In a League of Their Own

Vol. 89, No.5 • February 2010 • Lakewood High School • 14100 Franklin Blvd. • Lakewood, OH • 44107 Staff

Sophomore Julia Houska and Junior Fiza Shah take a break from editing. Advisor Karen Ballash helps Greg O’Connor with InDesign.

Left: A poster popular in the Times room. Below: Junior Greg O’Connor loosly hugs his fellow board members. All photos by Hallah Amawi.

The Lakewood Times 2009-2010 Editorial Board

Newest editorial board member, senior Matt Snyder, cooks up new stories for the paper. Fiza Shah Editor in Chief Deven Middleton Design & Focus Editor Al Rodriguez News Editor Hey LHS, Julia Houska Opinion Editor In this issue of the Times, we decided to focus on a team that Sam Cross Co-Lakewood Life Editor has been, for too long, ignored. The Rugby team has been to na- Greg O’Connor Co-Lakewood Life Editor tionals several times, but aren’t recognized for their hard work. Lisa Kowalski Co-Sports Editor Also, look through to find out why some students are choos- ing to delete their facebook acount, and why some girls choose Andrew O’Connor Co-Sports Editor to wear the hijaab. Do you know how the Lakewood Project Grant Graves Co-Sports Editor began? Flip through to find out. Jessica Paoli Graphic Designer And, as always, the Times is interested in new members. If Katy Eberl Advertising & Business Manager you are interested in helping to produce this award-winning pa- Lindsay Allamon Editorial Board Member per, stop by room B207. Hallah Amawi Editorial Board Member Haley McGinty Editorial Board Member Fiza Shah Matt Snyder Editorial Board Member Karen Ballash Adviser

2 The Lakewood Times Contents Focus 4 – Brewer leads Lady Ruggers to victory 6 – Practice makes perfect in Rugby 8 – A driven team builds towards future 9 – Road trip to South Africa 1 2 News 11 – News Briefs 12 – Students run Ranger Cafe 14 – Fighting against Facebook Advisor Karen Ballash helps Greg O’Connor with InDesign. Opinion 15 – Rollin’ with Ritter 16 – Silly Principal, hall sweeps are for kids 17 – Democrats losing power? Life lessons from Law & Order 18 – The battle over grades or extracurriculars 19 – Choosing life Lakewood Life 20 – Letter to the editor Cheers & Jeers 21 – Three guys and a restaurant 22 – Cuckoo cast tells all 24 – Hello from Francais 25 – Raving reviews 26 – Lakewood Project gives good vibrations 28 – Hidden behind the hijab 3 Sports 30 – Tracks dividing line 31 – New hoops bring hope The Grid 4 5

Pictured on the cover are Lexi Getx and Princess Bednarski. Cover photo and design by Lisa Kowalski

February 2010 3 Focus Focus

Coach Andre Bruwer

By Haley McGinty, Editorial Board Member

Moving to the U.S. was the very first look at you strange,” says Bruwer. “It’s not just step to Andre Bruwer’s big adventure. a sport for me, it’s a hobby… when I came over “My wife was [recruited by the] Cleve- here, [I had] to bring it with me.” land Clinic, as a registered nurse “I pretty much haven’t missed a beat of rug- from South Africa,” explains Bru- by!” says Bruwer. “We went to a restaurant our wer. “The deal was, they would pay first night here, and I was wearing a rugby shirt. half the air [fare], they would put us A random stranger came up to me and asked up in a hotel, and they’d help us get es- if I knew anything about rugby, so we got talk- tablished. And it came with a green card. ing and he happened to play for the local men’s So we packed everything up and came team, the Cleveland Rovers. On my third night over in 2003.” here, I was at rugby practice.” “We were originally on a two year con- Then, in 2004, Bruwer became involved tract, and things just worked out well for with LHS’ girl’s rugby team. “I didn’t even us,” says Bruwer. “[I didn’t] know if I know there was girls’ rugby until I got here.” made the wrong decision for a long time, Bruwer said. “Alison Breckel got me involved. because my son is now two and a half, but All I did was help reform a program that was all of his blood relatives are in South Af- already running. rica.” Coming to America as a South African When Bruwer began his new life in teacher was anything but easy. Bruwer learned America, he had no idea what was in store that our math is broken down. Each class fo- for him and his family. But, after living in cuses on one area of math from algebra 1 to the Cleveland area, Bruwer knew he would advanced calculus. The South African, schools never move back. teach a little bit of everything in each class. “I visit once every two to three years, “I was a teacher, and taught 7 years before [but] would not move back,” said Bruwer. I came here. It was frustrating, because when “The crime rates is one of their biggest I came here, I had to redo my teaching classes problems... almost every house has burglar even though I had already done [them].” guards on the windows. You guys would Starting as a sub in the elementary schools, think you’re in prison, [but] it’s normal for Bruwer worked his way to a high school Alge- me. I grew up with it.” bra 1 teacher. “As a sub, they put you wherever “For the sake of my family [I will] abso- they need you. I never said ‘No’… and [eventu- lutely not move back.” ally] came to the high school,” said Bruwer. In South Africa, it is not common for Coming to a whole different world of teach- kids to walk or ride bikes to their friend’s ing, Bruwer dealt with many new methods, and houses. Kids don’t go out alone, and rarely classes of teaching. “I’ve [taught] kindergarten hangout in certain areas without any su- gym, probably the hardest class I have ever pervision. taught in my life!” Schools and sports were the kids’ safe Brewer has never worked in any other school haven in South Africa. system, other than Lakewood. “[Rugby] was huge. Probably like your “I just enjoyed what I found in Lakewood.” footballers.” said Bruwer. As a teacher and coach for 6 years, Bruwer Children begin playing rugby from a has been to Nationals four times. “We have young age. Growing up with it was just in- won division 2, which then bumped us to divi- evitable. “Without anyone saying it, it’s al- sion 1. For the last two years running we have most mandatory in an all boys school that finished second.” you will play rugby. If you don’t, people 4 The Lakewood Times Focus Focus

Coach Andre Bruwer stands tall along with Lady Ruggers

Divine Savior, Lady Ruggers’ sworn nem- training you’re not just in South Af- esis, has won Nationals 5 years running. “We training for your [posi- rica. come in second simply [because of] depth. It tion], you’re training for “ [ T h e movie] was is a varsity sport at their school. They have the the girls on either side g a r b a g e as far as pick of all the girls in the school. If Lakewood of you.” Bruwer makes the rug- by is con- had pick of all the girls in our school, we’d win this clear to all his girls c e r n e d . But the it easily,” says Bruwer. “We out scrum them, at practice. S o u t h A f r i c a n out ruck them, out play, but get tired. [When “In South Africa you side of it was inter- the other team] gets tired, they make changes; have to take classes and e s t i n g for me. fresh legs on the field. We can’t make changes. learn how to coach. The I grew up when And there’s nothing we can do about that until physical side I think Man- dela be- we have 40 to 50 girls strong.” anybody can do. The c a m e president, Starting with over 100 girls, rugby’s season mental side of it is actu- a n d there are begins in October and continues until July. ally making them believe j u s t s o m e During winter many girls find themselves leav- that -- number 1, they can things you never ing the team, due to harsh practices, and weath- do it, and number 2, they s e e . T h e er conditions. are the best at doing it,” movie showed “Things that make our practices tough is the said Bruwer. This strat- the oth- er side season. We train right through winter. Those egy becomes very im- of it.” are the tough practices, [and that’s when] we portant during a game. Bruwer recalls see-ing the real game lose a lot of our girls. The hardest part is com- “Last year, the first 40 as a kid. “It was exciting for me, having mitment.” minutes of the [Nationals] game, we were been at that main game.” But with a smaller number of girls, Bruwer winning.” Although the movie is about the political still has high hopes for the this season. “We One team building activity the girls partic- side of the game, rugby is becoming known graduated a whole team. It’s going to be hard to ipated in was attending “Invictus,” a recently as a professional sport around the world. take a loss, but hey, we roll with the punches… released rugby movie. It tells the story of a “Rugby is going to get up there, [in the We stand a pretty good chance of [attending] Nelson Mandela, elected president after 30 media], but I am going to be dead and nationals again.” years in prison. Mandela uses a professional buried by that time,” said Bruwer. Rugby “What makes us awesome is that we train rugby team trying to win the National Cup at LHS still stands as a strong club sport. together so much, they become sisters. Some- to begin healing racism in South Africa. With many hard workering players, and a times we take a practice and go to Cici’s pizza, Bruwer was a teen involved in rugby dur- coach like Bruwer, the girls’ rugby team has and get something to eat. And in the season, we ing this t i m e earned their acclaim. go and take these road trips,” said Bruwer. In any sport, teamwork is key. With girl’s rugby, it is more than just Photo Illustrations by Devin Werner. teamwork. “They play for each other, not just for themselves. Like when y o u ’ r e

February 2010 5 Focus Focus

Lady Ruggers practice throughout the seasons

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(1): Princess Benarski, Ceki Getx, Erika Johnson, and Cheyanne Griffin practice a line-up during an indoor practice (2) Coach Brewer oversees Rugby girls practice (3) girls huddle up to discuss strategy (4) Justina Pukas at practice in the snow. (5) On the recieving end is Erica King. (6) Three fielders work into the evening. 6 The Lakewood Times Focus Focus

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February 2010 7 dylam Focus Focus

Determination drives Girls’ Rugby

By Grant Graves, Sports Editor Bigger, stronger, faster. It’s something wer, and then it gets intense. Tackling drills, speed and finesse, they do more run- every team tries to accomplish during the conditioning, pick-up games and ball han- ning in the off-season to become faster. off-season. Girls’ rugby is no slouch when it dling. “Most practices consist of condition- Rugby is a sport that relies heavily on comes to this philosophy. A lot of condition- ing,” Sean Farley, junior prop says. Having contact and finesse. The concept of get- ing goes into practices and on and off the a strong upper body is very important to ting bigger, stronger and faster is a huge field during their off-season. Rugby consists being a prop, the position that goes into one considering it’s a major component in of a lot of contact, along with running. There the scrum with to support the hooker. the ruggers repeatedly getting to nation- needs to be a base the girls can work from When the season comes to an end, als. To other athletic programs out there to make sure that come game time, they are the conditioning doesn’t. “I do a lot of looking for consistency, the proof is in the ready to hit the ground running. Literally. swimming during the summer,” Whit- pudding. Hard work, and harder condition- A typical rugby practice is like a mesh of ney said, “My position relies on strength ing not only tunes up the body but also football, basketball and track. It’s a lot of run- in my arms and legs and swimming tunes up the mind. The season usually starts ning, hitting and catching. “We do a lot of helps me focus on both those areas”. with 100 potential players but as winter running,” said Gwen Whitney, a junior prop. Sean says she does a lot of cardiovascular practices and workout starts it dwindles “Things like ups and downs, suicides, lunges workouts such as running and biking. Also, dramatically. It seems only the cream of and push-ups. And once and a while Tae Bo.” keying in on workouts that will strengthen the crop survive the work the Ruggers A typical day at practice consists of a her upper body is one of her main focuses. put in time and time again. warm-up, a team meeting with coach Bru- For others whose positions require more 8 The Lakewood Times Focus Focus The road to South Africa is a hard-earned journey By Lisa Kowalski, Sports Editor

