FebruaryArlingtonian 25, 2005 Two Dollars Issue Six www.arlingtonian.com

TEEN GAMBLING: National poker craze reaches UAHS; motivations, consequences examined original ideas in-depth coverage Volume 68 Issue Six real news February 25, 2005

11 CONTENTS Arlingtonian news sports 4 Students from tsunami-affected countries impacted 16 The Spectator’s Spot: Winter sports kick up the heat, by tragedy prepare for approaching tournaments 4 Natural disaster prompts students to aid victims 17 Gymnastics team prepares for state competition 5 Assembly held for freshmen about vandalism, theft 5 Early IB tests add stress to students’ schedule arts 18 Oscars 2005: Nominations, winners discussed feature 19 Musical uses a double cast, cuts chorus members 7 Students opt to take alternative courses 20 Indie rock music gains popularity among student body 8 The Feature Spread: Tea salon gives a Zen atmosphere to capital city voice 8 First-semester senior thesis projects highlighted 21 Letters to the editor remember Joe Conely 21 Students encouraged to serve others through time, cover design KYLE McMAHON focus meaning and care cover photo illustration 11 Popularity of gambling among student body raises 22 Columnist outlines the perfect acceptance speech for Oscars ALEX DAPPEN issues of concern over motivation, consequences 22 Students’ generous tsunami-relief donations contents design ALLIE D’AURORA 12 Card games, betting found in some study halls shortchanged by administrative incentive contents photo BAILEY CAPELLE 14 Sporting events give students the opportunity to bet 23 Editor evaluates the risks of gambling for quick cash contents graphic CAITLIN CRAIG

IN THE NEWS: The tsunami disaster, along with administra- tive incentive, prompts students to donate to a school-sponsored 4 relief fund.

February 25, 2005 3 NEWSArlingtonian

provided students the opportunity to help those outside Upper Arlington. Jakatdar said students could broaden their horizons by helping the affected countries. “I think the fi rst step is realizing just how fortunate we are [here in UA], the kinds of things we take for granted,” she said. “We’re not juxtaposed with slums and poverty [in UA].” Charitable Hearts

Students without connections to the countries affected by the tsunami have also aided in fundraising by donating money

ATTOUA and supplies and supporting bake sales and

K

LLIE ribbon sales led by fellow students.

A

BY

CET joined Jayadeva in raising funds

HOTO for tsunami victims by organizing a P school-wide contest. DONATIONS: Cartons of bottled water and other packaged foods await delivery to The Ohio CET member Sarah Jane Dugger said State Sri Lankan Student Association. Students donated bottled water, among other supplies, to group members saw Jayadeva’s donation ta- benefi t tsunami victims. ble and wanted to bring even more attention to her efforts. She said CET began an incentive in which Students aid tsunami victims donations of money, food, medicine and other by Kaitlyn Williams items counted as points. For every 100 points accumulated, students received one minute fter the giant tsunami roared out of non-profi t organization in Sri Lanka. off of a school day. the Indian Ocean and crashed upon Senior Avanti Jakatdar said she joined Dugger said students raised over $2,000 Avillages and resorts in 12 Asian and Jayadeva in her fundraising efforts by orga- and 3,600 points of other items, for a to- African countries, the world watched the nizing bake sales with her friends and mem- tal of approximately 5,600 points. Students news coverage with horror. Sweeping pan- bers of the Peer Collaboration program. She will thus receive 56 minutes off of school on oramic images of fl attened villages only be- said she hopes to hold a bake sale every few an undecided date, she said. gan to show the devastation, and many stu- weeks for the remainder of the year. Despite some objections over whether dents, including junior Chenali Jayadeva, a Jakatdar said she has family living in In- CET should have offered motivation, Dug- native of Sri Lanka, were at a loss of how to dia. Though they remained unharmed, she ger said group members decided to offer an aid the tsunami victims. said she wanted to aid the victims to feel incentive to students in order to receive the closer to her homeland. most donations. Helping Their Homelands “We come from India,” she said, “but “We wanted to help these people, that we’re so disconnected from what is happen- was our number one priority,” she said. “So “When I fi rst watched my homeland wash- ing there. Maybe it’s patriotism, but it’s also we thought we needed an incentive.” ing away, I felt helpless because I couldn’t that I want to feel more connected and feel In another fundraising effort, Peer Col- help them physically,” Jayadeva said. “That’s like I’m actually doing something for the laboration program facilitators Sharon Fried- when I wanted to help the people who were country I came from.” man and Nancy Botti assisted Jakatdar with affected any way I can.” Additionally, she said she wanted to help the bake sale, which made approximately Members of Jayadeva’s family who live in the tsunami victims because she has seen $100. Friedman said students are focused on Sri Lanka were not physically affected by the many of the poverty-stricken areas of India, service beyond the high school. disaster; however, she said she still wanted to and she understands that the lives of the peo- “The spirit of service in our school is aid the other victims. Along with the help of ple who live there are now destroyed. pretty remarkable,” she said. “I think it’s her brother, freshman Samuel Jayadeva, and “It’s really sad because they already don’t a refl ection of the concern the students the Character Enrichment Team, she collect- have a lot of hope,” she said. “And now their have for our community, our country and ed money, clothes and medicine. The dona- lives are further shattered because they’ve the world. It’s g ratifying to see them care tions are going to The Ohio State University lost their homes, and they need to rebuild all about issues and show their concern. They Sri Lankan Student Association, which will over again.” act upon their awareness.” eventually send the donations to Sarvodaya, a The tsunami fundraising efforts have Other students without ties to the affected

4 February 25, 2005 ArlingtonianNEWS Vandalism, IB testing begins theft addressed by Stephanie Hummel hile most students still have nearly fi ve months un- at ninth grade til their fi nal exams, those enrolled in the Inter- Wnational Baccalaureate program are facing inter- meeting nal exams that account for approximately 50 percent of their by Kaitlyn Williams fi nal exam grade before spring break. The remaining portion of students’ grades come from fi nal external examinations that rincipal Kip Greenhill addressed take place from May 11 to May 24. Some students and teachers the ninth grade class Feb. 4 dur- are trying their best to prepare for an unfamiliar assessment in ing homeroom to highlight several the short amount of time provided.

P L problems occurring within the class. Students are feeling the pressure as IB internal assessments ap- proach; they are nervous about meeting the demands of the test. UMME

During his speech, he said the issues H included acts of bullying, vandalism and A year after he last took Spanish, junior Jim DeWille is currently in

HRISSY

C trash in the halls. He also said the ma- IB Spanish and said he feels he has had insuffi cient time to prepare for

