11th Period Journalism Final Project

Growing
up in 2’s

May 2021
By: Katie MacDowell

Table of contents:

2 - Personality Profile
3 - Interview
4 - Editorial
5 - Sports Column / News Article
6 - Feature Story
7/8 - Photo Essay
8/9 - Yearbook
10 - Self Reflection

Katie MacDowell ‘23 Growing Up in 2’s
Lewis Center, Ohio

Aidan Somerville: YouTube Sensation

Aidan Somerville is a 14-year-old who aspires to do versary of making YouTube videos. I have continued to post
big things in the film industry. Somerville is a on it throughout the years,” Somerville said.
freshman at Olentangy high school, born and raised Somerville aspires to be like the director, producer, actor,

in Ohio. Ever since he was a 4- year-old boy, he has been and writer Trey Edwards Shults.

passionate about filmmaking and writing. Every important “S’hult´s style is very personal, but also entertaining at the

event in his life, Somerville has imagined the experience same time,” according to Somerville.

like it is a movie. Everything from video games, to family The movie Waves, directed by Shults, is the type of movie

have been important aspects in Somervilles life. Somerville aspires to produce one day. It develops deep

“I was known as the YouTube boy all throughout life when connections with the characters and shows different points

I was younger,” Somerville said. of views, which Somerville admires.

Not only was it his hobby, but it was his lifestyle. All One of Somerville´s most viewed YouTube video received 17

of Somerville´s friends have “I was known as the YouTube boy all thousand views. This video showed
thought of him as having the throughout life when I was younger,” Talking Tom singing the song Dyna-
mindset of a producer, includ- Somerville said. mite by Taio Cruz. After this video
ing Nathan Morris. went viral, he gained 36 hundred

¨Aidan is an amazing thinker. subscribers. As time went on, Somer-

He can make up so many great ideas all the time, and I´m ville realized how much time and stress he was putting into

amazed at how he does it, freshman Morris said. making every video for his 3,000 subscribers and decided to

Morris and Somerville have been close friends since ele- create a new channel to limit his stress. The new channel

mentary school. currently has 300 subscribers.

In 7th grade, Somerville had an eye opening experience As Somerville´s experience with YouTube and filmmak-

leading to his deciding factor for wanting to go into film. ing is just starting he is excited for what the future holds.

His 7th grade class and him were playing basketball in the Someday you might even see a movie written or directed by

gym. A ball bounced off the floor and hit his friend in the Somerville.

face. There was a trail of blood, Somerville said, and the

moment he saw the accident was when he realized it would

be a really cool movie scene. This sparked the idea in his

head, he could produce movies someday .

Somerville likes the idea of being a YouTuber more than

being an actor because he has stage fright.

“If I can get over stage fright acting would be fun,” Somer-

ville said.

Somerville enjoys YouTube more because he says the

thought of seeing the initial reaction of the audience is

scary and with YouTube it’s just the anticipation of upload-

ing the video. Somerville created a YouTube channel at age

4 and has continued to post on it.

“October 3rd in like less than a month is my decade anni- Permission to print by Youtube

Aidan Somerville taking pictures of chalk for Permission to print by Deviant Art
a class. This camera was a gift Aiden recieved
this year. Page 2 : Peronsality Profile : May 2021

Permission to print by Aiden Somerville

Katie MacDowell ‘23 Growing Up in 2’s
Lewis Center, Ohio

Mox Adapts to Changes

Deputy James Mox is in his fifth Mox is friendly to everyone he meets. Deputy Mox SRO
year being a school resource He greets them with a fist bump and Permission to print by OLSD Website
officer at Olentangy High a smile. Throughout his time being
School and Shanahan Middle School. a school resource officer, Mox has Deputy Mox SRO
Mox has been in law enforcement for enjoyed getting to know kids on a per- Permission to print by OLSD Website
20 years, with 19 of those years at the sonal level and seeing them through-
sheriff’s office. He enjoys coaching out the hallways. The hardest part of
high school and club softball, spending Mox’s job is having to give consequenc-
time with family and shooting with his es to kids after they make the wrong
daughter, Jacy. choice. Mox is greatful he chose to
At a young age, Mox realized he want- overlook high schoolers though some-
ed to become a police officer. He has times it can he mentally hard.
always been fascinated with the law. “At school, not accepting those that
According to Mox, in high school he dislike me because of things I have
was a natural leader. had to enforce,” is one of the hardest
“Even throughout high school I was problems Mox faces, he said.
always breaking up fights and helping As Covid hit, life drastically changed
people when needed,” Mox said. for Mox. The school resource officers
Mox’s first experience after graduating had to adjust their schedules. Origi-
high school was as a security guard nally Mox worked from 6:45 a.m. to
at Cedar Point, with no gun. This 2:45 p.m. but his work hours changed
allowed him to get the human interac- to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. As being with law
tion aspect of being a police officer and enforcement, during Covid, Mox had
learning to enforce the law, but with to take of calls over the phone to limit
less consequences. exposure. People around the world are
Durning Mox’s beginning years as required to wear masks, but law en-
a cop he encountered new scenarios forcement is exempt because they want
everyday. One of Mox’s fondest and to make sure people can hear and see
funniest memory is when he was sent them clearly with no confusion.
to a trailer park to check up on an Not only does Mox love being a police
intoxicated male. Mox thought this officer, but he also enjoys being a
experience was going to be like any softball coach. Mox enjoys travels for
other case, but it was most certainly softball. He is the Olentangy Braves
not. Once Mox got the 40-year-old in- girls softball coach along with being
toxicated man awake, they went inside the Lazer Gray club coach.
his trailer to write a report. To his
surprise, the man’s mom was there too. Olentangy Highschool
While talking to her, she passed gas, Permission to print by OLSD Website
for the first time. Mox’s partner was
standing right behind her, so he re-
ceived the smell. Then she passed gas
for the second time and then the third
really loud. After all the paperwork
was filled out, his partner and him left
the trailer with smiles on their faces.
They both thought the situation was
hilarious.
Not only has Mox experienced funny
scenes while being a cop, but he has
also had hardships. Death reports are
the hardest to write for Mox.
“They can be really emotional at times.
The younger the person is, the harder
it is to write,” Mox said.

Page 3 : Interview : May 2021

Katie MacDowell ‘23 Growing Up in 2’s
Lewis Center, Ohio

Disregard

Every year more than a mil- ACT practice tests. In order to get rately representing who you are as
lion high schoolers take the tutored and buy practice tests, it a student. GPA portrays hard work
ACT or SAT. Junior year is costs a great deal of money that a and improvement, where the ACT
known as one of the hardest years lot of families don’t have. Because only provides colleges with 4 hours
in grade school. The ACT and SAT we live in a wealthy district, we of multiple-choice test-taking skills.
are to blame. We are supposed don’t see the extent to how bad of We as students want all colleges to
to show everything we learn in 4 a problem this is. We need to be be fair in their acceptances towards
years on a four-hour test. We are the generation that allows people kids and the ACT should not be
expected to fully concentrate for from all backgrounds to have a fair taken into consideration. The ACT
4 hours when the average high chance. Doesn’t it feel unfair for measures a student’s learning
schooler can “focus between 48-80 kids to have their entire future be through multiple choice questions,
minutes,”(your teen). It can be thrown off just because they didn’t but the board should just focus
the make or break of getting into have enough resources growing up? on GPA, student’s extracurricular
college. High school grades predict Test anxiety is something everyone activities and community involve-
first-year college grades better than can relate to. From your heart ment. Focusing on teacher recom-
the ACT(National Center for Fair beating fast to panic mendations and high school grades
Testing). This fact is solely the rea- attacks, the thought of having one will better predict a student’s aca-
son the ACT should be abolished. test determines your life causes demic ability in college. We believe
Parents spend hundreds of dollars stress in everyone. the ACT is unfair, discriminatory
in order to help their kids improve According to the American Test and inaccurate and should not be
their ACT scores. Do you think it Anxieties Association, 16-18% of taken into consideration for college
is fair for someone who has readily teens have test anxiety affecting acceptance.
available resources to take the exact their performance on tests lower.
test as someone who can’t afford Anxiety affects the way people ACT multiple choice questions
a tutor? The ACT is a classist test. retain, understand, and evaluate Permission to print by OCCAM Education
Studies show that there is a direct information associating with worse
link between household incomes test scores. Test-taking abilities do
and ACT scores. The ACT is a not accurately gauge a student’s
test most people have to study for, academic ability.
except those few that get a perfect While yes, removing the ACT as a
their first time. Anyways, the two whole would put a lot of pressure
ways to effectively study for the on a kid’s GPA, your GPA is shown
test are to get tutored and to buy throughout four years, more accu-