For many years now, Lakewood High theme parks, etc. The other $500 is for food School has been the home of a state-cham- and other various expenses. pion team. No, it’s not the football team, But the trip is not going to be paid for by fund- but the Girls’ Rugby team. Coach Andre raising. “Our season alone costs around 10 or 12 Bruwer emigrated from his native South thousand dollars, so that’s where the fundrais- Africa to join the ranks of LHS math teach- ing goes. The trip is going to be a luxury thing, ers. Now Bruwer is planning a trip back to for those who can afford it,” Bruwer said. So his homeland, but he won’t be going alone. it will be up to the individual travelers (or their For about three years, Bruwer has been parents) to pay for the trip themselves. “We’ve planning a rewarding trip for his rugby also put in a payment plan, so the idea would be team, and they are the closest they have that they don’t have to pay $4,000 now,” Bru- ever been to actually making it happen. wer said. It would be around $1,500 to book “Right now, the tour actually has been put the spot and then after 6 months there would on hold,” Bruwer said. The reason for this be a $500 payment, and so on until it is paid off. delay is that Bruwer was planning on taking “Now that the school’s sort of put it on 40 people on the trip, some of them former hold, we’re going to have a meeting with all students and rugby players all under the those that are interested… and [determine], age of 19, but the administration wouldn’t what’s a realistic time frame to collect that amount of money. That’s the biggest holdup Andre enters the spirit of the game in a hear of it. “They want at least 30 people to paint ball battle. Photos by Devin Werner be current players on the team right now, right now, the $4,000,” Bruwer said. Ju- and there are not 30 people right now nior Gwen Whitney is working hard to raise go into a normal house, have the South African that have got 4,000 dollars lying around. her funds. “I have a job so I’m basically saving equivalent of a cookout, and see the monkeys So right now it’s in file 13,” Bruwer said. every paycheck I have,” Whitney said. Other running through the gardens,” said Bruwer, ex- One major difficulty that Bruwer has had players such as junior Kelsey York are still plaining they have monkeys instead of squirrels. to deal with is that the individuals who have trying to find jobs to earn money. “We’d stay in a beachfront hotel, so they to approve the trip don’t know much about As for what the team will be doing on the get up at 6:00 in the morning, go for a run the country in question. “The only stuff they trip, Bruwer has planned a really awesome on the beach, and go for a swim in the sea. know about South Africa is what they see experience. “We’re going to do a fifteen day There are many people that are keen on go- on the news, and that’s all the bad things. tour. They would do things like stay in a na- ing on the trip, not only the players, but staff But being a local, I’m going to take them to tional park, so they could get to see all the members as well, such as Education Board the good places,” said Bruwer. As a native to wild animals that South Africa is famous for,” member Linda Beebe. “It’s all been planned, the country, Bruwer feels that it would be Bruwer said. They would also see some of the It’s just a matter of getting the money and absurd to not embark on this journey. “It just endangered animals and do things like feed getting the school’s approval,” said Bruwer. seemed crazy that I [know] all the ins and outs baby lions, and giraffes, and even ride an os- There is a unanimous feeling on the team that of this country…[so] why wouldn’t I want trich. The trip would have educational value, they are very deserving of this trip, and they to share that with a team that works their too. “We’re going to a school to a shadow a aren’t going to give up on it anytime soon. “If butts off day and night for me,” Bruwer said. student there to see what it’s like,” Griffin said. I had to look at the number of hours they put As you can imagine, this is not going to “[Because we’re] a girls’ team, we’d probably in at practice, (remembering we start training in be a very cheap trip. “We told the girls to spend two days in the shopping malls just October, three afternoons a week, two hours aim for $4,000 per person,” Bruwer said. to experience the difference. Bruwer said. every training session, and we have tournaments Air travel alone is $2,000 roundtrip for 18 Keeping with their rugby roots, the team during summer break). They train probably hour direct flights. “We can’t do anything would also get to train with one the the rug- more than any other athlete. So if there’s any with an exact figure just yet because you by teams at a South African school. They’d team that’s deserving, it’s them,” Bruwer said. can’t book an air trip so long in advance,” also spend a day in a theme park, along the Cheyenne Griffin, a junior agrees Bruwer said. The rest of the money will go lines of a Cedar Point, and go on a safari. with Bruwer. “I think being national- to the tour company to pay for 15 days of “Obviously, because I have family here, we’d ly ranked deserves a pretty awesome re- hotels and accommodations, and entries to spend a day with my folks so they would be able to ward,” Griffin said. “We’ve earned it.”

February 2010 9 Focus Focus

A few of the team members pose for a shot designed to intimidate the competition.. Photo by Lisa Kowalski. Girls Rugby chases another championship By Andrew O’Connor, Sports Editor In any sport, talent can only take a team “We get together, rake some leaves and ex- by jacket or shirt on one of the team mem- so far. It doesn’t matter how talented a team change stories” The team is also known to bers. A team that is highly successful year is if they don’t get along. It’s not often a have the occasional car wash in the summer in and year out has every right to be proud team is highly successful if the players don’t months. of what they do. These girls have a stronger like each other. It’s not all work and no play, though. They connection than many teams at the high With 34 girls, Varsity Captain Erica King is still spend time together outside of their school level. Using their club status to there keeping everyone on track with one thought rugby activities. “We go to Cici’s as a team advantage and fundraising for team build- and one goal: a national championship. every once in a while. We saw Invictus to- ing is important to the team’s success. How is it possible to keep 34 players focused gether” said King. There are not many squads that go to from October to June? “We try to act as one team on and off the see movies together or rake leaves to bring “Its not hard. Girls come to learn new skills field. No matter if you are on varsity or JV.” them together. “The team bonds and it be- and they’re excited to be there. It takes hard All the outside events and activities don’t comes a sisterhood,” says Werner. work, commitment and dedication from every- always guarantee a positive outcome. This is With four years of teamwork together, the body” said King. still a sport and practice makes perfect. “We team understands that while the focus is on A difference the rugby team faces is the practice 3 times a week for 2 hours” said Rugby a National championship, it’s the friendships fact that they are marked as a “club” instead player Devin Werner about last years team. that will last. Still a team this hungry knows “sport”. This is due to the fact the OHSAA They practice in almost any weather, much like a National championship can be reached. “I doesn’t believe there are enough teams to football in the fall. “Rugby is a lot of hard work have faith in these girls and I know we can consider it a “sport” so they don’t receive but once it’s time to play all the hard work pays go far,” says King. funding from the school districts. The team off ”, said Junior Tessa Newbacher uses this to its advantage. “We try to have a very positive attitude. “We do fundraisers in the winter and fall. No one is ever excluded,” said King. “At the We rake leaves and shovel snow. We also sell end of every practice we circle up and link rugby cards.” These cards are coupons with arms.” deals to places around Lakewood.” said King It’s almost a daily occurrence to see a rug- 10 The Lakewood Times News

“RAD” does D.C. By Nicole Parke, Contirbuting Writer Eleven Lakewood High School’s students got a chance of a lifetime. LHS’ Race and Diversity Club was invited to the President’s home for “Songs of the Movement,” a convention rec- ognizing the history and music of the Ameri- can Civil Rights Movement. The convention served as a tribute to Black History Month, and featured distinguished in- dividuals as First Lady Michelle Obama and iconic artist Smokey Robinson. Several famed musicians performed at the event February 10. After the concert, the students participated in a discussion with the artists about the Civil Rights Movement. “I’m looking forward to going to a really nice hotel,” joked Joseph Lobozzo, head of the Race and Diversity Club. The group, com- monly called “RAD”, focuses on controversial subjects in American Society today. They have Photo courtesy of Alisa Nazelli. intense discussions about racial stereotypes The Times now online NHS brings in new members and discrimination occurring in the school and By Mollie Evans, Contributing Writer throughout the country. The group focuses on Lakewood’s award-winning newsmagazine acceptance and respect for others and their is now available online through the Lakewood This year, Lakewood High inducted 55 stu- opinions. City School’s website. Readers can now read dents into NHS. The induction included a cer- Senior Khadijah Baker said she’s excited “be- The Times at www.lakewoodcityschools.com, emony and reception at Lakewood High’s Civic cause Michael Jackson was there once!” under Lakewood High’s tab. Click on “The Auditorium and East Cafeteria. LHS Principal “I’m most looking forward to going to Lakewood Times” under the quick links on the Dr. Wagner, and NHS officers Zachary Urbach, D.C. for the first time, and going to the White left-hand column. From there, the newspaper Abbey Hegarty, Gregory Culley, Mary Beth House,” said senior McKenzie Stenger, more can be accessed via PDF viewable file. More Donahoe, and Frank Blackman made speeches. seriously. issues will be uploaded soon, and current issues A speech was also made by special guest and Jameel Thomas said he can’t wait to be “in a will avaliable. former NHS member, Lakewood City Schools room with the First Lady and all of the musical Students win “Reflections” District board member Jan Soeder . legends.” The National Honor Society (NHS), was “Beauty is…” was this year’s topic of the Senior Kristian Hila said he “jumped for joy” started in 1921 and continues today as one of 2009-2010 Reflections topic. Students from when he found out about the trip. Lakewood High’s prestigious student organiza- preschool through high school can enter into Hila, Stenger, Baker, and Thomas, along tions. NHS is a selective group that seeks out the PTA reflections art contest. Catagories with other seniors Chelsea Stenger, Seth Baker, well-rounded students and invites them to ap- for entries are casual arts, music, literature, Sarah Speice, Canada Tate-Griffin, Andrienne ply for membership. NHS looks for a variety photography, dance choreography and video/ Mahone, sophomores Celia Lamb and An- of things in students, including extra-curricular film production pieces. A total of 183 student nalisa Perez, and faculty members Joe Lobozzo activities and grades. Students selected have artists had their work recognized at the PTA and Alisa Nazelli headed off to Washington, solid GPA and preferably a well-rounded set reflections celebration, and announced that D.C. on February 9. The students were consid- of extracurricular activities. In addition, these twenty-four from the Lakewood City Schools ered to be the most involved in the Race and teachers must vouch for students, ensuring that District were chosen to compete statewide. Six Diversity Club, Lobozzo’s “Human Rights and participants are honest and demonstrate leader- of the twenty-four students chosen are from Conflict” class, and the Facing History and Our- ship qualities. A selection committee, made up LHS; Senior Madison Olszewski, Juniors Anne selves program. of faculty chosen by the principal, then assesses Latsko and Haley McGinty, and Freshmen So, will they get to shake hands with the the students. Grace Lazos, Raven Odorizzi and Anthony President? “Hopefully,” said Lobozzo with a Taylor. smile. February 2010 11 news news Open for Business: The Ranger Cafe serves up its first meals to the public

