Issue 11 - North Canton City Schools - sparcc

Hoover High School • North Canton, OHVol. 56 • No. 11VIEWSMay 12, 2006v i gDominating the diamonds: Baseball and softball lead Federal LeagueEarning yourWheelsHoover students take to the streetst h e i k nIssueThreePasses:53 percent votein favor; districtto receives $6.5millionThe Journey: Class of 2006•Elementary school columns•Pictures of the senior class•Top sports and art students•Memories from middle school

newsNEWSSuccessful levy to be helpfulTammy WilliamsStaff WriterCitizens exercised their right tovote, May 2. Despite the failureof other area school levies, NorthCanton’s Issue 3 passed.According to Superintendent MikeGallina, a total of 7,968 votes were cast,which proved to be better than expected.“We were very excited, ecstatic andhumbled about the issue passing. We reallyappreciate the community sacrifice to sayyes in these hard times,” he said. He cited theuncertainty of the Hoover Company closingand rising gas prices.Revenue to be generated by Issue 3 isgeared towards repairing and replacingfloors at Clearmount, Greentown, OrchardHill and the Early Childhood Center. Itwill also be used for window, furniture,equipment and roofing replacements,districtwide regulatory costs, parkinglots, sidewalks and playgrounds andtransportation.“I am most looking forward to providingthe great programs that are offered to ourstudents, the chance to take our strategicplan further,” he said.In an exit interview conducted by TheViking Views staff, first-time voter, seniorLane Becker, said he voted for the levy.“I voted for it because I think it’simportant that the school district has enoughmoney to have everything they need so thatteachers can teach effectively,” he said.Parent Mr. Roger Breckenridge alsovoted for it.“I still have two kids in the system. It’s agood system and I want to see it continue,”he said.Another parent, Rob Serena, was also asupporter.“I voted for the levy. I have a six-yearoldand an eight-year-old so they have a lotof years left in school,” he said. “I think alot of parents whose kids are out of schooldon’t feel they have to anymore, so those ofus who have kids have to keep [the schools]going.”Retiree Maureen Barr voted for the Issue3 because “someone paid for our childrento go to school, so now we can pay for ourgrandchildren,” she said.But not everyone supported the levy.Approximately 46.44% (3700 votes) ofvoters were against it.Retiree Sharon Gnagy voted against it.“I voted it down. We’re on a fixedincome, being retired. It seems like they’reconstantly asking for taxes for schools.It seems like there can be another way toincrease monies. There are other taxes, too.It seems like we’re being taxed too much,”she said.Local business owner Robert Stanley alsovoted against it.“I voted against it because of fiscalmismanagement,” he said. “Be successfulwith what you have before you ask formore.”However, Hoover High School teacherMr. Dave Reese voted for the levy becausehe believes it to be important to maintain theexcellent programs at Hoover.“North Canton schools have alwayshad a sterling reputation. [People] need tomaintain that,” he said.Parent of junior Barry Shetzer, Mrs.Lynne Shetzer, also voted for the levy.“I want the quality of education to becontinued and improved,” she said.Retiree Mary Castellaneta gave a simplereason to support the levy.“You always have to vote for thechildren,” she said. vRachel Bouer and Rebecca Paasch alsocontributed to this story.• (Below) Mark Ceretta, Todd Bundy and Glen Becker react as the early results show thatthe levy did not pass. • (Left) A “Thank You” was displayed on the sign in support of IssueThree after the levy was passed May 2.MIKE HOWES4 the viking views 05.12.06SHANNON PIFER

PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICE MILLERChess ChampionThe large room is completelysilent. Only breathing, a fewcoughs and the soft ticking ofhundreds of clocks can be heard.Every mind in the room is focused onone thing: the game of chess.Members of the Hoover chessteam attended the National ChessTournament in Louisville, Kentucky,April 7 and 8 and came away with a10th place trophy.Ben Hazen was one of threefreshmen chess team members whoattended the tournament.“It’s a tradition [for me], I’ve beengoing on and off for the past three orfour years,” Hazen said.“It was very cool. It opened upmy eyes to a lot of different people,their strategies and different ways ofplaying,” he said. “Different areas6 the viking views 05.12.06It’s tough being the onlygirl on the chess team, asfreshman Shizuyo Ichikawacan attest to. However, thatposition became a littleeasier when she won theOhio State All-Girls ChessC h a m p i o n s h i p , w h i c hwas held at the Ohio StateUniversity.Ichikawa surprisedherself when she came infirst place.“I haven’t w on aWest AwardsTwo Hoover students were honoredat the Ronald H. West OutstandingStudent Achievement Awards Ceremony.This award recognizes Ohio students whohave outstanding achievements in a numberof possible categories.Sophomore Felicia Houtz received anaward in athletics and was nominated byMary Lamp. Molly Price received an awardin community service and was nominatedby Darlene Boehnel.–Rebekkah RubinChess Challengesplay differently.”The national tournament presentedthe players with a new atmosphere inwhich to play their game.“It was tense at times. Afterthe matches were over, everyonewas relieved,” freshman ShizuyoIchikawa said.Hazen lost a few preconceptionsabout the tournament.“I expected it to be this huge roomfilled with chess boards and little kidswith dorky hats, and it pretty muchwas to my expectation, minus thedorky hats,” he said.All members of the team seemedto learn a lot at this tournament“I moved so fast I made stupidmistakes,” Ichikawa said.Despite her mistakes, she still wonthree out of seven games, scoringtournament since fifth grade,” shesaid.Ichikawa began her chess career atthe age of nine, when she professedher desire to follow in the footsteps ofher uncle, the chess coach at HartfordMiddle School.“When I was younger, I thoughtthat being able to play chess madeyou smart,” she said.Wi t h m u c h d e s p a i r a n ddetermination after not findinganyone to teach her the game, shetaught herself.PHOTO BY: KALEY SMITLEY86th place. Malloy scored 2.5 out ofseven, earning himself 89th place.Hazen won three and half games outof seven and earned 60th place.Despite these excellent scores theteam was humbled.“Most of the time we got our buttswhooped, not by burly kids, but byfive year olds,” Hazen said.The team met stiff competitionat the tournament, playing highlyrated players of a caliber they havenever come close to playing at localtournaments.Malloy felt similarly.“It makes you nervous, knowingthat you are going to play someonetwice as good as you,” he said.“We kicked some serious butt.Tenth in the nation.” Hazen said.–Nathan FloomMoot CourtFour seniors competedat the Moot CourtCompetition May 1-2.The event was sponsoredby the Stark CountyBar Association andwas introduced tostudents through theintro to law class.All who competedwon awards: KatieHer continued determination hasmade her a respected member of theHoover Chess Club. She encouragesanyone who is interested, especiallygirls, to come to a Chess Club meeting,which are held on Fridays.“We always love teaching peoplehow to play,” Ichikawa said.In winning the tournament, shereceived a $2000 scholarship to theOhio State University, admissionto a prestigious chess camp andan invitation to play at the SusanPolgar Tournament in Chicago.–Rebekkah Rubin(Above) FreshmanShizuyoIchikawa poseswith her firstplace trophy andthe director ofThe Ohio StateAll-Girls ChessTournament.(Below)Senior KatieSponsellor grinswith the medalthat she wasawarded at theMoot Court competition.Sponsellor, first place; EricaBelden, second place; KaleySmitley, third place; CrayGondek, fourth place.The event was one ofmany in Stark County’sLaw Week, which wascreated to teach studentscivil rights awareness.-Rebecca Paasch

Marine ManiaSeveral students had an extralong spring break this year. Theannual Marine Biology trip to AndrosIsland in the Bahamas occurred theweek the rest of the school returnedafter spring break.Although the students had an extraweek of sun and beach, they didn’t getthere without some hard work. For17 weeks they attended night classesevery Wednesday from six to ninep.m. as well as two Sunday classes.“The night class was difficultbecause I went straight from schoolto track and then to Marine Biologywith no time in between,” seniorJimmy Eberts said.Dahl feels that it was rewarding tobe able to use the skills they learnedduring class in Andros.“When we went out on the reef…it was so much fun to just be ableto point to something and go ‘lookat that Queen Triggerfish by thePadina,’” she said.The group also had two Sundayclasses and two snorkeling practicesat the YMCA before they departed.“Everyone looked at us funnywith our wetsuits and flippers onin the middle of the YMCA, but itSteadicam SpeakerIf you are watching the televisionshow “ER,” and see the cameramove smoothly through the hospitalwith no bumps, and you wonder howthat shot is made, Adam White haswas fun,” juniorAlison Mayhewsaid.During theseclasses they hadt o m e m o r i z et h i n g s t h e ywould eventuallyneed during thetrip.T h e t r i p ’sconcept was ahands-on study ofmarine biology.The studentssnorkeled andlearned aboutthe culture ofthe Bahamas, allwhile having agood time.S e n i o rStephen Wakulchik agreed, sayingthat at the end, everyone “wished thatthey never had to go home.”The students felt that on top oflearning about the marine life, theculture was also fun to learn about.“I miss the way everyone drivesdown the road and waves at you likethey’ve known you all their lives,”the answer.“You don’t have ‘ER’ without aSteadicam,” he said.April 12, White, a professionalSteadicam operator, brought his multithousanddollarset-up in toshow and speakto the VideoProductions Iclass.W h i t e , ag r a d u a t e o fWright StateUniversity, isa player in thenortheast Ohiofilm scene. Heh a s w o r k e do n m u l t i p l ep r o j e c t s ,JULIE SATERNUSWakulchik said.“Nothing couldhave preparedme for this trip;it was like livingin a differentworld.”D a h lagreed that theexperience was a‘culture shock.’“We went intoit expecting therewould be poverty,but we had noidea the level itwas at,” she said.“ E v e r y t h i n gthey had was sobasic.”In the end,after hours ofstudying, hundreds of bug bites andchallenging deep-sea moments, mostfelt the trip to be worth the time andeffort.“It was worth every grain of sandI had in my shorts at the end of eachnight,” Wakulchik said.–Rachel BosyjSTEFFANY BAGNOLO“TheBahamianpeople haveso littleand yet areso happy;I think ittaught usall to begrateful forwhat wehave.”– AmyBurnham(Left) ChrisDouglas experiencesmarinelifefirsthandas he holds astarfish on theMarine Biologytrip to the Bahamas.(Below) SteadicamoperatorAdam Whitedemonstratesthe equipmentto junior DavidGang.including all aspects of his owndocumentary, “The Restorers,” abouthis personal passion, plain restoration,and lighting for “Spiderman 3,” whichwas shot in Cleveland.Topics discussed include thetechnical aspects of operating aSteadicam, how to break into the localfilm scene and the requirements to selfproducea full-length documentary.Students also got the chance to try tooperate the Steadicam themselves,but learned that it takes much practiceto do so effectively.Despite recently having his housebroken into and his laptop with hisedited work on it stolen, White wasin good spirits.“There’s a guy in a crack housesomewhere saying, ‘He uses way toomany dissolves’.” –Mike Howes05.12.06 the viking views 7

