The Chronicle, 3.1

William Mason High School Mason, Ohio

The

Life on the Offensive Line see page 15

Chron l cle

October 7, 2005

6100 South Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, Ohio 45040

Katrina victims find refuge at MHS

NEWS Flash

BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor

Nikki Armstrong Memorial Fund There is a Nikki Armstrong Memorial Fund set up for donations to support her 7-year-old son, Torrey. You can donate at any FifthThird Bank location. Please make checks payable to Fifth Third Bank – Nikki Armstrong Fund and Mail to: Fifth Third Bank, 225 W Main St. # 110111, Mason, OH 45040 Attn: N. Armstrong Fund.

H.O.P.E. initiative nets $6,837 for Katrina relief

Chronicle

The H.O.P.E.Club raised $6,837.41 for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The money will be donated to the Red Cross. “I am always blown away by how much this community cares for others.

Whenever I feel like the community can't possibly give any more, they outdo themselves again,” said H.O.P.E. club advisor Monica Schneider.

Was sending troops into Iraq a mistake?

P l l 44% no

36%

yes

20% not sure (Based on a survey of 105 students.

See complete story, page 4)

INSIDE...

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7 SPORTS

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OPINION

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Volume 3 Issue 1

Chronicle photo by Sarah Fukatsu

Kirk and Kirtrell Taylor enrolled at Mason after their home was lost due to Katrina.

Kirk,17, and Kirtrell Taylor, 14, may seem to just be new students among Mason's vast majority of teenagers, but this brother and sister pair has endured much more than most teenagers can imagine.

They've moved almost 900 miles away from their homes but this hasn't hindered their minds from the catastrophe awaiting them at home: the results of Hurricane Katrina.

The Taylor family, consisting of Kirk, Kirtrell, their mother, Cheyenne, and their father, Kirk, all left their home of Boothville, Louisiana on August 28,

2005. They stayed at a motel only 100 miles away. However, Kirk and Kirtrell could not expect the horrors that would encroach upon their town only a day later.

"We thought that we could just come home after the storm. The news made it seem like it would miss our town," Kirtrell said.

This was obviously not the case as the Taylor home was completely submerged underwater. The two levies positioned next to their house broke resulting in a 35-foot tidal wave. The Taylor family received a phone call from their father's employer detailing the town's situation.

see Refuge page 2

Focusing In Huff cites faith as factor in his battle with deadly skin cancer

BY MATT PARTINGTON Chronicle Staff Writer

Sitting at his desk on a normal summer day at Mason High School, a fellow staff member pointed to a mysterious black spot on Mason staff member Dwight Huff's earlobe. Knowing the potential dangers of an unassuming outgrowth on the surface of his skin, Huff went to a doctor to have it examined. Results came back concerning the lesion and Huff tested positive for melanoma.

"It was urgent," Huff said, whose melanoma was at a level 4 out of 6.

Huff was sent promptly to the operating room a few days later, where his lymph nodes and a significant portion of his left ear were excised. A technician at Mason High School and professional photographer, Huff was forced to stop working for several weeks during the stages of therapy. The dangers of melanoma, however, frightened Huff.

"If the melanoma doesn't kill you, then the things on the internet about it will," Huff said, light-heartedly referring to the multitude of websites documenting the dangers of melanoma.

Although only accounting for 4% of skin cancer diagnoses, melanoma is the cause of more than 80% Chronicle photo by Josh Geiger A closer look at Dwight Huff reveals a scar on his neck and a portion of his of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is a tumor which originates in the melanocytes, the melanin-producing left ear removed after undergoing surgery to remove cancerous melanoma.

Huff, a technician at Mason High School, can often be seen photographing see Huff page 6 the action at Comet football games and other sporting events.

Students, teachers return to school September 12 to find ‘empty seat’ in room C309

CENTERSPREAD

BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor

SNEAK PEEK Are teens seeking refuge in their iPods? In this edition’s centerspread feature The Chronicle takes a look at the gadgetry that seems to be taking over the lives of teenagers. photo provided by Mason City Schools

Mason High School Spanish teacher Ms. Nikki Armstrong.

Mason High School Spanish teacher Nikki Armstrong was involved in a car accident on September 10 and was pronounced dead the following day as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.

Armstrong, who was beginning her second year at MHS had touched the lives of many. This never rang more true than at her death, when many of Mason's students, teachers, staff members, and residents all came together for a time of mourning.

"She brought her faith and her strength everywhere she went. She was a pillar to

stand by and a role model for us all," Spanish III teacher Deborah Sicking said.

Ms. Armstrong's death, inadvertently, brought about her last lesson to her students and colleagues, which was to remember the meaning of the “No Empty Seats” campaign started this year.

Armstrong's death was a grave reminder to all students on the fragility of life.

"She affected everyone's life and reminded everyone the preciousness of life. She reminded all students what the aftereffects of a death are and how death affects other students and teachers," Sicking said.

see Armstrong page 5

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May 3- 9.94-mil operational levy passes with 5,175, or 47% of Mason residents who voted against the levy and 5,861 residents, or 53 percent who voted pro-levy.

October 7, 2005

School district heads to Supreme Court in battle against CARE

BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor

The 9.94-mil "phase-in" levy was passed on May 3, 2005 with 5,861 Mason residents who voted for the operating levy. However, the antilevy group Mason CARE, Citizens for June 16- Mason school officials Accountability and Results in Education, foundfile their own referendum petitions ed by Mason resident John Meyer, stated that to protect new levy and several the group was not finished in Mason. other levies dating back to 1967.

This soon became evident as CARE beat Mason school officials by one hour in filing their July- Mason School officials hire attorney and handwriting analyst petition with Warren County Board of to dispute the Elections, on May validity of "Our district will do 24, two weeks after CARE anything in order to sup- voters passed the referenport the quality of educa- proposed tax levy. dum sigUnder Ohio election here at Mason." natures tion law, referenat the Mason High School dums that challenge Warren Principal Dr. Dave Allen County Board a continuing school of Elections. levy can only be seen on a ballot once every five years. The referenAugust 31- Warren County Board dum that CARE proposed would reduce the of Elections invalidated 246 signa9.94-mill levy by 7.94 mill, or $24.8 million, to a tures and certified 1,098 of CARE's 1,344 signatures, allowing 2-mill levy.

After CARE filed its referendum, Mason CARE's petition to be present on school officials filed a petition with the state the ballot. minimum reduction in millage- .01 mill, and in September 12- Mason School June school officials filed seven other petitions Board officials filed action at the on continuing school levies dating back to 1967.

Ohio Supreme Court.

In July, school officials also hired an attorney, which appointed a handwriting analyst, in an October - Ohio Supreme Court attempt to invalidate CARE petition signatures. will decide to deny or grant the The attorney disputed the case with the Warren Mason school board's request, or County Board of Elections, voicing that many of issue a "temporary writ," in which oral arguments will proceed. the signatures were signed incorrectly.

Despite controversy on both sides, on August November 8- Mason residents 31, the Warren County Board of Elections invalwill vote on ballot idated 246 signatures, and certified 1,098 of May 24- CARE beat Mason school officials by one hour in filing its referendum petition first.

CARE's 1,344 signatures. The required amount of signatures stands at 938, thus allowing for the 2-mill referendum to stay on the ballot.

The Mason School Board decided to continue defending the school's income and took their case to the Ohio Supreme Court on September 12, hoping to invalidate other parts of the CARE petitions and signatures that the Mason School Board deemed invalid.

"Our district will do anything in order to support the quality of education here at Mason," Mason High School principal Dr. Dave Allen said, referring to the action made at the Ohio Supreme Court.

If the referendum proposed by CARE is approved on the November ballot, it would reduce the increase in property taxes to $60 a year compared to a $200.29 increase in 2006, a $252.35 increase in 2007, and a $304.41 increase in 2008 if the 9.94-mil levy stands.

These are the increased taxes an owner would pay of a $100,000 home.

According to Mason Treasurer Dick Gardner, although the district has approximately $17 million in surplus, this amount would only fund the school for 11 weeks. Without additional funding, the district will run out of money by July 2007. "[A 24.8 million dollar reduction] will decimate our programs. The programs we've put in place are there to offer students opportunities and experiences. Our students are our future and our most precious resource. We want to make sure we've adequately prepared them," Bright said.

The Mason School District is seventh in the state of Ohio out of 613 districts, 181st in state spending, and spends $385 less than the state average per pupil, and $593 less per pupil than similar private and public school districts.

However, Meyer believes that Mason can make cuts without lessening the quality of education. "Mason simply needs to look at unnecessary spending and become more accountable," Meyer said.

Debates at school board meetings have brought about attacks on the school board’s credibility in spending. However, Bright believes that CARE “is really good at taking things out of context.”

Despite these allegations, Meyer still states that his main purpose is to voice the opinions of “Mason senior citizens and anti-levy residents.”

If CARE is successful, cuts will be seen, much like those cuts seen in area districts who have also been unsuccessful in their levy attempts to pass levies.

Since school operating levies pay for materials, textbooks, utilities, supplies, transportation, staff and teachers, such cuts can be seen in any of these areas. Neighboring districts with failed levies began with cuts in transportation and sports.

Voting will take place on November 8. The referendums to be seen on the November ballot at this time are a 1967 general operating levy with a 4.00 millage, a 1968 general operating levy with a 16.10 millage, a 1969 general operating levy with a 4.90 millage, a 1978 general operating levy with a 6.50 millage, a 1988 general operating levy with a 8.60 millage, a 1996 general operating levy with a 9.80 millage, and a 2001 general operating levy with a 9.95 millage.

The total millage with deduction due to House Bill 920 is 23.33 mills. Also, there will be the CARE referendum for 2 mill and the Mason City Schools referendum, totaling in eight referendums to be placed on the ballot.

The Mason school district is asking all voters to vote "no on all issues.”

KATRINA COVERAGE

Local families feel the effect of destruction caused by Katrina probably have a month or two before they can even go back," Heatherly said.

Junior Charlie Montgomery has Hurricane Katrina was over one thou- grandparents in Mobile, Alabama and sand miles away, however, Mason High an uncle in Louisiana. Montgomery's School is home to many students who uncle works for an ATF unit, which conhave felt the effects of friends and fami- trols violence in and around New lies’ lives being ripped apart by this Orleans. catastrophe.

"He is working sixteen hour days now Katrina tore through New Orleans, [for an Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Louisiana on August 29, 2005 and (ATF) unit.] He is exhausted," showed its deadly potential not long Montgomery said. after in Mississippi, Alabama, and other Even though Montgomery's grandparsurrounding areas in the south. It is the ents have dedicated much of their lives "deadliest hurricane in US history since to staying in Mobile, they are still frusHurricane Galveston in 1900, which trated with the amount of hurricanes killed up to twelve and bad weather "I lived in thousand people," every year.

New Orleans according to CNN, "We're all very for four years. sad. My grandparand the "costliest natI fell in love ents have lived ural disaster, exceeding the 1992 with that city. there for fifty years Hurricane Andrew."

My heart is and this is the first Senior Courtney still there, so time they have Blood moved to it feels like I been forced out Mason from New and without a am affected home. They want Orleans last year and by this too." to move because of Courtney Blood has friends and family there that were victhe amount of hurtims of the deadly hurricane. ricanes every year," Montgomery said.

"I lived in New Orleans for four years.

Senior Elyse Gabel has relatives in I fell in love with that city. My heart is Mississippi and New Orleans. Her famistill there so it feels like I am affected lies were some of the few fortunate peoby this too. It has been tremendously ple that had houses still intact and with hard to cope with. Everyone has just minor damage. been down because of it." Blood said. "[My family] in New Orleans had Junior Jenna Fisher understands the homes that were part of the twenty perhardships Courtney Blood must endure. cent that weren't flooded. Some trees She is a student with family in New fell all over my grandmother's yard in Orleans, proving that the hurricane has Mississippi, but miraculously not on her not only ruined homes, but has caused house," Gabel said. financial problems for families as well.

Courtney Blood said that she and "My grandmother now has to pay dou- her family have donated “hundreds of ble what she paid at her last nursing dollars" to relief funds. She is still pashome that was destroyed in the hurri- sionate about the city she loves, New cane," Fisher said.

Orleans.

Sophomore Jordan Heatherly can also "Everyone here is so fortunate. Half relate to Blood's and Fisher's stories. the population in New Orleans is in "Most of my family on my mom's side poverty. People in New Orleans had was affected by it. We are planning on nothing to begin with, and they have going down to fix their homes, but they absolutely nothing now," Blood said.

BY REBECCA ZIEGLER Chronicle Staff Writer

Students adjusting to life after Katrina from Refuge page 1 "We found out that basically everything was underwater. There was nothing to go back to," Kirtrell said.

Since the Taylor family hadn't expected on not being able to come back, they only gathered some clothes, food, and a small amount of money.

"We really didn't have anything. We didn't know what "We really didn't have anything. We we were going to do at that point," said Kirk, whose family didn't know what was still staying at the motel.

Later on August 30, the Taylor family received a phone we were going to call from their cousins, Don and Yolanda Rowley, in do at that point.”

Mason, Ohio. Although Kirtrell's and Kirk's mother and Kirk Taylor father had to stay in Laffety, Louisiana, they were both sent to Mason to live with their cousins for the time being.

"Our parents are trying to find work. My dad's job is under water so they need to find new jobs," Kirtrell said.

However, the Taylor's are receiving compensation from their father's place of employment.

"Our dad's job is helping us out and that makes it a little better," Kirtrell said.

Kirtrell and Kirk both regret not having taken certain keepsakes with them as they left their homes.

"I would have taken my class ring and all my hunting "I worry about stuff," Kirk said.

Kirtrell also realizes that she would have wanted to have them but I hope memorabilia of her hometown as well. they're okay. I just "I would've wanted to take my academic awards and my tell myself that favorite stuffed animal," Kirtrell said. they'll be fine but I Despite having escaped the physical threats of the hurridon't think I'll ever cane, Kirk and Kirtrell both suffer the emotional burdens see them again." the hurricane instilled as they are not sure whether their Kirtrell Taylor friends and the many people they knew in their hometown survived the catastrophe.

"I worry about them, but I hope they're okay. I just tell myself that they'll be fine, but I don't think I'll ever see them again," Kirtrell said.

To help them deal with the worries of the conditions of their homes and the anxiety of a move, both Kirk and Kirtrell have found their own methods to help them cope with the many events they've endured.

"I write poetry, and listen to music. It just helps me to get away and relax; forget about all of it," Kirk said.

Both Kirk and Kirtrell do not plan on going back to their hometown. While Kirtrell does not want to see the town she loved in ruins, Kirk wants to start anew with his grandfather in North Carolina.

"There are so many storms in Boothville, and I just don't want to risk [my life] again," Kirtrell said.

Despite the troubles Kirk and Kirtrell have endured, they both agree that "Mason has been helpful and supportive."

"The people at Mason are nice, and they are really welcoming," Kirtrell said.