BY jority of students were not involved in his upcoming exam. Senior Leili Slutz said it seems teachers who

the acts. have come to IB without teaching any other higher-level cours- RAPHIC

G “I don’t like to pull everyone together es are trying to navigate their way through foreign territory. because it is such a small percentage of “[Some IB teachers] don’t know how diffi cult to make the course or what their students us doing it,” he said during his speech. are willing to handle,” Slutz said. Greenhill said to end the prob- Others, like junior Ashley Greathouse, said their teachers have done a satisfactory job lems, freshmen must be able to stand preparing them for their exams. up to other freshmen who are causing “The teachers are really good,” Greathouse said. “[They teach] the style of the test and the problems. how to [adapt to] the format.” “We can’t allow a few people to Those students who are familiar with AP classes and tests said they have no qualms about IB exams. change the culture [of the school],” Junior Joe Streb said other students’ response to the exam relieved his stress. he said. “Other people have managed to get through it [in other schools] so it can’t be too bad,” Streb said. If the issues continue to occur, Green- According to Streb, students were given a packet containing information about the exam hill threatened to close lunch for fresh- before IB courses started. The early dates of some IB tests were posted in the packet, inform- man and to impose a 3:25 p.m. curfew in ing students and parents. the freshman hallway. He said, however, “It makes sense [the exam] would be that early,” Streb said. “They have to send the tests he wants the problems to stop. and get them graded before the end of school.” “Let’s pull together and let’s make this The test format itself is a longer process than standard school exams. The commonality a better place,” he said. between all IB exams is their two-day duration, but from there the similarities end. DeWille Greenhill also addressed the entire said his IB photography exam will not be a typical exam; it will consist of a showcase of 12 of school over the announcements earlier in the artist’s photos assessed by an IB judge, who is a trained, paid, international grader. the week and called for an end to theft. “With photography, I’ve been working on getting my pieces ready,” DeWille said. “[The exam is] not too much more preparation than what you’ve done this year.” Greathouse’s IB music exam will be different from any exam she has taken. The lack of pre- dictability of the test will make it hard for her to study. The music exam consists of students countries have joined in with the fundraising listening to two hours worth of music and commenting on various aspects of each song. efforts. Senior Kendrick Sledge, president of Greathouse likes the way the IB program scores the exams. Service Club, said club members made over “It’s more on what you know than what you should know, and less on what you got wrong 500 blue ribbons and sold them for $1 each. and more on what you got right,” Greathouse said. The students were responsive to the The grading will be conducted on a one-to-seven scale, and many different people will be ribbons, Sledge said. Club members raised grading the exam. Greathouse is worried about pleasing the numerous judges that will be approximately $150, which they donated involved in this process. to CET. She said the students’ willingness “I’m nervous [about] trying to impress as many people as I can [and] someone in a totally different country,” Greathouse said. to support the victims is a sign of the stu- DeWille said he thinks the scoring will work in the students’ favor. dents’ generosity. “It seems you’ll get a lot better result,” DeWille said. “It’s not just one person [grading it] “It really does show that people do care,” that had a bad day.” she said. “I walked around the school even The IB exam in general is a great unknown for the students who will be taking it in March. a day after we sold [the blue ribbons] and They will be facing a new test format and grading criteria, and for some even the test material I saw people wearing them. Even though itself will be hard to prepare for. the majority of the people in the high school These IB exams will be a sign as to not only what the IB program has accomplished so far, but don’t know anyone over there, we still want- also what needs to be improved to better prepare students for these exams in the future. ed to help.”

February 25, 2005 5 FEATUREArlingtonian Opportunities abound Students relish chance to enroll, participate in alternative classes by Chrissy Hummel eet Larry Onesti. A former middle correspondence course is there are no linebacker for Northwestern Uni- instructions to explain the text if ques- Mversity, Onesti is a geology pro- tions arise. fessor and, for the UAHS students enrolled “The work is pretty text intensive and in correspondence classes through Indiana they go into a lot of detail, but if you are University, he is their second principal. having trouble grasping a concept there’s UAHS has always offered students the no one there to explain it to you,” she said. ability to take high school and college level “You’re really on your own un- courses outside of the school through cor- less you have a friend taking respondence, independent studies and post- the course who can answer secondary classes. These courses are taken your question.” predominately through IU, Brigham Young Students who are in- University or The Ohio State University. terested in the freedom According to guidance counselor Heather of correspondence classes Frey, the number of students enrolling in but want the guidance of a

these courses has steadily increased. teacher have the option of GRAPHIC BY CHRISSY HUMMEL Sophomore Sarah McIlroy has tak- taking independent study en both physical education and health classes. Junior Nick Linville is taking com- c o u r s e s became an option for Mealer through the BYU High School Credit puter graphics through independent study, since she had fi nished most of her high school Program as correspondence classes. Taken and he said the format of the course is similar credits and had time to commute to OSU for over the Internet on her own time, McIlroy to that of the correspondence classes except the two-hour lecture course. said the structure of the class allows pli- the student meets regularly with a teacher to “If I had wanted to, I would have only ancy within her schedule, but at the same check on that student’s progress. had to take Government and Humanities time demands a lot of responsibility. “You have to approach a teacher and ask here to graduate,” Mealer said. “I learned “[A correspondence class] defi nitely gives them to take time out of their schedule for about the classes from my brother, who you,” Linville said. “They help you to actually took three at OSU, and I decided set goals and determine what progress that they sounded like a good way to pur- you should make by the next time sue my interests.” I feel much more prepared they see you. You do it on your own Not only do the classes allow students time, but they’re there to help.” to pursue personal passions, but they also for college now because I’ve Independent studies classes of- familiarize high school students with the gotten used to the college set- fer a balance between freedom and college atmosphere. structure, Frey said, but are not as “I feel much more prepared for college ting. At high school, teachers frequently applied for because they now because I’ve gotten used to the col- require individual attention from lege setting,” Mealer said. “At high school, try to engage you. At OSU, a staff member and are therefore teachers try to engage you. At OSU, it’s just slightly harder to do. a lecture; a TA [Teacher’s Assistant] could it’s just a lecture. According to Frey, IU and BYU care less if you’re there or not.” Senior Jessie Mealer offer students the ability to take vir- Besides the cost of books, classes at OSU tually every class offered at UAHS, are provided at no additional cost, Mealer plus numerous classes unique to uni- said. Correspondence and independent study versities and larger institutions. If a classes require a fee of approximately $100, Frey said. you more fl exibility because you can do it student wants to take a course not “You defi nitely pay for the convenience on your own time as long as you get it done offered at the high school but wants to be you’re getting,” McIlroy said. “It’s worth within the one year allotted to you,” McIlroy in a school setting, post-secondary classes it though, because it allows the students to said. “But sometimes it’s diffi cult to stay on through OSU are also an option. take courses without taking too much time task because there’s no one reminding you to Senior Jessie Mealer took Psychology at from their schedule. I would defi nitely rec- keep working.” OSU fall quarter, driving to campus during ommend these courses to other students.” McIlroy said another drawback of a seventh and eighth periods for class. The

February 25, 2005 7 FEATUREArlingtonian the Feature spread Senior Thesis Showcased Exceptional projects exhibited for creativity, originality by Chadd Harbold he senior thesis is a combination “My mom is a principal at an elemen- of passion, talent and dedication tary school where kids come without T that culminates a student’s sec- knowing anything about how to behave,” ondary-school education. These high- Leach said. “I decided to put [education lighted students exhibited high-quality and behavior] together so that kids could theses as mentioned by their respective learn the right way to act and new words English teachers. at the same time.” Leach had some problems implement- Gwen Leach ing the program. Senior Gwen Leach thought she want- “I originally wanted to do the pro-

ARTH

ed to pursue elementary education as a ca- gram at two schools, but through com- B

reer. This aspiration led her to create her munication problems that didn’t work MERSON

E senior thesis project for children in inner- out,” she said. city schools. For her writing component, Leach wrote

COURTESY “I created a Word of the Week pro- activities for each word of the week. gram for elementary school students “I [also] wrote about how it worked out PHOTO to help build vocabulary and character in the school,” she said. Jocelyn Mahylis traits,” she said. Since the program ended, Leach’s desire Senior Jocelyn Mahylis had an interest- Leach decided to take action after no- to be a teacher has diminished. ing thought for her thesis: why not docu- ticing discipline issues with elementary “I think it would be more enjoyable to ment a series of dreams she had? As the school children. teach kids who are ready to learn,” she said. idea came to fruition, she also decided to ZenCha Tea Salon provides soothing, new remedy by Sara Mitchell

nique fragrances warm the air in- Yet the purpose of visiting ZenCha side ZenCha Tea Salon, located in is not for the atmosphere, but for the Uthe Short North. ZenCha aspires taste. The teas are divided into three tea to give every customer a “genuine tea ex- categories; Taste of the East, Royaltea, perience” through its exotic teas and re- and Z Fresh Innovations, which shape laxing environment. With over one hun- the Tea Salon through their original dred varieties of teas, ZenCha is a truly tastes and aromas. original edition to the Columbus scene. Taste of the East has the largest The peaceful design of ZenCha adds to number of teas out of all the categories. the relaxing atmosphere, as the ambiance Teas from China, Japan, India and Taiwan of the salon is as tasteful as the teas them- comprise the Taste of the East. High Mt.

