chroniCle
April 11, 2014
thecspn.com
Volume 11, Issue 7
the
‘Promposals’
Prom triggers simplistic to extravagant proposals, see page 22.
Cash flow
Teens find balance between saving and spending, see page 19.
ARMED AND DANGEROUS Comet baseball, softball teams to rely on the arms of flame throwing pitchers, page 27 Photo by Madison Krell, photo art by Gabrielle Stichweh
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news
Trending Now Addition by Subtraction View these and other stories and galleries on
thecspn.com
C Urinetown
Drama Club’s production of Urinetown The Musical is this weekend. Showings are tonight and Saturday at 8 pm as well as Sunday at 3 pm. Check thecspn.com for a preview from earlier this week and more coverage in the upcoming week.
C Baseball vs. Lakota West
The boys baseball team is taking on rival Lakota West at home tonight at 5 pm. See thecspn.com for coverage including pictures and game results.
C Boys volleyball
The boys volleyball team will be facing Middletown on their home court on Tuesday at 7pm. Check thecspn.com for coverage including pictures and game results.
Photo by Matt Marvar
The boys put their hands in for a break during their first scrimmage against Sycamore.
C Home games
This upcoming week, the softball, boys tennis and boys volleyball teams will be playing with a homefield advantage. Check thecspn.com for pictures and more. compiled by Gina Deaton
Kist-Kline introduces plan for building renovations and closure Fernanda Hurtado | Staff Writer
Mason City School buildings are getting a $25 million makeover encompassing renovations in already existing buildings and reducing its footprint by closing down Western Row Elementary. On April 2 Mason schools officials held a public meeting to gather opinions about what should be done with $25 million in state money to improve its school buildings. According to Superintendent Gail Kist-Kline, the district is focused on presenting facility plans including core goals such as building security, creating technologically advanced schools, and configuring grade levels per building to best meet future needs. In 2001 the district of Mason decided to become a part of Ohio School Facilities Commission, which Kist-Kline said is funded through tobacco settlements which give the state money that could be used to fund school districts. “They ranked every district, mostly based on wealth of the community and poverty level,” Kist-Kline said. “So in Mason out of 615 districts our number was 489. Back in 2001 they had these structures in place that if you met their guidelines and built to their specification you could, when your number came up, qualify for some funds for future projects.” According to Kist-Kline, the idea was for buildings to meet their specifications in the hopes of being eligible for funding. “The three buildings that were built back then that qualified us were the high school, early childhood center and intermediate school, [making us] eligible for approximately 25 million dollars that we could use for future projects,” Kist-Kline said. According to Kist-Kline, the plan is to reduce the number of schools to four buildings as the anticipated class size will be easier to accommodate in 2019. “This plan is predicated to putting all of second grade at MECC, and then MI would have grades 3-6, Middle School would still be 7 and 8 and the High School would still be 9-12,” Kist-Kline said. “We will reduce our footprint by eliminating one building and that is Western Row, which is our smallest and oldest building right now.” In order to accommodate all of second grade, Kist-Kline said that an addition will be made to
Photo by Fernanda Hurtado
Superintendent Gail Kist-Kline presents the plan.
MECC. Kist-Kline said the grade configuration does stop splitting second grade. “We want all of our grade levels together,” Kist-Kline said. “It also eliminates a transition... between buildings.” The total cost for all of that work is $38.5 million. Kist-Kline said that means the MECC addition, Mason Intermediate changes, and renovations at the middle school would make Mason eligible for $32.5 million from the state. “That means it would cost the district $6 million to do and address all of those things,” Kist-Kline said. “The $6 million would come from that capital fund that we currently have. We won’t need a bond because it comes from our capital and the partnership will be capital funds.” Although the planning has begun now, KistKline said that full implementation will not come to order for another four or five years. “We are looking for this outset to be for the school year 2019 but we have to submit our plan now,” Kist-Kline said. “Once we are approved it would take at least a year to design and another year or two to implement. The only things we would begin to work on is some of the changes at the MI because they need to happen and that is on our dollar anyway.”
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Test Transformation New SAT replaces vocabulary with incorporation of science material Katie Hibner | Staff Writer
Current SAT vocabulary books are getting torched. The College Board will “abrogate” obscure terms from the college entry exam in spring 2016. This news came too late for freshman Shirley Yang, who said she has studied SAT vocabulary since she was in fourth grade. “[The College Board] has lowered the bar,” Yang said. “It’s irritating that I’ve had to do so much SAT studying since I was pretty young, and now a lot of kids that haven’t had to go through [that] can get the same [score as me] without doing as much. I have shelves of SAT study books piled on top of each other. I practiced [vocabulary] over and over again.” According to the College Board website, changes to the SAT include using more “relevant” vocabulary terms, eliminating the penalty for guessing answers, and allowing the essay to be optional. The website said these alterations were inspired by the goal to “reflect the best of classroom work.” Junior Myra Gupta said that she believes that the SAT should reflect individual study skills, however, rather than knowledge retained from school. “I don’t know if I agree with the changes because the SAT is supposed to show how much you know other than just the facts [learned in school],” Gupta said. “Preparing for the exam teaches you various skills. You have to be familiar with strategies and take practice test after practice test.
Studying new words will help you a lot, so I don’t think [the changes are] doing [students] a favor.” Most test-takers prefer to avoid the studying associated with the SAT by taking the ACT instead. According to the New York Times, 1.8 million students took the ACT while 1.7 million took the SAT in
2013, marking the first year the ACT outpaced its competitor. Test prep instructor and science teacher Carol Lehman said she thinks SAT test administrators will seek to close that gap and profit more by changing the exam. “[2013] was the first year ever that more kids have taken the ACT than the SAT,” Lehman said. “It was the first time [SAT testers] have not made as much money as ACT testers. The reality is that [the changes are] money-driven.” More students may have taken
the ACT than the SAT because guidance counselor Phyllis Bell said there’s a preconception that the ACT is easier. “I do think that some students have a preconceived notion that the ACT is easier, but that is misleading,” Bell said. “The SAT and ACT use different approaches that
SAT, but they don’t have good study habits when they get to college.” Most teachers agree with Gupta’s view— according to College Board president David Coleman, 80 percent of teachers don’t believe the SAT accurately reflects student achievement. Lehman said that although there are no ideal standardized tests, college admissions officers will continue to use them as a benchmark for applicants. “We don’t have the perfect test, but there needs to be some common denominator [between students],”Lehman said. “[Exams] are becoming more of a priority because we are in such data-driven world.” Bell said students can expect these data-gathering exams to continue to change after spring 2016. “Education changes frequently,” Bell said. “As curriculum changes occur, Photo by Katie Hibner companies will have work [better] for different stuto re-design testing to stay relevant dents. Some students actually pre- and competitive. I would not be fer the SAT because the sections surprised by any [future] change. are shorter and it works better with Although colleges may emphatheir particular learning style.” size high exam scores, Lehman College applicants may prefer said they don’t play a major role in one test over another, but Gupta the outcomes of student’s lives. said that SAT scores, however, “The ACT and the SAT are tools don’t demonstrate their potential that kids need to get where they for future success. want to go,” Lehman said. “[Test “I don’t think [the SAT] is a good scores] are numbers you need to indicator of how you’re going to get into X, Y, and Z school. In the do in college,” Gupta said. “A lot end, the ACT and the SAT are not of people who don’t study hard going to determine your success in in high school still do well on the life.”
