Freshman Daniel Kington

“My first real impression of the high school was while watching students attempt to pop balloons while hugging others in a race. I thought, “Well, this is going to be an interesting four years … to say the least.

“The rest of the day was fun. My Link Crew leaders had some fun games planned for us to do, and I got a better idea of where everything was.”

Freshman Alexander Guerrero

“When I came in through on of the large entrances of the school, I knew I would leave my old childish life behind and become more serious about work, what I do and my future. That means take my classes more seriously, sports more seriously, and my upcoming profession.”

Freshman Elise Waltzer

“The hallways were filled with so many students, most of them just as confused as I was. The high school was like a zoo … then I remembered this was only the freshmen.”

Freshman John Lagucki

“I thought that today was very exciting. I enjoyed how we had upperclassmen to help us get used to the school. We played fun games and got to meet new people.”

Freshman Athena Patitsas

“The Link Crew leaders were very nice and they really made me feel welcome here. I think this will be a good year.”

*Quotes submitted by freshman students during the first day of school, Aug. 24, 2010

Field Hockey

Coming off a year where regular season success did not lead to post season achievement, the field hockey team hopes that this year pans out a little better. Senior captain Emily Fitz has helped the team through a rigorous offseason in which the team has had the hurdle of losing 10 seniors.

“With the young talent we have, and the chemistry that we are developing, I hope that we can build a team that goes far this year,” Fitz said.

Boys Soccer

Despite losing several seniors after a successful season last year, the boys soccer team looks forward to the upcoming season. Never having been satisfied with the previous years record the team began improving their weaknesses as soon as the season ended. Senior captain Alex Clark has led the team through a grinding offseason.

“Last year we did well in the tournament, and overall it was an above-average season,” Clark said. “Our weaknesses were fitness and conditioning, so we were focused on those aspects during the offseason.”

Girls Soccer

Although the girls soccer team made it to regional finals last year, senior captain Mary Clare Yerke said the Bears hope to keep improving this season.

According to Yerke the team has worked hard during the offseason, and the fact that the girls have been playing together for several years now should help them achieve their goals this season.

Boys Golf

As the golf team begins pulling out their drivers and putters, listening to new head coach Ron Matz instructions they are reminded of the disappointing loss at districts the previous season. Senior captain Chris Watson predicts a better finish this year.

“Last year we were young, but we have built off that experience,” Watson said. “If we play our best at the right time I think we can go far this year.”

This summer saw the launch of the flex credit option, a highly-anticipated program for students to complete high school course requirements in multiple ways, including regular enrollment in the course, testing out through an exam or completing an “educational option.”

Such options were met with elation by many students, who declared their intent to test out of a class so they could get a year ahead in their studies, such as fulfilling their Public Speaking requirement over the summer, or testing out of a basic math course in order to move into the next level in the upcoming school term.

Though in theory flex credit is an incredibly innovative educational resource, it came to the high school this year with multiple flaws. Most prominently, a lack of information made it difficult for students to know what to study. Although some classes had materials posted online, many students were unaware of such resources. Additionally, some students found it difficult to contact teachers and administrators with questions.

Further, no flex credit tests should ask students to achieve tasks they wouldn’t need to complete if they took the actual course. The fitness test required of Physical Education test-takers was far more rigorous than what would be asked of a student after taking Walking For Fitness, or even the standard P.E. class.

Such issues need to be resolved if flex credit is ever to reach its educational potential.

By Evan Smith, '11

There’s a real problem going on at this high school. Freshman guys in particular need to take note, because their viable options for pursuing a relationship with a nice young girl will soon be dwindling.

Some of the best female candidates are being taken by guys in the grades above them, and this is a serious issue. It perpetuates the vicious cycle that has continued far too many years. Many guys are dating girls in the grades below them due to older guys taking the girls in their grade. This makes every guy the enemy of those in the lower grades, and leaves all unhappy.

I have studied the cycle, and I am in the final stages of issuing a multi-front program designed to further stimulate the testosterone of young males. This “stimulus package” includes various motivational and psychological plans: a lesson in female seduction by Congressman and noted womanizer Barney Frank, and a mandatory screening of Old Spice “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” body wash commercials for seven hours straight.

These efforts, however, are not enough, according to certain date-your-own-grade movements. One such political group, the Tea Party movement, aims at increasing the male macho sentimentality and bringing back pride amongst male high school students. Unofficial Tea Party spokesperson Sarah Palin described the cornerstone of the movement.

