The Visor

Unknown struggles of a classmate inspire

adviser — Thu, 27 May 2010 15:19:19 +0000

Every day we wake up, we choose love, we choose life and we try – it’s too easy just to fall apart…”

I can imagine no words better than these lyrics to describe someone who is my best friend, my inspiration, and upon our graduation, is the perfect role model for the Class of 2010: Shannon Davey.

Before beginning, I would like to thank her for allowing me to share her story and lesson– it is a testimony to her continuing strength.

Last year, Shannon was diagnosed with a complicated neurological condition known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). It has burdened her with a number of life altering medical issues – most noticeably constant sickness, fainting, migraines, dizzy spells and more. Her medications have crippled her with side effects ranging from stomach pains to being unable to read.

Most people with POTS do not attend school. They have to withdraw from their regular life activities and live in a state of anticipation in hopes that the end to the syndrome will come.

However, Shannon Davey has not let this “little problem,” as she likes to call it, stop her from anything. Every day she fights it. Somehow (and how is beyond me) despite her setbacks this year she managed to find ways to come to school, even if only for a few hours, and kept her grades high. Although she is no longer allowed to exercise, she stayed loyal to the girls’ soccer team. She performed in the Musical, excelled in AP Art, held a job and perhaps most impressively – led the Mock Trial Team to place 3rd in the State after being named Outstanding Attorney…twice.

Not only did Shannon complete these amazing feats after being told she would not be able to do any of them, she did it with a perpetual smile. I can honestly say that I spend the majority of my free time with this girl, yet I never once have heard her complain about her condition.

While many students may have heard of her fainting, I am betting that reading this column is the first and only time you will ever hear of her struggles – because to Shannon, they are not what is important. What matters to her is only that she lives her life, loves her family and friends and brings happiness to others.

In no way is this story intended to evoke pity or sympathy. In fact, it’s not even about Shannon.

Think about yourself and your own life. So often we complain about tasks like going to school, being part of a team or club, working a part-time job or dealing with family obligations. Yet, for so many people, these simple opportunities are dreams that have to be fought for.

I know that having to struggle to take on everyday life has taught Shannon the value of those simple life events. Now that she has overcome most of her POTS symptoms and will be attending New York University next fall, she will appreciate the opportunity to attend college more than anyone.

The struggle Shannon endured to accomplish what most people see as everyday tasks, and her subsequent appreciation of life is the essence of what our last moments of high school should be about: looking back with gratitude for all the small things and looking forward with appreciation for the opportunities to come.

Society for the Preservation of Ohio History produces another successful film

adviser — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:05:12 +0000

History has a way of repeating itself. Fortunately, Hoban has a group of dedicated students who are working to make sure that doesn’t happen. The Society for the Preservation of Ohio History is dedicated to ensuring that future generations are educated about important Ohio history.

“It’s very frustrating to be a historian in a culture that teaches that history doesn’t apply to current events,” history teacher Jason Anderson said. “In the Society we try to create movies and lesson plans that would be appropriate for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The society is a dominated by majority rule and the students decide what topic they want to work on next.”

“The idea is to have the students really take ownership of the project,” Anderson said. “The students don’t only get to make the decisions but they also get to use the equipment that the society owns. We really have a small studio in the back of the room,” says Anderson with a chuckle.

The society continues to encourage students to find ways that technology can help teach students history.

“It’s locked safely in the metal cabinet which is locked in my room.”

Not only do they have cameras, microphones and backdrops but they also have animation software which opens up new opportunities for teaching in the films created by them. Animation technology allows the society to literally show students what happened during the Battle of Ft. Laurence.

“We have used the animation in Ft. Laurence film as well as the Battle of Lake Erie movie,” Anderson said.

To film parts of the Battle of Lake Erie film the society had to travel to Lake Erie and shoot part of the scene there. The most recent project that the society did was the “Rosie the Riveter” documentary.

This documentary profiled the women who during WWII took on the men’s jobs while men were away fighting the war. This subject was chosen after an article was published in the Coshocton Tribune about one of the women who was honored in a parade.