‘Crystal Apple’ goes toVideo ProductionsRebekkah RubinStaff WriterAdmit it: It’s hard not to becomemesmerized by an episode of “Book Club”on Channel 11, even though that books readon the show are typically geared toward ayounger audience.It seems that no one else can helpthemselves from watching the show either.V i d e oP r o d u c t i o n steachers Mrs.Valeta Drake, Mr.Tim McCarty andMr. Tom Wilsonwere awardedthe Time WarnerCable NationalTeacher Award forthe second yearin a row becauseof the show theyhelp put together. The three will travelto Washington D.C. June 6 and 7 for theawards ceremony to receive their “crystalapple” award and $1,000.“It’s a great honor,” Drake said. “Filmingthe show is such a super opportunity,especially for Video Productions Istudents.”“Filming ‘Book Club’ is their first timein the studio, their first time in the controlroom, their first time running a tv show,”she said.Creating “Book Club” requires adifferent type of preparation, she said.Once a week, elementary school studentstake turns coming to the high school andhave children’s books read to them. Drakereads one book and a Video Productionsstudent reads another.The opportunity to read a book, whichis then aired on Channel 11, is usually thestudents’ first experience doing anything ofthat type.“The best part is that is generates such apositive response from the community forthe kids, and that is the real award.”–Mrs. Valeta Drake, Video Productions TeacherThe show is similar to “ReadingRainbow” which airs on PBS. Pictures fromthe book are put up on the screen while it isbeing read so viewers at home can see theillustrations.Drake feels that winning the award isa great honor, especially since they arewinning it for the second year in a row.“The best part is that it generates sucha positive response from the communityfor the kids, and that is the real award,”she said. “But we’re also excited to go toWashington to get the award,” she said.Gingrich talksphilosophy,not politicsKaley SmitleyStaff WriterSince leaving the House of Representativesas Speaker in the 1990s, Newt Gingrichhas become the sage of the Republican party.On his recent cross-country speaking tour,Gingrich appeared at Mount Union Collegeas part of the The Call to Public Service: TheFuture of Our Nation and State on Apr. 6.Gingrich, still a vanguard of the GOP,stayed away from politics and stuck tovalues during his speech and subsequentquestion and answer session. He frequentlyreferenced history, alluding toAmerican virtues such as courage andthe superiority of the democratic system.“I want to suggest to all the studentshere tonight that if you aren’t preparedto be a citizen, you aren’t preparedto be an American,” Gingrich said.As Speaker, and prior to that as a Representativefrom Georgia, Gingrich wasresponsible for such legislation as theContract with America. While mainlyavoiding politics, he still espoused theconservative views that are his hallmark.When asked to comment onthe war on terror, Gingrich noted:“Why does Al-Qaeda hate us? Theyhate us because we’re us,” he said. “Ithink we’re in a long war. It could take50 to 70 years. We are up against enemieswho are clear about what theywant us to do. They want to censure us.”8 the viking views 05.12.06

in briefJessica Crofford• The William McKinley PresidentialLibrary and Museum is opening theSmithsonian traveling exhibit “DianaWalker: Photojournalist” May19 at 7 p.m. The exhibit opening isfree but reservations are appreciated. Adinner prior to the opening is $20 perperson. The exhibit closes Aug.6.• Senior students in autobody took the OCAP Ohio Proficiencytest April 3. The areas covered includedsafety, damage repair and paintrefinishing. Out of these subjects, 99.2percent were passed.• The new Student Council ExecutiveBoard includes the following students:Amanda Close, MichaelCummings, David Esber, PaulFrank, Jennifer Jackson,Kelley Neilson and TracyRisaliti.• Freshman Erin Corneliussenreceived the status of “Silver Key” fromthe National Scholastic Art and WritingAwards. She competed at the nationallevel against 25,000 entries.Dr. James Amundson Pearle VisionNick and Shari Bagnolo/ Jim and Peggy SavageJudge Stephen F. Belden and FamilyLarry J. Brandau DDS LLCBrookwood Management Company, Inc.Shirley and Jesse BrownCanton Aultman Emergency Physicians, Inc.The Canton Student Loan FoundationChicken Manor RestaurantContinental Hair Fashions/Kim ObersterCookies by DesignCox and Dervin InsuranceDES EnterprisesDisount Drainage SupplyJohn and Patty Crofford/Belmont Business SystemsDavid J Farinacci, D.D.S.Gary L. Giammarco, D.D.S.Canton Aultman Emergency Physicians, Inc.Attorney Richard & Debbie GibbsShirley E. HowesHuman Development and Counseling Assoc., Inc.Industrial Tool Co., Inc.•Senior Anna Rampelt receivedthird place at the 17 th annual Stark CountyHigh School Art Show for her watercolorpainting and received a $400 scholarshipfrom the Canton Museum of Art.•Junior Aaron White received firstplace in drawing and a $500 scholarshipsponsored by Malone College.• May Fiesta will be performed May12-13 at 7 p.m. and May 14 at 2p.m. Presale tickets are $7; tickets are $8at the door.• Hoover High School is presenting“Recruiting Realities” withJack Renkens May 24 in the HooverAuditorium at 6 p.m. If you have anyquestions, visit www.recruitingrealities.com. There will be a parent footballmeeting immediately following thepresentation.• The newest broadcast program “Newsand Views of North Canton”hosted by senior Ben Schillig isOur Patron SubscribersPHOTO COURTESY PAM MCCARTHY•Junior Sarah Snyder rakes leaves at theHoover Clean-Up. Clean-Up was held April 26 andmembers from all clubs participated in cleaning uparound the high school.currently being aired every day at 7a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.(except Wednesday). The show providesinformation about what makes NorthCanton an exellent district and the currentchallenges we face.Roger and Nancy KnudsenJohn M. Lazor Jr., D.D.S. FADSA Inc. & AssociatesJimmy John’s Gourmet SandwichesKumon Math & Reading of North CantonLaw Offices of Sandra L. MerrillMorris Office EnvironmentsMK Architectural Metals, Inc.North Canton Collision, Inc.North Canton Veterinary ClinicDan E. Reiss, D.D.S.Stanley R. Rubin/Attorney at LawDr. and Mrs. Michael SaternusThe Smitley FamilyLorraine StewartStoffer Mortgage, Inc.Marilyn and Ted StultsDr. John and Becky SuglioTzangas, Plakas, Mannos and RaiesTire Source North CantonHenry A. Van Hala,DDS & Kelly Ann Roth, DDSSteve Wern Signs Inc.The Williams family05.12.06 the viking views 9

featuresFEATURESWith freedom comesgreat responsibility...Having a car is a privilege as a teenager.Here’s how some Hoover studentsgot their wheels, and how they dealwith the stress along with it.COURTESY OF CADY SARGUS•(Left)Junior CadySargusembracesher ToyotaCelica.Sargusreceivedthe car asa surprisepresent fromher parents,but shehas to helppay backher parentsthe $1,000spent on it.Amy RobenstineStaff WriterLooking around the senior and juniorparking lots at Hoover High School, alltypes of cars, from old and beat up to brandnew can be found. The way kids haveacquired their vehicles and their opinionson driving are just as different.Junior Nyssa Adams is one of the luckystudents to have a car passed down from afamily member.“When I got my temps, my dad boughta new car, so he gave me his old CadillacCatera. It’s a beast, but I love it,” Adamssaid.Though she didn’t have a choice onher vehicle, Adams said she likes it just aswell.“It’s nice to be able to go somewherewhen you want to,” she said.However, Adams agrees that along withthe freedom of being able to go wheneveryou please, responsibility soon follows.“I have to pick up my little brothers fromschool and take them to all of their afterschool activities,” Adams said. “It’s kind oflike a trade-off for the cost of the car.”Other students, like junior Alex Vitale,have to pay for part of their car and10 the viking views 05.12.06insurance.“I paid $1,500 at first, and I pay $200a month, which includes insurance. I alsohave to pay for my own gas,” Vitale said.Vitale will pay for all repairs her ToyotaCorolla may need during the time she hasit.“It was an expensive car, so my parentsaren’t going to buy me another one. If Itotal this one, I’m doomed,” Vitale said.Junior Cady Sargus, like Vitale, had tomake most of the payments on her ToyotaCelica.“My parents surprised me with it, butthen they left a note saying I owed them$1,000,” she said.Unlike Vitale, Sargus says her parentswill help with repairs.“They would pay for it at the moment,and I would probably end up having to paythem back later,” she said.Senior Matt Polen’s parents agreed topay for all his repairs, however, he had topay for both the cars he has owned.“It’s nice [to buy your own car] becauseyou get to brag to spoiled peers becauseyou’re independent and pay for your ownneeds,” he said.Vitale also said she feels moreindependent now that she has a car.“It’s better than having to sit aroundand wait for rides, beg people for rides, orwalk,” she said.Polen feels as though his parents madea good choice in requiring him to be moreindependent by getting a job and work forhis own car.“It’s important to teach responsibilityrather than just handing everything to me,”he said. “It’s kind of annoying that people’sparents buy them cars, gas and everythingelse.”Though having his own car makes lifea bit easier, Polen said he doesn’t enjoydriving.“People are ignorant sometimes anddon’t know how to drive,” he said.Sargus, however, has another reason fordisliking driving.“I don’t like driving sometimes becausegas costs so much money and I’m cheap,”she said with a laugh.Despite all of the costs, Adams said shefeels as though the car is worth it.“Even though having a car can get reallyexpensive and gas is like $3 a gallon, Ireally appreciate having my car and I don’tknow what I’d do without it,” she said. •V

Shedding poundsSeniors Long, Fogle adopt healthier lifestylesAli HicksStaff WriterAlmost anyone would agree that dietingis one of the hardest things to commit tothese days, with fast food restaurants aroundevery corner and endless new gadgets thataid people in the path of laziness and beingoverweight.Seniors Ashley Fogle and Eric Longhave reached their final days of dieting, sothey know how difficult it can become.Fogle said that the hardest part for herwas to continue eating healthy in such anunhealthy world.“I’m a teenager so my friends go toTaco Bell on a regular basis,” she said.Fogle also said that her house has junkfood and sometimes it is hard to be around itall the time and still make the healthy foodchoice. Long shares the same opinion.“My mother constantly would buyme drinks at Starbucks and I justcouldn’t say no,” he said.Long said the ongoing ritual ofchecking labels and paying attentionto what he ate was also hard.“[The hardest part is] just gettingup and exercising or actually countingcalories. I spend a lot of time going,‘Okay, today I will stay under my limit,’and by the end of the day be 200 or moreover,” he said.In total, Long managed to loseabout 30 pounds. He said he hopes tolose another 20 pounds or so andthen maintain that weight.“I didn’t have to buy newclothes because mine fromlast year still fit, which wasamazing,” he said.Fogle, after going throughsurgery and having to changeeating and exercising habits, lost15 pounds and gained a lot ofmuscle mass.“I had people come up to mego, ‘Oh my god, you could kickmy butt,” she said.As for Fogle’s exercisingpreference, she said shelikes being outside better than inside onequipment.“It’s easier to work out outside and notin a stinky gym with the constant sound ofmachines around you,” she said.Long’s preference in how to exercise isentirely different. He advises people whoare trying to lose weight to play DanceDance Revolution a lot.“That was my main exercise, whichis kind of funny. It is fun and an extremeworkout,” he said.Sometimes people get caught up inlosing weight, Fogle explained. When shewas in middle school, she made her weighta first priority. Now that she has only a fewweeks of high school left, she believes thatshe has grown up and realized that weightis not that important to her anymore.“I want to look good and feel good formyself and I’ve learned to focus on it in away so it doesn’t become the major thing inmy life,” she said.So, how did it change their lives? Whatdid they learn?“It made me more aware of my health.I eat less [junk food]…and even if I goover my limit, I don’t go over as muchas I used to. [I learned] why dieting is sohard for most people,” Long said.Fogle warned against losing weight fornot someone else other than yourself.“Make sure you’re doing it for theright reasons,” she said. “Not just to fitin a dress or to make some guy likeyou. Know that your weight is just anumber.”“I really hope that other peopletake the initiative after reading thatI did this,” Long said. “Randompeople, some of which I don’t reallyknow, have been telling me I wasdoing a great job and that I reallyhelped them out.” •VErik Long and AshleyFogle, twoViking Viewsstaff members,volunteered tolose weight in ahealthy competition.BothFogle and Longdiscovered thehardships that arefaced when dietingbut found ways toovercome them.Photos; Dan Boyer;Photoillustration;Julie Saternus05.12.06 the viking views 11