ATTOUA selves. With antique Asian teapots lining the Oolong tea, one of the 10 Taiwan teas, has

K walls as art and small Zen sand gardens built a distinct golden hue and aroma. The fresh LLIE A into wooden tables, ZenCha provides each and cleansing aroma of High Mt. Oolong BY customer the total Zen effect. awakens the senses and cleanses them as PHOTO

8 February 25, 2005 FEATUREArlingtonian

HOTWIRED: It took senior Emerson Barth about 60 hours to construct this metal statue. He chose this project because he wanted to learn how to weld. & Answer include an advice book Emerson Barth with Freshman for young writers. Senior Emerson Barth took an unusual Mahylis described route for his thesis. He chose to compose a Andrew her book, created over semester’s project on a topic in which he had Pirtle the past four years, as no experience: welding. Question a realistic adventure “It was completely random,” he said. “I What movie best mirrors your with fantasy elements. didn’t know anything about it at all.” own life? Mahylis encoun- The process was more diffi cult than Barth The Sound of Music —I play the guitar. tered several problems imagined. He had to attend a few beginners’ If you could make a new Oscar that were amplified by classes, buy a welder, turned his shed into a category, what would it be? the size of the proj- studio and begin welding. Best Hairstyle In An Action Movie, [to] ect. Mahylis spent 12 “When I started I had no idea what it would Andy Taris. hours a day over win- entail, how hard it would be ... so I spent around ter break working on 60 hours [total], at least,” he said. What celebrity would you the book. Although his thesis has been turned in, the most like to date? “I am as happy as I sculpture is not yet complete. Ben Affl eck. I’d meet a lot of women. could be given the time “The sculpture is of a man with a kite and is over seven feet tall, so [Lan- ARTH constraints [with the

B N project], but meeting guage Arts teacher Diane] Had-

MERSO deadlines and getting dad understood,” he said. E Even though Barth’s creation ARTH everyone to turn their

B

OURTESY was original, he worried that his C editing in on time was

MERSON writing component would be dry. E awful,” Mahylis said.

PHOTO Surprisingly, she “There was no creativity to it,”

COURTESY Barth said.

did not choose to WANSON write the book be- To make the writing compa- S

PHOTO INDSEY

rably unique, Barth wrote a nar- L cause of her desire to BY be an author. rative from the point of view of a

“Writing is a lot of fun, but I just did it metal rod from his structure. PHOTO because I had been working on it, because Welding will most likely not be FRESHLY SHORN: Senior Jeff Bowers displays his I had a lot of it done and I wanted a reason part of Barth’s career, but he does recently cut hair at school.Bowers later gave the hair away to a friend as a Christmas present. to finish it,” she said. plan to continue it as a hobby. worth 1,000 words ZenCha Tea Salon provides soothing, new remedy

well. This tea has a smooth fl avor paralleled by fresh fruit blends, bubble teas, milk teas and no meal is complete without an elegant and its creamy texture. herbal remedies. The loose-leaf tea sampling rich dessert. ZenCha orders all its desserts Royaltea consists of an assortment of Eng- is also included in this section. This unique tea from the French Pastry Chef in Indiana to ac- lish black teas. In this tea category there are sampling allows customers to choose from company its high-quality teas. traditional British teas, French tea lattes, Ger- three loose-leaf teas, with a customized sam- With over 100 tasteful teas and a variety man Garten teas, Arabic teas and African red pling prepared especially for the customer. of meals, ZenCha offers a true Zen experience teas, resulting in a variety of 30 strong drinks. The mango bubble tea combines traditional to all customers—but at a price. The prices From the German Garten emerges the classic jasmine green tea with fresh mango puree and for the teas range from $3.75 for bubble teas Black Forest tea. This fruitful herbal tea is fi lled tapioca pearls to create a thick, creamy tex- to $5.45 for herbal remedies, which can be a with dry fruits and emanates a strong straw- ture and fruitful fl avor. rather expensive price to pay for the average berry, orange aroma that relaxes and awak- ZenCha Tea Salon specializes in wide variety high school student. ens the drinker. of teas, but they also sell a variety of mouth- But price is no dominating factor here. The Z Fresh Innovations is the collective name watering desserts and light foods. From gour- variety of tastes and the calming atmosphere of of 33 tea blends that have been created by the met sandwiches to teriyaki chicken rice bowls, ZenCha offer an alternative to the mundane owner of ZenCha. In this category there are ZenCha prepares tasty meals on the spot. Yet Caribou Coffee ambience.

February 25, 2005 9 ArlingtonianFOCUS

Gambling popularity intensifi es risk of student addiction

Raising by Biru Chen and theStakesKyle McMahon ineteen-year-old Jason Berg of Wau- kon, Iowa sat in the dark on his bed Nwith his head in his hands. Just three hours earlier, he had left his home with over $1000 in his pocket— money stolen from the family safety stash. Berg planned to use the money to win back his losses from the previous week playing poker, then to quietly put the money back in the stash. Instead, he was now back home with empty pockets and a $20,000 debt. Feeling hopeless and alone, Berg picked up a pen and his diary. The words “I’m out of con- trol” appeared on the paper. Like many teens today, Berg began playing poker as a leisure activity, only gambling $1 to $2 per game; however, Berg quickly succumbed to uncontrollable gambling, a trend which has become more common since the popularity of gambling has risen among teens, according to the National Research Council (NRC). Teens’ newfound fondness for gambling can be seen through the current national craze for poker; chip sets were among the holidays’ hot- test gifts, available everywhere from Wal-Mart to Toys “R” Us. Sales of Bicycle playing cards were up 30 percent last year, and demand for poker sets doubled, according to the U.S. Play- ing Card Co. Demand for these gaming sets is fueled largely by teens. A U.S. Playing Card survey, taken in the summer, indicated that, on aver

