She claimed that the biggest change was Before she came, a British friend told Skrzec- But exchange students are one thing – what probably the size of the United States in com- zkowska to be careful in America. Skrzecz- about exchange teachers? parison to Poland. Skrzeczkowska clarified that kowska parallels this with Peterson’s stereotype. In a detailed email interview, Peterson de- many European countries are not only smaller Upon her arrival here, Peterson asked Skrzecz- scribes the experience as an interesting adven- in geographical size, but also more compact kowska if she would like to eat scrambled eggs. ture. physically. For some reason Peterson had the impression Phoenix Magazine: Emerging from the ashes She’s currently teaching five different levels “In Poland,” she said, “you don’t have to that all Poles ate scrambled eggs for breakfast of Chemistry to students in the Polish “lyce- have a car if you don’t want to. There are public every day. um,” or high school. means of transportation.” Skrzeczkowska has really enjoyed Lake- Peterson discovered that accomplished Pol- Skrzeczkowska studied English with the wood’s diversity, with its rich mix of students ish students get to go to college for free. For British Council Organization, which promotes and teachers. this reason, Peterson believes they are some- the English culture and language. She’s obvi- When asked of differences between Europe what better behaved than their American ously well-practiced and, like Peterson, doesn’t and America, Skrzeczkowska said that Ameri- counterparts. The Polish educational system confront too many problems. Even though she cans seemed friendlier. pushes students to achieve, and the reward is taught in English in Poland, Skrzeczkowska “They say,” she recalled, grinning, “‘Wel- free higher education. This is also why Polish said that she didn’t have the option of speaking come to America.’” parents aren’t too involved in their student’s English all the time. Both Peterson and Skrzeczkowska want to educational life. “There were breaks and so on,” she ex- continue to take part in exchanges. “The parents believe that students are ex- plained. “I would come home and speak Pol- “I would [go to] any country,” Peterson said, pected to be more responsible for their own ish. Now, I telephone my family and friends “because it broadens my perspective about future,” Peterson explained. and speak Polish. [Although] nowadays it is education, and people, and science. I feel like I The language difference, according to Peter- easy—‘Skype’ is free, so it’s no problem. There have brought a piece of the U.S. to Poland just son, isn’t much of a problem. Polish students are also Polish speaking places here.” by being me and I think that when I leave, I will are very well-practiced in English, and she Skrzeczkowska is familiar with exchanging take a piece of Poland with me just by being doesn’t run into too many barriers. She exer- parts of the student body. She’s had students friends with the Poles.” cises her Polish on street vendors and strangers from all over Europe and other places of the with her daughter, which makes for fun mis- world. One of her students in Poland came November 2008 13 news news Grad follows an untraveled path to pursue his dreams By Rebecca McKinsey, Editor in Chief got me started.” and their interests. “It’s all about who you Following advice he was given at the seminar, are, what you’re good at, and what you Hassan went to the downtown Cleveland FBI want to do,” he said. office to talk to someone there and see how he He emphasizes several steps students could begin realizing his dream. should take if they want to succeed. “As soon as I walked in the building and saw “You’ve got to [succeed] in the class- it – it’s just fabulous,” Hassan said. “It’s like a room,” he said. “Work hard. If you work mansion. I walked in, and I was like, ‘This is hard at anything you do, you’ll get it.” where I want to be.’” While he thinks students should put as The contact he made during that visit led to much effort as possible into their school- three very in-depth interviews. One of these work, Hassan added, “You don’t have to was followed by a grueling lie-detector test – be perfect. There’s no such thing as per- which Hassan failed. After two grueling hours, fect to me, and there’s no such thing as he was told he hadn’t passed. perfect outside in the work world.” “I told [the person administering the test], ‘I A lot of what accounted for his suc- wouldn’t be sitting here if I was going to lie to cess, Hassan says, is his mentality. “If you you,’” Hassan said. “[The man] said, ‘I like your asked me,” he said, “I’d say, 2013, I want answer. Let’s do the test again.’” to be at the FBI Academy, and 2014, I After several more hours, Hassan says, he want to be working full-time somewhere was told he’d passed. “I knew I’d passed as across the country. That’s it. That’s the soon as I walked in,” he added. way I plan.” Eventually, Hassan was offered an intern- Hassan says his single-mindedness and Najam Hassad taking care of business at the FBI ship with the FBI. He began working there as his willingness to veer from the normal, presentation. Photo by Tabatha Reese, Staff soon as he graduated from Lakewood High. expected path are what brought him to Photographer He worked on three medical-related cases be- where he is now. “I found a career that I The game plan is presented to students fore being recruited to work on intelligence. think fits right for me,” he said. “I love it, almost as soon as they can walk. Go to high He goes to court for the trials pertaining to the and I’m going to keep doing it until they school. Go to college. Explore your interests cases he works on, and tours with the FBI, giv- kick me out.” and options during this time, and make a ca- ing speaking presentations. reer decision somewhere near the end. Then get In addition to working long hours at an un- a job. This formula of sorts is a familiar one, paid internship with the FBI, Hassan is attend- Biotech class and many students adhere to it, never realizing ing John Carroll University with a full ride. As they have any other choice. However, there are part of his scholarship, he volunteers at the investigates FBI a select few that shun expectations and follow downtown juvenile detention center. He also their own path to realizing their dreams. Najam works at the Lakewood YMCA, has a sum- Hassan, who graduated from Lakewood High mer job at the Westwood Country Club’s golf last year, is one of these people. course, and is planning on picking up a job as a “This all got started back in my freshman basketball referee. year,” Hassan said. “I walked into Lakewood “I’m always busy,” he said. “I never waste High and talked to Dr. Bowley, my counselor. any second of the day.” I gave her a sheet of my schedule for all four Hassan recently requested that the FBI pres- years. I told her, ‘This is what I want to do. ent at LHS’ Biotechnology class. “I want to give These are the classes I want to take.’ I told her back,” he said. “People gave me opportunities my dream was to be in the FBI.” to get to that level – the FBI, work, school, ev- Throughout his four years of high school, erything. They helped me, and now I feel like Hassan single-mindedly worked toward his I should do the same thing for somebody and goal. His junior year, he attended a seminar on make a difference in their lives.” intelligence in the Middle East held by Wash- Hassan says he feels the presentation was ington Trinity University. beneficial to the Biotech class, and that several students expressed an interest in the FBI. He Karen Alten’s biotechnology class gathers around to “There was literally everybody there – the learn more about a metal detector. Photo by Tabatha FBI, the CIA,” Hassan said. “That program adds that students who are still deciding what Reese, Staff Photographer to do with their lives need to know themselves 14 The Lakewood Times news news Polish your skills with personalized prep: A guide to SAT and ACT preparation By Greg Culley, Staff Writer Gaffe. Vituperative. Cajole. Effrontery. Ubiquitous. Don’t know these words? Well, according to the makers of standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT, these are words that should be in your vocabulary.