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Seniors make last-minutepreparations for collegeMiranda OberholzerAnother Staff Writer school year has nearly comeand gone, and the class of 2006 will soonleave the halls of Hoover High School andcontinue on their walk through life.Next stop: college. Or at least it is formost seniors. Making the leap from highschool to college can be both nerve-rackingand exciting.“I can’t wait to experience everything:the parties, the football games, the clubs,the classes and meeting new people,” seniorJustin VanDyke said.This eagerness is common for themajority of current seniors, because mostfind themselves ready to head out on theirown.For some, the idea of college is appealingbecause of the new experiences it will bring– an adventure of sorts. Others are eager forthe fact that they will be “escaping” fromhome and will become free to come and goas they please.“I’m ready for the freedom,” seniorCaleb Cross said.And yet still, some future freshmen arethrilled just to continue their education.“Education is important. Hoover gaveme a good foundation to progress myeducation and secure a solid future formyself,” senior Laura Ziemianski said.With their futures riding on college,finding the perfect one should be a toppriority. When choosing a school, makesure that they are appropriate to yourpersonal taste.“I tell [students] to… think aboutwhat they really want. Big city or smalltown? Big school or small, or somethingin between? How far are they willing togo? If there’s a certain number of hoursaway they’re willing to go. The feel of theschool,” guidance counselor Mrs. JudyHoover said. “Then they look at what it isthey want to study and what school offersthings for their particular interests, in thesetting where they’ll be most happy.”After choosing the school to attend, theone that you’ve deemed “perfect,” keepingon track and doing well once getting thereis important for several reasons.Money, for one. Most students apply forfinancial aid or scholarships, take out loans,or some combination of the three.“College is so expensive these days.Almost everyone needs [help paying forit]. And no one’s going to turn down freemoney,” Hoover said, refering to school.VanDyke, Cross and Ziemianski allthree received some help in financing theircollege careers.“I got a $2,000 scholarship from Kent(where he will be attending in the fall) andgot three federal loans. I have also appliedfor two other scholarships,” Cross said.Another is the importance of stayingfocused. Splitting time between studyingand having a social life is absolutelynecessary to be successful.“Studying and taking the time todo so will lead to big benefits… Don’tprocrastinate. [It’s] not a good thing,”Hoover said.Another not-so-good thing? Goodbyes.But we go through them every year, when asenior class leaves and goes out to live theirlives, to make a difference.“I want to wish the class of 2006 the bestof luck; they’re very special to me… I knowwe’ll hear great things about the membersof the class of 2006,” Hoover said. •VSummer jobs to occupy time for studentsKelsey StultsStaff WriterWith children out of the school forthree months during the hottest months ofthe year, it’s no surprise that swimming inthe pool and going out for ice cream aretwo favorite activities of youth all overthe country. As the demand increases foremployees to run these summer venues,high school students are out school andlooking for work.According to a Junior Achievementsurvey, 52.5 percent of high school studentsheld jobs during the summer of 2005. 25.5percent of those students wanted to workin the fast food or restaurant industry andat a close second, 24.3 percent preferredworking in sales or retail.Sophomore Jo Schopper is excited tospend her summer working as a lifeguardat Congress Lake Country Club.“I am looking forward to life guardingbecause I will have my own actual incomeand [will] spend my summer doingsomething other than being lazy,” she said.Sophomore Adam Reolfi also enjoysworking at J.R.’s scooping ice cream overthe summer.“It’s fun to work there and the peoplethere are fun to work with too,” he said.Bill Renner, owner of Bill and Mary’sDiner says that their catering businessincreases during the summer and they hirethree to four more employees than duringthe school year.Without school, students find more timeto devote to their jobs.Schopper plans on working around 30hours per week this summer. Reolfi willwork 15-20 hours and, according to Renner,employees at Bill and Mary’s will increasetheir usual 15-20 hour work week for thesummer.Working during the summer has itsadvantages Renner said.“We usually will accommodate [ouremployees] requests so they will stillenjoy summer,” he said. “We’re closed onweekend nights so they have those nightstoo.”Schopper sees advantages in her summerjob also.“I think life guarding is a good summerjob because, obviously, you get to beoutside in the nice summer weather insteadof behind a counter or desk, wanting to beoutside.” •V05.12.06 the viking views 13

QRubin... More than a sandwichWhere have all thetranscendentalists gone?Rebekkah RubinThis year, May 25 falls on a Thursday. It is less than two weeksfrom today. We will only have seven days of school left. Do youknow what you’ll be doing May 25? I know what I’ll be doing; I’llbe celebrating Ralph Waldo Emerson Day.It may not be a well-known holiday, or one where I can put upflashy lights on my house and get an overabundance of presents thatI don’t need, undoubtedly wrapped in non-recycled paper.But even so, I prefer celebrating the birth of my favoritetranscendentalist, instead of a holiday that has completely lost allmeaning and has drowned in a sea of endless commercialization.I admit that the world might be a boring place if we were all drawnto the many charms of transcendentalism, as professed by Emerson,but I know too many people who shun Emerson and the works of alltranscendentalists, merely because they are taught in English class.In my Utopian society, we would all be transcendentalists, but realityhas crashed down on me and I realize that this will never be so.However, on May 25 we are all transcendentalists, even if wedo not express it.Though Emerson and his contemporaries only live through theirwritings, their morals ring true to this very day.Individualism. Be yourself, and allow nothing to rescind yoursense of self. In a world overrun by stereotypes and cliques, it’shard to express yourself. People are so resistant to being different,or to accepting people who are not like themselves. Clothing brandsand music genres dictate our lifestyles, and we need to break awayfrom those habits.Speak up. Emerson championed his morals, expressing them inpeaceful ways. The transcendentalists inspired Gandhi and MartinLuther King Jr. What separates us from those great leaders? Nothing.Anything can be accomplished if you go about it in a peaceful,sensible way. By doing this, you can attain your most unreachabledreams.Respect the environment. Perhaps this is the most importantvirtue of transcendentalist teachings. We don’t have to immediatlygo outside and plant trees, although it wouldn’t hurt. Just look aroundthe school. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen pieces of trashscattered down the hallways. It only takes a minute out of your dayto clean it and you get a certain sense of satisfaction from it.You don’t want to pick up after other students? I don’t either, butI see it to be a necessity as I see myself at a litter-ridden lunch tableday after day. So pick up your trash and throw it away (or recycle it).For a less work-intensive celebration, try going outside. Too manyhours of the day we are forced inside. Enjoy nature and maybe youwill realize that in order to continue enjoying it, we will all have todo something to help preserve it.Even though it seems that the transcendentalists lived hundredsof years ago, their morals aren’t that ancient. If we took one day outof our lives to respect these morals, the world would undoubtedlybe a better place.So, go celebrate Ralph Waldo Emerson Day. You don’t have tosit down with a complete collection of his works and force your waythrough them. Express yourself or find a worthy cause to support.Pick up litter, read a book or just sit outside, basking in the freshair. No matter how you celebrate Emerson Day, make sure that youdo what you want to do; it would make Emerson proud. That is thevery essence of transcendentalism.DEREK QUINNYou’ve seen me before: Steve EnglandAge: 17Grade: 11Viking Views: What do youdo in your spare time?Steve England: In my sparetime I like to eat, talk to hotbabes, watch the Cavs andwrite some of my rap songs.VV: What is your favorite subject in school?SE: Math, because I’m so good at it, and Mrs. Cindea is agreat teacher.VV: Are you going to prom? What do you think about itbeing so late?SE: Yeah, I think so. It doesn’t matter when it is as long asI can still get my groove on.VV: What sport do you likethat you don’t play?SE: I like lacrosse becauseit so fun to watch, especiallywhen someone on the otherteam gets jacked up, and[Hoover is] sweet at it.VV: What are your plans for this summer?SE: I have football every morning, then I’ll probably just behanging out with my friends and working.VV: What is something most people don’t know about you?SE: I can freestyle like it’s nobody’s business!– Pat Brady14 the viking views 05.12.06

