Vol. 3 Issue 2 Drumbeat

Copley High School

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Copley High School’s wide selection of student clubs reflects the diverse student population; there’s a club for everyone and new ones are being formed every year. Now, there’s a club for book lovers.

The Book Club is the newest edition to the collection of Copley clubs. The brain child of juniors Abby Grable and Kelsey Graf, the casual club meets on one Tuesday ev-ery month to discuss a book read by all the members and to pick a book for the following month.

“We just felt like there are a lot of good options for clubs at Copley High School,” said Grable. “We also felt like we could use better diversity and just kind of add a club that was just fun and low-maintenance for people to join.”

To start a club at Copley, students must find a teach-er to oversee meetings and then seek approval from the principal. With the help of English teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Caldwell, Graf and Grable put the idea of a Book Club, inspired by Grable’s mom, into motion.

“When we first went to Mrs. Caldwell, she was very helpful in asking Mr. Sable if it would be okay to form the club and he thought it was a great idea,” said Grable.

Graf and Grable wanted to give fellow students the opportunity to read a book and discuss it in a casual social setting.

“It’s just an open discussion,” said Graf. “It’s free to talk… you don’t have to fill out any worksheets. It’s nothing like an

English class; it’s just a fun discussion.”“We open it up,” Grable added. “People just say whatever

they want about it, talking about if they liked it or not… what they did and didn’t like. It’s just a good time. We all sit and hang

out, talk about something mutual.”The club has already met to discuss their first book, The

Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. Two discussions were held by those who finished the book and those who did not. Much independence is given to the members and joining the club is non-binding. Members need not attend every meeting or read every book.

“If you can’t attend a meeting, you always can find out about the book,” said Graf. “You don’t even have to necessarily come to the meetings if you don’t want to read a book. The next month you can just pick right back up.”

So far, the club has had a positive effect on its mem-bers.

“With this book club, I’m finding time to read for myself,” said Grable. “Usually I don’t have any time, but now it’s giving me time so I really like that. I’m going to read more books than I usually do, so I’m excited.”

Grable and Graf anticipate a similar response from other members as the club reads more books.

“I just hope people have fun and enjoy it and enjoy opening themselves up to new literature and literature that they normally wouldn’t read,” said Grable.

In the near future, the club plans on making T-shirts and bookmarks for its members. Their next meeting will

be on December 18 to discuss the book The Road by Cormac McCarthy.

Copley bookworms begin a chapter of their own By Kaysea Thomas

A look inside:

You’ve never seen this many manly

men Page 2

Get in tune with the band and choir

Page 3

Happy Chrismakwanzakah

to you!Page 4

The young and the hopeful

Page 5

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

Page 6

Beware of the swine!Page 7

Sparkly vampires and shirtless werewolves

Page 8

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, wish lists are growing and last minute shoppers are crowding the stores. How-ever, the gift of giving may be the best gift of all, and Copley teachers and students can attest to this.

Senior Adrian Christ volunteered with the “Stand up with Style,” fashion show this summer to raise money for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. “Stand up with Style” is a non-profit organization that was founded and run by teens in the com-munity. It was founded and is chaired by former Copley High School graduate, Elisa Leon-ard, along with mem-bers Mary Forchione and Molly Leonard, also Copley alumni.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Founda-tion was founded in 2005 in honor of Nancy Block-Zenna, a woman who was diagnosed at age 35 with triple nega-tive breast cancer and died two and a half years later in 2007. This type of cancer results when women lack the receptors that normal treatments typically target. Block Zenna’s close friends started the TNBC Foundation to raise awareness and support research.

“The whole production was for a good cause, and I really like fashion so it was fun to do while helping others as well,” said Christ.

This was Christ’s first year with the organization and she said that every part of the process left a lasting memory on her. She helped with all the background work that goes on with the fash-ion show, including trips to the store to pick out outfits, and she helped to fit the models. “Stand up with Style” also auctioned off gift baskets to businesses that were helping the cause, which Christ helped put together.

Christ has also volunteered in other ways. She passed out food to the homeless this summer in different parts of Akron,

which left her with a life-changing experience.“It’s an eye-opener to see people who don’t live the good life.

Volunteering is a very selfless act that you can learn from, and it’s always good to help others,” said Christ.

Similarly, English teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Caldwell, volunteers for Heifer Foundation. Their mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty while also caring for the earth. She col-lects money from students and sends in the money to the Heifer

Foundation. Heifer Foundation achieves their mission by providing appropriate livestock, training, and related services to small-scale farm-ers and communities worldwide.

Heifer Foundation aims to grow a base of permanent finan-cial support to help needy people around the world become self-reliant through sustainable means. That’s what Caldwell likes most about the organization.

“I like the message that they have; it’s not just giving, but teach-ing as well,” she said.

This is her third year working with the nationally known organi-zation that teaches structure and responsibility.

Freshman Ashley Bradford has been part of Indian Nations since she was seven years old. Indian Nations visits different children’s camps and tells stories about vari-

ous cultures.“Not only does it help the kids, but it helps us be proud of

who we are,” said Bradford.One of her fondest memories was her very first trip to Arizona

with Indian Nations to an archeological site. She said it made her very “proud.” She joined to learn more about her Indian heritage, and because it’s “fun to listen to everybody’s stories.”

“It makes me laugh when I see the looks on the kids’ faces when we are telling our stories,” said Bradford.

She is also joined by her cousins when she participates with Indian Nations.

So instead of stressing about the perfect gift this holiday, find a way to do some volunteer work. It may just be the best gift to give and recieve.

