AlexDowningFinalProject!

THE Z
May 2022
Alexandra Downing

Night and Day

Table of contents

Page 2: Letter from the editor
Page 3-4: News
Page 5-6: Photo Essay
Page 7: Personal Relations (Choice)
Page 8: Feature
Page 9: Personality Profile
Page 10: Sports

Page 11: Review
Page 12: Editorial

The Z Page 1
May 2022

Letter from the editor

Dear readers, wanted to encapsulate the contrast
As the end of the year of this year in my newsmagazine.
approaches it is a great time to reflect Night and day as seen on the cover
on all this year has entailed. The is what I felt best represented this.
2021-2022 school year included Some days it might feel like you are
some of the highest highs and the floating on clouds with the light
lowest lows. Life returned to as of the sun beams in your eyes and
close to normal as we have seen in flowers beneath your feet while other
years. The student section was at full days may feel dark as if the only light
capacity, the homecoming dance is that of the moon. This is normal
returned, many bears experienced and you are not alone! It is hard to
their first midterms, the auditorium be a high school student in these
was filled for the performances of times where you have to juggle your
Mama Mia, prom returned, and now school commitments, deal with the
the first four’s graduation. Amid all world events that occur around you,
of the good inside the Berlin walls maintain your social life, keep your
unfortunately it was also a year of mental health strong, or whatever
loss and violence. The COVID-19 else may be on your plate. Feel relief
virus hit all time highs, political in the fact that you are so close to the
protests swarm the nation, a war has end of the school years and as Mr.
broken out as Russia has invaded Spinner always says, finish strong!
Ukraine, and so many more. I

The Z Page 2
May 2022

Controversey swarms the ROC figure skating

The Olympic gold medal for the ROC figure skating the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee said
team is at stake after Kamila Valieva tests positive for
a banned drug. This adds controversy to the already according to usatoday.com.
debated team.
This controversy has put the coach of the ROC
Valieva, the 15-year-old member of the ROC had
a historic performance which contributed to the figure skating team, Eteri Tutberidze in the spotlight
team’s first place finish. Shortly after the event results
from a drug test conducted in December showed as she is criticized for her harsh techniques and poor
that Valieva tested
positive for a banned treatment of her young athletes.
heart medication
according to “In Russian doping cases it’s often the athlete
nbcchicago.com.
but even more so, particularly when the athlete is
“It’s heartbreaking,
because this didn’t a child, there’s
need to happen
and shouldn’t have that figure in the
happened,” Travis
T. Tygart, the chief shadows who’s
executive of the
United States Anti- working with the
Doping Agency said,
according to nytimes. cgooat cd2ho.sTsiheersy’ovne
com.
every one of those
The status of both
the team’s medal and coaches,” David
Valieva’s eligibility
for future events was Tinsley, a former
unclear due to the complexity of the case because
Valieva is a minor. A closed door hearing was held Drug Enforcement
Monday February 15, where the Court of Arbitration
for Sport ruled in favor of Valieva which will allow Administration
her to compete in the upcoming events where she is
favored to win. This sparked immediate backlash. agent and the

“It is the collective responsibility of the entire CEO of 5 Stones
Olympic community to protect the integrity of sport
and to hold our athletes, coaches and all involved to Intelligence,
the highest of standards,” Sarah Hirshland, CEO of
the company

previously

hired by WADA

to investigate

Russian state-

sponsored doping,

said.

Tutberidze has had immense success but has

allegedly done this in harmful ways. She encouraged

things such as eating disorders and extreme training

hours according to washingtonpost.com.

“Even if you are tired or you are injured, you

still go on the ice and work,” Polina Shuboderova,

a former skater under Tuteridze said according to

washingtonpost.com. Photo by AP images

Pictured above; Kamila Valieva seeks comfort in her coaches after her
performance in the free skate event. If Valieva had placed there would be
no medal ceremony due to the dope allegations.

The Z Page 3
May 2022

Covid safety protests arise

Photos by AP images

Teachers and students protest for stricter safety
rules outside of Oakland Unified School District
headquarters on Jan. 7, 2022. Officials had debated
the mask mandates status despite teacher and student
disapproval.

Elementary teacher Alex Brandenburg organized a sickout protest for
stronger safety protocols. Many students and teachers demanded N95
masks and weekly COVID tests.

