THE
VISOR
Archbishop Hoban High School - Issue No. 6 - 10 February 2021
New roads ahead in 2021
Letter to the board page 2
Songs that describe 2021 page 6-7
Highlight reel page 12
two
Hoban is at a crossroads. Following the dedicated service of Dr. Tom Curry, we are yet again looking for a new school president. As the administrative leader of the school, the buck stops with the president. Though we know the Board of Directors has already begun its search for our next executive, we the students believe there are certain qualifications that they must meet. First and most importantly, the next president needs to be a part of the Hoban community. While that limits the scope of a prospective hire, it is necessary for the school’s well-being. In recent years, the student experience at Hoban has significantly deteriorated. Even as current seniors, the difference in enthusiasm in the school is palpable. Now, we concede a president alone will not revitalize the school, but it is crucial that our leader understands, appreciates and even has taken part in our hallowed traditions. Traditions are essential to our school, make Hoban the place we love and must be protected. Though a national headhunter may find a qualified on-paper candidate, that is not the personal touch Hoban needs. We need someone who is one of us, so that our proud tradition can continue to be fostered into the future. Next, Hoban needs someone who is willing to form meaningful connections with the students. Hoban places an incredible emphasis on family and it is the role of the president to foster this. They need to be approachable, make an effort to know students and truly immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the school. Moreover, the next president needs to encourage transparency between administration, faculty and students. When decisions are made behind the scenes that affect students, authenticity and trust must prevail. In past years when decisions have been made without explanation, a negative response almost always ensues, simply due to the lack of transparency. How can they decide where the budget should be directed if they don’t understand the importance of a show on Barry Gym’s stage or what a difference Project Hope makes in the lives of students and the surrounding community? It is Hoban’s role to educate, inspire and nourish the hearts and minds of all students. The extracurriculars students choose to participate in shape our personalities and transform the high school experience. However, none of this would be possible without the support of the school. There needs to be a relationship made between administration, faculty and students that we are all in this together. Hoban needs to re-embrace its community atmosphere and diminish any adversarial undertones. We affectionately call ourselves the Hoban family and this is an excellent opportunity to live up to that. As students we encourage the board to look for an individual who knows the sense of family Hoban brings and then enliven it, like a bellow to a fire. Lastly, we would like to see someone become president who is known not only in the broader Hoban community/alumni network, but also someone who is a leader in the greater Akron area. Hoban’s students not only fully accept the people in the building day-to-day, but also the neighborhood and city around us as well. It is important that our school’s next leader share that same appreciation so we can continue to be stewards to the community. Whether it is through immediate service, fulfilling our commitment to be an “option for the poor” or simply continuing to be good neighbors, it is important that we transcend the bricks and mortar. Our instruction at Hoban is based on Blessed Basil Moreau’s writing that “We shall always place education side by side with instruction; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart. While we prepare useful citizens for society, we shall likewise do our utmost to prepare citizens for heaven.” The academics at Hoban are rigorous and challenging. However, the board must place the utmost consideration on how the next president will influence the hearts of students. The Hoban experience creates men and women for Christ through our unique traditions, community and universal acceptance of others. Hoban needs someone who can live up to the school’s mission to build the Kingdom of God here on Earth.
VISOR
THE
What we are looking for in a new president
editorial
Archbishop Hoban High School Mailing Address: One Holy Cross Blvd. Akron, Ohio 44306 Website: hobanvisor.news Email: visor@hoban.org Awards CSPA gold medalist NSPA first class ASPA first place Quill and Scroll Int’l first place OSMA first place Signed letters for publication are welcome. Our mailbox can be found in the main office. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus of the editorial board. Signed opinions represent the views of the writer only. Staff Editor-In-Chiefs Sara Cassady Alex Dillon Josh Fenn Advisor T.K. Griffith Staff Reporters Dylan Feltovich Maia Ferry Mia Gallagher Victoria Jackson Luke Monteleone Gavin Morrison Alex Wong Grace Wyszynski Cover page photo via Alex Dillon
opinion
three
How high-school students could best utilize time by Josh Fenn
Hoban made several significant changes in 2020 due to the pandemic, like converting to a block schedule, implementing a hybrid plan for students and switching up Mum Day, perhaps the most memorable Hoban tradition. However, the most controversial change has been the addition of the enrichment period on gold days. Enrichment was implemented to give students time to complete work, meet with teachers and participate in Round Table. But for many students enrichment has become a wasted hour and a half. So, what can Hoban do to make this time truly beneficial for students? Turn it into an optional eighth class slot-While I wouldn’t necessarily want an eighth class, I know many people who would take advantage of this opportunity. First, this would hopefully give students with scheduling issues the flexibility to take every class they want. Also, it would present students with a better opportunity to take the many great electives Hoban has to offer. Currently, it’s difficult to take these electives because of how many credits we need to graduate. So adding an 8th period would let students truly expand their academic horizons beyond just the required core classes. Finally, this change would help students even if they didn’t choose to take an additional class. It would give them an extra free period where they could catch up on work or just take a break from the stress of school.
Transform it into a career finding opportunity-Last year Hoban put on a career day for its students, where they had the opportunity to hear speakers from different professions talk about their jobs. While opinions differed at the time, I think it was a good idea that should definitely be expanded on. Many Hoban students go to college with no real idea of what they want to do and although this is fine, it’d be better if that had some clue. If they had the opportunity to really focus on different career paths at Hoban they’d be much better prepared to make the life-defining choice of their future. My proposal is to transform every other gold day into a “career day,” where students pick a career at the start of each quarter and really dive into everything it has to offer. If Hoban began this program freshman year, students would have the opportunity to go through 16 different career paths, setting them up beautifully to make their choice. Substitute it for late start-Now this might be the most popular option among many students, because who doesn’t want to sleep in more? Hoban could easily move enrichment to first period and make it optional, so that anyone who wants to sleep in an extra hour could. Also, if anyone still wanted to take advantage of enrichment and complete work or talk with teachers they’d have the ability to do so. Make enrichment a time for extracur
ricular activities-Another possible use of enrichment is to move it to the end of the day to allow time for extracurricular practices and events. This would help remove the issue of athletes arriving home ridiculously late, hindering their ability to complete their work on time. Also, many athletes are forced to leave school early for games. Moving enrichment to the end of the day would allow them to do this without missing valuable class time. For all non-athletes, it would give them the opportunity to catch up on work, meet with teachers or even leave school early. Overall, this would be a win-win situation for everyone in the school. To be clear, I’m not saying that enrichment is bad or that it necessarily needs to be replaced, I’m just saying that there could be better uses for this time slot. Any one of the options above would help students in one way or another and improve their overall Hoban experience.