Lending a helping hand to make a difference, CHS students give back

By Tyler McCormick

Grable (left) and Graf (right) display the Book Club’s selections. Photo by Kaysea Thomas

(Left to right) Jaz Robinson, Adrian Christ, Michael Forbes, Marrissa Neal , and Mrs. Caldwell stand in front of the Ther-MOO-meter. Photo by Thomas Pernecker

Copley High School Drumbeat

School NewsDecember 17, 2009 2

Aaron (Tabby) TobiasFavorite...Movie: Bratz Winter Activity: Making igloosShampoo: Loreal fish shampoo - Burst of Mango TangoGirl Characteristic: PersonalityTV channel: DiscoveryBest Quality: My awesomenessAnnoying Girl Characteristic: Attitude

Eric FelaFavorite...Movie: The Girl Next DoorHobby: Mudding in wicked whiteYear in HS: Senior; is this a real question?Shampoo: Head and Shoulders: Knees and Toes versionExtreme Action Sport: BowlingBest Quality: I like to laughRestaurant: Swensons

Alejandro GamboaFavorite...Movie: Step BrothersFood: Chexmix, chocolate milkTeacher: Mrs. DavisAnimal: My dalmatian DottySports Team: Barcelona Futbol ClubExtreme Action Sport: White water raftingBest Quality: My smile

Cody HuffFavorite...Food: KetchupMovie: Finding NemoHobby: Tree-bendingAnimal: Grizzly bearExtreme Action Sport: CheckersWinter Activity: Iglooing Best Quality: “I can sleep any-where, anytime.”Clothing Store: Walmart

Brian RuhaakFavorite...Winter Activity: Sledding behind Cody Huff’s go-cartYear in HS: Senior - “I like being a BMOC.”Movie: Hitch and GladiatorRestaurant: Luigi’sClothing Store: ExpressAnnoying Girl Characteristic: Curses a lot, foul language

Sam GallowayFavorite...Teacher: Mr. EdmondsMovie: Wedding CrashersRestaurant: Tres PortillosHoliday: HalloweenAnimal: PantherShampoo: Herbal EssenceUnderclassmen Crush: Jackie D’AttomaClothing Store: Old Navy

David FreshFavorite...Movie: Men in Black I and IIHobby: Playing guitarYear in HS: SophomoreWinter Activity: Ignoring the coldClothing Store: American EagleRestaurant: ChipotleBest Quality: My hairGirl Characteristic: Genuine

Dan KeigerFavorite...Food: RiceHobby: Sheetz runs Extreme Action Sport: ChessClothing Store: The Gap Sports Team: Globo GymAnimal: Saajid MoyenBest Quality: Spitting out free-style haikus and limericksWinter Activity: Staying warm

Andrew SchottFavorite...Food: SteakMovie: Tommy BoyHoliday: ChristmasTeacher: Mr. MalcolmAnimal: CougarHobby: BaseballWinter Activity: SnowboardingBest Quality: 6-packGirl Characteristic: Personality

Meet the Man of the Year Candidates

Tom CsepeFavorite...Hobby: Ballin’ at the parkShampoo: Garnier FructisClothing store: Polo OutletAnimal: PterodactylExtreme Action Sport: Wake boardingAnnoying Girl Characteristic: Maturity level of a two-year-oldMovie: Gladiator

By Laura Doncaster and Jessica Wharton

Justin DombradyFavorite...Food: LunchablesMovie: AladdinHobby: DodgeballYear in HS: SeniorExtreme Action Sport: MuddingClothing Store: GoodwillAnimal: LigerHoliday: ChristmasGirl Characteristic: Personality

Dominique DixonFavorite...Movie: 300Year in HS: SeniorExtreme Action Sport: BoxingWinter Activity: Snowball fightsShampoo: Head and ShouldersGirl Characteristic: BeautifulAnimal: LionClothing Store: Ralph Lauren Holiday: Christmas

Kevin DresslerFavorite...Food: School lunchesHobby: People watchingExtreme Action Sport: Extreme badmittenMovie: Monsters Inc. Clothing Store: Thrift storeAnimal: UnicornBest Quality: X-Ray VisionGirl Characteristic: Eyes

Jeremy CodyFavorite...Movie: The HangoverHobby: PhotographyYear in HS: SophomoreClothing Store: Pac Sun, “because I need my skinny jeans.”Animal: KangarooShampoo: Head and ShouldersUnderclassmen Crush: Katie Webb

Joey D’AttomaFavorite...Movie: AladdinHoliday: ChristmasYear in HS: SeniorShampoo: SuaveTeacher: Mrs. WarrenRestaurant: Buca de BeppoHobby: Playing catch Girl Characteristic: Sweet, pretty

Kevin IvaskuFavorite...Hobby: Playing with puppiesExtreme Action Sport: FlyingSports Team: Denver NuggetsAnimal: KangarooTV Channel: ESPN 8 “The Ocho”Food: ChineseGirl Characteristic: Sense of Humor

Mike Ferguson Favorite...Food: BeefMovie: Field of DreamsHobby: Pretending I am a carWinter Activity: Snow angelsClothing Store: GoodwillShampoo: SuaveHoliday: BirthdayBest Quality: Everything

Copley High School Drumbeat3807 Ridgewood Rd.Copley, Ohio 44321

Phone: 330.664.4999 x527068Fax: 330.664.4951

sarah.petry@copley-fairlawn.org

EditorsEditor-in-Chief: Laura DoncasterAssociate Editor: Kaysea Thomas

News Editor: Jessica WhartonFeature Editor: Nicole Pupino

Entertainment Editor: Corey SmithSports Editor: Elliot Schall

Layout Editor: Olivia LopezPhotography Editor: Thomas Pernecker

Staff WritersAlex Lee

Tyler McCormickDarius Simpson

AdviserSarah Petry

Note: The Drumbeat, Copley High School’s student newspaper, is a limited public forum. Any opinions expressed are those of the author or speaker, and not necessarily those of this newspaper, its staff, Copley High School, or the administration.

DrumbeatCopley High School

Andrew RodenbeckFavorite...Food: Panera’s Chicken Chipotle SandwichMovie: The Lion KingClothing Store: JusticeHoliday: Sweetest DayExtreme Action Sport: Potato sack racingWinter Activity: Sychronized ice skating

Martel DurantFavorite...Restaurant: T.G.I. Friday’sAnimal: PenguinTV Channel: Soaps/OxygenSports Team: Los Angeles LakersTeacher: Mrs. WarrenHobby: GolfClothing Store: NextGirl Characteristic: Personality and body

Copley High School Drumbeat

School NewsDecember 17, 2009 3

The versatile Copley band and choirs are always working on something new. Since mid-July, the Copley music department has been bustling with activity, starting with summer practices for the award-winning marching band and color guard.

