• 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 Creative Commons
SHORTCHANGED. Pictured above is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of 16 top-ranked private universities involved in a lawsuit accusing them of reducing financial aid awarded to students through a price-fixing cartel. The suit claims that for almost two decades, the colleges have overcharged thousands of students who were eligible for financial aid—an estimated 170,000 students, to be exact. The other 15 alleged schools are Brown, the California Institute of Technology, the University of Chicago, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, Emory, Georgetown, Northwestern, Notre Dame, the University of Pennsylvania, Rice, Vanderbilt, and Yale.

[Photo] Operation Varsity Blues 2.0

Katie Mott, Feature Editor and Lead Copy Editor
January 13, 2022
THE DEATH OF PRINCE PHILIP. Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, Prince Philip died today. He went peacefully in his home at Windsor Palace. He dedicated his life to Great Britain but was sometimes too frank with his comments. Read to find out more about Prince Philip’s life!

[Photo] His Majesty’s Death

Tillie Berge, Staff Writer
April 10, 2021
   TROUBLE IN TEXAS. Mother nature is fierce, unforgiving, and harsh—especially when we least expect it. And, in the past couple of weeks, no state has had to learn that better than Texas. With frigid temperatures, state-wide power outages, and an entire population unfamiliar with aggressive winter weather, the period of February storms was a disaster waiting to happen.

[Photo] Trouble in Texas

Ria Parikh, Opinion Editor
March 3, 2021
OFFICIALLY IN OFFICE. Today, President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn into office at the 59th Presidential Inauguration. From limited attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic to the first woman and woman of color to hold the office of the vice president, today’s inauguration will be remembered in more ways than one. To read more about some of the unique aspects of the day, keep reading!

[Photo] Anything But Ordinary

Katie Mott, A&E Editor
January 20, 2021
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS. Months ago, your entire life had been turned upside down and backward. So much uncertainty had been thrown into your face and you simply went along with it. You took social distancing precautions, you got through what you thought would be a “short two-week break”, you ended up having to become adjusted to an entirely new school life, and you learned to get through lonely times. In short, you survived through a not-so-easy, to put it simply, year. So, it is OKAY to not be okay right now. It is equally important to prioritize your own mental health as it is the health of those around you.

[Photo] It’s okay not to be okay

Ria Parikh, Opinion Editor
January 19, 2021
EVERMORE. Taylor Swift recently dropped a new album which acts as a sister album to Folklore, which she released earlier this year.

[Photo] Evermore Review

Maya Bierhoff, Staff Writer
December 17, 2020
The pandemic has been a huge part of many of our lives. When we grow up how do you think we will explain everything that went on and what do you think it will be like in the future when we dont have to deal with COVID-19 anymore?

[Photo] Dear future self…

Carly Thiel, Staff Writer
November 17, 2020
SEASON UPDATE. After the Cincinnati Bengals blowout loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bengals have fallen to an uninspiring 2-6-1. Losing four of their last five games, their playoff hopes look very bleak, trailing four games from the wild card spot and seven games from their division leader, the Steelers. Having high hopes to start the season after drafting Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow and signing some defensive players like DJ Reader, Vonn Bell, Trea Waynes, this team is clearly still in rebuild mode. They will need to get more talent on this team if they want to compete for a Super Bowl, let alone having to go through one of the toughest divisions in football.

[Photo] Bengals Season Update

Drew Berke, Sports Editor
November 17, 2020
RUCKUS.The COVID-19 virus has made many things in school a lot more difficult and complicated, for both online and face-to-face learners. With the threat of another shutdown looming over us, face-to-face teachers that have young children have been dreading the fact that they might have to start teaching online again with an even busier schedule. Click on the link in the bio to see a few examples of some of the ways teachers with young kids may try to  balance everything out with their teaching  and parenting schedules.

[Photo] Remote Ruckus

Carly Thiel, Staff Writer
November 2, 2020
The NBA Finals kicks off tonight with the Los Angeles Lakers against the Miami Heat. This is LeBron James tenth finals appearance up against Jimmy Butlers first ever finals appearance. Will LeBron get his fourth championship or will he lose again and become 3-7 all time in the finals?

[Photo] Preview of the NBA Finals

Drew Berke, Sports Editor
September 30, 2020
For the first time in seven years the Cincinnati Reds are heading to the postseason after a 7-2 win over the Minnesota Twins last night. In what has been a crazy year for baseball, the Reds look to make a deep run into the playoffs and prove they are for real.

