The Winter Triumphal Issue

THE WINTER TRIUMPHAL ISSUE

Vol. 93 • No. 6 • April 2014 • Lakewood High School • 14100 Franklin Blvd. • Lakewood, OH 44107 www.lakewoodtimes.net Write to us! All letters are welcome! Drop them off in B207 or ask a staff member for TimesContents ways to contact us!

EditorialAs preservers of democracy, our schools shall protect, policy Cover painting by Jacob Corder encourage, and enhance free speech and the exchange of ideas as a means of protecting our American way of life. The Times and its staff are protected by, and bound to, the principles of the First Amendment and other protections and limitations afforded by the Constitution and the vari- Academics...... 4 ous court decisions implementing those principles. It is the mission of The Lakewood Times, the official newsmagazine of Lakewood High School, to serve as a Performing arts...... 5 public forum that promotes the gathering and exchange of ideas, and uphold high journalistic standards for the purpose of enriching the lives of our readers. Boys and girls basketball...... 6 The Times is established as an open forum for student expression and as a voice in the uninhibited, free and open Editor discussion of issues. The Times will not be reviewed or re- Liber...... 8 StaffMatt Morgenstern strained prior to publication. Content of the Times, therefore, reflections only the views of the student staff or indi- Assistant Editor vidual students and not school officials. Students may use Norris...... 9 online media to educate, inform, and entertain their read- Robert Searles ers. Both the school and the cyber community are entitled Sports Editor to the same protections and subject to the same freedoms Dr.G common core...... 10 and responsibilities, as all other student media outlined in Aaron Morit this policy. Online media are forums for self-expression and are similar to traditional media, in their freedoms, respon- Dominican Republic trip...... 12 Photography Editor sibilities, and professional obligations. As such they will not Veronica Gordon be subject to prior review or restraint. Student journalists may use online media to report news and information, to Chicago trip...... 13 Adviser communicate with other students and individuals, to question and consult with experts, and to locate material, to Dennis Ebner meet their news gathering and research needs. Fast food...... 14 Editorial Board The Times, and staff, will strive to avoid publishing any material determined by student editors or the student edito- Olivia Rinehart rial board to be unprotected, that is, material that is libel- College insight...... 15 ous, obscene, materially disruptive of the school process, an Brandon Reid unwarranted invasion of privacy, a violation of copyright Jacklyn Voll laws or electronic manipulations changing the essential Block scheduling...... 16 truth of the photo or illustrations. Other obligations can be Kelton Greenwood found in the handbook available to each student. The Times Ashley Hirsch adviser will not act as a censor. Rodems...... 17 If questions arise over specific copy as defined within Emily Skeans this policy, student journalists will seek the advice of the communications attorney from the Student Press Law Cen- Teachers as students...... 18 Mackenzie Rivera ter. The Times editorial board as a whole will be respon- Contributors sible for determining editorial opinions, which represent the opinions of a majority of the editorial board. No single Politics...... 20 Jacob Corder member of the Times can be held responsible for editorial content decisions. The Times is a tool in the learning pro- Brett Brown cess of journalism and operates as a learning laboratory. Key and Peele...... 21 Zach Fehrenbach Any student may be a member of the staff, with or without prior journalism experience or enrollment on the staff for Chuck Greanoff credit. As a forum for student expression, the Times will Spring fashion...... 22 publish all letters to the editor, provided they are 300 words or less and contain the author’s name, house, and address. On occasion, we will publish letters using the “name with- Dress code...... 23 held” providing the Times editor, or a team editor, knows the author’s identity. We reserve the right to withhold a letter or column and Sports photostory...... 24 return it for more information if we determine it contains items of unprotected speech as defined by this policy. Let- ters will be edited for spelling and grammar. Should a letter NCAA...... 26 contain errors in fact, excessive grammatical errors or be too long, it will be returned to the author for re submis- sion. Deadlines for letters and columns will be no later than ten days before the next publication date. The Times may choose to report student, staff, faculty, and alumnus deaths Find more at the Lakewood Times Live as he editorial board is made aware of them. We reserve the right to decide not to cover a death based on relevance, timeliness and circumstances. In cases where the editorial website, as in Spring sports coverage, board decided not to cover death, letters to the editor in regard to that death could be printed. Spring Break, and much, much more! 2 contents The Lakewood Times Well, well my friends, we have survived. This winter, having hopefully passed on March 21, is over, and sunny skies and bright times light our paths towards Tothe completion whom of the month, and in a few, that ofit the may concern, school year. However, this issue serves not to com- memorate the greatness of spring, but rather to accu- mulate an image of Lakewood greatness that still occurred during the winter, for all times, whether normal or not, can be prosperous. The student body of LHS was busy this winter, as is evidenced by this issue. In fact, we achieved some decorations not worn in previous and less severe win- ters—our basketball teams became the first in school history to win conference championships in the same season, our Academic Challenge team perpetuated its success in winning a second WSC Championship, and the Times itself marked a first in the new, digitalized journalism age. Our February issue (“The Freedom Issue”) was published exclusively online, a trend be- Editor coming increasingly popular by more and more news StaffMatt Morgenstern outlets. Assistant Editor But this winter was not without its pratfalls, as much Robert Searles damage was caused and many school days were for- feited. Nonetheless, through its adaptive qualities, the LHS population pressed forward, achieving many a Spring...in an ecosystem near you. Painting by Julita Wolanska, from her website www.artjuwo.com great-thing whilst the cold winds blew about outdoors.

Godspeed, A neighborhood shop.... Matt Morgenstern A world of treasures! Editor

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April 2014 3 Academic competitors show LHS has “A Beautiful Mind” By Matt Morgenstern Throughout this long and yawning win- added Chodzin. “Academic Challenge is one of my fa- ter, energetic minds have been going about While at the conference (officially titled vorite things to do, and I look forward to Northeast Ohio in a variety of intellectual the “70th Annual Spring Cleveland Coun- it every week,” says the elder Pizzo. “Our events, among them the March 5 and 6 cil of World affairs Model United Nations team is really strong this year, and I’m glad Model United Nations conference, the Conference”), Lakewood students did well. we were able to show ‘em what we got and Academic Challenge competition happen- Chodzin received the Gavel Award (sort of win in our conference. We’ve been training ing some weeks before, and of course the an MVP equivalent) and a Superior Delega- hard for Regionals ever since, and hope- March 15 International Chemistry Olym- tion Award, which Fejzullari also received, fully we’ll meet similar success there.” piad. along with juniors Charlotte Hisel, Renee The International Chemistry Olympiad Model UN, led by Social Studies teacher Klann, Jamie Fesko, and Sean Weddell. (at least the Cleveland edition) occurred on Chuck Greanoff, competed, as previously Freshmen Ian Bell and Zachary Dudzik also March 15, encompassing an action-packed mentioned, in March, seeking to simulate earned the honor, with sophomores Kate science day of multiple choice chemistry a diplomatic environment in which stu- McHugh and Tess Marjanovic accruing problems, 60 in 110 minutes. That’s the first dents can forge mitigations to real-world Excellent Delegation, and the pairings of part. The second manifests itself if one is problems.“We portray diplomats of mem- freshman Evan Suttel and sophomore Alex chosen to participate in the second round, ber states of the United Nations and enter Figueroa, juniors Parker Smith and Nathan wherein participants will go to Cleveland into UN committees as diplomats of those Forte, and juniors Ann Marie Elaban and State University in June to take the sec- states. We debate real issues that the UN Hannah Szentkiralyi earning Honorable ond part of the exam, an extended answer committees have debated and perhaps Mentions. portion in the morning (with sprinklings of crafted resolutions on,” says junior Devon The Academic Challenge team won the multiple choice) and laboratory trials in the Chodzin, one of the group’s Vice Presi- WSC Conference Championship for the afternoon. Success here (that is, if you are dents for Training. second year in a row, wherein advisers one of the 20 American students selected) “For example, [junior Laert Fejzullari, also Robert Sedlak and Peter Petto (both be- pays for a trip to El Paso, Colorado, where a Vice President for Training] and I were in longing to the Math Department), senior at the Air Force Academy one is enrolled in the United Nations Security Council, and Hugh Campbell, juniors Maggie Pizzo, a two week camp to learn skills for the last we debated on the security of Israel, Pales- Fejzullari, and Ben McKinsey (along with leg of the Olympiad, which this year takes tine, and the occupied territories…It serves sophomores Robbie Fehrenbach and Fox place in Hanoi, Vietnam, from July 20 to 29. as an intellectual bright spot, not only be- Milenski, plus freshman Bell) guided the Only two LHS students have placed into cause of exposure to the issues that plague varsity garrison to victory, following a simi- the second round—Maggie Pizzo (yes, that our global society, but because it requires lar line as the junior varsity, comprised of Pizzo already mentioned twice beforehand) students to craft an argument, adopt a junior Andrew Miller, sophomores Jon Piz- and Class of 2007 graduate Patrick Mc- position, and make work with a people zo and Alex Grunder, and freshmen Lucy Gregor (who went on to earn an engineer- of varying positions to craft a resolution,” Kress and Steven Popovich. ing degree at Cornell University—yes, that Cornell). Advised by AP Chemistry teacher Syd- ney Peterson, a host of AP Chemistry and Chemistry students competed on the cold Saturday morning, including sophomores Amanda Cabot, Jon Pizzo, Zeke Dalisky, Alexandra Tubbs, Rose Beisel-Linn, and Times Photography Editor Veronica Gor- don—Sam Borick was the lone junior and upperclassman to compete. In all, these eight chose to play out of the 24 prospects selected by the Chemistry department. Pizzo and Dalisky were the first two Lake- wood participants to make it to the second round in the same year.

