Gamers’ Top Picks

Theresa Cantu

Call of Duty: Black Ops – Call of Duty: Black Ops is a first person shooter that can be played on Microsoft Windows, Xbox360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii. The setting of the game is during the Cold War in 1950. Gamers may play as a soldier conducting black operations (secret government missions) behind enemy lines. The game sold seven million copies within 24 hours.  KHS Senior Tommy Chester says, “[Call of Duty] Black Ops is a great game because it’s easy to pick up and play without much experience. The game has a really cool story mode, and it even has a zombie mode.”

Pokémon Black and White –Pokémon, also known as “Pocket Monsters,” is a role playing game in which gamers simulate a young trainer’s journey in which he or she captures and raises Pokémon. They then proceed to train them, battle against others, and defeat the infamous “Team Plasma.” About 150 new Pokémon were introduced upon the release of the game. Over one million copies of the game were sold within the first 24 hours of its release. The game is available only for the Nintendo DS gaming system. 

KHS Junior Ian Thomas says, “I love Pokémon Black and White because it’s entirely new!  The graphics are more like a console system than a handheld system, and it’s a great adventure game that makes you feel like you are actually in the game. It’s definitely the longest Pokémon game I’ve ever played, and there is so much to do…especially with your friends. The music wraps it up…it’s some of the best music I’ve ever heard on any game, and I can guarantee that if you buy this game, you won’t be sorry!”

Popular Places to Buy

*BuyBacks                                                                Game Stop                                                             Wal Mart

279 Midway Boulevard                                     342 Chestnut Commons Drive                      46440 US Route 20

Elyria, OH (440) 324-3105                              Elyria, OH (440) 366-0277                           Oberlin, OH (440) 774-6720

*The Exchange                                                       Best Buy                                                                 Toys "R" Us

1154 North Court Street                                    6650 Midway Boulevard                                1601 West River Road N

Medina, OH (330) 722-0351                           Elyria, OH (440) 324-6005                           Elyria, OH (440) 324-2123

*Prices may vary at used game stores.

"Cheat" Websites

 

www.gamesradar.com

www.cheatcc.com

cheats.ign.com

www.cheatingdome.com

A Little Travel Etiquette

Jessica Riffle

As you jet off to your favorite destination this spring break, here are a few etiquette reminders for the airport, your flight, and at your hotel…

In the security line… 

• Be ready: have your shoes, belt, and watch off and make sure you have your liquids and laptop out and in their own bin. Also, have your valid photo ID and boarding pass out. 
• Remember, 3-1-1: Liquids must be in bottles less than 3.4 ounces that fit into one quart size clear bag for every one flight passenger. Any liquid exceeding the limit will be thrown away. Prescriptions are an exception. 
• Check your ticket: If you are a member of a special program such as Continental’s One Pass Elite program there’s a special security line just for you!

At the airport… 

• Be on time: Arrive at your gate no later than half an hour before your flight boards. When you miss a flight and it is your fault, the airline will not reimburse you.  
• Dress Wisely: Dress in layers because the temperature of the airport you depart from, the plane, and the airport you arrive at can vary greatly.  
• Keep it together: Place items that you know you will be using in a front pocket of your carry-on or in your personal item.  
• Remember: Per TSA regulations each passenger is permitted one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse, a diaper bag, or a tote bag.

On your flight

• Keep It Movin': If you need extra time to stow your belongings, find your seat and sit with your bag on your lap until most of the other passengers have made it to their seats. Remember that if you are having trouble stowing your bag, ask the flight attendant for help.  
• Be considerate: Keep your belongings in your space; keep your headphones turned down so you can hear any in-flight announcements from the pilot or flight attendants.  
• Don’t talk to strangers: Never tell unknown individuals about your vacation plans or give them any personal information, and  NEVER TELL ANYONE WHERE YOU ARE STAYING OVER YOUR VACATION.  