Don’t fret, though. There are several resources available that will help boost your ability to perform well on each of these exams. The truth is, a bad test score won’t be what makes or breaks your college application. Several colleges and universities say that they are far more interested in who you are and what you’ve done throughout high school. Nevertheless, a shining 2400 or 36 wouldn’t be a bad thing to tack onto the package. Getting prepped for the big day can be as simple or complex as you’d like. You can start three months ahead of time, or five days beforehand. Personalize your plan so that it works for you. The Course The Book What? Comprehensive reviews of test material and test specific strat- Where? Pick up a study guide at any bookseller. Barnes and Noble or egies and tips. Administered by The Princeton Review (www.theprinc- Borders at Crocker Park are your best bet. Publishers include The Princ- etonreview.com), Kaplan (www.kaptest.com/college), and The College eton Review, Kaplan, and SparkNotes. The College Board, maker of the Board (www.collegeboard.com). They also offer an online course. Often, SAT, offers “The Official SAT Study Guide.” these courses offer Score Raise Guarantees. How much? $20-$35 Where? Throughout the area. A good number happen to be in West- Is it worth it? Move at your own pace, go in whatever order you’d lake. like, or practice only what you need to … one of the most affordable When? Courses are usually often offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and and easy options. Weekends, depending on who administers the course. How much? Classroom courses for both The Princeton Review and The Game Kaplan are $1099, and online courses for both start at $85. The College What?! That’s right, you heard me…there’s an SAT review game for Board’s online course is $60. Several free classes are offered in the area Nintendo DS that was created with The Princeton Review. as well, which include scored practice tests and short, general strategy Where? Target, or wherever Nintendo DS games are sold. sessions. How much? $29.99 Is it worth it? Alum of a Kaplan course, senior Bailey Mueller said, Is it worth it? It’s best if used with a Princeton Review book, but is “It was incredibly time consuming … but the end result made it all worth- definitely helpful. Mini-drills challenge you to define words, spot gram- while. My score increased exponentially because they taught me things matical errors, and do quick math, while quizzes dish out ten questions like what questions to not answer, and reviewed everything so well.” from different sections of the test, along with explanations of answers Currently using The College Board’s online course, Junior Michael Yee to each question. The program is quick to offer suggestions for areas to said, “I enjoy the program because it’s really interactive and convenient cover, along with positive comments on your progress. Also, feedback … I can use it whenever I have free time. Plus, I think it really targets on your time efficiency is useful. what I need to work on instead of trying to teach me everything.”

The Crash Course (In a Book) SAT & SAT Subject Test What? Quick, last-minute review for the SAT and ACT that can be Dates The College Board recom- done in five days, or even the night before! Don’t expect to ace the test December 6, 2008 mends that juniors take the if you’re just relying on this. These books will detail only the most criti- January 24, 2009 SAT or ACT for the first time cal tools you’ll need to get a good score on the test. In addition, you can March 14, 2009 (SAT Only) this spring. That means start- practice with dozens of questions and check your answers with detailed May 2, 2009 ing review right now could explanations. June 6, 2009 pay off. Also, remember that Where? Pick up a copy at the same booksellers where their bigger you can take the test more counterparts are sold. than once and that you are How much? $10 ACT Dates more likely to score higher www.collegeboard.com/sat December 13, 2008 when you retake a test. Con- February 7, 2009 sider taking the SAT or ACT www.actstudent.org April 4, 2009 this winter! June 13, 2009 November 2008 15 news news Chance Encounters: Gina Buquet By Danielle Szabo, Editorial Board Member I n t r o d u c i n g ingon a boys’ roller Tracy McCann.” Her favorite travel Gina Buquet, 17 hockey team when Are you happy destination is Boston. year old Senior she was twelve. being in Lakewood? Do you play any Favorite color: Why did you “Yes, I love hockey, other sports? Green move to Cleveland but I do miss my fam- “I used to play Siblings: Three for hockey? “I play ily.” basketball, soccer, Brothers for girls ice hockey, How often do you softball and track, but Favorite Sport: Ohio Flames.” It’s practice? “Three quit for hockey.” “Ice hockey. I moved her third year and she times a week for a to Cleveland to is now captain of the hour and a half each Each month the Times play.” team. day.” targets another student How did you first Did your whole- Do you travel of- and uploads his or her get involved with family move with ten? Every weekend random access memories. hockey? Playing with you? “No, I live with- to Canada, Detroit, Don’t blame us if we’re her brothers and play- someone on the team, and Ohio State. guilty of facial profiling. Photo by Danielle Szabo.

By Ian Brieck, Fiza Shah, and Greg Culley, Staff Writers Lakewood High School’s Fris- Juniors’ SAT-related anxieties bee Club began as just a group of were calmed earlier this month friends, way back in 2003, later as- with the College Board’s an- suming the role as an official club. nouncement of a new score- It grew as time went on, to some reporting policy. Previously, all days having nearly 30 players. SAT Reasoning and Subject Test The club has been and is still scores were included on the official completely open to any Lakewood score report sent to the colleges High student and attendance is not and universities to which a student mandatory. Club members play in applied. Following the implemen- all weather year-round. tation of the new “Score Choice” This year, the club is working to program, students that are mem- find an adviser to make it an of- bers of the Class of 2010 or later ficial club. Members usually meet will be able to pick and choose Thursdays and Sundays. Often which scores will be reported. meeting times are posted on Face- Although the feature will launch Book for easy communication and with the March 2009 test adminis- organization. Members will work tration, students will have the abil- to set up official meetings once a ity to send scores from tests taken adviser has been found. It doesn’t prior to the launch. cost anything to join, but an emer- The decision to adopt a new gency medical form is needed due score-reporting policy was, ac- to the chance of injury. cording to the College Board, “de- signed to reduce student stress and LHS Marching Band showed improve the test-day experience.” its excitement for the last football game of the season by marching through the school hallways on Fri- day, October 24. Music reverber- ated throughout the classrooms, causing many of the students to come out into the hallways and The Lakewood High tuba section struts its stuff as the band crosses from the welcome the band. mods to the main building. Photo by Thealexa Becker, Design Editor. 16 The Lakewood Times Chance Encounters: Gina Buquet Editorial

What’s the most stressful part of this year for you? “Having to carry all my books because the lock- ers are so far away from everything. And the teachers that could care less about you. And the “Getting all my schoolwork done, with dress code.” working all the time.” “ -John Butcher, senior -Siobhan Bowden, sophomore ” “Learning.” “Not getting enough sleep.” -Jelena Cvijetic, sophomore -Deven Middleton, sophomore “Getting all my homework in on time.” “Trying to figure out your plans -Jami Ellison, sophomore after graduation.” -Courtney Kiss, senior

“This whole first quarter, because if you did bad, it will be hard to get your grades back up before report cards come out.” - Douglas Crowder, junior

Study halls rule over students By Anna Marburger, Staff Writer Study hall monitor Gladys Favre changed. She guesses that it has too loud. Kids don’t know how to to be active during study hall. says the previous LHS study halls something to do with inappropri- whisper.” The grumblings and com- were “too lenient.” Rules were not ate music, then added, “But we The rule about writing passes, plaints from students at the start enforced. There was no backup can’t hear it.” even ones for the bathroom, has of the year have now died down from the administration. Neal refuted the idea that stu- been changed since the beginning to the occasional complaint. Per- “It’s not a social hall,” House 1 dents should be able to listen to of the year. Students can now get haps students have adapted to the Principal Abby Neal said. Neal has music in study hall, saying, “Are passes to use the facilities. Some change. Not too many of them power over LHS study halls, but you allowed to listen to your iP- monitors, unfortunately, didn’t seem very passionate about it one did not create the rules. ods in a classroom?” She says that receive the e-mail with the up- way or another. Students are especially upset study hall is not “cafeteria time.” date right away. Students in some Neal feels the study hall rules are about not being able to listen to As for the shuffling of cards, study halls were still not permitted “just enforcing what a study hall their iPods during study hall, con- Neal said playing cards is “improp- passes for the bathroom for a few should be.” According to her, “a sidering that they were specifi- er on school grounds.” Favre says days at least. study hall is a way to help students cally allowed to do so a few years cards are too distracting, even if Neither Neal nor Favre under- improve in their academics.” ago. iPod use is now allowed only it’s a solitaire game. stands the prohibition of putting for lunchtime. Favre is uncer- Talking is distracting too, ac- heads down in study halls. Both tain about why this rule has been cording to Favre, because “it gets assume it’s to encourage students November 2008 17 Editorial Editorial