“The whole notion behind our name, the Tea Party movement, is that we don’t want young high school males to be sitting like little girls at a Tea Party,” Palin said. “We want them to learn to shoot guns, chew tobacco and grow hair on conspicuous areas of their bodies.”

The Tea Party, in a partnership with Rogaine, is now set to release Rogaine for Boys in an attempt to further male hair growth.

In my research on this issue, I found an inside source who has given me classified information regarding the new plans made by our government. My source, who I will refer to as Deep Voice so as to assure his anonymity, claims that the issue does not extend only to high schools.

“I can’t reveal pure information, I can only guide you,” Deep Voice said to me. “I’ll just say, this goes all the way up to the top—to the very top. The top office in the land.”

With Deep Voice’s aid, I uncovered some startling truths. Even President Barack Obama is not immune; his own wife, Michelle Obama, is three years younger than him—the equivalent of a senior dating a freshman.

With the highest ranking political figures themselves in on the vicious cycle, there may be no solution to this problem. My heart is with the young freshman guys who will soon face a harsh dose of reality. My only solace is that I have already weathered the storm and have emerged a tall, fully formed male.

Junior Erin Casey has released several videos on Facebook to showcase her singing talent. Many students are using social media to try and make a name for themselves among their peers. Photo by Vince Camillo

By Victoria Slater, ‘12

As a single, narrow spotlight beamed down upon her, junior Erin Casey rested her hands on the cool metal of the microphone and parted her quivering lips. It was show time and her chance to shine.

Casey remembers the exact nerve-wracking moments when she sang her heart out at last year’s talent show. But singing is not just a pastime for Casey. It’s her life.

“I’ve always known really,” Casey said. “My mom couldn’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing or dancing around.”

Following the lead of many Internet singing sensations, Casey uploaded a self-made music video of herself on Facebook during her freshman year. Within a few weeks, a surge of requests for songs came, and Casey realized that she was gaining popularity at a rate she never expected.

“I kept getting more and more requests until finally, a lot of people saw the videos,” she said.

The recognition she received was nothing short of rewarding. With a Facebook fan page dedicated to her talent, Casey explains she feels prepared to take the next step—gaining singing acknowledgment at a broader level.

“I plan to audition for American Idol [next] summer,” she said. “My dad promised when I was in the third grade that I could do it. Thankfully it is still on now that I’m 16.”

However, Casey’s main ambition does not lie with American Idol. Rather, she said she seems to have her heart set on a much more achievable aspiration.

“My biggest dream is to someday have a CD,” she said. “Maybe not in the near future, but sometime in my life.”

A School with Skill

At UA, Casey is not alone in her pursuit for big dreams.

Like Casey, sophomore Meaghan Campbell is utilizing the Internet to share her voice and to gain recognition from the high school.

“My ultimate singing goal is to become a country singer-songwriter,” she said. “But my current goal is to get my web site and Facebook pages up, so more people can hear my music.”

Throughout the past year, Campbell has used various opportunities, such as the talent show and the Bare Magazine CD, to share her voice.

“I am giving my CD out to people, and I’m finding places to perform,” she said. “I also submitted two of my songs to the Bare CD and they both got in.”

Another well-known singer at UAHS, senior Keeley McCormick has high hopes for her future singing career. This past spring, McCormick auditioned for Glee, a musical comedy series that is presently one of the top television shows in the country. Although she did not make it, McCormick continues to keep a focus on her high school performances as well as gaining recognition from various colleges.

“I’ve done the musical every year, and I perform with the choir frequently,” she said. “I auditioned for a few community projects around the city this summer, and I’m also sending some songs to a representative agency.”

Like many UAHS graduates, 2010 alum Tyler Moody is continuing his pursuit of a singing career at college. During his years at UA, Moody performed in a rock band and the elite high school singing group, the Vocal Ensemble. He additionally landed the lead role of Tony in the UA vocal music department’s presentation of West Side Story last February.

As he enters college as a freshman, Moody explained that he plans to continue on his route to becoming a recording artist.

“My dream is to become a touring, recording musician, and I’ll be pursuing it this year at Belmont University,” Moody said.

Highs and Lows

Although underlying talent and various singing skills are vital for any aspiring performer, a genuine passion for music proves to be most important. Casey knows this all too well.