No matter the impact or colossal damage that Hurricane Katrina created, the Taylor family continues to stay strong and united.

"My mom and dad call us every day. We help each other out and lean on each other. We're a family," Kirtrell said.

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October 7, 2005

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Demands for perfection push students to plagiarize

BY RACHEL SLEZAK Chronicle Staff Writer The typical honors or high-achieving student at Mason High School is involved in several extracurricular activities and has hours of homework but still manages to finish each trimester with a flawless GPA. Junior Ian Gibson refuses to believe that these students are achieving this by cheating. "I respect honors students," Gibson said.

Hard as it is to believe, plagiarism has become and more common among these accelerated students. English II teacher Melanie Milligan said that almost 20% of the essays she grades have been plagiarized.

"You'd be surprised how easy it is to tell. The person writing the essay is a completely different voice than the student writing something in class," Milligan said.

English teacher Kurt Dinan agrees that it is easy to catch students stealing other’s writing. "What students don't understand is that there is a certain way high school students write," Dinan said.

According to Milligan, once a student is caught plagiarizing, it is standard procedure for them to fail the class and have the teacher call home. Another obvious consequence to plagiarizing is removal from National Honor Society (NHS).

Physical science teacher and NHS advisor Barbara Shuba reports that 5% of NHS students nationwide have been removed from the organization due to plagiarism.

Shuba believes that technology has helped increase plagiarism.

"With the advent of the internet, it's very easy to copy and paste information," Shuba said.

Dinan is considering having all of his students handwrite their papers to limit plagiarism from the internet. "I have caught too many students plagiarizing over the last couple of years," Dinan explained.

Dinan agrees that more students are plagiarizing recently because it has become so easy. "[Students] find it too tempting to go online, find a related essay, and hand it in as their own work," Dinan said.

Many Mason teachers would agree that plagiarism hurts students in the long run as well. "It really cheats them," Milligan said.

"Because these students don't go through the thought processes involved in writing a paper, they are unable to think in this way," Milligan said.

Knowing the risk involved, some might wonder why so many students plagiarize. Junior Maria French believes it's because of the

"pressures [on high-level students] to be perfect."

"Students get pressure from parents, teachers, and themselves," French said.

French admitted that the pressures start to wear students out. "You get to the point where you don't care anymore," French said.

According to French, at this point plagiarism "seems like a valid option."

"Sometimes they take it too far. A lot of students cheat on essays," French said.

Honors English III teacher Ann Helwig agrees that students plagiarize "seeking a good grade."

"Students lack confidence," Helwig said.

While English II teacher Patricia George agrees that students lack confidence in their writing, George has an alternative explanation for why students plagiarize.

"They're lazy," George said.

George explained that students see good writing and "believe that they can't write as well."

"They get intimidated," George said.

In Helwig's Honors English III classes, the first major assignment is a paper unique to students' experiences. Helwig says many students don't realize that, "what everyone is really looking for is authenticity," and hopes the assignment will give them more confidence.

According to Helwig, students often reject perfectly good ideas, hoping to find the one that's "right," and often the easiest way to find the right answer is to consult Sparknotes or something similar.

"Perfect is the enemy of good," Helwig said.

Helwig believes that looking at other opinions like this is fine as long as the students formulate their own opinion while writing their papers.

This raises questions of exactly what counts as plagiarism and what doesn't. Plagiarism appears in the student planners as rule fifteen, but no definition is ever provided.

"It's like borrowing homework," Helwig said. "Somehow people think that's okay [but not plagiarism]."

Mason English teacher Kyle Warren has a strategy for eliminating the ambiguity involved in plagiarism. "I've assigned required reading," said Warren.

Warren believes that all students know cutting and pasting information is plagiarizing. "The only students who cut and paste are either lazy or just out of time," said Warren.

George says the English department is working on a new policy that would spell out exactly what they consider plagiarized work.

"Kids can plead ignorance but there really is no valid excuse to plagiarize," George said.

Random Student

Education the reason for Senior's immigration to the U.S.

BY CAROLINE JOHNSON Chronicle Staff Writer

At age sixteen, senior Silvia Adly had a journey ahead of her most sixteen year olds don't have to face. Adly's journey involved immigrating to a new country and learning to fit in a new society for her junior year.

Without anyone to guide her, Adly entered Mason High School to start not only her junior year, but also her new life. Gathering bravery and courage, Adly's will to succeed drove her to become successful at Mason High School.

"I lived in eastern Egypt. I moved [to America] last year when I was sixteen," Adly said.

Adly and her mother, father and two brothers crossed the Atlantic Ocean, wishing to start a new life in a new country, and determined to find more opportunities in America.

"We moved here for the education," Adly said.

When the Adly family immigrat-

ed to the United States, Silvia's 22-year old brother was attending college in Egypt.

"He came over with us. He worked for a year. Now he is going to a community college in Cincinnati," she said.

"I have been religious since birth; it has helped me through the move.�

Adly hopes to attend the University of Cincinnati after she is finished with high school.

"I would like to study pharmaceuticals," Adly said.

Adly's primary language is Arabic, but she learned English at the age of seven. Although she did not have to conquer a new language while moving, emotionally, Adly has found it hard to adjust to the new environment.

"I miss my friends and family. It is very different here. I don't like it and want to go back," she said.

"But I can't because there is no work [in Egypt]."

Adly's younger brother, George, who is a freshman at Mason High School agrees with his sister.

"All my friends are in Egypt and if they could come here it would be very good. But life in Egypt is not urbanized, such as the schools, so we can get better education here," George said, who would also like to study pharmaceuticals after high school.

Despite the lack of work in Egypt, Adly finds Egyptian schools to contain a harder curriculum.

"School is easier here," Adly said who is used to a more rigorous grading scale, and is taking all the typical senior classes.

Throughout the past year, Adly has found her faith to be a guiding light in many times of struggle.

"I have been religious since birth; it has helped me through the move," Adly said.

Homecoming Royalty

Chronicle photo by Michelle Rotbart

Seniors Mike Kelly and Andrea Pendell were crowned Homecoming King and Queen at halftime of the Comets 70-12 victory over Walnut Hills last Friday.

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News Notebook ACT/SAT help available Students looking for extra ACT/SAT practice can log on to the new "Learn-ATest" website for free practice tests as well as scoring and answer explanations. Anyone with a Mason Public Library Card can use the site. Visit www.masonpl.lib.oh.us and click on the "Learn-A-Test" icon for more information.

College Fair at U.D. On Wednesday, November 2nd the University of Dayton will be hosting the Dayton Area College Night. From 6:30 to 8:30 pm 150 colleges and universities will be showcased in the University of Dayton Arena.

Volunteer Opportunities Students looking for volunteer hours are encouraged to contact Circle Tail, Inc., a foundation that trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities and also runs a no-kill animal shelter. Volunteers are needed to walk, play with, and socialize with the dogs in their care, as well as many other responsibilities. For more information call (513)-877-3325, or visit www.circletail.org.

Service Award Students who are actively involved in community service are eligible to apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Winners will receive a trip to Washington, DC as well as a $1,000 monetary prize. Applications are available in the guidance office or at www.prudential.com/spirit. Please turn in to Mrs. Courts before by October 28th.

Rugby Club Students interested in starting a rugby club should contact Mrs. Lorri Fox-Allen in the student activities office.

- compiled by Stephanie Visscher

October 7, 2005 World Perspective

Recent developments in Iraq create further division

BY MATT PARTINGTON Chronicle Staff Writer A transitional democratic government.

Potential open civil war. A safer world.

Thousands killed. Destroying terrorism one nation at a time. Destroying America's international credibility, one nation at a time.

For every point about the current war in Iraq there is a counter point -- "The fog of war," as former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara would say.

The situation, however, is only becoming more serious as Iraq approaches October 15th, the date that the Iraqi citizens will vote on a new permanent constitution.

Expected to coincide with the national referendum is an onslaught of violence inteded to defeat the constitution.

The ideological conflict between Iraq’s Sunnis, Shi'ites, and Kurds is at the core of the political divide.

Saddam Hussein, a Sunni Muslim, became infamous for his oppression of Shi'ites and Kurds. Although accounting for 60% of Iraq's population, Shi'ites were disallowed from having any political influence while Hussein was in power. The Kurds, a stateless ethnic group, were the primary victims of Hussein's mass killings.

Sunnis, being a minority, lost their political power when Iraq's new governments were implemented following the ousting of Hussein.

Numerous Sunnis now fear that the new constitution will not grant them enough political influence. Sunni religious and political leaders are now telling their pupils to vote down the constitution.

The Iraqi insurgency is expected to try and nullify the establishment of the new permanent government. Composed of disenfranchised Sunni Muslims, al Qaeda in Iraq, Sunni Islamists, and other affiliated groups, the insurgency is intending to garner enough support to have the constitution voted down on October 15th.

If the constitution does indeed fail, and excessive violence spreads through Iraq,

the entire political and governmental structure in Iraq could become obsolete.

These developments have all added to confusion stateside. The number of casualties is currently at 1,917 American troop deaths, 2,091 total coalition deaths, and between 26,092 and 29,401 civilian deaths.

A recent Gallup poll from September shows that 59% of those polled believe that sending troops to Iraq was a "mistake." At the start of the war, 75% of those polled with the same question said it was not.

When Mason students were asked the same question, 44% stated that they believe it was not a mistake to send troops to Iraq while 36% believe that it was and 20% were "not sure."

Among those who believe that it was not a mistake to send troops cited terrorism as justification. Others stated that the "people [in Iraq] need help" and it was "America's role to step in."

Many of the students who believe that it was a mistake to initiate the war in Iraq cited the general principle of killing as reason enough to dissent. One student pointed out that it is a "war on a terror not Iraq" and another stated that "we're fighting a war under false pretenses."

These "pretenses," however, are becoming less significant as the conflict deepens.

Three questions mark the current debate over Iraq. The first is: Could Iraq escalate in the same fashion as Vietnam?

According to U.S. and foreign intelligence there could be a series of massive calculated attacks on coalition troops in Baghdad.

The result? As Seymour Hersh puts it, a "Battle for Baghdad," much similar to what was seen in Vietnam with the Tet Offensive.

It would be ambitious and wrongheaded to say that Iraq will become the political and militaristic equivalent to Vietnam, but fundamental characteristics have created a conscious affiliation between the two.

The second question is in regard to the determination of radicals to create further

bloodshed. Are they perverse enough to ignite civil war in Iraq? According to organizations such as the International Crisis Group, the current draft of the Iraqi constitution causes too much separation between Iraq's three ethnic and religious groups, and if the constitution is not immediately revised then Iraq will, without doubt, break into full-scale civil war.

This supposition, along with terrorist figurehead Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's recent decision to "launch a comprehensive war on the Shi'ites all over Iraq," is nothing short of alarming. U.S. and Iraqi troops recently tried quell the insurgency by combating the al-Zarqawi-led al Qaeda in Iraq in the northern Iraqi city of Tall 'Afar.

This was the biggest military battle in Iraq since Fellujah last year, and although a strategic victory, Tall 'Afar was also a grim reminder of the insurgency's determination and elusiveness.

Opinions now vary concerning the strength of the insurgency: The White House has claimed that the insurgency is in its "last throes," but according to TIME Magazine, certain military officials in Iraq believe that the insurgency could retain its strength for more than a decade.

The last question concerns Iraq's stability. Will the Iraqi military be effective enough to provide safety for citizens living in a nation populated by three diverse ethnic groups, all seeking their own singular power?

This question has perpetuated the duration of military stationing and will continue to make the issue more complicated.

The answer, however, lies in the determination of the insurgents, how much manpower they will be able to amass in the coming years, and how successful the Iraqi military becomes in subduing them.

The majority of Iraqi citizens want peace within the nation, and October 15th could turn into either the most glorious day in Iraq since the invasion, or the point where the entire nation disintegrates into fervent anarchy.

The Hubley Driving School Student of t he Month Hubley Driving School & The Chronicle are proud to honor Grade: 12 In school accomplishments: Member of National Honor Society Received the Rotary Award sophomore year Received Geometry and English awards sophomore year 3.85 and above GPA for three years (academic letter) Senior Sib Out of school accomplishments: Member of the competition dance team at Carol Young's School of Dance in Oxford for six years Traveled to Japan in the summer of 2005 with People to People Student Ambassadors

K RY S T I N A M A N D

Personal Quote: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

-Dr. Seuss Favorite Class(es): English Future Plans/Goal: Hopes to attend University of North Carolina in Wilmington Teacher Quote: "Krystina is really positive. She listens, smiles and shares in [Words from the Wild] class. Her attitude has been contagious, she has helped make it a really great class; she has made a difference."

-Mr. Tim King, English teacher Chronicle photo by Josh Geiger

5606 Tylersville Rd Mason, OH 45040 754-8652

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5606 Tylersville Rd Mason, OH 45040 754-8652

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New group strives to curb teen drinking and drug abuse

BY DANIELLE WILLIAMS Chronicle Staff Writer

Chronicle photo by Sharon Stewart

“There’s nothing I can do.” This is a common phrase that many students like junior Diana Dunn heard from guidance counselors at the beginning of school this year when they attempted to change their schedules. Above Dunn attempts to persuade her guidance counselor Cheryl Hayes to help her adjust her schedule.

Lack of flexibility in schedule changes force students to adapt tation, and expectations," Margraf said.

Freshmen Tom Lizzio describes some of his teachers' styles as "creepy."

"Please Note: This is your current sched"It's not really what I would want," ule," began the unfriendly text on every Lizzio said. student's schedule on the first day of Even though Lizzio puts forth his best school. The text continued, stating, "due effort, he doesn't feel he's getting the most to scheduling constraints, schedule out of his classes. changes will not be made for anything "I'm more of a visual learner, and when other than dropping and adding a new [my teachers] try to read something out course, as well as filling incomplete sched- loud, I don't really get it," Lizzio said. ules." This list does not include teacher Honors Pre-Calculus teacher Johnothon changes, a restriction leaving some stu- Sauer also understands how teaching dents with teachers students feel cannot styles affect students' ability to learn. teach them.

Sauer admits to having a heavily visual "This is actually not a new teaching style, but by no rule," says Mason High means does he expect all of Last year alone, School Guidance Counselor his students to "be able to Guidance Sally Clark. learn this way."

According to Clark, "stu- Counselors received "As a teacher I feel dents have never been absolutely obligated to teach over 1400 schedule the material in as many allowed to change teachers change requests. without valid reasoning, but ways as possible," Sauer this rule is being enforced According to Marty said. this year because of the Sauer knows it's not Zack, the longest increase in student populaalways possible to teach schedule change tion, making scheduling difanything in a way that ficult." can range from 30 everyone understands, but Mason junior Nicole Crye see this as a necesminutes to an hour. doesn't understands these schedulsarily bad thing. "Students The most common have to learn to cope with ing constraints, but still does not like the rule. different teaching styles," “excuse” for a "If a student learns better said. schedule change is Sauer with a certain teacher, they Sauer sees learning to cope that the student should be able to stay with with different styles as an that teacher," Crye said. important skill for the doesn’t like the Crye believes that most where "a potential class, or that it’s too future, students learn best in "speemployer or college profeshard. The schedule sor would not cater specificific environments."