“I really don’t think we could’ve won the war without those women who worked in the factories,” Anderson said.

Looking to the future, the society thinks of what they will work on next. The next project is a movie on the Ohio & Erie Canal.

“We’re really looking forward to making a model of a working lock for this project,” Anderson said.

For a club that looks to the past for lessons, the future looks bright for the Society for the Preservation of Ohio History.

Les Misérables proves to be anything but miserable

adviser — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:42:24 +0000

“Master of the house, doling out the charm ready with a handshake and an open palm.”

A line from Master of the House, a song which captivated Les Mis’ audiences while charming them with the wit and passionate talent of the cast and crew.

Every year in the spring the theater department puts on a musical but this year Brother Philip Smith decided to take a different path that better demonstrated the high caliber talent of Hoban’s actors.

“I chose Les Misérables because of the talent level of this year’s senior class. Many of them are going on to music/theater schools and I felt that they should have the privelage of performing and showcasing their voices with this opera,” Br. Phil said. “Also because Mr. Kelvingtion had the extremely challenging job of directing and I didn’t have to,” Smith said in a jolly, playful manner.

“Les Misérables is most likely why I have this job,” Kelvington said joking along.

Hoban’s production of Les Mis was an edited version of Victor Hugo’s creation. It was edited to be school appropriate. It is set in the 19th century and is the story of Jean Valjean played by Senior Bill Darby. Valjean is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread.

After he works off his sentence on a chain gang, Valjean breaks his parole and is pursued by Inspector Javert whose life is his job. Throughout the story Valjean turns his life around and becomes a love adoptive father as well as a successful businessman. This all comes crashing down when he is faced with both Javert and the violence of the French Revolution.

(Pictured left Darby and Breen)

Sophomore Kaitlyn Mann played young Cosette who was orphaned early on in the production.

“I felt the performances were all moving or touching in their own ways. Marie Kunze and John Walker stole the show and without their comic relief the musical would have been too intense for viewers,” Mann said, “Being a part of the cast is a great experience we all become one big family and support each other and everyone is equally important big or small roles.”

“I loved every minute of it, I will miss this group of people next year but I also cant wait for next year,” Mann said.

Senior Marie Kunze played the role of the trashy but witty Madame Thenardier.

“My favorite part was definitely the innkeeper’s song, it was the most fun and the happiest number in the musical,” Kunze said. “Just being a part of something so amazing and being able to say I contributed to something that made so many people laugh as well as cry is just such a good feeling.”

“After I graduate I hope to be apart of the Kent State Theater program and continue to entertain people,” Kunze said.

Senior John Walker played her lovable thieving husband Monsieur Thenardier.

“I really liked that I got to be the comic relief in the show. I love to entertain people and Les Misérables is pretty depressing so it was nice to be the laughter of the show,” Walker said.

(Pictured left in order from left to right, Kunze, Walker, Michaels and Crookston)

Senior David Breen played the relentless and morally torn Inspector Javert.

“Glad I’m able to entertain because this make-up is not worth wearing without being able to entertain people. It takes forever to get off and the fake old hair takes at least three washes to get out,” Breen said.

Senior Lauren Paoletta was a member of the Ensemble.

“Les Mis went great! The whole cast was very passionate about it which made it an emotionally charged show.” Paoletta said. “We poured everything we had into it and the audience could totally tell. I think we touched a lot of people.”

Junior Julie Crookston played Cosette who was madly in love with Marius.

“I was in my element! It has always been a dream of mine to sing in an opera, who knew that Hoban would present me with such an opportunity.” Crookston said, “I am classically trained and have always been interested in opera. From the time I was two I ran around the house trying to sing louder then my mom.”

Senior Ryan Michaels played a political rebel and the love interest of Cosette.

“It has been such a pleasure working with such a fine and talented group of indivduals as wall as fantastic directors. This years production of Les Mis was so epic and moving that I don’t really know what could top this! Thank you to everyone who put countless hours in if we only had ‘One Day More’,” Michaels said.