Permission to print by OCCAM Education

Page 4 : Editorial : May 2021

Katie MacDowell ‘23 Growing Up in 2’s

KneelingLewis Center, Ohio for National Anthem Permission to print by CNN

The question most people is disrespecting the men and wom- icans were killed because of their
wonder, should I stand or
kneel during the National en who have fought for our county. race.
Anthem? This controversial ques-
tion has stumped Americans this While many argue kneeling is “I’m not going to stand up to show
year. The purpose of kneeling for
the flag is to bring attention to the disrespecting the people who have pride in a flag for a country that
injustices occurring in our country
everyday regarding race. George served our country, our country is oppresses black people and people
Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Casey
Goodman are only some of the peo- supposed to stand for justice and of color,” Kaepernick said.
ple killed by police brutality. Their
lives were taken due solely to the equality and the fact not every Because Colin Kaepernick is a
fact of their skin color. America is
known to the world as a country American is getting the rights they professional athlete, his actions
where there is freedom of speech
and freedom to protest. While deserve, should be protested. made nationwide news. This has
many Americans are furiated with
the actions their fellow peers have Colin Kaepernick, a football player impacted other people in a positive
taken, kneeling for the flag is just
a way to get one step closer to on the San Francisco 49ers, was way. Now, many people involved in

equality. “I’m not going to stand up to different sports kneel, following
People have opposing views on Kaepernick’s example. He has Kaepermick kneeling durning
kneeling during the National An-
them. Some believe it is a human show pride in a flag for a country influenced important figures to a 49’ers game. He played on the
right to protest for what they be-
lieve while others believe kneeling that oppresses black people and follow his actions, like players
on the U.S. Women’s National
people of color,” Kaepernick said. Soccer team. Permission to print by CNN

Kneeling for the National

the first person to publicly kneel Anthem is justified under the first

during the National Anthem. Amendment. Kneeling is a peaceful

Kaepernick is not trying to disre- protest in which their actions are

spect the people who serve Amer- appropriate. If a person feels others

ica, but is trying to show there is are not living up to the ideals of

still more progress that needs to freedom and liberty, they should be

be made among treating African able to be the change. USWNT wearing Black lives
Americans fairly. Matter shirts. This occured
In 2020 alone, 241 African Amer- 2 months after the death of
George Floyd.

Katie MacDowell ‘23 Olentangy Adopts New Logo
Lewis Center, Ohio

Permission to print by OLSD website Olentangy introduces rebranding for 2021, years and is still in the process.
Permission to print by OLSD website as they will retain their mascot name, but Bowers said rebranding “is very critical and nec-
Permission to print by OLSD website with new imagery. Staff and students will essary,” even though it takes a good deal of time
collectively decide what mascot should represent and hard work.
Olentangy. Team members have discussed what images and
Olentangy has to change their block “O” as it is names they want to be associated with their com-
a trademark for Ohio State University. The Olen- munity and have decided it’s time for change.
tangy Braves Mascot imagery of “The Brave,” also “I think it would be cool to make it an animal
has to change because of the misrepresentation that represents bravery. It is a unique way to in-
and exclusiveness of indiginious people. corporate our current mascot into the new one,”
“We live in a small community where people look junior Hanna Schmidt said.
at the school for leadership and it is important to Olentangy is interested in picking an animal to
be progressive in the way we honor and respect represent the school, but the type of animal is up
students’ backgrounds,” Assistant Communica- for debate.
tions Director, Betsy Bowers said. “I think a lion would be a cool mascot,” sopho-
The district decided to make this change as they more Matty Provenzano said.
want to be inclusive to every identity. The Brave Other students disagree and think it should be a
mascot imagery was created during a time where different animal.
racism and hate was accepted, but times have “I think it should be a tiger because they show
changed and Olentangy wants to have a positive leadership,” sophomore Caroline Hennegan said.
culture that includes every person in the district. For Olentangy high school specifically, a commit-
“Rebranding our mascot will allow everyone to tee of ten students and teachers have been work-
feel welcomed and respected,” Bowers said. ing together discussing possible mascot ideas.
Rebranding is not easy work. Olentangy has part- Sophomore Madie Franzel is on the committee
nered with a branding firm to help them create and said some ideas for new mascot images were
the best image of the school. The district has soldier figures, hawks, and stags.
been working on re-branding for the past two

Page 5 : Sports Column/News Article : May 2021

Katie MacDowell ‘23 Growing Up in 2’s
Lewis Center, Ohio

School during a Pandemic:

Walking down the one-way hallway with no one of the year, when it tends to become harder to be focused
near. Arrows made of tape, pointing in the and stay
direction to walk. Eyes showing, but no smiling motivated,” Hennegan said.
faces insight. Masks over the noses of most people. Divid- Unlike Hennegan, not all students are excited to go back.
ers, making it difficult to talk and see friends during class. “I want to stay hybrid because I enjoy not having to go
Students, “six feet apart” with headphones in. The smell everyday to school and having smaller classes,” sophomore
of Clorox wipes lingering down the hallways. This is the Matty Provenzano said.
reality of school during a pandemic. Parents have concerns with the safety of their children as
Covid has differentiated the definition of school. School there will be class sizes of up to 30 kids. Through the peti-
used to be a time to socialize and hang out with friends. tion, many feel as if it is not safe to return to full capacity.
Not anymore. A school is now a place where stress and Many healthcare workers disagree with parents and feel as
anxiety are found. if it is safe to return as long as certain procedures are done.
“School has always been a stressor for me so adding Some of these procedures are mandating masks, mandating
something else to school life that is stressful tends to really dividers at lunch and social distancing when possible. Chil-
overwhelm me,” sophomore Caroline Hennegan said. dren under the age of 18 years represent 8.5% of the cases
Olentangy is lucky to be one of the 96% of public schools reported, and are not as affected by Covid as adults.
in Ohio returning, at least partially. Olentangy is preparing “As long as the right safety precautions are in place, I
to go back every day starting March 15. Many parents and think it is great for students to return full time and hope-
students have expressed their concerns about returning fully there will be improvement in the mental health of
full-time through a petition created by a student within the kids,” Pediatrician Jackie Cross said.
district. As of right now, almost 2,200 people have signed Covid has changed the ways of school. From mask wearing,
the petition. to one-way hallways, students and faculty are adjusting.
Kids have mixed emotions. Whether students, parents or teachers like it or not, school
“I want to go back because I think it would benefit all stu-
dents to be back on a schedule, especially towards the end is returning March 15.

Arrow pointing in the direction that kids need to walk
Permission to print by Prowler website

Kids sitting at socially distanced dests with Olivia Heskett ‘23 and Abby McLaughlin ‘23
masks covering the face. Permission to print by Olivia Heskett
Permission to print by edsource
Page 6 : Feature Story : May 2021

Katie MacDowell ‘23
Lewis Center, Ohio

Page 7 : Photo Essay : May 2021

Growing Up in 2’s
Page 8 : Photo Essay : May 2021

Katie MacDowell ‘23
Lewis Center, Ohio

Page 9 : Yearbook : May 2021

Growing Up in 2’s
Page 10 : Yearbook : May 2021

Katie MacDowell ‘23 Growing Up in 2’s
Lewis Center, Ohio

Self
Reflection:

Dear 11th period,

Thank you for being the class I look forward to the most everyday. Each person in this class I enjoy having discus-

sion with and talking to. Journalism has taught me so many things, not only about writing but life skills like working and

cooperating with others. I learned how writers in Newspapers, and on the news learn how to write their articles. There are

so many key details they use that I would have never known

if I did not enroll in Journalism. Each project and activ-

ity we have completed throughout journalism has not

only strengthened my writing skills but empowered me

and showed me how to express myself in my own writing.

Next year I am looking forward to creating and designing

the entire yearbook. It amazes me that at the beginning

of the year you start with nothing but paper and a

pencil yet at the end of the year you have an entire book

finished. My advice to future journalism students is that

with every writing you do, take your next writing a step

further. By the end of the year, your first essay and last

will be drastically differ- ent. My favorite piece to do was the

yearbook into. I enjoyed Permission to print by: Olivia Heskett putting together something creative

and artistic. The most challenging thing is to accept other people's viewpoints. Everyone has different thoughts and view-

points and in journalism you need to accept and take into consideration everyone's side, not just be one-sided. Once again,

thank you Journalism for being a class I can learn but also have fun in. It has been a great year! Until next year!!