trends TRENDSSummer PreviewDo It Yourself: Spring clean your roomWinter is over and it is time to get rid of all the clutter thathas gathered in your room over the year. Here are a few tipson how to spring-clean your room and what you can do tomake it easier!Put on some comfy clothes and your favorite CD. Time willgo by more quickly if you’re comfortableand enjoying yourself. Decide in whichdirection you’ll clean your room and howmuch you think you should dispose of.Start by going through your drawersand closet, and get rid of all the clothesthat don’t fit or you don’t wear anymore.Organize the rest of your clothes neatly indrawers or your closet. Store your winterclothes in a bin so you have more drawerspace for summer clothes. Bins can befound at most all Wal-Marts and K-Marts.Next, clear off all surfaces in your roomand clean them. Organize your knick- knacks and picturesafter you’ve cleaned everything and get rid of the junk takingup space. You can use a simple shoe box for this.Now you should wash your windows, mirrors, walls andfloors. If you have screens or blinds it’s easy to take themoutside and wash them with a garden hose. Don’t forget tovacuum under your bed.Finally, strip bed linens and the dust ruffle and run themthrough the wash. Your room will feel and look clean and you’llbe prepared for summer!•Jessica CroffordWith summer just weeks away, many of us aregetting anxious to go outside and enjoy the hotsummer weather. However, staying healthy andfeeling good is an essential part of having a good summerbreak. This summer, try these tips to help keep your bodyhealthy and happy.Drink plenty of water- Water is essential instaying healthy during the summer. A person’s minimalwater requirements are half their body weight in ounces. Forinstance, a 140-pound person should drink at least 70 ouncesof water. It is recommended that when doing any physicalactivity this summer you drink at least one liter of water everyhour. By drinking water this summer you will not only feelhealthier and more energized, but you will also speed up yourmetabolism as well.Protect yourself- During the summer months,dress in lightweight, loose fitting and light-colored clothing.Light colored clothing will help reflect the sun and keep youcooler all summer long. For extra sun protection, check outclothes with SPF built into them (see above).SPF Clothing: Beyond the sunscreenSummer’s almost here and the sunshine that comes withit is fast approaching. Aside from the sunscreen, sunglassesand ball cap you usually use, think aboutinvesting in SPF clothing, the latest trendto protect your skin and keep you lookingfabulous.According to skincancer.org, SPF clothingprotects your skin from harmful UV rays andhelps to prevent skin cancer. Not ready tosearch for special clothes? The Skin CancerFoundation also recommends tighter woven,dark clothing because it generally containsmore SPF and will protect skin better. Theyalso note that all clothing loses one third ofits protective nature when wet.•Solartex.com offers a variety of clothing, bathing suits andaccessories with SPF protection.•Sunprotected.com also has clothing that protects fromUV rays for a range of all ages and also has sunglasses thatminimize sun exposure to eyes.•Columbia Sportswear Company carries a line of sunprotected clothing that ranges from casual to more dressy.Both Dick’s Sporting Goods and Gander Mountain carry theColumbia line.•Kelsey StultsSafety and fun in the sunLimit your heat exposure- To avoid gettingsunburnt, dehydrated quickly or even heat stroke, try to finda shady area when doing outdoor activities if possible. Also,make sure to avoid doing any strenuous activity in the middleof the day. Plan indoor activities or stay in the shade betweenthe hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., since the sun is strongestat that time. If you do go into the sun, make sure to cover upwith long sleeves and a hat.Wear sunscreen- Wearing sunscreen whenever youare outside is an essential part of staying healthy during thesunny summer months. Make sure to lather on sunscreenwith at least an SPF of 15 a half hour before you go outsideor every two hours if you are working or playing. Check thatyou applied it to everywhere that is not covered by clothing,including the back of your neck and the tops of your feet.Wear your sunglasses- Wearing sunglasses helpsreduce the risk of cataracts caused by the sun. Make sure yourshades protect at least 99% of UV-A and UV-B rays.http://www.mamashealth.com/summer/sumhealth_tips.asp•KT Bello05.12.06 the viking views 15

opinionOPINIONProper Prom choicesDinner, corsages and dancing the nightaway are all time-honored traditions of Prom.Unfortunately, other less savory traditionsincluding excessive underage drinking anddrug use are also commonplace.Despite what you may have heard, Promis indeed Prom even without the alcohol. Wewould like to remind juniors and seniors thatgetting drunk doesn’t make the night moreexciting – it just makes you look disgustingto your fellow Prom-goers. After all, whoPowderpuff girlsAt the end of the school year it is commonto see a lack of school activities, other thanProm. However, Student Council is takingmeasures to ensure that some interestingactivities still carry on into the end of theyear.The Student Council has come up witha new idea this year: Powderpuff football.Powderpuff football is an all-girl flagfootball team. At Hoover, one team wasmade up of juniors and the other was madeLevy lifts spiritsThank you to the 53 percent of voterswho said “Yes” to Issue Three May 3.This levy will help keep North CantonCity Schools out of a $5.3 million debtin 2008. North Canton City Schools hadan “excellent” rating for the past fiveyears.However, times have changed, andbudgets that were adequate for an“excellent” rating in the past won’t coverthe costs of what school systems need toqualify for an “excellent” rating today.Because the levy passed, our schoolsystem now has $6.5 million to help keepour “excellent” rating; to help keep 99.8percent of our students graduating; to helpkeep 98 percecent of sophomores passingthe OGT; and to help keep our academics,arts and athletics programs superior.mission statement“We strive to provide our honest opinions while representing all sides,and to fairly portray the student body’s expressions.”wants to be remembered as that girl whospent Prom throwing up in the bathroom?According the the State Highway Patrol,the most accidents involving alcohol occurover during the prom and graduationseason.Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)states on their website that almost 75 percentof prom attendees feel pressure to drink,and that drinking dramatically raises theliklihood of having unprotected sex.up of seniors. This game is something manyschools in our area have done, and StudentCouncil made sure that we did it this year.Student Council should be commendedfor their efforts to organize interestingactivities around this time of year whenmany clubs are slowing down.It is also nice to see an activity thatpromotes class unity. Our school islegendary for its general lack of spirit andclass division. Powderpuff football was anWe would like to caution students, especiallythose with casual dates, to remember thepossible consequences of unprotected sex.Instead, why not take advantage of all theactivites that Hoover offers, like Afterpromor the trip to Cedar Point?While Prom is an exciting event that cancreate memories to last a lifetime, we hopeyou will make smart choices so that thosememories will be good ones, not ones youend up regretting.excellent way to get the junior and seniorclass to show some unity and spirit. It alsobrought the entire school together on May10.Future students in Student Council shouldcontinue to think up new and beneficialideas, such as Powderpuff football. Theseideas help make our school interesting,especially at the end of the year when moststudents, namely seniors, are just thinkingabout graduation.16 the viking views 05.12.06–Editorial Board–Steffany Bagnolo • Jacob Brown • Ashley Kline • Kaci LappAaron Miller • Shannon Pifer • Katie Rojek

‘CAUSE IT FEELS SO EMPTY WITHOUT MEWill it feel so empty without me?As graduation looms over the horizon,I look back at all of the adventures Ihad throughout my four-year stint atHoover High School and I feel that I haveaccomplished exactly what I set out todo beginning in August of 2002 when Ientered high school for the first time.My initial plans as a freshman weresimple: to make an impact and changethe school for the better. I was an idealistwith very little knowledge of how theworld worked, but I was determined tomake a difference.Throughout my career at Hoover,I attended meetings of all sorts fromStudent Council to school board meetingsto policy meetings about book bags andgrading scales to see how and why thingswere the way they were.Obviously, I believed and still believethat individuals at any level can make adifference, but something as of late hasconcerned me. Activism in our schoolseems to be at an all-time low.Where there used to be peopleAshley KlineGot gold?I t s e e m sunbelievable thatanother year has passedand graduation is rightaround the corner. Asthe time comes closerto move on from high school, I will take onelesson with me: to stay gold.Those of you who have read “TheOutsiders,” know what I’m referring to. Butif you have not read the book, the “gold”theme is fairly simple as it means to staytrue to yourself.Even though the majority of seniors (andstudents in all grade levels, for that matter)have been anxiously waiting for graduationand the moment that they can leave Hooverat some point, whether you want to admitit or not, North Canton has made you whatyou are. No matter how far away we moveor how many great things we go on toaccomplish, the simple fact remains: Hoovermade you gold.diplomatically discussing the possibilityof wearing flip-flops to school, now thereare just people screaming bloody murderwhile not really doing anything about theirgrievances.Does anyone care about school policiesof any sort right now with the end of theschool year in sight? Probably not. Howeverevery year there seems to be a key issue thatsparks a fire in the belly of students whoshare a passion for their alma mater, suchas the aforementioned topic of flip-flops ormany others like book bags, graduation sitesor numerous dress code issues that havecropped up.From the perceived attitude of the studentbody this year, it seems issues, whethercontroversial or not, have not been broughtforth with the same chutzpah as they havebeen in previous years.I think that it’s probably because the word“activism” has somehow become a bad wordin the minds of students.People would rather go through themotions of high school until graduationAs cliché as this concept may sound, Ithink it is one of the most valuable thingsall graduating seniors can take with them.Once a person realizes how irreplaceablethe memories are that one has made atHoover, that person will now have thecapacity to acquire a deeper understandingof who they have become, and moreimportantly, why they have become thatperson.For example, while attending an AgainstMe! concert over spring break, the realizationsuddenly hit me that I will probably neverhave the opportunity to attend another showwith the same group of people.It was ironically appropriate that I waswith this particular group of friends becausethey are the ones that I had attended someof my first concerts with. And during thatnight, I realized that these are the peopleand the experiences that have made me whoI am–they made me gold.It’s simple to understand. It is theJacob Brownday doing nothing thanmake high school intothe ideal of what itshould be – an openforum of studentexpression – and that’snot right.Contrary to popular notions, activism isn’tabout picketing, intentionally demeaning theadministration of our school or flaunting aridiculous red anarchist “A” in order to irksomeone. It’s about being willing to standup for what you believe in. It’s about sittingdown with administration time and timeagain or writing letters to the editor in anewspaper until someone listens. That couldtake days or months, but if it’s a noble cause,it’s worth doing.It took me four years to figure that outfor myself. Even though I’m departing forthe great unknown, leaving these escapadesbehind, I hope my words of wisdom reach justone person out there who may be able to usethem as a guiding light in a rough spot in thefuture not for my sake, but for their own.LIVIN’ OUT LOUDpeople at school and the memories that aremade that have attriubuted to my personaldevelopment; it cannot be credited toanything more complex than that.With every new school year, there willalways be the rowdy seniors that makeclasses more entertaining for underclassmen,a new politically minded senior columnistwill write for The Viking Views andan upcoming senior will take on theresponsibility of caring for the peach treein the senior parking lot.And as each year brings a new generationof seniors, hopefully students will recognizethe things that made them gold before theyleave it all behind.As June 4 rapidly approaches, we haveno choice but to move on. Some of us areready and others aren’t. Everything is aboutto change and will continue to change witheach new year. And it’s OK that everythingis about to change for us seniors because“nothing gold can stay.”05.12.06 the viking views 17

yourviewsMy plans for after graduation are tojoin my friends in software engineering.Our plan is to open a software companythat makes new video games, consoles andcomputers.The one thing that I most look forwardto is being able to see my friends in classwith me. Also having them working besideme after college.-Ken Moor, 9After I have escaped the evil clutchesof high school, I am going to go to collegeat OU and study sociology.-Charlie Fisher, 9After my graduation, I planon having a girlfriend, laterto be my wife, and havebeautiful little Greekbabies.-JoeyManuselis, 9W h e nit comes timefor meto graduate high school, I plan togo to National Beauty College in Elletfor a couple of years. When I graduate Ihope to find a job working at a hair salonmyviewQHow do you want to spend your lifeafter high school?styling hair until I can save up money tomove to Cleveland, and open a hair salon.I’m considering a side job at a piercingplace. Being a hair stylist has been oneof my biggest goals and I hope to reachit.-Courtney Kinney, 9My plans for after graduationis going to college and becoming afashion designer or interior designer.Life after graduation is staying in NorthCanton, because I love it here, andplus my parents won’t let me moveout of state.I would like to go to WalshUniversity because it’s a good collegeand I heard good things about it.Hopefully my sister, some friends andI could get an apartment close by Walsh.My mom won’t let me live on campus. Ican’t wait to graduate.-Stacie Helm, 9After my graduation, I plan to…go toWalsh College because my sister is goingto Walsh, and I think it would be prettycool to be with my sister though probablythe hardest things I would be goingthrough. Just to have her support wouldbe…great. I would plan to study criminaljustice, or I would plan to become aStaff member Kelsey Stults respondspsychiatrist…I would plan to get my ownplace with my two best friends who alsoplan to go to Walsh. After college, I planto get married.-Tiffany King,My plans for after high school dependon what happens in my life the next twoyears. I may want to become a mechanicalengineer, because I have a knack forbuilding, and I understand how things move,in general. Or if that doesn’t work out, I’mhoping to find people who are interested informing a tribute/metal band influenced byForce/Europe, Dokken, Poison and “MotleyCrue.”-Kyle Simons, 9I would like to become a teacher andbecome a coach of a sport. Now, thatwould be fantastic. What am I most lookingforward to is going to parties in collegeand all the great food!-Nate Dodds, 9My plans for after high school is to gointo the military for four years, then go tocollege to be a male nurse. I’m lookingforward to getting out of school so I cando something better with my time.-Sean Neuman,9Life after high school.As far away as it sounds, the two yearsand four weeks that I have left are going tofly by as fast, if not faster than first half has.But little has changed since my freshmanyear. I still do not know what college Iwant to go to. Or what I specifically wantto major in.But I do know how my life will lookno matter what school I go to, or what Istudy.My life will be filled with my family,whose help has gotten me through highschool while tolerating and even supporting18 the viking views 05.12.06my late-night studying and late-nightsleepovers.My life will also be filled friends. Notthe short-term kind that never speak to eachother once they don’t attend the same school.The lifelong kind of friends that have beenthere through thick and thin all of my life,no matter what schools we went to, or howgeographically far away we were.Most importantly, I’ll still be the sameperson I am today when I leave high school.All of the lessons I have learned, and theaccomplishments I’ve worked towards willcarry on with me. My good qualities willbe there, and the badtoo.High school hashelped to teach meabout myself, and lifeafter high school willcontinue to do so.So even if I don’tknow all of the detailsthat my future holdsfor me, I know the important things. Thepeople that have been there for me willcontinue to be and I will continue on myquest to find myself and be happy.