Illustration by Brett Brown

4 focus The Lakewood Times The performing

By Robert Searles One thing that most people can enjoy and is a huge deal at LHS are the performing artsarts. Over these past few months, LHS has had many performances including a play, a dance show, a talent show, a Lakewood Project performance, and finals participation in the Tri-C Rock-Off for the band High Acres. All of these performances have had an excellent outcome and have developed reputations of being enjoyable. If anyone has missed any of these shows, here is a little recap of what you missed. Photos courtesy of Jessica Jerkins, Randy Varcho, Franchesca Bodnar and Gus Chan

April 2014 focus 5 Boys’ b-ball: no more “Runts on Bunts” By Mackenzie Rivera

The Lakewood Boys’ Varsity basketball team ended their season with a record of 14-0 in the conference and became the West Shore Conference (WSC) champs for the first time since the Class of 1974 earned a conference championship. One of the key contributors this season was junior Wes Gerhardt who of the season says, “I’m happy to be a part of the Lakewood High School and make historical events here.” Gerhardt was the winner of the Athlete of the Week for basketball for the week of Jan. 10. With the same class being together since eighth grade, senior Dan Mathews says, “Well, growing up, this group won the championship eighth grade year and we got a taste of winning and liked it, so we wanted more.” Seniors Dan Mathews, Mike Angers, Jake Schmidt, Shawn McDonald, and Tyshawn Goolsby all say goodbye to Lakewood’s basketball program and the coaches, Phil Argento and Alex Cammock. Next year’s seniors Wes Gerhardt, Nick Porter, Jamie Fesko, and junior Logan Swift, are ready to lead the varsity squad next year. “Now that we won the conference, my advice to the upcoming varsity team is that now that we won the conference, we’re going to have to work harder than last year because now everyone wants to beat us,” says Mathews. “The upcoming team has to play as a unit,” says senior Mike Angers. BeAFanatic.com says, “Throughout the season the Lakewood Rangers had overcome a number of slow starts with big runs generated from pressure defense, transition defense, and hot outside shooting.” After their loss to the St. Ignatius Wildcats, the boys ended their tourney run. In a post-game interview, Mathews said, “It really sucked, but we can keep our heads up because we still had one of the best seasons ever.”

Lady Rangers take second consecutiveBy Matt Morgenstern and Robert Searles WSC title Overall, the LHS girl’s basketball team finished with a record great thing about our team is that, even though there are different levels of 20-5, finishing 12-1 in WSC play. Following a series of out- of skill and contributions by each person on our team, we do not rely on standing outings, the squad was ousted in a tournament game a single person to carry us,” says Clause. “Every single person on our to Wadsworth 55-32. team was picked by the coaches because she brings something special Nonetheless, the girls still won their second consecutive West to the table.” Shore Conference Championship under second-year head Coach Mike Harper’s resilient spirit has also been one of the prime coach Mike Harper, even though injuries to juniors Madison factors pumping up the Lady Rangers’ basketball renaissance. “When Clause and Mikayla Harper (varsity starters) were crucial. Coach Harper became the varsity coach two years ago, he told us that Although hampered by injuries at the end of the season, he was going to change the culture of Lakewood basketball and that’s Clause did get to play, and was an active spirit for the ladies in exactly what we have done,” says Clause of Harper, who is also the fa- and out of the East Gym. On the season, Clause says, “I was ther of junior guard Mikayla. “Coach Harper has believed in us and has very pleased with our season this year. We went 20-5, were pushed us to become the winning team we are today.” able to get another conference championship and were able to And for next year, Clause believes the team will be moving onward make it to the district final, which is a great accomplishment and with even more accolades. “We plan to push ourselves to become better shows just how hard we worked.” every day, keep our winning ways, clinch another conference champi- The team had various contributors, including Clause, se- onship and make it to Regionals in the playoffs and every single one of niors Allison Mazzeo, Tori Milicevic, Maggie Rowell, Erin Hoffert, those goals is achievable for our team.” Daleen Zakaib, Megan Barrett, junior Taylor Shaw, sophomores Mallory Shaw and Kristin Donahue, and freshmen Ryann Green- field and Christina Kamkutis. Yet, like Clause says, the collective spirit serves as a Most Valuable Player designation in itself. “The 6 focus The Lakewood Times April 2014 A photographic recap of two record-setting seasons. Photos courtesy of John P. Mulgrew and beafanatic.com focus 7 State diver John Liber: spiraling into watery success By Matt Morgenstern

Liber with his Varsity diving compatriots in January 2014. Photo courtesy of Liber

