• Exam Week! - Dec. 16 - 19
  • Board of Education Meeting - Dec. 18 @ 7 pm
  • End of Quarter 2 - Dec 19
  • NO SCHOOL - Teacher Records Day - Dec. 20
  • Aves Theatre Alumni Gala - Dec. 20
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
Lauren Kurtzer

Lauren Kurtzer , Creative Projects Director

Hi! My name is Lauren Kurtzer and I am a senior here at SHS; thus making it my fourth year in convergence journalism. Looking back on everything I learned and done in room 115, I can not believe it went by that quickly. Being on the staff of The Leaf I have picked up many skills on writing, design, and leadership that I can take to the future. I learned many of those skills through leadership positions of feature chief sophomore year; associate editor junior year, where I made sure articles are up to AP Style; creative projects director this year, I am part of a team that works on the major cover stories like the crazy election. I have written and designed for all four of our platforms. For the past three years, I have also written a sports column on every issue; I cover the morale issues of the NFL and my teams the Reds, Bengals and Buckeyes. Outside of room 115, I am the co-captain of the dance team I have been on for four years, the Flyerettes. I am also heavily involved in the Jewish community. I am the Programming Vice President for my temple’s youth group, which is a part of NFTY Ohio Valley, and the Social Action Programmer for Young Judaea Midwest youth movement. On Sundays, I am a madricha or assistant teacher at my Religious School.

All content by Lauren Kurtzer
Cincinnati Reds’ stadium, Great American Ballpark or GABP, is looked over during Opening Day on Monday April 3. It is located in downtown Cincinnati right on the Ohio River, dividing the states of Kentucky and Ohio. Every offseason the organization works to improve and upgrade the stadium experience for fans. They always add seats to increase the number of fans with this year holding 43,804 seats.

Reds rock Opening Day

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
April 6, 2017
TOO MUCH. LaVar Ball is yelling on the sidelines of a high school basketball games for his sons. He recently gave himself attention by making outlandish comments about himself and his sons. Ball has captivated the sports world, and most of it has been negative attention.

One balls too hard

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
April 3, 2017
March 2017 Columns: Senioritis, March Madness, Lakers management

March 2017 Columns: Senioritis, March Madness, Lakers management

Max Torem, Joshua Patterson, and Lauren Kurtzer
March 29, 2017
United States Senator from MA is speaking during the Democratic National Convention. She is one of the strong Democratic voices in the Senate. Warren was a professor for about 30 years focusing on consumer law and bankruptcy.

Elizabeth Warren

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
March 28, 2017
FRUSTRATION. Being an athlete is hard enough with all the dedication SHS students put towards their beloved sports. Being a student along with athletics is a lot to juggle, and our school should make it easier for those who work hard. Taking away the required gym credits for student-athletes is a big trend now in the Cincinnati area and beyond and would greatly help students here.

Sports cancel gym class

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
March 7, 2017
February 2017 Columns: Video games, war within New York Knicks, Cincinnati Reds

February 2017 Columns: Video games, war within New York Knicks, Cincinnati Reds

Max Torem, Joshua Patterson, and Lauren Kurtzer
February 28, 2017
Trendy places to try out

Trendy places to try out

Ten restaurants, coffee shops, places to visit in Cincinnati
William Coleman, Lauren Kurtzer, and Hannah Loftspring
February 21, 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.

Why Super Bowl LI might have saved NFL season

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
February 17, 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.

Super Bowl ad(d)s to political arena

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
February 6, 2017
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speaks to the media during Super Bowl LI Media Night. While he is in the spotlight for this seventh Super Bowl appearance and the Deflategate drama, he should also be supporting his friend and now president Donald Trump. This does not just go for the star player but should be for all NFL players since they have the platform of millions.

Tackling political issues in NFL

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
February 3, 2017
January 2017 Columns: Gun control, Super Bowl, LeBron James

January 2017 Columns: Gun control, Super Bowl, LeBron James

Max Torem, Lauren Kurtzer, and Joshua Patterson
January 27, 2017
The Aves Dance Team pose with their newly earned trophy on Sat., Jan. 6 at Seton High School. They competed in the small Varsity Hip-Hop Division. Kings and Archbishop McNicholas High School placed above them, while Campbell County High School placed below; it was a tight division where the only difference between first and fourth place was eight points.

Aves Dance Team

Tricking to third
Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Project Director
January 11, 2017
HITTING IT. The Flyerettes are performing their routine. For the team, the pep rally symbolizes the beginning of their performance season; while they are aiming for more fall events to dance at, this is normally their first big performance. For the two four year seniors, it was an emotional time that marks the beginning of the end to their high school dance career. “The Homecoming pep rally was really exciting because it was our chance to show the school what we are made of. I loved performing that dance and it made my last pep rally something to remember,” said Hannah Young, 12 and co-captain.

