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PAGE 7
Troubles of Caffeine
INSIDE
www.my.highschooljournalism.org/oh/amherst/steele
THE Amherst Steele High School
RECORD
February 25, 2008
Volume 85, Issue 2
The Levy Vote Will
Bring Change
Alyssa Miller
Staff Writer
Stephanie
Sherril
Staff Writer
As many Amherstonians know, the 5.9 mil
emergency operation levy will be appearing on
the March 4 ballot. If the levy passes, the pay
to play fee will be reduced from $400 to $200.
Athletic Director Bill Miller said that the
number of participants in sports has not been
greatly changed, but the numbers in organizations
that require the fee, such as drama club,
see to have decreased due to the costly fee.
Sophomore Bryan Policz, a member of
the Comet soccer team said that students will not necessarily join
more sports, even if the fee is cut in half, because it would be stressful
for a student to participate in more than on sport per season.
Head Wrestling Coach Bill Walker said that he hopes more students
will participate in sports and other extracurricular activities if
the fee is cut in half. Miller also said that if for some reason this levy
fails, the Pay-to-Participate fee will not change.
Much has been explained as to what will happen if the levy passes,
but another concern is what will happen if it does not pass, aside
from the great deficit we will hit in 2010 and 2011.
Levy Chairman Chuck Winiarski said that all decisions will ultimately
have to be approved by the Board of Education. “Like any
business in advance of making changes they will look at all things
considered “non essential” or modifiable within the law,” he said.
Many have raised questions as to which classes will be eliminated
if the levy does not pass. Superintendent Robert Boynton said
that if cutting classes from the curriculum becomes necessary, decisions
as to which ones will be expelled will not be confirmed until
sometime in 2009. Winiarski also said that another option would be
to increase class sizes to 32 students per class, and therefore eliminate
some teachers.
Busing is already at the state minimum, so no changes will be
made. If the levy passes, the start times of Powers, Shupe, Harris,
Nord and the Junior High School will be altered. In order to change
the start times, the Unions, the Administration, and if necessary, St.
Joeʼs must come to an agreement.
On Tuesday March 4, the polls will open at 6:30 am and close at
7:30 pm, and everyone must have a valid ID to vote.
SPORTS
A&E
Skateboarding in Amherst
The Bootleg Brothers
- page 6 - page 7
INDEX
News ...............................2
Opinion ...............................3
Feature ...............................4-5
Sports ...............................6
A&E ...............................7
Simply Stated ...............................8
PAGE 5
Teacher Feature
Yearbook Order Forms are Due by
March 19! See page 8 for more
information on ordering them!
Lockdowns: Is the school able to keep us safe?
Safety has always been a
very important issue for the human
race. This is no different at Amherst
Exempted Village Schools where
safety of the students is predominant.
One of the safety methods is
lockdown procedure. Fortunately
Amherst Exempted Village Schools
has had few instances in which there
was an intruder in the building or
when they had to go into an invasive lockdown procedure
for the safety of the student body. Amherst Schools has
three levels of lockdown for the safety of the students.
Level one is when the drug dogs come and do a
locker search. Teachers close their doors and lock them as
the students stay in their seats until they get released from
class so they donʼt distract the dogs.
Level two lockdown implies the same techniques as
Level one with the exception of the staff locking all the
outside doors. If someone was to rob a store uptown and
the police are chasing the robber past the school areas.
Until the robber is caught or is no longer a threat to the
schools, Level two lockdown is in effect.
Level three lockdown is the last and most intrusive
into the regular activities of the school day. Level three
implies all the areas of Level one and Level two but with
noticeable changes. Level three is for when an intruder
is actually in the school building. In this case teachers
would close and lock all their doors turn off the lights and
get their students and themselves into the corner that is
farthest from the windows and doors. The Amherst Police
Department would of course be called and would respond
immediately. Until the intruder was apprehended the students
would have to stay in Level three lockdown.
With this procedure as would any safety procedure
there are questions. Mr. Gilliam, principal here at Steele
has some answers on whether we are really safe during
lockdown.
“There is no foolproof plan. No plan is ever 100%
effective,” said Mr. Gilliam. “Our plan is the same as
all the other schools across the country. These plans are
looked over by experts. They recommend that weʼre better
locked away and hidden then trying to get out of the
building,” he said.
Another issue that comes up is the fact that most
school shootings happen by a student so they would
know our whole plan. Mr. Gilliam believes that there
would not be any difference in the studentʼs safety with
a student knowing the plan. “The classroom doors are
locked and the gunman really is not going to waste any
time trying to shoot the door open,” he said.
Ms. Sherry a Social Studies teacher here at Steele has
a completely different opinion. “I donʼt believe we are
really safe during lockdown because students are con-
Photo by Eleanor Geer
Senior Sofia Gonzalez assists her Nord Student with math while tutoring for the Students
Helping Students (SOS) program. High school students tutor fourth through
sixth graders twice a week in order to help the middle school students prepare for the
math and language arts sections of the Ohio Assesment test.
centrated in smaller areas and that makes them easier
targets,” she said. “If there is a shooter in the building we
should evacuate. Our plan leaves each classroom vulnerable
because students are in one area of the classroom
and the doors lock from the outside so in order to lock
them I would have to go outside and risk being shot. Our
plan is passive we need something more aggressive,” Ms.
