William Mason High School Mason, Ohio
The
Chron l cle
Rising above the rest, Comets are headed toward another FAVC title, see page 15 Volume 3 Issue 4
6100 South Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, Ohio 45040
M AN &WOMAN Y EAR 2005
OF THE
Bright dedicated to serving school district
Bizzarri raises the bar of excellence
BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor
BY STEPHANIE VISSCHER Chronicle Staff Writer
Long before senior Angela Bizzarri His office laden with sculptures and paintbecame a legend at Mason High School ings by Mason students, his desk filled with for her outstanding track accomplishready-to-be sent cards for honor roll student ments, she was just another new face athletes, and his door displaying a collage among the many incoming freshman. of fourth and fifth graders' published carBizzarri, who had just moved to Mason toons, superintendent Dr. Kevin Bright is from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, found not your average leader. But without seeing being a member of the Cross Country the contents of his work space, this fact team helpful in her transition to a new could be recognized by his demeanor during school. the battle for school funding beginning in "I remember being in cross country mid-April of 2005. Bright was able to stand and, as with anyone else, being in some his ground during attacks, unwavering in type of group [helps] you feel like you his confidence in Mason schools. This act of know people once you get to school," leadership exhibited by Bright is just one of Bizzarri said. "I think when you train the few feats that has made him The with people, you're both working very Chronicle's 2005 Man of the Year. hard, so you build a friendship." Part of Bright’s success can be attributed It was not long after Bizzarri became to his constant attendance at school basketthe state champion for cross country in ball games, wrestling matches and swim fall of 2002, that she was immediately meets. Bright always makes an effort to thrust into the spotlight. attend, knowing that his attendance is "I guess it was kind of a weird position appreciated by students, teachers and because I was really young and [being] coaches such as varsity wrestling coach judged. I didn't know how to exactly deal Craig Murnan. with that," Bizzarri said. "His presence lets the wrestlers know Senior Katie Chaney was also new to how much he cares about what they do and Chronicle photo by Josh Geiger Mason when she first met Bizzarri in the the commitment it takes to compete at the GOING ALONG FOR THE RIDE, Mason City Schools superintendent Dr. Kevin summer of 2004 while training for cross level they are. He often writes motivational Bright and senior Angela Bizzarri were selected by The Chronicle as Man and country. notes to them in support of their actions Woman of the year for exhibiting leadership throughout the Mason community. "I met Angela last year in the summer and performance," Murnan said. when I first moved [to Mason]. She was the first one that really told us everything Bright is not only present at student athletic matches but also at Rotary and training-wise that [the team] did and that kind of stuff," Chaney said. Kiwanis meetings, toothpaste tastings at the Intermediate school, success speeches According to Chaney, Bizzarri exhibits humility towards her outstanding track from middle school students and snowmen trivia games in Gayle Ertel's class. career and does not stand out among the other members of the track team. According to vice president of the Mason school board Connie Yingling, Bright's car"She never says anything unless she's asked about winning or about her races," ing attitude towards all students is due to his "huge heart." Chaney said. "She actually blends in a lot. [Angela] is kind of quiet, she leads by "I have often jokingly told him that [his huge heart] may get him in trouble one example on our team." day. He is a truly caring person. He cares about every student and family in our disSenior Elyse Gabel, also a member of the track team, was surprised by Bizzarri's trict," Yingling said. modesty. Bright's efforts can all be attributed to his ability to prioritize and distinguish "I was kind of scared because I thought she was going to be all stuck up, but I just what's most important for him as a husband, father and superintendent. love her because she's so humble about how great of an athlete she is," Gabel said. "You need to balance the psychological, emotional, social, spiritual and physical. "She's grateful for her gift and that carries into her performance." Once you're able to balance those and bring your life into balance, then you'll be able Tim King, who coached Bizzarri in cross country her freshman year, saw firsthand to handle pressure and deal with problems as they arise," Bright said. the grace with which she handles her accomplishments. Bright's contributions to the community have already been recognized locally and "I was happy that a person so humble and nice had accomplished something great," state-wide as he received the 2003 Ohio Superintendent of the Year award, while also King said. receiving the Superintendent of Snow Days award from Gayle Ertel's class. Although she is modest about her own success, according to Gabel, Bizzarri is a "It could be a card from a student or a [state-wide award] but both are important source of inspiration for the team. Bizzarri was particularly supportive of the team and mean just as much to me," Bright said. during training for the 2004 Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) state Bright looks upon his awards with pride yet regrets not being able to have his competition. father, who is now deceased, and his 92-year-old mother, who suffers from
If Israel were to get a new Prime Minister, do you think it would have a significant impact on the United States foreign policy?
P ll
39%
no
32% yes
29%
(Based on a survey of 200 students.)
not sure
INSIDE... ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 5 SPORTS
15
OPINION
19
SNEAK PEEK
The Chronicle was recently awarded a Gold Medalist Certificate by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. Publications from the 2004-2005 school year were evaluated. The Chronicle was commended for its wide variety of coverage.
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The Chronicle earns gold medal
CENTERSPREAD
!"Please see BIZZARRI page 2
!" Please see BRIGHT page 2
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