chroniCle May 16, 2014
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Volume 11, Issue 8
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news
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The Comet spring sports teams are finishing up their regular seasons and heading into the postseasons.
C Track & Field GMC Champs
The boys and girls track & field teams are hosting the Greater Miami Conference Championships tonight beginning at 4pm. See thecspn.com for coverage and meet results.
C Boys Lacrosse vs. Sycamore
The boys lacrosse team has their last regular season game against Sycamore tonight at 7:30pm. Check the CSPN for coverage including a full photo gallery.
Job Insecurity Summer workplace harassment becoming prevalent among teens Fernanda Hurtado | Staff Writer
Summer jobs expose teenagers to the real world--and real world problems, like sexual harassment. According to attorney Douglas Linn, sexual harassment is illegal and happens to teenagers in numbers as common or even more common as adults in the workplace. “It happens in all lines of employment and can be as simple as rude comments that can make people feel uncomfortable,” Linn said. “The legal phrase is ‘a hostile workplace environment’ and [that is when harassers] are making you feel like you dread going into work.” Linn said he believes a big reason why teenagers get harassed during summer jobs is because they are usually only temporary. “I think it is really easy for somebody to say, ‘You’re just going to be replaced and you are going to be gone by the time [human resources] even finds out about this’,” Linn said. Junior Maddie Drabek said her summer job has put her in these uncomfortable situations before. “I had one [customer] who I had to call security on because he would just not let go of my arm and kept like saying, ‘Hey baby’ and stuff like that,” Drabek said. According to Drabek being put in these situations has helped her become of aware of how to handle it. “It felt uncomfortable but you start adjusting to it and start realizing that there are going to be those moments, in any job I think, that [that] is
Photo by Fernanda Hurtado
The varsity boys lacrosse team huddles up before their game.
C Boys Tennis Hosts Sectional Tournament Tomorrow morning, the boys tennis team will be hosting the OHSAA Sectional Tournament at home. Go support the boys at their matches and check thecspn.com for pictures and tournament results. Follow The Chronicle on Twitter: @mhschronicle and @mhschronsports compiled by Gina Deaton
12% of those harassed
have recieved threats of termination if they did not comply with their harassers
50%
Over of workers have experienced some form of workplace sexual harassment going to happen,” Drabek said. For senior Sami Villagran, being sexually harassed caused her to quit two of her jobs. “In my first job every time I would be working, [my co-workers] would say dirty things in Spanish that only I would understand,” Villagran said. “In my second job, I would be carrying a heavy tray of drinks and they would tickle my ribs or poke me.” Villagran said she felt that the age difference between herself and her co-workers was a big factor in the harassment in both jobs. “In my first job [they were] usually between [ages] 25 and 30,” Villagran said. “When I told them I was only 17 that was when I [felt] it really picked up.” According to Villagran, she felt it was partly her fault because she got too comfortable with her co-workers. “I learned not to get too comfortable around my co-workers because I guess I told them too much about my life,” Villagran said. “In the job I am in now, I keep to myself and just go to work and leave work.” As an attorney, Linn said sexual harassment in the workplace is an issue that needs to be addressed. “This may be your first job and imagine how scarring it would [be] and this is your only basis of reference: there you are in an ice cream shop and the manager grabs your butt or your coworkers make lewd comments to you and you think, ‘Is this just what it is like to work?’” Linn said. “You deserve to be able to go into work, get your job done and be done.” Photo art by Gabrielle Stichweh
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Ohio schools reap funds from casinos Rashika Jaipuriar | Staff Writer
Mason City Schools is getting a piece of the jackpot. Gambling and casinos now indirectly provide some of the latest funds for Ohio’s school districts. “We are not in a position to support school events, PTO fundraisers, youth sports teams or any program where children are the benefactor, regardless of the audience at the event,” The Horseshoe Casino website states. But after the Ohio Casino Amendment, or Issue 3, was passed in 2009, one of the stipulations of opening casinos in Ohio was to allot money for public schools. Along with directing money toward schools, cities, and county governments, the amendment in the Ohio Constitution called for the creation of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, “to ensure the integrity of casino gaming.” According to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, 33% of a casino’s yearly revenue is split into different categories of taxes. 51% of that money is then sent to the 88 county governments while 34% is sent to the public schools. According to a Cincinnati Enquirer analysis, $130.6 million of the casino tax money has been distributed to schools. A $776,687 piece of that has gone to Mason City Schools. While still another financial gain, the casino tax dollars coming to the district are only a small fraction of the district’s $100 million operating budget, according to Public Information Officer Tracey Carson. “This won’t have a large impact on our bottom line,” Carson said. Even though it’s only about 0.78% of the budget, according to Carson, the money is being used to reduce the operating deficit. “We have been actively reducing costs, and typically most of our cost reductions end up impacting people,” Carson said. “[Now] we have 160 fewer employees than three years ago. Our
goal has been to try to keep staff reductions as far away from the classroom as possible, though class sizes have increased since 2010.” Tax revenue and job creations were some of the major incentives for passing Issue 3. The Cincinnati Horseshoe Casino has created over 3000 jobs, according to Caesars Entertainment, and completed its one year anniversary last March, with a first year of revenue $217.2 million. Although this was $22 million short of the predictions, according to Caesars Entertainment director of public relations Shannon Mortland, the Ohio gaming industry will see improvements. “The Ohio market is still in flux, but we believe the market is healthy and has room for growth,” Mortland said. “We modeled this casino with the long-term in mind. We expect to see the market realize its full potential in the coming years.” Whatever the winnings, distributions end up impacting the schools, even if only slightly. According to Tracey Carson, even though Mason City Schools isn’t “buying anything” with the extra money, the district hopes to keep costs down. “We’re grateful that the legislature thought of us in the casino revenue stream because every little bit helps,” Carson said.
Photo by Pritam Jaipuriar
Schools across Southwest Ohio receive money from casinos like the Horseshoe Casino in Cincinnati.
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Computer Freeze Booked lab space forces classes to resort to alternatives
Sheila Raghavendran | Editor-in-Chief
MHS is experiencing technical difficulties. Due to PARCC testing and Media Center renovations, students vying for time in the labs are facing issues. According to MHS Media Specialist Virginia Robinson, renovations prevented walk-in students from using computers in the Media Center for a few weeks, but classes were still able to use them. The Media Center is currently open during its normal hours. According to English IV teacher Curt Bly, PARCC testing has made it difficult to adhere to class re-
quirements while struggling to provide resources to students. “The state is pressing upon the school districts to meet these testing requirements that require computer labs, and obviously student computer usage is something that we try to provide them as an opportunity,” Bly said. “So whenever you have opposing forces coming at each other, sometimes there’s going to be conflict.” Honors English and Creative Writing teacher Mandi Bross said PARCC testing is imposing a particular disadvantage to the early periods. “A lot of this testing that is hap-
pening is in first and second bells,” Bross said. “…I’ve had to do a lot of rearranging of my schedule, negotiating, bargaining for labs [and] switching with people.” Freshman Cassia Busch said she also feels the burn--in the form of extra homework. “In English we’re supposed to go down to the [lab] to blog, but if we can’t go down to the [lab], we have to do it at home which is extra homework for students,” Busch said. According to Bly, the school is trying to accommodate to better equip classrooms, but its methods are not completely effective.
“The district has invested money in increasing our bandwidth so some students are bringing their own devices in,” Bly said. “But obviously not all students have a laptop that they can bring to school. And devices only allow some elements of research to take place, but you really need a processing machine as well.” Bly said that the lab unavailability ultimately puts a damper on teaching. “It’s created unique challenges, no doubt, to delivering your curriculum when a good portion of that does require technology in the classroom,” Bly said. Photo by Madison Krell
Occupied computer labs restrict student access for people like junior Ryley Arnold (pictured above) trying to use the technology to work on class assignments.
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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.
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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 Associate Editors Katherine Hansen Taylor Telford Layout and Design Editor Gabrielle Stichweh Sports Editor Erin Brush
Staff Editorial
Online Editor Gina Deaton
Key to post-graduation employment may not depend on college degree
Business Manager Emily Culberson
Upon entering freshman year, we are told that we have four years to decide what we want to do for the rest of our lives. There is immense pressure, particularly from a college-preparatory high school, to not just select and attend college, but to acquire a degree. Regardless of our goals or aspirations, regardless of our intellectual or financial capabilities, one thing is made clear: in order to get jobs, we must have a college diploma as proof of intellect. And that’s how it unfolds. The college discussions in freshman ECA class. The extensive personality quizzes. (Extrovert or introvert? ISTP or ENFJ?) Those labels begin to attach our lives with a sudden permanence, and based on them, we begin choosing courses and careers at a time when most moms still pack our lunches. At age 14, we are given a few dozen months to figure out how we are going to market ourselves for a few dozen years. But in reality, many jobs look for trait-based skills
Photo Editor Madison Krell Staff Writers Emily Taylor Katie Rojas Meghan Harris Jimmy Halpin Katie Hermann Abbey Marshall Matthew Marvar Will Leathers Madison Krell Monica Brucher Kelly Noriega Fernanda Hurtado Sonia Rayka Katie Hibner Lindsay McCalmont Rashika Jaipuriar Chloe Knue Adviser Dale Conner
not listed on that sheet of parchment. Communication, organization, determination. It’s becoming less of a necessity to flaunt a diploma, and more beneficial to take advantage of internships, vocational schools and immersive learning. Consequently, the specific major or degree program isn’t as binding as high school plays it up to be. A physics major isn’t doomed to a laboratory and a business major likely won’t be dressed in suits forever. Tastes change; interests develop. But a college degree can scream credibility to a sea of potential employers. With that said, a college degree isn’t as much of a prerequisite to job acquisition as it seems. Is college important? Sure. But is it the only rung on the ladder to getting hired? No. A college education is an investment--a mental and financial one. Instead of blindly following the masses of caps and gowns after graduation, unlike the old days, each of us now holds the power of whether college truly serves our best interests or not.
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opinion Hallmark card faith
Recess = progress
Katherine Hansen | Associate Editor
Katie Hibner | Staff Writer
If English classes taught us anything, and if we indulged our inherent teenage angst at all, we have learned to hate clichés. We hate living up to them, proclaiming them, accepting them and for the proud of diction and eloquence, we’re really just sick and tired of using them (unless it’s sarcastically of course). But deep down, we’ve all had that moment. That moment where you realize the cliché is true. You have to accept it. “There’s a reason it’s a cliché.” That’s how people justify them. So, you slowly and a little shamefully…justify. This is about to me. Justifying. I want to say some words on faith. We need faith. You know the cliché – “have a little faith”. Well, it’s true. More than just the scary euphemism for religion or God or piety it’s oft perceived to be, faith is not a secret for the religiously devout alone. It’s for everyone. Needed by all. And, too easily, disregarded by many. There are 3 oh so friendly and familiar clichés I see this need for faith in: When the Hallmark card with the shooting stars says “believe in yourself,” it’s asking you to have some faith. Needlessly sappy about it? Yes. But still, faith. Faith in yourself. Faith that you can stand on your own, know what you are, know what you want, and, with a finger snap, just do you. Or, at the very least, that you can figure all those out in time. That’s the other thing. Time. When the parents and the superiors of our lives say “good things come to those who wait,” they too are reminding you to have some faith. Annoyingly and maybe a little condescendingly? Definitely. But again, faith. Faith in time. Faith that not everything can be, will be, or should be figured out in an instant. That all the planning and life mapping and supposed setting in stone we desperately attempt will falter. Rearrange. And build itself back up. And probably into something much more fulfilling than what instantaneous you had initially drafted. Oh, and drafts. Rough drafts. We use those with people too. Our associates, our comrades, our chums. When the motivational poster on the dull brick wall of your classroom reads “don’t judge a book by its cover,” it, especially, is calling on you to have some faith. With kitschy graphics and insincere fonts? Painfully so. But, all the same, faith. Faith in others. Faith that your inevitable, unavoidable rough draft size-ups of your peers can fail. That even if they don’t, the people behind them can change. Or faith that maybe, contrary to what you’d like to think, they just don’t need to. The Hallmark cards, the superiors, the classroom posters. All a little insincere. Manufactured in a factory of some kind or another. Trite. Repetitive. Weak in call, unheeded in action. But true in faith still. So here I am. Justified, bare bones, cliché and petty… forever more I suppose. It feels a little silly, a little childish even, but I like it here. Unabashedly simple and open to age-old sayings. Here. Feels like the perfect place to set foot on the yellow brick road post high school. Letting go of all the philosophical contraptions and contrived theories on life high school fostered. Here. Back to basics (another point for the clichés). Where I am, yet again, “keeping the faith”. Here.