[Photo] Reds Clinch Playoffs

Drew Berke, Sports Editor
September 26, 2020
RECENTLY,  I WATCHED the ever more popular movie “Contagion” directed by Steven Soderbergh and released in 2011. The intense and terrifying story line uncovers how a virus, similar to Coronavirus, is released into the population and what the effects of it are. It is honestly really scary to see how similar the plot of this fiction movie is to what is happening in the real world right now.  If you are bored while sitting around your home, I would definitely recommend watching this movie to see the similarities to Coronavirus, but do not get too paranoid as the movie is merely fiction.

[Photo] Contagion Movie Review

Ria Parikh, Staff Writer
April 20, 2020
OFF-COURT MVPs. JJ Watt is one of many of the athletes that have donated to help fight the pandemic and help the people who are in need. Athletes can use their platform not just to gain popularity but to make a difference in the world of the many people who are struggling to get by during these hard times. To see many of the athletes who have been helping all over the country, read on!

[Photo] Off-court heroes

Drew Berke, Staff Writer
April 16, 2020
STAYING IN CONTACT. It can be tough to stay close with friends when you cannot see them face to face. However, through the use of technology, there are plenty of ways to check-in ad hear their voices. If you are feeling lonely, or are struggling to come up with ways to still chat with friends, read on to learn a few ways you can increase communication!

[Photo] Connected in quarantine

Lindsey Brinkman, Managing Editor
April 13, 2020
LIFE IN QUARANTINE. Over the past weeks, society has greatly transformed. While the majority of people are staying at home protecting themselves from the virus, there are still people who are sacrificing their lives each and every day to provide for their communities. Whether it be health care providers, grocery store workers, delivery workers, restaurant workers, etc. there are incredible people who are doing all they can to look out for us, many at the expense of their own lives.

[Photo] The frontline

Gaby Pereda, Staff Writer
April 10, 2020
IT NEVER STOPS. When surveyed, teachers said that they give out three and a half hours of homework per day. With sports and extracurriculars taking up a significant portion of the student’s time, it can be hard to balance a healthy life. “Students in high-achieving communities who spend too much time on homework experience more stress, physical health problems, a lack of balance in their lives, and alienation from society,” says Healthline’s article “Is Too Much Homework Bad for Kids Health?”

[Photo] Time Management

Josh Moore, Accountant
March 13, 2020
OVERSATURATED. The source and finding of many of these obscure holidays come from the various websites that catalog them. National Today is one that is most referred to, which includes at least two events for each day of the year. “I like looking on days that actually have designated holidays, like February 14th, which is not only Valentines day but National Donor Day,” said Paige Ellingston, 11.

[Photo] Everyday Holidays

Josh Moore, Accountant
February 28, 2020
VIRUS. A picture of coronavirus particles. The coronavirus has spread to all over the world, but mainly focused in China. This has caused stores to close, bringing negative economic impacts.

[Photo] Coronavirus update

Emma Chi, Staff Writer
February 13, 2020
ACT. In September of 2020, the ACT will now allow students to retake a single section, have the option to take it online, and the option to report a superscore. With these new changes, many are concerned about its impact on the already competitive college admissions process.

[Photo] ACT Changes

Aaditi Lele, Staff Writer
January 29, 2020
OVERWATCH 2. After the popularity of the video game, Overwatch, Blizzard came out with the sequel Overwatch 2. Announced at Blizzcon, the sequel seeks to add a story mode, and expand upon the lore that Blizzard has been building up for the Overwatch universe over the past few years.

[Photo] Overwatch 2: a review

Ty Simmons, Staff Writer
November 14, 2019
CLONE. The Netflix series “Living with Yourself” stars Paul Rudd as two seperate roles throughout the show. The series is a dark comedy drama that spans for eight episodes.  “The convention of acting against myself, I’d never done anything like that. That seemed like it would be a fun thing to do, or at least attempt to do. But the show itself, ultimately, was what sold me,” Rudd said to Local Boston News.

[Photo] “Living with yourself”

Jack Wolfe, PR manager
November 13, 2019
high school students spend time worrying about the classes they take and if they should drop out of it. Due to the many doubts regarding this matter, we asked some experts at SHS, including Laura Miniard, an AP Psychology teacher, who says “Its just not worth it” to take a rigorous course if it is impacting your mental health.

[Photo] Should I or should I not?

Bhaavya Jha, Broadcast Editor
November 4, 2019
ACCEPTION. Developed countries should take in more refugees for numerous reasons. Because they are stuck in a life or death situation and since developed countries have the best capability to help, they should.

[Photo] Accepting refugees

Emma Chi, Staff Writer
October 30, 2019
The British flag waves beside the flag of the European Union in the United Kingdom.

[Photo] Breaking down Brexit

Serene Tarabishi, Staff Writer
October 18, 2019
MIND MOVER. Dion first discovers his powers by accidentally dropping his cereal bowl. Not even Dion can fully comprehend his powers. 