Remembering past moments can be bittersweet by Sara Cassady
It used to be a large neon countdown in my head: 120 days until graduation. I would imagine how much better college would be: spending hours picturing doing classwork by day and partying by night. It was the light at the end of the tunnel. As long as I could survive the last year of high school, college would be awesome. Never mind that I don’t like parties and hate sharing a room. I would hop on a plane and this unfamiliar and magical place would allow me to become a totally different person. New adventures and people awaited. It wasn’t going to be the same monotonous routine as high school. The last few months have allowed me to see how naive I was. My family is “my I have your back no matter what team.” Through every sleepless night and mascara-stained face, they were there to hold my hair back or just tell me to eat. Allowing me to grow, but there to offer support if I needed it. Front row for every weekend-long volleyball tournament, their love and affection never wavered. Leaving them behind, even if just temporarily, is not an option. They were the defining forces of my life. Mom and Dad gave me a childhood
I cherished. I miss how simple it was to spend Saturday night watching Henry Danger with James or chow down on Wendy’s before I heard mom’s voice in my head telling me how many calories are in a “single with cheese.” I wish I could go back in time and reread Harry Potter and tell kindergarten me that gaining a little brother wouldn’t be that bad. Or give Grandpa another hug and appreciate the graham crackers and milk he didn’t actually like but bought anyway because I did. And warn middle school me that losing a friend may hurt, but it won’t last forever. Getting older is a double edged sword. I was so excited to get my driver’s license that I never stopped to consider that meant not riding in the passenger seat of dad’s truck trying to name the song before he did anymore. I wish I had recognized how valuable that time was and not put in earbuds or slept. The past few years have taught me that life is precious, fragile and ever changing. The only constant in the years we will spend on Earth is that nothing remains the same. Sometimes, those differences are for the best. Most times, they leave us longing for what we once had and didn’t appreciate.
I crave the simplicity of a time when my biggest concern was Dad being late to pick us up or what Mrs. Weaver was making for lunch. I should have soaked up every memory while I had the chance. The days I spent playing kickball and eating ice cream sandwiches seem like they happened in another life, completely different from the person I grew up to be. Totally separate from the caffeine addicted, part-time job working, college-accepted human who is doing her best to become a fully functioning member of society. We all miss the people we used to be, but they help shape the person we are today. A person who is trying their best, which is really all anyone could ask for.
four
feature
Why moving Francisco Lindor was a good shift by Dylan Feltovich On Jan. 7, the Cleveland Indians announced Francisco Lindor would not be in the navy and red next season and would be traded to the New York Mets along with veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco. This shocked the baseball world. The Indians lost arguably the best shortstop in the Majors. While Cleveland fans are upset about the recent trade, they need to be realistic. The Indians are simply a small market team and would have struggled to pay an enormous amount for Lindor while remaining competitive once he hit free agency next offseason. Depending on how Lindor plays in his new home, the 27-year-old could easily see upwards of $20 million next year, as the big name will surely become the highest-paid shortstop, taking the crown from Xander Bogaerts. Big market teams like the New York Yankees or the Los Angeles Dodgers were built to sign these big-time players rather than the small-market Indians. So, if you know you will eventually lose the face of your franchise, why wouldn’t you receive value in return? The Indians made the smart
decision to trade for young talent, receiving two budding shortstops in Amed Rosario and Andrés Giménez. Rosario, a lifetime .268 hitter, has shown flashes of becoming a potential breakout player in the coming seasons. The 25-year-old shortstop is a pure contact hitter with an impressive defensive rating to boot. The more exciting name acquired in the trade with the Mets is Andrés Giménez. Giménez, a 22-year-old prospect out of Venezuela, will be a key franchise piece moving forward. Last year, he made his MLB debut with the Mets and played multiple infield positions. Finishing the season with a .263 batting average, the rising infielder gained experience last year, so he will be a more comfortable and developed player in 2021. With an elite glove in the making and an advanced bat that frequently makes hard contact, he will become an important part of the middle infield for the Tribe. Other pieces Cleveland received were pitcher Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene, both breaking the 2021 top prospect list by Baseball America. Stay-
ing with the young theme, the Indians struck gold on two guys that will help in the near future, especially with the departure of veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco. But Tribe fans, we have to realize this is not the first time the Indians have moved a big-name player. In 2009, former Indians GM Mark Shapiro moved all-star pitcher Cliff Lee, who was coming off a Cy Young Award-winning season. Another blockbuster trade was after the 2019 season when Cleveland decided to move two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber to the Texas Rangers for outfielder Delino Deshields, who grossly underperformed last season. Flamethrowing closer Emmanuel Clase followed but did not play last season due to a PED suspension. The simple fact is the Cleveland Indians do not have the money, and they will never be able to afford top-tier talent AND maintain a competitive roster. Tribe fans eventually will have to come to the logical conclusion that Cleveland will only find success through young talent on cheap contracts.