“My love for singing really came about when I realized how it made me feel,” she said. “Being on stage and singing has an indescribable feeling. It’s such a rush.”

Like Casey, McCormick said she does not remember a time when she had not loved to perform. However, her passion is nestled within her need to share her talent with others.

“Performing has been a part of my life, and for me it’s more about telling a story and entertaining people rather than fame,” she said.

Despite a deep passion for performing and apparent talent, performers are still likely to confront challenges along their road to fame. For Casey, one of her greatest challenges is overcoming the competition that exists while pursuing a musical career.

“There are so many challenges for singers,” she said. “And there are so many talented people.”

Furthermore, Casey noted that many musicians lose themselves in an effort

to become famous. Casey said she believes many will lose sight of their ambitions or forget where their passion comes from.

“So much talent can get lost in the scramble for fame,” she said. “Singers can sometimes lose hold of the importance of why they sing.”

The Road to Fame

Before Casey and McCormick can gain national recognition in television series such as American Idol and Glee, they must undergo rigorous audition processes to be even considered for the shows.

Recalling her audition for Glee this past spring, McCormick notes that the audition itself was fairly straightforward, but she did have to overcome a few technological bumps along the way.

“The Glee audition process was as simple as posting a video on Myspace,” she said. “I had to practice the song, and record that and a monologue through my computer, but that was unfortunate because web cams are not the greatest quality.”

As for Casey’s audition for American Idol in the upcoming summer, plans remain undecided.

“The American Idol audition process actually takes place in the summer,” she said. “You go through a series of auditions and then you may or may not get called back for the show later.”

According to the American Idol web site, auditions for the show begin in early June in large cities around the country. Prospective contestants must arrive two days before the initial audition to register. If those auditioning cannot make it to the set locations, they have the option of sending in an audition tape through Myspace.

However, no matter how Casey or McCormick’s auditions turn out, they can always find comfort knowing they will learn and grow from the process.

“It’s a little bit of a risk putting yourself on the Internet in hopes of something where your chances of succeeding are very slim,” McCormick said. “But I tried my best, and that’s all that I can ask for.”

Casey said she hopes that, ultimately, her American Idol audition will give her more experience in pursuing her musical career and strengthen her singing talent as a whole.

“I want to gain audition practice, to be able to share a talent with the world in some way, and to have fun,” she said. “If I make it, I’ll be with talented people who I can learn from.”

A Program Like No Other

Most of the UAHS singers have received a considerable amount of support from the high school’s award winning vocal music department. The department fosters vocal programs that are unique compared to others in the area.

According to choir directors Eric Kauffman and Amy Leacock, the department offers a variety of classes for singers to develop and use their voice, and different styles of music to highlight the individual student’s skills. Most importantly, the choral program puts emphasis on the teaching of music theory and sight-reading.

For UA 2009 graduate Lauren Motil, her experience with sight-reading and music theory during her years with the vocal music department prepared her for college-level music classes and set her apart from her classmates.

“Through Mr. Kauffman, I gained valuable skills that I use every day in college, such as sight-reading and rhythm reading,” she said. “When I got to college, I quickly realized that I was far more prepared than a lot of my peers.”

Motil, who in 2009 was chosen as a recipient for UA’s Keith Krieger Music Endowment Fund, an annual music scholarship for students who pursue performing arts in higher education, thanks the vocal music department for the opportunities she has gained at Webster University.

“The vocal music department at UA is extraordinary because students aren’t taught to be singers,” Motil said. “They’re taught to be musicians.”

With that being so, those who are a part of the UA choral program excel in each and every area of music, not just sight-reading.

After four years with the department, Moody is aware of how much his singing voice has matured.

“I’ve become a better singer as far as range, pitch, tone and style are concerned,” he said. “The department has a strong work ethic thanks to Mr. Kauffman and Mrs. Leacock who are amazing, talented directors and teachers.”

In addition to music fundamentals, McCormick noted that the department prepares its students for performances with large choirs, where balance and harmony are necessary for a rich, unified sound.

“Singing with a large choir, like the Symphonic Choir, teaches you how to work and sing with other people, which is important in a professional career,” she said.

Casey added that she believes the vocal music department offers a stress-free environment where she can practice her singing skills, strengthen her voice, above all, enjoy herself.

“The vocal music department is just a fun way to share my voice further, mix it with other voices and learn some musical technicalities,” she said.

