Graduation 2014
Danser Toute la Nuit
(Dance the Night Away)
By TIFFANY NAGLE
Red and Blue Features Editor
More than 185 students and staff attended “Project Paris,” the Junior-Senior Prom, which was held at Skyland Pines on April 12.
The night started out with students voting on the Prom king and queen and getting pictures taken. Dinner was served at 7, with a buffet of a variety of foods.
Then came the dancing, with music provided by DJ Eddie Williams of ER Electronics. A large array of music genres were played while students danced the night away.
The 2014 Prom king and queen were Kofi Amponsah and Cheyenne Harris. The court included seniors Dale Dickson, Julia Dubaj, J. J. Kukura and Olivia Baxter.
Ms. Sarah Underwood, a class advisor along with Ms. Diana Conway, said the juniors had been raising money for this prom since their freshman year.
“I think it turned out very well,” she said. “I had waitresses pull me aside and say how nice and polite the students were.”
The Prom colors were black, red and gold. The decorations followed a French theme, provided by Up in the Air Balloon Company. Photos were taken by Cockrill’s Studio and Sgt. Ron Cox of the state Highway Patrol provided breathalyzer tests.
“I thought prom was a great time, with some decent music,” said junior Alex Shaver.
“Prom was a wonderful experience, but I’m glad I’m only doing it once because it was a lot of work to get ready,” said senior Kerstin Ross.
“Prom was a very formal, but relaxed evening,” said senior Alex Burkett. “I had a lot of fun, and the food was great.”
“Everyone and everything looked beautiful!”
Red and Blue Features Editor
More than 185 students and staff attended “Project Paris,” the Junior-Senior Prom, which was held at Skyland Pines on April 12.
The night started out with students voting on the Prom king and queen and getting pictures taken. Dinner was served at 7, with a buffet of a variety of foods.
Then came the dancing, with music provided by DJ Eddie Williams of ER Electronics. A large array of music genres were played while students danced the night away.
The 2014 Prom king and queen were Kofi Amponsah and Cheyenne Harris. The court included seniors Dale Dickson, Julia Dubaj, J. J. Kukura and Olivia Baxter.
Ms. Sarah Underwood, a class advisor along with Ms. Diana Conway, said the juniors had been raising money for this prom since their freshman year.
“I think it turned out very well,” she said. “I had waitresses pull me aside and say how nice and polite the students were.”
The Prom colors were black, red and gold. The decorations followed a French theme, provided by Up in the Air Balloon Company. Photos were taken by Cockrill’s Studio and Sgt. Ron Cox of the state Highway Patrol provided breathalyzer tests.
“I thought prom was a great time, with some decent music,” said junior Alex Shaver.
“Prom was a wonderful experience, but I’m glad I’m only doing it once because it was a lot of work to get ready,” said senior Kerstin Ross.
“Prom was a very formal, but relaxed evening,” said senior Alex Burkett. “I had a lot of fun, and the food was great.”
“Everyone and everything looked beautiful!”
“Macbeth” Meets the Zombie Apocalypse
Drama Club Does Another Hammers Original
By ARIANA CALLOCK
The Red and Blue Staff Writer
Mr. David Hammers carries on the tradition of Shakespeare-themed plays with this year’s production of “The Tragically Awesome Tale of MacBeth and the Zombie Apocalypse,” performed by the AHS Drama Club in April.
MacBeth (Jordan Bales) and Lady MacBeth (Reilly Davidson) live in a post-apocalyptic world. MacBeth heads King Duncan’s army and is doing a good job driving out the zombies that are coming from all directions: England, Ireland and Norway.
But he is confronted by three witches: Thalia (Teresa Woerther), Melpomene (Kendra Murdoch), and Calliope (Haeli Minor), who can see into the future and tell him that he’s going to be king of New Scotland - what’s left of old Scotland after the zombie apocalypse
That puts murderous thoughts in the heads of both him and Lady MacBeth. He and his wife will do anything to rise to power; even kill their friends.
With every murder, the zombie horde increases, leaving less humans to help defend Scotland against Ariel (Vanessa West), the mysterious leader of the zombies.