"It's not that [other teach- changes are supris- cally to any individual." ers] are teaching badly, In cases where students ingly equal in all they just don't fit [with cerare at a disadvantage, grade levels as tain students]," Crye said. exceptions will be made.

Foreign Language each grade “experi"Teachers will be switched Department Chair Jane under special circumences difficulties Margraf can understand stances," Clark said, using within their this point of view. learning disabilities as an "Students tend to get comexample. schedules.” fortable with a certain enviMost of the time, changes ronment, but sometimes absolutely cannot be accomthey have to be forced to make adjust- modated, because according to Clark, ments," Margraf said. "when classes fill up, there is no way for In many cases, these adjustments are students to switch into them just because not as extremely difficult as students of the way the computer is set up." expect.

Sauer believes that there are options for "In each Spanish II class, it's the same students who feel trapped in a poorlymaterial, the same tests, and the same matched learning environment. Although final exam," Margraf said. a student's grades will always come from According to Margraf, "changing teach- their assigned teacher, if they feel they ers would not change the difficulty level or still need to be taught a different way, workload." The only real differences Sauer suggests, "they can always go see between classes are "personality, presen- other teachers for help."

BY RACHEL SLEZAK Chronicle Staff Writer

After strenuous homework assignments, quizzes, projects, and tests, many students yearn for their one moment of relaxation, a break in their hectic agenda, and a moment of bliss after a demanding week, also known as the weekend.

For many students, the weekend is a time where anything goes as long as homework assignments are finished when Monday morning rolls around.

Teachers, parents, and administrators aren't around to monitor students' behavior outside of school if students are out with friends.

This knowledge and constant fear from school officials and parents led to the new Mason campaign, "No Empty Seats."

Nicole Haught, the District Community Resource Coordinator and a member of the Mason Drug and Alcohol Coalition, decided to move this idea to the community after having heard, "No Empty Seats", a personal reflection about losing a loved one in high school written by Mason City Schools Assistant Superintendent Amy Spicher.

"I think all community people want students to make good choices. We don't want empty seats," Haught said.

According to the PRIDE survey taken in the 2004-2005 school year, students are involved in drinking and drug activities outside of school, mostly during the weekend. When the Mason Drug and Alcohol Coalition, which consists of parents, school leaders, community leaders, and other business partners, as well as, the Mason Police Department, felt this was the largest instigator to the campaign.

"There's too many kids getting killed in drug related accidents and we're trying to get the information out," Mason Police officer Troy Nelson said.

The No Empty Seats campaign promotes no underage drinking and runs along the concept that the students' decisions and lives affect other people. The emergent

campaign also encourages parents to talk with their kids and focus on the abuse of alcohol. "[The Mason Drug and Alcohol Coalition] wants parents to encourage [students] to push the use of alcohol as far [away] as possible to delay lifelong problems," Haught said.

In fact, at Mason Middle School, the campaign "Too Smart to Start" is encouraging parents to start communicating with their children early about issues concerning alcohol and drug use.

Thus, in the future, the students will know how to address the issues at hand.

The No Empty Seats campaign also contains the emotional aspects of dealing with teen deaths.

Students and teachers were immensely affected in the 2004-2005 school year, after the tragic death of two students. No Empty Seats is designed to help prevent students from experiencing such devastation.

"I think people think about [No Empty Seats], but they don't appreciate or process the idea," junior Shalini Goyal said.

Some students may feel their actions do not affect their community and fellow students. However, with No Empty Seats constantly growing, the administrators hope is that students may realize the seriousness of alcohol consumption, and their affect on those around them.

"I felt it's a good idea, but it will only spread if students become involved," junior Drew Shields said.

According to Haught, getting more students involved "is a process." Yet this process seems to be steadily moving forward with National Honor Society students getting involved with Red Ribbon Week and the Friday afternoon school announcements reminding students to have "no empty seats" on Monday.

"I think No Empty Seats will grow and eventually have a lot of significance and everyone in school and the community will know the story behind it," junior Elani Wilson said.

MHS mourns death of influential teacher from Armstrong page 1 Ms. Armstrong truly did affect all students and staff members with her strong sense of self.

"She taught us many life lessons in class along with the curriculum. She really listened," sophomore Nick Garcia, who was one of Armstrong's students, said.

Armstrong's death was felt amongst all students, even those who did not know her.

"I never met her, but she affected so much of the school that many people were sad and couldn't put into words how great of a person she was. I felt like I was at a loss too because the world was one less of an amazing person," junior Gen Tripp said.

Advanced Placement Biology teacher Elizabeth Coleman looked back to the last time she spoke to Nikki.

"I saw her on Thursday in the copy room and we were in a hurry, so we were only able to say hello and goodbye. Now, I wish I could've taken a moment to stop and talk to her," Coleman said.

Coleman also proceeded to talk about Ms. Armstrong to the rest of her classes,

hoping to inspire some understanding of the meaning of life.

"I was trying to make it relevant. I knew that everyone could relate to her.

Everybody forgets that she was also somebody's daughter, somebody's mother, yet you don't realize the number of people you impact," Coleman said.

Ms. Armstrong's death affected all the students of Mason High School, whether she taught them or not, through the distinct reminders she brought to the school.

"This tragic event has reminded us all the preciousness of life," Mason High School Principal Dave Allen said.

Though the Mason community will miss Nikki Armstrong, she has left behind the memories of a noble teacher and person.

According to Spanish II teacher Marisa Chahda, "her presence at Mason High School will be missed, but her death has taught us all to watch our actions every day and to be safe in our activities."

"We owe it to ourselves and the people around us to be safe in our actions and value every day we have. No one wants to come to school and see an empty seat," Garcia said.

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CHRONICLENews

October 7, 2005

Longtime Mason residents resistant to widespread urbanization

BY SHARON STEWART Chronicle Staff Writer When urban sprawl hit the small town of Mason, Ohio, the town saw everything they knew take a complete turn. In 1970, Mason consisted of less than 5,700 residents. In 35 years, the town's population has grown five-fold, vaulting Mason up to 25,000 people.

Those who have lived in Mason their entire lives have had to adjust to urbanization 30 years later when it might not be the change they were expecting.

"The only thing I've been amazed at is how fast it's grown," native resident Jim Allison said, voicing the thought on many locals' minds.

Allison moved to Mason in 1941 to substantiate a farm on the land that has now become the Sunset Ridge neighborhood community off Mason Road.

"I remember tending to the cows, chickens, and crops early in the mornings," Allison said.

Allison's change began when he was offered money for his land.

"Someone called me up offering a hefty sum, and I had to weigh it all out. I have roots in farming still, but an agricultural situation in the middle of an overpopulated development is hard to maintain," Allison said.

Some Mason students also share views on the growth of Mason.

"I've watched people have to sacrifice for taxes. The traffic is heavy. My little sister didn't even make the basketball team because of all the people here competing, and she was crushed. It's a constant struggle between the two finance levels nowadays," sophomore Lauren Simendinger said.

With this taken into consideration, some students prefer the farm town feel.

"I don't like more people coming and making it bigger. I'd rather have it small," sophomore Jackson Flaherty said.

Junior Matt Aumann agreed with

Flaherty on the expansion of Mason.

"The feeling that I was here first kind of makes me angry. That kind of change is almost disruptive to what feels like home to me," Aumann said.

In the course of uprooting older ways of life and trying to deposit new ones for them to coincide with, the question is presented of Mason's accountability to the slogan, "The City of Excellence."

"Thriving development here is undeniable. There's a lot of potential in our mix of nice homes and businesses," Allison said.

Junior Eric Ebersole also saw the changes as "a good path."

"There's more friends, more fun, a lot of new people, and the diversity is awesome," Ebersole said.

Mason resident Leslie Custis agreed that while diversity may be a benefit, everything seems to come at a price these days.

"Growth has brought opportunity to children in schools, but has eliminated the small town feeling of a family-oriented community," Custis said.

Custis grew up on the Courtney Farm, on what is now the Pine Run subdivision off Tylersville Rd. Her grandfather owned the land when he bought 200 acres as an investment to fill with cattle, beans, and crops.

"I used to know everybody around here," Custis remembered, "I would ride up Stitt and Mason-Montgomery and not pass any cars the whole time, and now my daughter can't even leave the neighborhood without calling us."

Custis reflected on how farm life is "very different than life today."

"Today, kids get up, watch TV, and

Faith helps Huff through difficult time; will always be cautious from Huff page 1 cells of the skin. Almost 60,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma every year in the United States alone.

"You get preferred treatment with melanoma," Huff said while discussing the immediate dangers of melanoma and how doctors spare no time to operate on melanoma patients.

Although the tumor on Huff's ear was in its later stages of development, the cells had not yet spread to other parts of his body. Once into the bloodstream, melanoma can invade the lymph nodes and other sectors of the body which greatly lowers survival rates.

"Once it spreads, you're almost a lost cause," Huff said. "I am fortunate."

Huff relied on his faith to help cope with the dangers of melanoma.

"I don't know how people who do not have faith can deal with cancer," Huff said Expressing his reliance on religion during a time of personal distress Huff said, "I wouldn't trade my relationship with Jesus Christ for anything.�

Huff feels that his experience with cancer has been more of a learning experience than a revelation. Rather than making substantial adjustments to his life Huff "gained a new perspective on the world."

"The material things in life are insignificant when you're diagnosed with cancer. All those things are nice, but not really valuable anymore," Huff said.

After his experience with cancer, Huff came to the realization that "wealth without health is meaningless."

Despite now being cancer-free, Huff still lives with the danger that a tumor could again emerge. He is scheduled to periodically revisit a doctor over the next several months to prevent any relapse.

"Even though you're cancer-free you're still being checked. Once they determine you have cancer you become marked. There is always suspicion," Huff said.

Huff stresses the importance of "taking care of your skin and being aware of any abnormal growths." The possibility of contracting melanoma increases with excessive exposure to sunlight, existence of irregular moles, and hereditary history. Everyone, however, is vulnerable. More than 7,800 people in the United States die of melanoma per year. Because of the lethal risks of melanoma and the successful removal of all malignant cells, Huff feels fortunate that he did not have to encounter the more serious stages of melanoma.

"There are people a lot worse off," Huff said. "I consider myself blessed."

(Above) What was once farmland now is home to the Mason Intermediate School (left). play Playstation. And that's not good or bad, but the work just isn't there in a (housing) development," Custis said. "It takes about an hour to mow a lawn now, but it took three or four hours on a farm."

Senior Cody Hanson has also always lived in Mason and noted his disappointment in the change.

"I remember a Halloween party at the Wilken's farm on Irwin Simpson when I was younger. Now that farm has become a massive shopping center," Hanson said.

To many teenagers today, farms have come to sound like their own obscure nook of the world, but Custis remembered it as a very "homey" kind of place.

"There were only three houses on our street and we all shared a phone line.

We'd get up, Mom would pack us a lunch, and my sister and I would go out riding horses into the land and not come back until four o'clock," Custis said.

She remembers the many memories the land held.

"I remember everyone coming over to ice skate on the pond and we'd build a fire. And I remember the blizzard of '78 where we couldn't get up Stitt for a week," Custis said.

With such connections to the land, Custis "was a mess" when her farm was finally sold.

"It was just very sad. It's probably been 11 or 12 years, but I used to get terribly nostalgic and it was hard getting used to having neighbors. I used to be able to ride or walk anywhere in town and know everybody I passed. There weren't security issues then. We used to go to bed and not lock our doors," Custis said.

Custis feels as though it's hard to hold onto what remains of her home.

"It's fun to run into people, but it's definitely not what it used to be. But it's life. It's progress."

‘05 grads find transition to college to be difficult prise that the thing the former seniors miss the most are their friends.

"In high school you know everyone. Everybody has No dress code. Later classes. No punishment for a good bond. A lot of my [friends] went into the not doing your homework. These are some of the Army right out of high school. I miss my friends many freedoms often given to college students. As and it's not the same," graduate David "Bravo" the class of 2005 moves away from the real world, Smith said, who started classes at Raymond some graduates find the transition into college to be Walters College in late September. different than they expected.

Some relationships also continue to grow into the "High school teachers hold your hand and tell you college years. exactly what they want done. In college, they give "When you see [people from high school], even if you a syllabus on the first day and tell you it's your you didn't talk to them then, you talk to them now responsibility," '05 Mason High School graduate just because it's a reminder of home," Ernest said.

Kristi Dawes said, a current student Students have also discovered at Kent State University. how much they miss their friends "High school The structures and operations of coland family. teachers hold your lege academics was also something "I'm more homesick than I hand and tell you graduates found to be surprisingly difthought I would be. I thought I'd ferent from high school. be fine living up here by myself, exactly what they "In college there are a lot more proI actually want to see my want done. In college, but fessors per student, and you don't family," Dawes said. they give you a sylhave trouble switching classes and Unlike some of her peers, Sam teachers," Dawes said. labus on the first day Frashier feels thankful that she College freshmen not only have to a college close to home. and tell you it's your chose adapt to class changes but lifestyle "I think if you live far away, you responsibility," changes as well. Some students find don't get to see your family at all. living in a dorm room to be challengI have the option of just driving ‘05 graduate ing and inconvenient. up if I really miss my mom," Kristi Dawes "[The dorm rooms] are really small; Frashier said, who has also had it's smaller than my room at home, to deal with the separation from and there's no [air conditioning]. My roommate and her brother, Junior Nate Frashier.

I don't get along very well because she's clean and "It's weird because I'm used to being around my I'm messy," Sam Frashier, freshman at Cincinnati brother, and I'm used to doing everything with him.

Christian University said.

But before I left I knew I was going to miss him, Others however enjoy the change of living in a "Frashier said. new environment.

Overall, the former students agree that the tran"I was really surprised by how nice my dorm is; sition from high school to college has been one full it's like a hotel," said Ohio University student of difficulties and surprises.

Natalie Ernest.

"High school was hard, but college is going to be From multiple principals to the deaths of class- harder. You have to push yourself to succeed. You mates, most can agree that the class of 2005 had have to do what you have to do to get it done," been through a lot together. From this, it is no sur- Smith said.

BY CANDICE PHILPOT Chronicle Staff Writer

The Chronicle can be viewed online at masoncomets.org

October 7, 2005

The

CHRONICLEArts&Entertainment

7

Community theatre to perform Wizard of Oz The Young Performers Community Theatre of Mason with the Ohio Metropolitan Theatre Orchestra presents The Wizard of Oz at the Mason High School theatre.

Show times are Friday, October 14 at 7:00, Saturday, October 15 at 1:00 and 7:00. The Saturday1:00 performance will be interpreted for the hearing impaired. The final show is Sunday, October 16 at 1:00.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ActingUpOnline.org or call 5880183. Tickets can also be purchased one hour prior to showtime. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and children, seniors $6.

