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This years Winter Formal
to be on the wild side
Los Compadres serves
delicious meal in
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MHS
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The Streak
MADISON HIGH SCHOOL
January / February 2010
VOLUME 26, ISSUE 5
Winter One Acts bring Solo, Ensemble
laughs, large audience improves skills
PHOTO BY ALEX BAUCCO
Members of the Kindergarten cast enthusiastically share what talents
they possess.
BYALEX BAUCCO
Staff Reporter
The Winter One Acts were held
again on February 4 and 5, consisting of three one acts in total,
bringing in a larger audience than
the fall play.
The first play, “Naomi in the
Living Room” by Christopher
Durang, was directed by English
teacher Noelle Madore and was
about an insane mother (junior
Jessica Cogar) who has a visit from
her cross-dressing son (sopho-
more Tyler Kesinger) and his wife
(junior Shay Trotter).
The night’s other One Act, “All
I Really Need to Learn I Learned
in Kindergarten” by Robert
Fulghum, featured a cast of 14 in
the play and was directed by choir
director Nicole Groah. The play
consisted of many vignettes
about Kindergarten, the most notable called “Are There Any Questions?”.
The One Acts included other
performances, as well.
Senior Myrissa Yokie performed a monologue from a play
by Christopher Durang about Peter Pan and the death of
Tinkerbell.
During intermission, there was
a “story time” session, where senior Amilene Primer read to the
other cast members of the Kindergarten play.
Over the course of both nights,
approximately $750 was brought
in from ticket and concession
sales, and roughly 165 people attended.
This year’s One Acts were the
first to contain a musical, which
was accompanied on piano by
Groah, who was pleased with the
students’ performances.
“The students excelled in their
performance,” said Groah.
Groah has directed three One
Acts in past years, though this
year was the first year that
Madore has directed one.
Overall, both directors were
happy with the results of the One
Acts and reactions they caused.
“I think the strength [of the
One Acts] was that they were
emotionally driven,” said Madore.
Groah agreed, saying, “The
message was one the audience
really understood.”
Each director, however, said
that they would have liked to see
at least one more play in the One
Acts.
BOE votes ‘Yes’ for bond ballot
BY SAM COUCH
Staff Reporter
A vote among Board of Education members during a special
meeting held February 4 determined that Madison voters would
decide for the possible construction of new buildings.
The bond issue has been segmented into two parts, though
voting may not be required for the
second part, but the first part entails the construction of a new
middle school and an elementary
school.
The middle school would be
built west of Madison High
School’s football stadium and the
old Memorial Complex would
house a new elementary school
upon Homer Nash Kimball’s demolishment; the present Madison
Middle School would convert to
another elementary school, and
Redbird Elementary would convert
into an all-day kindergarten or
Latchkey.
“It is our responsibility to allow the community to decide if we
want to take advantage of this
great opportunity. There is only
one way for everyone to contribute their opinion, and that is by
putting the issue up for ballot,”
said Board President Rex Reigert,
according to a press release.
If this bond were passed, according to the press release, $21
million would be paid by taxpayers in order to help cover the $43
million project.
It is also stated that property
owners would pay about $9.63 a
month per $100,000 in property
value, though some that qualify
for Homestead Exemption may
pay a bit less.
However, it is also noted that
these taxes would be delayed for
three years in response to the latest economic crisis.
See BOE....pg 2
BY KELSEY KINCAID
Managing Editor
Madison’s High School’s
band and choir members participated in Solo and Ensemble District VII on February 13 at Chardon
High School.
“Solo and Ensemble is an opportunity for students to prepare
on their instrumental and vocal on
a piece of music and to be rated
by a judicator,” said band director Kristy May.
A judicator is a former band or
choir director who judges the soloist or the ensemble on how well
they play or sing. With each event
the students receive comments
back from the judge on how to
improve.
Overall, 18 schools participated, including Madison. The
schools are the same schools that
are part of
District 7.
S o l o
and Ensemble is
rated differently
than other
normal
events.
Ratings go
from I, which is the highest, to V,
which is the lowest.
On the choir end, Groah went
into Solo and Ensemble with some
strong expectations, hoping to
score a I or II.
“[We] didn’t quiet hit that
mark,” said Groah.
Not as many MHS choir students participated, with four solos and two different ensembles.
The choirs received ratings of IIII, overall.
“I thought solos went really
well; ensembles seemed to be
problematic,” choir director Nicole
Groah.
The two ensembles were Ladies Ensemble and Chamber Ensemble.
Despite the some disappointments of Solo and Ensemble,
Groah was rather pleased with the
event.
“I think it’s a good experience.
It helps students realize what they
need to work on, and as a director, where I need to work on,” said
Groah.
On the band side of the event,
May also had some expectations
going in; she wanted every student to try their hardest.
May was very proud of the
band students who participated.
“Band students were well prepared and had a good practice
schedule leading into it. I have to
give credit to private lesson teachers; without it students wouldn’t
do that good,” May said.
Band participants received
mostly I’s and only a couple II’s.
According to May, the band
usually receives about 75% I’s
and 25% II’s or III’s.
“We do very well. [But] it’s one
j u d g e ’s
opinion,”
May said.
Mostly
the event
is about
the comments and
t h e
progress
made during the event. “It is a rubric to tell
you how you have improved,”
May said.
The event could also be seen
a different way.
“[It’s a] great individual OGT
for the music students,” May said.
Since May has been the band
director at MHS, the ratings have
always stayed consistent. The
band members usually receive a
Superior Rating (I), and this year
was no different.
“They did an excellent job at
representing Madison, and I’m
really proud of them,” said May.
May’s overall view is positive
for the band.
“Any time you can get individual students to work on solo
pieces, it improves on [everything],” May said.
Feb.
2010
THE STREAK
MHS prepares to
welcome the jungle
BY KELSEY KINCAID
Managing Editor
Winter Formal, sponsored by
the Madison High School Key
Club, is going to be called “Welcome to the Jungle.”