It’s mailtime!Testy testakersOn behalf of the Class of 2007, wewould like to submit a letter of complaintagainst the new policy concerning theexemption of sophomores from their secondsemester exams. Under this new policy,all sophomores receiving high scores ontheir OGT tests will be excused from theirsummer exams. Last year, the Class of 2007dominated the OGTs, with a huge numberof students receiving “accelerated” and“advanced” ratings. Chances are that thisyear’s sophomore class will do equally well,exempting a vast majority of sophomoresfrom their exams.As juniors who were forced intoclassrooms to take our exams while muchof the sophomore class roams free, we wouldlike to complain against the unfairness ofthis policy.Where was our exam exemption whenwe took the OGT? We were the first class inthe entire state to take the Ohio GraduationTest, and, to put it plainly, we kicked OGTbutt. We took our practice tests, filled outhundreds of worksheets, and finally, inMarch 2005, the real deal.And when it was all over, what did wereceive? A congratulating assembly anda pack of Starburst. Yes, Starburst aredelicious, but they do not compare to anexam exemption. The administration cannotviking virtue by Steffany BagnoloLetters to the editorexpect the junior class to sit idly by as thesophomores receive an infinitely betterreward for something that we did first, andpossibly better.Last year, 57.1% of the 410 students inour class received a rating of “advanced”on the mathematics OGT. That makes 234members of the Class of 2007 who, hadthey been born a year later, would havebeen exempted from their summer mathexams. What sort of system is this? It isunfair and insulting at best, if not blatantlydiscriminatory.The Class of 2007 was put through thetrial of being the first class to take the OGTs,and now, we are further punished as we mustsit back and watch the Class of 2008 receivea reward which we so clearly deserved ayear ago.–Nyssa Adams, Kathi Dodge, HannahAllchin, Alex Vitale, Jordan M.Sands, Thomas Papacostas, Daniel R.Heilmeier, Mathew Lesnak, MichelleSaylor, Brennen Crawford, MichaelPakenham, Kristin Ferenc, Erik Essig,Mike Rebellino, Joe Curan, ChrissyMurgida, Anna Ganios, Ashley Hale,Kate Pakenham, Corinne Esmont,Erik Kennelly, Kristin Scaglione,Sarah Snyder, David Severyn, JustinModugno“Did you ever have the feeling that you wanted to go...but you wanted to stay...still you wanted to go?” -Jimmy DuranteAs the end of the school year (andour high school careers for us seniors)approaches, we’re closing a chapter of ourlives.Underclassmen will start new classes,new clubs and new experiences in the fall,while moving one year closer to graduation.Seniors–never again will we leave classearly for turkey gravy, spend study hallsin the courtyard or dress up for WackyWednesday.Sure, change can be exciting. A newschool year means new opportunities, andcollege is a chance to start a new life.However, change is also a scary thing.We’re leaving the bubble of North Canton,where we’ve gone to school with most of thesame kids for the past twelve years.Ultimately, it’s enough to bring a senseof turmoil to many students. We’re tired ofschoolwork. We can’t wait to be done withschool.But we want to stay–stay with our friends,stay the seniors of the school, stay wherewe’re comfortable. But we still we want togo–make new friends, take classes that wewant to take and enjoy college life.I guess all that we can do is enjoy thetime we have right now. And when it’s timeto go, go.student viewsWhich senior will you missthe most?LAURA NICK STROEMPLE, DEERING, 10: 10: “‘Will “I’ll and miss Grace’ all thebecause seniors the on the characters track team.” and comedy work welltogether.”JEFF SCHUMACHER, 9:“Ryan Carpenter, because Iplay tennis with him. He’s agood person, a nice kid anda good influence.”ANDREW MYERS, 11:“Erica Belden, because I seeher pretty much every classand it will be one of thosethings that I will miss nextyear.”SARAH GERBER, 10:“The seniors on the softballteam becasue they are fun tobe around and they are goodleaders.”JORDAN BUCAR, 11: “Josh Nettleton,because we have been best friends since preschool.”CASSIE WRIGHT, 11:“I’ll miss Emily Misanikbecause she is a great leaderfor the swim team.”DAN FELICIA HENDERSON, DRAGOS, 12: 9: “D.J. “‘The Curtis, OC’ on because Fox,because he’s going it has into hot girls. the Army Just kidding, and unlike I otherstoryline: seniors that a poor can kid come in back a troubling and visit, situation, he’ll bemoving gone for in a with while.” the upper class and going toschool with the rich kids.”AMANDA CERNE, 12: “Iwill miss Russell Aldridge.He introduced me to a lot ofnew things and he’s helpedme out a lot.”MRS HOUSTON,05.12.06 the viking views 19

It’s stillmailtime!Theocratic threatIt seems like every time I pick up thenew Viking Views, I see someone, usuallya lower-classmen, has made a comment thatmakes absolutely no sense, so I would liketo give my input.The issue of whether or not we should say“under God” in the pledge of allegiance wasbrought up, and [one writer] actually said,“If we start cutting off God, we’re all goingto start problems,”…meaning that if wedon’t include those two words in the pledgeall hell will break loose in America. Peoplewill be looting stores, stealing cars, doingdrugs, and killing others if not everyone ispraising God. I am an atheist (which meansI have no religion). I have been for yearsnow. I don’t kill people, I don’t steal and Iconsider myself to be an honest person. Justbecause people don’t have God in their lifedoes not mean they are not going to havecontrol over how they treat others. I’m awareyou know a lot of Christians; you live inNorth Canton. This is a very conservativeChristian town.I also read ... that “if you were not bornin the United States, you should have nosay what goes in the pledge”…Well, I wasborn in this country. This is America. This iswhere people get to voice their opinion. Noyou don’t go to other countries and do that,because in a lot of countries you can’t.I don’t know where people get the ideathat Christian ideas should be implementedin our government or our schools. Religionis not about politics; it’s about a relationshipbetween you and God, and that’s fine withme. I don’t care if you believe we came fromGod or monkeys. Just don’t be so naïve thatyou say your religion is the right one and thethousands of other religions being practicedare the wrong ones, which is why I don’t likereligion to begin with: it divides people.I don’t know who [these writers] are,but please, learn something about religionbefore you go and say that God destroyeda city to punish gays, or that if we cut himout of our lives (not saying “under God”),we are all going to go crazy on each other. Idon’t believe in God, but I at least will givehim more credit than that. We got alongfine without it in the pledge for almost 200years.-Matt Coffey, 1220 the viking views 05.12.06Don’t disregard discriminationDuring the last four years of my career atHoover High School, I have taken notice ofsomething disturbing and (shame on me) justnow deciding to act. The silent struggle thatgay, lesbian, bisexual and questioning studentsface daily at our school is unacceptable. Letme state my case:According to the Gay and Lesbian StudentEducation Network, a respected social researchassociation, nine percent of students identify asGLBQ during their time in high school.Putting that into the context of Hoover’spopulation, that is approximately 140 studentswho, at some time, self-identify as GLBQ.Of the general high school population, 97percent report hearing homophobic remarksfrom peers, and 53 percent report hearingthem from staff. Teachers fail to intervene in97 percent of incidents involving harassmentof gay students. 11.5 percent of gay or lesbianstudents report being physically attacked, and30 percent attempt suicide. This figure is twotimes the national average.Finally, a gay or lesbian teenager successfullycommits suicide every 5 hours 43 minutes.These figures are completely unacceptable.They are repulsive. The cause is nothomosexuality; it is homophobia. The onlyway to change this situation is throughless homophobia and more tolerance – acooperative effort with students and staff.I am secure in myself and have no troublegetting out of bed and coming to school everyday. But there are dozens of others right hereat Hoover that do and it is because of theharassment and negative attitudes that arefelt while.I do not ask for acceptance; that would beunattainable in everything but a utopian world.I only ask for tolerance and an end to hostility.Nothing less is acceptable.Petty problemsI’m writing this letter on behalf ofthe administrators and office/attendancesecretaries...There are many rules at HooverHigh School that I completely understand,but many in which I do not.In a recent incident...I walked into school45 minutes late with the person I take toschool. Automatically, when I walk in, I getquestioned where I’ve been and what I’vebeen doing. I explained I had car trouble andgot pulled over....After five-or-so minutes waiting for apass to class, I go to my second period studyhall. Within three minutes, I’m back in theoffice talking to my mother on the phone.Hoover is a great school and we shouldbe very proud to attend and work in such aninstitution. However, by allowing harassmentto continue without intervening, we underminethe validity of this institution.I would suggest that next year there besomething in place, right here at Hoover,for support of GLBQ and their allies. It isby doing this that Hoover High School, andeventually North Canton can strengthenitself through recognition of diversity instudents; diversity is essential to progressin any community.If there are any regrets that I will harborafter graduation, it will not be that I neverattended the best parties, had the coolestfriends, or wore the best clothes. I stood bywhile hundreds of my peers suffered; tryingto pretend things would get better.Pretending can do nothing to improvethis situation and cannot continue. Nextyear, and every year following, all studentsshould feel supported by students and staffand know that they are welcome in theirown school.-Cray Gondek, 12Editor’s note: Gondek included the followingsources for students interested in learningmore about this topic:National GLBTQ Teen Hotline:1.800.4.TREVORPFLAG: 330.342.5825Diversity Alliance Canton:330.305.9696Congratulations to CrayGondek for writing this issue’sbest letter. He’s wona $20 Best Buy gift cardthat can be picked up in room A-6.I’m not sure if it’s completely necessary tocall my mother and explain I was a little late,making a bigger deal than it was.The administrators seem to focus onthe innocent people and petty problems atschool. Maybe the administrators shouldfocus more on serious problems such aswhat goes on in the bathrooms at Hoover.They should also realize that if one day youpart in slot 150 instead of 151 when snowis covering your unplowed square, no carshould get towed at the driver’s cost....Inall due respect, I understand that they werejust doing their job, but...they should focuson serious problems...-Kelly Piero, 11