Sherry said.
“Our plan is the best option we have with the best
resources we have. You canʼt really be safe in that kind
of situation,” said Lizzie Stewart a Steele junior. “I think
there is more harm in having a student shooter as opposed
to someone who doesnʼt know the school because
the student shooter might have a personal grievance,” she
said.
Heather Oʼ Connell, Steele junoir agrees with Ms.
Sherry. “Our plan is not the best. It would be better if we
were all spread out instead of in one area,” she said. “It
depends on whom it is. If itʼs someone that really hates
you then it could be a dangerous situation. But if the
shooter has no personal feelings then it wouldnʼt change
anything.”
The big question everyone will agree on is: Are we
really safe during lockdown? With school shootings
like Columbine, and the even more recent Virginia Tech
shooting, we should wonder if weʼre doing all we can do
to be safe in that situation.

2
NEWS
On March 4 the Presidential Primary Elections will be
held in Ohio. The elections will determine who will be representing
the Democratic and Republican Parties in the 2008
elections.
Out of the two candidates that will win their parties,
one of them will most likely become the next leader of the
United States.
With thirty-five states voting before Ohio does in the
elections, a candidate could have already won before Ohio
even gets to vote.
Ohio, with so many delegates, could also really help a
candidate. The issues a candidate stands for could determine
for whom high-school voters will vote for in the Primaries and in the Presidential
Election.
Junior Jonathan Cortes commented on which issues candidate matters the most
to him. “I like John McCain because of his view on abortion,” Cortes said.
“I donʼt think the primaries matter as much as the November Elections do,
www.my.highschooljournalism.org/oh/amherst/steele
Ohio May Determine the Next President
Jim Jancsura
Staff Writer
Mallet Announces
ASEF Grants
Information provided byASEF Executive Director
Tim Logar
The Amherst Schools Educational Foundation
Board of Trustees chairman Chris Mallett has announced
that the ASEF has $37,592 to award grants
for projects to employees, school groups, or residents
through competitive grant awards.
Grant applications will be accepted in the following
categories: general, athletics, technology, fine arts,
Harris School, and Fred Powers fund for professional
development.
All applications must be received at the Amherst
Educational Service Center by March 19, 2008. Applications
can be found on line at http://www.amherst.
k12.oh.us/asef.
In addition to the educational grants, The Trustees
of the Foundation will award 22 scholarships totally
$32,775 at the Amherst Steele spring awards program
in May. Graduating seniors can find applications in
the Steele guidance office or on the school website at
http://www.amherst.k12.oh.us/steele/scholarships.
Two additional scholarships have been added this
year; one in memory of Grace Sprenger will be awarded
for $1000, and one funded by Medical Mutual of
Ohio worth $500.
Funds for the ASEF are held in perpetuity and only
the interest is used for grants and scholarships. During
2007, the ASEF had contributions totaling over
$178,000.
Thieves in the Art
Room
Brandon Coulter
Staff Writer
There have been some
very expensive items stolen
out of the art room.
Why do people steal?
Do they get joy out of it?
James Elevich was
asked what he thinks the art
room bandits are doing with
these items. “I really donʼt
know but Iʼm pretty sure
they are selling them and
getting paid,” he said.
Angel Rodriguez said
“I do not understand stealing. If it is not yours you
shouldnʼt steal it”. If the thieves are caught they
may be suspended and made to pay for the stolen
items.
A couple of people were asked how the people
responsible should be punished. Some people said
expulsion, and a couple of other people said to make
them pay it back. Others were very mad and said
that the police should be contacted and the thieves
should be punished severely. Hopefully we will find
these bandits and punish them with one of the three
choices that can be made.
The Record
February 22, 2008
though,” Other students at Amherst seem to support McCain like Jonathan.
Junior John Ingalls is another student who has a similar view on the issues.
“Abortion is the most important issue for me. I am completely against it,” Ingalls
said. John also likes John McCain in the election.
Greg Laubacher, a junior at Amherst Steele High School, has a different opinion
than Ingalls and Cortes do.
“The Environmental issues are the most important to me, I would like my childrenʼs
future to be as bright as mine and I would like to see Mike Huchabee win,”
Greg said.
However, not all students seem to like the Republican candidates. Junior Matt
Willard has a different opinion on the candidates.
“Barack Obama is my favorite candidate. I like his views on the issues,” Willard
said.
These students have their favorite candidates, but the media has had an influence
on their opinions. “Iʼve watched the debates, but the media has influenced my
opinion the most,” John Ingalls said.
KIDS SPEAK OUT ESSAY CONTEST
Students in grades 11 and 12 are invited to enter a “Kids Speak Out” Essay Contest, sponsored
by Time Warner Cable and WVIZ/PBS ideastream. Five winning entries will each receive
a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded at a luncheon! Winners will be recognized at the event and
also on TV!
Contest Rules:
1. All students in the 11th and 12th grades are eligible.
2. Entrants are to write a 500-word essay on the following topic:
If you had 30 minutes with the next president of the United States, what issues affecting
Ohioans would you want them to discuss and why?
Write an essay in which you explain why you selected these specific topic(s) and why you
feel these are important issues to address.