Senior John Liber was the sole Lakewood always incredible at States. I had to keep one for the memories? “I think I will always swimmer at the Division 1 Diving Champi- telling myself that I deserved to be there remember my last dive. It’s one of my least onship, otherwise known as “States.” At and that I could compete with those guys. favorite dives and I thought hitting it really the contest, Liber ended in the 15 spot with Although I ended up having a bad meet well was a nice way to end my high school a score of 397.10, following his winning the and not coming anywhere near either of my career,” says Liber. “I always set corrections West Shore Conference and a sixth place goals, it was an amazing experience,” com- in my head right before I leave the board. finish in District competition. But, as Liber ments Liber. “Diving with kids like [Nordo- To be specific, three thoughts were going describes, it wasn’t as fluid as writing a nia senior] Stephen Romanik, [Olentangy through my head—one, I told myself to get a paragraph. Liberty sophomore] Cameron Thatcher good powerful jump off the board. Two, I told “The journey to states was more dif- and [Avon Lake senior] Tyler Nock is truly myself to point my toes. Three, I told myself ficult than I had anticipated this year,” says an honor because they’re so talented. Al- to grab my hands and flatten them against Liber, “The competition was fierce to say though I am disappointed with the end of the water for my entry. In diving this is called the least. At Districts, I was with a large my season, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m “grabbing the flat hand” and it’s a necessity group of kids that possibly could have very excited to get on a diving board and for a clean entry but is often neglected.” qualified for states. Luckily my sixth dive start preparing for NCAA competition.” But aside from diving, Liber enjoyed a (reverse 1.5 pike, difficulty 2.4) really ended But Liber, according to himself, isn’t the splendorous career here at LHS. “It was up being good. I scored 52 points on it and only one who should have been with him in amazing. I wouldn’t change a thing. I couldn’t that bumped me to the top six to qualify Canton. “I thought [freshman] Kelley Reis think of anywhere I’d rather go to school. for States.” really should have made it out; she was And I couldn’t think of anyone I’d rather have States, as Liber further remarks, was inches away,” says Liber. “The whole team coach me,” remarks Liber. another class of competition. “States was deserves it with their work ethic.” Liber plans on attending John Carroll fol- a whole other story. The competition is And the last dive Mr. Liber, will it be lowing graduation. 8 focus The Lakewood Times ClarenceBy Brandon Reid Norris: Going into the season with only a couple years of experience under his belt, senior wrestling for the wrestler Clarence Norris came out at the end with his head held high full of accomplishment. Norris’s main motto of “Tech- nique beats muscle” has carried him to numerous wins and medals throughout the season. During the season, Norris wrestled in three different weight classes, 120, 126, and 132 pounds. Managing three differ- weekend ent weight classes is, without a doubt, a heavy task as both amassing and shedding weight (in extremely short intervals of time) takes a considerable toll on the body. “You can always make weight for your match but doing so sometimes leaves you with no en- ergy left to compete since you lost so much weight in such little time,” explained Norris. (Bottom left) Norris on Norris qualified for Districts at the weight the podium following of 132 pounds but ended up not making his victory at Districts. it any further. His season came up short (Other) Norris gazes onward to post-gradu- when he had to go up against two previous ation prospects. Photos State-qualifiers. He ended the season with courtesy of the Kelton a record of 24 wins and 13 losses and was Greenwood and Norris a two-time tournament runner up. Most of his losses were to State-qualifiers who had years of experience. A portion of his success is due to senior Yassir Abdel-Salam, a 2014 State-qualifier, who was Norris’s drill partner throughout the season.