The play is directed by Mason High School teacher Arlene Schwab.

Chronicle cartoon published in Best of High School Press 2005 graduate Andy Rowland’s cartoon “MHS Administration cracks down on campus crime” was recently featured in the National Scholastic Press Association’s “Best of the High School Press.”

Explore culture at Contemporary Arts Center Explore Cincinnati's culture through Music, Posters, documentaries, and photographs at the Contemporary Arts Center located on 44 E. Sixth Street Cincinnati, OH. The event takes place at 11:00 am on Saturday and Sunday, and at 10:00 am on every weekday except for Tuesday. The event will take place from Friday Oct 7th through Monday Oct 31st.

You may park at parking meters, or look for various prices in nearby garages.

Admission prices are as follows: $7.50 adults, $6.50 seniors, $5.50 students, $4.50 ages 3-13.

Essex Studios holding October Art Walk Essex Studios is holding an October Art Walk, where over 100 artist studios display their original artworks in a variety of medias. This event is free, and is held on October the 7th and the 8th at 6:00 pm and located at Essex Studios on 2515 Essex Place Cincinnati, OH. For more information, call (513) 244-3375, or visit www.essexstudios.com.

Book talks at the Mason Public Library The Mason Public Library hosts a book discussion group every third Tuesday of the month. Call 398-2711 for further details or e-mail masonplcir@oplin.org.

On October 18, the group will be discussing Lunch at the Piccadilly by Clyde Edgerton. Epilogue, a book club for adults over 55, meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m.at the BRIDGE in the Mason Community Center and is a joint service with the Mason Public Library.

- compiled by Sarah Fukatsu

Chronicle photo by Michelle Rotbart

Modernizing

a medievel art form

BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor While art can be defined by some as a painting or drawing, sophomore Ashton Kemerling has found his own type of art in a medievel sculpture-art form called chainmaille.

"It's something not a lot of people know about, but it's still a form of art and is very interesting," Kemerling said.

Chainmaille or "chain mail", which originated during the late Roman era, was actually a form of armor that officers wore for protection. However, it progressed into an art form as artisans and craftsmen picked it up during the centuries that followed.

"It definitely has a lot of history to it. It's not something new; it has it's own background," Kemerling said.

Chainmaille is made up of joined metal links that combine to create "rows" of metallic structure in bridge-like patterns. Each link can range in size from one eighth of an inch to one sixteenth of an inch. The process to create chainmaille is one of endurance, as Kemerling must manually attach each link, spending at least five minutes on each link-to-link connection.

"There's definitely a lot of time involved in the creation of chainmaille. It's a process," Kemerling said.

Kemerling's devotion to this hobby began in eighth grade, after watching The Lord of the Rings, and seeing a similar creation. Kemerling decided to try his hobby by finding how to create it on the Internet.

"I decided to do something on my own that I could be proud of. I didn't get help from my dad because this was my own hobby," Kemerling said.

After reading the strenuous processes involved in chainmaille, Kemerling was not discouraged. Kemerling contacted an industrial metal supplier for his rings and simply borrowed some of his father's tools.

"The information and resources are out there. You just have to find them," Kemerling said.

According to Kemerling, creating chainmaille is not an expensive hobby, with rings only amounting to four or five dollars a pound, depending on the size. The tools needed to create these links are 5" offset slip joint pliers and the different metallic rings.

Despite understanding the process, Kemerling has experienced his own share of mistakes.

"I didn't know that you had to use two pliers. I used one plier and began creating chainmaille with my bare hands and I tore up my hand. But it did help me to improve my skills," Kemerling said.

Besides spending the entire summer creating an "armor-like" vest, Kemerling has made bracelets, belts, necklaces, hacky

sacks, and tie chains. In his opinion, a guitar strap he created for his friend, which consisted of over two thousand key chain kings, was the "neatest" thing he has created, and a necklace, consisting of over two hundred rings, was the most "important piece he has created so far." "[The necklace] was definitely the hardest and most important piece because it consisted of rings that were one sixteenth of an inch large, and were difficult to combine. But after having created it, it was the one piece that meant the most to me because I was able to give it to my girlfriend, and it had the most sentimental value," Kemerling said.

Kemerling's hobby has begun to reap its own rewards, as many of his peers began requesting orders for bracelets, at a cost of ten to twenty dollars. Despite producing a small business out of chainmaille, Kemerling feels "the money is a side thing."

"It's nice to be rewarded and have people appreciate your work, but it's not the reason I began or continue to create chainmaille. It's a rewarding experience in itself," Kemerling said.

Kemerling believes that anyone can learn how to partake in this learning experience, but "they must be dedicated."

"A lot of people give up during the first learning curve. It's a learning process so it will be hard, but you have to stick to it.

After that first curve, the rest is learning how to weave and create different patterns. All it takes is patience and an ability to understand patterns," Kemerling said. "It's not that difficult."

Although Kemerling does admit to spending four or five hours during the school week to creating chainmaille, he does not want to pursue chainmaille in his future career.

"I plan on going to the army and I want to be a career soldier or engineer," Kemerling said.

Despite Kemerling's talent in his creations, Kemerling has not been recognized for his work by art shows or competitions "I just want to be able to go home and get into my own time of creating it. I don't really need someone to say that it's important for me to like it," Kemerling said.

Kemerling also enjoys working with firearms, playing video games, and watching television in his spare time. However, none of these activities allow for the sense of individuality that Kemerling retains from his favorite hobby of creating chainmaille.

"Most people think I'm pretty insane for doing this. They can't comprehend doing something that takes this much time and not getting money in return for the work, but I really do get something back from it. It gives me the pride of seeing my final creation, and I think that's worth more than any amount of money," Kemerling said.

8

The

CHRONICLEA&E

October 7, 2005

Art careers offer opportunities to express creativity and earn a living

BY SARAH FUKATSU Chronicle Staff Writer In the early 1900's, Pablo Picasso was barely surviving because of the lack of money an artist was paid. Yet times have changed, and with the continuous increase of media on TV, the Internet, and through newspaper advertisements, graphic artists and artists in general are in higher demand and are being paid for their talents.

Graphic Arts Teacher Aaron Roberts studied Art Education at Miami University to become a teacher. He also does freelance design on the side where he creates logos, letterheads, stationary, and business cards for companies.

"You could definitely live on an art salary, and if you want to end up with a good job in the arts, you must do as much art preparation as possible," Roberts said.

Occasionally, parents have been known to discourage their children from pursuing the arts because of the supposedly low-success rate. However, Senior Veronica Cordero's mother, Maria Astudillo, believes that "if [a person] is planning on having a job her whole life, she might as well enjoy that job."

Cordero wants to go into Animation or Designing, because "the style is always in constant motion", and because "Disney will always come out with new movies."

Cordero "isn't afraid of finding a job, because [there are] numerous amounts of job opportunities out there for graphic artists."

A sophomore at Miami University, Hana Scibetta is majoring in Computer Science, where she hopes to study web design and 3D animation, because of her "love of art and working with computers."

"I figured that [the amount of] technical jobs, such as graphic arts are growing and that there will always be a demand for them," said Scibetta.

Roberts believes art is its own business.

"It's like any other business out there. And with enough preparation, you can succeed," Roberts said.

Drama teacher Allen Young majored in drama education; he now teaches performing arts here at Mason and directs the drama productions.

"Theatre is demanding. Usually actors have another job on the side." Young said.

In theatre, you can be an actor, a director, a stage manager, or be involved with theatre business, etc. "[Finding a job in] technical theatre will be easier." Young said. "The salary depends on how steady your job is."

Technical director Stephen Branch controls the set, the lighting and most of the backstage jobs during a production here at Mason. Branch teaches Technical Theatre for Non Technical People, Foundations of Technical Theatre, and Advanced Technical Theatre.

"Every production has technical designers.

The technical designers control all the costumes, sets, lighting, publicity, etc.

Practically everything other than acting.

Good technicians are always in demand."

Branch said.

Since technicians are in demand, Branch believes that technician designers and those working in the arts field are able to find work and acquire a good living salary from their job.

"The salary depends on what you are given.

I have a friend who worked for six months straight, all week, and twelve hours a day.

He then received $60,000, and then took the next six months off. The jobs will vary."

Branch said.

Choral director Elaine Santos believes "you can find a job in performing arts, being an educator, copy writing, publishing, composing, business, music arrangement, and musical instruments. Musicians make a lot of money."

Unlike Picasso, many artists are seeing more appreciation for their work.

"If you have the passion, then you will have no problem with too much work, or too little work. If you truly love it, you will find work."

Santos said.

Homegrown authors sprout up in Mason

BY SARAH FUKATSU Chronicle Staff Writer Mason students normally don't read books unless assigned, and those that do are in short quantity. However, in the midst of text-phobic students, Mason High School has produced two authors: Sophomore Emily Dearworth and District Attendance Officer Rick Huff.

Dearworth wrote a children's book called And That's The Way It Happened composed of short stories. Dearworth explains her writing as "just-so" stories.

"A 'just-so' story is where some sort of talking animal gains one of its characteristics by learning a lesson. For example, 'how the skunk got its stripe,'" Dearworth said.

In Kimberly Lehman's seventh grade class, writing "just-so" stories was included in the curriculum. The summer after 7th grade, Dearworth continued to write these stories, and compiled them into a portfolio, which she brought to a self-publishing company called "Author House", formally known as "First Books."

"I wrote towards kids, whom I wanted to get the morals that were clearly shown," Dearworth said.

Dearworth was able to teach the moral by ending each story with a poem.

Huff, on the other hand, steered toward a non-fictional book.

Huff wrote an inspirational piece called Secret of The Called.

Being a retired pastor, he wanted to speak to those who are seeking God. "It's a devotional, a book about finding God's purpose. It's about getting closer to God and developing a closer relationship with God," Huff said.

Huff wrote it as if it was a journal, "to speak to others about looking to the future, and following what God has planned out."

He uses the stories of Paul and Abraham as an outline and tries to make their experiences more relevant to today's society.

Through this book, he wanted to "encourage older teens and younger adults to follow the small pieces God shows each person. To have faith in what God is trying to do with their lives."

"I believe it's like a Hansel and Gretel thing. That God reveals his purpose in tiny pieces," Huff said.

In Huff's second book, The Contender, he writes similarly but Huff tries inspiring his readers to follow the Holy Spirit in everyone's life.

"It's not theology," Huff stated, "It's written in a conversational style."

Dearworth, too, has started to write her next book which is written for 9-12 year olds; a mysterious murder set in Australia.

The

October 7, 2005

Sam Goldsmith Music Review

Eric Ditzel Video Game Review

Stephanie Visscher Book Review

CHRONICLEA&E

9

Matt Partington Movie Review

McCartney gets it done in Chaos and Creation

Splinter Cell is one of best tactical games ever

Horowitz's latest brew less potent than expected

Constant Gardener engaging and stylish

Living a long time can make you have many different feelings about many different things. Many of those have to be repressed or expressed artistically.

Paul McCartney, an ex-Beatle and one of the legendary figures of rock and roll, is now sixty-three.

Like his contemporaries, The Rolling Stones, he is still a vital songwriter and performer. Without his most famous collaborator, John Lennon, McCartney as a solo artist is still getting the job done.

A listener would think and hope that at this stage of life he would start letting out his feelings about everything, and he does this magnificently on his new album.

With the guidance of maverick producer Nigel Godrich (of Radiohead and Beck fame), McCartney has once again, as he proved in 1997's masterpiece Flaming Pie, that he can be very personal in his songwriting.

From love songs like "Promise to You Girl" and "Anyway," to the deep selfexaminations such as "At the Mercy" and "How Kind of You" (which is biting), he shows his true self.

Imagine, as you sit there, that someone is creeping in the shadows, watching your every move. He waits for the perfect moment, and like a ghost, he creeps up to your behind and pulls you into the shadows: you never even knew he was there.

Well, here's the good part: you get to be the sneaky one. In Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, you take on the roll of Sam Fisher, the ultimate weapon in US intelligence.

If you are captured or killed, the US government will deny your very existence, so don't expect any help if you get into trouble.

In my opinion, this is one of the best tactical action games available on console. Compared to the Metal Gear Solid and Rainbow 6 series, this game ranks a close first or second. The best thing about Chaos Theory is that in most situations you can choose between both brute force and my favorite, stealthy assaults.

Rather than being forced to do one or the other, you can take your pick or mix and match. If you want to be sneaky, you can creep up in the shadows, grab someone from behind and knock them out. Or, you can go in guns blazing and bring every guard and lowlife around to your side; it's your pick.

Fisher is equipped with all the latest gadgets this time around. New additions include: launch-able projectiles such as the sticky shocker and the ring airfoil, sniper and shotgun attachments for the SC-20K rifle, the electronics disrupter (OCP), the standard thermal and nightvision goggles, and the new EEV vision (Electronically Enhanced Vision). With all these toys, and more, you can attack any situation with hundreds of different options.

While there are only ten solo levels, depending on your style, they may take from one and a half hours to two hours to beat. Also, the multiplayer variant is extremely fun and challenging over Xbox Live. In this mode, two spies go against two heavily armed ARGUS Mercenaries competing in various modes ranging from deathmatch to assault-type missions.

Ubisoft has also added in an interesting Co-op mode where two players work together in specially designed missions in a side "story mode". While the levels are not as rich in detail, Co-op is worth your while.

As an ardent fan of Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series, which detail the adventures of a teenage spy for Britain's MI6 network, I was excited to read Raven's Gate, the first of five books in the "Gatekeepers" series. Excited, that is, until I opened the book.

The story starts out when 14-year-old Matt Freeman is sent to live with Claire Deverill in Lesser Malling as part of juvenile reform program after he is caught robbing an electronic warehouse. Matt is essentially a good, if a little misguided, kid, who just happens to have mysterious precognitive powers. It soon becomes apparent that the entire town population is actually a witch clan who plans to sacrifice Matt in order to open "Raven's Gate," a supernatural barrier preventing monstrous fiends from entering into the real world. As the story goes on Matt, with the help of journalist Richard Cole, discovers that he is one of five children destined to save the world from the above mentioned monsters.

What the book is mainly lacking is explanation for its supernatural elements. For some reason Matt smells burning toast whenever something bad is about to happen, but it is never fully explained why.

And at some point into the climax Matt gains control of his powers, but there's no explanation as to how, and they disappear almost as quickly as they came, again, without an explanation. Another question is how could England not notice when the entire population of Lesser Malling disappeared at the same time an abandoned nuclear power factory is destroyed in an "accident"?

As an author known for originality, Horowitz also proved disappointing when he included every single witch cliché ever invented. Deverill's beloved pet is (surprise, surprise), a black cat. Black candles are lit in the room in which the clan plans to sacrifice Matt to the dark forces, and the upside down cross hanging from the room's ceiling destroys any chance Horowitz may have had of regaining his creative dignity.

