Copley High School - Copley-Fairlawn City Schools

Copley High School 

Drumbeat 

Thursday, December 17, 2009 

Copley High School’s wide selection of student clubs reflects 

the diverse student population; there’s a club for everyone 

and new ones are being formed every year. Now, there’s a 

club for book lovers. 

The Book Club is the newest edition to the collection 

of Copley clubs. The brain child of juniors Abby Grable 

and Kelsey Graf, the casual club meets on one Tuesday every 

month to discuss a book read by all the members and to 

pick a book for the following month. 

“We just felt like there are a lot of good options for 

clubs at Copley High School,” said Grable. “We also felt 

like we could use better diversity and just kind of add a club 

that was just fun and low-maintenance for people to join.” 

To start a club at Copley, students must find a teacher 

to oversee meetings and then seek approval from the 

principal. With the help of English teacher, Mrs. Jennifer 

Caldwell, Graf and Grable put the idea of a Book Club, 

inspired by Grable’s mom, into motion. 

“When we first went to Mrs. Caldwell, she was very 

helpful in asking Mr. Sable if it would be okay to form the 

club and he thought it was a great idea,” said Grable. 

Graf and Grable wanted to give fellow students the 

opportunity to read a book and discuss it in a casual social 

setting. 

“It’s just an open discussion,” said Graf. “It’s free to talk… 

you don’t have to fill out any worksheets. It’s nothing like an 

English class; it’s just a fun discussion.” 

“We open it up,” Grable added. “People just say whatever 

they want about it, talking about if they liked it or not… what 

they did and didn’t like. It’s just a good time. We all sit and hang 

Vol. 3 Issue 2 

Copley bookworms begin a chapter of their own 

By Kaysea Thomas 

A look inside: 

You’ve never seen 

this many manly 

men 

Page 2 

Get in tune with the 

band and choir 

Page 3 

Happy 

Chrismakwanzakah 

to you! 

Page 4 

The young and 

the hopeful 

Page 5 

Just keep swimming, 

just keep swimming... 

Page 6 

Beware of the 

swine! 

Page 7 

Sparkly vampires and 

shirtless werewolves 

Page 8 

Lending a helping hand to make a 

difference, CHS students give back 

By Tyler McCormick 

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, wish lists are 

growing and last minute shoppers are crowding the stores. However, 

the gift of giving may be the best gift of all, and Copley 

teachers and students can attest to this. 

Senior Adrian Christ volunteered with the “Stand up with 

Style,” fashion show this summer to raise money for the Triple 

Negative Breast Cancer 

Foundation. “Stand up 

with Style” is a nonprofit 

organization that 

was founded and run 

by teens in the community. 

It was founded 

and is chaired by former 


graduate, Elisa Leonard, 

along with members 

Mary Forchione 

and Molly Leonard, also 

Copley alumni. 

Triple Negative 

Breast Cancer Foundation 

was founded in 

2005 in honor of Nancy 

Block-Zenna, a woman 

who was diagnosed at 

age 35 with triple negative 

breast cancer and 

died two and a half 

years later in 2007. This 

type of cancer results when women lack the receptors that normal 

treatments typically target. Block Zenna’s close friends started the 

TNBC Foundation to raise awareness and support research. 

“The whole production was for a good cause, and I really 

like fashion so it was fun to do while helping others as well,” said 

Christ. 

This was Christ’s first year with the organization and she said 

that every part of the process left a lasting memory on her. She 

helped with all the background work that goes on with the fashion 

show, including trips to the store to pick out outfits, and she 

helped to fit the models. “Stand up with Style” also auctioned 

off gift baskets to businesses that were helping the cause, which 

Christ helped put together. 

Christ has also volunteered in other ways. She passed out 

food to the homeless this summer in different parts of Akron, 

(Left to right) Jaz Robinson, Adrian Christ, Michael 

Forbes, Marrissa Neal , and Mrs. Caldwell stand in front of 

the Ther-MOO-meter. Photo by Thomas Pernecker 

Grable (left) and Graf (right) display the Book Club’s 

selections. Photo by Kaysea Thomas 

which left her with a life-changing experience. 

“It’s an eye-opener to see people who don’t live the good life. 

Volunteering is a very selfless act that you can learn from, and it’s 

always good to help others,” said Christ. 

Similarly, English teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Caldwell, volunteers 

for Heifer Foundation. Their mission is to work with communities 

to end hunger and poverty while also caring for the earth. She collects 

money from students and sends in the money to the Heifer 

Foundation. Heifer Foundation 

achieves their mission by providing 

appropriate livestock, training, and 

related services to small-scale farmers 

and communities worldwide. 

Heifer Foundation aims to 

grow a base of permanent financial 

support to help needy people 

around the world become selfreliant 

through sustainable means. 

That’s what Caldwell likes most 

about the organization. 

“I like the message that they 

have; it’s not just giving, but teaching 

as well,” she said. 

This is her third year working 

with the nationally known organization 

that teaches structure and 

responsibility. 

Freshman Ashley Bradford has 

been part of Indian Nations since 

she was seven years old. Indian 

Nations visits different children’s 

camps and tells stories about vari- 

ous cultures. 

“Not only does it help the kids, but it helps us be proud of 

who we are,” said Bradford. 

One of her fondest memories was her very first trip to Arizona 

with Indian Nations to an archeological site. She said it made her 

very “proud.” She joined to learn more about her Indian heritage, 

and because it’s “fun to listen to everybody’s stories.” 

“It makes me laugh when I see the looks on the kids’ faces 

when we are telling our stories,” said Bradford. 

She is also joined by her cousins when she participates with 

Indian Nations. 

So instead of stressing about the perfect gift this holiday, find 

a way to do some volunteer work. It may just be the best gift to 

give and recieve. 

out, talk about something mutual.” 

The club has already met to discuss their first book, The 

Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. Two discussions were held 

by those who finished the book and those who did not. 

Much independence is given to the members and joining 

the club is non-binding. Members need not attend every 

meeting or read every book. 

“If you can’t attend a meeting, you always can find 

out about the book,” said Graf. “You don’t even have to 

necessarily come to the meetings if you don’t want to read 

a book. The next month you can just pick right back 

up.” 

So far, the club has had a positive effect on its members. 

“With this book club, I’m finding time to read for 

myself,” said Grable. “Usually I don’t have any time, but 

now it’s giving me time so I really like that. I’m going to 

read more books than I usually do, so I’m excited.” 

Grable and Graf anticipate a similar response from 

other members as the club reads more books. 

“I just hope people have fun and enjoy it and enjoy 

opening themselves up to new literature and literature 

that they normally wouldn’t read,” said Grable. 

In the near future, the club plans on making T-shirts 

and bookmarks for its members. Their next meeting will 

be on December 18 to discuss the book The Road by Cormac 

McCarthy.