3. The essays must be submitted in Microsoft Word format, 12 point – Times New Roman
font, and be double-spaced.
4. Entries must include: studentʼs name, address, city, zip, birthdate, grade level, name of
school, school district, e-mail address and both a primary and secondary phone number. (Home
schooled students should so indicate).
5. Submit entries in one of two ways:
a. Electronically to speakout@ideastream.org
b. Mailed to the following address:
Kids Speak Out 2008 Contest
WVIZ/PBS ideastream
1375 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
Attention: Rita Bigham
6. Contest begins January 28, 2008. Entries must be received electronically or be postmarked
before by 5:00 p.m., on March 14, 2008. Winners of the 5- $1,000 scholarships will be announced
in mid-April.
7. All essays must be the original work of the entrant. Sources must be footnoted.
8. Entries will be judged on insightfulness (50%), relevance (25%), writing style (15%), and
spelling & grammar (10%).
By entering all entrants agree to release discharge, indemnify and hold harmless WVIZ/PBS
ideastream, Time Warner Cable, contest coordinators, sponsors, judges and members from all
liability for its/their actions arising from, or relating to, or by reason of the judging, use and handling
of their entry. Employees or immediate family members of WVIZ/WCPN/PBS/ideastream
or Time Warner Cable are not eligible.

OPINION
The Record
February 22, 2008 www.my.highschooljournalism.org/oh/amherst/steele 3
Valentines Day: A Foolʼs Holiday for the Hopeless Romantic
Kayln Brown
Staff Writer
As Valentines Day approaches and passes, many consumers
search for the perfect gift to exchange with their sweetie in
the name of St. Valentine. Something that will make their eyes
sparkle and butterflies flit in their stomach.
The desire to show someone how much they are loved on
this particular day drives many to extremes, looking high and
low for the perfect, unique gift. Restaurants and flower shops
were at their glory with all the dinner reservations being made
and bouquets being bought by the dozen.
Everybody enjoys feeling as though they are wanted and
appreciated, usually.
Many misguided souls see the “holiday” known as Valentines Day as the perfect
time for short-term personal gratification. Apparently nothing says sincere to our society
more than mass-produced chocolate, Hallmark cards, and an over-abundance of
a sickly shade of pink.
Feeling loved is great, but being told how much you mean on a day when it is
considered a huge error not to over compliment and flatter, sort of drains any credibility
from the sentiment conveyed.
If dying, genetically altered foliage and sugar-coated, gummie hearts truly display
caring and love, then I for one would rather not fall under its spell. In other
words, the only thing following Valentines tradition shows is a general feeling of “I
love you today because I have to”.
One of the most amusing patterns, when talking to couples spending ridiculous
amounts of money on a single night, is the very fact that most of these zombified,
Valentines cult fanatics have almost no idea what even spawned such a shallow holiday.
To this very day there is only one answer to the question of this dayʼs origin, nobody
knows for sure. The Catholic Church recognizes three dramatically different St.
Valentines with stories drastically different except for one theme; every St. Valentine
suffered a bloody demise.
One legend paints Valentine as a Roman Priest who preformed marriages in secret
at a time when it was illegal for men to marry. Caesar found that soldiers without
families perform better than those with them. Thus, he made it illegal for young men
to marry. Upon being discovered, St. Valentine was publicly executed.
In another version of this murky tale, St. Valentine is himself a prisoner who
tragically falls in love with his captorʼs daughter. He succeeded in writing a lovely
note to her and failed in escaping. The brave Valentine was, unfortunately, discovered
and had his last conversation with the business end of an axe.
The Record
Online at: my.highschooljournalism.org/oh/amherst/steele
The Record is a monthly publication, free to those associated to
Amherst Steele, 450 Washington Street, Amherst, Ohio 44001, 988-
4433.
The Record's primary objective is to report news in a balanced
feature-oriented approach. Community news will be localized and
the meaning and significance of events shall be explained rather than
simply reported.
Editorials and columns will reflect the opinions of the writers
and not those of the school. Opinions expressed on the opinion
page(s) are the views and collected theories of the individual given
credit in the byline.
The Record takes into account the school's image and how it
reflects on those in the community who receive the issues: students,
Amherst Steele faculty, residents, and advertising affiliates.
The Record will only accept signed articles from readers for
publication. Unsigned letters will not be printed. Space reserved for
letters to the editor, guest columns, and administrator columns. We
make every effort to avoid using un-named sources.
We reserve the right to edit any letters if needed, keeping the
initial meaning intact. Letters to the editor may be given to Mr.
Lowe in room 126 during school hours.
Junior Record Editor
Elenor Geer
Junior Opinion Editor
Stephanie Sherrill
Junior A&E Editor
Emily Corts
Junior Image Editor
Kalyn Brown
Junior Sports Editor
James Janscura
Online Editor
Elizabeth Martinez
Senior Sales Manager
Cassie Velez
Communications
Manager
Brittany Bonewitz
Writers & Designers
Joe Chermansky, Brandon
Coulter, Gus DeCaro, Jennifer
Knudsen, Alyssa Miller,
Kelly Hall, Jullia Huszti,
Kristina Sliman, Kenny
Strauss, Matt Wasilk, Kyle
Work
Special thanks to the Pub
Tech Senior class Copy and
Design Editors
www.amherst.k12.oh.us
Advisor
Mr. Lowe
Email addresses
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@amherst.k12.oh.us
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@amherst.k12.oh.us
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Where do the red roses come in? Sorry to shatter any illusions, but hearts and flowers
have as much to do with Valentines Day as a rice diet has to do with Rosie OʼDonnell.
