A parent's nightmare: rising popularity of tattoos prompts some students to get inked
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AUG . 2 1 , 2008 | T w o D o ll a r s | Upp e r A r l i n g to n H i g h Sc h o o l | 1650 R i d g e v i e w R o a d | Upp e r A r l i n g to n , OH 4 3 2 2 1 INTRODUCTORY ISSUE A parent’s nightmare: Rising popularity of tattoos prompts some students to get inked Link Crew welcomes freshmen | Changes in AP/IB courses | Short North offers end-of-summer fun
NEWS Freshman mentoring takes a ‘fresh’ approach BY corey mcmahon T he first day of high school is get the freshmen off to a good start,” freshmen Aug. 22, where they played traditionally a nightmare, a rite of Greenhill said. games to meet new people and learn tips passage that all students must brave. The program trained juniors and to help get through high school. This year, however, the high school’s seniors Aug. 15 and 16 for a total of “Link Crew provides the structure new freshmen mentoring program, 10 hours. These “Link Leaders” are for them to receive support and Link Crew, will ease the transition for responsible for motivating and guiding guidance from juniors and seniors who incoming students. the freshmen through the transition have been through the challenges that According to coordinators Nancy to high school and high school poses,” Botti and Kevin Stotts, the program is then facilitating Students can teach [other] students the website states. designed to help incoming freshmen freshman success. in a way that I can’t when I get up at After orientation, adjust to the new environment of high “Students can Link Crew provides school in a healthy and efficient manner. teach [other] the podium and lecture them. a wide range of both The new program was instituted because students in a way Principal kip greenhill academic and social of the old program’s poor execution and that I can’t when I follow up activities subsequent poor results, Botti said. get up at the podium throughout the year. “The old program was all about giving and lecture them,” Greenhill said. “It’s a “We want to continue the connection [the freshmen] information, but we more interactive type of learning.” that starts at orientation,” Botti said. wanted it to be more about connecting to According to the Link Crew’s website, Stotts and Botti said they expect big the school and other students,” Botti said. the process begins before the school year results from the new program, including Principal Kip Greenhill said the goal starts with a “powerful orientation day” benefits for non-freshman students. of the program is to improve the overall that excites freshmen for the upcoming “The difference in atmosphere, not beginning-of-high-school experience. school year. only for freshmen, but for everyone else, “We’re doing everything we can to UAHS conducted this orientation for will be [immeasurable],” Stotts said. Second wind for renewable energy BY Kristy Helscel A s the green movement goes mainstream, citizens across blow when electricity is needed. Wind energy cannot be stored, the country are making changes to reduce their carbon making it difficult to harness electricity in times of high demand. footprint, from buying local produce and fuel-efficient According to Meeth, creating the turbines costs approximately cars to making plans for carbon-neutral universities. With the $15,000 — $5,000 of which must be met by the club. Further- help of the Environmental Club, UAHS continues on its way more, the club must figure out where to place the turbines. to energy efficiency. Students have differing opinions on this As a former Environmental Club future design. president, 2008 graduate Kristen Arnold Junior Emily Steen said she believes the made it her goal to decrease the combustion change could be a great addition to the high of nonrenewable energy sources and the school and community. cost of electricity for UAHS. Following the “The use of wind and solar energy makes our school’s installation of solar panels in 2007, school look better as a whole,” Steen said. “It shows Arnold proposed the idea of wind energy that we care for the things around us.” supplied by wind turbines. Senior Catherine However, sophomore Ben Ross argued that the Meeth, now co-president, said she hopes to wind turbines would fight a losing battle. follow through with the idea this year. “The money spent on the turbines would be a Graphic by aldo corona According to the U.S. Department of waste because Ohio is not very windy,” Ross said. Energy, wind energy is a clean fuel source. According to Meeth, although the club’s In addition, wind energy is one of the lowest-priced renewable intentions are to dedicate its efforts to helping the environment, energy technologies available today. With the help of wind the idea is not to immediately transfer the school’s power source turbines, wind energy can be converted into electricity. to wind energy, but to gradually better the community over time. Arguably, the Department said the major challenge of using “Although it might not produce a lot of energy,” Meeth said, wind as a source of power is wind is sporadic and does not always “it’s the fact that we’re making an effort [that counts].” 2 AUGUST 21, 2008 ARLINGTONIAN
