The Chronicle, 3.5

William Mason High School Mason, Ohio

The

BACK to BACK, Comet swimmers claim another FAVC title see story page 14.

Chron l cle

March 2, 2006 Volume 3 Issue 5

6100 South Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, Ohio 45040

America is home to almost ten million followers of Islam. However, because of hostility between America and several Middle-Eastern nations, some people assume that all Muslims hold terrorist views.

One Mason High School student is a strong Muslim believer and wishes that people would take the time to look…

beyond the

veil

BY RACHEL SLEZAK Chronicle Staff Writer

Though she is often judged by the veil she wears every day, freshman Mariam Siddiqui is determined to be seen for who she is, not what she looks like, eager to bring awareness to her religion and have her customs respected.

Siddiqui is a practicing Muslim who observes hijab, the covering of the hair and neck, a practice meant to conceal a woman's appearance, in order to draw attention away from her appearance, to other aspects of their being.

"It's a beautiful symbol of Islamic modesty. People treat you for who you are instead of what you look like," Siddiqui said.

P ll

5%

no

70% yes

25%

(Based on a survey of 200 students.)

not sure

INSIDE...

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7 SPORTS

13

OPINION

19

SNEAK PEEK

Dr. Kevin Bright, superintendent of Mason City Schools, recently announced that he was withdrawing his name from consideration for the vacant superintendent’s post at Olentangy Local School district in Powell, Ohio.

Do you think the installment of Hamas in the Palestinian Parliament will intensify hostility in the Middle East?

See related story page 4.

CENTERSPREAD

Bright plans to stay in Mason

Chronicle

NEWS Flash

!SEE MARIAM

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Parent’s overwhelming presence over student’s lives makes many feel like they are...

Under The Microscope

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The

CHRONICLENews

March 2, 2006 "Never lose hope, because there is always the light of God shining when it seems that all lights have gone out.

That's what keeps me going, the strength of faith."

"I've heard some comments like 'Osama bin Laden's daughter.’”

MHS student hopes to put misconceptions of Islam to rest !FROM MARIAM

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Siddiqui finds that many people don't understand the practice, seeing it as a symbol of male dominance.

"People think it's oppression, but I see it as a gift.

People judge me for my mind," Siddiqui said.

True oppression, Siddiqui finds, can be found in the mainstream media.

"In magazines, you see women used to advertise, as objects. By covering, people look at your character. In Islam, women are respected," Siddiqui said.

Though her intention is to take attention away from her appearance, Siddiqui often finds that she is judged simply because of what she wears.

"Some people give me the cold shoulder, but more people are curious, and ask a lot of questions, and I like that," Siddiqui said.

On the other hand, Siddiqui has also been the target of many negative comments.

"I've heard some comments like 'Osama bin Laden's daughter,'" Siddiqui said.

However, anti-Muslim sentiment is in no way restricted to Mason. After the September 11 attacks in 2001, many Americans began to associate all followers of Islam with the terrorists who committed these acts.

"Sometimes Muslims are seen as extremist," Siddiqui said.

Siddiqui was also bothered by recent political cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed as a figure of violence.

"There are limits to freedom of speech. Nobody should hurt another person, especially the religion they follow.

Rights are used to cause peace and equality in society, but this is abusing that right," Siddiqui said.

Rather than being caught up in this negativity, Siddiqui tries to ignore these comments and judgements, remembering things she has been taught in her religion.

"You are only responsible for the actions that you do,

and you should have a positive attitude," Siddiqui said.

In addition to the fear have towards Islam in recent years are the misconceptions. High among them is the view that Islam oppresses women.

"People think of oppression, that women can't work. It's not true; my mother used to be a teacher," Siddiqui said.

Siddiqui, who was actually born in Canada, also finds that people make assumptions about her nationality based on her religion.

"People ask me 'where are you from' and expect me to be Arab," Siddiqui said. "Arabic isn't my language."

Though it is not Siddiqui's native language, it is a language important to her religion.

"I can recite and write Arabic. I am trying to learn the beautiful language of the Quran," Siddiqui said.

According to Siddiqui, Islam is practiced in several parts of the world.

"Islam is a very diverse religion," Siddiqui said.

Because of the September 11 attacks and the war in Iraq, Siddiqui finds that many people view Muslims as violent.

"People ask me my opinions on the war, and if Islam is really spread by the sword. It is really insulting because it isn't true," Siddiqui said.

Siddiqui wants people to know that the violence portrayed in the media is not representative of her religion.

"Muslims are not allowed to fight in offence, only to defend themselves and to fight for oppression," Siddiqui said.

When loosely translated into English, the word Islam means peace through submission to God. Siddiqui says that the majority of Muslims lead lives entirely opposite the stereotypes.

"We, [Muslims], see life as a test, preparing for Ever After, or heaven, and we try to do as many good things as we can," Siddiqui said.

According to Siddiqui, the lives of Muslims revolve

Multicultural Lit. teacher Taneja exposes students to Islam

BY DANIELLE WILLIAMS Chronicle Staff Writer As students entered the mosque on January 29, they felt immersed in utter beauty as they watched Muslims engage in their faith. Beautiful chandeliers, Persian rugs, the Koran, the Mehrab, and the Iman were all part of the experience that Multi-cultural Literature students were able to undergo whey they visited the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati.

Students were mesmerized by its physical beauty as well as the atmosphere of peace.

This trip was arranged by MultiCultural Literature teacher Vinnie Taneja.

Taneja wanted to expand her students' outlook on life by giving them the opportunity to open their minds to different religions and races through projects, books and field trips.

"I want the students to definitely be exposed. A lot of people have misconceptions about other religions. I hope to make [students] more open-minded and to respect beliefs of other races," Taneja said.

After visiting the Mosque, senior Renee Throckmortan had a different perception about the religion.

"I thought it was very interesting; an eye-opening experience. I always had misconceptions about their religion but now I know a lot more," Throckmortan said.

The majority of the students were able to find similarities between their religion and the Muslim faith, including senior Krystina Mand.

"I was surprised at how many similarities there were; [Muslims] believe in God. I didn't know that," Mand said.

After visiting many of the students expressed a desire to have another field trip to see the Hindu temple. "[The students] were definitely inspired. Some were so inspired they wrote three pages for their personal reflections when only one was required," Taneja said.

Due to this experience, students at Mason were able to slip outside the bounds of their normal surroundings and venture into a whole new world of beliefs.

"My objective and motive for this class is trying to develop compassion, tolerance, understanding and respect for other races and religions," Taneja said.

around the worship of God. "Muslims pray five times a day, and there is not a second that goes by without thinking about God." Several customary Muslim expressions show the impact religion has on the lives of its followers.

"If we are talking about future plans, we say 'InshaAllah' which means 'if God wills.' When we greet each other, we say As-salamu-alaikum, which means 'peace and blessings be upon you'. It is a beautiful greeting Muslims say all over the world to one another, praying for peace to that person." Siddiqui said.

An important aspect of faith for Siddiqui is zakat, the giving of charity. Because of this part of her religion and her giving spirit, Siddiqui is involved in Helpers of People Everywhere (HOPE) club.

"I got involved with HOPE because I like to help people," Siddiqui said. "We always help anyone in need.

Muslims give not only tangibly, but intangibly. Giving purifies your heart from ignorance."

In addition to HOPE, Siddiqui is involved in MYNA, a club for Muslim youth.

"I want to help in the Islamic community, and the school community," Siddiqui said.

Siddiqui describtes her group of friends as being very diverse as well.

"I have friends with different religions. It doesn't really matter what religion people follow. To be friends with them is the beauty of diversity," Siddiqui said.

Siddiqui feels that people should reserve judgement in any case.

"The only judge is God," Siddiqui said.

Siddiqui wants all students to be free of judgement, not just of herself, but of anyone, and she believes that the only way to get past stereotypes is to remain positive.

"Never lose hope, because there is always the light of God shining when it seems that all lights have gone out.

That's what keeps me going, the strength of faith."

"It was a really new experience. I got to see other cultures beyond mine. I'm from India and a lot of different Muslims are in India and when I visit there I'll be able to somehow relate to them."

Sujith Manne, senior "I didn't realize how closely related the Muslim religion was to Christianity. It was a completely different religion than I thought it was."

Timmy Bryant, senior

"I was amazed at the architecture, the carpets, the chandeliers, and the calmness and peace. I felt at peace."

Vinnie Taneja Multi-Cultural Literature Teacher

“I thought it was a great experience. I learned a lot about a culture that I wasn't familiar with.”

Krystina Mand, senior

The

March 2, 2006 Principal baffled by rash of skipping

BY MATT PARTINGTON Chronicle Staff Writer Although skipping class may hold universally romantic connotations as a rebellious pastime for high school students, its pervasiveness among Mason's underclassmen has placed it among the administration's most glaring concerns. With strong correlations to other insubordinate behaviors, research has shown that students who chronically skip their classes are more likely to experience educational problems in the future. Attempts to curtail this behavior in recent years at Mason have been made, yet a small number of students continue to habitually skip class regardless of authoritarian measures.

"It's not a bigger problem than last year," assistant principal Ian Frank said. "It's just the same kids are skipping."

According to Frank, skipping class is oftentimes linked to grade performance and lack of academic confidence.

"They're traditionally failing," Frank said.

"I think they get so behind in class they get down on themselves."

Mason school psychologist Jeff Schlaeger also feels that low academic self-esteem is an underlying factor, although an array of other mentalities may contribute to such actions.

"The student may have just not bought into the traditional school structure," Schlaeger said.

A missing student can cause numerous problems for the administration in the event of a lockdown, fire drill, or other emergency situation. The primary concern, however, is that such behavior can be immensely detrimental to the student's future. Poor academic performance and low self-esteem increase the likelihood that a student will drop out of high school, thereby resulting in future problems in the job market.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, high school drop outs are 72 percent more likely to be unemployed, and earn 27 percent less than high school graduates.

"They're just hurting themselves," Mason gym teacher Julee Hill said. "They think they're different and can beat the system."

Sophomore Shekinah Smith skips certain classes during the week for various reasons.

"I mainly skip when I don't do my homework," Smith said. "I figure I can make it up in the summertime."

A number of measures have been taken by Mason high school's administration to prevent underclassmen from becoming comfortable with regularly skipping classes, given that upperclassmen are prone to a revoked parking pass.

"We're calling parents on first offenses," Frank said. "We can call immediately. Cell phones have saved us."

Consultation has also proven to be a productive way of halting such disobedience.

"If a kid skips chronically then I have a meeting with a parent and the student," Frank said.

Schlaeger believes as well that consultation is a diplomatic solution for many students' problems, particularly in the instance of student-teacher conflict.