December 17, 2009 Copley High School Drumbeat 

2 

Aaron (Tabby) Tobias 

Favorite... 

Movie: Bratz 

Winter Activity: Making igloos 

Shampoo: Loreal fish shampoo - 

Burst of Mango Tango 

Girl Characteristic: Personality 

TV channel: Discovery 

Best Quality: My awesomeness 

Annoying Girl Characteristic: 

Attitude 

School News 

Meet the Man of the Year Candidates 

By Laura Doncaster and Jessica Wharton 

Tom Csepe 

Favorite... 

Hobby: Ballin’ at the park 

Shampoo: Garnier Fructis 

Clothing store: Polo Outlet 

Animal: Pterodactyl 

Extreme Action Sport: Wake 

boarding 


Maturity level of a two-year-old 

Movie: Gladiator 

Cody Huff 

Favorite... 

Food: Ketchup 

Movie: Finding Nemo 

Hobby: Tree-bending 

Animal: Grizzly bear 

Extreme Action Sport: Checkers 

Winter Activity: Iglooing 

Best Quality: “I can sleep anywhere, 

anytime.” 

Clothing Store: Walmart 

Jeremy Cody 

Favorite... 

Movie: The Hangover 

Hobby: Photography 

Year in HS: Sophomore 

Clothing Store: Pac Sun, “because 

I need my skinny jeans.” 

Animal: Kangaroo 

Shampoo: Head and Shoulders 

Underclassmen Crush: Katie 

Webb 

Mike Ferguson 

Favorite... 

Food: Beef 

Movie: Field of Dreams 

Hobby: Pretending I am a car 

Winter Activity: Snow angels 

Clothing Store: Goodwill 

Shampoo: Suave 

Holiday: Birthday 

Best Quality: Everything 

Andrew Rodenbeck 

Favorite... 

Food: Panera’s Chicken Chipotle 

Sandwich 

Movie: The Lion King 

Clothing Store: Justice 

Holiday: Sweetest Day 

Extreme Action Sport: Potato 

sack racing 

Winter Activity: Sychronized ice 

skating 

Brian Ruhaak 

Favorite... 

Winter Activity: Sledding behind 

Cody Huff’s go-cart 

Year in HS: Senior - “I like being 

a BMOC.” 

Movie: Hitch and Gladiator 

Restaurant: Luigi’s 

Clothing Store: Express 


Curses a lot, foul language 

Kevin Ivasku 

Favorite... 

Hobby: Playing with puppies 

Extreme Action Sport: Flying 

Sports Team: Denver Nuggets 

Animal: Kangaroo 

TV Channel: ESPN 8 “The 

Ocho” 

Food: Chinese 

Girl Characteristic: Sense of 

Humor 

David Fresh 

Favorite... 

Movie: Men in Black I and II 

Hobby: Playing guitar 

Year in HS: Sophomore 

Winter Activity: Ignoring the cold 

Clothing Store: American Eagle 

Restaurant: Chipotle 

Best Quality: My hair 

Girl Characteristic: Genuine 

Eric Fela 

Favorite... 

Movie: The Girl Next Door 

Hobby: Mudding in wicked white 

Year in HS: Senior; is this a real 

question? 

Shampoo: Head and Shoulders: 

Knees and Toes version 

Extreme Action Sport: Bowling 

Best Quality: I like to laugh 

Restaurant: Swensons 

Martel Durant 

Favorite... 

Restaurant: T.G.I. Friday’s 

Animal: Penguin 

TV Channel: Soaps/Oxygen 

Sports Team: Los Angeles Lakers 

Teacher: Mrs. Warren 

Hobby: Golf 

Clothing Store: Next 


and body 

Dan Keiger 

Favorite... 

Food: Rice 

Hobby: Sheetz runs 

Extreme Action Sport: Chess 

Clothing Store: The Gap 

Sports Team: Globo Gym 

Animal: Saajid Moyen 

Best Quality: Spitting out freestyle 

haikus and limericks 

Winter Activity: Staying warm 

Joey D’Attoma 

Favorite... 

Movie: Aladdin 

Holiday: Christmas 

Year in HS: Senior 

Shampoo: Suave 

Teacher: Mrs. Warren 

Restaurant: Buca de Beppo 

Hobby: Playing catch 

Girl Characteristic: Sweet, pretty 

Alejandro Gamboa 

Favorite... 

Movie: Step Brothers 

Food: Chexmix, chocolate milk 

Teacher: Mrs. Davis 

Animal: My dalmatian Dotty 

Sports Team: Barcelona Futbol 

Club 

Extreme Action Sport: White 

water rafting 

Best Quality: My smile 

Sam Galloway 

Favorite... 

Teacher: Mr. Edmonds 

Movie: Wedding Crashers 

Restaurant: Tres Portillos 

Holiday: Halloween 

Animal: Panther 

Shampoo: Herbal Essence 

Underclassmen Crush: Jackie 

D’Attoma 

Clothing Store: Old Navy 

Andrew Schott 

Favorite... 

Food: Steak 

Movie: Tommy Boy 


Teacher: Mr. Malcolm 

Animal: Cougar 

Hobby: Baseball 

Winter Activity: Snowboarding 

Best Quality: 6-pack 


Copley High School Drumbeat 

3807 Ridgewood Rd. 

Copley, Ohio 44321 

Phone: 330.664.4999 x527068 

Fax: 330.664.4951 

sarah.petry@copley-fairlawn.org 

Kevin Dressler 

Favorite... 

Food: School lunches 

Hobby: People watching 

Extreme Action Sport: Extreme 

badmitten 

Movie: Monsters Inc. 

Clothing Store: Thrift store 

Animal: Unicorn 

Best Quality: X-Ray Vision 

Girl Characteristic: Eyes 

Justin Dombrady 

Favorite... 

Food: Lunchables 

Movie: Aladdin 

Hobby: Dodgeball 


Extreme Action Sport: Mudding 

Clothing Store: Goodwill 

Animal: Liger 



Dominique Dixon 

Favorite... 

Movie: 300 


Extreme Action Sport: Boxing 

Winter Activity: Snowball fights 

Shampoo: Head and Shoulders 

Girl Characteristic: Beautiful 

Animal: Lion 

Clothing Store: Ralph Lauren 



Drumbeat 

Editors 

Editor-in-Chief: Laura Doncaster 

Associate Editor: Kaysea Thomas 

News Editor: Jessica Wharton 

Feature Editor: Nicole Pupino 

Entertainment Editor: Corey Smith 

Sports Editor: Elliot Schall 

Layout Editor: Olivia Lopez 

Photography Editor: Thomas Pernecker 

Staff Writers 

Alex Lee 

Tyler McCormick 

Darius Simpson 

Adviser 

Sarah Petry 

Note: The Drumbeat, Copley High School’s student newspaper, is 

a limited public forum. Any opinions expressed are those of the 

author or speaker, and not necessarily those of this newspaper, its 

staff, Copley High School, or the administration.