Protests led by students across the nation Tuesday students across New York city
occur as concerns grow over the increase participated in a walkout with approval
in covid cases and safety measures in from administrators and teachers. It was
the classroom. also said that there was high attendance
with students from the city’s most
Students in primarily larger schools exclusive academic bastions.
or districts such as the Oakland County
Unified District and New York City “We don’t feel safe at school”, a junior
Schools have walked out of class in from Brooklyn Tech according to the
the past week in support of stricter New York Post said.
safety protocols or distance learning.
According to NBC Bay Area, almost People in higher positions despite
1,000 kids will participate in a walkout the protests still argue for kids to stay
next Tuesday after the long weekend in school and many reject the proposal
unless there is a return to online of remote education. The Biden
education and a supply of KN95 and administration has planned to send
N95 masks. millions of free covid tests to schools
in response to the protests according to
“Every day of school is essentially a Forbes.
super spreader”, Mark Airgood said,
a special education teacher for the “We have been very clear, publicly and
Oakland district. privately, that we want to see schools
open”, Jen Psaki, White House press
According to the New York Post, on secretary said.

The Z Page 4
May 2022

The Downing’s celebrate

Sandra Downing prepares for her
daughters sweet sixteen and purchases
her favorite bundt cakes from Nothing
Bundt Cakes. “We come every year”,
Downing said.

Scents fill the air at Nothing Bundt Cakes in
Westerville Ohio. This small bakery became a
staple for birthdays in the Downing household.

After much struggle the Downing Sandra Downing purchases shiny candles to place a top
family dog poses in the birthday girl the birthday cake on November 1. This would be the final
glasses so his owners can snap a picture. preparation for the big day.
This took much persuasion and a piece
of turkey to get him to sit still. The Z Page 5
May 2022

Ribbon shimmers on the balloon arch decoration
Sandra Downing created. Alex Downing’s
birthdays have had themes since she can
remember and this year was no exception with
pink taking the spotlight for her big day.

Smoke surrounds the glass of the intricate cocktail Sandra Downing
ordered at Mitchell’s Ocean Club in celebration of Alex Downing’s
dinner. “I have never had anything bad here”, Downing said.

Tom Jessep soaks in the sunset and conversation at the
celebratory dinner on Mitchell’s Ocean Club’s indoor
patio in Easton Town Square. Despite the serious
demeanor Jessep portrays in the image, moments later
he would be dancing with the waitress.

To end the night Alex Alex Downing enjoys her complementary
Downing’s family dessert to finish off the birthday dinner.
surrounds the island Downing had anticipated Ocean Club’s
at home to watch her signature cheesecake all week.
open gifts. Tickets to
a Dua Lipa Concert
stole the spotlight
and gave everyone
something to look
forward. Celebrations
come to a close.

The Z Page 6
May 2022

Reputation Management: Press Release
Olivia Rodrigo clear name

As Olivia Rodrigo’s reputation manager friends of Rodrigo, and the tourists in
I would call a press conference to the area. The jist of the message would
address plagiarism rumors/accusations. state how Rodrigo has a unique creative
This would address the plagiarism process like all songwriters and that she
rumors for the song “good 4 u” and is constantly being inspired by other
why Olivia made the decision to credit artists. It would also include how Rodrigo
Haley Williams, the lead vocalist from plans to work with her team to ensure her
the band Paramore, and Josh Farros, inspired work stays uniquely hers and
Paramore’s former guitarist as writers. that credit is given where it is due.
The conference would also address I would expect celebrity news outlets that
the rumors of Rodrigo plagiarizing have previously covered Rodrigo such as

Olivia Rodrigo
speaks at the
White House
daily brief on
July 14, 2021.
She filmed a
video in support
of vaccinations
with President
Biden.

Photo by AP images

the cover of her album “Sour”. I would enews, people, variety, and billboard to
hold a press conference for Rodrigo on be in attendance.
Rodeo Drive. Rodeo Drive is a two mil Holding this press conference would
long strip in Beverly Hills, the southern positively affect the perception of
part of Los Angeles California. It is Rodrigo by explaining her thought
known to be one of the most luxurious process and clearing her name. It would
destinations in the world and is known also give fans and the press a new look
to be a large tourist attraction as well as into how Rodrigo creates her music
a hot spot for celebrities and paparazzi. and other work and It would also allow
The audience would be primarily fans the public to see Rodrigo in a more
of Rodrigo as well as celebrities that are professional manner.

The Z Page 7
May 2022

Bears discuss social media’s harm

Photo by Vecteezy The animation pokes fun at the control phones and social media has over
ones mental state. Many students said that their phones take away from
their quality of life.

