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In This Issue |
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By JOHN SLACK Howland High School ‘‘I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic, for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and Justice for all.” |
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As you may have noticed, I have left out the words ‘‘under God.’’ I believe that this is the right, and only way. If you step back and look at the whole picture, the Pledge of Allegiance has been said since 1893. The first 59 of those years, the pledge was said without the words ‘‘under God,’’ and everyone was fine with how it read. In 1954, these words were added. What was the reason? In this time period, there was enormous discrimination against people who were communists atheist communists. Congress, with a knack for knowing how to get re-elected, unanimously added the words ‘‘under God” to the pledge. And, it would only be logical to assume that no one would vote against these words, hence they would have lost their jobs. It was added solely for political, not for religious, motives. Yet the outcome of this political tactic resulted in the insertion of unneeded religion into what was formerly a proud declaration of your loyalty to the USA. That is the sole, most important reason we recite this pledge: to proudly announce that we live in a country with equality, justice, and that, strongly held together, cannot be separated. We do not say it to state any form of religious matters. Yes, we want our government officials to have all the morals that create all the essence of a good leader, which, indirectly, may be religious in some viewpoints. However, religion should not be directly related to government. There are numerous examples think Jihad, witch trials, England before the American colonies, Puritans hanging Quakers of why government and church should not exist together. And Essentially, most of the battles or wars between (and within) governments Sunnis vs. Shiites in Iraq, the Religious Crusades, Catholics vs. Protestants in the British Isles, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are religious. The catalyst for the tribulations raging the Middle East had been over religions. That is why the great America has a rule that separates government from church. So, it is not merely the words ‘‘under God’’ that are on trial here, but the whole principle behind those words. Anything, even if it is no more than two words, that defiles the Constitution, is a corruption to the document that founded our country, and does not have the right to stand. To turn the tables, how would Christians feel if a part of the government was added into the Lord’s Prayer? ‘‘Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day, our daily bread, but deliver us from evil, under the government of the United States. Amen.’’
Email slack at pageone@tribune-chronicle.com.
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By MICHELLE PROFFITT It’s the inevitable question what about socialization? That’s right. Someone asks me what school I attend, and I simply reply, ‘‘I’m home schooled.’’ Inescapably, old or young, similar responses always follow. ‘‘Wow.’’ ‘‘Oh.’’ ‘‘Oh really?’’ ‘‘Man, that’s interesting.’’ ‘‘How?’’ ‘‘But?’’ and the occasional, ‘‘That’s neat,’’ or ‘‘I would hate that!’’ However, the day I finally decided for myself to be continually home schooled for the completion of my secondary education career was one of the most important days of my life. I had grown up, well into my pre-teens, a military brat. Home schooling was often used during the ‘‘on’’ years, the years the military deemed it necessary for us to relocate, usually every two or three. Public school just wasn’t a reasonable choice during those years, for the sake of learning gaps. Sometimes, moves would span over several months, such as the large move to and from Alaska. It became the norm for me. Public school this year and the next, home schooling the year after and then repeat. It wasn’t really all that important to me at such a young age. One year it became very important when the school would not excuse my absences. I had missed a lot of classes as I dealt with numerous illnesses. When my mom, who was quite agitated at the time, took all of my prescription bottles and dumped them atop the principal’s desk, my case seemingly became more credible. Eventually they excused my absences. Soon after, my mother had decided it was time for a change . . and that change would be charter school. When that did not work out felicitously, I decided it was time to ask to be home schooled. Home schooling probably falls under the list of most debatable topics. Especially when it comes to home schoolers and socialization. ‘‘What about friends? Prom? Graduation? Classes? Clubs? Grades? Band? Sports?’’ and it could go on forever. Exactly define socialization. To me, socialization means the ability to hold a logical conversation with anyone, of any age, anywhere. Or rather, to get along with anyone, of any age, anywhere. Am I right? If not, please explain to me how spending many hours with peers of either identical or very close ages every day spells out being qualified in the department of well-socialized teen? We do indeed have graduations; proms are offered as well. Many home schoolers belong to several clubs, such as: 4-H, chess, book clubs, and any personalized club that area home schoolers have decided to establish. Multiple home schoolers take private and group instrument lessons, and they often participate in organized ensembles. Sports are very popular among home schoolers. During my high school years, I participated in numerous team sports, such as basketball, bowling, and cheerleading. For example, Trumbull County’s home school support group, TEACH, has recently completed a season of varsity basketball and cheerleading. Oftentimes, the home schooler helps establish an activity which debunks the whole socialization stereotype because the knowledge we gain from these community experiences take so much more leadership skill. So, as you see . . . we really are not some kind of cult, put here to alienate children from one another. We simply wish to have another means of education. I’ve experienced public school and charter school various times in my life. Each works great for some kids, and terribly for others.