On February 27,
“Welcome to the
Jungle” will open the
doors at 7:00 p.m. to a safari jeep and animal
prints around the DJ station, which will have DJ
Jeremy James. Then cutouts with palm trees,
vines, and parrots all will
circle around the dance
floor. Key Club is also renting a
fountain for the dance.
For drinks Key Club will be
handing out Tropical Punch, and
there will be animal crackers for
snacks.
Key Club invited Jungle Terry
to come for a couple hours with
all of his animals.
Juniors Alycia Fleischer and
Becky Skerl suggested the theme
for this year. Key Club then voted
on which of the three suggested
themes they wanted.
The court will be decided at the dance out
of the seniors that are
there.
Last year roughly
400 people attended
the dance. Key Club
Advisor Julie Vacca
hopes that they beat
that number this year.
“I hope they have a wild time,”
Vacca said.
Tickets will be on sale two
weeks before the dance for $7 or
$10 at the door.
From BOE.....pg 1
In addition to the bond issue,
board members also voted to
place the renewal of the Perry Financial District levy on the bal-
lot, which would generate $1.7 million a year for Madison Schools.
Because the levy is a renewal
levy, it will not raise taxes.
Study hall numbers
hit triple digits
BY COURTNEY SMITH
Staff Reporter
Although early dismissals
and schedule changes have
caused the numbers to drop
down, MHS study halls had
numbers ranging from 125 to 197
students a day during the first
few weeks of the second semester.
Although the numbers are
much higher than they were first
semester, study halls regularly
hit high numbers during eighth
and ninth periods in the second
half of the year.
The guidance counselors
added early dismissals and new
classes to many schedules to try
to bring down the numbers, but
they still remain high.
It is believed that the reason
for the large numbers in the study
halls is due to no fourth block
The
Streak
Volume 26, Issue
5
Jan. / F
e b . 2010
Fe
Madison High School
3100 Burns Rd.
Madison, OH 44057
(440) 428-2161
mhsstreak@hotmail.com
freshmen teaming according to
study hall monitor John Loeffel.
This means all the freshmen get
put into study hall.
Loeffel feels another reason
could be some of the teachers
who are coaches are busy with
sport preparations at this time,
meaning that there are fewer
classes for students ninth period.
Still Loeffel feels that the numbers are manageable.
“I always try to be firm, consistent and fair,” said Loeffel
when asked about how to control
the large study hall groups.
2
News
Madison gets a little
taste of Germany
BY KELSEY KINCAID
Managing Editor
“It wasn’t that hard,” David equipment.
said. “You’re new; it’s the hardSo far, Leo is enjoying MHS.
est part.”
He likes that you get to choose
With the new semester of the
He also finds it difficult that your classes, that there are fewer
2009-2010 school year two new you have to drive everywhere.
classes in a day, and that it is
foreign exchange students have
David is
easier.
arrived. Both students are from learning the
“I like it
Germany and will stay until June. new culture
more [here]. I
David Aumuller, 17, he comes while he is in
like MHS very
from Berlin, Germany, to spend his the
United
much,” Leo
junior year at MHS.
States.
said.
David has not yet done much
W h e n
His favorsince he has been here; he has David goes
ite subjects
only gone to McDonald’s, Lake back to Berlin
are T.V. proErie, the mall, and to Chuck-E- he would like to
duction and
Cheese, along with a high school go to Abitur,
woods, and
basketball game.
which is their
he does not
“I went to McDonald’s to see version of a
have a least
PHOTOS BY KELSEY KINCAID
if it’s different,” David said. “It’s college. He has
favorite class.
not. The coke is different. Water two years of Leo Beyer comes from Kulmbach
Leo would
is very different.”
school left, comes to Northeast Ohio to spend like to help
his junior year.
While the McDonald’s are not then after exout drama
very different, the schooling is.
ams, he will go to Abitur.
groups.
“We can
The other
“[I would] like to help Mrs.
go outside on
new
ex- Groah with the musical,” Leo said.
the breaks,”
change stuLeo also finds it hard to make
David said.
dent
is new friends first. He also finds
“[And there
L e o p o l d English difficult.
is] better
Beyer, 16. Leo
While he still finds it difficult,
food.”
also is here “the language is a lot easier than
A
t
for his junior I thought,” Leo said.
David’s
year at MHS
Leo’s favorite part of being an
school in
f r o m exchange student is the “counGermany
K u l m b a c h , try, people, school; it’s great,” Leo
there are not
G e r m a n y , said.
as many stuwhich
is
He has not yet done much
dents. There
about two since he has been in the United
are
only
David Aumuller leaves his home
hours away States. He has gone shopping, to
in Berlin to visit Madison during
about 800
from Berlin.
a high school basketball games,
his junior year at MHS.
students.
Leo
is and to the theater.
“[We] don’t have so many leaving behind two of his sisters
Both David and Leo are looksports [or] activities,” David said. in Germany. When he is back at ing forward to their time spent in
He enjoys his Racket Sports home he likes managing sound the United States.
class and his Art 2 class at MHS
and does not really dislike any of
his five classes he has.
“Math [is] very different,” said
David. In Germany they use paThe Streak would like to thank the followper more than calculators.
ing community members for their support
Although David thought it
throughout this year. It’s because of them
would be hard to make new
and our advertisers that our publication is
friends, he was proven wrong.
made possible:
The Streak accepts Letters to
the Editor. Drop letters off in
room 106 or email them to
mhsstreak@hotmail.com.
Editor-In-Chief.........................................................................Shay Trotter
Managing Editors.............................................................Kelsey Kincaid
Business Manager...............................................................Gabby Wiker
Staff Reporters.....................................................................Alex Baucco
Sam Couch
Courtney Smith
Advisor..................................................................................Tony Madore
Patrons
Mr. William J. Fisher, Jr., Principal
Mrs. Angela Smith, Curriculum Director
Ms. Elissa Taylor, MHS Spanish teacher
The views expressed in The Streak do not necessarily reflect the views of any particular interest but are that
of the individual writer.