Horowitz claims to have salvaged material for Raven's Gate from one of his earlier book series. You would think when the series went out of print before it was even finished it would have set bells ringing that the story just wasn't bestseller material. Unfortunately, four more books in the series are planned.

The Raven's Gate does have one frightening aspect, in that it could be the first sign that Horowitz's amazing talent may be disappearing.

Fernando Meirelles brings his second political thriller and his first Englishlanguage film.

Meirelles' last production, City of God, won numerous international awards in 2003 and floored audiences with its powerful message about children living in crime-ridden slums surrounding Rio de Janeiro.

In franker terms: Not the easiest film to try and follow up. I can say with assurance, however, that The Constant Gardener only furthermore proves Meirelles skill behind the camera.

Although not the revelation City of God was, The Constant Gardener is stylish, engaging, and breakneck, all the while leaving you feeling as if you have been involved in some grand international conspiracy.

Taking place in Africa, the movie begins with a scattered montage of a car accident. Where it took place, who was involved, and how it happened is unknown.

“Paul McCartney has indeed gotten older, but he wears his age well.”

The delightful "Friends to Go" is a moving tribute to fellow Beatle George Harrison who died in 2001. The song in fact sounds like something Harrison himself would write. "Jenny Wren" is a song inspired by a McCartney classic, "Blackbird," off The Beatles (a.k.a. White Album).

He calls it "the daughter" of "Blackbird" and it is more than worthy of that title. It is a haunting and beautiful song about an intelligent and wise young girl who has been beaten down by everyone and everything around her. The last line of the song is an apologetic, "You saw who we are, Jenny Wren."

The first single of the album is "Fine Line," which McCartney played in support of the victims of Hurricane Katrina on ReAct Now. It has the power of something like The Beatles' rocker, "Lady Madonna."

Paul McCartney has indeed gotten older, but he wears his age well.

This is a great example of a classic songwriter putting out classic material.

“The Constant Gardener makes a strong case for the first great film of the year.”

Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes) is a British diplomat and is told that his wife Tessa (Rachel Weisz) died in the wreck her friend Arnold seemingly fled the crime scene.

Justin becomes suspicious of the events that take place around him and loses trust in the local police. Justin begins to investigate his wife's death and becomes aware of an entirely other conspiracy concerning European drug companies testing for Tuberculosis in Africa.

The movie never falls behind its audience. Because it also delves deep into the psychological aspects of its characters, The Constant Gardener can be easily separated from films akin; Fiennes' subtleness and Weisz's emotional range are Oscar-worthy.

Meirelles seemingly uses film as a vice for his views on social activism and underneath each of his films there is an important moral message.

A rare trademark in modern cinema indeed, but one that is both thought-provoking and noble. The Constant Gardener makes a strong case for the first great film of the year.

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CHRONICLEFeature

October 7, 2005

Focus turns to family rather than senior year frolics for pregnant teen

BY CAROLINE JOHNSON Chronicle Staff Writer Food cravings, doctor appointments, and birthing classes are the events that fill up Lauren Kirch's senior year. As the typical senior year revolves around a social life, Kirch's must focus on making vital decisions that will not only affect her future, but also her child's.

On March 22nd, when Kirch was sixteen, she discovered she was pregnant. Due on November 21st, Kirch must balance her senior year in high school and being an expectant mother.

"I was two days late and I got nervous so I decided to take the [pregnancy] test to make myself feel better, but it didn't make me feel so good," Kirch said.

Kirch was not alone when she discovered she was pregnant.

"I was on the phone with my friend while I took the test and my boyfriend was on his way over,"

Kirch said, whose boyfriend, Greg Purdy, is and shocked. I knew [there] was an option 18 and attending Wilmington College. to leave Lauren, but it wasn't one I wanted "When I told my mom she cried for a half to take," Purdy said. an hour. My aunt was in town, whose son Kirch will be having a boy and plans on got his girlfriend pregnant while still in naming him Cameron Matthew. She has high school, so my mom talked to her and found a role model in her cousin and his she made my mom feel better about it. But wife, who had a baby before they were marmy dad still hasn't gotten over it," Kirch ried while in high school. Kirch calls them said. her "inspirations".

Kirch found it easier to tell her mom "The baby my cousin had is named before telling her dad.

Matthew, which is why my son's middle "My mom told my dad name will be for me,� Kirch said.

Matthew," Kirch said.

"In the beginning they After hearing the news, Kirch hadn't expectwanted me to have an Kirch and her father ed what was necesabortion. It was hard because sary for raising a child stopped talking.

However, Kirch's mom before [the pregnancy] I didn't until her first experihas been supportive know his family very well, and ence at Baby's R' Us. throughout the pregnan"I didn't realize how then I found myself in a room much stuff you have cy.

When Kirch first disto have. The little yelling at all of them.� covered she was pregthings you think are nant, in her mind abortion was not an common and everyone has to have when option because in her words, "my family is they have a baby are really luxury things," against abortion". However, she didn't know Kirch said. if she would keep the baby or give it up for Kirch who currently holds a job has saved adoption. enough money to pay for a babysitter dur"It took three weeks of thinking to decide ing the third trimester while she attends to keep the baby," Kirch said. school. For everything else necessary to Although Kirch didn't have a problem support the baby, Kirch looks to her parents convincing her family to keep the baby, for support.

Purdy's family was harder to deal with.

"My tuition to college is less than what "In the beginning they wanted me to we had planned on because I won't be living have an abortion. It was hard because there, I will be living with my parents. For before [the pregnancy] I didn't know his things like diapers, clothes, food and gas my family very well, and then I found myself in parents are going to give me $50 dollars a a room yelling at all of them," Kirch said. week. The hard thing for me is that I won't In the first stages of her pregnancy, Kirch have any money for extras," Kirch said, who had apprehensions on whether she and has to adjust to a tight budget in order to Purdy would stay together. save money for the baby. Kirch will also "At first I didn't know if we were going to hold a job to help support her and the baby last, because he thought he could control after he is born. me. But I told him if that is the way [he's] Returning third trimester, Kirch plans to going to be, then we couldn't be graduate on time, after she has the baby. together, and he called a few days After graduation she hopes to attend the later and apologized," Kirch said.

Miami University Middletown.

Although Kirch and Purdy do not "I don't know if I will go to Miami of plan on getting married, they will Middletown right away or if it is going to be both be involved in the baby's in a couple of years, but I would like to do life. something in the medical field or teaching," "We will swing back and Kirch said. forth between each other's Despite a few rumors spread about Kirch houses," Purdy said, who and her pregnancy, she has found her close didn't know what to think friends to be supportive. when he first heard the "My friends are excited for me," Kirch news of the baby. said. "I am proud of who I am, and I would"I was speechless n't go back."

Kirch doesn't mind the opinions of her peers,

however, she does respect the opinions of adults. Kirch found support from English teacher Lori Roth.

"We were both pregnant at the same time and she was sympathetic for me when I was sick," Kirch said.

During third trimester of last year, Kirch struggled with balancing school and her health.

"It was really hard. I couldn't take off any school, and sometimes I threw up five times a day in the middle of classes. I lost a lot of weight, which was not healthy, but I learned how important it was to get up and go to school," Kirch said, whose health is stable now.

Kirch has changed her eating habits to insure her son will be healthy when he is born.

"I don't have strange cravings, but instead I crave things the baby needs. Lately I have been craving pumpkin because it has Vitamin A and I have not eaten anything with Vitamin A [during the pregnancy]," Kirch said.

Kirch has had to explain her pregnancy to her younger brother, who found it difficult to consider himself an uncle.

"My brother is seven and when [my mom and I] first told him I was pregnant, he kept on asking when he was going to be a big brother. When we told him he wasn't going to be a brother, he was going to be an uncle, he said he was too young to be an uncle," Kirch said.

Kirch realizes her son's life will be different than a baby that is born into an older family with married parents.

Although Kirch feels she has planned for her and her child's future well, she does have apprehensions about her life after the baby is born.

"I'm nervous about what will happen if I didn't plan as well as I thought I had. I'm also nervous about my boyfriend and if he is going to do what he says he will," Kirch said. Kirch has learned to adapt to her new life style.

"I have a lot of friends who have seen what I've gone through. With my personality, I don't mind not being able to go homecoming this year. My friends would die if they couldn't go to homecoming. I also can't go to movies or football games because I have to work. My friends will say just call off work, but I can't. I don't have a choice; I have to work to prepare for my future.� Kirch said.

Chronicle photo by Michelle Rotbart

S ENOUR F LAHERTY I NSURANCE A GENCY 7451 Mason Montgomery Road

(513) 398-6966 Agents Jack Flaherty Duke Flaherty

October 7, 2005

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Technology is constantly evolving, but do students rely on it too much to get by in their daily routine, or is it just that....

“It's just like an obsession, or a world you’re getting lost into, and that could be unproductive.”

Sony Walkman First released in 1979, the Walkman was one of the first personal music players. Besides using up batteries at a fast rate, they had poor quality and you had to decipher between side A and B when loading the tape.

Despite all this, the device was a small step in the right direction for modern music players.

Timeline

Junior Miharu Kato is never alone as he sets off for a run around his neighborhood. No, his running partner is not another dedicated cross-country teammate. No, it is not his dog. No, of course it is not his mom.

Kato's constant companion is his iPod. "I like the music, and I have so much that there's always something new to listen to," Kato said.

According to Kato, he plays the music on his iPod "typically at 75 percent" loudness, which is putting him in serious risk for developing hearing problems. In an article written by Tom Valeo for WebMD this past August, Dr. Brian Fligor explains that listening to music at volumes that exceed 85 decibels correlates directly to the development of hearing problems; and turning down the volume offers little relief from this threat. According to Fligor, it is a combination of how loud and how long you listen to your music that affects your hearing.

Freshman Tony Patti is skeptical of such reports.

"I saw [a] report on [the] news and [it said iPods] should only be at 60 percent volume for an hour a day. I don't feel it's that bad," Patti said.

Laura Giesel, a registered nurse who works for Mason High School, admitted the extent of ear damage caused by listening to iPods may not be as bad as some stories report.

"I don't know if it would lead to deafness, but you could definitely have damage where you're going to lose your different [hearing] levels," Giesel said.

Giesel explained that there are different frequencies of sound that ears pick up. Depending on the damage, teens can either stop hearing low frequencies, (noises with lower tones), or high frequencies, (high pitched sounds).

"That's why you have people who are working around jet engines wearing headphones. There's a lot of protection going on. When you're using an iPod, there's nothing there to protect you except for your own sense[s]," Giesel said.

Although the knowledge that portable music players cause hearing problems has been known for years, the advent of smaller headphones inserted inside a person's ears has refreshed the concern. "[Teens] are going to be blowing off their parents and everybody, but they should be thinking about [potential harm to their hearing], especially when they got something right there into their ear," Giesel said.

Despite the threat of deafness, teens continue to ignore warnings. Some even believe modern medicine will cure any hearing problems. Giesel agreed that hearing aids are improving with time, but added that students should not count on technology to solve their problems.

"I don't think that gives you the right to say 'I'll just fix it later.' You don't know how much things can be done and if you will be able to restore [your hearing]," she said.

Although Kato is well aware of the health risks of listening to his iPod at high volume, he has done nothing so far to change his habits.

"I live for the moment," Kato said. The question is, will he always be able to hear it?

don't want to give reason for any student to not listen to the teacher," Coates said. "If we allow [students] to have [iPods] then we are [allowing] them to not listen."

According to Coates, the reasoning behind the regulations of iPods has nothing to do with censorship of the music students may choose to listen to.

"We don't want any distraction in the classroom, whether it's Frank Sinatra or it's [a rock band]," he said.

Despite their potential to distract students, special education classes have welcomed the iPod as well as other music devices as way to help students.

"Sometimes different types of music would aid in concentration," said Study Skills teacher Nikki Huelsman. "Some times people just need [to block out] stimulants from the outside where they can put the headphones on and focus," she said.

According to Huelsman, music therapy helps many students with special learning needs.

"It doesn't tie in with one particular disability because many disabilities come with anxiety and being overwhelmed will come with that."

Nevertheless, there are rules that pertain to who can have an iPod in class.

"For a few select students it's written into their plans as far as the availability to use music to concentrate," Huelsman said.

However, these students cannot play their iPod anytime they would like.

"You have to leave it in that classroom or leave it in [your] locker," Huelsman said. iPods are not the only gadgets becoming popular among teens. The recently introduced Plastation Portable, or PSP, can play video games, movies, store MP3 files, and even provide internet access.

Leiter, a proud owner of a PSP, sometimes uses the device at his work, Panera Bread. "[I play] on breaks and stuff," Leiter said. "Once my boss watched me play it."

However, unlike iPods, teachers need not worry about the potential of students using PSP's in class.

"I don't really [play my PSP] at times when you're not supposed to," Leiter said. In the case of the Playstation Portable, size works against students.

"It's small but not that small," Leiter said.

A gadget enthusiast, Leiter also owns one of the many models of camera phones popular among Mason students.

Although it may seem a petty accessory, Leiter believes a camera phone can be very useful.

"If something you want to look back on later comes up, you will want to have a camera," he said. However, Leiter admitted that such an event is not a daily occurrence.

"One day you might not take a picture, one day you might take twenty," he said. "It just depends on what's going on."

As the market for gadgets grows so are teens’ attachment to them. Although the device has risen to be a cultural icon and in some cases, a must have fashion accesory, for Durst, the main appeal is the biggest difference between iPods and real life.

“It’s easy to control,” Durst said.

Personal CD Player

Player

By Stephanie Visscher The Chronicle Staff Writer

faster."

Mason High School's psychologist Jeff Schlaeger understands the appeal of using iPods to tune out from reality.

Senior Krys Durst finds her way through the congested "[Listening to music] doesn't take much work. Music is halls of Mason High School easily. She has become so dexsomething you can do anywhere, anytime, no matter how you terous at navigating her way that she rarely has to focus on look [or] how you're dressed," he said. However, he still sees where she is going. Instead, she is most likely focusing on several problems with using music as a means to escape. the music playing on her iPod. "It's a good hobby and it could be a good hobby but I think "I don't usually hear anyone when I listen to [my iPod]. I it sometimes becomes the level of it's just like an obsession, don't pay attention to anything unless I bump into people," or a world you’re getting lost into, and that could be unproDurst said. ductive," he said. This lack of productivity could Durst is just one of many Mason students who turn into an addiction. have found listening to their iPod provides a Schlager admitted that an addiction temporary respite from their problems. to technology is slightly better than an According to sophomore John Grimmer, addiction to drugs. who listens to his iPod for approximate"That at least isn't directly harmly thirty minutes to an hour twice a ing their body," he said. However, day, zoning out to music is not Schlager believes any addiction, always intentional, it "just happens." no matter how small, is "I don't think about any problems unhealthy. "In my mind anythat are going on [while listening thing that you're addicted to to my iPod]," Grimmer said. that's keeping you from being Sophomore Jack Stemen also the person you're capable of admits to using his iPod as an being is not a good thing." escape.