"It's just a matter of bring the student and teacher together," Schlaeger said. "There can be a lot of misunderstanding."

To further deter the skipping problem, Frank is willing to hear proposals from the student body.

"I need student suggestions," Frank said.

"Let us help you."

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Administration determined to find person behind bomb threat

BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor A student walked into Mason High School assistant principal George Coate's office on Monday, February 5, and told him exactly what every administrator hopes to never hear: there was a bomb threat in the school. "There will be a bomb 2marro 2/6/06" was etched into a boy's bathroom stall in the A1 wing.

After hearing the news, MHS principal Dave Allen was quick to take action as he contacted the Mason Police Department and the central office. Once the building was swept for any potential bombs, Allen sent out a news bulletin to parents and children on the status of the threat.

However, the real question was whether or not to shut down the school.

Administrators decided to allow students and staff members to come to school the next day by choice, a venture that although Allen believes to be the right decision, is still questioned by students like junior Christy Harville.

"They should have cancelled school.

There were so many people that were scared, not to mention that many teachers did not excuse students from work they missed [if they chose to be absent,]" Harville said.

Despite such comments, Allen attests that students would only be allowed to attend school under safe conditions.

"We swept the building [for bombs,] increased the security present, had frequent checks of the school by administrators, extra patrolling, and did everything possible to ensure the safety of our students," Allen said.

Yet other students still questioned why the administration was taking such a threat so seriously. Allen believes despite the threat’s location, it is still important to investigate such comments.

"In this day and age it is paramount that we always take these types of threats seriously," Allen said.

Along with comforting students on the school’s safety, administrators were constantly keeping students updated while reminding students of the $500 reward for anyone who had information about the

bomb threat. According to Allen, the sum of the reward is not based upon the validity of the threat but the message that the administration wants to send to students.

"We want students to know that anytime there is a threat, it is against the law. We will prosecute them to the full extent of the law," Allen said.

Yet the message was not heeded by some, as a "copy cat" bomb threat was written the follow day, stating "I'm serious about the bomb."

The administration was able to identify the student who wrote the message through a school surveillance video. The student admitted to the act and was taken into custody by the Mason Police Department.

The person responsible for the first bomb threat has still not been found. Allen requests that any person with information contact him anonymously at 398-5025.

Although two weeks have passed since the original bomb threat, Allen attests that he will "continue to search for the person responsible."

Longtime AD honored at final home game

BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor

Chronicle photo by Josh Geiger

Former MHS athletic director Rod Russell (middle) recieves a lifetime athletic pass from principal Dave Allen (left) at the Friday, February 17 game.

MHS athletic director Rod Russell was honored at the varsity boys basketball game on Friday, February 17, after having announced his retirement to the community several weeks prior. During the ceremony Russell was given a lifetime athletic pass to all Mason events.

Russell thanked all those who supported him during his time at Mason, and his wife and daughter sang the national anthem. MHS principal Dave Allen was one of many that voiced the impact he thought Russell had on the community.

“We’ll miss someone with a lot of experience and knows the community and the school system in and out. We’ll miss his knowledge and relationships with other schools in and out of our league and the respect he had from coaches, other schools and our athletes,” Allen said.

Despite his absence as an athletic director, Russell plans on frequently attending Mason events.

North central accreditation could have major impact on student’s future Often overlooked by students, accreditation process has influence in college acceptance

BY CAROLINE JOHNSON Chronicle Staff Writer Students may have noticed officials roaming the halls of MHS on Thursday, January 19 and Friday, January 20. What they might not have realized, however, was that the judgment of these officials would have a large impact on their futures, including chances for scholarships, easing the transfer of credits when a student moves schools and an increased performance rate.

North Central Accreditation (NCA), a voluntary organization, came to MHS to evaluate the school on their standards of how literacy and numeracy is used in the classroom.

The effect that NCA has had on the futures of students has been seen in schools such as Providence St. Mel (PSM) in Chicago.

PSM in an independent, K-12 school located in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Chicago, with almost 700 students attending.

The student body is mostly African American, with 60 percent of student’s family income being less than $30,000 per year.

However, after the PSM school board approved a program to increase Terra Nova scores and overall performance within the school and were approved by NCA, 100 percent of PSM’s high school graduates were accepted at four-year colleges. 52 percent of the class of 2003 was also accepted into Tier 1 colleges wheareas there were only 8 percent accepted into such colleges in 1991.

These are the results that Assistant principal Ian Frank and science teacher Monica Schneider, who were the co-chairs for the MHS committee, were to hoping to achieve, and they were not disappointed. "[NCA] said it was they best visit they have done in six years," Frank said.

Though many may not realize it, a similar instance of Tier colleges looking at accreditation has already taken place at Mason, when senior Bobby Yu was asked by Harvard University if Mason was accreditated.

Mason ultimately did win the approval of NCA and an outstanding ranking, according to Frank. The NCA not only gave Mason a high rank, but a higher one than the Mason staff gave themselves.

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March 2, 2006

News Notebook

World Perspective

Speech and Debate team member qualifies for Nationals

Hamas sweeps Palestinian parliamentary elections

BY MATT PARTINGTON Chronicle Staff Writer

The MHS Speech and Debate team competed at the Western Ohio National Forensic League and received its first national qualifier in five years. After placing first in original oratory, junior Shalini Goyal will be headed to the National Tournament in Dallas on June 18-23. In addition, sophomore Shea Davidson finished fourth in humorous interpretation, qualifying for states, and senior Dennis Furia finished seventh in humorous interpretation. Since the team finished second overall, seventeen of the team’s members will advance to the OHSSL State Tournament in Canton from March 2-4.

Islamist movement Hamas recently won all eligible seats in the January 25 Palestinian parliamentary elections, taking 74 of a total 132 seats in the legislature.

The group, which is labeled as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, and Israel, ended the long-term electoral reign by the secular Fatah party whose Prime Minister and cabinet members resigned following Hamas' declared victory.

Because of Hamas' history of radicalism and unwillingness to recognize Israel, the outcome has delayed hopes of peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine despite recent attempts to quell the 60-year old conflict.

"These results may confront us with an entirely new situation which will need to be analyzed," European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said.

The 74 seats are a part of the Palestinian Legislative Council, the Palestinian National Authority's legislative body.

Controlling parts of the contested West Bank and Gaza Strip territories, the Palestinian National Authority serves as an interim government designated by 1993's Oslo Accords.

Hamas, which has openly admitted to heading the majority of the suicide bombings plaguing Israel in past years, has suggested that it might consider peace talks with Israel despite its militant doctrine that includes the Jewish state's destruction.

Israel's Road Map for Peace, an outline for reconciliation, includes the advocation of a Palestinian state by the end of 2005, and a Hamas leader told a Russian daily newspaper that they will end the armed conflict if Israel withdraws from all Palestinian

MHS Senior nominated for NHS scholarship MHS senior Katie O'Lone has been nominated to participate in a National Honor Society Scholarship competition. Two hundred winners will receive a $1,000 college scholarship in the spring. Katie was chosen on her leadership skills, academic record, employment experience and participation in community events.

Mock Trial qualifies for state Mason High School's Mock Trial team recently competed in the District competition.

The white team came in third and the green team finished first. The green team has qualified to participate in the State finals that will be held in Columbus in March.

-compiled by Caroline Johnson

states.

Fatah advocates and armed skirmishes On February 8, however, primary Hamas between Fatah and Hamas supporters. The leader Khaled Mash'al said that the organ- U.N. Security Council has said that the ization will not veer from its anti-Israeli future government formed under Hamas platform. must recognize the state of Israel and also "Anyone who thinks Hamas will change negotiate the establishment of a is wrong," Mash'al said.

Palestinian state to live peacefully alongHamas' unexpected side Israel. The Security victory is said to be Council commended the a reflection of their Palestinian population campaign message "on an electoral process which excluded the that was free, fair and Of Mason High School mention of Israeli secure," but repeated its students polled felt that the relations and "profound attachment to focused on social the vision of two demoinstallment of Hamas in the and economic issues cratic states, Israel and Palestinian Parliament will in the West Bank Palestine, living side-byintensify hostility in the and Gaza Strip. side in peace and securiMiddle East.

A strong showing ty." at the polls by In the United States, women, alongside struggles with corrup- President Bush condemned the radical tion and leadership in the Fatah party, also platform of Hamas and refuses to support contributed to the electoral win. The result a government founded on such positions. gives Hamas the right to establish a new "The Hamas party has made it clear that government under the Palestinian they do not support the right of Israel," Authority.

Bush said. "And I have made it clear that "This is the choice of the people," former so long as that's their policy, that we will Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei not support a Palestinian government said following the poll results. "It should made up of Hamas." be respected." Qurei, a Fatah party memDecisions by Russia and France to hold ber, resigned with his cabinet members conferences with the militant group have immediately before the official results of garnered negative reaction from the the election were revealed. President United States and others, although the Mahmoud Abbas, also a Fatah party mem- nations have said that it is simply a means ber, plans to continue his term whilst of mediating foreign policy to prevent opposing Hamas. Numerous disgruntled future strife.

Fatah activists have asked Abbas, also "Opening dialogue with Hamas will help known as Abu Mazen, to step down as the political process," Palestinian political President. analyst Mohammed Yaghi said. "The "Abu Mazen led us to this catastrophe," world should realize that it took many Shukri Radaideh, a Bethlehem district years to convince [former Israeli Prime Fatah leader, said. "He must now resign." Minister Ariel] Sharon to recognize a twoReactions in Israel, the Gaza Strip, and state solution. And also it will take Hamas the West Bank have included protests by time, but it should be a dialogue."

70%

The Hubley Driving School Student of t he Month Hubley Driving School & The Chronicle are proud to honor Grade: 12

DENNIS FURIA

Favorite Class(es): Interpersonal Communication at Miami University-Middletown.

In school accomplishments: Currently taking advantage of the post secondary option, attending Miami University - Middletown.

Future Plans/Goal: Attend Ohio University's Honors Tutorial program and major in communication studies

Member of Speech and Debate, National Honor Society Varsity football player, Member of Track and Field Out of school accomplishments: Published an editorial in The Cincinnati Enquirer

Teacher Quote: “Dennis is always willing to put forth the extra time and effort to better the team.”

-Mrs. Melissa Donahue, ECA teacher, Speech and Debate team advisor

Personal Quote: "Seek first to understand; then to be understood."

-Steven Covey Chronicle photo by Caroline Johnson

5606 Tylersville Rd Mason, OH 45040 754-8652

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5606 Tylersville Rd Mason, OH 45040 754-8652

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March 2, 2006

“Bagel Boy” Burnette delivers breakfast free of charge

BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor

Among the leaders at Mason High school stands an unsung hero with a bag of bagels in his hands and a smile on his face: Bagel Boy. Although senior Tom Burnette has established himself as a leader, being the captain of the varsity boys soccer team, he also provides an "indispensable" service to the community, according to junior Melissa Stout. He is nicknamed "Bagel Boy," the kid who

ing meals is not a false one, according to science teacher DeeDee Messer, who attributes Burnette's bagels to "waking the class up."