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McBreakfast Health impact questioned as fast food breakfast rises in popularity Sheila Raghavendran | Editor-in-Chief
It’s out with eggs and toast, in with the Egg McMuffin. Increasingly, fast food chains are integrating breakfast into their menus. Companies are battling: White Castle recently previewed its new Belgian waffle sandwiches, Taco Bell revealed its Waffle Taco and A.M. Crunchwrap, and McDonald’s is serving free coffee during its breakfast hours from March 31 through April 13. Chick-fil-A Deerfield Crossing served one free breakfast meal per person during March from 5:30 am – 7:00 am. During April, Chick-fil-A Deerfield Crossing and Voice of America are serving free breakfast entrees from 5:30 am – 10:30 am with the purchase of a smoothie. According to regular eggs-and-toast eater, junior Rachel Holloway, fast food breakfasts show an economic incentive for companies, but the meals aren’t her taste. “I think it’s a better way for [fast food companies] to earn money,” Holloway said. “Everybody gets all hyped up about the McDonald’s breakfasts and stuff, but it’s not appealing to me…Ever since I saw that ‘Supersize Me’ movie in eighth grade I haven’t eaten fast food.” The breakfast business at McDonald’s reaps about 20 percent of the company’s total U.S. sales, according to ABC News. Health teacher Gary Popovich said that the occasional fast food meal might not be so bad. “I don’t think that [fast food] breakfast, if you eat in moderation, is overdoing it,” Popovich said. “…Like with any-
thing, moderation is key.” Holloway said that the importance of breakfast is the earlymorning energy boost. “I think you just need a wellrounded breakfast that will keep you energized
throughout the day,” Holloway said. Popovich said he agrees, and that even fast food breakfast can be that needed start. “Fast food [gives you] carbohydrates,” Popovich said. “Our body needs that…Fat gets a bad rep, we need fat, we like it, it’s
Photo by Madison Krell
what tastes good. [Fast food] gives you energy. You need the carbs, you need the fat, [but] you don’t want to get too much saturated fat.” The amount of energy from fast food breakfast depends on the item, Popovich said. McDonald’s specifically promotes its Egg White Delight McMuffin, Sausage McMuffin with Egg, Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuit, and Egg McMuffin on its website, but Popovich said these foods are culprits. “A lot of the fast food chains, [like] Chick-Fil-A [and] McDonald’s, all have their menus and they’ve tried to make it more healthy with their bagels,” Popovich said. “But still it’s all eggs and cheese. The cheese, and the meat, and the sausage, and the bacon [are] obviously what’s not good for you. But we still like it.” According to Popovich, Americans eat the wrong proportions of food throughout the day, often skipping breakfast and overeating other meals. “In America we seem to have it backwards,” Popovich said. “We get most of our calories on the backend. In reality, we should probably eat ¾ of [our total] calories [for] breakfast and lunch.” Egg McMuffin mornings should be infrequent, Popovich said, but everyday breakfast is vital. “You don’t want to do a big breakfast meal from McDonald’s every day,” Popovich said. “I think your body likes it when you mix it up.”
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Driving Digital Driver Education courses now available online
Photo art by Gabrielle Stichweh Monica Brucher | Staff Writer
Students can now click their way to get behind the wheel. The Ohio Department of Public Safety recently approved online driver education classes, but Paul Tlominski from Jack’s Driving School said there are many risks that come with it. “I know there will be some mothers who [take] it for their students,” Tlominski said. “That’s not the purpose of the teen driver education program, but that will happen and it’s very difficult to check.” Even with risk of worrisome drivers, sophomore Caitlyn Hatten said she thinks the program will prohibit those who don’t deserve to pass from acquiring a licence. “[The effectiveness of online driver education] depends on whether or not [students] take it seriously or not,” Hatten said. “They still have to pass their driving test.
[Students] can’t just cheat through everything.” Tlominski said he believes students who already have their license will help others take advantage of the online course. “If [students have] been through the course once, [they] should be able to answer all the questions,” Tlominski said. “So having gone through it once, an enterprising Mason student may want to make a little extra money. That’s illegal, but it will be done--I know it.” Sophomore Allie Heckler agrees that students could use the online school as an opportunity to cheat. “[Students] could have someone else do it for [them],” Heckler said. “If [students are] in the class the teacher knows that [they’re] there and [that they’re] attentive.” The online course has the same state-required curriculum as the in-person course, and Tlominski
said there are benefits for those with busy schedules. “The convenience for the students with the online course [is for] people who are very busy with extracurricular activities,” Tlominski said. “The [other] advantage is, a student who maybe doesn’t get something can go back and review it.” Although online driver education appeals to Hatten, she said it doesn’t win her over. “Given that [online driver education] is cheaper, that is a nice aspect,” said Hatten. “However, I would rather go to the actual driving school because with it being online I feel like it wouldn’t go as in-depth and questions would be harder to ask.” Tlominski said that online providers are required by the state of Ohio to have instructors available to answer questions or clarify, but
he said that those answers could take a while. “It may be the next day that they answer your question, but they have to take feedback from the students to clarify something or answer questions,” Tlominski said. “We have the opportunity [to answer questions] right there so that’s an advantage so a student isn’t walking around with that question or forgets about the question over the course of a 24-hour period.” Even with the flaws of the current online driver education program, Hatten said she is still positive for the future of online driver education. “A few years after they do trials, multiple places are able to pick it up,” Hatten said. “It will end up being a better option. It’s more convenient [so parents] don’t have to drive--so I do think it will be good in the future.”
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opinion Chronicle Policy The Chronicle is the official student newspaper of William Mason High School. The Chronicle promises to report the truth and adhere to the journalistic code of ethics through online and print mediums. The Chronicle is produced by students enrolled in Journalism I, II and III. Editorials reflect the staff ’s opinion but do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the school administration or the Mason City School District. The Chronicle is published monthly. Call 398-5025 ext. 33106 for information regarding advertising in The Chronicle. The Chronicle reserves the right to refuse advertising we deem inappropriate for a high school publication. As an open forum for students, letters to the editor are welcome, but are subject to be edited for length, libel, obscenity, clarity and poor taste. Letters to the editor may be dropped off in room C106 and must be signed. The Chronicle is a member of The Columbia Scholastic Press Association, The National Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists and the Ohio Scholastic Media Association.