Permission to print by Parkinson’s Movement Permission to print by VectorStock Permission to print by PNGKIT

Page 10 : Self-Reflection : May 2021

HUGS.

By Zane Kidwell ‘23

May 2021

1

Table of Contents

Table of Contents..........................................................................................................P1
Final Reflection Letter..................................................................................................P1
Personality Profile.........................................................................................................P2
News Article....................................................................................................................P2
Feature Story..................................................................................................................P3
Personality Profile.........................................................................................................P3
Photo gallery...................................................................................................................P4
Editorial.............................................................................................................................P5
Sports Article...................................................................................................................P5
Photo Gallery..................................................................................................................P6
Yearbook.....................................................................................................................P7-8
Photo Essay.............................................................................................................P9-10

Final Reflection Letter
I By Zane Kidwell ‘23
have learned a lot from this course year. versation. I have learned how to ask better
For one, it has made me respect the questions. I have been given chances to lis-
daunting task journalism is. Though I ten. I have learned the rules, regulations, and
have not decided to follow this path, it has etiquette in which journalism is conducted. I
definitely helped me choose what I want to have also seen that the striving for objectivity
do in the future. does not eliminate bias. I have learned that
During this course, I have heard opinions others want to learn.
that have altered my acceptance of certain I hope that these articles, a projection of my
topics. I have heard current events that have identity, interest you. I hope they reflect all
informed me. I have been entertained. I have of the skills I have developed this year. Even
become less terrified of speeches. Planning though these stories may be forgotten soon,
has been a skill clearly developed with in- I hope that these stories bring you joy for the
terviews and projects. I have learned how time being.
to make a formal situation more like a con-

May 2021 Hugs.

Personality Profile/ 2

News Article

Audrey Campbell — Enriching the Community

I By Zane Kidwell ‘23

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Business Club Joins OHS
T By Zane Kidwell ‘23
his year, a new chapter of the National Business Honors projects when a part of the group.
Society (NBHS), a countrywide society based on providing “I wanted to help out the driven students here at Olen-
merit to students through business education, was estab-
lished at Olentangy High School (OHS). tangy,” Weittoff said. “The students wanted this opportunity and
they are really driving the ship when it comes to this club.”
Travis Weittoff, advisor for Olen- While the NBHS may not be entirely
tangy’s NBHS club, said, “the impact “I wanted to help out the driv- useful for non-business majors, it may still
we hope to provide [with the club] is an en students here at Olentangy,” be beneficial to rising citizens for basic
increase in business interest, improvement Weittoff said. “The students wanted knowledge of business. This insight may be
in leadership and communication skills. this opportunity and they are really applied to an average citizen’s consumption
Its sole goal is to make sure every student driving the ship when it comes to of products which may not be achieved by
member is actively involved in their business non-business education clubs.
interests through the OHS NBHS and the this club.” Weittoff said highschoolers are able to

opportunities provided.” join by completing an application “found in the beginning of the
In addition to this hands-on experience, the club may school year.” Business related activities are hosted every month.
allow its participants to assert thier value during the college “So far, we have introduced the group’s goals and did
admission process based on skills used in the club. According a fun jeopardy to get familiar with the business world,” Weittoff
to Weittoff, students have the chance to obtain business related said. “Upcoming events include a mock Shark Tank project and
accomplishments, hold leadership roles and participate in service presentations by local business executives.”

Hugs. May 2021

3 Feature/Personality Anxiety Discourages Socializing
Profile By Zane Kidwell ‘23
Wdoor and onto the linoleum floors while the waiting
aiting for a student after the bell rings is an uncom- everyday, students are lacking that which is negatively impacting
fortable situation for them. The class shuffles out of the their mental health.”
Social anxiety is most closely linked to environmental
student scans the crowd for the person they wanted to befriend. factors like second hand, or direct (social) trauma, according to
Does the class think it’s weird I’ve waited? What if the person I verywellmind.com. Adolescents who have had such experiences
want to talk to just wants to walk to their next class in peace? How often try to calm their anxieties by fidgeting, speaking softly, or
do I even start the conversation? Should I leave now since I still obsessively checking their appearance. These actions, however, do
have the chance? not fix the initial anxious thought.
Emotions like this are seen throughout young people in social These difficulties presented to young people have un-
situations; It is defined as social anxiety. doubtedly become even worse roadblocks because of COVID-19
“Social anxiety is a fear of being watched or judged by restrictions such as facemasks, social distancing, and plexiglass
others,” said Taylor Thines, an AP Psychology teacher at Olen- barriers. In the social high school world, masks muffle emotions
tangy High School with a masters degree in school counseling expressed between students, which makes the receiving party
from the University of Dayton. “Those who experience social anx- more wary of judgement. Social distancing and plexiglass are not
iety may believe in what psychologists call an “invisible audience”, any better; they are audio-numbing fortifications that restrict
the feeling that people are always looking at them and judging communication.
their every move.” “I suppose if I had to wish anything from other students,
Although not exclusive to young people, social anxiety is very it’s to be understanding of others’ situations,” said Courtney Kos-
pertinent to young people’s developmental years, especially in sick, ‘23.
high school. All of these factors have made the 2020-2021 school
“[Adolescents] learn flexibility, complex reasoning, year one full of silent classes. Teachers struggle to jumpstart their
inductive and deductive reasoning, students into conversations, and no student wants to be the first
sensitivity toward others, and problem solving,” said the Univer- one to act.
sity of Michigan. Despite these cumbersome situations, students should
These essential skills are undoubtedly linked to continued social not be weary of judgement from peers. Weekly or daily goals are
interaction. paths to beating anxious thoughts. If students find themselves
“During quarantine, students were not getting [that] held back by anxious actions, they can start to eliminate these
daily interaction with peers and friends,” Thines said. “This lack practices in a social situation by focussing on ceasing one. The
of social interaction is associated with social anxiety and lone- overwhelming majority of high schoolers are feeling these emo-
liness. Exposure to “feared” situations, such as continued social tions, so students should remember they are not alone. Now go
interaction with peers, is an essential component of a child’s social make some friends!
and emotional development. Without being able to go to school
Dan Harris — Learning from Life
D By Zane Kidwell ‘23
an Harris’ life consists of reading, coaching his young- of learning and not necessarily directors of learning.”
est child’s soccer team, outdoor activities, and teaching Harris feels fortunate that Olentangy is able to provide a
history. Most of all, Harris’ complex life revolves around a healthy environment to its teachers even when disciplinary issues
single theme: learning. arise. However, Harris hasn’t recalled any problems occurring in
Harris started his career as a history teacher in 1998 at the last 15 years.
the Cleveland High School, Shaker Heights. Since Harris’ reloca- Harris values curiosity most in his students, a value he
tion to Olentangy High School, teaching has certainly changed. believes anything can be built off of. He attributes his teaching,
Even when the worldwide pandemic, Covid-19, compromises his and ultimately his world view, to his kids. In everyday situations,
own safety, Harris continues to teach the next generation because when Harris is simply living in his home, he realizes that his kids
he wants them to know he is present for them. digest the ways he acts. He is essentially teaching whether he real-
“I think students have a lot of questions, things they izes it or not.
would like to know,” Harris said. “I like to be with my students “When I first started out [teaching], and didn’t have kids,
face to face. I like to be with my students to read their body lan- I was a very strict teacher in terms of… I was a very, very demand-
guage to be really understanding of what they are going through, ing of my students, and not very accepting of problems they were
and to let them know that I am here.” having or difficulties with the subject matter,” Harris said. “But
Not only has teaching had to abruptly change because of through my children’s eyes, I am able to see the world as a kid
Covid-19, teaching has also subtly changed to fit students’ new right now. It makes me a lot more focussed on where things will
learning styles prior to the pandemic. be as opposed to where they are.”
“In the past ten years, students have become more Harris hopes that where things will be is a world where
visually centered, so that a visual cue will do a lot better than a humanity will return to being communal with each other again:
literary cue,” Harris said. “Another big change we’ve noticed is fully engaging with each other. He also wants to continue his ed-
that students have become a lot more collaborative. The classroom ucation to pursue his doctorate. But most importantly, Harris will
used to be a very competitive place. [Now,] students feel a lot more not be satisfied with his progress until he has guided his children
comfortable with collaboration, and that makes our jobs a lot easi- into adulthood.
er because we can really be what we should be, which is facilitators
Hugs.
May 2021

