• No School - Spring Break - Mar.14 - Mar.18
  • No School - Spring Vacation Day - April 15
  • HS Theatre Spring Show - April 8-9
  • End of 3rd Quarter - Mar. 31
  • HS One Act Plays- April 13 at 7pm
  • No School - Prof. Development Day - April 25
The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

The student voice of Sycamore High School in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Leaf

Abigail Lefton

Abigail Lefton, Opinion Chief

Hi! My name is Abby Lefton and this is my third year writing for The Leaf. I am a senior, and am excited to start exploring my future. I could see myself potentially going into psychology or political science in the future.I am currently the Opinion Chief which means I help the writers for my section construct articles expressing their views on a certain topic. I am very passionate about human rights, equality, and advocacy. Because of my passion, I love journalism and strive to give a voice to those who do not have one through my work. I also enjoy putting a smile on peoples faces by doing whatever I can to make their day better. During my free time, I love to be outside. Going on a walk or spending time in nature always seems to bring me back to earth and refresh my perspective.  My happy place is in the water so because of that, I really enjoy swimming, playing water polo, and teaching kids at our elementary school with special needs how to swim. Two years ago I had the opportunity to go to Israel. When I was there, I got a taste of cultural diversity which stuck with me and has taught me lessons and provided me with a new perspective. I really enjoyed the way people choose to express themselves whether it be through clothing, art, or speech. I strive to let myself express my own character as freely and comfortably as they do. Ultimately, I care about bringing justice to the world and speaking up for what is right.  Social justice is an issue I interact with on a daily basis and its what motivates me to wake up every morning and express my voice through writing.

All content by Abigail Lefton
Jacob Zeidenstein, 12

Jacob Zeidenstein, 12

Abigail Lefton, Opinion Chief
April 30, 2019
Nia Jeter, 12

Nia Jeter, 12

Abigail Lefton, Opinion Chief
March 29, 2019
Senior, Mallory Comerford, committed to Clemson University to pursue work with their LIFE program after realizing through her work with the Sycamore special ed department and TPA program who her passion is. “I will be in the Department of Education and majoring in Special Education. They have a very good school of education, specifically special ed that is nationally recognized,” Comerford said.

Senior prepares for future

Abigail Lefton, Opinion Chief
March 18, 2019
FIGHT. In Bronx, NY, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won the seat in the House of Representatives against a ten-term incumbent. AOC has worked with the Democratic Socialists of America community and fights for issues such as campaign finance, environmental issues, and is an outspoken critique of the current administration.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Abigail Lefton, Opinion Chief
March 6, 2019
VOTE! 2020 candidate, Kamala Harris, has begun her campaign efforts for 2020. During her rallies, Harris makes it a point to express her strong viewpoints on immigration, criminal justice reform, education, and many more. She hoped the be the first Asian-American, African-American, and woman to be the president of the United States. “Any flight- any good fight- is born out of optimism,” Harris said.

Kamala Harris

Abigail Lefton, Opinion Chief
March 5, 2019
Mahogany L. Browne

Mahogany L. Browne

Abigail Lefton, Opinion Chief
February 25, 2019
Dr. Shirley Jackson

Dr. Shirley Jackson

Abigail Lefton, Opinion Chief
February 12, 2019
Jewish Community holds vigil

Jewish Community holds vigil

Abigail Lefton, Opinion Chief
November 9, 2018
Sophomore Sophie Campbell is a player for the girls water polo team. Campbell switched from playing soccer after her freshman year due to a knee injury. Campbells sister, Ania Campbell, is a captain of the girls water polo team. The team is currently ranked fourth in state, tied with Milford. I decided to play water polo because my older sister, Ania Campbell, encouraged me to. She has played for three years and advised me to try it out... I am so happy that I joined, Campbell said.

Player Profile: Sophie Campbell

Abigail Lefton, Opinion Chief
October 2, 2018
JSA club comes to life

JSA club comes to life

Abigail Lefton, Opinion Chief
September 26, 2018
BLAZE. Senior, Trevor Size cooks a ham steak over self-made campfire as a part of the camping unit for the outdoor recreation gym class. Students may choose to make any meal they want over the fire if they supply their own materials and clean up themselves.“It was a new, interesting experience that I will probably not try again. Although I’m not the outdoorsy type I gained a new appreciation for nature,” Xadi Ndiaye, 11.