So far, the band has re-ceived a superior rating at the state adjudicated event and both the marching band and color guard have achieved “Best in Class” distinctions through-out the season, but this is just the beginning.

Band Director Mike Fos-ter plans on keeping the band busy as the year goes on. In ad-dition to the usual seasonal con-certs and performances at large-group district and state adjudi-cated events in the spring, ev-ery member of the Symphonic Band will soon be getting ready for the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Solo and Ensemble event.

This year, Foster plans on challenging his musicians with an increased amount of individual performance assessments.

“[Individual assessment] just benefits us later on because as we do more of that, the band continues to get better and better,” said Foster.

Members of Copley’s three choirs are also being challenged more. Choir Director Basil Kochan looks forward to inspiring per-sonal improvement and dedication among choir members.

“Some of the expectations I have [are] just so every student sees it important to improve upon what they’re able to bring to the

classroom everyday,” said Kochan, “because if everybody’s improv-ing at a good pace, then the ensemble will improve as well.”

Similar to the band, the Copley choirs have been working at a fast-pace. All three choirs have put on a fall concert and the Concert Chorale has already performed multiple times, including a

master class and performance with an internationally re-nowned male vocal group, Chanticleer, on October 7.

“In addition to [Chan-ticleer], on the 22nd, we did a concert with Revere in which we worked with Professor Daniel Clark from Walsh University,” said Kochan. “So we’ve got a very active begin-ning of the year for all three groups.”

Impressive performance opportunities like these are not unusual for Copley’s choirs, however.

“The performance op-portunities are always pretty impressive for a high school,” said Kochan.

For example, the Chamber Ensemble, a small ensemble which meets after school hours to rehearse, is invited each year to numer-ous prestigious events.

“[Chamber] has a couple of very, very good performances, one of which is Stan Hywett,” said Kochan. “We’ll be performing there in December, which we’ll be the only high school group that’s performing for that particular event.”

All of Copley’s choirs are looking forward to a challenging, yet exciting year.

“We’ll be starting to work on Solo and Ensemble work for

students who want to sing solos at a judged event in February,” said Kochan.

In addition to this, all choirs will perform at the Ohio Mu-sic Education Association Large Group event in March, an event which Copley hosts. In the spring, Kochan plans to mellow things out with a spring concert based around a pop-Broadway style.

Foster also plans to bring a dose of modernism to the band. “We’re also going to be using a lot more technology in the

classroom this year,” said Foster. “Kids have already seen me with my iPod touch… we’re going to be using a lot of certain things. We’ll be using iPod touches and digital recorders and things like that.”

Foster chooses to embrace technology.“I think it’s just about trying to get technology that kids are

used to into the classroom… This is an elective for [students]. They don’t have to take it but they continue to take it,” Foster explained. “How do you motivate someone to do just the bare minimum when they can do so much more? But if you introduce technology and do other things that keep them interested, then they want to do [more].”

With over a third of the high school population being in-volved in the music department, the band and choir directors must be doing something right.

“We have a little bit of everything in our music program here at Copley High School,” said Kochan. “…I’m very, very pleased with that because, in the real world, that’s what you hope happens –that everybody can work together to produce beautiful arts.”

Foster also believes that the Copley Music Program is extraor-dinary because of the diverse school and community populations.

“It comes down to the students and their families,” he said. “They find that music is not just an extra; music is something that they want to continue to excel at, and when they leave the high school, they still have skills to continue on. And that’s a reflection of our community, that our community thinks music is impor-tant.”

Music classes scale their way to success

Chorale members Ashley George, Racheal Murphy, Amanda Lopeman, and Susan Rospotynski rehearse their music. Photo by Kaysea Thomas

As winter draws near, drivers are bombarded with many obstacles. One such hazard Summit County has hoped to eliminate is the new fad for texting while driving. A new law was passed in September 2009 making the action of text mes-saging when driving illegal, while the state of Ohio is work-ing on a piece of legislature to make this law state-wide.

As word of this new law has spread throughout commu-nities and police stations alike, mixed viewpoints arise. On one side of the argument, it is a necessary safety measure that will reduce motor vehicle fatalities while the other side views it as a freedom that should not be taken away from them.

A new driver, junior Natalie Robson said, “I personally have texted while I drove before…only because it feels like an ‘innocent little text.’”

On the contrary, she also felt a sense of remorse after-wards because she immediately “realized it was a bad deci-sion” and didn’t want this to “turn into a habit.”

From an adult’s point of view, Leah Comanor, a com-munity resident, feels that this new law is “fabulous and a long time overdue.”

As a driver, she personally feels that she is not a danger to others, being that she never partakes in the act of texting while driving. However, it is the others, who try to multitask during a time where quick reflexes and undivided attention

are needed, that pose a threat to the more cautious drivers of the area. Comanor said, “The law is more than fair be-cause driving is a privilege in which everyone needs to work together.”

Senior Lauren Sharnsky had a dif-ferent viewpoint on the hot topic. “I understand the law, but I think people should be able to text when they are stopped at lights or stop signs because you can’t hit some-one while you are not in motion.”

Sharnsky felt that “some people text at bad times, like on the highway. I think at other times, it is not that big of a deal.”

Although completely aware of the new law, Sharnsky said, “It won’t really affect me; I will probably still do it, just at times when it is not a danger to other people.”

Fairlawn police officer Dave Mason said, “I think this new law is a step in the right direction. There are too many accidents right now that are caused by unnecessary distrac-tions.”

With any new law comes the ques-tion of how it will be enforced. Mason said, “It will be a minor misdemeanor with a penalty of up to $150.”

Although this is a new law, it is the citizen’s responsibly to know the law in the place they live and drive. Due to the fact that it is a new law, however, there is a time period for education, in-stead of persecution. Mason said, “If an accident is caused, action needs to be taken, but it will mostly be up to the officer’s discretion.”

Currently, 18 states have a law pro-hibiting text messaging while driving,

and Ohio could soon be following. With different view-points on the topic, one thing remains undisputed; it is the law. Driving is just another privilege granted in this country and requires nothing less than one’s undivided attention. Al-though there will be those who try to “fight the system,” it is a response to careless driving, and a solution for safety.