1601 N. Main St.N. Canton, OH 44720Phone: 330.244.9184FAX: 330.244.9186WE DOCATERING!4810 Dressler RoadCanton, OH 44720Opposite Thursday’s Plaza330.492.53134476 Dressler Rd. N.W. • Suite BCanton, OH 44718330.493.0883Artificial Nails • ManicuresAirbrushing • PedicuresMichelle MilanoHeidi BertramDarla Salvino05.12.06 the viking views 21

Blazin JazinSenior Jason Grimm flies out of the ring during a wrestling match. Jason Grimm wants tosomeday become a professional wrestler.Dominic GarriniStaff WriterGrimm, in his trademark Jazin’ Blazet-shirt and black wrestling tights linedwith white flames, pummeled, kicked andflipped his way through about 20 minutes ofa show-stealing match before succumbingto Alliance wrestler Justin Diaz. Grimmhas been wrestling professionally for abouta year.“Basically, at first Jazin’ was hardto teach, because he thought he kneweverything, but after about six to eightmonths, he settled down and grew up,”Lones Oakes Main Event World Leaguepromoter said. “Now Jazin’ is reallyhardworking.”Grimm’s brother got him interested inwrestling.“I wasn’t into wrestling at first, but mybrother got me hooked when he showedme a tables, ladders and chairs match (amatch in which these objects are able tobe used to maim the opponent). After that,I knew that I wanted to wrestle,” Grimmsaid.Grimm started his professional wrestlingtraining at the MCW school in Massillon,and was trained by Shasta, a wrestler fromthe promotion. Training to be a wrestlerwasn’t easy, according to Grimm.“You practice for four hours a day,22 the viking views 05.12.06five days a week in a work gym, whereit’s burning hot in the summer andfreezing cold in the winter,” Grimmsaid.Grimm said remembering moves isthe hardest part of his training.“There are so many differentnames and variations to wrestlingmoves, it’s ridiculous,” Grimmsaid.Training led to the call-upof his first professional matchagainst close friendand fellow traineeChristian Vaughn atMCW’s November2004 show.After that, Grimmwas booked on allof MCW’s shows,including the2005 “Septemberto Remember”super–show at theCanton Civic Center.After MCWstopped running areashows, Grimm foundMain Event WorldLeague in Alliance,and has fit in theresince his debut a yearSenior Grimm entersthe wrestling ringIt was a hot, musty nightApril 29 at the Alliance Armory.Four hundred fans piled into witness a night of actionpackedwrestling promotedby Main Event World League.The fans came to see TNAstar Sharkboy, known forhis shark mask and sharklikeantics. The main event,however, was Hoover seniorJason “Jazin” Grimm.and a half ago.“I love MEWL. Everyone there is justlike one giant family,” Grimm said.Grimm loves the crowd reaction. Andhe is a huge fan favorite.“The reaction from the crowd is amazing.You run out and it’s an absoluteadrenaline rush,” Grimm said.Attendance at a MEWL showcan be up to 350 people andsometimes it can be intimidating.“At first it’s nerve-wrackingand my mouth gets dry, butonce the time goes by inthe match, it gets a loteasier,” Grimm said.It’s been a longbumpy road for Grimmfrom his training on,but he has made themost of it, gettingbooked in manydifferent promotionsand making money ontop of the job he alreadyhas. While it’s fun for now,Grimm knows he might not bewrestling for a living.“I’m going to college, whereI will be majoring in graphicdesign, just in case wrestlingdoesn’t work out,” he said.“It’s always good to have aback-up plan.”

Time Tripper ‘Yestermorrow’ light readRebecca PaaschStaff Writer“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift andthe rational mind is a faithful servant. Wehave created a society that honors the servantand has forgotten the gift,” this quote fromAlbert Einstein opens “Yestermorrow,”the first book of a new YA sci-fi series byauthor Stefan Petrucha.The main character, Harry Keller, hasdeveloped new and frightening abilitiessince the traumatic death of his father,only a few years his mother’s death. Afterspending months at a psychiatric hospital,taking handfuls of drugs to keep himfunctioning, Harry is relieved to return tohis high school, where he immediateltyreunites with his middle school crush, SiaraWarner.Harry finds himself able to experiencethe past, present and future as one, seeingthe past events of those around them aswell as possibilities for their future. Ashe begins to develop control over his newtalents, he finds himself in a place where heis able to enter living “tubes” that containthe past and future events of an individualperson, which he dubs “A-time.”What first seems like a mythicaladventure quickly turns sour when he‘Kingdom Hearts 2’ will win your heartBrittnie ViscounteStaff WriterSince its release in 2002, fans of “Kingdom Hearts” waitedfor the much-anticipated sequel of the Disney-SquareEnixcollaboration game.It finally came out March 28, for the PS2, but the wait waswell worth it. However, before playing “Kingdom Hearts II,” it isrecommended that you play “Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories”for Game Boy Advance, as the storyline picks up where “Chain ofMemories” left off.“KHII” starts off with a three-hour long introduction, starring aboy named Roxas, who tries to enjoy the last of his summer vacationwith his friends. Some mysterious activities have been happeningin their small town, including villains called “Nobodies” attackingRoxas when he least expects it. Roxas, who has fought in manylocal duel competitions, uses his skills to defeat the Nobodies.Eventually, Roxas winds up at an old abandoned mansion,which is supposedly haunted. There, he finds a girl named Namine.She seems to know Roxas, but he has never seen her in his life.realizes that everything isn’t perfect in thisnew world. Creatures called Quirks are thephysical embodiment of a possible action,ranging from actions as simple as findinga dollar on the street to darker ones thatrepresent the action of committing suicide.These Quirks look for opportunitiesto insert themselves into people’s lives,to make them live that action. A secondresident of A-time, simply called TheInitiate, is pushing these darker Quirks tocause mayhem and destruction in people’slives.Following this realization, Henrybecomes obligated to stop the Quirks fromforcing themselves into the life of histroubled schoolmate, Todd. He is aided inhis quests by sudden love interest Siara, whoquickly grows closer to finally overcomingthe evil Quirk to save Todd’s life.While the romance between Harry andSiara develops unrealistically fast, the twomake a cute couple that helps to displaythe mental problems that Harry must workto overcome if he wants to stay out of thepsych ward.The book’s ending isn’t very satisfying,but that is likely done purposefully to set itup for the next book in the series, which isalready out in stores.At only 230 pages, and written at ayoung adult level, this is a rather quickread. If you’re looking for something deepand meaningful, you’re better off grabbingPlato’s “Republic” but if you’re looking fora light read to fill the coming lazy-days ofsummer, this book could be good for you.After searching the mansion and fighting countless Nobodies,Roxas finds out that maybe he doesn’t know everything he thoughthe did about himself.Eventually, you play as Sora from the former “Kingdom Hearts”games and travel to different worlds to try to protect the universefrom the Heartless, the enemies from the first “Kingdom Hearts,”in addition to the Nobodies.Many players might be disappointed to find that a lot of theworlds are the same as in “Kingdom Hearts,” such as OlympusColiseum, Agrabah and Halloween Town. However, there aremany new worlds to travel to including Port Royal, from “ThePirates of the Caribbean.” Some new game play features include“reaction commands,” which allows players to do swift dodges andcomplicated, deadly attacks, just by pressing the triangle button;“drive forms,” or fusing with other party members to gain newskills and knowledge; and “Mickey’s Help,” which can sometimesbe used when Sora is knocked out. Players can then play as MickeyMouse until the end of the battle.“Kingdom Hearts II” was worth the wait. This is a game that issure to win people’s hearts.05.12.06 the viking views 23

sceneSCENEReviewsKaley SmitleyStaff WriterThe star of “RV” consistentlyovershadows everyone in the cast. He’sbig, powerful and a consistent scene-stealer.He also requires a lot of gas.Indeed, the best thing about “RV” isthe RV. In a cast that includes stars RobinWilliams, Jeff Daniels, Cheryl Hines andKristen Chenoweth, the acting is surprisinglyflat and dull. Williams, in particular, playsa wooden version of the classic workaholicdad in the center of a film that is the mosthumorless family comedy I’ve seen.The plot itself is a shameless reworkingof “National Lampoon’s Family Vacation.”The Munro family, comprising of careerdrivenfather Bob (Williams); socialitemother, Jamie (Cheryl Hines); spoiled teendaughter, Cassie (JoJo); and undersizedson, Carl (Josh Hutcherson) decide to takea vacation to Hawaii.However, Bob Munro is forced by hisboss to assist with an upcoming merger inColorado. He covers up his real agenda bymasking the business trip as a sort of familytogetherness time, complete with a nostalgictrip to the lake he traveled to as a child andthe ultimate bonding tool: traveling crosscountryin an RV.From here, the film is an endlessproceeding of elementary gags and a‘The Goonies’-1991Back...to the classicsBrian HinesStaff WriterMany people may distinctly rememberin their childhood sitting down watchingmovies their parents believed to be someof the best they’ve seen. Whether they’reJames Bond flicks, old mystery pictures, orlaugh-out-loud comedies of the 70’s, thesemoments are probably etched into thememories of the most of the currentgeneration.One movie that’s probably a favorite24 the viking views 05.12.06SONY PICTURES/ USED WITH PERMISSION‘RV’cliché-laden plot. The RV, of course, is amechanical wonder: it malfunctions so oftenwithout completely breaking down that itseems an act of God the vehicle endures ontill the film’s end.The other plot complications includeWilliams’ slapstick attempts to disguisehis work on the merger and the family’saquaintance with the Gornicke clan. TheGornickes, as played by Chenoweth andDaniels, are so redneck that they put JeffFoxworthy to shame. They actually liveand travel cross-country in their RV, singinglike the Partridge family and eating animalorgans. Perhaps the movie’s only laughsresult from the Munro’s desperate evasionof the Gornicke family.Though it is a sacred reviewer creedof the teens all around America isthe 1985 adventure and comedy, “TheGoonies.” It’s hard to really understandwhat’s so lovable about the movie. Is itbecause of the adorable but hideous Sloth?Or is it because of the prospect of findingtreasure? Whatever the case, “The Goonies”is a classic adventure tale that speaks tochildren of this generation and will mostlikely be watched by future children growingup as well.Mikey Walsh (Astin) and his neighborhoodfriends are about to have their homes takenaway by a rich figure in the community.The kids are desperate not to leave, so theygo on a thrilling journey using a treasurenever to betray the ending of a film, I haveto believe that audiences should be able topinpoint this movie’s “message” during theopening credits. Suffice it to say, the endingis sugar-sweet and thoroughly stereotypical,and therefore patently untrue. It is doubtfulthat a week of traveling in a gas-guzzlingbus would repair any dysfunctional family.Indeed, logically it would irritate. Muchlike this film.As a whole, this film is both humorlessand stickily sentimental. The physical andsight gags are overdone, and the plot is a seriesof cliches and stereotypical characters.Unfortunately, the acting in no waysurpasses the material. Williams is aparticular disappointment; instead of seeingRV, rent “Mrs. Doubtfire” one more time.map to find the riches of the ancient pirateOne-Eyed Willy to save their families andtheir homes.It’s a tale of courage to overcomeobstacles thought not able to be by kids oftheir age. Even if people don’t care for thestory in the movie, many will appreciatethe humor that it uses, most notably thelovable Chunk, the token overweightfriend that steals the movie with his “truffleshuffle.” There’s something in this moviefor everyone.“The Goonies” is sure to bring smiles tothe faces of kids everywhere. It’s a classic,and on its twentieth birthday, it should becelebrated as such.