Gym classes get lit

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
May 10, 2018
Young Bin Lee, 11

Young Bin Lee, 11

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
April 9, 2018
Allison Landrum, 11

Allison Landrum, 11

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
March 30, 2018
Reform Jews say, Enough

Reform Jews say, ‘Enough’

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
March 24, 2018
Libby Van Den Brink, 11

Libby Van Den Brink, 11

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
March 21, 2018
Today was the last day for students to get a t-shirt for the school-wide walkout for the Parkland shooting and school safety. The shirts sold for $6 at lunch. They were created by senior Emma Sulfsted.

Students say #Enough

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
March 13, 2018

JV hockey skates to a finish

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
February 27, 2018
SLAM. Junior Jake Vayo-Smith gets a take-down in his quarterfinals match. Vayo-Smith won 9-3.

Wrestlers place at sectionals

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
February 26, 2018
STATE SUCCESS. The Varsity boys relay team seeks a state ranking in Canton, Ohio on Feb. 23 and 24. Winter sports are winding down their seasons, but not without leaving a winning legacies  in search of state titles. Photo courtesy of Elliot Carl.

Winter athletes advance

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
February 23, 2018
Katie Stautberg, 12

Katie Stautberg, 12

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
February 22, 2018
TALENT. Sycamore recognizes its all-stars for the fall sports season. SHS is looking forward to all the talent that the fall and winter sports will bring for the 2018 seasons.

Sycamore honors fall all-stars

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
January 30, 2018
MOTOR SPORT. Migos preforms live at Rolling Loud music festival. The group is made up of the trio (left to right) Takeoff, Quavo, and Offset. Their single “Motor Sport” is currently sitting in tenth place on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Motor Sport” includes two female artists, Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. On Oct. 27, 2017, Offset proposed to Cardi B. on stage in Philadelphia.

Listen up for new releases

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
January 25, 2018
STRESS. “It is challenging when students and even parents don’t realize that there are so many post-secondary opportunities available. It’s not about the college you go to, but the experience you have. If you sometimes think you need to go to a certain school for opportunities to happen, it might add to your stress,” said Mrs. Rose Mitchell, counselor.

Students manage with raised bar

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
December 4, 2017
COLD. The ice hockey team is getting ready for their new season. Their home turf is Sports Plus, where they have their practices and home games. All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

Hockey hits hard

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
November 23, 2017
SERVE. “We did pretty good, and we advanced to state but lost in the final round. Although we made it through sectionals and districts, we made it to the final four to state!” said Abby Pescovits, 11 (middle bottom row).

Fall sports wrap up season

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
November 3, 2017
FINAL.“I am so happy that I got the opportunity to play with my water polo family. I love these girls so much and we have a strong community. I am so excited for state and know we will rock it!” said senior Meegan Gould.

Girls water polo heads to state

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
October 20, 2017
Things to do in Cincinnati

Things to do in Cincinnati

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
October 18, 2017
Sycamore True/False

Sycamore True/False

Abigail Lefton, Sports Chief
September 21, 2017
Love changes lockers

Love changes lockers

Abigail Lefton, Staff Writer
March 7, 2017
SCAT. In Louis’ golden years, he preformed globally. He had multiple performances a night that were high energy and included bits of fast paced sounds called skit scatting. Other performers tried to outperform Louis and often ended up splitting their lips. On occasion, Louis found himself with a split lip as well. “In England on the stage, my lip split, blood all down in my tuxedo shirt, nobody knew it.” Louis Armstrong.

Louis Armstrong

Abigail Lefton, Staff Writer
February 7, 2017

GSTA Diversity

Abigail Lefton, Staff Writer
February 3, 2017
Shedding light on the community

Shedding light on the community

Abigail Lefton, Staff Writer
October 14, 2016
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Abigail Lefton