Meet the Writers: Marsalis Brown the Humanitarian

Marsalis Brown is a senior and one of the four students currently in Journalism at Worthington Christian. Most people who know him describe him as outgoing, caring, and friendly; and able to strike up a conversation with anyone.

Don’t let this modest introduction fool you, though; Marsalis is no typical student. His favorite teacher at Worthington Christian is, without a doubt, Dr. Buzz; and his favorite subject is biology. Marsalis’s favorite aspect of WC is the “small school feel”—and he also likes that teachers instruct upon secular ideas, and why they’re wrong.

Marsalis was born November 4, 1991, in Youngstown, Ohio, and has been attending Worthington Christian since his freshman year. Besides being in Journalism, Marsalis is also in the school’s discussion club and debate team.

In his free time, outside of schools, he enjoys playing all kinds of sports with friends after school, from football to basketball. Marsalis’s fondness for sports is very noticeable; but a fact that most people don’t know about him is that he enjoys classical music.

However, being a senior means that he spends a large amount of his time applying to colleges and preparing for his future. Marsalis has ambitions to attend Washington University or Davidson College, schools that he likes because he welcomes the “small campus feel,” and he also enjoys the attractions of the surrounding area.

If you asked Marsalis what he wanted to do with his life, he would probably tell you that after being graduated from college with a degree in the medical field, his long-term goal is to pursue humanitarian work all over the world. However, he especially feels a calling to do charitable work in Africa.

Marsalis states that he feels compelled to work in Africa because he believes that, of all the areas in the world, it is the most neglected. Africa is one of the harshest areas of the world to live in because disease and the high rate of crime and poverty, “Regions like South Africa are in need of a lot of help” he says.

Marsalis is an ambitious student, and his talents set him apart as a writer for this year’s journalism class.

Euchre, Snorkeling and Signs: Class of 2010's Senior Trip

The senior trip to the Dominican Republic truly brought the senior students together as a class. Although the faith-based mission was extremely beneficial and inspirational, many influential moments also occurred on the SCORE property during free time.

Throughout the week, the seniors bonded together by playing all types of games. The game of signs was definitely a hit among teachers and students alike. Taunting and laughing, groups of students could be heard all over the SCORE hotel and were even asked to be more quiet a number of times.

Many students played the card game euchre throughout the week; they even played in the airport before departing to America. Seniors Alex Scott and Caleb Palumbo set up a euchre tournament that included 16 teams and 32 people. Scott noted that “Jonathan Kanning and Alex Whitt won the euchre tournament.” He was sure to add that, “Coach Heath and I came in a close second.

Students also tremendously enjoyed the trip to Catalina Island. On the boat ride to and from the island, several students, including Michael Williams and Madison Mikhail, suffered motion sickness. Unfortunately, they were not able to participate when the boat anchored off the coast and allowed the seniors to jump off the boat and to snorkel around the coral reefs. Senior Sara Katula commented “I loved going to Catalina Island and jumping off the boat.” Later, Katula added that her best friend Courtney Dickinson “helped me conquer my fears of jumping.”

After arrival at Catalina Island, the students had the freedom to roam and explore the beach. Some decided to sunbathe or rummage through the shops, while others enjoyed swimming in the ocean. Caleb Palumbo said, “I had a lot of fun playing soccer with a Frenchman on the beach.” He added, “Charging into the waves with the entire senior class was great!

Although the Catalina Island trip was the favorite activity for some students, others really enjoyed going to the market and bargaining with the local shop owners. “Even though I had seen a lot of the things they were selling before,” student Michael Williams said, “it was still really fun to bargain with them.” Whether it was knives, jewelry, or backpacks, the Dominican Straw Market had something for every buyer.

“Worship was definitely my favorite part of the trip,” commented senior Michael Bush. “It felt almost surreal, like it was out of a movie.” Throughout the week, Mr. Heath and a few other chaperones took groups of seniors to the beach to worship God in whatever way they pleased. Mr. Heath and Michael Bush played music while students either shared their testimonies or reflected on their own lives. “It was a great place to go and just talk to God,” added Palumbo. “It was amazing to see God move among the seniors while we were there.”

On the last night in the Dominican Republic, many of the students were truly moved. While sitting around the pool, the seniors began to share their thoughts, conveying what God was doing in their lives. Some, who had never really shared before, comforted each other after they shared. Students who seemed to have the perfect lives shared that, on the inside, anyway, not everything was perfect and that they were asking God for help.