FEATURE Redefining rigor Changes to AP/IB courses spark enrollment, concern BY Joumana Khatib L ast year, amidst dwindling enrollment in advanced courses, revisions were planned to the AP/IB programs to increase the number of students taking the classes. According to principal Kip Greenhill, this support includes a guarantee of no more than three hours of homework per week per course, delayed start of school on Wednesday mornings for students to be able to meet one-on-one with their teachers, and one-day Photo illustration by GUNNAR SAMUELSON reprieve passes (given once a semester) which can be used for tests, AP/IB course loads have been reduced this year as part of academic support assignments or homework—or they can be exchanged for food provided by the administration. The changes have been introduced to encourage enrollment in advanced classes. coupons if not used. These changes seem to have worked, as enrollment in AP/IB enrollment in the wrong way. courses has increased 60 percent from last year, Greenhill said. “I realize that it is a problem, but I think [the school] is trying to fix However, the modifications to AP/IB courses have generated it in a manner which is both inappropriate and ultimately ineffective,” concern among some students. Senior Connor McNamee said he McNamee said. “Kids will sign up for the perks but not the class.” worries the quality of his education will be compromised as a result. The value of the incentives offered to students enrolled in advanced “It’s like degrading the value of the education so we can fulfill some classes has been questioned by some students. Junior Emma Gargus quota,” McNamee said. said the motivation and support offered to take IB courses did not One of the most controversial changes is the refusal to allow affect her decision to enroll in the IB Diploma program. students to drop AP/IB courses without attending the class for five “I would have taken the IB Diploma even if the incentives weren’t days. Senior Bailey McClellan said this new rule inconvenienced her. offered,” Gargus said. “I feel like anyone who signed up for the “I signed up for AP Studio Art, but after being named as a program just to have the perks signed up for the wrong reason.” Norwester editor I knew I wouldn’t have the time for that class Greenhill maintained that the changes introduced this year were anymore,” McClellan said. “I understand why they introduced the rule, implemented to benefit students. but I know that [this class] will not work for me as a student, so it’s “Over 90 percent of our students go on to college, so almost every frustrating [that] I can’t drop it [until five days have passed].” student should take at least one advanced course,” Greenhill said. “This Greenhill said in order to drop an advanced class, a conference academic support will help students better prepare for college.” with the teacher and counselor must be held to ensure that the correct Greenhill said students should be receptive to the changes. decision is being made. “AP and IB will be different this year,” he said. “Students should McNamee said changes such as the increased difficulty of give it a try and not base their opinions on the reputations of the dropping AP/IB courses are unfair, and the school is seeking to boost courses from the past.” SIGN UP NOW for your ’08-’09 Arlingtonian Subscription Order NINE issues by Sept. 26 for $15 Send to: After Sept. 26, subscriptions are $20 Arlingtonian 1650 Ridgeview Rd. • Columbus, OH 43221 Phone: 487-5240 ext. 180 • Fax: 487-5221 Name: Grade (Please circle): 9 10 11 12 Staff Indicate building Homeroom section (write N/A if not a UAHS student) : Subscription $15 ($20 after Sept. 26) Address * (all subscribers must complete): Mail Home (optional $12) $ Staff Donation (optional) $ Please circle one: cash check (All checks payable to Arlingtonian. Please do not staple money to form.) TOTAL $ *UAHS students and UA staff will receive their subscriptions via homeroom delivery. All other subscribers will receive their subscriptions via USPS. ARLINGTONIAN AUGUST 21, 2008 3