"At seven o'clock in the morning anything that wakes anyone up is a good thing," Messer said. "Every time my students see [Burnette] in the hall with his bagels they begin getting excited about it."

Since 2003, the amount of teenagers who eat breakfast has been on the decline. The side effects of

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Somber seniors face one last obstacle on their way to graduation; forced to take classes with freshmen

BY SHARON STEWART Chronicle Staff Writer All Mason students can attest to how starting school at 7:15 a.m. and waking up before the sunrise can often construct a roadblock between mental stability and academic triumph. It's no wonder that seniors anticipate the highly acclaimed easy street of their final year filled with easy electives and casual snoozes in the back of the classroom: the tip of their academic iceberg; the scholastic exchange of three years worth of worn notebooks and ratty text-books.

For some students, however, vital classes have been put on the back-burner until their final year of high school. Emily Speer moved to Mason before her junior year and discovered that her old school's computer classes were not comparable to required Enhanced Communications Applications (ECA) at Mason. Now a senior in part B of the class with numerous underclassmen, Speer deems time management essential to maintaining her sanity.

"With all my other classes, time is a big issue, and with moving, it's just a lot of stress senior year. For this ad campaign, I'm with three girls that I don't know, and I have to prepare to teleconference with my company's business sponsor in New York. It's more work outside school than the typical electives seniors take, but definitely less work than the core classes I need. It's just more time consuming than anything else," Speer said.

While time consumption presents a predicament for some seniors, it's a sought after commodity for others. Rather than opting for early releases and

study halls senior year, Brandon Johnson has chosen to partake in Weight Training for the fourth time in his high school experience.

"I'm a senior and I just take stuff to fill up time.

It's easier, pretty much just a joke class," Johnson said.

Fellow senior Andrew Riley agreed, preferring weight training over the typical senior classes because there's no paperwork or lengthy assignments involved.

"I needed to fill up my schedule's empty blocks, and my dad wanted me to help my grade point average to get scholarships."

With underclassmen courses, one might wonder if waking up for mornings in locker rooms diluted with body odors and too much Axe cologne is detrimental to seniors' interaction with their jovial classmates.

"The freshmen look up to me because they're pretty much impressed with my muscles and weight lifting abilities," Johnson reflects. "Since I've taken the class four times, I view myself as a leader."

Looking down on the freshmen's over-eagerness to please, Johnson also added, "Younger kids lap me sometimes; they try way too hard for what this class is. I don't even take it seriously anymore.

Maybe the first two times, but not this time."

On the other hand, Speer said that for as much as students talk about how obnoxious the underclassmen are, she gets along with them really well.

"They're nice people. I don't mind taking classes with them that much; I treat them like everyone else. Freshmen congregating in front of my locker, though, now that's a different story."

Mason students must wait two more years to celebrate their unique birthdays Chronicle photo by Olga Borodulin

Students swarm around “Bagel Boy” Tom Burnette’s special breakfast delivery.

serves students roaming the hallways of Mason High School with bagels every Wednesday morning.

"It's like animals around a watering hole. Everyone is surrounding him, and they're all looking for bagels," Stout said.

Burnette, an employee at Panera Bread, is able to obtain the bagels because of a company policy stating that the restaurant is not able to distribute bread leftovers from the previous day to customers. Usually, Panera Bread donates all bagels towards homeless shelters. But on days when the homeless shelters do not arrive for the bagel leftovers, the employees sift through the leftovers and designate handfuls of them as their own. However, Burnette chooses not to take those leftovers home, rather take them to students at school.

"I could just take them home, but I doubt my family could eat that many bagels.

Plus, the kids at school really appreciate it and need to eat something," Burnette said.

The implication that students are in need of morn-

eliminating breakfast from the average diet can be detrimental to physical and mental health causing a deprivation of nutrients.

Messer accredits Burnette for the increase in mental health and activity from her first bell students.

"My first bell just seems to be more talkative after they've gotten bagels from [Burnette]," Messer said.

Burnette is able to distribute this complimentary treat to any student that crosses his route, which begins in Messer's room for first bell and spans through A2, C3, and ends at B2.

Burnette, however, finds solace in hearing the compliments of his fellow classmates after they've received their morning nourishment.

"It's great to hear everyone saying thanks. It means a lot and makes it worth it," Burnette said.

Although Burnette is no superhero, he provides an indispensable service to students.

"He doesn't even know half the people that he's giving bagels to, but he's still making an effort to help out and there's no underlying reason," Stout said.

BY STEPHANIE VISSCHER Chronicle Associate Editor Senior Katie Workman's upcoming birthday will be a big day for her; in official terms she will be turning four and a half years old. In technical terms, she will not be having a birthday at all. Workman is what wikipedia.com calls a "leapling," someone who was born on February 29, the extra calendar day that only occurs once every four years.

Workman first realized her birthday was unique on her fourth, or rather first, birthday. "[My parents] were like, this is your 'real' birthday, and then they explained [Leap Year] to me," Workman said.

Fellow "leapling" senior Sunny Pil was not particularly thrilled when he found out that his birthday would not come every year.

"When my parents told me, I was just like, ‘Wow, that sucks,’" Pil said.

According to senior Evan Powers, who was also born on Leap Year, not having a birthday every three out of four years does not affect how he feels when February 29 finally does come back around.

"It never really felt any different. It just felt like the same type of thing," Powers said.

Pil also does not place more significance on his "real" birthdays than other ones.

"I just celebrate a birthday. It's just another year,"

Pil said.

Although he likes how his birthday makes him "unique," Powers has sometimes found his unusual birthday to be the subject of rather unoriginal jokes.

"I get a lot of stupid jokes made that just get old.

People say stuff like, 'You're four, what are you doing in high school?'" Powers said.

For Workman, one of the downsides of being born on Leap Year is that she does not always have a special day to claim as her own.

"The con is I don't have that one day that belongs to me every year," Workman said.

While some "leaplings" choose to celebrate their birthday on either February 28 or March 1, these three prefer to pull what Pil referred to as a "twofor," and celebrate their birthdays on both days.

Powers often celebrates with friends on one day and with family on the other. Workman just chooses to celebrate on whichever date is the most convenient.

"I can just have my birthday whenever I want around [the end of February]. My dad wants me to celebrate it on March 1, but usually I just do it whenever the weekend is."

To some it would feel weird to not have a birthday every year, but Powers does not see his "lack" of birthdays as a big deal.

"It's not like I'm not having a birthday every year because I'm still getting older and we still celebrate it," Powers said.

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CHRONICLENews

March 2, 2006

Kings Island goes up for sale; students have high hopes for change

BY CANDICE PHILPOT Chronicle Staff Writer If anyone has a few billion dollars laying around there is a good amusement park in Mason for sale. For the people of Mason, Paramount's Kings Island has become a part of our everyday lives. With its immense size and popularity, it had become a familiarity for all ages. However, it may soon be undergoing some change.

The CBS Corporation, owner of Kings Island, announced in a press release on January 26, its plans for the multi-billion dollar theme park that attracted 3.3 million visitors in the 2005 season.

"The CBS Corporation intends to divest it Paramount Parks division…and expects to complete the [transaction] in the second half of 2006," as stated in CBS media statement.

CBS is selling Kings Island, along with four other amusement parks in North America.

The reason given for this decision was the fact that amusement parks do not fit into CBS' business type, which includes the television network, radio stations and advertising.

Advancement toward the sale, however, has already taken place.

"Numerous parties have already expressed interest in acquiring the operation," CBS stated.

Under new ownership, the park is most likely to bring forth possible change in the

way in which it is operated, customer service and attractions.

Shirley Bonekemper, the executive director of the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau has high hopes for the park under new investors.

"I just hope that whomever the buyer ends up being, that they will continue to invest in the high-quality product that it is," Bonekemper stated in The Pulse Journal.

The students of Mason High School are anticipating the changes that may result in new ownership of the popular

amusement park.

"I would like it if Disney bought it," sophomore Rina Nagai said.

Some students are unsure about the affects of the change.

"I think it will change for the better," freshman Jordan Reeves said. "It will be [better] if they put in more rides."

With the 2006 season drawing closer, time can only tell what will happen to the attraction that park customers have all come to know and love.

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March 2, 2006

CHRONICLEArts&Entertainment

7

Mason Area Arts Council looks to showcase local artists’ work

BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor

HOPE Club features drawing contest MHS HOPE club is featuring a creative drawing and slogan contest. All entries must be done in black ink pen, and must tell the viewer about the canned food drive at Mason City Schools. Entries can be turned into your homeroom teacher no later than Wednesday, March 1.

Book discussion to be held at Barnes & Noble Discuss the book Furies of Caleron by Jim Butcher with the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club at Barnes & Noble, West Chester. This takes place on February 21st at 7 pm. Barnes & Noble West Chester is located at 9455 Civic Centre Blvd. For more information call 7552258.

After two years of research, hard work, speeches, fliers, pamphlets, and the establishment of relationships within the community, the concept of the Mason Area Arts Council (MAAC) is soon to become a reality. The creation of the program is due in large part to executive director and fourteen-year Mason resident Meredith Raffel.

Raffel attributes "more of what [she] didn't see" than "what [she] did see" to the push for a stronger arts program in Mason.

"The MAAC began with the recognition that there is a gap in the community in the arena of arts and culture. We live in a community filled with talented artists and citizens who don't have enough venues to enjoy their work," Raffel said.

Raffel felt that the MAAC could present an aspect of Mason to county members that they have yet to see.

"The mission of the MAAC is to bring art exposure, art education and cultural awareness to the community of Mason and sur-

rounding areas," Raffel said.

The Mason Area Arts Council will be a community-based, non-profit organization, which will allow it to tap into library, park, church, arts organization, business and school programs. This also means that it will require a large volunteer and donor base. "[The MAAC] intends to blend our organization with as many schools, organizations, businesses and community members as we possibly can. Volunteers are the core of any organization, the roots that bring success to any event. You simply need to be what you already are, community-minded, and a person who understands the value of the arts," Raffel said.

Besides displaying local adult artists' work, MAAC events will also feature high school and middle school students' artwork.

Although the Mason Area Arts Council does not plan on buying artwork from anyone, rather receiving it for short periods for display, rewards will be provided through scholarships, contests and awards.