April 2014 focus 9 “CommonBy Chuck Greanoff and Matt Morgenstern Core-rer Story” Common Core proponents and the monopolization of education In the past months, the man in Mod Eleven has been insidiously spearheading an anti- cades’ long disinformation campaign, read Common Core movement in anticipation of the district’s adoption of the said program in The Manufactured Crisis by Biddle and the forthcoming academic year. However, these posts have only been published in The Berliner, and The Reign of Error: The Hoax Lakewood Observer, reaching an audience much less involved with academic affairs. Here of Privatization and the Danger to Ameri- is Greanoff’s first publication in an Observer entry from early January of this year. ca’s Public Schools, by Diane Ravitch. Es- sentially, the public has been bombarded Dear suburban white mothers: (more on them next time) and Bill Gates, with so much de-contextualized “data” “Your opposition to the Common Core who turned his attention to increasing class that it is now common “knowledge.” is rooted in the realization that your child is sizes, infusing technology into classroom, Here are the leading myths—one, stu- not “as brilliant as you think they are, and and promoting a national curriculum after dents in many other countries are “out- your school is not as good as you think.” the abject failure of his “small schools” performing” ours, and this threatens our Sincerely, Arne Duncan, United States initiative. Gates’s next 200 million dollars economic viability. Two, test scores are fall- Secretary of Education. have been spent promoting the Common ing in the US. And three, there is a growing Arne Duncan, President Obama, hi-tech Core and attempting to buy school board racial achievement gap. The well-funded and test-prep companies, educational con- seats. This is a power and money grab, un- propaganda campaign has been effec- sultants, Bill Gates, and others have a plan derwritten by Gates and others--fronted by tive. In summary, here are some facts that for your child, and it doesn’t include small politicians of both parties--masquerading the educational reform establishment and class sizes, emphasis on the arts, or any- as education reform. a compromised national media will rarely thing that celebrates their unique, creative President Obama, the most anti-public tell you. (For a full rendering, read Cornoy talents. It doesn’t include your input, ei- education president in our history, is us- and Rothstein: What do International Tests ther directly or through your locally elected ing the leverage of “No-Child Left Behind” Really Show About US Student Perfor- school board. It does include privatization, waivers to coerce states into applying for mance?) more testing and more power and profits “Race to the Top” grants, requiring states The achievement gap between races is de- for the “reformers.” to implement the Common Core curricu- creasing. In fact, on some measures, such If you oppose their plans you are either lum. Obama picked up the baton from as in fourth grade math, African-American a right-wing or left-wing extremist, or you George W. Bush, whose cynically crafted achievement was higher in 2009 than white just don’t get it. These guys, not you, nor “No Child Left Behind” law stipulated that, achievement in 1999. Had white student your elected school board, and not your by 2104, any school that had one student achievement stood still, the achievement teacher, know what’s best for your child. lacking test “proficiency” and/or failed to gap would be closed (Ravitch). Don’t ex- (Funny though, most of these “reformers” make Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) could pect this bit of context to escape the lips send their kids to schools that will never be closed, turned around, turned into a of the “reformers”, though. It contradicts a adopt the Common Core). charter school, etc. So, to get a waiver from key talking point. The latest phase of school “reform,” the punitive measures for their schools, states Overall, test scores are at their highest increasingly controversial “Common Core” signed up for Common Core. Given that point ever recorded. is about to be visited upon the students of the implementation of a federal curriculum When controlling for poverty, American Ohio. This three part series examines the is unconstitutional, the next best thing is to test scores compare favorably with those motivation and rationale for the Common coerce states into adopting one. of other nations. Core. The alleged need for this federally The rationale for the “Common Core” When controlling for poverty, American mandated curriculum is rooted in a set of has been carefully crafted to create a sense public students outperform students in pri- manufactured “beliefs” about America’s of national urgency, predicated on several vate and charter schools. public schools designed to undermine false but widely held beliefs—one, that US There may indeed be a relationship be- public confidence and continue to lay the public schools are failing and that we are tween test scores and per capita domestic ground work for the monetizing of children, lagging far behind other countries. Two, product. The higher the average test score, the privatization (for profit) of public educa- that schools can be ranked based on ag- the lower the gross per capita domestic tion, and the marketing of scalable educa- gregate test scores. And three, that edu- product. While no cause and effect rela- tional products that can be sold en masse cational outcome can be reduced to test tionship can be drawn, sacrificing the cur- to schools all over the country. scores. riculum in service of a test score makes no What a fabulous business model— As parents, you are told to one, dis- sense—unless you want to make money manufacture a crisis, create a demand, and regard the emotional elements of growth/ from the manufactured crisis. then provide the products to fill that de- education, two, to reduce your notion of It’s a long standing tradition to apply mand. Meanwhile, usurp the power of lo- “education” to measurable tested ele- methods that seem to “work” in other cally elected school boards to allocate re- ments and three, most importantly—sus- counties to the US, ignoring the unique sources and establish curricular priorities. pend your own thinking about your child’s economic and social dynamics of each. The major players behind school “re- progress and turn it over to a testing com- Sometimes, it takes a non-American to form” and the “Common Core” coup pany or a “foundation.” In sum, don’t trust appreciate the unique value of American de’etat are educational technology compa- your own experience. institutions, including public education. nies, Jeb Bush, Eli Broad, David Coleman For a fuller understanding of the de- 10 life The Lakewood Times “Common Core-rer Story” Common Core proponents and the monopolization of education Chinese scholar Yong Zhao, in a futile at- ics assessments to be administered from regimen seeks to change that. tempt to educate Arne Duncan about his the 2014-2015 school year. We continued “First, politicians will actually embrace own country, puts it this way that “Ameri- to produce strong growth in secure online the Common Core assessments and then can education has many problems, but to testing, an important market for the future. will use them to set cut scores that suggest paraphrase Churchill, it is the worse form We increased online testing volumes by huge numbers of suburban schools are fail- of education except all the others. The de- more than 10%, delivering 6.5 million state ing. Then, parents and community mem- centralized system with local governance is accountability tests, 4.5 million construct- bers who previously liked their schools are a fundamentally sound framework that has ed response items and 21 million spoken going to believe the assessment results evolved within the American context, that tests…We also launched the Online As- rather than their own lying eyes. (In the has led to America’s economic prosperity sessment Readiness Tool for the PARCC case of NCLB, these same folks believed and scientific prominence so far, and that is and the Smarter Balance Assessment Con- their eyes rather than the state tests, and being studied and copied by others.” sortium (SBAC) Common Core consortia to questioned the validity of the latter--but the But there is some “prosperity” to be help 45 states prepare for the transition to presumption is that things will be differ- found in the Common Core—for the “re- online assessments.” ent this time.),” said Hess. “Finally, newly formers” and their investors. Significant Still confused about the power behind convinced that their schools stink, parents curriculum changes will need to be made the “Common Core?” Follow the money. and voters will embrace ‘reform.’ How- to implement Common Core—and no one Rick Hess of the American Enterprise In- ever, most of today’s proffered remedies- stands to cash in more than the Pearson stitute, writing in Education Week, revealed -including test-based teacher evaluation, Corporation, the largest on-line book com- the Common Core end game. It’s the same efforts to move ‘effective’ teachers to low- pany in the world. They make no secret of one that led to school “report cards”; to income schools, charter schooling, and this fact. undermine confidence in public schools school turnarounds--don’t have a lot of Pearson announced in their 2012 earn- to increase demand for for-profit charter fans in the suburbs or speak to the things ings report that “The Partnership for As- schools, vouchers and other parts of the that suburban parents are most concerned sessment of Readiness for College and “reform” agenda. It seems that those “white about.” Careers (PARCC)...awarded Pearson and suburban moms” aren’t yet on board with In my view, the most important lessons Educational Testing Service (ETS) the the notion that their kids’ schools are awful. in navigating your way through the maze contract to develop test items that will be They have the temerity to think for them- of data to one, do not accept, uncritically, part of the new English and Mathemat- selves. The Common Core and its testing the interpretation of data from those who seek to profit from low test scores, two, do not equate test scores, aggregate or oth- Afterword with Dr. Greanoff erwise, with educational quality, and three, Interview conducted by Matt Morgenstern tradition in Lakewood of respect for the follow the money. What was your purpose in writing the democratic process and nothing is more For the coup to succeed, you must stop articles? democratic than engaged citizenship. In thinking, and turn your brain over to a set I wrote the articles at the request of Jim Lakewood, we of course have our differ- of bi-partisan elites who simply know bet- O’Brien, but I had been wanting to weigh in ences, but we are one of the most pro- ter. Sorry Mr. Duncan, I predict it will fail, for a long time. I want the citizens of Lake- public school communities anywhere. but only after a long struggle. Public school wood to have a framework for interpreting students and their parents are smarter than the ongoing smear campaign against pub- Do you feel that right now is as ripe a you think they are. lic education -- specifically associated with time as ever for education reform? Why the Common Core and the coming assess- or why not? ments. The school rating system is a fraud The time is ripe for privatizing and profi- and I want it exposed as such. Also, the teering -- the ulterior motives behind the Common Core is a top-down curriculum “reform” movement. There is an opportu- and has been imposed onto public schools nity, however, to reject this greed inspired by Bill Gates, testing and ed-tech compa- movement and push for genuine reforms. nies who are looking to cash-in by selling computers, tests, and test-prep materials. What do you see as the future of educa- Our perceived failures equal their increased tion? profits. I also want people to realize that The future will be a struggle between those teachers didn’t create this and that no re- who see education as public good versus search supports its efficacy. It is a busi- those who want to turn it into a private/ ness plan, not an educational one. profit generating entity. I’m optimistic that, after a long struggle, we will return to the Do you fear any backlash from your ad- notion of neighborhood schools with genu- ministrative superiors? Why or why not? ine local control (power to elected school Greanoff headshot courtesy of the author I do not fear any backlash. We have a boards) as not only the best mechanism for education per se, but as a key pillar in our April 2014 democratic society. life 11 By Jacklyn Voll The There was aDominican few school related trips a little island and snorkeled and ate a vaRepublic- over spring break and one of them was to riety of fruits. Although most of them got the Dominican Republic which is located burnt, they still had a blast. For their last on a Caribbean island shared with Haiti. meal there they had a pizza dinner with Spring Break The Travel Club went there to work on a many different types of pizza. Friday they service project and, while they were there, left early in the morning to head home. did some sightseeing and other activities. Every night the group got togeth- servicePhotos courtesy of Alison Breckel trip and the author The group consisted of eighteen stu- er and reflected on what they did that dents and two supervisors, Intervention day, whether it was telling their favor- Specialist Alison Breckel and Spanish ite part or what they had learned from beyond my expectation and has really made us teacher Matt Heslep. The group was gone that day. Breckel said, “The trip went re-evaluate what trips we choose in the future.” for a week, leaving on March 21 and re- turning on March 28. They stayed in Jara- bacoa with five other volunteers from Idaho. On Saturday March 22, the group went on a Colonial tour in Santo Domingo and also did some souvenir shopping. After the tour, they took a three hour bus ride to Jarabacoa. Sunday the group started one of their service projects. They helped with gardening in the back of the school by the forest. After all their hard work for the day, they went on an adventure which was white water rafting. They ended their evening with a delicious dinner. Monday, they went to the second school and separated into two groups. One group worked on building handrails in a different location. The second group built benches, and gathered rocks to use as gravel. After their work, they went to see a waterfall which required them to cross five bridges to see. On Tuesday, the group went back to the first location and worked in a nursery. There were many different groups since there was so much they had to do in the nursery. Some of the kids got a chance to play sports with the kids from the school. That evening, they went to get ice cream, see some of the town and did a little shopping. Wednesday was their last work day and they worked at the second location. One group finished the project they started on Monday and the other group started making benches at another site. Before lunch they got to swim in the river and a BBQ lunch was served there. After lunch, they worked on clear- ing invasive species out of the forest. Later that night, they went to the first school and learned how to merengue dance. Thursday was a re- laxing day. The group took a four hour bus ride to take a snorkel adventure. They took a bumpy boat ride out to 12 life The Lakewood Times “#LKWDTAKESCHI”: LHS music The Dominican Republic students visit the Windy City By Veronica Gordon Spring Break This past Spring Break (for the first weekend of March 22 to 24), an LHS grouping composed of the school’s music department (plus band director Nathan Harris, orchestra director Beth Hankins, choir conductor Peter Hampton, and Principal Keith Ahearn) traveled westward to Chicago for a grand musical fest. “It was like one big family trip instead of three separate school groups going,” service trip says senior Kathryn Krueger, who (with the rest of the group) visited Roosevelt University, saw the Blue Man Group, and witnessed an improv comedy show, among other activities. Here are some select snapshots of the adventure through the author’s camera.