Letters to the editor are accepted from students, members of The Streak staff, faculty, administrators, and members of the community.
The staff reserves the right to edit all articles and
letters to the editor, simply in the interest of space limitations.
The staff will not publish or advertise material which
may be libelous to an individual, or is deemed obscene.
They will not publish or accept material which is misleading or which is contrary to laws pertaining to minors.
The Streak will acccept advertising from any person
or group willing to pay the fees set by the staff, unless it is
contrary to laws pertaining to minors or deemed obscene.
The Streak is fully funded through advertising and
donations.
THE STREAK
3
Feb.
2010
News
New BOE president
Talent show returns to
Madison, along with raffle brings promise
PHOTO BY KELSEY KINCAID
Hosts and seniors Perry Quayle and Myrissa Yokie call senior Kyle
Markgraf and freshman Erika Nalow to the stage as part of their skit.
BY SHAY TROTTER
Editor-In-Chief
On January 15, a collection of
MHS students showcased their
talents at the annual Blue Streak
Revue, bringing in roughly 200
attendees and a profit of $1,600.
All of the money earned from
the event will go to the AV De-
partment for equipment, activities, field trips, etc.
Hosted once again by seniors
Perry Quayle and Myrissa Yokie,
the show ran approximately two
hours and featured a total of 15
acts, including singers, dancers,
a beat boxer, and a Rubik’s Cuber.
Sophomore Becca Valvoda,
who sang in the show, believed
everyone was pleased with all of
the acts.
“I think everyone had a fun
time,” she said.
For the first time this year at
the Revue, attendees were also
able to watch the show on a
screen while it was being filmed.
A new sound system, managed by DJ Matt Caudill, was also
an addition to the review.
Luckily, the new technology
only caused a few minor difficulties.
However, AV teacher Emily
Grau felt the show carried on
nicely.
“Overall, it went pretty
smoothly,” she said. “We didn’t
have a whole lot of problems.”
Grau hopes to see the Revue’s
continued return.
“It’s nice to see some faces that
you don’t normally see at a district event,” she said.
During the show, raffle tickets
were also sold for three prize baskets. The winners were MHS
Gym/Health teacher Linda Craigo,
MHS Principal William Fisher,
and community member Rose
Gibson.
Eighth grade student wins
Madison district spelling bee
BY GABBY WIKER
Business Manager
Eighth grade student Allie
Mason won this year’s district
spelling bee that was held on
January 29 in the Madison High
School Lecture Hall by correctly
spelling “furlough.”
Runner up at the spelling bee
was Madison Middle School seventh grader Alex Smith.
Curriculum director Angela
Smith, who organized the event,
felt that the students did an excellent job this year, considering
the fact that the spelling bee
lasted longer than it usually does.
By design, the words grow increasingly difficult as the spelling bee goes on.
Smith felt that the extended
time added more competition to
the event and because of this,
there was no clear-cut winner
until the end.
“It was a longer bee, so it was
a lot more fun,” Smith said. “It
was a good competition.”
The two went on for several
rounds until Mason finally came
out on top.
The first round of the spelling
bee was held between fourth
grade winners Alexandria Berry
from North Madison, Morgan
Breedlove from Red Bird, and
Macie Osborne from Homer Nash
Kimble.
Breedlove was named winner
of the round when she spelled
“alligator” and she automatically
advanced to the final round.
The next round was between
fifth graders Kyle Cruikshank
from RBE, Catherine Harrison
from NME, and Christian
Wilkerson from HNK.
Harrison advanced to the final round by spelling “hypothesis.”
The final round consisted of
Mason, Smith, sixth grader Ed
See Bee.....pg 7
cally correct,” Reigert said.
Reigert is clearly passionate
about the people of Madison.
Rex Reigert, the new Madison
“You can pick out a Madison
Board of Education president, is citizen in a crowd,” Reigert said.
a friendly man, and capable of “They’re not afraid to speak up.
good leadership for the Madison We don’t have the most money,
School District.
but we’re still a growing commuHe welcomes those that speak nity.”
to him with jokes, stories, and a
Reigert says that this passion
hearty laugh.
and support for and from the comWhile Teresa Ward, Jay Fabian munity will change the school
and Michelle Hayes, the newest district for the better.
board members, have just sworn
Along with
in, Reigert has
support for the
been part of
people of Madithe board for
son, he also
years. In fact,
strongly supReigert has a
ports the Madilong history
son Staff.
with the Madi“I’d put our
son School
staff up against
District.
any other staff
Reigert
in the state, and
gladly tells
we’d be the
about how he,
same or better,”
PHOTO COURTESY OF REX REIGERT
his parents, New BOE president Rex Reigert Reigert said.
and his grand- comes from the heart of Madison.
More imporparents all
tant yet, Reigert
went to Madison. He tells about is incredibly devoted to the welhis education at John Carroll Uni- fare of Madison’s children.
versity and Idaho State Univer“I always do what’s best for
sity, where he obtained his de- the kids,” he said.
grees: a Bachelor of Arts Degree
He asked the community to
in sociology and a Master of Arts give the schools their vote, sayDegree in physical education. It ing, “what we are doing is imporis this long history with educa- tant for our community to thrive.”
tion that inspired him to join the
Under the presidency of Rex
board.
Reigert, Madison Local Schools
Under Reigert’s presidency, can look forward to opportunities
Madison can expect an honest for new school buildings, more
leader.
money from the Perry Power Plant,
“I wear everything on my and excellent academics, sports,
sleeve. I may not always be politi- and extracurricular activities.