"Students need to be able to display their

Noted illustrator C.F. Payne visits MHS

Lebanon Quilt and Fabric Art Show to take place on March 3,4,5 At the Lebanon Quilt and Fabric Art Show, quilts, quilt/fabric supplies and new or vintage fabrics will be sold. The art show will be located at the Warren County Historical Society Museum on 105 S. Broadway. On March 3 and 4, the show will be open from 10 am to 5 pm.

And on March 5 from 11 am to 4 pm.

Admission is $5. For more information call 932-1817 or visit www.wchsmuseum.com.

Symmes Library to host Sudoko tournament Join the Sudoku tournament located at the Symmes Township Library on March 18th at 2:00 pm. For more information call 369-6001 or visit www.cincinnatilibrary.org.

Mason Public Library book talk on Anil’s Ghost Come and attend the Tuesday Night Group as they talk about I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith on March 21 and Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje on April 18th. The group meets at 7:00 at the Mason Public Library. For more information, visit www.masonpl.lib.oh.us or call 398-2711 for further details or email masonplcir@oplin.org

The Western Star features quilting contest The Western Star is featuring a quilting contest, where contestants must submit a photograph of their quilt, which will be published in the Thursday, March 30 issue of The Western Star. After counting votes submitted by Western Star readers, the 1st place winner will receive a $90 gift certificate from Molly Maid, a $50 American Heritage Quilting Hoop, and a $30 gift card to O’Charley’s on Fields Ertel. To apply, you must send a photograph of your quilt along with a description of it no later than March 24 to The Western Star, Quilting Contest, 200 Harmon Avenue, Lebanon, Ohio 45036.

If you have any questions, you can call (513)-696-4501.

- compiled by Sarah Fukatsu

artwork as well, and we want to be able to help them become more recognized," Raffel said.

Although many consider artwork to be confined to drawings and paintings, the MAAC plans on featuring graphic design, sculptures and tap into all forms of the visual, performing, and literary arts.

"We want to display all forms of artwork," Raffel said.

The MAAC is now working to create a board of directors and find an area for their organization. Raffel has found support from several community members such as former Mayor Peter Beck and councilmember Victor Kidd.

Events such as Window Dressings, the first Mason Arts Festival, Seat Yourself Program, and an “Art for Life” initiative have already been planned. However, Raffel sees this as only the beginning to bringing meaning to the MAAC slogan: “Enrich, Inspire, Enjoy.” "[The MAAC] will enrich, inspire, and community members will be able to enjoy.

It is time to fill the gap," Raffel said.

BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor C.F. Payne, an award-winning illustrator and artist, sent an encouraging message to aspiring artists during his speech and illustration signing at Mason High School on Tuesday, January 31.

Payne, a graduate of Miami University and a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, has been published in Time, Rolling Stones, Sports Illustrated, Esquire, GQ, National Geographic, Spy, NFL, and U.S. Postal Service. Besides having received the Gold Funny bone from the New York Society of Illustrators, Payne also taught at East Texas State University and Miami University of Ohio.

With so many accomplishments already secured, Payne's lecture at Mason High School touched on key points in his career and his style of artwork. Most importantly, Payne reached out to many students, like junior Caitie Turner, and stressed the importance of hard work and staying dedicated.

Chronicle photo by Sarah Fukatsu “ His message was really inspirational and C.F. Payne (left) signs one of his illustrations for senior Katie Boethe. Payne pushed me to really work hard at the things that spoke to art students on the many difficulties he enountered as an artist I enjoy,,” Turner said. and the importance of staying dedicated.

Students often get tattoos for sentimental reasons

BY CANDICE PHILPOT Chronicle Staff Writer As in the past, the growing trends to express individualism have reached teenagers across the country, including the students of Mason High School. Clothing, body piercings, hair styles and tattoos are among the many ways in which students express their individuality and character. Although the art of tattooing has greatly grown in popularity over the years, some students of Mason High School look at getting tattoos from a more careful perspective.

Senior Nick Ford got his first tattoo, the initials JVH, in memory of James Horning, who died in a car accident in October of 2004.

"He was like an older brother to me. I did what he did and he was like a role model," Ford said.

Ford thinks back about his friend, who past away over a year ago, and wonders what he would have thought about the tattoo.

"He probably would have thought it was [cool,]" Ford said. "He would have done the same thing for me."

With teenagers being tattooed at such a young age, some question whether they will one day regret their decision and the choice of artwork. However, students with tattoos that hold symbolic meaning believe they will never feel that regret.

This is the case with senior Dustin Chambers, who received the lion of David on his eighteenth birthday.

"I don't think I'll ever regret getting it because it has meaning

behind it," Chambers said. "It means strength and protection."

Juniors Cory Franklin and Nate West, who have been best friends since the first grade, decided to get similar matching tattoos of Christian tribal crosses.

"It's a friendship thing," West said.

Franklin and West feel confident with their design choice.

Chronicle photo by Candice Philpot "I've always wanted a tat- Junior Cory Franklin’s tattoo too that I wouldn't regret, of a cross serves as a and a cross is the only thing reminder of his faith.

[I felt I could get,]" Franklin said.

Along with the design, Chambers links the sentimental value of his tattoo to another person as well.

"My brother was getting a tattoo before he went into the army, so it was a brotherly experience," Chambers said.

Those who have already recieved a tattoo feel that getting a tattoo is well worth the risks if you’re doing it for the right reason.

"Get a tattoo that you actually need. If you're going to get a tattoo, get one that actually means something to you," Ford said.

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CHRONICLEFeature

Sam Goldsmith Music Review

Train’s For Me, It’s You showcases band’s potential

Train has been around for almost a decade and they still carry some big weight on the charts today. They have had great success with Meet Virginia,Calling All Angels, and the Grammy Award-winning Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me). After the departure of a few members in recent years, most recently bass player Charlie Colin, they went into the studio. With Brenden O'Brien, Train constructed their fourth album, For Me, It's You. To tell you the truth, I don't really like Train. Their stuff gets overplayed and the material they put out is usually trite and overproduced. But this record surprised me for one particular reason: the band decided to write with a more autobiographical slant that actually meshes with the music more often. With themes like desperate cries for lasting love ("All I Ever Wanted"), the legacy of parenthood ("Always Remember"), and lonely or bitter breakups (the great one-two punch, "Am I Reaching You Now" and "If I Can't Change Your Mind"), they create a more heartfelt and honest listening experience.

During this transition of maturity however, Train still has to put some of their patently clichéd songs on for their rabid fans to keep them at bay. This includes the first single, "Cab," plus "All I Hear," and "Skyscraper." (This last track would actually be a great Talking Heads song if they got a hold of it.)

But all prejudices aside, I have a new respect for Train. With this record, they are finally starting to show some true potential as artists. This is a good record, but with this giant step of creativity, they could very possibly make a great record.

Editor’s Note: Sam Goldsmith, Eric Ditzel and Wendy Wei are contributing writers to The Chronicle.

Eric Ditzel Video Game Review 25 to Life is punishment There are so many things that you can do which are more entertaining than this game. Personally, lighting myself on fire or doing titrations would be much less painful and far more pleasant.

To start off, the graphics resemble something off of a late PS2 title. Bland doesn't even begin to describe the lackluster environments in this game. The soundtrack is the only quasi-decent thing you will find.

On the other hand, the SFX and voice acting are horrid. Every other word sounds like it was forced from a very confused and angry suburban punk. The gunfire can only be described as…well, loud. Don't expect any innovative or eye popping effects from this rotten tomato.

Now, onto the gameplay. Even to a seasoned veteran of PC and console games like me, the controls of this third person shooter were unintuitive and sluggish.

Targeting an enemy on the move or from behind cover was inconsistent and a chore.

Not to mention the style of play went as such: 1) Move into open space. 2) Charge stupid yet extremely accurate AI. 3) Get mowed down. 4) Grab health pack, move onto next area, and repeat.

The AI has zero intelligence yet they are able to pick you off from across the map with an automatic weapon. They move like mannequins stuffed with hay and have no reaction when shot. The enemies also take 20-30 body shots to take down: 3-4 head shots if you're lucky. How realistic! There is nothing novel or fun about this stale "duck and shoot" gameplay. The levels are 100% linear and are just Unreal Tournament arenas in disguise.

At least UT promised what it delivered. (awesome series by the way). The story line is nonexistent. It may be there but it is the shadow of a third grade creative piece.

The only thing that slightly pulls this game up is its multiplayer aspect. It isn't well crafted, but the wide variety of options and game variants will keep you busy for all of twenty minutes.

Please, if you do one thing for me this school year, do not let this worthless waste of plastic anywhere near your PS2, Xbox, or PC. This game isn't trash…trash should be picked up.

March 2, 2006

Wendy Wei Book Review The Picture of Dorian Gray, an introspective novel that studies the mind The Picture of Dorian Gray is Oscar Wilde's only novel if one discounts the fairy tales - although The Selfish Giant and The Happy Prince, despite their subtext, make good reads on a return trip to childhood - and one can see why. Dark and compelling, it's the kind of book that will haunt you across the world. It may also be one of the most quotable English novels, too, including aphorisms such as "the only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it." and, better still, "all art is quite useless."

However, despite its remarkable and purposefully shallow declarations, it is a novel for the lovers of classics, of a lost generation before the original Lost Generation. It is also a wonderfully insulting book; open a page at random and it's quite likely that you can pull a suitably discourteous thing to say to an offender from it.

In the novel, Lord Henry first meets Dorian Gray through a mutual acquaintance, a painter who is infatuated with the look of Dorian and his innocence. But when Dorian comes face to face with his portrait, acclaimed as the painter's masterpiece, he finds himself jealous - of his likeness. Why should it be permitted to linger in leisure beneath the dust, unaging?

Why should his face change to accommodate the passing years? And a strange and wondrous miracle comes to pass: the portrait ages and changes as Dorian does not, and reveals to him his gradual descent over the years into immorality and deceit as Lord Henry steeps him in the pleasures and cynicism that London society has to offer.

A leisurely look at the gradual decadence that society brings upon beauty, the story is told in gorgeous prose and the traditional simplicity of Oscar Wilde. But it is not only the story of a man who knows that he is beautiful all too well - it is a study of how the mind can change, how thoughts can turn back on themselves like bending knives. And for those who can find time in their lives for a slim, introspective novel, this would be the one.

Stephanie Visscher Movie Review Firewall brings talented actors and entertainment I'll give Harrison Ford credit. He is pretty much the only original cast member of Star Wars who actually went somewhere for a while. Although his more recent films have fallen below the radar (Does anyone remember Hollywood Homicide?), he hasn't quite disappeared yet. And Ford's latest film, Firewall, is solid bid to stay around for a while longer.

