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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
Nathan Zhang

Nathan Zhang , Opinion Chief

Hello, my name is Nathan Zhang, I am a sophomore, and this is my 2nd year on staff. After a wonderful experience last year writing for the Leaf, I am now the Leaf opinion chief. I love to write and will definitely compose many pieces this year for the Leaf. In addition to writing, I love playing tennis, and it is one of my passions. Last year, I played for the SHS boys’ varsity gold team, and we won state! This year, we hope to win state once again for the third year in a row.

All content by Nathan Zhang
Just days after the devastating attack on Brussels, Belgium on Wed. March 22, numerous memorials were set up in order to acknowledge the events that transpired. They honored the 31 victims who were killed in the attack. In addition, 300 people were injured in the attack.

Brussels attacks stun students

Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Chief
April 7, 2016
Spanish dives into Don Quixote

Spanish dives into Don Quixote

Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Chief
March 18, 2016
Science Fair

Science Fair

Emily Chien, Claire Lefton, Calli Osborne, Nathan Zhang, and Harsimran Makkad
March 4, 2016
The familiar old design of the SHS district website has been replaced for the first time in years; the new website, however, caused much confusion and controversy amongst students. Pathak said, “I like the new look of the website, since the old design was getting old. It was just really confusing because there are two sign in tabs instead of just one.”

New website causes confusion

Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Chief
February 29, 2016
Every year, Spanish IV classes research the numerous regions in Spain and present a project about the interesting cultures and facts about their region. In addition to presenting their project, each student is required to make a dish originating from the region that they researched. Sophomore Matthew Isakson said, “For my project I created a Spanish dish called Pisto Manchego from my region, Castilla La Mancha.”

Spanish classes investigate Spain

Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Chief
February 18, 2016
Each day, in an attempt to make students read more, SHS has implemented an ACE bell, where students are required to read for 30 minutes a day. Many students created a petition in opposition to this bell. Sophomore Rishav Dasgupta said, “Although I agree that reading is extremely important and is something the young generations needs to do a lot more of, the overwhelming consensus of the student body is that 30 minutes a day would be much more valuable if kids could use it to work on projects, meet with teachers, or simply get ahead with their schoolwork.”

ACE bell makes alterations

Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Chief
February 12, 2016
Senior Melissa Goodman shakes her opponent’’s hand prior to their match. Each match, the captains of each team call out the student playing each position on the team before the players begin their match. Goodman played first doubles during the season.

Swinging for sucess

Nathan Zhang, Opinion Chief
January 26, 2016
AP Biology and AP Stats classes met Thurs., Jan. 7 to talk about a group project. This project will require the students to utilize skills acquired from first semester. Sotropa said, “The assignment goes on throughout all of second semester, and not only is it one of the biggest grades, but it is the longest assignment.”

Classes converse closely

Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Chief
January 21, 2016
Menacing blizzard encroaches

Menacing blizzard encroaches

Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Chief
January 21, 2016
Over the years, sleep deprivation has become a major problem amongst students. Not only are students being bombarded by homework assignments, but many have extracurricular activites as well. Isakson said, “Some days I get home as late as 9 p.m. and get to bed at around 12 a.m.”

Students scarcely sleep

Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Chief
January 15, 2016
This year, for the first time in decades, SHS has moved semester exams prior to winter break. Although the week of exams has changed, the schedule has remained relatively the same as previous years. Tuesday will be first bell exams, Wednesday will be second and third bell exams, Thursday will be fourth bell and fifth bell exams, and Friday will be sixth and seventh bell exams.

Exams encroach earlier than usual

Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Chief
December 14, 2015
Shots fired

Shots fired

Mass shootings occur daily
Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Chief
December 4, 2015
Now that PARCC testing is non-existent in Ohio, the Ohio government has decided to pay the American Institutes for Research (AIR) to administer tests. On Mon., Nov. 16, SHS students took a practice run for AIR testing. Sophomore Atit Pathak said, “I had to take a practice AIR test in English first bell. It wasn’t too bad, definitely better than the old PARCC tests.”

Students take practice AIR

Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Chief
November 23, 2015
SHS tennis athletes get up in the morning before school in order to attend conditioning at 6 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the off season. Led by the captains from each team, the students complete a wide array of activities includes jump rope, numerous drills, sprints, push-ups, and stretching. These morning conditionings are supervised by Coach Michael Teets.

Students condition before school

Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Chief
November 18, 2015
Airing it out

Airing it out

Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Chief
November 16, 2015
Athletes and participants in fall activites line up with the drum line prior to marching around the school. This march, known as the “Walk of Champions” will be held each season to honor the athletes and the awards they recieved. Junior Noah Stern said, “It’s very important to honor the athletes from SHS for their hard work and numerous accolades.”

Athletes march through hallways

Nathan Zhang, Opinion Chief
October 29, 2015
Freshman Helen Sotropa is hitting a ball back during warm ups before senior night for girls Gold Varsity tennis on Friday Sept. 25. They played Chaminade-Julienne and won 5-0. The girls went on to state on Sunday Oct. 18 and became state runner ups.

Sycamore swings through state

Nathan Zhang, Opinion Chief
October 24, 2015
After defeating Ursuline Academy, 3-2, SHS moves on to the State Final Four, which will be held at Reynoldsburg High School. There, they will face Toledo Mt. Notre Dame, a team ranked nine in the state currently. The teams will clash on Sun., Oct. 18.