By Deven Middleton, Focus & Design Editor we’ve worked out the kinks.” After ten years of meticulous planning customers. While the program used to only teach stu- and many months of service prepping, the “I feel prepared for tomorrow and I’m dents how to cook professionally, it now offers Ranger Café finally opened its doors on Jan- pretty pumped,” said senior Matt Snyder. them the hands-on experience of working in a uary 26th, 2010. “Everyone knows about it, my grandparents, real restaurant. The restaurant, run by the students of the the restaurant I work at, my guitar teacher, The day before the opening, students and Culinary Pro-Start program, is open every Tues- everyone.” chefs in the kitchen of the Ranger Cafe were day and Wednesday to whip up a meal whether Whether overwhelmed with excitement or busy prepping for the biggest event the culi- it be a Lakewood Club or a West Shore Chicken worry, everyone involved in the opening of the nary program has ever seen. Salad or one of the other 23 entrees, salads, or café knew that they would forever be a part of “We’ll have some opening day jitters, be- deserts available – cooked to order. the Lakewood’s history. cause some things don’t go right, but that’s The official opening was marked when “I’m kind of anxious and kind of nervous. how it goes in the kitchen,” said “Chef Rob” Linda Thayer emceed by announcing the I’m wondering if everyone’s going to do the McGorray. opening and directing the first customers right thing and if everything’s going to turn Along with excitement comes nervous- into the restaurant. out okay,” said senior Jimmy Gajewski. “There ness. McGorray talked about his anticipa- “I thought [the opening] was really spectacu- will be a lot of important people here tomor- tion of the opening. “People are very ex- lar,” said Thayer. “To celebrate the opening of row and being a part of something like this, cited,” said McGorray. “As we get closer, I get this facility, which has made such a transforma- something that’s happening for the first time less nervous, because I know what’s going tion, is truly rewarding.” is cool.” to happen and everyone’s on schedule and On opening day, the program served At eleven a.m. the ribbon was cut by working fine.” about 30 of the city’s elite, with West Shore Board of Education President Betsy Shaugh- Though many students were excited for the students doing every job -- from taking or- nessy to officially open the Ranger Café. The upcoming day, many had concerns. ders to cooking and desert. students and chefs scurried to seat the nu- “I think that the most important thing we With the first day behind them, the students merous customers and take their orders. need to do is communicate well,” said senior and chefs left the café satisfied with the day’s “It gives me chills to think all this work Bianca Beltran. “The kitchen and the floor events. by the community members, board mem- need to cooperate to really provide our cus- “I was a busboy and I did great,” said senior bers, planners, is all coming together, it’s tomers good service.” Matt Snyder. “Everyone was really kind to me; just amazing,” said Thayer. “I think it’s just a Although the students had their own person- I can’t wait to do it tomorrow.” matter of having a vision, looking at how we al worries, the growing excitement was evident “Well, it’s the first day, so we had a fair wanted to organize the kitchen and restau- throughout the culinary program. The word amount of difficulties,” said Sous Chef- De rant, and creating something like this where was spreading throughout the community as van Sharosky. “It’ll a little bit easier tomorrow. the students are learning so much.” the student chefs prepared to serve their first There will be better organization now that The students acted as servers, cooks, and or-

12 The Lakewood Times news news ganizers during the busy rush of the opening. hard work everyone’s The customers, after finishing their meal, had done over the years.” only positive reviews. Though McGorray “It was high quality restaurant food,” said was heavily involved Edward Farve. “From everything I’ve seen in the planning today, it’s excellent. I realize it’s a class, but if of the café, many they had to work on anything, I’d like them others, like Thayer, to be open all of the time.” When asked how have been through often he was planning on having lunch here, the long process of he replied, with a smile, “Every Tuesday and opening the facility. Wednesday, I’ll be here as much as I can.” “This planning has Local restaurant owner Mary Belbibr not been around even only raved about her meal, but also about the longer than I,” Thayer service by the students and the program their said. “The fact that involved in. this kitchen is sec- “I think this program is absolutely wonder- ond to none in the ful,” said Belbibr. “Food business, number state and that the one, is very difficult. It’s a lot of hard work, it students are getting takes skill, it takes dedication, but eventually it a great facility to can be very profitable, and so rewarding.” She learn in. It’s great to then added, “And especially under the direction be a part of it all.” under Chef McGorray. You students are very The culinary pro- lucky.” gram is designed The customers seem to have truly enjoyed to give experience their time at the Café, but how did those be- in the kitchen and hind the scenes feel? for one students it’s “My first day on the job went better than I done that and more. thought,” said senior Meredith Bea. “My big- “I’ve loved this gest highlight from today was all the compli- program ever since I ments on the food and the service.” started,” said Gajews- “It went very well. The students were very ki. “I’ve really learned well prepared,” said McGorray. “I just sort of what it’s like to work in the kitchen and what Despite the trials the culinary program let Chef Sharosky take care of everything and it takes to be successful in this field and it’s went through to get to this point, optimism made sure everything was prepped and ready. given me a head start for college.” is evident when thinking about the future. She took over and she really got the whole Not only does the program teach the ins “These students are a close bunch,” said kitchen into shape.” and outs of a restaurant, but also it teaches McGorray. “When you watch how they After a successful opening, those involved in people skills, unity, and togetherness. Se- handle everything you realize their actions. the Ranger Café look back on the monumental nior Jessica Nieves talks about her experi- They are now professional problem- solvers, day and everything leading up to it. ences on her journey through the program. and that’s a great result from this program.” “It’s been a long time, and there’s been a “We’re kind of like a family in a way,” said lot of hard work over the years getting the Nieves. “We’ve all grown together and we’ve program to this point,” said McGorray. “We’re been working together for the past two Above: Photo by Christine Gordillo. Left to right: Photo by Juan Amador. Photo by Christine Gor- going to take the vision farther and bring it years. If we didn’t have that kind of connec- dillo. . Photo by Juan Amador. Photo by Christine to a new level. I’m very thankful for all of the tion we would have fallen apart.” Gordillo. Photo by Juan Amador Photo by Deven Middleton.

February 2010 13 news news Search Home Profile Account

Lakewood Times LHS student not a “Fan” of Facebook Lt View My Profile By Al Rodriguez, News Editor February 10th, 2010 My Notes + Write a Note

If an LHS student was picked These factors were the main influ- Facebook account, but when I information and leaves the option at random, it’s likely they have an ence behind Strong’s self-exile. tried, the website kept experienc- of reactivating your account up to account on Facebook. The social “Facebook was really not use- ing “errors” which made it impos- you, when it’s convenient. networking site with over 350 mil- ful whatsoever. I realized that the sible for me to completely delete With social networking, its dif- lion active users allows people to people who I cared about enough my account. So, I just had to settle ficult to remove all aspects of communicate with one another, to socialize with were all people I for deactivating.” said Strong. “you” from the internet. Photos join groups, and become fans of could easily call on the phone or It is possible to delete a Face- of Strong are still in online photo various activities with the click of talk to in person.” said Strong. Be- book account. However, going albums created by his friends, and a mouse. ing away from the social network- through the hassle of deleting can still be added by others. Carter Strong, a junior, isn’t a ing giant has improved Strong’s your account can prove time con- “It doesn’t really bother me,” “fan” of Facebook. He has done social life as well. suming. said Strong. “I don’t have “com- something that many students “Now, when I’m hanging out In order to delete an account, a promising pictures” of myself on can’t imagine doing in their wild- with people, we have a lot to talk series of confirmation emails and Facebook, or anything on there est dreams. Strong has kicked the about, because we haven’t been other processes must be complet- that would ruin my reputation.” Facebook addiction that so many following each other’s lives 24/7 ed, and Facebook administration As far as suggestions to LHS students share, and plans to stay on Facebook.” said Strong. decides when they will delete your Facebookers go, Strong suggests away from the social networking Actively involved in the music profile. Deactivation is a signifi- an alternative to online social net- site for good. He has taken the program and in many AP classes, cantly easier process. Your name working. steps to “deactivate” his account Strong also finds Facebook a ma- is removed from Facebook com- “I think people need to spend and completely remove himself jor distraction from his work and pletely, all “tags” of you on photos less time talking about what they from Facebook. practice. are removed, and it is impossible did in the past on Facebook, and “I got my Facebook account at “People underestimate just how to find your name from a search go out and do more.” said Strong. the end of freshman year. I think much of an impact Facebook on the site. Facebook holds your I got it because I didn’t want to has on a person’s time. In terms miss out on whatever was so cool of time spent on Facebook, and about it.” said Strong. the degree of inefficiency it pro- Facebook appeals to adults and duces,” said Strong. “I would say I teens alike. With the ability to had Facebook up on my computer share photos, video, and chat with periodically checking it for about friends and family, it’s an easy way three hours every day, and proba- to stay in touch with those around bly looked at it five to ten minutes you, and meet new people. each time I checked. Now, I can “Essentially, it’s so popular be- do my homework faster because cause most people feel they will be I’m not nearly as distracted,” said left out if they don’t have a Face- Strong. book, and most people don’t like Strong’s views on Facebook led being left out.” said Strong. him to want to delete his account As convenient as Facebook is, from the website completely, but it comes with a consequence that trying to remove himself com- some forms of modern technolo- pletely proved difficult. gy share: real life anti-socialization. “I initially wanted to delete my Art by Al Rodriguez.