How the Indians are destroying years of tradition by Luke Monteleone Cleveland holds its deep-rooted tradition in sports as sacred, and perhaps one of its most hallowed temples resides at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario. The Indians call Cleveland home along with the Browns and Cavaliers. With a tradition of excellence, the Indians historically chart their own path and legacy. Yet, as of late, the team and ownership has left behind their loyal fans. The latest episode of the Dolan family’s cheapskate approach to running a sports team emerged in the Francisco Lindor trade. Lindor, who is a generational talent at shortstop, has been the marquee competitor on the Indian’s roster. A fan-favorite who locals affectionately called “Mr. Smile” won two Golden Glove Awards and six All-Star distinctions since 2015. Playing on an entry-level contract, Lindor was a bargain bet despite being the top shortstop in the game. When the time came to pay the city’s star, the Dolan family and Indian executives predictably folded. Despite Lindor’s vocal intent on
signing a fair deal with the Indians, contract negotiations collapsed and he left fans with the simple quip, “I know my worth.” With no deal in sight, the Indians traded Lindor along with star pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets for a handful of assets, excluding even the Mets top prospect. I will concede that baseball wise, the Indians will be fine. In 2021 they will likely float around 0.500 in what is becoming a strong AL Central division. For some, that is a success. But, for the majority of fans, it is a massive failure. The Lindor-Carrasco deal continues what has been the steady decline of fan’s interest in Indian’s baseball. In 2019, the Indian’s attendance was merely half of 2000’s numbers despite the team being above average. Major League Baseball’s market has inflated beyond belief, yet the Indians maintain the status quo. While many teams are adapting, the Indians remain inaccessible to the average fan and cannot even engage a vibrant sports town like Cleveland. After the Lindor-Carrasco trade, even season tick-
et holders began cancelling their subscriptions, citing what they see as a necessary change in ownership. They’re not wrong. Baseball has no “max cap,” meaning that each team sets their own payroll for players. As the prices of contracts increase, so must the payrolls of teams. Instead of following the trend of re-signing stars, the Dolan leadership has opted for the lowcost approach: develop young players until it is their time for a large contract, then trade them. Fans simply have a difficult time supporting unfamiliar faces on the field. The Dolan family will not adapt with the times, and the Lindor trade reaffirms their noncommittal relationship with fans. Unlike the Brown’s Haslem family, the Dolans seek to operate the Indians like a failing mom and pop shop that refuses to change. The shortstop slot will be filled for the tribe, but the void the Dolans have opened between the team and fans will last long past this season. Cleveland is not a small market city, just a team limited by a small market owner.
feature
five
This long-awaited prequel changed perspectives by Mia Gallagher
“Hereby it is manifest, that during the time men live without a common Power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called Warre; and such a warre as is of every man, against every man.” For hundreds of years, the ongoing debate over humanity’s natural state of being continues to create both societal triumphs and devastating conflicts. Whether in agreement with Thomas Hobbes’s dismal doctrine on a nasty, brutish and short human experience or John Locke’s ponderings on a good-natured, pure existence, these natural laws emerge as driving themes in Suzanne Collins’ The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. This long-awaited prequel to Collins’ best-selling trilogy, the Hunger Games, presents a new, intriguing perspective into the inner workings of the Capitol and the dystopian society it creates. Told from the vantage point of a young Coriolanus Snow, future iron-fisted president and notorious antagonist of the series, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes lives up to the action, drama and tragedy trademark of these novels. Ten years after the Treaty of Treason ended Panem’s civil war, Snow finds himself at a crossroad, facing a future of poverty and
disgrace uncharacteristic of his lineage. His glimmer of hope? Becoming the winning mentor of the 10th annual Hunger Games. His daunting task? Tipping the odds in his favor. The latter proves to be a difficult challenge for Snow who lands Lucy Gray Baird, a pint-sized, strong-spirited musician from District 12, as his tribute. As the charming duo fights to secure sponsors and eliminate the field, their budding romance causes Snow to take rash, often life-and-death measures-ultimately upending his long-held morals and beliefs. As if to fuel Snow’s inner turmoil, he finds himself torn between two rivaling philosophies: the endless, brutish conflict promoted by Head Gamemaker Gaul and the good-natured, morally superior beliefs of his friend, Sejanus. Forced to grow up and assume new responsibilities, Snow must determine whether his childhood ignorance or desire for control will influence his fate. Fresh off completing the original trilogy (which I read over quarantine), I eagerly waited to reimmerse myself in the thrilling world of Panem and the Hunger Games. Within the first 50 pages, I found myself glued to the page, drawn in by
the alluring plot and engaging characters. Every chapter manages to infuse readers with ever-intensifying emotions, creating a complex story that engages from beginning to end. Collins masterfully generates sympathy for the most vile characters, love in the most unlikely circumstances and pity for the least likely candidates. And with allusions to the original trilogy and snippets of powerful American poetry, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes sings an enticing tune. With all this in mind, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes presents both returning and new readers with a fresh perspective on the Hunger Games universe. I recommend this novel to anyone who loves a compelling storyline; it will send even the most clairvoyant of readers second guessing their predictions until the very end. Each of us will reach a crossroads. Snow’s experience displays the failure of both philosophy and experience in the decision-making process. At the end of the day, an individual’s character will determine the course of their life. A choice only you can make: a choice between a free-spirit or a caged soul.
Lengthy vaccine distribution extends pandemic by Gavin Morrison With COVID-19 vaccines now being distributed across the country, an overwhelming demand for a speedy rollout has emerged. Despite heroic efforts from companies like Pfizer and Moderna, the country’s response has been embarrassing for all parties involved. While over thirty million doses of the vaccine have been distributed, eleven million Americans have received their vaccination. That’s only a 30 percent distribution rate, and the numbers continue to worsen. Many states, overwhelmed with the high demand, have no means of dealing with an increasingly impatient population. Across the country, thousands stand in solidarity with the state of California, echoing its inhabitants call for Governor Gavin Newsom’s resignation over vaccine controversy. California received over one million doses, but less than 40 percent of the population have been vaccinated. While this may sound like a small victory, it’s important to remember that California has a population of over thirty-nine million. That means only one percent have received the vaccine, and it doesn’t seem as if the pace is going to pick up anytime soon. This is a far cry from where the country’s general attitude was when vaccines were ini-
tially announced in early December. There was finally a light at the end of the tunnel and it seemed 2020’s struggles would come to a swift end. As Feb. inches closer, very little has changed. The vast majority of Americans still await their dose of the vaccine. Frustration continues to grow amongst senior citizens who, facing excruciatingly long hold times on the phone with healthcare providers, lose hope as the days tick by. Kaiser Permanente, a healthcare company based out of California, has stated that “the reality is we just don’t have the doses to match the demand. And we have just increased that demand by expanding the age group.” On the national level, pressure is mounting on President Joe Biden to come up with a COVID-19 plan to pull the states through this logistical nightmare. If it isn’t clear enough, the government needs to step in and take off some of the burden from local governments. But how can this be accomplished even after so many lives have already been lost? Recently, Biden announced a stimulus bill amounting to over $1.4 trillion dollars, planning to boost vaccine distribution by a significant amount. In addition to a coun-
try-wide vaccination plan, rumors of a possible nationwide lockdown continue to circulate. While issuing a vaccine to over three hundred million Americans presents multiple struggles, a stimulus bill is definitely a step in the right direction. With hospitals and healthcare administrations overwhelmed with vaccine demands, increased overtime pay and additional incentives may help alleviate pressure from healthcare workers. After all, if it weren’t for the men and women who have been working tirelessly since early March, who knows what state the pandemic might be in today? COVID-19 continues to infect around two hundred thousand Americans everyday, and while these numbers may have plateaued, there doesn’t seem to be any sign that they will drop. Unless the Biden administration steps up and takes vaccinations into their own hands, the country will remain at a standstill. No one could have predicted a virus of this nature, yet we were lucky enough to have remarkable scientists capable of delivering the world a vaccine. It is now up to us to band together and use what they created for the good of all.