Tweets to the editor
Contact Information The Chronicle William Mason High School 6100 S. Mason Montgomery Rd. Mason, Ohio 45040 (513) 398-5025 The Chronicle Staff Editor-in-Chief Sheila Raghavendran Editor Chloe Knue Associate Editors Katherine Hansen Taylor Telford Layout and Design Editor Gabrielle Stichweh Sports Editor Erin Brush Online Editor Gina Deaton Business Manager Emily Culberson Photo Editor Madison Krell Staff Writers Emily Taylor Katie Rojas Meghan Harris Jimmy Halpin Katie Herman Abbey Marshall Matthew Marvar Will Leathers Madison Krell Monica Brucher Kelly Noriega Fernanda Hurtado Sonia Rayka Katie Hibner Lindsay McCalmont Rashika Jaipuriar Adviser Dale Conner
Staff Editorial High schoolers held to elementary rules despite increasing maturity We are still children. Although some of us have jobs and cars, or are heading off to begin independent lives in the fall, we are quite aware that as an institution, high school recognizes us as children. And this is fine. This is fair. With most students falling in between the ages of 14-18, MHS houses a wide range of maturity levels. While some may already be living like functional adults, some students are still fresh out of middle school--and the administration and faculty must cater to these maturity levels equally. With that said, however, it feels like sometimes the lowest is expected of us in terms of our ability to conduct ourselves in class. While rules have to be structured to accommodate students with the worst behavioral tendencies, it is frustrating for those of us who are fully capable of functioning successfully with higher (or in some cases more lenient) standards. We want to prove ourselves. It is both flattering and sat-
isfying to be given the benefit of the doubt, to be assumed competent and expected to behave accordingly. And in situations like this, where we are expected to rise to the occasion, most of us do so. Conversely, it’s agonizing to be treated like we are already guilty of poor behavior and never being given the opportunity to show otherwise. As we have been reminded since kindergarten, we are all in control of our own behavior, but our behavior is often reflective of the standards we are being held to. We can live up (or down) to what is expected of us. And if this is the case, isn’t it far better to expect the most? To give us the chance to be autonomous and adult-like, then re-adjust if we cannot handle it? At that point, it’s up to us. We sink or swim on our own prerogative. We are still children, but we can be more than that if you let us.
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opinion Days will be brighter
It’s time to let it go
Meghan Harris | Staff Writer
Katherine Hansen | Associate Editor
Yep. Let it go. Idina Menzel’s new hit and “Frozen’s” musical mantra. Fans, don’t pretend you didn’t start singing the song before I even mentioned the movie. I love “Frozen” as much as anyone. I do. I laud it for its smashing worldwide success, its notable family-friendliness balanced with actually worthwhile humor, and its irresistible tunes. But even still, I can tell when enough is enough. There comes a point in the lives of many good things--good shows, good movies, good books, good forms of entertainment--where the cultish fandom surrounding it destroys the good thing itself. Let’s take for instance... “Doctor Who”. I think I could like it, could enjoy it, could excitedly discuss its intricacies and nuances with fellow viewers. But because there’s such a clan of devotees around it, I can’t. There’s a wall. The same goes for many other good things, old and new: “Harry Potter”, “Star Wars”, BBC’s “Sherlock”...if you don’t catch those trains while they’re new, you’ll find them a little too crowded come the time you’d like to join. Sure, some can break through the wall, brave the overwhelming obsession that is the fandom, and find a spot for themselves amidst the cultish love for whatever good thing they’ve pursued. But many can’t. “Frozen” is now frozen. So many eyes have claimed a little share in owning it as their absolute love that there doesn’t seem to be room for others. It’s so loved, so obsessed over, so owned, that it turns off those that have yet to experience it. And some fans may like it that way. They’d like to hide their good thing, keep it locked up and untouchable, so others don’t partake in what is seemingly theirs. To them it keeps the good thing special. But really that good thing is now rotting. It’s becoming trite, petty and silly in the eyes of those turned off by the wall of fans around it. So back off, a little. Hold back, a little. Let it go.
Would you rather take driving school online or in a traditional class?
compiled by Meghan Harris
Cwhat you think
On a Wednesday night four years ago, my Young Life leader stood in front of 90 Mason students and asked them to close their eyes. I sat amongst my friends and peered around the room as our eyes cautiously fell closed. Ryan asked one seemingly simple question, “On a scale of one to 10, how happy would you say you are?” He asked us to raise our hands as he went through the scale. The average of the room was about a four. As I sit here, four years later, I don’t know where I fall on that spectrum. High school has been a blur of joy and absolute heartache, but I feel like I’ve lived a more than decent life. But how happy am I? On my best days, I’m about a six on the Happiness Scale. On the days that I can barely will my eyes to open, I’m about a two. I never knew how much of a problem this would be. I never realized how selfish I have become. I live in Mason, where I have more opportunities than most kids could ever dream possible. I have a family who loves the crap out of me so much that on some days it is downright annoying. I have friends who have literally stayed by side through the days that I did not want to live anymore. I have the privilege of getting an education from an incredibly blessed high school, and in a few short months I will be graduating. And most importantly, I have a God who loves me more than I will ever be able to comprehend. Life gets hard sometimes. There is no easy way to get through it and absolutely no way to avoid it. But on the days where I barely muster a .5 on the Happiness Scale, I am thankful that there will always be brighter days ahead.