Here lies the truth of the matter; St. Valentines Day is the celebration and recognition
of a forgotten saint who ended up dead and unloved...how romantic.
The industry takes consumers for granted in assuming that every person follows ridiculous
customs and is, in essence, another member of the love stricken.
This is one bandwagon that is crowded to the point of pop culture claustrophobia and
the marketing schemes get worse every year.
Before grabbing your pitchfork and organizing a public lynching of corporate
America, realize that this highly profitable holiday would have been dead and forgotten
long ago if it were not for the feeble minded consumers who decide that the singing teddy
bear with a heart in its paw is a great way to show affection. According to a CNN article,
the top annual spending of Valentines Day is $17 billion dollars, and $123 per average
consumer. These same people will drop $79.99 (plus $9.99 shipping and handling of
course) for a dozen red roses in a vase. Paying that much money for half-dead flowers is
a really great investment (sarcasm alert). Steele students alone will spend an average of
$10-$100.
Perhaps the celebration of love would mean more if the focus was shifted from the
material to the emotions driving our relationships. Instead of spending large amounts
of money on an uncomfortably fancy dinner, invite your significant other over and cook
something special for them (guys this means you too).
Instead of sending the message “Iʼm willing to pay a ton of money for your love,”
spending time and love on your girlfriend or boyfriend tells them that you truly care. Fun
ways to ditch the cliché and actually communicate your love in a fun way are as follows:
1) Donʼt take your love anywhere (if a must, make it somewhere local). Instead
spend time together at home, perhaps just talking or watching a “romantic” movie such as
Jaws, Die Hard, or Star Wars (insert sarcasm here).
2) Tell all your friends how much you appreciate them personally, instead of giving
the lame card that eventually finds its way to the rubbish bin!
3) Use your free time by planning ways to show the person of your affections how
much you love them throughout the year, instead of focusing on this one day.
Using your imagination and emotions rather than a wallet on Valentines Day may
just be the ticket out of the V-Day doldrums! Instead of giving the impression that real
love is all about gifts and candy, (creates more to love right?) try to break the mold and
truly express your emotions. With that in mind, try using some of these ideas for next
years Valentines Day.
Side note: If there are any sightings of a fat, naked, toddler with wings firing a deadly
weapon, feel free to throw rocks or heavy objects!
Whatʼs Your Favorite Movie?
“Across the Universe is my favorite movie”
Adelle Polasky, Sophomore
“I like movies that make you
wonder so Donnie Darko”
Lindsay Bookshar, Junior
“The Breakfast Club is my favorite movie”
Zach Meiss, Sophomore
“A Walk to Remember is my favorite movie”
Samantha Tausch, Sophomore
“The Notebook is my favorite movie”
Kourtney Green, Junior

4 FEATURE
Get Ready Gamers, It is
the Year of Games
Elizabeth Martinez
Staff Writer
Get ready folks, because itʼs 2008, probably the biggest year of
gaming since the release of World of Warcraft. People will definitely
be feeling some holes in their wallets this year with the release
of games like Super Smash Bros. Brawl (SSBB) for the Wii and the
World of Warcraft (WoW) expansion, Wrath of the Lich King for
the PC. Brawl is probably the most anticipated game of ʻ08, since
there were many fans of the original and the Gamecube version,
Super Smash Bros. Melee.
Although Melee was a great game, like the Gamecube was a
great system, both now sit in a dusty corner in the room of most
gamers, but both are remembered fondly.
“I havenʼt played Super Smash Bros. Melee in a long time, Iʼm so rusty,” Randall
Smith, age 21, said. Of course there will be other games, such as Starcraft 2 for the PC
and Final Fantasy 7 Crisis Core for the PC, and many, many more.
“Iʼm really looking forward to buying Brawl, finally, a new game for my new system!”
joked Samantha Barnes, a home school student. Another highly anticipated game
is the WoW expansion, which was mentioned earlier. This expansion will undoubtedly
make the most popular MMORPG (massively multiplayer online roleplaying game) even
more popular. With it, a player will be able to reach level 80, travel to the frigid lands
of Northrend, where the Lich King Arthas, resides. “I hope itʼs good,” Robert Katricak,
student at Elyria Catholic said, “I didnʼt like the previous expansion too much. Level 70
was pretty bad in my opinion.” On the other hand, some people out there prefer the old
school games. “I like playing some of the new games out there,” Raymond Marley, age
22, said, “But you canʼt beat the old school Mario games. Theyʼll always be my favorite.”
By now, one is wondering: what will people that donʼt own some of these consoles do?
“I donʼt have a Wii,” Robert Katricak said, “I canʼt find one either, so I really donʼt know
what Iʼm going to do. I want to play Brawl though. The new Link looks awesome!” As
2008 rolls on, gamers out there are on the edge of their seats as they wait for the coming
of great titles, new and old.
www.my.highschooljournalism.org/oh/amherst/steele
Kelly Hall
Staff Writer
Every year the sophomores have to
take a test called the Ohio Graduation Test
which indicates if they are going to graduate
or not. It is mandatory that every tenth
grader takes the OGT.