six
centerspread
Songs which define th Grace WyszynskiLife Must Go On by Quinn XCII This past year has been physically and mentally draining for me and at times it seems like we may be stuck in this awful purgatory forever. However, this new year is going to be exciting. I’ll be moving away from home, on my own for the first time and building a new life for myself. My goal for this year is to keep moving forward, refusing to let myself fall back into any mental ruts. Life will go on, as it always does.
Alex Dillon - Good Days by SZA 2020 was a year full of disappointments. Although 2021 is still plagued by the coronavirus, it doesn’t have to carry the same depressing tone. As hard as it is to believe, the majority of happiness begins with a positive mindset. SZA perfectly depicts this attitude in her song “Good Days.” Even when it feels everything is falling in shambles around us, life can still have beautiful moments. My goal is to make 2021 full of “Good Days,” no matter the state of the world we live in.
Victoria
Dylan Feltovich All Falls Down by Kanye West “Don’t worry, 2021 will be better.” Meanwhile, I’m stressed about my looming college decision and leaving high school behind. Senior slide has hit me like a brick wall, and we still have 15 more weeks of work. Oh, and we are still in a worldwide pandemic. Best part? We are only one month into 2020 part two. As the great Kanye West says, “...and it all falls down.”
Josh Fenn - Memories by David Guetta and Kid Cudi In 2020, we all missed out on a lot of memories due to COVID-19. So, in 2021, I plan on making as many memories as possible. Whether I’m hanging out with friends or going to college for the first time in the fall, 2021 is bound to deliver countless meaningful memories I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
Jackson
-
The
Good
& The Bad by Anthony Ramos The Good & The Bad captures both the beauty of joyful memories and the strength that carries you through the bad times. It explains that “all the pain and the nights so lonely will give [us] strength to be anything we want to be.” As Ramos reflects on the moments and people who carried him to where he is today, we are reminded that even the toughest of times help strengthen us in ways we could never imagine.
centerspread
seven
he Hoban Visor’s 2021 G a v i n M o r r i s o n - S p a c e Song by Beach House In a hectic senior year, it’s nice to take some time now and then to sit back and relax to a calming song. I’m sure there are still many rough days ahead in our last run at Hoban, so I look forward to the quiet moments that are few and far between.
Luke Monteleone 123456 by Fitz and The Tantrums Simply stated, this song brings uplifting, good vibes. As we enter 2021, this energetic tune always has me “jamming” in the car. The ringing lyric “Think we’re gonna make it” reminds me of the hope a new year brings, and the perseverance we all need through trying times.
Sara Cassady This Year by The Mountain Goats 2021 will be a year of firsts. Whether it’s graduating from high school and going to college or the hopeful end of the pandemic which has ruled our lives for the past year, change is coming. By this point next year, life will be drastically different. My goal is to “make it through this year if it kills me.” Roll with the punches and get up stronger after each one. Maia Ferry - Heal by Tom Odell 2020 was a year full of disappointment, adversity and hardship, and our biggest priority should be to center ourselves and mend from everything we endured throughout these past several months. Tom Odell echoes our call to heal in his song of the same name, asking for his mind, pain, past and sins to be taken from him so that he may reach a new beginning - something all of us can relate to, especially now.
Mia Gallagher - Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears
I think we can all agree 2020 showed us life can change in the blink of an eye. Despite this year’s rocky start, I want to take ownership of how I spend my time and value every beautiful, crazy, topsy-turvy moment. This song reminds us “nothing ever lasts forever,” encouraging humanity to live life to the fullest and make the most of our circumstances.
