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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

Kirsten Thomas

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor

Hi! My name is Kirsten Thomas, and this is my third and final year on the staff. This year I am a Web Editor, which basically means I am one of the two people that keep the website up and running. We update the website daily and strive to post diverse and well-written articles and information. For many years, shsleaf.org has been a SNO distinguished site, and for the first time, last year was a Pacemaker finalist. I help in other aspects of the journalism world when needed, as I am also the Managing Editor for The Leaf. I oversee the feature, opinion, and sports sections of our news magazine. I enjoy both of our platforms and write for both as well. As far as writing goes, until my sophomore year, I never really enjoyed it. It was my freshman year that I discovered what an outlet writing can be, and once I discovered how to communicate what I could not verbally through writing, I was hooked. I started discovering sides of myself I never knew existed, which lead me to win first place in the Montgomery Women’s Club Writing Contest for three (this year will hopefully make four!) years in a row. Although I spend most of my time working on journalism-related work, I enjoy the activities I am involved in at SHS. As far as clubs and extracurriculars go, this is my second year being Vice President of Model UN, I have been a freshman camp counselor (basically showing freshman around the school, helping them adapt and being a mentor to them) for four years, and I volunteer through Ambassadors Club and National Honors Society. During second bell each day I am a peer mentor to students in the building with special needs. I help the students in their gym class, build relationships with them and enjoy occasional outings with them such as bowling and Adaptive PE field day. I have a passion for individuals with special needs, as I think their voices should be heard just as anyone else’s. This can sometimes be challenging considering some special needs individuals are nonverbal, but it is always fun using technology and other resources to help them communicate and let the world hear their voice. After watching the movie “Temple Grandin” in psychology class, I was inspired to share the stories of those who would not normally be shared. I created Autism Awareness Month on our website to bring awareness to those in our community and world touched by Autism, including businesses that strive to incorporate employees of all abilities. Each school day in April a profile was uploaded to our website, featuring a person or business. The community had a great response, and we were able to cover many students and businesses in our area. Looking towards my future, I know the special needs community will always be a part of my life, even if that means strictly volunteering. Outside of school I enjoy attending church and have served for a few years on the leadership team. This summer I went on my first mission trip to Guatemala, and I loved sharing my testimony and Christianity with all of the children there. My eyes were opened to how precious life is, and how we should value each and every day. Further, when I am not at school I spend some of my time working. I have two jobs, one at Jet’s Pizza and the other at Subway, but I also manage to make some time to babysit. In college, I plan on majoring in journalism and may be interested in teaching journalism later down the road. I wish I could tell you I am finishing off my senior year and leaving high school with no regrets, but I have to admit, I have one regret- not joining the journalism program sooner. Joining journalism changed my life- I learned not only what I want to pursue in college and beyond, but I discovered who I truly am. Sharing the stories of others is my passion, and I cannot wait to explore this field for years to come. I am so happy that I joined the staff sophomore year, and I could not imagine high school without it. On that note, feel free to look around and enjoy all of the work we have posted here for you- we have put in a lot of hard work, and we hope you enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by, and come back again soon!

All content by Kirsten Thomas
Sam Kapsul, 12

Sam Kapsul, 12

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
May 9, 2019
AT&T Stadium

AT&T Stadium

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
April 19, 2019
The Dr. Pepper Museum

The Dr. Pepper Museum

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
April 19, 2019
The Silos

The Silos

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
April 19, 2019
Traveling in Texas

Traveling in Texas

Must see attractions in Texas
Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
April 19, 2019
A FUN NIGHT. Students and staff alike gathered to enjoy the trivia night. The event ended at roughly 8 p.m.

Students give trivia a try

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
April 18, 2019
SYCAMORE STRONG. Montgomery Mayor Chris Dobrozsi addressed those in attendance at the remembrance event on April 9.  The tragic tornado struck the community 20 years ago on April 9, 1999.