At the hotel… 

• Tip wisely: Tipping hotel staff can be a tricky task but by keeping a formula in mind, it will become smooth sailing. Remember 3x5=15: tip the valet $3.00 every time you pick up or drop off your vehicle; tip the housekeeping staff $5.00 every time they clean your room or turn down the bed; tip the room service staff 15% of what your room service bill is.  
• Don’t be afraid to ask: The hotel concierge’s job is to take care of your needs. Whether you need tickets for a show, a restaurant reservation, or simply directions, they will be more than pleased to assist you.

You Ain’t Nothin’ but a Werewolf

Jessica Riffle

 

The KHS Drama Club is in the final stages of preparing for their upcoming musical, You Ain’t Nothin’ but a Werewolf. This will be the drama club’s first musical, and they expect a full house.  Opening night will be Friday, March 25th at 7:00PM, and the musical will be showing again on Saturday, March 26th at 2:00PM and 7:00PM; Tickets cost $5.00 at the door. 

The drama club was formed in 2009 by advisor Mrs. Tuttle and a group of ambitious students.  In the two years since its formation, the club has been highly successful; both plays in 2009 and 2010 were sold out and received rave reviews.  The cast is thoroughly prepared for their production as they’ve been practicing since January.  “The final practices are the best part because everyone feels like a family by then,” says one of the stars of the musical, Dylan Toth.

The spring productions are the main fundraiser for the drama club, so please support your fellow students and show school spirit by attending this year’s musical.

KHS Drama Club

What Is a Wildcat?

By Theresa Cantu

There are many different images of a wildcat displayed on various Keystone High School merchandise and advertisements. Students, staff, and community members see it all the time, but not everyone knows what exactly a wildcat is. Wildcats were originally native to Europe, Western Asia, and Africa before being introduced to America by settlers. Wildcats now, also known as “feral cats,” are really just ordinary cats that have not been domesticated, or were once domesticated and then returned to the wild. Purple and white are not colors typically associated with this animal but instead pale yellow and light brown. Though our mascot is portrayed as large and ferocious, wildcats are actually no more than a foot tall. They do not roar, but instead they purr, meow, and hiss.

Now you may be wondering how our mascot was derived from this small, nearly-harmless creature. The mascot commonly used in school publications and apparel is actually portrayed as a lynx, which is not a wildcat. If you separate the words “wild” and “cat,” then a lynx is, in fact, a wild cat. Leaving it as one word indicates that one is referring to the small, fluffy creature previously described. The Canada Lynx was indigenous to Ohio during the time that LaGrange was first founded, making it very possible that it was the original inspiration for the school’s mascot. Lynxes are dangerous, ornery creatures which make them very suitable to represent sports team or a strong, determined group of students.

Dancing on the Water

By Theresa Cantu

The 2011 prom is going to break boundaries and tread new territory, or should I say water. The dance will take place on May 2, 2011 on the dinner cruise ship The Goodtime III. Students will have the opportunity to dance with friends, enjoy authentic Hawaiian cuisine, or stargaze on the deck, until the boat returns around 10:30 pm. Tickets will go on sale for $40 on March 1st through the 18th. Tickets may be purchased from Miss Gatzke or during your lunch period. You must be at the dock before 7:30 pm. Attendees may begin boarding at seven but no late arrivals will be admitted after the boat leaves at 7:30. Parking will be limited and it costs an additional $8 to park on the pier. The boat will be docked at Dock 825 of East Ninth Street Pier in Cleveland. All juniors and seniors are invited to enjoy “A Night on the Water.”

Bizon’s Big Break: KHS senior, Sierra Bizon heading to film school in the fall

By Jessica Riffle          

Sierra Bizon has always been known at KHS for her artistic abilities.  She draws, she writes, and she makes films.  It comes as no surprise that she plans on attending The School of Visual Arts in New York City next fall for filmmaking.

Bizon, who describes film-making and movies as her passion, plans on being a film-editor in the future.  “I originally wanted to be an actress or writer,” says Bizon, “but around age 15, I started thinking more realistically and realized I could fulfill what I love better through film-making.”  She has been making films at home her whole life.  She says, “movie-making lets me tell a story though my mind’s eye.”