Words of Wisdom

With the help of the vocal music department, Motil said she feels comfortable sharing her experiences and struggles with those who are just beginning their journey. Now, as she begins her sophomore year at Webster University, Motil advises ambitious singers to be confident and keep an open mind.

“Be bold. Never be afraid to take risks; never be afraid of failure,” she said. “If you try as hard as you can, and if you fail, then you have learned a thousand times more than someone who just gets by.”

Moody also stresses the importance of a passion and an ultimate love for singing.

“Never lose sight of why you do what you do, whatever the reason may be,” he said. “You should always love to do what you do, but at the same time you have a responsibility to serve others with the gift you have been given.”

For McCormick, experience and drive prove to be the most important aspects of an aspiring performer.

“For all hopeful performers—perform all the time and practice as much as possible,” she said. “You have to have drive and know exactly what you want to make it.”

Campbell also agrees that experience in performing is essential.

“Everything you do gets you noticed in some way or another,” Campbell said. “Every opportunity I have taken has made me a better performer.”

As she moves closer to her goal of fame, Casey said she sticks to one rule she cherishes above all else.

“Always be confident in yourself. Not everyone may like your voice but the important thing is that you like it,” she said. “You have to be sure of yourself.”

Most importantly, Casey spends her moments on stage channeling everything into the thing she loves most.

“I always make sure to put my heart into my performance and give it my all,” she said.

That way, Casey can always expect a standing ovation.

By Corey McMahon

At the beginning of August, I had the pleasure of accompanying about 130 other students to Camp Swoneky for what many of them will go on to consider one of the highlights of their high school experience. It’s something everyone has heard of and many have misconceptions about; however, I can definitively tell you that no matter what it is you’ve heard about band camp from movies and television, if you’ve never been there, then you’re entirely wrong.

As hilarious and awesome as it would be if band camp were filled with pranks as is done in the pathetically bad movie American Pie Presents: Band Camp, it’s not. In fact, 99 percent of what movies have told you about band camp is the exact opposite of what actually occurs. The other one percent is that we play music there.

It’s actually surprisingly similar to most of the camps you’ve encountered. The mediocre (or bad, depending on how you’re feeling that day) food, the sticky sweatiness, the lack of sleep. We even have a skit that came this year complete with people wearing blankets singing the song that Pippin sings in Return of the King.

Actually, when I think about it, that skit epitomizes band camp. It’s like normal camp with a subtly nerdy twist added to it—but in a good way. It’s like the nerdiness of wearing a visor sandals with buckles. Or the nerdiness of every character that Michael Cera has ever played in a movie.

That nerdiness flows together to make a coherent theme that characterizes the band camp experience—and unavoidably affects every student who takes part in it. It’s an experience that cannot be duplicated or fabricated.

Students at band camp perform their first show, set to songs from the band Journey. Students performed this show at band camp and they will also perform it at one home and one away football game. Photo by Corey McMahon

The primary goal of band camp is to create a show—the show we play at the first Friday night football game. Doing so is such a feat of organization, I still cannot believe it gets done year after year.

During practice one day, I described to some friends how much I would love it if I could go to band camp without having to work out in the heat, without having to memorize music and without have to play my instrument for hours and hours on end.

If only we could sit at the pool all day. If only we could just spend time with friends. If only I could sleep in every day. What a relaxing, memorable, fun time that would be for everyone, right?

But I’ve since realized that without the work that goes into making a great show at band camp, what would band be? It would simply be regular camp.

Sure, I guess that can be fun, but it would lose what sets band camp apart—what makes the truly unique experience so truly unique.

The last point I want to raise an issue that concerns all teams, clubs or organizations at the high school level. This year I noticed, especially, (probably because it is my senior year) the effort and thought that goes into ensuring that the traditions that take place at band camp are done in a fun and welcoming spirit, as opposed to hazing.

Thanks in large part to the effort of the directors, this year’s band camp, like those from years before, continued to move in a direction of a fun, welcoming and inclusive camp.

That’s why, when it comes down to it, the movies you see will never capture the spirit of band camp. They love to show pranking and the like because it is funny.

But it is not band camp.

Summer vacation has officially ended and school is back in session. Students now must familiarize themselves with new books, new schedules and even new faces; however, freshmen will not be the only ones having a hard time with these adjustments. Nine new teachers have been added to the UAHS staff, with five of them joining the mathematics department.

