Griffin Reporters Investigate National Public Radio and MSNBC By: Emily Offenbacker and Robert McMurray The new Oyler School is getting a lot of atten- tion. Two well known news networks have been seen around Oyler, and we can expect to see them again from time to time. The two networks are National Public Radio (NPR) and MSNBC. They were here Au- gust 22-24, the first week of school. The first segment for NPR aired on September 13, 2012. NPR is doing a story on three seniors. They will watch them from day one through graduation. The three seniors are Raven Gribbins, Crystal Kornegay, and Richard Carter. To get a closer look at what was happening behind the camera, Griffin reporters asked Gribbins a little more about the interview and what it was like. She said they followed her around. They put a mic on her and asked questions like, “What was it like going to Oyler throughout your life?” She replied, “It’s wonderful. It’s been the best time of my life.” An- other question was, “What programs have helped you get through school?” She replied, “The programs that have helped me are JCG and tutoring. I enjoyed it.” As for MSNBC, they were here looking at all of the services Oyler has and how they help the School and community. Two students and a staff member were interviewed. Junior Joel Ingle, Senior Crystal Kornegay and staff member Wanda Neville were all interviewed. The broadcast aired September 24th and 25th. Continued on Page 2 The New Oyler: There’s NO place like home! By: Crystal Kornegay & Jeniece Ballard The newly refurbished Oyler school building, orig- inally built in 1930, opened its doors to the community on August 22, 2012. Last year Oyler was located at 1700 Grand Ave, and now it’s back on 2121 Hatmak- er Street in Lower Price Hill. Some of Oyler’s new improvements involve changes such as an eye clinic, medical center, daycare, new elective classes, and oth- er helpful programs not only for students, but for the community as well. Oyler used to be a Pre k-8th grade school; now Oyler is not only a high school but a Community Learning Center as well. This school is adapting to new changes almost every day. For example, NBC (National Broadcasting Company) and NPR (National Public Radio) picked the School’s high school students to interview in order to hear their thoughts on the new school and to do a documentary on students. The School has a new mentoring program, Steps For Success, where each senior student has a per- sonal mentor to help them with whatever they need to succeed. Over 400 elementary mentors have been involved with all of Oyler’s students for many years. The Staff of the the Oyler Griffin would like to thank John Sherman, of E.W. Scripps, Kevin Khany of Kha- ny, Inc, and The Hatmaker Foundatiom for providing printing of the first edition. Jason Knarr, Art Teacher at Seven Hills School, designed the paper’s banner and the Griffin logo. Our grateful thanks to him as well. First Edition October 2012
Transcript
Griffin Reporters Investigate National Public Radio and MSNBCBy: Emily Offenbacker and Robert McMurray
The new Oyler School is getting a lot of atten-tion. Two well known news networks have been seen around Oyler, and we can expect to see them again from time to time. The two networks are National Public Radio (NPR) and MSNBC. They were here Au-gust 22-24, the first week of school. The first segment for NPR aired on September 13, 2012. NPR is doing a story on three seniors. They will watch them from day one through graduation. The three seniors are Raven Gribbins, Crystal Kornegay, and Richard Carter. To get a closer look at what was happening behind the camera, Griffin reporters asked Gribbins a little more about the interview and what it was like. She said they followed her around. They put a mic on her and asked questions like, “What was it like going to Oyler throughout your life?” She replied, “It’s wonderful. It’s been the best time of my life.” An-other question was, “What programs have helped you get through school?” She replied, “The programs that have helped me are JCG and tutoring. I enjoyed it.” As for MSNBC, they were here looking at all of the services Oyler has and how they help the School and community. Two students and a staff member were interviewed. Junior Joel Ingle, Senior Crystal Kornegay and staff member Wanda Neville were all interviewed. The broadcast aired September 24th and 25th. Continued on Page 2
The New Oyler:There’s NO place like home!By: Crystal Kornegay & Jeniece Ballard
The newly refurbished Oyler school building, orig-inally built in 1930, opened its doors to the community on August 22, 2012. Last year Oyler was located at 1700 Grand Ave, and now it’s back on 2121 Hatmak-er Street in Lower Price Hill. Some of Oyler’s new improvements involve changes such as an eye clinic, medical center, daycare, new elective classes, and oth-er helpful programs not only for students, but for the community as well. Oyler used to be a Pre k-8th grade school; now Oyler is not only a high school but a Community Learning Center as well. This school is adapting to new changes almost every day. For example, NBC (National Broadcasting Company) and NPR (National Public Radio) picked the School’s high school students to interview in order to hear their thoughts on the new school and to do a documentary on students. The School has a new mentoring program, Steps For Success, where each senior student has a per-sonal mentor to help them with whatever they need to succeed. Over 400 elementary mentors have been involved with all of Oyler’s students for many years.