Photo Gallery 4

Daniel Harris Travis Weitthoff
Permission to print by Olentagy Local Schools Permission to print by Olentagy Local Schools

Drama Club Friends at Roosters
Permission to print by Nandini Patel ‘24

Hugs. May 2021

5 Editorial/Sports A Quiet Place: A Movie Masterpiece
Article
S By Zane Kidwell ‘23
ilently, a family sits in their farmhouse. The sound of a sound-proof objects, such as hay bales and cotton balls. In all, the
lantern shattering suddenly fills the room. Even though the film is built spectacularly.
flames are extinguished, the tension is still palpable. The fa- The heartfelt themes play a key role in this horror film.
ther inches through the room the family had recently assembled: John Krazinski, famously known for playing Jim in the U.S. ver-
a soundproof bunker decorated to mask normality. Panic ensues sion of “The Office,” acted in and directed the film. On repeated
as the father reaches the window and surveys the outside world occasions he said he was adverse to horror films, yet he played
for the creatures in order to assess his family’s possible demise. It the role he did because of its theme: the extent of selflessness one
has been 400 days since they had to adapt to their new lives where gives for one’s family. The plot contains a strained father-daughter
everything must now be . . . quiet. relationship, terrified parents and survivor’s guilt. It ultimately
A Quiet Place is a cinematic masterpiece. In the story, centralizes around the necessity of family. Krazinski made it clear
humans are being hunted by creatures with an acute sense of that Regan Abbot had to be played by a deaf actor in order to give
hearing, so they must live silently. What makes us believe this insight on being the only deaf member of a family. These con-
movie reaches such a high standard is its brilliant theatrical as- flicts provided by Simmonds are seen with the father throughout
pects; it simultaneously holds heartfelt themes while staying true the film. Simmonds also suggested that the line “I love you” be
to being a horror movie. It creates a universe for the new youth to changed to “I have always loved you.” This reportedly made Kraz-
explore. inski cry, and definitely made the viewers shed tears as well.
Firstly, the work that was put into this film is inspiring. Lastly, “A Quiet Place” opens up a whole new world.
In the most intense scene of the movie, the bathroom scene, Em- Although the universe is not as child friendly as Star Wars, and
ily Blunt acts giving birth in only one take. As a result she won an more intense than Blade Runner, “A Quiet Place” is a new creation
award for the best performance by a female actor in a supporting wide open to interpretation and manipulation. Only released
role from the Screen Actors Guild. Filming for this movie only three years ago, there are plenty of other storylines to explore in
took 36 days, and according to screenrant.com, was originally various media such as comics, mini series, and novels. In fact, the
edited to work without sound. story has not yet explored the cause of the apocalyptic situation.
The sound production is succinct yet startling enough Admittedly, not everyone might come to enjoy this film because it
to make you involuntarily jump from your seat. Interestingly, falls in the horror genre, and it is definitely not welcoming to chil-
the sound design focuses on Regan Abbot, a deaf girl played by dren. We movie critics believe that these claims are significantly
Millicent Simmonds who is deaf herself. When a shot is focussed outweighed by the heartwarming family theme. A Quiet Place
on her, the movie does not output sound which makes for many Part II comes out May 28 of this year, and we viewers are beyond
nail-biting scenes. The production design is also very in-depth. excited to trade our apocalyptic world for another for an hour and
Everything from couches to monopoly pieces are replaced by forty minutes.

Why OHS Should Have a MTB Team
T By Zane Kidwell ‘23
he sports that Olentangy High School offers today are a wide variety of students because sports are very influential upon
not in a natural environment. The baseball field is mea- them.
sured down to the geometric inch. Basketball features a
“I really think sports help so many students get through
stuffy, artificially lit gym. Football has plastic turf rather than school, as tasking as the day can be they at least know that while
real grass. When students are obliged to submerge themselves they’re in season, they get to go hang out with their friends after
in the manticulatly man-made school system for eight hours per school and do something they really enjoy,” Courtney Kossick‘23
day, shouldn’t Olentangy feature a sport that takes place in the said. “I know for a lot of people, it’s one of their favorite things
rugged outdoowrs? Enter: Mountain biking. Mountain biking is a about school in general.”
great recreational activity that builds both physicality and mental Rather than expose students to a pool or a turf, moun-
fitness. Unlike other sports, mountain biking also allows people to tain biking would display portions of the wild hidden to non-rid-
legitimately appreciate nature while building relationships. ers.
Being exposed to nature is vital for our generation. Olentangy students participating in races is not an un-
Climate change is increasing. Consequently our world will not achievable concept. The Ohio Interscholastic Cycling League, un-
remain the same in the next few decades. Then why is the youth, der the National Interscholastic Association (NICA), has started a
the next generation to effect climate change legislation, not out- new mountain bike team called Lost in the Woods. Ohio students
side? A giant factor is the time taken by the education system. It aged from middle school to high school participate in both races
binds children to the indoors by committing them for eight hours and club rides. NICA has leagues in 29 states and more than
per day, and then besieging them with homework while the sun is 25,000 student athletes. The coach to athlete ratio ensures that
still out. Education is necessary, but appreciation for the outdoors every group ride is beneficial to every student. There is no reason
is equally vital. The next generation is at risk for not having the why Olentangy should not allow their students to mountain bike.
fervor to protect the earth because they haven’t experienced it. In conclusion, mountain biking is a fun, fit, and chill way to have
Providing an opportunity to ride with friends is a great solution the next generation be outdoors, and should therefore be a sport
that will display the beautiful outdoors to the youth. at Olentangy. But in the meantime, before the team is created, go
In addition, a mountain biking sports team would impact hit some trails!

May 2021 Hugs.

Photo Gallery 6

A Quiet Place II Movie Poster
Permission to print by Google Images

Hugs. Zane Kidwell Moutain Biking
Permission to print by Jess Hagge ‘22

May 2021

7 Yearbook

Hugs. May 2021

Yearbook 8

May 2021 Hugs.

Photo Essay 10

May 2021 Hugs.



By Audrey Williams

OLENTANGY BRAVES
JOURNALISM 2020-2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 2 and 7 Personality Pages 3 & 4 Photo essay Page 8 editorial
profile Pages 4 & 6 Yearbook

Page 9 sports column Page 10 feature

Page 11 news story Page 12 student letter

Page 2

Ellie Murphy
By Audrey Williams ‘24
Personality Profile She also mentioned that actress and business-
October 2020 women, Jenifer Aniston has a really fascinat-
ing style and that she takes a lot of interest in
“Iwould define my style as like a 90s it.
streetwear but not one of someone Most of these ‘90s streetwear fashion take
else’s but one of my own,” sophomore place in big cities, such as New York City. In 5
Ellie Murphy said when asked how she would to 10 years, Murphy hopes to see herself living
characterize her personal fashion. Most adults her best life out in the big city alongside work-
today would believe repeating a childhood ing in the fashion industry. “I know that Ellie
style might seem a little bizarre, but it sure wants to be a trend forecaster. She is really
does seem like fashion is repeating itself in passionate about studying different styles of
today’s younger generation. clothing,” Paige Leonard said, a close personal
A popular YouTuber and social media friend of Murphy.
influencer, Emma Chamberlin, has made an A trend forecaster is someone who studies
impact on some of this style change. “It feels predicting the future of a market. They work
like every girl today looks up to Emma Cham- in every industry, using data from past sales to
berlain and tries to have a similar style to her,” anticipate future opportunities.
Murphy said Modern fashion tends to repeat itself every
Chamberlin’s style is mostly pieces that are few decades by adding a new twist to previous
from or look like they are from the ‘90s fash- styles. Murphy certainly embodies the iconic
ion era. Chamberlin achieves this 90’s look ‘90s fashion streetwear with a few twists of her
by thrifting. Thrifting is where people go to own.
a thrift store, garage sale, or flea market and
find gently used clothes at very discounted
prices.

“If you can get something for cheaper,
wear it and like it then that’s so much better
than buying it from an expensive department
store than it’s totally worth it,” Murphy said.
Thrifting is a very helpful aspect of shopping
when people don’t want to waste all your
money on a few things people can most likely
find at the thrift store for so much cheaper.
Murphy enjoys thrifting for things she could
possibly wear to achieve her ‘90s streetwear
style. To help her reach this styling goal, she
looks up to some very important people that
are in the fashion industry, which include
Anna Wintour and Jennifer Aniston. “Anna
Wintour who is the editor in chief at Vogue
magazine seems like such a cool person,”
Murphy said.