Is MHS unfairly blocking social media?
compiled by Madison Krell & Sonia Rayka
Cwhat you think
I don’t relax. I don’t recline in beach chairs; I freeze in them. The mantra, “Live each day as if it were your last”, often eats at my serenity like the Grim Reaper clawing out of a fresh grave. That’s the depth of my stress. The specter hovering over my nerves has a bright side. It drives me to practice and perfect my writing craft, open my mind to thought-provoking books, and strive for good grades. The verses of Emily Dickinson, Sylvia Plath, and Oscar Wilde were the guests at my pool parties last summer, and I’ve undoubtedly emerged a stronger student and communicator because of it. But “an idle mind is the devil’s playground.” And often when I sit on the couch with so many tools of supposed “self-improvement” at my disposal, that devil toys around with my anxiety so much I can’t resist manic studying or exercising. I see free time as a fleeting chance to catch my breath amidst the tempest of young adulthood. And rightfully so. High school summers are our final havens before we are whipped through the maelstrom of college, internships, and hopefully jobs. It’s difficult to disassociate ourselves from the churn of student life, but what we all need to understand is that trying to step back is just as important as trying to rise above. Recess periods allow our minds to absorb, our bodies to recharge. They cultivate our mental and physical faculties, allow our imaginations to wander. I sometimes manage to resist the pull of the pen, refraining from writing for several weeks at a time. When I return to the page, my mind is in a fresh space and sometimes, if I’m really lucky, my words are so unexpected they surprise me. We shouldn’t always live like we’re dying. If we push ourselves too hard, we kill our rare, fruitful opportunities to have peace of mind.
“[It’s not fair] because we like to tweet about how sad we are during the day.” --Zack George, freshman
“I don’t really mind because it’s a smartphone so I can turn the wifi off and use the 4GLTE so I can get on no matter what.” --Bryan Lewis, junior
I don’t really think that’s it’s wrong, but teachers use it so much now that it’s kind of contradictory for teachers to use it as a tool but for us not to be able to access it. --Hailey Spencer, senior
“Social media is more like a form of communication rather than a distraction so it’s just hindering our ways to find other outlets to express ourselves in class.” --Jennifer Yeung, sophomore
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Tech Talk iPads incorporated in support education classrooms to enhance communication
Photos by Madison Krell
Sophomore Carson Hutzel uses the program TouchChat on an iPad to communicate, become more independent and explain his wants and needs in the classroom. Katie Rojas | Staff Writer
Communication is key. For some Mason High School students with special needs, communication is difficult, but thanks to affordable and accessible devices like the iPad, the ability to know the wants and needs of a student who is otherwise unable to communicate has been made possible, according to speech therapist Renee Zegar. “A lot of the students who have devices have them because they can’t actually verbalize their wants and their needs, so they have their iPads,“ Zegar said. “On there, there are different things for whatever activity they are working on or whatever they might need to say… That’s their voice.” According to intervention specialist Melissa Courtney, the students use the communication devices to do interactive activities within the classroom. “Those who cannot communicate verbally will use their program called TouchChat on their iPads-it’s a communication software
package--and they interact and answer questions with the TouchChat,” Courtney said. “They have choices they can pick from, and they have pages with different topics.” One of the key aspects of new communication devices for students with special needs was the affordability factor, Zegar said. “Devices are still around, but devices can be [up to] $12,000 for a communication device,” Zegar said. “To be able to get an iPad for a couple hundred dollars and to put a program on it is amazing… Before, you had to go through your Medicaid, or somehow get funding for it.” Courtney said devices like the iPad have a multitude of benefits for students with special needs, not limited just to cost. “iPads also look more age-appropriate because a lot of people have iPads, not just people with communication needs,” Courtney said. “It helps [the students] fit in better instead of having something that looks completely different than what everyone else would be carrying around.”
Senior Grace NeCamp, a student in Teacher Academy, has seen the results of easier communication between students with iPads--easier interaction. “I’m actually in a pre-school class right now, and there’s a girl who uses a talker because she can’t speak words very well,” NeCamp said. “It helps her participate with the class because they do a calendar activity, so she can count with them and say the date, and she can talk to people that way. It’s really great to see. She can interact with her typical peers.” According to Courtney, without affordable speaking devices, teachers and parents would take fewer risks to try buying a communication device. “[For] some of [the students] we weren’t sure whether or not a device would be appropriate, but we can still practice on an iPad,” Courtney said. “It’s a lot easier to try new things because it doesn’t cost anything extra updating the technology, whereas before you had to have some kind of specialist and special device.” Speech therapist Jane Dailey said
that communication devices also help students become more independent, an important aspect as they transition from high school. “In some cases, it allows the students to be more independent,” Dailey said. “We have a student, and he has a communication device. Even though he has the ability to speak, it’s almost unintelligible for somebody who doesn’t know him. With his device, it’s set up so that he can go into his appointment at the doctor and touch this one button that has been programmed to say, ‘I’m here for my appointment.’ In theory, he can walk into his doctor’s appointment and do it by himself.” Communication devices have opened many doors in the past decade for students with special needs, and it is a piece of technology that will be useful for years to come, according to Zegar. “It opens up their ability to get their needs known,” Zegar said. “Could you imagine if you’re inside your body and you want to do something so badly, but no one knows what you’re able to do or say?”
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feature
Hidden Gems Madison Krell | Photo Editor
Mason High School is known for its large size. So it’s no wonder that most students have never been to some of the high school’s “hidden treasures”, and that some don’t even know where they can be found. The Chronicle explored five of “Mason’s mysteries”--do you know where they are hidden?
The Radio Room
The high school has a student newspaper and a student broadcast, but it once had a student radio show. The radio show was a club held in the room labeled “office” in A3--however, Mason Radio isn’t ‘on air’ anymore.
Press Box
Where is the best seat to watch the football game? The press box--where the sports announcers sit. It’s located at the top of the stadium stairs. Authorized athletic personnel only, though. [continued on page 13]
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The Kitchens
Students pass by it everyday. It’s the kitchen; where lunch is made and trays are washed. It’s known to be behind the lunch room, but the entrance? It’s in the small hallway connecting the lunch room and the music hall.
The Fourth Floor
Two flights of stairs and three floors. That’s what’s well-known throughout the high school. But there is in fact a fourth floor--to get to the mystery staircase, you have to go to the third floor to the B pod. But students can’t go to the fourth floor--the door’s locked.
Black Box Booth
Lights, camera, action! Besides the auditorium, black box stage and scene shop, the theater kids have another ‘secret hideout’. Located on the second floor of the black box, this room holds the lighting and sound equipment.
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Passion Vs. Practicality Decision between risk and reliability factored into future career choice Gina Deaton | Online Editor
Seniors are forced to make decisions. To some, this means choosing the perfect graduation outfit. To others, this is a heated debate between choosing to pursue their passion or play it safe in the years after high school. Senior Logan Peele is choosing to follow his dream. He is passionate about music, and said he would rather take a shot at pursuing what he loves than taking the safe route with a more practical career choice. “I’m going to focus on music because I think it’s a possibility,” Peele said. “Especially in this day and age, there are so many opportunities out there that it seems more practical now than ever…It’s absolutely [a risky choice]. I just feel that, why not give it a try? I’d rather know I tried than not know.” While Peele plans to put himself out there as much as possible in the years to come, senior Autumn Carter is playing it safe. Carter has been passionate about theater for a
long time, but said she recognized that pursuing it wasn’t a practical option for her. “I decided not to go into theater in college because it’s so competitive and I probably wouldn’t make it,” Carter said. “So I just plan to keep on doing community theater, helping backstage, and helping in any way I can, just because I love it. I don’t think there’s a professional future in it…I chose business, where I can go into anything. It’s a more practical idea for me.” While Peele chose passion and Carter chose practicality, senior Rachel Stein was able to reach a happy medium between the two. “I’m really into math and science and I’m also into drawing…I was trying to find a major that would encompass everything,” Stein said. “...So I’m actually going into a civil or industrial type of engineering, which has that art component still, but it’s more practical and has more job opportunities in the future.” According to Stein, the number of job opportunities available today
gives seniors a much better chance to find something where they can embrace their passion but maintain a practical mindset. “There’s so many job opportunities out there that I feel like you can be passionate about something without it being exactly what you want,” Stein said. “I’m passionate about architecture and art and stuff like that, but I can see how it can be applied in engineering too -- which is more practical, but can also [embrace] my passion.” Carter said that, although she isn’t going to be pursuing her passion full-time, there is still a balance where she can do what she loves while being smart about it. “I think there’s a middle [between passion and practicality],” Carter said. “You can still be passionate about something and know it will support you. You just have to find a
balance between that. Just because I’m not going into it in college, doesn’t mean that I won’t keep doing it -- because I really am passionate about it.” According to Carter, her piece of advice would be to always pursue your passion, but be smart about it. “I would always say to do what you love, but if you know that later on down the road you’re going to regret it, and you’re not going to be making enough money…I would say try to find something you love that is stable and will support you,” Carter said. “But at the same time, still find ways to do your passion and be passionate about it.” Stein, who recognized the wide variety of job opportunities available today, said her advice would be to do research and try to find the happy medium between passion and practicality. “I feel like you just have to do your research and find common ground between what’s practical and what’s your passion, which is kind of what I did,” Stein said. According to Peele, even though finding a balance is important, he said his main goal is to be able to do something he loves every day in the future. “At the end of the day, I just want to get paid for doing something that I love--it’ll feel better,” Peele said.
Photo by Madison Krell
Senior Rachel Stein ties her passion with her practical career option.
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The Chronicle | Senior Section
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Putting the pieces together photo by Madison Krell, photo art by Gabrielle Stichweh
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College of Mount St. Joseph
page 16 Monica Brucher
the Music Makers
Musicians follow internal rhythms, hopeful for new sounds Monica’s
IT WENT
Like THIS
This is cliché
FRESHMAN:
Monica Brucher | Staff Writer
“But, dad, that’s just so cliché.” “There is a time to be cliché, Monica. I think this is the time.” It took me a good week or so to come to the same conclusion my father had so nonchalantly blurted out at me within seconds: there’s a reason everything about senior year is so over-said. Overdone. It’s because it only happens once. (See? Even that was beyond typical.) But my dad was right. This is the time to be cliché. Senior year is reason for clichés. There’s nothing wrong with that. Once I got over the fact that nothing I said in this would be original, it hit me: we don’t have time to be original, we’re too busy making memories. (There’s the cliché speaking again.) Once we come to terms with what senior year is, we find that high school is all one big cliché. That’s just what it is. Then we move on and find another cliché in college. And then move on again and find another cliché to call our own through life. No matter how hard we try there are events--like senior year--that everyone goes through. And at those moments (“I swear we were infinite.” Just kidding.) everyone becomes a cliché. So congrats, grad. It’s only up from here, you only live once, it’s the best years of our lives, we’re all in this together, and every other “High School Musical” related line. Live fast, die free, and cliché away seniors. This is our time.
Check out Monica’s senior farewell video:
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Creative Writing was my hardest class... #FrozhProbz
SOPHOMORE: Inspired by the potential @MrDinan saw in me and signed up for Honors English and AP Comp... first Honors class I ever took #tear #ProbablyDoesntRememberMe #ItsFine
JUNIOR: Started dating @jacobcarson and began work with @heathersmith @jenniferhaines... you can say it was a pretty good first week of school.