The Staff of the the Oyler Griffin would like to thank John Sherman, of E.W. Scripps, Kevin Khany of Kha-ny, Inc, and The Hatmaker Foundatiom for providing printing of the first edition. Jason Knarr, Art Teacher at Seven Hills School, designed the paper’s banner and the Griffin logo. Our grateful thanks to him as well.
First Edition October 2012
Continued from Page 1 The two networks asked to come to Oyler. “They expect to receive something, we just reap the benefits,” Ms.Woods told us. The attention is beneficial to Oyler. The School gets national attention, which could bring more resources according to Mr.Hockenberry. The net-works came to Oyler because they saw the immense improvement in the School. Reading, math, and social studies test scores have made great progress. Oyler is working on improving science scores by bringing in 25 tutors from the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD). NPR and MSNBC have noticed our school growing and progressing by coming out of ac-ademic emergency, adding a high school, and gaining many resources. And, with the new building, they feel more welcomed, according to Ms. Woods. Ms.Woods was asked to think about where she saw Oyler five years ago, and where she sees it five years down the road. She said, “Five years ago I couldn’t
The Oyler Griffin is an open forum for student expression and the discussion of issues of concern to its audience. It welcomes letters to the editor, guest columns, and news releases from the faculty, administrators, community residents, and non-staff students. The Oyler Griffin will print letters to the editor, and/or guest col umns that contain both the author’s name and address. The editorial board reserves the right to edit all material for length, grammar, and legally protected speech. Letters should be brief and may be sent to Oyler Griffin in care of Oyler CLC, 2121 Hatmaker Street, Cincin nati, Ohio 45204 or by email at [email protected]
Joel Ingle, Julian Ward, Robert McMurray, & Sarah Powell
Photographers:Alesea Ronnebaum & Anna Ferguson
Page Layout:Ashley Green & C.J. Martin
Advisors:Justin Leach & Sandra Smythe
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see any of this stuff happening. But five years from now I see us going even further. In five years I see more people graduating and going to college.” She also sees a GED support program being a part of Oyler in the future. When asked about the net-works, she said, “They’re here so other schools will see and model after us, to help their schools to benefit like we have.” If other schools across the country do model us it will take time for change. Even Ms.Woods said, “Change doesn’t happen over night.”
Editorial
Community SchoolBy: C.J. Martin
The definition of community is a social unit who shares common values. At Oyler, we give com-munity a new meaning. A community to us is a giant family of people who stick together no matter what. To be a community school means that not only do we get an education, we connect with one another through learning. When asked his opinion on the matter, fifth grade teacher Joe Saylor responds, ”We do more than just teach our kids during class time. Many of our students need so much more support in other areas of their lives on top of their studies. We have to be flexi-ble as teachers.” Saylor is a long time 8th and State resident and understands the youth point of view because he has been there before. It is important to the administra-tion, staff, and other adults that we grow into young responsible citizens of the U.S. The Griffin asked Saylor what he thinks are the effects of the programs and overall help Oyler provides to the community. He says, “Oyler is the most stable part of many of our students’ lives. The community is counting on Oyler to fulfill and meet their needs.” Principal Hockenberry is witnessing the impact and positive changes being a community school has on the neighborhood and says, “Over time, this pro-gram will have a huge impact on the neighborhood because we will be able to provide important services all the time. The School and community are expected to have a large impact and many positive changes in the 8th and State community and on students. The School is providing more and more communi-ty service each and every day and continues to grow.