Students are quick to "Sometimes [I listen] just to admit that others, get away from everything," although not necessarily Stemen said. themselves, could be iPods, which were introduced in addicted to iPods. fall of 2001, are considered to be "It's possible [for] some one of the most successful music people to become M r. J e ff S c h l a e g e r ventures ever. The default version addicted because] it's so School Psychologist can hold up to 60 giga-bytes of easy and small to carry," Durst music, or approximately 5,000 songs. said.

Its compact shape make it easy for teens to take it anywhere, This portability is the reason for the iPod's popularity with at anytime. runners, as is the case with freshman Tony Patti.

For junior Robyn Rego, the iPod was the key to getting "The songs I listen to motivate me to keep running," Patti music in her automobile. said. Like most runners, Patti often becomes distracted by "I don't have a CD player [in my car], so I hook [my iPod] his music. up to my car," Rego said. Rego also attributes the iPod with "I have [zoned out] once or twice. I ran one time and when making her a safer driver.

I finally passed out of it, I was at my house. I don't even "I feel more focused on the remember how I got there," he said. road knowing that [I can listen Patti admitted this habit can be dangerous for some runto] songs I chose instead of ners. focusing on the radio and hit"Listening to the music and zoning out is not safe, [but] for ting the buttons," she said. me I can snap out of it if I want to," Patti said.

Senior Jack Leiter is anothSophomore Garrett Szabo explained the appeal of running er admirer of iPods. with an iPod rather than a friend.

"It's always nice to have "Most of the time when I go running it's to think about music in the background," things [and] get stuff out of my head," Szabo said.

Leiter said. "It takes your mind The rise in popularity of iPods has caused several problems off things [and] makes time go for the staff at Mason High School. Social Studies teacher by Amy Bottomley once caught a student listening to his iPod in class.

"He had long hair and he had the iPod in his ear trying to cover it up," Bottomley said.

Bottomley, who plays music in her class when she thinks it is appropriate, believes music can be too much of a distraction for students. "[Music] distracts them from what's going on.

We're standing up there and we're teaching them for a reason," she said.

Bottomley is skeptical of some students' claim that music helps them focus.

"People claim that they can study with music on, but not all people can," she said.

Assistant Principal George Coates agrees with Bottomley.

"We

These began getting popular in 1987. No more playing the fast-forward or rewind lottery, with the creation of the skip button, people could easily “skip” to the start of their favorite song at any time.

First Generation iPod It became a bestseller among teenagers and adults alike, holding 5000 songs and ranging in colors.

iPod Nano

Music

By Stephanie Visscher Chronicle Staff Writer

“Impossibly small” made possible.

There’s nothing quite like having your hands wrapped around 1000 songs. With a full color screen, CD artwork and a rechargable battery, the iPod Nano is the next generation of music. No more CDs, no more searching for songs, everything is right where you need it. We can only wonder what the iPod will incorporate next, spanning from the internet to being able to use your cell phone while listening to your favorite songs.

Compiled by Stephanie Visscher

The

Chronlcle

OCTOBER 7, 2005

SPORTS Shorts Bizzarri once again ahead of the pack Senior Angela Bizzarri is on pace to capture a sixth state title. Bizzarri who already holds state championships in cross country and track, is once again dominating cross country. Most recently she ran a time of 18:01 at the Mason Invitational which was 27 seconds faster than the second place winner.

Matula back at Mason Rob Matula , the former boys head basketball coach at Sycamore, is the new head girls basketball coach at Mason. Prior to coaching the boys at Sycamore, Matula was the head boys coach at Talawanda. While at Sycamore, Matula was named the Southwest District coach of the year. Matula taught and coached at Mason from 1988 to 1999.

PORTS

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William Mason High School Home of The Comets

SPORTS

V OLUME 3 I SSUE 1

On the frontline the “O” line is breaking open holes and...

BY MATT HUNTER Chronicle Sports Writer They are the biggest guys on the field, and yet they receive the least amount of praise. They are the dirtiest players on the field because they do all of the dirtiest work.

They pave the way to glory for the running backs, receivers and quarterbacks. They are the offensive line. They are often overlooked when the holes that they create lead a runner to the end zone, or when the pocket they make gives the quarterback enough time to throw a touchdown pass.

So far this season, the offensive line has ushered Brian Porter and Ryan Britenriker into the end zone for a combined 14 touchdowns and 740 rushing yards. They are the guys that if everything goes right they get little attention but if things go wrong then they hear about it. "If we do something wrong, then a lot of the fans notice that.

But when we score a touchdown, everybody says "good run" or "good pass," senior center Mark Lakas said.

"We just want to go out there and do our job," added senior tackle Andrew Diesel.

Thus far through the season, the Comets' line has done

Quarterback Matt Koman barks out the signals as the offensive linemen prepare for battle.

see LINEMEN page 15 photo provided by Dwight Huff

Comet senior takes joining the crew to a new level

BY BROOKE BARIA Chronicle Sports Editor

The amount of girls on the Comet golf team who were named First Team FAVC. See story page 20.

Did you know?

Ohio is truly a football factory. Ada, Ohio is the home of the Wilson football factory which is the only football factory in the U.S. The Wilson football is the official football of the National Football League. The plant produces nearly 5,000 footballs a day.

Ada is also the home of Ohio Northern University.

Ashley McCall leads tennis team to share of FAVC tournament title, see page 20.

Chronicle photo by Josh Geiger

Sara Brignole (middle) rows on the Ohio River with her crew team from the Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club.

It’s one of the fastest growing sports in the country. It doesn’t require a field, stadium, or gym, however, it does require water, and a lot of it. For many schools that border the Ohio River or large lakes the opportunity to compete on a crew team is a very real possibility but for the athletes whose schools don’t offer such a program they have to be willing to travel. That’s exactly what Mason High School senior Sara Brignole is forced to do.

Brignole is a member of the Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club (CJRC) and believes rowing has not spread to schools because of the time commitment and the inconvenience of traveling downtown every day.

"We practice every day for two and a half hours and Saturdays at 7:30 in the morning," Brignole said. "On top of that we have to drive to East Fork. By the time I get home, I barely have time to do my homework, eat, and even shower."

The commitment to rowing is unlike any sport because it is year round. The only condition in which practices or regattas (meets) are cancelled is thunder and lightening.

"We usually wear two sweatshirts and sweatpants when we are

see CREW page 15

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October 7, 2005

CHRONICLESports 15

photo provided by Dwight Huff

The offensive line of Mason has always been a strength of Comet football teams and this season is no different as the guys in the trenches continue to get the job done.

Comet running backs rush through the holes created by the offensive linemen from LINEMEN page 14 just that. Out of the 186 times the offense has run the ball, they have only turned it over once, despite starting changes on the line.

Seven different starters have made appearances on a line that has five players on the field at one time. The most recent line has featured Mark Lakas at center, Andrew Diesel and Mike Tibbitts as offensive tackles, and Jon Schappacher and Jeremy Berlin at the guard positions.

"We only had five or six two-a-days before our first game, so we switched up the line mainly to get people in the right spots. We also wanted to switch up (the

line) after the Hilliard-Davidson game to get some more speed at the guard spot," offensive line coach Casey Popplewell said. "We've got quick, physical kids that are athletic and aggressive."

Senior Matt Noxsel has been playing both offense and defense since the Lakota East game. Noxsel has been on the offensive side of the ball playing guard, while doubling as a linebacker on defense. He has been a significant part of the line, adding more speed and a more physical style of play.

"I'm okay with playing both offense and defense. Whatever I can do to help the team is fine with me," Noxsel said.

The offensive line is undersized when compared to the lines of opposing teams.

Although they are small, the make up for it with their quickness. They have

used it to help Britenriker rush into the end zone eight times through five games, who is among the leaders in the FAVC. In their recent double overtime thriller against Anderson, the offensive line blasted holes in the opposing defense, leading three rushers, including Britenriker and Porter, into the end zone. The Comets rushing offense scored four touchdowns and ran for 258 yards in their win against Anderson.

"All of the credit goes to the offensive line. We wouldn't be able to run the football if they didn't do their jobs. They keep me from getting drilled every play," Britenriker said.

The offensive line has created huge holes for the ground attack this season, but that is not the only part of the offense they have helped.

First year varsity quarterback Matt Koman has had a successful year thus far. He is ranked third in the FAVC for passing yards, fourth for a percentage of 57.4%, and has an impressive quarterback rating of 122.7.

"The credit goes to the offensive line.

Even though there have been a couple of bad plays, the good outweighs the bad. It all starts in the trenches," Koman said.

Although the offensive line won't be seen on the News Blitz 5, the praised players and the coaches credit their line as the reason for their success.

"We teach team, and it's a big part of what we do. When we score a touchdown it's six points for all of us, for Mason. We rally around the team, not just one player," Coach Popplewell said.

Brignole hopes to row in college from CREW page 14

Chronicle photo by Josh Geiger

It’s hard work, but Brignole and the rest of her crew team are committed to the grueling practices at the CJRC.

rowing in the snow," Brignole said. Although it is possible to row during the snow, winter is treated as a season for strength training. To build strength rowers are constantly using a rowing machine called the ergometer. The ergometer is used to not only gain endurance, but to perfect technique.

After a physically exhausting winter, rowers compete the remainder of the year. During spring, CJRC competes at the Midwest Regatta and National Regatta. This past summer, they traveled to Canada and Grand Rapids, Michigan to compete against the toughest teams in the country.

When competing against teams from California, Florida, and Texas it is even more vital to be mentally "in shape."

"Mentally you cannot lose sight if you make mistakes because you are dependent on your teammates and cannot let them down," Brignole said. "You just have to believe in yourself and know that working hard at practice will pay off during a race. Our expectation is to win because we are recognized nationally and internationally."

Because of Brignole's work ethic and opportunities for female rowers, she hopes to row at the collegiate level.

Currently Brignole is being recruited by Tennessee, but she is keeping all of her options open. Despite the grueling practices year round, Brignole still has a fervent passion to row in college.

"If I didn't love it, I wouldn't do it. But I love it more every day," Brignole said.

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CHRONICLESports

JV Journal

October 7, 2005

Reedy takes over the reigns as girls soccer coach New coach has Comets off to a fast start and leading the pack in the FAVC

JV Boys soccer having successful season The fall has been a very successful season for boys soccer. The varsity is leading the pack in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference and the Junior Varsity team is having a year to remember.

Right now they stand undefeated in the league at 5-0, and undefeated overall at 9-0.

The team has played well together and has come together as a team quite well.

They have dominated on the field and it's not just one player doing it.

Because of their team effort in nine games, they have only given up a total of three goals.

They have played six straight games without giving up a single goal. In addition to their defense their offense is blowing out their opponents by an average of five goals a game.

Two opponents the Comets had circled on their schedule was conference rivals Anderson and Loveland. The Comets handed the Redskins and 4-0 defeat while Loveland was held scoreless in a 30 Comet win.

"But our biggest games come from the Lakota teams." said Coach Adam Schaffer after they won a close match against Lakota West 20.

Everyone has been contributing to the team this year, but sophomores Jeremy Powers, Garret Szabo, Scott Burnett, and junior Peter Springsteen have been leading their offensive attack.

BY DREW ALLEN Chronicle Sports Writer After finishing third in the Fort Ancient Valley C onference and second in the District Tournament last year, a new coach has taken over the reins of the Reedy Mason girls soccer team.

Paul Reedy, who was previously the head coach at Colerain and Sycamore High School, has joined Mason for its 2005 season.

"Mason has a very successful program.

It was definitely a factor for me," said coach Paul Reedy. "Talented players consistently come into the program every year."

Reedy, who has posted an 87-29-13 record and won two Greater Miami Conference championships in seven years as the boys Varsity soccer head coach at Colerain, is excited to be the new head coach of girls soccer at Mason.

"We have an abundance of players. At Mason, over 80 players tried out for the

team. Over 40 were freshmen. In comparison, only 50 tried out for the entire boys program at Colerain," said Reedy. "That makes me excited to coach here."

Big victories have helped cement his confidence in coming to Mason.

"Sycamore was a big win for us. They came into the game undefeated and we beat them 1-0," said Reedy. And in terms of where they stand in the city, Reedy believes that they are on par with many schools in Cincinnati.

"We're like a lot of teams. If we play well on one night against other teams, we could beat many other teams in the city. If we don't, then we are worse than a lot of other teams," said Reedy.

Much of their success has come from the work they put in over the off-season.

While they have fluctuated in and out of the top 10, their work shows in another impressive victory against Anderson.

"The girls worked very hard over the summer. We lifted three days a week and practiced consistently on those days," Reedy said. "The girls worked very hard over the summer."

Besides their work in the summer, Reedy's coaching style has played a large role in the teams success. "He's a really good coach. He knows what we need to do to become a better team," Pittman said.

"He challenges us a lot in practice."

Even though the team only has four seniors, Reedy believes depth is one of the key strengths the team has.

"We have depth and a big roster, which goes back to the amount of players in the program," said Reedy. "We're also pretty good defensively."

With these advantages, some weaknesses are bound to pop up. "We're not a very high scoring team. We've struggled to score goals," Reedy said. "Also, it doesn't help that we have only four seniors."

While the team has problems with experience, team play on the field has also suffered somewhat. "Sometimes we don't always play as a team," senior Maddie Pittman said. "We don't always communicate."

Weaknesses aside, a new era has dawned over Mason girls soccer. "We're hoping to make strides," coach Reedy

Cross Country teams focusing in on post season run

BY MATT SCRUTA Chronicle Sports Writer

JV Football continues winning ways Junior Varsity football has a solid winning tradition, and this year has been no exception to that. They are off to a 5-1 start, and are undefeated in the league at 3-0.

The team has been a well knit group from the beginning, except for their first game in which they lost 14-13 against Lakota West. The team has come from behind numerous times to win games, including a three minute 80 yard drive at the end of the game to beat Anderson.

"They are a tough group of guys." said Coach Tony Affafato. They also came back against Lakota East and won the game with only 30 seconds with a final score of 15-12.

Leading the offensive attack is sophomore quarterback Chris Izurieta and junior running back Bryan Kudlack.

Defensive standouts include junior linebackers Sean Parker and Nick Elliot.

After the season opening defeat to West, the Comets have reeled off five consecutive victories. The winning streak began with a 33-14 win over Hillard Davidson followed up by a three point victory, 17-14 over Lakota East.

The Comets hammered Amelia 49-14 and then squeeked by Anderson 28-25 the following week.

Last week the Comets followed the varsity’s homecoming thrashing of Walnut Hills with a 28-0 Saturday morning win. The Comets are back in action tomorrow morning, Saturday, October 8 at 10:00 against Glen Este.

Chronicle photo by Josh Geiger

Senior Chris Rapp has already captured several individual honors now he is focused on leading his team to an FAVC title on October 15 at the league meet.