Flyerettes appear in pep rally

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
December 20, 2016
December 2016 Columns: Concealed carry, Penn State, Bengals

December 2016 Columns: Concealed carry, Penn State, Bengals

Max Torem, Joshua Patterson, and Lauren Kurtzer
December 19, 2016
The Ohio State University football coach Urban Meyer and former running back Ezekiel Elliott are celebrating their eighth national championship. They won the first title in the new playoff system for college football. While the new system has had remarkable success, the way conferences chose the champions has been a highlighted flaw.

College conference conundrum strikes

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Project Director
December 19, 2016
November 2016 Columns: Legalizing marijuana, examining SEC, finding common ground with sports

November 2016 Columns: Legalizing marijuana, examining SEC, finding common ground with sports

Max Torem, Lauren Kurtzer, and Joshua Patterson
December 16, 2016
column

August 2016 Columns: Welcoming back students, looking at Dance Team, reflecting on Courtney Fisher’s death

Max Torem, Lauren Kurtzer, and Joshua Patterson
September 14, 2016

SHS, National Sports

History made, legends born
Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
December 13, 2016

Student spotlighting

Natalie Brinkman, Caroline Veraldo, Lauren Kurtzer, Jenna Bao, Uttkantha Sindhwani, Hannah Loftspring, and Caroline Bruns
December 7, 2016
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril tackles Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor during the Monday night Football primetime games on November 7. There has been a hysteria going around the league about the ratings, especially during the lack of compelling primetime games. The drop in ratings come from factors in and out of the league.

Not failing league

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
November 14, 2016

Donald Trump

Sarah Horne and Lauren Kurtzer
November 4, 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.

Tying up tied games

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
November 3, 2016
Caption: Louisiana State University is doing something during a game on versus a team. Due to extreme weather conditions, they had to cancel a game versus Florida and had to reschedule for Noveber 19 and change the location from at Florida to at LSU. This controversy and decision was highly publicized since neither side could agree on a solution.

Louisiana losing league

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
November 1, 2016
Paying tribute to tragedy

Paying tribute to tragedy

9/11 memorial leaves impact
Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
October 18, 2016
September 2016 Columns: Airpods, Kaepernick, athletes making a difference

September 2016 Columns: Airpods, Kaepernick, athletes making a difference

Max Torem, Joshua Patterson, and Lauren Kurtzer
October 12, 2016
Why athletes need to be involved in politics

Why athletes need to be involved in politics

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
October 10, 2016
oston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hits one of his famous home runs during a game versus the Baltimore Orioles on Sep. 19, 2016. He announced his retirement after a 19 year career before the start of this season. The whole baseball world honored him in a historic career for designated hitters.

Big heart, big city, big time

Big Papí
Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
October 7, 2016
Backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick and teammate safety Eric Reid are kneeling during the national anthem on Mon., Sep. 12. This is Kaepernick’s third game of not standing during the anthem, the previous two being during the preseason. His actions has spread throughout the week, while other teams are standing united.

Standing for respect

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Project Director
September 20, 2016
The Sycamore Aves Dance Team prepares for their first performance at the football game on Fri., Aug. 26 at the University of Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium. One of the team’s goals this season is to increase their appearances to spread the word about the team. By performing at the football game, attended by thousands was a fun and simple way to do it.

Stretching for successful season

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Project Director
September 14, 2016
The new Aves Dance team poses for a photo during its team meeting on Thurs. April 21. They met to discuss money, talk about the gist of the team and the calendar for the year. The next time the team will meet will be for summer conditioning practice.

Large and still mighty

Lauren Kurtzer, Creative Projects Director
May 5, 2016
Becoming an aviator

Becoming an aviator

Lauren Kurtzer, Josh Patterson, Kamaria Walton, and Maddie Schramm
March 4, 2016
Denver Broncos starting quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter of Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. The Broncos won, 24-10. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group/TNS)

Athletes proving bad role models

Lauren Kurtzer, Associate Editor
March 3, 2016
The Flyerettes pose for a picture during the winter sports picture day on Thurs. Nov. 19. While the team is small, they have become an extremely close and tight-nit team.The small numbers also help them improve their technique and dances even more. With fewer people, mistakes are noticed more in practice to be perfected for performances. Photo credit: Coach Elise Williams

Flying for new face

Lauren Kurtzer, Associate Editor
December 17, 2015
Making meaning of PSAT/NMSQT

Making meaning of PSAT/NMSQT

Lauren Kurtzer, Associate Editor
December 17, 2015
Author Sonia Nazario gives a lecture on her book and immigration on Tues. Nov. 3 at Mt. St. Joseph University. Freshmen at the university read the book in English, over the summer and they brought Nazario to their campus. Nazario’s book, “Enrique’s Journey,” won the most prestigious journalism award in the Pulitzer Prize. Photo credit: Ms. Meredith Blackmore.