The plot is easy to follow. Ford plays Jack Stanfield, a bank security expert whose family is held hostage by a brutal criminal (Paul Bettany) until he helps them steal 100 million dollars from the bank he works for. Bettany is great as Bill Cox, the man keeping Stanfield's family hostage.

Although not as deep as his previous roles, Bettany manages to create a dynamic character out of Cox. At first mildly charming to the family, I began to wonder if Cox was one of those bad guys that are evil and yet likeable at the same time. A few dead bodies later, I was kind of leaning towards the evil side. But I have been known to be judgmental.

The big twist? Even after Stanfield follows through with the scheme, he returns home to find that Cox has disappeared with his family (dog Rusty in tow). His fight to get his family back is the most thrilling part of the film.

The only flaw in the movie would be Mary Lynn Rajskub's portrayal of Janet, Stanfield's secretary. Her acting was rather bland and she had a particular knack for stating the obvious in monotone, example being when Stanfield tells her his family has been kidnapped and she replies: "Oh my God. That's terrible." Notice the lack of exclamation marks.

There were many places where this movie could have gone wrong, but Firewall manages to stay afloat above all the other mediocre thrillers Hollywood has recently been regurgitating.

His recent flop aside, Firewall proves Ford doesn't have to do anything for the money. If you want an excuse to eat a bucketful of popcorn, go see Curious George. If you want to go to see an entertaining movie, go see Harrison Ford prove he's still Hollywood hot stuff in Firewall.

The

March 2, 2006

CHRONICLEFeature

Student artwork displayed at Scholastic Art and Writing awards reception

BY SARAH FUKATSU Chronicle Staff Writer Eighteen Mason High School artists were given their chance to shine, when their artwork was held on display at the Scholastic Art and Writing awards reception on February 17. Their artwork was placed head-to-head with some of the best pieces in Ohio, and each was viewed by those who attend ed the program.

"Eighteen out of 100 pieces sent from Mason won some sort of an award.

We are increasing our number of winners each year. Last year there were 12 winners," graphic arts teacher Aaron Roberts said.

The six art pieces that won Gold Key Awards will be sent on to New York for national judging. The Gold Key winners are Brielle Giovis, Kana Minam i, Julia Hustedt, Gina Scibetta, Michelle Newell and Drew Shields. Mason High School Art department head Beth Eline is confident in her students, but knows the competition is always unpredictable.

"We always push students hard to do their best, but you never know what the judges are going to like," Eline said.

Despite any possible disappointing results, Eline believes all studen ts will walk away triumphant and have life-long experiences.

"It gives students experience with competitions and it looks wonde rful on a college application. It lets others know you were serious about art in high school," Eline said.

Like anyone else, artists need something on their application that sets them from the rest. But every artist also requires recognition for their hard work.

"This competition gives the students validation outside their teache rs or friends. They know that their work is good," Eline said.

All six of the Gold Key winners from Mason have high hopes for how they may do at nationals, as do their teachers.

"I'm excited to see how the gold key winners do in Nationals," Rober ts said.

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The

The

March 2, 2006

CHRONICLECenterspread

CHRONICLECenterspread

11

With the installation of programs like Edline and Naviance, parents are constantly monitoring student's performance, making students feel like they are...

Students under constant pressure to be perfect

BY OLGA BORODULIN Chronicle Editor Infants are often found with a parent by their side, watching their child's every move. But as children gain experience and get older, they look forward to the new high school atmosphere and the certain amount of independence that comes with the territory. Those students may soon be disappointed to find that through constant teacher-parent emails and phone interaction, and web hosts, like Edline and Naviance, the high school atmosphere at Mason is, to some students, no different than the independence afforded to infants. Parents are now able to moniter student's grades, homework, daily progress, college decisions, daily journals, and even what they had for lunch, all with the click of a mouse.

Junior Kelsey Johnson is one of many students who have noticed the development of easy-to-access programs that are able to integrate parents into student's lives.

"Parents are able to access anything now. It's all at the tip of their fingertips, and they use it to know as much as they can," Johnson said.

One of these programs is Edline, a website that features students' grades, schedules, homework, school activities, news and teacher information.

The site was first piloted in five Mason schools in October 2002, at a cost of $11,000. This program not only assigns students with usernames and passwords to view all of its features, but also gives separate usernames and passwords to parents which allows them to keep track of their student's personal progress.

Junior Amy Smith believes the program is in actuality counterproductive.

"By showing parents [students'] grades you're just forcing unneeded pressure onto students. They’re under constant scrutiny," Smith said.

The ability to view assignment grades as they are added, compared to solely viewing interim grades, has allowed parents to see every low mark their student receives as they receive them. Sophomore Brad Langford has experienced the consequences of having his parents know about every bad grade that he acquires.

"Even if I've done well on other assignments, my parents will get upset over that one bad grade," Langford said.

Grade updates bring scrutiny and punishment from parents, as parents discipline students for an assignment that does not meet their standards. Junior Kelsey Johnson has been victim to such punishments.

"My parents begin yelling at me and threatening to ground me," Johnson said.

Junior Amy Smith has also been forced to disconnect her phone and has also had her internet and television privileges taken away because of poor grades. "[My mom] expects me to do really well and if I don't meet [her standards] then there are consequences," Smith said.

The degree of severity in punishments may vary. While freshman Shelby Knapke's parents check her grades approximately once a week and give out several comments on her performance, sophomore Brad Langford's parents usually check the website with each new update. Langford accredits his brother and sister's high marks for the standard set by his parents.

"I feel like [my parents] are invading my space. I just wish they would trust me more and let me show them that I'm responsible," Langford said.

Johnson also wishes her parents would ‘trust’ her more and believe that she can make her own decisions. Such mistrust and extreme prying in student affairs from parents will only leave negative qualities and feelings in students, according to Smith.

"When my parents yell at me for my grades, I don't want to try harder. It just makes me even more discouraged because they can't see how hard I'm trying already," Smith

said.

Due to the plethora of problems caused by frequent updates, Honors English I teacher Rachel Cronin opts to update on a weekly basis instead of a daily basis. Cronin does this so that parents aren't panicking over a single low grade.

"Many times when parents see that one low grade, they begin to question [their child] and make [the child] nervous," Cronin said.

Cronin believes that parents need to understand the Edline system before panicking. The example Cronin presents to her classes is a scale simulation, in essence showing that if the Tests category is 40 percent of the total grade in the class, and only one grade has been entered, the majority of the student's grade will be impacted by that one grade. As more tests are added on, the grade will fluctuate greatly because that first low grade will retain less importance. Yet Cronin admits that many parents still do not understand, and aren't as sympathetic towards their student's performance.

"Parents must understand that a bad grade just means that the student needs to go back and learn the material and revise on their own," Cronin said.

However, as the parents pry into the progress of their children, they also begin e-mailing and phoning teachers in order to become even more involved. Cronin recalls an instance where a parent was requesting for her to call and explain why a student received anything under a "B." "I did tell the parent that I wouldn't do it. It wasn't necessary," Cronin said.

Another way several parents expand control of student's work is through homework checks, even in high school. Langford's parents administer one daily, and ask him to explain his work. Langford, however, finds this pointless.

"I want to be able to be in charge of my own problems and not worry about what my parents are thinking," Langford said.

Langford's irritation sheds light on whether or not parents are over-involved, and if their constant prying may hinder student's decision-making skills and ability to solve problems on their own in the future.

The question on how far the bounds of prying into a student's life stretch are mentioned in Neil Howe and William Strauss' book, Millennials Rising, where a key point was the need for parents in this generation to be partners in everything their student does. This thought was specifically concurred by Helen E. Johnson in her book, Don't Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money.

In regards to whether parent's involvement may hinder student's abilities, Honors English III teacher Ann Helwig has concluded in her 14 years as a teacher that although parent input is important, it is more beneficial for parents to "encourage children to talk to their teacher" instead of just having the parents solve the problem.

"Having students solve problems on their own helps build confidence and problem-solving skills for college," Helwig said.

Helwig has seen "students who bounce back" from bad grades, without having their parents interference. Parent Mike Herling, a 1979 graduate from Colgate University, believes that "kids are much more self-confident and develop better decision-making skills if they're given the opportunity to make decisions for themselves."

But besides delaying student's mental development, the prying habits of parents can also have a negative impact upon the parents themselves.

A study by the Society for Research in Child

Development in Atlanta found that parents who rely on their children's accomplishments for self-worth reported to be sadder, have a negative self-image, and have a diminished outlook upon life. Peter N. Stearns, provost of George Mason University, was quoted as saying that "parent's anxiety and dissatisfaction with life have markedly increased during the past twenty years because of over-involvement in their children's lives."

Though cell phones, or, according to former vice president of student affairs at the University of Georgia Richard Mullendore, "the world's longest umbilical cords" make it even more difficult for parents to not be tempted to pry into student's lives, the transition and changes are necessary, according to Langford.

"I appreciate what my parents are doing. I know they want what's best for me but sometimes it's best if I'm just able to do things without someone watching me," Langford said.

“I need the constant reinforcement from them [in school] whether it is negative or positive. They are my motiviation for college” Ben Goedde Junior

Chronicle illustration by Peter Springsteen

Parent’s involvement reflects student’s accomplishments

BY REBECCA ZIEGLER Chronicle Staff Writer When grades are posted on Edline, students groan in unison, knowing that they are being monitored in yet another aspect of their lives. Some students criticize their parents for their involvement, while others respect it for how it has shaped them. Yet many do not realize that "parent's involvement in their child's education is a key factor in the child's scholastic success," according to mactopia.com, and that Edline is more of a guiding path.

When junior Ben Goedde's parents, Susan and Phillip, check his grades, he appreciates their concerns, knowing that not all students are so fortunate to have such involved and caring parents.

"I need the constant reinforcement from them [in school] whether it is negative or positive. They are my motivation for college," Goedde said.

Goedde's parents want him to be successful in the future, therefore they are always up-to-date with his performance in school.

"My mom has always checked my grades, every year. My dad cares, but not nearly as much as my mom. They go to open house at school every year to meet my teachers. They just like to know what's going on," Goedde said.

Mrs. Goedde has always felt that it has been important to be involved in her children's education since they entered preschool. She believes that building trust with teachers, counselors and coaches provides her the opportunity to turn to them with concerns. With the installment of programs like Edline, parents have more of an ability to help.

"I love Edline! I can be on top of Ben's grades without relying on him to tell me. I print out grade summaries when I am not happy with what I see and then we discuss the situation together. I brag to other parents who have high school age kids about how lucky we are to have Edline at MHS," Mrs. Goedde said.

Ben has adjusted to the idea of his parents checking his grades and has even started to appreciate their input.

"I like it when my parents compliment me on my good grades. It is like a pay-off for all of my hard work," Goedde said.