April 2014 life 13 the Good, the There have been a multitude of fast-food damnations over the past decade, with MorganFast Spurlock’s Supersize Me perhapsfoods: symbolizing the expository trend. However, Bad, and the McDonald’s still lives, with sites throughout Cleveland, Ohio, America, and the rest of the world. With the following details, perhaps humanity will finally begin to wisen up. Ugly By Veronica Gordon Meat products The golden arches of McDonalds are one of the most recognizable logos in the country. With over 14,000 restaurants currently operating in the United States (geography.about.com), it is undoubtedly one of the most successful chain companies in the world. With “billions of people” to serve (as the neon signs inform us) the question of how the industry manages to get its meat and is able to serve it so cheaply has arisen. In response, McDonald’s has claimed that, although hundreds of thousands are served every day around the world, they are still able to buy the best quality meat for the lowest price from their suppliers. In the fall 2013, James Oliver, who had previously worked as a hamburger chef at McDonalds, revealed the disturbing truth of where the meat for the beloved beef patty comes from. In a stomach-wrenching filmed presentation, Oliver displayed how the scraps of livestock, such as fat, skin, and the worst cuts of meat, are run through a centrifuge, where the last bits of meat are separated out. These scraps of meat are then soaked in a solution of ammonia hydroxide in order to decontaminate the meat of bacteria that could result in E. coli or salmonella. Decontamination may seem like a positive step, but the use of ammonia hydroxide can cause serious health effects. For those who are not familiar with the chemical, it is commonly used in household cleaners, fertilizers, and the production of rubber. Frequent consumption can lead to coughing and pains in the throat and abdomen. The most severe side effects of consuming ammonia hydroxide are heart collapse, vision loss, and burns in the esophagus. How does the fast food industry manage to process food with toxic chemicals without the public noticing? Ammonia cleansing has been declared a process, not an ingredient, and therefore the restaurants do not need to acknowledge the use of the chemical in any way. Does this mean that eating McDonald’s burgers every day will lead to these symptoms? No, not necessarily. But it is undeniable that the meat thousands of people worldwide are consuming has been treated with harmful chemicals, which is an issue that overshadows the simple fat content of a burger. Salads Some people might think that purchasing a salad from a fast food restaurant may be better for both their health and their waist- line. Think again. Not only do most fast food salads contain more calories and fat than a burger, but they also contain questionable chemicals that are withheld from ingredient labels. The Chicken BLT Garden Fresh Salad, which is sold at Burger King, proves to be unhealthier than the McDonald’s Big Mac. The “healthy alternative” contains the same amount of calories as the burger (550 calories), but contains eight more grams of fat. A Big Mac has 29 grams of fat, while Chicken BLT Salad has 37 grams of fat. (dailyhealthposts. com). Surprisingly, this is one of the slimmer salads available at fast food joints. But disregarding the fat content, fast food salads still have health risks. The majority of processed salads are packaged with propylene glycerol, which prevents the greens from wilt- ing. Along with that purpose, it also has important uses in sexual lubricants, antifreeze, and paint. The side effects of excessive consumption of the chemical are liver and kidney damage. However, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has considered it “safe for consumption” (www.naturalnew.com) In that case, Americans need to decide for themselves what harmful chemicals they expose their bodies to. Fries A fast food meal never seems quite complete without a side of fries. But there should be a point in time when a forgotten carton of fries left on a car seat or forgotten in the corner of a restaurant will start to mold or decay, as all foods naturally and inevitably do. However, McDonald’s fries seem to have defied the law of spoiling. After the world was exposed to mysteriously preserved fries in the movie Supersize Me, people began to become suspicious of McDonald’s food’s ability to spoil. On April 10, 2010, photographer Sally Davies purchased a Happy Meal. For over three years, she has periodically taken pictures of the meal. On Monday, February 10, 2014, the “Happy Meal Project” had been going on for 1402 days, and the fries looked crispy as ever. In addition, Davies has reported that there has been no mold, no smell, and no bugs affecting the food in the past three years, even though it has been left in the open with no covering. What is preventing the food from going bad? The answer: the chemical sodium propionate. Although it is safe to eat in controlled amounts, the high levels of the chemical, along with sodium, the longest know preservative on Earth, makes the food completely unappetizing to all molds, rodents, and insects. It seems that the only species of living creature stupid enough to consume food that even scavengers won’t touch is humans. The Happy Meal Project: March 12, 2014 April 10, 2010 Day 1,143 Day one

Photos of Happy Meal Project courtesy of Sally Davies

14 life The Lakewood Times the Good, the Collegiate insights: Bad, and the Ugly JohnBy Class of ‘13 alumnus Zach Fehrenbach Carroll University Choosing a smaller school to spend your college years at start of the year. Another reason it’s nice to play a sport is that it may not seem like an appealing choice to some people, but my provides a lot of opportunities to see your family. I often find myself experience at a relatively small university has been great so far. missing my family, but seeing them at every game and getting to Slightly less than 4,000 students attend John Carroll. However, talk to them afterward made it a lot easier. Finally, I love playing a the current freshman class is the largest class at John Carroll sport because I find that it keeps me in line, both academically and in the last ten years, and it does not feel like there is a shortage socially. of people on campus at all. Another reason I chose to come to John Carroll is that it is a It doesn’t take more than five or ten minutes to walk from good distance from home, in my mind. The drive from Lakewood one end of our campus to the other, which I like. All of the to University Heights takes close to 45 minutes. I like this distance dorms, classrooms, facilities, and other buildings are close to because I’m not so close to home that I feel the strong need to each other. With everything being compact, it’s very common come home every weekend. I feel disconnected enough and am to see a good amount of other students walking around on the learning to live on my own well. However, at the same time, I’m sidewalks while you’re out and about. close enough so that coming home is not a complete excursion, One of the main reasons I chose to come to John Car- and if I ever direly need something from my parents, they can bring roll was the fact that I’m playing soccer here. As a Division it to me without it being too much of a hassle. III sports school, being a member of an athletic team at JCU Classes have been relatively difficult so far. It’s not a myth that does not necessarily engulf your whole life. This is not to say you have to spend an hour or two studying and doing homework that I was extremely busy during the fall season. With practices outside of class for every hour that you’re in class. I still maintained every day, games twice a week, homework every night, and an a high GPA first semester, but it took a lot more focus and self- abundance of things to do surrounding me, it was difficult to motivation. As of right now, I am taking mostly general classes learn to manage my time at first. However, as time went by, I that cover core requirements, so I haven’t gotten into any classes got the hang of it. As a student athlete who is going to school directly related to my major. I’m planning on majoring in communi- with the goal of getting a good education just as much as play- cations with a track in integrated marketing. ing a sport, I had to realize that school came first. As for any advice regarding college, it’s hard to avoid the cliché Being a member of the soccer team is enjoyable for of a few recommendations like manage your time well, get involved, and reasons. First of all, we had to arrive on campus a week and a get enough sleep. These are all important things, but you kind of half before anyone else to have two-a-day practices during the have to learn as you go. It’s hard at first to live on your own and summer. This made moving in, getting situated, and becoming be with a huge group of people you don’t know, but they’re all in acclimated to the campus a lot easier and less stressful than the same boat as you. Finding a good group of friends is not hard, it was for most freshmen. Also, being on the team made it so but don’t forget to keep in touch with the people who matter the that I had a group of guys that I was already close with at the most to you.

Some of the sights the author sees in University Heights on-campus at JCU, only 45 minutes from Lakewood, in University Heights. Photos courtesy of John Carroll University website

Scan here for more details from John Carroll’s website

April 2014 life 15 Block scheduling: less Legos, more education By Veronica Gordon