Fun Facts!! Ellie Murphy, ‘23 poses for the camera in
-Murphy has two siblings, blue ripped jeans, a puffer jacket, nike
Indie, 17 and Tennesee, 26. shoes and sunglasses
-Murphys favorite movie Permission to print Ellie Murphy
is the notebook
-Murphy enjoys hanging out
with her friends and watching
runway shows









Page 7

Former teachers inspire Absher
By Audrey Williams ‘24
Personality profile
 “MNovember 2020
y high ried her military husband years, she wanted to stay ular school to hybrid style
school and they left Tampa for home and spend time with learning.
physics Belgium where she started them, but she also did not
teacher, Mrs. Williams and teaching math and science want to give up teaching so “Not being able to
high school honors English at an international school. she taught online school. have the relationships and
teacher Mrs.Hailey both Once her husband finished When she left the online interactions that I would
had a great impact on why I his time in Belgium, she program she found herself usually have with my stu-
decided to become a teach- moved back to Wharton in the Olentangy district. dents is very different for
er today,” Olentangy math High School. After teaching “It was such an amazing me, but I am still trying my
teacher Teri Absher said. there for a few years, she experience getting to teach best with the situation we
Being surrounded by at so many different have been given,” Absher
people who enjoy the same types of schools over said.
activities can influence my teaching career,”
choices. When Absher Absher said. Even though teaching has
started college as an engi- Even after all her been quite different so far
neering major at the Uni- experience in differ- this year, her favorite sub-
versity of Florida, she soon ent types of school, jects to teach are trigonom-
found out that was not her COVID-19 made etry and algebra 1 and 2.
passion. After much con- her incorporate all of
sideration, she switched her her skills that she has “They all have so many
major to education. When learned throughout great things to offer, but
she graduated, she was her 27 years of teach- if I had to pick a favorite
prepared to put her skills ing. She uses videos topic it would probably be
to the test as a junior high to help prepare her trigonometry and algebra,”
teacher in Tampa, Florida. Olentangy Local School District students for what they said Absher.
After a few years of junior logo would actually be learn- A role model is someone
whose behaviors, example
high teaching, Absher had Permission to print olsd website ing in class. She also uses or success is or can be emu-
another career opportunity. Schoology as the learning lated by others, and Absher
portrays those qualities.

She followed her principal platform to communicate
and opened a new school moved to Columbus, Ohio with students if they need
called Wharton High and taught at Bishop Wat- help. Having those years
School in terson High School. During of teaching online really
Tampa. Soon after, she mar- her children’s formative helped the transition of reg-

Math teacher at Olentangy high

school, Teri Absher
Permission to print Linkedln

Page 8

Is online retail becoming the new
way of shopping?

By Audrey Williams ‘24
Feature story
WMarch 2021
ith the click of a red purchase button, renovate a bus to drive so she can meet her cus-
the product will be at your door step tomers at their chosen location to come and take
in just a few days. Coming home to a look around at her mobile boutique.
a pile stacked high of white mail envelopes is “I rarely get a return from the mobile bou-
really something most people look forward to. tique because I allow people to try everything
Hoping what you’re unboxing is what truly came on,” Smith said.
to you, your eyes light up with excitement when Even though this is not online retail, Smith
you see a brand new pair of black and white still believes that the mobilized bus is practical
Nike tennis shoes. Online retail is to everyone because they don’t
the more functional and reliable way even have to go far to go shop-
to shop. ping.
There are many pros to shopping “It depends on if you don’t
online. know your size. If you do, it can
“It is so much more efficient to be easier but at the same time,
shop online if I don’t have the time sizing can be weird and might not
to look for it in stores,” Freshman fit right,” Riesterer said.
Aubrey Riesterer said. In this case, online re-
Being able to shop right from tail can be quite difficult,
your house can make things so but Smith’s idea to bring a bus to
much easier if you don’t have time a location and have her custom-
to drive to a store and look around ers try stuff on, can make that
there. Online retail is growing in process so much easier. Online
importance to people all around retail is just one of many ways that
the globe. An estimated 1.8 billion our world is turning into a more
people worldwide purchased functional environment, and
goods online back in 2018 many people like Smith are
and almost 62% just go on- Middle sister boutique owner, doing just that.
line shopping in one month.
“I believe it is already heading Jen Smith
in that direction. There has Permission to print middle sister boutique
website

been a boom of small online
boutiques and shops that have popped up over
the last couple of years,” Middle Sister Boutique
owner, Jen Smith said.
Smith has had her online boutique open
since 2017. Since Smith has an online shop, she
believed that it could also be helpful for her to

9 Photo Essay

Hugs. May 2021

Page 9

Should Friday night get all the hype??
By Audrey Williams ‘24
Sports Column
AMay 2021
s a young play or any other ing them? Yes, the hard and in some have to make it to the
ambitious sport other than football games are years even have better state championship
athlete, your football. This is the always talked about records than the boys for them to get more
only dream is to play problem. As soon as being so much fun team. In the 2019- student attention?
a game in front of as you get to high and some of the best 2020 season, the girls Attending more
thousands of peo- school, all the sports moments in people’s team went 11-12 and of our schools athletic
ple and listen to the talk revolves around high school careers, the boys team went events would not be
crowd cheer. High what’s happening on but why shouldn’t we 10-13. The girls team that hard and make
school and middle Friday night. Students do that for multiple ended up having a the biggest differ-
school sports are the do this too. They sports and not just for better season outcome ence in the athletes
first real places you always know who football and boys bas- then the boys but why game. Students and
get to experience the football team is ketball. It would give did they not receive staff would make the
“school spirit” and playing this friday, the students so many the same amount athletes feel so appre-
the support from what the theme is and more memories to go of support that the ciated and bolstered if
your peers. The boys where the game is along with their high boys team got? Also they even got half the
football and bas- at. But they couldn’t school experience. in this past year, the support the football
ketball team clearly even state when the When it comes Olentangy women’s team did. So next
have an advantage next girls or boys to basketball season soccer team made it time when you’re
over the other sports soccer game is at. This the boys team usually all the way to the state putting on your gear
teams when it comes should be changed. gets all the glory of championship, and for Friday night’s big
to the numbers in the All teams deserve having a crowd, but they received amazing game, make sure to
crowd. Students are the same respect and what about the girls student recognition have an extra set for
always excited to go support that the boys team? The sport is the for it. Sadly, it was the next girls soccer
watch their school’s football and basket- exact same just played only for that compe-
team play on Friday ball team get. by a different gender, tition. The rest of the match!

night, but never talk Every team puts ded- which makes no sense season was almost
about the excitement ication in, so why not as to why the boys get unheard of within the
of watching the girls show them respect by more fans. The female student body. Should
field hockey team coming and support- players work just as it really take a team to

Students gather together to cheer on their team
during football
Permission to print High School life

The crowds at a girls soccer game
Permission to print Stevens high school

Page 10

Getting rid of transfer eligibility in
high schools
By Audrey Williams ‘24
Editorial
interest. Now, consider the International Baccalau-
TAprihle2A02m1erican high school experience captures reate program. Students in a district that offer the IB
so many opportunities for students. Part of program can open enroll to attend the program. They
this is being involved in high school athletics. are allowed the opportunity to better themselves,
When students enter their freshman year, a world
of opportunities awaits them. It’s a crucial year, one choose their path, and hopefully have it lead to a fu-
to determine a path and make out a future. Being a ture career. If this is the case for all of these students,
high school athlete, it starts to pave your way towards why deny a student athlete the same opportunity? It
college athletics, and potential careers. Coaches are is understandable that some students may want to
getting their first looks and impressions of you and transfer for the convenience of the transfer. For that
that is the year that you can start competing for a reason, the transfer should require them to sit out of
spot on varsity. Now consider this situation. If a sports, but if the student is transferring to possibly
student is athletically driven and focused on pursuing better their future, should they get that opportunity?
the sport at a collegiate Now consider the NCAA rules.
level, where would he/ For years, the NCAA held the
she begin this? In high same policy. Students who
school. If a student is transferred had to sit out a year
assigned to a school, he/ of eligibility. Recently, the NCAA
she is now a part of that changed their policy.The NCAA
athletic program. But wrote an article that called,
what if the student wants “NCAA on brink of allowing one
a different opportunity time immediate transfer for all
within the same district? athletes.” Throughout this article,
What if another school it is stated that people believe
is a better fit? Should the this rule is long overdue and that
student be forced to stay it should change for the NCAA.
at their original school Without this change, athletes
and be denied the athlet- such as Joe Burrow and Russel
ic opportunities another Wilson might never have been
school may provide? In able to have the same opportuni-
Olentangy, if a student ties and further their careers. If
transfers 8th grade to Ohio high school athletics association logo the NCAA denied these two star
9th grade, he/she must Permission to print OHSAA website athletes the eligibility to transfer,

