• 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

All content by MCT Photo
HELP. Retired Marine Matt Raible cuddles Jason, a service dog who aids him with the symptoms of both physical disabilities and PTSD. Therapy dogs can complete tasks for injured veterans and can also provide a sense of safety and companionship to those suffering with PTSD. This Veterans’ Day, on November 11, remember to thank a veteran and remember to fight for them the other 364 days of the year.

[Photo] Therapy animals lend helping paws

Anne Marsh, Creative Projects Director
October 27, 2017
TOO MUCH. Hurricane Irma leaves behind devastation. It has already heavily damaged some Caribbean islands, devastating Barbuda and tearing through Anguilla.  Barbuda is “uninhabitable” and in a “total blackout” with almost all of its infrastructure destroyed, according to Michael Joseph, president of the Red Cross in Antigua and Barbuda.

[Photo] Irma continues breaking records

Harsimran Makkad, Executive Web Editor-in-Chief
September 10, 2017
TOO MUCH WATER. Hurricane Irma batters the Floridian shore as it makes landfall. Even though the center may have passed some areas, there is still much danger to come. “The most important thing to understand is that the Gulf water will surge in and rise quickly WELL AFTER the strongest winds go by. You might think the storm is ending, but the deadliest part of the storm is still to come,” posted Bryan Norcross, senior hurricane specialist on The Weather Channel, on Facebook.

[Photo] ‘Most catastrophic storm ever seen before’

Harsimran Makkad, Executive Web Editor-in-Chief
September 10, 2017
CATASTROPHIC. Harvey continues to wreck havoc on the Gulf states, especially Texas. Its torrential rain, expected to continue for days, is responsible for the catastrophic flooding plaguing the area; but residents are still remaining strong. They are what I call typical Texans. They were resilient, they were strong, they were strong-spirited, they were happy. They were just happy to be there and be alive,” Abbott told reporters at a press conference.

[Photo] Catastrophe strikes

Harsimran Makkad, Executive Web Editor-in-Chief
August 28, 2017
TOO MUCH. Heroin harm reduction kits are put together in Baltimore, MD. Narcan, which is an antidote for overdoses, helps regulate breathing. However, with new drugs like carfentanil laced into heroin, the effectiveness of Narcan is severely diminished.

[Photo] Generation of addicts emerges

Adhiti Chundur, Print Editor-in-Chief
April 5, 2017
THREE, TWO, ONE.  UNC takes down Kentucky in the elite eight.  This was a very close game that came down to game changing seconds.  UNC ultimately played the better game as they spring ahead to the final four.

[Photo] Madness marches on

Mark Huffer, Staff Writer
April 3, 2017
Cincinnati at Ohio State

[Photo] To play, or not to play

David Wertheim, Business Manager
March 29, 2017
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is hoisting his fifth Lombardi trophy of his career on Sun., Feb. 5. He led the Patriots into an incredible second half comeback after being down 3-28 and winning 34-28 in overtime. The Patriots’ victory will go down in history but also ended the rocky NFL season on high note.

[Photo] Why Super Bowl LI might have saved NFL season

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
February 17, 2017
SCORE. Young girls play basketball in hijabs, the traditional Muslim head dress. The International Basketball Federation is planning to lift its regulations concerning religious headgear. The attire, including hijabs and yarmulkes, has been banned due to safety reasons, but cries for equal opportunity for people of all sexes and faiths have sparked changes.

[Photo] Burqa ban bounces back

Anne Marsh, Copy Editor
February 13, 2017
Lady Gaga performs at half time of Super Bowl LI at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. She spoke about promoting unity in such a divided country. Her political statement was an example of the politically charged atmosphere of the Super Bowl.

[Photo] Super Bowl ad(d)s to political arena

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
February 6, 2017
A young Muslim woman wears a niqab. These headcoverings have come into question with the discussion of Islamophobia, and Austria’s ban on full-face veils has sparked debate. Islamophobia is a prevalent issue around the world, especially with Trump’s new travel regulations.

[Photo] Burqa ban sparks debate

Anne Marsh, Copy Editor
February 2, 2017
MEDIA. Mark Zuckerburg addresses the effect of fake news on the election. Facebook was criticized for allowing the spread of these inaccurate stories. Zuckerberg also mentioned the measures Facebook would take to combat fake news.

[Photo] Fake news, false facts

Joshua Patterson, Opinion Chief
January 30, 2017
Students prepare for a college test that coming up. Many prep books are provided for students to be able to do their best. The tests are an important component in college applications so many students put in their efforts to do well.

