.
October 30, 2009
Danielle Hale
Some people are starved for attention and will do anything for it. It doesn’t matter to them who is hurt in the process. The Heene family, of the notorious balloon caper, loves attention and they made up a story about how their son, Falcon was in danger.
This family is not the typical American family and they enjoy attention. They have been on the show “Wife Swap” twice, most recently in March. The sons have made many videos that are online.
“They’re unusual, yes, of course. He’s sort of a scientist-slash-inventor. They’re storm chasers — they go after tornadoes, hurricanes, things like that,” a neighbor told CNN.
The father, Richard created a silver balloon, which was 20 feet long and 5 feet high, and at times reached 7,000 feet above the ground. The brother, Bradford, was an eyewitness saying his brother, Falcon was in the balloon.
The balloon was found 90 minutes later in a field near Colorado Springs. Since it was thought by authorities that there was a six-year-old boy in the balloon they closed all flight paths for the Denver International Airport.
When the balloon landed authorities rushed to the balloon but there was no Falcon. He was later found in the attic. His father had yelled at him so he was hiding- at least that was his initial story. He had heard his name being called but didn’t respond.
When asked by his father on-air why he didn’t respond, the boy replied, “You guys said we did this for the show.”
It was decided that it was probably a hoax and authorities began to research.
“We were looking at Class 3 misdemeanor, which hardly seems serious enough given the circumstances,” said Sheriff Jim Alderden. “We are talking to the district attorney, federal officials to see if perhaps there aren’t additional federal charges that are appropriate in this circumstance.”
Charges are pending.
.
October 29, 2009
Peter DelMedico
The boys followed an impressive sectional championship win with
a relatively disappointing district tournament showing. They shot a 338
as a team with a strong contribution from senior Tommy Arison, who shot a team low 79. Though they will not be moving on this season, their successes are comfort enough.
“The boys showed their true passion by not once giving up,” head coach John Baranek said.
Much of the success is credited to senior leadership from Chris Brady, Tommy Arison and Nick Junk. However, supportive performances by the team’s youngsters such as Jimmy Bott and Marcus Carano, solidified the squad.
“The biggest accomplishment was definitely finishing first in sectionals,”
Baranek said.
The team won with an impressive score of 314. Although this season is finished, the success of the younger players make the
future bright on the links.
Enveloped in a newly formed league of tough teams, the girls’ bags had
some added weight that did not stop them from winning their league. Keeping up with teams such as Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, St. Vincent-St. Mary, Green and Tallmadge was no walk on the
fairway.
“We worked really hard to win, especially on our home course,” sophomore Abbey Dankoff said.
Hats and visors were tipped to first year head coach Tom Karg for utilizing the team’s talent in extraordinary fashion. The remainder of praise was attributed to the team unity.
“Everyone pushed themselves and each other to do better,” Dankoff said.
The team had a just-over-par performance at sectionals on Oct. 6 and did not advance any further. Nevertheless, they are keeping their heads high and already looking forward to summer tournaments.
.
October 29, 2009
Jay Hillery
For some men and women, keeping a secret means keepings their jobs. For nearly two decades, homosexuals serving in the military have had to sacrifice their self-identity. The Clinton administration implemented the DADT Policy in 1993: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. This policy was an effort by former President Bill Clinton to keep his campaign promise of repealing the ban on homosexuals serving within the military. Clinton’s attempt to change the social workings of the military was met with strong opposition. Both the Pentagon and Congress resented the President’s meddling in the workings of the
military.
The President and Congress eventually came to a compromise about the policy on homosexuals serving in the military when Congress passed 10 United States Code 654. This code allowed homosexuals to serve in the U.S. military, but there was a catch: they could not admit their sexual orientation. The stated purpose of the law was to protect unit cohesion and combat effectiveness but its effectiveness was never proven by scientific studies or evidence. Many have argued that
this policy is blatantly homophobic and not based on any actual fact.