sit out a year. If a student then they would probably not
chooses to open enroll to be who they are today. Burrow’s
a new high school after 9th, then he/she is not able switch was most notably known from going from
to participate in this due to transfer eligibility rules a nobody third string quarterback at OSU to a D1
made by OHSAA. According to OHSAA policies, Heisman winner who played at LSU and is now a
when open enrolling to schools within the district, crucial member of the Cincinnati Bengals. Wilson
students are forced to sit out a year of sports. This can also had the same opportunity and now is thriving in
set students far behind everyone else. Is it truly fair? the NFL. If the NCAA can recognize that penalizing
Now consider this, are students who enroll within people and denying opportunities is harmful, can
the Olentangy district required to sit out a year of high schools see that as well? Can Olentangy see this?
band, choir, drama, an art club or newspaper? No. In conclusion, all students should have the opportu-
They are not. They can still pursue their passions nities to further their careers and make choices based
and interests, all which still could lead to a potential on what is best for them as individuals. As we have
scholarship or a future career. They are not penalized seen the trend change in college, we ask, can we start
for making a decision based on what is in their best supporting student athletes and allowing them the

Page 11

Midterms canceled due to COVID

News article January 2021 By Audrey Williams ‘24

Aettynt“goaetdeiwddthhhhIxxdneinieeaovuseeeiaaawcctdstuteeinprmmiirod2raddsdylIosidni,tscmeeetgsptofbwuOdtadtohinligeivrrdaetferadlosfi.itheenveevocpteotstCOsAnheeknteinamrtphntnduttOeerntlsteyhaaesamgeeyiadfdttsVnsneivesatiaheratcwodttxetgchsneInehieoadahytDdaxeheturtnnemenhestxaewm-tgtshremtaao1atiiy-nonehtgmtbr9soytudu-iwheat.ssalehrlikeodOPdegysaeieffvhettlirtsnaaemsrnnmc.icsthIsieaniod,ontonregelrtychomeaLpnsrotinctaollsyKPlOnSydecorrlawigehtiosreneto,trtobtaRoatsrnodilynitdeaoDRgtnhyoyiitesafsw,”tntedrrasx.eoiascacnimptidgsagtmaoThtttlleehhilasnohitohoypaavnhaeeyfigwenccridsioybennorohhteedrreetiowgbxeescvonletrtiarrlleohcegwoeeaycssmrixuvemso,etndDsooncwtasehlipsxemyinuohdeoomsesoeaaareatslonttsptecludmdsa.crsepehhohshlriolTrwnsteianedacs,asaoettohttennvttweiaovrtseim.bnii,rsthdeestw-snieeeg.xt,iedghhs-at ams will continue when we go back
to a normal year.
“I think that the district will pick up
exams once COVID is settled down
because I don’t think they consid-
ered how much stress it actually
causes students,” said Freshman, Mia
Chirpas.
Chirpas also added that not having
exams this year “takes pressure off
students.’’ With a hybrid modeled
schedule and not getting the tradi-
tional amount of face-to-face teacher
interaction, skipping exams this year
is a relief for many students.
At this time, the Olentangy school
district has not yet made a decision
for how they’re handling final exams
in the spring.

Statitics of students with test anxiety
Permission to print we are teacher.com

Statitics of students with test anxiety
Permission to print we are teacher.com

Page 12

Student letter

Dear journalism class of 2020-2021,
Hi! Thank you so much for making

this year such an enjoyable experience. I know that
it was all weird with only all being together for
one-third of the year, but during that time I had so
much fun!! I also had a lot of fun during the time
that it was still hybrid. I feel like coming into the
class was always such a joy and was a class that I
could always look forward to. I am so glad that I
decided to take this class this year and I’m so glad
that I can take yearbook next year and I hope to
take Beacon at some point too! Taking this class
this year has really made me realize and appreciate
my love for writing and using my creativity. I would
recommend this class to all of my friends because I
know they would enjoy it as much as I did! Thanks
for all the great memories from this class, I’ll miss
them very much!!

Journalism picture Journalism logo
Permission to print Dobie news Permission to print The Unblog



Powerful

Samuel Myers ‘24
Period 11
May 2021

Table of Contents POWERFUL May 2021

Table of Contents

- Personality Profile (“Jaelyn Peterson Plays Softball”) ... 2
- Personality Profile (“Fox Teaches English”) ... 2
- News Article (“Olentangy to Rebrand High School Mascot”) ... 3
- Feature (“Largest Protestant Christian Denomination Splitting in Two”) ... 4
- Editorial (“Time Stops for No One...Neither Does Anti-Asian Hate”) ... 5-6
- Sports Column (“Sports vs Academics: The Battle of the Ages”) ... 7
- Letter (“Dear whoever chooses to read this...”) ... 8
- Photo Essay (“A Family Watches The Superbowl”) ... 9-10
- Yearbook Theme (“legOlentangy”) ... 11-12

1

May 2021 POWERFUL Personality Profile/Personality Profile

Jaelyn Peterson Plays Softball
W By Samuel Myers, ‘24ham! The ball is flying in the air like never before. It’s
soaring through the field. The whole crowd is watch-
ing. Wait for it...Wait for it...Wait for it... Boom! Home
or not.
Peterson, 17, was born in Zanesville, Ohio and has

moved only twice. She currently attends Olentangy High School
run! The team has won! The crowd is going absolutely nuts! Who of the Olentangy Local School District in Lewis Center, Ohio.
is this person who made the amazing swing to She is fairly new to the Olentangy district
win the game? It’s none other than junior Jae- as she said, “I had moved here right before
lyn Peterson of Olentangy High School. This Covid started,” which was only half a year
was her proudest moment of all of her life. ago in March of this year, 2020, and it was
Peterson loves the sport of softball hard for her to adjust not just from moving,
and plays for both a school team and a travel but also going into lockdown, due to the
team when she’s outside of school. government announcing that Coronavirus
She has multiple memories about (COVID-19) is officially a pandemic, shortly
the sport which are not her game-winning thereafter.
home run including falling, embarrassingly, She has 4 siblings including a 14-year-old sis-
“...in front of 10 college coaches during a ter named Caleigh who is a freshman and also
game.” goes to Olentangy High School. She also likes
Though she loves the sport, she tends to keep Chick-fil-A and it’s her favorite restaurant.
it to herself. At school, she is considered to be a
“No. I didn’t know that,” her Intro- pretty nice person.
duction to Journalism teacher Mrs. Roads “She was sweet and seemed to smile behind
said. her mask,” Mrs. Roads said.
Unfortunately, however, she was not On the topic of being nice and/or kind,
able to play and/or practice the sport. Instead, she also cares a lot about other people.
she occupied her time during quarantine due to the Permission to Print from She said that in five to ten years she wants to, “...
Jaelyn Peterson
ongoing pandemic by working out and painting stuff Jaelyn Peterson, ‘22 working towards my PhD in psychology,” but she
and spent time with her family, whether she liked it hasn’t decided where to go for college yet.

Fox Teaches English

By Samuelnever dreamed of being a teacher, but one day it dawned Myers, ‘24

on me that I liked literature and I like kids, and it just “I am glad that I’m in a district that pays really well, but I feel
really bad for teachers in rural and poor areas that are paid signifi-
“Imade sense,” Fox said. cantly less than I do,” Fox said.
Kurt Fox, an English and mythology Through the ups and downs of his ca-
teacher for Olentangy High School, went into reer, he is excited to see what the future holds.
teaching after his time in college at The Ohio “I think no one can have faith in the
State University for his bachelor’s degree and future of this country like teachers can be-
a master’s degree from University of Dayton. cause I get to be with the future of our country
He has taught for 26 years. every day. I feel really good about who’s going
He had great role models to help him along to lead it next.”
the way. But nothing could make him love his
“I had an amazing high school job more than, “running into an old student
English teacher who really got me into poetry. [having] fond memories of when they were a
Mr. Wagner was his name,” Fox said. student [in my class],” Fox said.
Even after his 26 years of teaching,
little did Fox know the Coronavirus would
soon hit his classroom.
“I don’t like teaching remotely very
much. It’s not what I signed up for. I barely
was doing anything electronic just a year ago,
and now I’m trying to make everything in my
class electronic, so it’s been a major adjustment,” Fox Permission to Print from
said. Olentangy Local Schools

According to salary.com, the average Ameri- Kurt Fox, English

can teacher makes $58,602.