Based on Shakespeare’s work “Macbeth,” the play was written and directed by Mr. Hammers and co-directed by Ms. Natalie McKibben. Last year, the Drama Club performed “Julia Caesar,” another take-off on Shakespeare written by Mr. Hammers.
The amazing post-apocalyptic set pieces for this year’s play were designed by the Construction Trades class. The show featured an original song, written and sung by freshman Haeli Minor.
The play had murder, zombie-filled action, music, and plenty of comedy. What more could any audience want?
The Red and Blue Staff Writer
Mr. David Hammers carries on the tradition of Shakespeare-themed plays with this year’s production of “The Tragically Awesome Tale of MacBeth and the Zombie Apocalypse,” performed by the AHS Drama Club in April.
MacBeth (Jordan Bales) and Lady MacBeth (Reilly Davidson) live in a post-apocalyptic world. MacBeth heads King Duncan’s army and is doing a good job driving out the zombies that are coming from all directions: England, Ireland and Norway.
But he is confronted by three witches: Thalia (Teresa Woerther), Melpomene (Kendra Murdoch), and Calliope (Haeli Minor), who can see into the future and tell him that he’s going to be king of New Scotland - what’s left of old Scotland after the zombie apocalypse
That puts murderous thoughts in the heads of both him and Lady MacBeth. He and his wife will do anything to rise to power; even kill their friends.
With every murder, the zombie horde increases, leaving less humans to help defend Scotland against Ariel (Vanessa West), the mysterious leader of the zombies.
Based on Shakespeare’s work “Macbeth,” the play was written and directed by Mr. Hammers and co-directed by Ms. Natalie McKibben. Last year, the Drama Club performed “Julia Caesar,” another take-off on Shakespeare written by Mr. Hammers.
The amazing post-apocalyptic set pieces for this year’s play were designed by the Construction Trades class. The show featured an original song, written and sung by freshman Haeli Minor.
The play had murder, zombie-filled action, music, and plenty of comedy. What more could any audience want?
Science Alliance Yields 24 Superiors, 10 Special Awards
By CHEYANNE GONZALES
Red and Blue Editor in Chief
This year’s Science Alliance science fair resulted in 24 superior ratings and 10 special awards. Projects given superior ratings can move on to the district science fair.
Junior Bethany Cox won her fourth special award in Botany and her second Best in Show award.
A total of 57 projects were submitted to Science Alliance, which was held in the AHS auxiliary gym on Feb 6. Students from grades seven through 12 were able to create an experiment involving a topic that they found interesting. Each student, or team of students, had to design an experiment to either prove or disprove their hypothesis.
The students had a wide range of categories to choose from, including Zoology, Mathematics, Statistics and many others. Each project was judged and rated as fair, good, excellent or superior. If a superior was earned, the project is able to move on to the district science fair to be held at the University of Mount Union.
Ten special awards were given to projects that had a superior ratings and were deemed the best in their specific category. In addition to Bethany Cox’s award for Botany, Sam Denny received the special award for Behavioral Science; Dalton Snyder, Melinda Stewart and Marissa Swonger for Computer Science; Tyler Eakins, Ashlin Shell and Michael Macenczak for Engineering; Alexandra Cox for Environmental Science; LeeAnna Brugh for Mathematics; Allison Waggoner for Medicine and Health; Andrew McMillen and Devin Thompson for Microbiology; Michael Unckrich for Physics and Julia Dubaj for Zoology.
Bethany Cox’s project was titled "Can the Aquaponic Process Used With Biochar Increase the Growth of Soybean Plants?" Biochar is plant and animal waste that is burned with little to no oxygen. It is then used as a fertilizer that can stay in the ground for thousands of years.
Aquaponics is the growth of fish and plants together. Bethany had two tanks, one containing fish and one containing plants.
“I had two fish tanks that enabled me to pump the water to the plant tray and flow back into the fish tank,” Bethany said. “The plants filter the water back for the fish.”
“This eliminates the need for an aquarium filter,” she said. “The water from the fish tank provides nutrients to the plants.”