Conquering ‘La Bestia’

SHS Spanish students listen, meet Pulitzer Prize winner discuss immigration
Lauren Kurtzer, Associate Editor
November 14, 2015

2015 Fall Sports Awards

Lauren Kurtzer and David Wertheim
November 12, 2015

Gallery: falling to state

Lauren Kurtzer, associate editor
October 26, 2015
The girls’ lacrosse team is doing a scrimmage last season. To prepare for this season they have had scrimmages. The returning state champions lost eight seniors but are ready to show they are still talented. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

Girls Lacrosse

Lauren Kurtzer, Associate editor
May 7, 2015
Dancing back in time

Dancing back in time

Lauren Kurtzer, Associate Editor
April 27, 2015
W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B. Du Bois

Lauren Kurtzer, Feature Chief
April 17, 2015
Senior Nick Gerlic is receiving the basketball during a game. Gerlic is one of four seniors graduating. The team is 4-18 with a playoff game this Friday. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

Not a slam dunk season

Lauren Kurtzer, Associate editor
March 4, 2015
The JV cheerleading squad is cheering during a JV home boys’ basketball game. While the team did not do well with a losing season, the girls had a good time cheering. “I think the JV season went well as far as learning,” Bartlett said. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

Cheering as one

Lauren Kurtzer, Associate editor
February 7, 2015
A first for new-fangled Flyerettes

A first for new-fangled Flyerettes

Lauren Kurtzer and Natalie Brinkman
January 21, 2015
The Flyerettes are finishing their hip-hop dance to the song ‘Push-it’ during halftime on Dec. 12 versus Fairfield. The team learned this dance at Universal Dance Association camp at Miami University. Three of the teammates learned this dance there and they taught it to the rest of the team. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography

Flying into New Year

Lauren Kurtzer, Feature chief
January 7, 2015
Flyerettes coach Brittany Grecco is explaining a part of a dance to keep the team looking together. The team has their first game on Tues. Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. They have been learning three dances to perform at the next three games. Photo courtesy of Lauren Kurtzer.

‘We exceeded our expectations’

Lauren Kurtzer, Feature chief
December 17, 2014
Sophomore Lena Harper is looking to pass the ball in a JV basketball game last year. Harper, now a swing player from JVA to Varsity also was a swing player from freshman to JV the previous season. This change from a freshman to JVA team is a conference wide change. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

No dribbling difference

Lauren Kurtzer
December 15, 2014
Junior Haley Rayburn is shooting a basket in a JV basketball game last year. Rayburn is now on Varsity for the school after being on JV last year. The GMC changed their name from JV to JVA and freshman teams to JVB. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

JVA girls basketball: New name, same game

Lauren Kurtzer, Feature chief
December 9, 2014
The SHS Flyerettes are performing at the Variety Show on Sept. 26. This was the team’s first performance of the school year. They perform at every home basketball game during pregame and halftime. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

Flyerettes: Prepping into basketball season

Lauren Kurtzer, Feature chief
November 20, 2014
Sophomore Brooke Baker is dribbling the ball downfield for girls’ JV soccer. With the team’s large number of players, time on the field was limited. Although the teammate number was large they were able to bond as one.

Girls JV Soccer wanting more from school

Lauren Kurtzer
November 13, 2014
The boys’ cross country team starts a race in one of their meets. Although they did not reach their goal of going to state they enjoyed their season together. A large part of the team will return for Indoor track in the winter and track in the spring. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

Last lap running on high note

Lauren Kurtzer
November 13, 2014
The Flyerettes, SHS' dance team performing at the Homecoming pep rally on Oct. 10. They danced to a routine that they have been practicing since Aug.. They also used the dance at the Variety Show on Sept. 26.

Flyerettes perform with renewed energy at pep rally

Lauren Kurtzer
November 7, 2014
Bengals player Devon Still is talking on The Ellen DeGeneres Show with DeGeneres on Oct. 17. Still’s story has spread across the country as his daughter is battling cancer. His jersey has been sold to raise cancer awareness and money. Taken from Devon Still’s Instagram.

Still meeting Ellen DeGeneres

Lauren Kurtzer
November 1, 2014
Senior Allie Oh has the ball during a game v. Oak Hills on Tues. Sept. 16. Oh is one of three captains on the team. She saw a noticeable change in the hard work of her teammates with the coaching change.

Girls Varsity Soccer keeps goals in bounds

Lauren Kurtzer, Feature Chief
October 10, 2014
The team is discussing the game during Volley for the Cure on Thurs. Sept. 11. The team went through staff changes over the summer but have a 9-6 record. They compete with each other and try to beat their teammates but come together as one for games.