3 

The versatile Copley band and choirs are always working on 

something new. Since mid-July, the Copley music department has 

been bustling with activity, starting with summer practices for the 

award-winning marching band and color guard. 

So far, the band has received 

a superior rating at the 

state adjudicated event and 

both the marching band and 

color guard have achieved “Best 

in Class” distinctions throughout 

the season, but this is just 

the beginning. 

Band Director Mike Foster 

plans on keeping the band 

busy as the year goes on. In addition 

to the usual seasonal concerts 

and performances at largegroup 

district and state adjudi- 

cated events in the spring, every 

member of the Symphonic 

Band will soon be getting ready 

for the Ohio Music Education 

Association (OMEA) Solo and 

Ensemble event. 

This year, Foster plans on challenging his musicians with an 

increased amount of individual performance assessments. 

“[Individual assessment] just benefits us later on because as 

we do more of that, the band continues to get better and better,” 

said Foster. 

Members of Copley’s three choirs are also being challenged 

more. Choir Director Basil Kochan looks forward to inspiring personal 

improvement and dedication among choir members. 

“Some of the expectations I have [are] just so every student 

sees it important to improve upon what they’re able to bring to the 

School News 

Music classes scale their way to success 

By Kaysea Thomas 

As winter draws near, drivers are bombarded with many 

obstacles. One such hazard Summit County has hoped to 

eliminate is the new fad for texting while driving. A new law 

was passed in September 2009 making the action of text messaging 

when driving illegal, while the state of Ohio is working 

on a piece of legislature to make this law state-wide. 

As word of this new law has spread throughout communities 

and police stations alike, mixed viewpoints arise. On 

one side of the argument, it is a necessary safety measure that 

will reduce motor vehicle fatalities while the other side views 

it as a freedom that should not be taken away from them. 

A new driver, junior Natalie Robson said, “I personally 

have texted while I drove before…only because it feels like an 

‘innocent little text.’” 

On the contrary, she also felt a sense of remorse afterwards 

because she immediately “realized it was a bad decision” 

and didn’t want this to “turn into a habit.” 

From an adult’s point of view, Leah Comanor, a community 

resident, feels that this new law is “fabulous and a 

long time overdue.” 

As a driver, she personally feels that she is not a danger 

to others, being that she never partakes in the act of texting 

while driving. However, it is the others, who try to multitask 

during a time where quick reflexes and undivided attention 

classroom everyday,” said Kochan, “because if everybody’s improving 

at a good pace, then the ensemble will improve as well.” 

Similar to the band, the Copley choirs have been working 

at a fast-pace. All three choirs have put on a fall concert and the 

Concert Chorale has already performed multiple times, including a 

master class and performance 

with an internationally renowned 

male vocal group, 

Chanticleer, on October 7. 

“In addition to [Chanticleer], 

on the 22 nd , we did a 

concert with Revere in which 

we worked with Professor 

Daniel Clark from Walsh 

University,” said Kochan. “So 

we’ve got a very active beginning 

of the year for all three 

groups.” 

Impressive performance 

opportunities like these are 

not unusual for Copley’s 

choirs, however. 

“The performance opportunities 

are always pretty impressive for a high school,” said 

Kochan. 

For example, the Chamber Ensemble, a small ensemble which 

meets after school hours to rehearse, is invited each year to numerous 

prestigious events. 

“[Chamber] has a couple of very, very good performances, 

one of which is Stan Hywett,” said Kochan. “We’ll be performing 

there in December, which we’ll be the only high school group that’s 

performing for that particular event.” 

All of Copley’s choirs are looking forward to a challenging, 

yet exciting year. 

“We’ll be starting to work on Solo and Ensemble work for 

Chorale members Ashley George, Racheal Murphy, 

Amanda Lopeman, and Susan Rospotynski rehearse 

their music. Photo by Kaysea Thomas 

are needed, that pose a threat to the more cautious drivers 

of the area. Comanor said, “The law is more than fair because 

driving is a privilege in which everyone needs to work 

together.” 

Senior Lauren 

Sharnsky had a different 

viewpoint on 

the hot topic. “I 

understand the law, 

but I think people 

should be able to 

text when they are 

stopped at lights or 

stop signs because 

you can’t hit someone 

while you are 

not in motion.” 

Sharnsky felt 

that “some people 

text at bad times, 

like on the highway. I think at other times, it is not that big 

of a deal.” 

Although completely aware of the new law, Sharnsky 

said, “It won’t really affect me; I will probably still do it, just 

at times when it is not a danger to other people.” 

students who want to sing solos at a judged event in February,” 

said Kochan. 

In addition to this, all choirs will perform at the Ohio Music 

Education Association Large Group event in March, an event 

which Copley hosts. In the spring, Kochan plans to mellow things 

out with a spring concert based around a pop-Broadway style. 

Foster also plans to bring a dose of modernism to the band. 

“We’re also going to be using a lot more technology in the 

classroom this year,” said Foster. “Kids have already seen me with 

my iPod touch… we’re going to be using a lot of certain things. 

We’ll be using iPod touches and digital recorders and things like 

that.” 

Foster chooses to embrace technology. 

“I think it’s just about trying to get technology that kids are 

used to into the classroom… This is an elective for [students]. They 

don’t have to take it but they continue to take it,” Foster explained. 

“How do you motivate someone to do just the bare minimum 

when they can do so much more? But if you introduce technology 

and do other things that keep them interested, then they want to 

do [more].” 

With over a third of the high school population being involved 

in the music department, the band and choir directors must 

be doing something right. 

“We have a little bit of everything in our music program here 

at Copley High School,” said Kochan. “…I’m very, very pleased 

with that because, in the real world, that’s what you hope happens 

–that everybody can work together to produce beautiful arts.” 

Foster also believes that the Copley Music Program is extraordinary 

because of the diverse school and community populations. 

“It comes down to the students and their families,” he said. 

“They find that music is not just an extra; music is something that 

they want to continue to excel at, and when they leave the high 

school, they still have skills to continue on. And that’s a reflection 

of our community, that our community thinks music is important.” 

Texting while driving ban creates questions 

By Jessica Wharton 

Photo by Kaysea Thomas 

Fairlawn police officer Dave Mason said, “I think this 

new law is a step in the right direction. There are too many 

accidents right now that are caused by unnecessary distractions.” 

With any new law comes the question 

of how it will be enforced. Mason 

said, “It will be a minor misdemeanor 

with a penalty of up to $150.” 

Although this is a new law, it is the 

citizen’s responsibly to know the law in 

the place they live and drive. Due to 

the fact that it is a new law, however, 

there is a time period for education, instead 

of persecution. Mason said, “If 

an accident is caused, action needs to 

be taken, but it will mostly be up to the 

officer’s discretion.” 