Nonetheless, no president has tried to overturn DADT since its creation, until now. There may be a light at the end of the tunnel for homosexual activists, however. Recently an editorial came out from the Joint Force Quarterly (JFQ) by Om Prakash,
in which Prakash openly criticized DADT because of its cost to the military. If a soldier ever volunteers a statement
of homosexuality or is found committing a
homosexual act, the soldier is discharged
from the military. This cripples the military
severely: there have been about 12,500
soldiers discharged because of sexual orientation
so far. The effect of the ban on
homosexuals serving in the military has cost
roughly a battalion (10,000 soldiers) of
soldiers.
During his campaign, President Barack Obama promised to overturn DADT. So why hasn’t President Obama simply picked up a pen and written an executive order like Truman did with the desegregation of the military? Unfortunately, during Clinton’s second term he attempted to overturn the ban with an executive order, but Congress enacted a clause written within the bill that gave Congress the sole right to change the DADT policy.
However, the issue has been raised again, and this time new evidence will be used, pro-ban and anti- ban lift. One of the most compelling studies has undoubtedly been the 2006 Zogby poll. This poll showed
that 73 percent of all troops felt comfortable with homosexual serving in the military, while only five percent reported being “very” uncomfortable in the presence of a homosexual soldier. No doubt in the future the military will publish further findings that Congress
will consider in their decision on the future of homosexuals serving in the military.
Voices in the Crowd
Q: Do you support the Pentagon’s ban of homosexuals in the military?
A: “Yes. I firmly support former President Clinton’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy. There should not be openly gay men or women in the military.”
— Scott Kopp, Campus Minister
A: “No. I believe Barry Goldwater said it best: ‘You don’t have to be straight to shoot straight.’”
— Shamir Brice ’11
A: “No. Any person willing to make the ultimate sacrifice
for his or her country, regardless of sexuality, should be able to do so.”
— David Sutter ’10
A: “No, I do not support the gay ban. Gays should have
the same rights as everyone else.”
— Carly Bowser ’12
.
October 29, 2009
Jessica Contrera and Nikki Bowser
To see the full spread article visit issuu.com/visor
.
October 28, 2009
Evan Luse
The boys soccer team can be best described in two words: historic and dramatic. The squad has compiled one of the best records in recent Hoban history with an overall record of 14-1-3, including boasting an undefeated record in the North Coast League.
On Tuesday night at Dowed field, the squad squared off against rival St. Vincent-St. Mary for the second time this season. In a regular season match-up, the Knights steamrolled the Irish by a score of 5-0. This time around, the contest would demand overtime to decide the fate of these cross-town rivals.
“I thought we out played them,” senior captain Mitch Jendrisak said. “We were by far the more skilled team.”
At the end of regulation the score was knotted up at 0-0. Five nail-biting minutes passed until senior Alec Hyde stepped up in the clutch with a goal. Hyde knocked in a corner kick from Jendrisak after it was muffled in the goal box momentarily.
“I stepped up on the corner kick and played the ball into the box and after a few deflections Hyder (Alec Hyde) put the ball in the back of the net,” Jendrisak said.
The game was hard fought on both sides of the ball and junior Robby Sheeks felt the emotions of the game.
“The game was emotional to say the least but we pulled through with a victory and I’m so proud of Hyder,” Sheeks said.
This would be the last game that the team would play on Dowed field and Coach John Irvine understood the implications.
“We made the decision to take care of business tonight. Our season is not over, but we left a lasting memory after our final home game of the season,” Irvine said.
The team heads to Revere on Saturday to battle the fifth ranked Minutemen for the District Championship.
“I feel if we are to win this game on Saturday, it will give us the confidence to win states. I just don’t want it to end,” Jendrisak said. “It’s time for the Knights to prepare for glory.”
The Knights will “prepare for glory” on Saturday at 4 P.M. at Revere High School.
.
October 28, 2009
Jules Libertin
This past weekend the Hoban boy cross country team made statewide news by upsetting rival St.Vincent-Mary (ranked sixth in the state) and Field (ranked 12 in the state) taking second place at the Goodyear Metropolitan district meet– arguably the toughest district in the state.