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ALEX DAPPEN February 25, 2005 11 FOCUSArlingtonian

age, teens play cards around four times a month, with 23 percent of teens playing poker most often. A noticeably large number of adolescents have taken up poker over the past year, the NRC states. The trend refl ects a growing enthusiasm for the classic card game. Among the many reasons for this popularity, the media coverage of the “sport” of poker is included. ESPN and its affi liate stations deserve at least some of the credit for the game’s renewed following. Their coverage of the 2003 and 2004 World Series of Poker has garnered ratings that would be impressive for a major sporting event, let alone a casino game. The U.S. Playing Card Co. survey states 39 percent of teens have watched poker on TV. Senior poker enthusiast Jason March said On-campus betting he and many other UA students enjoy these televised events. “I think TV has marketed it really Students fi nd time at school to study well,” he said. As a result, poker has experienced a noticeable surge at UAHS, junior sports brackets, poker hands, odds Andie Diemer said. side from playing poker on “I just don’t want card playing in study hall,” “Many students think “All the guys in my grade are real- the weekends, some stu- Greenhill said. “It’s not an academic pursuit. It the rules are different in ly into poker competitions,” she said. dents also spend school has never been allowed here in my tenure. senior study hall,” she said. “Almost every weekend I hear about A time honing their poker skills. Those Despite these restrictions, students do of- “We are a bit more flexible, some get-together where there’s go- pulling out cards in study hall and at ten play poker on school premises and even but I do not bend on the no- ing to be some huge pot of money lunch may not realize that gambling teachers are powerless to stop the spread gambling rule.” you can win.” by those under 18 is illegal within the of poker’s popularity at school. The game has Greenhill also has a strict stance Wagering money on poker boundaries of the country, the state and become the new pastime for students of all against card playing. hands is now a popular way to spend the school. grade levels who have nothing to do at lunch “If I’d known it had been going on, I weekends. The “buy-in,” or amount Ohio Law forbids gambling by minors, or study hall. would’ve called it to the attention of the of money required to join a game, and this prohibition is also emphasized at Senior Joshua Shum said not much home- staff,” he said. is usually small—anywhere from $1 school. The 2004-2005 Students’ Rights and work gets done in his senior study hall because The student handbook states that students to $10. There are, however, orga- Responsibilities Handbook clearly states the of the frequent card playing, despite the school’s caught playing poker for money face disciplin- nized gatherings with higher stakes. boundaries of gambling allowed at school ban on gambling. ary action. These punishments may not be just Senior Jason March said he often and the consequences associated with “I notice multiple tables of poker games go- confined at school. plays poker. He is 18 and thus legally such behavior. ing on in senior study hall,” Shum said. Playing poker at school consti- allowed to participate in such tourna- “Gambling, or assisting others Individual teachers enforce different rules, tutes “public gaming,” which is a ments under Ohio law. to gamble, regardless of the mon- and therefore have different standards as to minor misdemeanor for the fi rst “I have played in a $10 game once, etary value of the stakes, either what is and is not acceptable in their class- offense or fourth-degree misde- which has about 25 people in it, so I on school ground or in a man- rooms. Some senior study hall advisers do meanor for subsequent offenses. would say there was about $250 on the ner that affects the school, is closely monitor the playing of cards, such as Thus, playing poker for money line,” March said. “grounds for discipline, sus- American Studies teacher Kim Brown. She said at school may have legal Yet, the Federal Trade Commission states pension, emergency re- she strictly enforces the school’s rule of no consequences and in a June 2002 consumer alert that “every state moval or expulsion,” the card-playing. school punish- prohibits gambling by minors,” and according handbook states. ments. to the Ohio Revised Code, Chapter XXIX, “all Even beyond gambling, forms of gambling and activities in aid of it are illegal principal Kip Greenhill said if carried on as a business, or for personal profi t, or as a card playing is banned signifi cant source of income or livelihood.” on school grounds. Despite these legal restrictions, senior David*, who is under 18, said he plays poker for money on the weekends. He spends two or three hours a week playing poker with friends, betting $1 or $2 per hand, and around $5 per game. He said he has made substantial profi ts on some of these games.

*denotes a source who requested anonymity; real name not used PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

BY B 12 AILE February 25, 2005 Y C AP ELL E ArlingtonianFOCUS

“I have won up to $70 per game,” he said. David said he gets the money for these games mainly through his allow- ance, jobs or previous wins. David plays these poker games mainly for the socializing, not the high-stakes gaming, he said. He does not see teenage gambling as a large problem for most students. “I think [teenage gambling] is fi ne if kept at a reasonable level,” he said. But gambling cannot be dismissed as simply a leisure activity. Berg’s enjoyment of poker quickly turned into an obsessive behavior. Many harmful effects can result from gambling, including a mental disorder known as pathological gambling, or gambling On-campus betting addiction, which youth are more likely to be plagued with, according to a 1997 California Research Bureau study. Students fi nd time at school to study Gambling at an early age can have serious consequences. Pathological gambling is recognized as a medical sports brackets, poker hands, odds disorder by the American Psychi- atric Association and has elements side from playing poker on “I just don’t want card playing in study hall,” “Many students think of addiction similar to alcohol and the weekends, some stu- Greenhill said. “It’s not an academic pursuit. It the rules are different in substance abuse. Gamblers with dents also spend school has never been allowed here in my tenure. senior study hall,” she said. A this impulse disorder lose control time honing their poker skills. Those Despite these restrictions, students do of- “We are a bit more flexible, over gambling behavior with pulling out cards in study hall and at ten play poker on school premises and even but I do not bend on the no- damaging personal, social and lunch may not realize that gambling teachers are powerless to stop the spread gambling rule.” fi nancial effects. by those under 18 is illegal within the of poker’s popularity at school. The game has Greenhill also has a strict stance From the DSM-IV, an ency- boundaries of the country, the state and become the new pastime for students of all against card playing. clopedia of mental illnesses, about the school. grade levels who have nothing to do at lunch “If I’d known it had been going on, I fi ve percent of adults in the United Ohio Law forbids gambling by minors, or study hall. would’ve called it to the attention of the States are classifi ed as problem and this prohibition is also emphasized at Senior Joshua Shum said not much home- staff,” he said. gamblers. This number is higher for school. The 2004-2005 Students’ Rights and work gets done in his senior study hall because The student handbook states that students younger gamblers. The CRB study Responsibilities Handbook clearly states the of the frequent card playing, despite the school’s caught playing poker for money face disciplin- reported that the rate of compul- boundaries of gambling allowed at school ban on gambling. ary action. These punishments may not be just sive gambling among teens reaches and the consequences associated with “I notice multiple tables of poker games go- confined at school. seven to 11 percent. In fact, youth such behavior. ing on in senior study hall,” Shum said. Playing poker at school consti- are two to four times more likely to “Gambling, or assisting others Individual teachers enforce different rules, tutes “public gaming,” which is a develop a gambling addiction, in part to gamble, regardless of the mon- and therefore have different standards as to minor misdemeanor for the fi rst due to their lack of information about etary value of the stakes, either what is and is not acceptable in their class- offense or fourth-degree misde- the risks of gambling addiction. on school ground or in a man- rooms. Some senior study hall advisers do meanor for subsequent offenses. School psychologist Joe Keith attri- ner that affects the school, is closely monitor the playing of cards, such as Thus, playing poker for money butes this high rate of adolescent addic- “grounds for discipline, sus- American Studies teacher Kim Brown. She said at school may have legal tion to the nature of games of chance. pension, emergency re- she strictly enforces the school’s rule of no consequences and “Anytime someone can gain money they moval or expulsion,” the card-playing. school punish- attribute their success to skill,” he said. “This handbook states. ments. prompts people to continue to gamble, when re- Even beyond gambling, ally the element of luck is much more dominant in principal Kip Greenhill said such games.” card playing is banned Even potentially more serious and dangerous than on school grounds. the heightened risk for teens with gambling addiction is the potential for depression and suicide. Young adults and teen gamblers are more likely to suffer these symptoms than non-gamblers, according to a November study by the Yale University School of Medicine. The study found that teen gamblers were more likely than teen non-gamblers to suffer from drug and alco- hol use and abuse and depression; more compulsive gamblers commit