Texting while driving ban creates questionsBy Jessica Wharton

330-670-0900Serving Montrose, Fairlawn, &

CopleyMontrose* 3571 Brookwall

DriveCORNER OF BROOKWALL DRIVE AND BROOKMONT

DRIVEEnter from Cleve-Mass Rd at Brookwall or from

Medina Rd at Brookmont

Photo by Kaysea Thomas

By Kaysea Thomas

Copley High School Drumbeat

FeatureDecember 17, 2009 4

C-Town Sports with Elliot SchallJoin Elliot Schall as he eats, sleeps, and

breathes Cleveland sports! Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/c-town-sports-

to listen.Studio call-in

number is:347-855-8054

All students can relate to the feeling of anticipation when leaving school and begin-ning winter break. However, once home, anticipation turns into celebration, and the holiday brings many wonderful and different festivities.

One major holiday celebrated by stu-dents is Hanukkah. Hanukkah is part of the Jewish religion and is called the Festival of Lights. This year it is celebrated on De-cember 11, beginning at sundown and last-ing eight days. The holiday commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple in Je-rusalem after the Jews’ 165 B.C.E. victory over the Syrians.

“One tradition that my family does each year is, each night of Hanukkah we light a candle on the menorah,” said junior John Berkovitz.

He is not alone; lighting the menorah is one of the most popular traditions cel-ebrated by Jewish families. The menorah is lit each night to commemorate a miracle, which occurred after the Jews proclaimed a victory over the Syrain armies.

While some light a menorah, others string lights on a tree and wish friends and family a “Merry Christmas!”

“My favorite part of Christmas is definitely being around family members that I never get to see,” said sophomore Claire Marshall.

The holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The word Christmas originated as a compound meaning “Christ’s Mass.” In 350 A.D. another Bishop of Rome, Julius I, chose December 25 as the observance of Christmas. Many current Christmas traditions derive

from the English Victorian Christmas. Some of these traditions are giving gifts, caroling, the yule log, and church processionals.

“One of my favorite unique traditions that my family does would be every year on Christmas Eve my family watches a Christmas movie. It makes Christmas Eve special for my brother’s birthday,” said Marshall.

Christmas is technically known as a Christian holiday, al-though today Christmas is widely celebrated by many non-Chris-tians, as well.

Another holiday celebrated throughout the world is Kwan-zaa. It is meant to help black people reconnect with their African culture.

“My family just does the basic Kwanzaa celebrations. We light a candle each night and receive a gift each night,” said senior Malik Queener.

Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but most cel-ebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, story-telling, and large traditional meals. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanzaa” which means “first fruits” in Swahili.

Queener said, “All I know about the history of Kwanzaa is that each of the seven days is dedicated to one of the ‘Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.’”

On each of the seven nights, the family gathers around the Kinara or a candleholder, similar to a menorah, and a child lights

one of the candles, then one of the seven principles is discussed. Some of the principles include faith, self-determination, creativity and purpose. The candle-lighting ceremony gives the family a time to gather and consider the meaning of Kwanzaa. This year Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and ends on January 1.

Spreading the cheer of all the holidays this seasonBy Nicole Pupino

Positive outlooks overcome students’ obstacles With a large student body, the name Matthew Mor-

rison is one that may be unfamiliar to some. Yet, while his name may not be “well known,” many students have surely seen this junior in the halls or sitting in their class-rooms. Some may wonder why he’s in a wheelchair, but cannot bring themselves to ask him about it in fear of making him uncomfortable.

Morrison is paralyzed from the waist down as an ef-fect of spina bifida; however, he doesn’t let the condition affect his attitude.

“I’m used to it and try not to let it bother me,” Morrison said. “I don’t specifically need any addi-tional help throughout the day, ex-cept I need cath four times a day.”

Cath is short for catheter, which is a tube used to assist in uri-nation. His classmates are very ac-commodating with practical things, as well.

“A lot of my friends and my classmates have really been the most helpful,” Morrison said. “They will get a book or a binder out of my bag for me if I need it.”

Ridicule from peers has not been a problem that Morrison has had to deal with since his child-hood.

“Nobody has really made fun of me since fourth grade, when there was this one kid that called me ‘Wheels,’” said Morrison.

Copley High School faculty member, Brad Bennett, has known Morrison since his freshman year, and he helps him ev-eryday.

“He loves sports teams and is a great fan of Ohio sports,” Bennett explained. “He is always funny and smiling.”

Morrison keeps those that accompany him on their toes. He tends to go fast and reluc-tantly slow down despite whoever is escorting him.

Bennett sees Morrison as “just a kid” before he sees a kid in a wheel-chair. Other students describe him as a “role model” and one that tends to get along with everyone he comes in contact with.

Another student who attends Copley High School with the same

condition as Mor-rison is junior Bi-anca Kennedy. She is not completely paralyzed from the waist down, but still needs a walker to assist her in getting from one place to the next. Kennedy wears braces to keep her legs straighter when she walks.

Like Morrison, Kennedy does not allow spina bifida to affect her overall demeanor.

“I just wish I didn’t have to use a walker; that’s all I’d change about my-self,” said Kennedy.

“My teachers help me a lot,” she added.

And her teachers enjoy her pres-ence in the classroom, as well.

“She has a really bubbly personal-ity,” said Mrs. Markin, who has known Kennedy for the past three years. “For

anybody with physical challenges, simple things take a lot of effort. The things we take for granted, she does it every day, all day, with no complaints. The only time I’ve heard her complain was in a humorous way when

she didn’t want to start schoolwork, never in a serious context.”

Although Kennedy feels “dif-ferent,” from her peers at times, she still enjoys interacting with them.

“She loves people, and when people greet her in the hallways, she just loves being a part of the high school environment,” Markin said.

Like any other kid, gym is one of Kennedy’s favorite subjects.

“I love playing basketball in gym class,” she explained.

She also enjoys math. While it’s unclear which college she’d like to attend in the future, she does know she “wants to study math in college.”

So while others may view spina bifida as a insurmountable mountain to overcome, Morrison and Kennedy have kept a positive outlook despite their condition.