Remembering 20 years ago

April 9, 1999, a tragic tornado struck the community
Jack Wolfe and Kirsten Thomas
April 9, 2019
Making your way through Magnolia Bakery

Making your way through Magnolia Bakery

Everything you need to know before approaching the bakery
Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
April 7, 2019
MAKE IT TO THE MARKET. Your trip is not complete without stopping by Magnolia Market at the SIlos. Upon entering the Market's main shop, you are greeted by a beautiful seasonal display.

Nothing beats Magnolia

Things to take note of when enjoying your time at Magnolia in Waco, Texas.
Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
April 7, 2019
AUTISM AWARENESS. ON April 2, students at SHS and people around the country wore blue to "light it up blue" for Autism. This month is all about awareness of Autism.

Why we cover Autism Awareness Month

Reflecting upon the month’s importance
Kirsten Thomas, Web editor
April 4, 2019
LEFT ON READ? To fear, or not to fear. Being left on read can be confusing and leave students wondering what the cause is.

You’ve been left on read—now what?

Don’t worry, friend; it happens to the best of us
Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
March 29, 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.

‘The Upside’

Movie made from true story
Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
March 14, 2019
BEAUTIFUL WORDS. Poems written by youth in the Cincinnati area were composed and performed on Sat., March 2 at SHS. The Lynx Project's Autism Advocacy Project was behind the event.

The Lynx Project: Behind the Scenes

What it is like from the side of the composer
Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
March 5, 2019
MAGICAL. Kenta Mignot, writer of a poem turned song, enjoyed the way the song turned out. Mignot's poem is about his existence here on earth. "I wrote about... my existence in this world... [the song] is magical," Kenta said.

The story behind the poem

Mignot shares his insight, thoughts
Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
March 4, 2019
Students take on Perfect North

Students take on Perfect North

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
February 21, 2019
Students help Fashion for the Cure

Students help Fashion for the Cure

Students donate hair, shave their heads for awareness
Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
February 11, 2019
No school Feb. 1

No school Feb. 1

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
February 1, 2019
No school Jan. 31

No school Jan. 31

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
January 31, 2019
No school Jan. 30

No school Jan. 30

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
January 29, 2019
Laneyah Pringle, 12

Laneyah Pringle, 12

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
January 16, 2019
Verany Iek, 12

Verany Iek, 12

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
December 5, 2018
Nia Jeter, 12

Nia Jeter, 12

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
October 30, 2018
WEAR YOUR GROUTFITS PROUDLY. Mr. Kerry Crotty's bell 3 won the first day of spirit week: groutfits and crazy socks. Winning classes can expect their donuts on Fri., Oct. 17.

Homecoming spirit week poll results

Winning classes to receive donuts
Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
October 15, 2018
SERVE. Seniors were given options of various locations to serve. Many seniors are hoping to return to their elementary schools. “I have so many memories from Symmes [Elementary] so it will be fun to go back and see all of my teachers,” said Emma Long, 12.

Seniors prepare to serve

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
October 15, 2018
Order your 2019 yearbook

Order your 2019 yearbook

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
September 18, 2018
Remembering 9/11

Remembering 9/11

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
September 11, 2018
SO SENIOR. Seniors enjoyed a hot dog cookout for lunch. Veggie dogs were offered as an alternative. Seniors were also offered chips, desert and bottled water with the option of eating inside or outside.

Seniors enjoy cookout at lunch

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
September 7, 2018
KNOCK KNOCK. With the school year just starting, Tag Day is quickly approaching. When SBOB students knock on your door they will not take too much of your time and hope you will consider all of the benefits your donation will create for the students. “Tag Day is a great fundraiser and one way of giving back to the band. It really benefits everyone in the band and orchestra program and it doesn’t take up a lot of time in the day,” said Anna Cummins, 12.

SBOB marches toward Tag Day

Kirsten Thomas, Web Editor
August 21, 2018
WELCOME BACK. On August 16, all students were welcomed back to school. The PTO had various decorations set up in the front office to welcome students back and to celebrate the seniors. "The Leaf" staff hopes you have a great year!