SENIOR: Learned that hard work does pay off. Got accepted to the only college that feels like home. #MSJ
photo by Madison Krell
Senior musicians (from left): Allie Kenneally, James Probel, Stephanie Liu, Nick Martin, Ethan Valentine, Chloe Pearson, and Julia Marchese Monica Brucher | Staff Writer
Seniors have been rocking the music world here at Mason High School throughout the year. Senior Nick Martin said that being in band has allowed his high school experience to come full circle. “It was really nice to have something that I enjoy [doing to seal] the deal with senior year,” Martin said. Senior Jack Lund said he believes that band allows students to think in a new way. “I really enjoy band because it provides a different way to learn in school and I come from Calculus and Physics during senior year and [when I go to] band I learned to think in a different way,” Lund said. Orchestra is also unlike a typical bell, according to senior James Probel. “When you need a break from the academic classes, it provides the creative outlet where you can really be expressive and it adds life [to class],” Probel said. “It gives me a chance to do what I love to do in school.” Senior Ethan Valentine said that his band teacher made the band room feel like a family room. “Mr. Bass is really big about leaving everything outside the band room and not bringing any of your other struggles in life,” Valentine said. According to senior Allie Kenneally, being a first-year conductor is a lot of work, but worth it. “[Being a conductor] was a lot different, but
being [a conductor] my senior year was a great experience to up my level of responsibility and passion,” Kenneally said. Senior Stephanie Liu said that orchestra was a good outlet after tough classes. “It’s always nice going through the first three bells and you might have had a test or something but knowing you have that fourth bell as an outlet,” Liu said. “I think I’ll always have music as an outlet.” Senior Chloe Pearson said that being in choir allowed her to find out who she is. “[Choir] helped me come out of my shell a lot especially this year I really blossomed because I was able to be more confident with myself and be more open to new ideas,” Pearson said. “I feel that singing this year has made me more confident as a person, more than anything.” According to senior Julia Marchese, because she’s been involved with choir for so many years, she’s created a lasting bond--as she said many music classes do. “I’ve been a part of choir since sixth grade, I’ve been in Honors for two years, and you literally create a family with [this group of] people,” Marchese said. “You’re with them all year and you all share the same interest--music.” Editor’s Note:The Chronicle staff writers selected the students you see featured on this page to try to tell the stories that could represent many of the musicians of the senior class. There are too many to mention but this does not diminish the incredible things they have accomplished and The Chronicle congratulates you all on your achievements.
Congratulations William Mason High School Class of 2014 paid for by Hang The Monday
may 16, 2014
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page 17 Lindsay McCalmont
Scientists test the limits, experiment with futures Lindsay’s
IT WENT
Like THIS
FRESHMAN Answering @MrWhitney’s question of the day in Honors World History @BreannaBracher @NischalaNagisetty
SOPHOMORE
photo by Madison Krell
Pacemakers in science from the class of 2014 (from left): Jacob Fields, Aman Kumar, Kaitlyn Barnes, Shreetej Reddy
Lindsay McCalmont | Staff Writer
The class of 2014 has been a catalyst for change in science. The seniors have made a reputation for themselves as a scientifically motivated group of students, according to senior Alisa Feng. “We’ve left a pretty big impact,” Feng said. “The senior class is very scientifically aware. There’s just a lot of drive to keep promoting science throughout the community.” Enrolling in upper level science courses has set a precedent and has been the mark of the seniors, according to senior Aman Kumar. “Two years ago, the class of 2014, we saw an increase in every AP science class,” Kumar said. Some students left their legacy by increasing participation in the sciences after school too, according to Kumar. “We motivated younger freshmen and sophomore[s] to start participating in Science Fair,” Aman said. “Also, we recently established the Science National Honors Society last year.” According to senior Shreetej Reddy, the goal behind starting SNHS was to spread the benefits of science to everyone in the high school. “Since [MHS] is a public school, it’s really focused on math, science, english, and history,” Reddy said. “But we really wanted to create a much stronger base in science because STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics] is where a lot of the world is heading. We wanted to create a group where we could kind of add passion for science to the masses of people.” Another club that the seniors have advanced
is Science Olympiad, according to senior Jacob Fields who plans on majoring in chemical engineering. “In the years that our class has been here we have done better in the club than we have ever done,” Fields said. “Last year we managed to place fourth in the state.” Not only have the classes been influential on students’ paths for the future but also the teachers, according to Kumar who plans on getting an MD and PhD. “It’s really the experiences and the teachers themselves who have motivated me to pursue a career in science,” Kumar said. “Mrs. Ware, a freshman biology teacher, had motivated me to start SNHS. Ms. Lehman and Ms. Long motivated me to pursue a career in anatomy and physiology and medicine and biology.” The seniors’ relationship with science has been a two-way street. While seniors have made an impact on science at MHS, the sciences have also transformed them, according to Fields. “Throughout the four years here, the science department has been the one that I have relied on most,” Fields said. “The support of a lot of the science department teachers has been a big part of my high school. The science department has helped influence who I am and what I will become.” Editor’s Note:The Chronicle staff writers selected the students you see featured on this page to try to tell the stories that could represent many of the scientists of the senior class. There are too many to mention but this does not diminish the incredible things they have accomplished and The Chronicle congratulates you all on your achievements.
Adventures of the Girls’ JV Track team #weesnaw
@KelciCulp @ClaudiaScully @SamBaynes @MorganShannon @PaulinaPrisno @CassieHuber
JUNIOR Fire drill in the rain on the morning of 2 AP exams (basically sums up junior year)
SENIOR Partying it up on the spirit bus and eating a turnip at the Girls’ Soccer State game in Columbus #turnup @AlexHatten @KelciCulp
the Ohio State University
the Scientists
Dear fortuneteller Lindsay McCalmont | Staff Writer
“Who will be at my wedding?” I really don’t believe in that whole psychic, crystal ball, reading the future in your palms type of thing, but hypothetically speaking, if I ever came across a fortuneteller that was 100% accurate, this is what I would ask. I know it’s weird that out of all of the questions in the world that I would choose to ask that one. Throughout high school I’ve learned that what makes my experiences meaningful isn’t always what I am doing, but who I am with. I’ve crossed paths with more people than I can count. It amazes me how I’ve managed to hold on to a couple of dear friendships throughout all the twists and turns. You don’t just invite anyone to your wedding. You don’t just open your door to hundreds of people that you barely know. No. A wedding guest list is special. You don’t want anyone there to celebrate with you on one of the biggest days in your world unless they mean the world to you. I want to know if some of the bonds that I have made over the past four years are strong enough to pass the challenge of college. Jobs. Love. Money. Time. I hope that I could recognize at least a couple of names on my future guest list. That would mean that some of the stories I have started with people here at MHS don’t end when I graduate. That I will continue to share, with those I know now, some amazing memories. Even after high school is over. So tell me, fortuneteller. Who will stick around?
Check out Lindsay’s senior farewell video:
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Indiana university
taylor telford
may 16, 2014
the Artists Taylor’s
IT WENT
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FRESHMAN
The pursuit Taylor Telford | Associate Editor
The soundtrack to my greatest revelation was 21 Pilots, and the click of a knife being switched open. I had been rock climbing, and in the pursuit of a difficult route, I shredded my hands to the point of no return. In order to continue climbing, I laced my fingers and palms with protective tape--tape which was now melded to my torn skin (seemingly with the binding intensity of gorilla glue and concrete). So I now found myself at the mercy of my best friend, who was playing amateur surgeon as he tried to free my blistered hands from the tape with his pocket knife. I sat there cringing, but found I was unable to tear my eyes away as the tape was sliced off (none too delicately) to bare the scars of my efforts. I felt a swell of pride in my chest as I catalogued each tear in my hands, because in my eyes, each mark was that of growth. An attempt at ascension that, independent of success or failure, had both broken me, and made me stronger for the next pursuit. I, like many others, have always lamented the stagnant nature of high school, scared that our time here was just an exercise in patience, that the repetition of tasks and schedules was doing nothing to help us grow into what we hoped to be. But standing on the precipice (and having removed the tape) I am again able to see the marks of my labors, evidence that the last four years were much more than killing time and rites of passage. I can look down at my hands, and those of my peers, and see the patches where we tore ourselves up, and grew back again into more than we had been, readying ourselves for whatever our next attempts at ascension might be. Check out Taylor’s senior farewell video:
(513) 919 – 2422
12-hour Lord of the Rings marathon, complete with thunderstorms as the Great Eye fell. #oneringtorulethemall
Senior artists (from left): Virginia Rieth, Nicole Hartshorn, Ashleigh Plummer, Carrie Bruns
SOPHOMORE
Artists draw sketches of future, paint hopes
Politcal debates between @MrPrescott and @JamesGao during APUSH, Music Mondays in @MrNavarro’s class
JUNIOR Having my faith in love renewed by @MrsCronin’s real life Gatsby epic #match. com #thepowerofgatsby
SENIOR Expecting to leave homecoming after 20 minutes, staying and having one of the best nights of my life #whathappenedthere? #realmeaningofseniors
photo by Taylor Telford
Taylor Telford | Associate Editor
Mason High School houses its own group of Picassos, Monets and Van Goghs. According to AP Studio Art and Drawing teacher Beth Eline, the graduating class of 2014 can be characterized by their incredible talent and spectacular contributions to the visual arts community. “We have very talented students every year, but some years you just have exceptional kids and this has been one of those years,” Eline said. “What makes them so talented is their technical skill: hands down we’ve got some incredible painters, great drawers, I know Mr. Roberts has lots of great digital image people, and I have seen some mind-blowing ceramics and photography and jewelry and sculpture this year.” Of the myriad of student artists within MHS, only a select few will be pursuing careers in the visual arts after leaving high school. As a teacher, Eline has had the daunting task of preparing these students for the unique expectations and pressure of an art college education. “My job at this point is making sure at this point that they can handle the pressure, they can handle the stress--it can make or break you,” Eline said. “They are going to be put in the hands of other teachers and they are going to learn different ways of doing the same things that I have taught them, and that’s what art is: experiencing different media through different people’s eyes.” According to Eline, one of the most outstanding students about to enter the world of professional art is senior Ashleigh Plummer. “I’m dealing with a lot of the top students in the visual arts...but if I were to just focus on a few, one that comes to mind is Ashleigh Plummer,” Eline said. “She is really quite exceptional
and one thing that makes her work so strong is her commitment to making the difficult statements. They are personal statements and she creates from the heart.” Plummer entered the visual arts scene a bit later than many students, immersing herself in art during her junior and senior year. After dabbling in some of her other interests, Plummer said she finally discovered that art was her true passion. “The main reason that I didn’t really have art classes before was that I was very interested in orchestra and I was kind of messing around with other things,” Plummer said. “I was still wrestling with what I wanted to do with my life, so after sophomore year I decided that I really did want to go into art, and then I started taking art classes.” A current AP Studio Art student, Plummer will be attending Kansas City Art Institute in the fall of 2014, and said that as she has progressed as an artist, she found that art has a meaning that extends far beyond her initial, or even current understanding which she hopes to continue to explore in the future as a professional. “I realized that art isn’t about technical skill, it’s about what you are saying and what methods you are using to say it,” Plummer said. “I haven’t really explored all the different boundaries that I can explore. I hope that through art school I can discover what I want to be doing as an artist, have a more firm knowledge of myself and realize the meaning of what I’m doing.” Editor’s Note:The Chronicle staff writers selected the students you see featured on this page to try to tell the stories that could represent many of the visual arts students of the senior class. There are too many to mention but this does not diminish the incredible things they have accomplished and The Chronicle congratulates you all on your oustanding achievements.