There are many students that do not
agree on taking this test. “I donʼt get why
we have to take them, I hate studying for
it” said Kenny Case. Of course a student is
not going to like taking it, but from other
peopleʼs and teachersʼ point of view, they
do not get why students get so worked up
over this test.
The sophomores think after they take
it that it is very easy. ”In my school people
freak out about it, but to me I think it is
pretty easy, but to some it may be hard,”
said Emma Hill. “The OGT was easy for
me, so students should relax more and not
be all uptight about it,“ said Joel Taylor.
For some, however, it can be hard. The
way it works is if a student fails any part of
the test the student will have to retake it
until he or she passes. “We, as in some students,
do not take it seriously in which we
The Record
February 22, 2008
National Radio Show
Can Change Lives
DMLive helps teens with serious problems
Eleanor Geer
Staff Writer
Across the world, teenagers and young adults go though problems
every day. In some cases, they do not have an opportunity to
have anyone to talk to. What many do not realize is that there is
someone to talk to. A nationally broadcast weekly radio show and
its host Dawson McAllister offer help for any problem; Dawson
McAllister Live (DMLive) airs every Sunday night at 10:00 on
96.5 FM.
Dawson understands what teens are going though and he
cares about every person who calls into the show for advice. Daw-
son is a nationally syndicated author and youth communicator. He has talked to millions
of teenagers through his talks and books according to the showʼs website dmlive.
com.
Steele junior Brooke Arthur-Mensah, who listens to the show said,
“Heʼs inspiring. He goes out of his way and he treats the callers as if heʼs a friend
because he never talks down to them.”
Callers to DMLive have various types of problems. Some are more serious than
others. Calls include relationship problems, abusive parents, or teenage pregnancy.
The topic that comes up the most is additions.
Steele guidance counselor Mrs. Loushin said, “Teens want to fit in and the
desire takes over. There will always be pressure and we all have to make our own
choices as to how to deal with that.”
Whether it is an issue with money or depression, Dawson gives practical
ways to solve it or at least help the caller cope. If more than advice needs to be given,
a person called a “hope-coach” will visit the caller. Hope-coaches are in many major
cities across the country and are sent to help callers with counseling or giving them
personal help in addressing the issue. They are available to talk to every day in private
chat rooms on dmlive.com.
“I donʼt know why people get into drugs and that kind of stuff,” said sophomore
Sarah Wagner. “Itʼs good that they have someone who can help them.”
Callers to the show can expect help and advice for their sometimes-dangerous
situations, but Dawson will always say what he thinks of the situation bluntly.
He knows it may be painful to hear, but he lets the caller know that it will help them
overall. But he will always talk to the caller with a compassionate tone to his voice.
“Dawson and the hope-coaches really care about teenagers and young adults.
Hope-coaches were there for me and I encourage anyone else to call in,” said Stacy, a
user of the Dawson McAllister Live Street Team, which is a forum for listeners.
The show not only gives support to listeners from Dawson, but also the show
itself in the sense that listeners know that other teens and young adults have problems
too. In identifying with other teens across the country, listeners can feel comforted just
by listening and not even calling in.
Steele sophomore Brianna Ellis said, “DMLive changes everything. Before I
discovered it, I had no idea that other teens were facing what I was.”
For more information on Dawson McAllister, Hope Coaches, and the show,
please visit www.dmlive.com. Dawsonʼs blog is also available on the website to get
his insight on different topics.
Ohio Graduation
Test is Approaching
What sophomores can expect from the OGT
should, like who wants to take it over again
for the second time?“ said Max Hill.
The catch is if you do not pass it and
youʼre a senior then you do not graduate.
So they have to keep on taking the test, but
only the parts you have failed over again
until you pass the test.
In some way it is weird that even
teachers do not get why we have to take
the Ohio Graduation Test.
Some think that they are pointless,
because they can be teaching sophomores
more important things for their future instead
of worrying about going over OGT
subjects for their students Sophomore students
may think that these test are not important
to them but they really are.
“These kinds of tests are, it is a way of
knowing if you are going to graduate, who
would not want to graduate? Take it seriously,”
said Cassandra Maxwell.
It may seem like no one cares but they
do, but wish they did not have to. It is more
like if you do not take this test you will not
graduate and get your diploma.

The Record
February 22, 2008 www.my.highschooljournalism.org/oh/amherst/steele
Mr. Lengyel is not only a
teacher that teaches Astronomy
and Chemistry at Amherst
Steele High School, he is also
the President of the Black
River Astronomical Society, a
member of a band called The
Men of Steele, helps with the
Workshop Players theater and
likes to garden. Mr. Lengyel
has been married for 28 years. He and his wife met
while he taught in Amherst. He has a step-daughter who
teaches third grade at Westwood School in Wellington.
Mr. Lengyel is currently the president of the Black
River Astronomical Society. He has been a member
since the early 1970ʼs. “The club is dedicated to promoting
astronomy in Lorain county,” Lengyel said.