Due to the fact that Lakewood students every two schools that experienced prog- mance, block scheduling seems to have a have been immersed in a traditional day ress in attendance, there was one that was overall positive effect on students. When of nine forty-minute period with the same hit with a decrease in attendance. These comparing grades from a Texas public classes day after day, it seems almost conclusions show that the scheduling has school that previously was previously on imaginable any other way. But in reality, varied effects on different schools, but cer- a traditional schedule and then switched the traditional schedule that has been used tainly holds benefits regarding attendance. to a block schedule, the student’s passing for decades is become less and less com- Standardized test scores remain the grades raised by 3.7 percent. In addition, mon. Since 1992, the number of schools priority of many public schools. Although 76 percent of the school’s students im- with block scheduling has increased by methods of preparing students for these proved their academic performance on the 36 percent. Although Lakewood students tests has been long debated, it appears block schedule, and have grades to show might believe that the nine period method that block scheduling has no outstanding for it. is the way to go, statistic show that there benefits to the test scores of the average These statistics show some of the hard are benefits to having a block schedule student. Some schools experienced a evidence regarding block scheduling, but throughout the high school years. slight raise in scores, which may or may individual students who were interviewed In the 1996-1997 school year, a study not have been a result of the block sched- throughout the duration of this study also on public high schools was conducted in uling. However, Advanced Placement (AP) confirmed that the majority of the school Texas to try to uncover if there was really testing scores at block scheduling school preferred the block schedule. Students re- an advantage to have block scheduling in did increase for a number of schools. The ported that they were able to form better schools. Public schools that were previ- test scores were higher in the majority of relationships with teachers, and the longer ously on a traditional schedule converted schools, but the schools seemed to have class periods allowed for time that was to a 4x4 block schedule were tested in trouble teaching all the required infor- devoted to answering questions or doing the areas of student performance, atten- mation in time for the AP tests in spring, homework. The reduced amount of classes dance, dropout rates, and standardized which is a problem that is not as frequent also kept students more engaged and alert, test scores. The end of the school year in schools with traditional scheduling. De- because they weren’t required to switch reaped an undeniable conclusion: with spite this drawback, students in a block their focus eight or nine times a day. commitment, block scheduling proves to schedule have the opportunity to enroll in The years of following a traditional be more effective in education than tradi- more classes per year, due to the course schedule throughout our middle and high tional schedules. switch that occurs in the second semes- school years have ingrained a pattern that Public school across the state had a ter which allows students to take a com- many of us can’t imagine breaking. But as noticeable increase of attendance while pletely different set of classes the second the information from the 1996-1997 Texas on a block schedule. The average school’s half of the year. This also gives students public school study shows, traditional attendance rate raised approximately 1.5 who failed a class the first half of the year schedules may not be the best way for percent across the course of the year. the benefit of not having to take the class students to learn. Block scheduling may This influx could be traced to the fact that again in summer because they would have not be the best choice for every school in it seems to be more difficult to make up a the opportunity to take the class again sec- America, but certainly showed benefits for day on a block schedule, because much ond semester. the schools that are operating under it cur- more is covered in each class. However, for As for day-to-day academic perfor- rently.

Background block scheduling graphs from trinityhs.org and longhousesoftware.com

16 life The Lakewood Times Art substitute James Rodems: long-term sub after Campbell’s maternity leave By Matt Morgenstern James Rodems took over for Art in Focus, Art 1, and AP Art After your long-term substitute gig, what do you plan on do- History teacher Lauren Campbell, who welcomed a son this past ing? Reentering the art field or finding another teaching job? Feburary. Rodem was a student teacher for Arline Olear, coming After my time here this school year, I plan to continue in my career from the Pennsylvania and New York systems of education. Here as an art educator, whether it is here or at another school is yet to are some general points to know about LHS’s newest long-term, be determined. After teaching for three years in New York State, temporary replacement, who is also expecting a boy (to be named I know that education is where I want to be. I do have freelance Milo) by the end of this month. photography and design work that I do on the side, which helps keep my art mind fresh when not in the classroom. Where do you hail from? (Hometown, college, etc.) I hail from the city of Syracuse, NY, and attended undergrad at What do you do in your leisure time? Allegheny College and received my Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art. Leisure time, what’s that? In my time not in the classroom I have a I moved to Lakewood shortly after and went to Case Western Re- lot going on. With my first child on the way this month, I have been serve for my Masters. spending a lot of time getting things in my house finished before his arrival. I do frequent the Cleveland Museum of Art and try to What led you into teaching art? get there to see the special exhibits that rotate because it gives I knew I wanted to teach for a long time. It began with being a my wife (also an art educator) and myself time to review works not ski instructor throughout high school and realizing that I enjoyed previously seen in person. I also enjoy being outdoors (boating, teaching others. The arts really made me who I am today starting hiking, etc.) as well as working on my vehicles. with my time in high school, so I always had this notion in my mind that my career path was to become an art educator. What is your favorite painting, artist, or artistic period? Favorite painting or time period? Hard to nail down one. I’d have What did you do here as a student teacher? Has your perspec- to go with Impressionism/Post Impressionism for the period and tive of the school changed since then? Why or why not? specifically the work of Edgar Degas. His treatment of light and I student taught at LHS in 2010 with [Arline] Olear. During that human form are second to none. My main passion in the arts is in time I was teaching Art II, Art In Focus, and Photography I. My photography and its ability to capture the moment better than any perspective of the school has remained the same since student other medium throughout history, even videography. teaching, mainly because the staff in the art department is almost identical as to when I was here prior. It’s like I never left!

Art 1, Art in Focus, and AP Art History long-term substitute James Rodems, with camera. Photo taken by the author

April 2014 life 17 InsideBy Mackenzie Rivera and Robert Searles teachers’ high school years Here’s a look at some LHS educators sharing their high school stories...

Intervention Specialist Julie Konopinski “In high school I was a volleyball player, library helper, member of the sym- phonic band, choir, National Honor Society, pep club, and I was a homecom- ing court attendant. I loved being involved; it gave me the opportunity to meet people, learn new things, as well as build a base I’ve used throughout my life. High school was a dress rehearsal for ‘real life.’ There were major accomplishments, epic fails, lots of laughs, and broken hearts, new friends and backstabbers, times I tried and exceeded with ease, and times I gave it all to no avail. High school taught me that life isn’t fair, people will disappoint you, and love hurts. But I also learned a lot about who I am - - that if I put a lot into something, I will likely get something out of it; whether people believe in me or try to bring me down, I am in charge of my own life. No one can define me, but me and my actions.” Science teacher David Hille David Hille went to Avon Lake and graduated in 1995. He played football and baseball. He was the treasurer of his chapter of the National Honor Society, and participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, yearbook, and student council. His favorite memory from all four years at Avon Lake was attending his girlfriend’s (now wife) basketball tournament when they won the division two state championship. He also remembers his senior year with football going 10-0, and his baseball team making it to regional finals and ending the record with being 21-8. “High school gave me a solid educational foundation that helped me in college and graduate school,” says Hille. Spanish teacher Matthew Heslep “In high school, I was one of the kids who always sat in the front row, asked questions, and really tried to do my best. I wasn’t the smartest kid in the class, but I always became friends with them and learned as much as I could from them. I believed school was important and that it was my ticket to a good life. I was also on the track and cross country teams where I learned the impor- tance of discipline, mind-over-matter, and the benefits of being a member of a team. I discovered that hard work does pay off, and today I have a great job and I feel empowered to venture out into the world, try my best, and have faith that good things will come of it.”

Konopinski, Hille, and Heslep are all members of the Avon Lake Class of ‘95!

School pictures courtesy of respective teachers

18 life The Lakewood Times Inside teachers’ high school years Math teacher Anthony Doran Doran went to Rocky River High School and wasn’t a part of any extracurricular activities for school, but kept himself busy with his own bands outside of school. “High school was a decent experience for me. It wasn’t the best four-year period of my life, but it certainly wasn’t the worst. I always earned pretty good grades. My love for mathematics really developed during my high school years. Teaching was something that I knew I wanted to do from an early age. In high school, I figured out that I wanted to be a math teacher. (That is, if I didn’t become a huge rock star first...and I didn’t). Stepping outside of your comfort zone to meet and work with new people can help you grow as a person. My family moved to Rocky River the summer before my freshman year of high school. I walked in on the first day without knowing anyone, so I was forced to make a whole new group of friends. That experience helped me figure out how to approach many of the new beginnings that have popped up since then (for example, my freshman year at Kent State University, my first year teaching here at Lakewood High School, taking graduate classes, childbirth classes last summer before my wife and I had our first baby, meet- ing and playing with different groups of musicians, etc.). I am able to strike up a conversation with almost anyone I meet, and I wasn’t really that way before high school.” Science teacher Kathy Gabriel Gabriel went to Sachem High School in Long Island, New York. As far as extracurricular activities went, Gabriel was a working girl. “I was in track for a short while, but mostly I spent my time working at a fast food restaurant,” says Gabriel. Gabriel also mentioned that she went to a fairly big high school. “My high school was very large (1,200 in my graduating class) so it wasn’t very personal and I didn’t always appreciate it. I did have a group of really good friends that got me through it.” When asked what the high school experience taught her, she believes it helped her have a better grasp on her life. “I decided to go to a smaller college, so that I wouldn’t feel like a number. This helped me to be more in control of my own future.” History teacher Timothy Rinehart