PnPWoodfiredPizza@yahoo.com
may 16, 2014
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page 19 Fernanda Hurtado Northeastern University
the Campaigners
Future politicians develop platforms, gear up for elections Fernanda’s
IT WENT
Like THIS
FRESHMAN
photo and photo art by Gabrielle Stichweh
Aspiring politicians from the senior class (from left): Jonathan Schulman, Ian Campbell, Mohamed Elzarka, Vineet Erasala, Harsha Ramesh, John Quinn. Fernanda Hurtado | Staff Writer
Fast forward to the year 2032. Who’s on the presidential ballot? Possibly one of these soon-to-be Mason High School Alumni. Senior John Quinn is famous for arguing and joined Speech and Debate during his high school career to help push that passion forward. “I have always liked argumentation so Speech and Debate was a great way to refine that into less yelling at someone to more of trying to convince them,” Quinn said. “Everyone always [thinks] that I want to be the president but some sort of elected official, representative, or senator is where I hope my aspirations take me.” According to senior Harsha Ramesh, he joined Speech and Debate for resume building at first but in the end it helped build his passion for politics and his public speaking skills. “It became a passion for me because I had always liked studying about international affairs so that is something I concentrated a lot in Speech and Debate,” Ramesh said. “My public speaking skills and confidence were probably nonexistent in freshman year but Speech and Debate gradually built that organization and how to make a point which is instrumental in politics.” Senior Jonathan Schulman first became interested in politics during the 2012 election. “I just started following politics a lot [after that],” Schulman said. “I decided I wanted to major in political science because the whole political process really fascinates me. How it works in America and all the ins and outs.” According to senior Mohamed Elzarka, working for President Obama’s 2012 campaign showed him the impact he can have on politics. “I did a lot of work in polling, canvasing and we also organized events that would help generate interest in the campaign and get more volunteers,”
Elzarka said. “I think it is nice to make an impact because you can have that opportunity to make a difference [and] help change the world somehow. Plus when President Obama won the election it gave me a sense of accomplishment like, ‘I helped that happen’.” According to Elzarka, he believes that just by paying attention people can have a more active role in politics rather than just conforming to society. “If you take an active interest just by paying attention and caring a little more then you are better able to move forward and plan for the future,” Elzarka said. “In America you can help change the government how you want it to be for you so I think if you don’t take advantage of that and just do what everyone does then you are just agreeing to conform with society.” Schulman said he thinks most teenagers underestimate the influence politics has on them. “Mostly everything we do in our lives is influenced by something in government and I think that as people our age are starting to get jobs and fill out tax forms and voting, they are going to realize the impact that government has on them,” Schulman said. According to Quinn, he believes that a common misconception about politics is that if two people don’t agree over an issue, they hate each other. “You can disagree with someone, without hating someone. You don’t have to dislike a person on a personal level just because you disagree with them on a political level,” Quinn said. “I like being able to engage with someone who is passionate in what they believe just as I am passionate about what I believe in.” Editor’s Note:The Chronicle staff writers selected the students you see featured on this page to try to tell the stories that could represent many of the aspiring politicians of the senior class. There are too many to mention but this does not diminish the incredible things they have accomplished and The Chronicle congratulates you all on your oustanding achievements.
Being new and getting accepted by @cassiehuber to sit with her at lunch, making it possible to meet my best friends for the past four years @paulinaprisno @laurenbowden @quynhtran @chloepearson @alexisporter @blakeellis @kristyjacobs
SOPHOMORE Learning how to develop photographs and thus developing my passion for photography #photoI @MrsRoberts
JUNIOR Having ChickFil-A on Fridays in a mostly student driven German IV class with all seniors @FrauJ #ChickFilAfridays
SENIOR Becoming a part of @mhschronicle #chronfamily
Mason, Ohio not to be underestimated Fernanda Hurtado | Staff Writer
I will admit it. I hated Mason when I first moved here. I moved from a fast-paced city life--attractive to many teenagers like myself. There was freedom in having a curfew no earlier than 4:00 am. There was sun almost all year around. There were outdoor hallways at school. There was something to do every day and weekend. Mason was just a reminder to me of the life I missed living in Santiago, Chile. I found it ridiculous that people were so excited about Mason being, at the time, the fourteenth best place to live. Especially because I would hear from Mason natives how much they hated it here. That it was so boring. That the weather was bipolar (which I quickly agreed with). But the thing I remember hearing the most was that in Mason all you ever felt like was a number. That terrified me, and didn’t help my feelings toward this town. I chose too late to stand up and not be satisfied with just being a number. But as cliché as it sounds, better late than never. I have become involved and even close to the community that at first felt like such a stranger. When I walk at graduation, I believe I won’t just be a number to some people. I won’t just be the 435th student to graduate from my class. Not only because of the accomplishments which will be hanging on my neck, but by the people I touched during my four years in this town. A town I now see as certainly the seventh best place to live. Lesson learned. Do not underestimate a small town like Mason. It might just surprise you once you get to know it and yourself in it. And in the end, I can’t imagine ever finding my true self as victoriously in Santiago as I did here in Mason. Check out Fernanda’s senior farewell video:
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page 20 | may 16, 2014
the Pieces
may 16, 2014| page 21
CLASS OF 2014 compiled by Abbey Marshall and Sonia Rayka
UNITED STATES: ALABAMA Auburn University Emma Glemaker Zoe Thatcher University of Alabama Dalton Clifford Jessica Hastings Gabrielle Henry Caroline Heywood Wesley Higginbotham Dominique LaGory William Leathers III Jennifer Nelson Andrew Schwitzgebel Monica Vermillion Tuskegee University Dick Koyier
ARKANSAS University of Arkansas Caroline Hecker
ARIZONA Arizona State University Erin Caudill Taylor Freds Gabrielle Honda Cheyenne Kinnes
CALIFORNIA Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Savannah Baker San Diego State University Brianna Manns
Florida A&M University Malik Sylvester Florida State University James Cruz Lauren Magness
Indiana University Bridget Barnes Michael Glandorf Parker Henry Pensacola Christian College John Howard Francisco Colon Lan Luo Zackary Colson Jonathan Patton Elizabeth Sexton University of Miami Taylor Telford Kelley Hammeran Zubin Sethi Indiana UniversityPurdue University The University of Tampa Jenna Gunn Laura Burns Collin Morris Indiana Wesleyan Griffin Zink University Kinsey McBeath
GEORGIA
Georgia Institute of Technology Steven Glandorf Tivon Tsung Mercer University Victoria Blakeman Lindsey Zeltwanger
IOWA University of Iowa Shelby Carney
Taylor University Taiki Yamashita
IDAHO
University of Notre Dame Wen Zhong
Brigham Young University-Idaho Hannah Hagerdon Scott Jones Sarah Schrecengost
ILLINOIS DePaul University Jaclyn Miller
Santa Monica University Logan Peele
Loyola University Patrick Nosek Paulina Prisno
Colorado State University Kristen Cherubini United States Air Force Academy Cameron Elliott
DELAWARE
Northwestern University Zhuayo Li University of Chicago James Gao Jessica Sun Luke Tsai University of Illinois John Lund
University of Delaware Elizabeth Van Winkle
INDIANA
FLORIDA
Ball State University Meghan Cook Ivy Moody
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Samantha Villagran
Purdue University Ian Campbell Allison Kenneally Johnathan Kenneally Andrew Lonsway Rebecca Reitzel Scott Vermeersch Angela Wei Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Andrew Peck
Santa Monica College Rachel Frogge Shane Russell
COLORADO
Franklin College Jared Wesley
Butler University Dylan McElhenny
KENTUCKY Bellarmine University Kylie Tate Eastern Kentucky University Chelsea Brill Lucille Giordullo Timothy Kirby Casey Lawson Taylor Stewart Tory Stewart
Morgan Campbell Justine Davenport Nicole Elder Bryce Goble Molly Hough Quentin Huber Zachary Lust Hope Nelson David Oswalt Veronica Turner Abbie Wootton University of the Cumberlands Breanna Bracher
MASSACHUSETTS
Washington University in St. Louis Amulya Joseph
MISSISSIPPI University of Southern Mississipi Kerry Stepter Beniria White
NORTH CAROLINA
Vassar College Connor Snyder
OHIO Art Academy of Cincinnati Kelsey Ann Smith The Art Institute of Cincinnati Robert Elfers Ashland University Jacob Ball Greer Kirk-Shook
Endicott College Conner Couchot
Appalachian State University Aveda Frederic’s Institute Jonathan Bertrams Hailey Spencer Samantha Northrop
Harvard University Jaina Lane
Cape Fear Community College Elizabeth Emerson
Baldwin Wallace University Ira Allen
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Nicholas Martin
Duke University Derek Shu
Bluffton University Jonathon Fitch
Gardner-Webb University Alexa Janus
Bowling Green State University Brian Berlinger Lindsay Cornwell Miranda Dubler Lauren Fazio Lane Flake Ayden Haake Maria Iannelli Jaclyn Leitch Andrew Lucke Chloe Pearson Christopher Rice Tyler Richardson Virginia Rieth Kyle Robertson Pedro Robles Joseph Simon Jessica Thompson
Northeastern University Fernanda Hurtado Ortiz
MARYLAND
Louisburg College Timothy Dawes
Johns Hopkins University Arjun Mathur Jesse Zhan
North Carolina A&T State University Christian Johnson
United States Naval Academy Matthew Stewart
NEVADA
MICHIGAN Calvin College Ethan Valentine College for Creative Studies Nicole Hartshorn Eastern Michigan University Alex Petersman
Northern Kentucky Universtiy Bryana Braxton Mary Cawood Richard Cole Brittany Cruse Kathryn Devaney Ian Findley Jordan Horning John Kincaid Alexandra Myers Grace NeCamp Danielle Smith
University of Michigan Joseph Cohen Aditya Nair Catherine Rojas Richard Wu
Thomas More College Austin Morris Brandon Shapiro
MISSOURI
University of Kentucky Nataniel Andemicael Natalie Anzer
University of Missouri Gabe Dubois Stephen Yates
University of Las Vegas Morgan Vincent
NEW HAMPSHIRE Dartmouth College Stephanie Liu
NEW YORK College of Staten Island Briana Watson Cornell University Andrew Klapproth New York University Regina Zbarskaya
Western Michigan University Rensselaer Polytechnic Rachael Avery Institute Aman Kumar
MINNESOTA