Along with following Ben's grades and assignments, the Goedde family tries to eat dinner together on a nightly basis.

Studies have shown that family dinners not only improve family relationships, but make teenagers become better students. According to a survey conducted by the Center of Addition and Substance Abuse, "teens who have dinner with their families five or more times a week are almost twice as likely to receive A's in school compared to teens who have dinner with their families two or fewer times a week."

Mrs. Goedde is an example of a concerned parent who is most likely identified wrongly by many teenagers. Family dinners, checking Edline and making rules outlining what grades must look like in order to have a social life may seem constricting, but to her, the guidelines are only to reinforce her son's success in the future.

"I think a lot of parents are as involved as I am.

High school is very different because your teen doesn't want you around as much, but it doesn't stop me from asking him questions every day," Mrs. Goedde said.

Junior Sean Brink is another student with dedicated parents, especially his mother, who enforces rules in order for him to be more motivated. "[My parents] think my grades are really important to my future," Brink said.

Brink generally does not mind his parent's engrossment in his school work.

"I like for my parents to check up on my grades because I don't usually check them for myself. They tell me what I have in my classes," Brink said.

Brink believes that without his parents, he could not have achieved as much thus far in high school.

"My mom helps me out a lot with my homework all the time. She's been very helpful," Brink said.

While Brink tries to get good grades for himself, he also gains motivation from seeing his parent's appreciation.

"I see that my mom works so hard for me and I want to return the favor so I try to get good grades. I know it's important to her," Brink said.

Brink is sometimes frustrated with the pressures his

parents put on him, but understands where his parent's concern stems from.

"Sometimes I resent [their involvement,] but in the long run I know it's going to help me out because I'll be more conscious of how hard I work," Brink said.

Freshman Elizabeth Nebraski appreciates the support she has received from her parents since she began high school.

Their guidance has helped her start off the next four years with confidence.

"I don't think I would have been as motivated without my parents. They give me incentives to work for," Nebraski said.

Since her parents have pushed this far, Nebraski wants to keep succeeding for not only them, but herself.

"They put pressure on me to do well, and when I don't do well it upsets me because I know they'll be disappointed," Nebraski said.

Senior Dan Lansdown is yet another student who has benefited from his parent's involvement, especially their guidance through the college application process. "[My parents] always tell me to set up my interviews for college. They remind me that it's something I should do for myself and not something they should do for me. I know that they're definitely here for me when I do need help though," Lansdown said.

Looking back on all of his schooling, Lansdown has an enormous amount of respect for all that his parents have done for him and helped him with.

"I couldn't have done as well in school without them. I am thankful for them pushing me in my school work because it pushed me away from slacking off," Lansdown said.

Involved parents are not only keeping up with their students, but teachers as well. Parent-teacher relationships seem to be strengthening, bridging gaps in communication, according to many teachers at Mason High School. Science teacher Randy Hubbard does not mind having parents keep up with their children's education and feels lucky to be in a school district where students have so much outside assistance.

"It's very important [as a teacher] to see the support that kids get from their parents. It puts more pressure on teachers to make sure that we're doing everything that we should be doing," Hubbard said.

Hubbard believes that parent's involvement helps their students in the future.

"It's important that students know their parents care," Hubbard said.

Mason High School Principal Dave Allen also believes in active parents and that students benefit greatly from them.

"Beyond Edline I am huge [supporter of] parents being involved in education. I don't think Edline replaces the conferences between parents, students and teachers, but it is a great way to keep parents involved with what's going on. I think our parents in this community are wonderful," Allen said.

Allen also stresses that beyond parent involvement, students are the ones who need to help in assisting their parents with the guidance they receive.

"What we have to keep in mind with communication and parent involvement is the idea of producing an independent thinker and learner, and someone who is accountable and responsible. Freshmen need a close eye on them because by the time freshmen are seniors, we, as administrators and parents, need to back off [to allow growth,]" Allen said.

Allen has seen parent involvement in all grade levels, but feels it is much more significant in high school.

"I think it's even more important at the high school level [for parents] to see how their students are doing, even outside of school. There is so much temptation in high school and [students] need their parents more," Allen said.

"You have to be supportive of your child no matter what they do. You need to encourage them to make better decisions in the future. Ben takes my advice more than he would admit. I believe your kids usually appreciate your advice many years after you actually give it," Mrs. Goedde said.

“I want to be able to be in charge of my own problems and not worry about what my parents are thinking” Brad Langford Sophomore

12

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March 2, 2006

The

William Mason High School Home of The Comets

Chronlcle

Senior Katie O’Connor helped lead the Lady Comets to a winning season. See story page 17.

MARCH 2, 2006

SPORTS

Senior Maddie Pitman has signed a national letter of intent to play soccer for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.

Pittman was selected as second team all conference and was a four year varsity starter for the Comets.

Pittman

Juillerat commits to Bowling Green State Univesity Comet senior Faith Juillerat has signed a national letter of intent to play soccer at Bowling Green State University. Juillerat was second in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference this past season with 38 points.

Juillerat

Thompson signs to play soccer at Louisville Senior Ashley Thompson committed to play soccer for the University of Louisville this fall. Thompson tied for seventh in the Fort Ancient Valley Thompson Conference and was first team Fort Ancient Valley Conference this past season.

PORTS

STATS

59:18 Sophomore Spencer Hewes’ record-breaking time in the 100 yard breaststroke. Hewes’ time was good enough to break the FAVC and school record. See story page 14.

Did you know?

Current varsity basketball assistant coach Casey Popplewell once played for his father, Mason guidance counselor Gary Popplewell, as a part of the 1990 and 1991 Fort Ancient Valley Conference championship basketball team.

V OLUME 3 I SSUE 5

BACK2 BACK

SPORTS Shorts Pittman will play soccer at Alabama A&M

Junior Chase Conn and the varsity boy’s basketball team clenched the FAVC title as they look to win their first district title. See story page 17.

Swimmers, boys basketball repeat as conference champs

BY MATT SCRUTA Chronicle Sports Writer Only a decade ago, Mason was a town built upon rural principles. Sprawling corn and soy bean fields stretched for miles.

High school musicals were held in the old basketball gym, and Mason-Montgomery Road was only two lanes.

Fast forward to present day.

Agriculture is no longer in Mason, Ohio. Farmland is replaced by suburban sprawl and shopping centers, and Mason-Montgomery Road is now a four-lane pipeline for the dense traffic in Mason.

The school system has grown in size and quality, and the athletic program has progressed with it.

More and more athletic opportunities have been offered as the population has increased. In just ten years, Mason has transformed from a small town contender to the brink of Division I dominance.

Boys and girls swimming have gone from jesters of the Fort Ancient Valley Conference to conference sovereignty in a matter of three years. This season further secured their ranks with the elite.

The boys dominated the FAVC all season long in duels, and the conference meet was an exclamation point on their terrific season. As a team, the boys secured eleven of the twelve spots on the all-conference first team.

Coach Mark Sullivan was FAVC coach of the year, while Spencer Hewes and Mike Whipkey were conference swimmers of the year.

2 BACK

The girls were also impressive, winning their conference championship for the third consecutive year.

Although the girls did not have the most dominant season in the conference, they hung with the elite all season long and raced their best when it was most important: at the conference meet. They finished ahead of the favored Anderson Redskins to defend their championship.

Boys basketball has lived by the old cliché "offense sells tickets, defense wins championships.” They have thrived by playing suffocating defense and compiled a conference record of 13-1, on the cusp of a second consecutive conference championship. The extent of the greatness of the Comet “D” was evident in a late January match up with non-conference rival Lakota East. Boasting wunderkind guard James Dews, the Thunderhawks expected to feed the ball to their star who averages 27.6 points per game. Instead, the Comets held Dews to 20 points and five turnovers on 38 percent shooting in a 53-43 Comet victory.

In the second week of the post season boys swimming captured second place at the District meet behind Cincinnati St. Xavier. The boys will send Scott Sargent, the first MHS diver to state along with individuals Spencer Hewes, Michael Whipkey, and Brad Langford. The three relays have also qualified for the state tournament.

The girls will join them in Canton for the state meet. Seniors Sarah Griffiths and freshman Mary Wunderle qualified individually as well as the freestyle and medley relays.

The boy's basketball team finished their regular season 18-2 after defeating Milford 59-53 in overtime.

With only two losses on the season, the Comets were among the elite Divsion I teams in Cincinnati.

After the boy’s basketball and swimming teams won their second consecutive FAVC title, they look to continue their dominance into the post season.

Pictured: Stand out swimmers Amy Bland, Michael Whipkey and basketball player Tyler Lyon bask in the glow of their FAVC championship.

MHS graduate makes men’s national gymnastic team

BY DREW ALLEN Chronicle Sports Writer

Bucher

DJ Bucher, a 2004 graduate of Mason High School, recently won a spot on the United States Men's Gymnastics Team. After finishing first at the National Championship in Indianapolis, he won the right to represent the team in the parallel bars

event.

A three-time All American at The Ohio State University, Bucher placed first with a score of 18.425. He also placed fourth with a score of 17.5 in the pommel horse event and seventh with a score of 17.4 on the rings.

After graduating from Mason and qualifying for the Junior Olympic Team and Senior National team, Bucher continued his gymnastics career at Ohio State, where he immediately made an impact on the program. He won a Big Ten Championship on the parallel bars and set

an OSU record in his first collegiate meet at the Windy City Invitational where he scored a point total of 9.85 on the parallel bars, which is the Ohio State record.

Bucher competed in 11 meets for Ohio State as a freshman and also was the only freshman in Buckeye history to garner All American honors in three separate events.

He continues to contribute to the gymnastics program this season, as the Buckeyes continue their dominance as the second ranked team in the country.

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Sargeant first diver to qualify for state After a fifth place finish at the division one district diving competition, senior Scott Sargent is heading to the state competition in Canton Ohio. Sargent, Sargent who was seeded seventh going into the district tournament, posted a score of 362.90 which was less than two points out of third place.

"I started diving my sophomore year and I am really excited to get the chance to compete at the state level," Sargent said.

Not having a proper diving facility nearby, Sargent makes the daily trip to Miami University in order to find time to practice.

"Usually, I practice two hours a day but it takes up four hours of my time because of the hour drive to and from Miami," Sargent said.

As his senior season comes to an end Sargent hopes to get the chance to dive at the collegiate level.

"In terms of diving, I like the coach at Ohio University and Wright State, but I am keeping my options open."

Sargent clenched the Fort Ancient Valley Conference with a score of 211.35.

Previous to diving Sargent was a gymnast primarily in the trampoline event.

“Gymnastics has really helped me because I had trouble coming in the water head first whereas on the trampoline I would always land on my feet. I was able to do double flips before I could dive,” Sargent said.