“It has been in existence since 1949 and we operated
Nielsen Observatory at the Lorain County Metroparks
Equestrian Center. We usually have two public observing
sessions per month, normally on Fridays.”
Mrs. Elsasser, another teacher at Amherst Steele
High School, said Lengyel is very knowledgeable and
passionate about astronomy. “I think he shows that in
his teaching. It is a great hobby for him because it allows
him to travel,” Elsasser said.
The band called The Men of Steele started at
Amherst Steele High School when they were asked to
perform one song for a Pop Show. The band members
include; Mr. Cocco, Mr. Hause, Mr. Latto, Mr. Lengyel,
Mrs. Schnieder and Mr. Strohm .
“Mr. Norris Smith, who taught Biology here, originally
organized the group,” Lengyel said. “Later, we
Caffeine being used
more often at Steele
Today more and more people are turning to caffeine to
get them through the day, but is it a necessarily healthy habit.
There i no arguing more people are using caffeine in
larger doses. But how much is too much caffeine? According
to Kidshealth.org, “Consuming as little as 100 mg of caffeine
a day can lead a person to become “dependent” on caffeine.”
The same site says that 5 ounce cup of coffee has 115 mg of
caffeine.
Their also other factors that determine how much caffeine
someone should have. “(It) depends on the personʼs size.
A small girl is going to need less,” biology teacher Mr. Kemp said.
So how often should you indulge in caffeine products. “Sometimes its okay,
but not all the time because it can make your body messed up in some ways,” freshman
Amanda Yanosko said.
Caffeine gives an energy high, but after it wears off it gives the feeling of
just getting hit by a bus. “After it wears off, I feel dead,” junior Jen Peacock said.
Although a lot of people think its unhealthy caffeine can be used to help
athletes. “Among bicyclists and marathon runners caffeine is routine, but not to the
degree of the energy drinks,” Kemp said.
Even though its not proven to caused dehydration, “To be safe, itʼs probably
a good idea to stay away from too much caffeine in hot weather, during long workouts,
or in other situations where you might sweat a lot,” according to kidshealth.
org.
Steele students are among some to be addicted to caffeine. “I am an addict.
If I donʼt get any I go through withdrawal,” senior Clay Barns said when asked if he
was a caffeine addict. .
“I do not consider myself an addict because I can survive with out it,” said
junior Julia Siwierka when she was asked if she felt that she was an addict.
So are there anyways to get the same energy but from a healthier source. “A
person eating a full balanced breakfast can achieve the same affects,” Kemp said.
Every February
grades 9 through 11
at Amherst Steele
High School choose
the courses they
will take in the next
school year.
Scheduling began
yesterday and
will close on Wednes-
day, March 5. It is online again and every
student should have received their username
and passwords in homeroom when
they received their interims on February
13.
No packets are going to be handed
out this year, but guidance counselor
Mary Jane Loushin said that there will
be some packets available in the office
for students who do not have internet access,
new students, or students who feel
they need one.
The counselors are going to be
stricter about changing classes next year.
According to page 2 in the course guide
packet the only reason a studentʼs sched-
FEATURE
The other side of Steele Teacher Mr. Lengyel
A new monthly feature about the teachers here at steele
Kristina Sliman
Staff Writer
Emily Corts
Staff Writer
Attetion Steele Students!
Yearbook Order Forms are due
March 19th!!!
Make Sure You Get Them In
expanded to Record photo by Kristina Sliman
an actual rock band and the rest is history. I enjoy playing
in a band and would like to continue doing so after I
retire from teaching.” Lengyel expects to retire after the
09-10 school year.”
“I believe Mr. Lengyel is the glue that keeps them
together. Theyʼre quite good! As a solo artist heʼs a mix
of Willie Nelson and Weird Al Yankovic! Heʼs written
numerous songs as well,” Elsasser said.
Scheduling Season Has Begun
Jenny Knudsen
Staff Writer
5
Jr. High Assistant Principal, Ron Hause likes playing
in the band with Mr. Lengyel. “I constantly tell him
to turn his bass down,” said Hause. “There are two
things that I admire most about Mr. Lengyel. First, he is
a well rounded individual. Secondly, he is a great teacher
and truly has the best interests of his students at heart,”
Hause said.
“I like playing keyboards with Mr. Lengyelʼs bass
playing and vocals. He is a natural, enthusiastic, and
forceful presence on stage, so he is fun to perform with,”
Strohm said. “About Mr. Lengyel, I like best that he is
verbal, humorous, extroverted, generous, and genuine,”
said Strohm.
Mr. Cocco and Mr. Lengyel met in 1994 when Cocco
was a sophomore in his Chemistry I class. “Heʼs a great
teacher and colleague, as well as very funny and easy to
get along with. Mr. Lengyel enjoys socializing and everyone
has a really good time when heʼs around,” Cocco
said.
“Mr. Lengyel really cares about people and would
take the time to help anyone. This is reflected in his
thorough yet patient style of teaching,” Mr. Sooy, a
Steele teacher, said. “He also interjects humor into his
classroom. He likes to say things that take a little time
before you catch the joke,” Sooy said.
Mr. Lengyel gardens organically. “I have two garden
areas, each with about 1000 square feet. I also grow
apples. I have 15 apple trees, all of different varieties.”