“It was fun [high school]. It was a small school so everyone knew everyone. Most people were involved in extra-curricular activities and engaged in what was going on,” says Rinehart. Rinehart went to Ontario High School in Ontario, Ohio, near Mansfield, and played many sports such as basketball, football, and baseball, along with running cross-country. “I learned from my high school experience what it was like to be part of something that was bigger than myself. When I was a junior, our basketball team finished the season 24-1, our only loss in the regionals to St. Vincent St. Mary’s on a shot at the buzzer. It is hard to describe what it was like to be part of something everyone in the community was excited about. Not only were the games sold out, but also the gyms were completely full when we got off the bus. After high school, I realized I was lucky to be part of a team that was popular because of our accomplishments. I never had to worry about peer pressure. None of my friends did drugs or got into trouble, so I didn’t either. It made me realize how important it is to have friends who make good choices. I was fortunate that, for me, it happened by circumstance.”

April 2014 life 19 Stupid “politique”: By Matt Morgenstern “Americana” politicians ineffective in modern affairs This is not a rant, just so you know, for at The troubles have been popularized throughout me- mains stuck in the days of old “Grandpa Lakewood Times “rants” are called “opinion ar- dia by means of the stupidly infamous “seques- Ike.” They still seem to discriminate against ticles.” Nonetheless, the following text contains ter” and side-stabbing budget plans from both women, and pilot states that have anti-LGBT some scathing terms, mainly directed at the na- parties, the Republican version (that of Wiscon- legislations instilled. They are not doing gov- tional government for its now obvious inability sin’s Ryan) primarily serving as an antagonist to ernment, as they may say—they are playing to cater to its people, forgetting its civic duty of that of Obama’s recently published Democratic it, and poorly at that. I need not mention the socialist delegations. Politique is a French term proponents. However, we still remain in a stale- Green Eggs and Ham (plus Star Wars) refer- coined during the sixteenth century to describe mate. ences that characterized a Ted Cruz filibuster purposeful government—it has been non-existent I’ll concede that I would have voted for (which delayed the flighty Obamacare, a well- in this day and age. Barack Obama eight days of the week over Mitt intentioned muck-up due to website controls Ted Cruz, Newt Gingrich, Chris Christie, John Romney, and, if I understood the congressional and public defamation, thanks to Fox News). Boehner, Paul Ryan, Joe Biden, Barack Obama, positions a tad more, a Democratic representa- That’s not to say that all persons are doing Bill O’Reilley, Mike Huckabee, and that woman tive or senator twice on Tuesdays. But Barack absolutely nothing. Some weeks ago, Arizona who said “Santa is just white” are all involved with Obama has failed as an undeserving Nobel governor Jan Brewer (a woman Republican) programs of the political system, and although Peace Prize winner and Carter-like president— vetoed a controversial state attempt to grant the latter most persons are of television, let’s just making proclamations but not effectively under- store owners the right to bar homosexuals include them in here for, their bickering is nearly taking them. Palpability is the greatest measure from entering their places of business. Sec- reminiscent of that occurring on Capitol Hill. These of success, and the reforms of Obama have not retary of State John Kerry has effectively people are not to be honored for the dearth of helped America return to any relative glory— calmed the tides of bitterness between many progress we are experiencing in climate change our parents are stilled distressed, our economy of the Middle Eastern countries and the Unit- legislation, civil rights legislation, and overall cor- still manure, and worldly invalidations of free- ed States. Thus it’s not all a sham—just most rective legislation. They are to be honored for their dom not being handled strategically without of it. impotence in all affairs political. consequence of war. North Korea and Russia I’m aware that the government ensures According to a CNN report compiled in De- now seem to always be at arms with the United our basic freedoms, keeps us warm inside cember 2013, our present congress only passed States, mainly by a lack of diplomatic compro- our abodes at night, and does work to try 58 bills into law in its first year, many of them sim- mise, and a serious dearth of a “big stick” from and improve the country. But it’s not doing ply naming position heads. Additionally, economic Obama in dealing with the antics of Russian a good job, and using the same old players head Vladimir Putin. certainly shan’t help. Why is Hilary Clinton’s The Republican platform still (actively) re- name still rafting around? She didn’t prove to be a decent Secretary of State, and is 66 (to THE American political ensemble com- be nearly 70 by the 2016 election)—why do edy, in theaters now. Photos courtesy of Democrats need old socks to keep our feet the White House, Oleg Popov, Nadav Kan- warm? Where has the youth gone? And the der, Chip Somodevilla, and Rand Paul’s Republicans are caricatures of themselves. The formidability of Lincoln and the domestic official website success of Coolidge, Eisenhower, and Regan seem to have effectually departed. How can one hoist an elephant whilst blocking bridges as revenge for a lack of support? “Bipartisan” politics, ladies and gents.

20 opinion The Lakewood Times unlocking “Americana” politicians ineffective in modern affairs “AARON!”: By Kelton Greenwood “Key & Peele” “Key & Peele” is an American sketch comedy television show starring Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, who mock societal norms and stereotyping, and use shock value to communicate their satirical ideas in many of their sketches. They perform in front of an audience, displaying filmed skits to the crowd while also having in-between dialogues that usually precede the sketch, all the while cracking jokes. Their show is based on awkward situations and makes fun of modern music and movies, with a focus on African-Americans and race relations. Key and Peele used to star in “MadTV”, a sketch comedy program that aired on FOX from 1995 to 2009 (serving as the primary rival of “Saturday Night Live” during that time)—“Key and Peele” were picked up by Comedy Central in 2012. On Jan. 31, 2012, the show, on its series premiere, garnered some two million viewers, with numbers re- maining steady over the past three seasons (a fourth will air in fall of this year). The responses to the videos that Key & Peele aired so far had good reactions from their audience and their viewers on YouTube. On April 24, 2012, during an interview on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” President Barack Obama told the story of how he had watched the “Key & Peele” sketch on himself with 'Luther, his Anger Translator,' say- ing that “It’s pretty good stuff.” Other popular sketches include “Substitute Teacher,” “East/West Bowl,” “The Valets,” “Kahrim and Jahar,” and the travails of “Wendell Sand- ers,” among others. The show spearheads a sort of revival in programming for the executives at Comedy Central, who have also been blessed with the eccentricities of “Kroll Show,” “Workahol- ics,” the rookie femme-fatale “Broad City,” as well as the oddities constantly shown by that of Daniel Tosh and the wily fellows over at “South Park,” who are still crazy after 15 years in the business. Senior Jake Janick expressed how Key & Peele entertain him.‘’Key and Peele bright- en my day with their hilarious videos,” says Janick. Key & Peele manage to attract all kinds of audience members that are diverse The two comedians (top) Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele have accumulated surprising and share a common interest for their com- popularity on their Comedy Central show “Key & Peele.” Photos courtesy of show’s website. edy. Senior Nabeel Zafar describes Key and Peele’s comedy as ‘’stereotypical, but funny.” April 2014 opinion 21 Spring fashion Getting into the fun of things to wear By Olivia Rinehart Spring is always that time when you can ionable helps also. express yourself with what you wear and Coming to a school with a very strict how you look. As the weather has been dress code and having trouble finding poor this year, it has been hard to pull out things to wear when the weather is get- some shorts and short sleeve t-shirts. But ting warm is very hard to deal with, but sun during this season of bright things, clothes dresses, that one cute cardigan from For- come in many colors, and one can make ever 21, and khaki shorts do the trick. clothing combinations as cute as possible. “H&M had the best deals and Toms, a Women pull out those colorful scarfs with form of shoes, are the easiest and cutest cute designs on them and men like to wear shoes to wear during spring,” says sopho- those khaki shorts. Spring is a time to glow more Leah Robertson. Forever 21, Target, and wearing bright clothes will help in that and H&M, among others, have very fun and effort. cute spring fashion lines that include those As the weather is hopefully getting bet- cute cardigans to even simple, smart sun- ter, clothes tend to look better also. I know glasses. many students, parents, and citizens are As the sun comes out, hoping it stays sick of putting on their big snow boots and reliably, sunglasses are always a go. Men all their winter clothing and heading out- usually have simple and dark shaded ones side in the horrible weather. Many com- while there are many designs for women. mon things being worn during the spring Spring temperatures also help all the flow- are scarves, shorts, tank tops of some sort, ers to pop up and they can always be a sun-dresses, etc. Not only does the nice cute thing to wear. So remember that flow- weather put people in a good mood, but ers are a go, while wearing those simple yet wearing something cute, easy, and fash- cute shades while having some fun in the Seniors Alison Keane and Danny Zagaria dressed sun. for Spring. (Photo courtesy of Dennis Ebner)