Competition within Girls JV Volleyball shows on court

Lauren Kurtzer, Feature Chief
October 10, 2014
This Team Ethan hat with its logo and slogan, “Strengthen One Another,” is being sold for Father’s Day to raise money for the organization. Ethan Kadish was struck by lightning and is recovering with the support of this organization and the Cincinnati community. WCPO has covered the story from the start. Photo courtesy of Team Ethan.

Covering Kadish’s recovery

Lauren Kurtzer
June 2, 2014
14 of the 19 team members from the 2013-2014 team at the UDA “Fun Night” (three not pictured). The theme for that night was “throwback” where the team had the idea to wear old uniforms. Each girl learned three dances; two of those dances were used for the season. Photo courtesy of Ashley McNamara.

Flyerettes dancing into summer

Lauren Kurtzer
June 2, 2014
Image by Lauren Kurtzer

New Flyerettes team plans out summer

Lauren Kurtzer
May 30, 2014
The seniors are performed at Senior Night for basketball, cheerleading and Flyerettes. There are 12 seniors leaving the Flyerettes. This leaves the seven remaining members with a large recruiting task. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

Flyerettes starts jazzy recruiting

Lauren Kurtzer
May 2, 2014
During warm-ups for the Varsity basketball game between Mason and Sycamore on Dec. 20, the Flyerettes perform their sidelines. The 19 team members go along one side of the basketball court. This line will shrink to 14 next year. Photo courtesy of MCD Photo.

Flyerettes: Bringing new team

Lauren Kurtzer
May 1, 2014
Flyerettes: New coach, new team

Flyerettes: New coach, new team

Lauren Kurtzer
April 24, 2014
The Flyerettes are preparing to compete with their hip-hop dance at OHSAA Regional Competition at Springboro High. They did not make it to state but continued performing at basketball games. On March 27 the team will gather one last time to reminisce on the past season. Photo courtesy of Ashley McNamara.

Flyerettes: Saying Goodbye

Lauren Kurtzer
April 1, 2014
Going to the beach and water is one vacation destination for Spring or Summer Break. Between those breaks students tend to fall-off to some degree. For seniors it is called senioritis. Photo courtesy of Lauren Kurtzer.

Ending strong

Lauren Kurtzer
March 25, 2014
Stepping out in spring

Stepping out in spring

Lauren Kurtzer
March 20, 2014
Flyerettes: Year round vs. one season

Flyerettes: Year round vs. one season

Lauren Kurtzer
March 7, 2014

Stepping out for voiceless

Lauren Kurtzer
March 3, 2014

Flyerettes face pressure to fill holes

Lauren Kurtzer
February 20, 2014
Turning goodbye to seniors

Turning goodbye to seniors

Lauren Kurtzer
February 14, 2014
Flyerettes: more to come following judge critique

Flyerettes: more to come following judge critique

Lauren Kurtzer
February 9, 2014
The Flyerettes are dancing before the Varsity boys’ basketball game versus Mason on Jan. 11. At halftime the team performed their pom routine for the first time. The next day they competed this dance at Seton High School. Photo courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

Leaping into competition

Lauren Kurtzer
January 31, 2014

Bringing more people, cheer

Lauren Kurtzer
January 29, 2014
Stepping Out Club members got in a circle to exchange gifts. Every December, the club has a Secret Santa where they get two presents before the party then one at the party. Food and drinks took place in the beginning part of the party. All photos courtesy of Lauren Kurtzer.

Stepping Out Club: Exchanging gifts,exchanging smiles

Lauren Kurtzer
December 21, 2013
Caption: Sam Weiss, 12 is waving to the crowd at the Homecoming Parade. Weiss was part of InterAct Club. She volunteered at many other places as well. Photo Courtesy of McDaniels Photography.

InterAct Club: making easy hours and friends

Lauren Kurtzer
December 11, 2013
Making a Difference Within

Making a Difference Within

Lauren Kurtzer
December 5, 2013

Psychology of volunteering: altruism

Lauren Kurtzer
November 21, 2013
Ryan Higgins, 9 stands after being mummified in toilet paper. He enjoyed being wrapped but it was hard standing still. Part of the party’s activities was wrapping people in toilet paper. Photo courtesy of Lauren Kurtzer.

Smiling for Halloween

Lauren Kurtzer
November 2, 2013

Stepping Out Club: Hard Working for Halloween

Lauren Kurtzer
October 21, 2013
Photo credit: Erin McElroy.McElroy,9 is at Bethesda North volunteering. She enjoyed helping people. Her interest in a career shifted to the medical field due to her service.

Look to the future: Volunteer work helps inspire career choices

Lauren Kurtzer
October 14, 2013
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Lauren Kurtzer