“I’d rather take driving school in class because you’re with an instructor and you have other peers around you.” -freshman Mary Hager
“In class because I’d pay attention more, there are less distractions.” -sophomore Jacob Sewell
“In class because people are bad drivers and you get more instruction.” -junior Nate Shepherd
“I’d rather take it online because the classes were really boring and I didn’t like the instructors.” -senior Sam Frantzis
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Shrieking Sensation
KI prepares for the opening of world’s longest inverted rollercoaster
Photo contributed by Don Helbig
Kings Island anticipates extreme thrill and attraction for park guests with new ride, Banshee, the world record breaking rollercoaster opening on April 18. Abbey Marshall | Staff Writer
Roller coaster fanatics will scream for joy on April 18. The wait for Kings Island’s newest ride, Banshee, has nearly come to an end. The debut of the world’s longest inverted coaster will occur on KI’s Opening Day. All park guests are guaranteed to be pleased, according to the Kings Island Public Relations Area Manager, Don Helbig. “The opening of a major new attraction always draws a lot of interest,” Helbig said. “It’s the first ride everyone heads to when the park opens. Even those who won’t ride roller coasters are still intrigued and will head into the section of the park where the new ride is to get a glimpse.” According to Helbig, thrill seekers will not be disappointed. “All of the elements are in place for Banshee to not only rank as the best inverted roller coaster but also as one of the best [overall] roller
coasters in the world,” Helbig said. “Everyone can look at the ride and tell that the ride experience on Banshee is going to be incredible.” Junior Lindsay Watkins has been one of many roller coaster enthusiasts eagerly waiting to ride Banshee. “Banshee is the world’s longest inverted coaster and it’s got all the G-forces and stuff that all the other coasters don’t have because it’s inverted,” Watkins said. “It’s going to give you that feeling in your gut when you’re falling. It’s just going to be a great coaster.” For those anticipating the ride like Watkins, the moment of excitement on April 18 will be unforgettable, according to Helbig. “For roller coaster enthusiasts, the chance to ride a new recordbreaking roller coaster like Banshee is like Christmas, New Year’s, and Fourth of July all rolled into one,” Helbig said. “They’re super
excited. They can’t wait to visit the park and experience the ride.” Even though long lines typically are associated with new ride openings, Helbig said this will not be a problem. “The lines may look long but don’t be fooled,” Helbig said. “Banshee is a high capacity ride. We’ll be able to accommodate more than 1,600 riders per hour on Banshee. The longest wait time
will be in the morning but by midafternoon and the early evening hours, the anticipated wait time will be less than an hour.” For thrill seekers and observers alike, April 18 will not soon be a day to forget, according to Helbig. “Everyone remembers their first ride on the Beast,” Helbig said. “This ride will be just as memorable.”
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Winning
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feature
the Interview
Crucial communications skills leads to success in job interviews Katie Rojas | Staff Writer
“You’re hired.” These are the words that high school students yearn to hear as they begin the hunt for summer jobs. But first, there’s the interview. Enhanced Communications Applications teacher Arlene Borock said that teenagers getting jobs need to remember the other perspective of the business when they go into the interview. “What a lot of teenagers don’t remember is that when you’re going to get a job somewhere, this is someone’s livelihood,” Borock said. “They’re giving you part of their profit, they’re paying you out of their profit to keep their livelihood going…[Because of this] they are going to be picky about who they are going to choose.” Senior Laura Kehres, who has worked at both Kings Island and the Community Center, said that an interview will go smoother Photo by Madison Krell Junior Niki Markley answers questions from math teacher Greg Roach in a mock inteview situation. if others who have been through interviews offer advice. going into is about and what they’ll will show you are sincere…Dress I get straight to the point, but I also “I ask people who have had a be looking for in a person, and professionally. They’re sizing you make myself clear and concise.” lot more job interviews for help,” definitely know things about that just on what you’ve chosen to wear.” When all is said and done, Borock Kehres said. “My older sister is with company,” Fields said. Kehres said winning the interview said that the key to sealing the deal a business program up at OSU for Borock said that in addition to comes down to not only personality, is confidence. women, and she has done fake inresearching the company and asking but also how you handle yourself “You have to walk into that terviews to help people prepare for others for advice, there are small during the interview. interview saying, ‘I am going to jobs, and obviously my jobs weren’t details that count in your prepara“I definitely am always polite,” sell myself. I am going to prove to as serious as real jobs, but it helped.” tion for an interview. Kehres said. “I will shake their them that I am a quality person, that According to senior Jacob Fields, “Go through the commonly asked hand if at all possible. I am not I’m personable, that I’m confident, who has worked at Kings Island questions and already verbalize your afraid to speak up, but I won’t I’m intelligent, I’m a hard worker,” and Mathnasium, one of the most answers,” Borock said. “Be ready to speak over other people, especially Borock said. “If you don’t believe important aspects to a successful in- give examples so that you don’t have in group interviews. I try to be as in yourself when you walk into an terview is the research beforehand. long pauses in your answers. Speak extroverted as I possibly can, even if interview, why should they believe “Know what the company you’re slowly and deliberately because that I’m super nervous. I don’t ramble. in you?”
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“How many cows are in Canada?” Asked at Google
?
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Unusual Interview Questions “Pick two celebrities to be your parents.” Asked at Urban Outfitters
“On a scale of 1 to 10, rate me as an interviewer.” Asked at Kraft Foods
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“How would you direct someone else on how to cook an omelet?” Asked at PETCO
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Double-Edged Sword Future student loan debt plays role in college and major choice $1 trillion. That’s the amount of money outstanding in student loan debt right now. This is about 6% of the overall national debt, according to The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS). This money stowed away in student loans doesn’t just affect college students, but the American economy in general, according to David Brasington, Associate Professor in Economics at the University of Cincinnati. “[Defaulting would cause] lawsuits that would have to be made up by the tax payer,” Brasington said. “Taxes would have to increase.” According to Brasington, the failure of some graduates to pay back student loans is going to cause problems for the whole incoming generation of college students. “I think that it’s going to get worse before it gets better,” Brasington said. “There will be increased debt and this is going to cause recent college graduates to delay home buying and delay marriage and delay having kids because all of these things require money.” With college decision deadlines on the horizon, seniors are weighing out whether they need to take out a student loan. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, 60% of college students end up taking out college loans. Even with money coming from other places, the cost of college is massive, according to senior Danielle Smith. “Scholarships and grants only cover so much,” Smith
said. “My parents are going to help out but not fully to the extent of paying for everything so I have to take some responsibility and a large part of that will be done through student loans.” Student loans, while they may be necessary in some cases, are not ideal, according to senior Annamarie Hamon. “I’m going to try not to [take out student loans],” Hamon said. “I’m going to try to get out of college with as less debt possible.” Students are all about minimizing the debt, according to Brasington. “I asked my students at UC, ‘How many of you have jobs?’ and almost all of them raised their hand,” Brasington said. “Some of them were working 40 hours a week and that was to try not to have loans or to try to minimize the amount of student loans they have to take.” With the average student graduating college with a debt of about $26,000 (TICAS) the biggest hesitation towards taking out student loans is the uncertainty that students will have a job that can help them pay back their debt, according to senior Miranda Dubler. “My parents are only paying for part of [the cost of college],” Dubler said. “To have that [debt] coming out of college and not knowing if you are going to have a job or not [adds stress]. It’s just a really big burden on someone who just came out of college.” Brasington agrees that a
student’s ability to eradicate themselves of debt greatly depends on their major. “Students don’t really get the link between the major that they choose and their job prospects later,” Brasington said. “Basically college tuition costs the same regardless of your major but the type of money that you can make after you graduate largely depends on your major. Petroleum engineers get paid a very high starting salary whereas other majors like journalism get paid less.” According to Brasington, students don’t always understand what they are signing up for when deciding to take out student loans. Brasington said students should consider many variables before deciding to go to a college that requires them to take out student loans. “You really have to look at what’s the addition benefit of a more expensive school and what’s the addition[al] cost and weigh those things,” Brasington said. “Not [just] the school, but also the major, and not just the major but is college the best option for me at all?” While the debt from student loans may be intimidating, if students are aware of their implications, they can be the best path to success, according to Brasington. “[Student loans] have a much lower interest rate than anywhere else,” Brasington said. “The benefit [of student loans] is that you get to graduate and you get the college diploma that you couldn’t get otherwise.”