University of Minnesota Jeffrey Stamp
Kansas City Art Institute Ashleigh Plummer
Stony Brook University Benjamin Randall Syracuse University Marissa Regan United States Merchant Marine Academy William Chappell
Brown Mackie College Michael Littell Butler Tech Zachary Gamble Case Western Reserve Nina Cepeda Rukmini Cheeti Vineet Erasala Meredith Haller Sydney Kaplan Srinidhi Singuri Austin Toot
Collin Kehoe Johnathan Kennedy Amber Posik Allison Pruden Alyssa Tepe Samantha Thieken Kenneth Williams Cleveland Institute of Art Marissa Krekeler Cleveland State University Hannah Bennie College of Mount St. Joseph Emily Arens Monica Brucher The College of Wooster Emily Schwitzgebel Columbus College of Art and Design Kendall Jones Columbus State Community College Tristan Crowe Tyler Lacca Alexander Lewis Defiance College Kayleigh Vicknair Great Oaks Institute Christopher Johns II Cedric Moore Hocking College Courtney Smith John Carroll University Hannah Mizener Kent State University Bailee Brandt Austin Jordan Julia Marchese Rachel Marchese Christopher Martin Emily Moser Madison Preston Amber Taylor Lake Erie College Gabriel Rivera-Martinez Lincoln Tech - Cincinnati Taylor Nurczyk
Cedarville University Elizabeth Hillen
Malone University Quentin King
Cincinnati Christian University Christopher Stehm
Marietta College Samuel Johnson
Cincinnati State Ana Alexander Austin Engen Katherine Firsdon James Inskeep
Miami University Kathleen Alcox Abbigail Barham Nathaniel Beebe Christopher Bell Graham Brockway
Nathon Bryan Mason Busch Kathryn Carr Quinn Chapman Vamsidar Cherukuri Caleb Dimerling Laura Fitzgerald James Flurer Samantha Frantzis Maria Fuentes Jahir Harris Alexis Hatten Haley Hopkins Kirsten King Ethan Keller Jacob Kristy Chloe Knue Annie Kylander Samuel Lantry Alexander Lebedev Kevin Little Leah Marshall Amber Marwaha Shannon Marwaha Alyssa McAninch Sarah McDonald Geneva Mommsen Megan Mumma Nitya Nambiar Benjamin Niswander Nicholas Orlando Spencer Parrish Yevgenia Peery Morgan Perkins John Quinn Adam Reichert Courtney Richards Julia Shepherd Jackson Smith Maureen Sullivan Holly Suter Emily Taylor Ilaria Tedoldi Lindsay Thomas Zachary Thompson Christina Tomondi Ashley Vanover Jack Walters Margo Walton Emily Wermes Nicholas Whitaker Alexandra Wilhelm Northeast Ohio Medical University Shagun Bhardwaj Ohio Dominican University Kelsey Harris Ohio Northern University Lynn Kelly Casey Miller The Ohio State University Shivani Ambani Brittany Astles Wajihah Baig Kaitlyn Barnes Samantha Baynes Rachel Besse Charles Bramwell Christopher Brie Peter Bruns
Sydney Carr Michael Celesti Samuel Conkright Jenny Creutzinger Enrique Dominguez Christian Ellis Tong Tong Feng David Folzenlogen Laura Forero Madelaine Franzoni Matthew Gilene Alekya Goli Jennifer Haines Matthew Hauer Savannah Headley Craig Heim Ashley Hessin Kyle Hickey William Hoffman Riley Hulbert Sarah Hunter-Rinderle Coleman Hutzel Lauren Jeffers Gaoling Jiao Srisivaa Karri Laura Kehres Taeyoung Kim Kaitlyn King Jared Kohler Joshua Kuehn Brett Lange Andrew Langen Angela Lee Stephanie Li Eric Liddell Catherine Lin Redi Llapi Kelly Loehr Anthony Lokar Matthew Maclean Jehan Madan Rebecca Martin Andrea Martinez Lindsay McCalmont Matthew McGahan Quinn McHugh Aditya More Branden Murphy Andrea Oh Connor Osborn Radhika Pandit Komal Paradkar Brooke Parker Gregory Penland Andrew Pfander Heather Posner Adam Prater Matthew Regan Megan Rieman Cameron Riffle Andrew Robinson Adam Roller John Rye John Santos Nicole Santos Jonathan Schulman Kendal Searer Emmanuel Setegn Prithvi Setti Chelsea Shi Bailey Shurtleff Alyssa Sincheck Harrison Taylor Anthony Testerman
Johnson Thomas Amelia Vasquez Arianna Venkatesan Jacqueline Wagner Ryan Wiemers Megan Wolf Amy Xie Thomas Zhu Ohio University Justin Anthony Alexander Bourgeois Kevin Carr Cesar Carrillo Emma Collins Ian Cossman Emma Court Andre Dudgeon Kathleen Eagle Allison Ebel Chloe Frischhertz Rachel Grote Cameron Gunnels Allison Fultz Annamarie Hamon Julianna Hamon Audrey Harpen Kaitlyn Hart Jeffrey Holderbaum Austin Horwarth Cassandra Huber Bryan Lightfield Stephen Lightfield Daniel Marco Kelsey McKinley Alyssa Matacia Eric McMillan Addyson Miklos Tyler Morris Nischala Nagisetty Alexandra Niehoff Andrew Probel Grace Rupp Molly Scaggs Kaitlyn Shive Libby Simeur Phillip Smith Jesicca Smith Valerie Smith Luis Suarez Julian Taveras Noelle Taylor Molly Tucker Thomas Welsh Amanda Williams Chemetria Wilson
Sinclair Community College Jenna Cote Kayla Crummitt James Frey Kendall Heydt John Hoyt Benjamin Klohe Caitlin Jones Nicholas Lohr Lindsay Ledford Bret Ledford James Logan Arian Macias Katherine Nordbloom Christopher Villegas University of Akron Emily Dicks Mitchell Duffer Saahith Vukanti
University of Cincinnati Hasan Ahmad Sarah Amend Kedar Balakrishna Javert Barrios Samantha Besse Collin Bosticco Ken Bredemeier Cody Brown Zachary Brown Carrie Bruns Connor Bryan Hunter Burkhart James Burnett Kayla Burns Hunter Burress Emily Burton Joseph Canavan Devon Cardwell Jacob Carson Juliana Castellanos Sara Catron Bradford Chamblin Maria Chasteyn Alston Chen Taeva Chung Brian Ciepichal Jacob Clark Ryan Clark Clement Coleman Macie Cousineau Kelci Culp Bradley Cummins Samantha Dalhart Antonia Davis Madalyn Davis Ohio Wesleyan University Andrew Dubs Devon Dulin Timothy Duncan Nicolette Riestenberg Tyler Dunn Rachel Doppes Otterbein University Matthew Dowling Jessica Casciotti Sophie Dowrey Noah Maxwell Lukas Eddy Carly Shepherd Mohamed Elzarka Travis England Salon Professional Academy Benjamin Engler Budina Lumsum Jacob Even Dominic Fago Shawnee State University Garrett Frank Daniel Bewley Andrew Felter Devon Cossman Kaylie Ferrera Hannah Regan Athena Ferraro Jacob Fields
Sean Flannery Emma Foy Cara Gallagher Denny Garcia Reily Gibbs Justin Giese Benjamin Gittens Omar Gomaa Esteban Gonzalez Matthew Green Alexandra Gregory Jenna Groth Alexandra Haendel Jensen Harris Drew Harrison Parker Hathaway Trent Heimann Julia Hendley Julianna Herman Lauren Hill Kenneth Hinners Nathaniel Hoadley Theodore Horning Cassandra Izumi Samuel Jackson Max Jenkins Bradley Keeton Alexander Kehres Jacob Kmiec Andrew Knechtly Rachel Knesel Laura Kramer Kimberly Kratzer Isabel Lebowitz Jaqueline Lopez Garcia Tyler Lynch Nicholas Mann Zachary Marakovitz Alexandra Marquardt Ashley Martin Hannah Maxwell Mario Mendoza Erin Messer Brooke Middleton Elizabeth Miller Katherine Moertle Sarah Moore Edward Morozov Amy Mueller Hannah Murrin Hoang Ngo Naira Nuritdinova Dominic Pangallo Gene Park Yashkumar Patel Alisha Patil Ian Pennington Cory Perkins Francesca Piatt Emily Ramirez Alexander Rawson Christopher Recker Paul Richmond Madyson Rieder Brandon Robertson Alexis Rose Cara Roth Jonah Rousseau Ryan Sanders Aisea Santos Anthony Scheffler Brandon Schmidt Kailey Schneider Morgan Shannon
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CONTINUED...
the Pieces Dmytro Shcherbyna Taylor Sheppard Shivank Singh Matthew Smith Jacob Snow Andrew Soper Andrew Spiker Zoe Storch Hamza Sultan Claudia Szymanski Garrett Tener Rickey Terrell Megan Than Win Harrison Than-Win Adam Thomas Joseph Thomas Kassidy Thorp Samantha Toth Quynh Tran Tam Tran Vy Tran Jasmin Truong Nicole Van Voorhis Kseniya Vorobeychik Bradley Waddraji Adam Wall Jeffrey Wang Blake Weaver Marie Weaver Austin Weingartner Leah White Alisha Wilkins Justin Wise Hayden Worth Rachel Wylds Evan Zoutis Marcin Zubrowksi University of Dayton Quinn Atkinson Lacey Ante Alison Berry Endya Brandon Benjamin Butler Michael Canavan Charles Clark Nicholas Harper Alexandra Malsch Clement Satterthwaite Nicole Steinbicker Christopher Rice Anna Wirth Emily Wey University of Northwestern Ohio Austin Williamson
University of Toledo Nathan Franz Meghan Harris Melissa Hermann Mackenzie Miller Sky Shelby Haley Vorherr Colin Wiles Walsh University Lauren Harris Wilmington College Kelcey Beach Jessica Bennett Rebekah Rapp Wittenberg University Nicholas Carr Teja Hill Wright State University Ryan Burgdorf Kendall Myles Austin Spears Benjamin Stillwell Xavier University Erika Alva Joshua Grant Nicholas Hessler Olivia Knestrict Sabrina Latapy Carla Saldivar Carrie Wine
Duquesne University Sarah Hill Grove City College Nathan Kuenzig Messiah College Caleb Griffith University of Pittsburgh Jessica Hart University of Pennsylvania Sunnia Chen Shreetej Reddy
OKLAHOMA University of Oklahoma Emily Huff
OREGON Oregon State Online College Rebecca McKenney University of Oregon Autumn Carter
PENNSYLVANIA
states
Carlie Kane Morgan Orlando Vanderbilt Univesity Zain Ali Harshavardan Ramesh
TEXAS Baylor University Saie Joshi Texas Tech University Scott Curtis
RHODE ISLAND
UTAH
Rhode Island School of Design Holly Igney
Brigham Young University McKell Belnap Megan Drake Katherine Hansen Christopher Krueger
SOUTH CAROLINA University of South Carolina Lauren Bowden Devon Bloom Reilly Carr Ana Harrison Haley Hoff Christine Reid Angel Tramontin
TENNESSEE
Youngstown State University Rohith Raghavendran
34
may 16, 2014
Belmont University Jacob Burris Erica Busch Johnson University Trevor Lieffring Nathan Thompson Lee University Taylor Doan Heather Smith Lipscomb University Lucas Sagraves Sam Webb Sewanee: The University of the South Marshall Brooks University of Tennessee Cierra Brewer
5
ABROAD: CANADA McGill University Christopher McMillan
JAPAN Keio University Haruka Suzuki Meiji University Natsumi Takeuchi
MEXICO Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education Adriana Lopez
VIRGINIA
TAIWAN
College of William and Mary Alexandria Specht
Chinese Culture University Andrea Lan
Hampton University Briana Craig
MILITARY:
Liberty University Caleb Pitcher James Slyby University of Richmond Alexis Porter University of Virginia Jessica Cedrone Virginia Commonwealth University Christopher Adkins Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Rachel Stein
WEST VIRGINIA West Virginia University Courtney Brown Jarett DeLoretta
countries
John Brockhage Jacob Cervantes Evan Cornett Jennifer Giang Noah Grollmus Kaitlyn Haggard Kyle McDonald Shania Molina Chantal Perez Jercell Respicio Maverick Roberts Devon Stanaford Connor Timson Joseph Steuer Jr. Spencer Ware Sara Williams
WORKFORCE: Levi Allen Ashley Eibeck Zachary Franz Darren Gates Tucker Gibson Cassidy Hackney
797
Hayes Hiltenbeitel Blake Huffman Ethan Howell Brandon Kampschmidt David Miick Tyler Otte Dalton Quackenbush Samantha Rigelsky Clayton Schreiter Elijah Seibert Luke Shields Shania Sykora Austin Thomas Nghia Tran Caitlyn Walton Jeremy Warman Cheyenne Wheeler Kelsey Young
YEAR-OFF: Michelle Gordillo Jesse Jardin Alyssa Stamp
OTHER: Project Search - Otterbein Michael Broerman Transitional Living Classroom Margaret Ballard Luke Harrison
UNDECIDED: Madison Bidwell Kaylyn Bolin Ashley Brown Brianna Ciriaco Neha Duggal Garret Ecoffey Breanna Hall Thomas Hoover Kana Kuroda Samantha Kelley Terence Kennedy Ethan Salsbury Jayesh Seebaluck Ethan Shearer Tyler Thamann Maya Ueda Judit Vivanco Lindsey White
puzzle pieces
Editor’s Note: All efforts were made to gather this information as accurately as possible, including use of the Naviance sruvey database, in-person confirmations, and outreach on social media. Thank you to the Attendance Office, Guidance Department, faculty, staff and students who made this possible.