FOCUS Some students’ desire for tattoos sparks controversy between adults, law By Jessica Banchefsky and sarah watson ith a combination of like it, it will grow back in three weeks,” that [my parents] would decide where nerves and exuberance, he said. “A tattoo is forever.” I went.” 2008 UAHS graduate Kevin Jacobs agreed that referrals are Murray endures the prodding pain of a important to have. needle in order to get his first tattoo— According to Jacobs, choosing “If you see someone’s tattoo, and without his parents’ permission. Now, where to get a tattoo is one of the most it looks good and they had a good as he struggles to hide his new body important steps. He stressed the need experience, that helps a lot,” he said. art, he said he does not regret his to visit multiple shops to get a feel for Andy Keyes, a Health and P.E. decision in the least. the parlor, artists and their work. teacher at Hastings Middle School, “My [first] tattoo was a milestone at “You should be really critical about used a combination of background this point in my life,” he said. “I love it.” their work,” he said. “You have to talk information and referrals to decide at Murray was one of the few students to people about cleanliness issues and which stores to get his 12 tattoos. brave enough to invest in a tattoo, but find someone well-trained.” “First I did internet research— he is one of many who love the idea. Marchese allowed her parents to this allows you to get background Despite Murray’s positive experiences, information,” he said. “For example, some students’ desire for a tattoo It’s not like getting a haircut, where if all tattoo artists have to be licensed creates controversy between parents, by the state of Ohio, so you can find peers and the law. you don’t like it, it will grow back in out if they are, and if they aren’t, you three weeks. A tattoo is forever. shouldn’t use them. It’s common sense.” According to plastic surgeon Dr. Like Murray, many students reach a Professional tattoo artist James McMahon, there are also point where they crave a tattoo of their Chris Jacobs health risks to consider when getting own, and senior Jen Marchese was no a tattoo. exception to this rule. select the shop. “Tattoo parlors are supposed to be “I’m pretty impulsive when it comes “They looked into it really well,” regulated by the state, but there is always to that sort of thing. [Every] teenager she said. “They called one of my dad’s a risk of a skin infection,” he said. wants [a tattoo] growing up; the friends who recently got a tattoo to Stores that do not fulfill these only difference is I actually followed see where he went so that they knew it requirements are dangerous to a through,” Marchese said. was safe. The one condition that had person’s health and safety, he said. However, junior Zach Kelch said he to happen for me to get a tattoo was “Besides infection, there is also the does not have any desire risk of hepatitis or even to get a tattoo. AIDS from a dirty “I wouldn’t want to Tattoo Survey: Students share their views needle,” he said. have one on my body According to Jacobs, Do you have a tattoo? Do you plan on getting a tattoo? for my whole life,” he the next important step is said. “I think it would be deciding what you want awkward to have it when as a tattoo. Keyes has a I’m 70.” very distinct reason for YES UNSURE According to 11% his tattoos. 16% professional tattoo artist “Tattoos have a long Chris Jacobs of the history in humans,” he NO 47% local tattoo parlor Fate said. “They have been Tattoos, it is important used to do everything NO 89% YES 38% for students to remember from identifying the commitment family to warning required for a tattoo. others of confrontation “It’s not like getting a discipline. They can haircut, where if you don’t source: Voluntary arlingtonian homeroom survey of 128 students, may 2008 Photo byAndrew Hedden be used for symbolic 4 AUGUST 21, 2008 ARLINGTONIAN
FOCUS reasons, too. Mine are used to identify family.” Murray’s tattoo, a zombie, is symbolic of his love of horror movies. “I spent my entire life loving horror movies,” he said. “Because they have been a part of my life for so long, I really love the zombie and what it represents.” Marchese had a less detailed motivation for her decision. She said she did not have a real reason behind her tattoo, a peace sign. “I just like the universal theme of peace,” Marchese said. Jacobs said after these decisions have been made, all that is left is a $50 deposit, paperwork, an appointment, the tattoo and follow-up care. “After getting a tattoo, it is critical to keep it clean and pay close attention to how your body is acting in order to avoid infection,” he said. According to the Ohio Department Photo by andrew hedden of Health, it is necessary that a parent, Josh Mackay, co-owner of Fat Lip Tattoo, tattoos a customers arm. Newly opened in May 2008, the parlor allows guardian or custodian of an individual custom tattoos for no additional charge. under 18 years old appears in person at the business at the time the procedure a certificate of blood-born pathogens, which provides immediate results but is performed. infection control, and first aid. He may often cause scarring. The second Although Murray was over 18, his added that each parlor must be option is laser treatments, which is parents still disapproved of the idea of approved by the Ohio Board of Health, extremely painful. his tattoo. but that does not necessarily make it a “Most people say it feels like a Marchese, who is 17, found herself good