February 25, 2005 13 FOCUSArlingtonian

suicide than alcoholics. Alcoholism is a problem that takes a longer period of time to develop Betting on the ball than gambling addiction, Keith said. Thus, more pathological gamblers may be prone to depression and suicide. by Kristine Perry “It takes a long onset to reach alcoholism,” Keith said. “With gambling, ot only does March bring the beginnings of spring and the you can get a quick high and then people become immediately addicted to arrival of vacations, it also brings a season of gambling. The that high, that need to win.” N NCAA basketball tournament known as March Madness is held annually in March, and with it are betting pools by the thou- The feeling of hopelessness is common among gamblers, especially sands, many of them coordinated by high school students. when in debt, and this may lead to suicide ide- This year’s tournament consists of 65 teams vying for the na- played po alizations,alizations, KeithKeith said.said. tional championship, according to the NCAA. The games will begin you ker e fo “When people become hopeless on March 15 and run until the Final Four games, which will be held av r h m and depressed, many tend to ex- April 2 and 4 in St.. Louis. Though the match ups will not be an- n 17% o e n nounced until March 13, many students are already planning their t 1-4 times e perience “black-or-white” think- f y o per week pools and team picks for this year’s tournament. i ing, where situations are only n w According to a 2002 four-part series on college gambling ap- 8% 5 or more o good or bad,” Keith said. t times per week 40% Never h pearing in Florida Today, the average bet on the online casino beton- H

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the SPOTspectatorsspectators’ As winter tournaments start,

WANSON Bears reach top of their game S

INDSEY

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BY designed by Alex Dappen

PHOTO

The Jock Stop

Senior Swimming Captain

WANSON S Nate

INDSEY

L Cass

BY

Nate, what is your favorite stroke?

PHOTO My favorite is the back stroke, but my main event is the 200 individual medley where I swim 50 meters of each stroke. Is it hard work to be a captain? It can be hard at times. I can never take it easy or slack off. I have to be a good role model. Are you planning on swimming in college? Yes, Stanford recruited me and gave me some scholarship money. Do you enjoy participating in water polo or swimming better? Water polo is more fun and not as much work, but I feel that swimming is more rewarding. We are one of the best teams in the nation right now. Is it true that you have to shave your legs for the state meet? Yeah, everything that my Speedo doesn’t cover must be shaved. It’s not as bad as it sounds though. We actually just got a sponsorship from Schick.

Top Center: Stretching for the ball, freshman Peter Zympher of the Special Olympics basketball team fi ghts to recover the ball from his Columbus challenger Feb. 5. The Bears suffered a loss of 31-45.

Far Right: Freshman Leanne Iacovetta practices her technique and placement at diving practice before the Jan. 28 OCC Diving Championships. The team took the gold at the Championships.

Top Left: Sophomore Jessica Haring performs a ATTOUA graceful arabesque at the Feb. 8 gymnastics meet. The K

LLIE

A Bears came out on top with a fi rst-place fi nish.

APPEN

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A Bottom Left: Junior Julie Thompson #21 snatches a

BY SEQUENCE rebound from her Thomas Worthington opponent on Jan. 25. The fi nal score was 60-54.

HOTO

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16 February 25, 2005 ArlingtonianSPORTS

Sticking it for States Popeye had Gymnastics brings diversity to winter sports season spinach. by Luc Nutter inter sports are wrapping up and Ready for States many UA teams are anticipating You have us. W state tournaments. The gymnas- tics team is different from other sports in that instead of sending the entire team, it can only send individuals to the state competition. •PSAT The only other winter sports that do this are the swimming and diving teams. •SAT Gymnastics is also different from other •ACT sports in that the girls do not change their gameplan depending on what team they com- Liz Huls Kristen Cochran •SAT II pete against. Sports like basketball or wrestling might call for scouting of the other team, but Cochran could go to states on any event— for the most part, gymnasts compete with her strongest being vault—while Huls could themselves. Most girls spend practice time fi ne go on fl oor or beam. According to Main, it is tuning old routines instead of learning new likely Cochran will also be considered for the ones. Many gymnasts also opt to add bonus all-around competition. material to their routine to increase diffi culty One of the events in the all-around is the and their max score, hoping to make their rou- fl oor. Gymnastics, apart from some other tine worthy to place at states. sports, is very dependent on equipment. Com- According to head coach Shelly Main, the peting on fl oor at large tournaments requires state tournament consists of district competitions gymnasts to do harder tumbling passes that held throughout Ohio, where the girls compete need more fl ight than what the team’s practice in the various events. The top seven girls in each equipment allows, according to Cochran. event go on to the state competition. “We practice our fl oor routines on foam Fight your winter Depending on how the gymnasts place on mats that are about an inch and a half thick,” individual events, one might be considered Cochran said. “When we compete on fl oor for the all-around competition, which com- at districts or states, we do our routine on a blues and prep bines all scores into an overall score that will spring fl oor which makes it a lot easier to do determine the all-around winner. more diffi cult tumbling passes.” for Main said she thinks UA has two potential The state competition is to be held at state candidates this year: sophomore Kristen Dublin Coffman High School Saturday, Cochran and senior Liz Huls. March 5 beginning at 10 a.m. the March SAT! The Idiot’s Guide to Gymnastics Events: Floor, Vault, Beam and Bars. Call now to Scoring: Scores are based on the execution of a pre-designed routine. Combinations of moves or the use of more diffi cult skills register. raises the possible max score for each routine. 1-800-2Review Terminology Tsuck (tsook) - A vault with a pre-mount half turn, and a back pike. Full - A vault with a normal mount and 360 degree turn. PrincetonReview.com Compulsories - Pre-designed routines listing specifi c movements required of all gymnasts to compete on the various events.

February 25, 2005 17 ARTSArlingtonian ICTURES ICTURES ICTURES P P P EDIA . M ROS B EATURES EARCHLIGHT F EARCHLIGHT NER S S AR ELLSPRING OX OCUS OX F F W F W

COURTESY COURTESY COURTESY COURTESY COURTESY

IMAGE IMAGE IMAGE IMAGE IMAGE And the Oscar goes to... by Chadd Harbold

ith the release of 283 films in lationship follies are heartbreaking. It is upcoming Batman Begins) lost 63 pounds, 2004, according to rogerebert. about the importance of memory and the landing him at 6 feet 2 inches, 120 pounds. Wcom, it is apparent that this fragility of love. The word “dedication” seems lacking. But was an interesting year for movies, with once the actor had prepared physically, there surprise hits like The Passion of the Christ and Best Director was still the actual acting to do. And Bale Fahrenheit 9/11. The year 2004, though, does not fail to deliver. He gives a frantic, failed to top 2003 which saw the release Nominees: Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby), paranoid performance in a fi lm that lives or of films like the final chapter of The Lord of Vincent Gallo (The Brown Bunny), Michel Gondry dies on his ability to engage the audience. the Rings, 21 Grams and Lost in Translation. (Eternal Sunshine), Martin Scorsese (The Aviator), Lars Nevertheless, if this writer was in charge von Trier (Dogville) Best Actress of the Oscars, here would be the nominees and winners. Winner: Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby) Nominees: Nicole Kidman (Birth and Dogville), Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake), Hilary Swank (Million Best Picture It is doubtful that Clint Eastwood will Dollar Baby), Uma Thurman (Kill Bill Vol. 2), Kate ever make a better movie than 1992’s Un- Winslet (Eternal Sunshine) Nominees: The Brown Bunny, Eternal Sunshine of the Spot- forgiven, but Million Dollar Baby comes very, less Mind, Garden State, Million Dollar Baby, Sideways very close. At age 74, Eastwood is at the height of his career as an Winner: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind actor and director. This subtlety ILMS F moving fi lm is one of the best of ATE