may 16, 2014
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the Performers
Drama Club players in search of new stages
University of Toledo
Meghan Harris
Meghan’s
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FRESHMAN @CaseyMiller’s dad reminding us all before homecoming that “Boys are bad”
SOPHOMORE photo by Madison Krell
Seniors of Drama Club (from left): Ryan Burgdorf, Jackson Smith, Kailey Schneider, Jacki Miller, Marissa Regan
Meghan Harris | Staff Writer
As the curtains closed on April 13, the seniors of Mason High School’s Drama club received their final standing ovation. In a school with over 3,000 kids, it can be hard for students to find their place. According to senior Kailey Schneider, Drama Club became home to kids who couldn’t find one. “Everyone in Drama Club is really quirky in their own way,” Schneider said. “It’s a lot of kids who don’t have another place in the school, and then they find a place in the Drama Club.” For some, Drama Club was an experience like none other. In the Drama Club’s production of A Midsummer’s Night Dream, senior Jackson Smith played the role of a woman. “The stand-out of my experience would have to be dressing up as a woman,” Smith said. “[The best part was] hearing people’s reaction and just being able to completely blow up the social barriers and to have everyone just enamored.” From Inspecting Carol to Urinetown, Smith said the crew’s hard work led to many plays’ success. “Everybody puts a lot of hard work into it,” Smith said. “Everybody really gives it their all and they try to make it the best show that they can.” Looking back on her Drama Club career, senior Jacki Miller said her shining moment was the first show she designed. “Macbeth will always be my favorite Shake-
speare play because it was the first show I designed and I am proud of the way it turned out,” Miller said. As Miller prepares to leave Drama Club behind her, she hopes her skills and legacy live on. “I hope to leave behind the skills that I have learned from my amazing mentor, Mr. Branch,” Miller said. “I also hope to leave behind the sense of family and acceptance that exists within Drama Club.” According to senior Ryan Burgdorf, Drama Club helped to bring him out of his shell. “The most valuable thing I have learned was how to be a good leader,” Burgdorf said. “When I first started I was pretty shy and didn’t really like to take charge of situations. But as I got older and more responsibility was put on me, it was expected of me to take charge and teach all the new members.” Many seniors have an “I’m finally graduating” moment. After taking in the view from Urinetown’s balcony, Schneider had hers. “The last show, I was standing at the top of the balcony and I was just like, ‘Oh wow, this is the last time I’ll ever be with this exact group of humans’,” Schneider said. “It was really sad.”
Starting off the year right with Young Life “Clubble”
JUNIOR Netflix takes over, One Tree Hill for days
SENIOR Prom with all of my favorite people @JonathanConzet, thank you
Editor’s Note:The Chronicle staff writers selected the students you see featured on this page to try to tell the stories that could represent many of the Drama Club members of the senior class. There are too many to mention but this does not diminish the incredible things they have accomplished and The Chronicle congratulates you all on your oustanding achievements.
Thanks, Parents of Mason’s 2014 Senior Class!
The legacy Meghan Harris | Staff Writer
We don’t get to choose our last words. We don’t get to choose when we take our last breath. And we, rarely, get to choose what legacy we leave behind when we leave this world. Or in our case, high school. If I had my choice, I would want to be remembered by my faith. My four years of high school have been challenging. I have seen lives ravaged by death, and just about lost mine along the way. I have felt the alwaysthreatening pang of anxiety that runs through my body just about every day of my life. But I pray the legacy I have left behind is not a sob story. I pray that my legacy is not that life is hard, that all hope is lost. Because it’s not. While high school has been difficult, I have loved just about every moment of it. I have experienced more joy than I could have ever dreamed of. It may have come with a few scars, but I had it. I have seen lives transformed by the glory and power of God. I’ve seen the same in my own. I know this may not be what everyone remembers me by. Most of you may not even know I exist. And that’s okay. Life’s not about how you’ll be remembered, it’s about the impact you had on the people who do. Here’s hoping mine was for the best.
Check out Meghan’s senior farewell video:
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may 16, 2014
University of Michigan
the Givers
Humanitarians out to make the world a better place
Katie’s
Enlightenment Katie Rojas | Staff Writer
The proudest moment of my life played out in the course of four hours. Or so it seemed. But when I stop to think about it, it was a moment that had been growing all throughout high school. The Knockout Cancer event was, in short, something I will never forget. The opportunity to get to know Aidan--who, in my opinion, is the coolest freshman I have ever had the pleasure to meet--was a remarkable experience. I can’t thank the Glass family enough for being the rock at the center of my dream that became a reality. Aidan’s story, the challenges of planning this event, and the event itself, taught me so much. It all reflected what I had been discovering my whole high school career. Aidan taught me that everyone has a story to tell. Sometimes, the most humbling thing was hearing the challenges that my fellow peers were overcoming on a daily basis because it reminded me that I am endlessly blessed. I discovered that if you have a dedicated team and group of advisors, the road to success becomes much less difficult. The people that worked on Knockout Cancer are some of the most talented people I know. More than anything, Aidan’s Knockout Cancer event taught me that if you have the passion, dedication and drive, the opportunities to make a difference in the school and the community are endless. If I could tell my awkward freshmanself anything, I’d tell her to let your life be guided by greatness and love. It didn’t help anyone when I was scared, when I lived under my potential. But living up to my potential, cherishing the moments with the best people, and learning these important lessons in this high school journey, is something that I would wish for everyone. Check out Katie’s senior farewell video:
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FRESHMAN Last Harry Potter midnight premiere @KaitlynKing #WingardiumLeviosa photo by Madison Krell
Future philanthropists (from left): Jack Lund, Amulya Jospeh, McKell Belnap, Johnson Thomas.
SOPHOMORE Winning Homecoming Court with @ClaytonSchreiter
JUNIOR Sleeping in on OGT Week and going to IHOP for breakfast #pancakesgalore
SENIOR Seeing the impact of Pasta for Pennies, Knockout Cancer, Blood Drive, Project Linus, and more… Couldn’t be prouder of NHS!
Katie Rojas | Staff Writer
With great numbers come great expectations. And the Class of 2014 has lived up to every expectation when it comes to giving back. Senior Frankie Colon said that the Class of 2014 has shown its ability to find the drive to make a positive difference in both the school and the community alike. “It’s the seniors finding the motivation that sometimes we lack as younger people, and finally putting that motivation and drive to use as we’re older,” Colon said. “That comes with experience and finding what you’re passionate about.” Senior Gabe Dubois’ passion for giving back stemmed from his survival from an experimental heart surgery as a baby after being born with a severe heart defect. “When I was two, my parents realized how much the American Heart Association had contributed to this experimental surgery,” Dubois said. “My parents decided they wanted to give back, so we started a group with the American Heart Association called Gabriel’s Guys…In total, I think we’ve raised $208,000 over the years for the American Heart Association.” According to senior Jack Lund, who organizes an event called “Hungry for a Cure 5K” every year, his determination to give back started with his sister. “I’ve done [the event] for two years now, and I have raised over $8,000 for the Foundation for Prader-Willi Syndrome Research,” Lund said. “My sister has a lot of the symptoms of this disease, which includes hyperphagia, which means
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you never feel full.” Senior Elizabeth Sexton said Pasta for Pennies, an annual event within NHS that raised over $30,000 this year, hits close to home for the high school and the community. “It isn’t just NHS members, it’s the entire school,” Sexton said. “People really want to make a difference. It’s school-wide, but especially for the Class of 2014, we’re able to step up because we ask the question, ‘What else can I do? What more can I do?’” Senior Shivank Singh said that through all the service events that Student Government does every year, seeing the piles of presents from Kids Count is something he will never forget. “Every year, I’ve loved when we’re almost done with Kids Count and we have all the gifts wrapped up in the KIVA, or even the day when all the gifts are in the truck, and you see just how high the stack of presents is in the truck,” Singh said. “We’re giving kids their Christmases.” After all is said and done, Lund said determination and drive is the key to being successful in any pursuit to make a positive difference. “You really have to be determined and persevere,” Lund said. “There were times when I first started that I really didn’t know this was the right thing to do…but I really persevered because it was something I believed in.” Editor’s Note:The Chronicle staff writers selected the students you see featured on this page to try to tell the stories that could represent many of the student humanitarians of the senior class. There are too many to mention but this does not diminish the incredible things they have accomplished and The Chronicle congratulates you all on your oustanding achievements.
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may 16, 2014
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The Players
Team, individual goals among accomplishments by class of ‘14 athletes Will Leathers | Staff Writer Chloe Knue | Staff Writer
photo by Madison Krell
Senior athletes (from left): Joey Thomas, Jenna Gunn, Jack Clark, Adam Thomas, Zoe Thatcher, and Jordan Horning.
cer career next season at the University of Cincinnati. Clark gave Comet soccer fans a glimpse of greatness as a sophomore leading the league in scoring with 20 goals. While individual accomplishments decorate Clark’s trophy case, he said it was always his goal to bring home a state championship with his fellow seniors. “Our goal was to win a state championship,” Clark said. “Individually this year I wanted to be Ohio Player of the Year, to do my part and score goals, but also win a state championship for our team and for our school.” Clark, who will go down as one of Mason’s most decorated individual players, is quick to remind everyone that he is most proud of what the teams he’s played on have accomplished. “It is cool [being honored with individual awards] but it isn’t as special as the team,” Clark said. “The team comes first so the individual awards are really just a bonus.” Mason baseball has always been synonymous with winning and that continues this year under new head coach Curt Bly. After turning in a 26-1 campaign a year ago and now sporting an 18-4 record, a player who has had a unique perspective from behind the plate is senior catcher Joey Thomas. Thomas, who will continue his baseball career next season at the University of Cincinnati, credits his experience with Mason baseball for paving his way to continue baseball at the collegiate level. “[Mason baseball], without a question, has prepared me for Division I baseball,” Thomas said. “Coach Bly and the coaching staff do such a good job of emphasizing the little things that add up to the big things…that college coaches just expect you to already know.” It is hard to lose sight of the finish line on the track, and for senior hurdler Jordan Horning her sights are set on a return to the state track meet in Columbus. Next year Horning will make the leap to the collegiate track at Northern Kentucky University. Hornings’ potential was evident as a freshman and now this talented athlete, who also competes on multiple relay teams
and the high jump, has etched her name in the record books for Mason track. But she wants her high school journey to end in one place. “There is nothing like competing at the state meet,” Horning said. “It is overwhelming in the best way, and just a huge adrenaline rush. There is a lot of pride and sense of confidence once you make it that far because it is always the biggest goal of athletes.” When athletes enter high school as freshmen, they think their careers are going to last forever. They don’t see the end of their journey--they see the optimism that comes with their youth. But for seniors, making that final stop at their destination can be bittersweet. “The end was definitely sad,” Gunn said. “I don’t think it really hit me until the next day at school when we didn’t have practice. I didn’t really know where to go next. I’m very thankful for my teammates and my coaches and all the memories we made.” Editor’s Note:The Chronicle sports writers selected the athletes you see featured on this page to try to tell the stories that could represent many of the senior athletes that achieved during their careers at Mason High School. There are too many athletes to mention but this does not diminish the incredible things they have accomplished and The Chronicle sports staff congratulates you all on your oustanding achievements.