To say the least, the girls’ cross-country team is coming off a scintillating season. Last year as a junior, Angela Bizzarri brought home the gold, finishing first in the state individually, her second cross country title overall. The team was also impressive as a whole, finishing third in the state finals.

This year, another run at state seems more than feasible.

All seven runners from last year's state meet are back for the Comets, including four seniors: Bizzarri, Kelsey Flaherty, Maggie Chaney and Katie Chaney. With the added pressure to persevere, coach Kelly Affatato knows that there is no room for error as the team begins what could be a prolific run into the post season.

"We focus our attention on training to compete and stay healthy throughout the season," Affatato said. "I think the team is very focused on bettering their late season performances from last year. The girls have really worked hard and are pushing each other to improve everyday."

Improvement seems to be a key theme as the girls progress through the season. "[Our goal] is to improve our times with each meet," Bizzari said. "You always take the season one meet at a time. You know the regional and state meets are there, but if you look to far ahead, you lose sight of what needs to be done now."

Contributing to the overall depth of the Comets is sophomores Danielle Terreri, Stephanie Chaney, and freshman Emily Starsenic. These seven runners own seven of the top eleven times in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference.

The Comets aim to defend their league title at the FAVC Championships, held at Mason. While the girls continue to dominate, the boys cross country team is beginning to make a name for themselves.

To many high school boys, running a 3.1-mile course in 16 minutes is an unattainable feat. For senior Chris Rapp, it was another memorable race. Earlier at the Alliance Invitational, Rapp ran the race in a time of 15:59.

"Sixteen minutes is a magic number for a lot of kids," coach Marty Zack said. "It is good to see him break that time on a legit course."

Rapp, a four-year varsity runner, has emerged as a premier runner in the FAVC. His time of 15:59 won the Alliance Invitational, and is the second lowest time in the conference.

"As you get older, you gain knowledge of how to race better," Rapp said. "The more experience you have, the better you can do."

Rapp and the boys cross-country team are also preparing for the FAVC league championships on October 15th.

However, unlike their female counterparts, they go into the race under the radar.

"Anderson and Loveland are very good this year," Zack said.

"We'd like to challenge those two teams. League will be a smaller race, so we have a better chance of beating them."

Leading the team this year besides Rapp, are seniors Mike Kelly, and Alex Larcomb. Junior Alex Hoffmaster and sophomore Mike Dezenzo also return as starters. First-year runner Aleq Whitt and freshman Tim Schwadner have also contributed to the success of the team. The boys hope to remain focused, as they too look to win the league title.

The

October 7, 2005

CHRONICLESports 17

Aponte’s Pizzeria CHASE CONN, JUNIOR, GOLF

Mason junior golfer Chase Conn

After the disappointing end of last year's season, junior Chase Conn has proved himself worthy of qualifying for state through his accomplishments this season.

Last season, as a sophomore, Conn missed going to state by one stroke after firing a 78 at Weatherwax Golf Course under unfavorable conditions. Conn also finished second at the Fort Ancient Valley Conference Tournament shooting a 74 and was named FAVC Athlete of the Year.

Currently, Conn holds the lowest average of 37.90 in the FAVC and has been low medalist in several matches. He recently shot two rounds under par back to back. Conn fired a four-under 32 at a tri match at Stonelick Hills and the day after shot 35, one-under, at Crooked Tree Golf Course against Harrison.

At this year's FAVC tournament, Conn was once again named to First Team All Conference and FAVC Athlete of the Year. He shot an 82 at this season’s tournament to help the Comets win their second title in the Buckeye division with a team score of 327.

Conn has made history at Mason and with sectionals in less than a week, Conn looks to continue his success on to the post season. Because of his accomplishments, The Chronicle and Aponte's Pizzeria are proud to present Chase Conn as the October Athlete of the Month.

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The

CHRONICLESports

October 7, 2005

Sports Notebook

Chemistry key ingredient in Comets march to FAVC golf title

Riestenberg leads the way for Volleyball squad

BY DREW ALLEN Chronicle Sports Writer

The Varsity girls volleyball team is quietly having another terrific year. Under coach Julee Hill, the Comets are 13-4 overall with a Fort Ancient Valley Conference record of 4-1. The Comets lost a tough conference match to volleyball powerhouse Walnut Hills, their only conference loss.

The volleyball team has played competitive teams like Ursuline Academy and McCauly, which are both apart of the Girl’s Greater Catholic League. For the first time in school history, the Lady Comets were able to beat McNicholas 25-23 then 25-21.

Although they only lost to Ursuline 2725, 25-21, 25-22, the volleyball team is deemed succesful because of their ability to be competitive with such GGCL schools.

Currently the Varsity volleyball team is ranked 8th in the Cincinnati area. Their success has also been a result of two key seniors.

Seniors Beth Riestenberg and Jessica Preissman have led the Comets.

Reistenberg, a returning first team allconference player, is third in the FAVC with 458 assists.

Juniors Amanda Fago and Molly Rowland were All-Conference last year, and both have lived up to high expectations. Rowland is leading the city with 201 kills and Fago is shortly behind with 172 kills. With Riestenberg, Rowland, and Fago as a trio, the team has been able to maintain a winning record.

In addition to the upperclassman, freshman, Cara Baarendse has seen playing time at the Varsity level.

With a balanced group of playmakers, the Comets appear to be in good form as they make a run for the league title with their longtime rival, Walnut Hills.

Despite the phenomenal statistics because of the upperclassman and their ability to be competitive with the private schools, Riestenberg believes their strength lies within their ability to get along.

“Our biggest strength is our ability to get along off the court. Because we are a close team, it reflects how we are able to play on the court,” Riestenberg said.

Conn has Comet golfers among city’s best As the boys golf team finishes up another great season, Coach Dick Sutphin is optimistic about what lies ahead for the program.

"This is the first time in years that we have been listed in the top ten of the city for three straight weeks," Sutphin said.

"Maybe in the near future we will compete for the top spot in the city, and hopefully represent our district at state."

Junior Chase Conn, the reigning Fort Ancient Valley Conference Player of the Year, has played exceptionally well this season. His average of 37.90 strokes per round is the lowest in the FAVC. Joining Conn atop the leader board is surprise freshman Rajan Bawa. Bawa boasts an average of 39.20 strokes per round, second in the conference.

To cap off a superior regular season, the Comets won the FAVC Championship at the Weather Wax Country Club for the second straight year. Their team score of 327 topped Loveland and Amelia, who finished with scores of 341 and 343, respectively.

Four players completed the tournament with the low score of 81, including senior Tyler Davis and sophomore Jeff Stephens. Stephens won the suddendeath playoff, and Davis came in second place. Other low scores for the Comets were Conn's 82, sophomore Eric Prater's 83, sophomore Andrew Browning's 90, and Bawa's 94.

The Mason Girls golf team appears to be lined up for an historic run this season. Fresh off the programs first ever tournament win at the Fairfield Invitational, and their second consecutive league championship, the team is now ranked third in the city behind Lakota West and St. Ursula Academy. With all these credentials behind them, the team is poised to make a run at state.

"We would like to make state finals. I honestly think we have a legitimate shot," Coach Fred Reeder said, who was named coach of the year at the Fort Ancient Valley Conference tournament. "We'd have to play awfully well."

Talent is one thing propelling the Comets past their first tournament win and a FAVC championship. Five of the six girls that played at the championships made first team All FAVC, and the sixth, sophomore Tara Buesking, made Second Team All Conference.

All seven girls on the team are ranked in the top 10 in the FAVC, with freshman Alexis Nelson leading the way by shooting an average of 40.18 per nine holes. However, the chemistry on the team is one of the team's greatest strengths.

"We're the closest we've ever been. We've taken all three freshmen in under our wings," senior Emily Sweetman said. "It's like a family."

With an average score of 46.90, Nebraski ranks fourth in the FAVC in scoring, and cites the seniors as a source of her success.

"All of them have been really supportive and have been good competition."

Besides providing support for the freshmen, the seniors are also pulling their weight on the course. Lauren Riley is averaging 47.06, and Emily Sweetman has been averaging 41.94 for the season. Even with the seniors leading the way for the team, it is hard to ignore the impact the freshmen have had on the team.

"Our freshmen have made us even better," Sweetman said.

"We're doing quite well because of them."

Experienced boys soccer team focused on team’s first conference title since ‘94

BY DREW ALLEN Chronicle Sports Writer Experience has served many great teams well in the past. When you combine talent with an experienced team, the combination can be almost fatal to any opponent that crosses their path. With 12 returning seniors and Long Island, New York transfer Arun Sathyanathan, the boys soccer team appears poised to make a run at their first Fort Ancient Valley Championship title since 1994.

After finishing with a disappointing record of 6-7-4 last year, the Comets depth is propelling them to a quick 4-1-3 start. With high hopes of a FAVC championship and a championship run at the District Tournament, this is the year to achieve these goals.

"My goals for the season are to finish first in the league this year and to win a district crown. This year is our best shot at it and I think we are capable of doing that," head coach Jay Ruetter said. "We are certainly capable and it would be a great result for us."

Senior captain Tom Burnette agrees.

"We're loaded with talent, have senior leadership and everyone is willing to work hard," Burnette said. As a first year captain, Burnette, along with Zach Parr, are leading the pack and performing their captain duties well. "We're responsible for organizing the team and having people

functioning as a unit instead as separate individuals," Burnette said. "We have to lead by example."

Both Burnette and Parr have shown more than talent and a good work ethic while leading the team.

"Tom has great maturity," coach Ruetter said. "Zach Parr is also captain, and he has tremendous leadership."

Other individuals have also stepped up to lead the team. Senior Arun Sathyanathan, a highly touted transfer from Long Island, New York, has scored 17 points and is second in the FAVC in scoring. Senior Andrew Moore, who was selected as first team All FAVC last season, has returned this season to score six points and place 2nd on the team in scoring.

Big victories have already come with the Comets experience. "A 1-0 win at Sycamore was great, and 2-2 at Lakota was great because we came back from 20," Ruetter said.

These games are fast approaching.

Lakota East looms ahead on October 8th.

All things aside, the team has made tremendous strides from last year.

After last years rough 6-7-4 season, their large crop of juniors have turned into an experienced senior class.

"Experience is serving us better than ever," Burnette said. "Younger players know they have to play at our level and that's helped us a lot."

Chronicle photo provided by Dwight Huff

Seniors Zach Parr and Andrew Moore prove to be leaders amongst the team in their game against Walnut Hills.

HIGHLIGHT REEL Beth Riestenburg Volleyball, Senior Three-Year Varsity letter winner Beth Riestenburg has helped lead the girls Varsity volleyball team to a 4-1 FAVC record, and an overall record

of 13-4.

Riestenburg is has handed out 458 assists for the Lady Comets this year, which is third best in the conference.

Arun Sathyanathan Soccer, Senior Recent transfer student Arun Sathyanathan has found instant success on the boys Varsity soccer team.

Sathyanathan has turned in two hat tricks (Three Goals) against Walnut Hills and Glen Este. He has scored 11 goals and one assist, giving him a second place spot in the FAVC for total points scored currently standing at 17.

Alexis Nelson Golf, Freshman Freshman Alexis Nelson has helped lead the girls Varsity golf team to a third place ranking in the city. She is shooting a conference leading 40 strokes per nine holes

thus far into the season.

Nelson finished second place at the FAVC Girls Golf Tournament and was recently placed on the All FAVC First Team.

Rajan Bawa Golf, Freshman Rajan Bawa is the only freshman to play on the boys Varsity golf team this year. He has shot an average of 39

strokes per nine holes, which is good enough to put him in second place among all golfers in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference.

The

October 7, 2005

Gameday Rituals

“

Chipotle and tanning help Juilerate get focused on game

Every home game, I have to go tanning and after, I go to Chipotle. Oh yeah, I never sleep before a game. It makes me tired the rest of the day. If I’m not able to do all of this I have to have Chipotle for sure though.

Faith Juilerat ,

”

Senior

Varsity Soccer

Juilerat is currently 3rd in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference in total points with 24 and is tied for 1st with 5 conference goals. The senior has led the Comets to a perfect conference record (5-0) and a 8-5 overall record. Juilerat was named to the 1st Team Pre Season FAVC team.

She has already committed toBowling Green State University.

- Compiled by Morrison Tracy

How I got Started...

The Chronicle wants to know how you got started playing your sport...

"I started playing in the 5th grade because my friend asked me to be on a team with her. I just wanted to try it and see if I even liked it. Now, here I Molly Rowland am to this day still playing."

Volleyball, junior Rowland is among the league leaders in all of the major categories.

She has a league leading 201 kills. Last season, Rowland was a 2nd team all Fort Ancient Valley Conference.

- Compiled by Morrison Tracy

What’s Your Take?

We surveyed 100 students and here is your take on which baseball team has the best chance to win it all.

CHRONICLESports 19

Campus Scene Fall Sport Stars In this month’s College Watch we are checking out two former Mason High School students. Both were stars for the Comets during their days in high school and are continuing to see success at the collegiate level.

Sarah Gaunt: Class of 2004 Sarah Gaunt, now a sophomore at the University of Kentucky, has made a significant contribution to the women's soccer program. As a freshman, Gaunt started all 19 matches as midfielder. In 2004, Gaunt scored goals against Georgia, Mississippi State, and Tennessee and is expected to make an even bigger impact this season.

Recently, Kentucky battled Ohio State (ranked 23rd) in Columbus. Gaunt's assist lead the Wildcats University of Kentucky to tie the Buckeyes 1-1.

The Wildcats remain Facts undefeated with a 5-0-5 Nickname: Wildcats Conference:SEC (Southeastern record. With the season underway, Gaunt Gaunt Conference) has scored nine points, secFamous Alumni: ond amongst her team. Gaunt will be a key player Ashley Judd (actress), Tim for the Wildcats this year, since she already has Couch (first pick overall in the 1999 NFL Draft) George Bland two game winning goals.

Gaunt was a member of the Varsity soccer team (member of NFL Hall of Fame), at MHS. Throughout high school, she was named Albert Chandler (former commisAll-City, All-District, All-State, two-time Southwest sioner of Major League Ohio, and three-time All-Conference. In addition to Baseball), Tayshaun Prince playing soccer at Mason, Gaunt was a member of (NBA Basketball Player for the the Cincinnati United Premier club team and was Detroit Pistons) selected to participate in the AdidasESP/National Camp.

Jonathan Culp: Class of 2000 Jonathan Culp, a senior at Bowling Green State University is preparing to make a huge impact on the football field this year as the starting center for the 1-2 Falcons. Culp is filling the shoes of Scott Mruczkowski, a two time All-Mid American Conference performer and is ready to take on the task of protecting a possible Heisman Trophy candidate in quarterback Omar Jacobs. As a junior, Culp saw action in nine games and earned BGSU Junior Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Bowling Green State Award.