What do you think of the new school?By: Ashley Darnell, Sarah Powell, and Julian Ward.
Two years ago, Principal Craig Hockenberry had to move his school out of the neighborhood to a temporary campus, the old Roberts building off Grand Avenue. The School had moved out of the comfort of its original location to be renovated. The whole school was refurbished and remodeled. It was changed from the ground up. The new school resurrected hope among the students and in the community. It went from “that school in Lower Price Hill” to “Oyler School, a Community Learning Center.” The Griffin gathered the following information from Oyler stu-dents and faculty:
Chad Scudder - High school senior: “Great technolo-gy, but I miss the old hallway set up.”
Diane Masters - High school secretary: “Beautiful and one of a kind!”
Marshal Putteet - 5th grade student: “I love the new gym, but the hoops are too high!”
Allan Bradford - 10th grade student: “I feel like I’m back home.”
Will Vaughn - 12th grade former student: “Mr. White’s room feels like an actual science lab.”
Raymond Cummins - 9th grade student: “ I like the acoustic environment of the music room.”
Sandra Smythe - Oyler alumni: “As a former student, I think it’s wonderful to have state of the art technolo-gy in the building.”
The Rise of theIncredible Hock By:Amanda Sanders
Oyler Principal Craig Hockenberry is no ordinary principal: he is a die hard Twilight fan. Although he loves Twilight, he loves Oyler just as much. He started his career at Oyler 14 years ago as an assistant princi-pal for former Oyler Principal Don Bearghman. After two years with him, he took over the school and has been principal for twelve years. When Junior High School teachers Nancy Wyenandt and Susan Fox were asked how Hockenber-ry differs from the last principal they agreed that “He definitely has a lot of energy. Both of them are good principals and there’s not much of a difference be-tween them.” Apparently, nearly everyone could agree that Hockenberry is a pretty great principal. He’s made sure his students are working hard and doing the right thing. “Test scores are definitely rising,” says computer teacher Dave Scholl when asked what improvements he has seen Hockenberry make for the School. Fox also responded to the question: “We have really soared high academically,” she said. Hockenberry may make being the principal at Oyler look easy, but it’s a dif-ficult job. “It’s definitely not easy,” he said. “The days are very long and stressful. The days are always rewarding though,” Hockenberry said. Apart from be-ing a great principal he also seems to be a great boss. “He’s always there for assistance,” says Wyenandt. “He’s helpful and leads by example,” said Fox. Everyone at Oyler should know why Hockenberry came to this school. “No one believes this story,” he said, “but I and my girlfriend, who is now my wife, al-ways drove across the viaduct, and I would see Oyler and say, ‘Honey, I’m going to be principal there one day.’ ” “Why did you want to become a principal in the first place?” “Well, I was a teacher at another school for 3 years and the principal was not so good. I re-alized I wanted to do better than that.” Students and faculty have agreed that Hockenberry has been an incredible principal. They say he has shown us per-sistence and leadership throughout the years he’s been here. Many students seem to hope he stays forever.
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MadHatter Sports ReportBy Joel Ingle
Oyler offers a variety of sports. Fall sports include Football and Girls’ Volleyball. Winter sports include Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball. Spring sports include Baseball, and according to Athletic Director Dave Scholl, the School is going to have a Girls’ Softball team.
Girls’ Volleyball The coach for the team is Emily West. The Team’s final record was 9-8, making them the first Oyler High School athletic team to have a winning record. West says the Team is growing and improving with every season. When Shanaya Ronnebaum was asked prior to the final game what it would mean to her if the Girls’ Volleyball Team would go on to be the first team in Oyler High School history to have a winning season, she said, “It would mean so much to me, and I would be so proud of the Team.”
Football The coaches for the Oyler Football Team are Thomas Blair and Michael Sage. The Team’s record is 2-4 as of October 13, 2012. Sage is optimistic and sees this season as winnable. He also said that the first game was their toughest and that he thinks the team can win the rest of their games. The Madhatters suffered a tough loss against Riv-erview East on October 4, 2012 and unfortunately lost the Kiwanis Cup. Captain Robert Mcmurray says, “It was a hard fought game and they will bring the Ki-wanis Cup home next year.”