2

News Article POWERFUL May 2021

Olentangy to Rebrand High School Mascot
By Samuel Myers, ‘24
Due to cultural insensitivity, Olentangy High School has
decided to remove any suggestive Native American logos rebranding at OHS.
from their sports teams and merchandise. “I think the school would choose to change these be-

cause of the events this summer. It has brought more awareness
According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, racism can on the impact of history,” Binkley said.
be defined as, “A belief that race is a fundamental determinant of Many people including Wang believe in the same plan.
human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an “I believe the plan is to keep the name, but change the
inherent superiority of a particular race.” In other words, believ- mascot to an animal like Berlin,” Binkley said.
ing that some ethnicities are more superior than others, however, People believe that authorities should get a Native Amer-
people interpret the definition differently. ican’s opinion before making a decision.
“Racism’s whole intent is to hurt a race with harmful “What if [Native Americans] are proud to be recognized
stereotypes,” freshman Elizabeth Wang said. for their bravery by the up and coming generations?” McDarmont
Freshman Nicholas McDarmont agrees. said.
“If we’re still basing someone’s understanding of a situa- Wang disagrees.
tion based on race, that’s racist,” McDarmont said. “The school is receiving backlash, so some [Native
These two individuals, along with others, have separate Americans] are a bit hurt,” Wang said.
viewpoints on if the OHS mascot is considered racist. Binkley said “it would be interesting” to get an opinion
“I am sure that some people view the change as necessary of a member of the Olentangy tribe and said that it would also be
given the fact it is now 2021 and people are more aware of any beneficial for Florida State to also talk with members of the tribe
insensitivities it may cause while others believe that we are erasing they’re based off of: the Seminoles.
history,” sociology teacher Chris Binkley said.
Freshman Yug Mistry has the second opinion.
“We’re talking about the past Native Americans, not the
present ones,” Mistry said. “It’s in the past. What major impact
does it have now?”
McDarmont has another viewpoint.
“[I think they are changing it] because ‘a Brave’ is con-
sidered ‘racist,’ although I disagree, as it is not a derogatory term,”
McDarmont said.
Wang has a different perspective. The “Brave” slogan is
okay and should not be changed, but the logos themselves that
depict a Native American should be changed, Wang said.
Unlike Wang, Mistry thinks that having representation
on sports teams is a good thing. Mistry said he and other Indians
“would be honored” if Mahatma Gandhi became the face of a
sports team.
McDarmont and Mistry, along with others, believe that
“it does not cast a negative connotation” on Native American
people and that “‘Braves’ is complimenting them if anything,” but
Wang disagrees.
“If it forecasts a negative stereotype or is culturally inap-
propriate, then it should be changed,” Wang said.
Over the summer, many historical statues were taken
down including a Christopher Columbus statue at Columbus
State Community College which led to controversy when an
Olentangy teacher chose to post on social media their opinion on Image From: OHS Athletics

the topic, which is believed by some to be the main reason for the The Olentangy High School Athletics logo, as shown here, is highlighted
by the feathers at the “head,” referring to the tribe of Native Americans
the Braves are named after. The high school has addressed the usage of
the mascot and says they would like to aim to keep the name without
having to use the mascot.

3

May 2021 POWERFUL Feature

Largest Protestant Christian Denomina-

tion Splitting in Two

By Samuel Myers, ‘24n the 1700’s, a man named John Wesley founded a new de-

nomination of Christianity known as Methodism. Throughout

Ihistory, the Methodist Church has stayed as one through the
American Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Cold identifying with the LGBTQ+ community.
One of the most famous storylines is titled “God Loves,

Man Kills” and follows the X-Men and their leader, Professor
Xavier, trying to persuade the United Nations to accept mu-
War. Though members can disagree, there was always a sense of tant-kind as part of humanity while some people reject this view-
connectivity between the Church. point.
Not anymore. Staats sides with the title of the story arc.
In mid-May of 2020, the United Methodist Church, the “When have you ever associated the word ‘hate’ with
largest mainline protestant Christian denomination with seven God?” Staats said.
million members in the United States alone, were going to con- Biesiadecki agrees that most of the hatred is from the
vene over a split of their denomination over marriage of homo- community, not a divine being, stating that “some people take the
sexual people and LGBTQ+ pastors. The meeting was delayed due teachings of their higher being very seriously or literally, leading
to the increase in Coronavirus cases in the U. S. and will now take them to [have] prejudice against others.”
place sometime in the fall of 2021. Elizabeth Wang, freshman, sides with Biesiadecki and
The UMC decided to fund the conservatives of the group believes that a lot of the exclusion of individuals from religious
$25 million to form their own traditionalist denomination, which groups is from “racism and prejudice, more than anything.”
conservatives have said is, “insultingly small.” McDarmont acknowledges that many people choose not
This event had been coming for years. In February of 2019, a con- to identify with a religion because “a vocal minority smears the
ference was held in St. Louis where representatives voted 438-384 reputation of the religion as a whole.”
to strengthen bans on inclusion of individuals identifying with the Staats says the same thing. He says that the Westboro
LGBTQ+ community. Baptist Church, a conservative Christian group that threatens
Wesley Biesiadecki, freshman, agrees about strengthen- individuals identifying with the LGBTQ+ community and singing
ing bans on inclusion. cheerfully whenever one dies, “spreads a bad reputation for what
“I believe that the idea of following a fixed set of rules being a Christian means.”
set by a higher being is absolute... Those who are not included in This split may be beneficial for the United Methodist
such categories and wish to participate in said religion can either Church as it would show that Christians aren’t the “super-conser-
practice privately or possibly find a branch of the same religion vatives” some people claim they are. It would also show progress
that is accepting,” Biesiadecki said. in the community and diversity instead of traditionalism and
Nicholas McDarmont, freshman, sides with Biesiadecki. exclusion.
“If there is a certain religious group that wants to ban
certain types of people, I don’t think it would be right to stop
them from practicing their beliefs,” McDarmont said.
Dave Staats, High School Youth Director at Lewis Center
United Methodist Church, contradicts.
“I believe the Church should be more inclusive because
I feel like Jesus tells us to love everyone and to me that includes
letting people into our establishment,” Staats said. “I honestly just
believe that we are supposed to love. It’s not my job to judge, it’s
my job to love.”
People like Staats often use messages of love from the
New Testament of the Bible such as James 2: 1-4 which states, “For
if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your
assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and
if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing, and
say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man,
‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’ have you not then
made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil
thoughts?”
The “X-Men” comic books from the late 1900’s agree.
Though the “X-Men” characters are very much different
than the modern-day world, some of their story arcs involv-
ing mutants, individuals who possess unique traits, were based
around teens in the 80’s and 90’s coming out to their parents as