Everyone grew up a little on the Dominican Republic trip, and since that moment, some lives will never be the same. The overall experience that every student had was incredible. Through missions, snorkeling, and just hanging out with their fellow classmates, the senior class members really bonded and grew in their faith.

Meet the Writers: Third Time’s the Charm--Raima Forbes

Switching schools is never an easy feat. Students generally have trouble switching even once; but such has not been the case for one of Worthington Christian High School’s newest seniors, Raima Forbes.

Throughout her high school career, Raima Forbes has moved schools more than the average student. After attending both Tree of Life and New Albany High School, she transferred to Worthington Christian (WC). She really liked her previous schools but never felt at home. When she visited WC, she noticed “how nice and welcoming people were.” She knew immediately that she needed to enroll: “This is where I want to go.”

She has completed her first semester at her new school and is really enjoying her experience here. The only downfall, according to Raima, has been Mr. Pifer’s difficult math class. “Just when I think I am doing well,” she says, “I find out I’m not.” However, despite some difficult classes, she is quite content to be at WC for her senior year.

Although Raima is currently not involved in any WC extracurricular activities, she is extremely involved with her church and volunteer functions. She even models for local designers on occasion. Although modeling is just something she does for fun, it can be a lot of work. “Usually you are required to attend a few practices where the directors judge you on your walk,” she says.

Through her church, she teaches and choreographs different dances, specializing in hip hop. She also loves volunteering as a tutor at Westview Elementary School. Her passion in life is to work with children.

Even though Raima has moved schools multiple times already this most recent move to WC will not be her last: she plans to attend the Ohio State University next year as she pursues her interests and her passion for working with children. Raima intends to major in education or journalism.

To the average person, Raima’s life may look hectic and stressful, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether in her church or school, she has made herself a part of each in her own unique way.

Photography Club

Getting involved at WC makes school more fun and interesting. The Photography Club, since last year, has been a significant advantage to the school’s clubs.

Led by Mrs. Ginger Gibson, the club is gradually achieving a higher level of excellence and quality since its inception last spring. Unfortunately, during the previous school year, the club only made it through one semester. Regardless, the club has worked hard and this school year the photography students have been going strong since day one and will go through to the end of the year.

With Mrs. Gibson overseeing seventeen students, there is always something that can be photographed or improved. Mrs. Gibson has been involved with photography over the course of many years, taking countless pictures of fun WCHS events such as Winter Event and the girl’s annual PowderPuff football game.

The club members are in favor of learning the art, and having fun while capturing WC moments and events. “I really like photography,” said sophomore April Lamonte. “It’s fun because Mrs. Gibson does a lot of field trips so it’s great experience; and she’s a great person to lead it.” Photography is a creative tool that uses one’s personality to bring a picture to life. Junior Photography Club member Amy Gibson shared, “Photography really helps you learn more about yourself. I know I, personally, have learned more about who I am as a person through this.”

Mrs. Gibson said she believes that being the supervisor over the club is a fun thing to do. She and her daughter were privileged to feature in a portfolio that will be given to renowned actor, Arnold Schwarzeneggar as a result of attending the Arnold Fitness Classic, which featured the very first Photo Workshop. “David Tahata, the guy who taught the workshop,” said Mrs. Gibson, “was really funny and super talented. He travels all over the world and teaches how to use lighting in order to make a good photo. We learned some really neat things like how to change the lighting of your picture by putting this gel over the flash!”

Mrs. Gibson is very adamant about getting her Photography Club kids on field trips and exposing them to a variety of experiences so that they can stretch their abilities and consistently learn about the craft. Amy admitted, “My mom is a really great person for initiating stuff like field trips and activities.” Faithful WC mom Mrs. Lisa Siders agreed: addressing the club members, she said “You photography kids have an amazing advantage to have someone like Mrs. Gibson who is just so committed. She is always looking to improve what she does individually and to help you all improve.”

The Photography Club is doing a stupendous job so far, as evidenced by their hard work and skill. Mrs. Gibson said, “A lot of the kids have gotten so much better and bolder at showing their skills. On Facebook, people are asking us for our photos. There was a girl from Orange High School and asked if they could have some pictures that we took for their yearbook. It’s a blessing to know that the community is interacting with what we’re doing.”

Sophomore Bryn Dawdy stated, “I was already interested in photography beforehand, so when I heard about the club I was excited to learn new stuff.” This club, obviously, is interesting and fun with much to offer its members: and had consequently attracted new members.

Junior Kelly Zimmerman became a new addition to the club last fall and mentioned “Before joining, I knew about photography, but I didn’t know how to make a picture look cool; and now I do.” Apparently, photography students are being met right where they are and encouraged, as well as assisted, to enhance their potentials. These WC photographers prove to be a considerable inclusion to the set of extracurricular programs and, undoubtedly, will be in the years to come.