Lengyel said. “I used to grow grapes, but the raccoons
ate them before I could pick them,” said Lengyel.
“Mr. Lengyel and I are both gardeners,” said Sooy.
“We often talk about our successes and failures in gardening.”
ule will be changed will be either because of
an incomplete schedule, conflicts in requested
courses, meeting graduation requirements, accommodating
approved educational programs,
to add a class, and if a student is placed in a
class of the wrong level.
Several new classes are being offered
next year. A few of the new classes are an AP
comparative government and politics class
for seniors, a honors social studies 2 class for
sophomores, PSEO Spanish 5, and a new music
theory class.
With the new classes there are even more
options for students. Jessica Padilla, senior, offers
underclassmen the advice of “You should
take classes that you are interested in.”
Junior Ali Moran said that she recommends
“not doubling up because it can be too
stressful and taking foreign languages early.”
Most students need a minimum of 24 credits
to graduate. And everyone needs to have at
least 6 blocks filled a year.
Students should be receiving a copy of
their schedule by mid-May and have all changes
made by the end of June.

6 SPORTS
Roger Clemens
Testifies Before
Congress
Jim Jancsura
Sports Editor
In Congress on February 13th the
most important items on the agenda were
testimonies from Roger Clemens and his
former trainer Brian McNamee. Clemens
denied using any performance enhancing
drugs and McNamee claims that he had
injected Roger over twelve times. So
who can be believed?
McNamee had accused Andy
Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch, both of
whom were Yankee teammates of Roger, and they have both
confessed already. However, Brian McNamee has already
lied to Congress over the ordeal and has admitted to it.
Though for Brian McNamee to even say that he gave
anyone steroids is very courageous of him. By doing this, Mc-
Namee is now viewed as a snitch in the baseball community
and will never have another job in Major League Baseball.
Roger Clemens has everything to lose, including his
reputation and a possible spot in the Hall of Fame. Clemens
has won seven CY Young awards in his career and could possibly
be known as one of the greatest, if not the greatest pitcher
of all time. Can you compare Roger Clemens on steroids to
all of the other great pitchers who did not use steroids?
Even if no one ever proves that Roger Clemens did
take steroids, people will always know that he was involved
in the scandal. Clemens acknowledges this and says that even
if he will never get his name cleared, he cannot in good conscience
admit to something that he didn’t do.
Before Clemens testified, he went to all of the members
of Congress hours before the meeting, shaking hands and
signing autographs. Even with the autographs, it was still a
hard fought legal battle that ended with Roger Clemens shedding
the slightest bit of doubt on McNamee’s case.
One of the major goals in the Clemens speech to
Congress was to add a little bit of doubt to McNamee’s case
and name and in that regard they definitely succeeded. However,
there is now the possibility of Roger Clemens being
charged with a perjury charge for lying to Congress.
There are now many doubts among writers as to
whether or not Clemens should inducted into the Hall of
Fame. If he does get into the Hall of Fame it will probably
not be one the first ballot as he would have been before the
Michael report. The face of the steroid is now shifted because
of this from Barry Bonds to Roger Clemens.
Baseball Tryouts
Tryouts for all positions are
Monday, March 10th, 2008 and
Thursday, March 13th, 2008 @
Steele Main Gym
Varsity 3:15-5:30 pm
JV 5:15-7:00 pm
Freshman 6:45-9:00 pm
www.my.highschooljournalism.org/oh/amherst/steele
SWC Champions!
Kyle Work
Staff Writer
The Record
February 22, 2008
Photo courtesy of Mr. Millet
The Amherst Girls Freshman Basketball team capped off an incredible season by avenging their only
loss of the year on Saturday, defeating Brecksville 26-23 to capture the SWC Championship. Morgan
Madera led all scorers with 10 points and Julia Porostosky added 6. Abby Rositano had 4 and Haile
Mihalcik hit a crucial 15 footer with 2 minutes left that put the Comets up for good. Sara Deer
and Jordan Simmons added 8 rebounds a piece and helped shut down a much bigger Brecksville
Team. The Comets finished up the year with a record of 19-1 winning both the SWC regular season and
Tournament Championships.
Amherst Track Team Starts Season
E v e r y
spring the Amherst
Steele track
team stands out
among the rest
of the spring
sports teams.
The track team
has not only
represented the school but our conference.
Five out of the past seven
years Steele’s track team has won
the conference title.
Junior Brandon Kish has helped
the track team immensely over the
past two years. “I can’t wait for
track season to begin. I use football
and track to show my skills. I try to
represent this school in any way possible.
I enjoy what I do. I grew up
around football my whole life, and
track kind of makes me better or gets
me ready for the new football season
fast approaching,” Kish said.
“I think this track season is going
to be a great season, and I think
we can show everyone we have a lot
more to offer than others especially
when it comes to Amherst hosting
their yearly Comet Relay’s.”
Kish said he uses football and
track to stay healthy all year round.
“I’m hoping that I can get a scholarship
to a big time school,” Kish said.
I just have to show everyone what I
got now and not hold anything back.
I take each season as it comes, but
that doesn’t mean I don’t do all I can
in preparing for it,” Kish said.
As the Steele Track Team prepares
for the upcoming season the
school wishes them the best of luck.
ORDER your 2008 yearbook by March 19... Stop in Room 126 for an order form.