University Facts In 2003, Culp appeared Nickname:Falcons in thirteen games and Conference: MAC (Mid Culp helped the Falcons hold oppoAmerican Conference) nents to 196.8 rushing yards Famous Alumni : and 496.5 yards of total offense per game. The falTim Conway (Actor), Nate cons went on to lead the MAC in both categories.

Thurmond (member of the NBA During his career at Mason, Culp received AllHall of Fame), Orel Hershiser Conference and All-Area selections along with an invi(Cy Young Award Winner), tation to play in the East vs West All-Star game. Along Dorothy and Lillian Gish with being an active member of the football team, (Actresses), James Baldwin (writer), Rob Blake (hockey play- Culp was also a member of the varsity basketball team. Culp, a 2001 graduate of Mason, graduated er for the Colorado Avalanche) Scott Hamilton (professional fig- with over a 4.0 grade point average and was ranked 16 in his class. He is majoring in broadcast journalism ure skater) at BGSU. - compiled by Joey D’Amico and Brooke Baria

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CHRONICLESports

October 7, 2005

Amanda Downey captured an FAVC tournament title in the third singles spot for the Comets Chronicle photo by Josh Geiger

Girls tennis enjoys successful season, focus remains on postseason

BY JOEY D'AMICO Chronicle Sports Writer In her first year as the head coach of the girls varsity tennis team, Carol Lehman led the Lady Comets to a 9-8 overall record and a third place finish in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference. That was then, this is now.

Now in her second season as head coach, Lehman and her girls are 14-2 overall, 61 in the conference, and recently tied Loveland as co-champs at the FAVC Tournament.

In tournament play, freshman Emily Pham placed second in first singles while Ashley McCall was crowned champion at first singles and Amanda Downey was the champion in third singles. Both doubles teams placed third.

Despite the success the girls experienced in the FAVC tournament, they ended the season with a second place finish in the FAVC due to a tough loss against Loveland earlier in the season.

"Loveland is ranked second in the city and we were two games away from beating them," Lehman said after a tough three hour match against Loveland that unfortunately resulted in a loss. A win over Loveland in the FAVC tournament would have given the girls a share of the league title. It would have been their first since 1998.

High expectations for the season were established early when the Lady Comets upset highly ranked Lakota East.

"We beat Lakota East who was ranked number three in the city and it gave the girls confidence knowing that they could play with any team in the city," Lehman said.

As the regular season comes to a close, the girls are turning their focus away from their regular season accomplishments and are focusing on success in the postseason.

"We want to finish the regular season strong, prepare for postseason play, and build for next year," Lehman said.

The girls are also looking forward to the continuation of postseason play because they feel like it is their chance to show the FAVC, city, and the state of Ohio that they are no longer a team to be taken lightly.

"We are looking forward to tournament and postseason play because it gives us the opportunity to bring our game and show everybody what we have been working on all year," senior captain Susanne Martie said.

The girls took advantage of their opportu-

nity not only in the FAVC tournament but also in the coaches tournament where they placed third out of eight teams in the second most competitive flight. Pham and McCall won the championship at first doubles, while Downey placed third in first singles.

At the conclusion of last year, the Lady Comets graduated eight seniors, and a big concern for the team was filling the holes left by the 2005 class.

"We lost a lot of seniors last year, and this year we have a lot of girls in different grades that have stepped up and produced for the team in key situations," Martie said.

The roster is comprised of five seniors, two juniors, three sophomores, and one freshman. Together, they all provide the team with great depth and talent.

"The addition of underclassman and more girls on the team has given our team more depth which has helped us improve from last season to this season," junior Amanda Downey said.

The wide range of depth has led to a lot of competition within the team, and as a result, the girls have been motivated to keep their level of play up.

"There is a lot of depth on the team and the girls have a lot of pressure to keep up their level of play, and they have," Lehman said. "Amanda Downey has been rock solid all year and has the best record on the team at 18-2. Emily Pham has played well and is currently recovering from a cortisone shot, and our doubles team of Ewa Sabaj and Yasmine Sabet is playing well this year," continued Lehman.

Having a lot of individual competition within a team is a good team characteristic; however, the girls realize their individual performance takes the backseat when it comes to the team and its success.

"The emphasis is on the team rather than the individual and we feel we can go far with a team first mentality. If you play for the success of the team, it will show on your individual record," Downey said.

As the girls conclude the regular season and look to continue to make an impact in tournament and postseason play, they know this year has been an exciting and successful year for the girls tennis program, which has regained its spot as an elite program in both the FAVC and city.

"I wanted to make sure the team was working well together and having fun.

These were my main goals for the year," Martie said. "Being a competitive and winning team adds to the fun."

October 7, 2005

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STAFF POLICY The Chronicle is the official student newspaper of William Mason High School. The Chronicle is produced by students enrolled in Journalism I, II, and III. Editorials reflect the staff’s opinion but do not neccesarily reflect the opinions of the school administration or the Mason City School District.

The Chronicle is published monthly. Call 398-5025 ext. 33110 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, obscentiy, clarity, and poor taste. Letters to the editor may be dropped off in room C110 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 Journalism Association for Ohio Schools.

CONTACT INFORMATION The Chronicle William Mason High School 6100 S. Mason Montgomery Rd. Mason, Ohio 45040 398-5025

THE CHRONICLE STAFF Editor Olga Borodulin Sports E ditor Brooke Baria Business M anager Kelsey Flaherty Editorial C artoonist Peter Springsteen Logistics M anager Michelle Rotbart Staff P hotographers Michelle Rotbart Josh Geiger Sarah Fukatsu Rebecca Ziegler Sharon Stewart Technical a nd G raphic Assistants Matt Vollet Josh Geiger Sarah Fukatsu Staff W riters Drew Allen Caroline Johnson Joey D’Amico Sarah Fukatsu Matt Hunter Matt Partington Candice Philpot Matt Scruta Rachel Slezak Sharon Stewart Morrison Tracy Danielle Williams Rebecca Ziegler Business S taff Sarah Fukatsu Danielle Williams

STAFF EDITORIAL

Avoid text messaging while driving; the life you save may be your own For a parent, watching a student begin driving is nerve-wracking. For a teacher, it's frightening, and for a student, it's freedom. However, many students in various high schools in the country are abusing this freedom and combining their two favorite gadgets together: their cars and their cell phones.

Besides cell phones, teens are taking advantage of handheld day planners, iPods, and mp3 players while driving.

This behavior seems to be innocent.

Many believe that this combination of multi-tasking is no crime.

Yet no student can imagine the horror of explaining to a parent why they crashed and killed another person because they were distracted by the text message their friend sent them and they wanted to see it while they were driving.

One fourth of all teens have cell phones, yet twenty four percent of all

high school students think that driving while talking on a cell phone is dangerous, a study found.

Inattentive drivers in such incidents have hit semi-trucks, pedestrians, animals, objects, and other fellow drivers.

Each one of these drivers was carelessly babbling on the phone, and carelessly juggling each person's life in their hands, and challenging fate.

The fact is that the common gadgets turn into the alcohol bottles and the person driving is no different than the inattentive drunken person with innocent victims driving by, subject to be hit at any moment.

We've heard the message before: Don't drink and drive. Now, The Chronicle is hoping to instill a new message into all highschooler's minds: Don't text and drive.

Besides text messaging, students, teachers, staff members, and residents

everywhere should refrain from using any type of gadget while driving.

Although there is no official ban on cell phone usage while driving in Mason, there are already 16 partial or complete bans on cell phones in the United States.

Mason may not have the state law instilled as of yet, but as a community, we should make it our solemn pledge to protect those on the roads around us.

So the next time you are driving on Mason's roads and hear your cell phone ring, consider those in your car and on the roads around you. Although your call may be important, it is never worth anyone's life.

You may be in a hurry to talk to someone so that you may save precious minutes of your time and life, but your rushed conversation may take away the rest of someone else's life and your own.

SPEAK UP! Gtosniej!

SPRECH MILA! DIG SELV!

UDTAL HABLA

MAS

LAWTER!

ALTA

!

BE HEARD. The Chronicle invites you to submit your letters to the editor. You can drop them off in The Chronicle mailbox, room C110.

The

October 7, 2005

CHRONICLEViews

23

Quality of learning lessened by inability to make schedule changes There aren't any bad teachers in the Mason School District. Administrators make this clear at the start of each school year. I agree with that. However, I do believe that all students learn in different ways. A teacher's teaching style may work extremely well on one type of student; however the student's classmate may not learn the same way.

Instead, another teacher might be better for them. Teacher requests didn't used to be a problem at Mason High School because administrators allowed students to switch classes if they felt it was necessary.

I know this because I have switched teachers in the past. It wasn't because I didn't like the teacher. I switched because I had found a teacher I knew I learned well with. This year is different.

On the first day, school announcements were already being made that students would not be allowed to reschedule any of their classes; whether for a teacher request or dropping and adding an elective.

The only change that would be made was if a student's schedule was incomplete. I understand where counselors and administrators are coming from if they don't want students switching teachers or classes to be with friends or

to have a different lunch. However, not being able to switch to a different teacher is something I do have a problem with.

Administrators, teachers and all staff members make it clear that Mason High School wants to see students succeed. I feel they genuinely mean this. However, as I mentioned before, all students experience success in different teaching styles, and what bothers me is when students' educations are hindered because they don't learn well with a certain teacher.

I feel, in order for all students to succeed to their fullest, they need to be comfortable in the classroom, which includes being comfortable and confident with their teacher. When students are forced to be in a classroom with a teacher they don't "click" with, they will automatically put up a mental block , making it harder for them to learn.

Despite all this, I do understand if every student in the high school wanted to switch or request teachers it would be a mess. Yet, I felt there are ways to solve this without hurting students' educations.

Being the technological age, many things are done electronically now, including scheduling. If students could

choose which teachers they know they ers. If they were willing to switch with learn well under along with their schedeach other, they should be able to go to ule requests, it might be easier to meet their counselors, make it known which these demands. Students could select switch they would like to make and have which subject they would like to take it done. This would not change the order and if they know they want a certain of either of their classes, or the numteacher add it to the side. ber of students one teacher has in Students would need to priorithe classroom. tize which teacher is most Mason is filled with dedicated, important for them to have. hardworking teachers who This way if the students truly want to make a differwant a specific teacher, but ence. However, sometimes his or her classrooms are teachers' abilities are wastalready full, the student ed on students who will recieve at least don't thrive under teacher they feel comthat teaching style, fortable with. Also, by when those abilipicking teachers a ties could be used student wants instead on the students of doesn't want, the who do work situation becomes well under positive and insures them. We, as a the students will have school, need to a good learning expemake these rience. changes to My second proposition enhance the is slightly simpler. Let's education say two students opportunities

BY CAROLINE JOHNSON had the same subof the stuC h r o n i c l e Sta f f W r i t e r ject (including dents who same level), the same trimester and the make up Mason High School. same bell, but had two different teach-

Hurricane Katrina gives us all the chance to help others in time of need

The time is now for high school to make punishment for plagiarism more severe

Although there is no immediate storm encroaching upon Mason, threatening our lives and the lives of the loved ones around us, there is a cloud forming over our school boundaries; a hefty cloud that burdens us and fogs our vision from reality.

We are aimlessly wandering our halls, forgetting that for every class period we sit in, someone sits starving on a premise filled with overcrowding and unsanitary conditions.

Despite the fact that there are those who try to help others by donating or organizing fundraisers, there are those few Mason residents who turn their heads away from those who truly need their help.

The purpose of understanding the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, and donating to those

Plagiarism. Copying. Stealing. get the paper back with an A on it. . .

However you want to say it, it means .but wait, it's not even your work so the same thing. Whether you are an really you are just back where you executive or a high school student, started. there should be no tolerance for plaObviously the pressure and lack of giarism. confidence excuses aren't working, at As a senior, I've taken several honall. Clearly stooping down to plagiaors and advanced placement courses rize is not only laziness and ignorance, and felt the pressure of living up to an but it's lowering the stanolder brother who attends Harvard dard of your character.

University. As honors students, we And if you are a plagiadefinitely put pressure on ourselves, rizing "honors" student, but it should never be to the extent of you should be thinking lowering our integrity. what really defines an If the pressure you are putting honors student. on yourselves is exorbitant Honor, integrity, enough to plagiarize, you honesty; they all should question why you are go hand in hand. stressed out enough to copy Frankly, the and paste a sentence (or punishment for paragraph) and claim it as plagiarism should your own. College? Good be severe. If one of excuse. the top universities But, at Harvard University, if in the country there is even a doubt that a paper "expels" you for or project is plagiarized you are even questioning immediately kicked out of the uniplagiarism, there versity; so good luck trying to get should be no tolerin to college with plagiarism on ance at Mason. Or your school record. maybe, like in The Since pressuring yourselves to do Scarlet Letter, plagiawell in school to please your parents rists should have to and teachers or to be accepted into wear their shame. college is poor justification for stealSo whatever excuse ing another's work. What else could you have for plagiarizpossibly be an explanation for plagiaing, I don't buy it and rism? Lack of confidence? the act of plagiarism So instead of approaching a teacher should be dealt with no and actually asking for help, it would tolerance. just be better to copy a few sentences into your paper. Well at least

BY BROOKE BARIA you would have gained confiC h r o n i c l e S p o r ts E d i t o r dence in your work when you

BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor

funds is to understand that one day, we might fall into such conditions as well, and we can only hope that someone is kind enough to donate towards our needs.

If one day, we are to fall into a catastrophe and see ourselves surrounded by chaos and poverty, we, too, will beg for donations and hope that there will be someone out there who cares enough to simply donate a dollar.

The hardest thing for me to deal with is to know that so many students can truly spare a couple of dollars and not have Panera for lunch, an extra amount of gasoline, and whatever other items they believe they "need." Those in areas affected by the hurricane are the ones in true "need."

They are simply asking for food, water, clothing, shelter, and someone to help them rehabilitate their lives from the ruins they are in.

So as my final hope for our school is that we, as a student, staff, and community, can come together and really donate to those in need. We cannot even imagine what they suffer on a daily basis from watching their families slowly die to wondering when their next "meal" is going to be.

Hurricane Katrina did not just bring New Orleans underwater, but it submerged those who lived there in a sea of debts, worries, and fear for their lives. The entire country has seen the graphic images portrayed on the news, and the pleas from those protesting for help.

We have all the reasons possible to donate. The only question is how long before those few Mason residents who haven't donated open their ears, eyes, and hearts to help, and will be able to finally walk out of the fog?

Feedback: Would you cheat at school if you knew you could get away with it?

"No, I would not cheat because you don't get any where in life if you do."

Brian Ventura Junior

"If it wasn't that important and I really wasn't sure then I would."

Brittany Masello Freshman

"No, I wouldn't cheat because it's not right. Do your own work!"

Niro Wimalasena Sophomore

"Probably yes because I wouldn't get caught."

Jessica Weingartner Senior

"No, I would not cheat because it goes against my morals and everything I stand for."

Dan Rist Senior

Compiled by Michelle Rotbart