Red and Blue Editor in Chief
This year’s Science Alliance science fair resulted in 24 superior ratings and 10 special awards. Projects given superior ratings can move on to the district science fair.
Junior Bethany Cox won her fourth special award in Botany and her second Best in Show award.
A total of 57 projects were submitted to Science Alliance, which was held in the AHS auxiliary gym on Feb 6. Students from grades seven through 12 were able to create an experiment involving a topic that they found interesting. Each student, or team of students, had to design an experiment to either prove or disprove their hypothesis.
The students had a wide range of categories to choose from, including Zoology, Mathematics, Statistics and many others. Each project was judged and rated as fair, good, excellent or superior. If a superior was earned, the project is able to move on to the district science fair to be held at the University of Mount Union.
Ten special awards were given to projects that had a superior ratings and were deemed the best in their specific category. In addition to Bethany Cox’s award for Botany, Sam Denny received the special award for Behavioral Science; Dalton Snyder, Melinda Stewart and Marissa Swonger for Computer Science; Tyler Eakins, Ashlin Shell and Michael Macenczak for Engineering; Alexandra Cox for Environmental Science; LeeAnna Brugh for Mathematics; Allison Waggoner for Medicine and Health; Andrew McMillen and Devin Thompson for Microbiology; Michael Unckrich for Physics and Julia Dubaj for Zoology.
Bethany Cox’s project was titled "Can the Aquaponic Process Used With Biochar Increase the Growth of Soybean Plants?" Biochar is plant and animal waste that is burned with little to no oxygen. It is then used as a fertilizer that can stay in the ground for thousands of years.
Aquaponics is the growth of fish and plants together. Bethany had two tanks, one containing fish and one containing plants.
“I had two fish tanks that enabled me to pump the water to the plant tray and flow back into the fish tank,” Bethany said. “The plants filter the water back for the fish.”
“This eliminates the need for an aquarium filter,” she said. “The water from the fish tank provides nutrients to the plants.”
A perfect season
Academic Challenge team wins NBC
By BETHANY COX
Red and Blue Managing Editor
This year was a special one for the AHS Academic Challenge Team. For the first time in school history, the team went undefeated for the entire 2014 season and finished first in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference.
The team consists of seniors Jason Chapman, Gaston Marian, Ben Kelley, Ben Draves, Will Draves, Ben Gravlee, Adam Davis and Cody Cook; juniors Sam Jackson, Grant Clunk and Bethany Cox; sophomore Kylie Glass, and freshmen Lilli Boehm, Jack Madison and Will Brienza. Mr. Shaun Fontaine is the supervisor.
"Since the 2010-2011 season, our team has annually gotten better, culminating this season with our greatest success: An undefeated regular season and tournament, which won us two trophies and allows us to go to the regional competition," said Marian.
The team also competed in the NBC tournament and continued their winning streak by becoming NBC tournament champions.
"I'm really proud of our team this year for being undefeated and NBC tournament champions,” said Glass. “I can't wait to see how we do next year!"
"The team was a lot closer this year," Jackson said. “I think that contributed to our success because while we worked hard, we were still able to have fun.”
The team was scheduled to compete in the regional tournament on April 12 at Cloverleaf High School.
"I am very proud of this year's Academic Challenge Team," said Fontaine, "The League and Tournament wins are basically the culmination of four years of hard work. I couldn't be happier and I am looking forward to next season."
“My years on the Academic Challenge team have given me some of the best memories of my high school career,” said Marian. “We can go out in the first round during the April tournament, but it won't change how great this season felt.”
Red and Blue Managing Editor
This year was a special one for the AHS Academic Challenge Team. For the first time in school history, the team went undefeated for the entire 2014 season and finished first in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference.
The team consists of seniors Jason Chapman, Gaston Marian, Ben Kelley, Ben Draves, Will Draves, Ben Gravlee, Adam Davis and Cody Cook; juniors Sam Jackson, Grant Clunk and Bethany Cox; sophomore Kylie Glass, and freshmen Lilli Boehm, Jack Madison and Will Brienza. Mr. Shaun Fontaine is the supervisor.
