• 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

Junior Amara Clough (far left) introduces herself with the other Jet girls in the musical number “Jet Set” in “Catch Me If You Can.” Clough plays the hardworking nurse and love interest Brenda Strong.
“I’m playing her as mostly sweet, but there is a little bit of an edge in her song, ‘Fly, Fly Away.’ She’s definitely more than just a sweet little southern girl, so hopefully I’ll be able to bring that out,” Clough said.

‘She’s definitely more than just a sweet little southern girl’

Tori Swart, Broadcast Editor-in-Chief January 30, 2015

Amidst the disguises, forgery and police chases in the winter musical “Catch Me If You Can” lies a love story. Frank Abagnale, played by senior Paul Philips, falls for the only “normal” nurse within...

According to an article at essentiallearningproducts.com, the way someone connects letters may be an accurate representation of character traits. For example, all the words connected may show that someone is logical and careful at making decisions. Partially connected is imaginative, and not connected implies intelligence; hand writing tests will not always give exact results.

Decoding the art of handwriting

Adhiti Chundur January 29, 2015

Graphology is, by definition, “the study of handwriting especially for the purpose of character analysis.” The way someone writes can show more than 5,000 traits. Though it does not necessarily...

Sophomore Mason Taylor examines a newspaper article as FBI agent Carl Hanratty. His coworkers, Agents Cod and Branton, are played by senior Jennifer Adamec and junior Mitchell Singstock. The two, along with junior Graham Lutes as Agent Dollar, provide some of the comic relief within the FBI agency, giving snarky comments and sarcastic jokes in response to Hanratty’s investigative efforts.

Dealt a ratty hand

Tori Swart, Broadcast Editor-in-Chief January 28, 2015

Based on the title of the winter musical, “Catch Me If You Can,” audiences can expect a chase between two characters. The chased, Frank Abagnale, Jr., has already been introduced. Now to his chaser:...

“Paddington” is a little bear from the deepest darkest Peru. He is sent to England to find a family there and he stumbles upon the Browns. The Browns and Paddington seem to be a perfect match, but Paddington attracts “adventures.” What will he get into next? Such sweet stories and memories are a nice way to relax and embrace the inner child everyone has.

Embracing your inner child

Maddie Marsh, Associate Editor January 28, 2015

High school is a time to change, mature, and find what direction your life might and should be heading. It is a time for exams, college visits, tests, clubs, volunteering, driver’s licenses, and so much...

Actor Chris Pine and Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs announce the nominees for the 87th annual Academy Awards. The ceremony will take place on Feb. 22 and be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. Often the ceremony itself is remembered more than the awards.

Film fans spit fire on Academy Awards

Claire Lefton, Staff Writer January 27, 2015

The Academy Awards are widely considered to be the most prestigious accolades in the world of cinema, but this year the Academy has been under fire due to their nominees for the 87th annual ceremony. Legions...

This drawing is a still-life of a cow skull and clay pot. There is a clear light source in the picture and the shadows give a more realistic feel. Try to always locate where your light is coming from in your art.

Becoming skilled at pencil drawing

Melinda Looney Ho January 22, 2015

Some pictures seem so realistic that they look like a photograph. This is not really impossible to achieve; with enough practice and extra lines, anyone can do it. “The secret to making realistic...

A charcoal drawing of a spider plant is shown above. The charcoal makes a great contrast in the lights and shadows of the piece. This sketch took less than five minutes to create, making this an excellent medium for quick sketches.

Learning to draw with charcoal

Melinda Looney Ho January 22, 2015

Art students are encouraged to start with this easy-to-use medium. Charcoal is versatile and can cover large surfaces effortlessly. “Charcoal is a quick way I use to effectively draft my preliminary...

Senior Paul Philips acts as Mereb in the 2014 spring musical, “Aida.” In the show, Mereb is a good friend of the main character, Nubian princess Aida. Philips says that his role in the show increased his confidence and helped him decide to major in musical theater in college.
Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

Catch-y cons

Tori Swart, Broadcast Editor-in-Chief January 22, 2015

The winter musical, “Catch Me If You Can,” has two weeks left of preparation before it opens. Cast and crew members work in class and after school to prepare this new show, first run on Broadway...

Two drawing pads, one gray toned pad, and one tan toned pad. The toned paper is easier to shade in highlights and lighter areas. Unlike plain white paper, dark and light materials can be used.

Sometimes surfaces still matter

Adhiti Chundur January 22, 2015

Just like the mediums used in art, the surface on which you draw or paint is important, too. The purpose is to get the best use of the media by using the proper materials with it. Watercolor paper Unlike...

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