[Photo] Welcome back!

August 16, 2018
Kaitlynn Herzog, 12

Kaitlynn Herzog, 12

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
May 16, 2018
SNAPSHOT. Tsao stops to take a photo on his trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, located in Michigan. Tsao was trying to capture the beautiful sunset. When traveling, Tsao enjoys capturing photos of what he sees along the way. Photos courtesy of Herrick Tsao.

Tsao takes on globe

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
April 30, 2018
 TALENTED. SHS student Sanford Reese has many interests such as sports, but expands his talents throughout other aspects of his life. Reese enjoys attending his work study through SHS. Further, he enjoys going to Friday outings.

Work study enthusiast

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
April 30, 2018
PICK A TREAT. TIP students are involved in making dog treats at EarthWise Pet. There is a stand dedicated to these specific treats in the Harper’s Point store. The bag also includes the individual’s name who worked on that bag of treats, which gives it a nice personal touch.

Earthwise pet

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
April 27, 2018
FUN IN THE SUN. Students enjoy a water station at last year’s Adaptive PE Field Day. This event would not be possible without help from volunteers. If interested in volunteering at the event, please contact Mrs. Paula Anstaett.

Adaptive PE plans Field Day

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
April 23, 2018
EDUCATION. The classroom is an important place for students to engage. Susan Stokes helps create good learning environments in classrooms for students. Stokes also helps groups and teams in other fields outside of the classroom.

Susan K. Lewis Stokes

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
April 23, 2018
Jeicy Hernandez-Baquero, 11

Jeicy Hernandez-Baquero, 11

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
April 20, 2018
Claire Bolyard, 11

Claire Bolyard, 11

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
April 12, 2018
Sam Leach currently works at Hilton Garden Inn in the kitchen. Despite working, Sam still has time to enjoy doing things he loves. “Sam’s perfect day includes a Diet Coke from McDonald’s and a trip to the beach,” said Ms. Carol Leach, Sam Leach’s mother.

TIP Intern

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
April 5, 2018
NEW PERSPECTIVE. Those on the spectrum are able to contribute in new ways to the workforce. Their thinking style allows individuals to think outside of the box and come up with great ideas to benefit their companies. Autism is seen as a strength in the workforce and beyond.

Autism enters the workforce

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
April 3, 2018
AWARENESS. April is Autism Awareness Month in the United States. This month we will be celebrating Autism through public figures and those in our community. This opportunity can be used to become more informed about Autism.

April calls for Autism Awareness

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
April 2, 2018
A PIECE OF HISTORY. Junior Jeicy Hernandez Baquero stands near the location where Lyndon B. Johnson took the Presidential Oath after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Informational signs are posted throughout Air Force One to give further explanation of the individual rooms and what occurred there. Visitors were allowed to walk through Air Force One as many times as they pleased, and there was no admission cost to enter the museum.

Students step back into history

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
March 29, 2018
  INSPIRATION. Sonia Sotomayor was inspired to become a judge from the TV show Perry Mason. Growing up, Sotomayor was raised on a modest income. She was the eldest of two children.

Sonia Sotomayor

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
March 29, 2018
APPLE WATCH IN ACTION. Students can be seen throughout the school day wearing Apple Watches. This allows students to listen to music, receive notifications, and track their fitness all from their wrist. If you have an iPhone and are interested in the Apple Watch, ask a friend who has one their opinion on the watch before purchasing.

Apple Watch: Waste or Great?

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
March 18, 2018
INSTRUCTION. Mr. Chad Husting instructs multiple classes on what to do on Tie Dye Day. This allows for the actual day to run more smoothly. The make up day will be Tues., Mar. 13.

Chemistry classes (tie) dye

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
March 8, 2018
Hannah Taylor, 11

Hannah Taylor, 11

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
March 7, 2018
Pereda strives for success

Pereda strives for success

Kirsten Thomas, Spotlight Chief
March 6, 2018
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Kirsten Thomas