BasketballThe Boys’ Basketball season will start on December 1, 2012 at Taylor High School. The coaches for the Team are Adam Lazar and Matt Phillips. Forward
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Devonte North said that he has a goal for the team to win 20 games and go to the state tournament. The Girls’ Basketball season will start on Novem-ber 26, 2012 at St. Bernard. The coach is Joe Saylor. The first home game for both teams will be Friday, December 7,2012 vs. Cincinnati College Prep Acade-my.
Baseball The Oyler Baseball Team’s season does not start until April 1, 2013 at Williamsburg High School. The coaches are Matt Phillips and Justin Leach. This year the Oyler Madhatters will be looking to improve as they enter year three of the baseball program. The Madhatters will be defending the Lumber Bat Classic Tropy in a home and away series against Riverview East High School.
Softball According to Athletic Director Scholl, there will be a Girls’ Softball team this year. The coach will be Joe Saylor.
Oyler Sports
Junior Emily Offenbacker leaps to keep the ball in play during a match against Horizon Science Academy. Photo by Ariel Daniels.
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Romero Tyler: Everyone Knows The TruthBy Ariel Daniels
Romero Tyler is one of the star athletes everybody knows on the OHS football team. Romero, also known as Mero, plays more than one role on the team. His coach, Michael Sage, says, “Mero can play any of the skill positions. He is very versatile.” He plays quarter-back, receiver, kick return, and safety (and that’s just some of what he can do). As an athlete, Mero feels very strongly about his sports. Asked, “What do you love most about foot-ball?” he says, “It’s football, I love it. It’s the game itself. It’s my life. I love football.” Coach Sage says he believes Mero can play at the next level. He also says, “Mero plays hard and with passion.” Mero is a great player, and he supports his team throughout it all. Mero is very proud of himself and how far he has come throughout his high school years. Mero plans to go on to college and play college football, but his baseball and basketball career ends in high school. The person Mero looks up to most in football is Brandon Jacobs, who plays for the New York Giants. Mero says he hopes one day he could take on Jacobs’ “style of running.” Like many all-stars, Mero has had to over-come many obstacles throughout his football career. He says, “One of the main things I struggled with was grades and coming to school.” Mero says his coaches keep him very motivated. He says, “Sage is a very up front person--quick to tell you, but he motivates you to keep trying and to do better. Head Coach, Thomas Blair, is the more ag-gressive one according to Mero. Mero says what also keeps him going would be his teachers Mrs. Price, the Online teacher, and Mrs. Randolph , Online Director. His team, family and coaches also help motivate him.
Mero also enjoys getting “stars.” The team is rewarded with a star on the back of their helmet for every “game changers” play they make. “Game changers” are things such as catching interceptions and getting a “sack” or a “forced fumble.” Mero has sixteen stars so far. Mero gets the nickname “Truth” on the football team. Mero excels at doing well in sports. For basketball, Mero was rewarded with a First Team Conference player trophy and certificate. Also, he was honored with being the Defensive Player of the Year award. In baseball, Mero led the way with the best batting average. Mero says, “Hearing the crowd cheer number 40 is an amazing feeling when you know you just made a touchdown and they’re cheering for you. And then hearing them announce your name on the intercom. It’s a great feeling.”
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Oyler Sports
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Upcoming Events
10/20: Great American Clean Up in Sedamsville, 9 a.m.
11/22: Price Hill Thanksgiving Day Parade, 10 a.m.
Scene Around Oyler
Oyler Football routed Manchester High School 32-6 on Septem-ber 8 at Stargell Field. Photo by Alesea Ronnebaum.
The old Oyler has been made new again thanks to a $21 million dollar, two-year renovation. Photo by Anna Ferguson.
One of the original Griffin gargoyles that greet visitors as they enter Oyler. The Griffin represents wisdom and fortitude, and the news-paper is named for the griffin.Photo by Anna Ferguson.
Next Time in the GriffinResults of the Student Presidential Mock Election
Reports from the November Lower Price Hill Com-munity Council. Could Lower Price Hill be getting a new name?
