Monday, May 28, 2012

Beauty and The Beast


     For many students, springtime simply means that school is almost over; however, for the students involved with the musical, springtime means that the fun has just begun!  This year, the cast, crew, and pit members of the musical geared up for their production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
     For months, those involved in the musical prepared for the much-anticipated production of the famed Disney classic.  Carly Haberman, who was cast as Belle, recalled the amount of time that was spent preparing for the show.
      “Starting at the end of February, we would rehearse after school from 3:00 to around 6:00 every day.  It’s a huge time commitment, but, in the end, it is so worth it,” Haberman said.
      Haberman also commented on playing the coveted role of Belle. 
      “It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Beauty and the Beast was one of my favorites, if not my absolute favorite movie growing up,” Haberman said.  “I loved sharing the stage with my best friends, and it was so much fun to get to talk to the little kids after the show.  To them, we weren’t just high school actors—we were the characters.”
     In order to put on the production, countless students, teachers, and parents joined together to contribute their time and talents.
     Theatre student, Abby Leppert, has been involved in the musical for 3 years, and has worked on everything from build crew to lights.
      “I’ve been involved in theatre since I was a freshman,” Leppert said.  “This year for the musical, I was on headset.  My job was to give cues to all of the spotlights throughout the entire show.”
     Although Leppert has been a part of the past three musicals at GLHS, she says that Beauty and the Beast has been the most rewarding of all.
      “Opening night was the best,” Leppert said. “We get so used to seeing the show and running through the cues that it’s not until opening night when you realize that the audience is blown away by the performance. That is when you realize that we pulled it off. We pulled off Disney.
     This years’ production was May 10th through 13th in the high school’s auditorium.  In previous years, the high school has performed four shows over the weekend.  However, due to the production’s popularity, a fifth show was added on Saturday afternoon.  In total, four out of the five shows sold out completely.
     “Beauty and the Beast was such a huge performance this year, it’ll be hard to top!” Haberman said. “It has been such an honor to be a part of the theatre department this year.  It is sad to see everyone’s hard work come to an end, but, at the same time, next year’s show is already in the works, and it’s sure to be just as high-quality as this year’s production.”

Written by Emily Jadwin

A Hero in Gahanna


     GLHS Sophomore, Ryan Manbevers, performed a courageous act in saving the life of a thirteen year old boy on May 8, 2012.
     Manbeverss, working on a normal Thursday at the Wendy’s in downtown Gahanna, selflessly saved a boy, Brandon Cain, who could not swim. The rushing water of the creek in downtown Gahanna pulled Cain down the creek. Without even thinking, Manbevers sprung into action.
     “A lady ran into my work and asked my manager to call the police. I asked where the boy was and ran and saved him” Manbeverss said.
     He put himself in danger to save the life of a little boy that he barely knew. Although most wouldn’t perform such a courageous act, Manbevers felt it was the right thing to do. The boy thirtenne year old boy could have lost his life if Manbevers would not have saved him.
     “He was just at the right place at the right time. I was very proud of him” Manbevers girlfriend, Kelsey Ferguson said.
     Ferguson found out about Manbevers courageous act on the day of the accident. This good news has not just spread around Gahanna, but around the entire city of Columbus.
     “Although I don’t know Ryan, his actions were truly amazing. I wish everyone could be as selfless as him!” junior Haley Bockrath said.
     Manbevers actions are appreciated by not only Cain’s family, but also the entire community of Gahanna.

Written by Morrisa Cohen

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Gahanna Springs in Health


     As springtime rolls around, Gahanna Lincoln puts on its 21st annual “Gahanna Springs in Health” Health Fair.  The fair was held on Wednesday, April 25th.
     The health fair was open to GLHS’ students and to the public.  Held in the main gymnasium, the event took place from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.
     This year, the event showcased more than 30 participants from various organizations and health care agencies across Ohio.
     Community vendors included the Mental Health Association of Franklin County, Franklin County Board of Health, Mifflin Township Fire Department, Epilepsy Foundation, Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence, Columbus Cancer Clinic, Columbus Health Department, American Heart Association, Lifeline of Ohio, SARNCO, Mid Ohio District Nurses, Mount Carmel Hospital, Youth to Youth, Gahanna Department of Parks and Recreation, Gahanna Police Department, and American Red Cross.
     Robyn Marowitz, a sophomore at the high school, attended this year’s event.
     “The health fair is quite beneficial because it has interesting booths and student projects that teach students about prevalent health issues. It is effective in relaying important messages to students while, at the same time, still providing a fun experience,” Marowitz said.
     While the multiple community vendors take up a large portion of the fair’s festivities, students also have the opportunity to partake in the event.
     Students who are enrolled in “Health Issues” create tri-fold poster boards to display during the fair, each presenting a unique topic.
     Presentation topics for this year ranged from acne and weight management to cyberbullying and preparing for college. Other topics, such as “portion vs. serving size,” the effects of father absence on teens, the dangers of marijuana, impaired driving, teen stress, sleep deprivation, self-image, interracial relationships, and time management, were also on display.
     As a senior currently taking “Health Issues,” Lauren Blancett had the opportunity to volunteer at this year’s health fair.  Despite the workload, she describes the health fair as “extremely beneficial” to students.
     “I really am grateful for all the agencies who took the time to be a part of out Health Fair… This event can help students become more aware of certain issues that are overlooked (but very common) in teens. Through the health fair, students learn new information and come one step close to being more health conscious,” Blancett said.
     Despite the common-held opinion that the fair is beneficial, students manage to find one flaw
     “If I could change one thing, I would make it two days instead of one, so more people can attend, I just wish it was longer!” Marowitz said.  

Written by Emily Jadwin

State Competition

     Walking past the choir room recently, I have been hearing harmonious tunes coming from the students, they have not just been improving, and they have been preparing for State Competition.
     State competition was for both choir and band this past weekend of April 28th and the 29th. The band performed at Gahanna Lincoln High School while the choir performed at Gahanna Middle School West.
     The students deserve to give themselves a round of applause, Gold and Blue bands both superior ratings while the freshman band received an excellent rating. Meanwhile, the choirs received superior ratings as well.
     It is a challenge going into States not knowing exactly what you are up against, but it is an exciting to see the talents of other young musicians. In interviews with Lauren Nye, Lauren Zappe, and Evan Schrader they felt prepared for the competition, and it sure did pay off.
     Next time you see a GLHS musician congratulate them on their success at States, and let us keep the tradition of “Ones” (superior rating) going next year!

Written by: Lucas Horner