By Darius Simpson

Art by Nicole Pupino

Junior Bianca Kennedy smiles during class. Photo by Darius Simpson

Junior Matthew Morrison poses for a quick picture. Photo by Thomas Pernecker

Quick Facts About Spina Bifida

A person born with spina bifida has an open-•ing in the spine. The spine fails to connect to the backbone cre-•ating a space.The space in the spine results in partial or com-•plete paralysis in the lower half of the body and partial or complete loss of bladder and bowel control.There is no cure for spina bifida because the •nerve tissue cannot be replaced or repaired. Treatment up to 48 hours after birth may lessen •severity of effects on the body.Spina bifida occurs in 7 out of every 10,000 live •births in the United States. Above information gathered from• Yahoo!Health

“YES YOU CAN!”

Copley High School Drumbeat

SportsDecember 17, 2009 5

Since the cold weather has arrived, the hardwood has been heating up as the basketball season has gotten under-way.

Coming off of a 12-10 season, two games above .500, the Indians have three returning lettermen and a new head coach. Last year, the team played as a Division II school, but this season, the boys will be battling in Di-vision I. With that comes some tough regular season games.

“We’ve got Stow, Firestone, and Brunswick which are all known to be powerhouses in Northeast Ohio,” said head coach Adam Pittis. “The Subur-ban League is still very tough. With teams like Revere and Barberton that have some key returning players, all twenty games this season are going to be a challenge.”

Adam Pittis, the new coach, may be new to Copley High School, but as far as the game of basketball goes, he definitely brings credentials. Most recently, Pittis was the head basket-ball coach at Harrison Central High School in Cadiz, Ohio. He spent two years there, in which he rebuilt their program. Pittis is known for his enthusiasm and work ethic, which will be used to prepare this 2009-2010 Copley boys basketball team. His brother is an assistant coach at The University of Akron on Coach Keith Dambrot’s coach-ing staff. Pittis developed a strong relationship with Dambrot over the summer while he helped with his camps.

“I have connections with many coaches in the area, and I try to learn from them,” said Pittis.

Pittis believes this team can go as far as it wants to go if the boys can push themselves and work hard.

“These guys have been working really hard, and each

and every one of them has what it takes to win,” said Pit-tis. “But with that comes dedication, and it’s not all about scoring. I constantly preach defense, and if we’re putting up triple digits, we’re going to have to keep the other team in doubles.”

Not only is the coach new, but there are many new faces, with a few returning players, and only three returning lettermen. The three returning lettermen are: junior Terrell Hill, senior Phil Ellis, and senior Bryce Gathagan

“We have come together as a family, and we are already

developing some chemistry,” said junior returning letterman Terrell Hill. For a new coach, he really knows what to do with us, and I think we can really win Suburban League this year.”

Although Pittis wouldn’t comment on who the starting five are, they seem to have much need-ed depth at every position. They’ve been working hard and they cer-tainly have what it takes to win games, but they have got to use it right.

“We’ve been practicing with each other even before the school year,” said Hill. “All summer we were playing pickup games at the park and even just working out to-gether.”

This team is full of talent; they have scorers everywhere on the ros-ter. Defense will be the biggest key for them. They can all put up the points, but defense wins champi-onships.

“We can all score, but defen-sively, we have to improve,” said senior shooting guard Daniel Wil-

liams. “And we absolutely have to move the ball more and not force shots.”

Looking at this team, and where they stand now from having a new coach every year, for the past four years, on pa-per the Indians look to be as promising as any Copley boys basketball team has been, even as good as the Andrew Moss and Matt Warren days.

If you have nothing to do on a cold winter night or if you’re just a die hard basketball fan, come out and watch your Indians, because this season will be one to remember!

New coach gives Indians confidence boost

One team, one goal, and one dream. As the girls basketball season approaches, a young team with a lot of heart looks to make an im-pact.

Second year coach Steve Coon, who transi-tioned from coaching boys basketball to girls basket-ball, has been pulling all the right strings to get this girls team back to the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Tournament, like they’ve been to many times before.

“Our goal this year, because we are so young, is to try to improve on a consistent basis,” said Coon. “We have no seniors and a lot of people have no varsity experience, so improvement is critical for our future, but we expect to play hard and improve as the season goes on.”

After an impressive first season as head coach, with a record of 14-5, Coon looks to improve even more. This year, they have some tough teams on their sched-ule. Powerhouses like Green, Wadsworth, Brecksville, Jackson, and Stow will cer-tainly put this young team to the test.

“I actually coached the girls basketball team for three years about six years ago, so the transition from coaching boys and going back to girls shouldn’t be a problem,” said Coon. “I have always enjoyed coaching girls teams. They listen very well and there aren’t a lot of issues.”

The 2009-2010 Copley girls basketball team has no returning seniors, but many returning varsity players.

“This is just a building year and since we have no seniors and lost five from last year, it will definitely be a challenge,” said varsity power forward Taylor Reif. “But we’re willing to work hard and show it. I think we’ll have some surprises this year.”

The Lady Indians may be the youngest team in the Suburban League, but they’re not going to let that affect them in any way. Most of the team have been together since fifth grade and started developing chemistry well before high school.

“We are all really close and get along with all the underclassmen,” added Reif. “We have some really fun times together.”

These girls know that winning won’t come easy, and they have been working very hard this off-season, preparing every day. Whether it be shooting around, hit-ting the weight room, or just practicing, they feel like they can definitely contend

this year. “We’ve just been working really hard and making sure we have a good attitude

toward basketball and each other,” said varsity small forward Aisha Queener. “We just have to work together more and practice hard.”

With all the necessary attributes given, the Lady Indians will give the fans a dynamic performance on the court this season.

Copley girls basketball: A young team with hopeBy Elliot Schall

By Elliot Schall

Photo by Woodard Photography

Photo by Woodard Photography

Your ad

should go

here.For more information about rates

and publication dates:

Phone: 330.664.4999 ext. 527559

Fax: 330.664.4951

sarah.petry@copley-fairlawn.org

Copley High School Drumbeat

SportsDecember 17, 2009 6

While most of Copley High School is tucked away in their beds snoozing, the CHS swim team is hard at work practicing in the early hours of the m o r n i n g . They enter the water at 5:45 and practice until 6:45.