“We came into the race mentally and physically ready and we have trained since the beginning of summer for this,” said senior captain Ryan Spear. “We knew we could get out if we ran the way we could.”
Seniors Jason Green and Chris Alto, who placed third and fourth, led the team. Seniors Jake Craine and Jake Frego both had amazing final finishes, which allowed them to qualify as well. Also helping the team advance was senior Ryan Spear, junior Max Straus and sophomore Max Moore.
“Ever since last year when the team did not make it out the boys have been determined to get out,” Coach Andrea Hoffman said, “They all have worked really hard through out the year, and deserve this. I believe they will go as far as they want if they keep focused.”
This is the first time in twelve years the boys have advanced to regionals and is the first time in recent history that four individual runners have qualified. In the mid-70’s under head coach Dick Malloy five cross country teams made it to states, the Knights are determined to bring that glory back.
“It is an awesome feeling knowing not only individuals are getting out, but the team. Our goal since the beginning of the season is to get to states,” said senior Jason Green.
The team will run his weekend at regionals where they will yet again take on rival St.Vincent-Mary along with powerhouse Woodridge.
Check The Visor out on Nov. 12 for an in depth story on this team unheralded team.
.
October 27, 2009
The Knights football team scored only 10 points with only three coming from the offense, but those 10 points proved sufficient in a 10-6 win over the Padua Bruins.
They key to the win was sophomore defensive end LaTroy Lewis’s second quarter interception returned for a touchdown. Lewis broke through the Bruins’ offensive line and tipped the ball to himself to give the Knights a 7-0 lead. Senior kicker Zack Christensen added three points on a 38-yard field goal before the half to bring the lead to 10-0.
The Knights defense held Padua scoreless for almost the whole game until the last few minutes. Padua had its only score of the game set up by a 57-yard pass that led to an eventual one-yard run. The extra point failed after a bad snap disrupted the play.
The Knights could not run out the clock so the Bruins had a chance to win in the game in the last minute. The defense regrouped however to stop Padua on a critical fourth down to seal the win.
“I thought our defense controlled the game,” head coach Ralph Orsini said. “It was our best defense of the season.”
The defense he referred to surrendered just 78 yards rushing and 129 pass yards with 57 yards coming on one play.
This Friday, the Knights will need a similar defensive performance and an offensive awakening to earn a win. A victory would clinch a playoff spot and potentially gives the Knights a first round home playoff game. Orsini hopes the possibility of a home game motivates the team to work hard for a win.
“Padua was huge but a win will get a home playoff game,” Orsini said. “We need momentum like last year.”
The Knights travel to Chardon to take on the NDCL Lions Friday at 7 P.M.
.
October 26, 2009
Alexander Salamon
As the school year progresses, put your inquisitive minds at ease with a little wisdom. The Wisdom of Salamon. I certainly do not have all the answers but I will try to capture some of the less obvious lessons from high school experiences.
As the fall sports season comes to a close, lessons can be taken from the season that add insight to life. Winning and celebrating success may be viewed as the focal point in sports. However, it is not all about winning. Engaging in sports makes way for a healthy, hectic and sometimes stressful lifestyle. While playing a sport is healthy for mind, spirit and body, balancing life between academics, family and sport is always problematic.
Lessons from any competitive contest do not simply come from good moments and winning. Having the ability to win with humility and lose with grace says a lot about one’s character.
Competitive sports also teach one how to deal with the limitations of the body. An injury can be detrimental to a season and dealing with the strength and frailty of one’s body can be tough. Returning from injury can make one stronger or weaker both physically and mentally.
Just as any player, professional or amateur, we all have good days and bad days. Thinking we can be the best of ourselves everyday is asking too much. What matters is that you play to the best of your ability and work to your fullest potential. Training to become a better player is a commitment, not only to yourself, but also to the entire team.