BYALEX BAUCCO
Staff Reporter
Art show goes
to Lakeland
BY COURTNEY SMITH
Staff Reporter
Madison had 27 award winners at the Art show sponsored
by the Lake County Secondary
Art Awards
Committee
(LGCSSA).
LGCSSA holds an art show for
grades seven through twelve
from Lake and Geauga County.
Madison had six gold awards
and four blue awards in the categories.
Gold is the highest award
given, with blue being the second highest.
Students that won a gold
award were seniors Chris
Hoskinson, Keirstin Longstreet,
Laurelle Gilbert, junior Haley
Boone, freshmen Haley Dake and
Miranda Shraufl.
Winners of the blue award
were seniors Stephanie Shepard,
and Ryan Spangenburg, junior
Polina Svetlitshaya with two
awards, and sophomore Desiree
Thompson.
Madison also had 16 honorable mentions.
From both counties, 425 works
were selected, making Grier very
honored.
“We’re very fortunate for an
Art department that is supported
by the community,” said MHS art
teacher Jeff Grier. “It gives kids a
chance to excel and develop their
skills.”
The art categories vary, including areas such as 3D, commercial
design, collage, mixed media,
See Art....pg 7
Feb.
2010
THE STREAK
4
Commentary
From the Principal’s Desk...
BY WILLIAM J. FISHER
MHS Principal
Hello again! Anyone tired of
winter, yet??. . . I wish I could tell
you that spring is just around the
corner, but it sure doesn’t seem
that way . . . I’m not sure that even
the groundhogs knew what to
think on Groundhog Day!! The
snow and COLD has seemed endless this year, but lamenting about
the weather has never ever
changed it. Now onto some im-
portant news:
* It’s that time of year to start
thinking about the 2010 - 2011
school year and begin making
plans about the courses you want
to register for next school year. We
will begin the scheduling process
during the week of February 22.
You will meet with the counselors
and receive the following:
* Your password information
to Infinite Campus (in case you
forgot or misplaced it).
* ALL scheduling requests will
MHS turning
into daycare
BY SAM COUCH
Staff Reporter
Looking back to childhood
years, some of a person’s fondest
memories entail tinkering with
Legos on a vibrant, plastic table
or playing “House” in the housekeeping play area. Years of childhood are bittersweet, as years go
by and most outgrow some of their
favorite pastimes, but this cannot
be said about everyone.
Granted, not all people sit
around with a diaper on and watch
“Barney,” but some people in
today’s schools and society may
just as well do so.
Teens, young adults, and even
full-grown adults have seemingly
regressed into hormonal beings
fueled by Pepsi, MTV, and raunchy jokes.
It could be expected that the
average young adult, a junior or
senior in high school perhaps,
would prepare to embrace adulthood and act accordingly, but it’s
now the norm for 17 or 18-yearolds to hang around or even date
14 or 15-year-old freshmen instead
of looking into college or a job,
and it’s not uncommon for 25year-old men to ride a juvenilesized bicycle down Hubbard
Road.
This could be called a “Peter
Pan” trend, in which young people
cherish and hold onto their juvenile qualities for a too-extended
period of time.
Everyone would love nothing
more but to be forever young, free
of life’s pressures and responsibilities, but the truth is that this is
not really possible.
Such described behavior is not
just present around town or in the
hallways, but in the classroom, as
well.
A growing number of students
treat their teachers as if they were
their equals, ignoring their
teacher’s wishes to do an assignment or behave in a certain way,
preferring to sit around or wander
about the halls aimlessly instead
of making themselves useful.
In fact, some people have the
gall to ask the teacher if they can
just “do nothing and watch a
movie,” or “work with partners”
for every other assignment, and
others even attempt to garner
sympathy from their parents so
they could call their teachers for
them and make a complaint about
whatever the student sees fit.
Having a steady, wholesome
relationship with teachers is essential to success, but acting
childish is not impressive outside
of one’s circle of friends.
If it’s not the teachers that are
suffering from sometimes having
to rearrange their lesson plans or
See Daycare..pg 7
again be made ONLINE this year.
* Thanks to input from parents,
students, and BOE members, we
will return to the hard copy printed
versions of all courses offered
here at MHS. Each student will
receive a 2010 - 2011 Schedule
Planner (booklet) this year. In the
booklet, you will be able to plan
what you want to take and use
the information to register for the
course.
* The portal will be open
through Friday, March 12, to make
all your course requests.
Here are some upcoming dates
to keep in mind:
* Any student interested in
taking a college course during the
2010 - 2011 school year through
the Post Secondary Options Program (known as PSEO) must attend the required meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, February
23.
The meeting will be held at 7:00
p.m. in the cafeteria. For more information, you can stop in the
guidance center to have any questions answered about the program.
* Our annual Winter Formal
Dance with this year’s theme,
Welcome to the Jungle, is coming
up the weekend of Saturday, February 27, from 7 to 11 p.m. in the
cafeteria. Each year the event gets
bigger and bigger, with last year’s
attendance near the 400 mark.
I hope that you’re planning to
attend . . . the Key Club has once
again done an awesome job in the
planning and preparation for the
event!
* On Tuesday, March 2, at 7:30
p.m., our Winter Choral Concert
will be held in the gymnasium.
Once again, we will be entertained
by a variety of choirs, and although we might be tired of the
cold and snow, it will be nice to be
serenaded by some beautiful wintry tunes.
Miss Groah does an amazing
job with our students, and it will
be great evening to listen to the
amazing voices from our choral
department. I hope to see you
there!
* That following Friday, many
of our athletes who have been lifting all winter (mostly at 6 a.m. in
the morning as they prepare for
next season), will be showing off
their talents. The annual MHS
Football Team Lift-a-thon will be
held at 6:00 p.m. on the 19 in the
gymnasium. I think you’ll find it
very interesting as well as the price
is right: it’s free!
* An important upcoming milestone will happen for many of our
juniors and seniors when they get
selected into the National Honor
Society.