22 opinion The Lakewood Times The LHS Dress Code: And why it doesn’t make sense to me

By Emily Skeans There are many different views on the can cost as low as $5. Basketball shorts, they are told to either take it out or put a dress code here at Lakewood High School. leggings, and sweatpants are only a dis- retainer (spacer) in. The main piercings that Students are told that there is a dress code traction because the school made them are a concern are lip and nose piercings. to “enhance school safety, improve the a distraction by not allowing us to wear For the most part, students (mostly girls) learning environment, promote good be- them. If we were allowed to wear them, have just a little diamond stud, which is havior, reduce discipline problems, improve kids wouldn’t notice someone else wearing hardly noticeable. When someone puts in a test scores, improve children’s self-respect them because it would be normal. retainer for work or for school, the piercing and self-esteem, bridge socioeconomic Hoodies have always been a huge issue is still just as noticeable as it was before. differences between families, help elimi- at the school and this year we have been There’s hardly a difference between the little nate stereotypes, create unity, strengthen given the privilege to wear them as we are stud and the retainer. Some piercings may school spirit and pride, produce a cost sav- changing classes. If we can wear them be a distraction, but I’ve never seen a stu- ings for families, and focus attention upon while in the hallway and crossing the street, dent have a piercing that was a distraction learning and away from distractions,” as it then what’s the difference of wearing them here at Lakewood High. When I was told to is stated in the dress code guidelines. But in class? As Michael Dodrill states, “Since take my lip piercing out, they never gave me how many of the students at Lakewood the problem with hoodies is you can use a reason why I wasn’t allowed to have it be- High are actually distracted by an unnat- the hood to dodge cameras, and there are sides that it’s the school’s rules. ural hair color or a facial piercing or even no cameras in the classrooms, we should I know the school has a dress code for sweat pants? The real distraction is when let students wear them in the classrooms a reason, but some of it just doesn’t make students are sent to their house office for a to stay warm and comfortable.” Let’s face any sense to me. And some students spend dress code violation. When students gets it; a lot of classrooms are going to feel a way more time thinking about what they’re sent to their house office, they’re missing little bit cooler to some students rather going to wear to school so they don’t get class and learning time. than others. If students bring hoodies to in trouble than they should have to. The Kids should be able to come to school school then gets to class and it feels cold school really needs to think about how the and feel comfortable in what they wear. to them, they’re going to want to warm up dress code rules that are in affect actually Why can’t guys come to school wearing by putting on their hoodie. Have you ever make students feel. As stated at the begin- their favorite pair of basketball shorts? Or tried to concentrate on something but ning of this article, the school says that the why can’t girls come to school wearing couldn’t because you were too hot or too dress code is there to “improve children’s leggings? They’re both similar to regular cold? It’s really hard because all you can self-respect and self-esteem” but really it shorts and regular pants; they’re just more think about is how uncomfortable you are. doesn’t. The dress code makes students comfortable. The dress code rules say that If students are unable to wear their hoodie think way too hard about what they’re going it will “produce a cost savings for families” during class while they’re cold, then they’re to wear to school and whether or not it will when students and parents have to search going to focus too much time on how they make them look like a bad student for wear- and buy clothes that meet the guidelines want to be comfortable rather than on their ing something the school doesn’t agree for the school’s dress code. But leggings, schoolwork. with. The real distraction is when students basketball shorts, and sweatpants are usu- The last thing I want to bring to attention have to go to their house office for dress ally a lot cheaper than jeans. Jeans usu- is visible body piercings other than the ears. code and then are either sent home or sent ally cost about $20 or more when leggings When a student has a visible body piercing to ISA. That’s when kids are missing out.

A common graphic often seen by students in their rule handbooks. Photo courtesy of Lakewood City School District April 2014 opinion 23 Springing into sports A look at LHS in Spring competition

Photos taken by Veronica Gordon and John P. Mulgrew

24 sports The Lakewood Times April 2014 sports 25 By Aaron Morit

T Every year,HE arguably one of the most popularMADNESS sporting events occurs in early Spring: March Madness. A (WAS) HERE tournament of 64 college basketball teams competing to achieve the ultimate goal of the national championship There’s a reason that this tournament has earned its namesake. It’s due to the countless upsets that make predicting this tournament nearly impossible. Two staff members of LHS, Social Studies teacher Ron Lewis and Science teacher David Hille, (plus myself) filled out a bracket and see who could best grasp the madness that is the NCAA tournament. How these brackets are scored is simple. Starting with one point for the round of 64, correct picks will awarded totals which will increase by one with each round. The University of Connecticut Huskies eventually ended up beating the Univerity of Kentucky Wildcats 60 to 54 on April 7, the earliest Cinderella exit being that of the University of Dayton in a loss to Final Four contenders Florida. We need not reflect on what passed with the Buckeyes.

Round of 64: One Point Elite Eight: Four Points Round of 32: Two Points Final Four: Five Points Mr. Hille’s bracket Sweet Sixteen: Three Points National Championship: Six points Final Four picks by region • South: Florida • East: Iowa St. • West: Arzona • Midwest: Louisville Total Points Scored: 63

26 sports The Lakewood Times Mr. Lewis’ bracket

T HE MADNESS (WAS) HEREFinal Four Picks by Region • South: Syra- cuse • East: Michi- gan St. • West: Creigh- ton • Midwest: Michigan Total Points Scored: 54

My bracket

Final Four Picks by Region • South: Florida • East: Michigan St. • West: Arizona • Midwest Lou- isville Total Points Scored: 57

April 2014 sports 27 TheBy Jacklyn Voll final word

The weather this winter has been extremely bad compared to the last couple years. We had record- breaking lows, and many snow days. Some were un- expected, which are the best kind. Although it was a cold and snowy winter, what did you expect? First off, it is called winter for a reason. Secondly, we live in Cleveland, where the weather doesn’t know how to make up its mind. With the strong winter came some strong students who exceeded their expectations. There were many highs -- not in temperature -- but in music, academics, and sports. The music programs scored well in their competi- tions. For academics the science department had their science competition, the Academic Challenge team channeled their inner “Jeopardy” spirits, and Model UN conducted better diplomacy than John Kerry could in his prime. We can’t forget about the basketball teams’ Winter and spring, together again. Photo courtesy of Brian Calloway victories for both the girls and boys, who went further than they have in many years. This winter was a time for records to be broken. They say no two snowflakes are alike and, although there was many accomplishments throughout this cold winter, no two are alike, with each accomplishment being different in its own way.

28 the end The Lakewood Times