[Photo]  Raising Dion: a review

Jack Wolfe, PR manager
October 15, 2019
CAPTIVITY. Though Orca whales are the main attraction of parks like Sea World, bringing awestruck children and families from all across the country, these animals should not be kept in captivity. The physical and mental affects of confinement are extremely harmful to the orcas, and are causing many to die out fast. “I think that unless the aquarium or park is purely based on rehabilitation, it should not have any captive animals,” said Kasey Lowe, 10.

[Photo] Whales out of water

Deeya Prakash, Opinion Chief
September 16, 2019
BURN. With the Amazon rainforest on fire, it will not only negatively impact humans, but it will be detrimental to the animals that live in the rainforest. Dendropsophus marmoratus, also known as the marbled tree frog, is one of the many creatures that will be affected by this fire. “The fire could also change water chemistry to the point that it isn’t sustainable for life in the short term,” said Mazeika Sullivan, associate professor at the Ohio State University’s School of Environment and Natural Resources.

[Photo] Amazon Rainforest on fire

Jack Wolfe, PR manager
September 3, 2019
MARCH. The Cincinnati March of the Living Delegates will first travel to Warsaw, Poland and then make their way to Krakow, Poland. After their time in Poland, they will visit all of the major cities in Israel including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and many more.

[Photo] Cincinnati Marches

Sara Margolis, Art & Photo Editor
April 26, 2019
Screenshot 2019-04-23 at 5.06.39 PM

[Photo] Autism Speaks

Gabby Khodadad, PR Team
April 23, 2019
OOPS. It is important to know the difference between the “reply” button and the “reply to all” button when an email is sent to multiple. Do not make my mistake and get the two confused.

[Photo] The email heard ‘round the school

Alex Jowanovitz, Associate Video Editor
April 11, 2019
Screenshot 2019-04-08 at 11.14.28 AM

[Photo] John Elder Robison

Allyson Bonhaus, Editor in Chief
April 8, 2019
In addition to all of Grandin’s success, there is also a movie about her. The movie “Temple Grandin” stars Claire Danes and was directed by Mick Jackson. The movie explains all of Grandin’s struggles in life and how she rose above.

[Photo] Temple Grandin

Sara Margolis, Art & Photo Editor
April 5, 2019
MICHELLE OBAMA. Since her time out of office, Obama has published a memoir that has sold nearly 10 million copies (CNN). Obama has also made a surprise appearance at the Grammys.

[Photo] Michelle Obama

Sara Margolis, Art and Photo Editor
March 29, 2019
WRITE. Jane Austen grew up in Steventon, Hampshire, England. Over the span of her life, she would publish four books, as well as two books following her death. Although she published her books anonymously, following her death, her brother revealed that she was the true author. She is now considered one of the greatest writers in English history.

[Photo] Jane Austen

Lindsey Brinkman, Entertainment Chief
March 27, 2019
WHO’S SHE? A new guessing game known as “Who’s She” is ready to dominate the board game industry, showing girls and women alike that they are capable of anything. The game centers on highly accomplished women and their achievements, personality, and interesting facts about their lives, teaching the players as well as providing entertainment. “I would buy it because it seems like a very informational but still fun game,” said Grace Caldwell, 9.

[Photo] ‘Who’s She?’

Deeya Prakash, Staff Writer
March 21, 2019
BRAVERY. Nancy Wake displayed bravery and courage in WW2 when she served as a secret agent. She smuggled goods and refugees to safety out of the good of her heart. She is truly a wonderful woman and a great role model of character.

[Photo] Nancy Wake

Isabella Magato, Cartoonist
March 26, 2019
ALWAYS AN UPSIDE. Before meeting Dell (played by Kevin Hart in the film), his caretaker, Phillip struggled to see any purpose remaining in his life after an accident resulting in paralysis and his wife dying of cancer. Dell was the game changer, and gave Phillip a new reason to live.

[Photo] ‘The Upside’

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
March 14, 2019
FIGHT FOR EQUALITY. Gloria Steinem is a renowned activist and journalist who has worked towards equality for women and children of all races and classes. In the process she has founded several publications and organizations.

[Photo] Gloria Steinem

Chloe Mensch, Copy Editor
March 25, 2019
MAKING THE PATH. Grace Hopper was a large contributor to the fields of math and physics as well as the naval reserve. Her work paved the way for future generations of women to work in these fields as well as paving the way for the technology we enjoy today.

[Photo] Grace Hopper

Chloe Mensch, Copy Editor
March 15, 2019
MATH. Dr. Olga Ladyzhenskaya was a mathematician that greatly advanced fluid dynamics, such as weather forecasting. Also, her work improved cardiovascular technology and oceanography forever. Ladyzhenskaya went to multiple universities in Russia, but although she is respected today, she was seen as a rebel by the Soviet Union. She passed away in 2004 in St. Petersburg, Russia.