Swinging for state

Nathan Zhang, Opinion Chief
October 13, 2015
The SHS girls gold tennis team defeats Mason High school 3-2 on Wed., Sept. 30. This was a huge win as Mason was ranked number two in the state going into the season. The tennis team will face Ursuline Academy in the Elite Eight of the OHSAA state tennis tournament.

Sycamore swings through state

Nathan Zhang, Opinion Chief
October 12, 2015
Donuts have become a staple in America this past decade. One shop that recently opened and is dedicated to serving donuts near Xavier University is called Top This Donut Bar. Top This offers myriad types of donuts, glazing, and toppings.

Top this!

Donut bar built in town
Nathan Zhang, Opinion Chief
September 23, 2015
Seniors Lisa Ruffin, Victoria Swart, Maddie Locke, Ben Thiss, Ryan Wahler, Nakul Narendran, and Deepak Indrakanti sign with their college to play sports. The event took place during seventh bell on Wednesday, May 27. Coaches and players spoke during the ceremony, and the crowd consisted of teammates, friends, and family.

Athletes sign with colleges

Nathan Zhang, opinion chief
May 28, 2015

SHS considers starting earlier

Nathan Zhang, opinion chief
May 20, 2015
Juniors Grace Whaley, Maya Sheth, and Chris Seger immediately after completing the half marathon. The Flying Pig marathon is an annual event which occurred on May 1 to May 3. Events include the 10k, 5k, half marathon and marathon.

Runners soar through finish line

Nathan Zhang, Op-ed chief
May 5, 2015
Pulseras, spanish for bracelets, are being sold during lunch for $5. The Pulsera Project was created to help create jobs and improve education in Nicaragua.

Pulsera Project provides bracelets

Nathan Zhang, opinion chief
April 27, 2015
Jumping in the shoes of Jodie Lawson

Jumping in the shoes of Jodie Lawson

Nathan Zhang, Op/Ed Co-Chief
April 24, 2015
Garissa University is located in Kenya. 147 students were killed by a terrorist group named Al-Shabab. The attack was organized by Mohamed Mohamud.

Terrorist group attacks Kenyan University

Nathan Zhang, Staff Writer
April 13, 2015

Teachers recommend classes to the masses

Nathan Zhang, opinion chief
April 10, 2015
A turtle treks across the ground as students loom over it to take a closer look at its features. One of the animals students taking biology saw were turtles. There were many other animals as well, including parrots, lizards, and baby ducks.

Biology classes scrutinize animals

Nathan Zhang, Staff Writer
March 27, 2015
Each year, Five Seasons Family Sports Club holds a fundraiser called “Ballers for a Cause.” It is an event where kids, young and old, get together and participate in fun activities. Requiring a minimum donation of $15, the event will be held on Friday, Jan. 23.

Annual ‘Ballers for a Cause’ fundraiser held at Five Seasons

Nathan Zhang
January 28, 2015
Freshman Max Snyder carries his backpack after the bell rings. Freshmen, along with other grades all have suffered from heaving heavy backpacks around. However, Obama has been taking steps towards mandating online textbooks, which will hopefully relieve some of the stress backpacks put on students’ backs.

Backpacks break backs

Nathan Zhang
November 25, 2014
Most teachers at SHS use scan-trons for exams. In the past, most schools in Ohio have taken semester exams after winter break. However, most schools have made the decision to move semester exams to before winter break, unlike SHS.

Students anticipate exams after winter break

Nathan Zhang
October 25, 2014
Juniors at SHS prepare for a 150 minute test. These scores are important in qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship. This year, the school had 23 students qualify.

SHS partakes in annual PSAT examination

Nathan Zhang
November 5, 2014
Each year, Spanish classes participate in a Day of the Dead celebration. They build shrines and prepare native Spanish dishes in order to learn more about the culture. Through this, students are able to partake in activities done by thousands across various Latin American countries.

Students make Day of the Dead alive

Nathan Zhang
October 25, 2014
Freshmen in the past completed family history projects, displayed during Open House. These projects have helped students learn more about their family’s history, as well as their country of origin. Just as they have served as a tool for learning, they will continue to serve as one in the future.

Fresh projects line up for freshmen

Nathan Zhang
October 25, 2014
Freshman Jackson Trumpy reads from the English 9 textbook "Collections". Freshmen have been frustrated with the online version for a long time. They have been forced to use the online version because there are not enough paper textbooks for freshmen to take home.

Online textbook loses its ‘text’

Nathan Zhang
October 25, 2014
Students fall asleep all the time in class due to sleep deprivation. Studies have shown that approximately 45 percent of the world is not getting enough sleep. There is a likely inverse relationship between lack of Z’s and As and Bs.

Sleep deprivation deprives students of good grades

Nathan Zhang, Staff Writer
October 22, 2014
Freshman Zachary Sheehan takes a Scantron test. Most classes took their pre-tests on Scantrons, like the class in which Sheehan took his test. Though teachers easily graded these Scantrons, they, along with students, still feel that pre- and post-tests are a waste of time.

Students hate common core ‘to the core’

Nathan Zhang, Staff Writer
October 8, 2014
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