Bizon has learned a lot about life during her years at Keystone.   “It has taught me discipline, and I’ve learned a lot about what is expected of me as a worker and individual.  I’ve learned a lot about people as well,” says Bizon.  She is very excited for college and is looking forward to the freedom and independence of living in the big city by herself.  Bizon is very happy with her life and decisions.  Her advice to anyone entering high school: “be sure of yourself and don’t let yourself get caught up in the little things.”

Bizon has her goals thoroughly planned out for herself.  Don’t be surprised if you see her in ten years at The Tribeca Film Festival or on stage accepting an Oscar for Best Picture.

Marvelous Musicians at OMEA

By Theresa Cantu
 

There are many talented singers and musicians at Keystone High School, and several decided to participate in the OMEA Solo and Ensemble contest. OMEA’s purpose is to critique musicians on what they’re doing right and what they can improve upon. It benefits the student as an individual without comparing their talents to those of other participants. The students prepare for months in advance through a detailed process. First, a song must be selected that would bring out the musicians fine qualities but still challenge them a little. Then the musician must become thoroughly familiar with the piece so that they can work out all the small details to perfect the quality of their performance. Finally, the director works with the student to completely prepare them for the contest.


All singers and musicians that entered this year did a fantastic job and received “excellent” and “superior” scores. Breanna Keith entered with a flute solo, finding the “professional response and criticism” beneficial. She plans to enter again next year. Keith states that other singers and musicians should participate “because you get a scored response you improve, and the more you perform, the better you get.”

The Art of Whittling

Theresa Cantu

Mediums commonly associated with “art” are pain, pencil, and paper.  Add a block of wood and a pocket knife and you have whittling! Whittling goes back to biblical times and was later made popular by American Indian tribes. It was first used for making tools and archiving information. Next came totem poles and architecture. As it became a common trade among tribes, it began for more expressive purposes such as statues and personal enlightenment. Statuettes of enemies and supposed monsters were also whittled and burned in an expression of distaste for the represented figure. Whittling today falls under the category of “folk art”. Carvings are usually whimsical and strange, but expressive, nonetheless. Areas where whittling is commonly taught and practiced are country areas, such as West Virginia and Texas.

There are few places today where an individual may go to learn how to whittle, such as high school wood shop classes and scouting groups. Creations can be displayed in local competitions and festivals, such as the Lorain County Fair. All you need is a pocket knife and a decent block of wood!

Model UN Gaining Popularity

By Theresa Cantu

What exactly is Model UN? The “UN” stands for United Nations. The United Nations is an organization of states formed to promote international peace and security. In the club, students role play as representatives of countries that take part in the United Nations. They research current events and complications taking place in other countries so that they may take part in debate at Model UN meets.

Keystone High School’s Model UN team is made up of ten members and is always open to potential members. The purpose of the club is to educate students on the inner workings of a world government. By working together to collaborate ideas, they build social skills such as problem solving, being persuasive in speech, viewing the world from a different perspective, and increasing self-confidence. Mrs. Parker states that the group is made up of “a unique bunch of people,” in explaining that anyone of any personality type may join. The club meets all throughout the school year and participates in roughly two to three matches a year. These usually take place at universities in Ohio and also put on events such as dances and dinners for the participants. The meets are spread out over the year so that members have time to research their topics so that they may properly represent their chosen country in debate. The best debaters are awarded prestigious titles and many opportunities to continue their passion for political debate.