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Chat (392) 14 The Lakewood Times Opinion LHS student not a “Fan” of Facebook By Al Rodriguez, News Editor February 10th, 2010 A Day on the RTA: a ballad of strangers & strategies

together. I know it sounds sappy, but I don’t seemed to forget that in the United States, we mind waiting, because these people have to drive on the right side of the road. Cars were stick it out with me. honking. Pedestrians on the side of the street I think this is the reason I become quite an- looked as if Godzilla had come from around gry with some people on the bus. the corner in order to kill them all. The pas- One time, on RTA Health Line, which runs sengers were incredibly uneasy; we calculated down Euclid Avenue, I was seated next to a how many more stops we had, and had already woman wearing a sweat suit. She reclined in her made. After I told him about this, my cousin chair and munched on a Little Debbie snack Jon remarked that LaShonda should stick to Kevin Ritter cake and slurped out of a generic brand can driving “LaHondas.” of grape soda. She wiped her mouth upon fin- Despite the sometimes frightening nature

ishing her beverage and proceeded to discard of the bus, I think that it has been a a valu- I could feel my heart pounding as we acceler- the can into the crack between the seat and the able experience overall. I remember waiting ated, rocking back and forth. We went at speeds window. I wanted to stand up and scream at for the bus at University Circle. This woman nearing 65 miles per hour. People around me her. “What are you doing? Don’t you realize and her son approached. He was wearing a looked equally alarmed. This, was not the latest that other people have to be on the bus with baseball cap. Her hair was pulled under a sun roller coaster at Cedar Point. Instead, it was an you?” visor. “When does the Health Line come?” RTA bus, line 55, being driven on the Shoreway But, I didn’t say anything. I tried glaring at She spoke with a hesitant Southern accent. into downtown Cleveland. The man sitting next her, but it didn’t work. She was too busy read- I told her it comes every five minutes or so. She to me braced himself against the chair in front ing some awful looking paperback. looked incredibly relieved. “Oh, really? That’s of him, pushing his knees against the back of Another one of the most jarring experi- just fantastic. My husband is at a doctor’s semi- the seat. The bus got faster and faster. ences from my public transit experiences came nar this week. What do you guys do for fun in Over the summer, I came to know the Great- not from another passenger, but a driver. It Cleveland?” I talked enthusiastically about the er Cleveland Regional Transit Authority better was around ten on a weekday morning. The art museum and the otters at the natural history than I know the back of my hand or how to driver did not greet me. The driver, LaShonda, museum and the library. She remarked about microwave bagels. Due to the fact that I had a chomped on her gum. After paying, I smiled how helpful I was. It made me feel really good job in University Circle and no driver’s license, and thanked her. No response. A few stops about myself, as if I was some unofficial am- I had to find an alternative mode of transporta- later, a man got on who appeared to have some bassador to the tourists of Cleveland, Ohio. tion. So, public transit it was. sort of hearing problem. He sat down. She The woman was very concerned about the One of the great things about the bus is that asked him something about an ID. Confused, bus. She was worried about getting off at the I could take it anywhere I wanted, when I want- he got up so he could hear her. wrong stop, or worse, overshooting it and rid- ed. If I wanted to go to downtown Cleveland “Sir! Sit down! You can’t be up here talking ing the bus until the county line and meeting in the middle of the night, I could theoretically to me!” some rough characters on the outskirts of take a bus there. Suddenly, I felt like going ev- The man hesitantly resumed his seated posi- town. She wanted to see a movie at Tower City erywhere via bus. tion. There was also an amputee passenger. He with her son. When we reached the Terminal A friend who lives in Parma wanted to watch had a large garbage bag in which he kept his Tower, I got off the bus with them and point- a movie at his house. I said “Sure, just let me stuff. He moved it by kicking it in front of him, ed up. “It’s that big building right there. I hope look at the bus schedules.” He was concerned. and then using his crutches to get up to it, kick- you enjoy yourself this week!” She smiled and “Oh, relax. I would only need to take two bus- ing it again, and repeating. He wore a labored thanked me. Then she and her son turned away es. It wouldn’t take more than eighty minutes.” expression on his face, his brow furrowed in and walked towards the large mass of concrete He thought that eighty minutes sounded like concentration. With every movement of the reaching up to the sky. an awfully long time. “Pssh. No it’s not. You black plastic bag, he exhaled with incredible This is what I love about the bus. Here we just have to have a little patience and a lot of pain. are, on this vehicle together. It’s kind of like reading material.” LaShonda didn’t like this method. She a mini-planet: a bunch of people, thrown to- The bus definitely teaches patience. There is thought it took too long. She unbuckled her- gether by circumstance, all working towards a lot of stopping and watching people get on self, picked up the garbage bag, and threw it different goals, but somehow sharing this one and off. If you drove yourself, you would defi- off the bus onto someone’s muddy tree lawn. experience for a short amount of time. nitely get there faster. It doesn’t really bother Everyone on the bus looked aghast. We were me, because I feel that for one moment, we are terrified. Upon arriving downtown, LaShonda sharing a common experience. We’re all in it

February 2010 15 Opinion Opinion

Student says security sweeps are silly

you get a Wednesday school. I pace to get from the main build- deal with slow students? Everyone suppose the student body could be ing in six minutes. Distance can is late, so deal with it. We are also skeptical especially as we got the be troubling, now that we have in transition and being on time same threat last year and it seemed to worry about the mods and a isn’t always plausible. I was late to short lived. Wednesday school. French class almost everyday last What angers me is that we ”Student’s actions determine year because I came from the art students don’t get any slack. It’s our rules,” said Wagner. “When building to mod 22. automatic punishment for most students get to class on time then I agree that some rule should circumstances. One of the few ex- we will be less strict.” be implemented. Perhaps begin ceptions is that if a teacher holds I can see that but won’t that just sweeping two minutes after the you after class then you can get be a continued cycle? The board bell or let the teachers determine Greg your teacher to sign off on your has us on a short leash and we, as how they want to deal with tardy O’Connor Wednesday school. students need a longer rope. I be- students. We are treated like criminals lieve the trust factor between stu- Tardiness is a problem but I LHS is being swept up in the when we are teenagers. Hall sweeps dents and faculty has dropped. don’t believe we need to hit it with same old rules. The “hall sweep” shouldn’t be necessary. Don’t pun- Students miss class time now an iron fist. If I am ever subjected rule came into affect.... again. ish the entire student body with a get a Wednesday school It takes to sweep, I’ll serve the punishment While a few years back hall freezes rule that comes of tyrannical. about 10 minutes to get a Wednes- so long as it truly fits the “crime.” were an occasionally enforced, The problem isn’t that things day school. What’s the point of Teresa Belfoire, an English now they are a regular occurance. happen in the hallway where you making a late student ten minutes teacher, said it best “I support a Many students aren’t very happy may be late to class but the walk later by making him or her get a go rule that will enforce students to about the “new” rule. ”We have to one building to another.” My to the office to get a Wednesday be on time but understand going had hall freezes since I came here English class is in mod 38 and I school? from one building to another is a in 2001 and we are really cracking have to walk all the way up to the I love hearing from teachers “if challenge and a Wednesday school down.” said Dr. Bill Wagner. 3rd floor for my next class.” said I can do it so can you.” How many could do more harm than good.” If you are caught in the hallway Junior Emily Gaige. teachers carry around 10 pounds after the bell rings without a pass I myself have to keep a good on their backs, go to lockers and

Art by Alberto Rodriguez 16 The Lakewood Times Opinion Opinion Democrats loom large, but not in charge

Party nominated Scot Brown, a Massachusetts it is far from an upheaval of the Democratic State Senator. The Democrats nominated Mar- Party. tha Coakley, the Attorney General for Massa- It is far too early to be making such bold chusetts. After the special election was held, prophecies about what the future holds for the Republican candidate Scott Brown won the Congress and the plans of both parties. seat of Ted Kennedy. Is health care reform dead? No, there are still It is important to note that a democrat’s many possible adaptations that can be made to seat was taken by a republican because the keep it a viable. The plan for health care reform Democrats no longer hold a “filibuster-proof is still a very strong possibility, even without the Seth Baker majority” in Congress. This means that, be- filibuster-proof majority. fore this election, democrats were able to pass Are the Democrats done for? To say an en- There is a lot of speculation about what may a bill through Congress without Republicans tire party has fallen out of favor in such a short come from the recent special election in Mas- blocking it. This is where people get the no- time, while they still hold a commanding major- sachusetts for the Senate seat of Democrat Ted tion that the Democrat’s plan for health care ity in Congress (based on a win of only 51%), is Kennedy. People are saying that if the health reform is dead, because they no longer hold far from an “energizing” revolution. care bill doesn’t pass, Obama’s plans for health that full-proof majority. What should be noted, Will Scott Brown be the new poster boy of care reform will die. Others say that this is the however, is that even without this overwhelm- the Republican Party and their new agenda? It beginning of the end for the overwhelming ing Congressional majority; the Democrats still would seem that way. The overall impact of this popularity held by the Democrats in Congress, wield a large amount of political power. Many election, in the long run, will have a minimal and American’s love for President Obama is Republicans are saying Democrats should look effect on how the political machine in Wash- fading. out because the American people have spoken, ington will function. However, the Democrats The Republican Party is citing this election showing their loss of faith in the Democratic need not fear. They still have their majority and as a message to Democrats that the American Party. there is still a strong demand for change. When people have spoken, and are fed up with the “Democrats nationwide should be on notice: we’re in a situation like the present one, there Democrats’ course of action. A few have merit Americans are ready to hold the party in power is a need for action, and that’s what Democrats but overall, almost all of these political fore- accountable for their irresponsible spending are trying to do. casts are a stretch. and out-of-touch agenda, and they’re ready for If Republicans want to view this election If you don’t know what happened in this real change in Washington. This is very ener- as a radical turning point that’s going to alter election, here are the basics of how everything gizing to a lot of people, Republicans and in- the next 3 years of the Obama presidency, played out. On August 25th, 2009 the death of dependents” said John Cornyn, a Republican they can go right ahead in doing so. But, as it Senator Ted Kennedy created a vacant seat in from Texas. stands, Democrats still have the large majority the Senate. To fill this seat, both parties held Republicans can try and spin the results of in Congress and the results of a single election party primary elections, and on December 8th, this election any way they want, but it is a single are hardly a “smoking gun” to the death of the the winners were announced. The Republican election, for a single Congressional seat, and Democratic Party’s popularity. SVU: Law & Order’s Killer App shows on television, Law & Or- A particular time that I applied I asked myself, “What’s the risk der: SVU. what I had learned from the show of staying down here? Would any- SVU means special vic- will forever be imprinted in my one hear or know if an enraged tims unit and focuses main- mind. I was on vacation in Maine escaped convict decided to pay me ly on sexually based crimes. and felt the overwhelming desire a visit? What would Benson and With a more than honorable cast to exercise. Luckily, even though Stabler say?” -- including Mariska Hargitay, who the hotel we stayed at resembled And so, I didn’t exercise that night. Meredith plays the strong role model and something closer to an old wom- I decided to be safe because of Richards brilliant detective Olivia Benson, an’s house rather than a customer lessons I had learned from a tele- and Christopher Meloni who plays -friendly lodge, there was a small vision show. And they say TV rots Every now and then, a special her unpredictable but lovable part- exercise room. your brain? With a cast that can occasion arises in my life that ner Elliot Stabler -- SVU is defi- It was in the basement of the never be put down (especially be- doesn’t involve a holiday, or any nitely the best of the Law & Order pool house and there were no cause it includes BD Wong), and sort of accomplishment. family. cameras or ways to make yourself an interesting twist-and-turn plot When I am not scheduled to The lessons learned from this known to the outside world. I de- each episode, plus various les- work or I don’t have any extra- show are invaluable. Even if you cided to exercise at 9:30 at night sons from the greatest detectives curricular activities to attend to sometimes you have to dig a little after my dessert, and walked the --Law&Order: SVU is deserv- and homework is at minimum, deeper than the sleeping disorders steps down to the small workout ingly the most successful branch I can simply just watch TV. that cause murder, or the drug area. There was no one around, of Law&Order to date. It’s in it’s I always watch one of the best trafficking via breast implants. and it felt eerie. 11th season and still going strong.