Currently, 18 states have a law prohibiting 

text messaging while driving, 

and Ohio could soon be following. With different viewpoints 

on the topic, one thing remains undisputed; it is the 

law. Driving is just another privilege granted in this country 

and requires nothing less than one’s undivided attention. Although 

there will be those who try to “fight the system,” it is 

a response to careless driving, and a solution for safety. 

330-670-0900 

Serving Montrose, Fairlawn, & 

Copley 

Montrose* 3571 Brookwall 

Drive 

CORNER OF BROOKWALL DRIVE AND BROOKMONT 

DRIVE 

Enter from Cleve-Mass Rd at Brookwall or from 

Medina Rd at Brookmont


4 

All students can relate to the feeling of anticipation when leaving school and beginning 

winter break. However, once home, anticipation turns into celebration, and the 

holiday brings many wonderful and different festivities. 

One major holiday celebrated by students 

is Hanukkah. Hanukkah is part of 

the Jewish religion and is called the Festival 

of Lights. This year it is celebrated on December 

11, beginning at sundown and lasting 

eight days. The holiday commemorates 

the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem 

after the Jews’ 165 B.C.E. victory 

over the Syrians. 

“One tradition that my family does 

each year is, each night of Hanukkah we 

light a candle on the menorah,” said junior 

John Berkovitz. 

He is not alone; lighting the menorah 

is one of the most popular traditions celebrated 

by Jewish families. The menorah is 

lit each night to commemorate a miracle, 

which occurred after the Jews proclaimed a 

victory over the Syrain armies. 

While some light a menorah, others 

string lights on a tree and wish friends and family a “Merry Christmas!” 

“My favorite part of Christmas is definitely being around family members that I 

never get to see,” said sophomore Claire Marshall. 

The holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The word Christmas originated as a 

compound meaning “Christ’s Mass.” In 350 A.D. another Bishop of Rome, Julius I, chose 

December 25 as the observance of Christmas. Many current Christmas traditions derive 

C-Town Sports with Elliot Schall 

Join Elliot Schall as he eats, sleeps, and 

breathes Cleveland sports! 

Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/c-town-sports- 

to listen. 

Studio call-in 

number is: 

347-855-8054 

Feature 

Positive outlooks overcome students’ obstacles 

By Darius Simpson 

With a large student body, the name Matthew Morrison 

is one that may be unfamiliar to some. Yet, while 

his name may not be “well known,” many students have 

surely seen this junior in the halls or sitting in their classrooms. 

Some may wonder why he’s in a wheelchair, but 

cannot bring themselves to ask him about it in fear of 

making him uncomfortable. 

Morrison is paralyzed from the waist down as an effect 

of spina bifida; however, he doesn’t let the condition 

affect his attitude. 

“I’m used to it and try not to 

let it bother me,” Morrison said. 

“I don’t specifically need any additional 

help throughout the day, except 

I need cath four times a day.” 

Cath is short for catheter, 

which is a tube used to assist in urination. 

His classmates are very accommodating 

with practical things, 

as well. 

“A lot of my friends and my 

classmates have really been the most 

helpful,” Morrison said. “They will 

get a book or a binder out of my 

bag for me if I need it.” 

Ridicule from peers has not 

been a problem that Morrison has 

had to deal with since his childhood. 

“Nobody has really made fun 

of me since fourth grade, when 

there was this one kid that called 

me ‘Wheels,’” said Morrison. 

Copley High School faculty 

member, Brad Bennett, has known 

Morrison since his freshman year, and he helps him everyday. 

“He loves sports teams and is a great fan of Ohio 

sports,” Bennett explained. “He is always funny and 

smiling.” 

Spreading the cheer of all the holidays this season 

By Nicole Pupino 

Junior Bianca Kennedy smiles 

during class. Photo by Darius 

Simpson 

Art by Nicole Pupino 

Morrison keeps those that accompany him on their 

toes. He tends to go fast and reluctantly 

slow down despite whoever is 

escorting him. 

Bennett sees Morrison as “just a 

kid” before he sees a kid in a wheelchair. 

Other students describe him as 

a “role model” and one that tends to 

get along with everyone he comes in 

contact with. 

Another student who attends 

Copley High School with the same 

condition as Morrison 

is junior Bianca 

Kennedy. She 

is not completely 

paralyzed from the 

waist down, but still 

needs a walker to 

assist her in getting 

from one place to 

the next. Kennedy 

wears braces to keep 

her legs straighter when she walks. 

Like Morrison, Kennedy does not 

allow spina bifida to affect her overall 

demeanor. 

“I just wish I didn’t have to use a 

walker; that’s all I’d change about myself,” 

said Kennedy. 

“My teachers help me a lot,” she 

added. 

And her teachers enjoy her presence 

in the classroom, as well. 

“She has a really bubbly personality,” 

said Mrs. Markin, who has known 

Kennedy for the past three years. “For 

anybody with physical challenges, simple things take a 

lot of effort. The things we take for granted, she does 

it every day, all day, with no complaints. The only time 

I’ve heard her complain was in a humorous way when 

Junior Matthew Morrison poses 

for a quick picture. Photo by 

Thomas Pernecker 

she didn’t want to start schoolwork, never in a serious 

context.” 

Although Kennedy feels “different,” 

from her peers at times, she 

still enjoys interacting with them. 

“She loves people, and when 

people greet her in the hallways, she 

just loves being a part of the high 

school environment,” Markin said. 

Like any other kid, gym is one 

of Kennedy’s favorite subjects. 

“I love playing basketball in 

gym class,” she explained. 

She also enjoys math. While 

it’s unclear which college she’d like 

to attend in the future, she does 

know she “wants to study math in 

college.” 

So while others may view spina 

bifida as a insurmountable mountain 

to overcome, Morrison and Kennedy 

have kept a positive outlook despite 

their condition. 

Quick Facts About Spina Bifida 

• A person born with spina bifida has an opening 

in the spine. 

• The spine fails to connect to the backbone creating 

a space. 

• The space in the spine results in partial or complete 

paralysis in the lower half of the body and 

partial or complete loss of bladder and bowel 

control. 

• There is no cure for spina bifida because the 

nerve tissue cannot be replaced or repaired. 

• Treatment up to 48 hours after birth may lessen 

severity of effects on the body. 

• Spina bifida occurs in 7 out of every 10,000 live 

births in the United States. 

• Above information gathered from Yahoo!Health 

from the English Victorian Christmas. Some of these traditions are giving gifts, caroling, 

the yule log, and church processionals. 

“One of my favorite unique traditions that my family does would be every year on 

Christmas Eve my family watches a Christmas movie. It makes 

Christmas Eve special for my brother’s birthday,” said Marshall. 

Christmas is technically known as a Christian holiday, although 

today Christmas is widely celebrated by many non-Christians, 

as well. 

Another holiday celebrated throughout the world is Kwanzaa. 