The average college graduate (of the class of 2011) owed
$26,600 in loans
Approximately
12 million
people borrow annually to help cover college costs Of the
37 million
borrowers who have outstanding student loans,
14%
have at least one past due student loan account
Photo art by Gabrielle Stichweh
Lindsay McCalmont | Staff Writer
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Playing Catch-Up Academic pressure results in frequent absences for some AP students Emily Taylor | Staff Writer
Not everyone can have a day off like Ferris Bueller. Rather than ditching school to attend baseball games or sing in parades, students are staying home in order to contend with the repercussions of challenging classes. Truancy Officer Rick Huff said that because of this the stereotype of truant students is no longer what it used to be. “The profile has definitely changed,” Huff said. “We are seeing a lot more absences that are stress, anxiety and phobia related and I think the pressure to succeed has a lot to do with it.” Senior Sam Conkright knows this all too well. Currently enrolled in multiple AP classes, Conkright said that he often has to make sacrifices in order to succeed. “AP classes are tough because while you do get some homework, it’s mostly studying and practicing concepts that takes up so much of your time,” Conkright said. “If you want to get an A in the class you have to do more than just homework so it’s a choice you have to make--getting sleep or getting the A.” According to Conkright, most students not only have to balance multiple AP classes but they also have to factor in other commitments to sports teams and after school activities. “Juggling between sports and school is a challenge,” Conkright said. “I have three hours of soccer practice most nights which leaves very little time for homework and studying.” Rather than trying to finish their homework that night, Elzarka said that many students opt for the option of staying home from school the next day and finishing it then. “It’s not like people are missing
Photo by Emily Taylor
school to go hang out with their friends,” Elzarka said. “It’s more like ‘I need to finish this physics lab so let me stay home and do it as opposed to going to school’.” Skipping school, however, has its downsides. According to Conkright another escape method that students utilize is ditching individual classes rather than entire days. “Missing a whole day of school can be detrimental when you have a lot of AP classes,” Conkright said.
“If I’m not ready for a test or quiz in only one of my classes then I will get out of that bell and just come in for the rest of the day.” Although missing one or two bells does not constitute as a full absence, Elzarka said that it can still be hard to stay on top of work. “Skipping a bell here and there might not be that bad but when you get into the habit of doing it repeatedly it definitely gets hard to keep up,” Elzarka said.
While staying home may sound appealing, Elzarka said that it is important that students realize the ramifications that come from doing so. “Class time is one of the most important parts in actual learning,” Elzarka said. “You can always read the books and do the busy work but I don’t think it is as effective as just sucking it up, going to school, and listening to your teachers.”
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Child Restraints
Eighteen-year-olds forced to abide by ‘elementary’ rules enforced in high school classrooms Sonia Rayka | Staff Writer
It’s an age old conflict over freedom--with a new twist. Throughout high school, teachers and parents alike keep the liberties of the students restricted to create a controlled, safe environment. As students grow older and are faced with the restrictions of bathroom passes and phone jails months away from adulthood, there is a distinct air of discontent. According to Physics teacher Joseph Schnell, enforcing the use of a phone jail in his classroom is a way for him to keep his students focused on the subject rather than other potential distractions the locked up mobiles have in store. “My justification is that I want students paying attention in class to what I’m saying rather than focusing on texting, snapchatting, whatever else it is,” Schnell said. “I ask my students when they enter the classroom that they put their phone in the phone jail hanging in the back of
the room, pick it up on their way out and go on their merry way.” To seniors on the brink of adulthood like Zoe Storch, the concept of the phone jail is a puzzling predicament to deal with in their final months of high school. “It’s a weird situation because they tell you that they trust you and say, ‘I want us to be on the same level here,’ but then they tell us to go put our phones in the phone jail because you don’t have enough self-control to keep it in your pocket,” Storch said. Schnell, however, said he sees that his rules pertaining to the phone jails are relatable to the real world scenarios his students will soon find themselves in. “I know that some college professors will kick you out of the class if your phone goes off or things like that,” Schnell said. “When you’re at your job one day you should be focusing on your job rather than [on]
Facebook or your texts.” Rather than adopt the typical three bathroom pass rule, much to the chagrin of many, Schnell has his students carry plungers to the restroom in order to emphasize his need to keep students from avoiding his class. “I want my students in my class to be in my class learning,” Schnell said. “I understand that for some people it’s sort of embarrassing. The point is that ‘Oh, if I have to carry the plunger around then maybe it’s better to stay in class and pay attention.’” Storch said that she disagrees with the commonly practiced method of saving bathroom passes for a reward at the end of the trimester. “Teachers are enforcing the idea with bathroom passes that if you can hold your bladder longer then you get extra credit,” Storch said. “In the real world, it doesn’t work that way. I won’t have to ask my boss to go to the bathroom
one day.” For senior Laura Kramer, the frustration peaks senior year. “We’re going off to college, we’re growing up, and we don’t need these kinds of restrictions,” Kramer said. “If we feel the need to use the restroom, we should just get up and go instead of alerting the teacher before. They always complain [and say], ‘Oh, don’t interrupt me,’ stuff like that. It’s kind of a nice gesture to them, like ‘Keep teaching, don’t mind me.’” Although moving closer to being an adult, Storch said that she sees parallels in how her parents and teachers treat her. “Your parents and teachers are trying to teach you to be grown up and make grown up decisions yet they don’t trust you with the simplest things,” Storch said. “If I want to go for a run at home, my dad makes me take someone
because he thinks I’ll be stolen or something.” To Schnell, keeping his students away from their phones will help them understand the importance of being 100% focused on a task in order to succeed. “It’s showing them that you don’t have to have a device attached to your hand all the time,” Schnell said. “You can survive without it. It’s helping them see that when you’re trying to achieve something you need to completely focus on it.” At the end of the day, Storch said that the final months living in the world of bathroom passes, phone jails, and early curfews galore are only preparing her more for entering the real world. “I think that in a way it makes you more ready to go to college,” Storch said. “I wouldn’t want to leave for college so much if I wasn’t being restricted in some way because then I’d have nothing to look forward to.”