February 2010 17 Opinion Opinion FACE OFF When it comes to the way your resume looks for colleges, which is more important? Grades or extra curricular activities?

By Maeve Diffenbacher, staff writer By Jasmine Sarkis, Staff writer

Extra curriculars can be very beneficial in many different ways. As a student, my main priority is keeping up my grades. Of While grades are an essential part of school, extra curriculars are course there are other important aspects of being in high school, just as important. such as sports, clubs, and overall having a good time, but school- We attend a high school that offers a wide variety of activities. work and grades are being placed over everything. It’s unlikely that, with so many clubs available, you can’t find one I think it’s important to be well rounded and involved, but the that interests you. one and only reason we are in school is to learn and excel. The Being involved also builds your character and over time, you’ll only way to succeed in doing that is maintaining good grades. For learn more about yourself. Some of these memories come from example, getting into certain colleges may require extra-curricu- the funniest and most exciting experiences. lar, but your gpa is weighted way above that. Having a 3.0 gpa and Some of the opportunities I’ve gained through extra curricular a few extra curricular on your résumé can get you somewhere, but activities are quite remarkable. By joining hte Rangerettes, I had having a 1.0 gpa and a resume full of activities probably won’t. the opportunity to travel with the marching band to Dallas, Texas I’m not saying that its not good to be involved, because it defi- this past break. nitely is. But, the bottom line is that it shouldn’t take up all the If none of these reasons have you convinced thus far, then time you should be spending on schoolwork, and it shouldn’t be hopefully this one will. Colleges love to see that you’re involved placed above academic achievements. in your school on your applications. Lately, it’s hard to get by I’ve been able to keep over a 4.0 gpa while being involved in with just having decent grades. Colleges don’t just look at GPA Dance Group, AYF, and H2O, without having either a activities and class rank. If your not planning on going to college, getting or a schoolwork take up my entire life. I’ve still been able to enjoy involved is still a great idea! The skills you will gain will last you high school while getting good grades and it shouldn’t be hard for a lifetime. You can take those with you wherever you go in anyone else to do the same. life. If you haven’t already you should branch out Your grades are what will get you somewhere in life, and al- and get involved! Try it out, and see how you though extra curricular are fun, they probably won’t have the like it. You just might have the time same impact as your gpa will in the long run. And lets face it… of your life! who wants to be working at McDonald’s in 20 years? By taking your grades seriously, now y o u can have a life you’ll be proud of in t h e future, which is what I aim for.

The Lakewood Times 18 Photos by Deven Middleton. Opinion Opinion

By Julia Houska, Opinion Editor

Every year, approximately four million children are born. And, 1,277,500 children are killed due to abortion. That’s why, in Janu- ary, half a million people gather in Washington D.C. for the March for Life. The March for Life is for pro- life supporters who come togeth- er in protest against the court case Roe vs. Wade. People from all over the world come in protest of Roe vs. Wade. Photo by Julia Houska My experience at this years choice. to make, but ultimately are for the loved like any other. The March March was unbelievable. There During this trip I realized that best. taught me that abortion isn’t right were numerous signs, with nu- abortion wasn’t about whose choice, People may argue that abortion and that knowledge of this should merous messages all trying to get but rather about the right choice. is okay when a woman is raped, be spread throughout the world. the same message across. Many The right choice is choosing not or she’s not stable enough to care women had signs saying they re- to take a child’s life. for a child. These situations are no gretted their abortion, and many Who has the right to decide excuse for terminating a human emphasized that abortion kills whether a person should live or life. Some believe that before two human beings. die? The woman doesn’t know months a fetus is not a person, but With the amount of signs and what kind of life she is terminat- how can something living inside people in D.C. that day, I started ing. An aborted child could have you not be a person? thinking about my own views, been a president, a doctor, a pro- The March for Life teaches and why I was there. fessional football player, or have you how everyone is equal. Our In the beginning, I was just even a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Constitution “all men are created going to D.C., my favorite place, Abortion should never be an equal”. If all men are created equal for free. Before I left, I was strad- option for a woman. It should be then why do some not have the dling the fence. I believed abor- either you raise the child, or you right to live? The Capital building on Capital Hill. tion was wrong, but at the same put your child up for adoption. The March emphasizes the un- Photo by Julia Houska time believed it was the woman’s Both of these choices are difficult born need rights, and should be

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February 2010 19 Opinion Opinion

Dear Editor of The Lakewood Times, I was deeply offended by Mr. Wheeler’s comments in the recent article titled “Wheeler explains mastery system of learning”. In it, Mr. Wheeler states, “in the current system, kids are not assessed based on the amount of knowledge they have gained from the class, but rather on obedience.” He goes on to explain that, “right now… [students] move forward in education be- cause they can put their butt in a chair longer than other people.” While he doesn’t specify who or what exactly he means by “in the current system,” or “right now,” it appears that he is refer- ring to anyone who is not teaching according to the system used in 2.0. I don’t know how Mr. Wheeler purports to know what goes on in other classrooms here at Lakewood High school, but he has never set foot in mine. I was taught here at LHS using mastery learning 30 years ago, studied it in college 20 years ago, and have been using it in my classes since I started teaching here 15 years ago. There are many other teachers in this building, with a variety of educational philosophies, who use a variety of techniques to do the best they can to reach every student every day. I would assert that no on here is giving grades based on “sit-for-credit” While it is valuable to learn about alternative programs and to hear what my colleagues are doing in their classrooms to help students learn, that information needs to be shared in a way that is respectful to others and does not make sweeping generaliza- tions about anyone who does not march in lock-step with the speaker. Terri DuPerow, Spanish Teacher

• To Valentine’s Day over a three day • To the lack of snow days this weekend year • To being more than halfway • To extremely cold weather through the year • To this year Superbowl ads • To scheduling-a glimpse into the future • To stilled chapped lips • To the Vancouver Olympics • To snow-filled sidewalks • To a great winter performances by • To competition over class rank the Barnstormers, the Dance group • To the new hall freeze rule and Lakewood Project • To lockers suffering from de- • To the upcoming Talent show pressions. • Losing weight due to hall sweeps

20 The Lakewood Times Lkwd Life Taking a bite out of Lakewood’s food scene

By Bob Zimmerman, Luke Fesko, and Frank Blackman, Art by Matt Majewski. Contributing Writers

Frank: Welcome to the first ever Eaters of Lakewood Article in the pecially ladies) and we encourage everybody to join. If you’ll highly acclaimed “Lakewood Times.” For those of you who please excuse me, my mother is calling. don’t know about EOL, we are a fun-loving club that meets Bob: Sorry for that interruption. Since the first event, our club has at a different restaurant every month. spread like communism in the forties. It has become such a Luke: This month, we met at Two Dads’ Diner on Detroit Ave. This popular phenomenon that has even spread outside of our was the first meeting of the new year, and is to be considered now surprisingly-clean hallways at LHS. The idea an eaters the January gathering, despite occurring in February. club took to the streets, and after spending five months in Bob: before we continue, for those of you who don’t’ know much juvenile hall, found its way into the head of none other than about our club, here’s a brief history. Chris Bindel, the son of our esteemed director of student Frank: I have to go to the bathroom. activities. Bob: In 2006 AD, two LHS sophomores, Sam Debaltzo and Brian Luke: That’s right. There’s now a city-wide chapter open to all ages. Ritschel, were struck by a bolt of lightening. As a result, the Frank: Hey sorry about that guys. What were you saying, Luke? two strapping lads were forced to spend the night in a hospi- Luke: Kittens? tal. The next day, they were taken from their hospital beds Frank: I figured. So, as we were saying before, the Two Dads’ event and were dipped in a pool of acid by a mangy group of could be considered, in many respects, a success. The confer Portuguese henchmen. The mutations caused by this ence shattered several records for the 2009-10 eating season, traumatic incident were ironically the birth of the idea to including the members in attendance (81), the teachers in begin a club. A club for the students and staff at LHS, namely attendance (Joe Lobozzo and Dr. Greenoff), and our team those of us who love to eat. of Chinese Acrobats received the highest rating from the Luke: Thank you Bob. With this idea in their mutated brains, Sam staff in club history! and Brian decided to act. First they recruited the help of one Luke: For those of you who missed the event, there will be many of the finest gentlemen to grace LHS with his presence: more this year, including a Mardi Gras-themed meeting later Joseph Lobozzo. Lobozzo’s willingness to be involved and his this month. There will be beads, shoes, beets, canned sweet surprisingly expansive stomach capacity made him the perfect potatoes, beads, tinkle fairies in every bathroom, a cat named fit to advise the club. Paul, beads, and even a mystery band! For all of you who Bob: And how? wanted to know when his will occur, pay close attention to Luke: So Sam, Brian and J-Lo began their great endeavor with a our local listings on the LHS announcements, the flyers in the magical journey to Pacers. This did not fail to take its toll on hallways, Fox 8 News, Kickin’ it with Kenny, and our ads spo the group, seeing as only eight of the original 384 students radically placed throughout the popular children’s TV pro attending survived (the remaining 376 were taken captive by gram, Arthur. If you have any questions about the next a Cuban terrorist and never seen again). At the very least, meeting, ask us, Lobozzo, or his kids. (But not his kids.) it served as a jumping-off point. Since then, the meetings Frank: In short, we’d like to extend a formal invitation (or informal have improved in quality and the casualties per event have if it makes you more comfortable) to any and all readers to declined. attend the next Eaters of Lakewood meeting at The Pub in Frank: Hey I’m back. Are you guys done talking about the history? Rocky River. Keep your eyes peeled for the specific date and Bob: Huh? make sure you bring your dancing shoes and a positive Frank: Thank you, Bob. I’d like to stress the fact that we lead a very attitude. safe club of fine, upstanding young ladies and gentlemen (es

February 2010 21 Lkwd Life Behind the craft: The cast of ‘One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ gets into character