Sargent attributes his success this season to his work ethic. This season Sargent decided to quit gymnastics and devote all of his time to diving in hopes to continue his career at the collegiate level.

March 2, 2006

Boys and girls swim teams continue dominance in FAVC; sweep conference championships

BY MATT SCRUTA Chronicle Sports Writer Three years ago, the swimming hierarchy of the Fort Ancient Valley Conference had a vastly different look than it does today. Turpin and Anderson were the established swimming programs in the FAVC. Mason swimming was perennially a middle-of-the-road program, and not a consistent threat to become league champions.

How the times have changed.

Beginning with the 2003-04 season, Mason swimming has rattled off six conference championships (three for boys, three for girls) in just three years. This season was especially brilliant for the Comets.

The boys won the conference meet with a staggering score of 603.5 tripling the score of the second place Loveland Tigers (200.5). The boys clinched their third consecutive conference championship, while the girls were equally impressive.

They won their third straight title with a score of 452.5, beating out second-place Anderson (362.5).

Third-year coach Mark Sullivan has directed the about face of Mason swimming, and was impressed with how well each team did at the conference meet.

"We knew going in that we had a really good shot at winning," Sullivan said. "I was real happy with how the kids swam."

Leading the boys at the FAVC championships were FAVC Swimmers of the year Mike Whipkey and Spencer Hewes.

Whipkey, a senior, finished first in the 200 yard I. M. He also placed in several other events, including a third place finish in the 100 yard butterfly. Hewes, only a sophomore, made his mark in the FAVC record

books. In the 100 yard breaststroke, Hewes finished the race with a time of :59:18, shattering the previous record of 1:00:17, set in 2001. Despite the dominant way he won, Hewes didn't do anything out of the ordinary in preparing for that epic race.

"I was just focusing on competing with the guy swimming next to me," Hewes said.

Hewes also placed first in the 200 yard freestyle, winning by a narrow margin over his teammate, sophomore Brad Langford. Langford was the only other Mason swimmer to win an event at the FAVC championship, the 500 yard freestyle.

"The coaches always knew that I could do well," Hewes said. "They always have had confidence in me."

Also performing well were the divers of Mason High School. Divers don't normally get the same attention the swimmers do, but senior Scott Sargent and the other Mason divers made a strong case that perhaps they should. Three Mason divers clinched the top three scores at the conference meet, led by Sargent's score of 211.35.

"Tony [Rapp], Scott, and Steve [Sargent] gave us huge points going into the meet," Sullivan said. "The growth of the divers has been unbelievable."

Sullivan won FAVC coach of the year honors for the third-consecutive year. As expected, Mason swimmers dominated the all-conference team selections.

"We have a lot of outstanding swimmers that will go into a meet and perform really well," Sullivan said. "You have to credit [the domination] to their overall talent."

While the boys were the clear favorite to win the FAVC, the girls had been the

underdog of the conference. They did not let that phase them at the conference meet, as the girls pulled off a win for the third consecutive year, a testament to their work ethic.

"All season long, Coach Sullivan didn't think we could win," varsity swimmer Morgan Parker said. "He's been buttering up the boys."

As a team, the Comets stayed consistent throughout the meet as many swimmers posted good times. Parker, only a sophomore, led the way for the Comets.

Individually, she won the 100 yard butterfly, and was a member of the victorious 200 yard freestyle and 200 yard medley relays.

"I really wanted to step up and win my events," Parker said. "I was bummed that I couldn't win my fourth [event]."

Seniors Amy Bland and Sarah Griffiths, juniors Sam Smit and Becky Crabtree, and freshman Mary Wunderle were also components of those relay teams. In addition, Bland also won the 100 yard breast stroke. "[The conference meet] was a great meet for them," Sullivan said. All of our swimmers stepped up and swam well."

The girls who won events at the conference meet were also named all-conference first-team in the FAVC. "Our goal is to get as many swimmers in [the state meet in] Canton as we can," Sullivan said. "First, it is a matter of swimming well at districts."

The win at the conference meet and earned them additional confidence as the girls continue another dominant postseason run.

As two individuals and all three relays qualified for state, the girl’s swimming team this season looks to be more prepared than ever.

Murnan has high expectations for Comet wrestlers in tournament

BY JOEY D’AMICO Chronicle Sports Writer With a second place finish to Harrison at the Fort Ancient Valley Conference Tournament, the wrestling team has closed the door on the regular season and has opened a door that leads to the state tournament in Columbus.

"The team was marked by improvement throughout the season," varsity wrestling coach Craig Murnan said. "Every tournament we got better as a team."

With the sectional, district and state tournaments taking place over the upcoming weekends, the high level of competition will place a demand on the athletes to be at the top of their game.

"Once you get to the postseason it is a different level," senior wrestler Brian Porter said. "Everybody is at the top of their game, and you really have to focus on tweaking the little things."

Currently ranked behind Moeller, Lakota West and

Chronicle Sports Photo by Drew Allen

Senior Eddie Suess won the Fort Ancient Valley Conference and was Mason’s fifth conference champion.

Harrison, the Comets are holding down the number six spot in the city, and are looking at the postseason as their chance to show off their ability to other schools in the city and state.

"I feel our team has been under rated the entire year," senior wrestler Eddie Suess said. "Our team is pumped to show people how hard we have worked this season."

While the team looks to open eyes throughout the duration of the season, postseason wrestling begins to focus more on the individual aspect of the sport as opposed to the team aspect.

"We had two [wrestlers] place at state last year and our team was in the top fifteen," Porter said. "This year I think we have the potential to place three or four at the state tournament which will put our team up there in the state rankings."

When it comes down to the individuals for the Comets, seniors Porter and Suess hope not only to qualify for the state tournament, but also place themselves amongst the best wrestlers in the state of Ohio.

"I think they can make a run at high placement at the state tournament," Murnan said. "They are seasoned wrestlers and have the experience to perform very well."

During the regular season, the Comets suffered some key injuries which have given some younger athletes the chance to step up and fill the holes in the varsity lineup, and now in the heart of the postseason, some schools are overlooking the ability of the Comets.

"I think people are overlooking some of our kids and that's a good position to be in as a coach," Murnan said.

"Sometimes you perform better when you are the underdog and I know we will open eyes in the tournament."

While the competition in the postseason is a step up from the regular season, a simple mistake could result in a loss, so forcing an opponent out of their comfort zone will be the key for the Comet wrestlers for the duration of the season.

"It will come down to who is able to capitalize on a mistake," Murnan said. "You have to minimize your mistakes and capitalize on the mistakes of the opponent. The athletes who can do this and force their own style onto their oppo-

nent and get them to wrestle out of their comfort zone will have the edge."

The upcoming weekends will prove to be crucial for the wrestling team and though the pressure will only increase, they realize the postseason will also be an exciting time.

"We have to take one match at a time," Porter said. "It's been a great year and the rest of the season will be awesome."

Wrestlers focus on post season The Mason wrestlers recently qualified nine out of their thirteen wrestlers to the district tournament. Senior Brian Porter was the only champion for the Comets leading them to a third place finish behind Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller and Milford with 168 points.

Senior An Nguyen and sophomores Joe Porter and Josh Kline finished second, while seniors Eddie Suess, Joel Cooperstein, and Jamie Morton placed third. Fourth place finishers included seniors Nick Ford and Steven Yost.

At the district tournament held at Fairfield High School, the top four individuals at each weight class advance to the state tournament at The Ohio State Jerome Schottenstein Center beginning Thursday, March 2nd.

After last year’s record book state appearance with Mason’s first state champion, heavyweight Zach Marshall, and seventh place finisher Dan Mizener at 145 pounds, the MHS wrestlers hope to have another memorable weekend.

The Comets head into the state tournament as underdogs in many of their weight classes.

The only returning state qualifer and seventh ranked Porter hopes the wrestlers can place

15

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CHRONICLESports

Gameday Rituals

“

March 2, 2006 Junior Kristen Lamotte stops

by Chick-Fil-A every gameday.

I always eat at Panera on game day, and I go home to take a nap. When I wake up I stop by Chick-Fil-A to get their ice cream.

When I get to the arena my boyfriend gives me a pep talk Kristen Lamotte , Junior before I play.

Varsity Basketball

”

Junior Kristen Lamotte currently plays shooting guard for the Lady Comets. Lamotte averages 5.8 points per game with a total of 70 points this season. Lamotte has helped lead the team to an 8-4 conference record and overall record of 10-8.

HIGHLIGHT REEL Senior varsity wrestler Brian Porter has logged another season for the record books.He went 32-2 with 12 pins, with over 100 career wins. Porter was named to his second consecutive first team all conference honors with a win in the conference tournament.

Sophomore swimmer Spencer Hewes is putting together another great season. At the conference meet he took first place in the 100 yard breaststroke. Hewes has been named to his second consecutive first team all FAVC. Junior basketball player Matt White is averaging 3.5 points and 3.1 rebounds a game. White has been a key component to the Comets city best defense, shutting down Lakota East star James Dews in their match up earlier this season at East.

- Compiled by Morrison Tracy

How I got Started...

Senior girl's varsity basketball player Katie O'Connor is averaging 8.4 points a game and has provided senior leadership to the girl's team.

She put up 10 points and hit all three three-pointers she shot in their tough loss to Winton Woods

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

- Compiled by Morrison Tracy and Josh Geiger

"I started playing when I was five or six years old.

Travis and I would play one on one on this little tykes hoop and we stopped playing one on one

Zach Brown, Freshman when we put a hole in the wall. I’ve just been

Varsity Basketball

playing ever since.”

Freshman Zach Brown has been a significant contributor to the Comets this season. The team is currently first in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference with an overall record of 15-2 and 11-1 in the FAVC. Brown has a total of 43 points for the season.

- Compiled by Morrison Tracy

What’s Your Take?

How should the new ownership of the Cincinnati Reds approach the upcoming season?

Dump team and rebuild

14%

4% Win Now

48% 100 students surveyed.

41%

Build for the future

Unload high pay roll for young pitching

Campus Scene Winter Sport Stars In this month’s College Watch we are checking on a former Mason High School student-athlete.

Melissa King: Class of 2005 A 2005 graduate of Mason High School Melissa King is currently a freshman at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. As a member of the Ladies swim team, King is contributing in the 200 yard backstroke and the 500 yard freestyle relay. In recent competition, King placed 2nd in the backstroke at the NCAC Relays and also was selected to swim in the NCAC Championships in the freestyle event. The Ladies, with the help of King, won the NCAC Championships on February 9th.

King was a big part of the swimming dynasty while she was at Mason.