Assistant principal Emilie Greenwald noted that only one of the five teachers has previous experience teaching high school math.

“Most of our applicants were young, because they came with the knowledge that these jobs are most likely available for one year,” she said. “Several math teachers from last year took leaves of absences for one year and are most likely returning in the fall of 2011.”

Another reason for the youth of the teachers is the seniority policy that exists at UA and most other districts. According to principal Kip Greenhill, once a teacher transfers to a different school district they are placed at the bottom of that district’s seniority list. If budget cuts call for it, teachers are let go by seniority, so the last teachers to join a school’s staff are the first to go when cuts are made. This policy makes it unlikely for experienced teacher to take a temporary position at a new school.

The five new math teachers who will be joining UAHS this year are Matt Solarz, Stephanie Marburger, Cara McNamee, Mindy Notestone and Andrew Tweddle. McNamee, Notestone, Tweddle and Marburger will be starting their first year teaching high school math.

Other new teachers at UAHS include Wellness teacher Kelley Windle, art teacher Robin Warren, special education teacher Gina Smith and global language teacher Xialoi Doty. Doty will be teaching Mandarin, which is a new course offering at UAHS.

Principal Kip Greenhill and the faculty at UAHS had a tough decision on their hands pertaining to the flex credit option; although the option was mandatory to all schools in the state of Ohio when first proposed, schools were later given a one-year reprieve from the state if they were not ready to use flex credit for the 2010-11 school year. Despite the short timeframe to prepare and perfect the option, the faculty decided to take on the project and do the best it could.

Senior Abe Lucey prepares to take his exam. Although 27 students originally signed up to flex out of Public Speaking over the summer, only two took the test and prepared speeches. Photo by Vince Camillo

After hearing about the flex credit option last spring, many students initially planned to use the option to flex out of required coursework. Some of these students later realized the flex credit option still requires a fair amount of preparation and work. Public Speaking teacher Chris Goddard experienced the results of this realization firsthand.

According to Goddard, 27 students originally signed up flex out of the course. Ultimately, only two students out of the original 27 completed the flex credit process. Senior Abe Lucey was one of these students. He said he used the flex credit option so he can keep his schedule open for other classes he would prefer to take.

Lucey, an IB Diploma candidate, doesn’t turn down any challenge when it comes to his schoolwork and studies, but admits that he was weary of flexing out of Public Speaking.

“It’s challenging, and flex credit definitely shouldn’t be used by students who don’t know anything about what they’re flexing out of,” Lucey said.

Although Lucey passed the class, he wishes he had had more contact with the teacher.

Lucey said the point of the flex credit option was to learn on your own.

“I was surprised when I found out I could e-mail back and forth with the teacher. I was a little confused with the exact requirements of the class,” Lucey said. “I think the administration should take it upon themselves to outline the class and make sure every student has a firm understanding of what they’re getting themselves into.”

The requirements for Public Speaking include three written speeches which are presented during the exam, one impromptu speech, and a written exam with approximately 150 multiple choice questions.

While the future of flex credit is still unclear, assistant principal Emilie Greenwald said she sees it as just another option for advanced students.

“Flex credit just allows students who excel [in a subject] get credit for [that knowledge],” Greenwald said.

According to both Greenhill and Greenwald, flex credit can be a good thing, but it takes a lot of careful planning and personal reflection, otherwise it can harm their future success in the more advanced classes in the subject they used flex credit.

The seminar included an information session with two professional sports journalists, a tour of the Memorial Tournament’s press facilities, a press conference with a PGA Tour Professional Golfer, and the opportunity to view pro golfers on the June 1 practice day of the tournament.

Though Tiger was nowhere to be seen, students enjoyed the opportunity to see firsthand the world of sports journalism at the professional level.

The photos show a progression of the field trip.

Media access to the Memorial Tournament is at the media center, which is located near the 18th hole of the course.

Journalists Jerod Smalley and Bob Baptist held an informational session about their role as sports journalists covering the 35th Memorial Tournament. Students listened and asked questions about their work.

Jack Nicklaus checks out the day's progress on a laptop in the media center before going out to his 11 a.m. June 1 press conference to begin the tournament. Nicklaus's nickname, the "Golden Bear," is due to his graduation from Upper Arlington High School.

Columbus Dispatch journalist Bob Baptist gives students a tour of the media room. He explained the setup of the room, from writers and photographers to radio broadcaster "boxes" and PGA tour press areas.