John Gutbrod played the rebellion leader Enjolras.

“Doing the opera style was a completely new experience. It was less about expression through movement, and more about standing still—putting all your energy into song,” Gutbrod said, “If a story can be told entirely in continuous beautiful melodies than why muddle it with dialogue?”

Darby played the reformed and emotional convict Jean Valjean.

“The main difference between musical performances and opera performances is that a musical has mostly spoken lines with singing here and there while an opera is constant singing and rarely is there dialogue,” Darby said. “I liked the opera style just as much as the musical style but the opera was so much more work.”

“I am attending the Ohio State School of Music in the fall and will hopefully continue with theater there,” Darby said. “It has been a nice four years and hopefully everyone will see me succeed through music again someday.”

Junior Rachel Smith played Fantine, the struggling mother of Cosette.

“I personally loved the opera style of the musical because it gave the show a professional feel—we really had to watch Mr. Kelvington for cues and tempo. I felt like it connected all the cast members in a really unique way,” Rachel Smith said. “I feel so privileged to have been a part of a production as incredible as Hoban’s Les Misérables was this year, and I think there’s only room for improvement for years to come.”


(Pictured left Rachel Smith as Cosette)


(Maria Rizzo and Ryan Michaels sing together in Les Miz)



Hoban softball must recover for playoffs after senior night loss
adviser — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:28:56 +0000
After a loss on senior night to NDCL, the Hoban softball team finished the regular season with a record of 15-12. With the loss, the team may not finish the season with a share of a first place North Coast League title.
Though the defeat left a gloomy mark heading into the playoffs, head coach Mitch Wagner knows the team can recover and understands what it will take to succeed in the playoffs.
“As our first postseason game approaches, it is important that we pull together as a team, and continue to work on the small details of execution that make the difference between winning and losing close games,” Wagner said.
Close wins and close losses have followed the team all year, but these tight games against state contending teams should provide great experience for playoff games that will likely be tight.
The squad’s next game is the sectional final tonight against Richfield Revere at 4:30 P.M. on the Hoban softball field.



State championship contention is nothing new to boys volleyball
adviser — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:22:59 +0000
It’s that time of year again: playoff time.
The boys volleyball team has worked tremendously hard this season, earning them the right-of-way to be potential leaders in playoffs

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For the past two years the team has been top competitors in the state championship run and they aren’t settling for anything less.

As for the next four games in the regular season, the boys are taking one game at a time.
“Hours before every game we go to the ‘men’s den’ where we talk about what’s going on within the team, the team we’re playing, and anything else that’s happening in life,” senior R.C. Kunig said. “It helps everyone focus but at the same time relax.”
In the next week the squad is focused on its goal.
“The only thing that will be able to get us there is playing every game like it is the state finals,” senior Adam Weaver said. “We have been playing down to other team’s levels and if we continue to do that we only make the road to the finals harder on ourselves.”
Defense and teamwork will also play a huge role.
“On serve receive, we need to side out really quick and get the ball back on our side to have the advantage,” junior Mikey Sokol said.
“Working together to be the best we can will give us the success that we are looking to achieve,” junior Sean Semruau said.
For the seniors, it will be the last chance to go for the title. However, if they make it to states they have graduation on the same day, but the goal remains the same.
“We receive no love but we play-on unrecognized, not for ourselves but for our teammates,” senior Matt Romero said. “We have one common goal: to prove that we are the best in the state and to represent our school with pride and honor.”