• Marching Band’s parade through the • Jeers for the somewhat confusing gradu- halls—an inventive way to show school spir- ation orders from Jostens. What are we sup- it. posed to order? How much do we need? • The new, added superlatives for the class • FaultyBoo! communication across the build- of ’09. Which one of us will be voted as ing. Sometimes you hear the announcements, “most likely to become a superhero”? sometimes you don’t. • Cheers to every LHS student or staff • The dark, cold spot between the Old member who took our Times survey! Building and the Art Building. • Cheers to those fashionable Times T- • Jeers to the weather! If only we could com- shirts, making Times staff look even more bat Mother Nature... attractive. • Extremely crowded mod hallways. It’s a • The long weekendYay! because of elections. good thing there aren’t any lockers in there. • We’ve finished the first quarter! Restrictions on sweet freedom By Rachel Kowalski, News Editor There is no question about it: The mods have opened up opportunities for students to leave school without being reprimanded. What student wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to have a picnic in the park instead of “ he attendance rate isn’t paying fifty cents for an Apple G Force? T For most schools, an open campus means that the school trusts its going to plummet because students to be in class on time and to be responsible in and around the community. Why hasn’t Lakewood taken the jump to an open campus? of an open campus.” If not this year, we should certainly be thinking about having an open campus in the coming years where there will be no L-Room for upper- classmen and no cafeteria for underclassmen. Other area schools, such as Fairview and Rocky River, have chosen Obviously, some kids will skip class whether there is an open campus to give upperclassmen open campus rights. Open campus rights are re- or not. And these kids will receive a Wednesday school. The attendance stricted to lunch periods, and the beginning and end of the day. Students rate isn’t going to plummet because of an open campus.These students must fill out an “option form” that requires the approval of both their will still skip school even if there is not an open campus. They under- parents and the administration. stand the consequences. The rules haven’t changed since the transition If we were to have open campus rights, then Lakewood security would to the mods. It’s just that more students have jumped at the opportunity be able to focus on more important things, instead of driving minivans to leave. around looking for truant lunch eaters. Wagner says it is “unlikely that students will be granted open campus The school shouldn’t be responsible for what students choose to do rights,” and that the district is working on other lunch options for phase outside of school boundaries. If students were to have their parents sign three of the school’s transition because of the liability issues that a big a permission slip that allowed them to leave school during their free pe- school like Lakewood would face. riods, then the school wouldn’t be liable for anything they do. Staff should stop taking responsibility for what the students do out- Principal Dr. Bill Wagner says that because of the length of time an side of school property, and instead focus on the students who are in open campus would be in place, the liability would be an issue with the class and waiting to be educated. community.

18 The Lakewood Times Editorial Editorial The Times takes on the hoodie rule

LHS students don’t like the hoodie rule. tigation has merit. The large majority of students This is nothing new. Everyone’s heard it. Most surveyed recognizes the need for some type of people are tired of hearing it. Perhaps, then, it’s dress code, and agrees with most of the current time to do something about it. rules. This fact makes the ban on hoodies, the According to the Times survey, the majority one real area of contention, worth considering. of students at Lakewood High agree that there The fact that teachers want the hoodie rule gone should be some type of dress code, and many of as well makes this issue even more pressing. them agree with most of the current code. While students occasionally test the hoodie The only major area of conflict is the hood- rule, they have not been defiant, nor have they ie rule, with which both students and staff dis- protested, as have the students at Akron North. agree. Now is the time for change. Students have re- There is no accurate, up-to-date statistics be- sponded maturely to the need for some type of ing kept in regard to dress code violations that dress code. The staff agrees. The Times survey would prove the effectiveness of the dress code. shows both groups have reached a consensus: It’s The decision to ban hoodies is not being driven time for the Board of Education to relent and by data. give LHS its hoodies back. The maturity exhibited by students in this inves-

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November 2008 19 Editorial Editorial Down with all dress codes By Sarah Jawhari, Opinion Editor Whether you’re a repeat offender or an accidental ing, breathing individual who—in most FACE case, the dress code here at LHS has pulled nearly cases—has a functioning, creative mind. every student into its clutches. And the students All students reserve the right to express Is a dress code here definitely aren’t quiet about it. The dress code themselves through clothing. has gained lots of attention and twice as many com- But putting self-expression aside, the dress code plaints. we have instilled now has some basic common sense We would like to blame security guards and teachers errors. If it’s freezing outside, a student is going for catching us with “clothing in disrepair,” or short to wear a hoodie no matter what. And some per- skirts, or sagging pants, or especially hoodies. But the sistent students may decide to wear it throughout enforcement isn’t the source of the problem. the entire day. If we have to break dress code every single day, I understand that some students will make hor- there’s something wrong with the system. I believe rible clothing choices. Tight or revealing clothing that the flaw is simply that a dress code exists. can rip and leave someone exposed in the after- Lakewood High boasts a good-sized student math. Piercings can get attached to things. Certain tat- body of about 2,000 students. Each student is a liv- toos may come off as offensive. And of course, that certain student with the saggy pants is bound to wind up pants-less after an uncomfortable run up the stairs. No excuses this time. But the board should trust that students would learn from their mistakes. After all, it’s probably better to learn to limit bad clothing choices by experience rather than rebel- lion against the system. Our current dress code en- forcement also seems to be a waste of time. Faculty and staff have to keep their eyes open and their dress code handy. Without a dress code, teachers would be able to get right to their lessons. Security guards could check IDs to see who’s supposed to be here and who’s a stranger to the building. Then there’s the factor of “distracting clothing,” which is also proof that the dress code can be abolished completely for the better. If a student is distracted by a piercing or by sweat pants, then he’d probably also be distracted by a pass- ing dog or the drawings in the art building. The initial shock of removing the dress code may lead to some bizarre outfits, but the shock will eventually wear away. And then the fact that there isn’t a dress code would become the dress code. The new set of rules would be simple. Wear whatever you want, whenever you want, without consequences. Get through the day and learn from mistakes if they occur. And as for staff: don’t spend time enforcing a dress code that is not only unpopular, but also a considerable waste of time on your part. If people wear whatever they want, the edu- cational system can get to something more important, like, for example, education.