shop. rubber band snapping 5-10 times per in a similar situation before getting “Just because a shop is health board second on a very small area of skin,” her tattoo, but ultimately was able to certified doesn’t mean it’s good,” he said. McMahon said. convince her parents. “The health board doesn’t require a lot of However, according to Jacobs, not “At first [my parents] blatantly things that we do [at Fate Tattoos].” many people regret the decision. said no,” she said. “I asked them to “Especially when you get a lot [of seriously consider it rather than just tattoos], you remember that you got it at saying no immediately.” One of the controversial aspects a certain point in your life,” he said. Although Kelch does not desire a surrounding tattoos is the issue of Marchese does not think the removal tattoo, he knows his parents’ stance on whether a person will regret his or process would be worth the trouble. the issue. her decision later in life. Murray and “The scar I would get would be “I know they think that you need Marchese both agreed they will not pretty unattractive. It’s a pretty painful to think long and hard before you get regret their tattoos. process from what I’ve heard and I one because it’s permanent,” he said. “A lot of people think I am going to don’t think I will ever regret it enough Keyes, a father of two, said he will regret my tattoo because people regret to get it removed,” she said. let his kids get tattoos if they want a lot of things that are permanent,” Murray also realizes that his tattoos them when they are old enough. Marchese said. “But since I made the are with him forever. “It would be silly for me to say decision at this point in my life I think “Some of my f riends think I am no to my kids when I have so many I’ll be okay with it.” going to regret it, but they’re the [tattoos myself ],” he said. However, with today’s technology, kind of people who would never Aside from age laws, there are also tattoos are not necessarily permanent. get one,” he said. “My f riends that safety requirements that must be met. According to McMahon, there are two would get [a tattoo] think it’s cool. According to Jacobs, specific options. The first option is cutting the [Getting a tattoo is] a personal requirements for tattoo shops include tattoo out and stitching the wound, thing—it’s fun.” ARLINGTONIAN AUGUST 21, 2008 Graphic by Aldo Corona Photo Illustration by Gunnar Samuelson 5 Cover Photo by Andrew Hedder
ARTS Short North Shindigs North High Street events keep summer sizzling through September by leah johnston and kim weisenberger O n Aug. 23 the North Market will host a free, indoor concert featuring the Shaw Brothers, a trio rock band that will play a set of tunes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition to the music, attendees are encouraged to browse the large variety of stores. Everything from fine foods, coffee, flowers, jewelry and clothes are available at independently-owned businesses scattered around the market. If the shops do not impress, the kitchen on the second A musician plays his tuba floor will. The location is the set of The Columbus outside the North Market. Many performers showcase Dispatch Kitchen on Channel 10. On the show, host their talents at the market. Robin Davis creates recipes and cooks food that is available to the audience for tasting. Come for the music Photo by hannah bills and stay for the diverse atmosphere! E xperience a taste of Greek culture at the Greek Festival Aug. 29-Sept. 1. The festival will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church located on 555 N. High St. Activities will be from 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday, noon to midnight on Sunday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday. For a mere $5 entrance fee attendees can sample authentic music, exciting games and great food. One of the most popular events at the Greek Festival is the authentic Greek dancing. Several members of the church and various high school students dress up in traditional Greek clothing and perform. A group of dancers pose in their Visit the various exhibits and shops, and stop to enjoy traditional Greek attire. The a piece of baklava. Don’t forget to tour the incredible dancers perform multiple times cathederal and soak in the Greek culture.This festival will throughought the festival. have you yelling “Opa!” Photo courtesy katina Maisenbacher O n the first Saturday of every month the shops, galleries and restaurants of the Short North stay open late for some Columbus cosmopolitian fun. The September “Summer in the City” Gallery Hop will be held Sept. 6, beginning at 4 p.m., although many shops will be open prior to the event for early-bird shoppers. Retail shops will close at 10 p.m., but many restaurants stay open later for the late-night crowd. Take the opportunity to peruse the many events on High Street. Make sure to stop in the trendy galleries or One of the Short North’s most urban boutiques that often host sales during the event. distinct features is the arches that Live music played on the streets completes the ambiance hang above the streets. At night, the arch’s colored lights illuminate for the occasion. the street below. If hunger becomes an issue from the shopping, eat at the Press Grill, a restaurant focused on making American classics, or Lemongrass, a mix of Thai and American Photo by hannah bills cuisine. Do not miss this one-of-a-kind event! 6 AUGUST 21, 2008 ARLINGTONIAN