By Deven Middleton, Focus & Design Editor and Seth Baker, Staff Writer

Dealing with mental disease, death, prostitu- and more afraid than ever.” when I lose tion and the struggle between power and free Majewski, who is acting for the first time in my virginity thought, ‘One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’ his high school career, had an odd set of chal- to a pros- was an acting Mount Everest. Creating char- lenges building his character, as Billy often stut- titute. That acters from this play provided different tasks ters and shakes throughout the play. moment is for different roles and the actors rose “It was hard capturing the mannerisms of when I lose my to the oc- casion when per- Billy, but there were easier parts than others,” stutter and gain form- ing the show. said Majewski. “I used my script and the my confidence Ju- nior Matt Ma- dialogue to help me. I circled parts where back, but then jews- ki portrays Billy I should stutter and what faces I had to I lose it just Bibbit, a man make, translating that into acting as I gained put in the mental was the interesting part.” Majewski it,” Majewski hospital, because added, “Once I got the memorizing said. “It was of his speech defi- down it was a lot easier.” fun playing ciency. Though he might have had some help someone who “He has a stutter, from other media outlets of the film, Majewski went through so many different because everyone in tried to make his version of Billy unique. emotions.” his life messes with “I’ve been watching the movie since I was When asked what his character represented him and beats him eleven. It probably influenced me subcon- in the play, Majewski said that he was not a into submission,” sciously, although I was told to not let it steer symbol in the battle of Ratched and McMur- said Majewski. me when developing my character, but I tried phy, but did contribute to its ending. “Now, as a thirty my hardest to make it my own. “I wouldn’t say I was a symbol, just caught year old, he is un- Billy’s shining moment in the play is when in the line of fire. It doesn’t end that well for der the scrutiny of he steals his individuality back from Nurse me, but my character does have significance Nurse Ratched Ratched, but then loses it as her control wins in their battle, and eventually I’m a catalyst in him over once again. bringing it to a finish.” “My character’s climax is Playing a character of this stature takes skill, Majewski reflects on the process and his pos- sible continuation in theater. “ I ’ m hoping on coasting by life on m y good looks,” said Majewski. “Acting looks like the best way to go.” Senior Ino Gjermeni was cast as the lead character in the play R.P. McMurphy. His charac- ter is placed in the mental hospital after years of various law-abiding acts. “I am the protagonist of the play. McMurphy’s been jailed a lot for doing some bad stuff, and now he’s pretending to be insane 22 The Lakewood Times Lkwd Life Lkwd Life

so that he could go to the people. I think the best example is when “She is an Indian whose been removed from asylum, because it’s a softer I make Billy guilty for having sex, he’s her settlement. Her neurosis is that she believes sentence than jail,” said Gjer- literally at my feet and I have complete she’s talking to her father throughout the play, meni. “He later finds out that control over his emotions.” but he isn’t there,” said Lazos. “Playing her was it’s an open ended sentence While preparing for the biggest role different from my other roles, because of her and they could keep him in the in her acting career, Marburger had help insanity. asylum as long as they need.” from the author. Lazos had to take a different route when pre- Gjermeni, who has had pre- “I read the book to help me prepare,” paring for this character, for it was the first time vious experience acting, talks Marburger said. “She’s such a crucial char- she had played someone like Bromden. about his first time playing a acter in the novel, her descriptions are so “Usually I just rehearse my lines in my living lead role. good from the way she laughs to the way room,” said Lazos. “This time I really had to “I read the book, which she smiles.” get inside her head and understand her before helped out my development. Marburger laughs when she thinks about I could play her.” Mostly, with Gannon’s direc- her audience’s reactions to her portrayal. “I’m glad that I got this part,” said Lazos. “I tion, he helped me out a lot, “I had so much fun making people think I got a lot of insight on this character, it taught me how to act. With creeped out,” Marburger said. “She’s evil was really rewarding to play her.” Gannon’s help anybody could and acting that on stage was a good time.” Lazos talks about her character’s meaningful do it, he’s a genius.” She reflects on how different direction role in the play, which in the end escapes from While playing the part of McMurphy, Gjer- helped her get into character. the mental hospital. meni had to do things he normally wouldn’t. “This was huge,” Marburger said. “Not just “I don’t want to say she represents standing McMurphy, who is abusive and crude, was a because it was a lead, but because of the way I up to ‘the man,’ that sounds sort of hippie,” stretch from Gjermeni’s real life character. had to act like her and react like her, I thank As- said Lazos. “Bromden represents breaking “It was tough being violent on stage, chok- sistant Director Alex Neidert, because he did a past your comfort zone, accepting the help of ing Nurse Ratched especially was hard. I don’t great job of helping us.” someone else and letting their help empower like hurting people so playing this guy was re- Playing the narrator and central char- you.” ally difficult.” acter of the show is freshman Grace The play, which ran for the first weekend “In the end, my character sacrifices him- Lazos, who portrays Chief “Broom” of February, was believed to be a success by self to give drive to the other characters and Bromden, who is written as male the cast members. Many not only had a fun make their lives better,” Gjermeni said. “It was character. time playing their parts, but also enjoyed be- nice to play someone like that, it’s good being “It was a difficult chal- ing a part of a show with as much depth as good.” lenge,” Lazos said. “I wasn’t it has. Sophomore Anna Marburger portrays one sure how they were going “This play was an incredible experi- of the most notable villains in film history, as do it, especially because ence,” said Lazos. “I’ll never forget it.” Nurse Ratched, the head nurse on the mental this character is so physi- ward where the play takes place. cally defined, he’s very “She was an army nurse and when she left tall which I am not, he’s a the army, she became part of the psychiatric man and I’m not.” hospital, and became head nurse after a few Bromden, besides years.” being a giant Indian Marburger shares her feelings about her male, gave Lazos character, who she represents, and just how other difficulties she uses her power against the patients she is when creating her supposed to help. character. “I represent the establishment. I lord over Photos by Deven Middleton. February 2010 23 Lkwd Life Lkwd Life Bonjour from France, part deux was also a ed to make the Easter bread by really experience any because of little differ- myself for my host family, she the Holidays. I was expecting to ent because invited me over to her house be awfully homesick, but because my host so we could make it together. of the fact that it didn’t really feel mom was When I spend time with her, her like Christmas to me, I wasn’t. very busy husband, and her friend who is On the 26th, my third host fam- with work visiting from Romania, it makes ily and I went to visit my third so I learned me feel more at home in France. host mom’s side of the family so to become It is so nice to be with people we could celebrate Christmas with as inde- who speak Romanian. They are them. Her parents live very close p e n d e n t just genuinely nice. I spent eight to Luxembourg and about three as possible hours at her house cooking and hours away from Lille. My third and keep eating Romanian food. It was a host mom’s brother came over with the things I lot of fun because it was similar his family and we had a big Christ- asked from to Christmas at my house and it mas celebration. I also got pres- her to a made me feel very happy to be ents there and I was really touched minimum. here. At the end of the day, I had that they thought of me. I got a Now it is made wonderful memories and book, a bracelet, a necklace, choc- bizarre to delicious food! olate, a jewelry box, and a makeup Ingrid with her exchange friends and father Christmas. have to go When I came back home that bag that was a very famous French By Ingrid Vatamanu, back to the night, my host mom and young- brand. We ate practically the same Contributing Correspondent whole adjusting process. est host sister had gone to mass. meal there too except for that the My second host family is com- When they came back we ate din- chicken had no stuffing and we The holidays have almost come posed of my host parents and my ner, which was a lot of appetiz- had steamed vegetables instead of to an end and it is time to write three host sisters. One of my host ers for the main course. For food rice. I really enjoyed myself there my impressions of the “French sisters is at college in Bordeaux, we ate fois gras, escargots, caviar, too and I am glad I got to meet my Holidays”. I changed host families the other at college in Switzerland, salmon, chocolate (that I made) host grandparents. about two to three weeks ago, and and one is my age living at home. and Romanian Easter bread for Thursday was the 31st, so my I at first I had to get readjusted. My host family is very nice and dessert. friend Lizzy came for a sleepover. It is definitely not as hard as very excited that I am staying with We opened presents and I got Since so many of our friends went the adjustment of first coming them. My host mom is a stay-at- a blue scarf, a Northern French to Paris, we didn’t have a big par- to France, but it is something home mom and it is nice to have cooking recipe book, and a Swiss ty to go to, so it was just me and that takes some effort. Without more of a present motherly figure mug with a cow on it. On the 25th, Lizzy hanging out at my house. realizing it, you become adjusted in my life. My host dad is a kidder we all had lunch together. We ate We watched movies and talked, to your host family’s way of life. and he always wants to make me a big chicken stuffed with apricots and it was really nice. On January With my first host family I had my feel like a part of the family. and chestnuts, rice, and a Buche 1st, my host family and I went to a own schedule, my own things, and For Christmas my two old- de Noel (which is a big chocolate restaurant near the sea. The view I was more independent. est host sisters came home and roll). was amazing and they had these Now that I have changed, I have it was very nice for us all to be A French Christmas is different huge glass windows where you to get adjusted to a new house, a together. We spent family time from the Christmas I am used to could see the beach. The food was new family, and a new way of life. together and that was very nice because no one really starts pre- delicious, too, and it was a lot of I think it is good that we change because it reminded me of my paring the food days in advance. fun. I really enjoyed spending the host families because, as in life, we own family. At my house there are always a lot Holidays in France and experienc- can’t always stay in our comfort I celebrated Christmas two of preparation days and it was that ing a different culture’s traditions. zone by taking chances and learn- times this year: once with my atmosphere which made it feel like Au revoir! ing the hard way, we are forced be- second host family and once Christmas to me. I talked to my come adaptable. with my third host family. On exchange student friends here too When I first got here I had to the 24th, I went over to a Roma- and we all agreed that it didn’t real- ask my host family for help with nian woman’s house to make a ly feel like Christmas to us. I think ordinary, everyday things. It was sort of Easter bread that Roma- we all have our own traditions, and strange because even though I had nians always make at holidays. if you take those traditions away to do that at the beginning, at the On Sundays I go to church with it doesn’t really feel like Christmas end I rarely had to ask my host her, and she has always been anymore. mom for anything. My situation very nice to me. I told her I want- As for homesickness, I didn’t

24 The Lakewood Times Lkwd Life Lkwd Life “Roming” through the laughter

By Lindsay Allamon, Editorial Board Member

Love comes in different forms, but who lovers consist of Lance the dark magician (Jon movie as humorous as it is. would have thought it could be contained in Heder), overly-conceited model Gale (Dax Although Bell and Duhamel keep their roles coins? Only the city of Rome could possibly Sheppard), faux Italian artist Antonio (Will at a good level of intensity, the story line is a put such power into inanimate objects. Arnett), and the “Sausage King” (Danny De- little too much for this movie to handle. The The 2010 romantic comedy When in Rome Vito), all head-over-heals for Beth. Beth finds two fairly levelheaded characters don’t have written by David Diamond and David Weiss- being so aggressively wanted a real nuisance in enough glitz to make the fairytale feel of this man will keep you laughing while grimacing. her daily life. It is only a matter of time before movie seem very believable. The additional Event after event, the story thickens and so she can break the love spell she so innocently scenes of Beth’s inconsistency towards Nick does the humor. created. eventually becomes an annoyance rather than With little notice of her sister’s wedding, Along side with the various stalkers is Nick. a suspense. workaholic Beth Harper (Kirsten Bell) incon- Beth is to superstitious of this ancient curse to If looking for a movie with a deep, emo- veniently has to make a trip to Rome as the believe that Nick is in his right mind. Repeat- tional appeal, “When in Rome” is not the maid of honor. After a night of flirtation with edly she explains that until she finds a man she movie for you. However, for those in the the best man, Nick Beamon (Josh Duhamel), loves more than her job will she get married. mood of a lighthearted knee-slapper, this film Beth finds herself at the reputed fountain of Although confused, Nick cannot find a way to is your Roman Holiday. love with feelings of disappointment. separate himself from Beth or get her out of Upon her return to Manhattan, she comes his mind. across many obsessed admirers claiming that Overall, this is a well-composed film. With she is “the face of love.” Her four New York an average plot, the casting is what makes the