Back to Top Home schooling allows teen to excel By JOHN SLACK Howland High School David Flores, 17, has experienced the home schooling lifestyle since seventh grade. Nationwide, some children and teens have opted to be taught in the privacy of their own home rather than the bustle of public school. There are many advantages to this, according to Flores. ‘‘Nationwide, most public schools curriculum is very ‘dumbed down’ ä especially in our part of Ohio,’’ Flores said. ‘‘Also, in certain subjects, such as math, I am weak on and needed to be able to learn at my own pace.’’ He said he has the ability to excel in the classes he is better at and get the help he needs in the classes in which he needs it. Because of this, he enjoys a much more comfortable way of living, according to Flores. ‘‘I home school online through a credited program called ‘Ohdela,’’’ Flores said. ‘‘It’s actually funded by the state and (is the) first of its kind. It’s an online public school. I have an academic adviser. She is like my head teacher. Then, I have a different teacher for every subject I take.’’ The one-on-one personal attention he receives gives him an experience most other kids never receive. He said his parents agree that it is a ‘‘great’’ setup. ‘‘They love it. It gives them more time to see me. They like the idea of me working at my own speed with no teacher rushing me,’’ Flores said. Flores said he remembers many cherished moments that never would have happened if not for home schooling. ‘‘My sister is like a stand-up comedian, so it’s always a treat to have her by me telling her jokes,’’ Flores said. Having a lighter atmosphere is another important perk that most school kids do not have, according to Flores. The relationships that are built with the teachers are also very much more close-knit, he said. The time spent with his teacher is valuable to him, and because he has had the opportunity, Flores said he’s ready for more. ‘‘My academic adviser is a huge influence on me. We share a lot of the same personality traits, and she struggles with a lot of the same school subjects that I do. She’s a really big motivator for me and is what keeps me in school,’’ Flores said. ‘‘Many times, it seems like with teens it’s not that they’re bad at school, it’s just that they have other things on their mind or stressing them.’’
Back to Top Home-schooled student sets her own pace By ANN BRIDGE Lakeview High School When other students are sitting in a classroom listening to a lecture and taking notes, Colleen Young, a senior, might be on her home computer learning French in Potter School. Potter School is a chat room-like, online class. Teachers from various states in the world can talk to students, draw and type information on a white board on the screen. Young has been taking different classes online since her sophomore year. ‘‘It brings people together and I can hear other students’ opinions,’’ she said. Although Young does not go to a public high school, she is still active in her community though Girl Scouts and her church. ‘‘Most kids I know are in my youth group. After youth group we could go get a desert at a restaurant, go bowling. We went to (one girl’s) house and ate sloppy joes and cheesecake,’’ Young said. She also plays the keyboard on her praise team on Thursdays. ‘‘We play and people sing. The doors are open. There are candles. It’s very laid back.’’ Young went to Howland public schools through eighth grade, then switched to home schooling. She said she misses parts of public school, mainly lunch, being able to sit for a period and ‘‘discuss sandwiches and stories.’’ However, she said the freedom of choosing her schedule is a plus, as well as other aspects. ‘‘There are more opportunities,’’ Young said. ‘‘It is a lot more personal. I can branch out more, (go) deeper into my studies. Also, being Christian, I could learn about the subjects from a Christian viewpoint.’’ Young said she became home-schooled for different reasons. She mentioned bullying and teasing and said that her family would joke about the rumors of swearing and (inappropriate) dress codes. ‘‘If you have friends, it (public school) is welcoming. But even in movies, when there are new kids, it is intimidating,’’ she said. However, Young made it clear that she was not against regular school systems and had some favorite teachers. She listed a couple, saying how they really cared and put a lot of effort into helping her along. Then Young described some characteristics a teacher should have. ‘‘Teachers should be a ‘people person,’ character students will respect, know that they will use discipline and set high bars, standards ... Students can have (friendship) relationships with their teachers outside of school, but not inside. Teachers can be role models to encourage students to become better people.’’ Young is taking classes at Kent State University and has been accepted into Grove City College. Possible majors are communication, English and politics. She said she has a list of classic titles that she wants to read on her own time, is turning one of the books she has read into a screenplay and has written and is writing a few stories of her own. ‘‘In my mind they are worthy of full-length films, but might not be (to others.) Maybe someday I’ll be zapped by lightning and become a genius and win an award,’’ she joked. To those who stay at home, Young offers this advice: ‘‘Home schooling gives you the opportunity to push (at) what you know you are weak. Develop your skills and know your strengths and weaknesses so that you’re well-rounded.’’