Will Leathers
University of Alabama
Some Comet athletes seemed destined for greatness the moment they set foot in the hallways of Mason High School. Some were not. In four years, athletes, as well as teams, can take a multitude of routes to achieve their greatness. The route is littered with roadblocks: injuries, emotions, trials, doubt and uncertainty. Enter Adam Thomas. When Thomas first entered the Mason basketball program, some doubted that he would ever play varsity basketball. After a bumpy journey, Thomas turned in a brilliant senior career capped off on senior night where he helped spark an incredible comeback victory. Trailing by 17 points in the fourth quarter to Colerain, Thomas erupted along with fellow senior Chris Rice to help the Comets erase that deficit on their way to a memorable senior night victory. “It was probably the highlight of the season, there was a lot of emotion before the game,” Adam said. “It was an incredible night.” Senior swimmer Zoe Thatcher has been on the fasttrack to greatness since she first joined the swim team as a freshman. After winning her first State Championship in the 500-meter freestyle her sophomore year, Thatcher went on to win two more state titles as a junior. Thatcher, now committed to swim collegiately at Auburn University, credits her experience with the Comets and the Mason Manta Rays. “High school has been a great experience,” Thatcher said. “Now I’m prepared for anything that comes my way.” Senior Jenna Gunn made significant contributions on the court for the Comets early in her career but during her junior year it becamse apparent that this sharp shooter was on her way to something special. Not only did Gunn help lead the Comets to stock the trophy case with numerous team honors, she leaves Mason High School as a 1,000 point scorer and a McDonald’s All American candidate. Gunn will take her talents to the Division I level next season at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis. “[Scoring my 1,000th point] meant a lot to me,” Gunn said. “It was a really big accomplishment that I definitely could not have done without my teammates. My teammates are the ones that pass me the ball and they give me the ball even when I’m not scoring and making my shots. And especially that game, they were doing everything they could to get me the ball. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and I give them the credit for that.” Both Mason soccer teams made history in 2013. The girls’ team returned to the Ohio Division I State Finals for their second year in a row, and the men’s team won the first state title in Mason soccer history. Steering that championship drive was Ohio Player of the Year, senior Jack Clark, who will continue his soc-
Check out Will’s senior column and senior farewell video:
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Katherine Hansen
the Puzzle
Awfully glad to be conflicted
Beautiful goodbye Emily Taylor | Staff Writer
I have never been a fan of goodbyes. Be it a simple “see ya later” or an elegant “farewell”, saying the words “goodbye” has never come easy to me. My struggle is in part due to the fact that I tend to be a person who takes life in general way too seriously. I over analyze, over critique, over think; and as a result, the act of departure has become a dramatic event filled with lots of emotion, lots of hugs, and, lots of tears. Perhaps this is why the past few weeks have been so difficult for me. Ahead of us lies a road paved with goodbyes. There will be goodbyes on May 28 as we walk the halls of Mason High School one last time. There will be goodbyes on June 1 as we leave the Cintas Center after having received our long awaited diplomas. There will be goodbyes throughout the summer months as we pack up our bags and head off to our own individual destinations. In the midst of all these goodbyes, though, I lose sight of what it is that makes facing them so hard. It’s the memories that I’ve made. It’s the lessons that I’ve learned. It’s the friendships that I’ve developed. It’s all these things and more that I wish I never had to part with. But the time has come for me to move from this chapter of my life on to the next and in order to do that I must say goodbye. So bring on the emotion, bring on the hugs, and bring on the tears.
Check out Emily’s senior farewell video:
Brigham Young University
Miami University
Emily Taylor
may 16, 2014
Katherine Hansen | Associate Editor
photo by Madison Krell, photo art by Gabrielle Stichweh
Senior Casey Lawson and the rest of the class of 2014 will graduate on June 1.
Senior class connects the pieces Emily Taylor | Staff Writer
The Breakfast Club consisted of a brain, a jock, a princess, a criminal, and a basket case. This year’s graduating class consists of much more. With scientists, politicians, artists, and musicians, the class of 2014 is laced with diversity. Even so, according to senior Casey Lawson the class has found a way to combine their talents and become one. “Whether it is different social groups or sports teams, each person has figured out where they fit in the entire puzzle of our class,” Lawson said “We have all come together to create an amazing class with talent, intelligence, and unity.” According to Lawson, the class’ intimacy is in part due to the various hardships they have come to face over the course of their high school career. “Our class has been through a lot,” Lawson said. “Joe and Evelyn were a big part of a lot of people’s lives and losing them impacted many people.” While the loss of these two classmates was heartbreaking, Lawson said that it united students from all social circles, creating a unique bond that is significant to the class of 2014. “We all grieved together and created a special kind of bond that not many people get to experience,” Lawson said. “It’s a sad bond, but it’s special.”
School psychologist Jeff Schlaeger said that through this bond, the class has made students, teachers and staff members aware of the differences they can make in the lives of those around them. “[The class of 2014] has demonstrated that anyone can make an impact,” Schlaeger said. “That what you do in these thousands and thousands of square feet really matters and carries on.” While the class of 2014 has impacted Mason High School in numerous ways, science teacher Carol Lehman said that it’s the empathy that sets the class apart. “This senior class is very compassionate,” Lehman said. “When [their] peers have needed [them], [they] have stepped up.” Lehman said that through this compassion, the class has developed relationships and memories that will follow them throughout the rest of their lives. “To me, in the end, what defines every class are the relationships you have with one another,” Lehman said. “Years from now, you’re not going to remember the details but you are going to remember how you felt and the moments you experienced.”
Right now. Tottering somewhere between “I can’t wait to get out of here” and “I am going to miss this so much” That’s the honest answer. Our adolescence is leaving, sweet and somber, all at once. The future is approaching, enticing and frightening, all at once. Conflicting. Contradicting. We want to be over “it”--graduation, senior year, cheesy sentiments--but we also want “it” to be meaningful. We want to have some say in what forever is: what parts of high school we treasure, what parts of high school we let fade. We want a lot. We want forever. In my life “there are places I remember”. I remember an old house--my old house. I drive by it, more than I want to admit. I see someone else live in my forever. I remember the children’s museum--my children’s museum. I visit it sometimes, affectionately, with little sisters. I see a mini-me share in my forever. The past. The future. We want them both. At times, in bits. Pick and choose. Some here, some there. Right now. We’re supposed to be happy, yes. We’re supposed to be scared, yes. Pensive, eager, nervous, ecstatic. The end of high school is supposed to make us all of those. All at once. Because while high school was good to some and bad to others...it was a cross of both to most. A cross and a sliver. A sliver of time. That doesn’t mean it must be sacred. Nor does that mean it must be petty. The past and the future work together, not inversely. Don’t pick one. Celebrate both. The future’s so bright...I can’t tell what, when or how it’ll be. It’s so bright it’s blinding. Exciting. Scary. All at once. Conflicting. Contradicting. And that’s okay...I gotta wear shades anyhow.
Check out Katherine’s senior farewell video:
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Access Denied
may 16, 2014
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Social media limitation sparks debate over restriction inconvenience
Monica Brucher | Staff Writer
Blocked out. Administration blocked several streaming sites from the school’s wifi at the beginning of the year, but there’s still discussion about it as the year comes to a close. Assistant Principal William Rice said there’s no need for students to still be up in arms over the blocked sites. “There are a lot bigger things we should be focusing on and Pandora is just music,” Rice said. “We don’t need it for an educational setting.” Rice said that the reason for the blocked sites was because of new online tests the school is adopting. “It’s slowing down the testing, and in some situations, it’s actually kicking [those] who are taking tests off because [the internet] is not keeping up,” Rice said. Junior Kylie Damron said she uses the data on her phone instead of the wifi, but not all students have that advantage. “[Blocking sites on the wifi is]
inconvenient for [students without data plans] because not everyone has all this money to buy an iPod or songs, so Pandora makes it convenient,” Damron said. Senior Alyssa Sinchek said that instead of blocked sites preventing students from accessing sites during school, it promotes ways around blocked sites. “People are trying to find ways around [the wifi] more than anything,” Sincheck said. “It’s helping to get rid of some of the scattered attention in class, but there’s going to be ways around [the wifi].” Health teacher Gary Popovich said that the content-based blocked sites cause a disturbance, but he understands why it’s necessary. “Does [the block] affect the classroom? Sure it does,” Popovich said. “But I can totally understand because a lot of the stuff, if it wasn’t blocked, can go to inappropriate places and stuff that’s not necessary in school.” Senior Heather Smith said that researching health-related material
caused problems early on for her. “In the eighth grade I was in the library trying to research heroin [for health class] and [the internet] wouldn’t let me [access the site],” Smith said. “It was difficult and took a longer time to do the assignment because you had to find sites that had the information that weren’t blocked.” Popovich said he has a strong enough argument to educate students without the use of the internet, so the blocked sites aren’t a big deal in his class. “I really don’t need to pull that kind of stuff [from the internet],” Popovich said. “There’s enough stuff that I can get to that proves my point. So I’m not frustrated with [blocking internet sites].” Junior Caitlin Parigen said that administration shouldn’t have to block social media because students should take it upon themselves to control their internet access during school. “Ultimately, it’s the student’s responsibility if their grades slack
because they’re using social media during school,” Parigen said. Damron said that the blocked sites are not the end of the world, they are just a nuisance. “It’s not like ‘oh my God, we should go on strike’,” Damron said. “It’s just really inconvenient and annoying.” Rice said that it was no big deal for administration and students will cope with the loss of social media sites soon enough. “It was one of those non-issues,” Rice said. “The decision was made, we moved forward, people adapt[ed] and we’re fine.” Even so, Parigen still feels that students should have the final say. “[Administration] should look at it from the perspective that each student should be responsible for their academic life,” Parigen said. “If [students are] letting social media become a problem, then that should be taken up with the student instead of depriving everyone of their privileges.” Photo by Madison Krell
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Mythbusters Seniors disregard college reputations by debunking stereotypes Katie Hibner | Staff Writer
Seniors check a box to accept a spot at their future colleges--then get boxed in by their schools’ stereotypes. Senior Katherine Carr said her peers questioned her decision to enroll at Miami University because of its preppy reputation. “I love Miami’s campus; I was drawn to the business school,” Carr said. “[But] people usually say, ‘It’s so preppy! You want to go there because it’s preppy?’” After he matriculated at University of Michigan, senior Joseph Cohen said he also faced judgment, primarily by The Ohio State University
fans. “People think [U of M students are] arrogant and kind of evil because OSU [students are] the ‘good guys,’” Cohen said. “You do get your occasional ‘ew’ from OSU fans [while wearing U of M gear].” Colleges’ reputations don’t only affect perceptions of their students; they affect perceptions of the education value. Kaitlyn Shive said her mother was wary of her interest in Ohio University since it is known as a party school. “My mom was hesitant because she heard about OU’s ranking [as a] party school,” Shive said. “But she
knew I loved the campus and that it [had] such a good [journalism] program, [so] she said I should still apply there.” Shive said people should look at colleges in greater depth, beyond stigmas and public events, before they write them off. “[OU’s] stereotype has grown due to the fact that [they host] all these different events that people from different colleges come to,” Shive said. “If other students come to visit [for those events] but don’t go to OU, they don’t get the sense of academics. You have to experience [daily student life] before you judge.”
According to Carr, current students often defy their colleges’ stereotypes in their own lives. “One of the stereotypes is that whenever there’s a Miami party you have to dress up,” Carr said. “But this group [of current Miami students] I know will just wear sweatpants and be chill at a party.” According to Cohen, undergraduate schools’ reputations won’t affect their students in the long run--if they work hard after they party. “Ultimately, as long as you excel, it doesn’t necessarily matter [which college you go to for undergrad],” Cohen said.
Photo by Madison Krell
Seniors soon to attend Miami University, University of Michigan and Ohio University feel classified by their universities’ reputations among others.
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Maximizing Mason New area developments lay foundation for future growth Matt Marvar | Staff Writer
In 1980, the city of Mason held a population of 8,692 people. By 2000, the population grew to 153 percent of its original size. In 2011, it surged by another 40 percent. According to the latest census, the city of Mason now holds a population of 31,039. But the swell is far from over. With the development of at least four new neighborhoods throughout the city with over 800 houses and condos combined as well as the possible implementation of General Electric’s new U.S. Global Operations Center to bring 1400 jobs, Mason has hit another spike, according to Assistant City Manager Jennifer Heft. “With the downturn in economy, things kind of stabilized for us--but this year, we’ve really seen it take off,” Heft said. “All of the amenities that we have to offer here drive residential development. Mason Schools are one of the top five in the state, which is huge, not only for locating residents here but for locating businesses as well.” Despite the construction of over 800 new homes in Mason, the growth will not have such an effect on Mason City Schools as it did a few decades ago, according to administrator Dan Distel. “They have taken [new growth] into account and it’s not going to make the impact that it seems it would because you’ve got families that are currently living here in Mason who have had all of their kids, and their kids have moved through the school system,” Distel said. “So we’re not talking about adding on top of those numbers. Those kids are already gone, so you’ll have less numbers total entering the school system.” On the contrary, according to Heft, Mason has plans in place to accommodate for substantial growth if it comes-because if they don’t have plans, the city won’t be able to support the new infrastructure. “That’s what happens in some communities,” Heft said. “If you don’t have a good plan in place, then you end up with developments that are out there on their own or aren’t supported with the infrastructure around them that they need.” For example, Heft said every new Mason development must have bike paths in order to promote connection. “Every time we put in a subdivision, that’s part of the requirement,” Heft said. “You have to have bike paths, you have to have sidewalks--and they all connect. And that was a part of the plan.” Heft said that when the city sticks to the plan, everything will work out. “Even though somebody may come along with a development, if it isn’t consistent with our plans, then [we won’t] do it,” Heft said. “I think that’s the big thing--having those plans in place. Everybody is following that plan; everybody [has] bought into that plan, from the elected officials all the way down.”