Dear Chick Flick By Hallah Amawi, Editorial Board Member

Every girl loves a man in uniform; it’s her knight in shin- ing armor. But, what happens when your knight leaves you all alone? This romantic drama, directed by Lasse Hallstrom follows a young couple in love. On a South Carolina beach in 2001, Savannah Curtis (Aman- da Seyfried) drops her purse in the water. To her surprise, a nice young man jumps to save it. Meeting face to face, John Tyree (Channing Tatum) falls in love with the beautiful young women. This is where their story begins. John is a Special Forces soldier on leave visiting his father. After meeting Savannah, a college student on spring break, they Harper questions the power of true love. Photo from rottentomatoes.com decided to spend the rest of their lives together. John hops to finish his tour of duty in a year so they can live together. All Another View movie was fantastic and made me and my friends cry, but the book hope dies when 9/11 strikes. John feels it was his duty to re- By Juan Amador, Staff Writer enlist. Even though a girl wants her shining knight to fight, it’s was definitely better.” The cinematic review of the movie always hard saying goodbye. Kayla Keith, who also read the gets a 100%. The lighting comple- For the next seven years, the lovebirds send each other let- book, said, “It wasn’t as good as I ments every scene and so does the ters. Each letter attached a sense of hope for reconnection. thought it would be. It’s a good music. The director knew what he Though each letter had affection, it was still not the same. They movie, but the book was a lot bet- was doing. I highly recommend you realize it all starts to die, but their hearts refuse to let it do so. ter,” see this movie if you have not already. Dear John has a “will they ever get together and live hap- There were a few really emo- It is well worth your time and money. pily ever after” tension. It is very heartfelt, even knocking Ava- tional parts that got to me.” Elvis A group of LHS sophomores went tar out of its top spot! Dear John grossed an estimated $32.4 Sako said, “I liked it a lot.” These together to see the movie and here’s million on Super Bowl weekend. Best selling author, Nicholas students enjoyed the movie, may- their input on it. Along with finishing Sparks, once again hit you right in the heart. be you will too. the book, Amy Mahnke said, “The February 2010 25 Lkwd Life Lkwd Life

The Lakewood Project rock out at Cleveland’s House of Blue. Courtesy of Popmatters.com

By Sam Cross, Co-Lakewood Life Editor

ight years ago, the music industry was revolution- scious of the fact that “outside of [her] class, they were listening to ized. Student’s instrumental talents were called upon rock”. to create the Lakewood Project (LP). After all, it Lakewood Project is different from the regular orchestra and was the students who gave Orchestra Director Beth chamber orchestra classes at school. These classes focus on tradi- Hankins the idea of originating this hip-type garage tional settings of reading and playing music. It was in the moment E band. While sitting in front of the Trans Siberian of watching her students that Hankins thought to herself, “why can’t Orchestra, Hankins recognized how intrigued her these two worlds mix?” Thus, Hankins wanted something different; students were in rock music. Hankins became con- something that would bring rock together with the conventional,

The planning Hankins voted LP goes to Dallas, Texas Lakewood High School educator of LP performs at Rock The arrival of LP the year. and Roll Hall of Fame.

2001 2002 2003 2004 26 The Lakewood Times Lkwd Life Lkwd Life

“LP is a garage band plus a string orches- and college campuses, and Dallas, Texas. Al- “I can honestly say that Ms. Hankins has tra plus an electric string octet,” Hankins said. though they are not this year, LP usually takes been the most supportive and best teacher I’ve “They play classical music with a rock twist.” its members on tour. had. She is an incredibly driven and amazing Hankins did a lot of planning to initiate the “I really like having the opportunity to per- individual who clearly has a passion for teach- group. Much devel- form in great venues ing music as well as an incredible vision for the opment took place and play with other orchestra program at LHS,” Strong said. in Fall of 2001, but driven musicians as Most of the students in LP are just as dedi- the group was not well as great artists,” cated as their teacher. Even though there are actually announced said junior Carter no scholarships given by LP, “they are eagerly until 2002. Lake- Strong. sought after,” Hankins said. “Many of my stu- wood was the first In Hankins’ mind, dents have gone to college and won money school ever to try the kids are what because of LP and how it is so unique,” Han- something like LP keeps LP running. LP kins said. “The doors that [LP] opens makes and they “had a developed a “Rock- connections. It is hard to find the talent that lot of obstacles to on Camp” roughly Lakewood students have,” she added. “I’ve overcome,” said four or five years ago. been in [LP] since freshman year and I really Hankins. Kids in middle school do look forward to being in it until I graduate,” Other schools and even elementary Gallovic said. Left to right: Junior Hallah Amawi, Beth Hankins and since have tried to senior Emily Jackson smile at the January 2010 show. school share anticipa- LP’s standard concerts are in January, May, create things like Photo by Alex Neidert tion in being able to and July fourth. This past January, nearly 1600 LP but “they’re join LP. “They try to people gathered to watch the violins, violas, cel- not as advanced,” take private lessons los, bases, electric bases and guitars, keyboards, Hankins added. If Lakewood Civic wasn’t a with LP students; anything they can do to make drums, and auxiliary percussion in action. working theatre, technical difficulties could them feel like a potential rock star,” Hankins “I like being in LP because it gives you the have been much harder to surpass. said. opportunity to play fun music outside of or- Since the beginning of LP, there has been Hankins herself is one who keeps LP on chestra. LP has taught me that playing my in- advancement in technology and stage set up its feet. “Ms. Hankins does so much for all of strument can be fun and entertaining for peo- has changed. us in LP. She knows exactly what she’s doing ple to watch,” Jackson said. However, “the philosophy and approach is and is a great teacher and inspiration to all of LP went from being a simple observation still the same,” Hankins said. “They compose, us,” said Emily Jackson, a senior. In just two to a plan-in-action. The past eight years have arrange, and make up music on the spot.” Be- days, Hankins dedicates 27 hours of time into given LP a chance to develop something dif- cause Lakewood had things like Road Show her work. An average workday is about twelve ferent. and Jazz Choir, Hankins believed LP would hours and she doesn’t take weekends off. “I “I think the most interesting thing about the last because she knew “Lakewood could pull want to instill discipline, hard work, persistence, history of LP that I know is the success that it off.” and what it feels like to be successful [into my its former members have had upon leaving the However, she didn’t know that over time LP students],” Hankins said. When the members group. They have played in and with many of would become internationally known? That’s of LP perform, they are basically on their own. the most important musical groups and musi- right, it’s been eight years and LP’s name has They have their peers around to help set them cians in the area and even the whole Midwest,” gone international. “That’s almost impossible back on track if something goes wrong. They Strong said. to do,” Hankins said. Just after one year, LP perform with no conductor, just an instrument, The talent Hankins has brought together was officially the first string group to ever per- music, and themselves. shows that LP has the power to go even fur- form at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which “I’ve learned a lot about music in general, but ther than it already has. “If we are all willing to sold out. mostly I’ve learned how to be a professional step out of our comfort zone every now and “I get really nervous right before I walk out musician and conduct myself in a professional then, that’s when people find greatness,” Han- thinking about the hundreds of people. But manner,” Strong said. The members of LP take kins said. “I really believe in what I’m doing once I’m on stage, it just becomes really fun,” things they have learned and help to teach it and I believe that if I open as many doors as sophomore, Hannah Gallovic said. to the other members of the group. “I learned possible my students can find their spirit and LP has also played in places such as the that I don’t always have to be in charge,” Han- their true calling.” Cleveland House of Blues, Utah, high school kins said.

LP travels to perform at Upper Arlington high January concert tribute to the LP performs at Cleveland’s House Beatles. of Blues school. LP performs with cellist Matt Turner at civic. 2006 2008 2010 February 2010 27 Lkwd Life Lkwd Life Wearing the Veil

By Fiza Shah, Editor in Chief For some people, the hijab means oppres- sion. For others, it means liberation. And for some, it is simply a piece of cloth. For many Muslim girls at LHS, this contro- versial cloth is much more than a piece of fab- To the left: Sabrina Suleiman, a ric or a symbol. For these girls, the hijab is an freshman hijabi, wears her viel identity. It is what makes them different. What with pride makes them strive to better themselves. convey that the hijab would become an issue, you wear it because you’re For junior Sam Abusharekh, the hijab is a because Five Guys them is ‘All American.’ bald,” or “did your parents privilege and a responsibility. She started wear- “It didn’t hit me until I got home that they force you to.” ing the hijab in the beginning of eighth grade, were being blatantly racist. At the moment, I Ali made it clear that she after just having moved to Cleveland from Chi- was being as polite as I could because I really didn’t start because she was cago. She “felt like [she] should take that step wanted the job,” said Abusharekh. “Normally, forced to by her parents. closer to God.” And she did. I would [go] into self-defense mode with a snap “My mom asked me From that moment on, she was a new per- of the finger, but the fact that she had an Ara- one day if I want to wear son. bic man tell me caught me off-guard.” the hijab and I said yes. [If “I think it has made me a better person be- Abusharekh says she was told they would I hadn’t said yes,] she wouldn’t cause when you wear the hijab, you have to be contact her after calling Five Guys Headquar- really have said anything. I wouldn’t be forced an ambassador for Islam,” said Abusharekh. ters, but, when she called a few days later, she to wear it,” said Ali. “Whatever you do, people are going to reflect was told they never called. After 9/11, many people began to ask her it back to the religion. Especially after 9/11, “What does it even mean to be American? questions, and some even became vocal with you have to show that Islam is truly a peaceful Is there a certain color I have to be or certain their objection to her headscarf. religion.” cloths I have to wear? Yes, I am American, be- “It wasn’t until after 9/11 that people started The word Islam means peace. The word cause I was born here and I am pursuing the noticing [my hijab]. I went to the hospital [to Muslim means one who is submissive to God. American Dream,” said Abusharekh. visit a friend’s] grandfather, and the lady in the And, according to Abusharekh, the idea of hi- Sarah El-Alshram, also a junior, agrees with room next door started screaming ‘they’re ter- jab encompasses both of these concepts. Abusharekh. “Wearing the hijab makes me rorists,’ and ‘they have bombs,’” said Ali. Even with this philosophy, Abusharekh is no American, because I am given the right to wear Nonetheless, Ali wouldn’t give up her reli- stranger to bigots. it, and I am taking advantage of that right. I gion for the world. When Abusharekh heard Five Guys was consider myself Arab-American,” said El-Alsh- “[Just like] my mom is my blood, It’s the having open interviews for a position, she im- ram. “I was born here and grew up here. Just same way with Islam,” said Ali. “It is in my mediately tried to apply. After filling out an ap- because I wear this doesn’t mean that I am dif- blood. No one would exchange their mother in plication, she was interviewed. According to ferent from everyone else.” for someone else. This is even more important, Abusharekh, the interview went well, and the For Aiman Ali, a freshman, the hijab didn’t because it’s your religion.” interviewer commented on her potential and make her different, but instead more confi- When Ali has children of her own, she says personality. After seeing this reaction, Abush- dent. she will raise them to be Muslim, but wearing arekh was sure she would get the job. Ali recalls when she started wearing the the hijab will be their choice. However, after the interview, she was taken hijab, in the fourth grade. No one gave her a “I wear it because I don’t want to have re- into another room, only to be told that her hijab hard time. Like many other young hijabis, Ali grets when I grow up,”said Ali. “But I wasn’t didn’t fit the profile of Five Guys. According to was the object of many questions. Some of the forced to, and I won’t force my daughter.” Abusharekh, an Arabic man was brought in to questions the kids in her class asked were, “do According to Abusharekh, this is what many 28 The Lakewood Times Lkwd Life Lkwd Life