M o r n -ing practices are manda-tory, but for good reason. They increase stamina and muscle in swimmers.

J u n i o r Jason Lucas, said, “Getting up and work-ing out really wakes me up for my 1-2 class, but then by mod. five I always crash. Hard.”

As for the morning practices, they’re as grueling as they are early. They consist of a 600 reverse individual medley, which is equivalent to 24 pool lengths. An IM is when “you swim fly, back, breast, and free [stroke] in that order,” said Lucas. However, this doesn’t happen everyday.

On Mondays, the team does a 1000-yard freestyle warmup (40 lengths.) Following the warm-up is a “kickset, then a descending set of four 75’s twice.” A descending set is when a swimmer’s time descends every 75 yards. The descending set is followed by a hardset, which tests and pushes a swimmer’s ability, and finished off with a warm down.

Senior Lauren Scott said that her favor-ite part about morning practices is when “the water wakes [her] up,” and she said she en-joys getting ready with the girls. Scott’s least favorite part is “the drive there and actually getting out of bed.” She said she joined the team because it “challenges” her.

Junior Kelly Fields seems to agree with Scott. She said, “I like getting ready with the girls because a lot of them are like my sisters,

but I don’t actually like jumping into the wa-ter because your body just feels dead.”

The outlook for the season is very posi-tive and hopeful. This season’s swim team

has “a lot of new swim-mers and a lot of depth,” Lucas said.

S e n i o r Katie Re-i c h e n b a c h said, “An obstacle fac-ing the team would be s w i m m i n g against the three tough-est teams in our league in the first three meets, which are Green,

Revere, and Wadsworth. But I think we’ll be pretty strong on both the girls and boys teams. If we win all of our dual meets I think we have a good chance of winning suburban league.”

Their next home meet will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 22, against Cloverleaf.

The swim team arrives at school when it’s dark out, and as a result of after-school practice, they leave when it’s dark out as well. As they step out of the school, they know all too well that they’ll be swimming again within a matter of hours.

Kelly Fields, Clay Brockman, Luke Daher and Allie Quine take a break from practice. Photo provided by Laura Doncaster

Senior Josh Tomayko has been mak-ing his name known in Copley’s wrestling records. Now, after last year’s stellar sea-son and a trip to districts, Tomayko and the wrestling team have returned to make their mark on Copley High School.

The team fin-ished with a 13-8 record last year and sent seven wrestlers to dis-tricts. Junior Jon Garrison said that sending all seven district qualifiers back to districts is one of their team goals.

After finishing last season with a record of 40-9, which included a school record of 32 pins, Tomayko has goals of his own to reach as well.

Simply stated, his goal is to be the “state champ.” He also has some goals for the team.

“I would like us to win 20 duals and place as high as we can in our tourna-ments,” said Tomayko.

Tomayko already holds many of the wrestling records at Copley, including the single season pin record and most team points in a single season. More im-pressively though, he has the third most pins-in-a-row in Ohio history.

However, there is one record that he is still working towards. It is the all-time pin record at Copley. Currently, the record sits at 67 pins, held by Leo Saniuk.

But behind all the records and stats, Tomayko’s role on the team goes beyond

the superstar status. His leadership is what has set him apart from all the oth-ers that have set foot on the mat.

Garrison said, “He shows us tech-niques that nobody could ever imagine

learning on their own, and his experience is second to none.”

Simi lar ly, Tomayko said, “I am the old-est and have the most ex-perience, so I lead the team in practice by showing them technique. I push them in practice when they need to be pushed.”

If every-thing goes right for Tomayko this season, it will be a sea-son to remem-ber for Copley

wrestling and will immortalize Tomayko as one of the greatest wrestlers to ever attend Copley High School. Check out Tomayko and the wrestling team over winter break.

ByThomas Pernecker By Tyler McCormick

For CHS swimmers, theearly bird gets the worm

Josh Tomayko holds a wrestling trophy. Photo provided by www.copleywrestling.com

Copley Wrestling Schedule

Dec. 19: Parma Normandy Invitational - AWAY

Dec. 29-30: Lorain Southview Invitational - AWAY

Jan. 7: Barberton/Highland - HOME

Jan. 9: Hudson Duals - AWAY

Jan. 15-16: Dies Tournament - AWAY

Jan. 21: Wadsworth/Cloverleaf - AWAY

Wrestler hopes to repeatlast season’s success

Copley Swimming Schedule

Dec. 19: Canton Holiday Invit. Branin 8:00 a.m.

Dec. 22: Cloverleaf HOME 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 13: Barberton HOME 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 16: N.E. Classic Akron U TBA

Jan. 20: Tallmadge HOME 4:30 p.m.

Copley High School Drumbeat

OpinionDecember 17, 2009 7

Within the past year and a half the swine flu pandemic has been spreading. Ever since then, there has been this scare of catching the virus due to the many lives it has claimed. Awhile ago, I came in contact with this deadly virus. This is my story.

A few weeks ago, after a Saturday band competition, I started feeling slight-ly ill, but I thought nothing of it. That is, until I awoke on Sunday. I got up from my bed and immediately felt heavy and sluggish. I had a coarse throat as if I had been wandering the scorching desert for weeks without any food or water, and a blazing fever with the burning intensity of the blistering summer sun. I was dizzy; I felt as if I had been thrown into some swirling vortex of terror and all senses of direction and time had been lost. I was somehow able to, little by little, crawl my way into the kitchen and then throw my ailing carcass in plain sight of my mother. With a shaky hand I reached toward the sky to make some sort of gesture to beckon her to come closer, to feel my fore-head, and ease the pain of my aching being.

With every throbbing muscle in my body, I forced the words to come out and form a sentence, or some sort of communication, but unfortunately she could not hear my telepathic message –the only kind I could manage. Our bars must have been low. My body was too fatigued to even muster the power to sit up. As I lay like a lump on the floor, I formed words to come out with all of the strength I could

muster, and slowly the words came out in almost a whisper. “I… feel… sick… mom…, I…don’t…think…I…

can…make…it…to…school… tomorrow…” I said in a soft but painfully raspy voice.