The annual NHS Tapping
Breakfast and Evening Induction
Ceremony will occur on Tuesday,
March 16. Congratulations to all
those students who accomplish
this award!
* Finally, the annual show
‘Cabaret’ sponsored by MHS
Show Choir, Eclectica, will be performed on Friday, March 26, and
Saturday, March 27. It gets bigger and bigger every year and finally has busted out of its seams
. . . the event will again be held in
the cafeteria. Come see how they
transform the cafeteria into a theater to entertain the audience!
I hope that gives you a few
things to look forward to as we all
hang in there until the Spring
weather arrives in the near future!!
Administration rids school
of the average student
BY GABBY WIKER
Business Manager
Madison High School has lost
any hint of academic stratification
within the student body, making
it hard to differentiate between the
average students and the Honors
students.
This is due to Madison’s continued disintegration of standards.
A few years ago, the administration lowered the grading scale
so that a 90% would be an A when
it had previously been a B.
More students were able to
receive higher grades, making
them appear to be doing better
than they really were.
Today, the word “average” has
taken on a negative connotation,
when it used to be something that
people strived toward.
The administration treats “average” as something to avoid,
when really, having a population
of average students is unavoidable.
What the administration is doing is imposing a strict set of ideals by removing the possibility of
competition, and with that, any
distinction between superiority
and inferiority.
The administration likes to
convince the parents that their kid
is not just an “average” student,
even when, statistically, they are.
To be an average student
means to be a representation of
the student body.
It is common knowledge that
not every Madison student is an
Honors student.
There is a reason why there is
a diploma for the Honors student
and a diploma for the average student.
It is not to ostracize the students for not being in the 90th percentile or to inflate the egos of
those who are.
Separating students into certain groups based upon academic
ability is advantageous to both
the Honors and the average stu-
See Average....pg 6
What were you thinking?
BY KELSEY KINCAID
Managing Editor
Nearly everybody at Madison
High School knows about the new
Honors Diploma changes announced at the end of first semester.
The new Honors Diploma requires that you have to have
physics and chemistry with the
four units of science classes and
Algebra I and II, geometry, and
another higher-level course with
in the four units of math classes.
Changing the Honors Diploma
this late, with only three semes-
ters left for juniors and five left
for sophomores, only causes
problems.
Many people who wanted to
go for Honors Diploma now cannot go for it, either because of the
science or math requirements.
Changing it for freshmen, who
have all four years left at the high
school, makes sense. Changing it
for everyone else is pointless and
unfair.
Now people who cannot get
into higher math classes because
of the sequence of the math
classes are unable to graduate
with Honors.
Does the school want a lower
Honors Diploma rate? At the moment, it seems like they do.
The Honors Diploma should
be harder to achieve than the
regular diploma, but why would
they change it for the last part of
someone’s high school career?
The change is just stupid; the
people who really did want to go
for Honors Diploma now cannot
go for it because they are unable
to fulfill new math or science requirements in time.
The whole thing should be rethought and changed back for
juniors and sophomores.
Feb.
2010
THE STREAK
Entertainment
5
‘The Book of Eli’
lacks originality
Los Compadres creates
memorable dining experience
BY GABBY WIKER
Business Manager
BY SHAY TROTTER
Editor-In-Chief
“The Book of Eli” is a decent
adaptation of a societal and literary cliché commonly seen in novels like “Anthem” and “Fahrenheit 451.”
Unfortunately, it neglects to
add anything new to the motif,
and instead, chooses to follow the
typical premise of a post-apocalyptic society.
The movie takes place in the
future, following a war that tore a
hole in the
ozone layer,
causing a
“Big Flash”
that turned
the world
into a cataclysmic disaster.
In
the
years following the flash,
society turns
into an anarchist state, allowing the
citizens to
steal
and
murder without consequence.
One man, Carnegie, who is
played by Gary Oldman, becomes
the undeclared leader of a new
town and employs a gang of
thieves to find an unnamed book
that allegedly holds the secrets to
the survival of mankind.
Although for suspense reasons the book remains unnamed
for a good portion of the film, it is
obvious to the viewer which book
they are talking about, adding
only to the omnipresent cliché.
The protagonist, Eli, played by
Denzel Washington, is in possession of the book and is willing to
do whatever it takes to keep it
safe.
Eli claims that he given orders
to take the book west, although
there is no specific location.
Carnegie, once he realizes that
Eli has the book he is looking for,
tries everything to get the book
from Eli.
The remainder of the story details the struggle between
Carnegie and Eli to obtain possession of the book.
The film is predictable up until
the end, where it reveals a major
secret about Eli and offers poetic
justice for Carnegie.
“The Book of Eli” plays too
heavily on the common theme of
knowledge being power and the
possibility of mankind destroying
itself.
The only
alternative
to the modern lifestyle
that the film
suggests is
to
revert
back to religion, which
has become
another
common motif.
E v e n
though the
characters
are stereotypical, it
would not
have been as
MOVIE POSTER
bad
had
they been less shallow.
The characters are only there
to serve the plot and do not offer
any insight into the message of
the film.
This is not all bad, though. The
film provides action in favor of
any sentimentality over the loss
of civilization.
The lack of thorough social
commentary is apparent from the
script of the film. Screen writer
Gary Whitta wrote the script to
the film in under a week, making
some of the lines cheesy at times.
Aside from the fact that the film
is nothing more than a variation
of a literary cliché, “The Book of
Eli” is, overall, an enjoyable film if
one does not think too much into
it.
Madison’s Los Compadres
Mexican restaurant offers excellent service, delectable food, and
a cozy atmosphere to make for a
wonderful meal.
Compadres is fairly new in
town, but also has locations in
Ashtabula, Greenville, Grove City,
and Meadville.
The decor of the restaurant is
quite suitable for the general motif of the place, as it establishes a
fairly realistic Mexican style environment. It also creates a comfortable ambience at the same time.