NoiseThe Flaming Lips‘At War with the Mystics’In the early 90’s, a band named the Flaming Lips that used to be traditionally a punkrock band evolved into a more mature, more varied band. It was apparent after listening tojust the first track – “Psychiatric Explorations of the Fetus With Needles” – that somethingvery special was coming for the band. Front man Wayne Coyne continued to prove hisgenius, skyrocketing the band to great success though the late 90’s up until today.With “At War With the Mystics,” people may wonder what they tried to accomplish thistime around. The album is very rock influenced, with more guitar-focused songs filling thetrack list. Songs like “The W.A.N.D.” are a breath of fresh air, with powerful guitar riffsinstead of the powerful lyrics that usually fill the standard Flaming Lips material.That isn’t to say that they’ve totally abandoned their acid-trip sound, though. They stillcater to their existing fan-base by delivering deliciously strange sound to lovers of pastmaterial like “Fight Test” and “Race for the Prize.” But while the inclusion of these songsis certainly welcome, it seems that it doesn’t flow with what the Flaming Lips were tryingto accomplish with “At War With the Mystics.”And what they were trying was obviously to make a sound that was more rock thenstrange. But “At War With the Mystics” is probably yet another experimentation by theband, and the fans can expect something totally different with their next album.PINK‘I’m Not Dead ’–Melissa REynolds– Brian HinesPink’s latest CD faces issues such asan American culture that endorses bulimiaand materialism. This is her fourth album,and the fourth time she has used her vocalprowess to win over fans and take on darkertopics.Songs such as “Dear Mr. President” and“I Have Seen the Rain” show what Pinkis capable of with a little help. In the song“Dear Mr. President” The Indigo Girlsprovided back up vocals that brought newdepth to the song. The album concludeswith “I Have Seen the Rain,” a poignant duetwritten and performed with her Vietnam vetfather James Moore.More of the best tracks include “TheOne Who Got Away” and “I Got MoneyNow.” In “The One Who Got Away,” herwillingness to express her feelings throughmusic shines through. “I Got Money Now”is an edgy look at the problems having toomuch money can cause.With her latest release, Pink shows onceagain that she is a brilliant vocalist. If youlove Pink’s angry rock/popstyle, then “I’m Not Dead”may be just what you’relooking for.NOFX‘Wolves In Wolves’ Clothing’NOFX have been in the business ofpolitical satire and musical delinquencyfor over 20 years, all the while maintaininga cult following of fans from every punksub-genre. The band has progressed in leapsand bounds since their first seven-inch “ThePMRC Can Suck On This,” (1985) leadingup to their latest release “Wolves in Wolves’Clothing.”This 30-minute, 18-track installmenthas been called by front-man, Fat Mike,“lyrically, our best.” This statement issupported by such songs such as “We Marchto the Beat of Indifferent Drum,” whichhide the band’s age and bring out the best inthem. Other songs such as “USA-holes” andthe first single “Seeing Double at the TripleRock” give you that old tingley feeling onegets when listening to cleverly arrangedsatirical lyrics.“Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing,” is aworthy addition to any NOFX fan’s albumcollection. Despite having 20 years ofexperience under their collective belt,NOFX is still evolvingand still keeping fansinterested.– kevin zieberBlast...from the pastRUN DMC‘Raising Hell’ – 1974If a rap artist nowadays came up withlyrics such as “We are not thugs (we don’tuse drugs) but you assume (on your own) /They offer coke (and lots of dope) but wejust leave it alone,” it is fair to say that theywould be chastised by the public for being“uncool.”Not in the mid-80’s. Those were the dayswhen the group Run-DMC, made up of thelate Jam Master Jay, “Run” Simmons” andDarryl “DMC” McDaniels, was in. Theirbest-selling album “Raising Hell” is anexcellent example of their work, rockingfunky rhymes and beats throughout.The album features classic rap hitssuch as “It’s Tricky,” “You Be Illin’” and acollaboration with Aerosmith on a remix of“Walk This Way.” There are no duds on thisalbum that will be remembered as one ofbest and most ground-breaking rap albumsof all time.– mike howes05.12.06 the viking views 25

MayAlthough we cannot promise publication, please let usknow about your cultural event! E-mail us at vv1nc@northcanton.sparcc.org.45 625“Hoot” in theaterstodayYellowcardplays at theSchottensteinCenter inColumbus- 7 p.m.78 9 10111213“Grease” at theCarousel Dinnertheater- 3 p.m.Fall Out BoyConcert-7p.m.14Chorale SpringTour Finale atMalone College- 7:30 p.m.The Red HotChili Peppersrelease “StadiumArcadium today“Poseidon” intheaters today“The Da VinciCode” intheaters today21 22 2324 25 2627“Forever Plaid”at the PlayersGuild- 2:30 pmFall Out BoyConcert-7p.m.15 16 15 17 18 19 20Hoobastank releases“Every Man forHimself” todayOpen Micnight atMuggswigz- 8 p.m.The DixieChicksrelease“Taking theLong Way”todayJames Bluntat the LifestyleCommunitiesPavilion inColumbus- 7 p.m.64th AnnualMay Show atThe Little ArtGallery“SophisticatedInnocence” at theCanton Museumof Art- 1 - 5 p.m.HIM plays atthe LifesylecommunitiesPavilion inColumbus-7 p.m.“X - Men: TheLast Stand” intheaters todayIn the spotlight: Aaron and Alex WhiteArt is often a way for people to expressthemselves. For juniors Alex and AaronWhite, art has been their life since theywere very young.“When we first held a pencil in ourhands is when we knew we loved art,”Alex said.Since their young experience withdrawing, the twins have accomplished alot.Recently, Aaron was chosen to displayhis art in the local art museum along withseveral of his classmates and won a $400scholarship.Also, Alex and Aaron have started agraphic art business.In the future, the twins hope to movetheir business in another technology-basedcompany.Rebecca MohrArt-in-the- Libraryat Malone CollegeArt Department“We want to design military weapons,and get into the movie production industry,”Aaron said.Instead of spending all their time inthe arts, the twins have some other veryinteresting hobbies.“We like to sword fight,” Alex said.“Wefight with the wooden swords.”“The only way we probably ever gotinto this is through watching fighting moviesand family influence,” Aaron said.When the twins are not sword fighting,you can see them around the school playinglacrosse and working as swim instructorsat the Y.Even throgh they are involved in otheractivites, art is a way of life. “It’s our wayto put a mark on history,” Aaron said.– Rebecca Mohr05.12.06 the viking views 27

sports SPORTSDominating theSoftball hits, pitches, and fields its way to #1 in stateRachel BouerStaff WriterAmong the 10-year-olds, fanaticalpreteens and birthday party-goers, a gigglinggroup of teenage girls took over Laser Quest.Junior Amanda Close counts this softballteam experience as one of “many goodmemories.”She said that it was experiences like thisone that helped to draw the team closertogether.“We’re very close, closer than any otherteam I’ve ever been on,” she said.Close said their unity has much to do withtheir success.With a 19-2 record, as well as beingranked first in the state in the AP poll, manysoftball players agree that this season hasbeen going very well.Coach Jerry Goodpasture said he is veryimpressed with the outcomes of the gamesas well as the team’s play.“If we continue to play the rest of theseason like we have, then we will have a lotof success,” he said.Senior shortstop Debbie Warner addedthat the team has been “playing reallywell.”“Everyone stepped it up. Everyone pickseach other up,” she said.Sophomore pitcher Jessica Simpsonagreed.“Everybody’s really uplifting,” she said.“If you do something wrong, everyone isstill really supportive.”Simpson’s pitching has been a big assetto the team, Close said.“When you have a strong pitcher like[Simpson], you don’t get much action in theoutfield,” she said with a laugh.Simpson said she has been playingsoftball since her t-ball career duringkindergarten.“My sister played and we went to hergames. Her team had a really good pitcher,and I just wanted to be that good,” Simpsonsaid.Close also started playing because of asibling, but with different motives.“My brother did soccer and I was so sickof it by second grade,” she explained. “Theonly thing offered in a different season fromsoccer was t-ball. After that I started softball.From the first game I played, I fell in love.I was sold.”Over the years, Close has played manypositions. However, sophomore KelseyMcClure said that she hasn’t played anythingexcept second base.“I like it because you get a lot of actionand you’re very involved in the game,” shesaid.This involvement leads to McClure’sfavorite part of the game, which she saysis “getting dirty.” She said her favoriteexperience this season, though, was theLouisville game.“It was into the 12th or 13th inning. I wasthe person to score the winning run. It wasreally exciting for me,” she said.Warner said that she also enjoys closegames.“I like close games because it’s a lot ofcompetition,” she said. “You really have togive it your all.”McClure added that this year’s toughcompetition and their state ranking havebrought more pressure than usual. However,she felt that Goodpasture has helped theplayers with this pressure.“He has the best demeanor of any coachI’ve ever met,” he said. “He is really nice, buthe yells when it’s needed. He communicatesso well with us.”Close said that Goodpasture was not onlyvery easy to work with, but he also knowsthe game very well.“He’s been around it for so many years…We have the utmost respect for him,” shesaid.Warner said that in all of her eight softballyears, Goodpasture has always been hercoach.Close said that it is the team’s goodrelationship with their coaches, incombination with the team, that makessoftball so fun.“Last year and this year we’ve beensuch good friends… I’ve had so many goodmemories on and off the field,” she saidWarner said that softball has always beena big part of her life.“I grew up living on the ball field,” shesaid.Close said that softball has always beenone of her favorite things. She also said sheloves the first game of the season.“When you step back onto the field, itfeels so good. It feels like you’re comingback home,” she said. •V28 the viking views 05.12.06