PGA Tour Pro James Nitties practices his swing in the driving range area at the Memorial tournament June 1.

2002 Memorial champion Jim Furyk and his caddy, Mike "Fluff" Cowan, discuss the 13th hole during the June 1 practice day at the Memorial Tournament.

2002 Memorial champion Jim Furyk finishes his swing on the 13th hole June 1. His caddy, Mike "Fluff" Cowan, and PGA Pro Tour Golfer John Sender watch the ball on its way to the green.

2002 Memorial champion Jim Furyk signs autographs for several UA students at the 2010 Memorial Journalism Seminar field trip.

PGA Tour Pro Golfer Ángel Cabrera strides down the 14th fairway to make a putt.

Students attended a press conference with PGA Pro Tour Golfer Mark Calcavecchia (right) in the afternoon. Calcavecchia, who joined the tour in 1981 and has won 13 PGA tournaments, discussed his years playing professional golf.

The seven students who attended the 2010 Memorial Tournament Journalism Seminar, juniors Alison Gilbert, Kristy Helscel, George Kankia, Parijat Jha, Corey McMahon, Bo Fisher and Evan Smith, pose in front of the leader board with Arlingtonian adviser Carol Hemmerly.

Photos: courtesy JR Kunkle

ComFest, the annual three-day summer festival in Goodale Park, has been a laid-back gathering  for festival goers that has usually involved little violence. That was until last year’s death of a college student, which has prompted an increase in security this summer.

According to the Aug. 7, 2009 Columbus Dispatch article, “OU student, 18, dies at ComFest,” by Dave Hendricks, Ohio University student Byran Barbin died at ComFest by an accidental stabbing. Barbin suffered from five knife wounds to his chest on June 27, 2009, the second day of last year’s festival. Witnesses led investigators to believe that his death was an accidental murder committed by one of his friends until Barbin’s autopsy found traces of LSD in his brain, according to the article. Such findings gave investigators reason to believe that Barbin’s death was self-inflicted, though accidental.

ComFest organizers, city and police officials have reached a deal that will double the security and police force inside and outside the park, according to an April 10 story in The Columbus Dispatch titled, “Security Deal reached for ComFest,” by Amy Saunders and Mark Ferenchik.

With the increase in security in the park, attendees cannot help but wonder how different the festival will be. In past years, people attending the festival have openly used drugs and brought alcohol into the park, ignoring ComFest’s rule against such activity. But with more Columbus City Police in the area, the taming of ComFest may be unavoidable.

Junior Laura Kington, who has been attending ComFest for three years now, said she could not see ComFest changing for anybody.

“I’m still going [to ComFest].  I do not think it will change much,” Kington said. “Increased security is not a problem.”

To Kington, Barbin’s death may be partly attributed to the size of the festival and the subsequent problems associated with that.

“If you really think about it, how big [the festival] is and how many people there are, something like that would happen eventually,” Kington said.

Senior Bart Brown believes that ComFest should not be blamed for Barbin’s death.

“It does not matter that it happened at ComFest,” Brown said. “Accidents happen. It could have happened at his home, too.  If anything, ComFest might have gotten him to the hospital faster.”

But for Brown, an increase in security is not necessarily a bad thing.

“Better safe than sorry,” Brown said. “I will still go.”

According to its official website, in the past, ComFest has assembled a Safety Committee of volunteers to ensure the security of all attendees.

“[The Safety Committee members] are not bouncers or bullies. Instead, Safety volunteers are the ‘event hosts,’ working to give help and solve problems in a friendly, positive manner,” the website states.

Connie Everett, ComFest organizer, said she believes that Columbus City Police have always been respectful of the festival.

“Columbus Police Department always respects ComFest rules, but they are certainly obliged to break anyone’s rules if they have to deal with a problem that demands it,” Everett said.

To Everett, the increase in security is not a result of violence or drugs, but from an increase in crowd size in the park and traffic.

“We have increased our special duty officers in high traffic areas in some proportion to crowd size at specific times of day,” Everett said. “[But] the neighborhood police may come into the park while performing their normal duties.”

As far as the typical atmosphere of ComFest, Everett said she does not condone the open use of drugs or the violation of alcohol-in-the-park rules, and she said the festival as a whole does not condone such illegal activities.