Berlin students believe social media is was no clear answer but many agreed
harmful both physically and mentally but that screen time limits are the best way
still continue to use it on a daily basis. to solve the issue. There were also several
students who had no solution and did not
Multiple different Bears were asked know how to answer the question.
about their social media habits and if they
believe that social media causes harm. All “I’m not sure but I think that the world
students involved use social media daily is getting a lot better about fixing beauty
and all believe that it is harmful. Many standards,” an anonymous survey taker
of these bears listed that social media said.
causes body image insecurities, bullying,
distractions, comparisons, and more. Many students also seek out more
school involvement for the issue. Just
“Getting bullied online and also the under half of the students involved in a
way they view their bodies and lives, and survey about social media use said that
feeling depressed because they don’t fit Berlin currently does not help with the
into a certain category,” an anonymous issue at all and a few students said if the
survey taker said. school did have any involvement in the
issue that they were unaware. Those that
Multiple students also believe that were aware of the school’s efforts against
social media limits productivity. These the issue hoped for more involvement in
Bears claimed that they often neglect the future.
basic needs such as exercise and struggle
to accomplish their daily goals. Many “Our school has a helpline if they are
said that this was because they are too bullied or harmed but I don’t think
invested in their social media. These enough people know about it and it’s not
students provided their own solutions to very enforced,” an anonymous survey
the issues. The answers varied and there taker said.

The Z Page 8
May 2022

Tressel opens up through football

Photo By HR Imaging Ohio University. He wanted to continue
his passion after college for the sport
Olentangy Berlin Assistant Principal through coaching, and he started
Chris Tressel opened up at Football reaching out to coaches.
Friday Nights in high school. He
furthered his passion in coaching and “I reached out to every high school
uses his experiences with shyness in his football coach in Ohio,” Tressel said.
career.
Tressel happily accepted a job
With ruthless siblings and a stutter he coaching and teaching at the middle
would later grow out of in fifth grade, school level at Shanahan Middle School.
Tressel grew up very shy and reserved. He currently works at Olentangy Berlin
He rarely talked through elementary and High School where he is the assistant
middle school and would avoid public principal. He works to fix both staff and
speaking if possible. Tressel joined the student issues and loves to throw himself
football team in middle school but it into challenging situations. Tressel is
would not be until he felt involved and able to use his experiences of being shy
found a passion for football in high to connect with students and better
school that he would start to open up. understand their point of view. He wants
to lead and be in the spotlight because he
“Once I did it, and once I was involved knows he is the right person for the job.
in it, I felt like I belonged. When I felt He wants his work to be purposeful and
like I belonged I started to blossom,” stresses that his door is always open for
Tressel said. students who need help.

Football came naturally to Tressel and “I understand students who are the
he felt he shined under the Friday night way I used to be, I have a special place in
lights. The attention he received from my heart that holds people with similar
football allowed him to become more problems,” Tressel said.
open and less reserved. He furthered
his educational career in college at

The Z Page 9
May 2022

Bears battle bears

The Olentangy Berlin Bears swim and dive team “The team is amazing, we bring each other up and
competed in their season opener against the Upper cheer for each other,” Brogan Robinson ‘22 said.
Arlington Bears at Upper Arlington High School on Berlin stayed consistent with finishes in their next
Saturday, December 3rd. relay race, the 200 freestyle. The girls varsity A team
took second place and the boys varsity A team took
“I think our biggest competitor is Upper Arlington”, third place.
Ella Andrulis ‘22 said.
“I’d like a relay (team) to go to states,” Andrulis ‘22
The competition opened with junior Stephanie said.
Balthaser as she made Berlin history as the first Next up was the backstroke and breaststroke events.
female diver. Balthaser ‘23 competed six dives and The girls pulled off wins in both the JV and varsity
received her highest awards of 8.5, 8, and 7 on a back competitions for the backstroke. Andrulis ‘22 took
dive one somersault straight. The meet then took an first place in the girls JV 100 back free and Grace
intermission to set up the lanes for the 23 swim events Zercher ‘23 took first in the girls varsity back 100
that were to come. free. For the breaststroke competition Petrowskey ‘23
secured a third place finish in the boys varsity race.
“I of course didn’t join it for that reason, but to think
about it is really cool and like an honor that I was the The final event of the afternoon was the 400 relay
start of girls diving,” Balthaser ‘23 said. which was an exclusively varsity competition. Berlin
had two teams compete in the girls competition.
The first swim events were the 200 medley relays Team A placed sixth and team B placed fifth. Berlin
where Berlin’s A team took second in both the girls competed with three teams in the boys competition.
and boys varsity race. Next, in the 200 freestyle, Team A placed fifth, team B placed sixth, and team C
sophomore Brenna Mowery took the win in the girls placed seventh.
varsity race followed by teammate Jin-Jae Robinson
‘24. Daniel Petrowseky ‘23 received third place in the “Everyone always works their hardest,” Andrulis ‘22
boys varsity 200 free. said.