(Photo credits courtesy of Mrs. Ginger Gibson and the Facebook group WCS Photography Club).

A New Kind of Hope: Mrs. Heath's Vision for Asia's Hope

A student art show benefitting and hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Heath enhanced Worthington Christian High School’s winter play, held on February 11th through the 13th.

Asia’s Hope is an organization ministering to children in Southeast Asia who are orphaned, enslaved, trafficked and struggling for their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Heath worked together to make an attempt to make a change.

Mrs. Heath shared that she believes God specifically spoke to her last year about holding an art show targeted toward Southeast Asia and its children. Her passionate and ambitious desire for the people is to assist them by raising money for their specific needs.

With many people going in and out of the winter play, large numbers passed through the art show. Mrs. Heath says, “The show was more than I expected; I actually didn’t know what to expect! We would’ve been glad to raise $50. Anything that would make a difference for them would be awesome. We ended up raising over $800 and that was just- … amazing!”

Mrs. Heath said “Thanks to Mr. O’Roark” who was “just so gracious in allowing me to hold the art show around his production. Also, Tom Dreyer, Adrianna Quinones, Beth Julca, and Erin Houts, as well as my advanced potography class, helped me a ton with the art show and the necessary preparations.”

Since Mrs. Heath traveled to Cambodia and Thailand wit her husband and a group of WC girls this past summer, her passion to return to the poverty-stricken country is stronger than ever. Also, Mrs. Heath majored in art at The Columbus College of Art and Design with prior experience in creativity. Her skills served as a major contributor for this task.

Many contributed to the people of Asia during this time of the winter play, as well as the art show. Mrs. Heath, as well as a large population of the student body and family understand that children do not deserve to suffer and helping is a priority.

“Any little bit helps.” Mrs. Heath said. “A little boy came up to my with $5 and said he didn’t want to buy anything and that he only wanted to give to Asia’s Hope. That just blessed me: that he didn’t ask for anything in return and that he just wanted to give. So, I have him a small 4’6 picture for him to have; and his face just lit up!”

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)” and this scripture is an exact parallel to what the WC body is doing for Asia. To give without expecting anything but the well-being of others is a mission worthy of praise.

Mrs. Heath’s idea of embedding the art show around the school play made a smashing success inevitable. With the help of her husband and a group of students the job became a major accomplishment and WC, as a body, took great pride in this event.

(Photo credits courtesy of Erinn Houts and Beth Julca)

We Will Never Forget: Jonathan Blusiewicz

Sunday, January 24, 2010, is a date that Worthington Christian’s class of 2013 will long remember. On that day, one of their fellow classmates, Jonathan Blusiewicz, went home to be with the Lord.

The word tragedy does not even begin to capture the loss that the Worthington Christian student body and Jonathan’s friends and family have endured. Our hearts go out to his parents, Kenneth and Sandra Blusiewicz; brother, Michael J. Krukowski; and sisters Cassandra and Lindsay Blusiewicz. No person can believe that it is right for a young boy, just 14 years of age, to be taken away from this world. Yet as Christians, we can find hope in the fact that he is now in the presence of the Lord and we will all see him soon.

One of Jonathan’s closest friends, senior Michael Bush, said “I have hope because I know I will see him again someday; the entire freshman class knows that too.” As a student body, everyone came together to support and pray for the class of 2013. “I am so glad I go to WC. At a public school I don’t think we would have been able to pray together,” freshman Rachel Parrish commented, “We would not have supportive mentors like Dr. Buzz and Mr. Baugher. They have helped us cope with this loss.”

The news of Jonathan’s death hit the students hard. Guidance Counselor Mrs. Nancy Secrest commented that, as a class, “It was the first time they have been confronted with mortality. They felt emotions that they have never felt before. Fear for themselves; dealing with the loss of a friend; and the question, ‘could this happen to me’?”

Jonathan’s death has had a significant effect on the lives of the entire Worthington Christian student body. “I never thought that Jonathan would die,” said freshman Wesley Nottingham. “It makes you think; you never know when your life will be taken from you.” Not only has it caused them to think about the future, but it has drawn them closer to each other and, in some cases, closer to God. Freshman Rachel Parrish said, “I think it has brought some of us closer to God because we realize that nothing is more certain than He is.”