Photos by Madison Krell
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Money Burners
Teens manage temptations to save or spend money Matt Marvar | Staff Writer
Some say that money is the root of all evil. But according to junior Ann Yu, her teenage years--having a job and no bills--is the only time when she can spend and not have to worry. “What I spend my money on generally brings me some self-fulfillment,” Yu said. “It makes me happy because it’s the only age where you can just really splurge and enjoy yourself.” Whether or not it’s true, Financial Literacy teacher Paige Graves is teaching her students to budget that spending money anyway. “As teenagers, we want to make sure they know how to budget their money even that early,” Graves said. “Because [if] we let them spend their money on whatever they want as high school students, we don’t want that to carry on later.” But this doesn’t mean only saving. According to Graves, wise spending is just as important. “I don’t think you should save every single penny--money is there to be enjoyed as well,” Graves said. “I think as long as you’re getting in the habit of setting boundaries for yourself…and just using your money on what it is that you want to use it for--I think that’s fine.” Yu said she agrees that it’s smart to budget her money wisely, but more importantly to find value in the things she buys. “I’ll never go splurge on a $400 pair of boots because to me, that’s excessive,” Yu said. “Part of the thing that makes shopping fun for me is being able to find a really good deal on something that I’ve been wanting for a while.” According to junior Emma Garland, most of her paycheck goes straight to the mall. “Clothes and food are literally all I spend [my money on],” Garland
said. “And shoes sometimes.” She said that money is powerful, and that even though she’s a spender, she understands the importance of putting money aside. “When people get their paychecks, it’s money in their hands,” Garland said. “They can do whatever they want with it [because] it’s in their control. [Saving is] important--[you might] want something bigger in the future.” Tony Mayer, Branch Manager at Fifth-Third Bank, said that he sees an increase in the push for more knowledge among young adults over their finances. “There seems to be more of an effort nowadays [in] school to get some of that education [about] how to save, what savings looks like, what investments look like,” Mayer said. “I think that kids are more knowledgeable [of their finances].” According to Mayer, banks such as Fifth-Third are adapting to technological changes and using it to encourage young people to be aware about what they spend and how they can track it online. “A lot of times, there are kids getting their first account when they go to college,” Mayer said. “Fifth-Third has a whole marketing campaign directed towards college kids—they’ve got Youtube videos and all kinds of stuff to try to market and talk about the proper ways to save and spend money.” All in all, according to Yu, what people spend money on is subjective--how it’s spent, wisely or foolishly, is much more important. “Money means a lot of different things to different people,” Yu said. “$1.75 to add guacamole to my Chipotle might be frivolous to some people, but it’s totally worth it to me.”
Photo by Matt Marvar
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Restricted Athletes become caged by sports massages for successful performance Kelly Noriega | Staff Writer
One time. That’s all it takes. While some students use traditional physical therapy, others have ventured into other therapeutic methods such as sports massage. According to junior Emily Calvani, sports massage has made a drastic change in her athletics and is something she plans to continue. “[I get them] I’d say once every two weeks,” Calvani said. “I definitely feel like they help me. When I first started going [my muscles were] really, really tight. But now I can come close to touching my toes, so I feel like they have helped a lot.” According to senior Nicole Steinbicker, sports massages are a way for her to stay rejuvenated before her season begins. “I get them right before championship season that way [I’m] feeling fresh and good to go,” Steinbicker said. “If I’m injured or something’s really tight I’ll go and get one. I usually get them twice a season, so four times a year.” According to Calvani, sports massages not only help to stay rejuvenated, but also maintains her muscles relaxed. For Calvani, sports massages were recommended to her from various trainers, and now have become her routine. “A couple of my trainers recommended them to me because [my muscles were] so tight and to help me feel fresh throughout soccer and track season,” Calvani said. “One month I didn’t go at all and my legs felt awful, I just kept getting them throughout the year after that.” According to sophomore Madison Miller she tries to get sports massages only when it is necessary.
“[I don’t go] regularly but when I need it,” Miller said. “[I go] when I’m in pain.” According to sophomore Olivia Wade she only goes to get sports massages twice a year. Sports massages can cause dependence and being
tied down to them is not something she wants to be, according to Wade. “You start to get addicted to it,” Wade said. “That’s why I only go once a year, I feel like if I keep [getting mas-
Photo by Madison Krell
Sophomore Madison Miller is restricted by sports massages.
sages] then I’ll have to rely on that to soothe out my muscles.” According to Miller she has experienced the feeling of addiction that comes after trying sports massage, and the symptoms of withdrawal when going without it. “[When I don’t go it’s] really bad,” Miller said. “It’s painful. I feel tight, my body hurts, and I can’t sleep well. It’s like you want it to happen. Like ‘Mom can I go get one? Can I please have a massage?’” Despite the fear of an addiction, Wade said sports massages are a way to get relaxed and begin athletic seasons fresh. “I was having really bad pains [in my shoulder] and I was getting really sore to a point where I was starting to pull muscles,” Wade said. “I feel a lot more relaxed [after I go]. I’m not as tense and it really helps. I usually get [a massage] and it loosens up my muscles.” Miller said her sports masseuse recommends returning after having massages on a need base not simply desire. “[My masseuse says to] come back when you need it,” Miller said. “It depends on how long [the massage] lasts. Sometimes you can throw yourself off in a bad game or sleeping on it wrong. She just [says to] come back when you need it.” Although they can be addictive and helpful, Miller said they are a luxury, not a necessity. “Now I just want [to get a massage] because I know it makes me feel good,” Miller said. “But I probably could have gone without it when I think about it. [They were] helpful to me [but] I guess it was mainly a mental thing too.”
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Popping the Question Prom-goers raise the bar with extreme ‘Promposals’ Gina Deaton | Online Editor
Promposal (noun): the act of asking someone to prom. Senior Ethan Keller asked sophomore Taylor Young to prom after investing in several roses and extravagantly decorating her basement. Senior Thomas Zhu asked senior Gabrielle Honda to prom when he dropped her off after taking her out to lunch. According to Honda, Zhu had a simple rather than showy proposal. “He asked me out to lunch,” Honda said. “So we went to Panera, talked, and spent time together. Then when he dropped me off, he asked me if I would go to prom with him, and so I said yes. So it wasn’t super extravagant or really flashy or anything, but I liked it. I thought it was really nice because we got to spend time getting to know each other a little better.” According to Young, she didn’t expect anything ostentatious or over-the-top from Keller, but that made it into something she won’t soon forget. “When I got home and walked inside, there was this rose on my basement door,” Young said. “Then there were roses lining the railing down my stairs and they made this little trail to this table with a giant poster board…he came out of the office in my basement right as ‘Tale as old as Time’ from Beauty and the Beast was playing in the background. It was insane. He walked out with a dozen roses, in a suit, and it was so cute…I didn’t expect anything like it. I don’t know what I was expecting—maybe just a flower, but no, he came out with a dozen roses in a suit.” According to Zhu, his logic behind the layout of Honda’s promposal was based on her personality. “I felt like I had a little bit of pressure since a lot of guys are doing that kind of big stuff,” Zhu said. “I thought that maybe I should do that too, but in the end I didn’t [because] I felt like [Honda] wouldn’t like it…I know her pretty well.” Honda said that Zhu was right on target. “I didn’t expect anything big,” Honda said. “I think what he did fit really well with me, too, because he knows that I’m not the
Photo by Sonia Rayka
kind of person [who likes flashy things]. So I like what he did because it kind of showed that he knows me and he really [cares].” According to Keller, promposals have definitely been blown out of proportion in recent years. “I don’t think it should be the biggest deal in the world, but I don’t think it should be on the same level as a marriage proposal--at all-which is what it is [now],” Keller said. “I didn’t think [my promposal] was that big; I kept a $50 budget.” Young said that boys carry a lot of pressure since promposals have become so blown-up. “Guys absolutely have a lot of pressure on them,” Young said. “Everybody expects to hear about [the promposal] and they want to know what happened—everyone wants the biggest thing they can get.” Honda said that the true promposal struggle can be finding a
happy medium between memorable and comfortable. “I like how it makes people go and think outside of the box, and how you have a lot of people doing different things,” Honda said. “And I think it’s good because you get to show your personality as a couple. It can be tough, though, to find that balance between something that is memorable and then something that is you, and comfortable, and not over-the-top.” According to Young, the proposals go much deeper than the way someone is asked to prom. “I think [blowing up a promposal] makes it special when it happens like that,” Young said. “It’s definitely something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. But I don’t think it has to be that way—as long as you like the person, and care about them, that’s all that really matters.”