Atmosphere can only do so
much, however, as the dishes
themselves are just as important.
Happily, Compadres certainly
does not fail at providing a delicious and generous plate of food.
The burritos are served with a
sweet sauce, incredible queso
blanco (white cheese), and meat
that melts in your mouth. The
tacos are just as pleasing, with the
tortillas fried and filled with beef,
lettuce, and cheese.
If one orders a combination
dinner, they are also given a side
of refried beans and rice. Both are
excellent, especially the beans,
which have a light and whipped
texture.
Unlike many other Mexican
restaurants, Compadres’ food has
more of a “Tex- Mex” style. More
sauces are used in the dishes, but
they are not overly spicy.
The meal portions are quite
plentiful, giving you enough food
to satisfy your hunger. Along with
the free tortilla chips served before the entree, one is sure to leave
pleasantly full.
Service was also impressive, as
they were helpful and attentive,
but not overly bothersome to
those eating.
As for prices, meals are fairly
reasonable. One can purchase two
main entrees, such as tamales and
enchiladas, rice, and beans for
only $7.99 during dinner hours.
Overall, Los Compadres is an
excellent choice for Mexican food,
combining great service and a
pleasant environment for a positive experience.
Location: 1410 Hubbard Rd.
Madison
Phone number: 440-983-4755
Type of restaurant: Mexican
Price range for appetizers:
$1.99-$9.99
Price range for entrees: $4.99$24.99
Atmosphere: Cozy
Food: Delicious
Reasons ‘Y Not’ to love
or hate Ringo’s latest
BY SAM COUCH
Staff Reporter
Former Beatles drummer Ringo
Starr bluntly asks, “why not?” in
his newest album released January 12, suitably titled “Y Not.”
In his first self-produced album, fans may be pleased to know
that he plays drums in all of the
songs and that former bandmate
Sir Paul McCartney makes a contribution.
“Y Not” could be best described as a mix of the sounds of
modern rock and psychedelic
rock; and this mix is especially
shown in the song “Peace Dream,”
perhaps the gem of the entire
work.
“Peace Dream” reflects Starr’s
philosophies and wishes for a
world of no war, hunger, etc., similar to late Beatle John Lennon’s
1971 “Imagine.”
Lennon and his work is further
referenced in the lyrics, “Just like
John Lennon said/in Amsterdam
from his bed/One day the world
will wake up to see/ reality,” and
“so try to imagine/can we give
peace a chance.”
McCartney contributes by
playing bass
in this song,
as well as
back-up vocals
for
“Walk with
You.”
Some fans
may be disappointed
that he does
not make a
full-fledged,
highly noticeable contribution, and some may hesitate
to listen to it for its country-like
instrumental introduction, but
those who listen carefully to the
chorus can appreciate how Starr
and McCartney’s voices meld together to create a beautiful, soft
duet about the power of friendship: “When I walk with you/
when I talk with you/everything
will be fine.”
With the exception of songs,
“Y Not,” a fun, upbeat song that
answers the questions of others
who always ask “why” to everything, and “The Other Side of
Liverpool,” a song describing
Starr’s somber childhood as the
son of his
barmaid
mother and
their hardships, the album falls
apart after
“Walk with
You.”
None of
the songs
except “Y
Not”
are
truly memoCD COVER
rable or produce a “wow” effect; this is especially true of “Who’s Your
Daddy.”
It’s the last song on the album,
a tune heavy with saxophones and
female vocals as Ringo repetitively asks the woman, “Who’s
your daddy?”
See Reasons......pg 6
Feb.
2010
THE STREAK
Swim team miss PAC,
improve together
BY SAM COUCH
Staff Reporter
The boys and girls swim team
recently finished their 2010 season with a mediocre overall
record, but with a stronger, closer
team.
Both teams had an overall 4-6
record; though the girls defeated
major teams like Regina and
Lakeside, they did not make it to
the PAC.
The same can be said about the
boys, who beat Riverside and also
Lakeside.
The girls were beaten by Riverside, Perry and Hawken, preventing their PAC entrance, likewise to the boys defeats against
South and Hawken.
The team also experienced one
injury, team captain and junior Sarah Diak, who require surgery on
her left shoulder scheduled for
March 3.
Several swimmers and team
captains will be lost due to graduation, such as team captains Derek
Kuester, Graham Loftus,
Marianna Smith, and players Dan
Ball, Ashley Owen, Mike Pristov
and Taylor Raines.
Final scores for each game the
teams have played are not obtained until after the teams’ endof-the-season banquet.
However, Coach Tom Sill
seems optimistic.
“We did very well this season.
The seniors will be a big loss next
year and the team will miss them.
But there is always room for improvement,” he said.
Freshmen swimmers Natalie
Bryne, Laura Delgado, Chris
Orinko, Chris Neira and junior
Robby Bernstein were also noted
as the ones with the most improvement, especially Delgado
who improved in the 500 freestyle.
“We grew together as a team
at the end of the year. Bus rides to
away meets and dinners at
Wendy’s made us a stronger team.
We are losing many seniors, but
they will always be a part of the
Madison Swim Team heart. We will
miss them greatly,” Diak said.
From Average...............pg 4
dent.
Nearly anyone is able to take
an Honors or an AP course, even
if they do not belong, whether it
is because of effort or ability.
Students who have taken
these courses know how frustrating it is to share a class those who
would be better served elsewhere.
It seems as if the administration is attempting to eliminate the
classification of the average student and is making vain attempts
to mold each student into an Honors student.
This is seen in the eligibility of
the National Honors Society.
Recently, close to 100 juniors
and seniors received invitations
that allowed them to attend an informational meeting making them
eligible to apply for induction into
NHS.
Eligibility is based on a
student’s G.P.A., in which a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.25 is the minimum
requirement.
NHS prides itself in selecting
the best students to be a part of
their group.
In the application for NHS, it
clearly states that not every student is NHS material.