4

Editorial POWERFUL May 2021

Time Stops For No One...N

An epidemic has been sweeping the country. This epidemic is By Samuel
deadly and has left people in terrible shape. This plague has
been infecting individuals via toxic vibes from high-ranking comes to us when we first heard about the attacks.
officials. This virus is Anti-Asian hate. The school also has done little to promote the idea that Asian
American lives matter. Every day at lunch last week, we saw nobody
In 1882, President Chester Arthur signed the Chinese Ex- walk up to drop off money for the fundraiser. When we tried to give
clusion Act restricting Chinese individuals from entering the Unit- money to the cause, there wasn’t anyone running the stand despite
ed States for ten years due to the influx of immigration from China the announcements saying that donations were possible during that
and Americans fearing that the Chinese immigrants would take time. Even more, the stickers they gave out had pandas holding a
their jobs. Does this sound familiar? We wouldn’t think so, because “Stop Anti-Asian Hate” sign. Yes, it has good intentions, but pan-
barely any history teachers talk about this dark time in American das? We’re in a more open age of mindsets and we are still connect-
history. ing Asia with pandas? It’s as if trading hatred with stereotypes and
it’s outrageous!
On February 19, 1942, President Franklin Delano Roo-
sevelt signed Executive Order 9066 with the intention of trying The fundraiser is also going to Chinatown in New York,
to forbid Japanese espionage from leaving the country. The order which isn’t even the biggest Chinatown in the U.S. In fact, the
sent 117,000 Japanese individuals to internment camps where they biggest Chinatown is in San Francisco on the opposite side of the
stayed until the war was over in 1945. 1,862 people died in them country. Plus, there are local businesses that are struggling in our
due to infectious diseases and lack of medical staff to treat them. community. Saigon Asian Bistro is a popular restaurant that is close
In 1988, the United States government finally apologized and paid to our school that had to close temporarily after reopening due to
those interned $20,000. the hate thrown their way by citizens. They are back in-person now,
but that still does not change what happened. In fact, Stop AAPI
Recently, in 2020, President Donald Trump wrongfully Hate, a nonprofit social organization that tries to track down inci-
scapegoated Chinese-Americans for the Coronavirus pandemic dents of Asian hate crimes, has found that 35.4% of their data in the
that made Americans lose their jobs and their lives. This has caused last year of reported hate crimes occurred at businesses.
Asian Americans to be injured and killed, including a 13-year-old
boy in Queens, New York who was screamed at, name-called, and There are also people at OHS who have experienced racial
beaten with a basketball so much to the point where he had to be injustice for being Asian.
rushed to the hospital, with the criminals yet to be arrested as of
now. “I have experienced people making squinty eyes at me,
people doing bad accents, and whenever I accomplish something,
With the rise in Anti-Asian hatred in the past year, Olen- people always say, ‘Oh. It’s because you’re Asian,’” sophomore Walter
tangy High School has decided to set up a fundraiser to donate Myers of Korean descent said.
money to Chinatown in New York.
Myers’s story isn’t the only story that happens at OHS
Although the approach to this topic by our school is a either.
good start, it could have been better. The reporters on Tangy Today
lacked a look of genuine sadness that comes with hearing about “[People] have asked me if I have eaten dogs,” freshman
deaths of individuals, and that’s in no part their fault. Tangy Today James Ferguson of Filipino descent said which is absolutely absurd!
has an overall happy vibe that they have to maintain, but by keeping
that cheerful look, it looks as if they are avoiding the sorrow that Some believe that the school is already doing the best thing
possible for the Asian community and saying that the school can’t
control what students do with their lives, but that’s simply not true.
Teachers can talk about Anti-Asian hate whenever they want, but a

Clipart by: ClipartMax

5

May 2021 POWERFUL Editorial

Neither Does Anti-Asian Hate

Myers, ‘24

majority of the time, they don’t. Added May 12, 2021:
“Teach people the roots of where anti-Asian hate [comes] This month is Asian-American and Pacific Islander

from,” Myers said. Heritage Month and the broadcast team and the school have done
Educating students shouldn’t have to be solely placed onto nothing to honor that. For Black History Month in February and
Women’s History Month in March, Tangy Today mentioned key
teachers either. Students can take action, too. figures to remember from each community, but for the AAPI com-
“Awareness posts [via social media] are really helpful in munity, they got nothing. All they got was one week of a fundraiser
in April and that’s all.
actually spreading the word around,” freshman Elizabeth Wang of
Chinese descent said. What’s stopping OHS from making a singular Image By: Spencer Platt, Getty Images
Twitter post condemning Anti-Asian hatred? In fact, we checked Asian-Americans protest to stop Asian hatred. There was a 149% rise
the Twitter accounts of OHS Athletics, Braves Football, and the in Anti-Asian hatred from 2019 to 2020 due to the xenophobic remarks
Olentangy Local School District and all of them shared one thing
in common about their latest posts: they were all about sports and towards the Covid-19 outbreak.
reasonably so. Two of the three are about specific sports teams, but
what’s stopping them from posting something about Asian athletes
who have struggled with Anti-Asian hatred in their lives?

Asians are not our enemy here. In a 2019 paper, it showed
that cities with more Asian Americans in higher-up positions were
more likely to recognize Asian Americans as Americans instead of
some filthy foreigners.

In a diagram done by AAPI Data, about 26.9% of all Asian
Americans worry often about experiencing hate crimes and harass-
ment.
“I just want people to know that I’m human,” Myers said.

We don’t mean to diss Olentangy. In fact, we believe that
they are taking a step in the right direction, but we also believe that
they can do better. In a recent sketch on Saturday Night Live (SNL),
Bowen Yang, the first Asian cast member on the show, made a fair
argument.

“Do more,” Yang said, and we agree. Though it is simple, it
speaks loudly. There are local businesses around the Columbus area
that you can help donate to such as Saigon Asian Bistro that serves
top-notch Asian food. Help your community. If you have Asian
friends, make sure they’re doing alright and do your part to stop
this plague that Asians have gotten fed up with. Time waits for no
one so if you plan to take action, now’s your chance.

6

Sports Column POWERFUL May 2021

Sports vs Academics: The Battle of the Ages

The feud is on. Two By Samuel Myers, ‘24
sworn enemies of each
other face off head- increases math proficiency and Graph by: The New York Times
to-head. The play has been listening/playing music boosts Clipart By: Clipart Library
called. The coaches face each reading proficiency.
other with hatred in their eyes.
The captains have a desire to “Several imaging
one-up each other and show studies have shown that musi-
the nation who is the better cal training activated the same
team. Who are these two teams areas of the brain that were also
feuding for dominance? They activated during mathemati-
are none other than the Sports cal processing,” the American
Program and the Academics Association of School Admin-
Program. istrators (AASA) said.

Sports and academics Many athletes also
have a correlation that many rely heavily on sports alone
people forget. For example, to get them into their dream
according to the United States college. People have heard
Department of Health and other people say, “Who cares
Human Services, there are 8.6 about education? I have skill
million sports-related injuries and that’s all that matters
per year. Due to these injuries, when it comes to my college
many students have to miss experience” or, “Yeah. I can
school and that’s not all. Many probably get into that school
students also miss school to at- with a sports scholarship,” in
tend different sporting events. the hallways at school and in
classrooms.
That doesn’t even
compare to the focus in class. “NCAA Eligibility
Due to a game one night, stu- does not mean automatic ad-
dents might be more focused mission!” the Princeton Review
about the scoreboard than the said.
report card. The grades start
to slouch and then the student According to learn-
gets kicked off the team and ingtogive.org, performing
that’s not just sports-related. arts promote individuality
Those who participate in the and increase the likelihood of
drama program might be more self-expression, creativity, and
concerned about “opening cultural awareness and accep-
night” than their openings to tance.
colleges.
There is a clear link
Teachers and other between sports and academics,
staff members also support and it is negative. Sports may
sports more than any academic decrease academic success
group such as the Academic while other extracurricular
Decathlon team, despite the activities such as orchestra
fact that they are getting paid and theater programs increase
for teaching and how well mathematical and linguistic
they teach, not necessarily on abilities. Overall, sports should
coaching or school spirit. not be a student’s main priority
at school. Their main priority
Although sports boost should be to learn because that
physical activity and get more is what school was made for:
teacher support, performing education.
arts increases more academ-
ic-based skills. According to 7
govinfo.gov, playing piano

May 2021 POWERFUL Letter

Dear whoever chooses to read this,
What a year it has been. We started off hybrid-learning and just

when we thought we had our sleep schedules under control, we had to
change back in March. Though I thought it would be much worse, it
went alright. I got to see a friend who I hadn’t seen in half a year and
it was pretty nice to have more of an audience when I read my articles,
which was also very stressful.

It was nice to write articles this year. I finally got to get my points
across and people had to listen. I also have built myself a decent repu-
tation, which, in my opinion, is better than a bad one.

I’m not going to lie: I didn’t want to be here this year. My parents
told me to do journalism, but I didn’t want to do it. I had no choice,
however, and I was placed into this class. That forceful action was one
of the best choices my parents could have ever made. I learned so much
about journalism this year and it would not have been possible had I
not done this course.

Though I didn’t agree with everyone’s opinions, there were some
peoples’ articles I loved to hear. I could name a few, but since I don’t
have their permission, I will not name names. There were also a few I
disagreed with and that was okay as well. I like hearing the other side
of the story because it helps me better understand how wrong they
are. I’m kidding, of course, but I generally did like to hear everybody’s
opinions.

This year was so much fun and I wish I could do it all over again.
Wait a minute...I can...and I will! Next year, I will be a part of making
our school’s yearbook and I will get to make something I’m proud of.
Genuinely, I think that this program is one of the best in our school
and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store.

Sincerely,
Samuel Myers

8

Photo Essay POWERFUL May 2021
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May 2021 POWERFUL Photo Essay
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YB POWERFUL
Theme

May 2021

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