Art by Jordan Congeni 20 The Lakewood Times Editorial Editorial No code = wardrobe malfunctions OFF By Thealexa Becker, Design Editor Nobody likes rules. pink hair threaten other students, except when it is So what would a world without rules paired with a green shirt and yellow pants? even necessary? be like? The short answer: No. The long answer: The How about a world without the state- people who wrote our dress code must not be of-the-art Lakewood High School Dress fans of the colors of the rainbow, or piercings, or Code? It’s an enticing thought, isn’t it? inked skin, or hoods. They must love hats or those Can’t you just imagine, everyone in LHS be- little ear mufflers, because I can’t imagine walking ing able to scurry around wearing whatever they want, around in Lakewood during a whiteout with noth- expressing themselves with eyelid piercings and tattoos ing on my head. of Big Bird? Some might even be as daring to expose Perhaps our dress code is too strict. If it weren’t, some (or too much) skin, and won’t that be a pleasant would we have so many students breaking the surprise for everyone. Equally enjoyable will be the rules and getting evicted from the premises? May- foreseeable accident during which an unsuspecting be it would be beneficial to everyone involved if freshman, while gawking at the senior in a mini- the code were revised. Some parts of it are down- skirt, has his eye stabbed by a mohawk. right unfair and need to be fixed. For example, What does all of this mean? That without any why don’t teachers have a dress code? If they can kind of dress code, all of the students at LHS will be trusted to dress sensibly, why can’t the student fall victim to random acts of wardrobe malfunction. body receive a little more leniency? That being said, what kind of dress code is needed? After all, most of the kids who wear hoods, hats, To achieve a certain basic decorum in a school atmo- and sunglasses are just showing off and aren’t go- sphere, it is understandable that the school system would ing to cause problems. The ones that do will cause like to enforce some kind of dress code. They want to trouble hood or not. All banning things like hood- ensure that students conduct themselves in a somewhat ies does is breed resentment in an otherwise rule- abiding group of students. presentable manner. After all, we are all about to leap This is not a suggestion to overhaul the code into the real world, right? entirely without regard to what the administration However, in the curious case of Lakewood High, wants, but it is a argument for those same people Sarah Jawhari (left) and Thealexa it seems as though our code goes beyond enforcing to consider what the proletariat wants. Happy stu- Becker (above) hold an argument in basic common sense. dents make a happier school. style. Caricatures by Nesreen Jawhari. Sure, it makes perfect sense to say that students cannot wear dangerous articles of clothing, but does Bickering over bookroom hours By Meredith Richards, Staff Writer Do you have a rigorous schedule, after-school commitments, and books, supplemental book distribution, student fees, pay-to-play, setting mountains of homework? Having to have fees paid to get a homecom- up the freshmen, leadership training, homecoming tickets, prom tickets, ing ticket, but not being able to pay them – or buy the ticket – before or money for trips (like German, Art or Ski trips), ordering of books, work- after school is making everyone’s life a little harder. But there are differ- book sales, RTA ticket sales, AP testing, PSAT testing, bar coding each ent sides to the story. text book by hand, and the collection and organization of money for at LHS students are annoyed by the hours and requirements of the least thirty different events. bookroom this year. Convenience is a problem, as students cannot go Wingler and Lane said there is no typical day in the bookroom – every after school, or in the very early morning. Having to pay all of your fees day is unique. They also have made the bookroom open fifteen minutes to receive a Homecoming, Snowball or Prom ticket? Ridiculous! LHS before eight in an attempt to make it more convenient for you. students each have their own individual opinions on these matters. Though there is an obvious problem with convenience of the LHS From the other side of the argument, Jean Lane and Dawn Wingler bookroom, you can’t really blame the women that work there. Most of are working in the bookroom five days a week, from at least seven in the bookroom’s problems are not within their control. It is the Board of the morning until fourin the afternoon. They cannot be open past three Education members and the principal who must address this. o’clock because they have to make reports and deposits. They cannot The best thing to do would simply be to ask for a pass to go to the have others working in the bookroom because it’s not in the Board of bookroom during class, or to go in a free period. It may be inconvien- Education’s budget. ient, but it looks as if this is the way the bookroom will stay for the rest You’d have to understand Lane and Wingler’s day-to-day duties to un- of the 2008-2009 school year. derstand why there is a problem with convenience. The LHS bookroom is in charge of distribution and collection of

November 2008 21 Lkwd Life Put a treat in your basket and head straight to the casket By Al Rodriguez, Staff Writer However, there have been scattered reports highly doubt it was poisoned.” As Halloween closely approaches, LHS stu- from all around the country of kids bringing The danger of getting ill from Halloween dents prepare for the spooky holiday. But a fear home some real tricks in their pillowcases. candy is one that rarely crosses our minds after of danger lurks out there, and it’s more than Eight years ago, in California, a group of the night of fun, but it is a very valid thing to the werewolves or vampires we’re used kids unknowingly came back from their night be concerned about. It seems unlikely that a re- to. That danger is tainted Hal- of fun with marijuana disguised to look like port of a death or illness related to sweet holi- loween candy. While miniature Snickers bars. When parents day snacks will ever occur in a great town such children of all ages of the unlucky children caught as Lakewood. However, it is safe to assume that parade up and the problem, they immediately our ritual of emptying out the pillowcase or down streets reported this to police. The bucket onto the table and looking through for innocently police finally located the “defects” is a good thing to do every October saying “Trick homeowner, and and to remember to do for the future. After all, or Treat,” found that he it never hurts to be ready for that occasional the danger of had no idea Halloween “trick.” getting sick from of the sabo- poisoned Halloween candy is all tage. Eventually too real. We all might have a story the real crook was found FDA announces candy recall about how our parents made us me- and the problem solved; no chil- ticulously go through our candy, checking dren became sick from the “Snickers” The Food & Drug Administration recently an- for open wrappers or something that just didn’t bars. “Tainted candy is really bad, and not safe nounced a national recall of all Sherwood brand Pirate’s for anyone, especially kids,” said Karen Bor- milk chocolate coins. The coins are made in China, and look right. are said to contain melamine, a toxic substance that can “I used to dump out my candy on my kitchen land, parent of a LHS sophomore. “But in re- cause kidney failure. The melamine has been responsi- table, checking for anything that looks kind of ality, it’s not really a problem.” ble for several baby deaths and hundreds of pet deaths. weird, open wrappers and stuff,” sophomore Usually the problem of poisoned candy isn’t Although the Chinese-made candy is not sold in the Joe Mechenbier said. an issue. “I don’t know anyone who got sick,” United States, consumers are advised to not purchase candy made in China this Halloween. In Lakewood there have been no reports junior Eli Carr said. “I do know that I’ve got- ten sick from eating way too much candy, but I of Halloween Candy that has sickened a child. Art By Erika Johnson Vampire series sparks teen craze By Bo Jenkins, Staff Writer written each of these novels. As the series con- ticipation. The Twilight Saga is a series of four incredi- tinues, it gets more compelling and appealing If you haven’t read the any of the Twilight ble books: “Twilight,” “New Moon,” “Eclipse,” to its readers. These books are truly something books, “Breaking Dawn” is the most interest- and “Breaking Dawn.” They are the ultimate for every one. They’re filled with danger, ro- ing of the four. It is also written in first person, books you will refuse to put down. mance, a love triangle, and a supernatural an- by Bella, but there is a second narrator, Jacob Twilight is a first-person account by Bella Black, an immortal boy from out of town who Swan, a teenager moving from Phoenix, Ari- is introduced to readers shortly into “Twilight.” zona to gloomy Forks, Washington to live with “Breaking Dawn” covers every cliffhanger her father. She is convinced she won’t fit in from the end of “Eclipse”: Bella’s decision be- with the students of her new school, until she tween a true friend and true love, her father’s is caught off-guard by the remarkable and in- thoughts on her marriage, and her plan to live human Edward Cullen. Things get better and forever. worse for Bella as she unravels more and more Although most fans were dreading the close secrets about Edward and the entire Cullen of this saga, it ended perfectly. The finale of Family. Breaking Dawn, and the entire series, was ev- Edward and Bella are stubborn and unwill- erything I thought it ought to be. The books ing to let go of their impossible love for each are on the longer side, but don’t let that keep other, even when it becomes an obstacle to you from reading them. The font is gigantic, stay alive. For Bella, choosing between life and and they’re simple. I strongly encourage every- death will be the most difficult decision she one to read each book in order, because the ever has to make because she’s stumped decid- entire story makes each book that much more ing which is which. interesting. Twilight is unique, and unbelievably The author, Stephenie Meyer, has beautifully shocking, page after page. 22 The Lakewood Times Lkwd Life Lkwd Life Silly rabbit, cereal is for everyone! By Thealexa Becker, Design Editor which is loaded with peanut butter, chocolate Donalds, or Burger King serve soft drinks Have you ever wished that your oatmeal was chips and peanuts, tastes like warm brownie out of upright multi-drink dispensers, Cereal more interesting, or that your Cheerios had batter. Central uses them to serve four kinds of milk, a little more zing? Did you ever want to put Open only since October 9, Cereal Cen- complete with a picture of a happy cow. something more than milk in the bowl? Gum- tral has already determined the fan favorites. Adding to the amusement are the toppings, mi bears? Cookies? Well now, at Cereal Central, Warm Apple Pie and Cinana Nut oatmeal at- some of which don’t seem like they should go you just might get that bowl Mom would never tract the most attention, as does the Ranger with cereal, let alone breakfast. Take gummi serve you. Blast smoothie (full of peaches, raspberries, bears, for instance. If so desired, they could be With a collection of cereal that would make and cranberries), which was made especially forcibly drowned in a bowl filled with Apple even Jerry Seinfeld jealous, Cereal Central of- for Lakewood Rangers fans. The cold cereals, Jacks, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Oreos, pecans, fers not only 36 brands of cereal and 24 de- however, have no standout menu item, mostly strawberries, chocolate chips and whole milk. lectable toppings, but also the opportunity for because the customers often create their own Cereal Central is located on the corner of customers to create their own concoctions. For concoction. Detroit and St. Charles. It is open Monday a reasonable price, patrons get the choice of the The big question that remains is, how this through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat- specials menu, which features both traditional cereal is served to customers? Plastic bowls? urday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. That’s cold cereal combos like the Hunny Bunny or What about carryout? Believe it or not, any ce- early enough to pick up breakfast before work oatmeal mixtures like Warm Apple Pie. real that you purchase comes in what appears to or school. Say goodbye to burnt toast. After devouring a bowl of Cheerios and be a Chinese food carryout box with a thicker Rice Krispies with blueberries, cranberries, base. But have no doubt that these dense card- peanuts, granola, and graham crackers on top, board containers can hold their milk. They can, it was hard not to feel like one of those kids on without even feeling soggy. the commercials who enjoys his breakfast way Easily the most amusing part of the only too much. But it’s truly difficult to suppress a Cereal Central in the state of Ohio is the milk large smile when the Buckeye Special oatmeal, dispensers. Whereas places like Panera, Mc-