Because of the inflated grades
within the school, students who
are not suited for NHS have been
convinced by the administration
that they are part of the same class
as the Honors students.
Ideally it is wrong to label a person. Realistically, however, it is
necessary.
Classification is an essential
step in preparing students for
what life is
like beyond
high school,
w h e r e
people are
defined by
such classifications.
From
Reasons..pg 5
This song lacks originality and seems very
out of character to Ringo’s laid-back personality, thus it quickly destroys the entire song.
However, Starr could be admired for always
experimenting with different sounds and lyrical
tunes as he always has throughout his musical
career, and fans who still absolutely adore his
work will be ecstatic to learn that he is coming to
Cleveland to promote “Y Not” on July 20 at the
City Lights Pavilion, according to Starr’s main
website.
Overall, “Y Not” earns 3 and a half out of five
stars, because only one good half of an album is
not enough.
6
Sports
Boys break losing streak
BY GABBY WIKER
Business Manager
The boys basketball team defeated North on January 19, ending their 13 game losing streak this
season, and leaving them with a
record of 4-14 and a PAC record
of 4-8.
Other than North, the boys
have only beaten Chardon,
Geneva, and South.
Head Coach Pat Moran believes that the reason the team is
not doing as well this season,
when compared to last season’s
impressive record of 18-5, is because of inexperience.
The team struggled with the
loss of eight seniors last year, leaving the team with a younger base
of players.
However, Moran feels that the
boys have given a solid effort this
season despite the losses.
In order to improve their game,
Moran said the team must become
more consistent on both ends of
the floor.
There are some highpoints to
the season, however.
Senior Tyler Richmond broke
the school record for three pointers after scoring a total of 56 three
pointers this season, officially
breaking the record during the
game against North, in which he
hit six three pointers in one game.
Richmond averages the most
points per game, averaging approximately 12.1 points per game,
with junior Adam Sweeney following close behind, averaging 11.7
points per game.
Richmond leads the team in
total points with 218, with
Sweeney close at his heels.
Sweeney has scored a total of
211 points this season, over a
quarter of which are from the free
throw line, making him second in
the team for free throws. He also
PHOTO BY COURTNEY SMITH
The boys work to defeat Riverside in the last few seconds of the game.
leads the team with 70 assists.
Senior Nick Mayer has the next
highest points per game average,
11.5, and leads the team in rebounds, 103 total, and also has 49
assists. Mayer also leads the team
with 36 steals, averaging 2.1 per
game.
Moran hopes that the team can
finish out the season strong, and
he says next season still looks
good, despite losing Mayer, Jam
Panyathong, Joe Pietrzyk, and
Richmond to graduation.
Feb.
2010
THE STREAK
7
Sports
Wrestlers finish strong in PAC Girls b-ball finish
PHOTO BY COURTNEY SMITH
Senior Matt Turek wrestles against Riverside in the PAC tournament.
High School wrestling team placed
third, following Willoughby
South and Riverside.
Top wrestlers included freshIn the PAC championshipwrestling match, the Madison man Nick Montgomery taking first
BY COURTNEY SMITH
Staff Reporter
in the 103 weight class, senior Matt
Turek taking first in the 119 weight
class, sophomore Soren Iverson
taking second in the 130 weight
class, and junior Jacob Montgomery taking second in the 152
weight class.
The team also placed at the
Top Gun Tournament, with Turek
taking fourth, N. Montgomery taking fifth, and J. Montgomery taking sixth.
This is the first year the wrestling team has had one tournament
for all of PAC.
“[If we] performed as well as
we could have, [we] could have
beat South,” said head wrestling
coach Ryan Wirtzberger.
The loss to South was one of
the few struggles that the team
faced this season.
The team lost five seniors last
year due to graduation, but according to Wirtzberger “this year’s
team is more focused on wrestling
than last year’s team, and it has
shown with their performance
over the last month.”
According to Wirtzberger,
what the team lacks in mat time
they make up with hard work.
The hard work is evident in
their competition.
The wrestling team has a current record of 6-3 in dual meets,
being led by Turek with 32 wins,
N. Montgomery with 28 wins, and
sophomore Josh Ransom with 25
wins.
Eight of the 14 starters are underclassmen, “which has led to
some inconsistency, but the team
is real focused going into
sectionals this weekend,” said
Wirtzberger.
The team’s latest matches were
against Geneva on February
12,and Edgewood on February 13.
Sectionals are this weekend, followed by districts and state.
winning season
BYALEX BAUCCO
Staff Reporter
The girls varsity basketball
season is coming to an end, holding a record of 11-8, finishing the
season with a last home game on
Wednesday, January 17.
The team is also 6-4 in the
PAC.
According to Coach Mike
Smith, this season has been good.
He said the team is well balanced,
has excellent senior leadership,
and that the girls on the team are
simply able to play well.
There were several big wins for
the team, including the January 13
game at Lakeside, which the team
won 60 to 35.
The last game of the season
was on the 17 and was “senior
night,” as it was the last home
game for the seniors. Results of
the game are unavailable due to
print deadlines.
Overall, the team did well this
season, scoring on average 53.2
points, and only allowing opponents to have an average of 47.8
points. Senior Chelsea Davis had
the team’s highest shooting percentage, making an average of
50.5% of her shots. However, senior Kate Oberstar has the most
points for the season, scoring 253
points thus far. Oberstar also
leads the team from the free throw
line, making 64% of her free
throws.
Both Kelsea Koskinen and
Ashley Dililo are the team’s most
accurate shooters from the three
point line, each hitting about 35%
of their attempts.
Koskinen has also pulled down
155 rebounds, and made 62 steals.
The team will compete in the
sectional championship, starting
on Thursday, February 25.
They will be playing against
the winner between Willoughby
South and Mayfield.
Smith would like to thank the
seniors for this year, and he
wishes the team luck in the tournament.
From Art..............pg 3
color photography, and black and
white photography.
