Ava Jelepis

Hello! My name is Ava Jelepis. I am a student journalist at Ohio University, where I am pursuing two separate degrees in Journalism and Political Science.

I am a columnist for The New Political

Cleveland Magazine

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.

Cleveland Metroparks' Use of a Spotted Lanternfly Sniffing Dog Team Does the Trick

Lanternflies aren’t going away soon. The little pests descend on Cleveland at the end of summer nest and reproduce in parks at other times of the year. Which is why the Cleveland Metroparks team called in the dogs.

Invasive spotted lanternflies within the parks lack natural predators, allowing them to rapidly build an overwhelming population size. These spotted lanternflies negatively affect the agriculture industry and excrete sticky honeydew, which attracts wasps, bees and creates a mess in...

Northeast Ohio Native Created Lois Lane’s Necklace in the New Superman Movie

In 2013, Dana Schneider was one of Cleveland Magazine's Most Interesting People as she crafted the iconic Hunger Games Mockingjay pin along with other custom pieces for films. Today, Schneider is still creating jewelry for film, including the necklace
that Lois Lane wears in the new Superman movie that was filmed in Cleveland.

“I love movies as much as all of us do, but it never occurred to me really that I could find a career in it,” says Schneider, who is from Canton.

In 1999, the self-t...

The Asian Lantern Festival Brings Light and Culture to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

After the animals go to sleep, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo comes alive in a different way with a bright, expansive light show in the summer months. The eighth edition of the Asian Lantern Festival returns to the park on July 5, and continues through Aug. 24.

The festival features illuminating lantern displays, live acrobatic performances and culturally inspired cuisine and shopping. Beyond all the fun, the festival helps promote wildlife conservation and Asian culture.

The Asian Lantern Festi...

Superman Soars Over Cleveland in New Movie

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Cleveland! Don’t miss these Downtown landmarks in the new Superman movie.

The Arcade

You can spot Superman and Lois Lane sharing a floating kiss inside The Arcade, one of Cleveland’s most iconic landmarks. Nicknamed “Cleveland’s Crystal Palace,” The Arcade was the first indoor shopping center in America and Cleveland’s first building to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Leader Building

The Leader Building on Superior Avenue has brought The...

The New Political

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.

OPINION: "Bernchella" should inspire younger generations — The New Political

Ava Jelepis, a Freshman studying Journalism, argues that Bernie Sanders’ appearance at Coachella should inspire the younger generations of voters.Every year, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival attracts tens of thousands of people, including many celebrities. Coachella is famous for its fashion, celebrity sightings and, of course, its large display of different musical artists. This year, some artists Coachella welcomed to the stage included Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, Post Malone, Green Day...

RETRO REPORT: A quick history of the drinking age in the U.S — The New Political

Drinking is a huge social activity for many students on college campuses. However, underage drinking is the top reason why students get arrested while in college. Since the most common drinking age around the world is 18, some U.S. students may feel frustrated as to why they have to wait the extra three years to pop open that Smirnoff Ice. Some may be surprised to learn that the United States actually has quite a long history with alcohol laws.There was no standard age or laws regarding drinking...

OPINION: Students from Multicultural, Women’s and Pride Centers speak on Senate Bill 1 — The New Political

Ava Jelepis, a Freshman studying Journalism, argues that SB1 has a wide-ranging impact on Ohio U students.This past Wednesday, Senate Bill 1, a bill that will lower the quality of higher education for students in Ohio, was passed by the Ohio House. Senate Bill 1, or the “Enact Advance Ohio Higher Education Act,” will apply to 14 public universities and 23 public community colleges in Ohio. The bill would eliminate all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs on campus, prohibit faculty fro...

OPINION: Passion Works Studio, forever in bloom — The New Political

For over 26 years, Passion Works Studio has been working to create inclusive communities and inspire through the power of art. Much like their signature Passion Flower, the studio has blossomed over the years into a beloved and integral part of the Athens community and beyond. Passion Works has provided those of all abilities with space to thrive and develop their individual talents, while also fostering community. Along with its powerful message, Passion Works Studio also has an inspiring histo...

TNP Valentine’s Day Special — The New Political

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate our loved ones, usually associated with flowers, chocolates, cards and teddy bears. However, Valentine’s Day has a fascinating history and has been around for centuries. The origins of Valentine’s Day contain both ancient Roman and Christian traditions. There are many different legends about Saint Valentine but one of the more popular stories suggests that Saint Valentine was a priest who served in Rome during the third century. Valentine would secretly perf...

OPINION: The political messages in Kendrick Lamar's Halftime Show — The New Political

Alaina Sayre and Ava Jelepis, both freshmen studying Journalism, argue that the political messaging found in the Super Bowl LIV Halftime Show by Kendrick Lamar will put it down in history as one of the most memorable .The Super Bowl is bound to get anyone excited, football fan or not. Between the game, the ridiculous commercials, the parties and the halftime show, there is something for everyone. However, this year's Super Bowl featured a halftime show that included not only a great performance,...

New Student Senate Bill argues that the Honors Tutorial College should not receive exclusive mental health resources — The New Political

Ava Jelepis, a Freshman studying Journalism, argues that the mental health resources exclusively provided to HTC students should be shared among the rest of the student body.Nearly half of the 60 million people living with mental health conditions do not receive the treatment they need. Mental health is such an important issue across the nation, and now more than ever here on Ohio University’s campus since the tragic loss of two students due to mental health struggles. Yet, there is still a grea...

OPINION: Trump’s reelection causes global outrage — The New Political

Ava Jelepis, a Freshman studying Journalism, argues that Trump’s second term in office has created a ripple effect that is felt across the globe.Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Jan. 20. Since then, there have been rallies for and against Trump in the U.S. However, it’s not just the U.S. that has been expressing their feelings toward the newly-elected president. Across the globe, there have been widespread protests in opposition to Trump and what he stands...

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