[Photo] Sophomores sample ACT

Hannah Lee, Staff Writer
January 23, 2017
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has announced that its final shows will be in May of this year. It was under scrutiny for animal cruelty by various animal activist groups in previous year; they worried about the confinement, social deprivation, and violent training methods the circus animals suffer through. This led to the elimination of elephants from the circuss acts in May of 2016.

[Photo] Animal activists applaud

Harsimran Makkad, Web Editor-in-Chief
January 17, 2017

Pomegranates are able to be grown during Cold climates which makes them rip during the winter season. Primarily they are picked between October and January. They are also filled with Vitamin C, Magnesium, Potassium, and Vitamin K.

[Photo] Keeping healthy and warm in winter

Sarah Horne, Creative Projects Director
December 20, 2016
Maroon 5 had to reschedule their show at the U.S Bank Arena on Sept 29th to Mar. 3rd due to the birth of Adam Levine’s baby. The show was one of seven shows that were rescheduled for the new year. Comedian Ellen DeGeneres helped name Levine’s daughter, Dusty Rose Levine, over a text message.

[Photo] Concerts to hit stage in 2017

Taylor Close, Special Projects Director
December 15, 2016
Presidential-elect Trump is currently in the process of nominating people for Cabinet. He has also been traveling the country to thank people for voting for him. He officially becomes the president in January.

[Photo] Man jailed over Trump plot

Kamaria Walton, Lead Beats Editor
December 15, 2016
The art museum is one of the oldest in the United States.  It was founded in 1881.  Currently, a large Pinocchio statue is outdoors in front of the museum.

[Photo] Museum takes road less traveled

Sydney Weiss, Social Media Director
December 13, 2016
The non-fiction book section will conclude with a group project. The project will be worked on by a group of three to four students. It will be due by the end of the semester.

[Photo] Flipping the pages

Allyson Bonhaus, Feature Chief
December 12, 2016
The attack at Ohio State University has brought to the forefront the issue of concealed carry and immigration policies. Currently, Ohio does not allow concealed carry on college campuses, but this may change in the near future. Meanwhile, president-elect Donald Trump visited Columbus on December 8 to talk to victims of the attack as well as discuss the issues with immigration policies which he believes allowed the attack to happen.

[Photo] OSU attack impacts beyond campus

Harsimran Makkad, Web Editor-in-Chief
December 9, 2016
Gluten is a mixture of proteins found in wheat and other grains. It acts as the ‘glue’ that allows the food to maintain its shape for as long as possible. Gluten is completely indigestible to everyone.

[Photo] Testing for allergies

Allyson Bonhaus, Feature Chief
December 7, 2016
Photo Caption: Just like in fiction and nonfiction, poetry has different styles. It can be good to get a head start on yearly English poetry units and get a feel for different styles of poetry. Also, you may find a style you like and can try to match in your own poetry.

[Photo] Tracking the right books

Allyson Bonhaus, Feature Chief
December 7, 2016

Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters releases decision to retry Ray Tensing for murder and voluntary manslaughter on Nov. 22. For the new trial, there will be a new jury and judge (Judge Leslie Ghiz). It is yet undecided whether the second trial will take place in Cincinnati again or elsewhere in Ohio as the prosecution is requesting.

[Photo] Starting from scratch

Jenna Bao, Creative Projects Director
December 5, 2016
The supermoon was visible all over the world on November 13 and 14. It occurs when the moon is full and close to the earth, making it appear brighter and larger than usual. The next supermoon such as this will not occur until 2034.

[Photo] Supermoon stuns students

Anne Marsh, Copy Editor
November 22, 2016
People often question the impact of global warming.  A rise in sea levels is one huge impact.  Certain animals may need to move north as well.

[Photo] 2016 stays hot

Sydney Weiss, Social Media Director
November 21, 2016
Black Lives Matter protests take place outside the courthouse during and following the trial of Sam Tensing. The movement fights for reform and attention to African Americans being killed by police. City leaders are working to keep the situation safe for everyone involved.

[Photo] Cincinnati ‘Tensing’ after mistrial

Jenna Bao, Creative Projects Director
November 18, 2016
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is sacked by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Terrell McClain during a game in Dallas on Sun., Oct. 9 that resulted in a 28-14 Cowboys win. The Bengals played the Washington Redskins in London on Sun., Oct. 30, and the teams tied 27-27. The second week with a tie have brought up the conversation again of fixing the overtime rules.