This was the year of love stories. The the year because of Eastwood’s G IONS L best films of the year were all about find- delicate direction. His observant ing love or losing it. The Brown Bunny, the camera catches his actors in some COURTESY most obscure film on this list, brilliantly of their best performances. conveys the pain of the loss of love without IMAGE many words. But the film of the year, Eter- Best Actor Winner: Nicole Kidman (Birth and Dogville) nal Sunshine, does more than that. It nearly achieves perfection. A subdued, introverted Nominees: Kevin Bacon (The Woodsman), Christian Bale In terms of box offi ce, Nicole Kidman Jim Carrey and a delightful Kate Winslet (The Machinist), Jim Carrey (Eternal Sunshine), Vincent has had a pretty bad year. All three of her create indelible char- Gallo (The Brown Bunny), Paul fi lms, the third being The Stepford Wives, acters. The two play a Giamatti (Sideways) fl opped miserably. Unfortunately, Birth and couple who has broken Dogville are two of the best of her career, LASSICS up, and both decide C Winner: Christian Bale but no one saw them. Both unconventional, to take advantage of a (The Machinist) Dogville fi nds Kidman playing a newcomer ARAMOUNT P new procedure to have in a small town, set on a sound stage with- each other erased. For his role in The out props a la Our Town. Kidman plays the COURTESY They must relive each Machinist, Christian Bale timid Grace, while showing the audience

memory, and their re- The Machinist IMAGE (American Psycho, and the that her character has both a secret and a

18 February 25, 2005 ArlingtonianARTS sinister side. Birth, which stylistically plays like 1968’s Rosemary’s Baby, is about a 10- year-old boy who claims to be Kidman’s Double casting offers dead husband reincarnate. In the most im- portant scene in the fi lm, Kidman comes to believe the boy during an opera in a teary three minute close-up. In both performanc- different interpretations es, she brings realism and power to fi lms by Alysse Miller with unusual plots. ach February, the music department Best Supporting Actor gathers over 100 students to participate Ein a selected musical. This year, musical director Eric Kauffman decided to double Nominees: David Carradine (Kill Bill Vol. 2), cast some main roles in the chosen show, Thomas Haden Church (Sideways), Mos Def (The South Pacifi c by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Woodsman), Clive Owen (Closer), Peter Sarsgaard

To put on an inspiring show, Kauffman WANSON (Garden State and Kinsey) knew he needed the right students to play S INDSEY

each role. For the fi rst time in his career at L

BY Winner: Clive Owen (Closer) UAHS, he double cast the three main female characters, meaning each person double cast PHOTO will be in two of the four performances. MUSICAL: Senoir Jenna Hitchcock and fel- For the double-casted show, Kauffman low castmembers practice for the musical. said South Pacifi c was picked because it is full Kauffman decided to double cast this year. of music with which students are familiar. ICTURES P “There’s a lot of fun music,” he said. pletely new and different to her role,” Han- “There are probably nine or 10 popular, fa- kins said. “It will be a totally different show OLUMBIA C mous songs from this musical. ” each night.” South Pacifi c is set on an island occupied Slutz agrees that each of the leads shows COURTESY by U.S. forces during WWII. Kauffman said another side of the character.

IMAGE it demonstrates how the service men inter- “We both have different interpretations acted with the people on the island and their of the character,” she said. “I would encour- In Closer, Clive Owen’s calculating, brood- adventures of inter-racial love and war. age people to come both nights.” ing performance upstaged his much more “[Two couples] go through their trials and Although Kauffman gave more students famous costars (Julia Roberts, Jude Law and tribulations of love,” Kauffman said. “Then the the opportunity to play the lead characters, Natalie Portman). All fi ve of these nominees character of Cable volunteers to take a very he also decreased the size of the chorus. dangerous mission that could cost him his life.” “The one reason we did a smaller cast gave incredible performances, but it was One reason Kauffman said he decided on this year is because the kids told me they Owen who stole every scene he was in. While performing South Pacifi c was because of the would like the idea of being in the cast as an his character is not very likable, he is fascinat- great morals it teaches. honor,” Kauffman said. ing to watch. “[It shows] we have to get along with one To improve the quality of the show, Kauff- another and accept each other for who we man cut the chorus by 38 members from last Best Supporting Actress really are,” he said. year’s Annie, Get Your Gun. The talent of each girl who auditioned led “This year we’re learning how important Nominees: Cate Blanchett (The Aviator and The Life Kauffman to decide a double cast would en- it is that the individual do his or her job and hance the show. sell his or her character,” Kauffman said. Aquatic), Laura Dern (We Don’t Live Here Anymore), “When it came down to it, there were “Now the chorus scenes are smaller and you Virginia Madsen (Sideways), Natalie Portman (Closer so many girls who auditioned and who did a can really see what every person is doing.” and Garden State), Naomi Watts (The Assassination great job,” Kauffman said. “[Each of the leads] To ensure a strong performance, Kauffman of Richard Nixon, I ♥ Huckabees and We Don’t Live had her own style, and they all worked.” said there are rehearsals every day after school Here Anymore) After seeing 115 students in auditions, as well as weekend rehearsals as needed. Kauffman cast seniors Sarah Delay and Helle “I think it’ll pay off,” Slutz said. “At times Winner: Virginia Madsen (Sideways) Slutz as main character Nellie Forbush. Both I wish I had a break, but at the same time said they agree the double cast is good for they’re worth it.” In the fi lm Sideways, Virginia Madsen steals the show and gives more people the oppor- South Pacifi c will be performed Feb. 24, the show. Her poignant portrayal of a divorcee tunity to play the lead roles. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 27 at 2:30 Senior Kelsey Hankins works behind the p.m. Tickets, which cost $6 for students and afraid to trust any man again is sad and moving. scenes as stage manager for the production seniors and $8 to $10 dollars for reserved The most memorable scene occurs when Mad- and said she believes the double cast is creat- seats, will be available at lunch during the sen and fellow onephile Paul Giamatti passion- ing two unique shows. week of the show at www.uavocalmusic.org ately discuss their favorite wines, metaphorically “Each person brings something com- or at 486-0925. discussing their own fears.

February 25, 2005 19 ARTSArlingtonian Independent Spirit Indie rock attracts large fan base by Renee Ogaki s “TKO” by Le Tigre played in the people can’t have, so UAHS hallways, students enthusias- they can feel more se- Atically nodded their heads to the en- cure. They draw their ergetic indie rock music while they ambled identify from some- off to their classes. Some students asked what thing that makes them band was being played, while others shouted standout and be confi - out the feminist lyrics and professed love for dent for who they are. the lead singer, Kathleen Hanna. They’re posers.”