Art By Jordan Congeni Touring Cleveland: That’s amore! By Isabella Zettler, Lakewood Life Editor cannoli is savory. enue for a real taste of Cleveland. The tiny streets are crowded and small, with $$ Waterstreet Grille – This restaurant/

Little Italy Italian flags painting the sky. At the edge of bar is a viable option for those searching for Little Italy and at the peak of Murray Hill lies a good meal at a decent price. The décor is A piece of Italy resides within Cleveland, one of the most unique art and fashion gal- classic cool, with high ceilings and walls with at the bottom of Murray Hill and intersected leries in the area. Although the price tags are shades of purple and red. The mahogany bar is by Mayfield Road. Within walking distance of extremely expensive, it is worth the time to hopping during game time. The Fettuccini Al- Case Western Reserve University, Little Italy is window shop. fredo is to die for, and the large portions leave pumping with new and old Italian blood. plenty to take home. Grab a pizza and gelato at Mama Santa’s, the $$$ Lola’s – Known for its iron chef, aka best pizzeria in Cleveland. Rummage through Michael Symon, Lola’s is recognized as one of a pile of junk in search of a treasure at Heart- Cleveland’s premiere award-winning restau- strings, a thrift store with a branch in Lake- rants. And the cost of eating fabulous food is wood. Find a vintage dress or antique art at evident when you receive the check, with meals Class Act, another resale shop with Lakewood ranging from $20-$50. Call in advance, because connections. In back, the owner features local the reservation times can be lengthy. jewelers. At one point, there were wire brace- $$ Luxe- – A new addition to the Cleve- lets, necklaces, and earrings intertwined with The streets are packed during festivals on Murray land food scene is Luxe, where they put mod- various gems and stones. Crammed in every Hill at Little Italy. Photo by Isabella Zettler, Lake- ern twists on classic favorites. Truffle french wood Life Editor. imaginable crevice are small Italian shops with fries are served in metal cones, and the special- imported perfumes and faux designer bags. Taste of the City ty pizzas are crisped and baked to perfection. “Godfather” shirts reading “Leave the gun, Looking for a night out on the town? A fancy The windows are covered in interesting quotes take the cannoli” are available at Corbo’s bak- dinner for two? Jump in the car and head down from philosophers, thinkers, and actors. Metal ery. The bakery also has other pastries, but the to the Warehouse district, E. 4th or Detroit Av- art and brick walls blend to give the whole place November 2008 a very modern feeling. 23 Lkwd Life Lkwd Life “Nick and Norah” is infinite fun By Miranda Mave, Editorial Board Member spite their crazy ex’s. Walking into Crocker Park Cinema made The plot, along with the music, is phenom- me a little uneasy, considering how much of a enal. The story takes you on a crazy night in letdown the last movie that I saw was. Paying New York City, where puking in an ice cream $9.50 to see the movie doesn’t make it any easi- cooler seems normal and caring for your best er. So when I went into the theater I made sure friend is your top priority. The movie featured to pick a movie that sounded semi-decent. bands such as We are Scientists, Shout Out “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” stars Loud, Band of Horses, The Dead 60s, and Michael Cera (“Superbad”) as Nick and Kat plenty more. Dennings as Norah. The two find themselves If you are up for a good laugh or a fun date in an awkward long-lasting night of lust, heart- night, I recommend you don’t miss out on this break, mix tapes, and the search for a notorious great comedy. secret show. While watching this movie, you can’t help but laugh, along with feel embarrassed for the characters. Cera and Dennings have that awk- ward first-love chemistry, which makes you believe that they were made for each other de-

Photo Courtesy of sonypictures.com

In Your On-the-go - Johnny Cash Ron Lewis, The Man Comes Around Social Studies teacher Rocket Queen- Guns N’ Roses 100,000 Pounds of Bananas- Harry Chapin Johnny Tarr- Gaelic Storm One-U2 Eardrum Ring of Fire- Johnny Cash

Party

Sophomore Slump- Fall Out Boy Beating Heart- Mc Baby- Chris Head- Ataris Automatica Fett’s Vette The Boys of Summer - HIM 1985- Bowling for Soup Wings of a Butterfly

Megan Powers, Senior

Compiled by Thealexa Becker, Design Editor 24 The Lakewood Times Lkwd Life Lkwd Life Musical mix Stealing Cinderella - Chuck Wicks By Valerie Locke, Editorial Board Member Chick Wicks appeared on the American reality show Nashville for two episodes before it got cancelled. Since then he has been working hard to fulfill his dreams in the country music world. His first single from his new CD, “Starting New,” is called “Stealing Cinderella.” It is about him meet- ing his girlfriends’ father and realizing that she will always be her father’s little girl. It is actually a good song. I don’t even like country music, but this CD is different. It is very up- beat and catchy with a rock-and -roll sound. Wicks has a very good voice and does not try to over doit. However, many of the songs are about his love life or his family. He needs to switch it up a bit and make it a little more interesting. I would recommend this to an older crowd. But if you enjoy country and rock music, you will definitely like this CD. I rate it a three out of five. It could be better -- all he needs to do is try to make it more interesting instead of talking about the same thing throughout the entire CD. It’s a good CD, but not something I’d run out and buy. Photo Courtesy of chuckwicks.com