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Young Guns Technological whizzes and youngsters become new face of business Katie Hermann | Staff Writer
Youth trumps Donald. According to senior Brad Chamblin, high school students have the ability to be just as successful as people like Donald Trump. “[Entrepreneurship] is not something only our parents can do or we have to reach a certain age to do,” Chamblin said. “We can see that juniors and seniors can do just as well in the business world.” 2007 Mason graduate Ben Doublett can attest to that. At the age of 17 he established a local business called Bounce House Guys to rent bounce houses for birthday parties and small events. “I came up with [the idea] when I was about 12,” Doublett said. “I saved my paychecks from my own lawn mowing company and later Kings Island. And just after attending my junior After Prom, all the money I had saved I put toward buying the first bounce house.” But moving bounces houses to different locations doesn’t require a suit and tie. Even though appearance plays a role in marketing yourself, according to business teacher Debbie Gentene, appearance is reflective of our society. “If you want to be successful in business you have to have the same look and behavior as the people in your society if you are trying to attract that market,” Gentene said. For teens and young adults, the loss of business attire does not take away from success according to Gentene. “You have to look around at the CEOs of Social Media Companies,” Gentene said. “You can see they are very successful wearing jeans and a t-shirt.” But success is not only based on looks. It starts with creativity, risk-taking and financial outlook. “You have to be aware of distractions that might take you away from your original purpose--ours being to rent bounce houses to birthday parties and day events,” Doublett said. “We were trying to expand and allow schools and bigger events rent from us. But with that came a lot of paperwork and buying new equipment. The financial aspect outweighed our intentions. There would’ve been no pay off.” It’s this financial aspect that high school students overlook, according to Gentene, especially when creating their business plan. “There were a lot of team club business plans, a lot of new bowling allies, a lot of go-cart businesses,” Gentene said. “Students noticed while there may be a market for [their ideas], they would be an extreme first business, an extreme way of asking for a lot of financial help.” But the creativity in these expensive ideas is good, according to Genetene. “We definitely want students to think outside the box when developing business plans,” Gentene said. “My goal is to help them recognize business opportunities while they are young. And not be afraid to take the risk.”` Photos by Madison Krell
Pictured: Senior Brad Chamblin
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ARMED AND DANGEROUS Comet pitchers pose an intimidating presence on the mound
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Chloe Knue | Editor
Opponents who step into the batter’s box against Comet pitchers Tory Stewart and Rodney Hutchinson better have 911 on their speed dial because these two pitchers are flame throwers. In just her first two outings of the year Stewart has already thrown two no hitters and Hutchinson held the Fairfield Indians scoreless in a 1-0 complete game shut-out. A significant part of the lady Comets early season success has come from pitching, especially on the defensive end, according to head softball coach Liann Muff. Muff said there is an instant intimidation factor opposition faces when Stewart steps on the mound. “Tory is one of the best pitcher most batters will face each game,” Stewart said. “Every team is knows they have to play their best when facing Tory. There is an instant intimidation factor when facing [her] because she can keep a batter so off balance. Tory is very well respected…” According to head baseball coach Curt Bly, Hutchison’s competitive instincts and desire to win, makes him a leader on the mound. “He has the body, he comes down the hill, he’s a smart pitcher, he’s strong he works at his game and he works at his pitches,” Bly said. “He’s a student of the game; he’s a student of himself...You need a guy who is competitive and wants to win.” Hutchison with two years of varsity experience now under his belt said he is more confident than ever. “My expectations for myself as a pitcher are to give it my all [every game]…and leave it all out there on the field,” Hutchison said. “I’m confident in the work I have put in and expect to come out on top.” Stewart said she feels the confidence beginning her season as well, and as the Comets starting pitcher, she is ready to set the tone with her not just her ability but with her attitude. “If you get down the team gets down, if you are hot, the team gets hot,” Stewart said. “I wouldn’t want to play any other position [because] you touch the ball, and impact every play.” [Pictured above: senior Tory Stewart and junior Rodney Hutchinson] Photo by Madison Krell, Photo Art by Gabrielle Stichweh
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On the Field Muff has high expectations for Comet softball Chloe Knue | Editor
Mason softball has unfinished business. After making school history last year with their first State Final Four appearance since 2008, senior Eastern Kentecky University commit Tory Stewart said this team is ready to finally leave a mark. “I have really high expectations for the team,” Stewart said. “The team wants to win the GMC title; that is one goal we are trying to reach.” Head softball coach Liann Muff, said she is excited about the possibilities. “Every team develops their own personality and it’s always exciting to watch the growth and progress of a new team,” Muff said. “The girls enjoy
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getting to know one another and figuring out each player’s strengths and areas where we can get better.” The harsh weather conditions of the off-season have also caused challenges for the Comets preparation this season according to Muff, the harsh weather conditions during the off-season caused challenges for the team’s preparation this season. Muff said they are continuing to progress every day despite small setbacks due to the weather. “Senior leadership [will be a big factor],” Stewart said. “It’s going to be hard to fill the last years senior shoes, but I feel like [this year’s] seniors and juniors are definitely stepping up.”