Indie comes from the word independent. Despite such an ECORDS For indie fans, the word holds much more idealogy, junior Brian R

meaning, and the popularity of the indie scene Thomas said the recog- NIVERSAL can be frustrating to their indie idealogy. nition of indie culture is U According to the All Music Guide offi cial not something to com-

COURTESY website, “Indie rock takes its name from ‘in- plain about. Indie fans

IMAGE dependent,’ which describes both the do-it- should change, instead INDIE: Members from the indie band Le Tigre pose for the album cover of yourself attitudes of its bands and the small, of trying to keep the their sophomore effort, This Island. The song “TKO” from this album was lower-budget nature of the labels that release indie culture from be- played in the halls on Dec. 5. the music. The general assumption is that coming popular. it’s virtually impossible to make indie rock’s “People can do from the show, included indie rock bands such as varying musical approaches compatible with whatever they want. I think that [the growth Interpol, Nada Surf and Death Cab for Cutie. mainstream taste.” of indie culture] happens, and [indie fans] Not only is indie music on the rise, indie Yet, the current indie culture has started should deal with it. If they don’t want to be fi lms are attracting more attention, as well, to become more mainstream. The popular- mainstream, they should fi nd something else. Buffer said. One recent indie movie hit was ity of the indie culture has been noted in the They shouldn’t be angry because styles are Napoleon Dynamite, which, according to music magazine, Spin. For their refl ection on changing. Just fi nd a new one,” Thomas said. the Rotten Tomatoes fi lm web site, made 2004, they wrote an article titled “Trend of Indie becoming commonplace is seen espe- $44,478,018 in the box offi ce, putting it in the Year: The Revival of Indie Rock!” and cially in areas of music, and sophomore Kath- the top 10 for two weeks. named indie rock band The Arcade Fire’s erine Degnen said she was pleased. With indie Buffer sees both positives and negatives to album Funeral as the rock bands played the rise in indie culture. album of the year. on MTV, more and “It bothers me when a band gets popular Even though this more students have and everyone listens to it and they call them- culture has become People just think they become interested in selves indie,” Buffer said. “But it pleases me popular, some students the music. when they actually like the band and research such as sophomore can wear tight pants and “It’s good that it and are able to appreciate it for what it is.” Clayton Buffer said listen to Bright Eyes and people are starting to Freshman Rosie Shaffer said, however, as the individuality aspect listen to good music soon as something considered indie becomes should be preserved. be indie, but they can’t. and are getting away popular, it is no longer indie. “Indie is about from rap and pop,” “Indie bands don’t really follow the ‘pop’ fi nding an identity, Degnen said. “People culture. They do what they want, make the being an individual as junior Zach Paulsen should think about music the way they want, and sound the way well as being indepen- the music instead of they want. It’s being independent, not always dent,” Buffer said. being so exclusive, listening to the producer,” Shaffer said. Junior Zach Paulsen said students who only saying, ‘Those people are different from us, they According to Shaffer’s defi nition of indie, follow the indie scene for its popularity are not shouldn’t be listening to our music.’” Le Tigre is an indie rock band in question. truly indie. The problem of indie culture in mainstream But regardless of the beliefs and concerns “People just think they can wear tight pants society came partly from the show The OC, Pease of indie fans, bands such as Le Tigre will and listen to Bright Eyes and be indie, but they said. The OC is seen by an average of 9.7 million continue to gain radio and TV coverage at can’t,” Paulsen said. “People want to identify viewers, according to its offi cial web site. And least for the time being, until pop culture with something unique, something that other The OC’s soundtrack, which showcases songs changes again.

20 February 25, 2005 ArlingtonianVOICE

Letters to Nick, Mike, Sarah, Luc, be at a loss. Mr.Conley was very infl uen- Heath, Matt, Hank and tial to our school. He changed the lives of Gus [Krimm] shared many and will be forever missed. the editor memories of how Mr. UA Alive and Kickin’ It Live are televi- Conley had touched sion shows at UAHS. Mr. Conley was in their lives. As they charge of the recording for the shows and Teachers thank Kickin’ it spoke, their poise, ma- created them himself. Not only will the Live staff for Conley memorial turity, and sincere gratitude were evident. shows not be the same, the structure of the In our thirty years at this high school, shows will change with a new teacher in ecently, Upper Arlington High we have never been more impressed with a charge. Mr. Conley made the shows lively School lost a great friend and group of students. Mr. Conley would have and exciting. He gave leeway to students Rteacher, Joe Conley. In the midst of been proud. who wanted to do outrageous stuff. this tragedy came a remarkable effort from John Heck and Frank Cole Though the show will always keep its the “Kickin’ it Live” staff. Patrick Buttress, Upper Arlington High School Faculty dignity, the uniqueness of the show may Nick Judy, Mike Judy, Sarah Kuhman, be lost with the loss of the creator. Tommy Lombardi, Luc Nutter, Heath Student remembers Conley The man who passed away on New Trabue, Matt Schrock, Hank Wagenbach Year’s Day will be forever missed and never and JK Wilson are to be congratulated. To he life of a wonderful man was forgotten. He created an everlasting televi- pay tribute to Mr. Conley, these students taken away in too short of a time. sion show at the high school and made a and others viewed hundreds of hours of TThe life of Joe Conley will be forever impact on many kids. Not only was he a fi lm, carefully chose clips that honored his celebrated throughout the community. great teacher, he was also a great friend. memory, and created a 12-minute video. He made an impact not only in the school He went out of his way to welcome new A project that usually would take weeks building, but also outside of school. He teachers and always acknowledged fellow was fi nished in less than three days. They was an upbeat, positive, friendly man who staff members, regardless if he knew them even spent the night in the studio, (sleep- was willing to do anything to make others or not. Joe Conley left footprints in many ing bags strewn everywhere) putting the smile. His classes will never be the same, people’s hearts at Upper Arlington High fi nishing touches on the memorial video. UA Alive and Kickin’ It Live will be handled School, and he will never be forgotten. In addition, at the memorial service, differently, and his family and friends will Junior Lindsay Fisher Discovering the meaning of service few weeks ago, during high for them. For me, the latter of the two was more meaningful. school seminars at First When I fi rst arrived in Tijuana, I reconsidered what I was getting myself A Community Church, we into; was it worth it to give up my entire spring break to labor six hours discussed the meaning of service. a day in a third world country? If I couldn’t even hammer a nail or cut When asked what an “act of ser- wood with a saw, how was I supposed to mix concrete and build a house? vice was,” I immediately thought of Despite my hesitations, I decided to make the most of the trip; I was stuck bake sales, donations and required in Mexico, after all. service hours. After the fi rst few days, I learned how to hammer nails and build a I began to wonder which is more wall, but these were minor accomplishments compared to the friendship I important, the tangible things we built with one family’s daughter, Adelena. Adelena was one of the happiest can give, or the unseen elements children I have ever met. Even though she lived in a one-room house with of service: time, effort and care. seven others and walked miles to school everyday, she always had a smile I soon realized that our society on her face. often associates service with On the last day of construction, we fi nally presented the house key money donated and gifts given. to the single mother of the home. I can still remember the tears in her After contemplating this, I was left eyes—as well as ours— and the excitement on the children’s faces when Ashton DiDonato with one question: have we lost they were given the keys to their new house. The mother told us that we Guest Columnist the true meaning of service? not only gave her a home, but we gave her hope and love, and to her, that This question led me directly was the greatest gift of all. to the Mexico Mission Trip I attended last March with my church. Nearly Upon leaving, I remember thinking Adelena’s mother was right, a home 200 high school and college students and adults fl ew to Tijuana, Mexico to was a great gift for me to give to Adelena, but it was the friendship that we build homes for those who lack adequate shelter. Although the obvious built that was a much greater gift. We can all drop money into a bucket or purpose was to physically build homes for the families, there was also the donate to a fund, but being face-to-face with someone and sharing love is underlying intent of showing these families that there are people who care the best gift we can give. And that, to me, is the true meaning of service.