King was selected to the Fort Ancient Valley Conference first team in the 200 Kenyon University Facts yard medley relay and the 100 yard backNickname: The Lords and stroke. She won the backstroke at the conLadies ference meet in 2005 along with the medColors: Purple and White ley relay. King currently holds four of Mason's swimming records in the 100 and Conference: North Costal 200 yard backstrokes and the 200 and 400 Atlantic Conference (NCAC) yard medley relays. At the 2005 state competition, King placed third in the 100 yard Affiliation: NCAA Division III backstroke and eighth in the 100 yard butterfly.

- Compiled by Morrison Tracy

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March 2, 2006

Girls basketball finishes with winning season

BY MATT HUNTER Chronicle Sports Writer Stability has been restored to the proud girl’s basektball program at Mason High School. After a lackluster 2004-05 season, the Comets, under their third head coach in the last three years, finished the season with a winning record and a third place showing in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference.

Over the last three years the Comet senior class has had three head coaches. Gerry Lackey, who led the Comets to a state title in 2000, then followed by long time assistant Angie Edmonds, who stepped down after one season, and now former Sycamore boys head coach Rob Matula.

Senior Lauren Gentene has played for two different head coaches in her two years as a member of the varsity basketball team.

"Coach Matula brings a lot of intensity to the team. In the past, we haven't been pushed as hard because our expectations weren't as high. He believed in us. A lot of it has to do with the fact that he coached guys before he came here," Gentene said.

The Lady Comets' 11-10 record was not a true testament to how well the team has played this season. In six of their nine losses, the Lady Chronicle sports photo by Josh Geiger Comets only lost by seven points. Against league Senior Katie O’Connor was a solid contributor on the Comets 11- leading Winton Woods, the Comets found them10 squad this. O’Connor was FAVC All Conference. selves with an eight point lead going into end the second half. The Comets took the game into overtime, where they fell by eight points. In their post Fort Ancient Valley All Conference Selections & Standings(Girls) season loss to Oak Hills the Comets jumped out to Final League Standings an early lead and only trialed by five at half.

First Team All FAVC "That's something we have to focus on as a proWinton Woods 14-0 Harrison 6-8 Senior Katie O’Connor gram, finishing games. We have to concentrate on Glen Este 12-2 Walnut Hills 5-9 Senior Denise Fairbanks that because that's the next step from say a top Mason 9-5 Loveland 3-11 Second Team All FAVC Anderson 7-7 Amelia 0-14 twelve team in the tournament and a top five Senior Lauren Gentene team," head coach Rob Matula said.

Coach Matula is no stranger to Mason athletics.

Matula began his coaching career at Mason High School as an assistant junior varsity coach with current boys varsity head coach Greg Richards.

After coaching for six years as the junior varsity assistant and three years as a varsity assistant under Richards, Matula left to become the head boys coach at Talawanda.

After two years, Matula accepted the head coaching position at Sycamore High School, where he coached for five years before coming back to Mason.

Under the guidance of Matula, the Lady Comets finished in third place in the FAVC behind Winton Woods and second place Glen Este. The Comets (11-10, 9-5 FAVC), notched their first winning record in three years.

"Right now, we can compete with the best.

When I came to Mason, I wanted to re-establish [Mason] as one of the best programs in the city," Matula said.

On every competitive team, there is always one common thread that links those teams to one another. They all have great leaders and great team chemistry. To begin this season, Mason had only one returning starter, and lost 42 percent of their scoring offense due to transfers and graduation.

With their leading scorer in Denise Fairbanks the only returnee to the starting line-up, there were big question marks at the other four positions.

"Our seniors have really stepped up this year," Matula said. "They are a driving force for the younger girls on and off the court. I used to think that the key to success was in the players, but I realize that senior leadership is the number one thing to success," coach Matula said. "They are a very close group because of the seniors, and it creates such a good influence and team atmosphere."

Boys basketball team has sights set on first Division I district title

BY DREW ALLEN Chronicle Sports Writer “Defense! Defense! Defense!” This chant echoes at high school stadiums, college arenas and NFL stadiums nationwide. Having this intangible element has helped dozens of great teams in history to win their respective championships.

Defense has helped them to conquer both the powerhouses and the underdogs when it counts and to stand up to teams that rely on nothing but scoring alone. This year, the Mason varsity basketball team has used their own defense to secure an 18-2 record and their second consecutive Fort Ancient Valley Conference Championship.

"Our defense is definitely one of our strengths," coach Greg Richards said. "We feed off our defense."

Defense certainly has helped the team pull off wins in some close games. The most points the Comets have surrendered this season was 63, in a four point loss to Loveland. They also currently lead the city in defense, having allowed only 39 points per game.

The Comets have turned their focus toward an even bigger goal of reaching the district finals in the upcoming state tournament.

"Now that we've clenched the league championship, every team is a threat," Richards said. "Any team we play can knock us out of the tournament."

With every game being a potential season ender, a playoff atmosphere must be created at their final two regular season games.

"We want to give our games against Milford and Winton Woods a playoff type game," Richards said. "This will be vital to our success in the postseason. And if we win these last two games, we'll have the second

best record in school history with 18 regular season wins."

While most teams would rely on their star players to guide them through these last few games and the postseason, the Comets are relying on making every player a part of the game.

"We play eight guys," Richards said. "And every one of these guys plays a vital role on our team, and each of them understands the role that they play for us to win games."

This is evident even with a quick glance at the team's stats. Five players are averaging over six points per game, and the starting five are individually averaging a balanced 8.7 points per game individually.

As the season winds down for the Comets and postseason play approaches, focus on team play must be kept to prepare for a probable district championship run.

"As we approach [sectionals], our focus needs to remain sharp," Richards said. "We can't overlook any opponent, and we need to continue our strong team play."

The boy’s basketball team finished the regular season with wins over Winton Woods and Milford.

The Comets hope for a district title begins with a dangerous Middletown Middies team that finished 3-11 in the Greater Miami Conference. The Middies earned the right to play the Comets by defeating fellow GMC foe Fairfield 59-53.

The Comets have had solid success against GMC opponents this season going 2-1 with wins over Lakota East and Milford, with their only defeat coming at the hands of Princeton who handed the Comets a one point loss at the Mason Holiday Tournament.

A Comet win over Middletown would set up a rematch with Princeton who disposed of Western Brown 71-35 on Wednesday, February 22.

Whether it’s a beemer or a beat-up,

“We’ll put you behind the wheel”

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March 2, 2006

Aponte’s Pizzeria SPENCER HEWES, SOPHOMORE, SWIMMING Sophomore Spencer Hewes recently was named Fort Ancient Valley Conference Athlete of the Year. At the conference meet, Hewes took second in the 200 yard I.M. and first in the 100 yard breaststroke. In addition to his individual events, he contributed to the 400 freestyle relay and 200 yard medley relay. He was named first team All FAVC in both relays and the 100 yard breastsroke and second team All FAVC in the 200 yard medley relay.

This year Hewes set a record for the FAVC and Mason in the 100 yard breaststroke at a time of 59.18 seconds at the sectional meet.

Last season as a freshman, Hewes qualified for state in the 100 yard breaststroke and recently qualified for several events after competing at Districts: the 200 yard I.M., 100 yard breaststroke, 400 yard freestyle relay, and 200 yard medley relay.

Hewes led the Comets to a second place finish at the District meet behind Cincinnati St. Xavier. Because of his accomplishments, the Chronicle and Aponte’s Pizzeria are proud to present Spencer Hewes as the February Athlete of the Month.

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The

March 2, 2006

CHRONICLEViews

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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.

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CONTACT INFORMATION The Chronicle William Mason High School 6100 S. Mason Montgomery Rd. Mason, Ohio 45040 398-5025 THE CHRONICLE STAFF Editor Olga Borodulin Associate Editor Stephanie Visscher Sports E ditor Brooke Baria Business M anager Kelsey Flaherty Logistics M anager Michelle Rotbart Editorial C artoonist Peter Springsteen 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 Joey D’Amico Caroline Johnson 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 Michelle Rotbart Adviser Mr. Dale Conner

STAFF EDITORIAL

Bomb threats should always be taken seriously It was only a day after the original bomb threat that what the administration refers to as a "copy-cat" incident occurred. The student, who was quickly caught, claimed to have created the second message as a "joke," however, there is nothing funny about school security.

Whenever the topic of school violence is brought up, a discussion about the Columbine High School massacre soon follows. Although the tragedy took place a little under seven years ago, students have already forgotten the important lessons it taught us. In almost every case of school violence, the aggressive students bragged about their plans to schoolmates, but because no one took the threats seriously nothing was done to prevent the horror that ensued. Threats to school security can be much like the story of the little boy who cried wolf; when several threats prove to be false, no one takes a new one seriously.

You may not see the seriousness of an empty threat. After all, technically no one gets hurt. But threats posed as jokes or pranks mock the very real situations where

real people were killed; people who were your own age and had done nothing wrong. If someone sent a chain e-mail threatening to attack a public building in Washington, the government would not be laughing. And neither is Mason High School.

No one was laughing last year when a gun was found in a student's room. The gun was not on school property, nor was any information released connecting the student as possible threat to the school, and yet many went home that day frightened. Even though administrators quickly assured both parents and students that Mason High School was safe, we still could not shake the chills the ghosts of Columbine were sending down our spines.

And yet here we are, a year later, with students leaving false bomb threats as "jokes." There is no reason a student should not feel safe at school, and yet this is what the two students behind the bomb threats accomplished. Maybe the second threat is an inside joke among friends, but people need to think before their actions.

Although we feel the student did not

intend to hurt anybody, their message only increased the fear of students and parents.

We need to remember that people react to things differently. What some find funny others find offensive.

The one thing no one should find funny is a threat to the safety of Mason High School. Are we being over dramatic? We don't think so. Not when 12 students arrived at school one April day and never left. Not when five more were killed less than a year ago. Anyone who finds even the smallest threat of these horrors being repeated funny needs to reconsider their sense of humor.

Mason is a safe school not only because of the many precautions taken by administrators, but also through a partnership of students equally dedicated to their safety and the safety of others. We encourage any student with information of a threat to school security call the safe school hotline.

All threats, no matter how unlikely they seem, need to be reported. What you might think is a bad joke could turn into something that is no laughing matter.

Feedback Question: Did you feel threatened by the bomb threat?

“In a way I did, but I don't think everyone else did.”

Elizabeth Nebraski Freshman

“Not really because it was just a little note.”

Isaiah Justice Freshman

“No, because it didn't think it was very credible.”

“No, because I thought it was a stupid prank that got us out of school.”

Dan McGlothlin Sophomore

“I thought it was a funny joke, a bit early for April fools .”

Katie Stone Junior

“Yes, because when I came to school the next day I thought the security was lacking.”

Liza Giambra Junior

Michael Charney Senior

Compiled by Michelle Rotbart