eight
feature
Seven movies to improve being stuck at home by Maia Ferry
1: The Truman Show My personal favorite stars Jim Carrey as Truman, a man who has had his entire life documented on television as “The Truman Show.” Once he reaches adulthood, he begins to unravel the truth and must make a decision: what do you do when you find out your entire life is a lie? Viewers leave this show with a pressing question of their own: how can one movie be both so unsettling and yet so heartwarming at the same time? 2: Dead Poets Society (this one’s for you Sawyer) If you want all the information you can get on this movie, just ask Sawyer Huckabee. But in all seriousness, this is truly a classic. The film stars Robin Williams as English teacher John Keating and features his time at an all-boys prep school known for its strict traditions and exceedingly high standards. He utilizes quite unorthodox methods in order to assist his students who face enormous pressures from both their parents and school. With Keating’s help, students Neil Perry, Todd Anderson and others learn to escape their shells, follow their dreams and seize the day or “carpe diem.” A story that may leave you in tears days after, Dead Poets Society is sure to make you FEEL in its two hours and 20 minutes. 3: Little Women If you’re a fan of the book by Louisa May Alcott, you’re destined to fall in love with this on-
screen adaptation. Starring Winona Ryder as Jo, Christian Bale as Laurie, Claire Danes as Beth, Kirsten Dunst as Amy, Trini Alvarado as Meg and Susan Sarandon as Marmee, this 1994 film follows the March sisters and their journeys to adulthood in mid-19th-century Massachusetts. With the implementation of undertones such as feminism and female independence, especially seen in protagonist Jo March, this movie holds dear in the hearts of women and girls everywhere. And of course some guys as well! 4: Groundhog Day This 90s classic stars Bill Murray as Phil, a cynical TV weatherman, as he relives the same day again and again. His odd situation knocks him nearly off his rocker -- that is until he realizes a plan in order to turn the predicament to his advantage. I guarantee that you’ll be humming Cher’s “I Got You Babe” -- Phil’s incessant alarm -- long after the credits roll. 5: Napoleon Dynamite Who doesn’t love some good old fashioned Napoleon Dynamite? Jon Heder portrays Napoleon, an awkward teenager from Preston, ID, who struggles to fit in. When his odd uncle Rico moves in after his grandmother gets in an accident, Dynamite decides to befriend the new kid at school, Pedro, and the two launch a campaign to run for class president. This tale of high school obscurity, friendship and love in unexpect-
ed places has captivated and warmed the hearts of its audience since its release in 2004. Oh, and hey! Don’t forget to vote for Pedro. 6: The Princess Bride A timeless favorite of many, The Princess Bride is a wildly comedic romance and adventure film that follows the story of one young woman and her true love, who must save her after they are separated. They are forced to overcome the evils of the kingdom of Florin to eventually be reunited. The movie, based on William Goldman’s novel of the same name, is well-loved to this day and frequently quoted by several of my friends. 7: Heathers Heather Duke, Heather Chandler and Heather McNamara head the most popular clique in school. Veronica Sawyer, portrayed by Winona Ryder, although also part of the group, disapproves of the other girls’ excessively cruel behavior. But, when she meets her new beau J.D., everything seems to fall into place. When he decides to help her confront Heather Chandler, however, the two accidentally poison her and frame it as suicide. As more students disappear from school, Veronica realizes that J.D. is killing off the students that he dislikes. She must race against the clock to stop him from causing more harm before it’s too late.
preparation and polishing of this year’s case remained rigorous. The case, The State of Buckeye vs Micah Opessa, centers on the hearing of 17-year-old Opessa, who originally pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. However, after an eyewitness recants their testimony, a motion to withdraw the plea ensues. Teams, tasked with determining the necessity of the testimony to Opessa’s case, must fully understand all intricacies of the hearing while trying to sell their angle to the judges. This second aspect of the competition proves to be difficult under the current precautionary circumstances. “One of the challenges with the district competition being virtual is to try to still display some of our strengths which include control of and comfort in the courtroom and making eye contact and engaging with the judges,” Hillery said. “Those things are just tougher to do through a screen.” In addition to these disadvantages, the teams will face a more diverse group of competitors at their district competition, including teams they do not usually face until the later rounds of the tournament. Despite these drawbacks, members of the team look forward to the up-
coming competitions, eager to make the best of current circumstances. “Although Mock Trial is online this year,” said senior Samuel Fess, an attorney for Hoban’s gold team, “I am still grateful for the opportunity to compete.” This sentiment unites the team throughout these difficult times, allowing them to grow and adapt to this new digital landscape. By embracing these changes, a revolution and streamline to the process has extended the walls of the courtroom beyond brick and mortar, creating a wider array of opportunities for its participants for years to come. “Mock Trial has evolved so much from my previous years competing,” said senior Aaron Bielecki, a witness on Hoban’s blue team. “While in person is not an option, I feel that the challenge has still allowed me to reach my greatest potential, and even though our team isn’t physically allowed to be together, we still have the same spirit like before.” Mock Trial will begin their state tournament run on Jan. 30 at the District competition, ready to put the what-ifs of March 12-14 behind them and reach Columbus (virtually) again.
Mock trial team finds success amidst changes by Mia Gallagher
March 13, 2020-a day that will live in infamy. For many, it was the start of nationwide lockdowns, mask mandates and countless cancellations. At the time, few understood this third contingency of the looming pandemic. However, Hoban’s 2020 Mock Trial team, whose impressive state-run was unceremoniously ended by COVID-19, knew this feeling well. Now, after a year of preparation and reflection, the 2021 team looks to win another bid to the state competition in Columbus. Typically an in-person, dialogue heavy extracurricular, mock trial has adapted with the health and safety of its participants in mind. These changes, including a switch to a completely virtual format, revolutionized the traditional competition, providing its share of complications. “I would say that the virtual format has provided new challenges in Mock Trial,” said coach Kevin Hillery. “Our experience this year was that our most productive practices were the ones where we were able to meet in person. Overall I would say about half of our practices were in person and half were virtual.” Despite these limitations, the
news
nine
How President Biden approaches the pandemic by Luke Monteleone President Joe Biden’s administration held its first COVID-19 re-
sponse team meeting on Jan. 27. Headlined by America’s favorite doc, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Biden administration’s first COVID-19 briefing was much different than that of the late Trump administration. The press conference was virtual to accommodate social distancing, a concept ignored in the COVID-hotspot Trump White House. Moreover there were no politicians on the team. Previously President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were staples of the briefings, but the Biden team has instead opted to allow scientists to display their data without interference. For the time being, it looks as though COVID is here to stay. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, addressed concerns of new COVID-19 variants in the United States. “The variants that have been identified recently seem to spread more easily,” Walensky told reporters. “They’re more transmissible, which can lead to in-
creased number of cases and increased stress on our already overtaxed system.” With an ample number of coronavirus vaccines on the way, the concern still looms of what effect new variants will have on vaccine efficacy. Unfortunately, the data is still out. Aside from new variants, the Biden administration is also fighting towards widespread vaccine distribution and trying to address the question, “Where is the vaccine?” Well, the short answer is the U.S does not have enough. Andy Slavitt, a senior advisor to the Biden response team, alluded to the widely reported mismanagement of vaccines in the previous administration. “I would love to tell you that we inherited a situation where there were stockpiles and stockpiles of vaccines sitting there,” Slavitt said. “That is not the case. And it is our job to level, both with the governors and with the public.” In the late days of the Trump White House, officials finally notified the public that they did not actually have the number of vaccines they
claimed to have possessed in stockpiles. Slavitt seemingly confirmed this claim, disappointing many state governors who had planned for a promised influx that never came. Slavitt also noted it will be “months before everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one,” adding to the sad reality that the pandemic will continue to rage on. Closer to home, Gov. Mike Dewine announced that Ohio will begin to scale back its COVID-curfew. According to DeWine’s Twitter account, “if hospitalizations drop below 3,000 for 7 consecutive days, we plan to move to a midnight curfew for at least 2 weeks.” Following those two weeks, “if hospitalizations drop below 2,500 for 7 consecutive day, we believe that we will be able to drop the curfew.” Even as numbers are beginning to drop, every level of government continues to scramble to address the now yearlong COVID-epidemic in the United States. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but there’s quite a bit of darkness still left to go.