It is meant to help black people reconnect with their African 

culture. 

“My family just does the basic Kwanzaa celebrations. We light 

a candle each night and receive a gift each night,” said senior Malik 

Queener. 

Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but most celebrations 

often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, 

and large traditional meals. The name Kwanzaa is derived 

from the phrase “matunda ya kwanzaa” which means “first fruits” 

in Swahili. 

Queener said, “All I know about the history of Kwanzaa is that 

each of the seven days is dedicated to one of the ‘Seven Principles 

of Kwanzaa.’” 

On each of the seven nights, the family gathers around the 

Kinara or a candleholder, similar to a menorah, and a child lights 

one of the candles, then one of the seven principles is discussed. Some of the principles 

include faith, self-determination, creativity and purpose. The candle-lighting ceremony 

gives the family a time to gather and consider the meaning of Kwanzaa. This year Kwanzaa 

begins on December 26 and ends on January 1. 

“YES YOU CAN!”


5 

Since the cold weather has arrived, the hardwood has 

been heating up as the basketball season has gotten underway. 

Coming off of a 12-10 season, 

two games above .500, the Indians 

have three returning lettermen and a 

new head coach. Last year, the team 

played as a Division II school, but this 

season, the boys will be battling in Division 

I. With that comes some tough 

regular season games. 

“We’ve got Stow, Firestone, and 

Brunswick which are all known to be 

powerhouses in Northeast Ohio,” said 

head coach Adam Pittis. “The Suburban 

League is still very tough. With 

teams like Revere and Barberton that 

have some key returning players, all 

twenty games this season are going to 

be a challenge.” 

Adam Pittis, the new coach, may 

be new to Copley High School, but 

as far as the game of basketball goes, 

he definitely brings credentials. Most 

recently, Pittis was the head basketball 

coach at Harrison Central High 

School in Cadiz, Ohio. He spent two years there, in which 

he rebuilt their program. Pittis is known for his enthusiasm 

and work ethic, which will be used to prepare this 2009-2010 

Copley boys basketball team. His brother is an assistant coach 

at The University of Akron on Coach Keith Dambrot’s coaching 

staff. Pittis developed a strong relationship with Dambrot 

over the summer while he helped with his camps. 

“I have connections with many coaches in the area, and I 

try to learn from them,” said Pittis. 

Sports 

New coach gives Indians confidence boost 

By Elliot Schall 

One team, one goal, and one dream. As the girls basketball season approaches, 

a young team 

with a lot of 

heart looks to 

make an impact. 

Second 

year coach 

Steve Coon, 

who transitioned 

from 

coaching boys 

basketball to 

girls basketball, 

has been 

pulling all the 

right strings 

to get this girls 

team back 

to the Ohio 

High School 

Athletic Association (OHSAA) Tournament, like they’ve been to many times before. 

“Our goal this year, because we are so young, is to try to improve on a consistent 

basis,” said Coon. “We have no seniors and a lot of people have no varsity experience, 

so improvement is critical for our future, but we expect to play hard and improve as 

the season goes on.” 

After an impressive first season as head coach, with a record of 14-5, Coon 

looks to improve even more. This year, they have some tough teams on their schedule. 

Powerhouses like Green, Wadsworth, Brecksville, Jackson, and Stow will certainly 

put this young team to the test. 

“I actually coached the girls basketball team for three years about six years ago, 

so the transition from coaching boys and going back to girls shouldn’t be a problem,” 

said Coon. “I have always enjoyed coaching girls teams. They listen very well and 

there aren’t a lot of issues.” 

The 2009-2010 Copley girls basketball team has no returning seniors, but many 

returning varsity players. 

“This is just a building year and since we have no seniors and lost five from last 

year, it will definitely be a challenge,” said varsity power forward Taylor Reif. “But 

we’re willing to work hard and show it. I think we’ll have some surprises this year.” 

The Lady Indians may be the youngest team in the Suburban League, but they’re 

not going to let that affect them in any way. Most of the team have been together 

since fifth grade and started developing chemistry well before high school. 

“We are all really close and get along with all the underclassmen,” added Reif. 

“We have some really fun times together.” 

These girls know that winning won’t come easy, and they have been working 

very hard this off-season, preparing every day. Whether it be shooting around, hitting 

the weight room, or just practicing, they feel like they can definitely contend 

Pittis believes this team can go as far as it wants to go if 

the boys can push themselves and work hard. 

“These guys have been working really hard, and each 

and every one of them has what it takes to win,” said Pittis. 

“But with that comes dedication, and it’s not all about 

scoring. I constantly preach defense, and if we’re putting up 

triple digits, we’re going to have to keep the other team in 

doubles.” 

Not only is the coach new, but there are many new 

faces, with a few returning players, and only three returning 

lettermen. The three returning lettermen are: junior Terrell 

Hill, senior Phil Ellis, and senior Bryce Gathagan 

“We have come together as a family, and we are already 

developing some chemistry,” said junior returning letterman 

Terrell Hill. For a new coach, he really knows what to do with 

us, and I think we can really win Suburban League this year.” 

Although Pittis wouldn’t 

comment on who the starting five 

are, they seem to have much needed 

depth at every position. They’ve 

been working hard and they certainly 

have what it takes to win 

games, but they have got to use it 

right. 

“We’ve been practicing with 

each other even before the school 

year,” said Hill. “All summer we 

were playing pickup games at the 

park and even just working out together.” 

This team is full of talent; they 

have scorers everywhere on the roster. 

Defense will be the biggest key 

for them. They can all put up the 

points, but defense wins championships. 

“We can all score, but defensively, 

we have to improve,” said 

senior shooting guard Daniel Williams. 

“And we absolutely have to move the ball more and not 

force shots.” 

Looking at this team, and where they stand now from 

having a new coach every year, for the past four years, on paper 

the Indians look to be as promising as any Copley boys 

basketball team has been, even as good as the Andrew Moss 

and Matt Warren days. 

If you have nothing to do on a cold winter night or if 

you’re just a die hard basketball fan, come out and watch your 

Indians, because this season will be one to remember! 

Copley girls basketball: A young team with hope 

By Elliot Schall 

Photo by Woodard Photography 

Photo by Woodard Photography 

this year. 

“We’ve just been working really hard and making sure we have a good attitude 

toward basketball and each other,” said varsity small forward Aisha Queener. “We just 

have to work together more and practice hard.” 

With all the necessary attributes given, the Lady Indians will give the fans a 

dynamic performance on the court this season.


6 

For CHS swimmers, the 

early bird gets the worm 

Sports 

ByThomas Pernecker but I don’t actually like jumping into the wa- By Tyler McCormick 

While most of Copley High School 

is tucked away in their beds snoozing, the 

CHS swim team is hard at work practicing 

in the early 

hours of the 

m o r n i n g . 

They enter the 

water at 5:45 

and practice 

until 6:45. 