"Since the 2010-2011 season, our team has annually gotten better, culminating this season with our greatest success: An undefeated regular season and tournament, which won us two trophies and allows us to go to the regional competition," said Marian.
The team also competed in the NBC tournament and continued their winning streak by becoming NBC tournament champions.
"I'm really proud of our team this year for being undefeated and NBC tournament champions,” said Glass. “I can't wait to see how we do next year!"
"The team was a lot closer this year," Jackson said. “I think that contributed to our success because while we worked hard, we were still able to have fun.”
The team was scheduled to compete in the regional tournament on April 12 at Cloverleaf High School.
"I am very proud of this year's Academic Challenge Team," said Fontaine, "The League and Tournament wins are basically the culmination of four years of hard work. I couldn't be happier and I am looking forward to next season."
“My years on the Academic Challenge team have given me some of the best memories of my high school career,” said Marian. “We can go out in the first round during the April tournament, but it won't change how great this season felt.”
Gravlee is National Merit Scholarship finalist
By CHEYANNE GONZALES
Red and Blue Editor in Chief
AHS senior Benjamin Gravlee is in an elite group. He is one of only 15,000 National Merit Scholarship finalists in the country.
That puts him in the top 1 percent of about 1.5 million students who took the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, better known as the Preliminary SAT or PSAT.
The test consists of Math, Critical Reading, and Writing Skills and is similar to the real SAT college entrance exam.
As a semifinalist, Gravlee had to submit an application, his school records, a recommendation from the principal, and his SAT scores in order to be eligible to become a finalist.
After being made aware that he had been chosen as a finalist, Gravlee had to submit another application.
“The application itself is similar to a normal college application and is not difficult as long as you take the time to do a good job.” Gravlee said.
Being a finalist means that Gravlee may get one of 8,000 National Merit Scholarships.
Gravlee is involved in many activities at AHS. He is a member of the orchestra and jazz band, as well as the Academic Challenge team, Key Club and National Honor Society. He also enjoys participating in the school’s ping pong and chess tournaments.
As a result of being a finalist, Gravlee also had the unusual honor of having a representative of Princeton University come to interview him after he submitted an application.
Princeton “is well known for its professors’ exceptional dedication to teaching their undergraduate students,” Gravlee said. “The campus is beautiful and the atmosphere is academic yet friendly.”
In college, Gravlee wants to major in mathematics and possibly double major or minor in music. He has applied to 10 schools total, including Case Western Reserve University, The College of Wooster, Duke University, Kenyon College, Miami University, Oberlin College, Stanford University, The College of William and Mary and The University of Washington.
Gravlee says he has not yet decided what he wants to do after college, but has thought about teaching at either the high school or college level.
“We are very proud of Ben and all of his academic accomplishments at AHS,” said Principal Shawn Jackson. “He has maintained high marks while taking a very rigorous course load. In addition to being a great student, Ben is an extremely polite and nice young man who is liked and respected by his teachers and his peers.”
Gravlee says he is grateful for the opportunities that the National Merit Scholarship program has presented to him.
“It is gratifying to know that my hard work is beginning to pay off in a tangible way,” he said.
Red and Blue Editor in Chief
AHS senior Benjamin Gravlee is in an elite group. He is one of only 15,000 National Merit Scholarship finalists in the country.
That puts him in the top 1 percent of about 1.5 million students who took the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, better known as the Preliminary SAT or PSAT.
The test consists of Math, Critical Reading, and Writing Skills and is similar to the real SAT college entrance exam.
As a semifinalist, Gravlee had to submit an application, his school records, a recommendation from the principal, and his SAT scores in order to be eligible to become a finalist.
After being made aware that he had been chosen as a finalist, Gravlee had to submit another application.
“The application itself is similar to a normal college application and is not difficult as long as you take the time to do a good job.” Gravlee said.
Being a finalist means that Gravlee may get one of 8,000 National Merit Scholarships.
Gravlee is involved in many activities at AHS. He is a member of the orchestra and jazz band, as well as the Academic Challenge team, Key Club and National Honor Society. He also enjoys participating in the school’s ping pong and chess tournaments.