Bly to rely on senior leadership in 2014 campaign Jimmy Halpin | Staff Writer
The Comet baseball team is stepping up to this season with their bats ready. After a 26-1 final record last year, the team is ready to start anew under first-year head coach Curt Bly. “We talk about [how] each day is a new day and our expectation is do everything we can that day,” Bly said. “We improve ourselves and the team every day. There is nothing that we don’t need to improve on.” Mason won’t be short on leadership, as they return ten seniors this year. “Seniors do a good job leading the team and showing the juniors how to win,” senior Chris Martin said. “Our chemistry is great and everyone
wants to be around each other.” According to Bly, this year’s team will build off of last year’s success. “We have really good leadership the guys are committed to each other and [are] getting better on the field,” Bly said. “We did graduate a lot of talent, [but] we have some pretty good ability on the mound. We feel good about all levels of the team.” Mason will once again have high expectations, according to Martin. “We have goals obviously to win the GMC and go as far as we can in the state tournament,” Martin said. “Our main goal is to win every day. We expect to win every game we play. We never go into a game thinking we are not going to win.”
MVP: Drew Pfander, volleyball Class: 2014 Claim to fame: Four-year letterman Best part about volleyball: Getting a kill Worst part about volleyball: Shanking a pass Role Model: Jon Gruseck Pregame Meal: Granola Bars Pump Up Song: “The Man” by Aloe Blacc Most Embarrassing Moment: Running right out of my shoe Toughest Opponent: Oak Hills Motto: “If it doesn’t work out on the court, eat your feelings.” Photo by Matt Marvar
Photo by Meghan Harris
Senior Lindsey Zeltwanger defends in the Comets’ 15-10 victory over Worthington Kilbourne last Friday.
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The boys volleyball team opened with a three match sweep over the Princeton Vikings, kicking their season off with a 1-0 start.
66 The 4-1 girls lacrosse team has a collective total of 66 goals this season.
1:01.5 Junior Delaney McDowell began her track season with 1:01.5 in the 400 meter dash, placing second at the Middletown Showdown.
44-10 Senior Garrett Ecoffey placed first in the shotput at the Middletown Showdown, throwing 44-10. results as of April 7.
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Better, Faster, Stronger Girls track team returns near full-strength with high hopes
Current senior Ashley Brown, senior Alexis Porter, and junior BriAuna Keys competed in last year’s district finals meet at Mason. Will Leathers | Staff Writer
The girls track team is back this season stacked with juniors and seniors eager to make waves in the state of Ohio. According to head coach Tony Affatato, “experience” is the word that comes mind when he considers his team’s composition this year. “I think we’re very junior-senior heavy,” Affatato said. “We have a ton of [girls] that have contributed over the last two to three years that I think will really help us as we move forward. I think that’s going to be a real blessing, to have that experience.” Affatato said another benefit of having a topheavy team is the time it lends to younger athletes to develop and train without the pressure of competition. “The beautiful thing about having juniors and seniors is that the freshman and sophomores have time to develop,” Affatato said. “Because we don’t need them right away we can let it play itself out and let those other kids hold the fort down while the younger kids are coming along. That’s a blessing.” According to senior Jordan Horning, this returning talent puts the team in a good position to perform well this year. “We are really trying to win state this year because we placed third last year and we have
almost all the returning athletes coming back,” Horning said. “So I think we have a really good potential to win.” That experience will also carry over into competition, according to Affatato. “Competition-wise, I don’t think that too many things will faze them,” Affatato said. “I think that they will be able to handle adversity and stuff a lot better by being in big meets. If something doesn’t go right, they will be able to handle it a lot better than a younger team would be able to.” Senior pole vaulter Jenny Nelson said the underclassmen are already stepping up to make an impact on the team. “The people that we did lose last year are being replaced by underclassmen that are able to fill their shoes,” Nelson said. This plethora of talent bodes well for the team this year, according to Affatato, but he plans to remain realistic and short-sighted when it comes to goal-setting for the season. “The first goal is to win the conference championship again,” Affatato said. Beyond that looms the ultimate goal of the state championship. “We would like to get as many people to the state championship as possible,” Affatato said. “Because I think that is the ultimate goal in your sport, you want to make it to the elite level.”
Photos by Mike Krell
The girls are already familiar with the championship; several of the team members ran at Jesse Owens Stadium last June. Horning qualified for finals in the 100 meter and 300 meter hurdles, the 4x200 meter relay team placed seventh, and the 4x800 meter relay team placed first. Affatato said that a repeat championship is not something he has discussed with his 4x800 team, and he acknowledges that there’s a lot of pressure in being defending champions. “That’s an awful lot to carry with you, so we haven’t talked about that,” Affatato said. “We just told them that we want them to run as hard as they can, no one is asking them to repeat, just do your best. I think that their own expectation is to make it back to the state championship.” As for the 4x400 relay team, Affatato says that he senses a lot of determination to make it to the state championship that they came so close to last year. “The kids running that want to make it this year,” Affatato said. “Fifth is the worst place to be, because the top four make it. I feel a lot of determination from them right now.” According to Affatato, this particular group of seniors has had a major impact on the program. “The sad part is that they’ll graduate one day,” Affatato said. “And then you have to replace them, and some of them are irreplaceable.”
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Rashika Jaipuriar | Staff Writer
In or out? Tennis players have to make that decision on their own in most regular season matches because at the high school level, they don’t always have the luxury of an umpire’s unbiased view. According to University of Chicago recruit and senior Luke Tsai, this is necessary for players because there are usually multiple matches going on at the same time during competitions. “It’s difficult in high school sports especially with all the matches; it’s not practical to have umpires on every single court,” Tsai said. “[The] more important the matches, the more line judges, safety for the line calls and rulings and stuff like that.” With only a player and his opponent on court, that setting can sometimes encourage cheating, according to junior Young-Jin Kang. “We keep our own score,” Kang said. “You watch your own lines. You do everything by yourself basically. Your coaches will watch, but if someone wants to cheat, they’ll cheat. You can’t really do anything about it.” Despite those temptations, however, Tsai said the honor code of the sport is emphasized. “It’s just down to your own integrity,” Tsai said. “I’d like to think that I have sportsmanship...if I’m [going to] call a ball out, then the ball should be out. And I should expect my opponent to do the same thing. That’s all you can expect when there are no line judges out there.” According to Tsai and Kang, they both know local players very well, which improves the level of trust and understanding with competition. That sportsmanship, according to Kang, impacts a player’s reputation. “It’s a really small, close-knit community,” Kang said. “There’s definitely an honor code. If you cheat, everyone’s going to know.” Often known as “the gentlemen’s game,” tennis teaches important values of positivity and honor, according to Tsai. “[In] tennis, I think sportsmanship is really emphasized a lot,” Tsai said. “You shake hands at the net, if you don’t people are [going to] look down on you. Nobody wants to be that person that’s always angry and can’t get along with the players, so I think tennis is [about having] to respect your opponent. You have to respect their line calls. And that’s something that’s important in the sport and unique too.”
THE LINE Tennis players learn to respect the honor code of the game
[Pictured above: Senior Luke Tsai]
Photo by Rashika Jaipuriar
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