[Photo] Tying up tied games

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
November 3, 2016
Fosters for local animal rescue groups save petsí lives

[Photo] Breed ban boils over

Anne Marsh, Copy Editor
November 2, 2016
Volunteering is a way for students to give back in their community and learn to work with others. At sycamore there are many volunteering organizations like Unified for Uganda, and Little dropping. To learn more about volunteer opportunities you can follow National Honor Society’s Twitter account.

[Photo] Small acts make large difference

Sarah Horne, Creative Projects Director
October 14, 2016
Fashion is all around in society.  Fashion club is a way for students to get involved in the styles that surround them. Another way to get involved in fashion is through the offered elective fashion courses and the annual Fashion For the Cure event.

[Photo] Walking the red carpet to Fashion Club

Sarah Horne, Creative Projects Director
October 14, 2016
   AP courses are a great way to learn more about a given subject and show deeper understanding. While in class absorb as much information as possible and take quality notes. Most importantly, make sure that when taking AP courses they are ones you have a general interest in and will help you increase your chance to be accepted it your potential college of choice.

[Photo] AP prepares students for college

Sarah Horne, Creative Projects Director
October 14, 2016
Charlotte protestors took to the streets for multiple days after the shooting of Keith Scott. On the second night, another man was shot in the protests, Justin Carr.  Police and national guard are now working to stop the rioting and to persecute the individuals responsible for the destruction of multiple stores in the area.

[Photo] Riots erupt in Charlotte

Jason Merkel, Staff Writer
September 30, 2016
According to Billboard, Horan is the first artist to debut at number one on the Social 50 chart since it was created in 2010. This is even better than Malik’s single ‘Pillowtalk’, which peaked at number two. And with only one day of sales, the track made the Billboard top 100 at number 63.

[Photo] ‘This Town’ receives outstanding praise

Taylor Close, Special Projects Director
October 12, 2016
Detroit Pistons at Miami Heat

[Photo] Why athletes need to be involved in politics

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
October 10, 2016
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump debate about the economy, taxes, race relations, and their respective histories. The debate was moderated by Lester Holt of “NBC.” Both contestants were on screen the whole time so that audiences could see both faces.

[Photo] Debate drives direct discord

Jenna Bao, Associate Editor
October 4, 2016
Listed here are all of the letter grades for the top 25 fast food and “fast casual” restaurants in the U.S. Although 16 out of 25 restaurants received a failing grade, this is an improvement from last year. Keep in mind, the grade can be dependent on just on or on multiple available meat products.

[Photo] Grading your favorite grub

Max Torem, Columnist
September 27, 2016
Brands like Forever 21 are categorized as “fast fashion brands.” They produce large amounts of clothing at a low price to increase consumerism. These non-sustainable clothes end up in landfills and are detrimental to the environment.

[Photo] Fast fashion affects students

Anne Marsh, Copy Editor
September 26, 2016
The term “Indians” came from Christopher Columbus, who thought he landed in India. Natives make up two percent of the American population. 80-100 million natives were killed by white men.

[Photo] Natives fight for rights

Kamaria Walton, Lead Beats Editor
September 22, 2016
Colin Kaepernick (7) has been making headlines for the silent protest he has been taking part in during opening NFL games. He has elected to not stand during the National Anthem. This has started a national debate on freedom and the meaning of the flag.

[Photo] What is freedom?

Joshua Patternson, Opinion Chief
September 15, 2016
The burkini was originally created by Aheda Zanetti.  Upon the completion of her product, Zanetti said in an interview with NPR, “It made me, like, somehow, you know, complete now. I can fulfill a lifestyle that I’ve always wanted without the worry about what I was going to wear and how I was going to wear it or, you know, am I going to be acceptable, am I not? And I just want to go swimming.”

[Photo] French society debates burkinis

Sydney Evans, Print Editor-in-Chief
September 14, 2016
“I, like many others, am personally offended that he got out of jail so early. Women and men everywhere cannot and do not tolerate such a lenient sentence. On social media and in real life, people have been giving him quite a hard time for his unacceptable actions,” said Wang.

[Photo] Stanford rapist’s release causes outcry

Emily Chien, Managing Leaflet Editor
September 13, 2016
Illinois primary voting

[Photo] How to register to vote

Harsimran Makkad, Web Editor-in-Chief
September 6, 2016
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