They call him Shwayze, kinda like Patrick By Valerie Locke, Editorial Board Member

With their TV show “Buzzin’” and new self-titled C.D., the group Shwayze could be the next big thing. Lead singer Shwayze (born Aaron Smith) is known as the rapper, lover and Renaissance man. He puts a hip-hop vibe into a laidback sound. Cisco Adler is Shwayze’s partner in crime and adds the rock and roll to Shwayze’s raps. But it is DJ Skeet Skeet who makes the beats. They have an addictive sound that is sure to have your undivided attention. They came from working at a Malibu Starbucks to making it big in the music industry. They have many catchy lyrics that everyone will enjoy like, “I’m just a kid livin’ the dream, slit in the seam like an old pair of jeans,” and “Got no soul like an old pair of Chucks.” Many songs refer to the party the night before or just living it up in their hometown of Malibu, California. I attended their free concert at the Hard Rock Café at Universal City in Hollywood California. It provided just a little taste of who they are. They only sang five songs, two of which were their hit songs “Corona and Lime” and “Buzzin’”. They had no band, just DJ Skeet Skeet making rhythms on his laptop. Still, they put on a great show, sometimes while climbing on their speakers or crowd surfing. Even though the show was not long, they still managed to make a connection with everybody in the crowd. I’d rate this five out of five. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to hear something new, which has never been tried before. Shwayze has developed its own style of music and should be given a lot of credit.

Photo by Valeria Locke, Editorial Board Member November 2008 25 Sports Title IX: How has it shaped Lakewood High?

By Jacob Ott, Sports Editor

If you aren’t familiar with Title IX, now the Los Angeles Dodgers. Many recognize him might be a good time to learn about it. Passed for his ties to Cleveland and his antics off and in 1972, Title IX serves as a protection against on the field, which give him both positive and discrimination based on sex in educational ac- negative publicity. tivities. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter ex- The popularity of Mia Hamm, former panded Title IX to provide athletic opportuni- USA National Soccer Team member, shows ties to the underrepresented sex. the popularity of soccer at our school. Even LaDanian According to www.womenssportsfounda- though she doesn’t play basketball or softball, Mia Tomlinson tion.org, female high school athletic partici- the stereotypical girls’ sports, she is the most Hamm pation has increased by 904 percent since the recognized female athlete among girls here at passing of Title IX. With Title IX, opposers LHS. believe that increased revenue for women’s Other women athletes didn’t fare so well. sports has caused men’s sports to deteriorate, Candace Parker, this year’s MVP of the even causing men’s programs to be removed. WNBA, was found to be less known than Tracy In 2006, the AAUW conducted a survey McGrady, a popular NBA player. Fifty percent on popular collegiate sports. They found that of girls surveyed knew McGrady, compared to women’s soccer was the third most popular col- Parker’s 17 percent. This statistic may be attrib- Sidney legiate sport. At Lakewood, that popularity has uted to the lack of airtime on major networks Misty Crosby possibly carried over to the NOC Champion- of the WNBA. May-Treanor ship last year with our girls’ soccer team. In bat and ball sports, Manny Ramirez had Since the implimentation of Title IX, vari- nearly triple the number of votes than softball ous women’ sports associations have started, star Jennie Finch. Percentage-wise, it was 70 most notably the WNBA. percent to 27. It is hard to discern why Finch Various individuals have come up through is favored in this category. Softball is regularly high school and collegiate sports due to new televised on ESPN and other networks in-sea- athletic opportunities such as soccer stars Mia son, and the USA Olympic Softball team is one Tracy Hamm and Julie Foudy, basketball star Lisa of the most successful teams in any Olympic Candace McGrady Leslie, and softball player Jennie Finch. All four sport. Parker of them began their sports careers after 1972. For track and field, both Tyson Gay and To test the LHS student body, The Times de- Allyson Felix were mostly unheard of. Both cided to poll various female students to see if athletes are record-setting American sprint- they knew prominent professional female ath- ers who competed in the Beijing Olympics. A letes compared to prominent professional male mere 7 percent of girls surveyed knew who Fe- athletes. Also, a separate survey was conducted lix was, and 32 percent knew Tyson Gay. to see if females at LHS are more influenced by NFL star LaDanian Tomlinson also received Tyson male or female athletes. low votes, along with male hockey phenom Allyson Mass media has skewed American’s views Sidney Crosby. They received 15 and 12 per- Gay of professional athletes. Networks like ESPN cent respectively. Volleyball player Misty May- Felix don’t focus on soccer and beach volleyball or Treanor only received 35 percent of votes af- softball or track and field. Publicity is centered ter winning the Olympic gold and being in the on the big three: baseball, basketball, and foot- most-watched sport in Beijing. ball. But it seems Lakewood High is against the Familiarity should be a telltale sign of the in- norm. fluence of professional athletes on individuals, Manny Ramirez and Mia Hamm are the specifically females at Lakewood. But that isn’t most recognized sports figures at LHS. Ramir- the case here. Manny ez, who played for the Cleveland Indians in the In a separate poll, 40 percent of girls said Jennie ’90s and early 2000s, is currently playing for Ramirez Continued on next page Finch

All photos used are credited to Wikimedia under the Creative Commons Attributions 2, 2.5, and 3. 26 The Lakewood Times Sports Sports

Female sports influences Continued from p. 26 female athletes influenced them. athletes and its popularity. The Male athletes influenced 30 and popularity indirectly increases the 30 were completely indifferent. influence of female athletes. This last statistic is the startling It is good to see the advance- result. How can 30 percent of girls ment of female sports and its in- surveyed not care about who influ- fluence today. On the downside, ences them? Some people say they that doesn’t mean much in the big shouldn’t be influenced in an area scheme of sports. Male athletes like sports. But in a competitive are generally better known than culture and a competitive academ- their female counterparts. There ic environment, it is almost natural is just too high of a ratio between to have a role-model. Some of the female and male athletes today. On girls polled named influences like average, there are 50 players on the Jennie Finch, Misty May-Treanor, active roster of a NFL team. With and Lisa Leslie. 32 teams, that is almost more play- Regardless of the indifference, ers in the league than the players the results show that more girls of the WNBA and NPF (National are influenced by female athletes. Pro Fastpitch) combined. This goes back to Title IX. The Until there is an even number law, since 1979, has obviously in- of males and females in all levels creased high school participation of sports, we may never see a large in girls’ sports. That increase has popularity for women’s athletics lead to more professional female here at LHS.

Recognition of Professional Male and Female Athletes by LHS Girls 30 Each survey was of 40 randomly chosen girls at LHS. The percentages 25 and votes in the picture representations are rounded to nearest whole 20 numbers.