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Columbiana student home schooled for 12 years By ASHLEY MANN John F. Kennedy High School Twelve years of home schooling is enough for Alex Merdich, 18, of Columbiana. Merdich’s mother has been teaching him ever since he made the decision after kindergarten to be home schooled. The decision was made because Merdich wanted to go at his own pace for his work. Merdich’s schooling hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. After he completes assignments, his mother sends them to Keystone High School to be graded, and then the school sends them back. ‘‘I never felt like I missed out on anything because I still got to hang out with my friends and still did sports,’’ said Merdich. Merdich is being home schooled for his senior year and is taking art and calculus at Columbiana High School. He takes courses at the high school to be on the swim team and to meet new people. Merdich plans to attend college and wants to study graphic arts and computer animation.
Back to Top Badger, Maplewood students win Americanism test By JESSIE BLACK Lakeview High School Local high school students Hannah Miller and Eric Vecchio were named state winners of the Americanism and Government Test taken by more than 1,000 students in the fall. Miller, a Badger High School senior, scored a 92 on the test while Vecchio scored a 94. ‘‘To be honest,’’ Miller said, ‘‘I studied a little bit.’’ Miller explained that her teacher gave students the opportunity to study prior to taking the test by administering a practice test. ‘‘I think the practice test really helps,’’ Miller said. ‘‘I remembered some of the questions and the correct answers to the questions that I had missed on the practice test.’’ Vecchio, a Maplewood sophomore, upheld his high school’s reputation by becoming Maplewood’s sixth state winner in the last eight years. This achievement, Vecchio said, is attributed to Robert Davis, Maplewood social studies teacher. ‘‘He’s a great teacher,’’ Vecchio said. ‘‘He’s a huge reason why most of the winners are from Maplewood.’’ According to Vecchio, he also took a practice test. ‘‘Mr. Davis gave all of us a practice sheet to study from a couple weeks before the test,’’ Vecchio explained. Vecchio put off studying the handout until the very day that he was to take the test and still managed to score the highest score in the state. ‘‘I only studied for about five minutes before,’’ Vecchio said. ‘‘I wasn’t very nervous about the test because after looking at the practice questions, I thought I knew a lot of the answers.’’ The Americanism and Government Test program is sponsored through American Legion, the largest veteran’s organization in the world, according to ohiobuckeyeboysstate.com. With more than 3.2 million members, the American Legion also endorses programs geared toward the nation’s younger generations such as American Legion Baseball, Oratorical Contest, School Awards Program, and Boy’s and Girl’s State. Last year as a junior, Miller was chosen to represent Badger in the 2005 Girl’s State at Ashland University. ‘‘I was the press secretary of state,’’ said Miller, who will be attending Denison University for political science next fall. ‘‘It was a great experience to be a part of.’’ Upon winning the contest, Miller and Vecchio were interviewed by Americanism and Youth Activities director Gerald White. ‘‘I had never been part of a formal interview before,’’ Vecchio said. ‘‘It was definitely different.’’ Miller and Vecchio were awarded an all-expenses paid trip by the American Legion to Gettysburg, Pa., and Washington D.C.
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Site Coded and designed by John Slack |
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