Morning 

practices 

are mandatory, 

but for 

good reason. 

They increase 

stamina and 

muscle in 

swimmers. 

J u n i o r 

Jason Lucas, 

said, “Getting 

up and working 

out really wakes me up for my 1-2 class, 

but then by mod. five I always crash. Hard.” 

As for the morning practices, they’re 

as grueling as they are early. They consist 

of a 600 reverse individual medley, which 

is equivalent to 24 pool lengths. An IM is 

when “you swim fly, back, breast, and free 

[stroke] in that order,” said Lucas. However, 

this doesn’t happen everyday. 

On Mondays, the team does a 1000-yard 

freestyle warmup (40 lengths.) Following the 

warm-up is a “kickset, then a descending set 

of four 75’s twice.” A descending set is when 

a swimmer’s time descends every 75 yards. 

The descending set is followed by a hardset, 

which tests and pushes a swimmer’s ability, 

and finished off with a warm down. 

Senior Lauren Scott said that her favorite 

part about morning practices is when “the 

water wakes [her] up,” and she said she enjoys 

getting ready with the girls. Scott’s least 

favorite part is “the drive there and actually 

getting out of bed.” She said she joined the 

team because it “challenges” her. 

Junior Kelly Fields seems to agree with 

Scott. She said, “I like getting ready with the 

girls because a lot of them are like my sisters, 

ter because your body just feels dead.” 

The outlook for the season is very positive 

and hopeful. This season’s swim team 

has “a lot of 

new swimmers 

and a 

lot of depth,” 

Lucas said. 

S e n i o r 

Katie Rei 

c h e n b a c h 

said, “An 

obstacle facing 

the team 

would be 

s w i m m i n g 

against the 

three toughest 

teams in 

our league in 

the first three 

meets, which 

are Green, 

Revere, and Wadsworth. But I think we’ll 

be pretty strong on both the girls and boys 

teams. If we win all of our dual meets I think 

we have a good chance of winning suburban 

league.” 

Their next home meet will take place on 

Tuesday, Dec. 22, against Cloverleaf. 

The swim team arrives at school when 

it’s dark out, and as a result of after-school 

practice, they leave when it’s dark out as well. 

As they step out of the school, they know 

all too well that they’ll be swimming again 

within a matter of hours. 

Kelly Fields, Clay Brockman, Luke Daher and 

Allie Quine take a break from practice. Photo 

provided by Laura Doncaster 

Copley Swimming Schedule 

Dec. 19: Canton Holiday Invit. Branin 

8:00 a.m. 

Dec. 22: Cloverleaf HOME 4:30 p.m. 

Jan. 13: Barberton HOME 4:30 p.m. 

Jan. 16: N.E. Classic Akron U TBA 

Jan. 20: Tallmadge HOME 4:30 p.m. 

Wrestler hopes to repeat 

last season’s success 

Senior Josh Tomayko has been making 

his name known in Copley’s wrestling 

records. Now, after last year’s stellar season 

and a trip to districts, Tomayko and 

the wrestling team 

have returned to 

make their mark 

on Copley High 

School. 

The team finished 

with a 13-8 

record last year 

and sent seven 

wrestlers to districts. 

Junior Jon 

Garrison said that 

sending all seven 

district qualifiers 

back to districts is 

one of their team 

goals. 

After finishing 

last season with 

a record of 40-9, 

which included a 

school record of 

32 pins, Tomayko 

has goals of his 

own to reach as 

well. 

Simply stated, his goal is to be the 

“state champ.” He also has some goals 

for the team. 

“I would like us to win 20 duals and 

place as high as we can in our tournaments,” 

said Tomayko. 

Tomayko already holds many of the 

wrestling records at Copley, including 

the single season pin record and most 

team points in a single season. More impressively 

though, he has the third most 

pins-in-a-row in Ohio history. 

However, there is one record that 

he is still working towards. It is the alltime 

pin record at Copley. Currently, 

the record sits at 67 pins, held by Leo 

Saniuk. 

But behind all the records and stats, 

Tomayko’s role on the team goes beyond 

the superstar status. His leadership is 

what has set him apart from all the others 

that have set foot on the mat. 

Garrison said, “He shows us techniques 

that nobody could ever imagine 

learning on 

their own, and 

his experience 

is second to 

none.” 

Similarly, 

Tomayko said, 

“I am the oldest 

and have 

the most experience, 

so I 

lead the team 

in practice by 

showing them 

technique. I 

push them in 

practice when 

they need to be 

pushed.” 

If everything 

goes right 

for Tomayko 

this season, it 

will be a season 

to remember 

for Copley 

wrestling and will immortalize Tomayko 

as one of the greatest wrestlers to ever 

attend Copley High School. Check out 

Tomayko and the wrestling team over 

winter break. 

Josh Tomayko holds a wrestling trophy. 

Photo provided by www.copleywrestling.com 

Copley Wrestling Schedule 

Dec. 19: Parma Normandy Invitational - AWAY 

Dec. 29-30: Lorain Southview Invitational - 

AWAY 

Jan. 7: Barberton/Highland - HOME 

Jan. 9: Hudson Duals - AWAY 

Jan. 15-16: Dies Tournament - AWAY 

Jan. 21: Wadsworth/Cloverleaf - AWAY 

Your 

ad 

should 

go 

here. 

For more information about rates 

and publication dates: 

Phone: 330.664.4999 

ext. 527559 

Fax: 330.664.4951 

sarah.petry@copley-fairlawn.org


7 

Within the past year and a half the swine flu pandemic 

has been spreading. Ever since then, there 

has been this scare of catching the virus 

due to the many lives it has claimed. 

Awhile ago, I came in contact with this 

deadly virus. This is my story. 

A few weeks ago, after a Saturday 

band competition, I started feeling slightly 

ill, but I thought nothing of it. That is, 

until I awoke on Sunday. I got up from 

my bed and immediately felt heavy and 

sluggish. I had a coarse throat as if I had 

been wandering the scorching desert for 

weeks without any food or water, and a 

blazing fever with the burning intensity 

of the blistering summer sun. I was dizzy; 

I felt as if I had been thrown into some 

swirling vortex of terror and all senses of 

direction and time had been lost. I was 

somehow able to, little by little, crawl my 

Art by Olivia Lopez 

way into the kitchen and then throw my 

ailing carcass in plain sight of my mother. 

With a shaky hand I reached toward the sky to make some 

sort of gesture to beckon her to come closer, to feel my forehead, 

and ease the pain of my aching being. 

With every throbbing muscle in my body, I forced 

the words to come out and form a sentence, or some sort 

of communication, but unfortunately she could not hear 

my telepathic message –the only kind I could manage. Our 

bars must have been low. My body was too fatigued to even 

muster the power to sit up. As I lay like a lump on the floor, 

I formed words to come out with all of the strength I could 

Opinion 

The incredible tale of a survivor... 