A review of Biden’s first several weeks in office by Sara Cassady Many Americans fell into the familiar routine of starting each day with a cup of coffee and a dose of Twitter, eager to see what former President Donald J. Trump tweeted that morning. However, since Joseph R. Biden was sworn in on Jan. 20, 2021, a sense of routine and relative normalcy have been present at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. While the inauguration was sparsely populated due to the pandemic, former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clintion and George H. Bush were in attendance. In characteristic defiance of traditional norms, Trump did not attend his successor’s swearing in, making him the first president in almost 200 years to do so (with the exception of Richard Nixon, who left the White House in shame after Watergate). After such a contentious election cycle and Trump’s refusal to accept the results, this didn’t come as a shock. The oldest president to take the oath of office at age 78, President Biden’s calm demeanor is a drastic change from his predecessor. As House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn told The Washington Post, “Biden knows what it is to have a life.” While on the campaign trail, his wife Dr. Jill Biden even told reporters that under her hus-
band’s leadership “you don’t think about our government at all because you know that a team of talented, thoughtful, honest public servants are in the White House.” Americans have placed their trust in President Biden’s 36 years as a Delaware senator and eight-yeartenure as vice president under Barack Obama. Almost immediately after his inauguration, President Biden overturned some of Trump’s most controversial legislation. He stepped foot into the Oval Office and promptly halted construction on the polarizing border wall, reversed the travel ban imposed on several predominantly Muslim countries and rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement. The executive has also issued a national mask mandate for employees on federal land, is working towards student loan relief and an eviction pause, blocked discrimaition by the government based on sexuality or gender orientation and weighed in on policies regarding natural gas leaks and oil spills in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge. However, there is one topic Biden has remained quiet on: Trump’s upcoming Senate impeachment trial. After two victories in Georgia runoff elections, Democrats now control both the Senate and House of
Representatives. The divide between the two parties seems to grow with each passing day. Allies and enemies alike wonder if he may be delaying the inevitable. In order to further his political agenda, President Biden will most likely make a statement. “There are times when a President
engaging in mechanics or substance...can be very productive and fruitful.” -Senator Robert Casey
“There are times when a President engaging in mechanics or substance with House or Senate leadership or other members, that can be very productive and fruitful,” Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania told the New York Times. “But at times you have to step back and let it play out within the chambers and see if you can engage later in the process.” Unsure what President Biden will do, citizens will spend the next few weeks eagerly awaiting a statement from the White House Press Secretary. The future is uncertain, but if Biden continues to run his administration in this manner, the next four years should be very fruitful for the American people.
ten
opinion
Silicon tech giant Palantir reveals new technology By Gavin Morrison In recent years, you may have heard some rumblings surrounding a Silicon Valley based company named after the all-seeing stone from the Lord of The Rings franchise— Palantir. With pricey contracts ranging from the United States Military to BP Oil, Palantir Technologies has made quite a name for itself in the data analytics space. Palantir was founded in 2003 by Peter Thiel, an early backer of Facebook, and Alex Karp, an outspoken billionaire and the current CEO of the company. Palantir serves to look beyond the surface and identify hidden gems inside data. In its early days, founders Thiel and Karp had set out to create a company that would help secure America’s position as the strongest nation on Earth. The country had seen itself rocked by the tragedy of 9/11 and the seemingly never ending war taking place in the Middle East. Although the internet was still in its infancy stage, this didn’t stop the pair from working on a project that would eventually generate revenues of over $400 million a quarter. While the data analytics industry is fairly oversaturated in 2020, Palantir operates with a significant edge over its competitors. Whereas most other companies simply compile data and spit it back out, Palantir interprets data to effectively
point out discrepancies or blips of information a human would not pick up on. When Palantir was first introduced, the company failed to gain any funding from venture capitalists. Ultimately, they had to rely solely on investments from Thiel’s own pockets, paying top dollar to some of the best computer programmers they could find. It isn’t common knowledge, but Palantir has a tougher interview process than other tech companies like Google, Amazon and Apple. Out of all the data analytics companies, Palantir pays the highest and boasts a salary comparable to the tech giants previously mentioned. Even as Thiel, Karp and other members of administration oversaw a project without a single profit, they persevered, eager to one day bring about a future that had inspired them to found Palantir back in 2003. As the years went on, Palantir saw its number of contracts continue to grow, with customers such as the CDC, the U.S. Marine Corps and even the FBI. Their successes allowed them to gain necessary funding, and by 2014 the company value hovered around $15 billion. Despite these accomplishments, Palantir has seen its fair share of negative press in recent years. Palantir Technologies, notably Karp and Thiel, received widespread criticism
for their involvement with the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE). Throughout President Donald Trump’s four years in office, immigration was a hot topic amongst the media and voters. Palantir’s tech had been implemented to track down illegal immigrants, drawing complaints over its “totalitarian” and “Big Brother-esque” nature. Peter Thiel was also an outspoken backer of the Republican party, drawing a stark contrast to Alex Karp, who has repeatedly spoken out against the Trump Administration. While the two hold vastly different political beliefs, none of these setbacks have seemed to affect the company in any substantial way. With the rise of an increasingly technological society, Palantir has remained on the quieter side, preferring to hold off on a stock market listing until late 2020. Very few understand what it is that Palantir does, or just how powerful their data analysis really is. Although the company is already 17 years old, only recently have they really begun to attract attention. No one has the power to predict the future, but Palantir is certainly trying to make this a reality. Despite the many road bumps that will come, keep an eye out for Palantir, as it seems they’re here to stay.