15

10 Number of Votes Number of

5

0 Tyson Gay Tyson Misty May Mia Hamm Sidney Crosby Allyson Felix Jennie Finch Jennie Tracy mcGrady Tracy Manny Ramirez Candace Parker LaDanian Tomlinson Professional Athletes November 2008 27 Sports Sports Wilson’s Words of Wisdom: Browns need offense, Browns need change

By Wilson Sackett, Editorial Board Member

Success stems from leadership, talent, and enthusiasm, all things which the Browns posses. Brady Quinn and Joe Thomas represent two of probably the most power- ful and influential players in the 06-07 NFL Draft. So why the reoccurring letdowns? Why the emotional build-ups indefinitely leading to failure? Let’s face it Cleveland, getting rid of Charlie Frye was with- out question the greatest day in Browns history. Excluding a burned-out, never-was, joke of an athlete simply made the Browns better. It sure is a letdown that we will never get to see Frye’s lob passes be intercepted, or see him weep in the middle of a game ever again. Somehow we will have to Browns quarterbac Derek Anderson attempts a pass against the Baltimore Ravens. Photo by Josh Shultz. cope with never seeing that sly rebel-without-a-cause staredown that put James Dean to shame. yard per game, staggering num- to get used to the NFL’s style of All in all, the Browns need to Derek Anderson can step up, bers for an even more staggering play by only throwing eight passes use the talent they have, and stop Jamal Lewis can run through the beginning. in close to a year and a half. Quinn pretending that anything else will toughest defenders, Josh Cribbs Individually, our offensive force has yet to throw a touchdown, and turn this team around. rivals Devin Hester as the NFL’s is producing workable numbers, Ja- has never played a full game. best kick and punt returner. It mal Lewis is averaging around four seems a bit juvenile to keep rely- yards per carry, and the Edwards- ing on what teams win and lose Winslow duo give good statistics, in the playoffs. We need to secure with a total of three touchdowns our spot. We need to stamp our and an average of 12 yards per names on the checklist of “teams catch. Yet our offense as a team to beat.” continues to disappoint. Three of- With an already not-up-to- fensively impressive players are by par start, the Browns simply put far not enough to provide a whole shame to their ten-win previous team with not only enough talent season. Last week’s game against but also enough hope to be pro- the Washington Redskins proved gressive. to Cleveland that an offensive ex- Brady Quinn, high school and plosion was in order. As I flicked college star quarterback, is fourth on the television for the third runnerup for the Heisman behind time, I saw that after three peri- Reggie Bush, Vince Young, and ods of play, the score was 3-0, and Matt Leinart – quite the impressive Anderson was having a mediocre bunch. With a history like Brady’s, game, to put it nicely. my own curiosity sets in as to why The Browns had punted six he has yet to see a good look at the times in just the first quarter alone, NFL through a game-day quarter- and Derek Anderson went 14 for back’s eyes. It is simply not possi- 37 completions. The Browns are ble for a talked-about quarterback 30th in points per game as well as

28 The Lakewood Times Sports Sports Winterhurst goes corporate

By Josh Watkins, Staff Writer After a $1.5 million dollar reno- was kept in the title because that Kwiatkowski, who has been they can play in Lakewood. vation and a summer’s wait, Lake- name has been around since the skating at Winterhurst since 1981 Figure skaters who are trying wood’s beloved Winterhurst ice place opened 74 years ago. The and is a Lakewood High School to make the Olympics are trained rink is open and ready for busi- new arena also has a brand new graduate, is very much involved here as well. Parker Pennigton, ness. café and a box section seat that with the new arena. She trains winner of the National Interme- The deal to renovate, change acts like club seats at a profes- figure skaters, chaches, does inter- diate title in 1996, is currently be- ownership, and change the name sional game. The café is equipped views, sells advertising, and even ing trained under his coach Carol came in the early spring when Bill with new flat-screen TVs, vending appears for open-skate events. Heiss-Jenkins. Neiheiser, CEO of Iceland USA, machines, and a new variety of “The facility is fresh and new. For high school students who meet with Lakewood City Council snacks including breakfast items It’s a great place for all ages and are not skaters or hockey players and proposed the idea. Neiheiser’s and pizza from Lakewood’s own has a lot to offer,” Kwiatkowski and are looking for a job, Winter- proposal was accepted and Win- Angelo’s. said. hurst has openings for working terhurst closed down on June 6, Since 1934, Winterhurst has Programs that are available are concessions, running the skate 2008. been serving the Lakewood com- a Learn-to-Skate program, the shop, or even operating the zam- Also new to Winterhurst is the munity and been home to a few Special Olympics, and even a girls’ boni. name, now called Serpentini Win- nationally recognized figure skaters AAA hockey league. terhurst Arena. Bob Serpentini and Olympic champions. Among The girls’ hockey league has knows Neiheiser and wanted to the greats are 1960 Olympic gold been popular and girls from all give back to the community. A medallist and coach Carol Heiss- over the country are coming in to four-year contract has been signed Jenkins and 1996 U.S. National sil- play at Winterhurst. Some are even for the naming rights. Winterhurst ver medalist Tonia Kwiatkowski. being housed here at LHS just so

Serpentini recently bought out and renovated the old rink, installing all new rinks and relaxation rooms.

The newly-renovated cafe offers ideal food, relaxation, and enjoyment. An all-new waiting room, cafe, and observation room offers quite the experience. Photos by Alex Mezin, Staff Photographer.

November 2008 29 Sports Sports Editor’s Corner: Jacob Ott Sports Editor All hail thee, purple and gold Doubting the success of others Phil Argenta, and cross-country runner. The girls’ soccer team won losing record spells public defeat is acceptable. Everyone does it. coach Rick Ventura. Some schools LHS’ first NOC Championship for most of our teams. It shouldn’t I do it. It’s completely normal to are lucky to have one good coach last year. The boys’ cross country be that way. We should cheer for doubt someone’s success or abil- who might coach three sports be- team has been to the state meet our athletes, whether or not they ity to succeed. But doubting the cause the school is that desperate the past two years with a sixth are winning. success of Lakewood Sports is or underfunded. We are fortunate place finish last year. Don’t leave a football game if wrong. to have these people leading our Also last year, Senior Will Weible we are down by a touchdown or I look at a sport differently than teams, but that seems to be over- and Alum Liam McDonald won two at halftime, or leave a basket- everyone else. That’s my job. Put- looked. the NOC Doubles Championship. ball game when we are down with ting down the record of a certain Losing is over-emphasized here Also, Alum Maura Anderson and a minute left. Don’t leave a base- team or saying this and that about at LHS, especially with the football Senior Kelsey Moran made it to ball game because we gave up four how bad someone plays is down- team. Students equate the quality the State Swim Meet. They both runs in the first. Do not think you right wrong. of their school year with the suc- qualified the year before in a relay shouldn’t go to the soccer game If you want to put down Lake- cess of the football team. If some team. just because they lost their last two wood athletics, reconsider. Lake- of you haven’t realized, there are Lakewood sports might be in a home games. wood is not a bad sports school. other sports in the fall. lull, but that’s because as a city, we When you don’t show up to a In fact, we have some of the best The girls’ volleyball team and set the bar high. We are so used sports event and something amaz- facilities in the state. How many boys’ soccer team won their sec- to winning that if our teams don’t ing happens, don’t complain. schools can say they have syn- tionals. The boys’ cross country make it to the state tournament or It probably was your fault you thetic fields and a stadium that can team came 2nd at districts. The the playoffs, those teams must not missed the Miracle on Bunts Av- hold over 10,00 people for special girls’ tennis doubles teams both al- be very good. enue because you thought Lake- events? most made it out of sectionals. We just have a winning tradi- wood would get blown out by St. We also have some of the best Less than a decade ago, Michelle tion here, and it is tough to fight Ed’s. coaches aroud, including football Sikes won three state champion- against people who doubt that coach Ron Lewis, basketball coach ships as a cross-country and track your team is good. And even our