By Olivia Lopez 

muster, and slowly the words came out in almost a whisper. 

“I… feel… sick… mom…, I…don’t…think…I… 

can…make…it…to…school… 

tomorrow…” I said in a soft 

but painfully raspy voice. 

“Well all right, just go lay 

on the couch, and I‘ll call you 

off school until we can get you 

to the doctor,” she said nonchalantly. 

As if my crippling disease 

was just some sort of minor 

cough that could be cured by 

Nyquil! I dragged my body 

across the floor for seemingly 

of hundreds of feet to the living 

room couch. When I arrived 

there I climbed into the 

welcoming heavenly soft cushion 

and threw myself upon the 

leathery beauty. It almost glim- 

tory. 

mered with its newly found 

splendor. I felt myself shake with 

sobs of glee over my minor vic- 

For several days I laid upon the couch, drifting 

in and out of consciousness. In some cases I really had 

no choice. The medication my mother was giving me had 

drugged me so severely; I was knocked out again within a 

matter of minutes. The medicine provided a strange but welcoming 

relief from the agony I was suffering due to the brutality 

of my symptoms. It was a few days until I remember 

being awoken from my drug induced state by my mother 

holding what seemed to resemble a jacket. I say resemble, 

for the sun was so overwhelmingly radiant it blinded my 

eyes causing the very core of my head to explode into pain. 

I quickly shut my eyes once more to block out the burning 

cruelty from which the heavens seemed to mock me. 

“Get up. We’re going to the doctor now,” my mother 

said unsympathetically. 

I slowly reached out my quivering hand and took hold 

of the jacket. We drove for what seemed like days and with 

the pain my head was in, by the time we arrived at the doctor’s 

office, I thought we had reached California. Luckily, the 

wait wasn’t long for me and I was whisked into the room. The 

nurse asked the usual questions of what torture I had been 

enduring for the past few days and my mother answered for 

me because it felt as though every time the nurse spoke, her 

voice thundered in my head, and then-amplified by about 

ten thousand decibels. I winced each time she opened her 

mouth to speak. Mercifully, not even five minutes later, the 

doctor came in. I have never been so happy to see a short, 

wrinkly, chubby, white-haired man in my life. I wanted to 

hug him but I felt it would be awkward considering my situation. 

Finally, I felt I would at last be cured of this curse. 

Then, not even stepping fully through the doorway he delivered 

the gut wrenching news. 

“Well, you have swine flu,” he said briskly. 

My heart plummeted to the floor. He had sentenced me 

to my sheer demise. All the torment I had suffered throughout 

the week and now for my short young life to end at 

such a fate as this!? It was then that I knew I didn’t have 

much time to document my experience. I knew this sickness 

would be the end of me, but I would not go without a 

fight. I had to tell my story to let others know the anguish 

of my ordeal. 

Merry Chri- oh wait... Happy holidays! 

By Corey Smith 

Political correctness is a growing epidemic in today’s society, 

a fact which is never more apparent than in the months 

of winter. For the past few years, as soon as Thanksgiving 

(Let’s be realistic here, Halloween (Let’s be cynical here, Easter.)) 

ends, the media begins talking about the so called “War 

on Christmas.” 

America has been getting up in arms over two little 

words: “Merry Christmas.” Should people monitor their 

words, opting to say the generic “Happy Holidays?” (Even 

that apparently offends some people, because not everyone 

celebrates a holiday.) Should people have the freedom to offer 

someone a “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” or 

“May His Noodliness bless you on this fine Friday” without 

worrying about offending people? It seems like almost everyone 

has an opinion on this matter. 

America’s obsession over political correctness extends 

further than just winter greetings. Christmas trees all over 

Hallway holiday hype: Family traditions 

By Olivia Lopez 

[My family celebrates] 

Hanukkah first. My 

dad’s side of the family, 

because he’s Jewish, they 

send us presents. Then 

we light the menorah 

and eat latkes. [Afterwards,] 

we have Christmas 

at my house. 

Carrie Goldstein-Sophomore 

One of my favorite 

traditions on 

Christmas is to go to 

my Aunt’s house. We 

have turkey and we 

open presents from 

my Grandma. I get 

to see all my relatives 

that I don’t usually get 

to see. 

Ben Campbell- Junior 

the country are being referred to as “Holiday trees,” “Christmas 

break” became “holiday break” before finally becoming 

“winter break,” and in one California city, parents are being 

warned by mail that their child’s school choir will be singing 

Christmas carols. Now, I’m about the furthest thing from a 

Christian, but censoring the traditional practices strikes me 

as infuriatingly inane. Others might say that de-Christianizing 

holiday traditions isn’t that bad, after all, the holiday 

we know is almost entirely a conglomerate of pagan rituals. 

As far as I’m concerned, however, they may not have started 

out as Christian, but they might as well be now. The fact of 

the matter is, this is America. The country’s beginning was 

largely driven by a wish to practice one’s own religion, so 

censoring traditions now seems pretty hypocritical. 

Interestingly, both sides use the First Amendment in 

their arguments, specifically freedom of speech and religion. 

As with almost every religious debate, the same tired arguments 

are being used again and again: “Freedom of religion 

includes freedom from religion.” “America was founded on 

My favorite family holiday 

tradition is making gingerbread 

houses. I usually 

make the Grinch themed 

ones because my family 

calls me Lexxi-Lou-Who. 

[We also] eat a holiday 

dish called gnocchi. It’s a 

Italian pasta made out of 

poatoes, and we only eat it 

around Christmas 

time. 

Lexxi Kearns- Senior 

Christian Principles.” I firmly believe a phrase that is often 

thrown around without really being understood: “It’s a free 

country.” I’m about as anti-censorship as one can be without 

plotting to overthrow the government, so seeing people trying 

to abridge the rights of others annoys me to no end. Let 

people say what they want to say, and don’t get offended by 

the little things. Odds are, if someone wishes you a “Merry 

Christmas,” they aren’t trying to be offensive. For the love of 

pancakes, it’s two words. You should really just relax. 

On the other hand, I can sort of see why people might 

be offended. The assumption that everyone you speak to 

shares your values is conceited, obnoxious, and six kinds of 

ignorant (Actually, only five). However, that doesn’t mean 

you should start petitioning and complaining, no matter 

what you support. I’m sure Americans all over the country 

are tired of having to wade through protesters to go to a store 

that had the audacity to wish someone a “happy holiday.” 

For a nation based on freedom, people sure do like abridging 

the freedom of others. 

My family actually 

goes to Pennsylvania 

and rents a cabin in the 

woods. [I like] spending 

time away from 

civilization with the 

family [and] just kind 

of bonding that way 

because we don’t get to 

see each other a lot. 