SPORTS Cheerleader-in-Chief Presidential visit inspires U.S. Olympians Graphic by Brandon Sega P erhaps the most popular vacation soaking in the smog-filled Beijing air, think again. American thus far in the The busy agenda of the President is also filled with meetings Olympic games is not and speeches. Along with supporting our American athletes, Bush someone many people would has had meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao and other have expected. This person is leaders of the country, and has attended church services where he not breaking world records in spoke about religious freedom—a very sensitive topic in China. the “water cube,” competing for He also has been speaking with Georgian President Mikhail a second gold medal in beach Saakashvili and Russian President Dmitri Medvedev to reiterate volleyball, or leading the “redeem the United States’ position of support for the country of Georgia. team” to victory on the basketball It would be easy for Bush to simply wish our Olympians well, court. This unlikely American is send them off to Beijing and wait to welcome them back home at the our very own President George W. White House. However, supporting them firsthand and personally BY Mitch Lex Bush, who has received a workout spending time with the many athletes offers them support and gives comparable to our athletes while event-hopping in Beijing. a sense of importance to their contribution to our country. Many use After arriving, Bush cheered on the U.S. Olympians during the Olympics as an opportunity to exploit political agendas. They the opening ceremonies with his wife Laura and his father, protest, expose, boycott—whatever may grab the spotlight from those former President George H.W. Bush. He then wasted no time who are simply dedicated to the meaning of the Olympics. These rushing to meet and greet just about every American team athletes have been training for the past four years for this moment, and athlete. He proceeded to spend the day watching Michael and seeing our President acknowledge them is truly meaningful. Phelps break yet another world record, getting a few spikes in Maybe we can all take a break from picking political sides and with undefeated volleyball duo Misty May-Treanor and Kerri follow our President’s exampleby living the moments of these Walsh, and even finding time to bike a section of the Olympic games: the glory, the tears, the joy, the redemptions and the triumphs course. For those of you who think our President is taking a of giving it your all for something bigger than yourself. Golden Futures Two UAHS students compete at the Olympic swimming trials BY lindsay Gardner F rom June 29 through July 6 in Omaha, Neb., two students got a Graphic by Brandon Sega glimpse of the future to which they can work towards in 2012. Sophomore Abby Chin and senior Darcy Fishback swam at the U.S. Olympic Trials to try to qualify for Olympic team. Chin and Fishback both fell short of qualifying for this year’s Olympic games, but according to Fishback the trials are considered by many U.S. swimmers to be more competitive than the Olympics. Chin qualified to compete for three events at the trials: the experience of it all.” women’s 100-meter butterfly, the 200-meter butterfly and the Neither Chin nor Fishback said they expected to make 400-meter Individual Medley, while Fishback qualified in one the Olympic team this year, but both hope to compete at the event: the 100-meter butterfly. Olympics in London in 2012. Chin said swimming at the trials was exciting, but her times “I have a lot of swimming goals for the future,” Chin said. did not represent her ability. “Competing four years from now would be crazy, and right now I “My swims at trials weren’t necessarily my best swims,” Chin just have to focus on the hard work in order to hopefully get there.” said. “I got caught up in my surroundings, and how many people Fishback said she thinks she has a good chance of making were watching me swim.” the team in 2012. It was exciting to compete against some of the top swimmers “I’ll probably be at my peak during those Olympic games,” in the world, Chin said. Fishback said. “I have experience at the trials now so I can go in “I felt small at trials. I looked around and saw all these tall, 2012 and hopefully represent the United States in London.” amazingly fit women and it [scared] me,” Chin said. “However, Chin said, “I think not only my goal, but the team’s as well, is going in so young, I had no expectations and could swim for the to bring home another state championship.” ARLINGTONIAN AUGUST 21, 2008 7