“Ignoring violations of the law or city policies has never been endorsed by ComFest,” Everett said. “We are particularly concerned about young people who come to the festival with the wrong idea about who we are and flagrantly break our rules, especially drug and alcohol violations. These people jeopardize the festival itself.”

To Everett, the change in security will not result in a direct change of ComFest’s peaceful atmosphere, and though the security will be tight, she does not foresee an increase in arrests.

“Arrests have been rare at ComFest over our 37 years,” Everett said. “And we believe we are the most peaceful three-day event in Columbus.”

Columnist finds new appreciation for dedication, sportsmanship required of Special Olympics athletes

From high school to the pros, motivation is an issue dealt with by all coaches and athletes. I, too, am flawed in this field, because many times while playing football or running track I fail to run my hardest or give it my all. As I walked to the Jones Middle School stadium, I expected a bunch of athletes socializing and having fun. I was stunned when I saw the enthusiasm and excitement coming from these Special Olympians. Instead of whining about having to practice in the scorching heat, like many would have, these athletes showed only signs of joy as they motivated one another to get the practice started. As I watched them warm-up, I realized that the motivation and companionship these athletes shared is rarely seen in any team.

Such an inspiring mentality was exemplified by senior Josh Valentino. I watched as Valentino greeted each player and volunteer with passion, giving each individual a handshake, a hug, and sometimes even a chest bump. Constantly encouraging his teammates, Valentino’s intensity did not falter for a second. This kind of passion is something even I strive for.

As all 31 athletes poured in, head coordinator of the Special Olympics Mike Borders took control and informed the athletes of what each individual would work on. With little resistance, Borders quickly had all the athletes ready after their warm-up laps. He then divided the athletes and volunteers into different activities, including running the 100-meter dash, performing the long jump, tossing a softball, or throwing a bocce ball.

Valentino and his group were first assigned to run the 100-meter sprint. As the group gathered around the starting line they smiled and laughed with each other as if they were casually hanging out. In over 10 years of playing organized sports, I have never been excited to run and I had never imagined any other athlete being motivated to do so, either. I was quickly proven wrong as Valentino and his teammates ran hard through the line. Without having coach Borders yelling and screaming, the athletes were giving it their full effort the entire time.

According to Borders, the athletes never fail to impress him, as they have a natural level of competitiveness that causes them to go hard all the time.

With one sprint down, I expected their effort to ease up, having given all of their energy right off the bat. Once again, I was wrong. Every athlete continued to go his hardest until the end of practice.

They further shocked me by never dwelling on the high temperature or whining about breaks—something I have seen at nearly every practice in which I have taken part. Instead, Valentino and the rest of the athletes seemed to enjoy the running and working out.

“It’s fun out here, including working hard and everything, because I love it,” Valentino said.

Passion like this is a rare commodity. Many times, I’ve seen people lose motivation because of the stress of events in their lives; however I think all of us, including myself, could learn a lesson from athletes such as Valentino.

Valentino begins each day by going to work from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and he still finds himself bringing every ounce of energy he has to each and every practice. Instead of getting lost in the highs and lows—the wins and losses—of everyday life, we need to approach everything in life with all of our effort. Not only will this bring a better outcome to our lives, but it will also bring greater happiness. Maybe with such effort, we can be like Valentino and just “love it.”

On May 1, boys in tuxedos and girls in their best dresses traveled to downtown Columbus for Prom 2010. The newly remodeled Columbus Convention Center was the new venue and the Convention Center provided dinner for the students by ARAMARK catering company.

The change in food received positive reviews from many students, including senior Beni Benalcazar, who said he enjoyed prom and gave the event eight and a half stars out of 10 for the improved food.

“The food [at prom] was better this year,” Benalcazar said. “I personally liked the steak.”

Senior Olivia Von Lembcke also said the food had improved from previous years.

“The food was excellent. I also really liked the way it was a buffet. Last year, there were waiters that served us and the service was poor. The dessert [this year] was so amazing,” Von Lembcke said. “I loved the cheesecake.”

Not all students were pleased with the dinner, however. Senior David Kuhar said he was unhappy with the food’s temperature.

“I ate cold chicken,” Kuhar said. “I was upset.”

The venue itself was also a hot topic for critique. Kuhar said the venue lived up to his expectations.

“The facility was very nice,” Kuhar said. “The lights on the ceiling set the scene and made for a nice night.”