Jessica's Restaurant Review - This Week... Sweet Melissa's in Rocky River

Sweet Melissa's
19337 Detroit Road

Rocky River, OH 44116(440) 333-6357

Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 11AM-10PM

Friday: 11AM-11PM

Saturday: 9AM-11PM

Sunday: 9AM-9PM

Brunch: Sat. & Sun., 9AM-1PM



Distance from Keystone: 25 Miles (Google Maps Directions from Keystone High School to Sweet Melissa's)

Price: $$

Reservations: Not Needed

Dress: Smart Casual (No sweats or pajamas, tracksuits and neat gym clothes are acceptable, but weekend-wear is preferred)

Atmosphere: Sit-down, café style dining. Family-friendly, children’s menus are available

The Menu

Best Breakfast: French Toast (Bourbon battered brioche, berries, real maple syrup, butter & powdered sugar)$7.00

Best Lunch: Kelli’s Turkey Club (Turkey, bacon, provolone,  apple relish, mixed greens, tomato, served on multi grain bread with chips) $10.00



Kelli's Turkey Club served with fresh chips



Best Dinner: Pulled Chicken Risotto (Butternut squash, bacon, basil, dried cranberries, reggiano) $12.00

Best Salad: Warm Goat Cheese (Breaded goat cheese medallions, tomatoes, apples, dried cranberries, pine nuts, field greens, balsamic vinaigrette) $7.00

Best Appetizer: Spinach Dip (Spinach, artichokes, roasted garlic, three cheeses with crostini)$6.00

Best Dessert: Sweet Melissa’s has its own in-house bakery, the desserts change every day and are typically seasonal, but all enjoyable.



The bar at Sweet Melissa's

 


Keystone Girls Basketball Team ends season in N°1 spot

By Jessica Riffle
            

The Keystone Wildcats Girls Basketball team finished their season 21-2 and as the Division II District Champions. This season the team acquired their fifth straight Patriot Athletic Conference title. 

The team played against the odds with a limited number of players this season but proved themselves by finishing at the top.

“Basketball has been so fun this year,” says junior Mallory Nagy, “we have a really small team, but we are all really good friends. We’ve worked hard all year and got through our conference undefeated.”

Mallory says the team has been so successful because they are like a “big family.” “I think that’s why we can play so good together, because we’re all pretty close.”

The girls are heading to tournaments next and hope to go far. “We’ve been doing better at giving 100% and making each other better,” says Nagy.  This winning attitude and sense of teamwork has not only helped the girls score points on the court, but it has also given them a sense of values that they will carry with them throughout life.

The girls celebrate a victory



Shining Star

Jessica Riffle 
         
Alyssa Stechow gives her all when she’s on the volleyball court. She plays on both the Keystone High School volleyball team and for The Southwest Volleyball Club which happens to be currently placed second in all of Ohio. “Volleyball is my passion,” says Stechow who has been playing for seven years, “My travel team (Southwest Volleyball Club) this year is doing pretty well so far.  I played on the 18 year-old's team last year and was the youngest, and we were the first regional team ever to make it to Nationals in Reno, NV.” 

Her hard work over the years has earned her a substantial volleyball scholarship at Robert Morris University in Chicago.  Stechow is majoring in Graphic Design and is considering pursuing a career in museum coordination or architectural design.  “I’m so excited to be in a huge city with thousands of different people,” says Stechow in anticipation of her move to Chicago in the fall.  She will have four roommates in her apartment situated just off of the chic Michigan Avenue. 

Stechow is not only looking forward to next fall in Chicago but also an amazing summer she has planned for herself.  She is visiting the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys as a graduation gift.  She is also going to Outer Banks, North Carolina for her eighteenth birthday.  “I love the beach. It’s my favorite,” says Stechow who frequents the Atlantic Coast annually.  No work, all play isn’t the case for this seventeen year-old though. “I want to get a job so I can save up money for college so my parents don’t have to send me checks every week,” says Stechow, “but I want to have fun and see my friends too.”  “I babysit now, but want something more consistent and serious” she says, “hopefully I’ll find something that will let me transfer to another store when I go to Chicago in the fall so that I don’t have to find a new job all over again.” 

Stechow has already set out goals for herself for the next four years. “I want to be the best student and the best volleyball player I possibly can,” says the KHS senior. “Don’t worry about what everyone thinks, and just be yourself.” Although moving to the big city alone may seem a little scary for a young adult from a microscopic town, Stechow believes that “the biggest risks are the ones you don’t take.”

Alyssa spikes the ball during a KHS volleyball game