VOICE New AP/IB policy causes Good vs. Evil: strain on students Welcoming freshmen O staff editorial n behalf of the S upperclassmen at UAHS, I cheduling has always been, for lack of better wording, a pain. would like to welcome the Add the new stipulations for dropping an AP/IB class into the class of 2012. All sophomores, mix, and even bigger problems can arise. juniors and seniors know the The increased difficulty comes from a policy enacted by the school in transition to the high school order to maintain the increased enrollment in AP/IB classes. According to the can be either challenging new policy, in order to drop the class a student must attend it for a minimum or great—hopefully both. of five days, as well as conference with the teacher and a counselor. However, as upperclassmen we Although well meant, the policy no longer need to worry about creates more problems than it solves. Although well meant, all the stresses of the transition. It is always somewhat difficult for students to get into the classes they the policy creates more By Jamie Arkin Instead we get to enjoy problems than it solves. watching and participating in the want, especially for upperclassmen transition of this year’s freshman class. who must fit in all of the graduation Each of us must choose who we want to be: a “good” requirements and get into less-offered, higher-level classes. Now, students upperclassman or an “evil” upperclassman. The good will have even more trouble, as the window of opportunity to get a space upperclassman is one who will show a lost freshman to his in a class will shrink by an entire school week’s worth of waiting. Moreover, next class or help her understand how LC passes work. The because of this policy, many students will find themselves frustrated with evil upperclassman is one who will try to sell an elevator the fact that they have to potentially “waste” five whole days in a class they pass to an ignorant freshman, hoping to make a quick $5, or have no intention of taking. The result is a domino effect, where the student place a freshman in a trash can just for kicks. (Trust me, I ends up being a week behind in their studies for the class they actually do have seen it happen.) intend to take. This year, the freshmen will be on the lookout for which In addition, upperclassmen will help and which ones they need to avoid. the policy When trying to decide which category you will fall under, it creates a trying is easy to fantasize about picking up a freshman and stuffing situation for them in a trash can. The effects on that freshman would be a both the teacher cause for laughter, and yes, it would make a great story to tell and student your friends, but would it really be worth it? What happens over the “point” to the freshmen this year will set the stage for their next of completing ◈ years at the high school. three summer When I think back to my freshman year, I remember the assignments; upperclassmen being unhelpful. Sure, I am thankful that I if the student was not placed in trash cans or shoved into lockers, but I elects not to also wish there had been older students willing to help. do the summer In the end it seems best to have an even mix of good and work, they are evil upperclassmen. The freshmen get the help they need editorial cartoon by brandon sega unprepared for to survive in high school, but they also get pushed around that week of just enough so they know their place. This ensures the class, yet if the student does do the work, unnecessary time has been spent next freshman class will know some rumors about the high on a class that will never be completed. school are true, and hopefully this knowledge will lower the The intentions of the policy are good: rather than be allowed to drop a number of arrogant freshmen in the halls. class before even beginning, students are given the opportunity to overcome Like the balances between yin and yang or good cop and the intimidation factor of a higher-level class and actually give it a try. bad cop, it appears there must be a When put into practice, however, the policy falls short of helping students balance between the helpful and the begin the school year smoothly. Due to the difficulties students may face unhelpful for our school to function. this year from such a change, perhaps in the future the policy could be Have something to say? It is cinema’s most overused cliché: modified for special circumstances or possibly even shorten the timeframe Email us at arlingtonians@yahoo.com good vs. evil. As upperclassmen you for trying out a class. For now, however, it seems students and faculty alike or visit www.arlingtonian.com must now decide: Which side will will just have to wait and see how it goes. you take? 8 AUGUST 21, 2008 ARLINGTONIAN
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