Why all of our irritants seem irrelevant right now by Alex Dillon Not every student has this opportunity. We all have access to technology which has helped us immensely while trying to stay connected with our teachers and classmates. We have educators who care immeasurably for their students’ well being. Lastly, we have fortunately not lost any student or faculty member to the deadly virus. While others may have it better, there are certainly many who have it worse and it is important to remember that when we get caught up in the little inconveniences. Of course, I am in no way trying to invalidate anyone’s emotions. It is okay to be upset about a shortened season or lost Homecoming dance but we can’t let this grief consume us. Every once in a while we need a good rant or a good cry, a chance to let out everything that is bothering us. However, once those few minutes are over, move on. Realistically, nothing we do will change the situation we are in or what has happened in the past. All we can do now is keep moving forward and look for the joy in what we do have. The pandemic has given all of us a
chance to sleep in more, spend less money on gas, grow closer with people we may not have talked to in a different year, stay in comfortable clothes all day, rekindle old hobbies and spend more time with our families. Most importantly, we are alive and healthy. Let these heart wrenching statistics serve as a reminder to stop taking life for granted and appreciate the blessings we do have. This past year has certainly tested us in immeasurable ways. Hopefully, we can soon put all this behind us but that doesn’t change the fact that lives have been irreversibly affected. So, honor the lives lost by not focusing on small inconveniences. There is so much more to life. wphoto via the Washington Post
It was Tuesday evening. I ran into my house ready to rant to my mom about all the little irritants that plagued my day. I was prepared to start going off when my phone lit up with a notification from Apple News. “The U.S. has surpassed 400,000 COVID-19 deaths.” As my phone turned off, a realization hit me. I raced home with the sole intention of talking my mom’s ear off with complaints and, had that notification not stopped me, I would’ve been at it for easily 30 minutes, venting about my uncomfortable seat in study hall and the fact that I didn’t have lunch with any close friends. All of my problems seemed so small now. I’m healthy and that’s all I can ask for. This pandemic has certainly not been easy for anyone, however, I do believe, in some aspects, we as a Hoban community have been fortunate. Throughout the past year, our teachers and administrators have worked tirelessly to provide us with a valuable education. Although it may look different, students are still receiving instruction five days a week during normal school hours.
w A COVID-19 memorial erected in Washington D.C.
sports
eleven
The Cavs work to fill gaping hole left by the King
by Dylan Feltovich Since the devastating departure of LeBron James in 2018, the Cleveland Cavaliers have not been able to find the success that they saw in the late 2010s. In the previous two seasons, the Cavs’ combined record was 38-109 while being the laughing stock of the NBA. But the tides have quickly changed in Cleveland, as the rebuild is beginning to show signs of success. Through the first 18 games of the season, the Cavaliers are 9-9 and find themselves as the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference. Leading the quick turnaround is Collin Sexton, a 22-year-old point guard out of the University of Alabama. Many believed this year would be Sexton’s breakout season. He has blown past these expectations and played like the superstar Cleveland desperately needed. Sexton has been a dominant force on offense, as the “Young Bull” is averaging 25.2 points per game on 51.7% shooting from the floor. His offensive efficiency has dramatically improved from the first two seasons, which allows him to score more and reduce his turnovers. His recent tear has put the league
on notice, as his performance against the three-headed monster Brooklyn Nets led to a sweep in the two-game series. Sexton scored 42 points in the first game, leading to the Cavs winning in double overtime. Two nights later, he nearly completed a double-double, scoring 25 points with nine assists in the second victory against the Nets. Another contributor to Cavaliers’s recent success is Andre Drummond, the 27-year-old veteran center who was acquired last year before COVID ended the season. Drummond has been an anchor in the paint, as he gets it done on offense and defense. He has averaged a double-double through 17 games played, as his 18.9 points with 14.7 rebounds complements the offense as a whole. To help a team that struggles on defense, Drummond has averaged 1.4 blocks and 1.6 steals per game. Sexton has been bashed for his inability to play defense, so having the 2x all-star provides a source of defense for the Cavaliers. Along with Sexton and Drummond, Darius Garland completes the famous
“Sexland” duo. Garland, the second year guard out of Vanderbilt has shown glimpses of becoming a perfect guard to pair with Sexton. Averaging 14.3 points a game, the electric guard has improved his percentages from the field and gives head coach J.B. Bickerstaff another threat on offense. Role players like JaVale McGee, Larry Nance Jr and Jarrett Allen add more depth for Cleveland’s bench. Nance, averaging 10.5 points and Allen, averaging 11.4 have filled the empty hole in the lineup, as previous rosters did not feature a reliable bench. With the fifth hardest schedule in the NBA, Cleveland has faced fierce competition: the first-place Philadelphia 76ers, the 2019-20 NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers and a Brooklyn Nets lineup which features three former MVPs. Young stars like Sexton and Garland fill the void without the greatest player in the league, as they continue to prove that they will become a force to be reckoned with in the near future.
Girls swim hopes to end season on a high note by Victoria Jackson
The coronavirus has affected both high school and college sports in a way that rivals all previous obstacles. However, schedule changes, bouncing between three various facilities and strict COVID-19 regulations have not kept Hoban’s girls swim team out of the water this year. With three weeks left to prepare for District Competitions and four weeks until States, the swim team currently holds a record of 5-4. They are set to face Canton Central Catholic and Copley in the coming days. The swim team defeated Walsh on Jan. 2 for the first time in a while with a score of 111 to 72. They were also able to win against CVCA on Senior Night, Jan. 16. However, this season has brought with it a multitude of obstacles that the team has learned to tread through. The University of Akron closed off its facilities due to the coronavirus, leaving the swim team without a designated home pool. Since then, practices have been scattered between the LifeCenter Plus in Hudson, Kohl Family YMCA in Akron and Lake Anna YMCA in Barberton. Senior Grace Wyszynski, who has been swimming for Hoban since freshman year
and plans to major in pre-med or biology, along with the rest of her team has encountered the hectic schedule changes that come as a result of shifting between facilities. “We were used to two-hour practices every afternoon, so coming in this season and only having an hour here and there scattered between different pools was different.” In addition to different schedules and locations, strict protocols mandate that swimmers wear their masks until they enter the water and limits the amount of swimmers situated behind the blocks. “We have less pool time and three different practice areas. However, we are making the most out of every practice,” said senior Isabella Soehnlen, who plans on attending Kent State University and majoring in Architecture.