Positive attitude and work ethic are incredibly important as players try to prove themselves to coaches everyday at practice. You may start a game one-day and the next, you may not. Sports make athletes adapt to adversity and different personalities. The anxieties of playing also cause emotional problems.
One does not have to be an excellent player and you may not be the next phenomenon. However, a player may be gifted with a positive attitude and the ability to help and work with others. Sports are not necessarily about standing out; the experience is about learning to play with a team.
If there was one lesson to take away from the season, just know whether on the playing field or on the bench, every player is an important asset to the success of a team.
So as the 2009 fall sports season winds down, gain knowledge from the mistakes and successes, apply lessons to your own life and keep a positive attitude.
.
October 26, 2009
Lindsay Huth
From witches and broomsticks to costumes and candy, Halloween is in the air. Anyone looking for a better celebration than trick-or-treating has many options to choose from in Akron.
The Haunted Schoolhouse and Laboratory offers 7 Floors of Terror for the bravest thrill-seekers. Voted one of the best haunted houses in the country, the attraction even has a paranormal history of its own: in 1964 ghosthunter Dr. Wilhelm Fritz Von Groddeck disappeared while investigating the property.
“I go there every year, and it’s a tradition for me and my friends,” sophomore Lucas Sensius said. “It’s one of the best haunted houses in the area and a great way to start out the Halloween season.”
For the less brave, Blossom Music Center’s Carnival of Horrors is a must-see. Anyone who turns squeamish at the sight of crazy clowns will be frightened by the Fun House. Blossom also boasts a 3-D haunted house and the Wicked Woods waiting to be explored.
“It was fun but not as scary as I thought it would be,” sophomore Paige Hudson said.
In Broadview Heights, the Bloodview Haunted House is one not to be missed. Featuring the Gore House, cemetery, Elder Wood, and Main House, its website flaunts that “you’re not just a customer; you’re a guest and an audience member.” This attraction is unique because it donates all of its proceeds to charity.
Whether a horror-lover or milder thrill-seeker, every Akron resident is sure to find his or her perfect haunted house.
.
October 22, 2009
While most people avert their eyes from the ragged homeless people begging for pennies, some Hoban students spend their Wednesday evenings searching them out. Members of Project HOPE, which stands for Hoban Outreach for Peace and Equality, travel with campus minister Jason Horinger and history teacher Greg Milo to distribute food and clothing and befriend the poor of Akron.
“I heard about Walsh’s program and went with them one Monday,” Horinger said. “I started talking to Mr. Milo, and we came up with some ideas.”
The group starts the evening by spending 45 minutes to an hour preparing food in the kitchen and making bags with sandwiches, chips and cookies.
“Once we get the food prepared, we go up to the chapel for reflection,” Milo said. “The main thing is that we’re not there to just give them food: we’re there to embrace them and present them as people.”
At the conclusion of the prayer service, the members climb into a van and scour the streets of Akron for needy people. They encounter them walking along the road as well as at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Grace Park and Canal Park.
“We’ve given out jackets, sleeping bags, gloves, scarves my wife made and conversation, which is what they really want,” Milo said.
The group tries to bond with the people they meet and have compassion for them.
“It’s been a really humbling experience,” sophomore Julianna Blischak said. “We meet people who are worse off than most could imagine, but we don’t just hand out the food, go home and feel sorry for them. We talk to them, share stories and laugh.”
The stories the people share and the time spent together have impacted both teachers and students alike.
“At St. Bernard’s we met Jess, who is just the sweetest,” Blischak said. “She told me that her birthday was the next Monday and asked me to bring her something. When we were there the next Wednesday, I gave her one of my bracelets. What was special was that she told me she’d never take it off.”
Milo was also greatly affected by the influential experience.
“I was floored the first time we went when our students embraced these people so joyfully,” Milo said. “It changed my outlook on the abilities of our students.”
All in all, Project HOPE has proven to be eye-opening and touching for many involved.
“More than anything, this is raw,” Horinger said. “This is life as it happens with people in dire circumstances.”
Loading ...