February 25, 2005 21 VOICEArlingtonian Staff fi nds fault with Oscar speeches ranked very year the Academy charity incentives recognizes a select Staff Editorial Egroup of actors and ollowing the tsunami, a fl ood of students came to the rescue actresses for their achieve- ments in acting. While a table to donate money and goods for the victims, but not all of large group of actors are Fthese students had the cause in their hearts. Instead of think- nominated for an Oscar, ing of the suffering victims, many students imagined themselves not only a few actually take “suffering” in eighth period, as the idea of getting out of school early home the prestigious gold pushed them to give to the needy. statue. Preparing the ac- While the of the Character Enrichment Team’s idea to pro- ceptance speech is the most mote tsunami relief donations was well intentioned, ultimately, it diffi cult feat with which an cheapens the spirit of giving to reward people for their generos- actor is faced, even more so ity. The true reward for charity is the feeling it produces, not the than picking out a gown. For the past 76 years, prizes received. Sara Mitchell the Oscars have been fi lled With such a caring student body like the one at UAHS, it is un- with laughter, tears and, above all else, appreciation. Being acknowl- fathomable that the students could not take the initiative to donate edged for outstanding abilities in fi lm may stir many emotions, but without the thought of rewards. It is, however, unfair to blame the it is important for nominees to put those aside and remember they entire student body. Some students came forward selfl essly, but the will be judged by their speech, not their latest Botox injection. incentive offered by the CET outshadows their honorable intentions. There are three basic speeches most winners build off of for These people wanted to help the tsunami victims and should be com- the big night. The three common speeches are the grateful speech, mended for their actions. the humble speech and the unprepared speech. Those who gave only with thoughts of how the proceeds raised The Thank You One and All Speech would benefi t them should be ashamed. Though it is wonderful that they donated, they did not do it for the right reasons. Yes, some This is the typical Hollywood acceptance speech. The winner may have been giving to satisfy both needs—those of the tsunami fi rst thanks the director and producers of the fi lm, then he/she victims and also their personal need to get out of school—but most continues to thank every person who took part in the making of were attracted by the banner that draped across the main hallway the fi lm. Finally, the actor fi nishes his appreciation speech by giving reading, “Do you wish to be let out of school early?” Any student shout outs to his un-famous buddies. This is the speech during would want an early dismissal, and if that meant giving $5 to a which you leave the television to make popcorn because you have worthy cause, so be it. no clue who “Joe, the Big Dawg in Texas” is and you could care less. Charity should come from the heart, not from the promise of 20 The I Do Not Deserve This Speech minutes shaved off of the school day. Offers like this are alarming in a school that is revered for its generosity and should not be tolerated. The next most common speech is the one that includes the The true reward of charity is knowing a difference has been made in notorious line,“I do not deserve this.” Even though this speech can the world. That should be incentive enough. become redundant and annoying, it is just downright painful to the other nominees in the category. When the faces of the losing can- didates fl ash across the screen throughout the speech, you know I hope they are thinking vulgar thoughts behind their plastic smiles. The Time this helps grimacing nominees are silently agreeing with the actor, thinking off school— the tsunami they are the ones who really deserve the award. Yes! victims ... The I Was So Not Ready For This Speech

The fi nal of the three speeches is the one that is fi lled with shock and tears. This is perhaps the most sincere of the three, for it is neither a fake humble speech nor a drawn out appreciation

speech. This speech is honest and interesting.

EACH T

$ MILY At the root of it all, the Oscars are merely a competition. It is E

BY important to stand out and indicate one’s talents in acting through

the acceptance speech. For a few minutes their words are all that

ARTOON defi ne them. Writing an acceptable speech is diffi cult, but audi- C

ences appreciate the outcome.

DITORIAL E

22 February 25, 2005 ArlingtonianVOICE Arlingtonian from editor... 2004-2005 Staff the Editor in Chief Biru Chen Managing Editor Dangers of gambling addiction, Kyle McMahon though often ignored by stu- Copy Editor Allie D’Aurora dents and community, need to News Editor Kaitlyn Williams be heeded at both school, home Feature Editor Stephanie Hummel part from common dangers of alcoholism, 2004 Yale University School of Medicine study, Focus Co-Editors drug abuse and violence, it seems another young adult and teen gamblers are more likely Daniel Merritt Sara Mitchell Avice has become popular among teens, to suffer from depression and have substance- Sports Editor though with the risks less emphasized: gambling. abuse problems. Also, nine million Americans are Luc Nutter With shows like The Ultimate Poker Challenge and “problem gamblers,” and another three million Arts Editor commercials for PartyPoker.com regularly blaring are “pathological gamblers.” These can be lifelong Chadd Harbold from television sets across the nation, it is no sur- problems just as serious as alcohol or drug abuse. Voice Editor prise that teens are following this gambling trend. For those who do choose to try their hand at a few Kristine Perry Staff Writer Although a game of poker may not be harm- gambling games, they must be responsible for their Renee Ogaki ful, as many fi nd card games to be fun, the risks of own actions and be aware of when to stop. A few Web Editor associating such games with money are tremen- hours of simple pleasure or a few dollars of profi t Luke Parmelee dous. A gambling addiction is a real psychological are not worth the long-term side effects gambling Graphics Editor disorder that needs to be addressed early. Students may cause. Emily Teach Photo Co-Editors should be aware of this addiction and not be Our school needs to hold a stronger stance Bailey Capelle sucked into the current trend of gambling. against gambling. Even though the student Allie Kattoua The thrill and excitement of gambling might handbook clearly forbids gambling, regardless of Graphics Artist be fun, and the occasional wins may be falsely ful- monetary value, most students are unaware of such Caitlin Craig fi lling, but those are all short-term gratifi cations. restrictions. The school store even sells playing Chrissy Hummel Shows like Las Vegas glorify the casino scene and cards with which some students use to play poker Photographers Alex Dappen make gambling seem like no big deal. What these during study hall or lunch, despite a paper sign Lindsey Swanson shows hide is the fact that professional casinos are declaring them not for school use. All teachers Business Manager made to earn money for themselves, and indi- need to hold a unifi ed front against gambling, and Neethi Johnson vidual losses always far outweigh the gains. With both students and staff need to be more aware of Advertising Editor games of chance, the probability of winning is the negative effects of gambling and take action to Chloe Tiberi certainly not to the advantage of individual play- prevent them from happening. Production Manager Alysse Miller ers, and thus the purpose of gambling for money is pointless. Adviser But perhaps more dangerous than the useless Carol Hemmerly purpose of gambling are the potential side effects Printer S. Beckman of gambling addiction. According to a November Editor in Chief

Arlingtonian is a student-produced newsmagazine Arlingtonian welcomes letters to the editor, only legally protected speech following the legal published approximately every four weeks by Journal- guest columns and news releases from faculty, defi nitions for libel, obscenity and invasion of privacy. ism III-A students at Upper Arlington High School. administrators, community residents, students and The staff will also refrain from printing stories that The publication has been established as a public the general public. create a material disruption of school activities. forum for student expression and for the discussion The Arlingtonian editorial board reserves the Because the Arlingtonian staff will determine content of of issues of concern to its audience. It will not be right to withhold a letter or column and return the publication, it will therefore also take complete legal reviewed or restrained by school offi cials prior to it for more information if it determines the piece and fi nancial responsibility for what is printed. publication or distribution. contains items of unprotected speech as defi ned by Arlingtonian will not avoid publishing a story Since Arlingtonian is a forum for student ex- this policy. solely on the basis of possible dissent or controversy. pression, the editorial board, which consists of the As a public forum, all letters and columns meet- The Arlingtonian staff raises and pays all printing staff’s top editors, will determine the content of the ing the above criteria will be posted in full on the and production costs through advertising sales, newsmagazine and all unsigned editorials; therefore, Arlingtonian web site at www.arlingtonian.com for subscription sales and other fundraisers . material may not necessarily refl ect the opinions or a minimum of four weeks. The editor shall interpret and enforce this policies of Upper Arlington school offi cials. Arlingtonian and its staff will strive to publish editorial policy.

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