As a result of being a finalist, Gravlee also had the unusual honor of having a representative of Princeton University come to interview him after he submitted an application.
Princeton “is well known for its professors’ exceptional dedication to teaching their undergraduate students,” Gravlee said. “The campus is beautiful and the atmosphere is academic yet friendly.”
In college, Gravlee wants to major in mathematics and possibly double major or minor in music. He has applied to 10 schools total, including Case Western Reserve University, The College of Wooster, Duke University, Kenyon College, Miami University, Oberlin College, Stanford University, The College of William and Mary and The University of Washington.
Gravlee says he has not yet decided what he wants to do after college, but has thought about teaching at either the high school or college level.
“We are very proud of Ben and all of his academic accomplishments at AHS,” said Principal Shawn Jackson. “He has maintained high marks while taking a very rigorous course load. In addition to being a great student, Ben is an extremely polite and nice young man who is liked and respected by his teachers and his peers.”
Gravlee says he is grateful for the opportunities that the National Merit Scholarship program has presented to him.
“It is gratifying to know that my hard work is beginning to pay off in a tangible way,” he said.
Scholarship, Leadership, Character, Service
NHS Inducts 22 New Members
By KYLIE GLASS
Red and Blue Webmaster
On March 17, 18 juniors and four seniors were inducted into the Alliance High School chapter of the National Honor Society. The ceremony was held in the auditorium, where families and AHS staff members came to support the new inductees.
The ceremony began with welcomes from NHS President Benjamin Draves and Alliance City Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Talbert. Next, the new members were introduced and keyed by senior NHS members.
The senior inductees are Josiah Heslep, Hannah House, Bethany Lewis and Jessica Ripley.
The junior inductees are Alexis Austin, Glenn Blevins, Emma Brugh, Grant Clunk, Annie Conway, Evan Cope, Bethany Cox, Alex Duffy, Alley Franklin, Samantha Jackson, Dane Johnson, Alexsis McKenney, Ryan Miles, Kira Nicholson, Cheyenne Phillips, Abby SierraValle, Cecilia Stone and Olivia Turney.
To be eligible for membership in the National Honor Society, each student had to maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average, and also write an essay on how they represent the four pillars of knowledge: Scholarship, leadership, character, and service.
After the inductees were given keys by current members, the NHS officers gave speeches about the four pillars of knowledge. President Benjamin Draves began with scholarship. Vice President Jason Chapman presented leadership, treasurer William Draves presented character, and secretary Michael Unckrich finished with service.
Next, the inductees were given a candle to light. Inductees held their candle to the flame of the candle that represented the pillar of knowledge they valued most.
The ceremony ended with the National Honor Society pledge, a speech from AHS Principal Shawn Jackson, and singing of the AHS Alma Mater.
Afterward, refreshments for the inductees as well as family and friends were served in the AHS lobby.
Red and Blue Webmaster
On March 17, 18 juniors and four seniors were inducted into the Alliance High School chapter of the National Honor Society. The ceremony was held in the auditorium, where families and AHS staff members came to support the new inductees.
The ceremony began with welcomes from NHS President Benjamin Draves and Alliance City Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Talbert. Next, the new members were introduced and keyed by senior NHS members.
The senior inductees are Josiah Heslep, Hannah House, Bethany Lewis and Jessica Ripley.
The junior inductees are Alexis Austin, Glenn Blevins, Emma Brugh, Grant Clunk, Annie Conway, Evan Cope, Bethany Cox, Alex Duffy, Alley Franklin, Samantha Jackson, Dane Johnson, Alexsis McKenney, Ryan Miles, Kira Nicholson, Cheyenne Phillips, Abby SierraValle, Cecilia Stone and Olivia Turney.
To be eligible for membership in the National Honor Society, each student had to maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average, and also write an essay on how they represent the four pillars of knowledge: Scholarship, leadership, character, and service.
After the inductees were given keys by current members, the NHS officers gave speeches about the four pillars of knowledge. President Benjamin Draves began with scholarship. Vice President Jason Chapman presented leadership, treasurer William Draves presented character, and secretary Michael Unckrich finished with service.