“Well all right, just go lay on the couch, and I‘ll call you off school until we can get you to the doctor,” she said noncha-lantly.

As if my crippling disease was just some sort of minor cough that could be cured by Nyquil! I dragged my body across the floor for seemingly of hundreds of feet to the liv-ing room couch. When I ar-rived there I climbed into the welcoming heavenly soft cush-ion and threw myself upon the leathery beauty. It almost glim-mered with its newly found splendor. I felt myself shake with sobs of glee over my minor vic-

tory. For several days I laid upon the couch, drift-

ing in and out of consciousness. In some cases I really had no choice. The medication my mother was giving me had drugged me so severely; I was knocked out again within a matter of minutes. The medicine provided a strange but wel-coming relief from the agony I was suffering due to the bru-tality of my symptoms. It was a few days until I remember being awoken from my drug induced state by my mother

holding what seemed to resemble a jacket. I say resemble, for the sun was so overwhelmingly radiant it blinded my eyes causing the very core of my head to explode into pain. I quickly shut my eyes once more to block out the burning cruelty from which the heavens seemed to mock me.

“Get up. We’re going to the doctor now,” my mother said unsympathetically.

I slowly reached out my quivering hand and took hold of the jacket. We drove for what seemed like days and with the pain my head was in, by the time we arrived at the doc-tor’s office, I thought we had reached California. Luckily, the wait wasn’t long for me and I was whisked into the room. The nurse asked the usual questions of what torture I had been enduring for the past few days and my mother answered for me because it felt as though every time the nurse spoke, her voice thundered in my head, and then-amplified by about ten thousand decibels. I winced each time she opened her mouth to speak. Mercifully, not even five minutes later, the doctor came in. I have never been so happy to see a short, wrinkly, chubby, white-haired man in my life. I wanted to hug him but I felt it would be awkward considering my situ-ation. Finally, I felt I would at last be cured of this curse. Then, not even stepping fully through the doorway he deliv-ered the gut wrenching news.

“Well, you have swine flu,” he said briskly.My heart plummeted to the floor. He had sentenced me

to my sheer demise. All the torment I had suffered through-out the week and now for my short young life to end at such a fate as this!? It was then that I knew I didn’t have much time to document my experience. I knew this sick-ness would be the end of me, but I would not go without a fight. I had to tell my story to let others know the anguish of my ordeal.

The incredible tale of a survivor...

Merry Chri- oh wait... Happy holidays!

Art by Olivia Lopez

Lexxi Kearns- Senior Karl Hiss- JuniorCarrie Goldstein-Sophomore

By Olivia Lopez

Hallway holiday hype: Family traditions

My family actually goes to Pennsylvania

and rents a cabin in the woods. [I like] spend-ing time away from civilization with the

family [and] just kind of bonding that way

because we don’t get to see each other a lot.

[My family celebrates] Hanukkah first. My

dad’s side of the family, because he’s Jewish, they send us presents. Then we light the menorah and eat latkes. [After-

wards,] we have Christ-mas at my house.

Political correctness is a growing epidemic in today’s so-ciety, a fact which is never more apparent than in the months of winter. For the past few years, as soon as Thanksgiving (Let’s be realistic here, Halloween (Let’s be cynical here, Eas-ter.)) ends, the media begins talking about the so called “War on Christmas.”

America has been getting up in arms over two little words: “Merry Christmas.” Should people monitor their words, opting to say the generic “Happy Holidays?” (Even that apparently offends some people, because not everyone celebrates a holiday.) Should people have the freedom to of-fer someone a “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” or “May His Noodliness bless you on this fine Friday” without worrying about offending people? It seems like almost every-one has an opinion on this matter.

America’s obsession over political correctness extends further than just winter greetings. Christmas trees all over

the country are being referred to as “Holiday trees,” “Christ-mas break” became “holiday break” before finally becoming “winter break,” and in one California city, parents are being warned by mail that their child’s school choir will be singing Christmas carols. Now, I’m about the furthest thing from a Christian, but censoring the traditional practices strikes me as infuriatingly inane. Others might say that de-Christian-izing holiday traditions isn’t that bad, after all, the holiday we know is almost entirely a conglomerate of pagan rituals. As far as I’m concerned, however, they may not have started out as Christian, but they might as well be now. The fact of the matter is, this is America. The country’s beginning was largely driven by a wish to practice one’s own religion, so censoring traditions now seems pretty hypocritical.

Interestingly, both sides use the First Amendment in their arguments, specifically freedom of speech and religion. As with almost every religious debate, the same tired argu-ments are being used again and again: “Freedom of religion includes freedom from religion.” “America was founded on

Christian Principles™.” I firmly believe a phrase that is often thrown around without really being understood: “It’s a free country.” I’m about as anti-censorship as one can be without plotting to overthrow the government, so seeing people try-ing to abridge the rights of others annoys me to no end. Let people say what they want to say, and don’t get offended by the little things. Odds are, if someone wishes you a “Merry Christmas,” they aren’t trying to be offensive. For the love of pancakes, it’s two words. You should really just relax.

On the other hand, I can sort of see why people might be offended. The assumption that everyone you speak to shares your values is conceited, obnoxious, and six kinds of ignorant (Actually, only five). However, that doesn’t mean you should start petitioning and complaining, no matter what you support. I’m sure Americans all over the country are tired of having to wade through protesters to go to a store that had the audacity to wish someone a “happy holiday.” For a nation based on freedom, people sure do like abridging the freedom of others.

By Corey Smith

Ben Campbell- Junior

My favorite family holiday tradition is making gin-

gerbread houses. I usually make the Grinch themed ones because my family

calls me Lexxi-Lou-Who. [We also] eat a holiday

dish called gnocchi. It’s a Italian pasta made out of poatoes, and we only eat it

around Christmas time.

By Olivia Lopez

One of my favorite traditions on

Christmas is to go to my Aunt’s house. We have turkey and we open presents from my Grandma. I get

to see all my relatives that I don’t usually get

to see.