In honor of Jonathan’s life, the freshman class likes to talk about him and tell funny stories about the past. Freshman Caleb Penney told the story of when he and Jonathan went to Chipotle and met two attractive young women. “John didn’t have enough money to get a burrito, so we just got chips and sat down,” said Penney. “We weren’t even halfway done when the girls got up and left, but the second they did, John said it was time for us to go.” Penney remembers asking his friend after they left if the only reason he wanted to go into Chipotle was for the girls, “He just shrugged his shoulders and said yes,” said Penney, “It was really funny.”

This easy-going, natural humor is what many people remember most about Jonathan. His IPS teacher, Mrs. Dawn McMahon, reflected, “He was always smiling; every time I saw him, he had a big smile on his face. He was just a nice kid.” Not only did his teachers admire him but his fellow classmates did as well. Rachel Parrish said, “He was such a cool guy; he brought so much joy and happiness. It was a joy that didn’t just happen naturally, it had to have come from God,”

Parrish added. “He had true joy and everyone knew it.”

Jonathan Blusiewicz wasn’t your average kid. Not only did he touch the lives of everyone around him, but he excelled in other areas of his life as well. To many others, baseball is just a sport, but to Jonathan, it was his life. Michael Bush commented, “Jonathon didn’t care about school all that much because he knew that he would one day be a professional baseball player.” This year was going to be his first year in the spotlight: he was supposed to be playing varsity baseball as a freshman. Recruiters already had their eyes on him, and “he showed everyone up,” said Bush.

With the loss of one of their star players, this year is going to be tough for the baseball team. However, they are all looking at the terrible circumstance as an inspiration to do their best; to do it for Jonathan. Bush believes, “It’s going to make us a better team because now we have something to play for and something to prove.”

In order to help the students and families in the grieving process, Worthington Christian is planning a special evening for parents. “We are bringing in an expert from Mt. Carmel’s Evergreen Program,” said Mrs. Secrest, “Parents can come and ask questions to learn how to help their children grieve in a healthy way.” The program will be extremely beneficial for parents as well as students because it will teach them how to remember Jonathon in a positive way. Sometimes, we don’t understand why God does the things he does, but as Christians we can find peace in the knowledge that he is now in the presence of the Lord.

Formal Debate: Worthington Christian’s Newest Extracurricular Activity

Senior Marsalis Brown and junior Joe Combs have wanted our school to have a debate team for some time. This January, Mrs. Johnson and Mr. McIntosh agreed to collaborate with the students to form a high school debate team.

Since then, the debate team has grown to include several regularly attending members, all of whom are extremely excited that our school now has a debate team. Junior Conor Holland said “I really enjoy the opportunity to discuss and argue about current events.”

Since the beginning of January, the Debate team has been meeting every Thursday at 3:05 pm, to practice debating against each other. However, the students won’t be able to compete against other schools until next year because the 2009-2010 formal debate season is coming to an end.

The fact that the formal season is ending has not set the team back, however; the group is using this extra time to prepare for debating against other schools next year. “We would have been destroyed if we had gone right into debating other schools,” Mrs. Johnson said: “We’ve been using this time to practice debating against each other, so that we’ll be ready to debate other schools next season.”

The team is using the Lincoln-Douglas form of debate; this is a formal, 1 versus 1, value-based style that begins with both debaters presenting constructive arguments. Each debater also receives the opportunity to conduct a cross-examination: each fires questions at his opponent, with the intention of exposing flaws in his argument—before both debaters provide their rebuttal speeches.

The current topic that all high school debate teams have been examining, for the months of March and April, is “In the United States, the principle of jury nullification is a just check on government.” The students must argue affirmatively, thus agreeing with the statement—or negatively, thus opposing the statement. The National Forensics League chooses the topics that schools debate: this organization sets the standards for high school debating. Currently, the students are researching the topic and debating each other.

For the topic of jury nullification, the team members engaged in their first debate against each other on Wednesday, March 17^th. For this debate, Joe Combs argued for the affirmative and Conor Holland argued for the negative side.

Mrs. Johnson said “I strongly encourage anyone interested in debating to come on Thursday afternoons to experience it for yourself.” The team is still open to new members, and there’s no shortage of reason to join. Competitive debating is a great opportunity to become a more logical and analytical thinker. Involvement with a debate team also assists tremendously with becoming a spontaneous and confident speaker: all of which is highly desirable to college admission officers.

Although the debate team is off to a strong start, Mrs. Johnson and Mr. McIntosh would enthusiastically welcome additional members interested in developing their analytical skills. “This has been an extremely good experience for me” Joe said; and with strong preparation and practice, by next year, Worthington Christian High School’s debate team could stand out among the other great debate teams of central Ohio.