“We are making the most out of every prac tice.” -Isabella Soehnlen
With these new and complicated guidelines, getting to know fellow teammates has become much more complicated and usu-
al team bonding activities had to be cancelled. Although dealing with these new changes has put a lot on their plates, the swimmers strive to bond with each other amidst coronavirus guidelines. “It is difficult to form close bonds with new teammates without team bonding and having to practice separately,” said senior Sophia Grdina, who will be attending Hiram College and hopes to major in either pre-med or biology. “Despite that, being with each other at meets allowed us to be there for each other... although this year has thrown countless challenges at us, we have enough resolve to succeed.” Even though the change in schedule and practice location seems overwhelming, Coach Nick Meyer believes that the team’s strength lies in their versatility. “Although a small team, each of our athletes has a certain place in the lineup and contributes to each meet.” The seniors especially have stepped up and led the team through their perseverance and spirit, competing in each meet as if it is their last. Focus and versatility as well as close bonds will be an aid for these girls as they go on to face Districts and States.
twelve
feature
My personal highlight reel
by Grace Wyszynski We all have that archive of unforgettable moments tucked away in some corner of our brain. Lately, I’ve been thinking about what my highlight reel would include (think: memories you’d want to relive before you die), and decided to share a few with you. While I am fortunate enough to have a plethora to choose from, I’ve included my best and brightest from the past few years. 1-Trip to Tremont, Tennessee in seventh grade For those of you that don’t know, Tremont is a tiny area located in the Great Smoky Mountains. This was the first time I had ever been away from home for more than a day, and I was originally not excited at the prospect of spending a few days in the middle of nowhere. I’ve never really been a big fan of hiking, so spending hours traipsing around the wilderness was certainly not my idea of fun. I was pleasantly surprised. I immediately fell in love with the mountains and enjoyed every second of the day-long hiking adventures, river walking and waterfall finding. I still think about Tremont quite often and would do anything to experience that again for the first time. 2 - S w i m m i n g with turtles in St. John’s This was without a doubt one of the most magical moments of my life. I snorkeled every day for a week straight, swimming with beautiful fish, terrifying barracudas and my favorite, sea turtles. The turtles were the gentlest creatures and didn’t seem to mind when I swam beside them. One of my favorite photos was taken on a GoPro, showcasing me swimming next to three gigantic turtles. 13-year-old me was absolutely ecstatic at that moment. 3-Qualifying for the state championship meet sophomore year This is one of my most vivid memories. Standing with my three teammates by our bench, still exhausted from the swim, our coach announced that we made it to the state meet. I’m not the slightest bit ashamed to admit that I instantly started sobbing as we screamed and hugged
each other tightly. Looking back on the pictures from that day, my smile is radiant, euphoric. It was the most gratifying feeling to finally be rewarded for the hours and hours of work and amazing to be able to share such an impressive accomplishment with my teammates. 4- Spes Unica 43 If I’m being honest, this probably was not one of my highlights at the time it occurred. I was a trainwreck the whole weekend. Looking back, however, this was one of the most rewarding and necessary moments of my life. It was exactly what I needed at the time. Spes allowed me to process some very powerful emotions in a healthy way while surrounded by a group of incredibly loving and supportive people. I can say with absolute certainty that I have never felt more loved in my entire life than I did that weekend. 4-Wiz Khalifa concert at Blossom Anyone who has been to Blossom can probably understand why this one made the list. I don’t particularly like rap music, but this was a killer concert. One of my favorite videos of all time is from this concert, showing everyone singing while waving their phone flashlights in the dark. Dancing to live music while surrounded by people you love makes for an unforgettable experience indeed. 5-Standing on top of the Eiffel Tower I was lucky enough to travel across Europe for two weeks the summer before junior year. It was a Hoban trip, so I was with school friends rather than my family. The amount of freedom we were given was incredible, although probably unwise on the part of the chaperones. Although some beautiful memories from the trip are slightly tarnished by the relationship catastrophes that ensued (If you went on this trip do not comment on this please), I have to consider this an overall highlight. My most memorable moment would have to be standing at the very top of the Eiffel Tower, looking out at the city. The perfectly laid-out streets of Paris stretched out in front of me, a sight that is
still as clear as a photograph in my mind. 6-Junior year tennis season This whole season was something else. I finally snagged a spot on the varsity team (kind of) and played doubles with my best friend at the time. nnis is my second sport and certainly not my forte, so naturally I didn’t take it very seriously. My partner and I went undefeated (losing to Hathaway Brown doesn’t count, they were all born with tennis rackets in their hands anyways) while dancing around the court and singing during matches. The team as a whole became astoundingly close and I ended up loving a sport that I previously despised. I remember being so incredibly happy when playing and it was definitely one of my most memorable athletic seasons. 7-College tour in Philadelphia with my mother Visiting the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia was my first out-of-state college visit. If you know me, you’ll know that I want to get out of here. Not that I don’t love Akron or the relationships I’ve grown here, but I just feel that it’s just too small for me now. I want to go to a good school in a big city and create a new life separate from my first home. Visiting UPenn made me feel hopeful, as if I can actually create that specific future I’ve been longing for. On this tour, I can confidently say that I was the happiest I’ve been in a while. I spent some quality time with my mom and had my first glimpse at a future that I want so badly. 8-Visiting colleges in Chicago with my father My father and I have always had a good relationship, but we’ve never been particularly close until more recently. This fall, we drove to Chicago to visit a few schools. I enjoyed spending so much time with him and Chicago was one of my favorite places. I fell in love with a school I had assumed I’d hate which was quite the plot twist for me. Visiting those colleges made me incredibly excited for my future and the possibility that I could end up in this big city at a school I adore.