Lacrosse team looks to utilize early experience at end of season: Bott brothers David and Jimmy to lead the charge
adviser — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:20:37 +0000
The lacrosse team members are known throughout the school as ‘lax bros’, and two large contributors for the bros are the Bott bros: senior David and sophomore Jimmy.
David Bott has lettered in lacrosse since his freshman year and is a second-year captain. Other ‘bro’ captains are seniors Dom Anders, Zach Gutshall and Jake Dawes. David leads the Knight defense and has had many epic moments.
“My best moment was one I defended a D-1 recruit from Kent Roosevelt late in the game when we needed the ball and I got it,” Bott said.
The Knights have had a rough start to the season, but Bott still feels the team has had success.
“We honestly have had a really tough schedule and we have new players getting experience,” Bott said. “Record-wise, we may not be successful up to this point, but Hoban lax is all about having fun.”
David competes with his younger brother Jimmy, a sophomore attack, who feels his is superior.
“Jimmy is smart, small and fast but has yet to beat me,” Bott said.

J

immy has led the offensive attack this season for the Knights and enjoys competing with his big brother.
“He is bigger and more experienced and how could you forget the brother factor,” Jimmy Bott said. “But in the end he knows who the better Bott is.”
The squad still has a considerable amount of games remaining and the lax bros look to finish the season with a final strong push towards a .500 record and have fun along the way.
“To finish strong we need to have a strong showing from seniors and juniors,” senior captain Jake Dawes said. “This game is all about flow, the lax brotherhood and of course the ladies.”
First-year head coach Drew Spears believes the experience of tough games will pay dividends.
“We have had a tough road with Green, Hoover, Kent Roosevelt and Walsh. These tough challenges will make us better as we move forward,” Spears said. “We play hard and we are very athletic. 
Coaches tell me all the time how unbelievably fast we are but we need to execute.”
The bros will battle Gilmour Academy on Thursday, May 13 on Dowed Field at 7:00 PM



U.S. looks to make a run in the 2010 FIFA World Cup this summer
adviser — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:18:35 +0000
It comes only once every four years. Countries rave about it and teams dream about it.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup will have 32 countries compete in South Africa this summer to capture the coveted FIFA trophy.
With only 35 days remaining until the opening match on June 12, fans around the world are deciding what country to follow throughout the tournament. Tournament favorites include the defending Italian champions, Benny’s Argentinian homeboys, world famous Brazil, the Spanish Matadors, France, Portugal and England. Although these top notch teams tempt to steal the heart, the United States also compels many to root for the home team.
The United States is in Group C of the tournament with England, Algeria and Slovenia. The U.S. will face England on Saturday, June 12, in Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium, in what could be considered one of the most highly anticipated soccer openers in U.S. history.
This opening match against England, the ninth ranked team in the world, will be the most crucial. The U.S. has never advanced to the second round after losing an opening match at the World Cup and they have only beaten England once. Sixty years ago at the 1950 World Cup, the United States upset England 1-0. This match is still considered to be the greatest upset in football history. The upcoming battle between the “Redcoats” and the “Bluecoats” will be a rematch watched by millions.
Although it will be a monumental match, a loss to England in the opening game will not seal a U.S. fate. Algeria and Slovenia are both teams that the Americans are predicted to beat. The U.S. is ranked 14th in the world while Algeria is ranked 28th and Slovenia 33rd.
The United States will play Slovenia on Friday, June 18, then face Algeria on Wednesday, June 23.
Leading the way for the United States is goalkeeper Tim Howard, forward Jozy Altidore, defender Carlos Bocanegra and midfielders Clint Dempsey, DaMarcus Beasley and Landon Donovan.
U.S. team captain Carlos Bocanegra and his supporting cast will be battling English stars Wayne Rooney, John Terry, and Steven Gerrard. With David Beckham out of the tournament due to a ruptured Achilles tendon while playing for A.C. Milan, the English squad is no longer as formidable an enemy.
While intense rivalries will flare and competitiveness will erupt, the FIFA tournament in South Africa is looking to bring countries closer together under one similar cause, the love of the game of soccer. 