“There’s a little disappointment
for the artwork you think will do
well but doesn’t, but I’m always
proud of my students,” said Grier.
The art show has been going
on for approximately 30 years.
Artwork can be viewed in The
Fine Arts Gallery at Lakeland Community College from February 1
to the February 28, Monday
through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9
p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9
a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Fine Arts Gallery is in the
“D” building on the first floor of
the Performing Arts Center.
From Daycare......pg 4
due dates to best suit unproductive classes, it’s the studious students that actually care about their
tasks and wish to excel.
If one
were to ask
Post-Secondary
education
participants at
random
why they
chose to attend college parttime, many
of those
asked have
said that they were attracted to
its flexible, adult-like setting in
which they are surrounded with
fellow classmates who weren’t
forced by parents or by law to attend.
Some others in a community
may say that it’s the school
system’s fault for being too lenient
or having too high of expectations, but where does the extent
of a school’s duty end and the student body’s responsibility begin?
Of course, all of this doesn’t
mean that life should always be
serious and uptight, but to be a
society that future generations
can look back on without embarrassment.
From Bee..pg 4
Stocker, Harrison, and Breedlove.
Each contestant was awarded gift certificates
for their participation and each grade level winner was given a plaque.
Smith felt that the spelling bee was another
great way for students to participate in their
school.
“Not everyone is going to be an athlete,”
Smith said. “So this is a great way for students
to showcase their talents.”
Mason will advance on to the Lake County
spelling bee, which will be held at Auburn Career Center in February.
Feb.
2010
Student Life
Horoscopes
Senior Spotlight
Name: Danica Kirk
Birth date: June 19, 1992
Favorite thing about the school: “Keeps me out of trouble”
Greatest accomplishment: Ohio Music Educators Association
District Seven Honors Band
Favorite movie: “Brothers Grimm”
Dislikes: People who start rumors
Favorite high school memory: Freshman year band dance
Worst high school memory: Soccer drama during junior year
Favorite candy: Skittles
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Bowden
Favorite subject: Band
Least favorite subject: Science
College she is going to attend: The University of Akron
Why she is attending: Music education
By Shay the Psychic
Pisces (2/19-3/20) Your parents will surprise you with a
brand new car for your special
day. Go take it for a drive before
the police arrest you for possession of a stolen vehicle.
Aries (3/21-4/19) A shopping
spree will become unforgettable
when you happen to run into
your favorite celebrity. Don’t forget to bring your camera with
you, or no one will believe it actually happened.
Taurus (4/20-5/20) You will
find yourself confused when
people begin to sing “Rudolph
the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
around you. Put some cream on
that pimple and pray it disappears before next Christmas.
Gemini (5/21-6/21) Someone
will offer you a free snow cone.
They will claim the flavor is
lemon, but is it worth the risk?
Cancer (6/22-7/22) Remember
those nightmares you had as a
kid when you went to school in
nothing but your underwear?
Let’s just say it might be wise to
sleep in your jeans for the rest of
the month.
Leo (7/23-8/22) You will finally
catch up on sleep this month. Try
not to look embarrassed when
you wake up in the same classroom one day two hours later.
Virgo (8/23-9/22) Avoid using
public bathrooms. Sure, reading
stall graffiti can be highly entertaining, but you are likely to find
your own name in the mix.
Libra (9/23-10/22) Your name
will quickly spread throughout
the media this month, and you’ll
gain national prominence. Doctors will need to get the word
out about your unidentifiable
disease before sticking you in
quarantine.
Scorpio (10/23-11/21) Your
next oral presentation will be the
talk of the school. Don’t worry;
flatulence is a natural part of life,
even when you let one rip in
front of the class.
Sagittarius (11/22-12/21) A
trip to the salon will leave you
totally unrecognizable. Who
knew scissors could do that
much damage?
Capricorn (12/22-1/19) Your
dream will come true when your
enemy finally packs up and
moves. What a surprise you will
have when you see them unloading their furniture next door.
Aquarius (1/20-2/18)- You will
find that you have gained access
to an unlimited and free supply
of your favorite gum. Be sure to
thank the person who put it under your desk.
Name: Perry Quayle
Birth date: July 24, 1992
Favorite thing about the school: My friends
Greatest accomplishment: Being on the morning announcements
Favorite movie: “The Big Lebowski”
Dislikes: People who can’t take a joke
Favorite high school memory: The Brothers’ Grimm Spectaculathon.
Worst high school memory: Spanish 3 junior year
Favorite candy: “Anything with lots of sugar”
Favorite teacher: Mr. Martin
Favorite subject: Show Choir (Eclectica)
Least favorite subject: English
College he is going to attend: Miami University
Why he is attending: “It’s far away from Madison.”
Teacher Feature
Birth date: September 7, 1963
College attended: Baldwin Wallace and Cleveland State
Hometown: Eastlake
Favorite subject as a child: Science
Favorite movie: “Rudy”
Favorite color: Green
Favorite high school memory: Beating St. Edwards in football
Biggest fear: Heights
Childhood hero: Fran Tarkenton
Favorite music: Classic rock
Biggest pet peeve: Lazy people
Do you think
Valentine’s Day is
overrated?
Yes
51%
No
49%
“Jamaica.”
“Ireland.”
8
Last month’s teacher: Jack Becka
Madison
“Anywhere but here.”
“At home. I’ll sleep all day.”
MOUTHS OFF
Junior Wes Heath
Junior Lisa Roehr
“I would go to Spain.”
Sophomore Emily Grimes
Where is
your ideal
vacation?
Sophomore Danny Zdraveff
“Colorado for snowboarding,
duh!”
Supervision Manager John
Loeffel
“Travel New England by car.”
Freshman Timmy Streisel
Freshman Abby Raleigh
“Going somewhere colder.”
Senior Jamie Bobst
Senior Daffery Armstrong
“It would be Walt Disney
World.”