Photo by Madison Krell Alverta development on Western Row Road.
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may 16, 2014
Religious Reality Television Mormon perception in conflict with actual current practices
Photo by Kelly Noriega
From left to right: Mormon family members freshman Trevor Gibb, junior Breanne Gibb, 6th grader Chase Gibb, Carolyn Gibb and Roger Gibb outside their home. Kelly Noriega | Staff Writer
Don’t judge The Book of Mormon by its cover. On shows like TLC’s Sister Wives, My Five Wives and HBO’s Big Love, families who practice polygamy are followed by a camera crew, their multiple relationships shown to the public. According to a local member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Roger Gibb, the Mormon viewpoint of these polygamist shows and their effect on the perception of the Mormon community is neglected. Roger’s daughter, junior Breanne Gibb, said that because people are more familiar with the shows than the actual Mormon religion, people assume that Mormons are still associated with polygamy. “Everyone’s watching [those shows] and they just assume, ‘This
is associated with the Mormons’,” Breanne said. “I’ve had a lot of people ask me things like, ‘Do you have more than one dad?’. It’s really weird when people ask me that because I didn’t realize people still thought [that Mormons practiced polygamy].” Roger said the questions are outdated because polygamy is no longer practiced in the LDS church. “It’s kind of silly that today people will come up to us and ask, ‘Do you guys practice polygamy?’” Roger said. “Any member of the church who is found to be practicing polygamy is excommunicated so you can’t be a member of the church and practice polygamy at the same time. Roughly from 1890 until now, the church has not practiced polygamy.” It’s believed that the reason Mormons ever practiced polygamy was
through command of God, according to Roger, and was only allowed in certain situations. “We believe that in a time in the Bible, for God’s purpose, he authorized men to have more than one wife,” Roger said. “But it was only when he authorized it. There were a very small percentage of the [people] in the church who were asked to take more than one wife, most of the time it was because they were widows or women who needed to be sheltered and taken care of.” Roger said that shows about polygamy are irritating if the people in the shows misrepresent themselves as current Mormons and can be the reason for the continual association of polygamy with Mormons. “If they say, ‘We’re Mormons’ then that would really bother me,”
Roger said. “If they present themselves as members of the church that is inaccurate, but if they present themselves as [polygamists] and don’t mention the church’s name then okay, [because polygamy] is illegal.” Junior Tomas Barriga, who is also Mormon, believes that although the shows have brought attention to the inaccurate affiliation of Mormons with polygamy, not all the attention is negative. “It closes some doors but opens others,” Barriga said. “Some people are going to say, ‘Oh Mormons are weird’...and they’re going to go to a Mormon and ask about it. Then they’re going to actually learn that we don’t practice that. So I guess that in some ways it’s bad, but in other ways it’s good because it definitely lets us introduce people [to our religion].”
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Recommendation Race Pressure to begin locking in teacher letters starts before senior year Katie Hermann | Staff Writer
Beat the clock. Beat the crowd. When it comes to applying for college, junior Bluyé DeMessie is aware that he is not the only student applying, and definitely not the only one asking for recommendations. “There are so many students at Mason, it is hard to write a detailed letter of recommendation,” DeMessie said. “So, [asking for recommendations] is a race against time.” With summer around the corner though, deadlines don’t seem to be looming over students’ heads. According to Honors English teacher Lori Roth, however, senior year and applications are closer than they seem. “You’ll get kids who realize that [college] is not that far [away],” Roth said. “But then there’s the other batch that come back in August totally panicked.” Roth said because of time limitations, she can only accept a certain number of recommendation requests. At the beginning of this school year, Roth’s notorious sign capping her recommendation list had already been posted on her window by the second day. “[The sign is] a genuine expression of ‘There [are] only so many hours in a day,’” Roth said. With about 40 requests, Honors English teacher Stephanie Nally said the letters consume time and commitment outside the regular job. “[The 40 letter cap] is a
whole extra work week if I worked from start of the day to finish of the day, every hour, and only focused on college recommendations,” Nally said. “And we don’t get time off to do it.” According to Roth, with 40 or more hours piling up, this time is only the first wave of request. “A lot of [colleges use]
Common App, but when you get into the noncommon app [schools] you tend to write several recommendations for the same kid,” Roth said. “And that is the first round. You have [to write for] scholarships too.” From any angle, deadlines are approaching according to DeMessie. And come
next year, the deadlines will pass in a flash. “I don’t want to ask last minute, especially when the early action deadline is November 1st,” DeMessie said. Even with the rush, procrastination can kick in. According to Senior Michael Glandorf the severe problem of procrastination
Photo by Madison Krell
Honors English teacher Lori Roth is swamped with letter of recommendation requests each year.
led to the failure to follow up with information for Roth on his letter. “I have to keep giving myself constant reminders,” Glandorf said. “I never felt it as a rush for time, even though I should have. I didn’t realize how quickly [recommendations] spots were taken [for Roth].” Students face stress in the college process, but according to Nally, so do teachers. “When the deadlines hit, students are freaking out, but so are the teachers,” Nally said. “And we are still frantically typing.” Time is of the essence, yet, summer holds the opportune time to leap into the race. For Roth, her line up of letters has already begun to grow. “I have about four or five on my list so far,” Roth said. “And I usually have about 15 by the end [of the school year].” Teachers take time to personalize and showcase a student’s strengths, according to DeMessie, but time is short especially as senior year begins. “Mrs. Roth really wants to make sure the recommendations that she writes are heartfelt and unique to each applicant,” DeMessie said. “And [teachers] will always take time to make sure the recommendations for their students are good. But it’s more of a race against time--time that is running out.”
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RISE
Ultimate frisbee team sees a huge spike in numbers this season
[CONTINUED ON PAGE 36] Junior Michael Verma (back) and senior Matt Dowling (front) go up for a catch in a game against Moeller.
Photo contributed by Tyler Hirsch
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On the Rise Ultimate frisbee team sees a spike in numbers Jimmy Halpin | Staff Writer The wind is starting to pick up this ultimate frisbee season. The ultimate team is growing fast, forcing the team to divide into varsity and JV for the first time. “I am the captain of the JV team, and I know that fielding a team of 30 kids wouldn’t work,” junior Jonathan Conzet said. “That there is a big difference between the skill levels of the JV and varsity. It gives us an opportunity as a lower team to improve and get better and work our way up, instead of being forced into a situation we weren’t ready for.” According to junior Elliot Skindzier, the team was able to grow through word of mouth, and using social media. “I know Landon Sagle and Jonathan Conzet were recruited by me, and then they went out and got more players to join,” Skindzier said. “We have a Twitter page so we tweet out and a lot of us retweet it. Our coach got us on the announcements and we had an informational meeting, and we had lot of new people show up to that.” According to freshman Alex Barnett, ultimate frisbee requires lots of running and endurance, which helps players stay in shape for other sports.
“The running piece of it and throwing piece of it helps keep my whole body active,” Barnett said. “It keeps me running which helps me with cross country. If I wasn’t running right now I would be really slow for when cross country started.” According to junior Michael Verma one big difference between Ultimate Frisbee and other sports is that the players can run practices. “The practices are really fun, it’s a lot less structured not knowing what we are going to do every day,” Verma said. “If we want to practice something specific, it’s less coach-run and more of the athletes. We can gauge how much we did the day before and what we need to work on.” This year’s team has nearly doubled the size of last year’s team, and has about the half the team as first year players, and look to use the Division I college championships here in Mason as an event to get even more people. “I know the college championships are coming up and they are doing youth camps during that time,” Skindzier said. “I’m trying to get a lot of players’ younger siblings to go out to that like Nathan Domeck’s younger brother who is in the eighth grade and also on the team to bring his friends to go, so when they get to high school they can join the team.”
MVP: Chris Martin, baseball Class: 2014 Claim to fame: Best manager in the city Best part about baseball: Winning Worst part about baseball: Giving up runs when I’m pitching Role Model: Derek Jeter Pregame Meal: Subway sandwich Pump Up Song: “Bangarang” by Skrillex Most Embarrassing Moment: Forgetting the ball bucket Toughest Opponent: Lakota West Photo by Matt Marvar
Motto: “Go hard or go home.”
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Highlight
Photo by Matt Marvar
Sophomore Charlie Yu competes in the annual Coaches Classic tournament at Mason.
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Junior Gabby LaSala leads the Greater Miami conference with six homeruns this season. Senior Hannah Mizener is tied for second with four homeruns.
136 Senior Anthony Lockar racked up 136 service aces during his final season with the boys volleyball team.
3:21.48 The boys 4x400 meter track relay of leads the conference with a time of 3:21.48.
39-05.25 Senior Ashley Brown threw a winning distance of 39 feet and 5.25 inches at the Wayne Track Invitational, beating out 52 other athletes. results as of May 12.
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Personalities Personified
Girls lacrosse seniors display winning personalities; realize potential Erin Brush | Sports Editor
Photo contributed by Tori Blakeman
Then: Even back in the In eighth grade, the class of 2014 showed they not only had unique personality but a penchant for winning. Pictured above, the team celebrates a big win.
Photo contributed by Tori Blakeman
Now: The 2014 seniors show they still have their own unique style at the senior lacrosse celebration.
The conclusion of the 2014 season will force seniors on the girls lacrosse team to part ways after almost a decade together. According to senior Brianna Manns, her class is lacking in anything but experience. “A few of us have pretty much played on varsity since freshman year,” Manns said. “I’ve played since third grade, and most of the other girls have too. We’ve all been playing since then and we’re really close. I feel like that has helped us a lot this year. We know what each other are good at and what our weaknesses are. Sophomore year, we were a really young team. Being older really helps us. We’re a lot stronger and a lot faster.” According to head coach Paul Limpert, he first took note of this class when they were in the sixth grade. “In the summer they were so good that I let them play up with varsity,” Limpert said. “They’re a tight-knit group and it has been a benefit and a detriment in a lot of ways. They know each other so well that when they play in the offseason they do things [differently] than we do here.” Senior and Mercer University commit Lindsey Zeltwanger said she thinks team chemistry has given the girls a leg up on the field. “It helps us work together as a unit,” Zeltwanger said. “We all know each other’s strengths so it helps play our game. I know a lot of teams fight with each other all the time but we get along really well. Just to be able to have such a good team at a high school level and play together is really fun.” According to Manns, such a large group of experienced personalities does present its challenges. “It’s hard because we all want to be leaders,” Manns said. “But it’s good because we have leaders at each position. We know where to draw the line because we’ve been playing together so long and we normally get along really well though.” Zeltwanger said her senior class has always remained focused on setting the bar for the underclassmen. “I think a lot of girls look up to us,” Zeltwanger said. “There’s definitely an expectation level set from our class. We’ve probably put in the most off-season hours.” From the senior class, five girls have already signed to play college level lacrosse, including Manns, a San Diego State University commit. “I’m going to miss the girls next year,” Manns said. “It’ll be weird learning how to play with different people because I just know them so well. We grew up together.”
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PUTTING ON THE
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GAME FACE
A Photo Essay by Madison Krell | Photo Editor Softball photos contributed by Staff Writer Matt Marvar
We’ve all heard about the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, but what about the the emotions illicited during the actual competition? The Chronicle’s photo editor Madison Krell captured the intensity of these game faces throughout the spring sports seasons.
Pictured above (from top left) Jesse Zhan, Ethan Valentine, Griffin Zink, Quentin King, Sydney Jensen, Tory Stewart, Young Jin Kang, and Rodney Hutchinson.
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