Softball heats up for league competition
adviser — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:17:07 +0000
Despite an 0-3 record last weekend against non-league opponents, the Hoban softball team is still competing for a North Coast League championship banner as the regular season comes to a close.
The Prebis Memorial Tournament featured talented teams such as defending Division I champion Elyria. The Knights squared off against the Pioneers and teams such as Poland and Springfield out of Toledo. Though the team lost all three games, losing to both Elyria and Springfield 4-2 proved that the squad could compete with the best.
Head coach Mitch Wagner knew the competition at the tournament would be strong but feels the tournament still greatly benefitted the team.
“We have to keep the tough competition in perspective,” Wagner said. “We can’t get too caught up in results.”
So far, the squad has compiled a respectable 12-10 record. These victories have landed the Knights into the mix for a first place tie atop the North Coast League standings. The team will play their last two games against NCL opponents to decide the league champion.
“We are younger and less experienced than most teams but we are growing together on and off the field,” junior catcher Emily Orsini said.
The inexperience has been visible this season but junior first baseman Elizabeth Denholm has noticed vast improvement over the regular season.
“We really are getting so much better as the season goes on compared to the beginning of the season,” Denholm said.
Monday, May 10 marks the last regular season game and the last home game for seniors such as standout pitcher Lauren McNeil. The Knights will play against Notre Dame Cathedral Latin before preparations begin for the OHSAA playoffs which begin May 26.
The Knights next game is tonight at 5:00 PM at the Hoban softball field against Lake Catholic.



Boys track team continue NCL dominance
adviser — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:15:34 +0000
Improve one percent each day,” was the boys cross country’s motto that has carried over to track this season.
After making their first appearance at states this past fall in cross country seniors Chris Alto, Jake Frego, Jason Green, Ryan Spear and Jake Craine have their eyes on another successful running season and yet another state appearance.
“Going to states for cross country gave us confidence in our selves that we can compete at states in track,” Green said. “It showed us that we belong there.”
Many of the distance runners competed in indoor track this past winter to gain an extra edge over competitors. Alto along Green qualified for the indoor state two mile, while the 4×800 consisting of the duo along with Craine and Spear placed 6th place at the meet.
“We ran this indoor season to run against experienced good runners,” Spear said. “I believe running indoor helped this year because we were more mentally and physically prepared for the outdoor season.”
Their motivation and attitude carried over into the outdoor season. Knowing that they have the potential to get to states again the boys have been putting a lot of miles during the week, often reaching up to 40 miles.
“The practices have been a lot more intense and competitive this season,” Alto said. “We are all pushing each other to reach our goal.”
Besides reaching states the group also wants to help the track team win their fourth North Coast League title and have a winning dual record.
“We want to get to states and to win the North Coast League,” Frego said. “Our main goal though is to just run the best of our ability.”
The boys track team will compete today at the North Coast League Meet Finals at 4:00 PM at Padua Franciscan High School.



Girls track team continue NCL dominance
adviser — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:14:03 +0000
With the final NCL meet today, the the team is preparing to overrun competitors in the Division I girls’ track and field state tournament.
“We want to continue our legacy of winning the NCL title for what may be the fifth year in a row,” head coach Joe Lutz said. “Winning the league will give us great momentum going into the state tournament.”
While today’s NCL meet marks the halfway point for the season, it is only the beginning of the long road ahead. The girls still have to qualify at district and regional meets to compete in the state tournament.
“We’re still trying to work out our relay team combos and complete our team aspect,” Lutz said regarding the team’s preparation for post-season play. “As for our presence at the state meet, Julianna Libertin, Krissy Sokol and Taylor Williams all have a solid shot at making it far in the tournament.”
Sokol is enthusiastic about her ranking as this year may be her first playoff run.
“I’ve been working really hard these past four years but I’ve come up short of states,” Sokol said. “This is what I’ve been waiting for and I’m ready to seize the opportunity. I’m really excited to compete and I hope I can make a deep run in the tournament.”
Libertin will be defending the title she earned last year in Division II, while Williams will also be making her last appearance in tournaments. All three seniors are looking to make the most of their last year and are eager to represent their school in Columbus.
Notre Dame Cathedral Latin expects to challenge the Knights along with all other North Coast League schools at 4:00 PM today at Padua Franciscan High School.