Next, the inductees were given a candle to light. Inductees held their candle to the flame of the candle that represented the pillar of knowledge they valued most.
The ceremony ended with the National Honor Society pledge, a speech from AHS Principal Shawn Jackson, and singing of the AHS Alma Mater.
Afterward, refreshments for the inductees as well as family and friends were served in the AHS lobby.
Program to Combat “Brain Drain”
Full-Tuition Scholarship Offered to Top 15
By KAELYNN KEMP
Red and Blue Staff Writer
A partnership between Alliance City Schools and the University of Mount Union provides new opportunity for students who call Alliance home.
A new program, “Investment Alliance,” offers AHS students who are among the top 15 in their graduating class a full-tuition scholarship to the university. It is renewable for four years.
Officials of the university and Alliance City Schools say the goal of partnership is to try to battle the “brain drain” of top students leaving the Alliance area. The hope is to keep them in the community for college, and possibly a career.
“Motivating our students to maintain high academic achievement and emphasizing to them, even at a young age, that a college education can make a valuable impact on their futures, is a priority for Alliance City Schools,” said Superintendent Jeffrey Talbert.
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have attended Alliance High School for the full four years and completed all degree requirements by graduation time.
Secondly, students have to meet the Mount Union administration criteria and be granted admission for the fall semester immediately following graduation.
Finally, during the first semester of their senior year, the student must have at least a 3.0 grade point average. The scholarship is renewable for four consecutive years, providing students keep up a 3.0 average at Mount.
The top 15 graduates in the Class of 2014 will be the first to be able to take advantage of the program. It will continue for the classes of 2015, 2016, and 2017. The program will be reviewed after the 2017 graduates begin college to determine if it will continue in the future.
“I was planning on going to Mount before I even knew about the scholarship,” said senior Cheyanne Gonzales. “Finding out about the full-tuition scholarship was really exciting.”
“Mount Union is a really good school and I think it's the right school for me,” she said. “I plan to major in writing and minor in math. This scholarship allows me to go to college without the stress and worry of how I'm going to pay for everything.”
Senior Emily Ault said she will also take advantage of the scholarship. The chance to attend the University of Mount Union tuition free “has relieved a lot of stress from my life,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity.”
Red and Blue Staff Writer
A partnership between Alliance City Schools and the University of Mount Union provides new opportunity for students who call Alliance home.
A new program, “Investment Alliance,” offers AHS students who are among the top 15 in their graduating class a full-tuition scholarship to the university. It is renewable for four years.
Officials of the university and Alliance City Schools say the goal of partnership is to try to battle the “brain drain” of top students leaving the Alliance area. The hope is to keep them in the community for college, and possibly a career.
“Motivating our students to maintain high academic achievement and emphasizing to them, even at a young age, that a college education can make a valuable impact on their futures, is a priority for Alliance City Schools,” said Superintendent Jeffrey Talbert.
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have attended Alliance High School for the full four years and completed all degree requirements by graduation time.
Secondly, students have to meet the Mount Union administration criteria and be granted admission for the fall semester immediately following graduation.
Finally, during the first semester of their senior year, the student must have at least a 3.0 grade point average. The scholarship is renewable for four consecutive years, providing students keep up a 3.0 average at Mount.
The top 15 graduates in the Class of 2014 will be the first to be able to take advantage of the program. It will continue for the classes of 2015, 2016, and 2017. The program will be reviewed after the 2017 graduates begin college to determine if it will continue in the future.
“I was planning on going to Mount before I even knew about the scholarship,” said senior Cheyanne Gonzales. “Finding out about the full-tuition scholarship was really exciting.”
“Mount Union is a really good school and I think it's the right school for me,” she said. “I plan to major in writing and minor in math. This scholarship allows me to go to college without the stress and worry of how I'm going to pay for everything.”
Senior Emily Ault said she will also take advantage of the scholarship. The chance to attend the University of Mount Union tuition free “has relieved a lot of stress from my life,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity.”
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