Benalcazar liked the downtown Columbus location for prom.

“Overlooking the city was especially nice,” Benalcazar said. “The dance floor was right by those huge windows and you could see the city lights.”

On the other hand, Von Lembcke said she enjoyed the outside environment of last year’s prom at COSI more than this year’s inside facility.

“I liked the set-up. I just wish we could have danced outside,” Von Lembcke said. “Then again, it was raining. That would have been a nightmare.”

Junior Allie Dosmann said she thought highly of her first prom experience this year, but did not enjoy the DJ because of the older music that was played.

“I really liked it. It was a beautiful spot,” Dosmann said. “The DJ was the only downfall of prom. He left much room for improvement [newer songs].”

Von Lembcke shared similar sentiments and said she prefers more recent rap music to the oldies.

“The DJ was interesting… I danced like no other kid [has] danced at prom before,” Von Lembcke said. “But I felt like I was a kid in the ’70s because the music was so old.”

Von Lembcke said overall the dance was a success and the prom committee deserves credit for pulling it all off.

“To organize a dance for over 300 students is hard work and the prom committee did an outstanding job,” Von Lembcke said. “I applaud them!”

Photo courtesy Paramount Pictures

by Noah Grumman ‘12

Iron Man 2 (4 out of 5 stars)

When watching Iron Man 2, it is often difficult to decide whether the unbelievable plotline and technology is cheesy or badass. In this movie, the latter wins out.

The sequel centers around Ivan Vanko, the son of a Russian physicist, who has come for revenge against Tony Stark, the billionaire who invented the Iron Man suit, played by Robert Downey Jr.

There is a new villain and an entirely new plotline, but the sequel does not change the original movie’s formula. As with the first Iron Man, there is no lack of explosions or action (What would Iron Man be without explosions?)

Similar to the previous movie, there is little attempt to make the technology believable. Unlike James Bond or Dan Brown, the gadgets, like the miniature power generator in Tony Stark’s chest that saves his heart, are often not even supported by pseudo-science—and that is where the cheesiness comes into play. Put simply, the plotline is not especially realistic, and the technology is not believable.

But taking into account that Iron Man II is a superhero movie and not everything has to be perfectly logical, these flaws can be forgotten. Whether or not you are skeptical, it is difficult not to root for Tony Stark, the likeable bad-boy who can always find a way to outsmart his enemies and devise even more complex weapons. And not only is he a genius, his hilarious one-liners are never-ending. Stark may not always be believable, but the movie certainly is thrilling and entertaining.

One thing that may or may not frustrate is a character change: Iron Man’s sidekick, War Machine. Previously played by Terrence Howard, the character is now played by Don Cheadle, which may not seem important, but War Machine plays a much larger role in the sequel.

Unrealistic or not, the movie is a worthy sequel to the first Iron Man. Since the franchise is still going strong, there is little question that sooner or later there will be another sequel. An Avengers movie, combining Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and other superheroes may also be in the works.

Photo courtesy Universal Pictures

Robin Hood (3.5 out of 5 stars)

He returns from a crusade in Palestine, raids some towns, takes on a false identity and fights off a French invasion. But during the entire span of two and a half hours of the movie, Robin Hood, played by Russell Crowe, does not find much time for his fairytale task of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor.

The movie begins in a jumble of characters and events, similar to director Ridley Scott’s previous movie, Kingdom of Heaven. For the viewers who have the patience to endure the nearly indecipherable first hour, the plot does straighten out.

Put simply, Robin Longstride (who becomes known as Robin of the Hood) is returning from the English King’s crusade to Palestine and raiding towns. When he returns to England, he sees the unfair taxes placed on the common English people. He starts fighting for the rights of the people, but a secret French plot to invade England inopportunely interrupts his plans. So, Robin Hood puts his goal on hold in order to attempt to save England. Then, it’s over. One is left wondering where the Robin Hood that stole from the rich and gave to the poor went.

In the movie’s defense, however, it is not marketed as the story of Robin Hood, but merely the story of how Robin Hood came to be. So, be forewarned: the plot of the movie is probably not what you expected.

That isn’t to say that the movie isn’t thrilling. The most advanced weapon may be the bow and arrow, but there are some intense battle scenes, especially a Normandy-style invasion of the coast of England.

Without ruining the ending, I can say that the movie leaves options open for a sequel. If a sequel were half as long and half as confusing, it could be a very successful movie.