The Record
Arts & Entertainment 7
February 22, 2008 www.my.highschooljournalism.org/oh/amherst/steele
Juno Movie Review
Staff Writer
Morgan Stoll
The Bootleg Brothers
Staff Writer
Matt Wasik
A mature dramatic comedy
Juno starring
Ellen Page, J.K.
Simmons, Allison
Janney, Michael
Cera, Jennifer Garner,
and Jason Bateman.
This movie is
about a high school
student who decides
freely to have sex with her best friend
Bleeker.
Juno later realizes that she is pregnant
and decides she wants to terminate
the pregnancy by getting an abortion.
Juno knows she wonʼt be able to go
through with it so she decides to have an
open adoption.
Juno fi nds an add in the penny savers
selection of the newspaper about
Vanessa and Mark Loring. Juno and her
There are many
bands in Amherst
ranging from indie to
heavy metal. But there
are not many classic
rock bands here, but
there is at least one.
The Bootleg Brothers,
the band consists of
Sean Nelson playing
bass, Chris Volante playing lead guitar, and
Ben Turner playing drums.
The band recently played in the High
School Rock Off at The House Of Blues.
They did not win but they did place in the
fi nals. They got second place, out of seventy-two
other local bands.
But all bands have to start somewhere.
“Ryan Passinissiʼs dad had a bass guitar
down in his basement and I just started
messing with it.” Sean Nelson said.
All musicians have infl uences. “My
dad infl uenced me the most, because he
played classic rock around me so I just sort
of picked it up through osmosis.” Nelson
said. “I think it affects my music because
Iʼve always been drawn to classic rock.”
There are many ways bands start. There
are friendships and then there are spontane-
father Mac MacGuff agree to meet with
the Loringʼs to discuss the terms of the
adoption. Juno likes the Loringʼs and
agrees to let them have her baby.
Vanessa is more uptight and the
most eager to have to baby. Mark is more
down- to- earth and more like Juno. Mark
and Juno share a love of scary movies
and grunge music. Mark confesses to
Juno that he is leaving Vanessa to pursue
his dream of being a rock star.
Vanessa comes home and when he
tells her it starts a fi ght between the two.
Juno comes back and leaves Vanessa a
note stating what she thinks. Juno later
realizes that she is love with her friends
and the babies real father Bleeker. She
confesses her love for him. The movie
many good reviews from others and
should be watched.
The next great American Band.
All students Pick up
your yearbook order
forms from Mr. Lowe,
any student in PubTech,
or from places around
the school and get it
turned in by March 19.
HEY you upcoming
sophomores! All Pub
Tech applications
are due today. If you
need an extension on
time please talk to Mr.
Lowe in room 126.
ALL seniors. See Mrs.
Stack for your senior
T-shirts. They are each
$10. Dont miss out !!
ous meetings when musicians get together
with each other and plug their
guitars in, and they just click. “Ryan
Passinissi introduced me to Chris at an
old Final Transaction show.” Nelson
said.
The Bootleg Brothers is not Sean
and Chrisʼ original band. They had another
one previously called The Meltdown.
“Chris approached me last year
to play guitar for The Meltdown. He
and Cory already had something going.”
Maybe The Bootleg Brothers will
become signed on to a record label in
the future and will become a big band
and become known nationwide. “I
donʼt know. Iʼm graduating this year.
I donʼt know how the Bootleg brothers
will do after this. I would like to be
signed, I think it would be really cool.”
Nelson aid.
No one knows what will happen
with the Bootleg Brothers. Whether they
will get signed and get big or whether
they will break up and be forgotten is
unknown. But we all know this; they
did what not many high school children
get to do.
Photo of Lil wayne
Photo Courtesy of:
http://imgsrv1.pxdrive.com/pics/norm/74106.jpg
Lil Wayne Music Review
Lil Wayne is the best rapper alive as he says in so many
of his songs. Most people know of his CDs like The Carter
and Carter II. These are his most well known. His new CD, Da
Drought 3, is not that known however. The reason is that you
can only get it online.
All the stores around here do not sell the CD. Other than
that, the CD is amazing.
In every song he raps to the beat of songs like Walk It Out,
Apologize, and more. Another thing that is unique about Lil
Wayne is that every song he freestyles.
Chace Calhoun said, “Lil Wayne is the best rapper alive. I listen to his songs
Staff Writer
Kenny Strauss
everyday.” “I just wish they would sell his new CD in stores.”
Senior Dan Brady said, “That dude is my homie.” “I would do anything to
show him my rap skills.”
Some people however do not feel the same. Junior Kelly Hall said, “I have
heard enough about Lil Wayne.” “Itʼs an all day everyday topic, he isnʼt even good.”
For those of you who donʼt know, his CD Da Drought 3 is out now.

8 Simply Stated
Seniors
www.my.highschooljournalism.org/oh/amherst/steele
The Record
February 22, 2008
Pick your baby pictures up in room 126 ASAP!
Yearbook order forms available:
- www.amherst.k12.oh.us/steele/teachers/lowe_dean/
- Mr. Lowe’s Pub Tech class, Room 126
ORDER YOUR Yearbook NOW!
Prices increase in less than one month.
DON’T wait untill the
last minute, get yours
today!