The next race that Berlin swimmers received a spot The Berlin Bears had another great showing at
in the top three was the girls varsity individual medley Thomas Worthington and will compete again Dec.
race. The race had become a dead heat with no clear 15 against Teays Valley at Teays Valley. You can find
winner in sight which caused uproar from the crowd more information about the Berlin Swim and dive
and both teams. Berlin senior Staci Nation pulled team by visiting the Berlin athletics website. https://
ahead and was able to snag the win. The support olentangyberlinathletics.com
continued to stay high for the boys varsity individual
medley which followed. Bears compete in a variety of events at Upper Arlington’s
natatorium. This was their season opener where history
“The team atmosphere is really positive,” Andrulis was made as Berlin’s first ever female diver competed.
‘22 said.

Berlin swimmers had immense amounts of success
in the 50 freestyle race with first place finishes from
Frank Gaughen ‘25 in the boys junior varsity, Nation
‘22 in the girls varsity, and Benjamin Coverdale ‘23 in
the boys varsity. The next event, the 100 fly, also had
impressive finishes. Brogan Robinson ‘22 took the win
in the boys varsity and Mowery ‘24 fell just short of
the win in the girls varsity after a tight race.

The Robinson siblings, Jin-Jae Robinson ‘24 and
Brogan Robinson ‘22, were both able to accomplish
first place finishes in the next races; Brogan Robinson
in the boys varsity 100 free and Jin-Jae Robinson ‘24 in
the girls varsity 500 free.

The Z Page 10
May 2022

Kitchen social becomes local favorite

Photo by Polaris Centers of Commerce

Kitchen Social’s first restaurant is located in Polaris near the mall. A second location near Bridge Park in Dublin
opened as a result of it’s success.

Kitchen Social is a locally owned Service: *****
restaurant with a globally inspired menu Food: ****
and a southern like charm. It originated Atmosphere: ****
on Lyra Drive near the Polaris mall which
is about a 10-20 minute drive a from most Kitchen Social’s appetizers, like this whipped feta, have
Berlin homes. A second location also become a staple. The menu has a large variety and is
recently opened near Dublin bridge park. inspired by many global cuisines.
Kitchen Social’s broad menu sets them
apart from competitors along with the
friendly environment which fits perfectly
into their “social” title. My family and
myself have visited the restaurant multiple
times and it has become a staple in
our dinner outings. The food has yet to
disappoint and we have had minimal
issues. There was a singular outcast
instance where a food wrapper was left on
a burger but the issue was quickly resolved
and
we were completely refunded for the meal
and offered a remake of the burger. The
seating includes an indoor/outdoor bar,
high tops, booths, stand alone tables, and
a screened in patio which is heated during
the fall/winter season. The restaurant has
grown in popularity and continues to
grow so if you plan to make a trip during
normal meal times I would highly suggest
calling to make a reservation.

The Z Page 11
May 2022

Open toe shoes commit a crime

Every school year there is mind rules​​to prevent this Sophomore Josslyn Clinton is known for her aways
an array of different styles fashion horror story. on trend outfits. Her older sister inspired many of
displayed in the hallways. her looks throughout the year.
Berlin students are no The winter months came
exception. As a fashion lover by storm and Berlin students Sophomore Molly Raynor branches out through her
I will give my take on the did not disappoint in their unique style. Raynor was born in the Bay Area and is
school year’s fashion. fashion choices. The season inspired by this region’s fashion.
produced some of the best
The start of the school year male fashion I have seen at
is the transition from late school so far. I believe that
summer to fall. This year, social media’s celebration
the late summer weather was of unique men’s style was
hot and humid. This could influential to Berlin and
be seen in the outfit choices I have seen more guys
of the Bears. Many students branch out in the fashion
chose to wear shorts, short department than in other
sleeved or sleeveless tops, years. The girls also did not
and open toed shoes. Dress disappoint. I think one of my
code became a large topic favorite trends of the school
of discussion. Dress code year, sheer tights, was in full
rules began to strengthen swing at Berlin in the winter.
and many students vocalized I think this trend elevates
their belief that girls were outfits as it can be used in
targeted. so many different styles. An
outfit with sheer tights can
I believe that the dress be made professional, angsty
code is outdated. While I preppy, on trend, and so
do not believe that students much more.
should be able to show up
to school with bathing suits As we enter the spring
on, I think revisions to the season, the hallways are
current dress code could brightened by the use of
be beneficial. The current colors. Berlin students follow
dress code in my opinion the normal spring trends of
is unrepresentative of the colors and florals. I think
real world. It is important the use of bright colors in
to look professional when clothing represents the ‘fake
at an interview or other it to you make it’ attitude that
professional settings but many students carry in these
rules such as how low below last final months.
the collarbone a neckline can
rest are unneeded. One thing No matter the weather or
I think the school dress code the season Bears displayed
should address is open-toed a great sense of fashion with
shoes. I believe that this is unique styles and the ability
one of the biggest crimes in to stay on trend. I can’t wait
Berlin fashion and would not to see what students have in
store for next year.

The Z Page 12
May 2022