“I do my part by just spreading awareness. If someone asks me a question, I’ll answer them with complete honesty. If there’s a discussion in RAD or any other school group, I’ll be the first one there.” -Sam Abusharekh, a junior

“ We are kind of conflicted, because we want to go out and be- come Americanized, but at the same time, we want to hold on to the Arab roots.” -Sarah El-Alshram, a junior

“A lot of people tell you that they like wearing it because it is their only way to connect to their homeland.” -Nasreen Jawahari, a senior

non-Muslims misinterpret. Many look at Islam tually, I like when students ask me questions,” criminate against her mother, often times be- as a religion for terrorists, extremists, or op- said Suleiman. “But, don’t judge me before you cause of her “slight accent,” even though she pressors. even get to know me. Every girl is different. It’s is fluent in English, enough to be able to read “People see hijab as a symbol of oppression. not what’s on the outside that counts. Its what’s Shakespeare and understand all of it. She is of- I have personally been told that I look sad, or on the inside.” ten not called back to job interviews because, oppressed, or like a terrorist. The biggest mis- According to Suleiman, people sometimes according to Jawahari, of her accent. conception, though, is that I was forced to.” view her as being scary. Many times people Hallah Amawi, a junior, says her father often Feda Abuzahreih, a freshman, says that her think she’s a terrorist. has trouble traveling because of his beard. Her experience with Islam and the hijab is the exact “I am the same person I was before I started mother is Christian, while her father is Muslim. opposite. to wear the hijab. I am the same girl, but now I Even with this difference in faith, Amawi says “I am religious, but I am just not ready,” said just dress differently,” said Suleiman. she has never been pressured to wear the hijab Abuzahreih. “I don’t want to take a leap that I This misconception is just one of many that by either of her parents. can’t handle. Wearing it is like a commitment, are attached to the veil. “I don’t fast, but my dad does and my broth- and once you start, you can’t just take it off. It According to Abusharekh, the media plays a er tries. My dad gets mad at me when I don’t, would be disrespectful.” major role in spreading these misconceptions. but I tell him that I would rather not do it, and This is exactly what she told her mother. She says the news channels are simply trying to tell you I am not,” said Amawi, “rather than In the Islamic tradition, wearing the hijab and sell their ads. Therefore, they will only show the to tell you I am, and be lying. Some kids say then taking it off again is a major taboo. It is types of stories people will accept and want to they are going to fast, but as soon as they get not only considered disrespectful, but also very watch. That is why news channels often show to school they start eating and drinking, which sinful. Muslims terrorists, but almost never show a is wrong.” Sabrina Suleiman, a freshman, began to wear Muslim doing something commendable. According to Abusharekh, it is against Islam the hijab in the fourth grade, with the encour- “Find me anywhere in the Quran that says it to force religion on anyone. This is why many agement of her family. However, she adamantly is okay to kill innocent people. Find me where it of these young hijabis began to wear the hijab stated that wearing it was her own choice. says it is okay to blow yourself up,” said Abush- at different times. Some start during elementa- For the most part, her personal experiences arekh. “No where does it say that. In reality, its ry school, some during middle, and some wait with the hijab have been good, but she has seen a sin to commit suicide. What happens is that until high school or even later. They each start a lot of discrimination towards her aunts and people like Osama bin Laden twist the religion when they feel they can honor the commitment other female family members. to fit their own agenda. And then, people think and code of conduct that comes with this sa- “I think the students should all be comfort- that’s what Islam says. And that is not true.” cred piece of cloth able with asking me questions. I don’t mind. Ac- Nasreen Jawahari, a senior, says people dis-

February 2010 29 Sports

Tracking the division change By Matt Snyder, Editorial Board Member

Lakewood High’s Track and field team is cording to Troyan and junior Faaress Parham is changing divisions. Whether you were with throwers. Throwing involves mainly throwing them from the start, not interested, or even shot put, discus, and javelin, each with its dif- completely oblivious, this is news. ferent style of throw. “Basically we went from the top to the mid- “We’re lacking a full team, most people think dle” explained head Track coach Scott Troy- its just distance, but there is more to do and its an. “The way the league works is that every fun,” said Faaress. Anyone interested in throw- Wednesday you go against an opposing team, ing can still join track to start working on upper we lost every (Wednesday) meet last year.” and lower body strength needed. This is what preceded the Track team’s current Coach Troyan is a Lakewood High graduate change. Coach Troyan remains optimistic on and joined his junior. There was “Good dis- the issue, and is confident that the team will be tance, strong sprint, more throwers and a hand- more competitive this year in all sport events. ful of regionals” he said with nostalgia and is What the Track team is lacking now ac- anticipating an incredible run this year too.

Senior Eli Carr prepares for the distance ahead. Photo by Matt Snyder.

30 The Lakewood Times Sports Sports What’s all the hoopla about the hoops? By Grant Graves, Sports Editor Several issues ago, the Times’ reported on Thayer and head varsity basketball coach Phil say that public hoops give a chance to the less the Lakewood Outdoor Basketball Committee’s Argento. In a recent interview with Argento he talented players who just need to continue play- effort to get public outdoor hoops back up in shared what he thought about the city consid- ing the game to develop. Lakewood. This time ering putting the The LOBC has hosted many events around the LOBC has! hoops back. “ I to help boost their cause. Hosting events such taken major steps to think its a great as hoops at Lakewood Alive, Self sponsored get the hoops back for thing what the events that brought portable hoops free of good. LOBC is do- charge to Madison Park for kids to play on. “ In the months ing. To not have Getting hoops back in Lakewood would be so since that report, the public hoops up rad.” Danny Harrington said. Others voicing LOBC has seen sup- in Lakewood is their opinions were juniors Maksym Kostryk port from many local a crime,” said and Bob Zimmerman, “ The kids that play at and state dignitaries. Argento. “ It the YMCA are a lot better than I am so for This includes Con- should be in the them to get public hoops back up that would be gressman Dennis Ku- bill of rights. free of charge and were for all skill levels would cinich, whose political Every city should really help.” said Kostryk. Zimmerman said, “ I headquarters are stationed here in Lakewood. have public hoops up in their town”. He was have loved basketball ever since I was the MVP Kucinich wrote a letter to Mayor Edward also asked about some of the problems such as of my recreation team. Getting hoops back up Fitzgerald saying, “ The LOBC has dedicated a noise that public hoops pose. “ There is always would give me a chance to showcase my love significant amount of thought and energy into going to be noise with courts and hoops. That for the game.” With these recent updates with- maximizing the recreational and community is just how it goes. If you want to move out to in it appears the LOBC hoops should return by benefits of public basketball courts.” the countrywhere the only sound you hear is the time the snow gives way to the blacktop. Others in the local spotlight that have of- corn growing then go ahead.”He went on to fered up their support are athletic director Bob

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Who’d win in a fight: Personal Hero? Celebrity Crush? Theme song? Kool-Aid man or Tony the Tiger?

Celine Dion, My Heart Tony, Rosie Will Go because he’s she’s a O’Donnell visionary On, grrr-reat Kyle Kvasnicka, 11 Celine Dion

Liam Roger Call on Me Tony the McDonald Federer Tiger Alex Mezin, 12

My Mommy! Slider Party in the U.S.A. Kool-Aid man

Nicole Parke, 10

February 2010 31 Lkwd Life Lkwd Life Final Word

By Fiza Shah, Editor in Chief

Though it might not seem like a controversial issue, the While talking to some of the other team members, I re- Rugby focus caused a lot of conflict among the Times alized one thing: while they play a very violent sport, the staff. At first, almost everyone was against doing the is- overall attitude among the team was one of sisterhood sue, including me. I have nothing against the team itself, and hard work. but I didn’t think that there was a story. I didn’t think that When I think of a football team, I think of big, scary people were going to care about the girls’ rugby team. men. When I used to think of a girls’ Rugby, I thought But, the truth is that I simply didn’t think. scary and aggressive women. But, the girls Rugby team is If I had thought about it, I would have seen the incred- breaking all barriers, even stereotypes. ible talent and determination that the girls bring to the After much deliberation, The Times staff hesitantly de- rugby field everyday. They work hard everyday, have com- cided to focus on the Lady Ruggers. Soon afterwards, the peted for the national championship several times, and word got out to the team. I was approached by several yet they are not even recognized players, who wanted to by their own school. share their passion with Most varsity teams cancel the rest of the student their practices when there’s body. snow on the ground. How- And, why wouldn’t ever, the Rugby girls practice, they be excited? They regardless of the snow or cold work hard year-round to weather. At night, while most be able to play. us are safe and comfortable in It’s amazing the amount a warm house, perhaps with a of money the team has to cup of coffee or hot chocolate, raise through fundraising the rugby girls are on the field just to be able to do what practicing. they love. Because they Why are they willing to sacri- are a club, they don’t re- fice and dedicate so much time ceive a lot of assistance and energy towards a club? from the Athletics de- I asked one player, Sam partment Abusharekh, that very question, One morning, I walked and her response wasn’t that she into school, and was wanted to get into a good col- greeted by the girls’ rug- lege. Nor was it that she liked by team, all surrounding the attention (or lack thereof). Instead, she said, “I just a small hot chocolate and pastry stand. They smiled, at- love the sport.” tempting to get the incoming students to buy some re- And that’s the only reason that makes sense. Otherwise, freshments. why would someone spend hours practicing -- even dur- It is this kind of effort and determination that we, as a ing their breaks -- fundraising, and whatever time’s left newspaper staff and school, are willing to overlook just over struggling to remain good students. They have to because they are a club, a girls’ team, or for any other love it. preconcieved notion.

32 The Lakewood Times