Copley High School Drumbeat

EntertainmentDecember 17, 2009 8

9. Christmas with the Kranks: As a couple who is normally overwhelmed with Christmas spirit attempts to skip Christmas, there is a neighborhood uproar and they find some traditions are worth keeping.

6. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Charlie and “the gang” learn what Christ-mas is really about while standing around the smallest Christmas tree, and having joy in their hearts.

2. A Christmas Carol: A “Christmas miracle” in which the classic Ebenezer Scrooge learns the importance of giving after being visited by 3 ghosts.

Top 10 Holiday Movies

1. A Christmas Story: A clas-sic movie in which Ralphie works to receive the perfect Christmas gift- a Red Rider BB gun! From attempting to disprove the thought

that he will “shoot his eye out” and ut-tering his first curse word that was not “fudge” as he had hoped, this movie is all about the joy of Christmas and the beauty of adolescence.

3. Christmas Vacation: The Gris-wold family has once again turned Christmas into a competition and placed an unattainable amount of joy in the upcoming holiday. As

tensions wear thin, they find that family, friendship, and love is the “reason for the season.”

10. Frosty the Snowman: A classic “feel good” Christmas movie, Frosty the

Snowman shows the meaning of friendship as a group of friends embark on a journey to save a magical hat, friendship, and

none other than Frosty the Snowman!

8. Eight Crazy Nights: In this mu-sical comedy, Stone, a less-than-perfect citizen is sentenced to being a junior bas-ketball referee and finds the value in fam-ily, friendship, and the beauty of being a good citizen.

One Republic has recently released its new album, Waking Up, revitalizing the group’s fanbase and offering tracks that live up to expectations while surpassing previ-ous hits. Their last album, Dreaming Out Loud, was met with excellent consumer ap-proval and provided high standards for later additions.

Waking up combines all of the aspects that put them on the map as a rising force in the music industry, with a maturity of sound and complexity of evolved instru-mentals that creates a superb auditory ex-

perience. With past hits such as “Apolo-gize” and “Stop and Stare,” it is now obvious that One Repub-lic’s success is no fluke and they continue to raise the bar.

Lyrical prowess strikes deep emotional depths that are carried within the listener. Lyr-ics from the song “Good Life” state, “Hopelessly, I feel like there might be something that I’ll miss, hopelessly I feel like the window closes oh so quick, hopelessly I’m taking a mental picture of

you now, cuz hopelessly, the hope is we have so much to feel good about.”

E n d u r i n g messages can be found every-where in this al-bum, specifically in tracks “Good Life” and “Passen-gers.” One Re-public has done it once again and it

is obvious they are here to stay.

Waking Up with One RepublicBy Alex Lee

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas: As an outcast from birth, the Grinch makes hating Christmas a yearly tradi-tion. This year, he vows to destroy Christmas and crush the Whoville spirit forever. As his

plan drags on, he finds that Christmas is not about “packages, boxes, and bags” but rather friends, family, and goodwill to all.

7. Home Alone: Twelve-year-old Kevin McCalister thinks life is good as he discovers he has the house to himself over Christmas...until his utopia is destroyed by two infamous burglars, Marve and Harry, and he finds the real meaning of

Christmas is friends and family.

Show your Student ID and recieve 20% off your purchase

(excluding cakes, cupcakes, and pies) at Cold Stone Creamery-Montrose.

By Jessica Wharton

5. Elf: When a man raised by elves goes to live with his “legal” father, he encoun-ters different challenges and forces every-one around him to reevaluate priorities.

Team Jacob or Team Edward?

November 20 is a day that will never be forgotten in the lives of many vampire and werewolf crazed girls, including my-self.

As the outside of the movie theatre filled up, the excitement set in and the crazed fans separated themselves into two groups: Team Jacob vs. Team Edward. As this seperation occured I couldn’t help but ask, “Why do we have to choose?!”

The movie was thrilling, and proved to live up to the standards of the die hard Twilight fans. The action scenes were plen-tiful, and no one in the theatre was angry about the lack of shirts worn by the were-wolves.

Tear jerking, humorous, and all around fantastic --New Moon left no fan disappointed and was well worth the en-trance fee.

After the movie ended, I left with my fellow fans and raved over the movie. Sleep was most definitely not a possibility that night, as we had too much to discuss and critique...thankfully, the glorious vampires were enough to distract us.

This movie became a box office hit and collected over $258.8 M in less than one week, making these sales a new record.

So, if you are into shirtless werewolves, sparkling vampires, and a romance on the side, New Moon is the movie for you!

By Jessica Wharton

From five dollar shows at The Newport on High Street on the campus of The Ohio State University, to selling out Madison Square Garden, O.A.R. has come a long way. O.A.R., which stands for Of A Revolution, has just released its ninth album: All Sides. The album mixes an alternative rock, reggae, jazzy, modern Dave Matthews Band sound with a mainstream, upbeat tune.

All Sides has a total of 13 songs, including “This Town,” “Shattered,” “Whatever Happened,” “Try Me,” “One Day,” “Living in the End,” and “On My Way.” The

song “This Town,” which was used in the Col-lege World Series commercials, allows listeners to relate to their roots. “Shattered,” the most

popular song on the al-bum, is played over the air on radio stations everywhere. For those of you who are college football fans, this en-tire season, songs such as “Try Me” have been playing during prime-time games.

O.A.R., origi-nally from Rockville,

Maryland, formed at The Ohio State University, in 1996 when saxophonist Jerry DePizzo (from Youngstown) joined. The band consists of lead singer and

guitarist Marc Roberge, drummer Chris Culos, lead guitarist Richard On, bass guitarist Benj Gershman, and saxophonist Jerry Depizzo.

Compared to their other albums I would have to say that although some songs are good, I view All Sides as more of a sell-out album, to become well known, which may leave a lot of the band’s devoted listeners to view them dif-ferently.

In order to listen to O.A.R.’s original sound, committed fans should look elsewhere, like in my favorite albums Between Now and Then and Risen, which give the best example of their true sound. The best way to describe the band’s sound would be a new Dave Matthews Band with a mixture of Sublime. O.A.R. still is and always will be one of my favorite bands, however this album is not the greatest example of what O.A.R. is all about.

All sides revealed of O.A.R. albumBy Alex Lee