DiamondsTeam play has earned Vikings number one seedPat BradyStaff WriterDefense, solid pitching and timelyhitting have been the three ingredients tosuccess for the Vikings baseball team thisyear. Without any star college prospects,the Vikings have played together as ateam and earned the number one seed inthe district.Instead of one or two star players takingall of the limelight, the Vikings teamworkhas been attracting attention.“Having one or two star individuals candraw a crowd, but baseball is a team sportand the only way you can win day in andday out is if you compete hard and work asa team,” junior Alex Martinelli said.Playing together as a team is what theVikings have been doing all season.“We don’t have any individuals, justgood team players that put the team beforethemselves,” Martinelli said.Senior captain Josh Runner agrees.“We all play together and communicatewell,” he said. “We play hard for each otherbecause we’re all friends.”The number of seniors on the team shouldbe an advantage going in to tournament(Left) Junior Amanda Close heads home on ahit by Erin Riccardi at the Wendy’s tournamentin Ashland. Sophomore pitcher Jessica Simpsongets ready, winds up, and follows throughagainst Keystone, also at the Wendy’s tournament.Photos: Ms. Pam McCarthy. (Above) JuniorRocco Palomba sets his feet for a throw to first.Junior Jon Deremer rears back for a pitch. Photos:Derek Quinn.play.“We have good senior leadership and weplay well as a team,” junior Blaine Mazesaid. “We have good team chemistry.”Several seniors on the team haveexperience from last year that will help theyounger players.“Seniors provide leadership, many ofthem have been in their share of varsitygames and know what it takes to win,”Martinelli said.Another advantage for the Vikings ishaving a coach that knows how to achievesuccess.Before Coach Hite made the switch tobaseball, he built the softballteam into a state powerhousethat won consecutive statechampionships in 1998 and1999. That success is transferringto the baseball field.“Coach Hite is an intensecoach who really wants to win,and it rubs off on his playersattitudes,” Runner said.“When someone like CoachHite has a state championshipunder his belt, you listen to whathe says because he knows how towin,” Martinelli said. “He makes usall better players and more importantly,he makes us better teammates.”Hite has made the transition smoothly. Injust his second year, the Vikings are makinga name for themselves in northeasternOhio.“He’s carried over his successfrom softball where he won two statechampionships. He’s an all-around goodcoach,” Maze said.The Vikings appear to have what it takesto go far in the tournament, but they willhave to continue doing what they’ve beendoing and play mistake-free baseball.“All we have to do is play the sameway we’ve played all year in big games,”Martinelli said. “Every pitch and everyswing can decide the outcome of ourseason. As long as we continue to playerrorless defense, get good pitching andswing the bats’ as well as we have, we cancompete with the best.” •V“Having one or two starindividuals can draw a crowdbut baseball is a team sportand the only way you canwin day in and day out isif you compete hard andwork as a team.”AlexMartinelli,1105.12.06 the viking views 29

GameFacesSARAH THARPName: Drew BolenderGrade: 11Sport: Tennisposition: DoublesHighlights:• 2nd team All FederalLeague• Undefeated in team match-des this yearR Other activities:E • Spanish ClubW Bolender• Obsession with DisneyGame FacesRachel BosyjSARAH THARPChase MERTENName: Chase MertenGrade: 9Sport: Lacrosseposition: Mid-fielderHighlights:• Lettered as a freshman• Started first four games• Scored three goals inseason openerOther activities:• Football30 the viking views 05.12.06Misanik, Meleg signEmily Misanik isliving proof that hardwork really doespay off. This twotimeAll-Americanrecently signedwith the Universityof Cincinnatti, aDivision I school.Not only is she an Emily MisanikAll-American swimmer, but also a four timestate qualifier, four year first team recipientand four time Sectional champion in the100-yard breaststroke, the only female inStark County history.“I knew I wanted to be at Cincinnattiright when I visited. I fell in love with theschool and my coach. We clicked. I love mycoach’s theory about swimming because itwas so similar to mine. You have to loveit,” Misanik said.Misanik is not the only Hoover athleteto be signing. Football player Zach Melegsigned with Ohio Dominican. While atHoover, Meleg was a two-time lettermanand helped his team to the playoffs thispast season.“If you work hard, you achieve highgoals,” Meleg said. – Sarah Tharp

sports briefsn The Student Council has finalized theteams for the first powderpuff football game.Twenty-three seniors will face off against18 juniors. The game will be played at thefootball field May 10. Girls participating ina spring sport were not allowed to apply. Theteams will be coached by football playersfrom each class.There will be no pads and no tackling;players can be downed by losing one oftheir two flags.n The boys and girls track teamsrecently competed at the Stark County meetand placed fourth and fifth, respectively.On the boys side senior Rob Kingfinished third in the 100-meter dash andsecond in the 200-meter dash. SophomorePhillip Howard placed third in the 110-meter hurdles. Two of the Viking relaysplaced third, one of which was the 1,600–meter relay team of senior Matt Andrews,juniors Nathan Fryer and Brian Bader andfreshman Zach Goulet.The girls were led by sophomore AnaKidder, who placed in three events. Kidderplaced second in the 200-meter dash and thelong jump, while placing third in the 100-meter dash. Also placing for the girls wassenior Molly Moldovan and junior AshleyHale, who placed third in the 110-meterhurdles and high jump, respectively.n Winter sports have finally come to anend with their end–of–season banquets.Boy swimmers who received awardswere senior Joey Reolfi, Sideliners MVP;seniors Andrew Armour and Mitch Race,Dave Clegg Most Valuable seniors; juniorsAndy Hoffman and Mike Maul, DesireAward; junior Caleb Nettleton, sophomoreJesse Hawkins and freshman Ben Hazen,Most Improved; and senior Ming-ShihHwang, John Ebinger Scholarship Award.For the girls, senior Emily Misanikand junior Jacquie Paumier received theSideliners MVP. Receiving other awardswere senior Kristen Gibbs, Dave CleggMost Valuable senior; junior Sarah Tharpand freshmen Mandi Grandjean and RachelPat BradyM i s a n i k, D e s i r eAward; and juniorHannah Bukowya n d s o p h o m o r eErin Gadda, MostImproved.Wrestlers receivingawards were seniorC l a y B e n k o ,Sideliners MVP;junior Devin Sanderson, Coaches Awardand Most Pins Award; sophomore GregTischler, Most Improved Wrestler; freshmanCurtis Weiner, Fantastic Freshman; andsenior Jacob Brown, 110 percent Viking.For hockey, senior Eli Woodhall wasname Sideliners MVP; junior Matt Rosswas named Most Improved; and senior ChrisGraham received the Coaches Award.Last but not least bowling. Senior JonBoyajian and sophomore Maria Filmreceived the Dedication Award; JuniorDavid DiEugenio and sophomore CrystalJohnson received the Coahes award; andsophomore Robbie Lorentz, 299 ring.BEST ofthe BESTAna Kidder:Won the 100 and200 meter dashesat GlenOakRob King:Second-best timein the county in100 and 200 meterdashesAndrew Armour,Andrew Dahl,Tim Gates: Eachhad four goalsagainst Hawken• At Right: Jana Dahl, Tracy Risaliti, Tori Tedrow• At Right: Tarek Nusseibeh• At Right: Andrew ArmourBoys Tennis• At Right: Erik KennellyThe boys tennis team won their third straight Federal League Tennis ChampionshipsApril 28. Leading the way was Ryan Carpenter, capturing the No. 1 singles title forthe first time. Drew Bolender and Eric Kennelly both claimed singles championshipsas well. The team defeated Mckinley to give Coach Ryan Shaffer his 400 th careerwin and then went on to defeat Green, Central Catholic and St. Edwards. They’renow 19-0 and 8 th in the state poll. Story: Sarah Tharp • Photo: Derek QuinnGirls Track and FieldThe girls track and field team placed sixth at the Medina Relays Apr. 8, then wonseventh at the Dublin-Coffin invitational. The team placed fifth overall at the StarkCounty meet Apr. 22. The girls have won against Perry, McKinley, Austintown Fitchand Lake, and lost against both Jackson, Boardman and GlenOak.Story: Rachel Bosyj • Photo: Dan BoyerBoys Track and FieldThe boys ran their way into fifth place at the Medina Relays Apr. 8. The boy’s keptthe streak going with a third place finish at the Dublin-Coffin invitational Apr. 15.Apr. 22, after a week break, the boy’s placed fourth at the Stark County meet. Theboys lost their meets to Perry, GlenOak, McKinley, Boardman and Jackson, but wonagainst Austintown Fitch and Lake.Story: Rachel Bosyj • Photo: Dan BoyerLacrosseImproving their record to 9-2, the lacrosse team beat Cleveland Heights on SaturdayApril 29 with a score of 11-8. Andrew Armour and Andrew Dahl led the team ingoals with 3 each. Continuing their success, the Vikings defeated Walsh JesuitWednesday May 3 with a score of 5-3. The team is now 10-2.Story: Sarah Tharp • Photo: Derek Quinn05.12.06 the viking views 31sports updates

Sports: Captured4th QuarterTyler DrakeQWhat has happened to thestudent–athlete?After beating Ohio State in September, Texas quarterback VinceYoung was on cloud nine and he hasn’t come down since. Followinghis 270 yards passing and 76 yards rushing in Columbus, Youngwas thrust into the national spotlight. Though he finished second invoting for the Heisman Trophy, Young and his Longhorn teammatesfinished first as a team, defeating Heisman winner Reggie Bush’sUSC Trojans. At the end of April he continued to be sky high as hewas drafted third by the Tennessee Titans and earned more moneythan anyone reading this will see in a lifetime. Young is living everyman’s dream. The only problem is that to live this fantasy, Younghad to leave Texas a year and a half early.Without a degree.With seven semesters of college under his belt, Texas had spentover $80,000 on Young’s education. This massive expenditure comeswith no fruition however, as Young has completely abandoned hisacademics for athletic fame and fortune. Despite bringing Texastheir first national title since 1969, college is still a place of higherlearning, and should be treated as such.Thus, instead of dropping 80 grand on a dropout, this incrediblesum of money could be more wisely spent on a student (or studentathlete)that went to college to learn. As preposterous as it mightsound, college is not a minor league for professional sports. It is notthe athlete that comes first in student-athlete, nor should athleticsever come before academics.Regrettably however, this has become the case for most majorDivision I athletes. Of the top three Heisman candidates, onlyMatt Leinhart will be leaving school with a degree. The problemis even more well developed in basketball where the standards forprofessional ranks are not as strict. Last year after winning thenational title, four underclassmen from the University of NorthCarolina all traded their Carolina blue for NBA green.Of the over 17,000 student athletes that entered Division I schoolsin the 1998-99 school year receiving financial aid, 38 percent failedto graduate within six years. While this percentage is slightly abovethe national average for all students, the average student doesn’treceive a full ride.If all of the student athletes that failed to graduate received half ofthe financial aid that Young did, over $260 million would have beenwasted. It seems as if this money could be better spent elsewhere,on students that went to college to learn, for instance.While it is certainly understandable that poverty may push astudent-athlete to pursue the riches of professional sports early,there should be a penalty from withdrawing after being given somuch financial assistance. Thus, I propose that all scholarship student-athletesleaving their respective universities without a degreeshould be forced to pay back the entire sum which they received.With the amount of money Young will rake in, this shouldn’tbe a problem.(Clockwise above) n Senior Andrew Armour faces off against an opponentin a recent lacrosse game. Photo: Derek Quinn. n Junior Blaine Mazeleaves the bat behind as he heads toward first base. Photo: Derek Quinn.n Sophomore Greg Tischler prepares to pole vault. Photo: Dan Boyer. nSophomore Megan Lilley and junior Kate Pakenham race toward a fly ballduring the Wendy’s tournament. Photo: Ms. Pam McCarthy.32 the viking views 05.12.06