Karl Hiss- Junior


8 

Entertainment 

Waking Up with One Republic 

By Alex Lee 

One Republic has recently released its 

new album, Waking Up, revitalizing the 

group’s fanbase and offering tracks that live 

up to expectations while surpassing previous 

hits. Their last album, Dreaming Out 

Loud, was met with excellent consumer approval 

and provided high standards for later 

additions. 

Waking up combines all of the aspects 

that put them on the map as a rising force 

in the music industry, with a maturity of 

sound and complexity of evolved instrumentals 

that creates a superb auditory ex- 

perience. With past hits such as “Apologize” 

and “Stop and Stare,” it is 

now obvious that One Republic’s 

success is no fluke and they 

continue to raise the bar. 

Lyrical prowess strikes 

deep emotional depths that are 

carried within the listener. Lyrics 

from the song “Good Life” 

state, “Hopelessly, I feel like 

there might be something that 

I’ll miss, hopelessly I feel like 

the window closes oh so quick, 

hopelessly I’m taking a mental picture of 

you now, cuz hopelessly, the hope is we 

have so much to 

feel good about.” 

E n d u r i n g 

messages can 

be found everywhere 

in this album, 

specifically 

in tracks “Good 

Life” and “Passengers.” 

One Republic 

has done it 

once again and it 

is obvious they are here to stay. 

All sides revealed of O.A.R. album 

By Alex Lee 

From five dollar shows at The Newport 

on High Street on the campus of The Ohio 

State University, to selling 

out Madison Square Garden, 

O.A.R. has come a long way. 

O.A.R., which stands for Of 

A Revolution, has just released 

its ninth album: All Sides. The 

album mixes an alternative 

rock, reggae, jazzy, modern 

Dave Matthews Band sound 

with a mainstream, upbeat 

tune. 

All Sides has a total of 13 

songs, including “This Town,” “Shattered,” 

“Whatever Happened,” “Try Me,” “One Day,” 

“Living in the End,” and “On My Way.” The 

Team Jacob or 

Team Edward? 


November 20 is a day that will never 

be forgotten in the lives of many vampire 

and werewolf crazed girls, including myself. 

As the outside of the movie theatre 

filled up, the excitement set in and the 

crazed fans separated themselves into two 

groups: Team Jacob vs. Team Edward. As 

this seperation occured I couldn’t help but 

ask, “Why do we have to choose?!” 

The movie was thrilling, and proved 

to live up to the standards of the die hard 

Twilight fans. The action scenes were plentiful, 

and no one in the theatre was angry 

about the lack of shirts worn by the werewolves. 

Tear jerking, humorous, and all 

around fantastic --New Moon left no fan 

disappointed and was well worth the entrance 

fee. 

After the movie ended, I left with my 

fellow fans and raved over the movie. Sleep 

was most definitely not a possibility that 

night, as we had too much to discuss and 

critique...thankfully, the glorious vampires 

were enough to distract us. 

This movie became a box office hit and 

collected over $258.8 M in less than one 

week, making these sales a new record. 

So, if you are into shirtless werewolves, 

sparkling vampires, and a romance on the 

side, New Moon is the movie for you! 

song “This Town,” which was used in the College 

World Series commercials, allows listeners 

to relate to their roots. “Shattered,” the most 

popular song on the album, 

is played over the 

air on radio stations 

everywhere. For those 

of you who are college 

football fans, this entire 

season, songs such 

as “Try Me” have been 

playing during primetime 

games. 

O.A.R., originally 

from Rockville, 

Maryland, formed 

at The Ohio State University, in 1996 when 

saxophonist Jerry DePizzo (from Youngstown) 

joined. The band consists of lead singer and 

guitarist Marc Roberge, drummer Chris Culos, 

lead guitarist Richard On, bass guitarist Benj 

Gershman, and saxophonist Jerry Depizzo. 

Compared to their other albums I would 

have to say that although some songs are good, 

I view All Sides as more of a sell-out album, to 

become well known, which may leave a lot of 

the band’s devoted listeners to view them differently. 

In order to listen to O.A.R.’s original 

sound, committed fans should look elsewhere, 

like in my favorite albums Between Now and 

Then and Risen, which give the best example of 

their true sound. The best way to describe the 

band’s sound would be a new Dave Matthews 

Band with a mixture of Sublime. O.A.R. still 

is and always will be one of my favorite bands, 

however this album is not the greatest example 

of what O.A.R. is all about. 

Show your Student ID and recieve 

20% off your purchase 

(excluding cakes, cupcakes, and pies) 

at Cold Stone Creamery-Montrose. 

Top 10 Holiday Movies 


10. Frosty the Snowman: A classic 

“feel good” Christmas movie, Frosty the 

Snowman shows 

the meaning of 

friendship as a 

group of friends 

embark on a 

journey to save 

a magical hat, 

friendship, and 

none other than Frosty the Snowman! 

9. Christmas with the Kranks: As a 

couple who is normally overwhelmed with 

Christmas spirit attempts to skip Christmas, 

there is a neighborhood uproar and they find 

some traditions are worth keeping. 

8. Eight Crazy Nights: In this musical 

comedy, Stone, a less-than-perfect 

citizen is sentenced to being a junior basketball 

referee and finds the value in family, 

friendship, and the beauty of being a 

good citizen. 

7. Home Alone: Twelve-year-old Kevin 

McCalister thinks life is 

good as he discovers he 

has the house to himself 

over Christmas...until his 

utopia is destroyed by 

two infamous burglars, 

Marve and Harry, and he 

finds the real meaning of 

Christmas is friends and family. 

6. A Charlie Brown Christmas: 

Charlie and “the gang” learn what Christmas 

is really about while standing around 

the smallest Christmas tree, and having 

joy in their hearts. 

5. Elf: When a man raised by elves goes 

to live with his “legal” father, he encounters 

different challenges and forces everyone 

around him to reevaluate priorities. 

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas: 

As an outcast from birth, 

the Grinch makes hating 

Christmas a yearly tradition. 

This year, he vows 

to destroy Christmas 

and crush the Whoville 

spirit forever. As his 

plan drags on, he finds that Christmas is 

not about “packages, boxes, and bags” but 

rather friends, family, and goodwill to all. 

3. Christmas Vacation: The Griswold 

family has once 

again turned Christmas 

into a competition and 

placed an unattainable 

amount of joy in the 

upcoming holiday. As 

tensions wear thin, they find that family, 

friendship, and love is the “reason for the 

season.” 

2. A Christmas Carol: A “Christmas 

miracle” in which the classic Ebenezer 

Scrooge learns the importance of giving 

after being visited by 3 ghosts. 

1. A Christmas Story: A classic 

movie in which 

Ralphie works to 

receive the perfect 

Christmas gift- a 

Red Rider BB gun! 

From attempting to 

disprove the thought 

that he will “shoot his eye out” and uttering 

his first curse word that was not 

“fudge” as he had hoped, this movie is 

all about the joy of Christmas and the 

beauty of adolescence.

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