Underclassmen Uncovered

Sam Cross Andre Cartagena 10th Grade 9th Grade Cross Country Football Basketball Baseball Track

Sophomore Samantha Cross plays sports year-round. For a small kid, Andre has major ambitions. The Browns- Sam participates in cross country, basketball, and track. She loving freshman plays football here at Lakewood High and likes running, photography, and hanging out with friends, hopes to play baseball this spring. His favorite teacher is Cassie especially in fall weather. Her teammates call her “Baby Bear Alanen. Besides football and baseball, Andre is a fan of basket- Cub.” This year at the high school, Sam’s favorite class is ball, especially the USA Redeem Team. He listens to T.I. and Pop Pulture, and her favorite teacher is Chris Phillips. She likes the song “Whatever You Like.” Andre is anticipating his likes her steak and fries. She plans to win a majority of first touchdown. Next year, Andre hopes to start on both the the games she plays, and develop her skills as an athlete. Junior Varsity football and baseball teams. Interviews and Photos by Lisa Kowalski, Staff Writer and Photographer 30 The Lakewood Times Sports Sports Ranger Report By Andrew O’Connor, Editorial Board Member Girls’ Volleyball had a fantastic season. The girls’ team beat the Girls’ cross-country runner Hannah Evans ran a personal best Valley Forge Patriots in a tight one winning match 26-24, 25-23, 26-28, 19:43 for 7th place in the NOC championships at Strongsville High 23-23, 16-14. The Lady Rangers also had another close finish in the School. The team finished 6th. The following week Evans ran a 20:58 district quarterfinals against Medina. Lakewood won 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, for a 34th finish at the district meet at Edgewater Park. The girls placed 21-25, 15-9. The girls were defeated in the district semifinals to Magni- 9th in the district race. ficat by the score of 25-11, 25-27, 25-18, 25-23. Boys’ cross country had another successful year, as the boys’ team The girls’ soccer team won its first round game in Lakewood Sta- finished nd 2 in the NOC championships at Strongsville High School. dium 2-0 against Normandy. The soccer team traveled to Walsh Jesuit The team also finished 2nd in the district meet at Edgewater Park. The for the district quarterfinals. Lakewood was defeated 7-0, and was elimi- season ended with a 9th place finish at regional meet at Glen-Oak High nated. School. Pat Joyce (21st, 16:55) Jacob Ott (30th, 17:03) and Matt Miller The boys’ soccer team won its first two playoff games, knocking (32nd, 17:04) all finished in the top 35. off Admiral King 15-0 at Garfield Middle School. The team traveled to The Lakewood football season has come to a close with a 1-9 sea- North Olmsted for district quarterfinals, and Lakewood won, 1-0. Back son. With the closing game, the Rangers lost to Elyria with a 21-yard home at Lakewood stadium, the team took on Avon Lake, but lost 2-1 touchdown pass with 16 seconds left, defeating the Rangers 28-21. in the semifinals. This was the Ranger’s sixth straight semi-final appear- ance.

Left, Senior Dan Shannon awaits the snap against North Olmsted. Photo by Kimmie Farkas, Staff Photographer. Center, Senior Desar Seiti executes a slide tackle in the district semifinal match against Avon Lake. Photo by Jacob Ott., Sports Editor. Right, Junior Ericka Schmidt clears the ball against Normandy in the first round match of the District tournament. Photo by Tyler Wick, Staff Photographer.

Sports under review: Cheerleading Student Vote Staff Reports

If you religiously follow Merri- draw the line on what is and what sure. That is plausible. But, when No am-Webster dictionaries, as we do isn’t a sport. Today you can see it comes to sports, cheerleading 20% here at the Times, the definitions Handball, Segway Polo, and even supports sports. Stereotypically, in the dictionary are like Scripture. competitive turtle racing. cheerleaders are meant to lead So, according to Merriam-Web- There is no doubt that there crowd cheers and boost the team ster, a cheerleader is one that calls are organized competitions to see they are cheering for. Yes for and directs organized cheering. who is better at pepping up a foot- Before America Ferrera became 80% Where does that say, “Cheerlead- ball team. But that doesn’t mean “Ugly Betty,” she was Yolanda ing is a sport”? cheerleading is a sport. Being on on “Gotta Kick it Up!”, a Disney Cheerleading was initially cre- ESPN doesn’t make it a sport ei- Channel movie promoting the ated as a way to ignite the crowd ther. If everything on ESPN were thrills of cheerleading. Small po- as well as the players. To call it a a sport, then socially awkward kids dunk movies like this don’t help Polls taken from 40 sport seems a bit ridiculous. In seen stacking cups in pyramids is a the cheerleading industry, they students, 10 from each grade. our world today of one strange competitive sport. hurt it. This is why we believe sport after the other, it is tough to Simply put, cheerleading in our cheerleading isn’t a sport. eyes isn’t a sport. It is competitive, November 2008 31 Final Word We have issues with the First Amendment excuse By Rebecca McKinsey, Editor in Chief them actually consider freedom of ex- classroom discussion is sometimes what Lakewood High students don’t bother pression when they select an outfit each makes everyone learn the most. to invoke the First Amendment unless morning. Most students consider the When the people behind you are car- it’s convenient for them. weather when they choose clothes. Many rying on a conversation instead of listen- Kids immersed in a hallway confron- contemplate the styles that are acceptable ing to the teacher, remind them that they tation use the most colorful language on that particular day, and go to school are restricting their peers’ free speech possible to let their opponents – and ev- dying to show off their new out- and right to an education, and ask them eryone else within hearing range – know fits. But free speech? That to stop. Maybe they’ll learn something just how angry they are. doesn’t usually come to that day. Girls sitting in the back of a classroom mind. If your friends use every lunch pe- use the period to pass notes and talk What does this riod, every day, to make fun of the about their plans after school, instead of mean? Well, for start- kid who sits alone two tables over, listening to the free speech of others. ers, if students want to don’t join in. Be brave. Tell them to Then there are the students who come use the First Amend- stop. You’re allowed to – the First to school every day sporting hoodies, ment as a reason to Amendment says so. ripped jeans, tight-fitting clothing, exces- have a more lenient Students need to stop utilizing sively low necklines, and skirts that could dress code, perhaps their free speech rights selfish- be mistaken for washcloths. they should con- ly. If you’re going to as- All of these students, when confront- sider incor- sert your First Amend- ed, cite the First Amendment as their p o r a t i n g ment rights, do it all authorization to speak, act, or dress the the time – not just way they are. when it’s conve- These situations can be seen at nient for you. In- many schools, but the area in which stead of playing LHS students call upon their free- the freedom of dom of expression rights most expression card often is the dress code. They insist only when you they should be able to dye their hair lime want to argue green with hot pink zigzag stripes if they that your four- want to. Why? Because the First Amend- inch-long skirt ment says so. When the school prohibits or sagging pants them from doing so, students argue, their should be allowed, right to express themselves is violated. free make those rights Now, on one level, the LHS student speech in other an active part of body does have a point. If the only con- areas of their every area in your ceivable way for a student to express his lives. life. beliefs is for him to dye his hair green If your teach- Maybe then with pink stripes – if he can’t make his er shares his or we’ll have grounds voice heard any other way – then, tech- her opinion as to argue for a new nically, he should be allowed to dye his fact, or only dress code. hair. gives one side However, this scenario is very rarely to an argu- ever the case. While students argue that Photo by Jordan ment Congeni, Staff having a strict dress code violates their and you disagree, Photographer First Amendment rights, very few of speak up. Respectful 32 The Lakewood Times