[Photo] Olga Ladyzhenskaya

Charlotte Weiss, Business Staff
March 14, 2019
3_13

[Photo] Irena Sendler

Megan Soellner, Copy Editor
March 13, 2019
UNSUNG HERO. Though she is not Fredrick Douglas or Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells was an extremely influential figure in the Civil Rights Era. Fighting for equality for African Americans, she helped to ban lynching or the act of killing without legal trial.

[Photo] Ida B. Wells

Deeya Prakash, Staff Writer
March 11, 2019
LEVIOSA NOT LEVIOSAR. Emma Watson, now 28, at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France to preview new films and documentaries from all around the world. The film festival was created in 1946 and will celebrate its 72nd festival in 2019. Watson’s film “The Bling Ring” was previewed at the 2013 festival. “Young girls are told you have to be the delicate princess. Hermione taught them that you can be the warrior,” Watson said.

[Photo] Emma Watson

Charlotte Weiss, Business Staff
March 7, 2019
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) is currently a U.S. Supreme Court justice. Before receiving this outstanding role, RBG was on the Court of Appeals and also attended Harvard and Cornell University. While at Harvard University, RBG attended her husband’s classes while he went through treatment for cancer and took care of her young daughter. “Women will have achieved true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation,” RBG said, according to the Huffington Post.

[Photo] Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Charlotte Weiss, Business Staff
March 4, 2019
WOW. Moros intrepidus was found in eastern Utah and believed to be an ancestor of the T-rex. It was fast, lightweight, but also a ruthless carnivore. “When and how quickly tyrannosaurs went from wallflower to prom king has been vexing paleontologists for a long time,” said discoverer Lindsay Zanno.

[Photo] New fossil discovery

Isabella Magato, Cartoonist
February 27, 2019
Screenshot 2019-02-26 at 7.49.07 PM

[Photo] Sidney Poitier

Lindsey Brinkman, Arts and Entertainment Chief
February 26, 2019
Screenshot 2019-02-22 at 12.24.48 PM

[Photo] Bessie Coleman

Anisa Khatana, News Chief
February 22, 2019
Screenshot 2019-02-20 at 12.51.35 PM

[Photo] Michelle Obama

Deeya Prakash, Copy Editor
February 20, 2019
Screenshot 2019-02-19 at 12.11.51 PM

[Photo] Shirley Anita Chisholm

Madeleine Suh, Sports Chief
February 19, 2019
Screen Shot 2019-02-15 at 12.29.18 PM

[Photo] Toni Morrison

Allyson Bonhaus, Executive Editor
February 15, 2019
Screenshot 2019-02-13 at 10.43.15 PM

[Photo] Madam C.J. Walker

Charlotte Weiss, Business Staff
February 14, 2019
Thomas L. Jennings was the first African American to receive a patent, which was for dry-sourcing. This led to todays dry cleaning.

[Photo] Thomas L. Jennings

Charlotte Weiss, Business Staff
February 13, 2019
WOOF WOOF. Do not try to get a dog by being responsible, instead by a dog with your parents money and run away forever! If this strategy is not one you would like to perform, trick your parents into doing everything for your dog, in place of you. Whatever strategy you choose, it is guaranteed that you will end the week, even the day, with a new furry friend.

[Photo] How to get a furry friend

Charlotte Weiss, Business Staff
February 13, 2019
SPEAKING OUT. The students and staff of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have recently released a book that is sure to change lives. This novel, titled “Parkland Speaks: Survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas Share their Stories” is a collection of poems, essays, letters, artwork, and photographs that depict the feelings and emotional trauma that the members of this community went through this time last year. “After the shooting I spent probably a month just writing poems, writing my thoughts out and I felt that was one of the ways I could slowly begin my healing process,” said one of the student contributors, Caitlynn Tibbetts, according to NBC News.

[Photo] What Really Happened

Deeya Prakash, Staff Writer
February 7, 2019
Screenshot 2019-02-01 at 12.46.40 PM

[Photo] No school Feb. 1

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
February 1, 2019
NEW YORK TO NOTORIETY. Living his early life in the twenties and thirties, Rodney Dangerfield was born in Long Island New York where he would put on stand-up performances and begin his career as a comedian. He has since gone on to star in multiple films and stand-up specials, creating a fun and original arsenal of comedic material. “My physiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I wanted a second opinion. He said okay you’re ugly too,” Dangerfield said.

[Photo] Review: Rodney Dangerfield

Josh Moore, Fact Checker
January 29, 2019
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